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.

Seven; Trickster

Three individuals gathered in an old warehouse. The first of them, a middle aged man with a buzz cut and a business suit, had sat down on one of the crates. Another, much younger man, stood in the corner, typing on his phone. The last person, a woman, was leaning against some crates. Her right arm was gone, cut off below the shoulder. In her left hand, she held a pair of marbles, which she was rolling around in her palm.
“Hey, bad news Susumu,” the boy with the phone said. “A bunch of our guys were found dead in Hamarikyu Gardens. There was only one survivor, and he's been arrested.”
“Damn it!” The older man said. “Can you find anything about the cause of death?”
The boy looked through the article on his phone.
“Looks like they were electrocuted,” he said. “And people reported seeing red flashes in the area.”
The woman's hand froze. “Red flashes,” she muttered. “And electricity.... It couldn't be...”
“You know something?” the man asked.
“You wouldn't believe me if I tried to explain it,” she said.
“Well, of course he won't believe it if you don't demonstrate your power,” said a new voice.
All three of them drew pistols and aimed them into the darkness. Drahoslav stood there, with his hands in the air and a cocky grin on his face.
“Whoa, whoa,” he said. “I'm not here for trouble. I just came to talk.”
“Who are you!?” the man demanded.
“I am Drahoslav Abreu,” Drahoslav replied. “And you are Susumu Himura. The young man with his cell phone out is Nori Tsukuda, and you,” he turned to face the one-armed woman, “Are Celina Williams. It's an honor.”
Celina kept her gun trained on him.
“How do you know our names?” she demanded.
“You wouldn't believe me if I tried to explain it,” Drahoslav said, echoing her.
“What was he saying about demonstrating your power?” Susumu asked.
“Hasn't she told you?” Drahoslav asked. “Celina here is a former member of the Cult Of Cthulhu. She is a collector of arcane artifacts, and a damn good sorceress. As a matter of fact, she is one of the only two people on Earth who is able to use the Malice Lightning spell, which was what killed all of your cronies earlier.”
“Alright,” Susumu said, cocking his gun. “You're full of shit.”
“Show him,” Drahoslav said to Celina. “Show him what you can do.”
Celina returned her gun to its holster and retrieved her marbles from he pocket.
“What are you doing?” Nori asked her.
“Shut up for a minute,” she said. She whispered something to one of the marbles and then threw it into the air. It few a few feet before it changed course, accelerated, and flew out the window.
“What the hell?” Susumu asked. “What's going on?”
“Give it a minute,” Celina said. The marble she still had in her hand began glowing. “You boys ever played Portal?”
She threw the marble into the air, where it hovered for a moment before expanding into an oval shaped vortex. She jumped into it, and a few moments later a man was shoved through; the man who had been arrested earlier. Celina stepped through the portal after him, and it closed shut, becoming a marble again and returning to her hand. A few moments later, the other marble flew in through the window and she caught it.
“The Orbs Of Gleeth,” Drahoslav said. “Each one holds a portal. What goes in one comes out the other. I'm impressed.”
“So everything he said just now... was true?” Nori asked.
“Yeah, pretty much,” Celina said.
“How come you never told us?” Susumu asked.
“It's not something I like to bring up,” Celina said.
“So who's been killing our men?” Susumu asked Drahoslav.
“Well, as I mentioned, they were killed by the Malice Lightning spell,” Drahoslav said. “And there's only one person aside from Ms. Williams here who can use it.”
“Takumi Tachibana,” she said. “Last I heard, he was out looking for the Necronomicon.”
“So then,” Nori said. “If he's attacking our men, that that would mean that...”
“He thinks you have it,” Drahoslav finished for him. “If you ask me, you're all utterly screwed if he decides to come after you. Unless of course you get the right help.”
“What?” Susumu asked.
“Susumu Himura! Leader of the Silver Wolves!” Drahoslav said, bowing deeply, but maintaining eye contact with Susumu. He grinned wickedly as he spoke. “I have come here today to offer you my services.”
Susumu stared into Drahoslav's eyes for a while, without blinking. And then he spoke.
“What's your price?” he asked.
Drahoslav grinned even broader.
“I don't ask for much,” he said. “Only that you help me raise some hell.”

