Redeemer Angels vs. The Bride of the Skeksis 02Chapter 01: Angelic Awakening One year ago, two angelic souls have re-emerged after a young human couple died in their sleep of unexpected carbon monoxide poisoning in a small inn in rural Japan. The couple consisted of a young America man of Italian, German, and Scandinavian descent, and his lover was a young Japanese woman he knew since they were pen pals in elementary school. To many, the human couple looked like their were peacefully sleeping in each other's arms, with serene smiles on their lifeless faces. But alas, they are dead. Out of the man, the Yatagarasu angel, Marut, has re-awakened, while out of the women, the Yatagarasu Angel, named Mist Elmbarn has re-awakened alongside her beloved Marut. But this time around, the angelic couple felt rather odd, as if there was something dark trying to attach itself to them, yet again. “Marut, Mist Elmbarn, report back to Paradiso at once!” A familiar young male voice said in a rather upset tone. “We all need to have a talk!” “Umm... Coming brother Harut!” Marut said in a nervous tone, as the two four limbed cerulean ravens made their way out of Earth and back into Paradiso above, where they will meet up with Marut's twin brother, Harut once more. This time, in the main palace where The Imager, known in this plane of existence as Iyesu, the Holy Phoenix, and his blessed virgin mother, Ame-Maria. The two angel birds were so nervous, their stomachs knotted up like tightly clenched fists. But this announcement was very important, so they had to go back to the main palace of Paradiso to attend their meeting. In the court of the Palace of Paradiso, the Yatagarasu couple, Marut and Mist, transformed into their more human like forms, as they were greeted by a sad and disappointed looking Ame-Maria and Lord Iyesu, as well as a rather disgruntled looking Harut. Harut crossed his arms, frowned, and shook his head in displeasure. Since Harut is Marut's twin brother, he and his brother are identical twins. The only way to tell them apart, is how they dress, and what weapons they use. Harut wears a sleeveless, red jumper that are baggy at the legs, a silver and gold breastplate, matching shoulder pads, tan leather gloves, two golden armlets, a belt with green cloth with some gold leaf designs to it, tan leather boots, and a green two tailed cap with golden tassels at the tips. Harut's weapons of choice are twin tonfas. Ame-Maria, the holy mother, was a woman of radiant beauty. She looks like an ageless young woman, despite her being the mother of heavenly Lord Iyesu. The holy mother has long, black hair, that was covered up under a veil made of white, iridescent feathers, which shined like pearls in the sunlight. She has big, almond shaped brown eyes, while her skin was pale cream color. She wore a red “Honmogi-style” kimono with gold floral print, and a green, obi-like sash. Her feet were bare and clad in oriental style sandals. The Imager in the form of Iyesu, was a heavenly radiant phoenix bird with the feathers the colors of fire. He has a gold beak and gold talons to add to his divine beauty. He has become more radiant since he died to save Alerfa and his beloved creations from being doomed. Now, he is resurrected to being full divine. He can take on many forms in many planes of existence, such as a lion, a golden dove, a kirin, and many more, depending on the plane of existence. “We are very disappointed in you both.” Harut, Iyesu, and Ame-Maria said somberly in unison. “You were so close to becoming a redeemed angel Marut.” Ame-Maria said in a sad tone of voice. “But you tripped up ever so slightly.” “And you had to drag Mist into this mess as well.” Harut added, face palming and shaking his head. Marut looks over at Mist, and was horrified with what he saw. Mist had a poisonous purple taint on her aura, meaning that she is dangerously close to becoming a fallen angel, just like Marut in the past. Marut felt sick to his stomach with guilt, as he saw the purple aura pulsate around his loved one. Marut was about to burst into tears, as he looks at Mist, crying out, “No! NO! I am so sorry Mist! I didn't mean to do this....” Mist looks back at Marut, not with anger, but with sadness. “No, I should be the one that is sorry. I should have put you on the right path, instead of giving you positive reinforcement for both of our trip ups in this last past life.” Both Mist and Marut burst into tears, kneeling on the ground, hands clutched in prayer, crying out together, “Oh please Lord Iyesu, please mother Ame-Maria! We are so sorry! Please forgive us. We don't want to fall back from grace ever again. WAAAAH! (sob) (sob)” While the two angel lovers sobbed at the feet of Iyesu and Mother Ame-Maria, the two holy figures took pity on the couple, with Iyesu lifting the pairs' chins up with