03 Atavism of the Ifrit

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “What?” They all said at the exact same time with the most falsely innocent expression they could muster without breaking out in laughter.

  “Ugh, each and every one of you are hopeless!” He threw his arms up.

  It was the pulled trigger that had each of them come crowding up surrounding him. They all whispered sexual things just to tease him, their favorite game. They only backed off as silvery flames began sparking around him.

  “Tease.” He said to the lot of them.

  “Don’t you forget it!” Gaia said as her lower right arm pinched his right butt cheek. “Come on, Husband, or we’ll miss it.”

  Kanade wove her arm casually through his after summoning his gauntlets and maces to hook onto the belt as the other seven mistresses lined up behind her, the Elves hanging back.

  With an effortless pull the gigantic chamber door opened by Ethan’s hand and everyone stepped beyond well before the door shut on its own accord.

  Waiting beyond the sapphire line were the usual Balam and Titan chamber guards, But Panther, the Six and remaining Balam mistress protectors awaited in a group beyond. Off to the side was the team and Nell’s other husbands and wives, not in their armor, but in some of the finest ceremonial garb Dressor could create. Ethan knew about it beforehand and when Kira mentally contacted he spelled their clothes after being asked since there was to be many of the most powerful and influential demons coming. Like her Succubae wives, Nell too wore a practically see-through gown and Magnus and the two other Incubus husbands were proud, very proud.

  As soon as stepping beyond the line all the king’s mistresses were surrounded by their guards and Panther stood beside Ethan. First to speak was Baldr. Who would have guessed? “Spiffy, Lucy.”

  “You haven’t called me that in months.” The Ogre shrugged.

  “Very handsome, Boyo.” Kira complemented.

  “Alright, is everyone good to go? No need to use the can or anything?”

  “We all watered the forest before we left.” Nell said. “My, Kyoko, you look ravishing.”

  “Thank you, Nell-chan.” Kyoko said somewhat stiffly since they were in the company of others and she had an image to upkeep.

  “If everyone’s good to go… Villiken.”

  In an instant they appeared in a crowded anteroom proceeding inside the double doors opened. Loud, eager voices assaulted the sense of hearing. The eager patrons all rushed to silence as a great set of energies suddenly appeared rather than being forced to walk in a crowded line and hope to not be squashed under the feet of a Titan. Ethan ignited to hide himself and the others and space opened as demons fell into a bow. Dragons flying in, stopped and waited for the one all had come to witness firsthand.

  Without another word Ethan willed his power over fire into a tornado that lifted everyone up off the ground and shot them forward inside the eye of a vortex. His absolute control made the trek inside much faster as the twister didn’t touch the ground. This was his most devastating ability, but none were surprised to see him use it. It was part of the plan, but Ethan was surprised to see the great room had changed.

  A half moon coliseum made of dark red energy had solidified into seats for the coming crowd to take. It was cut into two sections. To the right were where Titans and Dragons veered off since they were naturally too large and would block the view of other of the royal caste. Left was filling up with all manner of creatures. The room quieted greatly as the flaming silver tornado shot forward to where Zagan burned purple further away. It was obvious the crowd saw their new king since no fire wielder had silver flames. It was a trait no other had.

  Ethan had sensed a great many dangerous powers, most of the greater could be a threat if provoked. Yet none attacked for two reasons. The vortex fire could consume and make ash out of them and two, the deadliest of all Balam guards were kept close. Since Panther, Sacnite and the other lead Balam with a burning heart placed under the skin were calm, meant no one intended to murder at the moment.

  Inside the torrent of purple flame, Ethan’s inner eye could see just two individuals. One a frail, barely living skeleton and a much thicker Dragon. Laying just outside of the consuming heat were three pure white female Dragons. Ethan knew right away who they all were.

  Silver met violet, but did not battle. Ethan eased the tornado to settle on the ground and dissipate. Feet lightly touched down.

  “Welcome, My Young King.” Greeted Vilorogue curled around the exposed and frail Zagan who was carefully seated on the great black Dragon’s thick tail.

