XaiJu
emoryahlberg
emoryahlberg

patreon


Half Sisters - Episode 58

Nikki and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day continues...

Apologies for the delay! But this is a 40-page long double episode that I didn't want to rush. I really can't wait to read your thoughts! The comments always make me so happy. 💖

Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58 Half Sisters - Episode 58

Comments

Wow, thanks for this comment, Naomi! That moment when Sandy called Mrs. Ferris "Mom" was huge for me, too. I always saw their relationship as having this weird, twisted foundation (Mrs Ferris still had a lot of grief), but with genuine affection buried underneath. I definitely wanted to show that Sandy's starting to see Mrs. Ferris as a person - and as a caring figure again, not just some crazy lady who messed with her life. Nikki is definitely more of a mystery. Obviously, trauma can warp someone's understanding of themselves. Maybe Nikki would have been open to transitioning under different circumstances, or maybe she's just a dude who got screwed over. Either way, she's (very slowly) finding a way forward...

Emory Ahlberg

Sandy finally called Mrs. Ferris, "Mom." 🥹 Going back & rereading "Maid for Life", I realized she liked Mrs. Ferris, & how she cared for her, in the early years, but realizing the hormone treatment was changing her body, scared her away, & she didn't realize that, while they could have gone about it in a better way, Mrs. Ferris & Mortimer had her best interests at heart, & cared a great deal for her, like a daughter, & I'm so glad Sandy's realizing that, & accepting Mrs. Ferris as her mother for real. I feel like their relationship, & their arrival in Texas will be much more positive than the first time they went there together. In the Second Dawn universe, I think Sandy had the least painful transformation, besides her encounter with Jordan Davis. I love the ice cream analogy. As a trans girl myself, that's how it felt to me. Being a "boy" had its moments, & everything, but being a girl is so much better, despite the hardships, & I feel so much more right as a girl. That's why I believe Sandy is trans, but didn't understand that about herself until after her "Petticoat Punishment". Considering the fact that she didn't have much of a childhood, it makes sense that she couldn't really understand her gender identity back then, but she fully understands & embraces herself now. Nikki is another story. Initially, I thought she was just a straight up cis man who was forced into a female body, but these latest chapters have made me rethink that, particularly the discussions about how Elaine Ferris & Mary Palmer saw Nikki before she was molded into an alpha male hyperjock by her father. It makes me wonder if she would have welcomed transition more willingly if she wasn't kidnapped by Second Dawn to become a toy, & forcibly feminized, & abused the whole time. However, it looks like she's got a chance to find joy in it, & discover new parts of herself, like being distracted by a man's muscular chest. 😂 Up until this point, I thought they were going to stick with the best friend route for Nikki & Zach, but this opens the door to a potential romance route, or a possibility that Nikki is bisexual. I loved the image of Nikki riding the horse out of there. Embracing her freedom, & her first victory over her captors. Here's hoping it's a victory for Janice as well, & she can start a better life elsewhere.

Winter Naomi Vera .

Amazing, I love your writing! I foreshadow a lot more questioning moving forward ;) I would love for her to become a boy mad sissy coed, I don’t think it’s ever really been done properly before in the genre

Sara Dune Tone

Sorry but this chapter and what happened here is way too surreal to me... We had no idea about any involvement of Zach into what happened to Nick... knowing now that there was any is kinda hmmm concerning at least. And that whole idea about how to deal with old guy after what happened today is sooo bizarre

Maggie Heels

Thanks so much, Sara! Yeah, I'm really enjoying exploring the relationship between Nikki and Zach. There's a lot of history there, both good and bad, and it's creating a fun and complex dynamic - especially as Nikki is confronting some hard truths about herself. She's starting to question the person she used to be and whether that's really who she wants to be going forward.

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Elrod!!! I'm glad you caught the symbolism with the white horse! I definitely chose that deliberately. Maybe Snowfall represents the innocence and purity that both Nikki and Zach have lost due to Hutchinson's machinations. Hutchinson's gullibility when it comes to Zach is definitely a weakness, but it's because he underestimates his son. He's so used to seeing Zach as weak and controllable that he can't fathom the idea of Zach deceiving him. It's a blind spot that Zach is learning to exploit, thanks to years of living under his father's thumb. As for Nikki's reactions to Zach's physique... Yeah, she's starting to notice things about Zach that she never allowed herself to see before. Does that move all the way beyond platonic attraction? TBD! Thanks for the insightful comment! And good luck with the curmudgeon practice - I hear it's a tough gig, but somebody's gotta do it! 😂

Emory Ahlberg

Oh, that would be fun, Thomas! And don't worry, Kendra and Mortimer will pop up again. I'm planning on giving them a "snapshot" story - just the two of them.

