Death's Gambling

by Martin Länger

  “He's the greatest of them all, and the strongest to boot,” he boasted confidently.

  “Are there any other Lords? What is their purpose? What is this world? Where do they come from? Why am I here?” Gwyn continued hastily, almost failing to form coherent sentences just to get more information more quickly.

  “Woo, slow down pal. Even I don't have all the answers, you know? I'm just one of Lord Lust’s trusted guardians,” he said as they made their way towards the tower with increasing speed.

  “From what I've heard from our Lord, is that our world has existed for a very long time and is made up of the collective subconsciousness of mankind. Sometimes humans find their way into our world as well. Though nobody knows exactly how. As for our world - it's divided into two parts. One for the seven sins, one for the seven heavenly virtues, with seven major cities, government by seven Lords.” He looked at Gwyn who looked like he was struck by lightning.

  “Kikik, they really took the concept of seven one step too far,” Delirias giggled

  “What lovely mystery, or shall I say misery? Fufuf.”

  “I hope I've not confused you, lad. When my Lord first told me of our origin and how humans are related to us, I couldn't understand any of it either – so it might be clever to ask him directly. He's the strongest and most compassionate anyway.” It didn't take long for Passionare to start grinning again.

  “Fufuf, don't you worry about this little piggy. I think he understands almost too well,” Delirias giggled, picking up the pace next to them.

  In a matter of minutes, they arrived at their destination. From the looks of it, it seemed as if the tower had multiple entries at every level where the large, tongue-like, wooden bridges connected. Right at the entrance in the middle, they stopped. They stood in front of a tremendous gate, with two giant, imposing statues guarding it. The ironclad statues were sculpted after two muscular men in long garments. Their upper bodies fused together in a sensual touch, forming a round arch above the gate.

  “Not bad,” Gwyn finally spoke out in awe, after he tried to compute what he just heard, still barely able to wrap his head around the idea of a collective subconsciousness.

  “You think so?” Delirias asked curiously, as he went to peek under the garments of the statues.

  “What the heck are you doing?!” his partner asked him in embarrassment.

  “You should really take a look at this. You don't get to see behind the curtain every day, do you?” Delirias answered before Passionare grabbed him by his coat, dragging him towards the gate. Gwyn had no say in the matter as he was still riding on the big man’s shoulder.

  With a light push, the gigantic gate opened under loud rumbling. At first, it was pitch black inside until they eventually stepped into the tower. There was a long corridor ahead of them, coated in soft purple and pink dye. The overly energetic man finally put Gwyn back onto his own two feet, where Gwyn stood in awe.

  The floor was tiled, where every tile depicted a different position of humans bodies, engulfing and fondling each other.

  Golden candlesticks with soft orange flames were all around, illuminating many red curtains on every side of the corridor. Likewise, they had golden fringes, and chains made out of little purple pearls at the bottom, supposedly leading into many separate rooms that could all be accessed from this one corridor.

  “C'mon, it's this way,” Passionare waved them through, as Gwyn watched the red curtains closely, almost hoping to catch a glimpse of what was going on inside. He nearly couldn't handle not knowing what was going to happen.

  Even more so when the first moaning could be heard as they walked by.

  Reluctant to move any further without a little peek, the group was interrupted by a door appearing out of thin air, opening in front of them in the middle of the corridor.

  “That was such a waste of time,” a woman said, as they heard footsteps getting closer and closer.

  “Do you really think that? Maybe we should've stayed at least one da-” another voice stopped as the two individuals stepped out of the door were noticing Passionare and his companions.

  “Ho, Emily? You're already finished your meeting with Lord Lust?” he smiled at a lovely young lady rushing by.

  “Thanks, Passionare, but I don't' think we will be staying. I appreciate your help,” she said while glaring forward, walking right past Passionare, Gwyn, and Delirias.

  Gwyn could feel a sinister look resting upon him from a man who rushed after the woman. “Emily! Wait for me-” he shouted, as Gwyn barely saw a red coat flattering before both of them left.

