Gloria spent most of the day at home in the company of a strange girl who claimed to know Alex and had come to him to get the candies he always gave her. Throughout the day, Gloria was lost in thought, wondering who this girl was and where she had come from.
What puzzled her the most was the way the girl spoke—it was too unusual, almost unnatural. Gloria soon realized that asking questions was pointless, as conversations with this child were unproductive due to her odd manner of speaking.
From time to time, Gloria glanced at the girl, who sat still in one spot, seemingly enchanted as she stared at a single point on the wall, as if something far more interesting was there. When Gloria offered her juice or snacks, the girl would mechanically agree, but only rarely took her eyes off the wall to take something from the table. Everything changed only in the evening when the girl suddenly turned her head toward the door and quietly said:
«He's here.»
Gloria raised an eyebrow in surprise and was about to ask what she meant when she suddenly heard the front door open. She looked at the girl and then headed to the hallway to see who had returned. Stepping out of the living room, she saw Alex coming back with everyone, including Kiwi. Gloria didn't pay much attention to Kiwi returning with them and smiled at Alex.
«I see you're all back,» she greeted him as she walked closer.
Alex spread his arms, inviting her for a hug. Despite feeling a little awkward because Rebecca was hanging off his shoulder, Gloria still approached and embraced him. Resting her cheek against his chest, she looked up and, as if remembering something important, said:
«You have a guest.»
Alex raised an eyebrow slightly—he clearly wasn't expecting visitors. Gloria knew that hardly anyone knew where he lived, not even the fixers he worked with. The only possible exception was Padre, a close friend of Gloria's. Letting her go, Alex headed to the living room, with Gloria and the rest of the girls following him.
When they entered the living room, their eyes were immediately drawn to the girl sitting on the couch. She looked no older than twelve, wearing a beautiful black lace dress, but what caught their attention the most was her snow-white hair that seemed to shimmer like starlight. When the girl turned, everyone was struck by her beauty, but they were even more surprised by her bright yellow eyes, which gave them a strange, indescribable feeling.
When the girl spoke, her melodic voice made everyone freeze.
«Long time no see, Destruction,» she said in a monotone voice.
Lucy looked at the girl in shock, then at Alex, who stood as if thunderstruck. She couldn't understand why this girl called him «Destruction.» Lucy vaguely remembered that Alex had once mentioned being connected to some primordial destruction, but his explanations had seemed too confusing at the time.
Kiwi, who had just encountered all of this supernatural stuff today, was the most shocked, still trying to process and accept everything happening around her. Rebecca, who had been dozing on Alex's back, opened her eyes wide when she heard the child's voice utter those strange words. Like the others, she wanted to ask Alex who this girl was, but he only muttered under his breath:
«Well, damn…»
Everyone looked back and forth between Alex and the girl, who now had a tiny smile on her face, making her even more beautiful. Her cold, emotionless expression didn't diminish her beauty; rather, it highlighted her mysterious, almost detached nature. That rare smile only enhanced her charm. She continued to gaze at Alex, that little smile playing on her lips, as if she was enjoying his reaction to her arrival.
Alex patted Rebecca's hand, silently asking her to get off his back. Obediently, she climbed down and stood with the other girls, further away from the couch where the mysterious guest was seated. Lucy, Gloria, Kiwi, and Valeri were also nearby, with GIR peacefully sitting by Valeri's feet while she held him in her arms.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Alex walked around the couch and sat down in a chair across from the girl. He sighed, already understanding who she was but unsure of why she was here. He needed to know her name, but first, he had to figure out her purpose. Alex didn't trust beings associated with primordial chaos or born of Azathoth, so he decided to take precautions.
Reaching toward the cushion where GIR often slept, he spoke:
«Chastiefol, true form: Guardian Mode with Spear.»
The cushion glowed and transformed into a huge, muscular plush bear holding a spear. The girl didn't react to Alex's actions, as if it didn't matter to her at all. The girls, watching the scene unfold, held their breath, waiting to see what would happen next.
Kiwi was shocked—she had always thought it was just a pillow for the robo-dog. She never expected it to turn into a buff plush bear wielding a spear. Rebecca, on the other hand, lit up with excitement, seeing yet another form of the spear she had only heard about but never seen before.
Gloria, sensing that something was wrong, instinctively moved in front of Valeri, who watched everything with curiosity. GIR, however, was upset that his favorite pillow had turned into a bear.
Lucy anxiously observed Alex's actions, not understanding where this was leading.
«I don't intend to harm you or your chosen ones, Destruction,» the girl said in a calm, monotone voice, watching everything unfold.
