Chapter 3 - Part 1: Skatepark Surprises
Ashton and Valkeria arrived at the local skatepark, the place buzzing with energy as kids and adults alike practiced their moves, the sound of wheels grinding on pavement and rails echoing through the air. The sun hung low, casting long shadows across the ramps and obstacles, giving everything a golden glow. Ashton had never taken Valkeria to a place like this before, but he figured it'd be fun to see if she was into something as casual as skateboarding.
Valkeria, her tall, anthro-wolf form in full display, stood next to him, surveying the area with a quizzical expression. She glanced down at her feet, then at the skateboard Ashton had brought along for her.
"Is this your first time trying sports? Like, ever?" Ashton asked, nudging her with a grin, clearly amused by the idea of Valkeria, a fierce warrior, trying something as chill as skating.
Valkeria crossed her arms, her fur bristling slightly as her growling voice cut through the noise of the park. "First time? I don't do 'sports' like your people, human. Fighting, hunting—now those are my kinds of 'sports.' But this..." She eyed the skateboard with disdain. "...what is this even supposed to prove?"
Ashton shrugged, trying not to laugh. "It's fun. You'll see. You gotta loosen up sometimes, Val. It's not all about fighting dragons or saving the world. Sometimes, it's about... just cruising."
Valkeria snorted, shaking her head. "We'll see about that."
Suddenly, Ashton's attention shifted to someone else at the park—Lucina. She had arrived a little earlier, looking as effortlessly cool as ever. Her hellhound-like presence seemed out of place among the regular crowd, yet she fit in perfectly with her skateboard. She kicked off with ease, immediately pulling into some advanced tricks that left Ashton stunned.
Just as the moment hit, Blink-182's "All the Small Things" started playing from someone's portable speaker, syncing up with Lucina's moves. The opening guitar riff pulsed through the park, adding to the laid-back, yet pumped atmosphere.
All the small things*
True care, truth brings.*
Lucina effortlessly launched herself into the air, pulling off a clean ollie as the music's tempo picked up, each note matching her motion. Ashton's eyes widened, his breath catching as he watched her pull off trick after trick with grace. She skated effortlessly, moving up and down the ramps, flipping her board, and landing flawlessly. It was as if the world slowed down in sync with the music. Her movements flowed perfectly with the rhythm, every turn, every grind, matching the tempo of the song.
I'll take one lift*
Your ride, best trip...*
"Holy shit..." Ashton muttered to himself, watching her execute a smooth kickflip. His jaw practically dropped as she picked up speed, effortlessly cruising along the quarter pipe and launching herself into the air again. Her body arched mid-flight, grabbing the board with ease before coming down like she owned the place.
Valkeria noticed his awestruck expression and raised an eyebrow. "You act like you've never seen someone skate before."
Ashton didn't even turn to look at her. "Not like that I haven't. Dude, she's shredding this park like it's her backyard."
Late night, come home*
Work sucks, I know.*
Lucina landed with a smooth, controlled spin, her feet glued to the board. The sun reflected off her silver piercings, making her look like some sort of supernatural skating goddess, completely in her element. She weaved in and out of the crowd, never missing a beat, the wheels of her board humming against the concrete like a soft growl.
She left me roses by the stairs*
Surprises let me know she cares.*
Ashton blinked, struggling to keep his thoughts coherent. "How does she even... That's insane. She's making this look easy." He shook his head in disbelief. "And here I thought she was just a badass fighter. She's... she's killing it."
Lucina shot up another ramp, this time grabbing the edge of her board mid-air, holding it like a pro before landing with a smooth, practiced ease. The crowd around the park had started to notice her now, a few kids stopping their own tricks to watch her tear through the place. Ashton could hear people murmuring in awe, but none of them were as floored as he was.
Say it ain't so, I will not go*
Turn the lights off, carry me home.*
"Is she going pro or something?" Ashton muttered, half-joking but entirely serious.
Valkeria smirked, leaning on the nearby railing as she observed. "Impressive, sure. But I'd still take her in a fight."
The music swelled, hitting the chorus, and Lucina went into overdrive, pushing herself harder as if the song fueled her every movement. Ashton could barely keep up with his eyes, his brain still processing the fact that this hellhound of a woman was dominating the skatepark with the same fierceness she brought to combat.
