The chirping of birds sounded through the morning.
Something warm and soft was enveloping me. So soft and smooth, that I really wanted to rub myself against it.

"Ah, Yumi?"

Words came from the softness. A little confused, I forced my eyes to open a little. A rosy pink entered my sight. Nothing that should be able to speak.

"Nn..."
"Jeez, Yumi."

It moved beneath me. The rosy pink slightly shook as well. One spot, in particular, caught my attention, having a more intense pink colour and being shaped like a little bud.

"Nn..."

It was really close and somehow... I wanted to suck on it.

"Ah?! Yumi?!"
"Mmm."

I caught my target and sucked on it. It didn't really taste like anything, really but it was oddly satisfying.

"Are you a baby? Ah. Mmm..."

Once more, the softness moved beneath me.  Then, something wrapped around my waist, pressing me deeper into the soft haven.

"I'd prefer if you do this when you are awake... But this is kind of cute too. Ehehe. Yumi."

Something stroked the back of my head, gently and slowly. It felt so comfortable that I was dozing off once more. It was like a fluffy feeling enveloping me.

"Ahh, Yumi? Don't fall asleep again."
"Mmm."
"Hey, don't suck now! Ngh?!"

Suddenly, I was squeezed, my face sunk even deeper into the soft and squishy something. Albeit I lost hold of the little something that I was sucking on. How regrettable. I should try to catch it again.

"Jeez, wake up, Yumi. Come on."
"Mh..."
"I see. If that's how you want it... Then I'll just have my way with you too."

Something grabbed my butt and squeezed it.

"It's so small, huh... And so soft..."

Having my butt squished was an odd feeling, but still quite comfortable. I could feel my body heating up a little.
But... how did this soft something grab my butt? And why...

"Mh, let's see. How about this."

Then, something was moving between my legs and getting caught in between my thighs.

"... Mmn?"
"Oh, as expected."

It rubbed a certain place down there, between my thighs. It felt good. I wanted more of it.

"Mm... Ahh..."
"And now you're moving by yourself already, huh? What a lewd girl. Come here."

I was forced to part from soft and squishy something. My body was moved. The fluffy feeling enveloping me was disappearing as well.
Instead, a second later, something soft was pressing against my lips.

Nn? A... kiss?

At that moment, the realisation hit me and I was finally awake. I forced my eyes open, in the middle of the kiss, and found Karen right in front of me. Of course, she was in front of me, otherwise, she couldn't kiss me. She parted from my lips, staring right into my eyes.

"Good morning, sleepyhead."
"Nn... Morning..."

So it had been Karen the entire time. Well, who else? It could've been only her. Not like I really thought of that, half-asleep as I had been.

"Sis..."
"Yes?"
"I'm sleepy."
"You have to wake up though. The sun is up and shining."
"Nn..."

I nuzzled against her collarbone, her breasts surrounding my neck. Seems that I had been using Karen as a pillow. Or rather, her breasts. They were a great pillow. I wrapped my arms around her, taking hold of this beloved warmth.

"You're really spoiled, aren't you?"
"Nn... Only with you..."
"Ehehe. Is that so? That makes me a little happy."

She stroked my head again. A blissful, happy feeling spread inside me. This kind of comfort was great.
In the meantime, Karen continued rubbing her leg against my lower parts. I relaxed my body and entrusted myself completely to Karen, enjoying the heat and pleasure rising from below more and more.

"Nn... Ah..."
"Lewd Yumi."
"Nn..."

Just who was rubbing their leg against me, I wondered.

"Sis..."
"Yes?"
"Nn..."
"Yumi? Ah, don't fall asleep again! Ah, jeez."
"Nn?"

The moment I felt like drifting back into sleep, my entire body was moved to the side. Now lying on my back, Karen looked down at me, her complexion a little red.

"Feeling all good alone is unfair, Yumi."

And with those words, she kissed me. A deep, deep kiss with her tongue invading my mouth.

"Nn... Mng... Si... Mm."

Not allowing me a break, her knee rubbed against my crotch and her hand slowly caressed my chest. After a few seconds, she broke off the kiss. Licking her lips, she smiled at me.

"Ehehe, Yumi."
"Si— Woah?"

