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Elinor swallowed as she tried to turn, but there was nowhere to turn; she was a spirit—no body to use—and this colossal being surrounded her.  It emitted an ominous presence that compressed her on all sides which somehow forced her emotions into a box, or it could have been Emotional Loss, for all she knew.

This thing wants me to talk to it?  Who the crap is this?  Am I back in my diamonds?

“What an interesting power you have; to imbue one’s spirit into a gem as a medium, trading a weak, fragile body for a more durable substitute, or was it another that did this to you?”

I guess that solves that question, but why can’t I reach my minions … Mom and Dad.

“Who are you?”  she asked with irritation.  The only thing she could feel was its seemingly infinite presence, swirling around her as it spoke, and she did not like the sound of its voice.

“I have no name.”

“Well, that’s not creepy,” Elinor mumbled.  “I’m busy right now, so if you could just leave, then that’d be great … How are you even talking to me?”

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline your invitation to leave, little life forger.  I have not found such a fascinating creature, such as yourself in … ages.”  His laughter painted the scene of volcanoes in her head; it would almost be comical had she not felt as if she were standing right next to said exploding mountains.

“I make it a point not to speak to people that sound like demons,” Elinor stated dryly, Emotional Loss helping to keep her panicked emotions in check as they filtered back, but it was a difficult fight; her Skill could only do so much.  This being pulsed warning signals through her entire spirit.  If she didn’t know any better, it felt like her spirit was trembling.

“Understandable.  Does this help?”

Elinor’s eyes widened as a jungle exploded across her vision; she was in a clearing, standing on a hardwood deck.  She looked up at the sky, a large orange sun in the heavens, partially blocked by puffy clouds, gently moving across the atmosphere.

Swallowing the nervous jitters that crawled up her body, she looked down; she actually had a body, but she knew it was still a spirit.  She wore the same clothes she’d picked out earlier; a Punk Rave long-sleeve black Renaissance-style dress.  However, she couldn’t deny the warm touch of the sun heated her skin, and the scent of lilies floated up her nose.

She glanced around the deck, noticing two chairs and a table that hadn’t been there before.  The table was glass, framed by metal, and the black chairs were padded.

The being’s voice was now smooth, mature, and male.  “Why don’t we sit and have a proper conversation?”

“W-What did you do to me?”  Elinor asked, stepping back as she turned to face the direction of the voice; the mixture of emotions swirling in her heart was at war with her new powers.

A handsome, blonde-haired man stood a few feet away, causing her to back up further.  He wore a white business suit, and his facial structure resembled her father’s a little, but this man was far more attractive.

He gestured toward the table, his voice and features kind.  “Would you join me?”

“You—you haven’t answered my question!  What—this isn’t real … It can’t be.  I’m still inside my diamonds...”  She stopped, realizing this man—this creature—only cared about what he wanted to answer.  She glanced around the clearing as a soft breeze gently pulled at her grayish-white hair, forcing her to tame it.

Why does it feel so real … What is this thing, if not a man?

“I am simply here to understand, Elinor; I will explain everything once you are seated.”  He walked over to the chair, pulling it out for her to take it.

She didn’t move; this was definitely some kind of trick.  Eyeing the man suspiciously, she shifted toward the side of the deck, but paused.

Where can I go?  I don’t think I have much of a choice.  If he can generate this … whatever this is, then he could be a lot more handsy.

Taking a deep, calming breath, Elinor tried to act more dignified with the aid of her new abilities, but it was challenging in this unusual field the creature created.  She added a slight frown to her lips while moving to take the seat.

With his changed appearance, the warning signals had faded, allowing Emotional Loss and her other passives the chance to catch up after the hurricane it battled before.  She cleared her throat.  “Very well.”

He pushed her chair in before taking his seat, crossing his long legs.

Elinor initiated, eyes slowly analyzing the small tamed section of the jungle they were in; the trees were black and deep brown, mirroring the new world’s sickly color scheme.  “I assume this is some form of a ploy to make me feel more comfortable.  Standard demon tactics.”

“I assure you, he-he-he, your visual representation of a demon is not what I am in the least.  Although, yes,” he glanced around them, “this is just an impression to help the conversation move along.”

“What should I call you?”

“Anything will suffice.”

“Demon?”

He shrugged, a smile giving her the impression he thought she was being childish.  “If that is what you choose, I have no objections.”

Elinor’s vision narrowed.  “Then, I will use it; you give me no reason not to believe you’ll behave as such.”

