ULTRAMagic Shadowland - Chapter 25

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    Despite the momentous victory over The Eternal Church (an ironic name at this point), Shadowland was not quite out of the woods yet. First came the return of the money the cult had hoarded for so long. Some tried to claim they were owed more while others claimed they were given too much. No matter who said what, Sten stood firm. He knew the process would be bumpy and expected friction. Of course he graciously accepted any money that was donated to the crown. Sten insisted against this, but he could not stop it. These individuals would be noted so that they could receive appropriate breaks with future taxes.

    Another occurrence in relation to everything was the last of the cult turncoats, who were turning themselves in. This ranged from those who were stubborn to those who were caught between a rock and a hard place, with each person being handled accordingly. Unbeknownst to those outside of the royal court, Sten had secretly made this the cut off point. Anyone apprehended after this would either be executed or receive life in prison. Sten’s logic was that anyone foolish enough to remain with Milosh going forward was not worth saving. There was a unique exception, but anyone with a functioning mind knew the destruction of the church was the time to call it quits.

    Amidst all the excitement, Gabriella and Weaver were making their way to Redstar Station on the edge of the city. Here they planned to head to Gabriella’s universe and home. As they walked, they happened upon Dunja and Maximus. They were chatting while Turi rested on Dunja’s arm, happily eating a treat.

    “Your majesty, Maximus, hello there!” Gabriella said as she approached.

    “Oh hey, you two,” Dunja replied as she gave Turi a few scratches. “Where’re you both off to?”

    Weaver dusted off his shoulder. “Oh, just Gabriella’s home. Not going to lie, I’m a bit nervous.”

    Gabriella gave him a few taps on the arm with the back of her hand. “Don’t be. It’ll be fine. The first layer of Inferno is very peaceful this time of year. You’ll fit right in.”

    “Wait, Weaver, aren’t you from the Cosmos proper originally?” Maximus questioned.

    “Yes, and?”

    “Well then it should be a walk in the park for you.”

    Weaver grumbled. “I mean, I guess so. You’ll have to pardon my apprehension considering I am literally going to Hell…” The others laughed at the absurdity.

    “Well at least you can invalidate Grimwald’s insults now,” Gabriella pointed out.

    Weaver nodded and chuckled. “Alright, fair enough, haha.” As they resumed walking, Weaver looked up at Maximus. “Say, where are you off to?”

    “Home, I guess. Sten insisted I head back, inform The Iron City, and stay on guard just in case Milosh pulls something.”

    “Ah. I suppose that makes sense. What about you Dunja?”

    “Well Turi is going to deliver this letter here to Englehart. Once these two are off, I’m going to head to the royal aviary and help Aureolus pick out a bird, since he’s been interested in one.”

    Upon reaching the station, Maximus and Dunja bid the two farewell and headed off. “Well then, shall we head inside and get ready?” Gabriella asked.

    The pair entered the busy train station and stepped over to an employee who showed them to a series of doors. Each one had a space before it that was perfectly square and flat. Taking the chalk that was handed to her, Gabriella drew a pentagram. Once ready, she plucked a feather from her wings and placed it in the center. Focusing on it, the seal lit up and caused the margin to glow red. The light quickly vanished, allowing the two to go through.

    Entering Inferno was a unique experience for Weaver. First he felt incredibly hot, which gave way to a euphoric feeling. His vision blurred as he heard a series of trumpets play a welcoming tune. Once he could see again, he had a rush of sights to take in. The two were in another station that was bustling and noisy. Demons, angels, and everything in between were moving to and about. Train whistles blew as voices spoke over the booming intercoms. Weaver stumbled about as he observed everything before him. People with horns and tails, strange architecture, and familiar scents and sounds made his mind race with excitement.

    “Incredible…” Weaver remarked as he accidentally bumped into a tall demon with dark hair. This caused them to collide with a passing, orange skinned demon with brown hair.

    “Hey, watch where you’re going…” the first demon stated.

    “Oh jeez. Sorry, sorry…” Weaver apologized, quite embarrassed.

    “Amon!” Gabriella called out. “Good to see you again.”

    “Gabriella, welcome back” he replied as he shook her hand. “How’d your adventure go?”

    She chuckled. “Adventure, that is the most apt way to describe it. Amon, this man right here is Weaver Craddock, a blacksmith I met in Shadowland. Weaver, this is Amon, marquis of Inferno. Currently he’s seeking to improve his rank in the pseudomonarchy.”

    The two shook hands. “A pleasure to meet you, Weaver,” Amon welcomed.

    “Likewise. Say, you sound familiar. I know I’ve heard your name before…”

    “Well of course you have, Weaver,” Gabriella answered. “This is the demon Achasiah oversees.”

    Weaver nodded in surprise. “Well I’ll be damned. It’s an honor, Amon.”

    “Same, as Achasiah has said good stuff about you and the Shadowland crew. Sorry you had to deal with our basket case Milosh…”

    “It’s alright. The Spineless coward is a complete joke of a threat once he’s on his own.”

    Amon wanted to sneak off with the two, but a third demon called out his name, causing him to sigh. “Coming, Lucifuge! Sorry guys, but I got to bounce. Lucifer has been breathing down my neck today…”

    “Oh dear,” said Gabriella. “Well best of luck to you, Amon,” she called out as he walked off. “Shoot, I didn’t get to tell him the news about us…” She then indicated for Weaver to follow her.

    “Wait, Lucifer? Thee Lucifer?”

    “Yes. He’s not as bad as a lot of earthlings make him out to be. That’s not to say he hasn’t messed up in the past, Atlantis being a noteworthy example, but at the same time he’s still loyal to Adonai.”

    “Huh, that’s not what the bible thumpers from my universe would have you believe... Anyways, Amon, he seems pretty alright.”

