Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 8: Konosuba Inferno (chapters 37-?)

21. A5-1: The Morning After

AN: Before we begin, I want to reveal that I had originally debated on if I would release Arc 5 of this series first, after finishing Arc 4, or release the first of the intermission chapters. Obviously, I chose Arc 5 as the first release and Intermission Chapter 1 will be released between Arc 5 and Arc 6.

So, what is the Intermission Chapters about? You'll start to get your answer about that question here soon.

And now, let's begin Arc 5-

Arc 5: A Week Amongst the Crimson

Chapter 1: Going On Yet Another Road Trip

================{ Prologue: Just Moments Away From Getting Laid }=================

I could hear myself groan; that was the first thing I knew as I slowly began to regain consciousness.

After a moment, the darkness that made up my groggy world begin to open to a light that grew bigger and bigger with each passing moment.

Probably because my eyes had opened up; not that my brain could process all that at first.

After that, my vision was blurred for another moment or two before the visage of the fireplace became clear.

I blink, realization striking me that I was inside the mansion; my body laying on the sofa before said fireplace.

Wait, just how did I end up here?

Wasn't I just at the Guild with Megumin and Darkness?

Why can't I remember... and why does my head feel so weird right now too?

"Kazuma, Kazuma; are you OK? Please, say something..."

The voice I heard sounded familiar, though I couldn't quite process who's voice it was yet.

I then feel a hand come to rest on my shoulder as a figure came into view.

It was Yunyun who was quick to kneel down beside me; placing her free hand upon my head.

"Kazuma, Kazuma?"

I let out a small groan as I finally force my body into sitting up, despite the protest it offered up in turn.

"... ow... Yes, I'm called Kazuma. groan Yunyun? What's happening? Why am I here at the mansion? And why is my head hurting so much?"

Yunyun, instead of answering my questions, instead hands me a glass of water and a pill which I was quick to swallow followed by drinking the water.

"You passed out after teleporting back to the mansion. Why you are here, without the others? I honestly don't know as they weren't with you nor have they gotten back yet either. And as for your head, when you passed out, you ended up taking a nasty blow when your head hit the ground. That pill I gave you should help to lessen the headache though some healing magic would probably work better."

"Oh yeah, good point. Heal..."

As I used heal on myself, I allowed my mind to wander back to just before I had woken up-

In doing so, my memory began to recover... albeit slowly.

All the while, Yunyun kept her eyes on me, probably wanting to make sure I didn't pass out on her again.

"Oh, I remember now. Back at the Guild, I started to feel weird all of a sudden and decided it would be best to call it a night, hence I used Teleport to make my return quick and easy."

"Why didn't you bring Megumin and Darkness back with you?"

"I asked Megumin if she wanted to come back with me but she said she wanted to finish up eating her large dinner she ordered and Darkness was busy doing something with Taylor and Keith. Long story short, she said they would be fine walking back once they were ready. Anyways, here I am... with you and... wait, where's Anna and Chomusuke at?"

"Chomusuke's upstairs, I think; probably sleeping on Megumin's bed. Or maybe she's on yours, who knows? As for Anna...?"

Yunyun then points to table sitting beside the sofa, where the ghostly form of our resident ghost girl was hovering; her eyes again locked onto the lava lamp as if in a trance.

I really need to take that away from her for a while, I think?

I then look back at Yunyun, finally recalling her having said something to me after I had gotten back.

"Say Yunyun, you were saying something to me before; just before I went and collapsed on you. Sorry about that, by the way. I can't imagined how freaked out you must have been in the moment."

Yunyun shakes her head, then says-

"I was pretty freaked out. But you're awake and OK so don't worry about it."

"Yeah... anyways, what was it you said to me? Try as I might, I can't seem to recall that part."

Yunyun then begins to fidget; an act that felt strangely familiar to me for some reason.

Finally, she says-

"I-I-I asked you t-to make a b-b-baby with me, Kazuma."

"Can you say that again, please? I'm pretty sure my hearing, and my brain, must be suffering from some sort of delusion or something. I mean, there's no way I just heard you say..."

My words are stopped as Yunyun takes hold of my hands and gives me a serious, if not also very nervous and shy, look.

"I said I want to have your child, Kazuma. You aren't mishearing me; I want us to go upstairs, to your room, and start making a baby together."

For what felt like forever, I just sat there, staring at her with a blank expression before I finally managed to say-

"OK, this has to be a dream. I must still be unconscious or something. I mean, there's no way any of you would want..."

SMACK!

My hand goes to my cheek as I look at Yunyun, my face clearly one of shock while her's being one of regret for her actions just now.

"K-Kazuma, I'm so sorry I just did that. I-I just wanted to make you realize that this isn't a dream. You are indeed awake and what you heard me say was true. And Kazuma, why do you think any of us wouldn't want to ever have child with you?"

Why indeed?

Had my past really been so bad that I couldn't conceive of the idea that any of these girls would ever want to have my child; or to even be in that kind of relationship with me to begin with?

Well, actually, yeah; in my own personal opinion.

But how should I answer that to her?

I mean, I'm not yet ready to talk about my past with any of them yet.

