As Gami and his knights approached his grand mansion, the imposing gates swung open to reveal the security guard, Sam.
"Welcome, sir. I've been expecting you," Sam said with a respectful bow.
"Thank you, Sam. We're here to see my family," Gami replied.
As they entered the house, the sound of the babies cooing was a welcome relief from the tension of the mission.
"Lily, are you and the babies alright?" Gami asked with concern.
"Yes, we're fine. I was so worried about you," Lily replied, embracing Gami tightly.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. This mission is important, and I have to do it," Gami reassured her.
"But it's so dangerous," Lily protested.
"I know, but it is my responsibility as a Baron. You and the babies will be safe here," Gami said, his voice firm and confident.
Lily's sadness was evident in the way her voice trembled. "I just wish you didn't have to go."
"I know, but I promise I'll come back to you. And when I do, we'll be together forever," Gami said, his eyes locked on hers.
Lily seemed to take some comfort in his words. "Okay. Just be careful, okay?"
"I will. I love you," Gami said, leaning in to kiss her.
"I love you too," Lily replied, tears streaming down her face.
Gami sat Lily down and took her hand. "Lily, I have to tell you something. This mission is going to be longer than I thought. I need to collect information on the demon capital's economics, and it's going to take at least a year."
Lily's eyes widened in shock. "A year? That's so long!"
"I know, but it's important. The information I gather will help us in the long run. And I promise I'll come back to you as soon as I can," Gami said, his voice gentle.
"But what about the babies? They'll be so grown up by the time you come back," Lily protested.
"I know, but I'll still be their father. And I'll come back with stories to tell them. And when I do come back, we'll be together," Gami said, his eyes locked on hers.
Lily took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay. I understand. Just be careful, okay?"
"I will. And I'll send you magical letters and messages whenever I can. You and the babies will always be on my mind," Gami said, leaning in to kiss her.
Lily hugged him tightly. "I love you, Gami. Come back to us soon."
"I love you too, Lily. And I will," Gami replied, holding her close.
As Gami and his soldiers rode along the sandy shore, the sun was rising, casting a warm, golden light across the sky. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks echoed in their ears, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Gami, always the strategic thinker, knew that they needed to disguise themselves to complete their mission. Catherine, one of his soldiers, spoke up, "We didn't bring any disguises, general."
Gami looked at his soldiers, a small smile playing on his lips. "I know you soldiers don't know very much about me, but let me let you all in on a little secret. I have a vast array of magical abilities, as you will all soon find out."
As Gami focused his magical energy, he began humming spells in rapid succession. Suddenly, a huge golden star illuminated underneath him and the rest of the soldiers. The light transformed everyone into demonic versions of themselves, all as high-blooded female demons. The soldiers looked at each other in surprise and confusion.
"I'm a girl demon! What the heck?!" James exclaimed.
Gami, now in his new demonic form, spoke up. "You guys all better start coming up with aliases. You will need it for when we get to the demon capital. By the way, you guys can all call me Gaya when I am in this form."
As the newly transformed soldiers looked at each other, Gaya couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Her magical abilities had come in handy once again.
Catherine was still in shock from the transformation. "I can't believe this is happening," she said.
Gaya chuckled. "Believe it, Catherine. With my magic, anything is possible."
The other soldiers began to come up with their demonic aliases. "I'll be known as Vixen," said Sarah.
"I'm going to be called Raven," said James.
Gaya nodded approvingly. "Good choices. Now, let's get moving. We have a mission to complete."
As the Pegasus took to the skies, their demonic wings flapped powerfully, creating gusts of wind that blew through the soldiers' hair. The soldiers gazed out at the vastness of the ocean below them, the waves crashing against the shore in a rhythmic pattern. The horses' horns glinted in the sunlight, and their eyes shone with an otherworldly glow.
Gaya was impressed with Tianna's knowledge of the way to the capital. "Well done, Tianna. Keep leading the way."
As they flew higher into the sky, the temperature began to drop, and the soldiers began to feel the chill in the air. Despite this, they couldn't help but feel invigorated by the thrill of the flight. The sky was painted in shades of orange and pink, the clouds casting long shadows on the ocean below.
"General Gaya, if you don't mind me asking. Could you tell us a little about yourself?" asked Tianna. Her voice was soft and curious, and her eyes sparkled with interest.
Gaya smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Sure, I don't mind at all," she said. Her voice was sweet and soothing, with a hint of a smile.
"Well, I'm sure you have all heard of my jewelry store that I opened up with my wife in Whelo," she continued. "We are also opening more branches throughout the country."
Tianna's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, I had no idea you were a successful entrepreneur as well as a military leader," she said.
Raven chimed in, her voice teasing. "Ooh, so you're a big-time noble, huh boss?" she said, a playful grin on her face.
Gaya chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "I wouldn't say that," she said. "I'm just a Baron, but I grew up hunting and tracking in the woods. That is, until I met my wife."
Tianna and Raven exchanged looks, both of them impressed by Gaya's humble beginnings. They knew that she was a woman of many talents, and they were eager to learn more about her.