|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 6:09 am
Her quiet contemplation didn't go unnoticed by the snake, though he said nothing of it. She had many things on her mind lately after all. And the boy within her was the prime source of her thoughts at the moment. After he was born, after she was rested, after they were settled together they could begin the search for Raven's sister. They could find her and bring her into the fold of their own family as one of them, if she wished it.
"It is beautiful. It's very fitting for one with beauty like yours I find." he remarked almost casually, though there was a smile on his lips. "And I figured you might appreciate somewhere calm. Now is hardly a time to get overexcited. The last thing I want is our son being surprised out of you." he joked, his gentle laugh ringing around the plantlife. He held a palm frond out of her way, the pool just ahead now.
"I promise I'll be fine. Look, it's the perfect time for me to take a swim." He covered his brow with a hand to shade his eyes as he looked skyward. "The hottest part of the day is upon us. I hope the others have found shade. Those who need it anyway. I expect Aya has already retreated somewhere sheltered." He considered. It was good for the ice queen to agree to accompany them even though she knew it would be hard on her. But she also knew how much fun Parvarti would have, and it gave Caine a chance to keep her from her work for a while.
She knew he would not do anything that would potentially endanger himself right now. He knew he needed to be with her at all times, ready to help her should their son get tired of kicking and decide to make his entrance into the world instead. He wouldn't miss it for the world. And he would have to help her through it all. He was constantly on the alert for the ripple of heat and spasm through her that would signal the beginning.
"Come on, let's get wet!" he laughed, drawing her towards the pool carefully and stepping down into it backwards, his hands in hers as he smiled up at her. He was waist height in lukewarm water at this point of the pool. There were steps around the edges to sit on, and the centre of the water grew deep enough to swim in comfortably. A small decorative waterfall trickled into it, keeping the water constantly refreshed. And some of the riper fruit trees hung so far over the water one could just reach up and pick a snack mid swim if it was desired.
--
"What about your thread?" Wavedancer's voice broke the silence between them. There was never an uncomfortable silence between the cousins. They were too familiar with one another's presence. She had spent a lot of time sitting by his side when he was unwell, and even more trying to join in with his meditation. She could never clear her mind though. She wasn't very good at it.
"My thread? What of it?" Golden eyes sought out her blues. She blinked up at him. For once one of his almost perpetually lowered ears pricked up into a less unusual position. She'd never worked out why his ears lay down like that, sort of like a lop-eared rabbit. His ears were very large though and that was all the more obvious when he lifted one. Her question had certainly caught his amused interest.
"Well... do you have one? Do you know where it goes?" She asked curiously.
"I do and... I do." he nodded slowly. "I saw my own thread flash into being too, after all. The first time my other ever looked at me and smiled."
"Aw... wow." Wavedancer gasped, a smile on her lips at the wonder of it all. "What did it feel like? You must've been old enough to remember, right?" She asked, causing the older youth to nod once more.
"It felt... it felt like a thousand thunderstorms inside my heart. It still does. It is a shame others cannot feel it that way too." He sighed, talons smoothing the fur on his chest as he thought about it.
"I think I can. Maybe a hundred thunderstorms. But it will be a thousand by the time I am of age." Wavedancer smiled, pulling her legs up and wrapping her large forepaws around them.
"Yes, yes it will. I can see how powerful the bond is now, and it will be stronger than any by then. You do not have long to wait."
"I've got years until I'm old enough to be able to do anything about it though." Wavedancer complained with a frown.
"Ah, cousin, you're halfway there I would say. You are very mature for your age after all. I dare say you will be an adult long before Boldhunter." Cloudchaser chuckled, nodding to the older female. Wavedancer smiled and looked up at him. She giggled a little and then sighed softly.
"But if the bond gets tighter and tighter, it's going to hurt before I am of age. I don't know if I can cope for so long." She looked down. A large paw resting gently on her shoulder surprised her.
"I coped. You can too." He smiled at her. "Just think how wonderful it will be when you can finally take your lightbonded partner as your other."
