User blog:Flamebiplane/Purple Skies

First a yawn, then a loosening stretch. Mythria could feel the cool wet spot that rested on her forehead from an affectionate kiss by her husband Urrack, who had likely already gone off to the coal mine. The empty space of the right side of the bed held a hint of midnight labor sweat and alcohol. Hot water and soap couldn't get it all unfortunately.

She climbed out of bed and slid into her red morning robe, stepping out of the bedroom and into the hall, where she was greeted by an enticing scent that made her lick her lips with enthusiasm. She followed the scent downstairs, where she found her son Forjod laying out fluffy stacks of pancakes on the table. Forjod noticed the arrival and looked in her direction, smiling. "Morning Mom, Dad didn't want any pancakes, just a few English muffins and juice, then it was down to the mine," he explained as he sat down at the table, silverware in hand.

Mythria chuckled and asked, "Did he at least pack a lunch?"

"He made himself a couple sandwiches," Forjod replied, looking toward the door. "Seems like I'll need to prepare a buffet for when he gets home," Mythria said as she took the seat opposite of her son's. Forjod chuckled and said, "He'll probably only eat a few wings then hit the shower."

This time, both of them laughed.

Mythria stuck her pancake with a fork and inserted it into her mouth, that fluffy, delicious feeling satiating her pleasure as she chewed. When the food slid down her throat, she pointed her fork at Forjod and asked, "So, is everything packed?"

Forjod nodded and said, "Yup, all of my essentials are in my suitcases."

"Even your hygenic materials?" Mythria added, grinning with an eyebrow raised. Forjod snickered and replied, "Mom, I'm not a kid anymore!"

"As long as you're under my roof, you do what I say young man," Mythria teased as she ate another pancake. "Once I leave this house, I'll no longer be under your command," Forjod joked with a bright smile. "I could always make an extension," said Mythria. The two laughed again.

When breakfast was finished, Mythria thanked Forjod, who responded with, "My pleasure Mom."

She headed upstairs to her and her spouse's bedroom, where she slipped out of her robe and into her high-ranking military uniform. Then she took her scabbard off of the wall and clicked it onto her waist, the scimitar securely inside.

Her head snapped to a loud thud outside and went to see that Forjod was standing in the middle of the hallway, both large brown suitcases by his side and a black backpack on his side. "Need a hand?" she asked. Forjod's head turned and replied with a smile, "No no Mom, it's fine."

Despite her son's hasty answer, Mythria could sense that there was something bothering him, judging by the depressed look on his face. She stepped closer, her high boots softly thumping against the floor. "It seems like there's something on your mind dear," she whispered.

Forjod shook his head and replied, "I grew up here Mom, the people, the places, the things...I'm gonna miss it all."

Mythria leaned against the wall and asked, "But this was an opportunity that you wanted right? To be able to see the world?  To make people happy?"

Forjod tilted his head in her direction and said, "Yeah, I've always wanted an opportunity like this but, I've developed such an attachment to this place, that it's gonna hurt me when I leave."

Mythria raised an eyebrow and said in an upbeat voice, "You make it sound like once you reach Jundex, you'll never be able to come back here again."

"Mom, it's more complicated than that," Forjod said, his voice still down. Mythria stood and grinned, "Oh, don't be silly! Nothing wrong with coming back to rekindle old flames young man."

"Mom...aahahahaha!!!" Forjod was helplessly joyful as his mother rushed at him and tickled him. "I don't want to see you down Forjod, as your grandmother would always say, always try to bring out the light even if it is full of darkness!" Mythria laughed as she pinned Forjod to the wall and continued her relentless tickle assault on the powerless man.

When she finished, Forjod slumped to the ground, struggling to catch his breath with a smile. Mythria kneeled beside him and asked, "Feeling better now?"

"If...there's...anything...I won't miss...it's definitely...that," Forjod muttered between breaths. Mythria chuckled and said, "I know you're lying dear."

"Maybe I'm not," Forjod muttered as he groaned and pulled himself to his feet. A quick shake of his head and he says, "But seriously Mom, I'm gonna miss this place."

Mythria wrapped her arms around Forjod and pulled him into a gentle hug. "And remember Forjod, you're always welcome to come back for visits anytime, just...bear in mind that things may have changed when you do," she muttered. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind Mom, thanks," Forjod replied as Mythria released him.

