Will Rachel kill Cynthia? Will Malek find out about the undead army? Read on and find out. I do not own Overlord but I do claim my OCs and storyline

(THE NEXT MORNING)

Cynthia awoke to the sound of someone knocking on her door.

"Come in" she called automatically.

The door opened and a maid walked in carrying a tray of food, "Good morning Lady Cynthia." She set the tray down on a table.

"Thank you" Cynthia frowned as she felt an ache in her head, "Ugh, headache"

Her maid turned to her. And screamed. She screamed and screamed while her hands clutched at her face.

The screams reached Malek and Sierra in the dining hall. Within seconds Malek was thundering up the stairs, Sierra right behind him. They burst into the room and gazed in horror at their sister.

"What's wrong?" Cynthia tried to stand up, but that set off a fresh wave of pain in her body this time.

Malek raised his hand and the gem set in the gauntlet he wore flashed, "Blues!"

Sierra rushed to her sisters side, "Cynthia what is wrong? Why did you do this?"

"Why did I do what?" Cynthia lifted her head despite the pain and looked at her body.

For a start she realised she was completely naked but more worrying was that every inch of her had a cut or wound, blue blood had dried all across her and with such a loss of magical blood her healing abilities weren't able to fix the millions of injuries. It was almost like she had tried to cut her flesh from the bone in some places

A dozen Blue Minions hurried into the room and grouped around Cynthia. Blue sparks cascaded down on her and the cuts started to fade. The dried blood vanished and she felt new blood replace it in her veins.

Malek turned to the maid who had stopped screaming but was looking very pale, "Go and rest."

She nodded quickly and left without a backward glance.

"Out" Malek ordered the Minions.

Once they had left it was only Malek, Sierra, and Cynthia in the room.

"Explain" the Overlord folded his arms.

Cynthia shook her head, "I didn't do this."

Sierra spotted a sharp fragment of the broken vase on Cynthia's bedside cabinet, "You didn't? Then who did?"

"I, I don't remember" Cynthia's mind was blank; "All I remember was returning here yesterday, meeting you guys again. I went to my room and that's all I can remember."

Malek had also spotted the blood stained fragment, "Is it because of Gwen?" he asked gently as he sat down on the bed beside his sister, "Do you blame yourself for what happened to her?"

"No Mal" Cynthia protested, "I did not do this to myself."

She could tell though that he didn't believe her. He had found her in this state, the sharp piece of the vase was within reach, and she had been unstable since Gwen's death, if someone had tried to do this to her she would've fought them off or called for help. All the pieces pointed to one answer.

"It's okay" he adopted what he hoped was a kind brotherly face but it looked more like he was visiting someone on their deathbed, "We miss Gwen as well, but you'll recover in time."

Sierra strode over to her sister, "I believe her. Why should she lie? And since when would Cynthia ever do something like this?"

"I agree" Rachel emerged from under the bed and caused everyone to jump.

Malek retreated away from the bed, "I swear Rachel stop doing that."

"Sorry master" she purred as she stood behind him, "But I think Cynthia might be telling the truth, someone might have managed to sneak inside the palace, get past all the guards, singlehandedly defeat her, immobilise her, wipe her memory, and carve her skin like a fresh lamb chop."

When she said it like that even Cynthia found it hard to argue.

"I know I didn't…" she stopped, "I'm sure I didn't."

"Do you have any idea who done this to you?" Rachel asked nicely.

Sierra looked over at the vampire and felt fury ignite inside her. Rachel slowly pointed at herself then at the vase piece then at Cynthia. The meaning was very clear. Malek, watching Cynthia intently, hadn't noticed.

"I'll kill you!" Sierra's claws sprang out as she jumped at Rachel. Her brother swiftly grabbed her wrists and leaned back to avoid getting impaled on her claws.

"What are you doing?" he grunted as her nails inched slightly closer to his face.

"She did this to Cynthia!" Sierra's eyes were glowing a murderous red, "I'll kill her!"

Malek looked over his shoulder at Rachel, "Is this true?"

"Why would I do that to your family my master?" Rachel looked saddened at the accusation, "What reason could I have?"

