SHADOW.TXT (M/M, Fantasy, NC/Snuff, Varied Beings) Shadow's Run - A nasty, semi-furry tale. By SwampRat (cl) 1997, 1998 Gay Furry Association "Run! Wild Lizard!" Fur literally flew as beings fled. I shook my head. What stupidity.. A largish lizard came down the cobblestones at a trot, eyes gleaming. "Stop." I commanded it. The monster bellowed and came at me faster. "Very well, Then." I crossed my arms on my chest, and let my body go. The Transformation took forever, and no time at all.. Dark Power sang within me. I reveled in it. Then took hold of my feelings.. My cloak had been absorbed into my new body as I didn't need it. Dragons have no need of clothing, except as ornament. The lizard slowed as it's intended prey disappeared.. Then it dawned on the tiny mind what stood before it. I crouched and spread my fore-legs wide. Sparks came from the claws as the reptile tried it's best to stop, or turn or do Anything besides hit me. The creature got tangled up in it's own tail, and came tumbling down the street. "Dinner's Ready.." I growled and smiled nastily at the creature. It made some noises of it's own, trying to untangle itself. "But I have already eaten. So.." One paw smacked the scaly head, and the lizard folded up. So did I. It was hard to make Ithkassa let go and return. But let go he must. Lizards that can look into a third-story window without stretching were not exactly inconspicuous.. He was not Happy, But allowed me to return with a nasty chuckle. "Next time.." And pressed his shadowy muzzle against my mouth, in a kiss that was full of dark lusts. I melted, returning to just over six feet tall, and wolfish in nature. I 'ported' myself around the huge slumbering creature. Didn't hit it Too hard, then. Good.. Then continued on up the way to see a fox about a war. * * * * The Blasted Mound... Well, the tavern had to be called Something. I no more than sat down in a dark corner, when a trio of Guards burst in like their tails were on fire. "You see a Big fellow come this way?" Nobody answered. "He's a Mage. A Damn Strong one, too.. You see a Tall Wolf, You get in touch with us, Pronto!" The fox came and sat down in front of me. "Back to a wall. Good view of the entire place. Close to a window in case of a speedy exit. You'll do." I nodded, taking a bowl from the dormouse. Sniffed it carefully. "Bowl needs washing.." My contact chuckled, lapping at his own beverage. Then choked when the contents levitated, vanishing under my cowl. "Don't Do That!" I looked at the being. "Don't do what? Drink or fondle your leg.." He growled as my foot stroked the back of his upper knee. "Fig.." I chuckled... "As long as it's alive. The dead don't make noise.." He shuddered, and jerked his appendage away. "To business.. You said you knew where I might be able to find work. In a place that won't care What I look like, or my methods.." The fox shuddered again. "Yes.. Right-Hand. How did you get that name?" I lifted my cowl, and let him look upon me. "My full Clan Name is Walker-In-Shadows, Right Hand Of Death." As he watched, I opened my hand. The dark head of a Shadow-Dragon reared it's head and roared silently, then vanished again.. He gulped and finished his beer. "Where do you send the Emissary of Endless Night?" He opened his pouch with a shaky hand and gave me a packet. I held it a moment, then opened it. A ticket on a train. A map to a place. And a name. "What? You don't want it?" I put my head in my hands.. I would not see this one again. This eve his throat would be slit for the few coins in his purse. "Foresight is a curse. Pray you never get it." He gulped. "I can see when the threads of All creatures end.. That is why I Never look into Mirrors. I want it to be a surprise." A big cosmic joke. Me, Die? First, I have to rid myself of an accursed Patron who yanks me through holes in the Time/Space Continuum, and drops me into another mess.. I can Still hear his Laughter. "Perhaps This Time I shall Allow Your Existence to End." Perhaps.. In the mean time, I had to Live. And eat. And mate.. And that meant a job. Money. And the only thing I knew how to do was kill. I tried countless times to do something else.. Clerk. Laborer. Sailor. I ended up stranded someplace with all those around me dead. Oh, it was never My Fault.. Some freak storm. A boulder loosened by rains. A blood-crazed Razen.. Sure. Tell That to my Soul. If I Still had one.. I Did have a conscience. And it prodded me.. I shut the door on it yet again. Hell, if I warned him, it would simply be in another way. His life ended tonight. 'And mine ended a thousand worlds ago.' A pouch was put before me. "20 silver coins and 30 Copper. This will see you there." I nodded. "Enjoy the play.." He started. "How did you.." I flipped my cowl up and left, sick of the smell. Kill myself? I tried that. Once.. Dying is bad. Living with a Death-Wound until somebody comes along and takes your place is Worse.. How the poor animal had screamed when my fangs tore at it's throat.. Gak! I wanted to vomit. My body wouldn't let me.. "Bastard!" I growled softly. A nearby shadow chuckled nastily.. I walked to an alley. "Kill Me Or Let my hands around Your Throat!" I fell to the ground, senseless.. "Now, Now. Mustn't yell. Didn't like Seeing your Friend Die? Perhaps I should move time faster.. That Would be fun. We can both watch his blood spill down his shirt.." I mouthed the words, feeling the pain build.. There was a shriek. Then my body was aflame.. I would Pay even more dearly for That later. But The Bastard Demon would trouble me no more This Lifespan! It took effort, But I got to my feet and made my way to the station. * * * * The hard wood seat might as have been made from feathers, for all I took notice of it. A Rescue Mission.. To a Place called Mathoka. A Clan held Somebody in a Village or Camp called 'The Stone Trees'. I was to help Other mercenaries Spring this person. Any way we felt like.. Then anybody left alive was to help this person Leave. To A Lower Providence called 'Treetops Alliance'. Where Somebody would Pay us Gold.. Supposedly. My sword softly hummed to me.. It was Hungry.. For Emotions. At one time, only Blood would quench it's Thirst. But I changed That.. And spent some time walking on the surface of a sun. Until my charred remains went up in ash.. Then I awoke in another place and time. But the Sword stayed an Emotion-Eater. I picked out a creature who looked interesting and spun a dirty fantasy involving the two of us and a bunch of fruit. I had just gotten him to cream some strawberries.. When our stop came. Damn! My picture faded, as the blade pulled on it. And me.. I would have to find Somebody soon. A hollow pit was forming in my stomach. "And you're no help either!" I smacked the hilt. The monster purred, eating my anger.. Sustenance. Another life-form to absorb.. A Soul-sucking Vampire! I really started hating the Creature who pulled me from my grave so many times. But I retaliated by doing whatever Good I could while being chained in Darkness.. I got on board a wagon, and a bunch of us lurched in time to the wheels on the rough road. A cub stared at me shyly, a handful as all her kind are. I smiled, wishing I could pat the tawny head. But kept my hands firmly attached to my belt. My touch was Death.. It had been too long since I allowed myself to feed. I was not to the level of ravening monster, but a child would just hit the spot. 