03 Atavism of the Ifrit Read online

  “I hold no grudge against you, Vilorogue, but I will not give Zagan the satisfaction to turn me into a murderer for someone not deserving. I’ve changed my mind on the way down. I’m going to make you submit and acknowledge me as your better.”

  “I would rather die!” Came the pissed roar and Vilorogue used the wall for a speed boost to cross the distance before Ethan could dodge. Ethan couldn’t entirely avoid damage as a claw sunk into a thigh, but being subjected to months of pain, skinned alive and all manner of tortures, he fought through it. One mace blocked three more claws while the other connected to the claw in his thigh that went through the other side. The wounding claw shattered like a dog’s fingernail getting clipped too far. Blood gushed, but Vilorogue too was no stranger to pain endurance either.

  The strike though gave Ethan time to pull the offending claw out and checked an artery wasn’t clipped. Thankfully it was barely missed.

  Ethan shifted from material to corporeal mid attack as he was about to be skewered by a spiked tail and just barely got away. But like all flyers, there was a single great weakness. Ethan knew how bad it is to lose a wing, having one cut off by an Enforcer made it abundantly clear.

  In the next exchange Vilorogue fell for a feint, shifting to material just as Ethan landed a perfectly timed and executed blow. Vilorogue’s main wing joint made a sickeningly loud ‘crunch’ as it was pulped and was drowned out as he fell, unable to gather the air properly and tumbled helplessly many miles down the shaft roaring in pain and cursing him all the way down in a rage that left the words inarticulate, but the meaning clear. He was beyond pissed and wouldn’t rest till Ethan was good and dead as a hot steaming pile of shit after digestion.

  ‘Whump’ Crashed the Dragon general on the lowest floor. Fire raged all the while. Both immune, but used it as a tool to keep an eye on the other.

  I will make you submit. Ethan vowed even after being wounded in the leg as he dropped down in front of the larger and experienced warrior. For some reason, Ethan couldn’t help not respecting Vilorogue’s strength. He clearly was powerful and smart. It proved by how he fought and how he was relentless. It didn’t make sense till a random piece clicked. Viloroge stood tall, neck arched proud, chest puffed and was intimidating. That was not doubted. “Before I make you see me as your master, Vilorogue, you could have killed Zagan easily at any time. Not even Panther could stop you if you put forth this much effort to kill me. You could hide in the fire and eat the old man, but didn’t. You don’t act like most of the Demons who go to see him. You clearly could have been king long ago, but you’ve done what no other had. You and Zagan are friends.”

  “You will not leave here alive with that knowledge.”

  Faster than a lightning strike, Vilorogue snapped like a snake, but Ethan was prepared and dodged. Fighting in the war room honed his speed to dodge. Ethan stepped back in the same place he landed as the Dragon coiled for another strike. “You two fought side by side through countless battles.” Strike and dodged like in the Arachne nest. “You respect him like no one else.” Claws swiped, but a backswing diverted the blow up and simultaneously broke a knuckle to knock the coal Dragon off balance. “He’s your brother in arms.” Intense flames tried overwhelming the quicksilver kind, but was matched with a growl. “And you’re hiding here to not face the truth that he’s going to die.”

  “NOOO!!! HE’S NOT!!! HE CAN’T DIE ON ME!!!” Vilorogue yelled in outrage and denial.

  Losing it, Vilorogue went on a blind rampage and Ethan wondered if he looked like that when he first caught Zagan’s scent and lost himself. There was no plan of attack. No forethought on how to maneuver for a chance to deal the final blow. Just to kill.

  Ethan coolly and patiently waited for the right time and one mistake would be the end. When it came, Ethan dodged and did a double strike, leaning heavy on his good leg. Jaw dislocated and the other mace hit near the temple.

  Vilorogue dropped like a boulder as darkness claimed him.

  The great king’s stomach growl of the evening shook the Windswept Mountains as Vilorogue had a monumental headache and through blurred vision he caught sight of someone sitting on his left arm staring right at him. “Zagan, My Old Friend, what are you doing here?”

  “Still me, Vilorogue.”

