The Alyssa problem had been, for the most part, solved. Alyssa now spent most of her time in Aethoria, although I found it too depressing a place for a child to stay. Our days consisted of devising plans and practicing fighting, in a group with the priest, Champwan, Spark, Mot, Mianite, and Redbeard (although he didn't really do much).

"How are we going to be able to tell if Dianite is going to attack?" Mot asked. "If he just surprise attacks us, we won't be able to fight back."

"Ianite gets weaker if Dianite is coming closer to her or people she's close to," Spark explained. "She will know if anything is about to happen and alert us, as well as hide the child from harm's way."

"Good, good." I said with relief. "But how do we track how powerful Dianite is getting while he's alone in the nether? He could just pop up in full god form one day, and we'd be unprepared."

After a moment of silence, the priest hesitantly spoke. "There's no real way to track it. However, I do know approximately how long it takes for gods to redevelop. Mianite, do you have any ideas?"

The white-haired god looked troubled. "As the priest said, there's not really a way to track it. But I guess I know my brother better than ever. I'm going to go ahead and say that he's really only powerful in his own realm. I don't think that him popping up in full god form is much of an issue for us."

Suddenly, laughter echoed inside the small room. It was a loud and menacing cackle that sent shivers down our arms. We all looked at each other in alarm. Dianite.

"We hear you, brother!" Mianite snarled. "Is this your idea of sneaking up on us?"

"I wouldn't call it sneaking up," Dianite replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "It was quite clear I was here. I just felt that while you were, ah, making plans to kill me, I should join in. Sounded like a pleasant conversation."

"You aren't scared, Dianite?" Mianite sneered. "You've never bothered to appear in the overworld in as long as I can remember. By all means, continue sending only your voice over, like a coward. The minute your body enters this dimension, the war begins."

"I'm terrified," the devil said sarcastically. "Underestimating me like you always do, brother. Even since I was five years old."

The god rolled his eyes. "What exactly is the reason you're here anyway?"

I couldn't see Dianite's face, but something told me that he was smiling. "Must there be a reason for visiting, brother? Perhaps I just wanted to chat. It gets lonely in the nether."

"Maybe it wouldn't be so lonely if you actually had followers," Mianite snarled. "And I know you too well to fall for that. There's a reason you're here."

Dianite cackled again. "Perhaps it is just to let you know that I'm here. It causes... certain individuals... to become weaker, just knowing that I'm here!"

There was silence for a moment. "He... he left." Mianite looked astonished. "What was the point of that?"

Suddenly, Spark's face went white. "Oh... my gods!" He leapt to his feet, causing the rest of us to jump. "Certain individuals? Ianite!" He ran out of the room as fast as he could, looking terrified.

Mot stood up in horror, about to follow him, but the priest lay a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Mot. I think Spark can handle this one alone."

A few hours later, I was walking alone back to my castle. Dianite's sudden appearance had disturbed me, and left me with the feeling that I was being watched. Dianite could be here right now, following me while invisible. The thought sent shudders down my body. I hated this beyond anything else I'd ever experienced.

"Surprise, other-Jericho," Dianite sneered. I flinched and stopped walking, filled with sudden fear. Of course he was following me. Of course.

"What do you want now?" I asked him in what was hopefully an intimidating voice. "I thought you already made your statement this morning."

"Why would I end the fun early?" Dianite asked. "I liked seeing the horror on your faces. It's been far too long since I've instilled fear into a human being. It's a lovely sight. You should try it sometime."

"I think I'll pass." I started walking again, hoping the god would leave. I didn't have very high hopes, though, and for good reason.

"You'll pass?" Dianite sounded disappointed. "You're no fun. Even the Mianite and Ianite followers from before instilled fear in some way. You guys need to have more purges, or more pranks. Cause mayhem and destruction! Lighten up and have fun!"

"It's been a while since I've been able to do that so carelessly, and I don't think I'd enjoy returning to that despicable lifestyle," I answered. "What do you want from me anyway?"

I could almost feel the god shrug. "Dunno. Hey, I know what! Here's a deal, cause some mayhem in the land tomorrow and I'll go away!"

"Sounds like trickery." I was determined not to give in to Dianite. "I've stopped making deals with beings of higher status than me. It doesn't end up well, ever."

"I do like tricks, but deals and trades are very important to me!" Dianite suddenly sounded very serious. "I'm the merchant god. I make legitimate deals. I couldn't bear losing my title. Now, that's truly despicable."

I let out a furious sigh. "I'm not making a deal with the devil! Everyone with a shred of common sense knows better than that!"

"Oh, this isn't technically a deal with the devil," Dianite said. "Doesn't that involve giving up your soul or something? I wouldn't know. Anyway, all this devil wants is some entertainment. Ghasts are boring when they're not fighting anyone!" After a moment of my stubborn silence, he added, "Plus, I'm not going to leave you alone if you don't make the deal. I'll talk to you for as long as you're going to talk to me. And if you don't talk, I'll just watch you. You can feel my presence anyway. I can see you getting chills."

With a disgusted look on my face, I replied, "You're going to watch me? While I'm going to sleep? You creep!"

"Make the deal, Sir Jeriah, and I won't watch you!" Dianite sang in his eerie voice.

I guess I was left with no choice. "Fine, Dianite! I'll go, I don't know, put a ton of cats outside of Mot's place. You know, since he's a half-creeper."

The god cackled with delight. "Perfect! You've proved yourself at least somewhat of a worthy opponent! I'll also be expecting a good reaction! Goodnight!" I felt the icy feeling drain from me. He was gone.

What had I done?