FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Jared's suffering seemed unending, yet the trance he had put himself under had made it more tolerable. It also helped to know Davin was still waiting for him, even if he didn't visit every day. Yet, Jared could tell that today was different. Opening his eye, he saw Odin still watching him.

"You want to know how long it's been," Odin said, a statement rather than a question. It wasn't like Jared could do much to answer. "It's the morning of the tenth day. That is, you're done. Assuming you can free yourself of course."

Jared wondered how the hell he was going to do that. He knew if he didn't, he would die here and now. The vines constricted around his neck even tighter, somehow making him feel even more like death than he already did. Yet... of course. That was how. Runes lit up along the vines as he began loosening them, but he stopped when the pain in his side increased. Right, the spear. His eye widened as he felt something new... weakly, he reached out his hand and focused on that new feeling. In his hand, Gungnir appeared and the pain in his side subsided as the wound began closing. Finally able to free himself, he was relieved to finally be able to stand on the root below as he used his free hand to rip off whatever was left around his neck. Finally able to take a deep breath, he could feel his real body doing the same wherever it was. He really hoped he wasn't hooked up to a ventilator or something, but damn. It felt good to finally fill his lungs properly, even if he coughed every so often.

"What did you learn?" Odin asked, calmly watching Jared as he recovered.

"The same thing you did. Though it's not quite like the stories, is it?" Jared said, his voice rough and hoarse. "I'd ask for a drink, but I think it's my real body that needs one."

"And you have the Mead of Poetry within you already. So tell me, Jared... where are you headed now?"

"Back to where I belong, for now. Will you accompany me, my friend?"

"Of course," Odin said, and when Jared offered the spear back to him he simply shook his head. "You need your walking stick more than I do, Jared."

"But it's your spear," Jared said, as they walked. "You should have it."

"No. It's yours now. Gungnir will not listen to me anymore," Odin said, sounding tired for the first time. "I hereby name you Odin."

"...I... am honored, my friend," Jared said, realizing what the trials had finally been about. "...We won't see each other after this, will we?"

"My journey will end soon, yes. But yours is just beginning," Odin said, smiling at him as he adopted the guise of a simple traveler once more. "I was beginning to think no mortal could pass my trials and that your world had completely forgotten the old ways. But now I see that, deep down, there is still some trace of it. A yearning for what once was, though not everything that was once common. Sometimes, change is good."

"I know what you mean, though," Jared said, nodding sagely. "But tell me... will I begin to lose myself, now?"

"You mean, will you become me? No, of course not," Odin chuckled. "You are whoever you want to be. The trials were just to pass my power to you. You are now Odin, but your path is your own as always. You didn't have to do anything I asked, especially when it became so dangerous. Why did you follow my path? I'm curious."

"Part of me wanted power, but mostly... I was also curious. I wanted to know. Though when I realized you may be Odin, I knew there was something greater going on than I first realized. Anyway... Maeryn said that once I accepted the first trial, I had to see the whole thing through."

"You didn't though. I mean, after you lost your eye if you had rejected the rest, you would have lost what you gained but kept a blind eye. You still could have turned back at any time."

"...Oh. I guess that's true," Jared said, shaking his head. "Still, I cut out my own fucking eye, even if it was just in this place. You think I'm going to turn back without getting something in return?"

"I suppose not," Odin said, laughing. "I knew I chose right. A word of warning though; any oaths sworn upon Gungnir's point are unbreakable. Any oath, including yours. Choose your words carefully if you swear upon it."

"I will keep that in mind," Jared said, looking up to see a large reflective wall. "I think I'm here. Thank you for the company, Fundinn."

"No, thank you, Odin. It was an honor to see your ascension."

"Am I a god now?" Jared asked, before Fundinn shook his head.

"Not in the way you're thinking. I won't say any more, though I'm sure my old friend Loki would be able to tell you. But you're stalling."

"I just... I hate to see you go. You're..."

"I've waited a very long time for my end, Odin," Fundinn said, sitting down upon a nearby rock. "Do not weep for me. Instead, live your life. Prove I was right about you. Just knowing Gungnir is in your hands now gives me peace of mind. And, well, it's not like I plan to die in my bed. There is one last battle for me, but you cannot follow where I am going. You have your own battles to fight."