*Meanwhile*

Alan blocked a large burst of flames with Akro Tirio's shield form.
“Damn it,” Alan muttered. “I freaking hate fire.”
Akro Tirio shifted into his gun form and Alan fired at Jarmil. An armor of stone and crystal coated Jarmil's torso, protecting him.
“This looks familiar,” Alan said. Let me guess, Dygra, right?”
“You're good at this game,” Jarmil said, as him armor crumbled. “Let's keep playing. Which god am I now!?”
Jarmil's body began glowing again, and he charged at Alan. Alan sidestepped the attack and Jarmil zipped by him. Jarmil turned around and ran back to Alan, stopping just short of him and launching a side kick. Alan dodged it, and Jarmil attacked three more times, the last kick hitting its mark on Alan's ribcage and winding him. Alan swung his cane quickly, hitting the back of Jarmil's knees, and they both went down. Jarmil's body stopped glowing, and they both took a moment to catch their breath.
“Okay,” Alan said. “I'm guessing that was Iod, right?”
“Yeah,” Jarmil said, wiping some sweat from his brow. “The Light Hunter.”
“I see,” Alan said, pulling his sharpie from his pocket and drawing a triangle on the sidewalk, with a circle at each corner. Jarmil didn't seem to notice. “I think I've figured your power out.”
“Oh really?” Jarmil asked, as Alan drew a marking resembling a modified symbol of Shub-Nigurath in one of the circles.
“Yeah,” Alan said. “Iod moves at the speed of light. I could still see you and track your movements, which means you were only moving at a fraction of that speed.”
Alan quickly drew a symbol in the next circle, resembling a cross inside of a crescent moon.
“So you've noticed, Jarmil said, rising to his feet. Alan rose as well, putting his drawing on hold in order to avoid drawing any attention to it.
“Yeah,” Alan said. “You can use the Old One's powers, but you're nowhere near as powerful as them.”
“That may be so,” Jarmil said, conjuring a fireball. “But I can use what power I do have pretty efficiently.”
Jarmil threw the ball of fire at Alan, who dodged it. Akro Tirio switched into his hammer form as Jarmil threw another fireball. Alan smacked the ball of flames with the hammer, sending it back at Jarmil. The blast hit him in the chest and knocked him over. Alan took the chance to kneel down and draw a symbol in the last circle; a heart with an eye on it.
“How long have we been at it?” Jarmil asked, getting back up as if the blast hadn't harmed him. The skin on his chest hadn't gotten somewhat red, though.
“About half an hour, give or take,” Alan said. “Why? You getting tired?”
“A little fatigued, maybe,” Jarmil said.
Aro Tirio reverted to his cloak form and draped himself over Alan's shoulders.
“Well, let's cool things off a little, shall we?” Alan asked, raising a fist into the air. “See if that helps.”
“Wait a minute...,” Jarmil said, raisng a hand in front of him, toward the symbol on the ground. “That symbol...”
“Hey! Ithaqua!” Alan shouted. “How about lending a hand!”
“Oh, shit,” Jarmil said.
“Itinius Maltiore!” Alan cried, slamming his fist into the middle of the triangle.
Ithaqua answered the request immediately. Divine power flowed through the pattern on the ground and expanded rapidly outward, coating the ground in a layer of ice. Frost began forming on Jarmil's bare skin. Alan rose to his feet and struck Jarmil. Jarmil stepped backward, his movements difficult because of the cold, and he was barely able to block Alan's next few attacks.
“You know, taking off your shirt may give you some mobility, but it's not as good when it's cold out,” Alan commented.
“Maybe not,” Jarmil said. “But I've still got a few tricks.”
Jarmil's muscles glowed red beneath his skin, and the frost melted off of him.
“Say hello to Juk-Shab's power!” he said, throwing a punch at Alan. Alan stepped back just in time to avoid it and grinned.
“Finally,” he said. “You're getting serious.”

