03 Atavism of the Ifrit Read online

  Ethan’s filter seemed to have gone missing as he blurted “What the hell happened to you? I saw the tapestry in Ramaziel’s castle of you. You were awesome and a total badass standing over all those Enforcers. Wha…”

  A smack echoed as Kanade hurriedly covered his mouth.

  Jaw muscled somehow managed to create an expression within the king’s skull. It wasn’t angered. More wily than anything. A skeletal hand lifted off the blazing sword and waved her down. “A total badass eh? I’m surprised he kept it up in his hall. Seems like we both have a dislike for the pathetic runt.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…” He stammered as soon as Kanade let his mouth go.

  “Do not lie to me, Boy. It was written on your face.” He continued in Blood Speak as his hand returned to the weapon between his legs. “Our race has more than one bad habit other than anger. We often assume wrong…” he smirked as he noticed Kanade roll her eyes and she squeaked and flushed in embarrassment from being caught. “and usually speak before we think. At least those thoughts better left unsaid. We aren’t a patient breed.”

  “Isn’t that the truth, but you sure seem in control.”

  “It is a façade I assure you. If not for my generals’ and advisors I’d have invited more bloodshed than what already stains my hands. Though I plan centuries ahead, I’m just as prone to fits of emotion.

  “Come closer so I may look at you.”

  The order in the request was clear. It was still strange such a strong and deep voice came out of those thin, moist lips. Nevertheless, Ethan approached tall and proud to the diamond throne.

  Joints popped from years of inactivity, but Zagan rose from the gilded throne and stood with a grace too strange to be possible. Whatever muscle remained beneath the skin was plenty to raise the old king and lift the sword. Ethan’s instincts sensed the weakness and wanted to crush him, but Zagan’s mind and control of fire was beyond approach. Plus Kanade, kept it from taking over again. The old Ifrit though was a moment from seizing control again.

  Bones creaked as he stepped down and stood an inch taller than Ethan, but Zagan’s power washed over him as he walked around, often touching with a bony fingertip. “Wings out.” Ethan complied. “Strong flyer. Better than on the ground. Like I am. Strong muscles… good, good. Sturdy legs… it seems my loins produced a worthy heir.” Zagan tuned towards Kanade.

  The moment he took a step the inner beast that wanted to defend its mate took over, but before Ethan could make so much as a fist, Zagan locked his muscles in place. A resonating snarl tore through Ethan’s throat and made the elder grin. “Not to worry. I’ll not harm a hair on your little mate’s head.” Ethan though didn’t register.

  Kanade went rigid when he came close enough to sniff her neck. Zagan rolled a lock of her long metallic cerulean hair despite the noises coming from her man. He looked close at her breasts, put a hand on her stomach, had her spread her wings. They shook more from fear than anything else since they were both at his complete mercy. Then his eyes locked on hers and she felt her mind broken wide open in an instant and at his mercy. Everything about her, every memory, desire and thought was his to sift through. It wasn’t till then did she come to fully realize he was feared for a reason. Even in his condition, he was untouchable. And just as fast as she was broken, he put her back together. As a gift he taught her something important. A secret he learned for those naturally gifted in telepathy.

  “You will do well as my heir’s closest mate. Through your womb will my bloodline continue. But remember this, choose your females carefully and do as I. And often. My enemies will use your pussy to end my race so keep your legs crossed and mind sharp. Keep control of any mistresses you take to bed. You must never submit to anyone except him. I’ve already disposed of a female of the Queen of Ice who would in a year poison your clit to kill him minutes after he entered your cunt. Keep no more than twenty five mistresses beneath you. My Seers have seen calamity should you ever take more.”

  “What?”

  Zagan stepped back and pointed in the direction of the doors. “The Nymph in six weeks will come to you and my niece Kyoko to teach you something I hear you will enjoy when Ethan’s virility begins to truly manifest. Ifrit mating is more potent with more females as you’ll soon discover. You’ll soon realize having more females will benefit you so I chose to privately inform you so you are less embarrassed and prepared. Do you know how many females I used to bed a day?”

