Archive of Our Own ^beta

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.

Chapter Text

As the day pressed on; Saleos was working in the lab. Working on making poisons he had gathered from the plant samples. It was a job that needed focus & concentration if you wanted to make it out alive. Focus that Saleos had trouble keeping… His mother was here now. Here to stay & visit. Should he… hang up the lab coat for now? The lab was his solace. A place to help keep him busy. To keep him from getting too far into his own mind. Working was a godsend over pondering some more… darker things. Things he'd rather not think or even speak of. Saleos shook his head to clear his mind of such things & sighed low. “Prehaps that's enough work for now… Ma wants to spend time with me. I should go to her.” Saleos spoke out loud to no one. He was always alone in his lab.

Saleos cleaned up what little he got done with his newest project & hung up his lab coat before exiting the lab. He looked around for a bit, trying to find his mama. It seemed like he would find her sooner than expected… Saleos had heard some… giggling?? Some laughs of different pitches were coming from within the throne room. It didn't take a genius to guess that his Ma may have brought along her little album… for memory looking. Saleos groaned as he heard Haborym's high pitched ‘aww’ at something. Saleos debated going back to work instead of facing whatever the hell awaited him. Maybe he could ask one of the Kallamar's many servants to fetch his mother for him? No. No that's the cowards way & Saleos wasn't some pink-belly kit anymore! 

Wait… damn it.. Saleos had referred to himself in cat terms. It had been awhile since he had done that. He couldn't fully escape being raised by cats. Some things; such as sayings & lingo; tend to stay with a person depending on how they were raised & for Saleos; that was a full feline family. With a deep breath in & out; Saleos calmed his nerves before pushing open the doors to Kallamar's throne room. What he saw wasn't unexpected honestly. Of course his mother would want to look down memory lane.

Mama Midnight held an album of photos that were of their family & was showing them off to the whole polycule, because of course he couldn't go a day without being embarrassed. Not when his Ma was here. At least with his sister; no one understood their inside jokes. “Ahem.” Saleos coughed to get their attention. As they looked up, Kallamar was the first to come over to him; greeting him with a hug & kiss on the cheek. “Hello boo! Your mother was just showing us some absolutely adorable pictures!” Kallamar giggled & Haborym chimed in. “Yes, very cute indeed.” Baali smirked at Saleos. “You never told us about your sister, kitten~” Saleos bristled at the nickname, but he let it go…. for now… Later he would get her for that. There was no need to start a fight, especially not in front of his own mother. Saleos just shrugged at the curvy cuttlefish's comment. “Why ruin the surprise? She wanted to see if Kallamar could guess who was leaving all of those cut & uncut gems on the offering pedestal.” Saleos snarks back & many eyes widened at this news.

“Your sister is giving me all of those lovely gems, boo?” Kallamar asks in both giddiness & genuine surprise. Saleos nods & elaborates a bit further. “She is giving you thanks for keeping me safe.” Everyone smiles at that, except Astaroth. The general is as stoic as ever; if not a little surprised. “A caring one she is & quite the strong little one.” Saleos couldn't help himself. “Like you then, Ma?” Midnight chuckles as she smiles. “Oh such charmer! Much like your father.” Saleos laughs in response. “Speaking of Pa, how is he doing? Taking breaks hopefully.” The old cat sighed in annoyance. That alone told everyone all they needed to know. Thankfully that didn't stop the rather entertaining mother & son banter.

“You have too much faith in your father for that man to know when to finally take a break. I swear he has made enough daily ruts into the ground around our house, someone could make it into a functioning moat!” Midnight sighs out in exasperation. Saleos gets a glint in his eyes. “Should me & sis get him to take a break like last time?” The old cat chuckles. “Depends on what you & your sister plan. You know that a simple rope won't hold that man! Your two's little scavenger hunt last time was quite clever though.” As the two continued, it was an interesting sight to see. To see Saleos actually bantering & speaking without any ulterior motive. Just… speaking to another person; granted that said person was his mother; but it was still something that no one expected from the normally evil jellyfish. The two continued for a bit before Saleos brought something up.

