“Keeping the door that leads to your heart ajar is destructive as uninvited guests would move in and trample on your feelings, leaving you in great pains, but closing it always is a sure way to spot out the destructive and innovative guests.”
― Michael Bassey Johnson
“Behold, the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm.”
Balocustos declared as he waved a hand towards the monument. Razor, Block, and Crank hovered in the air looking at the incredible fortress. They had heard all the stories about the pyramid but never bothered to travel to see it, it was simply too far away from the beaten path. After all, they were told that it was abandoned long ago. Now, they are looking at a massive six-sided pyramid. Its blue crystal surface seemed to shine with an inner glow, and they could see dozens of demons flying all around it. Razor could tell a patrol when he saw one, and he saw a lot of them.
“Are those Harkuns?”
Block asked nervously, hoping the answer would be no. Unfortunately, Balocustos did not oblige him.
“Yes, the legendary Harkuns. The greatest warriors in the Nether Realm created by Olana herself. That’s why she is called The Mother of Harkuns.”
“But why would Tabitha come here? Does she wish to serve Olana?”
It was Razor not Balocustos who answered the question.
“Tabitha did not come here to serve Olana, she came here to reclaim her mantle of power.”
Both Crank and Block looked at Razor with some confusion. They both realized what their friend meant seconds later.
“Wait a minute.”
Crank held up his hands in disbelief.
“You don’t mean to say that Tabitha is Olana reborn.”
Block finished in equal disbelief. Razor nodded and looked at Balocustos.
“You had already come to the same conclusion after hearing how we met Tabitha didn’t you?”
Balocustos nodded.
“Once I heard your story and put it together with the rumors that the Crystal Pyramid had awakened. The logic was undeniable. Weeks ago, no one had ever heard of this greater she-devil known as Tabitha. No one had ever even seen her before, and then days after escaping Eldest. The Crystal Pyramid was reawakened.”
Balocustos shook his head.
“Too much of a coincidence, and I don’t believe in coincidences.”
“So, you’re saying Tabitha planned all of this. Planned to be captured and placed in the Palace of Lust. For what purpose?”
Block was truly bewildered. Again, Razor provided the answer.
“We all know Tabitha escaped the Palace of Lust, but she did not leave the palace itself through the front door. I think she may have found a way to escape by some other means. She might have escaped to another realm.”
“She did escape to another realm. She went to Avalon.”
Balocustos interjected.
“My master, the mortal I serve encountered her. She used a realm gate to return to the Nether Realm. I assume that there was a realm gate in the Palace of Lust. She found it and used it to gain access to Avalon, and then she used the realm gate in Avalon to return here to the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm.”
The three rogues thought about the logic in Balocustos’s argument and could not find any holes in it. Shrugging, Razor asked.
“So, why are we here?”
“My master seeks an audience with Tabitha the greater she-devil. We are also fugitives of not one but two Nether Lords. They will chase us for all eternity until they catch us. Our only hope is to gain the protection of someone more powerful than Eldest and Davindor. In her time, Olana was the most powerful Devil Queen in all the Nether Realm. Greater than Lucifer, Satan and Lilith. I believe the reborn Olana is even more powerful than before since she has returned from death.”
Block raised a hand saying.
“Slight problem bro. We kind a pissed her off the first time we met. And if she still has her friends with her, they won’t be pleased at seeing us again.”
“Not to mention the fact that the two succubi are not our favorite fans either.”
Crank added, but Balocustos was not deterred. He raised his eyebrows and spoke.
“Ah, but you forget. Tabitha or Olana would have the marilith. As I recall, you aided the marilith in entering the Palace of Lust. Such a favor could earn you the Devil Queen’s gratitude. I have no doubts the marilith…Kasca helped Tabitha or Olana.”
“I don’t know. We did not part on the best of terms with Tabitha. She might hold a grudge. If she is Olana reborn, then going to her after all we’ve done is risky.”
Razor did have a point, but Balocustos saw the situation from a different angle.
“Look at it this way. If we are ever captured by Eldest or Davindor, the best we can hope for is a swift death. The worst…they put us in their dungeons and torture us for a long, long time. What would you choose? To take your chances with a Devil Queen you aided no matter how small or face the wrath of Eldest and Davindor?”
It did not take long for Razor to decide.
