Interconnected: Spliced Souls

After I helped Cassidy bring down the wheelchair, we gently transferred Lucy to it, but not before dressing her in clean clothes. Instead of going out the front, Nimyra and I left through the hidden exit in the back—where Nimyra entered from. That led to a cramped hallway, which, after a few stairs, led us to another alley on the other side of the slums.    

Nimyra--a Drow Elf, she was called—said the slums were full of secret paths and hidden corridors. “When this city evolved from being a village, there was construction every day of the week. Money flowed in like a waterfall, and it had to be spent. Hundreds and thousands of projects never progressed past the initial construction phase. When the slums appeared, everything just stopped. This is what you get after so much neglect.” The squeaky bearings of the wheelchair’s wheels were oddly cryptic. They fit the depressing mood perfectly and would be at home in a horror film.     

“So…” Nimyra’s heels had a distinctive sound to them. She walked elegantly, like a model, but I wondered if that was something all elves had. Siora was like that, too.  

“Okay, I’ll say it. Why would you offer a stranger a place in your home?” I asked, stating the uncomfortable topic. I surmised she was going with the flow when she said I could stay with her. If I was going to do good, it would be good to be close to someone with a decent bit of power.    

“Wow. Okay, that was sudden. Guess there’s more to you than meets the eye, huh? I wanted to repay you since Lucy is important to me, but you also seemed lost. It’s hard to put it into words, but you seemed tortured. It’s how you act… And how you hold yourself when walking. A pretty girl like you wouldn’t last ten seconds alone, yet I know you killed Simone. And thanks for that, by the way. But that was also a mistake. The ‘Patron’ doesn’t take too kindly to his men dying.”   

“Protection, then? You wanted me to be safe? That’s a nice gesture, but it’s not needed.”   

“Perhaps you speak the truth. Even if you’re blessed, not just anyone can stare down trained killers. I heard the fighting, you know. These ears on my head aren’t for show. One of his men called you a monster, screaming, and I quote, ‘I pierced her fucking heart. She has no goddamn head.’ I take it you’re an illusionist? Or a proficient mage? Not just anyone can use healing spells without uttering a chant.”   

“Sure, we can go with that,” I replied. “Doesn’t really matter how I did it, but they won't be found. You can't exactly be declared dead without a body, right? Until then, they're just missing in action.”  

“Of course, that’s fine with me. You aren’t really a lady if you don’t have any secrets in the closet,” Nimyra replied with a wry smile.   

Did I have to keep everything a secret? My immortality? Yeah, it made sense to keep that on the down low. My ring? If enchanted rings existed, then I could claim I had one. Itarr? Telling people I had a goddess inside my soul would make it seem I’d gone off the deep end. Unless, of course, divine possession was something of a regular thing.    

It probably wasn’t.     

Again, too many questions with no answers. When Nimyra asked who I was blessed by, I said it was a secret and ended it at that.     

Nimyra and I rounded a few more corners until we emerged near a long, slanted path. It was about a quarter mile long, and Nimyra explained it acted like a bridge separating those who had dreams and those who had their hopes slaughtered. “That’s the building I stay in,” she said, pointing about halfway up the ramp. “It’s called the Crimson Grotto.” It stood about seven stories tall, and it was in excellent shape. The many windows and balconies I saw hinted at its true purpose, but becoming a den of lust, passion, and sex was its final fate.   

Nimyra nodded to the guard standing with a massive sword on his back, and he opened the thick wooden door for us. Inside sat a floor covered with velvet carpet. Crimson diamonds were regularly embroidered within it to add depth and flair, which worked well with the chestnut-colored furniture. Behind the receptionist's desk stood a woman dressed in a sultry off-the-shoulder dress. Her blue lips matched her indigo hair. She looked from her desk and yelped when she saw Lucy’s unconscious body. Nimyra explained everything and calmed her down, then said I would be her guest for the foreseeable future.    

“Of course, Lady Nimyra. That will not be a problem at all. Miss Servi, I am Meghann,” the woman bowed. I didn’t see any animal-like characteristics, so she must’ve been a fellow human. “If you desire anything, please come to the front desk. A guest of the Queen of Night is a guest to us all.”   

Queen of Night? Does that hold any significance? Itarr asked. I shrugged my shoulders. Nimyra didn’t say anything about it before. Lest I risk committing some slight against her name, I refrained from asking about it until we were alone.     

