Kanto Gets Loud
Chapter 70: Forbidden Secrets
Back in Lynn's dreamscape, at Fountain Heights Psychiatric Sanitorium *thunder and lightning*
Lynn was huffing and breathing heavily, as she had been smashing every mirror that she saw that had Lincoln getting mad at her or one of their sisters. Even though she managed to destroy every mirror, all of the anger she felt was still festering within her, even more so as the mirrors repaired themselves faster than she could destroy them, "Damn it! WHY ISN'T THIS WORKING?!" she screamed.
"Because they all show the truth, moron!" phantasm Lynn smugly stated, amused at how childish Lynn was being.
"No, I refuse to believe any of this is true! Lincoln is a boy! He has no right to get angry at any of us, or to even have feelings at all! He… he…" Lynn tried to find the right words, but couldn't.
"He has FAR more rights and privileges to be angry with you and that bitch sister of yours in his pinky toe than either of you do have combined! Face reality Lynn; Losing is nothing to get this upset about. You're just taking out all of your delusional frustrations on Lincoln because you don't feel special any more because of ONE loss. Well, newsflash! You aren't special, Lynn. You never have been special, and all of this just proves that you NEVER will be!" phantasm Lynn harshly stated.
"Shut up! Shut the hell up! You don't know what it's like to be in someone else's shadow! No one knows what it's like for me to be in that little shit's shadow! And all he's doing is training a bunch of dumb animals!" Lynn snapped.
"But that's the thing, Lynn; Lincoln knows all too well what it's like growing up in the shadow of others. He's always been overshadowed by you and the rest of your sisters for all of their accomplishments! And so, what, suddenly he's gotten his own time to shine and now HE'S the bad guy somehow? If you ask me, I think it's high time you let someone else have a chance in the spotlight and to be a winner once in a while!" phantasm Lynn snapped back.
"No! I can't accept that! I… I…" Lynn finally broke down sobbing, being unable to come up with a retort, "I can't stand the thought of being a loser!"
"That's the thing, Lynn… No one likes losing, not just you. Everyone's always striving to be a winner in some fashion or another, but they don't always succeed. They just pick themselves up from a loss and get over it. It's probably time for you to learn how to do that yourself," phantasm Lynn replied.
"It's not that easy for me! It never has been!" Lynn screamed, hot tears flowing from her eyes.
"You mean since the 'accident'?" Lynn's face paled when she realized what her phantasm was talking about, "Ooh, looks like I might've hit a nerve."
In the Sanitorium Control Room,
The doctors were monitoring Lynn's brainwaves, when they saw a change in them, "Doctor, Lynn's brainwaves are changing!" one of the nurses exclaimed.
"Let me see," the doctor replied, looking at the readout, "Hmm, there was some kind of spike, but now her mind's starting to calm down. I don't know what's going on inside that head of hers, but it must've been something truly significant."
"Do you think this could be the breakthrough we were searching for with her?" the nurse from before asked.
"We can only hope so. After all, she'll need to get over her ego sooner or later before she completely wrecks her own life," the doctor replied.
Meanwhile, in Celadon City,
"And after that, Primeape sent the X-Rockets flying, ending our encounter with them. Not only that, but we managed to make it to Celadon City just earlier this morning," Lincoln finished up telling his mother and sisters about the incident with Primeape.
"Truly fantastic, brother unit! And the way you were able to outrun that Pokemon like that shows just how much more fit you've been getting since going to Kanto," Lisa commented.
"Yeah, and while I did give Primeape credit when credit was due, it still saw fit to sock me right in the eye," Lincoln replied. His family winced upon hearing that.
"That sounds rough. Are you sure you want to keep training it? It sounds awfully violent," Rita asked, not wanting Lincoln to get hurt by his own Pokemon.
"I'm sure I can get through to Primeape somehow. I just need a little time and patience," Lincoln replied.
"Well, if you're sure," Rita replied, still sounding unsure about the whole Primeape situation.
"So, seeing as how you made it to Celadon City earlier than expected, were you able to have a Gym Battle?" Lana asked.
"Unfortunately, Erika, the Gym Leader of Celadon City's Gym, is in the Kalos Region, not only doing a perfume showcase for her shop, but also helping recruit trainers to help fight against Team Rocket," Lincoln replied.
"Oh, that's too bad you didn't get a chance to battle, sweetie. Where do you plan to go for your sixth Gym Battle then?" Rita asked.