"Die well, my friend. Perhaps I will see you in Valhalla."

"That's the spirit," Fundinn said, cackling softly. "Go on. Return to your world. Make me proud."

Jared nodded, before walking up to the wall. Placing a hand upon it, a scene of him in a hospital room appeared... he looked like shit. He'd have to get the full story out of everyone later if this was where he was. Instead of worry or fear, he simply smiled and took a step forward. No more fear. He was done with all that after everything he'd just put himself through.

*******

Zagan was in a rush. He'd just gotten word from one those under him that Jared wasn't in his room. Someone had dropped the ball in keeping an eye on him, and he would make them pay for it later... right now, he had to see if it was true. He had to see if Jared was...

Entering the room itself, he pushed past anyone trying to stop him until his eyes fell upon the empty hospital bed. None of the get well cards or gifts were there; it was completely cleaned out. Instead of falling to his knees in disbelief or getting emotional, he felt Davin inside of him nearly withering away rather than dealing with what he was seeing. Zagan couldn't blame him. Even he was having a hard time keeping his emotions in check. If he'd been here, maybe he could have said goodbye at least. Maybe...

A toilet flushing grabbed his attention, and looking over to the bathroom he saw the door open as a familiar form walked out. He looked weak on his legs, but still stood. Zagan smiled as Jared's eye caught sight of him, his eyepatch already on along with an outfit he didn't know Jared had. He had arrived naked at the hospital, and his only clothing so far had been the normal hospital attire every patient had.

"...Zagan, right?" Jared asked, tilting his head. "I heard you in my dream. It kept me going."

"And I heard your poem. It kept me going."

"...So Davin's inside, huh?"

"Yes. He is."

"Can I talk to him? You seem nice and all, but I don't really know you. Though you seem to care about me, so... I feel bad about that, somehow."

"It's perfectly understandable. Wait a moment."

Zagan sighed, not ready to just fade away, but he had an obligation. Taking one last look at Jared, he smiled before closing his eyes. Feeling his form shift, his mind became Davin once more. Opening his eyes, Davin blinked a few times as he grew re-accustomed to being aware and in charge of his own body once more.

"...Jared..." Davin said, his eyes welling up. "I..."

"It's okay," Jared said, hugging him. "I woke up here, and the doctors told me what happened. I didn't know it would affect my real body in that way. But Maeryn said I had to see this through. So I did. Even though I might have seen it through regardless..."

"I... I was afraid I'd lose you, even though we haven't even been dating that long. I mean, not dating but... I thought..."

"I know. I get it, really I do," Jared said, smiling. "It's nice to know you care that deeply about me, but maybe we could slow down a bit. Go on that second date, see where it goes. Maybe see each other regularly afterwards?"

"I'd like that," Davin said, smiling. "...But I don't know when I might be able to do that. I feel like I have maybe a day, at most. To be myself I mean."

"Before you go back to being Zagan?" Jared asked, suspicious now. "Why would that happen? I had the feeling this was temporary."

"...It's complicated. Just know that whoever I am, I care the same about you either way. That won't change. Ever. Though... will you at least give Zagan a chance, if it comes to that? For me?"

"...I will, but I'd rather be with you as you are now," Jared said, though the look on his face gave Davin the impression he was ready to get his hands dirty. "A day, you said? Full day or just daylight?"

"Full day on Earth. I get that feeling," Davin said, smiling. "I'm glad you're alive. We saw that empty bed and I thought..."

"Oh my god, they promised me they'd tell someone I was being discharged..." Jared sighed, rolling his one eye. "I guess they haven't gotten to it yet? I already packed everything away but I had to use the bathroom, so I didn't get the chance to find a phone and call myself. I was actually going to swing by your place and see if you couldn't get me my clothes and phone back."

"Where did you get these clothes?"

"Maeryn. He left a note saying he'd 'left me a cute outfit'. I thought maybe he was bullshitting me, but ah... I kind of like it. It's my style and it's comfortable."