*Meanwhile*

“So we're lost?” Artur said.
“I never said that!” Jaxson exclaimed defensively. “I just said that I'm unsure of the exact direction we are supposed to be going in at the moment.”
“Which roughly translates into 'We're lost',” Artur said.
“Tokyo's a big place!” Jaxson said. “I can't be expected to know where everything is!”
“I have an idea,” Artur said, pointing across the street, where Asuka and Ayako were walking by on their way home. “Let's ask those two girls for directions.”
“Um, no,” Jaxson said. “I'm an American. I don't ask for directions.”
“Yeah, well, I'm Czech,” Artur retorted. “And I do ask for directions. Now come on.”
They crossed the street and caught up to Asuka and Ayako.
“Shitsurei!” Jaxson called to them. They both stopped and turned to them. Asuka immediately positioned herself behind Ayako to keep her scars hidden.
“Ask them if they know where the band member's apartments are,” Artur said.
“Yeah, I know,” Jaxson said.
He began to asked the question in Japanese, but Ayako interrupted him by saying “We speak English.”
“Oh,” Jaxson said, taking a step back. “Well now I feel useless.”
“I'm sorry to bother you,” Artur said. “My name is Artur, and this is my friend Jax-”
“Song!” Jaxson interrupted. “My name is Song. Song Breaker.”
“Um... right,” Artur said. “We're looking to the members of a band called Emerarudo Karasu. I don't suppose you could help, could you?”
“Um, I think the bass player lives a few blocks from here,” Ayako said.
“Um, Artur?” Jaxson said. “I think you should-”
“Hold that thought,” Artur said. “Do you think you could give an address or something to help narrow it down?”
“Well, I might be able to give to some street names to check out,” Ayako said, reaching into her purse. “Just let me get a pen.”
“Artur, seriously, you should-” Jaxson began.
“Not now!” Artur hissed at him. “Give me a minute.”
Ayako got out a pen and paper and quickly jotted down some street names for him.
“Here you go,” she said. “Hope that helps.”
“Artur!” Jaxson shouted, startling all of them.
“What!?” Artur shouted back.
“Deep Ones!” Jaxson said, pointing past them.
Everyone turned to where he was pointing to see 30 or so humanoid fish creatures charging toward them from a few blocks away.
“Oh shit!” Artur said, reaching into his jacket pocket and drawing a pair of chopsticks. He pointed them forward and they immediately extended at lightning speed, reaching the Deep Ones and impaling two of them through their hearts before retracting to their original length.
“Are those... magical extending chopsticks?” Ayako asked.
“Don't look at me,” Jaxson said. “I have no idea how they work either.”
The Deep Ones were gaining on them. Ayako pulled a can of pepper spray out of her purse, and Asuka drew a switchblade from her pocket. Artur extended his chopsticks again, batting the closest of the Deep Ones away.
“Cool kinfe,” Jaxson said to Asuka, as he cranked up his MP3 player and stepped forward. His eyes shifted to green. “Artur, I'll hold them off, you keep the ladies safe.”
“How are you gonna-” Ayako began to ask, but she didn't get a chance to finish her question before Jaxson darted forward, punching the head of one of the Deep Ones. He continued to tear through them, shouting words as he did so. Asuka listened in to try and hear what he was saying.
“He's... singing?” she said.
Sure enough, Jaxson was singing along to his music as he made mincemeat of every Deep One he came across.
“Waiting!” he sang, punching clean through one of their torsos. “For your modern messiah!” He proceeded to tear the limbs off of another. “To take away all the hatred!” He tripped one with his foot, then ax kicked its spine with enough force to break its back like a twig. “That Darkens the light in your eyes!” He ripped the head from one of them and threw it at some others, sending them flying away like bowling pins. He positioned himself in a fighting stance as more of them began charging toward him. “Still Awaiting, I!”
He continued pulverizing every Deep One that got close enough to him, but one of the Deep Ones in the back row hoisted a large javelin above its head and hurled it at him. The spear flew at him from behind, embedding itself in his back and coming out through the other side.
“Oh my god!” Ayako cried out.
“Song!” Asuka yelled.
“Oh god!” Jaxson said, falling to his side on the pavement. “Impalement!”
The surrounding Deep Ones jumped at him, ready to tear him apart, but Artur raised his chopsticks, with extended and retracted at rapid speed, hitting the Deep Ones over and over again, like bullets from a Gatling gun. They started backing off, and Artur ran to try and help Jaxson.
“They brought spears,” Jaxson said, lifting himself to his feet, with the javelin still stuck through his torso. “I hate when they bring spears.”
The Deep Ones began stalking forward again, raising more spears pointed at Artur and Jaxson.
“Oh god,” Asuka said, clutching her knife. “What are we gonna do. Without warning, a figure dressed in tattered yellow clothing and a gold mask passed her from behind and approached the Deep Ones casually.
“What the... who are you!?” Ayako asked.
The Gold King ignored her and stopped a few feet from the gathering of Deep Ones. He glared at them from behind his mask. They had all frozen, looking in horror at the man who now stood before them.
“What the hell are you fiends doing here?” the Gold King demanded.

