Pagan Gods: Of Brotherhood and War

The Author:
It was an unusual night at the WelCum Bar even by its usual standards. Several of the regular customers are present, all while Volo Wolf Lord of Shadow and Argoniya Lord of the Underworld were meeting for the first time. During this meeting Chadwick Jackson starts to feel off.

Chadwick Jackson
*Something is wrong with me…I feel a burning inside me as I hear the talk, I try to keep calm sitting away from everyone*

Argoniya:
“You keep a cub of a lion in this bar, Madison?” *The Horse Lord looks down at Solace, before turning his head to the Volos*european

European Muscle:
Pop in for a morning tea, still a little sleepy. Smile as if at Volos and nod and I notice that Chad is sweaty and something turns him on, damn that guy is always hard and looking good. Pet the cute Solace.

Madison Jones:
"He sort of lives here Argoniya." I move over and collect Solace. "Hey bud, let's get you some food."

Volos:
*I scoop the cub Solace into my massive forearms and lap his face with my broad, wet tongue.*

Argoniya:
“Well... The light and darkness must compete from time to time... The balance will not be balanced for forever...”

Girl With Umbrella:
“Scratch that, that’s the cutest thing I witnessed today.”

Argoniya:
“Lives in here? How come?”

Solace:
Me looks up at Madisun confused, then scary big horse. Then me gets picked up by big wolf and me smiles as he licks me. Me moves in to rub my face on his big tongue. “Me missed you…”

Madison Jones:
"Well, he lived in the Jungle, but we gave him a home here. He comes and goes as he wants." I smile and reach up petting Solace.

Volos:
*"One fades as the other ascends. then they trade places."*

Chadwick Jackson
*the palms of my hands turn black, I freak out and put them in pockets, I am sweating more…”fuck something is wrong”…I mutter, I quickly get up and slide out the exit.

Madison Jones:
"Chad..." I look concerned.

Girl With Umbrella:
“Hmmm, things are definitely going to get weird.”

Volos:
*I turn to European Muscle, "you have been missed."*

Argoniya:
“This bar is indeed weird. But yes. They will trade places... A continuous endless cycle. “When will this ever end, and if so, how will it end...”

Madison Jones:
"Excuse me you two, I need to check on my friend." I leave the bar following Chadwick.

Argoniya:
“Of course, make haste too. Or not, I have known no souls scheduled to be deceased in this bar today...”

Volos:
*"If this Monster disturbs that balance, you may have an ally."*

Blank:
“Now this is an unusual sight…”

Girl With Umbrella:
“Scheduled? I rather not be seeing more ghosts myself. I’m enough as it is.” A chuckle follows that statement.

Argoniya:
“Oh, that is assuring to hear, Volos. The balance cannot be tipped now...”

Will Yesterday:
This bar is so strange.

Blank:
“Who is your… drinking buddy Volos?”

Madison Jones:
I come out of the bar following you. "Chad, wait!"

Chadwick Jackson
I hear Madison behind me, no he needs to leave me alone…my hands in my pocket sweating “stay back Madison, I think I am sick.” I say

Madison Jones:
"Sick, what's going on? I have some water from Lake Crystarium that might help with that." I step forward but cautiously.

Chadwick Jackson
I look at you my face has blackening spots forming on it, my body is quaking…”that won’t help…please for fuck sake stay back…I don’t know what is going on it happens every so often…” I say in a panic…then I scream and grab my stomach falling over face first on the ground.

Madison Jones:
"Every so often..." I repeat as you say that, then you fall forward. I take a deep breath, worried about what this is, trying to detect a scent of something, fearing I might recognize a specific miasma... "What happened to you? Chad I don't abandon people!" I preemptively open a telepath connection to Volos nearby...

Chadwick Jackson
“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh fucking hell….it hurts….AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” I scream then a dark mist pours from my eyes, mouth, nose and my body grays in color then the mist becomes dense and expands increasing in volume…5 foot…8 foot…10 foot…some 12 to 14 feet high…a screeching cry is heard as the mist takes on a shape…tentacles appear…claws….fangs…eyes….the monster.

The Author:
At that moment, Chadwick Jackson changed into the eldritch abomination known only as The Monster.

Madison Jones:
My eyes widen as I see you changing, and I know the form of Madison Jones will not suffice for this. I begin to wrench my sides as I too begin to change, embracing my wolven form. My bones shift, flesh rips as brown grows from my body. Finally the Wolven form of Copper appears with tips of amber hue forming on the brown fur.

You are not logged in. - Copper Wolf

Copper Wolf:
The transformation is complete, I howl in the night sky. I signal for my master to come.

