Episode 11: Homeward Bound - Part 4

Year of the Ram – Seventh Entry

     

       I believe now is good a time as any to begin detailing the events of how my lord came back to Ferus Mundus and our struggle against my brother and his band of thieves. It does worry me that Kit, my younger brother, is still on Earth due to the complexities of opening a gateway between the two worlds. Though I know he is in good hands, I can not help but wonder if I made a mistake in allowing him to help me, but even now I still see that there was no other way for my lord to return. His journey home has brought about many changes and firsts in my life. One of which was my first encounter with both a human and a primeran wolf. I have mentioned my experiences with Kate Walker and Animal before, but this was the first time I encountered them. At the time I was gravely suspicious of them as I had no idea as to the relationship they had with my lord. However, it did not take me long to gain a positive reading on their character.

       Kate, though inquisitive and quite brash, is most pleasant to talk to. When I first began speaking to her, I felt concerned that having such an anxious and suspicious human with us would be a hindrance to our mission. I then quickly came to remember how I was always taught that humans have given Primerans much and that their presence is a sign of great change, most often for the better. I told her this in the hopes that it would ease her mind and perhaps gain her trust in me. Alternatively, there was Animal. He was clearly a lost one and it showed in how he continually looked around him in awe and wonder. Wolves are already known to live in isolation, but to have lived away from all of Ferus Mundus for the entirety of his life? That is indeed a burden that I feel may make adjusting to the ways of this world quite difficult for him, if not impossible.

       After our meeting, I explained to them the situation that was at hand and how I was grateful for the assistance and camaraderie that both Kate and Animal would bring. For if my lord allowed them to accompany us, then I had no reason to doubt their ability to aid us. Speaking of my lord, he has recently decided to take up the mantle his late father, and has instructed me to call him Agrond. He has wished to not be held to titles such as 'lord' and 'master.' I can respect his desire to do this as he now wishes to try and reunite his clan. Though I can not so easily dissolve centuries of tradition between our two clans, I will endeavor to refrain from attempting to call him such titles even as I document our exploits to unite the dragons. The decision to take the name of his father is a clear indication that he has fully absorbed all the fragmented essence his father left lingering about after his death. The change in his demeanor is almost identical to his father now, but taking the name might be seen as an insult to those who praised and honored Agrond when he was alive. Never-the-less, I will honor his wishes.

       We began our journey towards the city of Pandemonium, a place where the Zodiac Ministry rules over their respective clans in a highly fortified habitat. I explained to Kate and Animal how the Zodiac Ministers take turns each yearly cycle governing the city and how, for those who follow the Primeran calender, it was currently the year of the Ram. This meant that Lord Baal was the Zodiac Minister that was in power at the time. Lord Baal has been known to be very kind and compassionate, as such, my clan's elders had managed to gain myself and Agrond an audience with him, if only briefly, to discuss the nature of my clan's plight. This is something of an impossibility for outsiders, but my lord's father once served as a Zodiac Minister himself once, and Lord Baal was willing to hear the words of his old comrade's son, even if he was considered a notorious criminal.

As we continued along our way, Kate asked if it was wise that we were traveling out in the open. I explained that even though I was not native to the area, I was certain that we had nothing to fear, but I had heard rumors from several travelers that two female Primerans had been stealing from this land's inhabitants through varies means. Primarily, it seems they were specialized in intimidating or fooling their targets into giving up their goods. I assured Kate that despite these tales, these two Primerans would be fools if they were to attack our party. No sooner had I said this, the ground itself came to life and quaked all around us. We fell to our knees as the ground sank beneath us. All around, the ground rose and curled above us like fingers clenching towards an upturned palm. When the earth went still, we quickly corrected ourselves and gazed at the trap we had fallen into. We found ourselves in a sunken pit comprised of soil and rock as the walls rose into numerous arching formations.

       After a few moments of questioning what was the nature of our predicament, we realized that the situation was but a minor inconvenience as Agrond could simply fly us out one by one. Though upon my admission of this fact, two voices from above us expressed a disinterest in our plan.

“Looks like you caught a few big ones this time, Trill.”

“They sure look confident that they can get out, Durga.”

“Well then, I suppose we better give them a reason not to try anything stupid.”

       Their banter was no simple bluff as one look at our captors caused me to instinctively draw my bow and nock an arrow. One of them was a tiger wielding a pair of massive sculpted stone blocks tethered together with a single chain. She swung its weight effortlessly, a testament to the raw strength of her clan. The other, a black ram, merely sat crouched and smiling down on us. Kate followed my instinct and drew her weapon as well. Animal was far too naive to understand the situation, for he was trying to talk to them as though he was unaware they were behind our capture. Agrond simply stood and gazed at our opponents with a menacing glare. Our quest had only begun, yet there we were, victims of the Primeran rogues know to these lands as “The Sirens.”

Episode 11: Homeward Bound - Part 3

Expedition to Ferus Mundus: Day 1

     I have to admit, I didn't expect to see a Primeran child as the one that was going to open the gateway for us. His name is Kit, and he is apparently the younger brother to the female Primeran that I saw asking for Monster to return to Ferus Mundus. Aside from being adorable, it was pretty obvious that poor Kit doesn't really know what's going on. Monster's bullshit story about needing him to protect Meryle and aid Jonathan was a clever way to avoid the truth, but it does make me wonder exactly how much trouble we're going to get into here. After we exchanged all the introductions, Monster lead the way and Ani and I followed hesitantly after. When I stepped through, everything went black for a moment. As I came to moments later, it felt like I was falling incredibly fast with a pressure on my stomach. I'd compare it to the feeling of a big drop when riding a roller coaster, only the time spent 'falling' seemed like forever. There was only a red light that rushed past me in iridescent waves and a loud noise that sounded like a roaring hurricane. Eventually, it was as though my body couldn't take it any more and I lost consciousness.

      When I awoke, I found myself lying next to Animal who looked as though he had went a few rounds with a semi-truck. Monster was well awake and made some comment about how “...Very few humans stay conscious during the 'fall'.” When I asked him if what I experienced was normal, he confirmed that traveling from Earth to Ferus Mundus is known as the 'fall' just for that reason. In contrast, traveling to Earth was called the 'rise.' “The journey to Earth from here is as if one is flying upwards at tremendous speeds.” as Monster put it. As I got to my feet, I checked on Ani who was simply gazing about as he collected himself. He assured me he was fine as he helped himself up and said “Kate, do you think it's wrong if I said I think I remember this place?” I looked around and took in the Primeran landscape for the first time. A green sky hung overhead dotted with white clouds, fields of red grass covering rolling fields, and several bizarre trees with alien violet foliage grew all around us. But most unnerving, was the massive moon-like object that dwell in the sky giving off the light that illuminated the world. It hovered menacingly above us and I felt as though the ridge of teeth-like structures on its surface would open into some hideous maw.

