Legends of Amacia The Awakening

Kida’s Jealousy

Heading to the pool after breakfast via their quarters, Hanna and Selina spent the remainder of the morning in there. The therapy pools were busy when Hanna and Selina arrived. Many of the Harem women helped their sisters and a number of the other prisoners from the Black Fortress with their swim therapies. Those who didn’t need swim therapy were making use of the other pools with their water slides and diving boards. Even the Pond had a number of people swimming in it, surfing the waves or relaxing on the sandy beach. After Hanna stripped to her high-cut single-piece blue swimsuit and Selina donned her single-piece high-cut silver tiger-striped swimsuit with a halter-top, they entered the pool. Elle and Hanna immediately started helping Selina with her daily swim therapy regime. At one point during the therapy, Elle helped Selina swim laps with Hanna.

Two hours after they arrived and they completed Selina’s swim therapy for the day, Hanna and Selina sat in low lounge chairs next to the pool relaxing with several of their Harem sisters, and a few of the prisoners from the Black Fortress. They made small talk with those around them. Hanna made a point of speaking to those present who had survived the dungeons of the Black Fortress when they approached. Everyone knew who she and Selina were because they were regulars at the therapy pools. Eventually, Izanami, Myra, Tasha, Sakura, Hitomi, Jasmine, and Trinity joined Hanna and Selina poolside in their swimsuits. They laughed and teased each other as the men moved around the pool and poolside. They pointed at them, giggling like little girls saying how handsome the men were. Even Hanna and Selina got in on it, laughing along with them.

Enoch eventually showed up in his swim trunks and briefly stopped by Hanna and those gathered around her. He’d heard their cackling laughter as he walked up. Bowing low with a sweeping movement of his arms, he said, “Good morning, ladies...how are you this fine morning?”

“We’re great,” Izanami called out. “We’re just ogling all the handsome men in here. It’s such a pleasure to see so many handsome men who treat us so nicely and with respect.”

Enoch smiled wryly, lifting his right eyebrow as he rose from the bow. “I see,” he replied warmly. “You like what you see?”

“Oh, yeah,” Hanna called out in a tease, sensing Enoch was about to tease them. “They’re so scrumptious I could just eat them up. We all could. Wouldn’t you agree, Selina?”

“Absolutely,” Selina purred, keeping the tease going. “And you’re the most scrumptious of them all, Enoch. You’d better watch your back. One of us might get you.” The other women broke out laughing at Hanna and Selina’s remarks.

Enoch laughed heartily, putting his hand on his hips. “I can see that,” he replied. “I’d better watch my step then. I can’t be blindsided by a pack of beautiful women who want to eat me alive, now can I? Still, I could think of worse ways to go. You girls had better bring a large appetite and a very sharp knife. I’m solid as a rock.” He struck a classic bodybuilder’s pose, squatting slightly as he pointed to the ceiling at a low angle with his right hand and curling his left arm to pump up his biceps. The pose caused his well-developed abs and pectoral muscles to ripple. “Firepower!” he crowed humorously while in the pose.

All the women, including Hanna and Selina, gasped in delighted amazement at how buff Enoch really was. Seconds later, they broke out laughing and clapping, whistling and cheering at Enoch. Even the men laughed, cheering Enoch on, envious of his godlike build. “Like what you see, ladies?” Enoch crowed, reversing the pose, pointing to the left. “There’s plenty for everyone.”

“Of course they do, you big flirt,” Kida scolded as she walked up in a leopard print halter-top swimsuit with high-cut legs and low-cut Brazilian rear. The scowl and flush in her face revealed her anger and jealousy. Enoch blushed as she smacked him on the back of the head before he could react. “You know better than that, Enoch,” she growled angrily. “Act your age!”

Laughter broke out over the entire pool complex as everyone saw Kida harshly rebuked Enoch. He cringed, retreating from Kida’s quick hands. “I’m sorry, honey,” he said, “I didn’t mean anything by it. I was just giving them a good show, that’s all.”

Kida looked at him crossly; her eyes narrow, flaring with anger and jealousy. “It’s my fault, Kida,” Hanna called out, “Don’t blame him. We goaded him into it. I didn’t think it would get him in trouble like this. I’m really sorry. But he’s just so handsome and well-built.”

