Pitfall (5) (The Underground Kingdom) Read online

  “I'd slap you for that, if I had the time,” Tracey replied, opening the door to her room. “Luckily for you, I'm in a bit of a rush right now.”

  “Luckily for you, you mean,” Thorn retaliated, approaching her room, still pulling me with her. “I'll sort you out later.”

  “In your dreams, dear sister,” Tracey gaily replied, closing the door behind her. “In your dreams.”

  At last, here I was, alone with Tracey and Thorn. Well, actually, they were alone with me. I wasn't alone, because I was with me, so I couldn't be alone. Does that make any sense? Don’t worry, it baffled me as well. All I know is that Tracey and Thorn were in front of me, both smiling shyly in an embarrassed fashion. After a few moments of uncertainty, they sidled up to me and lifted up their faces for a kiss. I obliged as best I could, still marvelling at the feelings being generated simultaneously from two sides. It was like being kissed twice. In fact, I was being kissed twice – by two separate sets of lips, and the subtle disparities enhanced the sensation in a remarkable way.

  “At last, Stephen,” Tracey breathed. “We're finally together. I've been waiting for this moment for ages! Let me show you how much I care.” So saying, she began to undress. This experience wasn't a novel one for me because I'd already seen her unclothed when she’d been splashing around in the pool in a previous adventure, * but I wouldn't be classified as a male if the procedure didn't excite me.

  Meanwhile, Thorn treated me to a similar performance by also disrobing. I hoped my safety circuits would kick in and my mental fuses wouldn't explode under the visual double loading. So far so good, although I found that I began to perspire a little. The images of Thorn and Tracey danced in my brain and I tried valiantly to keep them separate. I didn't want them merging into one. It would be a huge disservice and a major insult to their individual personalities. I wanted to savor them both as distinct individuals.

  “Well, what do you think?” Thorn asked me, demurely, standing before me, having finally shed all her clothes.

  “Breathtaking!” I told her, sincerely And I wasn’t embellishing matters in the slightest. Proud, slim and flawless, her wings fluttering slightly in suppressed agitation, she took my breath away. “Thorn, you're stunning!”

  “Really?” she murmured, looking into my eyes. “I know you're with Traculimna right now and I know that I can’t compete with her physically, but ……. ”

  I put a gentle finger against her lips and interrupted her speech.

  “I'm not going to compare the two of you,” I told her, “so don't torture yourself, Thorn. Right now I'm here with you, and there’s nowhere else I want to be. You're beautiful, desirable and sexy, and I'm smitten with you. That's all you have to know.” I lifted her chin slightly with my index finger and, bending down, I kissed her with all the passion I could muster, and believe me, I had quite a reservoir of that right now.

  Tracey and I were following a similar path. Her body was beyond stunning. If such a thing as perfection existed in this world, then I believed that she came the closest to it.

  “Sweetheart, words can't describe you,” I proclaimed, staring avidly at her. I moved closer and tenderly touched her perfect skin in wonder. Honestly, I’d never seen anybody so beautiful. How lucky was I to be with her like this? And to be with Thorn as well? No matter what else happened in my life, this would definitely be a moment to treasure forever.

  She ran her hands enticingly down her body. “So, do I please you, Stephen?” she asked bashfully, already fully knowing my answer. I couldn’t say ‘no’ to her question any more than I could leap to Mars.

  “You’re the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen,” I truthfully decreed. “More sparkling than a moonlight sky; more splendid than a chromatic sunset; as beautiful as a diamond clear mountain stream and a sight to make the very gods weep with desire.”

  Tracey flushed under my praise. “Why, Stephen, you poetic thing, you. Stop exaggerating.”

  “I’m not,” I asserted stoutly. “I meant every word. Tracey, sweetheart, you’re the epitome of loveliness and I’m not exaggerating in the slightest.”

  “I can’t resist such eloquence,” she murmured, half joking. “Come to bed and see if I live up to your impossible expectations there.”

  “Your wish is my command, my lady,” I said, eagerly. “I only hope you don’t have any expectations of me, because you’ll be sorry if you did.”

