46th Tick: Immortal Episode 6
1021 Words
Episode lunged at the demon, but found himself on the ground, his darkness suppressed. Episode was then flipped upright again, the demon still looking down on him. Episode looked at the demon and asked, “Who are you?”
The demon, without a change in expression, told him, “Fourth of Five Myths, TruthDevil.”
The Devil stood in front of him, the one who created him, the one who abandoned him. Episode was much calmer than in the past, he had become more civilised. The Devil walked past him and sat on Episode’s couch, looking out the window, looking at the river.
“Do you need anything?” Episode asked, wary.
“I have a dream.” The Devil said.
“A dream?”
“A dream.” The Devil repeated, looking Episode in the eyes. “I have a dream that will not be completed until the time comes.”
“Time?” Episode asked, pacing around the Devil.
“I have previously mentioned the five Myths, yes?” The Devil explained. “There is a dream of mine to make it Four Myths, and to save the demon realm.”
Episode hesitated before sitting across from the Devil. The Devil looked the demon in the eyes. “You are the only original demon left, and I see you to be someone I am able to respect to an extent. So I am here to ask you something.”
There was a pause. “What is it?”
“A system, of ten generals. Ten generals, all of considerable ability and power. When the time comes, I want these ten generals to lead their own armies, to freely wage war. That is the easiest way for me to achieve my dream.”
“Dream... what is that?” Episode asked. “What does it mean to have a dream? How does it feel to have a dream? To have hope? What exactly is your dream?”
The Devil had a dark look in his eyes when he said, “It is a destined event, you will not understand.”
“Fine.” Episode said. “Can I know when this ‘time’ you speak of is? I do not believe that you would ask me for a favour outside my possible age.”
The Devil tapped the armrest of the couch. “You want to know how long my dream will take?”
“That is correct.”
“No time at all, but all the time...” The Devil said. “After all, my biggest competitor is Time himself. That old man will never let me have my way.”
“But how long, by estimation.”
“A hundred.” The Devil replied.
“A hundred years?” Episode nodded. “I will still be alive by then.”
“A hundred thousand years.”
Episode dropped his hand. He looked at the Devil, realising he was being completely serious. There was no way for any mortal being to live that long. Demons had long lifespans, they were able to live over two hundred years, but a hundred thousand was just too ridiculous. Episode shook his head, slinging one leg over the other. “That is just impossible, I’m afraid.”
The Devil reached forward, touching the tip of Episode’s shoe, his foot instantly putting itself down. The Devil spread his hands, revealing more tattoos of demon words. He looked Episode in the eyes, “I know you will die eventually, it is how things are. I did not make you immortal, so I leave it up to you.”
The Devil stood up.
“You defeated the best of the demons, you are the strongest demon yet. I have high hopes for you, so I do not wish to see such a promising subordinate perish before my dream can be granted.”
Episode looked at the Devil. The Devil lifted a hand, extending his hand towards Episode. “First things first, will you be a general in my army? I can grant you as many soldiers as you want, you can have anything worldly you desire.”
Episode paused, thinking. The offer was unbelievable, but there was something about the Devil that made Episode trust him. The Devil respected strength and seemed to care about Episode. He had never felt anything like it, someone believing in him. All his life, he had lived in isolation and fear, desperate to survive. But in front of him stood the Devil, someone who could help grant him what he needed. A demon was ambitious, Episode would be able to gain meaning in life. He reached out his hand, ready to accept the offer.
“I will be one of the ten generals.” Episode decided. “I wish to be granted meaning.”
The Devil nodded and shook his hand. “I will treat only you as an equal. Any other demon is a pawn, as you are the most powerful demon to exist.”
Episode nodded, feeling a strange warmth in his chest. The Devil then asked, “Would you require anything? An army?”
Episode shook his head. “I already have an army. There is no need to employ other demons.”
“Very well.” The Devil said, stepping away. “It is my pleasure to have my first demon general with me.”
Episode nodded before asking, “So how would I survive a hundred thousand years? I am still mortal.”
“Find a way, for that is how demons are.” The Devil replied. “Find a way.”
Episode looked around and then back at the Devil. He would have to eventually find a way, but at the time, the only thing in his mind was how he could be of immediate use. He asked the Devil, “Could you not achieve your dream with me alone?”
“No.” The Devil said bluntly. “It is too big, and even you will be killed. There is still much for you to learn, so learn it.”
The Devil extended a hand, a spear appearing in his hand. He slashed at the air, ripping the space apart. He gave Episode one last glance before stepping through, saying, “I hope to see you then, on the day of sorrow.”
Episode looked at his empty living room, no one there anymore. He paced around, thinking about his conversation with the Devil. He had done it, he found meaning, he found purpose in his life.
He stopped in place. But what would happen should he fulfil his duties as a general? Would he be tossed into the trash again? Thrown under the bus? Episode harboured doubt towards the offer made by the Devil, but still looked forward. It mattered not, he would seek temporary shelter, just like he had always done.
- Writer
