The Dragon Witch

by Drako

  “What in the hell are you?!” he growled.

  “I am the daughter of the goddess whose name you have disgraced for millennia.” Victoria’s voice filled the room, filled with a power she’d not shown before. “I am a servant of Hecate, and it is in her name that I will best you here today. You will feel the wrath of the goddess whose servants were persecuted and murdered due to the lies you told.”

  Lucifer smirked. “Too bad Hecate isn’t here herself, or today would be so much greater. Don’t feel bad, Hecate. I did what I had to in order to keep my name known. Your followers were easy targets, but they won’t be again. They will be my servants when the Titans regain control of the universe again.”

  Hecate spoke directly through Victoria this time. “Your insolence will lead to your downfall, you fool. Behold my wrath, and the power of this daughter of mine.”

  Hecate’s power was still evident, though Victoria was now completely in control. With a war cry, she attacked with a roundhouse kick that caught Lucifer in the jaw. The dark god stumbled back and Victoria kept coming, catching him with some swift body shots to the ribs and a knee to the stomach to double him over. Grabbing him by his silver hair and the waistline of his pants, she tossed him head first into his throne. Lucifer flipped up and landed next to his throne, then conjured a broadsword. Victoria pulled out her own retractable blade sword and extended the blade.

  “You have some skill, I see, so I think it’s only fitting if I end your existence here and now in the style most befitting you,” Lucifer commented.

  “Talk is cheap.” Victoria charged forward.

  Desdemona regained her footing and was actually smiling.

  “That was impressive.” She brushed herself off. “None of my children have caught me off guard since your father. But you do realize I’ll have to teach you some respect because no one raises a hand to me.”

  Demun yawned. “How about you shut the hell up and fight?”

  Desdemona sent a bolt of energy at him, which Demun dived off to the side to avoid. Rolling to his feet, he kept on the move as Desdemona kept blasting off the bolts. Finally, Demun ducked low under a bolt and charged her, tackling her to the ground. Desdemona used his own momentum against him and tossed him off over her head. The goddess sprang to her feet and fired off another blast as Demun was trying to get up again. Instead, he had to roll to the side to once again avoid the blast.

  Rising to his feet again, Demun flipped high into the air to avoid the next blast and as he came down sent a stream of fire at his grandmother. Desdemona used another energy bolt to meet the fire, cancelling it out. This, however, gave Demun the chance to charge in and dropkick her in the chest, sending her flying across the room. Just to add more damage, he blasted off another stream of flames, this time connecting with the goddess. There was a small explosion and a cloud of smoke kicked up all around her, hiding the goddess from view.

  Demun straightened up, peering into the smoke as best as he could. However, he soon figured out that the goddess had moved. As he turned to look behind him, Desdemona blasted him finally, sending him flying across the temple and into a wall.

  “That was a nice try, but I am a goddess, and you’re nothing more than a mixed breed. I think perhaps your human side makes you so much weaker.” Desdemona walked over to where Demun had landed and was now trying to push himself up. “It seems to me that you’ve learned absolutely nothing in your time here. That makes it so much harder to throw you into my husband’s face. You’re no better than the others.” Lifting her boot, she stepped on Demun’s back to push him back to the ground. “I doubt your brother is any better. You’re weak, both of you. I have no idea why Jarel favors you so much.”

  Demun reached up and grabbed her leg, then jerked her off her feet. As she hit the ground, Demun rose over her and began pummeling her. He got in several very good shots to the face before her body began to glow. Demun quickly pushed himself back as a massive amount of energy erupted from her, going straight up into the ceiling since he’d just managed to move out of the way. As Demun watched, Desdemona actually levitated to an upright, standing position, and the power coming from her was unmistakable.

  Guess I’ll get to see how I truly fare against a goddess, he thought.

  Andreas was getting more and more impatient. It hadn’t even been half a day yet, but he wanted his family out of Shevat. As he sat, mindlessly channel surfing, a bright flash of light announced the arrival of his father.

  “To what do I owe this pleasure, Father?” Andreas asked.

