Authors note: I don't own overlord
Limen in this chapter one -limen- to mark the start and a second -limen- to mark its end.
As always, no flames if you have any questions or want to tell me what you think to feel free to comment and review.
Chapter 14
-Unknow Room in The Royal Palace-
Roxy groaned as she woke up, wondering why her neck and shoulders hurt so much. Opening her eyes, she saw the woman from yesterday standing just a few feet away, her back turned to Roxy. She was talking to some handsome man with deep red eyes, though why was she in her room. Stopping as a headache started to form with strange thoughts rushing into her mind. Compiled to look over at the neatly folded maid uniform.
Then she hears a voice in her head 'Put the uniform on and get ready for the day.' Roxy was still confused. She was the emperor's favorite concubine, so why was she dressed like a maid for the imperial palace. Again, she compiled for some reason, unable to concentrate on what the two are saying.
Once she was dressed, more orders were coming in as she walked up to both of them bowing to her mistress and master. Thinking about it, the headache slowly subsided as she realized the handsome vampire lord was her emperor, and the golden-eyed woman was the new emperors. "How may I help you today and um why are you having me work as the staff I thought I was..."
Roxy trailed off, unable to make sense of why she ever thought Jircniv was the emperor. Then again, he foolishly tried to control her new mistress and master, so perhaps he was being punished.
"Your awake good. If you have any questions, just ask the other staff or think about them and you will have an answer. As for your new station, you should already know now leave you're interrupting my time with my love." Mistress Kathrin hissed and waved her off. As her order for the day came to her mind, not wanting to anger the mistress, she went to leave.
-POV change-
Once Roxy left the room Kathrin turned her attention back to lord Sitbaus with a frown. She very much didn't like the little rat too plain and ordinary for her lord. Still, he insisted they shouldn't kill anyone they didn't need to.
"She is the last one my love aside from the three personal knights of the emperor though they won't be a problem much longer." Kathrin beamed with joy at the head pats she received.
For now, she would let them stay mostly organic; however, they were weak, and her army of loyal pack mate would need to grow stronger. Perhaps after they officially claimed the empire and moved the main lab form E-Rental to here. She could research a way to make the magic cores needed to make them automations more befitting her army of loyal followers for her master protection and happiness.
Her love pulled her over to sit on the maid's bed; she was half tempted to try for some more pleasurable rewards. It is not like her packmates would mind. "Excellent work as expected of my empress. Sorry I was gone most of the night Shalltear required some special attention for her work. I hope it wasn't too taxing on you is there any issue with the number of pack mates."
Kathrin, for her part, simply reached out to the thousands of staff and guards now under her control. It had been a new experience to her having to sort through all the minds linked to her pack network. It did take some fine-tuning, yet the effort was worth the headache and time needed to sort out an order system to make them easier to manage. Even then, she couldn't be sure how range would affect this delicate network.
"It was no trouble at all lord Sitabus. I take great joy in the confidence you have in me." Kathrin pulled him into a hug loving the smell and warmth from his body.
"Alright, now there is the trouble of how to deal with the church. The crows where smart to take control of there. Perhaps I should send Clam-Chan and Leinas to deal with it." She loved watching her love hum in thought, thinking of so many plans.
Even if he clearly already knew she was taking care of it. It brought a burst of joy to see him back to normal after yesterday, which was only more reason to make sure he didn't slip back again. Kathrin would just have to find what was causing him to doubt himself and show him the scum only got lucky before.
Leaning him down onto the bed as Kathrin's hands caressing his chest, all the while rubbing her body on his. "So thoughtful, my love, but I already have agents taking care of it. Just in case I had the assassin and Leinas keeping watch. With any luck, the knight sent by the emperor will die as well."
- Limen start-
Kathrin pulls Kyuketsuki into a passion-filled kiss, letting her tongue roam distracting Kyuketsuki for whatever doubt or worry lingered in his head. Kathrin's gentle touch massaging his tense muscles, careful not to harm him. When Kyuketsuki hesitantly pulled back, Kathrin knew she would need to convince her lord there was no need to worry. Kathrin would not lose him in mind, body, or spirit to anything!
"Please trust me and let us enjoy ourselves. The result will be to your liking, and they will pay dearly for crossing us." Seeing the resolve to see it in person weaken but not vanish, Kathrin realized what the issue was smiling with pride. Of course, Kyuketsuki would want to personally hurt the leader in the owl mask.
Trying to ease Kyuketsuki back down on to the mattress, uncaring that this was Roxy's bed. "My love, if this masked attacker shows I promise we will leave at once to end them for their interference in Velvet and Shalltear's rebelling. So, will you indulge your empress in our official crowning." Seductively Purring into Kyuketsuki ear, his hands grasping Kathrin's firm backside.
"Aright, my dear, I will trust you, but are you sure you want to do this here the poor woman will have to sleep here tonight." Kyuketsuki murmured into Kathrin's ear one hand, reaching to help remove her dress.
Kathrin could only coyly smirk back, nibbling Kyuketsuki's ear. Almost rolling her eyes at the thought of even one of her packmates dared complain about them using any room in THEIR palace. They would find themselves cleaning up the mess themselves. "I am sure she will be fine; if not, I can talk to her later."
Forgetting the matter, her love reached up, helping Kathrin unzip the top layer sliding the dress off her shoulders. Exposing her ample bosom earning her lord's attention as he fondled them gently, bringing a shiver down her spine as she moaned in bliss at the touch. Her tail swaying gently as the dress slowly slides off the rest of the way. Kathrin's magic core humming in tone with her moans sliding her gentle hands down Kyuketsuki's arms to the battens of the trench coat and suit, unbuttoning it slowly. Slowed by the caressing of her breasts, Kathrin's moans mixing into purring.
