This story is part of a collaborative project with additional talented writers. The previous chapters can be found here: https://theprose.com/post/438830/tag-list-and-schedule

Anime Gareth, really?

"Lighten up and just enjoy the action Olban." Gareth teased as he scrolled through his Crunchyroll queue. "After what we went through in your world, something a little less realistic would be nice. So what do you guys say? Jujutsu Kaisen? My Hero Academia? Dragon Ball Super? Or we could do a sports one, like Haikyu!!"

Anime is ridiculous Gareth, nothing like real magic. And they're all the same. Oh no, I've never felt a power level like this before! Oh man, how many episodes will we have to scrap by until the main hero shows up and overpowers the baddie, only for the villain to transform and drag the story out for another twenty episodes!

"Whatever. How about you Eloise, did you watch any anime in your old life?"

Not really, but being on a couch streaming shows is a nice change of pace, so go ahead and pick your favorite Gareth.

"Alright, how about some Demon Slayer? That's a really good one!"

We just took out two demonic like creatures. Do we really need to watch more of that? We are living out the real thing.

"Well, we haven't seen the Entertainment District arc yet, so let's check it out for a bit before we call Doctor Connors to prove that magic is real."

Fine, just one episode. Then make the damn call.

Gareth clicked on the episode and a slew of ads began.

"Sorry guys, if my job paid better then I could afford premium and skip these ads."

This is still nice compared to Olban's world. No offense, but I don't want to stay there any more than we have to.

"Right...." Gareth said uneasily, wondering how he and Olban would ultimately break the news to Eloise that she would have to get used to being there, forever. Before the anxiety of that unwelcome future conversation could kick in, a Royal Fisheries ad promoting their fish and chips served as a welcome distraction.

"Olban! We need to get some of those while we're here! If we could only pair them with those nuts from your world...."

Agreed, those fish and chips are one of the few things I enjoy about crossing over here.

Those look delicious! Eloise chimed in.

A notification then popped up on Gareth's phone. He checked his phone to find voicemail notifications, including one from Dr. Connors.

"Yeah, I should probably be better about checking my voicemails. And nice timing, we were going to call you anyway doc. Let's see what's on your mind."

"Hello Gareth, this is Dr. Connors calling you once again. You were not at your previously scheduled appointment, and I really need you to call back to reschedule. If you are not comfortable coming in person due to the pandemic, we can meet online via Zoom. Please return this call as soon as you can, it is urgent that I speak to you all. Thank you, and I wish you a good rest of your day."

"Well we can't do Zoom if we're demonstrating magic with the armband, he'll just say it's an illusion on the computer."

That's what you took from that Gareth? There's something Dr. Connors said that sounds off.

"And that is?"

It is urgent that I speak to you all. Dr. Connors thinks you have Dissociative Identity Disorder, why would he say speak to you all?

"Maybe he's humoring my delusions?" Gareth laughed bitterly.

Or what if this is a trap? Vellan did say that the nameless one could have minions here too. What if one of his minions is posing as the doctor, and his comment on your voicemail was a slip of the tongue? We already know how dumb his minions have been so far.

"Sounds like a stretch, but showing Dr. Connors our proof of magic may trigger something in him if it is indeed a trap. So I'll call him back now. If this is so urgent, he could probably get us in today."

Yes, but there is something we need to do before we go in. We need to master the binding spell Master Stell put in the armband. With everything that happened in my world, we never got to try it. And if this is a trap, we will need to have that mastered.

That's perfect. Didn't Master Stell want us to capture one of those creatures anyway? This is our chance!

"Indeed Miss Parker, but we have to all get on the same page for this to work. Sorry Gareth, but your new episodes of Demon Slayer will have to wait. We've got our work cut out for us."

*****

Well, that was a disaster. Eloise remarked from within Gareth's mind as they sat on a couch in Dr. Connors' office. Even with us having the incantation memorized, we still couldn't get the spell right once!

Well it's not our fault that your timing sucks Eloise!

"Guys, stop arguing in my head! Chill out, the chances that the doc is actually a minion in disguise are so ridiculously low!"

