Some people are machines
That always need maintenance.
Turn off and on, plug out and in.
It’s part of the instructions.

Maintenance is dangerous
The machines will hurt you.
And they won’t remember. Or
They only recall how victimized
They were when they stabbed you.
You can’t blame them, it’s their function.

I want some machines to keep running
Even after their date of planned obsolescence.
But not all the machines, I can’t maintain
Them all, not with how many there are.
One cried pathetically whenever it attacked me,
And made me afraid of every word I said to it.
It’s someone else’s problem to maintain it now.

I look at my wires.
Who maintains me?

Note from the Author: This poem was written in a flash of inspiration one night months ago and then stowed away to be published later. As I couldn’t meet my deadline this month for the usual non-fiction I decided this was later.

I thought it would be fun to revisit Beleth and Simon from A Marriage of Body and Soul for pride month, so today I have a series of ten drabbles where you can see what they’ve been up to. Naturally this assumes you already read their debut.

Traveling back in time to add another note for readers, these drabbles are now included in the paid PDF version of A Marriage of Body and Soul. The texts of the stories are the same however, so now I’ll let you get to reading the drabbles.

Streamer

“You want to be a streamer?” Simon knew what Beleth had said, it simply perplexed him.

“Some use a virtual avatar for themselves. It’d help me connect with others and give you some time to yourself. People can know me by a face even without a body.”

“If it’s what you want I’ll help. Helping make your avatar could help with making the real thing. What do you want it to be?”

“I’m still deciding if I want it to be different from my planned physical form. It’s hard to commit to even a simulated body after all this time.”

Queen

“My queen, I suggest you prepare to leave for the aquarium now.” Beleth’s advisor, Athenodoros, had quickly taken to a personal assistant like role once summoned. The word queen was starting to feel more fitting, but Simon wasn’t entirely used to it.

“My queen, look at this.” Another demon had sent something to Simon’s phone. With few ways to serve him from the digital world, the demons had taken to sending Simon whatever they grabbed off the internet, like digital magpies.

Sometimes Simon wished they were less eager to serve. But it felt nice knowing they accepted him as queen.

Anticipation

During a quiet hour, some of the demons began conversing with each other. “When I get a body I’m going all out on jewelry. Oh and tattoos as well, my body will be art.”

“I know most want humanoid forms, but I want the body of a crocodile. They’re such majestic and mighty beings. I’d death roll all of our enemies.”

“But you wouldn’t have hands or be able to talk. That’d make doing your job harder.”

“Maybe there’s more to me than my job. I’ll serve in a new way. I hope Queen Simon will make it possible soon.”

Deep

Simon had found a spot to rest in the aquarium’s deep sea section. It was sparsely populated enough that he could still see into the tanks. He’d have to thank Athenodoros for picking the time well.

“It’s fascinating how many forms life can take. The physical world is truly varied,” Beleth said.

“I never thought about how weird anglerfish are before. Or knew that seahorses were so tiny and clung to seaweed like that. Us humans are plain in comparison.”

“They’re my favorite creature. No other animal could create an aquarium. Bioluminescence may be lovely, but I love humanity more.”

Chess

“Welcome to my first livestream, it’s good to meet you. I’ll be starting with a classic, chess.” Beleth’s virtual avatar was a man with rainbow wings backed by a halo, and dressed in black leather (digital) clothes. The wings and halo could emit a soft glow when he wished.

Beleth began his first online match. “It’s still fun, but chess isn’t the same without the pieces in your hand. Those AIs don’t know the feeling of setting down a piece themselves. It’s less pleasurable without touch. But being able to play chess with people from anywhere is also a pleasure.”

Store

Simon had gotten into a habit of walking while ‘calling’ Beleth. Usually Beleth decided where to. Today it was a store called Media Maniacs. It felt vast and cramped, selling books, video games, zines, LPs, every form of media.

“I had no idea they still made DVDs.” Simon picked up a case out of curiosity, then put it back.

“Data storage fascinates me. Many demons are the collecting kind, materialism is common. If the subjects we summoned gain bodies, they might try to live here.”

“I don’t get the appeal, digital is more convenient.”

“Convenience isn’t always of upmost importance.”

Friend?

A text dinged on Simon’s cell phone. An acquaintence from college had just moved to Ontia City and wanted to meet. “Where will you meet her?” Beleth asked.

“We weren’t close, I’m confused why she reached out.” Simon knew he had no choice, but he wanted to put up some resistance.

“She’s looking for friends in a new place, and you need human friends. Athenodoros, find a place and time.”

“Already done, the reply is composed and awaiting approval.” In response Simon sighed. He was set to meet Maria at Cafe Antinous tomorrow.

“This will broaden your world,” Beleth said.

Spycraft

“My king, your choice of queen was quite unexpected,” Athenodoros said. “To invent a whole new form of summoning fueled by devotion for someone unaware of him, I find it both impressive and sad.”

“He is. In time he will become a great queen. First, he needs a life beyond us.”

“How ironic, though unsurprising, that it is you teaching him that. And he has plenty of time, I’ve ensured no rivals of ours will be able to learn that we have a path to incarnation, and my spies are positioned both near and far. The queen’s safety is ensured.”

Crossover

“Hey, I’m ready for a break. Want to play something?” Simon minimized the window full of arcane code.

“There’s a game I’ve wanted to play with you. It’s a fighting game called Battles Beneath the Stars.” Beleth booted up the game. At the character select screen he chose Hyperion, an orc with draconic wings.

Simon’s cursor did a few laps around the screen. Eventually he settled on Fintan, a man with a sword made of fire. “Is he good?”

“I don’t know, I’ve only played a little.” They ended up laughing as they learned the game through trial and error.

Fashion

Once he found work, Beleth wasted no time buying Simon gifts. Most were clothes, nice clothes unlike the plain unremarkable ones Simon usually wore. He didn’t think much of it at first, but strangers began to compliment him. “Fashion is good for the soul, I look forward to dressing up when I gain a body,” Beleth had explained.

One day, the gift was a new cane. Unlike Simon’s old dull and pragmatic one, this cane was elegant, it complemented Simon’s newest outfit. At Beleth’s insistence, Simon modeled the new cane. For once, he liked the sight of his own reflection.

There was an orb of pure radiance and pure shadow, more beautiful than anything Simon had dreamed of. The air around it shook like on a painfully hot day. The presence smelled like decay and a spring morning at the same time. Simon had never realized the aroma of decay could be so lovely. A warm wind had carried that scent to him, the sharp coldness of the night dulled thanks to it. A strange captivating song was playing, like an invisible orchestra was performing with newly invented instruments. It was the moment Simon learned what beauty truly was.

Simon’s father had been shouting at the orb, making demands that faded from memory. Another voice responded, powerful and firm. Simon closed the door quickly, but he could still hear and smell the wonderful presence. He wanted to stay, but he didn’t want to get in trouble, so he retreated back to his room, dreaming of the strange presence and when they would truly meet.

The next day, Simon found no trace of whatever had been in the study. He never doubted that what he experienced had been true. When he was old enough he was given the full truth, he came from a long line of demon summoners. The connection to that night came instantly to him, and with that a pursuit to find his beloved once more, quickly identified through research as the demon king Beleth. That was when he swore to become a summoner worthy of such a beautiful being.

All of that and more had led Simon to his current life, living alone in a small apartment in Ontia City. Rain poured down outside, becoming grimy puddles as cars and trucks shrieked up a storm with their horns. That barely registered to Simon, whose focus was absorbed by his computer monitor. The clacks of his keyboard reverberated around the room in a mechanical melody.

 Due to certain disagreements with the Association of Summoners, who had a monopoly on the material needed for demon summoning and the loyalty of his family, Simon had been forced to improvise on his quest for Beleth. So he had decided to invent a new method, taking inspiration from the world of fiction. He hadn’t bothered looking into his inspiration beyond the concept, time spent on novels or video games were better spent on working towards meeting Beleth. What mattered was that if he could make a computer program capable of summoning demons he wouldn’t need the traditional methods now closed off to him.

It helped that he had soured on the physical world in general, all the awful noises and smells constantly forced on him. He only left his apartment as needed and only as long as necessary. Anything to reduce time spent dependent on his cane.

Merely thinking about his disability frustrated Simon. That was why he preferred his apartment, where he could sometimes forget he was disabled. He didn’t need his cane to walk short distances, and it took only a few steps to walk from one end of the apartment to the other. There was little good in going out into a hideous city littered with trash and judgmental looks, trying to determine if he really did need the cane.

The one bright side of Simon’s condition was that learning to hate his body made him love Beleth even more. A being that lacked true corporeal form was free of the weaknesses of a body, there was no need for glasses or canes. In Simon’s fantasies Beleth would fix him, would liberate him either through healing or transcending his malfunctional body entirely. 

Simon double checked his code to distract himself from his body. Then he checked it a third time. It was finally time for the next attempt at summoning Beleth. He ran the program.

 Simon waited, nothing happened.  Simon waited, still nothing happened.  Simon waited, yet nothing happened. Simon slammed his desk with his fist, hunched over. 

“What was it this time! Why can’t I get it right?! Everything I’ve gone through, and I still can’t reach you. Please Great King Beleth, please, I need you. You’re the only reason I have to live.” Simon wiped away his tears, the silver ring on his left hand’s middle finger briefly pressed into his face and absorbed a tear.

Music began to play. At first Simon thought it was the usual case of some self absorbed idiot subjecting the rest of the world to their personal soundtrack at full volume, but it wasn’t irritating enough to be that. And it was familiar, an inhuman sound. A warm wind swept through the apartment, carrying the scent of flowers.

“As you have called, so have I answered. I am the Great King Beleth, of the order of Powers, master of eighty five legions, igniter of the flames of love. For what purpose have you summoned me?” Beleth’s voice came from the monitor’s speakers. It was as Simon remembered it. He pushed his chair back and slowly knelt down in reverence, trying not to reveal his physical failings.  The music quieted.

“Oh Great King Beleth, love of my life, my name is Simon, and I pledge myself to you. My sole desire is to be by your side, to worship you. To become even your slave would be a great privilege.” Simon kept his face towards the floor.

“This… is unexpected, even from a clearly unconventional summoner. Rise.” As Beleth ordered, Simon obeyed, using the desk to support his ascent. “You are quite surprising. I do not recall meeting you, yet you are clearly enamored with me. And with the skill required to carry out an unconventional ritual like this, it must have been a conscious choice to disregard all precautions for your own safety.”

“I saw you once my king, when I was a child and my father summoned you. Ever since I’ve devoted myself to finding you again. I have no intention of binding you into some exploitative contract like other summoners.” In the absence of a face, Simon looked towards the monitor, which still displayed the summoning code. 

The room became silent, it almost felt like Beleth had vanished. Then he spoke. “Now I see, so you were that child who spied from behind the door. I can sense none of my influence on you, those extreme emotions truly are your own. I am at a loss for what is proper.” The air around Simon shifted. “But I will say this, you should have been more careful. There is a middle ground between greeting a guest fully armed and greeting them naked, most summoners do the former, you did the latter. Many of my kind would have killed you.”

“As long as it’s by your power, my king, I wouldn’t mind being killed.” Simon meant it. 

“You are a deeply disturbed man then, one I pity.” The words cut deeply. “I am often invoked for matters of love, yet this mad obsession of yours perplexes me. What in that brief glimpse you had of me created such strong feelings?”

“Your beauty my king. Not just your radiant form in that summoning, but everything, the wind, the music, the aroma. You’re not chained to a body like us humans, you and your kind are something purer, something greater.” Simon kept himself from looking towards the door, where the hated cane leaned mockingly against the wall.

“What you speak of resembles a surface level obsession.”

