Temptation

Chapter 4
Chapter 4

“Temptation” Part 4

 

By Oni and Piper

 

 

"You … controlling .... wench!  Every moment I've lived has been under your thumb.  How could I finish a decent stitch with you always there to finish it for me and tell me how bad I was?"  Emelia says angrily.  She slaps at her youthful mother again, the other cheek the target this time. 

 

Her mother's arms come up to defend, and the two of them start to struggle.  Her mother is no faint maiden, even at fifteen and it takes some effort from Emelia to control her.  In seconds the slap mark fully fades from the girl's face and she grows weaker however.  Now that they are standing up, it also becomes obvious that Emelia is taller.  Emelia is bigger as well, and her mother's dress is much too big for the girl now.  The adult daughter is able to use this to her advantage, pulling the dress over her mother's head and blinding her, while also limiting the movement of her mother's arms.  The girl’s bloomers flare out from under the dress.

 

"Sasha!" the girl calls for help, though her voice is muffled.  Emelia uses her mother's momentary off balance confusion to her advantage, taking the collar of the dress and dragging her mother to the couch.  Emelia sits and pulls her mother over her lap, landing a few good smacks onto her bloomer covered behind then pulling them down to reveal her mother's pale white bottom.

 

"Sasha!" the young girl calls again desperately in an even higher voice, the world having gone horribly wrong.

 

"This is a moment only held in my dreams mother." Emelia intones, stretching the last word into an insult before punishing that delicate target.  Each slap causes the girl to shudder, surprisingly not making her cry.

 

"What are you doing?!" Sasha demands shrilly, entering the scene.  "Have you lost your mind?"

 

"Just getting out some frustration dear sister." Emelia says, still struggling with the teen, though much less so now.  The fair bottom grows smaller, the legs skinnier.

 

"Why won't you cry?" Emelia snarls, landing blow after blow.

 

Sasha tries to pull Emelia's arm back and the three of them get into a struggle of their own.  Their little mother, still squirming, drops hard to the wooden floor with a solid thump, head first.

 

"Emelia, calm down!" Sasha yells, still wrestling with her.  "I think Mother's hurt!" 

 

The eldest daughter stops struggling and forces her breathing to slow.  "Fine.  I'm alright now." When Sasha still doesn't release her she adds, "I'm fine now."  They both then look at the bundle of cloth that hides their reduced mother.

 

"Mother?" Sasha asks.  She clears away the bloomers, revealing a child's bare legs and feet.

 

Emelia tries to recall her mother's first name as she kneels behind the girl and begins to pull her dress off over her head.  The little girl's chest has mere buds, which magically disappear as they watch.

 

"It's okay Hannah, I'm not mad at you anymore." Emelia says with a smirk.  The child blinks her eyes open woozily, then shudders again and squirms as her body grows smaller.

 

"Hmmm, what size would you say?" Emelia asks her sister calmly.

 

"Girl's size 9?" Sasha suggests, concerned.  Reiko thinks it is a perfect size.  The girl still looks like their mother, but in a distant fashion, more like a sister they never had.

 

"Moth ....." Sasha begins, but Emelia cuts her off with a concerned tone.  "Hannah that was a nasty fall.  We were worried.  You must try to be less clumsy."

 

Little Hannah rubs her eyes.  "Wh-where am I?" she asks uncertainly, the coldness of the floor bringing her awareness to register her nudity.

 

Sasha glares at Emelia, silently telling her she has gone too far, and helps the girl to her unsteady feet.  "Let's get you dressed," she comforts.

 

"You are in the family shop of course little sister." Emelia says anyway.  "She seems forgetful Sasha.  Go get something nice and cute so show off our little 'miracle' to the village." Emelia winks to Sasha.  "You should also explain to Hannah her role in the shop.  There is much work tomorrow for her.  Remind her she does the stitching."

 

The nine year old girl covers herself modestly with her hands and looks at Emelia sharply, trying to puzzle something out.

 

"And her little fingers will be perfect for tighter stitches," Emelia adds happily.

 

Hannah blinks then gasps.  "Tighter?  What is going on?  I'm yure mother, not yure sister."  Emelia smacks her hands together sharply, making Hannah jump and hold onto Sasha's skirt.

 

"Call me sister." Emelia orders with a smirk.  The sight of her mother, naked and vulnerable, quite the rush for Emelia.  "After Naita's blessing on our house, you are our sister.  Now get going, before I make you mop the floor as you are," she adds, picturing it.  "At least then you wouldn't be getting your clothes wet and dirty."

 

"This isn't right!" the girl whines to Sasha as her second daughter leads her off by the hand.  Emelia decides to watch the dressing of her little mother, reveling in Sasha's control over the girl.  She also adds critical remarks, telling the girl to stand straight and act properly.

 

Congratulations," Sasha tells her somberly.  "Now you get to be Mother."  The look on Sasha's face indicates that she doesn't think Emelia can handle it.

 

"This isn't right," the girl whines again, keeping a fearful distance from Emelia.

 

"And high time too." Emelia states, not noticing her sister's disapproval.  "And it seems right to me little one."

Reiko does notice Sasha’s expression however and begins to wonder how Emelia might be persuaded, or tricked into ingesting the milk.  Granted, she could just walk in right now and offer the option directly to Sasha, but Reiko figures things will be better if the woman decides on the act herself.