For our sakes Gareth, I hope you're right.

Look at that, something we can all agree on!

A knock on the door ended the internal quarrel as Gareth called for Dr. Connors to come in. Dr. Connors entered and greeted Gareth with a hand shake, taking a seat in front of the couch.

"Thank you for making it a priority to get here today. Now Gareth, can you tell me how your symptoms have been lately?"

"Well doctor, I definitely feel another presence within me still. Would you like me to elaborate with a brief demonstration?"

"Sure, but first tell me more about how Olban and Eloise are doing?"

"Eloise? I never mentioned that name to you before!"

"Don't be silly, of course you have Gareth!"

"No, I definitely never mentioned that name before. I told you about Olban, but never that other name."

Other name? Do you have to be that cold Gareth?

Never mind that Eloise, the point is that the last time Gareth had a session with Dr. Connors, you were not in the picture. So there is absolutely no way he would know about you. So just like I suspected, this was a trap. And this is definitely not Dr. Connors either. I've never felt such a powerful presence from the doctor before....

"Ha, I thought anime wasn't realistic Olban! Anyway, let me talk to this idiot."

"The jig's up doctor!" Gareth said with a mocking smirk. "Do you even have a medical license, Mr. Nameless Minion?"

He's obviously too stupid to have a medical degree to blow his cover that easily Gareth. He's no brighter than Wellick or that other guy with the appetite.

"Ha ha ha ha, you're right Olban, this guy is just another moron!" Gareth jeered loudly. "Guess the minion generating program from the nameless one hasn't brought any positive results yet. How about you Miss Parker, what do you think of this moron?"

Not impressed at all Gareth. Wellick was at least good to look at in his human form. This middle aged man is nothing impressive. He could have at least picked a disguise as a hot intern!

"Well, we all agree that you are a loser Mr. Nameless Minion! But you would know that if you could read my mind, am I right?"

"I am not Mr. Nameless Minion! My name is Wren, and I am the master's greatest creation yet!"

"Well Wren, considering the two minions that came before you, that isn't much to brag about. The monster truck troll guy and the dude that swallowed us with an intact weapon in hand at least gave us somewhat of a challenge before!"

"Well I will show you what I can do!" Wren hollered. "Allow me to not only read your mind, but melt it from within!"

Much like Wellick and the visitor from the games in Olban's world, Wren transformed into a hideous monster. He now sported putrid gray skin, fiery red eyes, and fangs that could cut through anything. He held his palm out, and an orange glow from it briefly mesmerized Gareth. The monster then screamed in pain and fell to the floor, temporarily stunned.

"Well Olban, the mental block you put in the armband appears to be working! I thought that thing had us for a moment."

What would you do without the magic from my world? Oh right, probably die! In any case, while this Wren is stunned, we should try the binding spell once more. Miss Parker, what do you say?

I think we can pull it off this time. Let's capture us a minion!

Ok Gareth, Eloise.... on the count of three. One, two three!

Initosh kaglabah regafla!

"Initosh kaglabah regafla!"

Initosh kaglabah regafla!

A golden laser emitted from the wristband, wrapping itself around Wren like a rope until he was completely bound. He screamed and squirmed, but could not break free.

We did it guys, we did it!

Well done Miss Parker, your timing was perfect. As well as yours Gareth.

"That went better than I could have ever hoped for!" Gareth gushed. "Now we just need to do that second incantation together, and Wren gets transported back to Master Stell, right Olban?"

If we were still in my world, then yes. But since we aren't there currently, the second spell won't work.

"What? Then how do we get him to Master Stell?"

We would need a ring to do so. And we would have to brave the dangers between worlds with him in tow. Next time we're home, I will talk to Master Stell about possibly upgrading the armband so we can transport things and communicate between worlds.

"Great, but that doesn't help us now! Where are we going to stash a monster until then?"

Guys, don't bicker! We were able to successfully cast the spell, and we captured a minion! We'll figure something out, just calm down....

"How can we be calm Eloise? You're from this world too, have you ever seen a good place to store a monster anywhere?"

"No master, don't leave me, please!"