"Well, when my friends and I were visiting Erika's perfumery, I was told about a Poison Type Gym down south in Fushia City, so I'm going to try my luck there," Lincoln replied.
"A Poison Type Gym, huh? What's your plan for that one?" Lola asked.
"Well, Steel Type Pokemon are immune to Poison Type attacks, so any of my Steel Types, like Gawain, Lucario, or Metang are going to be my first choices," Lincoln replied.
"I see. So, are planning to head to Fushia City in the morning?" Luan asked.
"Nothing happening. There's apparently going to be a monster storm hitting the route between Celadon City and Fushia City that's going to last at least for three days. Besides, I did promise Verosika, Milt and Octavia that I would take them out on the town tomorrow, and there's going to be a Pokemon Contest happening in three days that I plan on entering for some fun," Lincoln replied.
"A Contest? Aren't those the competitions where coordinators show off how good their Pokemon look, rather than showing how strong they are?" Lisa asked.
"That's right. This particular Contest is a Beauty Division, so I need to show how beautiful the Pokemon I enter look," Lincoln replied.
"I see. So, any thoughts on who you'll enter?" Lisa asked.
"Well, when I asked Nurse Joy about how Contests work, they're apparently divided into two rounds, the Appeals Stage and the Battle Stage. The Appeals Stage is where you need show off your Pokemon in a flashy way, whereas the Battle Stage is just that, a battle. But for that round, there are two ways to win; You can either retain more points than your opponent by the end of the five-minute time limit, OR you knock out the opposing Pokemon. I'm thinking for the Appeals Rounds, I'll put Lapis and Queeny in there. But I'll need to figure out which ones I want to put in the Battle Round," Lincoln explained.
"Well, no argument here about entering Lapis and Queeny. But is there a rule that says you HAVE to change which Pokemon you use for the second round?" Luna asked.
"Not exactly. I was told most coordinators do so to better their chances with winning the Battle Stage," Lincoln replied.
"I'm sure you'll find a way like always, Lincoln. Anyhow, as much as we'd like to continue chatting, we need to go finish getting ready for our day here," Rita replied, hoping to hear more about Lincoln's day in Celadon City.
"I understand, Mom. I'll try to call nice and early in the morning on my end. So, what all has being going on your end?" Lincoln asked.
"Well, after we got a house appraisal by Blitz and them, we've decided to move into new, more structurally sound house on the higher-class end of town. Our maternal unit still has the card Lucius gave her during the Festival at Maiden's Peak. We were going to begin packing up your possessions right when you called," Lisa replied. Lincoln looked very surprised to hear about this.
"Wow, really? Have you guys told Leni yet?" Lincoln asked.
"Actually, yes, we have. She called here the other day, and we told her about our plans to move into a better house," Luan replied.
"And I suppose you told her about… the trial?" Lincoln asked, as a somber silence filled the room.
"Yes, we did. She said she already lost a lot of respect for… that man after how he acted at Maiden's Peak, and we told her about what he said about you during the trial, which only cemented her resolve," Lana replied.
"Well, I guess that's alright then. All that's left is to tell Lori and Lynn once they get off their high horses," Lincoln replied.
"Granted, they'll still be on a slight probation period implemented by all of us when they come home, but hopefully they won't cause TOO big of a ruckus," Rita replied.
"Yeah. Well, in any case, I'll let you guys off," Lincoln replied.
"Ok Lincoln. It was good talking to you again," Lisa replied.
"Likewise," Lincoln replied, hanging up. Just as he did, the Pokemon Center chime went off, as Nurse Joy and Chansey wheeled out a cart with Pikachu and the rest of Lincoln's Pokeballs on it.
"Lincoln, I'm happy to say that all of your Pokemon are perfectly fine," Nurse Joy said.
"Thanks so much, Nurse Joy," Lincoln replied, as Pikachu leapt onto Lincoln's shoulder, "So, how are you feeling?"
"Still a bit fuzzy in the head, but I think that's just a side effect from that brainwashing Drowzee did. Other than that, I feel fine," Pikachu replied.
"Well, that's good to hear. Given what you and the others all went through today, I think we can hold off on training for the Pokemon Contest until sometime tomorrow. Maybe after my date with the girls," Lincoln replied, collecting the trays with the rest of his Pokeballs.
"Ok. So, remind me, who are you taking out on the town?" Pikachu asked.
