Chalce and Greta enjoy a wonderful day together as they bond and grow closer. We learn more of Chalce's backstory and why her blossoming friendship with Greta means so much to her. As they get closer, sexual tension rises. ~~~ (This series is released 2+ months early on Patreon with Patron votes determining what happens in the next part! Sexy stuff starts in part 2; this one is mostly setup. Our MC will get turned into a girl and various different monster girls and such throughout the story)
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Trials of Gaia: Part 11 "Bonding"
“Wooooah!” Chalce chimed, eyes wide as she watched Greta bashfully step out from the changing room. Her eyes scanned the snowy-white cat girl from top to bottom, her face turning faintly red. “I was going to tease you, but-- well… You look amazing; I’m kinda jealous,” she admitted with a slight huff. She then puffed her cheeks and turned her head away while crossing her arms.
Greta let out a low sigh, holding her hands together over her waist with bright red cheeks. Her body tingled in strange ways that excited her in a manner she didn’t fully comprehend. Looking at Chalce, she saw the orange haird fox girl wearing a similarly amber orange bikini with a waist wrap that tapered up her hip at an angle where it was tied off. Had the alchemist always had a nice shape? She was definitely more petite than Greta, but her legs were long, with nicely shaped hips and a prominent back curve. Her breasts appeared to be in the small C range but they were perfectly shaped and perky within the confines of her well-fitted bikini top. “I don’t see what you have to be jealous about; at least you didn’t turn into a man with seemingly no hope of returning to normal,” she insisted as the group of three walked from the beach-side shop.
As they walked onto the beach and stayed near the water, Ingrid stayed behind them with a warm smile. She wasn’t exactly sure why, but she had the feeling it would be good to give these two some time to talk and interact.
Greta’s hips swayed with each step, her shapely breasts jiggling within the cups of her bikini top. The soft fabric rubbed her nipples while her bikini bottom tightly hugged her warm, tingly nethers. It was impossible to feel masculine in such a situation, but did it really matter? By now, was she that disturbed by feeling feminine? It was certainly still odd, but it wasn’t like life was suddenly terrible just because she had tits and a vulva. “People are looking at us… At me,” she mumbled, her ears folding to her head while her tail hung low with only the tip swishing back and forth.
“Well, duh,” Chalice bluntly replied, slowing her pace to stay next to Greta. “Not only are you a trial-goer, but you’re hot as hell. Of course you’re going to get looks,” she insisted, clasping her hands behind her back as her tail animatedly flitted about.
“Mmmph,” Greta huffed in annoyance, averting her gaze from the onlookers. “There’s nothing wonderful about looking like this. Anyone who looks upon me likely just sees a pretty doll they’re either jealous of or want to screw.”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that,” Chalce insisted.
“How so? Am I wrong?” Greta retorted, shivering as a rolling wave traveled far enough to envelop the bottom of her feet.
“I mean… How do I put this,” Chalce mused, touching her chin and tilting her head in contemplation. “You’re partially right. You’re objectively gorgeous so it’s only natural people will have those reactitosn to you. Those who are sexually attracted to the female form will desire you, and many who do and don’t will envy your looks,” she conceded. “But it’s far more gray than that! In addition to those thoughts, they can respect you as a powerful adventurer who was able to make it so far in the trials. They can find you graceful and elegant, refined and powerful. It’s possible for you to be an object of desire, envy, admiration, and respect all at once.”
Greta’s ears perked and she momentarily stopped to consider Chalce’s words. ‘Has she always been so insightful?’ She mused. Chalce could be impulsive and airheaded, but she was admittedly a talented alchemist despite that all. She felt bad for underestimating her and reminded herself to take the young woman seriously. “I suppose you’re right,” she admitted, remembering a moment from her past. As a child, Greta witnessed the great sorceress, Aria, returning from her successful conquering of the Trials of Gaia. She was absolutely gorgeous, with long, flowing silvery-white hair and pale purple eyes. At the time, she recalled being entranced by many of Aria’s traits. Her beauty, her elegance, the aura of power radiating from her and the respect it commanded. Greta admired and looked up to her, but also found her very attractive and desirable.
Chalce nodded with a wide smile. “I’m glad you understand! Now, come on!” She took Greta’s hand and led her out into the water.
“H-- hey!” Greta squeaked as she trotted with Chalce until they were waist-deep. After shivering and wincing from the sensation of cool water enveloping her crotch, she glanced back and saw that Ingrid had been approached by man and woman with canine traits.