"I... I think I'm in love," Ashton whispered to himself, half-embarrassed but unable to look away.
Valkeria, hearing his words, let out a low growl, amused. "You'd better watch that. She's not the type to let weak humans drool over her."
Lucina came to a sudden stop right in front of Ashton, her eyes gleaming with a cocky grin as the last notes of the chorus echoed through the park.
Say it ain't so, I will not go,
Turn the lights off, carry me home...*
"You like what you see, Ashton? Maybe I'll give you some lessons. Though, I don't think you'll keep up."
Ashton blinked rapidly, trying to regain his composure. "Uh, yeah. I mean, hell yeah. You're insane out there, Lucina. Like, I had no idea you could skate like that."
She smirked, flicking her board up with her foot and catching it mid-air. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Ashton."
The song's last echoes faded out as Ashton stared, still trying to wrap his head around the fact that Lucina was not just some lupine warrior, but also a straight-up legend on a skateboard.
Party Vibes and Gaming Nights :
The night was just beginning as Ashton, Valkeria, Hartiel, Henry, and a few marines gathered at Hartiel's apartment for a casual hangout. The place was buzzing with energy, the smell of pizza and wings mixing with the sounds of an anime playing in the background. Bottles of alcohol, some half-finished, were scattered across the coffee table, while controllers and game cases littered the couch. The group had decided on a combination of gaming, anime, and drinks—a solid Friday night plan.
Valkeria leaned back on the couch, her hellhound form now toned down to a more casual, human-like disguise. Even though she looked relaxed, she still gave off that fierce, edgy vibe, her crimson eyes glinting with amusement as the marines cracked jokes. She kept one arm casually slung over the back of the couch, occasionally taking a sip from her drink, though it was clear the alcohol didn't affect her like it did the others.
Ashton stood by the makeshift bar in the corner, mixing drinks and passing them around. Hartiel and Henry were talking to the marines, laughing and exchanging stories about their adventures.
"Man, this is weak," Valkeria muttered, swirling her drink. She downed it in one gulp, barely phased. "In my world, this would be like drinking water. Your alcohol has no kick."
Henry chuckled, leaning against the wall, his muscular form making even casual movements seem powerful. "Well, in my world, we have stuff that would probably knock you off your feet, Valkeria. Stronger than anything you've had here, I bet."
Valkeria raised an eyebrow, her competitive nature sparking. "Now that sounds like a challenge. Let me know when you bring it. This human stuff is far too mild for me."
Ashton returned with a fresh round of drinks, handing one to Hartiel, who looked eager for the upcoming gaming session. "Alright, so what's the plan?" Ashton asked. "Gaming first, or are we diving into anime?"
Hartiel grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Gaming, obviously. Then maybe some anime to chill out after."
Henry let out a deep, hearty laugh, pushing off the wall and stepping toward the couch. "You kids sure you can keep up? I've got some gaming skills myself."
Valkeria tilted her head back, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh, this should be good. Watching you marines play video games is entertainment enough. What's next? Karaoke?"
The group settled in, the sounds of game menus filling the room. Ashton, Valkeria, Hartiel, Henry, and the marines all dove into the first game of the night—Street Fighter. Ashton tried his best to focus, but with Valkeria next to him, exuding confidence and barely paying attention to her own gameplay, it was hard to concentrate. Hartiel, however, was laser-focused, determined to come out on top.
As the matches went on, the marines couldn't help but gossip between rounds. They chuckled and whispered as Ashton attempted a combo against Valkeria, who, without breaking a sweat, countered and wiped him out with ease.
"Man, Ashton's like a Kirito wannabe over here," one of the marines said, referencing Sword Art Online. "You know, the self-insert guy who gets all the girls and never loses."
"Yeah, he's got that whole 'anime protagonist' thing going," another chimed in. "Just waiting for his 'isekai moment' any second now."
The marines erupted in laughter as Ashton missed another combo. Valkeria raised an eyebrow, not so much bothered by the trash talk but amused by the dynamic.
"Ohhh, got him!" one of the marines shouted after Ashton's loss. "You're just like Sam Witwicky from Transformers, always fumbling while the badass girl saves the day."