      I told Ani that if he did remember this place that I would definitely believe him. After all, there was no way anyone could forget a place like this. Ani was quick to correct me and pointed out that it wasn't the landscape he was referring too, but the stone structure we stood on. It looked like an altar of sorts, possibly a check point I thought, there was path that lay out before us that extended to the horizon. As Ani continued to search for answers, a voice, low and kind, explained. “You are at an old way station, a leyline.” The voice revealed itself to be the female fox that I had seen from the message that Monster had shown us. She spoke in a very formal manner with an accent I noticed right away. She was speaking English but there was clearly a Japanese accent. Dad was from Japan and I knew it the moment I heard it. Even her attire was reminiscent of shrine maidens from Shinto temples. Takai, as we have come to know her, often looked away while introducing herself to Ani and I. I asked her why and she explained that she had never met a human and a wolf before and that the experience was overwhelming for her. She continued to explain that humans were seen as symbol of change in this world. When one does appear, Primerans take it as a sign that great change is about to take place.

      As we continued to talk, Ani slowly introduced himself and asked Takai if he could know more about the location we were at, which was an obvious attempt to understand his sudden case of deja vue. Takai explained that long ago Primerans discovered various places across Ferus Mundus that were connected to Earth by what was known as a leyline. Essentially a spot that was easier to travel between both worlds. But when Primerans left Earth behind over five hundred years ago, many of the structures were destroyed to prevent their use. Foxes were one of the few clans that were trained enough in opening portals, so even though it was destroyed, this ruined way station was enough to aid her in opening a gateway. I apologized for all the questions as we had just met, but I then asked about her clothes and accent. She smiled and explained that my observations were correct and said that during their time on Earth, many Primeran clans found comfort and solace among humans whose cultures revered the animals of their Primeran counterparts. Fox Primerans adopted the culture of Japan for centuries during their time on Earth as they were respected and revered by the people of Japan. Her accent was another but similar matter. She explained that Primerans did not originally have a spoken language, instead they merely knew the intentions of one another, but after meeting humans, they discovered that this ability extended to humanity as well in the form of simply knowing how to communicate regardless of language. In short, Primerans are capable of communicating with anyone, regardless of language, and her accent was a product of her choice to consistently pay respect to the culture her clan had adopted.

      Monster quickly broke up the conversation and reminded Takai that we were here for a reason. Her face turned serious as she told us what we were up against. By the end of her story, I understood why she had sent Kit to Earth to open the gate and stay behind. She told the same story that I heard in her message to Monster but with one unfortunate twist. The leader of the the thieves that stole the scroll is Takai and Kit's eldest brother, a three tailed fox named Genkaku. Kit grew up never even knowing he has an elder brother as Genkaku violently left his clan years before Kit was even sired. Takai did not feel comfortable discussing the matter any further and we chose not to push her, instead, we simply set off on the road ahead with Takai shifting her demeanor to that of a cheerful guide to the world of Ferus Mundus.

Episode 11: Homeward Bound - Part 2

Memory File 0025

Time: 8:46 P.M.

       I thought it would be wise to make a recording tonight. Considering that Kate and Animal are leaving this evening with Monster for Ferus Mundus, I can think of no better opportunity to learn more about Primerans. They are certainly amazing creatures, and despite how much I despise Jacob and Elizabeth Cain, I can honestly see why they modeled the Grim virus after them. From what Kate has told me, another Primeran needs help from Monster and is sending someone to Earth to hold open a passage of some sort for him to travel through. That someone happens to be another Primeran who will have to remain here on Earth until they are ready to return. Admittedly, I do understand why Animal wants to go to his home world, but for Kate to go with him is something I tried to advise against. Kate is probably the most stubborn human being I have ever met, but it's clear that she has to be on this issue. When trying to convince her to stay, she revealed that she had just as much reason to go along with Monster as Animal did. Since she has been home, Kate has had to remain on the sidelines for every conflict that has come her way, which meant leaving Animal, Wraith, and even myself to handle each threat. She was tired of it, and she wants to find a way to fight along side of us. I suppose she hopes to find some answers when there, anything that will help her to, as she puts it, stand on her own feet.

        If trying to get Kate to stay was hard, even suggesting the idea to Animal was impossible. I had come to see Animal as a friend ever since we had our first conversation, and there was no way I was going to even try to suggest that he and Kate should stay. Animal has clearly been dealing with depression since Wraith's death, and this was the first time since then that he looked as though there was some life in him. Animal has no memory of his home world, and even though I think its important for him to learn more about where he comes from, Monster's stories about this world lead me to believe that it fails to meet Animal's expectations, whatever they maybe. My fear is that he will fall deeper into sadness if he comes to realize how he may never find what he is looking for. However, now that I think about it. Animal might not be going to discover his roots. Instead, he just might be looking for the same thing as Kate.

       Neither Animal nor Kate seem to feel as though they are strong enough to protect one another, let alone themselves. Kate, a skilled but normal human being, has been surrounded by powerful adversaries ever since she returned home. Likewise, Animal, who has constantly strived for the ability to protect his friends has always needed help from someone else. It was Wraith who taught Animal how to fight as a Primeran, and it was Monster who saved his life when Wraith killed Ghast. Animal and Kate are both probably looking for the strength to protect themselves and one another. At least that's what it seems like. I hope they learn that there are times when strength alone is not enough. Ghast should have taught them that lesson already.

      I have some tasks ahead of me while they are gone as well. Kate's number one job for me was making sure that the Primeran that will be left behind stays out of trouble. The other was to continue doing research to try and track down Dornan to see if he has found anyway of dealing with the Grim virus. Obviously, keeping Meryle safe is another, as well as trying to stop as many Grim sightings and transformations as I can. But it was Kate's last request that gave me some concern. She told me to keep an eye on her cat, Pumpkin, as often as I could. Ever since Ghast's army attacked, Kate has been staying away from her father's cat that was left to her. Meryle claimed that Pumpkin saved her and Kate when Ghast's army broke into the house. Now, Kate seems overly paranoid that it isn't normal. As strange as it sounds, I have started to notice a few things. Pumpkin does watch Kate often, everyday in fact, with an almost hateful glare. Whenever Kate tries to put her in a room with the door closed, she always gets out. Even when it's locked. It may sound crazy, but I'm starting believe she may be on to something.

      We're on our way to a small clearing where the gateway to Ferus Mundus is suppose to open. Monster wants us all to stand back as explains how this all works. The air is heating up and I see a red bolt of lighting crashing down from the sky. It blasts away the earth beneath it and leaves what looks like a crackling tear in space. A dark figure comes towards us through the rift and lands before us. It stands... Monster smiles as we all look down at this... child.

Bodyguard first class “Kit” at your service my lord! My sister, Takai waits on the other side for your arrival!

Well done, Kit. To be my bodyguard you will need special training. While I am away you are to guard that young female human with your life. She is a princess of these lands and my savior. You are to also work with her knight, that human male standing there.

Yes my lord! I will guard the princess with my life and join her knight in defense of these lands! When you return you will not be disappointed!

Well said, Kit. Now, tell me what you wish to say to your sister, for it will be sometime before you are able to meet again. I'm sure she would be most happy to know your words...

