Walking Disasters and Me-Finding the Way Home – Ch 67

Walking Disasters and Me-Finding the Way Home – Ch 67

As we're all walking in a group towards the gardens, me still pleasantly being held in Akiko's strong arms~, I nuzzle into the fox woman in question and ask, "Not that I wasn't
very
happily surprised by the sudden cuddle pile, but what exactly brought that on?" Akiko's head leans over to look at me, getting a better view past her rounded mountains that I'm currently squishing against with my face.
It looks like she is about to answer before Samantha actually speaks up instead, off to the side, "I am sure you either have noticed, or will discover soon, that both Gerra and Jun Li as well as the Mistress are rather
physical
when showing emotion and affection. I will not say it is a universal trait amongst beast humans, but it occurs more often than not. Truthfully, we were all concerned about how you would react when you awoke, but it seems these three were even
more
worried than I previously thought~."
She ends by sending a flirty wink to the rest of the group which is met by a variety of reactions. Gerra simply smiles and nods, like that was the most
obvious
statement in the world, while Jun Li turns her face away as it begins to flush which is adorable~. Akiko lines up more with Gerra, simply nodding as she looks at me and adds on, "That is indeed the case, my dear~. And do not let Samantha's lack of partaking of our 'cuddle pile' as you so aptly named it fool you. She was
just
as wound with concern as the rest of us. Besides," She says as she leans down to nuzzle the top of my head, "you are always delightful to hold and press against, my sweet Amelia~. It would be foolish to not savor
every
opportunity to do so."
My face matches the pink tint of Jun Li's as I mumble and try to hide my blush by pressing further into Akiko, making all four of the women chuckle. It is...
nice
... to have people who are so physically affectionate with me, my body and mind craving it every time I have to abandon Akiko's embrace, or Jun Li's hand. Even Sam's flirty yet serious touches here and there. It'd been a good while since Taylor left me, so the few instances of any kind of that thing happening to me were few and far between. Honestly, that may be another reason that I fell so damn hard and fast for Akiko, my touched starved and healing mind desperately clinging on to that feeling as hard as I could... Shit, now I bummed myself out again.
Akiko seems to pickup on the mood shift, leaning back down to kiss my forehead gently. I look up into those amethyst eyes, my sad state washing away in the sea of love and care that float behind them before she says, "We are almost to the gardens now, my dear. I know not what all transpired for your challenge, but we are all here with you. Free of judgement and on your side, as you would say."
We stay locked in as I feel a new patch of wetness on my cheeks which is quickly dried off by a blue ice tipped tail as it comes up and brush against my face softly. The melting feeling of acceptance sinks through me, warming my entire body as I give a small nod back and just close my eyes, enjoying every second that I can of it. As Akiko said, not more than a minute must pass before we are standing in the large and beautiful open space of the gardens, the symbol for peace still perfectly displayed in its multicolored, floral glory.
Thankfully, my legs seem to have recovered by now as Akiko gently sets my feet on the ground, a tail wrapped around my waist just in case. She guides our little troupe toward the cherry blossom tree, the shade pleasantly shielding us from the warm rays of the sun hanging overhead as the fresh, crisp mountain air surrounds us in a gentle breeze. They all plop down on the ground, leaving Akiko and I the bench as Ios' projected form springs to life next to the assembly. I inhale deeply, summoning up the memories of the trial once more in preparation to spill the beans to all of them. Amazingly, I only feel a small twinge of worry and vulnerability at the thought of sharing my most intimate and traumatic events to the group, likely only coming through because of my own social awkwardness more than anything. I smile despite the slight tension, a tilt of my lips exhaling the breath I had been holding before I raise my head and look to all of them.
I recount every detail as best as I can, Akiko's hands and tails never far away to wipe away the few tears that spill out during some of the more... graphic moments of abuse. Throughout the whole explanation, which is much more detailed than the shorter version I just gave to Ios not long ago, all of the women look at me with varying levels of empathy, shock, concern, and care, often flitting between the emotions as the story progresses. They all particularly did not like the hydra, and I think that if it were a real beast and alive out in the world somewhere, these four would have
instantly
bolted from their spots to go on
quite
the extermination mission. Samantha especially reacts to Jennean and Taylor, her muscular yet still pretty arms bulging in tense, muted outrage at how I describe their treatment of past Amelia.
