On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

As Natsumi and Motoko approached, I could see they had both been through a hard battle. Their hakama was mostly gone, revealing their form fitting under-armour made from Brigandine. Their hair was dishevelled too, and their bodies gleamed with sweat. It also seemed they had received some sort of healing, as other than a few faded bruises, they looked fine.

Oh, I see. Well, that’s a shame…

My Eyes dimmed as they stopped in front of me, equal parts expectant and nervous. Natsumi cast her glance over the group, only to pause, peering more closely at Kana. “Did you…” she began, and Kana nodded, holding in a laugh.

“Trust you to notice Natsumi, you’re always observant. No, I suppose I shouldn’t do you a disservice either, Motoko. I imagine you spotted it as well.”

Motoko nodded then. “Indeed. Your eyes are subtly different. They remind me of Akio’s in a way. And not just yours…”

“That’s right.” I agreed. “We had some success in replicating a somewhat inferior version of Shaeula’s Mystic Eyes, using Kana’s as the base. They work well enough for our needs, and I daresay like anything else, with effort and experience they can be improved. But for reaching the heights of Ether Healing and Chirurgery, they should be an invaluable tool.” I paused, considering. “I expect you’ll find them useful in analysing and perfecting your Tsumura Arts. Sadly you’ll have to wait a bit, our donor is all out of spare eyes right now.”

At that, Christina, who was still working on Ether Healing, heedless of the injuries she was suffering, laughed. No, that’s not quite right. I can see she’s just putting on a brave face. Whether it’s pride, or she doesn’t want to worry us… but she’s in agony. Well, I won’t say she doesn’t deserve it, considering her previous experiments, but…

“Yes, sadly I am… unable… to spare the strength right now. I’m rather… busy.” She waved a gashed arm, blood droplets like ruby and mercury scattering. “But rest assured, little Miss Christina will spare no effort to be some sort of cloning vat for spare organs.” She chuckled then. “It all sounds so very black market, but… it does happen, you know? Of course, the stories of waking up in a bathtub of ice with surgery scars are all Hollywood nonsense, but the ultra-wealthy organised crime families certainly do disappear people to extract parts they need. I’m better though, as I’m… replaceable.” As everyone around her shuddered, she glanced at Eri and Ginneka. “Though the efficiency is bad. From what I understand, you pair can change your forms, which naturally includes healing injuries, yes?”

“I see where you’re going with that.” Eri seemed a little sick. “I don’t think being a half-Bakeneko is something you can learn, and if you want me to be a source of Eyes…”

“Perish the thought. It’s not a very good atonement if I push the work onto others, is it? But… my point is that your ability is exactly what I need to truly push myself to the limit! And become indispensable.”

As the other girls joined us, Eleanor particularly hesitant and seeming out of place, I shrugged. “That’s a subject for later. Anyway… time for a progress report.”

“No luck yet on getting Magatama to boost my buffs, but we’ve had ideas.” Shiro shrugged, back in control, as Tan had retreated once more, knowing what was coming next, which I found cute. Shiro obviously did too, as she whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Tan’s taking a break. She’s… got to work herself up to it. Since it’s obviously only a matter of you having the time to give her your Eye.”

I nodded. Yes, though I’d rather work on a few other matters first, as Tan having a share in my Mystic Eyes probably won’t give us many immediate benefits. “Yeah, it’s on the schedule.” I promised. It was then Tsukiko spoke up.

“I understand the Goddess well.” Her expression was different to usual, and I could feel the extra bond, that connection, between us now. “I too wish for the occasion to be perfect. And it will be. Mount Gassan. Even Tsukuyomi has given his blessing.” With an almost teasing smile, she grasped my free hand, Tsurugi holding onto my other one. “There is no escaping it now. I may not believe the Definite is unchangeable anymore, but… I recognise this is as inevitable as the sun rising tomorrow.”

“Whoa, Tsuki’s got all bold.” Shiro snickered. “So, you skipping the fun tonight then?”

“Fun?” Eleanor asked, and Shaeula grinned triumphantly.

“Indeed. While this is my day to have Akio all-all to myself, I do not-not mind sharing a little. Besides, it shall start the day off in a great-great manner.” She bent her back proudly, puffing out her chest. “Besides, I am most-most eager to show off the renovations I requested at the rebuilt mansion. It is not-not what you would expect for the lands of the Fae.”

“I… see.” Eleanor flushed, clearly embarrassed, but also unsure, judging by the way her blue eyes were wavering. It was Kana who tossed her a lifeline.

“Don’t worry, Eleanor-chan. I’m sitting out the lewd stuff too. There’s no shame in that. Especially not for you. You’re not even officially going out yet…”

“It’s all a done deal.” she insisted loudly, surprising herself. She then moderated her tone. “I mean… I’m not a woman to be fickle. I asked Akio to marry me, and he accepted. So we shall be together. He’s not a man who treats women carelessly either. Though God help me, convincing some people of that is a pain.” She sighed, aggrieved by some memory, perhaps. “But… and this may sound a little sad from a woman of my age…”

“You’re still young.” Eri surprised us all by comforting her, and then an even bigger surprise was Hyacinth speaking up in her defence.

“Age is nooot a concern. The life yooou have lived now is but a blink of yooour eye, a mere moment. Besides, some ooof us…” She winked at Shiro, no, not Shiro, but Tan, inside her. “…are your seniors, mistress Eleanor.” As she was called that, Eleanor flushed, but did look happy, and also ashamed. “But it is said in Akio’s wooorld that all women are eighteen. It is a good principle tooo live by.”

“I… didn’t think you would be so forgiving.” Eleanor managed, and Hyacinth shrugged, rolling her eyes, annoyed.

“Why nooot? You apologised. Many times falsely, but… in the end, it was genuine. Besides… yooou realised that Akio is a great man, and you hold affection fooor him now. So the past is dead and gooone.”

“I’m… touched.” Eleanor indeed seemed rather emotional. “To those of you who I wronged, I once more am truly grateful you don’t hold it against me. Like I say, I’m a rather stupid woman. Grandmother is the only one in the family with any brains. And even she’s not particularly academically gifted, just learned and crafty. Me…” She took a deep breath, before saying what she wanted. “I’m the same age as you, I believe, Akio. Though unlike you, who worked to put food on the table, I’ve just lazed around since graduating. I’ve been useless. A Princess who was barely in the public eye. As for dating, romance… that’s a joke. When would I meet people? And if I did, how could I trust they wanted me for me, not because I’m a member of the Royal Family?”

Yukiko nodded, and while she was younger, still being at university, she surely had many of the same concerns. I’d best relieve them. After all, it’s the job of a boyfriend to comfort and support his girlfriend, and the fact I have more that a dozen doesn’t change that. Just means I’ll always be busy, one way or another.

“Let me assure you I didn’t agree to either of you just down to political motivations.” I promised. “Yukiko, Eleanor, you’re both brave, desirable women, and you each have your own charms, but you’re quite a lot alike too. Both of you have good hearts, and care deeply for your friends and your countries. I like that… love that… about you. And while you’re both adorable…” Yukiko made a noise like she didn’t believe me at that, which made me frustrated.

“…I told you, Yukiko. You’re striking. Maybe you don’t feel as classically beautiful as a Princess should be, but… trust me, now, if you were drinking in a bar, you’d turn heads.”

