She made it back to the pools, enjoying the silence of the walk. A certain avatar remained silent as she pouted. Pushing back the thick broadleafs and stepped out on the wet stone surface. Oh yeah, the little avatar spoke. Going to miss this? Aren't we..she growled.
The warm waters bubbled up through cracks, and the dark stone glistened in the sunshine. The mist rose slowly into the trees and gently rained down. Mikoto took a breath of warm air, feeling her core warming, and for a moment, she indulged in what could only be referred to as bliss.
Oh, just thinking about, little Misaka spoke, what women would pay for the benefits we will be enjoying….and giving up. Please, can't we just tell them we got lost?! She dropped to her knees, think of the pharmacological, the thermal, buoyance, changing environmental effects, covering her face, shoulders shaking, as she sobbed. People actually pay for this, and we are giving it up for free…why! Raising her head and hands up, crying, why?! She shook her fists.
Ahhh…because someone pissed me off, and we forgot where we were and?. Mikoto shrugged, That's why. She whispered.
I am soooooo sorrrry. Little misaka said. Wiping her eyes, I'm sure this is all your fault and not mine. Crossing her arms over her chest, stomped her foot. Be the Queen I have seen you be and yell at them, we are staying…ooohhhh…that feels so good..no, fair.
Mikoto stepped to the edge of the first pool and paused at the watery edge. Gentle warm breezes ran across the silvery surfaces. Oh, please hurry and get to the warmer waters. Oh, but not too fast.
Beyond them, the hot springs beckoned. Its steam swirling, gliding over the jagged sides of the cooler waters like welcoming arms. Mikoto grinned, exhaled a heavy breath, and looked down into her shimmering image and blood-splattered face. She groaned faintly, placing her toe into the water.
(The world little misaka existed in was inside of the mind of Mikoto Misaka. She was surrounded by what Mikoto saw. As she ran through the jungle, the images flowed and changed. As she stepped out and saw the pools. The pools came into view around her. And now she was stepping into the same pools, feeling the same water and slowly settling into them.)
"A little cold..." she said, shivering her shoulders, feeling the crisp chill crawl from her toes to the back of her neck, "gotta pay the price for the good stuff." Bluish white electricity swam through the crystal-clear waters, hopped over the rocky edges, and scrambled up the rugged sides of the other pools. Nothing floated to the top. Satisfied, Mikoto dipped her toe, her smile widening with the ripple spreading across the stilled surface, and the rest of her followed gracefully as she stepped into the pool. She wrapped her arms around her breasts, shivering, gradually slipped into the chilly water, swam underneath the surface, over to the warmer spring, rising like a deity of myths. The water spilled from her hair, over her face, shoulders, breasts, and waist, breaking the pool's surface. She held the bar of soap she'd taken as she came into the pool, lathered up, and washed.
The dried blood smeared across her perfect skin blended with the soap and water and dissolved into the crystal-clear waters. She hummed softly as she washed her hair and, when she was ready, drawing a soft breath and holding it, slipped underneath to rinse. Slowly breaking the surface, she ran her hands through her long hair, squeezing and drying it with a bit of help of electricity. Satisfied, cleaned, and refreshed. She walked over to the Hot Springs. It was as if the hots springs were alive and welcoming her back. The fog rolled forward and wrapped her in its embrace as she found her spot and sat in hot water. She laid her head back and looked up to the sky. She closed her eyes, letting everything go, disappearing into the mist's warmth. She thought of them during happier times. Vita, Rin, Brym, Scarlett, Chloe... and Anastasia, her image stayed longer, laughing, smiling, teasing, pouting faces. Her long, arduous journey looked to have found a suitable temporary home.