"That jacket does look good on you, have to admit. But it's starting to get hotter outside."

"Oh, heat won't matter. I've already enchanted this stuff," Jared said, running a hand along his sleeve; runes shimmered to life before fading again. "Oh, right. Forgot to say, but I'm kind of sort of Odin now? It's complicated."

"...Well, they did say you were following his path. But I thought there was another trial after this... terrifying ordeal?"

"Oh, those don't really need to be done in order of the myths. Plus I had a swig before I ah... well. Point is, it's done. I'm Odin. A Norse fucking god... but not a deity like, ah, some other religions. I think."

"Lucian told me. It's more like you're an ascended being. You can die, but old age won't touch you. Kind of like Uther."

"Yeah but I don't have the voices of dead incarnations screaming at me. Even though my head is full to bursting with the old ways and magic. To think men could learn magic through runes and discipline, once. But ah... if I'd known this would happen, with my body I mean... I would have waited to go to sleep. I can't imagine what was going through your head that night. I'm so sorry... but if I hadn't accepted then and there, it would have been the end of the line."

"I know," Davin said, choosing not to relive that night. "All I care about is that you're okay. That you're alive, and that you're you. You are you, right?"

"If you mean, 'will my personality be replaced by that old codger', then no. It's more a title really. I'm free to do what I want with this... power. Still not sure what he saw in me, but I'm grateful anyway. But that's a question I should be asking you, Davin."

"For a day, like I said," Davin said, shrugging. "After that, it's whatever Lucian decides to do. He can renew my contract on his own. I signed it without reading every detail... like an idiot. But honestly I just... couldn't be me at that moment. I was going to break."

"...You did what you had to do to survive," Jared said, clearly moved. "If you're not Davin at the end of all this, though, I'm going to talk to Lucian myself. Whether he wants me to or not."

"...I feel like you could do it, too," Davin said, smiling at him. "You sound so... assertive."

"Well I didn't go through all this shit to have doubts now, Davin. It's changed me. Though... I don't mind being protected by a big strong man like you, either. Just so we're clear."

"Hey, as long as you know what you want, I'm completely fine with whatever," Davin said, holding out a hand. "Want me to carry something for you though? You said you'd packed up."

"Only if it's what you want to do. I'm sure you've had enough of being bossed around lately," Jared said, smiling as he walked to the side of the bed. Pulling up a small suitcase - again, probably Maeryn's doing - he made sure everything was secure before walking over to hand it to him. Davin took it from him easily before wrapping an arm around him.

"Let's get out of here before they try to get me to use a wheelchair. I still have to check in with the front desk, but I'd rather walk."

"Sure thing," Davin said. He was in his human form, but still wore the suit Pride had made him wear. Even though he could have changed it, a small part of him told him to keep it on for now. That he should always wear suits like this when among the mortals. It made him look good, and he felt good too. Maybe it was himself, or maybe it was Zagan inside him, but he couldn't help but agree a bit with the feelings. Catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror of the open bathroom, he saw at least he had his face instead of Zagan's. For now.

"So what else have I missed?" Jared asked, clearly trying to distract him. Taking the bait, Davin merely smiled as they walked down the hall toward the elevators.

"Well, a lot actually. Zale and Mark just got engaged."

"Holy shit, really? I mean, I can kind of see it but I never thought they'd go through with it. Good for them."

"Oh, and uh... Seth's a king."

"What?"

"Dylann and him share the title of Temperance now. Equals in his realm. Kings together."

"So they got married."

"Sort of? Not every pairing is romantic, but it's whatever they choose to treat it as I guess. So uh... I suppose they got married since they're wearing wedding bands while on Earth. If my memory from being Zagan is the truth, at least."

"Is everyone hooking up and getting married? Geez," Jared laughed, shaking his head. "Next you'll tell me Uther's dating someone."

"...Define dating."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Jared laughed, looking at him with curiosity. "Well, who is it?"

"Believe it or not, it's that Clay daemon. The one that turned him into a himbo before, ah, well..."