“She’s right.” Eleanor agreed. “You’ve changed. Maybe it’s one blessing of these powers we were given, but… I’d say you’re certainly more attractive. I hardly recognise the mousy, shy Princess of Japan, honestly. No, that’s not it.” Eleanor had her realisation. “It’s because you have someone you want to be beautiful for. Curse that David, now I finally understand what he meant.” She flushed deeply. “I am the same way. At least you made a good impression on him from the start. In his heart, he’ll always remember me as the foolish, shrill woman who embarrassed him and attacked him and his other women.”

I shook my head. “No. Well, okay, yes…” I admitted with a chuckle, even that lie making me feel strangely uncomfortable, as though my skin itched. “But that’s not a bad thing. Because like Hyacinth says, you’re genuinely sorry, and… it’ll be a fun story to tell our kids in the future, won’t it?”

“Children?” Eleanor’s flushed face became a deeper scarlet, eyes watering. “That’s… that’s… that’s… a bit of a big step…” she stammered, flustered, and that broke the tension, Kana once more stepping in.

“Enough teasing, Akio. I get why you would, her straight-laced reactions are adorable, but… you’re wasting Shaeula’s day.” All of my women had gathered, but there were some… extras in the group, namely Christina, Mae, Hana, Bell and Teare. Ignoring that, I listened to Kana as she showed her maturity in managing the situation.

“As I was saying, I’m taking my relationship slow with Akio. Not because I don’t get curious about sex, or am not interested… but… the fresh dating experience is something you can only do once, and I want to get the most out of it, before I jump to the next level. There’s no rush. Especially for us.” She winked. “So, why not sit and chat with me? We can bond while they indulge themselves in all sorts of debauchery.”

“Rude.” Shiro chuckled. “But accurate. Aki’s a beast when he gets going.”

“First…” I broke in. Motoko and Natsumi were clearly desperate to ask me about their progress, but were of course too well-mannered to interrupt. “Sorry, you are both not quite there yet.” At my gentle words, they exchanged a brief, knowing glance. Seeing their discomfort, I reassured them. “Honestly, Natsumi, I could force Chollima’s Favour to work for you, but… the gains wouldn’t be as good as they could be. I think… you both take your time, okay?”

“I’m sorry.” She apologised, and Motoko also bowed.

“Yes. We have failed you. We wanted to succeed… not so much for our own benefit, but…”

“Yes. We’re costing you precious adherence. I know the drain must be horrible.” Natsumi finished Motoko’s sentiments.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but smile. “I’m grateful, but… you just worry about your own progress. As your fiancé, it’s my role to deal with problems. Besides, I don’t think the drain is insurmountable right now.” Obviously, cutting my haul by two would help a great deal, but… adherence is coming in, I can offset the drain for now.

“This-this is all so very touching…” Shaeula snickered, enjoying the scene. She clapped her hands firmly. “But-but… time, my time continues to be wasted.” Under the violet skies above, she gestured to the mansion. “Come-come. Even those of you who are unwilling to-to partake in Akio’s love right now should see-see my masterpiece!” With that, she grabbed my free hand and hauled me away.

Masterpiece, huh? Why do I get a bad feeling she’s been learning the wrong things from the Material world?

***

“So, what-what do you think?” Shaeula spread her arms triumphantly, showing off the master room that occupied a significant chunk of the spacious top floor of the rebuilt mansion.

I think… it’s certainly something.

“Shit, that bed is huge.” Shiro observed, stunned. “It takes up half the room. You could fit thirty on that, no problem!”

“Yes, perhaps it is not-not big enough.” Shaeula chuckled.

In addition to the massive bed, one wall was set with a series of what looked like showers, with a glass partition, but rather than the glass being frosted, it was transparent. Seeing my expression, Shaeula explained.

“It must-must be titillating, no?” Shaeula winked. “Seeing those you love-love, or we you, as we wait on the bed, eager-eager for passion.”

Seeing the showers, Motoko and Natsumi exchanged a long glance, before Motoko asked if they could freshen up, as she felt ashamed of her sweaty state after her efforts. Natsumi echoed her, and while I certainly didn’t mind them being a bit fragrant, they clearly did, so they were the first to use these showers. Soon, the sounds of falling water could be heard, and through the glass I could see the two of them naked as they day they were born, soaping themselves up.

Honestly, you’re right, Shaeula. It is quite erotic…

“While-while we wait for Motoko and Natsumi…” Shaeula pressed on, pointing to the other wall. Half of it was covered with a small bar, bottles and barrels lined up. The third wall, at the back, had a great arched window, which looked out over the Fae lands, but that glass seemed to have been treated so you could only see out, not in. “…why not-not have some refreshments. A little-little alcohol does make these matters more enjoyable, no?” She winked at Kana. “And those-those of you who are leaving…” She then turned to Christina and Shinkume-no-Hana. “…can take-take some with you. There are rooms down-down the stairs that are suitable for a gathering.”

“Oh, how you wound me, little daughter of Urakaze. Your words are always as sharp as her winds. But…” Hana shrugged. “…I can be patient. After all…” She stroked her fifth tail. “…I have already received some reassurance. Come, grandmother… unless you wish to join in? It has been long for you, since you felt the warmth of another being, and longer since it was your equal.”

Mae paused, regarding her, and then me, with her piercing, emerald stare. “No…” At last she shook her head, vulpine ears flickering. “I am not so starved for affection I would throw myself into his arms without him earning it. Though…” She eyed her granddaughter coolly. “…you are both correct and not. It has been long, yet to me it also feels like no time at all. I am… different now.” She then turned her attention back to me, tails waving for emphasis. “I am a wilful creature, but I shall be fair. It is the one concession I make to you in thanks for my rescue. And so… I shall allow you to groom my tails, but… not tonight. It seems you have… other matters to attend to.” She sniffed regally, and I was at a bit of a loss.

“I’m… honoured.” I managed, and Hana giggled, clearly amused.

“You should be. After all, our tails are who we are. How… adorable, grandmother. I never imagined you being shy… oh, do forgive me!” Hana paled as the League of Mae surged, oppressing her. As beads of sweat ran down her face, her ears flat against her skull, she continued to panic. “I was just teasing you, I mean no disrespect! It was simply so unlike you…”

“I am not shy. I am Tamamo-no-Mae, I fear nothing!” she insisted. “I simply… am offering him a chance to impress me. He holds my tail and I hold part of him. It would be… foolish… not to give him a chance to prove to me his ideals are the truth in this world, and I have lived wrong all these many centuries. Now, I do not deny I have made wrong choices, but… life is about being entertained…”

“There is no-no greater entertainment than the rapturous feeling of true-true love.” Shaeula insisted. “And that is but-but one facet of love. I do pity you. But fortunately, it is not-not too late. But I fear you are mistaken.”

“Oh, how so?” Mae spoke languidly, but there was fire in her eyes.

“It is not-not merely for Akio to win-win your heart, fox. You need-need to win his too. Your arrogance is rather cloying, even after all your suffering, but I can-can understand it. After all… you stood at the pinnacle, above all Yōkai. Despite that, you are-are a female still…”

“All right, that’s enough.” Eri broke in, her own ears and tail waving with irritation. “I get what you mean, Shaeula, and I don’t disagree. But… now isn’t the time for an argument.” She turned to Mae then, a look of sympathy on her face, as she knew what the Kitsune had been through. “I get that you are combative, and used to your own way, but…relationships aren’t a battle, aren’t about winning. But then… our actions matter.”

