Cherry followed Scratch into the city, the throng of true believers trailing behind them like a royal procession.

Carcosa.

The infectious name awakened an awe in her, a longing to live in this ancient city, to hide in its lengthened shadows, to climb every spiraled tower, to delve down every stairwell, to run through the empty halls of regal gargantuan chambers whose function and purpose were long forgotten by the annals of time.

Lost Carcosa. Lost no longer. Found. Rediscovered. Soon she would plummet its libraries, inspect its dusty tomes, learn truths withheld from mankind for aeons.

Dim Carcosa. Dim, only to the dimwitted and ignorant, of which she was. But not for long. Soon a privilege would be granted to her, an opportunity that few humans ever had while living. She would meet the King in Yellow.

Excitement bubbled within her chest, threatening to burst out. She felt overwhelmed by the mixed emotions filling her to the brim. Awe, wonder, elation, mystery, and joy. But no fear. She need not fear here. The sultan of sulphur bestowed visions into her mind, granted her glimpses of his hidden truths. And now her time had come, her chance to show her king that loyalty and devotion flowed through her veins.

They entered a dark passageway made of cold pale stone the color of puss. She ran her hand across the chilled porous walls, tracing the thin running lines of intricate designs with her fingertips, sending shivers along her arm and up her spine.

She had so many questions for Scratch, now that Coraline wasn't distracting him. When Cherry thought of how she'd shot the woman in the back, she was amazed that she herself felt nothing. But why would she? That woman had tried to come between her and her Scratch, between Cherry, power, and purpose. Coraline had been beautiful without trying, winning the affections of men around her without having to earn it. Cherry gave herself over completely, and still no one respected her, or gave her affection even after they paid her.

But all of that changed. She was no longer the cute little brothel worker, easily dismissed. She was the prophetess, the chosen lady. And the King showed her visions of anyone threatening her Scratch. Those traitors had fallen. Even the lawman from Terra—who had disturbed her to the core—even he was stopped, thanks to her visions. She pictured him the way they left him, mostly buried under a pile of rocks, alone, and unconscious. He'd suffocate. And even if he lived, he'd have that filthy offspring of Cora's to take care of.

The child's voice screamed in her memory, echoing in her mind. His big eyes staring at his fallen mother.

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No. Cherry pushed that memory down, deep down in the bottom of her mind. Scratch said leave it, so she must sever even the thoughts of the child. Instead she turned her mind to the sights in front of her.

Gasps of awe and wonder escaped the mouths of those trailing behind her and Scratch. She'd been so lost in thought she hadn't even realized they had stepped into a vast hallowed chamber, shaped like the inside of a gutted pyramid from Terran's ancient past. Strange symbols etched in the slanted walls captured her gaze, drawing her to the focal point of the room. As a group, they stood at the base of a stairway that met other stairways, all joining in the center of the room. And there lay a massive flat and long stone, shaped like a casket made of solid rock.

Scratch raised his hands, hushing the group to complete silence. He spoke soft and quiet, but with excitement that he could barely contain. His brows raised, mouth breaking wide in a huge smile.

"Children. You alone are the true believers. You alone of all the other forsaken on this red planet have the privilege of entering the King's court. Your journey has been a long one. Some of you have been here loyal since the beginning, when I joined your congregation several years ago. But all of you are the faithful. This is the end of the journey. Children, inside this very great hall, our King rests, awaiting to be roused from his eternal slumber to greet and reward your devotion."

He paused, letting the words sink in. Cherry's chest moved up and down to a steady rhythm as she took deeper breaths, trying to control the strong emotions building within her. Behind her she heard others' breaths grow deeper and stronger too.

Scratch placed his fingertips together, growing pensive. "You all have a special purpose for the King, though I must admit I do not know how you will serve him. For some, he will ask much. He will ask that you give him your all. For others, he will ask the seemingly impossible of you. But all, regardless of stature, will serve him in some fashion. You will never have to leave the safety of these halls again. Remember the words of the holy texts, transcribed long ago by the prophet Chambers. You my children will behold what he saw in a vision, but you will see it with your own eyes. Now, steel your hearts and your minds for what will unfold."

He nodded to Himura, who produced a yellow sack. From it he handed out tattered yellow robes for all to don over their Rubrum garments and so hide their faces in the crooks of deep hoods.

After that was complete, he approached Cherry, holding out another sack. She peered inside. It was more of the delicious bulbous mushroom-like native Rubrum plants. She reached in and took a bulb, placing it in her mouth and began to chew. The rest of the followers did likewise.

After a few moments time slowed, and Cherry expanded outside of herself. But this time, unlike every other time, she became aware of a new foreign presence. Strange it was, and yet familiar. And vast. An elder nature, lying dormant, long forgotten. She stumbled, bracing herself against the wall of the antechamber, but still felt like she was falling. She managed to glance about, noting that everyone but Scratch was having a similar experience.

"You feel it, don't you, my children. A strange notion. Dreadful. Terrible even. That is his aura. Yes, you are feeling him, the very King you've heard of. Now follow my steps, heed my every command, act as you feel compelled to. Prepare your hearts for worship. Give your heart to him completely and he will consume all dread and terror. Come, my children. Let us tread softly unto the throne of the Yellow King. We must rouse him with song."