"I need to travel to the Nether." Ingressus announced. The other Voltaris looked at their leader quizzically.
"Ingressus," asked Tygren, "Do you plan to bring the Nether back? Last time they…" he searched for the right words so as not to offend, "retreated right before victory."
Ingressus sighed. "I know. They are a selfish bunch of greedy warmongers, but if we were to succeed, we need to take that risk." He halted. They had returned to the snowy mountains. The icy winds roared in their ears, welcoming them back to their inhospitable home. "Make me a portal. It is time to make a deal with the devil."
Ingressus stood in the throne room. It had changed since the last time he was here. Before, the room was bedecked with lava ornaments, showering the floor with a warm orange glow. Now, there was more dark purple Nether bricks, lending a darker, more depressing aura to his surroundings. He took a deep breath, and approached the new Netherking. He had inward slanting eyes and magma markings all over his body, not unlike the Magnorites. However, his skin was pitch black, like the darkest night.
"I am the Netherking Pythus." The orange Netheran pounded his large double sided war axe. It had a large triangle missing on one of its edges. "You seem to be an Ardoni from the Overworld. Why have you come here?"
"I am Ingressus Voltaris. In the Overworld, I am known as the Deathsinger." Ingressus began. Pythus played with his axe. "Many years ago your father and I formed one of the greatest alliances any world has ever seen. With our combined strength we nearly conquered all of Ardonia. I come here today seeking to rekindle this alliance." He bowed.
Pythus spun his axe. "So you are that Ardoni imbecile Ingressus Voltaris." He spoke at last. "Last time, even with my father's support, you failed to conquer Ardonia." He pounded his weapon on the ground and stood up. "The Nether forces withdrew and the Voltaris were defeated. Back then you had three Prime Songs, Ingressus. now you only have one." He sat back down. "You lost the war. Why do you think I will help you again?"
A winged wither skeleton landed between them. But somehow, he exuded an atmosphere much more sinister, as if he sucked all the life from the world. He kneeled on one knee before Pythus.
"This is my right-hand man, the Angel of Death." Introduced Pythus. "He will gladly slaughter ANYONE if I tell him to do so."
The Angel turned slowly to look at Ingressus, who took a step back as his hollow eyes locked in with his red ones. Even at a distance, he could feel the draining powers of this demon.
"Your father, King Kronus," Ingressus started, "recognized the strength in…"
"My father?" Roared Pythus. "My father was a fool." He pounded his axe again, Ingressus tried to hold his ground as he watched the Nether king stand up and march to one of the giant windows overlooking the Nether's lava landscape, pounding his axe with each step. The jagged edge glinted in the torchlight.
"This axe," Pythus ran his finger along the broken edge, "was once my great-grandfather's. He fought many great conquests of the Nether, uniting this realm as one. That piece was lost in the last battle against the piglin chieftain." He glared at Ingressus.
"My father retreated like a coward when we were on the brink of victory." Pythus said to the view. The voice boomed around the room, but Pythus sounded meanacingly calm. "He was a disgrace to our people and to my family name, and to this axe. After returning to the Nether, I put my sword through him so that a weakling would never rule this kingdom again." He noticed a shadow slip away at the door.
"That is pleasing to hear, King Pythus." Ingratiated the Ardoni. "As you may know, I have no interest in ruling the Overworld. I seek only the Prime Songs, for the welfare and justice for my people." At this, Pythus turned around, like a tiger turning to catch a prey. "The kingdoms are in turmoil. The Enderknights haven't been seen in years, and a faction known as the Necromancers have diverted their attention. Now is the time to strike." Ingressus walked towards Pythus. The Angel of Death blocked him with his sword, but Pythus waved him to let Ingressus pass. "Fight with me and help me reclaim the Prime Songs." Ingressus extended his hand. "in return I promise you the Nether will rule the Overworld once more."
Pythus thought. He turned to the Angel. "Ready the battalions. We will once again go to war." The Angel bowed out of the room and flew off.
"And Ingressus," Pythus spoke. The Ardoni startled. "Know that if you betray me or your promise, you will pay a hefty price."
"You have my word, and my allegiance." Ingressus jerkily bowed on one knee.