Mythria made her way down the busy street, various soldiers announcing her name as she passed them. The sky was a lovely bright blue complete with puffy white clouds. Forjod mentioned that the airship for Jundex would arrive in port no later than noon, so that was plenty of time for both of them.

Passed the bar, passed the potion shop, passed her son's old high school she walked until she came upon a small building, the post office. Mythria stepped through the glass doors, and the two employees behind the desk froze when she saw her. The few customers in line turned to examine the woman with mixed reactions. Mythria waved a dismissive hand and said, "Don't worry, I'm not gonna cut in line."

Upon hearing that, they turned back to the front. Mythria stepped in line behind three people and waited. When she reached the front, the Giant Ant responded with an uncertain cheerfulness in her tone, "Good day General, how may I help you today?"

Mythria leaned in toward the Ant and pointed off somewhere. She asked, "Is there a Harpy courier available? I need her to deliver a letter for me, it's local."

The Ant places her hands on the desk and says, "Of course, one of them just swooped in."

She points to a different section of the room that is open-air. "She's through there, Eliza is her name," the Ant explains.

"Thank you," Mythria said as she stepped through the door and into the open-air room with wooden mesh and an exposed top for Harpies to fly into. Mythria counted four Harpies, either sitting, adjusting their mailbags, or stretching their wings. "Eliza?" Mythria asked, her voice loud enough to carry throughout the room.

A Harpy with green hair who was peeking into her mailbag turned to face Mythria with a light-hearted smile. "Yes, may I help you ma'am?" she asked, slightly tilting her head. Mythria reached into a side pocket of her uniform and produced an envelope. "General Mythria Gahillo, I'd like for you to deliver this to my husband in the coal mine, ask for a Urrack Gahillo," she requested.

Eliza takes the envelope and squeals, "Ooooohhh, a short flight, better than that lengthy trip to Dogograd."

Then her face develops an inquisitive look as she asks, "Pardon me General, but this is out of curiousity. Why is someone with a high status like yourself married to a miner?"

Mythria appeared a little taken aback by the question, but she composed herself and replied, "What's wrong with that? If anything, he's the husband of a very powerful figure and fighter who loves him deeply."

The other three Harpies had now taken an interest in the conversation. "I was just curious General, not very often I hear of folks of higher status being married to those of the working class," Eliza replied. Mythria folded her arms and responded with, "Well, without the working class, our lives wouldn't be as comfortable as they are now, would they?"

Eliza's eyes veered toward the sky and she bit her lip, clearly deep in thought. Then she shrugged and said, "Good point."

The Harpy tucks the envelope inside her mailbag and says to Mythria, "I'll see to it that this gets to your husband General."

With that, Eliza flapped her wings into the air and soared in the direction of the coal mine. The underground worker may have enjoyed every second of his job, but he definitely was not going to miss out on this special event.

Mythria left the post office, giving the Giant Ant a brief, "Thanks," as she stepped out.

She spent time doing other activities until it was close to noon. As Mythria made her way to the airport, she noticed two Devils carrying what appeared to be a purple capsule with a glowing pink crystal inside. The two Devils both gave innocent smiles when they caught her eyes, but she grinned and waved them off. The pair nodded and continued walking.

Further down the road, a blone-haired woman in a bright green robe grabbed Mythria by her shoulder. Unfazed, she looked to the woman and asked, "What is it Ronata?"

Ronata scrunched her face and replied in an agitated voice, "General, I've been seeing mamono with these strange capsules walking around the city!"

Mythria shrugged and said, "They're probably just magical nightlights Ronata."

Ronata shook her head and growled, "Nightlights!?  Why are you being so quick to assume!?"

Mythria folded her arms and asked, "What are you suspecting Ronata?"

Ronata grits her teeth and jams her finger downward, "I'm suspecting that something malicious is at play here General!"

Mythria calmly places her hands behind her back and says, "Explain please."

"These capsules that I've seen around the city! Mamono extremists could be planning an attack!" Ronata replied, her face bright red in a barely contained fury. Mythria clutched her scabbard and said in a relaxed tone, "I'll have a look into it Ronata."

She proceeded to place a hand on the anxious woman's shoulder and added, "In the meantime, how about you head to the ice cream parlor for a chill?"

Ronata jerked back, her hands curled into fists and her lips trembling. "General, how can you not take this seriously!? The safety and security of Wavedraw could be at stake here!" she shrieked.

