Chapter Text
This reveal was… certainly an interesting one. One that Astaroth & Baali weren't ready for; nor were the others to be quite honest. It had all started with an elderly cat coming up to Astaroth & Baali to ask them something.
Earlier that same day
Astaroth & Baali were just talking to each other on a walk when something was moving in the bushes. The two battlers went into defense mode in an instant; only to drop it once an elder cat pushed through. Despite the graying hairs on the old gal's muzzle, she seemed very taken care of. She didn't require a cane or walker just yet & her robes were a deep blue with gold accents. The elder was a tuxedo breed with deep blue eyes & a white moon's crest on her forehead. The elder had a golden teardrop sapphire pendant around her neck. The pendant seemed new, but it brought the outfit she sported together well.
The two warriors' attention was caught when she spoke up.
“Pardon me younglings, could you possibly guide this old soul to lord Kallamar's domain? My precious kit lives there with his god & I wish to see him & thank my lovely son for this gift.” She asks rather sweetly as she puts a paw on the necklace, insinuating that the pendant was indeed a gift. Her kit lived in their lord's realm? Odd. They didn't see many cats around in Anchordeep. Perhaps it was a new follower? Either way this strange elder was asking for safe passage to Kallamar's domain & that they would help her with. It was nice to not talk about battle related things for a small bit of time. A short relief as instead the two conversed with the elder cat. They found out soon that she referred to herself as ‘Mama Midnight’.
Her name was Midnight, but the ‘mama’ part was self-stated. “I am very grateful for you young warriors to be escorting me to my son's place of dwelling. Warms this old cat's heart to know that there are still younglings that care for their elders.” Midnight spoke with both respect & kindness in her statement. It made Astaroth & Baali feel.. a bit of warmth in their hearts over the compliment. As the two continued on & into the grounds, the conversation took an interesting turn.
“I can't help but wonder. Are your names Astaroth & Baali by any chance? My little kit speaks of you both as well as his husband & this cute little octopus called ‘Haborym’ I believe.” The old cat speaks with such wistful joy as if she is reliving sweet memories. Astaroth & Baali are both taken aback by this news. What follower would be bold enough to speak of them? Wait… husband? Wait wait… no. That had to be impossible, right? There was no way it was the case! Unless…
“Pardon us ma'am, but what does your kit look like so we can find him faster?” Astaroth wants to test this. Midnight's blue eyes light up at the question. “Oh he is the same species as you are, dear. A jellyfish, just more green & with three amber eyes. My little kit works as the cult apothecary if that helps any.” That right there was all the proof they needed, but still… Baali asked one more thing to make sure they were absolutely positive in their assumption. “And what is your… ahem.” The voluptuous cuttlefish coughed to hide her own chuckles. “Your little kit's name, Miss Midnight?” The anticipation was high as they awaited a response, but it seemed they didn't need one at all.
“Ma?” Saleos’ voice came from in front of them. Looking up the two warriors saw that Saleos was in his work gear, likely taking plant samples to try & make the harmless plants more dangerous somehow. The amber eyed jellyfish looked confused for a hot second. What was his mother doing here? And with the annoying general & battle dancer at that! Saleos didn't get much time to think as soon his mother was *running* up to him. The cat may be old, but she wasn't out. However it did stir some unease in Saleos to see his mother running too fast for what is considered elder speed. “Ma, slow down! I know you're excited but you could hurt yourself running like th- oof!”
Saleos soon found himself pulled down by his mother into a squeezing hug. “Ugh, I retract my previous statement. You haven't missed a day of strength training in your whole life.” Saleos states but is soon hugging his mother back, momentarily forgetting that Astaroth & Baali are watching. “My precious kit, it's been far too long, my little sweet.” The elder cat purred out & her eyes shined with unshed tears. The old mother was extremely happy to see her son again. Her little kit. It was quite the adorable moment to witness & what was better was when Saleos realized that Astaroth & Baali were still there… still watching him & his mother have this moment together.. Saleos felt a blush run across his face as his mother called him ‘kit’ in front of them. Embarrassment over his mother babying him with an old nickname she had referred to him when he was a hatchling. He would've said something if he hadn't seen her eyes shining with yet to spill tears. Saleos may be a villain, but even a villain can be a mama's boy.
“Yeah.. yeah Ma, it's been too long since we've had any time together.” Saleos relented. He didn't have it in him to shut his mother down. This was the cat that raised him like he was her own. His mama had loved him unconditionally & fought for him to have an actual life. Adopted as a newborn hatchling into a family of felines was unheard of & sometimes even frowned upon. It wasn't an easy life for his mother, but she never let what others say get her down. She would fight for her family, especially fight for him. That's something Saleos always liked about her. She had a fierce personality & a strong spirit. Not one to let others push her down. He really did learn from the best. He was taken out of the moment by another voice or well voices really…
“And what is going on here? Who is this, boo?” Kallamar was suddenly right by him & Haborym had moved himself over to Astaroth & Baali. When did they all get here?! Saleos would think about it later as his ‘pretty pestilence’ had asked him a question. Saleos adjusted his hold on his mother, forgoing the samples he had collected. He could always get more later. “This is my mother, my sweet panacea. She came to visit me. We have not spent time together in quite awhile. I hope you do not mind her staying for a bit?” Saleos asked, he actually asked. He didn't off-handedly demand or inch his way into it, Saleos had plainly asked for his mother to stay. Midnight was definitely special to Saleos…
Kallamar just smiled at this, it was cute to see his little jellyfish being a mama's boy & also think of all the stories she has of Saleos back in his childhood! How could Kallamar say no?! “Of course she can stay, Boo!~ I'll have a room prepared for her. Welcome to Anchordeep, madame!” Kallamar spoke with flair. The old cat smiled up at him. “Please, call me ‘Mama Midnight’ or just ‘Midnight’ for less of a mouthful.” The old cat giggled.
Saleos & his mother had parted in order for her to stand and follow Kallamar. The two talking joyfully to one another, mainly about Saleos. Meanwhile Saleos was picking up the samples he had dropped to put back into the basket for collection. “Need help, kitten?” Baali jokingly asked. Saleos rolled all three of his eyes at the jest. And grumbled back; ‘Only my Ma can call me that.’ This didn't stop the snickers he got from the other three fishsticks, especially Astaroth. Saleos huffed as he finished collecting his samples & quickly moved on. This would be an interesting & embarrassing week for the poor green jellyfish.