This story is set a week or two after the events of the story "Natural
Affection". It can be read independently, but I recommend reading the
other story first.
(Link:
https://www.fictionmania.tv/stories/readxstory.html?storyID
=1485298405603389174 )
* * * * * * * * * *
Brad swallowed hard as he stood before her door. He had stood before it
several times and none of those ended well. Behind this door lives
Sarah. He had a crush on her for years.
A few months back he hatched the plan to gift her a present that was
enchanted. Once presented she had to accept it. By the laws of this
universe, it would have made Sarah like him more. Artificially raising
her affection for him. But it hadn't been her that opened the door. It
was her mother, who foiled his plan.
It had taken Brad weeks to find the courage for a second try. That time
a divine creature of sex and allure had opened the door. Again his plan
to win Sarah's heart was thwarted.
Worse yet was that in that moment of weakness he decided to pursue
Valerie. The woman that had opened the door. She had been sexy yet
strong and an aura of dominance around her. Back then he hadn't known
that Valerie was Sarah's father. Changed by an unfortunate incident.
Brad still didn't know the details, but in hindsight, he cursed his own
raging hormones that led him to focus on Valerie instead of Sarah.
The third time Brad had been before this door played out very anti-
climactic. No one opened, yet when he listened to it just a bit he heard
moaning. Voices of passion that haunted his dreams for weeks.
It took quite a while for Brad to try again. When the door opened a very
tall and muscular woman had stood there. She looked similar to Sarah's
mother that he had assumed her to be Sarah's aunt. How wrong he had
been. Later Brad found out that she had been Sarah's mother. Changed by
her new class. With her spectacular physique and massive bosom, she was
fuel for his teenage wet dreams.
How fickle had been his will at that time. Sarah and Valerie had been
forgotten and the fifth time Brad had stood before this door he chose to
pursue the Amazonian beauty. This time Sarah had opened the door, but
she was unlike he remembered her. She had matured into a confident young
woman, who radiated strength and confidence.
Sarah had made clear what she had thought of Brad and his enchanted
presents. He still could hear her taunting him. Sarah had become a
necromancer. Capable of ordering the undead and spirits. She had vowed
to order a ghost to haunt him if he would ever show up here with a
present again.
Maybe that moment would have been a good a good time for Brad to reflect
on his misdeeds. To grow as a person. But it needed yet another woman to
do just that. Cathy Bates had been pursuing Brad like Brad had pursued
Sarah. Silently from afar with wishful thinking.
Cathy shared another similarity with Brad. Just like Brad, she showed up
one day with an enchanted present at his door.
Unlike Sarah, he hadn't a person who opened the door for him. His
parents always traveling the world for pleasure or work. So as he opened
the door she gave him a present that was enchanted. He couldn't refuse
as the magic made its work. One might be tolerable, but Cathy gave Brad
present after present.
With each gift, Brad's affection grew for Cathy. Such was the world and
rules he lived in. Cathy soon got her wish and both started dating. The
relationship lasted a little longer as Cathy's money to buy gifts. The
moment the artificial affection wore off Brad could think clearly again
and broke it off.
Brad was angry at Cathy, but not as angry as with himself. Just a few
months before he had tried the same trick. The same loophole in the
rules of the universe. First to woe Sarah. Then her parents. He knew the
damage was done. The dream to get together with Sarah forever shattered.
Yet he found himself before her door again. Brad rung with himself to
finally find the strength to ring the doorbell. As his finger hovered
over the button the door suddenly opened.
"Brad. What brings you here?" Sarah demanded. Not angry, but with a
strength in her voice.
He needed a moment to take her all in. Sarah stood confidently in a pink
dress overlaid with black lace. Her hair up in an elaborate braid. She
looked young and beautiful, yet mature and with a presence.
When Brad found his voice he quickly blurred out his reason, before she
could cut him off. "I am here to apologize. To you. And to your parents.
Are they here?"
A single eyebrow rose and Brad was smitten with her yet again. How such
a simple gesture could convey so much was beyond him. Brad saw the
curiosity in it, yet a playful amusement.
A moment later she turned her head and Brad saw the delicate braiding on
her head in detail. "Moms! Here is someone to see us," she said with
confidentiality and a strong voice. A string of regrets tore through
Brad yet again. Through his own means, he had destroyed any hope to ever
get to know her better.
A moment later two figures appeared that had haunted his dreams.
Valerie. A beautiful, supple and sexy Empusa. A type of Succubus. And
Bethany. The tall and muscular perfection of an athletic female body.
Both their faces darkened as they saw Brad.
"Relax," Sarah said with a cool tone. "He is here to talk, right?"
Brad quickly nodded and words sprout from his mouth like a waterfall. "I
am here to apologize. To say I am sorry. Recently things happened that
made me realize that ... I had been an asshole. A fool and an ass. I do
not expect any of you to forgive me, but if my father taught me anything
then it is to own your mistakes. It was wrong of me to try to buy your
affection. I see that now. I am here to say I am sorry and that I regret
my past actions."
Silence followed for a moment and Brad drew in a nervous breath. It was
Valerie who broke it. "Damn, I guess no stabby stab stab," she said with
a grin. Brad's mind immediately returned to the very sharp spear Valerie
owned and the thread where she will put it if he ever showed up again.
"What my wife means to say is that we accept your apology," Bethany
chimed in and then led her wife away. "Come on. You can do some other
stabby things with your tail in our bedroom," she promised Valerie as
she lured her wife away.
A moment later Brad was alone with Sarah again. He was painfully aware
that Sarah had chosen to be silent till now. Finally, she pointed at his
hands. "What is that?" she asked. Brad thought to hear a hint of
amusement.
He looked down and noticed the small bouquet of flowers. They completely
had slipped his mind.
"Flowers," he replied and immediately wished to take that obvious
statement back. "My mother taught me to always bring flowers if you
apologize to someone. Not sure if they are the right ones-" He trailed
off.
To his amazement, she took them from him. "Maybe there is hope for you
yet-" she simply said before closing the door.
Stunned Brad needed a few seconds. He had given up all hope of ever
winning Sarah's heart. Yet her words just now stroked a fire in him.
Maybe the was a chance. Small as it might be. Grinning like a fool he
walked to the elevator.
A ding announced the cabin and the door opened. In it was a refined
older woman who reminded Brad of Sarah. If he hadn't just met Sarah's
mothers he would have mistaken her for just that. She appeared to be
around mid-forties and dressed a tad old-fashioned. Most of all her
braided hair threw Brad off. It was made up the same way as Sarah's.
She gave Brad a warm smile, yet he couldn't shake the feeling of being
prey under the gaze of a predator. "Come on in Brad. I am Miss Kirin,"
she said with a strong voice.
Brad did as told, but was flabbergasted nonetheless. "How do you know my
name?"
