TOS - Vol 3, Part 1, Chapter 4

The Overlord Saga

Vol III. The Armageddon Prophecy

Chapter 4: In The Mountain's Shadow

It was the next day before the OoM members had departed, and once the doors had been slammed shut behind both Acolyte and Siren, there were immediate, relieved shouts of joy that rang throughout the foundations and halls of the Fortress. The Apprentice cracked out a few common, popular Earth melodies, one of which detailed a woman waking up in the morning feeling like a very well-known rapper. The Overlord allowed herself a brief moment of relaxing, the consciousness of the Theurgist wavering in her emotions for a moment. She felt his worry, the worry that the Evocator had potentially fallen in her studies, in her grief for her lost lover. And though the thought was fleeting, the Overlord realized how much still remained as a barrier between the neighboring souls. She cast a glance about the festive corridors as the Underlings began their dancing and singing. Somewhere, the Soul-Keeper was digging through his iPod, trying to find Phantom of the Opera. And the Ninja-Lord had returned in silence, a disgruntled Sexist in tow. Propped up by a pair of crutches, the Captain looked on from the outskirts, a wry grin on his face.

It's hard to think we were at war less than a year ago and this place was in ruins, the Theurgist remarked silently. We went from living by an old pool, to partying it up in a grand Fortress, and it's all thanks to you.

Us, you mean. I'd have died if you hadn't been there.

True...

She was caught off guard by the Advisor poking her shoulder lightly. The Overlord glanced over at her friend, who was donning a fanciful overcoat-cape that was dark blue in color. She waved at the Overlord, then said "You know... Everyone's been talking about this whole 'Rift' thing that's going on." When the Overlord merely nodded her response, accepting the information, the Advisor continued, "And, as your advisor, I need to tell you... You absolutely need to do something about this. You're the Overlord of the Between. You're required to do something about all uncanny occurrences and strange events." The Overlord's brow furrowed, and she opened her mouth in protest, but the Advisor cut her off, "And don't tell me 'Oh, it wasn't in your job description', because it's here." She pulled a scroll from her sleeve, then unfolded it. The Overlord snatched it with a hand, glaring at the Advisor with one uncovered jade eye. Eye flicking back down to the scroll, the Overlord cleared her throat, ignoring the mental laughter of the Theurgist somewhere in the depths of her mind.

The Overlord read, reluctantly, "As the official Overlord of the Between, the following is required and demanded of the person(s) holding the title (it should be noted that if the person holding the title is unable to perform any of these tasks, they are subjected to being replaced by their second-in-command):
1. Must steal a minimum of 10 souls per month unless it is December. Then no souls are required.
2. Must pay a rent of 500 souls per year to God. Can be given to the
3. Must wear a cape.
4. Must protect the Fortress at all costs.
5. Must possess, at all times, a jar of Nutella.
6. Must not give in to peer-pressure and disturbing indulgences such as yaoi, Justin Bieber, and being a cheerleader.
7. Must act in cases of emergency. Such cases may include uncanny occurrences (ie- giant rifts forming in the Between) and strange events (Justin Bieber being proven to be male)."

There was a pause. A thoughtful, moment where the Overlord's emerald eye flicked towards the ceiling, staring at the crystalline chandelier that the Soul-Keeper had ordered so very long ago. The one that was polished to perfection, yes, putting even the one used in Phantom of the Opera to shame. Her gaze moved to the perfectly carved columns, which had been recently altered to depict phoenixes with outstretched wings. She glanced at the dancing Underlings. The Underlings sipping tea mixed with lemonade and laughing. The heavy metallic doors that barred the celebration from the outer wall, which, then, barred them from the desolate wasteland, where their enemies lurked at every shadow. She looked at her home, a sinking feeling in her heart as some flicker of a thought in the back of her mind realized that they were all in danger... Again. And procrastination wouldn't help. And partying and ignoring the problem wouldn't help. She shuddered at the ignorance displayed before the Nemesis' initial attack. She couldn't let it happen again.

"My second-in-command. That'd be the Soul-Keeper," the Overlord remarked, then looked at the Advisor, "And there's no way I'm letting that happen." She smiled coyly, then clapped the Advisor on the shoulder, "Well, keep the party going. I don't want anyone to be worried about what might happen. I'll go with the Soul-Keeper to see Maverick. She'll have some ideas about what to do."

"I hope you're right..." the Advisor said sternly, then sighed, "But must we really keep on with this stupid... Ke$ha music?"

The Overlord shrugged, "Just don't be suspicious. That can't be too hard for you. You only have one expression... And it's the annoyed one. Like... the one you're giving me... right... now..." the Overlord's voice trailed off as the Advisor's pale blue eyes narrowed in annoyance. There was a shrug, a smirk, and the Overlord was cantering over towards the Soul-Keeper throwing an arm around him. She caught the Ninja-Lord's suspicious glare, but ignored it, leaning over to whisper in the Soul-Keeper's ear. "So, there's something I need for you to do."

