Sarah blinked with confusion on two fronts. The first came from what she had just read, as the Devourer Demons were not introduced until Karastak and his followers ventured to the world of Konaku to claim it for themselves. Finding out they they were brought forth as a bargaining chip to bring him back to the world of Terra left a sour taste in her mouth. More so from the fact that he was willing to allow a Dryad to suffer after he was struck by her, or just the image of him falling. However, she did wonder how and where the creature came from, and what its role would be within the story at hand.

As for the second bout of confusion, it came in the form of herself standing with the book in one hand as her body was clothed by a pair of female High Elven servants. Thus leading her to inquire, “What's going on?” just as the book snapped shut.

“My Lady,” bowed one of the servants, whilst the other helped the Goddess into an open robe in order to keep her warm against the cold which plagued both lesser and high immortals within the castle. Whereas she and her son need not be bothered which such a thing, as the cold does not effect those who were above those gifted with immortality. Therefore, her body's temperature was always kept at a comfortable degree.

“My Lady,” she repeated slowly, “Your son had us dress your body. He found you reading with nothing, but your blankets as you stared into that book.” Here, she pointed towards the object in her hand, causing Sarah's eyes to grow wide as she watched a multitude of golden characters of an unknown language spread out in a spiral with the mask on the front as the base. Each of them which came into being revealed a truth that neither she, nor the Elves were able to decipher. Even when a Librarian was called from their own Library, could they not figure out what each one meant.

However, this Librarian, which appeared wearing a hooded rob of white which only revealed a pair of bony-white hands and a pair of glowing coals for eyes, was able to find a clue as to what they said. “It is within the pages, Goddess Sarah,” whispered the being with a monotonous tone of voice, “These books appear every now and again, and they always show their meaning within the pages.

“Though, I must give you a caution,” it spoke with some haste as her eyes alighted from this new information, “What you may find is not what you desire. For once found, this book will change once more, for good or for ill.” Upon so saying, it left her presence, leaving her to return to her room and crawled back into her bed. Whereupon she opened the pages to read once more.

*****

Azazel floated a few metres above the River, cradling the young Demon in her hands whilst stroking the bat-like creature's head and back slowly. Of which was deemed to be an immature Mother after a quick examination by Karastak, who performed some sort of technique which baffled both herself and Charon. For such energies were unknown to those who were unable to traverse the Abyss, where all dangers, both great and small, converge. Therefore, an ability to discern which is dangerous or benign is necessary, as well as one which allows the wielder to know of their origin.

Little Mother, was what the child would be named as, and the little girl watched as Demon and Goliath became bonded to one another through the sheer will of he who was to serve as her new form of entertainment. Of which came in the form of a bright light which blocked all sight from those without, including the Master of the River Styx. Regardless of what occurred during this instance, what came next was one of adorableness. For the little Demon bat squeaked with joy whilst fluttering about his head, then landed atop Azazel's right shoulder as he drifted off towards Charon.

Of whom then sent out many dozens of chains which bound the Goliath's body as a stream of characters from the world of Terra flew out from behind the Ferryman, grafting themselves to the pale man's skin whilst he just watched with great fascination. For each character which fell atop the pale flesh flared a bright gold before darkening into the colour of pitch. No. He did not cry out, as he did not feel pain, even as his body was turned around to reveal his back. Which was then branded with a spell circle and pentagram.

Within the centre of the pentagram stood a curse which slowly embedded itself deep inside his essence. One that spoke of how he must live for one hundred years, and must never take a fatal blow. For if Charon sees his soul within his realm, he shall forever serve as the new Ferryman and Charon.

After the curse was laid, the words, letters, numbers, and even the spell circle glowed with a brilliant and golden light. One that was bright enough to blind a lesser being, and caused only a little Demon to release an indignant squeak at the suddenness of it all. However, Karastak and Charon both exchanged a few more words- words which were not privy to Azazel's ears- before floating down towards the girl. Whereupon he smiled a radiant smile and spoke with an eagerness she did not believe he was capable of having as a soul, “Ready to go?”

*****

Karastak

{Race: Goliath (Vampire; Energy)}

{Age: 25 (>1 month)} {Soul Age: ∞ Potential}

{Level: 10} {STR: 18; DEX: 15; CON: 17; INT:20; WIS: 20; CHA: 25}

{Health: 134/134} {Mana: 150/150}

{Class: Enchanter} {Subclass: Wordsmith}

{Skills: ; ; ; ; ; }

{Titles: Immovable Object; One Who Seeks Knowledge; Vampire Lord; Soul Bound}

{Titles Equipped: Soul Bound}

*****

Karastak awoke beneath an oak tree within a great thicket of the same, and different, types. Beneath him was a sea of grass mixed with dirt and dying leaves torn from the branches they had danced upon in their youth. Whereas all around him, the daily life of the forest's animals scurried, squeaked and squawked in their hunt for food and a mate. For their were the chirps of avian creatures and insects, along with the occasional tiny squeak from somewhere nearby. Though there was a slight smell of musk near where he sat, he still grinned as his body sat up against the wooden trunk with a small sigh of, “I've returned to the land of the living.”

