A Whisper of Dusk Chapter 6, Time After Time

A Whisper of Dusk Chapter 6.2, Time after Time
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Arawn’s Personal Log, Day 127
It appears that Secundus is proving to be a bit of lay-about, as he has STILL not awoken from his growth-phase torpor. I have had Quintus recheck my Deep-Memories to see if I had created him improperly.  Yet, between the two of us we can find nothing out of the ordinary with his creation. I am concerned because he is getting close to the upper limit of torpor for his kind.
Secundus has reached adult status physically. Mentally- remains to be seen. On the plus side, he is showing signs of dreaming (indicating that his mind is active). I and his other not-brothers, have been taking turns keeping watch over him. The cause of his excessive torpor cannot be fatigue, as what affects one of us, affects the rest.  Yet none of me, are excessively tired.
In contrast, Takana’s condition has not improved. Instead, it seems to have worsened despite our relocation to one of the Great Maou’s castle apartments. Takana has already taken the steps necessary to transfer her Medical assignment from the Covet Corner Hotel’s Lobby Clinic, to Fort Eequor’s Medical division.
All of our belongings fit nicely into the “Satchel of Holding” that Takana purchased for me as a present for our ‘one-month’ anniversary. I find myself enjoying the practicality of such a non-offensive magical item.
Additionally, since I’ve taken the steps to relinquish my assignment to the hotel’s Daycare; I have been informed that my talents will be sorely missed. Many of my coworkers, clients, and friends are happy for me and Takana. They all have wished us both well in our new endeavor.
Of Gramps and Lily (and the rest of the Hotel staff), I am proud to include them as friends, and have informed them that if they ever feel the need for help to call upon me at the first opportunity.
Unfortunately, the well-wishing for my change of venue has not proven to be universal. Nalla, the Gazer-child of whom I sacrificed the previous Secundus to help save, has refused to face the fact that I am leaving. I will be returning to the Hotel in an attempt to give my farewells to her, and her family once more.
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I am sitting in the main room of the Nalla’s family apartment/hotel rooms. While Nalla’s parents took the news of my departure well. Alas, Nalla has not.
“I don’t WANT you to GO!” cried Nalla into my right kneecap, as she hugged my lower leg fiercely. The sharp tang of her Ooze-sweat dripping from her forearms assaulted my nose fiercely.
“You HAVE to stay!” she insisted, all of her eyes clenched shut with the intensity of her demand. (Indeed, all of them. From her solo eye on her face, to the half-dozen or so tentacle-eyes that sprouted from her lower back, all of them shed copious quantities of tears.) My heart quailed at the sight of the poor dear clinging so desperately to me then.
“I am sorry Nalla.” I said, patting her on her back. “But I have to go. I have made a promi…”
“You can’t Go, Arawn! You have to Stay!” she interrupted me loudly, turning her head from the vicinity of my knee to look up endearingly at me. (Somehow, she has managed to dilate her all of her pupils to make herself seem pitifully cute.)
“Why do you insist that I stay, Nalla?” I asked in an attempt to derail her Cuteness-Attack.
“You must stay, so that you will become my Husband!” Nalla frowned at me then, releasing my leg long enough to place her fists on her hips.
“Why is it important for me to become your Husband?” I asked, shaking my head perplexedly. I spared a glance up at both her parents Banou (father) and Johari (Mother). In response Johari smiled indulgently at her daughter, and Banou waved his hand in a ‘Humor-Her’ gesture.
“You were hurt saving me from that Order-man! Males protect the women they want! I accept you! I will be your woman!” It was my turn to frown, then. I had no notion that her appreciation for my saving her life would have crossed into such a misplaced infatuation.
In truth, I had encountered such ‘feelings’ and verbally expressed desires of sexual reciprocity from adult females (and some males) before, under similar circumstances.
But this was the first instance (that I could recall) that any of them had expressed that desire from such a tender age. Like those who preceded Nalla, I will have to plod carefully in an attempt to diplomatically offer her a polite refusal.
“I am sorry, Nalla.” I began, “but I am far too old to be your husband. Besides, I already have a wife now. Remember? Her name is..” once more I am interrupted.
“I don’t care! When I grow up I will be old enough to have you as a husband!” she shouted, blinking her main eye rapidly in frustration.
“I do not need another wife, nor…”, I started again.
“Lots of men have more than one wife!” she continued, “I’m not greedy, I will share you with her!” Nalla whined, baring her sharpened fangs then.
‘How Magnanimous of you.’ I thought silently to myself.
“Be that as it may, Nalla.” I said patiently, shaking my head. (Extensive reserves of patience was required with children, after all.) “It will take you, oh…at least twenty years of growing up…”
“Seven.” Prompted Johari, Nalla’s Gazer mother then. I spared her a glance, trying to not show my annoyance at her interruption. She smiled her own serrated grin then.
‘How quickly they grow up. (5)’ Quintus remarked dryly then. I chose to not dignify that remark with a response.
“Ah, yes. Seven years then.” I modified my statement, while trying to make eye contact with Banou for support. Apparently, it was his turn to smile indulgently, while his daughter started to pout. (Inwardly I sighed in exasperation).
“Seven years of growth, to reach maturity. That would be you doubling your age.” I finished. “A lot can happen in that amount of time. After all, there could very well be another male out there who is more suited to be your husband than this ancient one.” I said, with what I hoped to be a reassuring smile.