“No! It is love! I devoted my life to you. I’ve been betrayed by my parents, outcast from the Association, but I refused to give up, just so we could truly meet. Nothing else has mattered to me.” Simon leaned forward, not caring how desperate he looked and sounded. He couldn’t be rejected by Beleth. That would be the end of his life.

“You only sound more obsessed. Yet, your feelings for me don’t appear fully distinct from love. They were powerful enough to bring me forth. Since you have devoted your life to me, I shall not reject you.” Beleth manifested as an orb of pure light and pure darkness, as he had on that night so long ago. He was like a small sun, bright and powerful, yet not blinding. “Many have called upon me to stoke the flames of love. Perhaps it is time I stoke that same flame within myself, and reciprocate your feelings.”

“Do you mean?…” Simon found himself unable to complete the sentence, but he didn’t think he needed to.

“I shall love you. Though I must warn you, my love is not the same as that of a human, and I have no intent of loving half heartedly. You will not be allowed to discard me like so many passionate loves that wilt with the seasons. And I shall not treat you as a mere servant, you shall become a Great Queen and rule at my side. Do you consent to this?”

“Yes, thank you my king! This is the happiest I’ve been in my entire life!” Simon would have embraced Beleth if he had a humanoid form, he wasn’t sure if Beleth’s current form was safe to touch. “Queen? Wouldn’t something like prince consort be more fitting?”

“It is my court, the titles are mine to decide, the precedents are mine to set. Great Queen is direct. I won’t force you to dress or act as a woman, the title will conform to you, not you to it. I will however insist that as my husband you call me by my name.”

“Yes, Beleth.” Simon was careful not to use the formal address by mistake. And relieved he wouldn’t have to wear a dress or high heels.

“Now, Simon, hold out your hand. Or withhold it, if you wish to take your final chance to leave our arrangement.”

Simon reached for Beleth, touching his darkly radiant manifestation. It felt like holding his hand in front of a fireplace on a cold night, warm and soothing. Something changed, something that Simon could barely perceive.

“We are bound together now. Even if this indefinite summon comes to an end, I will find you again.” The orb of light and darkness vanished, but Beleth’s presence could still be felt. Simon sat back in his chair. There was no sound in the apartment, but it was a pleasant silence. 

Eventually the lateness of the hour caught up with Simon. He fought back a yawn and lost.

“You should rest. I’ll test the limits of this strange manifestation in the meanwhile.” Beleth turned off the monitor, but the computer remained on.

“No, I want to stay up with you longer.”

“I will still be here in the morning. And what I want is for you to be well rested rather than staying up well past midnight. On that subject, why did you choose this hour for summoning me?”

“This is when summoning magic is at its strongest, isn’t it?”

“No, that is sunrise and sunset. I see that self important Association still neglects to reassess what it thinks it knows. You’re better off without them and their outdated notions. You’ll also be better off going to sleep. This is not open to debate. Good night Simon.”

“Good night Beleth.” Simon knew there was no point in arguing, not when he was feeling another yawn rising up. He walked over to the closet and picked out a set of pajamas, then went into the bathroom to change in privacy. Part of him thought about changing by his bed like usual, but looking at himself in the mirror settled that. He saw nothing in his reflection that was pleasing to look at, nothing he wanted Beleth to see, nothing beautiful.

The cane waited for Simon on the other side of the bathroom door, as always Simon pretended not to notice it as he went to bed. He sat on the bed, put in his ear plugs, took off his glasses, put on his sleep mask, and laid down. 

Simon was happy, but he wondered why he wasn’t happier with Beleth present. Being called Beleth’s queen wasn’t entirely to his liking, but not to the point of soiling something he’d worked so hard for. There was some other unknown thing that bothered him. He tried to distract himself by focusing on the comment about summoning times, and wondering what else he had been misled about in his childhood. Then it hit him.

Beleth didn’t know that Simon was disabled, not yet. It hadn’t come up, but it was only a matter of time before that came out. Unless he made sure it never did. He didn’t want Beleth to know that he was damaged goods. To look at him and see a cripple. Yet it seemed like an impossible thing to hide. By the time he fell asleep he had no plan, only fear.

The obnoxious roaring of a motorcycle engine broke through Simon’s ear plugs and woke him up. He groaned and tried to return to sleep. “That rude noise aside, good morning Simon.” Beleth’s voice wasn’t coming from the monitor speakers. It was coming from the nightstand. Simon took off his sleep mask and turned to look, Beleth’s voice was coming from his phone. That realization made him fully awake.

“Good morning Beleth. How did you get on my phone?” Simon was impressed. Clearly the summoning had been less limited than he feared. Though he didn’t feel the phone was a worthy vessel for Beleth. Not that he was one to talk, since he wasn’t worthy of Beleth either.

“All of these devices reach out to one another, letting me traverse them. Though travel is not fully the correct word, as I do not need to leave one to inhabit another. This digital world you’ve opened to me to is truly fascinating, a halfway point between the physical and spiritual. Though the physical still remains out of my grasp. Put this on your pillow so we can lie together.” 

Simon gently picked up his phone from the nightstand and put it on the pillow next to him. “I didn’t know you’d be able to do this. What else can you do now?”

“The whole internet is open to me. I can even spread my power in a certain radius around the devices I possess. For now I have kept myself to your devices out of caution. This is what I meant when I spoke of your lack of precaution, others could have caused great damage to human civilization as a whole by this time.”

“If you want to take over the world that’s fine by me, I’ll help.” Simon wasn’t joking. He had fully considered the possibility his summoning of Beleth would have consequences for the rest of the world, and decided he didn’t care what happened to himself or the world.

“I do intend to bring my domain into the physical world at some point, but it doesn’t have to be by conquest, or cover the entire world. But, I wish to know what you want Simon. What else do you desire, aside from me? What shall we do together?”

“Oh I…” No answer came to mind. When he hadn’t been working, either on summoning Beleth or his day job, he had been idly browsing on various websites. That had only been so he could take a needed break from slaving away on code, and the break was only so he could recharge and be more efficient overall. His web browsing had also reminded him of how little he cared for humanity, thus further motivating him. Now that he had summoned Beleth, there was nothing left to do. “Well I really just want to do what you want.”

“I will respond that I want to do what you want to do until you break the cycle and give a proper answer.” There was a hint of teasing to Beleth’s voice. But Simon also felt like he had been put into a trap. At least it gave him a way to prolong the reveal of his disability.

“Honestly, just staying in the apartment with you. I’d be fine never leaving as long as you’re here with me. I don’t need anything else.”

“In that case, I insist you find a better residence. This is not fitting for royalty. There is hardly any room, there isn’t even a table for dining.”

“I kind of prefer living somewhere small. Makes everything easy to get to.” The last thing Simon wanted was to move to a place where he’d need a cane inside his own home, it was the reason he had chosen his current apartment. Of course to say that would be to confess to the existence of the cane.

“You hardly have anything to get to. I have already begun searching for a proper house for us, as opposed to a single room.”

“Why do you care about this so much? You don’t even have a body.”

“You do, and I have no intent of letting my husband, my queen, live with less than luxury. Besides, I seek to create a body for myself. And this will hardly fit the both of us when the time for that comes.” 

“Why would you want a body? I’ve always envied how demons don’t have one.” Simon reached over for his glasses and put them on. There was no use in hiding his need for those. In hindsight he wished he had gotten contacts so Beleth wouldn’t have to know about them. “I have to wear these because my eyes don’t work right, I can see without them, but not as well as I should. There’s so many ways a body holds you back. I’d give up mine if I could.”

“Demons envy that you have one. That’s what makes us demons, that we want to incarnate into the physical world. Look at this phone. Instead of lying in bed with you I have to resort to the equivalent of a phone call. I can use the senses of sight, hearing, and smell, but not touch and taste. Even those three require a summoner like yourself, since such senses have no use in the immaterial plane. I want to have a body of my own, one that will last. I want to lie in bed with you, to eat with you, to touch you.” A gust of wind playfully ruffled Simon’s hair.

“I see…” At first Simon didn’t know how to respond. He couldn’t imagine why anyone would want to be that close to his horrid body. Then it occurred to him that Beleth was likely matching his devotion out of pity. That was what made the most sense to him, their union had been rather quick. “I think there’s a lot the Association wasn’t telling me.”

“Indeed. The first summoners assumed what they found conformed to what they believed and never questioned it. For example, demon and angel are not some innate difference, it’s a matter of politics amongst us spirits. I already said what demons want, while angels are those who think humanity should ‘ascend’ to the spiritual world. While I do have angel friends and allies, I disagree with that belief of theirs. I love you as you are, including that you’re a physical being, and wish for you to remain that way.”

“I’d rather live in the spiritual world than this one.” Simon regretted his words immediately, he didn’t want to keep arguing with Beleth and risk losing his pity. “I mean obviously what you want matters more so I’ll stay like that if it pleases you. But, maybe I could be a better fit for you if I become a spirit. If you allow it of course.” 

A thought had been running through Simon’s head on repeat. Someone who loved the human form like Beleth couldn’t possibly love a human with a malfunctional body. Everything would end if the ugly truth revealed itself. There had to be some way to remove every last need to leave the apartment. And to destroy that fucking cane.

“What are you so scared of?” Beleth asked. “Have I been too forceful? You sound and look as though I’ll attack you.”

“Sorry.”

“Simon, you do not need to apologize. I was the one who frightened you. I am the one asking forgiveness. And you need not give it until it is earned.”

“I was just overreacting. It’s fine.” Simon got out of bed, leaving his phone on the bed. He walked over to the kitchenette and pulled out his breakfast, an energy bar that was quickly consumed. Then he went to shower and get dressed. Doubts about his future with Beleth followed him the whole time, as did Beleth’s silence. Simon tried not to look at the mirror in the bathroom, things were bad enough without that unpleasant sight.

Out of habit, Simon walked over to his desk and woke the computer. “If you want to manifest in a proper body, I’ll get on that.” There was nothing else Simon could think of doing. And he needed to prove that he was serious about loving Beleth, which meant putting Beleth’s wants before his own. Even if he loathed the idea of Beleth in physical form.

“You don’t need to start immediately.” Beleth’s voice was coming through the monitor speakers now. “Today should be one of rest and getting to understand each other. I don’t want to make you panic again, and if I understand you better I can make sure I won’t.”

“We can just talk while I work. I skipped over the parts of the normal ritual about creating a corporeal form so I can cover the basics pretty quickly.” Simon pulled up a copy of his summoning code and began adding to it.

“I would rather we focus on each other. I want to know what else you do, what brings you happiness.”

“Working for you makes me happy.”

“What if there’s nothing left for you to do? When I manifest with a body of my own and my earthly kingdom is established, what will bring you joy then?”

Simon stopped. He had never thought past the moment Beleth would appear. There were so many possibilities he hadn’t dared get attached to any one in particular. “Uhh, what would you want me to like?” Simon had been speaking solely to fill the silence, but he realized his words only made it sound worse.

“Enough. I wanted to hold myself back after I scared you, but clearly this relationship does require a firmer hand on my part. Not in a way that makes me angry at you of course, this is out of concern, you haven’t done anything wrong. But also, I am now forbidding you from working for the rest of the day.” The keyboard stopped responding to Simon’s inputs. A new window on the computer opened with a map of the city. “We are going to the park.”

“I’d rather not.” Alarms rang in Simon’s mind. He was on the verge of disaster. If he didn’t play his cards correctly then everything would come undone. 

“At least you’re showing some backbone now, but on this of all things? I can’t go outside without you. And I want to see the city, not just through cameras and pictures, the actual sights. Confining yourself here confines me too.” The computer showed a slideshow of pictures from around the city.

