Year 78.2

  *The Devil grins while holding up Doil, Emma, and Lily, who can do nothing but watch.*

  Devil: Do you remember what I said I’d do when we had our bodies back?

  Doil: *Strained* Something about a nice long chat?

  *As the Devil throws Doil toward the house, the world shatters. The Devil soon follows, leaving the opening for anything to come or go. Emma steps at the edge of the Portal and watches two lights bouncing back and forth toward one another, each time the portal cracks more until Emma falls in. The portal disappears as though awaiting her entrance. She flails for a moment, realizing she is floating, not falling. Each crash of the light, Emma feels deep within herself the domain pulse. *

  *Suddenly, the two men appear in front of Emma.*

  Devil: I apologize, I didn’t mean to bring you here. But some children are beyond words. It’s easier to beat them into submission.

  *As Doil flies towards them, the devil raises his arm, stopping Doil as his face presses against the Devil’s now claw-like hand. Using his other hand, he taps Emma’s forehead, and a stadium suddenly forms around them. Emma sits in the only seat as though they fight to impress her. Doil and the Devil stand at each end. Doil has become more Dragonoid than Demon, with wings and claw-like appendages. His body's scales have become harder and thicker. The Devil raises a finger.*

  Devil: I’ll let you pick the first rule.

  Doil: No Time limit this time.

  Devil: Okay *Nods* As for the second rule, first to die?

  *The two look at Emma as if waiting for her to agree to the demands as well.*

  Emma: What do you mean by “First to die?”

  Doil: Our bodies are left in that place, floating, so we won’t die completely. We’ve entered “Her” space and need permission.

  Emma: Her?

  *The distorted voice rings through the walls.*

  Her: Begin on the bang.

  *Emma looks up as a small explosive hits the ground, letting out a light Bang sound. *

  *Doil rushes the Devil. The Devil steps out of the way, almost appearing to walk through Doil. Doil crashes into the wall, his smile glows proudly as he locks onto the Devil. A black object extends from the Devil’s hand, transforming into a sword to block Doil’s claws. Emma can feel as “She” watches them, joyfully.*

  Lily: Mama?

  Emma(TL): I don’t understand either, Lily. I know since your coma, she’s been able to talk easier.

  Lily: Is that why I can hear her?

  Emma(TL): What do you mean?

  Lily: Since we came in here. I can hear multiple voices. I assume the feminine one is Her. It’s not as weird-sounding either.

  Emma(TL): Is she speaking now?

  Lily: Yeah? Well, at least her laughter.

  *Emma listens, only able to hear what sounds like glass, softly moving in the wind.*

  Emma(TL): I think I hear it. If it starts speaking, tell me what it says.

  *The two seem evenly matched. Doil swings proudly with an overconfident smile. The Devil smacks Doil’s arm, off-setting him. Doil grins as he swipes back toward him, only to be stopped by another blade. Doil leaps back to assess. As the Devil slowly walks toward Doil, he puts hold of both of his swords together in his right hand's grasp, combining them. He lifts it over his shoulder and prepares to dash toward Doil. Doil attempts to whip the Devil with his tail; the crack of his tail breaks the sound barrier, only managing to slow the Devil slightly. As the Devil stands upright, he lifts his left arm, dropping Doil’s tail.*

  Devil: I have every intention of making you suffer.*Pause* I won’t, I promise.

  Lily: Don’t give him any permanent damage.

  Emma(TL): Huh?

  Lily: That’s what she said.

  Emma(TL): Oh.

  *Doil’s body becomes sleeker in shape, becoming much more agile. Emma watches as Doil disappears from view. She waits patiently until the Devil disappears as well. She looks around in all directions, confused.*

  Emma(TL): Do you see them?

  *Before Lily can respond, the Devil crashes into the wall. His face twitches in anger with a grin, his eyes become black, and his teeth are all pointed. Doil appears, crouched down like a gargoyle staring at his opponent. His tail regenerated, both covered in bruising, but it seems all cuts have healed.*

  Doil: What are the rules on summons?

  *Doil’s sinister smile lights up as a Red Dragon crashes through the wall, treating the Devil like a chew toy. As he is thrown into the air, he throws a large ice bomb into the dragon's mouth and shatters the sculpture.*

  Devil: Sorry, Spike. I just need to kick my brother's ass. *Appears behind Doil.* But first, I needed to make sure it was really you.

  *Doil leaps back, holding his chest and stomach. His body smokes, and the smell of charred flesh fills the area. His expression shows signs of nervousness as he watches the Devil. *

  Doil: I thought you’d hold back a little.

  Devil: I was.

  *The Devil’s power rises quickly, and Emma barely manages to stay awake as the fight continues. Doil swings his left arm, and it falls off. He continues to regrow limbs and attack the Devil wildly. As he tires, his arms regenerate slower and slower. The Devil lets out a sigh, shaking his head in disappointment. *

  Devil: There’s his temper.

