Scott watched them work for a moment then took Flora's hand. He was never part of Med-Sec, but it was still nostalgic to see the battle uniforms. The soldiers taking care of the injured girl were not deep operation units, but the type of mobile force that operated openly. Instead of the stealth camouflage of the ranger units, these soldiers wore full-body combat suits of a dark black and grey color. Uniform, indistinguishable save for the officer with the armband, they were a faceless force for security and life-saving.
The duo left the scene after a few more minutes and continued on their way. Soon, the sun hung low on the horizon as Scott and Flora stood in line at the ranger station. Unfortunately, most of the day campers decided to leave at roughly the same time. Now they were stuck waiting in a long line in order to use the transit point.
"I hope she will be alright," said Flora.
Scott slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. "Med-Sec is great at what they do. I think she'll make a full recovery despite the electrical damage."
Flora nodded then leaned into Scott's shoulder a little. "The guy with the baseball cap reminded me of my other masters."
It was Scott's turn to nod. "I don't doubt it. The restrictions for non-hunters are much lower unless the would-be master is trying to claim a military grade Crystallim as a pet."
"He was a battler though, right?" asked Flora.
"Yeah, but he was also an idiot," said Scott. "Originally, I thought he'd accidentally made a fool of himself and simply did not want to admit it. Now, I think it was no accident."
Flora slipped a vine around Scott's waist and drew closer to him. She did not know him well, yet, but he was already the best master she'd ever had. It was unlikely, in her opinion, that her former masters would have helped that girl in the way her master did. At most, they would have told a ranger about it and left her there. All things considered, she hoped this one kept her for a little while.
The line at the ranger station took quite a bit longer than Scott would have liked, but it would be worth it in the end. He did not feel like hiking over eighty miles back to town.
While the line steadily moved forward at its slow pace, the mildly dynamic duo took a moment to get to know each other a little better. Scott asked Flora more about herself in the hopes that she might actually answer. He was greatly surprised to discover that she actually did tell him more about her childhood.
“So, you were born at the Crystallim commune?” asked Scott. Flora nodded at him then smiled gently. It was a common expression for her. She seemed like a naturally gentle girl. It was hard to believe that her former masters disregarded her so readily.
“Yes, I was. My mother was human and my other mother was an Alraune,” said the girl. "I have no way to know who the sperm donor was, though."
"You regressed in the womb?" he asked.
"Yes, it was a breeding project. I was the happy result," she said.
A moment later she continued softly, "Though, since I was a Crystallim at birth I was considered a failure."
"There's no way you are a failure," said Scott.
Flora smiled a little then leaned against him. "As you say..."
“When is your birthday? We should throw a party.” It was impossible to tell how old a Crystallim was by looking at her. They were not really the form that appeared to human eyes. The age on their status information is their apparent age in physical human years. Rather, that is how old they looked. They could be several hundred years old, or only a day old. It was impossible to tell unless they told you or they were born to a human parent. The latter actually aged from an infant in appearance up to the normal adult appearance.
Their true form was a tiny chunk of crystal. However, Crystallim took on forms such as the one that Flora manifested in order to interact with humanity and the world. At one year old, an Alraune formed in the wild could be as sophisticated as any adult human, though she would no doubt be somewhat naive about the world. In a very real sense, they were born as adults, much like the tales of ancient gods and goddesses from old Earth.
Scott spent a moment thinking about the statue of Aphrodite in the GTN lobby. She was like the Crystallim in a way. Her creation story varied a bit depending on who told it, but the statue version depicted her being born from the sea foam and water while atop a clam shell. Just like the Crystallim, that ancient mythological figure was born as an adult.
“Who would attend? I have no friends other than you, master,” said Flora. She smiled gently, but the smile never reached her eyes.
Her sudden answer broke the man from his reverie. He kissed her softly on the cheek. “I’ll be there.”
She looked down, but her smile widened slightly. “You are sweet to me. I thank you.”
“It is easy to be sweet to you, Flora,” said Scott. He meant that, too. She was probably the nicest, and most gentle person that he'd ever met.
“Is that so?” She studied his face carefully for a moment. When she detected no insincerity, her smile brightened a little.
Scott reached down and clasped her hand. “Yes.”
“Perhaps I should be sweet to you as well?” asked the girl in a soft, but confident manner.
“I thought you already were,” he said.
The light green of her cheeks tinged slightly darker. She gripped his hand lightly then nodded. She had made a decision. However, instead of speaking her decision she decided to ask him about something else. “What do you think of the mermaid? Will she become my new sister?”
“I think so. We had a low resonance at first, but she seemed to open up to me quickly. I need to check to see exactly what breed she is, though. For all I know she might be a lesbian.”
“Somehow, I doubt that,” said Flora.
“True, if she was actually a lesbian, she would not have sparked with me at all,” said Scott.
Flora smiled, but said nothing. What was there to say about that, really?
***
A soft growl echoed through a posh apartment on the upper floor of one of the tallest buildings in America City. Alexis tossed another pink jacket to the side in disgust. "I have nothing to wear!"
