Chapter 51: Well Earned Respite
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I always liked them. Stars I mean. One of the very first things I ever saw when I came into Creation for the very first time. There was always something about their shine that was so… mesmerizing. It was like having a distant cousin since, well… stars shined just as brightly as my kind do.
My kind…
…
I was the very first, you know? And because I was the first, I saw everything from the beginning until now. So many years… So many memories… Not all of it fun or interesting.
Until I met him.
He was… a strange and peculiar thing. Something completely foreign and opposite of me.
Darker.
And yet… he was like me. We both loved the stars, and those that lived under them in their Worlds. They might not have been… like us, but they were still always interesting and fun.
Life… was a thing a most fascinating and beautiful. And it was something we both appreciated and cherished greatly.
Unfortunately… not everyone on our respective sides shared our vision for peace.
The streets were barren under the cloak of night. Rarely anyone walked the streets at this hour. Most were asleep. The storefronts were closed, save for a very rare few food shops that remained open for twenty four hours.
A small gust of wind brushed through the area, leaves scattering among the windfall and drifting in loops as they danced in the night.
Then… a brief flash of light.
From that light stepped out a young woman, who let out a deep sigh as she opened her actual eyes for the first time in years.
Unfortunately for her, she also felt the brief chill from the wind brush by her, causing her to cover up her naked form.
"Brrrrr… Pretty chilly out…"
Her eyes quickly shot towards a women's clothing store, and taking a quick look around, her feet threaded across the asphalt hurriedly until she found herself standing in front of glass doors.
As if that would stop her. She needed clothes
Touching a hand on the glass, a small discharge ran through the entire shop, all the power cut within an instant. And then, pressing her hand further on the glass, it turned into specks of dust, vanishing mere moments after to let her through.
"Okay then… What's in this year?" The woman asked, placing her hands on her hips as she looked around.
A certain section caught her eye, and flicking her finger up, a small orb of white light shot out and hovered overhead, illuminating the room well enough for her to get an eyeful for all the clothes in the store.
"Nice… Really nice… Looks like things have changed while I've been away."
There was certainly plenty to choose from. But there was little time to dawdle. She was ahead, at least, for now she was. She needed to find some pairs of clothes she liked best and needed to get going.
Afterall… there were a few people she was very eager to meet in Mistral.
Dante's eyes slowly opened up, taking in the sight of the log cabin-esque ceiling above him. He felt a bit weaker than the last time, but that was to be expected given how… he pushed himself too much.
…
That wasn't a dream then. All of that actually happened. It really happened. It was so hard to believe that this was reality.
The whole time, his only thought was to avoid hurting anyone and ask if all four of them would be willing to be in a relationship with him. Surely, there was no way something like that would pass, but… it did.
Was he happy? He was beyond delighted everything worked out. But… the shock of it all… It still overwhelmed him completely.
But… it was a good thing. He was relieved.
Dante smiled as he took a deep breath and exhaled, moving to sit up, but oddly enough couldn't. Something was keeping him held down. Although, when he looked to his right side, and saw nine white foxtails flicking about from the edges of the bedsheet, as well as the lump next directly to him, that something quickly became someone.
The once immortal lifted up the sheets to peek under, and spotted exactly who he expected it to be clinging to him tightly, Inuba only staring back at him innocently as her tails quickened in pace. Her hair was shorter again too; almost shoulder length, as well as slightly messy yet fairly neat.
"And what might you be doing there?" Dante asked, hand reaching out to rub the top of her head between her ears.
She let out a small squeak as her fox ears folded against her head, enjoying the headpat she was receiving.
"I-I was keeping you warm… It was fairly cold earlier, so I thought that it would only be appropriate to keep you warm like this."
"I see…" Dante said, quizzically glancing at the kitsune, who was blushing furiously, "Didn't think to use your tails to help either? Or maybe they would have gotten in the way?"
Like a nail in a coffin, Inuba buried her face into his chest to hide her shame, Dante bringing her in closer for a tighter hug.
"Speaking of your tails… Why are they all out? You usually only have nine when your full power is released."
"W-Well… If I had to be honest… That was all more for display…"
"Ah, I see. You wanted to look really cool then."
Another squeak signaled further embarrassment from Inuba as she tried hiding herself from Dante once more.
"I think it'd be nice if you kept all nine of them out. You rarely get to show them off, plus, outside of looking pretty cool, they're actually really beautiful."
"R-Really now…" she whispered silently.
"Really."
Inuba laid her head on Dante's chest, eyes drifting to his bandaged left hand. Her fingers gently brushed over the bandaged appendage, her eyes narrowing into a harsh scowl. She wasn't angry with him. Rather, she was angry with herself since…
"Don't think about such things."
The kitsune looked up at the once immortal to hear his words as he spoke.
"Frankly speaking… I kinda deserved it all…"
"N-No! Not something like that!"
"I disagree, unfortunately. Honestly? I'm glad it did happen. Otherwise… nothing would've really changed I think. So… instead of worrying about it, I just accepted it as my punishment for… well, everything. That's why I'm not mad or upset with you in the slightest. So don't be upset about either. Instead, be happy that we're here now, better off than where we were last."
Inuba looked up at Dante, her eyes giving off a pristine shine as she gazed into his bright sky blue. Speaking of her eyes… they were slightly different, amongst a few other things. The teen gently took hold of Inuba's cheeks to still her so that he could examine the kitsune.
"Your pupils are slitted…"
"They are?!" Inuba worriedly spoke up, slapping her hands onto Dante's in shock.
"They are. And… Are those fangs?" The teen asked, a smile growing on his face.
Inuba was beyond embarrassed, and slapped her hands onto her mouth, slipping a finger inside her mouth to feel four, toothy fangs.
"Don't hide them. It's actually kind of cute. At least I know now why you always pursed your lips most of the time or didn't smile all too widely. You were hiding those cute little fangs of yours."
"M-Master, please!" Inuba squeaked, still covering her face to hide her shame.
Dante's hands shifted to the kitsune's hands, spreading them apart so that he could see the face she was hiding from him.
"Woah… Not only are your eyes cool, but they're actually kind of seductive now just by taking a gander."
"M-Master!"
Inuba's poor heart couldn't take much more of his teasing. Granted, it was all well appreciated, but still rather embarrassing to hear out loud.
She soon decided to come out of hiding and looked up at Dante, staring deep into his eyes. Even after seeing him again, she saw how hardened his gaze was, almost always scowling. But now… his eyes were softer, gentler, more relaxed.
