FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The tower's top levels were now quite secure, Graezzit had spent the better part of a week redecorating. Scrubbing out the enchantments and spells created by the otter mage who used to run the place. He'd replaced them with his own and felt quite good about this little set up; he'd even enslaved, killed or trapped most of the mortal guards. He'd been summoned, given a reason to exist in this realm and now could have some fun without any of the awkward being forced to serve and obey someone. Standing in front of the large arched windows that looked down over the grounds the demon considered his next step.

The tower and the mansion it was attached to was quite isolated, a safe haven for the mage who'd built it to practice his spells in. Relatively secure from the invasions of thieves and petty adventurers that plagued the land. Turning his head Graezzit eyed the brown otter standing next to his throne, holding one of the poles that kept the silk awning in place. He was quite a powerful mage, a single slip after summoning Graezzit had been his downfall and now he had been reduced to a living statue by his own magic. Flesh and blood body held enthralled to powerful enchantments that rendered him immobile amongst a few other useful spells linked to the collar around his neck. The large crystal sphere filling his mouth stopped him from talking as well as absorbed his magical energy. At most he could utter some muffled sounds though for the last day he'd been silent, the spells were slowly sinking his mind into a stupor. Awake but not 100% aware, it was annoying he'd have to try and stop that from happening.

Walking over to his throne Graezzit sat down and propped his feet over the side, idly resting them on the stomach of the yellow wolf who stood on the other side of the throne to the otter. This former mage was similarly enchanted, stuck holding up the other side of the awning. Yawning the demon considered his next move; he wanted adventurers and heroes and the like to reach him. He couldn't do deals with them or play with them if they never reached his throne room. But according to the mage's notes he had quite a lot of extra defences keeping most people out... There were gargoyles guarding the ground floor of the tower. The circular building that surrounded the base of the tower wasn't actually a mansion, it was an ensorcelled labyrinth guarded by a basilisk. He had a deal with the dragon living in the swamp and something called Raeritz helping to keep people out of the forest. It all sounded quite powerful but the wolf, fox and kobold had somehow swept past it all. But then i suspected they cheated a lot and they were all pretty powerful well they had been, like the otter they were nothing more than furniture now.

Still he'd have to do something about these monsters, it wouldn't do to make the place too hard to break into. The mortal guards had been dealt with, the few that had managed to escape would bring adventurers to help rescue people or loot the place. It wouldn't do to let the monsters downstairs claim them. Jumping off his throne he swept up a handful of the dull grey collars laden with enchantments and strolled out of the room. He paused outside the door to regard the fox and kobold, he quite liked their arrangement as support pillars for the fancy door lintel, the difference in heights was quite striking. Their eyes rolled toward him, full of pleading but Graezzit just smirked at them and headed down the corridor, he hadn't even bothered to learn their names, they were just furniture now.

Strolling down the tower Graezzit moved past various workshops and store rooms that had previously been the domain of the mage. They'd all have to go, he had no use for such things but he could work that out later right now he had some monsters to play with. Laughing deeply the demon rubbed his big paws together, a cruel hyena like smirk spreading over his muzzle as he descended into his new realm. He'd not had fun like this in eons, tricking mortals into signing away their souls was one thing but could get a bit boring, this was new and different and delightfully wicked.

Pushing through the double doors onto the ground floor of the tower he found the gargoyles waiting for him. They were big brutes made from white jade and darkest onyx and carved into the shape of Dire-wolves. Standing on all fours their heads were ten feet above the ground, their bodies huge and powerful yet despite their size they moved with a fluid grace, growling deeply as they turned toward Graezzit.

"Hello doggies, up and about again I see, just what did those intruders do to get past you?"

Growling the jade wolf moved closer, "They used magic to confuse us, forcing us to he still as if we were in daylight," it's voice was deep, gravely and growling, "You... are the master's demon?"

"Sure am," Graezzit purred, "But he's had a change of heart and wants to use you for something else."

