Eight; Dream

Takumi sat at a table in the bar. He took a few swigs of his beer and then set it down, sighing. He normally didn't drink this much, but he needed something to dull the pain in his ribs. After some time, a brunette man entered the pub and sat down at the table next to Takumi, placing them back-to-back. A couple business men were sitting across from the young man, and they began speaking to him in rather quick Japanese. At one point, the man asked them to slow down, clearly having difficulty understanding them.
Takumi didn't mean to listen in on the conversation, but he couldn't really help it. He was drunk and bored, and that often lead him to pay attention to things he wouldn't normally care about. It sounded like the business men were interested in hiring the young man for some kind of work. The man spoke slowly, often mispronouncing words or placing them in the wrong order. It seemed Japanese wasn't his primary language.
After some more discussion, the business men slid some papers across the table to the man. Contracts. Takumi could tell where this was going. The man began to read the contact slowly, out loud, and in English. He definitely had some trouble making out some of the words, but seemed to do better than some other bi-lingual people Takumi had met in the past. Takumi caught every word of what the man was saying. After a few pages had been turned, he couldn't keep quiet any longer.
“Don't sign it,” he said, trying hard not to slur his words.
“Excuse me?” the man asked, turning slightly.
“These guys here,” Takumi said, vaguely gesturing to the business men. “They're trying to screw you.”
“What do you mean?” the man asked.
Takumi turned around in his seat and held a hand out for the contract.
“Gimme,” he said.
The man did, and Takumi turned back to the second page and pointed out a section.
“Re-read this paragraph a couple times,” he said.
The man did, and after a few seconds he realized what it was he was looking at.
“This is...,” he muttered.
“A big, exploitable loophole,” Takumi said.
He then turned forward a couple pages and pointed something else out.
“And this here,” he said. “Did you notice this?”
“No,” the man said. “I didn't see it.”
“Well, that's why it's called fine-print,” Takumi said. “Because it's printed finely.”
Takumi glanced over at the business men. They looked confused. They probably couldn't understand his English. He let out a sigh and muttered to himself.
“This is why I joined a cult,” he said, barely audible. “So that I can deal with corrupt demon summoning sociopaths instead of corrupt business men. Fair exchange, I think.”
“What was that?” the man asked.
“Nothing,” Takumi replied. “Don't sign the contract.”
Takumi turned back around in his seat and called a waitress over so he could pay his tab. He then got up and left the bar, walking out into the night. It didn't take long for the man from inside to catch up to him.
“Hey, wait!” he called.
Takumi sighed and slowed down a bit.
“What do you want?” Takumi asked.
“I just wanted to thank you for that,” the man said. “I didn't catch your name.”
“Didn't give it,” Takumi replied.
“Well, I'm Thomas,” the man said. “Um, can I give you a ride or something? To the hospital, maybe?”
“Why would I wanna go there?” Takumi asked.
“Because your ribs are broken,” Thomas said.
Takumi stopped in his tracks.
“How did you know?” he asked.
“It's kind of obvious,” Thomas said.
“Ugh,” Takumi groaned. “Great...”
“So where are you off to?” Thomas asked.
“Listen, Tom, I'm really not up for conversation right now,” Takumi said. “I'm busy.”
“With what?” Thomas asked.
Takumi sighed.
“I'm trying to find the damned Silver Wolves, and you're not really helping,” Takumi said.
“The Silver Wolves?” Thomas said. “I think I saw them a few blocks from here.”
“What?” Takumi demanded. “Where?”
“Are you sure you wanna go there right now?” Thomas asked. “You're wounded and drunk.”
Takumi sighed. Thomas had a point. Wounded, he could deal with, to an extent. But the intoxication would be a problem. He raised the front two fingers of his right hand to his forehead, and concentrated, drawing cosmic energy into his body.
Takumi rarely performed unfocused cosmic magic. His focal magic was much safer to use, as it drained the body, reather than the mind. Ordinary cosmic magic had the effect of driving its caster insane if used improperly or often.
Of course, that raised a question for Takumi. Alan had used cosmic magic deliberately and frequently during their fight, and yet he seemed stable. Idiotic, but still sane. How come his performance of magic hadn't cracked him.
Takumi shrugged the question off, decided to think more on it later. Right now, he needed to concentrate. The spell he was casting was an unfocused cosmic spell, and would therefore drive him mad if he messed it up. He was already taking a big risk. He needed to concentrate.
“Gytano,” he whispered.
His vision sharpened instantly, and his body ceased its subtly wobbling. He was in no way sober. The spell would increase his focus and balance, but his reflexes and rationality would still suffer from his inebriation. Never-the-less, he turned back to Thomas, a determined look on his face.
“All right, Tom,” he said. “Take me to them.”

