Kat’s Turn

Kat had about a million things running through his mind as he got Wonder’s message. He was pissed off at Malchon especially. The Forest Spirit had been problematic since he was born, but it had never been this big. The Forest Spirit had been captivated by the multiverse, being raised by a summoned himself. And yes, his throwing people into Hoseki from other universes was a pain, but it never amounted to anything.

But hiding his presence?

Some sort of mystery disaster with the King of Light Kingdom?

Kat bristled. He was mostly angry at himself, and he knew it. He was still a young, new god… at least compared to others. And he wasn’t as willing to lose his humanity, which did limit his powers. He wasn’t omnipotent, especially with Light hogging the wavelengths of the world he created. But he was born on a superhero Dimension… he should have seen a supervillain!

Kat morphed easily into the darkness. He remained in mortal form for now. So far, Malchon was willing to respect his authority. And while “Kat” was a low-level Paladin, Malchon should at least be willing to talk.

“What are you doing here, Paladin?!?”

Kat sensed an aura of rage and danger. This wasn’t loud, blasty, obnoxious Malchon. This was a different side to Malchon he’s never released before.

Kat forced himself to breathe, and looked into Malchon’s eyeless, scowling face. Whyyyyyyyy did he take inspiration from his mortal friend’s horror stories?!? Now he was getting the shivers!

Kat said, “You tell me, Malchon! You’ve been acting shifty as shit! Add that to whatever is going on in the castle… and apparently you’ve kidnapped the King!”

Malchon scowled even more. He said, “There was no kidnapping. The King were I were talking, panic reigned, and I got him to somewhere I could defend him.”

The King peeked out from behind a tree. Kat nodded to him, then returned to Malchon. Reminding himself he was technically more powerful, and Malchon was a squish-able bug to him. Kat said calmly, “Malchon. You’re smart. You know how bad this looks. If this is something private, the only one I will tell is the Dark. But I need to know what is going on. This world belongs to the Dark, and we both have a responsibility to keep it safe.”

Malchon finally smiled and chuckled. “It is a shame, Kat… you could have been High Paladin with that dedication.”

There was a sudden pain in Kat’s chest.

Kat looked down as the error came up: Fatal Hit. Critical Hit. HP 0. You are Dead.

Kat said, “Fuck… you.”

Darkness fell…

Then expanded as Kat returned to his true form. But Malchon and the King were already gone.

Fuck fuck fuck!!!

Dark quickly brought up the message screen and messaged Wonder. He doubted Malchon went after the Queen, but just in case.

******************

Wonder’s Turn

Wonder glanced at his screen. “Oh fuck!”

Rosescent asked, “What?”

Wonder said, “I just got a message from the Afterlife! Malchon killed Kat and vanished with the King!”

Rosescent paled. She pulled out some bongos. “Think he’s coming after us?”

Wonder pulled out his bow. They had left the city and were racing after the Queen’s caravan. “I don’t know! But that asshole announcer is turning out to be more and more a threat. Sakura’s DEF boost is about to wear off, can you renew it?”

Rosescent nodded, and hit her bongos a few time. Rosescent has given you Extended DEF Boost. Combo effect with DEF MAX, you are now invincible for 30 minutes.

Wonder said, “Thanks! Don’t forget to boost yourself. We don’t know what we’re getting into.”

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Rosescent nodded, and retapped the bongos. They then saw the caravan up ahead. There was a series of black tents as well.

Rosescent said, “Oh no.”

Wonder said, “Not friendlies?”

“Hmmm… we may get by, being Neutral. But one of the Dark Queens is a High Priestess. That’s her caravan.”

Wonder said, “Sounds like the Queen was trying to pincer Mids into the marriage. Let’s go say hello… and I think Miss Dark Priestess may be interested in hearing about a rogue Malchon.”

Rosescent nodded and put the bongos away. They soon came upon the entrance and slowed. Two Forest Spirits glared and got in the way. One said, “State your business!”

Wonder said, “I have a message for the Dark High Priestess from Kat the Paladin!”

Both Forest Spirits shared a glance, but then moved out of the way. The speaker pointed to the biggest, most ornate tent. “Go there.”

Wonder said, “Thanks.”

They both jogged. They had to repeat the “message” to the guards in front, but they were allowed in.

Inside the tent could rival a Wizarding World tent. Basically, it was another castle, but this one with walls and ceiling of cloth. Wonder was awestruck by the beautiful designs of purple, black, and gold… and Rosescent had to drag him towards a throne.

