Half Sisters - Episode 61
Added 2024-12-13 07:54:03 +0000 UTCNikki completes her preparations for her date with Zach with a lot of encouragement from Sandy - but is she mentally ready for the night ahead?
Phew! A pretty long episode at 26 new pages. Some of the art I'm really proud of this time around, and I'm really loving the interplay between Sandy and Nikki. It's so fun to have them back together, especially after everything they both have gone through.
Thank you again to everyone who voted on Nikki's hair style!
As always, I really can't wait to read your comments!
Comments
Her little belly is so cute.
Emory Ahlberg
2025-02-19 23:18:19 +0000 UTCSometimes they won't shut up, Robert!
Emory Ahlberg
2025-02-19 23:17:56 +0000 UTCShe's not gay if she's a woman attracted to men. Of course, she's also a woman attracted to women, so she kind of is. DEFINITELY bisexual either way though. Lol.
Winter Naomi Vera .
2025-01-27 16:15:31 +0000 UTCWhy take any chances??!
Jade Diaz
2024-12-26 15:42:09 +0000 UTCThanks, Bos! I love (and hate) writing Hutchinson because I think the scariest villains are the ones who genuinely believe they're helping. In his mind, he's doing Nikki a favor! And yeah, the island and Second Dawn are always lurking in the background. Janice's role in the story isn't over yet, I promise!
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-23 01:05:17 +0000 UTCThanks, Richard! I love writing Nikki's slow realization that she's actually gorgeous (still ongoing of couse). The whole "I'll prove Zach is gay by being super hot" plan is so perfectly on-brand for her - she thinks she's being clever but she's totally missing how it might backfire. And Sandy knows (from experience) that feeling beautiful can be intoxicating, even if you're fighting it!
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-23 00:44:56 +0000 UTCI love what your response says about your own writing process, Emory - that at times your characters have their own independence of thought and motive. That’s deep. Sandy has acquired wisdom through her time with Elaine Ferris, and benefited greatly from Elaine’s changes, generosity and wisdom. She’s now sharing both with Nikki, but subtly. And Sandy has been able to develop a relaxed confidence which is alien to Nikki. She’s been alone since before the island.
Robertlouis
2024-12-23 00:42:40 +0000 UTCThank you, Robert! I love writing Sandy because she's constantly evolving in ways that surprise me. Sandy sees a lot of herself in Nikki, but also recognizes their crucial differences. She knows that direct confrontation won't work with Nikki - you can't just tell a (former) quarterback what to do! So she frames everything in terms of strategy and competition, which speaks to Nikki's athlete mentality! The Zach-Nikki dynamic fascinates me. They're both trapped in these impossible situations, both trying to live up to their fathers' expectations while secretly yearning for something else. And yeah, Hutchinson is still going to be a problem. The scariest part (to me) is that in his mind, he's the hero of this story. He truly believes he's doing what's best for everyone.
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-23 00:27:40 +0000 UTCWe really don't know if Zach is bi at all. He says he's gay. But certainly he has to at least appreciate her "giving it a go" to keep his psycho father happy... for now...
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-23 00:25:15 +0000 UTCThank you, Kris! The date is coming up and will be the end of Season 2 of Half Sisters. 😊
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-23 00:23:46 +0000 UTCZach is definitely starting to "like" Nikki a lot more than he liked the bully that his friend Nick became. Whether he likes LIKES Nikki, however, remains to be seen... 😉
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-23 00:22:39 +0000 UTCThank you! Yeah, I wanted Nikki to have this moment where she realizes she can use the tools she's been given (like the makeup skills) to make her feel more in control. And yeah, Sandy's quick thinking with the "finishing school" cover story was fun - and a lie they've both used before! I hope their friendship will be a balance - Sandy pushing Nikki to explore and grow, but also being there to catch her when she stumbles.
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-23 00:15:09 +0000 UTCThank you, Stacy! Yeah, we finally got another one of Nikki's rare smiles! I wonder if she'll have any during her date??
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-22 23:48:30 +0000 UTCThank you, Alex! Nope - she is DEFINITELY not ready for that... but it seems like it's happening whether she's ready or not. 😉
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-22 23:48:05 +0000 UTCThank you, Ryan! She's certainly popular - and if she ever knew, she'd be really upset! LOL
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-22 23:13:17 +0000 UTCI think it's a really cute style! And I like her new "everyday" look, too!
