“It gives me strength to have somebody to fight for; I can never fight for myself, but, for others, I can kill.”
― Emilie Autumn, The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls
“I belong to the people I love, and they belong to me--they, and the love and loyalty I give them, form my identity far more than any word or group ever could.”
― Veronica Roth, Allegiant
“Who is that green demoness?”
Strike asked curiously.
“Believe it or not, that little she-demon is one of Lady Olana’s trusted advisors.”
Sandra answered, Strike raised his eyebrows in disbelief.
“Really? I would have never guessed, she seems a bit…unhinged.”
Sandra shrugged and chuckled.
“I must admit, the first time I spoke with Balca. I thought she was not quite all there in the head. But her advice and knowledge has helped.”
Talin approached Balca and gave her partner a brief hug.
“You should have told me you were going to invite some friends over to stay. I would have accompanied you on this errand.”
Balca smiled in reply saying.
“There was no need old buddy, I know all these jokers. I promised them a chance at a better life other than a life in the Courts.”
Balca returned her attention to Tabitha and continued.
“What’d ya say Tabitha, my fellow demons here.”
Balca waved her hands at the demons behind her.
“Seek safety from the Nether Lords of the Courts. Many of them have suffered at the hands of demon lords, princes, princesses, kings, and queens. Becoming unwilling pawns in their games of power, and that is why they are here. They wish for the protection of the Crystal Pyramid. Some are cooks and servants, others are craftsmen and builders. Trust me, they will swear loyalty to you and serve the Crystal Empire. I guarantee it.”
Balca gave Tabitha a huge grin, showing off her white fangs. The Devil Queen had already made her decision, this would benefit the Crystal Pyramid as a whole. The more bodies inside the fortress, the more magical particles the pyramid can absorb, and the more magical energies can be produce.
“If your friends are indeed willing to swear oaths of fealty to me, then they will have the full protection of the Crystal Pyramid.”
Tabitha swore, and she meant it to. Any who sought her out and swore themselves to her service. She would protect them, whether they be mortals, immortals, or otherwise. Balca clapped her hands and rubbed them together.
“Alrighty then, everyone started swearing. I mean, swearing oaths. Not actually swearing, you know what I mean.”
And so, 276 demons. All acquainted with Balca to one degree or the other swore their oaths of fealty to Olana the reborn Devil Queen. But the swearing ceremony was not done yet. The doors opened once again and Kasca slithered through, and she was not alone. In her wake followed more mariliths. All of them females, and with scales of different colors. While Kasca had dark brown scales with long flaming red hair with eyes of serpent yellow. The rest of the mariliths had different hair lengths and colors, and scales of different shades of greens and browns. Kasca stopped at the foot of the steps leading up to Olana’s throne and bowed deeply.
“Lady Olana, I have returned with a thousand of my sssistersss. All are prepared to ssswear loyalty to your ssserviccce.”
“One thousand mariliths that is indeed impressive Kasca.”
Tabitha said looking at all the serpent women before her. They all had weapons of different makes. Some bore axes and hammers, others carried swords like Kasca’s and others had daggers and whips and still more various weapons. The Harkuns examined their new guests but did not feel threatened by their strength of arms. The Arcadians on the other hand were a bit more wary.
“Thank you, my Lady, pleassse acccept the oathsss of my sssissstersss. They will ssserve you loyally, I have told them everything about you. They have agreed to follow you.”
Tabitha nodded, agreeing to take the oaths of the mariliths. 1000 mariliths swore themselves to Olana, and yet, the celebration was not done. Once again, the doors opened, and the crowd held their breaths as two lovely visions of beauty walked through the doors. Mother and daughter, Malice and Zula had all eyes on them. The dresses they wore were so revealing, they might as well be naked. Everyone, from mortals to demons, male and female were lusting after the pair. Tabitha was no exception, having known Malice and Zula for a couple of days. She was surprised when she felt so drawn towards them. Obviously, her resistance to their charms had degraded in their absent. Tabitha quickly got her urges under control and said.
“Lady Malice and Zula, I’m so glad you’ve both returned. I trust that your business was successful?”
Both Malice and Zula curtseyed gracefully, and Malice said.
“Yes, Lady Olana, our business came to a most satisfying conclusion.”
