Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be continuing where the last chapter left off, as Naruko and Skithia learn just who Aatrox is. Along with seeing some flashbacks both of Aatrox's past and another as we learn Skithia isn't as loyal to Van Bloot as she portrays herself to be. So, without further ado.
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"Thousands of solons ago when Elemental Creatures ruled the UnderWorld, Kaal ruled with an iron fist. Crushing all who would oppose him and enslaving them within his mines. With the UnderWorld King having sent his army to raid and capture the OverWorlders lead by Kiru the Magnificent, imprisoning all those captured, forcing them to spend the rest of their days digging for gems. Yet raids was not the only way Kaal bolstered the workers in his mines, nor the ranks of the UnderWorld."
"Move!" Said Volcarv while cracking his fire whip at the OverWorld slaves, making many of them flinch as they moved forward towards Kaal.
With all of the slaves huddling together, looking up at the UnderWorld King in fear and resignation, as with them were their own children. Many of the slaves having been imprisoned by the UnderWorlders for many solons, long enough for them to find any comfort they could in each other. Leading to many children being born as a result.
Which is exactly what Kaal wanted.
It's why he didn't simply destroy the OverWorlders and Kiru's so-called "city", he needed them to keep making more OverWorlders for him to capture and put to work in his mines. Kaal started doing the same with the slaves he had, letting them have children that would eventually grow to mine even more gems.
But that wasn't the only thing he used them for, with each new batch of children that were born Kaal had them all brought before him. Those who were weak would be put to work when they were old enough, but for those he saw potential in, Kaal had them raised as UnderWorlders.
This way he ensured he'd always have future workers to replace those that couldn't keep mining, but he'd also ensure the UnderWorld would have powerful new warriors as well.
Something all the slaves were resigned to, some of which were even the children of past slaves that had grown up only knowing life in the mines. With many of them even preferring their children work in the mines as it at least meant they would stay together. While the other option is being forced to watch their children raised as UnderWorlders, sent to raid and kill OverWorlders.
"Mines!" Kaal declared after the latest child was brought to him, not seeing anything special about them, with the next one being brought forward.
Though when the next one was brought forward, Kaal raised a brow when he saw the child had wings, and while some OverWorlders did have wings, he hasn't seen any with wings like a dragon.
What really had Kaal's attention though, was he could just feel the power coming from the child, a rarity that one already possessed such power. Before the UnderWorld King smirked, knowing if he's already this strong then he's going to be his greatest soldier.
"This one goes to me." Said Kaal, sending Xulvux to grab the child and take him to the UnderWorld.
"The child's name was Aatrox, being born with an unusually high power. He was taken by Kaal to be turned into his most powerful warrior. Proving to be a gifted Creature, Aatrox grew to surpass all those who trained him, rising through the ranks to become one of the most feared Creatures in all of Perim. Until the day he was named as one of Kaal's Generals, being given command of the UnderWorld's most feared and ruthless Creatures, they became known as…Darkin."
Kaal smirked as the Darkin all kneeled before him, at the head of them being Aatrox, one of his mightiest warriors and loyal without question. Pleased that he was proven right that the child would grow into a fearsome warrior. Rising through his army's ranks faster than anyone before him, now a general and known through all of Perim.
It's only right he rewarded his solons of service and loyalty by giving Aatrox command of his own team, even letting him handpick those who'd join him.
The UnderWorld King found the irony funny that most of them were even made up of Creatures like Aatrox, children born from his workers that were lucky enough to get his attention.
Now it's time they get the other gift he had planned for them, to show all the Tribes the true strength of the UnderWorld.
"To each of the Darkin, Kaal gifted them each a one-of-kind BattleGear forged by the UnderWorld's greatest Taskmasters. These weapons bonded with each of the Darkin, boosting their power to new heights. None more than Aatrox who wielded his Darkin Blade, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake to all that dared oppose the UnderWorld. With no Creature daring to challenge the leader of the Darkin…until the day came when the Darkin were stopped for good."
"Magma Might!" Vlar shouted shooting a blast of magma from his chest at Aatrox.
"Torrent of Flame!" Said Kiru, firing two blasts of bright blue flames at Aatrox's back, making the UnderWorld grunt in annoyance as the attack sent him stumbling.
With this leaving him open as Vlar's Magma Might slammed right into him sending The Darkin Blade flying from his hand. But even with the attack's power to destroy BattleGear, The Darkin Blade remained intact but out of his reach now.
"You wish to die by my hands? Very well, but know the sword would have been less painful. Lavalanche!" Aatrox said, aiming his hands at Kiru and Vlar, launching waves of lava at both OverWorlders with Vlar quickly rolling out of the way.
"No, there won't be anymore deaths at your hands, Aatrox! This ends now! Lavalanche!" Yelled Kiru, spewing out a blast of lava that collided against Aatrox's own, with both attacks cancelling each other out.