  “Oh well, at least they tried. Not everyone can appreciate Lord Lust’s magnificent presence.” Passionare shoved the two partners through the door, while Gwyn noticed that Delirias seemed to be bothered by something as well.

  As soon as they went through the door, it closed shut behind them, disappearing again. Not much had changed visually. The same curtains, though much bigger were hanging around a huge hall, with white stone pillars and the same golden candlesticks. The biggest difference was the floor beneath them. No more cold stone tiles. In fact, his feet felt almost warm. He could see something that looked like a giant painting painted across the ground. It depicted the same humans from before clung together into one enormous pile. Even animals and lifeless objects were thrown into the mix, just as children and humans of varying ages. As Gwyn laid eyes upon said artistic expression, he felt his stomach revolting, and some of the excitement he had before started to vanish.

  While Gwyn cautiously stepped around the hall, Delirias kept himself in the shadows, keeping an eye on him and Passionare who walked forwards.

  “You're bringing me another lost lamb? My, oh my, what shall I do with those little cutie pies?” it sighed from the darkness that remained in the hall.

  “Yes, my Lord. Though I've seen him act in a fight, and I think he could be of interest for us as well,” Passionare reported in a very serious voice, almost frightening Gwyn, as it was the first time he didn't see Passionare being his laid-back self.

  “He certainly is an interesting fellow,” he added.

  “Well, the woman from before was nothing to cough at either, Zluluh. You always have such a good eye for all these fine specimens out there. Truly you never disappoint me, Passionare. I think I will overlook your late report one more time,” the voice answered them in a playful and commanding manner.

  “E-excuse m-me, b-but are you r-really who I think you are s-supposed to be?” Gwyn nervously stepped forward, uttering his first words.

  His hands held tightly against each other, he was barely able to speak after he felt the presence of the one that was being called Passionare’s Lord. Breathing felt heavier than ever before, as even all the excitement in his body wasn't able to calm him down.

  “Zhululuh, wonderful, such a marvelous question,” the voice laughed, his echo resounding through the hall. “You are one mean little fruit. Walking into my tower and asking me who the hell I am. Well, who do you think I am?!” The person the voice came from finally started to reveal himself.

  Before Gwyn, a large platform with huge steps started being illuminated by the light. It was a platform, build like a pyramid, leading up to a golden throne. It was adorned with horns and noble embellishments, while spikes were coming out of the side as well. A frightening scene exposed itself in front of his eyes.

  An uncountable amount of naked people lounged themselves on the stairs, laying in chains, with a silver necklace around their neck that was bound to the throne. This didn't seem to bother anyone, some of them even tried to climb the stairs on all fours, while others were relaxed or busy with each other.

  Upon further examination, Gwyn was able to see that all chains were not directly linked to the throne itself, but to a point on the left side of the throne. There stood a woman with deep red eyes who was glaring at him from above. She had white skin unlike the rest of their folks. Long, smooth black hair, reached across her whole back. A dull, almost express
ionless face was rigidly fixated on him and his every move. Her mouth and body were covered in black leather armor, with a grid of barbed wire covering her chin.

  “Don't scare the little lamb. First you provide, then you take. You know that, Concasse,” the voice said to the woman covered in black, firmly holding onto the chains of the people.

  On the throne itself, he could see a man looking even more self-assured than his voice made Gwyn initially believe. He was lying back comfortably instead of sitting. He was naked from head to toe as well. Only a leather apron was tightly spun around his haunch. His body was covered in muscles, which were almost dancing in the flickering light of the candles, as the Lord calmly spoke to Gwyn. Even though he seemed to be a male, he appeared even more graceful than the woman standing next to him. Many little chains of gold extended over his arms and legs, which were fixed onto bracelets on his limbs. The most eye-catching trinket was a chain, that was held together by his two pierced nipples. His face was soft and elegant.

  Small eyebrows were caressing his eyes, which glowed in a red and yellow tone. His hair was stopped from falling into his face by a hair band, though they still managed to reach his shoulders.

