With smiles secured all around, the five of us settle onto the table and al waiting patiently for our return. The energy and mood around its cornucopia of delicious slling foods not quite... tense, but strained. Not in a sense of awkwardness or heated emotions, but rather the kind of strain of still worried friends and family having just co out of a serious talk. Which, is kind of what happened so I guess that's fair.
Still though, their smiles are true even if they're small. Lingering talk about this topic or that popping up occasionally as I - in a rare showing - go about munching on the food plated before slowly. Honestly, that is more than enough for a couple worried glances to arc back to my face, but each ti I just give my own tiny pull of the lips to let them know I'm... okay. That my asured pace in eating isn't a cause for alarm more so than just finding it hard to have an appetite after all of that emotional whiplash.
I like rollercoasters. Maybe not as much as Sandy does, but I like them. However, this emotional rollercoaster has been neck snapping in pace and intensity for just... too long. I desperately need to get the hell off of it, and soon. My mind and body crave normalcy~. At least, as much as I can regain with all the craziness constantly going around. Speaking of which, I have yet another twist on the wild ride I'm stuck in that I need to get out of the way.
I clear my throat a little as the al finds itself in another lull, pulling everyone's attention towards . My heart still picks up a little when those green eralds raise up to et my teal ones, but with the heart demon being quieted for now its... manageable. "S-so... I think I'll be taking the next tribulation tomorrow morning. I can't keep putting it off, and now that my head space is a little better, I think its ti." I pause as I look up toward Akiko, her keeping in her lap after ands were begun and we all ca to be seated at the table. Her snow-white hair dangling in front of , shining in the pale moon light like silver curtains of winter.
"I don't know if you need to prepare anything for it. Like, in the Village or whatever. I don't think the secrecy is going to matter anymore, not after last ti and taking this one so shortly afterwards. Enough people are going to figure out sothing is going on, and we already have those folks from the capital poking their noses in our business." Akiko hums in thought as I nudge her with my head once again, delaying her response before I sigh and turn to the rest of the group once more.
"Also, I got... a lot of points after everything went down between Sam and I. Like, almost enough to match all of my stats combined. I'm going to put them solely into Constitution before taking the tribulation." Everyone's eyes widen at the first statent, then nearly double in size at the second. Sam knows just how sturdy I already am with my bolstering techniques active, so her response is as predictable as it is logical.
"Alia," She begins with concern, "while I am glad that you received such a boon from our... entanglent, I would caution against passing up the opportunity to increase your speed and strength. Your 'Dexterity' is already monstrous. If you raised it up just a moderate amount more, I doubt you would need to worry about being struck by anything on Mara ever again. Which ans that you could divest more into your attack power, your 'Strength'. I understand the want to ensure your survival, but there are more ways open to you than so heavily prioritizing one ability." She finishes gently, no reproach or judgent to be had. Just plain old cautious worry that seems to perate the air these days.
Gerra and Jun Li silently agree to Samantha's assessnt, nodding their support along as the turn back to . And, in any other situation, that logic would honestly be compelling enough for . Why raise my defenses if I can just make it to where I'll never get hit? But that isn't this situation.
I shake my head after a few monts, the pause for waiting to see if Akiko had anything to add but she seed to be content to let and the girls hash this one out. "In any other circumstance, I would for sure agree with you, Sam. To be honest, I am kind of tempted to do that myself regardless. But the chance for sothing to go wrong tomorrow morning wouldn't just an I get unlucky and have a knock-down drag-out during the tribulation again. It would an I would die."
Everyone pauses at the statent, before grim acceptance flashes to their faces and Akiko squeezes tighter against her. I can't bla them for montarily getting sidetracked by the news of my wealth of points to forget what exactly is at stake here, but at least this reminder seems to have put the matter to rest. I confirm the thought as Samantha awkwardly replies to the ominous statent. "I am sorry, little pup. I had forgotten just how... contentious your relationship with the Heavens is. Your idea is sound, and I can tell you have put thought behind it. I apologize for speaking too rashly."
I quickly shake my head again, hands coming up to wave off her self-flagellating tone, "N-no, it's okay! I know there's a lot going on, and I'm sure the news about the points was a bit overwhelming. I appreciate the concern though, and like I said. If it were any other mont, I would be jumping up and down at getting to spread all those wonderful numbers across the board~. Sadly, the priority this ti just doesn't allow it."
I quickly turn away from Sam's smile, this new softness to her and my own recovering mind at her presence in general making it hard to keep focused on her. And while I do feel bad about that, I hope that she knows its not intentional, as well as hope that it passes quickly. Maybe if we spend more ti together, I'll get used to her all over again? I sigh in my mind at the thought, we basically just reset our relationship in the worst way possible.
But... at least she seems more than willing to build it back up again. The trick will be to figure out just how interfering that son of a bitch in my heart will be... I know I could probably win against it, but I don't feel confident enough to truly try right now. Who knows what nasty, evil, manipulative trick that sick inky blob will try and dish out when the chips are down. Panic was already beyond dangerous, but I had more of an esoteric relationship with it.