She gave him an enigmatic smile. "You could say I recently moved in
close to Sarah. For the past few months, I have been a friend and
advisor to her. A close one at that. Now be a dear and push the button
for the ground floor."
Brad pushed it on instinct. Distracted by his own thoughts. What she had
told certainly explained why Miss Kirin gave off a similar vibe as
Sarah.
"Do you think your apology went well?" she inquired.
"I think so," he admitted.
"Well, you made a big mistake. But one that offers a chance for both of
us." Again she gave him that smile that vexed him.
"What do you mean?" Brad asked confused.
"The flowers Brad. It was a fortunate mistake on your part," she stated.
"Did I get the wrong ones?"
With a ding, the elevator doors opened and Miss Kirin walked out. "No
Brad. The flowers in general. Loosely interpreted they are a present,
right? Do you remember what Sarah swore last time you came to her home
with a present?"
It only took a moment for Brad's mind to catch up. "Oh no! She told me
she would get a ghost to haunt me!"
"Bingo," confirmed Miss Kirin. Just as she walked through the apartment
buildings front doors without opening them.
"You are a ghost?" Brad half shouted.
"Stop being so dramatic and come on. Yes, I am a ghost and yes you are
stuck with me. Let's head home, your home, and I'll clue you in."
"Shit," Brad muttered. He had to agree. This was a big fuck up. As he
walked out he recalled another detail of Sarah's rant that day. "Wait.
Are you that ghost that wants me as a baby girl? Sarah said that-"
Her immediate loud laughter made him cringe. "Don't tell me you believed
that. Yes, my last regret had been that I have never raised a baby girl.
That is what creates a ghost. Regret."
As Brad was still standing like a statue she urged him on. "Come on. Use
your brain. Okay, gender changes can happen. Just ask Sarah's new
mother. But have you ever heard of a way to regress someone's age? If I
had known a spell like that I would have been rich when I had been
alive. Besides. Ghosts can't use magic. You know that, right?"
"Normally they can't," he interjected, but quickly had to agree. It was
ridicules. There was no way a ghost could make him an infant or a girl.
"So why haunt me then?" he finally asked.
"That is a little complicated. I tell it to you on your drive home.
While driving it might also be less suspicious." Miss Kirin confidently
walked towards his car. A bright red sports-car he had gotten for his
last birthday. Personally, he would have preferred something less
flashy, but it was hard to tell that to his parents.
He swiftly took his seat and started the engine. Then he hesitated as he
saw Miss Kirin take a seat beside him. "How can you sit there? Shouldn't
you be immaterial?" he wondered out loud.
"Oh, please. I have been a ghost for centuries. You pick up some tricks.
Like floating in place as if you sit somewhere. I learned that free-
floating freaks living people out. Now drive and I tell you the answers
to the really important questions. Why do I haunt you and not somebody
else."
After he pulled out of the parking lot she started to explain. "Well, my
last desire or wish was for a baby girl. Not that I am very fond of
babies or so. It sprung forth from my wish to pass down my knowledge to
someone worthy. And someone worthy I found. Sarah is for most purposes
an ideal candidate. I saw her raw potential and I mean not just based on
her class."
Miss Kirin fell silent. Just as Brad wanted to urge her she continued.
"Once she will have proven that she learned all that I could offer I
will be free. I will finally go into the real afterlife. With all the
time I spend teaching her I grew fond of her. I want her to be not just
powerful, but also happy. For that, I need someone in her life that
could fill the role of being her partner. I think that could be you."
At once Brad's heart started beating harder. "So you want to help to get
Sarah to like me?"
Her loud laugh made him twitch and a slight blush crept on his face.
"No, you fool. She already likes you. Why else would she send her most
important and trusted advisor after you? It is just the way you handled
things before are seriously lacking in ... Well, everything."
He could hardly disagree. He had fucked up royally and he knew it.
Still, hope blossomed in his heart. "So you can tell me what she likes
and I'll-"
"No!" came the strong objection from Miss Kirin. "I may have had my
faults when I had been alive, but a lack of loyalty hadn't been one of
them. If I would be to tell you all her secrets and desires I would
betray her. That is out of the question. However-"
She turned towards him and gave him a devious smile. "I can teach you.
Form you into something worthy of her. But don't be too quick to sign
up. My teaching might be the hardest you ever have to endure. Do you
know why?"
Brad shook his head and Miss Kirin continued. "Sarah is confident and
strong-willed. Dominant if you so will. There are two ways for her to be
an ideal partner. The first one you truly ruined for yourself. To be
nearly or as dominant as her. The very fact that you showed up with
enchanted gifts tells all. Even you don't think you are worthy of her on
your own. No. Dominant is right out. The second best way, the only one
left for you, would be to go the opposite way."
"You mean to go submissive?" Brad asked. "To become someone weak-willed?
I am not-"
"Oh no no no. You are jumping to conclusions again. Submissive yes, but
a weak-willed person will never earn her respect," Miss Kirin corrected
him.
"Isn't a strong-willed submissive person paradoxical?" he asked
skeptically.
"Absolutely not. I admit there are many submissive people out there who
lack will and favor giving their freedom for that reason to someone
else. But there are others. People with a strength of will that chose to
surrender their freedom. For them, it is not giving up. It is a way to
give the ultimate present."
"A romantic gesture that can't be topped," Brad concluded.
Miss Kirin gave him a bright smile. "Now you are showing the reason I
saw potential in you. Yes. You are right. But there is more. A strong-
willed submissive can go deeper than a weak-willed one. To endure more.
Because they have the will to do it not for themselves, but for the
person they love."
Several heartbeats passed in silence before Brad found his voice.
"I am not sure I am that strong," he admitted quietly.
"Of course not. No one is born that strong-willed. But it can be taught.
That is why I am here. If you accept me as your teacher I will teach you
the strength you need to fully embrace your own submissiveness. The
choice is yours. Sarah set up the haunting in a way that allows me to
break it up. If you want I'll be gone from your life in a heartbeat. Or
I can teach you. The choice is yours."
Brad's mind raced. It was so much to stomach. The whole day had been a
rollercoaster so far. Now before him was a unique opportunity. One he
could reject or embrace. Was it worth it? He didn't know. However, he
knew that Sarah was worth it. For years he had longed to be with her.
Now he had a chance. Did he have the will to do so? If not he would be
giving up. Always be a half measure.
Miss Kirin was right. Only dedicating oneself full was the way to
Sarah's heart. In this moment that he decided he also realized in part
what Miss Kirin had talked about. The strength and will to go through
with it. He had found it. He took his eyes for a moment from the street
before him and looked her with resolve into the eyes. "Sarah is worth
it. Please. Will you be my teacher?"
"There is the spark I had anticipated. Of course. Now. Let's start right
away. Take the next exit on the right. We make a detour to the mall."
* * * * * * * * * *
It didn't take long for them to arrive. Miss Kirin steered him towards
the big department store.
