Ring Gates really are a cheat. Yeah, having Fenrir establish linked Territories all over the world would make things so much easier…
After the private jet landed at London City airport, I was greeted by several civil servants on behalf of the British government. They were aware I was in a hurry, but they still felt the need to take up an hour or so of my time. They made apologies that Princess Eleanor wasn’t able to greet me personally, but she was busy dealing with the attacks on London. I understood, so wasn’t offended, but they seemed to think it was an affront to me, so weathering their continued fawning was a little trying.
I’m not such an… no, it’s too late to think that now. My Path is set. I suppose they do have to show me respect. But Eleanor is my ally, so there’s no need for ceremony between us.
They had also been extremely concerned about our attendance at New Year’s Honours, being hosted by the Queen. Of course, I assured then I would still be there, and that afterwards I would meet my commitments to Eleanor in the lands of the Fae. They had then pressed me on Japan’s guest list, and seemed rather insistent on us bringing a significantly greater number of attendees than I had planned, both in terms of my family, and also Japanese dignitaries.
I was a little wary of bringing too much of our power to Britain, especially considering the recent attacks, but the Ring Gate had again proved its worth, so if I could take our fighting strength anywhere, it would be Britain. Having instructed them to contact Karen-chan regarding the details, as she was my secretary, I thought it would be a nice holiday for the girls, and mom would enjoy returning to Britain, and my sis was eager to see mom’s homeland.
Once they were satisfied, I dismissed my physical body. While we were talking, I was at least able to make good time in the Boundary, and had headed to Bermondsey Isle. I exchanged brief greetings with some of the Selkie there, who still seemed simultaneously awed and commiserating at the fact I was the fiancé of Shaeula, her reputation when she was younger still hanging over her. Once that was done I hopped through the Gate, emerging in Japan mere seconds later, turning a near eighteen hour flight into an instant. Of course, if I’d have flown the other way with the others, the flight wouldn’t be near as long, but this is still far, far quicker.
It felt good, relaxing, to be back in my Territory. I could see the scars and damage from the invasion, and a number of the Buildings had been destroyed around Shirohebizumi shrine, but thanks to everyone’s efforts, especially Mae, apparently, the worst case had been avoided. Returning to the Material, I was quickly greeted by everyone, as they had journeyed to Shirohebizumi from our estate, waiting to see me.
“Akio, you’re here!” Eri rushed into my arms, ears and tail lashing, before her arms encircled me, and her lips sought mine. As we kissed passionately, the other girls watching on with fondness and amusement, I sent my thoughts to her.
Come on, I’ve not been gone that long. And you’ve been in my thoughts the whole time!
Eri rolled her dark eyes. She didn’t think back to me via Lovers’ Link, but instead spoke out loud, perhaps for the benefit of everyone. “I know you’ve only been away a short while. But… it’s been rough. You know… some of us have had to… go further than we’ve ever done before. I am not bothered…” Eri insisted, but by the subtle tremors of her body in my arms, I wasn’t sure I entirely believed her. “…but later… as our husband, you need to pamper and reassure us, all right?”
My only answer was another passionate kiss, and my free hands patted her back reassuringly, and stroked her fluffy ears. “I know. You’ve been so strong, you’ve done so well. It must have been hard…”
At my tender reassurances, Eri took a deep breath, steeling herself, glimmering diamond tears in her eyes, but she nodded. “I suppose… it was. But… I’m okay, I promise.” She took another breath. “After all, we hate lies, right? That doesn’t mean I won’t take some pampering though. But sadly…”
“Yes-yes, there is little time.” Shaeula was next up. I released Eri, and Shaeula leapt into my embrace. As our lips met, her small tongue squirming and tangling with mine, her kiss greedy, I realised I was going to be doing a lot of kissing this evening. As our lips parted, a faint bridge of saliva linking us momentarily, Shaeula narrowed her eyes, the brilliant amber glow soothing.