Asha agreed. “Whatever happens, as I have told you, I am endlessly grateful, and my daughters shall be as well, when I tell them tales of your heroics.”

“You have told me.” Mae agreed, ears drooping, and she looked a little abashed, though her tails were standing up, wagging softly. “But…” She then switched her attention to me. “…it is an honour to groom my tails, the essence of myself and my power. And not one I would allow lightly.” She glanced at Hana, who nodded.

“I see. Well, you are oddly sincere, grandmother. You have changed. And we Yōkai often do not.”

“Change comes to even us. And I would see you remain the same enduring what I have.” she scoffed. “Now, come.” Aether surged around her and she picked up Hana telekinetically by the scruff of her neck. As Hana dangled, laughing, I watched the show, Mae casting her green gaze towards me, holding an obvious challenge, and a deep allure.

Yes, her Charm is immense. Fortunately my own seems to counteract it, to an extent, but… well, with that figure and face, she doesn’t need Charm, and to an otaku like me, the fox features certainly… strike a chord. But… Whether we were compatible was another matter. She was very unlike the other women I surrounded myself with. She was experienced, domineering and intense, but… also honest and raw.

Yes, she’s true to herself. Spiritual beings are often that way.

“We should go with them.” Kana agreed. “Yukiko, Eleanor-chan…”

“No need to make me feel better. I’m not Japanese, it feels odd to be the only one you all use these honorifics for, I get why…” Eleanor took a deep breath. “I’m nervous, my head’s a mess, but… I don’t want to stand out.”

“But you really suit it.” Yukiko chuckled. “And it did calm you down earlier.”

“I was still lost in my own head.” Eleanor agreed. She glanced at the showering Motoko and Natsumi through the glass, and then at the colossal bed. There was also a large, walk-in wardrobe open next to the bar against the wall, and inside hung a variety of sleeping robes made of Fae silks in various sizes and styles, and she swallowed nervously, face pink. “I wouldn’t say I’ve calmed down, but…” She swallowed again, taking a deep breath. “A drink or two, and a friendly… sisterly… chat might help. I do like to talk. Too much, at times…”

“In that case…” Kana asked Bell and Teare to grab some booze and other drinks and snacks for them, since servants weren’t allowed in the room when it was occupied for obvious reasons. “Unless you two are staying, of course?”

“That’s up to Akio, isn’t it?” Bell laughed, flipping her hair seductively at me, and I shook my head, a dry chuckle leaking from my lips.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Next time then!” Bell promised, and Teare sauntered over to the bar, making sure to walk in a manner that displayed her slender, toned legs.

“You too!” Eri ordered Christina, who was breathing heavily, eyes moist, as she watched the bed.

“Aww, I expected you to be so cold, Eri, but since I managed to reach the bedroom, I admit to having hopes. It would be greatly embarrassing…” Her legs were rubbing together, and with my acute senses I could smell she was… excited. “…to have my first time watched by you all, but little Miss Christina will eagerly listen to your guidance!”

“You just tagged along.” Eri shook her head. “And I felt bad kicking you out because you did suffer a lot of pain to help Kana and the others out, but… that’s that and this is this! So, go have a drink with Kana and the others, and don’t be such a pain. I preferred you when you are largely serious.”

“Of course I’m serious. Science is a serious business. And more so when I’m performing my first true task for Akio.” Christina’s teasing playfulness largely vanished, though her legs still twitched and rubbed restlessly. “So I was focussed. But all work and no play make Christina a dull little scientist, no?”

“That’s why you should feel grateful Kana will look after you.”

“Gee, thanks. You’re so good to me, Eri. But yes, I’m grateful, my new Eyes are simply fantastic. I feel they synergise really well with my Favour, being earth aspected. So, you can bitch and moan about missing out with the rest of us. Or imagine what it’s like.”

Christina gave in, nodding. “Well, I do enjoy a drink, something I never really knew about myself. So when I’m done, you can put me to bed.” She winked at me then. “I wouldn’t mind if it’s this one. Feel free to assault me in my drunken, vulnerable state. That would be the sort of roleplay guys like, wouldn’t it?”

Mae reacted, and now Christina was also hoisted into the air. As she giggled, Mae shook her head. “It is true. Many men do enjoy the thrill of dominating an unwilling or unwitting woman. But if you offer, it does diminish the appeal, and…” She glanced at me then, briefly, before looking away, expression unreadable. “…he is not the sort for that. Different from those troublesome Cultivators. Kunlun, despite having Caihong’er and her Sect, and a few others which shared her ideals, was a distinctly patriarchal nest of vipers. I quite enjoyed it though.” She sighed, reminiscing. “Trampling on their dignity, showing I was above their censure and petty desires… it was amusing. But in the past. I shall adapt to this new age, and… new companions.”

“Old ones too, hopefully.” I promised. “You’ll be responsible for helping them understand the modern world. But we’ll help you, since you haven’t seen much of it yourself yet.”

“Oh, enough.” Mae waved her tails dismissively, along with one hand. “I desire sake. And these new, modern delights. We Kitsune do enjoy strong liquor.”

“Are you coming?” Yukiko asked Tsukiko, and she shook her head.

“I am not going to offer my first time here, but… I have no wish to miss out on all the activities between a husband and his wives. Perhaps… I shall join you later, depending on how matters progress…”

“Fine. Come on then Tsurugi.” Yukiko grabbed her free hand. She had been watching quizzically, her pale silvery-white eyes taking in every detail. “You come stay with us. This isn’t a place for you.”

“But…” She puffed out her cheeks in a pout. “I want to stay with father!”

“I know you do.” Yukiko explained patiently. “But… this is a time for your father and his wives to have some fun. Daughters shouldn’t see this.”

She didn’t quite understand, but at Yukiko’s further urgings, she agreed, reluctantly releasing my hand like a lost puppy. I ruffled her hair playfully, making her squirm, and praised her. “Good girl. Now, have fun with Yukiko and the others. And I promise I’ll see you later.”

“All right.” she conceded. “First mother… what is that?” She eyed the delicacies the Elves had collected.

“Something fun.” Yukiko promised, and with that they left, leaving just me, Shaeula, Eri, Hinata, Shiro, Daiyu, Hyacinth, Tsukiko and Asha, with Motoko and Natsumi still in the bathroom. I couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation, and Shiro noticed.

“Eager, Aki? Well, let’s hope you don’t have too much of a good thing. Satisfying us all might push your stats to the limit.” She smiled wickedly, before glancing over at the showers and closet. “But… we might as well freshen up, and change into something more… I’m supposed to say comfortable, here, right? But instead I’ll say… alluring.”

Rolling my eyes at that joke, I strode over to the bar, in the massive room that Shaeula had somehow turned into a luxurious, mortal-style hotel room, just on a grand enough scale for us all to enjoy, and poured myself a glass of bright Fae wine. Sitting on the bed, I watched as the girls went to the walk-in wardrobe and started pulling out scanty robes, stripping off their own clothes in ways that emphasised their personality, some seductive, some just quickly and efficiently… Yes, this is certainly a welcome break. We’ve achieved a lot for the first day, but… there’s still a lot more we want to accomplish during this Pilgrimage, but what did Christina say? Yes, all work and no play isn’t good either…

***

Once the girls had finished getting ready, they all ended up sitting opposite me on the voluminous bed. Ten, huh? I’m in for a tough time, not that anyone would sympathise with me!

