"Links to the Past"

Dr. Thornton-Fiennes leaned forward, a manic glint in his eye. "Now, let's talk about the Links I've had the pleasure of... acquainting myself with. There was Link Taylor, the famous architect. I forced him to design a city that defied gravity, watching as his mind wrestled with the impossible. He eventually became catatonic, unable to cope with the pressure of creating something that went against the laws of physics." Gristle's eyes widened with a mix of fascination and horror. "And what about Link Lannister, the Game of Thrones character? What did you do to him?" Dr. Thornton-Fiennes chuckled. "Ah, Lannister. I forced him to relive his greatest battles, but with a twist. He was trapped in a never-ending loop, reliving the same battles over and over, with no respite. He eventually lost his grip on reality, becoming convinced that he was still fighting the war." Vladimir shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his expression growing increasingly concerned. "Sir, I don't know if I can stomach this conversation anymore. We're talking about people's lives, their sanity... it's just not right." Dr. Thornton-Fiennes waved his hand dismissively. "Pfft, just the beginning, my dear Vladimir. There was also Link Osbourne, the musician. I forced him to perform the same concert over and over, with no break. He eventually lost his voice, his hearing, and his mind." Gristle's eyes sparkled with a morbid curiosity. "And what about Linkin Park's lead singer, Chester Bennington? What did you do to him?" Dr. Thornton-Fiennes leaned back in his chair, a pleased smile spreading across his face. "Ah, Chester. I forced him to write songs that would drive people to madness. His lyrics became a catalyst for chaos, and eventually, he became trapped in his own twisted world, unable to escape the darkness he had created." Vladimir's expression darkened, his voice taking on a hint of defiance. "Sir, I think we've done enough. I don't think I can condone any more... experiments. It's not right, and it's not what we're here for." Dr. Thornton-Fiennes's smile faltered, his eyes narrowing. "What's wrong, Vladimir? Are you having second thoughts?" Vladimir hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, sir. I am. I don't think I can participate in any more of these... games. It's not worth it, not to me, and not to Gristle here either, I think." Gristle nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination. Dr. Thornton-Fiennes's expression turned cold, his voice dripping with menace. "We'll see about that, Vladimir. We'll see just how far your loyalty will stretch." As the conversation continued, Link and Rhett struggled to come to terms with their predicament, linked together in body and soul, forced to endure the twisted games of Dr. Thornton-Fiennes. The darkness of the night seemed to close in around them, and they could only hope that somehow, someway, they would escape their torment and shatter the chains that bound them.