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-22 23:12:46 +0000 UTCYum yum yum! Glad you enjoyed it, Jenny! 😊
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-22 23:02:37 +0000 UTCDad is a piece of shit now, but that doesn't mean he always was. People change, and only rarely for the better. Nikki was on her way to becoming a mini-me of her dad, but now she's finally beginning to see how destructive and (perhaps most painful for her) unpopular she was. Can Dad undergo the same kind of reflection WITHOUT the drastic action of a gender change? Only time will tell. 😊
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-22 23:01:55 +0000 UTCThat smile has been a long time coming, Thomas! But hopefully it was worth the wait. 😊
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-22 22:59:19 +0000 UTCAw Nikki quoted… me?!! Em you’re so sweet, you really didn’t have to 🥰🤣 I am loooooving this energy. I really like the subtlety of Nikki’s obsession with masculinity, this is really well written character. I hope she keeps up the whole “bro” nonsense when she finally goes full sissy, maybe even keep struggling not to use male pronouns on herself and Sandy when she realises she/he is as gay as the day is long. It’s gonna be delicious. I also like the emerging role of Sandy as a bit of a master manipulator, I think she has understood more about Nikki’s inner impulses for than she lets on. As usual, 10/10 Em, you’re the best!
Sara Dune Tone
2024-12-22 10:13:40 +0000 UTCNiki acts like she hates dressing like a woman. It she shure seems to like her Lil crop tops haha
Brandi
2024-12-19 12:39:30 +0000 UTCHehe, thank you Erika... Although she'd be very upset to hear you say so! 😉
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-18 04:23:58 +0000 UTCI don't think smile #19 will be too far behind!
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-18 04:23:35 +0000 UTCThank you, Hel! You're totally right to sniff out Mrs. Ferris's influence. Mrs. Ferris isn't just teaching her how to be a woman, she's teaching her how to be powerful. Totally busted on the opsec front! Nikki especially is still learning discretion. But sometimes trauma makes people weird about boundaries - they can become so used to having none that they overshare almost reflexively. 😉 Great DUNE quote, Wojtek!
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-18 04:22:56 +0000 UTCSpot on! In relation to your last comment. It seems Nikki both appreciates Sandy’s wisdom and also knows that her own stubbornness and need to protest can rule when it comes to unwise decisions. Recognition at some deep level that some of the decisions she makes are more in response to a need within her own psyche (how a real man should respond), as well as to be seen by others, to fight against any attack on her masculine identity.
Gemma
2024-12-17 02:03:13 +0000 UTCThank you, Diana! I love writing Sandy and Nikki's dynamic! The thing about Sandy is that she's not just trying to help Nikki survive - she's trying to help her find a way to thrive, even in this messed up situation. Sandy's own experience has taught her that you can't fight the current head-on, but you can use it to your advantage. The "Full Barbie" strategy is definitely a double-edged sword though! I'm fascinated by how these characters have to navigate between resistance and survival. Like, yeah, going all-out feminine might prove Zach is gay, but it could totally backfire. Hutchinson isn't exactly known for his rational thinking, right? The dad stuff is difficult. He's watching his son go through something he doesn't understand, and his response is to drink and double down on macho bullshit. He's trapped in this cycle of trying to "fix" things by making them worse. But, of course, he's the one with the key...
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-17 01:34:56 +0000 UTCThank you, Gemma! I love writing Sandy and Nikki's friendship! Sandy's manipulation comes from a place of deep empathy and understanding. She's been where Nikki is, but she's also had more time to process and adapt. The "bro/dude" language was super fun to write. I wanted to show how Nikki is clinging to these masculine speech patterns almost desperately, like verbal armor. The heterosexual panic moment was important to me because it shows how Nikki is still wrestling with attraction and identity. I mean she likes women - but seeing Sandy as attractive forces her to confront some uncomfortable questions about her own changing body and identity. I actually think Nikki is a lot smarter than she seems - she knows Sandy is guiding her, but she's choosing to follow because deep down, she trusts Sandy's judgment more than her own right now.
