The Consequences of Fallibility

Part III - The Alliance

“Battamon!” a hoarse voice called, echoing throughout the darkened terrain of the Demon Realm.  “Get down here you stupid old monk!” he shouted.  Battamon the demon priest appeared in a splash of red light before the speaker, power exuded from him, created light within the dark shadows. 

“Well, well, well, I should have known you would call me soon,” he said with a mocking tone.  “And to meet here of all places, in the area inhabited by the greatest forces of evil that exist.

“I wanted to meet you outside of the Dynasty,” he responded.

“Fine then, what is it you want to ask of me?” Battamon feigned loyalty and subservience.

“Talpa’s special project…” the elder Warlord said, raising an armored hand to his helmet covered face.  “You said you could take me to the warrior, I want to meet this fighter.”

“You misunderstood Warlord,” he began, waiting for the sentence to begin to sink in.  The Warlord’s armored face seemed disconcerted.  “You want the warriors, plural, there are two of them.  But, why would you want to meet these people?  Are you fashioning yourself to become Talpa’s successor?  Would you have yourself be called, Emperor Kubi?” he laughed in his throat.  Kubi’s response was electrical energy forming around his armored hand.  “Alright then, I will let you meet them, Talpa’s special pair of warriors,” Battamon decided, an evil grin playing on his lips.

The Warlord and Demon Priest appeared outside of a small Chinese-style building in the desert area of the Dynasty.  Sand flew on the wind and whipped across the faces of the two.  The sun beat down overhead, causing the air to be a scorching temperature.  From inside of the building they heard sounds of a battle.  “The two warriors,” Kubi began uncertainly.  “You say they were taken from the Mortal Realm?”

“Yes, just before Talpa’s assault on that Realm,” Battamon responded, his eyes glowing with evil brilliance. 

“So then, they probably would not be ready for any serious battles as of yet,” Kubi said with growing disappointment.

“No Kubi, you misunderstand, these two warriors were of special importance.  Talpa applied the powers of darkness to awaken the warrior spirit within, and he slowed time for them, to give them ample time to train.  He also sent them for early kendo training at the… at a mortal’s dojo.  I assure you, they will be ready for whatever you need them for.”

“But why did Talpa abduct them?” Kubi asked, wanting to get all of his facts straight before he met the pair.

“He had his reasons, reasons that I am not to tell you… yet.”  Kubi seemed to accept this answer, and stepped forward, but paused when he heard the sounds of clanking metal and shrill battle cries escalate. 

“What’s going on in there?” he asked warily.

“Recently most of the warriors have been fighting for dominance over the others,” Battamon responded.  “… as Kayura has been keeping a close watch on the higher ranking Warlords.  They are currently fighting for their territory, outside of Kayura’s view.”  The two focused their attention on the building as the scuffle seemed to spread outside, behind the house.  Suddenly a brilliant light exploded into the air.  Kubi turned his head to the side, but still tried to watch as the explosion erupted above the roof.  The sky remained overly bright, as if the attack had enhanced the sun’s own powers.  From around the side of the building a tall girl walked out.  She was clothed in orange and red body armor, and wore a tiara in her hair fixed with a single red jewel.  In her hand she held a staff that was emanating bright light.  The wind played in her brown hair and the sun caught the jewel and refracted red light shone against the building.  The light from the staff died down.  Then the door opened and another girl stepped out.  She was clothed in blue and red armor, a blue tiara with a red jewel adorning her golden locks.  The two stopped short when they noticed Battamon and Kubi.  The brunette smirked, expecting another fight over territory, while the blonde smiled at them.

“Ah, Warlady Sarah and Warlady Katie, I would like you to meet Kubi, your new master, and the soon-to-be emperor of this realm,” Battamon said.  Kubi eyed the pair uncertainly, but immediately took up an air of superiority when he saw that the brunette’s smirk had not changed.

“Well, soon-to-be emperor,” she began.  “I am Warlady Sarah, and before I pledge any allegiances, I want to know what’s in it for me,” the brunette stepped forward, her staff held tightly in her right hand as it began to shine again, as if anticipating a battle.

Kubi watched her closely for a moment, her superior expression, and her intimidating stance, then immediately thought of the perfect job for her.  “You will be the commander of all of my Dark Warlords,” Kubi said, enjoying her attitude.  The last thing he needed was scared and nervous warriors.

“And what about me?” Katie asked taking her place next to Sarah.

“You will represent my power throughout the realm, as Empress.”  The two girls exchanged glances.

“Deal,” Sarah said, and Katie seconded it.

“I believe this will be the beginning of a prosperous future,” Kubi stated as Battamon watched.