"Verosika, the succubus, Octavia, the kind of moody owl demon, and Milt, the minotaur girl with the HUGE tits," Lincoln replied.
"Ah, gotcha. So, planning anything… hot with them? Like, at a hotel or something?" Pikachu asked with a perverted grin.
"Come on Pikachu, do you really take me for that big of a pervert? Besides, the Interspecies Exchange Bill strictly forbids THOSE kinds of interactions between humans and monsters," Lincoln explained.
"Well, that's no fun! After all, you've probably thought of at least Verosika and Milt that way, haven't you? I know I would!" Pikachu drooled.
Knowing he wouldn't be able to convince his partner otherwise, Lincoln relented, "Alright, so maybe I have thought that way about them, but I know better than to think of them in just that way! Remember what Verosika said back at the P-1 Grand Prix?"
"You mean how she's fed up with everyone thinking about her kind as a bunch of sluts?" Pikachu asked.
"Yeah. Everyone needs to be treated as a person rather than an object, and a succubus like her is no exception. I want to give her a chance to know what it feels like to know what love is truly like. Even if we're only just dating for now," Lincoln replied.
"Well, it's good that you're at least trying to give her that chance. So, what all is your plans for tomorrow?" Pikachu asked.
"Well, I was thinking of taking them window shopping around the Celadon Department Store, and maybe buy them some things for them, grab some lunch, that sort of thing. Basically, just show them a good time," Lincoln replied.
"So basically, the same game plan for what you did on your last two dates, right?" Pikachu asked.
"Pretty much, yes. Though I should probably head to the Battle Chateau to grind for some more cash. Those perfumes I bought for them kind of dealt a nasty blow to my finances," Lincoln replied.
"Well, you've got all of us at the ready. Just say the word, and we'll be ready!" Pikachu proclaimed.
"Heh, thanks Pikachu. Plus, it would be a good idea to raise up some of the other's levels a bit more. Alright, once I put some of my Pokemon back into storage, I'll head to the Battle Chateau," Lincoln said, looking outside to see that it was only early dusk, "If I'm quick, I might be able to get in a few battles before it closes for the night."
"Sounds good! So, how do you plan on taking with you to train?" Pikachu asked.
"Hmm, well, you're a definite must. I can also go with Astra, Metang, Sligoo and Feebas, and I think I'll round off the team with Grovyle," Lincoln replied.
"I almost forgot that you had a Feebas in the reserves," Pikachu commented.
"Yeah, I kind of want to see how well it does in battle, even if it's only to get in a few moves," Lincoln replied, as he went over to the PC, and began sending back and exchanging his Pokeballs. Just then, Misty walked into the Pokemon Center, dragging Brock by the ear.
"Alright, you got the numbers from those girls, now it's time for you to give it a rest for the day!" she grumbled, tossing Brock onto the floor before Lincoln.
"Hey guys. I was wondering where you were," Lincoln greeted.
"Oh, those waitresses from the Game Corner were all swarming Brock, giving him their numbers, email addresses, their favorite types of lingerie, that kind of stuff. So, how are things with your Pokemon?" Misty asked.
"Pikachu said apart from being a bit fuzzy headed, they're all ok," Lincoln replied.
"Well, that's good. We're going to go grab some dinner. You want to join us?" Misty asked, as Brock got back up, rubbing his ear.
"I would, but I can't right now. I'm heading back to the Battle Chateau to hopefully get enough money for my date with Milt and them tomorrow," Lincoln replied.
"Ah, that makes sense, given all of the perfume you bought for them," Brock replied.
"Anyhow, I'll try to get back here before it gets too late," Lincoln said, opening a portal to the Battle Chateau, and stepping through with Pikachu.
Meanwhile, with Lori at Fountain Height's Psychiatric Sanitorium *thunder and lightning*
Lori was getting dunked into ice water, and had just been brought back up for air, coughing as she tried to catch her breath, "So, Miss Loud, do you wish to cooperate with us now?" the Doctor in the room with her asked, looking quite vindictive.
"I don't…!" Lori froze when she saw the Doctor reaching for the chair controls, "W-Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt," she relented, sensing this would get nowhere fast if she resisted.
"Good," the doctor said, taking a seat opposite of Lori, "Now then, based on the information we got from the trial, we understand that you're the eldest sister of your family, yes?"
"That's right. I was the first child my parents had, and soon before any of us knew it, I have nine, sometimes annoying, little sisters and one extremely troublesome brother," Lori replied.
