Chapter Text
It was a calm day out on the trail. The birds flew peacefully over the long winding roads, the wind and weather were all in still harmony. And on this fine day there was a man dying in the middle of the desert.
As his blood seeps through his clothes onto the dirt Zorus wonders where it all went wrong. Nothing seemed too off about the package he was delivering, A heavily bound tome not unlike a scholar’s book. Maybe he was just unlucky, his killers didn’t seem too pleased in the first place when they intercepted him. But that wasn’t what Zorus was thinking about right now, for some reason his focus was solely on the package he was supposed to deliver.
The book lay not far from his position on the ground, the group not really focused on the dying courier and his package as they all discussed something Zorus could not hear. Slowly, with whatever remaining strength he had he reached out towards the tome, hoping something, anything would come out of it. But strength failed him as his arm weakly fell to the ground just out of reach. His blood, however, did reach the book starting to lightly soak the tome. As his vision fades the tome started to rumble, it also seemed to alert the group as their voices became louder as the book began glowing. As unconsciousness overtook him he only heard one clear phrase.
“A new disciple. Fascinating.” And darkness engulfed all.
When Zorus opened his eyes next, he seemed out of time. Everything around him was frozen still and a dull blue hue permeated thearea. As Zorus struggled to sit himself up he turns his sight to where the book once lay. What met him was too many eyes to count, all looking at him through the blue haze. In the center lay the book also sporting an eye in between its opened pages. Before Zorus could even question what was happening the Book had the first move.
“Hello there young one, it seems you find yourself in unfortunate circumstances.”
“I think unfortunate is understating it” Zorus says back as he looks around him, increasingly aware and weary of the unknown number of eyes on him.
“Do not worry about all my eyes boy, just focus on the book, it is easier that way.” The voice emanating from the book says as Zorus readjusts his focus on the tome in front of him. “Also do not worry about those zealots behind you, they won’t be able to harm us for the time being.
“That’s a relief I suppose.” What relief Zorus didn’t know, either the feeling of no oncoming threat or that there was someone or something that seems to have some interest in his survival. “So, there must be a reason this is all happening right? Was it my blood? Or do you have a fun time pulling people out before death.”
“Oh, you could say a little bit of both, but more so the first option in this instance. The tome you were carrying is how I interact with this realm and my disciples.” Zorus raised an eyebrow, disciple? “I see you are confused; I shall answer your questions in due time but first, our contract.”
“Contract? I’m probably dead in a few minutes and you want to talk about a contract?”
“This contract will ensure your survival. Unless of course, you would rather perish at the hands of these fools.”
Zorus shifted his head to look at the so called “fools”. The four men seemed to him like normal bandits but whatever he was speaking to regarded them differently.
“You called them zealots. Why?” turning back to the book with that question as the book had now hovered closer. The eye in the middle seemed to shift slightly at the question, almost in approval.
“Asking questions? Good, very good.” Zorus tilted his head at this, but the book had more to say. “Your question however will need to wait; I do believe we have more pressing matters to attend to.”
Zorus had to concede on that front, survival first then answers. The man focuses his gaze fully on the book. His eye met the one gazing from its pages, an inky abyss stared straight into his soul.
“Alright then, what are your terms?”
“Good choice my boy” The books pages flip rapidly before landing on one of its pages towards the end. On one side was a faded hand print and the next page blank. “My terms of employment are straightforward, I require knowledge.”
“Knowledge?” Zorus asks, “that’s quite the vague statement there. No offense of course.”
“None taken, I like to think my work as quite broad. Knowledge comes in my shapes and forms and so the work shall be the same. You collect what I desire and I shall help you in return. Not just your survival but beyond as well.”
“Beyond?”
“Yes you need the tools and skills for this job, I shall provide my magics and abilities for your personal use as I see fit.” The book says like it was obvious and simple like there was something obvious and simple about any of this.
“I see.” Zorus replies before turning his attention to the blank space on the books pages. “Anything else I should know before I sign?”
“It would be neglectful on my part to tell you that once you become a disciple of mine we shall be linked. To keep track of you and on task of course but also my power will alter you.”
“Altered how?” The words slip out the mans mouth but the gears in head figured out what this all is, Maybe he already did.
“I believe you mortals called disciples of my kind--
“Marked, they are called Marked.”
“Yes, Marked” The book says like the word was foreign on his tounge. “What physical changes will happen to you I do not know for certain but you will be protected by my powers, I give you my word.”
Zorus closes his eyes, his mind a cyclone of questions and second guesses. He didn’t expect this when he set out to deliver the book maybe an interesting story for the others back at work but this? Opening his eyes to face the book he sees the eye is back, seemingly expecting him to give his final answer. After a deep breath and against his better judgment he gives his answer.
“Very well, I accept your terms”
“Excellent! Now the signing, place your palm on the page and I shall do the rest.” The book sounding almost eager, “There is much work to be done.”
Zorus slowly places his hand on the book in an open palm position and suddenly his arm was rooted to the book and a burning sensation slowly started to creep through him. The sensation then spread to the rest of his body what once was a small warmth now a blazing inferno like he was being scorched from the very depths of himself.
“It is a natural feeling” The books voice broke through the pain, almost soothing in a way. “It shall be over soon and then you will be a new man, a new disciple.”
“Good to know” Zorus grits out through his teeth, the pain was getting unbearable.
“Now one more thing and this contract is complete.”
“And that is?”
“Your name.”
“It’s… Zorus” He breaths out as his vision starts to fade.
“A fine name Zorus, now this feeling, this moment savor it.” Zorus eyes fully close as he feels his mind and sense slip from him as it all goes dark.
“Your life begins again.”