MJ Gets an Invitation

Despite knowing she didn't eat enough that morning, MJ was a bit surprised by how hungry she was. While she was sneaking around, Rera got her an small assortment of berries and pieces of meat. As soon as she tried some, she couldn't stop eating until her plate was empty. They tasted so good, MJ couldn't help herself.

Rera, who had been watching her reaction, seemed quite happy about this. “I am glad to see that you liked my selection,” she said.

MJ nodded, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “Yes, I did. Thank you, Rera,” she replied, “and again, I'm sorry for running out on you like that.”

Rera shook her head, saying “It is alright, you are forgiven. Just please do not-”

However, she was interrupted as Princess Koriand'r literally flew in through the curtain door. She seemed awfully excited about something, as she cheered in Tamaranian, lifting both Rera and MJ in the air and hugging them.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” MJ said, “What happened, Kori?”

“A miracle, that is what happened!” Kori said, thankfully setting the both of them down.

MJ raised an eyebrow, asking “What do you mean?”

“It will take a bit of time to explain, so I will have to do so later, but the news has me so relieved, I just had to talk to everyone.”

Kori quickly turned to Rera, and spoke to her in Tamaranian. As she explained, Rera became surprised, then cheerful as she joined Kori in jumping for joy.

Wow, MJ thought to herself, it must really be good news.

Kori turned back to MJ, speaking in English, “MJ, I will explain further, but I was thinking of celebrating the good news with a small party tomorrow. I understand that you have just arrived on our planet, but I would be delighted if you joined us.”

MJ thought about it, and replied, “Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to see how you party on Tamaran.”

“Wonderful, now if you can excuse me,” Kori said as she turned to leave. However, before she could, MJ quickly said, “Wait.”

“Yes?” Kori said.

“Uh, before you go,” MJ said, suddenly feeling nervous, “there's something I wanted to ask you about.” The something in particular was the kiss Kori gave her when they met.

In the very short time since they met, MJ has felt a certain attraction to the alien princess, which confused her when she started to think about it. She was straight, wasn't she? Maybe, if she talks to Kori about it, things might make a bit of sense.

Except, now that Kori is there, looking at her with a small smile and her strange, beautiful eyes on her, MJ was suddenly at a loss for words.

Thankfully, Rera spoke up. “Oh, I believe I know what it is. Earlier, Mary Jane was curious about where the baths were. Perhaps, she could be allowed into the royal baths.”

“But, of course,” Kori replied, “Is there anything else? Do not hesitate to ask.”

That wasn't what she wanted to talk about, but again, she didn't know what to say. She then settled for "No, I'm good, thanks."

With that, Kori left the room to make preparations for tomorrow. MJ sighed, sitting back down on the sofa. Rera looked at her with concern, saying "Is there something wrong?"

MJ was quick to reassure her. "No, no," she said, "just something personal. Nothing to worry about."

"Well, is there anything else I can get you?"

MJ thought about it for a moment, and replied "Actually, I was wondering if there's a way I could learn your language. I know you guys learn to speak with physical contact, but I don't really have that, and I'm pretty sure I can't rely on the princess to speak for me."

Rera nodded, saying "Yes, that is quite the problem. I'll admit, I haven't given too much thought on this subject. But I am sure I could find something in the library that could help. If you'll excuse me, I shall look for something you can use."

"However," she said with a stern tone, "I insist you stay here."

MJ chuckled, replying "Don't worry, I'll be good." With that, Rera bowed and left.

Now that she was alone, she had some time to think about everything that happened to her today: being transported to an alien planet, meeting and being kissed by two hot alien princesses, becoming a royal guest, and oh yeah, the weird space plague that she somehow sucked up with a magic glowing shard.

Speaking of which, MJ took out the shard and inspected it. To her own surprise, the shard had grown in size. Not a whole lot, as she could still hold it between her fingers, but it had definitely grown. she quickly realized the cause of this change: when the shard absorbed the energy from the mass infecting the young man. Could it be repeated somehow, she thought to herself. Maybe, she reasoned, this thing is like a battery, and it used up the last of its charge bringing me here. Maybe if I keep absorbing energy into it, it could take me back home.

Okay, MJ has a clue, hopefully. For now, she'll have to focus on blending in, at least until she can get back to her regular life. Still, there was the matter of her unexpected attraction to Kori. She couldn't help but cringe at herself for not taking the chance to confront her about the kiss.

What is wrong with me?, she thought to herself, why couldn't I just talk to her? I'm straight, for crying out loud! I should have no problem with this kind of thing.

MJ shook her head, trying to get it out of her head. It's something that'll have to wait until later. Now, hopefully, she'll have some studying to do.