Chapter 38: Arrival

The woman holding Dave in a leg lock tightened her grip, her voice sharp and incredulous. “What do you mean you're not coming?!” she barked into her hidden comm, her eyes darting toward the entrance. Before she could get an answer, the door burst open with a violent crash, the little bell above it jingling cheerfully. The absurdly chipper sound clashed with the chaos unfolding inside.

Tendo stepped through the door, his dark sunglasses glinting under the fluorescent lights, a massive plasma pistol leveled at the woman holding Dave.

“Monster Slayer Team is on the scene!” he announced, his deep voice booming with theatrical authority.

Lin rushed in behind him with the same look of calm that Liki had when faced with danger. She didn’t hesitate—her eyes locked on the big man holding Liki. Without a word, she charged him, her high-heeled boot connecting with a sickening crack against his already broken leg.

When the man roared in pain but didn’t release Liki, it became apparent that he wasn't an ordinary human. Only a cybernetic-enhanced frame could have absorbed the blows he'd taken and remained standing. He turned to face Lin, his bloodshot eyes blazing with fury, just as she unleashed a brutal kick to his groin. Even that didn’t seem to faze him much. Lin’s lips curled into a smirk as she taunted him, her voice dripping with mockery. “Come on, cyber-trash, quit picking on a little girl and hit me!” she goaded, her body coiled and ready to dodge.

The big man snarled. He tossed Liki to the side like a toy that he was finished playing with as he pulled a massive knife from a sheath on his thigh. The blade gleamed wickedly as he lunged at Lin, his movements surprisingly fast for someone of his bulk. But Lin was quicker. She dodged his strikes with ease, her body moving like a dancer’s, her expression almost playful as she continued to bait him.

Dave, still tangled in the limbs of the woman on the floor, managed to twist free as she cautiously released her grip, her eyes on Tendo's huge handgun. Dave scrambled to his feet, chest heaving, his eyes darting between Tendo, Lin, and Liki, who was now slumped on the ground, coughing and trying to catch her breath.

"Jesus, Lin. We don't have time for you to play with this guy," said Tendo. He changed his aim to the cyborg and fired. The shot was deafening, the sound echoing through the shop as the big man staggered backward, a gaping, smoldering hole blown through his side. He crumpled to the floor, his massive frame hitting the ground with a thud that echoed through the room. Through the gaping wound, Dave could see the glint of cybernetic parts among his innards—metal and wires mingling with flesh and blood. Lin stood over his smoking body looking slightly disappointed.

The woman on the ground, now pale and wide-eyed, threw up her hands in surrender and tried to scoot away from Dave. Driven by momentary rage, Dave stumbled toward his gun, which had skidded across the floor during the struggle. He picked it up, his hands trembling as he pointed it at the woman.

“Whoa, whoa,” Tendo cautioned, stepping closer, his voice calm but firm. “Do you even know how to use that? How about you give it to me before you hurt yourself.” He reached out, gently prying the gun from Dave’s trembling fingers.

Lin rushed over to Liki. She knelt beside her, checking her over with a practiced eye. “Hey, you okay sweetheart?” she asked. Liki coughed again, nodding weakly as Lin helped her to her feet.

Dave allowed Tendo to take his gun. He snapped out of his adrenaline-fueled trance and rushed to Liki’s side as well. Lin handed her off to him, their eyes meeting briefly. “She’s tougher than she looks,” Lin said, her tone laced with something Dave couldn’t quite place—respect? Admiration?

As Dave cradled Liki in his arms, the woman on the ground broke the silence, her voice strained and desperate. “Where the hell are my men?” she demanded, looking toward the door.

Tendo’s expression was unreadable as he adjusted his sunglasses. “They’re just down the block,” he replied coolly. “Cuffed on the pavement, waiting to be picked up. Don’t worry, they’re not going anywhere.”

The woman’s face paled further, and she sank back against the floor, her defiance crumbling. Lin stepped forward, hands on her hips, her eyes narrowing as she sniffed the air. "God, that smell? They sprayed some kind of scent blocker in here. Nasty," she said.

"What are you people doing here?" Dave demanded, still shaky from the fight. Tendo scoffed, adjusting his sunglasses as he opened his jacket to holster his plasma pistol.

“You really thought we weren’t going to keep an eye on you after we set you free yesterday? Come on, Dave. We’re not amateurs.” Tendo pulled out a communication device and began making calls. “Yeah, we’ve got one alive and a few more down the block,” he said briskly into the device, his tone all business. “Cleanup crew’s on the way.”

Meanwhile, Lin stepped toward the woman on the floor. “On your stomach, hands behind your back,” she ordered, leaving no room for argument. The woman hesitated but complied, pressing her face into the floor as Lin knelt on her back and pulled out a pair of cuffs. “Don’t even think about moving,” Lin added. The woman screamed as Lin yanked her broken arm. "Oops, sorry," said Lin, clearly not sorry.