"Are… Are you really fine with the arrangements?" Inuba asked.
"I am. I didn't think all of you would ask first though."
"Honestly… If Eclypse didn't suggest it, I don't know what we would've done."
Eclypse huh…
"She's… pretty clever when she wants to be a little devious."
"So I've remembered…" Inuba noted, resting the side of her head on his chest.
Dante watched the kitsune's nine tails flick about, and noticed her breathing was getting a little unsteady. She was getting warmer too… But the way her eyes clicked back and forth to and away from the teen…
…
Ah, now I see… I think I need to get a little bit better at recognizing these things.
"Inuba?"
"Y-Yes?"
"Do you want to do it?"
"D-D-Do what?!"
"Kiss?"
"K-Kiss?!" The kitsune questioned, her body shooting up.
"Mhm."
Too soon! Is it too soon?!
She couldn't quite think properly anymore. But she wasn't so out of it that she'd turn down the opportunity. Instead of saying anything however, Inuba only gave a few small nods and looked Dante directly in the eyes again as she moved her hands from his waist to wrap around the back of his neck, feeling the cloth of the bandages.
The once immortal moved to sit up vertically, but a jolt of pain ran through his entire back, making him wince as he fell back.
Inuba's tails were quick to move, three of them wrapping around the teen's waist to support his lower back, while three other tails gently coiled themselves around his upper back, comfortably holding him up. The last three of the nine tails flicked about hurriedly, almost as if the person they belonged to was happy with the current situation.
Rather, she was happy with the current situation.
"Cool and useful. See? Your tails are amazing."
"M-Master..!"
"How many times have we gone over this?" The teen said, gently smushing Inuba's cheeks, "It's Dante. Not Master."
"Apologies… I'm simply just used to it by now…"
"How about this? From now on you can only say my name and not 'Master', or anything like that. Come on, try it."
"D-Dante…"
"There you go. That's wasn't so hard…"
"It's just… I'd prefer to use honorifics is all…"
"I guess. But you know I don't care about stuff like that. I'm just me. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Very well then… Dante…" The kitsune whimpered as soon as she said his name, "God's, it just feels so unnatural…"
"You'll get used to it." The teen said hugging Inuba, bringing them closer together.
Now that Inuba bothered to look, the kitsune realized that she was currently straddling Dante, not that he minded. Inuba realized instinctively, she wasn't going to let go at the moment, and neither would he. Therefore…
There was only one thing left to do.
Inuba moved in, but she moved too quickly, resulting with the kitsune and once immortal bumping heads with each other, Dante silently laughing it off as he rubbed his forehead.
"You really are adorkable, you know?"
"W-What?"
"An adorable dork."
Another cute and embarrassed squeak came from Inuba as she dipped her head in embarrassment, only for it to be brought up shortly by Dante's hand.
"Here. I'll go first."
Without further warning, Dante moved his face closer to Inuba's and locked lips with the kitsune, who let out a muffled gasp before she closed her eyes and hugged the teen tightly. It felt like a pleasant current of electricity was running through her as she remained locked in place.
When they gave pause to pull away, the once immortal noted Inuba was breathing rather heavily.
"Are you alright?"
Without so much as answering his question, the kitsune's hands quickly moved to the teen's shoulders and forced him down on the bed, allowing her to loom over him while her three free tails whipped about frantically in excitement. Inuba decided she wanted seconds, and dived straight in, this time making sure she didn't bump heads with Dante as she kissed him with fervent passion.
He had no idea what exactly had come over his long time partner, but he most certainly liked the intensity and boldness she was displaying.
It was exciting.
The teen didn't hold back either, and returned the gesture with equal affection, despite Inuba still straddling him. It was only slightly painful because of his injuries, but it was all still very much enjoyable.
The kitsune gave pause once more, pulling away slowly from her intense kissing as she straightened herself out, breathing heavily and looking at her lover with a powerfully seductive gaze. The way her ruby colored eyes shined was lustrous, and those now slit pupil eyes of hers showed immense instinctive passion.
"I… I've waited so long… I… I can't quite hold myself back anymore…"
"Then don't." Dante replied, "Do what you want to do, Inuba."
"B-But… I… I don't want you to…"
"To do what?"
Inuba's fox ears folded against her head as her three fox tails slowly flicked about, the other six keeping a nice enough grip around different parts of Dante's body to cushion and remove the strain from moving his limbs.
"I… don't want you to think I'm some sort of lewd woman…"
Dante chuckled to himself silently, slipping his hands into Inuba's and interlocking fingers with her.
"Don't worry about such a thing. And if it still bothers you that you might be a little bit lewd… then we'll be lewd together at least."
Without warning, the kitsune dived back in for a third helping of kissing, but didn't go as long as she did previously. It was for a brief few moments until she pulled away, resting her hands atop his chest as she stared down at him, her three free tails whipping about slowly, almost in a hungry fashion.
Her mind made up, Inuba's hands shifted up to her sleeveless white kimono, slowly unwrapping the black sash tied around her waist until it was free, allowing her top to unravel completely. Her body was entirely bare underneath, but the tomoeri, the collar-like sections of the garment, individually covered each side of her ample chest. The kitsune was fairly red-faced, and still embarrassed to a certain extent, but she was prepared to go further.
Just as her hands grabbed hold of the tomoeri to completely removed her kimono from her person, the door swung wide open, causing the duo to look at the entryway in silent panic.
"Eh~ It looks as though Inuba is trying to get a headstart on us. How treacherous." Eclypse noted as she stood in the doorway, Ruby and Blaire looking in from behind the taller girl.
"What happened to waiting?" Blaire asked the kitsune.
Inuba didn't give a response, and only went to cover up her almost bare chest as the other three girls filtered into the room, Ruby hurriedly closing the door behind them and locking it.
While Dante remained questioning that action, he only now realized Blaire and Eclypse pushed a few of the beds together with the one he and Inuba were on, forming what was essentially a larger bed that would fit… all of them…
…
Wait…
Eclypse and Ruby jumped up onto one of the beds while Blaire took the other, surrounding Dante entirely from all sides.
"Clever, Little Inuba, but not clever enough." Eclypse said as she clung to Dante's arm, "Just couldn't hold yourself back any longer, huh? Not that I blame you."
"I get you one hundred percent Inuba, but still, if you wanted that much attention, you could've just asked you know." Blaire said, clinging to the other arm.
