Lachrymose

“I’m gonna get me’a red eyed bein’ yes I am. Gonna get a red eyed bein’ yes I am. Gonna get a red eyed bein’, gonna love the red eyed screamin’ gonna get a red eyed bein’ yes I aaaaammmmm,” the guard sang, letting the iron chamber door swing slowly open. The rats before him, red eyes flashing and closing against the harsh light of the hallway, white bodies rolling against each other in a fervent effort to get further to the back, whimpered softly in fear. “Look at them.”

“Just pick one Dregen. They give me the creeps.”

Dregen, grinning widely with his crooked teeth, reached out and grasped the arm of the closest prisoner, immediately bracing himself against the struggle they engaged in. “Fish out of water, Jonen! Fish-out-of-water,” he laughed, fighting with them to get them into the hallway. His cries of joy transcended the terrified shrieks of the Crisson, his eyes wide with excitement as the Crisson reached desperately back at the other bodies for help that wouldn’t be given, for assistance that was forbidden. Anyone who dared to help would join in the cruel torture from the guards.

As Dregen stumbled backwards through the door, Jonen grabbed a hold of the huge metal handle and jerked his body backwards, his efforts resulting in the creaking and sluggish closure of the only way out.