Ch 2. The World Only the Devil Knows

Soon we are inside a vast cathedral. What on the outside looked nothing more than low rocky hills, on the inside was a large keep. All within this safe place of Elvie's stand figures dressed in finery, they make no move to intercept. Their dark shapes motionless.

"The central crystal must have failed," Elvie lamented, "what will we do?"

Were there is misfortune there is also opportunity, Blessed Be.

"Elvie talk to me," I reassure her, "I can't help if I don't know the situation."

"You know," she asks, "You have my name, but you haven't given me the courtesy. Who are you that dwells in the cursed necklace?"

Oh, Elvie don't go applying your intelligence to me. Like all dark forces, I'm only here to help

"I no longer have a name. It was lost in my summoning," I lie, "My purpose has become to help you as I can. As you called me to do. Have I not done that?"

Although as I think of it, I died, thus my name would die too. So, not really a lie.

"Indeed, you have. I apologize for my suspicion, but others that have wielded you have met bad ends. What will make me different?"

Oh, Elvie. So naive to speculate on that. Especially with the one you think might betray you. Still, I can think of one answer to ease her mind. Then we can solve the problem before us and perhaps create opportunities. Blessed Be.

"I have no memory of those other necklaces. I think that your purpose makes you different," I clarify, "others that obtained me probably did so for power alone. Such people always lead to bad ends. You did so to free your people and put the wrong things right. I have no doubts that the difference lies within you."

Clutching me in her hand, I can feel her chest shudder. Within the darkness of her palm, I hear her heart fluttering. She takes a final deep breath. And just like that, she's mine. Blessed Be.

"I have decided to trust you, not that I have much choice," Elvie declares, "If we can't get the golems moving then we are stuck. This place is useless without them."

Such is the price of Automation, but a place like this must have a way to restore their animation. Plus a way to make more on its own. Perhaps modify them as well.

Elvie moves forward, her hand falling from me as she strides to an alcove. Extending her hand once more, she presses it to the wall. A panel slides back and a door opens. Stepping into the hidden room, she turns as the door slides shut. A lurch followed by the sensation of slowly falling follows.

An elevator? It's simple science, so I shouldn't be surprised. Is that what magic is in this world? Science dressed up as occultism? No there has to be more to it. I exist after all, even if I happen to be an anomaly, Elvie new enough to activate me. So science and magic existing together, then.

Another lurch, then Grinding gears, after a few moments the door we entered opens. The archway was dark but, unlike the surface, no sunlight illuminated the stygian darkness. Elvie strode forward, silent and strong. The darkness was no obstacle for her.

Not wanting to break the sacred silence, I kept my own visual faculties to myself. Darkness wasn't an obstacle to me either. Stepping into a vast space, Elvie and I approach a pedestal. Dominating the room, it rises above all other things. Atop the pedestal was a crystal the size of a human head. No light shined from it, hairline fractures worming their way through it.

Elvie sighed, "Behold the Central Crystal, it controls all of the golems. Without my sisters and me to revitalize it, a slow death was its destiny. It appears that even the wonders my family created will fall to death and dust."

Turning on her heel, Elvie began to leave. I need to act quickly or my opportunity will be lost.

"Wait," I implore my young charge, "let's not be hasty. It seems I and that crystal are made of the same material. If you place me around it, I might be able to take over its functions. Then we could make use of this place to its full potential."

Plus I can craft myself something with a bit more movement capabilities. Or maybe more than one. The golems seem to imply a sort of hivemind and that is something I can get behind. I wonder how Elvie would feel about multiple partners. My Will Be Done Blessed Be.

She stops, Considering my words, then she glanced back to the pedestal.

"I could have my greatest ally, eternally safe," Princess Elvie whispered, "This place could serve it's purpose once more."

And I could take control of this entire complex, the golems, everything. I so do love when the one being tempted does all the work for me. Blessed Be.

Looking down at me, Elvie's eyes twinkled.

"That might work, it is a body with no mind and you are a mind without a body."

Ascending the steps, Elvie undid my clasp. Hanging me off the crystal, she refastened the clasp and stepped back.

[Willpower 10]

[Arcanoi Unlocked]

[Puppetry: 5]

[Inhabit: 5]

[Flux: 5]

[Intimation: 5]

[Mneosynis: 5]

[Usury: 5]

[Connaissance: 5]

[Dark Arcanoi Unlocked]

[Collogue: 5]

[Corruption: 5]

[Maleficence: 5]

If I could I would cry with joy. The crystal blazes as I seize control of every golem. The fortress comes to life as I spread myself through it. Scanning the entire castle, I begin my plans to help My young charge.

"Princess Elvie, I'm happy to inform you that I now have complete control over all the Golems. We can now begin making you stronger. If you will follow me, I will escort you to the library."

"What are you ---?" Elvie begins.

"If you will please follow me, as I have instructed, we can move forward," I repeat as my voice echoes out into the room.

"That is going to take soon getting used to," Elvie mutters.

Turning towards the golem, she follows me out into the castle proper.

Chuckling to myself, I begin to take stock of my new body.

_______________

As Elvie follows behind me, I can't help but talk.

"When we get to the library, Princess I would like to go over your abilities in full. I want you to leave none of them out. No matter how small, no matter how useless an ability seems to you. I believe that you are stronger then you know. Stronger than others let you believe. You've kept your head quite well. You sought me out after all."

"Well," Elvie begins, her voice lost into the vast silence that is Fortress Me.

"Louder Princess, you must not mumble," I admonish, " You are the leader of your people."

I did so miss the sound of my own voice.

"I can control and generate Ectoplasm, Hypnotize willing subjects, I have a base knowledge of the paths of Alchemy, Conjuration, Enchantment, Fascination, Herbalism, Shadows, and Manamancy." She recites, her voice ringing out into the silent hallways.

I think I like the sound of Elvie's voice too. Especially with the good news she just gave me.

Rounding on her, I lowered my face to hers.

"I have no idea who told you that what you just rattled off was fit only for entertainment. If we work on what you already have the fundamentals on, you could lay waste to several kingdoms."

Elvie's cheeks turned red at the compliment, her eyes darted to the side. Stuttering, she twirled her hair with one finger as she continued avoiding my gaze.

"Surely you exaggerate, others were always so much better then I was."

"Only because you were ignored," I continued, "think Princess, Ectoplasm can be used for many effects, many quite combative. Alchemy can be used for the creation of all manner of exotic substances, materials, and effects. Conjuration can make it so you are never unarmed or unprepared again. Enchantment can provide a host of hidden weapons, tools, and armor. Most of which would be undetectable. Fascination means that all will love you and despair. Herbalism can posion your enemies or bolster your allies. Shadows can provide friends in even the darkest places and Manamancy, if utilized properly, can give you unlimited power. I am not sure about your Hypnotism, but I am sure we can think of something."

Elvie blushed as I stared into her eyes. Leaning forward I raised my clockwork hand. Placeong it upon her shoulder, I deadpanned. "We have arrived."

Pulling away, I silently thank whatever of Elvie's ancestors designed the Golems to be attractive.

"It will make my seduction of her much easier," I mentally snicker, "She's so starved for attention, she'll fall in love just for validating her."

Elsie shook herself, then took my proffered hand. Together we step into the library.

_______________

Deep in the bowels of the keep, machines for Golem Repair and Manufacturing whirred to life. Milds were selected and discarded as Victor Silvano designed his new body. After all he and Elvie couldn't stay here forever.