User blog:Flamebiplane/Rekindling Old Flame

The night sky was dotted with glowing specks. The clouds streamed across the horizon. Drifting along those clouds was a small metal airship known as The Flying Duchess with crude sayings along its sides such as, "Vampires For Life!", "Undead Rule!", and "Living Suck!"

Staring out of one of the windows was Forjod who, along with his wife Rix, sat in a small, barely lit, cool-aired passenger cabin underneath the main command deck that reeked of wet paint. A lime green streak of paint ran across one side of the interior. Several of the seats held signs of wear and tear. Near the back of the cabin was a rack containing several parachutes. In the center of the cabin was two exit doors on either side, one of which had black spray painted words that read, "Escape won't always save you..."

Forjod turned his head to Rix and said, "It's not the kind of seating that we're used to."

Rix growled and shook her head with clear distaste, "Except that our previous seats were actually nice."

Forjod wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulder and said, "Perhaps I can buy us a flight back to Jundex once our visit with my parents is finished."

"How long are we going to be in Wavedraw with your parents for?" asks Rix. Forjod shrugged and replied, "Three weeks, but come on, please be nice to them.  I haven't seen them in a long time."

Rix grinned and said, "It's not your parents that I'm worried about."

"What are you talking about?" Forjod asked, a puzzled expression on his face. Rix rested her head against Forjod's shoulder and replied, "I'm worried about the mamono there that might find you...interesting."

"Well, you're good at chasing them away, aren't you?" Forjod asked with a smile. "The very best!" Rix boasted as she threw her paw behind Forjod's head and rubbed the back of it. Forjod stifled a laugh and said, "Still, there are other ways that you could get them to back off without being so aggressive."

"But then they'd never learn!" Rix said as she pulled Forjod into a tight hug. Forjod chuckled and returned an even tighter hug. The couple laughed and got in a brief hugging match until a voice near the front asked, "You all doing alright?"

Rix and Forjod broke off from their hugs and looked up to see the Holstaur Star standing at the bottom of the stairwell. She had on her duster, cloak, and a necklace that had a tiny Demon Realm silver dagger attached. Star was giving both of them a calm, but hardened look.

"You interrupted our lovey dovey time," Rix muttered. "Apologies, I was just coming down here to let you all know that we were nearing Wavedraw, and that you could come up and see it if you wish," Star said as she turned and headed upstairs.

Forjod shrugged and climbed out of his seat. Rix followed suit and they both headed upstairs.

The upper floor's interior was a bright tan and the dreary smell of paint from below deck was replaced with the sweet scent of peach. A large round table accompanied by an array of connected chairs sat near the rear of the upper deck. Several windows on each side allowed the passengers to have a look outside. To the side was an exit door, more regal than the ones below. A wide windshield that nearly extended across the front of the airship was at the helm. Also there were a few consoles and a steering wheel that were being operated on by a few mamono, a Werecat, a Giant Ant, a Cait Sith, and a Goblin.

Just in front of the operating station was a large red stationary chair that could swivel. In that chair was Valerie, who had frizzy red hair, a white t-shirt, black yoga pants, and a pair of black high heel boots. At her sides were a pair of Mantises and a Griffon named Gretchen. Gretchen wore a brown leather vest and a purple stone-like eyepiece on her right eye. Strapped to her back was a musket of sorts that was purple and black.

The purple and gray Ryu Eziko Rutomate lay sprawled among the seating arrangement near the back. She appeared to be out of it at the moment as her eyes were shut and drool was hanging off of her mouth.

Valerie twirled in her chair to face Forjod and Rix, a sucker trapped in her lips and asked, "Sup?  You enjoying the flight?"

Forjod waved a hand and replied, "Ehhh...it could have been better."

"Good enough," Valerie said as she turned back to the forward position.

Star walked alongside the couple and asked Forjod, "You ready to see your mother again?"

"As much as she's ready to see me again," Forjod replied with a nod and a smile.

"Just to warn you Forjy, things have changed since you were in Jundex," came the cheerful voice of Song, the Ren Xiongmao who dangled from a large net on the ceiling. She had on a dark red kimono and wore a pair of orange goggles. Strapped to her right thigh was a short pistol that had a cone for a muzzle. Strapped to her left thigh was a small piece of bamboo with a demon realm silver blade at the end. The bamboo piece could be extended into a spear, and was capable of launching the blade that could explode into a net that immobilized targets.

Forjod looked up at Song and uttered, "Y...yeah, I was warned of that."

"Hope you don't mind the change in scenery," Gretchen says with a chuckle. "I'm sure the scenery won't be...too bad," Forjod said, his voice trailing off at the last part. Song bursts into laughter and says, "You're so cute Forjy!"

Rix cast Song a cold stare and growled, "Remember who his wife is!"

Song scoffed and giggled at Rix, "What's wrong with a mamono complimenting another mamono's husband?"

Rix pointed a firm claw at Song and replied, "Only I am permitted to do that!"

