Chapter 22: Old Rivals
At Emperor Belos's Castle.
Hunter stood before Emperor Belos and Dr Cushing. He presented him the key he obtained from Eclipse Lake. Belos took the key and observed it.
Emperor Belos: So, you actually managed to get the key. Impressive.
Hunter: Yes, it was tough but I got it. It is however leaking. It got damaged during the fight.
Dr Cushing: I'll take it from here my liege. I will seal up the crack and we can continue our experiments.
Emperor Belos: Please do so Dr. Cushing.
Dr. Cushing takes the key to his lab to have it fixed to prevent any more blood leaking.
Emperor Belos: You disobeyed me Hunter.
Emperor Belos got off his throne and approached Hunter, who looked nervous. Was he not happy?
Emperor Belos: I told you to stay in the castle, yet you went off to the Knee to get the Titan blood when I had the others off doing the same thing. But...
Emperor Belos placed his hand on Hunter's shoulder.
Emperor Belos: It seemed there was no blood there anymore and you retrieved the key for the portal. This mission would have failed had you not been there. I'm very proud of you dear nephew.
Hunter relaxed and breathed when he heard his uncle praised him.
Hunter: Thank you Uncle. I told you I could do better.
Emperor Belos: And you did.
But then Emperor Belos noticed something on Hunter. He moved his hair and saw the scar he got when Christa zapped him on the head.
Emperor Belos: You're hurt.
Hunter: The uh, fight was intense trying to get the key.
Emperor Belos: Who did this to you?
Hunter: Uh...er...
Emperor Belos: Was it the girl? You said she was there.
Hunter: She was and... she did put up bit of a fight.
Emperor Belos: This is unacceptable. Ever since she and the human came here, they've been interfering with the Titan's plan. Not only that, but assaulted you as well. But we have the edge now. The next time we encounter that girl, she will pay for what she has done.
Hunter looked down. Even though Christa probably hated him now, he still didn't want any harm to come to her. He just hoped she'll take care of herself. But lurking in the corner was Kikimora who listened to the whole conversation and glared at Hunter.
In the Legion of Five's lounge.
Kikimora: Loser! Choke artists! How did you fail miserably like that at the knee?
Voffa: Whoa, whoa how is this all our fault?
Mikela: Yeah I didn't see you do anything back there.
Kikimora: What do you mean? I was the one leading this operation.
Selene: Really? Because as far as I remembered, you were freaking out every five minutes about the Golden Guard.
Kikimora: I was not, I was focused too.
Satarakura: Oh okay I get that...Kiki the Golden Guard's behind you!
Kikimora: ( looks away) Where?!
But then Satarakura started laughing hysterically. Kikimora realized she was duped and glared at Satarakura still laughing at her, even falling of the floor.
Satarakura: You...you really should have seen the look on your face. Wish I caught it on camera. Oh wait.
He forms a crystal ball and showed footage of him tricking Kikimora in slow motion.
Satarakura: I did!
Kikimora mad, knocks the crystal ball off his hands and breaks.
Satarakura: Pfft, whatever, I got copies.
Kikimora: Enough fooling around!
Satarakura: Okay alright, calm down Kiki. Just lighting the mood that's all. We'll win next time.
Kikimora: Next time? This was our last chance to please Emperor Belos.
Shadam: Kikimora. There are other ways to please Emperor Belos. There are many other tasks for us to do.
Satarakura: Yes Shady, there's uh...um what about Eda the Owl Lady. She's a target.
Kikimora: A powerless witch is worthless bringing in.
Selene: A powerless witch can't transform into a harpy or whatever she was. I've never seen that happen before.
Mikela: Whatever that was, she stood against the King Brother's strength. But I'm not done. I'll make more Choju. Stronger ones. Wait what about the human? She's causing us problems too. She postponed the Emperor's plans.
Satarakura: Oh and the girl. She's becoming more and more powerful. She's definitely one to bring in.
Voffa: We need to focus more on things for the Day of Unity. Raine Whispers is still hiding from us. We need to find them if were are to do this. I say we get them first.
