Days have passed ever since the betrayal over at the dining halls of Ken, and as time went on, the living worked with the undead to repair and restore the damage that has been done.
Which brings us down to the meeting made by the Council hidden in the shadows. All of them having their meeting upon an abandoned, sound proofed wing under the dungeons of Ken, and here, by the watchful eye of Bledri, who hosted this meeting, along with Roarke.
"So, this is where we begin." Bledri yelled out as he reclined on his chair. "The Necromancer has now taken Ken, and with it, freed from the bondage imposed upon the Seven Shields and Celestine... including the likes of Olga herself."
Murmurs are now thrown around the room as they discussed it. Sure enough, it's becoming clear that it is indeed a victory for him, especially the lords that conspired the event. No matter how much you argue, it's pretty clear that it is a significant one, and that it can't be scoffed at. Taking a fortress is one thing, but freeing the Seven Shields and Celestine is one thing, and considering that the lords who planned it, it's safe to assume that they will be supporting him for future campaigns.
It won't take long until the others decide to join, much less choose which side to take.
"This is absurd!" One of them yelled out, and whatever you know, it's the same pirate that spoke out the odds of victory the last time.
"Silence, Bellamy. It's already clear how the gears are taking it's course." Bledri commanded him with the harshest glares he put on his face.
"Do you really want to let him to roam around these lands, raising the dead from the charnel pits and graveyards?! You do realize that our continent is doomed the more he gains power and traction!"
"The same can be said for what you dogs did five years ago!" One of them spoke out. "We hired them just because we were losing men from the war, and once you achieved that victory, it was them that turned on us!"
"Why I oughta! If you were in my ship, I would've gutted you like a fish and let the gulls feast on your remains."
"Enough." Bledri yelled out as he slammed his mug onto the table, silencing them. "In all matters at hand, if you really wish to support their losing fight, then by all means, do it! After all, the only reason as to why you're here was because you and your scurvy ridden fleet were here because of a fight that nearly wiped you all out. You only offered us a navy, and we already had one."
Bellamy glared at him, his fist clenching as he stared him down, only to draw out his sword and pointed it at him.
"I will not sit here and swallow insults!" He yelled. "You best start choosing your words carefully, or I'll be the one that splits your hoary head open!"
Bledri's face lightened, and he turned over to a messenger with a scroll in his hands. He didn't say anything, and yet, the boy complied as he unfurled it, and began reading it.
"By the dawn of the new day now, over at the coast of Gulltown Port, fishermen have reported that they have seen Phoeri Waterway's ship, The Briny Squid, along with a couple of decorated ships coming over the waters, and began attacking the fleet of the not-so-infamous and great Bellamy Backhand."
Bellamy's heart sunk as he heard the news. He wanted to believe that it isn't true, and it's nothing but a farce, but when he looked at everyone's face... they weren't laughing, but they were serious. And it didn't take long for him to register the time... And even remembered how he was blacked out drunk at the time that was happening.
He couldn't believe it. His crew and fleet, blasted away as if it was nothing, and he was busy and sleeping and whoring, and drinking when the massacre was happening. Shock riddled him, and made him numb... numb to the point he couldn't even register the cold click of a gun, and it firing at him.
The bullet zipped through his head, and now, he lays there on the cold dungeon floor with a pool of blood growing from the wound. Dead as the men that were attacked from the eves of the early morning.
"So the captain is here the whole time." Phoeri mumbled as he sheathed his pistol, ignoring the startled surprises that was sent his way due to his sudden arrival.
"Forgive me for the sudden intrusion, but one of you invited me here, and they had someone to guide me over too." He said just as he took the dead man's seat as the soldiers that came with him properly went to work to dispose the body. "Now, let's cut to the chase and discuss the one thing that matters, and I hope that's what I walked into. If not, I'll promise you that that bullet wasn't the only one, and I have more men waiting just outside to count as witnesses if any of you try to do anything bad."
Bledri only sat down, and regarded with him a calm gaze. Roarke grabbed the crossbow close to him, and took aim, only to be stopped by Bledri himself as he raised an arm. He complied, but he kept his glare on Phoeri.
"If I remember correctly, you happen to be one of the traders. I'm rather impressed that you know how to command a fleet, much less knowing how prepared you are in the advent of a fight."
"Compliments are taken." Phoeri nodded to him. "That is why you're all here, right? Discussing what happens next?"
"Yes, and now that you're here. We can finally decide on it. Phoeri Waterway, I, Bledri Brimstone, pledge allegiance to the Necromancer." He said with a smile.
