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Chapter Text

Almost as soon as Morrigan emerged onto the lower plane, a dull pain came over her, in body and soul. She inhaled, taking a moment to adjust to this kind of reality.

"If you can hear me, I ask that you come and face me," Morrigan called out, her voice echoing across the wasteland.

After a moment, the old one himself appeared from nowhere, a short bit away from her.

"Why have you come, Lady Morrigan?" Shuma-Gorath demanded to know.

"It's simple. Your tentacles interest me, Shuma-Gorath," Morrigan said with a smirk, accentuating the word. Shuma-Gorath blinked. "What do you say?"

"Certainly," Shuma-Gorath answered, after a pause. Four of his tentacles wrapped around her arms and legs, meeting no resistance. "I should mention that I am fairly out of practice, though I will try not to disappoint," he said, a bit embarrassed.

"Oh, don't worry about that. I am not soon satisfied," Morrigan replied coyly, her accent prominent in the sentence.

"Perhaps we should relocate to your castle, then," Shuma-Gorath suggested. Without warning, Morrigan saw her surroundings shift, into a corridor in her castle. The elder demon released her, watching her expectantly.

"Follow me," Morrigan said and took flight.

Morrigan awoke. Drawing a slight breath, her closed eyes squeezed further shut. She shifted slightly in drowsiness and hatred of the morning, then turned over.

After twenty minutes, she sat up in her bed. The first thing she saw was what she had already figured - she was alone. The second was the tattered remains of her outfit, scattered around the floor.

"Good morning," she heard from behind her. She turned to see Shuma-Gorath floating on the bed's right side.

"Likewise," she replied. "Although I'm surprised to see you're still here."

"I thought it would be rude to simply leave," he answered matter-of-factly.

"Something of a gentleman, I see," she remarked. "Not what I expected from your horror stories."

"Yes, well, I find it disingenuous to exercise proper manners on the battlefield," Shuma-Gorath explained. "In a mundane situation, I imagine you might find me more pleasant."

"I do so far," Morrigan said with a smile. "I might even go as far as to say that we're beginning a friendship here."

"With a little luck," Shuma-Gorath agreed.

"Anyway, what do you do to fill your days, in your dimension?" Morrigan inquired.

"Whatever I feel like at any given moment," Shuma-Gorath replied. "I admit, this is the reason why I accepted your request."

Morrigan smirked. "Is that an admission of desire I hear?"

"But of course," Shuma-Gorath affirmed. "Though it might be obvious to say, you are a remarkably charming woman, Morrigan." Shuma-Gorath'ss tone made it sound a simple statement of fact, not a compliment.

"I know," Morrigan replied with a smirk. "Anyway, I would like to receive another visit from you. Let's say, in a week's time?" Shuma-Gorath gave his assent to that.

Chapter Text

Three weeks had passed. Shuma-Gorath was currently paying another visit to Morrigan's realm and bedroom. In her chambers, a... particular atmosphere reigned.

"Oh, YES!" Morrigan breathed out, falling over in sweet exhaustion. Shuma-Gorath withdrew his tentacles, watching her expectantly.

She sat up after a long moment's rest, giving him a pleased smile. "Well done, as usual, Shuma-Gorath."

"Thank you," he answered. Morrigan got off the bed, a dark ring of some substance appearing around her left-hand fingers. The darkness rapidly shaped itself into her favorite outfit.

"I'm satisfied for now," Morrigan told him. An idea occurred after a moment's silence. "You may not know this, but I have long enjoyed Earth's video games. Care to join me?"

"I have never played them before, so why not?" Shuma-Gorath figured, then followed her out to the hallway.

Morrigan opened the next door on the opposite side, showing both of them a relatively large room. A PS4 and TV screen stood by the left wall, next to a bookcase with a dozen game packs, while a red couch occupied the space before the game array.

"What to choose?" she thought while making her way to the games. "A pity Dark Souls doesn't have multi-player here. Perhaps Divinity? No, that's mine. Arena might be fun." She picked the seventh pack off the shelf. "Any objection to a fighting game?"

Shuma-Gorath gave none. Morrigan set things up quickly, then got seated.

She chose her character quickly, a demon queen with horns and wings, while Shuma-Gorath observed her gestures. A click on the cross button made the box change color to gold.

Shuma-Gorath turned his attention to his telekinetically-lifted controller. A psychic press on the right button moved the blue outline to the second box of the forty fighters, and a down-button press did what Shuma-Gorath expected. Another two left-clicks took him to the other end of the gallery, a swordsman.