"To the lingerie section. Now, remember. Only you can see me, so be a
bit guarded about how you talk to me. We don't want people to think you
are crazy."
"Why the lingerie section?" asked Brad while trying to be inconspicuous.
"We are here for your first task and lesson. Women need panties for one
of two reasons. For daily wear and for times when they want to be sexy.
I want you to pick out five for the latter reason. Chose the ones you
think would be best for Sarah."
Brad nodded but couldn't help himself. He had to ask. "How will that
help me? I don't think they would make a fitting gift. Well, not as the
first one."
"Right you are. The reason is simple. I see how uncomfortable you are
with the task. Besides. If you manage to win Sarah's love the ability to
buy her undergarments without turning beet red is a plus. Don't you
agree?"
Brad nodded and started his search. There were a lot of attractive
choices and he needed a while. If he would have shopped for himself he
would be out of the store by now. Miss Kirin, however, urged him to take
his time. In the end, he found five he liked. Four were very lacy and
slightly see through. One was more on the frilly cute side. Miss Kirin
held back her opinion. Only correcting him on the size. Personally, he
thought Sarah wore smaller ones, but Miss Kirin surely knew her stuff.
As he walked to the cashier Miss Kirin gave him a last tip. "Now don't
embarrass yourself. If you hand the panties over don't try to explain
yourself. Many men buy Dessous for their women. However, if you explain
yourself then you appear guilty of something. Just act if you buy the
underwear you normally buy for yourself."
Brad gave her a slight nod. He was nervous but did as told. The bored
cashier rung up and packed away Brad's purchase in seconds. Just as Miss
Kirin had predicted.
Walking out of the store he felt strangely proud. It had been a tad
scary for a moment. Yet afterward he knew how stupid it had been.
"Okay. Next step. Go to the restroom," came Miss Kirin's instruction.
Brad was a trifle confused but did as told. On her instruction, he
entered the last stall. He was a little freaked out that she followed
him in.
"Relax. Now take your purchases out," she told him. As he did she
continued. "Now I want you to feel the material. I bet it feels a lot
different than your normal underwear, right?"
"Yeah, it's pretty soft," he agreed.
"Well, time for the next step. Drop your pants!" she firmly ordered him.
"What?" asked a flabbergasted Brad.
"There is nothing I haven't seen yet. I mean ghosts can see everything.
Many are more undead voyeur spectators than specters. Believe me, I know
what you are packing. I even know the silly faces you make when you are
masturbating."
"Holy shit. Hell no!" Brad half shouted.
"I know how that is. Gotta watch what you eat, right? Hang in there
buddy," came a shout back from another stall.
Brad quickly held his mouth shut with both his hands. In shock, he
didn't notice that he held the soft panties right under his nose.
"Don't make a big deal out of it," Miss Kirin chastised him. "I had to
research you before I could be certain that you are right for Sarah."
Slowly Brad calmed down. Right. Sarah. He was doing all this for her. He
guessed a ghost couldn't go gossiping about him anyway. The only living
person she could talk to was Sarah. If she wanted to do that she would
probably already have done that by now. He wasn't happy about it, but in
the end, he complied nonetheless.
"Your boxer shorts too," she admonished and reminded him of the task at
hand. Once bare naked below his waist she continued. "Now pick one of
the panties and wear it."
That gave Brad several seconds of pause. He gave her an unsure lopsided
smile. "Are you sure this isn't an elaborate plan to make me a girl?"
"Look. I am a ghost. There are only so many things I can do as I can't
take a more hands-on approach. Excuse the pun. The fact that you are so
weary of girly stuff makes it a good challenge. Why else would I suggest
this?"
"For revenge?" Brad volunteered.
"I taught Sarah better than to be after petty revenge," she squatted his
idea aside.
Brad had to make a decision. Should he continue? Once again he had to
remind himself for whom he did all this. He took a long look at the
panties in his hand and chose the frilly one. It was the one that was
the least see-through. He quickly stepped into it before he could lose
his resolve. A moment later he had settled it in its place.
"Well done. Now wear your pants over it. Then put on your shoes and meet
me at the food court. Don't forget to flush the toilet."
She was gone before he could reply. Quickly he followed her instructions
and headed out. Once outside paranoia made itself know. To him, everyone
looked at him and just knew what he was wearing. Of course, that was a
stupid assumption. With a racing heart, he arrived at the court and saw
Miss Kirin a moment later.
"Get yourself some lunch and then join me," she told him before he could
settle down.
She sat at a table that was slightly away from other tables. Or to be
more precise she floated in a way that made it appear to him that she
was sitting there. The smell of fast food woke the hunger in him. By now
it was nearly noon. He got a burger menu and then made his way over.
"By all means start," she urged him.
He wanted to, but a question burned in him. Maybe to distract himself he
blurted it out. "Don't you miss it? Eating I mean."
"A little, but my last bite had been so long ago that I barely remember
what it's like. Don't worry. I don't mind seeing you eating."
He nodded and took his first bite. After swallowing he had to ask
another question. "So. How does one become a ghost?"
"Haven't they taught you this in school? Very well. I shall enlighten
you. There are two ways to die permanently. One is to be of old age. Not
even being bound to a respawn stone will save you. If your time is up
then it is time to go. The second is the one that has the chance to make
you a ghost. You see if you die by any other means then old age you
respawn. At that moment the connection to the respawn stone is severed.
If you get killed before you can rebind yourself you are dead for real
too. Now here is the thing. If you harbor in your soul a strong wish,
desire or regret it could bind you to the world of the living. In that
case, you go through a natural class change. What class of ghost you end
up is random or beyond my knowledge of reason."
"I didn't know that ghosts have classes," admitted a baffled Brad.
"Yes, they have. You could say they are stuck in the ultimate
undesirable class. Now. I see your lunch is gone. Time for your next
task." She must have seen the uncertainty in his eyes as she quickly
expanded on it. "This one is a pure mental hurdle. No risky business. I
want you to tell me honestly how you feel right now and how it feels to
wear such feminine panties."
Brad took a moment to collect himself and search his own feelings.
"Nervous I would say. At first, my heart did beat like crazy. I was
convinced everyone knew. That settled for now. Instead, I feel jittery
right now. In my arms and legs."
"That is the adrenaline, my dear. The rush put you right between your
fight or flight reflex responses. Now the adrenaline wears off. That
causes your slight trembling," Miss Kirin explained. "How do the panties
themselves feel?"
"Very soft and maybe a bit cool? It's hard to describe. They also...
Well, they don't offer much support for ... You know. Also, the edges
dig a little into my skin.”
"Well, that is to be expected. After all, they are designed for the
female anatomy. Anything else?"
Brad hesitated and then remained quiet. Miss Kirin knew she had to push
a bit more. "Look. One of the goals is that in the end, you have the
strength to be completely open to Sarah. That there is no secret between
you two. You have to trust her. Right now Sarah isn't here. So to train
it I have to be the substitute. Do not worry. I won't laugh or do
anything disrespectful. I promise."
