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Martyn was sick of the coral that infested him, he just wanted it to go away. He didn’t know how to remove it from himself, but he knew this infection must be magic.
He hadn’t really ever believed in magic before, but he did learn a few things about Fae from the people who had taken him in. Warnings.
They also mentioned they tended to do magic deals, so that cemented an idea in his brain. A way to survive.
He just had to go into the forest.
➷ ロ objective: find a fae in the forest
0/2
Martyn stared into the forest in front of him- this was a bad idea, there was no denying that. But it was the only chance he had, to survive. Even if the chance was rather slim.
He took a deep breath, and walked inside, feeling the magic shift around, making the coral spreading out of him tingle at recognition of more magic.
It was weird.
➷ ロ objective: find a fae in the forest
1/2
Now he just had to find a fae.. one who was willing to make a deal with him.
After a fair bit of walking, he saw a hut- it wasn’t a Fae Ring, but a witch may have the cure. Maybe be willing to sort something out.
➷ ロ objective changed: make a deal with a witch
0/1
He walked towards the witches cabin, and knocked on the door. It swung open, Martyn was confused for a moment as to who opened it, but then a young witch appeared.
“Hi! What are you doing?” The witch’s voice was light, but there was a threat underneath the question. “Um- I don’t know if you noticed-“ Martyn gestured to his bruised skin, “But I need a little help..”
“And why should I help you?” The witch gestured for him to come in, which Martyn did, lightly itching at his skin, red and sore, clearly about to have coral poke through.
“What do you want? I’m up for a deal.” Martyn offered, and the witch’s eye sparked with interest, “Well, my name’s Shelby, and in return for me helping you with your.. magic coral infection, you could help out with this thing I’m a part of?” Shelby offered.
“Oh- well- I’m Martyn, and what’s the thing you’re a part of?” Martyn asked, not wanting to join a cult or something. Shelby smiled. “It’s just an organisation that works on using magic for the good of humans.”
Well that sounded nice. “Oh? So, what do you want in return for a cure, exactly?” Martyn asked, and Shelby nodded, “In return for treatment, you just need to volunteer at the Evo Lab, it’s where I work, you don’t even need to do much, but we’re a little short on feeders..”
“Ah, so I just need to help out a little, and the deal will be done, on my end?” Martyn asked, and Shelby nodded, “Yes, and for my part, I’ll give you treatment-“ She reached out a hand towards Martyn, who let her, with a slight nod.
She put her hand on the place Martyn had been itching, the coral beneath his skin twitching at her touch, “It might fully heal it, or you might be left over with all the coral, but it’ll freeze its progression for a few years, before you’ll need to come back to me.” Shelby explained, her hand suddenly having shadows surround it, despite the light from outside.
“What type of witch are you?” Martyn asked, and Shelby smiled, “I’m a shadow witch- I’m a being of shadows, and darkness, and void, so I figured it would make sense for me to have the ability to control shadows, but I know a good bit of healing magic too..”
“I’m not the most skilled, so you might have to ask for my help in years time, but I’ll be happy to help as long as you uphold your end of the deal.” Shelby explained. Martyn nodded, “Okay, that makes sense..”
The shadows engulfed the two, and Martyn couldn’t really see from how dark it was, but he felt Shelby’s touch, soothing his skin, and stilling the coral. After a while, his vision came back as the shadows receded into their rightful places.
“I tried my hardest.. I’ve managed to get the coral to be invisible for others with my magic, but it’s still technically there, the infection won’t spread anymore, though.” Shelby explained.
Martyn smiled, “Thank you so much!” Shelby grinned in response, “No problem! Here’s the number you can call to ask to join as a feeder in Evo Labs!” She offered him a piece of paper. He took it.
Shelby offered him a cookie, which he took, and her own number for if the coral infection ever got worse, or he just wanted to talk. Martyn soon left, the cabin, the forest. All of it.
➷ ロ objective completed: survive
1/1
➷ ロ new objective: join the workforce of Evo Lab
0/3
Now to call up the number.. he pressed in each button, and it rung.
One.. two.. “Hello?” The ringing stopped, “Um, hi, my name’s Martyn.. I made a deal with Shelby, can I join as a.. ‘feeder’?”
“Ah, yes, Martyn, we’ve been awaiting you.. you may. Come on the 5th.” “Thats tomorrow?” “I am aware, yes.” “Oh- okay then..”
The other person hung up.
The only thing left to do was to go in tomorrow, and start this volunteer work.