Chapter 32: Global Announcement

Excerpts from Brief History of Xoth:

Beastkin

Beastkin hold the distinction of being one of two races of Xoth that have multiple sub-races. Beastkin have five subraces. The subraces are: Lupine, Feline, Vulpine, Leporine, and Murine. Beastkin are similar in appearance to elves except they are less slender, have tails, and have animals ears in place of pointed ears. Of all races, Beastkin are the most average in terms of height, Strength, Intelligence, and magical capabilities. While they are not as strong as Dwarves, as tall as Orcs, or as magically capable as Elves, they are known for being extremely adaptable to a wide variety of environments. They also display a heightened sense of smell and sight.

Beastkin boast the highest population of any race on Xoth and were responsible for creating the majority of villages, towns and cities across Xoth. The political system in Beastkin-created societies are usually democratic in varying degrees. In villages, Elders are chosen by the adult civilians. Towns have mayors elected and cities are home to a Governor.

In the Beastkin home continent of Bohalen, Beastkin's economy is based on fisheries, ship construction, and sea-based transportation and delivery. Beastkins are the only race on Xoth able to construct ships that can cross the monster-infested seas. Their ships are often called "Fortress Ships" due to their immense size, armour, and considerable assortment of ballistas.

Demon

Similar to Beastkin, the Demon race has multiple subraces. This includes the Ala, the Lilin, the Preta, the Rakshasas and the Archon. Each of these subraces hold different physical traits such as wings, extra arms, horns, or tails. Demons hold the distinction of being the physically strongest race on Xoth. Their magical capabilities are second to Elves.

Unlike the other races, the Demon race is united as one kingdom that is ruled by a Demon Lord. Over three hundred years ago, the Demon Lord was Lucuz Nebra. During his reign, the Demon race traded with the other continents and the world was at relative peace. That rule was brought to a violent end when Hastur and his officers initiated a coup and assassinated him.

Since the assassination, the Demon race on the continent of Almawt has cut all ties to every government and have periodically initiated wars and skirmishes against the world. If the Demon race relied purely on their numbers and abilities, they would have been defeated and overrun long ago. Hastur ensured their advantage through various means.

The first of which includes the technological prowess of the Demon race. These technologies include airships which use levitation stones that allow vessels to sail through the sky at a faster speed than any sea vessel or horse. The only things faster than airships are dragons and wyverns. These airships are capable of dropping explosives and using magical cannons to bombard the landscape.

The second method takes advantage of the living conditions of the Demon population. The continent that the Demons dwell on is mostly desert. Since the end of trade with other nations and races, the Demon race finds its resources very scarce. Hastur takes advantage of this desperation to force the population to fight in order to get more food and water. Refugees, who have managed to escape Almawt, tell countless stories of the neglect and abuse the general population face.

The last method deals with the usage of Soul Axes in order to amplify the strength and power of high ranking officers. Hastur prioritize the capture of enemy soldiers in order to gather more Soul Axes. He rewards captures and ensures that the officers willing to absorb Soul Axes live a luxurious life.

Lost Races

There are rumours that persist among the populace of that there are unknown races. These speculations usually come from sightings and old tales. The sightings includes hairy people, talking trees and sentient swords. None of these sightings have been confirmed by a secondary source.

With the appearance of Hastur, these tales and rumours have renewed. Hastur and his officers share no resemblance with any known Demon subrace. No one has ever seen Hastur's or his officer's statuses, in order to confirm their race, and lived. Others have argued that Hastur and his officers only look different than other Demons because of their ravenous consumption of Soul Axes which are known to corrupt and deform the consumer.

Race vs. Intelligent Monster

Not every race on Xoth is a mindless monster driven by instinct. There are some creatures capable of intelligent actions such as communication. What makes them different from any race on Xoth? This has been a common topic for debate for years. After much discussion, most philosophers can conclude that a race must exhibit a list of traits in order to differentiate themselves from an intelligent monster. These ten traits are the following:

1. Are sentient.

2. Are sapient.

3. Are capable of language.

4. Are capable of creating tools.

5. Are capable of organizing themselves into a community or heirarchy of authority or government.

6. Are are capable of building permanent shelter.

7. Are capable of agriculture.

8. Are capable of mercy or forgiveness.

9. Are capable of artistic expression.

10. Are curious.

Interracial and Polygamous Relationships

The number of women born compared to men is high with the ratio at seven-to-one. Due to this gender ratio, polygamous marriages were always commonplace in all communities. With recent wars, the number of males in the world dropped to a lower level making them more scarce.