“Surely, you would not to wish to deprive him of your sweet nature?” Nalla, never once stopped frowning at me during my short speech. I continued.
“Also. I have volunteered to help the Great Maou in her plan to share her message of Demonic-Love to all the world(s).” I began, Nalla, for her part, chose then to close her eyes and remained silent as I continued talking. “She has accepted my offer of help, and has now commanded me to begin my service at Fort Eequor. There, I can do more good than I can here at the Hotel. Perhaps even do such an amount of good as to keep the Order from attempting to harm any other innocent children again.” I finished hopefully.
For a moment more, she continued to remain silent and I began to hope that I had gotten through to her. Her next action, proved that hope to be futile.
“NO!” Nalla shouted, opening up her single main eye and locking her gaze with mine as she seized me by the legs once more.
“STAY!” she Commanded, “YOU WILL STAY WITH ME!”  she said with her nascent compulsion ability. I could feel her feeble attempts at mental coercion flail at my Will.
 Surprisingly enough, I did have a sudden desire to obey her, however slight or temporary. Inwardly, I smiled in pride at her growing magical strength.
‘Shall I attempt to break her Compulsion, Primus? (5)’ Quintus inquired then.
‘That will not be necessary, Quintus. She would not be able to maintain such a hold on me for long. After all, she is still but a child. (1)’
‘True Primus, but Gazers have proven to be problematic in every plane of existence. (5)’
“Nalla.” I said sternly, attempting to gently push her away by her shoulders. Even then, she refused to release me from her grasp. I sighed.
“NALLA!” Her mother shouted then, as she stood up from sitting next to her husband. “What did I tell you about Compelling people?” Johari continued, as she stepped closer to her daughter.
Nalla did not say anything then, but her frown deepened. Already, I could feel her compulsion losing its effect. I sensed that she could feel it too. Finally, she broke eye contact with me first. Then, she released my legs and turned away. All of her eye tentacles drooping in defeat.
“Nalla.” I prompted her, hoping to get a response.
“I HATE YOU!” she shouted at me as she began crying and running to her room. I heard then the slamming of a door after I lost sight of her. I remained where I was, dumbfounded at these turn of events.
Without a word to her husband or I, Johari then went to her daughter’s door and entered without knocking. I stood up as I heard Nalla’s wails of frustration and loss, raise several decibels while her door was open.
I could not help but feel as if I was somehow at fault for inadvertently creating this situation. I was so lost in guilt, that I did not notice Banou stepping close enough to lay a sun-dark hand on my shoulder in camaraderie.
“My apologies, Banou.” I began when I noticed.
“Think nothing of it, Master Arawn!” he tutted, removing his hand. “Nalla is young, her heart will mend. Then, she will forgive you your trespass.” He replied in his musical lilt.
“And perhaps in time, her heart will begin to yearn for another.” I said, attempting to reciprocate his sentiment. After a second or two of no response, I turned to Banou and observed a small smile on his face. He noticed my gaze and spoke.
“Do not be so quick to discount the words of my Daughter, Master Arawn!” he chuckled/sang.
“But she is still a child, Craftsman Banou! How could one so young, ‘know’ who her future husband will be?” I asked, my voice laden with heavy skepticism.
“When I first met her mother, Johari, she was about of an age as Nalla is now.” He began. “She quickly informed me that I was to prepare myself to become her husband in short order! I admit to being just as unconvinced then, as you are now.”
“So what happened?” I asked, curious.
“At first, I shrugged her off, even with her innumerable Compulsions. But over the years, she never once wavered in her determination to claim me as her own!” he said, spreading his arms wide.
“Until finally.” He continued. “I faced reality and gave her what she demanded. We have been Gazer and her Incubus, for nearly a century now, and we’ve had nearly a dozen daughters since. Nalla, being but the latest.”
“Besides, Master Arawn.” He spoke with a cheerful lilt. “Ancient you may be as you claim, but I feel that you would still make for an excellent son-in-law.” He said, crossing his arms good naturedly. I shook my head at this bit of news. I had no idea that he felt this way. Then a thought occurred to me.
“You say you have had nearly a dozen daughters. Have they all knew from such a young age which male they would make their husband?” Banou then looked at me full on, and his grin widened. His own sharp teeth contrasted with his face, but he said nothing in response.
This response of his, left me disquieted.
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Later, after I had returned to Takana’s and I apartment at Royal Makai. I found her deep in torpor on our shared bed. We still had plenty of time before my next appointment, so I did not make a fuss.
She did not awaken at my touch. So instead, I lay down and wrapped my arms around her. Ever since my Dream-sending, Takana had been growing steadily more fatigued more often, no matter how much of my Essence I had tendered to her. I found myself increasingly worried, as I had no idea about what to do.
Her fatigue had been a growing cause of concern for me. She kept insisting that she had been fine at first. But over time, I began to notice small things: objects she extruded would often dissolve for no apparent reason, the amount of time she spent in torpor increased dramatically,and  the occasional loss of control over the number of her eyes and mouths. It was only when her work at the Hotel’s clinic, had dropped precipitously in quality, had she chosen to admit to her problem.
Together, she and I sought information and possible treatment. But, little could be found. The Shoggoth as a race, were not in the habit of getting sick, so scant information could be gleaned from their archives. Such as they were. Every magical scan I conducted on my own, could find nothing wrong with her.