My heart warms from all of their reactions, a growing sense of comradery and belonging echoing through me as I open myself up like a fucked-up book for them to read and finding nothing but welcoming acceptance from their responses. Eventually, I get to the next part, going in detail of how I eventually slew the first monster and then Sandra and I's mad fight for survival at the new challenger before my soul took the wheel. Again, all I can see and feel from the assorted women is the warm and soft feelings of care, even pride from Ios and Akiko as I go on to explain how I overcame that shit stain of a personality disorder. By the end of it, nobody has a dry eye, Jun Li full on having rivers running down her face as her ruby red eyes are clouded over with a water filter, her hands clasped together under her chin as she looks up at me. It's
so
cute and heartwarming, I think I might die~!
I exhale loudly as the story concludes, retelling how the avatar of my soul fully enveloped me and then receding after the deed is done. I look back to the group, my words coming out softly and open, the full weight of vulnerability behind them as I say, "So... That's me. Or well, some of my past, for the most part. I... I hope this doesn't change how you see me, at least not in a worsening fashion. I would have told all of this to you too, eventually, but... Well, I'm sure you all can see why it would have been quite the hurdle for me to jump, at least until I got more comfortable around here." My hands fidget in my lap, waiting for someone to say something or make a move nervously, the rawness of the whole oral ordeal weighing on me like a ton of bricks.
Surprisingly, Samantha is the first one to take any kind of action. She stands up and walks over to me slowly; her green eyes set in a frown that matches her lips before she leans down and hugs me tightly. "I am sorry," She begins, her stoic voice waning and dripping in empathy, "for how I acted toward you in the beginning, Amelia. I can see now why my words and actions caused you such displeasure and discomfort. These two, this
Jennean
and
Taylor
, were
horrid
women and I am glad you were able to silence their tainted words forever and discover your own truth on the matter. You are a
true
warrior, even if you have not been on Mara longer than a month, and I
respect
you." She leans back, her hands that still smell slightly of worked metal and fire coming up to cup the sides of my face, my cheeks darkening in the mid-day sun, as she leans down and kisses my forehead.
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Available Ability Points: 1,582
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I'm a bit stunned by the sudden PDA and the system pinging me at the same time, but I shake off the mental hiccup and reach my arms around Samantha, pulling her in against me once more in a hug as I say, "
Thank you
, that really does mean a lot to me. All I've ever wanted was to be somewhere around people who accept me for who I am, and I finally feel that now. I appreciate it, Samantha." I nuzzle against the crook of her neck, my breath hot against the supple and slightly tanned skin as she chuckles a bit and strokes my hair. Soon, a growingly familiar sensation of weight envelops me as I feel the press of fur and flesh all around us. I look up and see that the rest of the gang have all come and joined in on the hug, making me the center of a warm, delightful cuddle pile yet again~.
We stay like that for a time, letting the basking rays of the sun filter through the pink canopy above and bathe us in its warm embrace, the pleasant smell of the air and assembled bodies filling my head with a calming peace that I thought I'd never know. I let the few errant tears spill out of me without complaint, happy to just let the emotions wash over and through me as we sway connectedly in our conjoined positions. Like all good things though, eventually this too has to end... For now~...
Akiko breaks the comfortable silence, wiping away the last beads of liquid from her eyes as she starts a domino effect, eventually leaving all of us sitting or standing close by to my still seated position on the bench. "I am happy you have found your home here, with us, Amelia. I know customs and time scales that you are used to on Earth would likely make this a
very
fast affair, but even still it warms my heart to know you are brave enough to follow your instincts and trust us. I swear, here and now, that I and the girls will always be by your side, to make sure that you always believe that you are welcome and safe with us."
The sudden announcement shocks me a little bit, knowing how heavily cultivators - and especially Akiko - value their words and promises. I can't help but sniffle a bit, the overwhelming sensations and feelings threatening to make a mess out of me once more as I nod and stand up to wrap her back up in an embrace. She giggles softly, her chest jostling against mine in a lovely way, before she eases me back down to the bench. "Now then, I want to also thank you for sharing with us those personal and difficult moments. Again, you are such a strong and brave creature, my girl, and it always amazes me to see your well of fortitude shine through."
