Chapter 53: Assassin Arc : Chapter 21 : Early Morning

Chapter 21 : Early Morning

Stretching out his legs as his waking mind found its way back to full consciousness, Anton cracked open his eyes as he felt Kianna begin to stir next to him.

Tucking herself in underneath their blanket, the dark elf wiggled back and forth as she wrapped her arms around Anton's torso and snuggled herself in against him.

Having lost all of their clothing via an evening of playful sex, the two had spent the night sleeping naked in each other's arms. Despite this, Anton was more than happy to still indulge in a bit more skin on skin contact with the sleepy headed dark elf.

“Hmm, well hello there. Is somebody feeling cuddly this morning?” teased Anton as he let his arm drape over the dark elf's slender frame.

Kianna said nothing as she breathed out a heavy sigh and went still as Anton ran his hand up her back and began to gently massage the smooth, bare skin of her shoulder.

Grinning to himself as the warmth of Kianna's soft, supple breasts seeped into his being from where she was pressing herself up against him, Anton was in the process of dozing off again when he suddenly blinked his eyes back open.

By this point the soothing, pleasant warmth of Kianna's body had become quite the familiar sensation to him, but at the moment however, the heat that was currently radiating off of her was far more intense than he had ever felt before and he couldn't help but to glance down at her in surprise.

“Kianna?” he called softly as he gave her shoulder a squeeze.

Hidden beneath the blanket, the dark elf quietly groaned in answer as her twitching ear disturbed the fabric that covered her in only the slightest of ways.

“...You're really warm this morning?” observed Anton as he realized that even her shoulder had begun to smolder in his hand “...Are you feeling okay?”

“...No.” whined Kianna.

Raising himself up onto his elbow, Anton lifted the edge of the blanket up just enough to peer under it at the hiding dark elf.

Clinging to Anton as she was, Kianna's face remained hidden for a moment before she slowly peeked up at him.

“What's wrong, Kianna?” asked Anton as their eyes met.

“...I don't feel good.” whimpered Kianna as her face scrunched up in sorrow “...My throat really hurts. ...And my stomach too.”

“Aw, you poor thing...” soothed Anton as he gave her a light squeeze “My poor little dark elf...”

Whimpering softly, Kianna hid her face away again as Anton began to rub her back. After a few minutes of comforting her, he slid to the edge of the bed and got to his feet.

“C'mere, let me look at you...” he said as he beckoned her over.

Keeping the blanket wrapped around herself, Kianna grudgingly rose up to her knees and made her way over to the edge of the bed. Plopping herself down right in front of Anton with a huff, she sat on her folded legs and leaned forward to rest her forehead against his chest.

Chuckling, Anton gave her shoulders a reassuring squeeze before gently wrapping his hands around her neck. Grumbling softly, Kianna offered no resistance as he gently examined her and then tilted her head back so as to make her look up at him.

Anton couldn't help but to frown as he took in the sight of Kianna miserable looking state. Her long ears were hanging listlessly from the sides of her head and her normally bright eyes had a dull cast to them that seemed to take the very shine out of her ruby-colored irises.

“Hm... You're really burning up... And there's definitely some swelling here...” said Anton as he pressed his fingertips in lightly against the sides of her throat “...Open your mouth for me, please.”

Letting her jaw fall slack, Kianna stuck out her tongue and held her breath as Anton leaned down and peered into her open mouth. Tilting her head this way and that as he used what little ambient light he had to look over her swollen throat, he frowned thinly and shook his head before standing back up right.

“No cough, but a definite fever and plenty of swelling...” mused Anton as he worked to comfort the dark elf by slowly running his fingers through her hair “Guess we'll just take this as a sign that it's time to make that doctor's appointment.”

Grumbling softly, Kianna hugged the blanket to herself and rested the side of her head against Anton's chest as she looked up at him.

“You don't have any potions, or something you could just give me instead?” she whimpered as she tried to blink the fatigue out of her eyes.

“Possibly, I don't know exactly what's wrong with you though...” smiled Anton “Now chances are this is something that only needs a day or two of rest to fix. But we might as well make sure, and we can also get yours and your sisters health checks out of the way as well.”

“...I don't want to go anywhere though.” whined Kianna as she looked back down and hunched in on herself.

“Oh, no?” chuckled Anton “So you don't want to go get some medicine that'll make you feel better?”

“...Yes, I guess.” mumbled Kianna “But not right now... Right now I want you to lay with me...”

“Aw, my poor little dark elf... I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't do that...” soothed Anton “I've got to get moving, so I can set up your appointment and then get ready to go.”

“No, just stay here...” grumbled Kianna as she pouted up at him “Please...”

Anton laughed softly as he eased away from her.

“Tell you what. You stay here, lay back down for a little bit. And I'll go get my laptop, grab you something to drink and once I'm done setting up your appointment. I'll help you take a shower... How does that sound?” asked Anton as he caressed the dark elf's very warm cheek.

“...Okay, fine.” mumbled Kianna as she laid her ears back behind her head and leaned into his touch “But hurry back, okay...”

“Alright, I will.” reassured Anton as he stepped away from her, put on a pair of shorts and made his way out of the room.

As he descended the stairs, Anton began to hear Molly's sharp sporadic barks coming from the kitchen. And upon entering the room, he found the little dog scampering back and forth while barking at Mica. Sitting on her haunches near the backdoor, the kiochi had her hand stretched out and was clearly trying to coax the small dog into sniffing her palm.

“Making friends?” chuckled Anton.

