by Aratare, X.
“Gabriel,” he said, his voice rumbly more like a beast’s than a man’s. “You.” He pointed a finger at Gabriel’s chest. “You can help me.”
“No, Johnson, it’s over. Don’t you see that?” Gabriel begged. His limbs trembled. He was so exhausted and hurting. “Cthulhu will make landfall if we don’t end this now.”
Johnson though acted like he didn’t hear Gabriel or maybe he really hadn’t, because he was too full of his own thoughts. He leaned down and swiped up a selection of parchments that were half covered by Jax and Marko’s bodies. He then thrust the pages into Gabriel’s hands. The feel of the pages was strange. They didn’t feel like paper, but like … skin. Human skin. He dropped them back down onto the floor.
“Gabriel, pick them up! You must help me!” Johnson roared. “Help me!”
I can’t. I have to stop you to help everyone else. I Called Cthulhu. Everything that happens is my choice. That’s the burden of being a Caller. I understand now.
But he didn’t say any of that to Johnson. He was sure if he did then Johnson would fasten those bull like hands on his neck and would wring the immortal life out of him. Yet he had to stop the ex-military man. He wasn’t strong enough to take Johnson on physically even when he was at full health and he surely wasn’t capable of it now with his strength at an all-time low. The stones had drained his energy to the barest dregs.
The stones …
And that was when he knew the thing he had to do, that he could do, and that would end this.
He found himself saying in a calm, even voice, “All right, Johnson.”
“Good, good,” Johnson said. His eyes were fixed on the silent and still Cthulhu. He moved towards the side of the boat closest to monstrous creature.
With Johnson’s gaze locked on Cthulhu, Gabriel leaned down as if to get the pages, but then he lunged forward to the nearest stone. He had his hands underneath it in mere seconds and he began to lift it up. It was heavy. Incredibly heavy. Though Johnson had seemingly tossed it around as if it weight no more than a football, every muscle in Gabriel’s legs, back and arms strained to get it up. All he had to do was tip the stone overboard. The protective barrier would then be gone and Cthulhu would take care of Johnson once and for all.
Gabriel heard Johnson’s angry snarl as the former military man realized his plan. Gabriel heaved the stone up further and was spun around by its weight. He saw Johnson barreling towards him, his face a rictus of rage and the white froth of madness on his lips. Gabriel did the only thing he could. He fell backwards, clutching the stone against his chest. He tipped over the side and into the water.
The ocean opened its embrace to him. He didn’t close his eyes as the water closed over him. He stared upwards, still holding onto the stone, letting its weight sink them both down and down and down so that the protection for the boat was surely gone.
He strained to see what was happening above him. He had to see what would happen once the protective barrier was gone. Everything that happened — every death — was his choice. By Calling Cthulhu he was responsible. He would see what he had wrought.
Bubbles cut through his vision, but his view was remarkably clear as he saw Johnson at the edge of the boat. His arms were outstretched towards Gabriel as if he could will the young man and the stone back up to him. Then the tentacles surrounded him. Dozens of them, dripping with sea water.
Johnson straightened, his hands falling to his sides, then his bull-like figure was obscured by the tentacles as they slammed together with him between them. Dark droplets fell into the water and drifted downwards. Blood. Johnson’s blood. Gabriel swore he could taste copper in the water. Johnson was dead and gone and could hurt no one else. It was so quick. So easy. Gabriel felt numb. He experienced neither triumph nor regret.
There was a muffled crunching sound and Gabriel’s gaze was dragged up once more to the ocean’s surface. Cthulhu had smashed the boat. It had become splinters with Jax and Marko still on board. They were dead, too. He felt strangely empty at the thought. They had followed Johnson after all. He had tried to warn them, but still, it was a terrible way to die.
But the Mers are safe. That is something.
For one moment, Gabriel allowed himself to sink lower with the weight of the stone on his chest, but then a tentacle streaked out of the darkness and wrapped around him.
Release — release — release the stone, my Caller, Cthulhu rumbled.
Was this all a test? Gabriel asked as he still clung to the stone.
