Greeted

Before the disorientation can fade, you’re grabbed into a big hug. “My Josh, you’re back!”

Maya picks you up off your feet, and you swear she realigns your spine with her hug. Laughing, you hug her back. “Maya, if you squeeze any harder we’re going to need Kali to heal me.”

Maya giggles and sets you down. Still holding each other, you share a thorough kiss. As you part, you look around. “Where is everyone?”

“Rachel said only one person can wait here. I pulled rank!”

You laugh, just as you hear a sound from the portal. Yura steps through, looking around. “Welcome, Yura! You’re lucky, it’s just me and Maya here, so you won’t get overwhelmed. Maya, this is Yura. She is a selkie, a seal girl. Correct, Yura?”

Yura nods. “That’s right. Greetings.”

“Hello Yura! Nice to meet you! Oh, your dress is so pretty, just like you. I love your hair!”

Yura looks down at the garment. “They are traditional. All I have.”

Maya smiles. “Well, we can get you new things to wear if you like. As my Josh said, I’m Maya, I was his first monster girl.”

Yura looks at her. “You are the first?” She curtsies. “Then you are in charge, my lady.”

Maya giggles. “I like her! No, Yura, none of that, we’re all equals here.”

“Equals? I see. And Josh is the head, then.”

Maya shakes her head. “No, we’re ALL equal. My Josh knows better than to treat anyone as lesser.”

You smile. “Indeed, none of the girls would stand for that. We’re family, Yura. We love and protect each other. We will protect you too. Anyone under my roof should feel safe and happy. Now, are you ready to meet the rest?”

Yura is looking down, and mumbling. “Safe. Happy. Family. Love...”

She looks up. “I am ready.”

You nod, smiling at Yura as you put an arm around Maya’s waist. “Come on then. Fair warning, they will be...excited.”

Yura nods, and falls into step beside you as you walk down the hall. You see Rachel standing outside a door. Her face lights up as she sees you. The tall, blonde councilor walks over to you and gives you a hug and a peck on the cheek. Then she steps back, blushing slightly.

“You made it! Wonderful! Your girls are inside here. And this is...?”

You smile, a bit confused by her greeting. “This is Yura. A selkie.”

Rachel smiles at Yura. “Welcome to the new world. I’m Rachel, and I work here at the AWIO. You’re lovely, Yura. You look like you could have come from an Inuit tribe. Josh will need to get you some summer clothes, it’s quite warm here.”

Yura nods. “Maya mentioned that. I thank you for your compliment.”

You smile. “She’s quiet, which is understandable. She’ll get along well with Lynn and Anna, for sure.”

Rachel smiles, nodding. “Well, I’ll let you get back to your girls. We’ll talk later about the other side. You can go home whenever you’re ready.”

With that, she hesitates, then quickly kisses your cheek before walking away. You watch her go, your eyes following the sway of her hips. Maya giggles. “Somebody liiiiiikes youuuu!”

You laugh. “Shush, Maya...”

Maya just laughs, and you chuckle and walk through the door.