The speaker walked up, standing deferentially behind Versailles. The grey mist cloaked around its figure, wrapping his features in a fog of mystery. But from the bright pink orbs flashing from the place of its pupils, it was obvious the individual was a goblin.
"Chief Mein, this will be your new home from now on. Here, you will live, recruit, and train the forces I will be sending your way. From here, you will work for me in the shadows. Understand?" Versailles voice was not loud or forceful, but calm and clear enough to fill the ears and reach the heart.
"Yes, Master. Now that I have offered my services to you, you can rest assured and leave everything to me. I will give my all to create the strongest force in the realm for you." The chief vowed solemnly.
The Pink Goblins race was no longer what it once was. However, he still held hope that one day in the future, the meagre Pink Goblins would rise from the ashes, making themselves into an existence that would be unignorably required in every decision making of the realm.
And to ensure the successful accomplishment of the feat, Chief Mein was ready to undertake any trial and tribulation.
"Again, I expected no less from you, Chief." Without another word, her figure dropped.
"Lets go!" The goblin Chief's holler was followed by uniform footsteps that boomed within the damp environment.
A short period later, the group of Pink Goblins entered a huge stone fortress in the process of rebuilding. Poisonous creatures such as little gorgons, scorpions, death spiders, and nether ladybugs worked in harmony removing stone slabs, cleaning rubble and debris, and mending cracks and holes.
The Pink Goblins, never having seen such a sight before, stared with wide eyes. Their own original abode had been built by their ancestors, saving them the time and effort in striving to fight for one after seeking it out, and building it.
As such, it was their very first time witnessing an abode in the process of remodeling and construction.
It was also their first time witnessing many poisonous beasts working together under the order of a race different from their own. This made them feel better about themselves, no longer feeling as if they were the only disgraceful race.
They were not the only race working as the underlings of another race.
Versailles stood on a terrace of a stone tower, overlooking the mingling creatures below. She was glad to see no struggles break out on the first instance of the groups meeting. For them to work together, they needed to at least communicate.
"I am Ulain, of the Pink Goblin race. From now on, we will be living in the Ancient Fortress. I hope we will be able to get along well." Ulain led the group of Pink Goblins to the three Gorgons, Scorpion King, Spider Queen, and Ladybug.
"We are Green, red, and grey. We oversee the operation here and only clear the poison fog inside the fortress. You are welcome to the Ancient Fortress." The three Gorgons no longer had their previous arrogant and condescending attitudes after being turned to stones.
Now, with no emotions to feel love or hate, they indifferently welcomed the goblins without any drama.
"I am the Scorpion King. You are welcome here, but always remember, I am not to be offended. I might just be the King of wild scorpions, but our venomous poison is not one you would like to experience for yourself." The Scorpion King replied in his usual strong front façade.
Obviously, the beast knew what good first impression meant.
"I am the Spider Queen. We were recruited by the Scorpion King to mend and patch the fortress. Even though the rebuilding is not yet complete, you and your race are welcome."
"I am the Ladybug Queen. We were dragged here by the three Gorgons. Although we were displeased at the rude invitation, we do not mind here. You and your race are welcome."
"Alright everyone! Since introductions are complete, lets continue finishing the buildings." The Gorgons were impatient to complete the Watchtower before the Master showed up. Hence, they immediately had their team back on task.
"Yes, yes. Let's get back to work!" The Scorpion King was not any less impatient.
'Since Master dispatched this race, it means she will probably be here soon. It is best to get this Watchtower done before her return.'
His scorpion eyes flashed with urgency, seemingly about to rush to the buildings himself to see to their completion.
"Since we are here, we would like to offer our assistance as well. If you do not mind, that is." Ulain spoke amiably to the group of beasts. One way or another, they were now stuck together. So building a little bit of rapport was not a bad idea.
"We would like that. Thanks for offering. You can work on tasks that best suit your skills. It will make the work go faster that way." The Spider Queen helpfully informed, joyous for the extra hand.
