A/N: Alright everyone, this one felt a big rough to me… Sorry about the week gap, was having some writers block also. As for my wrist pain, seems ganglion cysts run in the family… So fun times.

For ggg123666 on thanks for all your reviews! I wanted to reply and clarify some things but you had PMs off. Again everyone I can reply a lot easier on Ao3. In the first chapter she wasn't drunk, just a little bit buzzed in a body not yet used to anything of the sort. There is a big difference between being actually drunk and getting a little light headed from alcohol lol. Any buzz she gets likely wouldn't last long, not long enough for her to physically drink and process enough of it before her body burns through the alcohol… maybe if she was drinking like 99%? But that wouldn't be healthy, even if it wouldn't kill her.

Thanks for pointing out a few of the errors, when I picked up this story back up after nearly 2 years I made the choice to focus on the future of the story, rather than fully rewriting the entire beginning, or a lot might have been different. Past a certain point I actually planned things out more and tried to proofread and edit more. Alas I'm one person and I tend to write strange, so things are going to slip through and that is fine, I don't need it to be perfect. Sometimes my brain moves faster than my hands so words might end up omitted or mixed up, and I think that is just a bit of a 'glitch' I have. I hope despite it's imperfections, you all still enjoy this story.


Akemi felt her heart might beat out of her chest as her and Kyouko stepped out from Ainz's Gate, as her own would not work from within Nazarick. She felt Kyouko squeeze her hand a few times, and the stare from her golden eyes. "You are okay Kyouko? Neither of those two do anything funny to you?" Akemi asked as the worry showed in her voice. Her voice must have attracted a few eyes in the settlement they had been dropped off in as she heard a few voices call out to her that Akemi could only wave at with as natural of a smile as she could give.

Despite the fear Akemi could see in Kyouko's face, as well the tenseness of her jaw she didn't sense anything wrong with her girlfriend. While there wasn't any less darkness in those eyes compared to a while ago, it had eased just a bit, and perhaps a bit of fear had perhaps taken it's place.

"N-no, I'm fine, honestly Lupus and Neuronist were decently… nice isn't the right word, at the time we shared a common interest and I can tell the were enjoying showing me some… things that I'm probably going to want to forget. At least I know the bastards will be well taken care of… I probably shouldn't be happy that they are suffering but… Lorelei, Hannyuu, and I suffered for years, and now so can they… Lets head home." Kyouko said and kissed the top of Akemi's head.

Akemi nodded and led them out of the public eye, not that they cared about being affectionate in public. Before they entered the home Akemi cast a silent mass cleaning smell on them to eliminate the smell of death that likely clung to them from Nazarick. "We're home everyone." Akemi called out as they both stumbled in. The air had become mixed with the scent of baked goods, that blended with all five of their mixed scents… the unique smell of home was always comforting. It was an incredibly pleasant change from Nazarick.

"Mamas!" They both heard Hannyuu before their tired eyes saw her as the girl nearly flew across the living room and tried to tackle them. "You're both safe?" She asked as she looked up with tears at the corners of her eyes.

What could both of them do except hug the poor girl? "We're fine dear, I told you all it would turn out okay. Getting invited into Nazarick almost always means one of a few things: one is you're trusted and seen as a friend, ally, or potential ally. Thankfully we have made an unofficial agreement of sorts for an alliance, so I'm confident we're firmly in that first category. The second option is… better left unsaid, lets just say all those bastards are finding it out the hard way." Akemi summed it up as cleanly as she could… what they both saw in there of those men was better left unsaid.

"Except perhaps a fear of bugs from now on, I'm just fine I think, maybe feeling a little better. I can try and put it all behind me and focus on the future." Kyouko said with a heavy sigh while she leaned into the hug from her new daughter and Akemi. Soon enough though another pair of arms hugged them all as best they could, being as short as Akemi's. Ana, who seemed to have come from the kitchen judging by the apron she wore, seemed to just be enjoying feeling them safe and sound. "Anything happen around here?" Kyouko asked as she let go.

"Everything has been alright here, I was just teaching Hannyuu what baking I knew since we had the time. Oops… I guess I got you all dirty though…" Ana said and gestured to the front of Akemi, Kyouko, and the entire back of Hannyuu that had been dusted by flour.

"That's alright… I can't believe it is only the afternoon, I think that place made time go slower." Akemi whined a bit as she cast another silent mass cleaning spell over them just to get the flour off of them..

"Mmm! Mamas, you should go sit down. I'll bring what we made~." Hannyuu said and sounded surprisingly excited about it.

Once they all had settled at the dinning room table the three Moms there looked at each other. "Is she doing okay?" Akemi asked Ana in a whisper, leaning towards her so try and avoid tiny ears hearing them.

"I… think she is, she is pretty good at hiding things, but maybe she is just trying to push the bad out with the good, she seemed to have fun baking." Ana said before she leaned over to give Akemi and Kyouko a kiss on the cheek. "Do you know how worried I was that something was going to happen to you two? That guy was terrifying! That was Ainz?!" Ana asked with a pout.

"Oh he isn't that bad, though I guess I can see why he would look scary to most. Sure he is technically pretty evil, and he does have several torture chambers… Okay, I'm starting to see your point. I knew him before all this though, so it is hard for me to see the skeleton, and not Satoru the office worker. Is it sad that he seems more alive here than our old world?" Akemi asked as she laid her head on the table, right before a platter was set down next to it.

The smell of fresh cookies next to her head was enough to perk Akemi up from her slump. She smiled at Hannyuu and ruffled the girl's hair. "We may as well eat them while they're warm." Hannyuu said as she took another chair. "I… heard what you said a little… I'm getting by. You don't need to be so careful, yesterday was hard for us all, and it did remind me a lot of the past." Hannyuu admitted as she looked away with folded ears, and seemed to take a moment to try and breath. "But like I said before, they couldn't break me then, and they can't now. I want to get stronger like all of you, so I can do the saving instead of having to be saved though." Hannyuu said as she nibbled at a cookie.

The other three could only smile at her at that. "You're already plenty strong, but I understand what you mean. Well, then I hope you won't complain if we accelerate your training, since we'll have the time if you and Ana are staying here." Kyouko said and affectionately pinched Hannyuu's cheek.

Akemi leaned back in her chair as she nibbled at her cookie, and just enjoyed the atmosphere, her family was still whole and safe. She nodded and stood up with the other half of the cookie hanging out of her mouth. As she stretched she reached out her mind with Message.

"Hey Hekkeran, we're going to be ready soon, everything good on your end?" Akemi asked as she tapped her head to let her family know she was using message when they looked at her strangely.


"Hannyuu and me will be back in a few minutes Kyouko, we're just going to say bye to Foresight, they've been good company." Ana said as even though it would only be a few minutes apart, she still felt the need to hug Kyouko some more.

"I'm going to message Arche more later for magic advice. She has been great at teaching me more magic and is really nice. Well, I doubt it will be the last we see of them." Hannyuu asked as she turned a smug grin towards Ana and Akemi, who could only sigh.

"Are you just trying to collect Moms now? Is shipping me with nice ladies going to be a regular thing?" Akemi teased and poked Hannyuu's nose.

After wiggling her nose Hannyuu only smiled and made a little hum like she was innocent in it all. "We should probably hurry~"

"Yes yes you sassy cat… I'm not aiming at anyone else, I just go where fate blows me." Akemi said and snapped her fingers. "[Gate]." They all knew the snap was entirely unnecessary, but there was no stopping the women when she wanted to be over the top.

Even as Ana and Kyouko both ruffled Hannyuu's hair and teased her, the adorable smile she had on showed them that the girl was just eating up the attention from three moms, and they all knew the girl was overdue that much love. "No wonder she keeps pushing for more moms. Well, whatever happens happens." Akemi thought and guided Ana and Hannyuu through the gate. "They'll be back soon Kyouko, I'll hopefully be back in a day or two, just going to be a lot of flying today… Love you Kyouko." Akemi said and leaned into the hug from her taller girlfriend, and just enjoyed the warmth in her chest as she thought about how much things had changed over just three weeks…"

"Be safe Akemi, I'll look out for everyone. If you need to Message I have plenty of free time to just chat if you're bored." Kyouko said and rubbed Akemi's back while resting her chin on the top of her head. "Alright tiny fox, go spread your wings." Kyouko joked and pushed her forward towards her gate. "Love you too."

With a few giggles left behind Akemi vanished into her portal. Once those three were out of sight again Kyouko's face fell like the smile never was there to begin with, the energy vanishing from her as she trudged back into their home. She knew two of them would be back possibility within half an hour or less, but still, all she could do was wait.

She sat down in the chair next to her bed, next to Lorelei where they had laid the girl. Thanks to the ring Akemi let her use they didn't need to worry about the girl needing food or drink, and were not sure how to feed her effectively otherwise. Until she could at least move a little on her own it was the best they could do for her. They had dressed her in a pair of Hannyuu's pajamas, though they were even more over sized on her than Hannyuu, who was three years younger.

For the moment her eyes were open but unblinking as she stared up at the ceiling without a thought appearing to pass behind them. Kyouko grasped the girl's hand under the covers and held in between her own. "Please Lorelei… come back to your mother. I love you, we're all here for you…" All she could do was keep waiting yet again.


"Finally you all are back! While it is nice shelter It is still cold unless you're near a fire! This stone doesn't keep in heat very well…" Imina complained as soon as Akemi stepped through the portal.