Without saying one word to each other, both Malice and Zula turned at the same time and waved their hands at the doors. The doors opened wide and a procession of incubi and succubi walked through them. If the room was warmed up by Malice and Zula’s entrance, it was sweltering now with so much beauty and lust walking down the middle of the throne room towards Tabitha. Tabitha in question had to work really hard to control her reactions, the sex demons were incredibly tempting. Especially, the incubi. They were beyond handsome, they were other worldly, and they almost brought out Tabitha’s devilish urges. It was dozens and dozens of them.
“I see you brought some friends of your own.”
Tabitha said, trying to get her mind off some sinful things she would like to do to the incubi.
“Yes, these are the ones who were able to stay off of Eldest’s radar. The so-called Demon Lord of Lust is always hunting for more incubi and succubi. But they are willing to serve you. Provided you can guarantee them both safety and freedom.”
Zula declared. Tabitha nodded saying.
“That and more, they will be able to come and go as they pleased. And they will have my full protection and the resources of the Crystal Pyramid.”
“That would be most acceptable Lady Olana.”
Malice said with a smile, and so another group of demons. This time sex demons, demons of pleasure and erotic dreams swore oaths of fealty to Olana the reborn Devil Queen of the Crystal Pyramid. On the third day of the swearing ceremony, the last succubus had just finished binding herself to Tabitha’s service. Tabitha felt almost drunk with power, she had gained thousands of servants and warriors. By this time, many of the visitors had gotten some sleep in their assigned rooms and returned to the celebration. Surprisingly, Tabitha did not need to sleep. It seems that by occupying the Crystal Throne, she was exempt from the effects of the Crystal Pyramid. The throne seems to have fed Tabitha strength and vitality, allowing her to go without sleep indefinitely. Plus, her muscles were relaxed and strong. If anything were to happen, she would be ready in an instant.
Inwardly, Tabitha knew that she has been in this position for fifty hours and twenty-four minutes. All the attendees have sworn to her before and during the celebration. Tabitha decided to close the swearing ceremony with a small speech. Before she could open her mouth the utter a word, the double doors opened one more time. Razor, Crank, and Block walked through the doors. Followed by thousands of demons, all of which males and females were similarly dressed in leather and furs. Razor and his two friends walked right up to the foot of the throne and went to one knee before Tabitha.
“Lady Olana, as promised we have brought 15,000 rogue demons. All of them have promised to swear fealty to you.”
Razor bowed his head and wait for Tabitha’s judgment. Tabitha looked behind the trio to see thousands of rogue demons kneeling before her, then she began to wonder. How the hell is the throne room still capable of fitting all these people? I mean, there must be over 150,000 or more people in this throne room. It must be space magic or dimension spell. Whatever it is, I should study this further. It might come in handy someday. Outwardly, she said.
“Razor, Crank, and Block. The first time we met, you were bounty hunters just doing a job. Just trying to get by, and now you wish to enter my service. It is as you’ve said. You kept your word and brought your brethren here to serve me. If they do pledge their fealty to me, then all of you will have my protection and share in the power of the Crystal Pyramid.”
Razor, Crank, and Block were the first to swear their oaths of fealty to Tabitha. Every one of the 15,000 rogue demons followed suit. Tabitha thought this was definitely the end of the ceremony, but of course, she was wrong. The doors opened again, and this time Tabitha was truly surprised and shocked to see who came through the doors. It was a woman with long black hair, ivory skin, and red eyes. But that is not what shocked and surprise Tabitha, because she could not take her eyes off this woman’s body. It had nothing to do with how beautiful she looked, from her head to her lower torso she was a vision. The rest of her body was that of a hairy eight-legged spider. Tabitha was looking at a half human half spider woman. While her human body was ivory, her spider body was pitch black. Yet, she moved with a fluid grace that only a spider can achieve. Wait a minute, she’s an Arachne. The thought just came to Tabitha when the Arachne was followed by four spiders the size of horses. Immediately, Tabitha recognized the Anuhles Demon Spiders, and guessed that this Arachne is the leader of the demon spiders.
“Kiera, it has been so long. It is good to see you again my friend.”
The name of the Arachne just popped into her head, no doubt, thanks to Olana’s memories. Kiera reached the foot of the steps leading to Tabitha’s throne and bowed before saying.
