I Love Azathoth

Jonah and Aza strolled through the bustling streets of town, the air crisp with the promise of snow. Twinkling lights hung overhead, casting a warm glow over the holiday decorations that adorned every storefront and lamppost. It was the week before Christmas, and the festive spirit was palpable. Jonah, always a fan of the holiday season, had an extra spring in his step as he hummed a Christmas tune. Aza walked beside him, watching the world with an air of curiosity. The enjoyment of this stuff was still foreign to her, but seeing Jonah so happy was enough for her to embrace it.

Nearby, Jonah was experimenting with his telekinesis, the new ability he recently discovered. Floating a handful of coins in a lazy orbit around his hand as he grinned. "I've been practicing, but so far, I can only lift stuff that's around my own body weight. It's... harder than it looks."

Aza chuckled, her eyes glowing faintly as she watched him. "That's completely normal, dear. Think of telekinesis as a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Give it time, and you'll be moving planets—quite literally."

He nodded, still focused on keeping the coins steady. "This new power reminds me... I've been meaning to ask. What else can I expect as I keep... ascending? You've said already I'm becoming Eldritch, but what does that actually mean? And will I get more surprises like this?"

Aza's expression turned thoughtful. "That's a big question, but let's start with the basics. Every Eldritch being, no matter how unique, shares six fundamental traits. These are the hallmarks of what you're becoming."

She began counting them off on her fingers. "First is Eternality. You'll truly live forever. Even if your physical form is destroyed, you'll return—slowly, if you don't have a failsafe, but inevitably. Even in death, you'll be able to haunt mortals and communicate with other Eldritch. There is no end for you now."

Jonah blinked, his focus on the floating coins faltering for a moment. "No end... like, ever? That's a lot to process."

Aza placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It sounds overwhelming, I know, but you'll adjust. Second is Mental Shields. Your mind will become an impenetrable fortress. Very few beings can infiltrate or harm you mentally, and those who try will regret it. This is one reason mortals find us unknowable—they simply can't comprehend the vastness of our thoughts."

Aza continued. "Next is Mental Powers. You'll eventually be able to communicate across vast distances, even across galaxies. Be warned, though—this kind of contact can drive mortals insane. It's best reserved for those with strong wills."

Jonah chuckled nervously. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Fourth is Electronic Interference. Technology and Eldritch don't mix well. When you're near, most electronics will glitch or fail. You can suppress this effect, but it takes effort and can give you a headache."

"Fifth is Worship," Aza said, her tone softening. "When mortals connect to you through rituals or prayers, you gain strength. It speeds up regeneration and resurrection. That said, worshippers aren't necessary—you'll recover on your own eventually. It's more like... a helpful boost."

Jonah raised an eyebrow. "So, I could have a cult if I wanted?"

Aza grinned. "If that's your thing, though you are my beloved so you'll most likely get one regardless."

"And last but not least," she said, her smirk turning playful, "Tentacles. They're a default feature for all Eldritch beings, though no one really knows why. They're versatile—great for combat, channeling energy, or multitasking. And don't worry—they're retractable, so you won't have to walk around always looking like a hentai antagonist."

Jonah blushed. "Yeah, let's... let's table the tentacle talk for now."

Aza chuckled. "Suit yourself. Now, beyond those basics, every Eldritch has unique traits. Some powers you'll develop naturally, others you'll have to learn. For example, my right hand, Yog, essentially embodies time itself. She keeps tabs on cosmic disturbances... most of the time."

Jonah frowned. "Most of the time?"

Aza sighed. "There are a few entities even she can't fully predict. Myself, for instance, since I am the Daemon-Sultan and all. And soon, you'll be the same. But the one to truly keep an eye on, the best you can at least... is Nyarlathotep."

Jonah's eyes narrowed. "Nyarlathotep... If I had to assume then she was behind that stunt at the mansion, wasn't she? With Oogie Boogie and Mr. X?"

Aza nodded solemnly. "She enjoys chaos and torment. Unlike most Eldritch, who exist beyond concepts like good and evil, Nyarly... indulges. She's sadistic, and humans are her favorite playthings."

Jonah's voice was tinged with worry. "Should I be worried about her targeting my family?"

Aza grabbed his hands, her gaze steady. "NO! She knows better than to cross that line. I've made it clear—your family is off-limits. This latest stunt, while cruel, was meant to challenge you, not destroy you. She knew you'd be able to survive it... I'll be having a word with her soon to make sure she doesn't push things further though."

