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(Note: Contains story spoilers up to chapter 4)
With thanks to DerivativeWings for editing. Check out his Planet of Desperation series starting here.
Some time later, and the hot springs trip was over. Now fully-dressed and back in the comfort of the inn, the girls stood in the hall outside their room and continued their small talk from earlier. However, Mòrag was not standing among them for this part of this conversation. Instead, she stood at the end of the hall where the lavatory was located, not quite next to the door, but close enough that she could quickly reach it as soon as its current occupant left.
The time between their dip and now had felt like hours to Mòrag. Nobody wanted to leave the water’s soothing embrace for a long time, and then came the lengthy ordeal that was toweling off and putting on her inquisitor uniform, making sure every last part of it was immaculate before leaving the changing rooms. Now, all that separated her from a long overdue visit to the toilet was a locked door, and the pungent scent of someone on the other side handling their business.
“Lady Mòrag?”
Hearing this, Mòrag furrowed her brow as yet another potential obstacle presented itself. She quickly relaxed her face, stood up straight with her hands behind her back, and turned around to see Lady Brighid, her Blade, behind her.
“Yes, Brighid?” said Mòrag, not a hint of annoyance in her voice. “Did you need something?”
“I just wished to know how your bath went,” Brighid replied.
That’s a rather odd request, thought Mòrag. “It went well enough. Warm water, pleasant company. Not a lot to comment on, really.” Aside from a particular event, she mentally added.
“I am happy to hear that,” said Brighid, “And did you have any issues with being… unclothed in front of the others?”
Mòrag shook her head. “I have not had trouble with that since my schooling days. I owe a lot to you for that, actually.”
“Well, thank you,” said Brighid, putting the back of her hand to her chin. “So what, may I ask, is the source of your tension, then?”
“Tension? I beg your pardon?” Mòrag asked. Is there seriously a crack in my composure?
“I’ve been your Blade for long enough to know when there is something amiss about you.” Brighid leaned in. “Please, you need not hide whatever burden you’re carrying from me.”
She always could see right through me, thought Mòrag while looking into Brighid’s closed eyes. She also realized that her companion was correct; much as Mòrag was tempted to lie and claim she was just fine, Brighid was not someone who deserved to be lied to. Besides, it was such a minor issue, why lie about it?
“Well, in truth, I do have something causing me a bit of stress,” said Mòrag. “But it is a minor problem, one that should hopefully be resolved very shortly.”
“And what is this problem of yours?”
Must I really say it out loud? thought Mòrag, glancing away. Brighid might have helped her out with her nudity issues, but admitting her need to use a restroom was something she had never been able to manage before. Not that Brighid could have helped her with that; it was a miracle that nobody, least of all her Blade, had caught on to this flaw of hers. Her roundabout way of admitting to it was the best she could do at the moment.
“Lady Mòrag?”
“Well, that problem…” muttered Mòrag. As dishonest as it might have been, she couldn’t help but hope for a distraction of some sort.
As she would later learn that night, she had to be careful about what she wished for.
The walls and floors suddenly rumbled and shook, causing the paintings and other decorations to rattle and fall off the walls. Everyone in the hallway looked about, raising their arms out of instinct.
“W-whoa! What’s going on?” asked Pyra down the hall.
“Seriously? We’re doing this again?” yelled Nia.
The lavatory door swung open, and out ran Tora with a piece of toilet paper stuck to his foot. “Meh-meh! Who make inn all shakey-shakey? Tora in worst possible place for that to happen!” he yelled, dancing in place.
He was soon joined by Rex, Dromarch, and Azurda, who all ran out of the men’s bedroom. “M-Mòrag, this doesn’t normally happen in Mor Ardain, does it?” asked Rex.
“Not in the least,” said Mòrag.
“We need to investigate this now,” said Brighid.
Mòrag nodded. “Agreed. Let’s move!”
Thoughts of using the bathroom were pushed into the recesses of Morag’s mind as she, Brighid, and the rest of the party made their way downstairs. Her duty to protect Mor Ardain always came first, especially over something as trivial as needing to relieve herself.
As the party passed through the inn’s front doors, they were greeted with panicked citizens running every which way, but mostly flowing from the middle of the city outwards. The rumbling, now accompanied with the sound of several roars and screeches, only felt stronger out on the streets.
“I-Inquisitor Mòrag! Lady Brighid!”
The group turned to the voice and spotted an Ardainian soldier running up to them, stopping only to catch his breath. “I’m glad you’ve turned up. Things are a right mess now!”
“Report, soldier. What is the cause of this commotion?” asked Mòrag.
“R-right.” The soldier stood at attention. “There’s been a breach in our defenses. Several monsters have crossed Midorl Bridge and are rampaging through the city!”
“How is that possible?” asked Brighid, “That bridge should be under heavy guard at all times.”
“It is, ma’am, but it seems a tribe of ignas have coordinated an attack. We’re not sure how, but they’ve got the monsters all worked up in a frenzy.”
“What would cause ignas to mount an attack?” asked Brighid, putting a hand to her chin. “Could this possibly be the work of anti-imperialists?”
“Maybe Torna is behind this?” suggested Rex.
“Perhaps, but we’ve not the time to discern the cause. We must get the situation under control and protect the civilians,” said Mòrag, turning to the party. “I understand this is an Ardainian matter, but could I possibly ask you all for your assistance? I fear Alba Cavanich will need all the help it can get should Torna be involved.”
Rex raised a fist. “Of course you can! We’ll do whatever we can to keep everyone safe.”
“Tora and Poppi will help the innocent like true Driver and Blade!” declared Tora as he and Poppi puffed out their chests and put their hands on their hips.
“Count me in, too,” said Nia, “I never like sitting on the sidelines when there’s fighting to be done.”
Ever ready to help out, this crew, thought Mòrag. “Very well. Rex, Tora, I need you and your Blades to secure the marketplace. Nia, Dromarch, I need you to join Brighid and me in protecting the bridge to Hardhaigh Palace. Keep the collateral damage to a minimum, but do whatever you need to keep the civilians  safe.” She threw her arm out and declared “Move out!”
Nods and shouts in the affirmative rang out as the party separated to carry out their tasks. None were more determined than Mòrag, however; her home was under attack, and she would do anything to keep it safe from harm. Whatever reason those ignas had for invading, they were about to wish they had never set foot in the capital.
 
 
While not quite the top dogs of Mor Ardain’s indigenous creatures, ignas were nonetheless feared for their brutality and strength in numbers. Battles against them were no light matter, as their relentless might could easily overwhelm the unprepared fighter.
But as Mòrag and the rest of Mor Ardain eagerly demonstrated, brute force was hardly a match for proper training and tactics. At the very least, Ardainian weaponry outclassed anything the ignas could manage. That fact could not be made any clearer as Mòrag’s whip sword struck an igna clear across the head, sending the creature straight to the ground, never to rise again.
As she paused to collect herself, Mòrag saw that the rest of the fight was going much the same way. Nia danced around a frenzied scorpox, dodging a strike of its tail before leaping over and delivering a decisive slash across its back. Meanwhile, the rest of the nearby Ardainian forces opened fire on two griffoxes that had pushed their way forward. It was not enough to kill, but they turned tail and ran back, having clearly gotten the message.
With that, the plaza in front of Hardhaigh Palace’s bridge was devoid of invaders. All that could be heard around them was the fighting going on in other parts of the city and the crackling of the blue flame barricade that Brighid had set up.
“Plaza is secure, Special Inquisitor!” yelled a guard.
“I see,” said Mòrag, sheathing her swords. “Our next move should be to push forward. Front team, move up and assist our forces in the market. Rear team, maintain your positions with me.”
“Yes, ma’am!” responded all the soldiers as they carried out their orders without hesitation.
As this happened, Nia sheathed her ring blades as she and Dromarch walked back to the party. “So are we to continue guarding this bridge as well?” asked Dromarch.
“I hope not,” commented Nia, “Standing around’s not really my thing.”
How does that not surprise me? thought  Mòrag. “Sorry to disappoint, but we cannot risk leaving the bridge unguarded. Perhaps we will have to move later, but for now, the best course of action is for us to stay here and continue ho-ooooh!”
It hit her harder than any blow the ignas could muster. Her need to relieve herself, completely forgotten in the chaos of battle, had returned stronger than ever. The painful surge forced her to a complete standstill, her hands curling up with visible tension while her entire body went rigid in its efforts to keep her urine from spilling out right there and then.
“Lady Mòrag!”
Mòrag could only grit her teeth in response to Brighid’s voice and footsteps moving towards her. Her mind, calm and clear during the battle, now raced with panic. It was highly possible that she would not be able to hide her urge to urinate from the others now, assuming they had not figured it out on their own. This did not even factor in just how she was going to properly relieve herself, either. She was in the middle of the city, with nothing resembling a public restroom nearby, and even if there was, what message would it send to the troops for the Special Inquisitor to abandon a crucial situation because she needed the potty?
“You alright over there, Mòrag?” came Nia’s voice as she ran up to her as well.
“Nngh, I…” she tried to speak, but even talking proved difficult from the strain. Was this it, she wondered? Would she truly have to admit to everyone how close to wetting herself she was?
“Eeeyaaahh!”
Drivers and Blades alike turned in the direction of the scream, youthful, panicked, and nearby. Once more, Mòrag’s pee predicament was forced to the back of her mind as far more important matters arose.
“A child?” said Brighid.
“It sounded like it came from the alleys,” said Dromarch.
“We need to move, now!” yelled Mòrag. “Nia, Dromarch, stay and guard the bridge. Brighid and I will handle this ourselves.”
If anyone had an objection, Mòrag did not hear it. She did not know where it came from, but she found the strength to pick herself back up and rush forward, running as fast as her legs could move. The pain from her bladder persisted, but it didn’t matter now, not when lives were in danger.
Right behind her, Brighid muttered only a quick “Lady Mòrag” before rushing to join her.
Soon enough, Mòrag and Brighid were running through the alleys of Alba Cavanich, turning their heads every which way to find the source of the scream. The pain from her bladder pulsed as rapidly as her heartbeat, with every step making her hold weaker and weaker, but still she pushed on. Just a little longer, she thought, Please hold out…
“Help, someone!”
This cry went out just as the two rounded the corner, and they quickly understood why. Two children, wide-eyed with fear, held each other with their backs to a railway blocking a sheer cliff. In front of them were several ignas, all brandishing weapons and letting out threatening shrieks while they closed in on the kids. It did not take an inquisitor to deduce what was about to happen next.
“Brighid!” yelled Mòrag without a moment’s hesitation as she pulled a sword out and tossed it to her Blade.
In one graceful motion, Brighid caught the sword and swung it down, sending forth a wave of blue flame. It spread into a line between the kids and the monsters, blocking them off from whatever attacks they had planned.
The kids were safe for the moment, but their move had caused the ignas to turn their snarling and weapons towards the ladies instead. Rather than cowering, however, both ladies stood tall, or at least as tall as Mòrag could bear to stand, and raised their swords in tandem.
“On my authority as Special Inquisitor, I demand that you leave the city now, or suffer the consequences!” threatened Mòrag.
As she had expected but not hoped for, the lizardmen were not deterred by her words, choosing instead to yell and lunge forward. Ignas were known for not backing down from a fight, no matter how foolish doing so would be.
Gritting her teeth, Mòrag took her other sword back from Brighid and swung them to the sides, extending them like long, fiery tendrils. Meanwhile, Brighid fell back and began channeling her ether into Mòrag, filling her swords with a burning energy.
A battle quickly ensued, fast and frantic, as weapons and fire flew every which way. The ignas had Mòrag outnumbered and surrounded, but such poor odds were not uncommon for her. Worse had challenged her before, yet she remained triumphant through it all. The ignas did not have any hope of beating her.
