Stella:

  Another day, more hours of sitting around and doing virtually nothing. At this point, Saniya cycling was almost as natural as moving an arm. It wasn't autonomous, as the final goal was, but it was not like she'd reach that ballpark anytime soon.

  However, during her usual training hours, Hōkō's glade was busier than normal today. Three particularly annoying individuals were surrounding the pego tree, with the most grating of them all being heard from a mile away.

  "WHEN WILL I FINALLY BE ABLE TO EAT SOMETHING OTHER THAN PEGO FRUIT, OLD DOG!?" The Baku asked politely.

  Stella thought of turning around and pretending her training completely slipped over her head. But she already skipped yesterday, so...

  "You do realize this is your punishment, correct?" Hōkō mischievously snickered. "I'm sorry my accommodations are not to your satisfaction."

  Gentō stomped the ground, huffing sparkly mist from his snout. "This is outrageous! I saved your lives against that Yūrei wench! I demand better treatment!"

  The elder laughed. "But your recent actions ARE being taken into account! Otherwise, you'd be sent straight to Chikukei and replace the Weasels on the playground!" His sweet smile was delightfully devious. Stella couldn't help but gain more respect for him.

  His words were effective in shutting the rotund Monoke's mouth. Fucking finally.

  Hanaken grumbled, sitting under the tree's shadow with arms and legs crossed and closed eyes. Kreef peacefully slept around her neck like an exotic scarf.

  "Give it up, Gentō. Be grateful this prison has a nice decoration and running space."

  Stella finally decided to chime in. "You're welcome, by the way!" She smirked. "I did more favors to you guys than you deserve."

  Gentō's eyes sparkled when they locked on her. "My favorite dream factory!" He jumped enthusiastically. "Your last dream was particularly divine! Ice skating through an ice cream mountain?!" He licked his lips while stroking his belly. "So refreshing!"

  Stella's eye twitched. "Thanks to you, your ugly mug has ruined all my dreams!" While walking towards the elder, she intentionally stepped on the Baku's hoof. "Not sorry."

  The dream stealer whined. "Hmpf. Treat me as you wish. Your comeuppance shall arrive when you least expect!" He grinned wickedly.

  The girl only shot him a doubtful glance before turning to her teacher. "How am I supposed to concentrate with this freak show all around me?!"

  Hōkō picked his teeth by bending a branch before referring to his student. "Well, isn't that perfect? An added challenge to what is now a trivial exercise to you!"

  Kreef untangled himself from the Oni's neck, now clumsily swerving in the air. "What was that supposed to mean?! Our presence is as soothing as jasmine tea!" His screechy voice begged to differ.

  Hanaken frowned. "You lot are definitely pissing me off. Shut up, or I'll put y'all six feet under!"

  At least one of them had some sense... Too bad it was the bitch who humiliated Stella weeks ago. Speaking of which...

  "Hey! Tomato Queen!" Stella marched towards the brute. "I got a lot stronger since we last met!" She shot a cocky grin, pointing her thumb at herself. "One of these days, I'll kick your ass so hard my foot will make a permanent mark on it!"

  Hanaken opened her black, beady eyes. "I see that, pipsqueak." Her toothy smile, coupled with her prominent tusks, intimidated Stella more than she dared to admit. "I will love pounding that arrogance away, any day of the week!"

  "That's not fair! Why does Stella get to hog the cool fights?!"

  Coming out of nowhere, Lien scared the light out of Gentō and Kreef, who hid behind the pego tree. For the Human, it was a miracle she didn't greet her by pouncing her to the ground.

  The Oni's eyes sparkled with interest in the newcomer. "You're the pup that kicked poor Gentō to the heavens, right?"

  Lien shot a sheepish grin. "You got me."

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  "That so?" The red brute clutched her fist, blazing with challenge. "If that's the case, I'd love to take you both on together. Spanking two kids might be slightly more entertaining."

  It was a weird phrasing, but as long as Hanaken agreed, Stella wouldn't back down from this rematch.

  "Deal." The Human and Oni shook hands.

  The elder Wolf interjected. "As much as I'd love to see my students flattened into a bloody mound, how about we postpone this match to when the Oni has served her time. Might give you two a better fighting chance."

  Stella and Hanaken rolled their eyes. "Fine," they grumbled in unison. Their faces lightened, and their glances met when they realized it.

  Hōkō's lips formed a bright smile. "Outstanding! And with young Lien with us, this training session promises to be very intriguing, at the very least."

  Lien groaned while stroking the back of her head. "About that... I came here only to see how Stella was doing." Her entire fur bristled with realization. "Oh! That's right! Stella and I are-"

  Stella halted her with a hand above her head. "He knows already."

  "Know what?" the elder asked.