“I’ll go with option number one, hopefully Tabitha will remember that we did aid in her escape however small a part we played. What about you guys?”
Razor looked at his friends. Crank shrugged his broad shoulders.
“I say we go to Tabitha. She may have torn us apart the first time we met, but she did not feel vindictive to me. It was more like an automatic reaction to our provocation.”
“I’m with you guys. I always thought it was a bad idea to deal with any Nether Lord in the Courts. The fact that we have two of those bastards after us is not good in my book. If Tabitha is Olana reborn, then she is not of the Courts. In the past, the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm and the Courts were not on the best of terms. As they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Let’s hope she’s feeling friendly boys.”
Block said, rubbing his hands together. Balocustos nodded saying.
“Then, it is decided. Let us proceed to the Crystal Pyramid and discover what fate has in store for us.”
The four demons flew towards the Crystal Pyramid, it was time to meet the Devil Queen. The great mountainous size of the Crystal Pyramid made it feel closer than it really was. In fact, they were still hundreds of miles away. But demons could fly at speeds that would crush the bones of a mortal, it only took them a few minutes to come into range of the pyramid. By then, the Crystal Pyramid took up the entire view of the demons. However, the demons found they could go no further. Twenty yards in front, multiple flames appeared in the sky, they were surrounded by giant balls of fire.
“Do nothing.”
Balocustos snapped out quickly in a calm and controlled voice.
“I was expecting this. Make no aggressive moves, I guarantee you that would be a grave error.”
As soon as the words were spoken the fires went out and, in their place, hovered twenty Harkuns with weapons pointing at the intruders. One of the Harkuns, a male an albino greater demon with white horns, tail, and wings floated towards them.
“You dare enter the air space of the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm without permission. State your business immediately or we’ll cut you into pieces and through them into the deepest valley where you will take a very long time to regenerate.”
His threat was accompanied by the massive two-handed sword he held before them with one hand. The rogue demons were looking a bit nervous and who could blame them. But Balocustos was not at all rattled. He nodded to the Harkun in a gentlemanly fashion and said in a clear and unhurried voice.
“Forgive us for the intrusion, we apologize if any offense has been committed. As to our business, rumors have been spreading throughout the Courts. The rumors say that the Crystal Pyramid has been reactivated. They say the mistress of this legendary fortress is either a new Devil Queen or Olana returned from the dead. In either case, my companions and I seek an audience with your Queen. We humbly request to speak with your Lady.”
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The Harkun stared at Balocustos with dark-gray eyes, they had a glimmer of respect in them. Harkuns do not tolerate whiney sniveling rats, and the fact that Balocustos spoke to Nord without fear is a point in the demon’s favor. Of course, Balocustos knows this. After all, he did a lot of research about Olana and her Harkuns. He came prepared.
“What are your names?”
“I am Balocustos, this is Razor, Crank, and Block.”
“Very well, you seek an audience with our Queen. Let’s find out if she is in a receiving mood.”
Nord sent a telepathic call to Olana using the link between them. Thought was faster than the speed of light, and it only took moments for Olana to reply. Nord looked at the demons and spoke.
“You’re in luck, Lady Olana will see you in her throne room. Let’s go.”
Nord’s words were not a request, the demons followed the Harkun towards the Crystal Pyramid. Surrounded by Harkuns they dare not make a move, after all, this is exactly what they were hoping for. A meeting with the Devil Queen. Hopefully, they will come out of this meeting with some advantages.
………………………………..
MOMENTS EARLIER
Tabitha had made her way to the dens of the demon saber cats. Long ago, Olana had taken three pairs of saber cats back to the Nether Realm with her. Three males and three females. Saber cats are felines the size of horses with two razor sharp tusks from their upper jaw. They have been the war mounts for the Arcadians for thousands of years. It is said that an Arcadian and a saber cat may share the same soul in a lifetime, thus, making them excellent partners. Olana took a liking to the saber cats. She chose six of the strongest and transformed them into demons. These first six bread all other demon saber cats, the Devil Queen had created winged mounts for the Arcadians to fly into battle. Demon saber cats are twice the size of saber cats, strong, powerful, and loyal to their riders.
As soon as Tabitha had entered the den of the demon saber cats, they rushed her. Not to attack but to brush up on her. Back when Tabitha was human, she loved the stray cats that lived in the alleys of her building. She would feed them when she had a chance, and the cats would reward her with their affection. It was always like this; cats would never run from her. They would always come up to her and rub themselves on her legs. They would allow Tabitha to pet them, and it was so with the demon saber cats.