'Wonderful.. Now I'm even Thinking like him!' I pulled my flute out and played soft and low for the little one. Who was asleep in a few minutes.. "Thank You." I nodded, putting the instrument away. Once she stirred, a bad dream chasing her. I reached into the Plane of Somnambulis, and nabbed the creature, tossing it into the 'loving' claws of my own demon. The cub sighed and continued onward, a waterfall and a rainbow now filling her mind. I dozed, conserving strength, as much as anything. I would never need true Sleep. And the only Bed I craved was one of Earth. * * * * Another Tavern, watching creatures come and go. I scanned the papers, kept an ear to the wind. And for three days did nothing.. Well, I Did eat. One less Bully in the world.. "His soul was sweet, and well tainted, wasn't it.." Damn. "Will you quit!" The dark laugh came to my ears only. "I may not interfere since ya Banished me. But I Still can torment ya!" I smiled grimly. "Your soul would not be unwelcome!" "Ah, But first ye must put hands upon me.." How do you grab hold of a creature made of Nothingness. A ball of energy dredged from the foulest, dankest pit of Hell, and formed into a being.. That question has kept me reading every Tomb, Book and Scroll I can. For I know Someplace there resided a Spell that will allow me to Reach the bastard. "On your way, Sell-sword." I looked up at the Guard who took a step back at my visage. For a moment, he stood in My Shadow.. "By all means, Officer.." I continued onward to the Inn I had chosen, leaving the canine to shudder with cold. Perhaps that Ferret would be there again. A creature who seemed to take more than just a passing fancy in me. Now if it was for Sex, my purse or because I radiated an aura of doom was another matter. I have had Death-Cultists fall at my feet with their necks broken in adoration.. Yeach! Yep, he was there. Well.. Coming over? I lifted my hand in greeting. He lifted a dagger free and took a stab at me! I tossed him like a piece of driftwood. Another came up behind me. I crouched, slamming my elbow into his stomach. Then smacked his chin with the heel of my hand.. Not hard enough to break his neck. These were just assassins.. And not very good ones either. A third got his nose bled.. A fourth went into a table. Then a fight Really started! I shook my head and walked back out the door. "Amateurs.." Something jumped up and took off like it's tail was on fire. Found another place to spend my time. The Library proved interesting if dull. What a bunch of garbage.. Three Words-Of-Power. A scroll that took a days preparation.. And the whole thing boiled down to Three Words.. My snort got the attention of a robed being. "Problem? Ah. 'Thene's Casting of Darkness'. Very powerful." He looked at me strangely. "Are you authorized to look at this?" I let the scroll rise in front of me, then said a Name. An Imp from the Plain of Fire squeaked as it stood in my palm. "What does Master desire?" "Eat it.." The bit of flame rubbed it's tiny hands together and jumping out of mine, devoured the paper. Then vanished. I smiled back at the badger who looked sick.. "Three whole Words of Power.. Idnfyu - Eater of Light." I dipped a claw in an inkwell and wrote the Rune on the desk. "Tjylmn - Caster of Shadows." Another Rune beside the First. "Sussea - Nullifier of Sound." A third symbol was scratched into the wood. "A whole day's work and a dozen silver coin's worth of un-necessary supplies so you can make a ten-foot square patch go dark. You could do the same thing by asking Ubytf to cast His Shadow over you.. Like so." I took my cloak off and whirled it. Then stepped through a dimensional door and into the outside air. I read in the paper later, that Usse, a Wizard of some renown, was found babbling next to a set of runes that were so powerful, they had etched themselves into a wooden desk. Seems he had a run-in with somebody he Swears was a Star*Mage.. Whatever That was. Many had seen him sitting with a Wolf who produced a flame from his hands.. But that trick any cub could do. 'Stand on the Shadow Plain and look a Rassa in one of It's eyes, and stay sane, Usse.' I shuddered, remembering seeing the creature with multi-faceted orbs of madness stare at me, as it's voice, soft as a candle flame, tore at my sanity. Another Punishment.. Another horrible Death. I watched a largish pony slowly walk by.. Damn! I haven't seen a pair that big on a stallion in a Long time.. I slid my tongue out and mentally gave them a lick.. Ever see a horse jump clear off the ground? All four hooves. He didn't land well, either.. Nobody seemed interested in helping him, so I got up and waived a hand in front of his face. "Anything broken?" he shook his head. "Don't think so.. Got bit by a fly." I nodded, knowing better. "Well, I'm not a True healer, But would you like me to take a look?" His head jerked up. "No! I mean.. I'm alright." I shrugged. "Cracked a hoof.." He slowly turned his head. "What did you say?" I put a hand on his shoulder. "Left rear.. Hit a stone." He winced as the truth hit him. "Damn.. Hey!" I walked behind him and kneeling, lifted my robe up to my knees. Then reached down and grabbed his fetlock. "Shoe's a write-off. Grit your teeth.." I lifted a knife and putting it under the broken shoe, popped the halves off. "I was afraid of that.. You aren't going anywhere but the docs. Know a good one?" A Guard came by and growled at the tie-up. Then softly whistled as he saw what made the jam. "Yeah, There's one a few blocks down. Want me to get a wagon?" I shook my head. "No need.. I dropped the hoof and went around to the pony's side. Then bent and shoving my head under his belly, grabbed a leg in each arm. "What? Hey!" Then straightened up. The equine rode my shoulders.. "Doesn't weigh more than a frozen log.." I shifted his weight a bit. "Of course, I was Younger then, too.. On a bet I picked up a Bull.. Spent a month in bed afterwards, But I