38 Chapter 38 (1/2)

Chapter 38

”And that-” Just as James finished placing his final trap on his second floor, his immediate vision suddenly went dark.

”Guess who.” A voice accompanied his newfound blindness, and James couldn't help but smile. It had been four very long, very quiet hours.

”Rue.” At his exclamation the pixie uncovered his eye and hovered in front of him, beaming.

”Did you miss me?” She looked no worse for wear, and James had to wonder just what had been done to her. Rue definitely didn't seem too upset.

”Actually, I got a lot done while you were gone, it was nice.” He didn't get to mess with his pixie too much. As much as he cared for her and enjoyed her presence, he wasn't going to let her know.

”Oh, well then.” Rue's smile faded, and she looked around slowly, taking in the various screens he had up, glancing at the precarious debris trap they were next to.

”I guess you don't need me then.” Her wings dropped down to her sides, and it looked like she was on the verge of tears. Suddenly, James felt like dick.

”No, Rue. Don't cry.” He longed to reach out to her, to embrace her, and wipe away her tears. But he didn't have any-

”What the.” Two glowing tentacles stretched out from his orb, and tentatively he tried to move them, flailing them about as he would his arms.

”I've seen enough hentai to know where this is going.” Rue's face was suddenly back to smirking, all signs of her tears gone. In fact, she was laughing, and James realized she had been doing her puppy dog act just to mess with him. Touché pixie, touché.

”Really, that's all you have to say right now?” James stopped waving them around frantically, and brought them closer to his eye to observe. He was doing his best to fight images of himself as a beholder from taking shape in his mind. If he could randomly grow tentacles now, who knew what else might happen.

The pixie shrugged, before breaking out into more laughter. ”What? Did you really expect something else from me?” I could have made a mention about you getting longer at the sight of me.” She let the comment hang in the air as she drifted closer to him, gently reaching out towards one of his tentacles. As her hand touched the glowing limb, James felt himself shudder. He could feel with these tentacles.

”It feels so-”

”Don't” James cut her off before she could continue, and the pixie smiled ruefully as she hovered away, crossing her arm. ”I'm starting to feel like I'm in one of those cheesy smut games.” James called them cheesy, but he had played more than one in secret during immersion. He was a teenager in high school after all.

”Aw, I'm sure we both know people actually enjoy those games.” She waved her hand and a drink appeared in front of her, but as she looked at it, her grin faltered. ”Ah man.”

”What is it Rue?” James floated over to her, and as he looked at her drink, he saw a dark liquid, with steam rising from it.