It didn't take long for the others to come in and pledge as well, and for the ones that protested and tried to ensure the future of the Black Dog's empire were all apprehended. Phoeri smiled as now, those were all the rats that they have captured, and now, it is time to free the other forts.
Rad and Ken have now been captured and taken, and considering the loss that happened to Volt. It's only a matter of time that the others surrender diplomatically, or they'll resort to crushing them like a bunch of flea-bitten gits. Feoh and Geofu will undoubtedly turn to him as those were owned by Alicia and Claudia, but the others might need more persuasion.
Now, there is one thing left on the agenda for now.
[Dennis]
Dennis sighed to himself as he looked at Olga and Chloe in question. Chloe glared at him with all her might, and if looks can kill, he'd already be dead. Even though her hands aren't bound by manacles, she hasn't even tried to kill him. Olga. She just looked at him with a cold, indifferent gaze as if he is nothing more but a pathetic stain that needs to be cleaned away.
'And I thought Nyx and Nemesis' gazes were scathing. I just hope she isn't judging me with that look.' He thought to himself as he put a hand on his hip.
"If you're planning to strip us down and use us like whores before, you have another thing coming, human!" Chloe hissed at him.
"And that's what I'm trying to think about. What are we gonna do with both of you?" Dennis argued calmly. When he saw the confused looks on her and Olga's face and continued. "As much as I like that idea, I'm not one of those people, in fact, even if I did, I'll just treat you all no different than a lover. The only exception was that one time because of that spy, and I'm not gonna go into that."
Chloe only narrowed her eyes, and bared her teeth at him. Olga's judging stare may be gone, but he can still tell that she doesn't trust him. The same can be said for him if you ask him. A part of him wants to see if they are of use for anything other than sex, a dark part of him suggests that he should kill the two of them off as they wouldn't be of much use.
"Dennis. That's your name, right?" A voice called out to him.
He raises a brow and he turned his head to see who it was, and it was Maia, accompanied by Luu Luu and Alicia. Did they want something from him?
"I are you're gawking at those bitches." Luu Luu muttered out. "Lemme guess, wondering what to do with them?"
"You're right on that one. Her entire army literally betrayed her without a second thought, and I have no idea if she even has anyone loyal to her like Celestine. Chloe is an exception because that's clearly obvious."
He ignored the growl Chloe sent at him as he looked at both of them again. Scratching his head as he craned his head to glance at the three Seven Shields, hoping they even have an answer.
"I say we should just kill them right here, right now. It'll be better that way after the chaos that happened." Alicia suggested, and even reached for the hilt of her sword until Dennis stopped her.
"I think it's better if you don't. As much as her army committed War crimes under her name, they still left her for Volt, and if they truly are loyal... Why did they took turns raping them both? Not only that, I already considered killing them with the others, but... Our war is with Volt now, and it's still going... That's why I'm wondering if there's even a use for them."
"Unless someone called for her, and she needs both of them alive!" Dennis flinched as he heard another voice, and it's none other than Ingham, walking over with Shiromi.
"Lemme guess, it's those Two." Maia joked as she looked over them.
"Yep. We were about to retrieve them, but we weren't expecting you here, discussing what to do to them." Shiromi said with a shrug, and resting her hand atop the pommel of her elegant small sword. "Celestine wanted to wrap things up, and repair some bridges that involved her."
"I see." Olga spoke out, and she stood up from the bed. Even with the shoddy, simple clothes she wore, she still exudes a regal aura that never faded, despite what she went through.
Without any other words, Shiromi and Ingham took to her side. Chloe was reluctant to join, but after some coaxing, she joined and walked off with them. Leaving Dennis and the three alone.
"I should probably join them, it might be important." He said out loud and proceeded to walk away, unfortunately, however, Maia had other plans as she quickly grabbed a hold of his hand and kept him there.
"You're not going anywhere, because there's a reason us three were looking for you." She said with a grin. "You and I are gonna have a whole lot of fun, and so will they, if you know what I mean."
Dennis' cheeks grew red and he started to feel flustered. He knows what it means to get asked that question, but truth be told, he isn't always a man that vied for sex, nor did he desire it. In all honesty, yes, even though he had sex with that elf, it was supposed to lure her in. If you asked him, he'll say that he just rolled with it because it's true. He wasn't expecting that to happen.
Sensing his flustered discomfort, Maia just laughed and pinched his cheek.
"We're going to the taverns and get ourselves a drink, idiot. Besides, as much of a fun idea that sounds, I've had enough sex for the life of me. I'd rather sit back, relax, and chop those guys heads off for revenge."
