The Mortal Plane.
The Country Of France.
A Small Clearing Within Everday Forest.
The Everday Infernal Gate, hidden within the heart of an old abandoned clearing, sparked to life without warning. Waves of red, black lightning danced hypnotically across pillars carved from obsidian rose thorns; nearby animals of magical and mundane nature sensed the rapidly increasing Infernal Energy. They wisely chose to flee the area before the demonic entity they're sensing finished transversing the boundary between realms and enter the Mortal plane. Within moments, the Infernal Gate reached maximum energy levels, allowing for the Infernal Abyss portal to fully open.
"~Kabooooooom!~"
Within the centre of Everday's Infernal Gate stood Overlord Taylor, who appeared after an explosion of lightning and Infernal energy. The demonic goddess surveyed the surrounding magical forest with curious amber orbs. Trees, the size of houses, dotted the landscape while a massive canopy comprised of branches and leaves hide the sky from view, only allowing for small amounts of light to shine through and provide the necessary light to help grass and flowers grow. Providing even more illumination to the area were glowing mushrooms that lived underneath exposed tree roots.
The clearing also had natural dirt pathways that lead into three separate directions South, East and West. However, the south, east pathways were blocked off by makeshift barricades comprised of wood and steel, which meant that Overlord Taylor could only take the western path. Besides, the demonic deity knew that she currently didn't possess the proper equipment or a sizeable minion horde to smash the barricades into pieces, and that wasn't even taking into account whatever built those barriers might try against her should they learn of the destruction of the barricades.
The Overlord. After giving the area, a thorough once over headed towards the western pathway whilst simultaneously opening a telepathic connection with the Infernal palace so that the Infernal Goddess could communicate with Gnarl. Whose knowledge of Everday Forest could help identify creatures containing Brown life-force and inform Taylor if a beast she encounters along the western pathway was far too dangerous to fight against successfully.
"Okay, Gnarl, I've arrived at Everday Forest," the Overlord telepathically informed her advisor whilst keeping an eye out for anything that might be hiding within the undergrowth of the forest. "I'm heading west as it's the only available path to enter deeper into Everday." Bird songs filled the air as Taylor adventured into the spiritual twin of Evernight.
"Excellent, Sire," Gnarl's wizardly voice echoed within the demonic goddess mind thanks to the telepathic communication abilities the Overlord Helmet provided. "Everday is filled with creatures that contain powerful life-force, and unlike its spiritual twin doesn't possess an elven population." Gnarl sounded positively delighted that there weren't any elves within Everday. The ancient minion's dislike of elves wasn't unjustified as it was an elf that gave birth to the Glorious Empire and forced the minion tribes to hide within secluded areas of the old world.
"So there shouldn't be anything too dangerous within the forest?" Inquired Taylor whilst wielding her katana at the ready encase some predator or magical entity decided to try their luck against the Overlord.
Gnarl hummed in contemplation while the Infernal Goddess took a left when she came across a fork in the road. "Only the inner sanctum of Everday holds beasts that could pose a challenge, master," the ancient minion informed whilst the Overlord continued her search for the local wildlife. "And since you've not the armour, minions or enchanted weapons necessary to conquer the inner sanctum, I'd strongly advise avoiding going too deep into Everday."
"That's fine. I hadn't planned on entering that far anyway," Taylor replied. The Overlord walked further into the forest until she entered a new clearing nearly twice the size of the one where the Infernal Gate was located and held, much to the demonic entity's surprise, hundreds of cat-sized brown beetles. Who are skittering across the earth in search for food. Gnarl must've recognised the insects as he was swift to give information on the skittering creatures.
"Juvenile Brute Beetles." Taylor watched as the overgrown bugs skittered and hissed at each other. "Unless you're a farmers crops, these insects are harmless," more beetles swarmed into the clearing and mindlessly fought each other for territory and scraps of rotting food. "However, as harmless as a Juvenile Brute is, they're a convenient source of Brown life force, and their shells can withstand multiple hits from small weaponry." A mature brute was seen eating the corpse of its lesser brethren, and judging by the blood, it was a fresh kill and showed that these insects weren't above cannibalism.
