by Aratare, X.
Gabriel bit back a watery scream even as he realized that a part of him had longed for this. That thought shocked him further.
He watched as more phosphorescent lights appeared on thick, rubbery tentacles that squirmed in the deep all around him. There was a burst of more of that sickly light, though instead of small, tennis-ball shaped phosphorescences, this time it was an outline that appeared before him. It was the outline of a squid-like bulbous head that was as wide as four buses put end to end were long. Then he saw the huge ragged wings that, for as large as they were, could never have hoped to launch this colossal creature into the air.
Greetings—greetings—greetings. The voice, which was neither male nor female nor human in any way, echoed all around him. It sounded like the cracking of icebergs or the shearing of a mountain in half or the explosion of a volcano deep underground. The sound was both natural and unnatural.
Gabriel found himself curling forwards as if to physically shield himself from the voice. He trembled and sought to shrink down, but then realized that would press him closer against the tentacle. His stomach twisted with nausea at the thought.
Waited for you. Now you call. And I answer—answer—answer.
Called? He had called to this creature? He wanted to violently object to that. He hadn’t even been thinking of Cthulhu other than that passing thought of needing to remove the statue from the temple. That couldn’t be enough to have called it to him! Could it? But then again, maybe like with Aemrys, whom he had not been consciously thinking of either when his ancestor had shown up, he had called Cthulhu to him unintentionally. He was a Caller after all. Maybe he could not help himself. Maybe this meeting was inevitable. Some part of him resonated with that answer. With the realization that this had to happen, some of the twisting fear inside of him lessened.
But what of Casillus? The Mer was gone. It was just him, Cthulhu and the dark deep.
Casillus, where is he? Have you—have you done something to him? Gabriel asked. He was surprised at how firm he sounded for the most part. For Casillus he could face anything. For Casillus he would not be afraid.
In response, there was a rumbling sound that rolled over him like an underwater earthquake. Gabriel would have been flung end over end by its force if he had not been in the strong, rubbery embrace of that tentacle. As it was, he still rattled around in the tentacle’s hold. It was only after the rattling ended and he had steadied himself once again that he realized Cthulhu had been laughing at the suggestion that it had harmed the Mer.
I’m assuming that means “no” and that Casillus is fine. Just not here, Gabriel said hesitantly.
Cthulhu did not respond, but the silence seemed to be meant as acquiescence, or at least Gabriel prayed that was what it meant. He looked upon the completely alien face. Cthulhu had a cluster of black eyes in the exact middle of its face. There were dozens of them, each as large as a car wheel. As he stared into those black, fathomless eyes, he realized something. We’re—we’re not really here, are we? Just like Casillus and I were not really in Emralis.
Always here—always—always, the voice echoed strangely. This time only “always” was repeated even though it had been the first word spoken, not the last. It seemed the word or words that Cthulhu meant to give emphasis to were repeated, and that it had nothing to do with actual echoing.
We’re in my mind, aren’t we? Silence again in response, but once more he believed it was a sign of assent. You’re always here. With me. In my mind. I saw you for a moment when I connected fully with Casillus.
Always, the voice rumbled again.
He had called Cthulhu here to the forefront of his consciousness. He wasn’t sure why he had done it at this moment other than the fact it was inevitable that they should meet. Nevertheless, he shouldn’t waste the opportunity. He had something to say and Cthulhu seemed inclined to hear it.
He placed his hands on top of the tentacle that held him so that he could easily face the massive being before him. The flesh was so odd. Rubbery. Hot. Cold. Pliant. Hard. There was a pulsing sensation running through it. Blood flow? Heartbeat? Something else?
You’re in danger, Gabriel said, though he wasn’t sure if that was really true. Could Johnson Tims truly do anything to something this massive and otherworldly?
The same rumbling as before came again, and Gabriel had to close his eyes and lower his head as the vibrations rolled over him. Cthulhu was laughing once more.
