In the near future, Earth has to be evacuated.
Most humans accept the offer of friendly aliens to be digitalized and remade once a suitable new planet is found for humanity.
They arrive on New Terra.
A planet based on Earth, but with ten times the surface area of Earth.
Mankind has to start over and all that remains of old Earth are the digital archives the aliens brought over for them.
With ten times the size, mankind fractured into new enclaves.
Most governments failed to reestablish into their old form.
Since most deeply religious humans refuse to be evacuated, traditional religions fell away.
They give way to new kinds of religion. Based on the pop culture of Old Earth.
To make matters even more complicated, there is magic.
Or what scientists describe as intuitive manipulation of a quantum field.
Their lack of understanding leaves this phenomenon truly arcane.
300 years have passed and New Terra settled down.
However, in this strange new and twisted word, there are plenty stories to be told.
Scott flinched as porcelain scattered behind him. He took a quick step to stand in front of Mollie. Just in case her mother threw another mug.
"You!" Mollie's mother pointed at him as if Scott was the devil incarnate. "You poisoned her! With this nonsense." She lifted up the digital tablet that had escalated the situation. "Technology!" She spat out that word as if it was filth. Then she glared past Scott to her daughter. "Didn't we teach you better? We only use nature or magic!"
Scott could feel Mollie's hands cling to his back. Digging her fingers into his pullover as if her life depended on it. He knew she was frightened, but still, she fought back. "Magic is technology. It is a manipulative quantum field that-"
"Enough!" Mollie's mother threw the digital tablet on the floor. It shattered into a thousand pieces. "I don't want to hear another word. To your room!"
Scott's view shifted. He was outside of Mollie's house. A hastily packed bag landed beside him in the grass. "Be careful!" he urged his girlfriend who tried not to lose her balance or grip on the roof tiles slick with morning dew.
Worried, he saw Mollie make her way to the edge and then climb down the trellis that was part of the porch. As soon as her feet hit the ground, Scott rushed to her. Drawing her into an embrace and kissing her deeply.
"Are we really doing this?" Mollie whispered as they broke for air.
"If you let me, I will take you far away," Scott promised.
Mollie took a last glance back at her parent's house. "I never want to return here."
Scott offered his hand and as she took it, both ran towards freedom. Hardly any time at all passed before they were in the middle of a forest. Pushing through some underbrush, they arrived at an old dirt road.
"Is this it?" Mollie asked while pointing at an automobile barely in sight. She sounded excited. Eagerly pulling him closer.
"It's not much," Scott remarked as they arrived at the van a few seconds later. "But it should run just fine. By tomorrow, we will be far away."
"Let's go." Mollie urged him. "Come on, Scott."
"One last thing before we leave forever." He fell on one of his knees. Pulling out a ring with a small gemstone inlet I to the band. "Mollie, will you marry me?"
"Yes. Yes, I do." He slipped the ring on her finger and Mollie looked so happy as she looked at it. "It's beautiful. Where did you get it?"
Before Scott could answer, he was blinded by a bright light. It was enough to wake him up. However, the sight that greeted him was just as beautiful. Mollie was close to him and still soundly asleep. He scooted a little closer to escape the ray of sunshine that had woken him. Then, he gently brushed a strand of hazelnut hair out of Mollie's face. Every time he looked at her, he felt like the luckiest guy in the world all over again.
For a moment, Scott's thoughts returned to his dream. It was an amalgamation of his memories. He hadn't been there that last evening when Mollie's parents had found the digital tablet he had sourced for her. But he had witnessed the tantrums often enough that his mind could reconstruct the scene.
He had been there the next morning. So early the sun hadn't yet risen. Called by a little magic spell Mollie had used. Unlike his dream, it had taken hours to reach the woods and find the van he had hidden there. Their escape had taken two days before either of them relaxed. Then, after one week of freedom, Scott proposed.
It was funny how a dream could compress all these events into a single day. He wondered how often he would continue to dream about it. It was the story of their happy end. The happy ever after that they now enjoyed. But it was also a reminder of the darkness they both had escaped.
His thoughts returned to the present as Mollie stirred. Slowly blinking awake, Scott was drawn in by her unusual eyes - irises that were purple but shifted to brown on the outside - and the warm smile.
"Good morning," Mollie whispered.
"Good morning, my love," Scott returned.
They shared a kiss. And, as usual, it led to more. A half-hour later, they actually got up. Scott opened the side door of the van and stretched his body. Enjoying the sun and overall nice weather.
"I'll make us breakfast," Scott volunteered. Grabbing the small camping cooker from the van and a few ingredients.
"Thanks." Mollie gave him a lovely smile and then grabbed her digital tablet. A new one they had gotten recently. Opening up the rear of the van, she started to make herself comfortable and began studying.
Mollie's mother might have accused Scott of ruining her, but he knew better. She was a rebel. The first time Scott had met her, it was in a public liberal two towns over from where she lived. Just being there was taboo in the Arcane-Luddite settlement where she had grown up. Her education had been seriously lacking and now she was determined to catch up.
The breakfast came together nicely. A few eggs from the farm Scott had helped out yesterday and some greens and veggies Mollie had scavenged from the nearby woods. It wasn't much, but enough for them. Helping them save on the precious little money they had.
Mollie kept scrolling through the tablet. "The internet is so slow here," she cursed to herself but then looked up at Scott. "How are the batteries?"
"I'll check." He got up and walked to the van. Specifically to the driver's side and poked his head in. "Give or take thirty percent." The small van ran on electric motors and had solar panels on the roof. It wasn't a beast to haul stuff and couldn't keep up with faster automobiles, but it was enough for them. "Maybe one or two percent more when we get ready to leave," Scott added after returning to the small camping site they shared their breakfast at.
"That should last about two hours of driving," Mollie mused aloud. Tapping a bit more on her tablet, she took her sweet time to eat up. "Should be enough to reach a town called Frumond. Maybe a little further. We could look for more work there."
Whenever they had the opportunity to earn a few bucks, Scott and Mollie took it. But they didn't look for permanent work or residence yet. They still traveled away from the Pennsylvanian Heartland and the Arkane-Luddite settlement Mollie had grown up in.
"Sounds like a plan," Scott remarked. "Eat up and we can get going."
Mollie gave him a raspberry and proceeded to slowly eat her food. Probably enjoying it more than Scott had. Not that he minded. He loved her little antics. While Mollie finished her breakfast, Scott prepared the van. Not that there was much to do. He folded up the mattress and the large sleeping back they shared. Then moved some of their belongings from the passenger seat to the back of the van. There really wasn't much space. The van was quite small. It had roof rails, but they didn't have any hard cases they could strap to it. Maybe they will find some soon. Of course, they would block the two solar panels that powered their van.
A quarter-hour later, everything was stowed, and they hit the road. As always, Scott drove while Mollie played navigator from the passenger seat. He had given her some driving lessons in empty parking lots, but she was far from ready to hit the open road.
"Told you we will make it." Mollie gave him a self-serving grin an hour and forty minutes later as they passed the town sign for Frumond.
"I never doubted you," Scott remarked. Then, he slowed down the van a little. "Keep your eyes peeled for job offers."
Apparently, they weren't the only people roaming the land by car. There was a whole culture about free living for nomadic travelers. As such, many employers from large to small took advantage and offered small temporary jobs. They weren't the best paying, but it was enough to make a small living from it. Especially if one lived as frugally as Scott and Mollie. Most of Scott's savings had been annihilated when he bought the van. Thanks to the hard work of both of them, the few hundred bucks he had were now close to a grand.
"Scott, look!" Mollie pointed out a larger store at the side.
Scott couldn't see a board with a job offer, but that was okay. Mollie had spotted one of the Garments Second Life stores. A reseller of second-hand clothing. They both had escaped their old life with not a lot of outfits to their name and the roaming freelancer work had caused some wear and tear. The first time they had shopped at one of these, they had gotten a good deal. As Scott drove the van onto the shop's parking lot, he mused that this kind would be their preferred shopping method for quite a while.
"We've got to get you a pair of new jeans or two," Mollie said as she left the van. Then continued as Scott was out too and caught up to her. "T-shirts too. And maybe some work boots if they have them."
"All of that we need for you too," Scott reminded her. "That harvesting gig recently had been good and got us some cash. But it was horrible on our clothes."
The store was decently sized. Not as large as a department store, but as they entered, Mollie and Scott saw enough products that different areas were reserved for different kinds of clothing.
"Ready?" Mollie asked. Eagerly rubbing her hands. "Last time felt like a big treasure hunt."
"One we pay for," Scott reminded her, but he eased up as he saw Mollie's smile. It was infectious. "Just remember, doesn't just have to be in decent shape, but also affordable enough."
"Cheapskate," Mollie teased. Of course, they both knew their financial limitations.
Over the next hour, they methodically moved from area to area. Finding decent enough jeans wasn't the problem. Neither was finding shirts and tops. There was plenty of selection for those. Scott struck out on boots, but Mollie found a decent pair that was barely used.
"Come here," Scott suddenly said and grabbed Mollie's hand. Gently dragging her past rows of dresses. Not that she needed those. Her upbringing had been very traditional and she had more dresses than she wanted to wear. She only had packed her favorite two and barely wore them since having purchased her first jeans.
"Oh Scott, we can't," Mollie exclaimed as she saw where he was dragging her.
"Maybe not in our budget now, but we can pretend for a moment, right?" With a flourish, Scott pulled out a white wedding dress from dozens of similar ones. "How about this one or is that too much lace?"
Mollie tried to give him a stern look but then broke out in a smile. "Not enough lace!" She joined Scott in looking through those available dresses.
Scott's determination to make Mollie his wife and make her happy grew with each dress they examined together. Technically she was his fiancé, but both knew it would be quite some time before the wedding bells would ring for them. They had talked about it in detail and agreed on a plan. First, they needed to find a place to settle down. Of course, they needed some money, but both were determined to make new friends. Those who supported their marriage instead of shunning them both for their love. And only then, they would say their vows and tie the knot. It might be months off or even years.
As they neared the end of available wedding dresses, Scott noticed Mollie being distracted by a nearby display. "You know, nothing stopping you from looking over there too."
"Really?" Mollie asked with big doe eyes.
There were times when Mollie's upbringing still shone through and Scott vowed to enable her instead of keeping her down. "Really," he confirmed as he offered her his hand. Together, they walked over to the women's lingerie section.
This was not the plain underwear Mollie had grown up with and expected to wear. The finer threats made for decorative and flattering garments that were mostly unsuitable for daily wear. Especially for the gigs of random freelancing they did.
Mollie roamed through a few garments on display. Her eyes wide as those of a child in a candy store. With a giggle, she looked at Scott. "I feel so naughty right now. Just from looking at them."
"You know we can afford one or two of these if you like them," Scott reminded her. Money was tight, but if it made her happy he was all for it. Not to mention that he would benefit from it too. Still, looking at some of those price tags made his stomach flip. A set of bra, panty, and garters could be as expansive as a third to half of the pile of clothes they already had put together.
"It is not something I really need right now," Mollie said more to herself than to Scott. Then the childish mischievous grin returned. "But I can certainly look."
They looked through a few sets. Not all were to Mollie's taste and those that were often were in the wrong size. There was one maybe, when Mollie suddenly grabbed Scott's arm. "Look! They have a corset!"
A little confused, Scott followed as Mollie dragged him towards it. The corset was unlike the corsets he knew. It wasn't lacy or see-through. Instead, the material was thick. It appeared to be quite rigid too. The color stood out too. Similar to hot pink, but a tad bit more dipping into the red spectrum.
"Isn't that a bit narrow at the waist for you?" Scott remarked.
"That's the point. Look, do you see these strings at the back?" Mollie turned the corset around for him to see. "They are thicker because they are used to close the corset from behind. Pulling it narrower. It is called tight-lacing. I heard these kinds of corsets can be popular with Southern Belles and with those dancers in the West. What was the dance they revived? Can Can, I think."
"How do you know all that?" Scott asked, amazed. "Aren't you supposed to be this naive blue-eyed girl that doesn't know the larger world?"
"Not blue-eyed," Mollie insisted. "And I only know because we are driving south. So I did some research and found out about Southern Belles. I got curious why a few had such narrow waists and- "Mollie stopped as she saw the mirth in Scott's eyes. She didn't have to explain herself. He was just teasing her. "Well, ever since I wondered how it would feel to wear a tight-lacing corset."
"Uncomfortable, I would guess," Scott quipped. "But if you really are just curious, we can duck into the changing room and you can try it out."
Mollie looked left and right, before leaning over to Scott. "Let's do it."
Amused, Scott shook his head as he followed Mollie to the changing rooms. He was half-minded to tell her that what she was about to do wasn't illegal, but he was too amused to point it out.
Scott placed their basket of finds aside and settled in for a little wait, but Mollie had other plans. "Honey, come in here. I need your help." A little curious, Scott slipped into the booth. Spying Mollie half-undressed was a sight he would never grow tired of. She had slung the corset around her and closed it in the front. As she saw him enter, she had new orders for him. "Can you lace me up? It is rather awkward if I do it myself."
Scott needed a moment to sort through the many strings at the back of the corset. They crisscrossed a large gap of fabric and were weaved through eyelets. It took a moment to determine that it was just one string tied into a big complicated loop. Two smaller loops extended from the waist and Scott determined this was the most likely point to tighten the whole corset at once.
"Just tell me when to stop," Scott reminded his fiancé. "I don't want to hurt you."
As Mollie nodded, Scott started to pull. First, until the string grew taunt. Then, he pulled at the loops of string a bit more. Eliciting an "Uff" from Mollie. But she was quick to urge him on for more.
Hesitant, Scott gradually tightened the corset until the gap was half closed. "How does that feel?"
"Kind of restricted. Like a hug. A really tight one," Mollie admitted while admiring her altered silhouette in the mirror. Letting her hands roam over her waist as if she couldn't believe how small it had gotten. She even tried to bend forward but found out quickly how stiff and unyielding the corset was. Then, suddenly, she gasped. "That's strange."
"What is it?" Scott immediately wanted to know. "Does it hurt? Should I undo it?"
"No. I am fine." Mollie sounded more confused than hurt too. "It is just- It felt really tight, but the feeling melted away. As if my body adjusted to it really quickly. I wonder- Can you tighten it some more?"
Scott looked a little doubtful at Mollie. Her waist already was significantly altered and compressed. But she appeared fine. Cautiously, Scott tightened it more. Only to grow confused too. Each pull on the string had been harder than before, but now it had become easier again. Maybe Mollie had been right and her body had adjusted to it.
He stopped as the gap neared three-quarters closed, but Mollie urged him on. "More. It's so strange. I feel it tighten and then the pressure goes away faster and faster. It's amazing."
At last, the gap was closed. The corset was reduced to the highest compression possible. "I think that's it," Scott said and took a step back. "It's closed and look at you. How is this possible?"
Mollie twisted and turned in front of the mirror. Admiring her altered state. Her waist had been reduced by half or even more. "How is this possible?" she whispered. Then turned around to Scott. "It is tight, but I don't feel any pressure whatsoever."
A sneaking suspicion unfolded within Scott. "Maybe it is enchanted."
Mollie looked down at the corset and then back up to Scott. "Maybe. I've seen instances of permanently altered objects by applied quantum field before, but not to this extent."
Of both of them, Mollie was more knowledgeable in the applied quantum field. More often referred to as magic. No one could really explain how it functioned, but a certain percentage of people had access to it and its effects on an instinctual level. Its utilization varied from region to region. In some, it was outlawed. Others barely tolerated it. For societies like the one Mollie came from, it was embraced to an unreasonable degree.
"You know, you can just call it magic, right?" Scott teased. "It is a lot shorter."
Mollie gave him a deadpan look before continuing. "Well, whatever this quantum effect is, it doesn't appear to be harmful. If it is a quantum effect. I wish I still had access to a quantum-powered tablet."
Scott gave a nod. Compared to digital tablets, enchanted tablets were worse in nearly every aspect. Instead of running on electricity and boolean logic, they utilized the quantum field that surrounded New Terra. As it still was barely understood, enchanted tablets were slow, had limited function, and couldn't access the internet.
Their advantages were few. Societies like Mollie's original one could claim it was not technological and part of nature. Despite that, it was technically not true. They also had the ability to utilize the quantum field in a limited way. Mollie probably meant the function to take pictures of an area and have a visual representation of the quantum field was actively manipulating anything.
"Are you sure you are fine?" Scott asked. Worry crept into his voice. "Magic is known to be unpredictable and it could possibly affect your mind."
After a moment of thinking, Mollie grew worried too. "The corset could be crushing my waist and the quantum field is just suppressing my pain? I hope not. Let's get me out of it."
Scott did his best to undo the lacing quickly. As soon as there was a finger-wide gap, Mollie let out a gasp. Scott was about to ask when he saw the cause for Mollie's surprise himself. She had been able to undo the clasps in the front of the corset and it came apart as intended. However, the skin revealed beneath was without blemish. No bruises or signs of crushing could be seen. Instead, Mollie now had an altered physique with an impossibly narrow waist. It now looked like she had been born with an exaggerated hourglass figure.
"That is amazing!" Mollie exclaimed. "Simply miraculous."
"I am not sure I like that." Scott's facial expression turned more and more worried. "Is that permanent? What about your organs? Where did they go?"
"Everything alright in there?"
The sudden voice made them both jump in shock.
Mollie was the first to find her voice. "Yes. We'll be out soon."
"Ah, no hurry, darling." It must be the store's clerk that had surprised them. "If anything is too tight or too wide, there is a tailor down the street that can do alterations."
"No, all good," Mollie spoke up.
"I am not sure that is true," Scott whispered to her.
"No need to panic yet," Mollie whispered and then went for her original bra and top. Fully dressed, she held up the corset to exercise it closer. "I wouldn't have thought we'd stumble upon an enchanted garment here. Much less so a corset. I wonder how it got here. Maybe we can take it with us?"
Scott was more hesitant. This thing just had altered his fiancé. Maybe permanently. There was no telling what consequences would come out of it. He needed a way to dissuade Mollie from clinging to it. Thankfully, he spied just what he needed.
"Tag says it is seventy dollars," he said and held it up so Mollie could see it too. "That's more than all our other purchases combined."
Mollie might as well have bitten on a lemon. "That's enough to last us two or three weeks in groceries." Dejected, she pulled open the curtain of the changing booth and stepped out. "I really wish we could splurge on this."
"That old thing?"
Once again, they both were surprised by the clerk nearby. Filling up a few racks nearby. Mollie was startled enough to stumble backwards and Scott was quick enough to steady her with a hand to her backside. Of course, it reminded him of her altered physique underneath her now very loose top.
"It's been on the rack before I even started here," the clerk conversationally added as she walked over. "Told the owner we have to lower the price, but he doesn't want to go lower than seventy." She looked contemplative for a moment and then pointed down on the shopping back with their intended purchases. "You appear a bit tight on money. How much worth you got in there?"
"We can afford it," Mollie blurt out. Still, the clerk looked expectedly at her. Eventually, Mollie carved in. "About sixty-two dollars worth."
"Sixty-two. The corset is seventy. Hundred and thirty-two total." The clerk nodded and gave them a smile. "Tell you what. We had a large delivery of donated clothing from the region out in the back. Sorting through it is a pain, but maybe you want to give it a try. For both of you, it should take maybe five hours. Give or take. Instead of money, I can offer you those clothes and the corset too. What'ya say?"
Mollie turned to him. Looking expectedly. He was half-minded to reject the offer. It would be a nice way to get distance from a garment some might say was cursed. But even without the corset, the offer was a nice break. They could get their outfits and save money.
"Thank you for the offer," Scott spoke up. "We will gladly accept."
"Good. Good." The clerk beamed at them. "Saves me the trouble of making a sign for freelancers. Come on. Follow me to the backrooms."
As Scott and Mollie followed, Mollie let out a sudden yelp. Starling Scott. "What is it?"
Instead of answering immediately, Mollie took his hand and placed it on her waist. "It returned to normal," she whispered.
Scott let out a sigh. He had been more worried than he had let on, but it appeared the effect of the corset was temporary. It didn't even last that long. Maybe a couple of minutes.
"Today was a great day!" Mollie exclaimed as they roasted a little marinated rabbit meat on a skewer.
Scott gave a perfunctory nod but stayed quiet. It had taken them closer to six hours to sift and sort through the clothes in the backroom. As compensation, the clerk threw in an extra pair of jeans for each of them. They arrived at the camping site in the late afternoon. For once, the battery of their van was not on its last leg. It had plenty of time to recharge in the parking lot.
Normally, they both would forage in the nearby woods, but that duty today fell squarely upon Scott. He managed to hunt a rabbit, but his gathering skills still lacked compared to Mollie.
"Uhh, it is nearly time!" Mollie put the skewer aside and pulled out her digital tablet. Scott could see a countdown that was close to zero by a few seconds.
Mollie pulled up her top to give them both a look at her magically altered waist. Nothing happened as the countdown finished. At least for a few seconds. Then, her shrunk waist slowly expanded to the normal circumference.
"I knew it!" Mollie exclaimed with a big smile. "The duration of the effect last three times the duration of the corset worn. Fifteen minutes of wearing the corset amount to forty-five minutes before it reverts."
"So, your curiosity is satisfied?" Scott asked.
"For now," Mollie confirmed. "I am curious if there is a maximum duration for the lasting effect. But that's for another day to find out." She spotted Scott giving a relieved sigh and she had to ask: "What?"
"It's-" Scott reached out and took Mollie's hand in his own. "I am glad that you enjoying yourself. But I am a little bit worried. In my eyes, you are perfect as you are. I can understand if you want to experiment and maybe reduce your waist a little. Don't be mad, but if you do it all the way, that creeps me out a bit. It doesn't look natural anymore."
"So, you prefer me like this?" Mollie scooted closer. "Perfect as I am now?" She leaned over and rewarded him with a kiss. "How could I be mad at you when you are all sweet like this? Don't worry. Having such a small waist might be a good party trick, but I am not keen to always run around like this."
"Good. I am glad." Scott stole another kiss that was given freely nonetheless. Then, he noticed a glance from Mollie that lasted a little too long. "Mollie. I know what you are up to." As she gave him a little overdone innocent look, Scott had to put down his foot. "I am not wearing the corset."
"Aww, come on," Mollie whined. "I've got to know if it works on a man. Please. Just for a minute. For me?"
Scott stared at those big eyes and knew he was on losing ground. "You are gonna give me those puppy eyes until I say yes, don't you?"
"What puppy eyes?" Mollie asked with the faintest hint of a smirk and then ramped up her game by giving him the most innocent look she could muster. "But I would really like to find out. Pretty please?"
"Fine," Scott relented in a moment of weakness but quickly recovered to set some boundaries. "But not for long. If it works I don't wanna run around with such a narrow waist for hours. And not too tight."
"I swear I won't," Mollie promised while grabbing the corset. Giving Scott a predatory look. "Lose the shirt."
"You are enjoying this way too much," Scott complained as he pulled his shirt over his head.
He lifted his arms so Mollie could place the corset around his waist. On Mollie, the corset reached from her hips up to her breasts. Giving them a little lift with their cups. On Scott, it appeared slightly too small in length. Not quite reaching to his hips and only barely covering his nipples.
"You know," Scott mused as Mollie closed the clasps on the front of the corset. "I don't think this shade of pink is my color."
"Hmm, I don't know. I could get used to it." Then, Mollie had the corset ready to go. "I'll start slowly."
Scott felt the corset tightened around him. First eating up all the space between the fabric and his skin. Then, he felt it tightening around him. There was pressure around his waist, but Mollie indeed took it slow. And the pressure gradually vaned, until Scott couldn't feel it anymore. At least, until Mollie pulled on the strings again.
"I think that is enough," Scott remarked as he guessed the corset made two or three inches of his waist circumference vanish. "It is working."
"Uhm." The sound from Mollie wasn't promising of good things and the corset still tightened. "Don't freak out, Scott, but we have a problem."
"What problem?" he asked worriedly. Turning around to face Mollie. She stared at him with her hands placed in her lap. Still, the corset continued to tighten up. "Wait. It's closing by itself? How do we make it stop?"
"I don't know," Mollie admitted. "Maybe when it closes completely? It never did that when I wore it. Don't panic. I am sure it will turn out fine."
"Easy for you to say!" Scott's breathing got shallower despite that he could breathe just fine. The magic of the corset was still adjusting his waist. Scott fought to stay calm. Whatever the magic of the corset did, it had been temporary on Mollie. There was no reason to think it would be different for him. He turned so his back was to Mollie again. "How much more?"
"Two inches. One. It's closed." Scott could feel Mollie's hands on his now tiny waist. "Oh my gosh. It worked. Your waist is so small. I can span it with my hands."
"How about you get it off?" Scott's voice gained a little panicked edge to it. But before Mollie could react, he saw that it wouldn't be easy. Both loops of the corset's string started to move like snakes. Circling the waist twice and then staying behind his back.
"It's making a knot," Mollie reported. "It stopped moving. Hold on. I try to undo it."
Unable to help, Scott looked down. Hoping to find anything that might give a clue how to escape his fate. What he noticed was worse than he had thought.
"I don't think the corset is done yet!" This time, Scott's voice definitely had risen in pitch. "Mollie, I think I am growing breasts."
"What?" Scott could feel that Mollie stopped fiddling with the knot for a moment. "Your hair is growing too."
"And my pants are getting tighter," Scott added before standing up and shrugging out of the garment. Thankfully not many other people stayed at their current camping place and they had parked some distance away.
"You are definitely turning into a woman," Mollie remarked. It was entirely unnecessary to voice out loud. Not that Scott pointed it out.
"Mollie. I am freaking out here." Scott didn't even sound himself anymore. Even if one discounted the rising panic in his voice. "Tell me this is temporary. That we can reverse it."
"It is!" Mollie hunted for things to say and as she thought about it, a few things fell into place. "Think about it, Scott. This is not random magic. What we perceive as magic is actually a manipulation of the quantum field that surrounds New Terra. It is based on logic." The slow nods from Scott turned a little more eager and Mollie ventured on. "Let's say the purpose of the corset is to change someone into a woman and keep them as such for three times as a woman. Well, for me, I already was a woman. So, it probably didn't have to do a lot of work."
"But it does for me," Scott concluded out loud. "Had more work. I think I am finished."
"Maybe now I can open the corset," she pointed out and made Scott spin around so she could try again. "The knot. I still can't undo it."
Scott looked down. The damage was done. His silhouette was completely female. And, of course, his sex had changed. But he tried not to panic. Mollie was right. There had to be a logic behind it.
"So, let's figure it out together," Scott said more calmly. "The knot has to come loose at some point, right? So, what prevents it from doing so now?"
"What is the purpose of the knot in the first place?" Mollie asked instead. "I bet it is to make sure that the transformation process isn't interrupted."
"But the process is done," Scott pointed out. Then, his eyes grew wide. "But it needs to make sure that I turn back, right? While not wearing the corset. So, it has to enchant me on some level."
"That makes sense," Mollie agreed. She hunted for her digital tablet and showed Scott that she started a countdown. "How long did it take you to transform? A minute? One and a half?"
"I wasn't really in the right state of mind to count seconds," Scott pointed out.
"Right. Let's say one and a half. Plus us figuring out a theory. Say three minutes. Plus whatever it now takes. This, times three, should be the duration it takes before you return to normal." Mollie went for the knot again. "Now, I have to keep trying to undo the strings."
"Just a waiting game," Scott assured himself. Granted, being a woman didn't feel that bad. Most of the sensations that were unfamiliar to him, he could blend out. It was the enormity of a possible permanent change that freaked him out. He was happy being a guy. It felt comfortable. Not to mention that Mollie had fallen in love with a guy. Not a girl. Staying a woman might mean that he would lose what he cherished the most in his life. He couldn't imagine a world without her anymore.
"Got it!" Mollie exclaimed and Scott could see the strings around the waist loosen. Then they vanished from view as Mollie started to undo the backside of the corset. "What does the timer say, Scott?"
"Two minutes and thirty seconds," he replied automatically. Then, Scott made some mental calculations. "The knot stayed in place for five to five and a half minutes." He reset the timer to see if his next guess would pan out. "That means in about a quarter-hour I should turn back. Maybe a little longer."
He felt the corset loosen and then come off his skin. A second later, Mollie reached from behind and undid the clasps in the front. "There. Got you free. Now it is just a waiting game."
"Quarter-hour. Nothing to it," he agreed. Half of humanity lived their lives as women. Surely he could stomach a quarter-hour. Provided he turned back, there was nothing to panic about. Now, he even was a bit curious. Stalking over to the passenger side of the van to look into the mirror. "I definitely see a resemblance to my old self. Like a sister."
"Let me see," Mollie demanded and then got a good look while they both were calm. "Yeah, that's still your face. Just softer." An unexpected giggle escaped her. "Kinda cute."
That got a blush out of Scott. "Stop teasing. This is weird as it is."
"I mean it," Mollie insisted. Then she quirked her head. Critically examining Scott. "You are right. From this perspective, that waist is way too small. I see now why it freaked you out a bit. But something is strange." She pulled off her own top and walked over to Scott. Standing side by side next to him. "I think we are the same size up top."
Looking back and forth, Scott had to agree. They looked eerily similar. Just that his own skin looked a bit more pale in comparison.
"Maybe it copied your measurements to me?" he guessed.
"Only one way to find out." Mollie ducked into the van and grabbed her small portable sewing kit. Within, she had a small measuring tape. She slung it around herself in a way that it came to rest right over her breasts. Hiding her nipples. "Seventy-eight centimeters. Now you."
The tape was slightly cold and made Scott jerk in surprise as it hit his sensitive nipples. Had they always been this sensitive or was the feeling now heightened? Scott couldn't really tell.
"Seventy-eight too. There might be some weight to your theory." Mollie crouched down to go for the next measurement. "I guess we can skip the waist. Hips are eighty-two. And for me. Eighty-two as well. I think we could share outfits like this. Even underwear."
"Or how about-" Scott glanced at the timer. "We wait five more minutes and hopefully I turn back. Then we can leave this whole ordeal behind."
"Sorry." Mollie suddenly appeared unsure. "You aren't mad at me? Because of this."
"It's fine," Scott assured her. "I don't think you expected this outcome any more than I did. It just shows that knew has to be careful with unidentified magical objects. Maybe we should have visited an expert first and had it identified."
Mollie stepped closer. "I don't want to lose you."
"You won't." Scott drew her into a hug. Only to be reminded of how strange the situation was. He was used to having Mollie's breasts pushed against his chest. But now, he had something to push back.
A few minutes passed in silence. Both waited with bated breath. Then, Scott felt something shift. "I think I am turning back." His breasts definitely were deflating. Slowly melting away and evening out to his normal flat chest. His hips rend down too, while his waist expanded. There were a lot of changes happening at once and Scott couldn't track them all. When he thought it had finished, he asked: "All done? Am I back to normal?"
"You are back to the Scott that I know and love," Mollie confirmed.
"I love you too." They shared another deep hug that lasted a long time.
As they parted, Mollie picked up the corset. "Let me put that away."
For a moment, Scott considered telling her to throw it into their bonfire, but he thought better of it. It was magical, after all. And while he wasn't into the intended effect, someone else might be. Maybe they could research on the internet if someone was interested in buying it. Provided Mollie was willing to let it go.
With everything returned to normal, they started to get dressed. The night had settled and too far away from their bonfire, the temperatures turned cold.
"You know," Mollie spoke up just when Scott had thought they had put the corset behind them. "I wonder who made this corset and why. Was it just an experiment or was it because someone wanted it?"
Scott gave a lazy shrug. "You said it is of the type Southern Belles wear, right? Maybe a mother lacked a daughter to pick up the faith. Hence a son had to take up the mantle. Well, corset."
"Can Can dancers too," Mollie added. "Maybe someone naughty wanted to infiltrate a dance troupe?"
Scott chuckled. "I guess we won't ever know. Unless you can find traces of this on the internet. Who knows how old this corset is. Magical items are rumored to be quite durable. It could be decades old."
"I'll put together a search algorithm," Mollie said as she grabbed her tablet. "If it is local, we might get fast results. But if it is older, it might have traveled far. Maybe even from another continent. Querying for information there could take the algorithm weeks if not months."
"Guess we have to wait and see," Scott said before returning to his own skewer of grilled rabbit. By now, it was cold. Nothing their fire couldn't change.
"Scott. Look. There." Mollie had put her fanning on the passenger seat on pause and pointed to the side of the road.
He swiped away some sweat before acknowledging it. "What is it," he asked. Unwilling to take his eyes off the road.
"There was a sign for a public beach." Mollie was quite excited.