"Now, on to the next step." Emelia begins.  "If Alyssa disapproves, how shall we force the cream into her?  Yes 'Hannah', that wonderful cream.  I suppose you weren't so superior after all.  So easily tricked.  It's funny really, deep down, without all those years you're just a pathetic little girl." She adds, tapping her mother on her button nose.  “The cream not only tasted sweet it also made a bitter old woman all sweet and fresh again.  That’s it, it was sweetness medicine, and it was high time you took yours.” she chuckles. 

 

The light blue ruffled dress Sasha has decided on looks simply adorable on Hannah, the skirt swishing over her bared ankles and feet.  "You'll be a nice contrast to tomboy Alyssa running around outside in her britches and nothing else." Emelia laughs unkindly.  The little girl places a hand over her mouth, hiding her frown and her fear.  "So long as you both get your chores done first." Emelia adds.

 

"Getting ahead of ourselves sister?" Sasha adds.

 

"I'm sorry, of course I am." Emelia corrects.

 

Sasha keeps a protective arm around Hannah's shoulders but Emelia reaches out anyway and lifts her little mother easily into the air and onto her hip, loving her power over her former persecutor.

 

"Awwwww, such a cutie pie.  All the little boys will want you.  Cootchie coo!” Emelia coos, tickling under Hannah's chin. 

 

Hannah turns her face away and rubs her chin, her whole body suggesting horror and distaste revulsion.  Emelia notices.  "What's the matter little one, not so fond of your big sister?  No matter, I'm not terribly fond of you either.  Still it will be nice to have a child model for dressing again," she adds to Sasha, ignoring the girl's squirming.  “Now then, about my getting married.  Perhaps I need not be so old after all.  A few years off might be nice.  Do you wish to be eldest Sasha?" she asks lightly.

 

"What are you playing at now, Emelia?" Sasha asks warily.

 

"Mother was right about one thing." Emelia shrugs.  "The years are adding up on me.  I still don't want to get married, so why not reduce those years?  I watched the brew work on her.  A little bit would place me at about twenty.  Then you can be 'mother'."

 

Sasha gives her a sour look.  "Is that everything you want?" she checks with some sarcasm.

 

Emelia returns it with a sly grin.  "Hey, don't you turn on me now.  You agreed to this.  Completely.  Yes, little Hannah, your dear sweet Sasha was in on this every step of the way.  She's as sick of you as I am so don't let her kindness fool you.  At least I'm honest." she points out.

 

Hannah looks stricken and starts to cry.  Sasha bites her lip and turns away.

 

"Ha!  I knew it.  Where's our tough as nails mother?  You're just a little crybaby.  Nothing much to fear in the least." she mocks the child she is holding.

 

"Put me down!" the girl screams, and starts thrashing.

 

Emelia holds onto her with a struggle and moves back to the couch.  "Didn't learn your lesson the first time, huh?  I'll show you who the boss is now.  Another tender bottom moment should do it.  And if not, I can dish out however many spankings it takes."  In seconds Hannah is over her daughter’s lap again, her skirt pulled up to her head and her bare bottom under assault as she kicks her bare feet uselessly.  She wails in anguish and looks to her other daughter with pleading eyes.

 

Reiko causes a shadow next to Sasha to thump the table the milk and tea are on, making her notice it again.  Sasha gets a firm look in her eyes then grabs the small milk pitcher and circles behind the couch.  Catching her sister by the chin she forces Emelia’s head up and then her mouth open.  "Time for YOUR sweetness medicine!" Sasha exclaims, and pours the rest of the milk into her sister’s mouth. 

 

Emelia is completely taken by surprise as Hannah drops to the floor on all fours and scurries away.  Emelia sputters and coughs with horror clear on her face.  "No!  Sasha, you bitch!"  She launches herself at her sister though is at a disadvantage immediately, kneeling on the couch while her younger sister stands.  Sasha catches her wrists and they struggle. 

 

Emelia looks desperately to the tea cup, then the kitchen, trying to recall where more of the milk is.  "I’ll get you too!" she says, trying to pull away to no avail.  Emelia soon feels the fight leaving her as a warm tingle floods through her.  She thinks she sees the skin on her own arms becoming smoother and creamier.

 

For the final time Emelia tries to pull out of her sister's grip but can't, never having been a fighter and much too weak now to succeed.  "No!" she repeats.  "Nohohohoho!  You gave me too much." she complains, almost whining.  "Why?"  Strangely Emelia finds she likes the childish sound of her own voice, even though she is still in her late teens.

 

"You are a monster," Sasha tells her.  "I can't leave you in charge.” 

 

Emelia looks sad at the words.  "But I didn't want to be in charge.  I never wanted to be in charge.” The former big sister explains.  Emelia finds she likes the sound of that, as though the burden of responsibility from all these years is being lifted from her shoulders.

“I just didn’t want to be under her anymore." She adds, pointing at Hannah.  "And if I'm a monster, she made me one."

 

Emelia shivers then struggles lightly in Sasha’s grip.  "Please.  We have to get the witch.  There must be a reversal.  I don't want to be a little girl.”

 

"You were always the worst," Hannah pipes up, feeling braver now that her most vigorous assailant is under control.  "Never doing as you were told without threat of punishment.  Maybe I made mistakes with you as the oldest."

 

Sasha lets the now young teen go, leaving her kneeling on the couch in her loose dress.  "Looks like it is slowing down," she assures.  "That's not so bad, now, is it?" 