Interracial marriages are common due to the gender ratio of Xoth with the average marriage consisting of at least three different races. As for children born, the race of the child will take after the mother, eg. a female Beastkin will always give birth to a Beastkin child. The child will share physical traits to the father, such as facial characteristics and, in some rare cases, eye colour.

VVVVVV

"I am Premal Bhan with CBC news. Yesterday, the super-human individual known as Thunder and his companions were spotted visiting the White House alongside Prime Minister MacNeill. This morning the US Press Secretary confirmed that Thunder and his companions met and spoke with President Forest, Prime Minister MacNeill and many other world leaders to discuss the events that have transpired around the world since Monster Day."

The video footage switched over to the US Press Secretary who stood in front of a room filled with reporters, cameramen and bloggers.

"Thunder has been very cooperative with us and the meeting we had was very productive. He has provided us with a vast amount of information that he has compiled over the month. The President and the world leaders are currently going over the data he provided and will be issuing a statement later today."

The statement of the Press Secretary was quickly followed by the press corps yelling their questions towards him. The footage ended and the video returned to Bhan.

"The planned announcement by the world leaders will occur tonight, simultaneously, at eight pm Eastern Standard Time."

"I'm surprised that they're making the announcement so soon," Tom thought out loud. He shoved a mouthful of banana pancakes into his mouth.

"Why's that?" Vivian asked.

"It's just the steps to go through to make such a statement. People to speak to for advisement. Not to mention writing a speech. The political situation must be worse than I thought for them to fast track the announcement."

"Politics in your world is very weird," Reia stated while her mouth was half full.

"You're not wrong," Tom laughed. He noticed that Tala and Sylmae looked more lively. "You two are looking better."

"The food is helping," Sylmae admitted.

"It's delicious," Tala said. "What is it?"

"Banana pancakes covered in maple syrup. Bananas are fruits that contains a lot of potassium which helps alleviate hangovers. The water is to rehydrate you and help you recover faster. I figured you all would really want this."

"That's very thoughtful of you," Tala said.

"No problem."

"So Tom," Reia interjected, "Any idea when the President is going to contact us?"

"He didn't say," he replied. "Just that he would sometime today."

As if on cue, the phone started ringing. Tom walked over and saw the caller ID display "UNKNOWN CALLER". He picked up the phone and answered, "Hello?"

"Mister Everett."

"Mister President. It's good to hear from you again. I saw footage from that press conference. I didn't realize you would make the announcement so soon."

"Your appearance at the White House was very public. There would be uproar if we met with you and did not immediately make an announcement to the world. For better or for worse, the world needs to know. Are you able to come in? We have a few questions."

"Yeah, we just need to suit up. I can be there in a few minutes. This time I can teleport directly into the Oval Office. Is that okay?"

"Yes, yes. That's fine."

"Great. See you soon, Mister President."

Tom hanged up the phone and turned to the others.

"No rush, but we need to finish breakfast," he told them. "Tala, Sylmae, I'm getting you two aspirin."

VVVVVV

"I'm telling you, Mister President, if we follow through with these proposals..." Vice-President Amster roared before he was interrupted.

The President and Vice-President were in the middle of a heated exchange. The President held a calm demeanor as he sat behind his desk in the Oval office. The Vice-President stood across from him and had his hands planted on top of the President's desk.

"I have some of our best minds go over all the information and they have all agreed that, if what we are told is true," President Forest explained, "then this must be done at a minimum. They have further made more suggestions of their own to help improve Humanity's chance of survival. At this point, we can't worry about the immediate reaction when we need to worry about long-term survival."

"That immediate reaction will taint your past two terms and have you remembered in the history books for tearing this country's economy apart. In all honesty, I can't say I can stand by you in this decision."

Forest stared at him with an intensity that Amster has never seen him express before in the eight years they have worked together. The President stood up and walked around his desk while hobbling on his dark-wood cane. Even hunched over, Forest still stood a foot higher than Amster.

"Let me be clear, Kodi." The President emphasized the Vice-President's first name and filled his voice with venom as he pronounced it. "I may have been forced by the DNC to take you on as my running mate back in twenty-twelve, but that doesn't mean I'll take your shit. I have been very accommodating to you for the last eight years. I even compromised on the military budget to allow more WMCs to get involved with our military when I wanted to decrease it. This situation is bigger than us. Bigger than America. I will not have you stand in the way."