got all four feet off the ground. Now, before I drop this big sack of grass, where is the healer?" The Guard pointed, struck dumb. I nodded and carried the animal down the street. "All four feet?" I grunted, beginning to feel the strain. "Yep. Would have gotten him higher, but we were both drunk. That wasn't the problem. Damn! I would Have to be drunk to lift a bull.. I got him on my shoulders and was lifting, When my hand slipped." The equine snorted, chuckling. He reached out and smacked the brass bell with a hoof. "Grabbed his nuts, eh?" I shook my head. "Nope.. Grabbed his sheath. The bastard thought I wanted to mate with him and hunched.. Then I lost my footing and down we went." His sides heaved with laughter. "And That's when you got bent up?" I shook my head again, looking at a Civet stare at me. "Cracked hoof.." And disappear back in. "Naw, Him sitting my chest did Some damage, But then he shoved his dick down my throat! That put me in the bed.." The stallion whinnied, shaking. "I told you we were both drunk.." The feline returned with a Brown Rat. "Better numb it.." I nodded and shifted my hand.. The horse jerked, then lay still. I knelt, and rolled the dead weight off my shoulders. "You alright?" I stretched. "Yeah.. He used his 'hands' to help. I've lifted boulders heavier than him. Of course, I was under them at the time. Cave-in's are not nice.." I felt his eyes on my back, not sure how much of my story to believe. It didn't matter to me.. I was here to make contact at Three in the Afternoon with a Trevio. Seemed to be popular name after somebody broke out of a Prison farm. Or so I am told. * * * * Another warm beer doing nothing whatsoever to my system. Damn! Couldn't even get drunk anymore! I might as well be drinking tea.. But I loathed the stuff they called 'Tea' around here. Boiling water poured over Grass.. Yeach! A raccoon came in and sat on the other bench. "I am looking for Trevio.." I smiled softly. "So am I and your eyes are pretty icicles, Lady.. But mine are darker than yours will ever be." She started then gave me a look of pure ice. I flipped my cowl back and put my hands, palms down, on the table. Then we were no longer sitting at an Inn. We were sitting in a valley. The sun overhead was Black, and gave off a dark luminescence. "Shevasr - The Fourth Void World." A creature of shadows crept by, giving an eerie cry in passing. Then we were back. Her mask ever so slightly cracked.. "Don't even Think of pricking me with the toy you hold.." Her eyes went wide. "Now, my Ice-Lady, Where do You send The One Who Walks in The Shadow of Death?" Another packet was handed to me. "You didn't Have to do that.." I shrugged. "Shevasr is the nicest of the nine Dead Worlds. The others are Really Ugly.." Her fate was almost as nasty as mine. "Beware The Eaters.." She stared at my back like I was insane.. Let her think what she would. Another train-ride to a Border Town. Then a walk to see a certain Roo. He took me in the back of his shop and outfitted me with boots. He also gave me a map.. Pretty simple.. Go into a Compound. Free a Warrior's Son. Get past a half-dozen Clans.. And live long enough to get to the Border. Then to a certain Forest, where Gold awaited the survivors. "And a knife to remove it again?" I grinned nastily. "Tell your friends he will get there. But treachery will be paid in kind.." He nodded.. * * * * I met the others in the forest. It didn't take but a few days for Trouble to come and whisper her siren's song in a few ears.. Jealousy, or Greed, or some other reason, Eyes fell on my weapons with envy, Watched me with thinly-veiled hatred.. Some of them plotting my demise. Let them.. Perhaps a demonstration was in order. Especially since Hunger was sinking it's hollow fangs into my stomach again. We had three males whom the world would not likely care if they departed rather abruptly. Picking a fight with one of them was easy. Beating him was easier.. The hard part was not to hurt anything more vital than his ego. I carelessly left a dagger sitting on a rock as I set out my bedding. Then heard the boots crunching on the sand, and the sheath leave the knife. "Die bastard! Wha? AAAA!" He got all of three steps towards me before the blade turned in his hands. "No! Wait.." He screamed as the dark blade fought it's way to his heaving stomach. "Help Me.." I shrugged. "Help yourself.. Drop the blade." He gripped it tighter.. And the thing slammed deep in him. The doomed animal's eyes went wide as his soul was sucked out. The body aged, becoming a dessicated mummy, then finally turning to dust and blowing away. I lifted the blade and re-sheathed it, momentarily glowing with the stolen life-essence. "Anybody Else want one of my weapons to play with?" Vigorous shakes from many heads. "I care for nothing he owned. It is yours to squabble over." And squabble they did. Disgusting.. I took watch as I had done since first encountering the band of misfits. Some hardened veterans. Some adventurers.. And a lot of fodder. Zealous followers of the Prince, mingled with thieves who saw a chance to get some spoils and perhaps a pocketful of Gold, without too much risk. Someone stood behind me. "Yes?" Cloth rustled. A mouse came to stand in a puddle of moonlight. Naked.. "Master, Take me." He dropped to one knee and showed me the skull etched on his forehead. Another Death-Worshiper.. "Come closer." He did so. "I will not take Your life, but a future generations.." He looked puzzled, until I sank my claws into his butt and pulled the furry groin up to my muzzle. He bit his lip to keep from moaning as I nursed hungrily on the reddish male-meat. I felt him shudder as I swallowed his seed. Life.. Unborn generations. He moaned softly, stroking my ears. I also skimmed some life-force.. And the rodent passed-out. Ith growled inside me, wanting more than just a taste. I told him to get his own Lover.. * * * * The Commander didn't like me one bit and made it Abundantly clear.. I pretty much ignored the Wolverine's threats. He Especially didn't like the fact that I could have any of a Dozen Males by snapping my fingers.. They All had skulls on their foreheads. And were along as Shock-Troops. Meaning they would go in and kill until they were Literally hacked to pieces.. Then there was Jekku. To say he was Struck would be an Understatement.. "No matter Who you go out on Guard with, My Blanket is Available Afterwards.." More than once I found myself next to the wolf. Heard him softly moan as I brought him to erection, then orgasm. One evening, when we were both bored, I spent a whole hour showing him how many ways two males can screw.. Then Three.. Then I think half the camp joined in. The Wolverine Really hated me after that night.. I found him lying under a tree, sloshed. Trying his damndest to jack-off.. And being the type of person I am, I simply helped the animal out. I took his cock in my mouth, and sucked on it. He called me a few choice names, and growled a lot. None of which stopped his hips from shoving that big dick into my muzzle. His claws raked at my ears as moans stopped all conversation. "Ah! Suck it!! Oooo..." And like a good trooper, I followed orders. It was a tasty piece of male-meat, especially around the knobby end where it disappeared into a short sheath. 