"Shouldn't you take those off?" Ruby pointed out to Eclypse's armor, sitting next to Inuba.
The black armored girl looked to her gauntleted hands, looking into the mirror to spot her plated shoes, her sort of waist-corset armor that covered her hips as well, the three chains on the topside of her chest that formed a triangle and small neck guard, and even her black headpiece.
She let out a small hum, then snapped her fingers, every single piece of her armor vanishing off her person like black dust. With that order of business done, she sat down in a pose, one hand resting on her luscious thighs while the other hand propped her head up, her platinum colored eyes quirking up and down briefly.
The way her eyes narrowed on Dante… the way her lips curled up into that smile of hers… Armor or no armor, she was still immensely beautiful.
"I know that. No need to restate the obvious." The girl stated with a coy smile, poking the teen's cheek before she clung to him once more.
He almost forgot she could read his thoughts...
"That being said… Who will go first?"
"F-First?!" Dante managed to squeak out.
"Inuba, considering she's basically undressed." Blaire said, Inuba still covering herself up with her arms.
"Y-Yeah, her first…" Ruby meekly stated, unsure of where to look at right now.
"Well then…" Eclypse stated as she leaned in close towards Dante's face, "That means we'll have to individually take care of you, one…" she spoke as she locked lips with the once immortal for a few brief seconds before pulling away, "at a time. At least… until after each of our turns, that is."
The teen had nowhere to look off too at the moment; left or right, up or down, there was always one of the girls in view looking at him lovingly. Was he embarrassed by the situation? A little bit.
The four of them could see it, and it made them all the more eager.
"I-I'm still a little bit injured, s-so… be gentle if you can, please…"
…
…
Was it a current? A bolt? Or a powerful pang that ran through their hearts? Neither girl knew the answer, but with certainty, those words only served to stoke the fires within them. Eclypse and Blaire pressed their bodies against Dante's sides, with Ruby sitting close to Dante and resting his head on her lap while Inuba remained on top where she was. Her hands reached down to the sides of the once immortal's face as she leaned down and gave him a long kiss, drawing away slowly a moment after.
"You've been taking care of us for as long as we can remember. S-So… allows us to take care of you now."
…
Being taken care of…
…
It was a nice feeling. It was a feeling he had all but forgotten ever since…
…
No, this was now. That was all the way back then. Now, he had gotten lucky for once. Extraordinarily lucky given the… circumstances. He wasn't going to deny himself, and he wasn't going to shy away from it. Instead, he was going to accept the situation as it was. Even if it was a little… strange.
For once, he was simply going to go with it.
Thus, he prepared himself mentally as Inuba slowly lowered her face towards his, advancing for another sweet yet powerful kiss.
Grogginess.
Something so very foreign to Dante. But after last night's… very physical activities, he understood it well now.
When he opened his eyes, he could finally feel a fluffy texture completely enveloping his entire body from the neck down, comfortably keeping him snug and warm. The teen remembered that after the bedsheets became… unusable, with what last strength Inuba had, she expanded the length and width of her nine tails to wrap up all five of them.
There was also the fact they were all naked.
Currently, Dante was the only one awake, but he had a small problem. Two actually. The first was that he was enshrouded by Inuba's nine tails, as well as the four girls that rested their heads on his torso.
It wasn't of issue really.
The second… he couldn't find his pants or a shirt at first, but when he did, he saw the remains of the torn fabric and sighed. Eclypse and Inuba were very quick to remove the garments of clothing, even if it was a bit forceful. Again, not that he minded, it just startled him slightly at first.
Speaking of Eclypse… Dante just remembered how much time he spent pleasing her. She was… very aggressive with her advances, and out of the four girls, she was the one able to keep going the longest, Inuba only second to her.
Inuba was full of surprises however. She made Dante aware that she didn't want to be seen as a lewd woman, and he was fine with it regardless. But the kitsune displayed a pleasantly erotic nature outside of her usual formal and pure manner.
A happy and pleasant surprise indeed.
Blaire was also rather incredible herself, and her intense passion was on full display during the night. Dante was surprised when the crimson haired woman said he was her very first ever, but that was only because as a woman who was searching for love, he expected her to have dabbled with dating by now. Again, to his surprise, she never so much as went on a date with another man, keeping a firm hold on a hope that may have not passed. And yet it did, the teen and the woman having happily realized a promise they once made long ago.
Ruby's display of love was incredible, if not amazing. Through the night, she was always trying to outstage and outperform the other three, and in a lot of instances, she did so with her rather resilient stamina. That wasn't so much of a surprise, for when they were at Beacon, they often exercised together by racing the other. Dante had his natural speed boosted by the energies of his Semblance, and of course, Ruby had her own Semblance. They would run miles in mere seconds for long periods of time until Ruby had to take breaks. Last night however… she was beyond cute, heart throbbingly so.
Was this what true happiness and fulfillment was? It had to be. He had all but forgotten it since his time with someone long ago. Someone very precious and dear to him, like the four that rested their heads peacefully on his torso. There was still one problem though.
How was he going to get out of bed with Inuba's tails wrapping them up, and where was he going to find clothes?
Now that his brain was awake, he found an answer for his first problem, and focused his mind, creating a projection of an Aura Sword far above his head. Flicking his eyes towards the wardrobe in the corner, the Aura Sword slowly hovered over, and once close enough, he shifted his head up and vanished in a stream of white and black, appearing where his sword hovered.
He remembered his right leg was injured, and made sure to stand on his left leg first before cautiously lowering his right foot down to the ground. It didn't hurt as bad as it did previously, but it still sent a small shock of pain through his leg.
The teen could figure out clothes in a bit. He needed to wash up a little first.
Dante found a towel hanging in the bathroom and grabbed it off the rack, quickly wrapping the cloth around his lower half and tying a small knot. Looking back at the four girls sleeping peacefully, the teen smiled with a small hum and proceeded to limp out into the hallway, silently closing the door behind him. From what he remembered seeing yesterday, the bathes were across from his room. The only thing he did was give the hallway a caustious scan before he stealthy made his way inside, locking the door behind him. Letting out a sigh, the teen rested a hand on the door to rest for a moment before he'd sit in a hot bath.
"Good try sneaking away, but you can't hide from me."