She gazed up at him, his reassuring smile eased her. With a little shuffle she nuzzled her way underneath his arm at his side and rested her head against the side of his chest. He relaxed his arm around her and hugged her against his ribs gently. Taking their comfort in one another for now, the cousins watched the others play, their tails wrapping around each other.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 4:03 pm
It would only be right to have Raven's sister brought into the family and Kaori hoped that would be a possibility, yet had her doubts. It was very likely that when they found his sister, he might leave her and the clan all together. A silly notion perhaps on her part, but nevertheless, humans did silly things.
The tigress smiled softly at the complement had she been human at the moment she wold most definitely have blushed. As it was she could at least keep that down a bit despite the thought that she really didn't deserve such kindness. How it ever came to be that she was granted a love like this was beyond her and she thanked the gods silently.
Ever so carefully she stepped down into the water, the cool that surrounded her ankles was an immediate relief and she could feel her energy being used less already. It didn't take long for her to follow him in and wander not so deep that she couldn't touch the bottom. Instead she stayed where she could bed her knees in the water and still touch bottom but have the water level sitting comfortably just below her collarbone level.
"ahhhh..." she sighed deeply in relief. A lot of weight on her had just become suspended in the water taking a lot of pressure off her aching body. Yaone had slithered off into the trees nearby, no doubt in effort to have a humming snack.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Lady Shinigami Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 5:07 pm
Guyy wasn't too concerned about Raven leaving. As far as he knew, he was far too invested in Kaori and now Jack to just walk away from them. What he was worried about was his sister rejecting him. She might not believe Raven at first. She might even have a whole new family she wouldn't want to leave, one that would not be compatible with the clan. On the other hand, what if she developed the same or similar skills as her big brother? She might be frightened. She may be looking for a place like the clan she could retreat to to learn more about herself. Raven could teach her that, and safely within their folds.
Both of them silently thanked various deities for their luck when it came to love. He could not believe a woman like her had any interest in a beast like him. Especially given his history. He had no doubt she had followed the exploits of the murderous Durem Snakeman. For all he knew, perhaps she had been the one collecting the souls he had released. Maybe he had been unknowingly gifting her for years. He knew Durem was on her patch after all. And he'd been doing it for a long time.
He felt her muscles relax as the water helped to support the weight of her round belly and he smiled at her. The water was a great idea. He soft sigh confirmed it for him and he moved closer to her through the pool.
"Feels good? Good." He murmured, reaching up and seeking out any areas that may still be tense with his fingers, hoping to soothe her entirely. "Sometimes I wish I could carry that for you." He laughed softly, nodding to the swell of her. He would have, if he had been able, if just to give her a little peace for a while. His lips found the skin of her neck, treating her to a few soft kisses as he worked. He was tempted to slip behind her and n** at her scruff playfully, just as a reminder that through it all, he still desired her as much as he loved her almost.
Such thoughts would happily wait though. Love always outweighed his lust when it came to her. As such his kisses remained light and comforting for the time being, helping her to relax in the soothingly cool water.
"We'll really do fine, won't we?" He smiled, reassured by her own relative calm about being a parent. Despite the fact they were both new to it, she had her head on straight and would be incredibly natural about it. "Goddess, ah. I love you." He nuzzled against her, pausing his massages to wrap her in a hug instead for a long, comfortable moment. Her belly never stopped him doing that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 5:25 pm
And such a thing as that would only draw Raven away from the clan.. his sisters refusal of him. It could be a source of constant agony for the poor blond, something worse than what he now experienced. That Kaori wished not to see and was the reason for her hesitation to help Raven in the matter. And as for following Durem's famed Snakeman... she'd never tell a soul, those times were for her privately. The tigress would likely never tell him either, but might hint with a smirk here or a half smile there.
"No... no love you don't... but I know how you can make it up to me." she laughed softly. "Changing a few dirty diapers to come." she smiled in amusement and purred as he kissed her in such a wanting desire for her. She'd been afraid of that the most of the whole situation.. that he'd grow fearful of her and leave her or that he'd treat her differently not want her, maybe he'd even try to chase her away..
But none of that happened. "We will be better than fine my love. All I need... is you." she smiled softly as she treasured him with gentle kisses while he hugged her, relieved that he wanted to be with her still, relieved that he still loved and cherished her. "I love you too, my sweet snake. I love you too."
