If Evelyn could smell, she would have wished she hadn’t. 88 layers down into the Abyss, she intended on fulfilling her brief visit, only staying as long as she needed. Gazing out across the wasteland, ugly, rocky promontories dotting the briny ocean. Her observation devices detected thousands of hostiles in proximity, in and above water, but none dared approach her. She folded her arms, and waited on her small outcropping. A few minutes later a creature of tentacles and spines dragged itself out of the water. “Yo-o-o-o-o-o-ou’re laa-a-a-a-aate,” said the figure in a scratchy, scared voice. “Time runs differently in this plane. A small miscalculation, but I’m certain your master can make the adjustment.” Evelyn’s eyes flashed red for only a moment, but the blob jumped back in anticipation. The abomination retreated into the ocean, and beckoned her to follow. Sliding into the water, Evelyn followed her guide. Her calculations correct, she spotted thousands of demons swimming below and around her, their eyes tracking every move. Even larger ones swam below, their tentacles thicker than pine trees and seeming to follow her. Undaunted despite the now hundreds of thousands of hungry demons around her, Evelyn swam on. The guide led her for about half an hour through the underwater roads dotted with bones of creatures unfortunate enough to end up in this hellish plane. Energy signatures spiked ahead, giving away the Prince’s presence. Slowing the pace, the tentacled horror beckoned her to surface. Levitating above the waves, Evelyn look up at the Abysm, its twin towers spiraling into the chaotic storm above. The palace was virtually unapproachable besides underwater, and she scanned the myriad of defenses and approved. The guide told her he waited above, and sank beneath the waves. Ascending to the throne level, a new herald greeted her, albeit at a safe distance. This one resembled a bat-humanoid crowned with antlers. “Thi-thi-thi-thi-this wayyyyyyy, muh-muh-muh-m’lady.” Landing on the platform, Evelyn began shifting into an appropriate form. Her nanites swirling and forming new pieces, the demon almost looked back. “Don’t even think about it. Bring me to him, and your ichor won’t need to become a spell component.” The demon was shaking in fear, and hesitantly nodded. Sounds of nanites solidifying echoed behind him as he led her to the triple doors. The palace was made of rough, unpolished stone. The doors were made of molten metal-still bubbling-and portrayed the deaths of mighty demon princes. “Quaint.” A loud knock from within, and the doors opened and sank into the ground. The herald made a hasty retreat, content to leave his master alone with her. At the far end of the room sat an enormous throne occupied by an even bigger figure. It faced away from the door, and two avian legs and feet could be seen at the sides. [b]“YOU’RE LATE, DESPAIR,” [/b]said two voices simultaneously. “Give me what I want, and I’ll be out of your hair.” Four tentacles smashed against the armrests of the throne. [b]“BRING HIM UP.”[/b] A few moments later, a hole opened up in the floor. A single, heavily chained main laid prostrate on it. [b]“YOUR TURN.”[/b] A head rose from behind the throne, and then another. Evelyn reached into her chest, and pulled out a blade that screamed in proximity to the Prince of Demons. Immediately once the scream began, the throne rotated and the prince hobbled over to see the deal done. “You aren’t lookin so good, Demo.” His hideous features hadn’t changed at all, unrivaled ferocity and chaos still present. [b]“THE BLADE.”[/b] “As promised.” He reached a single tentacle out, ready to accept it. “The chains, if you please.” Grumbling, one head gazed at the chains and they shattered like glass. The man made no movement, evidently unconscious. Evelyn picked up the prisoner, and began walking away. [b]“YOU FORGOT SOMETHING.”[/b] Evelyn dropped the blade, point down, and it stabbed into the throne room floor. It continued to scream in agony, increasing in pitch as the Prince wrapped his tentacles around it. [b]“A PLEASURE DOING BUSINESS WITH YOU.”[/b]