Kida turned her eye to Hanna, seeing her sincerely pleading for Enoch and taking responsibility. “It’s all our faults,” Izanami declared. “Hanna’s right. We teased and goaded him into posing for us. We’re sorry if we made you jealous. It was not our intention.” All the other women sitting around reinforced what Hanna and Izanami said.

Kida smiled and shook her head, looking at Enoch, who had his hands in a defensive position to fend off another hit as he cowered a few steps away. “You can be such a flirt when you want to, Enoch,” Kida chided warmly. “I guess I can let it slide this time since it was all in fun.”

Enoch straightened up and sighed. “I’m sorry, Kida. I didn’t mean to make your jealousy jump out like that,” he apologized. “It seems I got caught up in the moment. I don’t usually show off like that. I have no idea what came over me. God, I’m so embarrassed.”

“It’s all right,” Kida replied, taking hold of his arm and pulling him close. “In fact, I haven’t seen you do that in ages. It was nice seeing you let go. Sorry I overreacted.”

“I deserved it,” Enoch admitted. “I should know better than to let my guard down. I took their bait and swallowed it.”

“That you did,” Hanna said with a smile. “But it let us see the true you. You should let him out more often. He’s so much fun. I can see why you love him, Kida. He can be such a card when he wants to be.”

“That he can,” Kida agreed, “...but no more flirting, Enoch.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Enoch replied softly. He looked at everyone and said, “Sorry, the show’s over ladies. Can I take my swim now, Kida?”

“Yes, dummy,” Kida stated, slapping Enoch chest playfully. “Go for your swim.”

Enoch nodded to those sitting saying, “I’ll see you girls later.” He pulled away from Kida and immediately jumped in the pool, starting to swim laps. Kida watched him dive in and sighed.

“We’re really sorry we got him in trouble with you, Kida,” Hanna apologized again. “It was just a spontaneous thing that just happened before any of us realized what was happening. I didn’t think you were so jealous of him.”

Kida looked down at Hanna and smiled soberly. “Well, I am,” she admitted. “Enoch is my entire universe and I refuse to share him with anyone, even you. You, of all people, should understand that, Hanna.”

Hanna stood up while the women around them remained quiet. Hanna walked up to Kida, looking up into her face with a solemn expression. “Believe me, I do understand,” Hanna stated softly, taking Kida by the hand. “But you can’t let your jealousy keep him prisoner. You need to let him be who he is. No one here wants to take him from you. He meant nothing when he posed for us. In a way, he was turning our tease back on us.”

“What do you mean?” Kida asked, unsure of what Hanna was saying.

“We started teasing him the moment he got here,” Hanna declared. “He asked how were doing, and we told him we were ogling all the handsome men in here. Then we told him he was the most handsome one here and we’d eat him all up because he was so scrumptious. He knew we were teasing and turned it around on us by flaunting his masculinity.” Hanna lowered her tone and added, “It was very similar to what I did in the Healer just before we launched our rescue operation to get Selina back. Do you remember how I let go?”

“I do,” Kida whispered back as she watched Enoch swim in the pool. “You flaunted your sexuality and femininity shamelessly as you danced and thought of Selina.”

“Enoch did the same thing I did that day just now,” Hanna stated. “And like I was thinking of Selina when I danced, he was really thinking about you and you alone when he did those poses. I could sense it. He was posing for you, Kida, not us. We just got to see him truly open up and be himself, so don’t be so hard on him. It’s our fault it happened and we’re so sorry.”

“Oh, dear,” Kida breathed. “I misunderstood. He wasn’t flirting with you girls, but was taunting and teasing you by showing you what you couldn’t have.”

“Exactly,” Hanna said softly. “So cut him a little slack, okay? Just as he swallowed our tease, we swallowed his. Tit for tat as they say, and no harm was really done. Fact is I believe he actually one upped us with that little bodybuilder show of his. I had no idea he was so buff.”