***Meanwhile***

Alan and Jarmil arrived at the hospital to find Asuka waiting for them.
“Hey,” Alan said as he approached. “How's the girl?”
“Um... she's stable,” Asuka said. “We need people here, just in case.”
Alan became aware that Jarmil's presence might be making her uncomfortable. So, he decided to try breaking the tension by introducing them.
“Oh, uh, this is Jarmil Horak,” Alan said. “He's blind.”
“So what's wrong with your face?” Jarmil asked.
“Jarmil!” Alan snapped, as Asuka withdrew in shock.
“What?” Jarmil asked innocently.
“You can't just ask people what's wrong with their face!” Alan said.
“Why not?” Jarmil asked.
“I thought you said he was blind,” Asuka said.
“It's complicated,” Alan said, sighing. “Look, let's just go inside.”
“O-okay,” Asuka said. “Follow me.”
They entered the building. Alan kept close to Asuka as they did so they could speak.
“So, you met Hastur, huh?” Alan asked.
“I think that's what he called him,” Asuka said.
“What who called him?” Alan asked.
“A guy we met,” Asuka said. “He said his name was Song Breaker.”
“Huh,” Alan said.
“What is it?” Asuka asked.
“Oh? Uh... it's just the first time I've heard a name like that,” Alan said.
It took them both a moment to realize Jarmil had stopped in his tracks. Alan turned to him.
“Something up?” he asked.
“You said his name was Song Breaker?” Jarmil asked.
“Yes,” Asuka said. “Do you know him?”
“He's a colleague,” Jarmil said. “Long story. Now let's get going.”
They started walking again.
“So what did Hastur want?” Alan asked.
“He's looking for someone,” Asuka said, handing the picture over to Alan. “He said for you to contact him if any of us saw her.
“Shit,” Alan said, examining the picture.
“Have you seen her?” Asuka asked.
“Yeah,” Alan said. “Just before I met you. She was watching me, and I got creeped out. It's why I went down that alleyway.”
“Oh,” Asuka said. “So, I guess you'll have to let him know?”
“Yeah,” Alan said. “And I'm not looking forward to it.”
They arrived at the girl's room. She was fast asleep in bed, with Ayako sitting in the chair next to her. There was a tray sitting on a nearby counter, with a bloodstained piece of metal resting on it.
“Hey,” Ayako said.
“Hi,” Alan replied. “So who is she?”
“Her name's Sally,” Ayako said. “She's from the orphanage nearby.”
“Okay,” Alan said. “What about her injury? How bad is it?”
“Well, um...,” Ayako said, but she couldn't bring herself to finish.
“Will she be able to walk again?” Alan asked.
Ayako shook her head weakly.
“We don't think so,” she said. “The bullet tore right through her spinal cord.”
“Damn it!” Alan cursed.
“Um, who's that?” Ayako asked, taking notice of Jarmil.
“Some blind guy,” Jarmil replied, stepping over to the counter and letting his hand hover over the tray. “Is this the bullet that was removed from her?”
“Yes,” Ayako said.
“It's a 9 millimeter shell with the head of Cthulhu engraved on it,” Jarmil said.
Alan straightened up upon hearing the description.
“How can you tell that?” Ayako asked.
“It's complicated,” Alan said.
“Hey, Alan, do you think you can show me to the soda machine?” Jarmil asked.
“Sure,” Alan said, knowing it was just and excuse to leave the room.
The two of them left, and began walking down the hallway until they were well out of earshot.
“You tensed up when I mentioned the bullet,” Jarmil said. “Why?”
Alan reached into his belt, hidden by the hem of his shirt, and removed one of the bullets he kept there. He handed it over to Jarmil.
“Well,” Jarmil said, feeling it in his hand. “Other than the casing and the magic aura, it's exactly the same.”
“Akro Tirio makes bullets in that design,” Alan said. “Whoever shot the girl is using identical ones. But that's not the best part.”
“What is?” Jarmil asked.
“I fired off some rounds during my fight with Takumi,” Alan said. “The police probably already found the bullets from then, and the guy I saved probably mentioned me to them.”
“I get it,” Jarmil said. “Someone's trying to frame your superhero person for that little girls wound.”
“Three guesses who,” Alan said. “And the first two don't count.”
“Oh, so it's not Drahoslav, “Jarmil said.
“Wait, what?” Alan asked.
“Well, he was my first guess, but you said that one doesn't count, so it must not have been him,” Jarmil said.
“That's not-” Alan said.
“My second guess was the Easter Bunny,” Jarmil said.
“Look, I think it's safe to assume it was Drahoslav,” Alan said.
“Then why'd you say that one didn't count?” Jarmil asked.
“That's not what I- It's a figure of- Augh, forget it!” Alan groaned.
“Alan!” A voiced called from behind them.
They both turned. Asuka was at the end of the hall.
“Um, I thought you should know that Sally' awake now!” Asuka called.
“Okay!” Alan called back. “Come on, let's go see her.”
“Sure,” Jarmil said.
They went back in the room, where Sally was now conscio0us, and blinking slowly.
“Hey there, kid,” Alan said. “You feeling all right?”
Sally stared up at him for a moment before speaking.
“How do you know I speak English” she asked.
“Kinda guessed,” Alan said. “Sally isn't a Japanese name. Too many Ls.”
“Oh,” Sally said.
“So,” Alan said. “Who did this to you?”
Sally visibly shuddered at the memory, then winced when her quivering put strain on her back.
“It was man,” she said. “He kind of looked like... like you!”
She pointed directly at Jarmil, who was standing away from them, near the door.
“Like me?” Jarmil asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” Sally said. “He even had an accent like yours. But he was dressed nicer. He had on a button up shirt, and his hair was really dark, and he...”
Sally wrapped her arms around herself, and tears began leaking from her eyes.
“He had this horrible laugh,” she whispered.
Jarmil immediately turned on his heel and walked out the door. Alan followed after him.
“Hey, hold up!” Alan said. “Just where do you think you're going?”
Asuka and Ayako went to lean out the door after them.
“I'm going to find that bastard,” Jarmil said. “And I'm going to kill him!”
“Now wait just a minute!” Alan demanded. “I'm pissed at this guy too, but you're talking about killing a man!”
Jarmil stopped and turned back to Alan, glaring with his eyes closed.
“I don't care!” he snapped. “Drahoslav deserves nothing less!”
“No,” Alan said.
“What?” Jarmil hissed.
“I won't let you kill him,” Alan said. “I'll help you stop him, but if you try to end his life, I will stand in your way.”
“Oh really?” Jarmil said.
“I promised,” Alan said. “I won't let anyone die if I have the power to stop it.”
Jarmil didn't say a word to that. He simply swung out his arm, hitting Alan hard and knocking him to the ground. Alan hit the floor hard, having the wind knocked out of him.
“Alan!” Asuka cried out.
“You have no power,” Jarmil said.
Alan stood up. Anger filled his heart as he began drawing in a large amount of cosmic energy. He focused it all into his right hand and spoke.
“Kessintri Verahaska!” he snarled.
The power exploded from his open palm, and both Jarmil and Alan were thrown backwards by the blast. They hit the ground, ten feet yards away from each other. Alan was the first to get back up. Jarmil managed to rise to his feet again, albeit slower. Asuka and Ayako stared, dumbstruck by what Alan had just done.
“I want to help,” Alan panted.
“Oh really?” Jarmil said. “I don't know if you've noticed, genius, but your foot is broken. How much help could you possibly be to me.
“I can handle a bit of pain,” Alan said.
“Prove it,” Jarmil said.
Alan raised a hand to his forehead, preparing another spell.
“Pala Kier- Oh shit!” Alan exclaimed, as his vision blurred and his knees buckled.
He collapsed to the ground, his vertigo stronger than usual.
“I'm not impressed,” Jarmil said. “And I don't see how showing off your subform would prove anything.”
He turned and left, but his words reverberated in Alan's mind.
“My subform,” Alan said, realization dawning on him. “Of course!”
Alan got back to his feet and re-entered the room. Sally was staring at him.
“What happened?” she asked.
“Long story,” Alan said.
Asuka and Ayako stepped up behind him.
“Um, Alan?” Asuka asked.
“What the hell was that?” Ayako demanded.
Alan sighed.
“All right,” he said. “I'll tell you.”
“Okay,” Ayako said, folding her arms.
“In case it's not blatantly obvious, I'm a sorcerer,” Alan said. “I know magic. A lot of it.”
“What?” Ayako asked.
“Yeah,” Alan said. “Told you. Long story.”
“You know who did that to her?” Asuka asked.
“I have a hunch,” Alan said. “I came here to deal with another sorcerer.”
Which was technically a lie. He had come there because Dygra smacked him hard enough to send him flying over the ocean, but they didn't need to know that. And now that he was there, he had every intention of dealing with Drahoslav.
“I think he's behind all this,” Alan said.
“But... you being a sorcerer... That's just crazy!” Ayako said.
“You saw me kill a Nightgaunt, “Alan said. “Why do my magic powers surprise you?”
“I don't know,” Ayako said. “They just do.”
“Well, if you want more proof, I'm about to give it,”Alan said.
“How?” Asuka asked.
Alan turned and made eye contact with Sally.
“I'm going to get this girl her legs back.”