'Come out and play..' I thought, working my tongue down onto the furry cock-holder, hoping for just a bit more dick.. Oops... He let out a screech and came like an oil-rig blowing. It must have been some time since his nuts had been emptied.. I was slurping up semen for almost a whole minute.. The animal had his paws buried deep in the sand, while mine were wrapped around his twitching butt. I let the maleness slide out and gave his hairy nuts a lick. "Thanks, Commander." The wolverine lay in a stupor.. "Hump Me.. Bugger Me.. Fuck Me.." I shook my head. Nah.. My ears playing tricks on me... "Hump Me.. Bugger Me.. Fuck Me.." I stared at the fur. "You Mean that?" His slack mouth gurgled again. "Hump Me.. Bugger Me.. Fuck Me.." I shrugged. Got a vial of oil and worked a finger into the animal. The first thing I found out was he had been had before. Many times before! "I don't want your finger, I want your dick!" He snarled, jerking his hips up. I wasn't about to say no.. "So! This is where you ran off to.." 'Wha?' A furry body fell on top of mine. "Jekku?" "Who else.." He growled, grabbing my erection and rubbing it against the wolverine's tail-hole, while his own pointed tip pressed against my anus. He shoved down just as the mammal under me surged up.. One gave out a sigh. The other a gasping moan. I just gave up and let the two hunch against me. I fell 'asleep' between them, and woke up being kissed and nuzzled and my dick was squeezed.. "Gods you are good." Oh No. I opened my eyes to stare into the wolverines. "And if you Ever tell anyone I said that I will bite your balls off." A hand grabbed said nuts and rubbed them, squeezing them softly. "You up to doing it again?" Oh Gods. * * * * The trip was 'uneventful', all the way to the encampment. Then I and the 'Death-Followers' went down to make some noise... True to their calling all of them died in battle. I wished them all a safe journey, removing a few problems.. Warriors should know when to retreat. None of these did. So.. I ate well. Not one magic-user among the lot helped... I got tired of the nonsense and simply sucked enough life-essence from Everybody in the Village so they fell in a stupor. This Did unfortunately include the one were were rescuing - But... We got him out and a few days rest far from the Village helped. Of course there was another orgy, which the lion seemed to enjoy despite it being an all-male party. But, We did have to hurry, as they village would not stay quiet forever, And I am sure runners had left as we attacked. So it was we found out from a scout one early morning that we had a war-party not a candle-mark behind. "Go!" All but three broke camp and took off. The lion looked at me. "No matter who you are, My thanks." I smiled grasping his arm. "Don't spend my Gold Yet, Sire.. I may just surprise you." He nodded. Took a ring from his hand. "Return this to me and a fortune is yours.." I put the item away. Watched the cat and his friend make their way down the slope. "Well.." The wolf grinned. "Think I am going to let You hog all the glory?" I shook my head. "Even if I smack your furry butt?" Jekku flipped his kilt open. "Would you prefer these?" There was a roar as the Clan Trackers found our trail. "Here There is only Death. Do not stay If you wish to live.." He growled. "Either get that mouth down here so I can feel your tongue one last time or watch me jerk-off.." He played with his dripping penis. Ran claws over the throbbing piece of red meat.. "Sure you don't want a bite? Hey!" I dug my hands into his ass and gobbled the doggy-dick. "Ohhh, Spit! You are one hungry animal! Yess..." He ran his fingers over my shoulders, then grunted as I tweaked his erect nipples. "They.. They are coming.." I growled, squeezing his nuts.. "So are you!" The globes lurched in my hand. The wolf exploded in my muzzle.. "Ahhh! Well worth dying for.." I drained him as much as time allowed. "Still up to a fight?" He gasped.. Took a swig from his wineskin. "Try me.." I pointed to the oncoming horde. "They shall.." Then kissed the wolf. "My Friend, No matter what happens, I shall never forget you.." Jekku returned the Muzzle-press. "Nor I you, Wizard.." Then we were side by side, tails entwined. The first wave went under our swords. Then we got separated.. And I really earned my pay. This is what I did best! Kill. Slay. Annihilate. When they re-grouped, I found my Brother was still on his feet. Only because a spear impaled him. "I am not as lucky as you, Shadow.." He coughed blood. A chuckle burned my ears.. "Lucky indeed.." The wolf stared at me. "Who was that?" I grimaced. "My Patron. A Dark_Demon Who delights in Killing.. And keeping me Alive." He coughed again. "I feel cold.. Shadow?" Damn. "I am here.." My hands gripped his. "One last kiss?" I pressed my mouth to his, tasting salt-blood. "Damn Queers.." Somebody sniggered behind me. The animal sighed and slumped in my arms. I lifted my head and let one tear run down my cheek. Then turned my anger inward. There was Still a chance.. I stood a few paces away, barely holding my feelings in check. "To those of you who would live.. Leave us. Return to your homes with your dead." Snorts and laughter. A large cat stood at the fore, staring at me. "And why should we? You are but one and we number at least three hands times that.. It is You who should run. Male-Lover.." I tossed my swords away. "So be it..." My right hand opened and my Lover's body was engulfed in flame.. None would have it to defile. "Ithkassa. Damned Monster, I Bring You Fools To Feast Upon.." Clasped my hands together, letting the power build. The wizards found their spells useless, as were Deathcasters. For my magic had nothing to do with the mana that flowed on this planet. Mine was a negative energy.. Power from the Realm of Shadows and Darkness flooded my being. Again I felt the transformation come over me. But this time no shred of compassion held my claws in check. No mercy warmed my icy breath.. I became a Dark_Dragon. We finished the Transformation, looking at the warm-bodied creatures with hunger. "Life.. And it is All mine!" To describe the carnage would be superfluous. Not to mention gory.. I spent the time walking under the Black Sun, watching the creatures who 'live' there, do whatever they do to survive upon a Dark World. And My 'Brother' was having Too Much Fun! Suffice it to say I had Hell's own time returning to my former body. The reptile burned with lust and eaten souls.. 