*Meanwhile*

Jarmil flew toward Alan, a pair of giant emaciated wings sprouting from his back. Alan dodged the attack, with Akro Tirio carrying him through the air on his wings. Jarmil spun around and swung a roundhouse kick at Alan, who blocked it and sent a front kick into Jarmil's chest, pushing him away.
“Alright, you got me,” Alan said. “Which Old One is this?”
“Yegg-Ha,” Jarmil said., charging again and attempting a hay-maker.
“Oh, the tall faceless guy with the wings,” Alan said, blocking it and jabbing at Jarmil's solar plexus. “Wasn't he torn to pieces?”
“Yeah,” Jarmil said, as he flew back enough to evade Alan's attack. “Made it really easy to steal his power.”
“I see,” Alan said, flying up close to Jarmil and striking him in the chest with his palm.
“That was a little weak,” Jarmil commented.
“Kazmararra,” Alan said calmly.
“Shit!” Jarmil exclaimed, just as the pulse of cosmic energy sent him crashing to the ground.
Alan landed a short distance away from him.
“You know, this fight has been going on an awfully long time,” Alan said.
“Yes it has,” Jarmil said, rising to his feet as his wings fused back into his back. “What do you say we make this simple for both of us.”
“I'm listening,” Alan said.
“Let's both fire our strongest attacks at each other at the same time and whoever is still standing wins,” Jarmil said.
“Can we call the names of our attacks while we do it?” Alan asked.
“Wouldn't be any fun if we didn't,” Jarmil said, smiling.
“Alright,” Alan said. “Let's go!”
Jarmil raised a hand into the air and black mist began to seep from beneath his skin. Alan reached to his belt and drew one of his bullets, while Akro shifted into his gun form. The mist became denser, and surrounded his forearm like a glove of darkness. Alan flipped the bullet into the air and caught it as it came back down. Akro cracked open like a rifle, and Alan shoved the bullet into the chamber.
“Get ready,” Jarmil said, prepared to unleash all the dark power he had just built up.
“Ready when you are,” Alan said, taking aim.
“Tma Pistole!” Jarmil shouted, firing the mass of blackness straight at Alan.
“Venix Shell!” Alan cried, pulling the trigger.
When Alan had used the power transfer spell on the C'hagian seed, he had produced 12 bullets. He had already tested one of them out in a secluded junkyard, so he knew exactly how powerful they were.
The fiery bullet flew through the air, and as it did, it changed form into a giant flaming creature, similar in shape to a bird, but without the legs, and with a serpentine tail. The creature collided with Jarmil's blast of dark energy, and both exploded. Flames and shadows expanded rapidly outward, sweeping both Jarmil and Alan off of their feet and sending them flying. Akro quickly shifted into his winged form, and grabbed Alan with one of his tentacles. He grabbed a streetlamps pole as the flew by, stopping him from being sent even further.
The flame dispersed, followed by what remained of the black mist. Jarmil lay sprawled on the pavement a block away. Alan and Akro flew over to him and stood above him. Jarmil signed and rested a hand over his eyes.
“You wanna go grab a beer?” he asked.
“I don't drink,” Alan said. “But I could totally go for a diet coke right now.”
Jarmil chuckled. “Diet coke. Of course.” He raised one of his hands into the air. “Help me up?”
Alan smiled and grabbed Jarmil's hand.

*Meanwhile*

The Gold King stared down the Deep Ones before him. One by one, they seemed to get over their fear and take stances. One of them let out a battle cry, and they all charged at him.
It was hopeless.
The Gold King didn't flinch, or even move at all. The Deep Ones began falling apart as they ran, as if they were being cut up by invisible blades. They lost arms, legs, and even heads. In a matter of moments, they were all dead.
And the whole time, the Gold King just stood there and watched them fall to pieces.
He then turned to the girls and looked them over. His eyes hovered on Asuka's face for a few seconds before he spoke.
“You're Asuka Tsukino, aren't you?” he asked.
“Um... yes,” she said nervously.
He approached her, drawing a photograph from one of his pockets as he did. He handed it to her. She glanced down at it to see a picture of a young schoolgirl.
“If you or anyone you know sees this girl, have Alan contact me,” he said.
Asuka looked up at his eyes, then gasped in shock when she noticed a bloody javelin flying through the air at the back of his head. Before it could hit him, it simply froze in midair, a few inches away. He turned to look at it, then lowered his gaze to see Jaxson, standing up, with a hand clutched to the now open wound from the spear. He had ripped it out of his own body to throw at the Gold King.
“Fuck you, Hastur!” Jaxson hissed.
“Oh, it's you,” the Gold King said calmly. “Are you okay, Song Breaker? You seem to be bleeding.”
“Go to hell!” Jaxson said.
“Fine, I didn't care anyway,” the Gold King said, vanishing.
“Holy shit!” Ayako said, rushing over to Jaxson. “Come on, my mom owns a hospital, we'll get you help.”
“That won't be necessary,” he said, backing away. “I'm fine.”
“Like hell you are!” Ayako said. “You were just impaled! And what were you thinking, pulling it out! You're gonna bleed faster now!”
“I'm fine,” he insisted.
“No you're not, you-!” Ayako shouted.
“Look!” he interrupted, lifting up his shirt to expose his flawless stomach. The wound was gone. “I'm fine,” he repeated.
“But- how...” she stuttered.
“I don't want to talk about it,” he said. “I'm sorry for the trouble we caused. I have to go get cleaned up. Thanks for the street names.”
Ayako stood there stunned as he and Artur walked away. Artur leaned in to speak to Jaxson as they walked.
“Hastur mentioned Alan to those girls,” he said. “Think they know him?”
“Seems likely,” Jaxson said. “Should we keep track of them?”
“Already taken care of,” Artur said. “I placed a tracking spell on the pink haired one while you were argueing with her.”
“You crafty bastard,” Jaxson chuckled.
Meanwhile, Ayako walked back over to Asuka.
“What the hell is that guy?” she asked.
“I don't know,” Asuka said. “With the masked guy, the Deep Ones, and that Nightgaunt the other night, I'm not sure what's going on any more.”
“Well, I bet I know who does,” Ayako said.
“Alan,” Asuka asked.
“Mr. Goldylockes mentioned him, so I bet they know each other somehow,” Ayako said. “And he took out the Nightgaunt, so he's obviously used to this supernatural crap. I'm sure he knows more than he lets on.”
“Should we call him?” Asuka asked.
“I don't have his number,” Ayako said.
“I, um,” Asuka mumbled, drawing out her phone. “He, um, gave it to me earlier...”
“He gave you his number?” Ayako asked. She burst out laughing.
“What's so funny?” Asuka asked.
“Nothing, nothing,” Ayako said. “Anyway, we'd better get a hold of-”
She was cut off when her phone started ringing. She pulled it from her pocket.
“It's Mom,” she said. “I'd better take this.”

