11 Confused Past

Mina's eyes opened slowly. The light hurt, as did the chair she was sitting in.

'Why is this so uncomfortable?'

When her surroundings adjusted, Mina instantly dodged the lips of her boyfriend.

"Huh? Ryder, I've told you before. Give me time, stuff like that just makes me uncomfortable."

The handsome guy sighed and turned away, his gaze fixed onto the bust of the waitress nearby.

'Why was I sleeping?'

Ryder turned his head back to Mina, then gave her a charming smirk.

"You sure you're uncomfortable? Could it be butterflies or excitement in certain areas?"

Mina shook her head.

"I've told you before, don't talk about my body like you know it. *sigh* I should probably head home. If you keep going, this'll just become another one sided argument."

She could tell her words were a mistake the moment a vein began to bulge on his neck. Ryder jumped up, knocking his chair back.

"If you're so against being affectionate, why don't we just break up? I can easily slip into some other girls panties. One that'll take care of my needs before she talks back!"

Mina shrugged.

"Do you really think you can hurt me with something like that? Do what you want."

As she turned away, Mina felt him reach for her. By instinct, she retracted her wrist and made her way to the door of the tiny restaurant. She ignored the many eyes on her as the door closed behind her. Heading off towards home, she stared up at the night sky. This city couldn't allow the beautiful lights to twinkle freely, many hidden due to the massive glare of streetlights and neon signs.

"Why do I even live in this town? Money isn't a too serious issue. Should I just move away? I could live with mom, even. Maybe find someone that'll stop treating me like a toy? Heh, that was the first time Ryder wanted to see me in weeks. I'd probably be more romantically involved if I wasn't ignored for so long. Breaking up seems like the best bet, before he does something stupid."

Making her way down the street, Mina could feel countless eyes staring at her. She didn't know who, or why, but these eyes were incessant. The moment she turned the corner...

"Hey cutie. Wanna hang out?"

A tough looking girl with bright green eyes was peeking from inside of a hoodie. She had a tiny fang that complimented her tanned skin and golden hair.

"Kat, yes. Please. I'd like to get drunk, your place."

The tough girl smiled brightly, her inner self revealed.

"Sweet! I got some new games and a ton of snacks! Beer is on me, too. Anything you wanna bring?"

"My ass somewhere warm and comfortable. I just escaped Ryder."

Kat glared passed Mina, her eyes shattering the many gazes on Mina.

"I still don't know why a pretty thing like you even accepted that good for nothing playboy. Even worse, why you're still with him. I've seen the marks on your arms and shoulders. He doesn't need to grab you so tightly."

Mina nodded, but gave a faint smile.

"This city... if I were single, how much danger would hound me? How many guys would chase me?"

Kat instantly understood.

"You are quite the catch, even I wanna take you out."

"Hush you flirt. Get me drunk, maybe you can watch me sleep again."

Kat squeaked a little.

"You knew?!"

"I fell asleep in your apartment. Of course I knew. Also woke up long enough to see you drape a blanket over me..."

Kat hid inside of her hoodie.

"...you did miss my toes though."

They finally made it too Kat's apartment. It wasn't small, but it wasn't massive. She made her living doing design, so she tried to live comfortably while also keeping herself comfortable with money. Mina would often come over, having met her when Mina's company worked with Kat.

"Ah! The warmth! Now to strip!"

Mina pulled off her scarf and jacket, while Kat practically tore off her hoodie and shirt. She quickly made a mad dash to the couch, curling up in the blanket she left on it.

"You could at least cover up a bit more then that."

"Hush. Shirts restrict me too much! I only wear bras around the house, sometimes not. You know this. Just be glad I don't make you strip."

Mina nodded. She wasn't uncomfortable with her body, she just wasn't the kind to have ever exposed herself to anyone in the past. The only people to ever see her naked, at least since she became an adult, was herself.

"I've seen you in a bikini though. Hottest thing I've ever seen."

"Pervert."

Mina sat beside her, sighing out a massive burst of air as she curled her legs under her.

"You're more cat like then me."

"You're just a pervert."

"Oi! I like what I like. Don't mess with my desire to be comfy!"

Mina laughed half heartedly.

"Yeah, yeah. Let's get me drunk so I can sleep!"

They spent the next few hours drinking and gaming. Six large bottles of beer in, Mina finally set down her controller.

"Say, am I just a prude? I mean, I don't really want to kiss Ryder or sleep with him, but I do feel aroused sometimes."

"Oh? Tell me more."

Mina shrugged, leaning her head on Kat's shoulder.

"Sometimes when I wake up, I wake from dreams I don't remember. First thing I notice are the wet spots on my underwear. Kinda hard to miss."

Kat nodded.

"You've got killer wet dreams. Maybe they pertain to your sexual desires? You definitely don't like pain, or being forced. Also don't like Ryder, though he's like the only guy you know."

Mina bit her lip, almost making herself seem sexier then usual.

"I think I'm gonna take a nap. You mind?"

Kat shook her head, giving Mina a bit of extra room. To her surprise, Mina laid her head in Kat's lap. She looked up at her, flashing a tiny smile before she closed her eyes.

-

Mina reopened her eyes, staring out around herself. She was back in the strange dimensional area.

"What happened? Nothing hurts anymore."

Dyn's worried voice came towards her.

"You're awake! We haven't been apart for long, but what the hell were you thinking?! You were severely damaged! I-I had to choose your evolution for you. It was the only way to save your life in the end. Your body has been recrafted as well. You're a lot stronger, so the danger should be easily beaten if you just wake up!"

Mina blinked wildly, her confusion spiking.

'That dream... it felt so real, but who... who is Kat?'

Shaking it off, Mina looked at her body. She had matured again, gaining soft curves that were complimented well by her little white dress. Her legs were long and slender, with a pair of cute little feet on the end.

"Huh. I'm about seventeen or so. Am I even allowed to be this pretty?"

Her eyes locked on the mirror, her face lost all extra fat. It was more angular, with a pair of sharp ears coming off of it. Her silvery hair had a new golden luster as her eyes had grown brighter. Her hair reached her waist, flowing down her back and splaying across her body whenever she moved.

"Bad for fighting."

Dyn echoed back down towards her.

"That outfit is sleepwear. When you wake up, your new abilities and outfit will kick in. I do hope your new power will aid you in the days to come... but..."

"But?"

"Your next evolution has been shoved far back. Your stats were also changed quite drastically. Forgive me. Due to how you appeared, I had to take over. Forcing it made you awaken power, but you need much more growth."

Mina nodded.

"I don't care. Send me back. They're all waiting and I need to help them!"

"Alright. Mina, you're capable of being considered a B+ class monster in this world. Humans will naturally fear you, but they can still kill you if you're not careful. Protect yourself."

A soft smile crossed Mina's face.

"If I die protecting someone I consider important, then I die. Protecting myself is my main goal, but I won't let them die."

Mina was pulled through the distortion, leaving Dyna alone.

"She's considering those that treat her exceptionally well important to her. Dumb girl. Your life is key to this world. It's yours."

--

I have a patron subbing enough for a shout-out! They'll be at the end of every chapter.

Thank you JScott!