"Leave her alone Song, she just has jealousy issues," Valerie muttered. This earned several chuckles from the crew. Even Gretchen failed to hide her amusement. Rix's eyes scorched every member in sight, making sure they got a small taste of her displeasure. She turned to Forjod and found that he too, was struggling to hide a laugh.

Rix sneered and cuffed Forjod against his head. This caused the crew members of The Flying Duchess to settle down and return to work. Forjod rubbed the area of his head that got impacted with a small, "Ow."

"Don't spite me again," she warned.

Valerie took out her sucker and said to Rix, "Get to work on thickening your skin and perhaps I will."

Rix let out an annoyed pout and looked away, "You should have more respect for the beasts that could tear you apart back in the day."

Valerie slipped her sucker back in her mouth and leaned back in her chair, casual about everything, "That job belonged to the werewolves.  Your kind only guarded the gates of Hell."

"I wasn't around during that time, but I'm sure that we Hellhounds kicked ass back then," Rix replied, a wicked grin on her face from her infatuation of her race's heritage. Valerie responded with an eye roll and says, "Nah, you all had the boring job, very few heroes made it to Hell if they didn't already get picked off by a dart trap or a lucky Orc."

"I betcha those heroes were very powerful, giving those Hellhounds of Old a fight worth telling their children," Rix said, growing agitated with Valerie's ignorance of her race. Valerie rolled the sucker around in her mouth and said, "Many of the fire dogs didn't survive because they usually wound up getting obliterated by holy magic."

"Don't think you Vampires fared any better!  You're freaking weak to garlic and the sun!" Rix exclaimed. Valerie maintained her apathetic expression and said, "Yeah, but we don't need our homes to be thirty floors down, and we've got heroes always wanting to challenge us."

"Oh yeah, those lame-ass Vampire Hunters?" Rix scoffed. Valerie shrugged and said, "Hey, don't tear apart their families too much, and you get a lot of stylish characters."

"Pfft, the typical jacket-wearing cross-bearing pistol-wielding types?" asked Rix. "Hey, if you've been a Vampire for long enough, then you get a variety of colorful challengers," said Valerie. "Have you ever even fought a Vampire Hunter?" Rix asked with an eyebrow raised. "Several, though they were just lowly novices who thought that I was a big score for their first time," Valerie replied.

She leaned forward and rested her chin on her fist. "I simply humiliated them by giving them wedgies and letting them dangle by their underwear from street lights, tree branches, or wherever they'd be a free husband for a lustful mamono," she explained.

Rix rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You have any notable combat achievements Rix?" Gretchen asked with an arrogant smirk. "Apart from what happened back in Jundex?" added Song.

The Hellhound produced a toothy grin and replied, "Hell yeah, I've fought Order squads, bandits, both human and mamono, and moles in the company I work for!"

"So you've fought Order cronies and bandits," Valerie said, clearly unimpressed. "Any victories of note, like Order champions, bandit leaders with special powers, who was it?" asked Gretchen. "Uhhh..." Rix moaned, racking her brain trying to figure out an answer. After about ten seconds, Valerie piped up, "So no one else special then?  Just hush up if you don't have the history to back it up."

"Nya, we're about to enter Wavedraw's airspace," the Werecat at the steering wheel interrupted. Valerie swiveled back to the front and said,  "Set course for Nylund Castle."

"You got it Captain," said the Werecat. "Nylund Castle?  Isn't that where the governor resides?" asked Forjod. Valerie turned to face Forjod once more and replied, "Yup, still lives there and works there with his new wife.  My mom and I still live there too."

"And the castle itself got a few upgrades, as well as the city," said Gretchen.

"Entering Wavedraw's airspace now Captain," the Werecat announced. As she said this, the dark blue shade of the night sky began to shift to a deep purple.

"Crap, nearly forgot to give you this," Star said as she reached into her cloak and pulled out a necklace with a small green crystal attached to it. She displayed it in front of Forjod and said, "Wear this, it will protect you from the effects of the Demon Realm."

"Oh, okay," Forjod said as he took the necklace and wrapped it around his neck. The Demon Realm should haven taken effect on Forjod, but he didn't feel any rise in desire. He walked over to a window along with Rix and stared out across the city far below. "Wait, why is Wavedraw a Demon Realm?" Forjod asked.

"Demonic energy bombs detonated across the city, courtesy of the Ryu over there," Star replied, motioning toward Eziko who was still sound asleep in the seats. Forjod pondered the situation and asked, "So, Wavedraw fell to debauchery from what was basically a terror attack?"

"Not really a terror attack if you're intending to spread the Demon Lord's influence," said Star. "Besides, the people behind terror attacks usually aim to kill as many as they can," added Gretchen.

The Flying Duchess drifted above the city. From it's windows, Forjod and Rix could see the expansive harbor and the large airfield. Ships of every shape and size were parked along the docks and the airfield contained multiple airships fit for combat and transport that bore the Wavedraw insignia. "Such a big place," Rix commented. "I told you, things changed here," said Song.

Towering above the city near its edge, was a structure that took away Forjod's breath. It was Nylund castle, it's design both enormous and elaborate, larger than what he remembered when he first saw it.