 

Emelia’s breasts have reduced by half, and she is quite skinny, her voice whiny.  Emelia gets up and scrambles to the full length mirror to see the damage, and instantly trips over her dress, falling to the floor.  She is up immediately, now hiking up the dress to allow her to run, as is necessary with such outfits.  She finds she appears younger than Alyssa, or at least her cleavage is smaller and her cheeks are rounder.  Rather than being horrified, the image makes her tingle some more in excitement.

 

"Not sooo bad." Emelia admits.  She looks at Hannah and gives a nasty grin.  "I can live with it."  Her bodice droops with each breath, showing a gap her breasts used to fill.  It is dangerously close to showing her now lighter nipples.

 

"Leave your mother alone," Sasha warns.

 

"Awwww?" Emelia pouts.  "But she's getting like her old self again.  She should be a sweet little girl instead."  Emelia moves to spot dresses in her size. 

 

Sasha looks at the scared little girl who used to be her mother.  "I don't think she's at all the same."

 

"Well if I was a difficult child, she's gonna be worse.  Mark my words."  Emelia adds.

 

"Now, whose fault would that be?" Sasha asks hovering behind Emelia with her arms crossed.  Emelia sees her sister in the mirror behind her, and sees that the top of her own head only comes up to Sasha's chin.  She'd forgotten just how large the women in this family could be.  "Um, what?" She swallows.  Her excitement builds, and she feels her dress shift on her again, her nipples tingling.

 

"Just that this IS your mess … Emmy." Sasha is sure to remind her, not above pointing out the girl’s new status.

 

The newly named Emmy stamps her foot petulantly, and loves how the reflection looks as she does so.  "It is not!  You agreed!" she exclaims.  To her delight, she sees a guilty look in Sasha's eyes.  "If you didn't have the stomach for it ya shoulda stopped it.  And, since you're the only adult now, you are responsible for all of us." She points out.

 

Emmy feels her hips grow narrow as her dress loosens.  The young teen giggles and turns side to side, swishing her dress and holding her arms out to flap her overly long sleeves.  "Oh and Sasha?  I think I'm still getting younger."

 

Sasha, the only adult left in the house now, looks alarmed.  "Oh!  Um, then try to calm down."  For the first time she considers if accepting a potion from a Kirasani witch was a bad idea after all.

 

***

 

During his lengthy prayers Jym senses that the blessings are indeed bad things and are not from the Goddess of Children.  He isn't really good enough to discern more however.  When he looks around, he finds that instead of praying as well Amara has been quietly braiding her hair in a style favored by the young girls of the village.

 

He stares at her for a few seconds in surprise.  "Um, what are you doing?" he asks softly.

 

The girl startles and actually looks embarrassed.  "Uh hi!  I couldn't concentrate, so ... I'm fixing my hair."  She blushes.  Her blonde hair seems to be getting lighter, approaching a light yellow shine while her stiff jaw line has softened giving a rounder shape to her whole face.  "I want to join the celebration for a little bit, if you're done?"

 

It is crystal clear to Jym that his mistress is actually asking him for permission.  "I suppose.  Still, we need to talk about this.  The blessings are bad."  He looks around.  "Where are the others?" he asks.

 

"They didn't want to pray," Amara admits, sounding like she envies them.  She quickly finishes the crown braid in her hair.

 

"They still should have been here.  I seriously don't want them getting into trouble." Jym moans lightly, feeling the pressures of leadership already.

 

Amara smiles at him and pats his knee.  "Don't worry, they don't want a mob after them, remember?  They'll hang low."  Her voice is yet higher, too, without its accustomed edge.

 

He nods.  "Right.  Okay.  Um, were you thinking of dancing again?"

 

She smiles coyly.  "I'm dressed for it ... so why not?"

 

"Well, you looked kinda dazed with that last guy." Jym begins.

 

"Dazed?" the girl asks dangerously, crossing her arms.  The look in her face is pure Amara, though less severe and almost cute.

 

Jym holds up his hands in defense.  "Um, surprised?"

 

"He snatched my hand," Amara shrugs.  "I wasn't expecting to dance, and he caught me off guard.  What about it?"

 

"I just wasn't sure if you  ... liked it or not." He politely points out.

 

"It has its place," she admits defensively.  "And it is a celebration, after all..."

 

"And if I say no?" Jym checks carefully.  He is beginning to feel bolder with this version of his mistress.

 

Amara’s arms remain crossed as she hesitates for a beat.  Then she says hotly, "I wasn't ASKING your permission, I was inviting you to dance with me!"  She gets to her feet in a huff and whirls to leave alone.

 

Jym stands.  "Amara." he says in a soft voice.  "Wait."  She stops, but does not turn around. 

 

"I didn't mean to upset you.  I would ... be honored to dance with you." he says.

 

She half turns.  "Are you coming?"  She holds her hand out and back, the torchlight from the celebrations flickering down the length of her slim arm.

 

Jym moves forward and takes her hand firmly in his then, remembering some of his manners he plants a kiss on the back of it.  "Milady." he says.  She smiles and blushes beautifully, her hair-do looking quite fetching around her young face.

 

The Paladin’s apprentice leads his now fellow teen outside to the party, the whole thing feeling very natural.  He has to admit, Amara is awfully cute.  Her slender, dress-clad form seems small somehow, possibly even shorter.  He doesn't really have the chance to check her breast size under the dress, without being conspicuous.

 

When they reach the open area outside she begins a fast dance with him, smiling the whole time.  She is energetic, but seemingly out of practice as she strays a bit too far and bumps into another girl.  Both of them end up giggling an apology to the other. 