"Every OverWorlder, every Danian, every Mipedian you've killed…we're returning it a thousand fold! Rock Wave!" Vlar said, raising his arms up, the green crystals he tied to his arms to boost his Earth Attacks higher than ever before glowing brightly as he slammed his fists down.
Unleashing a massive wave of rocks rising up from the ground over Aatrox, getting the UnderWorlders attention. Actually surprising him at the sheer size of the attack, not expecting such a thing, before he held his hand out to destroy it.
"No! You won't get away this time, Aatrox!" Kiru said, releasing a fiery blue aura around himself, gritting his teeth as he focused to contain and direct it.
Roaring loudly as he threw his arms forward, directing a beam of pure heat right at Aatrox, making the UnderWorld Conqueror grit his teeth at feeling the heat beginning to burn him. Until Vlar's Rock Wave came crashing down on top of him, burying the UnderWorlder beneath several tons of rubble.
But not a moment later, Aatrox's fist burst out from the rubble as he pulled himself free, panting slightly from the attacks being much stronger than he expected.
"Did you truly believe…that would be enough to kill me?" Aatrox asked, rolling his neck and shoulders, before his eyes widened when he heard a Mugic being played.
"It wasn't meant to kill you Aatrox, only weaken you enough to finish you for good! Song of Sealing!" Said Najarin, casting the Mugic as three Mugicians emerged from him and entered the Mugic.
With Aatrox crying out as the Mugic hit him, seeing and feeling his body breaking down before his eyes.
"Wh-what…what have you done?! What Mugic is this?!" Aatrox demanded, flaring his power to try and stop what's happening.
"The same one used on the rest of you Darkin, we might not be able to kill you but we can seal you away forever!" Najarin said as he floated down to the ground beside Kiru and Vlar.
Aatrox's eyes widened at this, before he saw that his body wasn't simply breaking apart it was flowing towards his sword and entering it!
"No…no, NO! You will pay for this, no matter how long it may be, the Darkin will return! I will never rest! All will fall into darkness!" Aatrox said as the last of his body was sealed away in The Darkin Blade.
"It's…it's over, it's finally over. Aatrox was the last of the Darkin. Rhaast, Naafiri, all of them are sealed away." Najarin said, relieved that the threat of the Darkin has ended, only for Vlar to fall to his knees punching the ground.
"What does it matter?! It won't change anything, it erase the destruction they caused! Everything…everyone…it's still all gone." Said Vlar, gritting his teeth before looking over at the OverWorlders that had fallen helping them stop Aatrox.
So many OverWorlders that once he wouldn't even care what happened to them, let alone help them fight someone like Aatrox. So many that lose their lives to save not just their enslaved Tribesmen, but all of Perim as well. Woost, Korg, Abohan among them all, Vlar looked away unable to bear the sight of their bodies…what was left after Aatrox was finished with them.
'It should've been me!' Vlar thought, knowing just a few solons ago he'd never even think of giving his life for someone else.
But he learned…he changed…being an OverWorlder wasn't just about being accepted by your Tribe, it's about doing the right thing for someone else. Even when that someone didn't deserve it, when they were nothing but a thief that only cared about helping himself.
Vlar learned why they all followed Kiru, they followed him not because he was the strongest but because he used his strength not to fight but to protect, that he would choose peace over violence. They followed him for his wisdom, not his power.
"Perhaps it won't change anything, Vlar. But it does ensure that future generations won't experience the same horrors we have. To grow in a Perim where they may live long, happy lives. We can't change the past, but we can ensure the future will be a better one." Najarin assured, resting a hand on Vlar's shoulder.
"If we wanted to make a better future, we should've killed the rest of the Darkin like we did Varus." Kiru stated before turning and walking away, getting Vlar's and Najarin's attention.
"Where are you going?!" Vlar demanded getting up and running to stand in front of Kiru, the OverWorld leader barely sparing him a glance as he walked around.
"To train. My attack needs to be better." Said Kiru, having intended for the last attack to burn Aatrox to cinders.
If he intended to deal with Kaal once and for all, Kiru wanted to make sure he had an attack that could incinerate anything, even that pile of molten rocks.
"Train?! You plan on training now?! What about them?!" Said Vlar, grabbing Kiru's shoulder and glaring at him, motioning to the fallen OverWorlders.
"They aren't going anywhere." Kiru said, much to their shock and Vlar's anger.
"Yeah, because they're dead, giving their lives so we could stop Aatrox! They deserve to be buried and honored, not just left here!" Vlar said, only to stumble back when Kiru shoved him away.
"Then do what you want. I'll honor MY Tribesmen by working to deal with the real problem, you can waste your time saying pretty words for them. As long as you don't forget your place in thinking you can speak to me as you please." Retorted Kiru as he turned and left before Vlar or Najarin could say anything else.
"Kiru…" Najarin muttered, watching his friend leave with a sad frown, knowing that the campaigns against the UnderWorld as well as the loss of so many comrades and friends is affecting him.
He just worried about how it's been changing him.
Before the Muge sighed and looked at The Darkin Blade, using a Telekinetic Bolt to lift it into the air, getting Vlar's attention.