“It’s amazing. They just accepted you like that.”
Carney the den master in charge of the demon saber cats said with amazement.
“They’ve known me for thousands of years, and yet some of them barely tolerate me.”
Tabitha shrugged.
“When I was human, cats have always liked me. My human mother use to say that I was part feline myself.”
“It’s because they know your spirit my Lady.”
Carney replied simply.
“The demon saber cats have always loved you. When you died, they were lost, many of them had lost the will to live and died in the Nether Wars. But now that you have returned. Well, let’s just say I haven’t seen them so lively in thousands of years.”
The other Harkuns in the dens made their agreements known by nodding or grunting. Tabitha shook her head with a smile, it has only been five days, but she is beginning to adapt to her new situation. This morning, she decided to explore more of the Crystal Pyramid. Being its ruler, she wanted to know everything about the fortress. Talin, Kasca, and Zula were off exploring by themselves. Malice, Balca, Lydia, and Nanina said they had business to attend to. Whatever that meant, but Tabitha was not too worried. She trusted the two she-demons and the twin Cambions, even if they did not tell her everything. Tabitha had no problem being on her own, every second she was getting stronger and stronger. By tomorrow, the Crystal Pyramid will be at full power and able to become self-sufficient. When that happens, the pyramid will no longer need to drain magical particles from Tabitha. It will be able to create its own. Tabitha sensed the present of a few Harkuns, she smiled and spoke.
“What do you have for me my shadows?”
Carney looked at her questioningly, and then his confusion disappeared as the shadows cast by him and the other Harkuns began to move and emerge from the floor. Five oily black humanoid forms rose from the ground with horns, wings, and tails. When they solidified, five Harkuns knelt before Tabitha. There were two males and three females, and they all had obsidian skin. Their clothes, armor, and weapons were completely pitch black. Making them look slightly deformed, but Tabitha knew that was not the case. This was another one of Olana’s ideas, eons ago she took volunteers from among her Harkuns and transformed them into Greater Shadow Demons. These Harkuns were considered a special unit or by today’s term special forces. These Greater Shadow Demons are Olana’s spies and informers. Capable of traveling through the Shadow Realm, a realm that connects to any other realm in the multiverse that possesses shadows and darkness. Thus, allowing these Harkuns to go virtually anywhere. Providing Olana with intelligence, but for some reason they are unable to enter the outer realms or the heavens. Tabitha thought that might not be a bad thing. She had no desire to offend the gods, especially to risk the chance of Romanto realizing Olana had returned.
“Rika, it is good to see you. I assume your information gathering has gone well?”
Tabitha addressed the female shadow demon who stood up and spoke.
“Yes, my Lady, we have much to report.”
Rika was of the Crimson Steel Tribe of Nosgoth, she was 10-feet tall with dark skin and raven long black hair, and even her eyes were completely black with no white. All the Greater Shadow Demons had similar features; it is what makes them able to blend into the shadows without giving away their position.
“In the Courts and other demon cities and settlements throughout the Nether Realm. There are rumors that the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm has been reawakened. Many have seen the light from the pyramid when you took your rightful place, my Lady. Right now, many do not believe in the rumors but that is changing. I surmise sooner rather than later; we will be entertaining visitors.”
“Agreed.”
Tabitha said confidently.
“Continue to monitor the situation. I believe sometime soon; some fool will try to challenge us with an army.”
Rika and the other shadow demons smiled at that; Tabitha knew all Harkuns love to fight. This time when the fight comes, they will have the full might of the Crystal Pyramid. Just then, Tabitha received a telepathic message from Nord.
“My Lady, we have intercepted a group of four demons. They claim to seek an audience with you. Say the word and I will deal with them.”
“Describe them to me.”
Tabitha commanded instead and Nord complied.
“Three of the four demons are rogues wearing leather and fur with red skins. The fourth demon is a bit different; he’s wearing some type of suit and tie combination. He speaks with a cultured demeanor and is a bit slimmer than the rest. He is not a rogue.”
Nord’s description sparked Tabitha’s curiosity.
“Escort them to my throne room, I will be there shortly.”
“As you wish my Lady.”