  The voice was husky deep, but wrong. His bony jaw, head, wing, hands and hip all throbbed with pain, but he blinked a few times to notice silver sparks around the sweeping horn crown rather than violet. The general held still, seeing Ethan still holding the effective maces. Ethan’s leg had already healed completely over. He hissed.

  “Whoa there, Big Fella.” Ethan’s deathly stare didn’t waver or sow any sign of weakness. “Look to your right before you even think about it.”

  It was hard to not look away from prey within striking distance, but curiosity got the better of him and turned to see his three solid white dragon mistresses and all his hatchlings behind them. The area around the bottom of the shaft was therefore filled with his family.

  “Why?” He asked his mates.

  “The Silver King asked for our aid in ministering to you.” His first said.

  “Who is the Silver King? I’ve never heard of him.”

  “Vilorogue, I’m the new king. I chose silver to separate me from Zagan.” Said Ethan.

  “NO! He cannot be… gone.”

  “Zagan is still very much alive, but when I knocked you out he named me the new king to the far corners of our lands. You’ve been out all day and I couldn’t leave you so I got a hold of your mates here to help me fix up your jaw, hand and wings since I’m no skilled healer, especially with your kind.”

  Vilorogue didn’t know how to react so he settled on stoic. “Why didn’t I become your prey? You bested me in my own lair.”

  “I have better uses for you. Your life now belongs to me. And as your king you will obey me until I see fit to dispose of you. If you want another lesson I’ll happily oblige, but you are still in no condition. Until tomorrow, you won’t be ready. Are you going to serve your new king as well as you did my ancestor?”

  Worry in the eyes of his mates and sounds no human ear could detect they stressed for him to see reason.

  Reluctantly he looked down at the newly crowned Silver King sitting on his arm, but didn’t throw him off outright. A long, breath held, silence ensued till the dark maw opened. “I serve my king and swear to continue my steadfast loyalty to those worthy of upholding the throne of fire. For as long as you’ll have me, I’m yours to command, My King.”

  Dragons all around breathed in relief.

  “Then seal your pact.” Ethan sliced his hand and flew up in front of Vilorogue, but just out of strike range. The Dragon stretched out his long neck and extended his tongue when Ethan didn’t make a move forward. Ethan dripped a bit of his life force and Vilorogue made the pact. A new bright star added to the dark galaxy within Ethan’s mind. Fining it to be safe now, Ethan flew up and put his head inside the general’s ear to privately say “Heal up tonight. No more hiding from him. If I was dying I’d be much happier with friends closer. I don’t want to order you, but it would do him good to see a friendly face. Go to the palace tomorrow and speak with him before my official coronation as king. If not for yourself, do it for him. Old dogs like you two need to reminisce of the days no one remembers.”

  “I will be there, My King.” Vilorogue said stoically. Ethan knew he was hiding emotion.

  “Rest up. Villiken!”

  An Elf appeared kneeling. “I’m here.”

  “Let’s go home. My wives are worried sick and need me.” Villiken took them both back to the palace, but not in the king’s chambers as expected. They arrived in the anteroom. “Uh, Villiken?”

  “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was told to bring you here first.”

  “So were we, Darlin’.” Kanade said in an elegant dress like all the mistresses he adored. The others followed behind her, Gaia wearing a tiara over her circlet so to stay like the rest. “He summons us al
l.”

  “For?” Ethan prompted without covering himself in modesty. “I’m clearly not dressed for the occasion. I’m bloodied, buck naked and sweaty.”

  The Eight all smiled, humored, but kept up mistress pretenses with eyes on them. “Didn’t explain. He just said for us to get our ‘sweet asses’ here. We had a party all set up to celebrate becomin’ king.”

  “Don’t spoil it.” Benilliminia said in the back of the procession.

  “Come!” Boomed Zagan’s voice as the doors opened to show the room ablaze like usual.

  “Let’s get it over with.” Ethan sighed and ran his fingers through his long crimson hair, a sign he wasn’t particularly happy and rather stressed.

  The Elves transported only Ethan and the Eight Mistresses inside, to stand before the occupied throne. The mistress Balam guarded the door as it thumped closed.