"Before they got assimilated and I helped ease them into the hivemind, yeah. You don't have to step on eggshells around me anymore, Davin. But Clay though? You'd think he'd want to distance himself from that daemon..."

"Well, turns out he's turning into Bruce while he's in the realm of Lust, and on Earth he's just being Uther. They have a compromise... Liam told me about it when I tried to deliver something for business to him. He sort of looked like a trucker but he told me he was himself again. I guess Uther took care of it but Liam wanted to enjoy that body a bit longer."

"As long as he's enjoying himself," Jared said, smiling at his own memories of the realm of Lust. "What else has been going on in the world? Sounds like I'm not the only one who's been having an adventure."

"...Well..." Davin said, thinking of other things to tell him, just keeping the conversation going as they enjoyed each other. It wasn't long before they were riding the elevator down to the lobby.

*******

"Sure you want to do this? We could get caught."

"Yeah, I mean, it looks pretty empty in there," Jared said, noticing how dark it was. "Still, maybe we should still sneak up to Liam's office. I can't wait to have some time with you once we're there..."

"I thought you could just travel there now that you're literally Odin," Davin teased, kissing him on the neck.

"Hey, not like you daemons can... and I'm new to all this anyway. Besides it's easier when there's already a door, you know? And... well, it's kind of hot sneaking into the realm of Lust this way."

They were about halfway across to the stairway when the lights snapped on and blinded them. Before either of them could react properly they noticed people coming out of hiding from everywhere.

"Surprise!"

"What the hell?" Jared said, smiling as he adjusted to the light and noticed a huge crowd. "What is all this?"

"A party. For you," Davin answered. "I texted him you were getting discharged and after he got over hearing from me, he told me to bring you over here for a surprise party after an hour or so."

"Oh, so that's why we stopped at that restaurant. Though I still enjoyed the burger so thanks."

"Well, let's go mingle. I can see a few people who want to talk already."

"They'll have to get in line. I want a drink first, if that's okay?"

"I'll get you one then..." Davin said, before Liam stopped him.

"No. You're both on break," Liam said. "I'll get the drinks."

"I didn't say I was going to work, boss," Davin said.

"Ya looked like you was fixing to," Liam said in some half-drawl, before clearing his throat in embarrassment. "You're not going back behind the bar today. I am. My treat."

"...Okay," Davin said, resigned to his fate as a party guest. "Let's get that drink then, Jared."

Sitting at the bar, Jared smiled at everyone saying hi to him in passing or saying he looked great. Everyone seemed to be glad to see him, even though he didn't recognize even half of them. Though some did kind of look familiar, now that he thought about it.

"Mead," Jared ordered, once Liam was ready.

"I'll have what he's having," Davin chuckled, resting a hand on his thigh.

"Sure thing," Liam replied, winking. "Anything you want, Jared. It's on the house tonight."

"How long are we open, though? You sure you don't want me helping out, Liam?" Davin asked.

"Technically we're closed for a private party. If anyone wanted to get in they had to RSVP on the thread online. Been planning this for a couple of days now. It really is good to see you, Jared."

"Feels good to be here," Jared said, flashing a smile. "...I'm not fired though, am I?"

"No, we just delayed your employment a couple weeks. Recovery time and all that. I know you were joking, but don't worry about it. Just come in after a week if you're ready to work then. I have to spend that week getting the word out that we'll be opening again, and I have to think up some ideas for 'renovations' that I may or may not have promised."

"...Well, how about a Norse room?"

"We have one, though nobody really uses it. A bit too tacky I guess," Liam sighed, before Jared laughed.

"Looks like you need my help then. I can make it way more authentic. Besides, who doesn't want to get wasted on mead and pretend they're vikings?"

"...That might work, actually," Liam said, and Jared could see the gears turning in his head. "We'll talk about it later, Jared. Just enjoy the party for now. Oh, and here's your drinks, boys."

"Thanks," Jared said, taking the huge mug of mead. He smiled before taking a huge swig of it. "Gods that's the stuff."

"Already getting wasted huh?" Maeryn said, sitting at the bar next to him. "Typical One-Eye."

"Heh. Whatever you say, 'Loki'," Jared laughed, clapping Maeryn on the shoulder before he realized what he was doing. "Ah shit. Sorry."