his right wing. He had a calm, serene expression on his avian face. Seeing that expression made Marut and Mist feel a little bit better. “Yes, my beloved children. You have seemed to learn your lesson.” Iyesu said in a calm tone of voice. The Phoenix then looks at his holy mother and Harut, and then looks back at the angel couple. “However....” Marut and Mist started to feel a little uneasy again. “However?” “However...” Iyesu said solemnly. “You both are going to be punished.” Marut and Mist started to have tears stream down their faces, as they were upset at hearing the holy verdict. “What? WHAT?” “I'm sorry, but at least the sentence will not be so severe, since you two were so close into becoming re-deemed angels.” Iyesu replied to the couple. “Mmmmgh, Very well.” Marut and Mist sighed together, heads tilting down in shame. “We all still believe in you both.” Mother Ame-Maria said calmly. “Just try to be more careful this time around. As the angel couple held their heads in shame, they felt something warm and leathery materialize around their torso, replacing their bottom under garments in their place. After the materialization was complete, a pair of two keys materialized in the hands of Blessed Ame-Maria. Ame-Maria hands the keys over to Harut, as she explains, “Keep these keys in your possession at all times. Only use these keys once both Marut and Mist are fully redeemed.” “Yes my Lady.” Harut said, as he nodded his head, taking the keys from Ame-Maria's hands. Both Marut and Mist looked over at Harut holding a pair of keys. Then they stare down at their lower torsos, and back again at Harut holding the keys. Now, the angel couple realize what their divine sentence is. They are wearing chastity belts in place of their regular lower underwear. In Harut's hands, the keys were there to unlock the chastity belts once the angel couple can purge the uncleanness out of them. The couple sighed, but then calmed down, accepting their punishment. “Very well.” Marut and Mist said, coming to terms with their sentence. “We will do much better this time.” Ame-Maria started to beckon Mist to come to her, while materializing an enchanted glass crystal bottle into her grasp. “Mist, my daughter, come here. We need to do one more thing before you all go back to the Yatagarasu village of Kunlun.” “Yes Mother.” Mist said as she made her way to Ame-Maria. Ame-Maria held up the glass crystal bottle, takes off the lid and hands the bottle to Mist.Ame-Maria beckons Mist to put the bottle to her lips, saying, “Wrap your lips around this bottle. Do not take your mouth off of it until we stop chanting the prayer of purification. Do you understand my child?” Mist nodded her head yes, as she held the opening of the bottle in her mouth. Ame-Maria patted the girl on the head, smiling, just as everyone in the room started to chant the prayer of purification. As the prayer began, Mist suddenly felt nauseous, with some stabbing pain in her stomach. The Yatagarasu girl started to feel her gag reflex being worked up in the most uncomfortable way possible. As Mist clamped down on the bottle as tightly as her teeth would allow her too, she started to regurgitate a pulsating black, brackish tasting ectoplasm that would occasionally glow the same poisonous purple hue of her tainted aura. The prayer kept continuing. As Mist vomited up the foul, muck like ectoplasm, she was starting to some bit of relief. It was a bit slow and painful, but it was better than becoming a fallen angel, and being banished to the dark, ominous abyss of Hades. Mist's aura started to slowly change color as the taint was being purged out of her. The color was slowly fading from purple to baby blue. Right then, the prayer was about to conclude. Everything impure was being vomited up from Mist, being securely contained in the enchanted glass crystal bottle. At the end of the prayer, with Mist finally getting rid of the taint, everyone around her raised their arms up in the air, with a soft white glow emanating from the chamber. The bottle removed itself from Mist's lips, as it was levitating in the air, with the lid sealing up the bottle instantly. On the lid, there was a runic insignia to keep the bottle nice and sealed up. The bottle then glided back into the hands of Blessed Ame-Maria. The ectoplasm within it became a misty smoke, pulsating and swishing from inside. Just as Mist was about to faint from exhaustion, Marut ran up to her, and caught her in his arm before she can fall to the ground. While Mist was opening her eyes, Blessed Ame-Maria asked her, “Are you alright my child?” Mist nodded her head slowly. “Y... Yes. Much better.” “Thank goodness.” Marut said in relief. “We were so worried about you.” Inside the heavenly chamber, Iyesu started to summon a portal. With the portal opened, the bottle gets taken from