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-17 01:32:01 +0000 UTCThank you, Jay! Yeah, Zach's feelings for Nikki are pretty complicated at this point. He has seen the best of her (when they were kids) and the worst of her (when she was the star QB) - now he's seeing an entirely new version!
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-17 01:03:08 +0000 UTCThank you, Sam! This was a particularly fun episode for obvious reasons.
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-17 00:54:37 +0000 UTCYes, but like every organization there fractions that are fighting against each other. Do you know the youngest Bene Gesserit Alia sister of Paul (https://dune.fandom.com/wiki/Alia_Atreides) she was in Dune Part II 2024 btw I think she had a short time on screen for a character so prominent🤔 in the order.
Wojtek
2024-12-15 12:50:07 +0000 UTCWhat a lovely vibe! Wish I was there being pampered with them! 🥰
Ella Cherry
2024-12-15 12:32:38 +0000 UTCOh... 34 comments already... I'm bit late... but wanting to continue my tradition to leave a comment under every your update here it is: - Are you Nick? Nick Palmer? Best quarterback in Texas? - Do I look like one now? But I was one... < murmuring to herself > And who the f are you?!?! - I'm.... a friend from the future... RUN DUDE RUN Sandy is a decepticon do not believe what she's saying... she wants you to embrace the femininity to the fullest possible!!! - No she's helping me stop doing all this shit... - Are you SURE? - < After few seconds >: YEAH I'm sure... - OK then, this is all I wanted to know... I'll go now, see ya later in the future kiddo - Wait! sooo time travel you say... you look very similar... are we related? NGL that tight af futuristic skin-suit looks hot on you... - I know... and believe me you'll love it when you put it on for the first time :) - Nooo?!, you're me?! - < smirk > < and she disappeared in a blink of an eye >
Maggie Heels
2024-12-15 09:56:27 +0000 UTCNikki looks so beautiful and angelic, but please be careful, Nikki when mentioning "The Island". You wouldn't want to trigger Second Dawn's emergency protocol that Jill spoke to Xu about? Hutch, you leave Nikki alone now. HUTCH!!!! HUTCH!!! Even when he doesn't make an appearance he lurks in the background somewhere or in the back of my head. You really know how to write utterly loathsome characters; my muse; like Hutch, Xu and Davis alongside lovable ones like Jill, Sandy, Nikki, Janelle, Angela and Holly. Also, I'm worries Janice hasn't made an appearance yet. Please don't let Hutch hurt her even more. Also, I'm so looking forward to see Mason get what he really deserves.
Female-Bosmer-Always
2024-12-15 02:31:05 +0000 UTCIt really, Really helps that the Litany Against Fear comes from the Bene Gesseret, a Dune Universe Woman based Organization.
SingularCurve
2024-12-15 02:15:59 +0000 UTCThe poor girl. Naive doesn't even begin to cover it. You could run a car with how much gas is being lit here. She's going to walk into her date thinking she's like a badass wolf but actually looking like a dainty doe. Let's hope Zach is extra protective on their special night out.
Richard Head
2024-12-14 22:52:38 +0000 UTCSandy is truly key to this blossoming of an assassination. Nikki has to assassinate that plan of Hutchinson Sr. and that is going to be a nasty blow to that not so hard.
SingularCurve
2024-12-14 19:59:36 +0000 UTCEvery girl needs her warpaint!! Now that Nikki has found hers, her spirit, and looks STUNNING as all hell, I think she is ready for this date!! Especially that smile!
SingularCurve
2024-12-14 19:57:11 +0000 UTCSandy is a master psychologist. She uses humour or persuasion whenever the situation demands. Suggesting to Nikki that the full girl strategy is what is required is quite brilliant in both senses: it will probably work, and as we see with the smile in the final frame, Nikki likes it too. Whether her appearance will be enough to assuage Hutchinson’s rage remains to be seen, and we know that he certainly holds a grudge and will exert revenge if he can, and nastily. The most interesting aspect of this will be Zach’s response. Sandy may have miscalculated, or was trying to throw Nikki off the scent, but Zach’s relationship with Nikki is a strange and complex thing, but it’s founded on mutual loyalty, need and something entirely unidentifiable which binds them together and could be their ultimate salvation.