Enjoying the feeling of Kyuketsuki's hands moving tantalizingly slowly down Kathrin's sides. Squeezing, pitching, and teasing her soft flesh at the simulations, the pleasure was increased by Kyuketsuki's red eyes fixated on Kathrin's every jolt and move as his hands slowly reached down to her Clint she gasped lightly. She was only able to uncover his chest before letting out light moans a building pressure at her nether region. Kathrin gained a teasing grin stopping her hands from reaching his pants.
Kathrin leans into a deep kiss allowing Kyuketsuki's tongue to dance with her own feeling the familiar building Intensity and warmth. Moving to purr in his ear. "If you keep distracting me, we can't get to the best part. If you still have your pant on." Gasping as to fingers sneaked inside Kathrin's slit as his other hand reached up to caress her bosom again.
Forcing Kathrin to use her hands to steady herself on Kyuketsuki's chest. Kyuketsuki's fingers Playing with her inner tunnels, Kathrin's moans dissolve into pleasure mews. All the while, Kyuketsuki's other hand pinching Kathrin's massaging her chest and brushing over her G spots as he increased his speed. Looking into Kyuketsuki, warm blood-red eyes, which glowed brightly as she stares into them. It had been only a few minutes, and she was feeling so close to the edge of Cuming.
Kathrin was unable to hold in her moans and purrs, gripping Kyuketsuki's chest, panting heavily. Kyuketsuki seeing how close Kathrin was he gave a toothy grin as his eyes change slightly. Kyuketsuki's eyes began looking more hungrily, taking in her perfect body just as it was. "It is fine. I love this face your making. It makes me want to see you orgasm first."
Kyuketsuki's hands increased speed as Kathrin's moans grew louder, going faster and faster till it felt like she was burning up. Loving the feeling of Kyuketsuki eyes on her naked body, looking only at her. The building knot in her core kept tightening, rising in intensity.
Kathrin couldn't hold it any more screaming out in bliss, her juices rolling down her legs still panting as in the afterglow. Hovering over, Kathrin notices Kyuketsuki brought his hands coated in her juices up to his lips, cleaning them off. "Yummy, delectable I love the flavor would you like to return the favor, my queen?" Kyuketsuki hummed, capturing her lips, allowing her to taste her seed in the after taste.
Kathrin grinned her face glowing red, taking off his pants to see his morning wood hard and at attention. Licking her lips, Kathrin kept her gaze lock with Kyuketsuki, her hands reaching down seductively gripping his staff. Not done, Kathrin moves her head using her tongue and lips to play with his balls. The moan from Kyuketsuki caused a shiver to run down Kathrin, her haunches waging as her tail swayed back and forth like a cat with a canary.
"This is better than last time have you been practicing." Kyuketsuki groans his hands, brushing through Kathrin's silky hair. Kathrin's mouth Playing with his balls, and her hands pumped his staff. Leaving Kyuketsuki reeling as Kathrin made sure to lick and stroke all the best spots, bringing a wave of pleasure with each pass above her as Kyuketsuki's hands tightly gripped her head. Making sure to ignite a rush of heat to every part of Kyuketsuki's manhood.
Kathrin Switches her hands down to caresses Kyuketsuki balls as her mouth stretches to take in Kyuketsuki's large staff. Kathrin swirling her tongue around Kyuketsuki's rod, reaching her lips all the way down to the base. Moaning into the staff of mouth-filling rod, taking joy in the way he jolted or shifted to her every touch.
Moving faster and brushing over the head of his organ each time as Kyuketsuki groans increased in time with Kathrin's Deep throating of his organ. Moving faster and faster with each wave of pleasure washing over both Kathrin and Kyuketsuki, she felt his hands hold her close, fingers brushing through smooth raven hair holding her close as Kyuketsuki precum started to leak out, followed by his bulging staff.
Warning Kathrin that Kyuketsuki was close to coming any second now. Kathrin kept pumping her swollen lips over her lover staff. Kathrin breathed out her nose, inhaling the sacred sent of Kyuketsuki.
Kyuketsuki grunting out as he was close to release with one final thrust deep into Kathrin's throat. Kyuketsuki came down Kathrin's throat flowing into her belly. As the minty flavor of Kyuketsuki seed fills Kathrin's mouth, hollowing her cheeks, she made sure to swallow every drop. Kathrin seductively Crawls back up the bed to straddle Kyuketsuki's waist, his still hard staff rubbing up against her nether lips.
-Limen End-
Kathrin husky voice still hungry for more. "I memorized serval books on the matter, in-between running the lab, approving or reading over documents from E-Rental, and keeping up with your daily orders. Among other skills, I have picked up in case you require them. my love, as usual, I will be ready for anything you should ask of me."
Kyuketsuki gained a thoughtful look before recalling something. "Right, I programmed that into your bio. Even so, that is a lot to do for me, would you like a reward?"
Kathrin was ready to shut down the question. She didn't need a reward. Knowing he would not leave like the other supreme beings is reward enough.
Kyuketsuki, as if sensing this, kissed her chin before stopping her. "I would feel I'm taking advantage of you if I didn't give you something for all your hard work. How about this for the next week you can ask for anything I can reasonably give."
Kathrin beamed with joy at this, feeling her heart soar. Kathrin's fingers taring the bedsheets as joy-filled her core. "Well, if you insist my love, may we do the next round with your true form, I rarely get to see its beauty up close. After if it is not too much, could you tell me about…
what would be a fitting term to the first world he came from. Kathrin beamed happily as an answer came to mind-…tell me about your first world the one your real body comes from. I feel like since coming here I haven't known you as best I could. Which brings me shame to think for so long I thought I knew everything about you, yet I didn't." Kathrin purred gently into Sitabus ear, rubbing his shoulders, feeling them tense had she go too far to ask the second part.
