Prologue: Dim Carcosa
A little boy was running through corridors, twisted maze created by mind of a madman, trying to find a way out. Every intersection would give him more hallways, more doors and more windows to a haunting landscape on the horizon.
Two suns are shining on a golden palace and scorched land. The massive lake Hali stretched out to the horizon. Black stars on the sky are laughing at boy's attempts mockingly. Massive portal on the sky is threatening entire humanity.
He was running for… how long? Boy doesn't remember, madness is leaking through every fiber of this realm. It's hard to concentrate.
'Stop…' Little boy thought, 'Remember who you are. Think again, think.'. Whispers and promises of power, threats and vision of destruction comes from one source. And this source is the reason why he came here. So he must remember… for everyone.
A light from the end of a tunnel. Step by step, he remembers. Evan Goodwin, that's his name. Thirteen year old hero is here on a mission. 'And I'm here to stop this dimension from merging with our world.' he thought, grasping once lost sanity. Evan tries to recollect the past. Him being sorcerer in training and professional eldritch hunter. His friends, companions that probably still were in that village, which was also the hotspot for gateway to Carcosa.
His friends, that he left behind were the only family that he had from a long time. They were teachers, mentors and the most kind people Evan knew. Silas, his best friend, was a master in hand-to-hand combat, his strength was ridiculous and the most bizarre thing that little boy saw in his entire, short life. Once, in the mental asylum he easily beat Beast of Aldebaran, a massive monster from the very place Evan currently is in. Alphones on the other hand was like a good uncle. His intellect helped tremendously with boy's magic training, although he was stumped when Goodwin told him about Arcane manipulation and shared his theories about fundamental laws of magic. Last but not least was Michael. He was a moral support of the group, always there with kind words and advice. This kind and loving persona would crumble very easily when he was holding a sword. Sometimes, he was faster then Evan could see. One blink and all of the monsters were decapitated.
And he left them, believing that they would clean up this mess after dispersing the gateway, but that is his own excuse for leaving them behind. The truth was he didn't want to wait. They were on the clock and the world was in danger. His friends wanted to find less risky way of closing portal but if they wait any longer, the gateway would fully open and The King would come. There was also the other way, which requires closing it from the inside, but Evan knew, closing the gate, would get the invading party killed or worse, lost between time and space. So a mere human child decided to sacrifice himself for his entire realm.
Before Evan left, he left a note and his notebooks, that contained every discovery and theory about magic. Alphones surely would use them for making Earth a better place, or that's what boy believed. The only thing that he took for this suicide mission was his trusty revolver and Necronomicon, Book of the Forbidden Knowledge. This vile tome was written by mad Arab Abdul Alhazred and contained every spell that was known to man. Most of those spells are dark in nature and could bring catastrophe in wrong hands. There were also summoning rituals to contact Outer Gods or what Evan would call them, Eldritch Horrors. Evan knew what harm could cause this grimoire but he believed what good can it bring. The best example is the pillar of his entire plan, using the most powerful sealing spell that he could find.
And there he was, running through corridors for who knows how long, fleeing from the Beast of Aldebaran.
Screech of a monster was probably heard through entire palace. Massive monster was moving and destroying every vase and curtain on it's path. Another crossroad... Evan turned right, for it felt like thousandth time in this never ending day.
Then an opportunity arrived. Hanging chandelier on a flimsy chain, gave a light of hope for a young hero. One good shot and the entire installation would fell on a Beast's head. Evan got into a position and waited for a monster to come. His heart beat at a blinding speed, his lungs were screaming for a rest that they finally got, two broken ribs were acting up again and his hand was shaking from exhaustion and horrors that he saw in Carcosa.
The boy waited and waited. He aimed his revolver at the chain. Normally, a gun would hold bullets and it is true that Eldritch abominations could be hurt by them, but bullet wounds were like mosquito bites, insignificant if not striking vital organs. So Evan invented new way of using magic. Revolver was a vessel, and the ammunition was pure Arcane energy that was leaking out of Goodwin. He would let that magic form the shape of a bullet and with a pull of a trigger, mystic bullets would fly at the target. With this new way of casting spells, boy could also infuse those bullets with fire, water, wind, ice, lighting, light and dark elements, giving them accuracy and precision.