“What reasons have I displayed to give you such a notion?”  he asked, head tilting slightly.

She crossed her legs, green eyes locking onto his blue irises with a glare.  “Are you joking?”

“On the contrary, I feel as if I have been most accommodating.”

The silence stretched for several seconds as Elinor composed her thoughts.

If I take his earlier comment about not being as I imagined, he can read my mind to a certain extent.  If that’s the case, why ask such a blatantly obvious question?  Perhaps it's not quite mind reading and more reaction reading, or he could be playing some elaborate game of chess and trying to make me second-guess myself.  Either way, I’ll stick with my initial reaction; this thing is dangerous.

“Invading my mind during a critical event in my life is not accommodating.  In any case, let’s bypass any of the games.  What is it that you’re after?  Me?  My spirit?”

“Hmm,” the man thoughtfully looked up at the sky.  “How do I convince you?”  His vision returned to her.  “I am merely here to explore; I am an explorer, and you have caught my interest.  At least, at this moment, that is what I am doing.  Surely, where you’re from, being an explorer is not a foreign concept.”

This leads to the belief that he can’t read my mind, but he could be just using this as a trap … unless his entire plan was for me to second-guess everything I did; what a dirty tactic, but I’d expect nothing less from a demon.  If he can read my mind, then it doesn’t matter, I’m already twenty steps behind, depending on how deep he can reach.

Her eyes slowly moved from the table to the chair he sat on.

Something isn’t right with this.  How could he make something like this?  It’s so familiar to me and Earth, but still basic.  Could this be a reflection of my desires?  I’m wishing for some structure, and he uses that desire to fabricate this by my subconscious design?  That’d be super Inception.

Can I even test it?  He might be able to tamper with my tests, making it pointless.  He could just wait for my desire and alter it to what I’m trying.  How … fascinating.  I don’t believe I’ve ever been pushed to think like this before.

Focused on the wooden deck, she hummed; Demon retained his patient smile as he awaited answers.  She licked her lips, head rising with her eyes.  “You wish to talk to me, correct?”

“That is the purpose of all this,” he stated, gesturing around them.  Elinor didn’t hear a single creature; the only sound was the wind and their slight movements against the chairs.

I need to take a step back.  He wishes to talk; I am interesting to him.  Reading my mind to play a short lived game of doubt would be rather dull, in my opinion.  Why ask if he knows everything?  Purpose … I need to analyze his goal.  Before that…

A slight smile moved her eyes as she folded her hands in her lap.  “I appreciate your patience.  Might I trouble you a bit further?  I wish to sort some things out in my mind.  This is all quite unexpected.”

“Of course, take your time; I am in no rush,” Demon replied, retaining his complete mask.

“I appreciate your civility.”

He’s in no rush, and he’s interested in me.  Is there the possibility that he’ll let me go if I tell him I am in danger?  That would bring me closer to his aims.  If I can leave and he allows me to return, that’ll build my confidence in him.  He’d be playing a longer con; however, if he doesn’t, then there’s something darker happening behind this pretty scene.  Seriously, when did I start thinking like this?

I don’t have an ounce of trust for this creature, but I suppose that has something to do with Emotional Loss.  I’d like to believe I wouldn’t trust him without Emotional Loss’ influence, but who can say … my old self is mostly gone.  I just wish to preserve my parents … as long as they’re alright.

“I have a request.”

“Oh?  Do tell.”  he said, leaning forward a little.

“When you contacted me, I was in the middle of a rather deadly situation.  It would be intriguing to discuss more with you, but I am afraid I must first deal with the enemies at the gate.  Do you understand that reference?”

“I believe I do,” Demon hummed, his smile dropping for the first time.  “This space moves quicker than the normal flow of time; we should be able to finish conducting our discussion and perhaps identify a solution for your circumstance.  Wouldn’t that be the most logical decision?”  he asked, grin returning.

“I—suppose it does.”  Elinor kept her mask from falling, but this was not the answer she expected.

Shoot!  Well played, Demon … damn well played.  He gave me nothing and even threw it back in my face.  I have no way of knowing if time moves quicker.  I don’t think it does from my experience in my diamonds earlier, but this could be an entirely different circumstance.  All I have is his word, and if I question it, he’ll wonder what warrants doubt.  I suppose I could push it.

“As I stated, your entrance was not accommodating in the least.  I do not wish to doubt your words, but you must understand my position—if you wish to understand me.”

“Hmm … I can see that perspective.  However,” his smile fell a little at her addition, “I would feel safer if this issue was dealt with first.”