Dave crouched beside Liki, his hands still trembling as he cupped her face. “Hey, you okay?” he asked softly. Liki’s bottom lip quivered, and she turned her face away. Tears glistened in her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I couldn’t protect you. I—I wasn't strong enough.”

Dave’s heart ached at the guilt in her voice. He pulled her into a tight embrace, one hand cradling the back of her head. “Hey, no,” he murmured. “You were amazing. You held your own against that… that monster. You’re stronger than you think, Liki. You saved me back there. You saved both of us.”

Dave noticed the blood on his hands and suddenly realized the blood on Liki's forehead wasn't just from a small scratch. “Liki, just hold still. Let me see how bad this cut is,” he whispered, panic creeping into his voice. He gently tilted her head forward, his heart sinking as he saw the long, jagged gash above her hairline, dark streaks of blood matting her hair. “Jesus,” he muttered, his hands trembling.

Dave quickly rolled up his jacket and slipped it under her head as a makeshift pillow. “Just lie down, okay?” he said softly, his voice tight with worry. Liki nodded weakly, blue eyes glazed with pain. Dave hesitated for a moment, then bolted toward the back room.

He burst through the door and nearly tripped over Danjay, who was tied up and gagged on the floor. “Mmrmph!” Danjay’s muffled voice cried out through the gag. Dave dropped to his knees, yanking the cloth from Danjay’s mouth.

“Where’s the first aid kit?” he demanded.

Danjay coughed. “Office—through the door on the right. But hey, aren’t you going to untie me?” Dave didn’t answer. He was already sprinting toward the office, heart pounding. He flung the door open, scanning the room frantically until he spotted the white box with a red cross. He grabbed it and raced back to Liki, ignoring Danjay’s shouts behind him.

Kneeling beside her, Dave opened the kit with shaking hands. He carefully cleaned her wound, his touch as gentle as he could manage. Liki winced but didn’t cry out, her eyes locked on his face. “You’re going to be okay,” he murmured, more to himself than to her. He applied the clean gauze, pressing it firmly to stop the bleeding, and wrapped her head with a bandage.

“Thanks, Dave,” Liki whispered, trying her best to smile at him. He brushed a strand of bloodied hair from her face, then wiped away a tear from her cheek with his thumb.

Dave looked up at Tendo, who stood nearby, arms crossed as he scanned the room. “So,” Dave began hesitantly, “what’s going to happen now?”

Tendo sighed, adjusting his glasses. “You need to make your decision now, Dave,” he said, his tone firm but not unkind. “This little incident has thrown a wrench into the operation we’ve been planning. We can’t just let you go now that the enemy knows where you are again.”

Dave’s stomach twisted. “I… I need to talk to Liki first,” he said quietly.

Tendo nodded curtly. “Make it quick.”

Dave turned back to Liki, crouching beside her. He took a deep breath, his hands trembling. “Liki, there’s something I need to tell you,” he began. He told her everything. About his meeting with Lin and Tendo yesterday, about the man who was trying to capture Liki, about the other Wimils he was probably keeping prisoner, about the choice he had to make; To go with them and help take down this lunatic, or keep running. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” he admitted, his voice thick with guilt. “I didn’t want to burden you with it on what might be our last day together.”

Liki listened quietly, her blue eyes searching his face. When he finished, she was silent for a long moment. “Dave,” she said finally, “is it true what Tendo said? Are there other captured Wimils?”

Dave hesitated. “I don’t know for sure, but… yeah, I think it’s probably true.”

Liki’s jaw tightened, and she looked away, her expression pained. “I want to help them,” she said firmly  after a moment. “I want to save those Wimils. We have to help them.”

Dave’s heart sank, despite is being almost exactly what he’d expected she’d say. “Liki, you understand what that means, right? If we help Lin and Tendo, they might have to take you away from me. Plus, it could be dangerous...”

Liki met his gaze, her eyes blazing with determination. “We have to help them, Dave. Those other Wimils... This man is hurting them... They're all alone and they have no one. I at least have you, even if it might only be for just a little while longer.”

Dave stared at her, his chest aching with pride and sorrow. He pulled her into a tight embrace, his tears mixing with the blood on her face. He felt so stupid and selfish. He constantly, knowingly infantilized her, but of the two of them, she was the adult. And she was right. They had to help those Wimils. Those Wimils needed them. On top of that, Dave didn’t think he could bear to look in Liki’s eyes and see them filled with pity or shame at his cowardice if he chose to selfishly keep running. In that moment, he wanted to make her proud, just as she’d already done countless times to him. They'd still get to see each other, just not every day, he reminded himself.

“I love you,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “If that’s what you want to do… then I’ll be right there with you."