"What're you doing?" Vlar asked, needing to distract himself with something, anything, before he went after Kiru.
"With Aatrox sealed within the sword, no one can risk touching it, if they do then it will result in Aatrox being reborn. The same will happen should any of the other Darkin BattleGear be wielded, it will lead to the Darkin rising again. Which is why the weapons must be sealed away where no one will find them, to ensure the Darkin never return." Najarin explained, making Vlar's eyes widen that there's still a chance the Darkin could return.
"And you think hiding them will be enough? They can't be destroyed?" Questioned Vlar, only for Najarin to shake his head.
"No, I've tried every form of attack and Mugic I can think of, but these weapons were created to be unbreakable. Which is also what made them the perfect prisons to contain the Darkin. The best I can do is keep them hidden away and hope they are never found." Replied Najarin, with Vlar frowning but nodded in understanding before we went over to the fallen OverWorlders.
"What about you Vlar? What will you do now?" Najarin asked, watching the OverWorld Scout as he picked up one of the fallen.
"I'm doing what any one of them would've done for me, even if I did nothing to deserve it." Vlar said, intending to ensure every last one of them are returned to Kiru City to be buried and honored, even if he had to do it alone, he'll see it done.
*Present*
"Well?! What has happened to the UnderWorld while I lay trapped?!" Aatrox demanded, narrowing his eyes at how Skithia has yet to answer him, still stunned at his appearance and power.
While Naruko was looking at her Scanner, seeing what both Aatrox and The Darkin Blade were capable of, before tensing when she could just feel Aatrox looking at her. Risking looking up only to gulp at the look on his face.
"Another of you pests." Said Aatrox, seeing another of those pests that had begun appearing in Perim before he was sealed, with her having the same device they all had.
They had been annoying when they started showing up, holding the strange devices up releasing beams of light at Creatures, Mugic, BattleGear and Locations. The UnderWorld Conqueror remembered the last pest to try such a thing to him. Having dared to disturb his rest after having to battle Rhaast when he fell too deeply into his bloodlust.
He enjoyed reducing the pest to a stain on the ground for interrupting his slumber, the only thing remaining being the item he wore over his eyes.
"Please forgive my ignorance, but I'm afraid I do not know to whom I am speaking to, nor how it is you came to be sealed away within that sword I take it. If you would be willing to tell me your name and how you were sealed, then I would be happy to answer all your questions." Skithia said, bowing deeply to Aatrox, who merely grunted in annoyance.
"I am Aatrox, The Darkin Blade and leader of the Darkin. I was sealed away within my own blade by Najarin with the help of the thief Vlar and Kiru, the OverWorld leader and founder." Aatrox said, with Skithia's eyes widening at this.
'The Darkin…then he is…that Aatrox…by the Cothica.' Skithia thought, having heard of the Darkin.
She doubted there's an UnderWorlder alive that hasn't heard of them, an ancient group of some of the most powerful UnderWorlders that served an ancient UnderWorld King. Each of them possessing a unique BattleGear created specifically for them. The strongest of them was Aatrox, their leader and an ancient UnderWorld General.
No one knows what happened to them, only that they all vanished when battling the OverWorlders.
'But if Aatrox was sealed away, then…this…this is good.' Thought Skithia, realizing what this meant.
"Then please forgive me, General Aatrox. I have only heard tales of the mighty Darkin, but to meet the leader in person, it is truly an honor. But I'm afraid I must inform you that it has been thousands of solons since you last walked Perim, much has changed both in the UnderWorld and with the rest of the Tribes. The UnderWorld is now ruled by Chaor with Lord Van Bloot serving as his second-in-command." Skithia explained, with Aatrox going still for a moment.
"It has been…thousands of solons." Said Aatrox, trying to understand that he's been sealed for so long, that the Perim he knew was nothing but a distant memory.
"It has, but I am here to assist you in any way I can. It would be my honor to help a revered UnderWorlder such as yourself." Skithia said bowing lowly, only for Aatrox to scoff.
"Spare me your flattery, it will do me no good. If you wish to be of assistance then tell me what these pests are? What manner of Creature are they?" Aatrox demanded, looking at Naruko, who squirmed nervously under his gaze.
"These are no Creatures like you and I, they are known as humans. They come from a place called Chaotic where they play a game using Mugic, BattleGear, Locations and Creatures." Replied Skithia, making the UnderWorld Conqueror narrow his eyes.
"And how do you…humans play this…game?" Said Aatrox, directing the question at the whiskered blonde.
"We uh…we play it using our Code Scanners. By pointing it at Creatures, Mugic, BattleGear or Locations, we can scan that things codes into our Scanner to get a scan of it. See." Naruko said, showing Aatrox the scan of himself and The Darkin Blade.
"Then in Chaotic, players battle against each other in DromeMatches, assembling teams using our scans then once our teams are built we battle by turning into said Creatures." Said Naruko, only Aatrox to growl at this.
