The altar wasn't anything special. Just a circle of smooth river stones around a mound where corn husks were buried. A small woven stalk sprouting up made from corn silk. Igor slit his wrist and offered blood, while I just put my hand on the mound. I felt a warmth under the dirt, one that pulled me into it. My body went limp, as I was pulled into the domain of the Corn god.

His mighty stalk rose above the heavens, with thick leaves catching the eternal sun. Creeks babbled, as a soft wind rustled through the fields. I could not see the head, but I felt that was the point. I looked around, unable to find the snake. My mouth felt dry, as I continued to look. Corn didn't say anything to me, just standing there with his head in the clouds.

I went to the creek, drinking a little before trying to find some kind of sunning rock. Some trace of that cranky old snake. A familiar voice came from all around, "Are you looking for something?"

"Yeah, where's Jorm?" He hated that name, it would make him come out and start strangling me by the neck. The domain just wasn't complete without him.

"Ah, he's tending to his flock. Why would you be looking for them?"

I sat down on the grass with a sigh of relief, "I was worried they'd disappear or something. Something fucky happened."

"Yes, the moon changed color. I understand your concern now. Did you want to ask questions?"

Looking up at the clouds, I nodded. "Kinda, a purple cat gave me an idea. Just wanted to run it by you." I laid down, feeling roots crawl over me. Corn was taking a look at my thoughts and memories. It was calming, even though it really shouldn't be.

Only a moment passed before those roots receded. "It is, as they say, the universe is a fractured thing that is rebuilt multiple times. Older gods, such as myself, can perceive these changes and keep themselves from being affected. Yet, the younger ones aren't quite so fortunate. Though I doubt you care about the perspective of a divine entity."

"Not really, if you can't stop it, then what's the point in me trying?" I closed my eyes.

"The point would be that you tried. To attempt and fail will teach you something, versus the ignorance of having never tried. Though yes, you will fail."

"Thanks, that's so much better." I bit back. "Can you protect my family at least?"

"I cannot, they would have to live on the fields like Igor. Though even if he is caught outside, his name will change as you've witnessed before. Take what solace you can in the fact that your memories will not change beyond what little things never mattered to you before. Names of a restaurant, the color of the moon, the smell of the air around you. It will always change, yet you are cursed to realize when things have changed."

"Why is this happening exactly? What kind of monster is stronger than you?"

"The reasons a change like this happens will vary. Say nuclear armageddon is unleashed. There are gods that don't want that to happen, so they break the veil and destroy the bombs. Everything has changed, the world lurches and makes an alternate. The force of these outcomes has created a schism where multiples of the same gods exist. It is a very messy situation, yet none of us know which universe we should inhabit. Which one will continue to exist? Some start to break apart, while others are knitted back together. It's never quite right."

"You're saying humans caused this?" I looked at the ears of corn in the field.

"Sometimes, a particularly incensed goose could as well. All that needs to happen is a major event of some kind. A goose killing a god counts. Gods fighting each other, humans creating world peace, discovering aliens, and so many things. The universe is alive and it makes more of itself. Multiple instances, all shifting and changing with no one outcome ever being correct."

I sat up, "The multiverse is real, then?"

"That is the name of a concept your former kin made up. Though it fits, it is both more complex and simple. There is an exception to everything, if it exists then it must be acknowledged. These are some concepts, but mere words lack a proper way to express the ideas I wish to share."

I crossed my arms, "You're pulling the, 'I'm a god card.'" I lowered my voice, "Mortals cannot comprehend the thoughts I hold, nor the events I am beholden to."

"Please, imagine a new color for me." I pursed my lips at the order. It was impossible, even as my head started to hurt. "You may stop now." I let out a pained sigh, "I have taken much from you, but I will have your respect on these topics. In certain ideas, you need a foundation to comprehend the significance. Red is red, but how do you describe it? I could, but that would take years of reciting a specific set of phrases and ideas to impress the idea. Yet, that will pale to actually seeing the color for the first time."

"I get it, and thanks for not hurting me too much there." I rubbed my temple.

"You are welcome, as I was saying; the concept of the multiverse is close enough to say it is what is happening. Cycles repeat themselves, different outcomes lead to new instances, and realms above and below shift as new rules are enforced and changed. Existence is flawed, but it is those flaws that allow it to continue. Entire pockets cease to be, with countless lives lost. Others are birthed with more than that loss. All that exists is alive, except those parts that are not."

"Cool, but how is this relevant?" I stood up and stretched, noticing my missing hand. "Could you fix this?" I held it up to Corn.

"I could, but it is better to let it regrow naturally. It will also teach you an important lesson."

"Like not to interrupt beings stronger than yourself?" I smirked.