Scott could relate. It was still in the middle of spring, but a heat wave had hit the region. Boosting temperatures to high summer levels. He glanced at the battery "Well, we have to stop soon anyway. Is it nearby?"
With Mollie's direction, they found it not five minutes later. The public beach had a rather makeshift parking lot and most spots had been taken up.
"I guess we aren't the only ones with the same idea," Scott remarked as they both changed into their swimwear in the back of their van. "The parking lot is rather full."
"And it isn't even noon yet," Mollie added with a sigh. "Hopefully the beach is big enough."
Following a dirt path through woods, they heard the beach well before they saw it. Screams of playing children and half a dozen different types of music blended into a cacophony of sound. Then, they arrived at the beach. The view was even worse than they had imagined.
"I guess most came on foot," Scott remarked as his view roamed over the tightly packed beach.
"Let's see if we can find a spot?" Even to herself, Mollie sounded skeptical. "Maybe we get lucky."
They walked the beach for nearly a quarter-hour when Mollie pulled Scott to a space that was just being vacated. It was right between two big families, but that couldn't be helped.
After placing a big blanket and towels down, both could finally head into the water. The cool water made it worth it to share it with hundreds of others. Still, they had to be careful. It was easy to bump into others.
It only took Mollie five minutes to head back to their blanket. Quickly followed by Scott. "There are so many here," she complained. "I am not used to it. Is this normal?"
"Not really." Scott took another glance at the masses of people they shared the beach with. Mollie came from a rural area with a low population density. But even Scott wasn't used to having so many people around. "It's probably more than usual as people try to make use of the heat wave."
They tried to catch a few rays of the sun when a nearby discussion drew their attention.
"Told you we should have gone to Bunny Beach," a teenage girl complained to her mother. "I bet it isn't as overrun as this one."
"You know that this isn't an option anymore." The mother sounded rather tired of that argument. "Your brother is too old to get in."
"Excuse me," Mollie butted in before Scott could dissuade her from the notion. "What's that Bunny Beach? Is it far from here?"
"You must not be from around here. It's a little further down the lakefront. It's a private beach with an entry fee." The mother leaned over so she could see past Mollie. "Is that your boyfriend? For you, Bunny Beach would be an option, but he won't get in."
Now, Scott's curiosity was caught. "Why not?"
"They let only girls and women in," the teenager quipped up before giving her younger brother a venomous look.
"Kaylee!" The mother gave a tired shake of her head before turning to Scott and Mollie. "It used to be some kind of themed private beach. Then the owner changed and rebranded it. Now they won't let any males in except boys ten and under. And since my Cody turned eleven this year we have to make do with this public beach." She turned toward her daughter. "No matter how much someone might complain."
"Uhh, Scott." Mollie turned around all excited and Scott got a bad feeling. "We totally can sneak in there with no one the wiser."
"Others have tried," Kaylee pointed out. "Once, the Mitchell twins tried to dress up. For a beach. It ended in disaster."
Scott ignored the ramblings of the teen and tried to resist those large puppy eyes Mollie gave him. He needed something to fight back. Luckily, it wasn't that hard to come up with something. "Think about it, Mollie. It is probably expensive. A private beach you have to pay for to get in."
"It's like ten bucks," Kaylee chipped in.
"Just ten bucks," Mollie repeated. Ignoring the fact that combined for them twenty dollars wasn't an insubstantial amount.
"It is so much better there," Kaylee continued. Scott was sorely tempted to go over and strangle her. She didn't know what Mollie had in mind of how to smuggle Scott into Bunny Beach. "They have water slides there and the sand is so much softer. Not full of gravel and sticks."
"I've never been on a water slide!" Mollie appeared so excited that Scott knew he was losing ground.
"Think about the logistics," he calmly reminded her. "Let's say we go there until seven or eight in the evening. That means we can't get in right away. About a fourth between now and then I need for - you know - preparations."
"You really are trying?" Kaylee asked. "But they will bust you!"
"Kaylee!" her mother spoke up. "Don't bother them too much."
Mollie stood up. "Oh, no worries. With a pinch of magic, I am sure we will manage." Scott couldn't see, but he was sure Mollie gave a wink. Then her attention returned to Scott. "Come on. Pretty please."
A groan escaped Scott. He should have burned that corset. "Never say I don't do anything for you," he said as he stood up as well. Quickly and efficiently gathering their things.
"You would do anything for me." The statement by Mollie sounded oddly sad. "I don't deserve you."
"Hey." Scott was quick to rush over and gently make Mollie face him. "That's your mother talking. I am the lucky one to have you. We both deserve each other."
Mollie couldn't help herself and drew in Scott for a sweet long kiss. It turned into a hug they both needed. It was Mollie who broke it as a giggle escaped her. "She never could decide, did she? Sometimes it was me, not good enough for a guy like you. Other times you weren't good enough for me."
"Come on," Scott gently urged her. "There is a beach we have to sneak into."
"And a corset to get onto you," Mollie added with a mischievous smile. Eliciting a groan from Scott.
"This private beach better be worth it," Scott groaned from the back of the van. Laying there to endure the heat better.
"Oh, it already is worth it," Mollie fibbed from the passenger seat.
Scott raised his head and glared at her past his breasts. He was a woman again. Thanks to that cursed corset. Now, he had to build up time so they could snug into the beach and stay the whole time without him turning back.
"Well, it is not you who has to endure a tight restricting garment that is so thick it makes you sweat like crazy," Scott pointed out. The layers of the corset weren't very good at cooling a person down. Making Scott think he was in a small sauna from hips to breasts.
"Just a few more minutes," Mollie pointed out. Then a mischievous grin appeared as she added: "Charlotte."
Scott propped himself up on both elbows to get a better look at Mollie. "What? Charlotte?"
"Well, I can't call you Scott when we infiltrate the beach like International spies. And I decided your codename will be Charlotte."
Scott groaned as he sank back down. Somehow, he knew the name would haunt him for a while. "But why Charlotte?"
Mollie shrugged. "Have you tried finding a female version of Scott? And Charlotte is at least similar."
"Similar?" Scott gave her a doubtful look. "It shares an O and two Ts. That's it."
"That's sixty percent of your name. Get used to it. Charlotte fits." Of course, Mollie knew him well enough to let him have some victory. "At least your theory panned out."
Scott glanced at his waist. It had. As he reminded Mollie often enough, magic wasn't as arcane as most people made it out to be. It was based on the quantum field that surrounded New Terra. Sure, intuitive interactions with it could be unpredictable, but enchantments - like this corset - usually displayed logic that made the computational nature of magic obvious.
He had pointed out that the corset appears to copy the figure onto a man of the last woman that had worn it. As Mollie had worn it before him all the way closed, the corset mimicked it once Scott wore it. Resulting in an equally reduced waist. Today, he had suggested that Mollie would wear it before him with a barely reduced waist. As theorized, once Scott wore it again, the corset barely shrunk before tying itself off.
"How much longer?" Scott asked.
Mollie glanced at her digital tablet. "Oh, we are done. Finally. Time to get ready."
Scott swallowed. He wasn't really looking forward to it. Mollie had convinced him to wear the corset for three hours. As it was now two in the afternoon, it would be well into the evening when he turned back after roughly nine hours.
Mollie moved behind him and undid the knot of the corset. Then helped him slip out of it. Next came a tiny bikini top for him to wear. Matching the bottoms he already wore beneath.
"You really don't have anything bigger?" Scott ask knowing full well that Mollie had only two sets of bikinis. "Feeling really exposed here."
Mollie gave a sharp laugh until she could stifle it. "I thought you liked this one. You always compliment me when I wear it."
"Because it is you who wears it." Someone probably could have said it in a sweet and respectful way to earn major brownie points. Scott managed a whine that could befit a teenager.
"You'll get used to it," Mollie promised. Tying a sarong around his waist. "Now, let's grab our towels and get going. I wanna go swimming and try a water slide."
Scott gave an amused shake of his head. Mollie definitely had her priorities straight. They left their van behind in a parking lot that wasn't even filled up to a third of its maximum. Finding Bunny Beach hadn't been hard. Signs pointed to it and they only had to circumvent a quarter of the large lake.
Now they followed a path that was actually paved. With each step, Scott felt more and more exposed. Mollie had lent him flip-flops and a bikini. Mollie wore a bikini too, but hers had a little more fabric. The half-transparent sarong didn't make it much better for him.
"Act normally," Mollie whispered.
"Easier said than done," Scott muttered under his breath. "I haven't been a woman for even a half day."
"Welcome to Bunny Beach," a bright-eyed older teen greeted them at the ticket booth. Probably earning a little extra. What threw both of them off was that the girl had bunny ears that looked remarkably lifelike. "First time here?"
Mollie was the first to find her voice. "Yes, we are. I am Mollie and this is Charlotte."
Scott nearly groaned. Who introduces themselves with their name at a ticket booth? That's got to be highly suspicious. Then, Scott chided himself. It was Mollie after all. She got better at living in more densely populated areas, but now and then her rural upbringing peeked through. Or she was just as nervous as Scott was. That could be a possibility too.
"A pleasure. I'm Becky." She gave them a short curtsy. "The fee is ten bucks a person. Five for children. No men allowed. Boys only at ten or younger. Obviously, that is not a problem for you two. Enjoy the water until nightfall. For legal reasons, we can't guarantee safety in darkness, so Bunny Beach asks you kindly to adhere to this rule. Bunny Beach closes at midnight."
"Midnight?" Scott couldn't help but ask. "What does one do at a beach until midnight when swimming is prohibited?"
"Good question." Becky gave them a bright, cheerful smile. "In the evening, we light braziers and bonfires for a very cozy atmosphere. We also have a bar with a good selection of drinks and a limited dinner service."
Mollie and Scott exchanged a glance. He could guess what she was thinking. His transformation should last to enjoy a little bit of the evening, but it wouldn't last until midnight. He doubted they would stay that long. They were here for swimming and enjoying the fun.
Since Scott wasn't used to wearing a purse, it was Mollie who withdrew the twenty dollars for both of them. It was a colorful assortment of half a dozen countries. All naming their currency some variation of "dollar". For the most part, people just equated them one to one. Of course, there were market trends and some currency was worth a little more and another a little less. But the difference wasn't big enough to really make a profit out of. So, people simply didn't care.
"One last thing before you enter." Becky waved them closer. Intrigued, Mollie and Scott leaned closer. Only to get promptly a headband with bunny ears placed on their head. "At Bunny Beach, we all are beach bunnies."
That elicited a giggle from Mollie and got Scott curious. "That's a rather strange theme for a beach, isn't it?"
"Oh, it was stranger," Becky assured them. "This used to be a water park around the old classic Alice In Wonderland. It was open to everyone and had the gimmick that magical items were handed out that caused small temporary transformations based on different characters in the book. Over time, the bunny girl transformation became the clear favorite. Then there was some ugly business and the water park was sold. The new owner rebranded it to cater to the clear favorite and banned men to avoid another incident."
"Do you still use magic items?" Mollie asked before Scott could.
Becky giggled and then wiggled with one of her bunny ears. It looked surprisingly realistic. "Let us know if you have trouble with the tails. Sometimes it interferes with swimsuits or bikini bottoms. We have free clean rentals for those cases."
"Tails?"
As Mollie twisted to look at her behind, Scott spotted a small fluffy tail right on her tailbone. Reaching behind, Scott could feel one too. How had he not noticed before? A little hesitant, he reached up and found bunny ears made out of flesh and blood.
"This beach is the best thing ever!" Mollie exclaimed. "Come on, Sc- Charlotte." Scott was grabbed and dragged by her five meters before she turned around and gave Becky a quick: "Thanks!"
"Have fun!"
The shout was barely heard by them as Mollie already had dragged them halfway to the beach.
"Mollie. Hold on," Scott spoke up, but Mollie was too eager to stop. "The enchantment."
"Isn't it neat?" Mollie marched onto the sand as if she was on a conquest. "Look at it. Even the sand is nicer around here. Not as grey and riddled with wooden debris."
"Mollie," Scott tried again as she had found a spot and grabbed for the blanket that he carried. "The ears and tail. What if they interfere with- You know what."
"Oh, the corset?" Mollie's eyes grew wide, but not for long. "I am sure it is fine," she said as she threw the blanket out onto the sand. "Magical items probably have safety measures that prevent complications. Surely an establishment has taken this into account when deciding to hand out these ears."
Scott wasn't fully convinced, but gave a half-hearted: "I guess."
"Come on." Molly took his hand. "Relax. We earned this."
Scott had just about enough time to give a nod before Mollie dragged him to the water.
Charlotte took a long sip of her virgin cocktail, before looking for Mollie. Her girlfriend took a last swim for the day. The lifeguards had informed them that the sun was setting soon. Charlotte could hardly believe how fast the day had passed.
First, she had been dragged into the water by Mollie. It sure felt nice to have the water cool them off after the hot last few days. After the third time, Charlotte even got used to swimming as a woman. Not that swimming itself was different. The water just flowed around her body in an unfamiliar way.
Between swims, there were plenty of other activities. Mollie had dragged them two times into an impromptu match of beach volleyball against other women and one long game of table tennis. But by far, Charlotte liked the most to laze in the sun or on one of the lounge chairs that were scattered around. Now and then sipping on a virgin cocktail that was surprisingly cheap.
Of course, to get there, Charlotte first had to quiet that nagging voice in her head that reminded her that she was supposed to be Scott. A man and not a woman. But in time, she managed to blend it out. Today, she was Charlotte. That's what everyone around here called her. This was her first real vacation day since she had eloped with Mollie. And in a way, she was taking a vacation from being Scott as well. In just a few hours, the transformation would end. Scott could wait until then.
As Mollie got out of the water, Charlotte felt butterflies in her belly. She was quite happy to experience this familiar feeling. Man or woman, she loved Mollie. There was also a flash of warmth spreading through her that she wasn't used to yet.
Instead of going for the towel, Mollie struck a pose as she noticed Charlotte watching. "Hello, gorgeous. Are you all alone here? That's a shame. Mind if I keep you company?"
Charlotte gave a chuckle. "I think you need to work on your one-liners."
Mollie gave her a raspberry and then went for her towel. "Oh, as if you are any better. What was it? 'Don't read History Of Old Earth by Professor C. Beckstein because it is boring as heck.'"
Charlotte couldn't help but chuckle as her memories went back. It was about a year ago when she had approached - as Scott - an unsuspecting Mollie. It had been at his local library and he had spied Mollie with a book that might have weighed as much as half of her.
"In all fairness, that book is boring," Charlotte shot back.
"True." Mollie stopped rubbing herself off. "Done with sunbathing and being lazy?"
"Sure. Done with swimming and being a tease?"
"Yes to the first and never for the second!" Mollie stood up and offered a hand. "Come on. I want to check out the bar. One of the girls mentioned that they fire up a BBQ in the evening and I am starving."
More expenses, but Charlotte wasn't too worried. So far the drinks they had weren't that expensive. Not to mention that Charlotte had way more cocktails than Mollie had iced teas. So far, the day had cost them slightly over thirty dollars. By day's end, she hoped they would stay under fifty.
They weren't the only ones making their way to the bar and the few tables arranged around braziers. Most of Bunny Beach's patrons had left, but Charlotte saw a good two dozen bunny girls in bikinis and swimsuits catered to by just a handful of official bunny girls.
Mollie steered them to a single table and that was just fine with Charlotte. They had met quite a few people here, some even present in the evening crowd, but she wanted to spend the evening just in the company of Mollie.
They didn't talk much. Now and then going for a skewer of grilled meat, cheese, and vegetables. When they weren't eating they cuddled close to the fire and each other and looked out to the water. At some point, an employee of Bunny Beach had released a few floating lanterns that gently illuminated the beachfront.
"Rather romantic, isn't it?" Mollie mused aloud.
"It is." Charlotte gave a sigh. "If only I could be here with you as Scott."
Mollie took one of Charlotte's hands in her own. "I don't mind," she whispered, before leaning over.
It was a sweet kiss and Charlotte savored it to the end. As they broke, she was a little short of breath. Still, a thought was on her mind. "I didn't know you liked girls too."
For a moment, Mollie looked at her bemused. Then her gaze shifted to the fire. Charlotte knew that look. Mollie was deep in thought. Had she said something wrong? Assume too much?
"I am not sure," Mollie eventually spoke up. "Do you remember those movies we watched just after running away together? Those classic ones with sleepovers and girls experimenting. I never had that. In our community, things like that were frowned upon and I doubt anyone another girl would have agreed to experiment with me." Mollie gave a sad shake of her head. "It didn't even occur to me that it was a possibility until later."
Mollie sought Charlotte's eyes with unspent tears glittering in her own. "I don't know. But when I look at you, I see not just you as Charlotte. I see the Scott that I know and love behind your eyes. In the lines of your face. The gentle soul that I have fallen in love with is right there."
Charlotte was overwhelmed with feelings. She didn't trust her voice, so she pulled Mollie into a tight hug. Arm in arm, they enjoyed the warmth of the fire and their own.
It must have been around five minutes when one of the waitresses approached them. "Sorry for the disturbance." She honestly looked reluctant to disturb the two lovebirds. "Management sent me. They would like to point out that your enchantment is running out in a few minutes."
"The ears?" Charlotte reached up with her hand to feel them. Most of the time she even had forgotten about them and the tail.
"Oh, no. Those last until taken off by the staff." The waitress looked left and right if she could be overheard, then leaned in closer. "The one that makes you female."
Charlotte gasped and Mollie voiced out their surprise. "You knew?"
"Of course. You aren't the first one to sneak in like that." The waitress gave a shrug. "Technically sneaking is the wrong word. The owner and management tolerate it. They just ask that you don't turn back while on the premises."
"We will make our exit," Charlotte promised.
Arm in arm, they made their way out of Bunny Beach. At the ticket booth, the clerk reached up and plucked the bunny ears off their heads. How, was beyond Charlotte. Not that she minded.
"Guess I got us kicked out after all," Charlotte joked.
"It still was nice. I wish we could be here every day."
"Well, I know we are saving up, but we could easily afford two or three more days."
"Really? You'd be Charlotte for me again?" As Charlotte nodded, Mollie drew her into a kiss. This one was more passionate. When they parted, a devious little smile overcame Mollie. "I like you as Charlotte, but to be honest, I am very glad that you'll be returning to Scott in a few moments. I can hardly wait."
Chuckling, both got a spring to their step as they made for their van.
Scott's heart was beating a mile a minute. For the seventh time, he checked his suit. It wasn't the most comfortable as it was made entirely out of natural fibers and materials. It still looked new and hinted that this wasn't his usual getup. The buggy ride with horses wasn't his wheelhouse either, but he made do.
Nervously, he glanced at the bouquet. Locally grown flowers and framed in a not quite white paper. He hoped Mollie would like them. A little hesitant, he walked up to the front door. He was just about to knock when he heard shouting from within. Scott could make out Mollie's voice and a few others. That must be her family. They were fighting again. Not an auspicious moment to introduce himself.
Mollie's voice grew louder and suddenly, the door was yanked open. Whatever Mollie was about to shout died as she saw Scott standing before her. All prim and proper. Having made a real effort to adapt to her folks' customs. Mollie was his stark contrast. She had dressed up in a nice summer dress that was now halfway drenched in some kind of fluid. Some kind of dirt was scattered through the wet patch that Scott couldn't identify. This was the first time that Scott saw her wearing makeup. It was in ruins. The lipstick was smudged and the eyeliner left trails as tears rolled down her cheek.
What made his blood boil in an instant was the red mark of a handprint. A slap that must have happened recently. He was about to head in and give her folks his take on things when Mollie stepped out and grabbed him.
"Don't. Please. Let's just go."
Grabbing her hand, they ran. His only thought was to take her away. Far away. Until they faded away.
Scott woke up with a start a moment later. He needed some time to gather his thoughts. This wasn't the night he first tried to introduce himself to Mollie's parents. It had ended in disaster before it had even started. Up to that point, he had respected the way of living that Mollie's family preferred. From that moment on, he had always felt at odds with them.
What infatuated him even to this day was that Mollie hadn't even worn real makeup. She had stained her lips red with a local berry that was often used to dye fabric. The eyeliner had been normal charcoal that she had very carefully pressed and then applied. It had been the bare minimum in almost any society. Yet her mother had called her the nastiest things.
Scott looked at the sleeping Mollie beside him. She deserved better and he had vowed to support her in every way possible. Since that day, Mollie hadn't experimented with makeup again. Not even since they had run away. He knew she was interested, but something was holding her back.
Determination filled Scott and he picked up their shared digital tablet. A short search on the local part of the internet revealed that what he needed was available to them close by.
The next part of his plan was a bit more difficult. Quiet as he could, Scott rummaged in Mollie's clothes. Fishing out the corset. It's been a month since they had been at Bunny Beach. Since the last time that he had been Charlotte.
He couldn't help, but look underneath his shirt. The tan lines had nearly disappeared. Waking up the first morning after Bunny Beach revealed a mortifying little detail that had Mollie in stitches with laughter. Scott retained the tan lines Charlotte had acquired the day before. The matter wasn't helped by the fact that they had stayed at Bunny Beach for three more days. Then, their little vacation got a little too expensive.
Scott glanced out and judged the day would unfold like the day before. Warm, but not hot. Mollie had worn summer dresses the last few days. Scott picked up one of hers at random and hoped she wouldn't mind. Especially with the surprise he planned. The next step was to wear the corset. By now, he knew how to slip into it. Just a light tug on the loops of string on the backside and the corset tightened up by itself. Then knotting the string to prevent premature opening. The change to become Charlotte didn't take long.
Charlotte's first step was to don Mollie's dress. Thankfully the corset copied the exact measurements so that they could share clothes. Then, Charlotte grabbed the tablet and stepped outside the van. Making a quick call. Being relieved that the business she called had already someone available to pick up. With this important step done, Charlotte slipped back in and made herself comfortable on the passenger seat. Researching what she had in mind a little more.
"Charlotte?" The sleepy question by Mollie was asked about five minutes later. As Charlotte looked back, the groggy expression on Mollie's switched to one of mischief. "Is my teasing finally getting through?"
Over the last month, Mollie had needled Scott now and then to become Charlotte again. Only light-hearted and never insistent. Scott took it in stride. He could guess why. Mollie hadn't any friends back home. She was the loner. The rebel. The odd one out. She never had a best friend to share things with. Scott guessed the days at Bunny Beach gave Mollie a taste of what it meant to have a female friend who could share activities with her. Today, Charlotte would make one of Mollie's dreams a reality. Even if Mollie might not know she had said dream.
"I have a surprise planned for you," Charlotte revealed. "One where you might prefer the company of Charlotte, rather than Scott."
"Doubtful. While I appreciate having you as Charlotte, you know that I am never tired of spending time with Scott." As Charlotte acknowledged it with a nod, Mollie pounced more excited on the real topic. "So, a surprise? What kind? Can I get a hint?"
"A hint?" Charlotte gave it some thought. She didn't want Mollie to guess the surprise, so she played it safe. "Well, the hint is this. I have to wear the corset for two more hours. Maybe three. We probably want to enjoy the fruits of my surprise."
"Three hours?" Mollie gave a pout. "Whatever it is, I can hardly wait."
In the end, Charlotte took Mollie for a walk in a city park that was close to the camping ground they stayed in. All the time dodging probing questions by Mollie. Normally, they would spend the morning foraging, but bending over was kind of hard for Charlotte. The corset was stiff and hindered such activities.
As the time in the corset came close to an end, Charlotte took Mollie back to the van and they hit the road. Their goal was close by.
"A mall?" Mollie asked as they drove onto the parking lot. "Are we going shopping? That will put a dent into our savings."
"Not shopping. Something else." Charlotte found a spot and parked the van before giving more explanation to Mollie. "Saving up is good, but we need to look out for ourselves. Now and then, we can spend a little on what makes us happy. And I think today's surprise might do that for you. But first, I need to get out of the corset. I don't want to be stuck as Charlotte for days." That earned her a chuckle from Mollie and Charlotte decided to reveal a little more. "You might want to change outfits too. Maybe your favorite dress?"
"You've got me all wound up with anticipation," Mollie grumbled, but Charlotte could see that she was playing. With a lot more anticipation, she changed. Then helped Charlotte to dress up too. This was a first for Charlotte as her previous experience was limited to just a swimsuit. "Yes, a bra too. You aren't going freestyle."
Ten minutes later, they both walked into the mall. Mollie was craning her neck to spot their goal, but Charlotte remained quiet. She could already see the target and subtly steered Mollie in that direction.
"We are here," Charlotte exclaimed as they stopped before a stationary store. Just as Mollie was about to protest, Charlotte turned her around one hundred and eighty degrees.
Mollie's eyes grew wide. "The wellness and beauty oasis," she read aloud. Then turned to Charlotte. "Are we doing a spa day?"
"That and more," Charlotte promised. Together, they walked in and bee-lined for the reception desk. "We have an appointment at twelve under Charlotte and Mollie."
"Ah, yes. The full treatment." The receptionist gave them a curtsy that was accented by the frilly dress she wore. Most of the fabric and lace were in black, but certain accents and a small apron were white. "My name is Robin and I will be your main caretaker. First, we start you off with a full-body massage. Once we've gotten you loosened up, we start in earnest. While receiving a facial, we will wash your hair and start on your nails. Then, as requested, we start a crash course for makeup that-"
"Makeup!" Mollie got flustered in seconds. "Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt you."
Robin gave her a forgiving smile, but it was Charlotte who spoke up while taking Mollie's hands. "Last night, I remembered the one date when you experimented with makeup for the first time. Only to earn disapproval from your mother. But she isn't here, Mollie. It's just us. I set this up because I think you are still curious, but if you don't-"
Charlotte was interrupted by Mollie too. Not with words. One moment, she looked up at Charlotte with big wide eyes. The next, she had jumped her and planted a needy kiss on her lips. This was so sudden that Charlotte lost her footing and they both crashed to the floor. Never breaking the kiss.
As their kiss finally broke, both gave a flustered "Sorry" to Robin. Then accepted the strangely dressed woman's help to get up.
"Please be not worried, Maîtresse Mollie and Maîtresse Charlotte. It is not the first time I witnessed such a display of affection." Once Mollie and Charlotte were upright again, Robin continued as if nothing strange had happened. "As I said, a basic course in makeup was requested. Then, a haircut and styling are next, before we apply makeup for an evening out."
"I can't wait to get started." Not just her kiss clued Charlotte in on how much Mollie wanted this. She looked like a kid in a candy store that was handed a hundred-dollar bill.
"Then, please follow me, Maîtresse." Robin gave another elegant curtsy before leading them deeper into the spa area.
Charlotte was a little bit out of her depth and remained quiet, but Mollie was too excited to do the same. "Can I ask you something? I don't want to be rude."
Robin half turned around mid-stride and gave a smile. "By all means, ask. We want you to feel at ease here."
"Your uniform." Mollie flustered. Making Charlotte chuckle quietly. "It's kind of strange. All that lace. Why do you wear it? That looks impractical."
"I am a French Maid," Robin simply replied. As no recognition was evident on Mollie's face, Robin had to ask: "You are not familiar with French Maids?"
Mollie shook her head and it fell to Charlotte to provide more information. "Mollie comes from a very conservative and sheltered community."
"Ah!" Robin acknowledged. Then opening a door to a massage parlor. Indicating for Mollie and Charlotte to enter. There already was a masseuse inside prepping two tables. After instructing them on how to get ready, Robin returned to the topic of French Maids. "I am sure you are familiar with the concept of Pop-Religions. Technically, French Maids count as it. Being a French Maid is the devotion to an ideology that puts helping others over the needs of oneself. We enable others to do their best by providing the best support and service we can give. While looking good - sexy even - doing so."
"I see," Mollie acknowledged while laying down on a massage table with only a towel as a cover. "Is that why you called us a mattress?"
Charlotte cringed, but Robin took it with humor and gave a chuckle. "I called you a Maîtresse. The French word for Mistress. We, French Maids, prefer French terms in our professional conduct. Many also adopt a French accent."
More questions eluded Mollie as the massage began. It felt so good that both of them took enjoyment above slaking their thirst for knowledge. While Charlotte was familiar with French Maids in general, she didn't know many details either. Her own curiosity wasn't enough to interrupt the heavenly feeling of tight muscles loosening up. She hoped that the end result would translate to Scott, once she turned back.
In the end, Charlotte felt like she was made out of pudding when she stood up from the massage table. Slipping into fluffy robes, Mollie echoed her own sentiment. "I feel like well-kneaded clay." Noticing the strange look by Charlotte, Mollie was quick to explain. "One of my aunts is into pottery. Before she can do anything, she has to knead the raw clay until it is pliable and soft."
"You aren't clay," Charlotte remarked. "Someone sculpted you already into perfect beauty."
"Oh, you." A flustered Mollie gave Charlotte a playful cuffing on the shoulder. "What comes now," she asked Robin to change topics.
"Next, we prepare your body for what is to come." Robin led them out to the hallway again and into a room close by. It was dominated by four reclining chairs that looked very comfortable. "May I see your hands?"
A little confused, Mollie showed her hands and was surprised as Robin took them and studied them from both sides. Charlotte was next. A resolute nod and Robin turned to one of her co-workers. "We need the bracelets."
"Bracelets?" Mollie asked before Charlotte could.
"Your hands show signs of hard work. Dirt is caught in your nail beds and the nails themselves are scuffed and chipped." The co-worker opened a small chest with gleaming bronze bracelets inside. Robin took two and placed one each on Mollie's wrist. She repeated it for Charlotte. "These will help grow your nails at an increased pace. It will push out the dirt and give us fresh healthy nails to work with. Have you considered what length of nail you want to have?"
"We work as freelancers," Charlotte spoke up quickly. All to best Mollie to the punch before she could settle them with something incredibly long. "Nails too long would be impractical."
"Of course." Robin pointed to the chairs. "Please take a seat so we can get started."
As Charlotte did so, she noticed that her nails were considerably longer. Looking at them, she could swear she could see them grow. "These bracelets. They are magical?"
"They are," Robin confirmed, before showing worry. "You aren't avoiding magic, are you?"
"Oh, no," Charlotte was quick to assure. "Lately magic items seem to pop up more than expected. I was just surprised to encounter them here."
"Are they expensive?" Mollie wanted to know.
Robin gave a shrug. "Not really. I think we get them for around one hundred dollars. There is a school for magic in the Louisiana Territories that makes them for us. Good for practice, they say."
Charlotte caught Mollie's eyes and knew what she was thinking. It was as if Mollie was determined to build a collection of magical trinkets. Previously, she had tried unsuccessfully to purchase two of the bunny girl headbands on their last day at Bunny Beach. Now, she had her eyes on those bracelets. With a hundred each, Charlotte doubted she would have a hard time convincing Mollie they would be too expensive.
Before this topic could go on, Charlotte took a seat. She was ready to move on to the next step of their spa day. To her, the massage had been the highlight, but she wasn't really looking forward to the rest. Still, she was here for Mollie and would endure everything to make her happy. Thankfully, Mollie dropped the topic for now and took her own seat.
What came next, wasn't as bad as Charlotte had feared. Mobile basins were wheeled over to give their hair a wash. Just the shampooing was worth it. Lathering it in was like a massage for her head. Her face was gently washed too, before a thick cream was slathered all over it. Again, it was not as bad as Charlotte had feared.
Meanwhile, other employees of the spa started to work on their nails. Expertly using a file to hone down their just-grown nails. The bracelets found their new place on their ankles where the magic found a new target. As everything unfolded, Charlotte was close to falling asleep.
Over at the other chair, she could hear Mollie and Robin talking. Clearly, Charlotte's fiancé was curious about French Maids and grilled Robin about everything she could think of. From the hierarchy to clothing conventions. Charlotte overheard that Robin was still the first rank of the French Maids. Like a novice or apprentice. She worked at the spa as a means to round off her education and earn a little extra. All while getting a formal education as a French Maid. Charlotte just hoped that Mollie wouldn't be recruited by Robin.
As they were declared ready, Charlotte and Mollie were led into a hair salon. Here, Robin and a co-worker started their basic education in all things makeup. To Charlotte's surprise, their crash course wasn't the same. As she now learned, they both didn't have the same skin type. Which had an impact on what products and colors to use. She even learned about basic facial shapes, which one she belonged to, and how to accentuate them best.
"You should pay a little more attention," her instructor gently chided Charlotte.
Caught red-handed, Charlotte tore her eyes away from Mollie. It was so easy to get lost in the view. Mollie listened attentively and clearly had the time of her life. Seeing her so happy highlighted Mollie's beauty more than any makeup could and it had been the reason why Charlotte had brought her here.
"Sorry," Charlotte mumbled to her instructor. "Makeup isn't really my thing. I am doing it for her."
