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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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 Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 7:49 pm
Larissa nodded and followed Garnet's lead, doing all the stretches as best as she could.
Poff stretched her body with some catlike movements, graceful and elegant but they worked just as well. That's really just how cats were.
The crystal witch followed the dragon girl to the rack of weapons and looked at them a bit cautiously. "These look heavy" she said, with a bit of a pout.
But then she spotted one that looked kind of pretty and swirly, even though it was made of wood. She brightened a little. "Okay I'll choose this one" she said picking it out with some difficulty, nearly dropping it and almost falling over before regaining her balance. "Yeah, this one looks pretty" she said with a bit of a pant, looking to Garnet for approval.
Wooden Stave
Poff meanwhile finished stretching and then ran sleekly around the track. Now, cats weren't made for long distance running around a track, so this would be rather tricky for her. She tried to keep up with the other two familiars but her pace soon began to slow as she panted from her open mouth. She would do better with some verbal encouragement or maybe short spurts of activity rather than long runs.
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Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 3:58 pm
 She picked a staff from the rack; it was more embellished then the others, and I suppose it being pretty was just as much of a reason to pick a weapon as any. I started fencing because I liked how Rapiers looked, after all.
"Well." I said as I watched her stumble. "If it's too heavy, you won't get much sparring done. Come."
I gestured to her to follow e over to the gym equipment. I started to explain how the majority of them worked; this little rod stuck in the stack of weights dictates how much you're lifting. You want to push yourself but not hurt yourself, so test the bars a little to check how heavy it is. One you have a weight set, pull the bar a certain number of times to do a rep. Complete a rep, rest a minute, do another rep. Go slow, maintain your posture while doing the exercises.
I explained it all as carefully and thoroughly as I could so that she could use the equipment properly. Each piece even had instructions on it for how to pull the bars or push on plates, even showing what muscle groups are worked.
I sat nearby as I had lead her to a machine that had two handles over a seat; she was to pick a weight and then sit down, pulling towards her to work some of her upper body and arm muscles.
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 11:41 pm
((No it was a stave. I looked up staves on Google. Unless stave and staff mean the same thing, then okay XD))
Larissa just stumbled due to not being used to the size and weight of any weapon other than a small, light wand. She soon regained her balance and stood feet apart, squaring her shoulders and straightening her back. That made it easier to hold the stave/staff.
"No, no, I'm okay. I got it, see?" she replied, showing Garnet she could hold it. "I just need to practice"
She then put it aside and followed Garnet to the gym machines. She listened and nodded, looked them over and saw how they worked. She then sat on the one Garnet indicated, put it on a lighter weight setting and started doing reps on it.
She took a break, then did some more, enough to break a light sweat and feel the strain/burn in her arm muscles. “Okay, I’ve done three sets of reps on this one” she said, “How about I try another one?”
She tried out several different machines until eventually she had muscle aches all over her body and was a bit more sweaty and out of breath. She looked around for a water cooler and found it, getting a drink. She found towels too and wiped off her sweat and the machines. “Kay, so, are we done?” she asked hopefully, thinking they were probably not done but having some wishful thinking.
Poff was doing short bursts of activity with Sapphire and Gossamer. Cats were no good at long distance running. It wasn’t what they were built for.
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 12:20 am
"Nope!" I said as she asked if we were done. I had refrained from working out myself, as to not make Larissa feel inadequate. "Now for cardio!" I said, leading her over to the pool. I sat down and looked at her.
"Pool or the track. Do some laps for roughly 5 minutes." I said, watching her expectantly.
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 12:41 am
Larissa wanted to whine about having to do MORE exercise but she held her tongue and strengthened her resolve to complete the training. She didn't want demons to kill her or anyone she cared about so this was the only alternative.
'Suck it up, Larissa!'she thought to herself. 'There's no other way' She watched Garnet sit down but didn't seem too bothered by it. Garnet always got in a run every day and some other exercise. So it's not like she was making Larissa do all the work on her own.
She hesitated, chewing her lip and looking from the track to the pool and back. Wavering, she eventually made a decision "I'll try the pool. I've been sweating so the powder I put on my thighs to stop them chafing has probably worn off a bit. Even though I'm not good at swimming laps, I'll do it"
She got changed into her swimsuit, feeling a little cleaner in fresh clothing and also a bit cool. She walked into the pool which felt just the right temperature; not too warm, not too cold. Larissa decided to do freestyle, asking Garnet how many laps to do before getting started.
She clumsily swam back and forth in the pool, taking frequent breaths and occasionally spluttering from inhaled water. When the laps were over, she swam to the steps of the pool and relaxed on them a bit, leaning against the top step while puffing and panting. "That was okay. What do I use that wooden stave for?" the one she picked out earlier. She supposed she would have to practice combat moves. How long would it take to get good enough to be able to properly defend or attack with that thing? Didn't people usually train for years before they got proficient?
