Within five minutes to last arrive was Sarimee. She gave a wry smile as only a fox could. Together she and her guards followed him inside.
The mountainside clearing was slightly crowded, especially with a Titan sitting cross-legged. Many arrows and swords were aimed at Sheedan, who remained oblivious to the world. No chances would be taken with her finally within reach.
Conversations died as Ethan and Sarimee strolled right in. Methrom broke it as the sun glistened off his ruby red scales. “You’ve done better than expected, Hatchling… But I’m curious why a Kitsune of his power isn’t a Demon Lord like the rest of us and holds no allegiance.”
Tokala glared, but held his tongue.
“His reasons are his alone. Besides, you don’t need to worry. Like you, he’s my minion, but I’m not going to mark him, just like I won’t mark you. I value independence. Your loyalty is enough. I wouldn’t have been able to speak through my blood if you didn’t do what you did. But before we get started and have my other friends show up, would you like my fresh blood?” Methrom shrugged and Tokala relaxed.
“It would have been best if we did so before you were captured.” Sarimee said as she sat down on her tails. “You would have led us straight to her near two months ago.”
“This is why I’m doing it the right way and immediately so there isn’t a repeat.” He made a fist and drew one of the razor sharp knuckle spikes on his gauntlet over the pad of his left thumb. He held it out to the rusty Kitsune who stood again and licked his blood straight off the pad. Instantly in his mind, her dot of light intensified to the point of Tokala’s and Panther’s.
He jumped and let Dileep and Methrom do likewise. Kyoko brushed a pale finger over his wound and licked it in a much more dignified way. Gaia’s tree trunk thick pinky finger did basically the same thing.
Attention never left him as he stood before the five and their personal elite guards. “We only have minutes so I’ll make this quick. You all know what I’m becoming. I am taking on traits of some Demon powerful enough to hold your tongues. Hopefully one day you’ll be able to explain. Till then, I’m not going to press the issue. If there was something truly important I need to know, I’ll trust you to tell me.”
“We are thankful, Young Master.” Gaia said casually, all knowing again.
“But right now I want to make something clear. As soon as Sheedan is executed, all her other minions and commanders will lose her influence. What I need from you five is not to squabble. You five are now the strongest Demon Lords, Kyoko being strongest. But after all the shit I’ve been through, I want months of relaxing with Kanade. Give me at least six before you five are at each other’s throats from feeling slighted. I will snap if I don’t have a long down time. The biggest threat isn’t going to be around for long. Gaia, as the keeper of law, I need you to rearrange the territories as evenly as possible between the five of you. There is now new room to claim. I’ll let you figure it out, but if I’m called to settle your disputes I won’t be happy. Am I clear.”
“As flawless diamond.” Sarimee said. “I second the proposal. Gaia, I ask for more wild territory.”
“Hot and dry for me.” Methrom said. “Desert sand is good for polishing scales.”
“Give me snow.” Kyoko said.
“I want North America, especially the plains and great lakes.” Dileep added.
“I will begin altering our territories tonight.” Gaia said.
“Kyoko,” Large snowflake pattern eyes turned to her new master. “you are still obligated to let Order roam free in Japan and China for a full year as agreed for calling aid, but I would like all of you to give a minimum of six months. Most of Order stay cooped up in the Fifty Houses for safety. Most cannot walk the streets alone without fear of attack, same goes for all of your minions. There is too much hostility. I say there needs to be a respite, at least for a short while. Like some of my friends want to go to a movie opening, but a Goblin sees them alone with their back turned and will sneak up and break their neck. Or there is a Succubus sunning herself on a beach and ends up with an arrow in her skull.”
“It is not an easy thing to do. Speaking makes sense, but actual doing is not. The Accords…”
“Fuck the Accords, Kyoko!” He said hotly and she looked down. “Look, I get they are what keep the Houses from going on a killing spree and stop you from eating souls. I’m talking about a person’s right to live without discrimination or harassment. I get lesser Demons need stronger ones to keep them in line. Bugs are basically uncontrollable. What I’m saying is wouldn’t you like to take Dallare on a date alone without seeing a Gargoyle perched on a rooftop and know without a doubt you won’t need to defend yourself?”
