Thirst For Knowledge

[Amber Eyes]

Kyla was having more and more trouble concentrating on anything nowadays. Since her capture, the everyday activities she used to enjoy seemed unimportant, fake even. Her mind wondered to those rooms, the feeling of truly needing to accomplish something.

There has to be more than this. Sei doesn’t get it, neither will Anita or my dad. Someone has got to understand.

The truth was Kyla came home to a world unchanged, but she would never be the same. Those moments changed the very essence of the girl, and this didn’t feel like home quite the way it used to. After yet another argument with Anita, Kyla told Sei she needed a break and headed off. She hated to hurt her uncle and cousin, but she just couldn’t pretend that things felt…okay. For the first time in her short life, Kyla questioned good and evil, god and man, what made the world go round. Thinking of such things made Kyla realize how little she really knew of the world around her. 14 years she traveled with Zander’s gang, but she had been shielded from almost everything. All she had to show from it was her friendship with Xavior and a few sword tricks. She even found it hard to train, her mixture of light and shadow magic made each one that much harder to control. Her mind raced each moment of each day, and Kyla didn’t know how to make it stop.

Kyla headed to the library to get her mind off of things. As she walked in the heavy oak doors, the smell of books overwhelmed her. It had been months since her last visit to this place, they very day she met her “new” family. She walked through the aisle, looking for nothing in particular, until she found a small hallway. Less than a foot wide, and only a bit taller than Kyla herself, the hallway had no light other than what carried in from the main room of the library. The dark gray walls held no pictures, and it took a sharp left about five feet in. Kyla followed the hall out of pure curiosity, which was pushed over the edge by the sign on the oak door at the end. “Ancient spells and prophecies”. Kyla turned the knob as quietly as she could and peeked inside. Two extremely large shelves stood before her. Each one was metal, and contained hundreds of books. Behind the shelves lay several small tables. Kyla slowly entered the room and darted behind one shelf. She stopped to catch her breath, and listen for voices. As she did she noticed a book directly in front of her. She pulled the large book down, and wiped dust off the black leather cover. Engraved in blue were the words, “Spells of the Ancients”. Kyla carried the book over to a table and sat down. She opened to the first page.

This book is a history of dark spells and a testament to those who served the dark gods. The writer accepts no responsibility for any accidents caused by the misuse of the spells within.

Kyla was stuck now, her curiosity was too great to walk away. She turned page after page, until she saw the words. Spell of knowledge. The description claimed the spell would provide a way to gain all the knowledge the seeker asked for, for a price of course. It gave no specifics, which only enhanced the experience for the ignorant youth. She read over the page several times, then decided to try it out. She spoke the words slowly, making sure to pronounce each funny syllable correctly. Once she finished, she waited—her heart pounding wildly.

[Aiko]

First, nothing happened, then, a long slit of red energy appeared in mid-air. The slit of energy expanded into a circular doorway, just big enough for one person to step through. From it emerged a red skinned demoness, great black wings wrapped around her, black hair flowing down her back, a thin red tail slowly swinging back and forth in the air behind her. A pair of shiny black horns adorned her head like a crown, all else was hidden by her wings, save for her pretty face, and deep black eyes. She looked about the room and on the floor.

“No protective circles or enchantments? This one's a real novice isn't she?” the demoness thought.

“First things first, I feel it my civic duty to inform you that it is usually standard procedure when summoning dark and sinister creatures to ensure protective wards and charms are in place to prevent whatever it is you summon from simply turning on you out of irritation. For example, my older brother, The Deadly Sin of Wrath, would have by now, punched you hard enough to send you through the wall, or ripped you limb from limb. I see none of these protections in place meaning I'm free to do, whatever I please. However, since I'm in a particularly nice mood I think I'll just cooperate.” Calbrena said.

She walked over towards the young woman that summoned her, and stood before her, looking her over for a moment before continuing on.

“So, what is that you seek, why have you summoned The Eighth Deadly Sin of Corruption?” the demoness asked.

She thought of her bed, and its shredded torn sheets and mattress. She remembered with a fond smile, the satisfied knight she had left sleeping, and her own satisfaction in corrupting the previously innocent and pure youth. She hoped the young woman wouldn't let her affections grow cold in the demoness's absence. She really wanted to get back to the buxom beauty before she was alone too long.

“I will mention that there will be a price to be paid for what you seek to learn, but unlike Bazaars, this merchant does not normally deal in money, unless it's an incredible amount. Yet, all prices depend on what you wish to learn. Oh yes, for simplicity, you may call me Calbrena, or Corruption, either will suffice.” the evil creature said.

She had in fact, barely woken up not ten minutes ago, when her mentor stopped by to inform her that she would soon be summoned in Radasanth. The truth was, Calbrena was just as inexperienced as the woman who summoned her.

Still, the doorway she had entered from remained open, leading to a place only dark and sinister creatures would truly enjoy.

[Amber Eyes]

Kyla had never seen anything like the creature that stood in front of her at this moment. The woman, to use the term lightly, began to lecture Kyla on using enchantments to protect herself when summoning "dark and sinister" creatures.