"Eh, I'll forgive you this once. I mean you did just go through hell, and you are wearing the outfit I chose for you. I knew I had your size correct."

"It honestly feels good, too. You'll have to tell me where I can buy all this later."

"Well, I know a guy who knows a guy, but I'll just email you that if you're being serious. I'm so jealous though; everyone's paying attention to you and not me for once."

"There are a lot of people here," Jared agreed, feeling their eyes on him. "But ah, I am touched they showed up just for me. I used to think I didn't matter to anyone here, aside from a few coworkers..."

"Half of them want to see you dance again too," Liam said, passing by them on his way to another of the guests. "Even if they can't really connect the dots without me telling them due to that glamour."

"When I'm up to it, I definitely want to," Jared said, remembering that dance. He'd still be tending the bar if they needed him, but most nights he'd be dancing in one of the dancer cages or walking the catwalk on Saturdays. "Might need to start working out though. Cardio especially."

"I'll let Chase know, once he's done playing butler," Seth said, sitting down on Davin's left. "And ah... how are you feeling, Davin?"

"I have a full day. But I want to forget that for now," Davin said politely. "Otherwise, feeling better. A lot better."

"That's good to hear," Seth said, laughing. "What about you Jared?"

"I'm not going to randomly start speaking old Norse again, if that's what you're wondering," Jared said, though he briefly considered doing it as a prank. "But I'm much better than before. Maybe I'll show you and Dylann sometime?"

"Oh! You already know!" Seth laughed, holding up his left hand to show the ring. "Can't wait to see you in our realm sometime. I'm curious to see how you'll react to everything. Just ah, bring some gills if you can."

"Noted," Jared laughed. "Hm, no more suits though?"

"Depends on what I'm doing, but I'm more comfortable in these leathers now that I'm not a servant of Temperance," Seth said. Even though he wore no shirt beneath his jacket and his outfit was designed to hug his body, it wasn't overly obscene either. "But this party's about you, Jared. I can bore you with court intrigue later."

"If it's half as interesting as your beard is, then I'll be looking forward to it," laughed Jared, before Seth winked and took the drink Liam put in front of him. His usual, most likely.

"Davin. It really is good to see you," Seth said, before walking away. Jared noticed the tension but didn't comment on it.

"You going to be okay?"

"I'm perfectly fine," Davin said, though Jared knew he was lying. He didn't call him out on it though. Instead, he simply took his hand in his and squeezed it. After a moment, Davin squeezed it back just as affectionately.

"Hello, Jared," a powerful and smooth voice said from behind him. He didn't need to look to know it was Lucian.

"Hello, Pride," Jared said, his voice hard and terse.

"I see Davin has returned to normal. As was our agreement."

"Not completely, sir," Davin said, sighing. "But yeah. I'm myself for a day, at least. Unless I'm mistaken?"

"No, I set it for a day on purpose," Lucian said, a smug look on his face as he sat next to them.

"So you'll release him soon, right Lucian?" Maeryn said; honestly, Jared had forgotten he was there since he was in his blind spot.

"Maybe. I haven't decided if I'll renew it or not," Lucian said, earning a glare from Jared. "Oh don't be like that, Jared. He knew what he was signing up for when he, well, didn't pay attention to what he was signing up for."

"You know I wasn't in my right mind, Lucian. But yeah, I should have read it. You're right. If I have to be Zagan, then I accept that."

"Well I don't," Jared said, scowling. "Let's see it. This contract of yours."

"And ruin your party?" Lucian said, shaking his scaly head.

"It's that, or I cleave a bloody path through your realm to find it and read it anyway," Jared threatened, earning a look of contempt from Lucian. "You know I can, now."

"Hm... very well. If only to save time and bloodshed," Lucian said, a scroll appearing in his hands. "Here."

Unraveling it, Jared began to scan through it. It looked legitimate, and for all he tried he couldn't find any loopholes he could exploit. Clauses here, clauses there... terms of service... blah blah blah... then he read the last part. The signature clause.