  “Morning, General. I take it you and the old man reconnected?”

  “Indeed we did, My Son.” Rumbled the ailing Ifrit. “We’ve spoken for many hours this morning. It is good to have my friend back.”

  “Glad to hear it. Vilorogue, how are your wounds?”

  “All is healed. My mistresses are great at healing me… they’ve had much practice.”

  “So have we.” Lightly smiled Kanade as she switched to Blood Speak which had her always turning a bit feverish. “Ethan’s ancestral father made sure we had to help our angel often after the many trials. We females ought to rule. At least we do not try killin’ ourselves.”

  Vilorogue, as a Dragon, couldn’t smile. They had the facial expression of an alligator with the head of a tyrannosaurus rex with long twisting obsidian horns. It were those bright yellow eyes that expressed warmth of all things. “My mates often say the same, First Mistress.”

  “Then I think I’ll get along with them.”

  “They would like that, I’m sure.”

  “Panther,” Zagan began. “see if you can expedite the influx of citizens. I do so hate wasting time over petty things. If they do not hurry, give them a little persuasion.”

  The Balam general’s whiskers twitched. “At once.” He then passed beyond the flaming dome blocking all outside view.

  “Damn, Zagan,” Started Baldr as he plopped down on Vilorogue’s tail to beside the withering Ifrit. “you look worse than two days ago.”

  “Thank you for noticing, Ogre. I must say that your observation can be shoved up your ass for all I care.”

  Vilorogue glared daggers down on Baldr for insulting his ancient friend.

  “Oh, forgot to say thanks for that kinky herb you told me about. Kira’s pregnant you know.”

  “What?!” Kanade, Nell, Reevy and Ellen all turned to the Witch who turned bright red.

  “Bladr, why did you ruin the surprise!” Her fist turned yellow and Baldr’s eyes bulged before he jumped up and hopped around holding his groin she was squeezing from over thirty feet away.

  “Sorry! Damn woman, let go! Let go! Let go! Let GO!” He pleaded in pain, still hopping around.

  Kira wrinkled her nose and stopped the spell, much to Baldr’s relief as he pulled his pants out to look down and check everything down there was alright. Judging by his total relief, everything remained intact.

  “You’re pregnant?” Kanade repeated.

  “Bugger.” The Witch grumbled, wrote a few quick lines and a transparent bubble appeared which had a line connected to her womb that pulsed with the runes was known as Conceive, Woman with the number two rune. “Twin girls, just like…” Gaia glared and mentally reprimanded Kira privately. “I wanted.” She corrected without anyone who didn’t know Gaia’s seer abilities was the wiser. “I’ve been pregnant for about five hours… I’m to be a first time mum.”

  “I’m so happy for you!” Kanade congratulated and hugged her friend, as did the other women, but the other mistresses merely rested a hand on her shoulder and the guards merely spread out. Kira’s emerald glowing eyes watered.

  “So if you have a problem, it is no longer mine.” Zagan’s mirthful voice carried to all in the great room through his flame. “As of this moment I pass my kingship to my last son, Ethan. The Silver King!”

  Fire vanished and those who never got to see Ethan before clearly saw him sitting commandingly in the king’s throne with eight thrones beside his, four to either side
, each one seating a regal and breathtakingly beautiful mistress. Zagan vanished thanks to Villiken who saw to the waning former king, placing him comfortably in a well guarded bed. Zagan smiled and sighed in relief as a great burden had been given to a worthy successor.

  Ethan stood and his strength carried in his natural booming voice without need to speak through flame. All eyes fell eagerly on him. “I am Ethan Volorum, last descendant of Zagan. I take this throne for my own by trial and right. My first order as your king is to make two great changes.” All the demons and his women were unaware except for Kanade who he could not hide anything from and Gaia who foresaw this though he just spontaneously came up with it. “From this moment on, no longer shall my women be called ‘mistress’. They no longer are ranked first, second and so on. Each one of them are my wives, therefore are my queens.” The six unaware were shocked to say the least. “They no longer must travel by number nor do anything that is uncomfortable or stiff. That means Queen Benilliminia can walk at Queen Kanade’s side and do so without ramification. Queen Gaia will retain the title of queen of the Titans while also carry Queen of the fire nation. Should Queen Sarimee feel the need to dance during a banquet she may. Should Queen Flajeen wish to help an injured child, she may.

