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The Last Shemale Queen

A sequel to The Seduction of Seleste

Adorable Denial

Chapter 15

Determined now to help Tala reach the lake country in the south, the foxes led her through the ruined city of Elsilf Hin for many days, and Tala knew that it was taking so long because of her. Aayan and Iko could cover great distances at a time by teleporting themselves - which was what they did whenever they suddenly disappeared on her. Their self-teleportation, however, was exhausting and only allowed them to jump a few miles at a time anyway. Iko was also the only one who could run so incredibly fast, and she had no desire to pull Tala and Aayan along with her - not unless it was an emergency. When Tala pointed out that she had run with her before, Iko smirked and told her that had been a freebie.

"It would drain me," she explained to Tala, "to run with you and Aayan all the way to Mor Song." Mor Song being the last city after Sin Farr'el.

Tala had lifted her brows in surprise: it had never occurred to her that anything could drain Iko.

It rained continuously in their travels. Sometimes it rained so hard, they were forced to stop for many hours at a time, which frustrated Tala, who was eager to be moving on. One night, a storm came, filling the endless sky with gray clouds, and they retreated to a ruined tower, leaping the gaps in its curving stairs until they had reached a floor so high, Tala thought with some anxiety that she could have reached out and grabbed a storm cloud.

Aayan and Iko were soaked in their cloaks. Iko conjured fire amidst a circle of stones she had gathered, and they spread their dripping cloaks beside it to dry.

Tala huddled near the fire and warmed her paws over it, wishing she had a cloak, for she had to wonder how she was going to get through the barrier without encountering the intense pain Aayan had spoken of. Glancing around, she could see old furniture in the room, still in tact after a thousand years and draped in cobwebs. There was a great hole in the wall, a hole with a vaguely round shape that, as a consequence, looked like a window. Outside this "window" the rain slanted down, hitting the murky green of the pressing forest and darkening the stones of distant ruins. Aayan climbed up in the false window and sat, drawing one knee up and resting his elbow on it. Tala froze when she heard him begin to sing.

Sweet star child . . .

_ _You're in your bed now . . .

_ _Close your weary eyes . . .

_ _And go to sleep now.

_ _Oh, little one . . .

_ _You make the stars shine.

_ _All around is love . . .

_ _You're safe.

_ _And warm now . . .

_ _Tala melted. Aayan's voice was beautiful! Incredibly so! She looked at Iko and knew she could hear him as well. She stood across the room with her back to Tala. She had been examining an old bed there, but on hearing Aayan, her ears pricked forward and she looked up. Tala could see the hint of a smile around the sweep of her mane. Her long lashes blinked slowly as she listened.

Looking out at the rain, Aayan continued to sing.

And if you wake up . . .

Just call out my name.

_ _And I will come . . .

_ _And I will . . .

_ _Chase them away.

Tala closed her eyes, smiling as she listened.

Sweet star child.

_ _You must be dreaming.

_ _I'll stay awhile . . .

_ _And watch you sleeping . . .

Tala was disappointed when Aayan suddenly stopped. His white tail flashed behind him once, and he disappeared in a wink.

Typical, Tala thought and went back to warming her paws over the fire. Iko came to her, smiling sadly as she took a seat at her side. They sat in silence a long time, listening to the rain, and Tala ached in the sudden absence of Aayan's voice. Somehow, she knew his incredible singing voice had to do with him being a fox. She blinked sadly: it was a shame he could not sing out loud.

"Yes," agreed Iko, emerging from Tala's thoughts, "it is a shame. No one can hear him besides you and I."

Tala's head snapped up. "What? That's sad!"

"No one except his mother," Iko went on, looking at the fire.

Tala blinked thoughtfully. "But why am I able to hear him? I could understand you and his mother: both of you are powerful beings. But I'm just . . ." Tala shrugged. She was just a little shemale who occasionally lost control of her super strength.

Iko smiled. "We can hear him because we have learned to listen."

Tala didn't know what to think of that, so she stared at the fire. "Who was the song about?"

"Me."

Tala looked at Iko quickly. She smiled, holding back the sudden need to giggle. "Ah . . . is Aayan in love with you?"

Iko's smile widened the tiniest bit. "Perhaps. I am the star child. I draw my power from the stars . . . as all Greater did before me."