At the first pool, it fed into the small stream that disappeared into the forest. A ripple rolled against the current. Small at first, then growing larger. It or something swam just underneath the surface. Nothing to the naked eye, clear, clean but had formed, encircling the first pool of chilly water, like a gentle wave, came to the edge of the second pool. A Small, soft dribble of water bobbled up the border into the next warmer pool and again swam in a circle. It lingered like a predator stalking prey. Just underneath the surface, the warm mists of the hot springs float like clouds across its surface. The clear, pure water slipped up the edge of the warmer water into the hot springs.
Mikoto had just pulled her knees to her chest, wrapped her arms around her legs, and buried her face. Tell me a story, she murmured.
The fog became thicker and heavier. It gently swirled as a young feminine figure took form. It moved silently over and laid next to the sleeping Mikoto. It did nothing. It just laid beside her and waited.
When Mikoto rolled over and woke from her nap, it didn't even move. Slowly rising, she stretched out her arms. Mikoto Misaka walked across the pools, gathered up her armor, and dressed. Taking a few steps, she turned and looked over at the pools. The fog had turned to light steam rising from the hot springs. Looking around suspiciously, she sighed.
Haven't slept like that in a long time, little misaka said. Felt like we had some company. Mikoto nodded. Yeah, kinda like? She thought of Anastasia coming in after working late snuggling up, hoping not to wake her. She blushed, Must have been my imagination? Walking into the jungle.
All the while, the image watched, and when Mikoto left, she leisurely sank into the hot springs.
"The air was thick, so thick she felt like she was swimming instead of walking. Perspiration clung to her face like wet paper. Streaks of sweat-stained our rather perfect complexion. The large, waxy leaves strained our dainty fingers with each thrust of our hand. The subtle movement of the massive troublesome leaves provides a little cooling breeze, no, nothing like it... for the moment. No, not a moment, a fucking long time, when we left those beautiful stress relieving mixture of hot and cool running waters... I've, no, we realized... what a mistake we've made..."
Mikoto rolled her eyes, grinding her teeth.
"We walked along this animal trail, the same trail we'd taken to and from the soothing hot springs. The same springs we would not be staying at...no, not those comfortable, quiet, soothing springs of pure ecstasy...the warm, soft mist covering us like a lover's caress, protecting us... letting us sleep in comfort, bath in electric blue as we touch ourselves as we..."
What the hell are you doing? Mikoto interrupted and growled her displeasure. I hate that... clinching her fists. (Little Misaka loved to self-narrate)
"Little Misaka was doing it again." (She wasn't about to stop.) This would often lead to a rather lengthy animated discussion. But for a reason only known to Little Misaka, she held back.
She continued.
She is an avatar created by the blending of the venom of a queen vampire, Anastasia Von Alucard, and the blood of Mikoto Misaka.
Usually, when a queen fed, she was killed. But Anastasia had bitten Mikoto to help save her from a scientifically created vampire. Royal venom had been stolen and modified in Academy City. A rogue had been made and was feeding on Academy City students. (YUMMY) With the help of Anastasia, the vampire was destroyed, but Mikoto had been bitten. Who? Like always rushed out into battle. It was, As Anastasia would often gleefully say with a big smile. Awin/win for her... Mikoto was saved, and they became bonded mates. Something Anastasia had been waiting for, for over four hundred years... making her a cougar of sorts. An older woman with a younger lover..." and an insatiable need for nubbing. Or, as some say, naughty loving.
"STOP IT!" a growl tickled her throat. " Like I don't know,"
Little Misaka smiled mischievously, feeling Mikoto blush.
It was all she could do... Little Misaka knew.
It was something even she felt. The pain of loss eating at her, her senses numbed by the unfamiliar surroundings. Even the young tigress on unknown hunting grounds was extra cautious. Bird songs, the crunching of dry leaves underneath boots. The smells carried on the heavy breeze, the aroma of burning with a hint of flesh. All of it... Weighing on her emotions. Reminding her of home. The Four kingdoms and Japan.
Mikoto was in no hurry as she walked. As she used the time to use her level five esper powers to map out the area. A force called Radar Sense. She can sense and release electromagnetic waves around her to enable her to see the images without using her sight, giving her no blind spots.