"Sorry it took so long… Not sure how much Hekkeran said, but it was an emergency and all. It is resolved but I've decided to accelerate our pace to the Dragon Kingdom." Akemi said as she pulled out a few jackets from her storage and put one on. "I have other cold weather gear for you all, they have size adjustment enchantments so don't worry about that." Akemi said as she loaded those jackets, as well as some gloves, hats, and thicker pants into Imina's arms.

"Sadly Hannyuu and me will be needing to head back home for the rest of this trip. It was really fun while it lasted." Ana explained as she saw Hannyuu's ears fold before both their eyes drifted to Arche. "Thank you so much with your help in magic Arche, I think I made a lot of progress in the second tier, maybe next time I see you I'll have hit the third also." With that Ana reached over to pull Arche into a hug, which was soon returned. "I really hope to see you again some time." Ana said with a tiny blush before she let go.

They noticed Arche had to turn away a bit herself to hide her own emotions. "Oh alright, It will be a shame to not have you two here. It was fun to have you, I'm going to miss our talks." Arche admitted before she turned to look down a bit at Hannyuu who had come over to get a hug herself. Arche couldn't help but smile as she felt the tiny vibrations of Hannyuu's purring for the few moments they hugged.

"Thanks for helping teach me, I'll try and get magic arrow learned by the next time I see you. You know you can't get rid of all of us that easy right? We'll meet again." Hannyuu said as she stood a few steps back with a grin.

Next Hannyuu hugged Imina, startling the half elf, who soon smiled as she hugged back. "Yeah yeah, I'll miss you too kid, take care of yourself." Imina said and ruffled that light pink hair.

Hannyuu even looked up at Hekkeran and Roberdyck, but didn't hug them. "Thank you both a-also, I'm sorry I was so cold to you both at first, you were really understanding about it and I appreciate it." She said and seemed to be able to resist her urge to look away so she could look them in the eye for the first time as she said that.

They were just as surprised as the others were. "Yeah kid, you take care of your Moms, and take care of yourself." Hekkeran said and waved her off, while Roberdyck merely nodded his head with a smile as his answer.

Akemi sighed a bit and opened up another gate back to the settlement. "Well you two, I'll keep in touch, but if you need me you have your rings to contact me, please use them. Hannyuu, maybe you can get your other two moms to try out the fly function on their own rings? Think you can show them the ropes?" Akemi asked Hannyuu as she hugged the girl to herself and found herself wishing for a moment that she hadn't embarked on such a heavy quest… that she had just taken Hannyuu and made a simple life for them both, but the thought of those downtrodden yet hopeful faces in her settlement, and of the two women she loved made it all worth it.

"I'll try, maybe I'll work it in after training." Hannyuu said as she hugged Akemi tightly. "Love you Mom, I'll call you tonight." She said before she forced herself to let go of her daughter.

Ana's wasn't about to be outdone as she took her turn hug Akemi and kissed her deeply, heedless of those watching. When Hannyuu cleared her throat they knew their kiss went on long enough. They separated and both were equally flushed.

"Love you too dear, you as well Ana, I'll see you back at the settlement soon." Akemi said and watched her two loved ones vanish within her gate. After taking a moment to collect herself Akemi turned back to Foresight with a strange forlorn look on her face. "So… before we go does anyone have any questions? I'll be casting mass fly and we'll be heading over the mountains, so you're going to want those cold weather clothes I got you." Akemi said while suddenly sullen.

"Are you alright? Hekkeran had mentioned that something bad happened with your emergency, but didn't tell us what exactly. If

It is anything I can help with please speak up." Arche said while they all added those extra layers over their clothes and equipment. They all seemed to notice the strange mood Akemi suddenly fell into.

Akemi then looked over at Hekkeran curiously. "You didn't tell them?" When she got a shake of his head she could only shrug. "There was a plot by the underground crime group Eight Fingers to kidnap Hannyuu, they tried to use Kyouko's daughter Lorelei as bait in it. We turned the tables on them but it was still…" Akemi felt her rage flare back up as she remembered the powerlessness she felt as she had to just wait for that message from Kyouko before she could make her move.

She took a few deep breathes and leaned back against the cold stone wall of her summoned shelter she had left Foresight in. "It left some marks on all of us, and we're still recovering. Lorelei was there for five years though, there was almost nothing left of her… Now she seems to only be able to lay there… Like she is still asleep. We'll wait as long as it takes though for her to come back, she'll have a lot of love to come back to." Akemi said as she took a few deep breathes to calm down and force herself to perk back up.

"Indeed she will, I'll pray for her future recovery." Roberdyck said with a nod as he finished fitting the cold weather jacket over his armor.

The others look pretty glum at that news as they finished getting ready as well, their packs slung over their shoulders. "Lets head out I guess, you sure it will be fine with the Wyvern Rider tribes? Are you sure we're enough security for that?" Hekkeran asked as he saw Akemi's eyes widen.

"That is right you mentioned them… well it will be fine, if they are reasonable we can talk to them. If they aren't so reasonable then… I am here, that is all the security we need. In all likeliness if we encounter them I'll cloak us in invisibility and bypass them, we really don't have the time to get waylaid again. Just stick near me and we'll fly hard. Hekkeran stay up front with me and point us in the right direction." Akemi said as she opened up the door and winced at the freezing gusts of wind that carried with it snow that felt more like sand as it hit them. "This is going to be fun…" Akemi grumbled as she waded out into the snow storm, instantly being consumed to her knees by the snow on that mountain path.

As the others followed her out they seemed to shiver instantly. "Damn this is going to be rough… You want us to fly in a snow storm?" Imina asked as she hugged that fur coat Akemi gave her and seemed to curl in one herself as the cold mountain gusts cut through them.

"Oh don't be such a baby, like I would bother with that. [Control Weather]." Akemi said as she held her palm up to the sky. All of them, but especially Arche could only stare at that in wonder as the winds ceased, the snow as well, and the dark clouds above began to disperse like mist. Soon the midday sun was glaring down from above, bathing them all in it's warmth.

"…I know that spell. That took Teacher an entire ritual and a few hours or even days to cast, and here you go casting it like it is nothing… Why am I surprised?" Arche complained as she held a hand to her face with a humorlessly laugh.

"Why are you complaining? You act like I haven't been showing you tenth tier magic nearly every day. I'm a bit different, so it is unfair to compared your teacher to me, he likely worked harder than me for what he can do, as did you." Akemi said as she mentally seemed to calculate something.

"Yes yes… I already know you are just unfair like that. As long as you eventually teach me some of that I'll forgive you." Arche said with a smug grin, while Akemi just pouted at her.

"If I knew how to teach I wouldn't have needed you and Ana to help Hannyuu learn, I'm not good at explaining just how I do my magic, like I said I'm a bit different. For you though I might try once~" Akemi grinned at her like a tease. "[Extended Maximize Magic: Mass Fly], [Extended Maximize Magic: Mass Haste], [Extended Widen Maximize Magic: Nature's Cloak]." Akemi cast her spells one after the other, bathing all five of them in a multicolored glow. Akemi took a few deep breath as she began to float upwards.

"Ahh! Okay only Arche has experience with flying, let us get used to it!" Hekkeran said as his legs fluttered in the air as the feeling of weightlessness took them all over. Only Arche was fine as she looked at her teammates with a bit of embarrassment.

"Well… I taught Hannyuu, so lets get you all up to speed."


"This is amazing! Arche why didn't you let us try this before!?" Imina asked as she swerved around in the air as the pack of them flew at high speeds over the mountain range. It was easy for all of them to see how much trouble they were saving themselves not needing to wade through proper snow. Previously they had encountered small drifts in the early parts of the mountain, but the further into the mountains they flew, the deeper they could tell the snow would be. The amount of snow also meant that their path would be incredibly dangerous to walk without slipping to their deaths, not that Akemi would allow that.

"Because I'm not a cheating ball of fluff and can only cast fly on myself." Arche said as she flew a bit behind the others.

"Oi! Leave my beautiful fluff out of this! Not my fault you can't." Akemi said as those tails still waved in the air.

Arche chuckled a bit as she stared ahead during their flight. She didn't notice Imina fly next to her and drift closer till she could whisper as quietly as possible, not that it stopped everyone from hearing. "Why you back here hmm? Staring at a taken woman's ass?" Imina asked with an amused smirk on her face. "Aww your embarrassed face is so cute~" She teased as Arche zoomed past her with a roll of her eyes.

Akemi was blushing herself as she flew ahead, which could be attributed to the wind flowing past them. She tried to put that out of her mind, as she also doubted someone more refined like Arche would be doing that. Akemi ignored the pain in her gut she was getting as she flew.

Next to her Hekkeran chuckled at the scene. "If you're thinking something like 'former nobility wouldn't do that' then you don't know nobility. She totally does do that, I'm surprised you didn't notice her staring at Ana als-" Hekkeran was interrupted by a staff hitting him in the head from above.

"Oh dear, my hand slipped. Less talking and more flying, or you might bite your tongue." Arche left a thinly veiled threat as she zoomed forward. Akemi had to laugh at that at least, the awkward air dispersed quite effectively.

"Well, you heard the lady Hekkeran, we don't want you to get smacked too hard, you might just fall~" Akemi joked as she sped up to match Arche. Once again that very Kitsune like urge washed over her like a wave. "Don't worry Arche, Ana already noticed~ She is weak to surprise attacks, so a sudden confession might just work~" Akemi teased as she enjoyed the sight of Arche getting even redder.

