Palamon
Silence is Purple
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- Posts
- 16
- Years
- Age 28
- he/him
- Snezhnaya, Teyvat.
- Seen today
Strawberry Kingdom 6: New Guards on the Table
"It's me, the one,
The only, the beautiful, number one in all of
Satiation Kingdom, Strawberry Shark Queen!
My team and I decided to
Expand our penal colony,
Ackee Wastelands to add a
Gladiator ring. It's called the
Ackee pits! And,
It's seated right outside the prison.
Numerous demons have
Started to compete, and we added a bastion just in case someone
Tries to attack! We also expanded our territory to the
Ridges of the area. We saw there was
An opportunity to put a
Wide range of
Bigger activities to gander at! But, we have decided to further
Expand our penal colony first. We are
Rather proud of our gladiator
Ring! Demons from other kingdoms are even begging to come!
Yes, all of our expansions are worthwhile
So far! And, it is pretty thrilling!
However, I do
Admit that we haven't finished expanding the Lychee
Ridge. At present, we don't
Know where we want to take it, but as the
Queen, and the top demon
Upon this world, I need to finish
Expanding. If
Even one portion of my kingdom is
Not maintained, that's
A spell of disaster that I simply can't allow. I must
Not get lazy. Now, I
Doubt anyone is going to attack the ridge. But, if they do, I
Will take them out! I've heard Legume
Empire has been getting pretty busy looking to
Dominate. But, they won't
Ever be able to dethrone me! They absolutely
Can't, and if they think
I'll ever be thrown from the top stop, they're so
Dumb. No one will
Ever be able to
Dethrone me.
Try as you might! But, it's not going to happen!
Ohoho, see? I'm untouchable! I'll always be incredibly untouchable. Because I spent centuries getting my kingdom to the way it is today.
Everything is the way it because I kept expanding. And absorbed fallen kingdoms.
Ximenia Caffra Colony? Mine.
Perhaps I should say this so no one gets the wrong idea. I have
Absolutely no intention of conquering all of Satiation Kingdom,
No no no, just remaining at the top. I
Don't intend to take every kingdom under my control.
Obviously not. I am not done expanding, and
Unless I am ambushed and dead demons try to
Reclaim the land, I am
Pretty certain that, at least for the time being, I am
Entirety safe here at the top spot.
No one will ever be
Able to top me! I am
Likely to remain at the top for
Countless centuries. Or possibly countless millennia!
Ohoho, I am at the top of the food chain!
Literally everyone is beneath me. If any single
One of the Kingdoms thinks they can dethrone me,
Nope try again!
You don't have what it
Takes to ever defeat me!
Heh heh, don't you see?
Every single demon is in
A losing battle. They
Can't beat us. They
Know they won't
Ever be able to touch us. Not
Ever! They can try, but they
Will always fail! Everyone will
Always fail. Heh.
So, anyway, I intend
To enter the gladiator ring to
Enter the first ever
Lucky Cherry Holy Grail
Assault. Multiple Kingdoms are
Now going around and sending their
Demons in. Of course, I
Stand above the rest of these
Fools, so
Obviously, I shall
Remain victorious. Of course, this
Gladiator competition is not Kingdom Warfare.
Let me just make sure I
At least mention that. This
Doesn't affect our ranking.
It doesn't affect
Any kingdoms rankings.
Though, some Kingdoms
Obviously didn't get that memo. I'll have those demons
Retreat if they think these
Battles count
As Kingdom Warfare!
The bastion itself is not in
The ring but somewhere in the outskirts, but
Let's not get into
Every nitty gritty here!
Strawberry Kingdom will be victorious in the Holy Grail Assault. That's what matters!"
It had been about a month since the Strawberry Shark Queen had beaten Lord Dragon Fruit in a race. Continuing to expand Strawberry Kingdom since then, two particular places of note had gotten their time in the spotlight. Discovering a ridge area rich in smelling salts that had been abandoned for centuries, Strawberry Kingdom made the area their own. New portion of land entitled Lychee Ridge, expansion was going rather slowly.
Deciding to expand the land beside Ackee Wastelands as well, a stadium had been built after multiple demons had begged and pleaded for something to be placed there. Gladiator ring added, requests far and wide from multiple kingdoms had poured in to create some sort of competition. Creating the Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault, business might have been booming. Remaining in the top spot in Satiation Kingdom, everything would remain the same. Competition coming up quite soon, everything was going as expected.
However, there had been one issue on the backburner. Lychee Ridge completely unguarded, the queen knew something had to be done to prevent wild attacks from flocking in. Holy Grail Assault coming any day now, time was running out. Continuing to put such issue in the basement, everything was moving forward too swiftly.
But, today would be the day two events would melt into one another.
The bright achene sun was burning brightly over the skies of Strawberry Kingdom and the various other landmasses that had been absorbed into one another. The implings were out playing, the Beetroot District was as popular as ever, the gladiator arena outside the Ackee Wastelands was preparing itself for action. It was another bustling day for the many demons across Strawberry Kingdom, and for the ruler, such was just the tip of the strawberry iceberg.
Peep, peep, peep, peep, peep.
Morning songbirds chirping away, the Strawberry Shark Queen rubbed his eyes. It was morning already? Give him five more minutes, please? Letting out a quiet hmph, the royal threw the covers back. There was no time for a longer slumber, today was the day! The Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault! And, he was going to be victorious over all those foolish weak demons being sent from other kingdoms!
Tail swishing from behind him, the queen pumped his fists he had to hurry and get ready and read all those pathetic challenge letters that had been piling up lately. How many kingdoms demanded that they face him in the Holy Grail Assault now? So many he wasn't going to count. Did these demons think they could possibly defeat him? They had another thing coming! Strawberry bell rung, the ruler drummed his fingers upon his windowsill.
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Watermelon Jackal Angel asked. "What do you want?"
"You know what he wants, Angel!" Penguin Elf Apple cried. "The challenge letters that he's received over the past couple days?"
"I'm pretty sure the raspberry fairies are holding onto those, aren't they?" Watermelon Jackal Angel asked, hand on the side of her head. "They aren't allowed to bring him his letters or mail until he's out of his room."
"Then, why did you make them in charge of holding onto the challenge letters?" Penguin Elf Apple asked, sighing. "Never mind. I suppose it's too late for that." She then turned towards the queen. "Do the raspberry fairies have your permission to bring your challenge letters to your room, Your Majesty?"
Question coming his way, the ruler let out a little hmm. If he let those little weak fairies back into his room, they would think they were allowed in here any time they pleased! But, those challenge letters weren't going to read themselves! His eyes were practically swimming in the piled up scrolls at this point!
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Send the raspberry fairy in here with my challenge letters right now, chop chop!| a written note demanded.
"Of course, Your Majesty, I'll go get them," Penguin Elf Apple said. "Angel, wait for me here."
"I'm not a child, you know," Watermelon Jackal Angel responded, arms across her waist. "Could you please not treat me like one?"
"I didn't say you were, did I?" Penguin Elf Apple asked, sighing. "Please, just stay here just in case some of the raspberry fairies think they can fly into his room without permission. You know they can hear every word we say."
"Well, fine, if you insist," Watermelon Jackal Angel responded, sighing. She then turned towards the queen. "Your Majesty, is there anything you need while we wait?"
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Make yourself useful and place my apple oil in my restroom!| a written paper note demanded.
"Alright, Your Majesty, I'll get right on that," Watermelon Jackal Angel said, stepping away.
Hearing the pesky fairies flittering around in the other room, the royal let out a low growl. These little lesser demons were so excited to enter his space, were they? He should have taken it back at last second! But, too late now, here come those stupid little rats! They were most certainly going to take this as an invitation to enter his room without permission again! He ought to send them to the Ackee Wastelands if they ever so dare to do that!
Boing, boing, boing, boing.
"Queen, queen, we have your challenges letters for you!" the raspberry fairy cried.
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Hurry up and hand them over already!| a written paper note screeched.
"Okay, Your Majesty, here you go!" the raspberry fae cried.
Nearly a mountain of scrolls tossed into his room, the queen nearly fell over. Quickly counting in rapid fire, the ruler was beside himself in battling spirit. So many other demons wished to topple them, did they? Reading over the first one, he crumpled it up into a ball as he saw the name beneath. Juicy Vienna Kingpin? Not happening, next! Stamping an invalid letter of challenge sticker over it, he opened up the next one.
Another letter of challenge from another member of the ever so disgusting Sausage Syndicate, the demon clicked his tongue. Oh, wonderful, just how many of these annoying letters had he gotten from this dangerous sham of a kingdom, ten, twenty, thirty? Reading through the countless pieces of trash left to him, the rejection stamp had been plastered upon each one. Fae floating towards him, he almost wanted to punt them away.