He perked up, a cookie halfway shoved in his mouth. "Hrnmh?

Dusting the crumbs from the Soul-Keeper's cheeks, the Overlord said, "We're going on an.... Adventure. Like we used to." The Soul-Keeper's dark eyes lit up at this, and his master continued slyly, "But it's secretive. We can't tell anyone." As the Soul-Keeper nodded slowly and finished the cookie, the Overlord began discreetly pulling the hooded magician off towards the doors leading to the gardens. On the back of her neck, she felt the Ninja-Lord's deep blue eyes watching. It was unnerving really, and the idea that her loyal third-in-command had fallen into such a mistrustful state was only grating on the Overlord's patience even further. She was going to have to be monitored due to suspicious behavior. And the Overlord knew the exact person for the job.

Out of the double doors and into the afternoon air, the Overlord stopped to turn to her companion. "We're investigating the Rift, Soul-Keeper," She explained shortly.

"There's a Rift?" the Soul-Keeper asked.

"Yes, and it's very important for plot purposes of this story," the Overlord said calmly, arms on her hips. "And for awesome factor, we're just not going to tell anyone where we're going. Fair enough?"

"Makes sense!" the Soul-Keeper nodded affirmatively.

"Excellent!" the Overlord opened a portal behind her and the Soul-Keeper stepped through. She followed, and the dangling sphere of light vanished behind the swirl of her crimson cape.

And at the base of the Red Stone Mountains, they stood. Necks craned back, viewing the jagged peaks, the duo allowed themselves to momentarily be taken in by the sight of the ancient landmarks... And then promptly began forward, heads held high. This demeanor of confidence and composure lasted for a grand total of ten minutes before the two were immensely tired of hiking and the Overlord finally looked back at her robed comrade and said, "Damn. It's HOT out here." He looked back, hood fallen from his dark hair and looked at her, sweaty, panting, and head bobbing up and down comically. At that point, it was decided that the Overlord would summon a series of platforms to get them to their destination. Clambering onto the first of the semi-visible platforms, the two stopped to rest, viewing the Fortress outlined by the sun and orange sky miles upon miles away. Bordered by the horizon and the endless colored sky was the Western woods, home of the Insurgents and the Overlord's brother. Well... long-lost-and-recently-found brother. She rang a hand through her longer, dark brown hair, then huffed out a sigh.

"Why does the Maverick live so freaking far away from everyone else?" the Soul-Keeper whined, looking rather tempted at stripping out of his heavy, golden-tinged robes. "We should've brought Sexist. He could've summoned some ice cream for us or something."

"I don't think he can do that," the Overlord said flatly, then stood up, stretched, and summoned a second platform. She nimbly hopped onto it, then looked back and waved at the Soul-Keeper, "Break's over, buddy."

Stumbling to his feet, the Soul-Keeper scowled, then followed the Overlord onto the next platform, "Well, I could use something! A nice glass of lemonade, maybe. I love lemonade. I always wanted to sell lemonade in a stand. Like all the other kids do!" He climbed onto the next platform with the Overlord. "Why did the author decide to give me heavy, not-really-functional robes for my character design!? Do you know how hot it is in here? My sweat is SWEATING. AND IT'S SO HARD TO LIFT THIS UP FOR THE BATHROOM, YOU HAVE NO IDEA!"

The Theurgist was amused by this conversation. And as the Overlord sized up a leap into a nearby cave, the Theurgist spoke, but through his current body's more feminine vocal chords, "Because, Soul-Keeper, not only are you functioning as the comic relief, but you're also the stereotypical robed magician. We have to have you. Or else we'll not be deemed an official fantasy story. If this is even fantasy. I'd say it's more like a twisted biography, but whatever..." the Overlord drew a dagger and leapt towards the mountain suddenly, sinking the blade into the side of the mountain in order to not skid downwards. She looked up at a ledge just a few yards up, and carefully began to climb. The Soul-Keeper watched dismally from the platform she had abandoned him on.

"Okay, there's no way I'm gonna make that jump!" the Soul-Keeper flailed his arms, "I don't have a spiffy dagger. If I fall, I go all the way down!"

The Overlord swung herself onto the ledge, then looked down at the Soul-Keeper, smirking despite the sweat pouring down her face, "Come on. I'll make another platform and you can jump from there. I'll even catch you."

"You won't catch me!"

"Oh yes I will."

"You're gonna let me fall, aren't you?"

"If you keep annoying me like this, then yes."

"Ha. Ha... ha.... ha. You're soooo funny," the Soul-Keeper scowled, then climbed the platform that appeared above of his head. And as he stood, sizing up the leap between platform to cave entrance, he gulped, his Adam's apple visibly dipping inward. The Overlord sheathed the dagger, then extended her arms, as if to gesture that she wanted to hug the Soul-Keeper. There was a running start, the magician's black boots thudding against the transparent platform, then a leap... That the Overlord could tell was far shorter than what was necessary. She rushed forward, eyes snapping wide and arms outstretched.