"The tomboy type. I figured." The instructor gave a quick glance to Mollie before returning her gaze. "Listen, being a tomboy is fine. But you should still pay attention. Because I guess you can't visit a spa every day. But you can have makeup as a backup. Not for herself. Believe me, pulling out your best face on a day she doesn't expect- Well, that can be a gift in itself. One often rewarded well."
The wink at the end by the instructor was a little overkill, but Charlotte got the gist. Maybe she should take it more seriously. She originally had become a woman again to offer Mollie a girlfriend experience that she never had before. But Charlotte would be lying if she didn't enjoy parts of it herself. She couldn't still imagine going Charlotte full time. But now and then switching to Charlotte to have fun with Mollie had its perks. Just seeing how happy she was right now was a reward as well.
Charlotte vowed to pay more attention. She might not become Charlotte very often in the future, but doing makeup well on those days might show Mollie that she was taking it seriously and not just goofing off. Wearing makeup itself wasn't as bad as Charlotte had imagined. She could feel each layer applied, but it wasn't as heavy and suffocating as she had expected. Given time, she might not even notice anymore. Just like one wasn't aware of the clothes one wears all the time. The sensations drifted into the background.
After nearly an hour of makeup lessons and showing how it was done, Mollie and Charlotte transitioned to applying makeup themselves. It was by no means as good as the professionals could, but better than Charlotte had expected. All that new knowledge that rattled in her head helped out even as her actual skill of applying makeup was barely there.
Once pronounced good enough to at least apply daily makeup, the next step waited. Both got an expert haircut and it was styled for an evening out. Then, once more the professionals made up their faces.
"What are you in the mood for?" Charlotte could hear Robin ask Mollie.
"I want to be sexy," Mollie replied. "Max seduction."
Charlotte gave a quiet chuckle and then looked to her own instructor. "I'll have the same."
The next minutes were heavy with activity and even with her newfound knowledge, Charlotte could hardly follow as her instructor used tricks to get the most out of her features.
At last, Charlotte and Mollie were released. They both stood up at the same time and froze as they caught each other's gaze. Mollie had always been beautiful. Of that, Charlotte had been convinced. Now, that beauty was still evident, but it was highlighted in a new way. The eyeshadow made her expressive eyes stand out more. Lipstick made her gentle lips pop and made them so inviting to kiss. Contouring highlighted Mollie's cheekbones.
Mollie was the first to find her voice. "You look gorgeous!"
"Me?" Charlotte had been so occupied with the vision of Mollie standing before her that she hadn't even looked at her own reflection. She had only eyes for her fiancé. "You are so beautiful it is stunning."
Mollie turned to the mirror and Charlotte joined her. She was just as made up as Mollie and they both looked fantastic. That gave Charlotte some pause. As Scott, she looked good. Some might even say handsome. But now as Charlotte and wearing makeup, she looked downright desirable. It was a revelation that Charlotte was ill-equipped to handle. The feeling itself was strange and foreign.
"Thank you," Mollie quietly said beside her. Snuggling against her arm. "This means a lot to me."
As Charlotte turned to her, she saw a single tear escape Mollie's eye, despite her looking more than happy. As Mollie noticed herself, a slight pang of panic started to form, but Robin was quick to jump in.
"Your makeup is waterproof," the French Maid pointed out. "It should last a while."
Calmed down, Mollie looked at Charlotte again. Then leaned in. Both shared a kiss that made the world pause for them. It might not exist at all as they only had eyes for each other.
Once their need for skinship was fulfilled, it was time to say goodbye to Robin and their co-workers. Part of the whole makeup crash course was a small kit with everything they needed for a few basic looks and some more challenging ones. Each was customized to work well with their respective skin tones. With those in tow, they left the spa.
"I am not sure what to do now," Mollie remarked as they walked slowly through the mall. "A part of me wants to walk around for hours and show the world what a hot girlfriend I have. Then again, part of me wants to drag you to our van and have you all for myself."
"Tempting," Charlotte said with a knowing smile. "But neither is an option, for there is one more surprise I have for you."
"More?" Mollie asked. "How can there possibility be more?" Her eyes narrowed. "Maybe a candlelight dinner?"
Charlotte gave a nervous chuckle. "To be honest, I haven't thought that far ahead. But we are nearly at our next stop." She gently directed Mollie to a specific location. One that came now into few. "Over there. I thought you might like something to remember the day. So, I booked us a professional photo shot."
"You really thought of everything!" Mollie gushed, before adding deadpan: "Except for dinner."
"I am sure we will find something," Charlotte promised.
"Looking like us? Of course, we will." Laughing, Mollie pulled Charlotte to the photo studio. Not that it was necessary.
Charlotte couldn't help but chuckle as another piece of Sushi slipped Mollie's chopsticks. That earned her a mock glare. "It's my first time eating Sushi. Give me a break."
After their photoshoot, they walked around the mall. Then Mollie had spotted a Sushi restaurant and their dinner plans were sealed.
"Or, you could try eating by hand." Charlotte picked up a Maki and stuffed it whole in her mouth. "It's a lot easier."
"How can someone look so beautiful and refined, yet have the table manners of a five-year-old?" The smirk on Mollie betrayed how serious she was. She pointed at Charlotte with her chopsticks. "Everyone knows you eat Sushi with chopsticks. So, I want to learn."
"Everyone knows it is rude to point with chopsticks at someone," Charlotte corrected. "And everyone is wrong about how Sushi is to be eaten. It originally comes from Japan and was meant to be eaten by hand."
"Which Japan?" Mollie joked. "There are eight of them scattered in the Pacific and then there is that enclave in Alaska. They all claim they are the real Japan."
Mollie had a point there. When New Terra was created, it copied and stretched the land masses of the original Earth by a factor of ten. But for some reason, the process glitches on a few islands. The island nation of Japan had multiple copies instead of one enlarged one. A fate that it shared with the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean.
"The Japan of old Earth," Charlotte corrected. "And each piece isn't supposed to be drenched in soy sauce. It should be used sparingly."
Mollie wasn't really listening as she attempted another try to lift up a piece of inside-out roll to her lips. Just as she was about to succeed, her handbag buzzed and broke Mollie's concentration. Another piece fell and another chuckle escaped Charlotte. Giving her a mock glare, Mollie went for her handbag and withdrew her digital tablet. Instead of a quick glance, she unlocked it fully and started to read through chunks of text. The Sushi was suddenly forgotten.
As Mollie wasn't finished within a minute, Charlotte grew a bit impatient. "What is it? Something bad?"
"What?" Mollie looked up and Charlotte could see the moment in her fiancé's face as she remembered she wasn't alone. "Ah, sorry. Do you remember that I started a search for the origin of the corset? The search program just reported back."
"About time," Charlotte remarked. "The information must be from far away.
The internet was a global affair, but it had many blind spots, and often political borders could slow down bandwidth considerably. Local internet was the fastest, but jumping even one country or state line could add minutes to hours to get a ping back. With the continent of North America fractured as it was, some parts needed weeks to do a round trip. Information from other continents might take months to return.
To manage this problem, people send out semi-intelligent programs that spread through the internet. In Mollie's case of the corset, she had taken pictures of it and instructed the program to search for its origin or for cases of garments with a similar effect. It appeared that it was successful.
"You won't believe what it has found." Mollie scrolled up and summarized aloud. "According to this, our corset is old. Probably manufactured ninety to a hundred years old. And it was not intended for Can Can dancers or Southern Belles. It was made for a themed restaurant in the protected district of Folsom in the principality of San Francisco. There, couples could switch genders and experience the other side. There are quite a few garments as our corset. Meant to temporarily bend someone's gender."
Mollie read further and made a sudden frowning face. "Says here the restaurant went belly up as more and more garments were stolen. Among those is our corset. The restaurant couldn't get new ones as the manufacturer died of old age. It appears the process to create them was rather complicated and no one else managed to learn how to do it."
"It was a century ago," Charlotte mused. "Not many had embraced magic as a safe and reliable practice back then. That someone had created something like our corset is an achievement in itself."
"Oh, wow!" Mollie exclaimed and looked up shocked at Charlotte. "We have offers. My search must have tripped some wires. There are five people who offer good money for the corset."
Charlotte's mouth suddenly felt dry. Not too long ago, she - as Scott - wouldn't have minded getting rid of the corset. Now, things were different. As Charlotte, she felt she had made a whole new connection with Mollie. It didn't mean she wanted to be Charlotte all the time, but being her from time to time had some surprising appeal to it.
"How much?" Charlotte asked. Secretly hoping it wasn't too substantial an offer.
"The lowest is fifteen hundred," Mollie gushed. "But it goes up all the way to two thousand one hundred."
"That's a lot," Charlotte said before looking to the side. That was more money than they had made in the months since they ran away together. She liked their little van, but with that kind of money, they might have a good down payment for a bigger one or even an RV. Was it really worth holding onto Charlotte if they could improve their overall situation like that? "Two thousand. That goes a long way."
An uncomfortable silence settled over their small booth in the restaurant. Two thousand wasn't a lot for most people, but for them, it was game-changing. Yet both were reluctant to let go of Charlotte.
Suddenly, Mollie snapped her fingers and gave Charlotte a triumphant grin. "What if we could get more than two thousand?"
Charlotte eyed her skeptically. "What do you mean?" Then it dawned on her. "If there are five, then there is demand. We could hold an auction. See how much they are really willing to pay."
"No. No. No. No." Mollie looked ready to spring the biggest surprise and it made her radiate with excitement. "Remember what Robin said? About those bracelets. They get them from a magic school in the Louisiana Territories. Clearly, someone is studying magic and willing to create new magical items. Listen. What if we find someone who can make copies of the corset."
"Provided the manufacturing cost isn't too cheap-" Now, Charlotte started to feel excited too. "We could sell to all of them. Maybe even look around for others. Those five were those that knew about the corset and were actively looking. There might be more people wanting a garment with this ability. They just don't know it exists."
"We could also look for more magical items," Mollie suggested. "Who knows what people came up with in the past. There might be more lost items. Oh, this is exciting. We could build a whole business around this."
Mollie's excitement was infectious, but it also set them up for potential disappointment. She hated to do it, but Charlotte had to be the voice of reason. "If we find someone to make copies. And as I said, the manufacturing cost is a problem too."
Mollie was about to say something when her tablet beeped again. A quick glance and she turned all serious to Charlotte. "Well, we better find someone, because two more offers just arrived. Even if we just make three hundred bucks on each sale in profit, it would be more than selling it once. And we can keep Charlotte around. So, eat up, buttercup. We got a maker to find."
Charlotte gave an amused snort and took one piece of Maki between her fingers. Holding it up, she deliberately made her voice sound a bit snobbish. "Sushi is not something to gobble down. It is meant to be enjoyed slowly."
Mollie looked down at her spread of Sushi and Charlotte literally could see when it clicked and Mollie was reminded that it was her idea to come here and try Sushi for the first time. Just as deliberate as Charlotte had been, Mollie picked up a Maki on her own. "Cheers!" she said before bumping into Charlotte's Maki as if she was clinking champagne glasses and then biting into it.
Charlotte was shocked for a moment and then gave a long-suffering shake of her head. "That's not how to eat Sushi either."
Scott tried to cool off by fanning himself by flapping the collar of his shirt. Not that it helped much. Even his little attempts were futile and probably not a wise action. He was, after all, driving their little van. Not that he was doing so very fast. Ever since they had added a small trailer their meager maximum speed had dropped further down.
"We really need a better van," Scott lamented. Glancing at Mollie who was busy in the passenger seat. "One with an AC."
"Maybe," Mollie said without looking up. She was busy playing with a new tablet. This one was arcane in nature. "I'd rather use the money we have to invest in new products. If we find some. Maybe a new van can wait? It will be Autumn soon."
Scott gave a hearty chuckle. Since their day at the Sushi restaurant, they steadily made their way south. Taking just a little longer than two months. A further month had passed looking for someone to partner up. Then they had to wait for the copies of the corset to be made and enchanted. Only now, they started to travel again.
"I don't think you have thought that through. We are still in the Louisiana Territories. This far south Autumn and Winter will still be hot. Not to mention that we are heading west instead of north."
"Urgh, you are right. A better van would be nice. If we sell two or three more corset copies, we could afford it." Mollie finally looked up from the tablet. Only to inspect her painted nails. Satisfied, she slipped off an ornate bracelet and placed it on Scott's right wrist. "What do you think?"
Scott glanced at his hands on the steering wheel. His nails appeared to be growing, but he knew it was not so. Just an illusion. They also changed color to a uniform pink. More details appeared. Giving his nails French tips and a motif started to form. Delicate little branches in brown with white flowers.
"Cherry blossoms?" Scott guessed. "Not bad. You are getting better"
"Not that hard with this." Mollie lifted up the arcane tablet and saw the design for each nail in a painting application. That was really all to the tablet there is. One could paint designs for nails and transmit them to the synchronized bracelet. Which then created illusions to display those designs on the nails of the wearer.
It was one of three products they picked up besides the copies of the corset. The tablet and bracelet were made by the same person who made the nail-growing bracelets for Robin's Spa. It had been a bust on the corset front until the maker recommended a nearby magic wig manufactory. There, they had finally found someone who could duplicate the corsets.
Of course, Mollie couldn't resist. After sending on the first few corsets and getting paid, she invested some of their funds into a few of these magical wigs. Those fused to one's head like the bunny headband at Bunny Beach. With this, a quick change of color was possible in seconds.
Scott glanced over. Currently, Mollie was wearing metallic blue hair. He preferred her natural hair but wasn't about to burst Mollie's bubble. She had too much fun wearing colorful wigs in the last few days.
"You might want to shoot a little video," Scott recommended.
Along with a small online shop, they started to build an online presence. Which was rather hard as they still haven't come up with a name yet.
"Of course." Mollie snatched the bracelet off his wrist and then put it away, along with the tablet. "I think we are close." A moment later, she pointed at a sign. "There. The SuperGrocer."
"Yep," Scott confirmed and steered their van onto the parking lot of the local supermarket. "Now we have to wait for our client."
"A covert sale on a parking lot," Mollie mused. "Makes me think we are some kind of spies."
"You'd be a horrible spy," Scott remarked and got a shocked face in return. "What? We both know you would boast about the fact to everyone. Five minutes into any discussion and you would be made."
"Not true."
"Right. What was I thinking?" Scott gave her a grin. "No more than two minutes."
"I should be angry," Mollie said, narrowing her eyes. But quickly cheered up again. "But to be fair, that's probably about right."
A half-hour later, an unassuming young man walked toward their van. He clearly looked nervous before approaching. "Are you the sellers from Transformative Delights?"
Scott gave Mollie a questioning look, who leaned against their van beside him. She crossed her arms. "What? I had to give some name."
"We are," Scott confirmed to the customers. "Though the name is not yet final. Just to confirm, we need your name."
"Evan. Evan Burch." The young man looked ready to bolt. "You have the corset, right? Does it really work?"
"It does," Molly said as she pulled out a box from within the van. Lifting up the lit revealed a pastel pink corset. "Didn't you see our demonstration video?"
"Things like that can be faked," Evan remarked. "There is a whole industry for such videos. Leading to plenty of fake hits in my search for the corset."
"This one works," Scott insisted. "Every corset we sell has been worn twice. Once by Mollie here to imprint a female figure. Without that step, it wouldn't work. Then, I wore it shortly to confirm the enchantment works. But you can easily check if it works by just wearing it."
"Here?" the client looked around the parking lot if anyone could have overheard him.
Scott gave a shrug. "Sure. The transformation doesn't last long. Well, the effect lasts three times as long as the garment is worn. The minimum is five minutes for wearing it before the corset can be opened again. Making the overall minimum time twenty minutes. But if you want to become a woman full-time, you have to wear it for at least six hours a day."
Evan blushed heavily. "Oh, no. Not for that long. Four or five hours now and then."
Mollie slit the lit onto the box again. "You ain't buying the corset to sneak into some locker room, are you?"
"I swear I am not!" Evan himself noticed how forceful it sounded. A little defeated, he explained. "My mother is a participating Southern Belle. As was my grandmother and her mother. Three generations. But I don't have a sister and it would be a shame to break tradition. So, with this corset, I can keep it alive."
Mollie and Scott exchanged a glance. It was Scott who spoke up. "Sounds risky. If you are found out, you could anger a lot of people."
"I already told my Ma and Grandma," Evan assured them. "They think it is fine. And I will be completely open about it. Telling everyone."
"Sounds like a lot of trouble to go through," Mollie mused. Then, she offered the box with the corset. "And expensive. That will be two thousand dollars."
As Evan handed over a stack of bills, Scott had a sudden insight. "There is a woman there you fancy." A twitch by Evan revealed that he had hit Bullseye. "Ah, don't worry. I know how far one goes for love. Certainly had me jump the gender fence a few times."
With the bills handed over, Evan took possession of the corset. Clutching it like a treasure chest. Still, he was flush with red. "I mean, I really want to continue the tradition." Then a little more meek: "But I wouldn't mind catching Shannon's attention."
"Good luck with that," Mollie wished and Scott gave the same sentiment a moment later.
Then, Evan hurried off. Once out of sight, Mollie raised the two thousand to her face and sniffed. "Ahh, I like the smell of freshly earned money."
"Enjoy it while it lasts," Scott reminded her. "That was the last of the original offers. Now we have to turn up new clients."
A mischievous grin made Scott know he was in trouble. "Well, we need to turn up new clients," Mollie purred. "That means more advertisements. I think I have a few ideas for videos we could make. Maybe one goes viral."
Scott shook his head while giving a bemused grin. He should have known. It looked like the weather forecast for the next few days was sunny, with high temperatures, and occasional appearances of Charlotte.
They had been at it for hours and there was no end in sight. Slowly, the many garments before Scott's eyes began to blur together. It was ironic, really. A year had passed and their little business was growing. They had found a few arcane crafters willing to work with them, but the hard part was to come up with items to duplicate. Most of their new additions had been scavenged from second-hand shops. Just like this one. Or the very first one that started it all.
Scott was currently looking through a section of long evening gowns. Mollie had created a hit list with garments that were known to be magic with transformative enchantments and currently missing. Three of the candidates were evening gowns and would be hiding here. Provided that they were lucky.
The urgent squeaking of shoes on the cheap floor that came closer alerted Scott that Mollie was looking for him. "Over here," Scott shouted as Mollie rushed past. There was a nasty squeal of shoes on linoleum as he heard her make a full stop and turn.
She came to him like an excited puppy with her find. "Look what I found!"
Scott took the garment in his hand. "Spanks?" He raked his head if there was one item on the bounty list that might fit the bill. There were Spanks on it but of nude color. This one was dark brown. "I don't know, honey."
"Look!" Mollie handled the garment until the tag was out. It was worn and faded. "It is hard to make out, but I think these are the initials of Bottom Betty."
That name rang a bell for Scott. Bottom Betty had been a successful porn star about seventy years ago. She had managed to garner fans outside of her own country. A rare feat and it could probably be attributed to her main selling point. A legendary bubble butt. At least until rumors started to circulate that her behind was the work of magic. The rumor about magic spanks had been the nail in Bottom Betty's career's coffin.
"Honey," Scott started gently, to ease the let down for Mollie. "They are the wrong color."
"Aha! And there, you are wrong." Grinning from ear to ear, Mollie folded the Spanks before his eyes. It was not hard to see what Mollie had stumbled upon. Both parts of the fabric she now sandwiched should have the same color, but the dark brown was slightly different. "I think someone dyed it. That would explain why the colors don't match perfectly and why the tag is hard to read."
Scott took the garment and inspected it himself. "Could be. Maybe the next owner was African American and dyed them to match her skin color."
"Well, there is only one way to know." With a twirl and a flourish, Mollie pointed to the changing rooms.
Scott gave an overdone eye roll and then sauntered over to the changing rooms. Purposely walking a bit slower to tease Mollie. But if Mollie was right and this was indeed Bottom Betty's magic Spanks, then they had won the second-hand store lottery. There were bounties posted on the internet for up to three thousand dollars. Hopefully, they would pay the same for copies. Provided it was the right magical garment.
Taking a booth, Scott started to strip out of his shoes and pants. Then, he held up the Spanks. "Should have come as Charlotte," he muttered before stepping into the underwear and pulling it up.
It was quite snug on his skin. It was, after all, their function. Tighten the hips and push the butt up. Seconds passed by. "I don't think-" Then the tingling started. "Hold on. Something is happening."
His behind suddenly exploded into a new girth of his butt. It was accompanied by the ripping of fabric. His boxers that he had worn under the Spanks.
"Mollie." Scott glanced at his behind. "I have good news and bad news."
Mollie peeked her head in and Scott had just about time to say "don't you dare" before Mollie burst out in laughter.
"Yeah. Yeah. Laugh it up." Scott glanced at his butt. It looked enormous. "I could sit a beer can on that."
"A can?" Mollie managed in between snickers. "More like a whole keg."
"I mean I knew Bottom Betty was famous for her behind, but this?" Scott had to touch it. His butt was surprisingly firm and definitely not an optical trick.
"You know what this means?" Mollie asked. "Ka-ching!"
"That's the good news," Scott agreed. "Here is the bad news. How do we get it out without revealing to the sales staff that they sit on a small treasure trove? For that matter, how do we get me out? Not to mention that I had a wardrobe malfunction."
"I need the Spanks first," Mollie urged him. "I should buy it before they know it is magical."
Scott rolled his eyes but dutifully stripped out of the Spanks. "Glad you got your priorities straight."
Mollie blew him a raspberry, before eyeing him critically. "And maybe I'll find a skirt for you. Extra large."
She was gone before Scott could say anything, so he muttered to himself. "I really should have come as Charlotte." Having an extra large bubble butt was definitely not a look for a guy.
Impatiently, Scott waited for Mollie's return. Or for his butt to shrink. Both would be welcome. It was Mollie who won that race.
"I got this," she said, before handing him over a layered lacy ruffled skirt that would reach to the floor. "Only thing that might fit."
"Are you sure?" Scott dug. It would be just Mollie's thing to dig out the frilliest of skirts for him.
Mollie placed her hands on her hips and tapped her right foot. "It's paid for. So, unless you want to wait it out, it is this skirt or nothing."
Grumbling, Scott pushed the skirt over his head. There was no way he could step into it and pull it up. "This looks ridiculous," he remarked as he saw his mirror image. It looked like someone had strapped two pillows to his butt. Not to mention that the frilly skirt clashed with his black Revival Metal motive shirt.
Red like a tomato, Scott followed Mollie out of the store. They nearly made it when the clerk at the register perked up. "Sir? Sir! Hold on. What's that under your skirt? Are you smuggling clothes out?"
"It's my butt," Scott protested while getting even more flustered. Seeing the doubt in the clerk's eyes, Scott lifted up the backside of the skirt. "I have a condition."
The statement wasn't helped as Mollie burst out at the same time with: "Allergies."
Seconds passed before the clerk waved them through. Hurrying out, both burst into nervous giggles.
Both returned to their van and Scott took a seat. "Damn, that feels strange. So squishy."
"Comfortable?" Mollie teased.
Scott gave her a glare. "Let's just hope the duration of this condition doesn't last too long. I've worn the Spanks for maybe a minute and the effect is still there. Any idea how long it will last?"
Mollie shrugged. "Everything I collected on them were rumors. Some of them were at odds with each other. While most said the Spanks grows one's butt - now confirmed - others implied Bottom Betty's behind actually was this large and she used the Spanks to reduce her girth. Which makes more sense, given what Spanks usually do. We might need to tweak how strong the effect is. And the duration. Maybe some variations. We could be at the manufacturer in Hobbington in two or three weeks. How many copies do you think we should get."
Scott gave an amused snort before giving a sad shake of his head. This was so Mollie. Jumping onto the business opportunity before the enchantment had even worn off. "How about none?" His statement had Mollie puzzled, so he stood up, took her hand, and led her a few feet away from their van. "Now tell me where you want to stow our newest product."
Mollie's confusion gave way to contemplation. Scott saw her gaze fall onto the van. It wasn't their old small van they had started out with. Their new van was the biggest electric van they had found. At that time, it had felt spacious compared to their first mobile home. It even had a small shower and kitchenette. With plenty of storage room.
Or so they had thought. As their business had taken off, more and more merchandise had taken up storage space. They had stuffed every nook and cranny before they found an alternative. The solar panel on the roof had to make space for a rack that could strap on weatherproof boxes. Instead of relying on fixed solar panels, they now had some they could roll out.
Mollie's view shifted as she acknowledged that their roof space was used up too. Her gaze fell onto their trailer. Not the first either. In hindsight, it had been a mistake to buy a small trailer and thinking it would suffice. Just three months later, they exchanged it for one that was nearly as large as their van. It too was stuffed full of merchandise.
Scott knew he had Mollie dead to rights. "I am listening. Any suggestions?"
"Maybe we could temporarily put some in the shower?" As Scott gave her a less-than-enthusiastic look, Mollie swiveled on the spot. "Well, we would have space if someone wasn't hugging the closet space."
Scott only shrugged. "Well, I am dressing for two."
Mollie's eyes grew wide and she covered her mouth. "Don't tell me. You are pregnant?"
In reply, she got a long-suffering look. "I said dressing for two. Not eating. And I might point out that most of those clothes are in there because you treat Charlotte as your personal dress-up doll."
"True," Mollie admitted. "But I wouldn't mind seeing you pregnant. I heard rumors about special strap-ons the tribes of Florida use."
Every reply on Scott's tongue died away as his mind entertained the thought for a moment. How would it feel to carry new life in one's belly? Could it work? Did he have to wear the corset for three to four months to make it work? That was a daunting duration.
"I think you are getting ahead of yourself," Scott said to avoid giving Mollie a comment on her suggestion. "Look at our van. There isn't space for any new product line. Even less so for starting a family. Mollie, we have to-"
"Get a bigger van!"
Scott sighed. Taking a seat nearby, he motioned for Mollie to join him. "Do you remember our original plan? We wanted to travel the continent to find a new home. Some place we can settle down. Yes, I have grown fond of traveling with you too. But we have to decide now. We can't grow our business any bigger or start a family with our current setup. Getting something bigger will only postpone the inevitable. Do we settle down - grow the business and start a family - or do we take a step back and keep traveling? We have to decide."
For once, there was no quick quip from Mollie. Her gaze drifted between Scott and their van. He could see that the decision wasn't easy for her. At last, she looked like she was ready.
"So-" She stretched out the word like it was bubblegum and a hint of mischief returned to her gaze. "If we settle down, I can put a bun in your oven?"
"Not if I put a bun into you first," Scott shot back. Giggling, Mollie drew him into a hug and passionate kiss.
As their kiss ended, Mollie turned thoughtful again. "Settling down, huh? In the beginning, we talked about it all the time. Not so much lately. A lot has changed since then. I am not even sure where we should stake our claim."
Scott gently rubbed his fiancé's back as she snuggled against him. "Well, I have given it some thought-"
"Of course, you have!" Mollie exclaimed after a short sharp laugh. "Go on. Woe me with details."
"You liked the Louisiana Territories, didn't you? Most of our business partners are there too. How about that small town with the mage academies."
"Oh, we can pilver promising alumni!" This time, it was Scott's turn to laugh. Undeterred, Mollie ventured on. "It's not too far away from the Gulf of Mexico too. I loved the beaches there. Not enough beach bunnies though. Maybe we should ask if we can franchise Bunny Beach."
Scott shook his head in amusement. "Maybe we find a house first? Then we can open up a shop and get established. And then, when we have solid ground under our feet, we can tackle other big projects."
"Deal!" Mollie extracted herself from the hug to offer Scott a handshake. After they shook, her real motive revealed itself. "Time to test out those Spanks myself. That butt of yours has me jealous."
Scott gave a muted chuckle. Yes, that was exactly how the woman he knew and loved behaved. And in their little social dance, he knew exactly what to say next. "Ah, so you want to have child-bearing hips. I think I know who will carry our first child."
Mollie, halfway into stepping into the Spanks, stopped to give him a raspberry.
"Nervous?" Charlotte asked as she took Mollie's hand in her own.
"A little," Mollie admitted. "The other two properties had been good, but our realtor promised something amazing for this one."
"Hopefully, we can afford it," Charlotte grumbled.
Hand in hand, they casually strolled along the boulevard. It was obvious that this part of the town was for tourists. Not just by the masses of people walking around, but also by the shops and restaurants that lined the street. Pushing past those buildings, they arrived at the riverfront and the promenade that paralleled the shore.
The whole town was built into the Mississippi delta and branches of the mighty river could be found everywhere. This fact was underlined by the many boats that lined the shoreline. A few were swimming restaurants, but most were converted to houseboats.
"Over there," Mollie pointed out and a moment later, Charlotte caught sight of a red jacket too. As they arrived, Mollie took the initiative. "Good afternoon, Miss Hodgkins."
"To you too, Mollie," the realtor replied as she shook her hand. "Scott isn't with you today? And who do I have the pleasure to meet today?"
"Charlotte," she introduced herself. Then gave a mock glare at Mollie. "I am afraid Scott won't join for the foreseeable future. Say, nine months."
"Oh, shush, I won fair and square." Seeing the confusion of Miss Hodgkins, Mollie chose to explain. "You see, Miss Hodgkins, Scott and I have a business that deals with bodily alterations and transformations of the magical kind. Whenever Scott becomes a woman, she goes by Charlotte."
"Oh!" Then it dawned on the realtor what really went on. "Congratulations. How far are you along?"
"Thanks." Charlotte didn't sound very excited. "I should have turned back two days ago. So, I would say I am two days along."
"Oh, don't mind her grumpiness," Mollie injected. "She can be a sore loser sometimes. But we both are looking forward to becoming a family."
"Well, in that case, you need a home," Miss Hodgkins quipped. Quickly and professionally switching to the task at hand. "And this one might just be perfect. If you would follow?"
Instead of leading them to one of the buildings overlooking the boulevard, she walked just a few meters and stepped onto a pier. Passing a few willow trees, a breathtaking view unfolded. Moored to the pier was a large riverboat with three stories.
"This is the SS Nixie," Miss Hodgkins opened her pitch and pointed at the name painted on the bow. "Or it would be if it was a real boat. Let me explain. This house was built to mimic the classic paddle steamer of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century that used to traverse the Mississippi of Old Earth. It - sadly - rests on a concrete foundation and the large rear paddle is purely decorative."
The realtor walked over a plank to set foot on the fake ship. She waited for her clientele to follow who had trouble taking it all in. "It originally was built as a bed and breakfast and operated as such for fifty-odd years. The owner changed and it was remodeled as a fine dining establishment. After thirty years it closed down and remained in private hands for another decade before it was sold to a luxury designer company. This was their southern subsidiary and showroom."
Opening up, they stepped into a large room that had an amazing view of the shore and river through floor-to-ceiling windows. "As you can see, this space is ideal for a shop or boutique. As it was used as such before. The rear end has plenty of storage space. The floor up is currently set up as office space. Above, there is a large private apartment."
Mollie and Charlotte followed along as they were shown the houseboat in detail. The more they saw, the more they loved it.
"It is perfect," Mollie gushed. "The price-"
"We'd have to take a loan," Charlotte confirmed. "But the way our business is growing, that shouldn't be a hurdle. Just imagine."
They both could. Downstairs was perfect for a large sales room with changing cabins. As well as a large storage room. The office space might be a bit premature, but they both knew they might need to hire staff sooner than later. And the apartment was large enough that they could have a dozen children.
"All that is left is to walk you down the aisle," Charlotte mused after they both had signed the contract. "I can't wait to see you in a white dress."
Mollie smiled, before sharing a passionate kiss. "Of course, there is an opportunity." Charlotte arched her eyebrow and Mollie was quick to explain. "I bet you would look great in a wedding dress too. It might also be a dream of many of our customers. We could have a little photoshoot. Show them that dreams can come true. With the added benefit that I too can walk you down the aisle."
Charlotte chuckled. Of course, she had to expect something just like it from the woman she loved. "Of course, my love." Arm in arm they looked at their newest purchase. "After all these years traveling, we finally have a place to call home."
"And we will fill it with more love than our parents ever did."
The end.
Aureo ran for his life. All the while looking behind him for pursuers. There weren't any. Not yet, anyway. It was only a matter of time. The Cortez syndicate does not forget or forgive.
Running out of the oldest district of New Boston, Aureo fell to his knees. His lungs burning and every gulp of air was desperately needed and fought for. Before him, the cobbled street opened up to the train station. A massive area that stretched as far as he could see. He couldn't even see the beasts of burden that pulled wagons numbered in the hundreds behind them. One of them, he had to board. Else, he might be as good as dead. The death itself would probably be a release after vigorous torture.
