Collection of Shorts (Ius)

Ius knew he was a greedy devil but he did not care. His search for power was continuous. He knew with power also came status and wealth. Growing up with virtually nothing was likely the direct cause for this desire. He knew little about his magic since it developed in isolation and grew in isolation. He was not ready to come out and display this power to the world but he needed more and the greedy was all consuming. He needed it, and so he went. The way to the fortune shrine was easy going despite his short suid legs. That is the way most things are though wouldn’t you say? The worse things are for you, the easier it is to begin. When Ius approached the steps part of him questioned this choice. Was it really worth it? Part of him feared what the power would do to him. Corruption was a foreign topic growing up in his home. Actually, all mention of magic was near forbidden. Every time it came up his mother would get a look in her eyes that looked so very afraid and also excited. After finding her book Ius understood more. Nonetheless it left him quite alone with his powers and understanding of their ways. But, alas the allure of the power was enough to bring him to this point and so he entered feeling both afraid and excited. ‘I suppose your blood is your blood.’ Though Ius as he entered the shrine. Ius was tasked with taking something that does not belong to him. What was he to do with that? What physical things did he desire? He knew instantly he wanted chicken for his stew. Simple, easy and uncomplicated… His older sister's home, whom he had not seen for about 10 years, was nearby and he knew she always loved to keep chickens. Maybe she would have something? That is what he would do. Hopefully that would be good enough for Fortune. And so he went, taking his time and really thinking about whether or not this was a good thing to steal. He was not pondering whether or not he should steal something simply what he should steal. Chickens were probably good enough right? Ius didn’t know what valuables were even available. He figured, let's start with the chickens and if that works out maybe a career in thievery would assist him on his path to glory (or was it really his path to ruin?). Upon reaching his sisters house Ius realized that they do in fact have chickens they were free range which would either make things much more difficult or easier. Ius had no clue and absolutely zero experience in wrangling chickens. Standing about three paces away was a beautiful black and white speckled hen. She looked young and healthy but seemed very comfortable being around him. The hen gave Ius no attention at all. ‘This will be the perfect target’ thought Ius incorrectly. POUNCE! Ius took a leap forward in an attempt to land on the chicken. The bird let out a scream flapping viciously. Ius had her by a tail feather or two. She was flapping so hard she almost got away when Ius’s moss began to grow out and reach towards her. Ius was not controlling this. It was excruciating and he had never experienced anything like this. It was like his skin was being ripped apart piece by piece and stretched. Ius let go of the hen but by the time he let go the moss had grown around the hen like a boa around its prey and was holding her still and silent. The bird was still alive. For now at least. It seemed like Ius was successful in his endeavor; he just needed to get out of here. He was exhausted and in pain. He was also terrified. After catching his breath he heard a clanging in the house. ‘What is going on out there girlies?’ Someone shouted out the back door of the home. He knew he had to get going but he was so tired and his head was throbbing, the skin still aching from where it was stretched so unnaturally. He had to get going or he would get caught. Ius slinked away deciding to spend the night undercover in the forest where no one would be looking for him. As he dragged his aching body away he heard someone shout in the far distance. ‘Where is my chicken? Someone stole her! She never would have run away on her own and there was that weird noise too. Bring her back right now!” The fear of discovery pushed Ius farther than he could go. Eventually he happened upon a little patch of moss where he would decide to spend the night. As soon as his feet hit the moss he was asleep. The hen was dead at this point and fortune decided to pay him a visit all on his own. ‘Well done Ius, you are on the path to power. Doesn’t it feel simply intoxicating’ Ius heard the voice of fortune and it was nothing but a whisper. After sleeping for a short amount of time Ius awoke to the sound of Fortune ringing in his ears and the corpse of the hen laying next to him. His first thought was regarding the manner at which he would prepare his soup using the chicken. Not a second later, absolute agony flooded through his body. It felt like thrones piercing through his flesh. It was the most painful experience of his life but it was also completely exhilarating. He was becoming more powerful. He would become like a god and he needed no one! Sheer will and excitement over his new power was what allowed him to drag himself the short ways back to his shack. Thankfully there were still some small embers going on his fire. He threw some fireweed onto the fire and it started up hot and spicy. ‘Food heals all wounds’ he thought to himself as he prepared to feast on his trophy prize. “This bird tastes like absolute garbage” Ius muttered to no one but the wind. Maybe this was part of Fortune's trickery. What you steal loses its value when you take it. Ius was devastated that his soup was ruined by this disgusting foul fowl. Ius would go on to sulk for an inordinate amount of time about the events of these nights. His newfound corruption painfully tempting him into the void.