02 Wrath of Flames

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  The ground trembled in the stadium parking lot as the lead flyer landed. Ethan and Kanade were practically feathers in comparison. The two black Dragons took off again just as the semi reached the gate and pulled right up behind other armored vehicles, mostly smaller. First to exit was the group’s only Shifter and she stepped out as a Cheetah with shoulders up five and a half feet from the ground. She was downright huge, as all Shifters are in animal form.

  Just as the team was gathering outside came a sultry “My, haven’t we been eating our vegetables.” Ethan and others turned to a golden skinned Succubus wearing leather dominatrix clothes that barely covered ample breasts. One hop and they’d spill out. But crossed over her back were curved scimitars.

  One look at his team had him saying “Shigure, stop using your abilities. Your sexual powers are widespread, not focused. You’re not going to live much longer if you don’t cut it out.”

  “Can’t blame a girl for trying.” The men of the team shook their heads while the girls were ready to rip every hair from the Succubus’ scalp. “So those wings are what kept this meeting from happening two days ago. I can see why. Must have hurt worse than a spiked dildo shoved up your ass.”

  Kira flicked wrist and Shigure screamed through her nose as the Witch shut her lips. “Lass, even I’m not that vulgar. I’ll release you if you lead on.” Kira heard Kanade’s mental voice saying ‘Thank you’ and got a “Harlot had it coming.”

  Shigure stared daggers but nodded. Her mouth unsealed and threatened “One day Witch I’m going to have my way with you…”

  Ethan took a step closer and flames danced over his body. “Threatening my teammate, Shigure? Not a good idea unless you want to be put in a human hospital’s burn wing, unable to grow another hair atop that pretty little head of yours… I suggest you lead on or I’ll regretfully inform Kyoko you were caught trying to seduce the big girl staring down on you and just happened to get too close to her.”

  Shigure slowly looked up and saw the large female Dragon glaring down on her. “Depart now, Biped.” Came the growl. The Dragon was under orders to keep the peace by any means necessary and would do so.

  “Fine. Follow me… please.” The Succubus said with the fakest smile ever put on and she spun on six inch heels to show a leather thong riding up her crack. Nell was close enough in scandalous clothing and found the exchange humorous.

  Ethan winked at the Dragon who gave another evil smile and winked back.

  The stadium was easy to navigate, but relatively empty. The first stairwell opening was closed and guarded by two Dragons and an assortment of others totaling fifteen. So was the next and the next one after that. It came to a different number as one lonely Elf stood in a beautiful yukata before a stairway. Ethan raised a hand saying “Hello, Dallare!” Shigure though jogged away to take her place further down with the rest of her mistress’s warriors.

  The Shaman had to blink several times before asking “Is that truly you, Elemental? I did not believe the picture sent was true.” and jerked straighter at realizing how badly it sounded.

  “Don’t worry about it. You aren’t the first to react like that. Are we late?”

  “Not by much considering the information was given less than one hour prior.”

  “Lead on then.” He followed the tiny Elf, holding Kanade’s hand and the group formed a barricade over their entrance. Ethan knew they were much more relaxed considering the worst case scenario being locked in a room with dozens of adversaries. Extra space allowed for plenty of room to fight their way out if need be. Nell and the other archers climbed up on overhangs and readied to fight at a moment’s notice from higher ground. As he followed the Elf upstairs he casually said “Blake, you’re in command. I can’t record once I get in, but I’ll keep the speaker on on my end incase there is trouble.”

  “Understood.”

  “Radio Silence Mode.” He commanded and the images on screen vanished along with all recoding instruments.

  Dallare looked over her shoulder and held her hand out. He lowered the device and she said desperately “Blake? Ethan’s under attack.” When there was no reaction aside from Ethan’s frown, she smiled and gave it back. “Had to be sure it was off.”

  “I understand.” He put it back on, careful not to toss Floa around.