Seeing no reason not to, he pressed the cross button. The chosen box became the same color and the screen changed to show them a choice of arenas, which Morrigan promptly clicked past with the first.

After a three-count, the battle began. Morrigan's fighter launched into a rapid-fire volley of dark energy blasts that Shuma-Gorath had no clue how to defend against or dodge. A KO animation soon played on the screen.

"Perhaps we should play a practice round," Morrigan suggested.

"I am indifferent about being an easy victory in this game," Shuma-Gorath answered.

Morrigan grinned. "Then let us continue."

Their next two picks were the demon queen again and a ninja. Morrigan won this round as well, though Shuma-Gorath figured out how to deflect a few blasts with throwing stars.

Their third-round picks were the dark queen and a lean martial artist in a blue gi. Morrigan trounced him again, and the best Shuma-Gorath managed was learning to jump.

The fourth pair of picks were the queen and a giant robot. Unsurprisingly, she won again, while Shuma-Gorath learned nothing.

"How did you procure this?" Shuma-Gorath asked eventually. On the screen, the queen shot a blast at the martial artist. "From what I gather, Earth has no trade agreement with the Demon World."

"I helped Dante with a job, and that got me the money," Morrigan related while pressing for more blasts.

Shuma-Gorath eventually said, "I believe I can see some of the appeal to these games," he said while his character died.

"That's good to hear. I would hate to have a bored guest," Morrigan answered.

Chapter Text

Two weeks had passed since their videogame session, which had been their only one so far.

Maybe the most interesting event in that time was that Earth's heroes reversed most of the Convergence's effects with the healed Reality Stone. Asgard had been healed and placed on a planet somewhere, Metro City untangled from New York, Makai restored as its own plane, and so on.

Morrigan learned of her dimension's return after waking up and concluded that Earth was to thank, but couldn't go to confirm it. The tumult in her domain demanded her attention. When Shuma-Gorath learned of the situation via his sources, he decided to just analyze it for a while.

Right now, they were in one of Makai's barren wastelands. They faced one another in silence, ten meters apart.

Shuma-Gorath had taken on a spider-like form that had five spike-covered legs, a gaping maw of knife teeth, and an arm that ended in a scissor-like pincer.

Morrigan smirked. Arrow-headed black tendrils sprouted from her left arm, hurtling towards him... and did nothing when they hit him. They just kinda poked the skin a little.

"That usually works," she commented while retracting them, then smirked. "Good."

"I am pleased that you're pleased," Shuma-Gorath answered, hoping it sounded as suave as he thought."Maybe this will work instead," Morrigan smirked, her eyes glowing darkly.

Her flesh began to melt, lose coherence. A kind of tangible darkness leaked out in a few places. Her right arm and its garment began to rapidly retract, into her shoulder. Once it fully had, a tendril that ended in a dog's head grew in its place.

At the same time, green scales grew on her stomach, her legs fusing as she formed a serpent's body. As well, she sprouted a second pair of wings on her back.

"Unexpected," Shuma-Gorath remarked once her transformation seemed finished.

"Yes, I don't like going this far. It ruins my looks," Morrigan related. "But half-measures won't do here."

"Excellent as always, Morrigan. Very few demons can freely alter their form," Shuma-Gorath praised. "I sense a story behind this. Might I hear it?"

"Not much to tell," Morrigan replied, her voice unchanged. "I've always had the ability, but it grew greatly after I merged with Lilith. Another story for later."

With that word, she lunged for Shuma-Gorath with her hound arm. Shuma-Gorath easily parried it, catching the beast's head with his pincer, then slicing it off.

From there, they were off to the races. Over the course of fifteen minutes, they each reshaped their bodies to counter whatever the other tried. Morrigan had unleashed steel chains from her left arm to bind his legs, while Shuma-Gorath shrank out of them. Shuma-Gorath had regrown his tendrils, while Morrigan sprouted bone spikes to repel them.

Once all was said and done, these mighty demons were reduced to lying in the dirt. Morrigan stared up into the sky with a tired smile, while Shuma-Gorath laid in his usual form.

"That was... amazing, Shuma-Gorath," Morrigan praised, then got up. "Care to do this again in a while?" she asked, low-key eager.

"Certainly," Shuma-Gorath replied, the innuendo clear to him. After a minute or two, he moved upright.

Morrigan had so far spent a good two hours in her throne room on the Demon World's state business, but things were currently quiet.

"Alright, what's next?" she asked while the serpent attendant slithered away.

A horned giant with light skin stepped forward. "There's been a report of a riot in the Adu village. The recent Infinity Stone events have made the people doubt your ability to defend them from such things."