"Davin," Jared said, materializing Gungnir in his free hand and standing with the point up. "Can you do me a favor and hold your hand to Gungnir's point?"

"Sure, but..." Davin began before Jared looked him in the eye. Instead of asking the question or arguing, he gently placed his hand to the spear's point.

"I want to ask you a question, but I need your oath. Do you swear that the answer you are about to give me is completely and undoubtedly the truth?"

"...Sure. I swear it."

A flash of runes lit up along the shaft before fading away, and Jared smiled at the power of the oath he felt. It was temporary, but he went ahead and flashed a smile anyway.

"Were you of sound mind when you signed this contract?"

"...No. I wasn't. I just wanted to stop thinking and worrying. I signed without even looking at it. I could have signed anything with how I was feeling..."

"Good. I thought so," Jared said, as Gungnir disappeared once more. Rolling up the scroll, he looked over to Lucian. "Is this the official contract, by the way? It's not just a copy, right?"

"I don't do copies with these. They're indestructible and I can summon them back at will," Lucian said with a smug look. "I don't know what you're playing at here, but you heard him."

"Yeah, they're indestructible... unless they're void, right?" Maeryn asked, catching on quickly.

"Yes, but..."

"Then I, Odin, declare this contract to be null and void," Jared laughed.

The scroll erupted into flames as runes danced along Jared's hand, protecting him while turning the scroll to ash in a manner of seconds. Even Lucian was shocked for a moment, until he composed himself and scowled.

"...Right. That's why you asked that question."

"Yep. The very last line where he signed. 'I, Davin Connors, being of sound mind..."

"Don't quote my own contract at me, boy," Lucian said, glaring at him. "I know what it said just as well as you did."

"I'm not a boy anymore, you overgrown lizard."

"...No. I suppose you aren't," Lucian said, his voice softening a touch. "Well... I must be getting soft if I can let a simple mortal best me at my own game. Well done, 'Odin'."

"...It was fun being Zagan though, Lucian," Davin said, smiling at him. "And I can kind of feel it deep down, still."

"The contract's magic will hold for the day, considering it was technically fulfilled, but without the article in question I can no longer renew it. So Zagan's still in there, however temporary. That was a change I made in you, not a result of the contract itself."

"...Well. Can you draw him out of me and, say, into an item?"

"...Why?"

"Because maybe I'd like to take a break as Zagan every so often. Even if you were taking advantage of me, I can't say it wasn't fun. Though we'll need to go over a new contract."

"...I will... get right on that, then," Lucian said, smiling as if he'd won after all. "Sorry for the trouble, Jared. It really is good to see you up and about, despite that bit of... unpleasantness."

"Are you daemons always like this?" Jared asked, once Lucian strutted away. "You know. Frenemies?"

"More or less," Maeryn answered, giggling up a storm. "My god, though. That was great... but he let you win that one, you know."

"He did?"

"Well, sort of. If you hadn't noticed that little bit and thought outside the box, he totally might have renewed the contract. But you noticed. So he let you do that, though he will never admit it. Better for people to think Odin himself bested him than to say he took it easy on you."

"I'll let him boast about that then," Jared said, shrugging. "Whatever's going on, I'm just glad Davin can take me on that second date now."

"...I did say that, didn't I? As Zagan?"

"Hey that part was you too," Jared said, taking another swig of mead. He was almost out. "I'm holding you to it."

"How about we do something normal instead this time?" Davin asked, laughing. "I know I suggested that whole Lust realm thing earlier, but that was just to lure you back to the bar."

"I mean the movie was normal but I guess the date wasn't over yet, huh?" Jared asked, closing his eye in thought. "Hm... well, I'll let you pick this time. Surprise me, you know? I want to see just how good you are at being a mortal and doing mortal things like the rest of us."

"I'll text you when I get a good idea," Davin promised. It was like a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders, if the eagerness in his voice was any indication of it.

"And I promise not to make deals with any other otherworldly legends this time," Jared laughed, though he didn't want to get into the details and make Davin relive that night again. "You care about me a lot though, don't you?"

"I care about a lot of people..." Davin said, on the defensive.