'You were indeed angry! I have never felt such cold hatred. Too few times you leave us to our play..' He pressed his paws to my shoulders and kissed me, transferring some of the life-energy. 'Soon.. Soon You walk the same path as I.' Not if I could help it! His second nuzzling burned a bit too hot.. And he knew it! 'Male needs mating.. Stay with us a while. We mate with Male well..' Sure... Until you got Hungry.. Reality shifted - Again a Wolf about 2 meters tall again stood on the plain. I shuddered.. The bloody ashes swirled around me as a chill breeze sprang up. It was times like these I was Glad I didn't know what went on.. Retrieving Emotion-Eater, I made my way after the others. * * * * I was only attacked twice. Both times I fed.. I came to a village and the inhabitants would crowd around me. When I did nothing to anger them, or helped in some small way, I was welcomed. However.. There was always One nit who decided he would show this upstart who refused to heed challenges. Or somebody who just Had to push it.. So I would pull my blade out and let him play a while. If he was just stupid, I would beat his tail off. If he was Arrogant or Hateful or Really wanted to do me in, I would fold my hands together. And, as he sprang at me, Touch him.. That's all I had to do. Then he would laugh.. And gibber and moan.. And make some more noises as I ate his soul. And anybody who struck at either of us simply added to the feeding.. I glowed with the power of life. Then the being would go quiet. And like thin paper eaten by hungry fire, crumpled on himself. To turn to dust and blow away.. And suddenly Nobody wanted to cross swords with me. So I would ask questions and continue onward.. My other self could have caught up with them in half a days time.. But Then again, My other self could rip mountains from the ground.. And liked carnage too much. So I walked. And found them gone by cutter to Pandura. Left behind a note and a sack of gold.. So Again, I followed. * * * * The ship left harbor without incident. And nobody expected any, either. But Kraken don't keep regular tables, nor is Any ship safe once out in the wide ocean. Most of the time I was ignored. Unless I was playing My Fire-Harp. The body was crystal, and it was strung with Energy. The sound was like angels singing.. Or Devils moaning. Depends on who was listening.. I could erase cares, make heats glad and light. And fill sails with wind. I could also bring disaster.. Somebody didn't Want me to go to The Land of Pedish. Or maybe the Captain didn't bribe the right dolphins.. I was below decks when the crisis hit. Many huge bodies were gathering in the deep under us.. I sent out a warning. Politely asked them not to do this. And got ignored, as usual. The huge squids came up from the deeps, demanding blood as payment for passage. I confused them with a spell of darkness, but something tore the illusion away. Then a bolt of energy hit me.. "So. You want to play. Well, I can Play such games too.." Again, the Dark engulfed me.. The sailors screamed as a monster attacked the ship. Screamed louder as I made my presence known in on uncertain terms. I levitated off the floor, going further into the blackness.. The cargo doors slammed open, as my being floated upwards. Nothing of this world was real to me any longer. Another bolt of Energy hit.. 'Stupidity..' I soared above the decks, The Power turning into a dark ring around me. Which expanded.. Black Lightning roared from my outstretched hands, to stab at the rolling waters. Many a Kraken got it's tentacles burnt.. One had the nerve to try and attack me. I sent the ship flying out of danger.. Then smiled as the arms gripped me in it's crushing embrace. Somebody was grounding the creature.. Otherwise it would have been dust by now. Again, I left to walk The Shadow Plains, while another made the waters run red with blood for an entire day. Very few saw it.. And very few wanted to. Watching a squid get dismembered is not a nice thing to see. When twenty of them suffer the same fate.. Their sucker-arms were pulled bodily out of their sockets to flay madly while teeth and claws rent great holes in the soft bodies. Their bleeding carcasses would be flung skyward.. To explode as Black Bolts of Hell sundered their frames and sucked the life-force out of them. Many a mage who turned a magical eye towards the carnage gibbered insanely for days afterward. This time, Ithkassa eagerly returned.. Ran his foul claws over my spirit-form. 'I ate well, Brother. Even brought you a present..' Two balls of life-energy were given to me, along with a lusty kiss. One I engulfed immediately, as the Plains held nothing by way of sustenance.. Except Thids. And I would much rather Eat my arm than a Thid. As the life surged through me, I changed.. And for a moment, I was one of the Creatures - Being driven by a Hunger close to what what I felt in my other 'life'. And knew sorrow.. Then a huge claw pierced my side and I died.. To find myself sitting on a deck, hands folded, head down. Another life to atone for.. The other ball went into a small crystal I bought on the mainland, which would sustain me for a time.. The Captain neither thanked me nor tossed me off his boat. But was extremely grateful to lose his cargo when we hit docks. I didn't blame him. But no Kraken attacked his ship ever again.. * * * * A robed being stood on the docks. "You are Walker-In-Shadow?" I nodded. He lifted a paw in greeting. "Follow.." I did so, curious. Leaving my trunk was no problem. It vanished into the Neitherworld when not needed. We went to a tavern, inside which the boldest thief would think twice about entering. Everybody had something nasty about their person.. That at one time belonged to Somebody else! Dried fingers (At least I Think they were fingers..) seemed to be the preference. But I saw some tails and ears, and more than a few scrotums hanging from jerkins, hats, and packs. "Fresh Meat.." Somebody sniggered. Ithkassa would think so too.. We sat and the bear ordered beer for the both of us. The room suddenly went dark.. And a demon stood before us. I raised my hand and said the Words of Greeting. He returned them, with a hiss. "My Master requires your presence.." I snarled a few phrases about what his master