Finally, after a moment of thought and debate, I decide to just say-

"I... I have my reasons. Reasons I'm not quite ready to talk about with anyone yet. Never mind that right now. What's bringing all this on right now, anyways? I mean, don't get me wrong here. I'm flattered that you want to have my kid and all. Very flattered actually, but this sort of development happening out of the blue like this feels really weird. Does this have anything to do with what happened back during the Arcanretia trip?"

Yunyun shakes her head before she produces two pieces of paper, which she hands to me and ask me to read.

"Hey, is this the mail you received earlier today? (She gives me a nod) Are you sure it's OK for me to read them? (She gives me another nod)."

I sigh, figuring that if she was OK with it, then I might as well.

I clear my throat before finally beginning to read-

{"Dearest daughter, by the time you receive this letter, I will have surely passed away."

"For the last few weeks, our fair and fun loving village has been under attack by a large force under the command of a General of the Devil King's army. They have successfully managed to construct a massive tower near our village to act as a base of operations from which they can lay siege to the village. As such, we have found ourselves being faced with a difficult decision; the outcome of which being either one of salvation or one of sacrifice... I fear if we make the wrong choice here, then this could mean an ending for us."}

I then move on to the second page-

{"Faced with a great burden and a difficult choice, the leader of the Crimson Demons would seek guidance from the village oracle who words were these-"

"As the sole surviving daughter of the Crimson, being safely away at this time when the village met its end; would find both love and hope within the arms of a man she had come to trust more than any other. This man, while seemingly weak and incapable at first appearance, held within him a secret power. The child born from their union would be a Crimson Demon with a new kind of power; a power that would allow them to save the world, avenge the clan, and become the herald of a new generation of Crimson Demons. Once who's power would rival the very gods themselves."}

Once I had finished reading, I looked at Yunyun and said-

"SO...? This is the reason you want to have a kid with me."

Yunyun bows apologetically at my feet.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I know I'm being selfish by asking you to do something like this... with me I mean..."

I place a hand on her shoulder, making her stop and look up at me and I say-

"Hey, don't get me wrong, here. I'm flattered you would choose me for something like this. But... I don't know, how should I put this? Yunyun, don't you think there's something about this that feels off somehow? I mean, from the way it sounded, it made you out to be the last surviving Crimson Demon once as would be said and done. What about Megumin? And any other Crimson Demons that have decided to be out here, doing stuff?"

"Actually, I think me and Megumin are the only Crimson Demons who have left the village to become Adventurer's in a long, long time. Normally, its natural for our people to stay at home unless called upon by the kingdom for aid."

"Fair enough, but the point I'm making still stands. I still can't help but feel this whole thing is a little SUS if you ask me. I mean, putting the whole 'not including Megumin' aside, I've also noticed that the handwriting between the two papers is different. I don't know, maybe we should consider contacting your village first in order to make sure of everything before we DO anything. Perhaps even go there and see for ourselves."

"Kazuma, I'm pretty sure what was written was true. Our village has a fortune teller after all, though I know dad often calls her an oracle. Anyways, I have never known her to be wrong with her predictions."

Hearing that sends me into a deep, contemplative thought.

"I believe you, Yunyun, I do... but still..."

I mean, this was a really big step we'd be taking here.

We haven't even had a love confession, gone out on dates yet, or even kissed.

As much as I would love to just jump right into the bedroom stuff, even I have to admit that it would feel wrong to do that without at least first doing SOME of the other stuff first.

Am I in the wrong for thinking like that?

I then feel a hand touching my cheek, making me look to see Yunyun with tears forming in her eyes.

"Kazuma... could it be that you... that you don't want to make a baby with me?"

The look on her faced told me she was afraid that I would say 'no, I didn't want to.'

Damn, was I really hurting her feelings here, all because I just have to always over think things like this.

"No... Yunyun, that isn't it at all. I feel that you would be... gulp a perfect partner to have for something like this. It's not that, I promise. I-I'm just worried about..."

She then places her other hand upon my cheek as she says a soft, loving voice-

"... Then please, Kazuma. Take me to your room so we can make a baby together. As long as it's with you, I know I'll never have any regrets."

Well, whatever doubt and uncertainty I had inside my noggin goes right out the window as I immediately shoot up onto my feet, causing a surprised Yunyun to look up at me nervously-

I then quickly scoop her up into my arms, making her 'eep' in the process-

And then, I rush towards the stairs, ready to accept my destiny as the father to the 'savior of the world.'

{Insert Image 1}

================={Part 1: What Awaits Them When They Awaken? }=================

(Megumin POV)

Why does my bed feel so... wooden this morning?

That was the first though I had upon waking up alongside a feeling of stiffness.

After a yawn and a stretch, I look around and realize something rather important.

This wasn't my bedroom back at the mansion, but the guild hall-

And this wasn't my super comfy bed, but the table I had been eating at inside said guild last night.

And I hadn't been lying down per say, but sitting at said table with my head resting on my folded arms.

And most important of all; why the hell did I choose to sleep here all night of all places?

I then feel a hand on my shoulder as I have those thoughts; turning to see that it was Luna's hand.

"Are you awake now, Megumin?"

"(nod) Yeah, I think so. Um... any idea why I chose to stay here all night over heading home?"

Luna explained the situation; her answer making me groan before I bury my face into my hands.

