Disclaimer: See the prologue
Extraneous: Ditto
Author's notes: No lines of the prophecy this time around. They will resume when the main story restarts.
Chapter 6: Of Meeting Krichevskoy
When we last left off:
The battle to crown a new Overlord had finally ended. Aided by a witch and a weredragon, Nicholai Krichevskoy was able to win the title. Vowing not to forget the young draconic, the new Overlord kept his word. Saito was sent a single charm, and an invitation to his own wedding. Saito was determined to attend, but he was nearly stopped by his father, Kaido. After defeating his father and saying goodbye to his mother, Saito set out on his own. However, we pick up in the present-day.
Present Day: Sacred Altar
"Are there any questions up to this point?" asked Saito, looking around the newly reformed circle. Laharl was quick to raise his hand. "Yes, Overlord?" "Well, what happened to you father?" Saito grinned wickedly at the young damphir. "Well, I'll explain that when we get to the wedding, okay?" Laharl nodded, and then sat back down. Saito's eyes continued to circle the room, and then they settled on Marina. She lowered her hand, and then asked him one of the simplest of all questions: "What happened to your mother?" Saito laughed lightly. "The last time I checked, she was still alive and well. That was about a week ago. Now, if there are no more questions, I'd like to get back to my story." Seeing no more hands, Saito resumed his narrative.
Flashback begins
Hall of Prophecies: Draconia
Saito stopped at the main door to the hall, and knocked three times. "You know that the door is always open for you, Saito," his mentor said with a smile. "Come in. There are a few things that we need to discuss before you set out for the Netherworld." Saito nodded and stepped into the building. He then proceeded to follow his teacher into Alexander's personal study. The older draconic closed and locked the door, and then turned back to his prize pupil. "The Netherworld is a very dangerous place, especially for someone who does not know their own way around. You must be very careful about where you tread, and be even more cautious of the monsters who cross your path. Some will want to befriend you, while others merely wish to destroy. However, this is not the most important thing that I need to tell you." Alexander sighed, and then sat down at his desk. "A long time ago, there was a demon going by the title of Lord of Terror. He had just attempted to dethrone the Overlord. In response, the Overlord ripped the Netherworld in half, and sent the half containing the Lord of Terror spinning off into space. Over time, this half managed to regenerate, forming what we know as the Alternate Netherworld. There was still one link between the two planes, and this place was referred to as the Cave of Ordeals." He then looked up from his desk, a very somber expression on his features. "The reason why I am telling you this is because we are not sure whether the normal Dimensional Gate will send you to the true or the alternate. Either way, make sure that you find your way to the True Netherworld, and enter the Overlord's Castle. That is all that I have to tell you. Good luck, and Godspeed."
Saito nodded at his mentor, and then headed out towards the back of the Hall. He stopped before the Gatekeeper and smiled lightly. The Keeper of the Keys was an old friend of his, and he smiled down at the young Kaiser. "Where to this time, Saito?" "I need to get to the Netherworld. Do you think this thing will actually work?" he asked, a little worried. The Keeper smiled and nodded his head. "I'm not sure whether it will take you to the True or the Alternate, but I know that you will still end up in the Netherworld." Saito smiled and thanked the Keeper for the information. He then stepped into the gate, transporting away from the only home he had ever known.
Barren Wastelands: Alternate Netherworld
Saito looked at his map and frowned. It appears that I ended up in the Alternate Netherworld. NOW all I have to do is find my way to the Cave of Ordeals, and then make my way through to the True Netherworld. I just hope that it won't take me forever. The young mage sighed aloud, and then started to make his way towards one particular structure in the distance. He reached out with his mind, and easily bridged the gap between himself and his mentor. Master Alexander, do you have any sort of information on the Alternate Overlord? Yes, I happen to have that information right in front of me. Be very cautious, Saito. She is very dangerous. SHE? You mean that this Netherworld has a female Overlord? I'm afraid so, my young friend. She also happens to be allied with a very powerful human witch, going by the name of Marjoly. Do you happen to have the name of the Overlord in front of you? As a matter of fact, I do! Her name is Priere. Hmm… Interesting name. Well, that's all I have to ask for now. I'll call you back if I need anything. I will be waiting for you, Saito. Don't disappoint me.