Dante jumped a little at the sound of the voice, turning around to see Eclypse standing there with a smile on her face and her hands on her luscious hips. She only had a pair of black panties on, and a very small shirt that left her midriff exposed. The teen could even see Eclypse's ample underbust. Something was off about her clothes however. They were… bristling slightly, almost as if it were…
"Are you using Aura to make those clothes?"
"Of course, since I don't have clothes of my own." Eclypse explained, "That whole armored attire of mine is also made from my Aura, but actually becomes clothing rather than simple energy covering me up like you see here."
After pointing to herself, Eclypse's smile grew wider into a sly one, slowly approaching Dante before pushing him against the door, her hands pressed against the door to keep him contained.
"Did you know I wasn't wearing panties until now?"
"Y-You weren't?!" Dante asked in surprisingly.
Eclypse nodded as she stared into Dante's eyes with a seductive gaze.
"Can't be helped since I don't own any clothes." The girl said while pressing her body against his, Eclypse's large bust digging into the teen's chest, "That's why, if possible, I would like to go buy some clothes when we reach Mistral tomorrow."
"You don't need my permission you know…"
"No. But I would like… very thorough feedback from you."
Dante sighed as he looked down at Eclypse, who gave him a silent giggle as she raised a hand to stroke his cheek.
"Your hair is longer…" the teen pointed out, realizing Eclypse's hair had grown longer to about waist length.
"I like to change the length now and then. You certainly enjoyed it last night."
He didn't have an answer for that. Rather, he didn't want to answer her since the teen knew she'd find a way to twist around his words.
"Weren't you asleep?" He asked instead.
"I was. But as soon as you woke up, so did I. It was like a small jolt compelling me to wake up." Eclypse explained.
"Isn't that inconvenient?"
"Not really… But at the very least I'll be awake when you are, especially if you need me. Even if those needs of yours are more… carnal in nature."
"I-I wouldn't wake you up just for that!" Dante said in a hushed tone.
"But it'd be alright if you did, you know?"
This girl..!
"You see Master… I am a little bit hungry right now. And it isn't food that I'm hungry for." Eclypse said as she licked her lips once.
"W-We can't do it in here! Besides, I came here to take a bath, not get-!"
"Messier?" The girl asked as she leaned in closer to the teen's face, giving a long and slow kiss.
She was far too skillful with her tongue to not be aroused by her incredible kissing. It was far too pleasant to not pay attention and "wake up".
As she continued kissing him, a clawed, spectral black hand of Aura emerged from the back of Eclypse's shoulder, moving to the rather large square tub and twisting the nozzle to start pouring warm water into the bath.
"It looks as though you still have energy after last night." Eclypse commented, briefly drawing back from her kiss, "Excellent."
The waters in the tub began to rise up slowly as her spectral arm vanished, the girl picking up her lover into a princess carry with a huge smile on her face.
"You just love doing that, don't you?" Dante asked, half embarrassed and half impressed with Eclypse as she carried him over to the bath.
"Like I told the others… it's not everyday an opportunity like this arises." She spoke, shifting Dante's body to bring his face close to hers for a short kiss, "And I very much intend to take full advantage. Afterall… I have been waiting ten years to touch you again. And touch you I will." The girl said coyly, removing the teen's towel and gently placing Dante in the tub.
Dante let out a sigh of relief upon feeling the warm waters as his body submerged, pleasant tingles running up his limbs and back. His wounds stung somewhat due to the warm temperature, but it wasn't anything terrible that couldn't be managed.
The teen opened his eyes at the sound of shifting water, and watched Eclypse dipping her feet into the bath, standing just a short ways away from Dante. After touching a few strands of her platinum colored hair, it returned to its normal, near-shoulder length style that was slightly messy. Tapping the band of her black panties, the sides suddenly transformed into thin strands that were knotted together.
"You were quite exhilarated when you saw Little Inuba wearing side-tie panties, no?" The girl asked as she she slowly tugged on one strong to undo the knot, "I bet you'll be even more excited now. Rather, I know you are."
One of the knots was undone, and Eclypse worked on the other knot, slowly pulling it part until the whole garment was loose. Having no need of them for now, Eclypse discarded her black panties with a simple throw, the pair quickly dissolving from existence. She then took slow strides forward, spreading her stance out as she lowered herself, straddling Dante as she placed her hands atop his shoulders.
"We're linked you and I. More closely than that link you share with the little fox. You can feel it, can't you? My strong, burning desire for you?" Eclypse spoke in a seductive tone, rubbing Dante's shoulders all the while, "Rest assured…"she said closing in on his ear to whisper, "I can feel your red hot desire for me as well."
The girl moved her head down to Dante's neck, kissing it and giving him pleasant, playful nibbles as she did.
It would be a lie if he said it was the opposite. Eclypse was far too good at this sort of thing, and thus, her "attack" was incredibly effective. No defense in the entire whole of Creation could defend against her. Resisting her would be futile. It was futile.
Eclypse certainly ascertained that for herself given she felt "something" "rising" between her buttocks.
"Remember Master… I am yours, now and forever."
"You're not an object Eclypse." Dante quickly spoke out, "You may be able to turn into a weapon, but that doesn't make you a tool. You're a living, breathing person, just like everyone else."
Her hand found its way to his mouth to stop him from speaking further, her face slightly reddened out of embarrassment.
"Honestly Master…" She spoke as she raised up her head to meet his gaze, "Are you deliberately trying to get me to attack you?"
Before he had the chance to answer, Eclypse quickly moved her hand out of the way, wrapping both arms around Dante as she pulled herself in close to him for another long kiss.
"After hearing that… I can't possibly be gentle any longer…" she said, drawing herself away briefly to stare into his eyes once more with a sly smile, whispering "That being said… You can be rough with me as well…"
…
…
Eclypse really was a handful, in both senses of the term. But she was a welcome and loved handful. Dante couldn't even think about a life without Eclypse in the picture. That's why he cherished her dearly like he did Inuba, Ruby and Blaire.
And he was certainly going to show his appreciation for her.
Dante and Eclypse finally walked out of the bath fully clothed. The once immortal had the pair of hospital pajama pants he conveniently picked up on one of the shelves as well as a black, sleeveless shirt he mad out of his Aura. Eclypse on the other hand wore her provocative black shirt that rose high above her midriff. In addition, she was also wearing bottoms; they were a pair of black short-shorts that looked like spats given their subtle, glossy shine. They very much clung to her excellent figure, hugging each and every contour.
While the duo did take steps forward, they weren't done easily since they were staggering forward out of the bath, closing the door behind them.