“I know-know Eri and Hinata have been keeping a secret, but I think-think I see. You are radiating so much more Charm… or perhaps it is that-that the nature of your Charm has changed, deepened? It is…” Shaeula’s skin was pink and hot, her breath coming fast. “…most-most alluring! If I but had the time, I would eat-eat you up now. But I have patience!” Her small hands caressed my body. “After all, my birthday is upon us soon-soon!”
“My turn!” Hinata appeared. She was wearing rather more formal clothing than the others, who were in their casual clothes, cute ones of course, as they clearly wanted to appeal to me, but casual nonetheless. As Shaeula parted from me reluctantly, Hinata was next for her hug and kiss. When we separated, she turned to the waiting crowd of girls, especially Shiro.
“I know you want to know, but… Akio really doesn’t have time right now. Sorry!” she apologised to me. “But the matter with Fujiwara house really has to be sorted out now you’re back. Don’t worry though, I’ll be accompanying you as the daughter of Takatsukasa house. It’s a matter concerning all of the Three Great Houses after all. So… I’ll content myself to just this.” She kissed me again, pressing her body against mine, before parting. “Oh… and you simply have to see Claíomh Solais! It’s awesome and I want to know all about it.”
“I’m next!” Natsumi bounded into my embrace, Motoko looking on warmly. Natsumi pressed her chest into me, her casual hakama not muting the sensation, I could feel her curves clearly. Surprised, she grinned. “I made this myself. Motoko’s too. It looks like an ordinary hakama for training, but it’s made from high-quality silk, and also some materials from the Boundary. It’s like a second skin.” She giggled. “It is decent enough to wear without shame in public…” She continued to rub against me, her leg pressing into my groin. “…but also doubles as bedwear. And it’s easy to clean…” She then kissed me greedily.
“Was it rough?” I patted her head when our lips parted. “I heard about Hanafubuki.”
Natsumi shook her head, expression pensive. “Not in the way that you mean. Fighting, killing… yes it was so much more intense than I ever imagined, but I’m a bodyguard. I trained for it, and even if it was just a play, knowing I’d be replaced when Motoko married… I took it seriously. No, it was the deaths of the girls I’ve known since kindergarten, blessedly few as they were, and the injuries, which rattled me. But… we’ll talk about it later. At length. In a more comfortable environment.” Her brown eyes were inviting, and her chest was tight against me. With some reluctance, she stepped free. “Motoko, your turn.”
“I can wait.” she insisted warmly, but Natsumi shook her head.
“We’ve time to linger later. Besides, others are waiting their turn.”
“I see. Yes, I was being slightly foolish.” Motoko admitted. She too was wearing the silky hakama, and while she didn’t press her chest into me like Natsumi, perhaps because her breasts were more on the modest side, she had no issues kissing me passionately as the others had. When we parted, lips damp, she was breathing heavily.
“Oh, my heart races so. Perhaps more than even in battle. I… like Natsumi…” Motoko gathered her thoughts. “…the battle itself, the lives we took… they did not move me. They were enemies, and invaded Hanafubuki to torture and kill. They deserve neither pity nor remembrance. But…” I squeezed her hand gently, stroking her cheek, while she gathered her thoughts, Natsumi and the others watching on with supportive expressions.
“…though I do not grieve for our enemies, will not… it is strange. You talked of this. I have killed in the Boundary many times, even some creatures that have clear intelligence. This should be no different, but… it feels very much so.”
“Yes.” I kissed the tips of her ears, making her squirm and blush. “It does. And Natsumi’s right. Now isn’t the time, but… I’m here. I’m always here for you. And that goes for all of you.” I told everyone else.
“I do not doubt it.” Motoko took a deep breath, and then her smile was the usual calm one I remembered. “Welcome home, Akio, my husband. I would offer you dinner, or a bath, or…”
“How cliché!” Shiro snorted. “If you offer him you… he’d have to service us all. Eleven might be a bit much for even Aki to handle, although…” One of her eyes was crimson. “Tan seems to be very curious and impressed right now.”
“It’ll only be nine!” Kana insisted, chuckling. “I’m not having my first time in an orgy, thank you very much! You aren’t either, right Tsukiko?”