"Good, grow bored of mrffffggggg" the gargoyle wolf cut off with a choking whine as the demon flung a silvery sphere of light into their jaws. The reaction was instantaneous as the big gargoyle started to choke and cough up the crystalline sphere now forming at the back of their throat. Whilst they were still confused Graezzit moved closer, ducking past the wolf's front paws as it pawed at its muzzle and slapped one of the collars about its neck. The three fang like points pressed down into the jade gargoyle's throat and the dire-wolf jerked upright as the magic in that collar flowed into their body and Graezzit seized control.

The onyx dire-wolf howled and lunged toward him but Graezzit was too fast. Spring out of reach of those deadly claws the demon stood tall, pointed at the onyx dire-wolf, allowing his green, magic eating flame to wreath his forearm. This caused the gargoyle to pause and allowed the jade-wolf to tackle him from behind. The wolf was whining around the large green crystal blocking its muzzle but it had to obey Graezzit, the collar subsumed his will and using all its strength it held its mate down and gave the demon the opening he needed to hurl a sphere of silver down his throat. He then darted closer and slapped an identical collar around the beast's neck, watching with interest as the grey metal grew longer to encircle their throat and the three fang like protrusions at the front sank into their neck. After that it was all over, Graezzit ordered his new dogs out into the garden and made them stand on either side of main doors. He locked their bodies in place, the enchantments in the collars rendering them immobile, something as gargoyles they would have been used too; just this time there would be no respite when the sun set. The globes in their muzzles started to glow with a luminous green light and the demon walked backwards admiring his handiwork.

"You'll do nicely, bye now dogs," turning away he strolled across the garden towards one of the entrances to the mansion like building. The basilisk was next and he would have to extra cautious, he could easily he ensnared by its gaze if he wasn't careful.

The mansion itself was a masterpiece in magical architecture; in its inactive state it was nothing more then a series of interconnected rooms. A plush country house with bedrooms, reception chambers and servant rooms wrapping around the inner garden courtyard and the tower. However if the guards patrolling it or someone with the correct knowledge wanted the magic could be awoken and the whole genteel manor house became an insidious trap. All the doors and windows leading outside would vanish, the corridors would link together, rooms and halls changing position, forming dead ends and endless loops with no exit. Slowly but surely intruders would be lured down into the corridors of stone and twisting passages below where the basilisk waited.

Graezzit didn't activate the enchantment to create the maze, he knew how to get into the real tunnels without it so made his way straight below. Oak panels and picture rails gave way to bare rock walls and dusty floors that his claws clicked against. After a moment he passed the frozen, immobile statue of several people in the uniforms of the house guards. All of them were facing the stairs, one of them with an arm raised over their eyes as if to ward off some horror. It hadn't been enough, the basilisk had got them all. It had been quite beautiful Graezzit ordered most of the guards into the house to catch an intruder and then turned on the maze. From the top of the tower he'd been able to use the mage otter's control spells to override the guard's ability to break free. They had all been turned to stone thinking they had been betrayed by their employer, sadly Graezzit lacked the ability to stop the basilisk remotely. Leaving the maze switched off and letting it stay a house wouldn't work, the basilisk would eventually get bored and venture above ground.

Wandering the catacombs Graezzit found more statues littered here and there, some running, some standing still, at least one clawing at their eyes. Every expression was different but they all had the same air of panic and disbelief that the demon found to be quite comforting. None of them had believed in all their towering pride, earth shattering confidence and belief in themselves that this could really happen to them. Touching one of the statues Graezzit could feel the soul inside, trapped, eager for contact with the outside world, for someone other than the basilisk to talk to them. Graezzit could pick up a whole raft of new contracts by setting these saps free but that was a job for later, first he had to deal with the basilisk.

Walking carefully through the catacombs Graezzit adjusted his demeanour, stooping his shoulders, picking up the pace, skittering forwards the demon put on his best, whipped and beaten submissive pose. He was a bit out of practice, he didn't usually wind up beaten or controlled but this situation called for subterfuge.

"Hello.." he called out, "Master Basilisk... are you down here..." eyes closed Graezzit used other senses to walk forwards, hearing, touch, the air passing through his fur. Every few steps he'd call out for the basilisk, moving cautiously, ears perked up listening, reaching out with his thoughts until he heard a set of heavy claws scrape over the stone to one side. Freezing in place Graezzit looked down at the ground and whispered, "Master Basilisk... I can hear you..."

