(Reminder of what Acylius looks like in demon form)
Acylius set down the tree, laying it ever so gently across his work top, claws stroking over bark, exploring the crevices and dips in the surface.
Taking in every detail of Black Hats form, even in this tree state, his branches were more elegant than the rest.
Tilting his head to one side, his long beak glinting in the light above as ebony feathers shimmered, all four eyes blinked simultaneously.
Acylius sounded all too cheery as he spoke
"My, my, Amadeus you were quite the short fellow in life weren't you...so small and yet.."
Long fingers touched over the roots, some broken, jagged sharp points.
"So strong minded, your will is certainly not breakable, but I can sense...for me you will bow and obey."
He could sense the soul locked within shivering, trembling at his touch and tender words
"I will love and care for you, unlike the god you put your human faith into...I will bless you with the dark powers within my possession."
He placed the palm of his hand where Black Hat's face would be, oh yes he could see the visage locked within this form, such a fierce and dangerous beauty.
"You've given me such wonderful dreams Amadeus... Oh what's that you want me to leave out the question mark when I cut you up and put you back together?"
Acylius nodded, though his current form could not smile his voice showed his amusement all too well.
The Legion demon let go of his fallen tree and chuckled, practically hearing the whine coming from Black Hat as the wood creaked.
"One moment my love, I have a suggestion for your top hat you shall be wearing."
Searching through draws, his talons clicking on stone flooring, talking to him self, considering items and then shaking his head until finally, tucked at the back a long red ribbon, usually worn by those attending funerals.
(If anyone has ever wondered why I give hat the long ribbon well now you know
)
Ohhhh yes this was perfect, deepest reds only to appear ignited under the light, he studied it, watching as it reflected, the imagery was akin to that of embers crawling over silk a fire constrained within.
Glancing over to the many shelves of peculiar items, clothes he'd gathered from bodies that had died within his forest of souls, all cleaned up and kept pristine.
He would be lying if he told you he'd never brought some one back... After all some souls needed to be punished, being just a tree trapped forever was just not enough.
Doctor Flug ran a finger along a shelfs edge, lined with all manner of top hats before deciding on the perfect one, yes, this one would be absolutely wonderful, though he did wonder should he put Black Hat in a gorgeous gown when he made him or a suit, perhaps his new little demon would wear both.
Four ft bloody five, he truly was small next to his nine ft height....well he was that height when in his plauge doctor demon form, human six ft seven, oh he was already looking forward to cuddling him, Acylius was feeling giddy from head to toe.
Tying the ribbon around the hat he then presented it to the silent tree.
"Will this be adequate my love?"
Tail feathers flared proudly as he sensed the joy from Amadeus, setting it down in a safe place he leaned in nuzzling the side of his beak against bark, speaking softly now.
"You do realise, when I carve you, you will be in a great deal of agony...are you sure you would not just prefer to be replanted closer to the home dear?"
Acylius froze as he felt the tree rock ever so slightly, that had never happened before...then again none of the victims wanted to get out, they wanted to stay hiding in their prisons.
His surprise soon wore off as laughter filled the room.
"I see, you have made your decision, then my little gremlin, let us begin."
First part
Once upon a time there was a demon, a doctor of sorts who lived in his forgotten castle deep within the woods... Life did not grow here, for