Behind her there existed a pile of clothing that would have clothed a small village. Yet, she could not find the exact right outfit.
"You could have just used your room functions to change your outfit randomly till you found something, you know," said Ginger. Her tail lashed from side to side playfully while she watched her master go through so much trouble for a man she hardly knew.
"We tried that, remember?" asked Alexis petulantly. "Nothing came up worth wearing."
Ginger shook her head then rolled over on the bed. "You're over thinking this, you know."
"You know a lot about dating human men, huh?" asked Alexis with a smirk.
"About as much as you..." said the Cat Girl before rolling off the bed and bounding over to her friend's side, "Remember that one guy? You know, the one that had his brain implanted into a robot body?"
"Yeah... Robo-idiot, I remember," said Alexis before tossing aside a cute halter top.
"Well, he kept trying to chat me up to get to you. It was so weird," said Ginger.
"I can understand that. He creeped me out," replied Alexis before tossing a few more shirts out onto the pile.
"Thing is, he said the same thing as some of the other guys you were paired off with," said Ginger.
"Don't say it like that. I never even held hands with any of those losers," said Alexis before she pursed her lips and pressed them to the side. "Why don't I have anything to wear?"
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Still, he made a good point," said Ginger before she decided to dig into the pile to help her master search for cute casual clothing.
"Which was?" asked Alexis.
Ginger reached over and placed her hand on her friend's shoulder. "He didn't care what you wore as long as he could see cleavage."
"I'm not like that..." said Alexis with a frown.
"Would you like to be, if it's
the right guy?" asked Ginger.
Alexis coughed into her hand then looked away. "You know I would..."
Ginger handed her a simple white button down shirt. "This with the top three buttons left undone, a black mid-length skirt, the red heels, and total honesty."
"Might as well add a pearl necklace if I'm going that far," said Alexis with a laugh.
"Play your cards right, and he might," said Ginger with a saucy wink.
"Ginger!" exclaimed Alexis, properly scandalized.
"Have I been bad?" asked the Cat Girl cutely. She turned around and lashed her tail. "Do I need to be punished?"
"You'd love that too much. Maybe you should put that mouth of yours to better use than being a gossip?" asked Alexis with a grin.
Ginger clapped happily then nodded. Her vigorous nod turned to one of surprise when Alexis raised her arm and called out, "Karim!"
A bright blue light flared outward from the bracelet on her arm. It expanded into the form of a busty dark skinned girl with the lower body of a red octopus from her upper thighs down.
"What, hey!" cried Ginger when Karim's tentacles lashed out and snatched her up.
The Octina giggled lewdly and pulled Ginger to her soft pink lower region. "Here, fishy fishy..." she said.
"You're the sea food, you know," said Ginger just before her mouth was pressed into her harem sister's pink mound.
Karim gasped loudly and then moaned a little as Ginger's rough tongue began to tenderly trace the curve of her folds. Despite her lack of legs, her feminine attributes were entirely human. Only the position was a little different.
"Good kitty!" cried Karim as Ginger's rough tongue explored her sensual depths. The sneaky cat slipped her hands around to grip the girl's ass cheeks firmly. The muscles just below her humanoid booty were thick and powerful, but her ass was all human... and quite supple.
Ginger purred softly into the sweet pink mound, and Karim fell back onto the bed. "Oh, good kitty!"
Alexis watched her partners playing together with a smile. Karim was a perfect addition to the harem. She could satisfy several of the harem members at once with her tentacles, and thus free Alexis up to do other things.
Ginger gasped softly as Karim's tentacles slipped between her thighs. A soft suckling sensation pulled against her pussy in a sensual manner.
"I won't lose to you, kitty." said Karim with resolve.
"We'll see about that," said Ginger with a giggle.
Alexis smiled at them once more then turned away. Their sexy antics aside, what would she wear tonight? She had nothing. Nothing!
***
While Alexis complained mightily about her lack of wardrobe, Scott and Flora continued their wait at the ranger station. In order to pass the time while they waited, they continued to chat. Eventually, the topic came around to training.
“Now that I think about it... This would be a good time to check out her stats,” said Scott.
“I’m curious about that as well,” said Flora.
Scott nodded to her then placed a finger atop the blue Crystallim core on his bracer. “Show status.”
<<< Status >>>
Breed Name: Caesg | Evolution: Base | Rank: F
Age: 21 | Level: 1
EXP: 0 | EXP to Next Level: 34
Build: None
Owner: Scott Matthews
Vital Force: 35[E]
Attack: 5[E] | Defense: 4[F]
Strength: 4[F] | Agility: 6[D] | Vitality: 5[E]
Intellect: 3[F] | Resonance: 6[C]
<<< Special >>>
True Amphibian
She is capable of breathing on land and in the water with equal capacity.
Water Manipulation: [Type 1]
She is capable of manipulating a source of natural water through an innate elemental connection. This specialization allows for the development of water-based attacks. However, a body of water must be present. Her ability is strongest when immersed within water.