"Yes... I saw," the basilisk rumbled then laughed, "With your eyes screwed shut, whimpering like a babe why not have a look at me demon... I've not got a demon amongst my friends."

Keeping his eyes firmly shut Graezzit moved forwards, hand out, feeling his way past a statue then froze as a large hand closed around his wrist, long, sharp claws biting into his flesh. He was yanked forwards and a foul stench washed over his head as he felt the basilisk lower its head and loom over him. Graezzit kept his eyes closed and flinched as powerful arms wrapped about his body and drew him close. The beast then snuffled at his mane, inhaling his scent then started to laugh, a deep, mocking chuckle.

"Well little demon, speak your piece, has the otter finally decided he wants to come down here and join my collection?" the basilisk pushed the demon away and Graezzit fell backwards, landing with a thump on his rump but kept his eyes tightly screwed shut, one hand flung up over his face just in case. It also happened to be the hand he was carrying the trinket in, the shiny, sparkly piece of jewelry he had prepared earlier. It was snatched out of his hand by a clawed hand and Graezzit shied backwards, whimpering softly as if he expected to be mauled at any moment.

"What is this?"

"A gift... from the Master to you... there were intruders, they got past the catacomb guards... it is why he has been sending them to you..."

"Yes?" the basilisk hesitated, sounding unsure, Graezzit could imagine him turning the ring over and over in his paws, "What is this then?"

"A gift..." Graezzit said, "A thank you, so you will remain here, in the catacombs guarding the entrance, it is for your horn."

"Hmph," the basilisk muttered, "Better than nothing, I am not here to dispose of his failures... half a mind to go upstairs and deal with him... still..." clawed paws grabbed Graezzit's shoulders and hefted him upright, "I accept his gift, the shiny trinket is nice," the basilisk chuckled deeply. "But the demon for my collection will be very welcome."

"Hey what no!" Graezzit squirmed, "I am not part of the deal I am just here to deliver the ring! Just put it on and let me go!" Graezzit was actually cringing inside, a whimper even escaped, this was the most dangerous moment, getting the basilisk to put the ring on his horn. If he didn't he'd have to lay about him with the magic and the fire and hope he could get out of here without looking in the basilisk eyes.

"I am wearing it, it is very nice... now..." foul stinking breath washed over Graezzit's face as the basilisk opened his jaws, "Open your eyes for me..." Graezzit felt strong, powerful teeth tease his throat, the basilisk had his throat in his jaws and with half a whimper he struck, throwing his power out to activate the ring. He felt it respond, the warm flicker of magic between himself and the ring and the basilisk let out a confused rumble and drew its head back. The moment it moved the demon struck, the black, grey and white demon opened his eyes and grinned at the basilisk. His eyes were overlaid with a field of hazy green light being projected by the crystal ring around his horn.

"Very nice," Graezzit then slammed his huge paw into the basilisk's mouth and unleashed a spell as he choked. He then kicked off, slamming his feet into the beast's stomach whilst his other hand slapped the pointed fangs of a collar around the creatures large neck. He doubled over, choking as his throat was blocked by the emergence of a crystal sphere, tears leaking down his muzzle as he scrabbled at the floor.

"What..." he muttered as he pushed himself up and glared at Graezzit, the demon stared him right in the eyes then laughed as nothing happened, "How..." was the last word he was able to get out before the crystal sphere rolled forward, swelling and blocking his mouth, forcing his jaws wide apart, leaving him nicely trapped.

"It's a little trinket of my own devising basilisk, your gaze won't work on me or anyone until I decide... now be a good monster and stand up!" Graezzit pointed a hand at the basilisk and it emitted a deep, unhappy squeal as his body jerked upright, heels together, standing tall and straight Then under the direction of Graezzit's will folded his arms across his chest, hands resting on his shoulder, leaving the three clawed grip of his collar visible.