  “Don't say those sorts of things about yourself, Stephen,” Tracey chided. “You're kind and gentle and sensitive. That's enough to start any relationship. We'll make the rest up as we go along. Now, how about you remove your pesky clothes so we can get the process underway?”

  I obliged, and we fell into bed in a mutual embrace. I found our wings to be rather awkward and a bit of a nuisance, but not excessively so. I tickled Tracey into a state of exuberant pleasure and then she ……… well, what happened after that is absolutely none of your damned business!

  * See ‘Trix (3)’

  Chapter 5

  While Tracey and I were enjoying ourselves in no uncertain terms, Thorn and I were similarly engaged, although in a decidedly different fashion. Thorn suddenly became extremely shy, almost reluctant, and I had the distinct impression that she wasn't experienced in this particular area at all.

  “Are you positive want to do this, Thorn?” I finally asked. We were stretched out on the bed, but she remained rigid in my arms.

  “Of course I do,” she protested. “It's just that I'm ……… a little bit frightened.”

  “Frightened?” I questioned, astonished. “Of what? Not of me, surely?”

  “You could never frighten me, my love,” she replied, smiling tenderly and running her hands down my chest.

  “What then?” I wanted to know.

  “It's this whole thing,” she answered, waving her arm vaguely around. “I've never really had much time for boyfriends before and I don't really know exactly what to do that’s best. Maybe I should have asked Traculimna for lessons beforehand,” she said thoughtfully, betraying just the faintest hint of bitterness. “She’s had so much more experience than I have. I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you badly, Stephen, especially since you’re probably having the most amazing time of your life right now in the other room.”

  “Stop that!” I commanded, tweaking her nose. “I've already said there's not going to be any comparisons at any stage, and I meant it. I'm here because I want to be here with you, Thorn. There's no need to be nervous. You’re not Tracey, and I don't want you to be. I fell in love with the you that you are right now. I don't want to change you into anyone else, so we'll do things at your pace, okay? It'll be a learning process for us both, so any time you feel uncomfortable, please let me know and we can talk it through.”

  “Okay,” she agreed, smiling. “We'll learn as we go along.”

  “And no comparisons?” I queried.

  “No comparisons,” she assented, putting her palms either side of my face and staring into my eyes. “Start me on the first lesson, teacher,” she purred in a husky voice. “I'll think you'll find I'll be a very eager pupil.”

  “I just bet you will,” I informed her, grinning. “I can see you going to the top of the class in no time at all.”

  Chapter 6

  It was some time later when Thorn and I rejoined Tracey downstairs in the living room. We all sat around the table smiling tentatively at each other. It had been a very gratifying and fulfilling time, both physically and spiritually. Thorn and Tracey gave each other knowing and satisfied smiles, allowing the both of me to relax. Excellent. No jealousy so far. The slightly uncomfortable feeling we all felt became broken by the arrival of Trix and Zenith, back from their diplomatic walk.

  “Well, how was it?” Trix asked, keeping a straight face.

  “Very instructive,” I replied.

  “And wondrous,” the other me supplied.

  “Amazing,” Tracey answered, coloring a little.

  “It has nothing to do wit
h you,” Thorn snapped.

  “An interesting diversity of opinion,” Trix smirked. She ruffled Zenith’s fur and confided to him, “It's lucky for us that I’m not in love, eh, Zenith? Otherwise, I’d be going all weird as well.”

  “Behave yourself, young lady,” Tracey instructed. “Daughter or not, show a little respect.”

  Trix laughed good-naturedly. “I was only teasing, Mother,” she explained. “I couldn't be happier for you all, really. It's lovely that you’ve found each other and I wish you all the happiness in the world.”

  “Thank you, sweetie,” Tracey told her, reaching for my hand. “I hope that Stephen and I will be together for as long as possible.”

  “I second that,” I concurred, giving Thorn a quick hug. “This feels so right, and I'm looking forward to the future with unlimited excitement.”

  “Stephen!” Thorn exclaimed. “Not in front of the others!”