“I- I’m not comfortable going outside.” Simon turned away from the computer. He looked down to avoid looking at the hated item by the door. A calming scent descended from the air.

“I’m sorry. Are you willing to tell me why?”

“I don’t want to.”

“We will need to address this at some point. I will make you comfortable going outside. But it doesn’t need to be settled today. However, I still forbid you from working. Thankfully computers have much more to them. Let’s start by seeing what’s in your search history, because I doubt you’re completely without other interests.”

It took Simon too long to realize what would be included in the search history. Before he could protest, pornographic art that he had looked at before displayed on the monitor. It showed a man being overwhelmed with physical pleasure by a ghostly presence. The embarrassment overshadowed the fear that came with Beleth not truly giving up on wanting Simon to go outside.

“See, you do some pleasure reading and viewing of art. Perhaps we should browse together?”

“Beleth, that’s porn.” Simon looked away. 

“I am aware. If I’m to be a good husband once I incarnate I should know what pleases you. Sex is one of the many things I look forward to when I get a body, and I want to prepare for it like the rest. Though unlike those it’d depend on your willingness of course.” 

“I’m willing. To have sex when you gain a physical form I mean. I’d uh, I don’t want to look at porn together.”

Beleth closed the art. “Perhaps some more chaste entertainment then. What if I read to you? A fairy tale perhaps?”

“Which one?” Compared to everything prior, fairy tales sounded like a relief to Simon. He could just listen without his own failings being exposed. It’d be difficult for even him to screw up being read to.

“Beauty and the Beast, if there isn’t another you’d prefer.”

Simon consented to the tale, and followed Beleth’s instruction to lie back in his chair and close his eyes. Music began to play, not from the speakers, but from the air itself. The fragrance of roses enveloped him. Beleth read the story with the skill of a professional and warmth of a family member, giving each character their own voice. It felt like Simon was in the story, like he escaped reality. With his eyes closed the world consisted only of what Beleth spoke into being. Then the story ended, and reality returned. A long cozy silence followed the end. 

The silence was eventually broken by Simon’s hunger. He rose from his chair and went to make himself a sandwich, trying to ignore that it looked like he’d have to go out for a grocery run sooner than later. Beleth made a comment about it however, Simon tried to ignore the comment. “What else do you want to do? I’d love to listen to you read more stories.”

“I’d like to find something you can do on your own. I’m aware humans need some time to themselves.”

“Wait, do demons- I mean spirits, not?” Simon was okay with Beleth monopolizing his time, but he was aware saying that might make Beleth more concerned. And he wanted to learn more about Beleth.

“We don’t. Us spirits generally have a weaker sense of self than humans, though we are still all distinct individuals. But with no bodies to divide us, thoughts and feelings are shared more directly. I was able to gain authority over many other spirits simply through possessing a strong will.” Beleth paused, then after a few seconds resumed. “For someone like me, loving someone involves a blending of the selves, which leads to a degree of control that humans would deem unacceptable. I have had to refrain myself from what you would consider a violation of privacy, like reading your emails, because to me it feels unnervingly unnatural not to already know.”

“You know looking at someone’s search history is kind of invading their privacy.”

“I must once again beg your forgiveness then. From my perspective within the digital world it hardly seemed concealed, so I incorrectly thought it was acceptable for me to look at. This is why I want us to speak more like this, to avoid a continuous string of such incidents.”

“No it’s fine. I mean I summoned you on the computer so I should have seen this coming.” Simon pushed himself back into his chair, which made it roll a small distance backwards.

“Is it? Simon, if we did things my way with no regard to your own values, you wouldn’t be able to withhold whatever it is you’re not telling me. Not even your dreams or memories would be completely private. Amongst spirits such things take effort to hide, so it is only hidden from rivals and enemies, a secret is a sign of hostility. But of course you are a human, and I know for humans secrets and privacy are maintained even in the most intimate relationships. I want to respect that difference.”

Simon took his time responding, not wanting another instance of thoughtlessly speaking. His disability came to mind immediately as something he wanted to keep from Beleth at all costs. At first he felt he would be fine sharing even all his memories if it weren’t for his legs, until he recalled the embarrassing ones and thought of how Beleth might feel knowing of the many different ways Simon had fantasized about their meeting. “I guess there are things I’d rather keep to myself.”

“See, we are different kinds of beings, that can’t be ignored.” For a moment Simon thought he heard a tinge of disappointment in Beleth’s voice, but he was aware that was the sort of thing he’d imagine and dismissed it, since Beleth had been proven right. “That is why we need to make an effort to understand one another. There’s much about you I still don’t know. How is your relationship with your family?”

“I don’t want to talk about them. I’ve cut off my family so they don’t matter.” Simon gripped the armrest of his chair. “I’d rather talk more about the difference between spirits and humans. Is there anything about humans you want to know?”

“Other summoners and the internet have settled the questions I know to ask.” Silence came between Beleth and Simon, this one felt unpleasant. “Why don’t we try playing some games together on this computer. Chess perhaps? It is a game of kings and queens after all.”

“I don’t know how to play.”

“I will teach you then.” 

From that point on the rest of the day was filled with play. It took many games, but Simon was eventually able to score a few wins in chess through unexpected moves. After that they cooperated in Sudoku, Solitaire, and a variety of logic puzzles. Simon took a short break for a simple dinner, then was eager to return to the puzzles. He forgot all about his fears when puzzling with Beleth. 

When Beleth called an end to the puzzling for the night Simon felt contented. He hardly noticed the cane or his own reflection as he got ready for bed. “Simon-” Beleth stopped himself, Simon had just reached for the ear plugs.

“What is it?”

“I’ve reconsidered what I was going to say. Good night my love.”

“Good night.” The apartment was deathly silent as Simon went to sleep.

Simon woke up without any interruption. He took off his sleep mask, put on his glasses, took out his ear plugs, and listened to the pouring rain. “Good morning Simon.”

“Good morning Beleth.” Simon went through his usual morning routine. The cane stared at him mockingly as he stepped out of the bathroom, like the audience of an execution. Grabbing breakfast offered little distraction, since the practically empty fridge made the point apparent. The bar was gone quickly, the observation remained.

“Simon, you’ve certainly noticed, but it appears you’ll need to go outside to get more food. Is there anything I can do so you’ll feel more comfortable? If you put your phone in your pocket I’ll be able to accompany you, if you put on your headphones it can be like we’re having a phone call.”

“I think I’d prefer if you didn’t look when I leave the apartment, at me or the door. I’ll be quick.” Simon was relieved he had thought of a way out. 

Then he realized something was wrong. The air was beginning to quiver. And it felt as though glares were coming at him from a thousand directions, like the assault of an army. The computer’s cooling fan began to spin rapidly. Discordant notes rang out from all corners of the apartment. Then the sensation faded, all was quiet for a few moments.

“Simon, I am only prying because I want to understand and love you better. Remember that as I ask my question. Does this have anything to do with your cane?”

The words ‘he noticed’ sounded in Simon’s mind like a fire alarm, like gunshots, like bombs. He clenched his fists. “You noticed.”

“Of course, I can see everything in this apartment. And you always reach for something to support yourself when raising or lowering yourself. I hope you weren’t putting yourself in pain just to hide your need for it from me.” There was a bitter taste to Beleth’s words.

Simon forced himself to look back towards the computer, where Beleth’s voice was coming from. Yet in his mind he could clearly see the cane. “I only need it for longer distances, I can go a few steps without it. But if I go anywhere outside of this apartment I’ll need it. That’s why I liked spending the whole day inside the apartment yesterday. When we did all those puzzles together, I forgot that I was disabled, that my body is malfunctional.”

“You aren’t malfunctional.” Beleth’s voice took on a softer tone, from a roaring gale to a light breeze. 

“I need help to see and to walk more than a few steps at a time. My body doesn’t work as it should, that’s the very definition of malfunctional.” Simon fiddled with his glasses, then pushed them in to make sure they didn’t become loose.

“Perhaps it may fit the definition by the letter, but that is a word for machines. And you are no machine. Just because your body is weaker than other humans doesn’t mean you are lesser. Canes and other such devices have long been part of human history.” Beleth waited for a response, then continued in the absence of one. “I don’t want you to forget that you have a body. I don’t want you to despise and divide yourself.”

No words came to Simon. Beleth did not disrupt the silence. An idea occurred to Simon. But then he chose not to say it. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you.” Simon didn’t actually feel any different, but he knew it’d be rude to reject Beleth’s pity when that was all that connected them. Still, it was impossible for Simon to imagine a future where he didn’t despise his body.

“If my words reach you, that is all the thanks I require. Now, shall we go outside together?” Things didn’t feel resolved, but it was difficult to picture how the conversation could go any further.

Simon picked up his phone and put it in his pocket, then put on his wireless headphones and made sure it was connected to the phone. After the raincoat and shoes came the worst part. Hesitantly, Simon reached for the handle of his cane, like it was within a raging fire. Then he took it into his hand and opened the door.

Ontia City was as dirty as it usually was, especially in the rain. Cars carelessly drove by and assaulted the sidewalks with large splashes of dirty water. The litter’s disgusting aura was amplified with the addition of moisture. Water pooled in the many cracks and gaps of the sidewalk. Some parts of the sidewalk had been shoved into an unpleasant angle by the nearby trees, which stood isolated on the sidewalk like lonely neglected towers. “Are you disappointed?” Simon asked.

“No. I like the sound of the rain, and finally being outside that tiny apartment. Though this is not the most pleasant environment. Of course I plan to have us live in a palace eventually, one in a nice location with plenty worth admiring.”

“A palace?”

“It may only be in the world of spirits for now, but we are royalty. Our residence within the material world should reflect that. And obviously it will be constructed with your needs in mind. Though I am aware that is far into the future from now. You will have to work tomorrow, correct?”

A groan answered Beleth’s question. “I nearly forgot. And right, I didn’t even tell you about it. I work remotely for this cybersecurity firm. It’s boring, slow, and pays well, so it was perfect for working on summoning you. I wrote a lot of the summoning code on company time.” In hindsight, Simon was grateful there hadn’t been any emergencies to disrupt his time with Beleth so far.

“That has me pondering something. I wonder if I could act as a human through the internet? It seems there are many things one can do in this era that don’t require a physical presence. I could support you that way, and task my legions to do so as well once we have them summoned.”

“Wait you want me to summon them too?” Simon became keenly aware of his words as he stepped into the brightly lit and crowded grocery store. He hadn’t followed the weather news, but he knew a pre-storm shopping rush when he saw one. Which meant that he was in for a lengthy wait to check out.

“Not all at once. But, if we refine your code, I believe it would be possible. Less powerful spirits are much easier to summon in the first place. First we would call forth my vizier, then my legion of Powers.”

“Powers?”

“Fellow members of the Order of Powers who swore allegiance to me. It is an angelic order that seeks to nurture spiritual power in humans and protect them. They are the most willing and suited for this sort of digital summoning.” The screaming of a child cut through Simon’s headphones. Beleth waited for a better moment before continuing. “Of course, we’re getting distracted. What do you think of me working as a human over the internet?”

“Don’t you think working is beneath you?” Simon wondered what the people around him would make of that sentence.

“I’m aware that my authority only exists in the spiritual world. To expand my domain to the material world requires material resources. So I will pose as a human to gather them for as long as needed.”

“You don’t need to do that. I’ll get the others to pitch in.” Simon hoped his vague choice of words only hid the meaning from strangers in the crowd.

“I nearly forgot that most humans are unaware of my kind’s existence. Part of my plan will involve changing that, but that is for later. For now, I’d like to work as a human, see how well I can act as one in this digital form. It will be good practice for when I manifest.”

