The Arcana: Fragments

XV: Not so Hanged Man

*Julian Side Tale*

Julian Devorak thought to himself: Self righteous prick.

The Hanged Man stood well over seven feet, and when he moved it was with the prissy speed that had seemed to be the exclusive gait of all death dealers. If he lingered long enough on the idea, Julian presumed that at times he, too, could be caught moving in the same way. It was a composition of movements both theatrical and melodic that claimed: I am someone you can bring your problems to, but this had better be good. Save for the pale linen sheet draped about his waist and red ropes adorning his chest and arms, the thing was as black as pitch. His feathers lay neat and unruffled along his hybrid head, and when his beaming golden eyes caught sight of Julian striding into his realm unannounced there was a welcome and - dare he say - warm gleam that put the doctor at uncertain unease.

As he listened to the Hanged Man speak, Julian admitted to himself that he probably couldn't have come to like whatever this thing was under any circumstance. Their words always came off as accusatory and proud, all-knowing yet expectant of those beneath him to be aware of the same things he is. The Hanged Man had asked him a question Julian hadn't caught, and that was bad, for now the creature could stash it away in a mental file to be used against the doctor later.

"I'm sorry?" "I asked if your departure from life was quick enough. And there's the journey here, too, of course". Swinging one leg over the other, the being amusedly awaited the doctor's response from a nestled love seat of twisted bark and dark toned foliage. "Hanging. More on the 'quick' side of things, wouldn't you agree?" Julian rubbed his neck sheepishly, partly grateful that Death herself didn't leave him a bent, twisted mess to roam about the realm of the Hanged Man at a sideways point of view. "It went quick enough, yes", he agreed. In truth, he hardly remembered it; the floor had disappeared from beneath him so quickly and the height with which he descended was so steep that by the time the rope had caught his figure, the initial snap had effectively snapped his neck in two. He didn't feel a thing.

"And how is it that you found your way here, friend?" Julian shrugged, "When I opened my eyes, there was only one door available for me among all the darkness. When I stepped in, I was here. Then I started walking".

"That might be true, but to get here one has to already have a predetermined reason or binding to any given realm or Arcana. And yet I know nothing of you, particular mortal. Understandably, I find myself quite apprehensive towards your presence."

Julian smiled, a big wide charming smile. "I don't plan on causing you any harm, if that's what you're worried about. I'm only here for answers concerning a certain mishap, back up there", he pointed to the sky where no stars twinkled and no moon shone its gaze. No returning smile from the Hanged Man. "It is not I who should fear being harmed", the being stood and glided in the same prissy manner down the dais from his earthly bench seat. "But if it is answers you seek", it came towards Julian and stopped about a foot away, " I suppose I could provide a few. You seek information about The Devil, I imagine?"

"How did you know?" The Hanged Man only swung his head to the side slyly, watching Julian's reaction through a single golden orb. "That old bastard and I have had on and off fellowships since the dawn of time itself. He enjoys the kill, I enjoy the hunt. It's like keeping a bear on edge for its next meal, I could give it a hare or I can give it a stag...", the creature lets out a deep chuckle, too human sounding for Julian's comfort. "Or I could give it nothing at all".

"You knowingly toy with The Devil?" "Of course, where else would I get my amusement? He won't be pleased to find out I helped you, but I'll enjoy watching the chase that ensues afterwards". Much to Julian's surprise, the Hanged Man told him all he needed to know, all he must do, and then some. Still, the doctor remained unnerved by the beings' willing offerings. There's a price to all of this, but what? He could not conjure up a reasonable trade in exchange for the information he had just received. Whatever it may end up being, I won't pay it. Risking my life and dying as it is should be sufficient enough.