The four of them continued to talk discussing ideas, when Shadam saw Selene walk out of the room. He followed her to the top of the castle, to the outside. She gazed into the horizon with Kaa around her neck petting him, as Shadam stood behind her.
Selene: I know you're there Shadam. I'm not dumb.
Shadam: You're not going to brainstorm on what to do next?
Selene: I already know my next move.
Shadam: And that is?
Selene: I'm going to set my attention to our former leader. Lilith Clawthorne.
Shadam: Lilith? But why her?
Selene: Because she's a traitor to the Emperor. She helped the human save Eda and escaped with them both. After what Emperor has done for her this is how she repays him? But on the other hand this is perfect. I can finally settle the score with her.
Shadam: Her as well? I thought you said you had it with Odalia.
Selene: Oh please, she's not even worth holding a grudge. Lilith on the other hand, oh whenever I think of what she did it really makes my blood boil.
Long time ago.
A young Selene was approaching former Emperor Coven's leader, Hipporit. He was a tall demon with a athletic build who was as tall as Shadam. He wore grey clothes with gold shoulder pads and a cape. His head was blue with a red mask like outlines around his yellow eyes and he lacked a mouth and nose and instead had a red trunk. On the top of his head looked like headlamp, something that an anglar fish would have. Selene also appeared to be younger. She wore the typical coven scout uniform but was unhooded, she still had her potions wrapped around her waist and the same hair style, she appeared to be 21 years old.
Hipporit: Selene, status report.
Young Selene: Just finished patrol sir. Caught a wild witch trying to run from us.
Hipporit: Excellent. Now that you're here. We have a new recruit.
Hipporit stepped aside and introduced her to younger Lilith about 18, also wearing a coven scout uniform but unhooded and had her old look back then with her orange hair and glasses.
Hipporit: Meet Lilith Clawthorne. She was the victor of the...
Young Selene: No need to tell me. I was their watching the duel. Or at least what little ther was.
Hipporit: So I guess I will save the explanation then. I have a meeting with Emperor Belos. You will show her around the castle and tell her how we do things here.
Hipporit leaves the room leaving the two alone.
Young Lilith: Um excuse me, Selene was it. I just wanted to say that...
Young Selene: I saw what happened at the duel. Such a shame on what happened to your sister.
Young Lilith: ( frowns) Oh yeah. It...it was.
Young Selene: But that's not what I wanted to say. So you really think you've earned the spot being here?
Young Lilith: I think I have, I worked hard and...
Young Selene: You may think that. But let me remind you that you only made it on a technicality. If she hadn't forfited or been cursed, you probably wouldn't be here. I just wonder how could she have been cursed like that.
Selene smirked and leered at Lilith, hoping to get an answer on that.
Young Lilith: I...I really don't know. But that's why I'm here. I know the Emperor has a way of lifting the curse.
Young Selene: Ha! You really think you can just go up to Emperor Belos and ask " Hey, can you help my sister? Pretty Please?" Only those worthy and higher rank may speak to the Emperor and he's not very easy to please.
Young Lilith: I promised myself I'd save my sister. And I will do what I can to please Emperor Belos.
Young Selene: You're all talk. Let me just make it clear to you Lilith. I poured blood and sweat trying to get here and if anyone is going to please Emperor Belos or become the next Coven head, it's going to be me. So stay out of my way or else.
Selene leaves the room as Lilith watched her walk away glaring at her, beginning their bitter rivalry.
Time skip: 2 weeks later.
The scouts including Lilith and Selene were lead into Bonesborough by Hipporit.
Hipporit: Alright listen up. Time to set to patrol in town. Team A you take the East. And Team B ( which had Lilith and Selene) you take the West! Report any wild witches you find and bring them in if they resist.
Scouts: Yes sir!
The scouts go out on patrol. Selene was keeping an eye out on any wild witches out. As she looked out, she heard a struggle between a wild witch and Carl and Earl.
Carl: Hey stop right there!
Earl: We got you now!
Wild Witch: Let go, I don't want to be in a coven.
Carl: Ma'me, don't make this hard for yourself. Either we have you join a coven at this moment or be petrified.
The wild witch breaks free and runs off.
Carl: Stop her! Don't let her get away.