 

Jym immediately recognizes the other girl from the shop as she helped pick out clothing for Killi.  By comparing the two teens, Jym can see that Amara is definitely younger than when she was being sized for the dress by the girl.

 

Once the dance is over Amara curtsies to Jym then begins a conversation with the other girl.  He overhears that she, Alyssa he thinks her name is, designed Amara's dress, a fact which Amara finds fascinating.  The rapid discussion which proceeds to emanate from each teen's mouth soon becomes too much for him to follow, or care to.  He thinks at one point Alyssa points at him, making Amara giggle again, the sound itself it still strange to Jym.

 

Another dance starts and the girls, not wanting to cease their conversation, each take one of Jym's hands and one of each other and begin to dance in a circle.  They spin, skip and bounce at a fast pace, quite a bit of fun for all of them.  To his surprise Amara seems to love the skipping, doing it even when the music doesn't call for it.

 

The music is a round of dancers versus the musicians, a friendly game where the musicians play faster and faster, trying to tire out the dancers so that they themselves can take a break.  Eventually, the steps become muddled, since there is no time for error, and the trio trip on each other and collapse in a laughing and gasping heap.

 

Amara gives Jym a quick kiss once they both sit up, causing him to blush this time.  Alyssa gives them a wide smile. 

 

The girls, flushed, fan themselves to cool off.  Their bosoms heave, their dresses well designed to compliment such activity.

 

"Um, so, Alyssa, designing clothes at already.  You must be very good." Jym compliments, trying not to stare.

 

"I am the youngest and still learning, but I work hard," Alyssa says modestly.  Her long, braided hair is red unlike her mother and sisters' dark brown locks.

 

"Well, you all are masterful to me." Jym admits.  "I couldn't make a potato sack."

 

"For starters, you can't make them out of potatoes!" Amara jokes and the girls giggle at his expense.

 

Amara feels her dress.  "The dress is lovely.  It’s much nicer than armor."  The comment makes Alyssa look puzzled for a moment.  "Oh, didn't your sisters tell you?  I'm ...."

 

"She's a squire." Jym continues.  "Well, a Paladin in training.”  Amara's cheeks grow a bit rosier and she says nothing.

 

"That sounds amazing." Alyssa comments still quite impressed.

 

Amara smiles with pride.  "It wasn't easy.  I was one of the first women to be accepted into training as a holy warrior."

 

Jym suddenly notices the top of one of Amara's areola peeping out from the top of her wrinkled dress' neckline.  After a moment Alyssa notices as well.  As a result in the middle of Amara explaining just how well she'd done with impressing the priests Alyssa reaches forward and tugs the youthful Paladin’s dress up. 

 

"Oh my goodness, what did they do?  I took the right measurements.  How did Emelia screw it up this time?" Alyssa mutters.  "I'm sorry, but your dress doesn't fit as it should.  This is so embarrassing." Alyssa says, as Amara blushes and crosses her arms over her chest to hide her breasts which are smaller than the other girls.  Jym’s mistress looks especially young and vulnerable to him at the moment.

 

"Our business depends on our quality as mother always says.  I simply can't let you wear this like it is.  We'll have to return to the shop to fix it." Alyssa declares.

 

"No, that's okay," Amara says hurriedly.  "I don't want to miss any more of the celebration.  Let's just sit for a while."

 

Alyssa nods.  "Alright then, but I simply insist we go once you've had your fill.  You know, there is punch over at the table." she adds, looking at Jym.  He reads her, after a moment of confusion.  "Oh, right.  I'll get some for us." he adds, standing.

 

"So, how young do they accept squires in training, or old." he can just hear Alyssa ask as he walks off.

 

"It’s Paladin in training.  We are squired to a Paladin and they usually start us around twelve," Amara replies, keeping her arms crossed as they walk to a nearby table.

 

"So you've been doing it, what, two years now?  What's it like?" Alyssa asks, sounding fascinated.  The interest calms Amara a bit.

 

The shrunken Paladin looks down at her body and says, "Two years ... right."  She looks back up at Alyssa, just now noticing the other girl is taller.  "You sleep in a barren room on a straw mat.  You get up at dawn and pray, then do your chores, then eat, then train," she recites.  "Then pray at noon, do more chores, train.  And do evening chores and pray before bed.  In the field it is even worse, you have to wait on your Master hand and foot, take care of the horse, his armor and his weapons every day."

 

Alyssa frowns.  "Uh-huh.  You must be dedicated." she admits.

 

Amara takes a seat and slips her feet in and out of her loose shoes under the table.  "It is definitely more of a calling than an occupation.  You have to be devoted."

 

"Are you?" the other girl asks. 

 

"Of course!" Amara exclaims.  "The last twenty years prove my devotion."

 

Alyssa blinks.  "Uh, twenty years?"

 

"I mean two years," Amara corrects lamely, with a guilty blush.  "But it feels like twenty."

 

Alyssa smiles at the jest.  "Oh.  Forgive me but I only asked because you are here.  I mean, I take it you don't get time off.  And I haven't seen a Paladin.  Were you assigned to that witch as a test or something?  I was half assuming you'd run away with your boyfriend."

 

Amara blushes and giggles.  "Oh!  Jym isn't my boyfriend.  He... he's also a squire.  I wasn't actually assigned to the witch.  We met in our journeys, and we fight toward the same ends."