Long story short, Dust had decided to pull a prank on everyone by sneaking into the back of the guild and spiking all the drink stores with sleeping potion.

Had he been drunk when he had done this; who knows though that would be preferable for his sake?

All everyone knows is that anyone who had drank enough last night, of any of the drinks, they were guaranteed a nice long night in dream land.

Good news was that Dust, having forgotten that he did that earlier, had been one of the first to pass out so he didn't have a chance to do anything perverted with anyone here, assuming that had been his plan for doing all this.

Not that I didn't take a moment to check myself over, just to be safe.

And as for Dust?

Well, he'll have plenty of time to think about his actions in jail for the next month as what he did, even if it was only meant to be a joke and no one was harmed, was still a big deal worthy of a big punishment.

After that, I began to look around for Darkness, finding her quickly enough, behind the bar for some reason.

After smacking her a few times to wake her up, I explained everything to her as it was explained to me.

"That damn Dust. No wonder Taylor and Keith are considering that offer from the capital."

What was that?

I just heard something interesting and so, I asked Darkness if she could elaborate.

"Last night, before we all went into dream land; you remember Taylor had asked me if I could have a little spare with him out back, in the training yards with Keith acting as a referee?"

I nod.

"While we were doing our thing; Taylor and Keith told me that they had received an offer from the capital; to join the Silver Brigade on the Royal Knights."

"The Silver Brigade? Aren't they suppose to be the second best legion within the Royal Knights?"

"That's right. Getting an offer to join them is one that is hard to refuse, both because of the fame they could earn and the eris they would be getting paid monthly."

I can only imagine ever getting such an offer myself, not that I would accept such an offer at this point in my life.

Well, maybe I would accept, but only if my friends were also being asked and that we would get to stay together.

Especially...

I shake my head, feeling the warmth start to flow into my cheeks from that thought, then I ask-

"So, have they accepted yet?"

Darkness shakes her head.

"They are still on the fence about it for right now, but they'll need to make a choice here within the next two weeks. While they had been made the offer, neither Lynn nor Dust were given the same offer. Personally, I don't think they're worried about Dust at this point, but Lynn..."

Yeah, it must be hard for them to leave Lynn behind.

Wait, I wonder if-

"Maybe that's what Lynn was wanting to talk about last night with Kazuma.?"

"Yep, that's more or less it there, Megumin. Should have known you'd figure it out, given the fact I've heard Crimson Demons are super smart... if not also a little crazy too."

While me and Darkness had been talking, Lynn had appeared and decided to join in on our conversation.

I was about to comment on the crazy bit, but Darkness speaks first.

"Are you wanting to ask Kazuma if you could join our party?"

Lynn nods, then says-

"Among other things. I'm going to wait a bit though; give Taylor and Keith a chance to make their decision before I make mine. Another option for me is that I could decide to go back home too. After all, the only reason I left home was to get some worldly experience so I could serve my people better."

"And what about Dust? Would he be included in the package if you asked us to join the party?"

I shudder at the thought of that, to be honest.

A hopeless and shameful man such as Dust; the very idea that he could corrupt Kazuma by being around him made me feel all the more protective of Kazuma.

"No or at least I wouldn't be planning on it. There are plenty of other party's he can go join. And besides..."

"Besides?"

Both me and Darkness ask.

"When the guards came and collected him earlier, they said he had been warned about this before and, once released in a few weeks, if he were to do something that was jail worthy again, then his next visit will be a VERY LONG ONE!"

So, in other words, Dust is pretty much screwed.

"I understand. I personally have no issues if you were to join us. What about you, Megumin?"

"Huh? Oh, sure-sure, that's fine. Just remember, I'm the main spell caster of the group. Any others who join will be my personal underlings as said by Kazuma."

"I have no issues with that. So long as I can work with Kazuma again, I'm sure I'll be fine."

Wait, what do you mean by that, Lynn?

Suddenly, the idea of her possibly joining us didn't sound very appealing to me now.

"So, do you want us to go ahead and talk to Kazuma about this?"

Asked Darkness.

Lynn shakes her head, then says-

"Not yet. Keep it on the hush-hush side for now until I know what Taylor and Keith are going to do. I'll get back to you all once I know what they're going to do. Well, I better get back to work. Later, guys."

After Lynn had vanished from our sight, Darkness looks at me and says-

"She'll be an interesting addition to the party, assuming she does decide to ask us to join. What do you think, Megumin?"

Oh yes, she'll be an interesting addition alright.

I'm just not sure if its the sort of 'interesting' that I would be fine with?

"... Sure..."

After that, we both realize that we had been out all night and Kazuma was probably back at the mansion, worried sick about us; so we quickly left the guild in order to return home and let him know that we were OK.

As we neared the west gate, a conversation between several citizens caught our attention, making us stop to listen.

"Say, have you heard the word coming out of Arcanretia?"

"Hm, Arcanretia? Can't say that I have, buddy. I try to avoid hearing anything that relates to that den of scum and villainy."

"You'll want to hear this then, at least. Word on the grape vine has it all their hot spring source pools got contaminated, making the hot springs unsafe."

"Suck to be them, huh?"

