Chapter I

Adam knew he was dying.

As he stared back at the one responsible for his death, her features slowly fading into uncertainty, he couldn't help but curse in disappointment. He was looking forward to a showreel of his life, where he would see his loved ones and achievements one more time before he kicked the bucket. Nothing of the sort was happening, instead, as time marched aimlessly onwards into darkness, Adam found himself feeling increasingly feverish. As if to mock him - memories of sunbathing in Malta flashed by his mind's eye. He reached for his forehead to wipe off the sweat certain to be there but found nothing and jolted himself awake.

"Wh- what? I'm still alive! Why is it so hot!?" Adam questions no one in particular.

Before his thoughts can progress any further, Adam finds himself unable to process the sight before him. Lying at the bottom of a canyon, he takes in the view of cliffs so tall he can barely make out the top before he is forced to look away. Thrones line the cliff faces with crowned skeletons sat upon them; their glowing red gazes bearing down on Adam with crushing pressure. Pillars of fire shoot meters into the air from fiery geysers that pepper the canyon floor; they surround him and continue for as far as the eye can see in two directions.

"Great mother of Gandalf, I'm in hell!" Adam shouts as he stumbles to a stand, eyes skittering about for answers as his expressions dance somewhere in between shock and anger.

"Why am I here? There must have been some kind of mistake! This is not possible." he continues, walking aimlessly between pillars of fire until he spots what appears to be a large gate in the distance. Energised by this finding, Adam runs towards this gate; and as he runs, he calms down enough to take notice of his own body. All over his body, blue-white flames burn perpetually from the now parched skin that he once considered his own, yet he feels no pain, only heat akin to one having a high fever. A sense of being disembodied rises in his throat as he fights the urge to scream; his desire to escape this nightmare overwhelms his fear of immolation and brings his focus back to the gate that draws ever closer.

Upon arriving within 15 meters of the now very large gate, he notices a small side gate to the left of the main gate. Next to this side gate, Adam discovers is someone sitting on a chair within arms reach. [What on earth? What's with the unicorn head? Is this what demons actually look like? Well... at least they're pleasantly fashionable] Adam thinks as first impressions speed past his mind's eye; the absurdity of it all allows him a moments respite from the fear and panic. The "Unicorn gentleman" leans comfortably on one elbow, his chin on his fist, robust muscles shaping a well fitted black Victorian dress coat matched with breeches and undergarments. They both stare at each other for a turn before Adam remembers his goal in running here and breaks the silence.

"Do...do you speak English?" Adam ventures, his eyes shift around, finding interest in irrelevant details. The Unicorn Gentleman holds a steady gaze, "I speak all languages" he responds; his voice carrying confident baritone notes. An unseen pressure falls off of Adam's shoulders at the prospect of finding someone who could answer his burning questions.

"Great" he returns, "Fantastic news, Why am I here? I don't mean to take it out on you, you seem like a nice chap despite the horn situation, but I must admit I am rather flustered. You see, my life was a God-fearing life. I attended all masses on Sundays, I bore no ill will against those who did not deserve it nor did I ever wittingly commit a crime! I have donated several years worth of my salary to those in need throughout my life so forgive me for being a little upset, and excuse the possibly inappropriate pun but… could you kindly get me the hell out of here?"

By the time he is done talking, Adam's chest is heaving and his fists are clenched; the creases shaping his frown show through his flaming head, his body language speaks of betrayal and anger. The Unicorn Gentleman responds with a silent stare; glowing red eyes radiate a demand for attention that penetrates through Adam's frustrations. Waiting until he has Adam's full attention, he responds, saying:

"You're... not here to be punished for your transgressions, as I believe you assume; no no that would be a waste of good talent.

You, my dear colleague, have been stationed here to do the punishing."