Terminus: Testing the Demon's Mark [ + Consuming Zyra's Magic Core fragment]

Sirgurd leaps from his boat and lands in the island looking for the new pit and Terminus.
(Sirgurd)

There was no pit here...
No permanent pits at least -- for there was little need to shroud one's self from the prying eyes.

Rather, a need to control one's self, given their gargantuan size amongst small human people. With the looming of Sirgurd's presence, the shadows lengthened.

They could feel his approach.

And alas, they'd coalesce together...

The sounds of flesh, bone and sinew played out for the ears of all nigh. The same theatrics that typically carried out as he reformed took centerstage, as they often did.

However, as he reformed, he spoke:

"I was waiting for the time you'd return..."
It was rare that Terminus took physical form without provocation. Something was different today...



"Varrach's Bastard had been sent away on a mission alongside a human to the mainland... Their efforts will eventually bring others nigh to initiate a ritual. Such, however -- pales in comparison to what I've been developing here."


The thunderous boom of his feet slamming unto the land underfoot quaked at the immediate scape. Towering at nigh two dozen feet in height, every step it took sought to shudder at the immediate surroundings -- perhaps, all-the-more reasoning to keep to his etheric form for the most part. Today, however, was a special occasion...


"Before he had departed however, I have grown one step closer to achieving transcendence... Something that can empower even you in your efforts of ascension, Noctifer Sigurd."


-Crackle-

-Boom-

Footfall, after footfall...

As they closed in in proximity, perhaps they could see it...
Thelower-left arm of the titanic Demon Patron now carried a sapphire gleam to it. More specifically? At its rested open-palm. Upon closer inspection revealed runic inscriptions, encircled with markings to lace it directly for its circuitry.

Magus aptitude towards sensory capabilities would reveal an iota's worth of mana of... So many of Meranthe's ilk.
All of their tributes... Were actively coalesced into making -this-.
It could be felt, before being unveiled...

Perhaps, this was the very reason he had opted for a physical form.

"Tell me of your ventures across the mainland..."

(Terminus)

After hearing the thunderous boom of the demon patron's feet a nod was given by the rabbit, he didn't seem intimidated by the presence. After hearing Terminus the rabbit would place a beast core and some coins in front of him.

"Ascension? I'm not looking for the same as Varrach or my parent, no the evolution that I seek is true freedom for me to do whatever I want and walk among people without being bothered." He'd state in a lazy tone then raise an eyebrow after examining how Terminus had changed, was it a good thing? Well, Sirgurd didn't care as long the entity could help him evolve and find a god to the abandoned.

"You see, I'm currently trying to convince people that I'm not a demon. I prefer to be called Heregion, have you ever heard about ''fake it until you make it'' that humans say all the time?

I don't know if I ever evolve but it will be called Heregion,an evolution made to walk among people unnoticed. Something that I can't do right now due to magical eyes, there is a stupid black-haired Drakanite witch hunting me...she exposed me a few days ago."
(Sirgurd)

Sirgurd drops Magic Core Fragment (Zyrak).

You pick up Magic Core Fragment (Zyrak).

You pick up a bag with 7000 Coins inside.

The Magic Core Fragment (Zyrak) shimmers with the collective experiences of the bearer.

The Demon Patron listened -- though, it was clear there was an ulterior motive here. Regardless, there was much to be learned...
Much to be theorized...
And much to be achieved!

In the past, he could manifest powerful illusions...
Illusions that once tricked deities within the Tower of Aetius...
Even with the power lost to him, could it be possible that such a power was always innate within Demonkin?

"What an unfortunate fate..."

The words seemed rather... Lacking of true empathy.
Such an emotion was only thing Terminus could imitate for so long.


"Then perhaps, foregoing ascension in place for mutation is your goal... Such, is well within the capability of Hel."
Witch covens had committed to such antics all the time.


Terminus' lower-left arm took rise, marveled by his crimson hues once more. As he spoke, his eyes never left it...
Mulling over every payment of mana it took to create this...
Reliving every painful defeat and loss that it took to survive this long...
All to amount to this...

--and even now, he hadn't even grown absolutely confident that -this- was the final step in his efforts.
"First, to accommodate your true form through ascension... Then, to act upon it, and warp it... To conceal it. Alas, you will be able to 'imitate' the humanity you so desperately wish to avoid the ire of..."

He spoke, but not once gazed up from his 'prize', seemingly entranced by it.
"Though, those whom are inclined to hunt you? Will never quite cease... There lies a special set of magus abilities, that enable them to pick us apart from others... Even those that shroud from the light.

Though, I have gave it thought as to how to deal with such entities...
--and perhaps..." His eyes finally broke from his work, to gaze upon the rodent demon.