Luckily, word had gotten out about Takana’s condition. Gallandia the Dark Mage, (of all people) had offered her services and experience to help out. I found this to be a bit odd, since I was under the impression that Gallandia did not care for me overly much. But, I chose to ‘Not look at a Centaur’s mouth when She offers Service,’ as one local phrase puts it.
Looking down at Takana, I drank in her other-worldly beauty as she continued in her quiet slumber. Closing my eyes and nuzzling her, I then spoke to Quintus.
‘Any change in Secundus’ disposition? (1)’
‘Negative Primus. I just got done checking up on him. He continues to sleep and dream. Once in a while he will lash out physically. Quartus is watching over him now. (5)’ he reported.
‘Is it possible that there is a connection between his overly long sleep and Takana’s? (1)’ I asked.
‘I know what you are thinking Primus. You are assuming that he has somehow managed to be a drain on her own vitality. (5)’
‘How well you know me. (1)’
‘The answer is: No. Or at least, I have not found any form of connection between him and Takana. Eliminating the Psi-link with her, did improve her condition. But that proved to be temporary. (5)’
I had nothing to say to that. Just then I felt Takana stir in my arms. Breaking my psi-conservation with Quintus I looked down and saw her looking back up at me. The sight of her languid amber iris/pupils set in their pools of jet colored sclera, made me smile.
‘How magnificent you are.’ I thought to myself.
“Hello Arawn.” She whispered in her peculiar intonation. It always fascinated me the way she could speak in that manner. It was almost as if I could hear her voice speaking a half-second before she moved her lips.
“Hello my love. Have you rested well?” I replied, looking at her fondly as I reached up and over to trace her jaw line with my thumb. I felt the delicious cool wonder of her indigo skin underneath my fingertips.
“Gallandia was here, but…” Takana yawned. “But,” she continued. “She only stayed a short while. She did perform a couple more spell-tests.” Takana paused speaking for a moment. “But she did say that she wished to speak with you about something. I can’t remember what right now.” She trailed off, her eyes closing partly.
“It is all right, I will be meeting her later this night, after my next appointment.” Takana smiled up at me then.
“And then? Afterwards, will you keep your promise to take me to the Shoggoth-Conference?” she asked lazily, trying to reach up to me with one tentacle. Alas, she failed in that attempt.
I reached over and grabbed that tentacle to spare her embarrassment, and steeled myself to not show my worry.
“Of course! That is the main reason why I held off reporting to Fort Eequor for so long.” I replied indulgently. “After all, you have not seen your Spawn-Sisters in, how long is it?”
“Decades.” She replied, tiredly. She then dozed off momentarily. As I waited for her to reawaken, I began to think of the incipient meeting of Shoggoth that would be taking place in one of the larger Mausoleums in one of Royal Makai’s remaining Necropolises. The Gnome Necropolis.
‘The Necro-Gnomi-Con, I think she called it.’ I thought to myself. As to what the reason they had for taking so long between meetings I could not recall.
‘Apparently, the Stars have to be Right before they can do so. (5)’ Quintus prompted then.
‘Ah yes. The stars.’ I mused. ‘I had forgotten about that. (1)’ Just then I noticed that Takana had opened her eyes once more.
“What are you thinking about?” she asked me weakly.
“I am thinking about the conference you are all set to drag me to. Why is it so important that I come along, again? I have so little in common with any other of your kind.” I teasingly replied.
“Because I won.” Takana replied with a weak smile.
“Won?”
“I made a bet with my last Spawn-Sister, Mitzi.”
“About?” I asked in curiosity.
“About who would obtain a husband first.” She said pridefully. I smiled then, realizing then what she was speaking of.
“She beat me to being a Doctor first, so naturally…” she paused to catch her breath. (Which was odd, since Shoggoth technically did not need to breathe.) “She felt that it would give her an appendage up, on getting a husband first.”
“But I got to prove her wrong.” She whispered weakly, after another short pause.
“So what was the terms of the bet?” I asked. But I noticed then, that she had fallen into her torpor again before she could answer. I stayed there with her head on my shoulder, never once moving.  Until hours later, Gallandia returned to relieve my vigil.
I may have cried once or twice in those hours.
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(Interlude)
Gallandia, once more stood in the entrance way of Belphegor’s secret workshop. This time, the purple clad barely-dressed Dark Mage was having serious misgivings about the role Belphegor had contrived to place her in.
With a downcast mien, she reported to Belphegor that she had done what she’d been bade to do.
“Excellent Gallandia!” Belphegor replied, her goat-like ears wagging happily underneath her platinum haired crown of hair. “Soon, we will be one step closer to achieving our goals!” she cackled for a bit, then noticed Gallandia’s frown. Pouting, she crossed her paws in front of her and asked.
“Gallandia? Is something the matter?” she demanded sternly, yet quietly. “Surely your conscience is not bothering you again?”
Gallandia refused to make eye contact with her pact-mistress then, but remained silent.
“Ah, I see that it is.” Belphegor nodded her head, her Baphomet-goat horns atop her head bobbing in unison. “Well then, Gallandia. Why now?”
Finally, Gallandia made eye contact with Belphegor, and stared into her caprine-like eyes imploringly and spoke in a rush.