As Malek looked away Rachel winked at Sierra.

"Enough" Malek pushed Sierra away with enough force that she landed on the bed beside Cynthia, "I don't know what your issue is with Rachel but I suggest you drop it. Now if you will excuse me I have things to do." His eyes focused on Cynthia, "If you ever need to talk don't hesitate to find me."

He strode from the room. Rachel paused for a smug grin before following.

"She did that to you" Sierra muttered to Cynthia, "Then set it up so Malek would start distrusting us. I don't know what her agenda is but I'm pretty sure she wants us gone."

Cynthia rubbed her forehead, "What do we do? We need to get Malek to see she isn't the perfect little pet he thinks she is."

"Pretty hard since she is always near him." Sierra looked under the bed just in case, "We could try taking him to the dungeons."

"Why?"

"Rachel is using the civilians to make an undead army of skeletons and wolves to make Cerberuses."

Cynthia's eyes went wide.

"I'll explain on the way" Rachel opened the door, "Come on"

(THRONE ROOM)

"I want you to look after Cynthia and Sierra" Malek addressed Laurcelle, "Gwen's death may have pushed Cynthia over the edge and Sierra believes Rachel abused my sister."

The Succubus Queen almost agreed with Sierra's belief but it would be better to play along for now. "Yes Lord Malek." She bowed and left the room.

"Laurcelle" a voice called.

She turned to see Sierra and Cynthia beckoning to her, "What's going on?" she joined them.

"Rachel attacked Cynthia and Malek is starting to think we've gone mad." Sierra summarised, "I've filled Cynthia in on the undead soldiers Rachel's making. We need to get her away from Malek then take him to the dungeons. Once he sees what she's been doing he'll put a stop to it."

The other two nodded, "So how do we get her away from him?" Laurcelle asked.

"No idea" Sierra frowned, "But we need to find a way."

Malek emerged from the throne room with his ever present bodyguard. He smiled reassuringly at Cynthia, nodded to Sierra and Laurcelle, and strode on. Rachel tapped just below her eye then pointed at them.

"Watching you too, bitch" Cynthia ignited fireballs around her hands, "Cool, my powers are back."

(DARK TOWER RUINS)

Amelia took a gulp of water as she sat down for a rest. The large majority of the Dark Tower had been excavated and workers were already clearing out the inside. Once the Tower Heart was in place the energy would restore the Tower to its old glory. Then her cousin could move into his new fortress.

"Lady Amelia" a Centurion marched over, all the soldiers had shaped up into rather buff figures. A small army of muscular men was rather pleasing for her eye, "We have discovered something you may find interesting. It seems to be an ancient tome, the only that survived the cataclysm."

Another pair of soldiers walked over, these ones had been digging for quite some time and due to the heat were not wearing anything to cover their rock hard abs. Amelia almost drooled as she watched them.

"Lady Amelia?"

She shook her head wildly, "Yes, the tome" she walked over to the soldiers holding it, "Impressive" her eyes drifted to the men holding it, "Very… impressive."

"Orders?"

"Have it sent to Lord Malek" she waved a hand at the Centurion, "Then have these men report to me in my tent." Curse hormones.

"As you wish Lady Amelia." The Centurion and the soldiers carried the tome over to a group of succubi and handed it to them

The succubi lifted off the ground and flew away with the massive book while the men started walking towards Amelia's tent.

(NORDBERG/MAIN GATE)

"Who goes there?" a soldier called as a cloaked figure approached the gates, "Identify yourself."

The figure let out a mumble that was inaudible to the sentry up on the wall.

"Raise your voice" the soldier leaned over slightly.

A beam of red light exploded his head into bloody chunks. His body fell over the parapet and landed in the snow beside the figure.

"Knock knock" Lord Edward gathered his energy and sent a blast at the massive gates. They blew clear off their hinges and collapsed to the ground.

"Formation assemble, archers in position" a Centurion cried from a rooftop, "Wolves to attack positions"

Human soldiers lined up in their military formation while Red Minions and human archers appeared on the many roofs. Brown Minions riding wolves emerged from the streets and lined up alongside the human formation.