They all wore the robes, of sheer silk, in a multitude of colours. Some were open, showing off breasts, belly and their private areas, while others covered more, though the hems were often short, barely covering their bottoms. Tsukiko wore the most modest robe, and even that had a deep v-shaped slit showing off her large breasts, and a great expanse of her thighs were visible.

“I know that look.” Shiro chuckled. “If Yasu was here, he’d try and stab you to death. Though, being fair…” Her grin was wicked. “…if Yasu was here we’d kill him for peeking. Anyway…” She glanced at Shaeula. “…I know time flows far faster here, but we’re still eating into your birthday time. And Aki might be a beast, but… satisfying all ten of us? If he comes that many times he’ll wither away and die.”

Shaeula nodded. “Yes, quite-quite. I understand just what you are getting at. So… a fun competition then?”

“You read my mind.” Shiro agreed. “Actually, how about a couple?” She turned her grin on Tsukiko. “First round using our mouth, so you can take part, Tsuki. Since you’re saving yourself for later.”

Tsukiko nodded. “Yes.” she managed, cheeks pink. “If it is that, I have done it before. I am inexperienced.” She pressed herself down onto the mattress in seiza position, which freed her large, bouncing breasts, her nipples already hard, skin lightly pink. “But I shall serve you, my husband. Just as you gave me back what I had considered lost… I will give you all I possess.”

“Damn.” Shiro whistled. “Tsuki’s bringing the charm. We better step up our game, girls!”

Eri shook her head. “We all have our own charms. So, just what did you have in mind? I don’t have any problems with a competition.”

“Confident as always?” As everyone listened, Shiro made her pitch. “Okay, so Aki comes to each of us, and we each get… say… twenty seconds, with hands and mouth, and… okay, tits should be fine too, basically, just not the pussy…” She enjoyed saying all the dirty words, hoping to embarrass the others, I imagined, but either they were too well-bred to even comprehend she was being filthy, or didn’t care. “…and the one who makes Aki blow his load is the winner, though no wasting it, drink it down!” She mimed sucking a dick with her hands and mouth, which was… certainly erotic.

“Oh yeah…” She then fixed her obsidian gaze on me. “…no cheating and gushing over the girl you feel should win. Show some guts and fight hard not to surrender!”

As the others echoed her, some of them such as Hyacinth getting oddly fired up, Daiyu was watching me with a slight, almost unnoticeable smile which told me she had an idea. Motoko and Natsumi seemed a little down, probably regretting not succeeding in making themselves compatible yet. Seeing me watching them, Hinata mouthed at me ‘it’ll be all right’ and I put such thoughts aside. Yeah, it’s disrespectful to their intentions. I just have to spoil them, and get spoiled in turn.

The girls quickly decided on the order. Usual methods didn’t work, as Shaeula’s Fortune, even with me borrowing the Anulus Fortunae, was far too obscene for that, so after a quick competition of skill, they were arranged in front of me in a line, occupying a good chunk of the width of the colossal bed.

“Looks like I am first.” Tsukiko once more bent down in a formal bow. “Please, content yourself with my body. Just… allow me to retain my chastity a little longer.” Her words were playful and fired me up, but Shiro shook her head.

“Nice try, Tsuki, but you have to work, not Aki!”

“I know, but… I was hoping to do the corrupt magistrate play.”

“You need to be wearing a kimono for that…” Shiro shot back, before winking at me, knowing I was surprised that Tsukiko knew such a thing. “…but I guess a variant is fun too. Anyway… time’s ticking. I won’t start the timer until you touch him, but… get going!”

Tsukiko agreed, and she pulled at her robe, fully revealing her breasts. Almost timidly, she seized my suddenly hardening cock, and as she felt my warmth and my pulse, she flushed, before becoming more confident. “I do not have long, so…” She rubbed my glans against her hard nipples, before sliding my dick between her breasts. She was surprised that the head of my shaft was sticking out, but pleased, and she bent down and swallowed up the head of my dick, her tongue inexpertly sucking as she started to move.

Oh, it’s a little bit rough… Offering her a little covert assistance, I allowed a little water element to soak between her tits, lubricating us. She felt the sudden dampness, ruby eyes widening in surprise, before realising her mistake. Cheeks flushed, she further increased the movements of her head, hair tickling my bare flesh, as she sucked and licked me. A little precum leaked, and she frowned at the taste, working her breasts against me with her hands.

“…three, two, one… switch!” Shiro announced, and regretfully, Tsukiko released me, my dick popping free from her mouth and breasts.

“Twenty seconds is not enough.” Tsukiko mourned regretfully. “I was just starting…”

“Well if it’s too long, Aki won’t even make it around us all once.” Shiro pointed out. “Okay, we’ll double after each cycle?” At everyone’s nods, she grinned at me. “And lucky me, I get to go next. Tan should be watching this, but she’s far too shy. I suppose that’s for the best…”

Knowing her advantage was in following on from Tsukiko’s ministrations, Shiro puckered her lips and gently kissed my damp glans. “Hmm, tastes like Tsuki…” she teased, making her look away, embarrassed. “…and also like Aki. A delicacy only we get to enjoy…” Her words were a bit slurred, as she was now making a credible effort to deepthroat my dick, my glans scraping against the back of her throat. Her stats prevented her from gagging, and her tongue was twisting around my shaft, while her hands cupped my balls, gently squeezing and rubbing them. “…at least for now. If you throw in the girls downstairs and they…” Her mouth clamped down on me, loosened, and then she squeezed again, tongue matching her contractions, her mouth acting as a pussy, and I shivered, overcome by pleasure.

“…join in, you will die!” She sucked, as if to draw my cum out of me, but Shaeula tapped her shoulder, telling her it was time. With one final squeeze, she popped me free, licking her lips regretfully. “Yeah, you’re right Tsuki. Anyway… Daiyu, you’re next, yeah?”

Daiyu slid towards me, hands reaching out, gently touching my shaft. Unlike the others, she didn’t immediately move to give me oral, instead, her two hands caressed me softly, teasingly. Her black eyes gazed into mine, and as she stroked and fondled me, I felt warm, relaxed.

“And… time. Huh… not sure what that was, Daiyu.” Shiro mused. “Don’t want to win?”

She merely returned an inscrutable look, but I knew her well enough to know she was satisfied, and had a plan. She then looked into my eyes, and I felt she was imploring me not to lose until she came around again.

“And I’m up…” Hinata was next, and she quickly swallowed my shaft, though her mouth was small, so she concentrated on the glans and upper part. Taking my free hand, she pressed it to her chest, and when Shiro protested that was a foul, Hinata merely smirked, raising an eyebrow, and tapped her pussy with her free hand, continuing to lick and tease me.

“Technically she’s right.” Eri agreed. “That’s not using her pussy, even if we assumed we’d do all the work.”

“I hardly think…” I winced in pleasure as Hinata’s small tongue teased at the beads of precum that were oozing from me, making my sensitive glans itch. “…this counts as work.” Hinata’s breasts were big for her height and frame, but perfectly sized for my palms, and I squeezed her flesh and pinched her nipple, making Hinata moan, speeding up her tongue…

“Time!” Shiro called, and Hinata surrendered gracefully.

“A shame. I was enjoying that.” Indeed, her pussy which she had spread was oozing nectar. “I can hardly wait for… later games.”