Before I could catch my breath, Karen moved downwards and lifted my lower body. I had a bad feeling.

"Sis? Sis, wait for a mome— Ahh!"

Before I could stop her she burrowed her face in between my legs and licked my crotch. A jolt ran up my body.

"Mm, tastes weird."
"That's not something I wanted to know, Sis..."
"It's fine."
"Ah, wa—"

Karen continued licking. Holding my lower body firmly in her arms, not allowing even the slightest chance of escape. Not like I even wanted to escape.

"Sis... Haa... Ah... Ngh."

Warm pleasure spread through my body and small jolts ran through my spine every time her tongue touched me.

"Ah, Yumi, stop moving."
"Ha... Haa... Sis... That's..."

Once again I was at her mercy... That wasn't fair...

"Sis... Wait... I..."
"I'm not going to wait."

True to her words, she continued, not letting me off for even a second anymore. I could feel her tongue crawling around my crotch, licking the usually hidden parts.

"Haa... Nnh! Sis... It's... Ah... Haa"

The pleasure slowly built up, making me desperately gasp for air.

"Nm... Ahh..."

My legs wrapped around Karen on their own, pressing her even more into my crotch. Then, something entered. At that place, something came inside.

"Ngh... Sis... It... 's!"

Her tongue explored the inside of that place, the sound of it echoing through the room.

"Mn! Ah... Ahhh... Si, Sis!"

After thoroughly exploring the inside, her tongue left, instead moving upwards, crawling high and higher until...

"Mn!"

Pleasure rapidly spread through my body. Getting stronger with each second, stronger and stronger. I squirmed from the unexpected pleasure, but Karen firmly held me in place and continued. Until...

"Nnaahhh!"

The pleasure peaked, my entire body convulsed and finally completely lost its strength. The heat slowly ebbed away.

"Haaa... Haaa... Haaa..."
"... Ahh, that surprised me."

Glancing towards my lower body, which was still suspended in the air, Karen's face appeared. Something glistened on her face as if it was wet.

"Sis..."
"I'm here, Yumi. Are you fine?"

She cautiously returned my lower body to the bed, wiped her face with the blanket and then lay down next to me. It took a little bit until I finally caught my breath again.

"Sis..."

I rolled over to Karen and hugged her, squeezing her with all my strength. This pleasant feeling, this overwhelming and warm feeling of love, I wanted it close to me.

"I'm here, Yumi."

Returning my embrace and patting my head, she kissed me, a long, deep and affectionate kiss. We didn't part for as long as it was possible until the need for air parted us.
Karen's face was right in front of me, both of us gasping for air.

Ahh... Again... They are glowing...
"Yumi... Yumi!"

Karen gently hugged me and pressed her cheek against mine. I returned the hug.

"Ha... Yumi! I love you!"
"Nn, I love you too, Sis."

Her eyes still glowing, she hugged me, clung onto me with all she had, even her tail coiling around my leg. Still a little tired, I let her do as she pleased. Her affection, her love, one might think it was overwhelming or even suffocating, but I simply felt happy. That the girl I loved so much myself, loved me in return just as much.

Never, never will I let you go. I'll love you forever.

Closing my eyes, I was enveloped by her love, her warmth. I felt like I was melting, together with Karen into one...

---

"Nn..."
"Yumi, after all this you are still trying to sleep?"
"No, but I don't want to leave you."
"Ah. Uhh... But we don't have all morning."
Extend the morning. Whoever is responsible for time, extend the morning. Now.

Unfortunately, that wasn't going to happen. No matter how much I wished for it, the morning wasn't exactly long. If possible, I would have loved to spend the entire day together with Karen, drowning in happiness.

"Only for a little more, okay?"
"Nn."

I buried my face in Karen's breasts. They were soft and comfortable and made for a truly wonderful pillow.

"You really like my breasts, don't you."
"Nn. I want to suck on them."
"Don't. We don't have time for another round."
"How regrettable."

In some ways, it was unfortunate. Once again, it was mostly me who had been on the receiving side. Or rather, it had been entirely me.

"Sis. Next time, I'll make you feel good too."
"Mh? Are you worried about that?"
"... Nn."
"Mm... But I quite like making you feel good... Like this."
"Ah, Sis! Ngh!"