There were four watchtowers visible in strategic locations around the castle. It had turrets that could be seen as well, and some of them had what appeared to be  double-barrelled steampunk turrets, most likely to defend against aerial threats. Along the battlements were an array of cannons. Atop the castle gate was a large vat, presumably containing an immense amount of demonic energy to pour on any invaders. In the center of the complex was a massive cone-like structure with three large windows.

Forjod tried to say something, but all that came out was, "Wh...wh...wh..."

Song noticed and giggled, "Told you it was gonna be different Forjy!  How much change were you expecting?"

"Not this much," Forjod muttered. Rix clutched Forjod's arm and pulled him away from the window saying, "Let's stand back before you pass out."

"Wasn't even close to it," said Forjod. "It's a joke honey," Rix chuckled as she smacked Forjod on his back.

"Nylund Castle's got its own set of landing pads now, one for important people, the other for The Flying Duchess herself," said Gretchen.

The airship approached a massive cube shaped structure that was connected to the castle via a bridge. A large set of doors slowly pulled open to allow The Flying Duchess entry. It flew into a hangar where two rows of light blue glowing lights aligned the lower walls. The airship descended in the center and landed in a circular platform that was outlined by red lights.

Forjod can see a group of people standing outside in front of what he presumed to be the exit to the hangar. Valerie glanced back at the snoring Eziko and asks, "Someone want to wake up the sleeping beauty?"

Song dropped from the net and pranced over to Eziko. She gave the resting Ryu a slight nudge and whispered in her ear, "Hey sleepy head, wake up, we're here."

After another minute of prodding, a groan finally escaped Eziko's mouth and she sat upright. She wiped the drool from her mouth and her eyes fluttered open. "Here...here you say?" she moaned. Song nodded and replied softly, "Yes Eziko, we're here, in Wavedraw."

Eziko stretched her arms and let out a throaty yawn. "Man, I have got to start going to sleep earlier, lest I find myself asleep for a thousand years," she groaned as she slid out of the seats. "A thousand years without you would be good for all of us," Rix muttered. Eziko gave Rix a groggy and unimpressed look and moaned, "I'm sure your husband thinks the same of you sometimes."

Forjod turned away, covering a smile. Rix let out an annoyed growl as Valerie said, "Alright everyone, time to depart."

She looked to Forjod and added, "Don't forget to grab any stuff you brought, otherwise it gets trashed."

Forjod nodded and headed down into the passenger cabin, returning with a pair of suitcases. There was a distinct cracking sound, and a door at the other end of the deck busted open, revealing a Mindflayer wearing a small pair of green glasses. She looked to Valerie and said, "You should get that door fixed, I practically got locked in there."

"Don't close the door all the way next time Danice, because then it becomes a bitch to open," Valerie replied as the exit to the left slid open and a ramp extended outward to the hangar floor. Danice shrugged and said, "Then I suppose it was foolish of me to assume that you would have had it fixed by now."

Valerie gave Danice a half-glance and responded, "My ship, my rules."

"I fear for the day you have a child of your own," Rix whispered as the group proceeded down the ramp to the bottom.

The group of people that stood in front of the supposed exit consisted of four people, two men, and two women. One of the men, a slender man with short black hair, a goatee, and a black suit stepped forward toward Forjod. He holds out his hand toward the young man and says in quite a lively yet rusty voice, "Forjod Gahillo, I presume?"

Forjod set down his suitcases in a cautious manner. "Y...yes, that is me," Forjod replied, uncertain of what to expect as he took the man's hand in a handshake. The man grinned and said, "Ryce Benko, current governor of Wavedraw."

He motioned over to a woman that wore suggestive clothing, a pair of bat-like wings, a tail, and pink hair. "That lady over there is Evelyn, a Lilim who helps me run the city," Ryce explained. Evelyn waved in Forjod's direction with a small, "Hello."

"It's very nice to meet you two," Forjod said, unsure of what to think.

Ryce looked in Rix's direction and held his hand out to her in the same formal manner. "Are you his wife?" he asked her. Rix's eyes leaned off to the side for a moment before returning to Ryce responding, "Was it not obvious enough?"

She took Ryce's hand in her ashen paw and shook it.

The other woman, a tall blonde in a teal dress, stepped toward Valerie and stood in front of her with a stern expression staring down at the young vampire. Valerie glanced up at the woman whilst maintaining her casual air and said, "Hi Mom."

"How many?" Valerie's mother asked with a fierce tone. "None," Valerie replied, unmoved despite her mother standing over her like a hawk. "Are you lying to me?" she asked her daughter, glaring at The Flying Duchess. "You don't smell any spirit energy or male undergarments on my ship do you?" asked Valerie. Her mother huffed and turned away, "With me, now."

Valerie remained silent with her neutral appearance as she followed her mother along with the other man toward the exit. A pair of crescent-shaped symbols with spikes running under them glowed purple. The doors slid open and the trio stepped through, the exit later closing behind them.

Ryce produced an embarrassed smile and said, "Mrs. De Fiore and her daughter are often at odds."

"Yeah, I noticed," Forjod muttered in a joking manner.

