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

[lazyvassals]

[How about a floating ghost-like creature? It turns to face Terra, looking vaguely surprised by her presence.]

You sure aren't from around here.

[Yup. Total understatement.]

[narsheprincess]

[Terra slowly nods, deciding that it looks rather cute. She won't say this aloud, though, not wanting to offend.]

Yes, that's right. Do you have a moment? I have some questions, and even just a little of your time would help a lot.

[lazyvassals]

Well, I guess.

[It's not like he was doing anything. At all.]

Shoot.

[narsheprincess]

[Not the most enthusiastic reply, but Terra will take it. She relaxes, just glad for what she can get.]

Well...I'm confused on how I got here. Someone mentioned a gate, but I don't remember anything about that. Do you know what happened? And where is 'here', anyway?

[lazyvassals]

I'm confused too, nope, and this is the Netherworld.

[Yeah, he just listed off his answers.]

Anything else?

[narsheprincess]

[Terra's shoulders sag.]

So, you don't know how I can get back? Am I just supposed to stay here, then?

[lazyvassals]

Well, I guess something must be up with the dimensional gate. You'd have to talk to the Gatekeeper.

Or else, uh... that's a good question. That'd be up to the Prince.

[Yes, he is totally going to pawn this off onto Laharl to deal with.]

[narsheprincess]

[At least he's leading her somewhere, instead of giving her another dead end. She listens with interest.]

The Gatekeeper...and the Prince? What's his name and where might I find him?

[lazyvassals]

Well, the Gatekeeper you'll find back over by the Dimensional Gate and as for Prince Laharl, uh...

He might be in the throne room. [He'll nod to a flight of stairs that leads to a large doorway.]

If he isn't still asleep, anyways.

[narsheprincess]

[Terra glances in the direction indicated.]

...asleep? Is he sick?

[Maybe she shouldn't bother him yet, if so.]

[lazyvassals]

Sick? Hahaha

[Yes, Ghoss is laughing.]

You're funny. <3 Nah, he's just lazy.

[narsheprincess]

...oh.

[Terra shakes her head, wondering how much this prince is going to be able to do for her if he's lazy.]

Well, thank you for the advice. I'll try the Gatekeeper and then...him.

[lazyvassals]

No problem. Good luck!