“Trying to...” mumbled Mica as she stood up.

Dressed in a set of sleepwear that was once again borrowed from Kianna, Mica clutched a small backpack to herself as she gave Anton an apprehensive look.

“Hey, so, I went and grabbed my backpack...” she explained as she indicated the bag “That's okay, right?”

“Sure, that's fine.” said Anton as he bent down to rub Molly's face “What do you have in there anyways?”

“Not much...” grumbled Mica “Just the clothes I was wearing yesterday, and my shoes... I do got this too though. Figured you want to see it...”

Glancing up at her, Anton's eyes narrowed as he squinted at the small disc she was holding up.

“Oh, right.” he said as stood up and took the offered disc “So this will open a portal back to your family's house?”

“Yeah...” mumbled Mica “It opens the portal inside the house too.”

“Oh? So you tried it already?” questioned Anton.

“Yeah. I tested it when they gave it to me.” answered Mica as she stared at the disc “I wanted to make sure it worked...”

“I see.” nodded Anton “Hm, well, chances are it'll come in handy at some point... For the time being though, I think it's best if I hold on to this for you.”

Mica said nothing as she slowly nodded her head.

“We're going to be taking a trip to see a doctor today. And afterwards we can make a stop to pick you up some clothes and a bedroom set.” said Anton as he went to prepare a pot of coffee “So go ahead and start getting ready.”

“A doctor?” questioned Mica “But I feel fine. I don't need to see a doctor.”

“That's good to hear, though you'll still need to have a health check done.” said Anton as he took a small pot from a bottom cabinet and began to boil some water “The reason we're going today though is because Kianna woke up feeling sick this morning, and I want to make sure it's nothing serious.”

“Oh, okay.” said Mica “Is she alright?”

“She seems to be, for the most part.” answered Anton “She's just not feeling well is all.”

“I see...” nodded Mica as she went to leave the room “Guess I'll go get ready then.”

Nodding, Anton went over to the table where he had left his laptop and divided his attention between finding a suitable doctor that would be available for an appointment on that same day and making both a mug of coffee for himself as well as some honeyed tea for Kianna. Once finished with his tasks he made his way back upstairs.

“Fiona!” he called as he reached the landing on the second floor.

“What!?” answered an unseen voice from down the hall.

“We're going to get your health check out of the way today.” said Anton “And afterwards we're going shopping for Mica. So get ready, we'll be leaving in about 2 hours.”

“...Alright.” grumbled Fiona.

Entering back into their bedroom, Anton found Kianna curled up on his side of the bed and dozing in the warm spot he had left behind. After coaxing her back to full consciousness, he had her drink her tea and then, while carrying her in his arms to the shower, got them both cleaned up and ready to go.

Several hours later the four of them found themselves stepping out of a portal and entering through the sliding glass doors of a clinic situated on the other side of the country, far from both where they lived, as well as from where Mica's family lived.

Once past the main reception area, they made their way to the “General Practice” branch of the clinic and upon entering a rather spacious waiting room, were greeted with another smaller reception desk that was manned by a pair of female Astrals, a banshee and a psychai.

Nestled in the very center of reality was the world of Terra. And circling above this world, far beyond the point in which any mortal being could ever hope to survive, was the source of the worlds life giving light, the Astral plane.

Here within the Astral plane hung the sun and moon, which both sailed across the skies of the world below in an endless cycle of days and nights. And filling the open space surrounding these two heavenly bodies was a swirling, luminescent sea made up of trillions upon trillions of shimmering, multi-hued miniature stars.

Floating freely within the expanse of the plane, these tiny points of light would be pulled along in the wakes made by the passing sun and moon. And when gathered together in such a fashion they would create a dazzling display that was reminiscent of a diffuse nebula or an aurora borealis.

For eons immortal now, the peoples of Terra would be mesmerized night after night by the lights of the ever shifting stars in the sky above them. And over time, they came to recognize that these stars were far more than mere points of light. As whenever an age of peace would grace the world, or a shift in season would bring an abundance of new life, the stars in the sky would lessen until the nights would be darkened by the loss of their light. Likewise, as the cold and dark seasons took their hold upon the world, or war, famine, disease and calamity each took their toll in ended lives, the stars above would swell in number, and fill the night sky with their light.

Through these observations the realization was made that the stars were actually the souls of all those who lived and died in the world below them, and that all the life in the world could be measured with their light. Times of dark nights were in fact reason for celebration, as this meant that life existed in abundance. And any sudden growth of light in the sky was in reality, a hauntingly beautiful signal of great tragedy and mass death.

In this way, the sea of ever changing light in the sky, became known as the Life Stream.

The light of the Life Stream was life itself, and from this light came the Astrals.

Also known as “living spirits”, “cosmic beings” or “elementals” by various scholars. The many Astral races were each originally born through a process in which a soul slips free of the Astral plane, and arrives on Terra by riding a beam of light from either the sun or the moon.

These beings can be divided into two main categories, and are referred to as either “Dayborns” or “Nightborns” depending on whether it is the sun or moon that spawns their given race.

Though the multitude of their races were often vastly different in appearance from each other, as beings literally born from light, all Astrals did have one trait in common, which was that they all have some type of luminescence built into the structure of their bodies. This luminescence can come in many forms but usually takes the appearance of a unearthly glow, ethereal light or living fire.

As animated souls it is not at all surprising that many Astral races do have an undead like appearance. This is merely cosmetic in its nature though, as none of them have any true relation to the undead, nor do they possess any memories of a time in which their souls were previously alive.

