#equalliza

She doesn’t move for a while, taking her time to take in the sight and smell of the Festival slowly picking up. A smile blooms on her face, eyes flashing amusedly as you see an angel chasing after an unseelie over some sort of misunderstanding. Silently, she could feel her friend arriving. Gehenna had already informed Fiamma to grant them some Lux and Nox, GP’s currency for them to spend on the Festival. Although if she decides to hang around with some of them, she’d probably end up paying for it herself. A small laugh escapes her lips as she notices her more rowdy mercs, singing a bar song in the middle of the plaza. Seems like they were making a bit of money on the side.

The black sun hung low in the air, bathing Gloria Patri in a gentle warmth that caressed the flesh and left them feeling energised. When it descends and is replaced by the Blood Moon, she just knows certain parts of the Festival would be restricted to...adults. Might as well take advantage of the lighting and create a smaller version of a Red Light District.

“Madame Gehenna, it is time to get ready.”

Oscura stood at the doorway, hands clasped in front of her. One of Gehenna’s more trusted vassals, she can always rely on her and her twin sister to remind you of your schedule should you end up distracted by something or other.

“I’ll be down in a second. I do hope you remember to take some time off today. I want you and the others to enjoy yourselves. Keep your guard up as usual....but please, take some time for yourself.”

Oscura merely smiles and bows towards Gehenna, thanking her for the opportunity and exits the Kaiser’s office. Dressed in a jacket version of her coat and the cravat replaced by a tie, she begins to make her way down. Through the castle/fortress walls, she could still hear the cheers and laughter of all. Her vassals were all prepared, waiting outside her office. As soon as she had stepped out, they all stood at attention, awaiting orders.

“Let’s have some fun, everyone.”

She moves past them, each vassal slowly following after behind. As the Archdemon passed through the halls, the cheers and voices of merry slowly silenced as they looked up at her in awe once she stood at the top of the stairs to the castle. Her allies stood behind her, forming a front of Unity and Camaraderie.

This was going to be her first real speech. And all the rehearsing meant nothing when she already knew what she was going to say deep down in her heart. A demon she may be but her love for her people and kingdom was as vast as the deepest abyss in the multiverse.

“Friends! I welcome you all to Gloria Patri!”

Her voice was firm, full of confidence and sharpened with an edge.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter! And it couldn’t be done without all of you! You who have given me your trust, I swore to you that I would grant you Purpose! To shed a past life that hurt or shackled you! But no more!”

She spread her arms wide, grin widening as the crowd cheers at her words.

“Without you, there is no Gloria Patri! Without you, I would not be standing here today! Without all of you, we would not be as strong! We come from different backgrounds! Universes! Dimensions!”

Gehenna pauses, watching the crowd as they move closer together, some were holding hands or simply nodding. Small gestures erupted throughout them all as they looked at their partner and friend.

“But despite all of that, Here We Are! Unified! Strong!”

The cheers grow louder by the second.

“But today! Today we shall reward ourselves and celebrate! Our doors will be officially open to the Multiverse! We who pride ourselves as Mercenaries, Sellswords or Hunters! We will prove them that we are not just an army. We are a Kingdom! A Kingdom of Glory!”

The black sun shines down on the Empire, the Grand Kaiser and the crowd.

“Who are we!?”

“GLORIA PATRI!!”

The crowd stomps as it begins to chant the name.

“We’ll take the world by storm! But for now, We Eat! We Drink! We Celebrate!”

She raises her fists in the air, her two weapons forming in them. A large switch axe and an extravagant blade.

“For New Beginnings!”

“FOR NEW BEGINNINGS!”

The crowd raises their weapons or fists in kind, their enthusiasm reaching an all time high.

“WE ARE GLORIA PATRI! GLORY BE TO US ALL!”

With a final roar together, the crowd goes it’s separate ways, the enthusiasm still in their spirits.

Gehenna smiles as her weapons fade away.