Hello whoever you are. I am back and still kicking, though rather feebly. I have so many stories that need finishing I really shouldn't be starting a new one. But hey I'm in charge of me and I won the argument against myself to do this so take a hike mate. Now that I am out of the way I can start this project. I hope you enjoy, for the record I do not own any of the rights to Overlord or any of the characters. I only claim my OCs. Enjoy.

Evil always finds a way

(NETHERWORLD/ GNARL'S POV)

I gave a deep sigh.

"The most boring part, finding a new Overlord" I cast a glance at the empty throne.

The latest one had perished at the hands of a wizard almost three months ago. The Overlord had been at sea doing a bit of piracy when a ship from a distant land had come across him. A wizard stationed on that ship had damaged the Master's boat. He had drowned in his heavy armour.

His Mistresses, Kelda, Fay and Juno, ah Juno, had all left. Kelda had been devastated at the loss of her beloved 'Witch-Boy' as she called him. Fay, who had part of the Overlord's magic inside her, had died slightly. Perhaps the connection with his magic had weakened her when he was destroyed. Juno, well, without anyone to provide for her and to bring her expensive gifts she decided to leave.

I was most upset that Juno left but those three females were quickly out of mind as a more important matter arose. The matter of finding a Master to take the former's place.

A Brown hurried over excitedly.

"Have found new Master" he exclaimed.

Then again maybe it wouldn't take so long.

(EMPIRE CITY)

"Stand strong men" a Centurion encouraged his soldiers, "Our Emperor may be dead but the Empire stands strong."

The soldiers lined up in their formation and waited. Soon enough the wizard appeared at the gates to Empire City. With the fall of the Overlord the soldiers had begun re-organising to defend the city from any more magic-users.

"In the name of the Empire lay down your weapons and surrender" the Centurion called.

The wizard raised a wooden staff and fired a purple beam at the formation. It knocked them back but didn't knock them over.

"All right men, forward!" the Centurion ordered.

The formation started marching forward, keeping their shields raised and bracing themselves for another attack.

The wizard fired another beam of energy, this time it was red and it hit the Centurion. He burst into flames and screamed as the flesh burned off his face. Before he even started rolling on the ground he was dead.

The soldiers stopped marching and looked at the wizard fearfully.

"Worthless humans" the wizard scoffed as he raised his staff again.

The attack never came as a young man jumped between the soldiers and the wizard. He flung out his hand and bolts of lightning surged at the wizard. As the wizard blocked with his staff an arrow pierced his left arm. The soldiers turned to see a young woman standing on a nearby roof with a bow in her hands and a quiver of arrows on her back.

"You'll pay for that" the wizard lifted his staff with his right arm at the woman.

Out of nowhere another woman sprang at the wizard. Two daggers flashed in the sunlight and she rammed them into the wizards back. Pulling them out she jumped back as the man blasted the wizard with lighting.

The wizard collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. The man indicated to the archer and she somersaulted off the roof and landed neatly on her feet.

"I'll finish this" the young man stepped forward and grabbed the wizard by the throat. He lifted him to a kneeling position and strangled him to death.

The soldiers watching started edging away.

"Oh the Master!"

About a dozen small brown creatures ran from behind the soldiers and stood before the three warriors.

"Minions?" the male glanced at the two women, "Do they mean you Cynthia?" he asked the archer.

"Nope" she turned to the woman wielding the daggers, "Sierra?"

"I'm not magical either" Sierra shrugged, "Must mean you Malek."

Malek turned to the Browns, "Um, you want me to go with you?"

They nodded.

"Can I bring these two?" he indicated the women.

More nodding.

"Let's go then" looking rather confused the trio followed the Minions to a large black claw gate.

(NETHERWORLD)

"Greetings" Gnarl bowed to the three strangers, "I am Gnarl, Minion Master and devoted servant of Darkness."