I glanced at them. While Eri was in her usual casual style, though her cardigan and t-shirt were lacy and cuter than she used to wear, and Shaeula was of course in a brightly patterned yukata, Kana was in jeans, though as usual they were slim-fit, showing off her long, slender legs, and she wore a pink t-shirt, also cut cuter than her normal look. Tsukiko was wearing a one-piece dress, in a tasteful white, with a long, flowing hem, but the upper part showed off a decent amount of her cleavage, and her arms, making it both pretty and rather sexy. Seeing me looking at her chest, Tsukiko’s skin flushed a little, which was unusual for her.
“I… was considering where to take our relationship. I mean, I have already…” She touched her lips, and I remembered that time in the hot springs, where Tsukiko and I first shared some erotic pleasures. “…sooner or later, I wish to experience it. Lovemaking.”
“Yeah, but later is better, trust me!” Kana insisted. “Hyacinth, you go next, okay?”
“Nooo, I should go last, after all yooou other mistresses….” Hyacinth began. Her maid outfit was the usual scandalous one she wore when indoors and out of sight of others, but it too had some rather cute lacy adornments that had surely been added to make it more stylish.
“No, if we’re doing the order, you should go next.” Shiro insisted. “Besides, what does it matter who goes where? Aki’s got enough love for us all.” She narrowed her black eyes then. “Hopefully he’s got a little more to spare.”
Feeling guilty, wondering if Shiro had puzzled some things out after all, as she did know me very well, I nodded. As Motoko stepped aside, Shiro gave Hyacinth a gentle push, and after a brief hesitation, she surged forwards, embracing me, pulling my head into her expansive cleavage. “Akiooo, you have returned! All the mistresses are safe, as yooou can see. Though…” Her expression darkened, a deep anger in her silver-violet eyes. “…many were injured. It was enough tooo drive Hyacinth to a deep rage! I killed and I killed and I…”
Her words were cut off as I pulled free from her cleavage, though not before I kissed her bare flesh, though she was too angry to stop. I plugged her mouth with my own, kissing her aggressively, one hand reaching under her skirt and grabbing her ass, my other hand stroking her head. She froze for a moment, before the anger drained from her eyes and she started seductively attacking me. Her hands somehow managed to get inside my pants, and her kiss was electric. I heard Shiro letting out a dull whistle, and it took me several minutes to calm Hyacinth down, kissing and fondling her until she came to her senses.
“I know it was hard. But you did well. And everyone’s still fine.” I soothed her, as she buried her head in my chest this time, her embarrassment driving her to hide her face.
“I knooow. But… it angered me, it did. It doooes!” she declared. “It shooould not happen again, but Hyacinth fears that it will!”
I’m not sure what she’s talking about, but… I can tell she’s hurting. Bad memories, perhaps. I know she says she doesn’t remember her past well, but… as her stats increase, it’s only natural more will return to her…
After another five minutes, Hyacinth had recovered, and with one final cheeky pat on her bottom, which made her giggle and flush, she retreated from my embrace, looking at Shiro. “I am sooorry. You must be eager, mistress Shiro. Gooo right ahead!”
“Don’t mind if I do.” Shiro grinned. She stopped in front of me, looking me up and down, a sardonic expression on her face. “Yeah, definitely something’s changed. Want to share with your dear Shirohime?”
“I will.” I nodded. “But first…” I opened my arms for her. She was wearing jeans and a t-shirt too, but the t-shirt wasn’t white, it was a patterned blue and black one, and her jeans were blue too, and though it was a small change, the fact she’d made the effort made her look sexier than ever.
Seeing me checking her out, Shiro smiled broadly. “Yeah, we all thought we’d make an effort. Shit Aki, if even one of us was waiting at home for you, you’d be a winner at life, but here you have all of us. Honestly… it’s good to change my colour scheme now and again. After all… I was White, but you’ve dyed me, overwritten my purity.” With that she finally stepped into my embrace, leaving the other girls rolling their eyes and chuckling over her declaration.
I hugged Shiro, feeling her gorgeous body, and we kissed. Shiro, despite her words, wasn’t too aggressive, and I enjoyed stroking her long silver hair as we kissed, though I also couldn’t resist a quick squeeze of her ass, as it stood out in the jeans. Rolling her eyes, Shiro returned the favour, and after a while we parted.
