Ungodly Chaos Book Three of the Ungodly Series

Chapter Nineteen: Gods and Humans

“What you're suggesting is outrageous!” Bel stormed, launching himself from the stair he had been seated on.

“Emma herself had been considering it to help ease Luci of some of his burden.” Offered Cern, extending a hand placatingly, palm up. Bel paced.

“After what happened to her the last time-the very thought that she would even entertain the idea!” Bel stormed, knotting his fingers in his hair.

“The Chaos God only wants the Dark power. He has no use for her Light. It won't be like what happened with Lugus..” Cern tried for comfort, but Bel exclaimed wordlessly.

“And how would you know?” Bel roared. “Have you some secret bargain with the Fox we should know about Stag? Perhaps you've been in this with him all along even!? Eh? Only out for your own interests!?” Bel threw his hands in the air. Cern sighed.

“My only interest in this is Emma, as you well know.” Cern murmured. Bel snarled and rushed him, but Cern didn't move. Bel dropped his hands uselessly. This wasn't solving their problem. He raked his nails through his hair again.

“I can't believe I'm even considering this as a viable option.” Bel mumbled. Cern made a noise of agreement that was almost a snort.

“I know.” He wrinkled his nose in distaste. “But if what you say about Mercury is right, and the judgment has already been passed down...” Cern looked at Bel with eyes that reflected Bel's fear. Bel sighed.

“You're right, of course.” Bel closed his eyes, sinking into a feeling of defeat. He never thought he would ever go to such lengths for a human. He shook his head.

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Marc watched Emma lock up for the night.

“Well it seems like a pretty nice place, even though it is pretty slow.” Marc laughed. Emma grimaced.

“Yeah, for the most part, this place is dead.” Emma remarked. “It's not as bad as the last library I worked though. That basement was..” Emma clammed up quickly. She'd nearly said haunted. Marc looked at her with interest.

“Was what?” He pressed. She shook her head.

“Not important.” She waved him off.

“Nooo... You were gonna say something, what was it?” He teased. Emma could see the curiosity in his eyes. He wasn't likely to let this go easily. She sighed.

“Ok, don't laugh. That basement was just... spooky. Several employees swore up and down it was haunted.” She winced a little as she said it. Marc laughed again.

“Ohhh, I see.” He remarked, then held up both hands, palms out in a peaceful gesture. “No judgment. Doesn't that happen to all old buildings though? All of them have a ghost story or two.” Marc winked at her. She chuckled nervously. The particular 'ghost' that used to haunt that library actually approaching her from behind Marc now.

“I guess so. Well here's my ride. I'll see you soon I guess. If you decide to take the job.” Emma waved and stepped around him. Cern was observing Marc with interest, and held out a hand for her when she approached. She took it gladly, feeling Marc's eyes on her back.

“Who's that?” Cern's soft rumbling whisper reached her. She shrugged.

“Possible new hire.” She responded. Cern stared at him over her shoulder for a moment longer. There was something very much off about this person, and he didn't like it at all. Especially not after Bel had brought such distressing news.

“Hmm.” He responded. “Just be careful Emma.” They walked down the street out of sight before Cern transported them back to her Aunt's house.

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Mercury watched Emma and Cern leave, letting his human façade fade as they got out of sight. If it hadn't been for that favor he had been owed, this flesh-bag he was currently disguising himself as would most definitely never have fallen into his hands. He patted the human chest and let the human face hide his own again, walking to the human's ridiculous metal contraption to drive it back to the hotel. For this particular age, he had to leave an actual trail if he wanted to take up an occupation. He missed the old days where one could just walk into a human town or city disguised as a human and no one questioned it. He sighed. At least he didn't actually have to stay at the hotel. Just had to make sure he was seen coming and going from there. Damn cameras and credit checks and personal identification. He scoffed and crammed himself into the tiny 'car'.

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“Why hasn't Emma told me any of this?” Lynne demanded. The Fox extended his hands with a small shrug.

“Perhaps she has her own reasons.” He smiled slyly. Lynne blew her bangs off her forehead and leaned her face into her hands, elbows resting on her desk.

“I'm not going to lie, this is unbelievably tempting. Do you know what it would be like to go back to a normal life?” Lynne looked up at the Chaos God with his Fox ears and tail and sharp nails. “No, I suppose you don't.” She remarked and he gave her a sharp-toothed smile. Lynne shuddered. “Would it mean I would stop seeing things like...” She waved a hand “you?” The grin grew bigger.

“If that's what you want.” He lied glibly. That wasn't how this would work at all, but he wasn't going to tell her that, not until he got what he wanted. Lynne looked almost relieved, which nearly made the Fox feel guilty for a moment, but only a brief moment.

“What would I have to do?” Lynne whispered.

“It's really quite simple, my dear. All you have to do is take my hand, and be willing and open. I do the rest.” The Chaos God offered one long-nailed hand to her that Lynne examined for a very long moment.

“What if I need more time to think about it?” Lynne requested. The Fox snatched his hand back quickly.

“Once in a lifetime offer. Once I leave, I'm not extending it again. Tried that with your niece and see how that worked out.” The Fox sneered. Lynne tapped a pencil on the desk.

“She can be a bit stubborn.” Lynne agreed. She blew her bangs off her face again, the pencil still tapping against the desktop. “And you promise, this will stop all this.. nonsense.” She waved her hand between them again. The Fox smile was back.

“I never make promises I know I can't keep.” The Fox purred. “How can I possibly tell the future? The only thing I can tell you, is I can rid you of your current problem. Who you come into contact with in the future and what contamination you pick up then, well dear... that's up to you.” The Fox leaned closer, tail swishing as he sensed Lynne caving. Lynne was unaware of his predatory expression, her gaze focused too intently internally.

“Ok. I agree. Take this infernal power. I don't want it. It's evil and I can't stand it.” Lynne offered her hand. The Fox pounced, grabbing her hand before she could change her mind. He drew a simple line of blood from her arm and the Darkness swarmed from under her skin into the room. Lynne gasped and her mouth dropped open in shock. The Darkness took nearly a human-like shape as it swarmed around the Fox who merely waited for the rest to pour from her veins. As it emptied from her, she slumped, her head cracking against the desk, knocking her unconscious. The Fox opened his arms wide and welcomed the Darkness within him and the shadowy form raced at him, impacting him in the chest to disappear.

“Oh dear. Humans. So delicate.” The Fox remarked. The Darkness squirmed under his skin and he patted his sternum. “Settle down in there. Get used to it, you're mine now.” He flipped the office's phone receiver over and dialed the three simple emergency numbers. He heard the responder asking for details, and then more frantically asking 'hello' over and over again. He waited for the sirens and then disappeared. Power with a dash of Chaos. What deliciousness.