"I'm afraid they're right," Morrigan admitted. She was pensive for a moment. "I'll go alone to calm it tomorrow morning. That will hopefully reassure the villagers."

"Understood," the horned giant said. "A man from the mortal realm has arrived, and he has requested an audience. His name is literally Strange."

"Hmm, Doctor Strange? Send him in," Morrigan said. The servant left to fetch him.

Stephen's eyes scanned the room briefly, on edge for potential threats. He saw the succubus on her throne, garbed in a white shirt and red pants.

"Why this surprise visit?" Morrigan asked as the Sorcerer Supreme approached the throne. "I doubt it's a social call, Please be direct. I'm busy."

"I've heard talk that Shuma-Gorath has been visiting this plane, and I want to know if this is true," Stephen said.

"My guests are my business, Doctor Strange," Morrigan returned, smirking. "Speaking of personal business, chasing gossip doesn't sound like yours."

"Very true," Stephen admitted. "However, I prefer to be overzealous than allow another Convergence to happen."

"I guess that's a sensible habit," Morrigan said. "Well, you can relax. Shuma-Gorath has visited, yes, but just for social calls."

Shock briefly filled his face, a sight Morrigan smiled at. "In that case, I'll take my leave. Thank you for your time." The good doctor teleported away.

"I suppose that's it for now," Morrigan remarked, then looked to the horned attendant. "What's next?"

Chapter Text

Another week had gone by since their sparring match, a mundane span of time for both. Even the event Shuma-Gorath expected, a visit from Strange, didn't come to pass. They had returned to her bedroom now.

Morrigan's chest heaved while she rested. "I think I'm satisfied for now."

"Happy to hear it," Shuma-Gorath replied. "Anyway, I've been thinking about things to do today. Perhaps a trip to the mortal plane?"

Morrigan got off the bed. "I'm convinced." The shadows quickly created her white shirt and red pants.

"Have you ever been anywhere beyond Earth?" Shuma-Gorath asked, which she denied. "To put it this way, Earth isn't even in its galaxy's top twenty of fun planets."

Morrigan pondered. "I'll like to save those for later. Patience and all that."

"If you say so. I should try to blend in, then," Shuma-Gorath replied indifferently, then began to change.

Four of the tentacles turned into human arms and legs, while the rest retracted. The ball contracted into the shape of a human male torso. A head sprouted atop, with two green eyes and short blond hair.

Shuma-Gorath fumbled with his new fingers but quickly managed to snap. A black shirt and pair of jeans were on him.

Morrigan went to her bed stand, took her wallet out, then looked at him. "Ready."

Shuma-Gorath smiled. "Have you any particular locations in mind?"

"Perhaps New York?" Morrigan suggested. "They have a rather pleasant game shop there, close to a library."

Shuma-Gorath mulled it over. "I believe that Doctor Strange or some other superhero would interrupt this trip."

"I suppose you're right," Morrigan said, recalling the unpleasantness with Mister Wilson. "Still, I'm not very familiar with America beyond that. Perhaps that New Jersey place?"

"Certainly," he said, willing them there.

She saw her surroundings change instantly, into a bit of parkland, with waters on both sides and the Hudson skyscraper in the distance.

"Morrigan Aensland, welcome to the fair city of New Jersey," Shuma-Gorath said in his best announcer's voice. "May it be to our liking."

"Indeed," Morrigan agreed, smirking.

Unknown to both, over in New York City, Stephen Strange saw and heard several magical alarms go off. The good doctor paled at the realization that Shuma-Gorath had returned.

Back in Jersey City, the pair teleported further on. A fairly unremarkable street met their eyes this time.

"Now, there should be a public city map around here," Shuma-Gorath said while looking at the left end of the street, then to the right. He saw none. "Not here, at least. Perhaps we can ask one of the locals for directions."

"Yes, perhaps," Morrigan agreed, then took a look around. She spotted a certain teenage girl a bit down the sidewalk, who was staring back at them. "Excuse me, miss, can we have a moment of your time?" she called out.

"Uh, sure," Kamala replied while the pair walked up to her. She tried to not look at Morrigan's prominent cleavage, and instead at her odd hair. "What do you need?"

"We are tourists and would like to visit one of our videogame stores," Morrigan explained. "Could you be so kind and point us in the right direction?"

"Oh, I'm actually going to Gamestop too, so I can take you," Kamala answered, a bashful smile rising on her face. "It's just a few blocks away," she pointed to the left end of the street.

This motley trio began their jaunt over there. It was around the first block that Kamala asked a question.