Dallare’s cheeks went orange and Kyoko’s went a bit blue. “Ethan-sama, it is not like that. We are not lovers. We grew up together in Demon World before coming here.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I just thought… Crap, I’ve lost my momentum.”
“Looks like his kind is born assuming.” Dileep laughed, as did the group of Demons.
“You understand my point either way.” Ethan got back to the subject. “Give the houses a break and let them enjoy the world. By extension, give your minions the same opportunity. I know well enough peace will be temporary. You cannot survive on tranquility. You need to eat. I understand that. Forget the Accords for a few weeks or months. I don’t want any of my friends to die, much like your minions want to live without possible threat. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying let them run amok and attack Spirit Guides for the souls they carry or go on a killing spree.”
Dileep humored the idea. “I would not mind running through the plains without Pegesai swooping in when I was trying to relax… I propose the month of April to not allow any attacks unless in defense of oneself… if all fifty Houses agree. One unprovoked attack on my territory and it will be ended.
To the surprise of everyone, Methrom rumbled “Seconded.”
“I will draw up the letter personally.” Kyoko said. “Regardless of Ethan-sama’s blunder, I would like to take my lover on a date without fear. Ethan-sama, the messenger will be leaving soon for the First House. We understand you need time to recover and will do our best to obey your wishes for rest. Any large and dangerous problems, we will try to solve ourselves.”
“Six months. Extend the alliance you five have made for six months after Sheedan is dealt with. Six months to this day and your alliance can dissolve. Please.” Ethan implored.
The five Lords looked to each other for a long, tense minute before Sarimee said “Very well, Master. We will give six months, no more.”
“Seconded.” Dileep voiced and shook his wet mane.
“Thank you. All of you.” He sighed. “Alright, I’m done with all I must say. And thanks for coming so quickly.”
“Before we depart, Hatchling,” Methrom started. “it would ease our minds if you had a minion defender. Your Kitsune isn’t known for much else than thieving. Though his name eludes me, his coloring is rare enough to have me realize he should not be on this world. You need a loyal protector.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ve got one who is more powerful than all five of you put together. Does General Panther ring a bell?”
The clearing gasped and even those holding weapons at Sheedan nearly broke their neck turning to him. Tokala laughed.
“G-G-G-General P-P-P-Panther?” Sarime stuttered as she got to her feet/paws. The vixen was just as startled as the next. “He’s on Earth and loyal to you?”
“A Balam… yea tall.” He held a hand about rib level. “Can give one hell of a back scratch. Blue eyes and more obedient than even a dog. Yep, he’s mine.”
“Shit. He knows. Zag…” Sarimee slapped a hand over her own muzzle.
“Whatever.” He sighed and turned around. “So yeah, Panther and my buddy over there got me out. We will talk later. I want to be ready to greet guests who will be here any minute.”
Ethan walked up and picked Sheedan up by the scruff of her neck and
trailed up the mountain. Privately he said “Tokala, you better go home. I don’t know if Thor will come along, but he has it out for you something bad. Thanks again and tell your mom I hope she is well.”
“It was fun, Ethan. Not as fun as it would have been if I wasn’t led like a kit, but fun nevertheless. Keep in touch. Alright?” Tokala reached up and slapped a wing as a friend.
“Count on it.” Tokala then broke off and left the area undetected.
Not four minutes after did the sky darken. Not by clouds or night, but by hundreds upon hundreds of warriors. The forest sounded like a herd of elephants charging and out came Warriors of Order.
First to fly down was none other than the Norse All Father and most known Pegesai of all. Odin’s voice boomed “Lad!” while Pegasus whinnied loud and clear in joy.
But he was not the first to reach him as Floa flew out of nowhere and wrapped her arms around his thick neck, crying in relief. She wasn’t alone as Nell used Magnus’ shoulder as a stepstool and threw herself into his embrace as well. Baldr joked. “Do you want to join them, Love?” Kira cried, but shook her head. There was no more room to do so.