  “I’d rather not know.” Kanade gulped.

  Zagan chuckled. “Very well. I’ve delivered my message. It will be up to you to consider the truth or if I’m blowing smoke up your ass. But believe me when I say it was best to hear it from me than the monks.” Zagan shivered as he backed away. “After two million years they still creep me the fuck out.”

  As soon as the ancient passed Ethan the red haze lifted again and he was released. Zagan carefully sat back upon the throne as Ethan blinked and scratched his head “It happened again. Damn, how can I control it?”

  “Most could not.” The king informed. “It is why I killed so many of our brethren. The wrath becomes addicting and many could not turn it off. I’m impressed you do not like it. Likely due to your soul. It is why I told you of the trials that await. It will teach you. It will not be easy, but learn this cold rage with it together. It will broaden it so you can be more effective. Bring along that strange Naga who’s been trying to pierce my intentions. I can tell he would be good for you.”

  “Speaking of, is it alright? I couldn’t contact you beforehand.”

  The other Ifrit waved a hand. “It bothers me not. I welcome all who turn from Armid’s zeal. I just love pissing that blowhard off. It’s one of my favorite distractions and entertainment. His edge will dull if I didn’t and it wouldn’t be so fun. By the way, good job with that curse. Not even I could have done something like that.” Zagan laughed with energy that shouldn’t have come from such a skeletal body with hair. “I’m especially interested with the Naga, Ogres and that Nymph. Their races have never broken the mortal barrier. That Witch you have is really something.” He winked, knowing about it all along. “I will have to watch how they progress. I cannot believe how exciting it has all turned out.”

  “Speaking of exciting.” Said Ethan as he returned to Kanade’s side and angled protectively to keep him off her. Distance helped retain logical reasoning and not bestial behavior. “Did you send the Seers down to make the crowd respect me since they were terrified of the tall monks? If so, I got the point and so did they.”

  Another grin preceded a cackle. “Their visions are many, but our… let’s just call them traits… mess with their estimations. It was they who told me you needed the push I gave which increased your dormant genes that turned you into what stands before me.” He held a finger up to make the next point. “But as you crossed into my domain they saw a riot in the commoners and multiple assassinations of the upper caste due to your situation. You had to show you were ruthless and didn’t bow down to no one other than me. The monks also saw you as weak and I told them to kill you.”

  “Sneaky bastard.” Ethan snorted and burst out laughing. Zagan did likewise.

  “I don’t get it.” Kanade admitted meekly and thought she wouldn’t be heard.

  Fat chance with the king ten yards away. “Woman, the Seers want my throne like everyone else. Even I could see it. They serve me, but I can trust only my Balam to not stab me in the back. The monks fear me and so keep their toy sticks from touching me. They did not fear Ethan till earlier. They and all of my palace knew Ethan is second to my power with the Ash Spheres.”

  “I call them Drones.” Ethan admitted.

  “Just a name. Some call them Seekers.” Zagan shrugged. “The monks now realize I made Ethan my heir for a reason, and not because of his lineage to me. Before Ethan, Vilorogue was to replace me in event I fell. He was not happy when I made the announcement.” The emaciated man grinned in a madding way. “You will have to make him submit to you
someday. I cannot wait to see the outcome.” Zagan yawned. “I must rest now. I’ve had a long week.”

  It was the clue they were dismissed.

  Ethan though took three steps forward and stood before the throne. Zagan then saw the unexpected as a hand came forward. The sincere honesty in his expression overwhelmed the internal struggle plaguing him since catching another’s scent. “I know you have your reasons for doing what you did, but I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You might have given me the push to get the ball rolling with my death last year, but you’ve looked out for me ever since. You gave me my powers, my magic and even this amazing body. Hell, you even sent me your most loyal minion. Panther was invaluable and I consider him a friend.”

  “As do I.” Zagan gave a conspiratorial wink as she shook Ethan’s hand and was surprised how gentle it was rather than a ploy to crush the bones. “But don’t tell him I said so. Demons don’t make friends.”