Karen caught my earlobe with her mouth and nibbled on it. It was a rather ticklish feeling, but it did feel good. Alas, at this rate, I'd just feel horny again...

"Sis, stop. Or I'll want it again..."
"That so? Mh..."
"Sis?"

Karen stopped, but then only stared at me, as if she was lost in thought.

"That actually sounds a little fun."
"... What does?"
"Leaving you hanging."

A mischievous smile bloomed on her face.

No, Sis, please don't go down that route. I beg you.

A shiver ran down my back.

"Don't worry, I won't do it. At least not now, when I don't even know when we have time for ourselves again."
"... So you might do it if you did know?"
"Maybe. Ehehe."

While I wholeheartedly welcomed some regular alone time, I was a little worried about the things Karen might do. Though... I wasn't against at least trying them out... There was still that collar too...

No, Yumi. Don't. There's no going back if you take that route!

I chased away the dangerous thoughts as best as I could, rubbing my face at Karen's breasts instead. Bliss had been reacquired.

"Ah, Yumi. Don't rub them so hard."
"... Sorry."

Even though I liked rubbing them...

"You're really like a cat... Haa..."

Suddenly, Karen sat upright, moving me along since we were still hugging each other.

"Yumi, we should maybe slowly get ready. We still need to eat breakfast and get back to the camp."
"... Do we have to?"
"Yes, we do. Who was it again that was yesterday loudly proclaiming to stay with the mercenaries and help Korwen and the others?"
"Uhhh..."

That had been me. But this was something different. The feeling of our naked skin touching each other was pleasant, pretty much addicting. Safe and warm, a display of love. Who could blame me that I didn't want to leave?

"Yumi... Come on."
"Ah, don't."

Karen grabbed my arms and peeled me off, suspending me into the air.

"Ahh, my beautiful haven. It's leaving."
"Yumi... We can hug whenever we want... Don't make it more dramatic than it is..."
But we can't hug naked all the time...

She put me down on the ground next to the bed and stood up as well.  Patting my head a little, she picked up the clothes that were strewn all over the room.

"Let's get dressed and get something to eat, okay?"
"Nn..."

With a wry smile, she handed me my clothes.

Haa... Fun time is over...

I watched how Karen slowly covered up more and more of her body. Realising that I couldn't extend it anymore, I got dressed as well.
Yet, for some reason, Karen suddenly stopped moving. She stared at the wall for a few seconds, as if she was lost in thought.

"... Yumi?"
"Nn? Is something wrong, Sis?"
"Do you have periods?"
"... Excuse me?"

I froze. My mind stopped working for a second. The sudden question completely perplexed me.

"That's... Uhm... Very out of nowhere..."
"Ah, well. I noticed earlier that you have a hymen so I thought maybe you have periods, too..."

So I had a hymen. That was... interesting to know... Not something I had thought about, sure. A hymen... So, I had one...

"Ehh... I don't know if I'd have them? It hasn't even been a month, so..."
"Oh, they are every month?"

She raised her eyebrows in astonishment. Wasn't this common knowledge? It was as if she didn't even know about them at all, outside of the general concept. As if...

"... Sis? Do you not have periods?"
"I don't. None of the long-living races has them."
"... Okay."

They didn't have periods. That was a little unexpected. Although, it explained why she didn't really know about them. If there was no need for it, then, yeah...
Still, I didn't know either, if I would have them. I heard some women had trouble with their periods... Made me wish a little that I was like the long-lived races in this regard... Either way, it wasn't something I knew as of yet. The only thing I could do was wait for it to happen. Or not happen.

"The hymen is even more uncommon, I think only humans have them."
"Only humans? Huh..."

No other race did? How odd. That meant, human women had both, a hymen and periods...

"Ah. So, since I have a hymen I might have periods too?"
"Maybe? Since you're a monster you could say you're also among the long-lived races but..."
"We won't know until it actually happens..."

I've been here in this world for a little over two weeks now. When I thought about it, it actually hadn't been that long... But if I was going to have periods, I'd probably know within the next two or three weeks... Maybe, say four, just to make sure.

"That makes me feel a little anxious..."

Still, I knew it wasn't going to kill me, should it really come. Alas, that didn't mean it wasn't going to be bothersome.