The doors glowed and slid open again. This time, two different figures stepped through, a muscular Hellhound that stood over nine feet tall, and a Manticore that Forjod saw had long wavy blue hair, a navy blue and gray uniform of the Wavedraw military that had an insignia showing that she was of a very high rank, and a scabbard at her side that held a shining blue scimitar.

Forjod noticed that Rix had a significant reaction to seeing the titanic Hellhound. Instead of getting possessive, defensive, or even angry, Rix had a massive smile on her face that could rival that of a Cheshire Cat's. "Well I'll be...Aunt Dravela!?" she gasped, her mouth hanging open. The Hellhound kneeled down, her head just above Ryce's, and stretched her arms out toward Rix saying in an overjoyed tone, "How's my favorite niece been?"

Rix just spread her arms out and dashed forward, leaping right into the embrace of the Hellhound known as Dravela. "It's so good to see you again Auntie!" Rix beamed, her happiness a great transition from the annoyance of the flight from earlier.

The Manticore watched the exchange for a brief moment before turning to Forjod saying, "Of all the mamono you could have wound up with, I never thought it'd be an actual Hellhound."

She brushed her hair back, allowing her long hair to flow against her back like a curtain, then she added, "Of course, I'd joke about it with my friends and others under my command but...guess Mommy was proven wrong."

Forjod's mind clicked at the word, "Mommy", but he was still focused on the hair that the Manticore was wearing as well as her uniform stating that she was at the top of the military hierarchy. Wait...long blue hair...military uniform. Then he recalled Song's words of how life in Wavedraw was very different from before.

Of course, he wanted to be sure that it was his actual mother, and not some random Manticore pulling a cruel prank on him. Before he could challenge her legitimacy, the Manticore pushed forth her own viable proof, "The day you left, you had made me a delicious stack of pancakes, you suffered at the hands of my terrible tickle power, and I stood on that deck with you alongside Star, Jilda, and your father."

Forjod was just stunned by the mamono's ability to recount everything that happened on the day he departed for Jundex. The Manticore produced a gentle smile and held her paw out to Forjod. "I may have become a Manticore, but I'm still the same old Mythria Gahillo a.k.a. your mother," she said.

There was a twinkle, then an apologetic chuckle as Forjod strode toward his transformed mother, taking her fluffy paw into his own hand. "It...took me awhile to recognize you Mom," he muttered. Mythria shrugged and replied with a sincere voice, "Yeah, monsterization does that to you, took your father a minute to recognize me when he first saw my change."

Forjod's head twitched when Mythria mentioned his father and he asked, "Dad, how's he doing?"

Mythria grinned and answered, "He's doing very well, he's an incubus now just so you know ahead of time."

"Ah..." Forjod said with a nod.

Mythria looked behind her at Eziko, who was still muzzy and asked, "And how are you doing Eziko, still splattering caramel all over people?"

Eziko produced a lopsided grin and replied, "I ain't changing anytime soon."

Mythria gave a wry smile and shook her head.

Behind her, Rix and Dravela had finished their joyful embrace, and were now coming in Forjod's direction. Forjod could feel his knees grow weak as Rix's mountain of an aunt stepped right up to him, her mighty figure towering over him. Her intimidating build however, was betrayed by a curious and welcoming smile.

"Is this fine gentleman your husband?" she asked Rix. "The needle-bodied man is indeed my husband Dravela," Rix answered, showing no jealousy whatsoever that another mamono was fawning over her husband. Dravela kneeled down in front of Forjod, her size barely above his head. She splayed her arms out and scooped Forjod into a massive hug. "You have a real cutie here Rix!" Dravela complimented as she lifted herself off of the ground carrying Forjod with her. Rix chuckled and replied, "Thanks, I know."

The scent of sweat and fur flooded Forjod's nose as he was held in Dravela's embrace. Mythria could be heard giggling in the background. Rix moved beside the giantess and the small fry and said while gesturing with her paws, "Forjod, Dravela, Dravela, Forjod."

"Pleased to meet you Dravela," Forjod said, his voice strained from the pressure of Dravela's hug. "Pleasure's all mine sweetie!" Dravela beamed. A few seconds passed in the awkward hug, then Forjod grunted, "Uhh...Dravela, you can put me down now."

"Sorry," Dravela said as she released Forjod and let him drop to the floor. Forjod took in several hard breaths, Dravela's power hug having squeezed out most of it. "A Hellhound's strength is nothing to take lightly," Ryce joked, earning several laughs from the group. "Unless you're a dragon like me," Eziko adds as she points a slumped albeit proud claw at herself, causing even more laughs. Rix responded by giving Eziko a hidden middle finger next to her waist.

Ryce motioned towards the doors and asked, "Well then, shall we proceed?"

Forjod nodded and picked up his suitcases. He and Rix followed the group through the door that led to the stone bridge that was seen before. Ryce motioned toward the bridge and explained, "If it was raining, a barrier would be covering the bridge, keeping anyone who walks across it dry."