Images flashed through her mind. The image of the Nemesis clouding her vision momentarily, followed by the image of the Uberlord dispelling the Insurgent Leader from their previous battle. And this, was even trailed by the image of the Theurgist's frozen form, so realistic that even the Overlord, at that present moment, could feel the cold radiating from the ice wall where he had been trapped. But her fingers clasped the Soul-Keeper's, the majority of her body dangling over the edge. The Soul-Keeper let out a girlish scream, his boots scraping and wounding the rock on the cliff's edge. She heaved back, but found that her strength was suddenly failing. Her back was aching. Her arms were like jelly, her fingers slick with sweat from the climb. The Soul-Keeper's dark eyes stared at her in a panic, in a biting desperation that clawed at her heart. There was no letting him go.

"Vires!"

And the Soul-Keeper was flung overhead, still latched onto the Overlord's wrists, but falling back behind her, winded as his back struck the stone floor. The Overlord winced, turning and looking back at her stunned comrade, who had been saved, yes, but at what cost? Let's hope he didn't catch what you just did... The Theurgist's chiding words sent a wave of frustration through the Overlord. I just saved him. He should be thanking me, not wondering what kind of spell I just used!

"Oh my... Oh my goodness..." the Soul-Keeper breathed, sitting up.

"Are you okay?" the Overlord asked, looking at her friend. She walked over, bending down next to him to see if he was injured.

"Yeah... I think so... Wait," the Soul-Keeper glanced down at his right hand. Gasping, the Overlord realized there was blood, droplets decorating the palm of his hand. I hurt him! "I think I'm bleeding... Wait a minute..." He wiped the flecks of crimson away to reveal nothing. No wound. No injury. Pure flesh, untouched and unmarred, yet the Overlord found it a welcome sight. But a small glance was tossed downward at the Overlord's arm, where she noted blood barely seeping through her dark gloves- something that could be covered and ignored.

"Are you... Bleeding?" the Soul-Keeper asked as a stray drop trailed down her exposed fingertip. The Overlord shuffled a step back, a tad uncertain at this question, but shrugged a careless response.

"Maybe you ought to trim your fingernails."

"Maybe."

The Overlord turned towards the cave entrance, then casually walked inside. The Soul-Keeper rose from the red-toned ground, dusted his behind off, then followed his leader into the shadowy depths. An extended hand from the Overlord summoned an orb of fire that acted as a torch for the exploring duo. "Maverick?" the Overlord called, though kept her voice relatively quiet. "I know this is her home... Where is she? Maverick?" The two proceeded forward, quiet and watchful. The hallways, usually alight with various glowing vegetation, was strangely dark. And though the Overlord had a half a mind that the Maverick had vacated this location long ago, she had hoped that the loner would have returned here. There's not much hope here, Overlord. Might as well turn back now, the Theurgist said grimly. She ran her hands along the dirt walls, still gazing into the darkness.

"You sure this is the right place?" the Soul-Keeper frowned.

"Positive," came the sigh of a reply.

"There's not much down here," the Soul-Keeper pointed out. "Nothing but mushrooms, rocks, a few doused torches, and this weird wall with carvings on it."

"Mushrooms, rocks, torches, and what?" the Overlord spun around, bringing the light closer to where the Soul-Keeper was pointing.

When she saw the wall, she was not surprised. Not in the slightest. It was that gut feeling that made her smile, a twinge of an emotion and a small feeling of triumph. So what if they hadn't found Maverick? They had at least found something. But the carvings were strange, though the Overlord couldn't say that she was an expert in spontaneous carving designs on ancient walls. She could feel a sensation of magic imbued in the mountain, though it didn't help with the letters on the wall. It was not pictures, but words, in something that looked a mixture of Latin and Chinese. In other words, it was something completely beyond the Overlord.

"I wonder what would happen if I touched it?" the Soul-Keeper wondered aloud, and as the Overlord began to protest, the Soul-Keeper reached out and prodded the wall, which... Resulted in nothing. At first. But a second prod revealed a glow about the characters inscribed in the stone, releasing a golden aura. Shifting to the left, the wall gave way, revealing a passage into even further depths. "Well, that's spiffy," the Soul-Keeper remarked, and began down the passage nonchalantly.

"Do you even know where that leads?" the Overlord asked him, peering at his disappearing form.

"Nope!" came the almost giddy reply.

"Oh joy..." the Overlord frowned, then stalked after her headstrong, borderline unreliable companion.

The tunnels were narrow at first, but the Overlord noticed how they widened as the two ventured deeper into the mountains. She kept a small flare of fire in her hand, extended out so that she could still see the Soul-Keeper. He didn't seem to care if he left her behind or not, so she struggled to keep up. She tried to get him to slow down, but he seemed driven to explore the tunnel. Silently, the Overlord cursed herself for bringing her most easily distracted Underling along with her. He's so simple it almost hurts, the Theurgist commented. The Overlord agreed, but shook her head. Sometimes, I forget why we even have him in the first place... A brief memory of the pickle jar with glowsticks in it flashed across her mind's eye and the Theurgist let out a cackle of approval, so strong that the Overlord had to clamp down on her lips to prevent an actual laugh.