"And you…scanned me without my knowledge? And intend to turn into me in these…DromeMatches?" Aatrox demanded, with Naruko gulping.
"Y-yes. B-bu-but only to show everyone what you can do! T-to let everyone see the power of the leader of the Darkin! A-and i-it'd be an honor for me to get the chance to transform into you, n-n-not that I could ever hope to compare to you! A-and if you want I-I could h-he-help you t-too in exchange for scanning you!" Naruko said, smiling nervously, knowing he could likely kill her before she could even press the button to port out.
"She's correct, General Aatrox. Humans may not possess the power, but they have been proven rather resourceful. In fact, many Chaotic Players will work for Creatures in exchange for scans." Added Skithia, Aatrox merely grunted in response.
"Tell me who this Chaor is?" Aatrox said, wanting to know who now ruled the UnderWorld, if they were deserving of the position Kaal once held.
"Uh…" Said Naruko, glancing at Skithia, unsure how they were supposed to tell him about Chaor.
Given Skithia's on Van Bloot's side and Naruko wasn't sure if she could risk talking about Chaor without accidently tipping off who's side she's really on. Since she'd rather give Aatrox a good impression of the UnderWorld King to get him to side with Chaor over Van Bloot.
Before the Uzumaki got an idea as she quickly looked around and grabbed a decently sized piece of rock up left behind from Aatrox's Rock Wave attack. With her then beginning to carve into the platform, the two UnderWorlders watching her with frowns. Until Skithia saw Naruko was drawing an image of Chaor, while Aatrox soon scowled in fury when all he saw was Kiru.
"That's Chaor." Naruko said once she finished the drawing, only to back away with a panicked expression when the UnderWorld Conqueror suddenly stabbed his sword into it.
"Kiru's descendant rules the UnderWorld?!" Aatrox shouted, furious that Kiru's descendants ruled the UnderWorld.
"Kiru…as in…" Skithia trailed off as her eyes widened in realization.
"The founder of the OverWorlders! The one who assisted in my imprisonment!" Said Aatrox, enraged that Kiru and his descendants had taken over the UnderWorld.
Having never felt such rage that his Tribe wasn't only conquered by an OverWorlder, but the one who founded the OverWorlders Tribe and helped seal him away.
'…Fuck.' Naruko thought at seeing any chance of Aatrox joining Chaor just went up in smoke, along with feeling shocked that Chaor's ancestor was the founding father of Kiru City and the OverWorld Tribe.
Though she did find some amusement in imagining the reactions of the more die-hard OverWorld Players if they learned Kiru City was founded by Chaor's ancestor.
"I will not allow anyone of Kiru's bloodline to continue ruling the UnderWorld!" Aatrox said, preparing to head directly to the UnderWorld to end Chaor himself, only for Skithia to quickly get in front of him.
"Wait! Forgive my insolence General, but even one as mighty as you cannot hope to take on the entire UnderWorld alone." Skithia said, tensing as Aatrox leaned right in her face.
"You may choose your next words carefully, less you join those that dared to stand against me." Warned Aatrox, having killed for far less than someone getting in his way.
"Yes…you cannot face Chaor alone, but my master Lord Van Bloot, he can help you. He too seeks to dethrone Chaor. Join us in going to meet him and he will give you a place of honor at his side when the time comes for him to take his place as King of the UnderWorld." Persuaded Skithia, only for the UnderWorld Conqueror to scoff.
"I serve no Creature but Kaal, he is gone and I will not be bound in servitude to another ever again." Aatrox retorted, having no intention of serving another once more.
All his life he had known only servitude to Kaal, it was his duty, his purpose, the only life he had ever known, the only life many of the Darkin had known. But now Kaal is gone, his brethren sealed away, Aatrox was now alone in this strange new time.
'But not for long.' Aatrox thought, fully intending to track down where the rest of the Darkin were sealed and release them so that they may take vengeance on Najarin, the only one left responsible for their imprisonment.
And then they will take back the UnderWorld from Kiru's descendant and he…he will no longer be the servant; he will be the master.
"Not servitude, but partnership. As the UnderWorld's second-in-command, Lord Van Bloot possesses resources and connections you now lack, knowledge that you need. Perim has changed much from when the Elementals ruled the UnderWorld, you will need assistance if you hope to adapt to this new time. Join us to meet with Van Bloot and you will see the benefits of his help, that soon you will get the chance to overthrow Chaor, personally." Said Skithia, making Aatrox stop and contemplate her words, hating to admit she wasn't wrong.
He knew nothing of this time, how much has changed in the thousands of solons he's been sealed, who now ruled the other Tribes, what UnderWorlders served Chaor and this Van Bloot. If he intended to free the other Darkin and take power himself, Aatrox knew he would need to serve another…for now.
"…Very well…take me to meet this…Lord Van Bloot." Aatrox accepted, with Skithia mentally smirking at her success.
'Excellent. Things are going much better than I could have anticipated.' Skithia thought, knowing to have Aatrox joining them will be a far greater boon than just a simple piece of BattleGear.