"So, you two teleported here. Are you from space?" she asked without breaking stride.

"Not quite, although the answer may sour the mood," Shuma-Gorath answered simply. "Let us not continue this topic."

Kamala stopped dead. "Okay, now I think I really should ask. Who are you two?"

Morrigan smirked at the chance for fun, while Shuma-Gorath frowned.

"Very well. This is Morrigan from the plane of existence called Makai," Shuma-Gorath told Kamala, who looked uncertainly at Morrigan. "I am her traveling companion, Shuma-Gorath."

"Quite true," Morrigan affirmed and extended her hand. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, miss...?" she left the question hanging.

"I'm Kamala Khan," she introduced herself and shook Morrigan's hand. "Well, welcome to Earth. But, now I kinda have another question."

"Curiosity is no crime," Morrigan answered. "I presume it is something along the lines of 'why go to the mortal realm for videogames'? Simple, I enjoy these things."

"Oh, okay," Kamala said.

"I also have a question," Shuma-Gorath said. "Why is this store called GameStop if they profit from people continuing to buy their games?"

Kamala didn't know and proceeded to tell him so. "I... don't know, actually. I've never thought about it."

The group quickly resumed their walk and arrived at the Gamestop shortly. It took ten minutes or so to make their purchases. Morrigan had found a copy of Mario Kart 8 interesting while Kamala had been after the Pokemon World game.

"Seems time to part ways," Shuma-Gorath said to Kamala. "Be well, Kamala Khan of Earth."

Almost without warning, Kamala saw Morrigan and Shuma-Gorath vanish. "Huh."

Morrigan and Shuma-Gorath reappeared in her game room. She quickly added it to her collection and invited him to visit again in a few days, which he accepted.

Shuma-Gorath began to change into his favored form, sprouting his tentacles, opening a crimson eye in his human torso.

"Care to play this with me?" she asked, once he was finishing.

"Not at the moment, I'm afraid," he answered. "I bid you goodbye, Morrigan. Sleep beckons."

Curiosity came over her at that, but he vanished before she could utter a word. She shrugged it off.

A few hours later, Morrigan had gotten around to state matters.

"Next order of business is Adu," the serpent attendant said. "The latest word is that there is still dissatisfaction. Nothing violent, though."

"I see," Morrigan replied, pondering what else to do. "Let it simmer down for now, as I can't think of any other solutions."

"Alright," Baal said. It was well known that their queen was no diplomat. "Next is that bandits have been raiding the supply lines to the Tagar town."

Morrigan took a moment to think. "Any word on their numbers? Or any details that seem important?"

"No, milady," Baal answered. "They seem just typical bandits, according to the messenger."

"In that case, reinforcements will do," Morrigan replied. "Let us continue."

"A letter arrived from Belial University," Baal replied, picking it off the table to hand to her.

Morrigan accepted it and opened it. It read that the scholars had made great strides in studying these Splinter Realms, what other noteworthy demons occupied this new universe, and were preparing a book in case of need for one.

"I see," she said indifferently. "Anything else?"

"No, this was everything for today," Baal replied.

Morrigan stood up from her throne without a word. In short order, she had left the Aensland castle and gone north to the barracks, where a four-armed giant with blue skin had greeted her.

"How can we be of service, Lady Aensland?" Botis asked.

"There seems some trouble out in Tagar," Morrigan replied. "I want to deploy a hundred soldiers to help their defenses, and another hundred to hunt some bandits in the region. Would that be a problem?"

"Not at all," Botis replied sternly. "In fact, I have just the fellows. Some of my new recruits could use field experience."

"It all works out, then," Morrigan commented, pleased. Silence reigned for a moment. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"I would have reported such," Botis replied succinctly. "Nonetheless, I appreciate your interest, your majesty."

Morrigan smiled. "Very good."

She turned away and flapped her wings, taking flight towards her home.

Chapter Text

Another two weeks had passed since the shopping trip. Shuma-Gorath had paid three visits to the Demon World in that time, with another battle being a highlight among them.

Morrigan was held up in the air, tentacles wrapped around her limbs and left breast. Her desperate moans filled the bedroom while the tentacles filled her good.

"Are you satisfied yet?" Shuma-Gorath asked. Moans were her only answer. "A true succubus, I see."

Morrigan's voice rose to a joyful sigh, and delight beyond words surged through her. Shuma-Gorath ceased his movement, to let her catch her breath.

Shuma-Gorath resumed soon. A mere minute was all it took before Morrigan cried out again. "My mouth, in my throat!"

