“The main thing that I learned about conspiracy theory, is that conspiracy theorists believe in a conspiracy because that is more comforting. The truth of the world is that it is actually chaotic. The truth is that it is not The Iluminati, or The Jewish Banking Conspiracy, or the Gray Alien Theory.
The truth is far more frightening - Nobody is in control.
The world is rudderless.”
― Alan Moore
While Asmodeus summoned the Nether Lords to the meeting, it only took Tabitha a day to recruit all twenty thousand defeated demons to her banner. With those demons, the mariliths that Kasca brought over to her, the Harkuns, the demon saber cats, all the incubi and succubi who followed Malice and Zula, the Anuhles Demon Spiders, the rogue demons with Razor, and all the demons Balca convinced to come to the Crystal Pyramid. Tabitha was in command of almost a hundred thousand demons. A novelty to Tabitha who was never in charge of a single person back on earth. But, for Olana this was nothing new. She knew how to organize so many demons of different species.
The command of the new twenty thousand recruits were given to her Harkuns. Until those among the demons’ numbers show signs of leadership qualities, Warrior Generals Lynda of the 8th Battalion and Ron of the 5th Battalion will have command of them. Near the main floor of the Crystal Pyramid, Tabitha was looking at a black circular disc 40-feet in diameter. In a room that was barren except for the disc.
“You called this a Jump Point. What does it do exactly?”
Tabitha asked, keeping her eyes on the black disc. It was like staring into the abyss of a black hole.
“As you know the Nether Realm is infinite, with no end in sight. Traveling from one part of the Nether Realm to the other can sometimes be time consuming.”
Tabitha looked at Talin and gave her a questioning look. Talin held out her hands and shrugged.
“I know how it sounds, immortal devils and demons worrying about time. But it’s true. The Nether Lords commissioned the very best talented demons with arcane knowledge to create a mode of fast travel across the whole of the Nether Realm. The jump points are the results of decades of research into quantum spatial dimensional manipulations. Each jump point can be connected to several jump points in several different locations throughout the Nether Realm.”
Tabitha was beginning to understand Talin’s explanation of the jump points.
“So, this jump point is connected to another jump point somewhere near the Courts. As well as other jump points around the Nether Realm.”
Talin nodded saying.
“Exactly…”
But before she could continue with whatever she wanted to add. Balca cut in.
“Yep, when Olana learned about the jump points. She decided that it would be a spanking good idea to have one of her own. But she did not trust any of the Nether Lords. So, she did what any devil would do.”
Balca had paused, and when she did not go on for a long while. Zula said impatiently.
“Well? What did Olana do?”
“Oh, yeah.”
Balca slapped her temple with the palm of one hand as if to say ‘stupid’.
“Olana stole the research on the jump points.”
Balca thought about what she said for a moment, and then shook her head.
“Stole is not the right word. It’s more like she had the research copied and then she modified them.”
“What doesss that mean?”
Kasca demanded, she was getting tired of Balca’s procrastination. Thankfully, Malice answered the question.
“This particular jump point is different from all the rest in the Nether Realm. Olana designed it so that only she and those who serve her may use it. This jump point contains an encryption alcorythm coupled with wards and spells designed to prevent anyone else from using it. It also prevents anyone from the outside from connecting to it, if they try. Then, the perpetrator will receive a very nasty gift.”
“So, only I or anyone who serves me may use this jump point.”
Tabitha stated just to make sure she had heard everything correctly. Balca and Malice nodded, and Tabitha sighed.
“How do I use this jump point? It looks…dormant.”
“That’s because this jump point hasn’t been used in under 5,000 years. A decade after the Crystal Pyramid lost power.”
Lydia stated.
“To activate it, all you have to do is provide the jump point with a little bit of your power.”
Nanina said. Tabitha understood, it was simple enough. She touched the flat black surface of the jump point and poured a small portion of her magic into it. The results were immediate, the surface of the jump point rippled at the point of contact. The blackness cleared away becoming a mirror and reflecting Tabitha and all the others.
“Great. Now, all you need to do is imagine the Courts and the jump point will do the rest.”