Sitabus subtly shifted again uncomfortably, looking away from her. Kathrin cursed her foolishness; she should have known it was painful to hide this part of himself. Bringing his face back to stare into hers, yet he wouldn't look into her eyes. 'Great, this is ruining the mood.'
"What if seeing these parts only leads you to despise me. Or worse hurt you that form has changed here. It feels like it's alive. I could-
Kathrin cut off Sitabus argument with a deep kiss, not allowing doubt to rise back up. Kathrin would wash it away in waves of pleasure. She refused to lose him to see him leave like every other supreme being in Nazarick. Convinced if she just poured her love over It, she could make it vanish like every other insect which dared hurt lord Kyuketsuki.
Gasping as they parted lips a trail of saliva connecting as Kathern repositions herself to guide his rod into her maidenhood. Earning a gasp from Kyuketsuki, Kathrin smiles Velvet might have done this differently, but she knew her way would work too. "The only thing you could do to hurt me is disappearing on me, my love. I know you can control it again, break anything in your path. I will help you. If I must, but please don't shut me out now. I want to feel all of you, know all of you, and have all of you here with me is enough reward to ever have."
Kathrin watches her lord hesitantly groan under her grappling with something before finally shifting to that lovely appearance. Kyuketsuki's long tong enters Kathrin's mouth as she moaned into the kiss. Kathrin will spend all day like this if this is what it takes to finally crush any doubt in her love. 'That's it, my love leave fear behind along with all those walls, let us feel nothing but bliss. I will show you how much I love everything about you.'
-At the temple of the four gods-
Nimble was a proud knight and supporter of the bloody emperor, as he was commonly called. Which is why he still couldn't understand how he had lost in seconds to the woman. She wasn't even taking them seriously infuriating grin on her face the whole time. It was terrible enough Kettor's group had spent the entire day just wondering the palace and city or evading their trails.
That whole group couldn't be trusted; they are arrogant, selfish, and unloyal to the emperor. Still, the emperor said he had a plan to deal with them, so he would just have to trust Jircniv on this. Not that they really had a choice in the matter from what his connection to friends he working within the empire army. They were stretched thin and losing numbers far faster than they should.
Turning on to the street of the main temple, he was shocked to see it blocked by a massive crowd as a voice boomed from the stand near the entrance to the main temple of the city.
"Good people our emperor does nothing to contain the threat of the demi-humans which are raiding the countryside. Why just this morning, I heard an adamantine rank adventuring group who was slaughtered by the beasts! Which is why we must rally and call for him to see the rising danger they have in our cities."
Nimble was shocked by the cheering of the crowd Infront of him he could not even get to the into the main temple like this. Seeing other guards nearby, he approached. They were failing to contain this mess.
"What is going on here?"
The two shared a nervous glance. "Sir, we are too low on numbers we sent for reinforcement to help quill the crowd, but they haven't come back, and it has been almost an hour."
Nimble was at a loss; he wouldn't even be able to get through a crowd like this. He turned back to the watchmen. He would find out what was taking so long later, for now, the emperor's task came first. "I will look into it but help me clear a path to the front I need to speak with one of the head priests," Nimble Yells over the crowd just to be heard.
It took several minutes of pushing and shoving to get through all the people who were so antagonized by the speaker's words they barely notice them. They were good at making sermons, but not this good. Finally, the priest takes notice of him as did all of the crowd. He did not like this feeling of hate and anger filling the air, all of it pointed at the three. He might have to fight his way out of this if the Slane Theocracy was really doing this.
"So, the emperor finally takes notice of us; you see the four gods have answered our call. What news do you bring of our call to action of these devils, undead and demi-human scum?" The priest called the people cheered along with his words.
Singling the guards to be ready should anything happen. Something was Cleary going on the emperor needs to know about. Nimble stepped forward closer to the podium, the preacher on the wooden stand over his head. "I did not come to talk about that. I merely came on the emperor's behalf to talk to one of the head priests of the church about private matters."
Nimble could swear he saw the priest smirk vanishing just as quickly as it showed, it was Replaced by a glare. "Then you have been sent to silence us and the rumors of beast-man attacking cities destroying the army piece by piece, is it?"
He really didn't like the mood of the crowd; still, he hopes to avoid killing anyone if he could prevent it. With so many people gathered around him, he would have to be careful not to get overwhelmed. "No, I am mealy here to talk to you in private or someone else if you are busy, and I will gladly pass your message along to him."
The sinking feeling in his gut only got worse as the priest spread out his arms to the crowd. "Why should we need privacy unless you mean to silence me. When your little watchmen, are too scared to move with such a large crowd."
Nimble gritted his teeth, what could he do to change their minds. "Look I will leave my sword out here if this is what you wish, but I only want to speak-
Before he could finish, fire rained from the sky all around them. Nimble was blown off his feet by the blast as raging flames consumed the crowd before he could even figure out what had just happened, he saw it a towering armored undead charging through the crowd. Butchering and crushing all who were unlucky enough to get in its way.
He just barely rolled out of the way as the undead monster bashed through the temple entrance, followed by magic casters following in as the chaos outside only rose people running in fear. Turning to see Fluder landing nearby with a grin on his wrinkled face and what Baziwood had described seeing the servants having on.
"What in the name of the four gods are you doing!" Nimble could not believe this had the old wizard gone mad. The emperor would have a nightmare dealing with the backlash after this.
"Doing what is commanded of me." He paused as if thinking about something with a gleeful grin, which was anything but good. "Jr. told me of the plot the temple leaders were planning."