Though the demoness-looking UnderWorlder did notice Naruko looking at her, the whiskered blonde frowning slightly at how Skithia worded her offer.
'She never once mentioned having Aatrox actually joining Van Bloot. Only talking about the benefits of meeting him, using his resources and connections. And then saying Aatrox would be able to personally overthrow Chaor…' Naruko thought, wondering what exactly Skithia is doing.
'She knows, she's cleverer than I expected.' Thought Skithia, seeing the way Naruko's looking at her, guessing the human understood that the entire time she made no mention of Aatrox actually serving Van Bloot.
But she didn't make a move to act on it, now knowing that Naruko and Takinom were truly loyal to Van Bloot, Skithia couldn't risk word getting back to him should they find out her own plans.
'Ironic that Van Bloot wanted me to find out the truth for him.' Skithia thought, with Van Bloot having given her another, hidden, mission before sending her to Gigantempopolis.
He wanted her to use Naruko's admiration of her to seduce the girl, to find out where hers and Takinom's loyalties truly lie. Having had his own doubts that one of Chaor's own advisers and confidants would suddenly betray him to side with Van Bloot himself.
Skithia would still complete her mission, but to have Naruko become her eyes and ears instead, something neither side would be expecting. Knowing if she plans things out right, then her own ascension to power will be assured.
"Now then, if you'd stand close we will…" Skithia said, reaching for the Flux Bauble, only for her eyes to widen when she couldn't find it.
"Skithia?" Naruko said seeing her expression.
"It's gone! The Flux Bauble is gone!" Hissed Skithia, realizing she must've lost it during her fight with Porthyn.
"Then we go on foot. Take me to the UnderWorld to meet your master." Aatrox said, refusing to waste more time, with Skithia mentally cursing at the delay.
'But…then again, perhaps I can use this.' Skithia thought since by traveling back on foot, it would give her more time to work her way into Aatrox's good graces and time to seduce Naruko to gain her loyalty.
'This might be useful.' Thought Naruko, seeing her chance to try and get more information from Aatrox and maybe the slim chance of bringing him around to the idea of joining Chaor if he sees that despite being descended from the founder of the OverWorld, he's a true UnderWorlder and earned the right to rule.
Plus a chance to do the same with Skithia, knowing it's a long shot but if Naruko can at least plant the seeds she'll consider it a win.
"Of course, General. Follow us and we'll guide you to Gothos Tower, the home of our lord." Skithia said as she and Naruko began leading Aatrox out of Gigantempopolis.
"Elementals?" Naruko asked while looking at Skithia, wondering what she meant by that earlier.
"It's written in ancient texts that thousands of solons ago the UnderWorld was ruled by Creatures formed entirely from the elements, fire, water, wind, earth made up their physical bodies." Replied Skithia, much to Naruko's amazement.
"Like Ilx and Magmon?" Said Naruko, the female UnderWorlder nodded in response, leaving the Uzumaki even more curious to gather information from Aatrox.
Though unknown to the three, as they left the chamber, wisps of shadow began gathering together until Porthyn soon reformed. But only barely, with his body distorting as he used what strength he had left to remain intact. While he managed to avoid being completely destroyed by Aatrox's attack, he didn't escape unscathed, but he didn't have time to rest and heal.
"M-m-mu-must…g-ge-ge-ge-get t-t-to-to…L-L-La-Lake K-K-Ke-Ken-I-Po…h-h-h-ha-h-ha-have t-t-t-to-to…wa-w-w-w-wa-warn…N-Na-N-N-Na-Naj-Najarin…" Porthyn said weakly, merging back into the ground to make his way back to Najarin's Castle, knowing he needed to warn his master of what's happened.
*Later*
"So, what's the plan for getting back to the UnderWorld?" Naruko asked once they were out of Gigantempopolis and now walking through the Forest of Life.
The moment they were in the forest, Aatrox was looking around seeing that even the Jungle of Life, now called the Forest of Life, was vastly different compared to his time. Leaving him wondering just how different the UnderWorld has become, having always known it as a place of darkness and fear, where the strong thrived and the weak were snuffed out.
While Naruko was wondering how they'll be getting back to Gothos Tower on foot, only really knowing about The Passage and Cordac Falls being the direct paths. But wasn't sure if there were any Locations that had other passages connecting the OverWorld and UnderWorld. Or even places outside of Locations leading down there.
"We're heading for The Storm Tunnel, there we'll find a passage that will take us into the UnderWorld and directly to Gothos Tower." Skithia replied, getting Naruko's attention.
"So…The Storm Tunnel is above Gothos Tower?" Naruko asked, wanting to know where certain Locations in the UnderWorld are in regards to the above Locations in the OverWorld.
Knowing that Lake Ken-I-Po was right above Everrain, along with Cordac Falls leading to Cordac Falls Plungepool.
"Indeed. You will find that certain Locations in the UnderWorld can be found right below Locations in the OverWorld. To the west of The Storm Tunnel you'll find Runic Grove which is right above Wooden Pillar in the UnderWorld." Said Skithia, the Uzumaki nodded in understanding.