The three were similar yet different. The man was rather tall with short brown hair and pale skin. His eyes were a glowing yellow, rather like an Overlord's...

The archer Cynthia had long red hair and tanned skin. She had green eyes but with a hint of yellow in them.

The assassin Sierra had long black hair tied up in a ponytail. Her green eyes darted around the cavernous room and her hands stayed close to the large daggers on her belt.

"Yeah" Sierra raised an eyebrow at him, "And what are you exactly? A walnut with ears?"

Gnarl refrained from rolling his eyes, "Heard that before," he muttered, "No dear lady, I am the advisor to the Overlord, for the moment that position is empty since we do not have an Overlord to follow."

"So what do you need us for?" Cynthia frowned, "You want us to find you a new Overlord?"

Gnarl turned to Malek who had so far remained silent, "He is our next Overlord."

The girls turned to look at him, "Why him?"

"Usually the Overlord is male, plus he must be gifted with magic and have a sense of evil within him. This chap fits all three."

Both girls glanced at each other then back at the male.

"I didn't really want to wear that helmet anyway" Cynthia held her hands up admittedly.

"And I have no intention of being required to make decisions." Sierra shrugged, "So you're the Overlord then. Would you like us to bow?" she asked teasingly.

"Shut it Sierra" Malek grinned, "Well, this is going to be interesting."

(ONE HOUR LATER)

"Okay, how do I look?"

Sierra and Cynthia watched Malek arrive from the armoury. He was sporting the traditional three-pronged helmet which hid his face, except for his glowing yellow eyes. His arcanium armour, which covered him entirely, was a deep grey almost black. The gauntlet on his left arm glowed brightly, illuminated by the gem set in it. He was holding a sword firmly in his right hand and energy crackled along it.

Gnarl seemed rather disturbed by the outfit choice.

"Problems Gnarl?" Malek marched carefully around the throne room, trying to get used to the heavy armour.

"You look extremely similar to Lord Vesspirion." The advisor answered, "He was your predecessor's father. He vanished after a visit to the Infernal Abyss and never returned. I was rather fond of him."

"Oh," Malek looked down, "Should I change?"

"No, no" Gnarl waved a hand, "It'll help keep the memory of him alive."

"So what's our first order of business?" Malek sat down on the throne.

"Perhaps your Mistresses should go to the Private Quarters while we talk Master." Gnarl indicated Sierra and Cynthia.

"What!" Malek, Sierra and Cynthia shouted.

"Am I missing something?" Gnarl blinked.

"They are not my Mistresses!" Malek sounded disturbed, "They are my sisters!"

"Oh" Gnarl blinked again, "Ah, I see."

Sierra ran up the steps leading to the throne and kicked Gnarl; he flew a considerable distance before landing in the arms of Minions standing guard around the room.

"A thousand apologies milady" he hastily bowed, "I was unaware"

Sierra folded her arms and sat on the steps with Cynthia.

"Anyway Sire" Gnarl moved across the throne room to stand in front of the steps, he didn't try approaching the throne while Sierra was still glaring at him, "Perhaps it would be best for you to re-claim the lands conquered by your predecessor. Nordberg should be a good test for you."

"Very well" Malek stood up, "So how do we get there?"

Gnarl pointed at the claws set into the roof, "Use your magic Sire"

Malek raised his hand and the claws sprang open. Bolts of blue lightning surged from his hand and connected to the portal in the centre of the claws. His sisters grabbed a hold of him as they were yanked through the portal.

(NORDBERG)

"That, was, cool!" Cyntia grinned as they stepped out onto the snow.

The massive black gateway with a blue pillar rising out of it shook slightly. Four smaller gates grew out of the ground beside it. A brown light emerged from one of them, the others emitted red, green and blue lights.

"Summon your Minions Sire" Gnarl's voice seemed to come from Malek's helmet.

"Okay," Malek turned to the brown gate and raised his gauntleted arm.

A group of ten Brown Minions jumped out of the gate and bowed to their master.