"Not done yet. Just when they were all doom and gloom, some girl showed up who claimed to be their patron goddess and said that she would fix the problem."

"Sounds like a scam if you ask me."

"Funny thing is; she did solve the problem. Managed to fix all source pools like it was nothing. At first, they were all praising her, proclaiming that she really was the goddess Aqua, here to save them from the 'evils of the wicked Eris cult' despite the fact there was no proof we Eris faithful even did such a thing to begin with."

"I feel theirs a 'BUT...' coming here with your story?"

"Indeed, my friend, indeed. Turns out she made a little goof, turned all the source pools into clear, regular water. This sent the Arcanretians from praising her into a mob demanding she be burned at the stake. In the end, some pink haired girl with some weird powers who was with her had to save the 'goddess' and make a run for it."

"(Heh Heh) Sucks to be them I guess."

"Best part of it all is this. It turns out that girl had actually converted all the source pools into holy water. The most powerful and potent holy water ever seen. Now the Arcanretians don't even know if they should condemn her or make her a saint? I tell you, those Axis guys are always worth a laugh."

"If you say so, man. If you say so."

Me and Darkness look at each other and nod; the two of us clearly thinking the same thing.

Man, are we glad we got out of that crazy place when we did.

I mean, who knows what kind of trouble we would have been dragged into if we had stayed any longer?

========================={ Special Aqua Interlude 2 }=========================

I groan as I wobble from side to side; my feet screaming at me to let them rest.

I can't believe it; my own faithful flock... had actually wanted to burn my like some sort of witch back there.

It had to have been the idea of those damn Eris cultist, I was sure of it.

I mean, there was no way MY beloved children would ever wish to see me harmed.

Well, never mind that for now as I have a bigger issue and she was floating right beside me.

I turn to look at the thing that was suppose to be my servant here as I say-

"Hey, why are we still heading away from Arcanretia? I need to go back and save my flock from the evil spell those sadistic Eris followers have put them under."

"Hm, well, if you want to go back there, then I guess that's fine. But don't expect me to be heading back any time soon here... like ever."

"But you have to go back, pinky. You know I can't willing walk a certain distance from you without being pulled back towards you like some kind of magnet. So stop walking away from my followers and take me back there. I'm a goddess damn it, you have to do as I say."

I then realize another thing.

"And also, make one of those musical note things for me to ride on here too. As a divine being, I shouldn't be made to walk anyways. You need to be the one walking here as well as bowing to me, worshiping me, making offerings and such. You're the servant girl here, not me."

She looks at me, considers my words for a second, then-

She shoots off into the distance, making me scream at her to get her Idol life ass back here and treat me right.

And then, I find the linking enchantment brother had placed on me activate and I find myself being forced forward in order to close the distance between us as was the curse I had to endure now.

"DAMN IT ALL. JUST WHAT IN HEAVEN DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS?"

==============={Part 2: What Awaits Them When They Come Home? }===============

"Look, we got mail."

Darkness pulls the mail out of the drop box just after we passed through the gate onto the mansion grounds.

From what I could see, it was all mostly junk mail that would make acceptable fuel for the fireplace.

There was one letter though that looked important; mainly because it had the official seal of the Dustiness house waxed in on the back.

As Darkness opens it and begins to read the contents, I scoop down to retrieve the morning paper as well.

"Anything important?"

I asked her.

"Yes and no. Father has informed me that there's been a summons for all the heads of the noble families to come to the capital and meet with the High Council. I doubt its anything to important though. Probably just one of those regular meetings to update everyone on how the war efforts going. They don't always tell the full story in the papers after all; to keep the masses from worrying to much."

That doesn't sound good if you ask me.

"So, you'll be needing to leave for a bit to go join him then?"

"Father has asked that I join him. Seeing as I will be succeeding him as the next leader of the family, it would be good for me to accompany him one of these days to see how these meeting usually play out. But my going isn't mandatory this time so I'll wait till we have a chance to talk to Kazuma about any plans on how we can spend the next week or two before I decide. I'll need to have my reply made up and sent out before the afternoon."

I nod as we both begin to walk to the front door.

"Then let's hurry on inside and see what Kazuma has planned. Heh, knowing him, he probably wants to be lazy for the next few weeks... can't blame him as I'm kinda feeling the same after our last adventure."

"Agreed."

Once inside the mansion, I was quick to notice the weird silence that hung in the air.

It was rather eerie if I was being honest here.

And from looking at Darkness, I had a feeling she was thinking the same thing.

"It's quiet in here. Way to quiet for my liking. I'm guessing Kazuma must still be asleep but Yunyun should be up by now at least. Anyways, we should go wake Kazuma up and have him start working on breakfast."

"Maybe we should handle making breakfast for a change, Megumin. I know you LOVE Kazuma's cooking... well, everything for us. Believe me, I do too. He has the makings to become a master chef with his homelands food. But don't you think we should cook stuff for him, from time to time?"

I think about that for a moment before letting off a sigh.

Sure, it was the nice thing for us to do, to make HIM meals every so often.

But the food Kazuma makes was always SO good; like an Explosion unleashed upon my taste buds with every bite.

But Darkness was right; we should strive to return his kindness and hard work towards every once and a while.