***Meanwhile***

Thomas's car pulled up outside a building. Takumi looked out the window to see the Silver Wolve's insignia spray painted on several parts of the building.
“No wonder I didn't notice this place,” Takumi said, opening the door. “It's so subtle.”
“You sure you wanna do this?” Thomas asked, as Takumi got out.
“Yeah,” Takumi said.
“What do you want me to do?” Thomas asked.
“Get out of here,” Takumi said. “You've done enough.”
“So you want me to just leave you at the mercy of this street gang? “Thomas asked.
No,” Takumi said. “I want you to leave this place and not look back.”
Thomas sighed.
“Fine,” he said. “But just who are you?”
“I'm nobody,” Takumi said.
“Whatever,” Thomas replied, before driving off.
Takumi turned toward the building.
“I'm not at their mercy,” he said, lifting his staff. “They're at mine.”
Takumi kicked open the door. Inside, there was a group of five men. All of them turned to him.
“Where's the Necronomicon!” Takumi demanded, in Japanese.
One of the man panicked and began fumbling with his phone. Irritated, Takumi repeated himself. Suddenly, a voice sounded from the phone, speaking perfect English.
“Perhaps we don't have it,” the voice said.
Takumi was taken aback. The voice gave a muffled order to the man holding the phone, who turned it so the screen was facing Takumi. A man's face was visible, on some kind of video chat.
“Takumi Tachibana, I presume?” the man asked.
“How do you know who I am?” Takumi demanded. “Who are you!?”
“My name is Nori Tsukuda,” the man on the phone said. “And I have sources.”
“So you're their leader?” Takumi asked.
“No,” Nori said. “I am second in command, but I do have the privilege of issuing orders. For instance, I sent out the mass text telling all the Silver Wolves to immediately contact me via video chat in they come across anyone who fits your description, so that we may speak personally.”
“I see,” Takumi said. “So maybe you can tell me. Where. Is. The Necronomicon?”
“I'm sorry to disappoint, but we do not have it,” Nori said. “Whoever tipped you off that we did was lying.”
“I'm afraid I don't believe you,” Takumi said, raising his staff.
Suddenly, the sprinkler system in the room switched on, and water poured from the ceiling, drenching Takumi from head to foot. The sprinklers above the other men were conveniently disabled.
“I wouldn't try that red lightning trick if I were you,” Nori said.
“I'm sorry to disappoint,” Takumi said. “But I can wield elements other than lightning.”
“Calm yourself, mister Tachibana,” Nori said. “I'd like to end this without violence.”
“And I want the bloddy book,” Takumi said, gripping his staff tighter. “I guess neither of us gets what we want.”
Nori sighed.
“You know, I've gathered a lot of information on you, Mr. Tachibana,” Nori said. “Including the fact that your coat can resist bullets.”
“What?” Takumi asked.
“Which is why I sent out another mass text,” Nori continued. “Instructing all these men to acquire armor piercing rounds.”
Nori snapped his fingers, and one of the men immediately drew a gun, firing it straight at Takumi. The bullet tore through Takumi's arm, and he fell to his knees, exclaiming in pain. Even his drunkenness couldn't dull the sensation. Takumi glared up at the man who had shot him, and began concentrating, trying to forge a spiritual link between the end of his staff and that man, while drawing power into his body.
“I've instructed these men to restrain themselves, for now,” Nori said. “I still believe we can come to a peaceful conclusion if you're willing to cooperate.”
“Bite me!” Takumi hissed. “Balorial!”
Twin spheres of fire shot from the end of Takumi's staff, launching straight at the man with the gun. Unfortunately, Takumi's concentration had been off. The link had been unsuccessful, and the fireballs hit the floor. Smoke rose some where they had struck, filling the air between Takumi and the men. Takumi saw his chance and took it. He got up and bolted from the room, running down the street.
Nori sighed and issued an order in Japanese.
“Don't just stand there,” he said. “Go after him!”
The men obeyed, and they ran out the door. They saw Takumi down the street and began firing at him.
“I am way too drunk for this,” Takumi groaned, turning around to aim his staff. “Caezurgo!”
He missed again, hitting the ground in front of them. The sidewalk froze over, and they stopped in their tracks, surprised. Takumi ran down an alleyway, and after a few moments of hesitation, the men went around the ice patch and continued their pursuit.

