A/N: Hey guys remember me? I predicted that this would be a slow story. I'm so sorry TvT. I got stuck on a lot of things when writing this chapter thus ending up with it shorter than what I would have liked. But I hope you all like it just as much. Thank you all for you're wonderful patience. Honestly it's the support that motivates me to write more.
All grammar mistakes are mine. I fix them whenever I get the chance.
Disclaimer: I only own my OC('s) and plot changes
Chapter 5
Rise of the Marianna Protection Guild
(No One's POV)
"Alright! Let's go over this one more time!" Miia Lamiia was in front of a large mobile white board with several pictures of the house occupants (Mari in particular). She was currently giving instructions to her fellow extra species house mates.
"Rule 1, we must not harm any human or members of other species, no matter how much they deserve it," she glared at the picture of the racist couple with several crude graffiti effects in the corner.
"Rule 2, we must stay with our host family at ALL times!" She looked to see both Cerea and Papi giving her their full attention.
"Rule 3, at all costs we must protect her from anything and everything that might hurt her!" They nod in agreement.
"And finally Rule 4, the most important one of all!" The other two leaned in closer, "As I am the first home stay, I get to have privileges!" Miia then begins doodling pictures of her and Mari with hearts in every blank space on the board.
"Do not make up the rules as you go", Centorea sneered, "We all agreed on the rules before hand, this is merely a reminder".
It had been two weeks since the motorcycle incident and thankfully things have been going rather smoothly. Mari had finally been allowed to leave her room, without constantly being monitored by her three housemates. She had gotten used to the cast but still needed help around the kitchen. Since the incident, the three liminials decided to work together to protect their precious caretaker. Papi called it the 'Mari Protection Squad' (which the other two didn't find it half bad). But despite that they now are working together, that didn't mean they had to get along.
The argument was interrupted as the protectee in question walked in the door. Giving them all a smile she walked over to the whiteboard. When she noticed the drawings she looked at Miia with a questioning look. The lamiia could only blush in embarrassment causing her to chuckle. The other three stayed quiet to listen to the heavenly sound.
"As much as I hate to interrupt your show and tell girls, lunch is ready and waiting".
"Yay! Food!" Papi squeals as she leaps from her seat on the ottoman. "What's for lunch? What's for lunch?"
"Soup and sandwiches, with some salad" Papi pouted at the mention of the salad. "Don't worry Papi I made you an extra special one", Mari giggled knowing her harpy's antics.
"What is it? What is it? Tell me! Please". Mari giggled again. Miia was aghast. Papi only ever used manners around Mari. No matter how much she tried she always seemed to 'forget' them around her alone.
"You'll have to find out now, won't you", Papi squealed as she rushed passed her to the dining room. She loved surprises. Cerea looked to her in concern.
"Were you cooking by yourself again, Mistress? Why didn't you come and get us?"
"Well I didn't want to interrupt you guys and Kuroko dropped by again and offered to help". Cerea couldn't help but smirk. Over the past fortnight Ms. Smith had stopped by daily to 'check up' on Mari and help with the cooking and even some of the cleaning around the house. Miia noticed it too. Although her teasing and constant need to fill a bottomless pit were still there, Mari had Smith wrapped around her fingers. She even let her call her Kuroko, within house walls of course. The funniest thing about it was that Mari didn't even notice her coordinators sudden big change of heart. Unbeknownst to them however, was that Kuroko Smith was taught in the fine (and harsh) act of manners. She finds 'The Hard Glare' very hard to ignore and also, rather alluring. Not that she'll admit that to anyone of course.
Lunch was delicious as usual. Due to the injury, Mari had been going through a kind of food experimental stage. She always tried to make more than she should. It's a good thing everyone else in the house had bottomless pits for stomachs.
Though soup, sandwiches and salads sounds rather simple, they did describe the smorgasbord of food on the large dining table;
As the soup had to be vegetarian for Cerea's sake she made a Thai curry vegetable soup, with the soup Cerea also got her spinach and ricotta grilled cheese, Miia got her egg salad, and Papi got chicken and bacon ranch pinwheels as she loved the them so much. Mari and Smith shared the jalapeño pepper grilled cheeses. Papi got to have her special surprise BLT pasta salad while the others shared the large tossed salad. Not that they minded, Mari made the best salad dressings. Let's just say that we're all jealous.
"So Mari, how are the exercises going?" Smith asked as she helped herself to another sandwich. Who knew she liked jalapeños this much? She liked the little kick it gave. Almost as good as coffee... scratch that coffee is still best!