  Soon they stepped into a stadium brightly lit. All around were empty seats spectators would cheer for whatever team was playing. The silence was near deafening and gave a surreal feeling in the void… until low murmurs drew attention to the field. Situated in the middle was a huge manifested table made by altering the size of a normal round table. It was circular and seated were the five Demon Lords while behind them were two individuals. One Elf and a Shaman. Two were both Elf and Shaman, like Dallare, so they were allowed their finest warrior to act as second.

  First and foremost to draw the eye was the Titan, Gaia. Even sitting down cross legged Ethan knew she was like a giant Redwood in height and had four arms all crossed over a naked chest and taut abdomen. Due to her size like that of all Titans, regular clothes were not optional. They would rip and tear too easily due to weight. So there she sat buck naked and gloriously beautiful. But even in Greek Mythology, they pegged her as a mother of the Titans for good reason. Despite her size, she was highly alluring and had skin like sun-kissed bronze. Her face was kind, serene and patient, but her large eyes told Ethan Fate’s warning wasn’t false. She could be quick to anger and a mouth that size could kill easily. Upon her brow rested a circlet to contain her great aura.

  What seemed strange is how she acknowledged him first with a strange smile. As if long expecting and a destiny is at last fulfilled. It was clear she knew something no other did.

  Another weird thing was Gaia reminded him of an old dear friend from middle and High School he knew as Glenna. He hadn’t thought about his old and dearest friend in twelve years. Where it came from he had no clue.

  Next largest was the benefactor of the territory, the red Dragon Methrom. He was huge in his own right and reminded Ethan of Vilorogue from the image Tokala once showed. Well over a hundred and forty feet long and had steel blue eyes that turned as soon as he caught movement to stare at Ethan and Kanade.

  Kyoko was tiniest among the Demon Lords, her pale white hair artfully decorated was like a fair beacon. Even from afar Ethan noticed her shock and that of the other Demon Lords as soon as they got a good look.

  To either side of her was Sarimee the nine tailed Kitsune with red and black markings while to the other was Dileep, a giant Kelpie. Kelpie were virtually black horses, but had fangs like a saber tooth cat and gills along its neck to breathe underwater. Blood red eyed narrowed.

  “Dallare, it will be faster if you go on ahead. We’ll glide over.”

  “Much appreciated.” The Elf disappeared and instantly reappeared behind her mistress.

  Only one pairing of seats were vacant as Ethan and Kanade flew easily to the table. As soon as he landed Methrem demanded “What mockery is this? You are not the Elemental my minions spoke of. He is human. And how dare you…”

  A deep growl overcame Ethan as he said “Heesh lir blook Ethan mattam, Methrom. Shlee klai!”

  All five Demon Lords seemed to have been shocked by lightning by how they sat up. Methrom overcame it first and returned “How come you to know that greeting?”

  “What greeting?” Ethan asked. “I just said I am Ethan, Methrom and to say it is a pleasure to meet you.”

  “No you didn’t, Darlin’. You said somethin’ not even I understood.”

  “You wouldn’t, Kanade-chan.” Kyoko spoke softly and smirked. “That was Blood Speak. The first known spoken language. Only the most ancient original bloodlines can vocalize it. I can understand it, but cannot speak it. And Methrom-san, I explained Ethan-sama’s condition. Identify his scent and tell me I’m mistaken.”

  Ethan and Kanade stayed close. Then he burst into red and purple flames when the serpent stretched his neck over. “Close enough.”

&nbs
p; Methrom froze like all the others as soon as they saw and sensed his power. Then the red one took a deep breath and never had those eyes grown so large. “How can this be, Kyoko? This one should not exist!”

  Now all the Demon Lords glared at him and he didn’t back down.

  “And what the hell is that supposed to mean? If your somehow detecting I’ve died once, well Fate brought me back.”

  “No. I mean you…”

  “Not another word.” Gaia’s gentle voice curtly shook the ground they all were on.

  “Wait, you know what my angel is don’t you?” Kanade asked in realization.