I once again squirm slightly, still not really used to being praised so much and with such weighty authority and certainty as Akiko continues, "Since we are all here and we now know the conditions and stakes that young Amelia is going to be experiencing for the foreseeable future, let us discuss the way forward. I propose that we start her training in earnest now, since the threat of her losing herself to her soul seems to be settled. To that end, I say that she train with me for the next week or so, until she is familiar with all the various weapons and equipment she has tasks for and then break off to receive specialized training from each of you. Both in your areas of crafting expertise as well as combat styles. We shall keep her occupied for the majority of the day, leaving time in the evening so that Sandra can be given attention and continued healing. Does anyone have any additional thoughts or recommendations?"
Well shit,
that
was a change of thought!! I am glad that we're finally setting up something formally now though, the wishy-washy part of this so far
has
been kind of stressing me out, even if I didn't clock it at the time. It's always a weird dichotomy, wanting to adhere to a schedule but being stressed by it at the same time, although with Panic finally out of the picture, I find that I'm much more eager and unbothered by that aspect of it in general. So that's nice!
Jun Li raises her dainty hand, her flowing voice winding out as she says, "I would like to suggest that we leave time open for... personal interactions as well, if Miss Amelia is amendable to that." Her cheeks dabble in a crimson tint as she looks over to me, the eagerness and anticipation dancing behind her eyes evident for all to see as my heart skips a beat.
"Uh.. I- I mean... Sure?" I stammer out, seeing how happy Miss J smiles back up at me accepting her offer which does my poor heart no favors on its roller coaster of emotions. I look around to see massively knowing smirks on everyone, Ios included, that only make both the face of Jun Li and myself dive deeper into the red as we look away from each other in embarrassed delight.
"Very well~," Akiko's matronly voice rings out huskily, "I suppose it would be best to have some time for personal pursuits regardless. In that case, perhaps we could leave the ending days of the week open, and then we can decide who gets to share some time with our newest little house mate~. "
I puff out my cheeks and cross my arms as I turn back to Akiko, her teasing smile still dripping with amusement as I huff out, "I'm
right
here! Don't make it sound like some kind of... obligation or something, jeeze! And while I'm all for getting to know everyone better and have dates or something, I hope y'all can understand if I don't view sex and stuff so...
casually
, just yet. I think... I think I'm getting there but, as you guys know now, it was quite a different thing for me back in my old life."
Jun Li picks back up, the apparent surprise at my statement making her wave her hands in front of her as she clarifies, "
Oh!!
Oh no, my dear, I didn't mean... Like that! Well, I wouldn't be opposed
at all
of course, but I rather meant just spending quality time and instructing you on cultural customs and etiquette and such that is prevalent here on Mara. I apologize for the ambiguity of my proposal, Miss Amelia." She bows slightly, the verbal goof apparently making her quite conciliatory.
The group chuckles a bit, probably aware of the slight misspeak from the beginning as I quickly reply back to Jun Li, "No, no, it's okay! Thank you for explaining but don't feel bad, it was just a slip up! And you guys quit laughing at her, you're being so
mean,
ganging up on her like that!" I reach out and hold Jun Li's head to my chest, giving a stern and totally not adorable and cute glare toward the rest of them which only makes the laughter erupt further.
Gerra's the first one to recover, her southern drawl filling the bright and colorful space around us as she says, "Oh my, you two are just the absolute
cutest
together~! I can't wait for you to get more 'comfortable' little bird, because this is quite the attractive scene~." She ends by licking her lips and giving both Jun Li and I a predatory smile, which sends shivers down both of our spines before Akiko saves us.
"Alright, that's enough for now~. Let us get back to the matter at hand and let these two
adorable
creatures recover~." Did I say save us? I meant add on to the teasing, apparently. She gives me a wink before motioning for both the raven haired kitsune and I to stand back up which we do as she continues, "So, that will be the base schedule for now, if you are agreeable to it my dear?"
I huff out playfully, just to make sure the whole group knows how mean they're being, before I sit back down and consider the proposal for real. It honestly does sound perfect, if a bit... strict? I guess I'll get the weekends free, but I can't help and compare it to, like, boot camp like dad would talk about. But that is honestly what it's going to take to get me, and by extension Sandra, up to speed and safe here in this wacky new universe we find ourselves in. "Alright," I say with conviction as I look back up to the group, "that sounds good to me. Just uh... be gentle with me at first? A lot of new stuff to get the hang of and learn, but I promise to always try my best! Ios, did you have anything you want to add?"
Everyone gives me a kind smile at my openness again, before turning to regard the floating form of my mental companion. "Actually, I only have thoughts about how you should be allocating your ability points for now. And also that we should come clean about your cultivating paths if Akiko here hasn't already informed the girls."
