The Karcist and the Lord

a S.C.P. Foundation Mythos x M.G.E. crossover


Chapter 42: Strong armed Diplomacy, Part 3


As Ion stepped forwards, he gazed at the Ambassador, and began to speak. As the New God of War, my domain, and thus my concern is the current revolution that has inspired many to take up arms against the Chief God, and taking place throughout the world. He began, the Pantheon and Monster Lord listening quietly while he addressed them and the Ambassador. Turning, he gestured to the Alaganddan while saying, To keep this short, I would like to know what business you are planning to carry out on your visit, and how it could affect the war.

"Ah, straight to the point Ion, my good friend." Ion drummed on his staff with his fingers, and the mouth on his chest quivered with anxiety. "In answer to your question, I have some personages that my master is looking for, and I'm just making sure to leave no stone unturned, as unlikely as it could be." the Ambassadors' cryptic message cause most of the Gods to cast a suspicious glance at him. "He wants these individuals to keep him company, and as black-hearted a creature my master can be, even His Highness has occasional fits of loneliness. This part of him which agonizes so had been getting quite worse, what with his condition. My travailing companion here will most definitely testify of this if you so request of him." the Ambassador explained, gesturing with an arm to the Red Lord.

"What the Ambassador says is true." the Wearer of the Mirthful Mask confirmed, his voice sounding as though he had sandpaper in his throat, and also crackled with dark and elderitch tones. "The King of Alagandda is most distressed, bound to never leave the confines of his palace from a curse placed on him. He weeps for the special kind of comforting grace and mercy that we can't provide." Deborah would've normally felt empathy, but the way the Chief God seemed to almost stiffen at the Red Lords' speech was off-putting. Not to mention that Eos the God of Love was disturbed by him. She as a result was starting to develop a feeling that this was for good reason, as Eos was capable of what stirs a persons heart, for everyone wants to love and be loved. As a result, Eos' Cupids and mortal servants would secretly work at converting the hearts of various peasants and others who were willing to listen to the Monster Lords' cause in their temples, as well as shelter couples running from the Order through an underground network. Thankfully, the tunnel network, while uncovered had been collapsed when Ion cast Eos out of Heaven, and the Cult of Nalka launched their combined purge with the Order to hunt down and execute those who served her, preventing them from having free access to areas like Royal Makai.

I see... Ion replied, causing the Succubus to snap to attention. ...while one could argue that this task the King of Alagandda sent you does not concern me at face value, the nature of the war that is happening even now is... unorthodox. You see, the race known as the Mamono constitute as one of the main forces which has been fighting, and they do so through a power known as 'Demonic Mana', an energy which causes feelings of love and attraction to form towards the Mamono who introduces it into the body of a man they want to marry, and it does so no matter much one resists it. As you can imagine, many men within the higher echelons of Order society are not keen of this fact, as this means they could one day be taken away from their families, never to see their spouses and children while enslaved and bonded to a creature they never knew or met. As for how it effects females, they're themselves turned into Mamono, and thus the cycle goes on, resulting in the same case for them as it can have the same repercussions and-

"YOU DARE!" Poseidon screamed in outrage, getting up as she pointed a finger at Ion. "What makes you think you can judge the Mamono for this, as the Order indoctrinates their followers to hate the Mamono for no-"

"Poseidon." the Chief God said, getting the God of Sea and Oceans' attention. "I'll allow Deborah to speak for her people after Ion is finished talking about the War, but for now keep your comments to yourself unless called upon to discuss anything involving your realm of influence. He was only explaining the Order and its viewpoint."

"You would know, you are the one-"

"Poseidon." the Chief God interrupted, raising her voice just enough to silence her fellow God as she leaned forward in their direction. "Shut up, and wait your turn to speak." after a moment of stammering, the sea goddess blushed in embarrassment and sat down. The Chief God looked at Poseidon, and upon seeing she and the others were not going to cause any more trouble, particularly Deborah, she waved a hand to Ion. "Proceed."