“You want to know more about me and my people?” Ingrid smiled brightly, clapping her hands together. “I would love to share!” She turned toward her two companions. I’m going to chat with my new friends for a little bit. We’ll catch up later,” she said warmly as she waved over to them.
“Kay!!! We’ll meet up for dinner or something!” Chalce waved back before changing focus back to Greta. “I’m glad we can spend time together without concerning ourselves with a trial,” she said quietly, her tone turning somber as her ears drooped.
Greta considered Chalce’s sudden change in tone and decided to prod a little. “It is nice getting to take a break,” she agreed, sliding a hand to the left strap of her bikini top as she attempted to adjust it. “Are you okay? You can tell me if there’s something on your mind,” she promised. She wasn’t sure when it happened, but she found herself concerned about Chalce and invested in her wellbeing.
“I’m just, well… I don’t want to sound pathetic,” she sighed as she shifted and laid on her back with arms and legs spread, letting herself float on the water.
“You’re definitely not pathetic, and I’m not going to judge you negatively for having feelings. I would never force you to talk about something, but I’m happy to listen if you want to,”
Chalce’s cheeks turned red as she stared up at Greta, her eyes quickly scanning the white-furred cat girl’s supple form. “I’m not really used to having friends. I’ve never done anything remotely like this before-- spending time at the beach with my friends and all that. Even before our vacation here, we’ve been chatting and getting along so well,” she said quietly as her thoughts began to drift.
Greta couldn’t help but feel curious. “What was your home life like? If you don’t mind sharing.”
Chalce pursed her lips and stared straight up at the clouds. “I come from a family of alchemists as part of a branch family. The main family all grow up and train to take over roles within the clan, which works in a large compound consisting of living spaces, labs, lecture halls, and more.” She stretched and took a slow breath before continuing. “Members of the branch family are expected to travel beyond the family home and bolster our clan’s prestige by setting up shop and contributing our alchemical abilities in other cities-- other nations, even. It isn’t uncommon for members of my family to be among the high ranking members of various nations and city-states.”
“That’s incredible,” Greta replied with a weak smile. “I’m sure it mustn’t be easy, though. The training must be intense.”
Chalce nodded. “Whether it’s the main family or branches, we’re all rigorously trained. From the time we can read or write, we’re studying alchemy all day, learning history, mathematics, and even getting in a segment of physical training to ensure we don’t wither away while only reading books. There was never time for friends, or even for much familial love for that matter.”
Greta felt a pang of sympathy as she reached over and brushed a hand over Chalce’s cheek. “That sounds tough,” she agreed.
Chalce offered a weak smile, grateful for Greta’s warmth. “I’m not exactly well liked in my family… I’ve had many experiments go wrong-- explosions, tables melting and all that. Honestly, my mother and father saw me as a hopeless nuisance.”
Greta momentarily felt anger toward Chalce’s family but repressed the emotion. “We would have been screwed without you. I’m beyond grateful to have run into you during the trials,” she promised.
Chalce’s cheeks turned a deeper red as she made eye contact with the soft and beautiful cat girl above her. “Geez… i’m not used to compliments like that, you’re making me feel embarrassed,” she playfully pouted, turning her head away.
“I’ve been in a constant state of embarrassment for quite a few days now; it’s only fair you have to share the burden with me,” Greta teasingly replied, flashing a sly grin.
“Fiiiiiine… I guess that’s fair,” Chalce conceded. There was a moment of silence before she continued. “When I was picked as a trial-goer, I saw my parents proud of me for the first time in my life… They were so excited to have a member of their family participating in the trials and they went out of their way to ensure I was teamed up with other strong trail-goers. Of course, my companions when starting the trial only saw me as a tool. Before long, we were split up and I was all alone before I found you.”
Greta was glad that Chalce was willing to open up to her; she hadn’t realized until now how important her friendship with the young alchemist was. “If it means anything, I don’t just see you as some tool. We’re friends now, okay?” She insisted, reaching over to scratch one of Chalce’s dampened fox ears.
Chalce squirmed a little and grumbled sheepishly. “I-- I am happy you’re my friend. Ingrid, too. And I’m glad I was picked for the trials and was finally able to get away from my family.” Her expression changed to a bright smile as she stood up again and grabbed Greta’s hand. “Let’s have some fun! I’m done being sad!”
