"What?! We're calling off the ritual?!
"But I already got the pig!"
"Come on, we were literally willing to die to see a Dark Young!"
"And the Devils didn't even give us the bastard!"
Aika sighed. "Listen, you fools! This comes from the Top of Tops! The Kungur himself!"
That shut up the complaints rather well.
"He's only called it off because another god of the Eldritch stole Diodora from the Devils. Which one, we don't know yet. When we figure that out, we may revisit the idea of unleashing a Dark Young on this god's cult," Aika explained, standing in the dimly lit ritual room deep beneath the ground.
"...Does that mean I should keep the pig or can we just have it for dinner?" a cultist asked, followed by a series of oinks.
Aika put her hands on her hips. "Hell if I know. You all know how these things go. It might be tomorrow we find out, it might be in ten generations. Now, are there any more questions?"
No one spoke up and the cloaked figures began to leave off into smaller groups.
Except for one who lingered to approach her. "Thank you for the news," they said solemnly. "I am a survivor of the cult that was attacked. Tell me, did the devils ever explain why this happened?"
"Turns out this Diodora was a sick bastard, even to his own kind," Aika answered with a shrug. "He likes to turn certain women into reincarnated devils, his peerage, but only to torment and break them."
"A sadistic devil. How stereotypical," the cultist said with a snort.
"Yeah, well, he had his eye on someone who, by a series of long and complicated events, ended up under the aegis of the Sultan and the Sultana. Diodora felt like he had some right to take one of ours and, well, here we are."
"The fool couldn't even pick the right cult to target. The Great Mother would not let this pass, but others might have been less inclined to hand out retribution," the cultist remarked with some bitter amusement. "This god that took him, are there any hints? I wonder if we were being denied or aided."
"Denied, by the sounds of it, but who can really say with our tentacled deities?" Aika explained with a frown. "I'm sorry your comrades won't get their revenge yet."
"Don't apologize. They joined with the Great Mother, and may one day return as her children," he waved off. "Still, it is a shame. Many were looking forward to the chance to witness the summoning of a Dark Young."
"They might not have survived witnessing it," Aika said knowingly.
"Some things are worth that risk," the cultist said with a smile before turning to leave with a wave of the hand. "Thank you for your time."
Aika sighed as she was left to herself in the dark tunnels beneath the city. "Ugh, I'm starting to feel like I'm turning into Issei's herald or priestess. Not that I don't want to, but dammit I'm not sure how to be the first priestess of a fledging cult to a new god, let alone one as high up as him!"
Silence greeted her and she scowled as she looked back into the darkness, feeling a cold breeze where no wind should blow, the chill running up her spine.
The worshippers of the Eldritch Gods were not afraid to die. They recognized the tininess of their own existence and found meaning in serving their gods. Much like most religions, just without any mystery as to if their deities were real or how much they cared.
So Aika wasn't afraid that whatever lurked in the shadows might kill her.
She was mildly concerned her death would disappoint Azathoth and Issei though.
What stepped out into the dim light of the torches was a strange beast, strange for where it was; A polar bear, but one with a great deal of rotten flesh that was covered in ice, forming spikes erratically. Its entire head was only a skull, the top half frozen with the eye sockets were two ice spikes pointed outwards.
Aika tilted her head as she stared at the eldritch, or rather, the host of something eldritch. "You're a bit too far south, don't you think? Can I help you?" she asked politely.
The beast said nothing, did nothing as its spiked eyes gazed upon Aika.
The skeletal jaw fell open and a voice emitted. "Seals wane, shrouded by the madness of rage and hate. The Kungur must know."
Aika frowned and nodded. "The Kungur will know. Thank you, whoever you may or may not be."
With that, the polar bear collapsed, beginning to decay rapidly as the ice melted and evaporated into mist.
"What interesting times we live in now," Aika remarked with a slightly maddened smile.
To live in interesting times was a subtle curse by the mundane but for the Cultists of the Eldritch? There was nothing better than interesting times, even if those times might end with their own annihilation by the very deities they served.
Such was their utter devotion to their gods.
Meanwhile
"Foul Beast!"
"Vermin of a Dead God!"
"Now, now! Let's all keep our heads where they are!"
"A fight is about to break out," Yad commented as she and Issei walked through the forest.
Issei frowned. "Judging by the voices, not with zombies."
"No. You may wish to intervene before our visitors get hurt," Yad recommended as they reached a clearing.
Issei was immediately aware of it being filled with bodies, all dead and similarly zombified. There was also a portal on one side. Or Issei assumed it was a portal, appearing as a large ring that hovered in the clearing. It was see-through, but everything was distorted through it, not unlike a funhouse mirror.