Little misaka watched as the electronic map appeared around her.
"This place is enormous." She whispered, looked up, following the lines of the very tall, thick trees nearly blanketing the sky. Among the thick dark green and black, small patches of blue brought thoughts of the oppressive dry heat of the twin suns that took no mercy on her. "half as big as South America," Little Misaka added. "only hotter..." Mikoto nodded in silence. "I heard that the earth's temperature had an average higher temperature than modern times in the past... things were a little bigger..." Little Misaka said. Mikoto fretted her brow and puckered her mouth. It was odd... since they were connected, she didn't remember. When and how...she knew this.
Little Misaka brought her hand to her mouth, clearing her throat. You were sleeping, and I was bored. So, i..."
You what?
Watched some tv... she nodded. Did a little channel surfing.
What? Did you watch?!
Titanoboa! she said rather dramatically, bringing her clenched fists to her chest. The documentary, not the campy monster movie... both had their good points, though... Little Misaka continued, because the higher average temperature, around 100 degrees, allowed cold-blooded reptiles to grow very large."
O... K...? so
Well, I'm just saying... she shrugged, not only snakes, but maybe... a chill rolled over Mikoto. She shivered at the casual thought that slipped through her mind. You dddont mmean.
Possible... she said as a small beetle-like bug crept along the edge of a rather large leaf.
Mikoto swallowed hard, her eyes shading red, watching the bulbous little bug slowly walk on the leaf's edge, away from her, thankfully.
She blew out a breath, not letting the bug out of her sight, and wiped the sweat from her forehead, running her hand through her long hair and pulling it out of her face, fanning her neck. The heat and the humidity clung to her like an annoying lover... The type of lover, one was days or moments away from discarding. Not that Mikoto had much experience with something like that. From the first moment, she'd kissed Anastasia, she always felt drawn to her warmth... From the anticipation of being together to the anger of disagreement... Not that Mikoto wasn't easy to get along with. She was... Really... Unless she was angry or embarrassed...
Not that being around shewolves was so easy to get along with... either. Those who like to tease... The norm among wolves. Vampires, especially those who served in her house... Strong, outstanding, obedient types... Yeah, right?
"Damn hellions... Always challenge each other like unruly kids causing an annoying ruckus."
She'd settle the issue. Either wolf or vampire or wolf and vampire... One should use what one has. Bluish lightning bloomed like chrysanthemums, swallowing the wolves and vampires, but she often wondered about the results. They'd all be wearing full expressions with that mischievous grin. Like they'd accomplish something, something underhanded.
Jerks! She said with a soft sigh. She figured it out a long time ago.
The Queen of shock, the electric princess ... And the one that many said with a smile... The Queen of, oh yeah.
Mikoto's cheeks blushed. The happiness of the memory colored her face with a soft glow, "perverts..." The edge of her mouth curled. Some more time passed.
She walked slowly and silently... A natural state for queen vampire. Often brushing away colossal elephant ear plants, tall spindly waxy grasses, and jumping over the massive roots of trees holding back the sun's heat. "one could get lost in the jungle." Little Misaka broke the silence with a grin, a mischievous grin. Her eyes narrowed and shined an unnatural shine. She hissed, "bless us and splash us, my precious... I guess it's a choice feast..." she said in a raspy voice, "a tasty morsel that makes us, Gollum." She made a horrible swallowing noise in her throat. Mikoto closed her eyes, shaking her head, "really... Gollum?"
Little Misaka laughed. It was an easy laugh, but it was in character with her words.
The story of an adventurous walk. They discussed it in their weekly book club meetings. A norm for the vampire culture. A hellion or an alpha would gather in her house and read stories to the others. Something brought about long ago. Anastasia did for her house, her mother before her. Elaine, Francesca, and the others did it. As odd as it sounded, it was the norm.
