[ It takes Maruki a few blank-faced moments before he realizes her joke, and then he bursts into laughter, clasping a hand over his mouth and shaking his head. ]

Ah, you got me there!

[ Another few moments for his laughter to die down, and then he waves that hand through the air, sips at his coffee. ]

I suppose I should start by saying that Azathoth is "attached to my soul" is inaccurate. It's an extension of my soul, if anything. It's not a creature I can summon – it's me. The other me, so to speak.

[ Well, that's all weird as hell. Let's see how she chews on that. ]