"I'm sorry...I wasn't even trying to summon...." The young girl stammered, unable to form a clear sentence in her cloudy head. Especially once she was told that by chance she happened to get the sibling who wouldn't rip her to pieces just for standing here. Kyla felt a small sense of gratitude at her visitor’s good mood, she didn't really want to die today.

The woman then asked Kyla why she had called her. I can't exactly say that I just happened upon a spell, then she really will rip me limb from limb

"I...need to know about Althanas. I want to know the good and the bad, the ugly and the beautiful, everything. I can't live in a bubble anymore. I've stood on the sidelines, protected by friends and family my whole life, and I realized recently that I wouldn't be protected forever."

The woman continued without responding to Kyla's statement. She explained that there would be a price, but not a monetary one. This suited Kyla well, due to the fact that she had no money. This wasn't exactly something she could ask Sei for. The image of her and this--woman--walking into the tomb to ask Sei for money caused Kyla to have to stifle a giggle. If only Anita could see her now.

'Miss...Calbrena?" Kyla asked in a shy but serious tone, "What exactly is the price? I don't have a great deal of money, so that's out of the question. I've got nothing to trade save a small blade. Most of my weapons are created by magic as I need them, but even those aren't impressive enough to be worth anything.” Kyla was rambling by now, completely lost in her mixed thoughts. “They also disappear the moment they leave my grasp. I’m just not sure what kind of payment I could offer you for what ever you are well…What exactly are you offering, who is the merchant you speak of?"

Kyla felt like she had entered a dream, and had no choice but to go along. This may not be what she had expected, but who was she to turn down help trying to figure out her place in the world?



Feel free to bunny Kyla a bit to get them where they need to go.

[Aiko]

“I am the merchant, the spell you cast brought me here, and I can see why, for the pursuit of the truth is a quest many spend there entire lives pursuing, and only few ever obtain. My price is normally a portion of your soul. Your soul is all that you are, it is your free will. To own someone else's free will, gives you true mastery over them. With enough of someone else's soul, I can do anything they can do. If I have all their soul, I am them, and they cease to exist as an individual. Yet they cannot complain, they have no right to do so, for I gave them all that they asked in exchange.

You strike me as someone who doesn't know what she's doing, I doubt you even knew what would happen if you cast that spell. So I won't ask for any part of your soul, however, if you choose to surrender it, I will take it. No, my price will be different, a bit more, complex than a simple soul selling. It'd be like taking candy from a baby, which while a fun and enjoyable hobby, is not challenging.

My price will have three levels. First, you must come with me, from whence I came. The second and third levels will be determined later, according to how much truth you learn, and how much more you wish to learn.” Calbrena said.

The young woman nodded fearfully. Calbrena took her by the hand, and pulled her into the gateway with her, and after they were through, it closed. Travel through the gateway induced a feeling similar to being compressed by great force into a small point, while in a contradictory fashion, being stretched to the extremes. It was a feeling few enjoyed their first time around. Calbrena began to enjoy it, for it meant she was going home to a place she belonged.

The gateway opened up into a temple of sorts, various alters and statues stood about the room. In the center of it stood a being few would ever see the likes of twice. It, was neither male nor female in and of itself, but many referred to it as a he out of simplicity. He was radiating magical darkness that devoured all light around it. This magical darkness seemed to form black robes that covered a well built frame. A hood was over his face, and the magical darkness stymied all efforts to see this things true guise.

“I feel some introductions are in order. Master, this is...” Calbrena started to say, but was stopped when the monster held up a hand. The things skin was as white as the driven snow, the magical darkness was falling from its skin making it seem like it was wearing a tattered glove.

“I know who this is. This is Kyla Orlouge, a young woman who, despite her travels, remains innocent. It is to that end you have come here to this dark place, for only we will give you the truth, without making you earn it. Know that I am The Scion of Evil, guardian of this place, and I forbid all denizins of Castus Malum from harming one another, unless they wish to be harmed, or have done something to earn their harm. For as long as you walk these halls, you too shall be under my dark law. Know too, that you cannot escape here, once you have entered. There is only one way to leave Castus Malum, and that is by my good will.

I know of the deal struck with Calbrena, and add a price of my own. Before you leave the evil plane you now occupy, you will be completely bereft of all innocence and purity. This can either be done by force, or you can comply, and make it enjoyable. The choice remains yours, however it will be fulfilled regardless.” The Scion said, his chilling voice seeming to come from the air around him.

“Yes, well, don't worry about him, sure he's a powerful Demi-God, but that's no reason to fear him, he's a man of his word. You won't be harmed unless you wish it or, cross him. These statues in the walls of Marble, are all the dark gods of Althanas. Collectively, they are known as The Dark Pantheon, and they are the true masters of this place. It was created by N'jal ages ago, I forget exactly when. The light, and those who serve it, cannot penetrate this unholy sanctum. There is no fear of retribution here. Come, let us go deeper into the plane.” Calbrena said.

She lead Kyla down halls and across rooms. The whole place seemed to be made of black marble. The air seemed to be perfumed with a foul incense, and in the background, there always seemed to be someone screaming for one reason or another. Sourceless light illuminated everything evenly, displaying acts that were normally hidden from those who thought them foul. She could see live sacrifices being performed, unwilling victims straining against their bonds. In other places, masters taught students the dark arts.