Still winded, Aureo pulled himself up. Aiming for the only part of the station that was roofed, Aureo stumbled more than walked towards the ticket booth. Fate had mercy on him as the last customer just left. Leaving no waiting line for him. At once, Aureo hurried over and leaned - nearly collapsed - against the counter.
"Welcome to the New Boston train terminal. Run by the Appalachian Train Union. What can I-" The ticket clerk finally looked up and saw the sorry state of the person before her was in. "Are you alright? Do you need medical assistance? I could call someone."
"No. I am. Fine," Aureo assured her. "Need to- Ticket."
The ticket clerk wasn't caught off-guard for long. Her professional training took over. "Where to, if I may ask?"
"Anywhere!" Aureo answered with more force than intended and was polite. Cringing himself, he lowered his voice. "Just out of New Boston. First train."
Understanding dawned in the clerk's eyes. Only people in trouble didn't care for a destination. And Aureo certainly looked the part. She kind of felt bad for him. "The next train leaving is heading for Worthington Heights in the Greater Chicago area in two days. I am sorry."
Aureo nearly collapsed then and there again. His one hope of escape was dashed quickly. Sure, he could run by car, but Cortez's men would find him soon enough. The country roads wouldn't get him far and the highways could be easily blocked off. Not to mention that the syndicate was in all the nearby cities. Small or big. He'd be looking over his shoulder for days and probably not make it very far.
"Wait!" The clerk looked excited. "I just see the Neville Express hasn't left the station yet. They have been delayed by an hour. Maybe forty minutes now left." Then her optimism faltered. "But I have to warn you. It is a luxury train. Cruise ship on wheels so to speak. A ticket won't come cheap."
"How much?"
"About two thousand if you want to leave the East American Commonwealth behind."
Aureo emptied his pockets. He had grabbed what he could, but would it be enough? Bills small and big landed on the counter. But it became obvious quite early that Aureo would be well short.
"Let me-" The clerk turned towards her terminal again. Typing away with a speed Aureo could never hope to match. "You may be in luck after all. The Neville Express is looking for workers. If you hurry and speak with the owner, you might earn your ride."
"Brilliant!" Aureo exclaimed. He could kiss her right now. If she hadn't been behind glass. He dashed off, only to stop two seconds later.
"Platform eleven," the clerk shouted.
Giving a small bow, Aureo took off again. His destination was one of the pedestrian bridges that spanned the train yard. Climbing two stairs at once, Aureo quickly became winded again. By the time he reached the top of the stairs, Aureo needed another break.
At least, he had a good view over the train station. Close by - on the platforms one, two, and three - were shorter trains. Aureo guessed about two hundred fifty to three hundred wagons long. These probably serviced the closer destinations that were reachable within a week. Namely, the area the East American Commonwealth claimed as their own. On the platforms four and six were long-distance trains parked. They could reach up to six hundred wagons. Though Aureo had neither time nor mood to count these. Maybe half of them might be freight wagons and the last chance to hide and escape if the Neville Express didn't take him in.
But it was the sight further that baffled Aureo and nearly robbed him of his breath all over again. It must be the Neville Express on platform eleven. But contrary to the name, this behemoth of a metal snake couldn't be fast. Rather the opposite. Aureo couldn't even guess the length as one end reached up to the horizon. The serviceable part of the train station was barely able to house the roughly two hundred passenger wagons. Each was three floors tall. Beyond was a large number of service and staff wagons, followed by even more dedicated to freight. The tail end Aureo likened to wagon rejects. He barely could make them out, but they looked skeletal in nature. As if everything, but their frame, had rusted away.
Looking towards the other side of the bridge, the train kept going. More service and staff wagons stretched out of the terminal. Beyond Aureo could make out the largest locomotive he had ever seen. Easily as long as five normal-sized wagons.
The colossal sight kept Aureo in its ban until he snapped out of it. There was no time. If he wanted to board that train he had to hurry. Once again, Aureo started to run. This time a bit more paced. Trying to avoid other pedestrians. The bridge was wide but crowded. It only thinned out after the stairs down to platform six. A reminder that the other platforms were empty. Safe for eleven, but it would be soon too.
Hastening down the flight of stairs, he easily attracted the attention of the train's staff. They stood stiff at a few chosen doors. Wearing a dark green uniform with silvery details and livery. Polished black boots rounded off the outfit. They barely reacted outward, but Aureo could feel their eyes trailing him. While they didn't look welcoming toward him, it still filled Aureo with hope. At least they still stood outside. Meaning there was still time.
Arriving at the first pair of uniforms, Aureo was spoken to before he even could open his mouth. "Ticket, please."
"I-" Aureo broke off against his will. His lungs had been abused too much. Now he fought against their demand for rest and to push out a few more words. "Don't. Have. One."
"Then, Sir, I can't let you enter. If you hurry, there still might be time to buy one at the kiosk in the station's main building." The man's strict posture softened a little. "Though, I might caution you. The price is steep."
"I know," Aureo finally managed to say. Hoping to cut off the lecture for good. He got that the man was polite and only tried to express sympathy. Sadly, Aureo had no time for it. "I heard you hire and I would like to apply."
"I see." The man mustered Aureo who tried to straighten up but failed. Not that the first impression wasn't ruined anyway. But as pitiful Aureo looked, it was enough. "You have to speak to the owner. Good luck, but then again you might not need much. Mister Neville has a bleeding heart for cases like you."
"I- Thanks." What else was a man to say if they were talked down to, but also encouraged? "May I inquire where I can find him?"
The staffer leaned forward and pointed directly ahead of the train. "Mister Neville resides in the locomotive. If you hurry, you still might make it."
Aureo looked baffled in the direct and then back at the man. They were in the middle of the passenger section. Before Aureo had guessed there might be around two hundred wagons for the staff that came before the locomotive capped the train. About three hundred wagons and Aureo might have a half-hour to bridge the distance. Of course, outside of the train. Because he had no ticket.
Giving a weary sigh, Aureo once again started running. This time at an even more measured pace. This was no distance he could sprint by. After about fifty meters, he remembered his manners. Stopping and turning, to give the helpful person a quick bow. Then resumed his running. Past more and more staffers and conductors. All in the dark green uniform with gleaming silver highlights.
Past the railing that marked the end of the platform and the beginning of a section normally reserved for station personnel. The gravel now underneath his feet made for a poor track. But beggars couldn't be choosers. He nearly stumbled in surprise as the first shout of encouragement arrived. A few residents of the train had spotted him running by. More and more leaned out. Calling out. Bestowing blessings and well wishes. If only Aureo had time to listen. Most of what he could hear was the heartbeat echoing through his ears and the labored breathing that filled his entire being.
Nearly at the brink of collapse, Aureo arrived. Drenched in sweat and breathing hard, he made it. The locomotive towered before him. Three stories tall and unusually long. A behemoth still slumbering. The wheels were still resting. There still was time.
"Hello there!" The shout drew Aureo's gaze to a tall, but thin older man leaning out of a door. He was, of course, dressed in the livery of the train, but the uniform looked more refined to Aureo. As if made of better materials. There was a crispness to it. "Be careful. The train is about to roll out. I'd hate for you to end up under its wheels."
At once, Aureo's eyes widened. Had his luck run out after all? He tried to explain himself, but once again, his breath gave out. His body was on the brink of exhaustion. Never had Aureo demanded so much of it in such a short span of time. When words escaped him, Aureo feebly reached out to the man in a gesture of desperation.
"Say." The older man leaned a bit back. As if seeing Aureo suddenly in a new light. "You wouldn't be here by chance for a job? We are looking for help, you know."
At that moment, Aureo could have kissed the man. Instead, he nodded as if his life depended on it. Which, in fact, it might as well do.
"Then come on in," the older gentleman said. He went back inside the locomotive but left the door open.
Hurrying forward, Aureo found the deed easier said than done. A short ladder led towards the door of maybe two meters in height. To Aureo, they felt like twenty, and each rung up was hard fought for. He really was at his end of strength. Yet, he needed just a little more. At last, he arrived at the end. Dragged himself into the interior. And while there was nothing more on his mind than collapsing and letting the world be the world for a while, he shoved the door closed with a kick of a tired leg. It was a sign. Not for others, but for himself. He wouldn't leave this way. He was here to stay.
Aureo couldn't tell how long he laid there. But eventually, he found a modicum of strength. Enough to pull himself up on shaky legs and stumble further into the locomotive. Looking around, it certainly wasn't like he imagined one to look. Sure, there were some pipes and steel. But most was hidden behind the tastefully chosen wood cladding. It looked expensive. More fit for a luxury suite than the workplace affair a locomotive should be.
Aureo found the older gentleman in a small cabin behind an ornate desk. It was a tight affair as most of the room was taken up by the desk and display shelves. The items on exhibition struck Aureo more as mementos than simple displays of wealth.
"Come sit," the man said before filling two fine porcelain cups with tea from an equally lavish designed kettle. Now Aureo was reminded of just how parched he was. All that running had taken its toll. But the tea was still trailing steam. A happenstance that didn't hinder the host from taking a generous sip. Only then, after seeing Aureo hesitate, did the man wise up. "Right. My bad." He produced a large glass from behind the desk and a pitcher of cold water. By the condensation, Aureo could guess it was cooled.
"Now then," the man continued after handing the glass over. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hamish Neville. I am the head engineer and driver of this fine engine."
"The owner of this train," Aureo added.
Neville chuckled. "So people tell me. The truth is a little more complicated. But for all intents and purposes, I act as the caretaker of this train. And you are?"
"Aureo," he volunteered. "Aureo Testa, Mister Neville. And I am very grateful to you for taking your time hearing me out."
"My pleasure. My pleasure," Hamish said before taking another sip from the tea. "And call me Hamish. Not even my mother called me Mister Neville. So, Aureo, you are looking for work."
"Yes, sir," Aureo nodded eagerly. If this train was his ticket out of town, he'd do anything to get the job. Or part of it. Even if it meant working and grime and dirt. He was used to that anyway.
"Well, we can use the help." Hamish chuckled again. This time as if he shared an inside joke with himself. "So, tell me, have you ever worked on a train? Any skills of note?"
"No, Sir." Aureo's fear returned. What if he couldn't bring anything to the table? "I was a technician in a mine. A safety inspector too and some knowledge in engineering."
"Ah, I see." Hamish leaned back. In thought, he brushed his mustache with his right hand. It wasn't long enough to twirl. "Maintenance it is then. We can always use a good pair of hands there. But I am afraid I have to ask. The manner of your arrival. You are not in trouble with the authorities, are you?"
"No, sir!" Aureo exclaimed quickly. "It was in the mines, sir. Something I saw. The syndicate-"
Aureo stopped as Neville held his hand up. "I don't need those details. But I am afraid your word alone is not enough. I hope you don't mind a background check." With those words, the older gentleman pulled out an ID-scanner. A slim tablet that he placed on the desk.
"Not a problem, Sir." Aureo placed his hand on it. He knew this little device would read his soul-ID. Compare it to the database of the East American Commonwealth and probably to the surrounding countries, republics, and free cities. It wouldn't take long over the local internet. Farther away destinations would require longer waiting times. Even for electronic requests. Feedback from the west coast of America might take a week and a reply from another continent a month or longer. These weren't the times of old Earth where the internet spanned the globe and was near-instantaneous. Here, the internet was splintered and divided. With many bottlenecks. Most of them were on purpose.
"Everything checks out," Hamish assured Aureo as he took the id-scanner back. "Welcome on board. Sherin will take you to your cabin and later hand out your assignment."
Aureo loathed to admit it, but he was confused. "Excuse me. Who?"
Instead of answering, Hamish pointed behind Aureo. As he turned around to look, he had the fright of his life. Just a step behind his chair loomed a woman. Looking down at Aureo with an unreadable expression. No, woman wasn't quite right. As his heart calmed down again, he noticed details. She wasn't quite natural. An android. Aureo had never seen one before, but this must be it. The East American Commonwealth wasn't the most advanced. Neither in technology or magiology. In fact, magic, in general, was frowned upon. As a result, an android walking these lands was quite unheard of.
"I see." Aureo stood up and gave Mister Neville the best bow he could manage under such cramped circumstances. "I thank you for your time and this opportunity. I won't take much more of it. Hopefully, I haven't delayed the train's departure by very long."
Hamish gave him another chuckle. "Oh, don't worry, dear Aureo. This train left the station the moment you closed that door."
Aureo was flabbergasted. He didn't know much about trains, but could this monstrously large engine get thousand or more wagons moving without him noticing? Aureo had expected the squeal of gears and wheels. A jerk when the train first overcame the resistance preventing motion and actually started to roll. But he felt and heard none of that.
Instead of commenting, Aureo gave another bow. Sometimes it was better to stay quiet and not embarrass oneself further. Leaving the small cabin, he followed Sherin the android. She was of the silent type too. Just like the engine that pulled this train along. He could barely hear her footsteps.
"Most wagons have three levels." For an android, she had a very melodic voice. Not what Aureo expected at all. "Most wagons have a layout that reserves partially or all of the lowest level for the train's staff. As you are part of it, it is expected that you use these routes. In your free time, you can partake in the entertainment that is usually reserved for our paying customers. However, only as long as you do not take up a place reserved for them and as long as you are presentable."
In other words, Aureo better clean up and not run around in work clothes that were drenched in sweat. Not that he had any other kind at the moment.
Following Sherin, Aureo got a quick tour. Limited to the briskest outline. They passed one wagon that served as a kitchen and cafeteria for the staff. It reminded Aureo that he hadn't eaten since breakfast. After a few more wagons dedicated to staff, they arrived at their destination.
"This will be your cabin."
Peeking in, Aureo saw a small compartment. One bed. A small desk and chair. A few spaces to stow belongings. Aureo suspected they would stay empty for a while. However, the cabin was clean and tidy. In addition, it was for only one person. Aureo didn't have to share accommodations. It was more than he had expected.
"At the end of the hallway to the left is this wagon's community bath," Sherin continued and pointed down-train. "I'd suggest you use this facility immediately as it is currently free. By the time you are done, I will have a set of a uniform in your size."
"Thank you," Aureo replied a little too late. Sherin was already on the move. Shrugging, Aureo followed the directions. The community bathroom was small but had to his surprise a bath. One he sorely needed. Locking the door, he stripped out of his filthy garments and ran a bath. One quite hot. Another luxury he hadn't expected.
Just slipping into the water gave his aching muscles relief. More than one sigh escaped him. Never had a bath felt this good in his life. For a while, Aureo closed his eyes and soaked. Enjoying the warmth.
A faint click made Aureo think someone had opened the door. Although he was sure he had locked it. A glance over the shoulder revealed it was still shut.
"Must have imagined it." With his nerves frayed as they were, he wouldn't put it past himself. Just as he was about to relax again, a few details caught his attention. For one, his clothes were gone. And on a nearby small counter was a stack of neatly folded dark green clothes with silvery accents. Peeking over the rim of the tub, Aureo even spied a pair of polished shoes. They even looked his size.
"That sneaky-" Aureo cut himself off. If that Android could slip into the bathroom without him detecting it, who knows what else she'd be capable of. It was better not to run his mouth. The whole incident also reminded him that he wasn't here for leisure. It reminded him to grab a brush and soap, and attack his body vigorously.
A quarter-hour later, Aureo felt like a man again. Dressed in his new uniform - which fit perfectly - he was ready to face the world again. Opening the door, Aureo made an involuntary step back. Sherin. She was right there. Waiting inches in front of the door.
The android gave him a quick glance all over. "Now he looks the part. Excellent." For the first time, she gave him any sign of human emotion. A bright smile. It even looked genuine. Aureo wasn't sure he liked it.
"Shall we?"
Aureo swallowed his nervousness down. "Lead the way."
It's been a month since Aureo joined the Neville Express and to his surprise, he liked it here. At any point, he could have left. By now there was half a continent between him and the syndicate that wanted him dead.
Why he stayed was a little hard to pinpoint for Aureo. The pay wasn't bad. The fellow staff was friendly. He even could imagine them growing as tight as a surrogate family. Even the work was nice. Nothing too complicated, but wagons were complex. A lot could break and needed regular maintenance. Aureo rarely did the same work twice a week.
The only drawback he could see was the tight environment. Wagons were about forty meters long and varied in width between four and six meters. Most had three floors. It sounded like a lot, but in practical terms, it wasn't much space. Every living space had to make do with some compromises. Slowly, Aureo got used to that too. What he didn't get used to was Sherin. That sneaky android was vexing him to no end. He could talk to her and then walk down or up-train at a brisk pace for a few hundred wagons and she still could manage to arrive before him. And he doubted he could ever get used to her being so sneaky.
But Sherin wasn't the only mystery this train had to offer. Today's job assignment was a good example. He had received a long list to be filled out. Going to each wagon personally and speaking to the responsible staffer if anything needed to be fixed or early maintenance. Except for a good third of the wagons were missing on the list. When Aureo asked, he got a confusing reply: "Those don't break. Never need maintenance too."
Aureo shrugged it off. If that was the assignment, then he would do it. With a little exception. Wagon four hundred thirty-two was dear to his heart. With a small smile he couldn't suppress, he climbed the small spiral staircase that led to the showroom of the wagon. The afternoon show was in full swing. On stage was an older gentleman - Aureo guessed a good decade older than Mister Neville - who performed feats of "instinctive manipulation of the quantum field". Also called "magic" by the uneducated or ignorant. Small tricks and spells dazzled the two dozen people in the audience. At its center was "The Fantastical Magician Lahovary". Who performed amazing feats one after another.
Though noteworthy, the show wasn't what made Aureo's heart beat faster. It was the assistant's flash of a smile as she spied him. Mirela had captured Aureo's heart without resistance. She was just perfect. Maybe a little too much for this world. Not that Aureo minded.
Quietly, he waited at the end of the room. The exclamations of excitement from the audience when Mister Lahovary performed another miracle washed past Aureo. His eyes were riveted onto Mirela who helped out on the small stage and took over narration if the magician needed to concentrate.
At last, the show ended and Aureo was elated as Mirela made her way over to him. Past the audience that gathered around the old magician to get autographs.
"Mister Testa." Mirela's voice was music to his ears. "What can I do for you?"
"Aureo. Please," he gently corrected her. "And I was just about to ask the same."
Mirela looked confused. A minuscule frown that somehow made her even more attractive to Aureo. "I am sorry. We usually don't need anything. So, I am a little lost by your offer."
"Well, you see." Aureo suddenly felt a little more nervous. A bit foolish too. "I am making the rounds and taking stock of which wagon needs repairs or maintenance."
"Ah." Mirela gave him a nod of understanding. "There must be a mistake with your list. This wagon doesn't need either."
"No, the list is correct." As Aureo saw another frown appear on Mirela's face, he corrected himself double-time. "Your wagon isn't on it. But I thought asking couldn't hurt, right? I mean surely sometimes something breaks, right? Or a door needs a bit of oil to open properly. A light bulb needs-"
"Oh, Aureo. That's sweet of you." The smile of amusement on Mirela's face might have ticked off Aureo on any other person. But combined with her reaching for his arm made it all worth it. "I guess no one explained to you that this is a Manteriantus Wagon."
Now it was Aureo's turn to be confused. He never heard of such a thing. And, as usual, he tried to play it over with humor. "Bless you?"
"Very funny," Mirela replied in a voice that hinted at not a hint of amusement in the joke, but appreciation for the effort. "Alright. I'll explain it to you. Neville might be a better choice for the details, but by now I think I can relay the basics with some authority."
"I am all ears." Not that Aureo really cared for the lecture. But he liked spending time with Mirela. Finding out about the mysterious wagons that are impervious to damage was a nice bonus.
"You see this wagon is magic." When the sentence didn't invoke the desired reaction in Aureo, Mirela looked around and then leaned over to him to whisper. "As in real magic. Or applied manipulation of the quantum field or whatever you want to call it."
"Oh!" What else was Aureo to say? Though, after a few moments, some questions came to his mind. "I guess the wagon fixes whatever is wrong. But how does it know what to fix?"
"Good question." She even gave him another smile that threatened to melt his heart. "You see, Manteriantus Wagons need a person - or more specifically a soul - to bind to it."
"You are connected to it?"
"About fifty-five years ago a young magician with great aspirations needed a little cash to restart his show. First, he took a job on this train. Just like you. That man was Caius Lahovary." Mirela stepped to the side and with perfect timing revealed the old magician who gave a bow with a flourish to Aureo from across the room. "When he heard of Neville's generous restoration offer, he couldn't resist. He became bound to this very wagon. It is now an extension of himself. As am I."
Aureo frowned. "You?"
"Aureo, you do know I am an android, right?"
"Android?" Even hearing Mirela say it, Aureo had a hard time believing such a fact. She looked human. He could see the fine pores on her skin. Her slight breathing. The way her eyes adjusted to the light. It all was human. Felt human. Beautiful in every way. A work of art. Aureo developed doubt. Maybe she wasn't as natural as he thought. Rather than being blessed with beauty at birth, she might be sculpted by someone.
"Oh, right. Sometimes I forget." Mirela acted like she hadn't just shattered Aureo's worldview. "Sometimes I still see this body as to when I first got it. It wasn't one provided by Mister Neville. Rather, I was found on a scrap heap. You wouldn't believe how I looked back then. All exposed metal and even some loose wires. Quite embarrassing in hindsight."
Slowly, all the information tickled through Aureo's brain. It was a lot to stomach. Not just that Mirela was an android. If what she said was true then she wasn't at all what he thought she might be.
"So, in other words, you are Caius?"
"Oh, goodness, no!" Mirela exclaimed but was quick to elaborate. "You see, when Caius activated me, he did so with a purpose in mind. I was to be his assistant. And he gave me a personality to match. Granted, it evolved. My personality became more nuanced, but my core values remained the same. We do share information, but how we act on them is different."
"I think I understand," Aureo admitted. It had certain implications and in a way, he was curious to know more. But it also put Mirela into a new perspective. He wasn't quite sure how to feel about it yet. Mirela was the creation of Caius. How much control did he still have over her? Glancing over at the old man, Aureo voiced a different concern. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but what happens to you when Caius passes away? I don't mean to offend you, but he looks old. Frail. Honestly, I can't believe he still does those shows."
"Oh, I will continue to exist. This wagon needs a soul to function and a soul needs a body. Normally if a person dies the soul has no more home and moves on. But I am a body capable of tethering a soul. And Mister Neville probably would add that this wagon in itself is capable of it too." Mirela gave it a sigh. "But to be honest, I have feared Caius passing away for years now. I did everything I could to postpone the inevitable. Yet it is bound to happen. Sooner rather than later, I fear."
"What will you do when it happens?" Aureo wanted to know. Fascinated by this strange creature before him. "Will you take over the show?"
"I thought about it a lot," Mirela admitted. "I could. Or I could ask Mister Neville for a new android body. Replace Caius in a way, but that seems wrong too." She gave a sigh that sounded so human that Aureo's heart begged to forget she was an android. "Maybe I should start something new. I was part of this show for decades. And decades still lie ahead of me. I can change. So can this wagon. Whatever I decide, it will change to accommodate it."
"That is a lot," Aureo said aloud. Wondering himself what he meant by that. Was it all the information he had to absorb in such a short time, or the fate that awaited Mirela and Caius? "I need to get going. Work, you know? Talk to you soon."
"Of course," Mirela said with a small nod and a glint of sadness. But she straightened up a moment later. "See you soon."
Walking away, Aureo had a lot on his mind. Did his feelings for Mirela change now that he knew she was an android? They certainly felt more muddled and complex. He needed time to untangle this mess. But should he still pursue her? Was she even interested in him? She certainly displayed emotions, but could she fall in love?
His mind circled the same questions all day. Even late into the evening. Sitting in the small employee cafeteria, he had stirred the same mug of chocolate for hours. By now, he had concluded his feelings for her were real. Hers might be true too. But if they were - and if she had any for him - where did it leave him?
They could live happily together for years. Decades even. But he would age and she wouldn't. Just like her creator, she would outlive him. That was in a way very sad to him. Mirela was for all purposes immortal. It ashamed Aureo that this fact made him hesitate. For he wasn't sure if he could stomach living beside someone who wouldn't age a bit, while he became older and frail.
Giving a deep sigh, Aureo pushed off the table. Might as well empty that mug and call it a night. Yet he froze mid-movement. A faded flyer pinned to the cafeteria's blackboard caught his eye. Curious, he walked closer.
It was an offer of employment. Limited for six months. It involved linking with one of the Manteriantus Wagons in poor condition. Giving it a soul so it could repair itself. Aureo recognized this offer as the same that Caius took all those years back.
"Why would they offer a temporary contract when the soul binding is permanent?" Aureo muttered under his breath.
"The connection is breakable if done in time."
Aureo jumped aside at the sudden voice beside him. He had thought he had been alone, but that damn Sherin stood right beside him. The sneaky android had done it again.
Not wanting to give the android more food for amusement, Aureo collected himself. Right. If anyone knew about this stuff then it was Mister Neville's right hand. "And in time equals to- ?"
"Normally, it takes about a year for a soul to bind irrevocably to a Manteriantus Wagon," Sherin volunteered. "However, this is an estimated time and can vary between each person. To bind fully within a half year is rare. We would offer an early exit of the contract if this was the case."
Aureo glanced back at the flyer. He didn't like the prospect to end up like Caius, but then again he wouldn't have to. Just six months. No more. The half a million dollars it promised as a payout was what really caught Aureo's attention. It was enough to start a new life anywhere. Even overseas. There, the Cortez syndicate was sure to never find him.
"Should I mark you down as interested?"
Aureo slowly turned around to Sherin. Not knowing that the next word would change his life forever. "Yes."
The next morning, Mister Neville showed up while Aureo had breakfast. Together they made the trip down-train. Past passenger, employee, and cargo wagons. It was quite a walk. Aureo was even a little winded. Not so Hamish Neville. The older gentleman looked fit for his age. He certainly showed Aureo that one could do better.
"It is not much to look at," Neville said as they reached the first rundown Manteriantus Wagon. "But it has everything it needs to come back alive and be great. Provided a caring soul takes charge."
Aureo had his doubts. The wagon wasn't much more than rusted skeletal ribs of steel on an undercarriage that had seen better days. It was a wonder it didn't fall apart. Especially as it was the first of the rundown wagons and over a hundred tailed this one. Aureo couldn't fathom how much force this wagon had to withstand to not be pulled apart.
"And magic can fix all this?" Aureo asked. Not even trying to mask the doubt in his voice.
Hamish gave him a fatherly smile. "You just walked through a dozen of Manteriantus Wagons that had been off worse, yet you didn't notice."
Aureo still had his doubts. But for half a million, he certainly was willing to try. "So, where do I start? Actually, how do I start?"
"Over here," Neville said and walked casually over the rotten floor. Stepping over gaping maws of rusted holes that showed the train track below them rush past.
Aureo was a lot more careful traversing the minefield of deadly pitfalls. There was no doubt that he wouldn't survive falling through any of them. It took Aureo five minutes to arrive at the junction box where Neville waited for him at. Thankfully, it was bolted to one of the beams that looked less rusted and solid enough to grab onto and cling to as if his life depended on it. Which it might actually do.
Opening the junction box revealed a surprisingly pristine and clean interior. It didn't house a lot. A large crystal and a few cables, of a type, Aureo had never seen before, connected to it.
"Just place one of your hands on the crystal and wait until it feels warm under your touch."
Aureo was reluctant to let go of the beam. Even if one hand remained on it. Yet the sooner he got this over with the sooner he could return to solid land. He hoped. The crystal felt cold to his touch. Not freezing, but lower in temperature than it had any reason to be. It did take a while. Aureo guessed about fifteen minutes until he couldn't feel a difference in temperature between his hand and the crystal.
"I think this is it."
"Hmm, yes," Hamish agreed. He looked amused. "Interesting. You were a good chunk faster than the average. Not the fastest, mind you, but remarkable nonetheless."
Aureo liked compliments as much as the next person, but right now was not the time for them. "Was that it? Can we return there now?" He pointed at the entrance to the last cargo wagon. The last remnant of solid, non-treacherous, ground.
"Of course," Neville said, before returning there at a casual pace. Not clinging to anything. For Aureo it looked like some kind of magic. Maybe the equivalent for sea-legs, just for trains. As Aureo made the journey too, Hamish continued. "Now the next step is quite easy. Just spend time with the wagon while being close to it. Your subconscious mind will do the rest. Grab something to read if you will. It takes time. But if you are impatient, you can try meditating. That helps speed it up a little."
"I'll give it a try," Aureo promised.
"Good. Good," Neville said while nodding sagely. "I'll come by in a week. See how much progress you made."
Saying their goodbyes, Aureo took stock of his new project. It really was in an abysmal state. Normally, he fixed things with his hands too. Not just with his mind.
"Now, don't get too attached to this wagon," Aureo joked to himself. "Wouldn't wanna get stuck, right? No matter how tempting this view looks."
If he looked to the side - and didn't pay attention to the wagon - the view was actually nice. The area they traveled through was sparsely populated and most of it was untamed. It made for a great panorama.
Sitting down on a spot where crisscrossing beams and metal nearly amounted to a floor, Aureo closed his eyes. It was to meditate and kick this into high gear. The sooner he got this done, the earlier he could leave a rich man. If he wanted to. There still was Mirela on his mind.
She wasn't the only thing that hindered his concentration. Now and then he had to peek at the landscape. It was beautiful. If only he didn't have to squint as much. It was summer and there was barely a cloud in the sky. It left him exposed to the sun.
By noon, he got the hang of it. Though sometimes he still fought to not nod off. Thankfully, some piece of roof blocked the sun just right, so it didn't blind him anymore. Glancing up, it really looked small. Just barely enough to provide his eyes relief. But there was something else to it. Nothing of the roof had survived, save spokes of metal frame and this small rectangle. Which made the small sheet of metal stand out more. Surprise filled him as he concluded that the material looked new. Not rusted at all. Which made him wonder, had it been there when he had started meditating?
Mister Neville had said the wagon would respond to his subconscious mind. Said mind had been annoyed by the glaring sun. It had to be. Aureo had willed this tiny chunk of metal into existence. And if he could do that, what else could he do?
Priorities. Aureo had to itemize what was important. A roof over his head would be nice to escape the sun, but overall not urgent. No matter what his subconscious said. Removing some of the rust could be good. Less chance to cut himself on some sharp fragment and catch tetanus or something worse.
No, the most important spot was right under Aureo's butt. He needed a floor. If nothing else then for the safety of his mind. And body too. Right now, the wagon was a rolling deathtrap. Aureo had to change it as soon as possible.
Once again, he focused inward. Imagining the wagon as it was now and willing to change. He could envision it. New metal sprouting and slowly spreading. Covering up the many holes of the undercarriage.
"How is it going?"
Aureo nearly jumped from his seat. Looking around, he spotted Mirela. But the view behind her was more worrying. Darkness was falling.
"Yes, it is evening already," Mirela confirmed. "Time can fly if working on a Manteriantus Wagon. I know you didn't eat dinner. People told me. But did you eat lunch?"
Now reminded, Aureo's stomach growled. "I guess not. Really lost my time there."
"Come on," Mirela urged Aureo and helped him get up. "Time to get you something to eat. It is important. Don't neglect it. And be patient. It takes a while to get started with a Manteriantus Wagon. Don't prioritize it over everything else."
"I will," Aureo promised. "But I did manage this." Pointing up to the small rectangle of the roof. However, at twilight, it was hard to make out. "A little bit of new metal up there."
"Cool," Mirela said. "Now come eat."
"Alright." Aureo really could eat, he decided.
As they entered the next wagon, both failed to see the shiny new spot of metal flooring. Right at the spot where Aureo had sat.
"That is quite the progress, Mister Testa." Hamish Neville sounded impressed.
"It is just a third of the floor," Aureo said to play it down. Bragging was something he detested. Even if he did something extraordinary himself.
"Aureo." Just his name spoken by Neville somehow sounded like praise but also chiding for childish behavior. "Some can't manage a third of a floor in a month. Let alone a week. You are really gifted."
"Thank you," Aureo replied while staying humble. But part of him being proud still slipped through. "To be honest, I was just motivated to have something preventing me from falling to my death. Now, I can relax a little."
"It is good to set the right pace." Neville sounded positively fatherly. But it switched to motherly just a sentence later. "And you take care of yourself? Don't forget to eat and drink."
Aureo couldn't help but blush. "I have a lunch bag over there." He pointed to the brown paper bag that he conveniently forgot to mention was strapped to a metal beam since the day before. He reasoned it might be better not to mention that he hadn't touched the bag for lunch yesterday. Or forgotten to bring a new one today.
"Good. Good." Neville was in full father mode again. Or grandfather. "One needs the energy to accomplish great things."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"I brought you lunch."
