Calm and collected

When morning comes, you get yourself cleaned up in the nearby lake, smiling as you remember your encounter with Kaeli here. This time, though, it’s Cassie who is with you. The chameleon girl can’t seem to stop smiling at you and blushing, something very eye catching on a person whose entire body is colored by her emotions. What’s more, she continually touches her stomach and giggles, until you sweep her into a hug and a kiss.

Finally, though, you manage to drag yourself back to the group, spotting Sarah whispering to several of the girls as you approach. When they see you and Cassie coming, they quickly stop talking, but the grins they have say a lot. Meanwhile, Ferra appears by your side, almost as if by magic.

You smile as the golem girl silently takes your hand, and you look around. “We all here? Everyone rested?”

From the smiles you get in return, it seems like everyone had a good evening. “Good. Anyone seen Samus? The sooner we begin, the better.”

As if summoned by his naming, the demigod emerges from the other side of the clearing. In his arms he carries the massive form of the Great One. Unlike the girls, his expression is serious, almost somber, and he lays the stricken god in the middle of the clearing before speaking.

“All is prepared. I moved Victoria to a safe distance. You can find her the way I came from, in case something happens.”

You shake your head. “In case what happens?”

Samus sighs. “Curing my father will be risky. The energy involved is immense, even for me. I will be your buffer, but that means that I will take all the backlash.”

Nadia sighs. “You’re saying this may kill you.”

He nods. “It’s possible. There are many things that could happen. The backlash could kill me. We could cure him, only to find his mind gone. It could even kill him.”

Kaeli shudders, and Melora takes her hand, comfortingly. The technomage speaks quietly. “We have to try. No one should live like that, with a magical parasite destroying who you are.”

Samus looks at her. “Well said. And my father would agree, were he himself.”

You shake your head. “You don’t need to convince anyone. We all agree with you that this needs to be done. Kaeli is right, and you are right.”

Alex sighs. “So much talking, so much drama! Let’s get this done, so we can do fun stuff instead! Like more sex!”

Alex is my favorite, and she has the best ideas. Can I live in her head instead? No offense.

You roll your eyes. “Right. Unless there’s more to say, shall we get started?”

You look around. Despite obvious nervousness, everyone seems ready. Kaeli speaks up. “I will go to Victoria. Come get me when it’s finished?”

Melora kisses her cheek. “Of course. Go watch over your friend.”

The two of them share a look, and you wonder what happened between them last night. A question for another day, perhaps. Melora turns to you and smiles. “Now we’re ready, love.”

You chuckle, turning back to Samus.