"Surrender" the Centurion waved his sword, "Get on your knees at once"

Lord Edward waved his sceptre. From under his cloak sticks of dynamite stolen from the quarry flew at the formation. The wolves panicked as fires sprang up and the Browns struggled to control them. The soldiers started marching forward, trying to ignore the dynamite exploding on their shields. What they didn't see was more dynamite loop around and hit them on their exposed backs. The formation started to crumble as row by row was set on fire. The remaining soldiers retreated while the Browns managed to get the wolves to charge at Edward.

The Paladin in an elf's body drew his enchanted sword and vanished into thin air. He appeared behind the Browns and wolves. They all collapsed each with a slash through them.

"Archers fire!" the Centurion bellowed.

Reds and archers opened fire. Fireballs and flaming arrows showered towards Edward. He conjured a white shield around himself and they glanced off harmlessly. Sheathing his sword he once again drew his sceptre and sent a ball of energy at the buildings. One by one they exploded violently, sending the archers and Minions flying.

"I'll kill you myself" the Centurion had descended quickly to the streets and charged at Edward with his sword drawn.

It was in no way a fair fight. Edward simply waited till the soldier was close enough, then drew his sword and cut off the human's head in one swipe.

A few remaining soldiers and Minions had regrouped at the Town Hall with the appointed Governor. A rather feeble attempt was made to barricade the gates while the Governor was rushed away from the path of destruction burning through his town.

"Kill him, kill him I say" he proclaimed, "The enemy must die"

A small blast was all it took to shatter the gates and the barricade. Edward strolled onwards, casually blasting anything that moved. Minions and a few remaining soldiers tried to stop him. They didn't even get close.

Eventually Edward cornered the Governor on a wooden platform overlooking the Town Hall.

"Fool" the Governor shook his fist angrily, "You dare oppose the Overlord."

Growing fed up with people disrespecting him Edward discharged a bolt into his heart. The Governor's eyes rolled and he fell off the platform and landed with a nasty crunch on the stones below.

"That's Everlight, Nordberg," Edward spoke to himself as he started to make his way out of the burning town, "Next on my list is Heaven's Peak."

(IMPERIAL PALACE/DUNGEONS)

Sierra, Cynthia, and Laurcelle crept along the tunnels. Large storage rooms had been built to house the skeletons. It seemed Rachel had reconsidered the Cerberuses since there was a considerable lack of them. They didn't know that Rachel had appointed a team of succubi to follow them… which meant Rachel would know soon enough they had been snooping around.

Which meant she had something else in mind.

The central cavern was just as they had left it. Green mist, succubi carrying bodies around, Minions transporting equipment, and Rachel in the centre with her latest victim.

"And who might you be?" she cooed to the helpless woman.

The woman couldn't have been more than twenty-one and her eyes were wide with fear. Were it not for the gag in her mouth she would doubtless have been screaming.

"Not going to answer me?" Rachel whispered maliciously, "Well then, let's take a look at your mind."

She placed her hands on either side of the woman's head and bolts of lightning surged into it. The prisoner bucked and struggled violently, but being strapped to a large metal chair didn't give her much chance to escape.

"Ah" Rachel stepped back from the prisoner and the lightning stopped, "This one is suitable. Make a note" she added to her succubus assistant, "Test subject one hundred and forty-two. Possible candidate for the project."

This time the prisoner was kept in the chair and a group of Minions carried in a large glass vat of glowing green blood. They attached a funnel and handed it to Rachel.

"The procedure has started" she declared, "All Minions are to leave the room. All succubi are to be on heightened alert."

When the Minions left the room the three intruders made their way to a higher level for a better view. The majority of succubi were gathered around the central platform below them.

Rachel opened her mouth and her fangs were easy to spot. A moment later she bit down on the prisoner's neck. The poor woman slumped in her seat as Rachel continued to drain her blood.

"What is she doing?" Laurcelle frowned, "Having a snack?"

The vampire eventually pulled away from her victim and licked the blood from her fangs, "Delicious" she then took the funnel and rammed it into the body's mouth. Her assistant twisted the tap and green blood gushed into the woman's mouth.

