[Report This]Date: March 03 2024 3:37 AM Title: The Temple of Truth
I think it was a good decision to have this whole chapter focus on Mika and Chloé. Jumping around between characters in previous chapters has been both fun and good for the pacing of the story, but taking the time to clear the air between our two protagonists after everything they've both been processing these past few chapters.
I especially like that this chapter kind of closed out the "I love you just the way you" theme that's been woven so well into the fabric of the story. Mika finally made clear that he prefers Chloé's true form to her human one (even if the latter has its own appeal, as well). It was really sweet that she was willing to stay human for as long as possible because that's what she thought he wanted, but we've already seen how much she struggles when she stays in that firm too long (and doesn't eat properly). That sacrifice, while showing true devotion to her chosen partner, would have left her miserable. That Mika loves her Naga form and accepts what (who) she is means that both of them can be happy together.
And again, this problem originated from Chloé taking Mika's use of the word monster. I've mentioned this before, but her still thinking he wants her to be human shows just how deep that word cut her. It just goes to show how impactful a simple miscommunication can be in a relationship.
You know, I've never been too interested in full tour, but you gradually drew me into it throughout the story. Your descriptions of each stage of Chloé's digestive tract have been clear yet creative, and you've reiterated key details of the trip each time Mika has gone deeper inside her. And the trip through her intestines was surprisingly sensual and deeply meaningful. Really well done!
I was wondering, though, could Mika take a "shortcut" to that ancient knowledge by going in directly through her anus or is the journey just as important as the destination? I know it's a moot point since Chloé won't let him anywhere near that thing (and he likes going down her throat), but maybe he she'd be cool with him going in while in her human firm and transforming after he's in there?
I really like that our heroes are diverging from the path laid out for them. This whole time, the story has kind of had a manifest destiny kind of vibe. There was nothing wrong with that, but seeing Chloé and Mika stump the goddess and throw a monkey wrench into the grand design was pretty refreshing and unexpected. Finding out the Naga were planning for a world without either the Neko or themselves was really intriguing, and I love how much such a goal contrasts with the Neko's plan to eat all the humans and live forever. It draws a really clear line between who's good and who's bad.
I love that Chloé is looking to find a way to insert herself into the Neko mating process. She's willing to share if the reason is good enough, but only if she gets to be involved too. I'm curious how Emilie, who's basically the grandma of the group, will feel about that.
And I agree that Oklahoma could give them some ... direction in this area. I'm not sure if it will be her idea or Chloé's, but I get the feeling that this is going to involve either a kaiju-sized lover or a tiny one (or maybe both). If it's the former, that could get interesting, given how uneasy Emilie feels around Chloé's Naga form.
Author's Response: Yeah, for a moment Chloe and Mika completely upended the Goddess's plans, the Naga's grand scheme would have likely ended with a world with only humanity left, which they find acceptable since they like us. The Neko plan obviously is pretty evil and ultimately self destructive, Emilie pretty much gave them a way to save themselves and Natasha would rather throw it away on chasing her millennia long vengeance schemes.