  I smiled to myself. Thorn exhibited a shy and inhibited disposition, almost like a young girl exploring her first taste of passion, whereas Tracey was more sensuous and wanton – in a nice way, of course. The difference between the two sisters was informative. They couldn't be further apart in temperament, and I found the whole scenario intriguing. It wouldn't have been anywhere near as exciting if they had displayed identical reactions.

  We sat around talking in companionable ease for the next hour or so until I announced that I had to return to the human world.

  “Already?” Tracey pouted.

  “But you've only just arrived here!” Thorn protested.

  “You knew this was going to happen,” I gently pointed out, “but I'll be back as soon as I can.” I tenderly kissed Thorn and Tracey and then stood up. “I know this system is awkward, but there's no way around it. Believe me, I'll be thinking of you all the time I'm away.”

  “Hurry back,” Tracey pleaded, grasping my arm.

  “Don't be long,” Thorn added, more formally.

  “I'll be back before you know it,” I said. Tracey and Thorn accompanied me to Phil's laboratory where he presented me with an updated edition of my portable transfer device.

  “I've modified this so it’ll work for the two clones, instead of the just the one the way it used to,” he explained. “It's the same initiation procedure as before, so now you can come back anytime you want to without my assistance.” He glanced at Tracey and Thorn who were each hanging onto their respective version of me. “And I can see that you'll have good reason to return as quickly as possible,” he quipped.

  “No snide remarks, please,” I commanded, snatching the device from his hand, and putting it on the table beside one of the beds. “I've suffered enough of Trix’s innuendos already, thank you very much. I’m positive that even Zenith is giving me suggestive looks as well.”

  I lay down on the beds. Thorn and Tracey each gave me a goodbye cuddle, and Phil activated the device. I awoke as myself – the single self. For a few seconds I became totally disorientated until I adjusted back to mono-vision. I stretched, yawned and ambled into the kitchen for something to eat. Being split into two? Truly bizarre. But the sensation of making love in duplicate – wow! Of course, I wouldn't be able to boast to anyone about it because no one would ever believe me, and I wouldn't blame them in the least. I could barely believe it myself and I was there! Anyway, it remained a secret best kept hidden. If it became widely known, then everyone would want a piece of the action and I'd lose Thorn and Tracey for sure. I had no illusions about myself and knew I hardly rated as anything special. I realised that I didn't deserve either of them, but hey, nobody said that life was fair. I had an unmerited advantage over the rest of humanity, but I wasn’t about to lose any sleep over it.

  Chapter 7

  After fortifying myself with food and drink, plus the mandatory toilet break, I prepared to return to my clandestine second home. I activated the transfer machine in the proper sequence and awoke to the now familiar double vision view of the underground world. I was absurdly pleased to note that Thorn and Tracey had waited for my return and they welcomed me with kisses and cuddles. Very nice. We spent the rest of the day together and worked out a schedule of visitation that didn't interfere with their lives or mine.

  And so, things went along quite smoothly and happily for the next month. Oddly enough, Thorn became the most passionate, dragging me into her room on every conceivable occasion. Tracey was more circumspect and less demanding, but all the more loving for that. I thought it an idyllic existence and I felt supremely happy up until the day of Trix’s surprising announcement.

  Thorn, Tracey and I were socialising in the living room. Zenith was with us too, which was rather strange because he and Trix were normally inseparable. Anyway, there we all were, enjoying each other's company, when Trix suddenly appeared, in the company of an unknown fairy.

  “Hi, everyone,” she announced. “I want to introduce you to someone. This is my special friend, Janoma.”

  “Pleased to meet you,” we chorused. Tracey invited Trix’s friend to sit down and offered him some tea. He politely refused and a sudden silence befell the room.

  “Tell us how you two met,” Tracey trilled, desperately trying to fill the social void.

  “Actually, Janoma met me,” Trix explained, glancing shyly over at her companion. “I’d been walking along when he came up to me and introduced himself.” She captured Janoma’s hand and held it possessively. “We started talking and, well, there you have it. We have so much in common.”

  “So, Janoma has a pet wolf as well?” Thorn smiled.