“Thanks, Meghann. You know how much I appreciate you!” The Drow Elf gave a sexy wink, and Meghann’s cheeks grew warm.    

We walked away down the hall and came to a set of stairs, but there was a muscular man with a suit a size too small. His brown skin and thick tusks meant he wasn’t human, but he greeted Nimyra by name and carried Lucy and her chair to the top floor while wishing for her recovery.  

My new roommate was quickly conversing with the tusked man, who introduced himself to me as a Mud Ogre, a subspecies of ogre known for their strength and mastery and knowledge over mud and dirt. “Thank you, darling,” Nimyra whispered, hugging Grogn and kissing his cheeks when we reached the top floor. “Stop by in a few days for your reward.”   

“Of course, Lady Nimyra… Thank you! I wish you and your friends a happy night! Please, excuse me.” Grogn briskly walked away, but the front of his pants... Itarr asked why it looked like he had a stick in his crotch.     

"He’s so cute, isn’t he? He’s a quick shot, but Grogn makes up for it in stamina.” The elf bit her lips, fluttering her gorgeous eyelashes. She then unlocked the door. The other four doors down this hallway, and this whole floor, belonged to Nimyra. There were six bedrooms, two living rooms, three fully furnished kitchens, and four bathrooms with working pipes and hot water, and it was all paid for by the men whose worlds she rocked.    

That was how she described it, anyway. When we walked in, the extent of lavishness did not end in the lobby. Everything, from the expensive décor, exotic paintings, and even the marble statue of a cat playing with a ball of yarn, just exuded affluence.

But Nimyra quickly made one thing clear. She never asked for any of this. She never told them no, of course. If the men she slept with wished to shower her with gifts and presents, why refuse them? It felt like there was a story there, but my new roommate gave me a tour of this single-floored mansion. Some baths were traditional, but some had showers with a chair etched into the marble walls to sit down. A shower head connected to a flexible tube could be removed from the shower pole to get all the hard-to-reach areas.    

Nimyra and Lucy also had a sauna built into one of them, and the last one was just a giant hot tub. The roof was retractable to allow sunlight. Or you could gaze up at the starry skies while enjoying a soak.    

Each room had its own ‘flavor’ and theme, but at the core, the beds, walk-in closet, mirrors, and dressers were like nothing I'd ever seen. And the kitchen… Nimyra said a few of her gentlemen friends purchased three stoves etched with the spell of fire. The metal rectangles turned out to be refrigerators. It remained cool via a series of ice spells flowing through the piping. I walked over to the sink and turned the faucet’s knob. Water fell from it in a peerless stream of clarity. The source was an underground aquifer.    

It was all really fantastic and expensive. I didn’t know how much a dupla was worth. I was doing fine by going with the flow, but I needed to find a library or something.    

Turning off the water, I walked to a door with Lucy’s name on it as Nimyra opened it. This room was empty and plain, without a splash of color or personalization. The bed was boring and didn’t look anywhere near as extravagant as the other rooms.     

Nimyra diligently moved her friend to her bed, stripped her naked, dressed her in panties and a thin gown, then tucked her under the cover. After kissing Lucy's forehead, Nimyra looked like a wife waiting for her husband to return from war. She stared longingly, unable to hold back a stray tear that flowed from her amber eyes. She stood up. The quality made bed didn't creak or shift. Her boots were usually loud, but she stepped silently back to the threshold I peeked from and gently closed it.   

“Seems like you two go way back,” I said.    

“Not necessarily,” Nimyra shook her head, sending strands of violet-colored hair across her eyes. “Three years ago… No, I shouldn’t tell you her past. It isn’t fair. But we met three years ago, and I took her in. She needs money, and I can understand that, but there are better ways to accomplish her goal.” Gesturing me to follow her, we went to a door with her name. Inside was the luxury I expected.    

But not the mess.     

There were panties, bras, and sex toys spewed all over the room that was most certainly bigger than most houses. Nimyra didn’t look embarrassed as she headed into the closet.     

Hmm… Those objects… Why do they have that curled thing on the end? And where does that thick knob go? Servi, do you know? Itarr asked. I nodded, and Nimyra emerged from the back with a white shirt and black panties. “I’m sorry if they don’t fit. I’ll get your measurements later, and I’ll have Meghann get you some outfits. In the meantime, why don’t you take a bath? Use the big tub down the hall on your left because there’s soap laced with lavender and honey. I want to spend some time with Lucy, so if I don’t see you tonight, I’ll see you in the morning, okay? Sweet dreams.”  