Yes my lord! Please tell her that she is the best sister ever and that I know you and she will save the honor of our clan!

Episode 11: Homeward Bound - Part 1

October 20, 1995

        I often wonder these days what it's going to take. What are we suppose to be doing to make things right around here? Animal has been more or less distracting himself by playing with Meryle instead of talking to me how he has been taking Wraith's death. Monster, on the other hand, seems to be completely different with no sign of who he once was. I've seen him alone wondering through the trees along the property gazing off into the clouds through the canopy. If anything, I'd say he looks... regal. It's hard to admit it, but Monster has definitely changed. Animal is changing too, but I worry that it might not be for the better. Jonathan has been bringing Meryle by for her play dates and managed to convince her foster parents that it has doing her some good emotionally. They seem to be under the impression that Meryle has been acting differently because of her father's absence. Though it's true no one has heard or seen Dornan, his disappearance is not what is causing Meryle's troubles. She was on the front lines with us during a crisis that almost torn this town apart. She's traumatized, and Animal is the only thing that I know of that seems to be helping her.

        While Meryle and Animal play outside, Jonathan and I grab a drink and talk about how the whole Grim situation has been progressing. He tells me that the transformations of those infected are always happening at night and rise in frequency around the same time every month, during a full moon. It can't be a coincidence, and it's the only thing we have to go on. I'm no scientist, but Jonathan is, somewhat. Time is running out, and if Dornan doesn't come back soon, I have no idea what is going to happen. After Jonathan found out where the Grim were 'coming from,' he began to subdue and restrain them until sunrise, at which point they returned to normal. But with the frequency in incidents rising, Jonathan won't be able to handle all of them much longer, and this all staying quite will be impossible.

        Just this afternoon, after Jonathan and I came to the conclusion that we need Dornan back to fix all this, Monster came to have a chat. He started off with how he knows that we have had difficulties on the past and apologized for his actions. I swear it's like he has been completely replaced with another Primeran. He shocked us by saying that if we still had a problem with him that we wouldn't have to be concerned for much longer. He was leaving. He presented to us a green colored glass orb. When he showed it to us, it began to glow and slowly reveal a Primeran, a female. She had the appearance of fox and was bowing on her hands and knees as if pleading. She introduced herself as Takai, and pledged her allegiance to Monster and his cause. It was some kind of previously recorded message in which she was pleading for him to return to Ferus Mundas. From what I understood from the message, Primeran foxes have been allied to Dragons for a very long time, and band of Primeran thieves stole an important relic of the Dragons that the foxes had in their possession. Monster explained that this relic was a scroll that detailed important research that dragons had performed on themselves in order to become stronger, but also reveals numerous weaknesses. Weaknesses that enemies of the dragons would do almost anything to acquire knowledge of.

        Monster plans to leave in about three days, but considering Wraith is no longer with us, I had to ask how exactly he planned to get back to his home world. Apparently, the Foxes are one of the few clans that have a way to travel between Earth and Ferus Mundus, but it has one catch. Two Primerans open the gate together with one going through so that both can support the passage on each side. Though Monster will be able to go through, it means that the Primeran keeping the gateway open on Earth has to stay here in order to allow Monster to pass through. Having a Primeran I've never met stranded here doesn't sit well with me. Call me jaded, but Monster promising this Primeran will not cause any problems has me still doubtful. 

 

        When I sat down with Animal to explain what was going on, he was quiet for a long time. Suddenly, he spoke up and dropped a bomb on me.

“Do you think he would let me go with him?” 
 

      I was speechless, at first I couldn't understand why he would ever even consider going there, let alone with Monster. But as I tried to object, he opened up for the first time since Wraith's death and began to cry. No tears flowed, but his words certainly did.

“It hurts Kate, it hurts so much to be here. I just think that if I act like things are okay then they will be, but it doesn't get better, it just hurts more. I need to go. I need to see what its like, the place where Wraith is from, where I'm from. Monster helped us to stop Ghast. I want to help him, to do something, to... not hurt.”

        I tried to wrap my arms around him, but he was always too big for it. As he started to calm down, I told him that if he was going to go, he better have some new clothes, the old ones get wreaked during his fight with Ghast. I then added that I would need to change things up as well, because I was going with him.

        It didn't take long for me to whip together a new set of clothes for him, we also made a sash from what remained of Wraith's cloak that we found after searching the remains of Ghast's tower. While Animal got ready, I made some additional preparations. When Dynatech fell I gathered a large amount of munitions from their security depot. Grenades, shotgun shells, bullets, etc. But after learning more about Primeran biology, decided to add a special ingredient. If Animal was going to find himself, I was going to find my strength to stand next to him, no matter what comes our way.

Volume 2 - Epilouge

Year of the Ram

13^th Proclamation of Lord Baal to the tribes of Pandemonium

             My dear Primerans, as your current lord it is my duty to inform you, to the best of my abilities, of all that impacts our way of life. You all may have been aware that the eldest of our fair community have sensed a great deal of change upon the lands of Ferus Mundus. This is due to a subtle weakening of the hold that the foul Black Hearts have on our world. For today is a day that deserves celebration. For on this day, I can share with you all that we are finally free of the legacy of the traitorous Styx.

            Our youngest generations may not be aware of the details, but allow me to remind you all that Styx was the most vile criminal in the history of our centuries old society. Styx and his accomplices attempted to destroy our way of life through deceit and manipulation. But fate was with us when we discovered Styx's lair, a place filled with all manner of dark arts, and exposed him for what he truly was, an apprentice to the Black Heart, Belphagor. His comrades, Wraith, of the ghost clan, and Ghast, a chimera and an apprentice to Black Heart Mammon. Have been reported to be no longer of this world.

           The ministry's connections to the ghost clan have reported that Wraith left for the human world of Earth months ago after over a century of banishment from our lands. He is now reported to have succumb to a final death, as his essence can no longer be felt by their tribe's elder. As for Ghast, we know this is true from our spies in the Necropolis where Mammon dwells that Mammon himself has destroyed the entire city in a fit of rage, screaming for the blood whoever has killed his “precious.” Mammon's own vile powers have waned, and the ministry has come to the conclusion that he may very well indeed become a target of the remaining Black Hearts so that they may expand their own territory. If Mammon should fall prey to one or more of his demonic brethren, then this will mark the second time a Black Heart has fallen in the time of the great city of Pandemonium.

              Forget not the forces unleashed upon us by the Hive Army lead by the Black Heart of Wrath, Daimon. Forget not how we met his forces head on and staved off the darkness attempting to swallow us whole. But most importantly, forget not his foolishness to destroy himself using his own power. Though his strength nearly destroyed us, he is now nothing but a memory with a poor excuse of an army still clinging on to the idea that he will lead them again. Remember all of this my fellow Primerans, so that you can look upon this new development and see how foolish these demons are, how they will all ultimately destroy one another and leave us as the lords of Ferus Mundus!

