The ceremony was complete with the placement of the Gemini crown on Juan's brow by the regal Aquarius. "Now and forever, you join us as our Gemini, with all rights and responsibilities attendant to that role. You also ascend to the rank of Magus, no longer a Magister. We welcome you."

Applause rang out from the round table, each zodiac sign at its place. Libra beamed at him and he felt embarrassed. Ethereal music played to mark the occasion. Following that, all were seated around the table.

Aquarius began: "With the matter of Bucephalus settled, we turn now to the happenings in the Deep. Psychic disturbances have been unsettling the population of Anwyn Undersea. There have been increased reports of violent crime, cult like behavior, and performance of forbidden rites. We believe that Abaddon has risen."

He pointed to Juan. "Our newest member, Gemini, is well equipped to investigate. We ask him to travel with Cancer and Pisces to Anwyn Undersea. There, you can find out the truth of what's going on, and we can take steps to address the matter."

Juan coughed. "It's my first day here, of course. Who is Abaddon and what are we supposed to do about him."

Cancer, an ancient man with dark red skin and white hair, spoke up. "Abaddon is an Elder God. He was imprisoned in Tartarus sometime before the Deluge. He is massive, larger than any Giant, and far more deadly. He is the enemy of all life, and cannot be appeased."

Pisces, a lithe woman whose olive skin shone in the candlelight, spoke next. "We don't know how the prison was breached, but the psychic echoes have been affecting sensitives throughout the realms of Anwyn, in Golgonozza and the surrounding countryside. It seems that the sylph who attacked you was a cultist following Abaddon."

Libra bowed her head. "I am ashamed that I took advantage of the youth for my own ends. Once he has healed, Gemini, please allow us to mentor him and sponsor his return to the Academy."

Juan nodded. "I'll transfer the Dodecahedron of Detoxification to Aquarius for safekeeping until his restoration is complete."

Aquarius affirmed the arrangements. "If there's nothing else, let's adjourn so that the team may prepare for their mission."

After the meeting was dismissed, Juan stayed to confer with Cancer and Pisces. “What do they mean, psychic disturbances?” He asked.

“I take it you’re not a sensitive?” Pisces smirked.

“I’m not mind blind, I have a good sense of intuition, dreams that are prescient, and my relationship to the spirit world is strong. But I’ve never developed those gifts the way I should. I’m not telekinetic that I know of, and I can’t read or project thoughts.” Juan explained. His training and practice was grounded in strategy, tactics, and combat.

Cancer reassured him. “Pisces and I are well versed in the psychic arts, you’ll be well protected. When Aquarius talks of disturbances, he means that darkness is taking over the minds of the people through their dreams, their insecurities, and their fears. They spend more time alone. They fight and drink and hurt each other. They hurt themselves.”

“How is all this different from normal depressions and disruptions in group behavior?” Juan asked.

Pisces took out a notebook and wrote in it. “It’s the number, the mark, that appears on their foreheads.” She handed it to Juan.

A shudder passed through Juan as he read it. “666.”

“Abaddon marks his own.” Cancer grunted.