"You shouldn't worry too much about it. Most of the women among the mercenaries are humans. If you really have it, you have enough people around you can ask for help. You could probably ask Lily as well."
"That's... true..."
"Honestly, I'm more worried about the hymen..."
"Nn? Why that?"

The hymen was mostly a one-time deal, wasn't it?

"I mean, what are we going to do about it?"
"I'm not sure I follow?"
"Won't it hurt if you put something in? I only caught a glimpse but I can't imagine that it won't hurt... And I was thinking of maybe getting some toys or learning some kind of magic..."
"... Ehh, Sis. I'll ignore the last bit for now, but, the hymen disappears after the first time."
"It does?"
"Nn."

Fairly sure it did. Even if not, it shouldn't be a permanent issue.
Still, Karen stared at me as if I was an alien.

"What even is the purpose of a hymen, then?"
"... Good question."
But Sis, even if it would stay, I'd still have no idea whether it has any purpose at all...
"I see. At least, I don't have to give up on the toys and the spells. That's great."
"Sis..."

I was a little torn between being worried and looking forward to it. It felt like the roles were completely reversed. The thought of something going inside down there was... discomforting? Odd? I couldn't really put a finger down on it. The only thing I knew was, that it was a rather complicated feeling. After all, it hadn't been that long yet, since I turned into a girl. In this short time, I had become quite accustomed to it, but feelings like that weren't going to disappear that quickly. At least, I hoped that I had become accustomed to it.

And... this isn't all too bad... this feeling...

Despite the slight discomfort by the thought of inserting something down there, I also felt happy. That Karen wanted to do something like that. Being treated like a girl... Especially by Karen... Somehow, it made me happy.

"Yumi? What are you grinning for?"
"Nn? Nothing."
"... You grin just like that? Because of nothing?"
"Nn."
"You're weird..."

Grinning to myself might have been weird, but that was fine. I was happy. This situation, everything.

Like a dream. Even though there are some issues here and there... I have friends I get along with, a caring and little troublesome family and a wonderful lover.

I stroked the bracelet that I was wearing. Even throughout all that we did over the night and in the morning, this was the only piece we both kept wearing.

But, this is reality. It isn't a dream, it's reality. And reality can change very quickly. So, I have to protect it. I really do.

There were things I had to do. To protect this reality.

"Sis, let's go."
"Oh? I was sure you would complain more."
"... Let's go."
Before I change my mind.
"Ehehe, yes, let's do that."

---

Around half an earth hour later, we found ourselves near the market again, eating breakfast. To our surprise, there were no remnants of the festival to be seen. Someone told us, that most of the stalls were actually the same ones from the festival, and they just changed the items they displayed. Or rather, the stalls from the festival were the same ones from the market. That saved them the trouble of having to move the stalls.

"Nn, delicious."
"It is. The innkeeper was really nice for letting us know about this."
"Nn."

The inn didn't serve any breakfast or any food at all. You could borrow the kitchen, but that was about all. Instead, the innkeeper directed us to a certain food stall at the market. It took us a bit to find it but it was very well worth it.

"To think they offer proper breakfast."
"Nn, it's a little surprising."

With a few small tables close by, the stall sold bread buns with honey or some kind of sausage. It was pretty delicious. Albeit, the honey bread was a little expensive, it was really good. Sweet and delicious. Definitely worth the money.

"Still, I wonder if it is really worth it to offer only breakfast at a stall..."
"Nn."
"Oh, girly, don'tcha worry 'bout that. Got 'nough folks buying to keep the business running. Mostly me fellows from the stalls."

The stall owner, having apparently listened in on us, joined in on the conversation. He was probably bored since we were the only customers right now.

"From the stalls? The other stall owners?"
"That's right, my good fellows. They get hungry too, ya know. Coming 'ere to eat breakfast. 'Nough money to get me by. Got no other business to do, so 'ere I am. Cooking and making food, it's quite fun too."
"I... see..."

He grinned, his teeth showing. He must truly like this job. I couldn't imagine it being profitable.

"It's a little hard at times, ya know. But all worth it. Seeing cute girlies like you enjoying it, makes it all worth it."
"Haa..."
"Excuse me..."
"Ah, Coming!"