Throne Room: Priere Castle
The witch and the she-demon were arguing once again. "What do you mean by saying that I am too lenient?" Priere snapped, her red eyes flashing at her former rival. Marjoly's violet eyes glittered angrily as she responded. "For starters, those demons in the Cave of Ordeals are just sitting around doing NOTHING! Second, you are neglecting your duties to the Dark Assembly." "I don't want ANYTHING to do with those idiots! They have always gone against me, ever since I came to power." The two women were interrupted when the newest succubus came into the room. "What is it, Mina?" The young demon bowed her head to both women before turning to the Alternate Overlord. "Someone was spotted coming from the Barren Wastelands. It appears that his destination is the Cave of Ordeals." Priere suddenly looked over at Marjoly, and grinned wickedly. "How about we have some fun with this boy before we let him try the Cave?" The Witch of Beauty Castle returned the Alternate Overlord's smile. Her eyes glittered wickedly as she turned towards the door. "Mina, make sure that our guest makes his way here. Don't get in his way, and spread the word that the others are to do likewise. I want to see how powerful this young man is, without him being beaten-up too badly." The young succubus bowed to both women, and then rushed off to relay their orders.
Just outside of the back door:
Saito breathed a sigh of relief. It had been three hours since he had arrived in the Alternate Netherworld, and he had finally arrived at Priere Castle. He put his hand on the door, and was surprised when it opened before him. Wait just a minute! I thought it would have been locked. It seems to be that someone is…"expecting you?" finished a voice coming from the shadows just beyond the door. Saito let the razor chain drop into his hand, but then he hesitated. I might as well see what the Alternate Overlord wants with me, he thought as he stepped through the door. "Do you happen to know where the Overlord is right now?" he asked, a little worried. "She is in the throne room at this time. Follow me, and I will take you directly there." The young succubus then proceeded to lead the draconic deeper into the castle, and she finally stopped at a set of ornately-carved double doors. "She is expecting you," the succubus said, a teasing grin on her face as she vanished back into the darkness. Saito sighed aloud, and then pushed open the door. Well, here goes nothing! I just hope that I am strong enough for this…
Inside the throne room:
Saito had taken one step into the throne room when he realized that something was wrong. He immediately ducked, and that action saved him a MASSIVE headache. The spinning baton brushed his hair before returning to its mistress. "Darn it! Why did he have to duck right then?" "It appears that he is able to sense when something is amiss, Priere. We may be in for more of a fight than YOU originally anticipated." You're probably right, Marjoly. But you have to admit that he IS cute." Saito spun towards the voices, his right hand already starting to twirl the length of razor chain until it began to make a whistling sound. He then launched one end of the chain in the same general direction that the voices were coming from. What happened next surprised him. He suddenly felt the chain go taut, and then he was being yanked after it! He attempted to gain some sort of traction, but the smooth floor denied his feet any sort of purchase. I never knew that I would have to do this, but I guess I have no choice, he thought as he transferred the chain to his left hand, and then began to charge energy in his right. He then smiled wickedly as he allowed his feet to lift off the ground, propelling him even faster. Just as he reached the end of his trip across the room, he unleashed his attack. "FIST OF FATE!" The blow connected with something soft, and he heard a vicious curse that would be inappropriate to reprint here. He also felt the hold slightly loosen on his chain, and he yanked back hard. The razor sharp chain cut across Priere's palms as it slid back to its new master. The Alternate Overlord stared at the young mage hard, and it was at that moment that Saito noticed two pairs of eyes glittering at him in the darkness. There was one pair of violet eyes that was seemingly laughing at him, and then there was the other pair of eyes. This pair was blood-red, and Saito immediately guessed that this was the one who had taken his blow, because that pair was narrowed to mere slits with rage. Aw CRAP! I have to find a way to get out of here with my skin intact! he thought as he prepared to defend himself using his own magic skills.
