II. Aftermath

"So," said Cankerworm. "Exactly what happened up there?"

"Well," said Darrus. "You were so kind as to tell me that I could kill the Fury by destroying the eyes, but you neglected what would happen when I did so. I hope you've got a Weaver of Lies up there, because this is going to take one hell of a story to explain away--"

"Actually, it was a fairly simple job. It was blamed on insurgents, trying to blow up the government-run asylum at the center of the blast."

Darrus sighed. "Well, then. I suppose that'll do. Anyway, I shot one eye out and Szziszzigji, the Nightmare I'd brought with me, managed the claw the other one. At which point the Fury exploded. I was far away enough that I had time to react--I jumped for a door, then overwalked away. The trouble was, the wave hit me as I ran. I was hurt badly enough that I couldn't aim for where I came out. So I sort of drifted between worlds until another door beckoned to me. Some group of high school girls trifling with things they didn't understand."

"Did you collect any souls?" asked Cankerworm, his interest piqued.

"The opportunity didn't arise, unfortunately. Don't worry, I started at least one of them down the path of darkness. She'll be living in sin before you know it."

"Excellent, excellent."

Darrus sat up and pulled out his lighter and a cigarette. "Any news on the rest of the crew?"

"Not much to be said, really." said Cankerworm. "18 Guardians confirmed destroyed."

Darrus paused with his cigarette an inch from the lighter. "What about Szziszzigji?"

"Hm?"

"Szziszzigji. The Nightmare I just told you about."

Cankerworm checked the readout on his desk. "There's nothing in the report about a Nightmare."

Darrus through down the cigarette. "Damn it!"

"Darrus, it was a recurring Nightmare, wasn't it?" asked Cankerworm. "Just get another iteration of it when you need one."

"That's not the point. Szziszzigji could become invisible--if we can't confirm its status, it's not outside the realm of possibility that Szziszzigji is still on Earth, in hiding. Probably wounded, too."

Cankerworm sat up. "I see. Darrus, you have a new assignment; find out if the Nightmare is alive, and if it is, rein it in."

"Will do." said Darrus, rising to leave.

"Don't leave yet. There's something I don't think you're aware of."

"What?" said Darrus, now standing behind the chair.

"You've been gone for three days."

Darrus started. "I must have drifted for longer than I thought."

"Indeed. Now go, and for Lucifer's sake, get cleaned up before you go back to Earth; all that cinder is going to attract attention."

Darrus looked down at himself. "Yes, I suppose so."