Forjod peered over the bridge and sighted what was a vast network of life. Military personnel consisting of both humans and mamono were arranged in rows training with either swords, bows, or fists. Wagons containing supplies would enter and exit through the gate leading into Nylund Castle. Off in a corner of the castle perimeter, Forjod saw what appeared to be some kind of small hovel with blue light periodically shining from it's windowless squares.

The group reached the other end of the bridge and a man in armor with a sheathed longsword pushed open a set of wooden double doors, allowing them to enter into a corridor that had its walls adorned with purple. Windows were fixed into each side, and the floor had a pattern of purple and white diamonds that expanded through the corridor.

They started toward the other end of the hall, and Mythria leaned over to her son asking, "So, how was Jundex?"

"It was wonderful Mom, the chilly air, the snow, the scenery, it was quite magical," Forjod replied with a smile. "That's nice to hear," Mythria said as she held a paw to her chin and asked, "How's the company that you're employed under doing?"

"They're doing very well, spirits are high and profits are exploding," Forjod answered, his voice containing some pride. "Sounds like they're not going to crash and burn anytime soon," said Mythria. Forjod snickered and said, "As strong as they are, not for a hundred years."

Both Mythria and Forjod laughed. "Hey, as long as I have rivals like them, money'll just keep flowing into my coffers," Eziko said as she chuckled at her own wisecrack. "Shut up E," Mythria said as she gave Eziko a playful paw across her face. "What, competition in business is always good," Eziko chuckled as the group stepped through the other set of double doors and headed down a flight of stairs that were illuminated on either side by glowing pink torches.

Forjod just cast Eziko a long and annoyed look before he refocused on his mother and whispered in her ear, "Why is she even here, she has caused me nothing but problems since my time working for the company."

"I'll explain it when we get to our room," Mythria whispered back as they reached the bottom of the staircase and entered what Forjod could only assume was a grand hall of sorts.

There were stairs that led up to two floors from the ground floor. Armored guards patrolled various sections of the grand hall. Buzzing around the great room was a Hornet wielding what looked like a triple-shot crossbow. A massive chandelier hung in the center, it's shining golden display of lights different from the purple glows that were seen prior. On the main floor was a large staircase that led to a large set of red doors outlined with gold. Ryce pointed to the doors and said, "Have you seen the large cone structure outside?  That's my office, I go through those doors, I'll be taken right to it."

"Yeah, I've seen it, it's quite big," Forjod replied, remembering the immense cone-shaped structure outside. "It looks big, but my office is rather quite small.  It just has a spiral staircase leading up to it," said Ryce. "I'll just have to see it for myself one day," Forjod said with a grin as the group descended a staircase to the ground floor. "With your mother's position, you just might," Ryce said and he, Mythria, and Forjod proceeded to laugh.

The group was led to the front doors where Ryce and Evelyn stayed behind. Evelyn told them, "General, how about you and Dravela show your bloodlines to their room."

She then turned to Eziko, Danice, and the crew of The Flying Duchess and said, "The rest of you, do whatever you want."

"Look out spa, here I come!" Song cheered as she skipped down the road toward the main city. "I could go for something to wet my whistle," Gretchen said as she extended her wings and swooped into the sky heading in a slightly different direction than Song. "I'll stick with you guys, I need to speak with the General about something," said Danice. With only her eyes on Danice, Mythria produced an incredulous expression and said, "Save it til after dinner Danice."

Danice bowed forward slightly and muttered, "Of course General."

Eziko extended her arms out and placed them behind her back, now more fully awake. "I'll hang with you all too, gotta start kissing Mrs. Gahillo's boots once more," she said. "Are you sure you don't have anything you want to or have to do in the city?" asked Forjod, hoping she'd go away for the time being. "Nah, she clings to your mother like a delinquent child," Star replied as she started off in a different direction away from the city, "I'm heading back home, promised my husband that I'd train him up on his sharpshooting."

"Later Star," Mythria called after the leaving Holstaur as Eziko grumbled, "Damn milk-titted cow!"

"Do I hear anger in the wise and powerful Eziko Rutomate?" Rix sang as she leaned sideways toward Eziko with a snarky grin. Dravela used her colossal figure to step in-between Rix and Eziko, shunting the two ladies apart. "No brawling please," she said in a gentle, but forceful tone. An arrogant smile appeared on Eziko's face and she muttered to Rix, "Just remember how badly I kicked your ass when you tried to fight me."

"Ladies ladies please, can we please get going!?" Forjod pleaded, waving his hands in front of him. "My son's right, I'm sure that you two have been through a lot, and this is a very well deserved break, let's not ruin it shall we?" Mythria requested with a side grin and a twinkle in her eye. Both Rix and Eziko scoffed and then turned away from each other with flat expressions. Mythria clapped her hands together and beamed, "Great!"

The group headed down the path and skirted along the border of the city. Forjod could take in what became of the once neutral establishment. The trees were misshapen and funky, strange fruits grew from the plant life, and the amorous sounds of sexual pleasure echoed across the sky. He wondered how fast the effects of the Demon Realm would take him if he were to take his necklace off right now. He held that small green crystal in his hand, temptation to rip it off rampaging through his body.