Nimble was shocked; this must have been a lie, but then was it Kettor's group at work? It only got worse as the priest somehow survived his skin severely burned and charred still, he stood despite the injuries. "You see, the emperor has been corrupted turned against us by the monsters and beasts. Flee and spread the word, do not let this blasphemy go unpunished, or you may be next."
Nimble took notice of the few commoners still close enough to witness as Fluder gathered more flames to his hand with [Grand Fireball]. Trying to stand, but he was too late to stop Fluder as Nimble watched the priest vanish into the fire. Nimble turns with narrowed eyes to Fluder. Why would the emperor ask him to see the priest if he already planned to attack?
Realizing were Fluder was headed, Nimble follows him into the main temple where chaos and flames were already spread quickly. Watching in shock as the undead knight was just cutting loose. The mages were Cleary with Fluder and gave no mercy as they destroyed everything around them.
Nimble had to roll out of the way as part of the roof had fallen from the upper floor where he was standing before. Nimble had to do something to at least minimize the damage and backlash this would bring on Jircniv.
He rushed past the death and destruction trying to catch up to Fluder, who was oddly much faster than he remembered him being. Nimble was forced to draw his blade to stop something launched at him cutting down whatever it was, turning to the attacker he was shocked to see Jasper head priest of God of Water.
Only something was wrong with him. His skin was bloated out green, black, and red veins pulsing. In fact, he barely looked human with some kind of tail and tentacle wings. Nimble gasped in shock, barely raising his sword to block faster-moving projectiles.
"So, the fool playing emperor found us out, would you tell me what tipped him off." The distorted voice of the monster asked, pushing Nimble back. Killing off a few mages with black spines.
"He didn't. I just came here to talk. Though now I know it's not the Slane Theocracy. Fluder just attack, which has almost killed me twice now!" Nimble grumbled, annoyed with this whole mess activating [ability boost] and [greater ability boost], he charged the monster getting close enough to unleash [three-fold slash].
Only to be shocked at some kind of barrier shattering halting the attack. The changing tentacle monster gave up any hint of humanity moving behind him with inhuman speed and flexibility. Gripping Nimble's arms tightly. Nimble was forced to drop his sword before his arms broke.
The ex-priest chuckled at his struggling, failing to break free. "Don't think you can beat me. Our original has been planning the fall of your emperor for years. It was bad enough you slew his master. But then they dare forget his killer like killing our master was nothing! Your arrogance will be your downfall when we bring him back."
Nimble could only use the last of his energy to gasp out a curse, feeling those green vines starting to strangle him. How did this day end up like this? All he had to do was talk to a priest and return to the palace. His vision started to fade, clawing at the arm for air. He could only hope the emperor would be able to deal with this.
-Outside the Temple on a Nearby Rooftop-
Clementine glared at the woman next to her before turning back to the collapsing burning temple as smoke billows out of the crumbling roof. Licking her lips at the blood splattering the ground and humans below screaming and running away.
Leinas signed, trying not to look at the assassin. "Can you not do that it creeps me out. You use to be human too."
The girl giggled her tentacle hair flailing around her body, her hands touching her blades. "I still love to join in the blood bath human or not. But lady Kathrin is a killjoy she hasn't' even let me play with a few 'stray sheep.' At least Shalltear, let me have some fun."
Leinas looked disgusted by the comment, why Kettor tolerated his woman was beyond her. Then again, Kathrin seemed to keep taking about humans like they were sheep, sending a sympathetic look at those below. As Kathrin said, 'This was necessary for the future of the empire.' She flexed her light brown feathery arm watching her clawed hand move. At least is what she told herself, she had not seen much of Kettor after he vanished the other day. So, it was hard to know his thoughts on this mission.
"I would say this is an improvement, wouldn't you say." Clementine giggled much to Leinas annoyance.
Leinas narrowed her changed yellow bird eyes sent a glare the assassin way. It was odd enough getting use to the changes the potion caused. The wings and lighter body helped her move faster, though, with the mood of the crowd below, she would have to hide her demi-human feathers for a while.
Leinas was not even sure what she was, too scared to ask. It was shocking enough to learn about Heteromorphic races as Kathrin was all too happy to lecture her about. Even still, she couldn't deny the change did not take away from her beauty. If anything, the new feathers on her arms, legs, and hair only help highlight it.
One thing for sure was whatever bird-like demi-human she had become: could fly, was light and fast, and had an almost hypnotic voice to everyone she talked to.
Leinas could not say how shocked she was to be Complemented by her voice and looks again. For so long, the curse had taken this from her, with no one wanting to get close. Now it was gone, maybe she wasn't human still so far, the price had not been too bad. If Fluder would hurry up, she hated watching this unfold.
Leinas turned away from the horror below to ask something if nothing else then to take her mind of what was happening. "So how did you join Kettor's group anyway? I don't see what need he has for someone like you."
Leinas regretted asking the question at the creepy lewd face Clem was making. Leinas doubted she was ever sane by the mad blush and crazy fanged smile. "We met in a cemetery had a beautiful dance, before he wormed his way into my heart through moonlight dates where I got to play with my food. Then he gave me this awful potion, and here I am one of his lovely brides."
Leinas skeptically looked at the woman with narrowed eyes, she didn't want to know what she counted as dates or dancing. However, the most unbelievable thing was her getting any kind of position in bed. It was like inviting a viper into bed. "Right like any sane person would trust a sadist like you not to stab them while there sleeping."
She didn't like the way her evil grin only got wider at her comment. "Oh, you wound me with such harsh words." She fainted being hurt, which Leinas didn't buy for one moment.
