XIX - The Null Chambers/ Alter Rooms

I shut my eyes for just a blink, and then the sound of movement stirred the air, sneaking into my apartment.

Couldn't be a third partner in crime?

Nah, no way.

They'd have struck when I was lost in dreamland.

Then, a voice broke the silence: "Eros, you up? Morning!"

Psyche.

Good.

But why was she here? We'd agreed to meet at my place in the AM.

Still dawn, as far as I knew.

I hollered back, "Psyche, what the fuck? It's like 4 or 5 in the morning. We said 9 or 10!"

She rushed into the living room, shooting back, "Why so mean? And it's not 5, it's 10 already! What's up with you?"

What? So I blacked out while standing up?

Damn, that's crazy.

I was oblivious to the passing hours, still clutching his contract. Didn't even realize I'd lost time.

Psyche's sudden entrance into the living room startled me, her eyes widening at the sight of me, a bloody mess standing there like some horror scarecrow.

"Jesus, are you alright?" she exclaimed, concern etched across her face. "What the hell happened? Did you run into one of those contract holders? We need to stop the bleeding, I'll find some bandages. Thank God you're still breathing."

I chuckled weakly, feeling the weight of exhaustion pulling me down. "I can't believe I blacked out while still standing.

Don't worry about the bandages, I'll manage. Just need some damn water," I muttered. "And a moment to catch my breath. Then I'll spill the whole damn story."

She fetched a bottle of water from the kitchen. Her eyes expanded as they fell upon Kichil's lifeless form, sprawled out on the ground, and gutted, a gruesome sight to behold.

I motioned for her to join me on the couch, where I could recount the events of my night hunt. Thirsty beyond measure, I downed the water in one swift gulp, like a man left alone in the Sahara, though the thirst lingered for some unknown reason.

As I detailed the night's events to Psyche, her gaze bore into mine with a mix of admiration and concern. "Two contract holders in a single night?" she remarked, her tone laden with disbelief. "You've proven yourself to be quite the capable man, Eros. But what of this lunatic?

I fear he's beyond redemption, a lost cause. It's best to put an end to him now before he becomes a liability to our cause."

"I ain't worried about that sorry excuse for a man," I told Psyche, my voice steady with disdain. "Ain't no use wasting time on vermin like him. Now, head on over to Lucky Blaze, and tell him about our hideout.

But before you go, I need a small favor. Can you send me somewhere, a realm I can shape? Something like a blank canvas, where I can rest up and think for a spell.

With our powers combined, I believe we can pull it off. While I'm off doing that, you and Lucky, you best be recruiting other contract holders if possible.

But listen up, there's some ground rules:"

1. Hide your talents.

2. Conceal your true identity.

3. Investigate and infer their capabilities before initiating contact with other contract holders.

4. Should they prove amicable, introduce them to the Church of Truth.

5. In the event of hostility, madness, or disagreement with our cause, detain them and put them into a regenerative coma until my return.

6. If faced with imminent danger, just retreat. Your safety and that of our companions is a top priority.

7. Should urgent matters arise during my healing, do not hesitate to seek my counsel.

Psyche's response was matter-of-fact, as if discussing the weather. "Empty rooms in alternate realms? Oh, they're real alright. I Call them null chambers. Infinite and void, like white canvas ready to be shaped, they thumb their nose at our time and space rules.

Sit in one for what feels like eons, create your own little universe if you can.

But here's the kicker - what's months or years in there could be just a blink in our world. And good luck finding it on any 'multiverse map' if such a thing even exists, it is impossible to locate them.

I'll open the door to one of these places for you. Just don that ring I gave you, and when you're ready to come back, picture a locked door using your ability, the key being that ring of yours. Easy peasy."

"Good girl," I said, "Now, open the portal, and I'll be on my way.

But remember, Lucky's safety and yours come FIRST. Don't be reckless."

She nodded silently, her eyes showing a hint of unease as she turned to leave. I watched her go, relieved to be alone at last.

The truth was, I had ulterior motives for wanting her gone. I was craving something inhuman, something primal.

Blood.

Not just any blood, but the blood of Kichil. The thought felt ecstatic, and I couldn't deny the hunger gnawing at me.

Why did I want it so badly? Was it instinct, or something more fucked up lurking within me, hidden even from The Earl's revelations?

I had to delve into this bloodlust, and explore its depths within the null chambers.

 I emptied Kichil's vessels of their crimson essence, collecting the scarlet liquor in several bottles. The time had come to tear the contract, and bid farewell to Kichil.

As I tore the binding contract, The Earl materialized before me with his trademark flair.

"Good job, Eros," he remarked, his tone dripping with approval. "I admire the artistic touch you've brought to your surroundings. Blood splatters, quite inspired. Reminiscent of Gaugin, wouldn't you say? And I must say, I wasn't aware of your penchant for nudity."

I chuckled, putting the vessel and contract across the table. "Here's your ticket and your curse, take 'em," I said with a smirk. But before I could ask my burning question, The Earl cut in.

"I know what's gnawing at you," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Why's the blood got such a pull on you? Can't say I will give you the answer, but here's a breadcrumb for you. Why'd the last Carrington event leave no one standing, no contract holder left breathing?

When you snuff out one of them, it's like a shot of the good stuff. Hard to shake the craving once it's got its hooks in you. But go ahead, prove me wrong if you think you can."

His words were a coded message, a warning wrapped in mystery.

I got the message loud and clear – messing with blood and death ain't no walk in the park. But I ain't one to shy away from a challenge, especially when it comes to unraveling secrets that were meant to stay buried, that is the sole purpose of my Church Of Truth and The Children Of Insight.

The Earl surveyed the portal created by Ppsyche with a curious gleam in his eye. "Quite the oddity," he mused, "Can't quite pin down its destination. Seems to be off the grid, beyond our multiverse mindmap. Likely a null chamber or some uncharted realm.

But hey, that's none of my concern. I'm just here to observe, snack, and tidy up contracts and vessels."

He turned his attention to me, a smile playing on his lips. "Off you go, have your fun in whatever realm awaits. But remember to swing by and entertain me again.

Oh, and that little brawl with the other contract holders? Quite the spectacle. I'm expecting more fireworks from you.

Eros. Until next time, ciao!"

With that, The Earl departed while taking the contract and Kichil's body with him.

And as he vanished from sight, I braced myself for the journey ahead, ready to delve into the mysteries of blood and thirst. Here we go...