“It seems I am next.” Natsumi tried an entirely different approach. “How about this?” She turned away from me, ass in my face, her short robe hiding nothing. With one free hand she grabbed my cock, pulling it towards her, and Shaeula warned her not to go further, but Natsumi merely stuck out her tongue teasingly.

“I know. No pussy, but…” Instead of that, she slid my cock between her ass cheeks, and began to slide up and down. “This isn’t much different to giving him pleasure with our breasts, is it?”

“No.” I agreed, enjoying the view and the firm, slightly muscular but still soft sensation of her buttocks as they squeezed me. “Though…”

“Yeah, sadly I can’t lick you from here…” she lamented. “But…” Her body slid, and my cock pushed against her small asshole. For a moment she winced, but my dick pushed slowly into her rear, spreading her out, only for Shiro to cry loudly.

“That’s a foul! No question about it! Your time is up, anyway!” She crossed her arms in an x-shape. “New rule, no anal sex! Come on, we’re not fucking this round!”

“My bad!” Natsumi chortled. “I just felt it’d make him come.”

“No kidding. Anyway… Asha, go for it!”

“Do excuse me.” Asha smiled warmly as she wrapped her hair around my dick, the long auburn strands seeming almost alive. Combined with her soft, almost motherly stroking, she treated my cock as if it was tender, while pushing my face into her bare breasts. I apologized, sucking at her nipples, before biting them playfully, making her grip tighten. Already I was struggling, each of them teasing me well, and as droplets of liquid soaked into Asha’s hair, I asked a question I had been wondering, not forgetting to lick her nipple as I did so.

“Asha, do Dryads breastfeed?”

At my question her grip tightened, almost uncomfortably. Seeing me wince, she apologised by softly kissing my forehead. “Not in the ways you are expecting but…” As Shiro called time, she released me, hair tickling me as it pulled away. “…I shall explain on another occasion.”

“Yes for it is my-my turn now!” Shaeula was already naked and dripping. With a smile she scooped up her love nectars, smearing them over my dick, before immediately getting to work, sliding my cock expertly into her small mouth, her cheek bulging. Her teeth ever so gently teased me, a risky strategy, as like all men I had a fear of being bitten, but her tongue was electric.

“Mm, I do so-so… enjoy this!” Shaeula sucked and slurped at me, while I indulged myself playing with her modest breasts. “Love is a… wonderful… thing, is it not-not?”

It sure is. I agreed with her. Shaeula’s blowjob was the fiercest by far, and her tongue was adept at licking me. She slobbered saliva out of her mouth as she deepthroated me in imitation of Shiro earlier, tongue now tickling my balls, and I let out a groan, which stoked her to greater heights of licking and sucking, only for Shiro to slap us both on the back.

“Time! Damn, good job holding out, Aki, though, if you could see your face you’d die of embarrassment.”

Shaeula slid backwards to the bed, my cock popping free, her spit covering it and her lips. My face was hot, and I felt light-headed, a heavy weight beginning to gather in my lower body, the early signs of an eruption.

Shiro laughed. “Since it’s her birthday, why don’t you compliment her, Aki?”

“You’re cute, Shaeula.” was all I said, but she flushed over her whole body, and a faint trickle of nectar soaked the sheets as her pussy started dripping at my praise. I had no time to rest though, as Eri was next. She grabbed my face and kissed me, her tongue and mine tangling, but I felt something off, and I saw amusement in her dark eyes. Breaking our momentary kiss, which had wasted a half-dozen of her seconds, she bent down and swallowed my dick, and now I knew she wasn’t playing fair. Her tongue was rough and prehensile, longer too, and I realised she was using a cat’s tongue, her half-Bakeneko form standing her in good stead.

“Oh… Eri…” I gasped, as her rough tongue was like a sexy sandpaper, hard as that was to picture, against my soft, sensitive glans, while her lips were clamping me like a vice, preventing my twitching, drooling dick from escaping, and I moaned softly.

“Hold on, Aki! Don’t surrender yet, or I’ll call you Aki quick-shot from now on!” Shiro teased, and I was doing my best. Seeing my resistance, Eri’s tongue lengthened, wrapping me like a snake, constricting, but fortunately time was up, and she was forced to release me. I panted, my body burning, and Eri spat into her palm.

“I think that almost counts. Look at all this.” she insisted, seeing a small puddle of milky liquid there. Motoko bowed to me as it was her turn, and in a surprise, she clasped her feet around my cock, her beautiful, elegantly manicured toes somehow wrapping my lubricated shaft.

“I call bullshit, Eri and you know it.” Shiro accused, while Shaeula snickered at the scene, while eyeing Motoko with some interest, as she also bent over, incredibly flexible due to her martial arts training, and also enveloped my cock with her warm mouth. That left her hands free, and she roved them over my body, stroking my back, chest and even toying with my nipples, in the reverse of the usual play.

“If Aki came, he’d have overflowed your mouth, you know that!”

“Maybe so. But I still made him leak!” Eri insisted.

Motoko, meanwhile, was still working me with her feet and mouth, her brown eyes amused as she gazed into mine, but I still could see worry there, so I stroked her hair, and leaned in, whispering in her ear.

“It’s fine. I know you and Natsumi will succeed. I won’t lie to either of you. Ever. I can manage a few more days if I have to, no sweat. Just… do it right, and make me proud!”

At that, her feet tightened almost painfully on my cock, as did her mouth, and I once more leaked, but Motoko released me, having counted in her head. Licking her lips, she swallowed, satisfied at the sticky bridge of saliva and precum that linked us momentarily before she sucked it in, savouring the bitter taste.

“You shall complete this cycle, Hyacinth.” Motoko offered. “And… Akio shall not be a quick shot, whatever that is.”

“Something no guy wants to be called. Basically, means he’s got no staying power.” Shiro chucked as Hyacinth slid her massive breasts around my dick, though unlike Tsukiko, she knew enough to lubricate, and she spat and slobbered all over my cock and her tits erotically, her expression one of melting pleasure.

“I guess it doesn’t matter for Aki…” Shiro was saying, but even with Split Thoughts I wasn’t paying her attention, as Hyacinth gleefully licked and sucked at my shaft as her soft, slightly cool breasts were expertly used to stroke and stimulate me. “… as he doesn’t have a cooldown, like the best attacks.” She winked. “And… he’s not even listening. If Hyacinth doesn’t make him blow, I doubt he’ll reach the later girls next pass…”

Indeed, I was struggling, Hyacinth was determined to wring me dry, her tongue tracing me alternatively gently and furiously, her soft mounds embracing my dick, but the time counted down, and I barely endured. As Hyacinth relinquished me, I was sweating and panting, and Tsukiko was back before me, having watched Hyacinth carefully.

“All right, second pass…” Shiro insisted. “If you don’t get him off, Tsuki, I’m going to be the winner. Forty seconds!”

I… truly am a sinful man. I reflected on that, on how I had ten gorgeous girls, each different, all eagerly competing for the prize of my cum. Then, as Tsukiko, elegant, always proper Tsukiko, vulgarly spat on her chest and my cock, even as her face was radiating shy embarrassment, as crimson as her eyes, any thoughts were lost from me. The gap between her lewd behaviour and her prim self was incredibly arousing, and my dick drooled a little, the liquid helping keep my cock lubricated, as she tried her previous efforts again. This time her titjob was smoother and more pleasurable, and while her blowjob was still clumsy, it was earnest, and it took all my efforts not to give in and shower her in my white, sticky semen.

