Chapter 6: Linked in Suffering

The darkness of the cells had barely receded when the sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor, signaling the arrival of Dr. Thornton-Fiennes and his henchmen. Link and Rhett exchanged a wary glance, their exhaustion and fear palpable. The prisoners had barely slept, tormented by the haunting tale of Adolf Hitler and the cruel treatment they had endured. Dr. Thornton-Fiennes cackled with glee as he unlocked the cells, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Good morning, boys! Today's going to be a fantastic day. You see, we've got seven new challenges lined up for 'The Link Show', and this time, you're going to be literally linked to each other." Vladimir and Gristle dragged Link and Rhett out of their cells, leading them to a large room filled with various contraptions and devices. In the center of the room, a large metal frame stood, with two sets of cuffs attached to it. The cuffs were connected by a short, thick chain, ensuring that Link and Rhett would be linked together for the duration of the challenges. The first challenge was a test of endurance. Link and Rhett were handcuffed to the metal frame, their arms stretched out to the sides, with their wrists cuffed to each other. A large, heavy weight was attached to their linked wrists, forcing them to support it together. The weight was slowly increased, causing Link and Rhett to strain and struggle. But things took a turn for the worse when Dr. Thornton-Fiennes revealed that Link would be taking the brunt of the punishment. A device was attached to Link's arm, which would amplify any strain or pressure on his wrist, making it even more painful for him. Rhett tried to protest, but his voice was drowned out by Dr. Thornton-Fiennes's maniacal laughter. The challenges continued, each one more sadistic than the last. Link and Rhett were forced to navigate an obstacle course while linked together, but Link's ankles were weighted, making it difficult for him to move. Rhett tried to help, but his own movements were restricted by the chain linking them together. The next challenge was a test of mental endurance. Link and Rhett were placed in a room filled with loud, disorienting noises and bright, flashing lights. But Link was subjected to an added torment - a device was attached to his head, emitting a high-pitched whine that made his ears ache. As the challenges progressed, Link's body began to break down. He stumbled and fell, his bruises and cuts reopening, but Rhett was powerless to help. The chain linking them together restricted his movements, and Dr. Thornton-Fiennes's rules prohibited him from intervening. By the final challenge, Link was barely standing. His eyes were sunken, his skin pale and bruised, and his movements were slow and labored. Rhett was exhausted too, but he refused to give up, determined to find a way to escape and free Link from their torment. The final challenge was a cruel one. Link and Rhett were placed in a large, spinning drum, with the chain linking them together. The drum spun faster and faster, causing Link and Rhett to stumble and fall. Link's body crashed against the wall of the drum, his cries of pain echoing through the room. As the drum finally stopped spinning, Link slumped against Rhett, his body battered and broken. Rhett held him close, his eyes filled with tears of frustration and despair. "I'm sorry, Link," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm so sorry."