Alex didn't trust the child's words, so he decided to cast a few more protective shields around the girls. Even if she claimed not to intend any harm, it was better to be safe than sorry. His caution was justified, and after creating the additional defenses, Alex felt confident that his family was safe.
The girls were slightly surprised when the shields formed around them like a dome. Once everything was set, Alex decided it was time to find out who had come to his home. Now that his family was protected, he could calmly speak with the unexpected guest.
«And who exactly are you?» he asked, staring intently at the girl.
The young guest, who had been carefully observing his every action, didn't interrupt his preparations. She knew Alex would act exactly like this if she appeared in this world. Deep down, she blamed her sister for this, because before everything, Alex always smiled at her, even if she didn't respond.
But now, he was taking protective measures as if he feared she might do something unpredictable. The girl didn't like it, but she understood that there was nothing she could change. If it hadn't been for her sister's interference, Alex wouldn't be treating her with such caution. Still, she knew him—this trait, his carefulness, was always part of him. She didn't intend to interfere with him, knowing it would only make him more wary.
When Alex finally finished his preparations and asked his question, the girl decided to respond:
«My name is Yog-S…»
But before she could finish, Alex instantly cut her off. He knew that saying her name aloud could have consequences, ones he'd rather prevent. Ever since Alex had become what he was now, the phrase «words have power» had taken on a whole new meaning for him.
The more powerful a being, the more strength is contained in their words. If an ordinary person speaks the name of an Outer God, nothing serious will happen. But if a being as powerful as the god itself does so, the consequences can be catastrophic. It's especially dangerous if the Outer God speaks their own name.
Understanding this, Alex vanished from his spot and instantly appeared in front of the girl, covering her mouth with his hand to stop her from finishing the name.
«Sorry, but I can't let you finish,» Alex said, looking directly into her eyes.
Yog nodded, realizing the danger of her words. She knew what could happen but still attempted to say her full name, believing that Alex's shields would protect the girls. Seeing her nod, Alex returned to his seat, sat down in the chair, and rubbed his face with his hands, understanding how unpleasant the situation had become. His intuition told him that Yog hadn't come for a fight, but it still worried him.
«There's your essence within your chosen ones. It would've protected them even if I had spoken my name,» Yog said, pointing to the girls covered by the shield.
Alex glanced at the girls and understood what Yog meant. But what about Kiwi and Valeri? Valeri was his younger sister, but Kiwi was more complicated. He wasn't sure what she felt for him, so he hadn't made any moves in her direction, keeping things friendly. But now, with Yog showing up, Alex began to wonder who would be next. Another Outer God coming to demand something from him?
«Fine,» Alex sighed. «Just tell me why you've come. Do you want to make a deal too? Or are you here to pull me into the chaos?» he asked, his voice laced with exhaustion.
The girls, watching their conversation, noticed how tired Alex looked. Lucy and Rebecca had seen that expression before, when he learned about the presence of the avatar of the woman with whom he had made a deal. Yog looked at Alex, then slightly opened her mouth and answered:
«I came for candy,» she stated in a monotone voice.
Alex felt his mind practically boil at those words. He couldn't believe an Outer God had come to him for candy. He had heard of dragons developing a sweet tooth, but for an Outer God? That threw him off completely. He stared at Yog, trying to process her words, but his brain just refused to accept it.
«You're joking?» he asked in disbelief.
Yog shook her head and pulled out an empty candy wrapper from her pocket, showing him exactly what she had come for. To further prove her intentions and earn Alex's trust, she took another step:
«I swear on my essence and my father's name that I mean no harm to you or your loved ones,» she added calmly, looking at Alex.
Alex raised an eyebrow, listening carefully to Yog's words. He still found it hard to fully believe her. If he had to choose between trusting a god of trickery or one of the Chaos-born beings, he'd undoubtedly choose the former. However, the situation didn't leave him with many options.
If they started fighting, it would lead to the destruction not only of this universe but also of neighboring ones. Alex wasn't willing to expose his loved ones to such a risk, so he decided to believe Yog—at least halfway. His previous encounter with Nyan-Nyan had left him with an unpleasant impression, especially when it came to beings born of Chaos, let alone those created by Azathoth.
«So, you really just came for candy?» Alex asked again, still doubtful, as he looked at her.
Yog silently nodded and placed the empty candy wrapper on the table. Alex winced involuntarily. Her carefree gesture, as if she were just an ordinary child and not one of the oldest beings, threw him off. A new understanding of who Yog truly was began to form in his mind.
«You could've gone to Hestia and asked her for candy,» he noted, frowning slightly.