Wren screamed as his body started convulsing. Gareth, Eloise and Olban stopped their internal argument and looked at the minion that laid bound and helpless before them. Once Wren's body stopped moving, his red eyes faded to reveal a normal human like pair of blue ones.

"This is it, I'm dead." Wren lamented. The golden bindings then vanished immediately after he spoke.

"What the hell?" Gareth cried out. "Did we do something wrong?"

I don't think so. Olban replied calmly. We did everything Master Stell suggested. Could the spell be less effective because it was cast by three people sharing one body?

"I don't know, but I guess we can talk to Master Stell about that too, if we don't die of course!"

Guys! Stop and look at him. He's free, but he's not attacking!

"You win humans. My master has abandoned me, and I have lost my purpose, and apparently most of my memory too. Just finish me off quickly."

"You're not going to attack us again?" Gareth asked in a confused tone.

"Why would I? The master left me here at your mercy, he apparently has no use for me. I don't even remember why I was going after you to begin with."

This is an interesting turn of events. Although I am wary of this being another mind game like the ones Wellick attempted, this thing is obviously still stronger than us, but has lost the will to fight. Dumb as these minions are, they seem to lack purpose without the nameless one's influence.

We may not be able to transport him back to Master Stell, but maybe we could talk to him? Get him on our side?

"You want to try to tame a monster Eloise? Have you lost your mind?"

No, just my body currently. Why not? It's not like we have any other options. Besides, look at him. He looks like a lost puppy!

"Fine, I'll give it a shot."

"Wren, I'll humor you." Gareth said to the dejected monster. "What can you tell us about yourself and your master?"

"Well, my name is Wren, I can take on any form I wish, and that's about it. I used to be able to read minds and attack them from within, but I seem to have forgotten how to do that. I also know my master created me, but I don't remember anything else about him. I don't even remember what the master was trying to accomplish."

"Well your master wants to destroy everything and create an existence of nothingness. How do you feel about that?"

"Nothingness? That sounds horrible! This is such a beautiful world! Those fish and chips from that restaurant alone are worth the price of admission! So you guys are against what the master.... I mean, that vile being wants?"

"We have our own quest, but yes, he does stand in the way of what we want to achieve. So am I right in assuming that you no longer want to work for your former master anymore?"

"Yes, he left me when I needed him the most! Even if he tried to take me back, I would refuse! Say the word and I'll do it, I can still transform and fight in order to help you guys!"

This could still be a trap. We've been duped by the nameless one before, so I can't promise that I completely trust him. But these minions are so simple minded, and this one is no different. He really does sound sincere. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. But even if he is truly reborn, we have to prepare for the possibility that his former master could try to control him again. What do you two think?

I say we give him a chance. You always talk about how weak we are in this world - having some muscle like Wren on our side could be very beneficial.

"I agree with Eloise. If he wanted to kill us, he would have done it already. And if we figure out an easier method of transportation, he might be able to help Master Stell gather more information about the nameless one. I'm willing to give him a second chance if you guys are."

Very well. Tame this creature Gareth. We're counting on you.

"Welcome to our cause Wren. If you truly want to help us, we are grateful. Before we proceed though, I have two requests for you."

"Sure thing boss, what can I do?" Wren asked eagerly.

"Ok, make that three things. First, you don't have to call me boss. Let's start with proper intros. I'm Gareth, and in my head are Olban and Eloise. If we figure out a way to have you cross worlds with us, you'll get to meet them too. Now my second request.... you said you can still shape shift, right?"

"Yes Gareth, of course! Why do you ask?"

"Can you take on a human appearance? It will make traveling with us less conspicuous."

"Absolutely, here we go!"

Wren transformed into a handsome young man that looked like he was in his mid twenties, now looking completely natural next to Gareth.

"Perfect, thanks Wren. I have one more request for the moment. Do you know if the real Dr. Conners is still alive?"

"Oh yeah, he should be fine!" Wren replied enthusiastically. "Follow me Gareth, I'll take you to him now!"

Well, one thing's for sure. Olban mused. With Wren in tow, proving to the doctor that magic is real should be a cinch!