Ame-Maria by one of her son's talons. The holy phoenix started to hover over the portal, as he takes the bottle, and drops it into the portal below. With that being done, the portal closed up. “Where is the bottle going?” Marut asked Lord Iyesu. “My son, I am banishing that wretched bottle to the deepest pit of Hades, where it will be washed away in one of its accursed blood red rivers.” Lord Iyesu said calmly. “There, the bottle will join the other bottles sealing up accursed beings, drifting around the bodies of blood red water for all eternity.” “Oh wow, thank goodness for that.” Mist sighed in relief. “Thank you dear Lord Iyesu.” “Now, since everything is good and done, all three of you can go back to Kunlun village.” Lord Iyesu commanded softly. “Thank you dear father!” The three Yatagarasu angels cheered in unison, as they once more, took on the forms of multi-limb cerulean ravens, and flew off to their home village of Kunlun within Paradiso. Sure, things weren't perfect, but at last, the Yatagarasu trio can live their heavenly lives together in peace. Or, so they thought...... One year later..... The peaceful lives of Harut, Marut, and Mist has suddenly come to an end. They are now needed to go on another important journey, yet again. They were once more summoned by Lord Iyesu and Blessed Ame-Maria once more, to get the news of their recent quest they will be going on. In cerulean raven form, the trio fly them from their cozy village of Kunlun, all the way to the divine palace of Paradiso. They flew through many corridors of the beautiful palace, being greeted by many different angels from many walks of Paradiso. The angels ranged from the spherical Ophanim, the many faced Cherubim, to the redeemed deities being reborn as angels since the end of the Twilight of the Gods many eons ago. The three Yatagarasu greet the various angels while making their way to Iyesu's divine chamber. At the doorway of the divine chamber, the three angels took on their human forms once more, as they were greeted by Ame-Maria outside the door. “Welcome back my dead children. We have news of this new journey. It is very important. Quick, come in to Iyesu's chamber. “Yes our Lady.” The trio said in unison, as the door to the divine chamber opened. Inside the divine chamber, the trio were greeted by Lord Iyesu, sitting up straight on his pure solid gold nest. The angelic trio knelt and bowed to their Lord, with Harut saying, “Greetings Lord Iyesu. We are here at your command.” “This is some very harrowing news I have received from my seven archangels.” Iyesu said in a glum tone of voice. The trio started to show concern, with Mist saying, “What happened?” Iyesu shook his avian head in dismay, saying, “It is the Skeksis. They are planning to take over all life in existence, not just in Thra. Now, this time around, they got help from a couple unclean spirits.” “Oh no!” The trio cried out in horror. “Does that mean....?” Mist asked before being interrupted with more of the foul news. “Yes, sadly enough. The taint we purged from Mist's body....” Iyesu said to them. “It has been freed from its glass crystal confines, alongside another unclean entity sealed up in a similar type of glass crystal bottle. The taint has taken on a life of its own, and identifies itself as Shadow Mist.” “Oh dear....Oh dear....” Mist gasped and stuttered nervously. “What can be done about this Lord Iyesu?” Harut asked. “Don't worry so much so soon my children.” Iyesu replied. “But how can we not be so worried in times like this?” Marut cried out. Iyesu dug within his nest, and finds a holy water mirror in his grasp. The water mirror is how Iyesu, Ame-Maria, and their seven archangels can view the cosmos, as well as a method for them to contact each other in long distance situation. “Here, this Water Mirror will show you what you all need to do my children.” The water mirror flew from Iyesu's grasp, and grew in size. Right there, a vision started to play out. In the vision a map of the Planet Thra came into view. Though there are many different smaller land masses surrounding the biggest continent, that target is the focus of the angels' mission. The map shows us that on where the Crystal Castle used to be, there was a huge lake that also doubled as a portal to who knows where. “That right there my children, where the castle used to be, is a foreboding lake that doubles as a mystery portal.” Iyesu explained to the three Yatagarasu. “But for now, that is not our main focus for the first quest.” The map on the water started to move downwards, past the portal lake in the dark woods, past the crystal sea located inland, past down the Spriton Plains, all the way down to The Swamp of Sog. The map then zoomed in on a certain region in the Sog where it appeared to be a large, dead looking tree covered in glowing, pulsating, reddish-violet