"Master!" they cheered.

"Browns are your melee fighters" Gnarl explained, "Their policy is 'bash first, jump up and down on the corpse later' they are the strongest of your Minions and can take the most damage in battle."

Cynthia indicated the red gate, "Let's see what else we got."

Another group of ten red creatures emerged. They were red with curved horns, almost like devils, fireballs were ignited around their hands and their skin glowed as though it was on fire from the inside.

"Reds are your archers Master" Gnarl continued, "They can throw fireballs quite some distance and as you can guess they are immune to fire. Another interesting fact is that they can absorb flames blocking your path."

"Cool" Cynthia sat down in the snow beside the Reds and started talking to them interestedly. Surprisingly the Reds seemed interested in her as well.

The green gate released several green skinned Minions. The smell almost made Malek gag for a start. They seemed more deadly than the other Minions, they had long sharp claws and their glowing yellow eyes darted as though they were looking for a target. For a brief moment they vanished from sight before appearing around Sierra.

She calmly sat down in the circle and started inquiring about their invisibility and how long they could sustain it. The Greens, after a moment, started to answer her questions.

"Greens are your assassins Lord. They are immune to toxins and can remove poisonous barricades. They are also the sneakiest of your Minions with the ability to turn invisible. Their powerful legs allow them to easily jump on the back of enemies and slit their throats" Gnarl chuckled, "Almost makes up for the smell."

Finally Blue Minions emerged from the last gate. They had webbed feet and hands making it obvious they were amphibious.

"Blues are magical beings Sire. They are terrible fighters, and die quickly, but they can revive dead Minions and heal wounds. As you can see they are also the only Minion that can swim."

Malek cast a gaze at his small army. Cynthia seemed to be getting on very well with the Reds while Sierra was discussing the best points to stab someone with Greens.

"Minions" he raised his gauntleted arm.

All the Minions turned to him.

"This is awesome" Malek grinned, "We are going to re-claim Nordberg. Anyone who struggles is to be dealt with. Anyone who tries to run, bring them to me. Um, any questions?" he asked.

"Sire, Minions, though very powerful soldiers, are rather, stupid." Gnarl admitted, "It would be best if you just give them orders."

"Right" Malek looked at his sisters, "Any ideas on how best to capture this place?"

"Break open the front doors and swarm in?" Cynthia offered.

"That might make us vulnerable to an ambush" Malek mused.

Sierra stood up, "I have an idea. Let me and the Greens sneak through the forest and enter the city from the sides. We'll open the gates from the inside then you rush them before they know what's happening."

"Oh, and I'll take the Reds along the rooftops to provide cover" Cynthia jumped to her feet.

"Okay then" Malek nodded, "Let's do it."

"Master" Gnarl whispered, "Just remember that your Minions will only take orders from you. Your sisters cannot command them."

"This is really complicated" Malek turned to the Greens, "I want you to go with Sierra. Protect and obey her, understand?"

"Yes Master" they hissed before running after Sierra into the forest.

"Reds, stay with Cynthia. Provide covering fire, literally."

"Yes Master" the fiery demons followed Cynthia as she advanced to the edge of the city.

"Now that they are gone Sire, I would recommend against giving your family control of your Minions. Do not trust anyone Sire."

"I trust them more than you Gnarl" Malek retorted, "Now if you have any advice not involving my family then start talking, otherwise shut it."

After a moment Gnarl spoke again.

"Not far from here there is a pack of creatures that are very fond of your Brown Minions, and I think they are coming this way."

Malek spun around and raised his sword. A large pack of wolves were trotting towards him.

"Are you sure?" he whispered.

"Just watch Dark Master"

The Brown Minions were already approaching the massive beasts and climbing onto them. The wolves let out howls which were joined by the Minions cheers.

"Impressive" Malek nodded, he whistled and the Browns astride the wolves started marching them back to the Overlord. The wolves didn't even seem to mind Malek as they stood before him.