  “We do.” Gaia grinned, uncrossing huge arms larger than mature tree trunks. “But we won’t divulge what he is. If you do not know by now, it is all that is keeping your mate alive. You are not to speak of our knowing an old secret thought lost long, long ago. Kyoko, you were right in bringing him here and to our attention. I can even feel his suppressed power. It is still weak, but clearly he is the lost one I was tasked to find over six centuries ago.”

  “Sure as hell wasn’t expecting this.” Ethan mumbled. “Gaia, who is looking for me?”

  “I’m not permitted, Young One. If others knew of your mere existence you would be hunted relentlessly and killed before your true power manifests. As the record keeper of all Demon Lords since Earth was even habitable, my word is law. For your own safety, cease this query.”

  “Seconded.” Sarimee the nine tailed fox/humanoid vixen spoke.

  When something is seconded, Ethan knew to bring it up again would be suicide. “Fine. May we sit and get started?”

  “Permission granted.” Methrom grumbled.

  “Kanade, what could make Demons want to protect me of all people? I mean even Gia said forces will want my head if they knew. What forces? And after I killed millions of them and they still want to help… what the hell is going on?”

  “I’m in the dark as well, but if it is to keep you safe I’ll keep my trap shut… Floa also let me in her mind and says she promises to not say a word. She loves and wants to protect you as well.” She admitted as she sat beside him.

  Kyoko stood up to address the assembly. “As I sent the envoys I will begin. First I am humbled you accepted to gather together. As you all are aware, I was attacked by Sheedan’s minions and was nearly killed if not for the most timely rescue efforts by Order’s behalf, led by Ethan-sama himself. And as you all know, of the remaining Lords, I am singularly the strongest. But in less than a day I was discovered near death. My summoning of this gathering is to foremost call for a unification of all our forces for the purpose of destroying the Agas.”

  “And why should I put my time and the lives of my minions in a war that is simply delaying the inevitable?” Dileep the Kelpie asked as if it were not a concern. “I just got a missive to join Sheedan or be killed four hours ago. All my minions are venerable while we sit. What do you offer me to sink my fangs into?”

  “Dileep is decidin’ on who’s the better bet to win the race.” Kanade mentally commented.

  “Or play devil’s advocate.” He countered and she squeezed he hand.

  “Japan is too overpopulated for you to even consider giving land.” Dileep continued and whinnied. “Why should we unite when Sheedan will kill us in a year or two rather than a century? What makes any of you better than her?”

  “I am undecided.” Sarimee stroked one of her fluffy tails.

  Kyoko seemed ready for the argument. “I’ve seen firsthand what she is capable of. If you submit to demands, she will kill you anyway to not be challenged for power. Only Methrom-san and I have the necessary power to kill her in one on one combat, but even you will be seen as a threat. One of my spies saw her eat Magtharriddien not one minute after she branded him to take over all his minions in Italy.”

  “She ate him?” Gaia asked after the surprise.

  “So I was told personally the day she sent some of her army to kill me when I refused.” Kyoko inclined her head to the Titan.

  “Seconded.” Methrom said. “One of mine witnessed the same incident and Magtharriddien was an old friend back in the Windswept Mountains in Demon World. He was the only one who had skin hard enough not to burn yet her strength could devour the likes of a Stone Giant should tell us much. But Dileep has a valid point, it will be at most a stalemate for centuries and it takes too long for Demon Lords of our strength to pass though from Demon World. Even if we leave, the time and energy to open a portal will be our undoing. Her forces will still kill us. I see no point in creating an alliance when it will only cause the death of this buffet of a world.”

  “Then perhaps the young master has an idea.” Gaia glared.

  Ethan slammed fiery fist to the table when his fuse reached the powder keg after being here less than three minutes, making everyone jump as the wood was instantly turned to ash. He didn’t care a miniature Drone did it. “What the hell!” He roared. “Are you all a bunch of pushovers or are you so old you’ve forgotten what pain is like to talk about death so easily?!” Ethan jumped from his chair and slammed a fist in Methrom’s nose, snapping his head back as easily as a ragdoll. Then he flipped around and double kicked Dileep in his chest and put a foot over his throat.