Oh shit, I forgot about that. Soul and body cultivation isn't a thing here, and me saying I'm doing all three paths at the same time might be a shock for them. I gauge the reactions, finding only knowing glances amongst themselves before Akiko speaks up, "I have indeed already shared Amelia's...
unique
position in regard to cultivating, spirit Ios, rest assured. Although, I am sorry I did not inform you of that first, my dear." She looks down to me, but I just shake my head and wave her off. Honestly, it would be quite silly if she hadn't spilled the beans by now, especially after the heart demon stuff, I decide.
Ios nods approvingly before she continues in her chirpy voice, "Good deal then. Alright, so as Akiko already basically knows, Amelia's raw, system granted power puts her basically on par with a peak 3rd Realm right now. But her Wisdom stat, which is the one that is responsible for the majority of her control over her soul and healing Sandra as well as just general understanding, is
absurdly
high right now. Akiko and I decided that since she will be needing to learn to fight with and without Luck, as well as it showing improved healing rates for her sister, she should be focusing on that first. If anyone has any other suggestions on it, now's the time to speak up."
Samantha rubs her chin as her eyes crease together before she says out in a thoughtful tone, "I am in agreement that anything to aid her in restoring her soul mate should be the priority, however even with her system tasks and the rewards from them, I am worried about her physical attributes falling behind. Perhaps it would be better to divide the allocation of points? Something like 60% to Wisdom, and then 10% spread amongst her other stats including this Intelligence feature?"
Huh, I guess Akiko really
did
bring them fully up to speed while I was out, didn't she? Sammy girl is out here sounding like
she's
the one with the system! Gerra nods from her position, her pink tail waving behind her lazily as she adds on, "I think that's a right and fair way too. Won't do anyone any good if she can't protect herself down the line from some other beasty or jealous cultivator."
Jun Li simply moves her head up and down a few times, a sneaky tail coming out from behind her to gently pat my head a few times which makes me smile back to her. Akiko considers the proposal for a moment or two before turning to Ios, "I think that would be wise, spirit Ios. Do you agree?"
Ios just smiles back to the group as she replies, "I think that is a fair compromise, and we can always adjust things later down the line if we need to. You good with that Aims?"
I give my own grin of acceptance before a thought pops up into my head. "Sounds like a plan~! Oh! Right, I'm sitting on like, 1,500 spare points while we are talking about this. Should I go ahead and divvy up a grand of them like we just discussed?"
Akiko looks to me with a sparkle of desire and lust as she licks her lips, making me confused and horny before she clears up the change in demeanor, "
Marvelous~.
You are going to be
such
a formidable opponent in no time at all, my dear~. I
cannot wait
to test my strength against yours in earnest!" God freaking Berserkers! She's even getting
me
turned on at the thought of going all out on her again!!
Ios chuckles from the side, her voice interrupting the growing heady weight of lust in the air as she says, "Alright you two, plenty of time for that later~. Go ahead Aims, let's get you sorted and then you can all sit down and enjoy Gerra's feast~!"
My eyes go wide as I look to the cat woman, her dazzling smile of pride lights up the space as she rests her closed fists against her hips, "I was waiting for all of us to be done talking, but your spirit is right~! I got everything all sorted out about a day ago, which just happens to be perfect since it's now a celebration instead of an apology~!" Akiko shoots her a look before Gerra quickly tacks on, "N-not that I won't still be apologizing, of course little bird! But I want to do it properly at the table, if that's alright with you?"
I stand up and give her a hug, my voice coming out delighted at the thought of what amazing food she cooked up for us~. "More than alright hun, and I appreciate it. I can't wait to try every single thing you bring up~!! Alright, let me spend these bad boys and then we can all go stuff our faces~!"
You have used 100 Points on Strength! Strength is now 938!
You have used 100 Points on Dexterity! Dexterity is now 1,100!
You have used 100 Points on Constitution! Constitution is now 988!
You have used 100 Points on Intelligence! Intelligence is now 800!
You have used 600 Points on Wisdom! Wisdom is now 2,200!
Health Pool is now: 20,869 / 20,869
Stamina Pool is now: 43,214 / 43,214
Available Ability Points: 582
Oh yeah,
that's what I'm fucking
talking
about~!

.
!
Finding the Way Home – Ch 67