B4 — 4. The Living Denier

AuthorSME

PoV:

1: Rachel Park

Recap:  Rachel got into a big conference call with all her bois and girls to discuss what their new name would be, and the Legends were fine with Mythic because anything longer could sound kind of stupid.  Mythic works for the group, so, now it's finally time to meet Rachel's grandfather with his crazy breathing techniques—sigh, and her cousin.

Wow, how is this going to end?!

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Rachel sighed, elbow leaned against the side of the door-rest and cupping her cheek; her mother had been giving her glances ever since they left.  She could practically feel her judging eyes and thoughts … was she really going to go to her grandfathers in that ridiculous outfit?

It wasn’t like she could disagree with her mother; having Soo-geun see her in this was asking for snide comments, especially when he hated Korean culture so much.  Still, if she wanted to change it, then … well, she hadn’t really explored other methods to see if the design could be modified.

She passively watched the freeway’s right side with the many cars traveling through Miami in uncomfortable silence; her mother didn’t have any music playing since she wanted to talk about her outfit further, which was expected.  The conversation had been the same for her gym clothes in the past, but having so much fabric on just annoyed her when sparring.

“... Mom, the longer I wear it, the sooner it will change.”

A low groan left her mother’s throat before swapping to Korean.  “Sure … but must you wear it to your grandfather’s?  Your cousin is there with his friend, too, which … it just doesn’t give a good first impression.  You haven’t seen the girl in a few years.”

The double-cuff earring on the tip of her left ear burned, causing Rachel to sigh and rub it; a friend of Soo-geun went to their grandfathers with him … and she was a girl.  It was Rachel’s turn to groan.  “... You’re kidding.  I didn’t hear anything about a girl being there.”

Thinking back, one of the reasons Soo-geun went to their grandfathers was his fights with his girlfriend … why would he bring a girl with him?  One plus one … Soo-geun wanted to make her jealous, which seemed to be working since she’d gotten ahold of her grandfather’s home phone number.  So petty…

Of course, she couldn’t talk after realizing how possessive she was of Anthony; her own actions over the past week came flooding back … she’d made it painfully clear to Maëlle and Cahira that Anthony was her territory.  Scarlet could tell she was interested from the get-go.

Anthony was being funny … it was funny … yet my mind instantly took it way too seriously.

Just the thought of Anthony hanging out with a rabbit Beastkin set her tail on-edge.

Molly shrugged.  “It’s that girl he’s been friends with since grade school.  She’s been to grandpa’s before, but she wasn’t really around much when we stopped by.  Still … they’re going to go back and tell your aunt and uncle that … well, you dress like that now…”  She grumbled.

“I get it, Mom … I get it,” Rachel mumbled.  “That's why I’m trying to level it as quick as possible.”

“... I guess,” she whispered, clearly not satisfied.  “Would it really hurt to just … not wear it for the few days you’re there?  Just think about it.”

Rachel let the conversation die, and deciding there wasn’t anything better to do during the uncomfortable ride, she tested the waters.

Lunar Nia … is there any way you can change … just a little?

The accessory flared with a bit more heat, causing a minor twitch to run down her ear.

… There has to be a way to speed up the process.  Rachel sighed.

Rachel’s ears hit the ceiling as a young, teenage girl’s voice spoke into her mind, going on a tirade.  “I’m gorgeous, so stop saying I’m so ugly!  Gah!  What’s with everyone ragging on me the moment I’m born, for real?!  I make you look good; have you seen my curves?  I keep you safe, with my own body, I might add, and all I get is complain, complain, complain!  Just shut up!  Shut up!  Shut up!”

The fabric began to tighten around her form as she heard soft weeping feeding directly into her brain; Rachel shifted in her chair, tensing her muscles against the constrictive clothes.  Hold-up … you can actually talk to me?

“Grr … I’m just … everyone keeps pushing and pushing and pushing … I’m not ugly!  I’m not, I’m not, I’m not!”

Her mother’s forehead furrowed while watching her restless movements; the outfit was compressing her chest, stomach, and back as she cried.  Her little white puff-ball of a rabbit hopped up to sit on her lap, looking up at her with a concerned expression.

“... I’m … I’m living denier, not … not some lifeless rag!  I … I do my best and … and all you care about is … oh, look at these tights, they just don’t work … oh, this coat is so stupid-looking … geez, just insult my entire existence, why don’t you!”

… Why didn’t you say anything?  Umm … could you loosen up … just a little?  Rachel asked, lips tucking under as she pulled at the bust; the tightening clothes made it hard to breathe.

