Welcome to the Netherworld!

[lazyvassals]

[It is difficult to define what a normal afternoon is by Netherworld standards. In the dark, torch-lit halls of the Overlord's Castle, penguin-suited prinnies totter about pretending to do work, while most other vassals make no effort at all to pretend. No fights have broken out yet, but it is questionable how long that will last with the Overlord being awake. It is just the sort of calm that comes before something unexpected happens, or someone makes it happen out of boredom.

And that is precisely when the first stranger comes through the swirling vortex of the Dimensional Gate.

It doesn't seem so unusual at first, because people use that gate on a daily basis. But more people start to show up, people who aren't demons. The Gatekeeper herself has no idea where they've come from, or how they've found their way to the Netherworld.

Unfortunately, neither do the unexpected guests.]

Comments

[musicalplum]

Yes, I suppose... [he puts his hand to his chin, glancing away as he mutters to himself] But to force humans to engage in our affairs...what in the world is the main office thinking!?]

[he shakes his head and moves to kneel by the bed] I feel it is my duty, as one of the divine, to extend my heartfelt apology for the danger my people have placed you in. You have my solemn vow that I will protect you, Miss Terra!

[narsheprincess]

[Such a display provokes a gentle if puzzled smile from Terra, still unused to people helping her in any way.]

Are you sure? I mean, we just met. I don't want to push you into anything.

[musicalplum]

W-Well...in truth, I do not intend to be here for long. But if I can find a way back to my realm, we can surely find a way back to yours as well! Until then, you may rely on me as a stalwart ally.

[narsheprincess]

[That makes sense to her and she relaxes, looking drowsy.]

That's fair enough. If you give me a little time to rest, I'll be ready to go to find the prince after, alright?

[musicalplum]

Of course! You must take all the time you need to rest and recover, my lady. You are mortal, after all!

[he pauses, looking uncertain]

...ah, perhaps I should see the prince alone, however. I have no wish to put you in undue danger.

[narsheprincess]

You're sure? It didn't sound like he was dangerous.

[Just lazy.]

[musicalplum]

I'm sure the prince will be a noble soul, but this castle is full of monsters. If one should attack you while we track down this prince...

[but a sudden realization has him putting his hand to his head, as if thinking on this too hard is painful]

Ah, but if I left, you would be here alone!

[narsheprincess]

[Terra stares, not knowing what to make of these theatrics but appreciating the sentiment nonetheless.]

Well, this is the infirmary. I'll probably be alright for a while. But...could you please let me know what he says?

[musicalplum]

[yeah, why would demons have an infirmary? Wait, now's not the time to think about that. He kneels down by her and takes her hand gently between both of his]

...of course. I shall be back with good news or die trying!

[narsheprincess]

[Tired of war and death overall, Terra just shakes her head.]

...I certainly hope it won't come to that. But thank you. We really do need the information, especially if he won't let us stay here while we're stranded.

[musicalplum]

Just rest now, my lady. I shall be back shortly! Tou!

[energetic as always, he leaps up into the air and zooms off]

[narsheprincess]

[She waves, then settles down and closes her eyes. A little rest will do wonders, and hopefully there will be good news when she awakens.]

[musicalplum]

[he comes hobbling back awhile later, singed and beaten, and once he finally reaches Terra's bed, he flops down in a heap on the floor next to it]

I...I failed...

[narsheprincess]

[Terra snaps awake and looks over, gasping in alarm.]

What happened?!?

[musicalplum]

[he groans, facedown on the floor]

The Prince and the Overlord are o-one and the same. And despite his size, he...is quite powerful...

[narsheprincess]

He did this to you?!? Why??

[Despite the fact that her body's not completely cooperating, Terra pushes herself to the edge of the bed, to sit up and try to focus enough to cast Cure on him...but she's still fairly drained and such efforts only make her light-headed.]

[musicalplum]

Mm...? [he lifts his head, confused at the sudden light, and seeing that Terra is pushing himself, he leaps to his feet in shock] Ah! Miss Terra, please, you need not go this far for me. I am a god -- I will not die from something like this!

[he moves to carefully sit on the edge of the bed] As for why he did it? He is a demon. There is no other way they communicate. For their kind, it begins and ends with violence.

[narsheprincess]

[Terra settles back, looking sheepish at having provoked concern.]

I'm sorry. And...I see.

Is he going to throw us out?