The Aurian Chronicles Chapter 24: The night before the end of New York

 Darkness wiped the sweat from his brow as he put his tools down. He was in a dirty black tank top and a pair of tattered jeans. He studied his work carefully and checked for imperfections. Over the past couple of weeks, Darkness had downloaded schematics online and used them to build a new motorcycle.

As he cracked open a beer, Lyte came in. "Hey, bro! What 'cha been up to?" She asked as she stretched. She was in a white t-shirt and rainbow pajamas with hot cocoa in hand. Darkness looked up at her and smiled. "Hey sis! been working on your new ride! Gonna fire it up shortly!" He said while revving the bike.

"Oh, cool! What made you decide on a motorcycle?" Asked Lyte curiously. Darkness shrugged and looked at her. "I am looking at it from a strategic point of view, we need something small and fast, this'll have a closeable dome over it that can tank soft fire... though that's more to keep you safe in case of a crash." He explained with a smile.

Lyte raised a brow at the glowing Lights on the new motorcycle. "The heck kind of model did you use? She asked. Darkness just grinned. "Welp! I found the schematics for a project that was scrapped, known as the Hatchet! Then I recreated the engine with combined knowledge of how to make it run off Aura instead of gasoline! The result was an engine that made the bike rev so powerfully, I built the protective dome to keep the windspeed from lifting you off the bike!" Replied Darkness with an excited smile.

"Uh, Bro... I think you might have lost your mind slightly... And wasn't that project scrapped because the top speed of the bike was so fast that it caused the bike to become inoperable? I read online too, you know..." She retorted. As she placed her hand on a red spot on the bike's console, it let out a bright rainbow of energy in response.

Darkness grinned brighter. "That's because they didn't have the know-how! I DO! This baby uses aura as a power source,  negating the fuel consumption argument! And I took your powers and aesthetics in mind so you can hook your gear to this baby! Just give her a chance when the time is right, and you'll see what I mean!" He said as he grinned.

Lyte couldn't help but giggle at how happy Darkness looked. "Good lord, look at you! I've seen a consistent change in your attitude and demeanor... It's been refreshing, I have to admit... Alright, big bro.. I'll take her to the concert for a test drive... For you." She promised as she hugged him tight. He just hugged her back before retiring to his room so he could be ready for his big day tomorrow.

Silver was happily waiting in sky blue lingerie with fishnets while lying on the bed, winking at Darkness as he came in. "Coming to bed, love?" She asked as Darkness sat by her, "Boy, you have been increasingly lovey-dovey." He told her as he rubbed her chin gently, only for her to sit full weight in his lap. "Look, the stress of my job. and keep you and Lyte happy takes a toll on me, and this is my BEST source of stress relief, you bet your ass I'm taking full advantage of the peace tonight!" She said as she looked in his eyes.

Darkness raised a brow. "Yeah, it's something I've been meaning to ask... I haven't before because I just love you and want to give my wife what she wants... but ever since I came back full stop, you are like... ALWAYS ready to go, is there something we need to talk about, or some bigger reason your sex drive has increased?" He asked curiously?" 

Silver just casually undressed both herself and Darkness as she sank down on him and pressed her forehead to his. "Mi amore, Sex was the last thing we did as a couple before I saw you... I never pursued anyone else, I never THOUGHT of anyone else... All I wanted was the next day, when I could have you in my arms again... Sex is a physical way of letting me know you still want me as your wife." She said as she grunted and rocked her hips hard on him.

Darkness held her tight and kissed her neck, causing her to moan and press her white nipples into his chest. "You know you'll ever be the only person to me... No one could ever tolerate the broken mess I was like that... I wouldn't even want anyone else..."

"I know that my love... But my body doesn't, when we're far apart, the urges get stronger and stronger... just call it a side effect of loving you too much." She said as she rocked harder on him, as he dropped down as hard as she could on him, gritting her teeth as he finished inside her. She cuddled him close and breathed heavily as she felt her own orgasm coming as well, before panting from the afterglow.

"And the massive amount of porn you think I don't see on your computer?" He questioned with a smirk, causing her to smack him goofily upside the head as the flush of embarrassment on her face left her an adorable shade of ruby red. "What I do in my own spare time is MY thing, I don't question your drinking habits!" She said as she puffed her cheeks out.

Darkness broke out laughing as he held her close and nodded. "Hey, hey, hey! I wasn't shaming you, just teasing you.... Pervert." He said jokingly, only to wince as Silver whacked his head rapidly before mounting up again. "Just for that, I'm taking advantage of the FULL night, try not to die, My love!" She said with a deeper Spanish voice. Darkness just let out a nervous laugh as he gripped her waist and glided his hands along the curves of her flawless bottom as he gave Silver her last perfect night in New York.

Meanwhile, Kayla smiled softly as she relaxed in Blood Angel's home. It looked like a beautiful mansion that once stood tall and proud in Long Island, but now was the source of inspiration for cheap horror movies. Dried blood was coated everywhere, dirt and grime were smeared across every hallway, and human remains left uncleaned were scattered about.