So he waited and he didn't have to for long. Beast of Aldebaran, formerly the bringer of death, now a guardian to his King, was in the same corridor as Evan. Back then it would instill fear, now… It strikes fear into a heart with despair and helplessness. Massive naga like body with tail so strong, that could turn bones into dust, it's entire skin was pale with a tint of yellow. Upper limbs resembled of a praying mantis, claws sharp like an iron, that could shred almost anything in it's path. The most bizarre thing about this creature was it's head shaped like a semi triangle. It's face resembled more of a blank mask that was merging with it's entire head. Only thing that tell if monster could see were three vertical lines, each on the middle of it's face.
Right know, the Beast was hurt. Singed armor-like skin on it's tale was pealing off, showing third-degree burn that the boy left behind with his fire magic. Aiming his revolver, Evan waited for the right moment. The monster was going at him with ferocity known only in rabid animals. Boy had only one shot, but he was confident in his marksmanship. He hold his breath and... magic bullet infused with fire for good measure hit the target. Entire chandelier fell on a Beast trapping him in a cage of shattered glass and metal.
Monster was still alive and trashing trying to break free. Evan walked carefully over to the monster trying not to get hit by their sharp claws. He aimed at the center of the monster's head and with Arcane power coursing from finger tips to the revolver chamber, Evan pulled the trigger. The force penetrated its skull killing it easily.
Evan took his breath, finally he could rest for a bit. The Beast was finally dead. It brought him and his friends so much trouble throughout the entire journey. When it was almost killed in the asylum, it got away through tiny portal, but when it was here… monster had nowhere to run.
Then it felt like a wave of vertigo hit Evan. His vision blurring, and legs giving up on him. The boy fell on his knees holding his temples trying to make the pain go away. In the distance could be heard a church bell, like it was ringing for a funeral.
Suddenly everything got quiet, except for a storm going on outside because of the portal in the sky. The pain came so went away. Evan opened his eyes, that he now realized were closed, and saw a massive doors leading only to one place.
The boy prepared mentally, feeling what was on the other side of this doors. He was ready to face against The Man in Pallid Mask, one last loose end that was left when Evan and his friends were trying to solve mystery of King in Yellow. Now, he was waiting for him… in the throne room.
/-/
When Evan walked into the chamber, first thing that caught his eye was how massive it is.
Architecture of this hall resembled a Victorian church with it's sheer size giving sense of wealth. Rows of windows giving view to two suns on the sky with a massive portal above. Carved columns resembling those from ancient Greek, giving sense of direction deeper into the chamber. Lastly, deeper into the chamber were stairs, covered with red carpet, leading to the yellow throne.
Like Evan predicted, The Man in Pallid Mask was waiting for him at the top of stairs.
The boy walked through the hall towards the boogeyman. He stopped around 6 yards from the man, waiting with bated breath. There could be seen amusement in the mans eyes if not for the mask obscuring anything that could be read from a face.
Grasping for courage, Evan spoke his first words in this wretched land "Who are you?". Boy tried to keep his cool by caressing revolvers grip.
The Man only watched for couple seconds, until he reached his hand for the mask. The atmosphere was heavy. Instinct screamed at the boy for he should run away. But Evan stood his ground, knowing that behind the mask was the solution to last piece of the puzzle.
What was behind that pallid artifact, boy could not predict. Yellow eyes filled with amusement that never left from the beginning. Blonde hair flowing down to the waist. And sinister smile that only promised pain. Before Evan stood not a man, but woman in her late 20s, wearing furry, yellow coat and the necklace with The Yellow Sign.