Tala frowned. "What happened to the Greater Foxes? I wish more of them were here like you to help me." She looked away and her straight mane tumbled forward smoothly around her unhappy green eyes. I feel so alone.

Hearing Tala's thought, Iko frowned sympathetically. "Is that why you run to your mother? Because you feel alone?"

Tala didn't answer. She hugged herself and stared at the flames.

"Everything has a life and spirit. You are never alone, Tala."

Tala frowned and held herself tighter. "Look," she said impatiently, "do not start your weird sage advice again!"

Iko smiled.

"It is not true," Tala went on. "I am alone!" Thinking of Yatokya, tears almost started to her eyes. She would go to Miras Eii, she would try to help her mother, and one day, she was going to wind up back in the summer village, married to Yatokya - handsome, teasing Yatokya, who thought she was disgusting and hated her. She would be alone in that marriage. And desperately unhappy.

"Tell me about this boy you love," Iko said after some time.

Tala scowled irritably. "I love no boy!"

"No, Tala. I can feel it in your heart. You wear the anger and hurt. You wear it."

Tala was silent.

"He hurt you. Because he loves you too." Iko gazed off, eyes blank and unseeing as she read the surface thoughts in Tala's heart. "And you have slept with him. There was blood. And pain."

"Stop it," Tala whispered. "It's none of your business and it's not true - Yato doesn't love me!"

Iko blinked. Something clicked in her eyes, and Tala knew she had stopped reading her thoughts. She looked at Tala sympathetically as she unbuckled her chest scabbard. Tala watched her set it on the floor. The sword in the sheath was exquisitely crafted - and very ancient, Tala knew. She could see the gold hilt, carved as it was with vines and symbols. The blade, as always, reflected the world around it with a liquid sheen when it slid a little from its sheath. Iko slid it back in.

"I have told you about Aayan," Iko said patiently, quietly, "and that he loves me, that I protect him. It seemed only natural that you would share about your Yatokya."

Tala bit her lip. "I'm sorry. It's just . . . hard talking about him." She swallowed hard, then cast Iko a furtive glance. The vixen was not looking at her but out at the rain, her white mane tumbling around her ears to hide her expression.

"But why talk about Yatokya?" Tala wondered and made a face. "Really, he's not the one I love. . ." Yanaba is. And she could never care for me.

"Yatokya is the one you truly love," was the patient reply. Iko did not look at her.

Tala scowled. "What? That isn't - ugh!"

Iko laughed softly. "You have exchanged more words with Yatokya, have shared more affectionate glances and touches . . . he even kissed you once when you were small. And yet, it angers and pains you to care for someone who could hurt you so deeply. He made you ashamed of who you are, though he never meant to."

Tala sniffed and said nothing. She didn't want to hear this, but she knew Iko was not going to stop.

"This is why your maidenhead remains unbroken. You wait for him."

"What! No! Never. I will never let Yato touch me there!" She squeezed her thighs shut just thinking about it. Yatokya's big fingers had always been so gentle and firm . . . No, no! Why was she thinking about this? "No - never ever!" Tala angrily vowed.

Iko laughed again. "Denial is an adorable thing."

Tala was sulking and glowering when Aayan returned in a splash of light, standing over them. He was carrying two white flowers and gave them one each. The flowers had fallen from the trees, for Tala knew he was too gentle hearted to have actually plucked them.

Iko smiled warmly and put her flower behind her ear.

Tala buried her nose in hers and smiled when the sweet scent filled her nostrils.

Aayan watched them with his flat, emotionless eyes. I tried to find a cloak for Tala.

_ _"Maybe we'll find one in Sin Farr'el. Stop worrying, Aayan," Iko returned.

The next day, they passed out of Elsilf Hin and into Sin Farr'el, and Tala was astonished by the beauty of the white deer there. The creatures bounced lightly through the pressing trees and underbrush, and they were all glowing, even the fauns. Tala watched them in fascination, her eyes round. To think Iko had actually suggested they hunt and eat them before! Looking at the deer now, Tala didn't think she could bring herself to do it.