***Meanwhile***

Alan had taken down a medical poster from the wall, and was now drawing on it. He had sketched a large pentagram, with a circle at the end of each point.
“So is this like a pentacle?” Ayako asked. “You know, with the points representing the elements and spirit or whatever?”
“Not quite,” Alan said. “each point is one of the emotions that has the strongest influence on peoples dreams. For this to work, I, as the caster, have to draw a marking in each circle that I can associate with the emotion.”
“So you can draw anything?” Asuka asked.
“If I believe in it,” Alan said. “Most ritual magic is all about symbolism.”
Alan quickly sketched a smiley face in one of the circles.
“Joy,” Alan said. “Then...”
Alan moved clockwise to the next circle, where he drew a lightning bolt.
“Anger,” he said.
He drew the symbol of Shub Nigurath in the next circle.
“Lust..,” he muttered to himself.
In the next circle he drew a flame.
“Fear,” he said. “And finally...”
He added a heart with an eye on it to the final circle.
“Sadness,” he finished.
“That looks just like the symbol on your sleeve and your chest,” Asuka said.
“Yeah,” Alan said, clutching a hand over the symbol on his coats sleeve, as if it pained him. “It's a long story.”
“I'm pretty sure a lot of dream researchers might disagree with what emotions influence dreams,” Ayako said.
“And I'm pretty sure a lot of dream researchers can go fuck themselves,” Alan replied.
“Are you sure you should be talking like that in front of Sally?” Asuka asked.
“I've heard worse,” Sally said.
“See?” Alan said. “She's heard worse.”
“So, this ritual thingy is fueled by the emotions?” Ayako asked.
“Not quite,” Alan said. “A pentacle would work like that, but this is a pentagram. It's power doesn't come from the points, but from the lines.”
“The lines?” Ayako asked.
“That's right,” Alan said. “The connections between the emotions. Joy and Lust, Anger and Fear, Lust and Sadness, Fear and Joy, Sadness and Anger.”
“I don't see how lust is connected to sadness,” Ayako said. “Or how fear is connected to joy.”
“Well, that's because you're thinking like a human,” Alan said.
Alan passed the poster and sharpie to Sally.
“Since your the spell's target, you need to draw something in the middle of the star that you believe reflects who you are,” he explained. “It can be whatever you want.”
Sally quickly doodled something before handing it back to Alan.
“It's a kitty!” she proclaimed.
“Cool,” Alan said.
He turned back to Ayako and Asuka for a moment, thinking.
“You guys wanna come along?” he asked.
“What do you mean?” Asuka asked.
“There's nothing wrong with our legs,” Ayako pointed out.
“Well, um... how do I explain this?” Alan pondered. “I'm not physically bringing her legs back. I'm taking her somewhere where she can use them again.”
“But she can't leave the hospital right now,” Asuka said.
“Magic,” Alan said. “So do you wanna come or not?”
“Sure,” Ayako said.
“O-okay,” Asuka said.
Alan handed them the poster.
“Draw whatever you want in the middle,” he said. “Whatever symbolizes you.”
Ayako pulled a tube o0f lipstick from her pocket and drew a circle , and filled it in.
“I giant red ball?” Alan asked.
“Yep!” Ayako replied.
“Fantastic,” Alan said.
Asuka took a minute deciding what to put. She eventually wrote down a pair of Japanese symbols. Alan stared at them for a moment, trying to figure them out. He had seen them before, in his dictionary.
“Angel? “he asked, after a little while.
“Y-yes,” Asuka said, blushing a bit. “Will it work?”
“As long as you believe in it,” Alan said, smiling.
He put the poster back up on the wall, and began drawing cosmic power into his body.
“I'm about to cast the spell,” he said. “You should probably sit down for this.”
Ayako and Asuka both took a seat. Ayako leaned forward a bit to try and see what Alan was going to do. He placed his hands on the poster, and channeled the power he had built up into the symbols.
“I'll meet you guys there in a few minutes,” he said. “Just wait for me once you arrive.”
He took a deep breathe and focused, forming a link between the three girls and the symbols they had drawn, and five more links between his emotions and the points of the star.
“Reverius Somnata!” he said.
Sally, Ayako, and Asuka immediately passed out. Ayako, not properly seated, fell to the floor. Alan sighed.
“I'll be right there,” he said. “Just need to take care of something first.”
Alan stepped out of the room into the hallway. He looked around to make sure the coast was clear before speaking.
“Ithaqua, you listening?” he asked.
“Yes,” sounded Ithaqua's voice, from inside his head. “What is it this time?”
“I, um,” Alan mumbling, hesitantly. “I need to speak to your father...”
“I'm listening,” said a voice, off to Alan's right.
Alan turned sharply, startled by the new presence. Standing at the end of the hallway was the Gold King, watching him intently.
“H-Hastur,” Alan stuttered.
“Mr. Peredur,” the Gold King replied. “What is it you wish to discuss?”
“I... I saw the girl,” Alan said. “The one you're looking for.”
Hastur was suddenly standing right in front of Alan, only a few inches between them. He stood a whole foot taller than Alan. He looked down calmly, eyes focusing on Alan, and spoke.
“Where did you see her?” he asked.
“I don't know the exact strret names,” Alan said. “But I can give you directions from here.”
“I'm listening,” Hastur said.
Alan quickly told Hastur how to get there. Hastur nodded, and turned away.
“I appreciate your help,” he said.
“Wait,” Alan said.
Hastur stopped and turned back to Alan.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Um,” Alan said. “Who... is this girl?”
Hastur paused for a moment, before nodding. Without speaking, he turned fully toward Alan, and locked his yellow eyes with Alan's. A moment later, Alan knew everything. He could see exactly who that woman was. And what she was capable of.
“No way, “Alan said. “You mean... she's...”
Hastur nodded.
“If you ever see her again, summon me immediately,” Hastur said.
“Sure thing,” Alan replied.
Hastur vanished. Alan was left alone there, with his thoughts.
“Fuck,” Alan said. “Things just a whole lot worse...”