"Worth it…" Eclypse spoke out, helping Dante walk forward.
"Eclypse… We got in there at…" The teen checked his holographic scroll briefly for the time, "five in the morning… It's now eight in the morning…"
"Three hours huh? Not bad, but that still doesn't beat our record for four hours last night. We must've done it for two hours straight after the others passed out."
"Lucky you…" Dante said with a sigh.
"Sorry, Master." Eclypse offered with a faint smile, "It would seem I am a bit 'high maintenance' after all. In both senses of the term."
"It's fine… We should just… pace ourselves next time."
"Only if you don't seriously turn me on with your sweet talk. Otherwise I'll be inclined to go for five hours next time."
Another sigh escaped Dante, eliciting a giggle from the girl as she let go of the teen, snapping her fingers to form a pair of black crutches under his arms to help him walk forward.
"Master, I'd like to inquire about something."
"What might that be?" Dante asked as he used his crutches to move himself forward down the hall, Eclypse at his side.
"Your sister Dawn made an excellent point when last you spoke with her. Now… we're vulnerable. We are all vulnerable. As such, we can't fight as we used to."
"I know…"
He couldn't take hits like he used to, not without consequences at least. He needed to rework his whole system to focus more on dodging and blocking rather than simply taking a hit. That… and he may have had need to develop some new attacks.
"I may have some… ideas that will be of use to us. When next we speak of this, I'd ask that you keep an open mind to what I say. You can't stick to all of your previous reservations, not with the World we find ourselves in." The girl explained, her metallic heels clacking against the hardwood floors, "As your sword, but most importantly, as your lover, your safety is my utmost priority. I will do anything and everything to ensure that you live and succeed in the fights to come."
"I know Eclypse. I know. We've got to get better together now that we're aligned with one another again. So I'll definitely take any advice from you without question."
"That's good to hear then." She said smiling at him.
The girl made to grab hold of his hand, but remembered both were occupied with the handles of the crutches. Noticing this, the teen discarded the crutch in his left hand, freeing it up so that Eclypse could grab hold.
Needless to say, she was rather ecstatic with the action.
As they walked, the two heard voices further down the hallway towards the large dining hall. Dante recognized one of those voices that belonged to a rather irksome, bird-brained reporter, the other the infinitely more pleasant bird of the two.
"What's that idiot up to now?" The teen silently questioned as he quickened his pace around the corner.
Getting close enough, he could finally hear her words more clearly.
"I've covered everything since The Entry to The Departure. That last day was kind of… you know… not that great for all of us for a lot reasons…"
She was telling him a story it seemed. Rather, the story of he and Inuba from five years ago up until the recent past two years.
There was a pause before the second voice responded, "So, you've been around since all this started?"
"Basically. I've practically covered every nook and cranny regarding those two. And, well, everyone else involved. But you know, the two of them were the stars of the show really. So I covered them more."
The duo could hear light clacking, and the sound of someone getting up from their seat to probably take a look.
"Well, they've been the most interesting pair by far. That and… well… they were the story. Okay, they still are the story, if you get me."
"From what I've seen, it's probably difficult to find a more interesting story somewhere else." Xera's voice responded, but a brief pause followed it before he continued, "Have you thought about what you'll do after they settle down?"
"Not a clue." The voice said, "But knowing him, their story isn't going to be over for a long, long time. Besides, I've got nothing better to write about anyway. Everything was so damn boring before him and Inuba. So I made it a mission to bug him as much as possible, even set up a few little… instances."
…
…
Instances, huh?
"So you're the one who directed everyone towards me." Dante said, finally coming out from behind the corner with Eclypse, "And here I thought everyone just liked dumping their responsibilities on a human. Well, sort of human anyway."
Xera's eyes switched from the reporter to Dante, his arms crossing over his hooded chest, "Ignoring the morality of that for a few seconds… at least your name's going to be attached to a series of stories that'll all go down as legends."
Kitsuki was standing next to him, though her attention was flicking back and forth between Eclypse and Dante himself.
"Part of those aren't even legends, since now I've figured out why I got stuck with a lot of the Generals' tedious works. Like babysitting some of their children." Dante pointed out as he raised a crutch up towards the crow tengu Ayame, "Do you have any idea how annoying some of that stuff was? Yōkai at my house every other day or so, since I was the 'Lord that presided in the human world', thus making me a mediator and turning my house into an embassy."
"I mean, that doesn't sound that bad." Xera replied, glancing down to the short kitsune bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet next to him, "Though, the people I more or less look after are more family than strangers."
"Yeah, well at least this one's cute and doesn't bother the hell out of anyone." Dante nodded towards Kitsuki.
As he said that, Kit's hands reached under Xera's hoodie to pull one of his wings out, pushing her fingers into the feathers.
"She's definitely cute, and the only fox yōkai I have." Xera's eyes flicked down to Kitsuki playing for a few seconds before frowning a little, "Would you like me to get you a ball?"
The kitsune shook her head no, but the three tails gently swaying behind her flicked into motion to contradict what she'd responded with.
Dante looked over to Ayame, who was currently trying to avert her gaze from.
"What's the matter Bird-Brain?" Dante said as he walked over with Eclypse, sitting next to the crow tengu, "Devil got your tongue?"
"N-No… Just… surprised…"
"About what? That I'm talking to you after our little scrap?"
"Yeah…"
"You're an idiot, you know?"
"Yeah…"
"So I'm not taking that scrap seriously. You're off the hook." Dante simply stated.
The crow tengu looked as though she had something to say, an apology perhaps, but she kept her tongue still. He'd have probably berated her for apologizing to him needlessly. But… It was good to know he wasn't holding a grudge, even if it was her fault.
"So… I heard from a certain chicky here that you were trying to copy me." Ayame stated, looking Dante's way as she folded her hands together.
"That chicky's not me, if you're wondering." Xera tacked on.
"It's totally you, since she's the older one." Dane pointed out.
Xera's crossed arms shifted as he looked between the two, then smiled a little, "Definitely not me."
The once immortal rolled his eyes as he looked in Ayame's direction once more, who was waiting for an explanation.
"So? Come on man, details! That's a move that other people can't copy except for my kind. How'd you do it?"
"I just… sliced at the air."
There was a long pause of silence between everyone at the simple explanation.
"That's it?!"
"That's it."
"So you're telling me you've got enough 'oomph' now to just slice at the air whenever you damn well please to make slicing sonic waves that travel as fast as bolts of lightning and can cut steel?"