At least, that’s how it should have been. As it was, the nimble and masterful Special Inquisitor was having difficulty staying light on her feet. In addition to the pain in her bladder becoming unbearable, all that pressure weighed her down to where she felt as sluggish as the Mor Ardain titan itself. Much of her defense came from swinging the whips around her, protecting her and Brighid like a ring of fire and steel.
It was not as professional or elegant as she would have liked, but it was getting results. Two of the ignas had been felled already, and as Mòrag let out a cry and a downward slash with both blades, a third monster soon hit the ground.
“Aah!”
But right as it did so, something also dropped, right into Mòrag’s undergarments. It was only a spurt, but that alone was unacceptable to her, causing her breathing to run ragged and heart to beat faster.
Her panic lasted only a moment, but even that was too long in the heat of battle. Her distraction allowed an igna to leap in from the side and deliver a powerful jumping kick to her shoulder, too strong for her to maintain balance. With another yelp, she fell to the ground, her swords falling out of her hands and the flow of ether breaking up. That small bit of warmth in her knickers was instantly forgotten from the blunt pain of the kick.
“Lady Mòrag!” cried Brighid, immediately motioning to rush towards her Driver. Unfortunately, the remaining ignas were already ahead of her, as they jumped in front of her with weapons drawn, ready to divide and conquer the duo.
Meanwhile, Mòrag had just glanced up from her shock to find the igna that kicked her now standing above her, raising its sword up to deal a decisive strike. Was this really how it would end for her, she wondered: on her knees in a random alley, her bladder fit to burst, defeated by a wild monster out of sheer negligence ?
But then she heard the roar of a tiger and saw a ringed blade slash the igna straight across the head, taking the creature out of the battle. Never had Mòrag been happier for someone to have disobeyed a direct order.
At the same time, a fiery blast erupted from both of Brighid hands, sending the last couple ignas smacking into the wall and slumping over defeated. Even without weapons, a Blade was far from defenseless.
It was only after the fight that Brighid noticed their reinforcements. “Nia? Dromarch?”
“Dromarch, can you get those kids to safety?” asked Nia, sheathing her weapons.
“At once, my lady,” he replied as he set off. The protective wall of fire had died out around the children, allowing him to calm them down and escort them out of the alleys.
While this happened, Brighid turned to Nia and asked “Weren’t you both ordered to remain at the bridge?”
Nia crossed her arms. “I told you, I don’t like standing around when there’s enemies to fight.” She looked away from Brighid and added, “But nevermind that, is she alright?”
Brighid gasped as she remembered what she was going to do before the attack. “Lady Mòrag!” she called out while running up to her.
Mòrag had barely moved from her spot since getting kicked there. She had heard Brighid yelling for her, but the immense pain she felt kept her from making a proper response. However, this pain was not from the kick; she had taken far worse in her career and could still carry about like nothing happened. No, this pain was localized solely between her legs, and far more stressful than a mere kick.
“Mòrag, are you okay? Please speak to me!” said Brighid, kneeling down to her eye level and placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Is… is it over?” Mòrag finally mumbled.
“E-Excuse me?” asked Brighid.
“Are the monsters gone? Is everyone safe?”
Brighid glanced away to listen to her surroundings. “Y-yes, I believe so. I can’t hear anymore commotion.”
“Yeah, it’s all quiet now,” said Nia, her ears moving about. “Couldn’t even hear any fighting from the market before I left.”
“G-Good,” Mòrag muttered, keeping her head down. The civilians were safe, and damage to the city and palace had been minimized. This meant she could now put her focus solely on her bladder, which she highly doubted would end nearly as well. At this point, every bit of her strength was put into holding back the inevitable flood. She could not move an inch, let alone stand up and search for a toilet, or else her shaky hold would come crashing down. Despite having braved several dangerous creatures in battle, the thought of losing control in front of the others now filled her with more dread than any monster.
“Lady Morag,” said Brighid.
“W-what is it?” she replied.
“Let it go.”
Mòrag’s eyes lifted up. “Er, beg your p-pardon?” Did she just…
Brighid looked at her right in the eyes, even as they remained shut. “Please, don’t strain yourself any further. Just let it out. I won’t think less of you for it.”
“B-brighid…” Time seemed to stop while Mòrag stared into Brighid’s closed eyes. Her Blade, the personification of elegance and grace, was giving her permission to relieve herself here and now? This night had taken quite the bizarre turn, to say the least.
But she couldn’t do that, as much as she wanted to. She was the Special Inquisitor of Mor Ardain, a top representative for the empire. To just go and wet herself was too far beneath her, too disgraceful, too humiliating, too…
Mòrag let out a small gasp. No matter what her mind thought, her heart and bladder had decided for her. She could feel the warmth growing in her undergarments and passing through to her trousers, despite any effort she could make to stop it. It was happening in this very moment, and all she could do was make peace with it.
And so, Mòrag closed her eyes and mouthed the words “thank you” as she abandoned the last of her attempts to hold it. Right away, the leak grew into a full stream, strong enough to create the sound of water running against fabric as well as a gentle hiss. The wetness, once localized to the innermost part of her groin, spread outwards and covered her backside before pooling into a puddle that grew to cover the back of her legs, the moonlight and alley lamp leaving it visible for anyone to see should they look her way. Before too long, her coat-tails became damp and heavy from resting atop the puddle, and even her gloves grew wet from clutching her soaked groin.
Such an act should have instilled only shame and humiliation in the inquisitor, and it did, but for the moment, it could not hold a candle to the relief she now felt. Mòrag’s shut eyes lifted upwards and a hum sounded in her throat at the bliss of her overfilled bladder finally shrinking back down to a comfortable, unstressed level. It was such a crude thing to derive pleasure from, and yet not even someone of her stature could deny how good it felt to address a basic need after neglecting it for so long.
Outside Mòrag’s world of relief, the other ladies could only stare in disbelief and silence for the whole minute it took for her to finishing emptying. While Brighid remained kneeled and ignored the puddle slowly edging closer to her foot, Nia’s eyes and mouth both hung open, and even she felt her cheeks turning red, though it did not compare to the blush on Mòrag’s face.
“W-well then,” said Nia towards the end, “When Brighid said ‘let it out’, this was not what I was expecting.”
In an instant, Nia’s voice jerked Mòrag out of her bliss. Her eyes snapped open, and the cold weight of reality pressed down on her hard. The pride of the empire had just pissed her uniform, and now sat in her waste like an intoxicated vagrant. She could not look more pathetic if she wore nothing at all. Even Emperor Niall, her own brother, would surely think the same if he saw her now.
“N-Nia, Brighid,” she started in a shaky voice, the brim of her hat hiding her eyes from the others.
“How are you feeling now?” asked Brighid in a calm tone. “I was worried you were going to hurt yourself if you tried holding it any longer.”
Any longer? “How long did you know about my… predicament?”
“I had my suspicions at the inn, but they weren’t confirmed until a few minutes ago. Like I said, I know when something’s wrong with you, my lady.”
“I see…” Mòrag’s eyes drifted further away from the two. “Perhaps I am not as fit for this position as I once thought.”
“Why? Because you chose to save a bunch of kids over not peeing your pants?” asked Nia.
“That should not even be a choice in the first place, not for someone of my station,” she replied, her voice strained with frustration. “No other Special Inquisitor would have made an error so egregious.”
“Lady Mòrag, please don’t criticize yourself so harshly,” said Brighid, “Your leadership tonight proved to everyone why you deserve to be the Special Inquisitor.”
“Seriously, if not for you, there’s no telling how many more people might have gotten hurt,” said Nia.
Mòrag let out a sigh. “You may be right, but regardless, I let my pride cloud my common sense tonight. The people are fortunate that this is the worst to happen because of it.”
“Pride?” asked Nia, “So that’s why you didn’t just wee off the cliff with Pyra and me earlier?”
“You… did what?” Brighid turned and raised a hand to her mouth.
“Er, right, you weren’t there for that.” Nia rubbed the back of her head. “Look, I get it, Mòrag, you’ve got to keep up your appearance for the empire and all that, but you don’t need to worry about that when it’s just us. Especially not when you’re as bare-arsed as everyone else.”
Brighid nodded. “I would not have worded it in that manner, but she is right. You can’t and shouldn’t always play the part of Special Inquisitor. The person underneath the uniform needs to be taken care of as well.” She stood up and held her hand out in front of Mòrag. “And I think now would be a good time to start taking care of her.”
Nia walked up and stuck her hand out as well. “Take it from someone who wet themselves not that long ago: best thing to do is learn from it and move on. Plus, it’s really not fun wallowing in your own piss, trust me.”
Open hands, sound wisdom, and a smile on each face; the complete opposite of the consequences Mòrag had expected for her accident. Like the urine staining her trousers, it took a little bit for their words to sink into her, but once they did, the weight of all of Mor Ardain seemed to lift off her shoulders. It was not by a lot, but at least she could lift her arms and take the hands reaching out to her, letting them pull her up to her feet and out of the puddle.
“Nia, Brighid,” she spoke, standing tall and making eye contact with the ladies once again. “I am truly indebted to you both. I promise you, I will find a way to repay you for your kind words.”
“Please, think nothing of it,” said Brighid, waving a hand, “It is enough for me to see you standing tall once more.”
“You’ve already seen me with wet pants, so we’ll just call it even,” said Nia, pausing to stretch her arms out and yawn. “Well, I don’t know about you all, but I think we’ve earned us some shut-eye.”
Mòrag shook her head. “Unfortunately, I cannot retire for the night. I need to assess the damage and open an investigation to the ignas’ motives straight away.”
“So what, you’re just gonna do all that in wet knickers?” asked Nia with a raised eyebrow.
“If I must for the sake of this city,” she responded, her composure unwavering even as her face remained red and her thoughts filled with people giving her weird looks.
“Even so, it would not reflect well on the empire for the Special Inquisitor to walk around in urinated trousers,” said Brighid, “I advise we at least get you into a fresh uniform before we speak with any of the soldiers.”
Mòrag glanced down at her legs. While her black clothes and the night darkness would hide her accident from sight, anyone near her would notice the unmistakable scent of urine upon her. Holding out her hands, she could see a hint of yellow on her white gloves, more evidence that would remove all doubt as to what befell her.
“Perhaps a change of clothes would be in order, then,” she responded. “Could you escort me back to the inn?”
“It would be my pleasure,” said Brighid.
“I was headed back there, anyway,” said Nia.
“Then let us move quickly before someone else becomes privy to this incident.”
The party turned and stepped forward, with Brighid leading and Nia following behind to keep Mòrag covered on both sides. However, they did not get more than a couple steps away when they all came to a stop with their faces full of worry.
A lone Ardainian soldier stood before the party, his helmet hiding his face along with the thoughts and emotions that could be gleaned from it.
“Er, how long have you been standing there?” Brighid asked.
As if waking from a daydream, the soldier immediately snapped to the attention. “Ah, Lady Brighid! Special Inquisitor! I-I won’t say a word of this to anyone, on my honor as an Ardainian soldier!”
“That is… good to hear,” said Mòrag. “Did you have anything to report, private?”
“Well, there was a small request from the whole platoon and me, for your consideration.”
Mòrag and Brighid exchanges glances. “And what is this request?” Mòrag responded.
At this, the soldier yelled his request loud enough for all of Mor Ardain for hear, forever entrenching it within the memories of its citizens.
“DON’T FORGET ME!”

(Note: Contains story spoilers up to chapter 4.)
With thanks to DerivativeWings for editing
Mor Ardain, the mighty empire of Alrest, boasted an impressive military and little else. Built atop a titan nearing the end of its lifespan, much of the land was covered in mountains and deserts filled with dangerous creatures, and most of it unfit for agriculture. The high temperatures and dusty air made for a stuffy atmosphere even in the middle of the night. Nearly all of the resources needed to support its populace came from trade imports and the Ardainian technology to use the titan’s heat as an energy source.