Aureo blushed. "Thanks, Mirela."
Of course, she knew that he had forgotten to pack any. She didn't have to wait to see the guilty look on his face. How many times had he forgotten now? Just this week? Aureo feared the answer.
"Look." Aureo proudly pointed to the wagon below them. "I nearly got the floor done. After only three weeks."
"Don't change the subject. Geez, Aureo. I can see how cracked and cratered your lips are. Do you drink enough?"
"Yes," Aureo promptly said. Maybe a little too quick and forceful. "Mostly in the evening. After work."
"Aureo." Mirela sounded sad. "You have to take better care of yourself. The people around you can do only so much."
"I know. I know," Aureo said chastised. Mirela and Neville had a point. "It is just- There is so much potential. I hadn't realized how much, Mirela. It's like the wagon is made out of clay. Ready - eager - to be formed by me. Once I have the floor, walls, and ceiling done-" Aureo let out a pained sigh. "I have so many plans. And I can feel it. The magic can make it real. All of them. If I just had the wagon ready for it."
"Aureo. Listen to me." Mirela grabbed him by the shoulders and with a force that surprised him. "Look me in the eyes. This is important." She actually waited until he established eye contact and did not immediately break it again. "Answer me one question. Who is remaking this wagon?"
"I do? Or do you mean the magic-"
"Oh, you wanna get smart with me?" Mirela didn't sound playful. She was dead serious. "Who's doing it in a week? Or two? If you last that long. Who takes over once you are dead?"
Aureo was shocked. She might as well have hit him. That would probably have hurt less. He had skipped a few meals, but it wasn't that bad, right? Except she looked so serious.
"You are addicted, Aureo," she continued. "It happens. Some people just take to Manteriantus Wagons like that. I know how hard it can be to resist. Why do you think I fought so long and hard to keep Caius alive? But here is the deal, Aureo. I can't be there for both of you. Don't you owe it to yourself to see this through? If so, then you better start taking care of yourself."
Aureo stumbled backward as she let go. Landing painfully on his butt. He grasped for words, but none came. The instinct was there to deny all accusations. But he realized she was right. Maybe it was worse than he was willing to admit.
But Mirela didn't give him to come up with words. She turned around. Walking to the next wagon. Leaving him behind. But just as she was about to enter the cargo wagon up-train, she turned around a last time. "And Aureo. Take shower. Better yet, a bath."
It wasn't that bad, was it? Once Mirela was gone, Aureo took a whiff of himself. He nearly gagged. How could he not have noticed? A garbage can might smell nicer than him.
Mirela was right. This couldn't go on. Maybe he should go to Neville and quit. No, he was too far gone. But he could take Mirela's advice. It was time to face the consequences and get his act together. Starting with a bath. He really needed one. Or two.
"Marvellous progress. Especially for only two and a half months" Hamish Neville admitted as Aureo had led him into the wagon. "I don't think any of the other wagons have this many windows. Or as large ones."
"I enjoy the panorama a lot," Aureo admitted sheepishly. "If I am not meditating, I often just enjoy the view. That's why I have those large windows."
"That is quite alright," Hamish assured him. "Hmm, you extended the roof to the standard three-level layout of the other wagons, but there aren't any additional floors. Is that on purpose?"
Of course, Mister Neville had to point that out. "For now. I don't plan on adding full floors, but maybe a few platforms. I like it to remain open and connected."
"Feel free to do anything," Hamish said. "Seeing something new in my old age is quite refreshing. I remember when-"
Just then a loud buzzing sound interrupted. Aureo was quick to run into a corner where he stowed his stuff. Silencing the alarm. "Sorry. That's my reminder to drink. And eat. I tend to forget otherwise."
Neville gave him a generous chuckle. "It's a good system. I am glad you do take care of yourself. That can't be said for everyone who binds to a Manteriantus Wagon. You do look healthier."
"Thank you." While he could take the compliment as is, Aureo had to give credit where it was due. "I must admit, I needed a rather firm wake-up call provided by Mirela."
"She does care." Hamish Neville gave Aureo's wagon another once over. "I reckon, another month. Then we need to talk about how to proceed. You have taken to this task quite easily and I think we can end your task early. With the full payout, of course. But this doesn't have to be the end of it, Aureo. There are many more Manteriantus Wagons in need of care. When you break with this one, I wouldn't mind commissioning the next one."
Aureo was a little overwhelmed by the news. Just one more month to work on this wagon. Yet there was still so much to do. He had great plans for this wagon. Could he do it? Of course, Mister Neville was right. Technically, the wagon was refurbished. No rust or decay remained. Everything was in working order.
Two options unfolded before him. He could take the money and start a new life. That had been the original plan. But now, he wasn't so sure. There was Mirela. He quite cared about her. Yet they hadn't even started dating yet. Should he make a move? Of course, if he did, he had to stay aboard the train. He might as well accept another Manteriantus Wagon as commission. Yes, more money was tempting, but he also might work faster the second time. Now he knew how his mind could shape material through magic. Maybe he could realize his full vision in the next wagon.
"I will think about it," Aureo promised. He still had time. In a month, he might be more certain. And maybe he managed to finish this wagon after all."
"Come on. Come on," Aureo urged Mirela two weeks later. They were walking through the last cargo wagons before Aureo's.
"Slow down," she urged with an amused smile. "And I swear if you drag me out here just to show me that you change the floor yet again-"
"No. Well, yes, I changed the floor again. I had to see how the parquet looks with redwood lumber," Aureo sheepishly admitted. But quickly added more before Mirela could turn around annoyed. "But that is not why I got you. Besides, I don't think the redwood is working."
"Aureo!" Mirela exclaimed with a sigh. She was half-minded to turn around, but they already had reached his wagon. She might as well take a look.
Not much had changed. If one discounted the floor. The small cabin to the side had grown. She knew Aureo now slept on a small cot in it. She also spied three water bottles. One was empty and another halfway there. She even saw some wrappers that might have belonged to cafeteria sandwiches. Overall, a good sign.
"No. No. Here!" Aureo exclaimed while crouching beside a larger flower pot.
Bemused, Mirela walked over. "I must admit, I expected something more exciting than a pot, Aureo."
"Not the pot. This." He pointed to a small seedling that had pushed through the earth. "I wanted a pot, true. And the wagon made it real. But I haven't gotten around to planting anything yet. But something is already growing, Mirela. Isn't that amazing? Somehow, I created life!"
Mirela stifled an amused chuckle. Sometimes Aureo was just too cute. She crouched down before she enlightened him. "Aureo, what makes this wagon work is magic. You probably heard the sentence 'magic is all around us' before. But you have to understand that magic is everywhere on New Terra. It is all connected. If you wanted a plant to grow here then you didn't need to plant a seed. The magic, guided by your subconscious mind, would find one and make a copy for you. It is as easy as that."
Aureo remained quiet for a moment. Digesting the information presented. Just to burst out: "That is still amazing! You mean I can get any plant I want?"
This time, Mirela couldn't hold back. She chuckled out loud. "Yes, if you know about a plant, then you can will it into existence. It just takes practice to get the right one. Plants are pretty easy compared to other things."
"I always wanted plants," Aureo confessed while sitting down on the floor. "I grew up in a small house in the older narrower parts of New Boston. We didn't get much sunshine. So, every houseplant we tried didn't last long. Moving out, my apartment wasn't much better. And at work, I spend most of my time underground."
Mirela reached over. "Well, now you can have any plant you want," she assured him. She laughed. "As soon as you change the floor again. The redwood really clashes with your walls."
Aureo gave a chuckle in return. "I'll see to it."
Mirela stood up. "Sorry, I need to get going. The next show starts soon."
"I understand."
"One last piece of advice." She waited until she got his undivided attention again. "You might want to add some chairs or so. Sitting on the floor gets old pretty quick."
"Yes, Madam. As you wish."
Fascinated, Aureo watched another seedling that had broken ground. This was the eleventh pot he had conjured out of thin air. A feat that still amazed him. In a few more weeks, the wagon's floor might become crowded. Maybe then, he should add a proper second or even third floor.
Despite him being preoccupied with his plants, Aureo knew Mister Neville was about to enter. In a way, the connection between him and the wagon flowed both ways. He felt the wind flow over the roof and sides of the wagon. Felt the rail under the wheels. It was a new feeling. A strange one. Yet oddly right. If someone would ask him to describe it, Aureo would have despaired. There were simply no words to describe it adequately. At least, with his vocabulary.
Aureo turned around just as Mister Neville entered. Standing up straight, proud even, he walked over to his visitor. "Mister Neville, a pleasure to welcome you to my wagon. Are you here to check up on me."
"Aureo, please. You can call me Hamish." The supposed owner of the train looked around. He appeared to be impressed, yet Aureo still saw evidence of concern there too. "Aureo, we need to talk. A month has passed and it is time."
He had dreaded this day. Part of him wasn't ready to give up this wagon. It grew with each day. But he couldn't avoid this talk forever. Stepping aside, Aureo pointed to two of the new additions to his wagon. Two leather armchairs with a high backrest that could swivel. They were perfect to sit in and watch out of the large windows.
"Very nice," Hamish remarked as he let himself fall into one of them. A content sigh escaped and for a minute, both men enjoyed the view. But it couldn't last. One little sentence threw off the harmony of the situation. "Have you made your decision?"
"Not yet," Aureo admitted. "Do I have to? What is the rush? There are still things I try to accomplish with this wagon. I know. I know. I was only hired to refurbish it. But I have plans. This wagon could be so much more."
"It could be," Neville slowly agreed. As if he was reluctant to do so. "Provided you are willing to pay the price."
Aureo swallowed. Here he had hoped for a payday. A generous one. But if he wanted to fulfill his dreams for this wagon, maybe he had to let them go. Even take on debt. Once again, as always, it came down to money. "How expensive will it be?"
"Expensive? Oh, no. You misunderstood me." Hamish turned his armchair so he could look Aureo into the eyes. "I know Sherin has told you about the bond between a person - their soul - and the Manteriantus Wagon."
"It takes about a year, she said."
"But that is for ordinary people, Aureo. You are gifted. Rarely have I seen one like you. But being gifted is a two-edged sword. That you can influence the wagon to the degree you already did speaks that the bond has further progressed than usual at this time. Aureo, at your current speed, I fear you will have permanently bonded to the wagon before the six months would be up."
A price indeed. All this time Aureo had been proud of how fast he had progressed. The influence he now wielded was intoxicating. Up to now, he had only seen the good side. Now, Neville has revealed that there are drawbacks. And those came due faster than Aureo had anticipated. Yet Aureo still wondered.
"What does it entail? Being bonded permanently, I mean."
Neville gave a resolute nod. The kind one gave when someone else chose a path you predicted. It wasn't judgemental. Just an acknowledgment that one was right.
"You already feel it, don't you? By now the bond is strong enough. You don't want to leave this wagon. For short errands it is fine. But not for long. That will only grow." Neville leaned back. Gave Aureo a moment to digest before throwing even more his way. "You see, we humans grow up in a three-dimensional world. This is what your mind is used to. But our soul- That, Aureo, is a different beast. It is malleable. Can be stretched. It doesn't adhere to the laws of the physical world. One can be bound to a wagon and have their human body a continent away. But our mind, Aureo, does protest. It wants all of its parts close together."
"So, in time, I wouldn't want to leave anymore," Aureo concluded. "I'd be trapped here by my own mind?"
"In the beginning, yes. Which might range from a decade to a few. Maybe even a century. Those bound to a wagon, for them the boundaries melt away. Their human body, the wagon, and everything inside. It all becomes one. It takes time and practice to start separating those again. And even then, it is gradual. The distance they are willing to travel won't be much at the start."
Aureo opened his mouth, but words wouldn't come out. Why would anyone become bound on purpose? To be stuck in one place. Possibly forever. Aureo thought of Caius. The old magician who created Mirela. Had he never left the train since the bonding? Caius had grown old here on this train. That would be Aureo's future too. It was horrible.
Yet, there were parts of him that were intrigued. The Manteriantus Wagon gave as much as it took. Already, Aureo could summon seeds from the farthest reaches of this planet. What else could he do once fully bonded? He could get parts of the world inside his wagon. Whatever he needed.
"It should be a decision." The firm sentence pulled Aureo out of his musings. Neville had steel in his eyes. The normally kind look had vanished. Hamish looked serious. Extruded it. "A bond should never be by accident. Yet it has happened too often. Aureo, if you contemplate this, you have to be sure. There is still time to break your bond. I wouldn't hold it against you. Nor if you felt that you couldn't take on another Manteriantus Wagon."
It was the logical choice to break now, Aureo knew. Take the money and go. Start a new life somewhere. But the alternative was surprisingly tempting. He felt like walking on the edge of a cliff. To his one side was safe ground and he ought to head there. For the longer he balanced on the edge the higher chance there was to fall into the abyss on the other side.
"I need more time," Aureo admitted. "You said there is still some, right? I've only been at it for three and a half months. There's got to be time left. Maybe two weeks or four."
Mister Neville gave a sigh. "That will only make it harder, you know? Okay. Two weeks. But I need you to do something in return."
"Anything," Aureo promised.
"We learned the hard way that someone bonding permanently needs an android by their side. The final stretch can be stressful for the human body. You need someone to take care of you when that time comes." Neville reached over to give a reassuring squeeze of the shoulder. "If the time comes. But an android has to be taught first. That's why I want you to head to wagon six today or tomorrow. Sherin will wait there and help you decide between one of those we have stored. That is important, Aureo. Do not put it off."
"I will go there later," Aureo promised, but then reconsidered. Lately, he hadn't been that good at remembering things. Not on time at least. Working on the wagon was too interesting. "No, I better go now."
"Good. I shall escort you then." Hamish Neville gave out a fatherly chuckle. "Least you get lost and wander off."
They parted ways at wagon six. Aureo hesitated before the door. He had never been inside of wagon six. Gone through it, sure. Every wagon had some passageway leading from one end to another. But the proper interior had been closed off as far as he remembered. The whole wagon looked sturdy. As if it was a small fortress. The door he now stood before wouldn't have looked wrong on a submarine or warship.
Just as he raised his hand to knock, the door opened by itself. Instinctively, Aureo stepped back to let through who was exiting, but no one appeared. A little spooked, it took Aureo a moment to actually peek inside.
It could have been from a horror movie. In the dim light, he saw bodies stacked on tall shelves that spanned the three floors of the wagon. He recognized them as androids. Some were more convincing as humans than others. It still was eerie.
Slowly, Aureo stepped inside. Making his way further in, he saw workstations and machinery lining the walls. Probably to service the androids. Aureo was no stranger to workshops, but most tools here looked sophisticated and beyond the usual scope. Certainly on a higher technological standard than was available in the East American Commonwealth.
Of the many androids, one looked familiar. Sherin sat in a chair at the far end of the wagon. However, she didn't move. Starring blank-eyed into empty space without blinking. Had she been deactivated? Maybe she was here for maintenance.
Relaxing slightly, Aureo looked around. "Hello? Anybody here?"
"There you are!" Aureo jumped in place and then turned to see Sherin right there. Electronic clipboard in hand and definitely not sitting in the chair anymore. "Silly, git. Why haven't you turned up the light, Mister Testa? Human eyes aren't used to the dark like an androids. I would have recognized sooner that I hadn't been alone here."
"I-" Confusion and anger battled within Aureo. That stupid android had done it again. He had known she had been here and still, she managed to scare the heck out of him. As his heart started to slow down, reason returned to his thoughts. It probably wouldn't do him good to wring that stupid android's neck. Figuratively or literally. He had to compose himself. "Mister Neville sent me."
"I know. To pick up an android." With a flick of her hand, the lights of the wagon turned bright. "Have your pick. You may choose one."
Now that Aureo could actually see, it wasn't any less eerie. In the dim light, his mind had imagined things where his eyes had failed to provide details. Now, Aureo was stuck in a slaughterhouse for androids with one that terrified him. For every android on the shelf that appeared complete, body parts and components for two more were scattered around.
To hide his nervousness - or just to break the silence - Aureo asked the first thing that came to his mind. "So, every Manteriantus Wagon has a companion android?"
"Everyone. Hamish insists on it. Though some older wagons chose to get additional ones."
Aureo was about to ask what Sherin meant when he remembered Mirela. She had mentioned thinking of getting a new android when Caius passed away. To keep the show going. It was a chilling thought. If he passed away, would his soul stay behind? Caught and shared by the wagon and whatever android he chose? Mirela certainly thought so.
Maybe that's why Mister Neville had sent Aureo to get an android. To get a feel for the permanence. Nothing was forever, but a self-repairing wagon could last a long time. A small eternity. Not for Aureo himself, but for his soul. The question was what that actually meant. In practical terms.
He could ask. Sherin was right there. Evenly returning his gaze. Aureo chickened out. Perhaps, part of him didn't want to understand. Maybe it was better not to know.
Aureo turned away. Overthinking might be bad. Best to stick to the easy stuff. Choosing an android. But which one? Maybe Sherin could shed a light on it. Find out what her maker's reasoning had been for making her a frightful stealthy ninja who liked to scare people out of their wits. Just, maybe, formulated a little more tactfully.
"So-" Aureo let his eyes roam over the androids on the shelves. Trying to act and sound nonchalant. "You are one of those companion androids, right? Part of a Manteriantus Wagon."
Sherin smiled at him. It was a knowing smile. One with the promise that said she knew more than him. It lingered just a little too long. Then, quite clearly and carefully, she said one word: "No."
It stopped Aureo's line of thought and inquiry dead in its tracks. It had been a rhetorical question. Because he had been sure to know the right answer. Now, he was left hanging and quite unsure how to proceed. What vexed him, even more, was that Aureo could swear there had been more to this simple "no". As if she had snuck by a whole elephant of hidden meaning behind his back.
In the following awkward silence, Aureo turned around again. Inspecting all the available androids. They appeared to be in various stages of sophistication and human mimicry. None of them came even close to Mirela in lifelikeness. Not even to Sherin who clearly read as an android. Some were all-metal, while others sported plastics and composite materials. A few had, what Aureo might think of as, cheap fake skin. More for the giving the sense of something soft than passing as real.
"Which one would you recommend?" Aureo asked in the hopes of getting a point to start with.
"They are all equally suited for your needs," Sherin said. And just as Aureo thought this cryptic answer was all he got, she had to add something more. "In the long run."
Maybe Aureo had asked the wrong question. He tried again. "I mean, their programming has to be different, right? Is there any of these better suited to - for example - taking care of plants?"
"None of these have any software installed. Not even firmware." Expecting no elaboration, Aureo opened his mouth but was cut as she added more. "Just place the one of your choosing inside your bound wagon. In time, the wagon will treat it as an extension of itself. This means it can be manipulated and changed like any other object belonging to the wagon. In other words, by you."
"I just think about what I want it to be and it will become it?" Aureo asked. Only seconds later he remembered. Mirela had said as much, didn't she? That Caius had found her as scrap. All metal and lose wires. That he had remade her to his liking. How else than by the means of the Manteriantus Wagon could Caius manage this feat? Mirela even had said that the basis of her personality was set by him a long time ago.
"To put it simply, yes," Sherin confirmed. "However, selecting an android physically closer to the desired outcome can shorten the required time."
Time. Aureo wasn't sure he wanted less of it. Mirela came to his mind again. He wanted to be with her. Not replace Mirela with someone else. That ruled out any even vaguely female android. Aureo reckoned the temptation of his subconscious mind would be too much.
A male android? Aureo thought about it. What could he do with that? His first instinct was to go for a fatherly figure. Like Mister Neville. But what was a fatherly figure without years of experience to draw from? Not to mention that he might create - purely by accident - a caricature of the train owner.
A friend? Aureo didn't even know what kind of friend he wanted or needed. And what then? Drink beer and gossip all day. Stuck inside the wagon. Never going out. Aureo couldn't envision it.
Maybe a butler. The android was supposed to take care of Aureo when he needed it most. But Aureo dismissed the notion immediately. What would Mirela think if he got another android for a clearly subservient role? Not a good sign for any future relationship. Not to mention it might upset the Order Of The English Butlers. One of those Pop-Religions that New Terra had fostered. Based on popular culture from old Earth. Aureo could never understand it.
"That one," Aureo decided. Pointing to an android without distinguishing features. It hadn't any features suggesting male or female traits. It was metal and bare bones. Not even a face. The two sensors on its head could barely count as eyes. It would take time to mold it into anything resembling a human-like android. This made it perfect for Aureo.
"A blank slate," Sherin commented. "Harder, but more rewarding in the end."
Aureo chose to not reply. Instead, he looked forward to returning to his wagon. He just had to figure out how to move that lump of metal back there. They really could have included basic programming in his opinion. Then it could have walked there by itself.
Aureo sighed at the view. Currently, the Neville Express snaked along the Pacific coastline. Giving him a fantastic view of an ocean discolored by sunset. It was magical. Now and then, he grabbed for the sandwich he got from the cafeteria or the tea, which was cold by now. Not that he minded.
Even if he closed his eyes, Aureo felt harmony. Maybe it was the sweet scent of the flowers around him. They had blossomed the day before. Since then, the feel of the whole wagon has changed. Subtle, but noticeable.
A lazy smile grew on his face as Mirela neared. Not only could he feel her coming close to his wagon, but he could open the automatic door for her. With just a thought. It amazed Aureo. The wagon and him really became one.
"Taking a break?" Mirela asked as she entered.
Aureo waited with his answer until Mirela had taken the seat beside him. "How could I not?" He gestured to the magnificent sunset beyond the panoramic windows. "That's the life, Mirela. I finally feel at peace."
"It sounds like you have made up your mind."
"I do. I will- Hey!" No wonder Mirela's voice had sounded stuffed. She had taken a bite of his sandwich. Probably even two. "Aren't you always telling me I should regain a few pounds? How am I supposed to do that if you snatch away my food?"
Yes, androids ate. At least sophisticated ones like Mirela. Not that she needed to. It was purely for pleasure. Aureo doubted his own android could do it. It had not even a mouth.
"I thought you were finished," Mirela replied after swallowing. And taking a sip of his tea. "Urg, it is cold."
Aureo just gave her an amused look that said it was her own fault for stealing his food and drink. But he didn't voice it. Maybe they had skipped all that dating stuff. Mirela's behavior had the familiarity he always expected a wife would have. Someone who knew him and wasn't shy about being herself around him.
"Yes," Aureo confirmed the earlier topic. "I have decided to stay. To bond to this wagon. I was hesitant, you know. Being stuck in one place - probably for a long time - scared me. But now that I had time to think about it, it might not be so bad. I mean, the Neville Express is always traveling. I only got the same view through these windows if we stopped at a station for a day or two. There is always something new to see. Whatever I want from the outside, I can try to recreate it here. And some of the things I always wanted are already close to me."
Mirela's hand, as she reached over, was warm and soft. Just like a human's hand. If she hadn't spilled the beans, he would have never guessed. So what was the difference really? Aureo didn't care anymore. He just enjoyed the moment as they both shared the breathtaking view.
When darkness settled in, Aureo turned around. "Do you have to go soon? Taking care of Caius?"
"No. He's asleep." She suddenly looked around his wagon. "Speaking of companions, didn't Hamish assign you an android? Where is it?"
Aureo awkwardly pointed to a small little closet that extended from his cabin. "In there."
"Aureo!" She slapped his arm. Lightly, but not playfully. "Let's take a look."
"Wait!" But to his horror, she was already up and about. "Let me explain."
Mirela opened the door and stared at the featureless android stowed in a custom cradle. When Aureo stepped beside her, she asked: "What have you done with it so far?"
Aureo gave an awkward shrug. Maybe it wasn't best to treat a fellow android like this. He hoped he hadn't offended Mirela. "Not much,
yet. Built this closet. It's temporary. I'll build it something better and- Ouch!"
This time, Mirela slapped the back of his head. Not lightly either. It had actually hurt. "Aureo! You stubborn-" Mirela took a deep breath. "You just told me you decided to make the bond permanent, yes? Then you need to teach it. It can't learn in a closet. And especially if you don't spend any time on it."
Aureo rubbed the back of his head longer than was strictly necessary or common. "I don't know what to do with it."
Mirela took a deep breath. Ready to chide him once again. But she stopped mid-movement. Then let her breath out and looked around. "One job. A task." She turned back to Aureo. "Choose one simple thing it could do around here. Then, try to teach it. The rest will come naturally."
"I'm not sure that's-" Aureo stopped mid-sentence. Mirela started to look angry again. And human or android, one did best to not make a woman angry. Especially by being stubborn. "I'll try. Promise."
"You do that!" Then her features softened. "Get some sleep. Start fresh tomorrow."
He gave a nod and then, they said their goodbyes for the night.
Aureo dabbed away the last crumbs of scrambled eggs from his mouth with a napkin. With his breakfast done, Aureo leaned back and turned his armchair to look at the occupant of the other one. It didn't stare back. In fact, it didn't do anything. His companion was as devoid of programming as it had started out.
A task, Mirela had said. He had to find a task for it. There wasn't much to do in his wagon. More and more, it looked like a greenhouse on wheels. His only task, aside from meditating new things into existence, was to take care of his plants.
"Watering my plants!" Aureo exclaimed. "That's what you can do."
Of course, the android didn't answer. Neither did it react in any other way. Aureo broke the task into smaller steps. Get water. Check the plant's soil. Water those that needed it. Wait. Repeat. No, Aureo admitted he had to get into even more detail. The first step was to make the android stand up.
Aureo took a seat in one of the comfortable armchairs and closed his eyes. Trying to concentrate on one task alone. He knew it would take time, but he couldn't help now and then to just take a peek and see if the android did anything. Nothing.
Maybe two hours in, Aureo jumped out of his seat in shock as a large thud scared the hell out of him. Just a few meters further laid the android. Now, with its legs extended. Clearly, it had stood up. Only to immediately lose balance and fall over.
"That will take some time," Aureo murmured to himself while scratching his head.
But Aureo was no quitter. At sunset, his precious wood flooring had nine more deep scratches on its paneling. Testaments to the times he managed to get the android up, but not from staying so.
"That's a unique form of artistic expression," Mirela commented as she took a look at the one place in Aureo's wagon that was marred by dents and scratches on the floor.
He gave her a glare. Not amused by her attempt at humor. "It's that damn android. I can't get it to stand up properly. It always keels over. What you see there is just today's evidence. Each night I repair the floor of the past failures."
"So, your problem is to get it to stand upright?" Even if Mirela's question hadn't been rhetorical, Aureo wouldn't have answered. However, the next question surprised him. "Aureo, tell me, what prevents you from falling over?"
Aureo thought it over. "Well, I know how to keep myself balanced on an instinctual level." As Mirela only looked at him expectantly, he knew there was more to it. "Well, I think we humans have something in our ear or so. It tells us if we are off-balance or not."
"Would you be surprised if I tell you that androids have a sensor for that too?"
Aureo gave her a look that said "I am not stupid.", but instead he said: "Of course, they have. But that thing is not using it."
"Because it doesn't know how," Mirela said. "Think about it. Right now, it has no programming, right? If you tell it to stand up, you probably imagine the motions it has to go through. Which limbs move when. But at no point you access any of its sensors. Hence, it falls over."
Aureo scratched his chin. Only to stop annoyed, as there wasn't just stubble in the way, but a full beard. When did he shave last? Too long ago, he decided. "So, I should first learn to access its sensors?"
"That would be a good first step, yes."
"Alright. I'll give it a try. Right after-" Aureo scratched his head. There was something he meant to do first, but it already slipped his mind. Looking around, he spotted his lunch. "Right after grabbing a bite to eat."
"You do that," Mirela said. "See you later."
Waving after Mirela, Aureo grabbed his lunch and sat down in his favorite armchair. Lost in thought, Aureo barely tasted anything as he chewed on a sandwich baguette that had been intended for breakfast.
How does someone access a sensor of an android? Especially something less obvious like one dedicated to balance. Could he even do it? His mind drifted over to the wagon in general. There was a connection, he knew. Aureo could feel the wind drifting over the exterior. Felt the tension that rested on it as it was pulled and had to pull hundreds of wagons behind. But Aureo hadn't worked on these extra senses. They just appeared after a while. He doubted waiting until he experienced the same with the android was a viable choice.
Maybe he should go for something easy. One of the primary senses: vision and sound. The second one he ruled out quickly. There wasn't much to hear in the wagon. The plants didn't make noise. Only Aureo's chewing of dried-out bread broke the silence. Once he started meditating, that too would fade away. What would be left was the constant background noise of the wagon traveling on the rails. The faint squeak and squeal of the coupling to the next wagons. Most often, Aureo didn't even register it anymore. But that wasn't why he dismissed sound as a first step. How was he to differentiate between what he heard and what the android heard?
Vision was the obvious choice. Aureo would know when he was successful. The android clearly would have a different perspective. Gobbling down the last pieces of sandwich, Aureo got ready to give it a try.
At first, nothing happened. Of course, by now, Aureo knew that new things to try always took a while. Not letting himself get discouraged, he pushed on. At last, something flickered. A sudden view. He could see himself sitting on the armchair with closed eyes. Took in the rest of the wagon from a new perspective. After a moment, he even got the android's head to move around just like his own. But something wasn't right. Maybe the optical sensors of the android were defective or malfunctioning. The world looked dim through the robot's eyes. As if it couldn't process the available light enough. Maybe the android had fallen over one too many times. Whatever it was, Aureo knew he could fix it. Later.
Aureo slowly pushed the visual of the android away. Instead, opening his own eyes. What greeted him was a dim view. The wagon in twilight. Had he somehow pulled the defect from the android to his own body? The beeping of his alarm drew Aureo's attention. Right, he needed to eat. His stomach already growled angrily. Getting up to silence the alarm had Aureo pause and sway for a moment. For a moment, his blood pressure didn't play nice and he saw stars. He had definitely spent too long in the chair without movement.
But stepping to the alarm brought the next concerning surprise. Aureo could see it had beeped for a while. Over three hours. And he hadn't noticed. Looking out, he saw the last traces of the sun sinking below the horizon. No wonder it was getting dark in the wagon. The android's eyes hadn't been defective. Aureo simply had lost track of time again. Worse, this time he hadn't even reacted to the alarm. Too concentrated on shifting his perspective to the android. Aureo knew there might be danger there. If he couldn't rely on his current system to remind him of his basic needs, then he needed something else.
Shaking his head, Aureo made for the cafeteria wagon. Maybe with some new food in his stomach, he could come up with an idea.
It's been a busy day for Aureo. Looking through the eyes of the android had become easier. So much, that he had tried steering it from the inside. It was slow progress. There was still no sense of internal balance for that stupid thing. But from the android's point of view, Aureo could at least steer a little and blunt each fall. Of those, there were many. But he got better. By lunch, Aureo had managed to keep the android upright for a whole ten minutes.
Of course, not soon later, he got a whole new distraction. It was confusing at first. Suddenly, the android's view didn't make sense anymore. Colors were everywhere and they didn't conform to the physical shapes around them. Only careful consideration and experimentation revealed the true cause. Somehow, Aureo had switched to the magnetic spectrum.
In hindsight, it was logical that an android wouldn't be just limited to the normal human range of sight. Less confusing and more fun was the thermal view. It was in this mode that Aureo was surprised by his visitor. Aureo couldn't really interpret who it was by the thermal footprint alone, but it looked off to him. Then again, Aureo hadn't a lot of experience in that regard.
Switching into the normal mode revealed Mister Neville, who patiently waited at the entrance. Aureo would have sighed, but the android couldn't do that. It did not just lack a mouth, but also any form of a loudspeaker. Aureo took the time to sit down the android before shifting his mind's focus back to his real body.
Aureo stood up slowly. Blood rushed back into extremities barely used in the last few hours. This time, he was prepared for it. Only then, he turned to his guest.
"Mister Neville. Welcome. Have a seat, please."
"Hamish, Aureo. You can call me Hamish," the older man admonished while walking over. "I see you make progress with the android."
Aureo gave a chuckle. "The floor of my wagon begs to differ." The evidence was clearly carved and pounded into the floorboards.
"Then it is a good thing it is self-repairing, right?" But Neville sobered up fast. "Here we are again. No more delays, Aureo. I need an answer now."
Aureo swallowed hard. The average person doesn't have a lot of points in their lives when a decision changes things irrevocably. Aureo didn't have a lot so far. One had been his choice of job to pursue and the other which company to work for. Everything else had kind of snowballed until he was here. And this decision felt heavier than those before.
"I'll stay," Aureo finally said. He had thought about it a lot. By now, he couldn't imagine leaving the train anymore. Not as a real alternative. But there was more. "I've made up my mind to bond with this wagon."