"Perhaps, -you- will be the answer to such a problem... Noctifer… Nightbringer… I shall satisfy your concerns... With reapers of the Night.

They shall seek out your hunters... and all else that badger my affairs..."

Their lower-left hand lowered to their side, full attention on them now.
"But first thing's first... I must complete my work, this power I refine, is not quite complete." The Magic Core fragment from Zyrak was levitated to the air, eventually to meet the gaze of Terminus at eye-level.

"Hmmm... Interesting."
Most human magus counterparts would consider the possible uses of these shards. They hummed with the mana of their originator -- sometimes, even attuned to them! Many powerful weapons could come from artificery tampering with th--

-CRUNCH-

Did... Terminus just...
With one singular bite, he consumed Zyrak's Magic Core fragment without much more moment of thought. It was, after-all, tribute as far as he was concerned.

Every last bit of mana provided to him pushed him further along...
And with his body constantly contorted at by foreign and malevolent magics, courtesy of Varrach -- forced to fight off the curse of Death? Further mutation was inevitable...

It was only a matter of time.


"Now then... Where was I..."

Attention was turned for Sirgurd, before his lower-left hand was raised, palm-facing them now.
They could behold it:

Runic characters following a circular pattern, with encircling shapes to complete the symbol. It constantly hummed with mana, for his circuitry was rewritten beneath the surface to feed its activation constantly.

Closer proximity wrought a circular ebb and flow to the atmosphere, as though churned in a vacuum-like nature. It sought to draw one in, to act as a siphon for the flesh -- nay, for the circuitry beneath.

"Stand still, if this works as I expect it to... You shall be bolstered to levels unforetold... Your desires will be one step closer to being within your grasp."

(Terminus)

"The easier path would be to accept help from the ones that wanted to kidnap me, but that would be dangerous. My best bet is using you and this partnership until your power grows and you're able to offer me help with my evolution."


There was no manipulation or subterfuge used by the Lapin, his partnership with Terminus was built on honesty after all. Both never lied about using each other, it was no different from symbiosis.

"Avoid the ire? I'm merely too lazy to care and just to be left alone to have fun and study them, they fascinate me in a different way than most but they're not scary more like a pet that it's cute as long there aren't too many of them to bother you.

In fact, I just met one that was adorable today. I got the coins from her, but due to our current situation it didn't seem safe to bring her here...she donated it and I didn't even have to ask."

A cold smile was givento the Lapine as he continued to watch the demon patron, clasping his hands together Gurd would wait for Terminus to explain how he would satisfy his concerns with reapers of the night.

Patiently the Lapine waited for the patron to finish eating the beast core that was offered to him, was Terminus always that hungry? Gurd thought if he should start eating cores too, but would it even have the effect that he wanted?

"Very well, Terminus. I won't move, do your magic." He'd say in a lazy tone then wait for the demon patron to his ''magic'' with impatience.

(Sirgurd)



Terminus was listening...
Though, he was fully intent on following through with the execution of his efforts thus far.

There was consideration... That this demon would eventually depart their ranks. A real possibility -- whether it'd be due to a successful hunter? Or of their own volition. Regardless, they would've managed to serve towards Terminus' desires before such a time would come to pass.


"Every coin will ensure the construction by human or demon hand of a keep far more defensible than vacant ground."
Terminus claimed aloud, closing their distance between the two with lumbering footsteps.


Though, there was still the explanation of his solution...
A solution to the problem of their collective enemies...
Of those of Exorcists...
Of troublesome covens...
Of overzealous necromancers...
Of those that sought to further agitate his own endeavors -- enemies; the lot of them.


"Demons pried from the depths of Hel, through me... Such would typically be the manner I'd construct a solution..."

The gleaming lower-left hand extended out for Sirgurd, with the upper-right risen with lax posture across Terminus' digits. The subtle glint of mauve across the risen appendage cast a silent spell of telekinetic prowess -- seeking to ensnare at the gargantuan rodent-demon.

Slowly, their grasp upon the soil underfoot would wane, as they'd ascend into a slight levitation for an eased grasp by one's lower-left hand. The runic symbols would eventually be shrouded by flesh and fur --

-CONTACT-

The shine emanated betwixt the digits, now encompassing at Sirgurd's abdomen.

The sheer size difference was emphasized more now, than ever.
The tug on one's body transcended the flesh on touch -- prying at the circuitry beneath the flesh...Kneading it away from the inside, for the inscriptions... And soon, draining directly into Terminus' body. The excess essence tore away at the exterior of his own flesh, leaving one to immediately realize of a limitation.