Test? No. Choice — choice — choice.
Were you ever really in danger? Gabriel insisted though his hands had loosened their death grip on the stone.
Cthulhu said nothing in response at first. There was just a pregnant silence. Gabriel could read into that silence many things, but those things were direct opposites. Cthulhu truly could have been in danger and was too proud — or arrogant — to want to admit that a mere human had outwitted it. Or, the more likely theory was that while the chant had hurt Cthulhu, perhaps surprised it and angered it, there had been no real danger. Cthulhu instead had used this as a moment to show Gabriel the truth of what he was and the power he wielded.
You rescued -- rescued -- rescued me from the forlorn -- dead -- crushed -- soldier, Cthulhu finally responded with a trace of amusement.
Yes, I did, whether you needed me to or not, Gabriel responded simply.
There was another silence. The tip of the tentacle that was holding him nudged the stone from his hands. It slid off of his chest and fell down to the depths far below him. Cthulhu then began to carry Gabriel to shore. He stiffened.
Do not worry -- worry -- worry, Cthulhu chuckled. Your choice -- choice -- choice has been made. Humanity is safe -- for now -- now -- now.
10
CALLER OF STARS
Cthulhu carried Gabriel tenderly to shore. The water rushed past him like a silk sheet running all over his exhausted body. He continued to gaze upwards at the sky through the water. The stars and moon seemed to blur into a smear of silver light. It was an ethereal sight and made him feel unreal as if all of this was a dream.
The tentacle holding him brought him up to the water’s surface and gently set him on his feet. Gabriel’s legs trembled beneath him for a moment, but then they firmed. The water was up to his chest. There was a firm sandbar beneath his feet. He ran this hands through his hair, moving it away from his face. As Gabriel blinked the water from his eyes, he realized where Cthulhu had brought them and his stomach clenched.
They were directly in front of the temple. Cthulhu was technically still in the water though very, very close to land. Gabriel had a momentary qualm that madness would still sweep the East Coast now anyways despite everything he had done to stop it.
Cthulhu let out its rumbling laugh that sounded like the mountains quaking. No madness – madness – madness for the humans. Not yet – yet – yet. Remember?
Gabriel’s eyes scanned the temple’s steps to see if anyone raced out to see what had caused the wild disturbance in the water. If they saw Cthulhu what would happen? Nothing good, he was sure. After all if a mere statue of Cthulhu could kill Henry, what might seeing it in the flesh do? Thankfully, the temple’s steps were empty and no one stood in the doorway.
I would not take your Mer prince -- Prince Casillus Nerion -- your prince away from you, my Caller.
Thank you, Gabriel breathed out.
Yet Gabriel had not and would not open the bond with Casillus until Cthulhu was physically gone. But even without the bond open, surely the sound of Cthulhu’s monstrous form cutting through the water had drawn some attention from the Mer prince? He would have heard the difference between the normal slap of waves on the beach and the incoming rush of a being the size of a mountain? Even Greer would have understood something was happening. So why weren’t people coming out to see what was happening?
None will see me but you – you – you, my Caller, until the stars are right – stars – stars – stars. Caller of Stars, C
thulhu said with dark amusement.
Gabriel let out a breath he hadn’t know he had been holding. One of Cthulhu’s tentacles caressed his cheek with an almost touching tenderness. Gabriel felt a wave of exhaustion run through him. He was crashing after what had happened with Johnson and the boat. But he wasn’t done yet. He couldn’t be done. Casillus, Corey and the others were still being held prisoner by Johnson’s last goon and he had no idea how he was going to get them out.
No need to worry, my Caller – Caller – Caller of Stars. You have new friends – friends – enemies of the forlorn soldier – dead and crushed and smashed soldier who serves me forever – forever – forever. His servant is subdued. All is well – well – well for now, Cthulhu rumbled.
Who took out Greer?
You will see -- see -- see. They wish to see, too. Servants all in the end, Cthulhu answered and it tentacles roiled the water. It was starting to move away. It was leaving.
You’re going? Gabriel was shocked by a feeling of loss.