*Meanwhile*

Alan cracked open his soda and took a deep swig.
“Wow,” he said. “Japanese soda is like, ten times better than American soda.”
“I'll tae your word for it,” Jarmil said, taking a drink from his beer can.
“So, what did you learn about me?” Alan asked.
“I learned not to piss you off, that's what I learned,” Jarmil said. “Other than that, you seem like a decent enough guy. That's what really worries me.”
“What do you mean?” Alan asked.
“Ever hear of a man named Drahoslav Abreu?” Jarmil asked.
“Can't say that I have,” Alan admitted.
“He was a cultist,” Jarmil explained. “Two years ago, he got himself trapped in R'lyeh.”
“R'lyeh?” Alan asked. “You mean Cthulhu's prison?”
“No,” Jarmil said sarcastically. “I was talking about the other R'lyeh, with the ice cream and the sunflowers. Anyway, he managed to escape, and he's up to something.”
“So what does this have to do with me?” Alan asked.
“I heard that you play a big role in his plans, whatever they are,” Jarmil said. “If you weren't such a good guy, it would make this a lot simpler.”
“How so?” Alan asked.
“Drahoslav is a manipulative bastard,” Jarmil said. “If you were a bad guy, it'd be easy to figure out what he has planned for you. But there's no telling how a good guy will fit into his plans. Be careful. I have no idea what he's up to.”
“How do you know so much about him?” Alan asked.
Jarmil stopped in his tracks and fiddled with the can he was holding.
“Drahoslav... is my cousin,” Jarmil confessed.
Alan stopped too, but before he could say anything to Jarmil, his phone went off.
“Great fucking timing,” he muttered, pulling it from his pocket. “What's up?”
“Alan?” Asuka said from the other end. “Ms. Minami called us a minute ago. She needs help at the hospital. Ayako and I are heading other there now. Do you think you can meet us there?”
“Yeah, sure,” Alan said.
“Like, soon?” she asked.
“Okay,” Alan said.
“Alan's got a girlfriend,” Jarmil said mockingly.
“Shut up,” Alan hissed at him, then turned his attention back to the phone. “I'll be there soon.”
“Oka,” Asuka said. “Um, also, do you know a man in a gold mask?”
Alan's heart skipped a beat.
“A gold masked?” he asked.
“Yes,” she confirmed. “And he has long blonde hair and tattered clothes. Do you know him?”
“I know oOF him,” Alan admitted. “I'll talk about it once I'm at the hosptial. What's going on over there, anyway?”
“A little girl was shot in the parking lot,” Asuka said.
“Shit!” Alan muttered. “I'll get there as fast as I can.”
He hung up and turned to Jarmil.
“Trouble?” Jarmil asked.
“You have no idea,” Alan said. “A little girl was shot outside the hospital.”
“There's only one guy I know who's that sadistic,” Jarmil said. “I'm coming with you. I need to find out for sure.”
“It gets worse,” Alan said.
“How so?” Jarmil asked.
“Hastur's in town,” Alan said.
“Oh,” Jarmil said. “Fuck.”


Kzed Report 16

Rituals are all about symbolism. When you draw the markings used for ritual magic, they have to mean something. For this entry, I will be using the Itinius Maltiore spell as an example.
The markings for this spell consist of a triangle with a circle at each point. Symbols must be drawn inside of the circles.
The first symbol is the symbol of the Old One you are trying to connect with. You do not need to draw the Old One's official symbol. You must simply draw a symbol that you associate with them. You do not need to draw it perfectly, but you must believe in the meaning it represents. This symbol serves as a conduit, which allows the Old One to lend its power to the spell. This symbol must be drawn in the first circle you drew.
The second symbol is the symbol for the spell itself. The symbol resembles a cross, with two thirds of a circle surrounding it, much like a crescent moon. Again, it does not have to be drawn perfectly, but the meaning must be there. This symbol links the ritual to the atmosphere, allowing to divine power lent by the Old One to affect the world around it. It must be drawn in the second circle you drew.
The third symbol can be a drawing of anything the caster finds sentimental or important to them. I always draw a pentacle. I learned about their meaning in high school, and I've always found them symbolic. This symbol binds the caster to the spell, allowing them to control its power. It must be drawn in the last circle you drew.
Upon completing the ritual, the caster must call out to the god, and place a part of there body (usually the hands), in the center of the triangle. If the god if kind, they will add their power to the spell so that it may take effect.