"I must say, my dear Blood Knight, you could do with a tad of cleaning up!" She said as she looked at Blood Angel, who was enjoying a fancy steak dinner, it seemed to be the only beautiful thing in the whole house. "Don't worry, the fire will clean it all when I leave... per your request, I collected enough blood to fuel my power for a very long trip... You sure you don't want to just confront Darkness now?" He asked curiously.

Kayla giggled and shook her head. "No... Let him close the finishing chapter of this book before he opens a new one. I've a feeling something even BETTER will come when the time arises... Just be ready to move when he does, and leave no trace of your presence here; we don't need anyone asking questions later." She advised. Blood Angel just nodded and continued to eat as he fantasized about the next duel with Darkness and his next encounter with Lyte. "Soon my Prismatic Princess... You will dance with me in the Pale moonlight after bread and circuses with your brother." He said happily.

"Such a peaceful night." Said Mr. Capryse as he smirked while looking over Manhattan from the top of the Empire State Building. "Soon... The entirety of my beautiful state will be plunged into utter chaos. My foolish colleagues will make their petty squabbles public... and everything will burn... but from those ashes... A beautiful Phoenix made of hellfire will rise, and bless the survivors with a new age of peace... Or curse them with new horrors? It makes no difference, it'll be fun either way." He said as he opened a box of pizza he bought from a diner and watched the car lights from down below.

The Verdant Hawk: An ice melting smile!

 "I'm telling you, Tristan, it's like the best place I've ever been! They seem to really care about making sure the people who go are very relaxed!" Said Celeste with a wide smile that showed her extended canines. She was wearing a white shirt with a smiley face that had "G.R.I.N" written on it.

Tristan stroked his chin as he pulled up the Spa on his computer. "I have to admit, it DOES sound quite lovely, but this Lydia Hysteria... She isn't just a higher-up employee; she's the CEO! Why on Reona is she all the way down here in Pink Top City if the company is up north? Does that not raise suspicion?" He asked as he looked to Celeste and Deimos.

Deimos just scoffed. "Who even really cares about her? A spa is a spa... We had a good time at the one we went to... Remember?" He asked. Tristan lowered his eyelids at his former partner. "I remember you pushing me into things I didn't want to do and maybe ten to fifteen percent of that time actually being relaxing... You're not really helping the case here, Deimos!" He said bitterly, causing Deimos to look down at his feet.

Celeste shook her head. "Well, you won't have to worry about that at all! Unless you sign up for the couples experience, it's something you go through alone! Trust me, when I left, I wanted to immediately go back again! Getting my full body heated up, rubbed down, and massaged? Heck, I might go back again with you if you go! She exclaimed as she bounced on the tips of her toes.

Tristan pondered the idea for a bit before shrugging. "Honestly, the idea still raises a lot of suspicions for me. But I suppose a nice day by myself would help ease the tension I've felt after everything we've been through." He stated. Deimos just grumbled, "Why can't we try the spa we went to together again?" He offered. "Because I actually want to relax this time and not have another moment ruined by your negativity." He responded. 

Deimos had a hurt look on his face, but maintained his composure. "I'll at least drive you there, if it IS a trap, I can be backup." He offered. Tristan narrowed his eyes at him. Celeste just shrugged and left the decision to him. "... Fine, but you're on thin ice with me, and you of all people know how well versed I am in THAT Concept." He stated, causing Deimos to just nod sheepishly as they got in Deimos' car.

Tristan was easily impressed by the sheer size of the building as Deimos drove into the parking lot, and Celeste happily parked beside them. "And here I thought Celeste was exaggerating a bit... All this for a SPA?!" He marveled as they stepped into the building. Deimos folded his arms and frowned at the idea of Tristan doing this alone. "I still think it's weird you're doing this alone," he muttered.

Celeste rolled her eyes at Deimos. "Sounds like you want to go with him and are just salty you don't get to," She pointed out. Deimos just scowled at her and scoffed. "I don't recall asking your opinion, so fucking save it." He muttered. Celeste just glared right back at him. "Look after all that shit you've pulled? You're lucky I never beat the hell out of you! And if you REALLY want to prove yourself to Tristan, how about you ACT like a supporting partner for once in your life!" She exclaimed with venom in her voice.

That shut Deimos up as he just watched Tristan converse with the attendant, who had a warm smile on his youthful face. The attendant smiled as he guided him to the scanner Tristan went through. Tristan could only flush bright red as his feet were the brightest spots. "What does this mean exactly?" He asked in an embarrassed tone.

The attendant was about to open his mouth, only for Celeste to speak up. "It means you are in for the most relaxing feet treatments of your life!" She promised. The attendant chuckled and nodded as he guided him to the clothing rack to get fitted for his latex suit. Tristan put it on and admired himself as he looked in the mirror. He then noticed that the attendant was wearing a similar bodysuit, except it was under his actual uniform, which consisted of a vest and white foam sandals with purple cushioning on the inside.

"Here's your keycard. Make sure to walk into the room where the keycard vibrates to! The number should also appear on the card it syncs up with! Please enjoy your stay at G.R.I.N! Because Great Relaxation Is a Necessity!" He said with a smile. Tristan politely nodded and walked through the designated hallway.