Always with you – always – always – always, my Caller of Stars, Cthulhu rumbled with near affection even as its massive bulk flowed further out to sea.
Where are you going? Home? Gabriel asked as if to keep Cthulhu hear for one moment more.
Another rumble of laughter. Home? Is home beyond the veil of stars in the black places -- black places -- the terrible night -- that has never known light – light – light? Or is it here? In you – you – you?
I shouldn’t ask when I’ll see you again, because it’ll mean something bad has happened if I do, Gabriel admitted.
I await your Call, was Cthulhu’s only response.
With that, the monstrous being slid further back into the ocean’s depths, its dozens of eyes fixed on Gabriel as it moved deep out to sea and, finally, vanished beneath the waves. Gabriel, though, still felt Cthulhu as near as it had always been. Just a Call away.
Gabriel turned towards the temple. His heart fluttered wildly in his chest at the thought of seeing Casillus, Corey and the others. Against all odds, they had been victorious. He walked out of the surf and onto the sand. His legs felt incredibly heavy and he knew he was going to be out of breath before he was halfway to the temple, but he pressed on. He had to see Casillus. Yet still he didn’t open their bond.
I’m afraid that something in me has changed by Calling Cthulhu, by the deaths, by everything. I’m really a Caller now. What if I reach for Casillus and he recoils?
He was at the base of the temple’s steps now. His breathing was ragged and he wanted desperately to sit down. But another squirt of adrenaline hit his bloodstream and his head jerked up as he heard voices flowing out from inside the temple. He heard Greta’s higher pitched tone and Corey’s staccato delivery as they both spoke, practically over one another, to someone whose voice was too low to catch. They weren’t speaking to Greer. He could tell that from the tone of their voices even if Cthulhu hadn’t already told him that Greer had been taken care of. Still his heart thudded harder as the voices grew louder. People were coming out of the temple. They would see him at any moment. He had to open his bond to Casillus, but he couldn’t.
Suddenly, Casillus burst out of the temple’s open doors and raced to the edge of the steps. Gabriel heard Corey calling for the Mer to come back, but Gabriel already guessed that Casillus wouldn’t. The Mer prince was coming for him, thinking he was still in danger, and willing to do anything to save him. The moment the Mer saw him, Casillus nearly pitched down the stairs in shock. The moment Gabriel saw that beautiful figure, limned by moonlight, he opened the bond up like one would a faucet to full blast. The bond immediately enveloped his mind and he felt bliss.
Gabriel! Casillus’ joy was like riding the largest of waves, but Gabriel did it with ease.
Casillus, it’s done. Johnson is dead, Gabriel gasped out.
He felt an echo in the back of his mind and realized he had sent the same information to Aemrys. He felt an answering satisfaction and pride from his Mer ancestor. Aemrys would pass the new back to all the Mers now. Again, Gabriel felt the enormity of what had happened. They had stepped back from the brink of war between humanity and the Mers. Johnson’s death had been right and necessary.
Casillus’ thoughts were too chaotic for a simple response to Gabriel’s statement. Instead, the Mer raced down the staircase and grabbed him. Casillus lifted Gabriel up in his arms and off his feet. Gabriel’s arms flowed around Casillus’ neck and he was holding on so tight he half-feared that he was strangling the Mer. His chest though was hitching and he realized he was crying and laughing at the same time. Casillus had not recoiled from him. The Mer would never recoil from him.
I have you, Gabriel. I have you. All is well, Casillus said.
All is well – well – well, Cthulhu’s remembered rumble streamed through his mind. Gabriel made a conscious determination to keep the part of himself that was in contact with Cthulhu separated from his connection with Casillus.
Is everyone all right? Gabriel asked.
Everyone is fine, Casillus assured him.
Though Gabriel had tons of questions he did not ask them. For this moment both his and Casillus’ thoughts turned to simply loving one another and the stars spun not in the right way for Cthulhu, but in the right way for them. Gabriel just drowned in the Mer’s love, soaking it in, letting it light all the dark places inside of him. He allowed Casillus to see some of what had happened with Johnson, shielding him only from Cthulhu’s influence. The Mer still shuddered and held him more fiercely.
