Something Horrifically Wrong

Rem felt better the he had in a long time. Despite just getting shot and then healed right after, he was alive with energy in a way he didn't know was possible. It was like being high without the draw backs, but it was also not like being high, the energy wasn't as dizzying. He didn't know what it was in the magic he had eaten, but it zinged through him. He had left the necromancer behind even without payment he had more than enough. Whatever had just happened Rem knew something was radically different.

It took him a few minutes away from the building to realize he didn't have the thirst for magic anymore. It was just gone, he still felt he had the ability to manipulate magic, but didn't have the outright desire to do it. It was terrifying to Rem who had known the desire at a very young age no matter how destructive it had gotten in recent years, he didn't know what he would do with himself, but he knew things would never be the same.

****

"I have to wonder if this wasn't all a long game from you." Hanlon was seated across from the fire god for their game again, a neutral ground this time, the ruined remains of a civilization that had worshipped dead gods. The place amused both current gods as one that could eventually bring trouble, but wasn't at the moment. Like seeing a loaded gun near a play set, something bad was going to happen, but no kids were near by.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Of course not, its not like I don't have a connection to death magic, couldn't feel the strands of what happened to the poor godling and what it imbued the magic eater with. And I recall a time when that little creature was in your judgement court, to be annihilated with Trezlan, I wonder if you noticed it then, or did you always know." The fire god had a smile.

"Oh is Rem ok? I swear that little magic eater, did you know I brought him back to life? Yeah after he murdered his father he stuck his head in a furnace to burn it all off, I decided someone so remiss at killing their parent couldn't be all that bad."

"I'm aware you intruded on my domain yes." Hanlon didn't really care about the little ones being brought back, he'd done his fair share of interference, he just was surprised the Fire God cared, most of the time he felt she kept a distance from their worshippers.

"As to your first question, I always play the long game even when I'm losing I'm winning, so next time you feel I lost the red war, remember that. Also I believe you owe me for saving Trezlan's life. I know he's your puppet." Now it was Hanlon's time to smile.

"But of course your holy fire, and we always know I pay my debts."

"You do now, you didn't used to, Mr. Hanlon." They both smiled and the game continued without the universe knowing of its existence or the players.