“I know I’m gorgeous, but… no touching the merchandise until you tell me just what’s up, Aki. Otherwise Tan’s going to wear out my brain with all her questions and speculation. Hinata and Eri just won’t tell us!”
“Like I said, Shiro, it’s a lot more fun this way!” Hinata teased, while Eri folded her arms, tail swaying, seeming rather smug.
“They’re right. But… want me to give you a little hint?” I leaned in, and Shiro grinned.
“I knew you couldn’t resist me, Aki! Go on, I won’t tell!” She tilted her head towards me, and I was so close to her ear my breath was making her shiver. Unable to help myself, I licked her ear, and she jumped adorably, surprised. Once she finished giving me a reproving look, she tilted her head again, and I breathed out my question, so quietly that only Shiro could hear it.
“Just how is Tan going to have a… relationship… with me? Won’t she have to borrow your body to do it? To do… everything?”
For a moment Shiro paused, frozen. Then her face turned scarlet, no, not just her face, all her exposed skin went crimson. Moments later that was joined by her eyes and hair, as Tan surged to the surface.
“Arrogant man. You are premature, our wager is not concluded, and the agreed time is running out. You have grown stronger, certainly, but that step…”
I placed my finger against Shiro’s, no, Tan’s lips, the first time I had ever voluntarily touched her, and it silenced her, eyes going wide. As the silence stretched out, I grinned, speaking into it. “What can be done once can be done again, right? So I’m afraid I know I’ve won. I just… hope you don’t regret it, Tan.”
She opened her mouth as I removed my finger, and her tongue slid out, licking her lips where my finger had been. “Arrogant. So arrogant.” She repeated her earlier complaint. “I am Taṇhā the Thirst. I regret no words I have spoken. It seems you think yourself the victor, yet… now I am curious.” She sniffed, her tongue out, tasting the air. “You have a greater number of Seeds, though the taste is different. But… some are missing which you had before. Fascinating. Did you… who… how…?” Her fiery crimson gaze looked as if it wished to devour me, and with her cheeks still flushed from Shiro’s embarrassment it was incredibly alluring.
“I’ll tell you later. It’s… quite the tale.” I promised. “Now…” I’ve accepted Tan already in my heart. After all, she’s a part of Shiro, at least for the foreseeable future, so it’s not further dividing my already precious time. Besides… Shiro wants it herself, and I genuinely respect Tan. She’s given us a great deal of advice. We got of to a rocky start but…
I did worry that she wouldn’t take my aid to a Valkyrie of the World Tree Pantheon too well, but I had told her that my goal was to pay my debt to Ortlinde, and also to her, while not joining their Pantheons hastily, so she should understand.
“…would you like to give me a welcome back kiss?” I teased, and one of her eyes flared to black, Shiro widening it further in shock at my confident banter. And why shouldn’t I be confident. It’s… insane, but… I married two Valkyrie! I may not see them for years, perhaps, but… it’s still a true marriage, my Class confirms it, and… honestly, Ortlinde and Rossweisse don’t seem the sort to make vows they don’t intend to honour. So… a Goddess I was already planning for won’t dismay me.
“I think… not.” Tan managed after a very awkward silence. “You have not won me yet, Akio.” Using my name was a rare sign she was serious. “Now I have greater concerns. Where… where did the Seed go? It is a powerful treasure, if you let it slip from your grasp carelessly…”
“Don’t worry!” I assured her. “It’s far, far from here, and repaying a debt. But that’s a tale for later. There are still others in the queue. So…” I opened my arms. “…want a hug?”
Tan snorted. “Foolish man. No, Akio, I shall be retreating for now. But you simply must speak of this soon. I hope you have not made any grave mistakes in your eagerness to prove yourself a better man than the Buddha and stand beside me?”