So, to celebrate this momentous occasion, the ministry and myself have decided to host a rare event, The Festival of the Hunt! To those who are not aware, The Festival of the Hunt is a sacred tradition hear in Pandemonium. It reflects the great trial of our ancestors, who used our ancient laws of honor and combat to determine which members of our clans would be strong and brave enough to face the most heinous lord of all the Black Hearts and emerge victorious, and as a result, founded our noble nation.

             The rules are simple, two teams of warriors will compete in the lands that border our city by hunting one another until at least one team member remains. Though we must always endeavor to show compassion and honor, those wounded in combat or unable to continue the hunt will be withdrawn and treated in a display sportsmanship. The winning team will meet with myself and the rest of the ministry in private to discuss what they would desire most, and the ministry will grant it. However, the ministry wishes for this to be a special festival like no other. So we have decided that this Festival of the Hunt will only permit entries from outsiders. We shall show the rest of Ferus Mundus the greatness of our nation by offering a chance for them to see our generosity and benevolence through this most momentous event.

              So rest well our children. For in the coming days we will be revealing to you all of the proud warriors who have come from far and wide to participate. Until then, we ask that you offer thanks to whomever it may be that has rid our world from the likes of Wraith and Ghast. I ask you to all raise your glasses high this evening to salute the noble soul that has vanquished a great darkness that tried so desperately to destroy our way of life. It is to you, warrior, that I offer my thanks, wherever you may be.

Episode 10: Something Wicked... - Part 5

September 19^th 1995

              So here we are, after the longest night of our lives, we are still here. Well, all but one of us. Trying to explain the events of the last several hours is what I need right now. I need time to be alone, to process. After Blue, Meryle, and I made it on to the roof of the house, we saw a red colored light emitting from inside the tower. Shortly afterwards, the entire tower began to collapse and I felt my heart sink down into my gut. Seeing that strange red light immediately made me feel sick, and yet, it also felt nostalgic, as if I had see it before. Blue had changed back into human form and watched the tower crumble as well. He pointed out that the walking corpses were falling apart and stopping their advance, as well as Meryle's complete recovery. It was then that I knew that Ghast was gone, but I worried at what cost.

               We continued to watch the tower fall to pieces and sink back into the earth, leaving nothing in its place but a mound of dirt and old bones. The creatures that Ghast had summoned seemingly just disappeared completely into the ground as well. Within minutes of the dust finally settling, we had our first sign of what had happened. Monster was flying towards us holding an unconscious Ani. He landed at the base of the house and we went down to find out what was going on. Of course I could have been more concerned for Monster, but truthfully I didn't give a rat's ass about him. I was “direct” of course and asked what happened to Ani. With his typical arrogance, he quickly shrugged it off and explained that Ghast was gone for good, but for a terrible price. Wraith gave his life to kill Ghast.

                Monster went on to explain that both he and Animal fought hard to help Wraith, but in the end, Wraith was forced to transform into a something called a “poltergeist” a creature that was all but immune to Ghast powers. The battle was apparently brutal, but according to Monster, Wraith had to destroy himself to finally defeat Ghast, the massive red light we saw. I asked why Animal was unconscious, and Monster replied that Ani attempted to shield him from the blast that was created when Wraith destroyed his own body. Ani was apparently knocked unconscious by the debris. The moment Ghast was no longer alive, the tower began to fall apart and both Monster and Animal fell towards the ground below. Monster continued to explain that he used what little strength he had left to forcefully heal his wounds and fly away, but not before rescuing Animal from falling.

           At the time, I simply excepted Monster's story, but now, I think he's full of shit. He's hiding something, but what I can't say. Monster said that the red light was a result of Wraith basically suicide bombing Ghast into pieces, but that light, it didn't feel like it came from Wraith. Reading this aloud makes that last line sound incredibly stupid, but I have no other way of explaining it. I'm not saying that Wraith isn't gone, even Animal confirmed it. When Ani did wake up, the first thing he asked about was if Wraith was okay... But we had to tell him. He didn't believe it at first, the poor thing wailed and sobbed for hours, saying that we were lying. It was Monster that snapped him out of it by explaining that his tears were insulting to what Wraith did for them. Monster told Ani that everything Wraith did would be for nothing if he continued to wallow in, as he put it, “...a pathetic way to remember a warrior...” Even though I hate to admit it, Monster was right. But I still believe that he's a lying sack of crap.

              As I said before, the red light didn't make me think of Wraith when I saw it, it felt foreboding, kind of like when I knew I did something bad as a kid, and that if my father found out he would beat the white clean off my ass. It felt like something was coming for you, something that you feared so much that your world was going to end if it caught hold of you. In the following days I tried to talk to Masters and Meryle about it but each of them gave me two very different responses. Masters claimed that he felt nothing when the red light occurred, but I've decided that after whatever Cain had did to him that he was lucky to feel anything anymore. As for Meryle, when I asked her about it, she said that it she doesn't remember how she felt, just that it was “bad.”

              On a different note, I'm sure Masters would like me to forget about what Meryle said last night. But I'm not going to. Meryle claims that my father's cat, Pumpkin, saved her after I was knocked unconscious when boarding up the back doors. When I woke up and Blue was helping me to my feet, I saw that pink flame for the second time. I haven't forgotten what happened that day when Cain's monsters abducted me and brought me to the Dynatech lab. I still remember when I was trapped in Cain's office, and that right before I blacked out, I saw that damn cat peering at me on the window sill, that was hundred feet off the ground, and when I woke up, pink flames, everywhere. I can't talk to anyone about this, they would think I've snapped. But after dealing with an army of mutants, a wolf man, a dragon, a ghost, a man who can turn into a metal bug, and a skeleton that can control the dead, I suppose a cat who can fly and breath pink fire is well in the realm of plausibility. But what it wants I'm not sure. I'll be keeping an eye on her regardless. But for now, it's Ani that I'm afraid needs the most attention. He's shut off and won't talk to anyone, not even me. The clothes my dad gave him got trashed in the fight with Ghast, so I decided to make him some new ones with what little my old man and taught me about sewing. I found some old patterns in the attic and Meryle said she would like to help too, more bonding time I suppose.

              Monster hasn't been seen in days and I assume he's lurking in the woods. Though I still hate his guts, I don't believe he means us any harm, after all, Ghast is gone, and as far as I know, the only thing between us and some sense of a “normal” life is the Grim Virus. We have only a few months left now... Christ, when does it end?