I nod as I look at her and say-

"Can't be helped. Go ahead and check in on him, see if he is still asleep. He was feeling a little weird last night so make sure he made it home safely. And check in on Yunyun too. We can let Kazuma sleep in a bit if he's still asleep but Yunyun; she can get up and help us make breakfast. I'll go ahead and get started down here."

Darkness nods as she breaks away; heading up the stairs quietly.

I, meanwhile, enter the living room where I find Anna still hovering over that lava lamp thing.

She really, really does like it, huh?

I then proceed towards the kitchen, taking a moment to check both the downstairs bathroom and Kazuma's workshop, checking to make sure he wasn't already up and hard at work on another item.

Just as I reach the kitchen door, I hear-

"... so Kazuma, am I doing it correctly?"

"Hm, that's good, Yunyun. Not bad at all. Wait, trying going at it like this; it will make the slicing even easier."

"I see, I see. pause You're right, it does go through easier. Thank you... darling."

"Anytime... um, cupcake."

Darling? Cupcake?

Just what the hell is all that about?

I slowly and quietly open the door into the kitchen; thanking Eris that you didn't need to turn any nob beforehand as the door was one of those types of doors that could be opened both ways.

I then peek inside, seeing them with their backs to me, standing before the cutting table.

From first glance, things looked normal enough; as did they seeing as they were both dressed casual.

If I had to make a guess here, I'd say Kazuma was teaching Yunyun how to prepare and cook food the way he knew how to do it.

Damn it, that's actually a good idea, Yunyun.

I should have Kazuma teach me too, one of these days; if only so I can have an excuse to be standing close be...side... him?

Wait, why is Yunyun standing THAT close to Kazuma?

"Say Kazuma? (both me and Kazuma look at her) "Here's a little treat for my sweat. (She has a strawberry in her hand) Now open up and say 'ah'."

Kazuma does as she asked and opens his mouth, allowing Yunyun to pop the strawberry inside.

What the hell? Just what is with this disgustingly sickening sweetness that's hanging in the air around them?

It's making me start to feel ill here.

"Why thank you for that, cupcake. Speaking of, I'll be sure to give you some of that special icing you really love later as a thank you."

"Mm, can't wait."

She said as they went back to work; Yunyun somehow scooting even closer to Kazuma.

Wait, Kazuma just said something about a special 'icing' just a moment ago?

What did that even...?

Suddenly, my pervert alarm within my head was going off which could only mean one thing.

And I knew I had to act now in order to save something very important to me, something I had already called dibs on, even if only mentally.

"Just what the hell is going on in here. What's with all this lovey dovey atmosphere I'm sensing?"

I yell at them as I barge into the room, making them both jump and yelp in surprise.

"M-M-Megumin, what are you doing here? How much did you just hear?"

I cross my hands over my chest as I say-

"I heard enough, Yunyun. Now, tell me why you two are getting so close and... intimate like with one another. Don't you both know how... indecent that is in our home."

Kazuma then says something to me.

"What, are we suppose to be doing stuff like this outside? Not that I mind, personally but you have to consider the girls feelings at times like those. Also, you shouldn't just come barging in and scaring us. We were both holding knives and could have really hurt ourselves when you did that."

"Oh... really, I'm so sorry, Kazuma. I'll be sure to... wait, don't go changing the subject right now. I want to know why you two are being so close to one another all of a sudden? What, did the two of you get married last night or something?"

Kazuma and Yunyun look at each other, a blush forming on the both of them.

"So... um, should you tell her or should I?"

Asked Kazuma to Yunyun; the words he used making me become very uneasy here.

Wait, don't tell me... please Eris, please say that they didn't...

"I'll tell her. As both my rival and oldest acquaintance, it is my duty to do so, right?"

Yunyun then looks at me, her gaze making me more nervous as she says-

"Megumin, do you remember the letter I found awaiting me when we returned yesterday? (I nod) Well, as I am sure you have guessed, it was a letter from my father. His news wasn't good. In fact, it was really quite troubling to read. Included with his letter was a set of instructions from Soketto, given to him so he could pass them onto me."

"What kind of instructions?"

"The kind that told me what my duty was to our clan and what I needed to do for its very future. And, to that end. I asked Kazuma to help me as he's the only one I ever could ask to help me with this."

I find myself beginning to shake from the implication her words were bringing upon my mind.

I look at Kazuma, unsure of what to say; as he looks at me, understanding my situation and says-

"Things are going to be changing around here very soon for all of us, Megumin. Especially for Yunyun and me."

"W-What do you mean, Kazuma? What exactly is going to be changing around here?"

I was afraid, I was very afraid here at what was going to be changing.

Yunyun then places a hand over her belly, making my fears explode outwards by leaps and bounds.

Yunyun then looks at me with rose colored cheeks as she says with the happiest tone she has ever used-

"Very soon, I'm going to be eating for two here, Megumin."

Kazuma looks at me with pride as he proclaims-

"You, Darkness, Cielo, Chris; you guys are going to become aunts."

With those words they both spoke, I felt as if a dam that was holding back a raging river finally broke as I screamed at the top of my lungs-

"DARKNESS!"

============={ Part 3: What Awaits Them Once They Have Some Context }=============

The air in the dining room was tense, and thick; so much so that even the sharpened blade of a knife would probably fail to cut through it.