Selene saw this and ran after her.
Young Selene: You're not getting away that easily.
But the wild witch was fast and Selene couldn't catch up. She got one of her potions and took a drink. She felt something take effect on her. She then stretched her neck, looking like a snake lunging at her and grew fangs about to bite onto her. The wild witch saw her coming and formed a spell circle and shot a ball of abominiation goo at her face. This blinded Selene as she tripped and tried to get rid of the goo off her face. The wild witch was about to get away, but little did she know Lilith was also chasing after her, but from the top of the buildings. Calculating her timing, she jumped off the building, bounced on an awning of a shop and lands, grabbing the wild witch and holding her down. She forms a spell circle and binds her.
Young Lilith: ( panting) You're...under arrest for running from the law.
Young Selene: Lilith!
Selene caught up and looked mad.
Young Selene: How dare you Lilith, she was mine!
Young Lilith: Really, because from what I saw it seemed you had trouble back there and you nearly let her get away.
Young Selene: I had it under control.
Hipporit: What is going on here?
Hipporit arrives with Carl and Earl behind him.
Young Lilith: Sir, I caught this wild witch trying to escape.
Young Selene: You mean the one I was chasing.
Hipporit: Enough Selene! Take her away to the conformatorium. Her sentence will be decided soon.
Carl and Earl take the wild witch. Hipportit approached Lilith.
Hipporit: You've joined this coven a few weeks ago and already you caught your first wild witch. ( nods) Impressive, keep it up.
Young Lilith: ( smiles and nods) Yes sir.
Hipporit leaves as Selene glared back at Lilith.
Young Selene: Don't act all high and mighty. You just got lucky.
Young Lilith: Am I really? Or are you just unlucky?
Then they heard Carl and Earl from the distance reacting to what she said.
Carl and Earl: OOOOOOH!
Earl: Oh you just got pawned!
Young Selene: Silence! Enjoy your praise, because once you fail it won't feel as great anymore.
Time skip: 6 years later.
Inside the castle. The scouts along with Selene and Lilith were lined up as Hipporit entered. Selene and Lilith appeared to be wearing new uniforms indicating they were higher ranked and now had their staffs. Lilith's look has changed looking more like she does now, with her dyed darkish blue hair and no longer wore glasses.
Hipporit: Listen up, Emperor Belos has a special assignment for us. Thanks to Selene's spy Kaa, we may finallly found the location of one of the Boiling Isles most wanted criminals.
Lilith looked a little nervous when he said that. Was he referring to her sister since she's heard she's been causing trouble and being a wild witch. Hipporit revealed the wanted poster of who it was. It was tall bat like demon. He wore a Dracula like suit and black cape with red inside. His head was inside a long cylinder glass dome and inside you couldn't really see his face, only the top of his brown head with his yellow eyes and really long ears.
Hipporit: Abrella. You all might remember him as one of our scientists who worked with Dr Cushing. But three years ago he went rogue with his illegal experiments, even stealing plans and equipment from us. But now it's time to bring him in. Selene, Lilith!
The two approached him.
Young Selene and Lilith: Yes sir!
Hipporit: You two are my best lieutenants and close to being new elites to work with the Emperor by his side or the new head of this coven. That's why I need you both on this mission. Can I count on you for that?
Young Selene and Lilith: Yes sir!
Hipporit: Get ready, we leave in thirty.
Hipporit leaves to get ready.
Young Selene: This finally my chance to prove I'm the best. Get ready for when I upstage you Lilith.
Young Lilith: Don't get cocky Selene, you should be honored we're the same rank.
Young Selene: I don't want to be the same rank, I want to be better. Better than.
Young Lilith: Is that right. Well then, on this mission may the best witch win.
Young Selene: I plan that.
Later that night.
The three of them along with a group of scouts were making their way to an abandoned warehouse.
Hipporit: This is the place Selene?
Young Selene: Kaa is never wrong sir.
Hipporit: Send him out again, make sure the cost is clear.
Selene nods and has Kaa slither his way into the building. In a couple minutes he returned and hissed to Selene.
Young Selene: It's clear.
Hipporit: Let's go.
