Emotion understood

It’s not often that Uzume suggests that fighting isn’t the right thing to do, so you know exactly what she means. You and Ferra head back inside, and when you lead her back to your room, she looks at you curiously. “Nicholas, what are we doing now? Was the fight to your satisfaction?”

You chuckle. “You’re an amazing fighter, Ferra. And I’m already very fond of you.”

That small smile returns to her face. “I feel…nice, when you say that. Here.”

She touches her chest. “And it makes me want to…to hold you, to touch you.”

You smile, and gently caress her cheek, while you look into her eyes. You marvel at the connection you have with her already, in less than a day. And then, it clicks. Ferra was created for you. As a guardian, and a companion. Her personality, her emotions, they’re being shaped by you. You give her tender care, and she gives it back. Not exactly a mirror, but definitely a reflection.

You smile at her, and she leans against your chest, hugging you. “Nicholas, when Kali and Clarissa told me of you, told me I was to be your companion, I accepted that, be it burden or joy. I exist to serve you. And yet, you have immediately shown me tenderness. Compassion. I thank you for that.”

You shake your head as you gently stroke her short red hair. “I want you to be with me because you want to, not because you’re compelled to.”

Ferra looks back up at you, and you’re surprised by a tear running down her cheek. You brush it away with your fingertip and look at her. “How is it you can cry?”

She gives you the small smile that you’re coming to recognize as something she shares with you alone. “Sadie. She…gifted me with emotions, and desire. It’s why I have tears, and saliva, and why…why I can be wet.”

You chuckle to yourself. “Well, I hope you only cry for happiness, Ferra.”

She hugs you tighter. “I’m coming to think that may be my future. Sadie gifted me with knowledge, as well. Knowledge I would like to share.”

You smile. “Oh?”

Ferra nods. “I want to make you feel like I did earlier.”

She looks over to the bed, then back to you.