Robertlouis
2024-12-14 16:25:56 +0000 UTCWorth the wait. I can't wait to see the date.
Kris Greg
2024-12-14 10:19:37 +0000 UTC🤣🤣🤣
Robertlouis
2024-12-14 07:42:58 +0000 UTC……or She will punch him in the face and it’s off to college to Bro with the girls 🤷🏼
animalmusic
2024-12-14 04:34:41 +0000 UTCNicki still has that “little extra” bit between her legs that Zack appreciates I think Zack is bi enough to appreciate Nikkis sacrifices and will make it work for them both. Her body has changed so much that she will finally give in to her ever changing pleasure zones and embrace the butterfly She has become.
animalmusic
2024-12-14 04:30:45 +0000 UTCNah, I don't think 180, maybe 45 or 90 degrees at most. Not a total egotistical POS, just more pathetic and lost, but still choosing not to do the right thing when he had the chance and should have. Having a rough childhood or being misunderstood in high school is not a free pass on accountability for one's actions and being expected to do the right thing when others are counting on you. It may explain why he is pathetic and weak. It may demonstrate a history of poor decisions. But we are all still responsible for our actions and how we treat others, especially those we have pledged an oath to take care of and protect. He is not completely malign like Hutchinson, so he is likely salvageable, but that is an arc that will take some time to reform and rehabilitate and earn back the trust of those who love him.
Diana O'Neil
2024-12-14 02:08:02 +0000 UTCI did notice that. I wonder if we are all later going to undertake a 180% like most of us undertook with Mrs Ferris?
Gemma
2024-12-13 23:56:42 +0000 UTCAgree 200%
Gemma
2024-12-13 23:53:25 +0000 UTCThat smile.
Thomas Tolliver
2024-12-13 23:09:35 +0000 UTCOf course that purple is regal. Purple rain of Prince rings the bells Helena. Sleeper has awaken and is ready to fight. I mean Nikki with her gorgeous look. Nikki will survive because has Sandy and “Survival is the ability to swim in strange water.” Frank Herbert - Dune and Nikki like to act strange 🤔
Wojtek
2024-12-13 21:16:18 +0000 UTCAll this talk about Zach being gay and missing the big flag that Zach likes any version of Nick/Nikki/Nicole/Nicholas
stevedore
2024-12-13 19:03:34 +0000 UTCEmory Full Barbie you created for Nikki looks stunningly sexy, love the hair color, purple nails. Thanks for the quote from Dune, i'm a fan of it , maybe not obsessive, but always. I really like the litany against fear also helps me as does Nikki “Without change, something in us sleeps and rarely wakes up. The sleeper must wake up.” Frank Herbert Dune and it looks like Nikki is waking up to action and it also looks like Sandy's plan worked, instead of horrible nails Nikki looks like a sexy girl the boys will look up to with claws ready to fight! Finally, not a bad explanation for the mishap when the hairdresser asked what island she was talking about when Nikki says they taught her makeup on the island! Sandy, bravo, for reflexes, Nikki, quickly understood and took this version! Such a friend is a treasure! 👏💖🔥
Wojtek
2024-12-13 17:00:45 +0000 UTCGreat writing as ever Em.....and OMG :-0 is that a smile on the last page hehe x
stacy C
2024-12-13 15:13:11 +0000 UTCAmazing chapter, Nikki looks gorgeous :) It's kinda cute how she's still describing how she feels in such masculine terms, she's probably not ready to admit she looks good in makeup and cute outfits now! Hope to see more moments where she looks kinda happy btw!
Alex94
2024-12-13 14:58:52 +0000 UTCEmory you nailed it with nikki.
Ryan
2024-12-13 14:58:48 +0000 UTCAaaaa, thank you!
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-13 14:58:36 +0000 UTCNonsense! It's just a trick of the light. 😉
Emory Ahlberg
2024-12-13 14:54:25 +0000 UTCI love the new hair. I can't wait for Nikki and Zach too fuck
KenCom
2024-12-13 14:52:42 +0000 UTCOh, we are *feasting!*
Jenny S
2024-12-13 13:42:42 +0000 UTC“Actually the most masculine thing possible would be to go full Barbie.” Notice the seed Emory is planting here about Nikki’s dad not being a complete piece of shit?