In front of the portal was Azazel, who was obviously trying to keep two parties from coming to blows.
On one side were Lag and Gactha, The Eldritch of Doom was in his true state, humanoid and horse head both glaring at the enemies, while Gactha seemed particularly murderous with a black smoke-like substance boiling around the arms of her human form.
On the other side were two humans, one Issei recognized from the report Yad had shown him earlier, both holding weapons at the ready.
"Irina?" he called out in surprise.
The two girls looked at him in surprise. The blue-haired only grew more alarmed now but Irina just stared at him. "Issei? Is it really you? You...wow, you haven't changed that much," Irina said owlishly.
"Thanks? I think? Can't say the same, I'm definitely never mistaking you for a boy again," Issei said with a smile as he approached her.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It's just with you being an Eldritch, I wasn't sure how different..." Irina suddenly stopped and looked at him in confusion. "Wait, why do you seem like you almost expected us?"
"He knew we were coming," her blue-haired companion said, tensing as Issei's gaze fell upon her.
"Right, I don't think I got your name?" Issei asked politely. "I'm Issei Hyoudou, but I think you already knew that."
"My name is Xenovia," she introduced rigidly. "I must ask, King of the Eldritch, is this...your doing?" she asked heatedly, glancing around at the carnage around them.
"If you mean the zombies? No, we came here to clean that up. Same as you, I think?" Issei guessed.
Irina sighed in relief. "Oh thank God. And, well, I guess, thank you too, Issei."
"Just to be clear? The Fallen Angel and the zombie-ish Horseman are NOT responsible for the undead either?" Xenovia asked with some skepticism.
Lag sighed as he retook his human form, his horse becoming a motorcycle once more. "That's what we were trying to tell you," he said in annoyance. "And does my form really look more like a zombie than the average Eldritch?"
"Maybe a little bit," Azazel answered with a good-natured smile. "Still, I'm glad we could sort that out. We're all on the same side."
"And why is a Fallen Angel here at all?" Irina asked curiously.
"Azazel told us about this," Issei answered casually, waving to the portal and the corpses.
"...Azazel?" Xenovia repeated slowly, eyeing the blond man with wary skepticism and a touch of fear. "That is Azazel? The Leader of the Fallen Angels?"
"Did I forget to mention that?" Azazel asked with a coy smile. "Honestly, I thought it might have made you more untrusting. But I have no more interest in zombies running amok than the church does. So, here we all are."
"Yeah, here we all are," Issei said, looking back to properly take in the scene.
It had obviously been the site of a picnic, maybe even a party or camping trip. But zombies had stumbled through this portal and quickly killed and turned everyone here.
"Ugh."
Including some unlucky soul that had his arms and legs eaten down to the bones before he could become a zombie. He was still just withering on the picnic table.
Yad, without even a glance, beheaded the undead and came up to the group. "Now that this pointless misunderstanding is over, we should deal with this matter."
"Who is this?" Irina asked curiously.
"My name is Yad. I serve the Kungur, same as them," Yad answered, nodding to Lag and Gactha. "That is all you need to know."
The two humans were a bit put off by that, while Issei was only mildly curious as to why she didn't reveal her god-status to them.
"Right, so," Issei started, deciding to get them all back on track. "All we know right now? This portal leads to somewhere south of the United States, and a certain Eldritch is escaping his prison there. He's the reason for the zombies."
"When you say sealed, do you mean like Ryleigh or actually imprisoned?" Xenovia asked in concern.
Issei recalled what she was implying. Certain places and Eldritch beings, like Cthulhu in his city, were sealed because his waking up would currently turn all of humanity insane and destroy the world. It wasn't something Cthulhu wanted to do; it was just something that would just happen as a result.
"Imprisoned, which means he's either out and about or he soon will be," Issei said with a frown. "Honestly, you two being here might help out a lot."
Xenovia and Irina blinked at that.
"Yad? How do you think we should handle this?" Issei asked curiously.
Yad hummed in consideration of the timelines she foresaw. "The humans must stay here. They would only perish and I understand that is not your desire, Kungur. Another conflict is unlikely to form if we leave Lag with them to guard this side of the portal. Unlike Gactha."
The Warrior-nun of Azathoth made no denial of that fact, while the two representatives of the Church did not exactly like being talked about as if they weren't present.
"The Lord of the Fallen Angels should either join us through the portal or leave this place entirely," Yad said, growing slightly annoyed.
"Oh? What did I do?" Azazel asked with a head tilt.