"What's wrong, Your Majesty, you keep throwing the letters away!" the raspberry fae cried.
|That's none of your business! Ask any more questions and I'll have you thrown into the Ackee Wastelands!| a written paper note shouted.
"I'm sorry for stepping out of line, Your Majesty!" the raspberry fae cried. "It won't happen again!"
Scrambling through the rest of the challenge letters, barely any of them had been of interest. Multiple coming from lesser demons from multiple kingdoms, the ruler held in a laugh. Man, so many pathetic demons were daring to challenge him in this Holy Grail Assault. Good luck beating him, they'd most certainly need it! Approved stamp plastered on all the trash, one particular letter stood out amongst the rest.
Dear Strawberry Shark Queen,
It would seem you have decided to open up some sort of gladiator competition. How could you do that and not invite us directly? How annoying of you to do that, guess I'll have to invite Legume Empire myself! I, Chickpea Viceroy Exterminator challenge you, Strawberry Shark Queen to a battle in the Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault!
And, I won't take no for an answer! Your Kingdom has been at the top for far too long, I think you could use being knocked down a peg! Whether you accept my invitation to battle or not, my top demons and I will be coming anyway, so consider this your only warning! Don't say I didn't warn you, because I clearly did in writing right here!
You'd better be prepared to lose because, I am a reaper, and you should probably be scared of me and my people! We will be victorious in this Holy Grail Assault and knock you down from the top one spot in Satiation Kingdom. Mark my, no, our words, you're going down, Strawberry Shark Queen! There's blood on your hands!
From,
Chickpea Viceroy Exterminator."
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
"Hey, you, hurry up and stamp an approval on this!" a little circular creature cried.
Pesky little creature floating beside the letter, the ruler almost wanted to throw the monster out the window. How dare Legume Empire send their Chickpea ghosts here to make him answer! He ought to throw their leader into the Rhubarb Caves the moment they arrive. Plopping down the approval sticker, he let out a growl. This was looking to more of a mistake by the second!
"I didn't even sense that ghost at all," Watermelon Jackal Angel said turning her head towards the right and left. "I thought Legume Empire were a group of exorcists?"
"They are, but, they work with some of the ghosts they kill, it's pretty strange," Penguin Elf Apple responded, sighing. "But, we don't have any more time to dawdle. Your Majesty, there's not much time. Members of the Tomato Kingdom will be here soon. There's something they need to speak to you about before the Holy Grail Assault."
Tomato Kingdom mentioned, the queen scoffed. Were they going to ask for more acres of land? How dare they, if so! They had enough now, and if they dare think they are entitled to more, they had another thing coming! All these fiends did lately was ask for more! Did they think he was some kind of charity? Sorry, the wishing well has run dry!
Stomping off towards the the private restroom, the demon let out a barely audible hmph. He should have never agreed to allowing Tomato Kingdom to rebuild! Those greedy little pandas! Next thing he knew, they would demand to become independent! No way, not happening. Did they think they could survive without him? Try again in another three hundred years, and maybe they will!
Tail swishing with a fury in the tub, the queen rose a cuticled fist onto the air. He ought to demand the Tomato Kingdom weaklings face him in the Holy Grail Assault! He'll teach them their place in this world. Those demons were a pathetic bunch of weaklings who were constantly begging and pleading for his help! They were the wimpiest of the meek. Apple oil plopped on, the ruler flipped his hair. He'll show all of Satiation Kingdom who is the strongest of them all today, mark his unsaid words.
Soon wearing a bright dark orange knee length dress with a light green ribbon in the center, the heart shaped strawberries had been printed in an upside down pattern on the top half. Bottom half facing left and right the queen adorned a look sour enough to make a lemon die. Man, his hair was a mess today, where was Cranberry Lynx Devil? She'd better hurry up and get here immediately! Little strawberry bell rung, he drummed his cuticles upon the surface in front of him.
"No need to ring that, Your Majesty, I'm here," Cranberry Lynx Devil said in a slightly annoyed tone. "How would you like your hair today? We need to be quick, however. The Tomato Kingdom diplomats will be here soon to discuss something with you."
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Tie half my hair up into a bun to the back of my hair, but leave some of my hair hanging near my shoulders!| a written paper note demanded.
"As you wish, Your Majesty, but I'm not quite sure about that hairstyle, I'll try my best," Cranberry Lynx Devil responded. "I'm not sure when the Tomato Kingdom diplomats will show their faces, but regardless, we need to be done today as fast as possible."
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Stop talking and hurry up!| a written paper note demanded.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Cranberry Lynx Devil said. "Would you like some hairspray applied as well?"
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|You'd better!| a written paper note demanded.
Portion of his hair left down, the hairspray soon had its last hurrah. Locks sparkly like usual, the ruler resisted the urge to flip his hair. He looked at the peak of strength, as usual! Heart shaped strawberry hairpins and earrings clicked in, the demon put on a little rosy perfume. That'll do it. Everyone will remember him on the battlefield with this scent.
Strutting off towards the dining room, the pesky little fae creatures whispered in his ears. Stupid mutterings about the Tomato Kingdom coming faster than anticipated, he almost wanted to throw these messengers out the window. How dare these diplomats come earlier! He'll make them pay for this nonsense! Timer ticking down towards the thirty minute mark, he held in a bark. They're cutting his breakfast time short, they'll pay for that!
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Red Pepper Demon greeted. "Your breakfast will be quick today. It would seem the Tomato Kingdom diplomats want to meet with you as soon as possible. But, I'll make arrangements with the overseer of the Ackee Wastelands to give you a three course meal before the competition today."
Scribble, scribble, scribble.
|You'd better!| a written paper note demanded.
"You have my word, Your Majesty, I know this Holy Grail Assault is very important to you," Red Pepper Demon responded. "And, I'll see to it that you get a high quality luncheon today."
Stomping off towards his chair, the royal glared daggers at the pitiful panda farmer munching away at a tomato basil sandwich. This little pest, how dare he eat way so happily when those stupid diplomats were rapidly approaching! He'll make him regret ever being bought by him! But, no, no, he couldn't say that. After all, this meek little demon had nothing to do with those slimy little greedy landseekers! Munching away at the soggy bread he kept his eyes on the pathetic little land tiller.
"Is there something wrong, Your Majesty?" Panda Tomato Farmer asked. "You're staring at me quite scarily."
Scribble, scribble.
|Tell those Tomato Kingdom Diplomats I won't be giving them any more land! They have enough!| a written paper note demanded.
"Oh, Your Majesty, they're not asking you for more land. They would never take advantage of your kindness like that!" Panda Tomato Farmer cried, sweating. His hands waved around in the air as he said such. "I think they want to ask you about the situation at the Lychee Ridge." He then gulped. "Or, so I hear. They don't tell me anything!"
Lychee Ridge mentioned, the queen gobbled up the rest of the sandwich fast enough to choke. Were they planning on taking over that area, how dare they! Those greedy diplomats. He ought to send them to the Ackee Wastelands for that! If they so much as dared to suggest they were taking that land, this alliance was over in a heartbeat!
Scribble, scribble.
|If they think they can claim the Lychee Ridge for themselves, you and your people can consider themselves rogue criminals!| a written paper note screeched.
"We don't intend to take Lychee Ridge at all, Your Majesty!" Panda Tomato Farmer cried. "The diplomats just noticed you were lacking guards! I'm sure that's all they want to talk to you about, promise!"
Glaring at the pesky panda one last time, the queen grumbled. They'd better not be lying, or they can say hello to the Ackee Wastelands!
->
Ten Minutes Later
Reaching the throne room, the queen crusted his left leg into his right thigh. Were the Tomato Kingdom diplomats really looking to speak about the situation on the Lychee Ridge? If they so much as thought they could have that land for themselves, they would get a punishment worse than ever before! Mark his unsaid words, this alliance is over if the demanded more land!
"Your Majesty, the Tomato Kingdom diplomats are here," Cranberry Lynx Devil said. "Shall I send them in?"
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Send them in right now!| a written paper note demanded.
"Right away, Your Majesty," Cranberry Lynx Devil responded.
Palace doors opening, the queen watched as the Tomato Kingdom diplomats strutted in with an important aura surrounded them. Hearing such, he let out a barely audible scoff. These demon were going to ask for more land, he could sense it! Consider this alliance over if the key phrase, please, do we have your permission to take control of the Lychee Ridge was said. Keeping his ears opened, his tail furiously brushed from behind him on the throne chair.
Greedy losers bowing their heads, the queen snapped his fingers. That's right, they'd better remember who to bow their head to! Pitiful demons raising their heads, that pesky little big black screened device had been seated in the palm of their hands. Look at them, still playing around with those little toys of theirs! They had been far too reliant on those screened devices of theirs.