vines that hugged onto the dead tree. The “vines” on the tree looked more like blood vessels than plants, as it appeared that these “vines” were feeding into something inside the tree. “This peculiar looking tree here, in the Swamp of Sog....” Iyesu said, explaining the mission. “Is your main target. For inside that tree, a tormented soul lays within in. Once you free that poor soul, she will aid you in your mission to defeat the Skeksis, and undo what has been done wrong.” The trio got curious about the tortured soul within that one dead tree of Sog. The trio shook their head in approval of their Lord's mission. “Yes our Lord. We are happy to take on this mission.” Harut said confidently. “I wonder what kind of poor soul slumbers within that tree?” Mist asked, tilting her head slightly in curiosity. “It would be wonderful to have another ally to help us out in our quest.” “Well, what are we all waiting for?” Marut said as the trio transformed into their cerulean raven forms. “Let's go!” “Farewell for now.” Iyesu said as the Yaragarasu trio bid farewell before the fly away to the Sog in Thra. “Take care my children.” Now the trio flies off, feeling excited about having a potential ally helping them. Thus, is the beginning of a new journey: The journey to defeat the Skeksis and their dark allies.Redeemer Angels vs. The Bride of the Skeksis 01Redeemer Angels vs. The Bride of the Skeksis The Dark Crystal is a trademark of The Jim Henson Productions. I do not own the rights to the series, nor do I plan to make a profit off of it. This is for entertainment purposes only. However, I do own my original series World of Alerfa, and it's characters, such as Mist Elmbarn, Harut, Marut, Mayarie, and Shadow Mist. Steal my original creations without asking, then you will be sorry, Prologue: Triumph of the Skeksis The Great Conjunction has finally come, but to the Gelflings, it was all in vain. If only the Gelfling Jen didn't lose the shard to SkekUng, the Skeksis Garthim master. Jen was so close, but now, it was too late. “No! NOOOOOOOO!” Jen cried out in horror as the three suns lined up. The Dark Crystal started to glow and pulsate a rather bright, yet poisonous shade of violet. All Jen's consort, Kira could do, is watch the horror unfold alongside Jen, as the Skeksis have power over Thra. The Dark Crystal started to heat up, and there, Jen threw himself off of the Crystal, only to be down where the Skeksis are, celebrating their victory. I guess Kira was right about prophets. Prophets don't know everything, and not all prophecies work out in one's favor. “No! Jen!” Kira cried out as she glides down to Jen, as the doomed Gelfling couple embraced each other in fear of what was to come. The two Gelflings started to softly sob uncontrollably, surrendering themselves to their tragic fate. Aughra just wandered around the palace with Fizzgig, trying to find a way out for not only herself, but for the two known surviving Gelflings, so they can all escape together. As Aughra and Fizzgig made their was down many corridors, she heard the UrRu mystics sing a solemn song, as they came to the castle too late. “Humph, like what good does chanting even do?” Aughra mumbled to herself as she made her way down some stairs.While searching for a way out, Aughra found her way to the Crystal Chamber, where she found Jen and Kira crying into each others arms. “Gelflings. Now is not the time.” While Jen and Kira were crying, Kira was greeting by Fizzgig tugging at her chartreuse dress. Kira was relieved to see that Fizzgig was alive and well after all. “Oh Fizzgig! Thank goodness you are alive. I thought the Skeksis have killed you.” While Kira was united with Fizzgig, the two Gelflings noticed Aughra approaching them. Aughra beckoned the two Gelfings to listen to her, as she said, “Now is not the time to break down and cry. We have to escape this wretched place. Come on, it is now or never!” “Yes Aughra.” Jen and Kira whispered back, as they made their way out of the Crystal castle, following Aughra's lead on the way out. Thankfully for them, the Skeksis were too busy celebrating their victory to notice their prey escaping. But did that really matter to the Skeksis though? They are now the lords of the crystal. The Skeksis are now victorious. All the UrRu could do was submit to their fate and be one with the Skeksis. But there was a catch this time around: When the UrRu fused with the Skeksis, it re-awakened a new powerful version of the darkened beings. While the Skeksis were now one being, a figure of unholy darkness appeared before them, hovering above the Dark Crystal. The creature that appeared before the Skeksis was a hideous fiendish abomination that defied all Earthly reality. The creature was dark gray with crimson arms and legs, the face very toad like, with the fangs and