Tabitha did as Balca suggested, and the mirror reflection on the jump point changed. Instead of reflecting Tabitha and the others, it showed the territorial limits of the Courts. The buildings at the edge of the Courts were small, ramshackle, and poorly made. Or so Tabitha thought, but even though the buildings looked poorly made. They still held up against the environment of the landscape.
“I’m guessing all that’s left to do is go through.”
Tabitha said, before flying through the jump point without hesitation. Balca followed suit as did Malice, Talin, Kasca, Zula, Lydia, and Nanina.
………………………………..
The Nether Lords met at the center of the Courts at the very top of the tallest skyscraper. The council chamber of the Nether Lords was a domed ampitheatre. The dome was held up by pillars and archways, Asmodeus was of course the first to arrive, appearing on his throne in a ball of fire. He did not have to wait too long for the other Nether Lords to appear on their own thrones. First, Lucifer arrived with pitchfork in hand. Then Lilith, Azazel, Samael, Beelzebub, Leviathan, Mammon, Belphegor, Jezebel, the Dark Lady, and more. But the three demons Asmodeus wanted to see the most have yet to arrive. Where are they? Did they receive news of what happened to Eldest and decided to make a run for it? Or are they just late?
Before Asmodeus could ask where the three are, three balls of fire appeared over three thrones. Davindor, Flex, and Thull appeared. Sitting on their throne as if they truly deserve to be upon them. Asmodeus smiled, he was going to enjoy this. Davindor looked towards Asmodeus’s direction, and his eyes grew wide at seeing him instead of Eldest.
“What is the meaning of this?”
Davindor demanded, and then asked.
“Where in the hell is Eldest?”
In response, Asmodeus gave him a wide smile showing off his perfectly white fangs.
“I must inform you all that Eldest will not be joining us this evening. It was I who placed the summons, not that weakling usurper. I have reclaimed my mantle of power, but that’s not all.”
Before Asmodeus could go on, Flex interrupted.
“How can this be? Eldest swore that you were dead Asmodeus.”
“Obviously, Eldest lied. No surprise there.”
Azazel cut in, there was a peel of laughter from Lilith.
“Even though Eldest was the Demon Lord of Lust, the mantle never truly suited him. It was only a matter of time before someone took the mantle away from him. The only surprise is the fact that Eldest managed to reign for a thousand years.”
“Eldest was lucky, but a fool’s luck will always run out.”
Samael declared.
“That’s not the point.”
Thull snapped.
“I want to know how Asmodeus managed to regain his throne, and where is Eldest?”
“No, that’s not the point.”
Lucifer objected.
“The true point is why has Asmodeus called an emergency meeting of all the Nether Lords. I had very important work to take care of. I hope this doesn’t take too long?”
Thull was about to retort, but Asmodeus cut in before an argument could begin.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I will answer all of your inquiries.”
Asmodeus got more comfortable on his throne and then he began.
“Now, for the current status of Eldest. He is…no more, I saw to that when I retook what is rightfully mine. The reason why I have called you all to an emergency meeting is simple. The very fabric of the Nether Realm is about to change.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
Beelzebub asked with a suspicious gleam in his eyes, he sat forward and said.
“You better not be trying anything foolish. I agree with Lilith and Lucifer, Eldest did not deserve your mantle, but we could do nothing about it. Because he defeated, and outmaneuvered you, and that was it.”
Asmodeus nodded to Beelzebub in agreement.
“Of course, if you are not strong enough to hold on to your power. Then you deserve to lose it to another, but Eldest was not strong. He had help.”
“That is the filmsiest excuse I have ever heard.”
Davindor glared at Asmodeus, there was death in his eyes. Asmodeus just smiled saying.
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“I assure you, I have brought proof that Eldest was working with outside forces to not only take my throne. But these outside forces had designs on the rest of the Nether Lords.”
“Show us this proof Asmodeus, I am certain all of us would like to see the evidence.”
Belphegor said, and the Dark Lady supported that statement.
“I second that notion, if outside forces threaten our rule. Then, we must know who, where, and why.”
“Wait a minute. How do we know that Asmodeus is not blowing smoke up our anuses? For all we know, this could be a ploy for some nefarious plan of his.”
Flex protested. That smile on Asmodeus’s face did not waver.