The group made their way inside the warehouse. Before they entered in, Selene took one of her potions and drank it, to give her snake abilites which only last temporary. They entered the warehouse and it looked worn out and abandoned.
Young Lilith: What a dump. So where is Abrella?
Young Selene: I know he's here. But where would his lab be?
Suddenly one of their scouts, Steve was looking around accidentally knocked down a pipe which acted like a lever and the walls opened to a stairway down.
Steve: Whoa guys look.
Young Lilith: A secret passage. ( pats Steve's head) Very good Steve.
Steve: Shoulder pads for Steve! Haha!
Hipporit: That's where he is hiding. Let's move quietly.
The three of them and the scouts slowly went down the stairs and that's when they found the secret lab. There were large incubation tubes of bizarre looking creatures and in the center was a lab table with test tubes and beakers and saw Abrella working.
Abrella: Excellent. The formula is done.
He then pours it into a tube and it made it's way into a small incubation tube which contained an embryo of a creature.
Abrella: Yes, yes feed. Feed my creation. Once you are big and strong, I will have my revenge and overthrow the monarchy for destroying my lifes work. They will soon be food for you my beautiful Irys.
Hipporit: Abrella!
Abrella turned around and saw Hipporit and the others with him.
Abrella: The Emperor's Coven?!
Selene acted quickly and reached her arm out, which turned into a snake and it wrapped around Abrella.
Abrella: But how?
Hipporit: We're not as dumb as you think. You are under arrest for treason and illegal experimentation.
Abrella: You may have found me, but you will never take me alive.
Abrella was able slip a remote control from his sleeve and pushed the button. One of the incubation tubes bursted open, revealing bizarre looking creature, looking like an eel, but had hind legs and crawled. It's skin was pale brown with large googly eyes, gills, fins and it's jaw wide open. It lunged at Selene's snake arm biting into it. Selene grunted from the pain as she let go of Abrella.
Hipporit: Selene!
Hipporit was about to help her until another capsule bursted open and another creature that looked like the first one, but it was red, it stood up right, but had stubby arms. Hipporit breathed fire through his trunk at the creature, but it didn't seem to do anything. He then formed a spell circle and fired an energy blast at the creature and it did push it back a little. The scouts helped by shooting it with arrows with their crossbows. It roared at them ( stock Godzilla 1954 roar) and breathed a orange ray at them, which they barely dodged.
Meanwhile Selene was still having trouble with the first creature as it wouldn't let go of her snake arm, until Lilith came and hit the creature on the head with her staff. It lets go as Selene retracted her arm, turning back to normal as she held onto her arm. It set it's attention at Lilith as it lunged right at her. Lilith dodged and formed a spell circle at it and shot blast of energy. It made it fall backwards as it struggled to get back up, but then she formed anoter spell cirlce which shot a beam that pierced through it's gills. It made gurgling sounds as it bled out and dies. She looked over and saw Abrella running trying to save his embryo. Lilith ran at him as she tried hitting him with her staff. He saw her coming however and grabbed it as the two struggled.
Young Lilith: Surrender now Abrella. There's no way out for you.
Abrella: No! You shall not ruin my work again!
He pushed her down as he formed a spell circle and fired a purple energy blast at her. Lilith dodged the attack, but then he did again, but she got caught in the blast. Lilith fell to the ground as he got a dagger and tried to stab her. Lilith got out of the way and got up as he tried to stab her again, but she blocked with her staff as the two struggled again. Selene saw this and formed a spell circle a the two, not caring if she would hit Lilith.
Young Selene: At last I will have the glory.
She fired an energy blast, but the two saw this coming and both dodged, instead she destroyed the capsule with the embryo.
Abrella: NO!
Abrella ran up to the remains of the capsule and seeing his embryo now dust.
Abrella: My baby. My poor little Irys. It never got a chance of life! You'll pay for this!
Abrella fired a purple flame at Selene. She deflected it with her staff and it hit the other creature that Hipporit was fighting, it fell onto the ground falling back, making it breath it's ray at the ceiling as the debris fell onto Hipporit and some of the scouts. Crushing them all.
Abrella: This isn't over! I will return again someday!