"Fair day, Your Majesty, the Strawberry Shark Queen," the diplomat greeted. "We apologize for intruding, but we couldn't help but notice that Lychee Ridge is completely unguarded. And, considering it is a land rich of smelling salts, we suspect that many demons may try to take the land for themselves without any warning." The screened device in their hands turned on as they said such. "And, we'd like to propose you hire some of our youthful demons that are looking for a job to act as guards to protect the Lychee Ridge from invaders. The youngsters are very eager to work with you!"
Screen burning brightly, the queen let out a slightly audible, hmm? These diplomats sure were perceptive, weren't they? Maybe he shouldn't have halted the Lychee Ridge's expansion. Those smelling salts sure were valuable, weren't they? He supposed he could hire a few of their pathetic little young demons to guard it! After all, they weren't doing anything valuable with their lives.
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
"The queen decrees, 'hand over the device right now. How dare you come on such short notice. Don't you know I have an event to tend to today?' the Cranberry Lynx Devil read aloud. "Your Majesty, is that last bit necessary? The Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault doesn't start until the mid afternoon."
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|I don't believe I asked for you opinion! We don't have time for this nonsense, and you know it!| a written paper note shouted.
"I apologize for stepping out of line, Your Majesty," Cranberry Lynx Devil responded bowing. "In any case, it is true that we are short on time today. So, it would be best you make this quick. We have to leave for the air car promptly after this meeting."
"We apologize for taking up your time like this, Your Majesty! We understand that the Holy Grail Assault is very important to you!" the Tomato Kingdom diplomat cried. "If we work this out together, it will go by much quicker!"
Curling his fingers, the device had been handed off to him. Folder of denizens opened up, a multitude of useless comments had been fired off. Bright pink haired youthful demon labelled as resilient a resourceful, the queen drummed his fingers on the side of his chair. Resilient, hmm? Sure they were. Could they take a bullet to the chest, could they shoulder an attack from a faraway kingdom? If not, they weren't worth his presence!
"Her name is Sparkling Goji Koala!" the Tomato Kingdom diplomat cried. "She's able to bounce back bullets like they're nothing! Please, Your Majesty, consider hiring her!"
Pitiful diplomat claiming this young demon could bounce back bullets, the royal raised an eyebrow. They had better not be exaggerating! Flipping to the next entry, a less than worthwhile entry graced his vision. Picture of an impling with tomato shaped firecrackers in a basket, he shook his head. Excuse him, did these demons think he was eager to hire children? Think again!
Scrolling to the next prospect hires, a rather interesting entry graced him. Seeing a rather burly looking red onion demon, the queen read through the short list of pros and cons. Reading prone to having violent angry outbursts, the ruler almost wanted to smear an x over that one. But, the pros listed, they were quite useful. Maybe he could overlook their weaknesses for now.
Finding further decent candidates, the demon placed his hand on his chin. This kingdom sure had been hiding a ton of strong fighters. He supposed he could humor these pitiful diplomats by hiring a few of them. The more defenses from the weaker kingdoms trying to attack, the better. Reaching the last demon on the list, he prepared himself for possible regret.
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
The queen decrees, 'I will hire Sparkling Goji Koala, Red Onion Builder and Tomato Paste Grizzly. They'd better not let me down!' Cranberry Lynx Devil read aloud. She then turned towards the Tomato Kingdom diplomats. "Do these hires satisfy you?"
"That will be plenty, Your Majesty, thank you so much!" the Tomato Kingdom diplomats exclaimed, bowing their heads. "We will send them to defend the Lychee Ridge right away! It is very likely Sweet and Sour Kingdom might approach any day now to attack your newest bastion. If they see it's guarded, perhaps they'll back off!"
Sweet and Sour Kingdom mentioned, the queen hissed. Those disgusting little ghosts were looking to attack again, were they? How dare they think they could go after his bastion without notice! If they so much as dare stomp on by, he'll destroy them in one fell swoop! These pesky little fiends, they had another thing coming if they ever so much as dare invade and conquer!
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
The queen decrees, 'then consider this deal done. Now, get out of my sight!' Cranberry Lynx Devil read aloud. "We have to head for the air car now, if you'd please exit the premises at once so we can depart, that would be lovely."
"Of course, we'll get out of your way!" the Tomato Kingdom diplomat cried. "Good luck in the Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault!"
Weak and pitiful diplomats exiting the premises, the ruler whistled. Stepping out of the palace, a large, strawberry shaped floating vehicle hovered beside the steps. Seating himself in the backseat, the queen let out a little giggle. It was time to destroy every single pathetic demon who dared challenge him! Vehicle speeding off, a sea of warnings had come his way.
"Your Majesty, don't get too complacent," Watermelon Jackal Angel warned. "Some of the demons might be stronger than you think." She then tilted her head. "Who's competing again?"
"You don't remember? I thought I told you at least six times already today," Penguin Elf Apple groaned.
"I don't recall you telling me who's competing at all," Watermelon Jackal Angel responded, shaking her head. "If you did, you probably mumbled it too quiet for me to hear."
"Alright, so maybe I did, my bad," Penguin Elf Apple said, sighing. "Besides Legume Empire, I believe Pitaya Land and Pickle Land will also be sending some of their demons, but not their leaders. Not sure why that's the case here." She then turned towards Cranberry Lynx Devil. "Do you know why that might be?"
"Dill Pickle Goddess finds battling to be uh, an ugly activity," Cranberry Lynx Devil replied shrugging. "So, she would never engage in physical combat. As for Lord Dragon Fruit, they aren't interested in gladiator based events. They said something like that isn't their style."
"Dill Pickle Goddess saying that is believable," Red Pepper Demon said, sighing. "All that demon cares about is looking pretty. And, she thinks battling would make her look ugly. I could never hope to understand someone like her."
"Did anyone else invite themselves to the Holy Grail Assault?" Watermelon Jackal Angel asked.
"Some of the prisoners from the Ackee Wastelands who think they've repented long enough will be partaking in the battles," Cranberry Lynx Devil said. "As for other kingdoms, well, aside from the scrolls the queen got, the Nut Shores is sending a few of their demons. The Golden Bread Dynasty wanted to compete, but they couldn't figure out how to send us a scroll."
Pathetic little Golden Bread Dynasty demons failing at everything as usual, the queen let out a quiet guffaw. How were these demons still around? They should go crawling back to the past where they belong! The Nut Shores were sending some of their demons, were they? He bet they were here to claim their smelling salts. He'll make sure they don't last more than ten minutes in this arena!
Ackee Wasteland prisoners mentioned, the queen slapped his tail on the edge of the air car. Oh, those scoundrels seriously thought they had repented enough, did they? Fine, if they manage to beat him, maybe he'll shorten their sentence! But, fat chance of that happening! No way a single one of these competing demons would ever so much as dent him on this battlefield!
Eggy scent on the air as the penal colony approached, the queen smirked at the large crowd beside the stadium. Wonderful, amazing, look at all these weaklings who dared to challenge him! His side of the field would be able to knock all these daring little imps out of the ballpark! Those young demons from Pie Plaza should have invited themselves here. But, oh well, too late now, they lose their chance!
"Your Majesty, our army should be waiting for us at the luncheon," Watermelon Jackal Angel said. "By my estimate, we have about twenty people on our team. And, that includes Panda Tomato Farmer and Cherry Tomato Goddess. We are guaranteed to overwhelm our enemies, rest assured."
High number coming to his attention, the queen smirked. Wonderful, with that goddess on his side, this match is as good as his! Those exorcists and other weaklings hardly stood a chance against him! Mark his unsaid words, he will knock everyone out of the competition ring before they could even blink. Watch out Legume Empire. Steer clear Pickle Land, Pitaya Land, the Nut Shores; think again pitiful Ackee Wasteland prisoners, they won't win this in a million years!
Reaching the luncheon table, a tasty steak awaited the royal. Gobbling it up, he turned towards his allies. Multiple demons sent from across his alliances, the queen took a slice out of the victory pie. He got this in the bag. There was no way he would lose! Enemies soon strutting onto the opposite end of the table, he studied his competition with a ferocity.
Standing at the opposite end of the table had been a young adult demon with light brown skin toasted like a chickpea. Long green hair that faded into periwinkle that went down to about the backside, they had a light blue outfit with angry chickpeas everywhere. Yellow skinned demon next to them with split green and pink hair pulled into a high ponytail, he had a red shirt with lima bean shaped buttons on them.
Looking at the next demon, the ruler could not help but let out a quiet giggle. Seated in the middle had been a tall demon with light brown skin. Split spiky black and pink hair, they had a long ponytail pinto beans for ears, the next two demons looked even more pitiful. Short feminine looking demon with light green skin and short curly grey hair with some blue spots remaining, her long tail adorned an edamame on it. Green skinned fae creature with pink bangs and a snow pea shaped ponytail, he studied the lone demon sent from the Nut Shores.