"Nothing. But these two both believe you are plotting something and will distrust your presence," Yad explained, looking pointedly at Xenovia and Irina. "There is a seven in ten chance you will end up fighting them."
"Do you expect us to trust his word so easily?" Xenovia asked, giving the Fallen Angel a pointed look.
"How rude, "Azazel said teasingly.
"Right, all the bible-factions are enemies," Issei recalled idly.
"Honestly, things have been more peaceful since you popped on the radar," Azazel said with a chuckle. "Granted, that's because everyone with a shred of sense is too scared of poking the tentacled hornet nest than to bother fighting each other."
"On one hand, I'd rather not being scaring everyone that much, but I'm not going to complain that it might have put a few wars on hold," Issei mused with a sigh. "Right, Azazel, thank you for your help, really? But we'll take it from here."
"I was just in the neighborhood, happy to help. I hope you don't mind if we keep an eye on things from afar until the portal is closed?" Azazel asked rhetorically as he summoned his wings and began to take flight.
"Sure, try not to get too bored," Issei waved off.
"So...," Irina spoke up as they watched the fallen angel leave. "Just so I understand the situation? You and those two are going to go through the portal, and deal with whatever Eldritch is causing the zombies, while you want us to guard this end with the horseman that is currently disguised as a motorcycle punk?"
Lag waved lazily, his bike revving itself. It managed to sound annoyed with them all.
"Basically, yeah," Issei summarized. "I think you both want to talk with me about something for the Church, right?"
"That is correct, King of the Eldritch," Xenovia admitted with a troubled tone.
"Careful, Master," Gactha said pointedly. "I sense a weapon upon her, one with a great temperament. One I am not sure she can control."
Xenovia glared at the eldritch servant, but Issei just looked at the blue-haired woman with a mixture of curiosity and slight concern.
"We're not here to fight or cause trouble, really!" Irina promised, rasiing up her hands placatingly. "It's just, well, that's not how all Eldritch feel."
"Trust me, I'm aware," Issei said with a sigh. "Lag is chill. Just don't sit in front of the bike. It's still that horse-half of his and it will bite you when he's not looking at it."
"Duly noted!" Irina said in alarm. "And, um, Issei? All things aside, it's great to see you again."
Issei smiled. "You too, Irina. I'd love to catch up, assuming this doesn't turn into some long-term thing we have to deal with."
Meanwhile
Aza tilted her head. "Hm. Issei just went to South America. I wonder what he is up to?"
"Is something wrong, Grandmother?" Kassogtha asked curiously, sitting across from her at what had quickly become Aza's regular booth in this little restaurant.
"No, not yet at least," Aza answered, smiling at the purple eldritch. "I hope you're enjoying visiting your daughters?"
Kass smiled tenderly. "I was really worried that they'd get in trouble again, but they seem rather happy here. They say the Kungur is kind to them."
"Issei isn't naturally cruel unless provoked...or aroused, depending on the partner," Aza said with a giggle, her pigtails breifly wiggling like tentacles. "Akeno apparently enjoys a good deal of pain."
"I can't say I don't understand the appeal," Kass said idly. "Oh! And I have good news. I spread a new disease among the Voidworms. I have a good feeling about this one!"
"I hope so! Issei is growing rather quickly into his eldritch power and Void knows he is taking to the role of Kungur rather well," Aza said whimsically, tracing her finger on the table and ignoring how the shapes she made turned into silver "bubbles" that danced around her hand. "You know, I dreamed so long of finally having him by my side, I never really thought much about what it'd be like with him as the King of the Eldritch, the Sultan to my Sultana."
"Really? Not at all?" Kass asked curiously.
"Oh, I always knew he'd be a bit more limbs-on than I am. He's just not the type to be content doing nothing," Aza said with a loving tone as she flicked her hand. The bubbles all burst and splatted agaisnt the window. They somehow formed a spear in Issei's likeness. "But I never really thought much about what he would do with it, so I never really had any idea how I might be able to prepare for whatever or however he wanted to do things."
"Hmm. I have not really talked to him much myself, but I've talked to my daughters, to Shub, and to others who have. I don't think he would have wanted you to try to "prepare" the universe for him like that. He sounds like he's enjoying finding his way through this all with you, Grandmother," Kass mused outloud.
Aza smiled softly as the metalic liquid evaporated into cuccumber-scented steam. "Maybe you're right. Still, I'll be happy knowing fewer petty matters arise to bother my beloved."
"So he can spend more time with you?" Kass asked playfully.
"Or spend more time dealing with an Eldritch God that has or soon will escape their prisons."
If they were human, they would have been surprised by the voice. As it was, both goddesses just looked at Yog curiously. The time god seemed paradoxically perfectly relaxed and utterly exhausted as she slouched in the seat.