Walking forwards Graezzit admired the basilisk, he was a powerful and deadly creature, his gaze was implacably evil and now it belong to him. Graezzit patted his new crystal sphere and laughed before lifting the basilisk into the air and carrying him back up into the faux mansion corridors. He had a plan for this beast, so he installed him in the main entrance hall, setting his frozen, immobile form down on a pedestal that could rotate. Setting it going Graezzit watched with satisfaction as the basilisk cast his modified gaze in all directions, staring with wide open, unblinking dark eyes at the room.

Of course he needed to test this little trap on someone. He could modulate the shade of projected light across the basilisk's gaze to do a variety of things but the one he was most interested in needed testing. So with a wicked grin Graezzit settled down, with his back to the rotating plinth and called in a favour he was owed.

Reaching out with his own power he ignited a circle of green flame, strange runic circles flowing shape, etching themselves into the stone. Once the circle was complete he reached out with his mind and called for the infernal creature he sought to answer him. At first there was silence, the circle burned quietly and then a speck of blue light emerged in the centre of the circle and a voice echoed in his mind.

"Graezzit? What the hell do you want demon, I am sort of busy."

"I don't care," Graezzit called back, "You owe me a favour imp, so manifest your fuzzy butt here now and pay it off."

"Ugh fine, one manifestation," the blue light exploded outwards, expanding, slowly forming limbs and wings out of the incandescent haze. It slowly solidified into a five foot tall figure with a lanky build, a pair of huge wings adorned his back and horns of glittering ice like crystal curved up along the top of his head. He had a narrow snout and strange blue eyes, he seemed to have no pupils just rings of blue light filling his head. Snapping his wings out behind him the imp looked around then frowned down at the demon lounging on the floor before him.

"Ok well here I am, I owe you exactly one task Graezzit, what do you need me to do?"

Pointing up as the pedestal rumbled around behind him the demon purred softly, "Look at this statue for three minutes, then your favour to me will be discharged."

With a wary frown the imp looked up at the statue as it turned, frowning deeper as he started to observe it. He gasped in alarm, realising it wasn't made of stone but actual flesh and blood, somehow petrified whilst still living, "That's a basilisk, Graezzit the deal was the task would not cause me harm! Turning me into stone counts as harm I am leaving!"

"It won't harm you," Graezzit purred, leaning forwards, "Look at the statue Kal'Tano and keep looking until I say you can look away or your three minutes is up."

Kal wavered, unsure what to do, he had to obey the terms of his agreement... only if actual physical harm befell him could he break the compact. Then the statue turned into view and he found himself looking at a pair of bright, living basilisk eyes shrouded by a blue field of light. The dark malevolent energy of those eyes burned into his and Kal tried to draw down a fresh breath only to find his throat was blocked.

Coughing loudly the imp clawed at his throat, gasping in alarm as something swelled in the back of his throat, pushing the soft walls outwards. He gasped and staggered only to find his feet would not move as his throat squeezed and pushed the obstruction up and out. A large pale blue crystal sphere rolled into his mouth, forcing his jaws wide, getting stuck behind his teeth, blocking his maw perfectly. Kal tried to direct his power into escaping, into teleporting away but every time he pulled power in it all drained away into the crystal making it glow.

Tugging at the orb ineffectively with his paws Kal looked down to see why he could no longer move. As he feared his legs had changed entirely; dark green jade was creeping up past his knees, transforming him inch by inch, locking his large clawed feet to the ground. Beating his wings in desperation Kal tugged at the orb in his mouth, trying to pull it free but it was soundly stuck around the back of his teeth! Jade slid up his thighs and curled about his waist and claimed his tail, freezing it in place as a solid curl of carved fluff. He was entirely stuck, his body wouldn't respond from the waist down and try as he might that orb was stuck in his mouth. The damn demon had tricked him just like he always feared he would and now he was bloody trapped, stone from the waist down and deprived of all his magic.

"Interesting effect isn't it," Graezzit said as he leant around and stared down at Kal, "The basilisk's enchantment works perfectly," he laughed softly and tapped the sphere in Kal's muzzle, "I can't even take credit for it, the idiot upstairs who summoned me came up with the idea."

"Mrrffgggh!" Kal growled, tugging at his mouth orb, wincing at the feel of the jade creeping around his waistline. It hadn't stopped so much as slowed down, holding him in place.