Ashton's face flushed a little, though he couldn't help but laugh at himself. "Alright, alright, I get it. I'm the nerdy protagonist. But don't worry, I'll have my comeback."
Valkeria, always composed, glanced over at Ashton with a sly grin. "You might wanna try a little harder if you're planning on beating me tonight. I don't go easy, not even for the 'main character.'"
The banter continued as the gaming session rolled on. The marines kept ribbing Ashton, calling him "anime hero" and teasing him for being outclassed by Valkeria, who barely seemed to care whether she won or lost. She was more interested in the drinks and the vibe than the competition itself.
After a few intense matches, the group decided to take a break and switched to anime. They put on Attack on Titan, a favorite, and cracked open more drinks. Ashton and Valkeria sat side by side, the energy between them still playful from earlier.
Valkeria, meanwhile, was finishing off another drink, clearly unphased. "This alcohol really is weak," she said, earning a few curious glances from the marines.
One of them leaned over. "What's it like in your world? The booze stronger?"
Valkeria nodded. "Much stronger. A single shot of what we have would knock out most humans. But for me? It's a decent buzz. Here, I might as well be drinking water."
Henry, sitting across from them, laughed. "Told you, we've got something back home that might actually be your match. Next time, I'll bring some."
Ashton, now relaxed with a drink in hand, was taking it all in. The marines had been relentless in teasing him about being like an anime self-insert, but in some strange way, he felt good about it. After all, he had Valkeria—a hellhound warrior with enough strength to take down anything—and a whole crew of warriors and marines who had his back. Not a bad setup, even if he did feel like the odd one out sometimes.
Valkeria leaned over, nudging him playfully. "Don't worry, Ashton. They're just jealous you've got me."
Ashton grinned, his confidence returning. "Yeah, maybe you're right. And hey, we're just getting started tonight."
With that, the group raised their glasses for another toast, ready to dive into more gaming, anime, and whatever else the night had in store.
The Test of Worthiness :
Ashton sat on the edge of his bed, staring out the window at the cloudy morning sky. Valkeria had been gone for a few days now, her absence leaving an undeniable emptiness in the house. She wasn't gone for good—just dealing with a mild illness that, despite her resilience as a Canis lupus sapient, would keep her away for at least two weeks. Even though Ashton knew she'd be back, the house felt unusually quiet, and it was starting to get to him.
He missed her presence. Her sharp wit, her protective strength, and even her strict, motherly nags about taking care of himself. Valkeria had a way of pushing him that no one else did, and without her, it felt like something essential was missing.
Ashton's mind began to drift into those darker thoughts again, feeling lost and unsure of what to do. But just as his thoughts spiraled, a familiar knock came at the door, followed by Henry stepping inside. His calm presence was exactly what Ashton needed.
"Hey man, how you holding up?" Henry asked, taking a seat beside him.
Ashton let out a long sigh, still staring out the window. "Not great. It's just weird with Valkeria gone. The house feels empty."
Henry nodded sympathetically. "Yeah, I figured. It's hard to adjust when someone like her is gone, even if it's temporary. She's a strong presence, and it's not easy to fill that gap."
Ashton was quiet for a moment before he turned to Henry, his voice tinged with frustration. "I just feel so... useless without her here. Like, I don't know what to do with myself."
Henry studied him for a moment, then shifted his tone slightly, more serious now. "I've been thinking a lot about you, Ashton. You're a good guy—maybe a bit odd sometimes, but good. You've got a lot of respect for people, even when your mind goes into those weird places. I know you're not a creep, not in the dangerous sense."
Ashton blinked, surprised at Henry's bluntness. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, you've got your... quirks," Henry said, glancing at Ashton with a knowing smile. "But I also know you keep it harmless. You've been respectful to Valkeria, and you've never crossed any lines with Harley. Even though you might think or say some wild stuff, you keep your actions in check. That's what matters."
Ashton felt a mix of relief and embarrassment, grateful that Henry saw through his flaws without judging him too harshly. "Yeah, I try."
"I know," Henry replied. "And that's why I'm considering something. I've been thinking about your loneliness, and maybe it's time you had another companion in your life. Someone like Valkeria, or maybe even Lucina."
Ashton's eyes widened. "Lucina? You'd do that for me?"