On one side of the table was Kazuma and Yunyun.

Kazuma had been tied down into his chair; in order to prevent escaping should he so feel inclined to try.

And next to him, but not to close, was Yunyun, who's eyes were looking downwards due to nerves.

On the other was Darkness and I, the both of us with mixed feelings present on our faces.

A combination of shock, horror, anger, and maybe even a little disgust too though the last part was more from me than from Darkness.

Laying on the table was the two pieces of paper Yunyun had received from home and a sleeping cat.

Was Chomusuke really just sleeping or only pretending to sleep while she listened to the whole thing?

And Anna was going between trying to stay focused on this little event to and finding her eyes wandering back to that damn lava lamp.

{Insert Image 2}

Darkness was the first to speak-

"Kazuma? Yunyun? What the hell did you two do last night? Please tell me you both didn't do... THAT together."

"Yeah Kazuma, please say that this is all some sort of joke. Didn't you tell me once that you wouldn't go after a girl that was three years or more younger than you? Didn't you ask Yunyun about her age before doing... THAT? If you had , she would have told you that she's still thirteen which is suppose to be outside your strike zone, right? What, is her having big boobs really a deal maker for you here."

Both Darkness and I said to them, giving them very disappointed looks.

"Look, guys. This isn't what it looks like. I promise I... we can explain everything if you just give us a chance here to talk."

"Kazuma's right. I know how it all must have looked to you when you spied us inside the kitchen, Megumin. But I promise there's a good reason for it all."

Both Kazuma and Yunyun said in their defense.

I began to tap my finger onto the table as I said impatiently-

"Well, get started. We're waiting here."

"Hold on, now would be the perfect time to make use of this helpful little tool."

Said Darkness, reaching into her pocket as we all turn to look at her.

As soon as I saw the item she wanted to use; I found myself both smiling on the outside while groaning on the inside.

It was my fathers 'always reliable and never trouble making' lie detector bell.

As soon as she places it on the table, Kazuma makes a remark that I honestly couldn't blame him for.

"Oh goodie; my 'favorite' magic item. This is not going to end well for me."

"Wait, isn't that the item you dad was so proud of making a few years back, Megumin. What's it doing here?"

Asked Yunyun, making me explain to her about how the kingdom had commissioned my father into mass producing them for the kingdoms judicial usage.

I then look at Darkness and ask-

"How did you get hold of one of those?"

"One of the perks of being a noble. We can easily get our hands on items like these for our own personal usage."

Well, that makes sense, I guess.

"Wait a minute, Megumin. If the kingdom had your father mass produce this item, then why was your family still so hard up on money afterwords? For a commission like that, he must have been given quite a substantial sum as compensation for the job."

"Hm, Yunyun is right about that. Belzerg does pay generously for making items like this one, even if their track record leaves something to be desired."

Said Darkness; she looks at Kazuma as she says that last bit.

Hearing them both say that makes me recall something important.

In the past, I believe it was seven or eight years ago, dad had been so excited about some new contract that was coming from the kingdom itself; had said that our money issues would soon be a thing of the past.

Just what exactly happened to all that eris we were suppose to be getting?

Oh, me and you are going to be having some words the next time I see you, old man.

For now, back to the main topic here.

"Let's not worry about that stuff later, for now... I'd like to ask you two some questions."

I then look at Darkness and give her a nod; giving her the signal to activate the bell.

Once done, Darkness decides to say-

"I believe you already know how this thing works, Kazuma. Do you need an explanation, Yunyun?"

Yunyun shakes her head.

"OK, we shall now begin to questioning period here. Know that for every lie spoken, a suitable punishment will be brought forth once this interrogation has ended. Darkness, please keep track of any lies said and what they were about so we may administer the proper punishment afterwords."

Darkness nods as she places an empty piece of paper on the table and brings one of Kazuma's pens out and prepares to write with.

I then take in a deep breath before I start asking the questions.

"Kazuma, did you and Yunyun have... you know what last night?"

"No Megumin, Darkness; no we didn't. Me and Yunyun didn't have sex last night."

The bell didn't ring; making me mentally sigh in relief from hearing that.

"Wait, Megumin. Before we continue, we should make sure the bell is even working first. Kazuma, would you please say something that is an obvious lie for us."

"Oh sure; I 'totally' love this lie detection bell device. (DING) I love being put through another inquisition; this one being done to me by my friends. (DING) I love the fact Darkness can't hit anything to save her life and that Megumin limits her potential by focusing on only ONE spell." (DING DING)

"OK Kazuma, we get it. You wish things could be better, to better serve your personal fantasy here."

Both me and Darkness said in a deadpan tone.

"Can you blame me though? I mean, I've been having to put up with you two forcing your personal fantasy's onto me since they day we all met. Don't you think it's only fair that you start returning that kindness here sooner or later?"

We both refuse to answer his question, if only because we both feared how the bell would respond.

Darkness then clears her throat, then says-

"Let's just focus on the task at hand here, people. Next question goes to you, Yunyun. Did Kazuma ask you about your age at any point last night?"

"Y-Yes, he did ask me... after he took me upstairs into his room that is."