"It's a pretty necklace ain't it?" Dravela inquired of him as she placed one of her beefy paws on Forjod's shoulder and added with a glimmering smirk, "If you were to take it off right now, then you would slowly but surely descend into lust-crazed madness and become an incubus."

Forjod instantly released the crystal and let it dangle from the chain of his necklace, the idea of becoming a sex-hungry demon killing any curiousity he had. Dravela laughed and said, "Of course, that decision is entirely up to you!"

Mythria threw her arms around Forjod and pulled him into her body musing, "And I would happily respect your decision either way!"

Rix folded her arms and said, "Well of course you would, you're a mamono."

Mythria released her son and whirled in Rix's direction. "I'd still love my son even if he was an incubus back when I was still a human," she said with a wide grin. "I...don't plan on becoming an incubus right now," Forjod said with an awkward smile. Mythria swirled back to Forjod and said, "And that's fine dear, but just remember that that option's on the table for you if you ever change your mind!"

Both Mythria and Dravela burst into laughter, and Forjod let out a heavy sigh.

After several minutes of travel, the group came to a large two-story manor. Rows of windows could be seen on both floors. A bright yellow light shone on the front porch and a Minotaur wearing armor that covered every body part except for her head stood guard outside wielding a large battleaxe that had electricity coursing through its silver blade. Periodically, a patrol of three armored Lizardmen carrying bardiches and a lantern would move across the front lawn in a military style fashion before disappearing behind some trees. On the rooftop were orange lights that revealed the silhouettes of a few humanoid figures that seemed like they were carrying rifles, snipers. They were too far and the lighting wasn't enough for Forjod to make out any other details about them.

Mythria started for the manor and motioned for the others to follow. The five mamono-one man team made their way up the pathway. The Minotaur noticed them approaching and addressed Mythria when she was close enough with a direct though slightly slurred, "Evening General."

Mythria glanced in her direction with a smile and asked, "You been hitting the booze again Steelhorn?"

The Minotaur looked away with an embarrassed blush and muttered, "You know I can't help it General."

"This habit of yours is seeping into your work Steelhorn," Mythria commented. "Wait until your shift is over for beer lady," Eziko said as she snaked up into Steelhorn's face with a cocky grin. Steelhorn's humiliated expression shifted into a cold glare as she stared into Eziko's face. "The petty thug telling me how to do my job?" she growled, one hand occupied with her axe itching to reach for the Ryu's throat. Eziko deflected from the Minotaur and shrugged, "Nothing wrong with getting some friendly advice."

There's a yelp as Eziko is plucked from the air by Mythria and brought back down to earth. "There is one person in this group who is fit to give Mrs. Steelhorn some advice, and that's me!" Mythria declared as she pointed to herself. "Keep clear of me you annoying worm!" Steelhorn demanded as she stood by the front entrance. "Heeeeyyy, I pitch in around the city too," Eziko said as she gave the vexed Minotaur a puppy dog face.

The group pushed past Steelhorn into the manor, with Dravela dragging Eziko along with them.

Inside, Forjod and Rix found themselves in a massive foyer with a pair of curved staircases that led up to a set of double doors. Kikimoras and Shoggoths milled about, sweeping and dusting the area. A large chandelier hung above the center of the area. Mythria pointed upwards at the doors and said, "Come on, your room is up there."

The group followed Mythria up the stairs. Forjod's eyes were occupied with the sights around him. Mythria pushed through the doors into a lit hallway and led the group down one end. "Hmm mmm hmmm...ah, here we are, this is your place," Mythria said once they reached a door with a curved handle.

Mythria turned the handle and pushed open the door. What beheld Forjod and Rix was a large bedroom. There was a fluffy bed that looked like it could lull even a Werebat into a deep sleep with an addition of curtains for extra privacy. On the opposite side was a small desk with a large circular mirror, most likely meant for someone who often used makeup or made sure that their appearance was neat and tidy. A window was located opposite of where Forjod was standing, and it gave him the view of the front yard below. To the left of the bed were two doors, a slim one and a wide one.

Forjod and Rix stepped into the room and took in the royal sight. "How do you like it?" Mythria asked as she entered the room along with Dravela. Forjod turned to his mother with a smile that he couldn't hide even if he tried and said, "Mom, you shouldn't have."

"Only for the best!" Mythria said as she wrapped her arm around Forjod in a half hug. "Mom, how did you even get this for us?" Forjod asked as he returned the hug. "As a high-ranking official in the military, I get access to...special privileges," Mythria replied as she released her son.

"You have it made here Mrs. Gahillo!" Rix said as she pushed aside the curtain and laid herself on the bed. "Glad you like it Rixadalo..oh I mean Rix!" said Mythria. Rix shot up from the bed and gave the Manticore a fierce stare. Dravela coddled behind Mythria and said to Rix, "I didn't tell her to call you that, I swear!"

Rix continued to give Mythria a disgruntled glare until Forjod patted her shoulder and said, "Honey, I think she gets it, you can relax now."

The Hellhound drew in several deep breaths and her silent anger washed away. Forjod pointed to the two doors and asked, "What's in there Mom?"