Before long, the mouth of the tunnel spilled out into a much grander corridor. The stone walls, which had begun very unorganized and plain, seemed to be more decorated. The ancient symbols from before returned, with variations, new characters, and even a few pictures. The Overlord paused to examine a small picture of something that resembled an eagle. "This is just like in the movies. Right before they find El Dorado." She threw a look over at her second-in-command, then noted how he stood at the end of the tunnel, his hands clasping the edges of his hood. The Overlord's head tilted and she followed him, her boots making light thuds against the stone floor. Clasping his shoulder with one hand, she neared the edge, stopping to look out over the edge of the cliffside, at the ruined temple that rested before them.

It was something out of an Indiana Jones movie- or that's what she thought. It reminded her of the fourth one, you know... The one they made for marketing purposes. Where they threw in that guy from Transformers. And there were aliens. Random aliens. I digress- the temple! It was a magnificent piece of architecture, like something crafted by expert hands. The stone was smooth and perfect, with pillars that had various creatures etched into their marble. In the front three pillars that supported and framed the pathway into the temple, the Overlord could distinguish a giant boar-like animal, an eagle with massive wings semi-folded to its sides, and what looked to be a large shark, it's fangs devouring the edges of the pillar.

"So this looks promising," the Overlord commented.

"More promising than Final Fantasy XIII-2," the Soul-Keeper remarked.

"Ha! Franchises," the Overlord snorted.

And the two made their descent, which was painfully... easy, as the Overlord merely summoned a few platforms for them to leap on and they were on the grand in less than a minute. The Soul-Keeper went first, the head of his staff glowing as though it were a large torch. The Overlord stuck near him at all times, careful to conceal her right eye just in case. And where do you think this leads? The Theurgist prodded playfully.

Narnia.

Poor Insurgent Leader...

"There's just something weird about this place..." The Soul-Keeper murmured, then grinned, "I like it!"

"You also like musicals. And puppets," the Overlord commented, gently grabbing the Soul-Keeper's staff and bringing it forward to reveal a large door sealing the temple shut. "Keep the light here." She instructed, then stepped forward, looking at what seemed to be a notch on the door.

"Looks like it takes a key," the Soul-Keeper observed, "Too bad you turned that kid with the key-sword away."

"There's always a hitch in the plan. Whatever. Give me your staff, I wanna see if I can pry this thing open," the Overlord held out her hand. The Soul-Keeper wordlessly passed his staff to her, watching with anticipation. The Overlord shoved the end of the staff into the hole where the key would have gone, then began to feel around to see if she could unlock the door. She pushed. She pulled. She wriggled the staff in the slot a few times. She pulled the staff out, then slammed it back in the lock. She yelled a plethora of profanities. She took a small break. And, then she got back up to try again. And after the third or fourth time of pulling back on the staff, the Soul-Keeper decided to intervene.

"Let me try," he offered, and the Overlord relented. He grabbed the staff in both hands, then moved it slightly towards him. There was the click of something unlocking... But nothing. The door did not move. It did not budge. It merely stood there, staff still protruding awkwardly from the lock. The Overlord watched, unimpressed. The Soul-Keeper withdrew the staff, sighing, "Or not..."

"Maybe this is a bust," the Overlord remarked, "Maybe we should just turn back."

"I'm starting to agree with you, sadly enough... I want an omelette," the Soul-Keeper shrugged, and turned to go.

That was when there was a crack of light that emerged from between the cracks of the door. The Overlord grabbed the Soul-Keeper's sleeve somewhere in the pounding and roar of the stone gates swinging open, revealing a blinding light that enveloped the two. Somewhere in the background, the Overlord could heard the faint chorus of angels singing. And she wondered what exactly they'd gotten themselves into.

TOS - Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 3

The Overlord Saga

Vol III. The Armageddon Prophecy

Chapter 3: The Order of Magic

The Order of Magic (OoM) was the foundation that led the supernatural realm that technically existed along the side of normal Earth. Some people mistook them for the Ministry of Magic, much to the OoM’s annoyance, as they would often have to correct people via directing them to London, where the MINISTRY of Magic was located. The Order of Magic had been founded by Merlin, some said. Others said it was founded before even Merlin was around, by Circe or Hecate. Few rumors stated that a person named Gwydion was also a founding member. And them, a select few said the Oz made the Order. Either way, the Order had been around for centuries- long before the Overlord had even been born. No one was quite certain who ruled the Order, but there was a definite executive branch. Alongside that fact, the duties of the Order were also clearly defined, yet mysterious. They checked for signs of Inconcessus Ars- the Forbidden Arts- that much was known. They also regulated magic practicing, offering schools to those who wanted to harness magic power, but also having the ability to take it away from those who proved dangerous.