Dennis sighed in relief. At least he knows he's not gonna get pinned down on the sheets and get rode on like a bull, much less being able to keep up with them. Besides, she has a point. It may have only been a few days after the betrayal, but now, today, it marks the beginning of a new month. Everyone needs to unwind and take a break, and maybe build bridges with people or form alliances. After all, Kazuma has taken Ken, along with Rad. Now that the Seven Shields are free, it might be easier to get the other fortresses to join there side.
That, and because Maia wanted to have at least one more day of relaxation before she can get everything under control over at her fief.
Dennis' eyes were wide in shock as he bears witness to the sight of Torien, Maia, and Luu Luu having a competition to see who can drink the most mugs of ale, and so far, he has lost count. The only thing he's now waiting for is one of them to keel over and stumble around like a drunk.
Much less trying to comprehend how Torien is able to drink 20 mugs of ale, without any sign of giving up any time soon. Same applies for Maia and Luu Luu.
'First you come in for a nice drink, meet up with your friends you haven't seen for a while, then you bear witness to a drinking competition. What's not to like?' He thought to himself just before Bronn put a hand on his shoulder.
"Now... I think it's finally time you tell us about who you are. I got the chance back then, lost it, and now, I'm using it now." He told him with the most curious smile.
"I guess it's finally time for that." Dennis shrugged as he drank the rest of his mug and told him.
Now, there's a reason as to why he never wanted to say where he came from, or always avoiding the chance anyone gets to ask him that. From the world he came from, well, it's Earth. Yet, there's things he would rather bury deep down.
One, is that it's always under threat by Gods, both Eldritch and Divine. Second, he is roped into a literal war where the underbellies of governments try their hardest to keep the magical races a secret, fearing for the dark consequences that can result from coexisting. He may not be the guy that always brings up political shit in the dinner table with friends with family, but he's not the type of person that butters everything in lies if the truth needs to be let out. It's already bad enough that there's racists or groups of people that harm his fellow men just because they're different.
Besides. He's also scared of knowing that if he can travel to other worlds, whether by request, or by will... It also means that others can follow. Rana can, but he never let's her, and she understands why. The Dark Ones, yes, they can, but they're usually busy with their own ends.
Except for Thompson, because he's an errand boy. Along with being cursed by the forbidden spell of bad luck. He wouldn't mind bringing him in, but considering the coup that just happened, he's not risking it, and neither will Thompson.
... Especially taking into account that he's gynophobic after being sexually assaulted in the girls locker room after he walked in there by accident during his high school years. It wouldn't really translate well, considering that the Seven Shields are girls, Celestine is a girl, Olga is a girl... You get the idea.
Even then, he wouldn't mind his company. It'll be pretty nice to talk to someone he can talk to without trying to keep the semi-formal tone, and he always enjoys the conversations that involve his love for cheese and beer.
Other than his personal thoughts on them, he remained true to what he can explain to the best of his ability, and so far. Bronn is listening, and by the look on his face, he's trying to process the information that was given to him.
"Your world is rather hectic, isn't it?" He began after a whistle and a glug of ale. "Trying to keep other races secret, Gods that can destroy or enslave your world just because they can get bored, and all that, you try to keep your sanity intact. You're pretty resilient in more ways than one."
Dennis shyly scratched the back of his head. Now that Bronn knows, it's a matter of time until he tells the others. This kind of thing is inevitable to say the least, but in the end, at least he knows now. After that, he grabbed another mug and started drinking in peace. He deserved it after all that work.
Now... he wonders how Kazuma is holding up on his end.
[Kazuma]
Being trust into the world of politics is something that will always be a surprise to him. Nonetheless, he knew the responsibility he has to endure, and carry it out through the end. He never made it this far by throwing bones and undead at his problems, he plans it out, and carries it through. So, here he is, sitting on a round table to discuss matters with Ingham, Shiromi, Celestine, Claudia, and Kaguya.
"Let's discuss the matter with our captive collaborators first." He started of as he tapped his fingers against the table. "They have a lot of crimes to answer, but I feel like we can find some use to them."
"As much as I'm better off having them executed, I do see your point." Ingham began as he combed his hair. "Out of all the captives we have, It's worth noting that we have Lord Pantielle and Grave Levantine alive and well. Considering that Pantielle happens to be a wealthy, it's worth noting that the lands of House Pantielle have green fields and pastures. Last time I checked, that's where most of the slaves are, forced to tend to the fields both men and children alike. Now that Volt has been defeated, and Ken taken. It's only a matter of time until an uprising begins, and if we pressure them enough, they'll let them go."
"We can just behead him now then. As barbaric as it sounds, we'll show them his fate is in our hands, it'll be a clear message." Claudia shared her piece until Shiromi shook her head.