Mythria pointed to both doors and said, "The thick one is the bathroom, the skinny one is the closet.  I took the liberty of installing a multitude of other options in there for you and Rix in said closet."

Rix eyed the closet for a moment before she faced Mythria and said with a bit of unease in her voice, "I'm not exactly a fancy dresser."

"Doesn't bother me at all Rix," Mythria replied as Dravela leaned in toward her and whispered, "Though, you may want to think about it if you ever head out to a special event."

Rix grinned and gave Dravela incredulous eyes while asking, "Really Aunt Dravela?"

"That's not important for right now, let's leave you two to get acquainted.  When you're ready, come see us in the dining room on the bottom floor, I wish to discuss some more things with you, and your father will be attending as well," Mythria said as she brushed her paw against Dravela's powerful chest and headed for the exit where Danice stood, appearing as anxious as ever. Dravela followed suit and shut the door behind them, leaving both Forjod and Rix alone in the bedroom.

"Heh, I think I already like it here," Rix commented. Forjod removed his snow boots and set them against the bed. "This is just the manor, we have yet to see the rest of the city," Forjod said, curious about what other changes were wrought upon Wavedraw. Rix's face fell and she asked, "You don't think I know that you dummy?"

Forjod shrugged and shook his head, "Well, let's not keep our family waiting, I'm certain that my parents would love to get to know you better, and I bet that your auntie would like to know more about me."

Rix giggled and said, "Just make sure you keep an honest tongue."

When a moment had passed, Rix and Forjod had each changed into a different set of clothes and were sitting in the dining room along with Mythria, Dravela, and Eziko. Dishes containing beef, roasted chicken, white rice, sweet rolls, broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower were all laid out across the table alongside various sauces. A pair of Shoggoth maids sat near the doorway, ready to handle any requests that the host and her guests had.

Mythria chewed up and swallowed a piece of chicken and asked Forjod, "So tell me Forjod, how did you and Rix meet?"

Forjod was about to respond when Rix shot up, "I'll tell it, it's funny as hell!"

The man remained quiet with downcast eyes as Rix began, "Our first meeting was in the wastelands of Sailetto.  Dude's all alone in a fancy suit, easy catch.  I attack him, and guess what he tries to fight me off with!"

She held her paws out at length, "A shotgun that fires chili sauce!"

Both Mythria and Dravela had stunned looks on their faces. Even Eziko was wearing a dumbfounded expression. Then, there were snickers among the ladies of greater age, and finally, uncontrollable laughter.

"Don't worry Forjod, encounters with Hellhounds often result in capture!" said Dravela. "What on Earth told you that chili sauce would be the most effective way to keep back a mamono?" asked Eziko. "Why would you even bother building one anyway when you had other, better options?" asked Mythria. Forjod remained silent, too embarrassed to produce an explanation that wouldn't result in more laughter from the women at the table.

When the laughter died down, Forjod faced Eziko and asked with a grin, "So Eziko, how did you wind up working for my mom anyway?"

Eziko's cocky smile vanished, soon returning as a more skittish version. Her eyes focused on Mythria, as if she sought guidance on how to answer, but the Manticore only grinned and shook her head. "Go ahead E, tell him," she said.

The Ryu was now in the spotlight, her figure shaking like a young dancer with stage fright. Forjod leaned in closer, anxious for a response, despite not being seated directly next to her. Eziko looked like she was on the verge of having a mental breakdown, only having more pressure added when Rix asked, "Are we gonna get a response?"

The tense mood shifted when a masculine voice called from outside, "What was all the laughter about?"

A gruff man appeared at the doorway with short brown hair and purple eyes. Mythria clapped her hands together and announced, "The last guest has finally arrived!"

Through sealed lips, a sigh of relief escaped the Ryu.

"There were some interesting conversations down in the mine," the man claimed. Forjod's eyes widened when he analyzed the new arrival. "Dad!" he cried out as he stood up from his seat, happiness and excitement written all over his face. A smile wide enough to fit a sweet roll three times its size grew on the man's face as he held his arms out toward his son and called, "Forjod, come here ol'buddy!"

Forjod walked over to his father and held him in his embrace. "Urrack and Forjod, father and son, together again at last!" Mythria cheered with a chuckle. "So good to see you again!" said Forjod. "Likewise!" Urrack cheered. The man noticed Rix and pointed to her asking, "She your wife?"

"Yup, big bad and black over there is my wife, name's Rix!" Forjod stated proudly. Rix grinned and waved at Urrack. "He's with the best of the best!" she announced, her Hellhound pride resounding in her voice. "She's also my niece!" Dravela said, eager to gain some credit for herself.

"Well now, that's amazing!" Urrack said as he released himself from the hug and strolled over to Rix with his arm outstretched and palm open. "It's very good to finally meet my son's wife.  I must say, you look rather dashing for a hound of hell.  Urrack Gahillo, husband of the lovely military Manticore at this table," he said. Rix stood up, took his hand, and shook it, "It's great to meet you too Mr. Gahillo.  And thanks for the compliment, as I said, my species is the best of the best!"