  “No, silly,” Trix replied, “of course not.” She puffed herself up. “Zenith is unique,” she proudly announced. “But Janoma and I share practically the same interests. We like the same books and the same food and everything! Isn't that amazing?”

  “Yes, it is,” Tracey answered, a slight frown on her face. “Tell us about yourself, Janoma,” she asked. “What do you do, for instance?”

  “I work in my uncle’s shop,” he explained. “He sells antiques and artefacts.”

  “That's fairly unusual, isn't it?” I hazarded. “I have to admit that I haven't even seen a shop like that anywhere in the settlement so far.”

  “I’m not surprised,” Janoma smiled. “We’re the only one. There just aren’t that many artefacts to go around. They're fairly rare, you know. I suppose their very rarity makes them valuable. There's a lot of money to be made in this area. Some collectors will pay ridiculous amounts for a unique piece or the last of something. But, unfortunately, the number of artefacts being found is diminishing. Sometimes I wonder how my uncle stays in business.”

  We chatted for a little longer and then Trix and Janoma announced their intention of going out for a walk. Zenith wasn't too happy about that and softly growled at being left behind once again. Trix shushed him and, holding hands with Janoma, tripped gaily out the door.

  “What did you think of that?” Tracey asked, when Trix had left.

  “So, Trix has a boyfriend,” Thorn shrugged. “It's no big deal.”

  “Yes, it is,” Tracey contradicted. “She's my daughter! I worry about her.”

  “For heaven's sake,” Thorn snorted impatiently. “She’s old enough to know what she's doing. She is an adult, after all.”

  “Granted,” Tracey agreed, “but I'm her mother. Sort of, anyway. And I don't want to see her hurt. Boyfriends make me nervous.”

  “And just how many boyfriends did you have before you found Stephen?” Thorn asked, scornfully. “Aren't you something of a legend around the settlement?”

  Tracey jumped to her feet in outrage. “What are you implying?” she stormed. “Are you saying I’m some sort of a sleazy floozy?”

  “I'm not implying anything!” Thorn yelled, also on her feet. “All I'm saying is that you don't have the right to badger Trix about her boyfriend.”

  “I can badger her all I want,” Tracey shouted back. “I'm her mother!”

  “No, you're not,” Thorn pointed out, exce
ssively loudly, I thought. “So, stop behaving as if you were! Leave her alone!”

  “By the gods, if you're looking for a fight, Arugohumna,” Tracey insisted, baring her teeth, “you've come to the right place.”

  “Bring it on!” Thorn shrilled. “It's been ages since I've thrashed you in a fight.”

  “That's never happened, and you know it,” Tracey swore. “You've never, ever won one of our fights!”

  “You hussy!” Thorn hissed.

  “Grandma!” Tracey retaliated, clenching her fists.

  I glanced at my other self and we threw our collective hands in the air. This sort of clash wasn't uncommon, and I'd seen it multiple times before although, thankfully, it hadn't occurred of late. These fights were never serious and always ended up in regretful hugs afterwards. Rather strange, if truth be told. Tracey and Thorn always appeared to be on the verge of imminent homicide, but generally the brawl resolved itself into all bark and no bite, and afterwards, as stated, they hugged and forgot the whole episode. Remarkably, there were never any subsequent recriminations or bad feelings left festering. It amazed me how they could simply take up where they’d left off prior to the fight. But anyway, back to this particular scuffle. Each of me grabbed the appropriate sister and dragged them apart.

  “Let go of me!” Thorn yelled. “I'm going to turn her into dog food for Zenith.”

  “And you stop doing that!” Tracey shrieked at me, struggling furiously and slapping at my arms. “By the time I’m finished with her, there won't be enough left over to even fill his bowl.”

  “Oh, no you don't,” I commanded, forcibly pulling both of them backwards. “Nobody is feeding Zenith today, thank you very much. And you were both going along so well until now. How about you both sit down and cool off? After that we can discuss the situation like rational, intelligent beings.” Like that's ever likely to happen, I sniggered to myself. My other self smiled at my witticism, but quickly reverted to a blank face when Tracey looked around at him – I mean me. Damn! Even after all this time, the old ways still persisted.