Jonah hesitated. "You talk about her like... there's more to it. What's your relationship with her?"

Aza sighed, her expression conflicted. "Nyarlathotep is... my daughter. Which, by extension, makes her... your stepdaughter now."

Jonah's jaw dropped. "Wait, WHAT?!"

Aza's gaze softened as she looked down, a hint of melancholy in her glowing eyes. "It's... a complicated matter with her," she said quietly, her voice carrying a weight Jonah hadn't heard before. "Can we talk about this another time?"

Jonah opened his mouth to press for more, but stopped himself. He could see this was a sensitive topic for her, and the last thing he wanted was to upset her. Instead, he nodded. "Alright. When you're ready."

They walked in companionable silence for a while, the festive hum of the town providing a backdrop to their thoughts. Then Aza broke the quiet, her tone light yet knowing. "So... it seems you've made your choice."

Jonah glanced at her, confused. "Choice? What do you mean?"

She smiled, a mix of pride and affection in her expression. "I can feel it, Jonah. Your apotheosis. You've set your sights on becoming an Outer God, haven't you?"

Jonah hesitated, gathering his thoughts before answering. "…Yeah, I guess I have. Don't get me wrong—the idea of wielding all that power is definitely part of it. But it's more than that. Back at the mansion, I realized I don't want to be coddled or babied forever. I want to protect myself, and more than that... I want to stand beside you as your equal. Not just in status, but in strength."

Aza's expression softened further, and she leaned in to press a gentle kiss to his cheek. "You're such a sweet soul, Jonah. You would have been my equal no matter what path you chose. But I won't lie—I'm glad you're choosing to become like me. It means we'll share even more of this existence together."

Jonah smirked, trying to mask the warmth blooming in his chest. "Let me guess... you're already imagining how it'll feel when I can make love to your true form, aren't you?"

Aza's cheeks flushed faintly, and she giggled, a sly smile curling her lips. 

Before Jonah could say more, his vision was suddenly consumed by a flash of light. He stumbled slightly, the world around him replaced by a disturbingly vivid image: a pulsating, putrid cloud, dripping with a foul, oozing rain that seemed to stain reality itself. He shook his head, clearing the vision, and found himself staring at a new figure standing between him and Aza.

The woman was demure and oddly cute, with an apron tied neatly around her waist. She might have looked entirely normal if not for the small horns curling from her head. She stood close to Aza, who embraced her with a supportive smile.

The woman offered a shy wave. "H-hello. I'm Shub-Niggurath. It's nice to meet you, Lord of Azathoth."

Aza blinked. "Lord of—!? Yoooog! How many people did you tell?!"

A familiar portal swirled open, and Yog-Sothoth stepped through with her usual nonchalance, twirling her sword between her fingers. "Just enough," she replied, completely unapologetic. "I asked a few friends to help smooth things along with Jonah's ascension. Shub here is one of them. Besides, I foresee a lot of Eldritch visiting Earth in the future. Shub's presence will help stabilize space-time so we don't, you know, accidentally break reality."

Shub scowled a bit in disappointment. "Yog, you really should ask before involving others in your plans. I'm sure Azathoth would have wanted to introduce her lover to all this herself."

This looked like it struck a blow as Yog winced slightly, looking almost sheepish under Shub's scolding gaze. 

Shub turned to Jonah with an apologetic smile. "Yog asked me to... um, walk you through the 'birds and the bees' of being Eldritch. I suppose I'm qualified, since I was the first to, uh, handle that aspect of existence. Not that I'm particularly proud of it…" Her voice trailed off as she glanced away, her cheeks flushing and looking deeply ashamed of something as she refused to meet his eyes for a moment.

Jonah caught a subtle dirty look from Aza aimed at Yog, but decided not to comment—this dynamic between them clearly had layers he didn't fully understand yet.

"It's okay with me, Shubby. I'm... far from an expert on this," Aza admits with a sheepish blush, prompting a smile from the Mother of a Thousand Young. Jonah chose not to draw any attention to the tender look on Yog's face at the sight.

Aza then cleared her throat. "But that can wait for another time. Tonight is our much-anticipated date night."

Shub nodded quickly. "Of course. I'll talk to him later." She gave Jonah a kind smile. "Enjoy your date, my king."