Abrella clicked another button on the remote control and it activated the self destruct sequence.
Computer: Self Destruct sequence activated. Detonation three minutes.
Abrella: It's been fun, but I must run. Enjoy the fireworks.
He laughed maniacally as he vanished.
Young Selene: Damn it. I was so close.
Selene ran out of the lab, leaving everyone.
Young Lilith: Selene wait, the others are trapped! Selene!
But she paid no attention and was gone. Then she heard Steve grunt as he got up.
Young Lilith: Steve?
Steve: Uh, oh forget the shoulder pad. I think I need a helmet more.
Young Lilith: Steve, help me get our commander and others out.
The quickly dug them out of the large debris.
Hipporit: Lilith...there's no time. Go now!
Young Lilith: I'm not leaving you sir. Not like this.
Once he was freed, she helped Hipporit and some scouts out as Steve and other scouts who were least hurt helped their injured commrades.
Computer: Self destruct sequence in one minute. This cannot be voided now. Evacuate lab immediately.
Young Lilith: Let's hurry out! Come on!
They made it outside just moments before the secret lab blew up and saw Selene outside.
Young Selene: So you actually made it.
Young Lilith: No thanks to you. You left us behind!
Young Selene: I was escaping the lab that was about to blow up! Use your head Lilith!
Young Lilith: I was saving our commander and comrades. We could have used your help.
Hipporite: Lilith...
Lilith kneeled down an Hipporit who was on the ground.
Young Lilith: I'm sorry sir. I guess this mission was a failure.
Hipporit: Maybe, but we at least destroyed his work. But you...
Hipporit placed his hand on her shoulder.
Hipporit: You saved my life as well as the others. Thank you. I owe you for this.
Young Lilith: ( nods) I'm only doing my job sir.
But as Selene looked at this with disappointment and then with anger. Lilith upstaged her again and gaining the praise.
Time Skip: 1 year later.
All the scouts were gathered in Emperor Belos's throne room. Emperor Belos was sitting on his throne with Kikimora, a younger Dr Cushing, the Legion of Four and Hipporit standing with him.
Emperor Belos: Today, your leader Hipporit Vorst will be retiring from 50 years his service as head of my coven.
Hipporit: Before we announce the next head, I want to say first, that it was an honor to work with you all and especially you my liege. I hope for your plans of Day of Unity will come soon.
Emperor Belos: You should be honored Hipporit. You served us well and you were due for this years ago, yet you said you weren't ready until you found a proper successor.
Hipporit: And now I have. I'm ready now.
Emperor Belos: Very well. Come forth, Lilith Clawthorne and Selene Crimson.
The two witches eyes widened, thinking it was their moment, but why both of them? What was this about? But they did as he said and stepped towards Emperor Belos and kneeled down to him.
Emperor Belos: I've been discussing with Hipporit and he told me you were his best witches working here. Yet only one of you has the skills to become the next head. And that title goes to...
The two of them shook as they each peaked one eye open at the each other.
Emperor Belos: Lilith Clawthorn.
Lilith gasped while Selene's eyes widened in disbelief.
Emperor Belos: Rise up.
Lilith got up as Selene just looked up.
Emperor Belos: From what I have gathered, you possess special skills in magic, strategic thinking, teamwork and leadership. And you've done this at a young age. Because of this, Hipporit decided to pass this title to you.
Lilith didn't know what to say as Hipporit approached her with the Emperor Coven's medallion.
Hipporit: It's yours.
Lilith: I...I just can't believe this. I must be dreaming.
Hipporit: It's no dream. You amazed me Lilith, you're no ordinary witch. Take this and serve our Emperor with everything you got. Make him proud just like you made me.
Lilith nods with tears of joy and takes it.
Lilith: Thank you sir.
Hipporit nods at her as she shows the medallion to the scouts as they cheer for her. Then she turned to Emperor Belos.
Lilith: Emperor Belos, it's an honor to have recieved this. I look forward serving directly for you.
Emperor Belos: And I look forward to that as well.
Lilith: I dreamed making it here not just for myself, but for my sister Edalyn. I hope with your help, we can heal her.