Sitting towards the end of the table had been a short light yellow skinned frog demon with a grey mullet that looked rather unbrushed. Bright pink ponytail going down to about her chest, she had a heart shaped tail. Seeing such, he almost wanted to laugh her out of the room. The Nut Shores sent a Heart Tailed demon? Pathetic, she wouldn't last a second in this arena! Ackee Wasteland prisoners glaring daggers at him, he turned his attention towards Pickle Land and Pitaya's lands combatants.
Angel Foodcake Guardian and Pao Tsai Panda sticking out like a sore thumb, the queen continued to hold back a giggle. Man, these leaders had to send the bottom of the barrel, didn't they? These two were the most pathetic out of their groups! He'll be sure to wipe the floor with them before they could even blink! Pathetic.
"That look on your face tells me you think we can easily be wiped out!" the leader of the Legume Empire cried. "Well, mark my words, I, Chickpea Viceroy Exterminator will ensure you are humiliated today, Strawberry Shark Queen! Right, Noble Lima Bean?"
"Dat's right!" Noble Lima Bean shouted. "We gonna knock yer socks off! Tell 'em Dried Pinto Reaper!"
"Prepare to be exorcised," Dried Pinto Reaper said. "Sweet Edamame Cupid, do you have anything to say?"
"No," Sweet Edamame Cupid said. "And, neither does Snow Pea Nymph."
"Hmph," Snow Pea Nymph said, turning her head towards the opposite direction.
"If we win, we're taking all your smelling salts! I, Princess Coconut Toad vow to knock you out of the ring!" Princess Coconut Toad cried.
"Not if we knock him out of the ring first!" Pao Tsai Panda cried.
"That's right! He's going down, with strategy and logic," Angel Foodcake Guardian said.
"Who cares bout all dat, hmm?" the Ackee Wasteland prisoner asked. "All wes gotta do is knock him out, and then we go after the rest!"
Fiery competition coming his way, the queen smirked. Oh, these demons thought they could beat him, did they? Fat chance of that happening! He'll take them all out, mark his words! Slamming his hands on the table, he prepared himself for battle. The time had come for the Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault, so long, farewell stupid challengers!
Or, so he thought.
Toot, toot, toot, toot.
Oh.
The nerve.
How dare someone attack one his bastions now.
"Your Majesty, Sweet and Sour Kingdom attacked the bastion in the Lychee Ridge!" Panda Tomato Farmer cried. We have to act fast, or they'll take it over!"
Hopping into the air car, the queen nibbled on his cuticles and let out a growl. How dare those ghosts think they could attack during the beginning of his competition! They'll pay for this! Air car speeding off in the blink of an eye, he cracked his knuckles. Those demons are going to their necks turned inside out for this! Battle grounds swiftly approaching, he leapt out of the vehicle.
It's time to splatter some burger juice everywhere.
***
"I can't believe Sweet and Sour Kingdom attacked us now of all times!
Who do they think they are? Don't they see
I have a gladiator competition to win here? These pathetic
Loser demons, if they think I'll
Let them have their revenge against me, they have another thing coming!
Maybe I should have them sent into the lava cake volcano over in Pitaya Land!
Aha, maybe I should, that'll teach them I'm not to be messed with! Let me think, the Lychee Ridge bastion. As far as I
Know, that one requires opponents to destroy dummies with a strawberry sword and deploying hazards to make the opposite
End lose their balance. I'm pretty sure that's how it goes. I haven't been the
Quickest with expanding this portion of Strawberry Kingdom.
Uhuhu, even still, since this one
Is a show of who can deploy the most obstacles while
Chopping down dummies, I
Know they won't be able to
Win, since most ghosts can't even use a weapon!
Ohoho, you messed with the wrong demon, you
Rancid little monsters! Just
Know, you're the one who challenged me, and you'll be the
Ones to be humiliated by this big
Fumble of yours! Sweet and Sour Kingdom,
This ploy for revenge is going so
Horribly for you so far, isn't it?
Oh, you should just give up! You
Should because look at the facts! You're
Effectively a waste of my time!
So, give up! Look at how
Terrible you are.
Unleashing that pesky little
Plant zombie demon on me, too.
I know that pitiful little
Demon has the biggest vendetta against me, but they're a
Disaster not even worth my time!
Especially since that's how things go
Most of the time in
Our various battles against me! They have
Never, not even once, defeated me! They
Should just tuck in their tails and run!
What good will it do to keep getting
Humiliated like this, hmm?
Of course, if they find joy in humiliated,
Don't mind if I do, I will
Absolutely give them what they desire! They're far
Removed at this point from
Even being a threat! Far, far
Removed, because, look at these washouts!
Uhuhu, they're so pathetic,
I can't believe it! They're absolutely positively the most pathetic little demons! They'll
Never manage to beat
Me, so honestly, they should just surrender. And,
Yes, this time, I plan to
Crush them with all I got!
Ohoho, so they seriously think they can beat
Me, do they? These
Pathetic little imps? They didn't
Even stand a chance against when
They were alive! And,
I am almost certain
That they won't be able to while dead, either!
It's a mystery to me how they even have enough energy to attack me!
Oh, well, they're going down! I have
No intentions of letting them win!"
Reaching a large training room with a wooden training dummies everywhere, the queen smirked. Ah, he sees, he forgot, he had made this bastion a training ground for future members of his army to participate in kingdom warfare. He ought to change this bastion out into something more useful! But, too late now, he supposed.
Toot, toot, toot, toot.
Kingdom Warfare Start.
Objective: quickly slice training dummies within the five minute timer as well as deploying as many obstacles as possible to eliminate incoming monsters.
Warning: it is considered a violation to directly attack demons or monsters and will result in a dire penalty.
"I thought this strip of land was unguarded!" Jalapeno Burger Plant cried. "Who are these wide eyed losers?! And, what do you mean fighting training dummies, huh? Explain yourself, announcer!"
"Strawberry Shark Queen, thank you so much for hiring us," Sparkling Goji Koala said, bowing their head. "Don't worry, we can quickly destroy all of these dummies for you. Right, guys?"
"Yeah, I can slice twenty of them for you in ten seconds!" Red Onion Builder cried. As they said such, their sword did the talking. "See? Twenty gone just like that."
"Woah," Tomato Paste Grizzly said, eyes sparkling. "I can do that, too!" Chopping up twenty in a split second, they turned towards the queen. "You focus on deploying the traps! We'll destroy the dummies for you!"
Wide eyed guards slicing up dummies aplenty, the queen guffawed up a storm. Tomato Kingdom sure had a lot of useful young demons on their hands, didn't they? Wonderful. Maybe they weren't so pathetic after all! Series of traps plopped down upon the battlefield, the weak and pitiful slime monsters were eaten up and spit out in seconds.
"Ugh, I should have hired guards for myself!" Jalapeno Burger Plant screeched. "Mark my words, I'll kill more monsters than you!"
Dummies destroyed by Strawberry Kingdom: one hundred fifty.
Dummies destroyed by Sweet and Sour Kingdom: ten.
Monsters destroyed by Strawberry Kingdom: thirty.
Monsters destroyed by Sweet And Sour Kingdom: eight. Time remaining: one minute.
"That announcer is lying!" Jalapeno Burger Plant cried. "I swore I destroyed more!"
"Forget it, man, you're losing, just admit it," Red Onion Builder cried, slicing even more dummies as time went on. "Just admit defeat while you still have your dignity!"
Further monsters destroyed one after another, the queen rubbed his hands together as the timer hovered towards the five second mark. Here it is, the last moment, the final hurrah. This stupid ghost hardly stood a chance! Snapping his fingers as the last monster had been decimated, the timer popped off its fireworks.
Strawberry Kingdom is Victorious. All towers on the opposing side shall be destroyed.
Crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch.
Starved.
"I'll find your weakness, Strawberry Shark Queen, mark my words!" Jalapeno Burger Plant screeched as they disappeared.
Returning to the battlefield, a long, viscous fight of shields and strawberry spears had kicked into overdrive. But, as predicted, not a single pathetic demon stood a chance against his army. Lucky Cherry claimed after what felt like a long and boring snorefest, the opposing kingdoms demanded a rematch in the coming months. Shaking hands with everyone, a lightning stare had been awarded to all.
Returning to his abode, the queen slumped onto the couch, but he turned away from the television. Those new guards, they were going to quite useful. Tomato Kingdom, maybe he needed this alliance more than he originally thoughts. Perhaps, if they wanted a tiny bit more land, maybe he'd be willing to allow them a few more hundred thousand acres.
Intense wave of fatigue flowing through him, the queen strutted off towards his royal sleeping quarters. Fuzzy one pieced pajamas plastered upon him, he hopped into his bed with a roar. Feeling himself about ready to drop into dreamland, one last sea of thoughts had been ready to wrestle with him in the deepest depths of his subconscious.
Maybe he'll invite those little guards to be part of his main team.
