Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Borrowing through the layers of the atmosphere, sheets of silver fell like a falling star, bringing about an intense heat as the hum of the turbines radiated through the very air. A colossal freighter ship larger than three mountains swallowed me in its shadow.

Holding my ground against this starship as trees, grass, and beasts became uprooted from the land, Victoria and I watched on with fascination.

"Have you discovered the connection between Noctem and Genisis?" Asked Victoria, unable to take her eyes off the ship's hull.

"I figured every realm had its connection," I replied, watching as an energy platform materialized. A familiar face strolled out slowly and began to step down from the bulky ship with the largest smile.

"Master!" Said Freya, unable to hide the bright smile.

Jet black hair billowing in the winds, she glared at me with an intensity I would be a fool to miss. By the time she landed on Iluthath, she was on one knee, with her right arm over her chest. "It's an honor to meet you again, my king." she lifted her head and flashed me a grin. "How've you been, Master!"

"Ahhh, Freya is the best," I muttered and cleared my throat, noticing the cat-like expression of praise she held. "Where is Darkmane?"

"Hiding in the bulker, he's still angry." Said Freya with a lump in her throat, sounding as though she didn't know how to handle that one. " Layla is also here. She seems a bit—"

"I needn't you to explain how I feel."

Picking my eye skywards, just above the rustled trees, I gazed at my lovely duke, slowly making her way down. She bowed her head to me and curtsied. " My King." She said in recognition. "It's an honor."

Ahhh, it's so good to be King!

"Layla, are you, by chance, married?" I asked, feeling I already knew the answer but couldn't remember. She'd make a wonderful concubine to my son.

"I am."

"Oh! And where is he?"

The dutches raised her head, her gaze a little dark, " Home taking care of the bastards he fosters."

"Not your—"

"I would never allow such a man to touch me. And don't even think about it. Your not my type either."

I chuckled and shrugged, letting go of what she said. At least for now.

"Well, I've got to go soon. So I won't be here long. I need a fortress built right here. I don't care who you use as long as it's not the Sect of the White Rose. Victoria's people are off limits. Touch them, and you'll have to deal with her."

My knight and dutchess nodded, and I continued. "Once you're done. I'll need an introduction to the captains of each squad. If they are not up to par with my requirements… well, I don't need to say what will happen. I'm sure you lovely ladies get it. Oh, and Freya, keep a flexible schedule. And ready yourself to become the next Monarch of Iluthath."

"Any Questions?"

Layla nodded. And with permission, she spoke. " Do you have a map by chance?"

Envisioning all I've seen through the Web of Darkness, a comprehensive map of the Eben Forest appeared. " I'll send the other continents through the holocube but know that it will take hundreds of years to leave the Eben Forest. For some people, it might take millions."

"Thank you, my King," said Layla.

"Ladies… this is serious; I need territory! You two are both Shadowfell. One even possesses my Forsaken Blood, the other a Chaos Weapon. I need results. I need a network of everything. And I need temples built at every sight you have taken over. I'm bound to make enemies with just about anyone so go crazy."

"Yes, my King!"

Glancing at Victoria, watching with a distant look, I didn't bother to say a word. Before teleporting back to Ezra, who had seemed to be standing in a… run-down room. Covered in so much dust, it looked like sand.

"Your back!" shouted my knight, jumping in surprise as I appeared from the darkness. "You scared the shit out of me! This place is creepy as hell!"

"Said the Devil… I'm starting to wonder if you even are—"

"Master, I am a devil! Ok!~" She stammered cutely to say. " But scary is scary! Shit, there were even areas in hell. Father never dared enter. It's ok for devils to be scared… in fact. They should be scared. We know what's out there!"

Crossing her arms, I chuckled at Ezra, trying to act tough. "Have you started with Mel yet?"

"I have… and it seems like Mithra is communicating with him."

"Eh!"

Ezra nodded, growing serious. " I don't know why such a god is doing such a thing, but it appears like Mithra has sent him on a pilgrimage with the promise of salvation."

It's only been a cycle, but Mithra is already putting in work; it makes me wonder what the other fallen are doing.

"A pilgrimage, huh." I soon repeated after a moment of silence. "And the weapon he holds?"

"Wasn't really a talking point. Do you realize you've only been gone for fifteen minutes, maybe even less? I can't know a person's entire life in fifteen minutes, especially if they are busy caring for someone as sick as Mel."

Stroking my chin at her crass response, Ezra slowly stiffened, turning to me as though she were a machine. "M-M-M—"

"No-No." I softly teased using a cold voice so she wouldn't be able to tell how amused I was. "Seems someone is in some need of some serious punishment."

Bowing her head, I could feel her heart shutter as I leaned close, ready to tease her more, when a sudden knock echoed through the room.

"Arsene? Lady Mithra would like a word."

What the hell?!

Opening the door, Lavos handed me a golden mirror with the design of seven stars shrieking over its edge to meet as one at the top. The mirror itself seemed too smooth, as it made me feel like my reflection was a little too perfect.

"... Mithra?"

Slowly the image began to swell like water caught in a vortex. " Hi, Big Bubba! It's me, Zhu! Aka Truck-kun aka-aka—Wittle Sister!"

"What the! Zhu?" Came another voice on the other end near my sister. " what are you— Get away from that!"

"Hehe, never!!!! Nothing can stop Truck-Kun! Mwahahaha."

"Damn it! Who the hell did you call!"