tongue of a viper. His eyes were a penetrating stare with an orange hue to them. The crimson hands were like human hands, only webbed like that of an aquatic humanoid. He had the blood red wings, tail, and feet of a wyvern dragon. The fiend wore a pitch black robe, a sickly green turban with a long veil, and had an oven like fiery glow in his exposed chest, where one mortal being's heart would be. The Skeksis instantly recognized this figure as their own sacred figure, while in reality, he is nothing more than a profane fiend. “Greetings, my children of the shadows.” The figure said, greeting the Skeksis. The Skeksis all kneel and bow down in the presence of this fiend. SkekZok, the high priest, was the first to speak. “Oh Lord Heylel, what brings you here?” Lord Heylel looked over at the Skeksis, with a wicked grin forming on his monstrous face. “I have come to reward you all for your successful conquest of the world of Thra. I shall reward you all beautifully.” The Skeksis sinister faces lit up with hype and excitement. Heylel looked down at his loyal subjects, and said, “First off, the Skeksis are no longer a dying race anymore. Those who have fallen before this great conjunction, will be revived.” “What?” The Skeksis yelled in unison. “Your race will thrive as one complete being of darkness.” Heylel explained as he readied himself with a ritual. “You will all thrive and no longer be a dying race.” SkekSil, the Chamberlain felt relieved, but a bit worried, knowing that all of the fallen Skeksis are going to be revived into one being. The Skeksis beings included, are SkekSo the Emperor, and SkekUng's close ally, SkekVar, the second in command general. SkekSil tried to hide his uneasiness and feign excitement. “Uhhh...That's great, Mmmm... I guess.” SkekUng, SkekSil's bitter rival, noticed the unease SkekSil was desperately trying to hid. He knew exactly why the whimpering worm was harried. SkekUng knew that the Emperor he respected, as well as his ally SkekVar were going to be revived, much to SkekSil's dismay. “Keh heh heh.... This is going to be so sweet...” SkekUng thought to himself, wearing a wicked toothy grin on his avian face. “I cannot wait to see that whimpering worm grovel again.” All around the many corners of Thra, a bunch of black smoky soul orbs started to rise from the dead. These smoky orbs, are the remains of the Skeksis who lives were snuffed before the second great conjunction took place. Now, this fiends have absorbed the UrRu into their blacked souls, becoming a united being, just like the Skeksis that lived to celebrate their victory. Wherever these Skeksis, the murky soul orbs started to flutter though the now darkened world of Thra. They all made their way to the palace, being the revived Skeksis brethren that fell before the victory, including Emperor SkekSo himself. All but one Skeksis, whose unified soul orb formed within a strange tree in the middle of a foreboding bog, known as to the Gelflings, as “The Swamp of Sog”. She will be stuck there for now, in suspended animation, while the other blackened souls made their way to the palace. As Heylel and the Skeksis were chanting the last of the devil's incantation, the Skeksis that were thought long dead, finally materialized from the black murky orbs summoned from the many corners of Thra. Apparently, there was only one Skeksis missing, but to Heylel and his Skeksis followers, they didn't care. All that mattered to them, was that Emperor SkekSo, and the more high rankings have been freshly revived as new beings of darkness. Emperor SkekSo himself was very delighted with his re-birth, and decided to kneel in honor to the devil that gave him a second chance at life. “Oh our Lord Heylel. I am forever honored with the second chance you gave me. Thank you for everything my Lord.” “SkekUng, SkekVar, kneel! Bow!” Heylel commanded. The two General did as they were told with great honor. Kneeling alongside their Emperor, while Heylel flew down from the Dark Crystal, and there, a golden staff materialized into Heylel's hands. Heylel approached the three kneeling Skeksis, using his royal scepter to bless them with. It is like a sinister, twisted version, of a king knighting his loyal subjects to a higher rank of nobility. “Lord SkekUng, I crown you, the head Imperial retainer.” Heylel said as he touches both of SkekUng's shoulders with his scepter. “May your Garthim loyally obey you, and not once malfunction under your control.” “I will be honored to take that title my Lord.” SkekUng said as softly as his usually loud voice would allow him to, King Heylel now moves to SkekVar, touching his shoulders with the scepter. “Lord SkekVar, I crown you the second in command of being the Imperial retainer. May your conquests come at great success.” “Thank you, and bless you my Dark Lord.” SkekVar replied, feeling