Will be honest, this one did not go as expected... lol. Anyway, next week is Strawberry Kingdom episode 7.
"It's me, the one,
The only, the beautiful, number one in all of
Satiation Kingdom, Strawberry Shark Queen!
My team and I decided to
Expand our penal colony,
Ackee Wastelands to add a
Gladiator ring. It's called the
Ackee pits! And,
It's seated right outside the prison.
Numerous demons have
Started to compete, and we added a bastion just in case someone
Tries to attack! We also expanded our territory to the
Ridges of the area. We saw there was
An opportunity to put a
Wide range of
Bigger activities to gander at! But, we have decided to further
Expand our penal colony first. We are
Rather proud of our gladiator
Ring! Demons from other kingdoms are even begging to come!
Yes, all of our expansions are worthwhile
So far! And, it is pretty thrilling!
However, I do
Admit that we haven't finished expanding the Lychee
Ridge. At present, we don't
Know where we want to take it, but as the
Queen, and the top demon
Upon this world, I need to finish
Expanding. If
Even one portion of my kingdom is
Not maintained, that's
A spell of disaster that I simply can't allow. I must
Not get lazy. Now, I
Doubt anyone is going to attack the ridge. But, if they do, I
Will take them out! I've heard Legume
Empire has been getting pretty busy looking to
Dominate. But, they won't
Ever be able to dethrone me! They absolutely
Can't, and if they think
I'll ever be thrown from the top stop, they're so
Dumb. No one will
Ever be able to
Dethrone me.
Try as you might! But, it's not going to happen!
Ohoho, see? I'm untouchable! I'll always be incredibly untouchable. Because I spent centuries getting my kingdom to the way it is today.
Everything is the way it because I kept expanding. And absorbed fallen kingdoms.
Ximenia Caffra Colony? Mine.
Perhaps I should say this so no one gets the wrong idea. I have
Absolutely no intention of conquering all of Satiation Kingdom,
No no no, just remaining at the top. I
Don't intend to take every kingdom under my control.
Obviously not. I am not done expanding, and
Unless I am ambushed and dead demons try to
Reclaim the land, I am
Pretty certain that, at least for the time being, I am
Entirety safe here at the top spot.
No one will ever be
Able to top me! I am
Likely to remain at the top for
Countless centuries. Or possibly countless millennia!
Ohoho, I am at the top of the food chain!
Literally everyone is beneath me. If any single
One of the Kingdoms thinks they can dethrone me,
Nope try again!
You don't have what it
Takes to ever defeat me!
Heh heh, don't you see?
Every single demon is in
A losing battle. They
Can't beat us. They
Know they won't
Ever be able to touch us. Not
Ever! They can try, but they
Will always fail! Everyone will
Always fail. Heh.
So, anyway, I intend
To enter the gladiator ring to
Enter the first ever
Lucky Cherry Holy Grail
Assault. Multiple Kingdoms are
Now going around and sending their
Demons in. Of course, I
Stand above the rest of these
Fools, so
Obviously, I shall
Remain victorious. Of course, this
Gladiator competition is not Kingdom Warfare.
Let me just make sure I
At least mention that. This
Doesn't affect our ranking.
It doesn't affect
Any kingdoms rankings.
Though, some Kingdoms
Obviously didn't get that memo. I'll have those demons
Retreat if they think these
Battles count
As Kingdom Warfare!
The bastion itself is not in
The ring but somewhere in the outskirts, but
Let's not get into
Every nitty gritty here!
Strawberry Kingdom will be victorious in the Holy Grail Assault. That's what matters!"
It had been about a month since the Strawberry Shark Queen had beaten Lord Dragon Fruit in a race. Continuing to expand Strawberry Kingdom since then, two particular places of note had gotten their time in the spotlight. Discovering a ridge area rich in smelling salts that had been abandoned for centuries, Strawberry Kingdom made the area their own. New portion of land entitled Lychee Ridge, expansion was going rather slowly.
Deciding to expand the land beside Ackee Wastelands as well, a stadium had been built after multiple demons had begged and pleaded for something to be placed there. Gladiator ring added, requests far and wide from multiple kingdoms had poured in to create some sort of competition. Creating the Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault, business might have been booming. Remaining in the top spot in Satiation Kingdom, everything would remain the same. Competition coming up quite soon, everything was going as expected.
However, there had been one issue on the backburner. Lychee Ridge completely unguarded, the queen knew something had to be done to prevent wild attacks from flocking in. Holy Grail Assault coming any day now, time was running out. Continuing to put such issue in the basement, everything was moving forward too swiftly.
But, today would be the day two events would melt into one another.
The bright achene sun was burning brightly over the skies of Strawberry Kingdom and the various other landmasses that had been absorbed into one another. The implings were out playing, the Beetroot District was as popular as ever, the gladiator arena outside the Ackee Wastelands was preparing itself for action. It was another bustling day for the many demons across Strawberry Kingdom, and for the ruler, such was just the tip of the strawberry iceberg.
Peep, peep, peep, peep, peep.
Morning songbirds chirping away, the Strawberry Shark Queen rubbed his eyes. It was morning already? Give him five more minutes, please? Letting out a quiet hmph, the royal threw the covers back. There was no time for a longer slumber, today was the day! The Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault! And, he was going to be victorious over all those foolish weak demons being sent from other kingdoms!
Tail swishing from behind him, the queen pumped his fists he had to hurry and get ready and read all those pathetic challenge letters that had been piling up lately. How many kingdoms demanded that they face him in the Holy Grail Assault now? So many he wasn't going to count. Did these demons think they could possibly defeat him? They had another thing coming! Strawberry bell rung, the ruler drummed his fingers upon his windowsill.
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Watermelon Jackal Angel asked. "What do you want?"
"You know what he wants, Angel!" Penguin Elf Apple cried. "The challenge letters that he's received over the past couple days?"
"I'm pretty sure the raspberry fairies are holding onto those, aren't they?" Watermelon Jackal Angel asked, hand on the side of her head. "They aren't allowed to bring him his letters or mail until he's out of his room."
"Then, why did you make them in charge of holding onto the challenge letters?" Penguin Elf Apple asked, sighing. "Never mind. I suppose it's too late for that." She then turned towards the queen. "Do the raspberry fairies have your permission to bring your challenge letters to your room, Your Majesty?"
Question coming his way, the ruler let out a little hmm. If he let those little weak fairies back into his room, they would think they were allowed in here any time they pleased! But, those challenge letters weren't going to read themselves! His eyes were practically swimming in the piled up scrolls at this point!
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Send the raspberry fairy in here with my challenge letters right now, chop chop!| a written note demanded.
"Of course, Your Majesty, I'll go get them," Penguin Elf Apple said. "Angel, wait for me here."
"I'm not a child, you know," Watermelon Jackal Angel responded, arms across her waist. "Could you please not treat me like one?"
"I didn't say you were, did I?" Penguin Elf Apple asked, sighing. "Please, just stay here just in case some of the raspberry fairies think they can fly into his room without permission. You know they can hear every word we say."
"Well, fine, if you insist," Watermelon Jackal Angel responded, sighing. She then turned towards the queen. "Your Majesty, is there anything you need while we wait?"
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Make yourself useful and place my apple oil in my restroom!| a written paper note demanded.
"Alright, Your Majesty, I'll get right on that," Watermelon Jackal Angel said, stepping away.
Hearing the pesky fairies flittering around in the other room, the royal let out a low growl. These little lesser demons were so excited to enter his space, were they? He should have taken it back at last second! But, too late now, here come those stupid little rats! They were most certainly going to take this as an invitation to enter his room without permission again! He ought to send them to the Ackee Wastelands if they ever so dare to do that!
Boing, boing, boing, boing.
"Queen, queen, we have your challenges letters for you!" the raspberry fairy cried.
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Hurry up and hand them over already!| a written paper note screeched.
"Okay, Your Majesty, here you go!" the raspberry fae cried.
Nearly a mountain of scrolls tossed into his room, the queen nearly fell over. Quickly counting in rapid fire, the ruler was beside himself in battling spirit. So many other demons wished to topple them, did they? Reading over the first one, he crumpled it up into a ball as he saw the name beneath. Juicy Vienna Kingpin? Not happening, next! Stamping an invalid letter of challenge sticker over it, he opened up the next one.
Another letter of challenge from another member of the ever so disgusting Sausage Syndicate, the demon clicked his tongue. Oh, wonderful, just how many of these annoying letters had he gotten from this dangerous sham of a kingdom, ten, twenty, thirty? Reading through the countless pieces of trash left to him, the rejection stamp had been plastered upon each one. Fae floating towards him, he almost wanted to punt them away.
"What's wrong, Your Majesty, you keep throwing the letters away!" the raspberry fae cried.
|That's none of your business! Ask any more questions and I'll have you thrown into the Ackee Wastelands!| a written paper note shouted.