  "I know YOU know." The Human sassily put her hands on her hips.

  "How would I ever know whatever it is you speaking of?"

  "Are you for real?"

  "Yes! What do you think I am?! A telepath?!"

  Stella shot him a bloodshot, murderous glance.

  Lien brushed it all off. "Me and Stella are dating!"

  Gentō and Kreef gasped loudly until their eyes grew twice their size. Hanaken only glanced at them curiously, and Hōkō laughed with amusement.

  "Oh ho ho! Good for you two!" Hōkō cheered. "I believe it's a good time to disclose some of dear Stella's fantasies-"

  "Don't YOU dare!" Stella pointed a finger at him menacingly.

  The elder giggled mischievously. Was he a pup in an old coot's skin?

  "Nonetheless," He turned to Lien. "You should join your girlfriend, young Lien. Saniya cycling is essential for you to grow past your physical limits. Otherwise, you'll remain stagnant with physical training alone."

  The pup sighed, slumping her shoulders. "I know... It's just hard concentrating, you know. I get so restless when I try meditating..."

  The elder had no solid answer to his former student, pondering while stroking his chin with a branch. "I know..."

  Stella had a sudden spark of inspiration. She doubted it would work since not even a centuries-old martial arts master had trouble with Lien, but what the hell? Trying wouldn't hurt.

  "Lien..." She took both the pup's fuzzy paws. "I have a gift for you..."

  The young Wolf practically vibrated with anticipation. "Ooh! What is it? What is it?!"

  Stella blushed at what she'd have to do in front of so many people, but she pushed through the shame and pressed her lips onto her girlfriend's. She probably was the worst kisser in the entire world...

  Lien's entire body, including her restless tail, froze for a few seconds before resuming her usual frenetic demeanor, stronger than ever. "Again! Again! Again!"

  Bingo!

  "First!" Stella held a finger. "You will get a kiss each minute you spend meditating!"

  Lien's fur bristled while her beautiful, milky orbs widened. "What?! No!" She fell to her knees dramatically. "You can't do this to me! How could you betray me, Stella?!"

  The Human rolled her eyes. "Oh, stop it!" She closed her eyes and turned her back to the pup. "Unless my kisses are not good enough for you..."

  "W-Wait!" Lien pulled her by the shoulder. "I'll do it!"

  The elder Wolf blinked at the pup's words. "Are you serious?"

  She nodded vigorously. "I mean it! I'll meditate for five- No, TEN minutes!" She lifted both paws. Then, she proudly puffed her chest. "That means I have the right to ten kisses!" She diverted to Stella. "How much a single lasts?"

  The Human stuttered, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I-I don't know... F-Five seconds, I guess..."

  "Fifty seconds of kissing!" Lien howled. "Let's do it!"

  Stella wanted to bury her own head in the ground and wait until a dumbass tree grew out of her skull. Why was everyone staring at her?! Lien was the one who said the odd stuff!

  "Have I ever mentioned I appreciate you above every other student?" Hōkō telepathically asked the Human.

  "Bullshit."

  "You caught me. I'm in a good mood, so I'll let your potty mind slide."

  Everyone's eyes were religiously glued on Lien. The chatty Baku or the Amikiri could not break through the sheer awe. The Oni was only quietly watching with minor interest, however.

  For context, Stella wasn't well known for her infallible ideas outside of a street fight or survival skills. So you can imagine the absolute, mind-blowing thrill she felt when her girlfriend silently stood in place, meditating for not ten, not twenty, but THIRTY minutes. She would forever cherish this day until the light was snuffed out of her mind...

  How many kissing minutes would that be? Stella wasn't a math expert just yet, and seconds had this tricky thing about only counting up to sixty. Fuck it, she'd kiss Lien for a whole day if the pup asked. Actually, are lip cramps a thing? It might not be a fun experience...

  A thin, transparent aura slowly fizzled out as the young Wolf's eyelids separated. "So... How much time has it been?"

  "Thirty minutes..." The elder whispered, astonished as if he had seen the second coming of Namadi. "You've been cycling your Saniya... for thirty minutes."

  "WHAT?!" Lien jumped back to her feet. "All of that?!" She reflected, cupping her own chin. "That gives me..." She jolted. "TWO MINUTES AND A HALF OF KISSING!" She triumphally raised her fists in the air. "WHOOHOO!"

  Stella's awe was broken when she saw the young huntress rapidly turning her attention to her. "Oh, no..."

  There was nowhere to hide, much less a way to outrun the canine. Stella has talked her way into an early grave, courtesy of a fluffy, affectionate, needy reaper, who pinned her onto the floor and pressed her lips onto hers until the young Human died either from suffocation or sheer mortification.

  Nevertheless... there were less pleasing ways to die, the girl supposed.