Hamish gave a nod. One that wasn't really needed and only done for expectation's sake. "I guess it was inevitable. You took to the Manteriantus Wagon as a fish takes to water. Can't fault you for that."
"What happens now?" Aureo asked. He had made up his mind, but there were things he still dreaded. "Do I have to pay for this wagon?"
Hamish gave a heartfelt laugh. "Oh, no. Aureo, this wagon isn't just yours. It shares your soul. I can't own or demand anything for something that has a soul in it. That would be slavery."
"I guess so." Internally, Aureo let out a deep sigh of relief. The worries of the last few days ebbed away. He had thought Mister Neville was a decent sort of guy, but still, his mind had conjured up the worst possibility.
"It's like this," Hamish continued. "You travel with this train as long as you like. If you want to switch trains, that is up to you. I can't pay you any more for your regular work. For the foreseeable future, you'll be kind of stuck in your own wagon. That just comes with the territory. But if you prep up your wagon to fulfill a function within this train, you get a share of the profits. Which isn't exciting as it sounds. Sure, we earn quite a penny, but owners of a Manteriantus Wagon don't really have a use for it. Most donate it to charity."
"I see." Aureo mulled it over in his mind. Hamish was nearly speaking as if he too was bound to a wagon. "Are you one of them? An owner of a Manteriantus Wagon."
Hamish gave another laugh. "That is the wrong question, Aureo. But, no. I am not bound to a Manteriantus Wagon."
Well, that was a more cryptic answer than he had expected. He shelved the topic for now. Another question was more urgent. "What function would be needed for the train that my wagon could fulfill?" Aureo certainly hoped it wasn't something that would have him get rid of his plants or the large windows. He was quite fond of them.
The older gentleman gave a look around. "I don't see what is wrong with your current approach. Slap a few more seats in here and have some more plants. Have people just enjoy the view. It could be a little oasis of peace and tranquillity for guests and train personnel alike."
"Really?" Aureo's face lit up with joy. New ideas sprang forth. What plants or flowers to get. How to incorporate a second and third floor. "That sounds fantastic."
Mister Neville stood up and put a hand on Aureo's shoulder. "Now, don't rush yourself. You can take your time. It is best to pace yourself." He knocked on the closest window. "Remember, your human body is not nearly as resilient as a Manteriantus Wagon. It is easy to forget this simple fact. But you must not."
"I will," Aureo promised.
"Then I'll leave you to it." Hamish gave a nod and walked off. Leaving an eager Aureo behind who couldn't wait to get started.
Aureo's soup had gotten cold. For once, it had nothing to do with being preoccupied with his wagon. Or the android. It was the magnificent view outside that had done him in. New Terra certainly was a beautiful planet. Around New Boston, Aureo had never really witnessed it. The city had devoured the natural landscape like an unnatural beast. But most of New Terra was still unclaimed and untamed land. Despite the roughly ten billion people living on it.
"You might want to eat that before the sun dries it out into a paste," Mirela commented as she sat down beside Aureo. Startling him at the same time.
"What? Oh!" Aureo took a spoonful, only to wince. Maybe he should go into his small room and reheat it. This soup was definitely not enjoyable cold. "Got lost in the view. Have you seen those cliffs? That canyon was huge!"
"That's why they call it the Grandest Canyon," Mirela offered. "A little over the top in the naming department, but what can you do if the original on old Earth had already been called Grand Canyon."
"At least they didn't slap a 'new' before it like with every second town," Aureo remarked and drew a chuckle out of it from Mirela. "What brings you here?"
"Can't I check in on a friend?"
"Well, I made tons of progress," Aureo exclaimed. Jumping to his feet. Swaying only lightly and hoping Mirela wouldn't notice. "Lots more plants. Look! I even got that new rare breed of Japanese Spider Orchids I had told you about. And half of the second-floor platform is finished. Yes, I will keep most of it open. That way I can have larger plants here. Maybe even a small tree or two. I could also have some ivy climbing the walls and-"
Aureo stopped as Mirela was chuckling. "What?"
Mirela gave him a look. "I came here to check on you. Not your progress."
"I am fine," Aureo exclaimed, a little peeved. He was a grown adult. Not a little child needing supervision. Then again, he had been slipping lately. "I am eating enough and drinking regularly." Noticing Mirela's glance at the soup, he quickly added: "Maybe it is not always warm by the time I finish, but I always eat up."
"Alright. Alright." Mirela held up her hands to calm Aureo down. "Just needling a bit. Someone needs to keep you in check. At least, until you get your android going."
Aureo scratched his head. "Yeah-"
"Aureo, you need to get your android working," Mirela admonished him with a tone of voice that reminded Aureo too much of his third-grade teacher, Miss Leraby.
"I am working on it!" Then, calmer, he continued. "I am splitting my time. From dawn to noon I work on the wagon and from noon to evening, I try making the android work. It is just that changing the wagon comes more naturally to me."
"Well, you know, if you hadn't gotten such a basic model, you might have been further along." Then Mirela said what Aureo feared the most. "Can I see?"
"There isn't much to see," he said to downplay it a little. Trying to lower Mirela's expectations. Or even discourage her. But he knew her well enough to walk her to the small cabinet that housed the android and open it.
Mirela stated the obvious. "It has a mouth now."
"And a loudspeaker inside," Aureo added. "Though speaking through it is still kind of awkward. And I haven't gotten it to do anything by itself yet."
"That comes in time," Mirela assured him. "Keep remotely controlling it and the rest will come naturally."
She then took a step back and eyed the android critically. Making Aureo sweat with nervosity. Then she remarked on what he had feared the most. "The proportions are off. I think they have changed slightly. The waist is definitely slimmer. Kind of more female looking."
Aureo had noticed it too and had hoped Mirela wouldn't have. He still wanted a relationship with her. Despite being a chicken about it and never outright asking her out. And now this. Yes, his subconscious mind had started to shape the android into a woman. Right now, it was the barest hint. But what about in a week or a month? Maybe Mirela would think he'd replace her. Not that she was his, to begin with. But that he stopped pursuing her in favor of building someone for himself.
"Well- You see- It isn't like- That I-"
"Cool!" That one word stopped Aureo's ramblings short. "I wouldn't mind having a new bestie to hang out with."
Aureo nearly sank to the floor with relief. He felt as if the last ten seconds each had drained a year of his life. Were his knees always this weak? They felt kind of wobbly.
"Say, what made you go for a woman?"
A sentence later and Aureo was put on the spot again. Was Mirela doing it on purpose? "I don't know. Honestly. I wasn't trying to make it female. Well, maybe-"
"What?" Mirela slapped his arm playfully. "Come on. Don't hold out on me."
"Fine!" Just to gather his thoughts, Aureo walked back to the armchairs and let himself fall into one. "I told you that I grew up in New Boston, right?"
"And that you tried and failed to grow plans," Mirela confirmed.
"Well, there was one place where the narrow streets opened up and let sunshine fall through. Misses Brady's Bakery." A wistful smile came to Aureo. "When I was very young, my mother sometimes asked Misses Brady to look after me for a few hours. So, I hung around the bakery and did stuff. Sometimes even homework."
Aureo paused. Lost in the memory. "She had plants. Lots of them. A real oasis of green in a city built in grey. And in between customers, she always took care of her plants. Maybe watering them. Other times singing. And if not that, at least humming. I kind of envied her."
"I see." Mirela leaned back in her own chair. "Now you have plants of your own, your mind sort of thinks they need a Misses Brady to take care of them."
Aureo shrugged. "That is the best theory I can come up with."
Mirela stood up. "I think that is kind of sweet." She surprised him by leaning over and giving him a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you for sharing this with me. But I need to go now."
"I understand," Aureo said while standing up. Waving after Mirela until she was gone. Only then he lightly touched the spot Mirela had kissed him on.
With new resolve and a spring in his step, Aureo walked back to the android's closet. "Are you ready?" he asked the occupant. "Because if Mirela wants a new best friend, we have work laid out before us."
Aureo only noticed the train moving again by looking out of the window. There was no jerk or any other indication. It still surprised him. He was also glad. Right now, he was remotely steering the android again. While he had gotten a lot better, he doubted sudden changes in movement would keep him upright.
It was about time the train got going again too. For the last four days, they had stopped in Nouveau Orleans. And while the city at the mouth of the river Mississippi was a sight, Aureo preferred the untamed wilds he usually saw through his huge panoramic windows.
Aureo was watering his plants when a young voice spoke up behind him. "Excuse me?"
Aureo made the android turn around. Before it stood a small girl. She wasn't his first visitor since Mister Neville had Aureo's wagon towed into the middle of the train. But she was the youngest by far. Normally, Aureo didn't do well with children. But now, he was determined to make a difference. The android would eventually learn from his behavior and Aureo was sure Mirela would prefer a best friend that got along with children.
Now Aureo had to figure out how to interact with a small child. What would Misses Brady do? She would kneel down so she would have eye contact with the child and then speak softly. Aureo mimicked it as best as he could in an android body.
"Yes? What can I do for you?"
"Are you a robot?" the girl blurted out in an unabashed way only small children could.
"I am," Aureo confirmed. Well, he wasn't really, but right now, he steered one. So, it was a white lie he could live with. "A humanoid robot. Do you know what they are called?" The girl shook her head. "They are called androids."
"What does an android do?" the girl wanted to know next.
"That depends from android to android." Aureo could see that the answer wasn't what the girl hoped for. Or maybe just too abstract for a young mind. "This android takes care of the plants around here. For example, I water them so they grow strong and beautiful."
"Can you tell me about them?"
"Of course, I can." Aureo led the girl to a display of colorful flowers. "These are all native flowers from Panama. To be specific, from the northern part. They are called orchids. Aren't they beautiful?"
"Yes, they are!" the girl exclaimed. But her attention was already drawn in by the next flower. "Why is that one caged?"
Aureo chuckled. It sounded slightly wrong from an android body, but the girl didn't seem to mind. Aureo walked towards a pale bluish-white flower that was growing under a glass dome and motioned for the girl to follow. "This is a rare flower growing in the Himalayas. I can't pronounce the original name, but it translates to Frozen Tears. You see, they grow where it is very high up in the mountains and where it is icy cold. So, under this glass, it is cold too. That's how they like it."
The girls made Oh's and Ah's, but Aureo had no doubt half of the explanation went over the little girl's head. Still, the young girl looked at the flower from all angles until something new caught her eye. "Is that one magic?"
"Oh, definitely!" Aureo assured her. He led her to a small planter that housed a yellowish fern that one might mistake for a sculpture made out of gold if it wouldn't gently bob up and down. It had a slight glow to it and now and then a small shower of sparkles shook off and rained down. Only to vanish into thin air. "That's Irish Golden Fern. It is so much magic that the Fae consider it holy and it is their official plant. It is on all their banners and flags. They are very proud of it."
"It is very pretty," the girl decided. Instead of skipping to the next interesting flower, she turned towards Aureo in his android body. "I am Ariadne. What's your name?"
"My name is- " Aureo broke off. He couldn't exactly introduce himself as Aureo. "Well, I am afraid I don't have one yet."
"But everyone needs a name!" The girl looked adamant about it.
"Well, maybe you have a suggestion?" Aureo asked. "What do you think I should be called?"
"I had a friend called Kalli in kindergarten," Ariadne volunteered. "She liked plants too. I haven't seen her in a while. We moved away, you know? She was funny. Always made strange faces when her mother called her Kalliope. It's like a long name of Kalli."
"Hmm. Kalliope isn't that bad," Aureo mused.
"No, Kalli!"
"Okay. Okay. Kalli," Aureo agreed.
"What's his name?" The girl pointed at Aureo's body sitting slumped over in an armchair.
"That's Aureo."
"That's a strange name. Does he like flowers too? Why doesn't he move? Is he dead?"
Hearing Ariadne ramble on was a small rollercoaster ride for Aureo. His name wasn't that strange. Right? And then the other questions hit him before he was ready.
"What? No, he is not dead. He's just- Napping. You see he loves plants so much that he spends all his time here. And when he gets tired, he just takes a nap here."
"That's weird," the little girl decreed.
But before Aureo could comment on it, a shout rang through the wagon. "Ari? Ari, where are you?"
"I'm here, Mama!" the child yelled back.
"Ariadne!" The mother stomped close and put her hands on her hips. Someone was in deep trouble. "I told you to not run away like that. Don't you know I worry? You can't just run off when you feel like that."
"It wasn't far," little Ariadne protested. "And Kalli showed me some cool flowers."
The mother sighed and kneeled down. "We have been over this. Kalliope couldn't come with us. She's staying at Nouveau Orleans."
"No, the android." She turned around to the newly christened Kalli. "It was android, right?"
At that moment, Aureo missed the ability to smile. The android had come some way since Aureo got it, but there was still a lot missing. It now clearly had a female shape in a geometric utilitarian style, but it was missing features like a face that could articulate. Maybe Aureo should prioritize this deficit next. But, for now, Aureo had to be satisfied by letting Kalli say: "That is correct, young Miss."
Only now the mother looked at the android. As if it hadn't been part of the discussion, to begin with. Aureo's first reaction was to call it rude. but thought better of it. The mother didn't know that behind Kalli was a soul and a human mind. To her, the android was as much an appliance like a dishwasher or monitor.
The mother turned back to her daughter. "I am sure it has better things to do."
Aureo felt the need to step it. "Not at all. I cherish the opportunity to educate young and eager minds."
The mother was taken aback. Maybe it has been a mistake on Aureo's part to respond as if the android was a person. Not everyone was open to new things. Some parts they traveled through were used to even less technology than Aureo and others born in the East American Commonwealth.
"Come," she said to her daughter. "We have to unpack in our suite before we can explore the train."
Ariadne turned around a last time to the android now named Kalli. "Can I come back?"
"Sure," Aureo assured her. Yet he felt the need to add a bit. "But only if your mother says so. I bet if you behave and do as you are told, then your next visit could be a reward."
Bemused, the mother didn't comment. Just dragging her child out of the wagon and Aureo's reach. Aureo wondered if he could have handled this situation better. He should ask Mirela next time she comes around.
Kalli. Short for Kalliope. Not a name Aureo would have chosen if he was honest. Not that it was bad. Just unusual. Might be of Greek origin, he thought. There weren't many Greeks in New Boston. He wasn't sure yet if he'd keep it for her, the android. Something else to ask Mirela. She might know.
A soft alarm alerted Aureo. It was time for lunch. Stashing Kalli in her closet, Aureo returned his consciousness to his own body. For the first time in hours, he stood up. Yes, his body was hungry. He hadn't noticed while piloting Kalli. And it felt fatigued despite doing nothing all day. Maybe he should work out a little more. Or at all.
But not now. As always, Aureo didn't feel like going to the cafeteria. He hadn't been there in a while. Or anywhere else on the train. Aureo knew what it was. Mirela and Hamish had warned him about it. He and his wagon had become inseparable. At least, for the foreseeable future. As such, a heated-up can in his small cabin had to do. And while at it, Aureo made plans.
It took some time until Mirela came around again. Shortly after their shared moment - and a sweet received kiss - Caius had banged his hip. Mirela was righteously worried because the stage magician was quite old. Now she doted on Caius all the time. Not that Aureo could fault her for it. She shared a soul with Caius. Just like he did with Kalli.
His android showed the first signs of autonomy. Now and then walking around woodenly and watering the plants. Aureo often had to step in. The fragile barebone hint of an A.I. couldn't yet decide which plant actually needed watering. There was still a lot to do before Kalli was truly his equal.
Not that Aureo minded working on Kalli anymore. He had tried visiting Mirela. She was just a few wagons down-train. But each try ended all too soon. Just a step out of his wagon filled Aureo with a feeling of unease. It grew with each step proportionally. He had yet to manage the fifth step. Always giving up before and hurrying back to his wagon.
It left him stranded in his wagon. Aureo knew it would be happening. He had been warned about it by Hamish and Mirela. It also gave him a new appreciation for Mirela. She had traveled all the way down-train when Aureo's wagon had been still situated at the end of the train. That was quite the distance. No wonder her visits had always been short. Just being there with him for a few minutes must have cost her an enormous amount of willpower.
The absence of Mirela was filled by others. Now that Aureo's wagon was situated in the middle of the train, he got a lot more visitors. Of course, employees of the train needed to pass through his wagon a lot. They usually didn't stay to enjoy the amenities. Not like the guests of the train did. His little wagon became quite popular. Often the two dozen armchairs on three levels were taken up by visitors. More often than not, Aureo stayed in his cabin to not take up space. That didn't mean he wasn't up and about. Through the eyes of Kalli, he took part in the activities of his wagon and interacted with guests.
It was after such an interaction, that Mirela surprised him. "I hear you go by Kalli now."
Aureo had Kalli twirl around and give Mirela a bright smile. It still felt a little wooden, but at least he had managed to give her a face that could be animated.
"It sort of happened," Aureo explained. "A little girl thought it was a fitting name. And people asked by what name I go by before I came up with a better name. It stuck."
Mirela leaned over and spoke in a hushed, but mirthful voice. "That's fine. It's practically tradition that we androids get named by someone else."
We androids. Those words bounced around within Aureo's head. Was Mirela already seeing Kalli as an independent person from Aureo? There was still a long way to go. It was still Aureo animating Kalli and instructing every action or word coming over her lips. Should he correct her? Maybe Mirela had done so on purpose. The end goal was to have Kalli as an independent person. And for Kalli to learn that she had to be addressed as such. That meant Aureo had to play along, right?
For now, Aureo decided to play along. "Can I ask you who named you?"
"Of course." Mirela beamed. "Actually. I sort of named myself. Kinda. Caius was having trouble deciding. So many names to choose from. In the end, he placed all the names on a large spinning wheel, blindfolded me, and had me throw a knife at it. Whatever name I hit would be it."
"And it landed on Mirela," Kalli dutifully concluded to play her part.
"Well- You remember that my body was a scrapyard rescue? Well, my movements were still kind of jerky. Being rather barebone at that time. I missed by a mile and impaled the portrait of the late actress Mirela Catargiu with my knife."
"Wish I could have seen it," Kalli admitted after a shared laugh. "How is Caius by the way?"
"Grumpy. Complaining over every little help I give." Mirela gave a suffering sigh. "As if I couldn't read his memories and know that he was grateful. But the hip is nearly healed. What about Aureo? Where is he at?"
"In the cabin," Kalli admitted. "In the morning and afternoon, it can be quite busy here. He didn't want to take up a seat that a guest might use."
The Aureo within Kalli was bemused. It felt strange to remark about himself in the third person. Then again, it felt a little like playing make pretend. As if he stepped into the role of someone else. Maybe like those in spy movies did.
"Well, don't keep him in there all the time," Mirela remarked with mirth. "He's pale enough and needs a bit of sunshine."
"Maybe," Kalli admitted. "But he gets way more than when he spent his whole day in a cave."
Mirela nodded. "So, how are you doing as Kalli? I noticed some changes to your chassis."
Kalli looked down instinctively. Yes, there had been some changes. She clearly had a female outline now. While still being all metal, some of her chassis had been formed and painted to look like clothing. Making her dressed and naked at the same time. A curious and amusing thought. Aside from her face that could now show expressions, Kalli had hair. Not the best one by a long shot. It was a blob of foam plastic styled and painted like hair. Looking like a goofy wig instead of real hair. Kalli had to remind herself that it was a step in between and not the final product.
"Fine. It feels more natural to control her. To be her. I think I made good progress on getting the right movement and gestures instilled in her."
Mirela quirked an eyebrow. "And how are you doing without Aureo riding shotgun?"
Kalli needed a moment to think about it. Had there been a time lately when she hadn't been controlled by Aureo? He always returned her to her charging and storage cabinet when slipping back into himself. Too worried a half-finished A.I. may lead to accidents. The last thing Aureo wanted was to get anybody hurt.
"I don't really know," Kalli admitted. "There hadn't been time really to test progress."
Mirela crossed her arms. She did not look pleased. "That's an excuse and you know it. Look, the time apart is as important as the time together. And Aureo needs regular exercise. He can't stay in the cabin all day."
Kalli would have swallowed hard if she could have. She didn't possess that ability yet. Even without, Kalli expressed herself being intimidated by taking a step back and lowering her head. Mirela could be scary if she wanted to.
"I'll try to do better," she promised.
"You do that." Then Mirela's expression softened. "Look, we both know that Aureo tends to get lost in things. It is up to us to look after him, right? For his own good."
"Right." Now that Mirela had pointed it out, Kalli had to admit there was some truth to it. Aureo could be obsessive about things. And if he did his health suffered. How much time had he spent as her lately and how much as himself? The answer was too scary to actually put into words.
"I will try to get him out more often," Kalli promised. "Even if I have to take a step back."
Mirela gave her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. "You do that. Next time I come back, I wanna see Aureo up and about. He better be not just skin and bones."
"Hahaha. Of course, not." Kalli lied. Vowing to get Aureo eating first thing after Mirela left. He really could use a bit more on his ribs.
It was late. The lights in her wagon were dimmed and Kalli could see the full moon up in the night sky. She thought it was Luna Three. A glance at the horizon and she barely made out a new moon there. That would be Luna Two. Making her guess about Luna Three correct. Sometimes she still got the moon phases wrong. Having five of them could get complicated. The people on old Earth had it better she decided. Her ancestors only had to make do with one.
Kalli hurried to do her last chores. Aureo was already in his cabin. He had showered, eaten, and was laying in bed. Still, he had lain awake in his bed unable to fall asleep. So, he had decided to jump into Kalli real quick and make sure the wagon was tidied up and clean. Hoping that this was the reason he had trouble falling asleep.
It was while cleaning the armchairs of the second level of breadcrumbs that Kalli suddenly felt strange. Something was missing. As if she had lost a part of her. She looked around, expecting to see part of her wagon gone, but everything was where it should be. What else was there? Kalli's mind turned towards Aureo and nearly stumbled by the feelings she picked up.
Aureo was dreaming. He had fallen asleep while Kalli was cleaning up. But if Aureo was slumbering, who controlled Kalli now? It couldn't be Aureo. The answer was sobering. Kalli was controlling herself. Not just following some program without Aureo steering her. She was thinking of her own. As if she was her own person.
Kalli knew she should be proud of herself. This is where her journey as an individual would begin. She didn't need Aureo anymore. And yet, she did. Without Aureo, there was a part of her missing. Kalli wasn't sure how to deal with it. She kind of hated being without Aureo. Not that she really was without him. She had his memories and she could feel him in his sleep. They were connected by sharing the same soul. Still, it was not the same.
Freaked out, she hurried to her little alcove. If Aureo could skip the night by sleeping then so could she and powered down.
Kalli hummed as her paintbrush danced over the glass. Swirling lines of watercolor tinted the panoramic window step by step. The motive was, of course, flowers. As if those scattered all through the wagon weren't enough. She didn't paint the whole window. Just framing it at the edge. The panoramic view was one of the main draws for guests to visit their wagon. She knew how tempting it was to stare out the window at the ever-changing landscape outside for hours on end.
"That's pretty."
Turning around, Kalli noticed the commenter was a girl of maybe ten years old. Kids were one of Kalli's favorite groups of visitors. "Thank you." She gave a girl her best smile. It didn't appear one hundred percent natural yet. Mostly because her face wasn't up to the task. Aureo and her had focused a lot of time on improving her body, but changing an androids body could be a hard task. Mirela had explained it to them. Kalli's body was occupied. Her own person identified with it on an instinctual level. To change one's android body ran against the self-image she had of herself. That self-image resisted change. Slowing down whatever progress she or Aureo hoped to achieve.
"I didn't know androids could paint."
Kalli's grin widened. Kids hadn't always learned the finer aspects of social interactions. That often made them blunt, but honest. In her eyes, it often was preferable to how adults treated her. To most of them, she wasn't a person. Just an object. A thing.
"I am a special one," Kalli replied with a wink.
"Mom!" the girl turned around to a woman in her mid-thirties. "Can I have my windows painted at home too?"
A sneer started to appear on the mother's face but was quickly replaced by a smile that looked a bit forced to Kalli. "We'll talk about it at home. Come. Daddy is waiting in the restaurant wagon."
There was a decidedly drawback of being part of a luxury train, Kalli realized early on. Most of their guests tended to be of the social upper crust and leaned towards the snobbish.
Waving after the girl, Kalli decided to take a moment to study the people within her wagon, before going to paint more. A few families drifted through. Nearly all of the armchairs were used by those gazing at the panorama outside. A few used the seats for reading and only occasionally looked up for the view. Which was fine by Kalli. They had placed those armchairs for comfort and they were good at it.
Aureo was nowhere to be seen. But Kalli knew that without looking. Yes, they had separated. She was now her own person. But Aureo still spent a lot of time sharing her body and experience. She knew he liked the shifted perspective Kalli could give him. She herself felt more complete with him augmenting her too. It probably had to do with their soul. They shared it. It was evenly distributed between them and the wagon. But when Aureo shared her body, it felt as if their soul concentrated there. Maybe she should talk to Mirela about this. But for now, Kalli enjoyed that Aureo was with her. And he was. She'd know when not.
Kalli gave a content sigh. It was a peaceful living in this wagon. On this, she was sure Aureo agreed with her. Both of them didn't even mind being limited to just this small space. It had become normal for them.
Turning around, she picked up her paintbrush again. Idly tapping her chin with it. Maybe she should paint the next flower's petals blue. But what shade? She could go for a cornflower-like design or-
A tug of Kalli's skirt interrupted her line of thought. It was a boy who wanted her attention this time. He looked younger than the girl from before. Kalli guessed about five or six years old. With a smile, she crouched down to be at his eye level. "Yes? Can I do something for you?"
The boy pointed away. "It stinks there!" Then dashed away.
Kalli got up and frowned when following where the boy had pointed. It was the small cabin Aureo used. Kalli took a whiff of the air but barely smelled anything. Not surprising, as this sense wasn't really developed yet.
Maybe Aureo had forgotten to take away some food scraps again. Or his last shower had been too long. His conviction of taking care of himself rose and fell like the tides of the ocean. Sometimes he managed better, and other times it got worse. Kalli wasn't much better. It was her job to look after Aureo. Yet, she wasn't much better.
She picked a quiet moment to slip into the cabin. Here, even with her limited sense of smell, she noticed the smell getting stronger. Aureo laid on his cot. Not even noticing it. He looked peaceful with his eyes closed. As if he was sleeping. Kalli would have known if he did. Often getting a sense of his dreams.
By now, Aureo should return to his body and take care of it. She knew he knew, but sometimes he needed a little push. Literally. Shaking his shoulder. "Come on. Get up. You need a shower. And food. You look a bit pale." But strangely not as gaunt as she had seen him the last time.
"I am not joking, Aureo. Get up."
Nothing. Aureo clung to her own body. She knew so from the concentration of her soul. She was getting annoyed, but then a new thought occurred to her. What if he couldn't return? Maybe something prevented it. Shocked, she stumbled back. Fumbling for the intercom behind her. She didn't use it often. Neither did Aureo. Most of what they needed was right here, in their wagon.
"Mirela? Mirela, are you there?"
"I am," Mirela responded a few seconds later. "What's wrong? You sound upset."
"It's Aureo. He won't wake up. I tried shaking him and calling out. I don't know what to do."
"I'll be right there."
Worried, Kalli looked back at Aureo. He still hadn't woken up. Nervously, she fidgetted with her fingers. If the cabin hadn't been so small, she would have paced. Where was Mirela? She should have been here by now. Her wagon wasn't that far away.
A sudden knock on the door made Kalli jump, despite expecting it. She hurried to open the door, but it was not Mirela standing before her. It was Sherin. The right-hand android of Mister Neville.
"Miss Kalli?" Sherin's voice was soft and somber. Kalli had never heard her like that. Neither had Aureo. "Please step out for a moment."
Kalli complied on instinct. Maybe it was better this way. Sherin always appeared so professional. It stood to reason that she knew better what to do.
As Sherin stepped into the cabin, she revealed Mirela, who stood close by. Wordless, she drew Kalli into an embrace. Giving her a tight hug that never seemed to end. She felt like crying, but no tears came. It was a function she simply didn't have but would give the world right now to possess. Every attempt to speak up was gently hushed by Mirela.
"Just wait," her friend whispered. "Hamish will be here soon."
Hamish Neville arrived around five minutes later. For Kalli, it felt like a small eternity. One small look into the cabin, and he walked over to the hugging androids. "Kalli, come sit with me for a minute." He took a seat in one of the armchairs and patiently waited until Kalli let go of Mirela. Taking a seat of her own.
She didn't dare to look him in the eyes. Instead, staring down at her hands. "He is dead, isn't he?"
Hamish's voice was soft. "I'm afraid so. By a few days at least."
"I failed!" She burst out. "It was my job to care for him. To keep him alive."
"No, it was not." Even the gentle rebuke by Hamish left Kalli shocked. "It was Aureo's duty to take care of himself. You? Yes, you were supposed to help. But it was never your job to shoulder that burden alone. Your duty lies elsewhere."
Kalli was quiet. Thinking about his words, they just didn't make sense to her. "Then what was? I don't understand."
"You should remember that I talked about this with Aureo. His memories are yours. There is a reason we pair those becoming soul bound with a Manteriantus Wagon to an android." Hamish turned to the window. Staring out at the landscape. Though Kalli got the feeling he saw none of it. "In the old days when the Manteriantus Wagons were new, we didn't know better. The inventor, Augustus Manteriantus, only thought of it as a means to design custom wagons. Cheap and easy."
"But then, people who were soul-bound to a wagon started dying," Hamish continued on a more somber note. "They were too focused on the creativity they could live out through the wagon that they neglected their own bodies. The Manteriantus Wagon became known as cursed. But it was worse for those poor souls who died. Because they lingered. They had no means of communication except for changing parts of their wagons. Their early attempts led to a widespread conception that the Manteriantus Wagons are haunted. In a way, they were."
"That's why you insist on androids," Kalli concluded.
"We found out by accident," Hamish continued. "Androids were even less common then than they are now. Kalli, humans are fragile. You can take care of them as much as you want, but - at the latest - old age will claim them. But here, their souls endure. Kalli, your job was never to take care of Aureo. Not directly. It was to take care of his soul. Your soul. To give it the means to act in this world."
Kalli sank into deep thoughts as Hamish stopped talking. It made sense. In a way. She wished she had more of a warning, but the more she looked at it, the more she realized that there had been warnings around her all along. Mirela and Hamish had told her and Aureo time and time again to take care and what was to come. Even Sherin had warned Aureo in her own way."
"In a way-" Kalli broke off to formulate her thoughts some more. "It's like reincarnation. Me taking over for Aureo. A relay race. Sort of. And I got to spend time with my past self. Even if I didn't know it yet. Still. I wish I'd-"
"What?" Hamish gently asked.
"That I had spent more time with Aureo. Apart, I mean." Kalli gave a short sad laugh. "It's pathetic, isn't it. I couldn't even keep him alive for a year. How laughable is that?"
"Not as bad as you think." Hamish let out a long sigh. "Perhaps it is best to tell you another story. Yes, I am checking off all the old guy tropes. Always another story to tell. Bear with me, okay?"
Kalli was in no mood for stories. Old or new. Aureo was dead. How could a story help her? To ease the guilt she still felt. But what else was she supposed to do now? Kalli had no idea how to go on without him. Perhaps it could help. Maybe. Even if it was a little, Kalli would take it. Her tumultuous thoughts made themself known only in a short nod.
"There was once a girl-" Hamish shook his head. "No, that is not the best point to start. Let's go back to Augustus Manteriantus. His greatest work was known as haunted and cursed. Even after finding out the truth he had trouble washing off that image. His last attempt to turn around was to create something new. If the magic worked for a wagon, why not for a locomotive? He created a prototype. His final masterpiece. But there was a problem. No one was willing to bind to it."
Hamish leaned over with a mischievous grin. "Except one girl just reaching adulthood. Oh, she loved trains. Couldn't get enough of them. Visited the tracks every day in hopes of seeing a new train drive by. It was her life. Her blood. And when she heard of Manteriantus' last try of fame, she had to be the one to bind to it."
Hamish leaned back with a sour frown. "Except Augustus was stubborn. The girl knew nothing of the details. Had no education in anything official in regards to trains. Wouldn't even do as a good poster girl. Tall. Lanky. Not very strong. No one's first choice. Luckily for her, she was his only choice. She got the job. Happily bound her soul to the engine. Explored every nook and cranny. She was even faster on the uptake than Aureo and remodeled the engine three times in a month."
A wistful smile and absent eyes, clue Kalli in that Hamish break in his tale led him to old memories. Cherished ones too. At last, he took a deep breath and continued.
"Augustus was worried. Of course, he was. He recognized her behavior from dozens of people before who had been soul-bound to a wagon. By then, they had a solution. An android. It was more intended as a temporary fix than a true solution, but for now, it worked."