"I'd humbly suggest harvesting these beetles for life-force," the Overlord entered the clearing ignoring the warning hisses of the brutes. "And return to the Infernal Gate with their corpses. Giblet should be able to fashion some temporary armour from their shells." It wasn't the best solution to Taylor's armour problem. Still, with limited resources and without any Red minions to fuel the Hell Forge, it was the only option available for the moment.
"Sounds like a plan," The Infernal Goddess raised her katana with the full intention to murder the brute beetles for their life force. "I'll harvest twenty and return to the Infernal Gate with the corpses."
Gnarl chuckled evilly while the beetles continued to hiss at the Overlord pointlessly. "Happy hunting, Sire," Taylor swung the katana towards one of the skittering insects and pierced the unsuspecting creature's head, killing it. "Oh, and do try not to allow the blood of the brute to cover your clothes, Master, it's a nightmare to remove even with magical stain remover." An orb of Brown life force burst out of the beetle's form and was instantly absorbed into the Infernal Goddess's gauntlet, which would magically teleport the life force to the Brown Hive back within the Spawning Pits where it shall be used to birth a new Brown minion.
Upon witnessing the swift death of their kin, the Juvenile Brute Beetles released a shriek of fear and tried to escape the katana-wielding Overlord. Unfortunately for the beetles, Taylor's lack of heavy armour allowed her to outpace the fleeing insects. Within a few hours of chasing the overgrown beetles around the clearing. Taylor managed to gather the necessary life force to birth the first troops for her army of darkness and collected the Brutes' corpses as having armour, even though it would be temporary, would be a great boon to the Infernal Goddess.
It took a couple of trips from the clearing to the Infernal Gate for Taylor to successfully transport every Brute corpse. The dead beetles' shells, according to Gnarl, will take several hours to properly cut off from the bodies and crafted by Giblet into a lightweight segmented armour. New minions will also take some time to birth, meaning that the Infernal Goddess was left with a choice between going back to the Infernal Abyss or exploring beyond the western clearing where she first found the Brute Beetles.
After conversing with Gnarl on the idea of exploring a little further into Everday, the Overlord decided to map out the rest of the western pathway. It would probably take the entire day to map out the west section of Everday, yet the task was better than just waiting around the palace for the Brown Hive to finish converting life-force into minions. Plus, once Taylor has gathered enough minions, the Infernal deity can use the area's acquired information to help with her conquest of the magical forest and the creatures that call Everday home.
After returning to the western clearing, Taylor found that it was devoid of Juvenile Brute Beetles. The insects after the Overlord slaughtered some of their kin had wisely chosen to flee the area and hide within the undergrowth of the forest and head further into Everday. Taylor walked the dirt road for hours, and yet no matter how far she went, the Infernal Goddess failed to encounter any of the local wildlife except for more wondering Juvenile Brutes, which the Overlord killed for their life force. The Overlord also created a mental map of the western part of Everday and identifiable landmarks as she explored the forest.
Upon reaching the end of the dirt road, the Overlord found herself within another clearing. However, this particular one held a large river which appeared to be leading east into the heart of Everday, nearby trees seemed to have grown to be greater than those near the Infernal Gate, no doubt thanks to the river feeding the growth of these trees. The most interesting feature within this particular clearing was the magnificent beast peacefully grazing at the area's heart. It had the appearance of a pure white horse, a mane of gold shined breathtakingly from the beast when the light from the canopy hit it, and most eye-catching of all was the bright golden horn that grows out of the horse's head.