You were so brave. So very brave. I am incredibly proud, Casillus murmured.
Where’s Greer? The guy with the gun? Gabriel asked.
Taken care of, Casillus said. Dr. Marstand and the Next Society came and rescued us.
Casillus directed Gabriel’s gaze up to the temple’s entrance. It was then that he saw Corey, Greta, Roger and an older man with a shock of white hair and piercing blue eyes standing on the top of the steps. The older man was dressed like a professor in a tweed coat with patches at the elbows, but those eyes didn’t seem like the eyes of an academic but a big game hunter instead.
Dr. Marstand is from Miskatonic University. He met Johnson earlier tonight and he was … concerned by Johnson’s behavior, Casillus explained. He decided to come back here and confront Johnson. He found us and Greer instead.
Gabriel tightened his hold on Casillus as he met Dr. Marstand’s gaze. Does he know about Mers?
Oh, yes. He is quite aware of us, Casillus said. It appears that Miskatonic has files about us stretching back several hundred years at least.
Behind Dr. Marstand Gabriel saw Greer being escorted out of the temple, hands tied behind his back by what looked like glowing cords. A young woman with black hair and eyes and a young, slender man with a dreamy smile accompanied him. Gabriel blinked. They didn’t look at all like the types that could take down an armed mercenary, but evidently they had. And what was with the glowing rope? It almost looked like –
Magic. Yes, it is, Casillus finished the thought for him.
Magic? Gabriel boggled.
The Next Society is ... full of such surprises, Casillus said, his gaze sliding back to the older man next to Corey. Perhaps the Mers need not keep their existence secret from all humans. Perhaps we could even have official contact with some.
Official contact? Like with this Next Society? Gabriel asked, his forehead furrowing.
Yes, Dr. Marstand has given me hope that the Mers do not need to hide forever, Casillus said.
Since he rescued you, Corey and the rest from Johnson’s goon, I think I’m inclined to like him, Gabriel said. Speaking of Corey, his attempt at dancing up there on one leg means he has to pee or he’s dying to talk to us.
Corey’s right ankle was black and blue and swollen to twice its normal size. Roger and Greta were bearing his weight yet he was still hopping up and down, which caused Roger to tell him to quit it.
He definitely wishes to speak to us. Casillus laughed.
Gabriel found a grin finally breaking over his face. For so long, he had felt like he would never smile again. The darkness of what had happened with Johnson was still there, but there was now hope and light before him.
You’re going to have to help me up the stairs, Casillus. I’m feeling a little winded, Gabriel admitted as he observed the now daunting amount of stairs ahead of them.
You are not alone. If Corey was not injured, I would have suggested we ask him to come to us, or better yet, for him to join us by the water, Casillus said.
That was when Gabriel realized that Casillus was straining to breathe. The Mer prince had been out of the water for way too long.
Corey, I want to talk to you, too, but Casillus and I can’t make it up the stairs and you can’t make it down the stairs, Gabriel said telepathically to his best friend. Why don’t we meet at the cottage?
Corey jumped as if poked by a cattle prod. It was then Gabriel realized that he had spoken to Corey mind to mind and his friend had heard him clearly. Corey’s eyes were as round as saucers and his little mincing dance became more excited.
“Guys,” he said to Greta and Roger. “Gabriel and Casillus need to get in the water. We can meet them at the cottage.”
Gabriel, your gift has grown! Casillus said proudly as he realized what had just happened.
Yeah, I can feel myself getting stronger, Gabriel said and that was both comforting and frightening. Cthulhu had named him the Caller of Stars. When the creature had first said it, Gabriel had presumed it was just a lyrical title Cthulhu had made up with no real meaning behind it. Now he was not so sure.
“Dr. Marstand, you are invited to my grandmother’s cottage as well,” Gabriel said out loud so that the professor with the big game hunter’s eyes could hear.
Dr. Marstand inclined his head. His voice was a pleasant rumble. “Thank you. I have questions. As I’m sure you do as well.”