 

The other teen's eyes widen.  "Oh my, then your Paladin got killed, didn't he?  I'm so sorry."

 

Amara allows herself a moment of respectful silence for her former Master’s passing, some fifteen years ago.  Then she nods and says, "We will be all right."

 

"The witch, she must be trustworthy then, and powerful." Alyssa points out.  "Where are you going from here?"

 

Amara has to think for a moment.  "We should be returning to Kenworth, though the witch -- I mean, Reiko, won't want to go.  We will probably have to part ways soon."

 

Alyssa tilts her head.  "I'm sorry if I insulted her.  You looked sad when you said you’d have to part.  You must really look up to her." she comments, making Amara feel juvenile for a moment.  A pleasant tickling sensation forms in her stomach and grows as Alyssa continues.  "I suppose you can't just become her squire, huh?  Though learning magic could be fun.  At least she could watch over and protect you."

 

The blonde teen cannot believe just how tempting it feels to allow Reiko to be her mistress and take over for her.  She realizes it must be a changing perspective of the respect she does feel for the sorceress, as well as changes in her own feelings since the blessing. 

 

"No, it doesn't work that way.  She isn't with the church, and I could never be devoted to her.  I serve the church," Amara adds firmly, trying to recover.  "The gods guide me, not some hedonist hedge witch."

 

Alyssa pauses uncomfortably.  "Um, sorry.  I misunderstood."

 

Amara shakes her head.  "No, I'm sorry.  I forgot that you are just a young woman, from a small village.  You don't know of the Devotions."

 

"Right … Devotions." Alyssa says.

 

Jym returns.  "Oh, I hope Amara's not boring you." He comments lightly.  Amara takes the distraction to tug her neckline higher.

 

"Oh no, not at all.  She's very devoted for a girl her age.  I'll bet she gives you a run." Alyssa compliments, making Amara feel juvenile yet again by her comments.  Amara suddenly looks little shy as Jym takes a seat near her.

 

"All the time." Jym agrees.

 

For the sake of Amara’s pride Alyssa thankfully changes the subject, talking about the village then the couple who just got married.  Oddly, to Jym, Alyssa continues to talk of Amara as a younger girl, despite the fact she was older than her earlier in the day, and just her age during the dance.  Jym wonders if being near Amara makes others comfortable with her age and perhaps not even notice her changes if they aren't made obvious.  Amara also falls quiet and mostly listens, which is quite unlike her.

 

Jym begins to notice Alyssa moving closer to him and meeting only his gaze as she talks.

Amara notices as well and takes Jym's hand in hers.  "Jym, we should probably get to our room, huh?" she asks, her voice higher and uncertain, but certainly possessive.

 

"Not until we fix that dress kiddo." Alyssa teases lightly.  "I'll not have my family's reputation soiled.  Besides, it'll only take a few minutes, and mother likely is expecting me anyway.  She must have finished her 'get married or grow old alone' speech to Emelia by now."

 

Amara slouches in defeat, which flaps her neckline open to show a pair of small, apple-sized breasts to Jym.  "Um, it does look like it got stretched pretty badly." Jym admits, motioning for Amara to cover up.  Amara scrambles to pull her top together, blushing horribly yet again.

"It's likely Emelia's stitching.  Nothing I can't fix." Alyssa promises.

 

***

 

"Okay, okay, this is nothing I can't fix.  Just do as I say and calm down." Sasha says frantically as she tries to corral a spinning and giggling thirteen year old Emmy.  The girl is flapping her long and loose sleeves in the air in front of her.

 

Staying out of the way, the nine year old former matron Hannah covers her mouth and giggles at the scene.

 

Sasha manages to take her sister by the hand and pulls the girl back to the couch.  Emmy tries to plant her feet and resist, giggling some more.  "I’m calm.  Yure not.  Wassa matter?  You don’t like being the eldest either?" Emmy grins.  "Big sister Sasha and little sister Hannah." She sings after a moment.

 

"Better than you're going to like being little if you don't settle down and do as you're told," the former middle sister threatens.

 

Emmy’s dress seems a bit bigger than a moment before making her look almost twelve now.  "I'll be good." Emmy smiles.  "What do ya want me to do big sis?"

 

Reiko finds that the regressions have given her a powerful rush of excitement.  Since the milk Emelia was forced to drink was pure and given in one serving, its effects seem to be magnified.  Reiko can already feel the slow regression is far from stopping and the other is not yet done either.

 

"Okay... okay..." Sasha paces, trying to think.  She looks at the pitcher.  "The real trouble is the witch didn't tell us how to stop it or reverse it."

 

Emelia twirls again and the dress slides down a bit more, revealing two buds where her womanly breasts used to be.  She giggles and pulls it back up but has to hold it in place.

"Nope, we didn't ask." She admits, not seeming worried at all.  All of that responsibility has fallen on her shoulders Sasha realizes.

 

Sasha groans.  "Come with me to the shop then to get you a dress that fits so we can go out and find the witch." 

 

"Oooh, a new dress!" Emmy squeals and she lets her oversized dress and undergarments drop to the floor, running off butt naked and laughing with glee like a child ten years younger.  Sasha chases her sister down the hall thankful the shop and their living quarters are in the same large building.  This time Hannah doesn't cover her laughter. 

 

Emmy sticks her tongue back out at her little mother as she runs.  "I'm still bigger than you squirt.  I’m still bigger than you.” She literally sings, again acting very childish for a young teen.