I shook my head, and Shiro’s hair reverted to silver, eyes to black. “Shit, Aki! You… you’ve rattled Tan there! She’s sulking, and… you nearly made my heart stop. But… oh shit, you’re right!” Shiro was babbling. “I… I never really thought about it, did I? I know under Divine Possession my Body becomes more than mine, it takes on aspects of Tan, but… it’ll still be me, won’t it? Damn… Anyway… uh, Daiyu, you’re up!”
As Shiro stepped away, muttering and obviously having an internal conversation with Tan, Daiyu approached. She was wearing an outfit that made me blink in surprise, white track shorts and t-shirt, with a black zip-up top layered over it. While the outfit was plain, it was clearly a designer label, and she looked dangerously cute and fresh in it.
Sauntering over, Daiyu seemed a little shy, but with her hair also bundled up with hair-sticks, she seemed jaunty and sporty. “I… does it look weird? Eri and Kana helped me pick out the look.”
“No, it looks awesome!” I gave her a thumbs-up. “You’re like a new woman! I’m curious though, why the change?”
Daiyu smiled, her usual slight one that only those who knew her well could notice, though the faint pink tinge on her cheeks gave away she was embarrassed and happy at my praise. “Everyone is trying to appeal to you. I am no different. But… it is also training wear. I… have received news. It seems my disciples from this idol group, AKB0048, will be coming on Pilgrimage not alone, but… with the whole group. So I shall endeavour to train them all to Qi Refining, if you can aid me with Chirurgery.”
“Yeah.” Hinata spoke up. “I was expecting Keiko-chan and the others, being as they are Adamant members too, but seems like the whole group is in, after the concert and the events of the last few days, they realised it was the best for them. I’ll put Tamami-chan from Red and White in charge and get Suzu-chan to help out chaperoning and directing the group. After all, Tamami-chan is a genuine shrine maiden from Kanda-myōjin, which is also on our Pilgrimage, and she’s eager to show it off.”
“No kidding…” Shiro spoke up, though she still seemed a little dazed. “…Ai is going crazy at the thought of spending more than a week on tour with not just Red and White, but AKB0048 as well. Oh, and Suzumebachi I guess, though since she knows Suzu, the effect kind of gets ruined. Oh… and before you wonder…” Shiro grinned, clearly trying to get her own back on me for teasing her and Tan, and withholding a juicy secret. “…Ai wanted to come see you when you returned, but… we said only your lovers got the privilege of welcoming you back in person. Eri half expected her to say she was coming anyway…”
“I did not! Not really…” Eri amended, ears flickering. “Aiko’s normal, honestly. Well, abnormally normal, if you know what I mean? But… back on Daiyu…” Eri smiled at me knowingly, seeing as I kept checking out Daiyu’s pretty legs which were bare because of her rather skimpy shorts. “…don’t worry, for the actual training, Daiyu’s prepared some very modest, if still cute tracksuits. But she’s always noticed you admiring her legs when the slits in her Cultivator robes show them, so…”
“You do not need to embarrass me by telling him…” Daiyu’s faint flush deepened, and I pulled her into a hug. I gently stroked her bare thighs, making the most of it, and as we kissed, her black eyes melted with passion, becoming damp. When we parted, she softly sighed.
“…but then, I suppose it does not matter. I am happy to see you returned safely. As for me… I am a mongoose who has slain many rats in my time. So I have no need of your emotional care. Though… I do crave your attention for… other… reasons.” The white cloth of her t-shirt was sticking to her, and it seemed like she was quite excited. I kissed her again, and then, with slight regret, we parted. I then asked something I was wondering.
“So, if only my lovers are waiting... why are they here?” I pointed out Mae, who was looking frail and unwell, almost worse than when we first met and the Saint of Swallowed Sorrows was torturing and draining her. She didn’t possess a single tail, and while I’d been told of her heroics and the injuries she suffered, it seemed worse than I had been told.
“Why would I not be here?” our second guest, Shinkume-no-Hana, grinned broadly. “I explained to my fellow sisters…” Eri wasn’t the only one to grimace at that, Shaeula had a very sour expression on her face, as well she might, considering her family’s history with Nebisuki. “…that our names and tails are in your grasp. That bond… it is as deeply intimate and passionate as any love…”
“That-that is quite enough!” Shaeula complained, shooting her a bitter look. “You have not-not the quality to stand beside Akio. You are not-not loyal!”