“Oh, I tried, and … oh, really?  Of course, your majesty,” she huffed, still sniffing back tears as the fabric eased across her frame.  “I’m sorry for your inconvenience, your majesty … I just … who would be like, hi, I’m Lunar Nia!  I’m so happy to meet you, your majesty!  Oh, I totally get it, your majesty; I’m the ugliest piece of denier you’ve ever seen!  Absolute garbage!  Yes, yes, please, insult me more, your majesty!  Tell me how utterly revolting everyone sees me, your majesty!”

Lunar Nia took a deep breath before shouting.  “I’m not a masochist, so stop abusing me!  Gah…”

Rachel winced and took a deep breath, mind racing with questions while rubbing her chest; she could practically see a 13-year-old girl folding her arms and looking away with tears in her eyes from her voice.

Okay … I get it.  I’m sorry for insulting you … can I just call you Nia?  I … it would be easier.

“Of course, your majesty,” Nia huffed, “cause we’re just so close like that…”

The biting sarcasm was a start; at least she was talking to her now.  Nia…

“Mmh…”  She huffed, earring still burning Rachel’s ear, and she now understood that was her indignant emotions flaring.

I’m sorry.

“...”

Can we start over?

“Yeah, sure … while you still think I’m ugly…”

Not ugly, Rachel mumbled, moving her white rabbit to sit on the middle armrest, just not my style.

“Well, excuse me, your majesty … I’m sorry I’m just not appealing enough for you!”

Nia…  Rachel sighed.

“Ah, right, right, I’m too talkative … good clothes should shut-up and do what they’re told.  I’ll shut-up now!”

No … I want to talk to you, Nia.  … Nia?

Her earring wouldn’t stop burning her ear, and Nia wouldn’t reply, tearfully pouting in silence.

“What’s going on … why do you keep fidgeting?  Uh … do you need to go to the bathroom?”  Her mother tentatively asked.

“No,” Rachel replied in a defeated tone; she could see where Nia was coming from.  “Eh … remember how I said this outfit is kind of alive and changes…”  She trailed off as the heat flared for a moment … change seemed to be a trigger word.

“Yes?”

“Okay … Nia is this outfit’s name, and she’s really emotionally hurt right now with how much hate she’s been getting.”

Her mother’s lips pulled in as she thought on her statement, gaze darting over for a moment before slowly pulling off to the side of the freeway to look at her.  “You’re saying … it has a personality … clothes?”

“Yeah, because clothes should just … right, clothes should just shut-up…”  Nia growled, hurt in her voice.

Rachel nodded, rubbing her ribs; Nia’s compressions were like an anaconda around most of her body.  “Yes, Nia sounds like a 13-year-old girl … she really feels attacked by how everyone’s been talking about her.”

“Should I not?!  Gah … no, no … be a good rag and shut-up…”  She huffed, reassuring her moody position.

“Mom … what do you like about Nia?”  Rachel asked, looking down at her outfit with a forced smile.  “Hmm … I do like the shorts.”

“Well, yeah … do you see how much ass I have to cover up; it’s like, geez, what did they feed you?!”  Nia grunted.

Not exactly the comment Rachel thought she’d get, but a start.

Molly set the car into park, shifting in her seat with a conflicted expression; folding her arms, she eyed her with tight lips.  “... You’re serious … uh … Sung, it’s just too bizarre, but … if I need to pick something, Nia did braid your hair very well…”

Really, Mom…  Rachel couldn’t help another sigh; however, Nia wasn’t so thrown off.

“I did do her hair nicely, didn’t I?!  The orange ribbon looks fantastic if I do say so myself.”

“Eh … the colors match well,” her mother continued.  “Orange fingernails are … unique, but not bad.  Although, the fingerless gloves are a bit much.”

“... Okay … I can understand that,” Nia grumbled.  “The tights are awesome, though!  Why do you hate them?”

“Wait, turn around…”  Molly mumbled, reaching over to twist Rachel’s body to look at her back.

“What’s up?”  Rachel asked.

“You … the strange tattoo … it looks like the rabbit is crying.”

“Duhh!  Gah … you’re so observant…”  Nia sniffed back more tears.

“Hmm … so, Nia can hear me?”

Rachel took off her seat-belt and twisted to catch a glimpse of her back from the passenger-side mirror; sure enough, what had once been a devilish little rabbit’s outline had small tear shapes in them.

“Yeah … she can hear everyone.  She speaks to me through … well, in my mind.”