In other words, they were an unwanted party within the Second Realm, where everything was morally up in the air. Clear factions had been established in the Between, particularly the Underling Army, the Insurgents, the Lost Souls supposedly to the north, then the rogues that wandered the spans of the Second Realm. The Overlord knew in her heart that there was no room for the Order, especially with their pushy attitude. She assumed they had already checked the Insurgents for dark magic, though with the Insurgent Leader’s hero status, the Overlord severely doubted he had been busted. His affiliation to the darkness was strong, no doubt inherited from the Uberlord. However, the Overlord knew he was very skilled at hiding it- it held no physical grasp over him any longer.

She watched the two robed figures approach the Fortress, their staves stabbing the cracked red dirt. Briefly, she wondered if she should have phoned the Twin to see if the Order had pestered her yet. Rubbing her shoulder, the Overlord ignored the pain in her back, writing it off to be that she’d continuously been sleeping on it wrong. Brushing her bangs into her eyes, she glanced at the wooden doors, mentally preparing herself for anything the Order of Magic could throw at her. She had enough on her plate- she didn’t need a bunch of self-righteous mages nagging her.

---


The Order had sent the best of the best. Standing in front, the leading companion had her hood drawn, black decorated with golden trimming, weaving intricate designs on the robe. Low-cut, it was quite revealing, though only in the front. Her glasses were tortoiseshelled and thick, framing her eyes perfectly. Her thick, dark hair fell slightly past the shoulders, peering out from the shadows of her hood. The staff she clasped was metallic, a secondary bar extending from its side, weaving around to reveal a dragon-like pattern at the end, its claws clutching an orb at the staff’s head. She was of a high rank, as most could tell- a Siren among mortals and warlocks.

Behind her, her apprentice- robed in red with golden lining, though her robes not nearly as complicated in design. Her staff was wooden, though sturdy and firm. It was a reddish-brown in tone, smoothed over in absolute perfection with lighter tones wrapping around it, vinelike patterns evident on its shaft. Her hair, light brown, ruffled down to her shoulders as well, moving as elegantly as she could in her high heels. The Siren’s Acolyte, she was expected to observe and watch her mentor at work, eager to be within the Fortress on her first real job for the Order.

“STOP!” a loud, booming voice demanded from the walltop. The Siren and Acolyte did so, both staring up at the guard house atop the wall. “What... Is your name?”

“I am the Siren of the Order. I was scheduled to arrive here and inspect the Fortress for Inconcessus Ars, by the decree of the Order of Magic itself!” the Siren held up an official-looking document, signed with some ridiculous, illegible signature.

There was a crackle on the microphone, and suddenly, the booming voice did not respond to the Siren. “Prussia, I told you, you’re not in charge of guard duty! That’s my job!” another voice could be heard within the guard house, causing a brief exchange of looks between the Siren and the Acolyte.

“Russia! I thought you were on lunch break!?” the first voice sounded less intimidating than before.

“Stop playing with the voice changing device!” a third voice, “Crap... Prussia, you’re about to break it!”

“CHINA!”

“Russia, watch where you’re swinging your leadpipe around!”

“Uh... Hey...?” the Acolyte called tentatively, awkwardly looking at the guard house. A series of heads popped out- Prussia, China, and Russia consecutively. The Acolyte tried to hide her amusement and confusion at the three guards, rubbing her nose with a hand and glancing at the ground in an attempt to stifle a laugh.

“We’ll let you in!” China called, waving at them. All three Underlings disappeared, and the doors into the Fortress began to creak open. The Siren began to march forward, metallic staff in hand. The Acolyte followed, crimson robe swirling around her as she moved.

“Do you remember what to look for?” the Siren murmured to her apprentice without even the slightest turn of the head. Her gaze swept across the gardens, to the statues of dragons and gryphons that posed elegantly amidst the roses and flowers. A glance was given to a mermaid statue in the heart of a fountain.

“Yes,” the Acolyte responded with a nod of her head.

“Good,” the Siren nodded curtly and began up the steps, not even glancing at Brainsucker and TCUE as they stood, at the ready, on either side of the door, their black armor glinting in the red sunlight.

---


The Overlord rose as the two entered her office, scythe hanging on the mantle next to the fireplace. Her green and blue eye quickly analyzed the two OoM members, categorizing them as she deemed appropriate. The black-garbed one was clearly a high ranking member of the Order, the red-dressed one being her assistant. After a glance at their staves, the Overlord immediately knew several things- they were more than just decent at magic and the Order had equipped them for battle. So did they expect me to retaliate or resist? the Overlord wondered, the notion making her uneasy.

Act natural, the Theurgist remarked.