'Really need to get a map of Perim.' Naruko thought, knowing it'd be good seeing where Locations in the OverWorld and UnderWorld are in relation to each other.
Before she saw Skithia stop walking and turn towards her, surprising the whiskered blonde when she then took out one of the Mugic Van Bloot gave her.
"Here, consider this a reward for your part in completing our mission." Skithia said, surprising Naruko before she smiled.
"I won't say no to a Mugic scan, thanks Skithia." Said Naruko, taking out her Scanner and scanned the Mugic, her smile growing when she saw it was the Song of Fury.
'Sweet! Song of Fury is one of the strongest UnderWorld Mugics, this'll be great to use in DromeMatches!' Naruko thought before her eyes widened when Skithia suddenly put a finger on her chin tilting her head up, seeing the female Creature smiling slyly at her as she leaned in closely.
"And when we return to Gothos Tower, you can expect another reward for your help in fighting the OverWorlder. A more…private reward, just for you~." Skithia whispered sensually in Naruko's ear while dragging her finger across Naruko's chin and cheek.
Really surprising Naruko as she blushed at her words, letting out a mix of a gasp and a purr when Skithia's finger grazed her whiskers. With the bluenette being surprised when the UnderWorld Player suddenly embraced her, nuzzling against her chest.
'What is she-' Skithia thought, not expecting Naruko to react like this and prepared to make her let go, only to notice how she didn't even seem to be fully conscious anymore, judging by her expression.
Frowning slightly, Skithia gave a test push to try and get Naruko off her, only for her to hold on tightly without budging an inch.
"How would you like to watch Takinom and I have sex while pleasuring yourself? Or would you prefer having all our attention on you?" Skithia whispered only to not get any reaction, showing the Uzumaki really wasn't aware of anything anymore.
'Hmm, she seemed to have reacted when I scratched her whisker marks. How interesting.' Thought Skithia, smirking at the knowledge, knowing it may prove useful later on.
But with the state she's now in, and having no idea when she'll snap out of it, Skithia was left with no choice as she lifted Naruko up in her arms.
"You are certainly proving to be an interesting human." Stated Skithia to herself while looking down at Naruko.
"If you're finished tending to your pet then we should be on our now." Aatrox said, looking at the sight in annoyance.
"Of course. But you will see the benefits of having a human on our side, soon enough. With Takinom acting as our double agent in Chaor's ranks, the girl will soon serve as our eyes and ears within Van Bloot's ranks as well. And none of them will suspect a thing nor worry about her, as who would think of a human as a threat." Skithia said, fully dropping her mask of loyalty, knowing Naruko's too out of it to know what's being said and she knows Aatrox won't be serving Van Bloot except for his own interests.
"Besides…I suppose I'm developing a certain fondness for this one, she's proven herself on this mission. It's also rather nice being someone's favorite." Added Skithia glancing at the Uzumaki, knowing she's proven herself and did like that she's one of her favorite Creatures, even if she had to share that title with Takinom.
Only for Aatrox to scoff at her words while knocking a tree out of his way, wondering how anyone could have a fondness for a pest.
"These humans, they had proven to be nothing but annoyances when they started appearing in Perim. Interfering in the lives of Creatures, acting like they could act however they pleased. One was foolish enough to interrupt my rest, I was not so forgiving as many others were." Aatrox said before narrowing his eyes at the female UnderWorlder.
"Think of that as a warning, should you try to betray me as you have done your former master, then death will be a mercy." Warned Aatrox, having a special contempt for cowards and traitors, even more so than he did for those that sealed him.
"So long as you don't give me a reason to, then you will have nothing to worry about me betraying you." Replied Skithia, with Aatrox merely grunting.
"Yet you have now betrayed two masters. First you betray Chaor by siding with Van Bloot, now you betray Van Bloot by siding with me." Aatrox retorted, wondering what will stop her from trying to betray him.
Even if he hated that Chaor was descended from Kiru, he's still King of the UnderWorld, for the moment. While he can only guess as his second-in-command, Van Bloot had great influence and strength yet she's now betrayed him as well.
"I was loyal only to Chaor because there was no other option until Van Bloot had begun planning to usurp him and I saw how my ideals were more inline with his, earning him my loyalty…for a time. That changed the first time he tried challenging Chaor to take the throne." Skithia said, thinking back to when Van Bloot challenged Chaor for the first time.
*Flashback*
"Ladies and gentlemen, today we have a very special match! Chaor has been challenged by his own second-in-command Lord Van Bloot for the right to rule the UnderWorld!" Agitos declared in the announcers booth of the UnderWorld Colosseum .
With all the Creatures cheering for either Chaor or Van Bloot, while both Creatures were in the arena staring each other down. Van Bloot having a Vlaric Shard strapped to his arm and Chaor holding a Whepcrack, the two also having one Mugic each they were ready to use.