Brad nodded after a moment. Despite reaching a decision he blushed. "My
little guy is-"
"Saluting," finished Miss Kirin for him. "Don't worry. That is quite
normal. Just now a lot of blood rushed through your system. Some of it
was bound to end up down there. That doesn't mean you have a fetish for
wearing girly stuff. It could as well be the excitement of the moment
itself. And honestly, I could tell you for your chances with Sarah it
wouldn't make a difference if you have or have not such a fetish."
She took a moment to muster him. Sure enough he looked like he had been
through a lot today. But she also saw a hint more of self-confidence.
Not much. Maybe not even enough that Brad noticed. "Well done Brad. So
far I am glad I took a chance with you. I think that is enough for now.
Time to head home wouldn't you say so too?"
Brad nodded. The relief may be a little too evident on his face.
* * * * * * * * * *
It had been a week since Miss Kirin had started haunting him. If someone
might even call it like that. Most of it played out normally. The only
difference was that he wore panties to school. Not every day. Wednesday
was his P.E. class. Every other day he wore his new undergarments.
Slowly his nervousness settled.
Most of his time at home he spends it with only the company of Miss
Kirin. As usual, his parents were away. They spend weeks away on their
various travels. Be it for pleasure or work.
They had a hired maid, but she was usually done and gone by the time
Brad arrived home after school.
He had to admit it was nice to have Miss Kirin around. She often talked
about things of the past. It made the big house not such a lonely place
to be.
Saturday was the first day a new lesson awaited him.
"I bet you rarely visit this room," jibed Miss Kirin as they entered the
small laundry room.
"More like never," admitted Brad.
"Well, this will change. To be completely available to Sarah means not
only to be sexually available. I hope you realized that."
Brad gave her a strong nod and satisfied she continued. "By now you have
worn every pantie you bought. Time to clean them. That might be a skill
that could impress Sarah. I think we both know Sarah has the potential
to become big in this world. As a good partner, you should be able to
support her in every way. That includes leading a household. Starting
with how to clean dirty panties."
"I can do that," he replied with conviction. Miss Kirin gave him a
bright genuine smile. It looked more and more that she had chosen
wisely.
Slowly she explained the steps how to wash delicate clothes by hand.
Right in the middle, he turned to ask her a question. "Part of leading a
household means I have to learn cooking too, right?"
Miss Kirin raised an eyebrow. "Of course. Is that a problem?"
"No," Brad quickly corrected. "It is just that my previous tries didn't
end well."
"So you are interested in it? That is good, but why did they end badly?
Surely your mother or father have taught you a few things."
Brad gave a heavy sigh. "No. In fact, I barely see them. They are always
traveling. You could say I have a better connection to my teachers at
school than to my own parents."
"I am sorry to hear that," Miss Kirin said with sympathy.
"If I am being honest, in the last week with you, Miss Kirin, felt more
as a mother to me than my own," Brad admitted. Miss Kirin saw his wet
eyes for a moment before he turned away ashamed.
"Hearing that makes me sad, but also very proud. If I could I would hug
you right now. But as a ghost, I have a little trouble with that."
That elicited a small laugh out of Brad. Slowly the heavy moment cleared
and they returned to the laundry.
* * * * * * * * * *
Once again Brad found himself at the department store.
"So what humiliating item do I have to buy today?" Brad whispered to
Miss Kirin.
"Remember. The humiliation is only a tool we use. One that quickly seems
to lose its purpose," she said with a chuckle.
A moment later they arrived at the lingerie section again.
"This time we go full out on the underwear. If mere panties don't faze
you anymore then overkill it is. Stockings, garters, pantyhose, bras,
and corsages.If we can hide it beneath your regular clothes it is fair
game. Oh, look. You turned so pale one might think you are the undead
out of the both of us. Granted if the people around us could see me."
Brad had to swallow hard. Wearing panties was one thing. Even buying
those wasn't as bad as he had thought. But his new filled shopping list
proved to be a whole new challenge. All the while he had to remind
himself for whom he was enduring all this. Slowly his shopping basket
was filled with lacy things.
"May I help you, sir? You look a little lost." Brad nearly jumped as a
salesperson managed to sneak up on him. Brad's mind raced to come up
with a reply but was cut short when sales clerk continued. "Oh let me
see. Does the Kappa Delta Tau frat do their famous pledging trials?"
Brad was stumped. Was she thinking he was old enough to be a student? He
spared a glance at Miss Kirin who gave him an amused smile. "No," he
admitted. "I do this to prove myself to a girl." Brad didn't know
exactly why he didn't take the obvious way out.
"And these are for you and not for the girl?" the sales clerk asked. Her
smile never wavering, but he could hear a curious undertone.
"Well, it is a challenge. Sort of," he stated. "Can't exactly ask her to
wear something like this without knowing how to deal with the bothersome
aspects. And if I do this I might as well do it right." It wasn't
exactly a lie he told himself. There was some truth to his statement.
Just the furthest away he could think of.
"What dedication. I am sure the girl is a lucky one. Well, in that case,
we should go take your measurements. You don't want to appear sloppy in
your grand romantic gesture, right?" the lady beamed. No hint of if she
really believed him. Brad guessed this was the difference between
amateur and professional.
"Well done," was Miss Kirin's compliment when he followed the
salesperson to a changing room.
*****
"Stop it," Miss Kirin admonished him.
Brad's hand twitched away from his chest. A moment before he had
scratched an itch under the bra he was wearing. Of course, Miss Kirin
had made him wear the newly purchased underwear. New panties. A garter
belt that was for now without stockings. And a bra. The sales clerk had
even pushed some small false inserts onto him. Looking in the mirror he
could barely see the dent they made in his shirt. Nobody would suspect,
but he was very aware of them.
"So this is my new day to day wardrobe?" he asked after munching on some
leftover fries. Once again they had chosen to sit at the food court
after their shopping.
"Yes. Don't worry. It is not permanently. As you said. It is a
challenge. Now if you are done with your meal we have another stop to
make."
Brad swallowed hard. What else had Miss Kirin in store for him now? Then
again he was determined to face every challenge. He quickly cleared away
his tablet. As he followed Miss Kirin they soon stood before their
destination. "A beauty salon?" he asked flabbergasted.
"Of course, my dear. This is less a challenge and more a lesson. No, you
are not to get a girly makeover. We are here to get you all polished up
and refined. Don't you think Sarah deserves a partner that takes care of
himself?"
"Yes, you are right," admitted Brad.
"Just tell them you want to look good for a job interview. They will
take care of you," Miss Kirin.
Brad nodded to himself and stepped confidently into the salon.
*****
He felt refreshed when he stepped out of the beauty salon an hour later.
Overall it hadn't been that bad. He still looked like himself. Just a
little crisper.
