Short story by Makorov
“It is for your betterment, stop this foo-”
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEEEEEEEEK!”
Despite the multiple pieces of encouragement and comfort he provided to the miserable little imp, Zendu couldn’t calm him down. He decided he would try once more. Just once more.
“Yes, you will lose these flimsy wings. These weak wings. These insubstantial wings. But you will gain immeasurable power! Power so great you will be feared throughout Poxanthuru! Statues will be built in your honor! STATUES! Yes? Come now. Show some restraint. Your behavior is unsightly.”
The imp seemed to settle a slight bit, and stared at Zendu with wide eyes and mouth agape.
“Aha! There we are! I’m glad you’ve come around. Now, if you will, please step into the machine.”
The imp glanced at the machine, then back at Zendu. Zendu smiled kindly and gestured encouragingly. Hesitantly stepping into the machine, the sudden snapping of the arm and leg braces startled the imp and his eyes wildly darted around until they landed on Zendu’s face, where a warm and reassuring smile was firmly planted.
“Well done!” Zendu exclaimed, and gave the imp a small round of applause.
This seemed to have done the trick, for the imp began smiling. Beaming, in fact. It suddenly puffed out its chest and seemed ready enough to take on the elves on its own.
A sudden flash erupted from the braces holding the imp in place. When the light faded it was clear that the imp had been crystalized.
Zendu began walking towards the double doored exit, leaving behind young interns to finish up.
“Remove the wings. Make sure they remain crystalized until they reach the Succubus’. Follow proper attachment procedure. And, most importantly, have a good day.”
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEEEEEEEEK!”
Despite the multiple pieces of encouragement and comfort he provided to the miserable little imp, Zendu couldn’t calm him down. He decided he would try once more. Just once more.
“Yes, you will lose these flimsy wings. These weak wings. These insubstantial wings. But you will gain immeasurable power! Power so great you will be feared throughout Poxanthuru! Statues will be built in your honor! STATUES! Yes? Come now. Show some restraint. Your behavior is unsightly.”
The imp seemed to settle a slight bit, and stared at Zendu with wide eyes and mouth agape.
“Aha! There we are! I’m glad you’ve come around. Now, if you will, please step into the machine.”
The imp glanced at the machine, then back at Zendu. Zendu smiled kindly and gestured encouragingly. Hesitantly stepping into the machine, the sudden snapping of the arm and leg braces startled the imp and his eyes wildly darted around until they landed on Zendu’s face, where a warm and reassuring smile was firmly planted.
“Well done!” Zendu exclaimed, and gave the imp a small round of applause.
This seemed to have done the trick, for the imp began smiling. Beaming, in fact. It suddenly puffed out its chest and seemed ready enough to take on the elves on its own.
A sudden flash erupted from the braces holding the imp in place. When the light faded it was clear that the imp had been crystalized.
Zendu began walking towards the double doored exit, leaving behind young interns to finish up.
“Remove the wings. Make sure they remain crystalized until they reach the Succubus’. Follow proper attachment procedure. And, most importantly, have a good day.”