The soldier yearns for battle—battle—forlorn soldier—destroy him—destroy himself, Cthulhu’s voice rolled over him.
He thinks to lure you to land and harm you, Gabriel continued on. You must not come anywhere near him or land.
The black eyes regarded him. The alien intelligence was clear in them. Gabriel could almost feel its thoughts like a miasma. He realized he likely could feel them. They were talking mind to mind after all. None of this was happening in the physical world. He was likely sleeping in the cradle of Casillus’ arms right at this moment.
Do you wish—wish—wish that I stay away—away—away? Cthulhu’s words conjured up impressions of vast gulfs of emptiness separating the monstrous creature from Gabriel.
No, you misunderstand. I don’t wish you away from ME, Gabriel said then added, Not—not exactly. You are awe-inspiring and—and well, frightening. Another rumbling laugh came from the creature, as if it were pleased by his fear. I want you to stay away from Johnson and the land. Johnson knows about you and the Mer. He may have a way to actually harm you.
Harm—harm—harm—forlorn soldier—captor—traitor—interloper—harm himself, Cthulhu said.
Some of its words meant nothing to Gabriel. Captor? Traitor? What did it mean by those titles? Whatever it meant, it was clear that Cthulhu believed that the only person who would be harmed by their meeting would be Johnson. Gabriel, therefore, felt forced to tell Cthulhu his other reason for wanting the creature to stay far from land. Somehow he didn’t think this reason would impress Cthulhu whatsoever.
Even if Johnson can’t harm you, you can harm everyone else if you make landfall. I don’t want that. Gabriel remembered Casillus’ admonition that if Cthulhu came ashore it wouldn’t just be Johnson, or even all the citizens of Ocean Side, but the whole of the Eastern seaboard that would be affected.
Ignore your call—call—call? Cthulhu sounded amused.
I won’t call. I won’t be calling you. We’re going to—
You will call. No echoing then. Curt. Certain.
Gabriel was shocked into silence. Nothing could cause him to call Cthulhu to land! Nothing at all! He couldn’t put at risk hundreds of thousands, no, more like millions of people by doing that. And yet Cthulhu was certain he would. Did the being see the future? Did it know something he did not?
We’re going to remove the statue from the temple, Gabriel said after several long moments of silence between them. We’ll have it properly cared for in another of your temples. You won’t be bothered by the humans.
Cthulhu regarded him with silence again. This time it wasn’t assent. Gabriel had the terrible feeling that the entity was simply biting its figurative lip to stop from laughing at him again.
Finally, Cthulhu did respond to him. It was a simple sentence. No echoes. Certainty once more dripped from it and Gabriel was chilled. Cthulhu said, You will change your mind.
8
MATTER OF TRUST
Gabriel was about to protest Cthulhu’s words when suddenly everything seemed to swirl like water running down a drain. He felt the tentacle that was fixed so snugly around him tug, almost as if it would pull him with it to wherever it was going. Panic flooded him, but then that tug was gone. Arms were around him once more. Casillus’ arms. Cthulhu was gone, back into the depths of his mind.
Gabriel? Is something wrong? The Mer sounded very sleepy. Casillus was smiling dreamily at him.
Gabriel realized that both he and Casillus had been sleeping, and that both were now awake. He could feel the wisps of Casillus’ brilliant s
un-soaked dreams of them exploring underwater cave systems. He hoped that none of the darkness from his visitation from Cthulhu had drifted from his mind to the Mer’s. He sensed that it had not.
The sunlight, though, wasn’t only in Casillus’ dreams. There was sunlight all around them. It streamed down from the surface and lit up everything a beautiful, brilliant neon blue. There was even a brightly colored reef in the distance. They were floating just beyond the drop off, and Gabriel was surprised to note that he knew where they were in relation to land. They were opposite the cottage.
Gabriel? Casillus’ voice took on a hint of sharpness, of concern, when Gabriel didn’t immediately answer him. His blue-green eyes were fully open now and regarding him with complete awareness.