“If it’s what you want I guess it’s okay.” Simon grabbed the last of the groceries he needed. Though he wouldn’t have been surprised if he forgot something with how his mind was racing. Imagining a beautiful regal spirit like Beleth working some mundane job and taking a physical form filled Simon with guilt. He was tainting the most beautiful thing he had ever witnessed. 

“Aren’t you going to get some fruits or vegetables?” Beleth asked.

“I don’t like having fruit around because then I have to throw it out if I don’t get to it soon enough, and it felt like I never did.”

“At least get some grapes.”

Wordlessly, Simon conceded and placed a container of grapes in his shopping cart. Part of him wondered what exactly he was doing. How many queens did their own grocery shopping? The title still felt ill-fitting. He also didn’t like the idea of living in a palace, which would naturally be big enough to make him use his cane.

Nothing exciting happened while Simon was waiting in line to pay. He had some idle normal conversations with Beleth, about places to go in the city and games to play together. Beleth talked about his admiration of cats, how they lived with humans yet still kept their own boundaries and forms of love. Those conversations made the line pass by more easily. Yet dark clouds still hung over it with seemingly endless rain on the other side of the window.

The walk back to the apartment was similarly gloomy and uneventful. Simon let out a breath of relief when he was back into his own domain. It only took a short time to sort the groceries and hide the cane back by the door. Then he returned to his chair in front of the computer and monitor.

“So, do you want me to work on getting you a body or summoning the other guys?”

“Summoning my subjects will make it easier to work on my materialization. And while you work on that, I will look into my own ways to support you.” While he still didn’t like the idea of Beleth working, Simon was relieved to be back to work himself. That was when he felt most useful, like he had a place in the world.

Time passed even as Simon and the rain remained unchanged from the afternoon to the evening. Simon took short breaks for meals at Beleth’s insistence, the rain did not. Then the storm began with a clap of thunder and intensified downpour. As Simon briefly rose up to stretch his nominally functional legs, Beleth rose his voice.

“Simon, there is something I must ask you. I’ve been meaning to ask it for some time now, but I needed to collect myself. Why did you try to hide your disability from me?” Beleth’s voice was far too calm to be a reflection of his true mood. Simon fell back into his chair, which rolled away from the computer.

“I, I didn’t want it to be how you knew me. Like, you know what you were saying about working over the internet? On the internet nobody knows I’m disabled, and that’s how I like it, it’s what I wanted things with you to be like. I mean I know it sounds stupid, but I never really thought about what to do when I’d summoned you. I didn’t think about the fact that you’d have to see me for how ugly I am, that the only reason you’d stick around would be out of pity.”

“What.” Beleth’s voice remained level and measured, even as the computer’s fan spun rapidly. Faint drumbeats bounced around the apartment. “I don’t know where to begin with that. But allow me to start with what offends me most. No, actually it isn’t the most offensive, but it is highly insulting. What do you mean I’m only here out of pity?”

“Well I mean, you made that marriage offer really quickly, and you’ve been making such a show of affection even though you didn’t know me before. Why else would you do that?”

“Simon. I told you I made the decision to love you. All that I have explained on the nature of spirits, while you’ve hardly offered any knowledge of yourself in return, and clearly I neglected what needed to be drilled through your thick skull the most. Emotions are much simpler for us spirits, that’s why we can manipulate them in humans. I choose to love you, so I began to love you, it as simple as that. Making people fall in love is one of my most invoked powers. And you accuse me of faking it.” A rotten stench hang in the air.

“I’m sorry.” Simon shrank back submissively into his chair.

“You don’t even understand the full extent and reason for my anger. Simon, this is not about you being disabled. This is about you lying to me. You concealed a major part of yourself from me, and the fact that it was due to you doubting my love only makes it worse. I have done my utmost to be a good lover, but you have done nothing. I have freely offered knowledge of myself while you refuse to reveal almost anything of yourself. Your love was powerful enough to fuel my summoning, yet you have put no effort into our relationship, requiring my push at every step.”

It was impossible for Simon to speak. Physically he was capable of making sounds and words. But he felt paralyzed. Everything Beleth said had been true. Nothing they had done together had been Simon’s idea. And he had made a point of deceiving Beleth.

“You didn’t even realize, did you? Simon, I am not speaking metaphorically. Your love for me was one of the components of the summoning ritual. That is why even though you sounded like someone who only had a mere obsession, I felt there had to be something more if it was that powerful. Yet you have done little to demonstrate that.”

At last words came to Simon, the idea he had come up with earlier. “I’ll give you my body. You can have it all to yourself. This is the best use of my life.”

Outside the storm raged on. Inside silence flooded the room, drowning out anything else. Then Beleth dispelled it. “Simon. If I had a body of my own in this exact instant, I would pick you up, gently lay you on your bed, resting your head on a pillow, and spank you until you swear never to say anything like that ever again.”

“What?” Simon hardly noticed that he had blushed a little at the mental image. 

“There is no way you don’t know precisely what happens to a human body possessed by a spirit. I would have at most a few months before you combust. I am not sacrificing you for a mere two months of having a body. We will find a way for me to manifest that does not require any sacrifice. And even if we don’t, I’d rather stay by your side as a spirit than incarnate into a world without you.”

“But, you’re so mad at me, I did everything wrong.”

“I am angry at you because I want to address this now instead of letting it fester. Because you clearly have no experience with a reciprocal relationship. I pity that, I pity that you place so little value on your own life. That does not contradict my love. What I want is a real relationship with you, to not be kept at a distance. I’m not abandoning you.”

“Maybe you should.” The words came out before Simon realized they were how he felt. “I mean, you’re a beautiful spirit, I’m an ugly human, it doesn’t make sense for us to be together. I don’t want to see you tainted by the human world with some kind of ordinary job and a body. You’re better off without me, and that’s love right? Wanting what’s best for someone.”

“That is why I can’t abandon you. Your hatred for yourself and the world, I can’t let those remain unchallenged. Even if you don’t love yourself, I do.”

“Nobody can love me!”

Lightning struck outside. A flash of light filled the room. Then everything turned off. Both the lights and the computer. The implication struck Simon immediately. He called out for Beleth and received no answer. There was no wind, no aroma, no music. Simon was alone.

Simon tried to make a step towards the computer, but tripped and fell. His glasses slid off his face and into the darkness. The world around him was nothing more than a dark empty void. He tried to reach around for his glasses, but they had gone beyond his reach. Instead of crawling like a rat, he chose to collapse onto the floor completely, like a worm. He sobbed, even that sound was swallowed by the storm outside. All that was left was to decompose.

Time passed with no change. Then, light filled the room. Someone placed Simon’s glasses back on his face and lifted his head up. A radiant orb hovered in the air, like an elegant chandelier. 

In front of Simon was a naked man, tall and hefty. He had a set of wings, one covered in feathers that formed a rainbow gradient, the other dark and leathery like a bat’s. A thick feline tail trailed behind him. Two arched white horns rose from his head, at the tip they stretched out to form a halo over his head. He was beautiful. “Beleth?”

“I told you. I would find you again if we were separated.” Beleth pulled Simon into a tight embrace. His wings formed a cocoon around Simon. “This body will only last a short while, let me hold you while it lasts.”

“But, why would you-” 

Beleth kissed Simon. Within Simon’s mind, something began to awaken. He felt Beleth’s emotions, the genuine love for him, the anger over being kept away, the full spectrum. “Just let me love you. I don’t care how unlovable you think you are, I will love you until you become lovable.” 

Beleth lifted Simon up, holding him bridal style. He panicked at first, but pressing himself into Beleth calmed him down. Then Beleth gently lowered him onto the bed and removed his clothes. He felt embarrassed about being so exposed. 

“To me you are beautiful. All of you.” Beleth bent down and kissed the inner side of Simon’s right thigh, then the left. 

The light began to dim. With swift yet careful steps Beleth moved to the kitchenette, the tip of his tail hovering just over the floor. He returned with a grape in hand, which he placed into Simon’s mouth. Simon bit into it, savoring the juice and texture Beleth had brought him before swallowing. At last Beleth lay down on the bed next to Simon. He lay on one side, his wings stretched out straight behind him, and his arms wrapped around Simon, who turned to face him.

“Good night Beleth.” After a moment of hesitation, Simon decided to say more. “I still don’t really like my body. But now I believe that you love me, that somehow you think I’m beautiful.”

“Then it truly is a good night.” The orb of light vanished, shrouding both of them in darkness. Simon lightly pressed his head into Beleth’s chest.

“I’m sorry I didn’t do anything. But I’m not going to just be passive from now on, I promise. Maybe we can go to the aquarium sometime?” Simon lightly pressed his head into Beleth’s chest.

“That would be lovely. I’m fine being the one who mainly takes the lead in this relationship, but you have to follow, not be dragged along. Yet you don’t need to change completely this instant, I know it takes humans time to change.” Beleth moved one of his hands up Simon’s back until it reached Simon’s hair.

“I wish I could. I’ve always wished that when we met you could just fix everything broken about me. I still do.”

“Stop talking about yourself like you’re a machine.” Beleth lifted his other hand and slapped Simon’s ass. Then he caressed the spot he hit. Simon didn’t have any complaints. “When we kissed I felt some of your memories. Even though they were unpleasant, except for when you first saw me, it made me happy to know more of you.”

The choice of words Beleth made intrigued Simon, that he ‘felt’ the memories, but Simon was no longer in a mood for explanations. “I’ll share everything digital with you then, like my email. No secrets there, it’s all for you too. I have the physical world for privacy. And I want to meet you halfway. I don’t want love like a human’s, I want the love of a demon king.”

“Thank you.” A strange look came across on Beleth’s face. He tilted his head down and kissed Simon on the forehead. Then his body was gone. Only empty air and bedsheets surrounded Simon. A powerful wind brushed past Simon to make it clear Beleth was still present. Simon felt around in the darkness and placed his glasses on the nightstand. The spiritual power that had briefly awakened, that had let him feel Beleth’s emotions, became dormant once more. Yet the memory of it was clear.

“I miss being in your arms already.”

“Unfortunately I won’t be able to manifest like that again for some time. But it has made me consider something. Our relationship might be the key to making it last. Perhaps to truly manifest, what we need is for our relationship to mature, to grow deeper as it can only with time. Even if it isn’t, that is what I want for its own sake.”

“I want that too.” Simon slid himself under the bedsheets.

A lullaby drifted into the apartment. Beleth was singing in a language Simon didn’t understand, yet it was beautiful all the same. The lullaby tenderly wrapped around Simon. He fell asleep in Beleth’s lyrical embrace, eagerly awaiting another day; not for making progress towards a goal, but for its own sake. Beleth loved him, loved his body, and that was enough.

The End

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Somewhere between worlds, between the pages of books, behind the stage of any story, is a place known as the Crossroads. Sometimes it is a bar the unsuspecting wander into for an impossible chance encounter. This time it was the stage of a talk show.

“Good day, and welcome to Cross Talk. I’m your host, Obsidian Cross, you can call me Cross for short.” A man stood on stage, making a grand bow to his audience and the cameras. He was dressed in a formal suit, with a top hat over his long black hair. His gloves were dark red with yellow finger tips and a yellow heart symbol on each palm. Looking at his eyes will only show your own, on account of his reflective rounded black glasses.

Once the applause of the audience died down, Obsidian Cross continued his introduction. “Today we’ll be talking to two characters from the author’s work, Metrophanes, hailing from the most recent story of Battles Beneath the Stars, and Simon, the protagonist of the upcoming story A Marriage of Body and Soul.” 

With a snap of Cross’s fingers, the guests appeared in comfortable lounge chairs. The first, Metrophanes, looked how he does in Battles Beneath the Stars, a man of a race with black scales and claws dressed in a purple robe.

