After greeting the Emperor, Lute stepped forward to address his subjects. There was little excitement in their faces, just sullen apprehension. The look of the defeated, of the conquered. Admittedly, the Demon King had never been one for words. He was far better at taking action. Things needed to be done and he got them done. Already he had put into motion new doctrines for Hollow. He didn't know how well they would be received, although few seemed to question his decisions thus far. Fear kept them in check. Lute found fear to be a useful tool, but eventually he needed to earn their trust so they would speak in earnest.

The Crusher Corp mercenaries he used to help enforce his new regime would need to disappear too. He was eager to reinstate the Aetherguard, after some reforms. Since they held power, he figured getting them to fall in line would be the hardest of the tasks ahead of them. His lack of experience meant he would need to rely on those who had it. That was fine, he would learn and grow as time went on, forging himself into a better ruler day by day. Despite his title, he had no interest in megalomania. Lute was pragmatic, to a fault after all. To kill the gods he needed an army and all effective armies had to be loyal.

Polaris had proven himself a galactic hero before stepping into the seat of power. He had built the trust of the citizens of the galaxy. Lute didn't have that luxury. He was starting on a bad foot. But, he hoped that they would see the road to prosperity and strength that he would unravel before them. He hoped those with a keen eye for opportunity would rise to action.

"Rejoice," he said. "For this day marks a new era for Hollow. Long has your city been sheltered, isolated, and cast out of the rest of the universe. This is a universe has long moved past through a storied history of its own. Your former leaders stagnated and drained this glorious place dry of its potential and its resources."

He pointed out to the bustling metropolis coating the walls of the skull-cavity like barnacles clinging to a ship. "Opulence as far as the eye see. You've built great wonders. Yet, most of you have never had the chance to enjoy them, nor share them with others. All of the riches have been hoarded and kept by the Triumvirate that I disposed of. And with it they did nothing to expand or to bolster Hollow's influence and power. They were content, spoiled, and now they are dead. That which they have stolen will be reinvested for your welfare, and more importantly, your improvement."

He lowered his arm and then motioned to Polaris. "This man is the Emperor of the Galaxy, and its greatest hero. He brings with him a promise, and said promise comes a gift. I do not expect you all to understand its value, not yet. But, know that Hollow stands far more secure now that its isolation is over. Also, it will prosper beyond your wildest imagination. The Empire's trade and resources will flood in. There will be food on every table, there will be trade goods filling every market stand."

Charisma wasn't Lute's forte. But, he was fine with that. After he spoke, there was a round of applause on his behalf, although the faces in the crowd still didn't leak with enthusiasm. It was formality with them, nothing more.

Lute shifted and stepped back. He whispered to Polaris, "If you wish to speak to these new imperial citizens, the floor is yours."

He would listen an observe with eagerness. To be the best, one needed to learn from them.

WC: 636 | TWC: 1,675
Legume

Charsima worked more often than not. 

There was a lot to how people perceived you. Lute noticed that quite a bit as Polaris gave his speech. The people listening had no real reason to care about anything he said. Yet they did. Perhaps it was the pattern of his words, the way he moved as he spoke them? Perhaps it was the brimming confidence and the depth of his message? In a crowd of those who had been through all the trials and tribulations of the galaxy at large, Polaris probably would have gotten even more engagement. That notion wasn't lost on the Demon King. The Hollowites were still rather skeptical of foreign autocrats stepping on them, but there was appreciation there for Polaris. He hadn't been the one to stamp out their leaders. He wasn't the one looming over them.

Regardless, they clapped and nodded, moving things along. 

Lute needed to think about how to approach such interactions with his new subjects. He didn't have a long illustrious career as a hero like Polaris. Instead he had hidden in the shadows and killed for money. No doubt, as traders and travelers from the Empire flooded in, the support would only grow. Imperial citizens had an energy, an eagerness to do their part and spread the good word. No doubt this had been established through precision campaigns of propaganda. The Empire was popular, other than in a few small circles. Very few could disagree with its aims and its goals. Its citizens had suffered and Polaris was the tip of the spear against all the wrong done to them. He was the glue that held the makeshift monster together. 