"Prepare to charge" he instructed.

(FOREST)

Sierra and the Greens crept closer to the town. So far they had avoided any confrontation and were almost inside the town.

"Hide yourselves" Sierra whispered as she straightened up. She wrapped a cloak around herself and pulled the hood up. Glancing back she couldn't see the sneaky assassins. But she felt a clawed hand pat her leg to remind her they were still there.

"Hello" a Nordbergian man with a thick brown beard greeted, "What brings you here?"

"I'm here to visit this town" Sierra answered politely as she lowered her hood, "Can I come in?"

"Of course" the man opened the steel gate, "Welcome to Nordberg."

"Thank you" Sierra paused for a moment, pretending to get her bearings but in actual fact allowing the Minions to slip inside first. "Can you direct me to the town hall?"

"Sure" the man locked the gate behind her, "Just go straight a head and when you come to the big gate turn left. You can't miss it."

Sierra thanked the man and strode away.

"Fool" she muttered.

(CITY WALL)

"I'm glad all those little devils are gone" one lookout remarked to another, "I suppose with their master gone they retreated to their underground base."

"Yeah, now we can finally enjoy peace and freedom." His friend agreed.

An arrow pierced his forehead and he collapsed to the ground.

As the other lookout opened his mouth he felt something jump on his back and a pair of clawed hands stuck themselves in his mouth.

"Burn" a voice whispered.

Two fireballs ignited around the hands inside his mouth. He gagged, choked, struggled and died without a sound.

"Excellent work" Cynthia grinned, "Once the gates are open rain down fiery death on them."

The Reds faces were alight with the thought of it.

(TOWN HALL)

"I demand an audience with the mayor" Sierra told the guards standing outside the town hall.

"He is not here. He has gone to the square for his birthday party." One them replied.

Sierra grinned, "Thank you" she turned and started walking to the square, "What a birthday it will be."

As she entered the square she spotted the mayor on a pedestal giving a speech about freedom, peace and a great harvest.

"Stab him?" a voice whispered.

"Not yet" Sierra muttered.

The group walked to the main gates, there was a suspicious lack of lookouts on the walls. Cynthia was standing at the top of the steps leading up to the top of the wall. She nodded then jumped onto a nearby roof, her fellow archers followed.

"Alright boys" Sierra indicated the massive gate, "Open it up."

(OUTSIDE THE TOWN)

The wolves and Browns were eager to start their attack. Malek had to constantly remind them not to move till he said so.

The plan was relatively simple. Once the gates were open Cynthia and the Reds would cause chaos and get the citizens running around in hysterics. Then Malek and the Browns would charge through the open gates while the people were in disarray and cut through them. The Blues would stay behind the Browns, ready to heal if needed. The Greens and Sierra would take out anyone that tried to fight back.

The gates slowly creaked open and Malek spotted Sierra standing beyond them with her arms folded.

"Charge!" Male roared as he sprinted down the hill.

The wolves easily overtook him and charged through the gates. They parted as they reached Sierra so there were two lines of wolves running on either side of her.

"Seek and kill" Sierra whispered to the invisible Greens.

"Everything going as planned?" Malek asked as he arrived with the Blues.

"Smooth as silk" Sierra nodded, "Cynthia should be starting her attack now."

Screams filled the air and smoke filled the air.

"Let's do this" Malek raised his sword and charged towards the town square, Sierra followed.

(TOWN STREETS)

"Burn it all!" Cynthia cackled insanely as her fiery soldiers lobbed fireballs down at the people.

Howls and jeers filled the air as wolves with Browns mounted on them surged through the streets and sent the locals running.

Slowly all the people were grouped in the town square. The mayor stood petrified as wolves moved in on one side. Fire blocked a way out and green creatures with long claws blocked the other.

"Silence!" a voice was magically amplified over the people.

There was.