There was, however, one geological feature that could only be found in these lands. Hot springs, naturally occurring from the endless supply of geothermal energy far below the crust, dotted the continent. Valued for their relaxing and therapeutic properties, travelers from all over the world visited the empires just for a chance to bathe in these springs. One such place was Jakolo’s Inn at the capital of Alba Cavanich, and it happened to be currently occupied by a few certain individuals.
“Haahhh…” Nia sighed as she laid her head back and closed her eyes in bliss, the warm waters caressing everything below her neck. With all the drama and fighting she had to deal with today, she was in good need of a break, and enjoying a hot bath under the moon’s gentle light was just what the doctor ordered.
“I gotta say,” she continued, “I wasn’t expecting to have another dip in here so soon, but this feels just as good as our first trip.”
“Poppi agree one-hundred percent,” came a voice from her side. Nia glanced over at Poppi, who was relaxing and stretching in her QT mode. “Even artificial Blade like Poppi can appreciate soothing, rejuvenating powers of springs. Poppi hope Elysium is full of hot springs, too!” She leaned forward, sending a ripple outwards and asked “Is Elysium full of hot springs, Pyra?”
“Hmm?” Pyra, the spring’s third occupant, opened her eyes, the glow of her emerald core crystal above her submerged chest cutting through the steam. “Oh, I’m not sure. I can only recall one location from Elysium, and I’ve never seen any from there.”
“Aww, Poppi is disappoint,” she replied, lowering her head.
Nia leaned forward to look at Pyra. “I have to admit, I’m a bit surprised to see you in the springs with us, Pyra,” she said. “I’d have thought Mythra would have been chomping at the bit to have a second dip in here.”
Pyra giggled. “Well, I’ve never had the chance to try a hot spring, and after hearing how much Mythra enjoyed her bath, I got curious, so she agreed to let me try them this time.”
“So what’s the verdict?” asked Nia.
“If these really aren’t in Elysium, we’re going to have to make some for sure,” said Pyra with a smile. She then sighed and took a moment to stretch, lifting her legs and wiggling her toes as they broke the water’s surface.
“Ha ha, there’s an idea! Now I’m really excited to get there.” Nia laid back and turned her head to the other side of the springs. “Then again, I suppose Pyra’s not the most surprising guest in here. Isn’t that right, Mòrag?”
At this, the fourth and final guest in the spring opened her eyes and lifted her head up. Mòrag Ladair, Special Inquisitor of Mor Ardain, could not have looked any more different from her everyday self. Gone was her pristine military uniform and hat to house her bun-tied hair, along with her perfect posture and chin held high. She now lounged without a thread of clothing like the rest of the group, her dark hair down to her shoulders and mingling with the waters.
“And what makes you say that?” responded Mòrag.
Nia shrugged. “I dunno, you just struck me as too uptight and serious to even think about getting in one of these.”
“Poppi not expect Mòrag to join us, either,” chimed in Poppi, “Poppi thought it would take while for new friend to be naked around us.”
This earned a smirk and chuckle from Mòrag. “Well, contrary to popular belief, hot springs are a lesser-known pleasure of mine. I wish I could enjoy them more often, but my work leaves me too busy for them.” She paused to lift up an arm and look at it. “As for the nudity, well, I couldn’t carry the title of special inquisitor if I fretted over something like not being clothed in front of other similarly-bare women.”
“Wow, that’s really brave, Mòrag,” said Pyra, “I wish I could be that comfortable with being naked. Mythra can do it like it’s nothing, but sometimes, I have to work up the courage just to change clothes in front of someone else.” Pyra crossed her legs out of modesty, even though the waters hid her body anyway.
“Admittedly, it took some getting used to. Brighid was most helpful in getting me out of that particular shell. Although, seeing you sitting among us now, Pyra, I would say you are quite a ways braver than you believe.”
Pyra giggled and blushed. “Thank you, I guess.”
“Hey, speaking of Brighid,” said Nia, looking around the springs, “Where is she? I figured she’d be right behind you as usual.”
Mòrag sighed. “Brighid is not a fan of hot springs. I imagine she is back in our room, relaxing with a good book in a comfortable chair right now.”
“That’s a shame. It would’ve been nice to have all the girls in here,” said Pyra.
“I guess it makes sense, though,” added Nia, “If I had Brighid’s powers, I probably wouldn’t enjoy sitting in the stuff that blocks them out, either.”
“If Brighid not like water, how does she take baths?” asked Poppi.
“You know, that’s a good question,” said Nia, “Care to answer that for us, Mòrag?”
“I would, but I am not certain if Brighid would approve of me sharing her daily rituals with others.”
Nia frowned. “Guess we’ll just have to ask her instead.” She looked forward and relaxed back into the spring, letting the conversation fall silent while her eyes fell shut. However, just a few seconds later, and her face tensed up while she let out a grunt, opening her eyes again. “Gah, figures,” she muttered.
“Something wrong, Nia?” asked Pyra.
“Er, kind of,” she replied, the lightest hint of pink gracing her cheeks. “I forgot to visit the loo before I got in.”
“Visit loo?” Poppi turned her head. “Oh! Does Nia mean go pee-pee and/or poo-poo?”
Nia felt a particularly large drop of sweat form on the back of her head. “You hit the nail on the head, Poppi. Well, the first part at least,” she responded with a hint of strain to her voice. Nobody could see it, but below the surface, Nia’s legs were pushed together with the occasional fidget.
“The changing rooms behind us have bathrooms, right?” asked Pyra. “At least, that’s what I thought those doors were for.”
“They are indeed water closets,” confirmed Mòrag.
“I know about the toilets,” said Nia, “I’m just working up the will to actually get up and go use them. These waters just feel really good, and I think I’m fully adjusted to them now.”
“I would suggest getting out and taking care of it soon,” said Mòrag, her cold tone cutting through the heat of the springs. “Before the water tempts you to… solve your problem another way.”
“Poppi agree,” nodded Poppi. “Poppi rather not swim in friend’s waste products.”
“Yeah yeah, I’m getting out now,” said Nia, looking over to Mòrag with a frown. “Er, Mòrag, would you mind turning your head for a moment?”
“If I must,” sighed Mòrag, already closing her eyes and looking away.
“Th-thanks,” replied Nia. With everyone not privy to a certain secret of hers looking away, Nia stood up and climbed out of the springs.
But as Pyra watched her friend make her way to the toilets, she frowned and let out a light, concerned moan. All the discussion about peeing made her realize she had neglected to use the bathroom, and her bladder was quite eager to not make her forget again.
“Pyra have problem, too?” asked Poppi.
“Hmm? Um, yes,” answered Pyra, “I think I had better pay a visit to the ladies’ room, too. Jenerossi Tea just goes right through me sometimes.”
“I trust we do not need to have the same conversation with you, Pyra?” asked Mòrag.
“Not at all. I’ll be right back,” said Pyra as she stood up, quickly turning her body so as not to give the others a good eyeful. Already, she missed the spring’s rejuvenating warmth; the quicker she used the bathroom, the quicker she could get back in. She also thought of grabbing her towel nearby for modesty, but the others had seen her already, so there was little point. She wouldn’t be exposed long enough for it to matter, anyway.
“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me!”
Pyra perked up as she saw Nia storming back to the springs with a furrowed brow and closed fists. “Er, what’s wrong?” she asked.
Nia stopped and crossed her arms, doing her best not to look below Pyra’s head in admiration and envy. “They’re out of order.”
“Excuse me?” Pyra blinked.
“The toilets, both of them. They’re locked tight, and they’ve got signs on them.”
“R-really?” Pyra glanced away with a frown. “That’s… unfortunate.”
Nia raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you need them, too?”
“Well… yeah, I do,” said Pyra, putting her hands to her groin and wiggling her hips a bit, her cheeks gaining a light blush.
“Hate to tell you, but unless you’re about to blast the doors open with your powers, neither of us will be using them soon.”
“May I advise not causing damage to this facility?” came Mòrag’s voice, making the girls turn their heads. Although Mòrag continued to look away, her authoritative tone was just as strong. “I would prefer if our party did not become known for being disrespectful guests.”
“Relax, we’re not going to do anything like that,” said Nia. She then leaned towards Pyra and muttered, “Though I might give them a good kick once my boots are back on.”
“But what are we going to do now? I don’t want to get back in the water without taking care of this,” said Pyra. For a moment, she had a mental image of her sitting in the springs, blushing and putting her legs together as a mist of yellow surrounded her where she sat. She shook that thought out of her head.
“Can’t friends just put clothes back on and use potty back at inn?” asked Poppi.
“I suppose so.” Pyra put a hand to her chest. “But, I just got here. I’d hate to have to towel off and leave so soon.”
“Same here. It takes long enough to get in and out of my clothes as it is,” said Nia.
“You can simply wear a towel back to the inn,” said Mòrag, “It is not uncommon for guests at a hot springs hotel to do so.”
It was Nia’s turn to blush. “W-walk around in just a towel? With the kind of people we travel with?” she asked, putting her hands on her hips, “Yeah, I’m not about to give any of them the easy chance for a peek at the goods.” She leaned in towards Pyra and whispered “Not to mention my… other secret.”
“I, um, have to agree with Nia,” said Pyra. “If Rex were to see me like that…” she felt her cheeks burning with embarrassment at the thought.
“I am not sure what else to tell you,” said Mòrag, “Your options are quite limited right now. You may not have a choice.”
Pyra glanced over at Nia. “She might be right. What are we going to do?”
“I don’t know, but if I stand here any longer, my problem might just solve itself, and not in a good way,” said Nia. True to her word, standing out in the open with her whole body exposed to the air accelerated her need for relief. She groaned while shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
Pyra averted her gaze, not wanting to see her friend’s potty dance. Trouble was, she didn’t want to look back at the springs either, for the waters would only further remind her of her need to pee. Instead, she looked out at the cliffs past the safety rails on the other side of the springs. Even in the moonlight, the desert beyond the cliffs was difficult to see, making it look as if the world simply ended at that point.
“Wait a minute…” Pyra’s eyes opened up as it hit her.
“Hmm? You think of something there?” asked Nia, her ears perking up.
“Maybe.” Pyra pointed over to the cliffs. “Mòrag, do you know if there is anything right behind those rails?”
Mòrag glanced at the rails. “Nothing other than rocks and pipes and a fifty meter drop.” Her head turned towards the girls slightly, not enough for her to see them. “Are you suggesting what I think you are?”
“I think she just might be,” said Nia, looking to Pyra with a mischievous smirk. “Well now, sounds like someone’s got a bit of a naughty side to them, and I don’t mean Mythra.”
“Eh heh heh…” Pyra rubbed the back of her head. “I mean, if the toilets are unavailable, then we just have to go somewhere else, right?” She looked over towards Poppi and Mòrag. “Um, would you both be okay with us doing this in the open?”
“Poppi is okay with it. Poppi still not understand need for hiding waste removal in first place.”
Mòrag lowered her head in thought. “Ordinarily, I would arrest someone and have them taken to a nearby jail for urinating in public.”
“Oh, come on, Mòrag,” interjected Nia, “Now’s not a good time to be a stick in the mud.”
Mòrag sighed. “That said, given the circumstances, I suppose I can look the other way just this once, literally and figuratively.”
“Thanks, girls,” said a smiling Pyra, turning to face Nia. “Shall we?”
“You don’t even have to ask,” replied Nia.