There was infact, an extent of which, mana absorbed was simply -too much-, even for demons...
He had to temper himself, to restrain his siphon. That, and Sirgurd would have to relax -- enable such transaction to take place. It was not unlike the typical mana payments made before... But something else was being worked at here.
The marking on one's hand sought to act as a -brand-, singing at the fur and flesh alike.

Rather than simply consuming all of the mana one sought to claim? They used some of it to impart runic instructions upon the body he was working on. Eyes upon the Demon Patron furrowed, for strain was growing evident on its form. He was focusing... Actively -trying- to directhis effort.
For once, he found himself doubtful...
Doubtful in his own advancements...

Concerned that he'd fall short...
But alas, to fail, meant to deny himself Divinity...
To allow Varrach to continue to live out his days without contest, without rival!
To allow the world to persist, without a promised End.
That, could not be allowed to happen.

"--and now... For the heart..."
Sirgurd's body was being invaded through the very inscription being branded upon his body, extending Terminus' telekinetic reach to scribe marking beyond the flesh. The raw membrane upon cardiac tissue was being carved into -- without the direct contact of his digits encircling the rodent's body.

Markings not unlike the same design he had wrought unto Varrach's Bastard...
Though, such an effort left him burning through his reserves...
Even likely exhausting the energy boost that Zyra's magic core fragment offered him.

The gleam abruptly ceased, and digits relinquished Sirgurd, allowing him to fall back to the ground and compose himself accordingly.
The inscription singed upon his body was far from unhealable... It was merely the brand that enabled one to push their efforts beyond the surface of one's flesh. After all, it would be inefficient, if he was forced to cut his body open before carrying out the effort.

Then again, there was no guarantee that this was a success...
Only that he actively tired himself, and likely ached at Sirgurd throughout the effort. The lower-left hand clutched itself into a fist, as though to sheath the runic markings upon his palm, opening up to gaze upon it once more.
(Terminus)


Did it work?

Perhaps, there was likely to be a delay? Or, did he make a mistake in his theory? Perhaps, his theory was correct! But he simply was sloppy in his execution. After-all, he hadn't cut Sirgurd open to verify the inscriptions remotely scribed would be accurate at all.

A quizzical hum murmured from his being, before his eyes digressed to settle upon Sirgurd, likely recomposing themselves. He spoke, on the matter brought to the fray prior, seemingly callous as to their actual feelings of the endeavor.

"Perhaps, I can use you as a blueprint... Or simply bring spawn into the world, and direct them to such a role...

Yes... That would be apt. I will direct you to instruct them on your enemies... I will teach them of those I have encountered personally... And then, they will be sent out to seek them.

Humans often hide within their settlements to grow in strength and prowess, safe from the likes of the world abroad -- while we are subjected to their strongest hunters...

Instead, I will imbue these demons with the material and skills to blend in with the night... And venture beyond the prying eyes of settlements...
They will be instructed in the practice of breaching into their very homes... And striking upon them with lethality whilst they are least prepared." The imagining of such abhorrent creatures wrought a wicked smile to the Demon Patron's face.

"They will punish sinners where they seek to rest peacefully...
Alas, I will grant them no such peace. Not anymore..."

The idea of demonic spawn, born of Terminus' blood...
Intercepting prey within even settlements? Such, was something thought to only be within Vana'rath's capability.
At least, until such was devised.

"They will slaughter the slaughterers... Kidnap those that flee their duties, and properly assure messages are delivered, to those that assume their refuge to be... Beyond my reach."
So, this was his newest scheme...
To scour the land with...

"Nightreapers...

That is what I shall dub them... Spawn and instruments of my Noctifers... Yes..."

(Terminus)

"Expect your solution to not go as planned, I'm nothing like my parent Zetian an imperfect demon, and my sibling a dragon. Degeneration or maybe evolution is something that comes with creation, by prying demons of Hel you be playing a game...let's just hope you draw the good cards." He'd say lazily while watching Terminus and his horrors at work, even a demon like Sirgurd could tell that the one in front of him was deranged and terrifying but hey...it wasn't as if all the old demons were sane.

At least Terminus needed him, that's something he could work with. Meanwhile, Varrach wouldn't need or help him, and Zetian his maker had vanished to prepare for some brutal destruction, the only of the old ones that he could use right now other than the warlock that had created Zetian and would therefore slave him was Terminus.

"The things we do for freedom.'

The demon sighed before closing his eyes and relaxing as Terminus did his work, he could feel his body levitating and being messed with but at least for now, Gurd trusted Terminus to have their best interests in mind. There was no movement or reaction from the Lapine felt the demon patron absorbing his mana and altering his body, it was change and mutation not at the levels of imperfect but something lesser like a small evolution or curse.