Episode 10: Something Wicked.... - Part 4

           Ghast's was ruined, his powers were suppressed by the foul aura of the beast and he lay battered and broken before it. At this point my lord's muscles were now clearly visible and were starting to tear apart, his eyes could no longer see the what was happening, and could only writhe in agony, his screams filling the night air. But for all his pain, he clung to anything that could allow him to perceive what would happen next. He muffled his screams to listen, listen to the final words of his half-brother. “You hid yourself so deep, Styx... So deep inside the flesh of this cheap imitation... Your will has become great indeed... So great that it drowns out my own power... This beast is your will, your successor... What hell have you uncovered in that vile lab of yours... What have you unleashed unto this world?... Our savior will never allow it... Bestia Custos will return, and your legacy will know a pain infinitely greater than mine! Hahahaha-”

            Ghast's final words filled my lord with a renewed sense of dread, “...Our savior... Bestia Custos...” Though not known by younger Primerans, the story of the Bestia Custos is well known by elders. Younger Primerans are not told this tale, as it spreads ideals that many Primerans find to be harmful to our society. As told to me by my clan's elder when I was a child, the Bestia Custos, also known as the Animal Keeper, was a being that came to Ferus Mundus during our darkest age thousands of years ago when Primerans were little more than slaves and soldiers to our ancient primordial progenitors. Each Primeran tribe member can trace his or her lineage back to a single monstrous being. These creatures, known simply as the Primeran gods, were colossi who waged constant battles with one another. They sired armies of lesser beings who would become modern Primerans to fight for them and spread their territory and influence. We were all bound to the will of our clan's own respective god, all but one. There is no true description for him, some say he clothed himself to hide his identity, others say that he appeared as he wished to better appeal to those he preached to. But all agreed on what to call him, the Animal Keeper, he who watches over all of us.

             The name, Bestia Custos, is the name given to the Animal Keeper in the old tongue, the first language Primerans inherited from humans in the early days of our contact with them. Regardless of which of the two names used, they referred to the same individual. The Animal Keeper, as described by the clans most oppressed in the dark times, was said to have power equivalent to even the gods themselves, and strove to free our kind from its cruel parentage, that after years of trying to convince the clans to rise up against their sires, he eventually sacrificed himself by using all his power to guide the gods into the depths of the Primeran underworld, where they would sleep for eternity under his watchful gaze, protecting Primerans forevermore from their tyranny. There are those who believe that the Animal Keeper would return if the balance of the Ferus Mundus was ever thrown into disarray. Alternatively, the clans who were the most dominant during the dark ages have come to view the legend as a tale of the consequences of acting against what is considered to be the natural order. To some, the Animal Keeper was a Primeran who could not change his cruel fate, and embraced a cursed darkness that turned him into a monster that destroyed the old ways and reduced the once dominant clans who had fought and died for their place in the world to being no better than those they once considered weaker than themselves. So it came to be that “he who watches over all of us” could be used to described a protector to some, and an all powerful oppressor to others.

            Why is it then that Ghast would mention such a thing? For Ghast to describe the Bestia Custos as a “savior” would imply that he believed in the side of the tale that the Animal Keeper was a liberator. Though it is true that the Rats were always supporters of the “savior” version of the legend, the truth is that he served a Black Heart, beings that would loath to have a god powered revolutionary against them. Despite his current concerns for Ghast's words, in that moment all of his thoughts were drowned out by the immense pain coursing through every inch of his body coupled with Ghast's insidious laughter, though it would not be for long.

           It was then in mid cackle, that my master forced his eyes open to witness the end of Ghast. From how he describes it, Ghast was lifted into the air by the beast, who flooded his body with its crimson tendrils of blood. Red light burned through through every nook and cranny of Ghast's frame until his body erupted into a red mist from the sheer force of the beast's roar annihilating Ghast into oblivion. Though it was over quickly, it seemed almost too quick of an ending to the terror that had haunted my lord's family for over a century. It was then that my lord was left alone with the beast, who had no one left to dispense its furious rage upon, no one but him. But the beast did not turn on him, instead it bellowed another roar skyward and enveloped itself in a whirling maelstrom of crimson light and bloody lashing tendrils. With Ghast's death, his influence was undone, and the tower he created quickly crumbled beneath my lord's feet... Or did it not need Ghast's presence to remain, and instead crumbled beneath the weight of the beast's own tremendous power? Regardless, both the beast and my lord fell into the dark depths of the tower, falling deeper into darkness.

           Though it is apparent from my writing that both my lord and Animal survived their fall, my master wishes to leave the particulars of their survival and Animal's recovery a mystery. Though I am unsure of why this is, I will respect his wishes. Afterall, if it were not for him and Animal, my brother and I would have lost all we hold dear, but that is a story best suited for another time.

Episode 10: Something Wicked... - Part 3

           My master insisted that I never refer to the beast as Animal, for it displayed not even the slightest inclination that he was in control. In an instance the beast disappeared from their sight, and then immediately reappeared hovering above Ghast and delivered a blow with such force that he was sent straight through the floor of the tower's apex, but one attack was not nearly enough to satisfy the beast. Bloody tendrils had latched onto Ghast's skeletal frame when the first attack was made. Though Ghast fell into the darkness below the tower, ruby ribbons tethered him to the beast and was quickly pulled back up wards towards the demon. Ghast, still gripping his weapon, attempted to shield himself with the massive blade as the bloody steams pull him back to his attacker. But with not hesitation the beast threw another burning fist as Ghast came sailing back to him and shattered the weapon into nothing but vapor and dust, still making contact with its intended target.

           As the beast continued to assault Ghast, my master struggled in agony as the mere presence of the beast caused his body to rend itself apart slowly. Though his flesh boiled and his very bones burned, he continued to watch. He had to see it, he had to witness the death of the immortal stain of his family. The assault was never ending and Ghast was powerless to stop it. His fabled abilities were no longer at his beck and call, the power of the beast was so great that it could suppress the power of even the Black Heart. The beast continued to strike and retrieve Ghast back to it like a game human children have been know to play with a wooden paddle attached to a ball with elastic string. The speed at which this wicked game took place was so fast, that it appeared as if the beast was striking with multiple arms, and Ghast was little more than a green streak zipping back and forth, the walls of the tower erupting at random, but in fact were the high speed impacts of Ghast striking the surface and then sailing back to the beast.

           The beast soon ceased its barrage, laying Ghast's smoking body at its feet. His bones burning red from the friction of his high speed impact with the surrounding structures. Grasping at the beast's feet, Ghast pulled himself towards the demon. “I still live... I have been given a gift... You can't take a life that doesn't even belong to me anymore. Lord Mammon owns me, body and soul. Do your worst!” The beast lunged its claws clean into Ghast's left shoulder, penetrating his bones, and for the first time in over a century, Ghast howled in pain. The beast raised him to eye level as Ghast screamed, unable to comprehend how such a thing was possible. The beast then grasped Ghast's right arm and flooded his bones with the bloody appendages. Ghast looked on in horror as his arm burned away into nothing but red vapor.

           It was at this point in my lord's tale that I was reminded of a verse from an ancient Primeran text, “That which is not dead, with eternity may lie. But with strange aeons, even death may die.” This quote meant little to me as a child, but now I have come to understand the truth in its words. Existence must be filled with beings that we could never hope to comprehend, entities so terrible and powerful they contradict all that we have come to know. The beast, whatever it is, is nothing known to Ferus Mundus or Earth. Why it slumbers in Animal is a mystery that my master has confessed he hopes no one ever solves. If it where his will, knowledge of the beast would cease to exist, and Animal be given a life free of anyone foolish enough to go looking to coerce that devil from within him.