With that, the girls briskly walked over to the cliffs, both having a noticeable tension in their legs and rear ends. Reaching the rails, Pyra and Nia spaced themselves apart, roughly the average distance between two stalls in a public bathroom, and squatted down, Pyra being flat on her feet while Nia leaned more on her toes. Pyra then moved a hand between her legs and used her fingers to spread herself apart, as she normally did when relieving herself in this manner. Nia could not be bothered with such precautions, instead resting her hands on her legs while she eagerly let nature run its course.
A couple seconds later, and two streams, pale and yellow-tinted, soon made their way out of the girls. Thanks to her preparation, Pyra enjoyed a steady, controlled pee with a solid stream going forward and slightly upwards. It easily flew past the dropoff before breaking up and falling into the dark, where the piddling of it landing on the rocks could barely be heard. Nia’s pee could hardly have been more different: a chaotic spray, mostly going over the cliffs, but with a good amount splattering in front of her. The force caused quite the hissing sound to go along with the other noises, creating a symphony that cut through the other sounds of water in the springs.
Pyra certainly couldn’t ignore the noises next to her. While she did her best to remain respectful, she could not resist a quick peek out of curiosity. What she saw quickly made her turn her head back: not just Nia’s robust spray, but her closed eyes and open mouth, a girl in the zen of relief. Though she was not exactly modest with her pee, Nia deserved privacy as much as anyone else, so Pyra kept her gaze forward from that point on.
Soon enough, the relief of emptying her own bladder resonated through Pyra’s body as well. She shut her eyes and let out a light hum with a closed smile, the only bit of modesty she could display in her situation. It paled in comparison to the long, drawn-out sigh Nia made, punctuated by the shiver that went through the catgirl’s body.
As their pee continued, Pyra thought about how silly this moment was for them. Given how their adventures took them all over the world, she had expected to have to relieve herself in some odd places. Weeing off a cliff while in the buff, however, had to take the cake. As much as she liked to share her experiences with Rex, this was one moment she was definitely keeping to herself.
Meanwhile, Nia could think of little else but how good it felt to let all that pressure out. She would never tell anyone else, not even Dromarch, but she enjoyed the times when the party would have to stop for a pee break in the middle of nowhere. There was something about answering nature’s call in its domain that appealed to a more primal part of her, like a jungle cat marking her territory. Being nude while she did it only further accented the feeling that she was not a Gormotti, but a wild and free animal. She had to wonder if Dromarch felt this way whenever he relieved himself outdoors.
Their potty time was certainly needed, but neither had exactly been at their limit before they started, so their pee did not last much longer. Roughly half a minute passed before their streams began their decline, and another thirty seconds passed before they came to a stop completely. They each waited out a few more seconds for the last spurts and dribbles to leave them, then stood back up.
“Nyaahh, much better,” sighed Nia as she turned to face Pyra, “I gotta say, that was one of your best ideas yet, Pyra.”
“Um, I suppose it was,” said a bashful Pyra, holding one arm behind her back and looking down at Nia’s feet. That’s when she noticed a couple drips falling from and running down Nia’s thighs. She then became aware of the faint wetness that still existed on and around that part of her body. “Oh! Sorry, I didn’t think at all about having something for us to wipe with.”
Nia shrugged. “It’s fine. I’ll be all cleaned up in just a second, anyway,” she replied with a wink.
“That’s true.” Pyra rubbed the back of her head. “I hope the others don’t mind us getting a little bit of it in the spring.”
“A couple drops is a lot better than two full bladder’s worth, I’d say. Now let’s get back in before we have to get used to the hot water all over again.”
“I’m right behind you,” said Pyra with a giggle.
Neither girl wasted time in walking back to the springs and sitting back in its waters, both letting out sighs of relaxation. Without the nagging pressure in their bladders, they could melt into a blissful state again.
“Sorry about all that,” said Pyra once she had adjusted to the heat once more, “I didn’t mean to make things so awkward.”
“It alright,” said Poppi, “Poppi understand bladders can be sources of inconvenience and stress.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” said Nia, leaning her head back on the rock behind her. “Mmm, I think this spring actually feels a bit better now after my wee.”
“Poppi could hear Nia go pee-pee all the way from here. Sound like Nia let out all water in entire body!” said Poppi in earnest.
“Well, it certainly felt that way,” Nia chuckled.
“May I ask that we move to a different subject now?” asked Mòrag, “I find this a poor location to discuss something unsavory such as bodily fluids.”
“Why not?” replied Nia, “We’re all girls here, and it’s not anything we don’t all go through daily, Poppi notwithstanding.”
“She has a point, though,” said Pyra, “We hardly get the chance to just have some small talk like this. I’d rather talk about more pleasant things with you all.”
Nia shrugged again. “Fair enough, I suppose I can start. I was in the market earlier today, and I found the most adorable bear carving for sale. If it didn’t cost so much, I’d be giving its cheeks a good pinching right now!”
“Wow! It must have been really cute for you to say that,” said Pyra.
From there, the conversation drifted into more tasteful pleasantries for the rest of their time in the spring. Mòrag breathed a sigh when no one was focused on her; she did not know if she could stand any more pee-talk in her current state.
In truth, Pyra was not the only one who became aware of nature’s call when Nia brought up her need to go. Hearing the girls relieving themselves out in the open while up to her neck in water only made her desire for relief that much stronger. Unfortunately, while Pyra was okay with letting her need become known as well, Mòrag could never bring herself to do the same. Being nude around other nude women was one thing, but the Special Inquisitor of Mor Ardain admitting that she needed the restroom, and then whizzing off a cliff? Unthinkable. She would simply wait until they were all finished, then get dressed and use the bathroom downstairs like someone of her status should.
Against her better judgment, Mòrag glanced over to the spot Pyra and Nia had squatted at moments ago. Relief would come soon for her, she told herself. At least, that’s what she hoped.
 

(Note: Contains story spoilers up to chapter 2. Reader discretion advised.)
 
What an utter crock of bad luck. This was the one thought that repeated in Nia’s mind over the last few hours. What was supposed to be an easy salvaging job with her mercenary friends had spiraled into a fight for survival, against her former companions, no less. Everything since then was one bad turn after another, from crash-landing in a swamp, to that awful wanted poster that made her look like some kind of monster, culminating in her arrest by Mor Ardain’s most powerful Blade.
Sitting on the hard floor of her cell, Nia had to wonder where everything went wrong. Rex was the most likely culprit to her. That cocky kid just had to do what he was told and stay out of their way, but then he went and bonded with the Blade they were trying to collect. Granted, she had no idea her partners would try to kill him afterwards, and he did help her out of a pinch at the swamp. She really couldn’t make heads or tails out of him when it came down to it.
Nia groaned as she shifted her weight to take some pressure off her bottom. She was in no condition to be thinking so deeply right now, especially not when the worst part of her captivity was proving a constant distraction. It had been several hours since her capture, and in all that time, she had not been given the chance to relieve herself. Now that she thought of it, she did not have the chance to pee before they entered Torigoth that morning, either. All that time added up to a very full bladder, a constant source of discomfort and stress for the Gormotti girl.
She had already done so several times, but Nia took another look around her cell. Nothing but a bed could be found inside the cramped walls, with no toilet or even a chamber pot for her to handle her business. Urgh, I thought even prisoners were supposed to have basic decencies.
She thought about banging on the door and yelling at the guards behind it to get her something to pee in, but she would rather die before sinking to that. They already tricked her into giving up the names of her friends, no way would she give them the satisfaction of asking for the potty like a kid in school. But still, what was she going to do? It could be hours before somebody came through that door again, far longer than she wanted to hold it even if she thought it was possible.
Her only option, it seemed, was to squat in the corner and spray the floor, leaving the guards a nice puddle to clean up once they moved her off the battleship. She wasn’t keen on the idea at first, but the more bloated her bladder got, the more appealing it sounded. Sure, it would make the room stink, but it was much better than sitting around in soaked clothes. Besides, it wasn’t like that door was going to open up anytime soon.
Fate had a funny way of working sometimes. As soon as she had made up her mind, the door handle turned, grabbing her full attention as it slowly swung open. This situation, this door, all caused a memory from a similar moment in her past to enter the forefront of her mind.
“Jin?” she called out, expecting the present to play out the same way.
To her surprise, it was not Jin who entered her cell, but Rex, the last person she expected. “You all right, Nia?” he asked.
“Rex, you…” Nia replied, sitting more upright.
Just then, her Blade Dromarch entered the cell alongside Rex and bowed. “My lady, apologies for my late arrival.”
Rescue had come for her, despite the odds. For the first time that whole day, Nia could feel a bit of happiness inside her. “Don’t mention it. I didn’t think anyone was coming at all.”
“As if we’d leave you!” said Rex, holding out his hand. “‘Always help those who help you.’ That’s the second rule of the Salvager’s Code!”
Yet again, Nia realized she might have been wrong about Rex from the start. “Yeah, well that’s you all over, isn’t it?” she asked as she took his hand and pulled herself up.
“Nngh…” Nia winced once she was on her feet. The motion had caused her bladder to shift ever so slightly, letting off another wave of discomfort that made her body tense up for just a moment. Crap, I forgot about that. Really should’ve thought of popping a squat sooner.
“Something wrong?” asked Rex.
Remembering that eyes were on her, Nia stood up straight with her legs relaxed, despite her bladder’s protests. “N-no, just been sitting here for a bit too long. Need to wake my legs back up, that’s all.”
Rex smiled. “Well, you’re about to get your running in for the day, that’s for sure.”
“Rex-Rex!” yelled a voice outside the cell. A nopon Nia did not recognize leaned in from behind the door frame. “Tora has found escape route! Hurry hurry!”
“A nopon?” she asked.
“He has been of some assistance,” said Dromarch.
“We made a new friend,” said Rex.
“Ah. Nice to meet you.” Nia nodded.
At that moment, three more faces leaned around the corner, forming a totem pole of sorts. “Well, I think we’ve overstayed our welcome here. Time to get moving!” said Gramps, who rested on top of a robotic girl’s head.
As much as she wanted to keep staring at the oddly humorous sight, Nia nodded and replied, “Right. I’ve had enough of this place. Time for some fresh air.”
One by one, they exited the cell and began their escape. Most of them worried about how and if they were going to escape the battleship. For Nia, however, the major question on her mind was if they would be able to escape soon enough to take care of her other problem. Her chance to pee in her cell was long gone; her best shot now was to wait until they got outside and then find a bush or rock to duck behind. It didn’t matter if they knew she had to go once they were free, but until that opportunity came up, it was better that they remained focused on escaping.
The problem there was how hard it was to focus on the escape herself. Every step she took sent an unpleasant jolt from her bladder through her whole body. She was thankful to be running behind everyone else, so she could bite her lip and occasionally place a hand on her bladder to stem the tide.
Come on, Nia, she thought to herself. You’re a tough Driver. Just a few more minutes, and you’ll get to have that wee. She looked ahead at Tora, who led the group through the battleship’s corridors. I hope to Elysium this nopon knows where he’s going.
 
 
The good news was Tora knew exactly where they were going and the best path to get there. The bad news was that didn’t mean getting there would be fast or easy. She had expected some kind of resistance to their escape, but that didn’t make it any easier whenever Ardainian soldiers stood in their way.
Not that those soldiers were a serious threat to a team of Drivers, but Nia was not exactly fighting at her best. She was forced to divide her attention between battling the guards and keeping her overdistended bladder in check. It was a tough balancing act, where focusing too much on one side meant underperforming in battle or another surge of pain from her groin.
It took a little bit, but the party eventually arrived at their destination: the armory right next to the ship’s hangar. Against the odds, Nia had managed to make it with hardly a scratch, and completely dry trousers to boot. Told you you could do it, she thought.
“Alright, we’re here. Now what?” asked Rex.
“Now everyone go through hangar into outside dock, then friends all home free!” declared Tora.