"And, others." A sigh washed over the field. "This is all relevant because it helps to express the understanding that I cannot go against all that exists. It is near impossible to go against yourself and the other forces behind them. It has happened before, but that is why I say there are always exceptions. It is not something I can help you with, but you could do it."

"Why can't you help me?" I asked.

"I have tried and failed. I do not know what I did wrong, so by giving you aid I will stain your attempts. It is likely the way all those that failed will feel the same. I will tell you that the vessels know how to achieve their goals but never let their servants tread these fields. Some of them will eat gods, while others will invite disaster. You might be spared, by virtue of not being a divine being. That is the one order you must always follow."

"Don't bring servants to whatever a vessel is, here. Got it. Is there anything else, Corn?"

"No, nothing beyond protecting the fields. I have more memories for you to witness, but I will not force you to go through them. They may prove useful. Though, it is ultimately your choice."

"How long will it take?" I asked a little wary.

"Another year of your immortal life. You do not need to start now, you can begin when you are ready. I do suggest going out on Halloween and mingling with other creatures. It is the one day when the veil is lifted to the extent that all monsters may interact with each other. Make some friends, and let them become allies in your time of need. Learn all that you can, and become stronger. I shall be watching."

"Thanks, I guess this means that time is up?" I was starting to feel a bit suffocated. Guess an hour was my limit before Corn's presence started to whittle away at my soul.

"Yes, I will be here should you need me. Goodbye, for now."

I woke up, my good hand still in the mound. Igor was still praying. I clasped him on the back, "The lord says you're doing great, bud." I got up and walked to the shed while Igor made happy noises. It was unsettling to hear a grown man make those sounds, but it wasn't my problem. I held out my arm, as Joe landed on it. "Did you come up with a plan?" He asked.

"Not really, first I'm going to make an even better scarecrow. Then I'll ask Igor for a map. Finally, we'll figure something out after that."

"You want me to watch while you're doing this?" He cawed, probably ready to be bored to tears.

"I work better with an extra set of eyes. You might notice something I miss. Do you have anything better to do?" I laughed after opening the door.

"Not really, but if you pass out during it I'm leaving. I'll find something better."

"Fair." I set him down on the chair and got to work. A few hours passed and I managed to make one with a retractable blade. Spares were just nice to have. Everything felt right when I checked it, and night had come once again. The burner phone started to ring. I answered, "Hey, what's up?"

"Crow, good to hear from ya." Logan said, "Got a small job, if yer interested."

I looked at Joe, "Might be, but you need to give me something to work with. Why do you need me for this job?"

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Logan let out a small sigh, "We're grabbing parts from the junkyard. Problem is that it's in Coon territory. I'd like someone able to fight to help watch the others. Depending on how much the boys bring back, I'll pay you. What do you say?"

"Are you expecting there to be a fight?"

"It's always possible whenever we go there. We're low on manpower and I think they know it. So they'll be poking their heads in places they shouldn't. It should be safe for you and the boys, but I can't send them there without some kind of backup."

I looked right at Joe, "Can I bring some crows?"

"Yeah, if you want. Might as well light some torches and tell them you're there. Though they don't know you, so you could talk to them. Just try to be careful. Will you be going, or not?"

"Sure, I'll talk to them. At the very least, I'll make sure everyone makes it home alright. Send me the address and time. I'll let you know when I can get there."

He hung up and texted it to me. Joe was looking at me, "Why are we going?" If a crow could scowl.

"I don't have anything planned for after making this body. It'll keep Logan out of hot water with his girl, and who knows? The vampires might help us later." I put on the finishing touches.

"We don't owe them anything, they attacked you first." He flew to the table, hopping back and forth. Doing the crow equivalent of pacing.

"I like helping people, plus this seems familiar to me. Not sure why." Eyelids! I needed eyelids, I wouldn't be able to squint without them. I got to work on the most important accessory.

Joe stopped and cocked his head at me. "This is different, my crew was starving and we were in a terrible spot. They, those vampires, aren't doing terribly. We attacked you, sure, but their initial goal was to capture and enslave you."

"You don't have to come," I countered.

He did a few hops, before pecking my backup body. "Might want to put a brain in this one."

I tapped my temple, "What's the point of that? It's not how smart you are, but how you use what you know. We'll check on everyone tomorrow night, I kind of need a break from the emotional stuff."

"Fine," Joe agreed. I smiled at him, glad to have him helping me.

The door opened, "What did the lord tell you?" Igor was sweating bullets for some reason. "He gave me a vision of motorcycles in the forest, how to find them! I don't understand."