Molly folded her arms under her chest, releasing a low moan.  “So … Nia … wow, this feels strange … when did talking to clothing become normal?”

“Yeah, Nia, you’re such an ugly freak!”  Nia sneeringly snapped.

“No, she’s not calling you an ugly freak, Nia…”

“Oh, god, no!”  Her mother protested, eyes widening with horror; Rachel couldn’t imagine her mother ever saying those words … thinking them, probably, but actually saying them out loud … it just wasn’t in her mother’s personality.  “Nia … I’m just surprised.  Give me a moment to process this … I’ve never talked to clothes; this is all new to me.”

“Yeah, well, it’s not like I’ve had much experience with you people, either,” Nia returned.

Pondering her response, Rachel asked, “Nia … what if we went over each part of the outfit and tried to make you even prettier?  We could … umm, call it a makeover?”

Her mother’s eyes lit up.  “Oh, yes; I would love that!”

The heat radiating off her earring tempered a little.  “Hmm … I don’t know … it just sounds like you’re saying I’m ugly and need to change to look better…”

“You won’t know if you’ll like it unless we try, right?”  Rachel pushed, rubbing her throbbing left ear.  “Think about how fun it might be?”

Molly nodded enthusiastically.  “We could even do a few outfits for different occasions!”

“Mmh … that would be nice, but … but you’d hate it…”  Nia mumbled.

“Why would I hate it?”  Rachel questioned, massaging her ribs again; her white puff-ball rubbed against her arm, still trying to comfort her.

“Because you said … well, you and Scarlet don’t want me to eat clothes.  You were thinking about it before putting me on, and well … I need fabric to make changes.  So … yeah, you’ll always hate me … it’s impossible.”

Rachel chuckled, petting her white rabbit.  “Is that it, Nia?  You just need us to go to a clothing store and buy up cheap fabric for you to eat?”

“Well … I mean, thread count matters, but … yeah.”

“Mom…”

Molly’s former agitated behavior lifted in an instant.  “We just need to go shopping and feed her clothes to start designing new outfits?”

“That’s what she said,” Rachel replied, setting her bunny back on her lap to cuddle in.  She almost didn’t even notice Gisele on the back left seat, glaring up at the white rabbit blob.  Releasing a low sigh, she motioned for her to hop up and join them.  “C’mon, you can sit in the middle here.”

Gisele gave a chirp as Rachel flipped the armrest up for her to perch on top of it; she was still surprisingly small compared to the Sky Reavers they’d killed.

Nia’s tone became a bit soft and nervous.  “You … mean that, umm … I can eat clothes?”

“Yes, Nia,” Rachel giggled.  “We’ll take you to a place where you can eat a bunch of clothes, and we can come to a compromise.  Something that we’ll all think looks good … oh, and thank you so much for protecting me, Nia.  I know my mother is thankful.”

Her mother’s bright rhythm was back.  “That’s something I want to hear more about … how does Nia protect you again?”

On their way to the nearest clothing outlet that was open, which most were in a city like Miami, Rachel explained Nia’s Skill Less Is More.  Her mother thought it was kind of a silly and somewhat aggravating manner of defense but recognized she couldn’t be picky.

Upon further investigation, even the Flaunt It Skill that increased all of her Stats had some relation to certain aspects of her outfit.  Rachel hadn’t even considered that The Game Skill also included regular clothing that could be used to change Nia’s form.

Nia did have high natural resilience and could use Lunar Energy to restore any damage done, but the pure defense bonus of her hair, spaced out across every area of exposed skin, and even a degree of covered, which Nina explained, was just too good.  Not only did it fortify her skin, but even her organs.

A small loophole was granted for small open sections, such as the carrot design showing her cleavage that acted in a manner to provide that protection to her heart or the belly showing that did the same to her inner organs.  It might not save much of her skin if it bypassed Nia’s cloth, but even if Nia was ripped away, the defense would kick in shortly after her skin was exposed.  There was a delay before activation, though.

They received a lot of looks when they entered the outlet, and to avoid any trouble, she had her two sad pets stay in the car.  Molly promptly went to the clearance aisle and started loading a cart with outfits to Nia’s excitement.  The living denier was growing more and more talkative as they went, repeatedly making self-conscious comments about how she’d be quiet when clothing wasn’t a topic; it was the main thing that interested her.

The fact her mother was buying all of these clothes showed how much her current outfit bothered her, and the looks Rachel got from men and women only made her move faster at piling in the sacrifices.