Like the voidlings, all Astrals are capable of propagating their race by producing children. Unlike the voidlings however, they do not require any assistance to cross over into Reality, and as such their population numbers can be bolstered as more individuals are naturally spawned.

As Anton approached the desk the lady on the left, who was the banshee, looked up at him first and offered a soft smile in greeting. As he got close enough to see all the way over the desk, he noticed that although both women appeared to be sitting down, there were no actual chairs beneath them. Instead both women were just in sitting positions as they floated in midair.

“Good morning... Matilda.” said Anton as he glanced at the banshee's name tag “My name is Anton North, and I should have several appointments for my slaves today.”

“Mmm, North... Yes. 3 health checks...” mused the banshee as she glanced at her computer screen “I'll just need you and your charges to fill out a bit of information real quick. And we'll call you as soon as the doctors are ready to begin.”

“Sounds good, thank you.” said Anton as he picked up a waiting clipboard with patient data sheets attached to it and stepped away from the desk.

The banshee nodded as she eyed the dark elves and Mica.

Spirit-like in her general appearance, though solid in form. The banshee's wispy, seemingly weightless qualities coupled with her ghostly white complexion and long silver colored hair left her with an eerie, otherworldly presence. Her size and body type were humanoid in their likeness, though her facial features were more fae-like in quality and seemed to be sharper than what would be normal among humans. With pointed ears and a cast to her face that gave the impression that she was of Asian decent, her almond shaped eyes were devoid of pupils, which left her pale, tea green colored irises to appear as large discs that encompassed the majority of her discernible eyes.

Even within the brightly lit room, a faint, bluish, moonlight-like glow could still be seen surrounding her. And although this glow appeared to radiate out from her entire being, it was strongest around both her eyes and hair.

Taking seats in a row of interconnected chairs that had no armrests and were facing the reception desk, Anton, Mica and the dark elves each filled out a page of paperwork on the clipboard before Anton went back to speak with the two ladies at the desk.

As she watched him go, Kianna noticed that several people seated along the far wall were all looking her way. When she turned to face them, they all quickly averted their gazes from her and tried to act as nonchalantly as possible. Creasing her brow, she let her eyes wander across the room and discovered that everyone present was distinctly staring at either Mica, Fiona or herself.

Feeling self conscious now, she sheepishly lowered her ears as she turned back to Anton and waited longingly for him to return to her side.

As Anton stepped away from the desk, the psychai leaned over from where she had been observing Mica and the dark elves and began to whisper to the banshee.

“Are those girls, what I think they are?” she asked as she glanced at the computer screen and watched as the banshee began to input the information from the clipboard.

“If you're thinking that they're dark elves, then yes. That is apparently what they are...” said Matilda “And apparently that guy does own them... At least according to what he wrote down...”

“Huh... Do you think this is like, some kind of role-playing thing for them?” questioned the psychai.

“Possibly...” muttered Matilda “That makes about as much sense as anything else...”

“Hm, weirdos.” mumbled the psychai as the banshee merely nodded in agreement.

Snagging a magazine from a nearby end table while making his way back to his chair, Anton sat down and went to open the magazine but stopped short as Kianna leaned over and hid her face by laying herself against him.

“Well, hello there.” chuckled Anton as he draped an arm around the dark elf “Is somebody still looking for a warm spot?”

Kianna made a quiet grumbling sound as she lowered her ears even further and squirmed in her seat a bit.

“...Hey now, what's going on?” questioned Anton as he registered that Kianna had clearly become timid all of a sudden.

“...It's, the people.” whispered Kianna.

“Hm? What was that?” asked Anton as he leaned his head down towards her.

“...It's the people.” repeated Kianna “...They're all looking at us.”

“People?” said Anton as he raised his head and glanced around “...Ah, I see.”

“Ugh, I hate it when this happens...” said Kianna.

“...Right.” said Anton as he tightened his arm around her and gave her a gentle squeeze.

“I just wish they'd all stop looking at me...” whimpered the dark elf.

Shifting in his seat, Anton leaned to the side in an effort to block Kianna form the view of as many people as possible. Holding her for a few moments, his chest tightened a bit as he felt her silently sob.

“...You know, Kianna.” he soothed softly “Right now, none of these people are looking at you... They can't even see you... They can only see me...”

“...Yeah, but that's only because you're helping me stay hidden.” whined the dark elf “They would be looking at me if they could...”

“Maybe...” breathed Anton as he bent over her, rested his chin against the top of her head and spoke into her hair “But that doesn't change the fact that right now, they're not looking at you... Only I'm looking at you...”

Kianna stiffened and then sighed softly in relief as she felt Anton's aura begin to slowly seep into her being.

“I'm the only one who's looking at you now, Kianna... It's just me here now...” soothed Anton “So, what is it that you want to show me, hm? ...What is it that you want me to see? ...Do you want to show me your sadness? Or how scared you are? ...Do you want to show me your misery?”

Laying her ears down flat behind her head, Kianna remained silent as Anton began to massage her shoulder with his hand.

“Or do you want to show me... How strong you are... How brave you are... And how beautiful you are...” continued Anton “What do you want to show me, Kianna? What do you want me to see? Your tears... Or your smile?”

Kianna was still for a moment before mumbling incomprehensibly.

“...What was that?” asked Anton around his own thin grin.

Kianna squirmed a bit and tightened her ears together behind her head as she mumbled again.

