No characters (both humans and non-humans) are below the age of consent.
Also, this is one of the more story-focused chapters.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a moment, Zara thought she would have to do this week's course with someone much older. As she got closer, she realized that the girl was somewhere at her age, just looked older because of her clothes.
She had glasses, high heels, black stockings, a very tight light-grey skirt, a white button up shirt with a tie, and above that she wore a dark grey blazer. Her dark brown, almost black, hair was tied in a neat bun at the back of her head.
Like a very young version of Gretchen, Zara thought.
"Good morning," Zara greeted the girl, "You must be my next partner."
"Pardon me, but might I inquire as to the nature of your request?" the girl spoke like a linguistic teacher.
"The course. You know, with Aritimi," Zara replied awkwardly, she barely understood what the girl just said previously.
"Ah! Indeed, I am one of Aritimi's protégés. My sincerest apologies for failing to recognize you as a fellow pupil. I was momentarily ensnared in my own contemplations."
"Oh, no problem... I guess," Zara nodded.
Her favorite dinosaur must be thesaurus, Zara thought and had to force herself not to laugh at her own joke.
"I'm Zara Cromwell," she stuck her hand out.
"I am Minerva von Wittenbacherschmidtgruberwaldkirchenadlerkreuzerhofenstein. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Zara Cromwell," Minerva introduced herself.
Zara couldn't decide what was more incredible, that fact that she managed to say this all with one breath or that she remembered this whole tongue twister horror name.
"Nice to meet you, but I'll only call you Minerva if this is not a problem. I don't want to be rude, I just know I'd butcher your name," Zara chuckled awkwardly.
"Perish the thought, Miss Cromwell. I am well aware that my family's illustrious name presents a considerable challenge to recollection," Minerva shrugged.
"By the way, you said you have some problem... if I got it right. What is it?"
"Indeed, I find myself beset by a predicament. My paramour's family harbors a distinct aversion toward me, and alas, we are to pay a visit to their place of employment today," Minerva replied.
"Sorry about that."
"Indeed, it's sad when the family is the way of love," Aritimi showed up behind them. It didn't even surprise Zara at this point, "By the way, good morning, pupils."
"Morning," Zara said, turning to face Aritimi.
"A most splendid morning to you, Miss Aritimi. As ever, it is a delight to make your acquaintance," Minerva said, which made Zara feel dumb.
"I know you probably already know where we gonna go today because of your boyfriend, so I can already tell," Aritimi looked at Minerva, "We are going to visit the Para-Zoological Unit."
"Sounds familiar. They are the veterinarians for monsters, right?" Zara asked.
"Indeed, they specialize in the management of creatures that, while undeniably peculiar, fall within the realm of mere zoological anomalies rather than true monstrosities," Minerva answered.
"I'll translate it: yes, they handle those monsters that are technically just weird animals," Aritimi added with a chuckle.
They followed Aritimi through the portal and they found themselves at a farm. It wasn't like the Winchester family's ranch at Crisis Response Unit's HQ. This was bigger and louder. The sounds of wild beasts could be heard everywhere.
"Oh dear... mud as far as the eye can see. I daresay my decision to procure a new pair of high heels was a most egregious miscalculation."
It didn't take them long to meet Aritimi's friend. She was feeding a flock of chicken monsters. They were likely monsters because some of them breathed fire to chase others away from the food.
"Hey now! Let yer kinfolk git some grub too! Keep on bein' greedy, an' I'll be tossin' ya straight in the stew pot come tomorrow!" she talked to the monster chicken jokingly.
"Pupils, she is Tomato McDoodleferguson. The chief of the Para-Zoological Unit," Aritimi introduced her friend.
Tomato was true to her name. Her hair was as red as a ripe tomato. It reached her waist, and was knotted into one single braid.
The overalls she wore were a patchwork of mismatched fabrics, stitched together with a clear disregard for fashion. They hugged her form in all the right places, showcasing her massive, round buttocks. Her ass was so big and round it seemed to stretch the material to its limits. The faded makeshift clothes cupped her cheeks perfectly, leaving little to the imagination.
Then she turned around. Zara almost gasped. It looked like Tomato was suffering from one of the worst cases of Gigantomastia ever. Her breasts, that looked more like udders, were so large that they could have been mistaken for giant melons strapped to her chest. The fabric clung to her grotesquely voluptuous form, showcasing her deep cleavage that looked like it could swallow a man whole. Her belly bulged but it looked like she was pregnant rather than obese, which seemed quite odd for someone of her age. Her shoulders were broad, almost as broad as a man's, but her skin was as soft as velvet.
Zara was the first to introduce herself to her.
"Well, ain't it good to see ya, Zara! Mercy, ya got a grip like a dadgum bear trap. Reckon you're one mighty strong lil' gal!" she said, giving Zara's hand a firm shake.
Then came Minerva. Her delicate hand disappeared in Tomato's calloused palm. "The pleasure is entirely mine, Miss McDoodleferguson," she said, her voice as smooth as a jazz saxophone solo.
"Girl, yer hands are softer'n a newborn calf's belly! What kinda work y'all do in them fancy getups, anyhow?" Tomato said, eyeing Minerva's attire with a raised brow.