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Lady Shinigami Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 7:10 pm
If Raven left, Guyy knew it would destroy Jack. He'd feel torn between Raven and those he considered his family. And if Raven pushed him away, that would just hurt him. So, whether Guyy liked it or not, he'd found himself involved in Raven's personal situation. And he would do anything that was needed of him, even if it meant hunting her down personally.
He just hoped she hadn't been of a suitable age when he had been marauding. That could be hard to explain.
"Mm. I do! I really do!" he laughed in reply to her, kissing the side of her neck affectionately. "I'm glad I don't have to, but I would if I could. You can keep the birth part though." He smirked, ready to dodge a potential swat for that one. He sighed, mock-wearily and rolled his eyes at the mention of diapers. "Well. I suppose I could do a few. Just until you're back on your feet." He joked. He would do them all, if it made her happy.
Of course, he'd never actually been near a dirty diaper before.
They couldn't be that hard, right?
He certainly desired her. Not once had he stopped desiring her, even as he watched with awe as she seemed to grow a little more every day. In fact, there had been a little while when he had perhaps been a little more physically attentive than usual, right when her bump had started to show. Mostly because every time he'd looked at her he'd been reminded of how that swelling had begun. And ideas were often inspirational. Besides, it wasn't like they had to worry about getting her more pregnant than she already was.
But at least recent weeks had proved he certainly wasn't going anywhere, even if such activities were not really an option any more. He loved her far more than he desired her and he gained a huge amount of pleasure simply by curling up around her in bed while they slept, or letting her use him as a pillow, or cooking her whatever unusual meal she asked for. Nothing was too much for him. She'd been treated to a fair few foot rubs after a hard day or so on her feet, using her illusions to hide her condition from everyone else. Ilia had discovered it, but a simple request had kept her quiet about it. And the little bot had loved getting to curl up with her mother on the sofa and listen to her little brother's heartbeat.
Some things just warmed the snake's heart far more than the midday sun could. Scenes like that were one of them.
"I'm all yours, my fierce tigress. Always." He smiled, nestling her close to him. As close as she could get anyway.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 5:23 am
There wasn't anything more peaceful or calm about this time.. this place. Everything was just so .... perfect. Her lips covered the scars she had placed on his neck a long while back, teasing him as she leaned forward in the water. She purred as he reaffirmed he'd always be there for her, was hers to have, "You are not mine, you belong to yourself only my love, you may be my mate, but I am never your keeper."
Such a thing had a certain 'wrongness' to it, she loved watching him be free, laughing as he played with lightheartedness... it had been more so before he'd been a shinigami leader than now... the responsibility of the clan weighed heavily on his shoulders, she knew. And perhaps.. with having all the kids around, he'd join in and play once again in that carefree manner he'd displayed only years ago.
"Promise me one thing..." she asked of him, "that you'll let yourself play again. As important as being the lead of the clan is... that you'll make time to be yourself as you should be, a priority." she whispered softly her lips pressing to his ear in a gentle kiss.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Lady Shinigami Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 6:03 am
It was a calm and perfect moment. He exhaled softly and closed his eyes, raising his face to the sun as her lips sought out the scars that marked him out as her mate, and hers alone. His fingers raised, brushing over similar scars on her own neck lightly. His fingertips just lightly grazed her skin, though they continued up into her luxurious, though damp, hair. He teased out a couple of tangles carefully.
"Silly demon." He smiled softly, opening his eyes and gazing down at her with obvious love. "Perhaps I am not yours, no more than you are mine. But..." he took her hand and pressed it over his chest. "This belongs only to you, and always will. You have complete ownership of my heart, my love." They smiled at one another and he leaned down, pressing against her as her lips toyed with his ear. He chuckled softly at her words.
"How can I deny you a promise like that love? But you have to promise me the same thing. You have a lot of games to learn you know. And you need to care for yourself too." He laughed quietly, burrowing his face into the crook of her neck and kissing her skin. "Promise me you'll make time to play with me too." he smirked. He knew they'd both be busy, between the clan and the kids they would be run off their feet.
And he loved caring for them, for her. And if that meant following her orders to play, so be it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 8:49 am
Her hand laid upon his chest and with a gentle glow ebbed some of her gift of living energy into him, seeking to warm him as she smiled as though able to see his beating heart. Her gaze lifted to his as she treated him with gentle affection.