Before Kodi could respond, Tom and his companions appeared. The group were all dressed in their combat garb.

"Uh, hello, Mister President," Tom greeted. He immediately felt a heavy atmosphere come from the President and Vice-President. "Did we interrupted something?"

"Oh, no, no," Forest assured him. "Vice-President Amster was just leaving. I don't believe you two met."

"Mister Vice-President," Tom greeted as he held out his hand.

Amster reluctantly reached forward and shook Tom's hand.

"Mister Everett."

"Pleased to meet you, Mister Vice-President," Reia greeted while holding her hand out to shake his.

Amster looked at her and then her hand. He adjusted his tie and said, "Excuse me, I have some things to take care of." Amster walked by the girls with little acknowledgment.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Tom muttered, "What a prick. Ah, shit, did I say that out loud?"

"Don't worry about it," Forest said. "He is a prick. Sadly, he is one of many people who show distrust towards your nonhuman companions."

"Distrust towards us?" Vivian repeated.

"Call it Human nature. Being fearful of what we don't understand. Our world has been under attack by monsters almost weekly since the initial monster attack. Everyone needs someone or something to blame for all the lives lost so far."

"You're not saying..." Sylmae muttered.

"Some have suggested that you four have some responsibility for our current situation."

"That's ridiculous!"

"Without information, the people will come up with their own theories about what is happening to our world. Hopefully after today, we can put these speculations to rest. For now, the G20 wishes to speak with you all about your information. Some... last minute concerns before the announcement tonight."

"Please lead the way, Mister President," Tom said.

VVVVVV

Vice-President Amster walked at a brisk pace down the hallways of the White House. He was infuriated at the President for the attitude he had displayed to him. Ever since the midterm election, the President has abandoned his moderate stance and swung further left. Not having to worry about getting reelected, the President has abandoned, what Amster would consider, a sensible approach top politics. Most Presidents have this phase when they reach the last half of their last term, but the renewed animosity that Forest displayed towards Amster only further angered him.

Amster pulled out his personal smartphone from his breast pocket and quickly dialed a number that he has had memorized since his early twenties. He held the phone up to his ear and listened to it ring. It rang twice before the person on the other end picked up.

"It's Amster."

"..."

"Did you receive the packet?"

"..."

"I know. These ideas will affect us greatly if fully implemented. May even expose us."

"..."

"His name is Thomas Everett. I looked up his information. No major achievements or prior criminal activities. He is a nobody. His access to the SYSTEM is the only thing that makes him special."

"..."

"Are you sure? That is extremely dangerous."

"..."

"I understand, sir. Imperium ex Umbra."

VVVVVV

Tom walked up to the control chair where the President sat. The others stood behind the two. Forest activated the virtual conference room and the screens of the G20 leaders appeared in front of them. Each of them had a different emotion from one another. These emotions ranged from distress to anger.

"Thank you all for joining us," Forest greeted.

"I take it you all have gone over everything," Tom said.

The multiple leaders all muttered at the same time in the affirmative.

"I heard that some of you had some concerns about the packet. I would like to do what I can to address these concerns."

"Do you have any idea what the consequences would be if we implemented your suggestions worldwide?" Prime Minister Ivanov said in quick response to Tom.

"I do," Tom replied. "But these steps are necessary to save as many lives as possible and to help minimize environmental damage during and after our worlds fusing."

"You have recommended evacuating all coastlines," the Japanese Prime Minister said while scowling. "Do you have any idea how much of Humanity lives on the coastline?"

"About half," Tom answered. "As I detailed in the report, the waves on Xoth are far more choppy than what we experience on Earth. I believe the fact that Xoth having two moons is the cause of this. It's possible that during our worlds' fusion, we may get an extra moon or two. The evacuation is temporary until we know the aftereffects of the fusion. Frankly, I'm hoping that higher tides are the worst we get."

"How could it get worse?"

"The extra moons collide into each other and break apart. These fragments would then pepper our world and, in turn, wipe out all life as we know it."

Those words caused a chill to go down everyone's spine.

"I doubt that will happen, though," Tom assured everyone.

"How do you know this?" the Brazilian President asked.

"Considering the kind of... person..." Tom struggled to get out a description of Hastur. "...that Hastur is. I doubt he would recklessly fuse our worlds without an idea of what the final result would be."

"Is the gravity of the moons why you have suggested closing down and decommissioning every off shore oil rig," the British Prime Minister said. "And to cease, not just, the usage of oil tankers, but all sea vessels before the fusion happens and after. This would cripple our supply infrastructure."