"If you must know just a few days ago, I got to share some special time with Shalltear and my only master. Would you like to see my proof!" Clem never lost her grin, pulling out some kind of magic paper written in a langue she couldn't quite read at first. Shifting to legible words as a marriage certificate-
"What!" was the only thing she could think to say skimming over it. Before finding the wording 3rd bride, though, the name was Cleary rewritten. "Your telling me you are the last of three women I suppose that doesn't surprise me. As much as you being able to get off without murder or blood."
The deceitful glint in the assassin told her there was more to the story. "Oh, I was fourth of five if you most know. But placement doesn't matter as much as remembering the feeling of master incredible- Leinas put her hand over Clem's mouth, not wanting to hear these kinds of details. Either it would be very bloody and gruesome or sensual in nature, either way, she didn't need to know.
Not pulling back her clawed hand despite the tongue licking her feathers. 'I will never get along with this woman nor understand what he finds remotely interesting in this sociopath.'
Then her eyes caught movement below some kind of monster dragging along…Nimble! Deciding to act if nothing else, she could say she was keeping them from escaping as Kathrin had asked. "Stay here and keep any others from getting away!"
Jumping off the roof, flying quickly to keep up with the moving mass of whatever the creature was. Leinas might not know what it was; however, it was not human.
Tracking them carefully, pulling out her spear taking aim. Activating several martial arts with skillful aim before swooping down. If nothing else, Nimble would owe her after this.
Leinas was surprised when her attack didn't take down the monster in one shot. A few odd tentacles had been cut off, but it was still standing the spear sticking out of it. Then Leinas noticed the height difference. She jumped back, flapping her wings to help distance herself from the monster's range. Glancing at Nimble, he was out cold. Dangling from the vines like tendrils, which were its arms.
"Ah, you must be another of the four, yet you look far different." The monster's eyes watched her raising one arm and launching out vines of green at her. Leinas cut and slice everything which got close with her claws.
Leinas was worried her armor only covered her chest and body till she could get new armor made. She couldn't get her spear back without risking getting close. Narrowing her eyes and readying her claws for a fight.
"Run along little ant I don't have time for you right now." The tentacle monster turns away to leave down an alleyway.
Leinas was still new to her body's changes, so she didn't want to risk fighting in a cramped alleyway. Charging the monster slashing at the limbs holding Nimble, dodging back at the black spines launched her way.
"So be it ant you will be joining your friend." Growled the mass of vines, its red eyes glaring as it whispered and started to launch more spines Leinas way. Which she evaded thanks to her much lighter and more agile body. Leinas began to sweat as the battle dragged on; this was a harder battle then she bargained for. Not helped by the fact it just kept regenerating limbs every time one was cut off.
Thankfully it had a limited range; it could stretch. Despite knowing this, it was only thanks to her martial arts Leinas could keep up. Which was quickly proving to be a losing battle.
Realizing she was outmatched in this fight. She had a choice to make if she ran; it would be seen as a failure to Kettor. Leinas didn't want to die either after finely being free of the curse. Grasping the scroll on her belt, Clementine had given her from Kettor should she need anything. Pondering if it would be better to run, then would he see it as a betrayal?
Leinas was inches from being stabbed by her own spear thrown Back at her. A trickle of blood rand down from the small cut on her cheek. Deciding she needed to try something, she opened the scroll as it burned up a link forming feeling Kettors presence in her mind.
[What do you need, Leinas? If this is unimportant, you will pay for the next scroll with your own skin.]
Leinas gulped at the gravely commanding voice knowing his darker side was out. Rolling away from a hail of spines. [um, sir. Kettor, as per your orders, I went to pursue something escaping from the church. However, it is shrugging off my attacks like nothing. I humbly ask for your aid, or I fear I may parish, please.]
There was silence on the link before it cut off. Leinas fears she would have to fight alone as the vine-like arms finally caught her while she was distracted. 'Dam it, No, I refuse to die here!'
Clawing scratching and struggling to break the vice grip around her throat. Yet nothing seemed to truly hurt the monster, she had never even seen something like this before.
"Such spirit, you will make a fine addition to our numbers. A shame the message scroll failed you." It taunted much to Leinas annoyance, hoping she would be saved.
Wanting to scream, she gathered the air still in her lungs, screeching out a loud bellow forcing the monster to drop her. Coughing as air returned to her lungs, taking serval minutes to catch her breath. Noticing a shadow fall over her, she quickly held out her claws in fear.
Only to see Kettor red eyes looking over her with a proud smile. Leinas sat silently, unsure what to say before looking past him to see the frozen remains of the monster. Breaking apart into pieces, 'When had he arrived and where is Nimble' looking back to those kind crimson eyes.
"It seems you don't just look like a harpy; you have some of their abilities too. We can test this more later." Kettor offers her a hand pulling her up.
Leina's gaze went to the ground; she couldn't believe she thought he had left her to die. She was about to apologies before a comforting hand on her shoulder, snapped her attention to Kettor's smiling face, filled with pride and joy. "Good job I'm surprised you managed to survive with how much he was above your level."
Leinas wandered over to pick up her spear, turning back to lord Kettor. "What about Nimble? I don't see him anywhere. Also, thank you. I didn't think you were coming for a second."
Kettor gave a look of understanding. "There is no need to worry about him for now. As long as he is willing to work with us, he may yet live. I protect those loyal to me, always remember this."
Leinas watches his hand vanish before pulling out a new scroll tossing into her hands. "Remember to only use them for times like these. I only have so many on hand. hopefully, Demiurge might have a solution when I speak with him again." He mumbled the last part.
"What should I do now, sir," Leinas inquired half expecting to be sent back to watching with clementine. Even if Leinas couldn't stand the madwoman, despite the claim of being married to someone like Kettor, she was half tempted to ask how he could stand Clementine's madness for more than a few minutes. Which is why she was surprised by the warm answer and pat on her shoulder.
