“This spa is the best.”
Retvik glanced at Arkay and Litvir as the three of them laid in a warm, wood-lined room. Delicate water sounds trickled through the air, a gentle breeze wafted through and a myriad of small, cat-like beings were wandering around, rubbing up and down the three Missing’s bodies, while three more humanoid but still also feline beings gave the three of them a thorough massage. It felt like the creatures were almost kneading their skin, and the masseuses (Retvik assumed they were female, they had breasts) were strong enough to apply pressure that was both pleasurable and could be felt through their armour too.
“It is very nice, yes.”
Retvik inspected his partners some more. Litvir was a little all over the place, torn between trying to focus on the massage, trying to pet the furry creatures that were wandering around and trying to decide if he should think of some sort of secret to admit. After all, Litvir had a habit of admitting dark secrets during massages. Arkay on the other hand had fallen asleep, and was gently purring the same way all the critters were. For once, he seemed like he was sleeping peacefully as well.
“Is something on your mind, Retvik?” Litvir asked, before suddenly making a moaning sound as his masseuse essentially kneaded his spine. “Oh, that is very nice…”
Retvik smiled, then grunted. He was enjoying the massage a lot as well. Sure, he got massages from Litvir and Arkay occasionally, but this was a proper, professional massage that hit all the right spots. In fact, it was so enjoyable that Retvik nearly forgot to answer Litvir’s question.
“Honestly? Not really, aside from my normal concerns about Arkay. Can we talk…”
Litvir knew exactly what Retvik wanted, and switched to his telepathy. “Of course. Private telepathic networks, as always. What is bothering you?”
“I am worried that Arkay is still upset about that last mission.”
“Because he is a little upset, and I do not blame him in the slightest. He tried to do the right thing and got stabbed in the side because of it.”
“He also said he turned into a Time Drake and killed Prodota.”
Litvir shrugged. “Probably because he was stabbed with a Time Drake weapon. Arkay does not admit it, but his form changes can be very reactive. Had Arkay been stabbed with a blade of Corruption, he probably would have turned into Corruption. But having been monitoring the situation telepathically, I think Arkay feels more betrayed than anything else.”
“Understandable…” Retvik grunted. He glanced at the masseuse, who hinted that she wanted to massage Retvik’s front. He rolled over and let her do just that. Litvir was happier as he was, and his masseuse was now massaging his tail. Arkay’s masseuse had given up and was trying to see how many fluffy critters they could get to sit on Arkay’s back before he noticed.
“You want to change the subject.”
“I do. I actually want to head home soon, but I am also massively enjoying this break. How many more days do we have here?” Retvik telepathically asked.
“Two more? I am not sure. The beings at the front desk said we basically had as much time as we wanted, and, well, we are technically rich and famous now. We can pay for more time if we want.”
“I am considering it…” Retvik grunted. “This has been wonderful, and although Arkay has been a bit anxious, this has helped him smooth things over, I believe.”
“Indeed. I think, if we had just gone straight back to Savepoint, Arkay would have had problems. All things considered though, he has been coping really well. He accepted that he did his best and seemed to move on. We will most likely be fine, and I think Arkay will be completely recovered when we do return home.”
“Also, he is sleeping right now.”
Litvir snickered. This caught the masseuse unaware, but she quickly went back to work. “Arkay is the most adorable thing when he is dozing…” Litvir altered the subject briefly. “So do you want to stay longer?”
“A little. This has been really good for the three of us. Admittedly, ignoring the stupid missions, I think we NEEDED to be forced to spend time together, just the three of us. I want to finish off here with one really nice memory for Arkay.
Litvir nodded in agreement. “We have grown together. And I think you are right. But I also think Arkay is somewhat itching to return home too. He has family he is missing outside of us.”
“Fair…” Retvik grunted and fell silent, enjoying the massage. One of the creatures brushed up against his leg, tickling him. It was just as pleasurable as the massage. “It is a shame Arkay is sleeping through this.”
“Nah. Arkay is fine. Look at him.”
Retvik glanced to his side again, then, like Litvir, he snickered. Arkay was completely and utterly covered in fluffy creatures. However, one of the fluffy creatures brushed its long tail against Arkay’s snout. This caused him to sneeze, and suddenly the room exploded with panicking furry creatures, all of whom scampered away and disappeared into hidey-holes outside the room. The explosion of cuteness also seemed to scare the masseuses, all of whom also rushed out of the room and went to work tending to the scared animals.
“Oops… sorry…” Arkay muttered as he sat up. “That was a stupidly nice sleep. How long have I been out for?”
“Not that long!” Litvir smiled. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
Arkay nodded. “This hotel trip has been amazing. Not sure about all the tea and petticoats, but I actually feel not too miserable for once, despite what happened. I am getting a little homesick now, but we’re going home soon, so I’ll be alright.”
Retvik and Litvir smiled at each other, then sat up and out their arms around Arkay.
“Wonderful. What do you want to do now, dear?”
Arkay thought to himself. “Hm… I’m not sure. Has this place got a swimming pool?”
“It has multiple pools, yes…” Litvir paused, picking up what Arkay was thinking about. “I am certain, if we ask nicely, we can get a private pool to ourselves.”
Arkay’s little smile turned into a grin. “Awesome.”