The Frieza Force had been vanquished. Saiyans were pushed back, but the war had just begun. He felt himself worried that if the galaxy didn't see a reprieve from wide-spread conflict soon, the momentum would shift against the Empire. 

Lute led Polaris away from the crowds and towards the giant reinforce palace doors, rebuilt since he smashed them in during his initial siege. The Crusher Corps guards there opened them up and the two disappeared into the shadows of the grand lobby.

The lobby had once been decorated and adorned, a place of awe and inspiration to those who came for an audience or as honored guests. Lute had stripped it of all its former glory, leaving behind stark walls and empty floor. There was little remaining other than polished marble and lingering motes of dust.

The pragmatic Demon King had done the same with the rest of the palace. Anything of value was accounted for and sold. Things that had no intrinsic worth, or were plain sentimental were instead donated. Any profits gained from the liquidation of the palace's assets were to be put back into the Aetherguard and Black Fleet, to help with repairs, training,and upgrades. Lute only cared about utility, not luxury. 

There had once been hundreds of servants employed to work in the palace. Now there were a small handful, a skeleton crew that wandered the empty halls and chambers, dusting and taking care of menial chores.

Their destination was the dining hall. A large stone table with a bronze surface sat in the center of it, flanked by chrome chairs with push velvet cushions. The length of the table was littered with various dishes. The scent of roasted meat and cooked foods wafted into the nostrils, punctuated by the drifting sweetness of expensive wine (one of the few things Lute did splurge on.) Waiters had placed the dishes only moments prior to the two leaders walking in. There were enough seats for Polaris's entourage and military officers, and then some. 

Lute wanted to be accommodating. 

The dining hall had once been adorned with crystalline tables enchanted with magic that made them levitate above the floor. It had been exotic and fascinating, if only for a fleeting moment. Fine works of art had adorned the walls as well. But, all of that opulence was gone now, replaced with a barren starkness. The stone table had been brought in subsequent, only to be used for occasions like this. Lute realized that hosting guests was important as a leader, so he had made that one exception. Typically, he preferred to eat in the quiet silence of his quarters, alone and without distraction.

He offered the head of the table to Polaris--a place of respect and honor. Then took the left most seat beside it. With little formality or hesitation, he reached and poured himself a glass of wine from a silver decanter. Lute didn't drink often, but after the stress and decision making of the past few days he needed to take the edge off.

After a sip, he set the cup down. Next came his plate. Namekians didn't need to eat food. But, most did, especially those who wanted to build muscle and stay healthy. On Namek it was traditional to consume only vegetables. Most of the Namekian people were vegetarians from childhood. It was symbolic of their ideologies towards harmony and balance with nature.

In an act of defiance for his cultural norms, Lute took a massive slab of beef from a platter and slapped it on his plate, blood and grease pooling. Using fork and knife, he cut into it and plopped the savory meat into his mouth, chewing quietly. It was tender, aromatic, and seasoned to perfection. The chef and most of the available dishes were Earthling cuisine, with a smattering of local Hollow dishes for good measure.

"I have three gifts to offer you. Would you like to see the first?"

Lute snapped his fingers and out of a tiny a socket in the ceiling a hologram materialized like a ghost above the table. It showed over three dozen warships shaped like spades, floating among the turbulent clouds of dust and roiling gasses that made up the nebula.

"This is the Black Fleet, Hollow's personal star-navy. The ships themselves are a bit out-dated, but I'm working on getting them updated to more modern standards. I will keep a few to protect Hollow, the rest I figure will be best used to work in tandem with the Imperial Navy."

The specs on the ships ran along the bottom, so Polaris could understand and measure their strength. Lute gave him a moment as he cut into his meat slab, taking a massive bit this time. After chewing and swallowing he added, "However, my Emperor, may I suggest something?"

"You've been concentrating your efforts on beating back the Saiyans. I think it's a sound strategy, as they are the biggest threat to your domain. However, Saiyans are unique. War only makes them stronger, more resolved. You're feeding the beast and its growing. It would be far better to evade, elude and outmaneuver them at all costs. Defend your worlds, of course, but keep the Saiyans idle as possible. Keep them waiting and watching. And while they're at it, absorb the worlds abandoned by the Frieza Force, bolstering your manpower."