"It's not just the moons. The oceans of Xoth are filled with many dangerous creatures. Creatures that are legends on Earth, are reality on Xoth. Leviathans, Scylla, Charybdis, Hydras, Krakens, Razor Maws, and giant varieties of creatures we have on our world. This is just the monsters. I don't think every sea vessel will be ready for the massive waves we'll get. We may be able to get ships moving again if we get help from the Beastkin."

"O-Our people have m-magical runes that repeal the m-monsters of the seas," Tala said shyly. "We are also used to dealing with large waves."

"If the waves don't destroy our ships and oil rigs, the sea monsters will. There are solutions to our supply infrastructure problem. Most cities have, what they call, Portals. Basically magical wormholes that can instantly transfer you to another Portal. These Portals require a lot of resources to build so cities usually only have one. With our technology and ability to find and transport resources, we could amplify the production of Portals. Instead of waiting weeks for massive shipments over water, we could have them instantly all over the world." Tom still saw a lot of the leaders with looks of skepticism on their faces. He let out a breath and continued. "Look, I didn't go into writing up the recommendations with some political agenda. I am under the impression that my translations will be made available to the public after today. Many others are going to make suggestions similar to mine. Likely they'll come up with more."

Tom's eyes wandered around and saw that each leader showed signs of discomfort when he mentioned others making recommendations.

"Some already have, haven't they?" he asked.

"We have forward your packet to prominent think tanks, scientists and agency heads," Forest answered. "They have agreed with your recommendations. In political circles, there have been some disagreement, like your recommendation to decommission nuclear plants and global nuclear disarmament."

"Necessary," Tom said. "These are vulnerabilities in our countries' defenses. If our world's fusing doesn't damage our nuclear plants then our enemies will try to attack them to cause a meltdown. Same issue with our world's nuclear weapons."

"Hastur would have no qualms in using those weapons against us," Vivian interjected. "He could launch some nukes at an enemy country and just get a group of people with purifying capabilities to clean the area."

"I doubt that everyone's nukes has the security to protect it from an army of SYSTEM-enhanced soldiers," Tom continued. "It surprises me that Phoenix or Mordiggian hasn't tried to infiltrate nuclear sites. Maybe Phoenix isn't strong enough to attack a launch site. Maybe Mordiggian isn't aware of them. I don't know. But we cannot give them the chance to make the attempt."

Tom took several steps forward as he continued his plea.

"Hastur is unlike anything we have faced before. When our worlds fuse, he will stop at nothing in taking control of it. We will not be fighting an enemy that will limit itself with laws, ideology or morals. Hastur will wipe out anyone who stands in his way."

"How are we supposed to fight an enemy that is powerful enough to fuse two worlds?" the South African President demanded.

"This isn't a war we will fight alone."

"While the people of my world are divided between countries, regions and cities," Reia said, "we will unite under the common cause of fighting against Hastur's tyranny."

"M-Day was a declaration of war," Tom declared. "We are looking at harsh times ahead but there is still hope. This coming war will be different than any that Hastur has fought in the last three hundred years. Hastur has never fought against Humans. He doesn't know of technology. He doesn't know of our military tactics. He doesn't know of our strength. If we combine our abilities with the people of Xoth, we can end Hastur's reign, once and for all."

Notice

Persuasion has reached Intermediate Level 7.

Notice

You managed to get the leaders of your world to understand your argument and convinced them to consider your recommendations. With this impossible feat, you have earned the title "Lobbyist". This title increases your chances of persuading a politician by 10%.

'Oh, another title,' Tom thought.

The mood in the room was less tense after Tom's plea for sanity. The G20 leaders seemed more satisfied with Tom's reasoning and understood the necessity of sacrifice when preparing for war. The silence in the room was broken by the French President who said, "You have given us much to think on."

"For the time being, the world needs the announcement tonight," Tom said. "Trust in me or don't, it won't change what will be necessary in the days to come. Others will read the information, and they will come to similar conclusions. Is there anything else any of you need to know?"

The G20 leaders gave the question thought. One by one they shook their heads in the negative.

"My companions and I are available for questions in the future," Tom assured them. "We do plan to cooperate with the UN to the fullest of our abilities."

"I believe this concludes our meeting today," Forest declared. "I look forward to seeing you all in a week in New York."

The holoscreens blinked out one by one as the leaders closed their communication line. Tom loosened his posture and let out a breath.