As I was saying, from the Orders perspective, they have been hounded by the Mamono, who continuously for the past thousand years have driven their backs to a wall, causing those who follow it to become paranoid and zealous in their anger against them. Ion concluded. One thing that has not helped them in that regard was the fact several of the Gods turned into traitors and actively aided the Mamono Lord and her rise to power, including at least one case of intervening in one Lichs' attempt to overthrow her, one of the few things they were not to interfere with unless ordered to do so specifically by the Chief. He added, casting a challenging glance at the Mamono-loyalist faction. Several of them gazed at him with contempt while Deborah shuffled in her seat, while the Chief God sighed, and those closet to her could almost swear she cursed under her breath.

"Ion, do not antagonize them. They may be my enemies, but they will be given as equal a voice as you and those serving alongside me. As the Chief God, it is my duty to quell the rebellion, yes, but right now this is a court of law, and the laws which have passed by both me and my predecessor requires me to maintain neutrality during our time here. Even in the circumstances we are currently experiencing." she said, gesturing to Odin, Vaal, and the other Order-loyalists. Ion turned to her, and bowed his head reverently, placing an arm across his chest as he did so.

Thy will be done, my liege... The God-Eater replied, before turning back to the Ambassador and Red Lord, both of whom watched the exchange with amusement. Would you like me to speak of the Mamono, and their case, or... Ion gestured to Deborah, who glanced at him in shock. ...would you prefer for their Lord to do so? After turning to speak with each other quietly in whispers, the two Alaganddans both turned to Ion.

"We'll listen to her." the Ambassador said. Ion then waved over the Succubus, standing back and letting her take center stage, and standing back behind her. Deborah shuddered inside, as she knew that if he so wanted Ion could devour her on the spot. After backing away when she looked at him, she calmed down inside, took a deep breath, and spoke.

"I am Deborah, Succubus and Demon Lord of the Mamono Races, ruler of the Demon Realms, and my realm of influence is that as the leader of all Mamono and Monsters. Since you ask of me why I would rebel against the Chief God herself, here is why. When my kind were created by the First Chief God who made the world alongside the Pantheon, it was to perform a series of never-ending wars which came to be known as the Cycles. In these Cycles, one among us would be chosen as the leader of the Monster Races, whether it be by degree of Aries, the Old God of War, through their own might and cunning, or chosen by the previous Lord. We were charged to maim, murder and pillage the Human realms, hunting down their kind and destroying their cities, burning their crops in the fields, and a thousand acts which were and still are unspeakable to this day. The reason? Because they were only living their lives in peace, and result the Chief God at the time believed their numbers were to be kept to a minimum, and this was something she kept secret to them as they flocked to her for aide. The Pantheon was also forced into complying with her demands, sending calamities and all manner of plagues upon them. Eventually, a Hero would be chosen, and they would slay the Monster Lord of their time, beginning the final phase of the Cycles which would be a period of peace and prosperity. Then the next would start once another Demon Lord emerged. I grew discontented with this state, and sought to raise my people above it and seek co-existence with the Humans. My husband, the Monster King was originally a Hero who believed in the same goal as me, and the Pantheon, upon realizing they had an opportunity to also become part of something more, joined with me and we rebelled against the current Chief God." Deborah looked at the Chief God and Order-loyalists. While the Chief God and Ion showed no emotion, they both glanced at their allies as well, who with the exception of Odin were visibly disturbed at her looking at them while their superiors looked on. Odin herself only scowled, her arms crossed and unrepentant in her body language. She then looked back at the Alaganddans.

"The Chief God, unwilling to let this stand, indoctrinates Humanity, causing them to lash out in ignorance and blind hate. The Order is unaware of the Cycles, and did not know what they were doing was only perpetuating needless bloodshed and death, aided by this... thing which aides her." she said while turning to the Chief God. At this, Ion chuckled darkly when the Chief God and Fallen God stared at each other. A look of realization, followed by silent abject horror crossed the Chief Gods' corrupted counter parts face as she saw there was genuine sadness, and something else. When the Chief God nodded in confirmation, the Fallen God looked down in shame, holding her head in her hands as her comrades stared at her. Deborah was shocked at this, as confused as the Pantheon was.


**POV SHIFT**


Lescatie


As Monica and the Mamono with her ran to Lescatie, they saw a number of Mamono in the Royal Makai Army were starting to spread out, and saw one of them wear the neon green cloth on their left pauldren signifying a direct lieutenant under one of the Lilium. When she saw them, the Wyvern stomped over to them, her custom fitted armor flowing like a second skin over her body.

