EDIT 2019: I corrected most of the mistakes, added a few things here and there, and most of all... I finished it! I know it is a wanky, perhaps cringy story, but I wish to keep it like that to see the progress I make throughout the years.
Still dedicated to my friend Marianne, who inspired the character of Mantis and Mélissa as a young adult!
Also added awesome cameos by Emily, Mathias and Madlen. And yours truly. Enjoy!

Summer had finally settled here in Finland, and it was relieving after a long and cold winter. It was a bright and happy day for the inhabitants of the Monster Manor. In a room on the first floor, Mantis was singing to herself while combing the hair of the little girl in front of her. The child was around 6 years old, and shared quite a resemblance with her, except for the piercing green color of her eyes, and the two little horns on the top of her head. She was playing with her plushes, which looked like well known monsters who lived with her, to ignore the nasty pain of the comb brush through the knots in her hair. The agile fingers of the Necromancer quickly braided it into a pretty hairstyle, perfect for tonight's occasion.

Mantis: There my love, you're beautiful.

The little monstress turned around and hugged her tight, nesting against her mother's chest.

Revna: Mother… Do you really have to go?

Mantis: Yes dear. But look on the bright side, tonight is my last concert. After that we'll have plenty of time to prepare the ceremony for aunty Mélissa.

Revna: Will I have a ceremony too?

Mantis: I hope so, but when you're older. It's been a tradition among my family since the dawn of time. My own mother sealed my powers, and now it's my turn to seal Mélissa's, and yours one day. If your grandmother was still alive, she'd be so proud of you both.

Revna: I love you, Mother.

…: I love her too.

They both turned to see the massive frame of the Hellbull, his back leaned on the door. Since the battle against William, he hadn't changed one bit. His eyes were resting on his wife, studying her features and smiling lovingly. Revna ran to him under the tender look of her mother. OX grabbed her and raised her to the skies.

OX: There you are my sweet!

Revna: Father! Where were you?

OX: I was with uncle Kalma.

A detail caught Mantis's attention: OX was wearing his dark blue coat, the one he "inherited" when he ascended as the new Master of the Kalmageddon. That could only mean one thing. Seeing her looks, OX hugged his daughter tight and tickled her little nose.

OX: Sweetie, I have to talk with your mother. You can go downstairs to say hello to uncle Kalma.

Revna: He's there?

OX: Yes, he'll be happy to see you and… to share some cupcakes!

The little monstress gasped with joy and quickly went downstairs for her promised sweet treat. OX stood up, his eyes never leaving the ones of his beloved. On her face, he could decipher anger and worry, but those didn't tarnish one bit the sparkle of love in her gaze. She crossed her arms on her chest, showing both of her tattoos, and her incoming sarcasm.

Mantis: What does the Master of the Kalmageddon want from me?

OX: Anne, please let me explain.

Mantis: You know I don't like you mixing duties and family.

OX: I have no choice today. Our brothers asked for a gathering and I can't refuse.

Mantis: You mean your sworn brothers.

OX: Anne, since we're married they've become yours too. That meeting concerns you too. You have a place to fulfill.

Mantis: Then the term of "brotherhood" is wrong if you want my opinion.

OX: That I can't change my love.

She walked slowly towards him and let herself be hugged. Her head resting on his chest, she exhaled. OX having such a status and reputation to maintain was a hard thing to deal with.

Mantis: Fine. When is the meeting?

OX: After your concert. I asked Amen and Mélissa to take care of Revna while we're away. The meeting room is hidden under the venue floor.

Mantis: Really?

OX: Well yes. It's not a coincidence if the concert is scheduled here.

Mantis: You mischievous bull, you planned everything even in case of my refusal.

OX: I have learnt to know you through the years, darling.

She didn't respond and embraced him.

Mantis was putting some eye-liner to finish up her look, while Mélissa was tuning her acoustic guitar. Both of them were wearing similar dresses, made by Awa. Once her make-up achieved, Mantis looked at herself in the mirror, and smiled. She looked like her mother, she had inherited her eyes. Sweet memories invaded her mind. How she hoped Mélissa had known her mother, how sweet and kind this woman was. Anyway Mantis hoped that she raised her sister with enough love, just like Iris would have done.

Mélissa: Here! My guitar is ready.

Mantis: I believe you did another riff battle before the show?

Mélissa: Amen is an excellent teacher, there's no denying. But I hope one day I'll surpass him.

Amen: Against centuries of practice, my dear, you really don't stand a chance.

Mélissa: Amen!

She hugged him and punched him lightly in the ribs. The Mummy pat her back gently and did a fist-bump with Mantis, who was still struggling with her make-up.

Amen: I have a message for you, Mantis: the Kalmageddon will meet at 10:30 pm.

Mantis: That leaves me time to change my clothes. That's good. Thanks Amen.

Amen: I'll return with the others. See you on stage girls!

He left with a wink and went with the other monsters, who where in a special room before the scene. Hella, Mana, Mr Lordi and of course OX and Revna were ready to see the show. The little monstress was sitting on her father's lap, and was clapping her hands in anticipation.