“O-- okay! Yeah, why not,” Greta laughed weakly, finding herself swept up in the little storm that was Chalce.
~~~
The two friends enjoyed the beach for a while before Greta grew too self conscious in her swimsuit and needed a break. They returned to the beach side shop and picked out an oversized, tropical button-up shirt and sandals for Greta while Chalce picked up similar clothes, with smaller a smaller button-up.
Upon leaving, they walked down the beach-side shopping district street, Greta feeling less self-conscious with her body covered. The shirt only went halfway down her thighs, but it was a great improvement over a mere bikini top and bottom.
They stopped at a fancy cafe at Chalce’s behest and took a seat, the young alchemist quickly fawning and gasping at all the beautiful desserts listed on the menu.
“This parfait-- and the tiramisu… Oh, the matcha crepes as well,” Chalce beamed, happily placing an order with the eager waitress.
“Oh-- umm… If possible, maybe you could bring out a wide variety for us. I’m not sure what I do and don’t like,” Greta admitted.
“Of course!” The waitress with light brown-furred squirrel traits replied before trotting off to fulfill the order.
When the desserts arrived, Chalce almost had a meltdown as she began to sample and taste everything in front of her. Before long, the orange fox held a spoonful of tiramisu up for Greta. “Try this! I’ve never been able to feed a cute female friend a dessert before!” She pleaded, nearly hopping in her booth seat.
Greta blushed and glanced around, confirming there were no eyes on them. Was she serious? She hesitated and considered turning down the offer, but how could she? Chalce had such an adorable, vibrant expression, her fox ears perked straight up while her tail excitedly thumped the seat next to her.
“I guess it’s fine,” Greta caved, leaning in as she took the spoon into her mouth. Upon tasting the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and bitter, her own ears stuck straight up, her eyes widening. “Oh wow-- that’s incredible!” She admitted, having never tasted anything so decadent. When Chalce held another spoonful up, she found herself eagerly accepting with a wide grin plastered across her face. A small thought in the back of her head urged her to consider whether it was so bad getting fed by a cute and vibrant woman like Chalce.
~~~
When the two returned to their suite, Ingrid was nowhere to be found. Chalce let out a content sigh and flopped onto the couch, stretching out while lying sprawled on her stomach. “Today has been amazing… Let’s do this again,” she muttered.
“Sure; I’d like that,” Greta responded as she sat at the edge of the couch, utilizing the small amount of space Chalce hadn’t monopolized.
Two enjoyed the cool silence for a couple of minutes, both of them processing the events of the day. Eventually, Chalce adjusted and sat up, shifting closer to Greta. Without warning, she leaned over and rested her head against Greta’s shoulder, letting out a content sigh, shifting her hips so her tail could freely and lazily wag.
A shiver ran through Greta’s spine as she peered down at Chalce, feeling her warm, soft form pressed against her. ‘What is she doing?’ She thought to herself. Despite the initial apprehension, she didn’t in any way dislike the closeness. The alchemist had a soft, floral scent and her presence was enjoyed. “Am I comfy?” She asked. Before she could think her course through, she put an arm around Chalce’s waist, holding her gently. Her heart rate picked up as she considered the young woman’s soft, feminine shape. Was it okay to touch her like this? What was she feeling right now?
“Mmmm…” Chalce mumbled as she nuzzled Greta’s shoulder and buried her face against her dear friend. “Yes. Very comfy.” With that, she pulled away just slightly so she could tilt her face upward and stare into Greta’s eyes.
Greta felt immediately flustered, seeing a peculiar look in the fox girl’s eyes. “What? Why are you staring?” She asked quietly, her cheeks turning pink as she averted her eyes.
“It’s getting late and I don’t really want to be alone,” Chalce mumbled, reaching up as she gripped the fabric of Greta’s top, clinging to her cutely. “Will you lay with me tonight?”
Greta’s heart raced, her breath rate picking up as a strange, hot prickling sensation swelled within her loins. Share a bed? Seriously? She opened her mouth to say she thought that wasn’t a good idea. “Y-- Yeah! Of course!” Her mouth betrayed her and Chalce’s tail wagged furiously. ‘That wasn’t what I meant to say!’ She scolded herself, knowing she couldn’t back down now.
“Let’s go,” Chalce smiled, pulling away as she stood and took Greta’s hand. Despite her best attempts, she couldn’t hide her devilish grin.