"Looks like someone cleans up nicely," commented Miss Kirin.
"Thanks, I guess. I feared worse. It was actually pretty nice and
soothing. The only irritating was the girl who tried to sell me
permanent hair extensions," Brad openly admitted.
Miss Kirin gave him a snicker."Well, if you wanted to avoid that you
shouldn't have flashed your bra at her."
"I didn't," Brad quickly interjected.
"Remember when you leaned back so she could wash your hair? It pushed
your chest out and in turn the bra against your shirt. It wasn't very
obvious, but the girl must have noticed," Miss Kirin explained.
"Oh damn!" Brad exclaimed.
"Speaking of your chest. Along with the rest of your body, it could use
some tweaking. It's time we get you to do some physical training," Miss
Kirin added before Brad's mind quelled too long on the shocking reveal.
"That doesn't sound so bad," Brad agreed.
"Of course, it is also a good opportunity to wear your new sports bras,"
Miss Kirin needled. Earning her a roll of Brad's eyes.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Excuse me, Mister Cooper?" The maid had knocked on his room's door.
Brad put away his homework for a minute."Yes, Anna?"
"I just wanted to ask if ... Am I being fired?" the maid asked with a
slight quiver in her voice.
Brad frowned in confusion. "No. Not that I know of. What makes you think
that?"
"Well, Mister Cooper. Some of my usual workloads are already done. There
must be another maid at work here."
"No," Brad sheepishly admitted. "That was me. I recently tried to become
more self-dependent. That's why I did some work around the house."
"That is good to know. I must admit you gave me quite the scare Mister
Cooper," the Maid replied.
After some more assuring that her job was safe, the maid left and Brad
was alone. Or so it would seem to an outsider.
"Busted! Well, you handled the situation quite good. Although you missed
an opportunity," Miss Kirin commented.
"And what opportunity might that be?" asked Brad with a weary grin on
his face. By now he was used to the slight needling Miss Kirin so
enjoyed.
"Well, she could have given you private lessons on how to wash your
female undies."
"I think I have proven that I can take care of that. As well, as every
other chore, you seemed fitting as a challenge. You might as well demand
next of me to dress up as a maid because Anna is right. I might as well
be the other one in the house," Brad shot back and couldn't help to give
a smug smile.
"No. That wouldn't accomplish anything. It probably wouldn't even faze
you for long. If it even does. In some regard it is impressive. You took
every challenge and lesson and plowed right through it. Yet it makes the
progress to expand your submissive side harder. Besides the clothes and
the chores, you cleaned up well. Even your personal grooming comes
along."
Brad blushed slightly. He was well aware that Miss Kirin didn't just
mean the work on his face and hair. For two weeks now he wore daily the
full ensemble of female underwear. Stockings included. He quickly found
out how the small hairs on his legs could be nipped and pulled. The
solution proposed by Miss Kirin had been a quite simple one: just shave
them off. He wouldn't admit it aloud, but he quite liked the feeling of
the stockings on his smooth skin. To his luck, Miss Kirin hadn't asked
him about that yet. Part of the deal was that Brad is totally open with
his feelings and had to share everything if asked. Then again maybe she
didn't need to ask. Brad wouldn't put it past Miss Kirin to completely
see through him.
"So what is the next step?" he asked.
"Now we are in a tight spot. We are in an area where I have a harder
time to teach you. That is as long as I only can order you, but can't do
a more hands-on approach. If you are willing to spend some money there
are other options."
Brad nodded along. It made sense. To only have her voice in his ears was
quite limiting. "Well, my parents are rich and my allowance is quite
high. What do you have in mind?"
Miss Kirin gave him a mischievous grin. "One option would be to look for
a teacher that can handle the physical aspects. There are some
professionals out there that are trained for just that. I think the
currently used name for them is Dominas."
"That wouldn't work," interjected Brad. "I am still a minor for a few
more months.
"Good point. Well, in that case, there is a slightly more expensive
option-"
* * * * * * * * * *
Brad pushed the buzzer and hoped someone would open soon. He didn't like
being in this backstreet. It all reminded him too much of the time when
he purchased the enchanted present for Sarah. An Item that hadn't been
exactly legal.
Now he stood before the door of a specialty shop. Not some backstreet
dealer. Still, he was nervous as his intended purchase was just as
illegal.
The door opened with a squeak of hinges that haven't seen a drop of oil
in years. A shifty looking man eyed Brad wearily. "What do you want?"
the shopkeeper croaked.
"I am here to purchase a certain material for a friend," Brad replied.
Unwilling to let himself to be discouraged.
"Look boy. What we sell here ain't cheap," the shopkeeper replied and
moved to close the door.
"I am well aware," Brad hastily said. "I have the money. But if you
don't want the business there are other shops."
"Okay. Okay. Come in." The shopkeeper opened the door wide and Brad
could finally enter.
The shop itself was mostly a temporary storage and it looked like it.
Many shelves stood in neat rows. Filled with various goods. Brad saw
trinkets and raw materials alike.
"So, my young friend. What are you looking for?"
"Komoro crystals. I know you have some in stock worth fifty thousand. I
take them all," Brad replied confidently. To emphasize it he put a
manilla envelope on the counter.
"Now listen, boy. Those crystals can be dangerous. Especially the
refined and unbound you ask for. Do you know what they can do? They-"
Brad quickly cut him off. "They're a medium that Necromancers use to
strengthen their abilities and summoned spirits. Unbound crystals are
dangerous because roaming spirits can use them to interact with the
world of the living. I am well aware. I want them for a friend who is a
Necromancer," he stated confidently. More so than he felt.
All the points he just made were true, but also facts he only repeated.
Miss Kirin had told him everything he needed to know. Not just about the
crystals. He knew details about the shop too. Sadly the shop was
shielded and warded off, so Miss Kirin couldn't help him right now. This
was all on him.
"Then you should know it is illegal to sell them to not qualified
people," the shopkeeper added smugly.
"Good thing then that I have all the necessary documents here. A copy of
them in fact. You can check them and keep them. Provided I get the
crystals," Brad said equally smugly. He placed a second envelope on the
counter. Filled with the required documents. Further five thousand in
bills.
The shopkeeper looked and then grunted. "Remain here," Brad was warned.
The shopkeeper walked at a slow pace to somewhere between the shelves.
When he came back he had a solid looking satchel with him. "Don't open
it without a necromancer," the shopkeeper reminded him.
"I know. Satchel is warded and once open the seal breaks," Brad replied.
"Was a pleasure doing business with you. Come again," the shopkeeper
said with a slimy smile.
Brad nodded as he grabbed the satchel. Time to get away from here.
* * * * * * * * * *
"We have the crystals. Why are we in a hardware store now instead of
being at home and testing them?" Brad wanted to know.
"To teach you patience," admonished Miss Kirin. She led him straight to
a shelf with spools of rope. "Do you know how to choose a good rope?"
she asked Brad.