Gabriel went to tell him about his meeting with Cthulhu, but he found he could not form the thoughts. They felt like they were being strangled, held back by ghostly tentacles. Instead, he found himself saying, It’s all right. I just woke up and—and we’re so far out.
Casillus glanced around them, perhaps realizing for the first time that the sandy bottom was a shadowy thing far below them. However, Gabriel was not afraid of the depths any longer. He felt completely at ease with them. After being in the deep darkness of his meeting with Cthulhu, no normal depths would ever frighten him again. But Casillus did not know that.
Oh, Gabriel! Casillus’ face rose to look into his. He looked crushed, which caused Gabriel great guilt. I forgot! When I had us swimming in the city, I needed to move us out into deeper water so that we would not risk hitting the sandbar and breaking the illusion! I had meant to bring us back nearer to land before I let the illusion fall. But I fell asleep! I’m—
Casillus, it’s all right! Gabriel interrupted. He could not bear to have the Mer believing that he was at fault for Gabriel’s fear. Cthulhu might be restricting his ability to speak to Casillus about what really happened, but he wouldn’t have the Mer feeling badly because of him. Everything is fine. It was just a surprise. But I’m good. Really. I don’t mind the depths at all. Let me show you.
Although he did not wish to leave Casillus’ arms, he needed to wipe any guilt the Mer felt away. He gently disengaged Casillus’ arms from around his waist and drew back until a few feet of distance were between them. Casillus’ hands reached towards him seemingly of their own volition. A look of uncertainty flashed across the Mer’s face. But then Casillus resolutely brought his arms down to his sides, recognizing that he had to let Gabriel do this.
Gabriel smiled at him and then started swimming a circle around the Mer, diving below him and spinning above him before diving back down once more to kiss the Mer’s inviting mouth. Casillus’ earlier concerns for him vanished and he laughed delightedly at Gabriel’s aquatic acrobatics. The Mer caught him around the waist and drew Gabriel firmly against him. As they kissed deeply, the darkness that was still clinging to his thoughts floated completely away.
After a few moments of this, Gabriel said reluctantly, We should get back to the cottage. Corey will be there any minute with his reconnaissance.
Even as Gabriel said it, he actually felt his best friend’s mind for a moment. Corey wasn’t in the van yet, but he was going there. He had news. A spurt of excitement ran through Gabriel when he realized he was hearing Corey’s thoughts.
Casillus grinned as Gabriel shared this with him. Already you are reaching out, Gabriel, and making connections. Your gift is very strong.
Casillus had no idea how strong it had already become. Gabriel thought of the fact that he had Cthulhu lurking in a dark corner of his mind right now. He swallowed heavily, but refused to let it darken his mood. Once they got the statue out of the temple everyone would be safe, because Gabriel was never going to call Cthulhu to shore. Never, ever, ever.
Should we go back to get your clothing on the beach? Casillus asked tentatively. The way his nose scrunched up as he referred to Gabriel’s clothes showed his preference that the young man never wear them again.
Gabriel stretched his mind out towards the cottage. Was his grandmother there? Because if she was, coming in naked would bring up questions that he wasn’t quite ready to answer yet. Tomorrow he would tell her that he was a Mer, and that he was leaving her for the sea. He did not feel her presence inside. He then knew that she was not there. He really was beginning to get the knack of using his gift.
With all that in mind, Gabriel responded, No, no need. I have plenty in the house, and since I’m only going to be out of the water for one more day or so I won’t really need the ones I left behind.
It both thrilled and saddened him to think of that, for as excited as he was to see Emralis and be with Aemrys again, he knew that a part of his heart would always be on land with Grace and Corey. Casillus heard his thoughts, but did not say anything. Instead, the Mer merely leaned in and kissed him gently. He understood.
Gabriel asked Casillus, Will you wait out here until Corey comes or—
No, Casillus said firmly. I will stay with you.
His desire to not be parted from Gabriel ever again passed over their bond. Gabriel smiled. The protectiveness was welcome. He felt so very loved and treasured.