Her eyebrows pulled together.  “What issue?”

“I am sure you are aware of … How enticing…”

Elinor’s eyes widened as a burst of orange flames erupted out of her body, and a massive skeletal hand seemed to reach right through the deck as if ethereal, closing her into a sort of cage.  The energy expanded to the brown bones as moss grew down its length, releasing a dull glow and light fog extended several feet around the structure.

Demon was gone, but after a moment he reappeared at the edge of the deck; he seemed slightly surprised.  “What … sort of force is this?”  he muttered, pressing his hand through the yellow mist; his skin, muscle, and bone seemed to melt before reforming once back outside the fog.  “Some kind of dissolving or disruptive force?  I have not encountered such energy before.”

This has got to be something related to me … I mean, I’m a Lich, and this is a massive friggin’ skeleton hand.  It doesn’t seem that safe, though.  I could just walk out of it; a hand doesn’t make the best prison if it’s loose like this.  I suppose the light and mist are the real forces used to push Demon back, so that’s good.

A dark smile replaced Demon’s mask as he glanced past his reforming hand.  “You have some capable minions, little Life Forger … Most impressive.”

Elinor leered at Demon, shifting to rest her cheek against the back of her hand, elbow pressed against the arm of her chair.  “Showing your true colors?”

Mom and Dad must have figured out what’s happening!  They made this to protect me.  Does that mean that the Royal Titles worked?  They’re no longer human, but at least we can still be a family.

He folded his arms.  “I’m interested in the power at the Core of your spirit, Elinor.  What is it?”

Her lips twitched a little.  “Hmm?  A power in the Core of my spirit, you say.  What do you know about it?”

Demon’s smile returned with his chair, and he retook it while legs crossed.  “My answers end without an exchange; don’t you wish to know more about your mother and father?”

Elinor’s amusement was doused in cold water, a smirk dropping with her eyebrows; he knew they were her parents.  “What about my mother and father?”

“Tell me how you obtained the seed in your spirit; exchange is a wonderful concept, yes?  We both seek answers; answers to questions that you do not even know you have.”

Her jaw locked for a moment as she glared at the unknown creature.  “You’re bluffing.”

“I’m not; I was able to glimpse a portion of that little seed within you; I have the power.  How else would I be able to disrupt your ability to leave and communicate with your minions?  They seemed to discover what was happening much sooner than I anticipated, but no matter.  It will take them time to remove me; how long I wonder?  Months, perhaps years.  We both know you can wait that long, but why not trade information in the meantime?”

“A dance with the devil,” Elinor whispered.

“Demon to devil; such interesting concepts you have.”

He was doing something to my spirit, and that’s probably how he was able to create this space.  It seems Mom or Dad bought me some time—unless this is a trick, but if that’s the case, there’s nothing I can do, in any case.  I bet he does know something about my abilities; bringing back Mom and Dad appears to be the big trigger that drew his notice.

Oddly enough, his proposal interested her.   Why … I’m naturally curious about things I don’t understand, and that can even lead to me losing my temper … wonderful.  I need to play it smart, though.

“You must give a little to get something in return,” Elinor’s voice was cold.  “How can I be certain you will even tell the truth?”

His smile widened.  “It’s been ages since I’ve had this much fun.  You cannot, but I am not a creature of lies—although I can sense if you are being deceitful.  Test it, if you wish.”

Elinor resituated herself, feeling a bit uncomfortable in the fact she had to put a modicum of trust in this thing.  “I was a cheerleader when I left California.”

“False.  California and a … cheerleader?  I look forward to learning more about those.”

“Hmm … My mother is French.”

“True.”

“My father Native American.”

“False.”

“My hair was black.”

“Subjective,” Demon snickered.  “Both true and false.  Do tell.”

He knew it was dark enough to be black but I still dyed it a deeper shade.  He really can tell how honest I am.  Dirty.

“You won’t lie to me?”

“He-he-he.  You couldn’t tell otherwise, but I will not, and as a show of good faith, I will start … It is clear from your minion’s conversation that you wished to bring back your mother and father, but what if I were to tell you that they didn’t come back how they were?”

How foul!  He picked up on my weak point that fast?  Although, if he can listen in on Mom and Dad’s conversation … he might even be able to listen in through the link he’s interrupting.  Is there anything I can do to counter him?  There’s really no skill I can use?  Nothing, huh … damn.

“What proof do you have?”  she challenged.