“It is good to see you alive and stronger than before Lady Olana. Forgive my late appearance. When my children told me that you live again.”
Kiera shrugged elegantly.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“I did not believe it. I stayed in the lower levels of the Crystal Pyramid in darkness after your murder. The Harkuns said that you would return, the Promise of Olana they said. But I did not believe, many beings who died never come back. However, looking at you I stand corrected. I also stand before you ready to renew my oath of fealty to you Olana the Devil Queen. Because of you, my Anuhles children thrive.”
And so, the Demon Queen of the Anuhles Demon Spiders swore her oath of fealty to the Devil Queen of the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm. By the end of the third day, the swearing ceremony finally ended.
“I thought the swearing ceremony would never end.”
Tabitha said sometime later, she was standing on her balcony with Zula, Balc, Talin, Malice, Kasca, Lydia, and Nanina. All were viewing the barren desert landscape of the Nether Realm. The Harkuns were patrolling the dark blue and orange skies, the rogues are getting situated inside the pyramid. With the help and supervision of Sudan and her assistance. The mortals were still here, they decided to spend one last night before returning to their respective homeworlds.
“It was a lot of fun though. I got to meet so many new people.”
Lydia said.
“I’m with mom.”
Nanina cut in.
“It was too long. I don’t know how you did it mom. Having so many people kneeling before you, saying the same thing repeatedly. You giving them slightly different responses over and over again. I don’t know about you, but it would have drived me crazy.”
Tabitha just shrugged saying.
“It had to be done.”
“Exactly.”
Balca cut in.
“Seeing is believing Nanina. It’s not enough to tell people that Olana is back in action. They must see her in the flesh, they have to feel her power for themselves. Olana is not like most of these absent gods and goddesses who tell their worshippers to believe in them. Instead of showing up occasionally to let them know they exist.”
“I could not have agreed more Balca.”
Malice said.
“In the old days of Olana, she would visit her Arcadians. Walk among them, and even spend some time with them.”
Zula nodded in understanding.
“I understand, by doing this. Olana bolsters the Arcadians’ faith in her and promotes a sense of spiritual connection between herself and the Arcadians. That is quite clever.”
Talin shook her head at Balca.
“I can’t believe you mate. We’ve known each other for 700 years, and you never told me you knew Olana.”
Talin flung her hands in the air in exasperation. In response, Balca yawned and said.
“Sorry old buddy, but I didn’t want to talk about Olana. When she died, I not only lost my benefactor.”
Balca looked up at Tabitha with a sad smile.
“I also lost my best friend. I was mad at Romanto, the Highends, and the Cranous. I just couldn’t talk about it.”
Tabitha gave Balca a gentle pat on her shoulders and said.
“Well, I’m back but we can’t rest easy. Romanto is the God of Deceit and Treachery, and he killed Olana or me for a reason. Whatever he is planning, I surmise that he is close to accomplishing it.”
Before Tabitha could say more, there was a god-awful whaling throughout the pyramid. It could even be heard outside of the pyramid. It sounded like the screaming of a thousand cats.
………………………………..
Sandra woke to the most annoying and irritating noise she had ever heard. At first, she thought the sound was inside her head. Then, she realized that it was coming from everywhere in the room.
“For the love of Olana! What is that hellish sound!?”
Serene demanded from across the room in her own bed. Sandra shook her head.
“I have no idea!”
Sandra and Serene quickly got dressed and left their room to discover that the other guests were already in the hallways. Like Sandra and Serene, they too were confused and annoyed with all that whaling.
“Serene! Sandra!”
Sandra looked towards the person calling her and her sister’s name. If was the shaman from Elonis, Gig pushed his way through the crowded hallway. When he reached the sisters, Gig had to talk loud enough for the women to hear him.
“I don’t suppose you have any idea to what’s going on!?”
Both sisters shook their heads, and then the whaling noise stopped and silence fell in its wake.
“Thank Olana for that!”
Said an unknown Arcadian man somewhere amongst the crowd.
“Damn, I’m ears are still ringing.”
Serene stated shaking her head and opening and closing her jaws. Trying to releave her ears, but it did not look like she was having much success.
“What was that noise anyway? I hope to never hear it again.”