“I'm sorry.” chuckled Anton as he lifted his head and reached down to her face “But I can't hear you...”

Pouting while keeping her eyes lowered, Kianna didn't put up any fight as Anton took hold of her chin and tilted her head back just enough to see her face.

“So then...” said Anton as he let his forehead rest against hers “What were you trying to tell me?”

“...I said.” grumbled Kianna as a light blush spread across her cheeks “That I wanted to...”

“...Yes?” encouraged Anton after a moment of silence.

“...That I wanted to show you, my smile...” whimpered the dark elf.

Chuckling softly at her embarrassed expression, Anton gave her chin a light squeeze.

“Well, whenever you're ready, I'll be waiting to see it...” he said.

Hesitating for a second, Kianna clamped her eyes shut as a lopsided smile took shape across her face and revealed her dazzlingly white teeth.

“Oh! And there it is...” breathed Anton “There's my brave little dark elf, and her beautiful smile... Look at her, she's so cute...”

“Shut up!” whined Kianna as her smile widened to its fullest.

Giving Anton's chest a light punch, the flustered dark elf pulled her chin out of his hand and hid her face back against him.

“Oh no you don't.” teased Anton as he playfully retook hold of her chin and lifting upwards, made her look up at him “You're not gonna hide that smile away from me now!”

Giggling softly in her throat, Kianna kept her lips pressed together in defiance.

“Oh, you little...” smiled Anton as he moved their faces in close “C'mon now... Let me see that smile!”

Still giggling, Kianna's lips began to tremble as Anton leaned in closer and made as if to kiss her. Just as their lips met a wide, happy smile spread itself back across her face.

With both of them now laughing mirthfully, they gave each other one light kiss after another whilst playfully rubbing their noses together.

“Oh for the love of the Gods...” grumbled Fiona as she crossed her arms over her chest and sulked “Somebody better get a hose out here quick, before it's too late...”

Ignoring her, Kianna kept smiling brightly up at Anton as they continued to nuzzle their faces together.

“Aw! Well isn't that sweet!” sang out a voice from the desk in front of them.

Turning in the direction the voice was coming from, Kianna was just in time to see the psychai rise up from were she had been “sitting” and shrink down in size as she zipped over the desk and headed straight towards her and Anton.

As an almost complete opposite to her more subdued coworker, the psychai was a vibrant, colorful being whose bright smile not only radiated a lighthearted and friendly personality, but literal light as well.

Her skin was pink in color and would shift in hue in response to her emotions, becoming brighter and brighter the more lively she became. Her hair was a stark chestnut red and was done up in a long, braided ponytail that bounced along behind her as she moved about.

From her shoulders were spread a pair of shimmering, semi-transparent, crystal blue colored, gossamer wings that at first glance appeared similar to those of a dragonfly, but upon closer inspection were actually made up of thousands of closely packed, tiny feathers.

The base of these wings were not actually connected to her body in any way, but instead seemed to float in the air just behind her. And although she was capable of moving them, she didn't seem to necessarily require her wings to stay airborne, as she never flapped them. Despite this though, she did use them to help direct her path as she moved through the air.

Though she had appeared human sized only moments before, as the psychai came to a stop in midair just in front of Kianna, she had shrunk down to only about a foot tall. Smiling brightly, the now diminutive pixie-like being showcased her human-like teeth as she eased closer to the dark elf.

“Well aren't you just a little sweetheart!” cooed the psychai as she gleefully clasped her hands together “...Heh, never thought I'd ever say that about a dark elf!”

Pressing herself into Anton and gripping his arm in uncertainty, Kianna's ears were pointed straight upwards and her eyes were at their widest as she stared mesmerized at the radiant little being before her. Now that she was so close, Kianna could see that the psychai had tiny little freckles across her cheeks and arms that shined with their own internal light and made it so that her skin appeared to be covered in glitter.

Catching movement in his peripherals, Anton glanced back above Kianna's head and found that Mica's bladed spade now hung over them with its sharpened tip pointed straight down at the psychai. Shifting his gaze past Fiona to make eye contact with the shinoccubus, Anton smiled softly and shook his head.

Frowning as she looked from him to the psychai, Mica tightened her eyes as she eased her tail down and out of sight behind the chairs.

Although the psychai appeared oblivious to what had just happened, the banshee had been watching everything with rapt attention.

“Aw, don't be nervous sweetheart...” soothed the psychai as she planted her hands on her knees and leaned over Kianna “I would never harm you. I just wanted to get a closer look at you is all...”

Still clearly unsure, Kianna sheepishly lowered her ears. She went to say something but stopped short as Anton tightened his arm around her in a comforting embrace.

Watching as the tension faded from Kianna's eyes, the psychai stared at her for a moment before her own eyes fell to Anton's arm and followed it back to its source.

“...He comforts you. He's good to you.” whispered the psychai “That's good.”

Kianna said nothing as the psychai's eyes came back to stare directly at her own. As she watched, the psychai's pupils tightened as her golden colored irises began to slowly spin back and forth. Although the dark elf herself had no idea what was happening, Anton could tell that the small, glittering woman was subtly aligning her own light to Kianna's aura so that she could get a read on the dark elf's condition and emotional state.

“...Oh, you poor thing. You're not feeling very well, are you?” said the psychai in a sympathetic tone as the color seemed to fade a bit from her being “...And you really don't like all this attention, do you?”

Creasing her brow in unhappiness, Kianna lowered her eyes as she softly shook her head.