could do with his requirements.. And the creature chuckled. Sounded like sludge dripping into a cesspool.. "Tell that skinny Ferret who sent you, he can wait until I am done.. There are no pressing matters either in or between the spheres that require my presence.. Now, If he wishes to Anger me.. I am Sure Rhesst would like another plaything." The monster shrank back at the Name. Rhesst had a Nasty Reputation.. Even among Demons. I lifted my shadow hand. "The Insane One sleeps yet. But only the Creators know for how long.." A hiss. "I shall return to my Master with this reply, Doomed Man." Then the candles again burned bright. The bruin shuddered. "What was That thing.." I smiled "A Demon from the Third Pit.. Good messengers, if a bit dull-witted.. But you didn't ask me here to discuss my knowledge of Astral beings." The bruin shook his head. Waited until the lynx who served us was gone from sight. Sipped his beer and made a face. "Too watered down?" He nodded. I waived my hands over the bowls. "Try it now.." He sniffed the contents.. Then drained the bowl! "My thanks.. Did you actually wipe out Clan Brokenose?" I shook my head. "Only a handful. My Brother did the rest. I did tell them to return and be content with what they had.." He nodded. Took my bowl and drained it as well. "Why?" "I tire of killing.. Too many times the Harvester of Souls has walked beside me. I may stand in his shadow, But I am Not his Puppet." A nod. "They could not return. Not without re-taking the prize.." I shrugged. "And You?" He clicked the bowls together, putting in another order with the lynx. "I was sent to.. Detain you." I shook my head. "Politics.. Who will care in another hundred years what you or I do?" He nodded. Took the bowls of beer, and lifted an eyebrow. I again distilled the contents.. The bruin soaked these up as well. "And how do you propose to detain me?" The animal grinned sloppily. "However I can.." He grabbed at his knife. I reached over and pulled his muzzle over so I could kiss it. There were a few cat-calls and whistles from the others.. The bear groaned. His eyes rolled up.. And he passed-out. I sucked on his mana, making sure he would Stay out for some time.. Then stood. "Some furs shouldn't Drink.." A pair of Badgers flanked me. "Stay a While.." I smiled. "I've Never had Two in a Bed before.." They growled and lifted their daggers free. I knocked their heads together. *Whack!* They fell in a heap. "Somebody Really should sweep the floors.." Laughter and many a nasty comment made the rounds. I almost made it to the door, when a hand stroked my arm. "Don't like Females?" The fur had on a leather vest that Barely held her in. I shrugged. "Women don't last long enough.." Her growl had to be heard to be believed.. "Try Me.." I put my hands on her shoulders. Looked into the dark eyes. "Orgasm." Her's crossed.. "Orgasm." The animal's jaw unhinged.. I grinned nastily. "Megagasm.." The creature shuddered, shreaked. Jumped and danced and twittered. "What the hell.." I turned and lifted my hands. "Joy!" Happiness suffused the entire place. "Pleasure.." Assassins babbled. Thieves caressed themselves. Murders wept. I dropped my body and became a ball of energy.. Suffused the entire Inn with lust. Then consumed a part of the life-force that was released.. I re-made my wolfish form and left the place in Total Anarchy. * * * * "Impressive.." I shrugged. The being who stood before me nearly glowed with power.. "Going to do the same to me?" I smiled quietly. "Only if you wish.." The ferret shook his head. "Too many things to do to be floating in a haze of lust.. Perhaps later." We 'Stepped' Between Realities and into a palacial estate. "Very nice.. Wizardry pays well." The animal smiled and dropped his robe off with a servant. "Sometimes.. And sometimes one must - Acquire.. Certain artifacts. Such as the one you stand in now.." The animal lifted his hand. A ward glowed around me. "Nice.. How many planes does it cover?" He grinned nastily. "Enough.. Now, I wish to chat about a few things. Just until a certain cat dies.. Then I shall let you out. Maybe.." I shook my head. Again my form vanished.. "Wow.." I filled up the space with energy, testing the wards holding power. "Now I'm Impressed! This must have cost a Bundle.." The ferret smiled nastily. "My soul.. But well worth the cost." I reformed my body again. "Perhaps.. Perhaps not." I vanished.. And once again stood on the Ninth Void World. No Ward, No glyph, No magic, no matter how strong could last long here.. And as I watched, the fabric of the ward came unravled, as the ground under me dissolved and was sucked into the maw of the Abyss. Timing was everything.. Too late, And not even My Patron would be able to touch me.. Of course, Spending eternity as a piece of the Void was definitely Not my idea of fun. Wait.. Wait. Now! I stepped back into the room, brushing off bits of Raw Chaos Material. The animal stared at me. His jaw dropped and he made a whole bunch of sounds.. "How.." Finally squeaked out. "Simple - Turak." The ferret gasped, going paler. "Turak Doesn't exist.." I shrugged and poured myself some wine. "In a way, it Doesn't.." A pit formed in the floor, showing lots of teeth. "Sorcerer.. You have failed." The mouse screamed, "Save me! Please I beg you.." I extended a hand. "Are you sure?" He nodded, frantically grabbing at it.. To vanish at the touch of a dark hand. The mouth roared it's displeasure, shaking the building. "How dare you! He was Mine!" Then a long pause. Eyes appeared to stare up at me, judging me. "Where did you send him? I Will have him!" I shrugged. "I sent him to meet someone I knew." A strangled scream of sheer madness ripped through silence, vibrating off the walls. A mirror mounted on the wall misted, then showed a dark plain, where the wizard knelt, eyes wide in horror, staring into the multi-faceted ones of a Rassa. "If you ask Sendar, he May just give you back what is left.." The mouth turned into a half-circle, hellish mirth tumbling out. "I would never have thought of such a punishment.. Worse than even I was going to inflict upon him." A rainbow halo engulfed the mouse's head, and was sucked into the Creatures 'mouth'. Another appeared, fainter. And was 'eaten. Each time the halo appeared it was weaker, and the wizard paled. The dessicated body finally fell apart, and an oily blob floated out.. To be impaled on spikes on the Rassa's head. It bowed to me, and then wheeled, riding off to a dark structure in the distance, carrying the poor mouse's soul to it's master. Then the mirror mercifully went blank again. The face looked thoughtful. "I can not interfere where my brother has tread.. But Such