  It reminded him of Tyr’s white hair strain, because although the Lord’s strains were differently colored, they also looked as if they were grown this way. Almost as if to resemble a mixture of colors, just like a rainbow. He swept through his voluminous hair, as he caught Gwyn staring for a second too long. “If you're looking for a relationship I'd have to disappoint you, little lamb. I'm somewhat occupied at the moment. But!” he raised his voice. “I could use a male slave in sector 2B. Would you be up for that, mhh?”

  Acting in the same fashion as Delirias, the Lord gestured wildly with his arms and fingers as he spoke. It didn't feel as maniacal or dangerous, but still quite self-absorbed.

  “I-i a-am Gwyn and you are L-lord Lust?” he stuttered as he tried to introduce himself.

  “Ping-Pong! That's the right answer, my dear… Gwyn, was it? What can I do for you on this fine day, or should I say night?” he held himself back from giggling.

  Gwyn managed to take another step forward, almost touching the first stair of the pyramid, as he looked up, his eyes filled with desire.

  “W-what is all of this about?! Where am I? This –” he raised his arms, “all of this has to be a dream, right?!”

  Passionare behind him let out a sigh, as the woman next to Lust began to chuckle with a condescending look.

  “Oh my, you poor little dear. Don't tell me you're just like the rest. Ending up here, not of your own free will, being confused and frightened. Even though there is nothing to fear than fear itself… and maybe a select few individuals out there. You’re already boring me, which is something I rarely forgive,” Lord Lust mumbled snappily.

  Gwyn tried to desperately think of something witty to say. He walked straight into the den of a great lion, foolishly expecting for it to go his way. But he was clearly losing ground, as Lust became increasingly more disinterested in him, while the lady at his side seemed to be ready to detain him any second now.

  “Is that really all you came here for? I know life's mysteries are a wonder to behold, but where is the pleasure in all of that? Isn't pleasure that what truly defines our existence?” the Lord asked the inept young man.

  In his dire straits, he tried to think of something. Anything that would help him succeed. Even accepting the help of someone he swore to never trust for a single second. The white, sinister grin of Delirias flashed before Gwyn’s very eyes as he unconsciously looked into the direction where his aspect loomed in the darkness.

  “It's all but a game, Gwyn. You either win and earn your freedom, or you will fail miserably, kikiki. Will the bystander finally take control of his own actions, or will he remain an empty shell that’s pulled along by his strings?”, he could Delirias voice in his head.

  Defiance rose up in Gwyn, as he couldn't get over that malicious laughter Delirias always had when he made fun of him. This time he wasn't going to let him look down on him anymore. “Just this once I will make you shut up for good,” he thought.

  “Was I too mean to him? Maybe there really is a first time for everything, Passionare,” Lord Lust said, feeling bored out of his mind.

  “W-WAIT!” Gwyn shouted back at him feeling invigorated.

  “Ho? Is there something you want to say little lamb?”

  “I want to propose a little gamble between us!” the young man immediately continued in fear of losing his voice once more.

  “A gamble?” Lust leaned forward in interest, as his eyes began to glow fearsomely.

  “You tell me where I am, and where I can most likely find the answer to my questions,” Gwyn proposed.

  “And what do I get out of it?” Lust almost leaned back again, as Gwyn’s words stopped him in surprise

  “I-If … If I fail, I will promise that I will return to you as your eternal slave, doing everything you could possibly want from me...”

  “Uaaghhh,” Lord Lust almost jumped on his throne around as he was getting aroused “Anything I could possibly want? Are you sure about that, little lamb?”

  He dragged his petite fingers across his chest. “Yet, the possibility is high that you won’t return to me in one piece, but if you do I will make sure that you will never be sane for the rest of your life, do you understand that?!”

  Gwyn gulped but managed to awkwardly nod, scared he would dismiss this opportunity if he thought about it any longer.

  “MARVELOUS! Such FERVOR! That's exactly what I want! Desperate to go the extra mile, even if it's all just for one stimulating chance in your life. Going all in on a little idea that just formed in his head.”

  “Lord Lust…” Concasse whispered to him. “I know we're short on humans, but how does he differ from the rest?”