Shuma-Gorath was quick to comply, eagerly shoving a tendril into her mouth. He felt her tongue lick hungrily, an unusual greeting.

Their new session was finished soon, as was Morrigan. The elder god let her down on the bed .

Her chest heaved for sweet air. A weary smile graced the demon queen's face. Her breath slowed steadily, and she began to feel her sweat.

"Your skill keeps improving. I think I'm quite satisfied for now," she told him.

"I am pleased to hear that," he answered while she got off the bed.

"You're welcome to take a look around while I take a bath," she offered him.

"No, I think I will take my leave," he replied, and vanished without a hint of magical effect.

The elder god instantly emerged into his lower plane, a subspace of the universe that he had... corrupted, perhaps. Its atmosphere would kill a normal human who set foot here.

A corridor of bookcases met his eye. The bookcases all had ten shelves and were filled aplenty. The corridor led further into a left and right paths onward.

Shuma-Gorath began floating forward, idly perusing his collection. A Shi'ar history volume caught his eye, and he telekinetically picked it up.

While he mentally flipped the pages, his thoughts wandered to and fro. "What next... perhaps plan conquering this universe? No, all in due time."

Shuma-Gorath turned another page, and spent a moment on reading. "Perhaps I might redesign my human form, if ever I have need."

Another few minutes passed before Shuma-Gorath returned the book to its spot. He perused a few philosophy books next, from Earth and elsewhere.

An hour had passed since Shuma-Gorath had left the Makai dimension.

Morrigan was seated on her throne, garbed in a white shirt and red pants. Her servants Lucien and Mundo were with her, along with a small line of visitors.

"Next, please," Morrigan called for.

A purple woman stepped forward. She was of unremarkable height and had a third arm on her left side, watching Morrigan with four crimson eyes. She was garbed in white clothes.

"I'm a messenger from the Adu village," Zabotis reported. "Things have calmed, but we'd like to have some reinforcements just in case. What do you command?"

Morrigan pursed her lips. "I will deploy one-or-two-hundred soldiers, but I also want them reserved for defensive action. Is that agreeable with your regent?"

Zabotis wasn't convinced. "It is, your majesty." She turned to take her leave.

On Morrigan's right, Lucien smiled. "Belial would be proud to see you so diligent."

The next visitor was a serpentine woman with blue scales. Three golden eyes were set on her face. "I am Crocell, Lady Aensland, a messenger from the proud city Hadena. My report is simply that peace reigns in my home."

Morrigan smiled. "Ah, easy business. Always a relief."

Crocell departed the throne room, while Morrigan gave Lucien a curious look.

"Remind me, where is Hadena again?" she inquired. "So many places to keep track of."

"Second city in the east," Lucien reported. "Roughly one-hundred-fifty kilometers away. Shall I prepare the maps for you?"

Morrigan was silent for a moment. "Yes, Lucien, please do. Thank you for your service, as always." Lucien returned a smile, and headed to the left stairs.

The next visitor was a yellow-skinned muscular man, dressed only in purple pants.

"Salutations, Lady Aensland," the yellow man greets. "I am Zago, and I have been sent here to give an invitation. Count Karna of Balam is getting married, you see. What be your answer?"

Morrigan smiled. "Give the happy couple my congratulations, and that I will gladly attend. When is it?"

"Next year on the 18th of June," Zago answered.

Morrigan looked to Mudo, who spoke before she could ask, "Take note, I shall, milady." The one-eyed demon quickly wrote it down.

Zago turned and departed. In turn, another creature stepped in — a dress-garbed gray woman with two heads, side by side. A pair of jet-black feathery wings jutted from her back.

"Greetings, Lady Aensland," Raga said, a little bit nervous to see Morrigan. "Countess Zabotis of Tagar has sent me to notify you that Tagar's bandit problem is settled. The reinforcements are ready to return on your command."

Morrigan mulled it over briefly. "Please deliver this message from me. The soldiers has one week's leave in Tagar, before they are expected to return to the barracks. Is that understood?"

"Yes, your majesty," she replied, then left like the others.

The next arrival was a blue-skinned man garbed in red-and-white formal robes. A curving pair of orange horns jutted from his temples, while two scarlet eyes looked coldly at the succubus on the throne.

Morrigan recognized him at once. "You are Gaap Voshtal, if memory serves. The youngest son of Galnan, and alone today."

"That's correct," Gaap said neutrally. "Let's cut to business. I have been sent to negotiate the House of Voshtal becoming vassals to the Aenslands."

Morrigan frowned. "Vassal status. That's... a bit unexpected, although I'll be happy to accept it."