"A Unicorn!" Gnarl's voice echoed within Taylor's mind with a hint of revulsion and hatred within his tone. "Bloody overgrown pit ponies! Be careful, Master these stupid beasts can sense evil, and you're practically a walking maelstrom of Infernal Energy and malevolence!" As if the Unicorn heard the minion master, the mystical horse stopped grazing and turned towards Taylor. The Unicorn was sensing the malevolent aura that the Overlord was passively admitting, lowered its head and, without warning, charged towards the Infernal Goddess with the full intention of running the demonic deity through the heart.
"Oh, shit!" Taylor cursed while jumping to the side, avoiding the Unicorn's charge, the white and golden horned beast neighed with anger at not killing the Overlord and galloped around to try again. However, the demonic goddess, who was beyond enraged at the stupid horse's attempt to end her life, swiftly rose from the ground and glared at the galloping Unicorn with burning amber orbs that promised a terrible and remorseless death.
"Okay, so that's the way you wanna play, is it?" Taylor stoically stared down the charging Unicorn. "Fine then, I'll just turn your overrated hide into a new leather coat." The Overlord's katana started to glow demonic red thanks to coating the blade with Infernal Energy. During Gnarl's lectures, the minion master had touched upon how to manipulate demonic energy and had taught Taylor the basics. The diabolical deity step sided the charging Unicorn once more, only this time she slashed at the beast's flanks. However, instead of slicing straight through the magical horse's flesh and bone, a small surface was all that was created from the Infernal Goddess'a attempt to harm the mystical equine seriously.
The Unicorn neighed with pain as it galloped to a safe distance, fresh blood dripping from the newly created wound. "Nice try, Sire," Gnarl complemented whilst Taylor ready her blade for another clash with the mythical equine. "Unfortunately, Unicorns can increase their natural resistance to physical forms of damage by strengthening themselves by absorbing the natural magic within the forest." The pure white horse slowly galloped around the clearing, clearly waiting for the opportune moment to strike at the Overlord.
"If that's the case," Taylor's eyes suddenly began burning with black hellfire, and the energy surrounding the katana increased tenfold. "I'll just have to keep slicing away at it until the bloody thing drops dead." The Unicorn went for another attempt to pierce the demonic deity's heart. It was rewarded with a strike in the chest area from Taylor's enhanced blade. This time, the katana sliced deeply into the Unicorn's hide, drawing blood and a pained scream from the mystical creature, who retreated to the river banks.
The mythical creature retreated to gather some strength and allow for the white-hot pain caused by the chest wound to fade slightly before continuing the fight. It was unfortunate that the Unicorn had underestimated Taylor's desire to murder the equine and was thus caught off guard when the katana-wielding Overlord raced towards it with murderous intent shining from her amber orbs. The Unicorn tried to defend itself. However, Taylor managed to pierce the equine's flank with her katana's tip and subsequently proceeded to slash an ugly gash across the beast's side.
As the Unicorn neighed with agony, the beast quickly realised that it couldn't defeat the demonic deity. Now realising its life was in danger, the Unicorn, trying its best to ignore the pain racing throughout its noble form, galloped away from the pissed off Overlord and, much like before, retreated to the other side of the area. The Infernal Goddess didn't pursue the white horse; instead, she took a basic combat stance and waited for the Unicorn to make the next move in their battle.
The Unicorn breathed deeply, then charged at Taylor. Its horn lowered and pointed towards the Overlord's heart, the demonic deity ready her katana to end the equine foe. However, it was a faint. The Unicorn turn away at the last second, causing Taylor to hit and damage the earth. Instead of the Unicorn, the noble creature charged towards the river jumped over the raging waters and raced away to the relative safety of the inner sanctuary of Everday leaving behind one frustrated and furious Overlord.
"Damn it! Great going, Taylor, you've just been outsmarted by a bloody Unicorn!" The Overlord's eyes burned brighter as she glared at the direction the equine ran off and knowing that pursuing the beast wasn't an option thanks to the river blocking the way. A growl of annoyance escaped her throat whilst turning towards the direction of the Infernal Gate. "Next time I see that Unicorn, I'm gonna make a wardrobe full of clothes from its hide!"