"You brag all of that hot stuff and forget that dragons are the superior beings here," Eziko muttered as she flexed one of her muscles. "Eziko, this is family time, not talk about how awesome I am time," Mythria scolded, leaving Eziko to slouch in her seat with an expression that said, "Whatever".

Rix turned to Eziko and bared her teeth. Eziko responded to the threat with an innocent smile and a wave.

Rix returned to her seat along with Forjod and Urrack took the empty seat by Mythria. Mythria faced Urrack and muttered, "I was joking about you being the last guest dear, there will be a couple others joining us, but later."

The Manticore looked straight at Forjod and said, "I have a surprise for you Forjod, two in fact."

Right away, Forjod noticed Dravela stealing an uneasy glance off of his mother. Even his father wore a smile resembling worry. Off to his side he could hear Eziko murmur, "This is gonna be good."

Despite the warning bells from the other guests, Forjod decided to give his mother the benefit of the doubt and said, "I can't wait to see them Mother."

Mythria flashed Forjod a bright smile and said, "Wonderful!"

Throughout the dinner, the family and friend traded stories, laughed, cracked jokes, and even had an arm wrestling match at one point between the two Hellhounds. The beef was chewed down straight to the bone, the rice was consumed until the bowl held only scraps, and the basket of sweet rolls was picked clean of all of its contents. Within the hour, Forjod's stomach was stuffed, though he still had some cravings for the culinary edibles that remained on the table. Mythria took notice of her son's situation and joked, "Got a full belly there sweetie?"

One of the Shoggoth maids approached Mythria and whispered something in her ear that neither Rix nor Forjod could hear. "Excellent, they're here!" the General said as she got up from her chair and made her way towards the doorway. "Here we go," Dravela muttered, with Urrack nodding in agreement. Forjod and Rix watched Mythria give someone out of sight an excited expression and gasp, "Oh my, you two look gorgeous!  He's in here!"

Mythria turned to Forjod and called, "Forjod, these are the surprises I was talking about."

Forjod had an expression of colorful eagerness at who the new guests could be. A singer, artist, storywriter like himself? All of that color was drained from him when he saw a familiar Youko step into view wearing an elegant albeit promiscuous green dress and a pair of snow white high heels. Rix wore an aghast expression accompanied by an irritated eye twitch as the foxgirl stared right at Forjod with a sultry face and asked, "Miss me baby?"

The next guest appeared beside the Youko. She was a Raiju that had on a sparkling black and white dress along with a pair of cherry red high heels. Instead of the lustful smile that the Youko had, hers was of the more sadistic variety. Her eyes were locked on Forjod and from her mouth came a soft, "Hi."

Mythria stepped in between the two ladies and said, "Forjod, surely you remember Riza, and the Raiju is Ikuna."

Any skepticism that Forjod was about to give his mother was drowned out by Rix slamming her fork into the table and glaring at Mythria. "Mrs. Gahillo, what the hell is this!?" she demanded as she rose from her seat, a furious hell encircling her.

Dravela reached across the table in an attempt to get her niece to sit back down and said with a worried smile, "Rix dear, it's okay."

Rix shoved off her aunt's caring paw and growled, "No, it is not okay!"

She pointed at Riza and barked, "That fox whore has been stalking my husband for a long time, and you expect me to just sit down with her and chat it up with her like we're best buddies!?"

Riza folded her arms and glanced away, her head performing a simple shake while maintaining that seductive grin. She was most likely expecting this scenario to happen. Rix turned to Ikuna and equally spared her no mercy, "And who are you!?  Some random skank that was picked up off the street to try to impress my husband!?"

Ikuna's grin grew even wider, and without hesitation, replied, "Actually, I'm the girl who's been thinking about him since high school...intimately."

The Raiju's tongue rubbed across her lips as she pointed a bold finger at Rix and said, "And I know how to provide really good shock therapy, if you're up for it."

Urrack, Dravela, and the two Shoggoth maids became increasingly worried. Even Mythria had a look that signified her grave mistake. Only Eziko had a hidden, but entertained smile. Rix thundered toward Ikuna and said, "Lady, you better be ready for a trip to the hospital if you want to throw down!"

Rix's aunt and Forjod's father rose from their seats and injected themselves in the intensifying confrontation between Raiju, Youko, and Hellhound.

"You'll be spazzing out on the floor before you even lay a claw on me!" Ikuna taunted. "I can take all the voltage you throw at me!" Rix shouted as she struggled to push past Dravela to get to her snarky opponent. "What a mess," Riza commented as she placed a hand on her forehead. "Don't think you're safe from this, I still have a bone to pick with you!" Rix screamed at Riza. Riza simply smiled at Rix, which only contributed in infuriating her further.

The shouting and shoving match stepped out into the hall and away from view, leaving two stunned Shoggoths and an equally flabbergasted man. Amid the heated debate outside, Eziko turned to Forjod and asked with the proudest face ever, "So, you ready to spend quality time with your parents?"

Forjod didn't respond. He stuck his fork into a piece of chicken, and pushed it into his mouth. All he could think of at that time, was that it was going to be one hell of a three weeks.