The tigress nodded once, "I will take the time to play with you my Lord and love." she smiled happily, "And our children." She'd always considered Ilia more than just a robot child, truly, Kaori had always treated the little one as she would any child of flesh and blood. Adored her entirely.
Time passed as the two lounged in the gorgeous jungle get away and eventually the tigress grew to miss the laughter and play of the kids, and she really did feel better now that she had this opportunity to get a while for a while letting herself get spoiled and pampering her love what little he let her pamper him anyway. The sky was growing to late afternoon.
"Mmm.. should we wander our way back and see what's cooking?" she questioned him softly, although lately she'd been feeding more off of the stored energy Yaone still bore from that night long ago and wasn't eating quite so much, food never really satisfied her hunger but she enjoyed the taste every now and again. She knew he'd be hungry, swimming always made people hungry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Lady Shinigami Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:33 pm
He felt the warmth of her touch on his chest and he tutted a little gently. He hadn't meant for her to expend any energy on him, not when she might need it so much so soon. He met her gaze with a gentle smile, lowering his head to press a kiss between her brows gratefully all the same. He wouldn't be able to have her take it back now after all, and she had done it out of love for him.
She continuously warmed his heart, in a variety of ways.
"I'm glad to hear it." He smiled as she promised to play with him and their children. "I am sure the kids will appreciate it too. Ilia thinks the world of you, you know." he smiled, his words slightly muffled as he rested his lips still on her forehead while he spoke. He pulled away finally only to place the kiss on her lips instead.
And together they lounged, with the occasional spurt of nervous energy from the snake that had him explore the deeper sections of the pool, always to return to her side after a minute or two as if checking up on her. But really he just didn't like being too far away from her for long anyway.
"Mm food?" He smiled, lifting his head from where it had ended up resting on her shoulder. It was getting later, duller. He was starting to cool down a little. It was time for them to get out of the pool. He nodded and kissed her cheek, drawing away from her with a light yawn. He moved to the steps at the edge of the water, a happy and lazy smile on his lips as he held his hands out to her, ready to help her up out of the buoyant water.
"Come my love, let's get you dried off shall we?" He sighed affectionately.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 7:05 pm
"Ilia... " she murmured softly a smile softening her features more so if it were possible. "Milove she is absolutely gorgeous You're are such an excellent craftsman... I don't know what sort of magic it was you found, but she carries a bright soul love. It's hard to get you away from the library where she can hear everything that goes on." The tigress laughed softly. "I wasn't so sure if you really knew but she is no ordinary robot. Not since.." she went a little quiet remembering back.
"..that day that she cried... having been hurt I don't how.... but it goes beyond emotional chips and artificial intelligence."
Ah but the lounging was at an end as he helped her from the pool, "Actually.. I think I'll dry on the way home. It's you I'm concerned -- " her brows knit as she hesitated getting out of the water entirely, the weight being put back on her belly was more than it could bear. "hn!..-ahh.." a wave of pain washed through her and her cheeks went pale before they blushed brightly, she felt heavy fluids being released and rushing out of her, thankfully it was here instead of anywhere else really. She panted lightly.. holding her round belly, with one hand and clutching his with the other.
"I.." her voice wavered... "..my water broke.. Yaone!" she stated a little obviously and called a little louder than she thought for another spasm taking her, and because she'd need the energy now more than ever.
The black predator slipped from the bush with unnatural speed and curled around her shoulders, hanging like a too long necklace and over her belly, glowing between the two. She breathed easier but there was no way she'd make it back on her own. She looked up at her love with worry, he'd know just what to do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Lady Shinigami Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 2:35 am
"Remember, my love, who she was modelled on. Even unintentionally." Guyy laughed, smiling at his beloved's praise of Ilia and his craft. Most amazingly, a large portion of her had to be built while he was completely blind. Yet there she was, real as life and one of the happiest successes in his own, along with finding Kaori and the child growing within her. Yes, they were an unconventional family, but family they were. He found himself adoring the little android more and more each day. She was his daughter, no matter the conditions of her birth.
"Mm. I remember. The satyr." He nodded. He had indeed noticed she was doing things he had never designed her for, but each of those things brought delight to him. She was remarkable, unique. "A soul? Now that I didn't expect. I certainly didn't program one of those in." He said thoughtfully. There was no way of creating a soul he knew of. But perhaps there were ways he didn't know of. Fascinating.
