Lila placed a hand over her mouth, realizing how capricious she had become during her conversation. It was another horrible day in the Aerie. But she didn't want it to end that way, regardless of how selfish it felt to enjoy herself.
"Come on now, it couldn't have been that normal," the Earthling giggled. "It's Yrix we're talking about."
"She's straightforward and committed to her cause," Serix shrugged. "A little aggressive, maybe, but nothing too absurd."
The pilot had already begun his descent, clearly fascinated by Lila's dialogue as he continued to entertain her questions. It was hardly a lesson at that point. But if what Yrix's student needed most was a relaxing pep talk along with some gossip, then he was willing to provide.
"Bruh," Lila squinted, extending her palms forward. "Just the other week, I got my ass cheeks clapped by a nightmare guilt trip monster, I think our definition of absurd might be a little skewed."
Serix shook his head and chuckled, "Perhaps. But I must insist, Yrix has what you would call a normal side."
"When she's not mind fucking people?"
"Whatever you say kid."
Serix managed to curb the turbulence of the atmospheric entry with equal talent and patience, allowing Lila to enjoy the smooth ride. He had noticed her yawn by then. And for a human's tiny frame, the seating on the Riven was quite comfortable indeed.
"Thanks, by the way," Lila's eyes drooped. "I kind of needed this."
"Trouble with your trials?" Serix asked kindly.
"My...well, she's not my sister. That would be weird. But my close friend almost died today. But I think she'll pull through," Lila muttered, leaning back in her chair. "Sonera's tough. Real tough."
"I've seen," Serix nodded. "You need to step up your game if you want to match that."
"I-I know..." Lila looked down at her knees. "Being the weakest isn't easy, you know. I'm not like them."
"Turn that to your advantage, then. No one said you had to inherit their traits. Let Sonera and Yrix do what they do best."
Serix made sure to give Lila time to stew on his words. By then, the Riven had gracefully lowered itself through the hangar's opening, its pilot pulling a series of switches as the vessel began to power down. A simple tap from his armored fist forced the cockpit to slide open.
Someone was waiting for them.
"Serix."
Yrix's sharp voice gave way to a sense of fondness, the kind she had rarely shown her students. Serix made sure to respond with a tip of his helmet. It came with a sort of audacious flair that the Arch-Flayer had always loved about him.
"Yrix," he was smiling behind his helmet. "Fine student you've got here."
Lila watched with beady eyes, awkwardly clambering her way out of the cockpit while keeping her neck locked on target as if she were a bird.
No way she'd miss the tea.
"Indeed," Yrix snapped her fingers, "A primitive little thing. But so bright and full of potential."
Lila couldn't read their alien faces all that well, especially since one of them was wearing a helmet. But her Psionic intuition led her to a satisfying conclusion. The pair was flirting.
"Imma just...give you two your space," Lila shot off a few finger guns, nearly tripping over herself in the process. "I uh," her mood turned sour just as quickly as it became elevated. "I need to find Sonera. Make sure she's okay."
"See you later, kid," Serix waved.
"Yeah," Lila produced a weak smile.
She wanted to be happier, given the way the two aliens were staring at each other.
But how could she?
Yrix would never be her friend.
Lila scooted her way into the workshop's tunnels, making a speedy yet awkward departure from the scene. Even then, Yrix made sure she was far enough away before she spoke.
"Do you think our child would be like her?" The Arch-Flayer stared into the tunnels. "Sometimes I wonder."
Serix was surprised by the question. But he was quick enough on his feet.
"If we had one."
"If," Yrix sighed. "If..."
She kept staring in silence.
"You doing okay, jewels?" The pilot rested his hands on his waist. "Can't say I've seen you this tied up since...well, since you met me."
"It's good to see you again, Serix." Yrix deflected.
"Of course," the pilot shook his head. "It's...good to see you too Yrix."
They were beyond the point of frugal activities like catching up. A silent exchange of glances was enough to convey their feelings.
