Cartoon Universe

Realm of Nightmares

As the portal closed behind the little imp, he let his feet softly touch the ground, tucking away his wings. His eyes adjusted to his dark surroundings, taking in the familiar sight of the realm's cosmic feel. The realm in which he had entered felt almost liberating, although he knew it wouldn't feel that way any longer once he had talked to his boss.

The imp sighed at the thought of his boss. He would fight and die for him for his respect, but deep down he knew that he would probably never gain it.

Pushing those thoughts behind him, a portal opened in front of him, leading to the throne room. The imp entered the portal slowly, anxious to tell his discoveries to the man sitting on the throne.

The man on the throne was adorned in a purple cape, wearing armor that covered almost every part of him, the exception being his arms. His arms were covered in black spots, likely from battles he had faced. His skin was a light grey, giving off a menacing vibe. The imp faltered as his boss tapped his foot, letting him know that he was not in the mood for any tomfoolery.

The imp cleared his throat. Please, please win him over.

"Sir, I have great news for you," he announced, his scratchy voice echoing around the room. "I know information about the Orb of Power and the gemstones."

There wasn't much of a reaction from his boss. The imp continued, feeling inadequate and hoping he hadn't messed up.

"In fact, if my sources are correct, then the Aquamarine is in Spongebob's universe. He also found the Orb of Power there."

Again, no response. The imp laughed nervously.

"This may point to the idea that the gemstones have scattered into other worlds. I mean, the Orb was in the sponge's world, even though..." His voice trailed off when he realized his boss was not showing any interest whatsoever.

"Sir?"

A few seconds passed. The imp had an awful feeling in his gut that whatever his boss had to say, it would not be praise.

A loud, booming voice shook the room.

"That's it?!"

The imp squealed, fighting the urge to shrink backwards.

"Y-Yes, sir. That would be it..."

The imp noticed that his boss was clenching his fist. If that was the case, then...

His fist opened, showing spherical dark matter. The dark matter was filled with black, with little blue spots illuminating it. Spreading his hand open, the dark matter shot towards the poor imp, gripping around his arms, legs, and throat.

His eyes rolling to the back of his head, the imp struggled for breath as he felt the grip tighten around him.

His boss spoke, his powerful voice filling the room.

"You honestly believe that useless information can help me?! What about the other gemstones? What am I supposed to do with this garbage?!"

The grip around the imp's throat loosened slightly, allowing him to speak with less strain.

"Sir... Please, I-I'm sure I will get more information soon! I promise..."

The clutch around the imp's body released, sending him face-down on the floor coughing. The dark matter retreated back to his boss's open hand, and quickly dissipated with his closing fist.

"I will expect more from you soon, Chaleur. Do not disappoint me, or else."

His knees shaking, Chaleur stood up, saluting his master.

"Yes, sir! I will make sure those cartoon characters will never know what hit them!"

A loud groan echoed around the room.

"That's not your job. Your job is to collect information so I may use it to my advantage. My henchmen have bigger jobs. I would have assumed you knew that by now?"

Chaleur sighed. "Understood."

Scampering to the newly opened portal behind him, he leaped through, and it closed, leaving the large armored man alone in the throne room.

Tapping his foot, he sighed.

"Before long, this whole universe will be mine..."