"Mama, I'm Coming Home"

A cold wind blows over the floating polis of Io. A newly christened ship floats at its side, its hull still new with freshly applied finish glistening black. It was adorned with decorative spikes and points along the taffrail. At the point of the bow as a lolling skull, the remains of the dread beholder Sarvaku. Watching the ship from the dockside stood Steel Stinger in their entirety. Save for the Vice Admiral herself, this ship would be their floating home. "She's not bad...got some real style," said Satanica, not trying to sound too impressed. "She's fast and can strike fear into our enemies, "said Gerry," Everything else is a nice bonus." "I'm really looking forward to showing my prowess on this new vessel," said Azlotl. "This...is...BAD ASS!" screamed Edea. "It's a fine additional to the fleet, Eddie...CAPTAIN Eddie," quipped Altyra. Edea brandished her new captain's cloak and swept it up. "Altera...none of this would be possible without you...so don't go fuckin dyin' on me again!" Edea said as she grabbed her around the neck. "You're my fuckin' drummer!" "No...you're MY FUCKING SINGER!!" said the burly Lemurian before practically lifting Edea in a massive bear hug in turn. "Now we got a lot to do! Get her ready to shove off in the morning!" "Aye, Cap'n!" Edea said with a salute. Edea turned and glared at the other members to salute. The three followed suit though not without Satanica making a certain jerking motion. "Dismissed!" said Altyra, "I'll see you in the morning! Onward to Mavros Lykos!"
 
Hours passed like minutes. Last minute preparations were being made. Still the wolf girl scrambled over a piece of parchment while her officers and crew scrambled to get the ship ready for its maiden voyage. As the din of activity settled to a low murmur she pored over it. A knock on the door came. "Unh!" she jumped up. "Come in!" Gerry entered through the doorway. "Hey, Captain Eddie. The crew would probably like to get an inspirational speech from their new leader....you okay?" Edea wiped at her eyes. "Yeah....uh yeah...I'm fine." "Eddie, I know when you've been crying...tell me what's wrong. We need you at your best if we're gonna make this voyage. They're not gonna be Scylla and Charybdis, but those Sirens aren't gonna be pushovers." "Yeah...just writing a letter..." Gerry arched her eyebrow. "To who...wait...you writing back to Crell Monferaignne?!" The wolf girl was silent. "Yeah...damn you're quick." "I know...I did the same when we first signed it with on Squennifer and Altyra. I was thinking of telling you you should too...but I know how rough it was for you to leave." "What about..." "My mater and pater were adventurers. They were angry...but still happy at the same time to see me go. But your mater..." "Yeah," Edea muttered as she looked away," All we did was argue...but I still miss her and adelphoi Konstantin. I miss sparring with them...I miss Konstantin bandaging my skinned knees and fingers...I wouldn't trade this for anything but..." "Eddie," said Gerry sharply cutting her off, "I get it. We're adelfi by bond if not by blood as far as I'm concerned. Let me help." Edea smiled and nodded.
 
The ship departs....
 
"Dear Mater and Konstantin,
 
How have you been? I know you both are so angry with me. I cannot blame either one of you. My muses cried out to me to listen."
 
The battle against the bounty hunters commences. Fire and projectiles flying overhead as she rallies her crew.
 
"I have found an incredible group of friends. I have 4 incredible troupe mates. Gerry is here with me supporting me. An Undying named Satanica...we bicker a lot, but she's so talented. Azlotl, from the Tykera peninsula is a powerful messenger of his gods and an incredible bass player. Altyra is a powerful warrior drummer and the second in command of the fleet I now belong to. Oh and I must tell you of my other friends. You would love them! Morrigan, or Orri, as she likes to be called, is an incredible bare handed fighter. She's very breezy and very fun to be around. Captain, now Admiral, Squennifer leads our fleet. She is crazy, fun, and loves the thrill of adventure and partying. Zephyria and Calliope are bother proper witches of our home. Zephy loves to cook up both pastry and poison. Calliope conjures lightning like me! And she also has a beautiful husband and baby named Xander and Willow! Anaxa, you would love her. She is the fiercest woman I have ever met, almost as fierce as you, mater. Many of our enemies fall at her hands when we got to battle."
 
The scene cuts to the platform being setup. Conch shells and other sound increasing instruments are being set up on the Feral Chaos to play music over a wide area.
 
"But why am I writing? We found a map. Our ancestral home may still exist! We found this map in the hoard of an ancient beholder who had setup in the remains of a lighthouse of one of the old kingdoms. We don't know if it's accurate, but it's worth it to know! Wait, you don't even know why I'm here. I signed on here for adventure and glory. Maybe more of you rubbed off on me than I thought. But I wanted to find what I was missing and yes write songs about it. But how glorious would it be if it was right and we could go home again?! But we can only hope. If I die during this journey, this may be the last time I can tell you. I love both of you still and I've never stopped. I had to follow my heart. Even if you don't agree, please think of me as I think of you both."
 
The scene goes to Steel Stinger setting up as soft feminine singing can vaguely be heard in the distance. "Elysium or Tartaros! Let's rock!" yelled Edea.
 
"Know that I will live and die to bring glory to our name. One way or another.
 
Always and Forever,
 
Edea of Mavros Lykos"
 
FIN