Emory Ahlberg

Ohhhh this is amazing! I was so excited to see Nikki start getting the hots for Zak’s muscles 🥰🥰🥰🥰 I love where this is going!! I expect incredible things when Nick and Scott become college dorm mates! I can’t wait for Nikki to fully switch sides, I know it’s going to happen like an avalanche when it does heheh! I do also find the character development very cute and relatable, especially where she sees her old male self as a bit of an asshole and starts embracing a softer, gentler approach to life and rapports. So fuuuun!

Sara Dune Tone

Hi Kris! I'm so happy you're enjoying the series so much! It's honestly so exciting to hear from new readers who are connecting with the characters. The waiting game can be tough, but I promise I'm working hard to bring you the next episode! In the meantime, feel free to speculate wildly about where the story might go next 😁

Emory Ahlberg

He sure didn't see that one coming, Stacy! LOL

Emory Ahlberg

Oh man, right? Zach riding in like that, all shirtless and heroic... I mean, I wrote the scene and even I was like, "Damn, son!" 😂 What was wearing under those jeans? Maybe nothing at all! It seems like he was in a hurry! Now, where's Nikki headed? That's a great question. Her relationship with both her parents is pretty complicated right now. Her dad's a mess, and her mom... well, she's trying, but there's a lot of baggage there, too - especially with what she just heard from Hutchinson!

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Singular! The image of Nikki riding home on Snowfall has been with me for a while and it was wonderful to see her smile! I'm with you on not shipping Zack and Nikki just yet. They've got a lot of baggage to sort through before they're ready for anything serious. They're both in such vulnerable places right now. Nikki really does need to talk with mom! Mrs. Palmer knows the real Nikki and if anyone can help her navigate this new world, it's her mom. 😊

Emory Ahlberg

That was subtle. Great catch, Gemma!

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, mdaily! In a way, it makes me sad that you can relate to Nikki in that way. Your experience of using athleticism to deny your true nature is a powerful one, and it's sadly common. With Nikki especially, I wanted to explore the idea that sometimes the things we think define us - like Nick's football prowess and his relationship with his dad - can actually be holding us back from discovering who we really are. As for "Zikki," (🤣) there's a lot of history there, a lot of hurt, but also a lot of potential for growth and healing. And, yeah, that's the first real smile we've seen from Nikki in a long time. It's a glimmer of hope amidst all the chaos in her life right now!

Emory Ahlberg

That's true! Although in their case it would be friends to enemies to friends to lovers. 😉

Emory Ahlberg

Yeah I like the idea of Lauren and maybe some others having Nikki gossip about her date with Zach, with Nikki initiailly unawares that she's engaging in girl talk about how great her boyfriend is. Then maybe something prompts Nikki to talk about a "fight" with Zach's dad and Zach arriving shirtless to defend her (possibly getting caught up on those specific details) and the cogs turn in Lauren's head allowing her to light that bulb in Nikki's head. Regarding platonic vs romantic love, the whole situation reminds me of those stories of childhood friends to adult lovers, with a myriad of twists of course.

Richard Head

Don't forget to show us the part where she dresses up! I'm looking forward to see her butt in sexy white panties before the dress covers it all up. :P

mm_saku

Excellent contribution Elrod. Always eloquent and perceptive. Whether it’s going to be with Zach or some other guy, Nikki’s physiological response to his abs suggests that the girl is (a) a girl and (b) straight, even if she has yet to come to terms with both facts herself.

Robertlouis

I think Lauren and Sandy could absolutely provide some much-needed perspective for Nikki. I love the idea of Lauren being the one to point out this similarity to Nikki. But, then, Nikki is stubborn as hell! And you're definitely right about the parallel between Sandy's relationship with Josh and Nikki's growing connection with Zach. Both Josh and Zach provide this sense of stability and understanding that Sandy and Nikki desperately need as they're grappling with their new realities. Is that romantic or platonic? We'll see!

Emory Ahlberg

"Zikki" is brilliant hehe 💖

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you, Ella! 💖They certainly seem to have chemistry in stressful situations!

Emory Ahlberg

She certainly deserves her moment of justice!

Emory Ahlberg

Thank you so much, Robert! I've been eager to bring Zach more into the foreground of the story. He's such a complex character, shaped by years of living under his father's oppressive thumb. And I love your analysis of the symbolism with Snowfall! Liberation is a definitely a theme with the story - how do you find freedom when everything around us is trying to constrain and control us? For Nikki, it's a fleeting moment of escape... But it did earn one of her first smiles in a long time. And I'm so glad the Boston scenes resonated with you. Developing the relationship between Mrs Ferris and Sandy has been one of my favorite parts of writing this story. They've both been through so much, and they're finding solace and strength in each other. And Sandy's self-discovery in regards to her gender and sexuality, is something I'm really excited to explore even more!