Kida giggled at Hanna’s comment. “That he is,” she agreed. “And it really shows when he does that. I haven’t seen him do that in decades. It was something he’d always do for me. I guess that’s why I got so jealous when I saw him posing for you. He’s never done it for anyone else. Forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” Hanna said warmly. “You were just protecting your man. There’s no shame in that. But you should talk to him. He was really upset that you got so jealous. I could tell.”

“I will,” Kida replied. “Thanks for telling me the truth, Hanna. I appreciate it.”

“No problem,” Hanna chimed, patting her on the arm. “It’s what I do best. The ugly truth is far better than a beautiful white lie. Now, go talk to him and I’ll let everyone know where the line is with him. Okay?”

“Okay; thanks, Hanna,” Kida purred, immediately diving in the pool to talk with Enoch as he swam laps.

Hanna turned to the others with a relieved look. “Whew, that was too close,” she told them while sitting back in her lounge chair. “I never wanted Enoch to get in trouble with Kida like that.”

“We know,” Izanami agreed. “We should have never led him on like that.”

“No,” Hanna insisted. “I was the one who started this. I’m responsible for this because of what I said to him. You girls just got caught up in my tease. I had no idea Kida was so jealous of him. We shouldn’t tease him like that anymore.”

“I agree,” Selina chimed. “I’d forgotten how jealous Kida could be.”

“Was she like that as a child, Selina?” Hanna asked.

“Absolutely,” Selina replied. “She has a bit of a temper too and is very possessive. We often fought as children over the most trivial of things. When Kida set her mind on possessing something, there was virtually no stopping her. We often came to blows when she decided to take my stuff. I’m glad to see that she’s mellowed in that manner as she grew up. But we definitely saw her temper, jealousy, and possessive side just now. It would be wise not to do anything to make her think someone is trying to steal Enoch away. She and Enoch are soul mates just you and I are, Hanna. She’ll kill the Emperor himself if she thought he was going to take Enoch away from her.”

“I hear you loud and clear,” Hanna stated. “I’m not going to flirt with Enoch again, and neither should any of you. Enoch is off-limits, period. I’ll not destroy my friendship with Kida over something as frivolous as flirting with Enoch.”

“Neither shall we,” Izanami declared, “Will we, sisters?” Everyone swore to respect Enoch and not flirt with him. “Besides, he and Kida have done so much for us in giving us refuge and a new home,” she added. “We wouldn’t want to endanger that.”

“No, we don’t,” Myra agreed. “We love them too much to get between them.”

“That’s good,” Hanna said, stretching in her chair. “But you have to admit, he’s one handsome man. I feel honored he let his guard down for us. We got to see his fun side, and I must admit I liked it.”

“Me too,” Selina agreed. “It shows how much he’s like you, Hanna. Before your mutation, you acted a lot like Enoch, seldom showing your true self. But now, you’re not afraid to show us who you are. I think this is one of the most positive results of your mutation. You learned how to let go and really live free.”

“I agree,” Hanna admitted as she watched Kida and Enoch talking at the far end of the pool. “I really didn’t know how until now. It’s a pity. I could’ve had a much happier life if I’d just been myself and not been such a grumpy Gus.” A deep sigh escaped her lips. “I lost so much time being such a pain in the ass,” she murmured. “But it seems now I’ve been given a second chance to do the right thing. I’m not going to mess it up again.”

“We know you won’t,” Izanami stated. “Is it true you’re going to have the mutation reversed tomorrow?”

“Yes,” Hanna stated. “That’s why I’m down here this morning. I’m here to relax and have some fun while I can. I need to be fully rested and at full strength physically, mentally, and spiritually when I undergo the procedure. I must admit I’m feeling a bit of hesitation at the procedure.”

“You’re worried about the reversal?” Trinity asked. “Why? Isn’t that you’ve been working for ever since the Emperor made you a woman?”

“It is,” Hanna said softly. “But there’s a lingering doubt in the back of my mind as to whether I truly want this. I want it, but I don’t want it. I just don’t know how to explain it.”

“You sound torn,” Sakura observed.

“I am,” Hanna declared. “I know this is not my true form, but I must admit I like it. I’ve experienced things as one of you no man could ever conceive of experiencing. The sheer vitality and life I feel as one of you is astounding, and I don’t want to lose it. But on the other hand, I miss my old form and life as a man. I spent fifty cycles as a man and I miss that too. It’s a kind of a paradox. I know I can’t have it both ways.”