Chapter 39: Trauma

The safe house was a sprawling compound nestled in the outskirts of the city, its high walls and iron gates giving it an air of impenetrability. Formerly the estate of a drug lord, Tendo had explained that his agency seized and repurposed it for more clandestine operations. Dave felt a strange mix of awe and unease as Tendo guided their car through the gates, the compound’s sheer size and security measures making it clear just how serious this operation was.

Liki, sitting beside him, pressed her nose against the car window, her wide eyes taking in every detail. Her small hands rested on the glass, and Dave could see the faint smudges of blood still clinging to her fingers from the earlier fight. She seemed unharmed otherwise, but he knew she had taken a hard kick to the stomach. Imagining that she could have an internal injury made Dave… No, don’t think about that. She will be fine.

Lin turned in the passenger seat, glancing at both Dave and Liki. “You’ll be staying here until our operation. The compound’s secure, and you’ll have everything you need. Just... try to stay out of trouble.”

Dave nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t shake the image of Liki in that shop, her body crumpled after the fight. Once again he'd proved to be useless. I should’ve protected her better. I should’ve done more.

The car stopped in front of a large, two-story mansion. Tendo stepped out, and gestured for them to follow. “Inside. We’ve got a medic on standby to check on Liki.”

Dave helped Liki out of the car, her small hand gripping his tightly as they walked up the steps. The interior was just as impressive—polished marble floors, modern furniture, and the faint hum of electronics in the background. It was almost too pristine, too sterile, and Dave couldn’t help but feel like they were walking into another kind of trap.

A woman in blue scrubs approached them with a calm and professional expression. She was young, with dark hair pulled into a neat bun. “Hi I'm... Juni." she said glancing at Tendo. "We've got a little hospital set up in a bedroom. I’m going to take her there to make sure her injuries aren't worse than they look,” she said softly but firmly.

Dave hesitated, his grip on Liki’s hand tightening. “Can I come with her?”

Juni nodded. “Of course. I need to check you afterwards.”

They followed her down a hallway to a small, well-lit room equipped with medical supplies and a single bed. The medic gestured for Liki to lie down, and Dave sat in a chair nearby as she began her examination.

Juni checked the cut on Liki's scalp, cleaned it and re-bandaged the wound, criss-crossing Liki's hair over the bandage with small rubber bands and tape to keep it in place. She pressed lightly on Liki's limbs and torso, then ran some kind of hand-scanner over her whole body. “No broken bones,” Juni said after a few minutes, her tone reassuring. “Just some bruising. I’ll apply a topical cream to help with the pain and inflammation.”

“Thank you.” said Dave, grateful for her genuine concern.

Juni nodded, finishing up her work before stepping back. She turned to Dave and said, “She’ll be fine. Wimils heal much faster than humans, and I'm told that Liki's model has reinforced bones, so she's relatively unscathed. She's a tough little bio-pal."

Juni motioned for Dave to switch places with Liki, her expression professional but insistent. “Your turn,” she said, gesturing to the bed. “I need to make sure you’re okay too.”

Dave shook his head, waving her off. “I’m fine, really. Just a scratch on my neck from that woman’s nails. Nothing to worry about.”

Juni raised an eyebrow, but she remained firm. “Humor me. I’d rather be thorough.”

Dave opened his mouth to protest again, but Liki beat him to it. “He’s fine!” she blurted out, her voice louder than necessary. Her blue eyes flicked between Juni and Dave. “You don’t need to touch him.” There was an edge in her tone, but Dave wasn't sure if it was protective or possessive.

Juni and Dave exchanged a glance, both of them fighting back smiles. Juni cleared her throat, her lips twitching. “I’m just doing my job, Liki. It’ll only take a minute.”

Dave reached over to gently touch Liki’s shoulder. “It’s okay. She’s just making sure I’m not secretly dying or something.”

Liki narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. “You’re not dying. I’d know.”

Dave chuckled, shaking his head. “You probably would... But really, I’m fine.”

Juni sighed. “At least let me run the hand-scanner over you. It’s quick and non-invasive. Okay?”

Dave looked at Liki, who glowered but said nothing. He hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Alright, fine. Just a quick scan.”

Juni smiled, pulling the small device from her pocket. She gestured for Dave to lie down, and Liki reluctantly moved off the bed to make room. Juni began moving it over his body, starting with his head and working her way down. Liki stood by the bed, watching Juni’s every move. Her eyes followed the scanner closely, her body leaning forward slightly as if ready to intervene at any moment.

Juni finished the scan, stepping back with a nod. “Well, you’re clean. No hidden injuries or anything to worry about.”

Liki immediately moved close to Dave, her tail swishing behind her as she wrapped her arm around his. “See? I knew it,” she said triumphantly.

Juni chuckled, shaking her head. “Alright, you two are all set. I'll leave you alone so you can both rest for a little while."

As the medic left, Liki climbed back on to the bed next to Dave. The events of the day, and his guilt about having kept Liki in the dark about his deal with Tendo settled over him. He turned on his side and looked at her. “Liki, I’m... I’m so sorry. I should’ve told you sooner about Tendo and Lin, and I should’ve been more careful...”