The other guest, Simon, was a young and meek looking human man, who adjusted his glasses unconsciously in response to the summon. He immediately put his cane behind the chair where it’d be out of sight.

“You could have warned us we were going to be teleported in,” Metrophanes complained. Simon voiced his agreement.

“It’s funnier this way. ” Cross dropped down in his own chair opposite to his guests. “So, how does it feel to be the first guests on this show?”

“Well, I do appreciate having an audience without a history of booing me. But as a character from a fantasy world I’m not clear on how this will go,” Metrophanes said.

“It’s great to have all the effort put into promoting my story. But I’m still not sure what to say and not say about it, since it isn’t even published yet.” Simon sighed. “But I definitely wanted to keep one thing secret that you already exposed to the readers.”

“Well then we’ll focus on Metrophanes first, because you in the audience already had your chance to read his story. So Metrophanes, how have things been since the end of your story where you won the tournament.”

Metrophanes took his time to think of how to answer. “Returning to Photens was a relief after how hectic the Grand Festival was, it renewed my appreciation of the small village life. People there are proud of my victory, and happy to watch my puppet plays once more.”

“And Drakon’s parents? They’re never named, are they even real characters? Or are they as much of an empty unnamed plot device as Fintan’s dead wife?” Cross laughed to himself. 

“No they’re actual characters.” Metrophanes took a second to consider his next words, then hesitantly continued. “It’s a shame Gaiene and Sotiris were excluded from the story, but we’re already one of the most represented groups of characters in Battles Beneath the Stars and have plenty of backstory to convey, so I do understand wanting to cut down on the named characters.”

“Wait we’re allowed to name things not named in our stories?” Simon asked.

“This is a fourth wall breaking crossover event, why not?” Cross shrugged. “I prefer stories that keep the fourth wall intact, but the whole point of this is to bridge the latest bit of fiction on The Warthog Report to the next, we may as well be honest about it. Speaking of which, Metrophanes, things are so intricate with your posse because you’re from an unpublished novel, right?”

“Unpublished until a certain someone gets around to the next drafts and further work, yes. I’m hopeful that Battles Beneath the Stars will help make people interested in seeing the full story around us. It’d add more context to our appearances there.”

“Yeah you’re only competing with the rest of Battles Beneath the Stars, Fintan and Aodh’s short story, the portal fantasy follow up to The Final Mantra, the Dracula sequel featuring Tezcatlipoca, who I am an aspect of, the comedy about Ra and Tezcatlipoca, who I am an aspect of, fighting over some guy, the fighting game about robots based on deities, including Tezcatlipoca, who I am an aspect of, various fanfiction, and erotica that won’t be published here. And others I don’t have time to list.” Cross smirked.

“Well people already seem to like Hyperion, and it is The Saga of Hyperion. It’d also fit the serial format quite well with its short chapters. Though I’d be a little embarrassed for people to see my villainous past first hand.”

“Ah yes, I hear in the first draft your evil plan made so little sense the author had to go for the explanation that you were simply that stupid.”

Metrophanes groaned. “It was written for an event about writing a novel in one month, hasty writing decisions came with the territory. But I’d rather not talk about that period of my life or point in the creative process.”

“Alright then.” Cross leaned back in his chair. “So, do you think you’ll make a puppet play about your time in the tournament?”

“No, the last thing I want is to put on plays about myself.” Metrophanes realized he had become too aggressive, leaning forward with a raised voice. He went back to a more neutral position and relaxed tone. “It has me pondering making plays about tales from other lands however. Vulture Shah is content just to revisit the usual material with his fellow puppets for now. But when the times comes I may visit Nisha’s library for new material.”

“Maybe you can write one about Tezcatlipoca some time. Now, do you have any advice for the latest protagonist?” Cross gestured to Simon.

“Try not to fixate on a single goal to the exclusion of all else. And it will be easier for the author to get excited about you if you get other people to talk about your story.”

Simon chuckled nervously. “Uh, that first one is kind of relevant to my own story. Is the author okay?”

“Probably not. Now, tell us about your own story since it isn’t published yet.”

“Oh, well it’s about me and Beleth, a demon I summoned, and our relationship. The focus is more on what happens after the summoning than the work of summoning him. So it’s a romance, well uh technically we get married pretty early on, but that doesn’t make everything smooth out instantly.” Simon tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair.

“Rumor has it yours will be the kinkiest story published on the Warthog Report yet. Which I think is breaking new ground with how sexless the other couples have been. Aodh probably doesn’t even know what sex is-”

“I know what sex is!” Aodh shouted from the audience. Fintan tugged on his arm to get him to sit back down.

“-Quiahuitl and Nisha both seem too busy to have any despite having multiple husbands, Badin died about two or so paragraphs in to The Final Mantra, and Hákon, okay Hákon and Runa seem like they might fuck, but does anyone other than the author like Hákon? How does that comparison make you feel?”

“I mean, there’s not a sex scene or anything. But, a lot of the story is about the physical and the spiritual. So there’s stuff about the body and, uh, physical intimacy in ways that aren’t having sex, like kissing. But sex is discussed.”

“And are those themes why you’re the first character on the Warthog Report to need a cane for mobility?”

Simon clenched his fists and glared. “Don’t talk about me like that. I’m nobody’s role model or representation or whatever. I am not getting the ‘first gay Disney character’ treatment. The author wrote me to have some of his feelings about his own condition, but he made a point of making mine something completely different.”

“Okay, we’ll highlight your horniness instead, like how you’re the first Warthog Report character confirmed to have looked at porn.”

“I’d actually prefer being known as the horny guy to being the guy with a cane. But honestly Beleth is the really horny one in my opinion.”

“That’s not how I read the story,” Metrophanes said.

Simon was silent.

“Moving on from Simon being a little freak,” Cross began, “his story originally had a different title. Care to tell us about that, or should we expose your kinks and fetishes in detail?”

Simon sighed again. “It was originally called Demonology 2.0 because I made a computer program to summon demons, and because the author couldn’t think of a good title to cleverly mark it as a story inspired by the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. Part of the original idea came from wanting to do a sort of tribute to it.”

“And why the title change now?”

“Well the author realized the story was more interesting when focused on what happened after I summoned Beleth, so my method for summoning him wasn’t the thing he wanted to highlight with the title anymore. The story has changed a bit since then, back when it had to be ten pages in Microsoft Word for submission to a campus literary magazine. In those days I didn’t need a cane or have any kind of disability.”

“I’m surprised the cane is a recent addition, it comes off as rather central to your characterization now.” Metrophanes looked towards the cane in question.

“I can see why, for a story about the physical and spiritual it’d make sense to explore physical conditions and their impact on someone’s sense of self.” Cross straightened his glasses.

“Yeah yeah, I still miss when I didn’t need a cane. Though Beleth won’t like hearing me say that.”

“You know I’m surprised I don’t see him in the studio audience over in the VIP area.” Cross gestured to the off-screen audience.

“He doesn’t have a body, that’s a big thing with demons in our setting. They normally only get a physical form when summoned, but since I did mine on a computer we traded that for not having any time limit,” Simon exposited.

“Oh didn’t that visual novel the author made, Lovely Spirits, have something similar with its demons?” Metrophanes asked.

“That’s because we’re in the same wider world as it, not that it’s relevant to either of our stories. We could just as easily be in different worlds with similar rules, there’s nothing in either story outright saying we share a setting so it could change. So you don’t need to play Lovely Spirits to get my story, it’s just like a spiritual predecessor or something.” Simon spoke hastily and made an x with his arms. Cross chuckled at the phrase ‘spiritual predecessor.’

“But if you want to it’s free!” Someone in the crowd, most certainly not a character from Lovely Spirits, shouted.

“With quality to match, it’s practically just a rough prototype for Simon’s story.” Cross ducked under a rock that went in an arc over his head. “Who did that and why did you bring a fucking rock with you to a talk show.” Cross and his guests all paused when they noticed a stand had been set up in the back of the theater, offering rocks to throw on stage for a dollar each. “Special celebrity guest from Norse Mythology and also one of the author’s other stories Odin, why are you selling rocks here? You don’t even have a permit.”

“To keep you on your toes. Now get back to the show,” Odin shouted from the back. He handed Aodh a rock. 

“The craziest thing about this is that people are paying a whole dollar for a rock. Also I don’t agree with what Obsidian Cross said about Lovely Spirits.” Simon eyed the crowd nervously. Someone lifted up a sign clarifying they weren’t planning to aim at Simon. 

“I know. Rocks are an important part of nature, selling them for that cheap is disrespectful.” Metrophanes made a disapproving sound as he extended and retracted his claws. “Though the act of selling them is already disrespectful if it wasn’t negotiated with its spirit first, so I suppose the price doesn’t matter as much.”

“We’re getting off track. Just try to ignore the rocks, they’re all aimed at me anyway because people don’t like how the author made me embody Tezcatlipoca’s function of revelatory mockery. ” Cross stood up from his chair to more easily dodge the rocks. “Anyway, you know what I find more suspicious than the rocks in the audience? That Simon is from a fictional city that has a name when it could have easily been unnamed.”

“Apparently the author has some ideas of future stories in the same city, so he wanted to lay the groundwork to make it recognizable. Though since it hasn’t been written out yet I don’t know what any of those plans are.” Simon shrugged. “Our short story is complete and has a satisfying ending if you ask me, but there are things I’d like a sequel to cover. If it ever happens, I’ll be fine if it doesn’t.”

“It will happen eventually, we just need to be patient. The author can only balance so many serials and short stories at a time. For now we should just celebrate your publication.” Metrophanes said.

“That’s right. Thank you.”

“Aww that’s wholesome. I thought the rocks were about to lead to a more slapstick ending to this. Like rocks being thrown at me after I try to get under Simon’s skin by saying that all gay men are submissive and cry a lot due to being more feminine.” Cross noticed certain members of the audience were standing up. Specifically every character whose sexual activity or likability Cross had casted doubt on. Others joined them after the recent comment. “There it is.” 

Rocks fell upon Cross like arrows. After dodging a few he got knocked to the floor and the rocks kept coming.

Simon and Metrophanes exchanged a look, then got up from their chairs. Metrophanes picked up Simon’s cane for him. “Hey Metrophanes, can I get two tickets for one of your plays? I’m looking for new hobbies so I’m interested in giving the theater a try. The other ticket is for Beleth.”

“Sure.” The two walked off-stage together. 

Meanwhile Obsidian Cross died of having rocks thrown at him. Then another Obsidian Cross stepped on stage and walked over his own corpse. “Yeah dying isn’t that big of a deal when you’re a fictional aspect of a genuine Aztec deity. That’s all for now folks.”

I uncovered the original manuscript as compiled by Mina Harker and published by Bram Stoker in a dream I had, where it had extensive commentary from a later author revealing the true nature of events. When I awoke it was in my room exactly as it was in my dream, though it would later disappear as unexpectedly as it appeared.

While the text vanished, I had copied all of it, but could not fully grasp the implications of it. Then I received books from a secretive order that requested not to be named, detailing their rich global mythology combining different traditions, which offered additional context to the commentary I had seen.

I shall now summarize the hidden truths behind the narrative of Dracula.

The story begins long ago in an ancient civilization that lay hidden underground. A dragon was the lord of those people. Because of their prosperity they had many envious enemies. One day a certain king discovered their hidden location.

Promises of the underground’s treasures brought a vast army to this king, and he led them against the people of the underground. Against the dragon they would have fell, but the king cast a curse upon it that placed it in a trance. Thus the king’s army was successful in killing all the people of the underground. In return the dragon spoke a curse of its own.