"Indeed, Sire," Gnarl chuckled wickedly upon hearing what Taylor intended for the mythical equine once she finds it again. "Sadly, your plans for a new Unicorn fur coat will have to be put on hold for now, the overrated pit pony has ran off into the inner sanctum of the forest, and we don't have the minions nor equipment; to conquer that particular area of the forest."
The Overlord's eyes stopped burning with hellfire as she walked back to the Infernal Gate. "Then I guess I'll have to conquer the outer sections of Everday before moving on to the inner sanctum." That bloody Unicorn wasn't going to escape from her. One way or another, Taylor was going to kill that stupid beast for daring to attack her just because she was a demonic deity, and by the time the Overlord was done with the magical equine, she'll have a new fur coat.
Gnarl was laughing like a hyena as Taylor stepped onto the Infernal Gate, which was already charging up with Infernal Energy. "That's the spirit, Master!" The characteristic red, black lightning danced between the gate's thorns as the boundary between realms was once again pierced so that Taylor could return to her demonic domain. "Oh, I can't wait for the pillaging to start, it's not a satisfying day of evil deeds until you've looted and enslaved some peasants, ha, ha, ha, ha!" The Infernal Gate unleashed the gathered energy, and within the blink of an eye, Taylor was teleported back to her palace.
Meanwhile, At The Everday Inner Sanctum.
The battle-scarred and blood-covered Unicorn slowly trotted deeper into the heart of the forest; ragged breaths left the equine as it travelled to a hidden grove where its kind lived in relative safety from the predators that stalked Everday. Once arriving at the secret location, the Unicorn can rest safely and use its ability to manipulate the energy within nature to accelerate the healing process. When fully healed, it can focus on dealing with the monster that had dared to enter the forest and corrupt Everday with its malevolent presence.
A pained cough escaped the equine's lips as white-hot agony flared within its mortal flesh and immortal soul, the wounds dealt by the Infernal Energy had caused a great deal of harm to the Unicorn's form and, more importantly, its soul. However, the soul's damage could be reversed if treated properly with natural energy or by the Mother Goddess's divine power. Sadly the latter wasn't within the forest, so the Unicorn would've to heal itself with only the power of nature, which would take a few days to complete.
The wounded equine had to take several detours along the way to the grove to avoid some migrating trolls; wolf packs out hunting for an easy meal and a herd of nesting fire drakes. The journey took over four hours, yet by the end of it, the Unicorn had managed to reach the grove without running into a predator that would've loved to make the equine into a meal. The mystical beast walked to the grove's centre, where a pond of pure water was located and laid next to the water source. The pond held magical healing properties, which the wounded animal took advantage of and drank deeply from it.
As the equine drank, the wounds inflicted by the Overlord slowly but surely began to close as the healing effects from the water took hold. Sadly the magic could only heal physical damage, and only the absorption and manipulation of natural energy can fix the harm caused to the Unicorn's soul. A task the mythical horse was already starting as waves of golden energy gently flowed from the nearby trees and flowers entering the Unicorn's body where it shall reverse the damage to the creature's soul.
The process to heal from the fight with the Overlord underway, the Unicorn laid down, allowing for the soft grass beneath it to provide some comfort. Yet the equine couldn't feel at peace as it knew the demon would return for revenge, and it was indeed a demon that the Unicorn had fought earlier at the clearing. The corruptive energy that it controlled was all the evidence it needed as only demonic or evil creatures used Infernal Energy as a power source. Worse, the equine believed that the monster was a Greater Demon, one of the most vicious and corruptive creatures that have ever walked the surface of the world.