"Who are you?" Mikoto said, thrusting her hand in front of her, swatting away a large waxy leaf. "What is he? My precious..." whispered little Misaka. They continued as she walked between the glimpses of sunlight and the foliage in her way. "Parps... ye sit here and chats with it a bitsy my preciousness..." Her voice cracked and hissed. Mikoto hoping to forget... No, not to forget... Just to... Well, remove herself from the past few terrible, horrible days.
"Very well," said Mikoto, remembering the story. It was easy for the vampire queen... Even regular vampires. Information was power, every memory, every detail for a vampire... History repeated itself.
"You ask first," Mikoto spoke, keeping with the story.
The smell of the fire came closer as each played their part. It paled in its effort to mask the pain, but Mikoto appreciated the measure of her little avatar.
"This thing all things devour;
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
Gnaws iron bites steel;
Grinds hard stones to meal;
Slays kings, ruins towns;
And beats high mountains down;
Little Misaka continued her narration, and when it came time, Mikoto gave her an answer.
"give me more time," she shouted. Time! she laughed, her eyes shaded red, her cheeks bloomed, the faces of her house appeared before her eyes, Vita, Rin, Brym, Scarlett, Chloe, and the others. "Time..." she whispered, "give me more time..."
Little Misaka worried. But Mikoto quickly took a breath, held it, licked her lips, and said aloud, "What have I got in my pocket?
She put her hand on one of the many compartments in her utility belt, popped it open, and slipped her fingers along the opening. Little Misaka smiled, "well, it's certainly not your hand... She broke character, or a knife, and it is certainly not a ring... She laughed.
Mikoto chuckled, brushing away large stalks of tall, waxy grasses, and stepped out onto the path.
(yes... that was from the book; The hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Mikoto chuckled, brushing away stalks of tall waxy grasses, and walked out onto the path. A simple, warm yet cool breeze flowed over her as sunlight slipped from the open patches above. It was a welcomed relief from the dark and the humidity they'd walked, if only for the briefest of moments.
They were waiting for her. they gathered around a blackened mound of cinders and charred bones. Like a modern sculpture of the macabre, the remains glowed. The heat rose as orangish reds rolled like worms devouring the remains. Blacken bones cracked, burst, and collapsed into the ashes. Bits of ash danced and moved across the dirt, lifted into the air, and disappeared into the jungle.
Nya kneeled by the remains, her tall horns, face, and dark warm eyes shining with the fire's inviting light. She looked engrossed in the process as if she would dive into it. But Rae stood next to her, her hand on Nya's shoulder, her emerald green eyes determined, almost ready to pull her from the flames. Gullah finished gathering together all the tools the dead had left behind. Kea cocked her head, her feline features adapted well to the jungle. Her ears twitched and focused in Mikoto's direction. Her eyes swirled and shifted, the right edge of her mouth curled into a soft smile. For a moment, she fretted her brow tightly, turning her head slightly, listening to something in the distance. Her left ear twitched. She puckered her mouth like a disappointed child and sighed.
And around them, with their arms wrapped around their legs, the little ones had eyes only for them.
Still don't like it...
Mikoto, gritting her teeth, kept her calm. Little Misaka sighed. Yeah... well, not our place, she said. I wonder what the survival rate is?
Aya smiled that smile that said all is well. Walked over to Mikoto and held her hand out. We go? she asked with those words. The others looked over and waited.
A simple gesture. Holding out one's hand. The open palm, the way her fingers laid bare, waited.
Mikoto looked at Aya's hand, then her face. Each complementing the other. Warm, soft, and, yes, trustworthy. The way she held herself, the way others looked and followed her.
Aya was their leader. Mikoto, with her vampiric premise, saw the world differently. She saw how the wind pushed through the leaves, the dust across the path, and the fire trails making their way through the remains. And the worry in the eyes as they watched. She saw every tiny movement, but none of them readied themselves in case she attacked. They waited and trusted Aya's decision and her actions.