Poff was practicing her magic with the other familiars.
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 1:21 am
I watched her swim, ready to dive in to get her if she needed it. But she managed to swim for the amount of laps I told her; I smiled when she got out of the pool.
I tilted my head. She asked about the stave she had picked out, and I smiled. "Let's see then." I said. I got up and headed for the same rack, picking out a wooden short-sword, and I gestured for her to pick up her stave.
Sparring practice." I said. "Try to defend yourself with it."
I lead her over to the sparring mats, and I directed her to stand on one. It was two large squares, one inside the other; the inside square was blue, the outside, red.
Stand on the edge of the blue square." I said.
When she did so, a shadow specter seemed to ooze out of the floor in-front of her, and formed holding a similar staff as to the one she had.
"Bow when ready, and you will spar the shadow." I said.
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 1:41 am
She was still dripping wet as she got out of the pool so she took a moment to grab a towel and dry herself off. That was better, even though her hair was still pretty damp and dripping occasionally. The swimsuit was a good one, clearly, since it was able to contain her ample breasts with ease but also stopped them bouncing around too much. Her belly was pretty obvious though, but it looked cute.
She padded over onto the mats once she picked up her staff/stave, whatever the heck it was called. "Okay" Larissa replied to Garnet, a little nervous but starting to feel good from the exercise. She stood on the edge of the blue square just like Garnet said, but then "Waaah!! What the heck?!" Larissa leaped backwards when a shadow spectre oozed out of the floor in front of her. She looked at Garnet with her hand on her heart, panting a little from the huge fright she just got. "Geez, warn me before you do that next time! I nearly jumped out of my skin" she gasped, eying the spectre dubiously. She didn't trust it.
"Bow...okay" Larissa stepped back into the blue square a bit nervous and bowed to the spectre. It came at her with different swings, but slow enough for her to watch, and react. This was training, not a full on battle. She countered the attacks as best she could but still got hit many times, as part of the process of learning. Larissa started to get better towards the end of their last match, blocking all the incoming hits although not being able to land one on the shadow dummy.
Over the other side of the room, Poff was using her magic on shadow rats and mice. She learned a new attack; claw scratch flurry. But she wasn't very good at it yet and kept losing concentration, missing, or having a weak attack.
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 2:07 am
A couple weeks later found us heading into the ice skating rink. I was growing taller now... well no. Taller is the wrong word, a mere side effect of what was happening. I'm getting longer. I'm fairly certain I'm going to be stuck on all fours soon, which is why my legs seem to be getting stocker and my arms longer and leaner. My tail was as long as the rest of me already!
I hope when I'm on the rink people have the sense to vacate-- otherwise I may end up accidentally smacking them with my tail.
As we walked I turned and smiled at Larissa. I was still training her, still pushing her to push herself to become stronger. I gave her a little more to reach for each day; another 10 pounds on the machines here, another minute in the pool and smoother, faster swimming, block more hits from the shadow specter.
Poff was getting stronger too. Sapphire and Gossamer kept her far active then before, and were focusing on amping up her natural abilities for the moment. Eventually they will start teaching her spells, but that was being saved for later.
The rink though... it was glorious. It was only open during the winter, but was the size of a hockey rink. And it was just for ice skaters. People were already on the ice-- groups holding hands to keep their balance, or single people here and there weaving patterns on the ice.
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 2:31 am
Larissa was looking a bit more toned than she had since the beginning, although she still maintained her soft, maternal figure. She was fitter than before too, so while going up the stairs to her Defense classes, she wasn't as out of breath. She had started getting Aria to drop her at different points on the stair case, so she could try climbing one level, then two, then three and finally, four.
She didn't really enjoy being pushed but the way Garnet did it, made it a lot more easy than trying to do everything at once. A little increase here or there incorporated into the routine was much more bearable. Her swimming was a bit better, since doing it every day for several weeks, she wasn't going to win contests though.
Snow Poff was doing really well with her training too. Her Claw Scratch Flurry spell was getting more accurate and stronger as she practiced it. She was eating more due to the increased exercise but she maintained a sleeker figure, not as soft and slightly overfed as before. Poff chased prey, practiced stalking, dodged attacks and that sort of thing. Both girls studied magical theory as well. They often sat and read together on the computer or a book.
Everything around them turned festive if it hadn't already been before. There were Christmas decorations and events everywhere. The outdoor ice skating rink was one such attraction in town that lured many college students. Garnet and Larissa went together on a date. Larissa had skated before, but never in a rink this big and it had been a while since she did it. She was therefore a bit wobbly on the ice but was able to skate around here and there without any twirls or tricks. She skated alongside Garnet, or else just watched while Garnet carved patterns with the other more skilled skaters.