"Ugh you all are incorrigible!" Arche complained as she just focused on the path ahead. Her eyes widened as she spotted what she really didn't want them to encounter. "We have Wyvern Riders! Do not attack them, they are generally peaceful, but also territorial." Arche warned as her mind flipped into serious mode.

"Oh, fun. Follow me." Akemi said as she flew in front of the group, her tails ready to defend all behind her and her spells only a flick of her hand away. "[Widen Magic: Perfect Unknowable]." Akemi cast on the five of them. The Wyverns and their riders stopped in midair and looked around as their targets vanished from sight, scent, and sound. Akemi led the group higher up to bypass those pursuers and continue on. "I think intruding on their territory wouldn't be the best first impression… I'll come back when there is time for it and I have an actual country to represent rather than an idea." Akemi decided as they continued on.

"What spell is this? Even Invisibility wouldn't work well on Wyverns- Actually… knowing you it is something crazy…" Arche complained.

"Perfect Unknowable, its a ninth tier spell that is one of the best spells for stealth. Low powered Wyverns wouldn't be able to see through it. I have maybe one more refresh of the flight spells I cast on you all and then we'll need to rest. Even I can eventually run out of mana, especially recasting spells a dozen times a day as well as a widened ninth tier spell that does have a higher mana cost compared to other spells of the ninth tier. Any objections?" Akemi asked as she turned over in mid air to look at them all.

"N-no, that sounds fine, if we rest we might get there tomorrow." Hekkeran said and seemed a bit worried at the look he saw on Akemi's face.

With that Akemi returned to just flying in silence. They noticed soon that her pace would slow and she would start to bob through the air after just an hour, the near limit of spells she had cast.

"Akemi, lets land here." Arche said as she flew next to Akemi and put a hand on her shoulder. The jolt that went through Akemi's body startled both of them.

"We can… go a bit longer…" Akemi mumbled as her eyes stared into the distance, though they were a bit hazy.

"Arche is right, you need to rest and the spell is close to running out." Hekkeran said as he flew next to her also. Akemi's ears folded and they heard a slight growl come from Akemi.

"Fine…" Akemi eventually said as she began to descend towards the top of one of the spires of stone that existed in the valley of the mountain range. Arche was the one who barely caught her before she impacted face first into the surface. She was breathing heavily and seemed shaky. It was a side none of them had seen before from the woman. She had always put on such a strong front that it was hard to see who she was under it… which was something none of them knew. Arche let Akemi use her lap as a pillow for the moment as the woman's eyes were closed like she was in pain.

"Roberdyck, I think we're using those tents for tonight, lets get those set up." Hekkeran said as all except Arche began to establish a camp with practiced ease. "I almost thought we wouldn't get to use this." It was nowhere near as grand as Akemi's shelters, but for a tent it was spacious enough for five people to stand up, though the floor was still hard ground.

Arche was surprised that she was able to lift Akemi up as she brought her into that shelter, and laid her on one of the sleeping mats that had been rolled out. "You're… surprisingly light Akemi." Arche mentioned as she caught Akemi looking up at her through half closed eyes.

"S-sorry, I guess I was… more tired than I thought…" Akemi muttered as she watched Hekkeran set out a small device in the center of the tent, and for a small fire to appear from it. "What is that?"

"Its a portable camp fire, its a pretty common magical tool for adventurers and workers. It is operated with small amounts of mana to make fire, it isn't as hot or strong as a real fire, but it is good if you are somewhere with no wood. So what is wrong?" Hekkeran asked as the other three members of Foresight fell into a rhyme that Akemi could tell was well practiced.

"I think I'm just tired… I'm not sure it is even possible for me to get sick at least. I guess I wasn't paying enough attention to my mana but… I've been casting spells non-stop the past few days… if not weeks. Maybe I just wore my stocks down faster than I could regenerate mana and it is catching up with me." Akemi seemed to relax a bit more as she caught her breath. "You know Arche… if you keep holding my hand like that, I'll get pregnant." She joked and was amused at the look on Arche's face as she let go of Akemi's hand she had grasped, and likely forgot she was holding.

The rest of them had to stop what they were doing and look at the pair of them as Arche sputtered out something they couldn't understand. "T-that isn't how that works! Besides otherwise you would be well on your way to Ana's kids with how much you two held hands. I was just worried about you… You kinda scared me collapsing like that. Why didn't you say anything?"

"I'm just teasing you… even I know that, was just a joke from where I'm from. You're awfully fun to tease you know that right? It is pretty adorable." Akemi let out a tired chuckle as she seemed to take a few deeper breathes. The blush Arche gave made it even more worth it. "She is indeed damn adorable…" Akemi thought and caught Arche's eyes again. "I thought I was fine though… I should have had more energy and Mana than that."

The flick Arche gave her forehead made her wince, even if no pain actually came through. "Wait… have you never run out of mana? How much have you been eating and drinking lately? When was the last time you took a day off?" Arche asked and sighed as she saw Akemi look away.

"I'm not normal, it is a long story, maybe best told over drinks or dinner… I've run out of mana before, but it didn't feel like this. I've… eaten plenty…?" Akemi sounded unsure as she tried to dig back in her normally near perfect memory. "No… I didn't eat breakfast, or I would have puked, I only had that one cookie before I came back, and then we flew through lunch time… I gave them some flight snacks for lunch, but now that I think about it I didn't have any. Yesterday was… Okay, I didn't eat much then either." She thought with a sigh. "Brought down by something that simple? It hasn't been a good few days, seeing my new daughter in the state she was in just… I couldn't eat after that. I don't have time for breaks, each day means something important, that I have a job to do. I have over a thousand souls riding on me, as well as so many more to save with this plan…" Akemi complained and felt a few tears creep up. "I hate feeling sick… It feels way too familiar…"

Arche took Akemi's hand again as she saw the woman look close to a breakdown. "You know… you are strong, unbelievably strong, but you still have a body you have to take care of, you can only take on so much at once. Take tonight to rest, maybe Message your girlfriends and Hannyuu." Arche suggested. If Akemi had been looking into her eyes as she said that she would have seen the hints of pain there as she said that. "We already know you're not normal, normal isn't making a new home every night or rescuing as much of several races of people as you can… Or making a country."

"You're… right, and wrong. I'll try and relax for tonight. Even I can't be in two places at once, not yet." Akemi shrugged and squeezed Arche's hand back. "There is just so much I have to do, so much riding on me getting this done… So many people counting on me. I guess I underestimated the pressure of taking this on, maybe I'll be a terrible ruler…" Akemi sighed and look over at that fake campfire, and at the pot above it that had started to give off a pleasant smell.

"You're wrong." Arche said as she stared down at Akemi sternly, not daring to look away from Akemi's shocked eyes. "You're running yourself ragged for people. I can tell you care a lot about your people, someone like that can't be a bad ruler. At the very least you'll be a better ruler than the Bloody Emperor…" Arche said with a gentle smile.

"Thanks Arche, that means a lot. I guess I'll try to take it easy for tonight." Akemi said and carefully sat up to accept the bowl Imina handed her. The smell of food quickly reminded her that she did have a body now that needed more than nutrient paste… even if it was a level one hundred body.

"Yeah Akemi, just relax, you did hire us as your guards and guides. Frankly we haven't pulled our weight for what you're paying us. It isn't as good of a shelter as your's but it keeps the elements off of us, you're getting a more genuine trip this way." Sitting in a circle and eating stew that was put together from rations felt more like a home cooked meal than some of the things Akemi had pulled out of her bag in Akemi's mind.

"When this trip started I thought it would be some sort of trap, I mean… someone young looking like you being some master of magic that even Arche couldn't examine, and when you said Hannyuu was your daughter I was just confused. I didn't expect that, or expect you sleeping with your other 'student', what a naughty magical teacher you are~" Imina teased. They all chuckled at Akemi's suddenly red face.

Eventually Akemi was able to get out more than outraged squawking to pout at them. "W-we haven't even done anything like that!" Akemi nearly yelled.

"I'm hearing a Yet at the end of that." Imina ate her food with a smug look at the reactions their client was giving.

"I mean… M-maybe, I don't know, I've never done anything like that!" Akemi stared down into her bowl like it would give her the answers she sought.

"But… aren't you like really old? And you never even…?" Arche asked with a raised eyebrow while blushing.

"How old do you think I am? I swear you all make a lot of assumptions…" Akemi complained and finished her bowl before she realized it. "Could I have some more please? Pretty impressive cooking for stuff from rations." She said and took a deep breath.

As Roberdyck took her bowl to pour her more he looked at her strangely. "I was under the impression you were like the Kitsunes I read about in my studies on more magical beings, ranked right up there with the True Dragon Lords in strength, though the last time one with nine tails was spotted was outside written record, it would involve making it to nine hundred years old. If you are objecting to that am I wrong?" Roberdyck said.

Looking around at the others Akemi could only see agreement on their faces, even on Arche's. "You all think I'm some old hag? You all earned enough trust to get some truth, and frankly you are some of the only ones to directly ask me about my age." Akemi said and ate a bit more first, if only to increase their tension. "Normally you would be right in that assumption, as far as I know that is the way Kitsune age and grow stronger naturally. I'm actually only nineteen, or near there at least, time has been hard to track here." Akemi just enjoyed the look on all their faces.

"Well that makes me feel a bit better. I thought you might have been stringing Ana along, Kitsunes have a… reputation for tricking people after all." Hekkeran admitted.