"As I have said, I'll look into it, now go cool off Ronata, your paranoia's making you lose it!" Mythria repeated more sternly. The response caused Ronata to slowly raise her fist. Mythria noticed and inquired, "You know what happens if you do that right?"

"I know, but I would get enjoyment out of it nonetheless," Ronata snarled through clenched teeth. Mythria rolled her eyes and said, "Ronata, I've protected this city for years, can't you trust me to take care of this?"

"You're not acting like it," Ronata muttered, shaking her head.

Mythria folded her arms and asked, "Ronata, you remember your father?"

Ronata waved her shaking hand and said, "No, no, please don't start, this isn't about him!"

Ignoring Ronata's heated request, Mythria continued, "He was extremely doubtful of you when you wanted to join the Wavedraw Combat Elite, said you lacked what was necessary to contribute."

"Mythria please, stop," Ronata pleaded, her words falling on deaf ears. "But...look at you, you proved him wrong, and now he believes in you, he trusts you to protect this city from the two opposing forces of the Order and the Radicals," Mythria carried on.

"General..." Ronata growled, but her voice trailed off. Mythria clamps both of her hands on Ronata's shoulders and says, "If your father believes in you, then believe in me, your leader."

Ronata was silent, but later spoke, her tone more docile than before, "Yes...he did have great doubt in me, and I was able to change his mind but...your responses as of now have kept me from doing the same."

Mythria smiled and replied, "Then it seems I'll have to make an effort to change your mind."

She waved Ronata off, "Now, go relax, that's an order. And remember, should the enemy attack, it's always better to fight with a calm mind than an agitated one."

Ronata was quiet. She lowered her head and walked in the opposite direction, but not before stopping and turning her head to Mythria to give her a grim warning, "General Gahillo, if this city does come under attack, then I will be the first to accuse you of neglecting your duties."

Ronata turned and continued to stroll down the street without another word. Mythria silently watched her for a moment before circling in the opposite direction toward the airport.

When she arrived, she saw Forjod sitting on the deck with a Holstaur at his side and...a second Holstaur standing by wearing a brown duster, a necklace with a Demon Silver dagger attached, and a pair of holsters carrying two revolvers. Mythria approached the three, and when she was close enough she said, "I'm here."

All three turned, and Forjod recognized his mother immediately. "Hey Mom, glad you could make it," he replied with a smile. "I wouldn't dare to miss the event of my own son leaving his hometown," Mythria said, returning the smile. Her eyes veered toward the entrance and thought, "Now if only that idiot would show up!"

"Thanks Mom," Forjod said with grace. "Well, how do you do Mythria?" came the soft-spoken voice of the armed Holstaur as she tipped her hat in her direction. Mythria sat on the bench next to Forjod and said, "All is well Star, what are you doing here?"

Star motioned toward the other Holstaur and replied, "Turns out my daughter Jilda is on the same flight as your son."

Mythria's eyes swelled at the coincidence. "Oh, is she now?" she said as she leaned in toward Jilda and asked, "So, what business are you gonna be doing in Jundex?"

Jilda peered up at Mythria and replied with an upbeat tone, "I'm actually heading up there for a job in engineering, and to meet someone Mrs. Gahillo."

"Oooohhh, now who is this 'someone'?" Mythria asked intrigued, leaning on the bench toward Jilda. "He's a man by the name of Technero, I met him while I was on vacation in the southern beaches," Jilda replied. "He's also very skilled with the tongue from what she tells me," Star added.

Mythria's face turned lewd. "Passionate kisser I presume?" she asked. "Mom, you're kind of entering pervert territory here!" Forjod burst out with a jolt. Jilda waved a dismissive hand and said, "It's alright Forjod, Mom says that if I want to have an easier time with this guy, then I should get started on my talking skills right now!"

She then looked to Mythria and answered, "Yes Mrs. Gahillo, he's a great kisser as well as a flirter, he has a way with words."

Mythria placed Jilda in a small hug and murmured, "I hope great things come of you and him."

"Thanks," Jilda beamed.

Mythria turned to Forjod with a wide grin and said, "And Forjod honey, you're an adult, you can handle talk like this."

"Did I miss the departure?" came Urrack's voice. "Nope, our son's still here!" Mythria replied, twisting her head to see Urrack still in his soot-covered mining suit. "Ah, hey Dad, you made it!" Forjod cheered, strolling over to embrace his father.