My currently heavily homebrewed campaign with my group is underway and I am playing easily my most tragic and dark d&d character, Amaryl Floretbane.

She is from the land of Pazireal before coming to the campaign, a land where dragons rule and regularly have ritualistic cannibalism. Amaryl fittingly is a dragon of these lands, one of the few who are permanently in a human like form.

She and her older sister, Olean, were adopted by their dads at a young age, growing and thriving without the need to eat humanoid flesh. During this time she developed a taste for alchemy, working alongside her dad to craft new recipes.

All good must end however, while Amaryl picked up alchemy, Olean developed a fascination for the loch, all to soon vanishing into it.

The left behind sister began to spiral into thoughts of self blame and self doubt, falsely believing if she was a better sister then maybe this wouldn’t have happened. That her imperfections was the cause.

This spiral was aggravated by the son of another dragon coming to her family home to learn from her pa, learning but also pushing her down, down, down.

He convinced her to push the borders of her own ethics, her own instability following down the path. Here, Amaryl ate her first taste of humanoid flesh, an addiction for dragons of her kind.

The last experimen saw her consume the blood of an awakened being, given her a veritas with the ironic epithet of Salvation.

Amaryl spiraled until she tried to take her newly acquired godclaw and spear it through her body, the facade of stability cracking enough for her fathers to help her.

Slowly, Amaryl was able to physically recover from her addiction, albeit with an inability to stomach any form of meat, mentally not so much.

Amaryl takes any failures to heart and will do whatever it takes to make perfection, making her her own worst enemy.

Eventully, Amaryl found her sister’s map of the loch and followed it, ending up in the titular Shadewaters seeking out a possible cure for her addiction and a location of her sister.

The dragon unfortunately must live if a lingering noose over her neck, one of the addiction she fought so hard to stop.

She ends up partnering with Arsen, a sick woman looking for a cure. One needs expertise for her illness, the other needs an extra body.

Now both are on the ship of an unlucky captain and her crew.

Only tides know of Amaryl’s future fate.

On the mechanical side, we use a talent system so Amaryl is a mix of three talent trees. Alchemy, dragon, and veritas.

Her dragon talents mainly involve wing maneuvers, mainly fancy options for when she is flying. Alchemy involves support items, like healing potions and the pain draft. Her veritas involves light manipulatio, creating a protective wall or a raging storm. Amaryl is very support based, also very easy to stop with her low hit points, making her flying options good for escaping.

There was pause under the canopy as these words sank home.

Each of the six weigh'd a reply to the priest, but none said

Aught, until Cecil cough'd and said, Holy Father, it shall

Be as you decree, but what of Durkghu under the foam?

What stays him meanwhile? Maliva asleep? All full of dread

Am I at your news. And years could be spent traveling all

Across Kushta to twenty-three states. And no guarantee

Of being heard, much less of winning agreement of kings.

Crowned head makes stiff neck, so it is said. But yet, even so,

If you say we must go, I can but agree. So if we

All can reason our way to accept your own view of things

Then when do we leave? How do we start? And where shall we go?

For Cecil, as I noted earlier, was eager to aid

When his Church an application for succor relayed.

Next came Saul, stalwart bowman, whose great prowess and renown

With his bow was unequal’d, even in a land which saw

Thousands bowhunting. But few could surpass Saul’s sweet command.

It was said by good bowmen that Saul had deftly brought down

More stags and such fauna as ten other men. His draw

Most weighty, but more than that, he could shoot with either hand.

In brown he was clad, an oak was his crest, a wreath of stout

Antlers crown’d his head. Landless was he, but held rights to the hunt

In many estates throughout Armatta as fair reward

For selfless service to many. Now to Argora out

He came. Though priz’d as warrior he saw war as a stunt

A ruinous pass time for such as would glory in hoard.

For though able, prepared, and ever ready to kill

For Saul the pursuit of live men as prey gave no thrill.

Then dinner gong rang interrupting their talk. For to be

Late to a family dinner was almost a grave crime.

They sat at prepar’d places at a great table. There were cards

With their names on them to tell them where to sit. It surely

Was better than allowing sibling fights all of the time!