  “Get up, dressed, and armed. We’re going into Shevat,” Jarel answered.

  That caught Andreas’ attention. “We?”

  “Yes, we are going into Shevat. I’m allowed in and we’re about to rain destruction down on some demons. For once, you’re going into battle at my side instead of in my place.”

  In all the years he’d served his father, he’d never really seen the god battle. Sure, they’d gone into Ragnarok together, but that was more of a slaughter since none of the Aesir could truly stand up to him. But the notion was exciting, and he quickly scrambled to his room to get armed.

  “Kazarian!”

  Jarel called, his voice stretching beyond the house and out to the ears of the god. Seconds later, Kazarian appeared before him. “Yes?”

  “I suggest you prepare for battle,” Jarel told him. “You ride with me today.”

  Kazarian tilted his head to the side in question. “No disrespect, but I have to clear that with Ares first.”

  “Ares!” Jarel roared, annoyance evident in his tone.

  Another flash of light and the god of war stood before Jarel as well. Ares stood close to Jarel’s height with bronzed skin and dark brownish red hair, which just reached his shoulder. He dressed like a mortal biker, wearing mostly black leather from his pants to the vest he wore instead of a shirt.

  “It’s not often I’m summoned these days. What’s the occasion?” Ares asked.

  “I’m taking your right hand man into battle. Do you have a problem with that?” Jarel asked.

  “You’re taking him into battle?” Ares laughed slightly. “Sorry, but I can’t just let him go witness such a sight alone. I’m afraid I’ll have to join you too. It’s a rare occasion for the god of war to witness a primordial god in battle. So, where are we going?”

  “Shevat,” Jarel told him. “Your job is to kill whatever rises against us and stay out of my way. Lucifer’s ass is mine.”

  “Lucifer? That’s interesting. Does dear old Dad know about this clash?” Ares asked, amusement still evident in his tone.

  “I’m sure word will get to him. Lucifer decided to resurrect your grandfather, after all.”

  Strangely, Ares found this to be funny. “So, who gets first crack at Cronus? Or are we saving him for Dad?”

  “I don’t rightly care, Ares. If he stands with Lucifer and Desdemona, then I’ll gladly beat the hell out of him too.”

  Andreas returned to the room, fully dressed with his sword strapped to his waist. “I’m ready to go.”

  A bright light flashed around Jarel, momentarily blinding the group. When it cleared, he stood dressed similarly to Ares, only he wore a fitted black t-shirt instead of the vest. He also had a sword strapped to his waist. It was similar to Andreas’ katana, but the hilt was gold and the dragons were black, whereas Andreas’ sword had a black hilt and gold dragons. There was also a large black diamond built into the end of the hilt.

  “Nice sword. Is it a gift from Hephaestus?” Ares asked.

  “No, a gift to myself,” Jarel answered. “Now, let’s move.”

  Six

  Victoria stepped out of range of Lucifer’s sword, her own sword raised. The ground began to shake and she could feel the pulse of power from within the pillar of blood. A light began to emanate from within.

  “Ah, Cronus has almost arrived.” Lucifer’s smile would have charmed the average person, but all Victoria saw was the evil beneath it. “We really should wrap
this up. It would be rude for the former king of heaven to return to life in a battle.”

  “Well, I guess we’ll just be rude.” Victoria attacked again.

  Their swords met again and the sound of clashing metal filled the room again. There was a noticeable difference this time. Victoria started on offense, but found herself on defense as Lucifer seemed to exert more of his power. Even with Hecate’s added power, it was becoming clear that Victoria was in a losing battle. She jumped back out of range only to get caught with a blast of Lucifer’s power that sent her flying across the room. She hit the wall and sank to the floor, honestly surprised by the effect the dark god had on her. Her head was spinning and moving wasn’t an option right at that moment.

  “Well, it looks like all Cronus will see is you lying at my feet. It was fun while it lasted. It’s almost a shame I have to kill you.” Lucifer looked down at her in consideration. “You’d make an interesting mother to my child. Perhaps, I shall keep you as a pet.”

