//You fell down.//

Yes, that would explain why my head hurts so much.

//It's usually the ale.//

Ale is good for me.  Doctors said so.

//No they didn't.//

I'm sure the watery one did at some point.  Wait, where am I?

//Between.//

That's very specific.  *//For the first time Emerald Hammer inspects his companion.  Howl sits before him, luminescent gold with lamp-like green eyes//*  So when did you start talking?

//About the time you started failing.//

*//Hammer shakes his head//* I remember now.  There were quite a lot of them.  All with armor.

//You at least went down screaming.//

I did at that. *//Hammer chuckles//* Now, as much as I love the company old friend, I'd also like a bit of back story here.

//You have a destiny.  We found you worthy.//

We?  I love you boy, but multiple personalities will take some getting used to.

//We can take many forms.  This one was comfortable to you.// *//Howl explodes into a nimbus of light, scorching Hammer's eyes.  Raw, untamed solar radiance blossoms for a moment, the coalesces//*

You...?  I mean...?  The old Gods?

*//Howl smirks//* //Not so old as you might imagine, mortal.  Our time is come again.  We would walk the world, and deliver it to the harmony and justice that was.//

My Lord, I am your faithful servant.

//As you were when you fathered those sixteen bastards?//

I... well, you see.. wait, sixteen?

//Seventeen, but for one dying in child birth.//

Hmmmm.  A man has his needs you see...

//You are a man of passion, Xiahou Feng called Emerald Hammer.  The same burning passion of my Unconquered Glory.  We have need of this passion.//

*//Hammer stands straight//*  Then I swear on my life, you shall have it!

*//Howl's face takes on a look of deep knowing//*//As expected.  Rise, Emerald Hammer, and correct this injustice.  We will be watching...//