AND I STILL RISE

Chapter 2: The Chance

A knock on the door, at the proposed hour. They were nothing, if punctual.

Ahri opened the door and gazed upon the frozen lovebirds at her doorsteps. They appeared as she pictured; fur winter coats, hands held, shivering bodies huddled together for heat and emotional support.

"Ekko, Jinx. Please, come out of the cold my dears." Ahri greeted them with the warmth of a woman who often longed for visitors she rarely received. The pair stood motionless, mouths slightly ajar, expressions frozen between the harsh climate behind them and the creature's beauty before them.

Ahri stood in a pair of form-fitted pants, dark as the path before them, laced satin top, crimson red to accentuate her amber eyes. Her nine tails were in full display behind her, dancing in the cool breeze as the winter raged on.

"OW!" What was that for??" Ekko cried as the familiar sting of his partner's elbow crashed into his ribs. She gave it the extra oomph to make sure it penetrated his layers of clothing.

"You said she was cute, not 'sell my mother at the market for five minutes alone with her' gorgeous!" she replied in a huff.

"SHE WAS CLOAKED!"

"That's no excuse!"

"Children, please..." Ahri said, holding a hand over her mouth to contain her laughter. "Don't worry, my dear," she said, turning attention to Jinx, "I tried, but it was no use. He was the perfect gentleman."

"Ah... yes," Jinx replied in a sigh of relief. "His chivalrous boobie allergies. We have our top scientists working on a cure, but..."

"...nobody's THAT allergic- OW!" Ekko muttered to himself as he looked at Ahri, words halted by a follow-up jab to the rib. "Will you quit stabbing me with your knives??? It's like you file your elbows on a grindstone when I'm asleep!"

"I heard that," she replied, glaring at him as only a significant other can.

"Please, children, come in..." Ahri requested, giggling softly. "Let's close the door and get you warm." The pair nodded in agreement and quickly made their way inside.

They stood in the middle of a rainforest; or at least as close as one can get while being indoors. Heavy oak spanned across the floors, curving at the edges to form the walls in the residence. Potted plants scattered inside; their herbal scents emanating sweet fragrances across the room. Tall leaves raced towards the ceiling, intertwining with neighboring plants to create a canvas of calm and harmony. Small insects buzzed about in their tasks, cross-pollinating the plant as is their design. The couple marveled with curiosity as they witnessed things that just should not be.

"How..." Jinx muttered, amazed at the view. She was a city girl, not accustomed to natural life. But even in her ignorance, she was puzzled by the sight. "This isn't possible... it's the middle of winter. The plants should be dead... insects hibernating..."

Ahri smiled at the compliment. She worked tirelessly throughout the years to perfect her home, now a living biodome, separated from the climates of the outside world. Her guest's bewildered expressions reassured her that her efforts were not in vain.

"Magic, what else?" Ahri replied with a grin and a shrug. "It can't be all soul-sucking doom and gloom. Girl's gotta have a little fun once in a while."

"Oh... I like her," Jinx whispered to Ekko in an enthusiastic tone.

"Come on, let me show you the rest of the house," Ahri said, barely able to contain her excitement. She led the pair into the adjourning room. "This is my meditation hall," she declared proudly. The room was simpler, but still as beautiful and unique as the last.