“Don’t worry Flex, after you see my evidence, you will know I speak the truth.”
“So be it. Show us this evidence, I’m tired of the suspense.”
Jezebel complained. Asmodeus nodded and sent a mental request to Tabitha.
“My Lady, it is time.”
In answer, a tower of gold and silver flames erupted ten feet to Asmodeus’s right. All the Nether Lords sat back in their thrones, startled at the sudden flare up.
“What is the meaning of this?!
Demanded Mammon who looked ready to either flee or fight depending on the situation.
“Not to worry, all is well.”
As Asmodeus was reassuring the Nether Lords, inside the flames of gold and silver a crystal throne emerged and Tabitha materialized upon it.
“Who the hell is that?”
Davindor demanded, and Asmodeus swore he could hear a hint of fear in the demon prince’s tone. Things are about to get interesting, Asmodeus thought as the flames dissipated and Tabitha was revealed. Her crystal throne was immaculate and radiated with power, and her rod was placed in the right armrest holder. Tabitha’s gold and silver eyes blazed as she took in the Nether Lords for the first time.
“That is Olana, the Devil Queen of the Great Crystal Pyramid of the Nether Realm.”
Lucifer declared in awe and a little bit of fear. He remembers what Olana was like back when she walked the Nether Realm.
“I thought she was dead, slain by Romanto.”
Leviathan said with disbelief, he too remembers Olana all too well. He was looking bored by the whole proceedings, he’s not bored now.
“Lady Olana, that light we saw almost two weeks ago. That was the Crystal Pyramid coming back to life.”
Lilith said with a look that says she should have guessed the source of the light. And from the looks on all the other Nether Lords, they are thinking the same thing.
“I was dead, but now I’m not.”
Tabitha said, channeling the ancient manner of Olana. It was easy as soon as she came face to face with the Nether Lords. That other part of her that is Olana just came to the forefront, and Tabitha went with it.
“I have returned.”
Tabitha stated, with power in every word she spoke.
“I have reclaimed my throne, fortress, and territory. I have reestablished my horde, and now it is time to show you that there has been a conspiracy. A conspiracy to bring about the end of the Nether Lords, and to take rulership of the Nether Realm itself.”
Tabitha paused for a moment to hold out her left hand with palm facing upwards. A sphere of white light appeared a few centimeters above her hand. The light of the sphere seems to draw the eyes of everyone in the amphitheater.
“Five thousand years ago, I was slain by Romanto. You all know this, and you’ve all probably heard variations of the tale. What you may not have heard is that Romanto brought three armies with him. His own, the Highends, and the Cranous. Romanto worked together with Sawt the Highend God of War, and Drogo the Cranous God of Might to defeat me.”
All the Nether Lords understood the implications of armies from the outer realms entering the Nether Realms without permission. Tabitha smiled seeing the expressions on their faces.
“Yes, it is as you thought. The Accords of Balance were broken by Romanto, and he had help from demons.”
“What!”
“How!?”
“Who!?”
The Nether Lords shouted demands to know the demons responsible for the breach of the Accords of Balance. Tabitha held up a hand to forestall any more out bursts. The Nether Lords went silent which impressed Asmodeus. Tabitha held out the sphere with her other hand and said.
“This sphere contains the memories of Eldest, I took it from him before Asmodeus delivered the final blow. His memories have the answer to all your questions.”
Then, Tabitha released the sphere, and it float upwards to the center of the amphitheater. As soon as the sphere was in position, it flared with bright light, and everything went white.
………………………………..
The astral plane was a multi-colored space were spirits of every kind passed through to be reborn or have died and are making their way to their respective after life. Some believe that the astral plane is populated by both angels and demons as well as other immaterial beings. The astral plane is the boundry between realms and can be visit by way of astral projection, meditation and mantra, near death experience, lucid dreaming, or other means. It is the perfect place for secret meetings which could shake the fabric of the multiverse in ways no one could predict. Eldest, Davindor, Flex, and Thull floated in the astral plane. No need for their wings to flap, the astral plane is a place where the laws of physics does not apply. The demons were different from what they are now. All of them are major demons, beneath the notice of the Nether Lords.