"No. I don't even know for what purpose we need them," he admitted
confused but curious.
"Well, the purpose I demonstrate you later. I promise you that. For now,
you have to judge what rope is best. We are looking for one that is
synthetic for now. Look for one that has the diameter of your pinkie or
slightly smaller. Yes, like that one. Now we try to judge how the
friction is. Take a length of it and lay it over your hand. Slightly
close over it and pull the rope slowly out of your grip. The warmer your
skin feels the higher the friction. High friction can be good, but not
for our purpose this time. Try finding one with low friction and is
tightly braided."
It took Brad quite a while to follow the instructions and judge the
available ropes. In the end, he settled on a dark blue synthetic rope
with maybe a quarter of an inch in diameter.
It was tightly braided and quite solid at its core. 60 feet of it ended
up in his shopping cart. It quickly got company by some special
scissors, a thick sewing thread the same color as the robe, and a sewing
kit.
After paying they headed home and Brad was eager to find out what
exactly was in store for him.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Okay. The coast is clear," announced Miss Kirin. She had made a last
sweep through the area to make sure she was the only ghost around.
"You want me to open it now?" Brad asked. He held the satchel close that
contained the Komoro crystals.
"Yes, empty the satchel on your bed and then step back," she instructed
him.
He complied and emptied five elongated hexagonal crystals on his bed
cover. For a moment nothing happened. Then one started to glow and pulse
in a light varying between red and purple. It slowly started to float
and to spin around itself. A second one reacted and joined the first one
a moment later in a dance around themselves. Gradually they moved closer
and closer until they finally touched. A bright light erupted and Brad
heard a sound that reminded him of two snowballs pushed into each other.
When the light dialed back a single crystal remained. Flawless and the
size of both previous crystals combined. Another crystal started to
float and the spectacle repeated itself. Soon all of the five crystals
had fused into a big dim glowing single one.
"I told you I learned some tricks," Miss Kirin told him with a smirk.
"And now you can touch things?" Brad wanted to know.
"Let's find out, shall we?" she said with an amused smile. Leisurely she
walked over and let one of her fingers trace Brad's cheekbone. He could
feel it. Not just the cold feeling he had expected. He felt the slight
dent in his skin as her fingertip traveled. It wasn't as uncomfortable
as he imagined. His mind had anticipated the coldness of an ice-cube.
Instead, he got the chilly caress of a raindrop running down his face.
"That felt strange," he admitted.
"Well, you will feel stranger things. But for now, we have some crafting
to do," Miss Kirin told him with a mischievous smile.
Their little crafting project involved the rope. They cut it to specific
lengths. Then they used the needle and thread to secure the frayed ends
of the rope pieces.
"Good," Miss Kirin commented when they were done. They both sat on
Brad's bed. The many lengths of rope between them. "Now the fun part can
begin."
Brad watched intently as Miss Kirin picked up a length of rope and
skillfully found the middle. She then used the point to fold it into a
length of double thickness. Brad could tell, even without her saying it,
that she had done this before. The familiarity and confident movement
told him that it was an often practiced skill. He also saw her elated
mood.
Of course, his mind also came to the conclusion for what the intended
use was for these ropes. "You will use these to tie me up, right?" he
asked with certainty.
"Smart boy. You are right, but can you tell me why?" she challenged him.
"As a challenge? To endure physical discomfort?" Brad guessed.
"Ahh, there you are thoroughly wrong. Don't worry. At first many get it
wrong. Tell me why do you think someone would let themselves be tied
up?"
"I am not sure. Maybe they get pleasure out of it?"
"For some, sure. But not everyone. At least in the traditional sense.
Some like it for the discomfort or the signification of their submissive
status. Others enjoy the suspense of responsibility as they give all of
it away to the person who ties them up. No matter what the reason they
all have one thing in common. They have to give their consent to being
tied up. At least if you want to stay legal. Now in order for a dominant
person to get the consent of a submissive person, there is always one
thing needed."
"Trust," came Brad's guess.
"Correct. Trust is always needed. It is won the hard way and is easily
lost. Trust itself can differ. If you are in a private setting then you
trust your partner. If it's a professional then your trust in their
professional image. Which brings us to you. Yes, I want you to feel and
learn how it is to be powerless. How uplifting it can be to give up your
freedom, even if it is only for a short while. But most of all I want to
give you something I think you lacked for quite some time now. Tell me
honestly, besides me, who would you trust enough to tie you up?"
An uncomfortable silence settled as Brad thought about persons he knew.
Judged them step by step. In the end, he remained silent.
It was Miss Kirin who spoke up first. "There are none, right? There are
some you would like to trust. Your parents maybe? It is hard to trust
someone who is barely around. I guess Sarah is on that list too. The
crush for whom you endured so much. Yet you don't know her well enough.
Besides those, the pickings are slim. Come. Hold your hands up like
this."
She held her arms and hands straight away from her chest. Both parallel
and close together. When Brad did as he had been told Miss Kirin picked
up the rope and started her work. She placed a small loop near one of
his wrists and then started to wrap the rope around his wrists. It
wasn't tight like he expected. In fact between his wrists was a good two
inches of space. After five windings neatly coiled around his wrists she
suddenly changed her pattern. Instead of wrapping the rest around him
she wound it around the strands that connected his wrists. It pulled
those parallel strands together and in turn tightened the slack between
his wrists. A moment later he felt his hands thoroughly secured. There
was only a small slack left as both of his wrists were connected by the
stiff coil of rope.
"Now, we are nearly done," Miss Kirin told him. She held up with one
hand the loop she had placed aside earlier and with the other the rest
of the rope. Around four feet in length.
"If I use both of these, I can bind a knot that effectively binds your
hands and makes them useless. Without the knot, you probably could slide
out pretty fast. These are synthetic ropes after all. Now is the time to
decide. Do you trust me enough to risk this? Being helpless in my
hands?"
His eyes were riveted at her hands. In a moment she could give the rope
slack and set him free or tie a knot and seal his fate. Yet her hands
remained unwavering and steady above his wrists. Could he trust her?
Over the past weeks they had often talked and Miss Kirin seemed to be an
infinite supply of stories, wisdom, and teachings. Yet, he realized, he
still hardly knew any facts about her. He knew that so far she had kept
her word, but would her path really led to him getting together with
Sarah? She had been the carrot on a stick for him the whole time. In the
end, he came to a conclusion. He didn't trust her completely. Just
enough to take yet another leap of faith.
"I trust you. Do it. Please tie the knot," he said with conviction.
"Very well," Miss Kirin replied in a muted, but cheery way. The knot
tightened the ropes further. Seemingly taking away the rest of the
slack. A small amount remained, but Brad knew it was not enough to
escape.
"Helpless, but not as helpless as you think. You see a submissive holds
more power than most realize. It is their consent that gives the
foundation. You and every other one has the right to withdraw it. To do
so you need a safeword. One that lets me know if it is going too far or
if there are some physical problems. Think of one thing that you connect
with the feeling of being safe."