honored to be second in command of Imperial retainer. While being crowned by the Devil Lord Heylel, SkekSil the Chamberlain looked rather surly and felt defeated. He couldn't believe what he was witnessing. “Humph, why them? The Emperor deserves better than.....” Overhearing SkekSil's disgruntled mumbling, SkekTek, the Scientist slapped SkekSil's upside his head, grabbing him by the collar and whispering in a venomous tone, “Watch your tongue grovel hog. You are the presence of our great Lord Heylel. Stay silent, or else...” “Mmmmgh!” SkekSil whimpered in a angry tone, as SkekTek loosened his grip. Both SkekSil and SkekTek turn their backs on each other in a rather petty, spiteful way. But what SkekSil didn't notice (nor care about), is SkekTek having a huge grin on his face, stifling back his laughter. “Ah yes, that felt so good.” SkekTek thought to himself. “That will shut that grovel hog up.” Now, after SkekSo, SkekUng, and SkekVar were blessed by the Dark Lord Heylel, the fiend gives the trio a couple of mysterious, intricately crafted glass crystal bottles. Inside these bottles, there appeared to be an misty, smoke like substance. One bottle had deep violet “smoke”, and the other had royal blue “smoke”. “These bottles are for the Emperor.” Heylel told the Skeksis. “In case you want valuable change in your life, open these bottles up. You will be pleasantly satisfied from what comes within them. Oh, and one more thing....” “What is that our Lord?” The Skeksis all asked in unison, while Heylel flew up and perched himself back on The Dark Crystal again.” “I'll shall give you all the power to conquest every planet, realm, and alternate dimension. I just need to spruce things up around here.” Heylel said as he began to chant some mantras. As The Dark Crystal started to glow an unusual shade of red, illuminating the Devil Lord, the ground started to move beneath everyone's feet, as if an earthquake were taking place. But this was not your run of the mill earthquake. Oh no, it was something much sinister. The ground around the castle started to crack apart, making the murky black water around it slosh around violently. In the blackened moat, the horrid aquatic abominations brought on by the darkening started to scurry away to land in terror. The land around the crystal castle started to rise up from the ground of Thra, taking on a life of its own. Right there, the crystal castle skyrocketed into the air at full speed, as a dome formed around it, making the place livable, yet still foreboding as usual. While Heylel chanted his mantras, the world of Thra started to look smaller and smaller, as the place shoots up into the sky and into it's final destination: The darkness of space, alongside the three moons that orbit Thra. Finally, as Heylel was done chanting, the transformation from crystal castle, to a flying crystal fortress was completed. The Skeksis were pretty impressed with their abode's transformation. “My work is done here for now.” Lord Heylel said oh so casually. “May your conquests, bring great glory!” “Thank you oh great Lord Heylel!” The Skeksis cheer in unison, as Heylel left the palace and went back to the dark world of Hades once more. The Skeksis were satisfied with their first victory, but for now, before jumping into the conquests right away, there were bits and pieces of their fortress that were in need of a decent fixer upper. A year later, things were going smoothly for the Skeksis overlords. The technology at the floating crystal fortress has improved rather quickly, almost too quickly over time. But with the many, many legions of Hades s at the Skeksis side, it could explain why their technology has improved quickly over time. Now that the Skeksis are whole monstrosities again, they do not need to drain the soul essence out of living beings anymore. Instead, SkekTek the scientist, with the help of his fellow demons, has created a machine on brainwashing and mind control. Ever since hearing the news that there have been stray surviving Gelfling that came out of hiding in the corners of Thra, farthest from where the castle was once located, the Skeksis decided not to eradicate those Gelflings that came out of hiding. If the Skeksis needed anything, they have all the gadgets and gizmos to get what they want from those who oppose them. To the Gelflings back at Thra, their lives being spared was both a blessing and a curse. Having to not worry about genocide campaigns anymore across the world was only a small relief to the many troubles unfolding. The Gelflings also had to learn to come to terms with being defeated by the Skeksis, as well as the Great Gelfling Prophecy not being full filled. Plus, with all the new sorcery, technology, and fiendish allies on the Skeksis side, they lived in fear of being abducted and never going back to their