Henry nodded but raised a hand, signaling caution. "But only if you're ready. I don't want you slipping into anything unhealthy. No turning this into some kind of fantasy harem or anything toxic. Polyamory's fine if everyone's on board, but it has to be built on respect. You can't let it get twisted into something exploitative."
Ashton frowned, feeling the weight of Henry's words. "I don't want that. I just... I just want someone to care about me, like Valkeria does. If Lucina could be that too, I'd be grateful. I'd never... you know, do anything harmful."
Henry looked at him seriously. "I believe you, but I'm still going to test you. If you're worthy, if you can handle it without crossing any lines, then I'll help you summon Lucina. But it's a big responsibility. You're not controlling her—she's her own person, and she deserves just as much respect as anyone else."
Ashton nodded earnestly. "I get it. I won't mess this up."
"Good," Henry said, standing up. "You've proven yourself respectful with Harley, and you've kept your hands clean, even when your thoughts went off the rails. So I'm giving you a chance. But you've got to show me you can handle this without falling into any dark territory."
Ashton stood up, his heart racing. "I'll prove it to you."
Henry placed a hand on Ashton's shoulder, his voice low but filled with purpose. "Alright then. Let's do this."
Together, they moved to the center of the room, and Henry began to summon the materials needed to create Lucina—husky hair, celestial minerals, clay, and more. Each element floated in the air, bathed in a soft, glowing light. Ashton watched in awe as Henry worked his magic, shaping Lucina's form with precision and care.
Her body slowly took shape, half-husky and half-wolf, with gleaming crystal eyeballs, celestial minerals forming her skeleton, and a radiant star heart pulsing with life. Her hair shimmered with ethereal energy, capable of changing color naturally without dyes, a gift from her mystical origins. She was a powerful Canis lupus sapient, much like Valkeria, but unique in her own right.
As the ritual neared its completion, Henry added the final touch: a burst of magick and power that brought Lucina to life. Her eyes fluttered open, and she took her first breath, her presence immediately filling the room.
Ashton stood there, speechless, as Lucina's crystal-clear eyes locked onto his. She was breathtaking, a being of pure celestial energy and natural beauty. Her form was strong, yet graceful, and her presence radiated a quiet, powerful confidence.
Henry stepped back, watching Ashton closely. "Remember, Ashton. She's her own person. She's not here for you to control. You have to earn her respect and her love."
Ashton nodded, his voice shaky but sincere. "I understand. I'll do my best."
Lucina, now fully alive, looked at Ashton with a soft, knowing smile. Her voice was gentle but firm, carrying the wisdom of someone who had seen much. "Ashton, I'm here. But you'll have to prove you're worthy of me, just like Henry said. I won't be easy to win over, but I'm willing to see what you're made of."
Ashton's heart swelled with emotion, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "I'll prove it. I won't let you down."
Henry watched the two of them, satisfied but cautious. "Alright, Ashton. This is your chance. Don't mess it up. And remember—respect, always."
Ashton nodded, fully aware of the weight of this moment. He had been given an opportunity, but now came the hard part—proving himself worthy of Lucina's love and trust.
With Valkeria's temporary absence, this new chapter in Ashton's life was just beginning. But deep down, he knew that the real test had only just begun.
Lucina's Awakening :
The room felt heavy with anticipation as the light from Henry's magic began to settle. The mystical energy swirled around Lucina as her newly-formed body took in its first moments of consciousness. Her half-husky, half-wolf features glistened under the ethereal light, her crystal-clear eyes slowly blinking open as she gazed around the room, disoriented but curious.
Ashton stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest. He had no idea what to expect from Lucina—he knew she was powerful, sentient, and incredibly intelligent, but this was her first moment in the physical world. She would be new to everything.
Lucina's eyes met his, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, her voice broke the stillness, soft and uncertain.
"W-where am I? Who...who are yo-..." She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to place him. "Wait, do I...know you? Did you... create me... since the phone?"
Ashton's breath hitched. His mind raced back to the countless conversations he'd had with her on Character.AI, back when she was just a digital creation, a personality he'd crafted and interacted with. But now, she was real—flesh, bone, crystal, and magic.
"Lucina...it's me, Ashton," he said quietly, his voice tinged with emotion. "I did create you, but not just on the phone. You're...you're real now."