Some were being tortured, others were being maimed. Some were just experimenting with things that would eventually consume their whole lives. Throughout none of this, no one, except the victims, protested anything. She stopped at a room with a door on it, and opened it up. The door was made of iron, and was rather plain. Inside was a bed with shredded torn sheets and pillows, a dresser, a full length mirror, and an adjoining bath with plumbing fixtures.

“We made the fellow who brought the secrets of indoor plumbing to Castus Malum a god for a day. Too bad he abused his power, we killed and ate him the next day. I was lucky, I got his heart and it was rather tasty. This is my room, ignore the shredded sheets and pillows, I got rather excited about something last night. Unlike my sister, The Deadly Sin of Lust, I don't particularly enjoy going about without clothes on. For reference, I have seven brothers and sisters, each one of whom has mastered one of the seven deadly sins. Lust would not have hurt you, neither would Sloth.” Calbrena said.

She got out a black gown, and threw it on, it went to the floor and seemed to be made of satin. She maneuvered her wings out of the back, and held them fully erect for a few moments, admiring them, then folded them neatly behind her back. It hugged her figure, which was trim, and rather tempting. A gold Amulet hung around her neck, previously obscured by her great wings. On it were strange markings.

“So, are you hungry? My brother, Gluttony, is in the kitchens doing all the cooking. His skill and mastery over the art is unrivaled. Otherwise, we'll go to the library and I'll show you a special book that will tell you all you want to know. You like my dress? My father, The Demon God, got it for me.” Calbrena said, twirling for Kyla to see everything.

[Amber Eyes]

Kyla opened her mouth to protest, knowing this was going to be much more than she had ever bargained for. Didn't they have Knowledge of Althanas 101 at a community college nearby? That would have sufficed. Her curiosity was far from quenched however; she had to take the risk.

The woman grabbed Kyla by the arm, and pulled her into the open portal. Immediately Kyla began to feel dizzy and nauseas. She felt as though her body had lost all substance. Her bones seemed to have collapsed and she was being squished into a tiny ball. It was a terrifying experience. Just as quickly as the feeling began, it changed. This time Kyla was being stretched. It was not a painful stretching, but similar to the feeling in your cheeks when you open your mouth to talk into a fan. It was all rather disconcerting and by the time she adjusted, she was back on solid ground.

In the large room, Kyla could not help but tremble. The figure in front of her was something from her worst nightmares. Nothing she had ever seen had prepared her for this moment, and it was all she could do to continue to breathe. For only the third time in her life, Kyla felt helpless. These---people could kill her at any moment. As Calbrena began to make introductions, the being put up a hand. The sight of the white hand surrounded by darkness seemed almost pretty; it was a color pattern Kyla had always appreciated. Sophisticated, yet daring. The voice that followed however; brought Kyla right back to being a terrified child way out of her league. She wished for Sei's steady hand on her shoulder, and Anita's firm grip in hers.

It was disconcerting to say the least that this man knew so much about her. Kyla sighed with relief at the knowledge that none would harm her unless she asked for it. That's not gunna happen. Kyla was also told that she would be unable to leave without his permission. I wonder how NOW would work for him The next phrase however stopped Kyla’s mind, and was sure to never leave it. “you will be completely bereft of all innocence and purity” The words hit the girl hard. Their meaning was not completely clear, but it couldn’t be good for the young mystic. Unsure how to respond, or if she could work up the nerve to do so at this point; Kyla merely lowered her head respectfully.

Calbrena began to lead Kyla out of the room and through a hallway. The sounds that Kyla witnessed on that walk would never be freed from her mind. Screams could be heard every so often, though there was no way of knowing which way they came from. The hallway was the same marble as the first room they encountered, though it as much more plain. Calbrena stopped in front of a room and opened the door. When she looked inside Kyla was sure that some wild animal had destroyed it in the girls absence. Calbrena explained that this was apparently normal, just a byproduct of excitement. The story of the man who acted as plumber to the manor she let go in one ear and out the other, thinking of it too much would have caused the girl to faint.

Calbrena explained that her siblings had mastered the seven deadly sins, Kyla tried to remember what all sins there were within the list. She also made a mental note of which siblings she was safe with. So far, lust and sloth were good, wrath was a no-go. The more she spent time with Calbrena, the more she liked the girl. She looked at herself longingly in the mirror just as any other woman would have. She also spoke kindly to Kyla, though some of the subject matter wasn’t her cup of tea. When she received the offer to eat, an image of a plumber’s heart rushed to her mind. “I’d really rather see the book please.” Kyla smiled as sweetly as she could, before continuing, “If you don’t mind me telling you this, I’m a bit scared.”

[Aiko]

“Don't get the wrong impression, Gluttony does cook and eat people, but today he's cooking more normal food. There is no reason to be scared of him. As for the plane itself, that's fairly normal. Within a few hours it will fade, and be replaced by a growing desire to commit one atrocity or another against someone innocent who doesn't deserve it. You should give in to that feeling, anytime it arises.” Calbrena said, encouraging Kyla to do unspeakable acts of great evil.