  “As my queens, their word carries the full weight of this station as if it were my own.

  “But beware, if you insult them, the punishments remain as or their guards see fit. And if you dare attack your queens you better swear your hiding place is impregnable because I’ll kill each and every person responsible for harming so much as a hair on their heads.

  “To all the lesser kings and queens listening, I will allow you to keep your title as strongest, but you will bow before my queens. If you disrespect them and survive, you answer to me.” His growl was unmistakable.

  “Secondly, as king, my word is law as my father’s was before me. From now on inside the diamond palace, no longer shall souls be accessible for consumption. If you want a soul, you have go and take your chances in the mortal realm.”

  At the first moment of outrage from the royal caste Drones fired off like beachball spheres at the head of a rocket fueled by the powers of a demonic god so they flew true, like lasers. Bright flashes of silver lines soaked into bodies. Hundreds dared to act out in mob rules and instead found themselves being immolated into pillars of ash. One touch or breeze made their forms crumble.

  “This isn’t a debate or up for negotiation!” Ethan roared. “If you don’t like it you can leave my fucking palace and take your chances with the Queen of Ice, which I can guarantee you all remember what it was like when she was in command.” This settled the anger greatly. Many knew just how cruel Xandril is to anyone below her. “If you want a soul, you can take your chances outside Demon World. I can’t stop you all from destroying lives, but I can and will keep it from happening in my own palace. Just know warriors of Order will hunt you down if you get too greedy. Balam!” The palace guards awaited orders. “In two days, make sure no more disembodied souls are in my palace and none come in on pain of death. Smuggling souls will not be permitted. Soul bearing creatures such as my elite guard may come and go as they please, but raw souls will be confiscated and criminals will be your prey.” Yowls acknowledged his command. “Just to be clear, if you want to change my command and become king of the fire nation,” Ethan drew his maces and unfurled his wings. “you will have to kill me right here and now if you got the balls to take me down. My Balam won’t stop you during this once free chance to take my throne.”

  Five thousand deaths came ten minutes later, Ethan stood on a hill of corpses, unmarked and not even slightly tired. Some were difficult to manage, but by flame, wing, tail or mace, none unseated him. “Anyone else?!”

  The crowd sat in awe of their new king’s ability. Chaos ruled by might. He proved who was the mightiest. The stadium of millions stood and bowed, each pledging fealty to him. Those who didn’t were very few and far between, whom would take their chances with the Queen of Ice. They were allowed to leave unmolested, were jotted down to never return.

  “Then the crowning of your new high king is complete. Lesser kings and queens, remain behind and see me in private after. The rest of you are dismissed.” Ethan turned his back and glided down to the thrones where the others waited.

  Vilorogue commented “You’ve made many enemies, My King.”

  “So? It just means I’ll get to kill more fools.”

  “Just like your great sire. I think I’m going to like serving as your general.”

  “Just for that I’ll let you have first crack at Zandri.”

  “Generous too.” The coal black Dragon chuckled. “And I accept gladly to feast on her flesh when the day finally comes. My King, may I have permission to leave?”

  “You going to spend more time with Zagan?” the Dragon dropped his large head. “Then I order you to stay by his side for as long as he can stand the sight of you. Inform me when the time nears too.” He smiled and patted the snout.

  “Thank you for that, My King.” Vilorogue took off, his three mates following.

  “You made us queens?” piped a small voice.

  “Sure did, Beni.” He said as she was first to speak out.

  Tears began running down her cheeks. “I’m your queen?” she asked more to herself.

  “Gaia, is that why you smiled oddly when Zagan told us after the story that today would be memorable?” Catnis asked.