“Such a sweetheart...” cooed the psychai as she floated close enough to place her hand atop Kianna's head “Don't you worry, sweety. We're going to make sure you feel better, I promise...”

Kianna tensed a bit as she felt the warm, soothing light from the psychai begin to seep into her being and blend with Anton's aura. Though this sensation was a little unsettling at first, she could tell right away that she wasn't in any danger as it was clear the psychai was just making an effort to comfort her.

“...Th-thank you.” whispered Kianna as she nervously bowed her head.

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“Of course, sweety.” said the psychai as her wings shifted to a lighter, somber blue color “That's what we're here for after all...”

Feeling that she had imposed enough, the psychai dimmed the light radiating out her being as she slowly moved away from Kianna.

“...You know, this is the first time I've ever felt a dark elf like this before.” said the psychai as she reluctantly eased back a bit more “They aren't normally so... friendly...”

“No, they're not. But my little dark elf is very different.” said Anton as he gave Kianna a gentle squeeze “She isn't like other dark elves, she's special.”

Grumbling in embarrassment, Kianna huffed in indignity as she nested herself in against Anton's side.

“Yes, she is.” nodded the psychai as she turned her eyes on Anton “And you better take care of her.”

“Oh, I will. I promise.” smiled Anton.

“Good.” said the psychai as she lowered herself down so as to look at Kianna again “Sweety, my name is Solassi. And I'll be here all day. So if you need anything, just let me know, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you.” said Kianna “I'm Kianna, by the way.”

“Kianna.” repeated Solassi “That's cute, it suits you.”

Giving the blushing dark elf a soft smile, the psychai moved backwards as she rose up into the air.

“I'm going to go give the doctors a heads up real quick.” said Solassi as she shifted her eyes to Fiona and Mica “I think it might be a good idea for them to know what's coming their way...”

“That does sound like a good idea.” smiled Anton as he followed her gaze and found that both Fiona and Mica were staring up at the psychai with less than friendly expressions on their faces “A very good idea.”

Nodding, Solassi floated backwards back over her desk before enlarging herself back to human size and then quickly darting down a hallway.

Watching her go, Fiona stared at the point where the psychai disappeared for a moment before noticing that the banshee was looking straight at her. Though her face was more or less devoid of expression, the dark elf couldn't help but to feel a bit unnerved as she gazed right back at the banshee's seemingly lifeless green eyes.

“Yo, what's the deal with little miss moonlight bitch over here?” grumbled Fiona as she leaned over Kianna and spoke softly to Anton “Why is she staring at me?”

“Hm? Oh. She's just making her presence clear is all.” said Anton as he looked up from the magazine he was holding cradled in one hand “It's her way of letting you know that she is watching you.”

“Okay, but why is she watching me!?” seethed Fiona “What the Hell did I do!?”

Anton chuckled as he flipped to a new page in the magazine.

“Because, Fiona. You're a dark elf, and she wants you to know that if you decide to try anything funny, she'll get involved.” answered Anton “And you shouldn't take her warning lightly. She is a banshee, after all. One of the few races that a dark elf would actually have very hard time against.”

“Oh?” questioned Fiona as her ears pointed themselves straight upwards “Why's that?”

“Because she can generate sound waves at a high enough pitch to disrupt and shatter the fields and light items you create with your aura. So many of your main methods of attack would be useless against her. Also, your ability to invoke fear wouldn't work on her either, as she'll just counter it by forcing you to feel intense sadness and grief.” explained Anton “Now a banshee wouldn't necessarily be impossible for a dark elf to defeat. But with your limited experience, one would be a very dangerous opponent for you in particular, and you would have a slim to nil chance of winning that fight. So, with this being the case, I suggest you behave yourself, and try your best to heed her warning.”

“Hmph...” huffed Fiona as she slumped back into her seat and narrowed her eyes at the banshee.

A few minutes later Solassi returned to her place at the reception desk and grinned as she saw that Kianna had begun to doze as she rested against Anton's side.

As time went on one set of people after another were called in to see their various doctors and after just under an hour of waiting Solassi herself called for Anton and Kianna to follow her into the back.

“Normally we prefer to give charges the chance to have a one on one with their doctor by having the owners stay in the waiting room. But considering your unique circumstances, and the fact that Kianna is actually ill, it was agreed that allowing you to come along might be for the best.” explained Solassi as she guided them to a medical scale and indicated that Kianna should stand on it.

“I don't mind waiting if that's what's standard.” said Anton as he watched Solassi take Kianna's weight and height “I don't want to impose after all.”

“It's not really an issue...” said Solassi as she made notes on Kianna's file “It's more of a guideline than a hard rule anyway.”

After leading them to an examination room, Solassi took Kianna's temperature, blood pressure and asked her several questions about how she was feeling. After writing everything down, she assured them that she would be right back with the doctor and promptly left the room. A few moments later her voice, which was now accompanied by a second feminine sounding voice as well, could be heard coming back down the hallway.

“No, I'm telling you it's not a mistake!” exclaimed Solassi's voice as it came muffled through the walls “...Okay, okay, I guess you'll just have to see for yourself then.”

The second voice spoke too softly to be heard clearly by Anton, but judging from Kianna's smug grin, she was not only capable of hearing what was being said, but also found it humorous.

After a quick knock to announce their arrival, the door opened up and what could only be described as a cheap looking, faceless, plastic robot-like golem stepped into the room.

“Good morn...” started the golem before going still.