Gaap sighed. "As you may know, the Voshtal house has fallen behind while the Dohma clan is burdened by Jedah's absence. As such, we think our best best is serving your house, for compensation."

"I see," Morrigan answered indifferently. It had been a while she checked up on the rival families. "I'm available for discussing terms this evening. I hope we can reach an agreement."

"So do I," he agreed, allowing a mild smile.

Morrigan looked to a random servant. "Please escort Sir Voshtal to a guest bedroom. And I mean an actual guest bedroom, not a cell."

"Of course milady," the servant agreed, then gestured towards a doorway on the room's right side.

Gaap followed her to the door, and the servent opened for him. They were soon out of sight.

"Sure of this, are you?" Mudo asked in his oddball way. "Rivals of the Aenslands, the Voshtals have long been."

"I see the risk of this being a trick, Mudo," she assured him. "If this is genuine, then we've pacified one of the two rival families. If it isn't, then nothing changes."

Mudo was mostly appeased by that. "Trust in you, I shall."

Morrigan smiled, then turned to the line. "Will the next one please step forward?"

In such fashion went the next hour of Morrigan's life. Once the last visitor had departed, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"I will never understand how father handled this routine," she complained to Mudo.

Mudo smiled apologetically. "Learn for centuries, Belial did. Also in time, you shall."

Morrigan rose from her seat. "I will be taking my rest, Mudo. If any arrivals drop by, instruct them to return tomorrow."

Without waiting for a reply, she walked away from the throne-room. Mudo bowed slightly, then watched his queen take her leave.

Chapter Text

Another two weeks had passed since the previous chapter's events. In that time had Shuma-Gorath paid her another four visits, of which two involved a rich amount of contact. The demon queen had held a dinner with Gaap Voshtal and scheduled another talk.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Doctor Strange had continued pondering the situation and concluded to watch for now. Neither of them knew of it; hadn't cared to keep an eye on him.

Come to here and now, Morrigan was enthralled in Mario Kart in her game room. She laid in a bean-bag chair, savoring the respite from her queen's work. While she crossed the goal line with Luigi for the second time, he appeared silently in the air behind her.

The elder god watched the succubus patiently while she finished the 100cc race. The succubus... didn't notice the actual Lovecraftian monster in the room.

Morrigan gasped slightly when she noticed him... finally, then smirked. "Ah, welcome, Shuma-Gorath. Have you enjoyed watching me for long?"

"Only briefly. I apologize if I am intruding," he replied, calmly. "You specified today, and I have arrived."

Morrigan smiled. "You are, but never mind that. What might we do today?"

SG answered promptly. "I propose something less carefree than usual, the destruction of the Infinity Stones."

"Agreed," she replied coldly. After the trouble they caused her realm, she would gladly dispose of them. "Where do we start?"

Shuma-Gorath seemed amused at the question. "It is not a matter of collecting them. I have done this already."

He raised a tentacle, opening a part of his flesh to reveal the fabled jewels. Morrigan's eyes widened at the powerful sextet.

"An efficient worker, I see. Then why come to me?" she questioned him.

"I ask you to stand guard while I do the deed," he clarified. "These items are powerful indeed, and their destruction will require my full attention, in event that somebody like Thanos should decide to strike."

Morrigan smirked at the answer. "You ask the queen of all Demon World to be your guard? If I wasn't so patient and sweet, I might call you arrogant." She indulged her ego a bit.

Shuma-Gorath rolled his eye. "After two months of socializing, I should think we have something of a friendship, Morrigan."

Morrigan's smile softened. "We do. I'll help you."

"Thank you," he said, then focused on the task before him.

Morrigan watched as his red eye glowed a fiery crimson, while the six gems glowed brightly back at him. A few seconds of the light show turned into a minute, which in turn became five minutes...

And those minutes became almost twenty minutes before the light faded from the stones.

"Is it done?" she asked him while inspecting the gems.

"It is," he answers, willing them to fade away. Like so, they glowed green while dissolving into fading dust. "The Infinity Stones have met their end despite their pompous name."

She smiled. "Good riddance. This kind of jewelry is too exotic for even my tastes."

"Agreed," he said, and eventually continued. "Anyway, let us return to more lighthearted business, Morrigan."

She chuckled at that. "This from the elder god of unimaginable evil... I'd love to."

He pondered a moment. "Perhaps a sojourn to the planet Zundall in the mortal plane? They have a fine mountain range there. Or perhaps you prefer carnal pleasure first?"

"Perhaps," she answered, smiling.