"Mistress has been making exceptional progress Smith-sama. Her endurance level in particular has been going rather well. Not to mention how flexible she is". Cerea had taken it upon herself to help her Mistress with her morning stretches and walk. She used to tire really easily a while ago due to the sudden stop in routine, but she's getting there.
Mari however blushed trying not to think about what happened this morning. She had let Cerea take her jog after they returned to the house as she refuse to do so in favour of staying by her Mistress's side. She must have fallen asleep because when she went to take her shower she accidentally walked in on a naked bathing Cerea. Both were beyond embarrassed.
Smith merely chuckled at her reaction. "Mari-chan, Darling, I must commend you on this exquisite lunch! It's..." She leans in towards her ear and whispers,'delicious' causing the girl in question to sputter and choke slightly on her soup.
"Whu-what are you saying Kuroko? You helped make it!"
"True, but it was to your instructions. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks so". She looks over the others asking for the opinion.
Papi looks up from her big bowl of blt pasta salad, the sauce covering her face. "Best. Salad. EVER!" she exclaims as she buries her face back into the bowl.
Cerea smiles and nods with a slight blush as she takes her third helping of the tossed salad. Miia decided to be daring as she wiped some curry sauce from her mouth while slightly poking out her forked tongue (without anyone else seeing of course).
"Besides", Smith leaned down once again to whisper coyly to the younger girl, "I was just an extra pair of hands". She smirks at the girl's bright red face, clearly understanding the innuendo. It seems she is the only one who feels the predatorial jealously emanating from the three extra species.
Mari's POV
After lunch we all went out to (finally) sort out the vegetable garden. We went down the hill to the large open grass area before the forest. I was of course limited to do anything. I helped Cerea mark out the places to prepare then got Kuroko to look at the water mill for any ideas and sent Papi to help as well as the courier for the water, and got Miia to help me organise the seeds.
We managed to separate all the seeds into groups then into individual pots. We had a range of vegetables, fruit and even some herbs and spices. All has been going so well. *Clank* well, sssssssugar! Of course I had to knock something over! It wouldn't be normal if I didn't now would it? Although this time it seemed that the watering can was the target. With that I bend down to get it. Of course my arm happens to be too short to grab it, forcing me on my knees to arch my way under the tables to get the blasted thing. I hear a slight gasp from Miia, but it puzzles me to wonder why exactly.
"Hi Wifey!" Papi's much too sudden appearance causes me to instinctively jump up making me bang my head from under the table in the process. Dazed, I crawl out from under the table and make to stand up again, only to hit my head off Papi's half water-filled bucket causing its contents to spill on my head. Great. Now I have a sore head and I'm soaked. I open my eyes to see a red-faced Miia looking away shyly, Papi hovering beside me with a big childish grin, and Kuroko sniggering behind her. One glare got her to stop however.
"My Dear, I regret to inform you that I have been summoned elsewhere for my help. Some people just can't do things properly themselves. I'm afraid I won't be back until later today", Kuroko sighs sadly. She fishes out a stack of papers and turns to Miia.
"Now Miia, I want you to make sure that Cerea signs these papers for her homestay". She of course, fails to mention why they are so late. Miia notices however and begins to have a rather heated argument about it. Oh dear, I feel like I'm third wheeling a little.
"Hey, Wifey?" The welcoming voice of Papi distracts me from the argument.
"Yes Papi?"
"Why don't we go have a bath? You look a little cold. I'm sorry for making you all wet" she shyly fidgets in her spot as she looks at the ground. She has a point though. I am getting a little cold and a bath seems attractive right now.
"Sounds great!"
Beaming, she takes my hand and takes me to the bathroom where the tub is already filled. Miia must have forgotten her bath earlier. She usually runs it scalding and leaving it for a while so I could get in with her. But I guess we both forgot about it today. Handy for now though however. Checking the temperature, I find it just about right to warm yourself up.
"OK! Let's go!" Papi strips off dramatically leaps into the tub. I can't help but sigh and shake my head. After living with her for more than two weeks, I have gotten used to her usual antics. As it may be however I don't stand around staring at her naked. So turning around I begin to undress myself.
"Oh no you don't!" Papi doesn't give me the chance however as she grabs me from behind and pulls me in.
"Papi! Why didn't you let me undress?" I yelp at her, now completely soaked yet again.
"Because this way you and your clothes will get warm~" she hums. Of course. Papi sense is always rather simple.
Looking up at the ceiling I notice that she's holding me like an otter parent. She's floating on her back while I'm lying on top of her. It feels quite nice actually. Feeling her shift her wing, I see her gently rubbing my cast with her clawed thumb.