              With pain flooding his mind for this first time since his flesh was stripped from his bones, Ghast could have only been left in a moment of disillusionment and insanity. This was a being who knew no pain, no death for a time long enough for him to forget that most basic of sensations, fear. The thought that death, true death was upon him must have been maddening. But he would not know death so quick, for the beast was not done, not satisfied. The beast's bloody tendrils burrowed themselves into every crevice they could find among Ghast's skeletal frame. Then, as if by the beast's will alone, raised him from the ground and then quickly embedded his body into the floor. The beast bellowed and then dragged Ghast through the floor tearing across the crystalline matter. Shards of the tower were scattered throughout the apex and the beast continued to plow through the tower's structure with Ghast's body. Pieces of the tower began to shatters and collapse under its own weight from the loss of material. 

            
        When the beast had enough, Ghast once again layed at its feet, his body now penetrated by hundreds of sharp pieces of debris. Was this spite? Did the beast abuse Ghast the same way he had harmed Animal? Was Animal somehow still there, deep inside the beast? Or was something else in control, fighting back to protect Animal? If so, then for what purpose? As I've stated, my master wishes I refrain from ever associating Animal with the beast, but I can't help but wonder. For what purpose does it exist and for how long can something presumably more powerful than the Black Hearts survive without drawing attention.

            To my knowledge, there are only two who even know of the beast's existence, my master and I. To think that such a being exists and that the two of us must bear the burden of this knowledge with us until either we perish or the beast reveals itself to others. I know that my master would wish to never encounter the beast again, as its very presence seems to unravel Primeran flesh, almost as if denying its right to exist. For as of this moment, I am convinced that Animal, though a kind and honorable soul, has more than a body that shelters a beast, it is the temple of a cruel and angry god.

Episode 10: Something Wicked... - Part 2

Year of the Ram – Sixth Entry

            Its was not my decision to cease my last entry. My lord was very clear that I was to never document the events that followed Wraith's demise. He believes that if anyone were to know the truth about what transpired, then all of Ferus Mundus would suffer a terrible fate. I asked many times, as I had to know how my master and Animal managed to survive their encounter with Ghast. Eventually, my master came to me in the night, he was distraught and looked as if he was plagued by a heavy burden. I begged him to tell me what caused him such grief. He explained to me that he has been ravaged by horrible nightmares of what transpired, that every night he saw the same scene over and over again. I swore an oath to my master to never speak to anyone of his troubles, but instead he asked that I take again to the pen and record his tale. It was his hope that by telling his tale he could seal away the nightmares that haunted him. So it was that my master told me of how the world came to be rid of Ghast.

           Ghast had begun to approach my master and Animal, who was on the verge of death after being bombarded with shrapnel and bleeding profusely. My master tried to shield Animal away, but Ghast would not be denied his vengeance and used his power to draw the barely conscious Animal into this grasp. Ghast griped Animal by the neck with a single golden hand and thrust his weapon clean through Animals body with no hesitation, as if he had done so infinity before. He then repelled his body far across the apex of the spire until his lifeless body landed in a wet thud upon the ground. Animal lay in a pool of his own blood with no sign of life.

            Ghast turned back towards my master, who stood in horror of the lack of emotion behind Ghast's actions. My master tried endlessly to move his body, to jolt his frame into moving, standing, running! But he could not, his body had surrendered to the inevitability of death well before his mind had. “Good, accept it. You should be the one to submit over the others. Wraith and Styx deserved to die struggling in vain, but you... You deserve a death that you accept. When you see him, tell father that I have avenged her, tell him that justice is ours. Will you do that for me, brother? Will you die for me so that father can rest in peace-” Ghast stopped speaking. He noticed that my lord was not listening, nor was he watching. My master's gaze was drawn elsewhere, across the tower, to where a nightmare was about to be born.

            There was something that my lord could sense that Ghast could not. He turned towards where Animal lay and could see nothing but the wolf lying in shallow pool of his own blood. But my lord's attention was absolute, he described the feeling as though his soul was being swallowed whole by some unseen force, whose presence alone seemed to render his own existence insignificant. To put it another way, it was as if something large and terrible filled the entire apex of the tower and whose presence seemed to be erasing his own. My lord believes that Ghast could not sense this presence due to the loss of his Primeran body. Ghast only lives through the power of Mammon, whose greed is so strong that it would not allow Ghast to die. Therefore, Ghast uses his own powers, gifted to him by Mammon, to perceive the world around him, and seeing as though he could not anticipate this new presence, he could not feel the immense sense of danger that was rapidly approaching.

           Though he could not sense it, Ghast knew that my lord's reaction was genuine and quickly motioned towards Animal's body. He took but only a few paces towards Animal's lifeless frame before he noticed it. Ripples, ripples in the blood emanated from Animal's body in a rhythmic pattern. One two, one two, one two. Over and over again, speeding in intensity until both heard it, a heartbeat. So strong was it and so deafening the sound that my lord clutched his ears to shut out the noise. The force of the beating cracked the ground beneath Animal and spattered his blood across the floor. Animal's entire frame convulsed with the force of each beat as if something was attempting desperately to enter this world from inside his own body.

           Ghast made several attempts to advance towards Animal, but the force of each convulsion pushed him backwards. Ghast attempted to use his powers to draw himself towards Animal, but nothing happened, as if his own power had pushed itself way down inside of him for fear of being consumed by this monstrous force. Then, almost as soon as it had begun, all was silent. Ghast turned towards my master and spoke to him, but he could not respond. My lord lay upon the ground, barely conscious and writhing in pain. His flesh seemed to be burning, but upon closer inspection, was tearing itself apart. Ghast then noticed a wisp of vapor trailing from himself. Raising his hand, he could see that what ever was affecting my master, was happening to what remained of his body as well.

           Ghast stopped, as if he finally could feel what my lord was sensing before. “So, you really are here. I felt you, but could not see you. Let us face one another as equals, as we did once before-” These were the only discernible words that my master could make out. For as Ghast turned, hoping to see a familiar face, he instead was greeted by something no one could have expected. Animal barely stood where he was laying, his body seemed to dangle like a puppet attached to strings. Streams of crimson blood trailed from his wounds, but instead of running to the floor, they acted as a series of multitudinous limbs, each one ending in a clawed hand, reaching and grasping at the air around them. Animal's head rolled forward to reveal large blood stained eyes and elongated teeth and claws, all glowing with a crimson light. This thing, this demon, let loose a roar that shook the very tower upon which held them. A maelstrom of bloody streams spiraled about the creature and filled the tower with a ruby glow that surely was seen for miles.

Episode 10: Something Wicked... - Part 1

Memory File: 0020

Time: 12:00 A.M.