Silence reigned for a moment, then Shuma-Gorath spoke again. "I find myself growing fond of you, Morrigan. I would like to be your lover, sudden as the proposition may be."

Morrigan's face tinged pink. "Being fond of me is only natural, I'd say. That said, I'm open to trying it."

Shuma-Gorath looked amused. "I am pleased to hear this, in part because you look exceptionally adorable in this moment."

Morrigan smirked despite her blush. "A bit obvious with the flattery, aren't we?"

"Yes, but do I speak false?" he returned slyly, to which she said nothing.

The pair soon headed off to her bedroom. An hour and more passed... and not quietly... and the result was her lying exhausted on her bed.

Her raspy breaths was the only sound that filled the room. Shuma-Gorath watched her neutrally.

"I believe we should discuss terms like reasonable people," he said eventually. "What do you desire from a lover, Morrigan?"

She gave him a bashful smile. "Just a kind and patient soul, I suppose. Honestly, I haven't had many lovers before." Her smile grew into a smirk. "Of course, I expect stamina too."

The elder god scoffed, amused. "Humility aside, I believe I can satisfy those three criteria. I am going to try, at least."

Morrigan smiled earnestly. "I'm happy to hear that. On the same note, what do you desire from me?"

"Your company and loyalty," he answered her. "Trivial as they may seem, yes. You do not need to make any grand gesture."

She sighed in relief. "I can definitely provide that, Shuma-Gorath."

The new lovers slipped back into pleasant silence. Neither seemed about to lift it.

Shuma-Gorath spoke eventually. "I feel inclined to make a statement. If you ever doubt my sincerity for any reason, then..."

"You are Morrigan Aensland, and I have come to see you as hedonistic, good-hearted, a devoted queen to your people," he listed solemnly. "I like those things about you."

Morrigan's face flushed again, and she smiled. "Thank you, Shuma-Gorath." Her smile soon turned mischievous. "Anyway, we lost track of our next trip, didn't we? This Zundall place, was it?"

Shuma-Gorath raised a tendril, and they changed surroundings in an instant. As for what followed, well... the narrator decided that it was a story for never.

Chapter Text

A week had passed since their leisure trip to Zundall, and in that time had the elder god visited the demon queen another three times. Nothing major had happened there, just her taking pleasure and the couple playing games.

Meanwhile across the universe and its linked sub-dimensions, a handful of entities had observed or heard about Shuma-Gorath collecting the Stones. The general mood was concern for what it might mean.

For Doctor Strange, the very idea was pants-wettingly horrible, and had driven him to panic for ten minutes before Wong and Clea had calmed him.

For Dormammu and Umar, the incident raised a question — was he planning an invasion? This answer made the most sense to the siblings.

For Eternity, the incident was no cause for concern.

Shuma-Gorath was oblivious to their ponderings, however, for he was currently in his lower plane of this universe and personal library.

He floated in smaller form and a corridor of bookshelves. A red-bound copy of Nietzsche's Beyond Good And Evil was telekinetically suspended before him, opened to the middle part.

Minutes passed silently while he flipped its pages. His train of thought arrived at a question to ponder — moral reformation. "I can well see the writing on the wall."

In recent millennia had he learned the value to common sense and decency, how "benevolent godhood" was both the rational and moral course. Mortals were naturally more willing to bargain with an honest and dependable god.

Now that Morrigan the fun and sweet was in his life, he had one more reason to change his ways. Melodramatic as it sounded to even him, a good woman's love might help redeem the monster.

Years ago to Earth-616's Doctor Strange, he mused, he had proudly called himself evil and patient. These days, he was not sure anymore.

The elder god continued his ponderings on the topic of reformation, minutes slipping by like sand.

Eventually, a male voice registered to him. "Master, I must insist on your attention."

Shuma-Gorath looked left to see one of his many servants — Dagoth, a pink fish-man who only wore a loincloth.

"Speak. Why have you come to me?" Shuma-Gorath instructed.

"I have come to do my job as your assistant, Master," Dagoth said rhetorically, earning a pointed look from Shuma. "Firstly, it has been almost four months since you last visited your latest universe. To refresh your memory if needed, I speak of the one with elf gods."

Shuma-Gorath looked indifferent. "I will go there in a week or so. What is next?"

Dagoth continued. "Secondly, it has also been a few months since your visit to the twenty-sixth universe. The one with Prince Koenma.

"Understood," Shuma-Gorath said. "I shall pay him sometime this month, then."

Dagoth studied him for a moment. "I believe that will be all, if you would prefer a day of rest."

Shuma-Gorath gave no answer, so Dagoth soon shuffled off to resume his prior business. With that, the elder god resumed his reading.