  “Quite so. Kanade is still his closest love, but to everyone else we all are queens of our great land. Ethan is king and as his wives, he made us his queens since we are all married and don’t act like mistresses to begin with. He especially hates that we can’t walk together and are too stiff when among others.”

  “I just want everyone to see how you truly are, not some cold hearted pricks. Perhaps this change will guide others down a much more prosperous path to find the loves of their lives.” Ethan nodded to Gaia. “Now none of you are forced to do anything you do not want. I got the idea when Gaia had to hold court with the Titan tribes. She was relaxed and talked to everyone regardless of their rank… no so when with the rest of us. I wanted to give that power to each of you. You can wear what you want, say what you want, do what you want. Hell, you can hold hands with each other rather than hold your hands over your wombs and play follow the leader. You can publically kiss and you’ll never have to bow to me ever again.”

  Ivonniq stretched up on her long pink tail to get eye level with Ethan and wrapped her arms around his neck to kiss him. “You are going to gain many enemies, but you’ll find I’m more in love with you than I ever have before.”

  He smiled.

  “Ya hear that, Kyoko?” Kanade hugged her tightly. “Now we can hold hands outside our room… and since we are queens now we can do whatever we want. And I fully intend to take every advantage of showin’ others just how much I love ya… all ya’ll.”

  The seven others beamed at all the newfound possibilities.

  Kyoko carefully brushed her well endowed breasts on Kanade and almost purred “Well I think I can get used to your American displays of public affection. After all, only the king can tell his queens to do anything and we all know Ethan-sama wants us to be who we are, not do what as we are told traditionally to be seen as.”

  Catnis crumpled in her throne, realizing it truly was hers now.

  “Husband, I have an idea.”

  “Gaia, go right ahead. I think I’d like that.” Ethan said as he saw what she envisioned spontaneously.

  “What?” Benilliminia inquired.

  “Instead of nine thrones… we make one large one we can sit and lounge together on.” Gaia explained while planning how to make the throne work.

  “You mean we can cuddle with our husband during court?” Flajeen asked.

  “And make love whenever the mood strikes us.” She nodded.

  “I’m never going to go flaccid again am I?” Ethan asked and Baldr couldn’t hold in a laugh. Kira elbowed his gu
t.

  “Not with us hot and bothered all the time.” Kanade winked and further said “We better finish chattin’. I’ve already creamed my panties thinkin’ bout what we’ll do in a single throne.”

  “Me too.” Sarimee showed her fingers glistening from being wet and licked them. “We better be quick. I don’t know how much longer I can resist not being ravished by the lot of you.”

  The way the women rubbed their legs together had Ethan struggling to concentrate. They were all already wet for him and each other. Talking aloud made it infinitely worse.

  Thankfully came the interruption “Silver King, I am King Rhinehart of the Wolf Shifters.” The man was currently in the form of the biggest black canine Ethan had ever seen the wolf king easily stood ten feet in the shoulder, had penetrating grey eyes and thick, disemboweling claws. “And this is my mate and beta, Salende.” He hinted to a female wolf with fur so grey it was blue. She exposed her neck to Ethan in submission.

  “You aren’t like any wolf I’ve seen.” Ethan admitted.

  “Because they are Dire Wolves, Husband.” Flajeen cleared up, coming to his side. “Wolves you know are weak to those of the first bloodline. King Rhinehart has been alpha for two million years without being defeated by all packs beneath him.”

  “Shift.” Ethan ordered.

  The two loudly rearranged their bodies and stood naked. The man was like the hairiest red-skinned lumberjack imaginable at sixteen feet tall and his mate was no slouch at maybe a foot shorter. She was pretty enough with the rust colored skin, but just looking into her eyes showed she was wild and unable to be tamed except by her mate.

  “Thank you for changing. Rhinehart.” The large, hairy man grunted. “The tracking skills your packs have are invaluable and I’ve got use for them. I need you to command your packs to locate sixteen targets my predecessor couldn’t handle in his condition, but I can and will. I need you to find them, but do not engage.” Ethan mentally gave the man the mental download, even the scents Ethan had picked up.