Jade Diaz
2024-12-13 13:34:39 +0000 UTCIt's true, Nikki is a gorgeous girl .... Now !
Erica Rost
2024-12-13 12:48:35 +0000 UTC18... 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Tim
2024-12-13 12:22:29 +0000 UTCThis dumb baby. Sandy you are a genius and I have to wonder how much of this is coaching from Mrs Ferris. Purple is regal, well played. Girl's please get some opsec and stop talking about torture island to random staffers. Nikki, nikki, nikki. Girl. No boy would be smiling that much, looking that gorgeous.
Helena Grace
2024-12-13 10:43:11 +0000 UTCO-M-G!!! A-MA-ZING!!! Nikki looks absolutely incredible! The last episode of Half Sisters for 2024 is ending on a super high! Hopefully we won't be waiting too long for the first episode of 2025. Because I don't think I can take the suspense of what happens next. I love how Sandy is "handling" Nikki. Telling her she will just makes things worse half assing it. That she needs to lean into it if she has any hope of ever getting out of it. "Full Barbie" as a means of employing Sun-Tzu against Hutchinson. Brilliant! And masterful how she got Nikki from puke green nails to regal purple nails. Finally I have to admit the hair looks fantastic! I still like going back to the original for post date daily wear, but special hair for a special occasion, at least to start. But like I said, I can't wait for the next several episodes already. How does Sandy get the other girls involved? Will they see Nikki before the date in the outfit they helped pick out? And Zack, how will he respond? The plan is to "super Barbie" Nikki so that every cis guy notices and reacts, but Zack doesn't. Or does he??? And Mr. Hutchinson? I just don't think he is going to simply let what happen at his house slide. He may de-escalate his response because of Zack's intersession, but I feel there is still some price Nikki will be expected to pay. The other possible down side to Sandy's plan is that; if Hutchinson does not concede right way that Zack is gay and bringing out Nikki's "feminine aura" is not going to fix that problem, what ever "full Barbie" Nikki achieves for the date could become the minimal standards Hutchinson expects from Nikki every day!?! And Nikki's Dad? He is going to flip out seeing Nikki come home after the date with that hair, the nails and that vest! Actually it would be kind of funny and super cringy if he is drunk and mistakes Nikki for her Mom when she walks in. The realization that he might have tried to make a pass at his own son would be devastatingly mind blowing for him on so many levels. Also another great "Easter egg" with the scifi nerd drop. Goes back to our conversation about people not being who they appear and wearing masks to fit in and over compensating. I hope when I re-read it I might find some more clues I missed the first time. Over all amazing art work and an amazing story. Thank you Emory! Now can't wait for the next two episodes of "Jack & Jill" to close out 2024. That story too is heating up.
Diana O'Neil
2024-12-13 10:02:06 +0000 UTCOh Emory what a delightful episode. I too love the easy going by play interactions between Nikki and Sandy. It was comical at the start to hear Nikki trying to ‘butch it up’ with her ‘bro,’’dude’ etc. language. They certainly are very comfortable with each other. It was nice to see them both so at ease and relaxed enjoying each other company. It was also interesting to see Nikki asserting (or at least needing to express) her inner man heterosexual urges and attraction to Sandys feminine form. Sandy is very wise, calm, calculated and masterful in how she manipulates Nikki. She knows her so well and what buttons to press, when to push, when to be gentle and what strings to pull to get the outcomes she desires. Nikki, naively following her lead and bending to this older girls wisdom. Beautiful and more relaxed chapter. End result, Nikki looks so beautiful and relaxed in the last (and one of the few) smiling, relaxed and happy expressions on her face.
Gemma
2024-12-13 09:28:03 +0000 UTClol I cant wait for this to blow up in Nikki’s face when zach is still attracted to her, I mean who wouldn’t be! Not that I think this will be a bad result for Nikki in the long run :)
Jay
2024-12-13 09:24:31 +0000 UTCAdorable
Sam May
2024-12-13 09:12:52 +0000 UTCMy goodness! Is that…a smile?
Robertlouis
2024-12-13 08:53:08 +0000 UTChollering and screaming like a hooligan
Alyson Greaves
2024-12-13 08:14:44 +0000 UTC