Six; Open Mind

It was early morning, in a small coffee shop in Tokyo. It was mostly empty, except for a few students who had class early. The man working behind the counter was busy when a new man walked in.

He was tall, and his golden hair flowed past his waist. He was dressed in a pair of long, brown-gold pants, and wore a yellow, button up shirt, which was left unbuttoned at the top and bottom to expose the edges of the darker shirt he had on underneath it. Over it all he wore a short yellow coat, which had its cuffs folded back. Each piece of clothing he wore was tattered and ripped in several places. His face was concealed beneath a mask made of solid gold, with lines engraved around the eye holes and down the center.

As soon as the worker saw the masked man enter, he made to press the alarm button under the counter to call the police. He didn’t want a suspicious masked man causing trouble in his store. But before he could reach the button, his arm froze. He couldn’t get it to move, as if it was bound by an invisible shackle.

The masked man sat down in front of the counter and locked eyes with the man. His eyes had deep yellow irises and slitted pupils.

“I wouldn’t alert anyone if I were you,” he said.

“Who do you think you-?” the worker started to ask, but he stopped mid-sentence. He couldn’t speak English. Why was he speaking English?

“I’m looking for this woman,” the masked man said, ignoring the worker’s question and sliding a photograph of a young Japanese girl in a schoolgirl outfit toward the man.

“I don’t know who that is,” the man admitted.

“Then coming here was a waste of time,” the masked man said, getting up and walking to the door.

“Who are you!?” the man behind the counter demanded, as he realized his arm was suddenly free again.

“I am the Gold King,” the masked man said, closing the door behind him.

*Meanwhile, at the hospital*

Alan stood by the open window, talking to Akro Tirio. It was still early, so no one else was up. He was using the opportunity to learn Japanese slang from Akro. He had been given a room on the second floor, and his broken foot was now bound in a splint. He could walk, but it wasn't easy for him.

"Okay, what else did you learn?" Alan asked.

Akro grumbled something.

"Watashi wa kamingu yo?" Alan asked. "The hell does that one mean?"

Akro replied with a short growl.

"Oh," Alan said. "I... um... I don't think I'll be using that one anytime soon."

Alan turned away from the window for a moment and reached into his satchel. He withdrew Eston and began flipping through its pages. Akro let out a concerned noised.

"I need to check something," Alan said. "Yeah, here it is. The next spell in this book. It's Bierto Malus."

Akro gave alan a questioning growl.

"The Malice Lightning spell," Alan explained. "The one that guy used on us."

Akro growled again.

"Yeah," Alan agreed. "It's powerful, but there's a couple catches. One, I need a focus."

Akro nodded, urging Alan to continue.

"The second is a lot darker," Alan said. "The spell is fueled by hatred. It won't work properly unless I really want someone dead."

Akro made a noise that sounded almost like a gasp.

"I know," Alan said. "I've never killed anyone. Anyone human, at least... I really don't wanna have to use this spell..."

The door behind Alan creaked open, and Akro immediately ducked out of sight. A man a little taller than Alan entered. He had deep blue hair pulled into a pony tail, and he was extremely muscular.

"So you're the kid who help my wife and daughters out, huh?" he asked.

"I guess so," Alan said, turning to him. "Are you Kiku's husband?"

"Name's Yuuma," the man said, approaching Alan and extending his hand.

"Alan Peredur," Alan said, shaking it.

"I never expected that Nightgaunts were actually real," Yuuma said. "Or that a human could take one down. I'm impressed."

"So you already know about Nightgaunts?" Alan asked.

"My son was a huge Lovecraft nerd," Yuuma said. "He left all his cosmic horror stuff behind when he moved to America to become a law student."

"He sounds cool," Alan said. "So what happened to the body, anyway?"

"It's in the basement," Yuuma said. "We're gonna have the boys do an autopsy on it."

"Okay," Alan said. "You might wanna make it quick though. Nightgaunt bodies disappear a couple days after they die."

"I never new that," Yuuma said. Then, deciding to change the subject, he asked "So, how's your foot?"

"Doing better," Alan said. "You guys are some pretty good doctors."

"Nah, Kiku's the doctor," Yuuma said. "I'm no good with the medical stuff."

"So what do you do?" Alan asked.

"I'm a martial arts instructor," Yuuma said.