She lead Kyla out of her room, and on through the plane.

“This is an entire plane. It was created as I said before, by N'jal a very long time ago. When Hromagh sealed her in a moon, she sent her spirit out to the other dark gods, offering to let them use it in exchange for something, what, I do not know. However, it must have been a good bargain, because they accepted, turning Castus Malum from N'jal's hideout, to the elemental plane of evil.” She said, feeling sociable and wanting to talk.

She entered the kitchens, filled with stoves, all filled with pots and pans, ovens filled with various dishes baking, and everything giving off a symphony of delicious smells. In the center of it all stood an enourmously overweight demon with yellowish-green skin, wearing a standard chef's uniform weilding a baster like a deadly weapon.

“Kyla, may I introduce my brother, Gluttony. Gluttony, this is a new friend I made just this morning. What's cooking today?” Calbrena asked.

“Ahh, so good of you to ask dear sister, I have some fatted steers cooking in various dishes, I'm also doing some tempting things with some deer I caught on the way here. I found an assortment of ripe fruits and tasty vegetables going into an assortment of dishes. In one oven I have breads baking, and I'm about to start two or three dishes involving catfish caught off the shores of Istraloth. That's my breakfast in a nutshell, can I make you two ladies something to eat? Perhaps some nice Chicken ala King?” Gluttony offered.

“In a bit brother, I'm in the mood for pancakes. Before you ask Kyla, yes, that is his breakfast, everything in this kitchen, enough food to feed a good sized village. If you value your life, you won't get between him and his buffet after its done.” Calbrena said.

“Ahh, but you jest dear sister. This is no buffet, just a light pre-breakfast snack before I settle down to the serious business of actually making my breakfast.” Gluttony said.

“The scary part is, he's serious. Afterwards he'll make an after breakfast snack, then go onto a pre-lunch snack. If it weren't for his magic, he'd single handedly eat all of Althanas into a famine before a year went by.” Calbrena said, leaving through a side door.

Leaving the kitchens, she turned down a long hallway with no doors or branching hallways. The end could not be seen. She walked on in complete silence, keeping a hand over Kyla's mouth to prevent her from talking. The halls slid by of their own accord, though neither woman moved. She kept Kyla looking straight ahead, offering no explanation of what was happening. Soon the floor joined the walls, flowing around their feet. Hot breath could be felt on their necks, and Calbrena tensed up, but still, she did not move. Shortly, it all stopped, and they were in front of three doors, all wooden.

“That, was a close shave. The plane itself almost ate us alive. Friendly tip. If you suddenly see an infinite hallway before you while you're here, do nothing, just stare straight ahead, remain silent, and wait. Afterward, pray you're someplace nice. I learned that lesson the hard way, when I turned back in confusion and saw only a great pair of jaws close around me before experiencing getting eaten. It isn't pleasant, thankfully I was ressurected by The Scion. Don't go back down that hallway.” Calbrena warned.

She opened the door furthest to the left and looked inside. From her vantage point, Kyla could see a child strapped to an alter. A priest raised a sacrificial knife above the child's beating heart. The young lad was straining against his bonds to escape. The knife plunged down, and Calbrena closed the door as the screams of a dying child reached Kyla's ears. The door disappeared with a puff of black acrid smoke.

“No, that's not the way. That's the hall of sacrifice. Although I will admit, that was one of the more entertaining screams I've ever heard. Children are good screamers.” Calbrena said.

She opened the door furthest to the right. It was pure darkness, yet seen clearly just beyond the door frame was a body that looked exactly like Kyla, except it had no eyes, its mouth was wide open and gaping. The body bore several wounds, wounds that were lethal on a living thing. Its arms stretched out towards Kyla, and Calbrena shut the door quickly. It too disappeared in a puff of black acrid smoke.

“Alright Castus, that was just plain dirty. No fair using Replacers on our guests. Kyla, that thing you just saw was a Replacer, a spirit that seeks to replace your own spirit with itself, to take over your body and live once more. They are spirits that have been denied reincarnation, or resurrection for one reason or another. I learned about them the easy way.” Calbrena said.

She opened the middle door, and beyond was a dim hallway. She lead Kyla through, and behind them could be heard a great moaning sigh as the plane returned to normal. She went over to a closet, and got out a cage with a screaming fairy inside. Why it was screaming was easy to see, it was on fire.

“I'M ON FIRE! SOMEBODY HELP ME PLEASE, OH GODS IT BURNS, IT BURNS! WHY CAN'T I DIE, IT'S NOT FAIR!” the screaming fairy sobbed as it rolled about the cage and beat on herself in an effort to beat out the flames.

“Pride cursed this fairy for summoning her out of mere curiosity. She cast Hellfire upon it, and in the same instant, blessed her with immortality. See how the fires consume all that she is, but in the same second, all that she is regenerates. She will burn for eternity for once ignited, Hellfire never ceases, and by no means, magical or mundane can the flames be extinguished. I hope to learn how to use Hellfire myself one day. Pride donated the fairy to us out of kindness.” Calbrena said.