  “WHAT?! DON'T YOU SEE IT?” He raised his voice. “The little lamb is shaking in his boots, and he just raised me everything he had. His hand is empty, yet he is bluffing to take everything from me. Including my innocence.” The Lord pretended to faint. “And here I was, about to kick you out of my tower of pleasure. How very rude and shortsighted of me.”

  “BWAHAHA,” Passionare laughed at the top of his lungs and patted Gwyn on his back, which almost made him fall on top of the steps. “That's the way to go. Charging right on! I like you, kid.”

  “S-so … you accept?” Gwyn asked awkwardly, not sure how to react.

  “Somewhat,” Lord Lust calmed down quickly, as he sat straight on his throne for the first time.

  “The fact that you proposed something so reckless, without even assessing if I had any use for you, makes it interesting for me. I don't really need anyone, yet you would be a fine addition.”

  “But..?” Gwyn added

  “But, there are many questions, and you have but one life to give. Which I hope won't fade too quickly when I send you away from here. Hey, aspect!” He clapped gracefully into his hands. “Show yourself. There is no use in hiding from me.”

  “Fufuf, not that I ever intended something like that, oh mighty Lord,” Delirias giggled as he appeared next to his human partner.

  “Hmm … Hmmmmm,” Lust hummed as he inspected Delirias from top to bottom

  “Really exquisite, not too shabby. You might manage after all. Fine, I shall add another proposal. If you return, your aspect shall as well. It would be quite interesting to see how this turns out.”

  “But Lord…” Passionare intervened looking concerned, making Gwyn wonder why.

  “There is nothing to discuss. That is what I want, and I will get it!”

  “Great. How am I supposed to persuade h-” Gwyn’s train of thought was immediately interrupted as his aspect spoke for him

  “We accept,” Delirias answered promptly with a smile.

  “Marvelous! What a fun interaction this has been,” like a child the Lord rejoiced at the sheer thought of the two joining his ranks.

  “W-what are you sa
ying Delirias?” Gwyn whispered to him.

  “Don't pee your pants, kiddo. Isn't this what you want? Trust me for once, will you?” Delirias winked at him, before attending to the Lord, “so, great Lord. Give us some information. Both of us are in dire straits here.”

  Lord Lust glanced at his servant Passionare before assessing the two travelers.

  “And you, are you okay with waiting a bit longer?” he asked Passionare, completely ignoring everyone else.

  “Bwhaha, you really are amazing my Lord. Yes, indeed. My report can wait. It's not like the great city of Lussuria has to fear anyone.”

  Lust frowned. “So you think it's them again? I hate to go against my principles, but it looks like we have to do something this time. It simply cannot go unanswered anymore. No one messes with my people!” the area around the throne started shaking as Lust mentioned his citizen.

  “Who are you talking about?” Gwyn cautiously interrupted, trying to satisfy his curiosity.

  “The Akeyanaru,” Lust answered in a serious tonality. “They're a group of powerful individuals that are trying to destroy the current world order. A fair warning, little lamb. Should you ever run into one of them – run for your life, or you will regret it. They are nothing a mere human, nor aspect can face off against.”

  And just like that, an exciting and yet deeply terrifying new door opened up for Gwyn. A world he had never even known to exist was laid out before his very eyes. Full of mysteries, terror, and wonder.

  It was everything he had ever hoped for in another chance at his life. He marveled at the flawless being that was called Lust, while almost considering him a friend, even though he was willing to trade his life for this new experience. He felt like an addict, willing to give even more and more just for another drop of juicy information.

  “So what is this world?“ Gwyn said with sparkling eyes.

  “I tend to get bored quite easily these times, so I will be brief.“Lord Lust eloquently explained. "This is indeed the collective subconsciousness of all mankind. A world that is so beautiful, yet unforgiving for everyone of its inhabitants. Meeting humans is nothing special, as they've come to this world since the very beginning.“ He pressed his tender fingers against his soft looking lips, and gave him a little chuckle. "Though they usually don't live long enough to meet one of their kind. Nor are most of them as cute as you are.“