 

The naked girl pulls up short in the shop, her hands covering her tiny breasts, which she can feel growing smaller.  Emmy then gazes around at the dresses with wide eyes, loving the new idea of fitting in them.  She scampers over to a very frilly green one then tugs it on and whirls with it, though finds that it drags the ground already.  Letting it drop, she moves on to another … then another.  All while Sasha waits and Hannah giggles and Emmy’s breasts change to puffy nipples.

 

Eventually Emmy no longer bothers to even pull the dresses on, instead holding them against her front as she prances in front of the full-length mirror.  Hannah walks over to her now not so much taller daughter as she dances with a white one. 

 

"You like?" Hannah asks.

 

"I can't wait to get married in this!" Emmy jokes.

 

"You'll need something nicer than that." Hannah giggles.

 

"We have to get going and find the witch." Sasha finally decides then picks out something simple Emmy will fit in.  "Hmmm, size eleven?"  She reconsiders and chooses a size smaller, knowing it will fit longer.

 

Emmy, however, continues to dance around with the white dress clutched to her chest. Sasha tries to tug it away, causing Emmy to fight back.  "No!  I like this one." The girl whines.

 

"You have to get dressed now!  You’ve wasted enough time." Sasha tells the girl.  Emmy shivers, causing her to let go.

 

"I wanna get dressed in this one!" Emmy complains again, though it is much too large for her.  When Sasha ignores her protests Emmy drops on her bare bottom and pouts.   After a moment she sniffles and tears up, then breaks out into full scale wailing.  With the dresses no longer covering her up it becomes obvious the girl has left puberty behind.   Her flat chest and hairless privates are evidence that she is now at most eleven, and likely younger, though her apparent age does nothing to explain her childish response.

 

"She always was a crybaby when she didn't get her way." Hannah pipes up.

 

Sasha kneels next to her young sister and comforts her hurriedly with a hug.  "Please, Emmy, for the love of the gods, just put your dress on!" Sasha pleads softly.  "We'll get this fixed up, I promise."

"You shouldn't plead.  Give her a good spank and tell her to do it." Little Hannah advises. She seems to have calmed down tremendously about her own situation, despite the fact that her dress has been getting looser as well.

 

"You're not helping," Sasha chastises Hannah.  She notices the little girl has recovered her assertiveness and seems almost as bossy as Sasha recalls her adult mother to have been; Almost.  She can tell by body language and tone that it really is just a little girl trying to be bossy.  An eight year old girl now as Sasha can tell from the dress’ size.

 

Reminded of exactly why she had agreed with Emelia to make their mother younger in the first place Sasha gets a firm look and says sternly to the little girl, "So instead of criticizing you are going to help.  Get a dress that fits Emmy and stop advising me when we both know you were miserable at this sort of thing.  Now hush and do as I say or it’ll be you getting another spanking.  And I'd better hear a ma'am from your little mouth."

 

Hannah jumps and stiffens slightly.  “Y-yes … ma’am.” She squeaks nervously. 

 

Hannah then sucks on her finger while she looks around for another dress.  She decides on a yellow, size nine, which Sasha proceeds to pull over Emmy's head.  It is snug, but not too tight.  Hannah grins at Emmy and her new size, showing gaps where her front teeth should have been.

 

Emmy frowns and looks scared for the first time.  "Sasha, I don't wanna be littler than her." The girl says worriedly.

 

"You were before," Sasha reminds.  "You'd better walk fast if you want to be any size at all."  Alarmed and spurned onward, Sasha takes the two children by the hands and leads them out of the house.

Approaching from a different direction is Amara, Jym and Alyssa.  The two groups pass unseen to one another, but not to a particular Kirasani.  Reiko had planned to simply watch Sasha’s group with her shadows but finds Amara's new age too fascinating to pass up.  She decides to keep tabs on both groups.

 

Amara is carrying her shoes now, instead of sliding them along the ground.  Her eyes are only up to Jym's shoulder, though her mysterious burst of youth seems to have slowed again.  She is still old enough to be interested in Jym, though her hem is scraping the ground and would get caught under her feet if she wasn't hiking it.

 

Alyssa is again apologizing to the seemingly thirteen year old girl whom she now obviously considers to be a full three years her junior.  "I really am sorry sweetie.  I'll fix you up, I promise." She says sweetly.  "Come right into the shop," Alyssa tells them both.  "We don't need a scene with my mother that would just make things worse."

 

Entering the shop Alyssa spies the dresses on the floor and scoops them up with a ‘tsk’.

 

Amara meanwhile stays close to Jym, holding his arm tightly with one hand.  He is amazed at how thin she has become, and possessive, though he imagines she must be scared too.  It also amazes him that he can see the top of her head while she’s standing.

 

"Step up," Alyssa tells Amara, bringing out a platform with two steps on it to elevate her. When the blonde hesitates Alyssa rubs the girl’s braided hair, which has also loosened, her yellow locks starting to spill out.  "Don't be nervous kiddo.  It's just another fitting."  The older teen soothes.

 

The action causes Amara to hug her middle as the tingling starts up again.  She steps up on the platform in her dirty bare feet and lets go of her dress, the hem pooling at her feet.

 

Alyssa ‘tsks’ again, then asks Jym to hold up the hem until it is of proper length.  Amara blushes as Jym gets a full view of her bare shins beneath the hem.  He gets a view of even more as Alyssa moves the hem up and down, inspecting the stitches underneath.