"Used to. That strength was… temporary." Dante explained, "My powers have settled down considerably."
"Right… Other than that… who the heck is she?!" Ayame questioned, looking up at the girl who towered over her.
"I am Eclypse. I am his sword and shield. Also, more importantly…"
Here it comes… Dante thought out as he let out a sigh.
"I am his lover!" She stated loud and proud.
Silence befell the room once again for mere moments as the three looked to Dante for an explanation, the once immortal pursing his lips together as he looked up at his "lover".
"Do you have to say that every, single, time?"
"Why not? I am proud to announce it to the world."
"Announcing it to the world freely might just get me murdered by three other parties." Dante quickly rebutted.
"By three… Are you trying to say you're all an item now?" Xera asked, tilting his head, an action Kitsuki mimicked.
"I'm not bragging about it." The once immortal said with a quick raise of his hands, "But yes… That… happened."
Xera and Kitsuki shared a silent look before the kitsune shrugged, lifting her hands out of Xera's wings to sign something, "It's about time, right?"
"Mhm. Took them a while." Xera added.
"Took a while?! You make it sound like I was planning to get together with four girls at once from the very beginning!"
"Not in that sense. Just that it's taken you this long to actually do something about their feelings." Xera elaborated, tilting his head the other way with a look of distracted thought in his eyes, "Though, I wasn't expecting four."
"Neither was I really, but hey, here we are." Dante shrugged, "Yang and Ruby's father are definitely going to try to kill me. Qrow might as well."
The once immortal let out another sigh as he let his forehead crash into the table.
"I survived death only to be doomed again!" He despaired.
"If it's any consolation, I think you can probably bribe at least one of them with alcohol. Though, he's also probably the one most capable of fighting you…" Xera said. "He also likes you, I think."
"Qrow Branwen has shown signs of favoring you." Eclypse pointed out.
"Thanks. Still have the other two to deal with though." Dante spoke in muffled voice.
"What other two?"
They all looked behind them, seeing Ciel and Leonard enter through the doorway and walk towards their table.
"I'm possibly going to be murdered the next time I see Ruby's sister. Then possibly murdered again if ever I see Ruby's father." Dante explained, "What have you two been up to?"
The pair jolted upwards at the question, awkwardly looking towards one another as they didn't respond to the question. That prompted another question though.
"Where's your dragon lady?" Dante asked his sister before looking to Leonard, "And your pair?"
"W-Well…" the younger brother sputtered out.
"T-They're all… uh… resting! Yeah! I-It was a long night!"
Leonard immediately smacked his sister's arm, and Dante and Eclypse knew immediately what they were talking about.
An audible sigh left Xera's lips as he placed his hand on Kit's head, folding her perked and curious ears down against her hair.
"You I expected this from. Let's face it, we all know you have a soft spot for the taller ones." Dante said to Ciel before he looked to Leonard, "But you? Little brother, you definitely are surprising."
"I-It's only natural such a thing would happen given our… circumstances…"
"Y-Yeah!" Ciel quickly defended, "What about you, huh?! You probably did it with all four of them!"
"And? Your point?" Dante asked.
Ciel went to speak, but realized she had nothing more that she could possibly say.
"My siblings are all degenerates…"
Everyone at the table turned their heads left to see Dawn sitting next to Dante, face buried in her hands.
"You're just jealous because you don't have game!" Ciel countered.
"W-What?!" Dawn quickly shot out of her chair, "I most certainly have 'game'!"
"Didn't sound all too confident there…" Dante pointed out.
"She… knows what 'game' is though, right?" Xera asked, but his hand still kept Kitsuki's fox ears covered. She had her own hands on her human ears, waiting for Xera to lift his away.
"Yeah Dawn, let's hear you define game for us." Dante asked, smiling all the while as everyone at the table eagerly looked to her.
The poor girl was blushing a furious red, and was mumbling incoherently, trying to get the words out. But she couldn't. The gasket she had blown thinking about it was far too serious to fix at the moment.
Xera finally lifted his hand, letting his fox's ears flutter up to listen, "She's cute under pressure at least."
"I guess." Dante shrugged.
Responding to Xera suddenly made him remember something. A warning he had given the Phoenix the last time they met.
"So… Anything out of the ordinary happen while we were away?" He asked, his gaze and Eclypse's briefly meeting as he asked his question.
Xera's own gaze turned to meet with Dante's before the boy shrugged, "Nothing 'Dark' if that's what you're asking about. Just human troubles, really."
So it hasn't happened yet, at the very least.
It would seem to be the case. Eclypse's voice sounded throughout his mind, You could tell him you know.
And risk creating a paradox in an alternate reality? Not likely. Last paradox I had to clean up was a complete disaster, if you remember.
I had almost forgotten…
It happens.
"Well… just keep on keeping an eye out, Xera. Be extra vigilant when you're with your friends." Dante pointed cautioned.
Xera's head tilted again before his eyes narrowed suspiciously, "You make it seem like something's going to happen."
"I don't know." Dante shrugged, "Just a premonition I guess. Still though, take a tip from your elder when he says to be very careful with your friends back home at Beacon."
"I'll keep that in mind…" The phoenix replied, not really knowing what kind of sense to make of Dante's words.
"How long are you guys here for?" Ciel asked.
"Till tomorrow." Dawn answered for the Phoenix and kitsune quickly, "I'll be able to take them home tomorrow once my power has been restored to a nominal threshold."
"She's kind of right. You guys got your own home to defend." Dante pointed out, "As much as I'd liked for you guys to stay and help kick some more ass…"
"If there's any to kick with how many competent fighters you have," Xera clarified, switching his gaze from Dawn to Dante.
"We're damn good Xera, but we're not the absolute best. There's unfortunately going to be more trials ahead of us, so it's too soon to just call it a weekend. We've still got a bit of a ways to go."
"Well… if we're needed, just have someone pick us up." Xera replied, glancing to Dawn, "If she has the energy to spare."
"Bet." The once immortal said, fist bumping the Phoenix, "Now let's get some food already! I'm starving!"
Dante watched the portal closing behind Xera, Skyla, and Kitsuki, letting out a sigh of relief that they were going home in one piece. He was scared for them at first. Scylix was strong, even stronger when she had awoken the Gem and used its power for herself. Someone dying… wouldn't have been so unnatural in that kind of situation. Technically speaking, Dante did die twice, but he came back from it.