The warm optimism Nia felt back in the cell renewed inside her. That is, until she looked over to the corner of the room. “And what are we going to do about the big doors in our way?” she asked.
“I imagine that’s what this control panel over here is for,” Rex said as he walked over and looked at its many buttons. “Let’s see… here we are! Door controls.” He pushed down on one of the buttons.
All eyes turned towards the doors with the expectation that it would swing open. A few seconds later, however, and they still remained closed.
“Why doors not open, Rex-Rex?” asked Tora.
“I don’t know. I’m pressing the right button,” said Rex as he gave it another push, once again with no change in the doors.
Seriously? This can’t be happening, thought a worried Nia. A blockade was the last thing she needed to see right now, the subconscious effect on her making the hold on her bladder feel more tenuous than before.
“Poppi may have the answer,” said the artificial Blade. She pointed to the tubes and cables running out of the panel and along the wall. “Panel has no power running to it. Need to restore power before doors can open.”
Following the trail of cables, Pyra pointed up to an electrical box on the walkway above them. “It looks like we could restore the power from there.”
“Oh, but ramp to walkway is raised up!” said Tora, “How do friends get there?”
“We’ll just have to find another way upstairs and into the passageway from there,” said Rex.
“Wait, what!?” Nia yelled louder than she meant, making all eyes turn onto her. She blushed and immediately lowered her voice. “Er, isn’t there another way? Surely Pyra can use her powers to blast through that door like she did back on the ancient vessel.”
At this, Pyra’s eyes drifted downwards while a hand rested on her plentiful chest. “Well, I would, but it takes a while for me to channel that much power. I was only able to make such a big blast back on the vessel because I had been asleep for so long, I had lots of power to burn.”
“Hmm, I believe it would be for the better if we did not make Pyra overexert herself so shortly after she just woke up,” said Gramps from inside Rex’s helmet.
“B-but…”
“We don’t have time to look for another answer,” said Rex, already on his way out the door. “Let’s go before they figure out our escape plan.”
Before Nia could protest any further, the rest of the party was moving past her and back out the door. Dromarch walked up to her and asked “Shall we be going, my lady?”
Nia sighed and shook her head. “I suppose we don’t have much of a choice,” she said as she took off towards the rest of the gang.
 
 
Nia had hoped it would not take long to find their way to the armory’s upper level. Unfortunately, their detour ended up taking them through the entirety of the battleship, and quite a few guards as well. The party tried its best to slip past them undetected, but tight corridors and half a dozen Drivers and Blades running about meant fighting was inevitable.
And so, Nia found herself once more walking the tightrope between putting up a good fight and not soaking her suit. She did her best to maintain both, but the passing time and energy spent battling were taking their toll. Every step, every dodge, every swing of her blades made her hold on her bladder feel that much weaker, along with her confidence that she could make it. Her moves grew sloppy, with near misses becoming more frequent, only adding to her stress. It was a dangerous feedback loop, and she knew of how dangerous and silly it was, but what else could she do given the circumstances?
It felt like hours, but it only took a few more minutes for the party to finally reach the walkway with the power box. As they rounded the corner, a sense of elation hit Nia once she saw she was above where they just were. Just a little bit longer, that’s all.
“Let Poppi handle the power box,” said Poppi.
“Tora will assist Poppi!” said Tora.
“Right, I’ll see if I can lower the ramp,” said Rex as they dispersed to do just that.
“Guess that leaves me for guard duty,” said Nia, turning around, wincing again at the urine sloshing about. I need to stop with the sudden movements.
At least she didn’t have to worry about making another one for a little bit while she kept watch on the corridor they just came through. However, simply standing around had its disadvantages as well. Without the adrenaline of combat, the painful pressure became more pronounced, and with everyone else not distracted by a fight, there was little she could do to ease that pressure. The most she risked was to wiggle her hips while she leaned on the wall with her arm, biting her lower lip every once in awhile.
“Nia?”
But even that was too much, it seemed.
“Ah! Y-yes?” Nia brought her wiggling to an immediate halt and turned to face Pyra and Dromarch, the two unoccupied Blades. Their eyes felt rather piercing to Nia at that moment as they looked with concerned expressions. “Er, did you guys want something?”
A moment passed before Pyra spoke. “Are you feeling okay?”
“S-sure, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”
“I’ve noticed that your movement in battle is stiffer than usual,” said Dromarch.
“Yeah, and you’ve had this strained look about you since we got you out of your cell,” said Pyra.
Though Nia kept a straight face, she was anything but calm on the inside. Of course her partner in combat would have noticed her underperforming, but someone else’s Blade was catching on too? Things were quickly going from bad to worse for her. She had to soothe their worries, and fast.
“Well, of course I’m tense. We’re in the middle of a prison break!” she responded, crossing her arms.
“We all are, but sometimes it looks like you’re almost in pain when you’re fighting,” said Pyra.
“My lady, have they possibly done anything to you while we were separated?” asked Dromarch.
“They’ve done nothing of the sort. I’ve just been sitting in my cell ever since the interrogation.” Nia paused to sigh. “Look, I promise the both of you, as soon as we’re out of here, I’ll let you know what’s going on. I just really need to stay focused right now.”
Despite her words, Dromarch and Pyra continued to stare at Nia with no change in their looks. Come on, quit looking at me. I can’t stand still like this for much longer!
“My lady…” began Dromarch.
“Power to door controls is restored!” declared Poppi.
“I’ve got the ramp down, too!” said Rex.
Finally! “Then what are we waiting for?” asked a smiling Nia, already heading towards the ramp. “Let’s get moving!”
She did not see Dromarch and Pyra exchange worried looks, but she would not have cared even if she had. Freedom was near, and with that, the opportunity to squat and let loose the longest, most satisfying pee of her life. Nothing else mattered more in those moments.
Nia stood by the armory doors, practically jumping in place with both excitement and the urge to pee, while Rex went for the control panel Just as she had hoped, the doors pulled apart this time, and the group quickly ran into the hangar, their goal being the bay doors leading into the Torigoth relay base.
“Not much further to exit!” said Tora.
“Not so fast, my dear intruders!”
Oh come on, what now!? Nia felt her whole body grow more tense than ever.
The hangar gates opened, and in walked Consul Dughall of Mor Ardain, along with his massive Blade. “Letting a terrorist from Torna out of my grasp would make me look very bad indeed,” he said while bringing his goofy waddling to a stop.
Whatever he had to say next, Nia did not care in the slightest. All she could focus on was her aching bladder practically screaming in protest at yet another obstacle in her quest for relief. She had no time for any posturing this windbag had to make.
“Sorry, pal, but you’ve done all the capturing you’re gonna do today,” said Nia while she drew her weapons.
“Such impertinence for a dirty terrorist,” said Dughall.
“Let’s go, Pyra!” said Rex, pulling out his sword.
“On it!” yelled Pyra.
Thus began their fight against Dughall. For as silly and harmless as he looked, the consul put up a solid fight against the party. This was mostly owed to his large Blade, however; as soon as any attacks got too close to Dughall, he would run and hide behind the Blade, letting it take all the hits while he stayed out of harm’s way.
Such cowardice only angered Nia further. Making one’s Blade endure all the pain instead of fighting like a proper warrior was low in itself, but it also made the fight drag out for even longer, eating up what precious little time she had left to avoid an accident.
“Get out here, you bloody coward!” yelled Nia, swinging her ring-blade towards Dughall, only for the Blade to block with its spear.
“I don’t take orders from terrorists!” he retorted from behind the safety of his guard.
The Blade did not talk, instead swinging its lance outwards to throw Nia off. She flew through the air from the Blade’s side at a dangerous speed, something that would have spelled a nasty tumble if not for her quick reflexes. Right before hitting the ground, she managed to right herself, skidding on her feet and hands a few meters as she touched the floor.
“Nngh…” she groaned as she stood upright. She might have avoided taking a serious hit, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t painful regardless. “Gah!?”
But soon, something other than pain registered in her mind. A wet warmth graced her sensitive regions, forcing her eyes wide open and legs closed tight. That swing had forced her attention off her bladder for an instant too long, allowing a dribble to escape into her knickers. It was not enough to seep into her outerwear for the moment, but even that little bit was too much in her books.
“My lady! Are you alright?” Dromarch ran to her side.
“I’m fine,” Nia replied through her teeth. “But we need to take this windbag down right now.”
“I understand, but we must be patient,” said Dromarch, watching Dughall’s Blade swinging at Rex and Tora. “We need only wait for an opening and-”
“There’s the opening! Now!” Nia wasted no time in running around to Dughall’s back while he was distracted. She knew it was a bit reckless, but it was not like she had any choice with her holding strength hanging by a thread.
Nia stopped in her tracks as soon as she got within range for what she was planning. Hearing Dromarch’s paws hitting the floor as he ran up behind her, Nia backflipped onto his back as Dromarch opened his maw as wide as he could.
“Dark Maelstrom!” They yelled together as a powerful blast of water and ether erupted from Dromarch, catching Dughall square in the middle, his screaming barely audible above the rushing waves. Meanwhile, Nia tossed her ringblades through the blast, empowering them with an extra dosing of ether before they struck the consul. She then jumped into the air as her weapons flew back, catching them and delivering one last powerful slash.
The chaos in the hangar fell into silence as Dughall’s Blade came to a halt and fell over with a loud crash. Dughall himself swayed about, barely able to stay upright and conscious after receiving such a battering.
“How? A mangy fleabag and a bunch of stinking kids…” mumbled Dughall. “My triumphant return… to Mor Ardain… with the Aegis…” was all he could manage before falling to the ground defeated.
“Out like a light,” said Gramps.
“That’s what he gets for trying to execute Nia,” declared Rex.
Tora bounced up and down in panic. “No time! Talk later, Rex-Rex! We should escape!”
“Masterpon is right,” said Poppi, “Chance of reinforcements is very high.”
“Wait, everyone,” said Dromarch, looking over towards Nia. “We might have a problem.”
The entire group turned its attention towards Nia, who did not look a good sight. No longer standing upright, she was practically trembling in place with a noticeable shine of sweat on her brow.
“Are you okay, Nia?” asked Pyra, “Were you hurt in that fight?”
“I-I’m fine, guys!” Nia forced out. “W-we just need to g-get off this ship before-ooohh!”
Despite Nia saying otherwise, there was no hiding the pain she felt from another powerful shockwave coming from her bladder. Everyone could see her closed eye, grit teeth, pressed legs, and white-knuckle grip on her blades.
“Nia!” yelled Rex as the party gathered around her, all wearing worried faces.
Stop worrying about me and get moving! That’s what Nia wanted to say, anything to get them to back off, but she had to wait until this pain passed first. Just as quickly as it had happened, the shockwave ended, and Nia opened her mouth to speak. However, no words made their way out; instead, she let out a wide-eyed gasp as a far worse feeling soon replaced the pain.
The wet heat at her groin had returned, much bigger and stronger than the last spurt. The dampness in her underwear turned into a full soaking as it now stuck to her crotch, the urine passing through it with ease. A dark spot formed on her suit, growing up and around her crotch and butt until it spread down her legs and into her boots.
“No no no no no no!” Nia whispered, trying her absolute hardest to make the flow stop despite the damage it had already done. It was no use; her holding muscles had given out, and no amount of begging or effort would halt the ever-growing flow. She was wetting herself now; the only thing within her power was to stare in horror at her friends as the undeniable truth hit them.
“What in the…!?” said Rex, reeling back in shock.
“Oh no!” Pyra put her hands to her mouth.
“Er, were we a bit too slow in our escape?” asked Gramps.
Poppi tilted her head. “Poppi confused, Masterpon. Is Nia suffering from coolant leak?”