  “I’m just demon in body. My soul makes me something different.” He pulled his hand back.

  “No. Not your soul. You are unique. Soul or not. You have much to live up to, Boy, but you are off to a good start.”

  “Before I go, may I ask what did this to you?” gesturing to the frail body.

  Vibrant ruby eyes hardened along with the tone. “You’ve not earned the right to hear the story, nor will anyone tell you behind my back. But I will give you six months to earn it.”

  “Why six months, Old Man?

  Zagan leaned forward and spoke with a calm assurance. “Because that is how long I’ve got left to live. You’ll not gain another chance when I’m a corpse.”

  Chapter 10

  Doors opened just enough for two large flyers to cross through and land. Behind, the vast courtroom filled with fire again and Ethan hid how shaken to the core he was with an indecipherable expression. To the general he said “Zagan wants a private word, Panther.”

  The nine foot tall feline didn’t waste time speeding inside as the doors were closing.

  The Six surrounded their First Mistress just as Ethan’s voice carried “All Balam within range of my voice, front and center!”

  In the course of two seconds the anteroom was packed in organized lines without making a sound. Black males and white females looked like one gigantic checkerboard from above. It seemed a trait they all shared is having glowing blue eyes of varying intensity. It was awkward having so many eyes intent on him. When no more were coming he called out in the silence “The king wanted me to remind all of you your first priority remains unchanged to protect him! I can now see why! Personally I need you to make sure his condition doesn’t change. Second, he has given me the authority to order all of you so long it doesn’t threaten him. You will keep unseen threats away from those I do not see. Deal with it as you see fit, but if I can must deal with it, bring me the issue. My companions are loyal to me and cursed to never take arms against me, Kanade or any one I care for. It is a curse I did on Armid and Ramaziel. This means their loyalty is as great as yours. They are allowed free reign, but if you wish to shadow them, his Highness permits it. And last but not least you are all to swear blood fealty. As soon as you do, find every Balam in and around the palace and tell them to take it too.” He looked down to hold out a fist to say “Teicuih, open a vein upon my wrist.”

  A swift claw did as commanded and she pulled the vein out from beneath the skin to flow like a fountain. He stretched out a fist and watched as the warriors blurred past, never allowing the stream to touch the ground. And just as fast exploded fireworks in the dark space within Ethan’s mind. As soon as each tasted and swore fealty within their own minds they dove throughout the palace, taking the place of others on duty to rush up and do like all the others. White and black blurs sped though the room. Younger and weaker Balam had to have an Elf send them since the Palace was as large as Jupiter after all. Possibly larger.

  The vein poured constantly for ten entire minutes till every last feline got a single drop. Ethan grimaced as he pushed the vein back in under the skin and pressed a thumb when Sacnite told it was all over.

  As pressure stopped further bleeding, the room remained quiet aside from Vitalli and Ellen’s hooves on the floor clopping their way over with the remainder of the team. But the Seers were nowhere to be found as the twelve original guards returned to their corner station.

  Baldr took up a merry whistle as they two groups converged till he wondered aloud “How did it go meeting the head honcho? We good around here or what?”

  “Didn’t you hear what I said?”

  “Darlin’, you were still Blood Speakin’.”

  “Really?” to the others he said. “Yes, Zagan is alright with you here. Skeletor already knew about this. As we were leaving he also gave me his chambers since he doesn’t sleep there anymore. He’s also giving you a room beside Panther’s.”

  “You mean a room for each of us or all of us get to share a room together?” Magnus asked.

  “One room for all of ya’ll.” Kanade said with her hands clasped together.

  “Tell me it isn’t some broom closet?” Nell asked and wrinkled her small nose.

  Kanade swept her hand around. “Have you seen a room considered small around here yet?” She asked a rhetorical question. “One room can house the entire First, Second and Fifth House and their grounds with room to spare.”

  “Master is generous to those who earn it.” Fourth Mistress Nenetl spoke. “If your den is beside ours, Master has his reasons. Do not flippantly take his generosity lightly.”

  “So it’s true he’s dying? You called him Skeletor. I watched He-Man a few decades back.” Baldr said.