"I'll be fine.." he began to protest. Yet at the same time as the pain washed through her he caught it with his senses. Even relaxed he never once took his focus off her these days. He felt the heat of the muscles contracting and the rush of liquid from her. He turned in shock and moved to support her with swift care. He nodded. "He's on his way. He sure picked his moment though..." Guyy grimaced, helping to lower her back into the water gently. Right now she needed it, as yet another wave of pain washed through her.
Yaone responded swiftly to her mistress, coming to share her vital energy. He gave the snake a glance and a nod of approval, though she hardly needed it. His gaze met his beloved's, catching the worry in her eyes. He'd made the same conclusion, she wouldn't make it back under her own power. He gave her a smile and pressed a kiss to her worried brow.
"I'm here love. I won't leave you. I promise." he said soothingly, vowing to remain by her side.
For the first time he could remember he silently wished Raven was here. Raven could carry her back to the house. On the other hand, for the time being the pressure was off her as she sank into the water. Taking her out now could just bring her more pain. It looked like it was going to be a water birth whether they wanted that or not. But there was a small problem.
"This water is too cold. If he's like me..." he trailed off. They both knew how dangerous it would be to birth a newborn reptile directly into water as cool as this. Guyy considered his options as he settled her down, moving behind her to support her and keeping an eye on her condition. First thing first he had to see what sort of time they had to do something about it. He tracked her contractions with his senses, soothing her gently through them with soft words and light kisses on her skin. He hated seeing her in pain, even for this.
He could call on the help of Farclimber. He could send Ilia back to the house with him to prepare a warm bath, then teleport Kaori directly into it, therefore never forcing her to leave the water. But there was a lot of risk involved. He had no idea how such a procedure would affect the birth, or his son. Too much risk perhaps. He cuddled her and closed his eyes, sending a silent prayer to Gaia. This time he needed her help.
But there was no reply.
Cloudchaser woke from his nap suddenly. Wavedancer was curled against his thigh, dreaming. He parted his lips. The message from Mother was a riddled one, but clear enough. Golden eyes darted around until the locked on the one they sought.
"Ilia, my dear cousin." He extended a paw to her and she trotted over. He took her hand and gave her a serious, soft look. "Your mother needs you now. You can see all, from the sky. Find your father." he urged softly. The little android blinked. Mama needed her? The sky.
She caught on quickly. Satellites. Her bright blue eyes glazed over as she found one and accessed it, using it to scan the area. No doubt somewhere a scientist was confused, but she didn't care. She had to find her parents. There, in the garden! They were hard to spot, but intensive sweeping had picked them up.
"They're in the garden, swimming." She stated, disconnecting and looking down at her cousin curiously.
"Go to her. Go, run. You are faster than any of us. I am coming behind you." He smiled, letting her go and shooing her on her way. With his limp he'd take a little longer. And he had the matter of the cubs to deal with.
Ilia raced off at great speed along the sand, outpacing even the fastest Chimera easily. Cloudchaser woke Wavedancer.
"Cousin, I have a task to do. And so do you. Take your cousins and the humans back to the house, keep them busy with a meal. I cannot watch over you for now and there are adults back there."
"Where are you going?" The sleepy cub yawned, rubbing her eyes. Cloudchaser stood over her.
"To see our aunt and uncle. I trust you." he reached down and ruffled her fur, getting a purr from her. She would do her part. And with that done he set off in Ilia's tracks.
Ilia, on the other hand, had already arrived. She stumbled through the garden to the edge of the pool, staring at her parents with wide eyes. She took in the scene. Daddy was frightened, she could see that. And Mama...
"Mama!" She cried out, jumping into the water and splashing towards her. Something was wrong! She was hurt! Her glass eyes filled with distress at the sight, not yet understanding what was happening.
"Shh honey, shh. It's okay." Guyy said quietly as she draw close. "It's just your brother, he wants to come out now."
"But Mama..." her large eyes darted between her parents in worry and fear.
"It's okay, it's supposed to be like this. What are you doing here?"