“It’s not right Mistress! They love each other, I can see it! Why must you divide them? Surely you could convince her to share him with you?” she replied.
 Belphegor, then leaned back on her hoof-heels and contemplated how to reply best. After a short while of chewing on the inside of her lip, she looked back up and gave her reply.
“How old are you Gallandia?” she asked.
“Mistress?” Gallandia replied perplexed. Belphegor remained silent until she replied.
“Forty-seven.”
“How old am I?” she asked then.
“I do not know, Mistress. I never thought to ask.” Gallandia replied nervously.
“How old do I look, now?” Belphegor asked, spreading her arms to give her servant a chance to peruse her. Gallandia, thought about it carefully, then replied.
“I’d say you look about nine or ten, in human years.” Belphegor smiled.
“I am over five hundred years old, Gallandia.” she replied, and then stepped close enough to Gallandia to touch her, which she did. Taking ahold of one of her hands, she drew Gallandia down to one knee strongly, yet strangely gently.
“I know what you desire. Do you think that with your powers as a Dark Mage, they will allow you to look as good as I do now; In five hundred years?” Gallandia looked sadly at Belphegor for a moment, and shook her head silently.
“Or even as a Lich?” She asked gently, pressing her advantage. Gallandia broke eye contact and swallowed.  She then turned her head away to stare at the far wall. Belphegor smiled and then went over to her work table to retrieve some items. She then clip-clopped back over to Gallandia and gave them to her. Gallandia took them without a word.
“You know what you need to do.” She commanded. Gallandia then stood up and turned away to begin her walk to the secret entrance. She stopped once more and asked Belphegor suddenly.
“Why him Mistress? Why does it have to BE HIM?!” Belphegor frowned in annoyance then as she turned to face Gallandia. Fighting down her anger at Gallandia’s impertinence, she replied.
“You were close enough to sense his power levels during the last Order attack, were you not?” Gallandia nodded,
“Then you also know that when a human male is corrupted, his capacity for Essence generation after is increased by a least an order of magnitude.” She then paused for effect. Gallandia blanched at the sudden realization of what her pact-mistress implied, then licked her lips. Belphegor smiled at the sight it.
She knew she had her then.
“Power enough to create my own Realm, Gallandia, and then some! Power enough to convert many others into more Baphomet! Others such as yourself.”
Belphegor chose to quiet herself then in remembrance of a time not that long in the past.
“I have tasted the Essence capacity of an Annwyfn once before! I will not let THIS ONE out of my grasp so easily!” She finished vehemently, her childlike face twisted into a line of frustration.
“Now GO! And do what needs be done!” Belphegor snarled in a most un-childlike manner. Gallandia was quick to obey.
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After Gallandia showed up to take over Takana’s vigil. I asked her about what Takana had said concerning her questions.
“I do not wish to answer now, concerning my suspicions until I know for sure Arawn. I will need to run another test or two while you are away. Do I have your permission to do so?” Gallandia asked, her blonde tresses waving underneath her ever present purple ‘Dark-Mage’ hat. I nodded my assent.
“Thank you Arawn,” she smiled. “You may go to your next appointment assured that I will keep watch over her until you return.” As she turned her attention away, I placed a hand on her shoulder, she froze then.
“No! I thank you Gallandia, for all that you have done! I do not know where Takana and I would be without your assistance.” Gallandia remained frozen in place for a moment more, looking into the distance. I could see her swallow then after taking a small gasp.
 “I know that you and I have not seen eye to eye. But your selflessness is appreciated, and I will remember all that you have done for Millenia to come.” I finished.
Gallandia turned to me, so that my hand dropped from her shoulder. She looked up at me wide eyed. She seemed so serious then, it was almost as if she were afraid of me. She nodded but once, staring at me silently. She made a motion to shoo me off. I smiled my thanks to her once more, as I made my leave. She was still in the same position looking at me, when I closed the door.
I then proceeded to my next destination. As I still had some time left over, I decided to walk there by way of a meandering route. If anything else, the time spent observing the sights and sounds of the Demon Realm capital would divert me from my worries concerning Takana.
All during that walk I observed so many wonderful things and people! I paused often and just stood watching, taking it all in.
Numerous brothels that I did not enter, despite their alluring promoters. Mamono children of all kinds playing manifold games of pursuit and capture. (What they would do once one of their number was captured, made me avert my gaze, as I gasped in shock.)
I even gave some serious thought to attending the Royal Demon Art Museum upon passing it by, but decided against. The advertisements for same, suggested that it would be best to visit with one’s lover within arm’s reach.
A thousand-thousand scents and smells wafted through the thick atmosphere of the city; some I could identify, many I could not, innumerable were those I dared not. And, of course the feel of the air as always, attempting to relentlessly worm itself into my skin.
Eventually, I began to take notice of the time that I had spent on the diversions, and realized that I was going to be late. So, I began running to my next destination to make up for the lost time.
I guess my doing so, triggered the predatory instinct of several of the Castle city residents, as no few of them began running after me.
A lone male running through the streets of a Demon Realm, what was I thinking? I did have a replacement Periapt of Concealment on my person. Little good did it do me though.
Most of them chose to remain trailing behind me, though that changed after a couple minutes. I laughed heartily at the sight of a pair of long-legged Kobolds passing me by, who then chased each other in a sort of running-tag game.