"Enjoy some free time you earned it. We can talk later at the palace tomorrow. I will message you or send Clem-chan to get you if I need anything more." he waved and teleported away. Leaving behind a very confused Leinas.
'Maybe it won't be too bad working for him. Still, what changed his mood, he seemed like he was in a hurry to get back.' Shrugging, Leinas looked around the empty street before taking flight might as well enjoy a fly over the city before deciding how to enjoy the rest of the day.
-Royal palace-
Marina's eye opens, after the warmth of her crush got up, see Jircniv get up and awake. His body was still sluggish and slowed by the sleep potions side effects, as it would be for an hour. Silently following him to the door as more orders from mistress Kathrin came in. It was time for Jicniv to choose his fate; she could only hope he would realize his time at the emperor was over.
"What do you mean, Fluder destroyed the temple of the four gods! Get all of the four to meet me now in my office!" Jircniv's angry yell entered her ears.
Marina hid her grimace; it seemed he didn't realize with his public image destroyed; he lost the last bit of control he had in Baharuth. The nobles still hated him over his purge, the common people would hate him after today, and mistress Kathrin had already insured anyone who might help him was dead or on her side. All she was waiting for was the orders to have Jircniv become hers and keep him hidden till, as everyone would think, he is well and truly dead.
Then the massager told him Kettor wanted to see him, his reaction was less than happy. Marina sighed, quickly dressing and getting up. Maybe if she reined him in, then mistress would not have him kill more then once. If he angers mistress too much, she will make sure he vanished.
Warping her arm around Jircniv's shoulders purring in his ears. "No need to be so tense my lord we can just talk with Kettor."
Loving the way his eyes dulled a little, even still, he was agitated. "Marina, if I don't do something, then people will think I planned this. If I don't act, now my reputation will be ruined."
Marina gave a light-hearted smiled and followed him, not letting go of his right hand. Letting her mistress know where they were headed. Receiving the wave of joy from mistress, she had done well. Now she just had to make sure Jircniv didn't do anything impulsive.
As they traveled down the halls, Jircniv toke notice of the changed helmets to better fit the new ears. Even noticing the changed eye colors to yellow, copper, amber, and gold. Most notably was the tails were now moving, not playing the act of being belts.
It was a welcome change to Marina though she kept her tail wrapped around her waist to not scare Jircniv yet. Coming up to the meeting room, its use was to strategies and talk with advisers.
This is where things would get complicated. Marina frowned slightly, trying to think of the best way to break the news. As two guards blocked their path, Jircniv was shocked at this, not seeing the other guards around the hall tense.
'Please let us in to meet you mistress Jircniv is here.' She could only patiently wait and try to keep Jircniv calm.
"What are you doing. I order you to let me into this room." Jircniv harshly ordered his face calm, though his heart was beating faster.
What followed had him turning pale as his heart raced his mind, unable to believe what was happening. "Empress Kathrin and Emperor Kettor are in the middle of a meeting. They gave orders not to be disturbed by a pretender."
Even with her calming aura, Jircniv was panicking his eyes darting around them hall. The guards were now blocking his paths. Then she saw lady Shalltear with two of her brides dragging bodies of two armored men. Their armor cracked, and broken weapons missing.
"No!" Jircniv whispered, finally realizing he was no longer in charge. As he tried to pull away, Marina held firm, not letting him move. If he did something stupid, he would get himself killed.
Then Jircniv's eyes turned to her, noticing the same color of eyes, ears, and tail. "Marina, how long have you…wait, where are my medallion and my other protection. Where is it?" He tried reaching for it only to find nothing.
Marina gave a calming, gentle smile rubbing his arm, her aura could only do so much without being more Sensual in nature. Still, Marina didn't want to lose her soon to be husband. After all, the empire was in mistress Kathrin's caring hands. "I teleported those weak trinkets to mistress last night. Don't worry, mistress Kathrin is handling the mess of the temple."
They watched Shalltear approach the door being let in servants already clearing the trail of blood. Then the guards closed the door waiting a few more minutes before they were let in.
Lord Kettor greeting them Shalltear with her two brides, Nimble, the blonde assassin, mistress, and a moving blob of red slime in the corner. "Hello, Jircniv, sorry for the show, but Shalltear wanted to show off her quick work. It only took her an hour or two to track them down."
Sweat rolled down Jircniv skin; he was hyperventilating his eyes, taking in two of his broken and beaten elites and Nimble, refusing to look him in the eyes. "Sorry, sir, but I had to make a choice."
Jircniv eyes locked on to Kettor with rage and distrust, as he realized just how outplayed he was. "So, you planned to take everything from the start vampire."
Silence settled over the room as a servant brought a tray of drinks on the table.
"Want something to drink most of it doesn't compare to Nazarick. But still, I am a graces host, and I must thank you for not running. After all, I need to decide what to do with you." Kettor waved him over to the couch, an invitation he didn't take.
This wasn't good; Marina could feel her mistress displeasure at the disrespect. Quickly taking a glass and drinking while pulling Jircniv over to the seat. "Please, Jircniv, don't be so rude in front of the new empress and emperor."
Kettor's laughter caught both their attention. "No need to worry, Marina, no offense taken. I will only kill him if we can't come to an agreement. I hate needless bloodshed just as much as I hate paperwork and politics though they are a necessary evil. Jircniv stop wasting time and lest talk about my payment now."
She noticed the emperor seemed calm, but his heartbeat and sweat told a different story. Don't do anything foolish she repeated in her head.
Jircniv held back as he scanned over the group before him. Trying to think of some way to turn this around, he was trapped, and he knew it. "Talk about payment, what could I give you! You have my palace, killed my advisers, turned Fluder against me, and now the commoners will believe I planned to destroy the temple. You haven't even done what I hired you for!"