"I'm sorry for stepping out of line, Your Majesty!" the raspberry fae cried. "It won't happen again!"
Scrambling through the rest of the challenge letters, barely any of them had been of interest. Multiple coming from lesser demons from multiple kingdoms, the ruler held in a laugh. Man, so many pathetic demons were daring to challenge him in this Holy Grail Assault. Good luck beating him, they'd most certainly need it! Approved stamp plastered on all the trash, one particular letter stood out amongst the rest.
Dear Strawberry Shark Queen,
It would seem you have decided to open up some sort of gladiator competition. How could you do that and not invite us directly? How annoying of you to do that, guess I'll have to invite Legume Empire myself! I, Chickpea Viceroy Exterminator challenge you, Strawberry Shark Queen to a battle in the Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault!
And, I won't take no for an answer! Your Kingdom has been at the top for far too long, I think you could use being knocked down a peg! Whether you accept my invitation to battle or not, my top demons and I will be coming anyway, so consider this your only warning! Don't say I didn't warn you, because I clearly did in writing right here!
You'd better be prepared to lose because, I am a reaper, and you should probably be scared of me and my people! We will be victorious in this Holy Grail Assault and knock you down from the top one spot in Satiation Kingdom. Mark my, no, our words, you're going down, Strawberry Shark Queen! There's blood on your hands!
From,
Chickpea Viceroy Exterminator."
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
"Hey, you, hurry up and stamp an approval on this!" a little circular creature cried.
Pesky little creature floating beside the letter, the ruler almost wanted to throw the monster out the window. How dare Legume Empire send their Chickpea ghosts here to make him answer! He ought to throw their leader into the Rhubarb Caves the moment they arrive. Plopping down the approval sticker, he let out a growl. This was looking to more of a mistake by the second!
"I didn't even sense that ghost at all," Watermelon Jackal Angel said turning her head towards the right and left. "I thought Legume Empire were a group of exorcists?"
"They are, but, they work with some of the ghosts they kill, it's pretty strange," Penguin Elf Apple responded, sighing. "But, we don't have any more time to dawdle. Your Majesty, there's not much time. Members of the Tomato Kingdom will be here soon. There's something they need to speak to you about before the Holy Grail Assault."
Tomato Kingdom mentioned, the queen scoffed. Were they going to ask for more acres of land? How dare they, if so! They had enough now, and if they dare think they are entitled to more, they had another thing coming! All these fiends did lately was ask for more! Did they think he was some kind of charity? Sorry, the wishing well has run dry!
Stomping off towards the the private restroom, the demon let out a barely audible hmph. He should have never agreed to allowing Tomato Kingdom to rebuild! Those greedy little pandas! Next thing he knew, they would demand to become independent! No way, not happening. Did they think they could survive without him? Try again in another three hundred years, and maybe they will!
Tail swishing with a fury in the tub, the queen rose a cuticled fist onto the air. He ought to demand the Tomato Kingdom weaklings face him in the Holy Grail Assault! He'll teach them their place in this world. Those demons were a pathetic bunch of weaklings who were constantly begging and pleading for his help! They were the wimpiest of the meek. Apple oil plopped on, the ruler flipped his hair. He'll show all of Satiation Kingdom who is the strongest of them all today, mark his unsaid words.
Soon wearing a bright dark orange knee length dress with a light green ribbon in the center, the heart shaped strawberries had been printed in an upside down pattern on the top half. Bottom half facing left and right the queen adorned a look sour enough to make a lemon die. Man, his hair was a mess today, where was Cranberry Lynx Devil? She'd better hurry up and get here immediately! Little strawberry bell rung, he drummed his cuticles upon the surface in front of him.
"No need to ring that, Your Majesty, I'm here," Cranberry Lynx Devil said in a slightly annoyed tone. "How would you like your hair today? We need to be quick, however. The Tomato Kingdom diplomats will be here soon to discuss something with you."
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Tie half my hair up into a bun to the back of my hair, but leave some of my hair hanging near my shoulders!| a written paper note demanded.
"As you wish, Your Majesty, but I'm not quite sure about that hairstyle, I'll try my best," Cranberry Lynx Devil responded. "I'm not sure when the Tomato Kingdom diplomats will show their faces, but regardless, we need to be done today as fast as possible."
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Stop talking and hurry up!| a written paper note demanded.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Cranberry Lynx Devil said. "Would you like some hairspray applied as well?"
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|You'd better!| a written paper note demanded.
Portion of his hair left down, the hairspray soon had its last hurrah. Locks sparkly like usual, the ruler resisted the urge to flip his hair. He looked at the peak of strength, as usual! Heart shaped strawberry hairpins and earrings clicked in, the demon put on a little rosy perfume. That'll do it. Everyone will remember him on the battlefield with this scent.
Strutting off towards the dining room, the pesky little fae creatures whispered in his ears. Stupid mutterings about the Tomato Kingdom coming faster than anticipated, he almost wanted to throw these messengers out the window. How dare these diplomats come earlier! He'll make them pay for this nonsense! Timer ticking down towards the thirty minute mark, he held in a bark. They're cutting his breakfast time short, they'll pay for that!
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Red Pepper Demon greeted. "Your breakfast will be quick today. It would seem the Tomato Kingdom diplomats want to meet with you as soon as possible. But, I'll make arrangements with the overseer of the Ackee Wastelands to give you a three course meal before the competition today."
Scribble, scribble, scribble.
|You'd better!| a written paper note demanded.
"You have my word, Your Majesty, I know this Holy Grail Assault is very important to you," Red Pepper Demon responded. "And, I'll see to it that you get a high quality luncheon today."
Stomping off towards his chair, the royal glared daggers at the pitiful panda farmer munching away at a tomato basil sandwich. This little pest, how dare he eat way so happily when those stupid diplomats were rapidly approaching! He'll make him regret ever being bought by him! But, no, no, he couldn't say that. After all, this meek little demon had nothing to do with those slimy little greedy landseekers! Munching away at the soggy bread he kept his eyes on the pathetic little land tiller.
"Is there something wrong, Your Majesty?" Panda Tomato Farmer asked. "You're staring at me quite scarily."
Scribble, scribble.
|Tell those Tomato Kingdom Diplomats I won't be giving them any more land! They have enough!| a written paper note demanded.
"Oh, Your Majesty, they're not asking you for more land. They would never take advantage of your kindness like that!" Panda Tomato Farmer cried, sweating. His hands waved around in the air as he said such. "I think they want to ask you about the situation at the Lychee Ridge." He then gulped. "Or, so I hear. They don't tell me anything!"
Lychee Ridge mentioned, the queen gobbled up the rest of the sandwich fast enough to choke. Were they planning on taking over that area, how dare they! Those greedy diplomats. He ought to send them to the Ackee Wastelands for that! If they so much as dared to suggest they were taking that land, this alliance was over in a heartbeat!
Scribble, scribble.
|If they think they can claim the Lychee Ridge for themselves, you and your people can consider themselves rogue criminals!| a written paper note screeched.
"We don't intend to take Lychee Ridge at all, Your Majesty!" Panda Tomato Farmer cried. "The diplomats just noticed you were lacking guards! I'm sure that's all they want to talk to you about, promise!"
Glaring at the pesky panda one last time, the queen grumbled. They'd better not be lying, or they can say hello to the Ackee Wastelands!
->
Ten Minutes Later
Reaching the throne room, the queen crusted his left leg into his right thigh. Were the Tomato Kingdom diplomats really looking to speak about the situation on the Lychee Ridge? If they so much as thought they could have that land for themselves, they would get a punishment worse than ever before! Mark his unsaid words, this alliance is over if the demanded more land!
"Your Majesty, the Tomato Kingdom diplomats are here," Cranberry Lynx Devil said. "Shall I send them in?"
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|Send them in right now!| a written paper note demanded.
"Right away, Your Majesty," Cranberry Lynx Devil responded.
Palace doors opening, the queen watched as the Tomato Kingdom diplomats strutted in with an important aura surrounded them. Hearing such, he let out a barely audible scoff. These demon were going to ask for more land, he could sense it! Consider this alliance over if the key phrase, please, do we have your permission to take control of the Lychee Ridge was said. Keeping his ears opened, his tail furiously brushed from behind him on the throne chair.
Greedy losers bowing their heads, the queen snapped his fingers. That's right, they'd better remember who to bow their head to! Pitiful demons raising their heads, that pesky little big black screened device had been seated in the palm of their hands. Look at them, still playing around with those little toys of theirs! They had been far too reliant on those screened devices of theirs.
"Fair day, Your Majesty, the Strawberry Shark Queen," the diplomat greeted. "We apologize for intruding, but we couldn't help but notice that Lychee Ridge is completely unguarded. And, considering it is a land rich of smelling salts, we suspect that many demons may try to take the land for themselves without any warning." The screened device in their hands turned on as they said such. "And, we'd like to propose you hire some of our youthful demons that are looking for a job to act as guards to protect the Lychee Ridge from invaders. The youngsters are very eager to work with you!"
