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

[beautifulrondo]

[Hm? Was that a groan? Oh, there's someone here as well]

Speaking of misplaced strangers... You seem to be a bit out of sorts, sir. Luckily, you have come across a fine and cultured gentleman such as moiself that can provide you with all the information you may need to know. You need only ask away!

[musicalplum]

GAH!

[he whirls around in shock, but gets imbalanced -- and falls into the poisonous flowers, their thorny vines tangling around him]

V-Villain! Demon! Unhand me! This attack i-is dishonorable and cowardly!

[he continues to shout at Vyers, only getting more and more caught up in the plants, his voice beginning to crack and squeak]

1/2

[beautifulrondo]

My! I did not attack you at all! Did you not listen to a single word I said? [He places a hand on his hip as he stares down at the situation Troubadour has gotten himself into, petulant expression fading into one of confusion with a hint of worry]

2/2

[beautifulrondo]

I would stop thrashing about like that if you wish to escape your bonds. In addition to ruining a perfectly lovely rose bush, the more you struggle, the more likely you are to be poisoned.

[musicalplum]

P-P-Poisoned!?

[he freezes in an ungainly position, eyes wide, and when he speaks next, it's barely more than a whisper]

...help!]

[beautifulrondo]

[he reaches down and starts to carefully move branches from around Troubadour's arms, holding out his hand for Troubadour to take]

Judging by your reaction, I would assume that you are not from another Netherworld? You should take great care around the plants and animals around here, dear sir. Many of them are carnivorous.

[musicalplum]

Of course they are...

[he sighs heavily as he hesitantly takes Vyers' hand and inches out of the bushes -- despite the poison and thorns, he barely looks injured at all. He plucks a stray leaf from his hair and scoots a bit away from Vyers, eyeing him suspiciously]

Th-thank you for your assistance.

[beautifulrondo]

[Vyers stares down at the squashed rosebush sadly, wondering how much pruning and shaping it will take to get rid of the Troubadour-shaped hole]

It was no trouble at all sir. And as I was saying before, should you have any questions about the Netherworld, you need only ask--and you need not look at moi with such suspicious eyes!

[musicalplum]

You are a demon, are you not? Your kind deceive and torment others! How can I not be suspicious of your helpfulness!

[beautifulrondo]

Do not humans do the same? [or... elves or whatever Troubadour is. Vyers actually thought Troubadour was a demon when he first saw him] I will not deny that demons enjoy their share of deceit and mischief, but hardly means that every demon you meet is out for personal gain.

[only most]

[musicalplum]

That is just what a demon would say to get me to let down my guard!

[beautifulrondo]

[Another one that's going to be difficult to get through to it looks like...] Sadly that is not the first time I have heard that argument...

Very well sir, you may believe what you like. Simply know that you will need to do business with many demons as you go about life here. You may come to your own conclusion as you interact with them.

I only hope that one day you will realize that demons, angels, and humans are not as different as they seem.

[musicalplum]

I have zero intention of staying here long enough to do any business, especially with demons! I just...I just need to face down the Overlord and defeat him!

[beautifulrondo]

[one can practically hear the soundtrack disappear as Vyers takes in Troubadour's words]

Dear sir... Are you saying that you can fight the Overlord of this Netherworld on your own?

[musicalplum]

[he seems to be shrinking but that's only because it's obvious he doesn't believe his own hype] I-I am! My conviction will give me strength!

[beautifulrondo]

You are welcome to try, but I think you will find that the young Overlord is not as quick to fall as he seems. It is a job better left to moi, his eternal rival.

[musicalplum]

...rival? Why?

[beautifulrondo]

I was after the throne once myself, when the previous Overlord tragically perished two years ago. It is only natural for a rivalry to occur from there, is it not?

[musicalplum]

I should have realized it would be for such a trivial reason.

[beautifulrondo]

Trivial? My... how judgmental you are! The circumstances of a rivalry coming about do not invalidate the rivalry itself!

After all, in addition to strength, he must prove that he is a better Overlord than moiself. Power alone does not a magnificent Overlord make!

[musicalplum]

You act as if the rivalry is more important to you than the power you would gain by taking the title for yourself.

[beautifulrondo]

Is that not the way it is supposed to be? A rivalry is about ensuring that each side reaches their greatest potential, is it not?

[musicalplum]

[he stares at Vyers, sullen and still suspicious, but there's a glint of something in his eyes] ...are you really a demon?

[beautifulrondo]

[he chuckles] What a strange question. Did I not already tell you? Not all demons are as you believe.

[and with this overly mysterious statement, he pulls out a rose and strikes a pose]

1/2

[musicalplum]

[th-that... is so stylish and cool, wow!]