"As much as I enjoy that idea, that might be bad, considering that they still hold power amongst their fiefs, we can't forget about Volt's own loyalists. For all we know, they might have hand picked some minor lords, and brainwashed them. If we do that, they'll just retaliate. They can even us that against us, so we might have to resolve that with as much bloodshed as little as possible."
Claudia sighed, but she didn't try to argue. Even after her ordeal, she still knows that she has her morals that she has to uphold. The thoughts of revenge that scoured her mind, she pushed it down all down. As satisfying as it sounds, it could actually be a bad idea, so she has to take her word for it.
"All that in mind, we should address this other issue." Kaguya spoke out. "Now that Olga is in our hands, we must find a use for her."
All eyes turned turned to the two elephants inside the room. Chloe gave them a pointed glare, and even drew out one of her daggers as a warning, but Olga regarded them a curious look.
"That is something I can answer to." Celestine declared as she got up from her seat, and walked over to her old friend.
Olga raised a brow at the action, but she didn't stir,and neither did Chloe. Then Ingham whistled, and then a boy walks in, carrying the one thing she never thought she'll see ever again.
Her magic staff, and Kin's tome.
"I know it maybe odd for me to ask you this, but this is the time for it now." Celestine began as she made way for the boy to hand it over. "Our war may have raged on, and some wanted your blood to be spilled right under the guillotine. But for me, I don't want that,and there's only one thing I want from you."
"And that is?"
"For us to be friends once again." Celestine answered with a gentle tone. "Our war has ended, both you and I, but our war now is with Volt. I may not be one for revenge, but that won't stop me from seeing the actions that will be just. Will you fight with us? Even without your army, you will be a welcome one to lead the battles."
Olga grabbed her staff and book, and pondered. Sure, there were memories of them squabbling against each other, and she may have hated her. Yet, she found it bizarre that someone like her carried no ill will against her. She was expecting her to make a mockery against her, or even execute her for the war crimes her army commited. Yet, she can't find it anymore. All thoughts carried to Volt and his men, and even the army that betrayed her. The more she thought of them, her anger is brought to them. When she felt Chloe's hand touching her arm, she looked at her, and she remembered all those violations that were done against her.
To both of them.
She steeled her gaze, and she looked at them.
"I will."
Celestine smiled, and she suddenly pulled her in for a hug. Even as tears of joy ran down her cheeks, she just smiled through and through. Chloe's eyes were wide from the sudden action, but she just watched. A part of her felt warm to see her own friend happy.
"You know. It's not too late to reconcile with him." Ingham whispered to Claudia.
"But I don't know what he's going to think." She whispered back. "I didn't fight back when they did those things to me... I was even forced to commit a grievous sin while they were at it... I...I'm an infidel."
"You were forced to, and you said that." Ingham bit back. "Not only that... He played a crucial part. He blew the horn that let the army in. He was an important piece in our coup. You need to talk to him. The only way you'll ever know is if you do that. You'll never know if you're not gonna do it."
She swallowed a lump in her throat when he said that. Maybe he's right. How can she know if she's not willing to reconcile. Kazuma couldn't help but eavesdrop a little, but he's glad that Ingham isn't planning a coup against, and he's willing to admit that it was dumb to think that.
Maybe he can help with her dilemma.
He walked down the halls, slouching a little after swapping out of his robes for something a little bit more comfortable. His eyes gaze around the grand speck of architecture as he mapped out every event so far.
As disappointed he was that Volt managed to get away by the help of Shamuhaza and that goblin, he decided to look into that memory and it's clear as day. Not only does he have supporters, he also has them with him. Even if he was able to imprison him since then, and now awaiting the fates with the others, he's still going to have to deal with Shamuhaza, and he wouldn't be surprised if there's gonna be one that can rally all of them together.
He may have taken Rad and Ken, but he's still small. His power may have grown substantially, but it's still not enough to win over the entire continent.
'That's Fate's way of telling me that it won't be that easy.' He thought with a sigh before putting a hand on his stomach. Hearing it growl oppressively in hunger.
Without another word, he went out to the dining hall for food, until he spotted someone worth of interest.
It's none other than Klaus himself, the man that inspired him to wage this war from the beginning. Maybe he should invite him to join, and have a small feast dedicated to the two of them as a way of saying "thank you". But if his eavesdropping comes into play, he knows exactly how to say thank you. None other than reconciling with the one he loved.
The one he held dear.
Without another word, he put a hand on his shoulder, a small smile creeping up on the corner of his lips as he watched him flinch from the sudden contact.
