Chrysalis

The demon glides through the air with such exquisite grace, only to land in a perfect kneeling posture in front of me. I’m surprised, to say the least, and reflexively lash a bridge together so I can communicate with this odd specimen.

[Are you bowing?] I ask after my initial exclamation.

This seems very much an Earth thing to do. I can’t recall seeing demons bow to each other, regardless of the circumstances. Unless this is some as yet unseen custom of the denizens of the third stratum, then something different is going on here.

[I wanted to speak with you, so I drew close, too close. I gathered the attention of your… associate… and have been forced to reveal myself in order to preserve my life.]

Something about the way the demon spoke, a calm, deep and somewhat quiet voice, told me that he didn’t necessarily believe what he said. As if he actually thought he would have a chance against Tiny.

[You think you could take him on?] I say, flicking my antennae to the grumpy looking ape approaching from the side.

[Of course not,] comes the immediate reply.

Again, the tone I got seemed to imply something entirely different. I'm half tempted to throw the demon into a fight with Tiny right away, just to show him what for, but I decide against it. That isn’t important right now.

[You are speaking only to me at the moment,] I assure the still kneeling demon, [so you can speak freely. I have to ask… this wouldn’t happen to be your second life, would it?]

I watch closely for any reaction, but the demon, with his face pressed into the ground, gives nothing away. Not even a twitch. Fortunately, his body language isn’t the only way for me to gain information. The mind bridge connecting us is more than just a channel for communication. As my skill at handling this particular connection and mana has grown, I've been able to glean more from even a simple bridge such as this.

What I detect in that mind is a rapid, lightning fast churning of thoughts as the demon considers how to respond. He’s cycling through possible responses like a computer, weighing options, considering outcomes and trying to find the best possible course of action with least risk.

This guy is seriously working his brain right now! I’m surprised I don’t see steam coming out of those ears…. I’m kind of befuddled, to be honest. What is he so worried about? I decide to make it easy on him.

[I was originally from Earth,] I confide to him in a hushed whisper, [died and was reborn here as an ant. I presume you experienced something similar? And were reborn as a demon larva?]

If anything, the bubbling churn inside that mind increases rather than the opposite. His thoughts are practically boiling in there! I goggle at the back of the demon's head as he keeps it pressed into the ground. What the heck are you thinking about in there?

high into the air and bring it down swiftly. A good

I intend. As if he has eyes in the back of his head, the demon slides back rapidly, using his blade arms to get

with foresight, I know the dodge is coming and instinctively adjust my

THWACK!

hit, lifting his head up for the first time since that remarkable leap, but I don’t give him any

honestly! Sheesh. Your mind is so crooked, it’s like you were a legendary

The demon grows still.

can see

a breach of privacy to peer into the activity of another person’s

really. A bit.

Silence….

connects us. I can’t see your exact thoughts or memories or anything of

see my

can relax. I shouldn’t have hit you, and I apologise for that, but I could tell you were looking for the most advantageous answer.

and I can sense his thoughts moving in

Earth, like you. My name is Odin Malum. I was reborn here in this place… not that long ago, I can’t tell how long.

warms to the little demon and I scuttle forward to tap him on the shoulder with one supportive leg. Man, he must have had it rough on Earth. I mean, my situation wasn’t ideal, but I get a feeling this

who had a sucky life and went a bit crazy on Earth anyway. Don’t feel too

there are more of us?

me, Sarah, Jim, the Mother Tree and you. And, uh, Garralosh, I guess. I’m sure there are more of us out there, but I haven’t come across

lot there to take in, but the demon seems to latch onto

Dungeon only takes in crazy people? Where could you

[From Gandalf.]

a little oddly and takes a slow step away, letting

When I evolve, I get a little window of time to

The Mother Tree sure isn’t going to talk to me about her time evolving, so I’m super keen to hear what

isn’t a