Atlantis

[Apollymi]

The lad finished his bath, and whatever was on Tatsuki's mind would eventually be left alone as he joined her within the tub. It seemed he maintained some curiosity about what was going on within the tub, and he hadn't looked at her at all during her shower. She could be quite sure of that last bit because he wouldn't have asked such a thing with enough information to formulate his own conclusions. "No." she said in a manner that she knew to be too short. "Water that isn't part of me, is repelled by my presence." These words left her mouth and she shifted her body towards his as he began submerging himself in the water. "It cannot touch me, so it moves around me..." she explained of the bubbling currently present within the once still water. "Even when I am not trying to make it so," she explained, about her lack of intention to cause such an interaction. To prove this further she reached for the lad and touched his bare chest. Doing so wouldn't evoke any extra pressure magical or otherwise because she allowed his skin to touch hers. That being said water droplets on his skin that would have made contact with her, seemed to move away from the spot she placed her hand. After this little demonstration she aimed to settle again, this time somewhere near the white haired lad.

[Bloodedge]

Tatsuki drew closer, offering to Kou an explanation of what occurred with the water around her. He looked to the Dragonoid, then to the bath itself. It was odd, as far as he was concerned. Even her example using the water droplets on his torso... just didn't seem to function to its maximum potential. "Really? I would expect it to be absorbed into yours," he theorized. What sort of quality did this Dragonoid's water have to reject other sources? As he leaned against the inner wall of the bath, he reflected on this. It seemed now that he was relaxed, he was back to having thoughts about game mechanics, or rather mechanics of reality in this case. "Are you able to reverse that? Miki has that absorption ability, so she doesn't have to expend a lot of Mana. Can you... consume water and become stronger for it?"

[Apollymi]

Tatsuki and Kou began having a conversation concerning the flow of energy and the functionality of her barrier skill. He seemed to be thinking about the way it could work and had the idea that the lass could be absorbing water instead of repelling it to strengthen herself. Her face shifted backward in a strange way, something about the idea of absorbing lesser water for power was disgusting. "I am the Torrent Dragon, who controls the tides of the world. Ebb and Flow..." she said indignantly. She held her hand out before her and pushed against they water the were in, causing a break in the bubbles around them, and then using the same magic pulled it back towards herself but still she rejected it from absorbing into herself. Something about the title would explain the lass' stance on water, as it should be controlled in violent outbursts not simply absorbed in her. Specifically Dragons as far as they were concerned created the pinnacle of whatever element they controlled. Tatsuki wouldn't simply absorb water, she'd have to dominate it to even feel remotely like taking it into herself was a worthwhile endeavor. Or it would have to be equal to her, and that wasn't really possible in her own mind. As for the mention of the way Miki's abilities work and how the lass was made stronger by it, such a thing was admirable of her other self. "The girl with a Dragon's Greed, possessing all she can because she hasn't the power to make it yet. Such is sensible... respectable even," she commented. Actually after saying such a sentence, she realized Dragon qualities were central in people who possessed them. Though a Dragon wouldn't take into themselves something lesser, taking ownership of something or dominating it in someway was more acceptable to Tatsuki.

[Bloodedge]

It soon became clear that Tatsuki possessed the ability to take outside water sources into herself, though she outright refused to do so. This came with an acknowledgement of Miki's ability, along with the comparison of that to a Dragon's doings, yet still nothing toward Kou's suggestion. "Sure, you can be that... but what happens when you run out of energy? You're a Dragonoid, right? Your Mana reserves seem massive, but... not infinite." Kou's words were simple factoids derived from his experience with game lore in Age of Eternity. It was very possible for even a Dragonoid to play an entire Raid as the only DPS class in a Party, yet support was necessary at some point. Of course, he'd never seen this necessity arise himself, but this wasn't the game. If they entered a Raid here, there was a very real chance there would be other challenges waiting just outside. "I can understand that you don't need it, but would you use it if it became necessary?"