- - - - - - - - - -
"Just keep...chugging along," Lila coughed. "I didn't even fight..."
She felt ashamed to be so fatigued, given what Sonera had sacrificed mere hours ago. Never before had the Earthling felt like such a fraud. No longer was being out of her depth enough.
No more excuses.
Her honesty didn't change the facts. Lila was tired. And while she was indeed beginning to absorb Serix's knowledge, she still lacked the spark necessary to materialize her own skill.
Not like her peers.
And her love.
"How did I even-."
Lila couldn't finish her thought, her eyes flickering with Psionic light as a white-haired figure came into view on the other end of the tunnel. There stood Ivy, seemingly just as weary as her. Yet unlike the Earthling, who barely produced a sleepy stroll, the heiress was already in full motion.
"Lila," Ivy threw herself into her partner's arms, burying her nose in the girl's shoulder. "You're...you made it."
"Y-yeah," Lila mustered everything she had to avoid falling over. "My so-called trial was just a chill hangout. Yrix was actually nice for once. Gave me a freebie. Oh, and she has an ex."
Ivy ignored that comment, rubbing herself up against the Earthling with a sad whimper. She smelled amazing. And for Lila, who was already blushing, it felt simply fantastical to have such a perfect figure in her arms.
"I...how did I even get you again?" Lila smiled, gazing into space. "A pretty girl loves me."
"Simpleton," Ivy's muffled voice growled at the Earthling. "I belong to you."
"Or...that," Lila blushed again. "Whatever floats your boat."
"You don't...ugh," Ivy pulled back. "Let's get back to Lunae and Sonera. We'll take it later."
"Something the matter?"
"No. I just...want you to myself."
Lila grit her teeth almost comedically, letting the heiress lead her by the hand through the tunnel. She had already envisioned a wholesome scene between her family. And in many ways, so did Ivy. Neither of them had any clue what they would stumble into.
"Sonera," Lila opened the door with a smile, having sensed the assassin's revival with her growing connection. "Rise and shine, you Russian-."
Shit.
"Oh my," Ivy gasped. "Lunae! S-Sonera!"
They had caught the pair in a desperate struggle, the likes of which had already torn the workshop asunder. Ivy cursed herself for taking an improper route through the tunnels behind Yrix's office, using only her connection with Lila to stumble around. If she had been more careful, she might have spotted the scuffle before bringing Lila into it.
Lunae had apparently destroyed a table or three, her tail glowing with Psionic energy as if it were Ivy's mace. Sonera, who was barely hanging by a thread, held the girl off with sheer determination and a bit of hair-pulling. Both of them had long since been reduced to an ineffective chicken-fight.
"Absolutely unacceptable!" Ivy stomped with her heels. "This ends now! We're a family!"
Figuring Lunae would be an easier mark, the heiress pulled her away with a Psionic grasp, restraining her arms beneath her shoulders with a firm grip. Lila hesitated for a moment before bolting into action, using her powers to zip between Sonera and the two girls in a ploy to halt their next move.
"Whoa there, partner!" Lila held out her hands. "I'm here to-eek!"
The Earthling yelped rather adorably, smothered by Sonera's body as the assassin grappled her to the floor. At first, she feared there would be a traumatizing consequence for her interference. Yet it soon became clear that something much stranger was taking place.
In their confused rage, both at each other and towards their family for interfering, Lunae and Sonera began to strike back at their would-be saviors with passionate fervor. If they couldn't be honest and open with each other, then they could certainly try with Lila and Ivy.
"W-what are you-." Lila turned her head from side to side, unable to avoid the metallic thumb that pressed onto her tongue. "Mmha!"
Ivy was having similar luck; her hold on Lunae was undone as an unruly tail began to wrap around her throat. By the time she began to defend herself, Lunae had already spun around. Ivy was losing.
They both were.
And fast.
They couldn't possibly comprehend the motivations that compelled Sonera and Lunae like feral animals. And by the time Lila and Ivy realized they were completely unprepared, the strange duo was already making love to them.