Alex recalled seeing Yog a few times near his house, patiently waiting to ask him for candy. The first time, he had even warned Hestia to give her some if the girl showed up again.
He also remembered their first meeting: she had just stood there staring at him until he approached and gave her some sweets, after which she bowed gratefully and left. That was followed by their rare, but similar, encounters, where she always got her candy.
Realizing this, Alex understood that if Yog had truly wanted to cause harm, she wouldn't have needed to come to his house. Her power could wipe out this universe in an instant. This realization allowed him to relax a little.
«I could have gone, or I already went, or I am going to go,» Yog answered in her usual monotone voice.
Her words made Alex's eye twitch again. He knew she perceived time differently, existing in the past, present, and future simultaneously, but the way she spoke made his head ache.
«For starters, please speak more clearly, or my head will explode,» Alex said tiredly, rubbing his temples. «And second, since you have an empty wrapper, that means you've already been to Hestia and ate all the candy.»
Yog just nodded but chose not to respond to his comment about the empty wrapper. Alex sighed. Her behavior only confirmed his suspicion that despite her immense power, she acted like a child. It puzzled him, reminding him of the dragon Ophis, who also didn't know how to interact with society. Yet Yog was one of the oldest beings, which only heightened his suspicions. But his intuition told him this wasn't a game; it was her true nature.
«Before I give you any more candy, can you answer a couple of questions?» he cautiously asked, deciding not to miss the opportunity to learn more.
Yog thought for a moment but eventually nodded, keeping her gaze fixed on Alex.
«Why do I need to go to your father's throne?» Alex finally asked the question that bothered him the most.
Yog continued to calmly look at him before answering, «It was foretold by my father, even before he fell asleep. You will end up there, one way or another,» she replied in the same monotone voice.
Alex barely restrained himself from grinding his teeth. A prophecy? What kind of prophecy? Why was it supposed to lead him to Azathoth's throne? His head buzzed with too many questions, and under the concerned looks of the girls, he began massaging his forehead, trying to find some logic in this madness. The only solution was to ask directly what might cause him to end up there.
«And what will be the reason that I end up on the throne?» he asked, stopping the forehead rubbing.
Yog pointed at the empty candy wrapper again, indicating she needed a reward for further answers. Alex's eye twitched involuntarily, but he pulled out a new pack of candy from his dimensional pocket and handed it to Yog. She immediately opened it and began eating.
«You'll end up there regardless. But two possible reasons will bring you there, and each will force you to do it voluntarily. It all depends on how events unfold and on your choice,» Yog said while chewing the candy.
Alex sighed wearily. He had never liked prophecies or people who spoke in riddles. However, there was something clear in Yog's words: there were two reasons he would end up at Azathoth's throne, and both would compel him to do it voluntarily. Now, he just had to figure out which of those reasons led to a good outcome and which to a bad one.
«From what you've said, I understand that I will end up there no matter what. But there will be two different reasons for why it happens. And, if I'm getting this right, the first reason will lead me there voluntarily, and the second will too—but with a different intent?» Alex clarified, trying to get to the bottom of it.
Yog, chewing on candy, nodded at every word. He was right.
«You're correct,» she answered briefly.
She didn't offer any more details, fully aware that it could lead to a bad outcome. Alex, realizing he wouldn't get more information from her, started to think about what could lead him to Azathoth's throne. There weren't many options. His intuition told him that it was all connected to Nyan-Nyan and their deal.
«I think I understand why I'll end up there,» Alex murmured, looking at Yog.
Yog, pausing for a moment, tilted her head, intrigued by his words.
«It's related to your sister. There are only two reasons I'd end up at Azathoth's throne, and one of them will likely be because I decide to destroy all of Azathoth's descendants. And the cause of that would be your sister,» Alex said, testing his theory.
Yog froze, realizing she had given away too much information. If Alex continued down this path, the future could change. She blamed her sister for meddling in Alex's life by making that deal with him, as the consequences of it could alter the course of events. But her thoughts were interrupted by Alex's voice:
«But the second reason is unclear to me. No matter how much I try, I can't think of a logical reason that would bring me to your father's throne,» he admitted, stroking his chin.
Yog remained still, understanding that Alex was dangerously close to uncovering the truth.
«Never mind, it's not important. If she doesn't touch my loved ones, then the bad outcome can probably be avoided. So, that just leaves the first reason,» Alex concluded, deciding not to dwell on the prophecy.
Yog tilted her head, confused as to why he had stopped pursuing the truth when he was so close to figuring it out. She became curious why he had ceased thinking about it altogether. She had often seen souls in the Chaos who sought knowledge or who ended up there unknowingly. Yet all those beings shared one common trait—they sought the truth and answers to their questions, answers that eventually drove them mad.
