Deleted Scenes
Meeting In Muspelheim-Part 1
by P.J. Serrano
Damien Arcane
Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday, January 13th, 1994
As I approached Prague Castle, the ancient stones whispered secrets of power and conquest, echoing the dark desires that fueled my every step.
The portal to Helheim awaited me, a gateway to the realm of shadows where the Goddess Hel held sway. With her by my side, I would journey to Muspelheim, domain of Queen Xin'Drea, daughter of Surtr, the notorious fire giant whose flames once razed Asgard to ashes.
But our mission was not one of diplomacy alone. No, hidden beneath the veneer of negotiation lay my true purpose, to secure the alliance of Muspelheim and unleash its fiery wrath upon the humans of Midgard.
As I plotted within the shadows of the castle walls, a darker scheme unfolded—a plan to eliminate the future vampire king and queen, clearing the path for my ultimate conquest of Earth.
I was pleased with the fortunate outcome of my surveillance mission. I was able to locate and confirm my target. Before I put my plan in motion, I first needed to meet up with Hel, the ruler of Niflheim.
Not many were keen on the idea of an alliance with the Goddess of the underworld. However, Hel had aspirations of her own. Ruling the worlds of the nine realms did not interest her. What interested the ruler of Niflheim was her lust for revenge against Anubis, the Egyptian God of the underworld.
That alone allowed me the luxury to recruit Hel and her vast undead warriors to lay siege to Anubis and his raised army of the dead. For centuries, I had been hunting down and killing vampires in Midgard.
Planet Earth, as the humans called it, was a melting pot of vampire society. If vampires were to unite under one rule, they could potentially be the guardians of Midgard and be able to defend against any invading force from the nine realms. Including the fire giants of Muspelheim. That would be a problem.
Over the last seven hundred years with my help, Hel has been able to siphon the fallen vampires away from Anubis and into Helheim. This plan served two purposes. The first being that eventually all vampires on Earth would be eliminated, and thus no supernatural force could rise and defend the world.
The second being, that all the undead vampires in Helheim would be raised to fight for Hel alongside the army of the Frost Giants of Jötunheim, the fifth world of the nine realms.
The purpose of my visit to Muspelheim was to convince Xin'Drea to join forces with us when the time comes to go to war with Anubis. Convincing the daughter of Surtr will be difficult considering she was estranged from her father for so many centuries.
Finally reaching my destination in the sublevel halls of Prague Castle, I swiped my key card and entered my private chambers. This is where I kept the secret gateway to the nine realms. Upon locating the lost designs of Yelisa, the revered dwarven engineer, I was able to have portals fabricated out of marble, gold and granite.
It took me over one hundred and twenty seven years to perfect the portals on all the worlds, but now I was able to transport anywhere in the nine realms.
Before I departed on my visit with Hel, I gave explicit instructions for Dr. Darius Reed to hold up any advancement against the human vampires if confirmation was made. I ordered the special forces unit to stand down and observe only. Anyone who violates my orders will be executed on site.
Dr. Reed questioned my change of plans, but I had a better idea on how to eliminate not only the human vampires, but their entire Mulo Prastlo organization once and for all.
As the leader of The Reflection of God, the Vatican's private army, I had worked tirelessly to lay the ground work for the destruction of the Mulo-Prastlo organization. They were the biggest road-block to my end game. The nine realms.
As I stepped into the antechamber leading to my secured quarters, where the portal awaited, I commanded the lights to illuminate the space.
"Ljós."
Standing at the room's center, my gaze swept over the trio of towering doors. To my left, the study and planning room awaited, while to my right lay my living quarters. But it was the central door that held my ultimate prize—the Portal.
The antechamber boasted magnificent design and meticulous preparation. Intricate security measures had been implemented to safeguard the portal, ensuring that none could access it without my explicit authorization.
Approaching the center door, I placed my hand on the stone rune, granting access to the chamber. Stepping inside, I marveled at the ornate surroundings, runes intricately carved into every marble and granite surface—floors, walls, and ceiling alike. And there it stood before me, the portal, a marvel of craftsmanship.
Standing at a towering eleven feet in height, the marble and granite structure spanned a width of at least ten feet, its square frame nearly two feet thick. Gold trim adorned its magnificent design. Placing my hand on the marbleized rune to activate the portal, I watched as the light blue glow slowly illuminated the dark room, the white marble portal coming to life.
As the light spread evenly throughout the chamber from the portal's center, the door glowed with a white-blue hue, beckoning for entry. The white marble floor was adorned with Norse runes, artfully etched in a circle surrounding the portal, its diameter stretching 24 feet. With a crackling sound of electricity echoing in the air, the walls came alight in response.