Liki sat up, her small finger pressing between his lips to silence him in her funny way. She swirled her finger gently in his mouth, the tip just barely touching his tongue. “Shhh,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “It's okay.”

Dave stared at her, his chest aching with a mix of relief and something deeper, something he couldn’t quite name. He sat up and turned to sit on the edge of the bed next to her. She smelled faintly of the vanilla-scented antiseptic spray and something uniquely her, a scent that always calmed him.

“So, how do you feel?” he asked, remembering her injuries.

Liki pulled back slightly, her blue eyes meeting his. “I’m fine,” she said, her tone light. “But... I have a big bruise on my stomach. Wanna see?” she asked enthusiastically.

Before Dave could answer, she lifted her dress up to her armpits, laying back to give Dave a good look at her bare torso. Dave’s breath caught as he saw the bruise—a mottled splotch of purple and yellow that marred her otherwise flawless skin. It was larger than he’d expected, and his stomach churned at the sight.

“Look! It's so big, huh?” Liki said, her voice tinged with a strange pride, as if showing off a badge of honor.

Dave reached out hesitantly, his fingers hovering over the bruise. “Wow, that looks painful.”

Liki nodded. “Yeah, it's really sore. It hurts if you touch it.”

Before Dave could pull his hand back, Liki grabbed it and pressed it firmly against the bruise. She winced, her face scrunching up in pain, but she didn’t let go.

“Liki,” Dave said, both confused and amused. “If it hurts, why are you making me touch it?”

Liki looked up at him, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I don’t know… Even though it hurts, your hand touching it is a different kind of hurt. It’s... it’s like... a good hurt.”

Dave stared at her, his mind racing. She seemed almost embarrassed by her own explanation, and she looked away shyly. He couldn’t help but smile, his heart swelling with affection for her. "It feels safe... because I know you'd never hurt me," she said.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft kiss. “But aren't I hurting you right now?”

Liki giggled, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink as she looked up at him through her lashes. "Well, maybe if you... rub me between my legs for a little while, it’ll make me feel better," she whispered, her voice soft but earnest. Her fingers traced the edge of her dress, tugging it slightly higher. "You know, to distract me from the pain."

Dave froze for a moment, his eyebrows arching in amusement. He was amazed how even in what seemed to be dire situations, her unabashed horniness still ruled her personality. Her suggestion was so blunt, so direct and so unmistakably clear, that he couldn’t help but chuckle. "Liki, are you sure about this? You’re still hurt."

She pouted, her lower lip jutting out in an exaggerated display of distress. "Please, Dave," she whined, her voice dripping with mock desperation. "I’m in so much pain. It’s terrible. Owww..." Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked up at him, clearly faking it.

Dave laughed, shaking his head. "You’d make a great actress," he teased. "Alright, but do you want your panties on or off?"

Liki tilted her head, feigning deep thought. "Hmm," she murmured, her tone playful. "You better take them off. Otherwise, I’ll make a wet spot in them, and that would be embarrassing." She grinned, her cheeks still flushed, and added, "Wouldn’t it?"

"But being caught here with your dress pulled up and your panties pulled down wouldn't be embarrassing?" Dave asked, amused.

She just giggled and shrugged. "I dunno, maybe!" she chirped.

Dave couldn’t help but laugh again, charmed by her shamelessness. "You are such a beautifully weird girl, you know?" he said, his voice warm with affection. He hooked his fingers into the waistband of her panties, pulling them down slowly as Liki squirmed excitedly beneath him.

She wiggled her hips, her blue eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Hurry up, Dave!" she squeaked, her voice trembling with a mix of excitement and impatience. "The pain is getting worse!"

He shook his head, a soft smile playing on his lips as he leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead. "Lin told us to stay out of trouble! You are going to get us into so much trouble, Liki," he laughed.

"Maybe," she replied, her grin widening. "But you'll still love me anyway, right?"

Dave’s laughter filled the room, and he couldn’t help but agree. "No matter what."

Per her honest request, Dave got to work. How could he not honor the wishes of this gravely wounded creature? Dave’s fingers teased her clitoris with slow, deliberate strokes, then slipped gently between the lips of her vulva. She leaned back, her eyes fluttering shut as she let out a soft sigh, her body responding to his touch with a warm shiver of pleasure. Dave's fingers continued to tease the moisture from her soft pink crease, until it overflowed and a droplet escaped, running downwards, only to disappear between the rounded cheeks of her ass. He ran his index finger up and down her slit, catching the edge of her opening, then slipping over her clitoris. Dave dipped his middle finger into her vagina, feeling her warmth envelop him as he pressed deeper. Liki gasped, her back arching slightly as his finger reached as far as it could go, squirming inside her in a way that sent jolts of pleasure through her middle. He pressed firmly against her quivering insides, feeling her heartbeat pulsing on his fingertip.