This one? Whatever it wants to call itself? This monster is much more heavily tied into ... And even though she said she'd be there, I don't feel comfortable having Sandra try and help out like last ti either. Thinking back on it... I really need to ask her how she was able to scare the heart demon like that. I know its kind of wishy washy what she can or can't do right now. Even her spherical soul that was still broken was able to sohow manipulate energy during the hydra and Panic fight, but this last ti felt... different. Powerful. And while it was in a dream, the reality around her seed to bend and break... In a way that almost made forget she's not actually even a cultivator yet.
Shaking my head free of the lingering thoughts, my eyes flick back up towards Akiko. The fluffy kitsune leans down when our eyes et again, planting a small kiss on my forehead as she pats my hair. "I can feel your certainty behind this decision, my love. If that is what you wish to do, then I will support you. As for your earlier comnts regarding the secrecy of it all... I agree with that as well. After you take your tribulation co the morrow, we shall formally introduce you to the Village proper. It's leadership, so who have returned ahead of schedule. Branch Hall's and businesses of note and propriety. And the general populace, should you wish to make it a more festive event."
I stare back to her in a deadpan, any sense of motivation leaving my body like the soul of a recently deceased person. Dramatic ghost tail and all. "Oh yeah. Let's just add on to the ntally exhausting and possibly deadly event with the threat of a red carpet roll out. I'm sure that'll ease my worries."
Akiko's laugh mixes with the short outburst that takes the rest of them at my antics, a sound and sight that makes exhale dramatically as a little bit of that departed ghost of purpose and drive wiggles back into my chest. "Seriously though, let's just... make myself known to the important folks for now. I don't want the spotlight like that, and I don't want to be treated as so kind of... celebrity or sothing either."
A snowy tail cos up to tickle my cheeks as she replies, "Very well~. Though I fear the latter will happen regardless just because of who you are. Regardless, I just wanted to present the option to you. I am sure that we will be having so kind of event for the citizens before eting with the capital forces. If for no other reason than to ease tensions and worries that have risen as of late." She gives a squeeze as she continues, her head nuzzling against mine as I sit in her lap, "And it would also be charming to expose you to so of my - so of our - culture. While we may not follow the sa customs as most of the rest of Mara, starting to integrate yourself with such things would be for your long-term benefit."
I mostly playfully harumph in her arms, her reasoning sweet as well as seemingly sure of its awaited certainty. "Fine~. But not right now. I just want to focus on the tribulation; we can figure out the glad handing and stuff later. Yay."
With the matter put to rest, Akiko plops another dotting kiss to my cheek before we finish the al. Sam is the first to go, scooping up everyone's plates save for mine and Akiko's as she gives space. Though even then, the warmth and smile radiating from her leaves no question mark on how she feels towards still. I give her a little wave as she goes to leave, returning it to after she bows to the rest of us in her gorgeous dress kimono.
Gerra and Jun Li look to each other, then to Akiko who simply nods her head towards Samantha's retreating form. The girls nod back, coming to give a kiss each that makes my heart do a little flip and a blush rise to my cheeks as they giggle and then follow after Sam. Akiko's delightful laugh blossoms forth once again at my partially stunned and goofy smile at the event before standing us up and calmly walking our plates to the kitchen.
"I am glad beyond words to see your relationship with the two of them deepening despite what has occurred as of late, my love. I know you still have matters and words to discuss with dear Samantha before things begin to return to normalcy for the two of you, but I was... worried that the sa may happen with Gerra and Jun Li. Yet again, I should have never doubted your resilience and wealth of love on such things~. Let escort you back to your room where I believe spirit Ios is waiting for you~."
My eyes widen a bit at the knowing grin she sends my way, surprised she was able to out the reveal so easily. "H-how did you know? I think Ios was wanting to surprise you guys."
Akiko chuckles a little under her breath, scooping my hand in hers as a tail cos to rest familiarly around my waist. "She had ntioned her desire to complete plans to return to physical form while she was... comforting as you slept. While you were resting on my lap in the gardens, I felt a fluctuation of Qi coming from your room, so I had simply assud her plans had co to fruition. While I am beyond curious to gaze upon her myself, she also made clear that she wishes for you to be the first she greets corporeally."
Oh, that must have been what those system ssages were for! I was so sleepy and cozy I just kind of... brushed them off~. Oh well, even if Akiko - and likely the girls too - aren't going to be completely surprised, now I will be since I inadvertently kept it a secret from myself~! Wait a minute... I stutter out before her words truly sink in, my eyes expanding even further at their implication. "W-wait!! Does that an... can she use Qi?!"