With that, Shub vanished into a swirl of energy, leaving Yog behind. The latter crossed her arms, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Well, I'll leave you two to it. By the way, Aza still hasn't given you that 'hero's reward,' has she? You've been patient—waiting because you wanted the right special night and all. You're quite the gentleman, aren't you, Lover Boy?"

Jonah's face turned crimson, and he sputtered a response, but Yog only laughed before disappearing through her own portal.

Once they were alone again, Aza turned to him with a mischievous grin, taking his hand in hers. "Come on, Jonah. I want to show you something—somewhere perfect for our date to end... and for you to finally get that reward."

Her voice was soft yet teasing as she began bending space, the air around them shimmering with her power. Jonah felt his heart race as the world around them shifted. 

[SCENE SHIFT]

The world shimmered as Aza finished. When the light faded, Jonah found himself standing on the surface of a small moon orbiting a planet that looked like nothing he had ever seen before. The planet was massive, with swirling, luminescent colors cascading across its surface like living auroras. Strange geometric shapes floated in its atmosphere, occasionally folding and unfolding like origami made of light.

"Wow…" Jonah breathed, turning slowly to take in the sight. The ground beneath his feet was smooth, glowing faintly with a soft blue light. The moon's horizon curved sharply, giving him an uninterrupted view of the surreal planet dominating the sky.

Aza stood beside him, smiling at his reaction. "Beautiful, isn't it? This place is one of my favorite little hideaways. I thought it'd be perfect for our first official date."

"It's… amazing," Jonah said, still awestruck. "It's like something out of a dream."

She giggled, pulling him gently by the hand toward a soft, iridescent blanket she'd laid out on the moon's surface. A picnic basket sat at its center, looking almost comically normal amidst the otherworldly surroundings. Aza gestured for him to sit as she joined him, her excitement palpable.

"I wanted this to feel special," she said, opening the basket. "So, I brought a mix of familiar foods from Earth and a few more eldritch delicacies I think you might like—or at least survive."

Jonah chuckled nervously. "That last part is super reassuring."

Aza smirked, pulling out a thermos and pouring them both steaming cups of hot cocoa. The rich, familiar scent immediately put Jonah at ease. Alongside it, she set out sandwiches, pastries, and other comforting treats from Earth.

"Okay, I'm definitely on board with this part," Jonah said, picking up a sandwich and taking a bite. "Mmm, perfect."

"I figured you'd need something familiar to start with," Aza said, taking a sip of her cocoa. "But now…" She reached into the basket and pulled out a translucent dish filled with small, glowing orbs that pulsed with soft, multicolored light. "I thought we could be a little adventurous."

Jonah raised an eyebrow. "What... exactly is that?"

"These," Aza explained, holding one up between her fingers, "are called Nebula Seeds. They're from a plant that grows in a pocket dimension I used to frequent. They're sweet, tangy, and only mildly hallucinogenic. You'll be fine."

"Mildly hallucinogenic?" Jonah asked.

She laughed. "Relax, it's a safe kind of hallucinogenic. Eldritch food doesn't work quite like Earth food, but I made sure these are something your body's current state can handle. Trust me, Jonah—I'd never give you something dangerous."

Still hesitant, Jonah picked up one of the glowing orbs and examined it. It felt cool and slightly squishy in his fingers. With a deep breath, he popped it into his mouth.

The flavor was unlike anything he had ever tasted—a burst of sweetness that seemed to bloom in waves, followed by a fizzy, citrusy tang. For a moment, his vision sparkled with faint stars, but it quickly faded, leaving him feeling light and pleasantly energized.

"Whoa," he said, blinking. "That's... actually really good!"

Aza beamed. "I knew you'd like it!" She offered him another strange dish, this one looking like a cluster of crystalline shards that shimmered with shifting colors. "This one's called Prism Nectar. It's a dessert, and it tastes different depending on who eats it. Think of it as a reflection of your soul."

Jonah paused for only a second before scooping some up and trying it. The texture was surprisingly soft, melting in his mouth like cotton candy. The taste was impossible to describe—comforting and nostalgic, yet exciting and unfamiliar all at once.

"Okay, this is incredible," he admitted. "Why does Earth food feel so boring now?"

Aza laughed, leaning against him. "Don't worry, Earth food still can have its charm. But I wanted to share some of the wonders of my world with you."

They continued the picnic, alternating between earthly treats and otherworldly delicacies, as the surreal planet loomed above them. Aza talked about the origins of each Eldritch dish, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm, and Jonah didn't understand a lot of what she explained about them but found himself falling even more in love with her as she shared this part of herself.