"Cool," Alan said.

*Meanwhile, at a hotel*

"Hey man, wake up!" Jaxson said. "We've got a busy day of band stalking ahead of us."

Artur got up and stared at Jaxson with bloodshot eyes.

"Well, excuse me for not getting used to the timezone shift as fast as you," he said.

"I've never understood why humans need so much sleep," Jaxson muttered. "So where's Jarmil, anyway?"

"He called last night and said he's spying on Alan," Artur said.

"Oh, so he found him, huh?" Jaxson asked. "What does he mean 'spying'?"

"Knowing Jarmil, probably standing at a distance and watching him in a very creepy manner," Artur replied.

*Later that night*

"So what's left on the list?" Ayako asked.

Alan glanced at the slip of paper he was holding.

"Looks like all we have left is thyme and ground cumin," he said. He then chuckled and said "Heh, cumin."

"What was that?" Ayako asked.

"Nothing," he said. "So, why did you want me to come shopping with you two?"

"Just because," Ayako replied. "Asuka, can you hold the basket for a sec?"

"Sure," Asuka said, taking the grocery basket while Ayako knelt down to grab some spices off the self.

"So Alan, how's it going with that dictionary?" she asked.

"I've finished the A and B section," he said. "About halfway through the Cs."

"That's cool," Ayako said, dropping the seasonings into the basket. "Come on, let's go."

They payed for the groceries and left the store.

"So, who wants coffee?" Ayako asked.

"Sure," Asuka said.

Alan was about to answer, but he stopped when he noticed Jarmil standing across the street, watching him in a very creepy manner. Jarmil gave him a one sided smile, then beckoned for him to follow before darting down an alley.

"Um, actually, I have something I need to take care of," Alan said. "I'll meet you two back at the hospital."

"Okay," Asuka said.

"Have fun with your mystery stuff!" Ayako added brightly.

Alan gripped the walking stick Kiku had lent him and made his way across the street, going down the alleyway Jarmil had gone.

*Meanwhile*

Takumi winced as a back-alley doctor examined his battered ribcage.

"What the hell were you doing?" the street doctor asked.

"I ran into some punk who got in my way," Takumi replied. "So how's it look?"

"Three broken, two fractured," the man said. "You should take it easy for a while, maybe get some proper medical atention."

"No," Takumi said, getting to his feet and walking away.

"But those are some serious wounds!" the man said. "You shouldn't be walking around at all!"

"That Alan guy fought me for ten minutes with a broken foot," Takumi hissed, barely audible. "If he can take that kind of pain, then so can I."

*Meanwhile*

Jarmil stopped in the middle of an empty street and turned to face Alan.

“So who are you?” Alan asked.

“My name is Jarmil Horak,” Jarmil said. “It’s nice to meet you, Alan Peredur.”

“How do you know my name?” Alan asked.

“I can understand the name a person holds closest to them upon meeting them,” Jarmil said.

“Weird,” Alan muttered. “So what’s the deal?”

“I wish to fight with you,” Jarmil said.

“Is that why you led me to the middle of this conveniently empty street?” Alan asked.

“Yeah, pretty much,” Jarmil said.

“Why?” Alan asked.

“I find the best way to understand a person is to square off with them,” Jarmil said. “What did you learn through your fight with Takumi the other night?”

“So that’s his name,” Alan said. “Were you there?”

“As a cultist, I’m pretty good at staying hidden,” Jarmil said.

“A cultist, huh?” Alan said. “I beat up people like you.”

“Oh, I’m sure you do,” Jarmil said. “So tell me; what did you learn about Takumi?”

“He’s tough,” Alan said. “Merciless. He used a spell with the intent to kill me.”

“Yes he did,” Jarmil said. “You learned about him, and now I wish to learn about you.”

“Fine then,” Alan said, raising his walking stick as if it were a sword. “Let’s begin.”

Jarmil closd the distance between them quickly and threw a hook punch. Alan blocked it with his free hand and jabbed his cane into Jarmil’s solar plexus, pushing him back. Alan swung his cane through the air at Jarmil’s head, but he grabbed it and yanked it forward, pulling Alan off balance. As Alan fell forward, Jarmil hit him with a palm heel strike to his chest, knocking him onto his back. Jarmil took a step back and ran his hand along the cane, where the hospital’s logo was printed in English.

“Minami Medical Center,” Jarmil said, keeping his eyes locked shut. “So that’s the hospital’s name.”

“I have a question for you,” Alan said, getting shakily to his feet. “Why are your eyes closed?”

“Come again?” Jarmil asked, smiling. He handed the cane back to Alan, who took it gratefully.

“You’ve kept your eyes closed this entire time,” Alan said. “What’s the deal with that?”

“Oh that’s simple,” Jarmil chuckled. “You see, the reason I keep I eyes closed is because I’m blind.”

