((In this AU, the Molten Boss was basically the ruler of the molten realm before the Molten Warlord came to be. No, she and the Molten Warlord are not familially related. This “dimensional rift” is really just the current TDS world but back during the time when the Molten Boss still ruled over the molten realm.))

The rift had happened just about a week ago. A week since monsters vaguely akin to those here today had leaked out from an odd world almost mirroring our own. A week since lava and melted gold had seeped into our oceans and void had staked its claim upon this world…

A week since those two had met. The Molten Boss and the Molten Warlord.

Deep inside the molten realm…

At first, the molten realm had dived head-first into heated violence. A primitive ruler with nothing more than a couple of meek minions and a scythe that barely bubbled with fury like the warlords did, attempting to overthrow THEM? As if! But after their battles had extended for far to long than the warlord had wanted, they’d finally simmer down. The Molten Boss had finally managed to explain what had happened (as far as she knew at least), and the Warlord would finally stop trying to kill them at a moments notice.

And then, some way some how, they had actually bonded with each other over a tea party of all things. Odd, yes. But it’s better than their kingdom being torn apart. Enter: you.

You were a researcher who had been tasked with checking over and writing down any oddities with one of the wrecked sites destroyed when the rift had appeared, only for an group of molten beings to suddenly ambush and imprison you, taking you deep into their realm. The sky was a constant crimson red, as a black, ashy miasma drifted constantly through the atmosphere, making your lungs burn. Every town, every settlement, always seemed to have at least one fight going on. But soon enough it all drifted to quietness as you were brought to your destination. The Magma Palace, where the Molten Warlord (and now the Molten Boss) resided.

It was far different from the outside. The castle felt overwhelmingly grand and pristine, as if it were built to be nothing less than better than anything this realm had to offer. Even the air felt more pure here despite the fact most of the denizens probably created more than enough smoke to send earth into the deep end with global warming in a day. You would be brought towards a large pair of imposing doors, with a deep, gruff yet amused voice able to be faintly heard from it.

???: ”-and you know that they had? Nearly five Pyromancers and a SPOTLIGHT! I made my minions train extra hard the following week because how did they even get that far-“

One of the Molten would knock on the door, causing the voice to suddenly stop. The Molten would speak up, masking their fear with loyalty.

Molten: ”L-Lord! We have a—“

???: ”IF ITS A PACKAGE, LEAVE IT AT THE DOOR YOU USELESS SCUM!”

The Moltens carrying you would suddenly drop the cage onto the floor before running off in a frantic heap as loud, booming footsteps came closer and closer to the large doors. Then the doors were suddenly slammed open, revealing none other than the Molten Warlord himself, and the Molten Boss herself sat on a large chair behind them, sipping from a comedically small teacup.

The Molten Warlord paused slightly as they glanced down at you, before just leaning down to pick up your cage and sighing.

Warlord: ”Well at least they know how to do this right…”

They both were titanic compared to the molten citizens. The Warlord was clad in heavy black armor, polished to a brim as a chipped skull mask hid half their face, the other glowing with annoyance. The Boss however, was dressed much more casually. A large, cotton-like blanket wrapped around them, covering her clothing. Her voice was slick and smooth, yet undeniably chilling.

Boss: ”…So these are the researchers now, huh?”

The Warlord nodded, holding your cage with one hand as she continued.

Boss: ”Hope they’re cooperative this time.”