I am afraid that I left my retinue in no small amount of frustration at the gates of Fort Makai. For I observed many a pout and a frown when they all were stopped by a pair of Were-wolf guards at the entrance gate, yet I was not. I bowed an apology to them all before being escorted to the person I was there to meet with: Dread-Sergeant Major Mac Roich. Who, as it turned out, was an Incubus.
I marched into his sparsely furnished meeting room, and stood to attention before him as he sat in a lounge chair. Stiffly, I made a salute to him and waited for him to return it so that I could then drop my own.
He appeared to be a physically fit human male of approximately thirty human years of age. He had light un-tanned skin, long curly black hair, grey colored iris eyes, and was unshaven enough to have a light shadow of whiskers. He himself wore a rather un-descript assemblage of comfortable looking clothes (tunic, vest, bifurcated pantaloons), with one glaring difference: a silver-ish Gorget around his neck that extended to cover most of his shoulders and collar bones. Adorning it were a number of insignia that I did not recognize.
He appeared to be speechless with the spectacle of my standing stiffly before him. After an awkward moment or two, he blinked and did a double take, and slapped himself on his forehead.
“Oh yes, I’d forgotten! At Ease, Majin Arawn!” he laughed good naturedly in baritone. “There’s no need for any of the ‘formal protocol’ that you’re undoubtedly familiar with in your time of, shall I say it? ‘Order-ly’ military? He quipped as I relaxed. He then motioned to me to sit in a fainting couch that was alongside him. I did so.
He was silent for a moment as he stared at me. “I assume you are aware that I have a name then?”
“Uh, yes sir!” I began. I noticed then, that he had raised a hand. I quieted.
“I can see why you requested a mentor Arawn!” he sighed. “It appears that you still have much to learn about fitting in with the Maou’s Army.”
“Indeed! Dread-Ser…” I began, and trailed off as he gave me an annoyed, yet patient look. After a moment of staring at me, he sighed and continued, wetting his lips with his tongue before speaking.
“My name is Fergus, Arawn! Call me that. About the only time you’ll be required to call someone by their formal name, rank, or for that matter ‘Sir’, will either be in battle, training, or whatever other circumstance that they’ll let you know of ahead of time. Right now isn’t one of them.”
“As you wish, Dre…er..” I paused suddenly at his frown. “Fergus.” I finished, he then smiled indulgently. “I will eventually learn the ways of proper behavior.’ Fergus laughed out loud at that. Which confused me.
After he stopped laughing, he explained.
“Proper? ‘Proper behavior’, Arawn? You definitely have much to learn! More like improper! The Maou’s Army is VERY relaxed in many things.” He grinned. I smiled back at the realization of my lapse.
“Walk with me Arawn,” he said suddenly, getting to his feet. I mirrored him, as he walked to the door of the room and meandered outside to a covered walkway. He remained silent for a while, taking in everything in around us as he ambled along. I chose to do the same, looking about and observing the (mostly) female members of the Maou’s Army walking, scurrying, or slithering about, each on her own errand. Most of them paying us no mind. After a few minutes he spoke.
“Talk to me Arawn, I need to get a feel of who you are. I’ve read the reports of you written by Aeshma, and Director Maki, but they don’t tell me about who you are as a person.”
So, I did as he requested. Talk to him that is. I gave him a condensed version of my life thus far. He was mostly silent during it all. Only asking a question or two to clarify a point. We walked across Fort Makai  at least twice. At the end, he finally said one word.
“Aye.” He said with a nod. He then noticed my quizzical stare, and continued. “Aye, as in Yes. I think you will do well at Fort Eequor, Majin Arawn. I confess that I do not fully comprehend your situation, or your circumstances.
But, I feel that you will be an asset to the Fort, my Commanding officer, and by extension: The Great Maou.” To that I said nothing, for he seemed to be not quite done with what he had to say. My suspicion was confirmed, when he stopped walking and frowned as he stared deep into my eyes.
“Do not make me regret allowing you to join us.” He whispered then in a voice lined with cold iron. I met his eyes momentarily, and nodded once in acknowledgement. The moment passed, and he smiled once more, and resumed his walking.
“What of you?” I asked, “What is your story?” He glanced over at me with a wry look. It was as if he were asking me silently if I truly wished to hear it. Seeing it, I nodded. He sighed and began.
“Many years, ago.” He began. “I worked for the Order as a Monster-Hunter.” He spoke in remembrance, casting his eyes up and to the side in thought. “This, was in a land far to the west and north. A land called: Eire.” He breathed in for a moment and continued talking, drumming his fingers on his vest.
“I and my band of cohorts that I commanded, were hunting one particular crafty and wily Monster, a Dearg-Due.” He looked at me for a second. “A sort of Vampire native to that land.” He explained. “We hunted her for months, until finally, we tracked her to her lair. It was an abandoned castle far from any village, off in the Cursed Lands as we called them then. A Demon Realm is what I’d call it now.” He stopped walking.
“She got away.” He said ruefully, shaking his head. “But! She left behind a lair full of treasure!” he said his voice lilting up. “Would that we knew then, what we discovered, Not Soon Enough!”
“In amongst the other treasure that we found within the walls of her lair, I claimed for myself a suit of armor.” I then closed my eyes momentarily at that bit of news, and rubbed them with a thumb and forefinger. Fergus noticed, and grinned broadly.