“Dave,” she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of surprise and delight. Her fingers found his free hand, guiding it slowly to the bruise on her stomach. She pressed his palm against the tender spot, wincing slightly as the pain mixed with the pleasure coursing through her. Dave hesitated, his brow furrowing in concern, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he let her lead, his eyes never leaving her face as she squeezed his hand tighter against the bruise.

A single tear rolled down Liki’s cheek, but it wasn’t out of sadness. Her expression was one of strange contentment, as if the pain and pleasure were weaving together into something she could barely comprehend but deeply needed. Slowly, she relaxed, her grip on his hand loosening as she let out a long, shaky breath.

Dave leaned in, brushing the tear from her cheek with his thumb. “You okay?” he asked softly, his voice laced with concern.

Liki nodded, her eyes still closed as a small smile tugged at her lips. “Mhm,” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Dave smiled, his heart swelling with affection. He continued to stroke her gently, his touch a perfect balance of tenderness and intensity. Liki’s body responded eagerly, her hips shifting slightly as she lost herself in the sensations he was drawing from her. For a moment, it was just the two of them, lost in a world of their own making.

Liki’s expression grew suddenly serious, her blue eyes locking onto Dave’s with an intensity that made him pause. “Dave,” she said, her voice hesitant, “will you do something weird for me?”

Dave blinked, his fingers stilling on her skin. “Weird? What do you mean?”

She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink. “Promise you won’t laugh? Even if it’s really, really weird?”

He couldn’t help but smile at her earnestness. “I promise. What is it?”

Liki’s fingers twitched nervously against his arm, and she took a deep breath, as if steeling herself. “When I get that feeling… the head-exploding one… could you press hard on my bruise? Like, really hard? At the exact same time?”

Dave’s eyebrows rose in surprise, but he quickly schooled his expression, remembering his promise. He didn’t laugh, though the request was unexpected. Instead, he nodded, his voice gentle. “Yeah, I can do that. If that’s what you want.”

Liki’s face lit up with relief and gratitude. “Yes, it's what I want. I just want to try it.”

He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Okay then. Ready?”

She nodded eagerly, her body already trembling with anticipation. Dave resumed his gentle strokes, his fingers exploring her with practiced care. Liki’s breathing quickened, her small hands clutching the sheets as the sensations built within her. It didn’t take long for her to reach the edge, her whimpers growing louder, her legs trembling.

“Dave,” she gasped, her voice desperate. “Press down now!”

Without hesitation, Dave pressed his palm firmly against the bruise on her stomach, the pressure steady and unyielding. Liki’s body stiffened, her back arching off the bed as her orgasm crashed over her. Her fingers gripped his wrist as he pressed on her bruise, her nails starting to pierce his skin. "Owwww!" she whined, her face a portrait of ecstasy and pain intertwined.

Dave almost pulled his hand away at that moment, afraid she was in true pain, but her tail wrapped around his wrist. Instead, Dave held the pressure, his palm pushing firmly into her bruised skin. His eyes fixed on her, watching as she rode the intense wave of sensations. He felt her sprained stomach muscles convulsing beneath his fingers as the orgasm claimed her. She clenched her teeth and squeezed her eyes closed, forcing the tears that had formed on her delicate lashes to spill down her face.

When it finally subsided, Liki collapsed back onto the bed, her chest heaving as she gasped for air. A faint smile curved her lips, her cheeks were wet with tears and her eyes half-lidded and glazed with satisfaction. “That was… I don't know what... It was weird. I liked it, but now that it's over, it just hurts,” she murmured, her voice shaky. "I don't think I'll try that again."

Dave leaned down, kissing a salty tear from her cheek. “Probably a good idea. I didn't like knowing that I was hurting you,” he whispered, his tone filled with concern and affection. She laughed softly, her arms wrapping around his neck.

They lay on the exam bed for a while longer, the two of them nestled together in the quiet aftermath. Liki’s head rested on his chest and Dave could feel the steady rise and fall of her breathing, her body warm and relaxed. For the first time since the chaos of the day, he felt a sense of calm.

Just as Dave was starting to drift off, there was a sharp knock at the closed door. He sat up quickly, his heart skipping a beat. Liki stirred beside him, her eyes blinking open as she sat up too, sniffing the air. “It's the sunglasses guy,” she whispered.

Dave stood, smoothing his clothes and running a hand through his hair. He glanced back at Liki, who was already pulling her panties back up and adjusting her dress to cover herself. He gave her a reassuring nod before walking to the door and opening it.

Tendo stood in the hallway, his sunglasses now perched on top of his head, revealing sharp, assessing eyes. He glanced past Dave to Liki, who was sitting on the bed with a bright, innocent smile on her face. “The doctor says you're both fine,” Tendo said, his voice calm and matter-of-fact. “So, let me show you to your rooms. You’ll be staying here for at least a few days, and you’ll need to get settled.”