a deed deserves a reward - I like your style." A thunderclap of sound, an explosion of light, and the face was gone. In it's place, a book. A book so tainted by evil and chaos that the cover crawled with ever-changing monstrosities. Crab-eyes popped up, as did legs and it scuttled around eyeing me. "You are not much of a Wizard." It said in a nasty voice, then opened up. I scanned the pages, hoping for some reference or idea.. But it was all the same old crap. I reached down to look closer at something that looked vaguely familiar, when it snapped shut again. "A tougher cookie that I first thought. Why did you not shrivel when you gazed at me, scream in in horror reading the HellTomb of ..." It stopped before saying it's Owner's name, grinning slyly. I sat and told him of a stupid male who found someone he loved.. Loved so much he didn't 'eat' anyone, or anything - Taking normal meals, sleeping, making love and ignoring the pains for almost a month. Then One night when the twin moons came up full, the Creature awoke. It knew nothing but hunger and it fed indiscriminately, My beloved first.. Then all in the house, Expanding, filling those still alive with dreams of horror - before devouring them whole. It didn't stop until every living thing in the town was gone.. Animal, Plant, not even the stones that made up the houses were spared, as the monster ripped them apart, sucking what meager life-force could be had out. "When I finally came to my senses, I was standing on a black plain, the very earth scarred and withered... I closed my eyes, whispering, "I still see her face sometimes." The book said "S H I T," and opened to an arcane, dangerous but very interesting spell involving a magical mirror, a shadow casting and some extremely strong binding spells. It would take some time and effort but Just Maybe... * * * * In a place where evil and chaos fought for supremacy, Lower than any hell ever dreampt of, something stirred. "Well - My creation again moves.." An appendage moved over a pool of some kind of bubbling morass, making it go opaque.. Then clear. "I have a surprise for you.." 2 clay figures sitting on a stone board moved to face each other; one being roughly humanoid, the other reptilian. "So, let's see how you enjoy your gift..." But instead of an image of the creatures he had made, he saw his own reflection. "What is this?" KhRroht leaned forward.. and Felt a tug. "This is impossible!" But the harder he pulled away the more he was sucked in until with a hellish scream that shattered stone, the Greater DemonLord vanished. A flickering shadow on one wall watched all this, then seemed to laugh - And disappeared as well. * * * * The world went dark as I felt a part of me being ripped away - Like the First time... I was Human then. Just a mid-level manager, plain as toast. Until the day I walked out ito the parking garage, and had hands on me. They ignored my pleas to take my wallet, my car.. Instead I was hustled into a van and knew nothing more after a blow on the head until I awoke - Naked. Tied to some altar which was cold under me. Colder still were that faces around me, one holding an ugly-looking knife. I have heard of being under a spell, but didn't believe it until now.. Whether spell or drug or just plain fear, I was unable to move or squirm or do much of anything as they chanted and sang and pranced. I wondered if I was going to be stabbed.. and wished I had been when the chanting stopped. For instead of killing Me, they chose one of their own and having his straddle me, cut his throat so the blood poured over my chest and belly, making me gag. Then the priest, or leader drew things in my skin with the knife. I couldn't tell if he pressed hard enough to break skin or not. I still remember, much to my shame and consternation that I was erect, my cock pressing on the dead man's butt. Fingers deftly pressed my hard-on between the still-warm cheek and pushed it in so the head entered the corpse's rectum, followed by the shaft. I could swear the body twitched at the violation, but if in enjoyment or disgust I couldn't say. Then All was forgotten in horror as the hand of the dead man moved.. Dipping a finger in the blood on me, it wrote runes on itself, Runes that burned into the flesh, leaving the nauseating smell of burnt skin. The last rune written, the entire upper body was engulfed in flame, writhing, twisting itself... And much to my shame, working my dick around inside it until I came. I lived a pretty chaste life before then, masturbating when it was absolutely necessary, dating for the company more than for mating urges. I could not believe how Good it felt - I was shocked, horrorified.. I wanted to do it again. Then everything grew hazy as if a curtain of smoke had descended on the area. A deep chuckle that I hate to this day broke the stillness. "So you have summoned me. What are your wishes?" The sounds came from the charred, half-remains of the corpse that kept on wriggling erotically on me. I strained to hear what the pack of fools wanted, but right about then I felt something thump my belly, and an ugly voice asked if I liked what was I was doing. I tried with all my might to say NO, to ignore the feelings, the pleasure. Then the thing moved, sliding back, hooking it's feet under my back, working me as deep as I could go into it. "Don't lie to me.. I can feel your enjoyment." My eyes refused to close, my head refused to move so even while it talked to the leader, I was forced to watch it's fleshy butt slap my hips. Things got hazy as I watched the monster engulf the followers, one by one, smoke swirling around them darkly. When it cleared, not even bones were left. This continued until I was the only one left.. A hand that was all shadow reached for me - Then slid inside my chest. I gasped at the shock, knowing full well I would see my heart next. Instead out came this irregular-shaped thing, tethered like a balloon on a cord. "Well - Look at This. This is much too light - Too Clean. You have had hardly Any fun..." A soft growl as he tugged at the cord, which refused to either budge or snap. "Too clean. I can not have All of you." He laughed and ripped a chunk of the thing off and tucked it away. Then made a wave of a hand, and we were no longer alone. "This is Ithkassa. The creature that looked like a dragon's shadow snorted.. Then roared as a hand reached in and grabbed a chunk of the dark stuff. Another chunk of what I can only figure out was my soul was removed, but this time replaced with an equal amount of the blackish stuff. I watched as the chunk of white was shoved in the hole it had made in the demon's body, and both of us suddenly were