“Aye, Arawn! I ken you know what happened next!” I motioned for him to continue.
“Why that suit was practically made for me, it fit me so well! Within a few days, I didn’t wish to take it off for anything! When I had it on, I was Stronger! Faster! With more Stamina! Which was just as well.” He said looking at me.
“Because then, you started getting more opportunity to put it to use.” I replied quietly. Fergus laughed good naturedly.
“Aye! That I did indeed! It seemed that just about every night, we would be attacked by a group of monsters. One kind of Monster in particular: Dullahan. Always they would attack, and their leader would demand a duel with me to ‘settle the score’ as they put it.
 Invariably, I would win, and I would let them go their own way. As opposed to killing them as I should’ve. Now, I know why I did that.”
“I take it, that eventually, one of them won her duel against you?”
“Nay, lad!” Fergus stopped and smiled. “None of them did. Instead, at the last, my second in command: Eileean Scathach, challenged me to a duel.”
“Why her?” I asked, puzzled.
“Because, she herself had claimed a matching set of armor from that vampire’s lair.”
“Cursed armor.” I said quietly.
“Aye! Dullahan-Armor. Both hers, and mine!” He sighed once more, pursing his lips. “While she was being corrupted into a Dullahan. I was being corrupted into a Dullahan’s Incubus. A sort of ‘general’ one, suitable for any Dullahan whose attention I’d caught.”
“Thus the Duel-challenges.” I spoke. He nodded. “I assume that Eileean won?” He nodded again with a scowl, and continued.
“She won, because she and I had been sparring for years in fighting practice. She knew all of my tricks and limitations! Which she took full advantage of in our duel. I was most upset with her cheating that way, and even more upset when she announced that I became ‘hers’ after I lost. I can still recall the glee in her voice when she started announcing that she had won me by ‘right of duel’.” He spoke with a sour expression on his face.
“Eventually, she persuaded me of the rightness of her claim. She was most persistent in her blandishments.” He frowned as he looked away, then smiled.
“Where is she now?” I inquired. He turned to me and replied.
“She is the Dullahan in Charge of Fort Eequor. You’ll be reporting to her when you arrive.” he continued. “I will be there eventually as well. Officially, I’m her adjutant, in addition to being her husband. You’ll find that many, if not most, of the officers in the Maou’s Army have husbands in similar roles with their wives.”
“Unofficially, I can do things that she herself cannot do. Conversely, we both are hoping that you will be amenable to a similar set of circumstances in your role in Cynosure. Especially considering your own past in covert work.” He ended his statement, almost as a question.
“I would be happy to continue in doing what I have always done best.” I said by way of reply. “But, what would you need me for?”
“What do you know of Cynosure, Arawn?”
“I know that is a merchant city situated on the far northernmost point of Kumari Kandam, the main southern continent.” I started. Fergus nodded in approval. “I also know that it is also the only source of drinkable and potable water for several hundred miles in many directions. Which, technically, would make it a valuable strategic spot for any empire-minded governments.”
“Indeed it would Arawn, and that is the very excuse used by the Member states of the Order, when they attempted many times to capture the city and its lands.”
“Why were they not successful? Obviously, they failed.”
“Cynosure, it’s a Magical Place!” he replied. “It was so long before the Great Maou came to power, that is. There is something intrinsic about the city/state that prevents its conquest by outside powers.”
Finally, we stopped walking. I noticed that we were now situated near an empty spot, similar to a park filled with examples of Demon-realm flora. He motioned to a nearby bench and we both sat upon it.
“Tell me Arawn. How familiar are you with Demon Realms? The varieties of same?” he asked, after we had both settled.
“I know there are several kinds, the Dark Demon Realm of which we now sit. The Bright Green De…” I began.
“That one!” He interrupted. “The Bright Green Demon Realm! In your studies, how long does it normally take for such a Realm to be fully corrupted into a Dark Demon Realm?”
“From what I have studied, it varies. Sometimes as little as a few hours, to as long as ten years.”
“Exactly! Ten years! Thirteen at most.” He said, looking off into the distance. I waited for him to continue.
“Cynosure has been a Bright Green Demon Realm, for a nearly a century and a half.” My jaw dropped in surprise then. Fergus looked over at me and spoke.
“Careful Arawn, you’ll collect Beezlebubs if you leave your mouth open long enough.” He joked. I shut my mouth and blew out a breath heavy with dismay.
“Something in Cynosure is keeping it from being ‘conquered’ by the Great Maou.’ We have no idea what. But, believe me we’ve tried many schemes to advance its conversion. They all have failed.”
“What of the Order?”
“They’ve noticed this phenomena, too. I think you can guess why they’re interested.” I nodded.
“Because if they could figure out what is preventing its corruption, they then might be able to duplicate it.” I replied quietly. Fergus nodded then with his lips in a thin line.
“So, are you interested in finding out what it might be?” he asked, not looking at me then.
“Do you really need to ask?”  He smiled.
“When you report in, you’ll start ‘officially’ as a Yokai Basic. The lowest tier of rank.”
“Which is nothing less than I expected.” I replied.
“Unofficially, you’ll be reporting to General Scathach, through me if necessary. Your cover story will be what you requested, the opportunity to serve as a Member of the Great Maou’s Army. To help her in her Grand Plan. But you will also be doing so as an undercover agent, tasked with finding out Cynosure’s grand mystery. Hopefully before the Order does.”