The telepathic link between Tabitha and Nord closed, but Tabitha quickly established multiple telepathic links to her friends. It was like making a conference call to multiple people at different locations.
“What’s up?”
Balca was the first to answer.
“Is there a problem Tabitha?”
Malice asked.
“No, no problem. We just have some visitors to the pyramid. And if they are who I think they are, Zula and Kasca would want to be in the throne room for this meeting.”
Tabitha said.
“What do you mean?”
Zula asked.
“You’ll see.”
Tabitha replied with a smile.
“Just meet me in the throne room if you’re not too busy.”
With that, Tabitha closed her telepathic link to the others and addressed Carney and Rika.
“It seems we have visitors. Carney, I’ll leave you to your duties. Rika, you, and the others know what to do.”
Carney and Rika nodded to their Lady, and Tabitha gave them a warm smile. Then, she summoned flames and disappeared in a ball of red and orange fire.
………………………………..
NOW
Razor and the others found themselves in the throne room of the new Devil Queen of the Crystal Pyramid. They were at the very top of the pyramid, the Harkuns had flown them through an open door from one of the balconies. There were more Harkuns waiting in the throne room, and soon the visitors found themselves surrounded by dozens of Harkuns who are all Greater Demons.
“I don’t believe this! What the hell are they doing here!”
Razor and the others turned to view the owner of that outraged voice. Zula was marching towards them from behind the crystal throne. Apparently, she had come through a door behind the throne, and she was not alone. Razor recognized the four she-demons in the succubus’s wake. The green demoness Balca was hovering their way, her four wings were moving so fast they were blurs. Next up was Talin in her tight-fitting red outfit. Then came Malice who they had met in the Palace of Lust, and after her came the marilith Kasca. That serpent woman was both frightening and graceful. And yes, still had those six magical swords. Weapons that could end a demon with one blow. Razor saw two she-demons who looked exactly alike. Are they twins? He mused, but then when he saw the mortal female in cobalt armor. He wondered, what is a mortal doing here?
Malice places a gentle hand on her daughter’s shoulder stopping her from marching over to the four demons.
“Zula, wait. They have come here to see Olana.”
“But mother, if it was not for these three bastards…”
She pointed at Razor, Crank, and Block.
“…we wouldn’t have ended up in the Palace of Lust!”
“Yeah, that’s true.”
Balca said shrugging, and then she cocked an eyebrow and said cheerfully.
“But it all worked out in the end. Because here we are.”
Balca stretched her arms out and began spinning in mid-air saying.
“The Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm is our home. Weeeeeeee!”
Razor just shook his head at the strangeness of the she-demon. Malice led Zula to the cushion chairs stationed next to the crystal throne. Soon, all the women stood on either side of the throne. Except for the succubi, they laid down seductively on their cushions, but Zula was still giving the rogues the evil eye. Balocustos was for now being ignored by the women, he was studying the throne. The crystal throne was large, fit for a giant to sit on. Its blue-white crystal surface was the same shade as the Crystal Pyramid. The back rest was a triangular shape with a cut out at the base allowing for the tail to move freely. The shape of the back rest would also allow for wings to comfortable move without restrictions.
Suddenly, the crystal throne erupted into flames. The red and orange fires formed a large humanoid shape. When the flames vanished, Tabitha remained in their place. No, not Tabitha. This is Olana the Devil Queen, and Mistress of the Crystal Pyramid. Remember that. Razor corrected himself, his heart began to beat fast. Again, just seeing the gorgeous sight of this she-devil. She looked even more beautiful than the first time he saw her. Yes, Razor thought. She deserves the title of Devil Queen. Tabitha took her time to study all four of them, she is well acquainted with Razor, Crank, and Block. But the fourth demon. Well, not only was he a new addition to the group. He also carried himself in a different manner. While the rogues had that bad ass Conan the Barbarian vibe going on. This fourth demon was not a rogue like Nord said. This demon gave off a James Bond type manner. He was cultured but dangers, and was he wearing an Armani Suit? Tabitha did not see that coming.
“Well, well, well. Razor and his band of merry men. I am not surprised to see you here in my fortress. Something told me I would be seeing you three again.”
Tabitha words sent chills down their spines, but to their credit none of them showed fear. There was a spark of respect in Tabitha’s eyes as she said.
“Why don’t you introduce me to your new companion.”