  “Wait… you knew he’s dying?” Ethan asked with disbelief.

  “Well, yeah. Didn’t you?”

  “Not till I got a good look. You know why?”

  “Nope. Not a clue. I always thought he was hit with an incurable poison or contracted some mystical STD.”

  “How about the rest of you?”

  Heads shook till Blake said “Pure speculation. No definitive proof had been revealed. I too believed it was some poison. Can you show us what he looked like?”

  A gauntlet covered fist lit around the exposed fingers till a lifelike illusion appeared, purple flaming sword, throne and all.

  “Bugger!” Breathed Kira as each had similar reactions.

  It disappeared moments after.

  “So what is next?” Ellen stomped her hoof.

  “I think we ought to settle in for the night. I’m a little lightheaded from all the blood I gave and being squeezed through the portal. We’ll start fresh tomorrow.”

  “Good idea, it will give us more time to learn about our new capabilities.” Seconded Nell as she conjured another bow out of thin air. Then it disappeared.

  “Which way, Ladies?” Ethan asked the Six.

  “Only royalty, generals, servants and valued guests may step foot down this hall.” Sacnite informed and led down the hall to the right of the anteroom. Violet light lit the way and varying size doors made of more opaque diamond for privacy lined the massive hallway that was wider than any street on Earth. Easily two miles wide.

  For the next three hours they moved swiftly down till a wall made a dead end. Sacnite pointed ahead to say “None are permitted past the sapphire line except the king, his mistresses and spelled seamstresses to outfit you. I’ll locate the finest Arachne weavers you can bind and be allowed to cross and have them ready till the Master summons you to begin royal duties. But be forewarned, spells kill instantly if anyone not permitted gets past the bedchamber guards, which has never occurred.” More female felines and six hulking female Titans in flaming red armor stood rigid and were frightening by how deadly they stared out, daring anyone to come close. “To the right closest to the royal bedchambers is ours. Yours is that one.”

  “By my father’s beard! How can it open?” Baldr strained his neck up to the door’s monumental proportions.

  “If you haven’t the
strength to open it, you cannot pass.” Xochitl stated simply. “It keeps us strong.”

  Chuckling had heads turn to Ethan since Kanade wasn’t allowed. “Kira, you were human in physical terms. Go give ‘er a push.”

  “If you say so, Boyo.” She walked across, well strutted was more like it in her skintight suit. She put both hands on the hard door and tensed. “Waaa!” She yelped as the door slid open so fast she tripped and almost cracked her head on the floor. The ground flashed green rapidly as she blinked. The door over a mile high and a half wide flew halfway open as if it swung freely on oiled hinges. It began to swing shut on its own.

  Ethan ribbed the awestruck Ogre. “If your little ol sweetheart can do that and you can’t, what good are you?”

  “Kiss my big blue ass!” Baldr playfully punched Ethan’s shoulder now that he could reach it. Only a warning look froze the line of female guards at the line made of thick sapphire. “But if she can open it I can understand why you didn’t want us close… This strength though will be great for rough sex. Kira’s favorite.”

  “Come on, Tweedle-dork.” Magnus pulled him along and even Nell found she could push it open with one hand. The others all took turns and laughed at the benefits of what had been done to them.

  Walking together Ethan asked “Ladies, who do I ask to find me materials?”

  “Any Palace Elf is but at your every whim, Young Master and everyone else is as well.” One of the Six declared. “We are all at your command.”

  “Hmmm.” He hummed and located a rather eager to please star in the dark area of his mind of an Elf and learned his name at the same time it was touched. “Villiken, come here.” The Elf responded by appearing in a bow. “How good is your memory?”

  “Eidetic, Fire Prince. All Palace Elves are required to be.”

  “Then remember this. I want a ton of each of these metals brought and left outside that line by within the next eight Earth hours. Silver, copper, gold, iron, platinum, tin, titanium, brass, aluminum, chromium, lead, magnesium, nickel, zinc and tungsten. Also I want cords of…” he fired off more things needed to continue a trade he came to love.