“How do we know we can trust them? I mean, you’ve heard the stories. They’re gods, and all gods hate demons.”
Thull said to the others, he was looking very nervous. Davindor sighed and said.
“As I have stated for the tenth time, they want eyes and ears in the Nether Realm. And for our services, they will give us power. So much power that in time, we will become Nether Lords ourselves.”
“If they don’t do away with us after they decided that they no longer need us.”
Flex declared even though he does not look as nervous as Thull, and Eldest nodded in agreement.
“They could get rid of us once our usefulness to them has ceased.”
Davindor shook his head in denial.
“No, that will not happen. I have been reassured that they have plans for us beyond spying.”
Before the three demons could demand Davindor elaborate on that statement. Three lights flashed, and three beings appeared before them. Drogo, the God of Might was an imposing figure. At eight feet in height his bare arms had muscles the size of cannon balls. His long black hair and beard compliment in black wool and fur garments. He looked like a barbarian of the far north on some primitive realm. Drogo was the complete opposite of Sawt the God of War, whose entire body and clothing was of one color. That of gold. His hair, eyes, and skin are gold. His armor and robes are gold. He wore gold jewelry on his neck, wrists, fingers, and ears. He even carried a golden sword. In other words, Sawt looked like a golden statue. But it was the one who stood between the two gods. The so-called God of Order and Justice, Romanto. He had a chiseled jaw and hair of gold, and his eyes were pure gold too. Romanto stood at 9-feet in height and wore both robes and armor. Robes of white and gold, and armor of black and silver. As always, the robes did a good job of hiding his armor.
The demons bowed to the three gods and Davindor spoke for the others.
“Greetings my Lords Romanto, Sawt, and Drogo. As per your orders, my compatriots and I have discovered away around the Accords of Balance.”
“This is good, provided you are telling the truth?”
Drogo said menacingly, but Romanto placed a reassuring hand on the god’s shoulder.
“Be at ease my friend, Davindor and his fellow…”
Romanto shot glances at Eldest, Flex, and Thull before continuing.
“…compatriots are trustworthy. Besides, they have much to gain from this venture.”
Davindor nodded in agreement, but before he could go on Eldest spoke up.
“This venture of yours is quite risky. The Devil Queen will do horrible things to us if she discovers what we are planning to do.”
“Silence, you worm!”
Sawt snapped at the major demon who flinched back in fear.
“How dare you question the gods you lowly scum sucking vermin.”
“Calm down Sawt my friend.”
Romanto said to the Highend and then gave the demons a friendly smile before saying.
“This demon…sorry, I did not catch your name.”
“Eldest.”
“Yes, this demon Eldest has legitimate concerns about the risks involve in violating the Accords of Balance. Olana is a formidable threat in the Nether Realm.”
Sawt scoffed at Romanto’s comment about Olana. But Drogo nodded his head in agreement.
“He’s right Sawt, as much as I hate to give credit to that she-devil bitch. Olana is a powerful force throughout the multiverse, and it’s all thanks to that Crystal Pyramid of hers.”
“Exactly.”
Romanto cut in.
“With the Crystal Pyramid coupled with all the other pyramids on mortal realms. Olana has become the most powerful being throughout the multiverse. That is why we need to take care of her before moving forward with our plans.”
“But how will you get into the pyramid?”
Flex asked.
“That is not your concern. Just make sure that you are able to do your part.”
Romanto said coldly, and then he softened his tone.
“Do not worry. By the time this is all over, Olana will have either joined our cause or be dead. And you my friends will be rewarded with power, enough power to become princes of the Nether Realm.”
The demons nodded in excitement of the possibility, then Thull asked.
“What about the other Nether Lords? If they find out what we have done, then our lives would be forfeit. You would lose your spies in the Nether Realm.”
“Do this right, and the Nether Lords will never learn of your involvement. In fact, when our plans have been fully realized. The Nether Lords too will be dealt with, and you four will rule the Nether Realm in my name.”
“Yes, of course Lord Romanto.”
Davindor said quickly, and the other demons nodded their heads in agreement.
“Enough of this! So long as you can open the portals to the heavens into the territory of Olana. We will take care of the rest.”