WC: 1,180 | TWC: 2,855
Legume

Lute didn't overeat. He was practical, even in his consumption. As soon as he had his fill, he stopped cutting into the slab of meat and set his fork and knife down. Reaching, he took a few sips of his wine to wash it away the flavor and clear his mouth of meaty grit.

The Demon King wondered if Polaris was used to subordinates disagreeing with him. No doubt he was surrounded by yes-men all day. Fear and admiration did that to followers. Lute, however, wouldn't succumb to such non-sense. He admired Polaris for his raw power, tenacity, and ability to get things done. But, that didn't mean he saw the Emperor as infallible.

In the long run, with his own goals, it would prove more useful if Polaris was infallible. But, that was neither here nor there, and would come in due time.

"Are you sure wiping out any race is a good idea? That is very--Lord Frieza. Right now, you have the objective of suppressing their warring capabilities. You also have the advantage of them being the ones that attacked the Galactic King and having killed him. You have support. But, if you truly believe a genocide is the answer--I think it will fail. Lord Frieza couldn't kill all the Saiyans, why do you think you'll be successful where he wasn't? His power far exceeded your own and Saiyans rose to meet and surpass it. As they always do.

I'm not saying that we don't defeat the Dominion and subjugate them. But, I have a strong feeling that a bloodletting will only scar this Empire's sterling reputation."

That was enough of that conversation. Lute hoped that if anything his words would at least give Polaris pause, make him consider the futility of his efforts on that front. Once the Emperor had his fill, Lute stood from the table and escorted him deeper into the palace. As they walked, he decided to give a briefing in his build up to the next gift.

"The former rulers of Hollow were a Triumvirate of princes, each wizards and masters of the arcane. This city has several academies of magic, where folk learn the mystical arts. The elite of Hollow are the Aetherguard, both serving as aristocracy and the primary military force in charge of protecting it. They are a fighting unit of frightening ability. They were able to give beings as strong as myself a run for my money."

They turned along another empty hallway that had once contained wonders. At the end of it was a set of reinforced doors covered in magical runes. The runes pulsated a ghostly blue in a clockwise pattern. In the center of the doors stood a chunk of crystal suspended by silver teeth. The crystal itself shone and swirled with the same blue light. Lute held his hand up and spoke words of magic, his voice low and guttural.

The runes each flickered out, one by one, and the teeth surrounding the crystal withdrew. Lute placed his hand on it and the doors began to slide open. They were heavy slabs, grinding in their channels. The crystal remained suspended in the empty doorway, levitating on a cushion of raw aether. Beyond the threshold lie an exotic chamber, unlike any of the others found within Hollow.

"This is the palace's Teleportation Chamber."

In the center of the chamber was a large construct composed of interlinked metal circles. Each circle had within it granite blocks, deposited six on one side and six on the other. Candelabras surrounded the construct on all sides. Each prong set with bright crimson candles, their wicks alight with a azure flame. Incense burned from holders upon tables in each corner of the room, filling it with a musky aroma.

Alone with the construct, a dozen of the Aetherguard stood in a row. They wore silver cloaks over their enchanted black armor. In their grips were alabaster staves, made from a rare wood that only could be found within Other World. Topping those staves were onyx gems etched in strange runes that seemed to bleed raw arcane power. The individuals underneath the uniforms were of a variety of races from all across the galaxy. Despite that, their discipline was without compromise. Even the best soldiers and mercenaries in the galaxy looked like slouches compared to the champions of Hollow.

"I was once apart of the Dragon Clan, upon birth," Lute said. "I served the elders, learned their art and ways. We Namekians have a penchant for the spiritual, born as natural ki wielders, unlike many races within this galaxy. But, my people are foolish and misguided. Their so called moral standing never allowed them to reach their full arcane potential. The Aetherguard surpass almost every Dragon Clansmen hands down in both skill and knowledge."