aware of each other - Bonded in the unholy rite. Claws ran over my body, and the thing that was straddling my legs was tossed aside so a snout of darkness could engulf me instead. "I will leave you 2 to get 'better' acquainted..." One last swirl of smoke ate the charred corpse and then I was alone - With a creature who sucked on me like a vacuum, whose claws knew where to scratch, to fondle, to pinch until I my entire body was on fire.. A second time orgasm enveloped me.. but this time it was magnified by being entwined with another being. I felt my cock surge in my snout, my paw gripping my length, spewing semen onto my human body.. Which sagged, deflating, bubbling away until the altair was empty. I bent, cleaning my cock off, then stood and stepped between dimensions to my 'world'.. A world of dark-light and chaos. I belched out something dark, a sphere of material. Then the duality was a pair of single minds again - Still linked by a common flesh and a hatred for the master who made them as they were. Who called the lich to do his bidding, and punished him when it refused. * * * * When I could see again I beheld my soul-mate. "Well Ith, What brings you in the same plane as me?" In answer he shoved me down and stroked me., "Mating... Our desire will be brooked no more." and then kissed me hot and hungrily. I felt a twinge of wrongness which was flooded by a need, a desire for this creature too strong to be denied. But to be safe, I cast a certain spell - a Summoning that could be as easily dismissed if I was wrong. Then returned the kiss, running my hands down the non-flesh, panting as he slid his snout down to my crotch, sucking, nibbling.. Sometimes biting. "Ouch. Hey! Watch those teeth." He ignored me, biting still harder, and I had to slap him before he bit my dick off. Something was Definitely wrong here... "Ithkassa, If you do not stop, I will Toss you to Rhesst.." The dragon lifted up from my crotch. "He is awake?" I shook my head. "Not yet.. Does it matter when he is just as dangerous asleep?" When Rhesst wakens, Time Ends. He is The Destroyer. His job is to obliterate all Universes, All Planes of existence, or so it is written. The monster growled, and let his fright-widened 'eyes' narrow. Then grinned, showing his hollow fangs off. The poisoned needles slid out and dripped their noxious liquid. "Just a little bite.. Enough to change you..." He lowered his snout to my crotch again, and dug his claws into my butt.. To feel it change to a hairy one. Tentacles rubbed his chin, as they writhed from the alien crotch. Then he was flung back.. To be caught by wrists and ankles. "Please.. Master." Rhesst's dream-self lifted up, and growled out of it's many mouths. "Please.. Let your slave fondle your body again.. Ithkassa promises to be gentle!" The dragon writhed with terror as the being came closer. "Please.. Save Your Servant!" The scream that was wrenched out of the dark being was not pleasant to listen to, as Hundreds of sharp spines impaled the monster. Nor was the gibbering moan of pleasure that followed.. I stood, looking at them, wishing I could feel sick or horrorified, or even angry. All I felt was empty. Not a twinge as I watched the many rows of tentacles engulf the bleeding body to caress and fondle it. Bony projections flayed the scaly flesh open.. To be healed by the touch of a suckered arm. Rhesst got his ugly reputation by Earning it.. The dark pools where eyes normally went, pulled at me. "Come. Play. Enjoy Pleasure/Pain.." The Dragon grinned nastily, and raked at the leathery hide. Moaned as the longest tentacle that writhed between the long legs, found his anus and forced it's way in. The others wound around his groin, thighs and tail, leaving marks wherever they lay. "Come. We Play with Lizard Together." A paw snapped open, and the creature's head lolled as fangs bit deep into the scaly neck.. To sink his own needle-tipped ones into the demons shoulder. I shook my head. "Next time maybe." They growled together.. Then vanished from my sight. I shook all over, knowing even if I Could wash, I would never rid myself of the slimy feeling. Something wasn't right... And there was only one place I could think of to find out what. * * * * I returned to the pit where my Patron once resided, to see what was up. A wall opened and as I stepped through the visage of his twin sitting on a throne of bloody skulls that screamed as he stroked them came to me. "Did you enjoy my present?" I nodded and tossed the tomb towards him. "Then I guess I have no further use for you. I promise your death will be quicker then My Brother's." He chuckled, then frowned as it arched towards him, growing. "What is the meaning of this! You can't be serious - A single wave of my hand and you will suffer thousands of ..." A hand very much like his own reached out from the still growing book and grabbed his wrist! "Hello Dear Brother." The slit-pupiled eyes stared at me. "Nooooooo!" I grinned. "You did say you liked my style." Demon, Throne and book all vanished, leaving me feeling the empty space in my soul That much more. But is it such a price to pay to remove 2 such creatures? 'There will be others.' My Former Master said, grinning at me from his prison. I watched the news travel through the region that there were new vacancies to be filled. New loyalties, new ties to forge. I probably has some new 'friends' - Like I Really wanted a Hellion UnderLord as a friend. Paws gripped my shoulders and My other half leaned over to kiss me. "I thought you were with.." Ith chuckled. "That was not me. That was one of my brethren, sent to kill what was left of your humanity." I nodded. Then I felt movement, and the sun shone on me, wind blew through my hair.. "How..." A lake provided the answer. I was a ball of glowing black energy surrounded by a golden pyramid. Each of the 4 faces held a powerful Warding Glyph, keeping me in and all else out. A moment's passing and I was a Man. Skin blacker than night, dark shades hiding my non-eyes, gloves and shoes lined with gold. I touched a flower and it didn't whither, or try and move away from me, life shying away from death. I could smell the fragrance, see the sun, even though it's energy was wasted on me. A shrug and I was cloaked in black, cowl up. I strode down the road, feeling the first pangs of hunger. But Chaos and Law still warred, Good and Evil still tempted and corrupted. I laughed as I walked towards the nearest town. Hell had rejected me, and I doubted the upper planes would care to have me around either. But whatever came about, Even with a third of my soul forever gone, another third belonging to a creature of chaos, I was Free! The End?