The harm the demon could inflict if allowed to roam the forest or worse, the world was too horrible to contemplate. It had to die; there wasn't any alternative. If allowed, the demon will corrupt the forest into a place of nightmares, where the creatures of the Mother Goddess could easily lose their souls to the Infernal deity that lives within the dreaded Infernal Abyss. No doubt the demon was sent here by that dark deity to bring Everday into its control. Well, the Unicorn wasn't about to let its home be corrupted without a fight.
Allies would have to be gathered to fight against the demon. Other Unicorns will gladly join once they're informed of the situation. Some dumb trolls could also be persuaded to fight if granted certain areas to live and raise their young. Perhaps the humans, the equine saw fleeing the forest a few days ago and barricading the eastern and south pathways can be convinced to fight the demon. Of course, the apes will only be used as cannon fodder as they've not the slightest chance to banishing a powerful demon.
The Unicorn neighed tiredly whilst looked at the canopy. Unlike most of Everday, there was enough space within the canopy to allow the equine to see the ruined buildings and houses of a city swallowed up by the forest during 'the transference.' It had perhaps once been a breathtaking place, yet now giant trees grew out randomly within the houses and places of business. A mighty river had destroyed many roads and flood underground railways. The local populace, confused and horrified by the sudden destruction of their home, had fled the city and probably headed to a safer location.
The most eye-catching sight for the Unicorn was the colossal structure that stood at the abandoned city's heart. It was a tower standing on four mighty legs constructed entirely from wrought-iron, not that the equine knew what wrought-iron was in the first place and seemed to shine within the setting sun. To the Unicorn, the colossal tower was just a pretty sight and nothing else yet to any human that saw it. The tower was one of the most significant monuments ever to be constructed by mankind.
The Eiffel Tower stood within Paris's ruins, shining brighter than any beacon as if morning the destruction visited France's greatest city. Everday Forest shall forever cover the once famous city. France's people couldn't return and restore the city as more disasters like the forest suddenly appearing and swallowing Paris were happening throughout the country and the world. Earth Bet was in chaos, and only the strong of will and devoted to the new gods can have any hope to survive the coming storm.
The era of the old world has come and gone. Now all that was left was to see who shall be smart enough to embrace the new order of the world.
The Infernal Abyss.
Infernal Palace Gate Nexus.
"Wellcome back, Sire."
When the Overlord finished transversing the boundary between realms and appeared within the palace's gate nexus, she hadn't expected to see Gnarl standing at the steps of the Everday Infernal Gate while caressing a Juvenile Brute that was resting within the old minion's arms like a stereotypical Jamies Bond villains pet. Taylor felt some amusement at the sight while also confused about how the beetle even got into the demonic realm.
"Gnarl, how did that Brute you're caressing get into the palace?" The Infernal Goddess asked her chief advisor whilst moving down the steps to meet the ancient minion. If those insects somehow managed to sneak into the demonic realm, then it was an issue that had to be corrected and quickly. Taylor had no desire to have enemies sneaking into her seat of rulership and causing untold problems. Besides the palace's currently ruinous state, a giant bug infestation was the last thing the Overlord needed.
Gnarl paused his caressing of the Brute, which hissed in protest at the loss of petting. "Don't you recognise it, Sire? After all, it's one of the juveniles that was slain by your hand a few hours ago." The minion master resumed petting the brown insect. At the same time, the Overlord's amber eyes zoomed onto the beetle, and sure enough, Taylor indeed recognised it as one of the twelve insects she killed within the western clearing of Everday. A faint scar ran across the beetle's head where her katana had pierced and ended the bug's life.
The ancient minion grinned toothily when he saw the recognition within the Overlord's amber orbs. "When creatures are slain by your nefarious hands, Master. They're doomed to be dragged into the Abyss to suffer for all eternity," Gnarl cackled wickedly upon revealing the fate of those that die at the hands of the demonic deity. "The beetles you murdered hours ago are already being tortured by Mortis via reading verses of Quaver's poetry. The insects' misery and suffering are producing a small amount of Infernal Energy which we're using to start minor repairs to the palace."