Akemi just glared at him for that comment. "I would never string her or anyone along, romance and love aren't toys to throw around. I'm finally able to truly live after a lot of struggles, so I want to live as true to myself as I can. Though I can see why someone nine hundred years old and dating Ana might be strange, that would be a big age gap. I'd say three years of a gap between us isn't that bad. Frankly her and all of you have more life experience than me. I'm not saying Kyouko's age, but I am not the oldest in our relationship." Akemi said and wrapped her tails around herself as she polished off her second bowl.

"Huh, you are Arche are a lot closer in age than I thought then." Hekkeran said as he grinned at his teammate who had looked away with a flush.

Akemi wisely chose to not comment on that, but by her own blush it did spark ideas in her that the others noticed.

It eventually had gotten quiet around their fake campfire, with Foresight chatting among themselves as Akemi stared into her mug of tea Roberdyck had prepared with the tiny kettle they kept with them, despite the fact they knew Akemi had all the tea she needed in her inventory. They seemed willing to give her her space when she had gotten quiet, though she noticed Arche kept sending her worried looks.


"Fourteen… Fifteen… I can't…" Hannyuu whined as she collapsed, her round of push ups finished, and rested with her cheek on the dirt as the midday sun shone down on them through the trees.

"If Fifteen is what you have right now then we'll next do some squats, and then more push ups." Kyouko told the feline as Kyouko did enough push ups to make Hannyuu look on in awe. Once what Kyouko said caught up to Hannyuu's brain she let out a quiet whine. "Fifty is a good amount to aim for. I know your arms feel like they'll fall off if you do even one more, but when they are feeling like that is when you'll get the biggest effects from it. I can tell you've been following the routine I set for you since you've been gone, you were only able to do a couple when you left. Good job dear." Kyouko said as she sat down with Hannyuu, letting the girl catch her breath.

"Thank you… Mama Kyouko…" Hannyuu said between pants as she carefully stood back up. "It does feel like I'm getting stronger, But does it always have to hurt?" Hannyuu asked as she stretched out as best she could.

"It just feels that painful because you are just starting out, eventually it feels satisfying. Just keep at it like you have and you'll feel nice and strong." Kyouko said and ruffled the short cat's hair. It was strange, but nice, getting to just spend some bonding time with her new daughter, it felt far more normal than she was used to after such chaos in her life.

"I hope it does… It isn't the worst pain I've ever felt, far from it, but my arms feel so heavy." Hannyuu sunk down into squats with Kyouko, following along with her wolf mom in their work out.

"You'll get used to it, and just think next you get to work out your mana with Ana, you'll be strong in no time~" After a few chuckles Kyouko sprang back up to lift Hannyuu back onto her feet. "Lets continue, the sooner we get you up to par the sooner we can put a sword in your hand, then I'll really be able to teach you." Kyouko seemed far too excited at finally getting to train the girl.

Back in their home Ana smiled as she looked out the window at the two of them. She moved from the window facing behind the home where those two were, and sat on the edge of the bed in Kyouko's room next to Lorelei. "I hope you wake up soon, your mom needs you, and you have other moms that want to properly meet you. You're going to love Hannyuu I think, she is really eager to get to know you. I'm not sure if you can hear me but… I really want to be able to meet you, though you might find it weird to have a mom only a few years older than you~" Ana looked down at Lorelei's blank face and could have sworn she saw her lips move for just a moment.

"You just take all the time you need, we'll try and make the world a better place when you want to return to it. Rest well Lorelei." Ana said as she saw Lorelei's eyes close. Ana had to stop for a moment as she felt her heart ache while she looked at the poor girl, and tears gather in the corners of her eyes. "You and so many others deserve so much better…"


Dark had fallen over the forest floor as Akemi's household also wrapped up their day. Hannyuu enjoyed the scent of the dinner that Ana and Kyouko were making downstairs as she sat in the chair next to Lorelei, her eyes drawn to the hollow gaze of the girl. "I know how it is… I was the same right before I was saved, though I guess you got treated even worse. Whenever you want to join us, I'll be ready to listen, I think out of everyone here I can relate to what you went through the most, so I can guess how you feel just a bit." Hannyuu gently said as she took Lorelei's pale hand in her own. Despite being three years older than her, Lorelei's hands were still smaller.

"One day I hope you notice, and can realize that this isn't a dream. You aren't in that… hell anymore. If you stay here with us no one can ever hurt you again, I'll get stronger so I can protect you also and any little siblings we might get one day." Hannyuu spoke low and soft in the soft glow of the magical lamp next to the bed.

Hannyuu soon heard footsteps coming up the stairs. "Hannyuu, dinner time." Kyouko said as she poked her head into the doorway and saw the two of them, a clearly fake half smile over Kyouko's face.

"Okay Mama Kyouko, I'll be down soon."

When Kyouko went back down Hannyuu sighed to herself and gave Lorelei's small hand one last squeeze before getting up. As she did so her ears shot up and her eyes darted down to Lorelei. Lorelei's eyes still had that blank look, and she hadn't moved from where she was. Hannyuu smiled and her throat tightened as she felt that small hand squeeze back just a little for a few seconds before letting go. "Take all the time you need big sister." She said and tucked Lorelei's arm back under the covers and one last pet of her hair before following Kyouko down the stairs.

It was a normal, but too quiet dinner as it felt like the core of that household was missing. None of them liked Akemi being away, and yet they knew how needed she was. Hannyuu looked up and smiled at her new Moms.

"Thanks for your help Mamas, I think I'm starting to understand what you have been teaching me a bit more about fighting and magic. Will I… have to choose between the two?" Hannyuu asked as she picked at her slices of venison they had gotten their hands on thanks to some helpful hunters in the settlement.

"Happy to help. I'm not the best teacher, and I have a lot to learn still, but if I can teach you what little I know hopefully it will give you a good floor to learn from. Arche is way better at teaching, though she had more formal education on magic so I guess that makes sense. Sword using mages exist, so it isn't unusual, though normally they'll lean towards one or the other, with the other being a backup option." Ana said as she ate while watching the small orb in a cradle at the center of the table.

"There isn't a lot that is too complicated about getting your body stronger, you'll figure out your own limits in time, but I'll help you all I can." Kyouko said as she enjoyed dinner, though they both could see the odd look she had on her face. "Hey Hannyuu, thank you for… talking with Lorelei, I heard you in there when we were making dinner. It means a lot to me." Kyouko said and ruffled Hannyuu's hair.

Hannyuu stiffened for a moment before she nodded. "She is still in there, I can feel it. After you left she… squeezed my hand back after I squeezed her's." At the surprised looks at the other two's face she could only shrug with a sad smile on her face as she ate.

The first sob that broke the silence started Ana and Hannyuu, but they were quick to drop everything to sit next to her and hug the poor woman. "Thank… goodness… My baby isn't gone forever? I just… I just need her to finally wake up…" Kyouko was eventually able to get those words out as she hugged those two tightly, enough that they winced in pain, yet didn't have the heart to say anything about it as they let her finally cry out her sorrow. It was a small hope, but it was hope nevertheless.


"We're almost out of the mountain range, soon we'll hit the foothills and pass over some villages… Some guard towers might notice us, but I what can they do about it?" Hekkeran joked as they flew closer to the mountains, which slowly had been sloping downwards.

"That is true, I doubt they have anything that can reach us up high, at the very least nothing between tier one through three. If they had tier nine though… Nuclear blast can be nasty. Not deadly to me, not by itself, but would be pretty bad for you all." Akemi told them and seemed amused by the annoyed face Arche gave her.

"I'm teasing, like I'd let anything like that hit us all. But really… This all is beautiful now that I really look at it." Akemi said as she let her eyes greedily take in the terrain as more hills were revealed, and the small hamlets nestled snug within them, home to lives just the same as her own people. "All these people… The fear they must always be under with those Beastmen invading…"

The others looked at her with a strange curiosity. "That is how it is being human. There are so many beings stronger than us, it is all we can do to fight against all that. Before tier magic came along humanity was on the verge of extinction, or so the Slane Theocracy says." Hekkeran told her.

"I can believe that. If there is one thing humanity is good at it is struggling with all their might even at hopeless odds, at least those are the more notable ones. I guess the ones that don't struggle on die out. It is the same everywhere, the strong taking advantage of the weak until there is no one left. I can't change the laws of this world like that, but I hope I can create at least a safe haven for the more gentle souls of this world." Akemi sounded distant, like she was remembering something from long ago.

The others politely didn't interrupt her thoughts as they flew over those hills and valleys.


They had drifted higher to avoid being spotted the further into the country they went, and soon signs of bigger cities began to appear. Larger settlements with more than simple houses were passed by, with even more simple people just living their lives. It didn't feel like a long trip with so much to look at, it helped Akemi settle her mind for the rest of the day.

Nestled up against another mountain in the distance Akemi saw a city that seemed to defy the land around it, with spires extending into the sky as if the humans who made them could spite their place in that world, such was the aura of rage and sorrow that could be felt even as far away as they were.

The castle closer to the top of the mountain was made of almost blackened stone, which absorbed the light of the early evening sun. "Seems we might make it in time for dinner, not that we have time for it. I recommend eating something before we arrive. Hey Hekkeran, how warm of a welcome can I expect?" Akemi asked as she made herself pulled out a sandwich wrapped in paper to not let it spill from her flight. Like hell she was going to nearly pass out again…

"Well… Seeing as the Beastmen are grouped in with Demi-humans which are well known to treat the people of this kingdom as livestock, not so good… Tread lightly." He warned as he looked into the distance. "See those three smoke pillars? My guess is those are the three cities the Beastmen have taken so far. Lets land outside of the city, arriving directly at the castle would be a bad idea."