"So the question is little imp what choice will you make?" he gestured at the basilisk as it rotated on its pedestal, "Will you join the others as furniture. Trapped, living and alive but immobilized by the sphere and collar or will you sign..."

The demon made a flicking motion with his paw, unrolling a scroll covered in incandescent green lettering, "I normally only collect souls but I'd not be adverse to an imp serving me," Graezzit laughed softly, "It's quite a nice contract, you serve me in all ways, obey my every desire and instruction. You shall attend me both physically and mentally regardless of which dimension I am am in."

The demon smirked, letting the terms sink in as Kal continued to tug at the orb, "In return for your servitude I will release you from your current predicament and let's say the price for this service is... oooh let's say five hundred years of being my slave."

Kal'Tano glared at the demon as he waved that contract before him and offered him a quill pen. Kal then let his eyes slid up to the basilisk as it rotated away, without his magic there was no way for him to resist if Graezzit decided to entrap him like that. His eyes were still working, he could make out the enchantments wrapped about the basilisk's body, they were nasty. Lowering his head Kal reached out for the quill pen and signed his name, Kal'Tano Znk'erta in full at the bottom of the contract. The words glimmered with a baleful light that made Kal's skin crawl, he could feel his spiritual essence attuning itself to the magic in the contract, the deal he had just made. For a moment his vision wavered and then cleared and he knew they now glowed with a baleful green light identical to the colour of text and fire that Graezzit wielded.

As an imp he was used to being summoned and forced into contracts and undesirable circumstances. He'd just never been owned by a demon before, so had no idea what to expect from him. True to their contract Graezzit reversed the enchantment keeping the crystal globe in his mouth and jade crumbled off his body as it turned back to flesh. Kal immediately turned his back on the basilisk to avoid looking at them again and hunched his shoulders as Graezzit leant over his shoulder and purred.

"You are mine imp," the demon hissed, "The eyes where unexpected what do those signify?"

Sighing heavily the imp rubbed at his snout with one paw, "You're imprinting on me Master... i'm an imp, we pick up visual resonances with those we have made deals with. More changes will appear throughout the day, horns, fur colour, that sort of thing... I will adapt I don't really have control over it as you said... I am yours now so I'm going to look like I'm yours."

"Good, this is as it should be," he laughed, "I don't have to make changes to show everyone you are mine. Now follow me, we have some things to finish here to make this tower ready for my guests."

Leaving the tower behind Graezzit strolled along the causeway that crossed the swamp that surrounded the tower on all sides. After half a mile he stopped and stared across the expanse of mud and algae toward an outcropping of rock a couple of miles away. He needed to get to the dragon but he wasn't about to walk through all that stinking swamp mud to get there. Gesturing with one paw he pointed at the muddy swamp, "Get down there on your stomach Kal."

He waited and smiled as the imp clambered into the mud, this fel creature was going to be fun, he was sensible enough not to sigh and groan and show his discomfort but he couldn't really hide it from him either. It was going to be a lot of fun making the imp his, but for now simple things like using him as a raft would do. As soon as Kal was lying in the mud Graezzit stepped onto his back and gripped his wings, using them as makeshift handholds to keep his balance and lower the risk that he would end up in the mud.

"Take us to that outcropping Kal, let's see how talented you really are, don't get any muck on me either," The imp sighed and mumbled a yes sir before sticking his head under the surface and using his ice magic to propel them forwards across the muck. He left a narrow line of frozen mud behind them but kept the surging muck from getting anywhere near Graezzit's feet.

They were halfway to the outcropping of rock when the mud flats gave way to a large pool of water, he paused at the edge and after a second of watching directing his flames into the water. Steam flashed into existence, boiling up into the air and after a moment a large reptilian head lifted up out of the pool. The dragon had a thick beige mane running down his back, large ear fins and two long yellow whiskers hanging down either side of his muzzle. His body was long and noodle like, a true oriental dragon with blue and yellow scales that complimented his thick fluffy mane beautifully as it ran down his back.

"Tide!" Graezzit shouted, "Get over here you lazy dragon..."