Akiko hums in thought before closing the door to the kitchens behind us, "I know not, my dear. It could have been so object or 'feature' she has incorporated into her new form, or it could have been her attempting to use Qi properly. I honestly could not tell you which outco is correct until I see her with my own eyes, the thods and ans available to spirit Ios being both fantastical and complicated beyond thought at tis."
Well, she's not wrong there. Trying to explain just how crazy the system is can be... challenging. Even I barely understand how to use it properly yet. Still though, if Ios can use Qi then that ans she can cultivate. And if she can cultivate, that ans we don't have to worry about her physical body getting destroyed or having to constantly upgrade it~! 40k points may still be a lot to my mind right now, but who knows how insane that would be to constantly keep her on par with us as we break through Immortality?!
The trip through the soft white halls is as quick as it is silent. Both of us content to just exit together and mull our thoughts over as she walks towards my door. Upon arriving there, I can't deny that my eager anticipation blatantly shows on my face, my feet almost bouncing up and down at the prospect of whatever is behind the thin sliding wooden door. Akiko smirks out a little breath of mirth before patting my head and stilling my exuberant body.
"I hope you and spirit Ios have a lovely, heartfelt ti. If you wish to take your tribulation co the morning, do not stay up too late~. I love you, Alia. And I will be right here when you wake to be at your side." I give her a questioning look before the realization dawns on , my cheeks flaring to pink and heat as she chuckles. "Cute~."
With that, she pats my head one last ti before turning and making her way down the hall. Presumably to go link up with the others. I do my best to steady my shaking hands, the implications that Akiko threw out just now floating to mind. And while I feel that slow tendril of darkness try and weave its way to those... colorful situations, the sheer amount of joy that surrounds them makes them impenetrable to its manipulative intent.
With barely restrained jubilance, I finally still my hand enough to grab the handle of the door and slide it open in one fell swoop. Eager eyes darting around the room as I rush inside, only to be t with confusion at not seeing... well, anything or anyone new. The comms box is in its usual place, the ssy bed still unmade. Papers and forms from when I was studying still packed against the wall next to the little desk. All in all, a perfect replication of the room just as I left it when I woke up.
As the confusing mix of emotions at the discovery, or lack thereof, swirl in my mind, I finally notice the one out of place thing about where I'm standing. The hiss and fall of water coming from the bathroom, steam lazily lifting its rippling make through the threshold of the open door.
As I notice and begin to approach, the sound of footsteps echoes along the tiled floor of that room and halts maybe ten or so feet from crossing the boundaries between the rooms. There, erging from the steam with a towel patting her hair and draped around her neck, Ios' new form walks forward before she looks up and notices in turn. Both of us now staring at each other as ti seems to pause.
Standing at maybe 5 foot 5 inches, the shoulder length curly blonde hair dangles in wet bands, droplets of water loosing themselves from the ends to slide down her neck and body. A body which is as breathtakingly perfect as it is real. A lightly toned tummy with a thin waist and flared hips. Round, perky breasts that are high C's if not treading into D's. Cute, little pink nipples dotting the crest of each mound. Arms - though only two of them as opposed to her usual four - equally lightly toned while still holding an entrancing air of femineity, adorable hands eting them at the end. Thighs that are just wide enough to not obscure the little gap between them as long, trimd legs end in also adorable little feet~.
In between those thighs, though, is the prettiest little flower~. Devoid of any kind of hair, it looks like the picture-perfect definition of the sexual organ. Thin lipped and dotted by a pink little button at the top, my heartbeat thundering along with the rising of blood to both my cheeks and... well, my own little kitten.
The stun lock finally breaks for one of us as Ios gives a devastatingly sexy smirk while cocking her naked hip to the side. "Like what you see, Aims~? It feels better than it looks, just so you know~." My feet, and clothes, touch the ground in an instant, both of us laughing like schoolgirls as I tackle her back into the steamy atmosphere of the bathroom. Relief, joy, lust, and every other warm tinted color singing to life inside as I weepily cup her face and press my lips to hers, spinning the both of us as I slide my hands down to pick her up with still locked lips.
"Finally~." I say out quietly as we break for a mont, foreheads coming to rest against each other's as she presses and slides her hips against mine. "I've wanted to do that properly for a while now. I'm so glad to see you, Ios."
I open my eyes to see the cheeky smile gone for the mont, a more sincere and loving one in its place as Ios replies in a whisper, "I've wanted you to do that to properly for a while too~. I'm sorry it took so long. I know you still have so issues regarding sex and stuff, but..." She pauses as she bites her lip, her chest pressing wonderfully against mine as she slides a hand down to my hip. Fingers lightly scratching their nails across my skin as she presses us both together with a needy gasp, "I want you to be this bodies first. If that's okay?"
My heart thumps a loud, single clap at the wanting pull from her erald eyes, her open honesty and desire as both our bodies flash to boiling. After that mont passes, I press my hands into her hair, strangling our lips together as we shuffle and walk under the spewing water of the shower. Steam rising anew along with heated moans and sultry cries~.
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