"I'm never going to get used to that," Tom thought out loud.

"You did fine," Forest assured him. "Everyone is just upset at the development. Speaking of which. Do you ladies mind if I have a private chat with Thomas here? It won't be long."

"Not at all, Mister President," Reia replied.

Tala and Sylmae nodded their heads. Vivian gave him a thumbs up.

"Thank you," Forest said. "You can wait upstairs in the Oval Office for us."

Forest and Tom watched out of the corner of their eye the others climb the stairs. As soon as they were out of sight, a scowl came across Forest's face.

"I'll be honest with you, Thomas. The backlash against your proposals is going to be massive. Not just from corporations and private interest groups but also from the public. A lot of jobs will be lost and may result in a global depression."

"We are given very few options, Mister President. Either lose jobs or lose our world."

"True, true." Forest rubbed his brow. "If this was going to happen, now is the best and worst time. At least for America."

"How so?"

"I'm nearing the end of my last term, Thomas. One of the good things about that fact is my hands are less tied up since I don't have to worry about getting re-elected. This year I can... exert more power to ensure our world is prepared. May tarnish my record, but I doubt you would risk your life all over the world just to ruin the world's economy."

"Yes, sir."

"Now the fact that I'm nearing the end of my last term also is a negative for us."

"The primaries."

"Exactly. The primaries are coming to a close and the general election will begin. It is apparent at this point who will be each party's candidate. The Republicans will have Senator Tyler Scott. The Libertarians has Congresswoman Juliana Asker. The Liberty Party has Samuel Hawke. And my party will be represented by..." Forest let out a loud sigh. "Former rapper Marcus Rex."

"Not exactly a good assortment of candidates."

"This disaster is going to dominant this election and greatly divide this nation. It's because of this election why I'm proposing the Unity Accord to the UN. I would appreciate it if you attended the vote in a few days. You won't need to say anything, but your presence would improve the odds of the Accord passing."

"I would like to read the Accord before I throw in my support," Tom cautioned him.

"Of course. Here." Forest handed Tom a USB drive. "The document is on there. Though after reading your proposals, I believe you will find the Accord acceptable. I also want you to have this."

Forest held up a rectangle-shaped piece of transparent plastic that Tom cautiously took. The plastic was fairly thin and was about fourteen centimeters in length and seven centimeters wide.

"What is this?" Tom asked. His thumb touched the surface top and suddenly several coloured icons appeared on the plastic sheet. One of the icons was a symbol of a phone receiver with the word "Phone" below it.

"Your new smart phone," Forest answered. "It is heavily encrypted and contains the contact information of every world leader. We would appreciate it if when you are given warning of a monster attack, that you would call the leader of that country to let them know. We plan to add an app in the future where you can just input the location of the monster attack and it will automatically warn the area."

"That sounds cool."

"It would also be helpful if you called the leader after your mission is complete. This would help aid arrive at a monster attack zone much faster."

"I'll be sure to do so, Mister President. Sir, couldn't my companions have stayed if this was what you wanted to say?"

"There is one more thing. Something I thought you would want to speak in private about. Tell me. Are you in a romantic relationship with that Naga girl?"

"Excuse me?" Tom spat out.

"I have seen the way you two act around each other, both here and in footage of your missions. You two are not as subtle as you think."

The president had a sly smile that came across his lips. Tom was flabbergasted at the President's casual attitude over the subject.

"You don't need to worry. I just wanted to give you some advice. As far as I know of, no one knows, but once they do, it will likely become difficult for you two. Current events are only going to give rise to prejudice towards the people of Xoth. When Humanity finds out about your relationship, you are going to going to see a lot of that anger directed towards her and towards you."

"I know a few things about experiencing prejudice," Tom replied.

"Right, right. Look, the point I'm trying to make is this; if you love this woman, don't let what other people say affect you. And no matter what happens in the future, don't let that love die. Love isn't something that is given and will always be there. Love requires effort and maintenance. That was a mistake I made. It was something I have regretted since."

"Mister President?"

"You met Grace, yes? Well, the two of us have history. I worked for the NSA and she worked for the CIA. During our career, we ran into each other often. We had... been together off and on for years. Over time our work began to interfere with our lives to the point where we had to make a choice between what we had or our work. As you might have guessed, we chose the latter. I managed to build a very successful career in both Intelligence and politics, but there was always that regret. And I never met another woman like her."