    Gabriella nodded. “Indeed. Reliable and adept at resolving conflicts. You know, Weaver, you could potentially summon him one day.”

    “I take it you're referring to necromancy? I mean, I suppose I could try learning it once I have ULTRAMagic…”

    Moving to a secretary at a cubicle, Gabriella got Weaver all checked into the records so he could move about freely. Leaving the station, the two walked through what was known as New Paradiso City. It was a nice and sunny day, with a few clouds here and there. Gabriella explained that the city was modeled after the cities of late 20th century America. Weaver was a little confused, so Gabriella clarified that it was a country on her Earth. After giving her boyfriend a chance to see the sights, she hailed a cab. They were not going to walk all the way to her home as it was quite far away.

    Seeing Inferno’s lands pass by during the car ride was a surreal experience for Weaver. Outside of the city there were forests, pastures, and grassy hills everywhere. Aside from obvious things that indicated where they were, everything looked normal to him. Gabriella took the opportunity to explain what the layers of Inferno were. She further clarified that what he thought he would encounter were the deepest layers of the realm. Gabriella then finished by warning him never to go down to the 9th and 10th layers as untold horrors lurked in the depths. Only the strongest Angels and Demons dared to brave such places.

    Arriving at their destination, the two were greeted by a large mansion, flanked by trees and gardens. It was all quite beautiful, with the building having an early 1900s feel to it. Inside they stepped into a grand foyer with a wall of windows on the far end and a balcony above them. Weaver took a moment as he looked around, marveling at the paintings on the walls and the luxurious furniture.

    “Jeez, you sure this isn’t Heaven?” he asked.

    Gabriella giggled. “Well people do say that Inferno is like a second Heaven sometimes. It’s even been said that it is a Heaven for those that can’t get into Heaven for one reason or another… assuming you stick to the upper layers.”

    “So do you live here all by yourself?”

    “Nope. I live with my mother since it is her mansion after all. She’s probably still in The Unlight…” Gabriella answered as she took off her coat and boots.

    As Weaver took off his boots, someone appeared on the balcony. “Gabriella, is that you dear?”

    She looked up. “Mom! You’re back too?”

    Valentina looked a little frazzled, but no worse for wear. “Sadly. The council called on me for important business relating to the Miranda Planetoid.”

    “The council?” Weaver inquired.

    “The Infernal Council of Order” Gabriella answered. “It’s the main governing body of Inferno, aside from the four emperors. So mom, how’s Blood doing?”

    The dark angel gave a worried sigh. “Not great. Everything’s been bothering him. I didn’t want to leave him, but Nasargiel explained the full scope of the issue here and… well, I see why he wanted me back so badly.”

    “Oh my…. I presume Radovan and Rose are going to look after him now?”

    “Yes. Rose finally has some free time and Radovan said he would make time. Thankfully things seemed to be settling down in The Iron City when I left.”

    “That’s good to hear. Oh, Mom! Great news: You’re familiar with Mr. Craddock here, right?”

    She nodded. “Yes, I am. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Weaver.”

    “Same, Valentina,” he replied, unsure if he should bring up what Achasiah had told everyone back in Shadowland.

    Gabriella smiled. “Mom, I’m proud to announce that I finally have a boyfriend!” This made Weaver blush.

    That news made Valentina’s day as she felt her heart swell with happiness. “How wonderful! Well then, you make yourself right at home, Weaver. Now I’d love to hang out and chat with you two, but unfortunately I need to get back to work…”

    Weaver chuckled. “It’s alright, I know how you feel.”

    “Oh! Before I forget, Gabriella, there’s a package in the mail room. Could you take that to Stolon when you get the chance?”

    “Sure. I was planning to go visit Stolas regardless.”

    “Thank you, sweetie. If you kids need me for anything, I’ll be in my office.” Valentina then hurried off.

    Gabriella turned to Weaver. “Want to go meet one of my friends from my school days?”

    “Sure…” his stomach growled. “Um, can we get something to eat first?.”

    She looked at the clock. “Hey, lunch time. Follow me.” Gabriella led him to the kitchen, which was clean and spacious with an island counter in the center. “We could head over to the dining hall, but it’s just lunch. Xavier? Are you here?”

    What appeared to be a five foot tall demon came walking up. His skin was earthly in color and his tail was relatively thick. “Gabriella, welcome home! Glad to have you back.”

    “You would not believe the adventure I’ve had. Weaver, this is Xavier, our butler. Xavier, this is Weaver Craddock, my boyfriend.”

    “A Boyfriend?! Well howdy do, welcome to the Pari residence, Weaver,” Xavier said as he shook his hand.

    “Thanks. Say, what kind of demon are you, if you don’t mind me asking. You look different from the others.”

    “Oh, I’m not a demon. I’m a devil, and an Earth devil at that. We were the ones who resided in Inferno before the demons and angels started showing up. As for what I’m doing here, I like the Pari’s and I need the work.”

    “Right, sorry. I didn’t realize there was a difference.”

    Xavier looked at Gabriella. “He’s from a different universe,” she replied.

    “Ah, I see. Well no harm now foul” Xavier stated as he got out some cutlery and food. “What can I do for you two? Lunch, I take it?”

    Gabriella nodded. “Certainly. I’ll have the usual. What do you want, Weaver?”

    “Oh, what’s it called… oh yeah, a sub, please. Claudius introduced me to them and I can’t get enough.”

    “Nice, that’s my favorite too,” Xavier pointed out. “Figures given that you’re a blacksmith. I’ve fancied myself a smith in the past, with help from my friend, Cliff. He’s an iron devil.”

    “You can tell that I smith? How so?”

    “You smell of Earth and metal. I’ll have to give Cliff a call so you two can chat. Now, let’s get cooking!”


Next: Chapter 26

ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)

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