Priere was glaring daggers at the young man who had punched her. Then, as if to add insult to injury, he yanked back his weapon, and the razor sharp links had bitten into her palm as they slid back to him. She began to spin her baton at a fairly rapid pace, and it began to create mirages of itself. "Spirit Wind!" she called out as the mirages became real and went spinning towards the newcomer. He raised his right hand and folded his fingers in towards his palm and then unfolding them one-at-a-time. When he had finished doing this for all five fingers, he then snapped his wrist, as if he were shaking water off of his hand. Both her eyes and Marjoly's widened at what happened next. His hand ceased to be flesh-and-blood, and it morphed into a metal that resembled black steel. Yet it still remained his hand, and he casually swatted her baton away. I think you were right, Marjoly! This young man IS quite a fighter.Marjoly looked out at the young man, and then leveled her staff at him. I never knew that I would actually be forced to cast a spell against him, but it appears that I have no choice. "Dark Conjuration!" The attack knocked Saito nearly across the room. DAMN! I heard the tales about the witch's special attack, but I never believed that it would HURT this much! Saito doubled over, trying to catch his breath. He raised his eyes towards the two shadowed figures. "I never wanted to fight. All I wanted was to get through the Cave of Ordeals. Now I'm not sure if I'll be able to do even that! Thanks a bunch, Marjoly," the young mage said sarcastically, trying desperately to keep from coughing up blood.
The witch looked at the Alternate Overlord. "He's telling the truth. I can sense that much. However," she stated, turning back towards the young man, "I think the Dark Conjuration may have injured him much worse than I intended it to." The young man had barely finished nodding when he was hit with another fit of coughing, this one much worse than the one before. This time, Saito was unable to hold it in any longer, and he hacked up a blood clot. Priere covered her mouth with both hands, in an attempt to keep from being violently ill. Marjoly paled. Looks like I hit him a little TOO hard… You got THAT much right! What is Krichevskoy going to do to me if I don't show up for another two weeks? At that point, Marjoly tilted her head sideways at the young man. "You mean to tell me that you received an invitation, too?" Saito nodded, and then continued coughing up blood. Priere looked at her best friend. Then it hit her. "You mean that he's already chosen a bride? But I thought he just LIKED Rena!" "They decided to get married. That's all that I know about it. Other than that, the wedding is on Halloween, and I…need to warn the Overlord that my father…is going to be bringing an army." The Alternate Overlord stared at the young man. She then looked over at Marjoly. "We need to get him to Krichevskoy, NOW! We don't have a moment to lose." Just hang in there, kid. Everything will be fine in the end. Saito did not hear this last thought of Priere because he had already passed out from the pain.
Overlord's Castle: Throne Room
"Well, how are we going to get any better at this if we don't practice?" "Rena, it's not even an official practice because the Seraph is not here." Rena sighed aloud before turning towards the portal. She stopped when she saw that the Dimensional Gate was swirling, a clear indicator that someone was coming through. She quickly stepped to one side as two women came through the gate, bearing a young man between the two of them. The first thing that Krichevskoy's bride-to-be noticed was the two distinct pairs of eyes. One pair was a brilliant blood-crimson, while the second pair of eyes were colored violet. She took two steps back and then dropped into a simple curtsy to both women. She then turned back towards the door. "Nicholai, why didn't you let me know that guests were coming?" The Overlord turned, a little surprised. "I didn't even know that guests were coming." He then stopped, a little surprised by the other two women. "What are you two doing here so early, Priere?" The Alternate Overlord shrugged before looking worriedly at the young man in the stretcher. "Marjoly hit him with a Dark Conjuration at full strength. I don't have enough power to heal the internal injuries that he received, and I was wondering if you could help me out." Krichevskoy nodded, but then he heard Rena gasp. "What is it, dear?" "This is the one that Alexander told me to watch for. 'Hair of auburn, eyes of ice, and a demeanor that ranges between the two.'" She looked at the Overlord. "This is the Kaiser that we were waiting for."
The Overlord's eyes widened as he looked down at the injured young man. "There is no time to lose, then. If he dies, then all hope is lost." He turned to Priere and Marjoly. "Help me get him to the hospital. It is the best place for him."