"I see. Now then, from what information we've gathered, you often use the fact that you're the firstborn as a means to assert your authority over your siblings. Is this true?" the doctor asked.
"Of course, it's true. I mean, who wouldn't use that kind of power? After all, my chores and homework get done faster, I keep my siblings from going too crazy and tearing down the house, that sort of thing. I feel like a real queen of the house with my power over my siblings, especially the runt of the litter, Lincoln," Lori chuckled. However, the doctor didn't so much as smirk.
"Lori, are you aware that being in charge of your siblings is a tremendous responsibility given to you by your parents, or rather, as of the trial, your mother, because they trust you the most to keep your siblings happy and safe, and NOT a golden ticket for pushing them around like you own them?" the doctor asked.
"Well, maybe I do get a little overzealous with rules, but as I previously mentioned, it's to keep order in the house. After all, with ten rowdy siblings of mine to keep track of, I need to assert my position as an authority no matter what. It especially became apparent after an incident involving Lynn," Lori replied. Now, the doctor was curious.
"'Incident'? What incident are you talking about?"
"Well, it's like this; For starters, Lincoln is NOT actually the first-born son of our family. That honor actually goes to Lynn," Lori replied. Now, the doctor was really surprised.
"So, Lynn is transgender?"
"Not by choice. A few months after Lisa was born, Lynn had an incredibly reckless and stupid idea for a stunt that she wanted to do with Lincoln, who was all too reluctant to take part. It actually proved to be one of Lincoln's smartest decisions to chicken out," Lori replied, as she remembered the day the young jock's life was forever and irreversibly changed.
Four and a half years ago,
A ten-year-old Lynn, along with a seven-and-a-half-year-old Lincoln, were seated in a wagon on top of a very steep hill. Down below appeared some kind of incredibly difficult looking, and poorly constructed obstacle course, "Uh, Lynn, I don't know about this," Lincoln said shakily.
"Oh, don't be such a wuss, Stinkcoln! This kind of thing's good for growing boys like us! It puts hair on your chest!" Lynn replied, sounding more like a boy than a girl.
"If this is what it takes to be a boy by YOUR standards, then I'll find my own way to be a boy!" Lincoln retorted, getting out of the wagon.
"Ah, who needs extra baggage like you anyway?" Lynn grumbled, as he wheeled the wagon closer to the edge, when…
"Lynn Loud Jr., what do you think you're doing?!" the voice of Rita yelled, as she and Lynn Sr. stormed over.
"I'm doing something really cool, that's bound to get me tons of respect from the guys at school!" Lynn replied. Both parents then saw the obstacle course down below.
"No way! We're not allowing this! It's far too dangerous!" Lynn Sr. stated firmly.
"How can this be dangerous? I've seen them do it on TV tons of times before!" Lynn argued.
"Yeah, you've seen trained professionals do it! You are NOT a trained professional!" Rita stated.
"Now come on! Get out of that wagon before you get hurt!" Lynn Sr. demanded.
"Nuh-uh! That's quitter talk! And Lynn Loud Jr. is NO quitter!" Lynn defied, as he wheeled the wagon down the hill, riding it like a surfboard, whooping and hollering all the way, "AW YEAH, THIS IS AWESOME!"
"Junior, get out of that wagon!" Rita demanded, as both parents chased after their eldest son. But it was fruitless, as the wagon picked up speed.
"Alright, time to make a name for myself!" Lynn said to himself, as he leapt from the wagon, and began to tackle the obstacle course. He was leaping and weaving through each hurdle, as some of his peers watched from the sidelines, cheering him on, 'This is what I live for!' he thought to himself. However, this bout of self-absorbedness was, as he was about to learn the incredibly hard way, cost him a great deal, as he tripped on a metal beam, and slid across the floor. Disaster laid ahead in the form of a rusty nail sticking out form a board, followed by a broken board, that were aligned with Lynn's family jewels. Lynn let out a bloodcurdling scream of agony that echoed throughout Royal Woods, as his peers could only wince, while covering their own crotches.
Present day,
Needless to say, the doctor was shocked at what he had heard, "Y-You're saying that Lynn skidded THAT part of her body across a rusty nail?"
"That's right. We had to get her to the hospital right away. The good news was that we managed to get to the hospital before it was too late to get her treated for infections," Lori replied, sounding a bit… upset.
"And the bad news?"