Even though her task was just mending and patching, she had to pause in the midst of her task to remove unnecessary rubble and cracks in certain areas. This further delayed the completion of her task, filling her with trepidation.
She did not want to confront the wrath of the individual that subdued the Scorpion King.
"Alright! Everyone, lets move." Ulain led his team of Pink Goblins towards the smaller towers of the stone fortress, and they split into clones to clear up the area.
Soon, the entire fortress was engulfed in the faint hum of magic. The beasts made use of their skills to speed up the progress of the rebuilding and before long, the outline of a huge grey fortress could be seen within the grey poisonous miasma.
"Chief Mein, I will be leaving you in charge here. The fortress will be complete soon. After its completion, the three Gorgons are going to cast a bewildering spell to mislead any creatures that reach within its vicinity." Her gaze fixed on the goblin, the smirk slowly disappearing from her lips.
"So, make sure any Pink Goblin that leaves the fortress for any task, has a way to communicate with those within the fortress. That is the only way they can safely return." Versailles wore a serious expression as she explained the importance of the matter.
Once she left, it would take her a while to return. As such, the beasts here would have to fend for themselves.
"If any unexpected situations come up, you can reach me by sending fire massage to the Snake clan or Werewolf clan. For any other matters, wait for my return. Also, during my departure, I want you to keep an eye on the Winged humans, White-eyed Seers, Banshees, Omincorns, and Little Fey races. I want daily reports on this five. Understand?" Her piercing violet eyes seared into his skin, causing his skull to numb.
From that one expression, he immediately understood the last task was the most important one. Here, he could not afford to make any mistakes.
"Yes, Master. Rest assured. I will not make any mistakes. Those five races will be under my close scrutiny." The chief knew that his worth was his loyalty.
He was alarmed on hearing the mention of the other ancient races. However, since the survival of his clan depended on his worthiness, he had no intention of ruining things for himself and them by asking unnecessary questions.
"Great! Now that we are done, I will be taking my leave. Beware of unexpected poisons, guard against the surrounding beasts, and fortify the walls well enough to ward against immortal beasts." A bright and carefree smile on her face, Versailles moved to the window, and jumped.
The next instant, she landed right before the Scorpion King, frightening the poor beast out of his mind. Seeing it was her, he anxiously moved forward, in a bid to explain himself.
"Master, I completed the task you entrusted to me. Look, the Watchtower is nice and ready, that too, before your arrival." He put on a flattering smile, his scorpion eyes suspiciously shifting around.
"Oh, was it really you who accomplished the task?" Versailles was enjoying the Scorpion King's little play. She wanted to see how long the creature could continue his act.
The Scorpion King's heart thumped, the smile on his Master's face raising his alarm.
'No way! There is no way that she found out about my ploy. But what if those three ugly Gorgons snitched on me? Hmph! So what if they did? I will just deny the claim to the end! What can they do to me then?' Bracing himself, he put on a pitiful expression and willed his eyes to tear.
Since he acted, then he was going to act to the end.
"You don't believe me, Master? I strived day and night, not even taking a breather or a break for water or meal, to complete the task entrusted by Master. I did not allow anyone or anything to get in my way or stop my work! And now, you don't believe me, Master?" The tears streamed down his hideous face, making his appearance more hilarious than pitiful.
Versailles was struck dumb. Of all the acts she was prepared for, she did not expect him to attempt the pitiful one.
Attempt, because the pitiful role was poorly portrayed with his huge frame.
'This beast is really something.'
She sighed and shook her head in defeat. As much as she would have loved to see where he would take the act, she had no time to continue the farce.
"Alright, forget about it. Right now, there is a more important mission for us to accomplish."
Jumping onto its back, she heavily slammed her hand on its ridges.
"Lets go!"
"Ah!"
The Scorpion King yelped in pain and started into a sprint.