Brad had to think long and hard. Nothing came to his mind. There was not
a thing that made him instinctively associate it with safety. It took
some thinking till he found a word that most would associate with
protection. "I think I go with *shield*."?
"Shield it is," confirmed Miss Kirin. "Now the most important part of a
safeword is that we both know it works. On the side of the submissive,
it is hard to judge. Hence the need for trust. But the dominant also
needs to trust that the submissive will use it. Brad, I want to make
this clear. To use or not use a safeword is not a challenge. There is no
shame in using it. But there is shame in failing to use it. Got that?"
Brad nodded.
"Well then, let's get started. After all, we still have a lot of rope
left," Miss Kirin said as she pulled the rope's end that held the knot
to the headboard of Brad's bed. Putting aside the ropes, she made space
for him to lay on his bed.
One rope found it's spot around his ankle and it pulled it aside as it
was wound around a bedpost. The other ankle followed soon after. She let
him stew for a few minutes. Let him test his limits of the restrictions
imposed by the ropes. The was a slight give, but not much. He was
thoroughly caught in her web of ropes.
After ten minutes she removed the first rope around his wrists, only to
redo them individually. He felt quite helpless, yet felt no danger. She
always made sure he was as comfortable as he could get given the
circumstances.
Another ten minutes later she untied his legs. He was instructed to
cross them like if he was sitting in a lotus position. Each foot on the
other leg's knee. A few ropes later and he couldn't uncross them even if
he wanted too.
Slowly she added another rope around his chest. He wasn’t sure what it
was for as it didn't restrict him further even with it being snug. The
purpose became clear soon after. Miss Kirin untied his arms only to
tightly bind them to his chest. Using the harness made of rope as the
fixing point.
She left him like this for a few moments. Not tied down to anything, but
with all of his limbs made useless there was no need. All he could was
wiggle slightly. Soon she took even that by using one rope to connect
his chest harness to the ropes around his legs. With a steady pull, she
made him fold like a clam until his legs touched the arms. A knot later
he was a human ball. Robbed of even the slightest movement.
* * * * * * * * * *
Brad rubbed his wrists and made sure that the marks of the ropes
couldn't be seen. He had been surprised how quick Miss Kirin was able to
undo her work. In under a minute he was free of every rope. She advised
him to take it slow. Just to be safe.
At first, he was more surprised that their session had ended so quickly.
Of course, Miss Kirin had a good reason. His parents had come home. A
whole week too early.
Now, not even two hours later, he sat at the dinner table. Lazily he
picked at his food. This was typical for his parents. They spend all
their time traveling and amassing money. Once home they order takeout.
Brad sighed. He had offered to cook. Eager to show off what he had
learned in the past weeks. They had looked if he had grown a third eye
and then blandly ignored his suggestion.
As much as they traveled one might think there was a lot to talk about.
Yet their talking had stopped not long ago. The silence that had settled
over the room that was all too familiar to him. Sometimes he wondered
why they even had him in the first place. He was hardly part of their
life. Practically living alone if it wasn't for the maid. This thought
made him nearly jump as he had an epiphany. He might as well live alone.
"Father, I have been thinking," Brad started. "You always told me it was
important for you to stand on your own feet. To be your own man. I think
I have to do the same. I would like your permission to move out."
Brad's heart was beating hard as he expected arguments against his
decision. Yet none came. His parents pretty much rolling over. They even
agreed to his suggestion for a private tutor and on leaving public
school. He chose not to tell them that the private tutor was undead.
Then again they probably wouldn't have cared either way.
In the end, he got his wish. Documents signed by them allowing him to
move out and renting an apartment, as well as papers for the school. It
had been easy. Too easy. Shouldn't they be more concerned? Question his
motives more? He felt sad, but most of all he felt disappointed.
As he entered his room he saw Miss Kirin nearby. He half expected her to
praise him. On the other hand, she might be disappointed that he hadn't
confronted them more.
"I know you deserve more," was all she said. Pulling him into a hug. He
didn't mind that she was cold as a corpse. Just glad there was someone
there that cared. Someone who understood. Not surprising was that the
hug lasted very long.
* * * * * * * * * *
Brad swiped away the sweat after emptying the last box from moving. It
had all happened so fast. Finding the small apartment in the artistic
part of the city. Packing up his stuff and realizing he hadn't that
much, to begin with. He remembered all the teasing in school. The rich
kid that could have anything. Yet here he was. Hardly anything of note.
Looking around he somehow felt proud. His own flat. Already furnished as
the previous renter hadn't bothered to clean out. The landlord happy to
have a new renter who didn't mind the stuff.
Exhausted, but happy, he let himself fall into the armchair he now
owned.
"What are you searching for?" he asked his private tutor, Miss Kirin.
She was busy surfing the web. After gaining the ability to touch she
started to spend a lot of time on the web. Once Brad had asked how a
century-old ghost was so good at using a computer. Promoting a long
lecture about how being dead doesn't equal to being stuck in the past.
That you could still learn and become better at things.
"Class stones. I think it is time that you switch yours," she calmly
replied.
That got Brad's attention. It was a decision he had put off for now.
Something he could have done for nearly two years. His parents had given
him an account for just this purpose. The enormity that he had about a
half million sometimes was heavy on his mind. It was a big
responsibility to choose the right class. Did Miss Kirin know about that
account? While he trusted her a lot he chose to not divulge it for now.
"A class change? Do you have some in mind? They are pretty expensive, so
I am kind of curious. What type of class do you think would be good for
me?" he asked.
Miss Kirin turned around and gave him her full attention. "I am looking
for two specific classes. One of them is perfect for you or rather it is
perfect for you in your quest to conquer Sarah's heart. It is called the
Majune class and is a monk-like class. Luckily this class won't be as
expensive as you think."
A monk? That was curious. He heard stories of dedicated monks who stood
out in certain areas. Some were quite religious. For a short moment, he
saw himself at Sarah?'s feet praying at her like a goddess. The mere
thought made him smirk a little.
"If it is a good class why would it be cheap?" he asked intrigued.
"Well, as most monk classes it thrives on dedication. Dedication takes
time and in modern times that is a commodity that becomes more valuable
by each year. Let me tell you a little about the Majune class. Did you
know that the world record holders for highest strength, stamina, and
dexterity are all held by a person with the Majune class?"
Brad shook his head and motioned for her to continue.
"You can look it up yourself. In fact, I insist you research the class
by yourself later. Now then. Before I continue let me ask you: do you
know that Sarah had been held hostage a few months back?" Miss Kirin
asked.
"I heard she was trapped in a building with a lot of others. But I don't
know any details," he admitted.
"Well, long story short Sarah and her mothers escaped their cage. They
chose to stay and fight instead of fleeing. While posing as a formidable
threat to the kidnappers, in a critical moment the fight came to a stop.