"The doctors said that Lynn's…" Lori had to bulk up enough gusto to say it, "Genitals were damaged beyond repair, and she had to go through something akin to a transgender surgery, and was put-on heavy-duty antibiotics. Needless to say, she got in major trouble with our parents, but they took it easy on her, given what she went though."
"I see. Something like that raises a few more questions in my mind. For starters, would you say that Lynn is harder on your brother out of resentment towards him?"
"You know, I never once thought of that! Kind of makes sense in hindsight. Especially since Lynn is the only one of us who can't have a family of her own," Lori replied in a tone of realization.
"Well, that's a bit of stretch there. After all, there are orphanages. She can always adopt a child of her own," the doctor replied.
"But if she did that, then whatever kid she takes in still wouldn't technically be part of the family," Lori retorted.
"Not necessarily. Family isn't about who shares the same blood as you. Rather, it's about the bonds of love you share with others. If Lynn were able to bond with a child of her own, then something like blood would be trivial," the doctor replied.
"But would it really be that simple? Our family has a very strong belief in what family is supposed to be. Asking us to change said belief would be like telling a used car salesman to be honest with the cars he's selling; easier said than done," Lori asked.
"It's just one of those things that takes time. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day," the doctor replied. Lori couldn't help but think about the doctor's words, "Anyhow, moving on to the next of my questions; During the trial, your brother mentioned something called the 'Sister Fight Protocol', and said it was something that you all made certain he was excluded from, correct?"
"Yes, that's right. After all, it was a sister thing, and since he isn't a sister, he had no business butting in on it. Hell, he wasn't even supposed to know about it," Lori replied, irritated that a private matter like the Protocol was brought up by someone who wasn't part of the family.
"I see. But that raises the question of Lynn. Based on what we were told during the trial, she had a part in the Protocol, despite being transgender. Why is that?"
"Well, since she wasn't physically a boy anymore, we figured that the whole 'sisters only' rule didn't apply to her, so naturally we included her," Lori explained.
"So, what you're saying is, by that logic, that if Lincoln were to purposely undergo a sex change surgery, then he would have a place in the protocol then?" Lori could only laugh.
"Yeah right! Even if Lincoln were to become a girl, he'd still be forbidden to have a place in it. After all, he always makes things worse with his stupid ideas," Lori replied.
"I see. One last question regarding Lynn; Why was this never brought up during the trial or any of the sessions here at the Sanitorium?"
"It was a very traumatic experience for her. So much so that we made it a fundamental law of the family to NEVER bring it up in conversation again. We told Lisa when she was old enough to understand, though given her intellect, she would've been able to understand when she was old enough to crawl," Lori replied.
"Hmm, that does make some sense, but the treatments we implement here will no doubt force her to confront those demons of hers, whether she wants to or not. After all, many people need to learn to fully get over their traumas before it ruins their lives for good," the doctor replied.
"But what if your treatments mess her up worse than before?! She could end up becoming a mere shell of a person!" Lori called out.
"Please, as if we haven't had cases like that before. We have treatments to force people out of such a state. But that'll be enough about your sister for now. Lets get back to focusing on you," the doctor replied, eying Lori again.
Meanwhile, back in the Celadon City Pokemon Center,
Brock and Misty were just leaving the restraunt, as a portal created by Lincoln appeared, as the white-haired boy in question stepped through, "Alright, we should be set for tomorrow," Lincoln commented.
"Hey there, Lincoln! How'd things at the Battle Chateau go?" Misty asked, as she and Brock greeted their friend.
"Pretty good. I was able to rake in tons of cash from the battles I won, AND I got in some good training with my Pokemon, AND with my wins, I'm only a few more wins away from being promoted to Duke," Lincoln replied.
"Well, you've certainly been busy. So, you're going to be ready for tomorrow?" Brock asked.
"I believe so. We're just going to wander the city and take in the sights," Lincoln replied.
"Sounds simple and easy enough," Misty commented.
"Yep. Though during our date, I want to at least try and find where that Pokeblock and Poffin Cooking class is being held," Lincoln replied.
"The Cooking Class? It's going to be held here at the Pokemon Center the day after tomorrow," Nurse Joy said, passing by.
"Really? Well, that's convenient," Lincoln commented.
"Will this be your first time participating in a contest?" Nurse Joy asked.
"Yes, that's right. Granted, it's just for fun really," Lincoln replied.
"Well, that's really the true spirit of a Pokemon Contest. Showing off your Pokemon, while also having fun as well," Nurse Joy replied.