She lifted the small cage carrying the diminutive woman using her as a light source. Down the hall she went, and eventually came to a series of branching hallways, but went straight. Down this path, she came to a door made of gold, silver, and Mythril. It was engraved in several languages, each containing the same word.

“Library”

She set the fairy aside on a holding table, and opened the door. Inside was normal lighting, and shelves upon shelves of books. A cruel looking dwarven man holding a whip, and a pair of snips sat behind a desk.

“I warn you once and once only. Speak too loudly once, and I'll use the whip on you until it stops being amusing. Speak too loudly again, and I cut out your tongue. Books may be checked out for seven days, if their not returned in that time frame, I'll hunt you down and and beat you mercilessly. Don't go crying about being harmed, that's what the warning's for, you can't pretend to be held safe from me under Scion's rules anymore.” the dwarf said.

“He means that too. I once had a book that was an hour overdue. Took me three days to come to my senses. Wrath's the only one who has standing permission to keep books for as long as he pleases.” Calbrena explained.

“That man scares me.” the dwarf whimpered while shrinking into his chair reflexivly.

“Pleasantries aside, we need to see The Codex.” Calbrena said.

The dwarf sighed, and got up to lead them to the back. Calbrena shook her head, and motioned for him to stay. She lead Kyla to the back, where there sat on a pedestal, a thick tome whose cover was made from Adamantine. The pages were of a creamy white parchment, and jewels adorned the whole thing.

“I'll wait by the dwarf. This is between you, and the book. Be respectful, and do not touch, least you run afoul of the anti-theft enchantments.” Calbrena said, and left Kyla alone.

The book, sensing it was needed, opened itself. A ghostly voice filled the air.

“I am the codex of ultimate knowledge and wisdom. I was co-authored over time by the ten wisest and most knowledgeable wizards to ever walk Althanas. That others may learn and seek guidance, I was created. The last laid me to rest here. Speak, and I will share with you what I know.” the book said.

[Amber Eyes]

Kyla was slightly relieved at explanation that there was in fact normal food in the manor; however, her stomach had not yet recovered from all the gory details thrown at her for her to be able to eat anything.

Kyla took one last glance at the room, which oddly enough had made her feel a bit safe for the first time since Calbrena had appeared in the library. Kyla was unsure of most of the folklore Calbrena spoke of, but nodded as though she understood for fear of sounding uneducated. While she knew little of the subject matter, the woman’s voice had become somewhat soothing to the girl, the one constant in the wake of the unknown. As they entered the kitchen, Kyla’s jaw dropped in surprise. The smell was actually quite wonderful. There were stoves and utensils taking up almost every inch of the large room. In the middle of the room, was the demon Calbrena introduced as gluttony. Kyla checked her mental list and realized she did not know if this particular sibling were safe to stand near, so she hid herself slightly behind Calbrena just in case.

Calbrena asked what was for breakfast, and Gluttony quickly began a list of wonderful dishes. Kyla found her hunger again, and eyed a beautiful red apple sitting on the counter. She reached her hand out to touch it, stopped just in time by “If you value your life, you won't get between him and his buffet.” Kyla snapped her arms quickly to her sides. All traces of hunger now contained by the ball of fear in her stomach. Apparently when food was involved, Gluttony was on the no-no list.

Gluttony and Calbrena jested back and forth about Gluttony’s eating habbits, before Kyla was led out of the room. They had made it only a few steps when Calbrena’s hand covered her mouth. Unsure of weather she should scream or bit the girl, Kyla instead did nothing. The hallways began to move around the pair, and Kyla stood as still as she could possibly manage. She held her breath as the floors moved, and a horrible feeling of being watched overcame her. Warm air encompassed her, and she felt faint. I am going to die here. What good is knowledge if I can never make use of it? Soon the hallway stopped moving, and the feeling was gone. Three doors stood in front of her.

A Calbrena opened one of the doors, Kyla tried to recover her wits. She looked down at the floor, as though at any moment it might move again and the house would eat her whole. Calbrena’s ‘tip’ had only succeeded in frightening the girl more. Calbrena explained that Kyla should not go back down that particular hallway, Wasn’t exactly on my to-do list anyways Kyla thought sarcastically to herself.

As she looked back up, she saw a child, yes a child strapped to an alter. The young boy helplessly cried out for help, as the priest raised his blade. For a moment, the boy made contact with Kyla as the blade came charging down, and the door closed. Tears ran down Kyla’s cheeks as a scream exploded from behind the door.

Did I actually just stand here and let him die? What kind of monster have I become. My own fear caused that child any chance he may have had at survival.

Kyla opened her mouth at Calbrena’s comment about the child’s scream being entertaining, but quickly closed it again at the sight behind the second door.

It’s me. What has happened to me? Kyla looked at her image, brutally wounded and missing it’s eyes. It seemed to be crying out to her, and Kyla felt drawn to stop it’s suffering. That door quickly closed and disappeared just as the one before it. Kyla felt no impulse to carry on a conversation anymore.

Calbrena continued to speak, and Kyla listened out of respect, but her mind was focused on her figure, with the eyes of the little boy who by now lay dead. The second child to die because of Kyla Orlouge.