As the meal wound down, Aza leaned into Jonah's side, resting her head on his shoulder. The two sat in comfortable silence, watching the strange shapes dance across the planet's surface, the glow from the moon casting a warm light around them. 

Jonah reclined on the blanket as a thought crossed his mind, and he looked at Aza with a sheepish smile.

"Hey, Aza, I've been meaning to ask... Christmas Eve is coming up, and I was planning to visit my family. Would you—do you think you'd want to come with me?"

Aza's blue eyes lit up with excitement, and she beamed at him. "Of course! I'd love to meet the humans responsible for bringing my beloved into existence. It would be an honor."

Jonah chuckled, feeling a swell of warmth at her enthusiasm. Then a more serious thought struck him. "Should we, uh... tell them? About the Eldritch stuff, I mean?"

Aza paused, her smile softening into a thoughtful expression. "Hmm. That's a delicate matter. Most of your family is religious, aren't they?"

"Yeah, very," Jonah said, scratching the back of his head.

Aza nodded slowly. "Adding in that factor, breaking their perception of existence so suddenly and drastically could be... overwhelming for them. I think it's best to wait, at least for now. Let them get to know me as your cute and charming girlfriend first." She smirked playfully, then added more seriously, "Ultimately, it's your decision. If you ever want to tell them, I'll support you. But let's not startle them just yet."

Jonah agreed with a quiet nod. They sat together in silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's company beneath the alien sky.

After a time, Aza broke the comfortable quiet. "So," she began, "have you given any thought to where you'd like to go when you're ready to venture into another world? There are so many places to explore."

Jonah tilted his head, considering. "I've got a few ideas, but nothing set in stone yet. I do know one thing—I want to learn how to fight properly. The abilities I'm getting aren't going to be much use if I can't use em in a real battle."

Aza's eyes gleamed with approval. "A wise decision, my love. I happen to know someone who could give you proper training—physical and mental. They'll push you hard, but you'll come out stronger for it."

Jonah smiled. "Sounds good. But-"

Before he could finish, Aza shifted her position, sitting astride his waist and leaning close. Her eyes sparkled mischievously, and her voice dropped to a sultry tone.

"That can wait for later," she murmured. "Right now, I believe it's time for the reward we've been putting off for far too long."

Jonah's cheeks flushed, but he couldn't suppress a smile as Aza leaned in and kissed him deeply. The Queen then finally consummated her relationship with her King as the cosmos seemed to rejoiced. 

[TIMESKIP]

The stars seemed to hum with life as Jonah lay breathless beside Aza, both of their bodies naked and bared, the glowing moon's soft light reflecting off their entwined forms. He felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration coursing through him.

"That was... wow," Jonah said, staring up at the surreal sky.

Aza smiled, her fingers lazily combing through his hair. "Mmm... you were amazing, Jonah. Truly. You're a natural."

Jonah laughed weakly, turning his head to look at her. "So, uh... why did my body keep... shapeshifting? That was a surprise, to say the least."

Aza grinned, her expression both tender and amused. "It's instinct, my love. Your body was reacting to the intensity of the moment. Eldritch forms are incredibly fluid, and as you ascend, your physical nature will become even more malleable. If you prefer something more 'normal' in the future, you'll learn to control it. But…" She smirked. "I don't think you minded too much, did you?"

Jonah blushed at the memory, recalling the extra limbs, eyes, and strange textures that had emerged during their union. Despite his initial hesitation, he had to admit it had been... uniquely thrilling. "No, I didn't mind. It was... different, but in a good way."

Aza's grin widened as she kissed his forehead. "I thought so. Oh, and I learned something about you tonight."

Jonah raised an eyebrow. "Learned what?"

Aza shifted slightly to look him in the eyes. "Your Physical Nature."

Jonah blinked. "So what does that mean exactly?"

Aza explained, "Unlike mortals, we Eldritch don't have a standard physical template. Our forms are as varied and unique as the stars themselves. However, most of us fall into certain categories based on what our bodies are made of—what we call Physical Natures."

She stroked his cheek gently as she continued. "Your primary nature appears to be one of Flesh & Blood. That means your true form will always have an organic, living structure, no matter what shape it takes. It's less durable than other forms but exceptionally adaptable and quick to regenerate. It's also perfect for maintaining a human form, which I imagine you'll want to do often."