Emory Ahlberg

WOW!!! Thank you, Bobbie! That is high praise. You put a big smile on my face. 💖

Emory Ahlberg

Can't wait for them! Hehe.

Emory Ahlberg

Thanks, Gemma! Yeah, Nikki's still grappling with the loss of her own masculine form, so those feelings of admiration are tangled up with a sense of longing for what she once had. Nikki might not be ready to admit it to herself yet, but seeing Zach as this powerful, protective figure is stirring up some confusing emotions. Is that a crush? We'll see! I had a blast writing the banter between Hutchinson and Nikki. Their dynamic is so charged, with Hutchinson constantly needling Nikki about her new status and Nikki firing back with those razor-sharp quips. I love how she refuses to be cowed by him, even in the face of his manipulations and threats. Nikki's character growth has been one of my favorite things to explore. Losing everything has forced her to reflect on who she was and who she wants to be. Developing that empathy and compassion for others is a huge part of her journey. 😊

Emory Ahlberg

LOL! Thanks, Max! I'm glad it was the emotional rollercoaster I was hoping for.

Emory Ahlberg

I hear you loud and clear. Trust me, I'm just as eager to explore the chemistry between Nikki and Zach as you are! I've been laying the groundwork for their relationship, building the tension, the push and pull. But a steamy dream sequence could be just the thing to kick things up a notch. 😉 Great idea!

Emory Ahlberg

Mine too! 💖 And you predicted the Snowfall escape! It was fun to actually render Nikki with a smile for a change!

Emory Ahlberg

Now she just needs to find a place to "park" Snowfall. 🤣

Emory Ahlberg

Maybe she can borrow her mom's wedding dress! 🥰

Emory Ahlberg

Hutchinson thinks of himself as one of their best customers! Xu certainly seems to want to keep him happy since he personally made a visit to Mrs Ferris!

Emory Ahlberg

I seriously CANNOT WAIT for Nikki and Sandy's escapades and spats as roomies lol

Emory Ahlberg

bit late to the game - I blame work, birthday, getting curmudgeon license, etc. But - Hutchison has to be a TOTAL dimwit and nit-brain to buy that crap that Zack is feeding him. Call Nikki gullible? He's ten times worse - but maybe Zack has learned through life with the prat how to tell him convincingly what he wants to know. We know Hutchison plays dirty when it comes to money, power, and politics, but now we know he'll fight dirty against his own son. Even though Zack totally put him down. And Nikki - after the little monologue in the previous chapter with Janice, maybe some of that hard edge is being broken off - she's still feisty, but now she knows there's no way back, that Zack is really a nice guy, and that she might have it better just 'going with the flow". Judging by her reactions (made evident through Emory's excellent cinematography) to Zack's physique, it seems that Nikki might be starting, at least subconsciously or still a bit hesitantly or unwillingly, to accept her fate. She certainly realizes now that Zack is a 'knight in shining armor', given how he rode in to rescue her. And the bonus pic - Nikki riding the horse. White horse? Often used as a symbol for a knight riding to rescue a damsel? Deliberate choice by Emory? Or a subconscious influence from childhood-story-memories? Certainly Zack riding the motorcycle evokes an image of a modern-day knight riding his trusty steed. (And ties neatly into images from Twain's "Connecticut Yankee..." and the various toons, pics, and drawings of that story.) Long enough. Gotta go practice yelling at kids to get off my lawn! Curmudgeon practice is harder than one would think!

Elrod W

Great chapter! A lot in it. Sad we only saw Kendra for a panel though. Maybe we can get some bonus panels of her cleaning though? 😉😏

Thomas Tolliver

I just subscribed yesterday, & now I'm completely caught up with my favorite Emory stories. Now I have to wait. Seriously though, I'm enjoying the heck out of this series too. You are one of the best working right now.

Kris Greg

Great stuff Em.....loved that body slam....bet Hutchinson didn't tho hehe x

stacy C

I don't have the word in english. But. " putain sa mere la pute... Zach!" What was he doing to just wearing a jean... di he have somthing under his jean! 🤨 And where is nikki going to? To her mom or to her dad... And so I think next episode is the reunion between the "two half sisters"...