“That sounds like a great deal of trust that everyone is putting into me.” He turned and looked at me then,
“Permission to speak freely?” I asked. He nodded.
“You still do not trust me.” I said as a statement, not a question. He looked at me for a moment and shook his head. I continued.
“For what it is worth, I do not blame you. I would not trust myself either, if our roles were reversed.” He looked sidelong at me then.
“Perhaps in time, you will earn that trust.” He replied, I nodded back to him as acknowledgement. He seemed satisfied.
“When would you have me report in?” I asked.
“I understand you’re having some medical issues with your woman, the Shoggoth, Takana I believe her name is?”
“Yes.” I replied quietly.
“Resolve that issue first. Then report in.” he spoke quietly. I turned and looked at him quizzically. He looked back at me with a pointed stare.
“Cynosure has been waiting to be turned into a full Demon Realm for a hundred and forty-seven years, Arawn. It can wait a bit longer. Your woman comes first. As it should be.”
“Thank you.” I smiled. He returned it.
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Once more as before, I returned to the apartment at the Great Maou’s castle. Upon my arrival Gallandia had some good news.
“Ah there you are Arawn!” she greeted my return with a happy mien. The sight of it lifted my mood significantly. “Since you’ve been gone, Takana has improved dramatically. She’s been awake for some time now, and has been asking for you.”
“You mentioned that you wished to run some more tests?” I prompted her.
“I did, but I will need to review them a bit more before I can give you a proper answer.”
“Thank you very much, for all your help Gallandia.” I said, as I smiled relievedly to her. Gallandia, for her part merely smiled back and placed her hand on my shoulder.
For some reason at that moment, I thought I felt a momentary surge in Demonic energy in the room. But it was of such a short nature that I did not bother to investigate it, as I was more desirous of spending time with my beloved.
“I’ll be in the next room over, relaxing, Arawn. Just in case you should decide you need me.” She spoke furtively, packing her belongings into her oversized hand bag. She then nodded a tired farewell to me and exited the room, closing the door behind her as she went.
Continuing on to the main bedchamber I was met by a wondrous sight! Takana was up and about and seemingly bouncing with energy. Her face lit up with surprise and joy when she caught sight of me. As I undoubtedly did as well. I immediately went over and embraced and meant to kiss her.
That, was when it began.
For no sooner than she had eagerly embraced me than she hesitated, and began to shiver. I stopped and spoke.
“Takana! Is something the matter?” I asked shrilly as she began to convulse. Briefly, she made eye contact with me.
“Ah..ah!” She began, with no small amount of fear. “Ahr…Arawn!” she said, one last time, before she dissolved into a liquid that fell to the floor with a sickening splash.
“TAKANA!” I screamed.
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Many hours later, Gallandia approached me in my vigil outside Takana’s examination room at the Royal Medical Institute. Takana had been in there since the night before, being poked and prodded by what medical staff there were available. I even heard the sounds of hoof-steps clopping about once, and managed to espy the shine of a Unicorn’s horn in the gaps of the examination room door between her and I.
I looked up at Gallandia’s approach. She seemed reluctant to speak with me as I arose to see if she had any news of Takana’s condition.
As I came near her, she raised a hand in supplication. I stopped then, confused.
“I have but one final test I wish to perform Arawn. But I need your permission to proceed.”
“You have it! Do what you must!” I replied fiercely. Gallandia refused to make eye contact with me then. Instead she chose to keep her eyes pointed at the floor, as she reached into her oversized handbag and pulled out a familiar looking object.
She held it up for a second and then made eye contact.
“It is something that I had Takana extrude for me while you were away on your last appointment.” She then presented it to me. I took it and looked at her questioningly.
“Just hold it for a minute or two.” She said mysteriously. I lifted it up and noted that it appeared to be a writing implement of some kind. I tried to take a closer look, but that was when it lost its cohesion and melted into the same indigo-protoplasmic substance that Takana was composed of. I tried to capture it as it dissolved. But, it seemingly avoided my hands as it fell in its entirety to the floor. I looked up to Gallandia for an explanation. She had a most somber expression on her face then.
“I’m sorry Arawn. Please forgive me, for what I am about to say to you next.” She said imploringly, making eye contact with me.
“Why?! What is it that you are worried about, Gallandia?” I demanded fiercely. She hesitated, then continued.
“There is nothing wrong with Takana.” She stated with finality.
“What?! That does not make any sense Gallandia! You yourself have seen..” I began, then stopped as she raised both of her hands.
“There is nothing wrong with Takana, Arawn.” She began once more. “The fault lies with you.” She finished quietly with her eyes closed.
“What madness is this? By what evidence do you make this statement?!” I demanded. Gallandia, swallowed once, and looked back up at me then. Her eyes begged me to please calm down. Reluctantly, I did so.
“Far more than most Monsters, Arawn, Takana is a creature of Chaos. Yes?” she asked. I nodded. “What are you?” she asked me quietly.
“I? I am a creature of….” I stopped, with my eyes going wide in sudden realization of what she was getting at.
“Are a creature of Law.” she finished for me. “By your very natures, you two are diametrically opposed. Your feelings and desires notwithstanding.”
I wanted to deny this, but deep down, I knew that she was somehow….correct. Desperately, I mentally sought straws to grab, Quintus then gave me one.