Should I really be taking advice from a dead guy? the Overlord snapped back, forcing a very fake, very unnecessary, yet polite smile. “Welcome to the Fortress. I hope you had no trouble getting here?” She cast a glance at where the Soul-Keeper let him in, discreetly gesturing for him to leave. There was a chance he could ruin her plans, though no one knew that she had cast dark magic before. The Soul-Keeper was a constantly liability, she reminded herself. She couldn’t afford to make enemies with the OoM.

“No, it was quite pleasant,” the Siren replied evenly. The Overlord had a feeling that she was very much into her business. Lowering her hood, the Siren stared at the Overlord, as if trying to look past the veil of dark brown bangs. The Overlord gestured for the two OoM members to sit down next to the fireplace, allowing Nard to sit in her armchair at her desk. He looked over the papers with a bright pink, yet dry tongue sticking out. The Siren sat down politely, the Acolyte next to her and the Overlord on the other side. As the Overlord began to pour iced tea, the Siren spoke, “As you are aware of I’m sure, the Order has moved to the Between in hopes of further mediating magic. We were hoping for your cooperation in inspecting every mage within your ranks. Is that plausible?”

“You’d be checking the majority of my soldiers, Madame Mage,” the Overlord said reasonably, “You see, most of them have learned a thing or two in the magic arts. It’d be fairly difficult and lengthy to-”

“The Order has reason to think that this is necessary,” the Siren responded flatly, “It’s not a matter of time or lengthy-ness at all. I need for you to assemble your magicians for an inspection. For too long, the denizens of the Between has gone unchecked with their usage of magic. I’ll decide whether or not I should approve of this Underling business based upon the quality of your mages.”

“Meaning...?” the Overlord asked, eyes narrowing.

“We could easily revoke your right to be here. To even operate here,” the Acolyte slid a series of papers in front of the Overlord, her legs crossed in a very ladylike fashion.

Teeth gritted, the Overlord glanced down at the papers, the dismay evident in her eyes. With a resentful, yet submitting expression, the Overlord placed two fingers on the papers, then slid them back, “I’ll line my magicians up for you.” Why are you complying when you could kill them? the Theurgist argued. In response, the Overlord jabbed back, None of my Underlings perform dark magic. They’ll be fine. I just wanted the Order out of my hair sooner than this. There’s no way they’ll know that I’ve done anything.

But still... Why comply?

The Order could destroy us if they wanted to. That’s why. I won’t throw my life away because I’m scared of something that won’t happen.

Eh. Your call. What about Sexist?

What ABOUT Sexist?

He still bears the eyes of the Cursed. Remember? They kind of... Glow.

Oh shit!

“I will assemble them if you will give me time to,” the Overlord inclined her head, rising to her feet. “We can do the assessments here, in my office. I’ll have the Soul-Keeper and Ninja-Lord gather them. I will go give them orders...” Without further comment, the Overlord vanished down the stairs, shutting the door to her office behind her. Glancing at the Soul-Keeper, she grabbed him by the shoulder, pulling him in close, “Fetch every magic-using Underling we have and tell them to line up to my office. It’s imperative.”

“What does ‘imperative’ mean?” the Soul-Keeper asked in confusion.

“Really freaking important.”

“Got it!” With a jiggle of his hips, the Soul-Keeper disappeared with a ‘poof’, leaving behind traces of unidentifiable, uncertain white smoke. The Overlord distanced herself from it immediately, then began down the stairs, her eyes flitting about the corridors as she moved. Grabbing the Ninja-Lord by the arm as she attempted to bite into a bagel, the Overlord pulled her off to the side, dragging her down the hall.

“I was eating...” the Ninja-Lord pouted, shooting the Overlord a displeased expression.

“Gather the Overling Army- errr... the ones that do magic. Leave the Captain and the Lieutenant, obviously, they’re both rather preoccupied with recovering,” the Overlord ordered, her response a muffled “Why” from the Ninja-Lord. “Because the Order of Magic wants to inspect everyone doing magic. They’re looking for black mages, I guess.”

“That’s stupid,” the Ninja-Lord retorted after swallowing her first bite. She began to take a second when a spontaneous snow leopard kitten toddled by, warranting the stares of both the Ninja-Lord and the Overlord. “Why?”

“I don’t know,” the Overlord watched the kitten go, then looked back at her third-in-command, “Just do what I say. Okay?”

“It’s still stupid...” the Ninja-Lord grumbled, tossing a smoke bomb into the air, then vanishing. The Overlord was left, coughing uncontrollably. As she bent over the rail, she looked down at the Underlings passing by, eyes watering from the smoke.

I hate it when she does that, the Overlord thought moodily to the Theurgist.

She’s been acting odd.

Eh....

Really odd. I think she’s hiding something from you. Keeps wanting to be alone. Or she’s been moody.

Maybe she’s on her period?

Her, too?!

... I.... I don’t even have any sort of come back for that.