“You can… let me drink it…” she mumbled, as only ten or so seconds were left. “…I cannot… accept your semen in my womb yet, but… we saw the vision…” Those words and the sudden change in her sucking to a gentler licking, nearly made me erupt then and there, but moments later she was regretfully releasing me. “Oh, I did think I would win… he was twitching most strongly in my mouth…”

“Yeah, that line… I’m fairly certain he’s read similar in certain magazines…” Shiro chuckled. “I won’t say which ones to spare his blushes. Damn, Tsuki, you’re a natural seductress. But… too bad. I win!” She grabbed my dick and squeezed it, her fingers stroking my pulsing cockhead, her fingers coming away sticky and soaked, as she gave a victory salute with her other hands,

Indeed, she was right, I was totally ready to blow, but seeing her so arrogant made me feel like teasing her a little. Gathering all my willpower, I struggled to control myself, and my twitching, oozing cock grew harder in her hands. She glanced down, surprised, before glowering at me accusingly. “Don’t want me to win, Aki? Spoilsport!” She quickly gave up her showboating and began sucking on my dick greedily, her silver hair giving off a fragrance of sweat and feminine arousal. Sadly, she’d wasted a good portion of her time teasing the other girls, and while she did pleasure me, I managed to hold on.

“Damn it!” Shiro cursed as she let me go. “I wanted your white liquid, Aki. I’m the white princess, after all!” She shook my dick, frustrated. “I would have let it splatter all over my face and breasts, and since you’re a monster who shoots out like a hose, I’d have looked like I’d been Bukkake’d, like in those videos I know Yasu showed you back in the day.”

“Sorry, but… no other guy is going to sully you.” I kissed her forehead as Shaeula peeled her hand off my cock, as her time was over, yet she was still cheekily giving me a handjob under the guise of disappointment.

“Of course, if you want to be covered in cum so badly…” I winked, and Shiro snorted.

“I’m just keeping our sex life fresh. Anyway, you kept me at bay, so… get around again, and I’ll even praise you!”

Daiyu shook her head. “I fear… the victory is mine.”

“That is what-what Shiro thought…” Shaeula teased, and Daiyu merely smiled knowingly. This time she bent down and ever so tenderly took my cock in her mouth. Again, the stimulation was gentle, feather light, and I frowned, puzzled. It certainly wasn’t unpleasant, not at all, her tender caress with lips, fingers and tongue was kind, full of love, but it was unlikely to make me spurt any time soon.

“You are my Dao Companion. Naturally… your body is precious…” Her whisper was quiet, and her breath tickled my dick. Then… Wait, is that…?

Qi trickled from her, and my body was ablaze. It felt as if my dick was suddenly immersed in warm, scented water. Her mouth was like a sauna, hot yet comforting, and every part of my lower body was stimulated. I leaked more precum, and the movement of her tongue as she lapped it up and tasted it, her pleased, languid expression, both inspired me. I moaned, feeling the hot weight rising again, and her Qi, while still gentle, intensified.

“Let it… come to me!” Daiyu sucked, and I surrendered, defeated. I grabbed her head, holding her tightly, and I sprayed a great tide of cum, and soon her throat was working, swallowing. White liquid was trickling from her closed lips, and she opened her mouth, and her chest and legs were soon sticky with it. She let my dick out, and it pulsed again, soaking her face and hair, before one final, rapturous orgasm, the Qi within me she had planted boiling, gushed out, and she stretched her already sodden tongue to catch the spray.

“Fuck me…” I gasped, feeling shocking pleasure. “That was… what was that?”

“Damn, that was the Bukkake look I was going for. On me it’d look hot, on Daiyu it reeks of crime. But then, that’s hot in itself…” Shiro pouted.

“You cheated.” Shaeula complained. “You used Qi, did you not-not?”

Daiyu nodded proudly. “There were no rules against it. I could simply not use sex to wring him dry. I did not use my vagina, nor my other hole.”

“She’s right.” Hinata agreed. “It’s a shame though. It was my turn next and I would have made him satisfied!”

“I’m satisfied just being here with you all.” I insisted, feeling languid and spent, though whether it was my natural recovery or Daiyu’s lingering Qi, my dick was already hard again, despite being sodden with cum, love nectars and a lot of saliva. “But yeah, that was incredible, Daiyu.”

“I have been going over all the old knowledge I remember on Dual Cultivation. I wish I had paid deeper attention, but… like most, I felt it… an unworthy, cowardly method. I was a fool.” she admitted. “But since we are bound, your body has no barriers to my Qi, and even finds it pleasurable. My first attempt was gently working out the meridians, acupoints and capillaries in your genitals.” She glanced down, to where my semen had seeped down her body, covering her pussy. “After all, I do not have a penis myself.”

“And I’m thankful for that…” I chuckled, before shuddering. “Acupoints in the cock and balls? No way am I having acupuncture there!”

“Yes, the points are mostly in the surrounding body.” Daiyu agreed. “But…” She licked her lips clean and swallowed the cum bashfully. “…I knew I could win if I did this.”

“All right. Well, we’ll have to amend the rules for round two.” Shiro agreed. “Aki’s ready to go…” She flicked my dick, making me shiver. “…so, reset the order, start with forty seconds each… and… it’s your birthday, Shaeula, so I reckon after the game, you can just get Aki off, birthday treat. And…” She glanced at Tsukiko. “…Tsuki, you’re getting better. If you don’t win next round, I think you should give him your Paizuri until he comes too… Aki won’t mind, he’s a man…”

No, I don’t mind, but… so that’s four times, and maybe more if they get any other bright ideas, then there’s the sex version afterwards? Damn, I’m dying with an embarrassment of riches here…

Seeing my wry expression, Tsukiko seemed apologetic, but her amused gaze was telling me she would definitely tease me dry. Hell, she’s clumsy, but earnest and a quick learner, and has some very eager teachers. Will… will I get out of Gassan shrine still able to walk?

***

Izumi Kana, Shaeula’s Mansion, The Lands of the Fae

“I totally get what you mean…” Eleanor was rather red-faced, and Kana felt a little second-hand embarrassment for her, but she still tried to console her.

“It’s not so much I’m nervous…” Kana repeated. “It’s just… well, like I said, it’s all about experiences. We don’t have to rush.” She paused then, considering. “Though there’s absolutely nothing wrong with rushing, honestly. Tsukiko seems excited.”

Yukiko nodded, looking up at the ceiling to where they all were having their lewd fun. “She is. I’m surprised, but… perhaps I shouldn’t be? She’s always been one to give her all to whatever she did. And… it’s honestly rather cute.”

“It makes us jealous, though.” The Elf with braided, bright green hair chuckled, sipping at the Fae wine. She looked at her blue-haired fellow Elf, who agreed with her.

“Yes.” Bellaera nodded, looking somewhat sullen. “It feels like we are merely bystanders, not even worth a second glance. We are Elves, Elves! Tales of our beauty have been passed down in the mortal world for centuries! Men would die to possess us, and yet… oh, he’s very nice and kind, but…” She let out an annoyed sigh. “…I despair. It was rather thrilling, our trip to Mount Atago…”

“Now I’m jealous.” Soliteare complained. “I didn’t even get that pleasure! At least he is grateful to you for that!”