Selecting the appropriate rune combination for both my destination and return trip, I set the coordinates for Niflheim, where I would meet with Hel. Knowing that upon entering the portal, my body would transform into my true form—the demon Mephistopheles.
I enjoyed my demon persona, unlike many of my brethren. Most demons have animalistic traits, representing mythical creatures as told in legends passed down from generation to generation.
I on the other hand enjoyed being a pale human-like man with dark hair and sharp features, from my pointed beard to my tapering fingernails and slanted eyebrows—features both delicate and menacing, embodying the essence of the demon within. It allowed me to become more... trustworthy amongst the humans whom I prey on.
I considered myself to be more refined than most demons. A shapeshifter by nature, I can shift into many shapes and species with the power to assume pleasing forms at will. As a demon, power and elegance are my vices. I used them when I shift to appear more human and more attractive than most demons.
One might think I was an Incubus instead of a Chaos demon.
As I entered the realm of Niflheim, I strode purposefully towards the exit of the antechamber, where I was met by an Honor Guard. They escorted me to where Hel awaited, her presence both inviting and menacing.
Her long black flowing hair, shining with radiance, was the perfect contrast to her pale alabaster skin. Fierce green eyes, complimented her high cheek bones and ruby red lips. Her beauty was second to none, as well as her viscous nature.
“Ah, Damien, how are you?” Hel's voice rang out, overly pleasant yet laced with malice. “So, what is the urgency that forces us to visit Xin’Drea of Muspelheim?”
I approached Hel as I reached for her hand, “Circumstances in Midgard have prompted a change in our plans.”
Hel gave me a quizzical look, “How so?”
“That, my dear, is what I will be happy to explain on our way there. Have you prepared our journey?”
Hel, nodded “Yes, everything is ready, I will be bringing my honor guard with us.”
“No need, Xin’Drea holds no quarrel with us,” I countered.
“My dear, sweet Damien, you should never travel without backup,” Hel chastised.
“My dear, why do you think I’m bringing you along? You are my backup,” I countered, a wide smile spreading across my face.
“You fool, what makes you think I won’t kill you?” Hel laughed.
"Because I know you don’t want an all-out war before we achieve our objective,” I said flatly, holding Hel's gaze. “We can’t kill each other, and we both have always worked well together.”
Hel gave me a deep resonating laugh, acknowledging the truth in my words. “Come now, my handsome devil, time to visit the Fire Queen. Now let’s hear this new plan of yours,”
Locking arm in arm, we walked together towards the portal I had set up near her fortress.
* * *
As Hel and I, along with her honor guard stepped out of the portal in Muspelheim, the familiar architecture of the room greeted us—much like the setups in Niflheim and Midgard. It seemed that consistency prevailed across all nine realms.
As we made our way toward the exit and into the expansive landscape of fire and lava, we were taken aback by the unexpected changes. Instead of the war-torn destruction I had anticipated, the land was teeming with growth and development.
What I had anticipated was the aftermath of Surtr's warmongering—a landscape marred by ruin and devastation. What I did not expect was the sight before us: vast cities, sprawling highways, advanced infrastructure, and bustling activity.
Yet what truly caught my eye was the intricate use of gemstones and diamonds in the construction of their buildings. The entire world seemed to have been transformed from ash, soot, stone, and mud into a dazzling display of vibrant colors, illuminated by the radiant glow of the sun reflecting off the diamond façade.
It intrigued me to imagine how this land would transform under the cover of night, with the light gleaming off the gems amidst the lava rivers and falls. Hel and I exchanged looks of awe as we beheld the breathtaking transformation of Muspelheim. Tall buildings, reminiscent of those on Midgard, formed a human-like skyline against the fiery backdrop.
Lost in wonder, neither Hel nor I noticed the approach of the Honor Guard from Muspelheim. A striking woman with dark, bronzed skin stood before us, radiating beauty akin to that of a Hindu princess.
“Hello, exalted ones, welcome to Muspelheim,” she greeted us warmly. “I am Atreya, and I will be your escort to the Queen’s palace,” she announced with a respectful bow.
“Thank you, Atreya. We are honored to be in your care,” I replied graciously, while Hel nodded regally in agreement.
Awaiting us was a large transport resembling an oversized Humvee commonly seen in Midgard. Shimmering silver in color, it boasted six oversized rubber wheels. As the electronic doors opened, revealing a lavish interior adorned with smooth blue silk and soft black leather seats, electronic consoles displayed vital data such as city topography, traffic patterns, and maps.