Mikoto knew the tells. Experience and advice taught her well. Her mate, Anastasia, Queen of the four kingdoms, Emelia, her first and the other heads of households, informed and taught her about the lies people could and would say. It wasn't the sound of their words of promises but their faces, bodies, and hearts that couldn't hide the truth.
Mikoto sighed and even smiled a little and spoke, We go, and held out her hand. Aya gently took her hand. We go, she said, turning to the waiting group.
We're not holding hands all the way... little misaka whispered. Are we?
Mikoto shrugged, don't know...
If that's the case, we're the alpha...they're our bitches...she gave a stern nod...unless, of course...it's our turn to be submissive...I mean, I aaa mmm willing to try new things...hmph...well...as long as it doesn't hurt...too much, she quickly added.
Shut up!
The sounds of the jungle slowly came back to life. Grunts, groans, and squawks of wild birds and animals rose like a chorus. High in the canopy of trees, branches creaked, cracked, and hissed. And with it, the heat and humidity seem to rain down on them.
They traveled along the path for hours. Mikoto sent out signals, tracking the changing terrain and mapping the area into her mind. And all of this while Aya still held her hand with a firm grip. I'm pretty sure she likes us.
Quiet... Mikoto rolled her eyes, annoyed. Just saying... she giggled.
How much? Mikoto asked. Aya looked over her shoulder. Not long, just a little...
A sudden loud squawking interrupted her words as Branches cracked, broke, and dropped. Aya let go of Mikoto's hand. They stopped, looked up into the tall trees scanning the area, their bodies coiled in a crouch, and waited. The sound of branches falling from the great heights and something more solid hit the ground. Something heavy and loud thumped the ground to their right, close but still far.
Kea crouched, holding a serious expression. Her ears twitched once, then twice. Her smile grew, and the tips of her fangs peeked. Mine! She screamed, rushing into the deep foliage of the jungle.
Whatever it was must have been important.
The others groaned. Their shoulders dropped as they rose from their crouches.
It is hers... Aya said, looking in the crash's direction. And the sound of Kea running through the jungle. She seemed to be thrilled. Not even trying to hide from whatever it was. She was very loud.
Nya groaned, holding a little one against her shoulder. Those ears? she said. The others nodded. She's fast! Gullah spoke, bumping Aya's shoulder with hers, smirking and shaking her head. She had a candid look on her face.
They must be close. Little Misaka said.
There was a shriek, then laughter, surprised, happy yelling. Mine...! her excitement echoed through the jungle.
Kea came out of the jungle, stepping on the path with bright eyes and a brighter smile. Her face was flushed, and she was panting. She laughed, holding a leather bag over her shoulder. It was heavy-looking, like a giant ball was inside. She took a deep breath, stuck out her tiny chest, opened the bag, and proudly showed whatever it was to each of them. Each one nodded, showing their approval, and stroked her cheek.
She popped her eyebrows as her eyes opened wider. Her smile pushed up her cheeks like flowers in bloom. Even better... She looked cute.
She moved quickly and opened her bag in front of Mikoto. Mikoto looked inside. It was dark, but not dark. The light shined inside but was hard to see. She focused. Her ability to see in the dark was extraordinary. Everything was like twilight. But inside the bag, what she saw confused her. It was black, glimmering, and hard. It's rigid overlapping. Little misaka was the first one to realize what they were looking at.
Oh, crap... slipped from her mouth. Um quickly followed. As if in a warning. We... nooo...you need to step back. Little Misaka's voice grew louder and even quivered.
She knew.
Why? Mikoto fretted her brow so tight it looked painful. She sniffed the bag and leaned closer to the opening. Is it fruit.? she asked or a vegetable... or...
It moved.
Mikoto's eyes froze. It was slight... thinking maybe Kea had moved the bag. But one of the dark rigid lines slowly slipped underneath another dark fixed-line... her eyes opened wider. Is that a? she whispered so softly her mouth didn't move. Her curiosity disappeared, and a subtle form of terror filled the empty void. She swallowed hard and glanced at Kea, looking proud and quickly nodding her head. Oh, please... ssaay thaats not a...