“Oh? Did I not say that I was just waiting for the man who could tame me, little daughter of Urakaze? But no matter… it would be cruel, yes, letting grandmother come here all alone?” S~eaʀᴄh the NôvelFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
Mae said nothing, merely watched me tiredly. Yeah, I’ve got to do something about that, but… My gaze fell on Asha, and I felt great affection for her and relief she was still alive and unharmed. “She’s not my lover, but… she certainly earned her right to make demands of me.” I nodded.
“Hardly.” Mae spoke at last, as if the very words were an effort. “You hold my name. I had no choice but to defend the shrine and your woman.”
“Not true and you know it. I only asked you to help, it wasn’t an order.” I saw through her lies.
“You… you will rescue Caihong’er and Liena, you freed me from suffering… I… may be fickle, untrustworthy, and prone to forgetting gratitude…”
“Yes, that sounds like you, grandmother…” Nebisuki chuckled.
“…silence, granddaughter.” Even without her tails and her power gravely diminished, her tone still cowed her cheeky granddaughter. Seeing Mae pout, her chest threatening to spill free from her half-open kimono as she struggled for composure, I spoke.
“Of course I’ll rescue them, if I can. I don’t believe good deeds, especially ones motivated by love, should go unrewarded. But… I’ll also restore you. Better than before.” I moved forwards. Asha stepped aside demurely, despite it being her turn, and as I made to mouth an apology, she reached out for my hand and pressed something inside it, while winking, an unusual gesture for her. I let my Eyes glow, which caused Shiro’s eyes to flare red, Tan noticing my obvious change.
Apple Of Crystallised Immaterium [Item Class: Noble] [Item Type: Law]
On reading the description, and seeing it had come from the Materia Tree, I was surprised, but also grateful. Maybe this is the Tree’s way of thanking Mae for protecting it? I don’t need the apple to restore her, not now, I don’t think, but… it’ll certainly make it easier.
Bowing before Mae, which made her eyes widen at my humility, I grabbed her hand. “Thank you, Mae. You protected what matters to me, so I’ll do the same for you. And don’t worry, I am certain this time you’ll be closer to perfect than before. I won’t rest until I can see your true majesty, like in your heyday!”
“That seemed awfully like a proposal. How envious, grandmother! I am so jealous…” Nebisuki teased, but we ignored her. There was a long silence from Mae, before she spoke, surprisingly timid.
“Will… will it hurt like before?” As she stared at me with upturned eyes, the brilliant green lustre now rather dull, I paused. Damn, that’s so adorable… you wouldn’t think she’s… I curtailed my thought, seeing as those eyes hardened, and I once more marvelled how all women were so sensitive to thoughts of their age.
“I’ll do my best to moderate it. But, no pain, no gain, right?”
“It seems grandmother has fallen into the hands of a sadist. Perhaps that is meant to be.” Nebisuki snorted. “Will… will you restore me too? I may not have fought, but I was prepared to protect everyone, were the mansion’s shelter to be breached.”
“Mae first, as she’s more complicated, but yeah… you earned your injuries fighting alongside us. So the least I can do is fix you…”
“Aren’t you pleased, grandmother? I seem a mere afterthought, yet he thinks deeply of you and your care.” She chewed on the silver stem of her smoking pipe in frustration, though it was not lit, as she had given up the habit, at least here in the Material.
“I… am too exhausted for your annoyances, granddaughter!” As the two of them exchanged complaints, I pocketed the Apple. I think the Pilgrimage is the perfect time to use it as well. My Skills are better than last time, my knowledge too. With… Shiro’s buffs and the perfect materials…
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Asha!” She was wearing different clothes to normal too, though like Motoko and Natsumi, it was only a variant. Her customary gown-like dress was in a pale yellow, and rather more daringly cut. We hugged and kissed, though I was careful not to squeeze her too tightly, and after we parted, our lips damp, I gently rubbed her belly and listened to her stomach, even as she stroked my hair, yellow eyes gazing at me fondly.