“Pathetic.” Mae grunted. She had indulged heavily as well, mostly in silence, but her sharp words cut through the Elves bickering and commiserating with each other. “If you are hoping to appeal to him that way, you are doomed to fail.”

“We’ve tried being direct!” Bellaera complained. “But he brushes us off, or pretends to misunderstand! I get that he didn’t like that we were pushed on him, that he feels we aren’t sincere… but… we are Way-Wardens! Strong mates are essential for us!” Her fellow Elf nodded as she continued, rather frustrated and angry.

“But there are plenty of strong men, are there not?” Mae pointed out reasonably, and Bellaera paused.

“Yes, I suppose, but…”

“Granddaughter, are all these young creatures so… foolish?” Mae muttered, and Nebisuki snorted with laughter, nearly spilling her wine.

“It seems so. Now, perhaps you are labouring under a misconception. It is not merely that you were foisted on him. After all…” She glanced at Eleanor and Yukiko, and Kana followed her gaze. “…these two here are the same. So, what’s the difference?”

“I think I get it…” Soliteare realised, enlightened. “We… are going about it all wrong.”

“Yeah, I think so.” Kana agreed. She liked the Elves, sure, they were fun, and as gorgeous as they claimed, though Kana privately considered Shiro to be even more stunning, even if her odd personality took her gorgeousness down a few notches ordinarily. I’m not that much worse, anyway. And I’ll get more beautiful. Soon enough…

“You pair are flirty, and forward, and that’s okay, but… he doesn’t take you seriously. If you want him to, change the way you approach him. Show him you like him, and for better reasons than your grandfather, or great-grandfather or whatever the Prince is, says so.”

Yukiko agreed. “That’s right. I… fell for him when he saved my heart from breaking. I was always scared, but Tsukiko was there for me. And knowing she would die… she did die… but, Akio promised I’d see her again, and she’d be happy, and I’d be happy…”

“We really are alike.” Eleanor bowed her head, misjudging and slamming into the table. The glasses and plates rattled, and she rebounded, flushed and embarrassed. Yep, she’s a total mess. Imagining what’s going on upstairs, if I had to wager. I don’t need to imagine… damn, ten at once… he was the sort of guy I’d spit on before all this. Now it just seems… endearing? Yeah, I’ve got the brain rot I used to call love bad, haven’t I? And I’m not alone in that. It’s… oddly comforting.

She glanced around, and everyone, in their own way, was in the same situation. Though Kana was fine herself, though she still did occasionally get twinges of annoyance at how Akio had made her wait, and toyed with her emotions, even if the reason was because she was just too damn fun and loveable, thus easy to be with. Even when I lose, I’m a winner. Well, the old me would have ran with that. But now… I know true value comes from within, and what we do…

Seeing the idiot Christina about to speak, Kana headed that off. “Enough about Akio. We’re not just going to talk about him all the time. Besides…” She glanced at Tsurugi. She was restless, seeming sad without Akio, who she called father, but the fruity juice and snacks of the mansion had calmed her down, and despite her looking like she could be anywhere between Marika-chan’s age and Keomi-chan’s, she acted younger, like an early elementary schooler, even if her actual intelligence wasn’t low, her emotional stability and expression was a bit… basic.

Seems like the other two are far more adult. Makes me wonder why, but… it’s not a bad thing. Akio will fix her if there’s a problem, and if not… she’ll learn. “It’s boring Tsurugi. So… we could talk fashion? I admire you, Eleanor, you’ve got a model’s build. You Western women are beautiful.”

“Hardly.” Eleanor scoffed, before apologising. “No, I mean, thank you for the compliment, and I do strive to look my best, to not disgrace grandmother or Britain, but…” She pressed her arms together, showing off her bountiful chest. It wasn’t as big as the two foxes, no, but she was certainly busty. “…models are supposed to be slim and not top heavy. You Japanese girls are willowy and graceful. Although…”

Kana chuckled. “Yes, for a Japanese girl I have a decent chest. Eri does too. Motoko’s definitely more the Yamato Nadeshiko sort than me.”

“Oh, that’s… the ideal of Japanese femininity, yes?” Eleanor perked up. “I’ve been studying, and learning Japanese, though all of you speak such good English I feel ashamed…”

Ignoring the fact that Eleanor had given away her efforts to be ready for Japan and her future fiancé, Kana explained. “I wasn’t much good at English before. But… everyone has to learn now, and once you get enough stats, it’s not that hard. Mine aren’t good enough to give me a fully photographic memory, but I usually remember what I’m taught, so… we can pick up a language in short order. I expect you’re the same?”

Eleanor agreed. “Yes, for someone who… well, I’ll be honest, I attended university only because I was Princess Eleanor. My grades certainly didn’t merit it, and… I was always marked very generously indeed, to help me pass… never mind that. Just an old, dark secret of mine.” She chuckled shamefacedly. “What you meant was, to ask if I found it easier to learn and retain information? Undoubtedly. If I went back and took my exams, I would likely get A’s now, not mostly C’s.”

“Not sure you should be proud of exams of the level I’d take, but…” Kana shrugged, finding Eleanor oddly amusing. She’s hot-headed and emotional, but… she’s a good person, I can tell. Her actions have shown that, even if her attitude has led her astray.

“Speaking of Statistics…” Christina piped up. She was rather drunk as well, and prone to giggling. Kana exchanged a look with Yukiko, who shrugged, so they let her speak, as she was clearly desperate to be included.

“Just how has everyone been doing? Kana here, and me…” Kana sighed as Christina tried to align herself with her, but ultimately kept her silence, just trying to enjoy the break from training, as she knew what was coming tomorrow night, now her Eyes were superior.

“…we mastered our new Eyes! In fact, I managed more than that! Though…” She screwed up her face, concentrating. “I’m not just getting drunk because it’s fun. Though it is fun!” she admitted. “No…” Her arms were still somewhat scarred, but they were gradually fading. “I’m practising Ether Healing. It also seems to flush out toxins in the body, including alcohol. It means I need to drink a lot to get drunk!”

“Yes, I remember Akio complaining about that before he managed to work it out. At higher Ranks, you’ll be able to turn off or at least moderate the Skill.” Kana promised. “So you can get as drunk as you want, but still no hangover, and if you need to sober up, it only takes an instant.” Kana chuckled then. “Akio’s sister, she used to get horrible hangovers, I hear, until she got better at Ether Healing.”

“Where is Aiko-chan?” Yukiko asked, and Kana shrugged.

“Not like she could come here… uh, never mind that. She totally could, but she brought friends from her hometown to join us, so she has to look after them, and… she’s competent enough to keep an eye on things while we’re slacking off.” Taking a sip of wine, she then grabbed some honeyed fruits, which should have been cloying and sickly, but because it was covered in honey made by the Mirror Bees, it was actually amazingly good. Taking a big bite, she smiled, satisfied. “Damn, this is awesome. Anyway… yeah, Ether Healing. Christina, you’re going to regret being so excited tomorrow, mark my words.”

“Oh? Why?” Eleanor asked, interested, before she paused. “Hang on… Akio is a spartan drill instructor. He was ruthless teaching me water element.”