"Cloudchaser said you needed me. He said he's coming too." She explained, staring at Kaori as if she wasn't sure whether to cry or hug her. She was a little too nervous to do either. Guyy sent up a silent thanks to Mother Gaia. He hoped she knew what she was doing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 7:06 am
A rustling of leaves and Ilia broke through to the edge of the pool and upon seeing Kaori curled slightly over and brow etched in a pained furrow jumped into the water and came close to them, she straightened a bit testing and waiting to see how long it would be for the next contraction to take place. She may have reduced pain from her gift but not all of it could be entirely removed.
The tigress sent up a silent prayer of thanks for sending help, for watching over them and their soon to be born son. She caught that look on Ilia's young features and knew only she would be able to calm the little robot's fears. If only a little. "Ilia.. do not be afraid.. I need you to be strong honey.. when your brother is born I will be fine again, but I will be tired, listen carefully to your father..."
And of course the last person she wanted to see her like this was Raven. Let him be, them them both just be.
Kaori was relieved that Cloudchaser was on his way, not just because the shaman was so gentle but because his warmth would be needed and his attentive nature would be a treasured gift for both parents and son. She winced in pain, Yaone grew brighter and Kaori couldn't help but curl again slightly as she bore down, yet another contraction that left her panting, the glow of the snake around her shoulders dulled again at the same time that she let out a whimpering groan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Lady Shinigami Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 12:18 pm
Ilia stared at her mother as she spoke to reassure her. That did help, especially when she stood up. Though it didn't last. Another wave of pain had Kaori doubling up, with Guyy reaching out to hold her carefully.
"Easy love. Breathe. Don't push yet. It's too soon. You'll wear yourself out if you do." he murmured in her ear, rubbing his hands down the small of her back as the contraction passed. They were close together, closer than they should have been. There would be no way of getting her back to the house in time.
"Daddy. What should I do?" Ilia's voice piped up softly. Her blue eyes never came off her mother.
"Well, we need to find a way to heat this water up. I guess Cloudchaser will..." before he could finish the little robot was trotting off to the waterfall. "...Honey? Where are you going?"
"Mama needs heat." She said simply, standing directly under the water and getting drenched through. Guyy watched her with confusion. She couldn't...
His heat senses picked something up and his scarlet eyes went wide. He held onto Kaori tightly, not pleased at all.
"Ilia Myurr! You turn on your cooling right now! I mean it!" Guyy told her off. The robot stood and stared at him. She didn't move, and instead of turning her cooling back on she began running her most intensive programs in parallel. Before long Guyy could sense the water flowing over her warming up. But he was worried.
"Ilia! Stop that right now and come over here! I'm warning you! You are so grounded!" He said with exasperation. He couldn't leave Kaori to go and get her.
"No daddy. Mama needs heat. And I can do that." She responded, refusing to move.
"You'll break! Get over here and turn on your cooling!" He growled, worried.
Cloudchaser had made it to the pool. He leaned heavily on his staff and looked at the scene. yes, his aunt would be delivering soon and his uncle was right where he needed to be, supporting her. Rather interestingly was his cousin, defying her father under the waterfalls. He could see that his uncle was concerned and frustrated, feeling torn between his love and his daughter. Cloudchaser leaned on his staff with curiosity. Something was happening here. Something he should witness.
"Ilia I swear you will be put into sleep mode for the rest of this holiday if you do not behave right this instant!" Guyy said, sounding angry. But mostly he was frightened for her. He didn't have the tools to mend her here. And if she fried her brain, he might lose her. Stubbornly, she still refused to move. "She gets that from you, you know." He sighed to Kaori, kissing her skin gently as the pain washed over her.
"Mama will be okay, right?" Ilia said quietly. her voice cracked, not through fear but as the wiring of her vocal system began to warp. Guyy looked at her.
"Ilia. I order you to turn on your cooling right this instant." he said finally. It was his last resort. She was hardwired to never disobey a Senior Shinigami. It was her first line of programming, and he could not change that. He had been able to remove the self sacrifice program and replace it with a self preservation code, which made her actions all the more worrying. But this was something she was forced to obey.
"No." She said.
Guyy stared.
She had broken her own programming.