Jonah nodded. "Yeah, I accept what I'm becoming but I still like being able to stay connected to my roots. The Human form is... comfortable for me."

Aza smiled warmly. "I thought you'd say that. But there's more. You're a hybrid, Jonah. Most Hybrid Eldritch have only one or two physical natures, but you have four—your primary and three others, which I haven't fully identified yet. Each will bring unique strengths and traits as you ascend."

Jonah's eyes widened. "Four? Is that rare?"

Aza nodded. "Very. It speaks to your potential. You're going to be extraordinary, Jonah. Even among the Eldritch."

He chuckled, though his cheeks flushed at the compliment. "Well, I am with the Queen of the Universe so that probably helps."

Aza laughed softly, pulling him close. "Now, my love, let's rest. I'll have my flute players sing for us tonight."

[MEANWHILE]

As Jonah lay resting against Aza's body with his head in her boobs, her human form gently stroked his hair. Yet, while her human guise reveled in the tender intimacy of the moment, her true, vast form—beyond mortal comprehension—was focused elsewhere. Across dimensions and uncountable distances, Azathoth, the Daemon-Sultan, was locked in a mental conversation with her troublesome daughter.

"Nyarly," Aza's voice resonated in the formless void where her daughter's presence lurked. Her tone was calm but carried an unmistakable edge. "We need to talk."

Nyarlathotep's reply was a playful purr, a sound that seemed to echo and shimmer like a fragmented melody. "Ah, Mother dearest. How delightful to feel your presence. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

"Enough games," Aza said sharply, her mental tone cutting through Nyarly's playful demeanor like a blade. "I know you were behind the stunt at the Mansion—the uninvited guests, the threats Jonah was only barely, if not at all, prepared for. I'm warning you: do not put him in danger like that again."

There was a moment of silence before Nyarly's presence shifted, as though shrugging off the reprimand. "Oh, come now, Mother. Jonah handled it splendidly, didn't he? A little danger builds character."

Aza's mental projection loomed closer, her vast, all-encompassing energy pressing against Nyarly's. "I mean it, Nyarly. Jonah is mine, my eternal soulmate if you recalled. If you jeopardize his safety like that again thinking it's fine cause it was 'indirectly', I won't hesitate to discipline you. I don't care if you're my daughter—you know I'll follow through."

Nyarly sighed theatrically, her essence rippling like oil on water. "Fine, fine. I won't interfere with your precious consort's safety anymore. Scout's honor."

Aza's energy narrowed, focusing like a burning lens. "That's not good enough. You're telling me everything you've already done. Any traps, surprises, or schemes you've set into motion on Earth—all of it. Now."

Nyarly hesitated, but under the oppressive weight of her mother's gaze, she relented. "Alright, alright. I may have left a few little… surprises. Nothing too catastrophic, I assure you. Think of them as minor tests. But, uh... they're already set in motion, so even I couldn't stop them now. If Jonah stumbles across them, well... c'est la vie, hmm?"

Aza's patience snapped. Her formless energy surged, and Nyarly's presence recoiled as though struck. The Daemon-Sultan's tone was as cold and commanding as the void itself. "I warned you."

Nyarly yelped as an unseen force delivered a mental "spanking," her essence rippling in indignation. "Mother! Really?!"

"That was for the Mansion," Aza said, her tone unyielding. "And if you don't want more, you're going to report every single one of these surprises to Yog. She'll make sure Jonah knows what to look out for."

Nyarly grumbled, her essence shrinking under her mother's unrelenting will. "Fine, I'll tell Yog. Happy?"

"Not until I see results," Aza replied. Her energy softened slightly, though her presence remained dominant. "Remember, Nyarly—Jonah is my King and your Stepfather now. His safety and happiness are my priority. You would do well not to forget that."

Nyarly's tone turned sulky but compliant. "Understood, Mother."

The connection ended, and Azathoth's vast consciousness returned its main focus to the moon picnic.

Far away, Nyarly muttered to herself in the void, rubbing at the lingering sting of her mother's reprimand. "So dramatic... but fine. I'll play nice. For now."

Yet even as she begrudgingly prepared to report her schemes to Yog, the Crawling Chaos couldn't help but smirk. 

"I can't wait to meet you in person, my daddy dearest. Oh the things I've foreseen... you're quite the anomaly, this will be so much fun!"

(TO BE CONTINUED)