"That sounds like a good idea… So I have my work cut out for me. Well, Kitsune are just one of many Demi-humans, and are an entirely different species than Beastmen. I suppose dressing for the occasion and not as a barbarian would help." Akemi said as she activated her quick change skill, letting her traveling and winter clothes get swapped out for the golden and white robes that were her favorite non-combat clothes. "While they aren't my best armored battle robes, these might leave a better impact." She moved to the front of the flying pack to angle them towards the ground near the city's front gate.

As she got low enough to see the shock looks on the gate guard's eyes she heard the low sound of a warning horn blowing. "Great…" As she landed she would dust herself off and stay in front of Foresight. "Time to put on my best acting face…"

For each step closer to the gate Akemi counted a guard or two emerging from the gates to form a wall. With a deep breath Akemi stopped her advance and waited. She could see at least some of the guards become a bit less frightened of her, whether it was from her well groomed appearance, or the lack of hostility was hard to say. "Men always did seem to like the face I gave my character."

That wall of soldiers at the gate slowly advanced on her, and split into a circle to start to surround them. Akemi made no move against them except to watch them curiously. "Relax you four, I will allow no harm to befall you while I'm here." She told Foresight before her with a confident smile that radiated a sense of peace. She waited patiently until she saw a man emerge from the pack. He stood a head above the others and was suited up in Mithril armor that was as well worn as metal as precious as that could get.

"Beastwoman, what do you think you are doing in these lands? Do you think you can fool us with some paint and clothes?!" The man demanded as he stopped five meters or so away from her, enough that his voice could easily reach her even if she had human ears.

"I am not called a 'Beastwoman', I am a Kitsune. While I come to discuss your enemy, I certainly am not with them, or have ever spoken to them." Akemi tried to keep her tone firm but polite. "My name is Akemi of Natura, and I come to speak on behalf of my people."

The man was annoyingly silent as he stared her down. She was finding it was hard to appear regal to someone who had possibly two feet of height over you, not counting fox ears. "I am Ingrid Bahgram, the Commander of Her Majesty's garrison and army. State your business, and then leave. Who are those behind you?"

"So much for any sort of welcome…" Akemi thought and held in a sigh. "I come with an mutually beneficial offer for your Queen. The ones behind me are known as Foresight, I had hired them as guides to bring me here on this diplomatic mission. Pay them no mind." Akemi said and looked back at Foresight with a reassuring smile.

"And what proof do you have of that? What country do you represent? Anyone could claim they represent some vague people. We'll make sure to get your story out of you, right in the dungeon." Bahgram said and raised a hand, which seemed to signal a group of his soldiers to raise their spears towards Akemi and creep closer.

"Bad move Commander." Akemi complained as her smile turned into a displeased and flat look, her eyes just a bit colder. "You four, I suggest you get down." Akemi said and waited for Foresight to quickly hit the dirt, right before her tails became a blur of motion.

It had happened too fast for at least the normal soldiers to see, and even Bahgrim only caught the slightest blur of those tails as they sliced the heads off of all the spears pointed at her. "I come here in peace as a potential ally, so I highly suggest you don't try and make me an enemy." Akemi warned in a low and annoyed voice.

The tension was broken just a bit as a man on a horse came at the group at full speed. "Stop! No one attack!" They heard one man shout. It was just in time as Bahgram had his hand on his sword, ready to draw and charge at her. Everyone's eyes were on the younger looking man in chain mail, a younger recruit if Akemi had to guess. "Commander Bahgram, Sir, I have a message from Prime Minister Dahl! Permission to speak?" The man asked as he snapped into a salute before the commander.

"Granted, what is the message Private Urgon?" Bahgram asked, some of the tension in his voice dissipating.

"He wishes for you to bring the Demi-human woman and anyone with her before him. He apparently knew her by the description and warned us against any hostile moves." The Private explained.

Bahgram could only grit his teeth and nod. "Very well, go inform him that we'll be there in the hour, we'll be heading straight there."

"Sir!" Private Urgon climbed back on his horse and dashed back the way he came into the city to fulfil his orders.

Soon Bahgram's steely gaze turned back to Akemi, a tired glare upon her. "I assume you heard the man with those big ears. You five follow. All soldiers stand down." He said and made another gesture that made the soldiers back off from Akemi, not that they could advance further with those deadly tails waving around threateningly.

Akemi kept her response as quiet and measured as possible, but it was obviously difficult for her. After nearly a month on the road together, Foresight had come to understand some of Akemi's behaviors, so they could tell from the very small twitches of her tail, as restrained as they were, that she was giving her all at holding her tongue to keep playing nice. As Akemi began to walk they felt that strange pressure from her once again when they looked at her, as if dissuading them from gazing at her.

"Very well. Lead the way." Akemi said as she followed behind Bahgram as gracefully as she could, even though she had to make two steps for every two of his.

Around ten of those soldiers followed along behind her and Foresight, though Akemi knew they were no threat. Akemi took that time to gaze around at the city as it passed by. The mood throughout that main street was… somber, understandably so. Akemi knew by now just how under threat they were, the fear of being turned into livestock, of their families being chopped into meat like common thoughtless cattle.

Besides the sad atmosphere the city had become grimy, covered in built up dirt, like it had begun to reflect the state of the Kingdom itself, the entire country was balanced on a knife's edge. Under that grime Akemi could see an intrinsic beauty to it, with an old style to the stonework that truly made it seem like part of the mountain the capital city was built up against.

It was a bit too quiet for her tastes as they ascended the city in silence, besides the chatting off in the streets by some downtrodden looking civilians that either looked at her in fear, or in anger. "There is so much pain in this city…" Akemi's ears folded as she got no response from Bahgram who just looked back to glare at her.

Akemi's gaze was drawn back to the city she was passing, and stopped at a small figure seated on the steps into a dark alley. The look in the child's eyes reminded her too much of others she had seen since she arrived in that world. From their scent, besides the harsh scent of street life that clung to them, she could tell it was a boy. Barely peeking through the rags he wore she saw the tiny stump of his leg poke out, while one of his eyes was covered by bandages. Judging by the size of the boy he hadn't been fed in possibly days. He held a sign up that she couldn't read that made her curious.

"Arche, what does that child's sign say?" Akemi asked as she stopped in her tracks, much to the soldier's annoyance. Bahgram soon noticed she had stopped and growled at her.

"It says… 'Hungry, please help, the Beastmen killed my parents'. He probably escaped one of those cities." Arche quietly told Akemi, and could tell what the woman would do before she did it.

She stepped away from the procession, ignoring Bahgram's quiet threats, and stopped in front of the boy, kneeling down to gaze at him with the eyes of a mother. The boy held fear in his face, and when she reached a hand out he clenched his eyes shut like she would be the one to kill him, a strangled cry in his throat.

"[Cure Greater Wounds]. Here child, it isn't much, but I hope it can help…" Akemi said and held out a wrapped package as well as a small bag that jingled, both of which she pulled out from thin air in everyone else's eyes.

The boy was in shock as his leg quickly grew back from that stump, and looked stunned as he pulled the bandages from his covered eye, revealing it in perfect health. Taking that package he would peek inside and let out a choked noise that Akemi could recognize as emotion. She kept the food simple, a large sandwich she had prepared for the road that wouldn't spoil quickly, and for a child would last for several meals. "Keep the money secure and it should help you. I wish I could do more for you, but things will get better here, I can promise you." Akemi said as she gently pat his head before standing, letting him stand up on his own and look up at her in wonder.

"T-thank you Ma'am… but why are you… being so nice? Aren't you a B-beastwoman?"

"No dear, I am a Kitsune. Demi-humans are a pretty big group, we aren't all the same. I am those Beastmen's enemy, and I will be dealing with them. Peace will come child." She said as she gave him a comforting look before she moved back into the procession. With a deep breath she nodded at Bahgram who stared at her in shock. He stared at her with a bit less suspicion as well before they started off again.


It still took about twenty minutes of walking before they arrived closer to the top of the mountain after ascending the winding main road, until they stood in front of a immense palace made of dark stone, perfectly fitted together for untold decades.

"It is a beautiful palace." Akemi mentioned as Bahgram pushed open those heavy doors.

"It would be more beautiful but… certain expenses have to be cut during war." Bahgram admitted, though it seemed to pain him. True to what he said, there was also a level of grime and soot stuck to the walls that Akemi guessed would normally be cleaned often.

When you are fighting for survival, clean walls won't keep invaders off of them, or put food in your citizens stomachs.

The palace was also quite empty, besides a few people that had no time to so much as glance at them as they handled paperwork, their steps near running as the frantic energy of the Kingdom drove them.

Those soldiers had followed them along, though their group was lessened to just five troops. They ended up inside of a sort of large waiting room, with chairs lining the wall. "Your guards will wait out here, you will follow me into the throne room." Bahgram told Akemi and looked at Foresight who didn't seem to have a problem with it.

"That is fine, we're more her guides than guards, she can handle herself." Hekkeran said as the four of them shuffled over to some chairs and looked far too relieved to be off their feet.

Bahgram just shook his head in annoyance as he opened up the engraved metal door that separated them from the throne room.