He folded his hands across his knee, pressing his back against the chair with a smug grin.  “Give it a moment’s thought.  Think back to how your mother responded to your passionate cry.”

She didn’t like how he phrased it but turned her gaze to one of the large brown bone fingers of the hand surrounding her.

She was confused, but of course, she would be confused; I’d just brought her back from the dead.  She said … Why would she question me calling her Mom?  That can’t be right … I must have misheard her.

“If you don’t believe me, why don’t you listen to the conversation they had earlier, straight from their mouths.”

She heard an unfamiliar voice; it was clear that she was shaken.  “Empress Elinor—she—she was your—your daughter … she helped us escape with that monster, and—and then they sent that toad-thing after us.  The Empress, she talked to it, and it—it took you hostage—it killed you, and—and she brought you back.”

“I see…”  Her mother’s whisper held a sad tone.

“This makes things complicated,” her father sighed.  “And the toad seems to be more skilled than I anticipated.  It’s harming Quin faster than expected by focusing on already damaged areas.  How soon until you can join the fight?”

“I’m hurrying,” her mother growled, pausing for a moment.  “Gwen, stick your ingredients into that flame; it won’t burn you.”  A low rumble shot through her mother’s throat.  “Yes, this makes our relationship complicated with the young Empress.  Our charge is not aware of the scope of her abilities and what she did when creating us.”

Elinor’s body felt like ice as she listened; she couldn’t believe it.  “That … could be forged.”  She wasn’t confident in that scenario, though, and she hated that Emotional Loss didn’t put more doubt in his words.  Demon let her stew in silence, smiling as if he’d already won.

That can’t be … I told it to bring them back.  I told it to bring back my parents … If what he’s saying is true, why didn’t it do it properly?  Is there the possibility it didn’t?  Gwen’s probably one of the girls my Mom brought with her.  Their conversation … it fits the circumstance.  They even know about Quin … How would they know, though?

Bitterly, it was the informative thing in her mind that responded.

They were granted certain knowledge about the minions I rose that they can now control.

Demon allowed another conversation to pass through to sink the scenario in.

“No,” her father stated.  “The Skeletal Steed has extraordinary stats for its rank and level; since the toad has switched to the defensive, and is having a more difficult time,” he paused.  “It should keep the creature busy for at least fifteen minutes before becoming impaired.  I’d rather it not collapse, if possible.”

“More than enough, and the steed’s name is Quin; didn’t you sense it?”  her mother chided.

“It sounds … too cute.”

Her mother giggled.  “The Empress chose the name; we should use it.”

They sound … Why do they sound so similar to my parents if they’re not?  The way Mom teases Dad, and Dad’s always so serious but can dish it back sometimes.  Could Demon just copy that?  Could something have actually gone wrong when I brought them back?  Was I not strong enough?  No…

“No…”  Elinor’s fingers curled into a shaking fist; her cool persona was cracking but Emotional Loss helped to keep her voice in check.  “I brought them back … My Mom and Dad didn’t die.”  Her chest burned with her nose as she glared at the smug handsome man; control was hard, but she refused to let the tears fall.  “You’re a liar … It’s a trick.”

The thoughts rolling through her mind and heart were tearing her apart.

“I must say, does your species always behave so erratically?  The way you fight against your own powers is beyond me.  I assure you, that was real, and what you did was forge new spirits using your parents as a blueprint, not simply bring them back.”

Elinor swallowed, doubt blazing in her chest; she drew in a long breath before letting Emotional Loss help her ask the terrifying question.

Did I bring back my parents the exact same…

It was like two hands wrapped around her throat, suffocating her as Elinor’s heart bled empty with the haunting realization that Demon told her the truth.  The only thing left for her to cling onto hope was to doubt her own powers.

Mom … Dad … I failed … I didn’t … It makes our relationship complicated.  What did they mean by that?  How could that be complicated?  They called me Empress … the human called me Empress … is she human anymore?  I don’t know what’s happening outside … I just … I don’t know.  Is Demon a part of my new powers?  Was he always there?  I don’t know.

“Your turn, Life Forger,” Demon said with glee.  “How did you obtain the seed inside your spirit?”

She ignored him, mind spiralling out of control

What should I do?  What can I do?  Can I fix them … no … Why?  Give me an answer!  Maybe it can’t because Demon’s blocking it, too?  I can fix it; I have to.  There has to be a way … Demon could be manipulating everything it tells me … But if Mom and Dad put this protective shield around me … Can he influence me anymore?  If I’m going to remain sane, I have to continue … I have to get beyond this.