Luckily, no one decided to be bold enough to approach her, which could have been from her stunning looks, outfit, a glowing Demi, or a dozen other details like her intense four-leaf clover eyes.  They managed to buy all the items for a heavy $1,979.67.

Making it to the female dressing rooms, Nia walked them through the process … simply holding up the fabric to her.  The item glowed white before being sucked into Rachel’s outfit like it was a black hole.  Nia revealed more details about her Skills as Molly joined her in the room to help with the design.

Any hanging cloth didn’t count as covered skin if it was above the knee, which meant skirts were an excellent option … although not Rachel’s first choice.  The white shorts were fine with her.

The pink rabbit paw prints also allowed for an area of protection, which was why it went all the way down her tights and shorts.  There were rules regarding lace and exceptions for puff accessories that made it clearly designed for a particular fetish.  An idea suddenly sparked in Rachel’s mind.

Nia … what if we have more covered clothes for casual days, and when we get in combat, or it looks like there’s going to be danger, then you turn into a battle outfit?  You’ll be able to show off how awesome you look on our casual days and get less hurt in combat.

“... Oh … that actually makes a lot of sense…”  Nia hummed.  “I mean … I didn’t think you’d give me so much fabric … we can make some really pretty outfits.”

Rachel had the internal image of a 13-year-old girl looking at an endless rack of possible clothes with a conflicted expression.  Right?

“Mmh … gah, I just don’t want people to hate me anymore!  What if … what if I show more of myself and people make fun of me again?”

I’ll beat them up for you!  Rachel replied.  We’ll work on an outfit together, and if they insult you, then they insult me.

“Umm … okay … but … you really do look good with tights.”

It’s all about coming to a consensus.  I’m fine with short-shorts and tights if they’ll match.  We’re talking about the battle outfit, right?

“Right…”

Rachel shifted to her left to face her mother.  “Okay!  So, we’ve worked it out,” she smiled.  “We’ll have a set combat outfit and then casual clothes.”

Molly breathed a sigh of relief.  “Thank you, Nia … umm, I don’t hate you … not at all!  I’d just like something more … let’s just see where we can get.”

“Okay…”

Her mother’s released a low groan while backing up against the wall and closing her eyes.  Shaking her head, she mumbled, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but … if it really will keep you safe when you’re out fighting … maybe go with a revealing corset with ribbons tying it together in the back.  Gah … I feel wrong just saying it…”

“A revealing corset…”  Nia hummed.  “You could look really cute in a corset and lace arm wraps?  Although, the style you like could … mmh…”

Will it hurt to just show me what you have in mind; how many shots do we have to look at different outfits?  Rachel asked; she wasn’t exceptionally versed in clothing to even know what Nia and her mother were talking about.  The corsets that came to her mind came from the really old pictures of places like England.

“Eh … well, with all of that … like three outfits,” Nia mumbled.

“Three outfits … period?”  Rachel asked in shock.

“Three?”  Her mother repeated.  “I spent like … $2,000.”

“I never said it was efficient!”  Nia huffed.  “Look, I’m level 1, okay…”

Alright, alright, Rachel sighed, scratching her temple.  You know what I kind of like, don’t you?

“Yeah … it’s not cute, though…”  Nia complained.

Mmh … how about this … you do something I like for battles, and then you can make me a cute outfit to show you off for casual days?  I need something that will protect me and not hurt you so much, and you and my mom really want something cute and not too revealing.  You get to show off more of yourself!  Deal?

Rachel asked, smiling into the mirror at her earring.

“... I get to show off more of myself.  I’m kind of scared to, but … okay, your majesty.”

She spread out her arms with a frown as her outfit began to shimmer and change.  Her hair remained tied back into a triple-braid, but the orange tie was wrapped into a spiraling pattern at the end before being tied off.  Her earring retained its same appearance.  Everything else was like night and day.

Her overcoat and bra vanished to be replaced by an off the shoulders, black corset, pulled together near the top of her cleavage by a silver carrot insignia with an orange sprout.  It formed around her breasts, holding them firm while revealing her midriff and the top half of her chest.

The corset ended above her hips, showing signs of wear and tear with orange lace tying the two sides underneath her breast and across her abdomen.  In the mirror, she could see the back was almost entirely open, more lace criss crossing to tighten the piece against her back.  A small, pink reverse bunny paw-print was on either side of the corset, just below her armpits, to provide extra coverage for the covered seconds of her chest.

