Back again! Some people have pointed out that this story reminds them of Intrepid_Fate's writings. I am honored, because I think that his story is one of the best on Literotica. In the interest of full disclosure, I was working on the Martin character when I came across and read I_F's Necromancer series. (shout out to JC for his work to continue that!) While I didn't intentionally steal anything from him, I am willing to admit that there is probably some influence. I also admit to being influenced by other authors such as Roger Zelazny, Brent Weeks and Jim Butcher.
Also, for the first time I am working with an editor, so I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Archangel_M
-Ahaz
*****
Droga's office was exactly what you would expect a psychiatrist's office to be. A couch, table, chair and desk were all present, along with the requisite paintings of gentle seascapes and rolling fields. A modern-style bookshelf took up all of one wall. and the wall behind the desk displayed all the degrees and awards Droga had accumulated. He settled himself into the desk chair and waved Chloe and I to the couch, which was even more comfortable than it looked.
I may have previously given the impression that I don't care for Droga, but nothing could be further from the truth. In point of fact I am afraid of the little man. Empaths and telepaths are one of the rarest breeds of supernaturals, and as such I understand their abilities the least. So far, Droga has been nothing but kind and helpful to both the normal and supernatural community. I just hate having to trust an individual's morality, especially when I'm not sure I could stop him should he decide to go off the rails.
My door is always open if you'd like to discuss your trust issues,
I heard in my head.
I glared at him and received a friendly smile and shrug in return.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Chloe" He said to my ward.
"I am not sure how much Martin has told you about me but I will start with my standard opening." he continued with a warm smile.
"My name is Droga Talish. I am an telepath and an empath, which means that I can read both your thoughts and your emotions. I also have a deep understanding of the mental mindset that supernatural beings such as yourself have, so I can use both my knowledge and powers to help you address whatever concerns you have. Before we begin, I will ask you whether you want Martin to be present during our conversation or not. I find that with new patients, having someone present who they can relate to sometimes has a calming effect. Other times I feel that a third person can hold a patient back from disclosing information, so the choice is entirely yours."
"Daddy Warlocks can stay. He knows everything that's happened to me already, and I kinda like having him around." She gave me a quick grin.
Droga must have noticed the nickname, and probably noted that I didn't object. I wondered what other clues I was leaking as to our relationship.
You're leaking pretty much everything. There's a very interesting dynamic between you two.
I smiled back at Chloe and waited until her attention was focused on Droga before glaring at him again. I have literally made sitting U.S. senators quake with my glare but Droga just gave one of his small smiles and continued.
"Let's get started. I will be looking at your thoughts with my powers as well as listening. I will try to be quiet and hear what you are saying, although I might ask you questions," Droga explained
Chloe related pretty much the same story she'd told me when we met : her unknowing use of a death shield while getting raped, the subsequent uses when she'd felt threatened or had nightmare. She went on to talk about her time with me and Xandra, and how she felt safe with us. She talked about her powers and how they both fascinated and frightened her. I hadn't realized how scared she was when she'd showed up to my fight with Raphael. There wasn't even a hint of a blush when she talked about Gwydion and how she thought she was in love with him. She mentioned my point about a soul binding and how she was afraid that their relationship was based on that and not love. In all, she spoke for about an hour before she started winding down.
All this time Droga had been quiet while studying her intently.
For about five minutes after she stopped talking, Chloe was still. Then she shook her head sharply, as if snapping out of a trance.
"What did you do?" she asked suspiciously.
"I am able to take others' memories and examine them like a stone. I can usually take them and knock away the harsh edges that cause the pain in the psyche. It's almost like how an oyster turns a grain of sand into a pearl. I could try to explain in more detail, but unless you're an empath it probably wouldn't make any sense," Droga explained.
"Couldn't you just blank the memory out? Wouldn't that be easier?" Chloe asked with watery eyes.
"I could do that, but there are a couple of reasons I don't. First and foremost, we are products of our experiences and how we deal with them. As horrific as your rape was, it is indelibly implanted into your very being. For me to remove that would take away a vital part of what makes you, you. Secondly, if I were to remove that memory and the feelings tied to it, I would be crippling your powers," Droga replied softly.
I could tell that Chloe would love nothing more than to forget that horrible night. Not only had she been horribly abused, but that was also when she'd killed another human for the first time. I remember my first kill, as clearly as if it was yesterday. No matter how "justified" it is, you always feel like a little bit of yourself died.
"How would it cripple my powers?" Chloe asked. I was interested in that statement also.