Step back! Little Misaka yelled, step back from the...
It rolled open with a belly of bright white, multiple beady black eyes, and short many legs lining its underbelly. It was the biggest...
BBBUUUUGGGGG! She'd ever seen.
She leaped backward, bluish-white electricity bloomed, sparks jumped across the leaves and branches of smaller trees, it snaked up the trunks of larger trees, disappearing into the darkness.
Mikoto Misaka crouched on all fours like a predator cat. Her long flowing hair was a mess, her head darting side to side, her eyes shifted, shading a deep red with vertical dark cornea searching the area. Where is it! Is it over here? Electricity rushed across the ground. Over here? She spun, sending jolts of electricity flooding the area.
Mikoto Misaka, Queen of her own household. A warrior who'd gained fame on the battlefields of Africa, Antarctica, and others. She could stand the smell of blood, decay, and death. The sight of open wounds and dismembered bodies even attended a few natural births. But...
Right now, she crouched like a predatory cat, every muscle coiled, tensed, ready to spring into action, "see it! anywhere..." she growled, "did you see its size..."
Her heart slammed into her chest, thrummed in her ears, sweat dripped, leaving dirty stains across her face, pooling on the ground.
Ummm, over by the lumps of smoldering flesh, I guess... little misaka shook her head, blew out a breath, well, looking at the bright side... we can go back to the hot springs... because you just fried the help.!
Aya slowly moved her arm, then Gullah, who rolled over onto her side. Rea and Nya put their hands over their eyes and laughed softly. Kea lying on her back, close to Mikoto, when she bloomed. Her ears stilled. They twitched. Her tail twitched and slowly slipped over the ground. The bag she held was wet and steaming.
"Mmmmm... what happened?" the young feline said weakly. Taking a little effort to rise from the ground and sit up. Kea's eyes glazed, and her cheeks were flushed. Um... her tiny nose quivered, slowly smelling the air. An aroma floated around her.
Oh, no... we didn't just... Little misaka whispered, we... you... she crossed her arms over her chest... ARE A PERVERT!. She is a child!
Kea licked her lips slowly, satiated, and opened her bag. She sniffed it, the corners of her mouth stretched into a smile. She reached in and dug around. Her eyes and brows popped. She pulled out her hand, held a white tofu-like substance, leaned closer, and lightly licked. Her eyes glistened, opening wider and without a thought. She ate it... mmmmmmmmm her face flushed, the toes on her bare feet curled, yummmmmmm...
Oh... nothing like steamed in its own juice bug for lunch... thank the gods... Little misaka puckered her mouth. Well, sad to say, but it looks like there are no hot springs... damn.
Horrified, Mikoto covered her mouth, "Urp..." her throat seized. Her abs tightened, she not... oh, crap... she sharing... Urp! This isn't good.
She quickly crawled off the trail and heaved. I can't believe…heeeaaaavveee. Oh god, that hurts.
I can't believe you're a queen of vampires, and you're throwing up over a steamed bug. Yum! Little misaka teased. Mikoto heaved, slowly crawled, and turned around, sticking her head out from the jungle's edge. Kea was holding a large greyish-black segmented shell. The others were reaching in and scooping out white glistening chunks of what looked like shining, dripping wet Tofu and stuffing them into their mouths.
So we fried them and fed them…I guess that's a good thing? Little misaka spoke. Urp, Mikoto quickly covered her mouth. Kea raised and tilted the shell and took a drink. She wiped her mouth, and seeing Mikoto crawling out onto the trail, she motioned for her to come over and take a drink.
Yes sir, may I have another? Little misaka laughed. I hate you sometimes. Mikoto shook her head and waved her off.
Kea shrugged and passed the bug shell to the others.