“Okay. Good night.” I accepted the clothes with my thanks, and I went to the bathroom. “Who knows? Maybe a nice dip is what I need. Got a lot on my mind, and I wanna talk with you some more, Itarr. Haven’t really had a chance. Sorry about that.”  

It is nothing to be sorry about. I realize you’re sometimes in a position that makes it hard to reply. It is understandable—  

“No, it isn’t. It feels wrong to remain silent when I know you wish to learn about this world. Itarr, you need to come first. I don’t care if I look like a crazy person for talking to myself.”  

Ah… Thank you, Servi.   

The goddess’s voice grew soft when I pushed open the door to the bathroom.    

---

Walking in, I was met with more marble, a wall of oils to add to the giant bathtub, and a row of towels waiting to be used. The ceiling above me was shut, but a series of candlelit chandeliers above provided a romantic glow. Using my ring to strip naked, I walked over to the faucet and turned the one with a red string. From behind, portions of the wall opened to reveal a roaring flame below a giant water tank. It looked like water traveled through the pipes to the tank, where it was heated, at which it resumed its journey and flowed out the faucet.    

And I was proven correct about 15 seconds later.    

The tub had a depth of two feet, so we would be here a while. And while waiting, I answered Itarr’s questions. “Those things you saw with the hook are called dildos. That stimulates the clit, while the larger part goes into you.”  I walked in front of the nearby mirror, crouched, spread my legs, and examined my pussy for Itarr to see the various parts. Hearing her comment on how pretty it looked... I couldn't help but put a finger in.    

“Aahh… Mmmnn…” I moaned, biting my lip. Tingles surged through my body. I removed my index finger and stared at how wet it was. My thighs were glistening like dew in the morning grass. Was I that horny?    

Itarr asked about that Mud Ogre’s crotch. “When a guy gets excited, they get an erection. I promised I’d buy [Lover’s Blossom], so here it is." Pulling out the Skill Tablet, I learned the skill. The description disappeared and was replaced by a toggle. Tapping on that brought up a…warning screen?   

This process is not reversible without the use of skills that you cannot currently acquire. Do you wish to proceed?  

Without even thinking about it, I went ahead with it. My body was engulfed by a crimson glow, which gradually navigated towards my crotch. At that point, the light grew brighter for a second, then slowly solidified into a certain flaccid appendage. A hot flash came over me, and I couldn’t remain standing. Falling to my ass, it was like my hands had their own minds.    

My palms just brushed the thing between my legs, sending a surge through my body. “Aahh…” I moaned and jerked my hands away before forcing them back to my…penis? It was still engulfed by that energy.     

It looks like it hurts, Itarr noted. Through gritted teeth, I explained that it was the opposite. That it felt so good my mind was about to break. If the red energy was my penis, it was about 6” when flaccid. But the more I stared at myself in the mirror while working my cock, it started to harden. I grew erect at watching myself. Slowly, the thing took on a shape more suitable for penetration.    

Falling to my back, I thrust my hips to match my strokes while my mind was filled with dirty thoughts.    

Suddenly, something felt tight, and I discovered the skill created a pair of testicles. The flooring was smooth and cool on my thighs.    

But something grew in my crotch, and the feeling couldn’t be contained. Standing up, I crouched while furiously edging myself to the plane of insanity. Like dust in the wind, the energy, which had done its job, faded away, leaving a healthy-looking penis. It perfectly matched my skin tone... And... And it felt so comfortable...and right... Like I was meant to have one... 

Was the woman jerking off in the mirror me? She looked like me. She had breasts like me. The same color lips? Yes, she had them. Black hair and red eyes? We shared the same features, yet her face… It was so…lewd. And full of pleasure. Her quivering body… Those bouncing breasts danced up and down, flopping all over the place.   

That… That was me… One hand strayed from my penis and went to my chest, pinching my nipples. Were my erogenous zones heightened?     