Lute motioned and the Aetherguard broke formation. Moving as one, they assumed their individual positions in the ritual, using the ends of their staves to score specific runes into the granite bocks inset on the metal rings. These carvings were similar to coordinates entered into a ship, they told the spell where to be pointed. After finishing, the lot of them joined in a half-circle to focus their magic into the construct. Bit by bit, the rings began to spin, kicking up speed and velocity with a loud whirring. The air crackled as a temporal rift was opened up. On the other side the faintest whisper of a dense jungle could be seen.

A wicked red claw, bigger than most men, was the the first thing to enter the chamber from the rift.

"That portal is opened to the jungle world of Tritek, a brutal unforgiving wilderness. The guard will demonstrate their power as a fighting unit for you. Afterward, I've ordered them to serve under your command directly. They will be valuable shock-troopers and a suitable protection against the magical arts, should you be in need."

After the claw came a rusty fur covered arm, and a long a snout adorned with long sharp fangs. A dozen or so beady eyes accompanied the skull and lupine ears. The creature sniffed and snorted, the scent of flesh trigger its hunting instincts. It bolted through, all eighteen feet of it at Lute and Polaris.

Lute didn't even flinch, choosing to stand with his arms crossed.

The Aetherguard moved to intercept, bands of bright azure magic erupting from the tips of their staff. The ensnaring bands wrapped the giant alien beast up and it stopped mere feet from Lute's face, droplets of saliva splattering onto the floor. It had six legs, the front pair clawed, the rest hefty looking paws. A twin pair of tails whipped back and forth, tipped with barbs and spears of bone. They shot forward at Lute's face.

An auxiliary guard pointed his staff and a cone of frost erupted from the end of it, freezing insipid tail in mid strike. The creature's own force of strength caused the appendage to shatter like glass, crumbling onto the creature's back. It howled in agony, bucking and twisting against its entrapment. The bands tightened until they were taught and it was suspended a few feet the ground, wriggling and writhing. The Aetherguard holding it back, widened their stances and began to heave back and forth. Combining their efforts, they hurled it back into the rift and closed it up.

"Your thoughts? Will they suit your needs?"

WC: 1,240 | TWC: 4,095
Legume

Polaris's political instincts were well honed. Lute had to admire that about the man. The only mark he saw on his track record was his beeline against the Saiyans. The Aetherguard were a bit of a problem, and Polaris picked up on it with no introduction. It was the sort of problem that didn't work itself easily. They were strong enough to be at threat, yet at the same time that also made them valuable. They had been the elite, the ruling class. Getting them to fall in line wasn't as simple as the charity he would use to get the unwashed masses to favor him.

No doubt Polaris had seen the Crusher Corp mercenaries guarding the Scorched Palace and not the Aetherguard. Lute's personal safety was less of a concern, especially with the dark energy he had been siphoning from Hollow itself. In reality, he simply wanted to show the Aetherguard how easily he could replace them--if they didn't fall in line.

"You bring up a fine point, My Emperor."

Lute gave them all hard looks, eyes sweeping over the chiseled ranks. "These men are not senior officers, or even established officials. They are academy graduates--greenhorns. They have a real opportunity here, to serve the Emperor himself. To see firsthand the galaxy and the troubles it faces, the sort that Hollow has shirked away from for centuries. They can grow in experience and power. When they return, they will be leagues above their seniors and be able to easily replace them.."

If there were any hesitation in their hearts, he knew how to draw it out. He cupped his chin with a hand and paused for a minute or so, appearing deep in thought.

"If any of you have reservations about serving your Emperor or even I, the Demon King, now is the time we address them."

Lute turned his body and motioned for them to walk out of the Teleportation Chamber.

"Under Imperial Law, all citizens are free. Your fealty to me is a verbal contract that has no literal laws binding it. I have not officially conscripted you, nor will I ever. I want each warrior that stands at my side or the Emperors to do so because they have a desire to grow stronger and free this universe of the dysfunction that plagues it. So, now is your chance to leave."

The truth of the matter was, there were Aetherguard who already disliked his rule and wanted things to revert. But, he had picked this crew out of those that came to him personally, asking for a spot and pledging themselves. The youth of Hollow were not as ingrained, they were ready for a change and a better future. The Triumvirate had not always been so kind or merciful. Many of them expressed the notion of walking on glass around their former leaders. The Demon King had openly asked for feedback, for assistance where they had never. He had wanted to cooperate, not dictate. Sure, his orders would stand--but Lute had no desire to be the sole decider. In his perfect world, the people of Hollow would rule themselves and he would help guide them towards becoming powerful and sufficient. 