He was just glad no one else died.
"Well… Glad this whole mess is over…" Ciel commented, "Gonna miss them though."
"You can cross over to visit now and then you know." Dawn pointed out.
"Oh yeah! Almost forgot about that! Still though, we're gonna be pretty busy for a while. Who knows what the heck will happen once we get to Mistral."
"If we're fortunate enough, whatever lies in wait will be dealt with in a timely manner." Leo stated.
"When have any of us been so lucky…" Dante pointed out, turning to Akihito and Asahi, "So… what're your guys' plans? Gonna stay?"
"We'd like to, but…" Asahi began.
"We still have our duties to uphold as the leaders of the Eihei Nine, as well as maintaining our rule in the Apparition world." Akihito stated, "Our mother and father however have elected to stay behind, seeing as neither hold leadership roles any longer."
"Right right, free to do as they please." Dante remembered, "I figured they might want to since… well…"
No one in Inuba's family knew she was alive until recently, the exception being Tenma since he was on Remnant for the last five years. It was only natural for him and Kareina to stay behind for a while to care for their child, see how she was doing.
"Be on guard, Lord Dante. Or rather, Lord Aetherveil now." Akihito commented as he snapped his fingers, a large ring of white fire forming in front of him as a portal opened up within, "Though you may have overcome this trial, rest assured, there will be more waiting for you in the future."
"I got it already, just go home and do your thing there." Dante waved off.
"I saw fit to warn you, considering we were required to come to this World and offer you aid."
…
He was poking fun at Dante. And he did it with such a straight face too. That somewhat irritated the teen.
The teen watched The elder kitsune enter inside the portal and vanish, Asahi following behind until she looked back and happily waved back.
"Stay safe everyone!" She cheerfully said, focusing on Dante immediately after, "Take very special care of my sister."
…
He hated it when either of those two teased him. It was always annoying.
"It would seem everyone is returning home."
All four of the siblings and Eclypse turned around at the sound of Lucifer's voice, seeing him approach them.
"You about to head out too?" Dante asked.
"I would rather stay, but you better than anyone knowny situation, nephew."
Nephew… That was… still something hard to believe. Rather, he wasn't sure if Lucifer was right. He had to be mistaken, but… the Dark Entity King was never wrong. If he was the one who told him Dante was his nephew, then the once immortal was inclined to believe him. Even so…
What evidence pointed to the teen being his nephew?
"Right… Can't have you involved in a war on my behalf."
"Come Hell or high water, know that I would if it were to be of use to you."
"You can't just-"
"I would do anything for my family. Even if it meant cosmic war across the stars." Lucifer affirmed, "A quality you and I share, from what it seems."
"Right… Speaking of family… What's the deal with your brother? You gonna take him home?" Dante asked.
"He's… elected to stay. Like you, he'd rather not have any dealings with the politics back home. That and… well… he has other reasons for staying now."
Irene was one of said reasons, surely. But Dante as though there was something else that was a part of it.
"Take care of yourself, nephew. I won't always be able to come on your behalf, but I will do what I can from my Throne."
"Thanks again." Dante nodded.
The Dark Entity King gave the teen a nod and a quick few pats on the shoulder before he walked ahead of the pack, his body dissolving in streams of black and purple energy that lifted up into the sky, completely out of sight.
"So wait… If he's our uncle, does that mean Raum's our uncle too?" Ciel asked.
"Not quite." Dawn answered, "Raum was… born from one of Lucifer's family members from ages past. Technically speaking, he is Lucifer's nephew as well, but he insisted on making Raum his brother."
"That would make him our cousin then." Leo pointed out.
"Speaking of… Where exactly has he been?" Eclypse asked, the group looking between each other for some sort of answer.
He had been out of sight for most of the time, but Dante could feel his Aura Signature inside the house, along with Irene's and… someone else?
Who could that have been?
Raum sat down in the wooden chair in his room, glancing over to the bed were Irene still slept. Her cute little wolf ears were fluttering in her sleep, and she had a big grin on her face, which meant she was having a good dream.
That was good; anything else, and he would have invaded whatever nightmares plagued her and crush them with his bare hands.
"She must be having good a dreams." A soft voice called out.
Shoulder length and slightly curly light brown hair fluttered briefly with how quickly the woman entered the room, her light brown eyes framed by a large pair of perfectly circular-lensed glasses. She even wore the same gray cotton sweater that fitted her figure rather snuggly, and the dark blue skirt that reached her shins, along with her black slip on shoes.
Raum aways did find Eren's sense of fashion… rather simple, if the magazine he read weeks ago was anything to go by. But it suited her, and he liked it a fair amount.
"Seems like it." He said standing up, taking the cup of coffee from Eren's hands.
Coffee… Another thing he didn't quite understand all too well. He knew it was a human drink, obviously, but what he didn't understand is why they liked drinking it so much. If anything, he expected those of his kind to enjoy it more.
"Your brother left not too long ago."
"He did, huh…" Raum said, taking a long sip, "Nothing too surprising there."
"Would you have liked to go back with him?" Eren asked, sitting in the chair next to his.
Going back…
…
It probably meant he would have to fight again. But… he didn't want to fight. That is, unless it was absolutely necessary.
It was such a strange and ironic idea. Fighting was the one thing he excelled at all his life. Killing others is what he did best, and what lived for. But now? Now he was… fed up with it. Perhaps it was the continuous losses to Dante that started him down that path of having disdain for fighting. He certainly knew it was the reason he started drinking a lot more heavily. But his biggest reason by far had to be…
…
Thinking about it was almost humiliating… Him, who once was the quintessential equivalent of a God and a King in one, was now not only weaker than he once was… but was raising a child, and…
…
In a relationship with a woman. A seemingly normal woman who enjoyed exploring ruins, discovering lost histories, and finding relics.
Others would have laughed at his situation. Then he would've killed them.
Even so… it didn't change the fact the he liked it. All of it. Raising Irene... Spending all of his time with Eren… These things that he once called small, frivolous and absolutely ridiculous… were things he was doing now. And he liked it.
Going back home…
…
Going back home wasn't something he wanted.
"Not a chance. There's nothing for me home, and he has things covered over there. Also, I… Well…"
"Aha, I see! You really do enjoy spending time with me, don't you?"
Raum's hands reached up to pinch the sides of Eren's cheeks, who could only squeak at the small form of punishment as he stretched out her cheeks.