Dave nodded, stepping aside to let Tendo enter. Liki hopped off the bed, and took Dave’s hand, her small fingers lacing through his. “Ready?” she asked, looking up at him with those wide, adoring eyes.

“Ready,” Dave replied, squeezing her hand gently.

Tendo led them out of the room and down the hallway, his steps brisk but not hurried. The compound was quiet, though Dave could hear the faint hum of activity somewhere in the distance. “Your rooms are secure,” Tendo said as they walked. “You’ll have everything you need. Just try to stay out of trouble, alright?” He cast a sidelong glance at Liki, who was humming the Chungo's commercial softly to herself, seemingly oblivious.

Dave couldn’t help but smile. “We’ll try,” he said, doubting his own words.

Chapter 40: Security

Tendo led them through the expansive hallways of the safe house, the polished floors gleaming under the soft, recessed lighting. Dave couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer size of the place. Whoever this drug lord was, he must have been fabulously wealthy. Liki walked beside him, her hand still clutched in his, her tail swishing gently behind her. Her head swiveled from side to side, taking in every detail with wide-eyed curiosity.

They passed a set of glass double doors, one of which was slightly ajar. Through the glass, Liki caught a glimpse of something that made her stop in her tracks. She tilted her head, her ears perking up as she pointed toward the room. “What’s that?” she asked, her voice soft with a hint of trepidation.

Dave followed her gaze and saw a large indoor pool, its water rippling gently under the soft glow of overhead lights. “That’s a pool,” he explained, crouching slightly to meet her eye level. “It’s like a giant bathtub. People swim in it for fun and exercise.”

Liki’s eyes widened in fascination. She stepped closer to the door, peering in hesitantly. “Swim?” she repeated, her tail twitching. “People go in to all that water?”

Dave chuckled, glancing over at Tendo, who had paused a few steps ahead. “Maybe we can try it later,” Dave said, standing again and gently guiding Liki back to the hallway. “Let’s go and see our rooms first.”

Tendo cleared his throat, resuming his stride. “Your rooms are just up ahead,” he said, motioning toward a grand staircase that led to the second floor. “I’ll show you where you’ll be staying.”

They followed him up the stairs, Liki’s small hand still securely in Dave’s. The second floor was just as impressive as the first, with hard wood floors, plush rugs and tasteful decor. Tendo stopped in front of two adjacent doors. “This one’s yours,” he said, gesturing to the door on the left. “And this one’s for Liki.” He nodded toward the door on the right.

Dave opened the door to his room and stepped inside, Liki following close behind. The room was spacious, with a king-sized bed in the center, dressed in crisp white linens. A large window let in natural light, and Dave noticed their bags from the motel neatly placed at the foot of the bed. “Looks like they brought our stuff,” he remarked, turning to Tendo.

Tendo nodded. “We thought you’d appreciate having your things. There are also extra clothes in the closet if you need them. All your stuff is here... except your gun," he said, giving Dave a look.

"That's okay, it wasn't mine anyway," said Dave, wryly.

Tendo turned to Liki. “Your room is set up with everything you’ll need—food, a Wimil bed, and spare clothes for a Wimil.”

Liki’s ears twitched at the mention of her room. She stepped over to the doorway and peered inside, her tail swishing with curiosity. Her room was cozy, smaller than Dave’s, with soft lighting and a Wimil bed tucked into the corner. There was a set of Wimil cubes stacked next to the bed. A box of Wimil pellets sat on a small table, along with a case of Wimil juice, the same flavor that Lin had given them.

“Does it meet your approval?” Tendo asked, his tone dry but not unkind.

Liki turned to him, her eyes sparkling. “Yes,” she said. She stepped back to Dave’s side, her hand finding his again. “Thank you.”

Tendo nodded. “You’re free to do whatever you want today. Explore the house, rest, whatever you need. Tomorrow, we’ll have a meeting to discuss the operation and your roles in it. For now, just try to—”

“Stay out of trouble,” Dave finished, grinning.

Tendo smirked. “Exactly. Oh, and absolutely DO NOT try to leave. There are guards and security turrets all over the grounds.” He turned and began to walk back the way they’d came. That last part almost sounded like a threat.

Liki’s ears twitched as she glanced between the two rooms, her tail swishing thoughtfully. Suddenly, she ran after Tendo, a look of mild concern on her face. “Wait!” she called out. “Do I have to sleep in my room, or can I sleep in Dave’s room?”

Dave almost snorted a laugh, having anticipated this question from the moment he saw the separate rooms. He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe, watching the exchange with mild amusement.

Tendo paused. He glanced briefly at Dave before turning back to Liki. “You can sleep wherever you want,” he said, his tone neutral. “But just be sure to use the Wimil bed. It’s important to stay on top of your mnemonics—we don’t want you falling behind again.”