“Fuck… I’m about to cum… It’s coming… It’s coming!!! Kyaaaaa!!!!!” Once. Twice. Thrice. Thick ropes of semen ejaculated out the tip of my penis, covering my reflection in the mirror. Sperm slithered down her face, bypassing her heaving chest and delicate nipples, swimming down her toned stomach, and trying to cover her flaccid penis. The tip still dripped my milky white seed, and reason soon returned to my mind…   

But seeing my semen splashed everywhere? Just the euphoria of climaxing and seeing what I used to not have turned me on again. Without thinking, I moved close and used my ring to absorb the semen before hastily apologizing to Itarr.     

This…is semen? Where does it come from? Why do men have this? And do not worry. You are free to clean up any way you wish using your ring. I truly do not mind.    

“Are you sure?”  

I am. Please do not worry about it.  

With an erection still between my legs, I walked to the waiting tub and immersed myself in pure warmth. I couldn’t get tired or sore, but relief? Oh, I could feel it all day long. While soaking, I explained the reproductive system to Itarr. She found it very interesting and asked to know about sex.    

“Sorry, don’t think I can help you there,” I replied, reaching for the soap laced with lavender and honey on a small tub-side swivel table. Itarr asked why not. “I don’t think I’ve ever had sex. If I did, I can’t remember doing it.”   

Ah, I understand. My next question was about the taste of a penis. You said it can be licked and sucked.  

“If you’re that curious... I mean... Hold on... I think I have something,” I said, washing myself. My soapy hands wiggled between my soaked chest, creating snow-white suds that smelled heavenly. My palms glided down my stomach until coming to my new cock, which was at attention. Swiveling my hips made it bounce slightly, which was fun, but the tip stared at me while I cleaned the shaft and balls. A familiar, orgasmic feeling welled up in my groin, but I edged myself while not overflowing the chalice of pleasure.   

Next was my ass, which was supple and soft. I couldn’t deny my curviness. And I suppose I was cute, too. Nimyra thought so because she called me pretty. Bending over, I made sure to get between my thighs. Itarr explained bathing wasn’t required because she could use [True Absorption] to keep me clean. Guess that meant small particles were ripe for stashing in the ring. Good to know.   

Well, we were about to put that to the test because I had a crazy idea. The collected suds washed away after sitting down, and I retrieved my Skill Tablet. Scrolling down to [Lover’s Blossom], tapping on it brought up a single option.   

“Do you wish to allow this skill to read the lustful thoughts of yourself and your partners to grow, shrink, or alter its taste according to your wishes?” I read aloud. A pair of yes or no boxes appeared underneath.    

I didn’t expect that. When the description said options, I thought it to be like a list of different properties, not being able to read minds.   

Why does she have something like this? If only she knew.  

But since Itarr wanted to know what it tasted like…   

I tapped ‘yes,’ and the message vanished. A green checkmark appeared after the skill's name. Nothing immediately happened, but after consciously thinking I wanted to suck myself, my dick grew per my desire.   

It pierced through the water, becoming thick while my testicles adjusted accordingly. With one hand, I hugged the shaft between my boobs and began to stimulate it. The tip was near my nose, and the smell of lavender invaded my nostrils.   

“This... It feels amazing...” I said, pursing my lips and kissing the tip. My natural flavor was imparted to my mouth, but it had a hint of sweet honey.   

And the lust and desire to suck me off took over. I swallowed it—as much as I could, and worked my throat and tongue, causing bellowing moans to flutter past my lips. Simultaneously, I gyrated my hips to fuck my boobs. Since I didn’t need to breathe, I took it deep in my throat until my balls tightened again. Soon, hot milk spurted out, flooding my mouth with warm bitterness. Each time my penis quivered, it delivered another thick rope of sperm to my stomach while slightly shrinking in size. Some trembling later, a waterfall of sperm fell from the corners of my mouth, sliding back down my cock until it drenched the water.     

Even after I had nothing else to ejaculate, I gave myself a clean-up blowjob to enjoy this sensation a little longer. My breasts and stomach were covered in stickiness, but…   

I kinda liked it. When I looked in the mirror, there reflected a girl with a flushed face with a mouth full of cock. A semen waterfall flowed from the corners of her pretty pink lips. Making her seem as if she were the essence of lust. Slowly, the penis shrank, returning to its original size of 6” as it slumbered in the sperm-tainted bath, looking like a cream popsicle of deliciousness.    