The Author:
The patrons of the bar continue to visit with each other unaware of the actions happening outside with Madison Jones and Chadwick Jackson. It is only when the howl of the Copper Wolf rings out that they become aware of the ensuing battle.

Solace:
Me jumps and climbs bar counter staying close to Master Peter.

Argoniya:
“Thank you.” *The Horse Lord takes the glass and takes a sip from it, nodding his head.*

Blank:
“So Argoniya, I’ve heard that you met with a friend of mine last night, I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about your encounter? He goes by Red Bear.”

Copper Wolf:
The Howl of the Copper Wolf can be heard from outside the bar, its cutting through the night.

Girl With Umbrella:
“Hmmm that was a loud howl…”

Jake English:
...Is it that time of the moon already?

Blank:
“Hm? Really? I guess my informant was misinformed then.” I say while reaching
down to pet Solace. “Volos, is that a friend of yours?”

Solace:
Me rubs me head on Master’s hand.

Argoniya:
“Yes, very loud... And distinctive too.” *The Horse Lord soon turns to face the door, before leaving the bar.*

Jake English:
... *Curious as all heck, I depart the bar with furrowed brows...*

The Author:
It was at this point that Volos, Argoniya, and Jake English left the bar to join the battle. Shortly after the young Lion Cub would run off on his own away from the scene.

Blank:
“Everyone seems to be leaving after that roar… I wonder…”

Solace:
Me jumps down and runs outside.

Girl With Umbrella:
“Well…I want to see too! Someone carry me please!”

Blank:
“NO SOLACE! Not you too!”

Girl With Umbrella:
“ Blank?”

Blank:
“Don’t look at me, I’m not going out there.”

Le Mystère Owner:
*I appear in the room.* It is not safe out there. Stay inside.

Will Yesterday:
“Great….it sucks to be a painting sometimes.” Is probably what you’re thinking right?

Girl With Umbrella:
“I..I ……hmmmppphh!” The voice pouts.

Le Mystère Owner:
Peter.... Use your connection to fortify this building. Quickly!

Blank:
Oh? Okay.

Le Mystère Owner:
Focus, think of the walls as something stronger. Reinforce it with your magic!

Girl With Umbrella:
“Concrete maybe?”

Blank:
I do some quick hand signs and I put my palm on the bar counter. I feel my strength leaving me and I hear that annoying voice in my head again. “Okay, you can either help or get out of the way! … … Good.” I send a pulse of energy creating a barrier around the bar. I drop down to one knee breathing heavily. “Okay. No one goes out… got it?”

Will Yesterday:
What the fuck is going on??? I just came in here to chill!

Le Mystère Owner:
Very good Peter. *I raised my white gloved hands towards the door, a blue hue joining the reinforcement to the barrier.

Blank:
Deep breaths, trying to focus… “I’ve never done something this big before… I’m not sure how long I can hold it…”

Le Mystère Owner:
*I come over to Blank, bringing one hand around your shoulder.* You are doing well my protégé. Do not burn more than you need to, just stabilize it and breathe easy.

Girl With Umbrella:
“Okay…was that intentional? Because that could be taken way out of context Blank.”

Blank:
“Not the time for jokes, Sawako.” I say but I still giggle a little at those words. I keep my mind focused, breathing slowly and deeply.

Girl With Umbrella:
“Sorry, my response to stress is to make jokes.”

Le Mystère Owner:
We have done all we can for now Peter. *I pour a glass of the Bloodrose and offer it to the young owner.* This will calm your nerves.

Will Yesterday:
Will someone please explain what’s going on????

Le Mystère Owner:
*Turns to the confused patron.*

Blank:
“Thanks.” I drink it all in one sip and get back up.

Le Mystère Owner:
There is a creature of unimaginable darkness out there. It's soul purpose I believe is only to destroy. Worry not patron, you are safe here.

Will Yesterday:
Wow…yeah total confidence booster there.

Blank:
“It’s okay, as long as I’m here everyone inside is 100% protected.” Casual friendly and comforting smile.

Le Mystère Owner:
You are doing very well Peter. I knew you had what was needed.

Will Yesterday:
*Sigh* I guess you’re right…I’m sorry for snapping.

Blank:
“It’s a completely normal reaction Will, how about a drink? Want anything?”

The Author:
In response to the howl of Copper Wolf, Volos and Argoniya come out of the bar with Jake English following right after.

Volos:
*"I am here. I see my spawn Copper Wolf."*

Copper Wolf:
"Chadwick is... The Monster!"