"What is it?" she asked of the group.

"We know where the people taken from Lescatie are going, and we must hurray to stop the fate that will befall them if we don't make a move!" Monica said.

"What will happen to them?" Monica proceeded to explain what she and the others had overheard, from the tournament known as the Crimson Wake, to the Sarkic convey transporting the slaves to Keallio Village. The Wyvern listened, and she was visibly disturbed at what could be occurring in it, especially if a Kiraak has already been set up within the area the Crimson Wake will be fought in. After Monica finished, the Wyvern lieutenant spoke.

"It's best then we assemble a task-force then, and stop this Crimson Wake, or stall it long enough to put them in a position of giving up their slaves without bloodshed." she replied, and turned to a nearby Dark Mage. "Estlia, contact Koyoi, and tell her we already have a location thanks to..."

"Monica."

"Monica, and have the Brides assemble to halt or delay the Cult of Nalkas' activities while Venema gets her battalion ready to put some political pressure on them." she said, gesturing with a paw as she did so. The Dark Mage nodded and left, while the Wyvern turned to the Amazon and her companions. "Are you willing to lead us over to Kaellio? It will be imperative to have members to who know the lay of the land. I understand if you refuse to do so, and no one will hold it against you." she said. Monica however stood at attention, her eyes steely with a grim determination.

"I accept this honor, on the condition my husband Uriah is left here in Lescatie. That way, I'll know he'll be safe and taken care of." the Amazon said, holding an arm around the Incubus in question. He looked shocked, and quickly closed his mouth, knowing nothing he said would change her mind. The Wyvern nodded in understanding, and waved an Android, who was then ordered to see to it that it was so.

After about five minutes, Merse Dascaros, Sasha Fullmoon, Mimil Milte, and Ananomiya Koyoi walked over through the gates, while Monica and her party bowed in respect. Mimil in particular visibly pouted, not liking being separated from her 'Big Brother' again after he had just recovered from the insanity attack he suffered, and wore a chain mail shirt and skirt with leather boots and a dress underneath, and twirled a staff in her hands. Sasha was dressed in her Dark Priest uniform, modified to have a suit of armor built into it, while Merse wore a simliar armor made to suit her Lamiaeqsue physique. Koyoi was the only one unarmored, though her kimono shimmered with a pale lavender light that spoke of being enchanted for protection, her fox ears and tails twitching as scanned the area. When she was about to speak, she stopped, and glanced somewhere off in the distance.

When the others turned, Monica and her forest companions saw it was the same Centaur Nalkacite, who was looking at them from faraway. One of the Mantis Girls cursed, as Monica remembered what they said back in the forest, her skin paling in fear.

'I knew where you were the moment you saw me.' does this mean that thing will be able to hunt Uriah no matter he goes? She thought as the creature reared up on its legs to turn, and galloped away.

"What the hell was that abomination?" Koyoi asked, her disgust shared by the Lescatians with her.

"Some sort of Nalkacite Centaur. We encountered one on the way here, and apparently now that we looked at it, the Cult is now not only aware we're about to crash their party, but will be keeping track on all of us now." Monica said. "At the time, we were hiding, and the damn thing looked at us the moment we saw it."

"Damn it, so much for the element of surprise then." Koyoi muttered. Then she turned to the other Brides and Mamono with Monica. "Looks like we're going to have a welcoming committee at Kaellio. Mimil, how fast can we get there with our current party size?"

"Seriously, you're having me do math?" the Witch Bride whined.

"Can you calculate it?"

"Of course I can. We'll be there in about five hours if we force march." Mimil said, when Koyoi scooped her up and placed her on her shoulders.

"And what about the convoy?" the Kitsune asked, as she and the others proceeded to run, fast enough to leave even the fastest horse rider in their dust. While most Mamono were capable of great feats of strength and speed, this is usually held back, as this would leave one worn out and even cause injuries, same as any other creature. It had been observed that the Cult of Nalka followers, while still nowhere their level, are capable of this as well, though often with disregard for their bodies.