Netherworld Hospital : Overlord's Castle: True Netherworld
Marjoly and Priere both looked on worriedly as Saito was gingerly transferred from the stretcher to a wheeled gurney. He was then rushed away, into the deeper recesses of the hospital. Marjoly turned and looked at the Overlord. "He mentioned something about personally responding to your invitation, and he also wanted to tell you something else." "What else did he want to tell me, Marjoly?" The young witch turned away from Krichevskoy, her head bowed. "I thought it would be best if he told you himself...if he ever wakes up again," she added sadly. Krichevskoy lifted her chin gently, meeting her own violet eyes with his own blood-red ones. "All we can do now is hope and pray. The healers will do what they can, but the rest is up to our young friend. If he truly has the will to live, then he will pull through."
Three weeks later, after much prayer and many hours of lying prone in bed:
"Ugh… My head…" Saito opened his eyes to find that he was lying in a bed in an unfamiliar place. He looked around, hoping to find something to help him get up. However, the door opened at that very moment, and Saito was met with the gaze of two pairs of red eyes, one pair of green eyes, and another single pair of violet eyes. "I had a feeling that you would wake up sometime today. I take it that you are still a little weak from your ordeal?" came a familiar voice. Saito struggled to sit up in bed, but he failed miserably. Slumping back against the pillow, his eyes glittered dully as he spoke. "I'm sorry if I'm not exactly…in the best condition…to greet someone…of your stature…King Krichevskoy," the young hybrid rasped. I thought I had died back there. Everything was all white, and I was getting kind of scared. Nicholai chuckled, and then he looked down at the bed-ridden young man. "When Priere and Marjoly arrived at the same time, I was a little surprised. When I saw that they were bearing someone else, I HAD to know exactly why you were in that condition." Marjoly sighed and then spoke up. "I explained what happened and gave him your reasons for coming." Saito smiled at the blonde-haired witch, before reaching out with his mind. Thank you for explaining everything. I also want to thank you for saving my life. Marjoly smiled at the young man. "You are very welcome, young man." At this, Krichevskoy rounded on her, but he stopped when he heard Saito "speak" again. I didn't tell either of them who I am, King Krichevskoy. It's my own fault that they do not know my name. He then directed his thoughts back towards Marjoly and Priere. I sincerely apologize for my lack of manners. I would give you my full title, but that would take too long. Please call me Saito, as that is my first name. Both women nodded, and then Saito narrowed his thoughts back to Marjoly. I had always heard the legends about a blonde-haired, violet-eyed, full-bodied witch who helped to rule the Alternate Netherworld. You are even MORE beautiful then the legends originally claimed. At this, the witch could not keep the blush from her face. She hid it by quickly bending over to kiss him on the forehead. Thank you, young master Saito.
The draconic smiled, and then turned his head to look at Priere. I did NOT originally anticipate that the Alternate Overlord would be female. My sincerest apologies in that regard. Other than that, you are much stronger than you appear. You are also every bit as beautiful as your companion. It was now Priere's turn to blush. She followed Marjoly's example in hiding her blush, and Saito felt his own face turn a deep red. The two women looked at one another, and then they both started to giggle. Saito turned back towards the Overlord at that moment. "How long…was I out?" Krichevskoy sighed. It has been three weeks since you received the invitation. Today is September twenty-first." Saito groaned aloud. "I did NOT anticipate being out for that long." Rena smiled at him. "To tell you the truth, I thought you would have been out for much longer. Some of those internal injuries were brutal. It was a miracle that you turned out to be alright." The young mage chuckled dryly before finally managing to sit up. "I'm stronger than I look."