“Nia have leaky-leak, but that definitely not coolant,” said Tora.
“Oh,” Poppi’s eyes lit up. “Do you mean she is-”
“S-s-shut it, all of you! Q-quit looking at me!” yelled Nia, her face turning as red as Pyra’s hair. She put her hands in front of her groin, but little could be hidden at that point. By now, several drops and broken streams spilled out of her outfit, making a clear tinkling noise against the steel floor. A hissing sound also came from her body, far different from the intimidating hiss she would make with her mouth.
Rather than heed her advice, Dromarch walked up and looked with worried eyes. “Forgive me, My Lady, but why did you not let us know of this sooner?”
“We’re in the m-middle of an escape, that’s why!” snapped Nia. “I couldn’t exactly p-put that on hold to visit the loo!”
“But… we were worried that something was really wrong with you,” said Pyra.
Rex nodded. “Yeah, just a little heads up would’ve been fine. And if it was slowing you down so much, then you could’ve, you know, handled it while Poppi was fiddling with the door controls.”
“W-what!?” Nia balked. “You mean just s-squat and piss in front of you all!?” That sounds even worse than wetting myself!
Gramps leapt up and smacked Rex in the back of his head. “You really must learn to better speak to a lady, Rex.”
“Ow!” Rex rubbed his head. “Well, not in front of us! I meant like behind a corner or something.”
Pyra stepped forward with her hands together. “Um, I would’ve stood guard for you if you needed me to, Nia.”
“Poppi make good bodyguard and privacy protector, too!” declared Poppi, her arms flapping against her sides.
“R-really?” Hearing those words caused the anger in Nia to fade away, being replaced with a warmth in her heart. Unfortunately, it only reminded her of the warmth on her legs, feet, and groin. She looked down at her soaked uniform with a grimace, her ears going flat against her head. Seeing the dark patches continuing to spread out while a puddle steadily formed around her feet only made the sensations feel that much worse.
“Well, w-wish I had known that b-before,” Nia said, her voice choking up and vision getting blurry with water.
“My lady, please don’t be so hard on yourself,” said Dromarch, “This unfortunate moment does not diminish my perception of you. I am just happy that you are safe and sound again.”
It took a great deal of effort, but Nia turned her gaze towards Dromarch’s caring, blue eyes. “Th-thank you, Dromarch,” she said with a sniff, getting a noseful of the stench of her urine. “But, I don’t know h-how I’m going to get over this.”
“If it means anything,” said Pyra, “I still think you’re a strong fighter no matter what, and I won’t say a word of this to anyone if you don’t want me to.”
“Tora not say anything mean, either!” The normally-energetic nopon rubbed his head with his wing-hand. “Tora, er, can sympathize with Nia on this.”
“Reminder set to change Masterpon’s bedsheets,” Poppi declared.
“Meh-meh-meh!?” A patch of red instantly appeared on Tora’s cheeks.
“Oops.” Poppi glanced away. “Poppi need to work on secret-keeping protocols.”
Nia looked around at all of her comrades’ understanding and compassionate expressions. She had expected a smattering of mockery, ridicule, and bullying from soaking her outfit, but received nothing but kindness. What she had done to deserve the friendship of such company, she might never know.
“And… what about you?” Nia turned to Rex, “Not going to call me a s-stupid little girl or something?”
Rex shook his head. “Nah. That might’ve been the smartest thing you could’ve done about it, honestly.”
“W-what?” For a moment, Nia completely forgot about the fact that was she was currently peeing her pants.
“Little-known advice for salvaging: if you’re under the cloud sea and you really gotta go, it’s better to just hose your trousers and move on. That way, it’s not slowing you down, and you don’t end up hurting yourself.”
“Really now?” That can’t be an actual thing, no way.
“I haven’t lied to you yet, have I?”
Even during one of the most humiliating moments of her life, Nia found Rex’s smile a bit contagious, as the corners of her lips slowly pulled upwards.
“Are you feeling better now, my lady?” asked Dromarch.
“A... little bit.” Nia wiped her tears with her sleeve.
“Tora bet it feel good to not have so much wee-wee in body anymore,” said Tora.
Nia had to admit, Tora wasn’t wrong. She may have hosed herself rather badly, but at least that awful pressure was finally gone, the last of it dribbling into her saturated outfit in that moment. Rex might have been onto something about it not being in her way, at least.
“Y-yeah, it does,” said Nia, her smile growing into a smirk. “And now I know that if Rex was the one locked up, he’d have pissed his pants a lot sooner than I did.”
“Er, well…” Rex glanced over at Pyra. “I would’ve just gone in the corner or something.”
“What are you looking at me for?” asked Pyra.
Gramps cleared his throat just then. “I believe we’ve dilly-dallyed here long enough. We should leave before more reinforcements arrive.”
“Oh, y-yeah, we were escaping,” said Nia, looking over to the hangar door now open. “Let’s go. The sooner I get out of here, the sooner I can get cleaned up.”
The party all nodded before heading out through the hangar doors. Nia cringed as soon as she took her first step out of her puddle. Her pants and socks clung to her legs and feet, already growing into an uncomfortable, wet cold, and she felt a gross squish in her boots with every step. If this is what salvagers have to put up with, I’d rather stay a Driver, she thought while a shudder ran down her spine.
The morning sun greeted the party as they reached the base’s dock, the entrance lying just before them. At long last, Nia’s freedom was just a short walk away, then she could find a river to wash up and clean her clothes in, putting this nightmare behind her for good.
But of course, there had to be yet another obstacle in her way. A roar of blue flames flared up out of nowhere, blocking the gate before they could cross it. Two figures stepped through the fires, revealing themselves as Special Inquisitor Mòrag and her Blade Brighid, the two responsible for Nia’s capture and imprisonment.
“It’s her!” Rex yelled.
“And with her Driver too, this time,” said Nia, already feeling anger welling up inside her.
“So they were waiting for us,” said Pyra.
“Yes, indeed,” said Gramps. “I did feel like we got away a little too easily.”
“I don’t know why I expected Dughall to slow you down at all,” said Mòrag in a calm voice befitting a military professional.
Nia had a few questions in mind for the inquisitor, but her temper made her pick the one that mattered the most to her in that moment.
“Oi, you!” she shouted, stepping forward with her legs out and revealing her accident for the whole world to see. “What kind of two-bit inquisitor locks someone away without even giving them a pot to piss in?”
Mòrag directed her focus towards Nia, specifically to her legs. “Did you… wet yourself?” she asked, eyebrow raised in genuine surprise.
“No thanks to you!” Nia bared her fangs.
For a moment, the stoic and calculating inquisitor seemed at a loss for words. “My apologies. I had no idea you had been mistreated as such. I shall see to it that Dughall and the guards are reprimanded for this.”
An apology from Mòrag the Flamebringer herself? Now Nia found herself unable to think of anything to say. “Y-yeah, well at least you have some sense, I suppose,” she replied, crossing her arms and looking away.
“I will also personally ensure there will be a chamber pot in your cell once I have returned you there.” Mòrag swung her whip swords, launching them out to the sides to show that she meant business.
Nia responded in kind, pulling out her blades and getting into a fighting stance. “Sorry, but after my treatment last time, I don’t feel much like paying it a second visit.”
“Guess we’ll have to leave the questions for later,” said Rex as he and the rest of the party drew their weapons.
“That’s just fine by me,” said Nia. Perhaps she would regret not getting any info out of Mòrag later, but right now, she just wanted something to take her anger out upon. She hoped that Mòrag had said her morning prayers already, because the inquisitor was about to deal with one pissed catgirl.

(Contains mild underaged wetting desperation. Also, no incest occurs in this story. All love expressed within is purely platonic.)
 
“Mama?”
She could only grasp the most obvious things when she first woke up. First, she existed. Second, someone was tapping her on the shoulder and calling out to her. Third, she would very much like to go back to sleep.
“Mmm-hmm-mmm,” was the only thing she could say at first.
“Mama!” said the young voice again.
“Mmm, what is it?” Corrin replied, finally opening her eyes.
A pair of bright red eyes and a cheery smile stared back at her from only a couple feet away. These belonged to her son Kana, who was clad in his normal light suit of armor instead of a pair of pajamas.
“You gotta get up now, it’s almost time!” Kana said.
“Um, time for what?” Corrin rubbed her eyes as she sat up. Her long-term memory had yet to wake up much like the rest of her body.
“You don’t remember? Time for our super-secret fishing trip!” said Kana, his face brimming with excitement. “You told me to come wake you up before the sun was up so we could get there before the fish went to sleep.”
“Fishing trip? Oh!” Corrin’s face lit up. “Of course, I remember now. I’m so glad you reminded me. I’ve been looking forward to our little trip together.”
Kana nodded. “Me too! Just me and mama catching fish together before anyone notices we’re gone. No adults to keep pulling you away for grown-up talks or other boring stuff.”
“Yes,” Corrin replied, making sure her smile didn’t drop from the pang of guilt she just felt. “Say Kana, how about you fetch us some apples and juice for breakfast while I get ready?”
“Okay! Don’t take too long, or all the good fish will be gone!” Kana said as he turned around and quickly took off, his bare feet pattering against the wood floor.
“Oh, and don’t forget your dragonstone!” said Corrin before he got too far away.
Now that she was alone, Corrin yawned and slowly climbed out of bed, shivering a bit when her feet hit the cold floor. I don’t know where all his energy comes from, but I wouldn’t mind having some of it for the mornings, she thought while she stretched. She ran her fingers through her hair to see how bad her case of bedhead was. Definitely needs combing .
As she sat to comb her hair, Corrin’s mind was free to drift, and she thought about the events that led her to this day.
The last few years had not been easy for her, to say the least. Not only had she learned that she was kidnapped from her original family and raised by another, but her adoptive father had tried to have her killed as part of a plan to start a war. She had been all over the continent since then, fighting endless battles and learning of terrible secrets that could destroy the world as she knew it.
But even in the chaos, she had found so much to be grateful for. Her families from both Hoshido and Nohr were such wonderful people, even if they didn’t always get along with each other. She was certain they would find a way to make peace between the kingdoms when the fighting was all over.
Then there was her husband, who she loved with all her heart. She had never expected to find love in the middle of her journey, but now she couldn’t imagine life without him. It was such a shame he was stuck on the night watch this day and would be too tired to join them on their trip. I’ll have to make sure he can come along next time, Corrin thought.
It was thanks to her husband that she found her greatest pride and joy: her son. Kana was the sweetest child she could have asked for, so full of life and kind to everyone. His innocent smile would always melt her heart; she could see him wooing quite a few girls when he hits that age.
Unfortunately, thinking about Kana always gave her a pang of guilt, too. Like the other parents, she had to leave him to be raised in a deeprealm when he was just an infant while she was occupied with the war. Time moved faster in these realms, and in just a few months, her baby had grown into an adventurous young boy. She made visits when she could, but there was nothing she wouldn’t give to have been there for all those years.
Corrin shook her head in an attempt to clear those troubling thoughts. This is why they were going on this trip. They needed some time away from the war and the feuding families and all their other responsibilities, if only for a couple hours. She only told her servants and her husband where they would be, so they would only be disturbed in case of emergency.
Corrin had just gotten out of her nightgown and into her armor when she heard a knock at the door. “Mama, I’ve got breakfast!” came Kana’s voice on the other side. “I also got my dragonstone with me!”
“Okay, Kana!” she replied, “I’ll be ready to go in just a minute!”
Corrin took a look at herself in the mirror. Aside from her sleepy expression and a stray hair or two, she didn’t look too bad for only having a few minutes to get ready. Not that I needed to look my absolute best, anyway . Satisfied with herself, she grabbed her sword, the Yato, from next to her bed and walked out the door, hoping to have a fun morning with her son.

