Quoted By:
Understood, Lord Ghetsis.” The radio clicked off. “You hear that, Champion? Admin. All thanks to you. And next on the list… ah, confirmation just came in. The Nimbasa Gym Leader and model, Elesa. Captured in her own gym after hours. She’s being ‘processed’ as we speak. We’re efficient like that.”
Hours passed. Or maybe it was minutes. Time had no meaning in the hot, acidic tomb. Cynthia drifted in and out of a terrified haze. The tingling on her skin had become a persistent, uncomfortable itch, then a sharp sting. She felt her luxurious coat, the symbol of her station, growing heavy and sodden, beginning to lose its structure. It was dissolving.
Outside, she could hear Aldith moving around, the crackle of a small campfire being lit. The grunt was settling in, guarding her pet during its lengthy digestion. Her monologue was a constant, torturous soundtrack.
“My Seviper is the best,” she crooned, and Cynthia could hear a rhythmic, purring hiss in response. A sound of pure contentment. “He’s eaten more arrogant trainers than any other. That trio of redheads from Kanto… Goldeen cosplayers. Cried for hours about their ruined looks. Beauty is so fleeting when you’re becoming chyme.”
The acids were working in earnest now. Cynthia felt a sudden, intense heat along her back and thighs. The fabric of her pants and blouse was breaking down, melting into a warm, sticky sludge that mingled with the stomach’s own juices. It exposed her skin directly to the digestive fluids. The sting erupted into a burn.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She screamed it inside her mind, her body convulsing in a spasm of agony. Tears and saliva streaked her face freely now. She pleaded, to anyone, to everyone. To her grandmother, to Professor Rowan, to Steven, to Leon, to Iris. To Giratina. To Arceus.
Nothing. Only the gurgling, churning darkness and Aldith’s smug voice.
“