Marina cursed his sharp tongue did he not see mistress' narrowed eyes or not care just how close she was to frying him alive. Marina hissed at him to stop talking so harshly, a warning he disregards.
Kettor picked up one glass of tea, taking a sip before explaining. "The leaders of the great temple were infected; I personally fought one of the head priests. With them gone, all we have to do is wait for the head to show itself now that his control is gone, and he thinks he has the upper hand."
"What about Fluder and my four knights! was taking one of my knights not enough.?" Jircniv asked, giving a respectful side glance to his fallen loyal knights.
Kettor sighed, handing the empty glass to Kathrin. "Fluder has been in contact with some of the crows for years. As for your other knights, two chose not to surrender, so my lovely dear Shalltear politely gave them a quick and painful death. I saved Nimble and gave him a choice, join, and live, be banished without his memories or die."
Jircniv eyes shot open at the threat of erasing memories had to be an empty threat, Yet none of his body language hinted at this being a lie. This was worse than he could have imagined. Still, he tried not to show just how cornered he was if he had any hope of stopping them.
Merina could see he wasn't going to just give up on trying to fight this. Mistress, reading her thoughts, creased her lips, her golden eyes warning her what would happen should he even try.
"Even if it is true, you have taken over Baharuth capital. Now you want to use me as a scapegoat for this mess, right? What would you need me for?" They stared each other down Jircniv was really pushing his luck. At this rate, Marina would see him permanently dead.
Then Kettor glared sharply at Jircniv. "Not if you agree to my terms, you will live a long, happy life with Marina here as she requested to my dear queen. I will make sure the empire prospers despite the crow's best efforts. All you have to do is kneel and call me emperor."
Jircniv was still silent as he processed the information, Marina didn't need to know his thoughts to see the repulsion in his eyes his distrust shining through. "You really expect me to believe an undead vampire would do that. Who could you possibly blame other than me?"
To this, Kettor smirked his eyes shining brightly. "The Covent of Crows, they were waiting for the next annual war with Baharuth and Re-Estize. Only I got in the way at E-Rental and followed the trail of one up here."
This was when he remembered the name Kathrin was one of the adamantine adventure groups in Lograth. "Your Kyuketsuki, the leader of adamantine adventuring team darkness vultures."
Marina shivered at the chilly air, which now filled the room. Why did he have to keep testing his limits? She quickly went to cover his mouth, apologizing to her lord and mistress for the fool daring to utter the name.
Luckily Kettor didn't kill him or her on the spot. Nor did mistress despite all of the others int the room drawing weapons ready to kill Jircniv, save Nimble who took a step back.
"I am giving the name up, it is cursed just like my last nickname. One which I kept trying to forget even as I used part of it to remind myself. I earned that name by killing for those that run a mega-corporation. At the time, revenge drove me until I realized all I did had become a handy tool for the people who killed her. After this, I joined YGGDRASIL to forget this curse, which has followed me here. But I found that even in this new world, all my power is useless if I keep repeating the same mistakes. Nazarick deserves better as do all who follow me."
Kettor rises out of his seat with clenched hands, taking notice that Jircniv did not move from his place. Showing his intention without words, Kettor could see the secret plans forming in his enemy's mind.
"We will break this curse because we are no longer wandering blades defending nazarick. We are defenders of its rising nation, which Baharuth will be part of under our watch, and it will prosper. We will no longer slip back to that weakness or allow the old human naivety or mistakes to repeat again."
Both Marina and Jircniv watched Kettor shift to show his real appearance. Despite the horrified look of Jircniv, Marina saw the true vampire look the same way Kathrin did handsome his elegant slime-covered bone wings welcoming, even if she still preferred to have Jircniv.
Kettor continued his voice calm and steady despite the aura of bloodlust leaking out. "If Ainz can adapt to take on the challenges of this new world, then so can I. I will face these changes no longer controlled by my fear of it. It is sad to see you will not be working with us, as I had hoped. But then the Slane Theocracy did assassinate you over letting the crows get control of your kingdom, and with how hard Marina is working to keep you alive, I suppose I will reward her. Please hold him still I would hate for my claws to scar your new husband."
Marina beamed even happy to see mistress Kathrin smiling with pride at her. She held down Jircniv as Kettor shadow fell over them. Jircniv was in full blow terror mode, trying to break free. Once Kettor's hand touched his head, his eyes dulled, then watching for a few hours, she watches him work. Even if Marina didn't know what he was doing.
-Near Phovine -
Arche awoke with a start as the image of the ruins returning to her seeing Kyuketsuki vanishing in the red vortex and smoke. Sweat rolling down her skin, panting for breath as she put a hand on her chest over her racing heart. She could still hear those words repeating in her mind 'we will meet again.' Not wishing to experience the dream again, Arche got up out of her tent, looking over to the other shelters.
It was still dark out the sun had yet to rise; the fire pit was out. Sitting down to think about the recurring dream. She sent a nervous glance over to the horse-sized dragons Hekkeran and Imina had brought back in Lograth, she didn't know where they got them, but she always got nervous when their red glowing eyes turned her way just being around them made her feel unnerved.
Still, something about the night air felt different, as the chilly breeze blows through the clearing.
Arche sifted her thoughts to the dream she was having each night since Foresight left the ruins. It should make her feel at ease, yet she couldn't get his last words out of her mind. Her hand gliding over the gold bag tided to her waist; it was more than enough for what Arche was planning when she got back home.
'He had so much power even as a vampire, so was he really killed by whatever it is they found in these flooded ruins?'
"I think we both know the answer to that question Arche."
Arche jumped to her feet, her staff at the ready if not shaking slightly, she could not see anything. Even as Arche scanned the camp and the forest edge, she saw nothing.