"If she isn't with anyone, it's not too late to stoke those flames, Mister President. Once you're outta office, there's nothing to hold you back."

Forest let out a chuckle. "Very true. I've kept her waiting long enough, I suppose."

"Ah, Mister President, while we're talking, there has been something I've been meaning to address." Tom smacked his left palm with his right fist as he remembered the subject.

"Yeah?"

"Well, I want to make it clear that I did not personally steal this suit of armour from DARPA. It was just magically granted to me as a quest reward. I honestly didn't even know this existed before I was gifted it. What I'm trying to ask is, can I keep it? It's really good armour."

"DARPA was really upset when that suit of armour vanished from their lab. Imagine their surprise when they found you wearing it. I'll tell you what. That suit is still a prototype. If you're willing to provide information to DARPA about that suit and its capabilities on the battlefield, I can see them allowing you to continue 'testing' it."

"Thank you, Mister President. I really appreciate it."

VVVVVV

Later...

Tom and the others sat on the couch and chairs in front of the tv and waited for the President's speech to begin. The tv screen displayed the US Press Room and an empty pulpit. Reia sat to Tom's left and Tala to his right. Sylmae and Vivian sat in the two foldout chairs.

"A question, Thomas," Sylmae stated.

"Yeah?"

"Why are we watching the US President's speech? Shouldn't we be watching your Prime Minister's speech?"

"Well, he's a fine enough politician, but he's not really good at giving speeches. Forest has more charisma and I'd rather hear the announcement from him."

"It's starting!" Vivian exclaimed as she saw President Forest walked onto the platform.

Forest stood behind the podium and rested his hands at the edges of its top.

"Good evening. Yesterday, many of the world leaders and I had the opportunity to meet with the individual known to the world as Thunder. Our meeting was productive and we were able to learn the reason for the monster appearances across our world. It's not the end of the world, but it is the beginning of a new one."

Tom sat up on the couch and said, "He stole that line from me!"

Over the next twenty minutes, the President went over the existence of Xoth and its conflict with Hastur and his Demon army. Tom and the girls were thankful that the President made it very clear that the Demon race has nothing to do with demons of many Human religions. On Xoth there are still Demons that live outside of Almawt. Due to the conflict with Hastur, many of those Demon inhabitants of the world have been known to face discrimination.

The speech was honest but hopeful. Eventually, the speech ended with the announcement of a resource website that would host the Xoth-language version and translated version of the history book and bestiary that Tom provided.

With the speech at an end, both Sylmae and Vivian announced their leave for bed. Something Tom only learned from the arrival of Reia was that Xoth-born individuals slept longer than Humans. While Humans required between six to eight hours of sleep a night, a Xoth-born person needed at least ten hours per day.

Reia wanted to stay up a bit later to be with Tom, and Tala wanted to watch more news. At this point, Tala hasn't watched too much television and was fascinated by the technology. Deep down, Tom felt dissappointed that Tala decided to stay with Reia and him. He and Reia hasn't had a moment for real intimacy since the arrival of her friends. They were able to get in a kiss here and there, but nothing more than that.

Tom had his arm wrapped around Reia's waist and allowed her to rest her head on his shoulder. As the night went on, both Reia and Tala became more tired. Tala eventually laid on her side while she watched the news. Her eyes started to droop more and more until they finally remained closed.

"It seems like she's asleep," Reia whispered.

"Seems like. Ah!"

Tala shifted in her sleep and laid her head on Tom's lap. Reia chuckled in her throat. She reached over and started scratching Tala's head. Tala moaned in approval upon feeling the scratching. Reia grabbed Tom's left hand and moved it towards Tala's head.

"Reia, what are you-"

"Try scratching her ears," she urged him. "She has really soft fur on her ears. She won't mind."

Before Tom had a chance to protest, Reia forced his hand to Tala's head.

"Oh, her ears really are soft."

"Sometimes when she sleeps, I like to scratch her ears."

Tom and Reia continued to scratch Tala's head and ears. Reia kept her head close to Tom's. She turned her head and kissed him on the cheek. Surprised by the sudden action, Tom turned his head only to have his lips assault by hers. He was further surprised by her reaction when his hand left Tala's ears.

"No, keep scratching her ears."

'Okay, that's very weird,' Tom thought. "Just what is my girlfriend into?"

Tom's thoughts quickly vanished as Reia became more passionate. After a long moment, Reia broke the kiss and shuddered, "Let's take Tala to her bed. I'm staying with you tonight."