"I don't know, so we might get there before them, we might not, but we'll definitely get there before the Crimson Wake starts since it will require lots of prep time considering the logistics they'll need to take care of, such as where to put everyone." Mimil explained, bouncing up and down on Koyoi shoulders. Within two or three hours, the group stopped at the forest edge, breathing heavily as they did so.

"By Aries and Hel, my legs are numb." Sasha muttered under her breath while brushing off her leggings, as Monica sat down. The Mamono paused, recalling how the God of Wars' influence on the world was erased and replaced by Ion. Even so, the group had fully recovered in the span of a few minutes, and resumed onwards. However, when Merse turned to her, the Amazon shirked as the Enchida slithered over to her side.

"Something wrong dear?" the motherly Fallen Hero asked, placing a hand on Monicas' shoulder. While the Amazon wanted to talk about it, she swallowed down her hopes with fear before shaking her head.

"Nothing I'd like to talk about." Monica replied, before checking her bow, sword, and quiver of arrows. As she stood up, Monica turned to her fellow Mamono. "Everyone read?" upon getting nods in response from all of them, she took the lead, the Fallen Brides readying for whatever new horrors they'll find at Kaellio.


**POV SHIFT**


Temple of the Void


As the Fallen God held her hands in her head, the Pantheon and Monster Lord stared on, before she looked up with a grimly determined face. She then breathed in and out deeply, turning to the Chief God and nodding for the proceedings to continue. The Chief God turned to Deborah, and spoke.

"Do you plan to continue, Demon Lord Deborah?" she asked. The Succubus shook her head. "Alright then, we will now proceed. Ion, is there anything you wish to continue to ask of these two, or have become satisfied enough to accept or deny them entry into our world?" The God-Eater shuffled and turned his neck, and then responded.

I'm done. He then turned to the Ambassador and Red Lord. I'm willing to allow you two entry, on the conditions that none of the candidates you wish to bring to Alagadda are essential members of either side of the War being waged, such as generals and the like, and if you find more then one suitor to do so, you will have no more then three choices to bring to your master the Hanged King. Do you accept? Ion said. After pausing for a bit to allow the Ambassador to whisper into the Red Lords ear, the crimson clad Alagaddain spoke, his leering mask sending shivers into those who gazed at into the conspiring look it had.

"We would like to know what you mean by more then one suitor, and whether you are judging our worth based on any previous contact with our city?" he asked, causing the focus to shift on the Grand Karcist. "After all, we want to make sure that the criteria you made is not tainted by any... personal experiences." Ion managed his composure well, and gave his response without pause.

I'm judging you as the God of War for this world, and occasionally Mamono harems have formed due to the ever shorting amount of males in their civilization. An example you look at are the Fallen Brides of Lescatie. I'm not applying any of my previous encounters with you as the Grand Karcist and Sorcerer-King of Adytum. Now then, do you accept my conditions? Ion replied, staring with unwavering stoicism into the Red Lords' eyes. Or shall I decrease the choices to two, and also ban you from any Champions such as the Heros of the Order of the Cheif God?

"We'll accept the first set of conditions." the Ambassador said, holding a hand up to interrupt the Red Lord when he began to growl. The Ambassador looked over at the Chief God.

"So you have attained Ions' blessing. Now then, as Ion is considered loyal to the Order, the Monster Lord Deborah will be the next to speak with you, as her realm of influence is second only to that of Ion." with that the Demon Lord stood up, and took her place in the center of the semi-circle while the Grand Karcist sat down on his throne.


**POV SHIFT**


Kaellio Village


"Karcist Voltor, up ahead." one of the village Militia-men said, pointing a spear at the road as the last of the slaves from Lescatie was forced into the village, heading to the church where its Kiraak, named Kiraak Emile after the holy priest who volunteered to become a living temple to Ion. Currently, the church building was not quite obviously the central site at first glance, but if one paid attention to the ground, there was faint pulsing where tendrils laid just below the surface. Bola, who came ahead with Nadox and the Arch-Lich known as Koragh to take the opportunity to teach and show their newest member flesh-crafting by making the arena ahead of time, something which would require quite a bit of flesh.