"Does it hurt?" She whispers. Her voice strangely quiet with a new concern.
"Mm-mm", I nearly feel the blush she gets when I shake my head resting between her petite breasts. "It doesn't hurt. It tingles sometimes, and gets a little numb. But it really just feels heavy".
"I'm sorry I couldn't protect you". It makes my heart ache to hear her voice crack a little. It turn to my own stomach to see her face. Unshed tears in her cute brown eyes.
"No Papi, it's OK", I reach my good hand to cup her cheek. "You didn't know what was going on. It's not your fault".
"But your my Wifey! It's my job to protect you!" She speaks with such passion that I can't help but swoon. Leaning forward I place a gentle but firm kiss between her brows.
"Thank you Papi. I really appreciate that".
Papi smiles again as she hugs me gently. Encasing me in her wet, but warm wings. Her face nuzzling into my damp hair. We stay like this for a little while before Papi stands up, still holding us together.
"Let's go dry off and change your clothes. We need to go back and he-" she's abruptly cut off by Cerea slamming the door into her back, effectively knocking her out.
"C-Cerea!?
Everything happened very quickly. One thing that I've noticed is that Cerea does like to run, from what experience I've had so far. What happened was, she briskly grabbed me and settled me on her back and ran off in the direction of the village. I didn't really notice my surroundings until she stopped. From what I could tell, we were at the entrance of the town diamond where the open market is usual set up. The grounds are currently barren of any stalls with only the cafes and bakeries keeping it lively. It's a lovely place really. Why are we here though?
"Are you well Mistress? Do you need to be warmed up?"
"Oh, no I'm alright. The wind had dried me as I was on your back".
"I see. Well then". She interrupts herself as she bends her back slightly to stretch, wincing slightly as she does.
"Are you alright?" I ask, clearly worried for her.
"Yes, yes, I'll be fine", I can tell she's lying. She blushes heavily whenever she does it to me. It happened when I ask her if she wants any vegetable treats. It's always fun to tease her when that happens.
"I'm just a little stiff from bending over for so long. I should have stretched before hand". That's right! I left her to finish marking out the boundaries by herself! Oh I feel terrible now!
"Where are you stiff?" I ask. I want to help.
"Just my lower back here", she gestures to the lower part of her human back. Not saying anything else, or giving her a warning, I slide back a little and start massaging the place she wher she needed it. (Not there you pervs!)
Cerea's POV
When I told her I was stiff I never suspected that she would do something like this! I shouldn't have said anything! It's not my place to complain such petty things to my Mistress! But it feels... so good! Maybe I should rescue her from handsy-harpies more often!
I can feel her dainty hand fold and knead into the still muscles of my lower back. No one has ever done this for me before! Usually I would just stretch, but this is so much better! It feels like I've risen to Olympus above! I begin to hear lewd noises and moans. Are they coming from me? Am I that much putty in her hands? Just thinking about it make me blush. Feeling her loosen the knots makes me breath heavily, feeling her rock and slide upon my extended back makes me blush and pant even more! This is so inappropriate! But it feels to good to stop her! Even with just one hand at her availability she's amazing!
She finds the biggest knot in my back and begins to massage it roughly. It's too much to bare! I my legs are unsettled, and my hands caress my arms to try and cope, but it's no use. When the knot is finally released, I can't help but make the loudest, contented, most lewd sound I never knew I could make. We surely must have attracted some nosy attention, but that does not matter at present. What matters is that I need to take a moment to calm myself from this heavy breathing.
"Cerea?" It appears that my beloved Mistress cares too much to let come down from this high. My face is unnaturally warm. I don't even want to look at myself at the moment!
"N-No! Please don't look! I do not know what kind of face I am making!"
"No! No! Don't shy away! I like your face", she gently turns my face to face hers. "It's very pretty". She flashes that adorable and dazzling smile at me. Many have commented on my face and breasts but non have sounded so sincere before. I barely notice as she hops down from my back to face me. It's only when I feel her soft dainty hand take hold of my larger more calloused one do I see her again. She smiles at me still and I can't help but smile contently in return.
But alas, our quiet moment of peace was shattered as it literally crashed from the sky. Using instinct and duty I swiftly pull my Mistress close in a protective hold, glaring at whatever dared to endanger her. I expected some sort of rogue, an assassin perhaps. A familiar discontented lamiia and dazed harpy were the last things I was expecting.
"Papi! What did you do that for?!", Miia whines as she rubs her sore behind.
"You told me to drop you here".
"I didn't mean it literally!"