"By the way, you wouldn't happen to know where the Arena is, would you, Nurse Joy?" Misty asked.
"Of course. It's just across the street from the Celadon Gym," Nurse Joy replied.
"Well, at least I know where to go to register," Lincoln commented.
"Speaking of registering," Brock said, tenderly taking Nurse Joy's hands, "I would love nothing more than to register to becoming your boyfriend, my sweet!"
"Oh, sorry, but I'm not looking for romance right now," Nurse Joy bluntly stated, causing Brock to freeze up and fall on his back.
"Real smooth there, Romeo," Misty commented.
"Hey, cheer up, Brock. After all, you managed to woo those other girls from the Game Corner. Why not start off slow with them first?" Lincoln suggested, as Brock regained his composure.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right," Brock replied.
"Well, we're going to go get ready for bed. What about you?" Misty asked.
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm pretty hungry, so I'm going to get some food," Lincoln replied.
"Sounds reasonable. We'll see you soon," Brock replied, as he and Misty went to their room, while Lincoln took Pikachu to the restraunt.
Meanwhile, in a certain part of the Monster Realm,
The sound of water getting shut off was heard, as Verosika stepped out of the shower, wrapped only in a towel, "Ah, that always feels so nice after a long day," she says to herself, walking out of her bathroom and into her bedroom. Her bedroom had several things in it that you'd expect a succubus to have, such as a large, heart shaped bed surrounded by see through curtains, a fancy looking mirror with several cosmetics neatly arranged, along with a lush, fuzzy futon. And to top it off, it also had a balcony that gave the young succubus teen a bird's eye view of the section of the Monster Realm she lived in, which was peppered with night clubs, love hotels, etc. She walked over to her wardrobe, and dropped her towel, before pulling out some rather risqué lingerie, "Hmm, maybe I'll save these for my date with Lincoln tomorrow. After all, not only would it be adorable to blush up a storm seeing this, but I'm kind of in the mood to do some nude sleeping anyway," she said, as she set her lingerie off to the side, while also pulling out a dress that would no doubt cause heads to turn. The top would give a full view of her cleavage, while the bottom looked short enough to give people a view of her panties, "Yes, I think that'll do nicely!" she mused mischievously. Just then, a knock came from her door, "Who is it?"
"It's me sweetie. Can I come in?" Elenor's voice asked.
"Just give me a moment!" Verosika called, as she quickly slipped on a bathrobe, before heading over to answer the door, revealing her mother, in a bathrobe of her own.
"Ah, you were getting ready for bed, I take it?" Elenor asked.
"That, and I was picking out my outfit for my date tomorrow," Verosika replied, looking over at her chosen attire.
"I see. Going all in for trying to make Lincoln yours, right?" Elenor asked with a chuckle.
"Yep. Ever since that Grand Prix thing he invited myself and the others to a few days ago, I've been… thinking about something he said," Verosika replied. This piqued her mother's curiosity.
"Oh? And what exactly did he say?" Elenor asked. With that, Verosika told her mother everything, from sharing her disdain for the stereotype their kind was forced to deal with, as well as telling her what Lincoln said about how he sees her and the others as girls before monsters, as well as people instead of objects. Needless to say, Elenor was most surprised. She knew that most would view herself and other succbi and incubi as sex-toys, but for this boy to view them as people instead? She knew that Lincoln was special deep inside, "Well, I must say that for a twelve-year-old, Lincoln sure is mature to see you and the others in that sort of light."
"But that's not the only thing about it. Ever since he said those things, as well as when were at that perfume store earlier today, with how he wants us all to be happy, my heart's been beating faster the more I think about it. Is this what real love is like?" Verosika asked.
"I could only assume so. After all, after I announced I was pregnant with you, your father showed his true colors and abandoned us. I was so heartbroken that I rarely tried again, mostly to keep from experiencing that level of sorrow again. But Lincoln does seem like the responsible type. I don't foresee him ever wanting to abandon you… that is, if he could even abandon you, what with the deal and all," Elenor replied.
"I know that. But I still feel so confused with how I'm feeling right now," Verosika replied.
"Well, why don't you get some rest? Maybe your mind will be clear in the morning," Elenor suggested.
"Yeah, you're probably right. I'll see you in the morning," Verosika replied, as her mother left her alone. Verosika threw off her robe, leaving her naked once more, as she crawled into bed, not noticing that her tail was glowing a bright pink.