Thankfully, a customer interrupted him and he had to take care of that. I had a distinct feeling he would've kept talking otherwise.
Good thing we were nearly done with breakfast anyway. Well, or I was. Karen had already finished her bun with the sausages before I even noticed. I had actually planned to trade a bite with her, but the guy made me miss my chance. Get cursed.

"Done, Yumi?"
"Nn. It was good."

And it actually filled my stomach this time. The pastry we ate yesterday was good too, but it just wasn't that filling. And I already had a small stomach so it was probably worse for the others.

"Then, should we return to the camp?"
"Nn, let's do tha—"

A deep, low rumble, penetrating the body, reverberated over several seconds. So strong, that everyone visiting the markets heard it and stopped, looking towards the direction the sound came from. But nothing could be seen there. Despite sounding as if something massive, like a building, had just collapsed, nothing could be seen. The deep rumbling was the only indication of something happening somewhere.

"What... was that?"
"I don't know, Yumi, but I can't imagine that was anything good. Wasn't that the direction of the forest?"
"Nn, I think so..."
"I got a bad feeling. Let's hurry back for now."
"Nn."

We grabbed our belongings and went our way with quick steps. Passing by confused people, none understanding what they had just heard.

"I wonder what the heck that was... It sounded quite far away."
"I don't think it was from the Hollow Bridge, that's just too far away. Or, at least it should be."
"Nn..."

If it came from that far away, the only thing I could imagine was the entire plateau collapsing. And that was absolutely not good.

"Maybe it was the forest..."
"There's nothing that could collapse in a forest, Sis."
"Who knows, maybe there is. Or, maybe something came out."
"... That sounds quite scary."
"It does. Let's just get back. Taking guesses won't help us."
"Nn."

We hastened our steps a little, moving as fast as we could.

---

"Ah, there they come. Yumi! Karen!"

In the distance, Lily was waving both her hands to draw our attention. The entire camp was in a rather hectic state, with mercenaries running left and right, carrying crates, weapons and other things. One man was shouting instructions, another was stowing away tables and chairs and yet another was busy with a warox, trying to get it into the harness.
Considering all the noise, Lily had to shout quite a bit to get our attention. Karen and I waved back to her.

"Lily. Good morning."
"Morning, Lily. Did something happen? Everyone seems to be quite in a hurry."
"Didn't you hear that rumbling earlier, Yumi? There was this really, really loud rumbling from the direction of the fort as if someone had toppled a building. It was really loud."
"We did hear it, but why is everyone in that big of a hurry because of that?"

We were a little worried, that was why we hurried here. But our worries and what we were seeing here were on completely different levels. How did that lead to this?

"Papa said to hurry with the preparations. He was quite worried that something bad happened, so we're going to leave a little earlier than planned."
"How early?" asked Karen.
"As soon as possible. He said probably in around an hour. In two at the latest."
"That's indeed a lot faster than I expected."

In an hour... That wasn't a lot of time left.

"Are they sure they can finish all the preparations?" I asked.
"Probably not everything, no. But the original schedule was rather lenient already, so most things should be fine. For now, they are doing the more important things we can't do on the way. Like weapon and armour maintenance. Ah, that's right. Yumi, you should go to see Kohno and Wormaz."
"Nn? Kohno I understand, but why to Wormaz? That's the smith, right?"
"Yes. Apparently, Papa got something for you."
"Huh..."

What could it be? The armour was mostly done by Kohno, after all. Oh, maybe a crossbow or something? But it was the smith... Actually, who was responsible for the crossbows? The smith as well? Or someone else?

"He said it was something that would help you out a little. Ah, right, before I forget again, did you meet Lefa on the way here?"
"Lefa? No..."
"I see... I'm actually waiting here for her. Or, well, whoever is going to come from the Academy now. Haaa..."
"They said they wanted to come in the morning, didn't they?"

It was still morning, but already a little late.

"Yes..."
"Lily, if she isn't here yet... It might take quite a while now..."
"Mh? What do you mean, Karen?"
"Nn, on our way here... There was a commotion at the gates and it took really long until we got through."
"Some carriages blocked the way. And by the time we were through, it only got worse..."