The golem had stopped short in the doorway as it seemed to have caught sight of Kianna sitting on the examination table. Just behind it, Solassi's bright radiance could be seen intensifying as a broad smile spread across her face.

“...Good morning?” offered Anton after a moment of silence.

Though there was no way to actually tell due to the lack of any expression on its faceless head, it was still quite clear that the golem was surprised to see Kianna. Taking a step back, it suddenly left the room and pulled the door closed as it did.

“That is a dark elf.” said the golem on the other side of the door.

“Yeah, I told you she was.” laughed Solassi.

“...She's really wearing a collar.” said the golem “She's a slave.”

“Uh huh.” answered Solassi “And there's another one in the waiting room that's also wearing a collar.”

“...Is this the one you said was friendly?” asked the golem.

“Yes, this is Kianna, and she's a sweetheart. You won't have any problems with her.” said Solassi.

“Are you sure?” questioned the golem.

“Completely. She let me touch her and everything.” confirmed Solassi “I'm telling you, it's fine.”

There was a quiet pause that lasted a few seconds before a second knock rang out from the door.

“Sorry about that, just had a little bit of confusion there for a second...” said the golem as it reopened the door and stepped into the room “Why don't we try that again... Good morning!”

“Good morning.” chuckled Anton as Kianna merely grinned “And please, there's no reason to apologize. It's completely understandable, this is an unusual situation.”

“Right. Yes. Very unusual.” said the golem as it stood facing Kianna “Certainty a first for myself...”

Not altogether sure of what to make of the motionless, plastic being that was apparently gazing at her, Kianna simply stared back, narrowed her eyes, and tilted her head as she cocked one of her ears in a curious manner.

“...I'm sorry. My name is Dr. Creek.” said the golem as it seemed to come to its senses “And I'll be your physician, today...”

“...Uh, right, hi.” said Kianna as the golem went still again “...I'm Kianna Vale.”

“Um, Dr. Creek.” said Solassi as she waved her hand at the golem “You're still wearing an exo-unit, and I think that might be unsettling the patient a little.”

“Oh... Oh, so I am.” said the golem as it turned from Kianna to Solassi and back “My apologies! One moment please...”

The golem stiffened for a split second before slumping in on itself as a vaporous, steam-like cloud of mist appeared to literally take a step forward and out of it.

Watching as the cloud of mist began to solidify into a humanoid form, neither Anton, nor Kianna were all too surprised by what they were seeing as this was far from the first time that either of them had ever encountered a ghost.

As Dr. Creek's actual appearance took shape, it became clear that she was, or had been, a tall, slim human woman who stood just a few inches shorter than Anton. She had a very friendly, matured looking face and although she was for the most part transparent and nearly colorless, it was still easy enough to see that she had been of Caucasian decent.

The outfit she wore was completely immaterial and appeared along with the rest of her body. It consisted of a doctors coat worn over a simple shirt and pair of slacks.

A pair of wide spectacles rested on the bridge of her nose and her straight, silvery blonde hair was held back in a casual ponytail behind her head.

Blinking open her pale blue eyes, Dr. Creek gave Kianna a warm smile as she went to take a step towards her. As she moved forward, her feet and lower legs vanished to just above her knees and she began to simply float through the air.

“I apologize for my earlier hesitation.” she said as she reached up to adjust her glasses “I didn't intend to be rude. I was merely surprised is all. I hope I didn't offend you.”

“Oh, no. You didn't.” said Kianna as she shook her head “It's okay, don't worry about it.”

“Well good, that's good to hear.” said Dr. Creek as she eased closer and looked Kianna up and down “Now then, Miss Vale. As I understand, you aren't feeling very well today. And have been running quite the fever. So why don't you explain to me what else is troubling you, and we'll see about getting it straightened out, okay?”

“Okay.” nodded Kianna as she let her ears droop a bit “Well, I'm feeling really tired, and my throat hurts when I swallow, and talk... Also my stomach hurts too...”

“I see...” said Dr. Creek as she gently placed her hands against the sides of Kianna's neck and felt her throat “Could you swallow for me right now, please?”

Kianna shivered a bit as the ghostly woman's chilled hands were pressed against her skin. She looked straight up at the ceiling as she tentatively swallowed.

“Hm...” mused Dr. Creek as she nodded her head, let her hands fall away and floated upwards into the air a bit “Have you been coughing at all? Even a little?”

“No.” answered Kianna as she shook her head “Not really.”

“Hm, okay, that's good.” said the doctor as raised her index finger and focused enough energy into its tip to cause a soft but brightly glowing light to form there “Could you open your mouth for me, please.”

Letting her jaw fall slack, Kianna stuck out her tongue and looked off to the side as the doctor shined her light into her mouth and examined the back of her throat.

“Hm mm... Okay. Now, you were saying that your stomach hurts as well...” said Dr. Creek as she shook her finger and dosed her light “Are you feeling any tightness, or nausea at all? Or is it just pain?”

“No, no nausea or anything. It's just pain...” explained Kianna.

“Is this a constant pain? Or is it only painful whenever you eat something?” asked the doctor.

“It's, pretty constant...” mumbled Kianna “I haven't tried to eat anything since it started hurting, I haven't wanted to...”

“Mm, so have you had a drop in appetite as well? Or are you actually hungry right now?” questioned Dr. Creek.

“No, I'm not really hungry right now.” answered Kianna.

“I see... And how long have you been feeling this way? Did it just start suddenly?” asked the doctor “Or have you felt it coming on for a while now?”