"Kazuma." He greeted. "It's an honor to see you. I'm happy to say that I'm glad that you decided to heed my advice. The land hasn't been this peaceful since then."
"The war's not yet over, Klaus. Both you and I are disappointed that he got away."
"Yes, but your victory is still a great feat." He argued. "With the shields free, their fiefs will declare for them, and there will be no competition."
"If Celestine has her loyalists, so does he." Kazuma bit back. "But I can see what you mean by that, and I'm flattered."
Klaus smiled. Yet, a part of him felt like there's more to this little meeting.
"I know it's not my business to pry, but I came here to say 'thank you', but I know that won't be enough, so I have another thing in mind." The necromancer shrugged. "I'm here to help you with another problem, one that seems to be plaguing your heart."
Klaus got confused, but it didn't take long for him to connect the dots. He's going to try and mend them together. He has already made up his mind about his father, and he is willing to make it clear. But his wife is another story. He remembered how he was taken to the cells all those years ago, how he remembered seeing his own father giving him the sight of him plowing her like she's nothing but a cheap whore.
He remembered the insults, and that hurt more like the sight of her being taken away from him.
He wanted to fight, he wanted to push the guards away, take their swords, and valiantly save her as he slew them. Alas, those are only fantasies that will never come to fruition.
Yet, in his sleep, he kills them in his dreams.
He's willing to pay everything to see and relish the sight of his dead father, but nothing will repair the seething pain of fearing that his wife will weep for him instead. Hell, it's been a long time too, and he doesn't even know of they succeeded in the biggest insult his father can throw at him.
The grandchild he wished he had.
Sensing his internal dilemma, Kazuma shook him to break his trance. He succeeded, but none of them uttered a word, only sharing a pregnant silence that lingered.
"You'll never know if you don't talk to her." Kazuma said, breaking the silence. "It's the only way."
Klaus only stared, but he also saw the merit. Would he really stay around, moping and silently weeping as that humiliation reverberated through his mind Kazuma has given him and everyone a chance to heal their land from the humiliation, and by the Gods from the lands beyond, he'll make sure of it.
Wordlessly, the two of them ventured out to find her.
It didnt take long, not long at all. When they were looking around, they saw her by the water fountains, sitting by the edge of the basin deep in thought.
Klaus swallowed, doubt beginning to seep to him. When he found Kazuma looking at him reassuringly, he regained his confidence, and went out in full stride. He approached Claudia, sat down next to her, and grabbed her hand.
"Klaus...?" Claudia mumbled as she turned to him. Her eyes wide by a little bit.
Then he hugged her, embracing her and sharing his warmth after all those years of never being together.
"I see you're doing well." She said as she hugged him back, yet, a part of her voice was strained. "Nice to know that out of all the advents, you pulled through."
"If a part of you is looking at me in envy, I assure you, I suffered as much as you. I may not have been treated as a whore, but you're my wife... Even when I saw you being treated like that, I felt shame and disgrace for I never did anything. My father is right, I am a loathsome ingrate. Whenever he looked at me, it was always scorn, when he looked at you, he gives you smiles and trained you... I always held on believing that when we are finally bound in matrimony, things will be better... It still pained me to know he hated me enough to do that in front of me."
Claudia swallowed. Tears threatened to fall as she reached and traced his cheek. To say she was shocked was an understatement. She was expecting him to stay away from her, much less be distant after all those years. Shame even started to grow on her as she remembered how she came to enjoy that perverted treatment... Yet... She doesn't know that even he had the same fear. Both of them together in matrimony, and now, strangers as if they never met.
Relief came to her as she knew that he still loves her, but shame also came... He suffered like her, and yet, as she was treated like a cheap cum dumpster, she enjoyed it. She enjoyed being filled and moaning, but the shame comes not from that. It's because they never annulled the marriage.
She remembered how she was being thrown around, branded as an unfaithful wife, she even remembered how they even forced Klaus to watch her getting violated. Can she even call herself a faithful loving wife after that?
Klaus only deepened the hug.
"I could care less now..." He muttered. "The only thing matters is that we're here now, together. If you're ashamed of acting like a whore, I'm also ashamed of being a pushover. But I didn't come here for us to compare our grief and sorrow... I came here to reignite it."
Claudia only stared at him. Then she eased into the hug and returned the gesture. A smile even graced her lips as she basked in his warmth.
"I'm sorry that I couldn't give us a child, but I know that is my father's wish... Yet, even if he can give you that gift, he can't compare to the warmth of love... I don't care if that's nothing more but a children's tale, for I know that even you see that it is true."
They looked into each others eyes, and now both of them wear smiles. They leaned closer until their noses touch, and then they kissed as husband and wife once more.