When the vat was nearly empty Rachel pulled the funnel away and the tap was shut off. She slapped the woman gently across the face, "Come on, wake up."

Eyes flickered and then opened. Thanks to their brilliant eyesight Sierra, Laurcelle, and Cynthia could see her eyes were pitch-black. No pupil, iris, nothing. Her mouth opened and a pair of fangs sprouted from the gums while her remaining teeth sharpened. The skin paled shockingly and almost glowed in the dark.

"Welcome sister" Rachel unstrapped the newly created vampire, "Who do you serve?"

"I serve Lord Malek" she answered, "He must be protected."

"And if his family are a threat to him?"

"They must die" was the immediate response.

Rachel nodded, "Take flight and join our brothers and sisters of the night."

The new vampire lifted off the ground and flew away down one of the tunnels.

"Oh shit" Cynthia muttered.

(IMPERIAL PALACE/THRONE ROOM)

"This arrived for you Sire" Gnarl led a team of succubi into the throne room, "Your cousin uncovered it in the Dark Tower."

The succubi placed it in Malek's hands before withdrawing from the room.

Malek eagerly opened it and started flicking through, "A spell book. With helpful diagrams and pictures" he noted, "I must add my spells to this. One day a new Overlord will look through this book and say 'Ah, the spells of Overlord Malek' I will be remembered for this." He frowned, "Gnarl, what do you think of Rachel?"

"She is certainly an unusual character" Gnarl pondered for a moment, "Vampires are very dangerous Sire. Powerful and relentless, only ways I know to kill them are a wooden stake through the heart, cut off their head, sunlight though Rachel seems strong enough to survive it, can't cross running water, something to do with silver… or is that werewolves?"

The Overlord stood up and stretched, "Okay, I am done waiting. Time to get out and do something."

"Master" a succubus flew into the room, "Nordberg has been totally destroyed."

"What!" Malek shouted, "Explain."

"A team of my sisters were going to investigate the town to make sure nothing had happened. The gates were in ruins and the whole town was in flames. The Governor is dead and so is everyone in the town." She bowed, "I am sorry my Lord."

Malek waved a hand to dismiss her as he sat back down on his throne, "First Everlight, now Nordberg, what's next? Until I can get the gateways working I am stuck here."

"Perhaps have your remaining territories reinforced?" Gnarl offered.

"The only places I have left are Heaven's Peak and the Imperial City" Malek rubbed his forehead, "Heaven's Peak is guarded by an army of succubi and Minions. This city is brimming with legions of soldiers. But I need to know for sure if it is Lord Edward who is causing all this. Find Laurcelle and bring her here."

Gnarl bowed and scurried from the room.

(DUNGEONS)

"Mistress" Rachel's assistant hurried into the room, "The team you appointed has confirmed they are in here somewhere."

Rachel looked up sharply, "Find them. Now." She turned back to the body she was working on.

"All units spread out and secure the dungeon" the succubus ordered, "Secure the entrance and let the Cerberuses out of their cages. All vampires are to hunt down the intruders and eliminate them."

A dozen Minions rushed from the room to spread the orders throughout the facility.

"Time to go" Sierra muttered.

She, Cynthia, and Laurcelle had already planned their escape route. Just behind where they were hiding was a small shaft leading up to the main palace levels. Cynthia scrambled through first, followed by Laurcelle, then Sierra brought up the rear and sealed the grate back into place.

A moment later the pack of Cerberuses were sniffing and growling around the shaft's entrance.

"I'm afraid they have escaped Mistress" the succubus assistant called down to Rachel.

The vampire let out a long and aggravated breath, "No matter. Malek is losing faith in them. If they start claiming I am creating an army of undead down here he won't believe them."

"Orders?"

Rachel strode towards one of the tunnels, "Have my brothers and sisters gathered here in three hours."

"Yes Mistress"

(DARK TOWER EXCAVATION SITE)

Amelia staggered from her tent with her hair and clothes a mess, "Ugh, oh man that was worth all the bruises I'm gonna have."