“Holy...shit...” I gasped, breathing heavily out of instinct and not a necessity. Itarr’s voice floated around my mind, and she asked her questions. The penis itself tasted...like honey? Before I sucked it, I washed it well. But the semen tasted bitter. It was thick, too, and not at all like water, which was what I thought it would be. But it wasn’t something I hated, strangely enough. My heart raced when it seemed like drowning was in the cards... When it filled my throat and stomach...   

I gotta get my mind off it, lest I do it again... 

Itarr asked a few more questions while I bathed my body again. When I got out of the bath, it took the goddess a handful of seconds to dry me off. Unfortunately, she absorbed the lavender and honey scent, which prompted an apology. But it was fine. Really, it was. I thanked her for sparing me the necessity of a towel and used my ring to stash the clothes Nimyra gave me. A second later, I had the oversized shirt over my body. The tip of my penis peeked out the bottom. Next came the panties, and there was a noticeable bulge.   

Really, it was impossible to miss. I could have made it smaller with [Lover’s Blossom] but decided against it because my pants would hide all penile evidence. The panties were made from a soft material, which felt good...   

Holding back an erection, I walked from the bathroom to the living room, then looked out the window at the sharp dichotomy of poverty and normalcy. To my left were the slums, and to the right was the 'good' part of Canary. I saw complete buildings with nary a hole or weathered brick. The roads were paved and cleaned, and people in armor walked the streets with torches to light the lamp posts. It didn’t seem like electricity was a thing, or I'd seen something electric by now. 

What is...electricity? How come I know the word, but I don’t see any evidence of it?  

A melancholy sigh fluttered through my lips while I gazed at the moon. It shined brightly in the sky, and I knew it would witness many deplorable transgressions that would happen tonight.   

I wanted to get out there and protect those that didn’t have the strength to defend themselves, but I required a disguise. Or some outfit to hide my distinguishing features. Siora said red eyes were rare in humans, so a mask was needed. My black hair could be kept. Might have to wear gloves to hide my ring.   

Eventually, I saw a tight-knit unit of guards scamper into the slums. Siora and Tim were at the forefront…   

I guess they cared that much about me. I want to tell them I'm fine, but it would cause more trouble than it's worth.  

Staring out the window like a forlorn lover wasn’t my idea of a good time, so I closed the curtains and went to the room Nimyra gave me. It was plain, really. With the barest of decorations, I figured the room hadn’t been used that often. The bedspread, covers, and pillows were plain white, and I didn’t have a window. The dresser was fancy, though. The walk-in closet was devoid of anything. Didn’t have a use for it since I had a personal dresser in the form of a goddess.   

Ah, no. That was wrong to say. Itarr was much more than that. We'd only met hours ago, but it felt like I had known her my entire life.  

I flopped on the bed and marveled at how soft it was. Rolling to my back, I rested my head on the pillow and gazed at my ring. Itarr spoke my name, and we softly discussed our current situation. The goddess was more philosophical than I gave her credit for, but I wondered if that came with the territory of being a divine being capable of creation. That was the running theory, at least. A goddess was a title with big pants to fill, and whenever I thought of one, creation and destruction came to mind... The ability to grant life as well as take it.   

Could I fit that role?   

“Ahhh, I can think more about it tomorrow. Itarr, I know I don't need to sleep, but my mind feels hazy.” 

That is understandable. Splicing souls is not an easy task, I don't think, so I believe what you feel is normal. By tomorrow, your mind will be clearer.  

“What about you? Do you sleep?” 

I do not require it. But I am not alone, nor will I be lonely, Servi.  

“Are you sure?” 

I am. Sweet dreams, Servi. Good night. 

“Good night, Itarr,” I whispered, shutting my eyes. Not even a second later, they opened, and I found myself standing in front of the blood fountain in the courtyard of Itarr’s spiraling tower. The goddess appeared and explained something she forgot to mention. Upon falling asleep, I would automatically be transported to our soul.   

“I apologize, but I don’t know how to change that,” replied Itarr. “Rest assured, your body is sleeping in the real world.”  

“I don’t mind,” I told her. “Why don’t we spend some time together?” Itarr asked me if I was sure, and after nodding, we sat on the fountain's edge and spoke what came to our minds. The future was bright for us, and we had a home. A temporary home, but one nonetheless. Compared to this morning, when I had nothing, I’d say I was doing pretty good for an amnesiac girl who couldn’t even remember what personality she used to have. 

Yeah, I was doing alright. And tomorrow?  

Tomorrow would be just another day in this new life of mine.