5 days earlier; Vastoaria.

The huge castle on the northern borders of Vastoaria was not populated, usually. The Vastoaris considered it to be haunted. It was superstitious drives in its core, of course - always has been the case with the Vastoaris. However, there was some truth to it. After all, what could the meeting of four towering silhouettes be, other than ghosts?

[Gods. that is what we are.]

One of the beings walked across the halls, her long red dress almost glowing with golden jewelry. The Kiadra of The Lustful Element clapped her hands once, and a blast of wind lit up candles and torches across the palace.

Tonight, most of Vastoaria won’t sleep very well.

[Let them cower in fear.]

First, her dear husband came. His long cape dawned with the remains of what was once a phoenix dragging on the floor. The Kiadra of the Corruptive Element has arrived nodded his head towards her, greeting her silently.

Then the others arrived as well. The Kiadra of the Abyssal Element with her long silver hair, her night-dark skin contrasting with the vibrant green of her gown. The Kiadra of the Rampaging Element carrying his mighty spear, an arrogant grin on his face.

[Worship. Quiver in horror.]

[From we, who draw upon the Gate of Unleashment.]

As the Kiadrio sat around a long table, they discussed and made plans. Developing new cities, renominating new demon lords. Vastoari innovations that must be crushed and forgotten – after the Nyxians learned their secrets, of course.

None of them ate or drank. The food served was nothing nut ornaments made of gold, silver, and gems.

“Oh, and Vastoari raiders started acting up in Duatsow again.” Said the Rampaging Element. “Or at least, they were.”

“’Were’?” the Corruptive Element leaned forward. He did not seem very interested until now.

“If they ‘were’, and not ‘are’,“ The Abyssal Element intervened, “why do you find it noteworthy, Rampaging Element?”

The Rampaging Element turned to face her. In turn, the Abyssal Element remained unphased. Her golden eyes focused on him. Her expression neutral, almost bored.

“Because, Abyssal Element, the one who stopped them was a Nyxian.”

Now all 3 of the other Kiadrio leaned closer. Overwhole, Nyxian society tried to stay away from Vastoari matters - it was not the way of a giant to interject within ant's politics, after all. However, at some point it did happen.

And it was a Kiadra duty to decide whether it was just, or eligible to penalty.

They payed closer attention, as The Rampaging Element continue:

“He was hiding in a Vastoari village, apparently. Lived there for a few thousand years, seems to me like he grew attached to these pests.”

The Lustful Element rose up, her eyes narrowed.

“And what do you plan to do about it, Rampaging Element? Duatsow is your territory.”

The Rampaging Element smiled, and cracked his knuckles.

“Investigate further, Lustful Element. And then,,,” he said in a cheerful voice. “Whatever I must. Maybe I’ll get to rampage, too.”

“If you wouldn’t get too busy with your parties, that is.” The abyssal element muttered.

“Ha!” he barked back. “It’s your fault you hide in your fancy rock. Your pets get out more than you do.”

The Abyssal element rose up. Her face remained in the same. However, her hands were wrapped in raw Magyo. Her now clawed hands dug into the antient table. She glared at the Rampaging Element.

“You should come sometime.” He continued, leaning back. “You could bring that assassin pet with you. I’ll call some friends; we can all compare toys~”

The Abyssal Element remained silent, before the Corruptive Element rose up too.

“If you two are done acting like spoiled Vastoari brats,” he announced, “I think we’re about done with this meeting.”

As they all left, the Abyssal Element went to the teleportation point. After arranging the dials for the correct sigil sequence, Auraiiya sighed. She hated these meetings. Requiring them to only address each other by title, speak only with native Nyxian dialect – it was exhausting.

“They are not pets.” She muttered to herself in Vastoan. “They are my cubs.”

In Nyxian it didn’t matter. Be it “Pet”, “Cub” or “Precious child” – the same word meant the same. But she knew exactly what meaning O’Kitaar meant.

It didn’t matter now, she decided. She opened the portal to step through, only to find a distressed Hilliya.