Honestly, they can be such children. What are they even doing here? They know they are not supposed to outside the housing boundary on their own. I can't believe I am working with such beings in protecting my Mistress. The Lamiia turns to look at me. More so at who was held against me. I was holding my Mistress close with her face tucked into my upper (human) stomach. Her hands holding onto me as a reflex.
"CENTOREA!"
Curses.
Miia's POV
That stupid horse-bitch! This wasn't part of the plan. We agreed to protect her as a team! Not steal her away to yourself! Not only is this totally unfair, it's also pretty pathetic. So I swipe her away and hold her against myself. At least one of us has to do the job right.
"You stupid horse wh-woman! You stole my Sweetheart all the way out here just to get some alone time!? Do you know how dangerous that is for her?! And you're supposed to be the 'esteemed' centaur!" Did I mention that I was pissed?
She somehow manages to steal her back from me. "Cease thy tongue you foul-mouthed snake! Thou have no right to speak of me in such manner! I was simply doing my duties to protect my Mistress, and it seems that I am the only one to properly do so!"
How dare she! I have known her the longest, I know her dark secret, I'm the one she loves! I will not let this stuck up pea-brain take her away from me!
"Well, Papi will protect her Wifey while she can!"
"BACK OFF CHICKEN WINGS!"
(No Ones POV)
As the three inter-species girls were bickering amongst themselves, they failed to notice what was happening around them. Their escalated voices had scared off anyone passing by leaving the are barren but themselves. They also failed to notice the incoming of a familiar sleek black car.
The woman inside the black car was returning to the house but immediately stopped when she saw a familiar three causing a big public ruckus and escalating.
"Those idiots... Fine then!" She stopped her car and took out her tranquilliser gun to subdue them before any harm was done, "This is getting out of hand!"
Poor Marianna was pushed to the side as she cautiously watched her three housemates fight. Bullying pissed her off, domestic fighting frightened her. It brought back too many bad memories. She knew they bickered over their different views but this was taking it too far.
"WE WILL SETTLE THIS WITH FORCE!"
That was the last straw. The last thing she wanted was for everyone to get hurt. She knew it was her fault for letting it rise up to this. She'll stop it if she can.
"Stop fighting you three! Please!" She ran towards them in hopes that they'll see reason. However she unfortunately became a shield as three tranquilliser darts slammed into her small back in quick succession startling everyone to turn to her in shock. The narcotic from the darts quickely began mixing into her bloodstream. But with the presence of her pain medicine already in her bloodstream, it was too much for her small body to handle.
Her knees drop first followed by the rest of her body as she lies on the side of her good arm. The chemical reactions within her body cause her to vomit before blacking out.
For a brief moment, everything is is still, frozen. Too shocked to realise what had just happened.
"S-Sweetheart?!"
"Wifey?!"
"Mistress?!"
This snaps Smith out of her reverie as she immediately springs to action. Putting her gun away she kneels down to give Mari the ABC check. As she has just vomited she is in the proper position to prevent choking should she vomit again. She leans down to listen to her soft but slower than average breathing. Not too worrying, yet. Her cast is obviously something she can't loosen, but it'll have to do. Now to get to business.
"Centora!" The centaur stands to attention. "I need you to run as fast as you can to the house and call Dr. Minami!" She needn't say anymore as the centaur raced off in the direction of the house.
"Miia, in my car there is a box of tissues and cue-tips. Get both for me", Miia said nothing in protest as she went to the car to fetch said objects.
"Papi I need you to make some cool air. It's too warm out, it's bad for her".
Papi immediately responds by flapping her wings gently to fan cool air over Mari. "Will she be OK?" Her voice is childish but sounds very much like an adult with her gentle and concerned tone. Smith didn't get to answer as Mari began vomiting again. She gently rubbed her back to offer some comfort.
Miia returned with the tissues and cue-tips and sat down beside the coordinator. Smith got a cue-tip and dipped it into the vomit, she then gently wrapped it in a piece of tissue paper for testing later.
The blares of an ambulance was soon upon them. Dr. Minami was upon them also. She took Mari into the vehicle and got the vomit sample from Smith. Giving them a nod and a reassuring smile, the ambulance left to the city hospital.
With nothing left to say, Smith took the girls home.
*Later that night*
It wasn't until much later that night did Mari come home again. She'll be fine. Tired and sore of course, but alright. Currently she was sitting in the sitting room with Smith.
"Would you like anything Darling?" She asked her. Mari giggled a little.
"I'll be honest, I'm gasping for a cup of tea, but I'm only allowed water", she sighed. She wasn't allowed any beverage other than water for the time being. For now she's on lighter medicine but mustn't have anything else. Dr. Minami's orders. Well at least she didn't have to wear that awful cast anymore.