  Zagan pulled his flames back just enough to hide his gaunt appearance in the plush throne. “Boy, you had two options and disobeyed me. Be killed or kill. Why did you choose to force him to submit?”

  “Of all I killed since arriving here, Vilorogue’s mere existence had holes to me. Not till I felt his power did I realize he didn’t deserve to be killed. He didn’t want to give the throne to someone unworthy and would fight to the death to keep it that way. He obviously could have taken the title from you, but didn’t so I asked myself why? The answer was simple. He’s a friend. So I didn’t do it.”

  “Well done, Ethan.”

  “You just said my name!” not ‘Boy’.

  “You are no longer a boy, My Son. You’ve earned the right to hear my story. Had you killed my dearest friend you would have still been king, but I would not have given you my story willingly. I called your women to hear it directly from me. They all know it, but not to the full extent I’m about to share.”

  So began the story of Zagan. The Fire King.

  Chapter 15

  “My story begins ten and a half billion years ago.” Zagan’s deep voice wove the true story as only he alone had lived it. “My birth was rare as I was the first and only pure blooded Ifrit. Both parents were what we are, Ethan.” Ethan sat down with Kanade and Kyoko sitting on either thigh, all paying close attention. “It was rare even for our kind to sit in the same room in a civilized manner let alone have offspring without ripping each other apart. We’re more solitary creatures as I’m sure you noticed when we first met. It showed great restraint in my parents and is the reason I became the undisputed king of all Ifrit in only sixteen years after I was birthed. Being pure had perks. Mainly great self control. I was more powerful than any Ifrit who lived many thousands and millions of years. I lived and thrived for bloodshed and fucking every pussy I came across till my balls were blissfully empty. I became king of all Ifrit six thousand years later and is roughly around when I met my match in the Frozen Tundra.” Ethan sensed a privacy spell surround them and lasted for only a moment. It was clear why. “My match was my first mistress I claimed for my hoard. Her name is Xandril.” Sounding like E-on-drill.

  As the spell died, Kyoko stiffened as if shocked. She looked at Ethan and mouthed ‘My aunt.’ And Ethan finally heard the Queen of Ice’s true name at long last. Even her name sounded cold and lifeless. The spell merely allowed Zagan to say her name without invoking her attention.

  “We met in combat and my flames could not break her ice and her shards could not reach me. My first stalemate. She was a fine female who dominated all beneath her and I was intrigued. I took her right on the field of battle and fucked her like she never felt before. She fought as we had the romp and we both enjoyed fighting every day trying to kill each other for over ten billion years. Often she brought females to our bed, but few lasted the night as one of us killed her if they didn’t thrive in our style of fucking. The sturdiest of them lasted a few centuries at best, but always she brought dozens each day… until Armid declared full war on Demon World when one of my kin raped and killed his daughter.

  “During what is known as the celestial war I came across a rather feisty dragon holding off ten Enforcers like a child with toys. I sat and watched for days till he was finally wounded from a lucky spell and stepped in and incinerated them in a blink of an eye. It was Vilorogue and saving him made him honor bound to follow me. So during the war he and I fought side by side on the hardest battles alongside my Balam warriors.

  “It was fun.

  “In the war I first met and fought Armid openly. Before then we knew each other in passing. This diamond palace is actually one of his stars I defeated by making it go nova and personally hollowed it out into what you now inherit. I rather find this spoil of war my third greatest achievement. It took me a hundred thousand years to design this dead star into my palace. No Ifrit before me stood a chance of besting the Spirit King and stole one of his stars for my seat of power.

  “Also during the war, I grew tired of not finding worthy prey among Order so I went after kin who had gotten lost in their wrath for they were excellent to take down. Enforcers like to boast they were created to kill our kind, My Son, but they’ll never admit it was I who took down millions of wild Ifrit singularly while it took a squad of thirty for their little light sticks to take out our two hearts before losing their heads.

  “Eventually I brought Armid the head of my father, whom I found was the one responsible for the rape and death of his daughter to end the great celestial war.

