by T5
Using her magicks, Ma Kalunga whipped up a large stagecoach with two black stallions that seemed to have come out of the deepest pit of Hell. They had red eyes and fiery breath and a speed that would make normal horses whimper with shame.
They galloped across the dusty, endless plain of gray, a grayness that seemed to reach into your soul and suck out the colors of life and hope through your pores.
Sometimes they saw wanderers plodding along with broken legs or heavy burdens. "Guilt burdens," explained Zveidi.
The hours went by, and the plains seemed to have no end. The hypnotic sound of hooves and wheels slowly made them relax and fall asleep.
Only Zveidi remained alert. She knew what dangers lurked out there in the mists of dust. She looked at her disciple with a smile. So trusting and willing to serve. It was rare to find such loyal servants.
Mr. Smith would do anything to get back, and that would be the best way shackle him. Give him a partial reward now and then, and he would be hers forever.
She stroked his forehead with her pale, long fingers. He was sleeping like a baby, and babies were her favorite victims.
Kwaiziel, or Naecken as his former friends had called him, walked among the restless souls beneath Lord Khung's palace.
They wandered aimlessly through the throngs of hopefuls that wished to be picked up out of their misery and into the attention of their master, to gain some power over others or a chance to be transferred to another level in Hell.
They looked upon Naecken and saw someone that couldn't be messed with or otherwise be forced into doing someone's bidding. The red demon simply smiled and told them to wait; wait for their chance at ascension. It would come soon, very soon.
Some asked how he knew this. A few just ignored him and said that he didn't know what he was rambling about. No one ascended from the plains of dust.
Naecken stopped and looked upon the fat creature that had spoken. "You have guts, my friend. You I will have as my first general."
"General?" the fat creature spat on the ground. "Over what? Dust fleas?"
"No, my corpulent avenger -- the hordes of downtrodden you see in front of you. Imagine them organized and led by yourself and me."
The creature considered this with a laugh. "And do what? Attack the Fallen One?" He laughed again, this time joined by some others.
"No," Naecken replied with a louder voice. "Hear this: I am the lost Lord Kwaiziel. I have returned to overthrow Lord Khung and reclaim my throne. Anyone who helps me in this endeavor will be greatly rewarded."
Someone yelled, "But this is his home now, his place of power. We wouldn't stand a chance."
Naecken turned to face the man. "You forget... this was my place of power for over ten thousand years. This realm will obey me first." And with that, he ignited a huge ring-wall of fire that quickly encircled the castle.
People in the crowds cheered or screamed for help, depending on where they were at the time the fire started.
Zveidi saw the distant light of the fiery chaos and shrugged. Yet another fight over supremacy in Hell. She didn't care. Her domain was safe from interlopers or rank hungry demons.
No one understood her passion for the phobic dreams induced by drugs or other stimuli like her. A never-ending trance dance swayed rhythmically through her lands, and as she now re-entered her domain, the dwellers rejoiced in her second coming by tearing the skins of the dead and offering them as a bloody red carpet to her palace entrance.
She waved to her loyal servants, who were only mid-ranking demons of the psychotic line. No pretenders here, just the determined disciples who proved their allegiance to her and only her.
The drum beat filled her with ecstasy, and she smiled. "At last, to be where I am most needed, with my beloved children who never fail me, slaves to the rhythm."
And, as if agreeing with her, the rhythm became deeper and faster, building up into a crescendo that would explode and set the demons on their way to gather more lost souls to dance and play with.
"Give Mr. Smith a bed. He certainly needs his beauty sleep. And in the morning we will discuss terms with him."