Nolwenn

How does Nikki go home? Like best girl on her horse, of course! Oh Nikki, those sensations while riding are going to spark more in you. Especially since you are starting to notice the masculinity of Zack. Im still not ready to ship them, but I think they are going to at least sexy time soonish. Like during the date. I just dont think they are ready yet for the ultimate debauchery of *gasp* Cuddling and Hand Holding. Go Nikki, your a girl now, get your girl on, go Nikki, get your girl on, and talk more with your Mom!

SingularCurve

She did talk an awful lot about Zacks bare chest. Bi and Straight women do that so I think Nikki is going "deeper" into the femme pool.

SingularCurve

Perhaps I should have said, "It is the first time we have seen her smiling broadly with the wind in her face and her boobs bouncing like crazy with a magnificent beast between her legs.".... didn't want to be overstated

mdaily

Hmmm, do Nikki’s nipples look more visible and slightly erect when Zach places his hands on her shoulders or is it just wishful thinking/imagining on my part? Just wondering…

Gemma

Agree wholeheartedly with you Richard.

Gemma

Spot on Emory. She does look cute with her girlish pout.

Gemma

lol. can't fight facts

DJ

I couldn't agree more, Emory... but Nikki is downright beautiful, brimming with joy while riding Snowfall bareback.

Tim

More thoughts on these great comments later, but… The main problem is she’s really cute when she’s pouting. 😉

Emory Ahlberg

It sure seems that way, mdaily, but actually Emory has shown her smiling, or at least with a "happy" expression, in 15 other panels (out of 1,220) so far... – when she was first discovering the enjoyment her new breasts could give her in Episodes 5 & 17... – when she was tossing around the football with her dad in Episode 26... – when she showed her amusement with Zach strutting his stuff in her heels in Episode 29... – and later when Zach suggested some "bro time" together in Episode 30... – then while playing Madden with Zach in Episode 31 (especially when she crushed him)... – when her mom agreed to help her shop for her "date dress" in Episode 44, then while driving to the mall (and singing along with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill to their song, "Speak to a Girl") before greeting her mom at the mall food court with a warm smile... – and lastly when she met Snowfall for the first time in Episode 55. She was also smiling in other people's imaginations when she was modeling "booty shorts" with a cute top for her mom in Episode 15, as well as when Hutchinson envisioned her as the supportive bride in a field of Texas bluebonnets and standing next to Senator Zach Hutchinson, also in Episode 55. I know I went a little crazy paging through all 1,220 frames of the story, but I wanted to make the point that Nikki has had a very rough time and really REALLY deserves a little happiness in her life... it's way overdue.

Tim

Absolutely second this. And there's plenty of wild scenarios that could come to mind after the day she's had.

Richard Head

How much do I love this series, and the character Nikki! The two evil dads could easily be a mash up of my own. I tried to use athleticism to help myself try to deny my own nature. I find it very easy to identify with Nick/Nikki. Nicks dad whom he idolized has been exposed as a weakling. All of the "good" people in the story, other than his mom, are in the LGBT spectrum. Nikki now has a better support system than Nick ever did. She finally has a womb in which she can grow! From my own experience with estrogen, I know that it can indeed help one to see guys differently, not just as a potential opponent. Plus, she really likes and respects Zach now, so Zikki is definitely on the table! Please correct me if I am mistaken, but I think this is the first time we have seen her smile in story

mdaily

It's the great escape on a white geldie

DJ

Really well said. Nikki is basically a tomboy coming to grips with her growing attraction to the star Quarterback. And great catch about her feminine voice in her thoughts!

DJ

I love the nickname

DJ

I feel like if Nikki were to talk to Lauren about this (as much as she could), Lauren could give her that big light bulb moment where she realises the way Nikki feels about Zach's body is pretty damn similar to the way Lauren used to feel about Nick's body. Because it definitely reads like that going off those zoom-ins to his pecs and abs in this chapter. Or if with Sandy, the sense of security, strenght and understanding Sandy gets from Josh is pretty similar to the sense of security, strength and understanding that Nikki gets from Zach.

Richard Head

I'm officially all in on Zikki. Turning into such a cute couple

TheVampire

Yeah… I definitely like Zach and Nikki as a couple! Nice chapter, once again! 😊

Ella Cherry

Oh, and Emory being Emory, I suspect that Janice will return at exactly the right moment, like a Valkyrie, bent on revenge.