Screen burning brightly, the queen let out a slightly audible, hmm? These diplomats sure were perceptive, weren't they? Maybe he shouldn't have halted the Lychee Ridge's expansion. Those smelling salts sure were valuable, weren't they? He supposed he could hire a few of their pathetic little young demons to guard it! After all, they weren't doing anything valuable with their lives.
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
"The queen decrees, 'hand over the device right now. How dare you come on such short notice. Don't you know I have an event to tend to today?' the Cranberry Lynx Devil read aloud. "Your Majesty, is that last bit necessary? The Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault doesn't start until the mid afternoon."
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
|I don't believe I asked for you opinion! We don't have time for this nonsense, and you know it!| a written paper note shouted.
"I apologize for stepping out of line, Your Majesty," Cranberry Lynx Devil responded bowing. "In any case, it is true that we are short on time today. So, it would be best you make this quick. We have to leave for the air car promptly after this meeting."
"We apologize for taking up your time like this, Your Majesty! We understand that the Holy Grail Assault is very important to you!" the Tomato Kingdom diplomat cried. "If we work this out together, it will go by much quicker!"
Curling his fingers, the device had been handed off to him. Folder of denizens opened up, a multitude of useless comments had been fired off. Bright pink haired youthful demon labelled as resilient a resourceful, the queen drummed his fingers on the side of his chair. Resilient, hmm? Sure they were. Could they take a bullet to the chest, could they shoulder an attack from a faraway kingdom? If not, they weren't worth his presence!
"Her name is Sparkling Goji Koala!" the Tomato Kingdom diplomat cried. "She's able to bounce back bullets like they're nothing! Please, Your Majesty, consider hiring her!"
Pitiful diplomat claiming this young demon could bounce back bullets, the royal raised an eyebrow. They had better not be exaggerating! Flipping to the next entry, a less than worthwhile entry graced his vision. Picture of an impling with tomato shaped firecrackers in a basket, he shook his head. Excuse him, did these demons think he was eager to hire children? Think again!
Scrolling to the next prospect hires, a rather interesting entry graced him. Seeing a rather burly looking red onion demon, the queen read through the short list of pros and cons. Reading prone to having violent angry outbursts, the ruler almost wanted to smear an x over that one. But, the pros listed, they were quite useful. Maybe he could overlook their weaknesses for now.
Finding further decent candidates, the demon placed his hand on his chin. This kingdom sure had been hiding a ton of strong fighters. He supposed he could humor these pitiful diplomats by hiring a few of them. The more defenses from the weaker kingdoms trying to attack, the better. Reaching the last demon on the list, he prepared himself for possible regret.
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
The queen decrees, 'I will hire Sparkling Goji Koala, Red Onion Builder and Tomato Paste Grizzly. They'd better not let me down!' Cranberry Lynx Devil read aloud. She then turned towards the Tomato Kingdom diplomats. "Do these hires satisfy you?"
"That will be plenty, Your Majesty, thank you so much!" the Tomato Kingdom diplomats exclaimed, bowing their heads. "We will send them to defend the Lychee Ridge right away! It is very likely Sweet and Sour Kingdom might approach any day now to attack your newest bastion. If they see it's guarded, perhaps they'll back off!"
Sweet and Sour Kingdom mentioned, the queen hissed. Those disgusting little ghosts were looking to attack again, were they? How dare they think they could go after his bastion without notice! If they so much as dare stomp on by, he'll destroy them in one fell swoop! These pesky little fiends, they had another thing coming if they ever so much as dare invade and conquer!
Scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble.
The queen decrees, 'then consider this deal done. Now, get out of my sight!' Cranberry Lynx Devil read aloud. "We have to head for the air car now, if you'd please exit the premises at once so we can depart, that would be lovely."
"Of course, we'll get out of your way!" the Tomato Kingdom diplomat cried. "Good luck in the Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault!"
Weak and pitiful diplomats exiting the premises, the ruler whistled. Stepping out of the palace, a large, strawberry shaped floating vehicle hovered beside the steps. Seating himself in the backseat, the queen let out a little giggle. It was time to destroy every single pathetic demon who dared challenge him! Vehicle speeding off, a sea of warnings had come his way.
"Your Majesty, don't get too complacent," Watermelon Jackal Angel warned. "Some of the demons might be stronger than you think." She then tilted her head. "Who's competing again?"
"You don't remember? I thought I told you at least six times already today," Penguin Elf Apple groaned.
"I don't recall you telling me who's competing at all," Watermelon Jackal Angel responded, shaking her head. "If you did, you probably mumbled it too quiet for me to hear."
"Alright, so maybe I did, my bad," Penguin Elf Apple said, sighing. "Besides Legume Empire, I believe Pitaya Land and Pickle Land will also be sending some of their demons, but not their leaders. Not sure why that's the case here." She then turned towards Cranberry Lynx Devil. "Do you know why that might be?"
"Dill Pickle Goddess finds battling to be uh, an ugly activity," Cranberry Lynx Devil replied shrugging. "So, she would never engage in physical combat. As for Lord Dragon Fruit, they aren't interested in gladiator based events. They said something like that isn't their style."
"Dill Pickle Goddess saying that is believable," Red Pepper Demon said, sighing. "All that demon cares about is looking pretty. And, she thinks battling would make her look ugly. I could never hope to understand someone like her."
"Did anyone else invite themselves to the Holy Grail Assault?" Watermelon Jackal Angel asked.
"Some of the prisoners from the Ackee Wastelands who think they've repented long enough will be partaking in the battles," Cranberry Lynx Devil said. "As for other kingdoms, well, aside from the scrolls the queen got, the Nut Shores is sending a few of their demons. The Golden Bread Dynasty wanted to compete, but they couldn't figure out how to send us a scroll."
Pathetic little Golden Bread Dynasty demons failing at everything as usual, the queen let out a quiet guffaw. How were these demons still around? They should go crawling back to the past where they belong! The Nut Shores were sending some of their demons, were they? He bet they were here to claim their smelling salts. He'll make sure they don't last more than ten minutes in this arena!
Ackee Wasteland prisoners mentioned, the queen slapped his tail on the edge of the air car. Oh, those scoundrels seriously thought they had repented enough, did they? Fine, if they manage to beat him, maybe he'll shorten their sentence! But, fat chance of that happening! No way a single one of these competing demons would ever so much as dent him on this battlefield!
Eggy scent on the air as the penal colony approached, the queen smirked at the large crowd beside the stadium. Wonderful, amazing, look at all these weaklings who dared to challenge him! His side of the field would be able to knock all these daring little imps out of the ballpark! Those young demons from Pie Plaza should have invited themselves here. But, oh well, too late now, they lose their chance!
"Your Majesty, our army should be waiting for us at the luncheon," Watermelon Jackal Angel said. "By my estimate, we have about twenty people on our team. And, that includes Panda Tomato Farmer and Cherry Tomato Goddess. We are guaranteed to overwhelm our enemies, rest assured."
High number coming to his attention, the queen smirked. Wonderful, with that goddess on his side, this match is as good as his! Those exorcists and other weaklings hardly stood a chance against him! Mark his unsaid words, he will knock everyone out of the competition ring before they could even blink. Watch out Legume Empire. Steer clear Pickle Land, Pitaya Land, the Nut Shores; think again pitiful Ackee Wasteland prisoners, they won't win this in a million years!
Reaching the luncheon table, a tasty steak awaited the royal. Gobbling it up, he turned towards his allies. Multiple demons sent from across his alliances, the queen took a slice out of the victory pie. He got this in the bag. There was no way he would lose! Enemies soon strutting onto the opposite end of the table, he studied his competition with a ferocity.
Standing at the opposite end of the table had been a young adult demon with light brown skin toasted like a chickpea. Long green hair that faded into periwinkle that went down to about the backside, they had a light blue outfit with angry chickpeas everywhere. Yellow skinned demon next to them with split green and pink hair pulled into a high ponytail, he had a red shirt with lima bean shaped buttons on them.
Looking at the next demon, the ruler could not help but let out a quiet giggle. Seated in the middle had been a tall demon with light brown skin. Split spiky black and pink hair, they had a long ponytail pinto beans for ears, the next two demons looked even more pitiful. Short feminine looking demon with light green skin and short curly grey hair with some blue spots remaining, her long tail adorned an edamame on it. Green skinned fae creature with pink bangs and a snow pea shaped ponytail, he studied the lone demon sent from the Nut Shores.