"I must admit that I am entering slightly into the realm of speculation, but I can provide the research that underlies my theory if you are really interested. Essentially, all the Necromancers I have studied have had terrible things happen to them at a developmental stage. I believe that these experiences are critical for the awakening and development of their powers. I believe that what determines the strength of a Necromancer is the number of terrible things that have happened to them and how deeply they affect them. I know how sad that sounds, but my research backs my supposition. It also explains why so many Necromancers are considered unstable, your very power rests on emotional and psychic distress. When you combine the emotional instability along with the supernatural community's bias against Necromancers it's no wonder that Necromancers will "go crazy". This only reaffirms the bias, and we get into a self-fulfilling prophecy," Droga concluded.
"Damn, that's fucked up," Chloe muttered.
"Oh I agree." Droga replied. "What I'm seeing in your case holds out a lot of hope for you personally, though. You've found someone to provide a certain stability and direction. If we were to use another analogy, you are cast adrift in a mental and emotional maelstrom; this maelstrom provides your power. Thankfully you have solid anchor points, Martin here being the most prominent. I can see that you have a special relationship with Xandra also. Of course, your blossoming relationship with Gwydion will be important along with a certain Sofia. I am extremely interested in her, as she seems to be a new player in this game, if you will."
I noticed he shot a glance at me when he said this.
Another time
I thought as hard as I could.
Yes Sir, Daddy Warlocks,
he replied with a mental grin.
I wondered how long it was going to take me to live that nickname down. I was going to have to talk to Chloe about her trying out nicknames. In front of Droga was okay, but I DID have a reputation to maintain.
"What about Pops?" Chloe asked out of the blue. "How does he get his power? I'm beginning to see that he is a bigwig when it comes to this supernatural stuff, but I really don't know anything about Warlocks or why they're so feared. Also, how does he get away with the crazy shit he pulls?"
Damn this kid went right for the jugular. She was asking my shrink what made me tick? Huh. I actually wanted to hear Droga's response to this. I think. When he looked at me I gave him a slight nod of my head. Chloe was my little sister and my daughter rolled into one. I had only felt this way one other time and I had tried to keep secrets. It had ended up terribly. This time, I was going for full disclosure; hopefully it would turn out better.
What would you like me to tell her?
Droga asked me.
Everything, except stuff pertaining to Stephen. She'll need to hear that from me when I'm ready to talk about it.
At least you're acknowledging him now. She is really good for you Martin,
Droga replied sincerely.
I chose not to respond.
"Warlocks are interesting creatures," Droga said aloud as he looked at me with a hooded glance. "They derive their powers from the outer planes. I am sure you have heard of the Seven Deadly Sins? Lust, Gluttony, Wrath, Pride, Envy, Avarice, and Sloth. There are various planes that are attuned to those aspects. The further one commits himself to a particular aspect, the more powerful he becomes. This is why Warlocks are viewed with such contempt and fear. The truly powerful ones have given themselves over completely to the very actions and emotions that society tells us needs to be constrained. Martin is no exception. I am sure if he were to think about it he could find areas in his life where he has committed himself fully to a path of, say, Lust."
I thought about some of the really kinky stuff Xandra and I used to do and couldn't help the smile that popped on my face. Yeah, I had probably nailed the Lust thing down.
I started thinking of other "sins". I knew I was an arrogant asshole to the core, so Pride could be checked off, especially after taking down Ajak the other day. I was always trying to amass more wealth and power so I suppose Avarice was another box checked. I didn't really see where Gluttony, Envy, or Sloth would be beneficial, so I wasn't too concerned about them. As for Wrath, I knew I had a wicked temper and I was always scared about what would happen when it was finally unleashed.
"So if the old man is such a bad person, why would a good guy like Gwydion be his best friend? Why would he help me? I know he says he needs my help but he's gone WAY past a simple payment for services rendered. I also see how he looks at Xandra and Sofia; I can see the Lust, but I also know he loves them. This doesn't make any sense." Chloe frowned as she tried to wrap her head around the fact that I was a "bad guy".
Droga's next statements took me by surprise.
"Your old man Martin is a rare individual. He is able to keep a sense of self and honor despite the actions that he engages in. Most Warlocks will fall down the rabbit hole of Lust, for example, and do nothing but satisfy their base desires. They let their id run wild, as Freud would say. Martin is able to commit to a path, but always comes back to the core of his being. I know you know I asked him if he was a good person who did bad things or a bad person who did good things. For most people that is a philosophical question designed to get them thinking. With Martin it is fundamental to his psyche. People like Gwydion, Xandra, Sofia, and most importantly you are instrumental in keeping Martin centered, and will continue to be so throughout his life."
"Why me?" Chloe asked.
"Because Martin bonds with his apprentices tightly, and it makes him work hard to live up to the expectations they have for him." Droga smiled at me.
"I can only imagine what he would be like as a father." H grinned at Chloe.
