In the middle of Blueberry Grove, an army of devils was waiting for their leader’s return. They all wore long trousers and winter coats stolen from the villages nearby. To avoid upsetting the two demons in their midst, they stood on their knees with their heads slammed against the ground.

“Checkmate,” said Joe before making a pile of treasure disappear into his necklace.

“Gods damnit!” shouted the lizard. His tail slammed furiously into the nearby trees killing several dozen devils in the process. “This is all your fault!” he shouted at the trembling Eligos.

“I’m sorry, Lord Dragon, but I’ve never played this game….”

“Silence!” roared the monster. “You made lose, so you pay the bet.”

“But… We’re poor, my lord. What little treasure we have is managed by Lord Beelzebub.”

“Really?”

Just as the dragon was starting to show his teeth, the devil in question landed in front of him. Like his subordinates, Beelzebub too lowered his head.

“Great dragon, I apologize for my previous offense.”

“Then, pay up,” grinned Bratley.

“Huh?” the devil raised his head before immediately bringing it back down.

“Five piles of epic or higher grade artifacts. Pay now or face my tail.”

Bratley stood on two legs and unfurled his colossal wings. The buff devil king felt like a slightly fatter ant.

“As you command, My Lord.” Beelzebub snapped his fingers and summoned the bribe. After inspecting the piles, Bratley happily devoured them.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“May I asked you something, My Lord?”

“Two piles,” the dragon responded. With trembling fingers, the devil paid up.

“Where is the pixie who beat up my subjects?”

Before Bratley could respond, Joe jumped down and placed his rocky palms on the devil’s shoulders.

“I’ll tell you what, bud. Add another pile to the mix, and I’ll take you to him myself.”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

After Nijaz’s ferocious attack, the space around Seth and the dullahan was momentarily distorted. However, once it snapped back into place, only pieces of flesh and bones could be seen of the undead. As for the warrior, he was gone too. Only a tiny palm sized pixie was left in his place.

“Pixie, what happened to the red haired human?” the lich asked immediately.

Instead of answering, Seth flew towards Chloe.

“Potion,” he demanded after arriving on her shoulder.

“No!” Alastar shouted. “I mean, there aren’t many left.” The pixie looked at him with dead eyes quite possibly predicting the mage’s future.

Suddenly, the wraith engulfed Chloe in flames, but her armor deflected most of it. Nijaz sprinted towards her and the banshee screamed her tune. Fortunately, the latter’s attack blasted the two out of the lich’s reach.

“He’s right,” said Chloe while looking for a suitable landing spot. “There’re only 10 left.”

Seth hesitated, but only for a moment. “Save two for the Nightwalker and eight for the hero.” He then made the most charming expression his lips could muster and grabbed to princess’ chin.

“My love,” he said in a sweet tone that made his insides churn. “While I’m gone, please request aid from your mother. Tell her to attack the kingdom from the west while bringing more potions here.”

“But, our undeads will attack from the east,” said Chloe.

“That’s the point.” As a last resort, he kissed the princess’ gigantic lips and let his consciousness fade.

As if to reflect her emotions, the flames still attached to Chloe’s armor started burning brighter.

“They can see you!” shouted Alastar. It was the wraith's trick.

A moment later, the ghoul’s teeth caught onto her arm. The epic grade armor and even the bracelet within cracked before breaking apart.

Chloe let out a scream. Excited, the ghoul searched for the face of his newly visible victim. What he saw instead was a pixie with a curious expression.

“Hey Alastar!” he shouted. “Is it animal abuse if I fight this thing?”

“No!” answered the mage. “Put it the f**k down!”

That was all the pixie needed. With the innocent smile of a kid on Christmas morning, Seth punched the ghoul straight in his eye.