It had taken us really quite a long time. Some of the animals, probably also waroxen, got scared by the rumbling and toppled their own carriages in a fit of panic. Such a thing happening right in front of the gate wasn't exactly great. The guards and the people involved were occupied with fixing the mess.

"Carriages leaving? But the festival is still ongoing?"
"Huh? It is?"

The festival was still ongoing? It didn't end yesterday?

"Yes, it is. It's going over four days. Anyway, that's not important now. I'll tell Papa that. That explains why some people are still not back... Haa..."

Lily scratched the back of her head.

"Okay. You two should go to Kohno for now."
"Me too?" asked Karen.
"He still wanted to make sure everything fits your armour too. He also had something else for you."

Lily grinned.

"After you're done you should also go along with Yumi to Wormaz. Papa will be there most likely too."
"I see. Will do."
"Nn."

So, off to Kohno's first. Despite the commotion, I was looking forward to it a little. But just a little. Really. It wasn't like I was excited about new, cute clothes.

"Then we will go there. Ah, but before that, Lily. Where is Rina?"
"Rina..."
"Lily?"

Lily's expression turned a little conflicted.

"I'll tell you later... It's... nothing really serious, I just am... a little troubled, I guess? Anyway, she's with the three little ones... They went somewhere together."
"Did something happen?"
"Karen... As I said already, I'll tell you later... I need a little time..."
"... I see."

Lily averted her gaze, staring off into the distance. Karen and I exchanged a confused glance.

"Then... We'll go..."
"Yes... Good luck..."

We left the dispirited Lily alone. She just kept staring into the distance, sighing in between.

"Something happened..."
"Nn..."

But... What had happened? Lily was clearly avoiding speaking about it, right now.

"That makes me worry..."
"Nn..."

If it was something serious, Lily surely would have told us about it... The fact she didn't mean that it was something else.

"I hope it's nothing bad..." murmured Karen.
"Lily would've told us then."
"I hope so..."

And like that, we both fell silent. Karen was clearly worrying and lost in thought. Until we reached Kohno's workshop a few minutes later, neither of us spoke a word. With that said, Karen hadn't even noticed that we had arrived, so I took her hand and squeezed it.

"Yumi?"
"We're here already."
"Here?"

She looked to the front, at Kohno's workshop. Her eyes widened at the sudden realisation.

"Oh... Right... Sorry, Yumi."
"Nn, it's fine."

Everyone had times when they were lost in thought, after all. Karen pat my head a little and then faced forward.

"Still, seems he's a little busy right now."
"Nn... Ah, there he is."

There were a few people in front of the wagon, waiting. Kohno just came out of the wagon, holding something like a long gauntlet. He gave it to one of the mercenaries and then scolded him about something.

"Seriously, I'm not going to fix it next time, you hear?"
"We're sorry, Mr Kohno!"
"You say that every time. If you are sorry then stop using them like that."
"We're sorry!"
"Like. I. Said. I don't care, stop giving me unnecessary extra work. Now, scram, I got other things to do."

The mercenaries saluted and then went their way.

"Haa..."
"Kohno."
"Mh? Oh, Yumi and... Miss Karen... Good morning."
"Nn, morning."
"Good morning."

Turning around, he greeted us. Although with a little bit of hesitation upon seeing Karen. His expression soured a little, then he coughed and tried to put on a serious expression. He wasn't doing a good job at it, though.

Guess Mr Greyward was right that he was interested in her. But too bad, I won't give Sis to you.

At least he had found out early. Would've been a lot worse if he had chased after her for longer.

"Coming for the armour, right? It's all done, so come in, come in."
"Ah. Nn."

He didn't waste time and invited us into the workshop. Was he in a hurry? Actually, well, everyone seemed to be in a hurry, so it wasn't that surprising...
Entering the workshop, it felt even more chaotic than the day before. Or rather, it was complete chaos. Patches of leather were all strewn over the floor and on the work desk, on one side were various tools and other things, either carelessly pushed or left alone in the middle of work. On the other side were a few stands with thick leather vests draped over them. Among those were also a few with breastplates and...  the black armour dress.

"I'll wait outside, but don't take too much time, okay?"

And he left. He really was in a hurry, wasn't he? It was nearly rude...

"... Let's try them on, Yumi."
"Nn..."