beloved Thra ever again. Everything was all working out in the Skeksis favor, but to SkekSo, something seemed to be missing his life, despite the Skeksis being victorious in their mission. In his royal bedchamber, SkekSo was reclining on his bed, looking at the two beautiful glass crystal bottles next to him on his bed stand. The misty smoke inside the bottles swished and swirled in such a hypnotic manner to the Skeksis, as if the misty smoke had minds of their own. “Ah yes! This is the life.” SkekSo said to himself as he stretched out and yawned on his huge bed. Just as SkekSo found himself in a rather comfortable position, he heard a couple of knocks on his chamber door. He was hoping it was anyone other than SkekSil the whimpering Chamberlain, nor SkekLach the blabbermouth collector. Sure, SkekLach no longer had nasty boils nor cysts covering her monstrous body, but to many who met the new SkekLach, she was less disgusting than she used to be, but only on her outer appearance. “If it is you SkekSil, I don't wanna hear your whining again. If you want to......” “Our Royal Sire, this is I, SkekUng.” “And this is I, SkekVar. We are both worried about you, so we wonder if we can check up you your highness.” “Oh thank goodness...” SkekSo thought to himself in relief. “Okay, come on it.” As SkekUng and SkekVar came in to check up on their Emperor, they found themselves hypnotically drawn to the glass crystal bottles full of enchanted misty smoke. The two generals sat down next to their Emperor, watching the show the misty smoke in the bottles were putting on. While being fixated on the glass crystal bottles, SkekSo felt like he had a voice or two speaking to him in his head. Both of the voices are feminine soundings. One voice had a mature, sultry tone to it, while the other voice sounded a bit higher pitched and rather melodious. The voice cried out in unison, “Help us! Save us! Free us!” At first, SkekSo just passed it off as his mind playing tricks on him, since he did consume a bit of wine with dinner before retreating to his chamber. SkekUng and SkekVar noticed the Emperor clutching his head before shaking it, as if he was trying to brush off these voices. “What is the matter royal sire?” SkekVar asked in concern. “No...no... it's nothing....It is all just....” Now, the bottles started to glow bright blue and bright lavender, as now all three of the Skeksis are hearing these female voices speaking to them even louder. “Help us! Save us! Free us!” All three Skeksis were dumb founded with the voices being louder and bottle glowing bright colors. SkekSo started to reply back in surprise. “Free you both? What are you things anyways?” “If you free us both, we will reward you handsomely.” The female voices said back in unison. “Rewards? Let's do this!” The three Skeksis cheered out loud. SkekSo grabbed the bottle with the blue smoke in it first. On the lid, there is some odd runic insignia decorating it. In his bout of excitement, he twisted the lid and pulled it off with ease. As that happened the lid's runic insignia started to glow, as the bottle broke in SkekSo's grasps, but it was not shards of broken glass. The glass crystal all dissolved into a beautiful crystalline sand. With one bottle opened and dissolved, the bottle containing the violet smoke started to shatter and dissolve into fine sand, while the runic insignia lid glowed very brightly. While the misty smoke filled the room, it absorbs the crystal sand and become one sparkling mass of mist. Out of the blue smoke, a very lovely, otherworldly woman of regal class appeared. This woman had dark gray, small antler like horns nestled in her long yellow blonde hair, which flowed down to her wrists. Her eyes were a shade of deep royal purple, her lips a healthy shade of dark pink, the golden dragon like ear fins, and had two golden dragon or demon wings adorned on her back. Her blue dress resembled that of what an Oiran would wear, only a bit more regal, and a small pink underskirt to leave a little bit to one's imagination. She had a green sash around her waist, tied up into a bow, while she wore pink cloth gauntlets and pink clothe greaves, resembling that of short leg warmers, leaving her barefoot. Out of the lavender smoke, another female figure came forth. But she was rather different from the other woman. She had long, wavy royal purple hair, eyes that were red with blue irises, pale grayish blue skin, a skimpy type of bikini armor, consisting of a half black, half gold bustier, gold and black bikini armor bottom, a deep indigo mantle, gold elven style high heel boots with black trim, opera style gloves that matched her elven boots by color, and a black beret with gold horns adorning it. “Thank you oh noble Skeksis for freeing us.” The two women said in unison. SkekSo and his Generals were pleasantly surprised