Delomary InFocus: March 2024

Vivian visited the nondescript strip mall off Glenoaks Boulevard in Burbank to sit down with his eminence, Máurso, the God of War, and the Dáumo of the preeminent Dáu Xhà on earth.His Eminence, Máurso, the God of War, and the Dáumo of the preeminent Dáu Xhà on earth.

Situated between a busy red-and-yellow Maxie Mart and a nail salon, the God of War Dáu Xhà appears simple and unremarkable; I would never guess that some of the greatest Coaugelus in the Alliance trained here.

Máurso greeted me at the front, standing before two glass cabinets filled with remarkable awards. To be honest, Máurso is intimidating. He’s at least nine feet tall, with a body of coiled muscle and coal-dark eyes that seem to pierce your soul.

“I am, you know, lassie.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Reading your soul, checking to see if you are worthy to be here.”

Viv: “And if I’m not worthy?”

Máurso: “You’ll combust and burn to a crisp.”

Viv: “Um…”

Máurso (gruffly): “You’re okay, I suppose.”

Viv: “Suppose?”

Máurso: “I can tell you mean well, but you seem nervous. I don’t like nervous people.”

Viv: I’m scared of my own shadow, to be frank.

Máurso: “Aye, you should train with me.”

Viv: “I’m not coordinated enough.” And, to prove my point, I drop my phone and purse, then lean forward to pick them up but trip over myself.

Máurso stares down at me: “Aye, I can see you’re not meant to study Xem Sen Ou.”

Viv: “Just a humble archivist, you know.”

Ten minutes later, we sit in Máurso’s office—a cheerful yellow room with inspirational posters lining the walls, featuring cats in trees, slinking on the grass, lounging in the sun with slogans like "Hang in There!" "Find Your Dreams!" and "Bask in Your Glory!"

Máurso leans back into a faux leather chair behind a long desk, holding a tabby cat in his lap while a black cat balances on his shoulders, squeezing its eyes at me. It’s making me nervous; is it warning me of something? I can’t figure it out.

Viv: What is it like being an Immortal?

Máurso: Busy. I hardly have time for myself. I usually train the best and brightest Coaugelus or help out in the field with the League, handling logistics and advising the Agécendrus. Mentoring, you know? How to slay a particularly stubborn and murderous monster, yeah? Sometimes I act as a mediator between Magicals and the paper pushers in London when rules are broken or ignored. Those bureaucrats like rules to be followed, but sometimes it’s not possible, and I have to lay down the law!

Viv: I notice you have a lot of cats wandering around Dáu Xhà and here with you. Are you a cat person?

Máurso: Aye, I love cats. Did you know they’re the only creatures besides humans who kill for sport? And they’re so soft, cuddly, and cute! Yet, in a flash, they can slay you! (Máurso laughs, his voice shaking violently) Sorry to scare you, Lass. Besides cats, I love birds, butterflies, and puppies. I’m an animal lover, I suppose. Who would’ve thought? Aye?

Viv: Yes, I’m definitely surprised. Next question: do you consider yourself a success?

Máurso: Do you doubt I’m a success? Okay, you don’t have to answer that, lass. My father is Cupidero, the leader of the Immortals and the Sun God, and he pushed me to be the best I can be. I take pride in my work—training, strategizing for war, leading battles, and hand-to-hand combat. Without me, the Alliance wouldn’t be as strong. I don’t take prisoners, ha.

Viv: As long as the front doors are open when this interview ends, I’m fine with that. Next question: what advice would you give to someone starting out?

Máurso: Set clear goals. Where do I want to be in a week, a month, a year? How will I achieve my goals? Training? Education? Tools? This helps you figure out how to reach where you want to go. Be determined! And patient too. It takes time to accomplish your dreams. Never give up. When you fail, get up, dust yourself off, and keep going! You’ll succeed if you give it your all.

Viv: How do you push through your worst times?

Máurso: Honestly, I’m an emotional eater—hot dogs, churros, dim sum. And when I’m angry, I tend to break things. Yeah, I might have caused the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. Oops. But I learn from my mistakes and try to grow as an Immortal. I’ve also taken some anger management classes at the local community college. No more causing earthquakes for me!

Viv: That’s good to hear! Moving on, what keeps you awake at night?

Máurso: Monsters lurking in LA, wanting to hurt innocents. Sometimes I worry about all the cats worldwide—whether they’re fed properly and loved. And I wake up in a panic, worried that mortals will phase out hot dogs. Mortals are into health foods, but hot dogs aren’t exactly healthy…

Viv: Have you tried hot dogs made from wheatgrass?

Máurso: Would you like to see me get angry?

Viv: I’ll take that as a no. Next, what personality trait should every leader possess?

Máurso: Strength. You need strength to guide a team through challenges. A sense of humor helps, too. Want to hear a joke?

Viv: I’m scared.

Máurso: Whenever you get a bad sausage, it's just the wurst. Get it?

Viv: (rolls eyes) Oh, my.

Máurso: You liked it, I can tell.

Viv: I’d lie if I didn’t. Finally, Máurso, what’s something our readers might not know about you?

Máurso: I tell funny jokes. All the time. Right?

Viv: Sure. And thanks, Máurso!