Gig declared. Sandra thought about it for a few seconds, and she had a theory.
“The Crystal Pyramid, despite all its many spas, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. Still operates like a military fortress. I believe what we heard was the alert, and that would mean enemies are approaching.”
Every Arcadian in that hallway stopped talking and listened to Sandra’s explanation. Every one of them had the same thought, they thought that Sandra’s theory could be the correct one. Sandra would be proven right, because a second later Yolanda, one of Olana’s Harkun shamans appeared before them in the hallway. There was just a bright flash of orange fire, and there she stood.
“Apologies for waking all of you up with that cursed noise.”
Yolanda shook her head.
“I’ve always hated that sound, but it was decided long ago to use it. In any case, the reason for the noise is simple. Our parameter sensors picked up a large enemy force heading straight for the Crystal Pyramid.”
Immediately, questions were thrown at Yolanda.
“Who is this enemy?”
“How many are they?”
“Where do you want us? We’ll fight.”
At those words, many Arcadians drew their weapons.
“You will not be fighting because the enemy are demons, and they are many.”
Just as the Arcadians were about to complain about not fighting. Yolanda powered on.
“Even though you will not be fighting, you will be able to see the fight.”
She waved her double-bladed staff sword through the air, and a holographic screen appeared showing the exterior of the pyramid. And now, all could see the hundreds of demon airships sailing towards the Crystal Pyramid.
………………………………..
A FEW MINUTES BEFORE
A circle of fire ripped a hole through the fabric of reality, and Tabitha walked out of it and into the CIC (Combat Information Center). She was followed by Talin, Balca, Malice, Zula, Kasca, Lydia, and Nanina. It was no surprise to see Sudan, Nord, Xylia, Zen, and Nandi already in the CIC. There were other Harkuns sitting at what look to be computer stations and terminals.
“What isss thisss placcce?”
Kasca asked in bewilderment, looking around at all the lights, monitors, and switches.
“We are in the CIC or Combat Information Center.”
Tabitha answered and when she saw the look of confusion on Kasca, Zula, and Talin’s faces. She continued her explanation.
“The CIC is a room that functions as a tactical center and provides processed information for command and control of the near battlespace or area of operations.”
“Which is good, our CIC came back online several days after Lady Olana’s returned. Now, we have access to radar, sonar, lidar, and sensor arrays. We are able to locate unauthorized individuals or groups in a hundred miles radius.”
Nord said with all the enthusasim of a child in a toy store.
“What do we have?”
Tabitha asked and then said.
“And please, will someone turn off that whaling madness.”
With that command, the noise was shut off and everyone breathed a sigh of relief at the blessed silence.
“Several minutes ago, our sensor picked up a large group of demon warships heading straight for the Crystal Pyramid. My Lady, all of them are warships.”
Sudan reported.
“Put the invaders on screen. I want to know who dares challenge the Crystal Pyramid.”
Tabitha commanded in her most authoritative voice. Sudan nodded and motioned to one of the Harkuns seated at a computer station. That Harkun typed on a few keystrokes, and Tabitha found it surreal to see a demon of hell typing on a keyboard. In a matter of moments, a holographic screen appeared in mid-air, and everyone could see who had come calling.
“I can’t believe that son-of-a-bitch actually came!”
Zula declared with incredulity, and Malice scoffed.
“Eldest was never too bright, but even he is aware of the power of a fully operational Crystal Pyramid. That’s why I don’t believe he is the one pulling the strings.”
Malice pointed to the side of Eldest.
“Look who’s with him at his right.”
“That’s a Romantian angel, look…there’s the symbol of Romanto. A sun with a sword through it.”
Nanina said with disgust.
“And not just any Romantian angel, take a good look sister. Even though we cannot see his face through the gold helmet. The armor looks the same as when he sealed us in marble stone.”
Nanina narrowed her gaze at the angel at Lydia’s words, and then her eyes widen with recognition.
“Sir Judah Kefir, Holy Knight of Romanto and the biggest jackass in all the multiverse.”
Nanina said with a growl. Tabitha’s eyebrows went up in surprise. She looked at the angel carefully, taking his measure. His armor was a full gold plate, and he carried a two-handed sword by his side. The sword looked ordinary, but she had no doubt it was enchanted with all kinds of magic. The Cambion twins told Tabitha all about Sir Judah Kefir. He was once a mortal human, a Holy Knight in the service of the Holy Church of Romanto.
