Another inadequate vessel. This is the fourth one for Gods’ sake, these damned mortals need conduits to even do the most mundane tasks like murder or possession or astral projection. But of course, only the greedy ones that actually take this damned vessel happen to be so squishy. I gave her a fraction, a tenth of a fraction, and look where I am now. Sitting on old brick in an abandoned alleyway with crimson insides as a new drab wallpaper against the dying sun.

       Ugh.

       I swear, if I end up going back to those damned mages poking and prodding at me for another century because this idiot decided to die in an alleyway, I am going to make sure I find her soul in the afterlife, rip it piece by piece, and find every remaining tie of her bloodline and extinguish whatever hopes and aspirations they may have for their puny mortal lives.

       Why did she have to choose the most secluded alleyway in this city? She couldn’t have at least asked for power in the main thoroughfare? Hell, I would’ve even settled for an alleyway that at least cutthroats use, literally anything else than this dingy walkway that has yet to get a modicum of foot traffic.

       Oh? No, that’s a fucking cat that’s not going to get me anywhere. Please Gods just meow and maybe bring the attention of some poverty stricken boy.

       No!

       Wait!

       Fuck.

       Finally, someone. A boy, good. No, perfect. His clothes look like they haven’t been washed or replaced in years, perhaps he is a poverty stricken boy. Oh Gods, this couldn’t be better. Yes, good. Come closer. Feel my influence. Ignore the dried blood and dead cat. Focus on the eyes. Yes, just a bit closer…. Come into contact with my vessel and become mine.

       I can help you

       “Y-You can?” 

       Yes, pick me up.

       Good.

       I can feel your desires. I can take what you imagine and contort it to reality. I can manipulate the very fabric of this feeble world. All I need, is you.

       “Me? You just need me?”

       Yes, I need you.

       “You sure it’s just me…? I dunno I’m not super helpful or anything like that…”

       … No, I’m sure. I need you specifically. All you have to do is agree to one simple thing-

       “I agree!”

       … I wasn’t even done, you don’t even know what pact you’re making or what you’re agreeing to.

       “I didn’t realize we were making a pact, but I mean if you need me, I’d be more than happy to help!”

       So you agree then, to be my next vessel?

       “Uh, yeah! Sure!”

       Oh.

       Good… then together we will pave a path of utter destruction, cities will lay ruined in our wake and mortals will quiver at the power we will behold.

       By the power invested in me, drawing upon the depths-

       What…? What are you doing? You don’t have to raise your hand to speak to me, you can just speak.

       “Oh I wasn’t sure. I just didn’t want to interrupt you.”

       Well you have now, you’ve interrupted the literal ritual needed for us to complete our pact. What did you want to say that is so important?

       “Oh. Sorry. Um, before we do all that good stuff of butter destruction and paving paths, I do have a favor to ask…”

       I didn’t say butter, but of course. How could I forget the greed of mortals? Well, I can grant you whatever your deepest desires are. Anything you want will be yours and once it has been fulfilled we will merge together in this pact and become a greater being for all eternity.

       “Awesome! Well, since you can do everything, I just wanna fit in and be useful at home.”

        “I just wanna be helpful.”

       … That’s it? I can alter the fabric of the universe, create troves of gems and gold, control the minds of the weak, disintegrate mortals with just a mere thought and you want to fit in? Be helpful?

       “Kinda! I just wanna be helpful at home, you know. Fit into a role. Help everybody out, like a waiter, or chef, or janitor or something.”

       “Most of the time, they don’t trust me to do that much. I mean I’m fifteen and I’m supposed to be out there with a job, but you know, they still treat me like I’m five.”

       Then by the power invested in me, drawing upon the depths of the abyss and the light of the elder evils I declare-

       “So you’re gonna help me!?”

       Yes. That’s the term of the pact. You interrupted me.

       “Oh, sorry. I thought you said I didn’t have to raise my hand anymore.”

       Right. Then by the power invested in me, drawing upon the depths of the abyss and the light of the elder evils I declare you as my vessel, and in exchange I will make you… helpful with your family.

       He didn’t even flinch. He didn’t move at all. He didn’t even bat an eyelash. I mean I guess it’s better than his torso ripping in half, but I expect something when I pour my entire power and being into this small mortal frame. Well, he’s my vessel now so I’ll just take control of him and finally get revenge on those stupid mages. Poor idiot making such a foolish deal, I almost feel bad for him.

       “Cool! I, uh, don’t feel any different. Am I more popular now?”

       What the hell…? Why can’t I control him? Does he have some kind of protective magic over him?

       Uh…no. Not yet. I uh…

       “I’ve got this really annoying itch in the back of my head. Is that it? Is that my power now to be helpful? Will I have to itch my head?”

       Itch?! My attempts to possess him are an ITCH?

       No I just… Here, let me in. Let me control you and then you’ll be helpful and fit in, okay?

       “No! I won’t be me then, that’ll be you!”

       Now you’re saying no? After you had made a pact with me, a being you just blindly agreed to without knowing who I am? You’re MY vessel, you do as I say!

       “Jeez, watch your volume. Well I feel the same, not like a vessel or anymore helpful so I guess you haven’t done your end of the bargain yet! Once you do, I’ll let you in then! By the power invested in me by the sun or something.”

       This can’t be happening….

       “Like you said! It’s a pact! You’re gonna help me, and I’m gonna help you!”

       This can’t be real…

       “And you’re right! I didn’t get your name and you didn’t get mine! That’s really rude of me. I’m Ray, what’s your name?”

       … 

       “Hello?”

       … I am Kokkakum, the undying hunger of the abyss.

       “That’s really long. I’m just gonna call you Kay since you have a lot of those in your name! Nice to meet you Kay!”

       What have I gotten myself into…