“Speaking of my sister… This should be around the time that she puts gems on the offering pedestal. Maybe we can catch her before she leaves! You haven't seen her in awhile, Ma & honestly.. I haven't visited with her in awhile either.” Saleos offers up. Was it to get his mother away from showing off the more embarrassing pictures? Maaaaaybe, but he'd also like to see her too. The old cat smiled & a purr arose in her throat. “Oh, a simply wonderful idea! Being able to have time with both of my kits sounds lovely.” The three other fishsticks giggle at that, but it seems as if Saleos doesn't really care too much. The jellyfish's mind was more so on seeing his sibling & Kallamar noticed. The bishop found it utterly adorable. “I agree. I'd love to meet her, boo~” Saleos just smirked. “Come on then, I know the way to get to her before she leaves.”

Soon all of them were outside & with Saleos leading them, much to Astaroth's unease over not really trusting the amber eyed jellyfish. Saleos lead them through a kelp field. He… actually checked behind them a few times to make sure no one got lost. Even hollered at Haborym to “Just hold Astaroth's hand” so they didn't get lost. Not really straight up saying that Saleos trusts Astaroth to keep Haborym from getting themself lost, but the implications were enough to shock the polycule. As they were drawing near; Saleos couldn't help but crack a smile as he heard the tell-tale signs of gems being moved & stacked on top of one another & the huffs of his sibling lifting up heavy ones to add. Saleos holds out an arm for them to stop. “Let me go out first. She'll tackle first & ask questions later.” The jellyfish warned before walking out of the kelp; just to be tackled to the ground like he had predicted.

“Oof! Damn, Moss! Are you on the same strength training regiment as Ma?” Saleos jested as his sister recognized who she had just tackled. Moss quickly slid off of him & held out one of her… four paws to help him up. Yes, this cat had four arms. She was just unique like that. A short brown cat with emerald eyes, four arms, & a pickaxe that was bigger than herself strapped to her back. “Heh, nah I call it mining. You need help up, little bro?” She holds out one of her paws while wearing a small smirk. Time for sibling banter.

“Sure I- hey wait a minute! ‘Little’ brother? Hah! We're the same age!” Saleos states as Moss helps him up. “We don't know that for sure though!~ You came in as a hatchling.” The smaller gal retorts. “And you still sported a pink belly. So don't you dare try to shift this.” After not even half a second of silence, the two siblings laughed heartily over their own banter. The two laughed for a small bit before Moss embraced Saleos with all four arms & Saleos happily returned the hug. “Missed ya, Moss.” Saleos’ voice was softer than usual. Meaning he was likely saying his true feelings here. It was a bit of a shock to Astaroth, Baali, & Haborym as they continued to watch the scene. Kallamar however found it absolutely adorable.

“Got a surprise for ya sis, well several surprises actually.” Saleos chuckled before he motioned with his hand for the others to come out of hiding. Mama Midnight was the first out & she smiled sweetly at her two kits. “Hello sweetheart.” The old cat greets & Moss is quick to run over & hug her mother. “Mom!” Midnight takes the brunt of her daughter's tackle; be used to it. The old cat is still standing as she is hugged by her daughter. Family giggles all around; even from Saleos. “Mom isn't the only surprise, sis.” The amber eyed jellyfish states as he looks up at Kallamar coming out of the kelp & the rest of the polycule following a few seconds after. Moss’ green eyes widen in surprise & yet she seems very excited & giddy. Midnight let's go of Moss & the short brown cat walks up to Kallamar. Moss bends a knee & bows to him. Before he can even say a word, she speaks first.

“I humbly thank you for keeping my brother safe & happy, Lord Kallamar.” Kallamar smiles warmly at her & politely speaks. “Oh my dear there is no need for formalities! My boo's family is my family!~ Please make yourself welcome, Moss. And I thank you for your wonderful gifts, my dear!” Moss gets up & just smiles up at him. A steady purr in her throat. A purr that has Kallamar all giddy over the cuteness. Saleos steps in before his husband passes out from cuteness overload. Saleos is quick to introduce the rest of the polycule to his sister & vice versa. They all greet her in their own ways. Astaroth being both stoic & polite as any army man. Baali a fire in her spirit as she greeted Moss. And Haborym was polite to her as well, if only for Kallamar's sake.  Saleos would keep an eye on Haborym. That melodramatic octopus better not hurt his sister's feelings! Whoa... hasn't even been a day & Saleos is already feeling protective of his sibling... Ah well, nothing bad could happen from that, right?

This week would definitely be an interesting one. Now the only family left to meet was Saleos’ father. Who knows when the man would show up.