"I know you may not be able to grace me with a child, but that won't stop me from loving you." She said when their lips separated. Then, she gave him a flirtatious gaze and traced his jaw. "Now, let us truly reconcile. I don't care if you can or not, there's nothing I want more, and that is to be with you. I learned from them, and now, it's time for me to only give you that pleasure~."
Klaus' cheeks grew flush, and he steeled his gaze and gave her a dopey grin. He quickly carried her like a bride, and both of them laughed as be ran off like it's the night of their honeymoon.
Kazuma watched them with a small smile, and once his stomach growled again, it's now his time to take his leave and feast. Yet, as he walked away, someone walked by his side, and he looked at them.
"Looks like you had the same idea, huh?" Shiromi joked as she stuck her tongue out.
"Pretty much. Now that you're here. Coming along with me to eat? I am hungry, after all."
"Nothing to hide that fact. Come on! Let's go!"
She grabbed his hand and ran away, Kazuma yelped and tried to keep up the pace so he doesn't trip. Now, the only thing he's hoping for is to avoid getting drunk, so he can keep his wit.
[Dennis] {Nightfall}
If there's one thing Dennis can expect, is him puking out the contents of his meal after drinking all that beer and ale. His friends fared better than him as they usually stumble around like, well, drunkards.
This is the downside with him.
There's a reason why as much as he doesn't mind drinking ale, beer, wine, and shots, he usually steers clear of them. Unlike the usual reaction of stumbling around from all the booze... He goes hyper. Hyper like a child that ate way too much candy and sugar.
No one really knows why, and he even tried getting shit faced in front of the doctor to get a diagnostic, nothing came up. Even as he watched him literally run around up the walls and across his room, not even they can understand how.
It was a miracle that none of those things happened when he got here, mostly because he doesn't drink all of the wine barrels, the luck he had of ever acting like that has run out today. At least his friends had a good laugh out of it.
Now here he lies, on the bed, dealing with the hangover and exhaustive crash that came with it.
At least he's glad that his liver hasn't stopped, so that's a good sign. Especially taking into account that they have been inside the pub for hours. If that doesn't kill your liver, then he doesn't know what will.
Regardless, he pushed through and closed his eyes, hoping to sleep the delirium away...
Which brings us to this point.
Here he is now, drifting through his dreams, floating across the dream like nebulae that scatter across his dream, and if the sight of the writhing foam of eyes and tentacles indicate anything, then it means one thing.
Yog-Sothoth has come, and he wants a chat. Like the affairs of Gods and the like, if they grace your dreams with their presence and wanting to talk... Those are really, really important matters.
"I'm glad that we're having this conversation, Yog. If you want me to say thank you, then don't worry, I'll just-"
"Words like that mean nothing to me, Foreigner." He cut him off. "Flattered I am that you believe I have steered you to a path that led to success, I'll let you know that it's not me, but you... I may have showed it to you, but you took the steps, and steered it there. Those two visions I gave you were only one and many..." Dennis only nodded. But now, he has another question.
"I don't want to be rude, but why are you here? We're nothing more but tiny, microbial specks to you, so of course, this is something important." He asked him as he grabbed hold of one of his tentacles so he doesn't drift away. It may be his dream, yes, but that doesn't mean he can just float wherever he wants.
"You know from all my titles, I am 'The Gate' and I'm 'The Key'. You can travel through other worlds, but I'll also let you know that even I can send anyone you want to aid you. Someone from your world, some from others. There are no bounds to my power. If you want a God to help you, then I shall oblige."
He opened his mouth to tell him it's unnecessary, but he quickly closed it. He has a point. Sure, he can travel worlds without having to pass through him, but he also knows that even he can send others here, and that's a good thing. He can ask for anyone, and they'll come, and the best part is him being able to let them through. If his enemies wish to go through, he can intercept them.
But that came with a con. He is an Outer God, and the struggle he sees between the restored alliance against the Black Dogs is nothing more but an amusing conflict, and he watches on with interest, without a desire to settle things himself. Sure, he grants Dennis perks, but what has he done to support the rebellion? What has he offered? In the end, he's right. The visions he gave are nothing more but a single choice amongst a myriad of a thousand more.
Now... Here he is, offering something that can be of use.
If he wanted he could ask for an army. An army of aliens and monsters with the strength no mortal can watch. If he wanted to, he could've came in as his own faction, fighting against the others for dominance, turning Eostia into a land like Calradia.
Nothing is stopping him. With an offer as grand and mighty given by just one of the many Outer Gods... He knows what to do.
"I don't have one person in mind..." He began. "I have many, and I know the boys I want to bring."