With that being said, Saito managed to lever himself out of bed. However, as soon as his feet hit the floor, he slumped over. Cursing under his breath, he fought to stand on his own two feet, without the support of anyone or anything else. To say the least, he failed miserably. Krichevskoy chuckled aloud before turning to the Alternate Overlord. Priere, help our young friend here. I don't NEED any help! Help him anyway. The draconic continued to mutter under his breath as he wrapped one arm around Priere's shoulder for support. He then raised his eyes to the Overlord. "Did I miss anything important while I was out?" he asked, a little puzzled. It was now Rena's turn to chuckle lightly. "All you missed were a few practices. We can't really get anything done until the Seraph arrives anyway." At this, Saito's eyes widened tremendously. The SERAPH! You must be JOKING me! He was fairly quick to voice his own thoughts, and Krichevskoy tilted his head to one side in astonishment. "What! Did you actually think that I was going to ask for some lesser priest to perform the ceremony?" "Whoops! My sincerest apologies, King Krichevskoy. I completely forgot about it." Saito looked over at Marjoly, and then remembered his second reason for coming. "Your majesty, I really hate to be the bearer of ill news, but it appears that we will be attacked on your wedding day." "Really? And WHO, might I dare ask, is going to be attacking us?" Saito sighed aloud, and then stated his answer in the simplest of terms: "My father. He is massing an army, and he will be here by Halloween."
Krichevskoy stopped, and then he thought for a few moments. "Well, then we had better be prepared for a fight." He looked over at Saito, a smile slowly appearing on his face. "I'm putting you in charge of organizing the defenses when everyone arrives." Saito looked a little puzzled. "Why? Is everyone going to be arriving early for the wedding?" Krichevskoy smiled. "As a matter of fact, yes. That is why I put in the little side note about not waiting until three weeks before the wedding to respond." "So, you were anticipating that something like this would happen?" "Yes." Saito sighed, and then bowed his head. "It shall be done, Overlord." Nicholai smiled, and then turned to Rena. "Dear, do you mind going to go fetch that blade?" Rena looked at her chosen, a puzzled look on her face. "Which one are you talking about?" Then it dawned on her. She blushed a bright red before curtsying lightly. "I'll be right back," she called as she left the room. Saito looked at the Overlord quizzically. "What blade are you talking about?" The Overlord turned and smiled at the draconic. "Do you remember when I fought Overlord Kormus?" "Of course I remember that! I don't think that I will ever be able to forget it!" "Well, it's a bit of a long story. But, to get straight to the point, Kormus willed his sword to, and I quote, 'that draconic who helped Krichevskoy become who he is today.'"
Saito raised an eyebrow. "You have GOT to be kidding me! He actually had that in his will?" "If you want, I could show it to you…" "No thanks, your majesty. I believe you." At that moment, Rena came back into the room, bearing the sword of Kormus. This she passed over to Saito, a small grin on her face. "I heard that you are quite a swordsman. Will you be willing to give a demonstration?" Saito turned to her, a little puzzled. "Where did you hear that?" "Well… I happen to be fairly good friends with a certain draconic going by the last name of Critios…" At the mention of that name, Saito nearly fell over, stunned. "You mean to tell me that YOU know Master Alexander?" Rena smiled. "Yes, I know Master Alexander quite well. He used to visit me when I was a little girl." Saito was a little surprised, but then he came up with an idea.
Hall of Prophecies: Draconia
Alexander Critios was walking through the main Hall on the way to his study when he heard an all too-familiar mental roar. MASTER ALEXANDER! The elder draconic was stunned. I'm not even anywhere near the mirror! So how is this possible? I finally realized what I can do with all of this extra power that I have. THAT is the reason why you can both hear and respond to me. Anyway, I have a question for you… Go right ahead, Saito. How long have you known the lady Rena Solvaris? The question stunned Alexander, and he had to think for a moment before replying. I've known her for nearly fifteen years. Why are you asking me? Well, she IS the chosen of our current Overlord… WHAT! You heard me correctly. Krichevskoy is planning for the ceremony to be held on Halloween. Alexander thought long and hard for a few moments. This is an interesting turn of events. He then smiled, before casting his thoughts back to his prize student. Give both of them my regards, and be careful. Some of the demons frown upon this type of union. No kidding! Well, I guess I'd better go now. Krichevskoy has to meet with the Dark Assembly, and he wants me to be in attendance. SEE YA! With that, the young draconic was gone. Alexander hurried to his study and opened the massive book on his desk. He then grabbed a pen, and began to write, recording all that had transpired so far.