  Rage filled Victoria at the insult. She was no one’s pet. She’d bow to no male that sought to use her as a breeding mare. Her rage spurred her to action once again. Gripping her sword, she waited as Lucifer approached her. As he came closer, she sprang to her feet and kicked him in the jaw. Continuing to attack, she backhanded Lucifer across the face and gave him a nice headbutt across the nose that made the god stagger back. With the father of all evil in a daze, Victoria went on the attack with her sword. Lucifer, however, was still able to parry each attack, and within a few seconds, they were on an even footing again, and the Dark One was about to gain the advantage again.

  Demun was faring quite a bit better on his own. He caught Desdemona with a right hook that made the goddess lose her balance and then a heavy backfist that sent her flying into the wall. As she hit the wall, Demun was already right there with her, pinning her wrists over her head. Desdemona hissed at him, causing him to grin. The goddess wasn’t done yet.

  Desdemona swung her head forward and hit him right between the eyes. Demun released her and stumbled back, his hand going to his face as blood began to spurt from his nose. Desdemona charged forward and tackled him to the floor. Demun rolled with her momentum and tossed her off him while springing back to his feet. The demon goddess landed on her feet and came back at him. Demun turned and met her with a spinning hook kick to the jaw. Desdemona flipped over and landed on her feet again while quickly blasting him with a bolt of energy. The bolt caught Demun in the chest and burned his shirt to ashes instantly as he hit the floor. He sat up immediately after and swiped the blood from his nose.

  “Is that the best you’ve got, you old hag?”

  Desdemona scowled. “You’re beginning to annoy me. Don’t you know when to stay down?”

  Demun opened his mouth and a stream of fire shot out, catching the goddess in the chest and blasting her across the room and pinning her against the wall. Demun got back to his feet and winced slightly. That bolt he’d taken had burned his chest and he was finding it difficult to catch his breath. Still, he had to move forward and take his grandmother out while he had the chance.

  That chance was gone already. As Demun was walking forward, Desdemona shot off another stronger energy bolt that struck him full on. This time, Demun dropped to his knees, smoke pouring off his body. Another bolt hit him and this time he fell flat on his face. Desdemona appeared over him and kicked him with the point of her boot.

  “Well, that was a nice try, but you clearly aren’t any stronger than your father.” Desdemona looked up at the blood coming up from the pool. “Finally, Cronus is going to join us.”

  The ground began to shake violently and pulses of energy flowed from within the blood throughout the temple. Brandon and Krazas stopped, as did the demons surrounding them. The two were covered in demon blood and surrounded by bodies, but more and more demons kept coming in. Lucifer and Victoria also stopped, Victoria’s breathing labored and several cuts now bleeding on her arms and torso. The blood began to swirl rapidly and finally a massive burst of energy came from within, dispelling the blood and sending the others flying.

  Victoria flipped in the air and landed behind the thrones to shield herself, then looked around the throne to watch. Lucifer and Desdemona remained where they were while Brandon jumped up to catch his brother and Krazas jumped to catch him, then landed just in front of the door.

  Hovering in the air was a tall, darkly attractive man with short black hair and a black beard. His eyes were cold and black, and he was strangely dressed in a white chiton, a contrast to his whole demeanor. He floated over to stand in front of the pool, powering emanating from him. As appearances went, he looked to be a man in his early thirties. Like most gods, his body was muscled and well-toned, his skin flawless and bronzed. As height went, he towered over everyone in the room except Lucifer. He held out a hand and Brandon, Demun, and Krazas found themselves unable to move. With his other hand, he held Victoria in place as well.

  “Holy shit,” Brandon muttered.

  “He is the former king of the universe,” Krazas replied.

  “Well, doesn’t it just suck to be us right now?” Demun asked bitterly.

  Cronus turned to Lucifer. “I suppose I owe you thanks for reviving me.”

  Desdemona huffed. “It’s not like he could have done it alone. It’s the blood of my descendants that resurrected you, most of whom were not descended from him.”