 
“I got a bite!”
“That’s great!” said Corrin, “Get him over to the shore!”
“I’m trying!” said Kana as he wrestled with his fishing rod. “This fish is really strong! He’s gotta be a really big one!”
“Here, let me help you.” Corrin walked over to her son and stood behind him, grabbing onto his fishing pole. “We pull back on three, okay?”
“Okay!”
“One, two, three-whoa!”
The strength of two dragonkin was more than a match for the fish. It also proved to be greater than Corrin and Kana expected, as they lost balance and fell backwards onto the ground.
“Oof!” grunted Corrin. “Are you alright, Kana?”
Kana shook his head to help with the jolt he took. “I’m okay, but look!” He held the trout up for his mom to see. “He’s huge! This is the biggest fish I’ve ever caught!”
“I’ll say it is,” said Corrin. The fish was easily over two feet long. It would have made a fine meal if they were fishing for food, but they were not. “Okay Kana, let’s throw him back,” she continued as they stood back up.
“Aw, do I have to?” Kana frowned. “No one will believe me if I tell them I caught something this big.”
Corrin giggled to herself. Boys and their fishing stories. “I bet that fish wants to go home to his family. We really shouldn’t separate him from them.”
“Okay,” sighed Kana. He tossed the fish back into the river and watched it disappear from his sight. “Bye, fishie! Tell your friends I said hi!”
Corrin smiled at Kana’s cute display. It always brought her such joy to see him laughing and playing and enjoying his life. After all the fighting, drama, and tragedy they had been through so far, having time to relax and enjoy being together was doing both of them a world of good.
Yet as her sight kept getting drawn towards the water, Corrin couldn’t relax entirely. Normally, looking at a river brought peace to Corrin’s mind, for it always reminded her of Azura and the song she loves to sing. Her lyrics of the ocean’s waves always trying to reach the life that lied beyond the shores struck a chord with her that no other tune did, but today they only reminded her of a pressing matter that she couldn’t ignore any longer.
I forgot to use the bathroom this morning.
She felt the first few signals from her bladder when they were walking along the river that led to the fishing spot, but talking and fishing with Kana proved to be a good distraction. Unfortunately, the juice they had for breakfast had made its way down to the urine that had been building up overnight, and her urge came roaring back. She rubbed her legs together while Kana was still looking away to ease the pressure.
At that moment, Corrin realized that she had never actually mentioned to Kana that she needed the bathroom before. It was yet another difference she had from a parent that watched their kid grow up normally. A silly thought for sure, yet for some reason she felt some apprehension at the thought of telling him. I’m not shy like Sakura, she chided herself, surely I could just come out and say it.
“Do we have anymore bait?” Kana suddenly turned around and asked.
“Huh?” Corrin immediately set her legs straight. “Um, actually, we should probably get our things and head back,” said Corrin as she looked at the sky. The sun had risen a good deal since they reached their fishing spot. At least an hour or two had to have passed by now, she figured.
“Really?” Kana frowned again. “It feels like we just got here.”
“I know, time likes to fly when you’re having fun,” Corrin said while she walked over to him. “I wish we could stay longer too, but we both have a lot of work to do today and people depending on us to get that work done.”
Kana sighed and looked down in disappointment. “You’re right. I just wish we got to spend a little more time together.” He glanced at the river for a few seconds when his eyes opened wider suddenly, like he had just remembered something important.
“Um, actually I think I’m ready to go home too,” said Kana with a strange sense of urgency in his voice.
“Really? Why the sudden change of heart?” asked Corrin.
“It’s just, um, you know, I forgot that I have to, er, do something for someone?” Kana replied, only making eye contact with her for brief moments.
Oh dear, what has he gotten himself into now? thought Corrin.
Just as she was about to say something, Corrin received another unpleasant signal from between her legs. On second thought, I’ll worry about that after I find a bathroom.
“Okay then.” Corrin knelt down and picked up some fishing gear along with her sword. “Let’s get our stuff and head on back. They’re probably starting to wonder where we’ve run off to.”
“Already on it!” replied Kana, who only had a few things to pick up.
In less than a minute, Corrin and Kana were already on their way home. Corrin did her best to hide her growing need, but it wasn’t easy. They had followed the river a good ways to their spot, which meant they would have to follow it back to the gateway that led back home. The sight and sound of running water was always nearby and especially hard on the more sensitive hearing that Corrin enjoyed as a dragonkin, making her walking more stiff than usual.
The lack of distraction didn’t help, either. Kana had talked up a storm when they were walking to the spot, but he had hardly said a word on the way back. The only way Corrin knew he was still there was from his footsteps as he trailed behind her.
Why am I so reluctant to admit I need to go? Corrin thought. It wasn’t like she had never relieved herself outside; Camilla taught her that valuable skill when she was just a girl. There was plentiful cover as well, for the river bordered a forest. Kana had to have known that using the toilet was something everyone did. She had no real reason to be embarrassed, yet the stage fright would not let her just stop and tell him.
“Ooh!”
Kana’s yelp coupled with the sound of something falling on the ground snapped Corrin out of her thoughts. She turned around and asked “What happened?”
An odd sight revealed itself to her. Kana had dropped his fishing pole on the ground, but he wasn’t bending over to get it. Instead, he was fidgeting in the place with his legs locked together.
“Um, n-nothing’s wrong!” said Kana, “Just d-dropped my pole is all!”
Corrin sighed to herself. Okay, he’s definitely hiding something.
She walked over and looked down at her son with a stern face. “Kana, are you trying to sneak an animal home?” she said.
“No, of course not!” replied Kana, “Well, not this time, at least.”
“Okay, then what are you trying to hide? You know I don’t like it when you keep secrets from me,” said Corrin.
“I’m not h-hiding anything!” said Kana as he continued fidgeting. He stood in silence for a couple seconds afterwards before continuing, his voice noticeably quieter. “It’s just… I, um, really gotta go to the bathroom.”
Oh dear, thought Corrin, I was not expecting that. From what she could see, Kana was not lying; he had gone from holding his legs together to bouncing from one foot to the other and putting a hand over his groin.
“Well then,” Corrin started, “Did you not remember to use the bathroom this morning?”
“N-no, I forgot. I always go before I put my armor on, but I wore it to bed so we wouldn’t be late for fishing,” said Kana.
So he made the same mistake I did, thought Corrin. “Well, if you have to go that badly, you can go here.”
“Um, I can’t,” said Kana.
“Why not?” asked Corrin. “There’s nothing wrong with going outside, you know.”
“I-I know that,” said Kana, “It’s just… I’m trying to hold it in longer.”
To this, Corrin raised an eyebrow. “Hold it in longer? But why would you want to do that?”
Kana stopped bouncing for a moment. “Well, I kinda heard some of the older kids talking the other day. They were saying how they only use the bathroom a couple times a day because it helped teach them about staying focused and stuff, so I figured I could try it too. Holding it in while I was fishing seemed like a good place to start to me.”
“Really now?” asked Corrin. Who came up with that idea, I wonder?
“Y-yeah, it’s a lot harder than it sounds. You probably think it sounds dumb, don’t you?” Kana’s cheeks started growing red.
“Well, I wouldn’t say that. If it actually works, then who am I to judge?” said Corrin, “But like any training, you have to start small and work your way up with it. Just diving in hurts you more than it helps.”
“W-What do you mean?” asked Kana.
Corrin smiled. “I’m saying I think it’s okay if you had your morning pee before you start holding it for the day.” Something I would really like to have now.
“ Really? You’re sure about that?”
“Of course I am. Now hurry before you wet yourself.”
“Okay, if you think it’s fine…” said Kana, “Um, can you help me remove my armor first? It’s kinda hard to take off on my own, especially now.”
He’s not wrong there, thought Corrin. She recalled a couple close calls she had as a kid with her suit. “Of course, dear.”
Corrin kneeled down and moved her hands towards Kana. While he’s going, I’ll hide behind a tree and deal with my own problem, she thought, so I guess I won’t have to let him know I have to pee after all. Everyone wins, right?
“Now what do we have here?”
Corrin felt her whole body tense up. That voice was far too gruff to come from her son, and it certainly didn’t come from her. She stood back up and looked towards the direction the voice came from, confirming her fears.
Stepping out from between the trees were a group of four thugs, each brandishing a weapon and sporting a menacing grin on their ugly faces.
Gods, of all times, why now!? Corrin thought as she tightened her grip on both the Yato and her bladder.
“Looks like we stumbled onto a little mother-son bonding time,” said the bandit in front with an axe swung over his shoulder.
“Aw, ain’t that cute?” said a bigger man wielding a spiked club and wearing little more than shoulder straps and a waistcloth. “I wonder if she’ll send some of that love my way, heh heh.”
“M-mama, do you know these people?” said Kana.
“Get behind me, Kana,” was all that Corrin said. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Kana doing just that. “Listen, I don’t know who you are, but we’re just passing through and we don’t want trouble.”
“What a coincidence, ma’am,” said an outlaw archer with a drawl, “We don’t want there to be more trouble than need be. I like my transactions nice and quick, if you catch my drift.”
The fourth bandit, a sorcerer with oddly white and frizzled hair chuckled. “Always lookin’ for money, ain’tcha? Take another look at ‘em. There ain’t even a pair’a shoes to their names.”
“No shoes, but that armor and sword might fetch a pretty penny,” said the axe-wielder, “And I think I’ll really like the looks of the mama without that armor in the way.” He slid his tongue over his lips.
As they chuckled among themselves, Corrin sized up her opponents. Their weapons look to be made of iron, so I doubt they can seriously wound me. I could probably deal with all of them without much trouble. But Kana… she glanced back at her son, who looked frightened and was firmly clutching his dragon stone. If something happened to him, I could never forgive myself.
She also felt another pang from her bladder, making her legs go stiff. Right, and that might slow me down too. What should I do?
“Come on lady, we ain’t got all day!” said the fire mage, “Let’s get a good look at your valuables, or would you rather have your day get more… explodey?” He snapped his fingers and a small fire formed in his hand while he grinned.
“Yeah, get your eyes off your brat and cough up your gear!” The axe-wielder brandished his weapon. “Or I may just have to give your kid there a nasty scar or two!”
In an instant, all thought vanished from Corrin’s mind. Her dragon blood pumped throughout her at a strong rate, and her frown of concern turned into a fearsome scowl. She lifted her sword and pointed it straight at the thugs.
“Leave, now. That is your only warning,” she said in a deadly calm voice.
To this, the grins on the bandits changed into frowns as they made quick glances at one another.
“Doesn’t like she’s backing down,” said the archer.
“She looks more mad than scared,” said the club-wielder. “Maybe we should rethink this?”
“Are you kidding me!?” yelled the axe-wielder. “Some tramp talks big, and you all get weak in the knees? Well I ain’t backin’ down from no one!” He pointed his axe straight at Corrin. “You wanna get bloody? Then have some of this!”
At that, the bandit launched himself forward, his axe held straight up in the air while he let out a battle cry.
He can’t say I didn’t warn him, Corrin thought. She stood almost motionless as the thug crossed the distance to her in no time at all. Before he reached her, the bandit leapt into the air and swung his axe downwards, hoping to bury it in her head.
Instead, Corrin jumped to the right, causing the axe to swing straight into the ground. While the thug stood there unable to process what just happened, Corrin put all her might into her off-hand and drove her fist into the thug’s face. A small amount of blood flew through the air as the bandit fell onto his back out cold, his axe still buried in the ground.
Seeing their comrade dispatched so easily made the other bandits flinch, but they quickly regained their composure. “You’ve done it now, wench!” yelled the club-wielder “Let’s get her, boys!”