“Though you may have destroyed my people, erased our ways and history, you will not leave victorious. None here shall take even a single ring from our remains. In my next life I shall end your bloodline. In yours you shall be born without bones.” Then the dragon fully fell victim to its cursed slumber. Because of its curse none of the invaders could take even a single treasure, and so they turned on the king and killed him for being unable to fulfill his promise of loot.

That king would reincarnate as Ivar the Boneless, a descendant of Tezcatlipoca-Odin1 who founded London, the greatest city in Scandinavia, as written in the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok.

As for the dragon, it awakened one day when a slave had stolen from its hoard. In retaliation it rampaged across the land until it was slain by the hero Beowulf, as told in his epic. After its death the heart and bones of the dragon remained perfectly intact.

One day a traveling princess came to pay her respects to the departed ancient warriors and their might. The skull of the dragon spoke to her thus:

“If you wish to see ancient might such as that of myself and my slayer continue to exist in the modern world, devour my heart and kiss my skull. You will have a son, mighty and terrible, whose fame will outweigh that of his enemies.”

The princess consumed the dragon’s heart, kissed its skull, and returned to her homeland, where despite laying with no man she gave birth to a child who was named Dracula. Dracula was a reincarnation of the dragon, and he grew up to be a widely respected man.

One day an old man approached Dracula, who was in fact Quetzalcoatl-Anansi2 in disguise. The old man informed Dracula of the oath he swore in a past life, and offered to teach magic that would allow him to fulfill it. By accepting this offer Dracula was able to rise as a vampire after his death and plot his conquest of London.

However this plan would ultimately be foiled, for Beowulf had reincarnated in London as Jonathan Harker. Dracula learned of Beowulf’s reincarnation, leading to his attempt to isolate and kill Jonathan as a preventive measure, but obviously it didn’t work.

The incoming threat prompted King Arthur to return, who with the aid of Merlin (a manifestation of Quetzalcoatl-Anansi) disguised himself as a normal man without even changing his first name. At the same time the archangel/heavenly king Gabriel3 arrived in London under the alias of Quincey Morris, who quickly allied with Arthur. When Dracula arrived in London, Tezcatlipoca-Odin chose to intervene through his avatar Abraham van Helsing.

It is also important to note that Lucy did not actually die. Instead she was rescued by Pazuzu-Tsuno Daishi,4 who as commanded by Helsing whisked her away to the land of Magonia5 right as Dracula made his final assault on her. The ‘Lucy’ depicted in the novel after that point was merely an eidolon, a mirror image, but one whose vampiric transformation threatened the original. Arthur would later reunite with the true Lucy in Magonia and continues to await the true hour of his return there.

As for Quincey Morris, he merely returned to his true divine form on his supposed death.

Jonathan, Mina, and Seward, had no knowledge of the true nature of their comrades until well after Dracula was slain. Helsing was fond enough of Seward to make him a sukkal in his court after revealing his true divine identity.

While he had failed to destroy London, Dracula had succeeded in killing off the last descendant of Ivar the Boneless, Mr. Swales. Dracula was reborn as a naga named Alucard, who even as a youth had white hair. Alucard became a devotee of Dionysus,6 doing many penances and prayers, eventually becoming a divine judge of the dead.

Jonathan and Mina also ascended after their death and joined the court of Tezcatlipoca-Odin. Both of them are now regarded as apotropaic and marriage deities who can be invoked to ward off monsters. Individually Jonathan-Beowulf is a guardian of travelers and lawmen while Mina has associations with literacy and the protection of records.

Renfield had no secretive mythological associations or the like that I could find in the available sources. He was simply Renfield.

That is all I have to report of my discoveries regarding Dracula. I may have more to say of the vast underlying mythology in the future, and there may even be more hidden associations around the events of Dracula to uncover.

One such tribe was led by a human chieftain named Badin. Of all the rulers of that era it is said Badin was the most virtuous and wise, admired by all outside the empires. When a dispute between other tribes happened it was Badin who reconciled them.

Badin had a son named Tawin, who he raised with his naga husband Kasam.

The two empires drank deeply of avarice and hatred. Their emperors each desired to rule their entire race while erasing the other from the world completely, and they raised their armies for that purpose. Badin rallied all those caught between the empires into an alliance to defend both their independence and coexistence, to prevent the genocide of humanity by naga and the genocide of naga by humanity.

Before leaving for war, Badin had Kasam and Tawin seek refuge in a hidden village of naga, the homeland of Kasam. Tawin was the only human in the village, but the people accepted him as one of their own.

While fighting the armies of the human empire, Badin was killed. The people of his tribe were slaughtered regardless of race, their land conquered. But none outside knew the location of Kasam’s village, so even as the human empire ravaged the land, the village remained safe.

Tawin was a righteous person who felt the pain of others as his own. When word of his father and tribe’s demise came to him, Tawin was overcome by despair, the madness born of sorrow. He concluded that if the world contained such suffering the most noble act was to destroy it, thus ending all pain and tragedy. To this end he locked himself into a shrine, praying to the gods dutifully and ceaselessly, leaving them with no choice but to grant him the Final Mantra, that which would sink the world into oblivion.

Before he could speak the mantra, Kasam approached Tawin and pleaded with him. “My child, please, I beg of you to never let such a terrible mantra leave your lips. All your pain shall pass with time.”

“It is not merely sadness that afflicts me. My heart is hollow, all the colors of the world have faded. I feel nothing and wish for nothing. This suffering is not unique, the war has spread it across the world. Even if you were to free me of this affliction, what then of others who suffer in this way? So long as this pain remains, war will never end. Peace can only be found in oblivion.”

“My child, please, this world is not so cruel. You must have faith that others like you will heal, that you can fill your heart. Think of your father, who fought to restore the harmony of the world. If you utter the words of destruction, his legacy will be lost, his sacrifice in vain. His death is a scar on my heart as well, but he is part of this world, and remains with us in that way. Within our village you have a place, let us fill your heart once more with the brightness of this world.”

“As we speak the Empire of Humans continues to crush the land around us. Atrocity after atrocity will be committed until only one race remains, and we are powerless to stop it. My father’s virtue didn’t save him, it didn’t save anyone. There is no future left for this world, the empires have destroyed it. Death is preferable to the world they will make.”

“My child, please, the future is not so bleak. Yes there is suffering, yes the empires continue to desecrate the world, but they too will fall. Until that day comes we are safe within the village, as your father willed. When the war ends it will be all of us, together, who heal this world and restore its balance. We need you for this.”

“Your people have no need of a barbarian child, one who would only stain your honor. I will not destroy the world. However, I despise humans for what they have done to our people. With these words, I bring the war to an end.” Tawin recited a mantra and collapsed into Kasam’s arms. 

“What have you done?”

“The mantra I spoke has brought the death of humanity. Humans did not kill the naga, nor have naga killed humanity, for humanity has fallen by its own despicable hand. Please, my father, do not cry for me. Your sorrow is my one regret.” With those words Tawin died in Kasam’s arms. 

Kasam cried for his son and humanity, not leaving the shrine until a full day passed. As he mourned it is told that he said this: “I have failed you my love. Now not just our child but half the world has been lost. We naga are now as land without sky, shadow without light, a coin with only one side.” It is also said that Kasam’s sorrow became a curse that brought the Empire of Naga to ruin in a single day.

Kasam carried Tawin’s body out of the shrine and explained what had happened to the rest of the village. The gods too mourned for Tawin and humanity. In compensation for Kasam’s loss, for preventing the end of all, Adnir declared Kasam king of what had once belonged to humanity, the possessor of their legacy. The celestial smiths forged all the colors of the world into a crown and sword for Kasam as a symbol of his new authority.

Led by Kasam, the people of the hidden village journeyed into what once was the domain of humanity. Eventually they came upon a great forest growing from the ruins of a human city. Kasam decreed this forest would henceforth be called The Reborn Forest, and made his kingdom there. He established the Festival Of Humanity to celebrate the life and mourn the death of the humans, where this story of the world’s lost balance is retold.

Though they never lived to see it founded, Badin and Tawin are counted amongst the royalty of the kingdom of the Reborn Forest. It is for this reason the people of the kingdom are said to be the successors of humanity.

Notes from the Author: Thank you for reading this piece of another world’s mythology. It came about as part of a larger story I’ve been working on, a story within a story. But, I saw that it had the potential to also stand on its own as a complete narrative, so here we are.

I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts on the story in the comments. If you enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with your friends.

“He was mocking me, that look in his eyes as he looked at what I hunted compared to him. He must have cheated in some way. A mere slave outdoing the son of an Aesir, your son, I couldn’t let such an insult stand,” Sigi protested. He briefly shivered as the winter wind flew past like an arrow.

“You were outshone by a slave because he was the better hunter, and in response you murdered him. With a temper like that it is only natural you’d be banished. You returned Skadi’s trust with the murder of his greatest slave.” Odin kept his eye fixed on the horizon. Sigi was confined to a role in a saga yet to be written, of which he was hardly more than a short chapter. Any warnings or attempts to steer Sigi from his fate would be a waste of words.

“And what would Baldr have done?” Sigi asked. Odin masked his shock with a contemplative expression, tugging at his beard a little too hard. Sigi had never met any of his step siblings, and Odin had been tight lipped about the ones who would be impossible for Sigi to meet. But stories of the Aesir were often recited, including some of the worst days of Odin’s life.

“He’d accept that he was outdone and praise Bredi’s skill, then immediately do something stupid to try and one up him. Something that’d get anyone else killed.” For a moment recalling Baldr’s invulnerability fueled antics made Odin want to laugh. Then he remembered Baldr’s death.

“You only seem pleased when you think of Baldr,” Sigi said. He turned his head to face Odin, rather than the horizon.

“And the pain those thoughts bring is greater.” Odin returned Sigi’s look.

“Often, even when you speak to me, it feels as though your true attention is somewhere else. How could I earn it when I must compete with Baldr, yet can’t even best a slave?”

Odin took his time to respond, considering Sigi’s words and their meaning carefully. “It’s not your fault. The weight I bear is greater than what any human king shall know.”

Sigi was silent, and not yet skilled in concealing surprise or finding words. Odin was content to save his voice for later. Their walk continued with only the sound of their footsteps until they reached the coast.

At the coast were warships, and a whole army for them to carry. Sigi reached for his weapon, and Odin stayed his hand. “I’ve assembled them for you to lead. Now go and prove yourself, make war, become a king. Then one day, we’ll meet again in my hall.”

Odin stood like a statue as Sigi approached the army. It wasn’t merely Sigi’s doom that he saw. Sinfjotli drinking poison, Sigurd slain in his own bed by his brother-in-law, Svanhild trampled by horses, Odin knew all the suffering of Sigi’s descendants. It had all been foretold to him by Sigi’s mother, before their child’s birth. Despite that she had treated Sigi as if she didn’t know his future.

Snow began to fall, burying the footprints from Odin and Sigi’s walk together. As Odin turned to depart, he stopped at the sound of Sigi’s voice, who had returned to him.

“Thank you father. You will not regret this generosity, and I will repay it. By the time I arrive in Valhalla you will have heard of my valor from my enemies. They will say that Sigi fought better and lived more gloriously than any other.” With those words Sigi turned away, no longer looking as young as he had before.

There was much that Sigi didn’t know and had yet to do. He would be best known for his petty act of murder and largely passed over by history in favor of his more accomplished descendants. Despite that there had been a contented look on his face, satisfied with his life even as a chapter of it was forcibly concluded.

With a faint smile, the father of the slain went his separate way.

FIN

Meta Codex

When Talebones announced a flash fiction contest with the prompt of focusing on background characters, I went through a few ideas before settling on this, which is essentially fanfiction of The Saga of the Volsungs.