[Apollymi]

Kou's questions came in the form of strategizing. Information he remembered from the game he'd once played as well as very real scenarios. True enough she wasn't a True Dragon in that sense she was lesser than one, but she wasn't nearly in any danger from the actions they could or would take anytime soon. A soft chuckle escaped the lass as she shifted slightly to look the lad in the eye, her mate worried for her safety, as he should. "If you worry for my safety it is unnecessary," she said calmly. "But if it will set you at ease, no I wouldn't die for my pride... I'd dominate an external water source, if it were required for me to keep living, though whatever made such a thing necessary would need to die. It would be an insult to my existence..." she said softly, having reached with her left hand to rub the side of this lad's face rather possessively. "Or maybe even to show someone stupid enough to use water against me how low they are..." she mentioned. There were odd quirks to this Dragonoid's personality that last one of using someone's own abilities against them being one that went a bit deeper than Tatsuki herself. Whatever the case, this was the sort of care a Dragon expected from their mate and in all forms this lad had exactly this... she was right in her choice as this was an overtly obvious part of his own personality, the one who created Kou and Akashi.

[Bloodedge]

Well, that was at least comforting. It would be a shame if the existence of Ookimichan were to be felled by the pride of a Dragon, who simply chose not to go the route of continued survival. He could rest easy on that note, and rest, he would. Kou's body sank deeper into the bathwater as he exhaled a sigh, though he didn't realize the intensity of his own concern.

Suddenly, the Dragonoid's hand was upon his face, in what could be considered a rather doting manner. It was strange, and yet somehow comforting when paired with her admittance of survival by sacrifice of pride. His eyes widened, then closed. "Sou ka. If that's the choice, then they may as well die. Sometimes... killing can be necessary," he said as his eyes opened again, though only slightly when they did. Kou himself bore the eyes of a killer in some respect, and it went far beyond his existence in this world. Had he taken life in his previous existence? Not directly, no. He did, however, take the blame for doing so... but such was a matter he'd not discussed. "Atlantis is safe. What now?"

[Apollymi]

Apparently the knowledge that the Dragonoid wouldn't purposefully get her selves killed was a thought her mate could rest easy on. Knowing this she continued her doting behavior, only to hear words from a boy who was once human in such a way that they almost didn't make sense. She saw within him the eyes of a killer and she respected it. Not many could take such responsibility unto themselves and suffer for the sake of others. And killing someone or yourself for the sake of someone were among the strongest things any one person could do. Perhaps this wasn't a thought of Tatsuki herself who would have enjoyed such things from simply an instinctual place. No. This thought belonged to the other...

She relaxed soon enough in the water as well, wrapping her tail around the lad from his side and leaning against him in a manner more akin to reliance than a Dragon would normally show. When asked what to do now that Atlantis was safe she gave a gentle thought to some options which had floated around in her other minds. "Waiting for the return of the other members of our party," she said knowing that Karna and Hikari had yet to return. "Some sort of celebration usually comes along with this... work you all engage in. The Little Mermaid will think of one soon enough..." she said calmly. "And furthering the general goals in some way... though I am not sure exactly what way..." she said softly. The thoughts of her other selves weren't quite as clear to her as her own. There was one other thing which she needed to do, and she had it in mind already. "But first I have something for you when you're done with your bath..." she said as bubbles shifted around her. She let herself experience something closer to relaxation in this moment. And would until such a time where she would be standing outside of the tub, waiting on him to stand naked before her. After all, she had to make sure her mate was ready for the next set of challenges he would face without the disgustingly low quality gear he'd been wearing before. Dragons were more, and deserved more... as he would find out soon enough.

[Bloodedge]

"... Sou ka," Kou said as his eyes rose to the ceiling. Yes, that seemed the reasonable path in the wake of changing a kingdom's structure. Seriri would also have to be dealing with her Parliament situation, though she was likely already in the process of doing just that. Moving on, the Dragonoid's tail made contact with him again, albeit in what seemed to be less of a possessive manner than the previous times. She said she had something for him, and he wondered what. For the moment though, he was content to relax in this bath, and work toward silencing his busy mind.

Soon enough, he was ready. Kou stood next to the bath, bare as the day he was born in his original life. His bath was done, but what exactly did Tatsuki have to offer him? "You said you had something?"

[Apollymi]

When Kou left the bath and stood before her, Tatsuki stared at the lad rather directly, taking in the whole of his form in such a way for several seconds longer than most would have thought necessary. The intensity of her gaze was necessary though, because what she had planned required a bit more effort from her than most things she did. "I do." she said about having something for him. She stepped towards the lad her hand extended seeming to vibrate with magic before her, similar to how she'd eroded away his clothing, she magically replaced it. The gear she gave him was suited like an upgrade of that which he'd always wore, with a few minor stylistic modifications. What was important was the quality of this creation which was Legendary without a doubt. Beyond all of that it would give him passive temperature regulation not unlike that found within the waters created from Tatsuki's own body. The Black Market, the seamstress... hell even fully maxed players could find themselves easily envious of this lad's new gear. There were so many abilities and skills worked into this gear, that it likely wouldn't be obvious what all the others were for quite some time. He would also find himself incapable of being felled by waters unequal to those created by Tatsuki and able to absorb them per their previous conversation. "There." she said going back to staring, appreciating her own work.