It was some kind of surgery, Gurd could feel it. His body was being changed and marked to something else, he could only hope that it was an upgrade and that it would work.

After the ''surgery'' was complete and he heard Terminus talking to him the Lapine would open his eyes again and frown.

"Oh, sure. Use me as a blueprint, do whatever you want as long they don't call me Papa.

Father of the abandoned or not, I would rather have children that look cute and are capable of manipulating through their appearance." He'd comment before sitting in the grass and sighing, Terminus could do whatever he wanted with his Nightreapers. Gurd was satisfied enough with humans, but to have a place of his own to live with them would be appreciated.

"You know Terminus, since you're all..." Gurd would make a pause not sure about how to describe the being in front of him, a ghost. Spirit and demon hybrid?

"Well, why don't you try to possess someone? A human figure would make it easier for you to walk around freely, if it's good looking manipulation would be easier.

Not to be rude, but you're...fucking terrifying. The pit thing helped make you seem less terrifying, but now that you're out of it maybe try new things."

(Sirgurd)







The idea mentioned was... Genuine.
By humans accords, he was terrifying to behold; being the proclaimed result of collective human sin didn't exactly warrant a beautiful appearance.
Then again, to blend in? Such wrought an expression of disgust upon his visage.

"Your desire in humanity is beyond me, at times..."
Such words, were spoken directly into one's mind. For the nonmagus works abroad were not intended to hear such from their enthralling Patron.

"I have been tormented by them for over a century... And now? I am bound to them..." A brief glance to his abdomen, still grafted to writhing humans, even now...
"I can never be freed of them, thanks to Varrach -- lest I accept to betray the fate bestowed upon me by Mortyl when she spared me of his wrath...

And you suggest, I take their image?"
He was surprisingly calm for as aggravating such a notion oft made him. Perhaps, the contrast in one's potential success softened the blow.


"I hate them... Sirgurd…
Every last one of them... Liars. Hypocrites. Murderers. Thieves. Hel, some even pledge their loyalties to the very Marqui of Hel... And then turn around to use those powers in the assumption that they can triumph over those same Marqui that bear their souls. To battle against their agents here on Meranthe… Across the world, Sirgurd.

Even the witches of Marqui, betray their purpose...
I was relinquished of my arms... Of my legs... Bound to a wall for over a hundred years, while they taunted me... Day, after day...
Month after month...
Year, decade after decade...
Sirgurd…
I. Hate. Them.

I would never desire to imitate one...
And in possessing one? My hatred burns thorough... They inevitably peel over, and perish.
Such, is what they -all- deserve, Sirgurd… As they would not hesitate to do the same to you... And claim to play the 'hero'.

I hate them all...
And should I have had my way?
I would see a world, where they no longer exist...
…
But then, what world would persist afterwards...
No one knows, Sirgurd…
No one knows."


They'd allow for silence to take the scene, imagining a world of such a silence. Truly relishing in it...
For a world of this design? Would mean he would never suffer again.
At long last...

… Such a day was vastly too far into the future, to succumb to peace here and now.
(Terminus)
They'd allow for silence to take the scene, imagining a world of such a silence. Truly relishing in it...
For a world of this design? Would mean he would never suffer again.
At long last...

… Such a day was vastly too far into the future, to succumb to peace here and now.
(Terminus)

The Lapine nods, at least Terminus had a point to his obsession instead of just wanting to rampage and destroy. He could see the logic in his ally's thoughts.

"To each their poison and vices, I guess. That was a bad suggestion from me, apologies.

I'm still getting used to your nature and know almost nothing about your story, but know that you have my respect. Now if you excuse me, I need to go back to collecting energy."
(Sirgurd)

The Demon Patron's gaze glazed over the proto-settlement, still actively in the works. There were barrels of ale being produced at-least! A potential export! Perhaps, with some sort of black market trade? They could start to stir a slow profit...


"If you manage to come across more of those Magic Cores, bring them to me... They will act as proper tribute."

It was not initially assumed that such things could be eaten -- but having overheard conversation from Efespane? The realization that such crystals were forged of one's essence? And contained valuable mana that humans would enhance their weapons with?

It simply could not be disregarded...
They would serve as fuel for his growth.


"In the meantime... I shall start on the manifestation of the Nightreapers…"


Sirgurd's lack of knowledge to Terminus' story was understandable. Hehad existed for a long time, and as far as he was concerned? Sirgurd was a 'flash-in-the-pan' by comparison.
In time, they could learn...
But it was just as likely that a hunter would seek them out prior...
Just as they had, for every demonic ally procured thus far.
(Terminus)