"Yeah but, I felt it when we were in that hivemind together, too. I wouldn't say you're in love with me or anything, but you care about me a lot more than anyone else right now."

"...Yeah. I do," Davin said, smiling. "I guess when you go on a date with a cute guy and accidentally share a mind-space with him for half a year, you develop a crush on him."

"Oooooooo," Maeryn said, before Jared punched him in the shoulder without looking. "Ow! Fucking hell, Jared! You're gonna bruise me!"

"Get lost, Loki. I know that doesn't hurt you, even if you're doing the whole femboy thing right now," Jared laughed, his voice rougher and older as he said it. "Or do I need to go into the whole mare story and-"

"Okay okay, sheesh. I'm going!" Maeryn said, taking his drink with him. "It's good to see you too, One-Eye."

"That was ballsy."

"So?" Jared asked, looking into Davin's eyes. "I know I'm not invincible, but I can probably take a few of you in a fight now. Not that I'm eager to prove that, but still. I'd rather just be normal tonight, you know? I've kinda been through hell."

"Yeah, you've seen some crazy shit lately, haven't you?" Davin asked, laughing.

"Not just in my dreams, either," Jared said, his heart light as he laughed with Davin. "I know I've given you more than a few scares lately, but... well, let's just enjoy the rest of the night. I have a lot of people to meet and greet, it seems."

"Well, they did take the time to come see you," Liam said, coming back to them. "You have more friends here than you realize, Jared. I think it helps them just to see you're healthy again. But you're under no obligations here, so don't worry about it."

"Who's worrying?" Jared asked, before draining the rest of his mug. As he stood, Davin followed suit and wrapped his arm around his waist. He could see Uther and some anthro with him waving at him, before walking past. "They look happy."

"Still surprised he even gave him the time of day, but maybe Bruce's love was just that strong. Whatever the case, they seem to be in a proper relationship now."

"Well I really hope it works out for them," Jared said, smiling. "Uther deserves happiness too, after everything he's been through. Even if it's in some weird three-way with a magic hat..."

"Well it sounds weird when you put it that way, but yeah. Still, you should meet 'Bruce'. He's a good guy. A little slow on the uptake when you're not discussing curses and counter-curses, but a good guy."

"I'll have to hear his story sometime. Sounds interesting," Jared said, before waving to one of the first guests he didn't fully recognize. "Hey. Thanks for coming out tonight..."

*******

"This is a lot shorter than your usual contracts, Lucian. Not even any fancy details?"

"Simplicity is best in this case," Lucian said, idly twirling the small draconic pendant. The design looked just like Zagan, but it was all made of obsidian save for the eyes. A pair of small diamonds stared back at Lucian, before he looked up at Davin.

"Not sure I get this line, though," Davin said, looking back down to read. "Something about when wearing the pendant, I accept to become Zagan and 'all the consequences that come with it' or something like that. Mind explaining that one?"

"Well, here's an example," Lucian said, bored with the line of questioning already. "Let's assume you're Zagan, and I order you to, say, spar with someone. You get injured. That would be a consequence. Or perhaps I send you for a coffee run on Earth, and you get stuck in traffic. Another consequence. I could go on but we'd be here forever and a day."

"I see," Davin said, shaking his head. "I know this is annoying, me questioning every little word or phrase. But you have to understand where I'm coming from, Lucian."

"Oh, I do. Which is why I kept it so short this time. You may sign it at your own convenience, or you may reject it. I would of course keep the pendant in that case, but it is entirely your choice. Assuming you are of 'sound mind' this time?"

"You're still bitter about that, I see," Davin chuckled. "I'm sorry you lost your Herald in such a way, Lucian. But maybe it's for the best, you know? But hell, I'll sign it. At least I can't say I didn't read it this time, right?"

Lucian smiled widely as he felt the contract flare to life, Davin's signature as clear as day. Rolling it up with a thought, he grabbed it and sent it where the others were stored. Sliding the pendant over to Davin, he placed his elbows upon the table and folded his fingers together.

"Mind testing it out for me?" Lucian asked, watching Davin examine the pendant's face.