"This is so fun!" she giggled, holding Garnet's hand at one point as they skated together side by side. The cold air made her cheeks flushed and her eyes were shining bright lettuce green. She was wearing a fluffy pale pink winter dress (like, super fluffy) that came to thigh length, and thicker white leggings along with a pink fluffy hair tie and her special hair clip on that. "It's a shame we haven't been able to see the Christmas lights yet. I bet there are some really good ones. Some people go all out for this kind of thing. Especially people with light magic". Her jingle bell earrings tinkled softly as she moved. Poff had opted out of skating, finding the ice far too cold for her paws. She was in the nearby coffee shop reading magazines instead.
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 2:52 am
I was smiling as Larissa was enjoying herself. Sapphire and Gossamer were above us, flying in swooping patterns around us as we skated. I had to hod my hand down far for Larissa, but thankfully I didn't have to hunch over to let her hold my hand. Claw. It was looking more claw-like lately so I was getting more and more careful.
I was appreciative of Larissa's figure, and I'm sure she's noticed me gazing at her. She looked bright, almost glowing now as we skated across the ice with her eyes lit up and cheeks rosy from the cold.
"We can go look at the lights on Saturday, maybe." I said, as I pushed slowly with my legs so that Larissa can keep up. I wanted to do the skating today because I'm worried I'll drop to all fours and stay like that any day now. Though, if I play my cards right... being a full dragon might make the lights more romantic.
I gently shifted my weight and lead her around another skating couple. I had a ring for her, but... would Larissa still love a dragon? I wondered. I know I'm attractive as a half-dragon, but the scales have consumed all but my face and that will likely be covered with scales too... I'm not going to be human anymore. I haven't been human for a while. It was a strange thought; tantalizing, yet frightening at the same time.
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 3:04 am
Larissa was also being careful of Garnet's claws. She didn't want her to feel bad if she accidentally nicked herself on the sharp talons. Plus she was a bit squeamish around blood herself. She was also appreciative of Garnet's figure, although it was changing pretty fast now. She admired her beautiful scales and her shapely and toned body. Especially the long tapered tail, that was nice. It was fun to watch it move around or to play with the end of it. Garnet's emerald eyes looked pretty with her purple scales.
"Okay that's fine with me. Saturday's this weekend. I don't think I'm doing anything else that day" she agreed. She tried to speed up a little so she wouldn't slow Garnet down too much. She glanced at Garnet "Are you going to be all right though? You look like you'll become full dragon any day. I hope it's not painful for you" she said, her words filled with care as she gave Garnet's hand a squeeze. "I didn't expect you to become a dragon so fast. But that's okay. I like dragons. Well, this dragon anyway" she smiled at her. They went around another pair of skaters and wove in between the groups and singles skating around.
"What do you think you'll do if you stay like that permanently? A dragon, I mean?" Larissa asked. "I wouldn't leave you but it'd make some things challenging for us" she thought out loud.
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 3:15 am
I thrummed when she said Saturday would be good. Saturday night.... SAturday night would be perfect. The forecast said clear skies and possibility of Aurora.
But she was wondering too. I felt her speed up to try to keep pace with me and my long legs, and the question...
"It's not painful, no, but... I don't know." I said, after a moment of thinking. I didn't need Larissa to know the ache of waking up to my jaw shape changing, or the pain of new muscles rearranging. I've been careful to keep the pain under wraps. I glanced at her, before looking forward to make sure I was looking where I was going. "I likely should see my doctor when the transformation finishes. But I guess I'll adapt and continue on, if there's no way of turning me back."
Though, she said she wouldn't leave me. I gave an inward sigh of relief and allowed my smile to get a little wider. My Larissa.
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 9:28 pm
She kept shooting glances at Garnet, in between watching where she was skating and looking out for people in the way. Garnet said the transformation didn't hurt, which made her feel relieved. It looked like it would be painful slowly changing from one body type to another but if Garnet said it wasn't then she'd give her the benefit of the doubt. She trusted Garnet to be honest with her, and not keep secrets. And she had no reason to suspect she might be lying or hiding something.
"Oh, that's good then. I'm really glad it's not hurting you. And yeah, seeing the doctor sounds like a good idea. Just to make sure everything transformed smoothly and everything. It's a big transition to make from humanoid to full on beast" she said. "But at least you'll still have your human mind. Or at least I hope so. I'd miss being able to talk to you otherwise".