Dark Assembly: Overlord's Castle
Saito could not keep his jaw from dropping when he saw the size of the assembly chamber. This place is MASSIVE! And it's packed, too… This might not be a good thing, he thought as he looked over at the Overlord. Krichevskoy confidently stepped up to the podium, and the room fell silent. "You all know why I summoned you here today. Know this, however: whether you idiots like it or not, I AM marrying Rena. With that being said, let the vote begin. All in favor of the union, say 'Aye.'" There was a chorus of voices, most of them human. The votes were tallied, and the Overlord grimaced slightly. Only one quarter. I thought there would have been more… "All against…" This time, the noise was overwhelming as three-quarters of the assembly rose to their feet. Krichevskoy sighed, and then turned to Saito. "I knew this was going to happen. That is why I asked you to come with me." Saito suddenly grinned wickedly, allowing his fangs to show. "Shouldn't we dismiss the good senators who were kind enough to vote for you, my Lord?" "Ah, yes. I was just getting to that." The Overlord turned back to the Assembly Hall, and then called out in a loud voice. "All of you who were in favor of the union: you are dismissed. As for the rest of you…" His voice trailed off ominously. "It appears that I will have to use force in order to make you see my point."
The Overlord then drew Longius, and motioned for Saito to draw one of his weapons. The mage grinned as he drew the sword he had received earlier that day. As the senators began to charge, the young draconic put away his sword, and his hand darted towards the pouch at his left hip. He drew forth four insignificant triangles, and then smiled wickedly. He turned to look over at Krichevskoy. "With your permission, Overlord?" Nicholai smiled, and then nodded as he backed away from the young man, leaving him alone to face the charging senators. Saito raised his right hand and then clenched it into a fist, with the back of his hand facing the assembly. At this motion, a few of the smarter senators faltered as they recognized what was about to happen. "We've changed our minds on this one, King Krichevskoy! Can we please leave now?" The Overlord smiled, and then nodded. At least they know what is good for them. Saito intoned the names of each gene as he placed it upon the back of his hand. "Infinity. Transcendence. Radiance. Failure. ASCENSION!"
As he spoke the final word, he quickly unclenched his fist, and then he transformed. The first thing that Krichevskoy noticed was the sudden increase in size. In a single moment, Saito had gone from being 5'7" to the towering height of 60' tall. His body had changed, and there were now fairly thick black and gold scales all over his body. However, the one feature that had changed the most was the mage's face. It had become much more elongated, and his nose and ears had disappeared. It was fairly flat in appearance, but that was not what surprised the Overlord the most. Rather, it was the coloring of it. The head was completely black, with the exception of a single gold stripe that ran down the center of his face. This stripe was wide enough so that both of his eyes were inside of it. His eyes had reverted to their original ice blue, and they were glittering brilliantly. The Infinity dragon turned towards the Overlord, and then he grinned. His long tail thumped the floor once, sending out a mid-sized shockwave. Saito then spread his wings, and everyone in the assembly hall momentarily forgot to breathe. His wings were ebony on the outside, but the underside of each wing was covered in brilliant gold scales.
He looked over at the Overlord, and then he grinned. Krichevskoy heard a low rumbling and jumped back. Don't worry, Krichevskoy. I'm just laughing at these poor idiots who dared to betray your trust. How about we finish them off together? Agreed, Saito. What do you think I should use? Hit them with Overlord's Wrath. I'm gonna try a different gene combination because I can't exactly move right now. Saito "descended" briefly, swapping one other gene for the Infinity and removing the Failure gene altogether before ascending once more. "Force. Transcendence. Radiance. ASCENSION!"
Krichevskoy didn't immediately notice anything different about Saito. Then he looked closer, before drawing back in surprise. Saito had sprouted wings and a tail. Other than that, he looked exactly the same. The weredragon looked over at the Overlord. "Are you ready?" "READY? Of course I'm ready! Are you?" In response, Saito crossed both hands before his chest and began an ominous chant that rose in volume as it continued.
"Sun of day and stars of night:
Eternal darkness, eternal light.