Mom and Dad … Can I even call them that?  What else would I call them?  I don’t know.  If they aren’t my parents, who are they?  Did I throw some random spirits into my parents’ bodies?  Could I have done  … No … thank god, but … they’re not the same.  What would grandma think … how … how … how…

“Excuse me,” Demon snapped his fingers with a deep frown; Emotional Loss was slowly bringing her mind back from the spiral it had taken.  “Is this that hard to handle?  You seem to be such emotional creatures.  I’d expect someone with your spirit to be more level-headed; although, I suppose your spirit is still in flux with the change.  Such a fascinating metamorphosis.”

“You,” she muttered, eyes wide as she realized her fingers were pressed against her temple.  “How do I fix it?  How do I fix my parents … You must have an answer.”

His grin returned.  “Finally noticing me again, are we?  I gave you one answer, and it is your turn to give me one in return.  Once that finishes, we can move on to the next exchange.  I was honest and fair.”

Elinor took several deep breaths as she reigned herself in; her fear and guilt were slowly being brought back under heel.  Pulling back her hair, she pressed her thighs together, feet wrapped around each other.

That’s not a no … There might be a way.  I have to be honest with him … He proved that trying to lie would be a waste of both our time.

Closing her eyes, she took one more breath before her vision opened, glaring at Demon’s casual demeanor.  “I come from another world.  I was drugged, kidnapped, and woke up in a basement with these powers.  I was told that everything started to change the moment lights appeared in the sky.  That’s all I know.  Now, tell me how to get my parents back.”

“Hmm, true … but somewhat ambiguous,” Demon thoughtfully tapped his lower lip, “you didn’t tell me which gave you the powers.  Was it a drug, the light, or something else?”

Elinor shook her head.  “I didn’t tell you because I don’t know.  That’s the only information I have to go on.  My parents.”

Demon folded his arms, vision low, as if pondering something disconnected to their discussion.  A few seconds passed, grinding against Elinor’s nerves.  “I assume these lights appeared with the crystal that transported you into this world.  Yes?”

“I thought this was an exchange,” Elinor said with iron in her tone.

A smirk lit his face.  “That it is.  What was your question again?”

“How do I bring my parents back to their original selves?”

If this information thing inside her head wouldn’t tell her how, surely a demon wanting something from her could; it might cost her soul or whatever else creatures like this liked, but for her parents, she would entertain anything.

Unsurprisingly, his answer was prompt.  “You can’t.  The lights came with the crystal.  Yes?”

The swiftness of his reply left Elinor’s mind blank.  “I—must have been mistaken,” A humorless chuckle shook Elinor’s chest.  “I thought you said ‘I couldn’t.’  What was that again?”

A light sigh left Demon’s lips.  “Are you going to shut down again?  You can’t—it’s impossible—you already used their spirits to forge your current versions.  Should I go on?”

“Yes,” Elinor’s voice cracked.  “You’re a Demon, though … You’re supposed to say you can do anything for a price.”

“Such emotional attachments,” Demon muttered, “and of course, I can do most things quite simply for the proper price, but I am telling you that this is impossible.  Look, you have one shot with how you use someone’s spirit—it is their spirit.  You chose to subtract, add, and mix a lot of aspects into your parents’ spirits.  That was your choice, Life Forger.  You forged a new spirit out of existing material as a base; it was so masterful that it drew my notice, and that … Ah,” he smiled, “my question.”

Elinor slumped back into her chair, vision out of focus; she felt hollow.

I basically killed Mom and Dad … my own abilities confirmed it … Like a computer file … I wrote over their information.  How … why?  He’s being truthful … I can’t see any reason he wouldn’t take this opportunity to force me into some insane deal but … but he’s not.  It doesn’t make sense … My parents are gone.  If even this thing won’t lie to me to get me to do something stupid then … maybe he’s waiting for something else to pull me in?

Demon snapped his fingers several times.  “Hey!  My turn.”

“What’s the point?”  Elinor mumbled.  “What do I have left to live for?  I’m lost in a new world … I have no clue how to even get back, and there’s no hope for my parents.”

He was silent for several seconds before releasing a drawn out sigh.  “I would love for you to give up, give me your spirit, and allow me to use that seed to its fullest potential.  It would accelerate my plans by ages.  However, as I said, I will not lie to you, and I cannot do the one thing you wish.  Also, I doubt your minions will stand for you giving up, and I still need answers.”

Demon ruffled his hair with a somewhat awkward look that Elinor wondered if he was really faking or not.  “Look, Elinor, it’s not as bad as you appear to be taking it.”