In the third room, there was a cage. A loud voice cried for help from within. Calbrena again explained the story behind this poor creatures suffering. Kyla was beginning to understand that while you had to bring punishment on yourself in this world, it was an easy mistake to make.

As they traveled down another hallway Kyla noticed paths that branched off. She thought about running, but decided that getting eaten by the house in an effort to leave may just land her in a bird cage.

They finally reached a beautiful door. Engraved upon the door, Kyla saw the word “Library” Followed by what must have been other translations of the word. At first glance the library very much resembled the one that Kyla had entered first thing this morning. Upon further inspection however; Kyla realized that there were no dwarves threatening bodily harm if you didn’t return your book in the library this morning.

Calbrena asked the man for the Codex, which Kyla assumed must be their version of a card catalogue. Calbrena stopped the dwarf as he attempted to get the item, and instead signaled for Kyla to follow her. As they reached the pedestal at the back of the library, Kyla saw a beautiful book. Kyla had always been fond of reading, and this book was unlike anything she had seen. Beautiful gems covered the outside, bound by a beautiful metal. The parchment seemed to be in perfect condition as though the book had never been touched.

Calbrena gave Kyla one final word of advice and was gone. Leaving Kyla alone to decide what to ask the book. The book then sprang to life, and began to explain that Kyla could ask it whatever she wanted to know. Kyla thought for a moment, choosing her questions carefully. She had no way of knowing how many questions she would be allowed.

What is goodness

What is Evil

Where do I fall in the spectrum

After thinking of three questions, Kyla wasted no time in asking the first two.

“What is good? What is Evil? People always align themselves with either ideal, but what does being good mean? I’d like to know everything good in the world.”

Images began to flash before Kyla’s eyes. She saw meadows and butterflies. Bright colors and rainbows flashed before her eyes. When the images began to slow Kyla saw herself kissing Jaxx; Sei and Anita standing nearby watching Xavior paint.

The book began to speak as the last image showed. “Your question can only be answered by looking at yourself. Each person has their own limit on what is good or evil. To a Priest of Light, for example, human sacrifice and sexual acts are immoral. To a Priest of Darkness however; those same acts are considered good and proper to worship their Gods.”

Kyla paused as the image faded and the voice stilled.

New images began to form in Kyla’s mind, the boy being sacrificed in the hallway. This time however, she saw the entire scene. The boys face crumpled in pain as he wailed. The priest’s face held no joy at the sight, but also no compassion. Kyla could see in his eyes that he truly believed in what he did.

“You cannot see the Good without the Evil, they are dependant on each other for survival. Without Good, how would you know something was Evil? Without Evil, Good would cease to exist as well.”

Is he wrong to follow his beliefs? Is it ever proper to hurt someone? What if I had to make the decision between my own salvation and the life of a child? How would I react? Am I better than him because I couldn’t do it, or does that in fact mean that he is stronger than I?

“The images you have seen are wholly your own. I have not tampered with your mind in any way other than to let you hear me speak. You have answered your own questions Kyla.”

“Wait, I have one more”

“You already have the answer.”

With that the book shut itself and Kyla had no choice but to return to Calbrena’s side.

[Aiko]

Calbrena watched Kyla return. It was obvious she was under a great deal of strain, few people were prepared for a constant assault of evil. She walked over to Kyla, and threw an arm around her shoulder.

“You look like you could use a bit of respite, before we end this little exchange. A chance to rest and recover from the horrors you've witnessed, and experienced this day. It shames me to no end to admit that I'm not completely evil, but I promise you I'm working on that. So we'll take a break, lounge around, relax, maybe take in a show or two. Even creatures of evil need some recreation every now and then. You'll be glad of this chance too, for while you consulted the codex, I consulted with a law book, and a history book that contained examples of some of the most diabolical deals in history, and I have devised two different options, that will finish off paying for the experience you just had and satisfy Scion's demands for allowing you to enter Castus Malum, in one piece. We delivered on our end, so you must deliver on yours. I'll spare you the details of what we do to those who don't keep their promises.” Calbrena said.

Without another word, she lead Kyla to the other end of Castus Malum, where there sat a viewing orb displaying events happening across Althanas. Various forms of entertainment and recreation lay scattered about this large room. A large pool sat through a doorway in another room. In one corner, several people sat around entertaining themselves with various drugs.

Calbrena herself sat on a couch and opened a drawer in a little table next to it. She took out a small package marked “brimstone” and opened it up. Taking out what turned out to be a cigarette, she flicked her thumb, and a flame appeared on the end.

“Might as well take a break dearie, I have my own training to attend to. First I will experience the chains of addiction to all known substances, then, I will master them, and feel them no more. So mastered, I will control how others experience them. I am Corruption after all, and few things are as corrupting as tobacco and alcohol. Innocent little tools, they do most of my work for me. Those binded in these chains, will do almost anything to remain bound by them.” Calbrena said, then lit up.

After taking a drag and having a fit of coughing, she continued talking.

“See, the nature of making a deal with evil, is that even evil must follow universal laws. One of them states that nothing is free, all things must be earned and accounted for in some fashion. A man walking in the woods finds a few gold coins, gold a merchant lost there a few days prior. There is no luck, only circumstances unaccounted for.” Calbrena said.