Akemi took a few deep breathes and kept her 'game' face on. As she followed Bahgram from behind she could only marvel at the structure of the palace, how the main way through was far bigger than it needed to be, and the sturdy pillars that emphasized strength more than beauty help up the high ceiling that was lit by mana lamps. It truly looked fit to be used by Dragons.

"Minister Dahl, I've brought the Demi-human you wanted, though she would have been just as easy to meet in the dungeons." Bahgram told a man that stood in front of a tall and empty throne. He held a stack of papers in his hand and was peering at them through a pair of glasses that made his already handsome face look more so in an intelligent sort of way, all framed by long black hair that was impeccably trimmed. The sharp eyes that turned towards them gave Akemi chills for all the wrong reasons. It was like she was looking at a cold blooded snake… he seemed more inhuman than herself.

"If this Demi-human is who I believe she is you wouldn't have been able to even get her there." Dahl said as he looked directly at Akemi. "I am Prime Minister Jorgen Dahl, a pleasure to meet the one who brought the Re-Estize kingdom down several notches." He introduced with a bow.

Akemi very lightly bowed back and stepped a bit closer. Once again she had to stare up at someone… "Yes, they were pretty arrogant and prideful… and with all that was going on with my people there I had an obligation to… chastise them but a bit." Akemi said and stood up straight. "I am Akemi of Natura, a pleasure. Let me assure you I come with far kinder intentions than I came to Re-estize for. Has that story spread this far"

"Chastise them a bit? Well, if you count crippling one of their battalion of their best knights as just a bit. Yes, word travels quickly for something large like that. A previously unknown Demi-human of unknown power arrives with not even an announcement and quickly defies the local government, while storming the throne room to have words with the King and force a deal out of him. Merchants are the biggest gossips around, you would do good to remember that if you seek information, for information is power." Dahl said as he finally cracked a smile, not that it seemed anything but fake.

"So, what is your business here Lady Akemi? We keep no slaves for you to free, nor are we oppressing local Demi-humans." Akemi could tell he was nervous, even with as little experience as she had in reading people properly. She knew that might be just what he wanted her to think, he seemed like the type to play politics as easy as breathing, a natural liar.

"Indeed, I wager a minor subsection of Demi-humans are the ones oppressing you instead, which might surprise you to learn is equally unacceptable to me. My protection does not stop at Demi-humans, they just tend to be the more oppressed in most countries. I am pleased that the barbaric practice of slavery has no roots here, yet I know that the Beastmen tribes to your south seek to do even worse than slavery." Akemi's face turned genuinely empathetic.

The Minister looked a bit surprised at her assessment, but not offended. "That they do, we have exhausted all negotiation tactics, which has brought us to this current long war. Surely you did not come to benevolently offer to cure that problem. What is your true purpose for coming to visit our little Kingdom?" He asked and narrowed his eyes at her.

"True, true, but nothing quite so malicious as I can see in your eyes. I have a proposal that I wish to put forwards to your Queen, that will benefit all of us. You are correct though that I would deal with your Beastmen problem, for what they are doing is against every one of the principles I strive for." Akemi said and looked around at the rather dull throne room with a plain throne. Compared to the Re-estize one it lacked almost anything regal or golden, not the gold trim on the walls or furniture, or the gems encrusted into the throne, no it was far more economical of a throne room, not that she was judging it. "They even sold things like throne room decorations? A good Queen, to be sure."

When Dahl closed his eyes and seem to fall into thought as he pinched his chin. "Prime Minister! Surely you are not considering letting a Demi-human near our Queen are you?!" Bahgram asked, his hand on the longsword at his waist as he glared between Akemi and Dahl.

Akemi turned to face the mountain of a man and glared at him. "Even for a brute, you're quite rude. Do you know how broad of a category Demi-human is? All it is is lumping in nearly every Non-human species with a speck of intelligence into one mass. Such a human-centric view leaves you blind to the world around you." Akemi said as her slitted eyes glowed blue in the dim light of the throne room, and an invisible pressure pressed down on them.

"Bahgram, please return to the garrison, I can handle things from here. She is not one of those Beastmen, and that is good enough for now." Dahl told the Commander and stared him down until he growled and stormed out of that chamber.

Akemi look back at Dahl and nodded. Dahl turned towards a man that stood near a door off to the side. "Please bring the Queen, I know it is a bad time but… The Kingdom waits for no one." He said and watched that man bow and head out on his task. As the minutes ticked by and the sound of feet echoed from that closed doorway Dahl lowered his head. "My apologizes…"

"None needed, I showed up unannounced, I don't fear a little waiting." Akemi said and looked around a bit more.

"No… I'm sorry about our Queen…" He muttered that barely in hearing range, right before that door would slam open.

"Dahl! This is the first time this week I got to sleep more than an hour! I can't even sign my name correctly like that!" Akemi heard a small voice that would fit more on Hannyuu than a Queen. The woman… or girl was as short as her as well. Akemi kept the surprise off her face as her eyes saw through the veil of magic around the woman. "What is her game? Dressing up in such an illusion?"

Soon enough that woman in the shape of a young girl stopped in her tracks to stare at Akemi. "I'm sorry for yelling in the throne room stranger. Who are you?" The woman Akemi assumed was the Queen continued on her way to the throne and hopped up onto it. The way she was talking, it was… strange to Akemi.

"I'm known as Akemi, and I have come bearing an offer for this Kingdom to aid it. Forgive me if I am crossing a line but… Why are you disguising yourself as a child? Or trying to talk like one? Is this… an aspect of this country's culture that I didn't know?" Akemi asked as she genuinely looked confused.

Both Dahl and the Queen stopped moving and stared at her. After a few moments of silence a frustrated and amused smile broke over the Queen's face and she laughed a bit more naturally. "So you were able to see through that? Well Dahl, there is a first time for everything." She said and stood up off her throne to face Akemi. "Let me start again… Welcome Akemi, to the Dragon Kingdom. I am Queen Draudillon Oriculus, first of my name and great grand-daughter to the Brightness Dragon Lord." With a shift in her form that veil of magic faded away from her body, and seemed to actually change her physical shape with many snapping sounds all over her body, but if it hurt any she didn't show it. In place of the little girl as young or younger than Hannyuu, Akemi had to look up just a tiny bit at the now grown woman not much older than Akemi looked that stood in front of her, her hair a deep silver and white that trailed down her back in a shimmering flood. On her head she had a set of stubby ivory horns that nearly blended into her hair. Her figure was certainly far more mature, in a way that tipped the scale in Akemi's mind from cute to stunning.

Akemi had to look away with a small blush at the surprise of such a beautiful sight. Clearing her throat Akemi smiled once again. "It is an honor to meet you Queen Draudillon, tales of your love for your Kingdom and skill in it's management reach all the way near Re-estize. As I was explaining to your Prime Minister, I have a proposal that will benefit us both that I have traveled from the Re-estize Kingdom to deliver. I speak on behalf of the faction of my people I represent on our desire for peace and prosperity." She took a moment to gather herself as she silently cast a small spell to conjure a floating map. "I have heard the tale of your brave struggle against the Beastmen tribes that invade from your south." On that map red dots appeared south of where the Kingdom was marked, with three Xs in places that were easy to assume were cities that were publicly acknowledged as lost to them.

"That is very interesting and useful magic to be sure. Yes, they have been a constant thorn in our side. If you wish for us to try diplomacy with their army it has been tried before. Our hope is on the battlefield only." Draudillon responded as she sat back into her throne again.

"I assumed so, that was not my suggestion. I know all too well that sometimes… there is no choice left but violence, as distasteful as it is. Where words fail, war takes it's place." Akemi said and showed on her map a small wave of blue that passed through each X, and then down into the main enemy line where they waited.

"I have been on my own warpath in freeing my own brethren from chains in Re-estize, where I currently reside with a faction of Demi-humans and humans. Despite my own struggles and my people's I cannot even truly imagine the cruelty your people have experienced at the Beastmen's hands. While my people were used as toys and property, there are indeed worse things as we here are all aware. The crux of my offer is this: I will personally deal with the Beastmen army and drive them out from those three cities as well. There are three concessions I wish for on your end." Akemi said and looked into Draudillon's eyes, and saw the pain that was reflected there, the pain from seeing her own country being literally devoured while she can hardly do a thing about it.

Those sad eyes soon hardened as she looked at Akemi. "Our entire armies have been at war with them for several years now, and even our Adamantite Adventurers have yet to solve the situation. The enemy's main army that lies on the border numbers at over a hundred and fifty thousand. If neither the best adventurers, or our army's can decisively defeat the Beastmen, what hope does one Kitsune have of it? I have learned of many races, and Kitsune are one such race I studied under my Great Grandfather's tutelage. Your's is a race with a specialty in illusion magic and trickery is it not? Why should I even entertain this nonsense? This false hope." The Queen demanded to know, her fists clenching on her throne's arm rests.

As Akemi's tails waved around she gestured to them. "I like to think I am more than a mere Kitsune, as you'll learn. Do you know what Super Tier magic is? It is also in these realms known as the eleventh tier?" Akemi asked the queen and smiled further as she saw her eyes widen.

"…Where did you hear of such a thing? Very few records so much as mention that. I suppose you would have been around for the Theocracy's 'Six Great Gods' and the Eight Greed Kings. The only records of those spells show up as being used by those beings of great power that appeared from the ether." Draudillon nearly shouted as she stood up from her throne, looking grimly at Akemi, especially at those nine waving tails.