It was also a world where the gods would perish and all living beings would be free of their manipulation.

Not a single Aetherguard stepped out.

One of them finally shouted. "We wish to serve milord!"

Good, Lute thought.

After a reassuring nod, he started out of the chamber himself, anticipating Polaris to follow after.

"I have one final gift, this one a bit more... personal."

Lute guided Polaris down a long winding staircase that led into the depths of the Scorched Palace. Only it opened up into an enormous cavity with a vaulted ceiling. Rows upon rows of shelves broke up the monotony of the space. It was larger than most industrial warehouses. The floor was polished and black. There were tiny outcroppings among the rows with desks and tables, places to sit and read. Every single shelf was packed tight with tomes, books, and scrolls. It was a veritable treasure trove of arcane knowledge.

Lute had seen a lot of magical libraries, in his search for answers and for a way to destroy the gods. None of them had been so large, nor as clean and organized. He hadn't had much time to purvey the selection himself, but intended to in full in the future. His wizard comrade Hachi had already taken a survey of it and borrowed a few notable items. Lute intended to reveal the bounty to Lady Nevermore, who he had promised to share Hollow's secrets with after her assistance in securing its location.

Yet, he doubted Polaris would care about any of it. Instead, they kept descending to a third level below the palace proper, its undercroft. There were tombs here, where the honored dead were kept. The Triumvirate of past were laid here, along with exceptional members of the Aetherguard. Flickering lamps cast heavy shadows over the cramped confines. Lute at his full seven feet, had to walk with a slight hunch as to not bump into the low hanging katchin ribs that served as support arches against the weight of the structure above.

At the back was another chamber sealed with a spell. This one Lute had placed himself with scythe-like and wicked runes. It was demonic magic, after all. Placing his hands on the central ward, the runes dimmed and the rolled open within its track.

Inside was a stone slab and upon it a single book with a front cover composed of black vellum. The pages inside looked weathered and aged. Sections of it were scored and singed, no doubt from being in the hands of reckless demons for so long.

"This is the Book of Bibidi," Lute said. "I recovered it from the Demon Realm. Written in its pages are riddles of magic, both dark and forlorn. His methods and ways were sometimes unorthodox, and maybe even a bit nonsensical. But, he challenged the very gods that meddled with this universe and nearly cast them out. I admire him for that."

Lute took the book in hand, lifting the cover and running his sharp nailed fingers along the fan of pages. "I will admit freely, that I sought this book looking for power for myself. Ironically, I instead found a means to grant power instead of receive it. The caster of the spell must be willing to sacrifice a portion soul to the recipient. This comes with an immense boost, exponential in some cases."

The Demon King hesitated a moment. Did he want to play his hand right now? By supporting Polaris, he was building towards something greater. He worried that if he tried to rope Polaris into his war against the gods too soon, before things in the galaxy were settled, the Emperor would balk. He decided in that moment to spin it another way.

"We can crush the Empire's enemies together. You have great power as it is, but with a portion of my own added atop of it--imagine what you alone could accomplish. There would be few beings that could stand in your way, let alone hold a candle to you. I will be transparent, however. The first downside is you will tie yourself directly to me. If I were to die at any point, the power granted would be rescinded. But, that is a small price to pay, I think--for the greater good. The second downside is that the power will exaggerate your aggressive tendencies. I feel this is something that in time will mitigate itself, but no doubt you'll feel its effects in battle.

"In the end, the choice is yours."

WC: 1,301 | TWC: 5,396
Legume

Both Lute and Polaris could end worlds, should they have a bad day. One slips up in the spell, one misspoken incantation. and the entire thing could backlash. Doing it in Hollow was nothing more than a risk. Book of Bibidi in hand, both Lute and Polaris returned to the Teleporation Chamber.

"Open a portal to the Demon Realm."