“You don’t know how good it is to see you guys… Shit!” Ethan noticed the dive bomb maneuver Pegesai use and they were about to attack the Demon Lords. The two women fell from his neck as he was a blur of fiery movement and his roaring voice shook he air “What the fuck are you doing!” a wave of purplish fire blew over Gaia’s head and made a barrier between the sides. His hand still held the now freaking out Agas who woke up. “Stand the fuck down. If you attack them you’ll deal with me. Same goes for you!” he glared at the Demons aiming up.
His immense heat between the sides was more than any of them could handle. “All of you!” He roared to the flyers. “Make a perimeter. Let no one in or out. If you attack allies I’ll roast you myself!”
“Do it!” Odin commanded with just as much command. “Cammander, you are hereby ordered to relinquish your weapons and go into custody for attacking during a truce. If you flee, you will be shot out of the sky.” Two gargoyles escorted the commander who ordered the attack to be detained. “What manner of beast is that, Lad?” Odin asked as the flew back and the fire went out.
“A long sought after prize. Meet the real Sheedan.” He held up the jackal looking Agas.
Odin’t intrigued blue eye had never turned deadly so fast before. “So that is what you look like.” He spat through grit teeth. “Why is she still alive?”
“Mostly so you can kill her with our own two hands, but she’s pregnant with Ximr’s brood. I killed him and have his soul in my pocket. Oh, by the way I learned he was also the one who sent those fanatics who attacked Kanade at the stadium. He deserves a lifetime vacation in Torment. But if she’s carrying Nependis kids, I couldn’t risk them, not when they are so rare.”
“Good thinking, Lad.” Odin said as Pegasus landed and dismounted.
Medical staff tended the wounded while most gathered around Ethan and Odin as the Agas was roughly dropped in front of the Viking. The two giant white wolves Geri and Freki bared their teeth from either side to make it clear there was no possible escape. Sheedan went to remove her necklace as a means to flee, but Gungnir flipped around with a whistle at impossible speeds to stabbed her through the throat to pin her to the stone ground. Gurgling blood, Sheedan’s hatred turned to resignation that her end had come. Odin was pure hatred as he violently spun the barbed lance like a blender till she went still forever and tore the mangled head off and thrust it on the end of Gungnir like a pike. Afterwards he said “Medic, deliver the spawn.” A Pixie doctor clapped her hands and Translocated the womb from the corpse. Inside the womb were four Nependi and three female Agas, all healthy.
Sarimee approached and said “I will take the Agas pups. They will need aid since they have been influenced heavily by consumed souls. Withdraw will not be easy. You may keep the others.”
Odin agreed as blood fed his spear, running down its length. “Do so, but if they show signs that they cannot overcome their whore mother’s taint, you know I will kill them. Remind them as they age.”
“Fair enough.” Sarimee snapped her fingers and two Succubae gathered the three young Agas and took them away.
Children didn’t suffer sins of the parent.
“Guys, listen up. This is Moombae and Volkenm.” Ethan introduced the Naga and Goblin he associated with most over the weeks. “They will tell you everything. Right now I need to go. Play nice. I never want to come back here again.”
“Go, Lad, I know why you must.” Odin allowed.
“Floa, please take me home.” The emotional Pixie brought her emerald hands together.
From tropical to snow, Ethan stood at the entrance to the outer wall rather than transferred directly in. It was indeed warmer than last time, but he didn’t expect to be standing at the checkpoint made for the Demon Lords to exchange information. At his side was his team and a ring of on-duty warriors who stood ready for their arrival. He said “Floa, why aren’t we inside?”
“Security measures. After your capture Sheedan’s raiders attacked at all hours of the day rather than solely at night.” She said.
“Then get me the hell inside right now. Kanade is in pain.”
Floa landed on his shoulder. “I know… Everyone does. We’ve kept her sedated. You need to be checked out first. She will still be there sound asleep.”
“That is where you are wrong. I feel her awake and in need of me.” His wide eyes were locked on the wall and a hand over his chest gripped the leather of his jacket. “Her mind woke the moment I felt her out and the pain… gods, it is worse than each time they skinned me. Floa, either get me to her right now or I’m going to tear through the wall.”