“You won’t be able to hear anything yet.” Eri pointed out. “Asha’s not been pregnant long enough.”
“That is nooot true!” Hyacinth shook her head. “The strooonger the Fae, the shorter the term. Why, I remember when little Tita…” she paused, her face suddenly becoming an expressionless mask. “Nooo. Forget I spoke. That… I do nooot…”
Eri and Shaeula went to console the clearly troubled Hyacinth, leaving an awkward atmosphere, but in her usual calm manner, Asha dispelled it. “Hyacinth is correct. Though we Dryads are slightly odd in that respect, as our daughters require Trees. I shall not take forty weeks, as you humans do. Though I expect no imminent birth.”
“You should be careful then.” Tsukiko spoke up, concerned. Her white dress made her seem like a Fae princess herself, what with her flowing, raven-black hair and beautiful crimson eyes full of wisdom. “Asha, your children are Akio’s treasure, our treasure. One day…” She touched her own belly. “…I wish to have a child. Though, even should she be favoured by the Gods, I shall not allow her to be sacrificed for their goals!”
“Already imagining a daughter, huh? I think me, I’d like a boy.” Kana chimed in, though then she flushed a deep crimson, realising what she had said. “Not for ages yet though! So don’t expect you’ll get the fun of making one with me any time soon, Akio!” She masked her shyness with teasing. “I definitely want a boy though. If I had a daughter, and she ended up in a harem like we all are… I’d have to join my mother and your mother in their club, Eri!”
As Eri snorted, amused, Kana then pushed Tsukiko’s back. “Since you’re already planning your family life with Akio, best go greet him, yeah?”
Asha stepped aside gracefully, and Tsukiko approached. For a moment she stood there, a little unsure, before a bright smile crossed her features, her ruby eyes sparkling. “I… suspect I am overthinking matters. While I am not used to this… I understand one thing. I… am very pleased to see you returned to me, to us… safely. Your mother, she says I am perfect for this, so…” She pulled me close and her lips touched mine. I pushed out my tongue, and she opened her mouth with a damp sigh. Our kiss was clumsy, she having had little practice, but it was fervent, and as she heated up, her arms were around me, holding me tight. Her chest is big, and so soft and warm…
“Think of me as a big sister.” Tsukiko was flushed saying it, but she persevered, and I blamed my mom for putting ideas in her head. “I can spoil you, whereas you feel the need to spoil the younger girls. Here…” She patted her chest. “…any time you need comfort, my… my breasts are here for you.”
“That’s not what a sister does. Oh wait, if he asked Ai…” Shiro smirked, and Shaeula laughed uproariously, before Eri’s lecture silenced them.
“I don’t mind…” I looked into her eyes earnestly. “I’m going to be the man that brings you happiness in your second chance at life, and... I want to spend my life with you, and the others too. But… don’t rush things. We’ve only done a little, so…”
“Yes. I am most inexperienced. But… we are on a pilgrimage to the Gods. We shall visit Kyoto, and my shrine, but also… Gassan shrine, upon Mount Gassan… it is the grandest shrine to Tsukuyomi, and upon the heights, under the gaze of the Gods, my God…” Her gaze was both hot and somehow calm at the same time, and I thought perhaps that was her maturity showing. “…I shall rededicate myself… for I will offer my body and heart to you, and you will be who my heart seeks to serve.”
Shiro whistled again, her argument with Eri forgotten. Kana also shook her head. “I can’t compete with that! Tsukiko, you’ve certainly grown bolder. I know you said you were going to follow your dream, so I’m told, when you were in the safe room, but… that’s bold!”
“I don’t need you to serve me… just… share my life with me.” I corrected her, and she kissed me again, taking my hand and slipping it down her dress and inside her bra. I reflexively squeezed, unable to help myself, fingers sinking into soft flesh. She heated up, blush deepening, and she bit down on a moan, embarrassed, which was incredibly adorable. When she calmed down, she finally spoke.
“Feel my heartbeat. It beats for you. My heart races now…”
“No shit, Aki’s groping you… no, I’ll be quiet!” Shiro was again cowed by Eri’s steely glare.