The dragon yawned, water oozing rolling down his bright scales as he lifted his long sinuous body out of the water. Cascades of droplets glimmered as they fell and the dragon defied gravity to float over towards the peculiar, hyena ... wolf like demon. His grey and black fur was rough and course, his limbs where all oddly proportioned, slightly longer than they should have been. He also appeared to be riding on the back of some sort of fel creature, an imp or demon who was face down in the mud acting as a raft.

"Voice dude," Tide rumbled, "No need for the anger schtick I mean you're right here man, who the devil are ya anyway? I mean you're just some weird hybrid, I'm a dragon who are you to be shouting at me so?"

"I am your new master," Graezzit growled, "I'd like to know just what you're playing at letting a team of high powered mages break into my tower."

Tide glanced at the tower and laughed, "So you took over from Jay did you?" he snorted a laugh and shook his head, "Look dude that otter wasn't my master, ruling the tower doesn't mean you rule me. We had an arrangement, I'd like eat people who don't use the causeway and who bother me... so bugger off."

"No," Graezzit raised his hands, "You are mine now."

"Ugh, such a drag man but fine have it your," the dragon's jaws snapped open mid-sentence and hosed the annoying demon with an incandescent blue flare of magical dragon fire. Tide was caught entirely by surprise as his dragon fire seemed to have no effect, the hottest flame at the centre was being snuffed out before it reached the demon by the green flames the demon was directing at Tide. His fire collapsed, the magic fuelling the flames snuffed out as the demon counter attached, it was like the magic was just dying. Frowning Tide cranked up the power and flew closer, ready to drop magic and rend and tear with teeth and claws when Graezzit threw something silvery and bright into his maw.

Tide choked on his own flame as whatever had gone down his throat swelled suddenly and lodged at the back of his maw. Desperately trying to draw breath Tide fell out of the air, his hind legs falling into the water, upper body squishing a long furrow in the swampy ground. He didn't care about the mud as he clawed at his throat, horking and retching trying desperately to clear the blockage. Purple spots started to dance across his vision as he flopped about like a big noodle, trying to suck down air that could not pass the blockage. The world was narrowing, his strength was failing... he was going to suffocate! Then the demon Graezzit stepped forward and pressed something to Tide's neck, he felt cold metal teeth dig into his throat, metal slithering around his neck and then the blockage rolled forwards.

Tide drew a deep breath, air rushed into his lungs, however as he tried to spit the thing out of his mouth it swelled in size and lodged behind his teeth. It kept growing, forcing his jaws open; crying out from behind the blue crystal he could see filling his jaws Tide tried to swat the demon but his legs froze, his body lurched up onto all fours against his will. The dragon then lifted one paw and posed in a half curl, showing off his impressive noodle body. He had no control, he could feel weird things happening to how body, twisting changes rippling along the length of his frame, immobilising him, slowing his heart and his need to breath so desperate and demanding moments before gently faded. The collar dug into his neck was forcing his body to obey and the crystal sphere in his mouth was screwing with his inherent draconic magic.

"Rrrrffff!" Tide shouted as he rolled his eyes and looked down at the demon as Graezzit reached up and patted the globe now filling and blocking Tide's maw. The demon had an insolent grin spread across his face and he laughed wickedly before speaking.

"I told you, you are mine dragon... welcome to life as sculpture."

"Rrrrrfrrffff!" Tide's indignant protest was greeted by a derisive laugh that trailed off as shadow fell over the pond. Tide felt a momentary rush of hope as he rolled his eyes up to look at the source of that huge shadow; Raeritz had arrived!

He was huge, his head topped the roof of the tower by over half a storey, Graezzit had never seen a monster quite so huge. With dark yellow scales, thick green hair covering his head, ears and running down his back to cover his wings and tail he didn't look that monstrous. He was just another dragon, until you started looking at the details, the strange way his claws were designed, how his mouth was full of jagged, interlocking teeth that seemed to flex and move on their own. He had slick, black eyes that showed no hint of iris or sclera just dark, matt, reflective light.

"What happen here?" the huge beast rumbled lowering its hand and picking up Graezzit, the demon rolled up into a ball, caught off guard by just how big this monster was! It lifted him up holding his paw before his face face; palm flat allowing Graezzit space to stand up.