  Cronus turned his gaze to her. “I would feel more grateful had you two imbeciles not waited eons to revive me! I find it insulting that I had to be revived here. And why is Zeus is not here kneeling before me?!”

  Lucifer appeared before Cronus. “I apologize, my lord, but Zeus’ strength is not something I can go up against lightly. And his pantheon has grown quite powerful.”

  Cronus’ handsome face was slightly marred by a scowl. “Weakling. I can’t seem to remember why I spared your life at any point in time. It shouldn’t have been that hard to pick them off one by one. And then there are these wretches that stand here before me.” He turned his attention to the males his power still held in place. “They sought to stop my resurrection, and yet they still lived to see it. This is further evidence of your incompetence. To think that these are your descendants, Desdemona, and yet you could not actually destroy them.”

  “Says the guy that got knocked off his throne eons before most of us in this room were even thought of by his youngest son,” Brandon muttered.

  Cronus’ eyes narrowed on the boy. “You are every bit as stupid as your grandmother. You dare to speak to me with such insolence? Do you not understand that I hold the power of life and death in my hands?”

  Brandon rolled his eyes. “News flash, you’re the former king of the gods. The current one kind of mopped the floor with you. And quite frankly, I know someone else that makes you piss yourself just thinking about fighting him.”

  “Do you believe I have reason to fear your grandfather?” Cronus narrowed his eyes. “I was bested by Zeus only because I did not foresee all those plotting against me. But now, I know my enemies.”

  “And you really have no allies,” Brandon told him.

  What the hell are you doing? Demun demanded silently. Are you trying to piss him off?

  Yeah, actually, I am. I need him to keep talking, Brandon replied.

  “You are a fool, child, if you think none would align themselves with me,” Cronus told him.

  “Seems to me that you’re the fool,” Brandon shot back. “Do you honestly think the Prince of Darkness and his bitch will stand with you against the Olympians? Neither of them can stand up to Zeus. They’re merely hoping that you can topple them by yourself. If they could do it, then they would have done so without you, and long before now. As soon as they see the fight is lost, they’ll just leave you.”

  “You are smarter than you look, but do not underestimate me.” Cronus glanced at Lucifer and Desdemona. “I don’t trust either of them any farther than I can throw them. This is why I will release those
that will aid me and will never cower and run. I will have my throne once again.”

  As former god king finished speaking, the demons all around burst into black flames, screaming in unparalleled agony. The walls began to shake as suddenly the roof was torn off the temple. Everyone looked up to see a large black dragon toss the roof aside. Sky blue eyes looked down at the remaining inhabitants.

  “Well, it seems I shall slay a dragon this day,” Cronus commented in a bored tone.

  “No, Cronus. Today, you face my wrath.”

  Standing on the dragon’s head was Jarel. As he gazed down, Cronus clenched his jaw and it seemed as if Lucifer and Desdemona actually shrank back. As they gazed up at him, Jarel vanished, only to reappear in front of them inside the temple.

  “The Black Dragon God has decided to grace us with his presence today,” Cronus said, this time in a strained voice laced with bitterness and sarcasm. “Tell me, to what do we owe the pleasure? After all, you never cared before who sat on the throne.”

  “Well, your arrival opened the gates of Shevat to the gods, and I figured it was a good time to come down here and handle some business,” Jarel answered casually. “Of course, nothing would make me happier than leaving you three lying in a pool of blood at my feet.”

  Cronus’ face contorted in rage. “You would stand against me?! You, who did nothing to prevent my disgraceful son from seizing my throne?!”

  “I did nothing to aid your father when you seized the throne from him. Why would I have helped you?”

  “I fought my father honorably. I would think you could respect that. You value honor above all else.”

  “Yes, I do, and Zeus defeated you honorably. His power was greater, his strategy was better, and with only two other gods and three goddesses, he toppled the legendary Titans. And it was Zeus himself that struck the death blow to you. Frankly, the world has been better off without you. The god reigning supreme over heaven and earth can’t be a callous, uncaring prick like you. Therefore, I have no choice but to beat you down and send you into Tartarus for eternity. Mother let you go too easily.”