Now coming down the same road, Voltor noticed a group of very powerful Mamono along with an Amazon and other forest Mamono. The Militia-man looked closely, and cursed. "Shite, it's the Fallen Brides. I'd recognized Sasha, Mimil and Merse anywhere. They travelled a lot through the continent." he explained to Voltor, who closed his eyes and breathed deeply as he reached out telepathically to Karcist Bola and Klavigaar Nadox.

Karcist Bola, High Karcist Nadox, the Lescatians have sent their elite to the village.

Since I do not sense any commotion, they are likely here to free the slaves we brought here, Bola, you and I will go outside to speak with them. Klavigaar Nadox said. Koragh, are you able to finish this on your own?

Give me an hour and it will be done. Voltor seethed, as the Lich was quick on picking up flesh-crafting, while he had to study for decades in the esoteric. Though to be fair, the Lich did compare flesh-crafting to the necromancy he practiced, and thus had transferable skills and knowledge to apply to the sacred arts. Still didn't piss Voltor off any less. After a second passed, Nadox and Bola appeared, while the Brides and their escorts stopped outside the walls.

"What business do you have here?" Nadox said, gazing down at the group from the stone walls. "This village is Order territory, and thus your coming here, fully armed and armored no less can be considered an act of aggression with we so choose."

"We know you have brought a number of Lescaties' people here as slaves, and we know about the Crimson Wake. As Elite warriors of Royal Makais' people, you keeping them enslaved is itself an act of aggression towards us. We will leave, but only if you give back those you have taken from their homes and families." The apparent leader of the group, a Kitsune declared. Nadox snort derisively in response.

"They were taken away as spoils of war long after the Second Siege of Lescatie ended, and therefore you have no claim to them, for they are our property. And want do you plan to do now that I have refused?" the Klavigaar asked, as several of the warriors around and near him shuffled in place, emphasizing their bows and arrows. "You can either turn back, and we'll forget your trespass of-"

"Trespass? You're the ones that attacked us, not the other way around!" the Lamia-looking one yelled accusingly at Nadox. "You have left children without their parents in your murderous violation of our city, and parents weeping for their sons and daughters who have been sent to the arms Hel who no doubt mourns their loss."

"Not our problem, now sod off." a Nalkacite snapped back in reply, causing shock and outrage to ripple through the Fallen Brides. Bola looked over at the warrior in question, while the Amazon looked and seemed to recognize him.

"Hold your tongue and know your place!" the Karcist growled, causing the Mamono to cringe at the way Bolas' horse and guttural voice barked at the now kneeling Cultist in question, as well as the hostility he said it with. "Speak in Klavigaar Nadoxs' place like that again, and I'll tear your tongue out myself wretch."

"What about the Halkost Grin-soko then? We also know that Wilmeria, a fellow Bride like us was taken hostage. We'll exchange him for her." Sasha said, producing the Sarkic-possessed hawk in question, both muzzled and in a cage. When the Cultists of Nalka looked at Karcist Voltor, he then waved a hand and said a quick chant, and Grin-soko let out a screech of pain as his body expanded, then ripped open as Sasha dropped the cage. She and the other Mamono jumped and recoiled, as blood and visecra spilled out from the remains, from which a white blood-covered maggot creature feasted upon. "You murderer! You would willingly kill your own soldiers!?"

"As my Halkost, his life is mine to give, or to take as I will. Grin-soko knew this, and you simply did me the favor of bringing him here." the Karcist replied. "You have nothing of interest to us, now leave at once." he then said another chant, causing the ground to rupture as multiple creatures similar to the Nalkacite Centaur came out of the ground. The Mamono backed up and drew their weapons, but refrained from actually attacking. As the creatures stretched their arms out to each other to form a wall, they began to a semi-circle around the Fallen Brides and their companions. As they fell back however, a number of Mamono emerged dressed in the armor and heraldry of the Royal Makai Army, and one of the Lilium appeared with two of her sisters. The native militia-men muttered various curses, fear creeping into their ranks, however several glances by Nadox, Bola, and Voltor silenced it quickly.

"Klavigaar Nadox." the Lilium said, hissing the s sound she made while pronouncing his name. While he body was covered head to toe in a cream white and yellow armor, a look at her tail and gait suggested along with her speaking that she was part-Lizardman. While she continued on speaking, the Klavigaar made a mental note to try and capture at least two of the Demon Lords' daughters alive for study into why each one was different. "Return these people at once. They have had to live under a regime full of corruption before we liberated the city, and my sister saved them from that. Druella did not free them for you to butcher them at your leisure. Let them go, so they can return to their families." Nadox chuckled malevolently.