Rising to take his leave, Julian flashed another bright smile. "I thank you for your help, but now I think I should return", the mark across his neck began to glow, the warmth it radiated causing his throat to go dry. "Ahh, so that explains everything", the being voiced in subtle amazement. Their eyes seemed to go darker as Julian anxiously began stepping away from the scene towards the woods where the door back to life waited. "You are most valuable indeed", the being mused, "And wouldn't you know it? My familiar. I should have caught on sooner". Too confused to ask for an elaboration, Julian only nodded and slightly laughed, still backing away. "At any rate, you can't just leave. Especially now. You've already forfeit your life. If you truly wish to return to the living your only chance lies with me, and I'm not too keen on letting you depart so soon". Stopping in his tracks, Julian pondered over his next course of action. Fighting the damn thing was out of the question, he'd lose. And any chance at outsmarting the Hanged Man in his own territory was far too slim to even consider.

I have to make him want to cast me out. Let's see, back when I was alive, how did I get Asra or Nadia or even Portia to throw me out? If there was alcohol here this might go quicker but there is none. How else did I get on their nerves? Being annoying worked. Obnoxious, crude, devoid of all dignity. Yes!

Then it dawned on him, "Probably not the best idea, O Great Hanged Man", he spoke up, grinning from ear to ear. "I admit, I am a most ungracious, vile, and relentlessly annoying guest. Are you sure you'd wish for me to remain here with you?" The being cocked its head to the side, "You're time here at the present has proven delightful enough. You shall remain, doctor, I insist", clinging to the 'sss' sound in his final words their eyes eventually went even darker. Gulping down his pride, nerves, and dignity, Julian inhaled as much courage as he could muster and stepped forth. "As you wish", his throat sigil beamed once more, and as if rising from the ground beneath him, one of his favorite tunes started sounding from all around him and the Hanged Man. (Surprisingly enough, it was Blue Monday by New Order).

"What is the meaning of this?", the Hanged Man retreated back up to the dais, watching in horror as Julian stripped himself down until he wore nothing but his boots, pants, and white undershirt. The beat grew louder and the doctor focused the tapping of his feet to the rhythmic thuds. Hands on his waist, his hips began making small circles, his shoulders following suit. "This comes as a part of your wish for me to stay, Birdman", he thrust his hips outward and began furiously gyrating as the lyrics came into play. "I could always use a dancing partner too, y'know...Still trusting in your decision?"

Opening his shirt to expose more of his chest he threw his hands toward the air and let loose. The poor birdman could hardly keep up with how Julian moved. Hands were thrown sporadically in all directions, signaling invisible objects to start and stop. Red hair was flying with the wind, clinging to Julian's head as he spun and ground himself against the floor. The birdman watched, open jawed and gaping beyond comprehension. "Well, birdman?", he asked again, still ferociously keeping with the beat. He didn't wait for the creature to respond, as he was truly enveloped into his performance, feeling the acoustics drive him. No alcohol needed. He smirked.

Letting out a deep cry of annoyance, the birdman spread his arms, "Enough! Dear heavens, stop this! I revoke my decision. Away with you!". Julian was instantly frozen mid hip thrust when he was picked up and hurled back into the forest by an unseen wave. The door was already wide open when he was flung through, and it shut hastily behind him. For a moment, he thought he heard the rattle of chains binding the door forever closed.

Julian Devorak woke with a start, in the small, clustering space that could only be a coffin. The smell of freshly carved wood and the thick velvet lining surrounding him told him so. The air grew thick as he heaved his first breaths to his second life. "Oh god", he huffed, "Something is terribly, terribly wrong". Fortunately, the coffin was unlocked, but as he swung himself upwards and took in the view of an empty but lavishly decorated room, it didn't take long for him to notice that the world as he saw it was tilted unnaturally to the right. "Oh dear", he whispered in horror, his hands trailing to the sides of his face. Bracing himself, he jerked his neck roughly back into place, a traumatizing occurrence he only hoped to experience once in his two lives. "I'm not buried yet?", he wondered. Footsteps pattered outside the door to his room, followed by the distinct voice of Asra mumbling something to someone just out of earshot. "Ohohoho'', he giggled maniacally to himself. What better time for a surprise scare than now? He comfied himself back into place within the coffin and shut it closed. Some story I'm going to have once I pull this off. The click of the door opening sound from outside his burial box, it was all his effort to keep from giggling...

[07.02.2019]