 

"Strange, they look fine.  Oh well, I suppose I should just start from scratch.  Jym, look that way while your little sweetheart gets undressed." Alyssa comments.

 

Amara's toes curl on the edge of the platform as her breathing quickens.  She shucks the dress and steps out of it.  She is wearing underclothes, also too large for her.

 

"Those too honey." Alyssa soothes.

 

Amara glances at Jym’s back, then, her pale complexion blushing over much of her body, she disrobes the rest of the way.  She does not seem surprised by her own skinny body or small breasts.  Alyssa quickly gives her a robe to cover up with.

 

"Um, we'd probably be better off just getting you a new dress." Alyssa admits.  "Go ahead and look around."

 

Feeling daring and giddy, Amara covers up with the robe then hurriedly steps away, almost skipping, and leaving the other two alone.  She pads around the shop on bare feet, almost nude and feeling more free than she can ever remember, despite the absurdity of the situation.

 

"She's a cute kid." Alyssa says softly after Amara moves off into the clothing racks.  "Let me guess, she hasn't been in training for two years has she?"

 

"N-no," Jym admits, wondering if they are found out.

 

"Closer to two months I'd say, if squires really do start at twelve.” Alyssa guesses, allowing Jym to relax.  “So, how'd you get stuck with her?  Really?"

 

"I wouldn't say 'stuck' with her," Jym deflects.  "She has taught me a lot of what I need to know.  Don't question her devotion to be a Paladin."

 

"Alright, alright.  She’s devoted." Alyssa admits, not wanting to upset him.  She sits down and offers Jym a seat next to her on the shop’s couch.  "Tell me of your adventures o' squire." She says dramatically.

 

Remembering that just that morning, he was having sex with another girl and that Amara hadn't had a problem with it, Jym decides to sit down and regale Alyssa with a tale about his Paladin, careful to change ‘she’ to ‘he’.

 

Alyssa laughs at Jym's words, regardless of what they are, and relaxes by him.  Each time Amara comes back with a dress, Alyssa is quick to criticize it and send her looking for a new one.  The robe rubs Amara's sensitive nipples, both annoying and pleasing her at the same time.  She wanders more slowly after a bit, feeling the swish of the robe on her young skin.

 

Alyssa eventually has Jym believing he is the funniest man in the village, and he starts laughing along with her.  She snuggles up to him and plants a kiss on his lips.  He doesn't resist, having enjoyed his morning with Dinni.  Amara, believing she has finally found the perfect dress skips up to them and stops dead in shock.

 

***

 

Sasha avoids the crowds, but has trouble keeping the girls moving because Hannah keeps wanting to compare height with Emmy, who has continued to grow smaller.  They look almost the same size now, with Emmy having a very slight advantage.

 

"Hannah, enough!" Sasha scolds sternly.  She scoops up the now eight-year-old Emmy onto her hip and tugs Hannah along.

 

"No, no, no, I don't wanna be littler than her." Emmy whines.  "I'll be a good girl.  I'll be good." she says, beginning to cry again.

 

"See, crybaby." Hannah mutters.

 

"Then help me find the witch!" Sasha hisses.  "Keep looking around!"  Emmy squirms until she is let down, then runs off into the night as if she is able to outrun the problem.

 

Before she can panic Sasha sees someone pick Emmy up, soothing her and bringing her back.  "Greetings." the man says jovially.  "Did you lose something?"  The stranger keeps hold of Emmy who is bundled in the ill-fitting dress and waits politely for Sasha to find her voice.

 

Sasha blinks and stutters, trying to find her voice.  The young man before her is quite handsome and dressed rather well.  "Why, yes.  Thank you."  Emmy squirms but cannot budge from the man's grip.

 

"Uh, so do you want her back?" he chuckles.

 

 Hannah giggles and Sasha moves forward to take the girl.  "Oh, yes.  Now Emmy, no running off." she says.

 

"No!" Emmy screams, struggling and kicking her bare feet.  "Gotta get away!"

 

"Hey now!" the man says, both soothing and commanding as he holds the little girl up to his face and looks her in the eyes.  "Nobody's going to hurt you, except yourself!  Now be calm."

 

Little Emmy stops kicking and becomes still immediately, dangling with the man's hands under her armpits.  Sasha isn't sure if it is from fear or shock, but the stranger does have a way with her.

 

Sasha smiles and gently takes the child back.  "Impressive Mr. ..."

 

"Barcus," the man smiles.  "James Barcus."  Emmy's toes dig into her big sister's skirt.

 

"What are you messing with a kid for?" a teen lad asks James, patting him on the back.

 

James sighs and puts an arm around the lad.  "This is John, my brother."

 

Sasha blinks in surprise as Hannah giggles again, her eyes bright with recognition and amusement.  It's the new merchant's sons, the elder one Emelia's intended betrothed.  Sasha has to laugh herself at the irony, and the fact the man has already shown he can handle Emelia.  Even if it only the small version.

 

"I stopped this girl from running away from her …" James begins, looking for Sasha to finish.

 

“Cousin.” Sasha states after a moment, having decided beforehand in case she was asked.

 

"And the village is now safer for it, I'm sure," John teases his brother.

 

Emmy looks over her shoulder as she cuddles her sister's neck.  After a moment her thumb comes to her lips and she chews childishly on her nail.  "Yure handsome." she pipes, causing Sasha and Hannah to laugh again.