“…yes. It’s fast. But also soothing. It shows you’re here.” I told her, and she laned in and kissed me again, still clumsy, but eager to learn. When we parted, and I released her breast, a faint flicker of regret passed over her features, before she suddenly laughed, the sound rich and delighted.
“…to think I would feel this way. Tsukuyomi, did you foresee this? Was it all a ruse, to guide me to here, to you?” She gazed into my eyes. “Whether it is or not… I am content. No, more than content. I look forward to the future, to see what it holds. But not through prophecy, nor visions, but… through our efforts. So… Gassan shrine. I shall be ready.”
“Got it.” Hinata nodded. “Motoko, can you make the arrangements? We’ve plenty of time before the Pilgrimage passes through Yamagata prefecture.” As Motoko nodded, Hinata frowned. “Oh, your flight from America gets in late tonight, yes?”
I nodded, as Tsukiko slipped back from me, her boldness exhausted, yet she had a warm, relaxed smile on her red face. “Yeah. We’ve got a couple of newcomers as well. I told you about them…”
“Yes, the children of the FBI Director. I talked it over and we agree it’s okay, so long as Shaeula gets to bind them to keep our secrets and not betray us. Don’t worry, Yu-mi and some escorts will be picking up her recruits from South Korea, and they’ll be going through the same procedure. Neither country has much credit with us right now…” As Hinata explained indignantly, I nodded, praising her for preparing extra offerings so that unexpected additions were manageable. I’ll bill Christopher on their behalf, or… they can work the debt off using their abilities. I had received a message from Christina, since the private jets were equipped with signal boosters and receivers so could receive calls and texts, saying they had interesting ones, so I had high hopes, even if she wasn’t clear on what they were.
“You know…” Kana shifted nervously when Hinata wound down. “I’m feeling rather nervous. But…” She gave me a hug, and also kissed me. It wasn’t as passionate as some of the other kisses, but it was deep and heartfelt, and when she pulled away, she was breathing fast, face red. “…you are my boyfriend, so kissing when we haven’t seen each other seems right. No, kissing any time seems right. And a hug. But… that’s all you get. I’m not one for making bold declarations like Tsukiko…” She chuckled, straightening her clothes that had been rumpled where I hugged her tightly.
“…but I will tell you this. I’m going to do my best as one of the leaders of this Pilgrimage. You’ll be proud of me, and glad you finally had the courage to ask me out. And…” She smiled wickedly. “I want to go on dates! There isn’t much free time, but some of the shrines and temples are in rather scenic or fun areas. And then… there’s Christmas Eve!” She winked, and I opened my mouth to agree, when suddenly my Foresight started prickling.
Okay, that’s… amusing. It’s not… really… danger, but… Not sure whether the multiverse was toying with me, I swallowed what I was about to say, which seemed just as well, as Eri, Hinata, Shiro, even Motoko and Natsumi, heated up, declaring they too wanted Christmas Eve dates. Seeing that, Kana winked at me, and I couldn’t help but chuckle, as it seemed like this chaos was what she wanted, to keep things fun. Even if you nearly got me lynched!
Impressed that my Foresight, perhaps now it had increased intensity, had warned me of a misstep, even a minor one, I knew I couldn’t rely on it, but I resolved to trust it more. As the girls argued, Hinata reluctantly pulled herself away from the fray, grabbing my hand. “I do want to stay and fight for my share, but I know you’ll be fair, Akio.”
As I nodded, she continued. “Anyway, there’s little time. You have Ether Healing and Chirurgery to do all through the night in preparation for the Pilgrimage, and no doubt you want to check your Territory and fix some damage?” As I nodded again, she smiled.
“In that case, we should go. Fujiwara-sama and the others are waiting for us. Haru-chan too. We… need to resolve this mess. But… you should brace yourself.” As Hinata’s earnest brown eyes looked into mine, I held in a sigh, needing no comical Foresight to know this situation was going to be irritating, in more ways than one. The only thing that matters though, is making sure Miyu isn’t disadvantaged. She’s my Vassal, and our friend. That’s one thing I can’t compromise on…
The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!