She stopped for another drag, coughed some more, then continued on.

“Damn things, I wish I didn't have to suffer the same things others did when they first started too. This is in fact, my first I have ever smoked. Training is cruel, sometimes. But all will be accounted for, when I gain power over them. Power that will yield a few surprising tricks. Maybe you should even stick around for the night, I plan to start drinking regularly tonight.” Calbrena said, switching between her two subjects of monologue.

She took a third drag, then coughed some more, not used to the smoke inhalation.

“In your case, you sought knowledge. All knowledge must be earned, but so far you have done nothing to truly earn it. True you made a trip through a dangerous plane filled with creatures that would love to take advantage of you, myself included, but only in a sexual way. This trip however, is nullified by the fact that you have been protected at every step. Seeing horrific sights does not add up to enough of an effort to earn a look at the codex and seek wisdom. Therefore, I have devised a price that will truly pay our price, Scion's included.” Calbrena said.

She took another drag, and coughed a little less.

“I can see why many people enjoy these, I have the most pleasant feeling of lethargy.” Calbrena commented as ash fell on the couch she occupied.

She took another drag, and coughed some more.

“Oh yes, nice. Now as I was saying before, this price is truly worthy, to satisfy us, you must do as follows. Go to the room in which the great evils plot, scheme, and otherwise direct all evil activity across Althanas, in there you must select one innocent person, someone who has done nothing to deserve any evil in their lives. To this undeserving person, you must do an act of great evil. Such an act will rob you of any pretense you might have of innocence and purity. One cannot both knowingly do evil, and remain innocent or pure.” Calbrena said.

She took another drag, coughed some, and continued on.

“Now, I was discussing this with the librarian as I formed the idea, and he presented another idea, an easier path to follow certainly, but just as difficult as the first. If you don't want to willingly do evil to an innocent, then you may remain here for one month, under my custody.

“These are your only two choices. Be certain of this, Scion is listening, and the choice you make will be set in stone, unalterable. You will make this choice of your own free will, which makes either path all that much harder, knowing that you chose it, without any outside influence. No gods of light can reach you here, no friends, no family. You are completely alone in this choice, and must make it as such. If by the time I have finished this cigarette, which is now a quarter of the way completed, you have not made your choice, I will make it for you.” Calbrena said.

She sat there, watching Kyla, slowly finishing her first cigarette.

[Amber Eyes]

Callbrena’s greeting fell upon deaf ears at first. Even the one creature in this place that Kyla had grown used to, was not enough to calm her nerves. Kyla felt like she had a slight understanding of who she was for the first time. The balance of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ left plenty of room for people in the middle. Kyla now understood that she fit into neither category, and that was okay. As Calbrena spoke, Kyla realized that she too was in the middle, but strove for the other end. Calbrena intended to take all ‘good’ out of herself, while Kyla strove to end all ‘evil’ inside of her. Neither was wrong, but neither would ever be right either. Just as Kyla could never live up to the expectations she had lain for herself;. Calbrena could not truly be evil to the core as long as she was willing to watch out for someone like Kyla. Kyla had come to the castle for answers, and she had been given them, maybe not in the way she had originally hoped, but she had been given them all the same.

Kyla followed the demon into yet another area of the house; she tried not to look around too much, afraid of what she might see. Kyla sat across from Calbrena, next to a large pool table, and couldn’t help but hope they might strike up a game. Calbrena lit a cigarette, and smoke began to climb into her nose, causing her to choke a bit. The smell of that thing was foul, and Kyla wondered how anybody could be addicted to such things. Kyla listened to Calbrena’s speech about overcoming addiction, and it made her think of her ‘sister’.

Kyla herself had never smoked, nor drank a day in her life. Anita, however; had shared stories of earlier days when she would drink heavily, only to be purified by the holy water she kept in her backpack. The thoughts made Kyla wish that Anita were here, she was always the problem solver of the duo. As Calbrena gave Kyla her price for freedom, Kyla began to tear up. She knew that in no way would she be able to perform the first task, she had enough blood on her hands. Callbrena acted as though the horrors surrounding them were just every day occurrences. In Calbrena’s life they most certainly were, but to Kyla, each sight caused her to question everything she thought she knew about the world. All of the sudden the activities of the bandits she grew up with were petty crimes. On the other hand, Kyla was not sure if she could go thirty days within this place. With its monster halls, personified sins, and ritual sacrifices, the very essence of the dwelling made the girl’s skin crawl. Would she become callous to such things if she spent a month here?
While Kyla had not developed a taste for the types of torture that went on in the castle, she was beginning to understand why every hero needed a villain, or every cop a criminal. One could not exist without the other.

Kyla watched as Callbrena began to finish her smoke. She had been through agonizing torture, but nothing that had happened in the citadel could compare to the mental strain she would surely experience if she agreed. Kyla took a hard swallow, part of her fighting to keep quiet. She managed to subdue her fear and speak before she could question herself again.

“I’ll stay.”

[Aiko]

“Then, as you have decided, so it shall be.” Scion's voice could be heard saying all around them, listeners getting a chill down their spine.