Only a small handful of those beings managed to gain knowledge and keep their sanity, but like those who succumbed to madness, they too couldn't resist it forever and eventually gave in. Yog had observed living beings for many years and knew that one thing united them all: the search for truth, for answers that interested everyone. Yet the one who sat before her had so easily given up on that search, despite the answers being within his grasp.
«Are you giving up? You no longer want to know what awaits you?» Yog asked, watching as Alex pulled out a cigarette.
Alex lit a cigarette, deep in thought. He had heard Yog's question but merely raised an eyebrow.
«I'm not giving up. I just can't be bothered to think about it. I already know one of the reasons, and I'll learn the second in due time. As they say, everything has its time,» he said, exhaling smoke through his nose.
Yog froze, unable to comprehend him. The thought of delving into his mind tempted her, but she knew it would only push him further away. Even if she dared, his inner strength would prevent her from doing so.
«And one more question. Is your sister responsible for my being in this world, where her incarnation exists?» Alex asked, shifting to another topic.
Yog had expected Alex to ask a more serious question, but he simply inquired about the reason for his arrival in this world.
«Yes, she made it so that you would end up here,» Yog replied calmly.
Alex sighed heavily, recalling Master Oogway's words: «There are no coincidences.» Now he knew that Nyan-Nyan's interference had led to his arrival in this world. One important question remained: if her incarnation was indeed present here, what was happening with the timeline?
«You see more than I do,» Alex said, gazing intently at Yog. «So you can answer my question: what is happening with this timeline right now?»
Yog closed her eyes for a moment, returning to her accustomed sight to observe the flow of time. She began to review all the branches of the timelines connected to this universe. Among them, there was only one that stood out from the others—the one where Alex found himself.
This timeline, having separated from the main tree, began to develop independently, forming its own universe, detached from the original path. Although it was originally meant to be destroyed, Alex's intervention allowed it to continue existing. The process of examining the timelines took Yog only a moment, even though much less time had passed for the others.
«This timeline has separated from the main tree and is now growing on its own. When you leave this world, the tree will start to produce new branches and form a new world tree,» Yog said calmly, observing the process in the void.
Alex took her words with understanding, realizing that his presence was the key to this unique situation. He had saved the timeline but was simultaneously hindering the tree from continuing to grow. This meant he would have to leave this world once his business with the Mechanical Man was concluded.
«Then the last question: who or what is the pillar supporting this tree?» Alex extinguished his cigarette, ready to hear the answer.
Yog turned to the girls standing behind the barrier and pointed at Gloria, who was shielding Valery.
«Gloria?» Alex frowned, looking at the worried girl.
«No, she gave life to the one who was supposed to be the pillar. The one standing behind her—Valery—was meant to replace the former pillar. But when you arrived here, you took that place,» Yog explained.
Alex frowned even more at Yog's words and realized that David was supposed to be the pillar. But due to the interference of the Mechanical Man and the butterfly effect, David had died instead of Gloria. As for Valery, her name had always seemed familiar to him, but he had pushed that thought away and didn't consider it important. However, it turned out that Valery was actually very important for the universe.
But because of the Mechanical Man's interference in the timeline and the butterfly effect, both pillars that supported the tree were supposed to die in this timeline. Or perhaps the Mechanical Man knew they were the pillars and consciously ensured that David perished, while Valery, who was now living with him, was also destined to die in the future.
«I understand. I have no more questions,» Alex said wearily, rubbing his temples. Today he had uncovered too much new information.
Yog silently observed him as Alex contemplated the answers he had received. However, he realized that it was not the time to delve deeper into these questions. He needed to focus on the plans of the Mechanical Man and prepare for battle.
«Here's the payment for your answers,» Alex said, pulling out a large box of candies.
Yog, although she did not show any emotion outwardly, was pleased. She tucked the box away and looked at Alex.
«I have never been and will never be your enemy,» she said calmly.
Alex nodded in response and said with a slight smile, «See you, Yog.»
She dissolved into the air as if she had never existed. Alex wearily leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, but he was distracted by noise behind him. Rebecca, standing behind the barrier, was impatiently tapping on it, urging him to lower the protection.
Alex sighed and removed the barrier, knowing that questions awaited him that would be difficult to answer. He didn't want to get into the details, as realizing certain truths would bring nothing but sleepless nights. After all, as they say, the less you know, the better you sleep.
He particularly felt sorry for Kiwi. On her first day, she had encountered events that would keep her from sleeping peacefully for a long time.
To be continued...