Drogo declared. Fortunately, the demons did not argue with the God of Might. They just agreed and moved on. Eldest’s memories showed the detail planning of bringing in armies of angels and gods to the Nether Realm. Romanto with his god allies and puppet demons plotted the long-term destruction of the Nether Lords and the total subjugation of the Nether Realm to the God of Deceit and Treachery.
The Nether Lords watched the memories of the former Demon Lord of Lust Eldest with rapt attention. Asmodeus could not recall a time when they all paid this much attention to the same thing. Finally, the memory was finished, and it returned to a sphere of white light. Returning to Tabitha’s hand, the Devil Queen flicked her hand once and the sphere vanished. Then her gold and silver eyes trained on Davindor, Flex, and Thull who like they would rather be anywhere but here.
“As you have all seen, not only did Eldest, Davindor, Flex, and Thull aided my enemies. They also conspired with the gods to bring down all of you and have themselves placed as Romanto’s puppet rulers in the Nether Realm. Would you all agree my fellow Nether Lords?”
All the Nether Lords made murmurs and grunts of agreement. Davindor looked panick, he could see where this was going. He had to say something fast.
“Now, wait just a second here. What we just witness was utterly fake. An attempt to discredit us by a she-devil who had lost a battle to her enemies. Why she targeted us I have no idea? But that memory was an obvious illusion created by Olana.”
“Yeah!”
Thull added in agreement.
“I’m no god’s puppet! I’m a prince of the Nether Realm!”
Flex nodded vigorously.
“Olana, your attempts to paint us as accomplices to your downfall is pitiful and obvious.”
“Oh really?”
Lucifer said raising his eyebrows mockingly.
“I would have some doubts about what I saw if not for one thing. You three along with Eldest have always worked together to undermined me and the other Nether Lords.
“Exactly correct. Every time one of us had a disagreement or conflict with one of you. Two or more of you would work together to gain the upper hand. It has been that way for centuries now.”
Samael added, and the other Nether Lords made their agreements known. But it was Tabitha who said.
“You are puppets of Romanto. Agents of the God of Deceit and Treachery, unfit to be Nether Lords. Most importantly, you all broke the Accords of Balance. Allowing denizens of the outer realms to enter the Nether Realm, you violated the laws of the Nether Realm and caused my death.”
Tabitha sat forward on her throne, her eyes blazing with magical aura. Her body was tensed with eager anticipation.
“In time, you would have led an invasion force from the heavens against the Nether Lords. You would have done Romanto’s bidding, and you would have willingly destroyed any demon or devil in your way. All of you are traitors to the Nether Realm, and your sentence is clear to see.”
There was complete silence, everyone had their eyes on the three demons. Everyone was waiting for the conflict to begin, but Davindor laughed. It was long and mocking and full of contempt.
“So, what!?”
Davindor finally said.
“So, what if we aided Romanto, huh? What are you going to do about it? What are you all going to do!?”
He snared at the rest of the Nether Lords.
“We three are demon princes of the Nether Realm, between us we have tens of thousands of demons at our beck and call. You want a war, Olana? Go ahead. You may be the Devil Queen, but your resources are low after five thousand years of absences. So, go ahead Olana. Declare war and see what happens.”
This time, it was Tabitha’s turn to laugh. She actually slapped a hand on her knee, this took all the devils and demons in the amphitheater aback. This was something they had never seen from the Devil Queen. Then she looked at the three demon princes and said.
“You are mistaken. I am not here to declare war, I am here to pronounce your execution.”
Tabitha held up one and snapped her fingers. An explosion erupted some distances away in another part of the Courts. As the Nether Lords whipped their focus in that direction, more explosions appeared at different locations all over the Courts. With their supernatural hearing, the sounds of battle were picked up. Steel rang on steel, gunshots and other weapons fire could be heard.
“What in the fiery pits of the Nether Realm is going on in the Courts!?”
Flex demanded looking like a scared dog.
“That would be my Harkuns and demon servants destroying your palaces, fortresses, castles, and other businesses you have here in the Courts. And they are also taking care of your henchmen and lackeys too.”
Tabitha said as she stood to her full 15-foot height. The rod in her right hand morphed into a morning star mace.
“Now, let us proceed with your execution.”