"Truly it must be a shock for our little hero, is it not?" The woman giggled covering her mouth with that mask. "You probably know who I am but courtesy requires to introduce myself." She opened her arms with a theatrical gesture. The mask was tossed aside and mid air, it was consumed by black flames. "I am Lady Hastur, The King in Yellow, Mistress of Carcosa. Pleased to meet you, little hero." That last part would be flattering if not for that predatory gaze.
Evan shuddered at the words, her voice was like a harmony for the ears. If not for her very nature, every man would fall to her feet. Of course our hero wouldn't get charmed by her beauty. It was a weird feeling. Arcane Magic dissipating any foggy thoughts, telling Evan her Eldritch affinity.
The boy gathered his nerves. "Your plans ends here! Close the gateway or I'll do it myself." He said with determination. Evan would not fail now when he was so close.
If looks could kill, Evan would be dead right there. Then, Hastur's eyes reverted to previous amusement. "Oh such a cliché. You really want to play hero, huh?" She giggled to herself. "But what did I expect. You're still but a child, wanting to be just like your grown up friends." Hastur said with contempt. "And where are they now? Left behind, because someone was so eager to show what he can do. There is a good thing about this, they won't see you squirm in madness begging for death."
The boy was taken aback with shock. Anger was starting boiling to the surface. "Shut up! Don't you dare talk about my family!" Evan shouted. He didn't care if he was yelling at the embodiment of madness.
"Oh did I stricken a nerve?" The King giggled a little. "Your so called 'family' are nothing but a bunch of liars. Keeping a child away from much bigger world." She said with mock-pity spilling out of her mouth.
Evan had enough of this and pulled out his trusty revolver aiming square into the face, right between her eyes. "Enough! The only one lying here is you!" His hands were shaking but resolve still hold on. "I'm tired of you and your games. Those suicides and spreading madness back in my world is your fault. Stop it all at once."
After that bold statement, Hastur's face turned from amusement to mild annoyance. "Do you believe that some child from Arkham could order me around? I'm The King in Yellow, Ruler of Carcosa. I will not allow to be threatened by a brat" Her gaze became a little dim, like she was lost in thought. "Although I must say, you managed to kill my precious subject…" Her eyes lighted up with excitement. "Would you like to join me?"
Wait… what? What was she talking about.
"After you killed my previous subject, it's only fair for you to replace them." Her yellow eyes glowing with hope and sadism. "Think about it. I could show you world that you were so close to discover but were too preoccupied with your childish fantasies of 'saving the world'. Your point of view would expand for new possibilities. You would learn more powerful magic that you ever saw. What will it be?" She asked, extending her hand to him, inviting to take a place beside her.
His hand shook. She really wanted him to join her? A thirteen year old sorcerer that took upon himself mission of saving the world from Eldritch beings? Evan had feeling that he was the only one of stopping it or no one would stood a chance. And know he was standing in front of the whole reason of his fight. Would he really give up and sacrifice his world for knowledge and power?
The loud bang was heard from the revolver. Even if he would accept her offer, Evan would not be able to look into his face.
An arcane bullet flown through the air to hit its mark. However magic projectile disappeared right before her face, leaving behind ripple effect like hitting water surface with a rock. Evan could only watch with surprise. He was not expecting Defensive Magic. The boy thought that she would take it underestimating him.
Her eyes morphed from hope to disappointment. "So that's your choice? Well then, seems like I have to teach a certain brat that there are consequences for their action." Hastur putted on the hood from her furry coat over her head, hiding her face from the world into darkness. Yellow eyes flashed with animosity before also disappearing into the void.
Her coat became more ragged, entire body began to grow and her skin on hands got scabs from some sort of infection. What light could shine under Hastur's hood, would show same pattern upon her face like with The Beast of Aldebaran, with an exception of four lines instead of three. Necklace also changed, from expensive looking jewelry to an old run filled with Eldritch Power, still holding The Yellow Sign as a crest or sigil. Lastly, where were her legs, now it was just floating lower part of the robe.
Here she was. The King in Yellow in her true form.
