Long looked startled at the question, eyes briefly widening, brows arching. And then he laughed again, sounding very amused this time.

"I don't think so! By the most common numbering scheme used in Buddhism, there are sixteen hells, or purgatories-- the Sanskrit word is translated both ways into English-- and I have studied the writings pertaining to them fairly extensively.

"In no sutra nor text is there any mention of hamsters." He grins just a little, his eyes dancing, but then sobers up and shrugs.

"No, I do not think it is Purgatory, Miss Raiden. I spent twenty-two years once as the unwilling captive of a fellow named Morningstar, and I will say this: Taxon has much better food."