The Monster:
The monster laughs…deep ominous voice, “change boy, change into your wolf…your petty powers are no match for me…even the Wolfen Lord, you summon knows this…I have existed beyond time and space…I am god to mankind, the bringer of death..even Dahvin the Defiant knows this…I am the dark…” all around us becomes dark, the air is thick with a heavy mist, my tentacles coil…I hiss. “Ha!! You pathetic wolf…Chadwick, this mere moral is no monster, I merely possess his body as a vessel, he is a powerless whelp.”

Copper Wolf:
"Release my friend!" I growl, the tips of my fur beginning to glow with an amber light.

Argoniya:
“And what is this then?” The Horse Lord looks around for a moment, before noticing the slightly glowing wolf.

Volos:
*I enter this Realm and see The Monster for the first time. "I have possessed him before" I feel the darkness weakening me as I unleash light to give me back Shadow.*

Chadwick Jackson
My large tentacle fires out with a speed greater than light and slams into the copper wolf…”Do not command me pathetic pup!!” I open my wide mouth and launch out a shower of spikes that look like teeth. They pepper the air and each one of you receive several that penetrate your flesh.

Volos:
*My wolven speed engages as I put myself between the Monster and my wolf spawn. I catch the spikes and hurl them back at the Monster.*

Copper Wolf:
My Wolven speed activated, I start to dodge the tentacle, but I am just caught off guard enough for it to slam me away, a loud whine coming from me as I skid across the pavement. I get to my hind legs growling, evading the spikes you throw.

Argoniya:
“What is all this...” The confused Horse Lord would groan, before releasing what seems like a dark fog around him, which hardens enough to block the spikes! Soon, the dark fog would disappear, with the Horse Lord glaring at the sight.

The Monster:
The wolves move at their expected speed. I see their movements, Volos sends back my spikes at me and they are easily absorb into me, My tentacles swing out in all directions, slamming into each of them…my speed is faster than them all…each one hit and push away from me…”enough of your petty games, I am not here for you all…I am here for her, my love and I will have her and we will bring the dark messiah!” I scream out lifting my arms, then I explode into the dark mist again and retreat back into the mortal, called Chadwick.

Copper Wolf:
"Jake, we need your light... Purify the area if you can!" I say with a slight growl, looking towards my friend Chadwick.

Argoniya:
“The Monster has turned into a person! What a magnificent sight!” The Horse Lord exclaims as he watches the Monster turning back into Chadwick. Soon, the Horse Lord would slowly gallop his way toward the mortal, his obsidian burnt-out eyes glowing with orange lava color.

Volos:
*I turn to Argoniya, "it may be more ancient than either of us, but together, and some of my other Beasts, may be able to throw it back into the abyss."*

Chadwick Jackson
I start coughing, groaning as I slowly come to, gripping my head and chest. I gag, then breathe in deeply as I come up to my knees, looking all around at those gathered…panic fills me…”What the hell is going on?”

Jake English:
*This whole time I've been doubled over from the raw miasma of darkness, almost overcome by the heavy mist... but no. Not here. Not while there are folks in need of me. Coughing as I straighten up, I concentrate on the one thing that has always held the fear and the unknown at bay since the beginning of man's sentience. All that man fights for, all the stories he tells, all that he believes in...*

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Argoniya:
“Yes, perhaps we could... Or perhaps not.” The Horse Lord turns to Volos, before glaring at Jake English. Soon, he would cross his arms and observe carefully, almost studying it.

Jake English:
*Hope springs eternal, furious, fiercely casting out the taint of dread from the air, imbuing all who approach with reminders of days gone by and promises of better days, every inch of me radiant as the sun.*

Copper Wolf:
I move over to Chadwick, concerned for my friend. Sniffing him but cautious if that creature returns. "Are you in control again?"

Chadwick Jackson
“Copper?” Then looking over, “Volos?”…then I see Jake English, “Jakers?” I look confused, lost and my body aches.

Chadwick Jackson
“Control of what….” I look at Copper confused.

Copper Wolf:
"You are possessed. That creature lurks inside of you..." I growl a bit, sniffing trying to find that disgusting scent.

Chadwick Jackson
I rub my head…looking all around trying to process…I reach up and rub Coppers arm, “I’m so confused what creature…something is in me!!” I say with some panic.

Volos:
*"It is by one of the Eldritch Gods, fearsome, difficult to defeat or bind."*

Argoniya:
“If I had to guess, that man does not have any memories of his actions while being possessed.”

Chadwick Jackson
I stare at the Horse Lord, still trying to process…I try to stand but my legs are not working well. “I’m possessed!! What the fuck!!!” I panic now more, starting to shake and go into shock.

Jake English:
From the sound of it the dark one seeks... a partner. Whoever that might be. *My voice is... more sonorous somehow, louder than it usually is. I approach Chadwick, eyeing him over, careful not to approach too close just yet in case proximity makes him feel unusually hot as a consequence of my opposition to the darkness within him.*

Copper Wolf:
"How does he look Jake?" I nuzzle Chadwick hoping to calm him.