/-/
What truly shocked Evan wasn't new, monstrous look of the late ruler of Carcosa. No, the most surprising thing for the young hero was how his arcane bullet didn't bring any effect.
Arcane magic was antagonistic in nature towards anything that is Eldritch. It should have worked, or at least wound her a bit. But there she was, massive robe floating above her throne with nothing but malice against the boy.
"I must praise you for your tenacity. Everyone that had looked at me in this form has gone mad. I wonder if your resistance comes from him." The boy clutched his head trying to cast away the voice that is coming from his mind. Voice of Hastur was invasive and filled with venom that anyone hearing it would feel sick.
Everything was before Evan's eyes became blurry. Floating entity in front of him was the only thing that he could focus on. The boy could feel his legs giving out before this vile being.
He could feel coming migraine. Ringing in his ears came back with full force. It felt like he was inside a bell. Every thought that Evan tried to distract himself with were always morphing into that of a King in Yellow. Madness and pain, was the only thing that now he knew.
Why it didn't work? What's going on? Why am I alone again? WHY?
King in Yellow. Mistress of Carcosa. Connoisseur of the Art… Those words describe misery that befallen our world. I was truly lucky to have met those that I could call friends. It is easier to fight having someone relay on. Throughout my first years as a protector I was alone. Now? I feel much emptier knowing feeling of being loved and losing all of it again. I'm sorry.
"Surrender to my will or die like a worm" the voice said from the void. Everything felt like putting hot iron on skin. Every fiber of Evan's being was probed, to find most optimal way to inflict pain. He could feel coldness similar to how you could feel it when losing too much blood.
The applause of an audience woke him up. He was back at the theater where his adventure began.
Everyone was standing and applauding actors who were bowing on a scene.
There was also The Man in a Pallid Mask between actors playing Camilla and Cassilda. He took of the mask and man showed his handsome face, smiling at the crowd and waving his hand.
He motioned everyone to quiet down and silence fall on the theater. "I want to thank you all for this evening. If not for you… I don't know if we could pay the bills." The Man joked and everyone in the audience laughed like it was the funniest joke they ever heard. "I want to also thank my closest friend that helped us put up this play. Please come to us Evan."
The light from reflector shone upon where Evan was sitting. He stood up and walked to the stage with a smile on his face.
Some actors helped him climb on from the front and The Man shook his hand, like a friend would do. Everyone in the audience started once more applaud with more enthusiasm this time around. "You want to say some words to your fans?" He asked Evan with amusement written on his face.
The boy nodded and faced the audience that again quieted down. "Thank you all for coming here, it brings me so much joy that everyone liked the performance." Evan said with vigor, his eyes shining yellow. "Now that everyone is here, you probably want more, right?"
Dead bodies with leaking blood from eye sockets, stayed on their sits with mouth hanging open in eternal scream. Every actor behind Evan and The Man also replied with the same vigor as audience but hanging from a rope above the stage.
"Don't leave them waiting" The Puppeteer said from behind holding yellow strings attached to Evan's arm. The boy nodded, not able to wait for the grant finale.
Don't
His hand reached to his holster grabbing the only thing able to finish the scene for the audience.
Let me go
His breath quickened and heart started beating faster, unable to contain excitement.
LEAVE ME ALONE
Evan quickly pulled away his revolver from his head and threw it far away as possible, he couldn't have his weapon if she was going to use it against him. He was back at the Carcosa, no strings attached and back to the palace with Hastur floating before him with choking anger emitting from her.
"It seems I underestimated your mental aptitude but of course, part of it came from him." She said with disdain in her voice piercing Evan's mind.
Now that she was angry, he needed to act quickly. Evan pulled Necronomicon out of his traveling bag and opened it on a page he needed. His entire plan was based upon the most powerful spell he could use to end this madness. The Elder Sign.
"Do you think it will be that easy?" Hastur make a motion with her rotting hand like she wanted to grasp air.