***Meanwhile***

Drahoslav stood in a dark alleyway, whistling to himself. He gently stroked a pouch tied to his belt. Something sounding like a warped heartbeat was emanating from it. After a few minutes, a girl appeared before him. The same girl who Hastur had been searching for.
“Good to see you,” Drahoslav said. “How's it going?”
“Enough smalltalk, Abreu,” the girl said. “What exactly are you doing?”
“Oh?” Drahoslav said, grinning. “Whatever do you mean?”
“Bringing the Thief of the Gods here?” she said. “And the other two. The warlock and the vigilante. Just what the hell are you planning?”
“Something that your father will thank me for,” Drahoslav said.
He reached into the pouch, and withdrew a black statue, about a foot tall. It had an odd shape, resembling an obese man, with a shaved head, and tentacles sprouting from its face. A pair of folded wings sprouted from its grotesque, misshapen body, and a soft red light poured from its eyes.
“Is that what I think it is?” the girl asked. Her eyes flashed to a deep purple as she gazed upon the statue.
“Yes,” Drahoslav said, swishing it through the air a couple times.
“It's alive,” she said. “Just barely. It needs more.”
“I know,” Drahoslav said, putting it away. “I'll get it more. In the meantime, there's a favor I need you to do for me.”

***meanwhile***

Asuka knelt by a stream, examining her reflection. She lifted a hand up to her face, feeling the smooth skin there.
“My scars are all gone,” she said, curiously. “How is that possible?”
“Good question,” Ayako said. Her hair was now bright red, and slightly longer than before. “Where's Alan?”
“I don't know,” Asuka said, rising to her feet. “How do you fell, Sally?”
“This is amazing!” Sally exclaimed, running toward them.
Her legs were working perfectly now. She ran to the edge of the water and jumped in, splashing happily. Asuka smiled a bit, and looked around to get a look at their new surroundings. The skies were obscured by thick clouds. They were in a valley of some kind, with several streams branching off from a much larger river. Trees grew in various spots nearby, almost like a forest.
“Just what s this place?” Asuka asked.
“The mortal Dreamlands,” Alan's voice sounded from a distance away.
Asuka and Ayako turned to see him leaning again a tree. He was turned so that his right side was concealed from them. His jacket's hood was up, keeping most of his head hidden.
“The Dreamlands?” Asuka asked. “So... this is where people's dreams happen?”
“That's right,” Alan said. “This world is connected to the minds of all mortals. Everyone comes here when they fall asleep.”
“Then why did we need a ritual to come here? “Ayako asked.
“The ritual didn't bring us here,” Alan explained. “You see, when you fall asleep, your subconscious mind takes over. That's why we only remember events that take place here as dreams. The ritual allows our conscious mind to remain in control. Or something like that. This whole magic thing is screwy.”
Asuka squinted at him. At this distance, she couldn't make him out perfectly, but something was off. His jacket seemed burned in places, and he kept his hands hidden away in his pockets. He was trying to hide himself.
“What happened to my scars?” Asuka asked.
Alan sighed.
“This is why I brought Sally here,” Alan said. “When you enter the Dreamlands, you appear as you truly wish you could. That's why you guys look the way you do.”
“So what do you look like?” Ayako asked happily. “Come on, show us!”
Alan sighed again, and turned to face them. He removed his left hand from his pocket, revealing the badly burnt flesh. His body and clothing were burned. Most of the right shoulder of his jacket had been scorched away, and the sleeve would have fallen off entirely if it wasn't still connected at the elbow. He lifted his hand up and pulled his hood down, revealing his now mahogany hair and blue eyes, and the horrific scarring covering the right side of his face.
“This is what I look like,” he said.
Everyone went silent. Even Sally stopped playing around when she saw him. Asuka was the first to speak.
“Are they real?” she asked quietly.
“Yes,” Alan confirmed.
“You can... feel them?” she asked.
“Yes,” Alan said again, turning his face slightly away from them.
Asuka took a few deep breathes. She glared up at him, a mixture of confused emotions playing across her face.
“Why?” she asked. “Why would you want this?”
“Penance,” Alan said.
“What?” Asuka asked. She turned to Ayako, questioningly.
“I don't know what that word means,” Ayako said with a shrug.
“Look, I don't wanna get into this right now,” Alan said.
“But-” Asuka said, but Ayako interrupted her.
“Okay, Alan,” she said. “But you'll explain this to us some other time, right?”
“Yeah, eventually,” Alan said, pulling his hood back up. “You're hair looks very interesting by the way.”
“Yeah, Ayako said. “I wanted it red to begin with, but I messed up with the hair dye and it came out pink instead.”
“I kind of like it pink,” Asuka said.
“Really?” Ayako asked.
Suddenly, her hair shifted to a bright, bubblegum pink.
“I think it'd look good blue,” Alan said, smiling.
Ayako's hair turned a bright cyan, then became a deep cerulean, and then sea green.
“What's happening!?” Asuka demanded, almost panicking.
“Calm down,” Alan said, chuckling. “This is perfectly natural. It happens when people aren't entirely sure what they wanna look like.”
“This is totally radical!” Ayako squeed, as her hair became a mix of violet and orange.
“You guys have some fun,” Alan said, turning away from them. “I'm gonna go take care of something. I'll be back in a bit.”
He walked away, stepping into a clearing within some trees. He looked around him to make sure the coast was clear before calling Akro Tirio's name. The Shoggoth flew into the clearing a few moments later, coming to a halt in front of Alan.
“Hey, “Alan said. “I need to to do me a favor. A big one.
Akro made some grumbling noises.
“There's a huge, Eldritch conspiracy going on in Tokyo,” Alan said. “Hastur, Drahoslav, Nightgaunts, Deep Ones, that girl... this is big. I'm gonna have to be here a while.”
Akro growled something to Alan, who nodded.
“Once we wake up, I need you to fly back home,” Alan said. “Talk to Isidor. Get my things. I'll need my clothes, my phone charger, the rest of my bullets, and anything new Isidor has. Have him use that spell I taught him when you're done.”
Akro nodded.
“Good,” Alan said. “I'll see you later. I'm gonna go keep an eye on the girls.”
With that, the two of them parted ways.