“Well, if any of us had any doubts that Eldest was in Romanto’s pocket. The presence of Sir Judah Kefir by his side has exspelled all doubts.”
Tabitha said with her own growl, she wanted to deal with this angel.
“I will take care of this Sir Judah Kefir myself.”
Tabitha heard her own voice say the words, and it shocked her. She was actually angry on behalf of Lydia and Nanina, and it felt…right. They are her daughters and she their mother. It is only right and proper that Tabitha avenge her own children, but the twins did not agree with this.
“No mother. Sir Juda Kefir is ours.”
Nanina declared.
“Please, allow us to deal with him.”
Lydia requested. Tabitha looked at both of her daughters. Lydia had gold eyes while Nanina had silver eyes. Other than that, both twins looked exactly the same. Both had blue horns, tails, and wings. Both had long black hair going down to their waists, and both had the same blood read skin. In truth, the twins resembled their mother.
“Alright, he’s yours. But do not be reckless, stay together and watch out for each other. If I think you need help, I will intervene. So, please forgive me.”
Both twins bowed in acceptance of their mother’s advice and ultimatum. Just then, the doors opened and Razor along with Crank and Block strode into the CIC.
“What the hell is going on?”
Crank demanded with his hands spread, seeking an answer to his question.
“Yeah, the Harkuns are saying we have an army coming our way.”
Block added, he looked a bit nervous.
“The hell, that’s Eldest. Why the hell is an angel with him?”
Razor pointed at the holographic screen, stunned at what he saw.
“Yep.”
Balca said cheerily, putting an arm around Razor’s shoulders. Or she tried to, Razor was a major demon, so he was taller that the green she-demon who hovered off the ground in order to reach his shoulders.
“Eldest came a calling and he brought an angel for us to play with.”
Balca sang, and all three rogue demons looked at her as if just realizing how crazy she sounded. Tabitha and everyone else in the CIC were not surprise, they knew all about Balca’s eccentricities. Tabitha took charge of the situation.
“Nord and Xylia, prepare your battlions for war. I want them on standby. When I give the word, we will go out and face the enemy.”
Nord and Xylia bowed, acknowledging Tabitha’s commands.
“What about us?”
Razor asked.
“I’ve got 15,000 rogue demons ready to fight for you, my Lady. Prepared to defend your fortress, our home. Willing to do whatever you command, and ready to prove our loyalty to you Tabitha. No, Lady Olana, the Devil Queen.”
Tabitha was taken aback a little by Razor’s determination to prove that he and his people were ready to serve her. Tabitha wanted to allow Razor’s people to participate, but something told her that would not be a wise decision. It was not mistrust of her new subordinates, it had more to do with strategy. Yet, she was thinking of a way to express her disagreement of them joining the fight without making it seem as if they were not trusted. It was Zen who came to Tabitha’s aid.
“My Lady, if I may?”
Tabitha nodded for the shaman to proceed, and Zen bowed to his Queen before facing the rogue demons.
“Mr. Razor, while we appreciate you and your people’s willingness to fight by our side against this Eldest and his master Romantian angel. Your people are not combat effective.”
Cocking his head to the side in confusion, Crank asked.
“What do you mean not combat effective?”
“In other words, while your people can fight. They do not know our combat procedures or our strategic maneuvering methods. On the battlefield your people would be a chaotic mob of fighters with no sense of order or discipline. They have yet to be trained in our tactics. At best, you would be distractions. At worse, hindrances in the battle. No disrespect, but until you are fully trained. It would be best for you to stay here and protect the Crystal Pyramid.”
For a moment neither of the rogue demons replied to Zen’s assessments. It seems that Razor was thinking, and Tabitha approved. It showed that he was willing to listen to advice and take in criticisms. Finally, Razor nodded.
“As much as I would like to disagree, you are right. We would just get in the way, having not fought with you before. If it is alright with Lady Olana, the rogues will stay here and guard the Crystal Pyramid.”
“Good, the rest of the Harkuns will stay here as well. Nord and Xylia will follow me into battle. Are there any questions?”
When Tabitha received no response, she nodded and said.
“Let’s go to war.”