She didn’t respond, allowing her abilities to stabilize her hollow heart.  “Emotional life-forms are so difficult to deal with—it is not like your parents disappeared, but were … transformed.  They still have many of the characteristics that they had when you were alive, but they’ve been reforged.”

“Same characteristics…”  Elinor muttered, Demon’s words dropped in a spark that perhaps not all was lost.  She couldn’t trust everything he said, but when her own abilities confirmed what he was saying, how delusional could she be?

They may not remember their past, but they still have many of their characteristics … I heard it in their voices—if that was true.  I know they aren’t the same, though.  They’ll always take care of me, protect me—like they’re doing against Demon.  They love me … They need me … I need them.  I’m not alone…

“Maybe I haven’t lost them completely.”  she said, looking up at Demon.  “I can try to accept that.  Is there any way to get them back … not fully, but just … closer to how they were?”

Demon’s grin turned wicked.  “That’s a question.”

“Yes, the crystal that transported me here appeared with the lights.”

“Good,” Demon’s vision shifted to the right.  “I am familiar with the Crystals; that gives me a clue, but they do not grant powers—that is new.  My answer in regards to your question, treat them like family, Elinor.  I don’t understand the draw of such a concept, but it is the answer you seek.  If you wish to continue building that familial bond, then treat them like family.”

“Oddly … wholesome, for a Demon,” Elinor whispered, slightly confused about how helpful he was being.  “Family … I can do that.”  A soft smile lightened her cheeks.  “You’ve been shockingly helpful, for a devil that’s trying to take my spirit.”

He bypassed her jab.  “Were there others that were given powers?”

Elinor’s lips pursed as she leaned back, folding her arms.

How should I answer?  This only works if I’m honest because he can tell when I’m lying, but would I be throwing that snake-woman under the bus if I let Demon know about her?  He’s not all-powerful, but he seems to have quite a bit of power … It felt endless before he made this illusion.  He must have some kind of restrictions.

Although … should I care about the snake-woman?  Do I need any answers from him to follow up on?  My mind says it’s a little wrong, but if I can get answers to my questions, then I don’t feel that bad about telling him.  Another Lich change, probably.  In any case, do I have any more questions?  No.  Not really.

Her composure soon returned, and she said, “I don’t believe I have any more questions.  So, what else could you provide to receive such information?”

“Hmm,” Demon crossed his legs in the opposite direction.  “I could tell you what I know about the seed inside you.”

Elinor was a little shocked with her instant response.  “Yes, there was at least one other person that changed, and the toads brought her here.  There may be more, but that’s the only one I know for certain.”

“The toads,” Demon chuckled.  “You have such fun concepts for creatures; this has been most enjoyable.”  She waited; it took several seconds as he seemed to be collecting his thoughts.  “They placed a weak barrier around a creature, but I’m patient.  They’ll move her out of it in time.”

“You’ve already found her?”  Elinor asked with a slight frown.

“Not for a certainty, but it’s the only real option in the area and I’ve been … preoccupied by you.”  Demon said conversationally.  “In regards to your seed, it’s like a little pocket of information, incredibly dense and burns with one of the most neutral powers I’ve ever encountered.  It could attach to just about anything, and if fed, has the ability to grow exponentially.

“However, it appears to latch onto a particular set of structural parameters on its own; it’s quite sophisticated—far more than I can currently see … almost like it has a life of its own.  One thing is for certain; it is well beyond any mythical artifact I’ve encountered.”

Elinor’s interest peaked.  “Mythical artifact?”

Demon’s elbows moved to the arms of the chair.  “I have enough material to satisfy me, so, instead of a question, how about a deed?”

“Ah … Here we go,” Elinor mused, feeling in control again as her eyes narrowed.  “Are you sure you’re not a devil or demon, because you act exactly like one.  First, seemingly harmless questions, second, actionable information that could lead to someone’s spirit being taken over, and now you want me to do something.  You’re leading me down quite the road.”

“Yet, you did give me the information.”

“I did … and I believe you know that this seed has something to do with it; you left some of that information out, did you not?”

“No, the answer is within the information I gave,” he said with a smirk.

“Of course it is,” Elinor grunted.  “What is it you’d want me to do, and I believe action is worth a much higher price than simple information.  What can you offer in return?”

Knowing what he wanted was important to dissecting his character, and if it didn’t really affect her, then it really didn’t matter to her if it hurt this world.

Demon’s smile turned malevolent.

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