While Shuma-Gorath was busy with his thoughts, Morrigan had made another trip to the mortal world and the Earth.

Now, Morrigan was outside her favored Gamestop with her latest goods. She faced a particular familiar face — a buff guy dressed in a red leather coat and black jeans, who carried a great sword. The man's identity was obvious.

"Hello, Dante," Morrigan greeted lightly.

"Yeah, hi," Dante said nonchalantly. "We kinda need to talk." If the situation was just one-tenth as bad as Strange had told him, even he didn't want to make jokes. "About Shuma-Gorath. The hell are you thinking?"

Morrigan just smiled back. "I think a few thing about him, if you must know. Among others, he's fortunately not as weak as many men I've known in the past."

Dante resisted the urge to laugh. "Yeah, that one tracks. Anyway, I have one major question. You know what he's like, right?"

Morrigan scoffed. "Assuming you mean "do I know the horror stories of his tyranny and conquests", then yes. I've also learned that he can be quite a gentleman, actually."

Dante looked mildly surprised. "Huh, really?" It wasn't new to him on paper. Both before and after the Convergence, he'd met a few monsters who seemed nice. "Well, since you know the risk, fair enough. Anyway, a minor question... seriously? You're banging a squid?"

Morrigan chuckled. "Don't sound so surprised, Dante. You know what I am."

Dante indeed did — a succubus, a demon of the highest order. Morrigan wasn't human even if she looked it.

The son of Sparda shrugged his shoulders. "Well, you know him better than me. If you think he's a good partner, I don't know enough to dispute it."

Morrigan's smile softened. "Honestly, I think he might be a good influence on me. I don't feel that much like pursuing strangers anymore, can you imagine? Actual loyalty from me!"

Dante smirked. "That one doesn't surprise. Whatever your crimes and flaws, you do have some decency."

"Thank you," Morrigan replied lightly. "Anyway, if that will be all, I'd like to go home now, Dante."

"Have a nice trip," Dante returned simply, in no rush to fight her.

Aside from Morrigan being kind-of a friend... he didn't much like his chances in single combat. Ten percent was pushing it.

Back in Shuma-Gorath's sub-dimension, the elder god was still reading. About an hour had passed since Morrigan had met Dante and returned to the Demon World.

In the corner of his Unblinking Eye, Shuma-Gorath noticed Dagoth once more. "What business is there now?"

"It is your sister," Dagoth reported. "Shathra has arrived, and she awaits you outside."

Shuma-Gorath's eye gleamed curiously at this news, and telekinetically closed and returned the book.

The starfish quickly made his away through the library and outside into the wasteland. There... there Shuma-Gorath saw an insectoid titaness.

A creature who seemed a mixture of insect and human woman — an obsidian and slender body, with six moth-like wings on her back. Mandibles sprouted from her jaw and feelers from her forehead. A mane of black hair grew from her head, while her arms ended in three-clawed hands. The titaness's eyes blazed white, in contrast to her hide.

"Hello, brother," Shathra greeted dryly. "I am vexed with you. Why did I hear about your new lover from mere gossip-tellerszz?"

Shuma-Gorath sighed. "My primary reason, Shathra, that I had planned to tell you in a year or two when I was more certain of the prospects. Secondly, I delayed to avoid your sure teasings."

"Such is my right," Shathra returned smugly. "In all sincerity, brother, I am happy for you."

"Thank you," Shuma-Gorath said. "But anyway, has truly a mere romance of a few months made multiversal gossip?" he questioned her.

"You are Shuma-Gorath the conqueror," Shathra pointed out. "Everything you do becomes multiversal gossip."

Shuma-Gorath was well aware of that. None of his conquests were small work, after all. "I suppose so. To change the topic, what news from your life?"

Shathra's face darkened. "An indignity, Shuma-Gorath. Six weekszz ago, I was defeated by a legion of Spiderszz and a mere human Peter Parker. I was so close to multiversal conquest."

"My apologies," Shuma-Gorath said mildly. "I should have liked to see you triumph, even if it threatens my own work."

Shathra sighed, then inhaled. "Be that as it may, my business here is your new courtship. I would know more, what about her makes you happy?"

Shuma-Gorath's eye softened. "Morrigan is... simply fun and sweet to socialize with. These are two of her charming qualities."

"I should like to meet her someday," Shathra replied. "And soon."

"I will gladly schedule a meeting for you two," Shuma-Gorath returned. "Will you be staying in this universe long?"

The conversation carried on for a brief while further, and the narrator decided to cut things short here.