***Meanwhile***

Nori and Susumu sat outside of a diner. Nori had his phone out, and was toying with it. Susumu sighed heavily.
“I don't suppose you've found him yet, have you?” he asked.
“Working on it,” Nori said. “Hold on... I got him. I've hacked the cams an abandoned bakery. I can see him.”
Nori turned his screen to show Susumu. Takumi was there, hiding out behind the counter, nursing his wounds.
“Do you have any explosives set up there?” Susumu asked.
“No,” Nori said. “They closed recently, so I haven't haven't had a chance to set anything up there. But they haven't removed any of the security cams or speaker systems.”
“Can you talk to him?”
“It'll take a minute for me to access the loudspeakers from here,” Nori said. “But I can do it.”
“Good,” Susumu replied.
Nori began hitting keys on his phone again.
At the Bakery, Takumi remained hidden, plugging his new wounds with napkins. It was doing a decent job at stopping the blood flow, but it wouldn't last forever. After a few minutes, the loudspeakers above him came on.
“Hello, Tachibana,” Nori's voice sounded. “How are you?”
Takumi glared up at the speaker, and the video camera above him. Things clicked into place instantly.
“You've hacked the security cams,” Takumi said.
“Bingo,” Nori replied. “I can see and hear you right now.”
“Oh goody,” Takumi groaned.
“I just want to talk, for now,” Nori said. “You've come after us in search of something we don't have. A misunderstanding like that can be forgiven.”
“You're annoying me,” Takumi said, rummaging through his robes until he found a sharpie.
“On the other hand, you've killed our men,” Nori said. “That, we cannot forgive you for so easily. The men you met earlier are already aware of your position, and will be there shortly.”
“Damn it!” Takumi cursed, clutching the sharpie tightly. He was hoping he wouldn't need to use it.
“They've been asked to show restraint,” Nori continued. “If you come with them quietly, we will show you mercy. Perhaps we can even put all this behind us, given time.”
Takumi's eyes darted around the area behind the counter, until he found an electrical outlet. He didn't know everything about electric wiring and circuits, but he was pretty sure his idea would work.
“However, if you choose to resist them, I've given them the message to kill you,” Nori finished.
“I've got a message for them to,” Takumi said, aiming his staff. “Pissantro!”
A bolt of lightnig shot from his staff, hitting the outlet and flowing through the building's wiring. The lights flickered and died. Loud static screeched from the speakers. Then everything went silent. Silent and dark.
Back outside the diner, Nori looked at his phone screen, baffled. He had been cut off from the building entirely.
“What happened?” Susumu asked.
“That dick hung up on me!” Nori exclaimed.
Back at the diner, Takumi uncapped his sharpie, and drew three circles on the floor in front of him. He reached up to the bullet hole in his arm, smearing his fingers in blood. Using his blood, he drew a larger circle, encompassing the three smaller ones. He then drew a symbol in one of the circles, resembling a circle with an off center dot near the middle of it.
“One for me,” he said.
He drew a single line, which branched into several, much longer tendrils, almost like roots.
“One for the ritual,” he muttered.
He turned his attention to the last circle, and drew the symbol of Shub Nigurath there.
“One for the god,” he said, grimacing at the thought.
Takumi didn't like to resort to Divine magic. But his body was too weak to use any more focal magic, and even if he could, he was in no mental condition to be using it properly right now. One top of that, he was going to be surrounded soon. He needed help. And the gods were the only ones her could turn to.