All right then. Let’s go, Gabriel said.
They began to swim leisurely towards shore. It was amazingly easy to keep up with Casillus while they swam above, below or to the side of one another. As they reached the sandbar and it became too shallow to swim, both got up and walked hand in hand out of the surf.
Sand covered the bottoms of their feet and dusted the tops. They mounted the steps to the back porch. There was a towel hanging on the porch railing. Gabriel grabbed it to knock off the sand from both of their feet before they went inside. He didn’t want to leave a trail of sand in the kitchen for his grandmother to find if she came home before he had a chance to clean up.
Casillus allowed Gabriel to lead him deeper into the house. Gabriel was amused at the Mer’s delight in the color of the kitchen walls, the smoothness of the wooden banister and even the soft faded carpet in his bedroom. The Mer was squishing his toes in it as Gabriel threw on some clothes. They were going to be just in time, as he could sense Corey’s impending arrival.
Gabriel glanced out the window in his bedroom that faced the driveway, intent on catching a glimpse of his best friend the moment he arrived. It wasn’t until he heard the chugging sound of the van as it came up the road that Gabriel felt others with him. Gabriel straightened. If he had whiskers they would have quivered, for after the van pulled into the drive for the cottage, a battered SUV came up right behind it and parked.
Gabriel, who are those people accompanying Corey? Casillus asked as he joined Gabriel by the window.
Corey got out of the van and went to the driver’s door of the SUV. The glare from the sun made it impossible for Gabriel to see who was inside. Corey was talking with them intently. He kept glancing up at the house.
Gabriel’s brow furrowed as he “heard” snippets of the conversation Corey was having with the people inside the SUV. He said to Casillus, He—he told them about me. About us.
But why would Corey do that? Casillus sounded shocked and his eyes went wide in surprise and hurt. He seemed so trustworthy.
He is trustworthy, Gabriel responded firmly. If he told them, there was a good reason. I just don’t know what it is.
At that moment, the doors of the SUV popped open. It was Greta and two young men. One was slightly pudgy and wore an orange bandanna over his hair. The color was so vibrant that Corey must have been jealous of it. The young man put a protective hand on Greta’s shoulder and she glanced back at him. Gabriel sensed that he liked her while she thought of him only as a friend, at least for now. How he knew that was uncertain. Maybe his ability to connect had allowed him access to their minds without him actually having to hear specific thoughts. Gabriel wasn’t sure how he felt about that. But then he looked at the other young man with them and he forgot about everything else.
This young man had black hair and a pale, pinc
hed face. His dark eyes squinted as if he had been inside for a very long time, away from the light. He had been ill, was still ill, but it wasn’t an illness of the body, not exactly. It was more one of the mind, but the body was failing under the mental duress. The young man looked up at Gabriel’s window. Gabriel jerked back so that he was completely out of sight.
Gabriel? What’s wrong? Casillus asked, one of his hands touching the center of Gabriel’s back in concern.
That guy. The one with the dark hair and eyes. That’s Henry, Gabriel said, his mouth feeling dry suddenly. The illness was his exposure to Cthulhu.
He has been exposed to—
Yes, don’t say its name. Please, don’t, Gabriel said quickly. Though Casillus was not a Caller, Gabriel still felt like it might be a risk even for him to say the creature’s name.
Casillus glanced sharply at Gabriel in concern. Gabriel, what is going on? I feel that you have not told me everything that has happened. Yet I have been with you this whole time except for when we—we slept. There was a moment then when I lost track of you—
Casillus, I can’t—I want to—but I can’t, Gabriel managed to get out. His mind actually hurt just saying that much.
Casillus’ eyes widened further. You are in distress!
You’ve no idea, Gabriel said rather brokenly. I want to share it all with you. Believe that. But I can’t!
The Mer studied him for several long, quiet moments, but then he nodded. A Caller cannot always share their burdens. In some ways, they are alone.