"This place feels a bit like a cult when they say their motto like that." Said Tristan uncomfortably as he walked ahead. "But... Celeste swears by this place, so the least I can do is give it a chance." He told himself before his Keycard lit up and vibrated. He walked through the automated door and sat in a chair that was outstretched over a small pool of bubbling water.

As he sat down, Tristan flinched as his ankles were locked into place while small laser dots focused on his feet. "What in the-?" He asked as he saw a picture of his feet that the scanner showed off. As he looked in the room, he noticed the room was a light shade of purple with a lot of smiles painted all over the walls, they formed arrows that pointed directly into the pool, where a machine slowly rose out of the water.

The machine extended a bunch of hoses from its base, including an oxygen mask that pressed into Tristan's face, making him breathe a scent of fresh peppermint tea while the other hoses sucked up water and applied some white, grainy powder to brushes. "Epsom salt?" Asked Tristan as the brushes pressed into his soles and spun, causing him to jerk and wiggle as he laughed, only to moan in pleasure as the brushes pressed harder to turn from tickling into a full-on scrubbing at his sensitive spots.

"It's... It's acting like a Callous scrubber! It's exfoliating my feet!" Said Tristan as he saw his feet shine bright while a stronger scent of peppermint filled his nose. "This is the best I've felt in a long time!" He said as he finally stopped struggling. After his Feet were shining bright from the treatment, the restraints around his ankles finally released him and let him up.

"Well, that was... alarming at first, but I can't deny that I enjoyed that." Said Tristan as he walked ahead. After a few rooms had past, he felt the familiar sensation of his card vibrating. "I hope this one is at least a bit less... Restraining." He said as he stepped inside the next room. As he walked in, he saw a massage bed with a different machine hanging from the ceiling, a hole was in the bed for him to rest his face. "This feels more like it!" He exclaimed as he laid down.

A machine lowered and slowly dispensed warm peppermint oil onto his back as a rotating trio of massagers focused on his stress spots. Tristan was a bit puzzled at the lack of living masseuses, but shrugged as he relaxed. "This isn't all bad, but I miss the actual living element of a spa..." he said to himself as the massagers sped up when hitting the really sensitive spots on his sides. He saw stars as he almost passed out from the pleasure.

Tristan smiled a bit as he strutted happily along the hallway. "Oh my! I somehow feel even taller after that massage! I must have been piling on more stress than I thought!" He said to himself as his card lit up to a a hot spring. This particular hot spring had the same warning to leave his outfit on as he entered the water, but it looked virtually nothing like the one that Celeste was in. The water was a beautiful glowing blue, and the visuals were lit up to make it look like a hot springs somehow magically found out in a snowy villa.

Tristan felt hypnotized by the sheer beauty of the 3d effects as he relaxed in the water. As he did, a strong peppermint mist filled the room as the bubble features vibrated the water. "Ohhh myyy," He said dizzily as the features showed off beautiful men and women, having simulated conversations. Between the relaxing soak and the bright, youthful looks on the fake people, Tristan found himself trapped in a powerful illusion of socializing with the 'People' around him.

After about an hour and a half, Tristan was fully dressed and happily strolling back to the main lobby, where Celeste was bragging to a bored Deimos about how her masseuse really knew her stuff. "Hello, Celeste!" He said with a wide grin, one Celeste returned eagerly. "Enjoy your treatment? I got a massage myself." She said with a smile.

"Yeah, and she wouldn't shut up about-" Started Deimos, but Tristan just moved closer to Celeste. "You got an actual person? I was hoping for something like that myself... in fact, I would call it my one nitpick about this place!" Said Tristan. Celeste just shrugged, "Things around here have been a bit on the risky side when dealing with people, so free treatments get the employee interaction parts taken out, but if you want a membership, you can actually PICK your masseuse! I am hoping to get Jaxon to do a couples treatment with me!" She explained with excitement.

Tristan nodded as she talked, "I see... that does make sense, especially in Pink Top... I should say, I'll definitely be buying a membership of my own if that's the case! Who knows, maybe I'll get a couple's treatment of my own one day!" He said with excitement. Deimos lit up, "I'd love to do that with you, Tristan!" He said happily. Tristan's smile almost faltered at Deimos' voice. "Start acting like you actually mean that, and maybe one day I'll consider it... At this point, I highly doubt it... Besides, with your Ticklish feet, I doubt you'll let anyone actually touch them at all!" He muttered, causing Deimos to sulk.

As the trio headed out. Lydia smiled softly as she watched them on video. "I KNEW making an acquaintance with that girl would pay off! She said as she lined up some vibrating balls and feathers onto her whip. She let out a crack of her whip, and it immediately came back and spiraled around her, vibrating along her breasts, abs, and ankles. "Mmmmmm, perfect... it responds to the programming well... But my spots are one thing... I think other targets are required for this test drive." She said as she watched Celeste on the screen. "And I have JUST the target in mind... Can't wait to get to know you better, Celeste Marcella. You'll find I'm a real Laff Ryot!" She said while laughing loudly in her hand.