He came in the night, one of the darker hours of my life. He told me of his people, the Shokan, how they had once ruled the world, were stronger than anyone else, but humans, in their endless numbers had overwhelmed them. He told me how they could return, but they needed help. Told me he saw something of them in me. That I could be stronger, better, if I let him lend me that strength.

It was obvious from the start he had no intention of lending me that strength - this was not a power I would be taking for my own. I was simply a vessel, a way for him to return in physical form, bending my body and my mind to become his own. But, really, he didn't need to bother with the deception. If he'd told me outright, been honest from the start that that was what he wanted, I would've been fine with it. I said as much to him.

A wry grin spread across his transparent face. Sharper than he'd expected, maybe, but also easier. It's not every day someone willingly offers themselves for a greater purpose. He'd said it just as flattery to get me to agree, but he pondered that there may truly be something of the Shokan in me, if I was this willing. Either way, there was no time to waste. I outstretched my hand, and he tightly clasped it with two of his own.

The power flows within me, muscles expanding, new limbs growing, ceremonial wear coming into existence as my old clothes are torn to shreds. My mind is filling up with his memories, my thoughts becoming his. It's not like I'm dying, I'm just...changing my point of view. Into something better. Something superior.

I will be Goro. I will be the Shokan prince, reborn.

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art by  furii

any demons, any monsters out there looking to possess someone for nefarious ends, hmu