"Do you hear that Chaor?! Hear them calling out my name, all those who wish for me to rule! And soon I will be the undisputed King of the UnderWorld!" Van Bloot said, raising his arm in the air, with his supporters cheering for him to win.
"Yeah, yeah, let's just get this over with! I still have a Tribe to run and that won't be changing!" Said Chaor, not the least bit worried, much to Van Bloot's anger that he's acting like he's already won.
"Combatants, take your positions!" Said Agitos, with Chaor and Van Bloot moving to stand in the circles across from each other.
"Let the battle…begin!" Declared Agitos.
"Granit Balls!" Van Bloot said, shooting a arrange of stone balls from his eyes at Chaor, who quickly rolled out of the way.
"Flame Orb!" Said Chaor, swinging his Whepcrack unleashing multiple fireballs at his second-in-command.
"Thunder Shout!" Van Bloot said, letting out a loud sonic wave, causing the fireballs to disperse while Chaor grunted and covered his ears as they were ringing from the volume.
"Vine Snare!" Said Van Bloot shooting multiple vines out of his hands to ensnare Chaor, wrapping around the UnderWorld King.
"Going up!" Van Bloot said, flapping his wings as he launched up into the air pulling Chaor up with him.
"And now you fall!" Said Van Bloot stopping in midair as Chaor flew up above him, preparing to send him crashing back to the ground.
"The only one falling, is you! Inferno Gust!" Chaor said, inhaling deeply before unleashing a flaming gust of wind down at Van Bloot's back, making the harpy-like UnderWorlder cry out from the fire.
With this also burning away the Vine Snare, allowing Chaor to break free but also sending him falling back to the ground. Only for him to swing his Whepcrack wrapping it around Van Bloot's legs, getting another pain-filled cry as he pulled down along with Chaor.
This slowing Chaor's descent enough to land on the ground before letting out a shout as he yanked his Whepcrack down, bringing Van Bloot crashing into the ground.
"Lavalanche!" Said Chaor, slamming his fists into the ground, causing it to split open releasing a wave of lava rushing towards Van Bloot.
"Rock Wave!" Van Bloot shouted, managing to roll over onto his hands and knees, slamming his fists down forming a wave of rocks much bigger than the lava wave thanks to his Vlaric Shard.
Making Chaor's eyes widen as his Lavalanche was overwhelmed by the Rock Wave, which soon crashed down on top of him, burying the UnderWorld King. Much to Van Bloot's glee at seeing he had buried Chaor, flying up into the air as his supporters cheered for him.
"Yes! Witness as the UnderWorld gains a new, stronger ruler! Witness the end of Chaor! Falsetto, rob Chaor of his power!" Van Bloot said, activating his Mugic, wanting to ensure Chaor was truly finished for good.
With Chaor managing to burst free of the rocks just in time to see Van Bloot's Mugic play, but rather than be worried he merely smirked as he took out his own Mugic.
"Song of Stable Shields!" Chaor said, activating his own Mugic, the UnderWorlds second-in-command's eyes widened as a shield appeared around Chaor blocking his Mugic.
"What?! No!" Van Bloot shouted at seeing his Mugic be blocked.
"That's not all! Magma Might!" Said Chaor, firing a blast of magma out of his chest which crashed into Van Bloot while he was distracted.
Crying out from the hit as he was sent falling back to the ground, Van Bloot's shock grew as he saw his Vlaric Shard melting away thanks to the Magma Might. Then before he could react, Chaor's wrapped his Whepcrack around him, making the winged UnderWorld cry out in pain.
Yanking Van Bloot forward, Chaor held his arm slamming it right into Van Bloot's neck, making him gag in pain. Not stopping there Chaor launched Van Bloot up into the air releasing him from the Whepcrack.
"Flame Fright!" Chaor said breathing out a blast of fire up at Van Bloot, smirking as he kept screaming as he was burned and assaulted with hallucinations of his worst fears.
"Coil Crush!" Said Chaor, extending his arms up and grabbing Van Bloot, pulling him right back down while pulling his fist back.
"Power Pulse!" Chaor said, waiting until Van Bloot was close enough before driving his fist right into his chest, the harpy-like UnderWorlder only able to gag in pain from the punch.
Until he was then sent flying into the Colosseum wall by a green energy fist, crashing into it hard enough to be embedded in the stone. With Van Bloot unable to do anything but cough and groan in pain, before he was pulled out of the wall by Chaor.
"Now…say it." Chaor said, narrowing his eyes as he held his second-in-command up by his neck, his grip loose enough that Van Bloot could still breathe and speak.
"I…I-I…I-I-I…s-su-su-su-surrender…" Van Bloot said weakly, knowing that's what Chaor wanted him to say.
"Louder!" Demanded Chaor, wanting everyone in the Colosseum to hear it, increasing his grip enough to get his message across.
"I…I…I surrender!" Yelled Van Bloot as loud as he could, lowering his head in defeat as all of Chaor's supporters cheered loudly for their leader.