"How about you leave, we'll let you and your soldiers can return to your families alive?" at that, many of the soldiers the Lilith brought seemed to tense up at the threat. "If you insist on continuing this parading of your forces on our border, then I'll have to treat this show of force as a legitimate attack on our borders, and declare the cease-fire null and void. My troops and I will butcher you and your sisters-in-arms, and march for Lescatie, where your bodies will be paraded for your people to see and despair. Then, we will take Lescatie, and those who bend the knee will live as slaves for us to do as we will upon them." the threat had a visceral effect on the Mamono, especially on the Fallen Brides. Several of the elite former Heros of the Order even looked at their Enchidia member, who held her abdomen in fear.

"We can't do that." the Lilith said. "These Mamono I brought can not do that, because the people you deem your property are their families." several hushed whispers could be heard on both the Sarkic and Mamono sides of the exchange. Nadox turned to Voltor, and gestured with a finger to come closer.

"What are the chances of this being true?" Nadox asked of the Karcist. Bola and the Nalkacites around the two watched the conversation along with the Mamono and Fallen Brides.

"Not likely, I guessed, and correctly so, that the best way to make the Mamono slaves comply was to take their mates with them alive, and keep the threat of consequences happening to said mates over them will quell any thought of rebellion. This Lilium likely guessed this, and thus lied about the Mamono soldiers here also having their mates stolen from them, to keep them from shirking in their duties." Nadox smiled evilly.

"Put their backs to the wall mentally, and they'll die rather then let these people suffer." the Klavigaar said. "She is making a desperate roll of the dice to rally them."

"Exactly, and judging by how her soldiers are now more determined then ever, it worked." Voltor said. "It seems they are starting to adapt. What shall we do now then?"

"Call the Black Hunter, I will speak to him. If my plan works, we'll have bodies for the Crimson Wake to feed Kiraak Emile..."


**POV SHIFT**


Somewhere between Lescatie and Bernia


As Mikheal and Aegila galloped over to the Mekhanite formation, the main Centaur-looking one at the front turned its head to them. They saw that while at least nine of the giant Automations were confirmed, and saw only six.

"Damn, they must have split up to avoid being flanked the Monster King said. "Hold the flag up." Aeglia obeyed, raising a white cloth on a pole underneath the Flag of Royal Makai, the heart wrapped in dove wings to show their ties to the Demon Lord. However, one of the humanoid ones responded by throwing something it pulled out of its chest. "Hold on!" he cried out, causing the stone horse they were riding on to jump sideways. the oblong and highly decorated bronze object smashed into the ground, and the impact caused the two to fall over as the horse was struck and fell apart from the shock wave of the object flying at them.

When Mikheal got up, he was dizzy and fell over. As his vision cleared, he saw Aegila was already up, and helped to his feet. As several of the smaller Automatons got out of the object, the two froze in terror, as the machines pointed their musket-like weapons at them. However, they then saw that a Human was among them, only to realize he was more like them then any Human they saw before. As Mikheal spoke up, the Human walked to him.

"I am King Mikheal. With me is my daughter Aegila, born of me and my wife-" he turned upon hearing a gasp of pain from his daughter. she pulled out a dart of some kind, and then fell over. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" he screamed in rage, when the Human suddenly stabbed him in the abdomen. He looked down, and saw a needle had punched through his Demon Realm Silver, and chilling feeling began to spread his body, but saw no blood. Mikheal stared in shock, as the needle was coming out of the Humans' palm. while his vision grew dark, the Human spoke with an emotionless and cold voice that was heavily distorted.

"Monster King Mikheal, you stand accused of consorting with The Flesh, creating abominations and spreading their cancerous existence through out this world, conspiracy to turn the Humans of both Eros and Earth away from the purity of the Machine God Mekhane, and a thousand other sins. You are to be taken to be judged by the Magi along with the abomination borne of your seed named Aegila. May the Wan have mercy on your soul, for we will not... heretic."