"Well, what you do to nice Tide? He friend dragon..."

"You're Raeritz? Graezzit asked, wondering how the hell he was going to dispose of this beast, "I'm Graezzit, me and Tide are playing a game."

The flap of wings beating distracted the monster and it looked over at Kal as the imp flew into sight. He had dripping mud from his body but Graezzit noted that the imprint was already spreading, the pale blue crystal that made up the imps horns had been replaced by dark green crystal. His fur was also vanishing, being replaced by smooth dark emerald green jade instead: the imp was literally transforming as the minutes passed into a living statue of magically infused stone. The demon shot him a look then grinned madly, it was very appropriate considering what he had in mind for the tiny magical beast. Still for now they had one last monster to deal with so he shot a mental command to play along and be ready to back him up.

"What game?" Raeritz's rumbled angrily, "Looks like you put spells on him... now why... you do that?"

"It's part of the game, you can play too..." Kal said warmly, flapping just in front of the monster's eyes, "My Master here, the great Graezzit loves to play games."

"Indeed," the demon hissed softly, "You just have to press this to your throat?" he held up his last collar, "It is a fun game the... otter master came up with," huge claws took the piece of metal and held it up before those black eyes. His tongue slithered out and licked it as he frowned.

"Master otter? He look after Raeritz, he send you to play with Raeritz?"

"Yes, I'm here to play I aaaah," Graezzit yelled as the monster's paws moved but before he could react he found himself being squished against the monsters head. Plunked between his ears thick and oily green fur everywhere. Graezzit resisted the urge to comment as he stood up pushed his way through the thick fronds to stand on the beast's forehead, "Shall we play then?"

"Yes, games good, Master plays different game, has Raeritz capture intruders, bring them to Master Otter for feeding... what we play?"

"A very fun game," Kal said, putting all the enthusiasm he could muster into his voice, playing the bubbling, happy servitor for all he was worth, the changes to his body were almost complete, jade was gliding up his tail, sealing his fur and his spirit in a body of fluid, living stone. He hated having masters whose subconscious desires denied him access to a flesh and blood body, being a spirit of magic and mischief sucked sometimes, "Master Graezzit let me play earlier, it is good fun!"

"It is called statues... go stand behind the tower..."

Graezzit held on as the beast lumbered around to behind the tower, the thick oily green fur squishing between his paws, it was really unkempt and greasy. Once the monster was behind the tower he stood there, head level with the main tower's peak Graezzit took a deep breath before speaking, "Now... to play statues press that metal thing to your throat."

~Be ready,~ Graezzit whispered at his new imp, ~The sphere spell, don't miss now or you will know my wrath slave~

Graezzit watched the beast sniff the collar again and then with a rumble push it to his throat, the three claws dug into the beast's throat and Kal obeyed Graezzit and hurled a silvery orb of magic down Raeritz's throat. The beast roared at the sudden attack but before he could react the demon and imp were both moving, Kal folded his wings and dived but the demon leapt off the beast's head onto the roof of the tower just as Raeritz's tried to swipe at him with his hands.

Graezzit watched with delight as collar and crystal sphere grew. The collar former a thick expanse of silver around the monsters yellow neck. He growled in confusion as his body stiffened and stopped responding to his desires and wishes to move. The familiar crystal globe filled his maw, silencing his confused rumbling and roaring. His arms were wrapped about the tower, his maw filled with an oily, green soapstone sphere gave him a confused look as his pure black eyes rolled from side to side worriedly.

"See, statues, good monster," Graezzit laughed at the monsters muffled whining and shook his head, "I told you we were playing statues and I shall decide when and if we ever finish playing."

Turning away Graezzit climbed down to the closest window and let himself back inside, now all the most powerful monsters had been reduced to furnishings the way was open for groups of inquisitive heroes to come visit. Whilst he waited for them to come he had a catacomb full of petrified souls to trick into becoming his and an imp to acclimatize to serving him. Looking out the window he admired his handiwork and summoned Kal'Tano to his side then headed below, laughing maniacally as he went, it felt so good to exist in the mortal realm.

~fin