Entire world again melted before Evan's eyes, forcing him to gather Arcane Magic as fast as he could. He already was halfway through the incantation but then…
Burning mansion was the only light that illuminated dark sky. Heavy rain fall from the clouds above, trying to put out the flames but it was useless. Standing before entrance to garden was Evan, he was responsible. The mansion was a gathering point for high class people that took part in arranging 'The King in Yellow' play.
It was hard to even call them humans. Through the window at the front, people were going around their way, dancing, drinking and laughing. Problem was… that they were on fire. Their skin was pulling of their bone and their hair were shriveling from the heat. The only thing that could be heard was falling rain, roaring flames and peoples laughter.
The heat was unbearable. Evan was walking closer to the front door to join their party. He reached to the burning doors and knocked, letting flames lick his hand..
ENOUGH
Another illusion dispelled, Evan was still casting The Elder Sign, good thing that he hadn't lost concentration.
Something however was wrong. The pain hadn't went away, his hand still hurt from fire. The boy looked and saw that his hand was on fire with Necronomicon. Evan couldn't stop now, he had to endure the pain and finish the spell or else everything would be lost. Good thing that he only needed from the book first part, it was always hard to remember beginning of the incantation.
The boy could feel Necronomicon crumbling from his burning hand. Every last bit of Arcane Magic is being fed into the spell. His eyes changed from gray silver to sky blue. He ignored the pain and the only thing that he could focus on was heaviness coming with running out of magic reserves.
He was almost ready. "It seems this is the end for now but let me ask you this. Could you really bare the responsibility of protecting your world? Are you even happy with your predicament? I'll look forward to seeing if your mind will be still intact." She said her goodbyes.
Is he happy? He lost the only people that he cared about. He went through hell to solve every mystery and stop any threat that came upon his world. And even now, he wasn't sure if he could come back, to his family that he left behind.
The spell shoot out from his burning hand, hitting Hastur dead center. Magical chains started to slither around her cloak and body. The King's form returned back to the one Evan first saw, beautiful woman that started all misery.
Hastur's body became a statue with chains wrapping around her torso. Her necklace turned from The Yellow Sign to the The Elder Sign. There she stood, sealed for who knows how long.
Evan quickly put out the fire from his hand and applied basic healing magic with little reserves that he had. His hand would be okay for now, if he later would start treatment there wouldn't be a scar left but right now he could barely stay on his shaking legs. Now wasn't the time to rest.
The whole realm started to shake. Without Hastur this place will condense and turn itself into personal prison. Carcosa is but of course, her own mind.
Evan ran as fast as he could to the window, looking at the lake Hali. The Portal in the sky closed itself in an almost instant. His world was safe, but he himself wasn't. If he couldn't escape from here, he would be trapped with Hastur for eternity.
The only thing that come to his mind was to look down to the lake, hitting the edge of a palace. If escaping wasn't an option…
He opened a window and climbed upon the ledge. Evan look down upon the waves hitting crumbling building. One last breath and he leaned forward.
Last thing that he remembered was the impact of water.
/-/
Little girl, around 8 years old was laying in her bed. She couldn't fall asleep even if it was far past her bedtime. The only thing that was keeping her awake was the promise of bedtime story.
Then, the door to her room opened with a gasping figure leaning upon the door frame. "You're late." she said pouting.
"I'm so sorry little sister, but I had so much work to do. You know, important stuff." Brother said sitting close to the bed.
"It's ok. I understand." Girl replied relenting to the apology, how would she get her story if she was all mad and grumpy.
"So what story do you want me to tell you?" Brother asked already half expecting the answer.
"The Legend of the Arcanist." she said. "Again? I already told you this story for about hundredth of time." Brother replied pinching his nose.
"Pretty please. You always know how to told this story with such details"
"Fine. Everything for you Rias."
Alright this is it. Welcome everyone to my first ever fanfic I wrote. If you are reading this, it means that you have read it fully or skipped to this part (I don't know why but be my guest). Please, let me know what you did like or didn't. Every review will help me improve upon silly mistakes that would come up here and there. Thank you again and peace out.