Up at the edge of the pool Cloudchaser caught the flash and smiled. Perhaps Kaori had seen it too, though she was distracted. The seed planted by the satyr and nurtured by Nette's own talents finally blossomed. She was alive, with her very own soul. He moved to the top of the waterfall.
"Relax cousin, I am here." He said soothingly. The overheating android looked up at him. The Chimera raised his staff and said a prayer to the Mother, driving it into the stone where it sank and stayed. From it sprang a hot spring, brought to the surface by his power. Ilia felt the warmer water wash over her. With a nod she smiled, turned her cooling back on, and sank under the water to cool off and reboot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 3:07 pm
"..ugh..." her voice wavered as he tried to convince her not to push, knowing he was right and at the same time.. her body made demands of her. The pregnancy itself had been much shorter than normal, six months instead of the human standard of nine. Perhaps it made sense that the birthing would be quicker as well. All she knew was that the cool water was growing warmer, much warmer.
"...Ilia.." her tone was one of uncertainty and she swallowed looking up at Guyy as their little one stood under the fall refusing to move..
And she was being gripped tight as her loved ones were being defiant of each other. Cloudchaser had arrived and assessed the situation. Kaori could sense him even if her eyes weren't on him.
Guyy growled at Ilia to turn on her cooling. Kaori hoped she would listen but as it was Ilia refused still, the tigress closed her eyes. "..Ilia. " she worried.
The pale chimera was moving around the pool and upwards of the waterfall. But it was her daughter her eyes fell on, trusting the little one to know the extent of her boundaries at a time like this was the most difficult thing anyone could have asked of her to do at that moment. Guyy kissed her as he stated that personality trait was the same Kaori often displayed.
Her fingers gripped Guyy's arm tightly with worry as Ilia asked if she'd be ok. "Ilia! Stop it!" the tigress now told her following her love's order, and as the little robot refused, Kaori fought to move, fought to take a step forward. "... Ilia! No!" the ground rumbled somewhere above them as a hot spring was raised and warmer water steamed from above them.
The girl she looked up to Cloudchaser, and then back with a nod and sank under the water.
"...Ilia!! Ilia!!" Damn her inability to do anything! She couldn't even waste the energy to heal her because she couldn't heal her. Robotic as she was she had no power over her tissues. "Rrrrrrrrrr.." she growled low and long, "Yaone... please.. bring her to me." There was one thing she could use, the heat that robot was generating at least that was a form of energy she could take and absorb.
Amber orbs blinked at her, the snakes head nodded and she slipped away into the pool, leaving Kaori to glow with her own energy softly, not a moment later past, the surface rippled and a small shoulder bumped against her hand. Quickly she was hip hugged, the little girl's head resting on Kaori's shoulder and Yaone held the little bot close to her mistress, her long body wrapping twice around the pair tightly.
The glowing ebbed quite a bit as Kaori drew in the heat and used less energy of her own for a time and it would slowly return as the robots cooling wasn't so overdriven and was helped to establish balance.
Although the water was still warming around them considerably due to Cloudchaser's hot water spring. In this semi quiet moment shining feline sapphires glistening with blinked back tears, looked up to the pale chimera. "Thank-you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Lady Shinigami Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 1:31 am
"She... she broke programming." He muttered. How? That shouldn't have been possible, especially with both of the seniors urging her to cease and return to them. Fail safes should have kicked in. She should have been unable to refuse. And yet she did.
He had to hold Kaori still gently as she tried to rescue their daughter from her self-inflicted state. He couldn't risk them both being hurt right now. But the fear and worry in her voice pained him as much as being unable to stop Ilia did.
Guyy watched the robot sink beneath the water, thankful she would not at least drown. The warmer water was giving him much needed energy as well as hopefully soothing his love in her time of need and protecting their child from disaster. But still, he was shocked. There was tension in Kaori as she called out, obviously knowing that there was nothing to be done for the little robot now. Her soft growl vibrated in the water. It was fortunate she had the sense to send Yaone to retrieve her instead of attempting to go over there herself once more.
The snake followed orders swiftly, dragging the child back through the water and lifting her. As Kaori caught her and held her close his hand went out to do the same. Both parents supported the tiny android together, her wet-slicked blond hair handing in her eyes as her head lolled against her mother's shoulder limply. Guyy lifted her chin with his fingers and studied her for a moment. Her eyes were unfocussed, but the lens shutters flickered and shrank together in a series of diagnostic tests.