They ate nine course perfectly prepar’d. And then afterwards

Angela said outright to Edmund, Days ago a great

Eagle summon’d you to Temple. You have not yet said why.

Do so now, for all to hear; not just Abner, but for all.

So now begin! And Edmund did obey, and did relate

His quest. And his mother’s face grew stern and flush’d, and a cry

Rose from family who saw her change, and fret she might fall.

For so great was Angela’s anger at the news she got,

That some witnesses fear’d she would keel over on the spot.

Fair Argora, queen citadel of Armatta, was so

Bestill’d by heat, and its towers and orchards alike calm

And silent stood. Black shadows stain’d fair marble courts at noon.

When from the pale a procession came, and dreadful slow

And sonorous pompous decorum crawl’d, with waving palm

And flowers strewn before and since, and din rose to the moon

From horn and drum, by squires sounded. Amaz’d stood all, by parade

Taken, as six paladins from abroad to home returned.

Each cataphract in lordly wise marched down avenue

To joyous acclaim from crowded window and palisade.

Each onlooker cheered and each in secret hope yearned

That they should march in that glorious select retinue.

In this manner and by these means the greatest Six Knights went

To the High Priest of Maliva to answer summons sent.

As to where to begin, said Jonachem, I would start here

To rally the local lairds to our quest. These can be sway'd

By Pontifex's banner, and use of rhetorical skill.

Edmund's bloodline will also help us win. I have no fear

When sweet reason, blood heritage, and my banner display'd

We shall conquer bloodlessly and do locally at will

What we must to restore Imperial authority

O'er Armatta itself, a necessary first step to

Imperial reign o'er the other twenty-three nations.

So first, go forth to your homes! And build a majority

Return hence with emissaries of the unit'd lairds, who

Will found anew the Imperium by proclamations.

So Jonachem, the Pontifex of Argora, did plot

And the six paladins saw him revealed as a despot.

One supposes, mus'd Daoud slowly, that rule by a god

Presumes a theocratic state. Furthermore, the priestly

Authority ought to be skillful. Yet it chokes my throat

To see it gloatingly lorded about by whatever odd

Cleric should happen to preside. I think it a beastly

Occurrence. Yet I acquiesce. But as I say, to gloat

Is unseemly and contrary to just rule. Do not take

Me amiss, or my words misconstrue. Such things I will do

To secure our Imperial design as will succeed

But not for Jonachem, but for Maliva's august sake

Will I do these things. And those such as will follow me through

May come along as my brothers. For you all I will bleed!

Such speech made Daoud sternly, but evenly, to the clear

Devious machinations of this pontifical seer.

To Taraf Edmund rode, back to ancestral homestead sweet

Where his blood relations yet reside in ancient hall,

Under the guidance of Angela, his mother, and the

Matriarch of the House. Back Edmund rode, but thought it meet

Not to hurry. For great thoughts had he on matters not small

But weighty for a young man. For Edmund felt tied to be

Available to Angela’s beck and call, for he yet

Was obedient to his mother and tied to his House

In which he was enabl’d and encourag’d by her, for she

Enjoy’d the power o’er her sons. So Edmund rode, but let

Slow horse more than he might do. Not spider for web, nor mouse

For hole, was more eager for home. Yet Edmund slow’d, for he

Was unencumber’d by marital bond, yet prov’d to be

More tightly snar’d than Jamal, and much so less than free.

Taraf was a physical house of great beauty rare

Alabaster colonnades and gardens without walls

And gushing fountains besides. It had five flawless levels

And a hundred rooms among pavilions. The nobles there

Exercis’d authority for miles around, and to all

Accounts to good effect. Their estates blossom’d, their revels

Famous but not infamous, lively but never effete,

Angela, head of house, majestic queen, had shown her skill

With effective management through her many willing sons.

These sons did ride out unarmed to Edmund and him did greet,

And as a bevy rode in together. Yet Edmund still

Ponder’d, for though graceful enough, his family were prideful ones.

He went to his brother Abner alone when it seem’d wise

To hear what counsel his elder sibling might him advise.