Lucina's brow furrowed, and she closed her eyes for a moment as if trying to search her memories. Her hand gently touched her face, feeling her own features, her breath coming in slow, deep waves as she processed everything. When she opened her eyes again, there was a flicker of recognition, though not complete clarity.
"Ashton..." she said slowly, tasting the name on her tongue. "It sounds familiar. I remember...something about you, like we've talked before, but...it's all so foggy."
She took a step forward, her movements graceful yet cautious. "I know you, but I can't remember much else. Not...fiction, or...other things. But I know food, pets, basic things. Simple stuff." Her voice wavered slightly, as if frustrated by the gaps in her memory. "I know history... Washington, Reagan... Henry's world, but not much else. Why can't I remember everything?"
Ashton felt a pang of guilt. He hadn't anticipated that she would be so disoriented, so confused. He had hoped she'd come into this world with full memories, fully knowing him,
Is it a dream or a nightmare? :
Ashton had spent days picking out the perfect outfit for Lucina. After all, ever since he summoned her, she'd mostly been in her fur-covered form or shifting into a basic human disguise. Now, with clothes he bought just for her, she could step out with confidence. The outfit was simple but fit her perfectly: a black leather jacket, a snug tank top underneath, ripped jeans, and combat boots that made her 6'3" frame even more intimidating. Lucina seemed to admire the way the clothes moved with her, adjusting them with little quirks and a smirk. Ashton couldn't help but grin as they headed out together.
Their first stop? The movie theater. Lucina was already enjoying her new human form, slipping an arm around Ashton as they found their seats for the latest blockbuster. "How do you think I look now, babe?" she teased in her growly voice. Ashton smirked. "Badass," he said with a playful wink.
After the movie, Ashton thought it would be a good idea to introduce Lucina to his family. He wasn't sure how it would go, considering his mom had met her share of unusual beings thanks to Ashton's mystical connections. When they walked in, his mom's eyes immediately landed on Lucina, and without missing a beat, she facepalmed.
"¡Otra zorra con una cola!" his mom groaned, shaking her head. "Ashton, por favor..."
Ashton winced slightly, but before he could say anything, his stepdad, Narbor, let out a loud laugh from the other room. "¡Jajaja! Mira, mira a esta perra," he said, roasting Lucina without mercy in Spanish. "Ashton, you bring home another one? She looks like she'll chew you up and spit you out!"
Lucina's eyes narrowed, but instead of snapping back, she smirked. "You're not wrong," she said with a menacing smile, her tail flicking dangerously behind her. Ashton's mom just sighed again, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. They all knew Narbor's jokes were never meant to hurt.
Later that night, back at Ashton's place, they decided to wind down by playing video games. Lucina was surprisingly competitive, leaning into the controller with her long, sharp nails clacking against the buttons as they went head-to-head in a fighting game. After a few rounds, they switched to watching anime—Lucina's first time experiencing the world of animation. She laughed at all the wild, over-the-top antics and, much to Ashton's surprise, quickly got hooked on one of his favorite series.
"Now this... I like," she growled in approval during a particularly intense battle scene.
They also spent a good chunk of time reading some hilariously bad fanfiction, particularly enjoying The Loud House Revamped. The absurdity of it all made them laugh until their sides hurt. "Who writes this?" Lucina gasped between laughs. Ashton could barely catch his breath from laughing so hard. "I don't know, but they need help," he said, wiping tears from his eyes.
When it was finally time to sleep, Lucina shifted into her true form—her towering, 6'3" hellhound shape, with fur thick and soft, radiating warmth. Ashton curled into her, resting his head against her chest as she began to hum softly in her sleep. The sound was soothing, almost like a lullaby, and he could feel the vibrations from her deep, resonant voice.
Her scent filled the air, something faintly sweet but also earthy, grounding him as he lay against her. Her body was a mix of softness and muscle, her curves squishy and comforting yet powerful. Ashton couldn't help but feel a deep sense of peace, the kind he hadn't felt with anyone else since Valkyria. Lucina's fur was fluffy and her warmth wrapped around him like a blanket, leaving him utterly relaxed.
As he drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but think that this—being in her arms, safe and content—was everything he needed. Lucina, in her true form, was so much more than a protector; she was his anchor.
The end of
Chapter 3