Aether Nexus: Curse of Love & Hatred

“Onward to Briarwood Village!” Liam ceremoniously shouted with one fist pumping into the air.

Kina gave a thumbs up in response to both Liam’s enthusiasm and his handling of the rope halter. Soon after though, she gasped, pushing Dama back to arms length. “My goodness! I almost forgot! Wait right here Dama darling~!

Kina began to run so fast back into the village, the images of her legs seemed to meld together into a rotating wheel.

As Gus climbed into the carriage and Koul walked up beside Dama, Kina came back as fast as she left. In her hands was a pile of folded clothes. “Here, Dama, I had these tailor-made to your measurements beforehand! In your last check up, you did say you were starting to outgrow some of your clothes back home, right?”

“Oh, uh, yes ma’am, I have.” Dama responded whilst tugging on his own sweater’s collar. “I’ve been running out of comfortably fitting clothes for some time. Thanks again, Ms. Alder!”

“No problem darling!” Kina said, giving the clothes to Mumu. “Looks like you guys are all set!”

Koul lifted a finger in the air, interjecting. “Wait, hol’ ya horses now. Dama my boy, why don’t you change into some of those new clothes at my house? I still have something to talk to lil’ miss Kina about over here.”

“Little!? I’m only six years younger than you buster!”

“Ok Mr. Koul! Thanks!” Dama responded, turning to Mumu and Nina shortly after. “Come on you two, I’ll need your help.”

Now in the Koul’s residence, Dama used a spare and furbished room to change with the help of Mumu. Nina meanwhile played with Mari in the living room, a room filled with Mari’s constant laughter.

Running around in a game of tag, Nina would always be the chaser. Mari squealed with delight as she ducked behind the plush armchair, narrowly avoiding Nina's playful paws. With her tail wagging uncontrollably from excitement, Nina circled around the chair as she tried to catch up with her small human friend.

Giggling as her tiny feet pitter-pattered against the floorboards, Mari dashed past the coffee table. Unfortunately, in her attempt to cut corners combined with her speed, she ended up bumping into it, causing the vase on its surface to topple over and fall.

Nina however, who was close behind, dived towards the impact site. Making it in time, the vase landed on Nina’s soft snout, making a slight indent. Using her tail, Nina then put the vase back.

“Jeez! What did I tell you Mari!?” Mari’s older sister, Mary, shouted as she entered the room. A tray of warm tea burdening her hands. “You need to be more careful, especially inside the house!”

Immediately stopping in her tracks, Mari looked down in guilt. “Sorry Mary…”

“Now now,” a soft voice sounded from the other side of the room, “No need to fuss at her Mary. I was watching the entire time, and trusted Nina to make sure nothing happens. Looks like my trust isn’t misplaced, isn’t that right, you good girl.”

As all three looked towards the brown leather couch, the voice’s owner came into view. She was a slender and elegant woman, with a red village dress adorning her figure. Most striking features though were her soft facial features, light-brown hair, and a calm, caring aura she naturally exuded. She overall looked like a splitting image of Mary and Mari, or rather, they looked like the splitting image of the woman. It was Tawa Koul.

“Also, Mari, your older sister is right. Even if Nina is here, try not to be too reckless, alright?”

“Yes ma’am…” Mari said, her voice full of guilt. Her demeanor would soon flip though as Nina coiled her body around Mari, making her giggle.

Mary exhaled audibly in slight frustration. “To be honest, mother, you and father are too lax on her.” She said while handing Tawa a cup of warm tea.

Waiting for her daughter to sit down beside her, Tawa looked upwards, reminiscing about Mary’s early childhood. “Tehee, don’t forget sweetie, you were just like that at her age. Always full of energy and running around. Not to mention always dragging Dama into your little games and adventures too.”

Mary almost spit out her tea in embarrassment. “C-Come on mom!”

“Point is, we’re treating her with the same strictness and respect as we did you, and you turned out to be such a respectable young woman who’s only growing more beautiful by the day! So, I don’t see the problem”

Looking down at her tea, meeting her reflection’s gaze, Mary agreed. “Eh, I guess you’re right… Maybe I am too hard on her.”

“And there’s nothing wrong with that sweetie. You’re just taking the role of elder sister seriously, making sure she grows up knowing to do the right things. Something both me and your father appreciate.”

“Yeah… She’s just so aloof and reckless, I don’t want her to hurt herself.”

Back in the spare room where Dama is changing, he struggled to put on the vest to complete his outfit. After awhile, Mumu came to assist him.

With one final pull down by Mumu, Dama now matched the three men he was about to travel with. A white shirt, green plaid vest, and khaki-colored trousers.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Dama smiled at both the comfort and style it provided. “Would you look at that Mumu! I actually look good in this! It’s so soft and fits well, with room for me to grow in it too! Thank you Mumu for helping, I have to make sure to thank Ms. Alder again for these!” He said as his hand felt the spft fabric of the vest.

Stepping out and walking into the living room, Dama’s new look would catch the attention of everyone.

“Big brother Dama! You look so cool!” Mari squealed whilst on Nina’s back.

“My, what a handsome young man you are sweetie! Don’t you agree, Mary?”

“Hm!? Uh, yeah, you look great Dama.” Mary said, raising her tea cup in front of her face in an attempt to hide her blush.

Dama blushed himself while also feeling a spark of pride as he walked to Nina. “Thanks everyone! Guess us three are ready to venture out to Briarwood now, huh?”

Getting off Nina’s back, Mari ran up to Dama. “Big brother, can you bring back something from your adventure?”

“Hm? Of course, anything for you, Mari!” Dama exclaimed, patting Mari’s head, causing her to smile from ear to ear.

“Well, do be careful now. I know I shouldn’t be worrying that much, but could you please make sure my husband doesn’t do anything reckless sweetie?” Tawa said, cupping her left cheek in concern.

“Yeah, please, be careful… You, my father, and the other men. Make sure to tell them we said that!” Mary chimed in.

Opening the front door, Dama looked back with a confident smile, his figure sihloutted amongst the sunlight. “Roger! I promise, we’ll all come back safe and sound!”

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(Chapter 27) Adventure!

Note from Inlajin: As announced in the last chapter, I will be taking a break and coming back on March 19th. Thank you for everything, and I will see you until then!