Smith offered her own hearty chuckle. The girl is so endearing yet she doesn't even try. The smile fades from her face as thinks back to what happened. "They were just mild tranquilizer darts, but getting hit by three, especially for you... I'm just grateful you are not much worse". Mari smiled in return.
Though she won't admit it out loud, Smith had grown to care for the younger girl greatly, especially after what happened with that motorist. It's the real reason why she has been spending more time around her. So she could protect her. But in the end it was she who had harmed her.
The sight and smell of a mug of fresh coffee snapped her out of her reverie. The mug was held out to her by none other than the one she was thinking of. How had she made that when she was here the whole time? Of course Mari seemed to read her like an open book.
"You were dazed for a while there. So I just thought you could use a cuppa. You seem tired". Honestly this girl was like an angel sent from heaven! Not only was she practically un-killable, but she also seemed to read through everyone. Not to mention her cuteness and heavenly singing voice. Smith can never stop thinking about it, not even when she's... never mind.
"Kuroko, where are the others? Usually they would have me surrounded", Smith didn't need to answer as the creaking sound of an opening door answered for her. Of course they were there. They may not have been in the room, but they certainly weren't far.
"What are you all doing out there? Come on in here where it's warm", Mari beckoned. They were a little reluctant to come in but they did regardless. "Now what's gotten you all upset?"
"Well..."Miia of course was the one to lead, "It was because we all started fighting, that you got hurt".
"Papi is sorry Wifey, really really sorry".
"I have sworn to be your dependable servant Mistress, yet I have failed you".
"We all agreed to make sure that you wouldn't get hurt again, that we would always be there to protect you from anything!" Miia's eyes begin to water. "But in the end, it was us who had hurt you". She swallowed the lump in her throat and continued.
"So that's why we have come to another agreement. That we are not going to cause you any more trouble. We have decided that we are all going to hold ourselves back from now on!"
Mari was confused, "Hold back?"
"Yes, Papi won't ask you to bath with her anymore, or ask for too many cuddles or play treasure hunt outside".
"And I won't use such harsh methods when retrieving you like that again..." All three looked to the ground both in shame and to hide their rising tears. They can't believe they messed up so greatly.
"Now hold on just a minute!" Mari began startling the others. Did she just raise her voice? "What on earth are you all talking about?" She moves to stand up from her seat while muttering, from what Smith could make out 'Dear, dear, dear, dear, dear'.
"It's true that you do go overboard at times, and I hate it when you three start fighting. Now I know I mustn't point fingers but Kuroko, I'm afraid that your're the one most at fault here". The woman in question almost did a spit-take. She won't deny it but did she really have to announce it like that?
"There'll always be trouble, some mishaps and mistakes, but that's life. Nothing is going to go as you wish it to be. This homestay is to see if you could live in this world one day, correct? And as this is a homestay, we are like a family". Mari brings a hand to her chest to calm her loudly beating heart.
"I love this family very very much. I truly do. And as we are a family, I do not want you to hold yourselves back. Not for each other, and especially not for me. Alright?"
Both Miia and Papi couldn't contain themselves any longer, so they launched themselves (gently of course) into their loving host's arms and cried into her embrace. Cerea took a little longer to join them, but with a little coaxing, she joined too.
Smith smiled as she looked at them, then she quickly frowned and covered her face in embarrassment. Trust this girl to make her soft. Only to her though. To everyone else she's the hard ass coordinator everyone hates - I mean loves. No matter, she best be leaving now. Mari-Darling is fine and it's very late. Plus she's off the clock and in the need of her beauty sleep, and she's got Centorea's papers.
"Well, I best be leaving now", she rubs Mari's hair and hands her the empty mug. "You take care now you hear? Goodnight~"
As she left down the driveway something began nagging Smith at the back of her mind, like she had forgotten something.
"I feel like I forgot to tell Mari-chan something. Can't remember if it was important or not...Oh well, I'll remember later".
So she drove home with the light of the full moon shining behind her.
A/N: Why do I always seem to abuse my own character? (I keep telling myself that I'm not morbid TvT Heaven help me). But I hope I redeemed myself with fluff upon fluff ;3
You may have noticed that I didn't mention the marriage act here. There's a reason for that, it'll be a big part of this story but for now you'll have to wait and see ;P (hehe I'm evil!)
Got any opinions, feedback or hints and help? Please leave a review or PM me, I love listening to you guys and I hope to keep improving, improving, improving.
As always I'll see you lovely reader in the next chapter ;3
Next Time: 'The Moon Serenades My Passion!'