"Once again my age is assumed… well, I can work with this." She thought as she nodded. "That is indeed the case, I've yet to see other residents of this realm cast Super Tier Magic, or have the capability for it. That skill though happens to be within my arsenal. I've done some scrying on their army on my way here, and I can see why humanity fears them. Compared to the average human, they are much stronger at a basic level. On the other hand, not one of the ones I saw in that army approaches my strength. Naturally any deals can be agreed upon after I solve that pressing issue. I have no intention of holding your Kingdom hostage with that to force you into a deal, no truly fair deals can be made under such a threat. By the end of tomorrow you can have those cities back, and then we can formally agree to any terms." Akemi assured the Queen as she thought of ways to prove herself.

"I suppose we will… Frankly if you were able to destroy that army and free those cities, we would have not much choice but to agree to any deal. What are your terms?" Draudillon asked as she sat back down in her throne, looking far more old than she looked with how tired she was.

"The first one is currently the biggest one." Akemi said and brought that map back again, and marked a point where that army is, right along the border between the Dragon Kingdom and the Beastmen tribe's domain. "I wish for a fifty kilometer wide circle of land. I intend to create a country of my own, a place for my scattered people to live in peace, as well as any others that would join me, demi-human or human. Currently my group is a little over one thousand strong, but I have nothing but time to anticipate growth." Akemi said and helpfully marked out the amount of land she was talking of, a circle of fifty kilometers placed down, taking a small chunk of that border, but did not appear to be near any true cities. Any small villages and towns had likely long since been abandoned under the threat of Beastmen invasion.

Draudillon's glare slightly scared her, and Akemi could hear the woman's teeth grind. "If that was your intention, why would you even ask? If you can clear that army certainly we wouldn't be able to stop you."

Akemi raised an eyebrow at her and sighed. "Because I'm not a savage. I recognize your long established country's rights to those lands, and would much rather have an ally in this world close by. That brings me to my second point in this deal, I want an alliance that will allow us peaceful cooperation. You'll certainly find me a better neighbor than the Beastmen. The benefit of me being set up in that spot is… I can guarantee no more Beastmen will cross that border line, you'll have an unassailable ally guarding your entire southern flank."

Akemi dismissed her map and looked at her with clear respect. "This will give you time, time for your country to heal it's wounds, of which I'm more than happy to help with as well. My skills mostly lay in divine magics such as healing, and in manipulating nature. I can heal citizens in mass, as well as bless your crop fields with increased productivity. Once my country is up and running food will eventually be exported by the ton." Akemi declared.

"You certainly know how to promise the moon and stars, what I do not understand though is why? Why even make your offers? Why did you choose our Kingdom for what ever plans you have." The Queen asked as she seemed too tired to even glare.

"Why did I choose you all? Your struggles here speak volumes of your tenacity and wit in keeping things going in the face of such numbers a stronger foe possesses, it is inspiring. Every action I've seen you take today and heard of in the past has told me a lot about you Queen Draudillon. I see a Queen the loves her people and will do anything she must to let them survive. I want someone like that as an ally in this world, we could bring such wonders to life in this world." Akemi began to pace back and forth in front of the throne, her tails showing some of her inner turmoil.

Draudillon looked a bit in shock at that speech and took a few moments to recover. "Thank you, I will of course do whatever I need to for my people. So… What is your third condition?" She asked and seemed to brace herself.

"Well it is mostly redundant at this point. A complete abolition on all slavery, which seems to already be the case as your Prime Minister has informed me. I want equal rights under the law for Demi-humans."

"As you said there is no slavery here, and while there are no laws explicitly discriminating against Non-humans… I cannot force a change in public opinion by decree." Draudillon sighed and rested her cheek on her fist.

"I understand that, the government can only do so much in that regard… Hopefully public opinion will shift with some good Demi-human neighbors. The details can be hashed over later I suppose." Akemi told her.

"Indeed… This all hinges on you being able to do what you say in the first place. If you succeed then I would truly be in your debt. Now, what else is there that you wish?" The Queen asked.

Akemi's head tilt and confused look seemed to surprise them, it was a bit of a break from her seriousness. "That is all, only those three things, anything else can be worked on later. Were you expecting me to demand more?" Akemi appeared genuinely confused by that question.

"Well… Yes! Any ruler I know would have demanded at least repayment of some kind, tax exemptions, trade deals or anything they want in this case! At the very least they would be trying to make me marry or something as a political tie." Draudillon complained, by her voice she had clear experience with that.

Akemi stared at the Queen for a few moments, trying her best to understand the woman in front of her. "If you are expecting that so much should we maybe just have a political marriage or something?" Akemi asked in an clear teasing tone, her face breaking into a smile as she quietly laughed.

"Deal! No take backs! Take that Dayl!" Draudillon suddenly shouted as she stood up, laughing as well for obviously different reasons.

Akemi's tails stood upright as she stared at the Queen. "Wait wait wait… It was merely a jest, I wasn't actually-"

"Is a Queen not a good enough prize?" The Queen asked in a tone that brokered no argument and put Akemi on the back foot, her calm quickly crumbling like an illusion. "That should suffice shouldn't it Dahl?"

"Well… Kitsune are known for perfect shape shifting, so long as an heir is possible I suppose no objections could truly be made." The Prime Minister conceded with a sigh.

"Hey! I did not agree to this! You are overlooking a few things you know!" Akemi declared as her face flushed red.

"Oh I do not mind you being a woman, as Dahl said as long as an heir can be had the Kingdom will be secure. Or is it the fact I'm a woman that is the deal breaker?"

"N-no that isn't it… I'm only attracted to women myself, but I'm already with two women! I can't just decide this on some whim!" Akemi tried to calm herself back down and was having a rough time doing just that.

"So you're already ahead of the curve when it comes to being a ruler, most tend to have a paramour or several, it is of no consequence. As for why I would agree to that, it is pretty simple: I won't have to worry about this man trying to marry me off and having an heir with someone I'd hate… Or heaven's forbid Cerabrate… I prefer the fairer sex, and you are certainly prettier than any nobleman Dahl has tried to hoist on me. Out of many candidates you were the first to see past that other form that this one makes me stay in." Draudillon said and pointed to her Prime Minister with a glare.

"Like I've explained… It is a form that can make a favorable impression no matter the gender or age of the other party." Dahl said and looked away. "To be honest I hadn't expected anyone to be attracted to it like Cerabrate, but… when the future of the Kingdom is at stake nothing is off limits." As Dahl explained that Akemi could only wince.

"Do you… wish for me to destroy who ever that 'Cerabrate' man is? I'm assuming it is a man but they do not sound like a respectable individual." Akemi looked genuinely worried for the Queen once she connected the dots.

"That likely won't be necessary, once he sees that that child appearance was just a ruse he might leave on his own. If you destroy that army at our door we will have no more need for that disgusting man and for That I would very much thank you on a more personal level." Draudillon admitted with a bit of a shiver. "With that out of the way we can return to the topic of our future marriage at a later date once my Kingdom is out from under the weight of annihilation."

"Its already decided?! This is what happens when I try and play politics… I can only try and Talk with my girlfriends." Akemi's facade of professionalism quickly crumbled as she pouted at Draudillon, who appeared more smug than anything.

"Try and keep up if you wish to make it on the grand stage of politics. Take this as a lesson to watch your words when deal making. I've been Queen for a long time now, and I've long since been able to recognize posturing, lying, and other common mistakes those that are still green make." The Queen was far more smug than usual, but it was a nicer face than the sad and sullen one she had when she entered the chamber.

"Forgive me for saying but just as you did not wish for me to put up that frustrating face of a child, there is not a need to put on such a stiff facade yourself if it is not like you. I detected no lies through what you've said though, so while your acting might be a bit… new, I pray that your power is not. My Great Grandfather compared Nine tails to True Dragon Lords such as himself in power, so I have high hopes for you to succeed." Draudillon said as she climbed off her throne. "Come, let us rest and discuss this somewhere more comfortable." She declared.

With her mood still written on her face and shown in her angry tails she followed along.


"So tomorrow I will begin my attack on the occupying army, I'll free those cities before taking on their army, so please be ready to send in your forces to help any civilians, as besides some wide range healing I won't have the leeway to stick around the area and help them much." Akemi said as she sat around a table with Queen Draudillon, Prime Minister Dahl, and Commander Bahgram who had returned a bit more calm.

"Assuming you are even able to do so and this isn't some boasting…" Bahgram complained as he continued to glare at Akemi.

"I'll let my actions convince you, you'll change your tune after tomorrow, on that I am sure. I'll try and get started at first morning light, that should give you plenty of time to get things prepared yes?" Akemi asked as she leaned back in her chair and sipped at the cup of wine she was given.

"Bahgram, she isn't a very good liar surprisingly, so I have some confidence in what she says she can do, or at least she does not believe she is lying. I suppose it will be another long night then… Maybe once this is all over I can actually sleep more than one or two hours. I'll have the forces marshaled by the morning and ready to go." Draudillon sighed in a manner rather unbecoming of a Queen, but she seemed to not care about Akemi seeing her true behavior anymore, or her downing a third cup of wine.

"It cannot be helped my Queen, such is the burden of being a hands on ruler." Dahl said with zero sense of remorse in his voice, though him and his Queen knew he was half to blame for her schedule.

"Listen Akemi, if you aim to be a ruler, be sure to get plenty of people to help you… One person really can't do it all, not if you want to have any rest or free time at all. Well, if all of this works I'll be happy to provide you with instruction on ruling, it will be the least I could do for an ally and fiance~" She seemed to take far too much enjoyment in the look on Akemi's face at that, like making a powerful being squirm in their seat was fun.