"We have finished the excavation" the Centurion reported, "The decorations can be transported here along with Lord Malek."

"Good" Amelia winced, "Send word to my cousin… that the Tower is excavated and he can begin moving in." she concentrated and felt her Blue Minion magic flood through her, the healing and relief was instant, "Ah that's better."

The Centurion was looking rather uncomfortable standing beside her but he wasn't about to tell his superior that his men were not her toys, "My Lady," ah what the heck, "I must inform you that Lord Malek himself has given me direct orders regarding you. Since the operation is terminated you are to return at once to the Palace."

Amelia glared at him and he swore for a brief moment her hands had a dozen knives in them. A second glance down corrected him that there was only half a dozen.

"Do you have a problem with my command?" she asked softly, "Do you question my authority?"

"No I do not." He stiffened, "But my orders come from the Overlord. His authority is above all others. I must respectfully ask you to board the carriage and be taken back to the Palace. If you do not then I will have you restrained and sent back as a prisoner."

In a blink there was a sharp blade scratching at his neck, "Watch your tone." She whispered, "I am not as good at taking orders." The knife vanished into her sleeve and she walked away towards her carriage.

"Your report?" the Centurion turned to the two men who had been in Amelia's tent.

The two men shook their heads.

"Good" the Centurion tapped his chin in thought, "Matters are complicated enough as it is. You are certain she didn't work out your secret?"

His soldiers opened their mouths and two long fangs grew from the gums, "Most certain sir."

"Very well, start packing up and report to Mistress Rachel" he nodded to them. When they were a good distance away he muttered to himself, "I wonder how many more of my men are vampires."

(PALACE)

Cynthia, Laurcelle, and Sierra emerged from the shaft. The exit was hidden behind a large potted plant which they pushed aside then put back in place to hide their tunnel.

"Queen Laurcelle" a succubus hurried down the corridor towards them, "Lord Malek wishes to see you in the throne room."

"You mean you aren't one of Rachel's goons?" Laurcelle raised an eyebrow in surprise.

The succubus looked surprised as well, "One of Rachel's goons my queen?"

Cynthia, Sierra, and Laurcelle exchanged looks and shared the understanding 'Not all of them are working for Rachel'

"I will report to Lord Malek" Laurcelle answered, "I think some of my subjects are traitors. I want you to assemble all the ones you can who you know are loyal and find the traitors."

"As you command" the succubus bowed before flying away.

The trio started making their way to the throne room, unaware that a Minion had been hiding in the shaft behind the plant and heard everything. He darted back down the shaft. Mistress Rachel needed to know.

(THRONE ROOM)

Cynthia, Sierra, Laurcelle, and Amelia lined up in front of the throne. Malek was looking more agitated than usual. Not surprisingly Rachel was at his shoulder yet again only this time the room was empty of any guards. Gnarl was present standing to the side of the Overlord's throne.

"Alright everyone" Malek stood up and started pacing, "Amelia reports the Dark Tower is ready. From now on that will be our base. Within the next few hours we will gather the Tower Heart and Minion Hives then we are going to move into the Tower."

"Laurcelle" he turned to her, "I need you to go to Heaven's Peak and take command. Nordberg and Everlight have been lost. I do not want to lose any more, am I clear?"

"Yes Lord Malek" she bowed.

He nodded and started pacing again, "Rachel has assured me that there are enough weapons to ensure this city does not fall. We will need to keep it defended as a fall back position."

"She's made plenty of weapons alright." Sierra muttered under her breath.

Cynthia stepped forward, "Mal"

He stopped pacing and looked at his little sister, "Yeah?"

"Rachel is a traitor" she looked him in the eye, "She attacked me, she is using your citizens for experiments and turning them into skeletons and vampires. She threatened to kill us if we told you."

There was a long silence as Malek stood frozen to the spot. Eventually he turned to Rachel, "Is this true?" his voice carried a deadly threat in it.

She drew herself to her full height, "Yes master, it is true."

"Laurcelle" Malek waved towards the door, "I want you to go to Heaven's Peak, now."

The Succubus Queen patted Sierra and Cynthia on the shoulder and briefly bumped fists with Amelia before leaving.