Her teasing was always… so childish…
"Though… Knowing that really makes me happy…" she said, a blush forming on her cheeks.
Caught off guard, the Dark Entity let go, but the woman immediately grabbed hold of his hands, holding them in hers.
"S-Still… What are your plans, Raum? Do you intend to stay here with them and help them, or..?"
Just as he was about to answer, a knock on the door stopped him from answering, causing him to stand up and open the door to see…
…
…
Someone he rather wouldn't have wanted to have seen him.
Dante and Eclypse tilted their heads past Raum to see Eren behind him, waving back at the pair with a smile.
"Who's she?" The once immortal asked.
"None of your damn business. What do you want?" Raum answered quickly.
"Your brother left. Came to tell you that and… see what was up." Dante answer, focusing on Eren for a few brief moments.
"You came, you saw, you spoke. Anything else?"
Dante looked up to the ceiling, wondering what else he wanted to ask about until it popped back into his mind.
"What's your plan? Gonna be staying with us?"
Raum let out a sigh, glancing back to Irene and Eren behind him before he looked back to the teen.
"No."
"No?" The once immortal asked with surprise.
"I'm… tired of fighting. Tired of doing the same old crap I've been doing ever since I… came into this universe. For once… I wanna try out that 'peace' nonsense you always threw at me. So I'm going with her, wherever she decides she wants to travel to."
"Surprisingly respectable… Alright then. You do you. We're still heading to Mistral like we planned to figure who was responsible for Beacon. So, you two have fun and-"
"Dante…" Raum called out, his eyes glued to the floor before he looked up at the once immortal, "I may have said I'm done with fighting… but that doesn't mean I won't abandon it entirely. I'll fight if I have to, and only then. That's why… if you actually, really, desperately need my help…"
…
Was he actually offering help? This was… surprising. Very surprising. Sure, it was a bit sloppy, but the teen gave him credit for trying at least and putting it out there. It… actually made him feel a bit more relaxed knowing his once nemesis was going to behave himself. And travel the world with a woman he liked no less.
"Right… Well, you guys are welcome to stay here for as long as you need. We'll be rolling out tomorrow, so feel free to leave whenever you're ready." Dante explained, using his crutches to move him away from the door.
"Hey!" Raum called out, drawing the teen's attention back to him.
The teen moved his way up to the Dark Entity, a few seconds of silence between them before Raum let out a small sigh and extended his hand, Dante quizzically taking said hand into his for a handshake.
"Good luck to you, wherever the Hell you're off to next."
…
Another nice surprise.
"You too." Dante replied, letting go of his hand as he and Eclypse made their way down the halls.
Raum gave a small huff before he stepped back inside and closed the door, finding a pair of hands wrapping around him and face burying itself in him.
"I'm truly grateful… that you decided to come with me…" Eren whispered softly.
"I-It's not such a big deal…"
"To me it is. It shows how much you really care, you know?"
He couldn't believe that a human woman was teasing him so easily…
But it was her way of expressing herself freely, so he couldn't fault her for that.
One thing was certain though… this new journey of his with Eren and Irene… was going to be something incredible.
Dante, Ruby, Blaire and Eclypse were the last few to board the Specter, with Ciel and Musashi following from behind with Qrow Branwen in tow, who was resting comfortably in thanks to Kareina's treatment. Speaking of…
The immortals eyes glanced outside of the cargo bay of the ship, watching Inuba say her goodbyes to her mother and father with hugs, though Kareina seemed intent on holding onto Inuba. After they were finished, Inuba quickly walked towards him, and the teen's eyes glanced back at the kitsune parents in distance who were… smiling at him and both giving him a thumbs up.
Dante rolled his eyes and shook his head, stepping aside for Inuba to enter.
"Ready to go partner?" The once immortal asked.
"I am now." The kitsune stated with a quick bow, glancing over her shoulder back to her parents once more and offering them a quick wave as the cargo doors slowly closed.
Inuba took her seat next to Ruby, buckling herself in as Dante moved past them with his crutches to cockpit, where Leo sat with Alice, Bailey, and their little robotic companion SOL.
"To Mistral, I suppose." Leo commented.
"To Mistral." Dante nodded back to his brother, giving him a pat on the shoulder.
"Should we be expecting-?"
"Don't think so." The teen quickly answered his younger brother, "For once, we can just… take it easy."
"Right then… We'll arrive in Mistral in a few hours, so rest comfortably, brother."
Dante gave his sibling a nod as the younger brother returned to punching in the coordinates with the twin sisters, the once immortal glancing out the window and spotting something… irregular…
Petals of light…
"Is something wrong?"
The teen's attention turned back to Leonard, offering him a shake of his head, "Nothing. Just thinking about vacation time, if we get any."
A few moments after, the ship finally floated off the ground and soared through the air, making its way to the kingdom that all on board had long been on the road for.
Dante's one and only hope… was that whoever was responsible for this mess would be dealt with quickly enough. If not… then he'd fight them.
However long it took.
Boy oh boy… did this take a long while… I know I said the whole Scylix arc is done after this chapter and all, but there's still just a teen, tiny bit to cover in concerns to volume 5. You'll see what I mean.
Aside from that, yes, I did write up a certain something, or at the very least, am in progress of writing. Will I post it here as an extra chapter? Maybe a different story? Don't know yet. Depends on a few factors.
In any case, I won't leave you all hanging. There's still gonna be a few spicy things and surprises waiting in store for you. Trust. Just tune in for the next chapter.
Other than that, I've got nothing much left to say, so with that...
I highly recommend you all go check out the freaking amazing story Rogue Huntsman written by Xera Stark. The story overall is absolutely fantastic and is a must read, so I suggest you seriously read it. You won't want to miss out on this story. Plus, I'm working on it with him as a co-author, and my characters are in it too. So if you want to see a sort of alternate story and such with my characters in it, go on over and give Rogue Huntsman a read.
And hey! Go check out HydraFLow's story Lost in Binary! It's equally as awesome and entertaining, and tells Rogue Huntsman's story from his characters' perspective, like how Knights of White and Black (my alternate story) tells the tale from my character's perspectives.
Questions? Ask them anytime. I will try to answer without spoiling.
Please remember to review, follow and favorite this story if you really enjoyed it and want to continue seeing more of it. And hey, even tell others about this story! Remember that your support is what helps make this story grow even larger and what helps improve it. With that, I bid you all an excellent week/weekend!
Bye-bye now!