"I still haven't agreed to that… but I would appreciate any help on that front, I'm getting into this job because I must, even if I have no experience. As far as I'm aware I won't age and might just be immortal, so I can afford to wait on many things, that and I already have an heir. No I'm not marrying her off either. Both her and myself will only ever need to marry for love." Akemi said mostly at Dahl as she saw the look in his eye.

"That is the way of royalty though, and that seems to be what you are trying to become. Wait… you're already a mother?" Draudillon asked as she looked at Akemi with a bit of shock.

"Y-yes? Is that such a strange thing? A child I really wish I was spending more time with, If I could come up with a way to be in multiple places at once… Maybe there is a world item like that? Something for me to search for I suppose." Akemi said and looked at Draudillon with exhaustion in her eyes.

"…I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you know that term." Draudillon said as she narrowed her eyes at Akemi.

"I'm more surprised you do. Should I make that the fourth condition? If you have a world item I would very much like it, or any knowledge of one's location." Akemi's tails began to whip around excitedly.

"If I had one I would have used it to help my Kingdom already. As for information about one… Well there is no harm in telling you after you complete your end of the deal, No one possesses it, but there are other challenges in nearing it. That would also be the fifth condition, nice try but you cannot get away that easily."

"That will work…" Akemi looked a bit grumpy from being called out but she knew she couldn't get past the slip up that easily. "How in the world do I explain this to them?…" It was going to be a long night for her for sure. Reaching into the void of her inventory she would pull out a small ring. "For now I will let you borrow this… Only to borrow though, I only have two and one of them is in use on another. As for what it does… Why not see?" Akemi said and slide the ring over.

Bahgram would intercept the ring and hold it up to inspect it. "No, we can't allow something unknown to be used by the Queen, not from someone suspicious." He was then surprised as Draudillon reached over to snatch it from his hand and of course put it on her left ring finger.

"Come off it Bahgram, don't let your prejudices get in the way of a clear head. What is this? I feel… if this does what I think it does you might not get this back, pry it off my finger if you can." The Queen declared as she put looked at the ring in the light, and looked positively giddy.

Akemi looked away with a bit of a blush at the smile on the Queen's face… "Well… she is certainly beautiful, no complaints about that." Akemi had to shake her head a bit to clear her mind. "It is called a Ring of Sustenance. While wearing it one need not eat, drink, or sleep. Keep in mind that it will not deal with mental exhaustion, so breaks are important still, and there is a backlash when removing it. If you keep it on for days at a time then anticipate needing a full day's rest to make up for it." Akemi pouted just a bit. "I better get it back, I'll need it myself you know…" Akemi explained and sighed.

"Yes my apologies, but I doubt I can give this back any time soon~ Ahh I can finally clear my backlog of work and relax!"

"Well… At least you're happy about it. Hopefully tomorrow your workload will lessen. I'll be by before dawn to confirm my plans with you. I'll be giving you a way to watch things happen for yourself." She said and looked at Bahgram next. "You wanted proof of my words? I'll be giving it to you." Akemi declared as she stood up. "Now, It is time for me to head back home for the night. After I go through with my end of the deal we can discuss the rest in more detail, I'd like for Ana and Kyouko to be here for that, as well as my daughter."

"That is acceptable. I'm quite curious to meet them. If all goes to your plan we'll all be seeing a lot of each other after all." Draudillon said and got up as well to walk around the table and hold out a hand.

Akemi looked at that hand for a moment before shaking it. "I'm sure they'll all be delighted to meet you. You're certainly already better in my eyes than the King of Re-estize. It is already that late? Oh dear…" Akemi muttered as she looked out the window and saw that the sky was dark.

"Take care, I shall see you on the morrow. It has been a pleasure to meet you, may this be the start of a beautiful alliance together." The Queen said and began to leave the room. "Come Dahl, we better get started on all that needs doing, I'm feeling pretty great. I can't wait to kick Crystal Tear to the curb…"

Dahl looked at Akemi and bowed his head slightly. "I hope you live up to your promises, for the Queen's sake. Well met Akemi of Natura." He said and closed the door behind him.

Akemi was left in the room with Bahgram, though she had yet to look up at him as he walked over. "So where was Foresight left? I need to send them- Hey!" Akemi shouted as a tail interposed itself between her neck and the sword that was pulled from it's sheath at Bahgram's side and swung at her at a speed far superior than his size would suggest. It wasn't fast or strong enough that Akemi couldn't block it easily enough with a tail. "Still testing me?" Akemi asked as her glare sharpened.

Bahgram put his sword away and made a satisfied noise. "I figured if you couldn't stop that there would be no chance of you succeeding tomorrow. I suppose your boasting isn't all for show- Fair enough…" He muttered that last bit as he noticed nine tails surrounding him, their sharpened points aimed at him from all angles, and all had moved in the space of a breath.

"It is one thing to test me, I can take it, and you are fair in being suspicious of strange fox women appearing with mysterious offers, but if these 'tests' of your's are ever attempted on those I love… Well, you get the message." Akemi said as her gaze softened again, back to the kind and motherly look she had before, and her tails back to just being fluffy and whimsical things.

Once Akemi got a nod from the man she smiled. "I'm glad we understand each other."


"Akemi! I was worried something had happened… but if it took that long I take it negotiations went well?" Arche asked as she excitedly stood up. As she saw Hekkeran, Imina, and Roberdyck smile at her knowingly, Arche stiffened back up and wiped the smile from her face.

"Yup, things are in place, negotiations were successful, I just have to pull through on my end of the deal and we're golden. I need to get back home and rest, I bet they are all worried sick… Will you four like to spend the night in that house in the settlement? Or shall I send you back to the Empire with Gate?" Akemi asked as she stretched out.

Foresight looked at each other and seemed to debate it between themselves mentally. With a shake of Arche's head at the rest Akemi knew things were finally at an end. "Sorry Akemi, I think it is best we get back to the Empire… I'm worried about my sisters, so the sooner I sort that out the better." Arche sounded genuinely sad at that, and Akemi herself looked upset, her ears drooping down.

"Well… It has been wonderful to meet you four, it has been a strange but fun journey, and hopefully one day we can have another without as much of a time limit. Now you four… I consider you personal friends, so please if you get into some sort of trouble contact me and I might be able to lend a hand. If you all keep doing jobs please be safe… Here." Akemi said and reached into her inventory to pull out four rings made of a dark wood. "This are a bit simpler than ones I've made for Ana, Kyouko, and Hannyuu, but you can cast message fifteen times a day with them, as well as cast Cure Medium Wounds three times a day. Use these and stay safe, and stay in contact." Akemi urge them after she placed one in each of their hands, as well as another bag in Hekkeran's hands. "The other half of your promised payment."

In addition to the ring she gave each of them a hug, it seemed she truly would be missing them.

Arche was the last to be hugged, and it took her a few seconds longer for either of them to let go, which was not unnoticed by the others. "Akemi I… I think- I mean t-through this trip… I'll try and keep in contact…" Arche's voice wavered for a moment before she looked away with a flush to her face. She avoided the eyes of her teammates who stared at her expectantly, yet what ever nerve she had failed her.

"You all better. Get your sisters somewhere safe and take care of them Arche. [Gate]. Oh right, you can keep that staff Arche, a gift from me~" Akemi said with a wink and opened up a portal next to her. "This will take you outside of the gates to Arswintar. Take care you four alright?"

Hekkeran stepped forward and grinned. "Of course, we'll stay out of trouble if we can, but no promises. I kind of want to try and fight Kyouko one day though, she looked skilled."

"Oh I'm positive she would enjoy that, she does like testing her skills."

"See you later Akemi, tell Ana and Hannyuu bye also. Enjoy your new romance~" Imina teased as she walked through the portal. Akemi could only shake her head at that with a tired grin.

"Farewell Lady Akemi, it was an honor to meet a Goddess, especially one so pleasant." Roberdyck said and ignored the pout she sent his way.

The Kitsune just groaned under her breath. "Please don't call me that… I think I'm just going to have to get used to things like that… Well, you all will always be welcome in Natura once it is created. Farewell Roberdyck."

With that the other three went into that gate and vanished from sight. When it closed Akemi felt a sadness creep over her heart. "What was Arche about to say? Oh well… [Greater Teleportation]." With the next day scheduled, it was past time for her to return.


A/N: I honestly don't know how that chapter got so long… I was a bit behind in the last chapter when I cut it off early, I wanted to stick with my outline that I might have packed more in than I should have. I'm doing my best in just adding scenes that mean a lot to the story… so sorry if this chapter felt more disjointed, I'm honestly still learning and trying my best.

There is a chance I might slow down my pace over time as I might fiddle with other stories, but I don't intend to drop this story. Now if I don't update any stories for like 2 years, or show any activity for two years, then it is safe to say I'm just dead or something lol.

I did my best on the Dragon Kingdom, I was really going off just about no information on them… On the wiki Draudillon and that creepy adventurer are the only named characters there and even that wasn't a lot. I tried to make Draudillon more politically savvy as it makes sense, and talks a bit older being estimated in her 80s.

I hope I made the Prime Minister crafty enough like he acted in his few appearances in the LN.

Chapters for this story will be going up on Ao3 for three days before I upload them here as I start to try and wean off this site. Please find me on Ao3 by the same name as here!