Although Odin and Sigi represent the earliest generations of this generational saga, neither are main characters. Sigi is dead before the bottom of page two of the Jackson Crawford translation (which I recommend, very accessible translation) with little given in the way of characterization, and while Odin makes (unnamed) appearances later and is referenced by other characters, he can hardly be called a main character.

Odin is a mythological figure I’ve tried to write for a while, my view of him evolving since the first attempts. But it has been quite some time since the last go at it, as I started on this I found myself thrilled that I was writing a story with Odin again. Much like Tezcatlipoca I haven’t been too into how modern fiction tends to use him.

Sigi’s mother having essentially read the saga already is a complete invention of mine, not a single thing is said about her in the actual text, basic biology is the only reason we can infer she exists. But I wanted Odin to be aware of Sigi’s fate, and that knowledge coming from Sigi’s mother felt like it’d work well.

If you haven’t already, I suggest reading The Saga of the Volsungs and then giving this story another read. My intent is for the story to be best enjoyed by those who know the story of the Volsungs.

I hung from a comfortably smooth stone wall alongside my six brothers: Shadowsteel, Thunderhilt, Cavernfang, Sunblade, Moonblade, and Windcutter. In the mornings the sunlight would pour through the open window, enveloping us in its delightful heat. Those days were idyllic.

The swordsmith was a tall man, strong too. He could have used any of us to fight, but he was a pacifist, the ash that defined his scent was the ash of the forge, not of destruction.

One day, men from the empire came to the swordsmith’s hut. They wanted to destroy all weapons, believing their mere existence caused war, that swords could only bring death. In response this is what the swordsmith said:

“Must everything be made to be used? Must every battle be to the death?”

What do you think these men- who said they wanted to end war- did when they were refused? They killed him, they killed the swordsmith, they killed my father.

We were not afforded time to mourn. The killers went after us next, setting fire to the hut. The other Abram only had time to grab me and run, panicked sweat soaking my sheath. My brothers were all seized by the invaders. I wanted nothing more than to go back and cut them apart. I thought of the other Abram as a coward. A hateful envy of humans rose up from within me. I could do nothing on my own, while humans shaped the world to their will.

One of the empire’s soldiers followed us. Our path was cut off by a wide river, one that screamed endlessly as it raged against the rocks intruding on it. We were cornered, and so there was no choice but for us to fight. The hand that moved me shook with uneven desperation, but my own killing intent was more than firm enough to compensate.

I cut through the enemy with such speed and force that I hardly remember what it felt like, only the rotten taste and smell of blood. In return our enemy had landed a blow that brought the other Abram to his knees. The river’s fearsome screeching seemed even louder, drowning all other sounds.

Once the joy of revenge faded, I was left with emptiness, my blade tarnished with blood. The other Abram, a pacifist like his father, weeped. Blood dripped from the tip of my blade. We remained like that for sometime. Then I turned my anger against him.

“How could you flee after what they did to us? You let my brothers be taken away to their death. I am ashamed to share a name with a coward like you.”

“It’s because of you they came to us in the first place. If it weren’t for you swords my father and I could have continued our peaceful lives.”

If I could, I would have left him at that moment. Instead a voice called for us to stop bickering. We looked to its source; a witch dressed in green appeared from the forest.

She was a frail old woman, but her posture was refined, each movement masterful and intentional.

“Cease your fighting and let me heal you,” the witch ordered. She knelt down and spoke a prayer as she touched the other Abram. “Come with me. It’s not safe here.” The witch walked back into the forest. The other Abram rose up, holding onto me, and followed her with a limp. I felt remorse for my harsh words when I realized why he was walking so oddly. Humans are not as easily repaired as a sword.

He told the witch what happened to us. She seemed most interested in the fact that we had the same name. We arrived at the witch’s small hut, even smaller than the swordsmith’s hut. It was made of sturdy wood, and had a damp smell to it that mixed with the fragrance of the flowers encircling it. The other Abram sat down in a chair, placing me on the table in front of him. Across from us was the witch.

“You are two halves of one whole, you shouldn’t fight each other. And you have important work ahead of you. Your brothers will be destroyed in front of an audience tomorrow, you must go to the capital of the empire and save them.”

The other Abram looked at me. We apologized to each other, and he cleaned the blood off of me. My counterpart wondered how we could stand against the empire with his lingering injury. As a sword, my strength was the same as my wielder’s. Inexperience was bad enough, an injury seemed damning. And we wanted a way without further bloodshed, to stay true to the beliefs passed down from our creator. In response the witch said these words:

“There is another task destined for you. On the path to the empire’s capital, there is a pyramid. Do not leave the path until you reach the pyramid. Ascend it, and at dawn, you will know how to save your kin. If you are not there at dawn, your hope will be lost. Now sleep, and when I wake you up, you will have the time you need for your journey,” the witch said. My counterpart took the bed that was offered and slept.

I had been leaned against the wall of the hut. It was empty, cold, and bumpy. The greatest struggle was resisting the urge to dwell in the memories and sorrow of what had happened. It all felt unreal to me. I would have likely fallen into madness without the mission of rescuing my brothers.

At last the time of our departure came. The witch woke up my counterpart and handed me to him. We stepped outside into the light of the full moon. The forest around us felt as dark as a cave, the trees stealing as much light as they could. We forged ahead regardless, trusting our instincts.

The first obstacle was a fallen tree that blocked our path. It was a thick heavy tree, one so strong its current state was a testament to the power of whatever felled it. My counterpart tried to climb over it, but his malfunctional leg betrayed him. “Let me cut through it. This tree is already dead,” I argued.

“Even a dead tree can offer something, animals can dig inside it. Forests have their own cycle of life and death, we shouldn’t disrupt it.”

“We are part of that cycle as well, and perhaps cutting it in two will benefit some other creature. There is no time to argue and only one solution, unless you wish to risk ignoring the instructions of a witch.” With that he conceded my point and put me to use. The tree was difficult to cut through, or perhaps it felt more difficult because I did not hate it like the soldier. Regardless we reforged our path and continued.

Our second obstacle offered us little warning, save a prideful howl. Wolves surrounded us, short and dense with the thrill of a hunt. We couldn’t fault them, it was their nature to see the likes of us as prey. My counterpart unsheathed me once again. I was held towards the largest of the wolves. “Strike now, a few good hits will make them retreat,” I advised.

“I won’t be the one to turn this stand-off into a fight. They may be carnivores, but that doesn’t make them deserving of violence. Though I will need you to speak in a language they know.” He leapt up in the air, spinning me around in a circle, my sharp edge pointed downwards at the wolves. The wolves looked at his weak leg, then at me. They stepped away from us and moved on, seeking another target. 

My counterpart remained still. When the sound of the wolves faded away, he fell. I dug myself into the ground, supporting him like a small tree. He rose back up to his feet. “Placing an already damaged part of yourself at risk is nonsensical. You’re making it worse,” I said.

“Perhaps, but my gambit worked. If they attacked I would have retaliated, but this delay is less than what a full battle would have been.” He was correct, so I didn’t argue. There was an opening in the trees that taunted us with the sight of the moon descending towards the horizon. The moon moved so swiftly through the sky it was like it was racing us.

From that point onward we remained cautious, avoiding the roots that would sabotage us. Then at last, we made it to the clearing where the pyramid resided.

What the witch had neglected to mention were the surroundings of the pyramid; it was at the center of a graveyard. Snakes slithered between gravestones. Some of the snakes spied on us from behind the gravestones. The scent of corpse flowers began their assault on us. The moon had nearly vanished. There was no time to indulge in fear.

My counterpart climbed up the stairs of the pyramid, carefully stepping over the shed skin that the snakes had left behind. The ascent was long enough for me to think about something other than our time limit. We did not have a chance to hold a funeral for our creator, to make a gravestone for him. The fire would have left nothing to bury, his ashes indistinguishable from that of our home.

We reached the flat top of the pyramid, which was higher than any tree in the forest. We stood at the center, between three stones. A chrysalis rested on each of the four corners. Both of us began to have doubts about waiting at the pyramid instead of continuing to the capital, but we stayed put. One should always follow the instructions of a witch carefully, for they are the brides of fate.

The break of dawn melted our inaction. My counterpart lifted me up, sunlight reflecting off of my blade. Then I pierced his heart. Flames rose up around us. Veins formed inside me, carrying his blood, my blood. Flesh entwined itself with my steel.

My counterpart underwent a similar change, steel entwining itself with his flesh. A third arm grew out from under his right arm, its hand gripped me and fused with my hilt. I had control of our third arm, and I used it to pull myself out of our heart. Butterflies emerged from the four chrysalises and flew off into the new day.

“What are we?” my human half asked.

“I don’t know,” I answered. The morning light made the world seem vast and incomprehensible. Our gaze landed on a city at the edge of the forest. It was a small part of the landscape, yet we knew that was our destination.

Our transformation had repaired our damaged leg, and nothing in the forest dared to approach us. That was good, because every sensation was unbearably sharp to us. We were like a child learning to walk for the first time, unused to moving as one, the sword arm and right arm often colliding. It was a long trek to the capital, giving us time to adapt to our new form.

There were guards at the capital’s gate, but when they saw us, they ran away. I forced my blade into the gate’s ostentatious metal and carved open an entrance for us.

Our six brothers were suspended over a fire alongside six men. They were swordsmen who had been caught practicing their art. A crowd had gathered to watch, eagerly anticipating when the flames would leap up and melt its victims. A few screams about a monster were all it took to bring the attention to us. Soldiers surrounded us, while the flock of onlookers ran away.

We were attacked on all sides. The soldiers were a horde, like ants moving as one to rip apart an enemy. My human half pressed forward, shoving his way through the mob. I attempted to disarm the soldiers, but that didn’t stop any of them. Our skin was armor, but armor is not invulnerable. We felt the pain of each strike as our skin dented from the ceaseless onslaught.

“Is there truly no way to save our brothers without fighting, without killing? Is this the nature of swords and men, despite what father believed?” my other half questioned. We fell to the ground, and the assault continued.

“Perhaps it is our nature to fight to the death- swords, humans, and us. We do not blame the wolves for hunting. I suppose we were all fools thinking ourselves different, and the time to accept reality has come,” I said. As I spoke I parried any strike that I could.

“We may not be above the cycle of violence, but we are different from the wolves. We have the power to escape it, even if only for a brief time. Yet now I see the irony of our escape, even that road is stained with blood.”

With new resolve, we forced ourselves back onto our feet. Our other two arms became blades. We retaliated, moving in perfect synchronization. We killed. We did so with purpose, clearing the way to our brothers.

The flames had grown during the ordeal, and there was no way to quell them. So we ran into them. “Trust me, this is the only way,” my other half said to the swordsmen. He took each of our brothers: Shadowsteel, Thunderhilt, Cavernfang, Sunblade, Moonblade, and Windcutter, and thrust them into the heart of each swordsman. I chanted a prayer.

Like us, the swords and the humans became one. The flames of execution turned into the flames of the forge. “Let us leave, and this senseless violence can finally end,” we decreed to the remaining soldiers.

Nobody prevented us from leaving the city. There was a dead silence as we walked through the gate. However, there was no point in returning to where our homes used to be, the empire would only resume the conflict. Instead we led our fellow swordsmen away from the empire and all of its wars.

As we traveled, we sometimes found new companions to join us. And eventually we arrived here in the Armored Valley where our tribe now lives, where we built the monument to the swordsmith. Now, children of our tribe, remember to give your thanks to the witch of the forest. And to give your thanks to the swordsmith, our great progenitor.

***

Let this account of King Fintan[1] and the dragon Aodh begin. As a friend of both, I am the record keeper most qualified to write this tale. With this story I will illuminate why the Bloody Day came to the conclusion that it did.