The Aetherguard were incredulous. There was plain and apparent hesitation on their faces. Lute didn't get impatien, nor frustrated. It was probably a good thing that they thought twice before opening a hole to the veritable armpit of the universe. Nothing good came from the Demon Realm. That was precisely the reason Lute felt no qualms with going there. Mortal bias, no doubt.

He remained stalwart, both of his dark eyes scanning the lot of the spell casters. Instead of repeat himself, he only gave a reaffirming nod. They proceeded to swivel the granite blocks to the opposite side. One by one, the appropriate runes were carved into stone and the portal spell was cast.

This time the rift that opened up spilled out an vile red radiation. Polaris would no doubt feel a nauseating wash of dark energy ripple in from the Demon Realm. Everything about it felt wrong, felt vile. Through the gaping hole in reality one could see churning crimson clouds and a blasted landscape of a different world. It was pockmarked and littered with rubble and ruin. Several lesser demons poured forth first. They were horrendous monstrosities, like a cross between and ogre and a goat.

Demons was sort of a catch all for any creature that was corrupted. Most of the Makaioshin and demon lords were rotten Shinjin, banished and exiled. It was a punishment for their birth, something they had little control over. Things like that drove Lute mad. The gods discarded the strongest of their own. They weren't the only ones that lived there. Other races had fallen, only to find their way to the Demon Realm, or having been exiled there.

The Aetherguard moved to intercept the invaders, but Lute was already there. He focused his aura into a kiai blast, which bursted the demons from the inside out. Their blood, guts, viscera, and bone rained and splattered across the room. Way clear, he motioned for Polaris to follow and slipped through to the battered lands beyond.

There he walked straight into a small army of such creatures. Lute held his hand out at the rows of snarling monstrosities. Amethyst ki crackled and sparked from his fingers tips and he released several condensed blasts in quick succession. They exploded with blinding flashes, dissolving huge tracts of Earth in the process and frying demons where they stood. He shot sizzling streams from both eyes next, culling entire formations of the nasty bastards like a scythe through wheat.

It wouldn't be long with both he and Polaris standing there for the demons to realize how overpowered they were. Hissing in fear and crying out in agony, the few straggling survivors retreated, slinking back into the ruins, or in some cases straight up the cliff edifices.

There was plenty of blood for the ritual, that was for sure. Lute cleared the bodies with his foot, simply kicking them away as if they were loose leaves on a forest floor. He found a bovine headed demon still half-alive and gasping. Reaching down, he took hold of its arm and ripped it from the socket with a sickening crunch. Blood gushed from the detached limb and he used it to draw a circle in the dirt, etching gnarly sigils along the inner circumference.

"Stand inside the circle," Lute said, discarding the arm behind him.

He held both hands out, fuchsia lightning coursing and crackling along his fingertips. "This isn't going to feel pleasant. You will be confronted by your rawest emotions, your most primal fears and obsessions. Despite your better instincts, you need only give into them for the power to be yours."

It started slow, with Lute uttering forlorn words in low whispers. The air around the two warriors seemed to swirl and churn, as if it were anticipating the burst of power. Pebbles of rocks and lingering bits of ash fluttered and floated. The Demon King's voice rose with volume until it was a dark and foreboding dirge. Volumes beat like war drums and consonants crashed like thunder. The language was ancient, forgotten to even the demons of this day and age. Every syllable drifted into the sky, agitating the the dark clouds and the storm of chaos that lie beyond them. Rain like venomous ichor began to fall, spattering and sizzling the fabric on Lute's red cape.

In dramatic fashion, the Demon King then clenched his fists and raised them both into the sky. A fount of ki, black as midnight, surged out of the ground beneath Polaris, engulfing him whole. It wasn't harmful like a blast or a beam, rather it was a gift of aura, same as with healing powers or ki lending. The foreign energy would latch on and burrow deep into the core of Polaris's chakras, embedding itself there in some sort of insipid symbioses.

All Lute could do is wait and watch now. It was in the Emperor's hands whether or not the mark would take hold and serve its purpose. Once Polaris gave in the emblem of the Leviathans, a crimson ouroboros, would appear in at the center of his chest and the power up would be complete.

WC: 910 | TWC: 6306
Legume