“Exactly.” Kana agreed. “And this is worse. We’re lucky we quit before we got properly started.” They had been distracted by the strange, beautiful display of the migration of the Seelie Court, and further training had been cut short. “Hyacinth’s spores… apparently using them it’s not too hard to break the bottleneck to Rank six, where Ether Healing gets really powerful, but… not too hard doesn’t mean painless.”

“I doubt it can be worse than what I endured today.” Christina shrugged. “Besides, better me than others, yes?”

“Sadly, it won’t be just you. Miss Mary-Jane, me… and anyone else who gets the Eyes will have to take the punishment.” Kana shook her head, and Eleanor was startled.

“Mary-Jane? I… don’t want her to suffer, she’s suffered enough!”

“It’s not like he’s doing it to be cruel. The opposite in fact.” Kana pointed out. “He’s trying to help her restore her abilities, but… you know yourself it isn’t easy.”

Eleanor agreed, pensive. “Yes. Mary-Jane’s abilities were so diverse, we’ve seen no other quite like it. Healing, offensive and defensive magic, blessings… individually, not too powerful perhaps, but… she was like the Swiss army knife of Gods’ Chosen, and she made every situation better.”

“Yeah. So Akio can’t find a Favour that will suit yet. But… at least if the Healing is covered then it’ll be easier. And… he’s giving you a massive gift.” Kana narrowed her eyes, and Eleanor seemed puzzled.

“A gift?”

“Chirurgery. If Mary-Jane learns that, then it opens up any number of possibilities. Britain will have someone who can heal and create Chakra networks. That’s utterly priceless. And a show of good faith. Even if you didn’t confess, he’d still have done it. And you know it.”

“Oh I do. The debt keeps growing. And by the agreement I still owe more relics from the Tower. He certainly got me good there.”

“It’s lucky that between husband and wife, debts don’t matter then.” Yukiko laughed, and Eleanor agreed with a sigh.

“Yes, or Japan would own more of our treasures than Britain.” She looked around the room. “You… strange foxes. Elves. How many more…”

“That’s not up to us. We knew what we were getting into.” Kana finished her honeyed fruits and licked her lips carelessly, not needing to be ladylike in this company. “Hey, Tsurugi, have some more, they’re good.” She pushed the bowl over, and Tsurugi needed no second invitation. She was soon snacking on them, though her face was covered in sticky honey, and with a wry chuckle, Nebisuki waved one tail, and a little water washed her mouth clean, surprising the Tsukumogami, who jumped, wide-eyed.

“A sticky face is… unpleasant, in most circumstances.” The Kitsune winked.

“Most, huh?” Kana shook her head. “You really are a pervert, like Shaeula says.”

“Nonsense. I have a past, like most. After all, it would hardly be fair to expect me to maintain my chastity for someone who was not even born and may never have appeared. But since Kyoto… I have restrained myself.” Nebisuki explained, and Kana hated that her words seemed reasonable.

“Well, we’re drifting back to Akio. No, let’s talk about our gains again. Eleanor, didn’t you manage to master an element?”

“Thanks to assistance from Yukiko here, and others.” She lifted her head proudly, the effect only spoiled by her pink cheeks and watery blue eyes. “Light element! I can now replace some of what … a lost comrade… did. But I am far from done. Next… fire element. More options are always better, and… I’m hard to kill, even when I screw up myself.”

“As for me… I didn’t succeed in my aims, but… I’m confident I will. How about you two?” Yukiko asked the Elves.

“Soon. We Fae have it harder.” Bellaera admitted. “But we are Way-Wardens, and to protect the lands of the Fae, these lands, we must be strong, skilled and brave.”

“That’s right!” Soliteare agreed. “Besides… I’m feeling more motivated. This talk has been quite enlightening!”

“Yes.” Bellaera nodded. “Even listening, we see our mistakes. Though…” She narrowed her blue eyes, which were a different shade to Eleanor’s, somehow purer, less realistic. More fey, I guess… “I am looking forward to meeting old friends at Mount Atago. Haanōbō says there will be a night of celebrations, to mark the ascension of the new Summer South and Autumn West. You’re looking forward to it too, aren’t you, Kana?”

“Yeah, actually. Motoko and Natsumi as well, Haru too. That was our first big adventure with Akio, wasn’t it? At times it was scary, but… never boring!”

As Christina and Tsurugi asked for details, and Mae looked oddly interested, though she was clearly trying to pretend she wasn’t, Kana and the Elves began to regale them all with the tales of that festival which led into an epic battle. When they reached the skeletal bear within the caverns below the Sacred Flame, Tsurugi paused, seeming pained for a moment.

“Are you all right?” Yukiko asked, and for a moment Tsurugi seemed confused, before she finally shook her head, the moment passing.

“It’s all right, first mother. Maybe I ate too much? We didn’t eat before, I think…”

“We have a lot to answer for, our family…” Yukiko was sorrowful at those words. Kana was about to ask her what was wrong when the door opened, and Tsukiko entered. On seeing them all, she smiled warmly, before taking a vacant seat. She had damp hair and was wearing a rather risqué robe, but Kana supposed it was only women here, so it didn’t matter.

“Not staying up there?” Yukiko asked, both curious and embarrassed, and Tsukiko shrugged, with quite some bounce, due to her barely being clothed.

“No, it was… surprisingly good fun.” Her exposed skin flushed. “The second round, Eri won, which annoyed Shiro, but then Shaeula squeezed him dry. Then Motoko and Natsumi got a turn together, as they were feeling down, and Akio wanted to cheer them up. Lastly…” She touched her lips, and Kana realised what had happened. Damn, really? So… five times? I’m… a little scared to have my first time alone with him now. I’ll break!

“I feel bad I am still clumsy, but he seemed satisfied.” Tsukiko poured herself a drink, a glass of strong ceremonial sake. Taking a sip, she grimaced. “The taste still lingers. It is… perhaps not unpleasant, but it is certainly strong. But it is a taste I shall grow to love, I am sure.” Taking another sip of sake, she leaned back, contented, and Kana realised that indeed, while it surely wasn’t possible, Tsukiko seemed even more beautiful and charming.

One day, one day soon… that will be me. But… not today… “So, are they done?” Kana asked, and Tsukiko laughed, a gentle, almost mocking giggle.

“Done? Perish the thought. No, now they are moving onto genuine sex. Poor Akio. At least there are only nine competitors, with me gone…”

“I… almost dare not ask, but…” Eleanor leaned forwards, nearly knocking over her goblet of wine. “…competitors?”

“You’ll probably regret asking.” Kana chuckled, guessing what Tsukiko meant. “You’re quite the sheltered girl. But do you think Akio can rest easy, with nine girls desiring him? And most of them… well, you know them. They run the gamut from needy to damn near yandere!”

Oh well. This was fun. Talking to other women, without feeling threatened or having to try to impress, is very relaxing. But… tomorrow is another day, and Pilgrimage continues… assuming Akio doesn’t get drained dry by that group of Succubae and perish. Though… what a way that would be to go, any guy would dream of dying that way. Though… he’ll never go without tasting me and Tsukiko first, I’m sure.

Confident in her own charms, Kana decided to distract Tsurugi, after sharing a meaningful glance at Yukiko, who nodded her agreement. As Kana offered Tsurugi some more sweet treats, she listened to Tsukiko’s story, equal parts amused, and if she was honest with herself, jealous.

Tomorrow’s no good, but… I want another date or two like we had earlier, just me and Akio. Because the sooner I feel like I’ve enjoyed the dating experience, the sooner…