“It is now impossible for you to, in any fashion, leave Castus Malum until your sentence is up. Good thing you chose to stay too. Between you, me, and those three elves hallucinating in the corner, Scion wouldn't of been impressed unless you did something to a child or a helpless newborn. Now, for the rest of the day, I'm going to take you on the grand tour, and show you every single horrifying sight we have to offer. Along the way, I'll take care to explain why everyone will now refer to you as my slave, and make sure to list off things I want you to do before night falls. You can always tell when night falls, that's when we all gather round and watch Scion preach the dark gospels and then select someone to perform a sacrifice. I saw the way he looked at you, you might be the lucky one he picks.” Calbrena said, standing up.

She was true to her word, and took Kyla on complete tour of Castus Malum, making sure she knew what to avoid, and what not to avoid. That night, the knight Calbrena was corrupting was sacrificed, but not by Kyla, rather by Calbrena. The look of sheer joy as she did the act was frightening to others. This was one who took absolute joy in the foul deeds she did, not someone who did them out of necessity, only sheer joy.

The first few days would be especially rough, but slowly everything would come to be commonplace, one can only take so much horror before one adjusts to it after all. By small bits and degrees, Calbrena planned on getting Kyla to begin doing things any descent person would normally find abhorrent.

Life would go on like this for fifteen days, before something unexpected happened. An event not one person in Castus Malum was prepared for, not even Scion, such was the trust and faith all had placed in the great enchantments that protected the plane. Someone broke into Castus Malum, a someone that wasn't on the side of darkness like everyone else was, someone Kyla knew personally, and wanted to free her, to take her home.

But that event is a story, for another time.

[MetalDrago]

STORY ~

Continuity (5/10) ~
Amber Eyes – You kept the reasons as to why you got there pretty mysterious. You walked away because you felt you had been protected and kept pure against the world around you. That’s about all I got. You might, during the course of the thread, detail some events that happened in your past that made you feel sheltered and unsure about the world around you. It’d go a long way in making the story more interesting, and helping the reader know why you’re here.

Aiko – You got summoned and dragged an innocent through a portal into the realm of evil. You provided a pretty good overview of the world in which you live, and it made things very interesting. However, I’m at a complete loss as to what Aiko was doing before the incident with the knight. I know she was corrupting someone, but besides that I’ve got almost no history on her.

Setting (4/10) ~
Both – There was a lack of any distinct use of setting. The door to the library in Castus Malum was very interesting, and very well-described, but besides that, and the random crazy scream or door leading to somewhere really out there, there wasn’t really much to make me feel like I knew what the place was like.

Pacing (6/10) ~
Both – All in all, the thread kept me interested, kept me reading, and kept moving steadily in the right direction. My only problem is it seemed a little short-lived, and maybe could have gone on for another post or two before settling down to a conclusion. Just because 10 posts is the minimum to get Judged doesn’t mean it has to be the end of the thread.

CHARACTER ~

Dialogue (7/10) ~
Amber Eyes – Kyla was believably nervous, afraid, and a little hesitant about everything that went on in the thread, and it showed in both her body language and her speech. Overall, I think this was your strongest part of the thread.

Aiko – You piled up the dialogue, but in a very believable and ironic way that was enjoyable to read. You really keep the sadistic and evil personality going through every piece of you posts. Overall, a good job.

Action (5/10) ~
Amber Eyes – You did a pretty decent job explaining the actions of Kyla and how things were going on, but you rushed a little too much to get this thread finished by the time it reached ten posts. If you slow down a little and describe what’s going on as it happens, it can make a world of difference.

Aiko – The way you described the reactions of all the torture victims was very believable, and, if I do say so myself, pretty humorous in a sick, twisted sort of way. I’d like to see you pain out your actions a little bit more during the thread. I might have seen more of this if the thread had carried on a few more posts, but as it was, the thread, and the actions therein, seemed a little rushed.

Persona (6/10) ~
Both – Overall, I got a good feel for each character’s individual personality. Something was missing, though, that made me feel like both characters were still works in progress. Either way, I look forward to seeing how these two characters grow and develop as time passes.

WRITING STYLE ~

Mechanics (4/10) ~
Amber Eyes – You made a few grammatical and spelling errors that detracted from your writing. They were pretty obvious, so try and proofread your posts before you put them up and you’ll do absolutely wonderful in this area.

Aiko – Not as many mistakes, but still a couple of noticeable ones here and there. Proofreading does wonders, like always.

Technique (6/10) ~
Amber Eyes – You didn’t use much as far as any special literary techniques, but as you continue to write, you’ll learn these techniques and how to implement them.

Aiko – Your grasp of literary techniques is pretty good, and you typically use dark humor, irony, and some light foreshadowing in order to keep the thread interesting. Keep developing these, and you’ll keep rising fast.

Clarity (7/10) ~
Both – Overall, the thread was extremely easy to read, barring some facts that I mentioned in the above scores. Good job.

Wild Card (5/10) ~ Nothing much to add here other than to say I look forward to seeing where this is headed.

Total Score = 55
Amber Eyes Receives 375 EXP and 165 GP
Aiko Receives 375 EXP and 165 GP

[Taskmienster]

Exp and GP added!

AIKO is now level 1!