Guardians

Chapter: 12

Adrian sat in the void, the eerie presence of Shub-Niggurath looming behind him. The void space was silent except for the creature's breathing, a sound that reverberated through the empty expanse.

"Hello, Shub-Niggurath. What brings you here?" Adrian asked, his voice calm.

"I sensed your presence and wanted to check what the issue was," the eldritch being responded, its voice a deep, resonant hum that seemed to vibrate through the very fabric of the void.

"It was nothing, just an unfortunate problem. Nothing more," Adrian said, getting up from the chair.

"I see," Shub-Niggurath replied, its numerous eyes blinking in unison. "Is it wise to let him live?"

"I need someone to carry on my message. After he does, however, he dies. But since you are here, go to human form and follow me."

The vast, incomprehensible form of Shub-Niggurath began to shift and shrink, coalescing into a more manageable human shape. Within moments, a tall woman with grey-silver hair stood before Adrian. Her golden eyes, still retaining an otherworldly glow, surveyed the void with a mixture of curiosity and caution. She wore a simple, flowing black dress that seemed to shimmer with an inner darkness.

"It's been a while since I took on this form," Shub-Niggurath said, her voice now soft and melodic, yet still carrying an undercurrent of power.

Adrian nodded, satisfied. "Let's go."

With a wave of his hand, the void space dissolved, replaced by the familiar surroundings of the bunker. With a flash of light, they appeared outside the base. The night air was cool and calm, a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them. Adrian took a breath before walking forward a few feet with Shub-Niggurath walking to his left. After walking a sizeable distance away from the base, he stopped and took the cross-shaped gun off his back, turning and pointing it at the base.

"Using the crucifix?" Shub-Niggurath asked.

"Might as well destroy it. It serves no purpose now."

Adrian stood silently, aiming the cross-shaped gun at the Chaos Insurgency base. With a calm breath, Adrian squeezed the trigger. A beam of intense light shot out from the crucifix, striking the base with pinpoint accuracy. An explosion rocked, shaking the ground below them, shaking the earth, and sending a shockwave through the air. When the smoke cleared, it revealed a massive 40,000 square foot hole in place of the Chaos Insurgency base.

"Alright, let's go," Adrian said, placing the crucifix back on his back.

Without another word, Adrian and Shub-Niggurath vanished from the scene, leaving behind only the smoldering ruins of the once-imposing Chaos Insurgency base. Appearing in Adrian's living room, they saw Anafabula seated on the couch, reading a book.

"I'm back," Adrian said.

Anafabula looked up from the book she was reading and said, "You took your time." After she said that, she noticed Shub-Niggurath. "Hello, Shub-Niggurath."

"Lady Anafabula," Shub-Niggurath said while doing a short bow.

Anafabula nodded before closing the book and putting it down before getting up. "I've done my part. I will be taking my leave now."

"Don't be a stranger now. You are always welcome here."

"Who knows," Anafabula said with a shrug. "Bye, Adrian."

With a nod, Anafabula faded out of existence, leaving Adrian and Shub-Niggurath alone in the room.

"She doesn't change, does she?" Adrian asked himself with a sigh.

Adrian took a moment to collect his thoughts, the weight of the night's events settling on him. He glanced at Shub-Niggurath, who was now comfortably seated on the couch, her golden eyes watching him with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Okay, I'm certain that I don't have to ask you why I told you to follow me, yes?"

"Yes, you want me to help you watch over the young lady, correct?"

"Her name is Sigurrós, but yeah."

Shub-Niggurath nodded, her expression softening. "I understand. I will do my best to ensure her safety."

"Thank you." Sensing something, darkness crept up Adrian's body. When it disappeared, it revealed him in casual clothing and the weapons missing. As the last bit of darkness vanished, there was the sound of soft footsteps. Sigurrós appeared in the doorway, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

"Adrian?"

"Yes, Sigurrós. What's wrong? Bad dream?"

Sigurrós nodded, her eyes still heavy with sleep. "Yeah, it was scary," she mumbled.

Adrian walked over to her, knelt down to her level, and picked her up. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Sigurrós shook her head, clinging to Adrian. "Can I just stay with you for a while?"

"Of course." He turned to Shub-Niggurath, who was observing the interaction with mild curiosity. "Shub, this is Sigurrós. Sigurrós, this is Shub-Niggurath. She'll be staying with us for a while. You can think of her like a big sister while she is here."

Sigurrós peeked over Adrian's shoulder at Shub-Niggurath, her curiosity piqued. "Big sister?" she repeated, her voice a mix of wonder and uncertainty.

Shub-Niggurath offered a gentle smile, her golden eyes warm and reassuring. "Yes, I'll be here to help protect you and keep you company."

Sigurrós nodded slowly, her grip on Adrian tightening slightly. "Okay... nice to meet you, Shub-Niggurath."

"It's nice to meet you too, Sigurrós," Shub-Niggurath replied softly.

Adrian carried Sigurrós over to the couch and sat down with her in his lap. "Do you want to sleep here tonight?" he asked gently.

Sigurrós nodded, already feeling safer in Adrian's arms. "Yes, please."

Adrian smiled and kissed her forehead. "Alright, let's get you comfortable."

He adjusted his position on the couch, making sure Sigurrós was snug and secure. Shub-Niggurath watched them with a faint smile, her presence blending into the background as Adrian focused on Sigurrós.

"Tell me a story, Adrian," Sigurrós whispered, her eyes fluttering closed.

"Sure," Adrian said softly. "Once upon a time, there was a powerful warrior who protected a little girl with amazing powers. They faced many challenges together, but the warrior was always there to keep her safe..."

As Adrian's voice trailed off into the gentle rhythm of storytelling, Sigurrós slowly drifted off to sleep. Shub-Niggurath continued to watch, her golden eyes reflecting the warmth of the scene before her. For a moment, the world outside seemed distant and unimportant, overshadowed by the simple, profound connection between Adrian and Sigurrós.

Chapter 12: End