Chadwick Jackson ….shaking…clutching Coppers arm, my eyes looking at Volos…

Volos:
*I look to the Scent-Bearer, sensing his confusion, his fear. I gather him in my forelegs. "Do you wish to return to the Lair?"*

Copper Wolf:
"May I come as well... my lord? I am concerned for my friend." I look up to Volos with eyes pleading almost like a puppy. ...almost.

Chadwick Jackson
I cling to the Wolfen Lord, burying my head in his neck, feeling a calm come over me in the scent and strength of the big wolf.

Jake English:
*Satisfied for the time being that the vile one's taint is sufficiently purged from the air, the light dissipates as I regard Chadwick, copper, the horse lord and the wolf lord quietly.*

Chadwick Jackson
My mind and body exhausted from this unknown ordeal, I pass out in the Wolfen Lord arms as I speak, “Volos….Copper….help me” my head falls back as I go unconscious.

Volos:
*" the two of you shall retreat to my Lair"*

Copper Wolf:
"That would be best... I..." The Copper Wolf looks a little embarrassed. "I destroyed my clothes over there." I gesture towards a pile of rages from when I changed.

The Monster:
*There is faint voice on the wind,*….”You can’t defeat me.”

Jake English:
*My reaction to that is to fire straight up into the sky, as if to shut up the owner of that malevolent, infernal voice.*

Copper Wolf:
I reach out to Jake English with my mind as I sense we are about to leave. "Take care Jake, I'll catch up with you when I can."

Jake English:
Be it so Copper. Make sure whatever is inside Chadwick doesn't catch you both off guard...

Volos:
*I scoop the Scent-Bearer in my forelegs and carry him to the Lair.*

Copper Wolf:
I follow Volos with amber light trailing from my copper tipped fur.

The Author:
Later that evening after the battle had passed and darkness of the monster had dissipated...

Will Yesterday:
It still sucks that we’re stuck here though….

Girl With Umbrella:
“Oh, what horror! Being stuck in one place for a long time…what could possibly be worse!”

Will Yesterday:
*Glares at that painting.*

Le Mystère Owner:
I feel the danger has passed...

Will Yesterday:
Do we need that painting in here?

Le Mystère Owner:
*I hold up my white gloved hands and dispel my portion of the barrier.* Come now Peter, you have done well.

Jonny Leg Lover:
Danger's passed?~.....that's good, only just got here

Le Mystère Owner:
*Moves over to Jonny Leg Lover and raises my white gloved hand. A cup of steaming Earl Gray tea appears steeped to perfection.*

Jonny Leg Lover:
Well done Blank, or is it Peter? Oh, thank you.

Le Mystère Owner: We have not met. You may call me Mystere.

Blank: “Either works Jonny.

Jonny Leg Lover:
How do you do Mystere? *Holds out my hand to shake.*

Volos:
*I come back into the human gathering place, "I NEED MORE BLOODROSE!!!"*

Le Mystère Owner:
But of course oh Wolf Lord. *I pour you a glass of Bloodrose*

Jonny Leg Lover:
Oh, greetings too Lord Volos.

Blank:
“Hey Jonny.” I pull out 2 bottles of Bloodrose. “Here you go, Volos.”

Le Mystère Owner:
*My head turns over to the young owner, a glimmer of surprise in my face.*

My protégé indeed it would seem...

*I walk over to Volos.*

We have not formally met yet oh Wolf Lord. I am one of the owners of this establishment. On our behalf, I thank you for your service tonight. Now I must depart, I have other matters to attend to.

*I disappear.*

Volos:
*"I nod to the Owner as he greets me then disappears"*

Blank:
I go back behind the bar.

Will Yesterday:
I’ll be going now too…I think I had enough excitement for today.

Jonny Leg Lover:
Hh, he did not shake my hand… Maybe he does not know that human form of greeting.

Blank:
“He doesn’t touch anyone. It’s not personal.”

Jonny Leg Lover:
Ok Will, nice meeting you, stud. Oh right Peter, good to know.

Blank:
“He does that a lot too…” I say before coughing some. “Sorry. Not sure what’s wrong.” I notice that things seem to have calmed down and I head to my office upstairs.

Jonny Leg Lover:
See you. Finish my delicious tea and leave the bar.

The Author:
Following these events, the WelCum Bar was safe from the threats. The fate of Chadwick Jackson remains clear at this time as Volos, Copper Wolf, and Chadwick rest at the Wolf Lord’s Lair to further investigate the situation. That however is a story for another time...

Published: 2021-11-29, viewed 94 times.