"Name them, Wanderer. I am happy to oblige."
(Dennis' Dimension)=Blackjack Casino and Restobar=
Thompson groaned as he lost another hand, and lost more of the chips he owned. "Why did I consent to this match?!"
"Because you wanted to, dummy. Don't start blaming others, you know how bad your luck is!" Janna joked as her tail slithers over the Scotsman's nose and boops it. Snickering as she sees him retracting with slight fear.
She's proud of her progress to say the least, she has seen how he's less likely to break down the moment he gets six feet in contact from a girl. Even Savini applauded her too.
"P-please, don't do that." He said shyly.
"Shut up. For all the years we've been together, I'm not letting my efforts of getting rid of your gynophobia go to waste."
"Only because I'm your favorite Boy toy..." He mumbled, and the Demon Queen stuck her tongue out teasingly.
Te'keli;nua laughed in his Lizardly glory as he raked in the chips. Relishing in his victory, and giving Thompson a slice of Stilton from the cheese board as compensation. He may be a competitive Saurian, but that doesn't mean he's an unfair sport. Across his seat, Alex just grabbed a bottle of beer and started drinking.
"Not gonna lie, I never thought I'd see a place like this serving us." Arten remarked as he stretched his legs. "Forgive me if that sounded racist, I'm just pointing it out."
"Don't be, we know what you mean by that." Alex joked as he offered him another bottle. "Besides, remember the mission back at Borneo to stop treasure hunters from taking the Dagger of Nagarrond? You saved my life, along with the Cold Bloods that live there."
Arten chuckled as he also drank his beer. Then, the door suddenly openly opened, and everyone looked over. The air grew cold, colder than what the air conditioner is giving them. For they're looking at none other than the man that they never thought to see.
The Goddess of Justice and Retribution herself, Nemesis. The Daughter of Nyx, and one of the many Primordial Gods. Her wings curled up on her back, and she approached the table from where Thompson and his mates sit on.
"What is a Goddess like you doing here?" Arten pointed out. "It's not that you're not welcome here, it's just that-."
"It's because my mother told me to come here." She cutter him off. "And not only that, it's because of someone's own request. Dennis Whaiteley Moore."
Alex's feline ears twitched when he heard that, Thompson's eyes grew serious, and Te'keli;nua tilted his head out of curiosity. The Demon Queen straightened herself out as she looks at her.
"Is there something wrong? Surely, if he wants us, something must have had happened." She asked him.
"If it's the likes of that Bermuda Sea Witch herself, then I'm up for it. I ain't letting her get a traction on dry land again, she can go fuck herself!" Alex yelled out as he picked up his Nordic Jezzail.
Nemesis only shook her head.
"He's currently dealing with matters from another world, so to speak. He needs our help, and it must be something dire if he needed the help of a God like me."
"Then let's go there then." Thompson blared out as he drew out his claymore. "I owed that man a casket of beer, and he owes me a block of cheese!"
Nemesis grabbed a stone, and threw it at the ground. From there, a portal burst to life, leading them to where Dennis should be. Thompson tightened the grip of his sword, but he looked at Janna for one last time before he goes through.
"Just call for me when things get rough. Savini's not the only one with an army, just so you know."
"I'll keep that in mind." He replied as he looked at his friends.
Alex gritted his teeth as he held the gun on his hand. Arten strapped on his two swords on his back and cracked his neck. Te'keli;nua is also ready, for he drew out his club, and awakened his Ridgeback Terrasaur that slumbered behind him. Seeing that they're all ready now, Nemesis took the lead and walked into the portal, the others trailing behind. Once that they all went through, the portal closed.
Janna sighed and held her head aloft with her hand propped up by her elbow. Knowing Thompson's luck, it might go poorly. Chances of it ever becoming beneficial is always rare, so here she is, sitting down at the table by her lonesome.
[Thompson]
He breathed in the fresh, grassy atmosphere as he took his first steps amongst the green fields. The sky dark, and the starts twinkle far above, but judging by the soon setting color of blue, they might be approaching day time.
Nemesis looked around, wondering where the foreigner went, and much less, stationed in. Te'keli;nua's Terrasaur walked around, trying to sniff out his scent, and potential prey if it goes hungry, but the Cold Blood knew that that's the least of their worries.
"Dennis is literally the guy that can take on almost anything." Alex pointed out. "Sure, he's not James Whick, but he's still a guy that can put up a fight. This is literally the guy that went to the Philippines, and smashed the Darkling Hive that was hiding there."