“What of the Great Maou and her husband?! He was a Hero of the Order!” I tossed out. “He was a member, however remotely, of the Law!”
“Yes, he WAS.” She replied. “But then she corrupted him, did she not?” I stopped, my blood running cold at the realization of what she implied. My fear was made correct with her next question.
“Can Takana corrupt you?” she whispered. I looked away from her then. I already knew the answer.
“No.” I replied quietly. “She cannot. As far as I can tell, not even the Great Maou has that ability.” I admitted. Even for the amount of time I had spent at Royal Makai, the heart of the Great Maou’s Realm; I remained uncorrupted.
“Why is that, Arawn?” she asked me relentlessly.
“Because of my Attainder. That which forces me to remain Immortal against my will.”
“And because of that Attainder, you remain a Creature of Law.” She finished for me. “Every moment you spend with her, Arawn, means that you’re killing her.” I closed my eyes then. I wanted to rage, I wanted to scream, I wanted to lash out at this! But I could not.
“I want to see her.” I demanded. Gallandia looked surprised by my outburst, and hesitated before replying.
“I would advise against that, Arawn. The danger…” she began.
“Just for a moment.” I interrupted. She looked back at me sternly. “One last time.” I finished. Her face softened then as she bit at her lower lip in consternation. She thought about it for a moment, then lifted her head and nodded once at me.
“Make it quick.” She said, but I was already through the doors. Inside I saw her, and stopped. She was in a large black bowl sitting upon a table. She appeared to be a quiescent pool of black liquid. The sight of her in that condition stabbed at my heart.
I tried to move forward, but was restrained by a hand upon my arm. It was Gallandia’s hand.
“No closer.” She warned. I did not resist. Instead I looked over at her, ignoring the attendants that stood next to the bowl, looking between Gallandia and I questioningly, unsure about what to do about me.
My jaw quivered with the words I wanted to speak to her then. But I knew that it was useless.
‘I did this to her.’ I thought to myself. Finally, I spoke aloud.
“Goodbye, Takana.” I whispered stone facedly. Then I turned and walked away, vowing never to inflict myself upon her again.
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Within the hour, I was back to meet with Fergus Mac Roich. He seemed surprised to see me so soon, and raised an eyebrow. Before he could ask me anything. I spoke.
“I report for duty. NOW.” He was silent for a moment in concern. The he nodded his head.
“It will take a day or two to get things moving properly. Return to your apartm…”
“Is there someplace I may stay here, on the Fort?” I asked, tightening my jaw to keep it from shaking. Fergus looked at me for a longer moment and nodded once more.
Later, in the efficiency room that had been made available, I meditated. Or, at least, I tried to. But, eventually after many long hours, I gave up the attempt.
I then stood up from my meditative trance position, and wandered my way out to the balcony. No harpies were there in evidence this time around. But, there at the last in the quiet turbulent darkness overhead, I saw one final ‘Whisper of Dusk’ momentarily in the sky up above me. The sight of it left me unmoved.
‘Once again.’ I thought to myself. ‘Once again, I have reaped the sorrow that I have sown so many thousands of centuries ago. Time after time, the Lords of Law punish me for my ancient crime.’
‘Time after time.’
I teleported to Fort Eequor the next ‘day’. Alone.
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Gallandia stood before Belphegor in her hidden sanctum and spoke.
“He teleported to Fort Eequor an hour ago.” She reported.
“Excellent Gallandia! Your role in this part is now complete! You’ve done an excellent job.” Belphegor beamed at her. Gallandia, for her part seemed unmoved.
“What of Takana?” she asked, concerned.
“What of her?” Belphegor asked idly.
“Will she recover? Now that Arawn isn’t near enough to affect her with that resonance field you had me plant on him?”
“Eventually, yes.” Belphegor yawned. Then noticed Gallandia’s look of outrage.
“Several months, perhaps a year from now she’ll be right as rain.” Belphegor answered, all annoyed.
“And what of me, now?” Gallandia asked nervously.
“What do you mean?” Belphegor asked perplexed.
“Since I have served my purpose and you have no more need of me, shall I ‘have an unfortunate accident’?” she demanded quietly. Belphegor laughed at that, surprisingly in good nature.
“No, Gallandia! I will not ‘accidentally’ have you harmed’. For the simple fact that you and I have made a pact and I always keep my word. Besides, I may have more use for you in the future.”
“What do you mean, milady?”
“It means that Arawn will mourn for now. But he, despite being more than human and less than a God, is still a male.  As such, he will eventually find himself in the arms of another woman by accident or design, no doubt.” Belphegor smiled.
“What would you have me do?” Gallandia asked.
“Perhaps, it would be time for you to have a change of scenery from Royal Makai. I’d say that you should get out, see more of the world, perhaps even drop in a time or two at say….Cynosure?” Belphegor said, with a smile and a tilt of her goat horned head that spoke volumes. Gallandia smiled back in response.
“I think I would like that Mistress. If I may be so bold, I am curious, what are your plans in the interim?” Belphegor smiled good naturedly.
“I will be staying here at Makai, working on worming my way into the Great Maou’s good graces again.” She spoke evenly.
“After all, a good General should look in on her troops every now and again. Particularly in the far-off duty stations, to insure that all is in proper-working-Order for them. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Gallandia merely nodded her head in agreement before taking her leave.
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