"So, Kazuma had planned on doing... that with you then. Wanna share with us what made him stop? For that matter, why did you even ask him to make a baby with you to begin with?"

I asked Yunyun, making her fidget nervously.

"You should just go ahead and read the letter dad sent me from home first, Megumin. It'll help explain the reason why I asked Kazuma to make a baby with me. I-we can explain what happened after."

I nod reluctantly as I take the papers in hand and begin to read them aloud.

Reading that boss Hiropon could be dead did shock me, as did reading of his uncertainty of our clan being able to survive this attack, which left me feeling both anxious and nervous.

I then flip to the second page and quickly took note of a curious detail.

"Why is the hand writing different between page one and page two?"

"I was wondering that as well. I figured he he wrote that page with more haste or maybe it was that oracle or fortuneteller person who wrote it for Yunyun's dad and he sent it with the letter."

Said Kazuma, making me glance at the bell; seeing it not go off.

"Isn't it also weird how the first page looks like it was meant to be continued on page two yet page two seems to have no connection to page one. Almost like this letter was missing a page?"

Said Darkness, making Yunyun gasp.

"Now that you mention it, that does make sense. Oh why didn't I think of that when I read it before?"

"Maybe because the idea of moving into Kazuma's bed was getting you all excited?"

Teased Darkness, making me and Kazuma look at Yunyun who was now starting to panic.

"D-D-D-Darkness, what are you saying. I only did what I did, well... what I was going to do because of the letter. It's not because I secretly want to make Kazuma's room into our room or any..."

DING!

Yunyun freezes; her face being a combination of shock and embarrassment before she quickly hides her face behind her hands; crying sounds now being heard.

Darkness gives her a devious grin, Kazuma looked surprised, and I gave Yunyun an angry glare.

After a moment, I recover as I continued reading the second page.

"Hm, why does it say that Yunyun is the only survivor? What about me here?"

I asked, not to anyone in particular but just my personal thoughts spoken aloud.

"I wondered that too, to be honest. Confession time here; I was secretly hoping that maybe it would lead to you joining Yunyun in wanting me to make baby's with me for the future of the world."

Said Kazuma, making me scoff at his suggestion.

"Sorry to go killing that fantasy here, Kazuma. But I've already spoken on this topic, multiple times in fact, that I will never be interested in stuff like that. That means you and I will never have sex or be anything more that friends he..."

DING!

My whole body freezes as Kazuma, Darkness, and even Yunyun immediately stops to look at me.

"Why Megumin, looks like a great secret of your is out now. So, you DO want to have a more personal relationship with Kazuma here? Possibly even wanting to hold hands, go on dates, kiss, and even scream out his name well into the night as he makes you feel things not even an Explosion can achieve."

"Megumin, is that true? Have you also been thinking about these kind of things too? And with Kazuma know less? I-I-I need to write at letter home; to let the others know about this development. The news will surely leave them all speechless."

"(teary eyed) I-I can't believe my luck as of late. First there was the super hot Crimson Demon girl I met in that hot spring at Arcanretia basically letting me see her all naked before giving me that amazing kiss. Then having Yunyun ask me to make baby's with her. And now, I even find out Megumin's wanting to do such acts with me as well, even if she's behaving like a tsundere about it. This really is my popular phase here. Oh thank you, Eris?"

The three of us stop what we are doing as we all focus on Kazuma, taking note that the bell hadn't rung when he had spoken, as we all demand an answer to the same question he gave us-

"Kazuma, what's this about you and a Crimson Demon girl bathing together back in Arcanretia?"

After a few more minutes, and a little explanation... and yelling, we decide to get back on topic.

"OK, going back to the main issue here. What happened after you two went upstairs into Kazuma's room?"

Kazuma and Yunyun looked at each other, then back at us as Kazuma started the explanation.

"Once we got back to my room, I placed Yunyun down onto my bed before going to sit beside her. She then asked me how we should start doing this as she had zero experience on the subject, beyond what she had read about in some trashy book she had accidentally started reading but never finished."

"Kazuma said we should start of kissing each other and let our body's naturally take control from there. He said that sex was instinctive, or so he assumed, so he figured once we started making the mood then our bodies should respond in kind; leading us down the correct course."

I cut in at that time, asking-

"Wait, so you two actually kissed then?"

"Mm, this is getting saucy?"

Said Darkness, her voice to close to sounding like a moan for my liking.

Kazuma shakes his head, saying-

"Well, no. We didn't kiss unless you consider us bumping our foreheads together as kissing? We tried two more times, the first resulted in Yunyun kissing my nose and I her chin and the other saw us missing each other entirely which saw me falling face first on the floor and Yunyun face planting into my bed."

"It was all so embarrassing for us. Kazuma then suggested we try keeping our eyes open as we go in for that last kiss but that to failed as my nerves finally got to me and I asked him to stop. Finally, I admitted to Kazuma that I was scared here. Really scared as I was now starting to lose my nerve there."

"I then questioned Yunyun if she was really wanting to do this now? Maybe we should contact the village first and make sure this was even necessary to do?"

"I told Kazuma that it was, otherwise father wouldn't have sent such a letter to me to begin with. Regardless on whether or not I was ready here, this was still something I needed to do here and now, not just for the village but for myself as well."