Her black short-shorts remained the same color, but multiple rips appeared in them while a black and orange metal belt appeared around her waist.  Her tights ripped, showing far more skin than before, and three black, and orange studded belts tightened around her right thigh.

An orange Muay Thai bandage wrapped around her left arm from her elbow to palm, leaving part of her hand open to display her orange fingernails.  Her right hand had a pink bandage instead of orange and a silver chain wrapped around her wrist that fed to a crown-shaped black ring with pink trim and tiny orange gems around her middle finger. 

Her shoes vanished entirely, replaced by a black material that left her heel and toes free and held up by an orange tie that made a few crosses up her ankles, and a black and orange carrot-designed choker formed around her throat, somehow aiding in respiration.  Each piece likely had some kind of hidden purpose for being there.

Rachel turned her head left and right to get a better view of herself; the shorts weren’t ripped enough in the back to show too much, but Nia wasn’t wrong about how much fat she had back there.  Not as shapely as Maria’s, but not that far behind, which was more than eye-catching.

Her mother gave her a forced smile.  “Well, heh … at least it is more suited to your style … you can see so much of your chest, though…”

“I did what you wanted!”  Nia shouted.  “It feels just … so uncomfortable.”

“No, no, it’s fine, Nia … no, this is great,” she smiled, eyeing her figure.  “The black really pops out with how white I am, and the glow adds to it.  Yeah … this should be perfect for battle.  Thank you, Nia.”

“... Really?”

“I really do like it,” Rachel giggled.  “Why does it feel uncomfortable for you?”

Her mother’s lips pulled in, dark brown eyes darting from her thighs to her shorts to stop on her bust.

“I know, Mom … but why are you uncomfortable, Nia?”

“I’m just saying … I know the more skin showing, the safer you are, but … it’s just wrong … why would someone make something like that?   And I’m not getting angry at you, Nia … you didn’t choose that, right?  It’s just the way you were … born, I guess?”

“Yeah … so stop getting mad at how I look!  Umm … well, it’s just … uh … I don’t find myself cute like this … at all.  I look edgy, and people will laugh at me and call me names…”

Rachel smirked.  I can literally tear them apart with my bare hands.  I think this more or less works to show I’m not a marshmallow … that’s how I felt with the last one.

“Marshmallows are cute, though … I liked the poofies…”  Nia mumbled.

This is our battle mode, remember?  Rachel said, turning around to find the glowing orange tattoo still just below her neck.  They won’t be laughing when you look like this … they’ll be screaming in fear.

“Edge lord…”  Nia grumbled, but she sounded happier.  “Okay … now is it my turn to look cute?”

I’m all yours, Rachel laughed.  “Alright, Mom, it’s Nia’s turn.  Got any suggestions?  She wants to look cute.”

Molly’s eyes lit up.  “Oh, I always liked seeing a colorful skirt on you, maybe light pink or blue, and a puffy white long-sleeve shirt, and maybe a matching color cap, too!  Some heels…”

“Let’s not go crazy,” Rachel forced a chuckle.

“Aww … umm, okay … hold on,” she went outside and came back with a few articles, showing them off.  “Nia, what do you think about some white flats, you can add a paw-print if you want, and a long, shin-high tiered skirt, maybe put your own flair to it, and a white blouse.  A simple wrist chain-ring and anklet might finish it off pretty nicely … oh, and a necklace with a carrot on it?”

“I … kind of like that,” Nia hesitantly replied.  “Uh … a black skirt with a single large pink paw-print and a little uneven on the tiers?  Yeah!”

Rachel watched the item take shape, her hair unraveling before being pulled into a waterfall braid.  She had to admit, she didn’t look that bad; the Hare Majesty logo was on the back of the white shirt when Rachel pulled back her hair to check.  “I like it…”

She trailed off, expression dulling upon seeing her mother take out her phone and start taking pictures of her.  “You’re so cute!”

“Ho, ho,” Nia chimed with pride; it was as if she were displaying the crowning jewel of her life’s work.  “Aren’t I a genius!  Yes, marvel at my cuteness!”

“Thanks, Mom,” Rachel mumbled.  She’ll be at it all night if we start getting into a fashion walk.

“I’m okay with that!”

Alright … well, you have one more transformation?  Rachel asked, trying to give her mother a decent smile and get into certain poses.  She could feel the positive vibes flowing from her earring; her mother’s reaction was something Nia probably really needed.

“Uh … oh, look at my paw-print on the left side … see how I make it go between the two tiers?  See!  Yeah, so cute!  Oh, and I’m just poofy enough to be just so adorable!”