[Bloodedge]

Kou would soon discover exactly what Tatsuki had planned for this gift of hers. When she approached, she stared at the lad for a rather long time. He wouldn't have thought this necessary, but he recalled the moment in which she rejected the idea of a seamstress. Suddenly, multiple things registered in his mind. Miki had been dressed differently for the short time they'd seen each other. Could that have been the doing of Akashi? He remembered the initial design of Akashi, and the cloak Miki had been wearing was very similar to the Dragonoid's.

In a matter of moments, Kou was receiving an enchantment of clothing, so to speak. The fit was like that of his previous attire, but advanced in numerous ways he couldn't begin to explain. Even a bit of asymmetry had been added to his ensemble, in the form of an additional sleeve to his left. He felt... comfortable, not due to the clothes themselves, but due to the lack of odd temperatures he felt. Normally, one would be a bit colder after leaving the bath, yet he felt nothing. "Sugoi..." he said, taking the time to view himself and the gear's enchantments. His eyes widened immediately; the number of things in his Nexus Vision were so great, he'd have thought there were numerous weapons equipped to his person at the time. "A-... Arigatou..." What else could he even say? There was certainly no way of repaying this, and nothing he could really do for a being capable of this feat in general. All he could do was accept with his gratitude.

Continue the Side Adventure Here.

[Apollymi]

Tatsuki watched the lad's face as he inspected the gear so recently created for him. It seemed he understood the nature of this gift and even had gratitude to offer the Dragonoid. She stared at him for a few seconds, and was oddly pleased by this thanks. A knowing and superior smirk appeared on her face as she leaned into him and pecked his lips in a manner rather innocent though she was still naked. "You're welcome." These were the only words spoken by the lass before she leaned back. Her own body seemed to be splashed by water, and all of her clothing was restored in the same way it had been before she'd begun removing it. Armor pieces, lingerie and lace, decorated her body her torso still obviously visible as was the large open space between her thighs. She'd aim to slip her fingers between this lads interlacing their fingers. "Come..." she commented content to leave the bath and continue spending time with the lad. In so much as such a thing would last. Tatsuki understood her time as the dominate avatar was limited and she also knew that the original would stir soon.

Soon being a day later. Some six days after their original arrival in Atlantis early near the time of waking for the more human beings. Tatsuki's consciousness had faded. And what was left was Miki. The blonde lass stirred her eyes closed palming her own head. "Ugh..." she muttered. Her brain felt like it'd been split in half, and she couldn't keep straight anything in her mind. It was as if the previous two days had been taken from her, but she found herself oddly comfortable, in the physical sense. She could only wonder why... her groan having stopped she moved her legs against each other, shifting ever so slightly, as if she was trying to burrow further into the comfort she presently felt. That same day, Hikari approached with a giant wolf. They'd finally made their way back to Atlantis after having to take a detour, but some six days later, the whole of the kingdom looked very different than she remembered. The giant dire wolf padded along as the girl made observations aloud her ears twitching at the amount of hustle and bustle currently present. "Oi, the fuck happened here. It hasn't even been a week and this place looks like a fucking Utopia!" she said seemingly stunned by the shift. Everything was happening as they took the Path of the Guardians back down to this place. There was no danger present, there were children playing, Man and Mer conducting business... such a thing was kind of jarring considering the nature of this place when they'd first arrived.

[Bloodedge]

And so, they reached the end of their time in the bath, and went about their daily activities. On another day, Kou would be found unconscious in a proper bed offered by Queen Seriri of Atlantis. He wasn't alone, of course. The previous night, he had fallen asleep on his side, nestled against the bosom of the Dragonoid Tatsuki, presumably by the latter's choice. As Miki moved, he felt nothing. The lad with ashen hair was completely out of it, even going so far as drooling upon Tatsuki's - now Miki's - breasts. He was still fully clothed, even; he'd simply passed out this way.