Izanami sat up, leaned over touching Hanna on the shoulder. “You should return to your true form, Hanna,” she said softly. “I understand you love being one of us, but this existence is just a dream for you. Your true reality is Hannibal and you know it. Besides, you’re not going to lose the vitality and life you feel as one of us when you’re restored. It’s a part of you now and will help sustain you in your true form now that you’ve tapped it. Isn’t that what becoming a completed soul means? I remember you speaking to us about that. You and Hannibal will merge in the restoration and become a single being.”

“She’s right, Hanna,” Selina purred. “And you know it. This hesitation is nothing but the Enemy trying to keep you from going through with what you know must take place. Only when you’re restored can you be my husband again and stand up to the Emperor. You know it.”

“You’re both right,” Hanna admitted. “I must do this and damn those who wish to stop me from doing it. Still, I’m going to miss this hot body of mine. It’s so beautiful and sensual.”

“Your male form is just as beautiful and sensual,” Selina insisted. “You’re just too thick-headed to see it, dummy. When you step out of that machine, I’ll bet money you’ll be the most handsome man in this place. You just have to let your light shine and you’ll be beautiful.”

Hanna chuckled. “Where have I heard that line before?” she chimed.

“You know damned well where you heard it,” Selina replied bluntly. “It’s about time you start taking your own advice. Let your light shine and no matter what body you have will reflect your inner beauty.”

“Touché,” Hanna answered with a chuckle. “I’m undone by my own words. What can I do? I’ll give it a try.”

“Don’t try,” Selina insisted. “Do it. You were never ugly, despite what you believed. I expect to see my handsome prince emerge from that machine knowing he’s handsome. And if you don’t believe it, I guess I’ll just have to beat it into you.” Selina smiled wryly as she spoke, chuckling afterwards. The other women laughed too, seeing the tease in Selina’s words.

“If he doesn’t believe he’s handsome when he comes out, we’ll help hold him down while you beat some sense into him,” Myra declared, laughing.

“I will too,” Hitomi stated, still chuckling.

“And me,” Jasmine insisted. “We’ll make sure he believes.”

“Me too,” Sakura chimed.

“No fair,” Hanna said, chuckling, “I’m being outnumbered.”

“Then believe in who you are and in your inner beauty,” Izanami insisted. “Your present beauty is the outward sign of your inner beauty and you know it. All you have to do is let it out in your true form. Don’t make us beat it out of you.”

“Okay, okay,” Hanna conceded holding up her hands. “I surrender. You win, sisters. I’ll do it. I promise.”

“That’s more like it,” Selina chimed. “I’m holding you to that promise, Hanna, and so is everyone here.” Those present agreed with Selina.

“I know you will,” Hanna stated with a sigh. “Thanks for setting me straight, sisters. I really appreciate it.”

“You’re very welcome,” Myra replied warmly. “You’ve done so much for us. It’s the least we can do.”

“Here, here,” the other women chimed in agreement.

Hanna smiled, falling quiet, turning her attention back to the pool. Selina and the other women started talking softly as Hanna watched Kida and Enoch swim laps together. While watching them and the others in the pool going through their swim therapies, the chatter of people having fun faded for Hanna, becoming dull and distant. Whimpering sobs started to ooze into Hanna’s mind. With it, Hanna felt pain and terror coming from someone high above her in the tower. The desire to help this tormented soul welled up in Hanna. Falling into a brief trance, Hanna followed the whimpering sobs of pain and terror to the infirmary. A little girl of no more than eight lay in one of the beds sobbing softly in her sleep. She wore a long gray shirt that reached sixteen inches below her waist. The little girl was also wrapped in bandages with both legs missing just below the hips, the left arm was cut off above the elbow and her right arm was missing a hand. The little girl’s head was bandaged too around the forehead and down each side of her face with long almond hair sticking out. It framed her face with the bandages, contrasting her light bronze colored skin that was pale and drained of color. Dr. Drew sat next to her on a chair, holding on to her right stump where the hand was missing. Tears welled up in Hanna’s eyes as she saw the maimed little girl. Incredible compassion rose in Hanna along with the desire to help the little girl.