***Meanwhile***

Back in the Dreamlands, Alan and Asuka were both sitting at the edge of the stream, watching Ayako and Sally playing in the water. Ayako's hair was now pitch black, with gold tips, and was slightly pointier than before.
“So, do you come here every night?” Asuka asked.
“Yeah,” Alan said. “Kind of a habit by this point. It's like a home away from home.”
“So, can you bring us back here?” she asked him.
“You can come back on your own,” Alan said. “Now that that ritual's been used on you, it's stuck with you for life. You just have to say the incantation soon enough before you fall asleep.”
“So I can look like this whenever I want?” she asked, looking at her flawless hands.
“I think you looked fine the way you were,” Alan said.
“What?” she asked.
“Never mind,” Alan said hastily. “More importantly, you have to be careful here. Like I said, your emotions have an effect on this place. Lose control of them, and this world can remake itself into a nightmare.”
“But...,” Asuka said. “We can't... die here... can we?”
“Normally, no,” Alan said. “The subconscious mind is mostly invincible. That's why if you die in your dreams, nothing happens. But if you bring your conscious mind in here, you become vulnerable. That's why you've gotta watch your back.”
“I see,” Asuka said.
“And don't get cocky,” Alan said. “Even if you have a good handle on your emotions, the Dreamlands might reshape itself anyway. It can take events from your time and replay them to you.”
“You mean, like, memories? “Asuka asked.
“Didn't say memories,” Alan said. “I said time. The Dreamlands can project events from your past or your future. That's where deja vu comes from. When you see something you already saw in a dream.
“So, are the Dreamlands alive?” Asuka asked.
“No clue,” Alan said. “It might explain some things if they are, but it would probably raise even more mysteries.”
“So how come-” Asuka began, but she was cut off by a loud roar in the distance.
Everyone froze.
“What was that?” Sally asked.
“Alan?” Asuka said, questioningly.
“Some of the monsters you see in your dreams are real,” Alan muttered, rising to his feet. “Wait here. I'll go check it out.”
“Wait!” Asuka said, but it was already too late. Alan had taken off in the direction of the roaring.
Asuka got up and began to sprint after him.
“Nee-chan?” Ayako called.
“I'll be careful!” Asuka called back, and continued running.
Alan stopped at the top of a hill, looking down at a scene blow him. An old woman was cowering at the foot of a large boulder. Standing over her, was a massive, fierce looking beast. It was crouched on all four, and resembled a distorted Kimodo Dragon, though much larger. It was twelve feet tall at the shoulders, and at least 50 feet from its neck to the tip of its muscular tail. It's head was disproportionately large, with massive fangs jutting from its mouth.
“Damn it,” Alan sighed. “I thought that roar was familiar. Sometimes being the hero sucks...”
Alan took a deep breath and shouted down at the creature.
“Hey, Hagarg!” he shouted.
“What?” Asuka asked from behind him.
“Shit!” Alan snapped. “When did you get here!?”
The creature turned up to look at Alan, its red, reptilian eyes narrowing into slits.
“Peredur,” it growled, its voice at a level volume, but still extremely sinister.
“What is that thing!?” Asuka gasped.
“Stay behind me,” Alan said, before turning his attention back to the creature. “Didn't anyone ever tell you to pick on someone your own size? I mean, I know that might be difficult for you, considering-”
Alan was cut off by the beast's roar, and fell silent. He looked up, locking his eyes with the one of the creature's that was visible from this angle. The creature stood there for a moment before speaking again.
“Bah!” it said. “I don't have the time or the mood to deal with you right now.”
It turned and began crawling away swiftly, but it stopped at a distance and turned its face back to Alan.
“Next time I see you,” it said, “I will knock out all of your teeth.”
Then it continued moving, disappearing into the distance.
“What was that?” Asuka asked.
“Hagarg Ryonis,” Alan said. “I don't know if you can tell, but we have history.”
“I can see that,” Asuka said. “Are you gonna talk about it?”
“Not planning on it,” Alan said.
“Fair enough,” Asuka replied. “Should we check on her?”
“Yeah,” Alan said. “Let's go.
They both headed down the hill, to where the old lady was still huddled over. She looked up at them as they approached.
“Are you the ones who saved me?” she asked.
“It was Alan actually,” Asuka asked.
“Hagarg kind of just left,” Alan said. “You okay?”
“Oh, yes, yes!” the lady said, excitedly rising to her feet. “Please, let me repay you!”
“Um, that's not necessary,” Alan said.
“I insist,” the woman said. “But...”
She stroked her chin thoughtfully.
“What to give you...,” she muttered. “Maybe if I could see you a little better...”
She raised one of her hands toward them.
“Pala Vesitero,” she said.
A flash of bright light exploded from her hand. Alan rose his arms quickly to shield his eyes. As he did, he noticed something. His clothing and skin were completely undamaged. He was no longer burned. He turned to look at Asuka, and saw her in her real form, covered in old scars.
“A reverse Subform Spell, “Alan said. “You're a sorcerer!”
“As are you,” the lady said. “The scent of magic is strong about you. In fact, I think I have just the thing.”
The lady passed Alan a ring. It was silver, and had a purple crystal on it. Alan took it in his hand, just as he returned to his Dreamland form.
“A focus,” he said.
“Not a strong one,” the lady said. “But it can be used.”
She turned to Asuka, and got a short look at her scarring before she also returned to her Dreamland form.
“You, have had your beauty tarnished,” the lady said. “But as your subform shows, you wish for it back. I know what to give you.”
The lady raised a phial of gleaming white liquid in front of Asuka.
“This is a healing potion,” the woman said. “It can heal virtually anything. Any wounds you've ever received will be undone.”
“This... will make me normal again?” Asuka asked.
“Yes,” the lady said. “Of course, there's some limits. It will only work on a body that has already completed its adolescence. And secondly, it will only work beneath the light of a full moon. Which, I believe, is tomorrow night.”
“So, it wouldn't work on Sally, then,” Asuka said.
“It will work on you, dear,” the lady said.
Asuka turned to Alan.
“I can look like this... forever,” she said, raising a hand to her face.
Alan looked at her, somewhat sadly.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
“Oh, it's nothing,” Alan said. “This is your choice. Right, lady?”
He turned, only to find the old lady was no longer there.
“Oh, well that's not creepy in any way,” Alan said. “Whatever. Let's get back to the others. We should wake up soon.”
“Really?” Asuka asked.
“The Dreamlands are great and all,” Alan said. “But the real world is important too.”
“Okay,” Asuka said.
She turned and walked back up the hill. Alan hesitated for a moment.
“I think...,” he said, under his breath. “That you look fine the way you are. How you really are...”
He shrugged and followed Asuka back up the hill.