Wonder looked at High Priestess. She was dressed beautiful in black and purple robes and veils with symbols of moons and stars. Her visible lower face was sharp but kept neutral. Black hair flowed down her back.

Other Queen, if I interpreted Rosescent’s comment right, you got lucky!

Wonder saluted. “Your Highness. I apologize for the sudden appearance, but Kat the Paladin sent me a message right as he was killed. Malchon has gone rogue.”

There was a flash of surprise on the High Priestess’s face. She bowed her head gently. “Poor child.”

She looked back up. “I thank you for bringing this message. Do you know anything else?”

Wonder said, “I heard that Malchon has taken the Light King.”

“WHAT?!?”

The Light Queen emerged from the shadows. She said, “That is not… what about your fiancée?!?”

Wonder said, “I was able to get him out safely, and he’s with trusted folks at the Adventurers’ Guild.”

Rosescent hissed, “Shouldn’t you be more concerned about your husband?”

The Queen scowled. “Malchon wouldn’t dare injure the King. He’s not stupid.”

Wonder said, “Ma’am, I’m gonna drop all politeness… shut the fuck up.”

The Queen gaped. Wonder flipped a bird. He said, “I wasn’t gonna tell anyone, but I can see status of different people. The ninjas that killed Mids’ Hosekin lover and accidentally led him to me were under your command.”

The Queen paled a millionfold.

Well, that instinct ended up being right. Sorry, Mids.

The High Priestess looked at the Queen. “Sister, is that correct?”

Sister?!?

Wonder said, “Oh, and you’re a Dark Priestess on top of it?!?”

The Light Queen said, “NO!”

The High Priestess said, “Wonder, we are sisters by blood. Malchon summoned us both to Hoseki, but at different times.”

Wonder relaxed at that. “Aaaaaah, okay. That makes sense. I apologize for the confusion.”

He scowled. “Malchon… is he the only summoner around here?”

The High Priestess shook her head. “No. The Lord Dark and Lady Light do both summons, and there have been a few mages with that ability, but Malchon is… the one who likes slamming the big red button.”

Wonder said, “Well, he continues to be a Skippy.”

That earned a small smile from the High Priestess, and the Light Queen facepalmed. Both of them heard of the books, at least.

Rosescent whispered, “Bard wants story.”

Wonder whispered, “Remind me later, and I’ll tell you what I know. But deet here: Skippy is an intelligent asshole.”

Wonder said, “Ladies… something’s going on. And not just the Queen’s obvious plots at forcing her son into a marriage he doesn’t want.” He glared at her again.

He looked at the High Priestess. “Ma’am, Kat mentioned that there were supposed to be peaceful negotiations between the Dark and Light. Something he heard before he came to deal with the hatchling situation. Do you think that Malchon may be… going an asshole route around it?”

The High Priestess frowned. “If that was the case, I doubt he’d kill a Paladin. No… whatever is up, it’s his own motives.”

Wonder said, “Fair. Now… please excuse my language, I’m about to get nasty.”

Wonder spun and snapped the Light Queen, “Now you shitty piece of fucking royalty! You had the way of peace all the fucking long, and you refused to do it so you could show some crappy power tactics you probably learned from a fucking Earthling history book! Now the King is gone, you are the fucking monarch on the throne. So here’s what you’re gonna do. You are Mrs. Priestess’s sister, SO FUCKING USE THAT TO MAKE A FUCKING TREATY!”

The Queen shook. “You have no…”

“Fucking right?!? Is that what you’re about to fucking say, you crappy piece of controlling fuck?!?”

He stormed up and pressed a finger in her face. “Since you refuse to care for your actually semi-decent father of a husband, your priority is now Hoseki. You have a way for some fucking peace that makes fucking sense!”

The High Priestess said, “I know what word was disallowed in his vocabulary back home.” Rosescent chuckled.

Wonder smirked, then returned to the Light Queen. “So use that fucking blood connection, your fucking Highness. I may be a Neutral, but I care for your son. And I have kids. AND I’M NOT LETTING ANY OF THEM COME TO HARM BECAUSE OF YOUR FUCKING CRAPPY DECISIONS AM I UNDERSTOOD?!?”

The Light Queen backed up, nodding.

Wonder perked. “Great! Now… I’ll let you all talk business. I need the la… man’s room. Wow, haven’t used that term in a while now.”