Selina and Izanami instantly noticed when Hanna fell into her trance. Selina also sensed Hanna’s mind reaching out instinctually to the little girl in the infirmary. She too saw the little girl through Hanna’s mental eye. A gasp escaped Selina’s lips as tears rose in her eyes. “Oh, my lord,” she whispered in horrified compassion, “you poor little thing; who could do such a thing to such a sweet little girl?”

“What is it?” Izanami asked, knowing something profound was occurring.

“Why is Hanna crying?” Hitomi asked, seeing Hanna sobbing softly.

Izanami touched Hanna, shaking her gently. “What are you seeing, Hanna?” she asked.

Hanna came out of her trance, covering her mouth to stifle her sobs. “It’s horrible,” she sobbed. “That little girl feels so alone and is in so much pain. I have to do something.”

“Who is it?” Myra asked softly.

“I don’t know, but there’s a little girl of no more than eight in the infirmary,” Selina wept. “I saw her too through my link with Hanna. She’s been mutilated and feels so alone and isolated. She has no arms or legs to speak of. Dr. Drew is there trying to comfort her.”

“Oh, my,” Tasha murmured. “I think I’ve seen the little girl you’re talking about. I noticed her when I was up there. She’s been in a coma since she was rescued from the dungeons. Dr. Drew said she was brought in from the dungeons almost dead. She was worse off than we were.”

“What are you going to do, Hanna?” Selina asked, composing herself.

Hanna jumped up, grabbing her skirt. “I’m going to her,” she insisted, wrapping the skirt around her waist and tying it. “I have to help her. She’s so alone and needs help now, even if it’s just being her friend. Of all the souls still in the infirmary, I felt her desperate cry for help. I cannot let it go unanswered.”

“Then I’m going too,” Selina stated. “We shall help her together. Can someone get my wheelchair?”

“I’ll get it,” Sakura offered, jumping up and rushing to get Selina’s wheelchair.

“You have such incredible compassion, Hanna,” Izanami said softly. “I think that’s one of the reasons we love you so much.”

“I appreciate that,” Hanna stated sincerely, slipping on her sandals as they sat next to her chair. “I don’t know if I can do anything, but I must try.”

“Then go,” Izanami stated. “And show the little girl what you showed us. Show her that someone really does care if she lives or dies.”

Sakura returned with the wheelchair. “Here, Selina,” she stated. “You need any help getting up?”

“Just a little,” Selina admitted, waving to Sakura. Between Hanna and Sakura, they sat Selina in her wheelchair.

Myra handed Selina her skirt and sandals. “Don’t forget these,” Myra stated. “Let us know if we can help. Even though that little girl wasn’t in the Harem, she is one of us.”

“That she is,” Izanami agreed. “Go, sisters...help our little sister.”

Hanna nodded and quickly left with Selina. Both Enoch and Kida noticed their abrupt departure and got out of the pool, going to Izanami and the others. “Where are Hanna and Selina going so suddenly?” Enoch asked.

“Hanna felt a telepathic distress call,” Kida said distantly. “Someone close by is in great need of help. She’s going to help.”

“You’re right, milady,” Izanami agreed. “Hanna sensed a little girl in the infirmary crying out for help. She was one of those brought out of the dungeons and is apparently severely maimed. Hanna felt her cry and rushed to help her. Selina insisted on going with her.”

“I think I know the little girl you’re talking about,” Enoch admitted. “If it’s who I think it is, she’s very bad off. The doctors had to amputate both her legs, one arm above the elbow and one hand just to save her. Nemesis himself brought her to the portal after we killed the four guards we found ravishing her in her cell.”

“Oh, dear,” Izanami stated, “That’s not good at all. You two might want to go check on them too. Hanna was insistent upon helping this child.”

Kida latched onto Enoch’s arm. “Come on, Enoch,” she urged. “Let’s go help.”

“Okay, Kida,” Enoch replied, “Let me change first.”

“Right,” Kida answered, pushing Enoch towards the locker room. “We have to help this little girl.”