"I thought you were just going to watch us for a moment there," Kass said idly.
"What do you mean, Yog?" Aza asked with a frown. "Which god?"
"Nycrama," Yog answered with a shrug.
Kass suddenly froze at that name, eyes narrowing as boils boiled upon her hand.
"The zombie one," Aza realized with distaste, rage just below the skin. "He was an Elder, but he was almost as strong as a Great Old One. If he is loose, Issei can't deal with that yet."
"Obviously," Yog agreed with a nod. "That's why I'm here, to get him some backup in case the idiot gets out and attacks the Kungur."
"Hm, I could use an excuse to go sightseeing with my beloved," Aza said with a smile as she rose.
"I wasn't talking about you, Aza," Yog said with a smirk, making Aza almost falter at that as Yog waved her sheathed blade at Kass, who was wearing a very tight and angry smile.
"Grandmother, if you'll excuse me, I need to go make sure certain filth does not dirty the Kungur if given the chance," Kass said as she rose and disappeared in a cloud of sickly purple smoke.
"There a reason you don't want me to go?" Aza asked with her arms crossed, practically pouting in her seat.
"Payback for not helping me convince Issei to undo the thing with Iggy?" Yog asked evenly.
"I'm going to let that go because I know you're not being serious," Aza said flatly, her hair darkening to show her ire.
Yog sighed. "I thought it might be a good idea for him and Kass to meet again, honestly. She is the socialite butterfly of the Eldritch, or whatever the human term is. You can show him the universe, but she'd be better at helping him meet other Eldritch across the stars."
"And he's in no danger?" Aza asked pointedly.
"Of getting his human form killed? No," Yog answered with a shrug. "My vision is still clouded by someone, but the points beyond that? I can't see you going planet-killer, so Issei should be fine. Especially since Yad is with him."
"Yad is with him?" Aza repeated, looking Yog over again and only now fully realizing that Yog had changed in ways humans could never understand. "Oh my Me, you both switched? Did Issei-?"
"He didn't make me do anything, I just wanted to show him my other half more," Yog answered with a dismissive wave. "But dear Us, I don't remember the last time I did Yad's half of the job with my personality and powers! It feels so much more annoying for some reason. I think this is how those overworked office humans feel in their cubes."
Aza giggled a bit before raising an eyebrow. "Nycrama though. There aren't a lot of Eldritch Gods that can go unnoticed from your gaze while freeing someone like that."
"I might have a lead on that, Unknowable Queen," Aika said as she waltzed up.
"Ahh, future Head Priestess," Yog greeted wryly.
"I'd rather not be spoiled, so I will take that as a compliment," Aika remarked. "Apologizes, your holinesses, but I believe a god wanted me to pass a message along?"
"You're more than welcome to meet with me anytime, Aika. Head Priestess or not, you are attached to some part of my beloved's life now," Aza welcomed with a smile. "Though, which god?"
"Well, the message came from the possessed corpse of a polar bear," Aika supplied.
"...Possessed corpse or puppeted zombie?" Aza asked with a furrowed brow.
"Oh, I know the difference, My Lady. Definitely possessed corpse," Aika remarked assuredly.
Yog glanced at the timelines and sighed. "Oi, Issei. Is it you or just your former human nature that speeds everything up so much?" she asked in mock exasperation. "The message was from Ithaqua."
"Obviously," Aza said idly. "But do let Aika deliver the message herself without just peeking."
"Thank you, Great Sultana," Aika said with a smile. "I was told that: "Seals wane, shrouded by the madness of rage and hate. The Kungur must know.""
Both divinities shared a look at that. "Seems all of the troublesome relatives are coming to meet the new head of the family."
Aza nodded with a thoughtful scowl. Something else to warn Issei about. She had hoped that these things wouldn't come up for a few hundred thousand years, but she was coming to expect such disappintements. No peaceful honeymoon for her, it seemed. "I wonder..."
Aika and Yog looked at Aza curiously, but she did not elaborate on what was on her mind.
And neither thought it was a good idea to press her, for entirely different reasons.
End of Chapter
Issei has met the Church duo! And is heading on an adventure to Central or South America. And despite Eldritch usually working in very large time frames, Issei existing is seeding up many thing for various reasons. And yeah, Yog isn't having a great time doing Yad's job. Imagine writing an esay in curssive with your non-dominant hand. That's basically Yog's life right now.
Anyway, next chapter, time to hunt for a Necromancer God!
Early viewing of chapters 34-35 avaliable on my pat-reon:
p a treon . com (slash) akumakami64