Arthur's Point of View

Unknown Location and Time

That same floating sensation washed over me. Everything was peaceful. Like I was wrapped in a warm blanket in the dark on a cold night. It was cozy and welcoming. Until that darkness faded for a more delicate light. A faint red glow slowly filled my vision as I found myself floating in the air of The Crimson Wasteland. This was where Thana resided with her Demon Horde. Three red moons revealed as much.

A voice came from below. “After all this time, you come into my home?” Looking down, I saw one familiar form and two I did not recognize. “You Aridians should’ve died out like you deserved.” She spat.

She had the appearance of a Demon comparable to Pestilence and Credo. The ear and horns reminded me of the two. This woman had two sets of ears on each side of her head similar to Pestilence. Her horns curled down behind her ears and under them before coming to a stop near her jaw. White and silver hair comparable to mine was just above her shoulders.

However, out of everything, it was her eyes that stood out to me. Black sclera with glowing white irises gave off and intimidating look. Especially with white cracks shooting into the black of the sclera where the white of her eyes would be. Her pupil was black, but cracks of black shadow shot down her cheeks and onto the woman’s forehead. It looked like a cracked mask in a way, but small wisps of shadows were coming from them.

Her intimidation continued as she wore Demon Stone Armor, with gold adornments. Two curved blades, one for each hand, which had really long handles/pommels were in her grasp as she stared the two down. If there was a name for such a sword, I did not know it.

“I thank you for your concern for our people, Lorelei.” Thana replied as she stood with a male High Elf. “However, maybe you should be concerned with your own subjects first. The title of Queen isn’t one so easy to maintain.”

The woman identified as Lorelei merely sneered. “Who do you expect me to be Queen of? The Demons and Aridian’s are gone, Thana. Your kind sacrificed your own people to end the war. We’re all that remains. Did you come here to finally put an end to it or are you merely seeking approval from others for your own Queenship?” She asked as she gave a pointed look at the male ‘Aridian’.

It was good to know that the ‘High Elves’ were actually these so called Aridians. I also would assume that they’re from Aridia, but knowing this place, who knows if that was actually true. Still, that was vital information moving forward. Aridia kept appearing randomly in my time here, but no one knows anything about it. This was a clue.

“Not that there’s many of you left, but I am not surprised that General Fluffy survived.” A snort came my lips at that as Lorelei focused on the male Aridian.

He was familiar. His build reminded me of the mysterious male ‘High Elf’ in Dwardew. A familiar goatee was matched by a similar height. However, the fact that his name was Fluffy, he had pink hair, a goatee to match, and an afro… If not for the situation, I probably would’ve died laughing.

The Aridian named Fluffy smiled as he spread his arms out. “Would anyone doubt my survival?” A chuckle came from his lips. “In terms of raw combat ability, I am unmatched. If Galdur ruled in magic, I rule in pure strength.”

Lorelei’s expression looked unimpressed. “I’m aware of your record. Undefeated in every major battle you took apart in.” Then she crouched slightly. “Every battle but one.”

“I will admit that your appearance surprised me. None of us were aware the King and Queen of Demons held such a card at bay. Surprised they didn’t use it sooner. Had you been around more, they may still be alive.” Fluffy told her as he rolled his neck. “Then again, you must’ve been busy rallying your people. That final push of yours really pushed us to our limits.” Then he shrugged. “Or so Galdur says, but that didn’t matter to me.”

“Still upset about that loss?” Lorelei taunted.

“It was a brilliant strategy, my dear, but I didn’t lose. Not personally. That has yet to be accomplished by anyone. Galdur included.” Fluffy answered before he then loosely gestured to Thana. “The Princess here has a use for you. I was given leave to assist her, and I was more than willing.” A chuckle came from his lips. “What a sight this is, though. A former Princess and a former Queen. Had things gone differently, you two might’ve been ruling by now.”

“That was thousands of years ago.” Lorelei replied bitterly. “And from what I hear, she was overshadowed by her own siblings. Whatever happened to the young prince and princess of Aridia, your highness?”

Thana frowned at that. “It’s none of your concern. If I was you, I’d be more worried about myself. You’re outnumbered. The last true Demon of The Crimson Wasteland. It must be lonely…”

Fluffy got into a fighting stance with both fists in the air as he grinned while Thana readied her spear. “I’m not alone.” The Demon replied firmly. “Can the same be said about you?”