Through all days and powers unending,
Through all nights and powers ascending.
Sun of day, eternal light:
Moon of darkness eternal night.
Powers unknown and powers-that-be:
Wild magics I summon thee.
Alcarve, ansure, alnidrae, ansum.
Oldave, Antelis, Ankare TSUNUM!"
The silver fireballs raced away from the mage's hands and hovered in the air menacingly. They continued to grow in size and strength, and then Saito looked over at the Overlord, a wicked grin on his face. "All I need to do now is say the words of release." Krichevskoy smiled as he unleashed his own energy to form the Overlord's Wrath. "I don't even need to guess what those three words are, because I already use them." On three. One...Two...THREE! "BITE THE DUST!"
As the smoke cleared, Saito nodded in satisfaction before he descended back into his human form. He then looked over at the Overlord. "Well, now that it's over with, I'm feeling a little hungry. Do you know any good places to eat?" The Overlord laughed out loud, and then turned towards the exit. "Come on. I know just the place to stop."
Less than one week later, another monumental arrival put the final defense plan into motion.
Dimensional Gate: Overlord's Castle
Michael Julius Lamington, the Seraph of all angels, was a bit nervous. This was his first time in the Netherworld, and he had heard all sorts of advice as he headed into the Gate. He forgot all of that advice when he saw the strange group that met him upon his arrival. The first thing he noticed was the eye-color of everyone there. One pair of violet eyes, one pair of green eyes, two pairs of red eyes, and another lone pair of eyes. However, this last set varied in color, ranging from nearly clear blue to nearly completely black. The eyes finally settled on a light blue, and the Seraph blinked, a little surprised. "I wasn't exactly expecting a welcoming committee." Rena grinned at this. "We knew that you were coming, and we wanted to make sure that you felt welcome." The Seraph flashed the young woman a gentle smile before turning to look over the rest of the group. There were a few that he recognized from photos in the former Seraph's scrapbook. Well, both Priere and Marjoly are here, and I already know both Rena and Nicholai. Now, who is this other young man? Saito heard the question, and smiled. I am a four-part hybrid of angel, human, vampire, and Kaiser Dragon. Are there any questions? I have one for you, young man. How in the heck did you get your hair to stay like that? Saito laughed aloud, and then his grin grew wider. "I guess it just likes to stay that way. I would give you my full title, but it's rather long. Please, just call me Saito." He then offered his right hand, which the Seraph clasped and shook. "My name is Michael Lamington. It is truly a pleasure to meet you, Saito. I've hear some things about you from Krichevskoy, and I have to say that I am QUITE impressed by the way you handled the Dark Assembly so easily." Saito turned away, a little embarrassed. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get this rehearsal started."
The rehearsal went without any problems, and then Saito began to explain exactly what he had planned for the defense. "I happen to be the one who knows draconic tactics best. I also happen to know the temperament of the man who will be leading these forces, so it shouldn't be too hard to figure out tactics." Michael looked a little puzzled. "What are you talking about, Saito?" The young Kaiser looked up at the Seraph, and then he slowly lowered his head. "My father is planning on raising an army, and he intends to be here by the wedding day." The Seraph raised a skeptical eyebrow before asking a question. "Are you certain that your father is capable of raising an army?" "If I wasn't, do you think I would have taken on the task of training the defense forces myself?" Michael pondered this for a moment before he shrugged his shoulders. "Your best guess is as good as mine. However, some of the younger angels insisted on escorting me here, so I believe that I will be sending them over to you for combat training." The weredragon's grin widened at this. "Thank you, Master Lamington. I am sure that they will be a welcome addition to the defense force. Of course, that is if they manage to survive the demons here." Saito then saw the slightly panicked look on the Seraph's face and chuckled lightly. "Don't worry about it, Seraph. I'll make sure that they all survive to see the wedding."