The Theurgist was clearly pleased with himself, and the Overlord rolled her eyes, hopping over the railing and landing on the group, frantically looking up and down the crowds of Underlings. Pushing past Fabio and the Pet, the Overlord glanced over at the Lounge, wondering if Sexist was located in there. Slipping into the cafe setting, the Overlord tried to ignore the fact that everyone was staring at her. It was really hard to not feel uncomfortable, and she slowly began feeling her cheeks flush a deep red. But she kept moving, scouring the booths and tables for the blonde Underling. She found him at the bar, back turned from her with a cup of some dark soda in his hand. He was between the Apprentice and Kunoichi. Shinobi and Llama were also present, sharpening their knives on the bar. Fish glanced back at the Overlord, blowing a tuft of brown hair from his eyes.

“Sexist,” her voice cracked worse than a boy going through puberty. So she tried again, “Hey. YOU!” Much better. Intimidation and wrath lining her voice, the Overlord glared at Sexist as he turned, cocking a blonde eyebrow at her. There was equal resentment- his bright blue eyes hitting her only visible eye with as much curiosity as vengeance. He didn’t say anything- he just waited. The Overlord cast her glance away, shifting her hip in the ‘angry mom’ position, and thrusting her arms into a rather pissed off fold, “I need you to come with me. Apprentice, you should be heading upstairs, same with you, Fish. The Order of Magic needs to talk to you.”

“Pft. I’m the freaking Apprentice. I do what I-” the Apprentice began.

“Just go,” the Overlord’s patience was wearing thin, and Fish understood this. He beckoned the Apprentice to follow him, saluting the others in silence. The Overlord turned and looked back at Sexist, raising her eyebrows expectantly.

“Where?” Sexist inquired, voice devoid of any sort of emotion. The Overlord was trying to figure out what exactly his expression was- it was a tie between being pissed and calculating. Was he trying to figure her out? She evaded his glowing gaze tactfully.

“We’re going on a... field trip,” the Overlord responded evenly, trying to keep her voice like his- nulled of feeling. “We’ll be back soon.”

“Okay...” He rose from his chair, bangs falling in his eyes. The Overlord wasted no time, grabbing his arm, then vanishing from the Lounge in a beam of light. Blinded temporarily, she gripped Sexist’s arm tightly, allowing her nails to dig into his skin. As her sight began to filter back, he jerked his arm away, shooting her an annoyed look. Scoffing, the Overlord kicked at some leaves, glancing at the pool of water before her. Sexist recognized the setting as well, turning and looking down the gorge as he took in a deep breath. “Why here?”

“The Overlord’s Sanctum. You’ll be... Safe... here,” the Overlord didn’t sound very warm, though honestly didn’t want to lose the Underling to the Order. Though she hated to admit it, he was a very good fighter, and she knew she needed a water magician around. “Don’t come back until I come for you.” She began to warp again when she caught his glowing, smoldering gaze.

“Why did you bring me here?” Sexist asked, voice low and commanding.

“The Order of Magic is seeking out dark mages. To arrest, no doubt. You carry traces of dark magic. Could have you arrested. So, I pulled you from the inspection process. It’s for your own good,” the Overlord looked down in the waters, staring at the reflection that gazed back at her, pulling her bangs back with a finger to look at her blue eye. She made sure she had her back to Sexist, not wanting him to see.

“You’re doing something for my own good?” Sexist sounded surprised, though his voice was covered in sarcasm and cynicism.

“Not the first time I’ve ever done something good for you,” the Overlord remarked grudgingly. You two are so pleasant and kind to each other, the Theurgist laughed. She turned to face Sexist, bangs covering her right eye once more. “Though... YOU could never say the same in return.” Words icy and cold, the Overlord disappeared in a second beam of light, boots lightly thudding against the stone floor of the sickbay back at the Fortress. Her vision cleared up to reveal that she had landed in the same room as the Lieutenant, who was awake and talking with the Animal Tamer.

“So I heard you wanted a shoulder monkey...” the Animal Tamer was saying, extending her arms out as she held a capuchin in front of the Lieutenant, who was attempting to stifle laughter, “I don’t really know what kind of monkey you had in mind... But I thought I’d give you this one as a ‘get well’ gift!”

“Thank you,” the Lieutenant laughed, taking the monkey into his large hands and studying it. It stared at him, blinking a few times before it began to squirm, trying to run away. “I... Don’t quite know what to say, Animal Tamer...”

“You’re welcome!” the Animal Tamer beamed, “Hey, Overlord!”

“Just checking on my favorite Lieutenant!” the Overlord nodded to the Animal Tamer, then maneuvered around the side of the bed, gazing at the Lieutenant’s bandaged side. “How ya feelin’?”

“The Evocator said I’d be out tomorrow. She’s been healing me all afternoon,” the Lieutenant shrugged, then winced, “Might be tough hauling a bazooka, but I’ll manage. She said that the Captain went into some rage and is in the room down the hall...” His expression darkened, “Is it true he hasn’t woken up?”