  *Doil freezes as he hears the words; his face turns to one of shame. The Devil walks over and hugs Doil. Emma notices the hand that threw the ice bomb is still frozen as the limb follows the brother’s shadow.*

  Doil: I’m sorry. Bubba.

  *Doil’s tone changes as it transitions to Arthur’s.*

  Devil: I know. But.

  *Doil’s shadow suddenly grows large, needle-like spikes; his body rests pinned like an Insect in a glass display on the ground. The Devil steps over his body. Doil’s temper starts to come back as he glares up at the Devil.*

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Devil: tsk, tsk, tsk.

  *Doil’s body separates, as his limbs stretch across the area. Emma blinks, and she returns to sitting at the table next to the house again. Young Arthur sleeps peacefully on the seat next to her. She looks around the area for the Devil, but only manages to find a note.*

  “Emma, I never got a chance for you to ask anything. As a Devil of my word, I’ll allow you the pleasure of time. As for the boy. He should stay as “Arthur” for now. Things to note are that he is incapable of comprehending negative thoughts. They describe him best as an “Innocent five-year-old.” That “Fight” was a means to calm his other half. I’m not sure how long it will be effective, though. And before you say I owe him a deal, check his skin. Spike will make his life span work like yours.*

  *A moving image made of ink, of the Devil tapping his head, where a signature would be.*

  Emma: *Scoffs* Of course, he doesn’t just have his name.

  *As Emma leans back, Arthur sits up and looks groggy. He looks around, turning his head erratically.*

  Emma: What’s up?

  Arthur: Where are we?

  Emma: What do you mean? We.

  *Emma pauses as she remembers what the words before her said.*

  Emma: We’re camping here because…

  Emma thinking: His appearance is a Demon now. Maybe we should leave… It’s not like we can stay, since that one Demon will show up. He’s bound to notice Arthur’s change in Eyes, Arthur’s childlike appearance… And Height.

  Arthur: Hey, Auntie. Can we go see sand?

  Emma: *Blinks* Sand? What kind of sand? Also, what’s with Auntie?

  Arthur: Well, I have a Mama. Mama said I can have many Mamas, but I said no. Because Mama is special.

  Emma: Okay. Well, Auntie is fine. *Smiles* Hey.

  *Arthur’s story has become a mumble; he stops as he hears Emma and turns toward her.*

  Emma: We can go see sand. But that means we’ll have to go on a trip. Are you okay with that?

  *Arthur’s eyes get big.*

  Arthur: Can I cook dinner?

  Emma: *Confused* Ummm, Okay. Sure.

  Arthur: Yay!

  *Arthur runs in, and Emma can hear him in the kitchen. Emma runs in after him in a slight panic.*

  Emma: Wait!

  *Arthur stops while holding a spoon and a small pot. He looks at Emma innocently, wagging his tail.*

  Arthur: What?

  *Emma looks around, confused. Doil has already placed a loaf of bread and cut it into slices. The fire started with no problem, and the vegetables rested nearby, ready to be cut still.*

  Emma: How did you? Light that?

  Arthur: My spit is really hot.

  *Arthur spits on the ground. After a second, it becomes a small spark. He stomps a few times, but the fire persists until he puts some water on it to extinguish it.*

  Arthur: Mama said it was so I could make nummy food. *Smiles*

  *Arthur makes two hot sandwiches for them to share. Emma stops herself from drooling.*

  Emma: What about the veggies?

  *Arthur grins proudly as he brings out a platter of veggies. Emma looks at the bowl nearby, filled with some sort of sauce.*

  Arthur: It’s Art sauce.

  *Emma tries the savory sauce, enjoying how it blends with the freshness of the vegetables. After Arthur sits down, she turns to him.*

  Emma: Hey. *Arthur lifts his head, showing he is listening.* Are you still Arthur?

  Arthur: *Confused* Why wouldn’t I be?

  Emma: Do you still remember your mom and dad?

  Arthur: Yeah, but then I had a dream. Spike fought a scary man, and I became more like my Mom. Then Mama showed me how to cook and some other things before I had to wake up, she said.

  Emma: Okay, then what happened to Mama?

  Arthur: She said she would play more after we find her gem. She said she was going to be busy helping Auntie.

  *Emma looks at Arthur with a smile, nodding in agreement.*

  Lily: You have.

  Emma(TL): No fucking clue. But for now, he claims that this is Arthur. And maybe he did have a dream of his Mom.

  Arthur: I also made a small plate for Lily.

  *Lily leaps from Emma’s ear, almost knocking her over, excitedly.*

  Lily: Arthur! *Eating* You’re my new favorite Demon.

  *Emma looks concerned at first, but then rolls her eyes and smiles.*

  *Over the next couple of days, Emma prepares to take Arthur with her. He sits holding his Spike stuffed animal, watching Emma run around, using Telekenesis to pack and search what she can.*

  Arthur: If we’re in a hurry. Why haven’t we left yet?