Sitting towards the end of the table had been a short light yellow skinned frog demon with a grey mullet that looked rather unbrushed. Bright pink ponytail going down to about her chest, she had a heart shaped tail. Seeing such, he almost wanted to laugh her out of the room. The Nut Shores sent a Heart Tailed demon? Pathetic, she wouldn't last a second in this arena! Ackee Wasteland prisoners glaring daggers at him, he turned his attention towards Pickle Land and Pitaya's lands combatants.
Angel Foodcake Guardian and Pao Tsai Panda sticking out like a sore thumb, the queen continued to hold back a giggle. Man, these leaders had to send the bottom of the barrel, didn't they? These two were the most pathetic out of their groups! He'll be sure to wipe the floor with them before they could even blink! Pathetic.
"That look on your face tells me you think we can easily be wiped out!" the leader of the Legume Empire cried. "Well, mark my words, I, Chickpea Viceroy Exterminator will ensure you are humiliated today, Strawberry Shark Queen! Right, Noble Lima Bean?"
"Dat's right!" Noble Lima Bean shouted. "We gonna knock yer socks off! Tell 'em Dried Pinto Reaper!"
"Prepare to be exorcised," Dried Pinto Reaper said. "Sweet Edamame Cupid, do you have anything to say?"
"No," Sweet Edamame Cupid said. "And, neither does Snow Pea Nymph."
"Hmph," Snow Pea Nymph said, turning her head towards the opposite direction.
"If we win, we're taking all your smelling salts! I, Princess Coconut Toad vow to knock you out of the ring!" Princess Coconut Toad cried.
"Not if we knock him out of the ring first!" Pao Tsai Panda cried.
"That's right! He's going down, with strategy and logic," Angel Foodcake Guardian said.
"Who cares bout all dat, hmm?" the Ackee Wasteland prisoner asked. "All wes gotta do is knock him out, and then we go after the rest!"
Fiery competition coming his way, the queen smirked. Oh, these demons thought they could beat him, did they? Fat chance of that happening! He'll take them all out, mark his words! Slamming his hands on the table, he prepared himself for battle. The time had come for the Lucky Cherry Holy Grail Assault, so long, farewell stupid challengers!
Or, so he thought.
Toot, toot, toot, toot.
Oh.
The nerve.
How dare someone attack one his bastions now.
"Your Majesty, Sweet and Sour Kingdom attacked the bastion in the Lychee Ridge!" Panda Tomato Farmer cried. We have to act fast, or they'll take it over!"
Hopping into the air car, the queen nibbled on his cuticles and let out a growl. How dare those ghosts think they could attack during the beginning of his competition! They'll pay for this! Air car speeding off in the blink of an eye, he cracked his knuckles. Those demons are going to their necks turned inside out for this! Battle grounds swiftly approaching, he leapt out of the vehicle.
It's time to splatter some burger juice everywhere.
***
"I can't believe Sweet and Sour Kingdom attacked us now of all times!
Who do they think they are? Don't they see
I have a gladiator competition to win here? These pathetic
Loser demons, if they think I'll
Let them have their revenge against me, they have another thing coming!
Maybe I should have them sent into the lava cake volcano over in Pitaya Land!
Aha, maybe I should, that'll teach them I'm not to be messed with! Let me think, the Lychee Ridge bastion. As far as I
Know, that one requires opponents to destroy dummies with a strawberry sword and deploying hazards to make the opposite
End lose their balance. I'm pretty sure that's how it goes. I haven't been the
Quickest with expanding this portion of Strawberry Kingdom.
Uhuhu, even still, since this one
Is a show of who can deploy the most obstacles while
Chopping down dummies, I
Know they won't be able to
Win, since most ghosts can't even use a weapon!
Ohoho, you messed with the wrong demon, you
Rancid little monsters! Just
Know, you're the one who challenged me, and you'll be the
Ones to be humiliated by this big
Fumble of yours! Sweet and Sour Kingdom,
This ploy for revenge is going so
Horribly for you so far, isn't it?
Oh, you should just give up! You
Should because look at the facts! You're
Effectively a waste of my time!
So, give up! Look at how
Terrible you are.
Unleashing that pesky little
Plant zombie demon on me, too.
I know that pitiful little
Demon has the biggest vendetta against me, but they're a
Disaster not even worth my time!
Especially since that's how things go
Most of the time in
Our various battles against me! They have
Never, not even once, defeated me! They
Should just tuck in their tails and run!
What good will it do to keep getting
Humiliated like this, hmm?
Of course, if they find joy in humiliated,
Don't mind if I do, I will
Absolutely give them what they desire! They're far
Removed at this point from
Even being a threat! Far, far
Removed, because, look at these washouts!
Uhuhu, they're so pathetic,
I can't believe it! They're absolutely positively the most pathetic little demons! They'll
Never manage to beat
Me, so honestly, they should just surrender. And,
Yes, this time, I plan to
Crush them with all I got!
Ohoho, so they seriously think they can beat
Me, do they? These
Pathetic little imps? They didn't
Even stand a chance against when
They were alive! And,
I am almost certain
That they won't be able to while dead, either!
It's a mystery to me how they even have enough energy to attack me!
Oh, well, they're going down! I have
No intentions of letting them win!"
Reaching a large training room with a wooden training dummies everywhere, the queen smirked. Ah, he sees, he forgot, he had made this bastion a training ground for future members of his army to participate in kingdom warfare. He ought to change this bastion out into something more useful! But, too late now, he supposed.
Toot, toot, toot, toot.
Kingdom Warfare Start.
Objective: quickly slice training dummies within the five minute timer as well as deploying as many obstacles as possible to eliminate incoming monsters.
Warning: it is considered a violation to directly attack demons or monsters and will result in a dire penalty.
"I thought this strip of land was unguarded!" Jalapeno Burger Plant cried. "Who are these wide eyed losers?! And, what do you mean fighting training dummies, huh? Explain yourself, announcer!"
"Strawberry Shark Queen, thank you so much for hiring us," Sparkling Goji Koala said, bowing their head. "Don't worry, we can quickly destroy all of these dummies for you. Right, guys?"
"Yeah, I can slice twenty of them for you in ten seconds!" Red Onion Builder cried. As they said such, their sword did the talking. "See? Twenty gone just like that."
"Woah," Tomato Paste Grizzly said, eyes sparkling. "I can do that, too!" Chopping up twenty in a split second, they turned towards the queen. "You focus on deploying the traps! We'll destroy the dummies for you!"
Wide eyed guards slicing up dummies aplenty, the queen guffawed up a storm. Tomato Kingdom sure had a lot of useful young demons on their hands, didn't they? Wonderful. Maybe they weren't so pathetic after all! Series of traps plopped down upon the battlefield, the weak and pitiful slime monsters were eaten up and spit out in seconds.
"Ugh, I should have hired guards for myself!" Jalapeno Burger Plant screeched. "Mark my words, I'll kill more monsters than you!"
Dummies destroyed by Strawberry Kingdom: one hundred fifty.
Dummies destroyed by Sweet and Sour Kingdom: ten.
Monsters destroyed by Strawberry Kingdom: thirty.
Monsters destroyed by Sweet And Sour Kingdom: eight. Time remaining: one minute.
"That announcer is lying!" Jalapeno Burger Plant cried. "I swore I destroyed more!"
"Forget it, man, you're losing, just admit it," Red Onion Builder cried, slicing even more dummies as time went on. "Just admit defeat while you still have your dignity!"
Further monsters destroyed one after another, the queen rubbed his hands together as the timer hovered towards the five second mark. Here it is, the last moment, the final hurrah. This stupid ghost hardly stood a chance! Snapping his fingers as the last monster had been decimated, the timer popped off its fireworks.
Strawberry Kingdom is Victorious. All towers on the opposing side shall be destroyed.
Crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch.
Starved.
"I'll find your weakness, Strawberry Shark Queen, mark my words!" Jalapeno Burger Plant screeched as they disappeared.
Returning to the battlefield, a long, viscous fight of shields and strawberry spears had kicked into overdrive. But, as predicted, not a single pathetic demon stood a chance against his army. Lucky Cherry claimed after what felt like a long and boring snorefest, the opposing kingdoms demanded a rematch in the coming months. Shaking hands with everyone, a lightning stare had been awarded to all.
Returning to his abode, the queen slumped onto the couch, but he turned away from the television. Those new guards, they were going to quite useful. Tomato Kingdom, maybe he needed this alliance more than he originally thoughts. Perhaps, if they wanted a tiny bit more land, maybe he'd be willing to allow them a few more hundred thousand acres.
Intense wave of fatigue flowing through him, the queen strutted off towards his royal sleeping quarters. Fuzzy one pieced pajamas plastered upon him, he hopped into his bed with a roar. Feeling himself about ready to drop into dreamland, one last sea of thoughts had been ready to wrestle with him in the deepest depths of his subconscious.
Maybe he'll invite those little guards to be part of his main team.
Will be honest, this one did not go as expected... lol. Anyway, next week is Strawberry Kingdom episode 7.
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