"Ah, well our lord said I should try making more friends. The cold undead that doesn't eat corn and all that, I might need a ride to one of them." I rubbed the back of my head. "Do you mind giving me a ride? I kinda need to get out there tonight."

Igor clasped his hands together in prayer, looking up at the ceiling. "Gladly! I'll get the truck ready, right away." He rushed off.

Joe squinted, making me super jealous, "Really?"

"Look, if Corn gave Igor a vision, who am I to not play along? It makes the man happy, and now I can get one of those bikes. I also think Igor wants to do more than just watch the fields. Driving me some places and making extra bodies probably helps him more than I think. Are you ready?"

"Fine." He cawed, hopping on my shoulder as soon as I put the tools down.

Walking outside, I felt the biting chill in the air. Igor revved his truck, as Joe called his crew. I hopped into the back, getting under the tarp with the crows so they could stay warm. With that, we were off. It was pretty quick, I got out after a bumpy ride and got on the motorcycle. After a quick drive home, we went to the next spot. It would be helpful to have one close by. Night was approaching as I rode into town on my bike.

Joe and his crew flew overhead, heading towards the junkyard. Just a bit away from the main parts of town, a spot where dump trucks hauled the refuse and people dropped furniture and stuff that didn't work anymore. We didn't have a recycling plant, but we did have a landfill and this little junkyard full of metal stuff. It even had a compactor for the things that were too damaged. I had been here before with dad once when we needed a new couch.

We had been hurting for money a little back then. I parked my bike, then texted Logan that I was on site. He let me know that the sun wouldn't be down for another thirty minutes, so I started exploring tetanus alley. The rusted bits of metal sticking out of the ground, as the dirt was basically wiped off all growth thanks to whatever leeched into the ground. There was a guy that owned the place, but he was ancient and barely came outside. At least from what I heard, I checked the moon, not sure if that changed.

Logan texted that it'd probably take an hour before anyone showed up. Which was the point, Joe's crew flew around the scrap, grabbing whatever caught their eye. If the trash pandas were coming, they'd see me before any of the vampires showed up. I didn't have to wait long as a set of masked eyes glared at me from behind some metal fencing. The little guy only came up to my knee at most. He bit the fence, baring his teeth at me.

I gave a small wave, "Can you talk?" I walked over, squatting down. The little guy started to growl, as I tapped the wire fence. Why would he be outside if he wanted to defend this place? The thought crossed my mind as one of the crows cried out. I turned around to see a huge bear with a raccoon's trademark mask. I noticed the ringed tail behind him, realizing it was a really big trash panda. Easily twice my size, as he held one of Joe's crows.

The crow dropped the bolt it had taken in its beak, as I held my hands up. "I just wanted to talk." The crow he was holding flapped weakly, as the others pelted the big guy with the metal bits they picked up.

He just growled, "Leave, we don't have time to deal with you." He tossed the crow up into the air, as Joe swooped down to help right the poor guy.

"Seems like you're waiting for someone else to come." It didn't take a genius to see that this was a setup. I pulled out my phone and texted 'Coons, do not come,' to Logan.

The giant lumbered over, "Who are you texting?" He growled, demanding to know the answer.

I broke my phone in half before he could snatch it away from me. "A friend, I might even tell you if we can chat."

He grabbed me by the throat, squeezing so hard that I couldn't talk. "You are in our territory, festering one, it would be wise to stop playing your games."

Tilting my head, I rested my elbow on his forearm. I couldn't exactly reply in this situation. Yet, he seemed to get that I wasn't going to be intimidated.

There was the sound of fabric tearing as my head was severed. My body went limp as he tossed me into the scrap pile with the rest. Joe and his crows cried out. The werecoon was walking away, as I stretched my threads to scuttle back to my body. I reattached myself, getting up and rubbing my neck. Mister Angry stopped, then turned around slowly.

I coughed a little, "Gonna take more than that to put me down, bud. Now, we can talk this out, or I can fight you. The choice is yours." I took up a fighting stance.

Angry laughed, "You can't even hurt me, but I'll be sure to tear you apart better this time." He flexed his arms, cracking his neck. "Come then."

"Don't blink, or you're gonna miss it." The giant laughed as I bravely turned and ran deeper into the scrapyard.

"Huh?" He probably had a stupid look on his face, it was probably turning to anger as he roared when I rounded a corner. "Fucking coward!" Yeah, definitely angry.

I wasn't about to fight a guy twice my size with supernatural strength. I didn't have silver or a stick with fire. I knew how hunters did this shit. Glancing at my hook, I confirmed that it hadn't changed to silver somehow. I climbed up one of the scrap piles as the giant trash panda ran past it. He was following my scent and didn't expect my ascent!

