Into the Abyss

“Well, a lot of cultures do have similar mythos, especially the Astlanians, and the way they control us and perceive us does lend credence to those legends. However, it is really a self-perpetuating circle. We look like this and are treated like this because of Astlanian legends and religious beliefs, and our existing like this, of course, strengthens their belief in demons and hell and all that sort of thing. Where the beliefs come from in the first place, I have no idea.”

“If the shoe fits, wear it,” interjected Tizzy. Pointing at him with the stem of his pipe.

“Like he says, most give up questioning it and just go with the flow, do what’s expected, and be a demon.”

“But the other stuff, damned souls and all. I mean, I realize this is a damnable situation, so to speak,” he stated before Tizzy could interrupt with a similar type comment, “but what about the reason we’re here, is it because of sinful or evil acts?”

“Well that’s a matter of personal opinion and belief, some would say yes; but me, no, I don’t think so.”

That relieved Tom a little; he didn’t like to think this had happened because of some evil act on his part, he really couldn’t remember any. “Well, what about the other legends, demons being evil and enjoying evil acts, and just waiting for a wizard to goof up, so the demon can rend him horribly.”

“We call that a party!” Tizzy exclaimed. Tom’s eyes widened.

“Well now, evil is a matter of perspective, generally speaking. However, just like the humans most of us once were, there are nice demons and not so nice demons. As far as rending wizards limb from limb, more than just the generally wicked demons would love to rip a wizard or two apart. After all, you try having your life interrupted, subjected to centuries of abject slavery, degradation, torture and pain, and tell me if you don’t get just a bit pissed off and want revenge on those doing this to you.”

“Crap, it looks like I’m going to get the chance to find out,” Tom said despondently.

“Oh, yeah, sorry. That’s just kind of a sore spot a lot of us have. We, of course, always want to defend what we feel are, ah, justified actions.”

“I guess I understand, or soon will, at least.”

“Yeah, you will, heh, heh,” chuckled Tizzy, sticking the pipe stem back in his mouth.

“Well, actually, you understand there are of course other more logical reasons for trying to axe your master, beyond simple exquisite painful revenge. Because, if you kill off everyone who knows your true name, no one can call on you for your services. Therefore, you are essentially free, until someone realizes that there’s a bound demon running around out there with no master, and tries to find out your name, or tries to force it out of you. Which, if you’re discreet, won’t happen very often.”

Gazing down at his form, Tom came up with a brilliant idea, “Hey, you said we’re not in a physical body, right?”

“Yes,” Boggy answered, as if he knew what was coming next.

“Well then, why can’t we alter our forms, at least back to the original?”

“Bright lad.” Tizzy hummed.

“Good question. Actually, some can do it, the most powerful demons, generally speaking, the Lords of the Abyss and such can do so anywhere they please; however, in practice, it is extremely difficult, takes an awful lot of willpower, and is not comfortable, and most importantly, would only last until you’re called back to Astlan. There, the person calling you has the same idea of what you should look like, so back you go to demon form, and that means the same painful quick reformation and materialization in Astlan that you went through before.”

“So, I have to go through all that pain every time?”

“Only if you’ve changed your pattern to something different from what they’re expecting, and when you change on your own, it’s slower, so less painful, and also it’s by your own will, so it’s more natural; assuming, of course, that you can do it. Besides all of which, your present body is much better adapted to living in this environment than your old human body.” Boggy told him.

“You may not have noticed, but the ambient temperature here is very nearly the boiling point of water. The air in many of the lower, hotter regions is rather acidic and can burn humans, and because of the terrain, it really pays to have wings.” Tizzy chipped in.

“So, to sum up my point: many demons are capable of doing it, but don’t go to all the trouble of changing forms,” Boggy concluded.

“Uh, huh.” Well, that answers that, thought Tom. He looked about, and concentrated, yes, he guessed it was probably relatively hot here, but it was hard to tell, since the temperature felt comfortable.

“Kinda squashes that idea, don’t it?” Tizzy asked leeringly. Tizzy, Tom decided, was not quite right in the head. Enough however, why worry about an octopodal demon, when he had enough problems of his own.