"The winner, and still undefeated champion of the Colosseum, your ruler, Chaor!" Agitos declared with a smirk, having not doubted Chaor would win, it was just a matter of how fast he chose to end the match.
Chaor raised his fist into the air along with Van Bloot's defeated form, letting everyone see there was no doubt who won, and to remind all of them who the true UnderWorld King was.
*End Flashback*
"He never dared to openly challenge Chaor again after such a humiliating defeat. Instead, he's resorted to treachery and trickery in his plots to usurp the throne." Skithia said, Aatrox merely grunted at hearing how Chaor defeated Van Bloot.
Begrudgingly admitting it was a good move to so utterly crush a rival that they'd never dare to openly challenge you again, it does send a message to anyone else that'd try such a thing.
"And yet he still tries to overthrow Chaor despite how he's already proven himself stronger." Stated Aatrox, with Skithia nodding in response.
"Indeed. Cunning might be a valuable asset that all UnderWorlders should know how to take advantage of, but one also needs the power to back it up. Van Bloot is powerful, but everyone, even his own supporters, know he wouldn't stand a chance against Chaor in open combat unless it was on his terms." Stated Skithia, knowing Van Bloot hopes to eventually lure Chaor to Gothos Tower where he'd have the advantage.
"It's why I go behind his back, making my own plans. That way if he's unable follow through with his plans and the power he's promised me, I won't be dragged down with him. And you…you have the power Van Bloot lacks, power that might even surpass Chaor's own." Skithia said, aware Aatrox is powerful, she just wasn't sure if he was strong enough to beat Chaor.
While she did believe he would succeed, the demoness-looking UnderWorlder knew it'd be foolish to discount Chaor's own power.
"There will be no might. I will crush Kiru's descendant and take back the UnderWorld. And you…so long as you serve loyally then you will have the power and rank you desire. Should you prove yourself as well, then you will also gain access to power that has been lost to the sands of time." Aatrox said, intending to reward those who remain loyal and prove themselves worthy of such secrets and power.
Making Skithia smirk, pleased to hear this and eager to know what kind of power he could offer her. Already knowing she made the right choice in changing her allegiance, that soon she'll have everything she's always desired.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see how Aatrox had been born to OverWorld slaves Kaal imprisoned in his mines, being taken by Kaal and trained as an UnderWorlder, rising through the ranks until he became a general and given command of the Darkin, all of whom received their own unique BattleGear. Until they were defeated and sealed away by Najarin, along with Rhaast and Naafiri, while Varus was killed, with Kiru and Vlar helping to defeat Aatrox. As we see Vlar on the path to becoming the Creature who'll one day lead the OverWorld and Kiru becoming the Creature that will conquer the UnderWorld.
We then go back to the present with Aatrox demanding answers from Naruko and Skithia, with Skithia showing her silver tongue to get her own answers out of Aatrox. Being shocked to learn just who he is, but knowing how useful this'll be for her own plans as she then explains things to him of where he is and how long he's been sealed.
Along with telling him about humans and Chaotic, with Naruko filling in some blanks, while also seeing Aatrox is aware of humans from when they had begun traveling to Perim's past before he was sealed. And that he's even killed one for interrupting his rest, with it being hinted at who exactly he killed.
With Aatrox being especially enraged to learn Kiru's descendant now rules the UnderWorld, while Skithia persuades him to go meet Van Bloot, to use his resources and connections in his bid to overthrow Chaor. But makes no mention of him actually joining Van Bloot, something Naruko notices and Skithia knowing she did. With her having another mission given to her by Van Bloot to seduce Naruko, to find out hers and Takinom's true loyalty.
Before the three leave Gigantempopolis, needing to travel back on foot after Skithia lost the Flux Bauble during the fight with Porthyn, who we also see just barely managed to survive Aatrox's attack. Knowing he needs to get back to Lake Ken-I-Po to warn Najarin.
Then we see the three traveling through the Forest of Life to The Storm Tunnel where a passage to the UnderWorld is located that'll take them directly to Gothos Tower. With Skithia letting Naruko scan a Song of Fury as a reward, along with the promise of a private reward when they get back. While unintentionally sending Naruko into a bliss-induced state when she scratches her whiskers, something she makes note of.
Finally we see Skithia dropping her mask of loyalty to Van Bloot with Naruko out of it (her wiki page says "She is not scared of Lord Van Bloot and will further her own agenda as necessary." Which seems to hint she's not as loyal to Van Bloot as she seems). While Aatrox makes it clear what will happen if she betrays him as she did Van Bloot, before Skithia tells him she was loyal to Van Bloot, for a time. Until the first time he challenged Chaor, fighting him in the UnderWorld Colosseum for the right to rule only to be crushed and humiliated.
Leading him to instead use treachery and deceit to take control, while Skithia knows cunning is important to UnderWorlders it's useless without the power to back it up. Something Aatrox has plenty of, with him promising that should she prove her loyalty she'll have all that she desires and more. Which really pleases Skithia, knowing she made the right choice to change her loyalties. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out