Meeting a Mantis Girl

You entered the AWIO arrival center around noon. You walked into the main entrance not sure exactly the plan yet. Lisbeth and Morgana had helped you pick out a nice suit to wear and helped style your hair. The suit was dark black with a wine-colored dress shirt. It fit you well considering it was something you had worn a few years ago to a family event. It hadn’t fit right the last time you wore it, but you had definitely shed some weight recently. You had noticed your body had been changing. You looked leaner, and your muscles had become more well defined. When you brought it up with Morgana, she simply waved off your concerns saying you shouldn’t worry about it.

You were on a mission today to get Lexi back in line. You understood her feelings, but she was throwing a tantrum. That meant ‘Daddy’ needed to pay the cheeky devil a visit and set her straight. Today was going to be a bit performative, but you were ready to play the role you needed to to get Lexi’s cooperation. For that, you had asked Morgana to give you full access to your powers.

You walked straight up to the receptionist while trying to mimic Morgana’s cool confidence. It wasn’t the dark-skinned elf from before, but an altogether different monster girl.

At the desk was a beautiful young woman wearing a green kimono covered in white blossoms. Her hair was jet black with green tips that was tied up in an intricate style. Her eyes were red, and she wore a pair of dark-framed glasses. She had two prominent antennas on her head. Her hands were not visible due to the long sleeves of her outfit, and she gave off a distinctly serious vibe. Her affect was flat, but she was definitely attractive in a strict librarian sort of way.

“Good afternoon, miss.” You leaned over the counter, introducing yourself to the woman. “My name is James Holt, and I need to see Lexi in HR.”

The insect woman looked at you with the same flat expression. “Do you have an appointment?” Her stare was intense, and her voice was soothing but devoid of inflection.

“No, I don’t but–” She cut you off.

“Then you’ll need to make an appointment. Thank you for your time, sir.” Like that she blew you off and went back to looking at the computer screen.

“Wait. You don’t understand. I’m her nephew. I need to talk to her about some family matters.”

“Business hours end at 6pm. You are welcome to address personal matters with employees after business hours are over, preferably at your own domicile.”

Again, she blew you off and returned to the computer. Her attitude was starting to piss you off. You didn’t have time to deal with snotty receptionists. As your frustration built, you decided to see if you could influence her with your charm magic. Reaching out, you focused your power on the woman.

“I don’t have time to waste here. Can’t you let me slide this time so I can go talk to my aunt? It’s really important.” You tried your best to be as appealing as possible.

“Regulations and protocols clearly state you must have an appointment to go beyond this point. No appointment, no entry.” Again, her face never changed. She didn’t seem affected by charm at all.

“But Miss–” She cut you off by calling out.

“Security. We have an issue here.” From around the corner you heard the growling of some animal heading your way.

There, in all her fury, was Cerena stomping her way around to see you there. Her body was tense until she met your gaze.

“Jim…of course it’s you causing problems!” She looked confused as waves of different emotions appeared to hit her.

“Cerena, thank god.” You walked up and held her hand. Her whole body twitched as her tail tucked under her. “Look, I’m trying to go and talk to my Aunt Lexi about something important regarding my sponsorship, but the receptionist won’t let me through without an appointment. I know you don’t owe me anything, but can you please help me out?” You redirected your magic towards the security guard for a bit of added persuasion.

Cerena looked distracted for a few moments before trying to collect herself. “Why should I help you? Kiri over there is doing her job. You probably bothered her by making a fuss.”

“She didn’t seem to even care that I existed even when I tried explaining things to her.”

“Do you not know anything? You dumb bastard. Kiri is a mantis girl.” Cerena looked absolutely annoyed.

“What does that have to do with anything?” You asked, not understanding exactly what her point was.

“Seriously? Did you not know?” Cerena sighed and put her hands on her hips. “Insect girls are a bit different than the others. They don’t always understand or express emotions well. Socially, they’re pretty awkward too unless they are a species used to living in colonies. They’re also super shy because most humans are put off by insects and arachnids. She may not look like it, but if she called for security, you probably really scared her. Just because she’s not good at showing how she feels, doesn’t mean she doesn’t have feelings.”

You looked back at the insect girl who had already returned to her work. She really didn’t look bothered, but looking closely you caught her making a quick glance in your direction. It was subtle, but you saw a hint of worry. Crap, you really had bothered her.

“Okay, I feel awful now. I just really need to see Lexi. Please, Cerena. Can you do me a solid? I’ll owe you.” You made a praying gesture and sent some of your magic in her direction for good measure. Cerena’s skin was dark, but you could see hints of her getting flushed.

“Ugh. Fine, you bastard. I’ll help you this one time.” Without thinking, you quickly moved in and hugged Cerena tightly.

“Thank you! You’re amazing!” Cerena grew stiff as a board with her body pressed into yours. You swore you heard her taking a deep whiff of your smell.

“L-let m-me g-go, y-you f-fucker.” She said in a frail sounding voice.

“Ah. Sorry. You just made me really happy, and I couldn’t control myself. Can we go now?”

Cerena walked over to the front again with you closely behind her. “Hey Kiri. Jim is an employee here and the nephew of Ms. Lexi. I know he doesn’t have an official appointment, but I’m going to walk him up. Don’t worry. If anyone says anything, I’ll take the heat.”

Kiri looked at Cerena and then you before looking back to the screen. “I understand. Go ahead.”

Cerena began walking, but you stopped next to the desk.

“Ms. Kiri, I’m sorry if I caused any problems for you. If you ever need anything, let me know. I work over in the warehouse most days.”

“Understood.” She said with the same flat tone. She never even looked your way.

“Okay then. It was nice meeting you. See you around!” You then followed Cerena to the elevators.