"She choose one that reminded her of her grandpa. Why? She was young. No one took her seriously. And we are talking about two hundred years ago. It wasn't that long after humanity had fled Earth and settled on New Terra. On Earth, they nearly had achieved gender equality. But New Terra was ten times the size of Earth and governments fell apart. In that wake, old outdated concepts sprang forth. Not everywhere. Just enough to give the girl trouble with assholes regularly. So, she decided her android would be her stand-in. And she called him Hamish."
Now, Kalli sat up straighter. Looking shocked at the old man beside her. "You're an android?"
"Of course," Hamish confirmed with a fatherly smile. "One of the oldest on this train. Not the oldest, but nearly."
As the shock ebbed away, Kalli knew what this story would lead to. Still, she had to ask. "What happened to her? The girl."
"I took on more and more responsibility, while she concentrated on the engine. Everything fell away and became a second priority. Even her own health. And, at last, one day I found her. Just like you did with Aureo. Curled in a corner. I couldn't even pretend she was asleep. She might have been dead for a week or two. Must have been around five months in. Not that this is a competition."
"I am sorry." Kalli knew it must have been a lifetime ago. From the timeframe, it was likely more than two. Still, from the sound of his voice, she knew it still hurt Hamish to talk about it. "What did you do? How did you deal with it?"
"She loved to feel the wind rushing by when the locomotive was going full sprint. Either by sticking her head out or later through her connection to the engine. She loved it. Being part of the locomotive. And that's how I honored her. Instead of telling anyone, I burned her in the arc furnace that powers this train. So, not just her soul, but her ashes too, became part of the engine. Over time, people forgot about her. Even about Augustus. Or that I was only an android. At some point, my body became convincing enough that they thought I was human. And the owner of this train. Never really corrected them."
Kalli thought she understood Hamish a lot more now. Most of all, his drive to collect Manteriantus Wagons and to seeing them restored. It must have been lonely over the time and only those soul-bound too would be able to truly understand him.
Would she feel lonely on time too? Aureo and Mirela had spoken about it once. What Mirela would do when Caius died. Would she replace him with an android of his liking? Would Kalli do the same with Aureo? She couldn't imagine it and Mirela seemed to be on the fence.
"Have you ever-" Kalli stopped herself noticing into what painful territory she was stepping. Still, she had to know. "Did you ever miss her enough to try bringing her back? As an android, I mean."
"Not at first, no," Hamish admitted. "I thought it would taint my memory of her. But over time, this train became larger. I couldn't be everywhere at the same time. Someone was needed to help me run this train. So, I did. Recreate her. Three times to be exact. It's a large train, after all."
"Triplets?" Kalli tried to remember. "I never noticed triplets."
Hamish chuckled. "Sherin would never permit that to happen. Then their jig would be up!"
"Sherin?" Kalli was stunned. How had she never put that together? This made so much sense now. Aureo had wondered time and time again how the android had managed to appear and disappear. Seemingly teleporting when he raced her up or down the train. Always knowing what was up. "There are three of her?"
Hamish only gave her a wink.
For a moment, Kalli's spirits had risen. But now, the sadness crept back in. "I still feel sorry for Aureo. That I couldn't keep him here longer."
"Don't be," Hamish assured her. "Look around you? What do you see? Isn't it what Aureo always had dreamed of? A place to find peace."
Kalli looked around her wagon as if she saw it for the first time. Aureo loved his plants. The magnificent view outside. The freedom he got even while being restricted to just one wagon. "Yes," Kalli quietly agreed.
Hamish nodded. "And for this space, he needed a caretaker. Someone who loved plants as much as him. But even more, someone who is open to visitors. Big and small alike. The ideal hostess. Someone like him, but not dragged down by the flaws he felt he had. And that is you, Kalli."
At that moment, Kalli cursed her android body. Again she felt like crying. She had never viewed herself in the light that Hamish presented her now. There was so much truth to it.
"He might have not realized it himself, but you are his ideal self as he envisioned it," Hamish continued. "Even when you became your own, he chose to stay with you. To see the world through your eyes. Kalli, you are Aureo's hopes and dreams. Something that he believed in more than himself. And whatever you do or wherever you go, you will always carry that with you. Aureo is still a part of you and he will be with you, always."
Kalli looked at Hamish and gave him a smile. It was a sad smile. Full of bittersweet memories and hopes, but it was one. "Thank you. I needed to hear that."
"You're welcome," Hamish said while standing up. He rested a hand on her shoulder. "I'll be around if you need me."
His armchair didn't stay empty for long. Mirela took his place. Quietness settled over the room. Mirela stared out of the large windows. Watching the world speed by. And Kalli was lost for words. What was she supposed to say? She had known that Mirela and Aureo had feelings for each other. And now, Aureo was gone. For that, she still felt guilty.
After a long moment, Mirela reached over. Taking Kalli's hand in her own. Giving it a reassuring squeeze. Maybe words weren't necessary after all. Together, the two androids sat silently and watched the world rush by. Until the landscape darkened and the sun was setting.
And in the faint light of the last sun rays, a single tear ran down Kalli's cheek. More joined to her amazement. It made her smile. Gave her hope. She might be an android now on her own. But she wasn't alone. And she could still change, evolve, and grow. And for that, she had to give thanks to Aureo. For him, she would go on and make his dreams a reality.
The end.
"Nervous?" Antje asked as they lined up at the check-in counter.
"Nervous? Why would I be?" Kai asked. "Maybe because I am taking an expensive flight to a faraway country? Paid for by a friend I haven't seen in years. Leaving everything behind of my old life. No, why would I be nervous?"
"You know, we talked about sarcasm," Antje remarked as they shuffled a few steps forward as the line moved. "It is an-"
"An unhealthy coping mechanism," Kai interrupted. "I know. I know."
"As is interrupting people," Antje added.
Of course, she had to point it out. It was her job after all. Though, by now, she was more than just his mandatory therapist. She had become a good friend as well. They were so close, he often wondered if this is how it felt if you had a sibling. Not that Kai knew so himself. His parents had thought one child was enough.
"So, how do you know him, again?" Antje asked. "Your friend. What was his name?"
"Björn." Kai was very well aware that Antje knew it. And every other detail. It was her way to keep him talking and calm his nerves. "I have known him since childhood. Best friend since third grade. We lost touch shortly after graduation. Spoke a few times through the internet. Left messages. Things like that. Can't even remember when that stopped."
"You moved away?"
"He moved away," Kai corrected. And he knew that Antje knew as well. Asking the wrong question was yet another trick of hers to keep him talking. "His great-uncle died. Came as a surprise to him. No one in his family knew the great-uncle even existed. Or that he knew of Björn or his family. But he inherited that fish farm up in one of the Neo-Norwegian prefectures. Björn moved up there and‐ Well, he built a new life there. Looks quite happy by the looks of the few pictures he uploaded."
More than a few. Kai wouldn't admit it aloud - especially to Antje - but he was jealous. While his own life was more and more consumed by office humdrum, heavy workloads, and overtime, he witnessed Björn living his dream from afar. The freedom, the financial security, and even his friends dating life. It made Kai jealous. It had been him who slowly broke off contact. Fearing his jealousy would seep through his sparse communication with his old friend.
"Looks like he hadn't forgotten about you," Antje said with a heartfelt smile.
Like the rest of them. Friends. Co-workers. Even his parents. He had pushed them all away when he needed them the most. When his many trappings caught up and burnout swallowed him whole. Three years he had spent in therapy. Getting better in a state-funded clinic. The first few cordial visits tethered off quickly. Kai couldn't really blame them. Each visit had been depressing for both parties involved.
"It will be good catching up," Kai admitted. He did look forward to it. Despite being quite scary to leave everything behind. "Thanks for coming with me and dropping me off."
Antje's smile renewed. "I had to."
She didn't. For nearly two and a half years she had been responsible for him. Making sure that he got better. Or survived. Kai was still bemused that they had put him on suicide watch. The thought hadn't even crossed his mind in his darkest hours. Yet, he couldn't blame them. By the time he was committed, he barely took care of himself anymore. Having lost a lot of weight in the few weeks prior.
"It's what friends do," Antje added. "Ah. It is our turn."
She walked over to the counter that just freed up. Kai needed a moment to catch up as tears threatened to flow freely. Friends indeed. And for all the bad he endured in the last few years, having met Antje made it nearly worth it.
"Kai! Good to see you."
They had barely left the airport when they were spotted by Björn. He was coming towards them fast and Kai's mind raced how he should greet someone once close, but now a stranger for years. However, Björn had no such qualms and pulled Kai into a bear hug that earned its name.
It was surprisingly stunning. Kai just didn't know how to react except to give a tentative hug back. Hopefully, Björn didn't mind how gross Kai was right now. A twelve-hour flight and some small bouts of fright and doubt had left him a sweaty mess.
"Good to see you too," Kai awkwardly repeated as Björn let him go. "You look good."
Surprisingly fit and healthy. Kai had seen the pictures, but in person, the transformation was more visceral. Gone was the lanky youth that Kai had known. Björn had packed on mass. Not fat. Muscle. Yet he didn't look like a bodybuilder. More the kind of guy that did hard work and earned their body the natural way.
"And you must be Antje," Björn said before taking her in an equally big hug. "Kai told me a lot about you."
A lot? Surely he hadn't been talking that much about her. Kai's anxiety spiked in a heartbeat. Had he? Maybe. Hopefully, Kai hadn't given the wrong impression. Antje and him- They were just friends. Kai didn't even want more from her. Relationships complicate things. And he just didn't see Antje in that way. She felt like a sister.
"Thank you for helping to pick Kai back up. He needed a break and someone to be there for him," Björn continued and Kai's spiked heartbeat and anxiety slowly receded. "I am grateful for it."
"No need to thank me," Antje replied. She actually looked flustered a little. "I got a good friend out of it, so I'll say it was time well spent."
"Speaking of picking up-" Björn pointed behind him. "My van is back there. Load up and hit the road?"
"Sure." Kai even managed a fragile smile.
Pulling his baggage towards the van, Kai felt another spike of anxiety come. Antje would only be staying for a few days and she had packed more than him. There just wasn't that much left of his life. He hadn't even been there when his apartment had been cleared out. A few pieces had been stored at his parent's house. Not that he had bothered to even retrieve it. Just a few outfits. Most of them were new. Neo-Norwegian promised to be a bit colder in the winter than Kai was used to.
The drive back to the farm could have been awkward, but Björn had a talent for keeping the conversation going. He was better at it than even Antje whose job was to get people to open up. There wasn't much catching up to do. Instead, Björn pointed out local highlights as they drove by. Peppering in anecdotes and funny tales. Even local folklore. But it wasn't just Björn talking. He managed to engage Kai and Antje. Making them tell things in return that was surprising to Kai. After the five-hour drive, he just was about to pick up hiking and thinking it was a good idea too. Even though he hated hiking since childhood.
"There we are," Björn said as he stopped the van on a hill that overlooked a whole fjord. It was the first sign of civilization in an hour. Even the road had changed to dirt a while back. Björn looked to be proud of the few houses that lined one side of the fjord.
Kai always dreamed of owning a house. And seeing nearly a dozen was impressive. A pang of envy flashed through Kai, but he ignored it. "Looks nice. Picturesque. And you own all these buildings?"
Björn gave a wild grin. "I own the whole fjord and everything in it." He sank into his seat with a wistful smile. "Sometimes, I still can't believe it. A whole fjord. Still feels unreal now and then. Like a dream, I get to live in. Makes me afraid to wake up." It only took a moment for Björn to recover and then put the van back into gear. "Come on. Let's get you down there. I have a cabin for each of you. A tour can wait until tomorrow. After the long flight and drive, I bet you'll desire a shower and a bed."
Kai nodded. Fatigue had settled into his bones for some time now. He simply couldn't go as long anymore as when he was younger.
Antje was more vocal about it. "You can bet your ass on that one." It earned her a laugh from both of them.
It was cold, but Kai didn't mind one bit. Despite the temperature, the sky was clear and the sun was out. He sat on the pier and in one of the lawn chairs Björn had placed. Leaning back and now and then taking a sip. It was peaceful. The gentle lapping of the waves at the piers wood had a calming influence. It had the quality of a lullaby. It already had claimed Antje who took a nap on a lounge chair nearby. So far, Kai resisted.
Steps alerted him that someone was coming and Kai spied Björn making his way onto the pier. Past the many small row- or motorboats. Nothing bigger was needed. The whole fjord had been cut off with a submerged fence that kept Björn fish in. A good thing, as the oceans of New Terra, were a little more dangerous than those of old Earth.
Björn waited until he took a seat and a beer before he spoke up. "How are you doing? Everything good?"
Kai leaned back and enjoyed the sun for a few seconds. "Yeah. Great actually. I don't remember when I could last just- Let things be, you know? To enjoy the moment. No meetings scheduled. Deadlines to make." Kai hesitated to continue but decided to push through. Björn and he had been good friends once. If he wanted to rekindle it, he couldn't push him away like all the others. "Didn't have those in the institute either. But there, it was all by the plan. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all by this and that hour. Therapy at that time. Walk in the yard only at other times. It was surprisingly right. But here- You lucked out Björn."
"Yeah." Björn took a swig of beer. "But it can be lonely too. Not much work in winter, so my seasonal workers leave. For the first few years, I didn't know anybody. Made it hard, you know? But now, I've got you here. I am glad to share this with you. Especially if it helps."
"I think it does," Kai confirmed. Taking a few more moments to enjoy the view. Then he couldn't help but snicker. "Are you sure you can take a break Björn? Looks like the local wildlife is out to rob you." He pointed with his beer bottle at a few seals that climbed over the mostly submerged fence."
"Ah, the locals," Björn replied and leaned back. "I have an understanding with them." He leaned over and whispered in a conspiratorial tone. "Probably Selkies too."
"What are Selkies?" Kai had to ask.
"Ah, right. Sorry." Björn took another swig before leaning over again. "Everyone here knows about Selkies. Local legend and folklore. Old too. Goes even back to old Earth. Up and down there are variations of the legend. Even over in eastern Scotland. Here, they tell it like this. There was once a sad fisherman because he was so lonely-"
"Are you talking about the legend or yourself?" Kai jibes. Earning himself a laugh from Björn.
"One day the fisherman walked along the coast and saw a beautiful maiden sitting at the beach. But when he came closer, the woman fled. But not anywhere, but the open sea. It became a regular occurrence and even from afar, the fisherman fell in love. Now here is the thing, one day the fisherman arrived early, and what he saw changed everything. He saw a seal arrive at the shores. Its skin split open and the woman emerged."
"The seals have were-woman?" Kai asked. "That's the story?"
"Well, it's not by moonlight, so no." If Björn was miffed by Kai's doubt, then at least he didn't show it. "Anyway. One morning the fisherman snuck up to where the Selkie had shed her skin. He stole it and hid it away. When the Selkie tried to return to the ocean, she was saddened beyond comparison as she could find her seal skin."
"What a scummy thing to do," Kai interrupted. "I mean, it is folklore, right? That's more or less how folklore goes, but still. That dude was an asshole."
"Quite so," Björn agreed. "And it got worse. You see, it was then that the fisherman showed up. With nowhere to run, Selkie let him approach. The man confessed his love and offered his help. Vowing to give her shelter until she found her skin again."
"That can't end well," Kai mused. "Lies are a poor foundation to build on."
"Indeed. But we are talking about folklore here. With nowhere else to go, she accepted. Months passed by and then years. And along the way, she fell in love too. But as you guessed, this was not the happy end the man expected. One day the Selkie, by then his wife, looked through his shed in search of something. Instead, she found her skin. She was heartbroken. How could a man she thought she loved and who professed his love to her, betray her like that? She ran to the ocean. To be finally free again. On her way, the fisherman saw and ran after her. He was too slow. But as the Selkie stood in the surf and slipped back on her skin, she cursed him with bad luck for seven years. And then, she was never seen again."
"She should have drowned his ass," Kai said with gusto. As Björn looked a bit shocked, Kai doubled down. "I mean, he denied her, her true self, right? For him, it was the beauty of her human body. Probably not even her mind. And then lie to her for years. If I'd been the Selkie, I would have drowned him for sure. Dragged him to the bottom of the ocean where he could rot."
Björn actually shrugged and leaned back. "Well, you aren't that far off track. I did say there were variations. In some, she does indeed drown his ass. In others, they fall in love first and the man grows jealous of her love for the sea. Other variants have him as a woodsman and not a fisherman. You get the gist."
"Nice dark story you got there," Kai laughed. "But I am not buying that you have magical seals on your front porch that transform into beautiful gorgeous maidens."
Björn joined in with a chuckle. "Yeah, I thought you wouldn't. But it'd be nice if it would be true right?"
"Sure. Women!" Kai gestured all over the fjord with his beer bottle. "Naked women everywhere! What's not to love?"
"Where are naked women?" The question came from Antje who rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
"Oh, Björn just told me about the magical seals he has as neighbors," Kai explained. "Along with a nice creepy story."
"You've got Selkies here?" Antje asked.
"I was joking," Björn hastened to say. "Local folklore. Nothing more."
There was that knowing smile on Björn's face that Kai recognized. He hadn't seen it since their teenage days, but he was sure. Either Björn was concealing something or he planned a prank. Kai guessed the latter one.
"Well, I can trump Selkies," Kai admitted. "But I've got cold beer if you want."
"Not saying no to that," Antje said with a grin and took the offered bottle.
Just then, they heard the loud calls of a seal. Bobbing up and down near the submerged fence. "Looks like that's my call to work," Björn said while standing up from his chair. "She probably spotted a hole in the net. Told you it is nice to have them around."
"Yeah. Yeah. Yeah." Kai waved him on with a grin. "Go to your girlfriend. But I am telling you if you make out with a seal I am dragging you back to the house. For your own good."
Björn didn't reply. Just shaking his head while grinning and heading off.
"Are you always ribbing each other like that?" Antje asked.
"Pretty much." Kai leaned back and took another swig. Only to notice the bottle was empty. The temptation was there to go for another, but he decided against it. He probably had enough. "Feels good, though. Hasn't changed a bit. Don't worry. I'll probably be the butt of a joke or the victim of a prank by him soon enough. Give and take. That's how our friendship always worked."
Mirth colored Antje's face. "That's how it should be."
"You'll write to me," Antje demanded. They stood outside on the driveway. Björn was getting the van.
"Of course," Kai promised. "And the internet isn't that bad between here and home. Who knows, I might even spring for a holo-call."
"Sure. Maybe get a job first?" Antje suggested. "So you can actually afford it."
"It's on my bucket list," Kai confirmed.
"Just- Don't overdo it, okay? Take it slow. Don't jump in heads over heels."
"I've learned my lesson. Promise."
Just then, Björn stopped beside them with the van. "I should be back before sundown," he remarked as he helped Antje load her baggage.
"I'll hold the fort," Kai assured him. "Well. The house too. The fjord. The peer-"
"The beer," Antje added without missing a beat. Prompting laughter from the two men. They were definitely rubbing off on her.
The last few days had been relaxing. But they also went by fast. Now, Antje would return home. Kai wondered when he would. Or even if. Right now, there was nothing there except Antje. He didn't even have much contact with his parents right now.
After a few heartfelt goodbyes and way too much hugging, Kai waved as they drove off. He knew they would stay in contact, yet it felt as if one more string tying him down to his past had just snapped. With a sigh, Kai walked to the main house. His own cabin had a small kitchen, but it wasn't stocked. In the last few days, they had preferred to eat all together.
Maybe a snack might be good before heading out to the peer. Kai felt a bit peckish. Fishing could take a while. Even when dangling your line smack in the middle of a fish farm. However, all thoughts about fish and their demise vanished, as Kai walked into the kitchen.
A naked butt greeted him. It belonged to a woman, equally naked, who rummaged through the fridge. Before Kai had even the time to blush, the woman turned around. A half-eaten pickle in her mouth.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to-" Then it dawned on Kai. "Let me guess, you are supposed to be a Selkie?"
"Oh, hi. Björn told you about us?" She turned around. Not even bothered the slightest that she was naked.
"Oh, I know all about you." Kai grinned and shook his head. "A Selkie. As if. I mean, don't get me wrong, you are a beautiful woman, but it takes a bit more to fool old me. If Björn wants to prank me, he has to do better."
"Prank?" the woman asked, but then straightened up. "Right. Prank. Totally."
Somewhere, Kai had seen her before. Yet he couldn't quite place her. It would come to him in time. For now, there were more pressing matters. "I've got to know. How much did he pay you? I mean, pretty brazen to walk around naked. Must be a lot. Just for a prank."
"Payment. Yes." She ducked back into the fridge and pulled out a whole jar of pickles. "This payment. All mine now."
Kai quirked his eyebrow in confusion. "Boy, you must like pickles a lot."
"Oh, yes. Selja loves pickles. Pickles payment." She started to back away from the fridge. "Oh, you say you ate pickles. Not Selja. And Selja says you didn't get pranked. Fooled. Didn't get fooled. Deal?"
"Sure," Kai agreed, just as Selja backed out of the door.
And then, she was gone. Amused, Kai walked to the window, but couldn't see the wannabe Selkie anymore. She had vanished without a trace.
Shaking his head once more, Kai walked over to the fridge to close it. "Selkies. As if. You've got to do better." After making some sandwiches, he decided to head out. There were fish to be caught. On his way through the living room, a picture on the mantelpiece caught his attention. It was Björn surrounded by attractive women. One of them was Selja. This time she was dressed. "Caught you. Probably a neighbor or so. They must be tight if Björn could win her for this stunt."
The moment he stepped out of the door, Kai groaned. This attempt at a prank was just pathetic. He could appreciate a naked woman, yes. But the seal on the other side of the fjord munching on pickles from an overturned jar? Not so much. It was a little overdone.
"Hopefully seals aren't allergic to pickles," Kai muttered as he made his way to the shed housing the fishing rods.
When Kai woke up, it was already bright outside. Clueing him in, that he had overslept. A glance at the alarm clock revealed flashing zeros. Another blackout in the night. Probably not long, but long enough to wipe the alarm clock clean.
Björn had said that blackouts were common around the rural areas. The main house had backup batteries for that case. Not so the cabins. Kai shrugged. It didn't really matter. It wasn't as if he had a job to go to. Yes, lately he had gotten up early to help out a bit on Björn's fish farm. To show his appreciation. And to have something to do. After a month, fishing and lazing around got a bit boring.
"Or Björn popped the fuse. To have a quiet morning without me," Kai joked. After a quick shower, he headed to the main house. Looking up, he saw that the day hadn't fully begun. Maybe getting up early helped to get a good body rhythm going again.
Walking over, he saw lights from the kitchen. It looked like Björn hadn't started his work for the day yet. Hurrying a bit up, Kai slipped in. "Good morning Björn. What is-"
Kai stopped. Not just Björn sat at the kitchen table and looked up at him. Five women did too. They all looked familiar and one he recognized immediately. Selja was - of course - munching on pickles.
"Kai. You are already awake?" Björn not just sounded surprised but looked like it too. But he caught himself quickly. "This is- Neighbors. My local neighbors. Now and then we get together and talk about-"
"Boring stuff?" Kai volunteered. He wasn't stupid. It was clear that something was going on he wasn't supposed to witness. Part of him was curious and another part wouldn't mind the company of five beautiful women. Still, he was a guest. Kai decided that Björn would clue him in on his own time. "Let me just grab something for breakfast and then I leave you to it."
"That might be for the best," Björn agreed as Kai rummaged around to gather a few things. "These meetings- They get complicated and boring."
"No worries," Kai said while closing the fridge door with his butt. His hands were full with a plate, utensils, and food. To his surprise, Selja jumped up and placed a pickle on his pile. "Thanks?" Selja was cute in her ways, but also very weird, he decided. "I'll be in my cabin or on the pier if you need me."
Just as he maneuvered out of the door he heard a whisper from Selja. "What? I like him. He's cute." It brought a smile to his face as he walked away.
Kai pinched the bridge of his nose. Hoping to reduce the oncoming headache. It's been two months since he started staying at Björn's. With each passing day, he felt worse for abusing Björn's hospitality. That's why he had started sending batches of job applications. The drawback was that batches of rejection letters came back.
"Nothing?"
Kai turned away from the computer to see Björn leaning against the doorframe.
"Yeah. Three years - nearly four - of blank space on your resume isn't helping, I guess."
"You know, you don't have to jump back in yet, right?" Björn asked. "Maybe talk with Antje about it."
Kai slumped back into the chair. "I did talk to her yesterday. Yes, she thinks it is too early too. But I can't help myself. I feel- Useless. Three years of not contributing to society. And now I am living at your expense."
"You know that I don't mind, right?" Björn walked over and took a seat nearby. "Look. I am not rich, but I've got money to spare. No wife or girlfriend. Parents are far away. What else am I gonna spend it on? Helping a friend is a good use for it."
"I know," Kai admitted. Even to himself, he sounded tired. "It's just- How I tick. I want to be useful. To contribute. That's in my DNA. I know I have to change, but it is hard."
"Maybe you need to step out of yourself for a bit," Björn said more to himself than to Kai. Abruptly, he stood up. "Wait here. I've got to discuss some things with friends. Maybe they can help you."
"Sure," Kai agreed, but it was too late. Björn was already out of the door. Walking with such purpose that Kai couldn't help, but see where he went. He half expected to see Björn call someone. Trade in some favors or such. Instead, Kai saw him walking over to some of the land-based tanks. Not every fish raised here could be done so in the fjord. A few were from far away and it couldn't even be risked for them to get free. It could mess up the local wildlife.
Björn came back out with five Japanese fish that Kai couldn't even pronounce their names. Maybe as a bribe? But instead of walking to his van and driving off, Björn walked past the pier and towards the mouth of the fjord. Well past the submerged fence. Standing there, it didn't take long until five seals emerged.
"Don't tell me it is that Selkie nonsense again," Kai said while spying out of the window. One by one, the fish were tossed to a seal and then, Björn just stood there. Maybe talking to the seals or maybe just putting on a show for Kai.
The seals got more animated. Bopping their heads up and down before heading back into the water. Only then Björn came back to the house. Before Kai could even say anything, Björn spoke up. "Come. I've got to show you something."
Kai sighed. Here comes part two of the Selkie prank. He was sure of it. But maybe getting along with it was exactly what he needed. The last few days he had been too much in his own head again. He wondered how transparent the prank would be this time. Maybe he will get a chuckle out of it. And he wouldn't mind seeing Selja or any of the other neighborhood women naked again.
They walked past the spot where Björn had struck a deal with the seals. It was a short hike out of the fjord. It turned out that Björn's fjord was actually the offshoot of a larger fjord. After five minutes they came to a stop and Kai didn't even need to ask why they did. About thirty meters out in the water, a small pile of stones and boulders broke through the surface of the water.
"You see this tiny island?"
"Not much of one," Kai remarked.
"There is a small path leading from here to the island. Just about thirty centimeters below the surface." Björn showed the start of the path and drew with his hand a straight line to the biggest Boulder. "The water here is cold. But in the night, the day after tomorrow, for a brief time it will turn warm. I want you to be here. Strip naked and walk towards that island."
A million replies went through Kai's head, but in the end, the smart ass in him won. "Let me guess. Some naked women will wait for me?"
Björn only gave him a knowing grin and walked back to the fishery. While walking away, saying over his shoulder: "Well, why don't you show up and find out?"
Kai nearly replied with another smart-ass remark, but something stopped him. Looking out to the pitiful pile of boulders, he got thinking. Maybe Björn was on the right track. Not about the Selkies, no. Maybe Kai took life too seriously. Maybe he should jump over his own shadow and play along with the prank. What could be the worst that could happen? That he might actually have fun? And if Björn recruited his neighbors to go streaking again, who was Kai to say no to that?
Kai dipped a finger into the water and immediately pulled back. "Fuck, that is cold."
What was he even doing here? There is humoring a friend and there is pure stupidity. Nervous, he combed through his hair. It was close to midnight and the moon was high up. A full moon too. Even without the flashlight he carried, he could make out his surroundings. Under the beam of his light, the pitiful pile of rocks one might call an island could be seen too.
Kai took a step back. "Nothing can convince me to get in there. I'll freeze my balls off." The last part he nearly shouted out. For the benefit of Björn. Surely his friend was somewhere in the nearby bushes. Eager to see how this prank turned out.
But Kai was quick to revise his statement. If one of the five beautiful neighbors were part of the joke, they might get into trouble. Maybe even frostbite or something in this frigid water. It was so cold that it was- Kai crooked his head. That couldn't be right. Wisps of steam rose from the water's surface. For about twenty meters to each side of the hidden path and around the island.
Fighting with himself, he finally approached the shore again. Once more, he dipped his finger in again and was positively surprised. The water wasn't just warm, but even slightly hot.
"Underground thermal vent?" Kai mused aloud. Then dismissed the idea. Surely he would see bubbles then. "Maybe Björn buried some floor heating or so?" That appeared unlikely too. "Magic." The one word had some finality to it. It had to be magic. But was it natural magic or something conjured by Björn?
"Alright. You want to play. I'll play." Kai started to strip out of his clothes. The water was hot now, but he still didn't want to get them soggy. Once naked, Kai was quick to step into the water. The air was heated up slightly, but not enough for his comfort. It was better over the water, but Kai quickly decided swimming over to the island was better. He even deviated slightly from the path. Björn had been right. It wasn't that deep below the surface and he'd sure hurt himself swimming there.
Halfway to the island, a wave washed over Kai. Waves weren't unusual. A fjord was, after all, connected to the ocean. However, this one had come opposite the normal flow. Now that he paid attention, he felt more and more tiny waves lapping at him. Then, in the pale moonlight, he spotted shapes darting through the water.
Furiously, Kai tried to remember if they had sharks around here. A half-forgotten fact about fermented shark as a delicacy drifted through his mind. But was that here or in another of the surrounding countries?
Determined to not find out, Kai doubled his efforts to reach the island. Just as he made it, a seal jumped on the rock beside him. He nearly laughed out loud in relief. Of course, it was a seal. Björn probably had trained them enough for this little show.
Heating water was one thing, but the chances of this seal being a Selkie? Kai still doubted it was true. But he looked forward to finding out just how Björn intended to switch out the seals for women.
"You want a belly rub?" Kai asked as the seal rolled on its back. Only to take a step back as a seam appeared on the seal. Slender arms pushed through. Then a head appeared. She pushed out her torso and the volume of the seal's body deflated. By the time she pulled out her hips, the body was nearly flat to the ground. Like discarded skin. Kai was baffled. It was true. "Selkies are real."
Carefully, the Selkie rolled up her seal skin and placed it away on the small island. Only then she turned around and walked towards Kai. In the pale moonlight, he recognized her. She was one of the neighbors Björn had introduced. A splash behind him made him turn around. Two more seals had emerged from the water, but while Kai had been distracted by the first Selkie, two others had already slipped on land and started to discard their seal skin. One of them was Selja the pickle thief.
"This might not be a prank after all," Kai murmured, but then was quickly hushed by the first Selkie.
She slowly circled Kai while the other Selkies joined them in their human forms. When she reached out with her hand, she felt warm on his skin. Her hand roamed over his chest. Gently. As if she was exploring. At last, she stopped behind Kai. Her arms circled him in a hug.
Then, he felt her nails be placed right above his heart. As Kai watched, she pushed them into his skin. A seam appeared. Starting at his torso and extending up and down his body. Kai was stunned as she pulled apart the seam and creamy white breasts appeared. He could feel them too as his former skin glided over them. A narrow waist emerged. Followed by generous hips. Selja and another Selkie arrived. They helped free slender arms and legs. The one behind pulled the skin away from Kai's face and he could step out. Left behind was skin.
His skin. He wasn't Kai anymore. At least, not his body. It felt different. Lighter in some regard. More dexterous. Unfamiliar. Strange. His new slender hands cupped his breasts. It was an experience he would never expect to have. Yes, there were always rumors of someone switching genders by magic. This was New Terra after all. But he hadn't expected that it would happen to him.
The sound of splashing water drew his attention away. Four of the Selkies were playing in the surf. Running around. Playing tag? Selja was caught and as her companions scattered too quickly, she got a mischievous grin as she eyed Kai. Storming over, she showered him with droplets of water that rained on his new soft skin. Then, he felt her touch his chest, before scampering off.
A little confused, Kai turned around. The Selkie who had first emerged had folded up his original skin and placed it neatly by the side of the seal skins the Selkies had deposited. Just as Kai was about to open his mouth, she giggled and dove into the water. It looked like he had to play their game if he wanted answers.