"Sorry, but I can't risk any of your team seeing me, nor do I trust the new undead dragons you call horses."
Arche saw the air shimmer as the cloaked person appeared their face covered by a clown mask. Even their voice seemed to changed Arche talent couldn't see the mana level of this person. An illusion a strong one at if it hides everything about them, she could be stronger than Kyuketsuki.
Arche takes a step back as this stranger raised a hand. "I couldn't take that old vampire even if I wanted too. Besides, I wouldn't do that if I were you. Only you can see me right now."
Arche narrowed her eyes, sparing a glance at both her team mate's tents and the dragon horses. They were right nothing seemed to even know their presence was here.
"What do you want, and how are you reading my thoughts." She shouted, testing just how much was being affected. The only reaction she got was a huff out of one of the dragon horses.
"Simple I need to talk to Kyuketsuki; however, I fear my connection with a past group may have left some bad blood between us. Besides, you need my help if you want to stop Jester's plans."
Arche stared at them; she still wasn't even sure if she would be happy to see Kyuketsuki alive. If nothing else, she could at least trust the vampire more than whoever this was.
"Why don't you want my team to know you're here. For that matter, who are you, and who is this Jester?"
The masked clown person slumped their shoulders and sighed, bells chiming as they moved. "let's just say those cat ears and tail are not an item affect, on top of this those undead dragons" They pointed to the odd beasts which Arche still didn't know where they came from. "Only let you ride then because their masters allow it. If not for that, one of them could have torn your whole team to bloody chunks. Against all four, your team is light snacks at best."
Arche could agree with the last part just to be safe. She pulled some spare meat out and throws it to the horse size dragon. Watching as it quickly devoured the meat without care.
"You expect me to believe they would lie to me? Plus, you have yet to even tell me your name."
Arche didn't drop her guard, trying to think of some way past this illusionist.
"Knowing my name would only put you in danger. Kyuketsuki and Kathrin see use in your talent; it helps that your past is similar to his, and he made you a promise. Don't risk that with your little sister lives in their hands."
Arche narrowing her eyes, how much did this stranger know about her? Recalling the promise Kyuketsuki made to her about her sisters. "Why would he keep that promise he's an undead, every undead me or my team has faced didn't care or hated the living?"
The masked clown Stanger only shook their head. "You know nothing of the undead. The only undead of this world humans or demi-humans know is the low-level ones, which can't think or are driven by past grievances. Kyuketsuki is neither of this world, nor does he have such simple motivations like them…yet. But if Jester is not stopped, that may change."
Arche shifted her gaze to the ground. She was right with how powerful Kyuketsuki was. He had thousands of times he could have ended them. Yet his team was the only reason they were alive and richer because of it.
"Ok, who is Jester then and what does he want. At least tell me that before I agree to help you with anything."
Arche watched the stranger; she could almost swear they were remorseful about something before the feeling left as quick as it came. "He was…a close friend before he got an idea to recreate the past. Something which can only happen if this world's magic system breaks down. So, will you listen and help me now?"
Arche had no idea how someone would breakdown magic or what past they could mean. If nothing else, she could hear out what they had to say. "Alright, but I'm not hurting my friends."
Arche watched the mask shimmer to a sly grin. "I won't ask that, once you get to Arwinder, then I need you to go to the arena. Kyuketsuki will be there though he is going by a new name, and I would not call him by the old one. Once you get close to him, I can do the rest; this is all I need."
The stranger paused before adding something else. "Oh, and I would avoid Phovine as much as possible Jester's little parasite soldiers are not something you or foresight is ready for. If you run into trouble, look for Ritana, Bardic, or Velvet, though I think Hekkeran and Imina will take you to them anyway."
Arche took note of how little details this plan had; it didn't feel like all of it. It put her on edge just how much this stranger seemed to know. Before she could question how she knew so much, the first rays of the morning sun shined through the trees making Arche blink.
They shimmered away as if never there at all. Arche clutched her staff tightly, going over the stranger's words Imina and Hekkeran did seem to be acting differently.
Hearing some bushes rustling, she turned to them, seeing both Hekkeran and Imina talking and laughing about something. 'When did they get up?' Taking a side glance at the tent they shared.
Hekkeran answered first though Arche noted his ears twitched a little as he was speaking. "Oh, Arche, you're up, sorry we both couldn't sleep; mis…monster was crawling around the area."
Arche put the stranger out of mind, for now, she could look into it later. "It fine I had a strange dream which woke me up. why don't you wake up Roberd while I un pitch the tents?"
It wasn't long before they were on the road again though Arche's mind kept going back to the stranger and its odd warning. She glanced at both of them; they were a little different after the ruins, but she didn't focus on it at the time. More worried about the dream she kept having of the ruins.
She almost didn't notice Roberd come up beside her. "Had that dream again last night, Arche?"
Arche nodded yes before adding. "Something else is on my mind, do you think. They are acting differently since the ruins."
Roberd hummed in thought before answering. "A little bit, I think what happened at the fort has had us all a little rattled. Why do you ask?"
Arche wanted to talk about the encounter with the stranger, then thought better of it. She didn't even know if she could trust what they said.
"They were already awake and just got back to camp after I woke up from that dream again."
Roberd hummed in understanding. "Yes, the same has happened the last few nights as well. They always seem to be up before me. I think it might have to do because of the vultures' adventuring team. Do you think-
Hekkeran shouted back, "Look up ahead!"
Both Arche and Roberd turn to see what the problem was and where shocked to see what was ahead of them. The city of Phovine was burning. The guards were fighting some kind of monster they had never seen before.
Arche felt fear grip her heart because the warning was real.
-End of Chapter-