It took another week to pass through Sin Farr'el to Mor Song, and once there, Iko informed Tala that it was not long now: it would only take a couple days to come in contact with the magic barrier that surrounded the kingdom. They still hadn't found a cloak for Tala - or even some in tact fabric to conjure one from - and Tala was getting worried. But Iko assured her everything would be fine.

"Will you come to Miras Eii with me?" Tala asked them.

It had begun to rain lightly, and the rain tapped the river below, breaking ripples across the surface with every hit. They were crossing a magnificent white bridge, some of the bricks of which had tumbled away. Iko led them across with her tail swishing. Tala followed her at Aayan's side. She was eating something that looked like an apple . . . except it was blue.

I can not go there. I told you before.

_ _"And I will not leave his side," Iko added quietly. "Aayan should not be alone."

"Neither should I," Tala protested. She looked away when Aayan gave her one of his rare looks of curiosity. His blue eyes studied her a moment before he spoke again.

You are going to your mother.

"I know . . ." Tala took another bite of her fruit, wishing she hadn't brought it up. The truth was, she liked Aayan and Iko and did not want to leave them. She felt safe with them. "What will you do after I leave?"

Aayan looked away from her. Continue restoring this place. I am almost finished restoring the palace in Elsilf Hin. If I could convince more foxes to come here and help, it would go much faster.

"Which is why you should return to Miras Eii with me," Tala said at once.

No.

Tala scowled and took a vicious bite of her fruit. Her fangs tore through the blue flesh and pale blue juice dribbled down her chin. She licked it off, silently admonishing herself for acting like a pup. She had demanded that they send her there, after all. There was no use complaining now.

The last night they camped in Mor Song, Tala sat with Iko around the fire as Aayan sang, Iko's arm around her, her head on Iko's shoulder. They had made camp in the wilderness, while nearby, the magic barrier loomed against the trees. The barrier was invisible, but someone who knew how to truly look would have caught glimpses of the wall: a twinkle here, a shimmer there.

In the morning, they passed through the barrier, and Tala was horrified when Iko removed her cloak before doing so, placing it around Tala's shoulders. Tala protested at once, but Iko refused to listen. She took Tala by the paw and zipped away with her. They went so fast, Tala could barely keep the cloak on. When they had stopped again, they were surrounded by dozens of lakes. Tala gawked. In the bright light of afternoon, the lakes winked innocently under the blue sky. Tala was snapped from her fascination, however, when beside her, Iko suddenly collapsed.

"Iko!"

Aayan appeared beside Tala in a splash of light. He gathered the vixen in his arms. She's in pain. We'll take her to the water. Come.

Tala nodded. She went with Aayan to the nearest lake and watched miserably as the tall white fox dipped Iko in the water. Iko was twitching and bleeding from her mouth. It was horrifying. Tala hated that she had hurt herself for her sake, that Iko was suffering, and all because she had demanded to see her mother like a stubborn child.

When Aayan turned again, Tala was relieved to see Iko wading with him through the shallows, smiling and whole. She touched Tala affectionately on the cheek. "Let's go, little cock. Your mother is waiting for you."

Tala's heart leapt. It suddenly hit her that she was finally going to see her mother again! She was eager and frightened and miserable all at once. And angry. Her mother, who had given up, who had left her!

Tala followed Aayan and Iko through the scattered lakes as the sun started to lower in the sky. They waded through reeds and mud, passed under white trees, and were brushed on the ankles by flowers. When it seemed they had come to the right lake, Iko stopped. Tala watched as the vixen lifted her paw. Light flashed across the sky once, twice, three times, and a shining orb of light appeared, hovering over the water. It opened like an eye, a black whole wreathed in a circle of light.

Tala gasped as she realized: her mother had used a portal to leave her. The circle of light Seleste had stepped into . . . a fox had cast that for her.

"Yes," said Iko, hearing Tala's gasp, "pretty, isn't it? I guess this is goodbye." She glanced at Tala sadly and looked away quickly, as if to hide.

Tala came to Iko and took her paws. "Thank you for helping me."

Iko's pretty slanted eyes lit with a smile. "If I didn't help you find your mother, I'd have to put up with you, wouldn't I?"

Tala laughed. "No, I mean with . . ." She glanced down at her soft cock and didn't think she could say it.

Iko understood. She hugged Tala gently. "Goodbye, little prick."