           I suppose if there was ever a time to make a recording its now. The last wave of the creatures has stopped advancing. To think that there are this many people who have died in this valley, its practically the middle of nowhere. Though Kate did mention there were several generations worth of native inhabitants to this land. The truth is, the creature are not strong, but their numbers are so staggering that it makes keeping them away from Kate's home all the more difficult. I've almost been transformed for three hours now and that is definitely the longest that I've ever have done so. I feel like I'm reaching my limit and I can tell that more are coming. I want use my stronger weapons, but I can't. Ghast keeps sending these things from the direction of the city. I have no idea the damage that I might cause if a unleash that kind of power towards them.

Strange, the creatures have been very consistent, but now have suddenly stopped. Its almost as if something has diverted Ghast's attention. I guess I should hope that its a good sign. Aside from that, I'm still bothered by the events of the last hour or so. During the last wave of corpses, a large number of them managed to circle around and reach the back of the house. I was too preoccupied and had no idea they were there. They began to break in through the back windows and there were certainly enough to break down the door. Kate tells me that she tried to brace the door as best she could in an attempt to protect Meryle, who was still unconscious at the time. Unfortunately, Kate was struck from behind by something that smashed clean through the door. The blow knocked her unconscious momentarily, but just long enough for her to not recall the events that immediately transpired.

            I knew something was wrong when I heard the explosion, and I quickly headed towards the house. A large piece of the back wall where the door had been was blow outwards, the bodies of multiple creatures were scattered everywhere, including one hulking brute, the one that sucker punched Kate through the door no doubt. The creatures were clearly blown away from the house by something. Though the only clue as to what happened were several small flames that glowed with a pink hue. I immediately helped free Kate from beneath some of the rubble, she was unhurt, though definitely shaken. She had no recollection of what happened and was quite furious when she saw a good portion of her wall missing. Meryle was awake and seemed better, but still clearly sick form the bite she received earlier. Her conditioned only added to my assumption that somehow Ghast was either weakening, or choosing to focus himself on something else.

            Kate continued to demand what happened, but I couldn't explain. Meryle, struggled to get our attention and claimed that she saw everything. She said that the cat was responsible. Her speech was weak and at first I assumed she was merely struggling to find the right words or that her speech was impeded by the strange illness she was infected with. There was really no time to continue the discussion, as getting the two of them to safety was more important. I helped Kate to her feet and took Merlye onto my back. As we moved upstairs to higher ground, Meryle began insisting that the cat saved her and Kate and we shouldn't leave her behind. I looked back and the large orange cat that I saw earlier in the evening was waddling up the stairs and huffing along the way. Had the situation not been so dire, I would have laughed. Meryle simply smiled and said “Thank you, Pumpkin...” as the cat passed by. I thought nothing of it, but Kate's face showed signs of shock and even fear, especially when Meryle mentioned the cat's name.

           Kate guided me into the attic where we were able to access the roof through and old opening that was once a sun roof her father had remodeled several years ago into an easy way to access the roof. We gazed out into the vast wilderness that surrounded Kate's home and could see that no more of the creatures were advancing. Ghast's tower loomed in the distance and we could see a golden light emanating from the top. Kate drew out a knife that she had on her person and began to eye the cat that had tagged along with us. I found it odd just how well the cat knew it was best to stay with us, but Kate had other ideas in mind. Her following conversation with Meryle was, odd, to say the least.

Meryle? Could you tell me again what you saw earlier. I know your tired kiddo, but I really want you to tell me.

Pumpkin saved us, you were hit from behind, the monsters came in, and Pumpkin made them go away.

How? How did she make them go away?

She just looked at them. Then they were on fire. She made the big one pop too. That's what broke your house. I'm sure she's sorry about it.

Kate, she's had a hallucination. She's still sick, remember? For all you know one of those things was covered in some flammable substance that ignited.

One problem with that theory; how did she know the cat's name? I never told her.

           Our strange mystery came to an end, however, when our attention was drawn to the tower. A crimson light erupted from inside the structure. Whatever it was, it was powerful enough to shake the earth below, as we felt the effect miles away on top of the house. Kate looked pale, almost as if she knew that something horrible had just happened, that some new nightmare was unleashed.

Episode 9: Stand Proud - Part 5

            Wraith had now become a beast, whose ferocity and lust for destruction was aimed solely upon Ghast. The assault on Ghast was relentless as Wraith cast him about the tower's apex like a rag doll. The poltergeist's speed was uncanny for its size, and Ghast could do nothing but defend. Ghast's attention was so fixated on warding off blow after blow that his power to hold Animal pinned to the emerald throne had weakened. Animal managed to free himself and rushed over to my master offering aid. After my lord rejected his assistance, Animal was left in awe at the sight of just how quickly the battle had turned around in their favor and gazed upon the creature that was pummeling Ghast relentlessly. With a renewed sense of hope, victory seemed as though it was only moments away. But the aspiration in Animal's eyes quickly diminished when he failed to get my lord to join him in his premature celebrations. My lord explained to Animal that what Wraith had become was no longer Wraith at all, that the entity known as Wraith ceased to exist when this new beast was born. To make matters worse, even if the poltergeist was capable of destroying Ghast, it would turn on them next.

            Unfortunately, Animal would not have to fear his former teacher delivering the same punishment to him, for as he stood there in disbelief, refusing to accept the loss of his mentor, the poltergeist was suddenly sent skyward in a flash of golden light. The beast came crashing down into the tower sending shards from the structure flying in all directions, but mostly towards my master. He shielded himself by turning away and shutting his eyes, but he knew well that the debris would be not only be painful, but potentially fatal in his wounded condition. Though when sound of the crash had quelled and the last bits of crystal had settled, he felt no pain, though expect for the wound Ghast had dealt from before. He turned back towards where the poltergeist fell and was in shock of what he saw. Animal had shielded him, his body littered with dozens of pieces of emerald shrapnel, his crimson blood draining from the wounds.

            No matter how loud or how much my lord called out to Animal demanding why he did use his powers to shield himself, he received no response from the wolf. Animal's eyes were vacant, and what little life was left in them was quickly fading away. The poltergeist slowly began to writhe on the ground, slowly returning to life as Ghast approached from the distance, his body now enveloped in golden light. Though a midst the chaos as my master tried to revive Animal and take refuge, he could still here Ghast's voice thundering through the night air. “You think me so weak that I cannot fell a beast such as this!? You think so little of my power that you can just swallow me in darkness!? My master birthed me in darkness, and it was my salvation!” The golden light that enveloped his body slowly drained into the hand that wielded his massive blade. The weapon became iridescent and blinded my lord as he tried to shield Animal from whatever was about to happen next.

              Ghast leaped into the sky and thrust his weapon down towards the beast that Wraith had surrendered his very life to become. The poltergeist reared its head towards the falling Ghast and opened its maw wide as if to swallow him whole, but in the mere moment before Ghast fell into its jaws, the power stored in his weapon exploded down into the beast's gapping frame and flooded it with the power of Ghast's own tangible avarice. His power burst outwards from within the creature, shattering the darkness that composed it. Ghast tumbled down into the creature's body as it screamed an unearthly death cry. The creature soon lay still, its body slowly turning a golden color when soon it was at last no more than a golden monument that lay upon the ground where it was cast down. The golden statue then cracked and exploded into dust from the inside out. Golden lights spiraled into the air and obscuring my lord's sight, and when it all was done, Ghast remained, unharmed, and glaring at him. “I tire... I have never used my power as I have done this day. I thank Wraith for that. I thank him for allowing to see just how powerful my master has made me. Tell him for me, tell him your struggle was in vain after you both have died by my golden hands.”