***Meanwhile***

The five Silver Wolves entered the bakery. They had their guns drawn. Takumi's head poked up from behind the counter. One on the wolves took his phone out and pressed a few buttons on it.
“Tachibana,” Nori's voice sounded. “I'm really not looking forward to any violence.”
Takumi rose, with his back to them, and his hands up in the air.
“Is this a surrender?” Nori asked. “I honestly wasn't expecting this of you.”
"Meh,” Takumi said. “I'm too drunk to keep fighting right now.”
“Good,” Nori said. “So if you'll just come-”
“Ia! Ia!” Takumi shouted, startling every one. “Shub Nigurath! Feed your power to this place! Grant new life to that which has died! Fuel the growth of the green Earth, and raise that which rests beneath the soil and concrete of this building! Geosamora Hirauvo!”
The five men all stared at him, confused. Then the ground beneath them began to rumble. Shub Nigurath's power flowed through the countless roots of dead plants buried deep beneath the bakery, reinvigorating them. They grew up rapidly, stronger than they had ever been. They burst forth from beneath the floor, growing up in twisting, chaotic patterns. The men became entangled. They were lifted into the air by the rapidly rising plants, and their guns fell from their hands. The man with the phone tried desperately to hold on to it, but it slipped from his hand, right into Takumi's outstretched palm. He lifted it in front of him, and gazed into Nori's image on the screen.
“Tachibana,” Nori said. “What have you done?”
“Sorry, I think I'd better hang up,” Takumi said casually. “I've had a lot to drink, and I'm afraid I might say something to you that I'll regret tomorrow.”
With that, he chucked the phone as hard as he could against the floor, shattering it.
“So then,” said a female voice, from behind him. “That was quite entertaining.
Takumi turned around, not at all surprised by Shub Nigurath's arrival. The other men were, and they gasped and swore in panick. The deity stood their, in her almost human form, leaning against a cluster of roots, with her arms folded.
“That was quite a bit of power you requested of my this time, achi,” she said. “How are you going to repay this new debt?”
Takumi waved a hand idly at the men dangling above them.
“Fresh meat,” he said, before turning and heading for the door.
Shub Nigurath's body emitted a sound that seemed to be a distorted chuckle.
“Well, then,” she said. “I'm supposed to be on a diet...”
Her limbs stretched out disproportionately. Eyes appeared in places they didn't belong, and her face split open horizontally, revealing viscious, angler fish-like fange, dripping with saliva.
“...But I think I've earned a little treat.”
“Oh god no!” one of the men shouted, as Shub Nigurath's teeth surged toward his face.
Takumi shut the door on the grotesque feast behind him, and began limping away. He turned and strode down a nearby alley, hoping to avoid the eyes of anyone else who was out that late. He ran right into Drahoslav.
“Hello, Takumi,” Drahoslav said. “I was wondering how long this would take you. I honestly thought you'd have more bullet holes.”
“You,” Takumi growled. “You're the reason they know who I am.”
“Oh, damn,” Drahoslav said, smiling wickedly. “However did you find out?”
“How could I not realize it,” Takumi said. “I've figured you were up to something from the beginning. You're pitting us against each other, and I want to know why.”
“So sorry,” Drahoslav said. “A good villain doesn't tell the hero- even if the 'hero' part is questionable- about his scheme.”
He vanished instantly, appearing directly before Takumi. He hit him hard with a thrust punch to his solar plexus, and Takumi collapsed, gasping for breath. His broken ribs burned intensely. Takumi angrily rolled over, lifting his staff to point at Drahoslav.
“Bierto Malus!” Takumi shouted.
Drahoslav didn't try to avoid the attack at all. He simply raised a hand, and the crimson lightning hit his palm, and was defelcted off to the side, hitting the wall of the building next to them.
“Ah, yes, “Drahoslav said. “Thank you so much.”
Takumi lay there, stunned, after seeing someone block his strongest spell so easily.
“Thank me... for what?” takumi managed to spit out.
“Why, for showing me how it works,” Drahoslav said.
Drahoslave raised his right hand to the sky, and as he did, Takumi could feel the cosmic power being pulled into Drahoslav's body. Red sparks skittered across his flesh, as he pulled his lips up into a devilish grin.
“Bierto Malus!” Drahoslav cried, firing a shot of red lightnign from his bare hand into the sky above him. Takumi stared, dumbfounded.
“H-how-,” Takumi stuttered. “How can y-you-.”
“Cast that spell without a focus?” Drahoslav finished. “I don't need one. Anyway...”
Drahoslav stomped down hard on Takumi's chest, cracking the sternum. Takumi cried out in pain, causing his ribs to hurt even more.
“I must be off,” Drahoslav said. “Sbohem, Takumi.”
With that, Drahoslav vanished, leaving Takumi there, groaning in pain. After several minutes, a figure rushed into the Alley, and knelt beside Takumi.
“Shit,” Thomas muttered. “You okay?”
“Why are... you back,” Takumi hissed.
“I saw the lightning,” Thomas said. “Damn it. This is bad. We need to get you to a hospital.”
“Ugh,” Takumi moaned, his eyelids beginning to droop.
“Hey?” Thomas asked. “Can you hear me?”
Takumi didn't respond.  He had fallen unconscious.
“Shit!” Thomas said. “Not good!”

***Meanwhile***

Artur and Jarmil met back at the hotel room.
“So, any luck?” Jarmil asked.
“We narrowed down our search some,” Artur said. “Jaxson decided to stay out while I got some rest.”
“You met Ayako Minami and Asuka Tsukino?” Jarmil asked.
“yes, I believe those were their names,” Artur said. “They were pretty helpful.”
“They know alan,” Jarmil said.
“I figured as much,” Artur said. “How did it go with him?”
“He's a decent enough guy,” Jarmil said. “But he's a idiot. He doesn't know what he's getting himself into.”
“Yes, HE's an idiot,” Artur said, frowning at Jarmil.
“What?” Jarmil asked.
“Oh, nothing,” Artur said. “I put a tracking spell on one of those girls. I thought it might come in handy.”
“Good thinking,” Jarmil said. “Can I have a look at it?”
“Of course,” Artur said, reaching into his cloak. “What? It's... not here!”
“Damn,” Jarmil said. “I should have noticed it...”
“Noticed what?” Artur asked.
“When the girls mentioned Jaxson's alias,” Jarmil said. “Alan's reaction was so subtle...”
“Jaxson?” Artur asked. “You don't think... he took the spell?”
“Yes,” Jarmil said. “They've met.”

***Meanwhile***

Jaxson stood in the parking lot of the hospital, music loud in his ears.  A medallion was hanging from his hand. It was swaying slightly toward the building. Jaxson sniffed the air, and grinned broadly.
“I can smell you, Peredur,” he said, as his eyes turned to their deep green shade. “It's payback time!”



Kzed Report 20

Shub Nigurath is a fertility deity, and one of the most well know of the Great Old Ones. She is known to have bore over a thousand children, and some point of time, she is said to have mated with the Gold King.
Most rituals that involve creating or restoring life, or speeding the growth of life, invoke her power. This includes, but is not limited to, the creation of Shoggoths. Although beings as strong as the Old Ones can created Shoggoths almost on a whim, humans require the assistance of am Old One to create them, and She is often the first choice.
She is known to encourage the creation of life, and the advancement of evolution, as they are her domains, and she apparently holds great interest in life and its course.
The true extent of her power is unknown, at least to humans, but it is my wish to see what she is truly capable of. I'm tempted to try out one of her rituals, just to witness a taste of her strength. However, doing so could be risky. Divine magic is a dangerous field. Gods do not come lightly when called, and the price they ask for is often greater than we expect.