Emperor Belos: Hmmm, I see. Though she is labeled a wild witch, if you can convince her into joining our coven, perhaps I might be able to lift that curse. Continue to serve me and you will have a special part in the Day of Unity.
Lilith: I will Emperor Belos. Thank you.
Emperor Belos then set his attention to Selene.
Emperor Belos: As for you, Selene Crimson though you do not have the skills to become head, I'm still interested with you. You are skilled with potions and though I don't approve of palismans in my castle, Kaa however makes an exception for being a spy. Because of this, I am giving you something else. You will be part of my group of elite witches, the Legion of Four, or should I say the Legion of Five.
Mikela, Voffa, Shadam and Satarakura approached her.
Mikela: Ah a new member of our group. I never thought of this.
Voffa: Yes, but I hope you live up to what they say about you.
Satarakura: Hey welcome to the club. Put it there.
Satarakura shook her hand, which shocked her a little. Selene pulled her hand away from him and glared as he showed her the buzzer attached to his hand.
Satarkara: The hand buzzer. Never gets old. Bahahahaha!
Shadam: Enought fooling around. Hmmm, we'll see soon if you truly do deserve this title.
Selene however wasn't really pleased and still looked disappointed. Everything she worked for. How hard she worked, it didn't lead her to what she wanted. She looked back at Lilith who waved at the scouts cheering for her as she glared.
Selene: That's the last time I lose to you Lilith.
Flashback ends.
Shadam: So you mean to tell me, you were never satisfied of being one of us.
Selene: No disrespect to you Shadam, but this wasn't' what I wanted. My dream when joining this coven was to be the next head witch and serve Emperor Belos directly.
Shadam: But we do serve him directly. He hands us the more complicated jobs.
Selene: Yes, but we have limited access to somethings and are still ordered around by the head witch. I wanted to be head witch, yet Lilith took that away from me. I had to spend years following her orders. I wanted to be better than her, more powerful than her. But when I heard she betrayed Emperor Belos I thought this could be my chance to fulfill that dream, but then he suddenly gave that title to that golden brat! But, now is my chance to finally get my revenge on her and turning her in will surely please him. Don't even think of trying to get her Shadam, she's mine.
Shadam: ( silent chuckles) I have no intention of getting her. I have other ways of pleasing Emperor Belos. Plus you may get what you want soon Selene.
Selene: Hmph right, with you cursing him.
Shadam: So you know?
Selene: Of course, Kikimora just went on and on about how she hates him and is anxious to when he will die when she said that you did something to him. You do realize however if Emperor Belos finds out, you could be in big trouble since he's his nephew.
Shadam: Perhaps, but he's guilty as well. I know he was there when he helped the girl and the human save those palisman. The ones that the Emperor requested. Or in the Cave of Terrania when he focused more on helping that girl again than finding the kanegon slugs to fix the portal. I know he's been secretly helping the enemy.
Selene: If that's the case, why haven't you exposed him yet.?
Shadam: As you said, I could get into trouble with the Emperor, plus I can lift it. If he admits his treachery.
Selene: Blackmailing him huh? ( chuckles) I like the way you think Shadam. You know I did that with Lilith a few times actually. You know, about the curse on Eda.
Shadam: You think she did it.
Selene: Oh I know she did.
Shadam: What did you threaten her with?
Selene: Oh you should have seen it. Because she was leader at the time I instead decided to make her life miserable or try to find ways to bring her down. At one point I tried to make her reveal her secret, but her cowardness caused her to lose something valuable for her.
Shadam: What did you make her lose.
Selene: ( smirks) Her love life.
Shadam: Oh... that's messed up.
Selene: Exactly.
Shadam: So what will you do now?
Selene: Now, I might need to hire some help.
Shadam: Help? From where?
Selene motioned to the horizon. Shadam couldn't tell what she was pointing out to at first, but then saw where she was thinking of, the conformatorium.
To be continued...
Author's Note: That's it for this chapter. I had fun with this one and it's about time I give some screen time to Selene, who I kinda underutilized until now. I want to thank Lady Shadow92 for help on this chapter and for the character Selene Crimson. If you liked this chapter, be sure to follow, favorite and review. As always, thank you and until next time.