Tala laughed and turned to Aayan. She grinned when her cousin afforded her one of his rare half-smiles. It was the first time he had smiled in a seven days.

Tell my mother I said hello. And that I am fine.

Tala nodded. She still didn't move. She wanted to hug Aayan but couldn't bring herself to do it.

Aayan extended his paw, and Tala watched as a stair of light unfolded from the rim of the portal.

Farewell.

"Farewell . . ." Tala stood with her head bowed . . . then suddenly latched her arms tight around Aayan. She closed her eyes and held on. He hesitated, and a thrill of happiness went through her when he touched her head. His fingers were gentle and loving.

When Tala pulled away again, Iko was watching them in amusement.

Tala took a breath and went up the stairs toward the portal. She had almost reached it when she heard a voice call her name. Her ears pricked forward and she turned. She couldn't believe it: Yatokya and Yanaba were charging through the reeds!

To Tala's shock - and mild arousal - Yanaba was naked but for a scabbard. She had a sword in both paws and her fangs flashed when her face twisted with cold fury. Curls streaming behind her, she leapt at Aayan with a roar. Aayan disappeared in a splash of light, and Yanaba's blade came down on Iko instead. Iko managed to pull her sword in time and parried the blow. They started to clash blades. Oh god.

"Yan!" Tala shouted. "Don't! Stop!"

Yatokya ran up the stairs and grabbed Tala. He was breathless and frantic, but his brown eyes brighten to see her alive and well. He touched her face, and when she scowled and shrank away, he glowered and tried to pull her down the stairs.

Tala twisted to get away. "No! Let go of me, Yato! I have to go!"

"You're not going anywhere!" he snarled. His paw was tight on her wrist.

Still fighting to get free, Tala tripped clumsily and fell backward through the portal, jerking Yatokya with her.

They instantly fell on a hard wooden floor. Tala lay on her back with the wind knocked out of her. It took her a moment to realize Yatokya was on top of her. They stared into each other's eyes a beat, then Tala came to her senses and snarled for him to get off. He glowered and did so readily.

They both sat up and looked around. They were in someone's house! And . . . a boy was sitting on the floor not five feet away, staring at them in astonishment. He'd been in the midst of playing with his little wooden toys, but now he sat with his legs folded, frozen in the act of making two of the figurines kiss. He stared at them. They stared at him.

"Uh . . ." said Yatokya apologetically.

The boy was not small but a prepubescent, with white fur and pale silver eyes. His long white mane was loose around his shoulders, and around his throat, he wore a necklace that bore the symbol for the name Keme. Tala stared at his necklace in astonishment.

Yatokya held out a paw. "Look . . . we're sorry we --"

The boy opened his mouth and screamed at the top of his lungs, "MOOOOOM!"

"No, no," cried Yatokya, frantic. "Shh!"

The boy scrambled up to run, but Yatokya leapt after him. They struggled. As Tala got to her feet, Yatokya managed to hold the boy aloft by his shoulders. The boy twisted and bucked, glowering all the while at his captor.

"Be still - be still, I said!" Yatokya snarled.

Tala was surprised when the boy obeyed. His thin chest heaved and he glared at Yatokya. His pale eyes darted a glare at Tala too. His mane was in his face. Coming closer, Tala noticed that Yatokya was bleeding freely from his lip: the boy had socked him good. She almost laughed.

"Look, squirt! We are not here to harm you! And if you ever hit me again --!" Yatokya began. He was cut off when the boy kicked him in the nuts without warning. Yatokya dropped him and sank to the floor holding himself.

Tala groaned as the boy fled up the stairs, screaming again at the top of his lungs, "MOOOOM!"

Tala scowled at Yatokya. "Look what you've done!"

Yatokya glared at her as he hunched over, cupping himself. "Look what I've done? Who's the one who dragged us through a portal?"

Tala ignored him. She helped him to his feet. They froze to hear footsteps on the stairs.

"Time to tuck tails and run," Yatokya muttered.

Tala spotted a white door on the far side of the room. They ran for it, staggering over low tables, baskets, and pillows, and had almost fled the house when a voice said behind them,

"Tala? Is it really you?"

Tala turned slowly and her heart stopped. Her mother!

Her mother was standing on the stairs.