The first meeting of Fintan and Aodh was during Fintan's pilgrimage[2] through the country. I had been selected by Fintan's retainer Doran as the record keeper to accompany him and record events that took place. For as long as I could remember, I had been taught that I was an instrument for recording events, not a person. Because of that I spent the early days of the pilgrimage as a distant observer. I don’t enjoy recalling how I thought back then.

As we traveled to the town of Tieveroe, we were attacked by a Roc. Doran led the guards in fending it off. Fintan stood at a safe distance, transfixed by the fight. My instinct had been to shield my eyes with the Chronicle, but I immediately recalled which was considered more important and clutched the Chronicle protectively. I was surprised when Fintan's eyes widened at some unexpected sight. "Look out, the Red Flier's coming our way," Fintan shouted to Doran and the guards.

The Red Flier was a mysterious entity we had heard stories of during the pilgrimage. It was a large, scaled beast with four legs, a long tail, and two wings that let it soar freely. Those stories had been dismissed as a mere rumor and beneath recording, but there it was, flying towards us.

The Red Flier swiped the roc with one of its talons. Until that moment Rocs had been the largest of the flying beasts, but the Red Flier was even greater. The roc retaliated by pecking and clawing at the Red Flier's chest. The Red Flier drew back and made another swipe with its talons. It was such a strange sight I forgot all about my purpose. I paid attention only to the battle of beasts. I was not the only one: Fintan, Doran, the guards, we were all watching.

"If the Red Flier turns his attention to us, we're going to run," Fintan whispered to me. He took hold of my hand and gestured for Doran, who fell back to get closer to Fintan without taking his eyes off either beast. I was shocked I had been informed of the plan. My life was worth less than his. I was confused why Fintan had somehow wasted even a single thought on me. I tried to decipher what I had done wrong as the battle between the roc and Red Flier continued.

Then the roc's wings lit on fire with no discernable cause. It let out a piercing screech and dived to the ground, rolling on its back to cover its wings in mud and extinguish the fire. The Red Flier landed and put one talon on the roc's stomach to keep it down. Some of the guards hesitantly approached the two beasts, prompting the Red Flier to notice them and speak. "What's with the spears? I just saved you." I remembered my purpose and looked to Fintan, he touched his ears as though he doubted them.

"What are you? Were those flames somehow your doing?" Fintan asked. He spoke loudly so that his voice would carry over the distance between him and the Red Flier. For any of the mortal races it would be considered an excessively safe distance, I didn’t believe we were safe from the Red Flier.

"I'm a dragon, my name is Aodh. I control fire and make it do what I want it to. Now I have to finish this jerk off before he attacks someone else." None of us had ever heard of a dragon before. Fintan furrowed his brow in silence, looked at the roc, then reached into his bag for something. The roc was shrieking as loudly as it could. My ears hurt from the noise, covering my ears would have impacted my ability to record, so I fought against myself to refrain from it.

"Wait. Rocs don't bother with fights they know they can't win. They usually stay away from us, and this one will definitely keep away from your territory from now on. He must have been desperate to attack us. Why don't you let him go so we can talk without all that screeching? Unless you need to eat," Fintan said.

"I don't think a roc would taste good anyway. Let me change to a better form for talking with you," Aodh said.

In the blink of an eye Aodh's shape shifted to that of a human. However, with only a glance anyone would be able to tell that he wasn't truly human. A set of wings were on his back, and a scaly tail trailed behind him, like that of a lizal. The smooth scaled wings reached out on both sides and looked to be as long as his arms with thrice the width. He was wearing a pair of ragged loose pants and his feet were bare. He had no shirt on account of his wings. His messy hair was long like a noble's and red like fire, his eyes were of the same color. All of that combined with his height made for an imposing figure. He walked past the guards and towards Fintan. Doran's hands went to his blade and he placed himself between Fintan and Aodh.

I was so surprised by the transformation that I barely noticed the roc flying off. Fintan had tossed the roc some food to keep it from causing more trouble. Despite Aodh helping us, I was more scared of him than the roc. Whatever he was, he was something new and unknown. My training had said nothing about how to handle such a situation. I was ashamed of how I had already failed my mentors. I did my best to return my focus to Fintan and mask my emotions.

"Thank you for your assistance earlier. I am Prince Fintan of Lunis, and these are my traveling companions for my pilgrimage. That roc looked like it harmed you in your other form, do you need any medical attention?" Fintan asked. He gestured for Doran to put away his blade. Doran reluctantly obliged and sheathed his sword.

"I'm fine, it only hurts a bit. Since I’m immortal it won’t kill me," Aodh said. Fintan looked to Doran for reassurance he heard right. Doran gave him the affirmation he needed by nodding.

"I've never heard of dragons before. Can all dragons change their shape the way you did?" Fintan asked.

"I'm not sure if there even are other dragons, I haven't seen any. I mean I've only been around for a month and I haven't traveled much. The other dragons could just be somewhere else I guess." Aodh put a finger on his chin in contemplation.

"What do you mean 'only been around for a month?' It sounds like you're saying you were born last month." Fintan said.

"I really was born last month. A star fell from the heavens and then there I was. Don’t remember anything before that so it must have been my birth. Even had to grab these clothes I found by a river for my human form. I tried to put on a shirt too, but that didn’t go too well." Aodh gestured to his wings and lightly flapped them. The rest of us were more fixated on his statement about his birth. It was true that a falling star had been seen last month, on a night of the white moon.[3] I doubt any of us missed the implications of that divine sign being Aodh.

“Perhaps you have amnesia and lost your memories, you don’t look like you were born last month at least. You sound closer to the divine than any creature I know, and to fall from the heavens on a night like that, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were a child of the Grey Lady and Radiant Lord themselves[4],” Fintan speculated. I remember that he seemed excited as he thought through what Aodh had said.

“I doubt a god would need to steal clothes,” Doran said. It had always been clear that he was a cautious person, but he was especially on edge with Aodh. I’m confident he was in a fighting stance for the entire conversation.

“Well I don’t think I’m a god, so you probably shouldn’t call me one. I mean imagine if everyone called me a god and it turned out I wasn’t, we’d all feel pretty stupid then. Though when you talked about the Grey Lady and the Radiant Lord, I got a weird sort of feeling. Kind of like…” Aodh paused before continuing, his tail coiling and uncoiling itself. “Sorry I really don’t know how to describe it. Anyway, I don’t think I have amnesia, but it’s not like I’d remember if I did. All I know is that I know things and I don’t know how.”

“It’s no problem, many things are difficult to convey. In fact, I must apologize for being as tactless as to treat your past like some puzzle for me to solve, speaking thoughts as they come to mind.” Fintan gave a humble bow.

“Oh, it’s not that big of a deal. I mean you might be right. I can’t say for sure that I don’t have amnesia,” Aodh said. He seemed a little flustered. I remember Doran looked rather exasperated around this part.

“Still, I spoke rather carelessly.” Fintan’s embarrassment seemed equal to Aodh’s. “Moving on, since you saved us, I must repay you in some way. I have a spare set of shoes if you want something to cover your feet," Fintan said. Aodh looked down at his bare feet.

”I was going to ask if you had any shiny gold for my collection, but some shoes would be nice. Could probably do with more clothes in general.”

“How do you have a collection of gold and no clothes of your own?” Doran asked.

“You don’t have to sound so mad about it. I found this nice big space in the Hollow Mountains that had a lot of gold in it, with a carving saying it belonged to whoever found it.”

“You found Órlaith’s treasure?![5]” One of the guards shouted in shock. He immediately covered his mouth and looked away. Although he was the only one who spoke it, the rest of us had made the same connection.

“Yeah, that was the name signed on the carving. I could show it to you, but I think it’d be hard to get there if you can’t fly. Way too many of you to carry too, and I’d be worried about dropping you on the way.”

“If the pilgrimage takes us by there, I’d love to see it for myself. But we’re getting distracted.” Fintan reached into his bag and pulled out his spare pair of moccasins.

"My lord, we still have much of the pilgrimage left before us," Doran said. "You should give him some other present before he gets on his way. Not something you may need later."

"I have the privilege of easily acquiring more shoes, Aodh currently doesn't have any so he needs these more than me. Though you do have a good point. Aodh, if you’re willing to wait I could give you gold from the treasury.”

“Nah I could do with some shoes. Gold is pretty to look at, but I don’t think it’s too good for anything else.” Aodh accepted the moccasins and began to put them on. “Hey, how about I travel with you guys?”

“It’d be an honor to have you with us.” Fintan silenced Doran’s protest with a glance before it was vocalized.

We resumed our journey to Tieveroe. Doran stayed close to Fintan as usual. Eventually Aodh fell back in the group to walk alongside me, which made me nervous. Despite his laid back way of speaking, his power and possibly divine nature made talking to him an anxiety inducing prospect.

I tried not to look too much at his tail or wings even if I was curious. On the back of his shoulders I could see flesh that turned to red scales, the wings extended out from those scaled spots. He was so unlike anything I knew that he made me want to ask questions, a want that record keepers were forbidden from having.

“Hey, what’s your name?” Aodh asked.

“Ciara,” I answered. One hand was on the chronicle, the other on the brim of my hat.

"Do you know that guy who doesn't want me here?”

"That's Doran, a samurai who serves Fintan as his retainer. They've been raised together since a young age, and it is his purpose to protect Fintan," I answered. In those days there were times I would forget the sound of my own voice on account of how rarely it saw use, so that was already the most I had spoken in some time.

"I like Fintan so he should stop worrying about me. How about you? Why are you traveling with Fintan?"

"I was selected for the task. My role is to record what happens," I said.

"So that's what that big tome is for. How are you liking the pilgrimage so far?" Aodh asked.

"My preferences are irrelevant. A record keeper like myself is a tool."

"That's dumb. You're clearly a person. You looked scared of me before. If you can be afraid you can like and dislike things."

I had no response to Aodh. It was my first time encountering someone who challenged my beliefs. Debate was yet another thing I had been instructed not to partake in, so I kept my silence. Aodh’s word choice was unsophisticated, but it awakened distant memories of my much younger self being silenced by the senior record keepers. Aodh made a frustrated sound at my continued silence and picked up his pace to catch up with Fintan.

[1] In the original language Fintan's name means 'white fire.' However, the word used for white has a lunar conation, and only the royal family of Lunis is allowed to use it as a component of personal names. A different word is used for white in non-moon related contexts.

[2] Members of the Lunan Royal must undertake a pilgrimage to become eligible for the throne, where they travel the kingdom in order to pray at shrines in various settlements.

[3] What we know as the full moon is known to the Lunans as the white moon. Nights of the white moon are sacred, marking the end of each month. A White Moon Festival is held for each white moon. It is also said to be a time where all manner of spirits roam the world freely.

[4] The Grey Lady and Radiant Lord are the two main deities or ‘great spirits’ of Lunan religion. The Grey Lady is the moon while the Radiant Lord is the sun, they are married.

[5] According to legend Órlaith was a Lunan noblewomen who possessed many golden treasures. Her brother sought to claim these treasures for himself and murdered her two sons. However, Órlaith was informed of her brother’s evil by the stars. In grief she took her treasure with her into the Hollow Mountains, living out the rest of her days in a secluded cave. Her brother attempted to find the treasure but was devoured by wild animals. Many attempts were made to locate this legendary treasure, and it began to be said that the cave could only be found by the one chosen to inherit Órlaith’s treasure.

I hope you enjoyed this peak at the still in progress short story/novelette. Feedback is deeply appreciated. Battles Beneath the Stars will resume with the new every other Thursday posting schedule on March 30th.

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