  Emma: Because. I know how your father is, and I want to make sure he didn’t hide anything.

  *Just as they’re about to leave, Emma pulls on the doorknob to close the door behind her, and it falls apart, revealing a note to Arthur.*

  Emma thinking: It’s from his mother as well. I knew he’d do something like this.

  Emma: Told you.

  Arthur: That’s why he told me to only close the door from the inside.

  *Emma tucks it into her pack.*

  Arthur: Can I know what it says?

  Emma: They said to wait for five years.

  Arthur: *Looks down* Okay…

  Emma: *Smiles* Cheer up. We’re going to go to a place full of halflings.

  Arthur: Really?!

  Emma: I know you’re not one anymore, but I thought you’d want to see the Oasis.

  *Arthur stomps his feet in excitement, and they head off. A letter is left for the Demon on Arthur’s request.

  “Mr. Courier, thank you for your help, but I’m going to be going away. If we meet again, we should have lunch again.”

  Instead of signatures, Arthur insisted on doing it himself, so he drew two circles, one to the color of his scales and eyes, the other Emma’s eyes.

  * As the last of the flowers lose their petals, some berries replace them. The three have made it to the west edge of the Everglades. Arthur runs up ahead and points excitedly at a tree.*

  Arthur: It’s still here!

  Emma: What is?

  *Emma walks around to see a heart carved into the tree, “A+M”*

  Arthur: Dad told me this is where he promised my mom he would find someone to care for me.

  *Emma looks around for any sign of life. *

  Emma: Okay. We can camp here tonight.

  Arthur: *Excited gasp.* Really?!

  Emma: Of course.

  *Arthur jumps up excitedly, then places his bag down, pulling out the cooking supplies. While Emma sets up camp, Arthur makes a wonderfully aromatic dish. As they sit down to eat, Emma senses a group of Goblins. *

  Emma: Arthur, wait here.

  *Lily hops down, sitting next to Arthur.*

  Lily: I’ll stay with him.

  *Emma raises her finger to her lips, telling Arthur to stay quiet before disappearing from his sight. He begins looking around swiftly, but before he panics, Lily lies in his lap, and he calms down. He offers her a bite of his meat, to which she accepts excitedly.*

  *A group of five goblins watches the two eating, attracted by the aroma. One of them speaks and points toward the tent, and another nods before heading off. They watch, snickering to themselves, but after a few minutes, Emma returns to camp. The goblin leader sends another goblin, confused by the situation. Another few minutes pass, and Emma locks eyes with the leader. Her terrifying gaze causes the goblin to stumble backward, and two of Emma’s clones stand menacingly, blades dripping in blood, over his other comrades. Their bodies appear to be slowly evaporating into black smoke, intensifying the terrifying presence they emit. *

  Emma(TL): *Tsk.* I still struggle to keep their forms.

  Lily: You used to be able to make a small army. They couldn’t do more than the basics, but they were powerful.

  Emma(TL): I need to make sure I can keep up with them. *Smiles at Arthur.* I couldn’t even see them in most of that fight.

  Lily: *Sighs* Just when I thought we were gonna relax. *Looks at Emma.* Kimmy isn’t going to be happy.

  Emma(TL): I can stay, at least for a time. We both know asking me to stay forever isn’t possible.

  Lily: Yeah, especially if word gets out to Valoria.

  *As the goblin screams, Arthur lifts his head quickly.*

  Arthur: *Gasp* What was that?

  Emma: Probably an animal happy with how good your food smells. *Smiles*

  *Arthur looks down, frowning at his finished meal.*

  Arthur: Does this mean I can’t cook good food anymore? What if something scary smells it?

  *Emma stops mid-bite. She places down her food and turns to Arthur.*

  Emma: If that’s what you’re worried about, I can use my magic to hide the smell.

  *Emma can sense the energy within Arthur rising. She hears the voice within, clearly. As if guiding her in what to say.*

  Emma: It’s okay, Bubba. I’ll take care of it, okay?

  *Upon hearing the name Bubba, the energy dissipates and the voice goes silent.*

  Arthur: *Nods* Okay. *Sniffs and wipes nose.* Hey, Emma.

  Emma: What?

  Arthur: Can we go visit my mom's family?

  Emma: Do you know where any live? I know the Demon’s too be fair. Maybe we could visit.

  *Arthur shakes his head.*

  Emma: Okay, well, what was her family name?

  Arthur: I think Dad once said something about a crest when I was little.

  Emma: *Awkward smile* Well, that narrows it down.

  Lily: By half their race?

  Emma(TL): Now who’s being mean?

  Arthur: I read a letter from one of her siblings. They wrote about a place called Kelvaughn.

  Emma: Well, for now, until we get to the Oasis. I want you to be extra careful, okay?

  *Arthur nods excitedly, bouncing in place. He yawns, the day's exhaustion finally catching up.*

  Emma: Your bed is ready whenever you are.

  *Arthur begins moving to the tent, nodding the entire time.*