Unaffected by the revelation that the creatures she killed were now being tortured for energy, Taylor smiled with satisfaction. "That's great news, Gnarl." If the Overlord possessed her memories of her previous life at Brockton Bay, she'd have been repulsed by the vile tortures inflicted upon innocent beings. Yet sadly, Taylor's amnesia combined with her new demonic and divine nature prevented the Infernal Goddess from caring about the horrors she was inflicting upon those that dared to cross her path.
"Indeed, Sire," Gnarl gestured with a wave towards Giblet, who had been waiting nearby the entire time. "The new Browns will be born within the hour, and Giblet here has finished crafting your temporary armour." The forge master bowed to his Overlord while presenting what appeared to be chainmail crafted from the Juvenile Brutes' durable shells. There was also shoulder', a left arm and leg guards to provide extra protection. The whole armour set was a light brown with yellow stripes; Taylor was pleased with the armour and didn't waste any time putting it on with the assistance of Giblet.
"I'll visit the Spawning Pits once they're born," Taylor told Gnarl whilst moving around a bit in her new armour as she wanted to get a better feel for it. "For now, I think I'd like to get some sleep to day's exploration into Everday has left me feeling rather tired." A yawn escaped the goddess's lips. Travelling through Everday for hours was indeed tiring work. Yet, once Taylor's powers grow and her physical form strengthens beyond what mortal minds could comprehend, she'd be able to walk across continents without even needing to stop for a moment's rest.
"I'm sure Mortis will be delighted to have you visit the Spawning Pit Sire," The ancient minion dutifully followed the Overlord as she walked towards the entrance to the nexus. "He'd probably even prepare his famous roasted rat for the occasion." The ancient Blue's recipe for a roast rat was so delicious that devastating brawls between minion tribes have been started over it. Not even other races could resist the dish, and wars have been fought for the recipe. Sadly and much to Gnarl's delight, those civilisations destroyed themselves well before they ever got the chance to steal from Mortis.
Taylor hummed at the comment on a roasted rat while she and Gnarl entered the royal chambers. "I'll be sure to give Mortis's dish a try," as the Overlord walked through the hallway leading to her bedroom, the ruler of the Infernal realm absentmindedly kicked Quaver. Who had been minding his own business, into a hole, the sounds of the jester's screaming could be heard echoing throughout the palace. "Until then, I'll be sleeping within my quarters." The empress of demons nodded to Gnarl in farewell before entering her bedchambers and closing the massive doors behind her, leaving the ancient minion alone in the hallway.
Without delay, Gnarl went towards the exit of the royal chambers as there were evil deeds to be done, beetle souls to torture for energy, and soon to be born minions to teach the ways of senseless carnage. However, before the ancient minion left the area, he turned to a nearby hole and yelled into it.
"Quaver! Stop lazing about and get to the Spawning Pits on the Double! There are new minions to teach the ways of minion kind, and I need a good practice dummy!" A groan of pain echoed from the hole, yet Gnarl ignored the suffering of Quaver and resumed his march to the Spawning Pits. The minion master knew that the annoying jester would be there by the time he arrived at the birthplace of minion kind. Quaver wasn't stupid enough to tempt Gnarl's wrath as the last time that happened had cost the jester his musical instruments.
For the next few hours, whilst Taylor was slumbering peacefully within her bedchambers, Gnarl, with the assistance of Mortis, taught the new Browns their culture and proper minion behaviour while using Quaver as a 'volunteering' practice dummy for the newborns to practice on. Needless to say that it was a fun day for the two ancient minions and an unfortunate one for a certain jester, who was forced to take beating after beating from the energetic and eager Browns that had recently been birthed from the Brown Hive.
The forces of darkness were gaining strength, and very soon, the first grand conquest shall begin. the world will tremble when the Overlord's minion army is unleashed upon Earth Bet.
Because evil always finds a way.