Episode 9: Stand Proud - Part 4

            Animal was the first to try and avenge his comrade by leaping towards Ghast with teeth and claws ready to exact justice upon him. But again, it was all in vain, Ghast caught Animal by the throat and cast him into the emerald throne he had originally had been perched upon. But Animal did not merely fall to the ground upon colliding with the pillar, Ghast sought to keep him out of play by using his powers to simultaneous pin him to the emerald throne with a shard of crystalline debris , skewering Animal through the shoulder, leaving him to dangle from it, unable to heal his wounds or avenge his compatriot.

             My lord stayed vigilant, though he was unable to move and remained collapsed on bent knees. Ghast motioned towards Animal, still writhing and desperately attempting to free himself. “You should relax, Styx... My dear brother will not die just yet. He will live to witness the end of you and your vile accomplice. Isn't that right?... Wraith?” Wraith stood motionless, eyeing Ghast like prey even though it was clear who the predator really was among them. “That's quite the hateful gaze, Wraith. Are you calculating how you will save your comrades? Are you so desperate that you will deny to yourself the false sense of hope that you have?” Wraith replied, “I don't blame you for what you've done, Ghast. In truth, I am, in part, responsible for what has happened to you. But make no mistake, you take your vengeance out on the wrong Primerans. Animal is not Styx, I don't understand how you cannot see it. You must know that Styx died long ago. He was executed by the Zodiac Ministry, I was there, I saw his head roll when the guillotine fell. You have no reason to do this!”

              Ghast turned towards Animal, still struggling in vain to free himself. “It is true. I know that what my eyes see is indeed not the same wolf that betrayed me, and yet... Do you not feel it? Do you not hear it? The beating of a Black Heart. Belphagor's Heart. The power of the Sloth King echos from within him. He inherited the same vile darkness that Styx once wielded. Belphagor has chosen this mutt to succeed his will as an apprentice, just as Mammon had chosen me. So yes, I know that he is not Styx, but the power remembers. It holds in it a small remnant of each apprentice that has wielded it in the past. So to do I feel it in me, each of the poor souls who were given Mammon's dark gift and eventually fell. He is not Styx, but what little of him remains in this world I will extinguish!” Ghast moved with a great determination towards Animal, his weapon ready to enact a harsh, but misguided revenge.

            “Then you doom yourself to relieve this nightmare over and over again!” Wraith bellowed. “ If what you say is true, then once Animal is slain, then the powers given to him will only eventually be bestowed upon another! Styx will remain in this life no matter how many times you cut down a heir to Belphagor's power!” Ghast stopped in his tracks and turned to Wriath once more. If his skeletal visage could have contorted into a smile, he would have done so with great glee. “How little you know, old friend. The barrier between this world and ours strong, so strong that our kind can never bring with us the same degree of power we wield in our homeland. You know this, as well as my fool of a brother. When you two first came to this world you may not have noticed it, but in time you must have come to realize that you were weaker than you once were. The physical laws of our world or in contrast to those of this one, and so, we are weaker here. But for me, I am cut off from my master. I can not feel him nor hear him. I know that if I were to perish here, my essence would not return to my master without my will to guide it. Mammon would be perpetually weakened, forever losing the degree of power he has given me. But it will not be my master who suffers, it will be his. Belphagor will permanently lose a portion of his strength, and when the other Black Hearts learn of it, they will descend upon him and destroy everything he has built. His people, his legacy, everything to his name will disappear! The power that Styx wielded will be gone forever! Then, and only then will my vengeance be complete!”

            Wraith must have been unsure of what frightened him most. Was it fear for the future of Ferus Mundus if Ghast's prediction came to pass? Or was it the truth buried deep in his soul that he would have to make the ultimate sacrifice if he wanted a chance to stop him. Either way, my lord believes at the very least that Wraith did what he felt was right, even if he made his decision for a reason as selfish as trying to redeem himself to his friends. As Ghast approached Animal ever closer, a deafening sound echoed across the tower's apex, the sound of a large object crashing to the floor. Ghast turned quickly back towards Wraith, but he was nowhere to be seen, only the massive lock that he carried upon his back remained, embedded in the crystalline floor from its sheer weight. Ghast said not a word as he approached cautiously. He branded his weapon as he moved closer and closer to the metallic construct. Then, without warning, and with speed he had never anticipated, Ghast was grappled by a hideous and massive black hand that erupted from within the key hole on Wraith's lock. The clawed appendage was composed of what appeared to be a liquid darkness. So large was it, that it clenched around Ghast's entire frame and raised him into the air. The hand came crashing down and implanted Ghast firmly into the floor leaving my lord and Animal to stare on in awe.

           When the dust cleared, Ghast was struggling under the weight of the dark hand and tried to repel himself away using his powers. But it was futile, for the darkness continued to pool out from within the lock and amassed itself into a terrible creature. Its face was that of a distorted human skull, its body a chitinous elongated appendage, like that of a snake, and all supported by two arms that ended in massive claws, one of which pinning Ghast to the floor with a strength that the human world had forgotten long ago and only remained in nightmares. 

       
            The creature that had emerged from within the lock Wraith carried was described to me, by my lord, as a poltergeist. This rare creature was once said to be members of the ghost clan who chose to no longer carry their sins from their past lives and instead allow themselves to be consumed by them. The “ghosts,” as many Primerans have come to call them, are humans who decided to settle in Ferus Mundus during the Primeran retreat from Earth centuries ago. But humans lead such short lives compared to us, and when their existence came to an eventual end, Ferus Mundus gave them new life. When a human dies on Primeran soil, the body quickly turns to bone and dust, just as we do. But for humans, their bones are absorbed by the earth, and in time, a ghost resembling the human will appear. The ghosts seem to have little to no memory of their past lives, or what they have experienced beneath the surface of Ferus Mundus. But all return with two distinct features, a mask resembling a human skull is fixated to their faces, as well as a padlock and chains attached to them. The size of the lock is believed to be related to the misdeeds the human committed in life. Considering the size of the lock Wraith carried, he must have been a human of great cruelty, and yet, he was so willing to abandon his second chance at life by allowing his own sins to swallow him whole for even a small chance to save his comrades.

             The poltergeist beast can range in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all maintain similar abilities. They each have the power become completely invisible to the senses and can move several objects at once when doing so. They are tremendously strong and nigh invulnerable to all techniques and weapons known to Primeran warfare. In fact, only a few have ever been considered defeated, and that was at the hands of elder Primerans. Such power unleashed in the defense of my master came as a relief to me when I heard his tale, but in truth, I had not considered to full extent of just how dreadful the power of the Black Heart could be.