While her mother and Nia fawned over the outfit, Rachel’s mind shifted to her bra and undies that apparently the living denier fashioned.  Pushing forward her top a bit before pulling up her skirt, her mother put a hand to her lips in a devious smile.

“Oh, bold choice.”

Her Bandeau bra and panties were both light orange with pink lace.

“I am bold!”

It was the first time Rachel had ever worn something like it, but … there was a first time for everything, and she said she would compromise.  Huh … well, what about the next outfit?

“Oh, uh … I have to think about it.  I’ll figure it out in a while, but right now, I am surgery cuteness!  Praise me more, mother!”

Mother?!  Rachel asked, gut tightening.

“Yes … that is what you call the woman taking your pictures?”

Ah … okay, Rachel chuckled.  If that’s it, then I suppose we’re done here.

Rachel got her mother’s attention by saying they’d have better landscapes at grandpa’s and made their way to the exit.  A store employee stopped them for the suspicious behavior … buying $2,000 worth of clothes and walking out empty-handed with an outfit she didn’t enter with.  Knowing it would be more trouble than they needed, Rachel told him they were just going out to their car for a minute to grab something … after which they took off.

Her mother and Nia were both in excellent moods after they’d worked things out, and Rachel felt more comfortable in her living denier.  It would certainly make talking with the Tempest representatives interesting.

Arriving at the large stone walls of her grandfather’s old Korean-style mansion, he had it constructed to remind him of home and living in the countryside … even if it was still very much in Florida City.

He was more than a little wealthy from investing in property and stocks, in addition to the money the company made.  The 7 acres property was worth a bundle.  She texted his cell phone when they came to the front gate, and he opened it from an app.

The driveway led to a three-car garage; he always said you never needed more than a town car, a fun car, and a truck.  He didn’t have much fun on boats, so he never bought one, much to her father’s disappointment since he loved fishing.

From the trees to the wood and tile architecture, her grandfather was a lover of Korean culture, which made Rachel question why her cousin was here.  It was this very mentality and lifestyle he hated the most.

Taking a deep breath, Molly and Rachel got out of the car to greet her grandfather as he exited the building with her cousin and his friend.  The sight of Soo-geun caused her eyebrows to rise; her little runt of a cousin had become monstrous.

Standing at least 7½ feet tall with bulging muscles and patches of thick brown fur, Rachel could imagine the kind of mental image her cousin had of himself from The Oscillation’s effects.  He had become far more handsome and staying true to his Asian hate; his skin tone had become more Mexican.

His 5”2 blonde friend was tiny compared to the Bear Beastkin and as white as it got.  She wasn’t stunning and seemed to border on the awkwardly cute side, yet it was in appearance alone by her enthusiastic greeting.

“Hi, Rachel!  Umm, I’m Jessy!  Wow…”  She mumbled, jumping forward to hold out her hand.  It was a bit of a forced action, judging by her muscle twitches, but the girl certainly wasn’t shy.

“What’s up?”  Rachel asked, accepting her hand; the strong sea wind forced her to manage her hair with Jessy.

“Umm … I’m just shocked at how pretty you are.  I mean, Creed showed me pictures, but they don’t do you justice!”

“It’s me; I make her super cute!”  Nia cheered.  “Oh, oh, sorry!  Shut-up, shut-up…”

“Thanks,” Rachel mumbled, glaring up at her cousin as he sallied over to her.  There was still a reserve in his movements; it was difficult to forget someone when they kicked your ass, especially when she was a girl.

“Yo, uh, Rachel … yeah, you seem kind of different … dressed like that and all…”

“Yeah,” she smirked, stepping to the side to hug her grandfather, “Rachel’s a girl, shocker, she’s in a skirt.”

“Yo, I didn’t mean it like that,” he grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.

Her grandfather wasn’t smiling when he pulled away to look at her.  “...”

“Uh … what’s up, grandpa?”  She asked with a forced smile.

“Your energy is … not balanced … chaotic, and there’s a certain wave…”

He trailed off, and Rachel refrained from rolling her eyes.  “We can get to some cleansing exercises after we settle in.”

Molly scooted past her to give her father-in-law a respectful bow before hugging him.  “I would love to stay, but I have things I need to take care of at home.”

“Ah,” her grandfather chuckled fondly, “it is always a pleasure to have you, Chan-hee.  Please, tell Gwon to stop by more often.”

“I will.”

With that, her mother left with a final group picture, and Rachel braced herself for what was ahead after those first words from her grandfather.

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