Joe flew low with his crew, their talons grabbing me as we took to the air. I shot a bird at the trash panda clambering onto the pile. Only to reel back for some reason. "What's the plan?" Joe asked.

Mister Angry hit the ground and rolled, an idea forming in his head. He grabbed a handful of scrap and pulled his arm back. "Drop me, I'm going to figure out what made him stop climbing."

"Drop you? Why?" I didn't have time to argue. I broke free from the crows, as the giant adjusted his aim. I covered myself with my arms as bits of metal hit me and cut into my body. I nailed the superhero landing though. I looked back at him, the giant trash panda seeing red. He charged like a bull. I shouted, running at him, only to slide underneath him when he tried to grab me. He tumbled forward, before finding his footing and chasing after me.

He was faster, I knew he'd catch up, but he wasn't bright. I was running toward the pile of scrap littered on the ground. I made it past the pile and turned to face him with a metal bat I grabbed. He smirked, only to jump off the ground as soon as he hit something. A singular coin on the ground. I picked it up, seeing it was an old quarter. They were made with silver before a certain year.

Ignoring the stalk of corn on the back, I flipped it into the air. "Find me more with that year or older, Joe!" He swooped down and grabbed it. I pointed the aluminum bat at my opponent, "We can still talk this out, but if you keep on I'll have no choice." I shrugged.

He licked the pad on his hand, "You got lucky, don't think it'll happen again, punk."

"You know, in moments like these? I really wish I had eyelids so you could see me rolling my buttons. Got a name?" I was stalling, while Joe's crew picked through the scrap. He'd be an idiot to keep...

"Arnold," He looked so satisfied and I didn't know why. I looked past him to see the smaller one was gone.

Fuck. I glanced to the side, looking back as soon as Arnold charged at me. I swung at his snout, hoping to make him flinch a little, but he didn't. Letting go of the bat, I stepped aside, before he could grab my wrist. His hindleg swiped at my thigh, his claws cutting a chunk out.

He turned to face me with a smug smile as my bat flew away. I couldn't focus on him and search for the smaller one. What were they planning? "You aren't going to win this," he said with confidence.

It was worth a shot, "Where's the other guy?"

Arnold shrugged, "Probably dealing with your crows. He knows better than to interfere with my fights."

Pinching the bridge of my flat nose, I looked down. "Why are you telling me that?"

"Because I want a fair fight?" It sounded like he was trying to convince himself. That, or a fair fight was all that mattered.

"Joe! The small one is trying to get your crew, you're clever enough to come up with something!" I shouted out, looking back at Arnold.

"Are you going to stop running around now? Can we fight seriously?" He grinned wolfishly, his teeth glinting in the moonlight.

"If you want a fair fight, then I actually need a weapon that can hurt you a little. You're twice my size, I don't know how much stronger, and any damage I can manage won't stick. Give me five minutes, and I'll kick your ass."

He stood up, "Oh really? Five minutes, and you'll be able to kick my ass?" He crossed his arms with a smirk. "Fine, I'll accept your challenge. You can't interfere with Gobby's fight with the crows though. I'll stop you." He nodded to himself. Bless him, really. He wasn't a bad guy, but his bulb was kind of dim. I mean who does that!?

"Yeah, I won't interfere. I trust Joe to be able to take out that small one. Is he like a kid, or what?" I asked as a yowl went off in the distance. Joe just had to rain silver coins on them to win. It would be easy, but then I wouldn't be able to reach Arnold in a meaningful way. I rolled my shoulders. "So, there's so much I don't know about you guys. Want to tell me about yourself while you wait?"

"Ah, I'm from the proud iron-blood tribe." He grinned, full of confidence and pride. "We enjoy nothing more than a good clean battle, though it won't really matter when I tear you to shreds. You at least have the honor of knowing what tribe felled you, festering one."

I rummaged through the scrap, finding a few coins. "Are there any socks nearby?"

He tilted his head at the question, "Why? You can try throwing coins at me, but once you're out of them you're done."

"I'm not going to kill you, but I expect answers after we're done. Now, about that sock. Could you get me one? That's all I'm going to need." I pointed at him.

"Fine, I'll go grab one." He rushed off, leaving me there to rummage for about two minutes. The little one had already run back to the shack where the old man was supposed to live. Arnold came back with a dirty sock, but it was still fairly new. I thanked Joe, before dropping a lot of silver minted coins into the sock. One knot at the bottom with an inch of space so it wouldn't be too solid and break. Another knot at the top for me to grip.

Arnold tapped his bicep, "Your five minutes are up. Are you sure that's all you need? You agree this is fair?"

I swung the sock a few times then nodded. "Yeah, sorry in advance buddy. This is going to suck for you."