You see one of the enemies managed to breach their defenses and take
Sarah hostage again at gunpoint. Well, knife tip to be exact. Do you
know why that happened?"
Brad shrugged his shoulders. He had no clue how serious the situation
had been.
"Sarah has grown to quite the talented Necromancer, but like most mage
classes she has a weakness. One that I shared in my lifetime too.
Physical weakness. If she had more dexterity she could have maybe
avoided getting caught. More strength and she could have broken the hold
on her."
"So as Majune I could be her counterpart?" Brad asked. "Giving her
support in the areas she lacks?"
"Yes, but not quite like the way you think. As much as I hope you and
her come together, you still can't be always by her side. A Majune can
support her even when not around. You see Majune's can transfer part of
their physical stats or attributes if you so will. You could literally
strengthen her even when you are not around. But here is the thing: as
every class that has an overpowered ability it has an equal weakness.
Namely that the stats are transferred. What she gains you would lose. It
would be temporary, but a hindrance to your own life nonetheless."
Brad needed a moment to stomach it. Become weak so someone else grows
strong. In a way, it was submitting to someone too. It reminded him of
something Miss Kirin had said weeks before. "The ultimate gift," he said
aloud.
"Ah. So you remember. Good. However, there is more to the Majune class.
Most of the physical stats are determined by your muscles. Now, what do
you think happens if you transfer your physical stats?" Miss Kirin
challenged him.
"Oh, they would atrophy, right? Muscles physically reflect the strength
stat."
"You would think so, but no, they do not. The normal system, for the
lack of a better word, glitches. Majune's keep their physical bulk even
if their stats are below what is warranted. The same counts for their
targets. Their stats are higher, but their physical build doesn't
reflect it. Now here comes the real rule breaking of the class. Their
muscles can regain their stats through training. Up to their previous
level. If they undo their transfer they suddenly have more than they had
before. Of course, that un-glitches the muscles and they try to mediate
with their stats. Resulting in rapid muscle growth in a few days. Of
course, a Majune can simply transfer the overhang again together with
some of their retrained stats."
"So they can slowly build up enormous stats," Brad mused.
"Provided they are dedicated enough. That's why they are technically a
monk class," Miss Kirin confirmed.
"Is that why you had me train more the last few weeks?" Brad wanted to
know.
"Correct. Not so much for stats gain for now. More for getting used to
training in general. You see one of the more frustrating parts of a
Majune is that with glitched muscles you don't see progress and with
each new transfer you start anew. Someone with a weak will might give up
easily."
Brad nodded. It was a very intriguing class, but he could see how others
might judge it as not desirable. It required a lot of work, but after
weeks of steeling himself in body and mind, he was certain he could make
it. There was, however, one other thing on his mind.
"You said you are looking for two classes. If the Majune class is so
perfect why look for another class?"
"Ah. Well. That is complicated. It is more of a favor to ask of you.
There is another undesirable class that is very powerful, but very hard
to master. I should know. After all the class was named after me. Yet
even I could never unlock its full potential. I would be very grateful
for the opportunity to try again."
"But how can that be? You are a ghost," Brad pointed out.
"Yes, I am. But I am not really dead. I told you before. Ghosts are just
trapped in a very undesirable class. One that lacks the ability to
interact with things. But in recent years three spirits so far found
their way back. All that was needed was a specific crystal of high
quality and a class stone."
Brad glanced at the Komoro crystals slowly pulsing on a nearby shelf. So
there had been a hidden motive. As if she could read his mind Miss Kirin
continued. "Of course, once I am back as a living being, I can look for
work and pay you back. Not just for the class stone, but also for the
crystals. I know that is a lot to ask. Please promise me to think about
it."
"I will," he promised. "But what makes you sure you will find work?"
"Oh believe me a sorceress with over three hundred years experience is
hard to come by. Even with me being most of the time sort of dead. If we
find my old class then it will be a whole different thing. Back then I
managed with that class to defeat half an army."
"What happened to the other half?" Brad teased.
"What do you think killed me in the end?" she replied seriously.
That made Brad hesitate for a moment. There were clearly some aspects of
her he hadn't a grasp on yet. "I think I need time. That is all a lot of
information to take in."
"I understand," she replied. "Don't forget to research and check the
facts." She vanished to who knows where and left Brad alone to think.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Finally," Brad nearly yelled. It took him a week to track down the
Majune class. It looked like a store on the outskirts of the town had
one.
This was at least something he had found. The web had been sparse on
information about the Majune class. The only concrete information was
that it existed and lost popularity about seventy years ago. This at
least he found out thanks to websites dealing with world records. Miss
Kirin was right. The record holders for stamina, strength, and dexterity
were all held by Majune. Unbeaten for over ninety years. In his mind, he
already saw himself breaking those records. After all the current record
holders were women. He should have a slight advantage with his male
body, right?
He informed Miss Kirin and together they drove down to the shop. It
looked respectable and in the league of high-end jewelry stores. On his
way in he was inspected for hidden weapons and magical contraptions.
Good thing they had left the Komoro crystal at home.
As they passed the front door a sudden pressure build up around him.
Security wards. Judging by the length he had to endure it there were
many and strong ones too. He was relieved as he saw Miss Kirin emerge
with him. It looked like none of the wards targeted spirits.
The interior was spacious and held several counters inside. Propped up
behind glass he saw dozens of class stones. Many with a decorative
background to illustrate their class.
A salesman hurried to greet them and Brad had to fight off to wince. It
was one of those slimy ones he sometimes had to deal with if he
accompanied his parents. An occasion thankfully rare. He didn't like
these overdressed brownnosers and their fake smiles.
"Young Sir. How may I help?"
Brad had to suppress rolling with his eyes. "Your online stock lists one
Majune class stone. I am also curious if you can help me get another
specific class stone."
"Majune? That class does not ring a bell, but let me check our inventory
real quick. Ah yes, there it is. You are aware that this class is on the
undesirable classes list?"
"I am well aware," Brad replied and tried not to sound to tense. People
like him exploit weaknesses like that if given the chance.
"Good. Good. Now, what is the name of the second class?"
"The Kirin sorceress class."
Brad saw the salesperson frown. Not a good sign. Even if it was most
likely some kind of act. "Sir, store policy is that I must warn you. The
Kirin class is not only on the undesirable index, it is also flagged as
one of the top uncontrollable classes known to mankind. I must implore
you to look for another class."
"The class stone is for a friend. She had the class before and she can
handle it. Can you get it?" Brad was a little wound up. If it hadn't
been for Miss Kirin signaling to calm down, he might have said
regrettable things.
"I am afraid not," the clerk announced after doing some search query on
his stylish pad. "But we do have other excellent sorceress classes to
chose from-"
"Not interested," Brad cut him off. "It will be just the Majune class
then."
"Of course." The guy hurried