<<< Abilities >>>
Water Spear: [VF 4] Level 1 [F]
Shriek: [VF 12] Level 1 [F]
Tail Slap: [VF 1] Level 1 [E]
<<< Synchronization Gifts >>>
Passive:
+ 1 Agility
Water Manipulation
Active:
None
<<< * >>>
“Hmm, pretty basic for the most part,” said Scott. She seemed like a nice girl, but she needed to be trained properly. She was F-Rank with average stats for her breed and level. Only her resonance grade showed any real sign of above average growth for her breed. Scott authorized Flora to see the status screen and she took a look.
“Caesg?” asked Flora.
“Ah, a breed of mermaid named for their resemblance to mythological creatures from old Earth. They were a kind of mermaid from the Northwestern part of the continent of Europe. I think they were supposed to be beautiful woman who had the lower body of a salmon,” said Scott.
He thought that was correct. Part of his job as a hunter was to memorize little tidbits of information such as that. “Here, let me check her breed entry. That will tell us.”
“Oh, sounds good. Can you tell me what mine says as well?” asked Flora.
“Sure,” said Scott. He called up the breed entry information for the Caesg first. When the screen popped up he authorized Flora to view the new information as well.
<<< Entry #014 >>>
Breed Name: Caesg
Family: Mermaid
Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and sea shores.
Appearance: Inhuman [Type III]
The Caesg is a breed of mermaid known for their shyness in the wild. They are drawn to humanity, but they will normally avoid interacting with humans unless drawn out in some way. However, if they are hungry or have been hurt by a human before they can become voracious man-eaters. They are dangerous in the wilds and should not be fought in the water unless there is no choice. If a water-based battle must be waged, use powerful lightning or water Crystallim if possible.
The Caesg breed is shy around people who they do not known when Lucid, but they are frequently interested in being intimate with a trusted person. They do not like crowds. However, it should be noted that most Caesg seem to socialize well in a group setting if their master is both present, and liked.
Typically, the Caesg breed resembles a hybrid of a beautiful woman and a fish. The most common form of Caesg is a half human, half salmon, Crystallim. Unlike some other forms of mermaid Crystallim, she cannot grow legs on land until she has at least evolved into a tier-two form.
Side Note: The Caesg breed typically prefers human males over human females when it comes to masters. However, they also tend to be much shier around human males and often refer to them as either mean or nice boys.
Caution: Caesg frequently become sexually aggressive during a full-moon event.
<<< * >>>
“Oh? So, during a full moon I may have to protect you from her aggressiveness...” said Flora in a matter-of-fact tone.
“You plan to protect me, Flora?” asked Scott with a smile.
The Alraune nodded to him. “Of course, master. If you become chafe and exhausted, I will be bored and lonely.”
Scott laughed at her confident response and she smiled her serene smile. The hunter shook his head then called up her breed information and showed it to her.
<<< Entry #04 >>>
Breed Name: Alraune
Family: Alraune
Habitat: Grasslands, fields, forests
Appearance: Humanoid [Type II] - Inhuman Type [IV]
The Alraune is the namesake of the Alraune family, and the primary form of plant-based Crystallim. This breed of Crystallim can come in a wide variety of forms that range from nearly human in appearance to a plant with vaguely human characteristics such as a face and breasts.
The personality range of this breed is extraordinary as well, and largely relates to the type of plant they are based on. For example, a carnivorous plant type of Alraune is f
requently devious and alluring. A flower based Alraune is often sweet and fragrant.
Due to the wide variety of body types, this breed is considered too variable to accurately cite in terms of personality. However, all Alraune seem to enjoy it when their master sings for them and like to wrap them in their vines or roots.
Caution: Wild Alraune vary between reclusive to openly predatory. Many Alraune Nightmares like to entrap and eat live prey. Humans are considered to be live prey on a frequent basis.
<<< * >>>
“You... Want me to sing for you?” asked Scott.
Flora giggled softly then opened her arms up. “I would like that very much.”
“Somehow, I doubt you would say that if you ever heard me sing,” replied Scott.
The Alraune laughed happily then shook her head. “I would not care if other people said that you sound terrible. For me, it would be something to cherish.”
Scott slipped his arms around his sweet natured friend and held her close. She smiled her serene smile then began to wrap him in her vines. Whenever she was coiled around him, she felt safe and warm.
They stood there surrounded by a sea of humanity, but as far as they were concerned the only people in that line were an Alraune and her human. Relationships were an interesting thing to witness. When people are in one and can feel the love, it is a heartwarming thing to bear witness to the love of others. When people are miserable and alone, they may become hostile upon witnessing such sugary sweetness.
Thankfully, on the world of Galataea, finding love is often as simple as taking a walk and then fighting for survival. Well, that might not sound simple but it is easy to find someone to love. The world is littered with tiny little crystal souls who only want to cuddle with someone who cares for them. In truth, an individual needed to be a special sort of hateful not to be able to easily find someone to love.
Galataea Crystallim Core 1 Page 13