“I, um... Well, I kinda felt it, a little bit for a while. Like a few days ago...” explained Kianna “But it wasn't this bad, and my stomach didn't hurt before. It just got really bad this morning, when I woke up...”

“I see.” nodded the doctor as her face became thoughtful for a moment “...Well Miss Vale, if you're okay with it, I'd like to go ahead and do a body possession real quick. Just to be sure of a few things.”

“Um, yeah, sure. I'm fine with that.” said Kianna.

“Good.” said Dr. Creek as she turned to Anton “And is that okay with you as well, Mr. North?”

“It's okay with me, so long as it's okay with her.” said Anton “Would you like me to lock her mind back for you?”

“Oh, no. That shouldn't be necessary.” said the doctor “I just want to give her body a quick feel and make sure that we're on the right track with figuring this out.”

Kianna lowered her ears a bit as the doctor floated right up to her and placed her cold hands on her shoulders.

“This may feel a little cold and uncomfortable at first, but don't worry, it'll only last a moment.” explained Dr. Creek as she began to dissolve back into a vaporous mist.

Kianna clamped her eyes shut and started shivering as the mist began to seep into her body from where Dr. Creek's hands still rested on her shoulders.

After a moment the last bits of the doctors ghostly form sunk down into the dark elf, and when Kianna reopened her eyelids, a thin bluish film could clearly be seen overlaying her eyes.

“Are you alright, Miss Vale?” asked Dr. Creek's voice as she spoke out of Kianna's mouth “This isn't too uncomfortable for you, is it?”

“Uh, no. This is fine.” said Kianna in her own voice.

“Good, good. Now then... Let's see what we have here...” said Dr Creek as she tilted the dark elf's head and looked down at the rest of her body.

Taking control of Kianna's arms, the doctor hummed quietly to herself as she felt along Kianna's neck and stomach.

“Hm... Some obvious fatigue... With very localized sources of pain... Thankfully the rest of you does feel perfectly normal... Strong heartbeat, clear lungs and all of your senses seem to be working...” mused Dr. Creek as she thoughtfully nodded Kianna's head while opening and closing her fists and lifting one leg after the other into the air “Yes... I think I may have an idea of what's going on here...”

Kianna took in a light gasping breath as Dr. Creek's misty form began to rise up and out of her body.

Once she had reformed herself, Dr. Creek turned back to Kianna and looked at her collar before shifting her gaze to Anton.

“Mr. North, according to the information that you have provided to us, you are a human, correct?” she asked as she looked him up and down.

“Yes, I am.” nodded Anton.

Nodding, Dr. Creek turned back to Kianna and placed her hand across her forehead to again assess her temperature.

“And Miss Vale, you are an actual dark elf, correct?” questioned the doctor “You aren't simply using magic to appear as one, are you?”

“No. I'm really a dark elf.” answered Kianna.

“I see.” nodded Dr. Creek “And for how long now have you been a charge of Mr. North?”

“Um, charge?” questioned Kianna “What do you mean by that?”

“...Ah, I mean, how long have you been under his care? How long have you been his slave?” explained the doctor.

“Oh, uh, not very long?” said Kianna as she creased her brow in thought “Like... a week and half now? Maybe a little longer?”

“Mm hm... And how do you feel about him?” asked the doctor “Do you feel he mistreats you? Or do you feel he cares for you?”

“No, he doesn't mistreat me, he cares about me.” said Kianna.

“I see, good.” nodded the doctor “And has he ever disciplined you?”

“...Yeah, he has.” mumbled Kianna “But only when I did something first. He doesn't punish me for fun, or for no reason.”

“I see...” mused the doctor “And was he intense when he disciplined you? Do you fear him now?”

“...He can be really intense sometimes, but even then he's still very caring.” explained the dark elf “And no. I'm not afraid of him. I know he won't really hurt me. I feel safe with him.”

“Do you? Well good, that's very good. Now, have you ever been intimate with him?” asked the doctor.

“Yes, many times.” nodded Kianna as a slim grin formed across her face “We've been very intimate.”

“I see. And has kissing been a common part of that intimacy?” asked Dr. Creek.

“Yeah, we kiss a lot.” answered Kianna as she cocked one of her ears in a curious manner “Why do you ask?”

“Because I'm pretty sure that might be the cause of our problem.” said Dr. Creek as she looked over at Anton “You see, all people naturally harbor bacteria in their mouths that they'll inadvertently spread through kissing. Now normally this isn't a problem as most forms of bacteria that are spread this way will be destroyed by either saliva, stomach acid or via the bodies immune system. Unfortunately, human mouths in particular tend to play host to a plethora of very stringent bacteria that can survive being spread to other species.”

“Ah, that's right. Humankiss...” nodded Anton “I hadn't thought of that...”

“Humankiss?” questioned Kianna.

“Yes, that's the common name for the condition in which humans spread bacteria to their nonhuman partners by kissing them.” explained Dr. Creek “This can lead to infections and illnesses that are very similar to what you are experiences right now.”

“Ah, I'm so sorry, Kianna.” apologized Anton “I didn't mean to make you sick.”

Kianna's ears were pointed straight upwards as she began looking back and forth between Anton and Dr. Creek.

“You... So, wait...” she whimpered as her eyes suddenly became misty and a panicked expression spread across her face “Does this mean that we can't kiss anymore!?”