Liki nodded vigorously, her face lighting up with relief and joy. “Okay!” she said, wagging her tail happily. “Thank you.”

Tendo cleared his throat, though there was the faintest hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Dave stood for a moment, watching Tendo disappear down the hallway. He wondered just how much Tendo actually knew about he and Liki’s relationship. When Tendo was gone, Dave turned back to the doorways of their rooms and saw Liki dragging the Wimil bed out of her room and into the hallway. She smiled at Dave.

"I'm just putting this in your room, okay?" she said, as she pushed the bed through the other door. Dave laughed and helped her slide it into his room.

As Liki positioned her Wimil bed directly next to Dave's bed, Dave noticed another door on the right side wall of his room and opened it, revealing a spacious bathroom with modern fixtures, a large marble counter and a huge bath tub. There was another door on the opposite side, which he opened to find that it led directly into Liki’s room. It’s a shared bathroom, connecting both bedrooms, he realized. Fancy. Dave walked back out into the bedroom and pointed toward the bathroom door. “There’s a big bathroom over here,” he said. “It’s got—”

Liki’s ears perked up, and she immediately darted toward the bathroom before Dave could finish. She pushed open the door and gasped when she saw the size of the space. “It’s so big!” she exclaimed, her voice echoing slightly off the marble walls. She stepped inside, and she took in the pristine countertops, the large bathtub, and the spacious shower.

Dave followed her, watching as she happily explored. “Yeah, it’s pretty fancy,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Liki turned to him, her expression serious but curious. “This will be good for practicing using the bathroom like a human. I still want to become as good as you.”

"Yeah, about that..." Dave started, hesitant of dashing her hopes of ever being able to pee standing up like he could. Before he could explain further she was already gone, through the other door and into her room. He followed and found her looking wide-eyed at a selection of clothes hanging in the closet.

“Look at these,” she said, pulling out a soft, pastel-blue dress. It was long, the material thin and flowing. She held it up to herself, tilting her head as she examined it in a large wall mirror.

Dave watched her with a fond smile. “You like it?” he asked.

Liki nodded, her tail swishing happily. “It’s pretty,” she said, her voice soft but filled with delight. She turned to Dave, holding the dress out to him. “Can I wear it?”

“Tendo said these clothes are for us, so go for it!” Dave said, crossing the room to take the dress from her. He took it off the hanger as Liki pulled her green dress up and over her head. She held her arms in the air for him as he carefully pushed the dress over her head and slid it down her body. “There,” he said, stepping back to admire her. “You look beautiful.”

Liki beamed, her cheeks flushing slightly as she twirled in the dress, the fabric swirling around her like a soft, pastel cloud. She stopped and looked up at Dave, her eyes glimmering with appreciation.

But then Dave noticed something he’d overlooked. “Oh, wait,” he said with a chuckle. “We forgot something.”

Liki tilted her head. “What is it?” she asked, her voice soft and a little unsure.

Without a word, Dave knelt behind her, his hands gently sliding under the dress and up the back of her legs. Liki giggled, her tail flicking playfully against his arm. “Dave!” she squealed, clearly tickled by the unexpected touch.

He found the tip of her tail, and with a soft, careful grip, he guided it through the small, pre-cut hole in the back of the dress. “There,” he said, brushing the fabric smooth. “That’s better.” The clothes were real Wimil clothes, tailored to fit a Wimil, unlike the children's clothes she'd had to wear while they were on the run.

Liki gasped. "It's a real Wimil dress!"

"Yeah, I think all these clothes are made just for Wimils." said Dave.

Liki turned around, her soft hands sliding up to cup the sides of Dave’s head as he knelt before her. Her eyes met his, and before he could say anything, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his in a tender, heartfelt kiss. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, her touch so gentle yet filled with an unspoken depth of emotion.

She kept leaning in, her weight shifting forward until Dave, off balance, tumbled backward onto the carpeted floor with a soft thud. Liki followed, landing on top of him in a heap, her laughter ringing out like music. She put her arms around his neck and pressed her cheek against his face.

They stayed like that for a long moment, wrapped in each other’s warmth, the world outside fading away. Finally, Dave put his arms around her as he sat up. “How about we explore the house a bit?” he suggested.

Liki’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Okay!” she said, her tail swishing behind her. She took his hand, her small fingers lacing through his. “Let’s go.”

Dave grinned, letting her lead him out of the room and back into the hallway. As they walked, Liki’s curiosity was palpable. She stopped to examine every painting on the wall, every decorative vase on a table. Dave followed her patiently, as he watched her marvel at every new thing. They eventually found themselves back at the indoor pool.

Dave walked into the pool room and over to the water's edge. He dipped his hand into the water. “It’s warm,” he said, glancing back at Liki, who lingered in the doorway of the pool area. “We should go swimming sometime while we’re here.”

Liki’s ears twitched, and she shook her head slightly, her tail wrapping around her leg as she hesitated. “It’s... so much water,” she said, her voice quiet and uncertain.