Diving into the water himself revealed just how different his new body felt. The water flowed differently around his new feminine curves. It wasn't entirely unpleasant. It took him a while to catch one of the Selkies. They clearly were better swimmers and Kai wasn't used to this body yet. It took the betrail of one Selkie to another that Kai tagged one. However, before Kai could ask a question, Selja dragged him off. It was his turn to be hunted. Along with four other Selkies.
After a while, Kai let go of his questions. They could wait for later. It was fun, this little game of tag. He couldn't remember the last time he had played. As teenager? No, it was probably longer ago. But at the moment, he didn't care anymore that it might be childish or that he wasn't in his normal body. It was the chase that counted. The little betrayals and feats of outsmarting hunter or prey. For a while, he just let go. Of being Kai. All his worries. An uncertain future. It faded away.
When one of the Selkies stopped him, Kai smelled betrayal. Selja was on the hunt and coming fast. But, instead of tagging him, she looked worried. The game stopped and they dragged him over to the small island. Only now, Kai noticed himself shivering. The wisps of steam had vanished and the water had grown cold again.
They unfolded his original skin for him. Opening so he could climb in. For a short moment, Kai hesitated. Did he even want to go back to being Kai? All the burdens he carried. The past that always loomed over him. But the Selkies insisted and Kai snapped out of it. Stepping into his familiar skin. They help align his arms and legs. Then, the seam closed. The swallowed the last vestiges of womanhood before his eyes. And within seconds he was male again.
It felt odd at first, yet also reassuring. But most of all, he still felt cold. The Selkies dragged him through the water. Now ice-cold again. Helped him to his bundle of clothes he had discarded earlier. With each layer he added, warmth returned to him. And, at last, he managed to close his thick jacket without help.
The splashing of water clued Kai in that the Selkies were leaving. As a group, they swam over to the island. Each one taking their skin and stepping into it. A heartbeat later, only seals remained. Slipping into the water a moment later.
With stiff legs, Kai started to walk back to his cabin. To a warm bed. All the while thinking. Had it been real what he had just experienced? And what did it promise for his future? While tired, those and other questions kept him up for a while.
Breakfast the next morning was awkward. Both friends sat silently while eating their share. Kai inside was a turmoil, but more than anything, he was peeved. Björn didn't even look smug. Not acknowledging that something strange had happened to Kai. Something wonderful.
At last, it fell to Kai to speak up. Putting down his knife after half spreading butter on his slice of bread, he looked at his friend. "So- Not a prank."
"Not a prank," Björn confirmed. He gave Kai a smile. Not the kind of smile that said told-you-so. It was a genuine smile. "So, you remember last night? Some people put it off as a dream. Rather not acknowledge the fact of what happened to them."
"How could I not?" Kai asked seriously. "One moment they were seals and then-"
"They were women," Björn concluded. "That's what Selkies do."
"And I was-" Kai trailed off.
"Also a woman," Björn added softly.
"You watched?" The was no malice in Kai's question. Just curiosity.
"I didn't need to. This was between you and them. As for how I know-" Björn pushed his chair away from the table and then started to shrug first out of his pullover and then out of the shirt beneath. He put his fingers to the middle of his chest and pulled. A seam appeared and the skin parted. Beneath, a woman emerged. She freed her head and torso, before addressing Kai. "Sometimes, I take a break from being Björn, and then, I am Noril for some time."
Kai was shocked silent. The very friend he had known since childhood now sat there as a woman. A shapely one at that. With blond hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. He could sort of see traces of his features in her face. And as Kai watched, she shrugged off the rest of Björn's skin. Freeing her long legs.
"You- " Kai pointed at her, but his mind refused to string together a coherent sentence behind it. At last, he managed to squeeze out one more word: "Selkie?"
"Not really, no," the woman now going by Noril replied. She put not only Björn's clothes on a nearby chair, but also his skin. Only then she addressed Kai again. "Selkies are seals. They just happen to have developed the skill to shed their skin and emerge as a human woman. A skill that they learned to share. Let me ask you a question. What would happen if a Selkie taught their skill to a woman?"
Confronted with something to solve, the chaos in Kai's mind ebbed away. At least, for now. His mind had something to focus on. A riddle, maybe. If a woman could shed her skin, what would emerge? His first impulse was to say as a man. It had bent Björn's gender after all. His own too in the night before.
But something struck him as wrong. Did Selkies change their gender when they shed their skin? Kai wasn't sure. Björn had said they developed the skill to emerge as a woman. Maybe just like that because of the local legends. Maybe this had influenced the skill or made it possible in the first place.
But a woman was already a woman. There wasn't anything to emerge that was different, right? "Nothing," Kai gave an answer and immediately saw he was wrong by the smile of his not-quite-familiar-anymore friend.
"One would think so, right? The answer is, that if a woman with this skill sheds her skin, a new woman would emerge." Noril leaned back grinning. Steepling her fingers behind her head. "You see, the legends say a beautiful woman emerges. What is beautiful? Who judges that? It appears the answer is that the emerging woman is the idealized version of herself. What she thinks is her ideal form."
Kai nodded. It made sense. And realizing it started to ground him. This wasn't just some random thing that happened to him or Björn. There was a logic behind it. A reason. That, he could deal with.
Of course, there was a logical next step. "You say, they teach their skill. Can I-" He motioned pulling his skin apart at his chest.
"Maybe," Noril admitted. "You see, there aren't many who know about Selkies. That they are real. Even in these parts. There aren't surveys or studies. Some can do it by themselves after the first change. Most need two. I haven't heard of anyone needing more than three. You've got to try to find out."
Kai was game. Yes, this was New Terra. There had always been stories about magic feats and strange phenomena. Even about powerful technology that could accomplish impossible things. But they always happened to other people. Not to him. Nor to anyone in his surroundings. His life had been mundane. Boring even. And now it had finally happened. Yes, turning into a woman was strange. Not something he had contemplated before. Something special happened to him and he'd be dawned if he let that opportunity slip by.
Mimicking Björn from before, Kai undressed until he was bare-chested. "What now?"
"Do you remember what the Selkie did before your seam appeared?" Noril asked. Now leaning forward. Eager to see what would happen too. "How it felt when it did. Concentrate on this strange, but wonderful feeling. And then, try. It either works, or it won't. Just be aware, if you draw blood, you definitely doing it wrong."
Kai chuckled, then took a few calming breaths. The Selkie had placed her fingers right above his heart. Then pushed down, into his flesh, and then apart. When he placed his own, they were trembling. There was a bit of nervousness in him. The rest was anticipation. A last calming breath and he pushed down his fingers.
It took longer than the first time. A seam appeared. Traveling downward from his fingers to his crotch and at the same time upwards, to his face. It split open without any pain. Once more, soft pale skin was revealed. Followed by a handful of breasts. Not too much and not too little. A perfect size in Kai's opinion.
The seam split open further still and Kai could now work out his hands and head. It was then that Noril clapped her hands and exclaimed: "A blond! Now I don't have to tell you to stuff any blond jokes. Who sits in a glass house shouldn't throw stones, right?"
Reaching up, he indeed caught a strand of blond hair. It wasn't as light as Noril's. Hers betrayed her northern heritage. His own was rather a dirty blond. Speaking of the mix of ancestors. He hadn't noticed the night before, but his new hair was long. Reaching past his shoulders, but not by much.
"Come on," Noril said standing up. "Get the rest of you out. There is something I've got to show you."
Kai did his best. It was harder without the help of Selkies. Getting the skin off her hips was like peeling off jeans that were too tight. At last, he was out. A full woman and the skin of his male self in his arms. Looking at it, it wasn't as gruesome as he had feared. Noril was a step further. Having folded the skin of Björn and having tucked the bundle under her arm. She was naked - as was Kai - but didn't seem bothered by it.
He realized that on some level, he should freak out. Yet Kai found himself calm. Intrigued even. Whatever pangs of fright he might have, the Selkies had scattered last night. Folding up his skin, Kai had to ask: "What now?"
Noril held her finger up. "Rule number one. Keep your skin safe."
That made sense to Kai. "And rule number two?"
Noril beamed. "Why, have fun, of course."
She led him to a locked room. Kai always had thought it was where Björn kept his files and stuff. Now, Noril showed him a seven-digit code that opened the door. Only proceeding once Kai could remember and input the code himself.
Beyond was a staircase that led down to a basement Kai hadn't known was there. It was spacious. Filled with shelves and cabinets. What drew his attention was the large floor-to-ceiling mirror. As he stepped closer, so did the reflection of a woman. He had never seen her, yet retained an aura of familiarity. She looked like his sister might have looked, if he had any. He could see his features within her. Just softened up. Her hair was a dirty blond. Not as dark blond as Kai's original hair, but not as light as Björn's or Noril's by far. Her eyes were pure grey. Not the blue-grey he had as Kai.
She wasn't the most striking beauty Kai had ever seen. No feature made her stand out. She hadn't the largest chest or widest hips. She wasn't super toned like an athlete or thin like a bean. But she was attractive. Certainly, she could work as a model. But not quite supermodel material.
"You know-" Noril leaned on Kai so he could see both of them in the mirror. "She needs a name. I am not calling you Kai while you are her."
Kai knew Noril was right. She needed a name. Yet, he hesitated. Choosing a name for her would make it more permanent. It would be admitting that he would be her more often. That shedding his skin would become a regular thing. Kai hadn't thought as far. He just had accepted that it was even possible and happening to him. But if Noril was right, choosing when to become her was up to Kai. It was literally at his fingertips.
Did he want to be her? Kai didn't even know if he liked it yet. Yes, it was strange and new. But he knew nothing of being a woman. Maybe he would hate it. Granted, maybe he liked it and would become her again. He simply wasn't sure yet. Kai needed more to base his decision on.
"Why do you do it?"
Noril got thoughtful. But not for long. "Sometimes, being Björn can become a bit tedious. I mean, I like being Björn. I am happy for the most part. But it still feels good to be someone else for a while. Like dressing up for Halloween or carnival. Just more so. Most often just for a few hours. Sometimes for a day or two. Stepping out of Björn allows me to duck out from all my responsibilities. To be unburdened for a while. And I thought, maybe that's what my good friend Kai needs too."
Right. Kai didn't need to give up on himself. Just a breather. A little vacation of himself. He could do that. In fact, put into that perspective, it might be exactly what he needed. Not just now. If anything he had learned from his long stint of burnout that he needed something to help release the pressure. Now, he wished he had this wondrous ability years ago. Maybe with it, life had never become that burdensome and overbearing.
"Juliane" he decided. No, she. If she wore a female name and had a female body, then Juliane had to think of herself as such.
"Well, welcome to womanhood," Noril said. Giving her friend a hug. "There are many nice things about it. Of course, there are hardships too."
Now, Juliane got worried. "Such as?"
Noril laughed and gave Juliane a playful slap on the butt. "Well, we can't run around naked all day, and let me tell you, getting dressed as a woman is a little more complicated than choosing jeans and a t-shirt of roughly your size."
"Why not?" Juliane asked. Not really contesting the notion, but she felt a bit like teasing. "I could go for the tomboy look."
"Sure you can. Nothing is stopping you. But-" Noril walked over to one cabinet and opened its door. A multitude of brasserie lay behind. "Even tomboys need the right support if they are endowed enough. And girl, believe me, you need it."
Juliane looked down. A few seconds passed. "I haven't thought about that," she admitted. Clearly, there were things she hadn't thought of. Noril had. As Björn, she had plenty of time to plan for it.
Juliane stepped closer to the underwear. She knew how to get a bra off a girl. But into it? Couldn't be that hard, right? Then a new thought crossed her mind. She opened a few more drawers and cabinets. All filled with female clothing. "That looks a bit much for one person. Are you sure being Noril is a rare occasion?"
Noril didn't even miss a beat. "Someone forgot that I have five Selkies living on my doorstep. And sometimes their friends visit too. You expect me to let them run around naked? Sometimes I'll even take them to the nearest city."
"Right. Good point." Juliane eyed the lingerie on display. She picked up a bra that she thought might fit. "Maybe this one?"
"That's the spirit, but no," Noril shot her down. "One of the strange skills one picks up when hosting Selkies is that I could work in a boutique or even lingerie store." She grabbed a nearby measuring tape that Juliane hadn't spotted before. "What we need, are your measurements. Told you it wouldn't be as easy."
"I surrender. The point goes to you. So, work your magic."
"Oh, I will," Noril promised. "And then, you'll be my dress-up doll."
It suddenly dawned on Juliane that Noril's motivation might not be altogether altruistic.
An hour later, Juliane was sitting at the breakfast table again. Having successfully escaped the clutches of Noril. Stating that she was still hungry wasn't just a means to escape the fate of a dress-up mannequin. Now, munching on a new slice of bread with herring salad on it, Juliane was surprised by yet another small little, but still strange, detail. Her food tasted differently. No, it probably tasted the same, but her new body interpreted it just slightly differently.
"Would you stop?"
Juliane looked up to see a grinning Noril shaking her head.
"Stop what?"
"This is the third time I see you trying to adjust your bra," Noril pointed out. "I thought we found one that fits you well. It isn't pinching, is it? If so, we might need to head to the city to pick up something fitting."
Juliane blushed. "No. I guess I just haven't gotten used to it yet."
"Remember-" Noril suddenly sounded a lot more serious. "You can stop at any time. If it gets too much for you, just slip back into your skin and be Kai again. I don't want to push you into anything you aren't comfortable with."
Juliane gave her friend the best serious look she could manage. Placing her right arm on the table and holding up her hand. More specifically her fingernails which had been adorned with pink nail polish.
"Yeah. I mean- It completes your outfit so well-" Noril helpfully shut up. Knowing she was on lost ground.
Juliane gave an amused snort. She actually didn't mind the nail polish. She was glad that she had successfully vetoed the makeup. In no way Juliane was ready for that yet.
As for her outfit, it wasn't as bad as she had feared. It wasn't skimpy. If anything it was slightly too warm. The layers of top, shirt, and pullover were clearly meant for the colder weather outside. Most of it wasn't that different from wearing male clothes. Perhaps aside from wearing female underwear, Juliane found wearing a skirt a strange, but oddly freeing experience. The skirt was ankle length and didn't leave any of the legs bare. A plus in this frigid weather. Her legs were unburdened by tight jeans or other pants. And with each step, the fabric glided over her skin. Would she ever get used to the feeling? Maybe, for now, she should enjoy it.
Instead of putting Noril more on the spot, Juliane wolfed down the rest of her breakfast. "I am going for a quick walk. Before your workers show up."
Noril stood up herself. "I would join you, but I guess Björn is needed. You know, there is no reason for you to rush. If you want you can stay as Juliane longer. The workers are used to seeing new women walking about now and then."
"But- I am not used to being a woman yet," Juliane admitted. "I kind of fear messing up somehow. You know my secret. Our secret, I should say. You don't count. But they-"
"Don't worry. I need to get changed. Enjoy your walk."
As Noril walked back to change into Björn's skin, Juliane walked to the door. Her heart was beating faster. There was no one out there yet. Still, she felt like leaving the safe harbor once more. At last, she stepped out. Determined to enjoy herself for a little while, before it was time to change back into Kai.
"Do you need a break?"
Kai glared at Björn, but still took a step to the side and leaned against a boulder. His breathing was slightly ragged.
"I didn't know I was that much out of shape," Kai admitted. Why had he agreed to the hiking trip again? Granted, leaning against the stone, he had a fantastic view of the fjord. Not the one owned by Björn. They had left that one behind for a few kilometers. First, they walked along the shore. Then, they ascended to the top and were now starting to walk back.
"Look, if it is too much, there is a road on the other side of the hill." Björn pointed to a hill not far away. "I could leave you there and get the van."
"No. No. I am fine," Kai insisted. "Just needed a breather."
"Are you sure?" Björn sounded concerned.
"Look-" Kai took a quick mental calculation. "Do you think we can make it back before nightfall?"
"If it was just me, I would say yes. But together. Maybe."
"I bet we will make it before nightfall," Kai boasted. "If not? I'll be Juliane the whole day tomorrow. And you can dress me up how you like."
Björn gave a chuckle. "That's not much of a punishment. You've been Juliane three times in the last week. One might think you've gotten a taste for being her."
"Maybe-" Kai admitted blushing. "But I never stayed as Juliane for more than one or two hours. This is all day we are talking here."
"Alright. Alright." Björn raised his hands in surrender. "I'll take your bet. Tell you what, if your proposed punishment isn't enough, I'll add a carrot to your stick. If you make it before nightfall, I'll be Noril for the whole next day. How does that sound?"
"Like a deal," Kai confirmed and offered his hand.
Björn shook on it. Or tried to. After one up and down, Kai let go and was marching past him. Björn needed a moment to comprehend. "Wait a moment. Did you only pretend?"
Kai, by now a few meters ahead, didn't answer directly. "You are just as predictable as when we were teenagers."
Björn shook his head while grinning. Then headed after Kai. It didn't matter if the bet was won or lost to him. It was just worth it to see his friend in high spirits again.
"Enjoying the view?"
Kai needed a moment to parse the question. He had been lost in thought. Coincidentally, he had been staring at Noril. Her butt no less. It was what spurred his thoughts. Noril was attractive. When he had been Juliane, she had noticed too. But more on an academic level. Now, as man, the knowledge was more on an instinctual level. The very thought that he was, right now, attracted to his childhood friend left Kai bemused.
Not willing to share his thoughts, Kai tried humor. "Of course. You have a beautiful fjord here. How could I not enjoy the view?"
"Oh, just the fjord?" Noril turned and now leaned against the railing on the pier. She then struck a pose for Kai who was lazing around on a nearby chair. "Are you sure?"
Kai gulped. Björn had stayed true to the bet. The whole morning Noril had been around. Maybe to tease him, she wore revealing clothes too. In this weather, that amounted to a skintight top and pullover and a knee-length skirt
A strange thought crossed Kai's mind. Noril wasn't flirting with him, right? Not for real. Unsure how he felt about it, Kai took a swig of beer and chose to remain silent.
Noril snickered. Then her mood sobered up. "I have a favor to ask."
Kai's pulse quickened. She wasn't proposing something indecent, he hoped. Yet feared she might.
"I promised the Selkies I take them out to town next weekend." That one sentence made Kai relax again. However, Noril wasn't done. "Part of the payment actually. For teaching you to shed your skin. Anyway, I could use help herding them. I mean, they look human and are just as intelligent as humans, but on the inside, they are still seals. Shed skin or not. One does best to remember that."
For a moment, Kai was lost in the daydream of what shenanigans human-shaped seals would get up to. Then, he took the question seriously. "Sure. Could be fun. Do you- Should I come as Kai or Juliane?"
"That's up to you," Noril said with a shrug. "I have to go as Björn. That's what the police expect to find when they look at my driving license. You can come as Kai or you could join the ladies on their shopping trip as Juliane."
"That sounds like it could get expensive," Kai mused.
"Oh, it does. You will hear me bitch and moan over every purchase," Noril promised. "But the truth is, it will be mostly for show. A Selkie's grasp on the concept of money is tenuous at best. Don't worry. I can afford it. Doesn't matter much if I pay for five or six ladies."
Kai leaned back and gave it a thought. He still hadn't ventured outside the fjord as Juliane and was mostly still hiding away when Björn's workers showed up for their shifts. Going out to the city was scary. But going as a group like that? Maybe it would mask his own unfamiliarity with a female body by the weirdness of Selkies let loose.
"I think I'll be joining you as Juliane."
"Great. Now I have an inside man - woman - to help me from them getting into trouble." Noril rubbed her hands eagerly, then pushed off the railing. "I think I'll get started on making lunch."
As she walked away, Kai caught himself checking her out. This might lead to trouble later, but he couldn't quite bring himself to stop.
"Ladies, one person at a time for the changing stall," Juliane shouted. Björn hadn't been kidding. Herding Selkies wasn't easy. When they got excited they had the maturity and patience of six-year-olds. She looked for help but found Björn had his own troubles. One of the Selkies tried to climb into the window display and pose like a mannequin.
"But I want to try this on," Selja exclaimed after trotting over. Holding a lemon-colored crop top with the print of a large pickle right in front of Juliane's face. "And Björn gets upset if we change outside a stall."
"I would too," Juliane assured the Selkie. Meanwhile, pushing down the crop top. Why anyone would put a pickle on a shirt was beyond Juliane until she now got a good look at it. Proclaiming proudly 'Let me show you how I can swallow your cucumber'. Juliane groaned. Even more so as she saw Selja's excited face. Could she explain the innuendo to her and make sure the Selkie knew how inappropriate it was? Probably not. Instead, Juliane led her to the small line that had formed before the changing stall. "Don't worry. You'll get the chance to try it on when it is your turn. Just a little patience."
Pouting, Selja complied and Juliane got to take a step back. The shop was a mess. How five women - even if they were Selkies- had managed it, was beyond her. Despite that, she had been present when the chaos unfolded. Seeing quite a few scattered garments, Juliane started to fold up some of the discarded garments left in the Selkies' wake.
"Oh, honey, don't do that," a sales clerk exclaimed. Surprising Juliane in turn who had been too focused on the Selkies. "That's my job. Unless you want it. I am hiring. The way you wrangle these Selkies- I could use someone like you."
"Wrangle these-" Then it dawned on Juliane. Making her give a nervous fake laugh. "Selkies? Oh, no. These are just women. Normal human women. Selkies are just a legend, right?"
"Girl, I know a Selkie when I see one. With or without their skin. Call it a perk of someone being the daughter of one."
Juliane let out a relieved sigh. She hadn't somehow exposed the secret of the Selkies. But a new thought occurred to her. "You are half Selkie? I didn't know that was possible."
The clerk shook her head. "Technically, no. You see, a Selkie without her skin is one hundred percent human. So, I am too. But I learned a lot from my mother when she was around."
"I see." Juliane's eyes fell on Björn, who just successfully got the Selkie out of the window display. "That's why he brought us here. Less exposure if we are around someone who is in the know."
The clerk laughed. "Oh, no. He is clueless. As are the Selkies. Maybe I should tell him, but it is so much more amusing this way. But back to my offer. Do you take it?"
"Offer?" Juliane tried hard to remember. "What offer?"
"I was offering you a job, girl. I could use someone for the afternoon shift on weekdays. When it gets a bit more crowded. Interested?"
Juliane was stumped. Someone was actually offering her a job. After all the rejections, she hadn't really expected to find something. Much less so by accident. Working here was a departure from her usual work. In fact, it might be a deal breaker.
"Interested, yes. But I don't have any experience working as anything else than office work."
"Excellent! Then I don't have to make you unlearn the wrong stuff and bring you up right. Half the fun is teaching you anyway. You wouldn't believe what some department stores teach young people these days."
Juliane had a feeling she would find out soon. She got a job. The thought was bouncing around in her head and lifted her spirits.
It still did when their group sat down half an hour later. It was in an American-style restaurant. After all the excitement, everyone was hungry.
"Make sure they put extra pickles on mine," Selja demanded from Björn.
"You can tell them yourself," Björn assured her, before turning to Juliane and giving her a short roll of his eyes.
"I have news." It nearly burst out of her as her excitement hadn't ebbed away. Once she had Björn's attention, she laid it all out. "The boutique we were just in. The owner offered me a job. I didn't even apply. She just walked up to me and offered. Only a five-hour shift in the afternoon on weekdays, but it's better than nothing. And it isn't too much at once. I can ease back into it."
"Congratulations." He sounded genuine to her. "I guess it means we'll be seeing you as Juliane a lot more from now on."
Juliane was puzzled. "Why?"
Björn's face lit up as he figured something out. Juliane didn't have to wait long to find out what. "Well, unless you snuck away to slip into your Kai-skin again, they sort of expect you as Juliane to show up, right?"
"Bullocks!" Juliane leaned back. But was that a deal breaker? "I can do a half day as Juliane. No problem. Can't be that hard."
"It isn't," Björn assured her. "I just wanted to make sure you know what you are getting into."
He was always looking out for her. At that moment, Juliane could have kissed him. She felt grateful enough. But the server showed up and a moment later the shouted word "pickles" could be heard throughout the whole restaurant.
Juliane awoke with a long yawn and a cat-like stretch of her limbs. It was Saturday. There was no work today. Not that she really minded hers. It was a far cry from boring office work. Most of the time she was gossiping with her co-workers anyway.
A quick shower and she started to dress. By now, it had become quite familiar. It's been nearly three months since she had first become Juliane. In the last two, she even spent most of her time as Juliane rather than Kai. Switching each day became tedious and if she had to show up to work as Juliane then she might as well stay as her for the weekdays.
Throwing on something light, she had to add her winter jacket and heavy boots to make it to the main house. There was only light snow outside. Less than twenty centimeters. Juliane hurried to make it inside. Even the short walk had her shivering.
Björn was already up. Setting up their table for breakfast. Juliane hurried to slip out of boots and jacket so she could help. By now, they worked well in concert. Aside from a short "good morning", they worked in silence. Juliane liked it this way. The familiarity. The habit. She cherished it.
Only once their breakfast was done, they talked. Today, it was Björn who spoke up first. "Any plans for today?"
Juliane wet her lips. She had noticed something in the last few weeks. It was time to test her theory. "Nothing much." She tried to sound casual. She raised her coffee mug and took a sip. "Once this one is empty, I am going to slip into Kai again. Give Antje a call. It has been a while since I last spoke to her."
"Good idea. You have been spending a lot of time as Juliane lately. Always nice to see my buddy again." Björn took a sip of his own coffee and for a moment, Juliane thought she had been wrong. But Björn wasn't finished. "Actually, I think I will join you switching. Be Noril for some time."
Juliane's pulse quickened. She had been right. It took her a while to notice. Lately, whatever gender Juliane was, Björn chose to casually be the opposite. They always had chemistry. As Kai and Björn or as Juliane and Noril. But it was a little bit more if one was a man and the other a woman.
There was some anticipation in the air and Juliane hurried to empty her morning portion of caffeine. When she stood up, Juliane wasn't surprised to see Björn do the same. She felt giddy as they walked to the locked wardrobe where they kept their skins and the small hoard of clothing. By now, Juliane only kept one set there for Kai and one set for Juliane. The rest was in her cabin. Still, she changed here so she could lock her skin away when not needed.
They both started to undress and when Björn looked like he had trouble slipping out of his pullover, Juliane made her move. "Let me help you with that." His chest was freed in moments and Juliane couldn't help but rest her hands on his skin. To feel the muscles beneath.
"Juliane."
She looked up. He was so close. Now was the time. She leaned in and kissed him. Their lips met and time stood still. The first tender touch got more urgent as they both leaned into it.
"Are you sure?" Björn asked as they finally split to get air.
Juliane blushed. "I am not as good as Noril when it comes to flirting. Yes, I have noticed. If I am Kai you find reasons to be Noril. Just to tease? No, you flirt. No sense denying it. And I have seen the looks you give me when I am Juliane. You want me. And I want you. Both of you. Noril or Björn."
They kissed anew. More tender. They took their time. As they separated, Juliane took Björn's hand. "I think Kai and Noril can wait. There is something I want you to show me."
"And what is that?"
The longing in his eyes and voice gave butterflies to Juliane's stomach.
"Why, your bedroom of course."
Björn surprised her by scooping her up in his muscular arms. "As you wish."
The growling of her stomach brought a giggle to Juliane. "I guess we can't spend the whole day here."
Björn was only inches away and under the bedsheets, they were a lot closer. "We can try."
After a quick deep kiss, Juliane slipped out of the covers. Naked, she sauntered over to the door. "Not on an empty stomach. I don't want you to falter halfway in."
Björn was quick to catch up and kiss her neck. "Whatever you wish for, my lady."
Like a young star-crossed couple, they made their way down to the kitchen again. Cooking took longer than usual. They couldn't help but tease each other. And their meal was rather hurried.
Juliane was ready to drag Björn back to bed when he held her back. "Maybe we should switch after all?"
For a split second, worry grew within Juliane. "Why?"
"Because-" Björn sported a mischievous grin. "Noril has been waiting months to drag Kai to bed. She wants her fill too."
Juliane chuckled. "Oh, poor girl. I guess there is an obligation to fulfill."
Again, they headed to their secret wardrobe. This time, to change for real.
"I am kind of nervous," Kai admitted.
Noril gave him a reassuring hug. "You don't have to do it. Remember, this is your idea."
"No. I want this." He turned around to Noril. "I can't imagine going back. My place is here. With you."
"Then let's go."
It was easier said than done. Bureaucracy was, as always, tedious. And despite having the papers ready, they had to still wait for hours.
At last, they shuffled into the office of a middle-aged woman. "Mister Schildenfeld?"
"Yes, that's me," Kai confirmed. "Kai Schildenfeld."
She looked again over the papers they had handed in hours ago. "And you want to officially immigrate into our little country? That's nice. It says here you hold a job?"
"Yes. Part-time," Kai confirmed. A little nervous as technically it was Juliane who did. "For the past half year."
The woman nodded. "And it says here, your sponsor is Björn Mortensen, correct? You are aware the sponsor has to be present when handing in the application?"
"That would be me," Noril spoke up. Handing over her ID.
If the woman was phased, then she didn't show it. Just calmly taking it and running it through the computer. "Ah, yes. It is all there. I don't see any reason not to grant you citizenship, Mister Schildenfeld. Please come back in a week to claim your updated social ID."
"There is one more application I would like to hand in," Noril spoke up and surprised not just Kai with it. "These are the immigration papers for one Juliane Schildenfeld."
Kai was speechless. She hadn't mentioned her stunt before. Neither as Noril or as Björn. Kai just hoped this wouldn't ruin anything.
The case worker took the paper dutifully and glanced at it. Then turned to Noril. "Miss Mortensen. It is very uncommon for our government to issue dual identity papers. I don't see a history that would indicate a reason for a witness protection program and there is no indication of a religious past."
"Oh. Sorry. I forgot something." Noril hunted for something within her purse. As she found it, she gave a mischievous grin. "Seal of approval." She leaned over and stamped the second document with a small rubber stamp. It, indeed, left a small picture of a seal behind.
"Ah. You should have said so sooner." The woman pulled out her own stamp and placed a second seal in a different color right underneath Noril's. Then, she looked at Kai. "Mister Schildenfeld. In case you aren't aware, Selkies and humans who slip their skin show a slight shift in their aura. This can be detected. In this country and fourteen participating nations, this shift will be registered and taken into account when your soul-ID is read. To normal ID checks, you will either show up as Juliane or as Kai Schildenfeld. Depending if you slipped your skin or not. Please note that crimes committed show up on both IDs and higher government officials will see both IDs too. Is that understood? "
Kai was overwhelmed. Just how far had the Selkies spread their influence. Still, he managed a nod and a "Yes, mam."
"Then let me be the first to welcome you to your new home."
They shook and not soon after, Noril and Kai left the room. Once outside, Kai couldn't wait any longer. "I didn't know that was possible. Two IDs? Is it that important?"
Noril chuckled. "It saves a lot of time explaining. If you happen to be out of your skin and have to show your ID. And it has other advantages too. You can use both your ID halves to register for things double. Once as male and once as female. For example, when we get married we can-"
Kai stopped cold. "Get married?"
"I mean-" For once, Noril looked coy and unsure of herself. "If you want to get married."
"Of course, I want to!" Kai lifted Noril up in the air and kissed her when lowering down. "I just hadn't thought about it yet. Wow. So, we are engaged now?"
"Not so fast, Mister." Noril gave him a playful pout. "I am a traditionalist. I want a real proposal. Something romantic."
Kai was over the moon. Right now, he would agree to anything. "Of course, I will do my best."
"Good." Noril gave him a big grin. "Of course, Juliane can expect a big surprise from Björn too."
It dawned on Kai just how convenient two IDs were. Two proposals. Two weddings. A bachelor's and a bachelorette party to attend. He's got to experience the best things in life twice.
"Oh, my!" Kai exclaimed as another thought crossed his mind.
"What?" Noril dutifully asked.
"Now I have a good reason to clue Antje in on the skins," Kai revealed. "I've got to have her as my maid of honor."
"Me too!" Noril exclaimed. "Poor Antje. Wait till she has to chaperone a whole pod of Selkies as my bridesmaids."
That got a laugh out of Kai. Right now, he wouldn't change his life for anything. A far cry from a year ago. He not just rekindled a childhood friendship but found love. And all because he had learned to shed his skin.
The end.
Hi there.
It is November and time for NaNoWrMo.
Yes, I am taking part. However, instead of channeling 50.000 words into one story, I was convinced to split it into as many short stories as I can.
Shedding Skin was the first one I finished. By vote on my discord server (Cassy's Library), the next story will be one for my Fashionable Witches universe. If you would like to help determine what kind of story I'll write after that, you are welcome to join my discord server and take part in the vote.
Until next time,
Cassy