With a gesture of deference, Atreya stepped aside, allowing us and our honor guard to board and take our seats within the vehicle.
I couldn’t help but indulge my flirtatious nature as we settled into our seats. Turning my attention to Atreya, I bombarded her with questions, my curiosity piqued. Hel merely rolled her eyes at my antics as I attempted to charm the young woman.
However, it was Hel who posed the most pressing question of all.
“Atreya, how did you transform this world into such wonder?” she inquired, cutting through my playful banter.
Atreya inclined her head graciously. “Thank you, my Goddess, we are honored for your kind words,” she replied. “Truth be told, it has taken us multiple centuries to obtain what you see here.”
Glancing out the window with pride, she continued, “After the fall of Surtr during Ragnarök at the hands of Anubis, Princess Xin’Drea faced immediate challenges from warlords vying for control of various strongholds. One after another, they attempted to overthrow the throne, only to fail in their endeavors.”
“Interesting,” I murmured to myself, captivated by the unfolding history.
Atreya went on, “It took nearly two centuries of infighting before the Jötunn people realized that there was nothing left. Many sought refuge with the Queen at her fortress, which she later named ‘Borg til ljós’—meaning…”
“The Fortress of Light,” Hel interjected, “Hmmm, very interesting indeed.”
Atreya's words held us captive as she delved further into the history of Muspelheim.
"Once there were more Jötunn living within the fortress walls, Xin’Drea decided to do the unthinkable according to most Jötunn—she freed the dwarves from captivity."
“She let the dwarves go, just like that?” I interjected, my incredulity clear.
“Of course, and it was the best decision she ever made,” Atreya affirmed proudly. “She ceased to force their servitude and instead, allowed them a choice. They could leave Muspelheim forever as free dwarves and never return. Or they could live in Muspelheim and utilize their skills for honest work, with good pay, and help rebuild this world.”
As Atreya continued, her words resonated with both Hel and me, captivating us with the tale of Muspelheim's transformation.
"Once the Dwarves were able to choose for themselves, Xin’Drea calculated the percentages, playing a numbers game. She calculated how many Dwarves would stay and work, many of whom did not want to uproot their families to move to a foreign world. Born into slavery in Muspelheim, they knew of nothing else."
I looked at Hel, "Incredible isn't it?"
Atreya smiled, “Understanding that there would be work for them, and earning pay on top of that, they could provide for their families. What also enticed them to stay was the fact that they helped perfect the streamlining of diamond production. This was the currency they desired most. Muspelheim has an unlimited resource.”
“Very clever,” I replied, my curiosity piqued. “However, I have to ask you, how are you able to merge diamonds with steel? I noticed this vehicle sporting both stainless steel and a diamond coating. Same with the buildings we saw from a distance. Diamonds are carbon-based, so how were you able to melt them down without losing their physical attributes?”
Atreya glanced at me, a devilish smile spreading across her face, “My lord, those are very good questions indeed,” her tone placating.
“Queen Xin’Drea knew, with the Dwarves now willing to work for good pay and better working conditions, she had earned their allegiance far more quickly than slavery ever would have.”
Hel interjected, “Buy their freedom, she becomes their liberator, and is revered. Continue with slavery, she will be seen as just another tyrant,”
Impressed by Xin’Drea's strategic thinking, Hel gave Atreya an appreciative nod.
“It gets better,” Atreya continued. “With the help of the Dwarves, we now had the capacity to rebuild this world. The Jötunn were also allowed to leave if they could not change their warmongering ways. However, Queen Xin’Drea also gave them a choice to be productive in Muspel society."
I folded my arms over my chest. "Really?"
"Oh yes, one such choice was to use their size and strength for demolition and labor crews. Being Fire Giants, they were perfect for this type of work as the rebuilding began. In addition, the Queen also sanctioned the creation of a sporting arena. This is where she would have gladiatorial games for Muspels who could not easily give up fighting.”
I glanced at Hel, "This must have been hard for the Muspels to transition into."
"In just over a year, our arena was constructed, and the first gladiator games began. At first, this was set to the old ways, where it was a fight to the death. However, Xin’Drea didn’t like wasting life so frivolously, so she changed the rules and instituted no death matches. Once a combatant is defeated, they are allowed to survive and continue for future battles.
Hel crossed her legs, eager to learn more as she chimed in, "I would have loved to have seen some of these matches."
Atreya nodded, "Indeed, this allowed for the popularity of sport to grow and present another option for work amongst the Muspel society. After the first couple of centuries, Muspelheim started to become more of a society, than a staging ground for Surtr’s war games."