by these two otherworldly females that emerged from the bottles. Out of the two, the dragon succubus woman was instantly recognized by SkekSo. “Oh greetings dear Princess Mayarie of the Nastrond Empire of Hades. The daughter of the Hell dragon Emperor Nidhogg and storm demoness, Empress Kulshedra. It is a pleasure to meet you.” SkekSo said with a pleased smile on his twisted face. “I am SkekSo, the Emperor of the Skeksis clan.” All three Skeksis bow down to Princess Mayarie, as now it was the second female figure's turn to introduce herself. “Greetings dear Skeksis, I am Shadow Mist. I am the dark half of an angel known as Mist Elmbarn.” “Oh what a couple of fine ladies we have here! Ah ha ha!” SkekSo said in pure wicked delight. “I'll say.” SkekUng said, being fixated on the figures. “Well, Emperor SkekSo, what is it that you desire the most?” Princess Mayarie asked in a playful tone of voice. “Ummm...Well....” SkekSo stuttered as he became deep in thought. So many thoughts were rushing inside the Emperor's head. He could not believe himself and what he is witnessing. One of the finest Princesses of Hades appeared before him. Princess Mayarie of the Nastrond Empire herself? She was everything SkekSo has fantasized about in a consort. Mayarie was fierce, tough, demonically gorgeous, playfully in a devilish sort of way, skilled at the dark arts, and took no nonsense from those who oppose her or the Nastrond Imperial family. It was like a dream come true to Emperor SkekSo. And now, he has saved this Princess from her glass crystal prison. “Come on now oh dear Emperor, don't be so shy.” Princess Mayarie said in a playful, yet seductive manner. “I want you.....” SkekSo said, now that he has come back to his sense. “I want you to be my Empress and rule among the Skeksis with me!” Princess Mayarie's face lit up with excitement as SkekSo announced that we wanted to wed her. “Oh my Lord SkekSo, you made the right decision. I will make sure no pesky invaders will ever take down our Empire.” “But what about us?” SkekVar said loudly. “Yeah, what about us?” SkekUng growled. “Well....” SkekSo said, smiling ear to ear on his beak. “Not only will you two be our imperial retainers, but you will also serve to please both Mayarie and I in whatever ways we want.” “Oh yes! That is perfect indeed.” Mayarie said gleefully. “Hooray!” SkekUng and SkekVar cheered in unison, knowing that they are not going to ever be left out in the end. “Ahem...!” Shadow Mist was now going to make an announcement. “As for my goals, not only will I serve you all faithfully, but I need aid in a personal quest of mine.” “What kind of quest?” SkekVar asked. “Well you see....” Shadow Mist started to explain as she made an enchanted vision appear before everyone. “I am madly in love with a Yatagarasu angel of the cerulean raven clan. He used to be a fallen angel, such as myself.” The vision showed two blue haired Yatagarasu angels in humanoid form. One was a male wearing a tie up headband, a yellow wrap around cloak, a blue long sleeved undershirt, scarlet hakama style pants, tabi socks, wooden sandals, a silver breastplate, a silver armlet on his right arm, and two silver gauntlets. The other figure was a female that bore a resemblance to Shadow Mist, only, she has sky blue hair, blue-green eyes, pale peach skin, and unlike with Shadow Mist, her holy counterpart is more modestly dressed, with a red breastplate, shoulder pads, gauntlets that resemble elegant finger-less gloves, a red beret with a white feather adorning it, Red thigh high boots, and a minty green over gown with a yellow and white mini dress underneath the over gown. The male Yatagarasu carried two twin daggers as a weapon, while the female Yatagarasu used hammers, mallets, and staves as weapons. Shadow Mist had a look of disgust at her holy half, Mist Embarn. She shook her head, and made a face palm motion at the thought of her circumstance. “You see these two angels here? The man is...or at least was.... My lover. His name is Marut. The woman is my holy half, Mist Elmbarn, after I was purged from her body.” “Yeah? Well, what about them?” Mayarie asked the being of shadows. “I want to reunite myself with Mist Elmbarn, making her a fallen angel.” Shadow Mist explains. “Then, I want to seduce Marut back to his fallen form, and there, we can have those two serves us and become allies of the Skeksis Empire.” The whole room lit up with wicked glee as Shadow Mist explained her motivations, now that she has been freed from her glass crystal prison alongside Princess Mayarie. Everyone in the room was overjoyed with how things were working out for them. However, in dire situations like these, a ray of hope will eventually appear. This ray of hope will appear in the most unusual of circumstances, shining brighter by the moment, slowly, but surely.person