"Thank your mom for that," Urrack muttered, one eye on Mythria who let out an annoyed scoff. "Thank you for actually showing up dear," she thought, warmly smiling at her husband who never bothered to deal with his coal-like aura before coming. It was a minor nitpick though, barely worth mentioning lest it was for humor.

When Forjod was back in the bench, Mythria asked Urrack, "So, you missing anything important other than your work?"

Urrack rubbed the back of his head and replied, "A few of my buddies were sharing their vacation horror stories while on break."

"Not surprised," Mythria said, eyes maintaining their rocky stare. Urrack grinned and said, "Hey, come on, mining may seem like a boring chore to you, but it's actually a great place to chat up."

"I didn't say it was boring dear, I'm sure you and your friends are having quite the time in there," Mythria said with a smirk, "And I would have expected you to enjoy the breakfast our son made before you headed out."

Urrack's face reddened and muttered, "Honey, you know how much I like to show up to work early."

"And you also decided to do it on this special day, it took a letter to get you out here," Mythria stuck in, her voice bearing some irritation.

Before Urrack could shoot out another defensive claim, Forjod said, "Look, I think it's here," pointing to a relatively small airship that was approaching the airport.

The airship made its way to the dock that they stood on, it's hull bright red with an array of windows. Inside, a dining area could be seen. Forjod stood and picked up his suitcases. Mythria stepped over to him and held him in his arms.

"Don't forget sweetie, you're always welcome to come back," she whispered in his ear. "I'll keep that in mind Mom," Forjod muttered. "It's been really fun having you around Forjod," said Urrack. "Thanks Dad," said Forjod.

Mythria stepped up to her son and leaned forward. She spoke softly, "And son, if you ever happen to encounter a ferocious mamono like a Hellhound on your adventures, then you will have to rely on yourself to get out of that situation, as I won't be able to swoop in and save you."

Her voice brightened, "That is, unless you're seeking one for a wife."

"You're quite an encouraging mother Mythria," Star chimed in.

Forjod chuckled and waved a dismissive hand saying, "Don't worry Mom, I'm sure the company will provide me with the gadgets necessary to easily escape them."

"Gadgets do fail sweetie," Mythria said with a wicked grin. "Honey, are you trying to embolden our son or spook him out of this experience?" asked Urrack, who tapped his foot. Mythria shrugged and replied, "I'm just giving him some prep talk for the world out there."

"Dad, I'm confident that I can handle this," Forjod reassured his father, who softly shook his head at Mythria. Mythria gave a display of playful innocence as the airship pulled alongside them, its doors opening to release the most recent fliers.

"Attention, this airship is scheduled for Jundex, and shall depart in thirty minutes," came an announcement over the intercom.

Forjod stood up and stretched, then he picked up his suitcases. Jilda hopped to her feet and slung her backpack around her back. Final goodbyes, hugs, and kisses were exchanged between the parents and their respective children. Then, when the time came, they waved as the airship drifted farther and farther from the airport until it was a tiny dot in the sky.

Mythria turned and noticed Urrack staring at her with a raised eyebrow. Mythria chuckled and said, "What, I really do wish the best for my son, it's not like anything bad is going to happen to him if he's pounced by a mamono!"

"Well, what's he gonna do if he's captured by a Wisp?" asked Urrack. "He'll have to try to work something out with her, but I believe he's smart enough to avoid cemetaries," Mythria replied. "Dryad?" inquired Urrack. "He'll have to do something to avoid being captured by her," she answered. "Ya'll are getting too dramatic about this, have some faith in him," Star chimed in as she stepped off of the platform.

Both Mythria and Urrack exchanged glances before the man placed his hands on his hips and announced, "I'm heading back to the mine, I'll see you at home when evening nears."

"Yes, and I shall make sure this evening is extra special," Mythria beamed. Urrack grinned and raised an eyebrow, his future he felt was already predicted. Seconds later, he exited the platform, heading straight back to the coal mine.

Hours passed, and the orange glow of the sun was soon setting along the calm fiery light of the horizon. The shops were beginning to close up, the citizens were creeping home as usual, the air shifted to a cooler breeze. The only things that remained constant were the guard patrols and the bright street lights that illuminated the path.