“Don’t freak out...” the Overlord began slowly, but she knew the Lieutenant wouldn’t listen. As he struggled to get up, the Overlord poked him in the chest, prodding him back down into the bed, “Now listen! I’m going over there to check on him now and see what’s up. Corporal Woodson should be down in a second to give you some noms, gotcha?”

“I don’t care! I need to see him!” the Lieutenant began to stand up, but the Overlord pushed him back down roughly.

“As your Overlord, I’m telling you to sit down and rest. I’ll need you soon, so you can’t go getting yourself even more screwed up, mmkay?” the Overlord glared at the Lieutenant, “Don’t make me call the Twin in.” She added over her shoulder as she walked over to the door. “You know I will... Don’t forget who’s older!”

“If I wasn’t hurt right now... I could so pick you up and toss you to the other side of the mountains...” the Lieutenant grumbled, arms folded crossly and lip stuck out stubbornly. The Overlord merely flashed him a grin, waved, then slipped out into the hall, trotting down the corridor and into the Captain’s room. She was not surprised to find that he was still unconscious, though, knew he would have to awaken soon.

She glanced at the Captain, poking him with a finger before listening for a moan or groan. “You know...” The Overlord murmured, “You ought to wake up soon. Your Lieutenant is quite concerned about you...” She pulled back his shirt to reveal the wound she had inflicted, wincing as she did so. Putting the shirt back, the Overlord cast her gaze towards the door, voice dropping low, “As am I. Why didn’t you tell me you had Saevio all along?” Her tone transformed into one of bitter- regret stinging her words as she continued, “Come on. Wake up, Captain.” He groaned, and the Overlord’s head snapped towards him, hands grabbing either sides of the bed. “I SAID TO WAKE UP!”

“There’s no need to scream...” the Captain mumbled, eyes opening. He started as he stared at her, his sudden awakening causing the Overlord to draw back. The Captain took in a few breaths, muttering, “Why does my chest hurt?”


“Because you got hit. Hard,” the Overlord remarked, arms folded, “You’ve got some explaining to do...!”

“Not happy to see that I’m awake?” the Captain asked with a bit of a chuckle.

Hip jutted out to the side, the Overlord folded her arms, then remarked, “I sort of want to kill you for scaring me like that.” She tried to look as serious as she could, but couldn’t muster the scowl. Smiling at him, she shook her head, then sighed, “But really... You had me worried. I didn’t know you were inflicted with Saevio... And then you were going all ‘MERRRRR’ on people... And...” the Overlord took in a deep breath, “ IthoughtIwasgoingtohavetokillyou. But it’s okay. Because I didn’t. And you passed out before too long...”

“I’m glad you didn’t kill me,” the Captain stammered, “I’m... I’m sorry... I haven’t done that in a long time. I mean... I thought it left. And it wasn’t going to happen again...”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” the Overlord asked, glancing up at him with her arms still folded.

“Why would I? Most people don’t think that sort of thing is... Well... Morally good,” the Captain remarked awkwardly, “I didn’t even know that you knew about it, Overlord. Honestly... I didn’t.”

“I know more than you’d think!” the Overlord said huffily, though smirked behind her draped bangs, “I suppose I haven’t exactly been honest about my powers, either.” It’s funny because it’s kind of ironic? the Theurgist inquired. Hush! the Overlord scolded gently, then added, “I went into my first rage when I was around fourteen. That’s when I found out...”

“You, too?” the Captain asked, eyes lighting up in shock and curiosity. The Overlord’s head merely bobbed up and down, a grim expression on her face. Staring at her, the Captain tilted his head to the side, stroking his goattee with a hand, “... I can see it, I guess...”

“Have you learned to harness it?” the Overlord asked lightly, as though asking about the weather.

“Harness... it?” the Captain raised his eyebrows.

“I’ll take that as a ‘no’,” the Overlord laughed, “I’ll teach you. Once you’re better. There’s ways to calm yourself down before you lose it. And there’s ways to incite it. It took me awhile. But once you get it down, it’s pretty much out of your life unless you want to use it.”

“I’d like that...” the Captain nodded, “Please.”

“As long as you don’t do what you did at the Great Wall of China. ‘Cause... Man, I thought you were going to kill me,” the Overlord laughed, clasping the metal bar at the end of the bed, “I’ll tell the Evocator that you’re up. She’ll want to check up on your wounds.” She bid the Captain farewell, then slipped out into the hall, departing from the sickbay in a few quick strides.

After she cleared the sickbay, the Overlord cast a glance to the left and the right before proceeding forward, moving towards the stairs and looking up at the long line of mages getting ready to be inspected by the Acolyte and Siren. There’s always something... She sighed, then ran a hand through her hair, careful not to expose her right eye. Once the Order members leave... Things will calm down. I’ll get a nice vacation. Hawaii sounds nice. Maybe Hawaii... she smirked, agreeing whole-heartedly with this concept of ‘vacation’ and sensing the Theurgist’s agreement as well. Hawaii it is.