“[Well of course you have],” grumbled Azazel, who was stretched out across a thick branch above his head, “[Where else would you be?]”

To which he replied with the lessening of his grin as his head shook slowly. After which his body stood tall and stretched itself; muscles and joints popping and cracking as he released a small groan before staring about himself with some confusion, “Where's Little Mother?”

“[She's tied to your essences. Just will her into being, and you can dismiss her the same way.]” It appeared to himself that the little girl was tired from some sort of activity he was not aware of. Perhaps she created his body like before, or had to listen to another as they berated her ears until she was worn out. Who knows?

Regardless, he sat back down and took up a position called the Lotus, where he took several moments to breathe himself into a small trance. Which led to his mind fading away as he searched within himself for his Little Mother.

Azazel on the other hand, frowned at the scene before her eyes. For although she was safe within her Void Space, wished to be in the physical company of the pale man. The reason being was of the little creature he was to summon. While this occurred, her own mind turned inwards as she recalled the words of the Master of the River Styx.

“HE IS OLD, AZAZEL,” rumbled the voice of Charon just as the Vampire Lord vanished from the realm of the River Styx, “A THOUSAND, THOUSAND LIFETIMES HE HAS GONE THROUGH, AND HE WISHED TO REMEMBER NONE OF THEM. DO YOU KNOW WHY?”

At a shake of her head, he continued with his arms stretched outwards as though to encompass everything, “IMAGINE A BEING WHO KNOWS FAR TOO MUCH, HAS LEARNED OF EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW, IS STRONGER THAN EVEN YOUR FATHER, AND IS AS KIND AS HE IS UNCARING. THINK OF THE CHANGES WHICH MAY BE WROUGHT UPON THE WORLDS ABOVE.”

After which, his arms slowly dropped to his sides as Azazel took a moment to digest what was spoken. This did not take long, and her eyes widened greatly as she quickly turned to the giant master with, “He would be sought out by others, wanting him to join their side, or kill him if he doesn't.”

“CORRECT, AND THERE WOULD BE MUCH BLOODSHED BECAUSE HE WOULD NOT WISH TO JOIN THEM IN SERVITUDE. THEREFORE, HE ASKED FOR THEM TO BE SEALED AWAY SAVE FOR HIS PREVIOUS LIFE, THIS ONE, AND THREE CONSECUTIVE LIFETIMES WHERE HE WAS A MONK FOR A TEMPLE WITHIN A COUNTRY CALLED TIBET.”

She, on the other hand, stood agape for a time as her mind tried to make some sense of what her ears had heard. All that came from this was a simple, “Why?”

“WHY?” came his reply, “BECAUSE YOU AMUSE HIM TO SOME DEGREE, AND HE WISHES TO EXPLORE MORE OF THE WORLD CALLED TERRA. NOT TO MENTION HE SEEMS TO ENJOY YOUR COMPANY TO SOME DEGREE.

“IN ANY CASE,” Charon took up the pole within arms reach of his gondola, and began to slowly move it towards the far bank of his river, “I MUST RETURN TO MY TASK AT HAND, AND SO MUST YOU, GODDESS AZAZEL.”

In so saying, a violet portal erupted behind her, causing her to jump with some surprise. Upon noting that it would lead her to her Void Space, stepped through and went about recreating Karastak's body. This time, however, he would gain a pair of linen trousers, as opposed to wearing nothing like last time.

*

“A powerhouse like himself would be a great addition to my plans, but would force my hand too early,” grumbled Azazel as she watched from her screen within the white Void Space. Down below, Karastak and his Little Mother danced happily amongst the trees. What with the little Demon exploring everything available whilst being within a metre of her bound partner, but desiring to progress further.

To herself, the scene was comical in an adorable sense, with the little white bat fluttering around the bark of the trees, rubbing its body against the grass, and squeaking with hunger as the pair hunted down a small Horned Rabbit that was trying to graze on a few plants. Which led to her wincing as he chuckled whilst the little creature devoured the meal happily, but protectively as though Karastak would try to take the meal from her.

“Ugh!” she exclaimed, rolling onto her back whilst flailing her limbs, “I want to cuddle with Little Mother!”

“Did you say something, Azazel?” asked the pale giant with the little bat squeaking with wonderment as well.

“[Nope],” came her reply. To which he responded with a shrug and turned back towards allowing his bonded companion to explore the surrounding a little while longer.

“That was close, but he'll need more guidance than what I can give him now... Hmm... I wonder if...” Another screen appeared before her eyes, and her fingers quickly tapped upon the surface, pulling up a small file which contained those of whom were left of her Demon Race. Of which toted a number just under a thousand living bodies with 80% of that number in various states of slavery and servitude. Whereas the rest chose the alternate route of going into hibernation until needed. Even then, she doubted their willingness to answer her call.

“Blah,” her voice drawled as her eyes found what she desired, but also caused her to frown. For next to the name was the words , and the location was farther away than expected. Which resulted in her turning off the connection to Karastak so that she could rage in peace.

But not before he heard a loud and drawn out, “[FUCK!!!]”