When the lights went out, everybody applauded and Mana and Amen whistled. Mantis appeared, along with Mélissa and their orchestra. Nobody could see the monsters, but Mantis knew exactly where to throw a tender look. The guitar filled the silence and Mantis took a deep breath as the show began.

And there you were
Not in the light that had surrounded you
But in the shadow I made
I recognized you

OX was always mesmerized before his beloved, singing with her contralto voice. When she was singing, it was like nothing, no one surrounded her. Mantis was singing for herself, but the music and lyrics themselves were for her loved ones. He remembered when she showed him the lyrics to this song. Back then, they were newlyweds on their honeymoon, somewhere in a different dimension. However, she had never revealed to him any other details about this song. He was hearing it complete for the first time.

Mélissa was focused on her playing, sweet and calm, following the melodies of the orchestra. The very melodies she had written for her sister, magnified by a multitude of instruments. The young woman was so proud, and determined to show her teacher a flawless performance.

And we fell together, we finally became one
In colours made, in pictures immortalized
In life awaken, in hearts newly grown
Light and love
Diving deep into the night

Her song faded into silence, quickly broken by a thunder of applause. She and the orchestra continued on with the rest of her set list, until roughly an hour and a half later. The Necromancer felt beautiful under the lights and the thousands of stares locked on her. She dragged her sister along and hugged her under the applauses. Mantis loved to be on stage, but tonight was her last show for the year, and she had earned her break. She'll have time to spend with her husband, her daughter and her friends, and that would soothe her soul and mind.

With Mélissa, she went backstage after a long cheer from the crowd. Her sister helped her putting on her indigo leather coat, the symbol of her importance in the brotherhood. It was basically the same as OX, only more fitting to her form. She was now wearing with it a simple black dress, and her hair styled into a bun, decorated with a discreet tiara made of silver. For an evening, she wasn't a necromancer anymore. She was Mantis Nivyeska, wife to the Master of the Kalmageddon.

Mantis got down to the basement of the club. Completely alone, she observed the walls and found the sign, the same that is engraved on each of the Octavius books. It looked like someone had etched it in the brick wall, among the many other graffiti. She placed her hand on it and summoned her shadows. The wall then separated in two, revealing stairs that went deeper down underground. She followed the corridor, lit by flaming lamps, and ended up in an antechamber. One brother was guarding the main door to the meeting room. He was once a soldier in the Chinese emperor army, and was part of the few brothers that liked her. He bowed down and opened the door.

Brother: Please welcome our sister, Mantis Nivyeska.

She entered in the room, and before her was a huge table where the members of the Kalmageddon were. Her husband was waiting for her on her right, where two sits had been prepared for them. On the left and right sides of this huge table stood the sworn brothers of OX, the original members of the Kalmageddon, present since the dawn of the brotherhood, and those who joined throughout the centuries. On the opposite side stood, to her surprise, the entire Council. The five rulers of all the Realms of Hell only gathered, according to her knowledge, in times of need or when there was an emergency. She recognized Kalma, of course, as well as Mathian, a cenobite and also Hella's current boyfriend. However the three other women were unknown to her. She wasn't aware that the Kalmageddon had other women in their ranks.

Her brothers stood up and bowed down slightly. OX greeted her by taking her hand and leading her to her seat. How she hated when things were too formal between them! They all sat down following her arrival.

OX was perfectly aware that most his brothers didn't like Mantis, only because she was a Necromancer. He tried his best to make her comfortable at the meetings. But Mantis was no fool, and she wasn't wrong… Those undead warriors were certainly not her brothers. He prayed that the presence of the entire Council would temper things.

OX: Brothers! Rulers of the Five Realms! Welcome to you all. You asked for our gathering, and here the Kalmageddon is reunited.

A soldier named Franck stood up. To OX's knowledge he had been a member of the organization for a little over 300 years, quite a newbie compared to other members. The Hellbull braced himself since he knew that guy tended to be an arrogant prick.

Franck: In the name of our brothers I'll speak of an issue we have been thinking about for some time now.

Kalma bend forward and listened closely. He didn't like that kind of secretive talk. A group within the group only meant trouble. He would have to make sure to put an end to this kind of behavior.

Franck: No one ignores the growing threat of Kalmaged's return, to avenge himself from us all. We all felt a surge of power in ourselves, a sign he's getting stronger! He can take our lives back, and destroy the Kalmageddon and the worlds. The future of our Brotherhood must be taken seriously.

Mantis felt OX getting more and more nervous through their bond. She scanned the room to gauge the reactions and her gaze met with Kalma's. She had never seen him so concerned. Franck turned to OX and pointed at him.

Franck: Only one person has enough power to assure the Brotherhood absolute security and stability, and it happens she is your rightful heir, OX.

Mantis felt herself falter. Her breathing stuck in her throat and she searched for her husband's gaze, which was locked onto this man. She felt distress knot her stomach. They couldn't be talking about her…?

Franck: Her powers come from millenniums of sorcery and mysteries, and will soon surpass anything we've ever known. She is the child of the two powerful clans, immortal by birth. We ask for Revna to be the next leader of the Kalmageddon, as soon as possible.