Robertlouis

Really insightful! 👏🏻👏🏻

Robertlouis

Fabulous Emory, just fabulous. Zach’s arrival on the scene throws Hutchinson completely (and literally!) It’s now a matter of how long Zach can maintain the pretence that everything between his father and him is back to what passes for normal. Some great and very telling dialogue, but the most telling part is Nikki’s tongue-tied silence while contemplating Zach’s abs and pecs - that’s definitely a female response, not a male one. Oh, and having given some more thought to the Armando mystery - wherever Zach was previously, he must have left hurriedly to travel bare chested and barefoot on a motorcycle. Hmmm. So despite all the mutual bro, Nick and male pronouns, Nikki may have to put any growing romantic notions about Zach in check. The last renders with Nikki and Snowfall are gorgeous, because they are so symbolic about liberation for both of them, however temporary it might be. Final thought, for this episode anyway, on Hutchinson. For someone with such apparent political power and influence, his thinking is incredibly shallow: he gets so easily taken in when Zach opposes him for the very first time then passes it off. Dumb. And the Boston scenes. Great to see the blossoming relationship between Elaine and Sandy, and to see Sandy with such confidence and making things happen through her own agency. And to see her defining her sexuality so brilliantly. Finally, finally, finally. Just how will Nikki react when she sees and meets full-on girly Sandy? One of the best episodes yet in this long saga. xx

Robertlouis

We are witnessing a masterpiece. Beautiful story and art. Thank you Emory. ❤

Bobbie

Woooooooow ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️more thoughts later...

Maggie Heels

Oh Emory, you have done it again! So much to revel in and consume in this latest episode. As a romantic, I will again put forward my thoughts (hopes) around the developing relationship between Nikki and Zach (I know others may disagree). I loved hearing and witnessing Nikki’s reflective comments on Zach’s body, his physical masculine shape and his prowess. Nikki’s language to me sounded like an infatuated girl who is ‘gushing over,’ and expressing (if not developing) a physical attraction and her ‘hots for a guy.’ Whilst Nikki tries to explain this way and rationalise her admiration and commentary as being an expression of feelings of envy about what she has lost and wishes to regain. To me it seemed like a feigned attempt to hide, masquerade her true underlying and developing feelings (including from herself) for Zach. I mean, how could she not start developing these feelings and this attraction to Zach as he becomes more and more her knight in shining armour and she his damsel in distress. I also loved the ongoing interplay between Hutchinson and Nikki. He never misses the opportunity to use feminine pronouns to remind Nikki of her new status, ‘at least in his eyes.’ I also enjoy Nikki’s spirit and wit, the way she continues to hold her own with Hutchinson, her snappy assessments and put downs of him, for example referring to his appetite for Toys as his Pokémon collection. Nikki’s character continues to grow which is great to see. Her increasing compassion and capacity to reflect on and take ownership of her past short comings and her increasing empathy and compassion for others. It was great to gain further these insights through her emails to Scott/ Sandy. Nikki’s emails to Sandy gave also changed tone and are now less combative and full of defensive type bravado. She seems to developing a closer tie with Sandy akin to those that girls can often develop with one another. This developing bond with Sandy will certainly be a ‘God send’ later to help Nikki navigate and deal with the challenges she is about to face. Again I love your art work and images Emory. Thankyou in particular for the last images of a girl on her horse. It was so nice to see the smile, the joy and pleasure we can see as Nikki rides off on Snowfall (beautiful images) P.S. l do so love the physical intimacy shown through the protective way in which Zach places his hands on Nikki’s shoulders (18,19,20, and 21) as he checks in to see if she is okay. P.P.S I also love how Nikki unconsciously is still speaking in a female voice.

Gemma

At the beginning: KILL. HIM. KILL. HIM. Near the end: KISS HIM ALREADY DAMN IT

Max

While I love the careful and well written plot development... I crave sexy setups with Nikki and Zach. Can we get a dream sequences or fantasy? Anything? Something? Just something to wet the appetite. Calm the beast. Need to see Nikki giving in and being a playful girly girl with Zack

DJ

yeah this update rocked my ass em

Alyson Greaves

You know, I was wondering the same thing as Mrs. Ferris... how did Nikki get away? Hi yo Snowfall... what a great escape!... what a great (if rare) smile!

Tim

This episode was kinda sweet. Nikki is going to be a beautiful wife one day.

mm_saku

Hutch!!!! What are you going to to do to Janice? HUTCH!!!! Has Hutchinson gone insane? Does he really think he can threaten Xu and Second Dawn with impunity? You're not getting your "refund" Hutch.

Female-Bosmer-Always

This was fantastic. Nikki and Zach being a good team against Hutchinson, a good plan and presenting a united front. Sandy and Mrs Ferrris figuring out how to do things. I think the dorm plan is solid. Make Nikki live the life, and she'll have to be the role. Oh Kendra, you are doomed. Lol. Cute of Sandy to give cleaning tips.

Helena Grace


More Creators