She kept skating, smiling as she watched other skaters on the ice. Looking down, she saw the claw marks Garnet's feet were leaving. Different patterns than everyone else on skates. She kept talking as they skated around. "Even if you can't transform back, I'll stay with you. I wouldn't leave just because you changed shape. I mean, I'm comfortable with the idea of being with you for the rest of my life. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather be with. And even if it makes some things difficult, we'll find ways to work around things. Where there's a will, there's a way. Or that's what my mum always says"
She nearly skated into someone who skated a little too close. She managed to avoid them but nearly fell over. Larissa stumbled and flailed on her skates, grabbing Garnet's arm to help her regain balance. "Sorry! They surprised me" she laughed, giggling helplessly at her clumsy moment as she struggled to regain her balance on the ice. At least if she fell over her fluffy dress and leggings would protect her bum a bit from the cold wetness.
"Heyy! Garnet! Larissa! I didn't know you guys were here" A skater sleekly slid up to them and smiled, her familiar on her shoulder. She seemed to be a skilled skater and looked like she was having fun. It was Mia, with Crash on her shoulder. "The ice is great isn't it? Crash isn't so keen on it, even though I bought him some bunny skates. He doesn't like the idea of all the sharp skates near ground level where he can get stepped on"
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Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 9:42 pm
Larissa had been getting a little better with her balance, but apparently her reflexes hadn't started taking hold in everyday life. I saw out of the corner of my eye her try to a swerve to avoid another skater. She grabbed my arm, and I came to a stop to give her time to balance.
She had given me a bit of a yank, which in an of itself hadn't been that hard. But gods, now a spike of pain was shooting up and down my spine. I could feel pops all the way up and down my spine-- and I put in the effort to stay upright as long as Larissa needed to regain her footing. When that was done I dropped to all fours, sliding a little... Gossamer and Sapphire immediately landing on my head, nuzzling into what had become a thick crimson mane.
"Nice to see you, Mia." I said, trying hard to have a normal tone in my voice. "Don't mind me. Need to stretch a lil."I said, arching my back as I tried to stretch and soothe the pain from that most recent transformation.
I looked down at myself, at my clawed hands and hind legs... Well, there goes standing upright.
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 10:13 pm
Her balance was a lot better than it used to be, although skating on ice was different than being on solid ground, or the training mats in the gym. She hadn't been ice skating for several years either, and she only used to visit the ice rink as a child or young teen during the school winter holidays. So she was a bit rusty and her balance wasn't as good.
Larissa hadn't meant to pull on Garnet so much. Thinking the stronger and fitter dragon girl would be able to handle her weight until she regained her footing, which she did quickly. She let go of Garnet's arm when she saw she was having some difficulty. Garnet's expression was a bit strained and it looked like she was fighting to stay upright.
"Garnet, are you okay? Did I hurt you? I'm sorry!" she apologised, wondering what was wrong. Garnet's spine let out a series of quiet popping sounds and Larissa winced in sympathy
"Oh my gosh, that sounds like it hurts! Are you okay?" She watched Garnet fall onto all fours, looking concerned as the dragon slid on the ice a bit.
Larissa crouched and bent down a bit as she reached out to pet the dragon's shoulder/flank soothingly. As though that would help. Gossamer and Sapphire landed on her head. People were swerving out of the way of the dragon now, leaving a wide circle around them. Garnet spoke to Mia and Larissa watched her arch her back almost stiffly.
"Well that was one hell of a stretch!" Mia bent down a bit too, one hand on her knee as she pet Garnet's red mane. "Wow, you're like, full dragon, now! You can tough it out!" she said, trying to give Garnet some encouragement. "You look awesome though, seriously" she gave her a thumbs up. And Crash wiggled his ears as he looked at her, as if in approval.
"Do you want to get off the ice?" Larissa asked her, full of concern. "I don't want to force you off but there's some people coming over here and it looks like they're gonna kick us out"
Indeed it looked like the people who were in charge of running the skating rink were coming over to them. A uniformed man with the ice rink's logo on his shirt stepped up to the group and looked at Garnet "Sorry guys but there's no magical creatures allowed on the ice while humans are still on it. That includes dragons"
"She's only a small dragon. And she's friendly" Mia explained. "Her transformation just finished into full dragon so it's not like we're breaking the rules on purpose"
"Sorry, but she has to leave. It's a disruption to other skaters. I don't make the rules, just enforce 'em. I'll give you ten minutes to get off the rink, or for her to change back into a humanoid form. Otherwise, you'll have to find somewhere else to skate, sorry"
Larissa looked at him "That's okay. I think Garnet's in pain anyway. Come on, let's get off. We can go play in the snow or something. Maybe it'll be like an ice pack on your body if you roll in it" she said to Garnet.
Mia helped the two. "Garnet, how are you supposed to attend classes like that?" she asked "Are you still gonna live at the school dorms or are you going home?"
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