“What?” Alan asked. “Then… how could you read the words on the cane?”

“There’s more to me than you realize,” Jarmil said. “My eyes may be closed, but my mind is wide open.”
"Okay," Alan said. "I'm nt sure I understand, but whatever. Let's keep going."
"Yes," Jarmil said, raising his fists. "Let's."
The two of them continued fighting, dodging and blocking each others attacks. Alan used his cane like a sword, swinging it from various angles to try and hit Jarmil, who kept stopping the attacks easily with his forearms.
"You're fast," Jarmil commented, while dodging one one of Alan's attacks. "But why are you still holding back?"
"Funny," Alan said. "I was about to ask you the same question."
"So you've noticed?" Jarmil said, chuckling. "Fine, I'll go all out if you insist."
Jarmil got a hit in, pushing Alan back a few feet. He then untied his robe, allowing it to fall to the ground. Before Alan could react, Jarmil's body began glowing with a bright white light. He charged toward Alan with incredible speed. Alan barely got out of the way in time, and Jarmil sped past him. Jarmil skidded to a halt and turned back to Alan. He charged again, and Alan sidestepped him and caught his leg with his cane. Jarmil tripped and fell over, but managed to get back up quickly and threw several lightning fast punches at Alan, who did his best to block them. One of Jarmil's punches managed to connect, hitting Alan in the forehead and throwing him off balance. Jarmil grabbed Alan by the shirt and swung him around, using the momentum to fling Alan into the sir.
"Shit!" Alan exclaimed, as he flew up into the air. 
He pulled his mask from his coat and slipped his arms through its sleeves, putting on his steel knuckles as he did so. He allowed the coat to fall from him before he began falling as well.
"Akro Tirio!" he called, as the ground sped up toward him.
Akro Tirio flew in from between some buildings and caught Alan before he could hit the ground. The two of them touched gently to the ground as Alan stuck his mask on.
"Finally calling your Shoggoth, are you?" Jarmil asked, as his body stopped glowing. "Good. Now I can get serious."
Jarmil raised a hand, and a ball of silver flames appeared in his palm. He swung his hand in a wide arc, and the flames spread quickly. Akro lifted Alan into the air before they could touch them. Alan looked back down at the fire, but it was all gone. And the ground where the fire hand touched was coated in a layer of frost.
"No way," Alan said, as they touched back down. "Those are Aphoom-Zhah's flames! How can tyou use them?"
"I can use the powers of many Old Ones," Jarmil said. "I hope you're ready. Because I've got plenty more where that came from."

*Meanwhile, in front of the hospital*

A young girl walked down the sidewalk carrying a bag full of books. She stopped when she felt a sudden presence behind her. She turned to see Drahoslav watching her intently.

“Hello, little girl,” he said. “What are you up to?”

“I was just bringing some books down to the orphanage,” she said. “I'm Sally. What’s your name?”

“Oh, that’s not important,” Drahoslav said calmly, looking up at the hospital. “This is a nice place, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know,” Sally said. “I’ve never been inside.”

“Oh, you haven’t?” Drahoslav said, walking around her in a wide circle as she looked up at the building. “It’s a nice place. Patients there are treated exceptionally well. The foods great, and the owner’s a real sweet lady.”

“Wow,” Sally said. “It sounds nice.”

Drahoslav was standing behind her now, and a sick smile twisted across his face as he drew a handgun from his waistband. He took aim, narrowing his eyes down at her.

“How would you like to spend some time there?”

Before she could answer, he had pulled the trigger, and the loud sound of the gunshot resounded through the air. The bullet tore into Sally’s spine, and she screamed as she fell to the ground. She couldn’t feel her legs at all anymore, and her ears were ringing from the noise the gunshot had made. But even so, she could still hear the sound of Drahoslav’s malicious laughter, a sound which burned itself into her memory.

Kzed report 23

I’ve decided to begin research into Shoggoths. They are peculiar beings, formed from the thoughts of their creators.

In order to create one, a person must complete a complex ritual, while praying to the fertility goddess, Shub-Niggurath. It’s important for the creator to envision how they wish their Shoggoth to look, and what it’s functions will be.
A Shoggoth normally appears as a hulking, gelatinous monster, but if a person is focused enough during the creation process, they can create a Shoggoth with virtually any form imaginable. They could even give it multiple forms. Legend speaks of one Shoggoth that can perfectly shapeshift into a human.
Shoggoth’s are not only created by humans, but by the Great Old Ones as well. It’s also supposedly possible for Shoggoth’s to breed with each other. I’m not entirely sure on how this works, but I intend to look into it.
My latest colleague had volunteered to create a Shoggoth. This will help with my research, but it does worry me. If a Shoggoth is created through the ritual, it will inevitable turn on its master. My colleague says he will take his chances, but still…