In the meantime, Hikari returned to Atlantis with the Direwolf in her company. Also with this pair was none other than Karna, who seemed as generally displeased as ever. What a tedious trip that was. They had gone to the Black Forest, returned to the Dungeon leading to Atlantis, all to have the Dungeon close while they were in it! They had eventually discovered the Path of Guardians, a proper entry to Atlantis, but even that had taken a couple of days from all the searching for an alternate entrance. Karna couldn't even be bothered to care about the situation in Atlantis itself; he was far too engrossed in his annoyance. "Fuckin' place could have been like this from the start. They should have put a sign up to point out the giant tunnel we just took."

[Apollymi]

Miki due to her own transformation was also fully clothed. The lad resting against her bosom was indeed drooling on her, but she couldn't really feel her body like that, and she wouldn't have minded regardless. The pain in her head, caused her to drift just a little back towards sleep. The body next to hers was one which caused her the greatest comfort. Her legs interlaced with his as she gave a gentle whimper. She wouldn't resist such comfort even while being at least partly aware that the lad would likely pull away as soon as he gained consciousness. 'I'll just drift back off until this headache goes away...' she mentally mused. All the while her body found the most comfortable still position against this lad as her arm wrapped around him.

The Direwolf, though it could speak did not as these two discussed what they wanted. He did however scent the air, confirming for himself that his mistress was indeed present here. A gentle wag of his tail was seen and some pep was added to his step. "Sou ka, you're pretty excited then, huh?" she said of the wolf giving it a bit of a pet. She liked it, much like she knew she would. Karna's antics and general discontent didn't seem to phase her at all. "Dick-sensei, you gotta calm down. That's too much stress just because of a few mishaps. Look there's Boobs~" she said as they approached the Palace. Within Seriri was moving full speed ahead, only pausing to notice the trio of beings because it'd been a while since she'd seen them. "Oh, Karna-kun, Hikari-chan, you're back! Okae! Kimi and Kou are still sleeping though... They should be up soon." she said happily. "How was your trip?" she asked of them.

[Bloodedge]

"A few mishaps in something I was stupid enough to sign up for. I could have stayed here with..." Karna's clause came to a sudden halt when Hikari pointed out the entity ahead of them. Well, the queen happened to be what he was prepared to refer to. "Those." With that said, he offered a mock bow to the woman. "Tadaima, Paizuri-chan.~"

Disappointingly, the queen's introductory statement involved curiosities toward the nature of their trip. Karna scoffed immediately, turning his head away from the woman in disgust. "It was shit," he said plainly, and that was precisely how he saw it. The only thing he even got from the journey was a decent enough view of an NPC, or rather a native to this world. "Wake them up if they're sleeping. Kids can't just have their naps before their medicine."

[Apollymi]

A smile crossed Seriri's face. This lad was beyond funny to her, even if he chose to address her by the massive amount of chest she'd chosen for this Avatar. Besides all that according to Karna the trip had been bad, and he demanded that she wake the other pair of Adventurer's claiming that kid's shouldn't sleep before taking their medicine. Hikari also had input of the childish sort. "Damn right, wake 'em up. I didn't go through all of this not to be appreciated. Also this Direwolf belongs to Miki-nee. So, I have to give it to her to complete my quest!" she said seemingly distraught that the pair was somehow sleeping. "Uh..." there was a pause from Queen Seriri. "Kimi wasn't Miki when she went to sleep... so you might have to wait on that Hikari-chan..." she said very carefully. "For that same reason... I don't really want to wake them up," she said about the pair sleeping in a room down the hall right behind the throne. Her eyes shifted to the wolf and even without Nexus vision she had something keen to say after a second of observation. "She named him Youko... didn't she?" she commented knowing her friend and her tastes enough to get the reference of a white wolf battle mount. "Yeah... but what do you mean she wasn't Miki-nee. Who the fuck was she then?" Hikari seemed to be missing key information. Seriri would explain softly. "Oh, Kimi had a bout with the Devouring the other day. And I switched her to her Dragonoid's Avatar. When they went to sleep last night, she was still... Tatsuki. I am not afraid of her per se... but I don't want to wake a sleeping Dragon... again. They're in that first room behind the throne." said Seriri who absently placed her finger against her nose. Hikari knew this game and did it as well. After all, nose goes... as the girls tried to collaborate to vote Karna to be the waker of the potentially dangerous adventurers.