  Before any further action come from the shocked Demons the entire stadium burst into flames and after screams, they realized the fire didn’t cause harm. His voice through the blinding flames held them still. “Where are the Demons who scare even Airmid the Spirit King!? Where are the nightmares that still scare little children at bedtime to know where dangerous places are that are rife with malice you guys embody.” Dileep felt an unbreakable grasp and was brought face to face with a red eyed creature who made him tremble. “Why the fuck do you worry about profiting from new territory when Sheedan will still take it and kill you for being a Dumbass! You should do what you do best, find a common enemy and stop her. You five are all that remain loyal to the Accords… mostly. Kyoko being the only one of you not to slip up and eat a soul since it was put in place. Perhaps She should do what Sheedan is doing and mark all of you and kill you. Better yet, how about I burn this whole area with all of you in it and force Sheedan to take one Demon at a time. You know what she will do when she gets hold of you. You die anyway. At least united, you get time enough to make a plan because you will have more time. If you die, that’s it! No second chances. So quit your pathetic whining and see what is right in front of you.”

  And just as suddenly, the fire vanished leaving a frightened and silent room with a man holding up a Clydesdale size Kelpie with a single hand at its throat.

  Hateful glares came from most until Gaia threw her head back and caused a minor earthquake resulted from her laugh. “Absolutely marvelous! Well done, Ethan! You’ve clearly earned my respect. Kyoko, you were not boasting earlier. He is exactly as he should be, using force none of us could deny. We all felt it. He could kill us by simply blinking. I agree to unite till Sheedan’s head is at my feet. We can squabble over how to divide all the territories she has claimed among the five of us. Until she is stopped, it is useless to bicker over a true looming threat. Who will second my words?”

  “Seconded.” Dileep choked after regaining his breath. His eyes met the man to overpowered him. “You did well… Elemental.”

  The way he said it was almost mocking to Ethan, like he wasn’t truly an Fire Elemental at all.

  Methrom wiped a bloody snout, impressed at the strength contained in the smaller creature. “Agreed. I too will unite on the condition the five of us share leadership and all major decisions are voted and any further attacks on one another are put on hold.”

  “Seconded.” Sarimee said as she put her seat back up and settled down, without taking her tangerine eyes off the one who scared her completely.

  “I knew I could count on you, Ethan-sama.” Kyoko smiled widely and gave a quick bow.

  “Well now that the five of you agree, I have a proposition from the First House.” Ethan sat beside a shell shocked Kanade wit
h Floa cussing up a storm in his ear at how stupid that was and how she nearly fell off from him moving too fast.

  “Proceed.” Gaia used one hand to sweep over all their heads.

  “Actually first I’m thankful you all see how reasonable you can be.”

  “By force you mean?” Kyoko asked, humored.

  “Hey don’t blame the kids when the adult are being fucking idiots. You all are so set in your ways it was my only option since I’m not too good with words and I’ll not apologize to get you to all see sense. Kyoko, if not for me rescuing you, your file says you are an uptight person who won’t agree to anything till hell froze over just to make you comfortable.”

  “Ain’t that the truth.” Gaia snorted. “Resume, Young One.”

  “Sheedan’s goal is to break the accords protecting this world. We all know this. If she succeeds, even you can agree the ‘buffet’ of humans will plummet in population as your minions will go out of control on souls and kill to get them. Since none of us want such losses, we unite. Lives continue for us in Order and a huge supply of food you denizens all enjoy. Humans will see you again for what you are. Though their weapons won’t kill some of you with hard hides, once they learn to pick up swords and arrows again, you all will find food who will fight back. You are all comfortable here compared to five centuries ago when it was constant war. To combat her, on behalf of Order’s First House and signed by all fifty heads and all earth’s supernatural kings and queens” Ethan pulled five envelopes from his inner breast pocket. “I am here to propose a free exchange of information regarding all on her and her movements. Once she’s located Order will begin an assault on her compound while your forces take the rear. It will be a combined pincer attack.” He walked up and handed the documents over to those with hands. Gaia’s Shaman mystically blew up the document in size so she could read the letter.