"He almost died from that mission. Much less, losing one of his hands. I used to think him twirling his axe is gonna be the one thing that kills him, but now, not even that's gonna stop him." Arten joked. "The guy is literally geared for war."
"Opinions on him aside, keep in kind we're in foreign lands. With foreign lands come dangers. We have to keep our guard up." Nemesis spoke up, her wings swaying by a little as she looked around.
"Maybe we should look for a settlement." Thompson suggested. "We can all put up a fight, and not only that, we have ourselves a resting spot. It's a good start."
As if on cue, the literal dinosaur craned it's head up and started sniffing. And as fate and luck might have it, it grumbled in triumph and pointed it's tail to the northeast of where they are. Te'keli;nua grinned, so does the rest of the group until Thompson's luck kicked in, and Alex's ears twitched.
They have company.
And they sure came, they came upon them, riding on carts as Imps, men, and orcs sneer and taunt them. Circling them around with their weapons drawn as if they were predators that found their prey. Well, they found one. They see the rest as nuisances. Nemesis gritted her teeth and drew out her sword, and the rest of the group followed suit.
The carts and horses came to a grinding halt, and one of them dismounted, presumably the leader as he walked over to them with a smug smirk that graced his scarred, gruff face. Confident that his bulky build and black plated armor can intimidate them. Much less dropping their defenses.
"What do you want with us?" Thompson tried to negotiate. "If you're worried about us being a problem, don't worry, we're not looking for trouble."
"I don't care about what you have to say, boy!" The man spat at the ground. "Me and my boys here want ourselves a good early start, so to speak. and you know what that means?"
"What?" Alex said as he kept his gun aimed.
"A raiding party, so to speak." He responded. "The name's Gellend, and I'm here to show those peasants that this land belongs to us, regardless if that Necromancer says otherwise. We're here to show them that he won't be there to protect them."
Nemesis kept here glare, the blade poised to strike when he tries to do anything. He kept that smug look on his face and just grinned, drawing out his sword and raising a hand up high, and his men started loading their crossbows and took aim. All of them laughing and jeering, mocking them as they have more numbers than the likes of them.
"Why are you guys starting a raid this early in the morning?"Arten called out. "Surely you guys must have a reason." The Cold One beside him grumbled in agreement.
"Because they're fast asleep, boy." Gellend replied smugly. "The sooner we can strike, the better. Not only that how can they call for help this early in the morning? Don't tell me you're gonna try and rescue them, much less play the hero."
Thompson reached for something inside his pocket, glancing at his friends who did the same, he tapped Nemesis at the back, and looked her in the eye. A silent agreement crossed through them, and betted on his luck to work in their favor. With all that settled and done, he quickly threw the object in the air. They all dropped to the ground and covered their eyes after he predictably slipped from the grass for some bizarre reason, and they let fate decide.
The object he threw blew up from the air, sending a bright white flash and a loud explosion, the crossbowmen flinched and they fired their shots wildly from the shock. The bolts zipped past them and some ended up killing their comrades from the friendly fire. Some bolts landed on the large beast they had in tow, but that only annoyed and roared in rage. With that, it quickly rose to it's feet and attacked them in their stunned state. Then, the others quickly followed as they also attacked with their firearms. Nemesis also used it's chance to zip through the air and slashed at the dogs with as much deadly grace of a valkyrie getting drunk with bloodlust.
Alex quickly gunned them down, even going as far as to throw them grenades at the cavalry charge heading straight for them. "What's the plan?!" He yelled to Thompson before gunning down more.
"The plan is us not getting killed!" He yelled back, and rolled away as their lizard friend's mount charged at an incoming group of Orcs. Even as they ran, the dinosaur lunged up to the air and crushed them as the earthquake generated from it disrupted their formations.
The Scotsman sighed to himself as he sheathed his sword back and put it to the ground, he crouched down. His teeth sharpened as claws began growing from his nails. He hissed and growled as his back arches and his clothes ripped as spikes and wings grew along with the tail that sprouted out.
He roared as his transformation is complete, the raiding party loses it's morale as they witness not only his now draconic form, but also from the shock as he grew larger. He growls at them and there, he breathed a gushing torrent of red flames, many getting caught in the inferno as they try to get away. They were prepared to raid a town and a couple of villages.
But there was nothing that prepared them to deal with a lizard riding on a dinosaur, a literal Goddess that zipped through the air that sliced them as easily as her wings flapped forward, and a literal Dragon shifter.
If there's one thing Gellend asked himself, is him wondering how cruel the universe is to throw them to such dangerous foes.
And as if to rub salt on his already made wounds and shattered pride. The Terrasaur grabbed his legs, and threw him up to the air where he met his end as he got devoured.