“Oh, no! No, no, child, it's okay. It doesn't mean that all...” soothed Dr. Creek as the teary eyed dark elf looked up at her floating form “This condition often results in just a mild infection, and rarely ever develops into anything major. You feel ill at the moment because your immune system is still currently learning how to fight against the bacteria that you've been exposed to. Once your body understands how to deal with these invaders though, it will stop reacting so dramatically. Or to put it in simpler terms, you just have to get used to Mr. North's particular set of germs, and then you'll be okay again. ...Does this make sense to you?”

“...Yes, okay, good!” sniffed Kianna as she wiped her eyes with the back of her hands “I just have to get over this then...”

“Yes. And of course we can make that easier for you.” reassured Dr. Creek as she placed her hand on Kianna's arm “I'll just need to get a sample real quick, and then I'll be able to prescribe a suitable anti-bacterial for you... Alright?”

“Okay, what kind of sample do you need?” asked Kianna.

“I think just a simple throat swab should be enough.” said Dr. Creek as she floated backwards to slip back into her robotic golem suit “If the problem continues then we can move on to a blood sample, but for now, we'll try to keep things easy.”

Once fully possessing her suit again, Dr. Creek raised her arm and as Kianna, Anton and Solassi watched, the fingers on her hand split apart and a series of different implements began to cycle in and out of her open digits until finally a long cotton swab appeared and stuck out from her index finger.

“This will feel a bit uncomfortable, but I promise it will be painless.” said Dr. Creek as she approached Kianna “I'm just going to rub this along the back of your throat really quick, so I need you to open your mouth and stick out your tongue for me, please.”

Hesitating for a brief moment, Kianna reluctantly opened her mouth and tried her best to stay relaxed as the doctor quickly but gently collected her sample and backed away.

“Alright then, we're all finished with that.” said Dr. Creek as her swab disappeared into her hand “Give me just a few minutes. I need to run some tests on this, so I can find out exactly what we're dealing with, and then I'll be right back.”

With that, both Solassi and the doctor left the room and returned about thirty odd minutes later.

“Alright, Miss Vale.” said Dr. Creek as she handed Kianna a prescription slip “I'm going to prescribe you some anti-bacterial pills that should do the trick. Take one of them once a day until they're all gone. Preferably before you go to sleep. They should help with knocking back the number of pathogens your system is trying to deal with and make it easier for you to develop the immunities you'll need to remain healthy. And for some immediate relief of your symptoms... I have this for you.”

“...A band-aid?” questioned Kianna as she squinted at the small wrapped item the doctor was handing her.

“No, no.” chuckled Dr. Creek “This is a dissoluble tab that you place on your tongue. It should help to relieve your swelling, pain and fever.”

“Oh, cool!” exclaimed Kianna as she began to unwrap the tab.

“Yes, though a word of caution. While this medication works quickly, it will make you extremely drowsy for about an hour or so after you take it.” explained Dr. Creek “So I don't suggest taking it until you'll have a chance to lay down for a bit.”

“Oh. Okay.” mumbled Kianna as her expression became disappointed.

“Well that shouldn't be a problem.” said Anton “Fiona and Mica still have their exams to take. So I'm sure we'll have enough time for you to get a little nap in while we wait for them.”

“Yes, that sounds like a good idea. And if you'd like to stay in this room, you're more than welcome to.” said Dr. Creek “I'm sure you'd be more comfortable in here than back out in the waiting area.”

“Oh, thank you.” said Anton “That's very kind, though are you sure you won't need the room?”

“Not for the time being.” said Dr. Creek “We'll go ahead and give Kianna some peace while we examine your other charges.”

“Sounds good.” said Anton as he went to follow Solassi and the doctor out of the room.

“...Wait, don't go!” called Kianna as she reached out and took hold of Anton's arm “Stay with me...”

Pausing, Anton gave her a soft smile and went to speak but stopped short as Dr. Creek began before him.

“That's fine. Go ahead and stay with her. I'll just be next door here, with... Mica.” said the doctor as she looked over her charts “She's a cubi, so I shouldn't need you for her. Though if there are any problems, or if I have any questions, then I'll just come back and speak with you.”

“...Well, alright. If you're sure.” said Anton as he stepped back to Kianna and put his arms around her “Just be aware though, the other two aren't quite as easy going as Kianna is.”

“Yes, so I understand.” said Dr. Creek “And to be safe, we will have Dr. Grainer examine the other dark elf.”

“Dr. Grainer?” questioned Anton.

“Yes, she is a banshee.” explained the doctor “So she will not be easily intimidated by your Fiona.”

“Ah, I see.” nodded Anton “Yes, that's probably for the best... Though still, let her know that Fiona can be a handful.”

“We will be cautious with her, and hopefully everything will remain civil.” said Dr. Creek.

“Yes, it, should...” mumbled Anton “Just let me know as soon as you have any problems.”

“Don't worry. We will.” said the doctor as she and Solassi left the room.

Alone now, and finding the examination table to be both uncomfortable and far too narrow for the two of them, Anton formed a long, slim hammock-like bowl shape out of his aura that was, while certainly cozy, still big enough for the two of them to lay together in.

Once the lights in the room had been turned down low and she was snuggled in next to Anton, Kianna placed the tasteless tab on her tongue and within minutes, she was fast asleep.

Settled in himself, Anton gazed up at the ceiling and trained his ears to any sounds that he could hear coming through the walls of the room. He sighed softly as he silently hoped that Fiona and Mica would behave themselves. Not exactly confident that he wouldn't be needed however, he decided it was best to remain awake and just wait for the potential commotions to suddenly start erupting from the rooms around him.

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