"She's rebooting. There was probably no other way to stop so many programs running safely." He sighed, relieved. He looked down into the worried face of his lover. "She'll wake up soon, and then we'll know if there was any damage done. Rest her here for a moment and concentrate on yourself, keep breathing deeply. There's nothing we can do for now."
He pressed a kiss to Kaori's temple reassuringly, resisting the urge to do the same for his foolishly brave daughter. She wouldn't feel it just now. Instead he hooked the arm supporting the tigress around her swollen stomach and rested his palm at her widest point. He could sense her without touching, but he needed to know everything. He needed the personal contact to make sure everything was as it should be. A silent moment and he exhaled the breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding.
"You're close. Keep breathing for now though love, I know you want to push. Just a little while now and it'll be safe." He cooed into her ear softly. She was almost ready for the hard part and he worried about her. Despite the energy Yaone fed her and the additional boost from Ilia, childbirth was complicated and dangerous.
Cloudchaser sank to the rock beneath him in the familiar meditation pose, giving them a soft nod in reply to Kaori's gratitude. Golden eyes closed, keeping tabs on them all while concentrating on drawing the heated water up through the earth to assist them. He would do all he could for them.
"M.. M..." A soft noise broke the air. "...Mama?"
Her voice wasn't quite right, but it was clear enough to be understood. Crackling with a little static Ilia spoke and raised her head slowly and carefully, taking a few minutes to fully come back online. The biological equivalent would be fainting, and just like someone who had just come around she was a little disorientated and confused. She blinked her blue eyes and glanced around, trying to remember why she was here and what was going on. She gasped and turned her head sharply to look up at Kaori as the information flooded back.
"Mama!" She cried out in concern, hugging close to her, just in time to feel the ripple of another contraction. It startled her and she let go, worried she'd caused it.
"Ilia! Thank goodness. You scared me young lady, and you scared your mother too! You're getting a big telling off later for disobeying!" Guyy chastised as he laced his fingers into Kaori's hand, letting her grip him as tightly as she needed. He winced a little. And though he sounded angry, it was relief that made him chide her. She hung her head and muttered an apology.
"No, it's okay. You can still help. If you're a good girl then I'll forget that I said you were grounded. How are you functioning?" He asked, cuddling Kaori gently. Ilia smiled and looked up at him.
"Minor faults... I have a sore throat." She lifted small fingers to her neck, voice crackling as she spoke. Guyy nodded.
"Okay honey, I need you to do something very important for Mama. I need you to follow this path back to the gazebo and go a little way past it. There's a hut there. Bring me all the blankets, towels and sheets you can find there and lay them out at the side of the pool. And then I'm going to need you to come here and hold your Mama's hand while I help your brother, okay?"
Ilia nodded and grinned, happy to have a task to do. She carefully got to her feet, wobbling a little as her balancing system corrected her. Once she was sure she was steady on her feet she raced off in the direction her Daddy had pointed her in. It took her only moments to find the shack and she immediately set to hunting out every item Guyy had requested. She skipped back with an armful and started spreading them out as he'd asked. Judging by what she found, the gardener often slept on that tiny sofa. Just what they would need later.
Guyy knew Kaori and the baby would need to rest after the birth before they even thought about attempting to get them back to the house. And they couldn't rest in the pool for too long. The blankets would dry and warm them, and he could get them up to the suspended bed in the gazebo himself. He smiled at the android.
"Good girl! Come here now." He laughed, delighted at how well she'd done. He showed her how to support Kaori in the water, knowing she was strong and gentle enough to care for her right now. And her hand could be as tightly squeezed as the tigress needed to without risk of damage or even pain. Ilia was smart enough to turn that off for now.
Guyy himself moved around to face his beloved, giving her an affectionate smile and a light touch to her thigh as he got a better look at what was going on.
"Apologies my love, I know it's hardly dignified..." He said softly as he put all his careful studies to best use. "Keep breathing. Just a couple of contractions more before you're ready I think. It'll be over soon. You're doing perfectly." He told her, stroking her skin lovingly and crooning with as much confident assurance as he could.
Which was amazing because he was smegging terrified.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