"You, attacked my sister, used my subjects for your experiments, threatened my family, and who knows what else you've done." Malek had a dangerous gleam in his eyes whereas Rachel looked almost bored.

"I did all these things." She admitted, "Because you do not need to dirty your hands with what has happened. I have turned worthless humans into undead creatures for you. Think of it, a skeleton will never tire, it will never question your will, and it does not feel pain nor require sustenance. An endless work force at no cost to you."

Malek tilted his head admittedly, "A fair point, but what about these vampires you have been creating?"

"A vampire is yet again superior to humans" she smiled, "They are faster, stronger, more ruthless, they can fly and have short range teleporting abilities, thanks to my experiments and with some help from Blue Minions they can now survive in sunlight and cross running water. As an added feature they do not need to drink blood thanks to the magical blood used to create them."

Sierra, Amelia, and Cynthia were starting to get nervous as Malek seemed less angry and more impressed.

"My only wish is to serve you Lord Malek" Rachel stared deep into his eyes, "And that is why I have created an undead army for you. If you want them destroyed I will obey… but you don't want them destroyed."

Malek shook his head, "No, I don't. You are right that with them I will have a far stronger army. But you attacked my sister, that is crossing the line."

"She was distraught after the elf's demise. I provided her with something new to focus on." Rachel stroked Malek's face, "All the things I have done, I done them for you master."

The time for talking was over and Sierra charged at Rachel. She drew back her hand and the claws sprang out, "I'm going to enjoy this."

As she stabbed at Rachel Malek stepped in the way. Her claws sliced into his chest and punctured one of his lungs. He collapsed shaking violently with blood flooding form his mouth. Sierra jumped back in horror as Rachel sank to her knees beside the Overlord.

"Guards!" Rachel shouted, "Guards!"

The door swung open and a crowd of Minions, succubi, and soldiers rushed into the room.

"They are trying to kill the Overlord!" Rachel pointed at Amelia, Cynthia and Sierra, "Execute them at once!"

A Centurion spotted the blood on Sierra's claws, "Attack!"

Without hesitation the forces charged at them. Cynthia conjured a wall of fire to hold them at bay temporarily while they turned to Rachel. The vampire was smirking while gently stroking Malek's hair. He was struggling to breathe and his hands twitched around the gaping wound in his chest.

"If you waste time trying to kill me you'll never escape" Rachel sneered, "I suggest you run."

"The bitch is right" Amelia glanced quickly at the small army on the other side of the flames, "If we try and kill her that will be proof we are traitors, besides who knows how many of those vampires are in the crowd."

Cynthia grabbed Sierra's hand, "We need to go."

The green skinned hybrid bowed her head, "Alright."

Her sister let out a loud whistle. Next moment part of the wall shattered as Ventrika broke through it. The three girls quickly clambered onto the winged unicorn and looked back at Rachel still kneeling beside Malek, "You better heal him" Sierra warned.

Ventrika charged back out into the open and unfurled her wings. Already soldiers were rushing to ballistae in an attempt to shoot them down. The unicorn lifted into the air and soared towards the wall that surrounded the palace. If they could get past it then they were free.

"Target approaching Commander" a soldier informed the Centurion standing behind him, "What are your orders?"

The large man watched the winged unicorn getting closer, "Hold your fire."

"Sir?" the soldier turned to him, "They are attempting to escape."

"Do you doubt your place soldier?" the Centurion fixed him a dangerous glare, "That was an order"

The soldier wilted below the gaze, "Yes sir" he rushed along to the other soldiers getting ready, "Hold your fire!"

Despite looks of surprise they did as ordered. When Ventrika swooped overhead the Centurion saluted up at Amelia, "Good luck milady."

She nodded down at him, "Thank you"

The unicorn quickly vanished into the distance with its riders. Lady Cynthia, Lady Sierra, and Lady Amelia. The Overlord's family, now labelled as traitors could do nothing more than flee while back in the Palace Rachel slowly sunk her fangs into Malek's neck.

Gasp! How's that for a cliff hanger? Please review people