He wasn’t joking as his strides were purposed and threatening.
“Hold on, Big Man.” Magnus hurried and stood in his way, hands up. “Better rinse off. You are soaked in blood… Dragon by the slight sulfur smell. You’ll scare everyone going anywhere like that.”
“Fine. I’ll dip quick in the lake on my way there. Now everyone get the hell out of my way.”
Ethan vaulted over the Ogre and cleared the wall before zipping inside the property. Massive wings lending additional speed to the castle sitting on the hill. Floa had to let go when he caught fire and dove into the frozen lake without bothering to stop. Ice at his temperature was melted straight into steam. He dove in one end and exited clean on the other. Heat steamed out the clinging water and Floa couldn’t dream of possibly catching up with her wings. But everyone cheering and trying to wish a warm return learned quick to get out of the way. His flying became like a jet fighter using afterburners.
Moments later he flew through the southern entrance and knocked two Pegesai, four Gargoyles and a Pixie out of the air in his focus on finding his love. He sensed her below and found the large spiraling stairs to descend down one level and ran around a corner. Granite changed to white tile like a medical wing. Soft lights bathed the hallways, but his sense of direction led right to her.
As he came around a second sharp turn there was an Ogress technician sitting behind a simple console holding a large red button down and looking scared. Behind her were six Witches working together to do some kind of a sleeping curse that wasn’t working.
Below the desk watched Panther as a cat.
But that was all a secondary observation to a primal shriek and earthquake shaking the area from a flurry of blows. None saw him right away, not even Morgane, being too worried she will escape this time since nothing was working. Ethan looked through a clear observation window to find it completely filled with what looked like fog. But ‘Slam! Slam! Slam!’ kept impacting a barrier like a Gatling gun on full blast. Another presence filled his mind as he went speechless. “Master, I will go find Blossom or someone else for the time being. Remember, do not reveal my presence. Keep your amulet hidden. Be quick in helping Mistress Kanade. Apparently she’s been awake ever since we left the mountain. She must h
ave sensed you were out. Hurry, their spells are weakening.”
“Thanks, Panther. You better go first… Um is this area spelled from my fire?”
“This was once the dungeon. There are old spells to stop any energy leaking. Even with your demonic side starting to grow, it will hold.” He said while strutting out like any normal housecat.
“Clear the area!” Ethan raised his voice.
The group of women stared in fright of the giant who had snuck up. First to recover was Morgane Le Fay as she spoke as if in disbelief. “Ethan?... Bloody hell! It is you!”
“Hi. Sorry about being rude right now, but get out now. Clear the floor.”
“Don’t you worry none. Kanade has been the only patient down here ever since she was put in. Be careful, Ethan. I just hope you are strong enough to not get hurt. We’ll go, but you best have an erection before she breaks out…”
His large hand pointed behind. “Just go. My own instincts are barely holding back from igniting this whole area.” For proof sparks appeared and fizzled all over his body. “I’ll be fine. Just make sure we’re alone from now on until we leave.”
A loud crack in the glass had eyes look to the window. Morgane said with a scream “OUT! GET OUT NOW!” the seven women hauled ass as the crack grew with yet another mountain shattering blow and banshee shriek. More crackling came from the other side of the window.
Ethan began stripping as fire sparked stronger around him without intention. He was already erect as mating instincts took hold. His own inner beast responding to its mate. By the time he shrugged out of his pants there was a massive fist that punched through reinforced glass without so much as a scratch.
Fire raged as he began helping her destroy the window and reunite. As his own fist broke through there was a moan before strong hands clamped down and pulled him through the rather small window due to his size. Bricks came along for the ride. Fire burned off the fogy sedative.
Before he could react in time there was a forceful shove onto his back after a rather loud sniff to know he belonged to her before she slammed her pussy on his cock. As soon as she settled she began gyrating her hips and moaning as he stretched her. Glass and brick dug in his back, but didn’t so much as scratch.
02 Wrath of Flames Page 52