I glanced out the window and noticed the vast skyline over the horizon. As Atreya continued to fill us in on the changes in Muspelheim, I had to reevaluate my strategy in dealing with the Queen. She was no meager child who fought her way to the top, she is as intelligent as she is deadly.
Atreya glanced at me as she continued, "With a society no longer on the cusp of war, many were allowed to think and create. The Queen organized a team of engineers and scientists to create a process to fuse stainless steel and diamonds together.
This idea allowed for the creation of what you see here today. Stainless steel can melt at certain temperatures too easily but is the backbone of building construction. Diamonds are the hardest substance known in the 9 realms. But they are brittle. If you fuse the two together, you have impenetrable building material."
I gave her my best smile, "Is there a magical element involved, or is this strictly all science and engineering?"
Atreya smiled back, "I'm sorry my lord, I am bound by a non-disclosure agreement, I cannot divulge that information."
Unfazed by my attempt, she continued, "The other brilliant move our Queen made was to open up trade between Álfheim and Svartálfaheim. Once she allowed the Dwarves to return to their home, word quickly spread about her liberation of Dwarves. The light Elves took kindly to that. When the Light Witches and Mages found out some of their kind was helping Queen Xin’Drea rebuild Muspelheim, they quickly agreed to trade."
Atreya paused I presumed, to see if we had any questions.
“It seems our Fire Queen has humanized this civilization,” I said, breaking the quiet.
Atreya looked on and smiled widely. “Yes, Lord Mephistopheles. She has made these changes based on the better parts of human society.”
“Damien, please. You don’t have to be so formal Atreya, I prefer Damien.”
“Very well Master Damien,” she said with another grin on her face.
I smiled back, knowing she was trying to be coy. I loved when women did that. However, she was no match to battle wits with me. I was now inspired to take the challenge and try to seduce her.
“So, you’re human I see? From India I presume?” I asked politely. “But you’re not only human, are you?”
“You’re very perceptive Master Damien, as you are correct. I am a human with heritage from India, but I am also a Light Elf from Álfheim.”
“Very interesting,” I replied, while looking seductively at Atreya.
“Oh for fuck’s sake Damien, put your cock back in your pants you horny bastard,” Hel chimed in.
Atreya got a good chuckle as she was not remotely fazed by me or my seductive words. As the conversation shifted, there was an announcement from the driver.
"Lady Atreya, less than a minute out."
Approaching the fortress, I, along with Hel and her Honor guards, were impressed by the sheer magnitude of Queen Xin’Drea’s fortress. The multi-tiered levels of the palace were laid out in a geometric fashion that truly looked foreign to me.
I was a scientist, not an engineer, but even with an untrained eye, I could see the architecture was not following the laws of physics. At least not according to Earth’s physics.
As the vehicle pulled into the palace and bypassed the security checkpoint, Atreya got out of her seat and prepared to escort her guests to the Queen’s throne room.
Looking out at the courtyard covered with manicured grass landscaping, I wondered how Muspelheim was able to grow and maintain such vegetation with the dry, humid air. As the vehicle reached its destination and came to a complete stop, the doors opened, and Atreya stepped out with her escort guards.
I rose from my seat and extended a hand for Hel. Ignoring me, she stood up and walked past me as she left the transport flanked by her own honor guards.
As I stepped out, I took a deep breath and inhaled the crisp clean air at the palace. This was a far cry from the last time I stepped foot in Muspelheim, where the air was filled with ash and soot.
However, I noticed something odd about the scent of the fresh air. There was a distinct odor when inhaled very deeply. It was then I looked up and noticed the floating structures in the sky.
“What are those levitating structures in the sky?” I asked curiously.
“Those are air purifiers,” Atreya replied. “We don’t have the ecology yet to support and sustain more tree life. So, our Dwarven core of Engineers constructed our floating fortresses which take in the carbon dioxide and sulfuric dioxide to transform those gases into clean air.”
Hel looked up, “Amazing, how much of these marvels is predicated on the use of magic?”
“All of them,” Atreya responded. “We have found a way to mix science, technology, and magic to clean this world up and help heal it.”
I glared at Atreya, "Oh, so you answer her question about magic, yet you throw an NDA my way?"
Atreya gave me a playful smirk, "Your question dealt with proprietary information, hence the non-disclosure agreement. Hers did not."
Un-fucking believable!
“You guys have done well,” Hel stated as she interrupted our little banter. “Now let's go see your Queen to discuss allegiances.”
As Hel walked away, I saw the look on Atreya's face as Hel's choice of words did not go unnoticed by her. She knew the queen would have to tread carefully, lest she risk a full-scale war in Muspelheim, destroying everything they had built so far.