"You just want to see me turn into a dragon again," Davin laughed, holding it up by its blackened chain. "I'm a bit... nervous, though."

"Can you blame me? You have been occupying my thoughts as of late. And you make for a fantastic dragon. Worthy of me, even."

"I guess I could try it out," Davin sighed, shrugging. "We're in your realm so it's not like anyone will freak out if they see I'm a dragon again. It's just..."

"Just what?"

"I'll be able to take it off again, right? It's not going to like, fuse to me or some shit like that?"

"I promise you, it has no such enchantments on it. You will be able to remove it at any time. I assume you know how to remove a necklace, Davin?"

"Hey, I have to be sure," Davin said, smiling. "I have to say though, the scales on this seem almost lifelike. And these diamonds catch the light in ways I didn't think were possible."

"It was crafted by the best in my realm, after all. I expected nothing less for the vessel that contains my Herald."

"...Okay, I'll put it on. If only for a little while," Davin said, placing it over his head. Lucian waited until he allowed it to drop onto his chest, before his arms fell to his side and his head slumped forward. A glow shone from the eyes and mouth, pure power coursing through Davin as he quickly transformed into the draconic daemon Zagan. Opening his black eyes, Zagan smiled widely at his lord.

"I had thought I was gone forever," Zagan said, obviously pleased to see Lucian but confused. "Did you renew the contract, my lord?"

"No, that contract was destroyed. An oversight on my part that nullified it's legitimacy. I will not make the same mistake twice."

"Forgive my asking, but what do you mean, Master Lucian?"

"Exactly what I said, Zagan. But you will not remove that pendant unless I say so. It is responsible for your existence at this very moment."

"What a strange pendant, though beautiful," Zagan said, looking down at the design of what looked to be a hybrid of a lion and a bull. It was made completely of ivory, save for the sapphire eyes that seemed to shine with an unnatural light. "I am honored to wear such a gift, even if it is necessary for my awareness and continued service to you. But won't it fall off if I fly, my lord?"

"No, it was enchanted to never fall off by mistake. It has to be intentionally taken off, and it is nigh indestructible to most conventional means. As for the 'strange' design, it changes its form depending on who currently sleeps inside it. By taking it off, you become Davin again."

"Shall I take it off now, then? It seems you have struck another deal with him."

"No. Not yet. There is one more feature of that pendant I did not tell Davin about."

"What might that be, my lord?"

"You share his memories in their entirety. Do you not?"

"I do, my lord."

"He will not remember being you. He will not even question it, being like a pleasant fading dream to him. But the longer you spend as Zagan, the more it will influence his own personality. I don't think I need to remind you how a daemon's personality affects their aspect, do I?"

"Of course not. But why did he not question whether the pendant had any such enchantments, my lord?"

"Because," Lucian said, smiling wickedly as he reclined in his chair. "Even now, he trusts me. He didn't even look at the back of it. He was so absorbed in the scroll's details that he only admired the pendant's beauty. Nothing else."

He waited while Zagan lifted the pendant from his chest and examined it fully. He seemed confused until Lucian manifested a magnifying glass in his free hand. With an encouraging nod from his lord, Zagan used it to look at what was inscribed upon the back before smiling wickedly.

"It looks like it's just part of the design, impossible to read with the naked eye... but what a beautiful contract, my lord. Legally binding, as well. You have really outdone yourself this time."

"I have. Oh, don't get me wrong though, we will have Davin return every so often to Earth. After all, what's a week or two there compared to here? Every day there is much, much longer here."

"When do you intend to return Davin, my lord? I only ask because I must know how much time there is in which to perform my duties."

"Hmm," Lucian said, smirking. "Earth time? A full day. After all, it's only fair. But before you attend to your duties, Zagan... attend to me. I have gone far too long without that expert tongue of yours."

"Yes, my lord," Zagan said, falling to his knees as Lucian pushed the table aside. Crawling over to his master, he gazed adoringly up at Lucian while he undid his pants. Before long, Lucian was moaning with delight as Zagan's perfectly formed maw wrapped around his own godlike cock. He was no Lust daemon, but he couldn't help but be aroused knowing Davin would finally become his.