Mantis stood up slowly and looked at him. For the first time, the Kalmageddon feared her. She had an aura of rage enveloping her, and OX felt it at full potential. The Council didn't expect that topic to be brought on the table and neither did OX and his wife. The Hellbull had to remain calm, dreading her incoming fury.

Mantis: You can't be serious.

Franck: Forgive the pun, but we're dead serious.

Mantis: She's only a child!

Brother: She must be prepared, the sooner the better for our sake.

Mantis: I refuse to see my only daughter being subjected to this!

Brother: She's linked to us by blood, unless you are only by marriage! She's truly one of us.

OX: Thomas! I urge you to show respect towards my wife!

Mantis hissed like a snake, revealing fangs, and threw Thomas a deadly glare. This time Kalma stood up.

Kalma: Calm down everyone! Calm down! Let's hear what the Council has to say.

He turned to the woman sitting right next to him, a valkyrie in her non-warfare attire. The necromancer hoped that these women would understand her predicament.

Satura: How old is your daughter?

Mantis: She's barely 6 years old…

Satura: A child this young shouldn't be involved in the Brotherhood.

Brother: But she is the heir of our Master!

Another woman of the Council, who appeared to be a banshee, stood up. Her copper colored hair fell onto her face as she turned towards Franck and the brothers on his sides.

Emilia: How dare you offend our Master this way! Are you insinuating he's not fit for this title? His daughter might become powerful one day, yes, but this doesn't negate our Master's power in any way.

Satura: I agree. Besides, his family is none of our business.

The third woman, a gorgon called Madalen, faced the two Rulers.

Madalen: I don't. Assuring our future is a legitimate concern. This child's destiny is tightly intertwined with the Kalmageddon, no matter what. She should be made aware of her status as soon as possible, and taught accordingly.

Satura: But Madalen, how could she understand such complex things? She probably doesn't even know how to read yet ! Let alone know that her father is an important figure.

Madalen: The child needs to be prepared for what awaits her. She might be our only hope against Kalmaged one day.

Emilia: Who says Kalmaged will wait until she's an adult to strike us?

Madalen: One more reason to start her ascension now.

Emilia: Don't you trust our Master on his own daughter's upbringing?

Kalma: Ladies, enough. You've all raised good points. Mathian, what is your opinion?

The cenobite stood up, his hands respectfully resting in front of him. Of all the brothers, he was certainly the most calm at this moment.

Mathian: Our Master and his wife have been blessed by Leviathan with an extraordinary child, for sure promised to a brilliant future. I hear my brother's and sister's concerns and opinions. I believe Revna shouldn't be burdened by those at her young age, in order not to tarnish her beautiful innocence. However, I trust that when the time comes our Master will lead her on the right path and teach her in our sacred ways, as only a devoted father can do. OX is our Master for a reason, and whatever he decides, I will follow.

Silence fell on the assembly for the first time in a while. Mathian nodded to Kalma and went back to his seat. The Unholy Ghost was nervous. He had hoped the Council would bring something else than extra division on the subject. None of them were wrong, but it all lead to nowhere.

Kalma: I believe what the Council has brought up sums up what you think, brothers?

The assembly nodded in unison.

Kalma: Mathian is right. OX, Mantis, as Revna's parents the final decision lies in both your hands.

Mantis wanted so bad to scream her disapproval, but doing so would ridicule her husband. There was nothing more Kalma could do, so she turned to OX, hoping he would defend her opinion. He sighed deeply, his thoughts flooded by turmoil.

OX: I have heard you, brothers. I… I have many roles. I'm a husband, a father, a ruler, and each of these roles are of great importance to me. I understand your concerns and yearning for stability and protection, and it is my duty to lead the Kalmageddon and its members towards the right direction. I…

Her anger grew more intense. He tried to continue speaking but words got stuck in his throat. Mantis's rage was overwhelming, and so were the heavy stares all around him.

OX: I'll let you know my decision through Kalma.

So that was it? It couldn't be the monster she married talking like this. It couldn't be the father of her child acting like this. Mantis could have maimed them all out of pure hatred. This was the last straw.

Kalma: Very well, thank you for bringing up your worries, brothers. Let's discuss about the next issue.

Mantis: That you'll do without me.

The Hellbull tried to restrain her from leaving, but he knew her too well. It was better for all of them to let her dissipate her anger.

Mantis ran to the room where the monsters were waiting. Mana and Mr Lordi had gone to the Manor with Revna, the little girl being tired. Only Hella, Amen and Mélissa had stayed. They were playing cards, waiting for their beloved ones. They were surprised to see Mantis so early after the beginning of the meeting.

Mélissa: Mantis ? Why are you out already ?

Hella: Is there something wrong ?

They looked at her, worried. Mantis simply couldn't take it anymore, and fell to her knees, tears running free. The monsters and her sister immediately comforted her. The mummy got an awful feeling.

Amen: What have they done?

The song is "Sanctus" by Lacrimosa.