You’ll stay here tonight, you reply, making the fuzzball purr with a few good ear scritches, it’s late… and you get the feeling Inngo won’t let anyone mess with his lodgers, not even Spicys. After that, well… you’ll hit the road!

A frown forms on TT’s face as she continues to stare into your eyes. “... I’m not going to like where we’re headed… am I?”

Better rip the bandage off now, right? No, you somberly reply, she isn’t… but it needs to be done.

A weary sigh leaves the Spinner’s pursed lips as you both arrive at the same answer:

“Umberal.”
Umberal.

Biting her lip in trepidation, Tzah-Tzie traces a slow, methodical circle around your chest. “... Did you tell Volka or Morook yet? I figure he oughta’ know…”

You were gonna share earlier, you shrug, but those jerks came in… and you kinda wanted to start by telling her the full story-

“What’s there to tell, Ant?” Groans the girl as she shifts uncomfortably on your lap! “The Cartel’s up there and they’re not going to stop until we give ‘em more than a slap in the face–I GET that, it’s just-”

There’s more, you interrupt, gently guiding one of her claws to your new lid! A quizzical look forms on TT’s face!

“... Where’d you get this?”

Your infernal friend, you reply, earning an incredulous glance from your musical mate! You… you may have found a way to get your memories back! And do some good for Zoral while you’re at it!

“No, Ant…” Tzah-Tzie replies, shaking her head angrily, “No, no, no... you saw how messed up Rezzie was–a deal with a devil is… it’s just STU-”

He has the ability to devour souls, you fire back! And he wants four specific souls… does she understand?

The Durher’s eyes become pinpricks. “Ant, do you even know what you’re suggesting right now?”

Yes, you nod, you’re-

“Do you really, REALLY understand? I don’t think you do!”

You DO, okay!? Noticing how loud your tone is getting, you dial things back with a deep breath before continuing in a measured voice. It sounds crazy, you know-

“THAT’S an understatement-”

But you’re pitting a giant against a giant here! Can she imagine any other way anyone could deal with these… ‘Lords’, or whatever?

The Spinner appraises you for a moment before cooly asking a new question. “... How exactly will he get their souls, Anton? Is he going to use you?”

The look on your face betrays you almost instantly, prompting the girl to rise from your lap and pace around the kitchen.

>CONTD.