Mythria watched the city drift into slumber from the bedroom of her home, still wearing her uniform. Thankfully, no urgent reports had presented themselves on the doorstep of the house, so she could use the opportunity to ease the stress. The mouth-watering scent of a roasted turkey occupied the kitchen/living room, and some of it wafted to the upper floor, stroking the general's nose. Her husband had not come home yet, usually because he spent more time on last-minute conversations with his co-workers than actually preparing for the trek back to a delicious dinner and a nice hot shower. Nonetheless, she continued to observe the city until she finally grew bored and moved to another room.

In this room was a large bed, a mahagoney closet, and a tidy desk. Mythria snaked her hand along each object thoroughly, wanting to take in that remaining touch of the previous owner. She lowered herself onto the bed and lay staring up at the ceiling. It was the first night, and she already had that strange experience of him not being there, not at his desk completing copius amounts of homework, not lying on his bed reading a fiction novel, not sleeping soundly in his bed. Mythria released a long drawn-out sigh.

Her reminiscing was interrupted when she heard a knock at the doorway. Mythria looked up to see a pink-haired Lilim and a Ryu with the colors of purple and gray in the doorway. She rises to her feet and faces the two mamono. "Is everything in place?" she asks them.

The Ryu nods happily and gives a thumbs up, "The rods are set, and my girls are in position!"

A cruel grin forms on Mythria and she replies, "Good."

She turns to the Lilim, who bows and says, "Your contributions to our goals were very helpful and highly appreciated, as was promised, I shall give you your reward."

Outside, bright pink pillars of light bolted into the night sky, forming a diamond as they merged at the top. Mythria felt the Lilim wrap her hands around her waist and a gentle smooch on the back of her neck. A bright pink dome grew out from the diamond, gradually expanding until it encased much of Wavedraw. Mythria watched the dome, unmoving as it moved toward her like a charging Minotaur. The closer it was, the brighter it was, and Mythria could only smile as all three of them were enveloped in it.

A half hour passes, and the once pitch black darkness of the sky was now a luscious purple, with a soft red glow to accompany it. The dome that once held the city in its ever growing belly had since dissipated, leaving in its wake an air of lust and desire.

Urrack had just now managed to burst into the Gahillo home, his pickaxe at the ready. "Mythria!" he called out, his voice firm but afraid, "Mythria, are you here!? I tried to look for you at the barracks, but you were nowhere to be seen, please give me a sign that you're alright!"

From upstairs, a soft voice responded, "I am up here."

"M...Mythria?" Urrack uttered, trembling as he clutched his pickaxe and made his way up the stairs. The pounding of his boots echoed throughout the house. He got to the top, and through the darkness, he could make out a standing figure. Military uniform, scimitar, long blue hair, just like his wife but...there seemed to be something different about her.

A pair of bat-like wings folded on her back, there were cat-like ears sticking out of her hair, and a long, spiny tail was unfurled behind her. "Mythria...is that you?" asked Urrack. The figure shrugged and replied, "Who else dear?"

Urrack let out a sigh, at least she had her sense of humor. "Mythria uh...I think the city needs you, its a total mess," he said. "Don't messes always happen whenever there's an invasion dear? But no matter, once all is said and done, then I'll head over and help to get things back in order," she replied.

Urrack raised an eyebrow and asked, "What are you talking about?"

Mythria began to approach her husband, "Things are changing my dear, this city is coming under new management, granted, our current governor will still rule, but he's got a Lilim helping him now."

Urrack did a double-take, "Wait, you mean...you were behind this!?"

Mythria raised her tail, and Urrack felt something sharp pierce his shoulder. He turned to see a Manticore needle sticking out of his shoulder, and a wave of pleasure shot through him as he collapsed to the foor. "We need to spread her influence, and this new demon realm will add to that," Mythria explained as she placed a boot on the chest of her husband. She continued, "This realm should begin to make you love it, we're about to have so much fun together you and I."

Urrack could make out a smile as his wife now turned Manticore kneeled beside him. She leaned into his ear and whispered, "You know I love you dear, and honest to my heart I felt that this was the best course of action for everyone...including us."

"B...but, think of our son," Urrack muttered his mind slipping away from the effects of the Demon Realm. "I haven't forgotten him, and I still love him too, but never forget that he could always visit us, and I hope he brings a cute wife with him!" said Mythria with the face of a happy child.

The house was not quiet throughout the transformed night.