A massive armoured man stepped into view with a woman at his shoulder. He gripped a sword that crackled with lightning whereas she held a pair of long jagged daggers.

"Cover me guys" Cynthia jumped off the rooftop and landed neatly beside Sierra and Malek.

The trio strode through the crowd before arriving at the podium where the mayor was still standing.

"This is not the reception I expected" Malek gazed at the people, "You should be rejoicing that the Overlord has returned."

"The Overlord and his rats have caused us nothing but misery!" someone in the crowd shouted.

"If you are so sick of us then come up here and say that to my face." Malek grinned behind his helmet, "Otherwise shut up and stay in line"

There was no movement to step out of the crowd.

"Good, now here's what's going to happen. We are in charge now. You are under our jurisdiction and will act accordingly. You will mine gold, provide weapons, armour, food and so on. In return you will be allowed to live, you are free to live your lives as normal and the Minions I post here as guards will defend you should any trouble arise. Now, let's see, I need a mayor to look after this place…" Malek turned to the mayor, who was still frozen, "You'll do." He raised a hand and a bolt of lightning surged into his forehead. The mayor's eeys glazed over.

"I am your humble servant master" he bowed.

"Gnarl?" Malek asked.

"Yes Sire?"

"Evil presence, best spell ever!" Malek grinned.

(NETHERWORLD)

"Well down Master" Gnarl bowed to Malek as he descended into the throne room, "You are on your way to a Dark empire."

Malek jerked his head at his sisters.

"Oh, and well done you two." Gnarl inclined his head. "I suppose having two competent assistants is rather useful."

"Thank you Gnarl" Cynthia glanced around, "Um so where are our rooms?"

"Well, typically the only women in the Netherworld are the Master's Mistresses so they all sleep in the Private Quarters."

Sierra and Cynthia gave him silent glares while Malek started tapping his foot with his arms folded.

"Well, there is only one bed at the moment… it is big enough for all three of you." Gnarl offered.

This time Cynthia whacked him with her bow.

"I am not sleeping in the same bed as my brother and sister" she turned to Malek, "C'mon, you're the Overlord. You sort this out."

"Right" Malek scratched his helmeted head, "Okay, how about you two take the bed and I'll make a camp bed?"

Cynthia and Sierra exchanged looks.

"Fine" Sierra agreed, "But fair warning, if any Minions come near me I will kill them."

The girls headed up to the Private Quarters while Malek sat down on the throne.

"Sire, you really should force some obedience into them. An Overlord would demand they sleep on the floor while he takes the bed."

"Gnarl, just shut up." Malek groaned, "This Overlord business is new to me but I am not being a jerk to my sisters just because I'm in charge around here."

The Minion was silent for a moment before continuing, "Well you've certainly used your Overlord position to great effect in conquering Nordberg."

"They were caught by surprise, they had hardly any guards, and I had all my Minions." Malek protested, "Sayron got all this stuff before me. All the Minion Hives, the Spell Stones, and information about the places he has been. I'm just using stuff he acquired, I need to make my own mark. Something that will make me be remembered in the line of Overlords."

Gnarl perked up, "Excellent Sire, that's good evil thinking."

Malek stood up and started pacing, "Hmm I need several items to be brought here and I need them soon. Minions!" he declared.

"Yes Master!" a group of Brown attendants rushed to his side.

"Bring me a Netherworld rock, quite a big one."

"Yes Master" they rushed away.

"Gnarl I want you to bring me as many books as you can about Overlords and magic spells they have used."

"At once Sire" the ancient Minion summoned a dozen Browns to his side and they left the throne room.

"Blues!" Malek called and a group of them rushed forward, "I want you to find the strongest Blue Minions and bring them here."

"Yes Master" they headed for the floating rock that would take them to the Minon Burrows.

Malek rubbed his hands together, "I think this is going to work. If it does it will be a first, if not then I am so dead."

O.O What is Malek's plan? Stay tuned and please review, helpful criticisms are appreciated