 

"Careful," John jokes.  "I hear the locals are trying to get you married.  She may be one of the intended."  He jokes, pointing at Emmy.  James blushes and puts John in a headlock.

 

Hannah glares at John for the comment, while Emmy doesn't seem to have understood.  Even so Sasha whispers to her sister, “If you really think he’s handsome then maybe when you get big again you’ll take some of mother’s advice.”

 

Sasha gives her little mother a smirk after a moment as well, not letting her off the hook either.  "See Hannah, not everyone thinks like you." she whispers.

 

"Well, you boys are having fun.  Thank you for your help Mr. Barcus, but my cousins have been up late.  We'll be on our way." Sasha says, secretly hoping James will not want them to go so soon.

 

"Are you certain?" James asks, letting his brother go.  He then addresses the little girls.  "Are you ladies too tired to get painted up?" James asks excitedly, gesturing to a booth where children are getting their faces painted.

 

"No!" Hannah exclaims excitedly with a smile wide on her young face.  "Come on, Sasha, we haven't even had fun yet!" she whines.

 

Sasha painfully, and dramatically, sighs.  "Oh very well, I suppose the children can stay up a bit longer."  Emmy seems shy compared to Hannah, but she doesn't protest.  "So, did you enjoy the celebration?" Sasha asks the gentlemen.

 

"You people know how to celebrate," James compliments.  He then gives his brother a light shove.  "Get along with you before I paint you like one of the kids," he threatens John playfully.

 

John makes a face at him but gets the message and wanders off into the crowd.

 

"Have you seen a dark skinned woman?" Sasha asks James as casually as she can.   "Kirasani?" she says slowly, as if unsure.

 

He thinks a moment but shakes his head.  "Not since she drew attention to the blessed priest I haven't.  Was that the one?"

 

Sasha nods.  "So, what did you think of that?" she asks, sounding excited.  In truth she is a bit concerned.  This is a small village and everyone mostly knows everyone.  She realizes that she will likely have to use the ready made excuse Emelia and she agreed upon, that her matronly mother was also 'blessed' by Naita.  Of course now she'll have to include her former conspirator.  She decides to gauge James' reaction to the event before deciding exactly how she will tell everyone.

 

Emmy, in contrast, begins sucking on her thumb, no longer having to worry about such things.  Sasha shifts her sister, feeling that she is yet lighter.

 

"What, the priest?" James asks.  "Pretty wild.  The very man who married the couple turned into a little boy... It seems a little creepy, but he seems really happy."

 

James begins to lead them to the painting booth.  Sasha nods again.  "He certainly does.  Have you wondered if Naita will bless others tonight?"

 

James laughs.  "Oh, I'm sure the new couple won't need much more blessing in their wedding bed."

 

"Well, it might be for others, not the couple." Sasha points out.  "Perhaps another couple."

 

He smiles at her.  "Not my brother, I hope.  He gets into enough trouble without suddenly becoming a daddy."

 

"Ah, a handful is he?" Sasha laughs, bouncing Emmy slightly.  "What if he were less of one?"

 

"Then he would be a gentleman," James admits.  "Don't tell him I said that."

 

"Of course." she smiles.

 

James rescues a small flower with white petals from the booth and places it behind Sasha's ear, pulling her long hair out of the way.  The woman blushes and looks away.  She can just barely hear Emmy release a low whine around her thumb which causes Sasha to grin.  Being courted by the man her sister didn’t want and now regrets having given up; makes Sasha feel a little better about everything.

 

"I never wore this stuff!" Hannah enthuses, dabbing her fingers into white paint.  "Wasn't appropriate for a young lady."

 

Sasha makes a shushing gesture and jerks her head towards James as she lets Emmy down.  "Not now." she whispers to Hannah.

 

The lady manning the booth looks surprised to see Sasha with the girls.  "Cousins?" she guesses as she helps paint Hannah's face.

 

“Yes … cousins.  They’re just visiting.”  Sasha explains.

 

Emmy is distracted from her plight by the bright colors at the booth.  She curiously walks forward and dips her fingers into some blue then red.

 

"Let me do that," the woman says nicely.  "We don't want your pretty dresses to be ruined."

 

"Thanks Dorothy." Emmy says plainly, knowing the woman's name.  It causes Sasha to stiffen but the woman thinks nothing of it, likely thinking Sasha had told the girls.

 

"No trouble sweetie," Dorothy smiles.

 

Sasha surveys her shrunken mother and sister, and can't help but feel a rush of power and satisfaction.  Here she is with them and a handsome man, and her sister is not dominating the conversation, and her mother is not trying to sway the man to marry Emelia.  In truth, Sasha finds she cannot complain about the results of the witch’s brew.

 

James and Sasha see John dancing around wildly with some of the girls on the dance floor and letting his hands roam.  He gets slapped, but it just makes him laugh.

 

"You brother seems ... playful." Sasha comments.

 

"He snuck some ale," James admits ruefully.  "I was never that wild, but he is the youngest.  He has to do something to get out from under my shadow," he reflects thoughtfully.  "Do you have any siblings?" he asks Sasha.

 

Sasha nods, resisting the urge to laugh.  "Sisters, one older, one younger." she admits.

 

"Ooo, middle child," he sympathizes.  "You keep the peace a lot, I bet."

 

Hannah pokes some white paint onto Emmy's cheek, causing the other girl to mark her cheek right back.  Sasha cleanly swats both of their hands and settles them with a glare.  "You could say that." Sasha smirks, enjoying her control over them more and more. 

 

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