Dark Assembly: Overlord's Castle
One hour later, after several introductions:
Saito looked around the Assembly Hall at the large number of demons and angels who had come to learn tactics. He quietly whistled as he counted exactly how many defenders there would be. Two thousand, four hundred and sixty-two demons alone. He then looked over at the one section that the demons were giving a wide berth. Sitting here were a number of angels, both male and female. Seventy-eight angels in all. That makes a grand total of two thousand, five hundred and thirty defenders in all. Looking over at the demons, he slowly shook his head. I'm not so sure as to what the demons are going to do, Nicholai. However, they will soon learn that the time for screwing around and playing pranks on the angels is over.
"We are all gathered here for one purpose." The mage's voice rang out over the chatter in the stands, and the Hall immediately fell silent. All eyes turned to him, and he began to speak once more. "Look around you. These are those who made a conscious choice to come here today to learn about the coming threat. These are the demons and angels who have decided to put their own lives on the line in order to preserve the greater good." His eyes swept the Hall, quelling any signs of rebellion. "From this day forward, you will no longer look at each other as merely angels or demons. You will look at each other as comrades in a common cause. You WILL learn how to work together, or you will all pay with whatever you hold dearest to your hearts. Are there any questions?" He looked around the Assembly Hall. Seeing no hands, he began to speak once again. "How many here can use projectile weapons?" Numerous hands shot up, and Saito smiled. Excellent. This is going to be even better than I originally anticipated. His smile suddenly turned wicked as he continued to look at his audience. "The first thing you need to know about draconic tactics is the fact that they pride themselves for their aerial abilities above all others. For this reason, you need to ground a draconic in order to have a fighting chance. One of the best ways to do this is to use projectile weapons and spells. Another way to ground a draconic is to wait for him to begin his attack dive, and then counter it with a long weapon, like a spear or staff. Allow me to demonstrate exactly what I mean…"
Flashback Ends
"Any questions up to this point?" Marjoly and Priere looked at one another, and then both raised one hand. "Priere, you first." "Actually, it's more of a comment than a question. You haven't changed that much since that day." Saito smiled at this, and then nodded. The Alternate Overlord then continued. "Thank you for bringing back memories that I thought I had lost for good." Saito's grin widened, and he bowed in his seat. "You are very welcome, Priere." He then looked over at Marjoly. The witch lowered her hand, and then spoke. "Actually, I have a few questions, if you don't mind…" "Go right ahead." "First, a comment: I noticed what you were thinking when we fought at my place. How could you have forgotten what I looked like?" Saito lowered his head, a little flustered. "Well, I was only really focusing on watching the Overlord. It just completely slipped my mind. I'm really sorry." "That's fine with me. Onto my next question: You mentioned a pendant that Krichevskoy sent you. Do you still have it?" Saito grinned at this, and then he removed the lanyard from around his neck. It was then that everyone noticed the charm resting on the opposite side of the key. The intricately carved piece was lined up perfectly with the orb on the opposite side, and they helped to frame the key. "Does this answer your question?" The witch nodded, and and then asked her final question. "What happened to the sword that the Overlord gave you?" Saito winced slightly, and then looked over at the witch. "To tell you the truth: It shattered in my duel against Shadow on the wedding day. It was actually a little sad. Shadow was a LOT stronger than before, and I was a little too cautious." He then looked around the room once more. Seeing no other raised hands, he continued with his story.
"Well, the preparations were nearly finished, and I had been training the defense forces for the past three weeks. Then, the wedding day arrived, and ALL of our lives would never be the same…"
Author's notes2: Sorry for taking so long on this piece. I got a little distracted while playing Aria of Sorrow, and I forgot that I had even started. Then, I looked into the folder, and it was staring me straight in the face. WHOOPS! Ah well. Such is life. Be sure to stick around for my next chapter: The Wedding of an Overlord. Also, please remember to READ AND REVIEW. Thank you.
Author's notes3: I made a decision that I would reprint these flashbacks, including some of the portions that were omitted here, as a separate side story. I just thought I would pass that information on to the rest of you.
Author's notes4: Crap! I almost forgot something again! The original concept of "dragon genes" and their use in transformations is © Squaresoft. Also, I apologize for the incredibly long chapter. Thank you. (I know that I already used this in Chapter 2, but here it is again. Thank you.)