This time, both the club-wielder and archer rushed in, the archer to the side while the clubber attacked head-on. For such a burly brute, he moved much quicker than Corrin anticipated. She had just enough time to lift her sword up as he swung down at her, stopping the club just short of her head.
Corrin grit her teeth as the half-naked thug chuckled while the spikes on his club drew closer to her face. He’s strong, maybe stronger than me. In the corner of her eye, she could see the archer taking up position at her side and reaching for an arrow. I need to do something, quick!
Just as the spikes were about to graze her head, Corrin remembered the club-wielder’s choice of fashion, or lack thereof. She drove her knee straight into the man’s groin, causing all strength in his arms to evaporate instantly. Just as the thug relented, her hearing picked up the noise of the archer drawing his bow.
Corrin immediately grabbed the bigger man by the shoulders. Using every ounce of strength in her body, she turned and tossed the man towards the archer right as he had let the arrow loose. The arrow buried into the club-wielder’s back as he tumbled into the archer, sending them both to the ground in mess of limbs and shock.
Upon seeing the two brutes incapacitated, Corrin allowed herself to let out a breath of relief. Okay, three down, one to- eep!
Using her strength like that had taken a toll on her muscles. Not only did she feel weaker, but she felt something warm and wet spurt into her undergarments, making her tense back up and squeeze her legs together. She stopped the flow as quickly as it had started, but it made her bladder give out a pang of pain in protest.
Dammit, that was too close! thought Corrin, I need to finish this fight as soon as I can, and not just because our lives are in danger.
“This one’s for you!”
Corrin realized that she was too focused on her bladder to see what the sorcerer had been up to. Once she turned to look at him, her expression changed into pure fright.
A massive fireball had formed from the mage’s hand, and before she could react, he launched it straight at her. The spell traveled fast, much too fast for her to dodge. All she could do was close her eyes, bring her sword up, and brace herself for the inevitable.
An explosion soon followed, and Corrin felt the heat of the fire and smoke blast across her skin. It was hot and uncomfortable… yet it didn’t hurt. A couple seconds passed, and still no searing pain like she had expected. Is this what death actually feels like? she wondered.
Once she felt the smoke clear, Corrin opened her eyes again and was taken aback by what she saw. A large, silver drake stood in front of her with its side turned to her. Smoke came from the wing draped across its side facing the mage.
“K-Kana?” said Corrin in surprise.
“NGH RGHH GRR GRHHHNN!” yelled the dragon as it turned to face the sorcerer and stomped on the ground. “That’s dragon for ‘Don’t hurt my mama!’”
“Wuh-what is that!?” yelled the mage, his eyes wide open in fear.
“That kid was a dragon!? It-it can’t be!” shouted the archer as he had finally slipped out from underneath the clubman.
“Just who are these two, anyway!?” said the club wielder.
“Forget this! I ain’t fightin’ no dragon! Every man for himself!” yelled the fire mage. He spun around and ran as fast as he could away from Corrin and Kana. The archer and the clubman soon followed after him, the club-wielder still having an arrow in his back.
Corrin’s scowl dropped away as she watched the would-be thieves run away. All it took was for one of us to enter our dragon form? Maybe I should try opening with that next time.
She then looked over to the axe-wielding thug still on the ground. He had regained consciousness, but his intimidating demeanor was long gone. Blood dribbled from his broken nose while he stared in utter fright, and a mysterious damp spot grew on his pants.
As Corrin walked over to him, he babbled in a higher-pitched voice than from before. “I-I wasn’t gonna hurt ya, honest! We just w-wanted some m-money to pay off some debts we owed! We’ve never done any m-mugging before this!”
Corrin pointed the Yato straight at his head, instantly shutting him up. “If you wish to not cross paths with us again, you will abandon your thieving ways and live an honest life from here on out. Understood?”
The thug nodded his head in response, his whole body trembling.
“Good,” said Corrin, “Now begone, and don’t threaten me or my son ever again.”
“Yes, ma’am!” The bandit scrambled away from Corrin’s sword and ran as fast as he could from her.
Once he was out of sight, Corrin sighed to herself. That wasn’t my best fighting now, but at least we’re okay. She patted her groin and grimaced a little. I still can’t believe I leaked during that fight. Oh well, that’s still better than getting seriously hurt.
“N-no, no no no…”
“Hmm?” Corrin looked over to where Kana was. He had turned back into his human form, but he didn’t look happy. He was hunched over with his face contorted like he was in pain.
The memory of that last attack came back to Corrin’s mind at once. The fireball! He took that blast straight on!
“Kana!” Corrin rushed over to him at once, dropping down to her knees and letting go of her blade. “Are you hurt!?”
“Mama…” Kana replied in a shaky voice, his eyes growing moist.
“What’s wrong!? Are you hurt at all!? Please tell me!” said Corrin as she frantically looked over him for any sign of harm. His armor looked more or less the same, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have any internal injuries.
“I-I…”
“Yes!?” Corrin looked him straight in the eyes.
And that’s when she heard it: a hissing noise of water hitting fabric not coming from the river, but from somewhere very close by. She looked down and noticed that Kana had his hands covering his groin, and his legs bent together.
Corrin’s look of panic turned into one of realization. “Oh, Kana. Are you-”
“I’m sooooooooooorrrrryyyyyyyyyy!”
At that moment, the proverbial dam broke everywhere. Kana shut his eyes and let the tears flow down his crimson-red face, while the hissing noise grew stronger even as he openly bawled. The dark fabric between the metal pieces of his armor gained a slight shine in the sunlight, and soon a small puddle formed under each foot.
Corrin’s mind failed her for that moment, so she stood there in shock. She felt her face grow warm as she watched Kana having his accident, but soon she remembered what she needed to ask him.
“Kana, did that fireball-”
“I tried to hold it! I really did!” cried Kana between sobs. “B-but then those bandits came, and-and they were gonna hurt you, so I used my stone, b-but I-waaaaaaahhhhh!”
“Kana, I don’t care about that right now!”
“I was g-gonna show you how g-grown up and b-brave I am now, but you p-probably think I’m just a… a big baaaaaaaaby-hee-hee-hee!” continued Kana.
“Please Kana, listen to me!” yelled Corrin.
But listen, Kana would not. He stood there continuing to bawl his eyes out while his legs grew ever wetter. By now, the two separate puddles had joined into one, such was the volume coming out against his wishes.
This isn’t good, thought Corrin, I really need to know if he’s hurt, but all he cares about is his accident. Corrin winced as she felt another pang hit her bladder, forcing her hands down to her groin. Ugh, and I have to pee so bad, I can barely think straight! If I don’t fix this now, I’ll end up wetting myself just like him…
Just like him!
Corrin gasped as an idea emerged from her desperate mind. She knew exactly how she was going to calm him down, but it was not going to be pleasant. She stood back up and sighed to herself. Mother, I really hope you’re not watching me right now.
“Oh-oh no! Kana!” Corrin said in a faux-distress tone. She then placed her hands between her legs and bounced back and forth on her feet.
“Aaah… huh?” Kana sniffed and opened his eyes. “M-mama? What’s wrong?”
“I really gotta go, too! I-I think… I’m gonna…” Corrin stopped bouncing and bent over slightly while pressing her legs together.
Now that she had her son’s attention, the only thing left to do was the one part she was not going to like. Corrin shut her eyes, took a breath, and relaxed her bladder muscles.
Immediately, the small warmth she felt on her crotch grew bigger as her undergarments quickly became saturated with pee. Corrin let out a genuine whimper, for this was the first time since she was a little girl that she was wetting her pants.
The warmth only spread from there. Unlike Kana, Corrin’s suit left the insides of her thighs bare, meaning the pee was much more visible than it was on her son. Some of it leaked through the fabric and dripped onto the ground, but most of it traveled all the way down her legs. Her feet grew wet as two separate puddles formed beneath her, and her ears picked up on a new hissing sound coming from a more personal source.
It was one of the most unpleasant and embarrassing sensations she had experienced in a long time. Her face had gained a bright red blush, one that only grew deeper as the sharp smell of ammonia reached her nose. Instinct was screaming at her to stop the flow and find a bush to squat behind while she still could, but Corrin resisted the urge and kept letting it out where she stood. Some things are more important than my dignity, she thought.
“Mama? Are… are you having an accident?” asked Kana.
Corrin opened her eyes and looked down. Kana was staring right at her lower body, with his mouth partially open and eyes unmoving.
She forced a smile and said, “Y-yes, Kana. I forgot to use the bathroom this morning too, and I just couldn’t hold it anymore.”
“Really? I didn’t know adults could still wet their pants.”
“You’re never too old to make a mistake,” said Corrin, “and you certainly don’t have to think less of anyone who does.”
“I don’t?” asked Kana, “So, does that mean you don’t think I’m a big baby?”
To this, Corrin giggled a little bit. “Far from it. I don’t think a big baby would be as brave as you were just now.”
Kana sniffed. “And you’re not mad that I peed in my suit?”
“You’re my son, Kana. I don’t think I could ever truly be mad at you.” Corrin looked down at her own legs, which had become soaked at this point. “Besides, I can’t get angry for something I’m guilty of doing too.”
“Heh heh, I guess not,” Kana said as he smiled for the first time since his accident begun. He had moved his hands away from his groin and taken a more relaxed stance, though Corrin could still faintly hear hissing from him.
Corrin sighed to herself from both her physical and emotional relief. Okay, he’s calmed down. I can finally talk to him. “Kana, did that fireball hurt you any?”
Kana shook his head and gave a big grin. “Nope, hardly felt it. I guess my dragon scales are a lot tougher than I thought!” He put his hands on his hips, a pose that would have looked heroic if not for the drops of urine still leaking out of his suit.
Corrin suppressed an urge to giggle at the sight. Maybe I don’t have to worry so much about him, after all.
Seeing her son back in a happy mood put Corrin’s mind further at ease. She took her hands away from her legs and let her bladder finish emptying into her saturated leggings. They clung to her skin with an uncomfortable warmth, but the initial sting of embarrassment had dulled away, allowing her to concentrate on the pleasure of having an empty bladder once more.
“I’m done now,” said Kana shortly after her stream had finally run dry.
He started peeing before me, yet we finished at the same time. Where in the world was he storing it all? Corrin wondered. “Do you feel better now?” she asked.
“Well I guess so, but I feel pretty gross, too.” Kana looked down and stepped away from his puddle, causing Corrin to do the same. “I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but I’d really like to take a bath.”
“Yeah, me too. Definitely something I don’t want to do again for a long time,” said Corrin.
“Um, do we have to walk all the way back home like this?” Kana asked with a worried look on his face.
We really should head back to the castle, thought Corrin, but if anyone saw or smelled us, I could never live it down, and I doubt Kana could, either.
“Hmm, tell you what,” Corrin pointed over towards the river. “I think we could do with a quick swim before we head back. What do you say?”
“Sounds good to me!” Kana beamed for a moment, but then his face drooped into a small frown. “Oh, um, I’m sorry, by the way.”
“Sorry? For what?” asked Corrin.
“I know you’re not mad, but I guess I kinda ruined the last part of our fishing trip.”
Corrin sighed and put her hands on his shoulders. “You have nothing to apologize for,” she replied, “If anything, this was all my fault. If I had just said I needed to go back at the spot, we might have missed those bandits altogether, and surely would have walked home with dry pants.”
“Hee hee, it’s okay. It was kinda cool to see my mama fight off all those bandits!” said Kana.
“Well, I did have help from a certain brave little dragon.”
“Yep! No one can stop us when we fight together!” Kana giggled.
That’s my son, alright. Corrin couldn’t help herself. She bent down and said “Come here,” before pulling him into a hug. In no time at all, Kana wrapped his arms around her and hugged her right back.
“You’re the best mama ever,” said Kana.
“And you’re the greatest son I could ever ask for.”