Dave frowned, straightening up. “Are you okay?” he asked gently.

Liki's gaze was fixed on the rippling surface of the pool. “I’ve never been in that much water before,” she admitted so quietly that Dave could barely hear her.

"Do you know how to swim?" he asked. After seeing all the incredible things she was able to do, he assumed that she could do just about anything.

"I... I don't know," she said, still keeping her eyes on the pool.

Dave’s expression softened, and he beckoned her closer. “Come here,” he said, crouching by the edge of the pool. “Just feel the water. It’s warm, like a big bathtub.”

Liki took a tentative step forward but stopped short, her ears flattening slightly. “In a bathtub, you can stand up and touch the bottom,” she countered, her eyes wide as she stared at the pool. “This looks a lot deeper.”

Dave couldn’t help but be slightly amused that Liki, who had been shot at, fought gunmen and cyborgs, and even stolen a car, was afraid of a pool. But he didn’t tease her. Instead, he stood and walked over to her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Hey, if you don’t want to go swimming, you don’t have to,” he said, his voice calm and understanding. “It’s okay to be nervous. But if you ever want to try, I’ll be right here with you.”

Liki looked up at him, and while he could see the fear in her eyes, he sensed she was trying to be brave for him. She nodded slowly, her tail unfurling from around her leg. “Okay,” she said quietly, though she made no move to step closer to the pool. Instead, she took a step back, watching the water cautiously for a moment before she turned away. “Maybe another time,” she added, a little more confidently.

Dave smiled, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Whenever you’re ready. If you find out that you can't swim, I can even give you lessons,” he said.

Just then, Lin appeared in the hallway wearing a short silk robe that clung to her figure. She held a towel and a small gym bag in one hand. She smiled warmly as she spotted Dave and Liki. "Lin!" cried Liki, genuine excitement in her voice.

“Hey, there you are,” she said, her voice light but carrying its usual edge of authority. “Nice pool, huh? I'm just about to go for a swim. I’m glad to see Liki’s still in one piece after all the excitement today. No injuries, right?”

“The doctor said I was fine, except for a big bruise and the cut on my head. Oh, and my neck is pretty sore...” said Liki, rubbing her throat slowly.

Lin gave a small nod, her gaze flickering briefly to Dave before returning to Liki. “That cyborg guy sure was tough, wasn’t he?” she said casually but with an underlying seriousness. “Fast for such a big guy. I’m glad we got there in time to help.”

Liki’s eyes widened as she remembered the fight at the Wimil store, her tail wrapping around her leg again. She looked up at Lin with a mix of gratitude and admiration on her face. “He was scary,” she admitted. “I couldn’t fight him—I wasn’t strong enough. But you were amazing. I want to be as fast and strong as you someday.”

Lin smiled almost imperceptibly, and she stepped closer to Liki, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You’ll get there,” she said, encouraging the smaller Wimil. “Just keep pushing yourself.”

Liki nodded, her resolve hardening as she looked up at Lin. Then, without warning, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Lin's waist in a tight hug. Lin stiffened momentarily, clearly caught off guard by the gesture, but after a brief pause, she relaxed and laughed, trying to pry Liki off of her.

"Hey, stop! No using pheromones on me! I already like you!" she said, giggling. "Don't make me 'mone you too!"

Dave laughed at the scene. “Liki, please don’t pheromone Lin,” he said, his tone teasing but gentle.

Liki pulled away sheepishly, her ears flattening slightly. “I'm sorry,” she murmured, her cheeks flushing.

Lin chuckled, shaking her head. “It’s fine... your ‘mones do smell really good though, Liki. I like 'em,” she said, light and teasing. She turned and walked toward the pool, her silk robe swaying with her movements. As she reached the edge, she casually slipped the robe off her shoulders, revealing her perfectly toned figure in a revealing white bikini. Dave’s eyes widened slightly, though he quickly averted his gaze, hoping Liki hadn't noticed.

“You two are welcome to use the pool if you want to go swimming,” Lin said, glancing over her shoulder at them. “It’s good exercise, Liki. It will help you get stronger.” With that, she dove gracefully into the water with the form of a professional swimmer. Dave watched appreciatively as Lin surfaced, shaking water from her shimmering black hair.

Liki’s ears twitched as she watched Dave watching Lin, her gaze flickering between the two. Her tail swished thoughtfully behind her, and after a moment, she turned to Dave, her eyes bright with determination. “She just went right in to all that water..." she said with admiration in her voice. Liki was quiet for a moment as she watched Lin starting to do laps. "Maybe I’ll try swimming after all,” she said finally, resolutely.

As Lin swam with effortless grace, Dave’s eyes lingered for a moment, and something finally clicked in his mind. Lin was a Wimil, but seeing her in a bikini that left little to the imagination, it was obvious that, unlike Liki, she had no tail.