  “Trillions fell victim yearly and Demon World, Like Spirit, lost many numbers and whole species. It was a time of rest and recovery for both sides… except I liked to piss Armid off constantly. It was a game I played when bored and as the ruling king of the largest known territories of all Demon World, I grew too bored over kingly affairs. It took many thousands of years, I’ll admit, but life for me got stale. No one could kill me… No one honorably anyway.” Zagan laughed, every word true. “I’d fuck, feast and war just to feel something… anything. Even fucking my First Mistress had gradually lost interest. I’m not ashamed to say I’m greedy.”

  Ethan thought Zagan sounded damn proud of it actually.

  “But I wanted more. More tight pussies to fill. More treasure. More heads to cleave from shoulders.” Eyes dropped to the sword likely used to do so. “More souls to devour. Have children of my own to raise just like me to extend my line and territory. Once I mated ten thousand females in a good week, but not once had any conceived and I didn’t know why I could not get an heir of my own. I even mated many while holding court in here.

  “My greed eventually turned to hidden disappointment only my friend Vilorogue kept my council.” The tone of Zagan changed. More morose. Less pompous. “Living billions of years with a woman more greedy than I, who grew more spiteful and cruel, was tiresome and wearying. The Queen of Ice made our minions live in drudgery and filth, saying only Transcendents earned the right to be clean, smell good and enjoy the perks of royalty. She made a gap in the caste system more ugly. All was beneath her, except me. Even being seen with her was gradually sickening like a festering rot in my stomach.

  “I had to do something different and thought time away would do me good. I just did not know how bittersweet it would be back then.” Again his tone changed. It was wistful. Reliving old memories.

  “It was seven hundred years ago my existence would be changed forever. I had learned from my Demon Lords of a rather new race of mortal spirit beings on a rather soft world. They had brought me some souls and never had I tasted so sweet a life and just had to see the world with my own two eyes.

  “I decided to visit Earth and weakened myself to cross through the portal. It wasn’t my first time taking aura suppressing seeds, but I wanted to keep humans around because they were delicious. I wanted to be undetected, but my Seer Monks let slip to the Queen of Ice my destination and knew my weakened state was prime opportunity to become the single most grand ruler of Demon World and sent her ice dragons to kill me.

  “I arrive unknowing of the betrayal and fell into General Zandri’s
trap.”

  “We both have that in common then.”

  “Too true, My Son. Too true.” Zagan chuckled inside the fire coating and hiding his appearance. “As I was saying, the leader of the ice dragons ensnared me good, but I managed to escape, but not without being greatly wounded.” Zagan’s wistful voice returned. “My arrival on Earth was in Africa as you know it. Wounded and weak, healing took far longer than I remembered and I fed gently from the life on the entire world so minutely, no one could discover my location. The Spirit Energy of that world was the richest I ever been to and I was hungry.

  “My hiding spot was in a cave inside a forest and I could not move without aggravating all my wounds. Then a new potent scent awakened me from a recovering slumber.” Wistful turned sad and hopeful. A Mix Ethan remembered hearing his mother speak of the good times before his father skipped out on them. “I saw this tiny little black-skinned human trying to hide in the shrubs staring at me. I made it seem I was oblivious, but humans are queer and curious creatures, but not stupid when finding a Demon. They knew wounded Demons were even more deadly than lesser animals. So I pretended to continue sleeping.

  “The little human then did what many had when facing a Demon who was obviously a human eater. She took poison.”

  “Poison?” Ethan asked so entranced in the story he barely remembered Kanade and Kyoko sitting on his lap with the others on the same magical bench close to him.

  “Yes, Ethan, she took a rather special poison that is no longer effective on Accord active worlds. Spirit Warriors of Order often passed knowledge to humans of nobility the fact a certain plant when taken turns blood into poison to greater demons like all of us aside for your soul mate there.” Kanade cocked her head, but stayed silent. “So here I was hungry, wounded, alone and this little morsel drinks a poison and I worked my tail under my leg to kill her when I saw she carried a wooden spear holding a sharp animal’s bone. She approached cautiously, ready to stick me with a weapon I knew would not hurt me. I held still, breathing slow and to my surprise she stopped at the cave entrance.