For yourself, Yunyun?

Just why did you need to do this for yourself?

Before I could ask her this, Kazuma breaks in and continues-

"Yunyun then says we should try again, to kiss I mean and we start to do just that. But this time, I break away before we could kiss as my mind suddenly decided to ask her a very important question."

"And what question is that, Kazuma?"

Asked Darkness.

"I asked Yunyun that even if we had sex, would she actually become pregnant as a result? I mean, just because we have sex doesn't mean it will happen, right. So, after some discussion, we determine that Yunyun's next fertile period isn't going to be for another 14 days. As such, it didn't make sense for us to have sex now when the purpose behind it wouldn't become available for another two weeks."

I felt like Kazuma had left out a crucial detail there; relating to how they came to determine this fact.

But seeing as the bell didn't ring out, I decided to let it go, at least for now.

Yunyun then says-

"After that, me and Kazuma decided that since we had 14 days before we would need to have sex in order to play our roles, we would go ahead and start doing other stuff together. Going out on a few dates, spending time together, things like that in order to help make things easier and more comfortable for us when the time finally comes."

"So, does that mean what I heard you both saying to each other in the kitchen earlier..."

"Just practice talk seeing as, I guess you can say, we are a couple now... or will be soon enough."

Said Yunyun, replying to my question.

I didn't like this; I really, really didn't like this one bit.

I mean, Kazuma and Yunyun... together?

The very thought of that sent cold shivers down my spine and it made my heart ache just a little bit.

No matter as it wasn't to late here, right?

All I need to do is just find a way to convince them that the need for them to do this wasn't necessary.

But, apart from contacting home and verifying everything with them, how?

"So Kazuma, must have been real hard for you. Turning down a chance to actually become an adult last night, and with Yunyun no less. I mean, getting a chance to sleep with a girl with a bod like her's... anyone would look at you and call you crazy for passing up the chance."

I glare at Darkness, sending her a silent warning to not go pushing her luck here.

After all, I was in no mood for any crap right now.

Kazuma sighs, making us all look at him as he says-

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard, in more ways than one. I mean, I was just moments away from getting laid for the first time. You can't imagine what that feels like for us guys, especially when we willingly pass up that chance. I wanted to, I really, really, REALLY wanted to."

"But I guess the nice guy I have buried deep down somewhere inside me; his voice was just loud enough to reach the rest of me and said that we shouldn't be going to fast. We should make sure this was something WE both really want to do first? After all, Yunyun's the one who will have the worse of it if we discover this wasn't the right thing to do after the fact and I don't want her to have to suffer any here. The same would apply to all of you if this matter involved all of you instead."

"Kazuma?"

We all said as we look at him with a new-found level of respect.

Say what you will about Satou Kazuma; we all do every now and then, none of us can deny that when push comes to shove, when it really matters, he always does right by us, even if we don't deserve it.

I guess that's one of the many reasons why I-

"Say, what's that on the back of page two?"

Said Kazuma suddenly, drawing me from my thoughts as I flip the page over and scan the back.

Along the bottom was a set of words; a single line which read-

"Synopsis for 'Legends of the Hero of the Crimson Demons, chapter 1. Author; Arue.' Wait, you mean that this page is...?"

I looked shock before turning my attention to Yunyun who's eyes had gone wide before she screams a panic scream loudly into the air.

"AAAAHHHHH! (grabs the pieces of paper, crumples them up and tosses them into the fire place) Arue, you idiot. Do you have any idea what you did to me, what you almost made me...?"

Yunyun then collapses to the ground, curling up into a tight ball as she begins to weep, making me go around the table and kneel down to comfort her.

"Hey, what's going on? I'm becoming confused here, guys."

Said Kazuma; getting Darkness to explain everything for me to him.

"It means that second page wasn't factual. Instead, it seems to be a brief summary for a story, possibly a book even, being written by someone named Arue. Isn't that right, Megumin."

"Yeah, Arue was one of our classmates back home from our school days. Her dream was to one day become a celebrated author and write award winning books. Still, I can't believe she would do something like this? Surely, she must have know that Yunyun would take this all the wrong way if she didn't specify from the begin that it was a work fiction, not fact."

Darkness gives a sagely nod and then, after a momentary pause, ask-

"I'm curious though. How did that page get mixed in with the letter sent from Yunyun's dad?"

To our surprise, it was Kazuma who offered up the most likely solution.

"If I had to take a guess, she must have snuck inside Yunyun's family home and included the page to be sent off. Seeing as its obvious that what was written on page one was meant to continue onto a second, it stands to reason she replaced page two with her own page. How anything else went, like how she knew a letter was being sent off to begin with or how she managed to make the switch, who can say?"

"That feels likely, Kazuma. I have to wonder why she felt the need to include it in secret though, and to exclude the true second page from being sent?"

Wondered Darkness aloud.

I had a good idea, making me say-

"Arue is a penny pincher; she hates having to pay the postage cost for sending things and is always doing stuff like that. How she knew about the letter? Knowing Hiropon, he probably was talking about it aloud beforehand and she just happened to overhear him. And as for how she managed to switch the actual page two with her crappy story, well...?"

"My dad's always been a skirt chaser, even though he has my mother by his side. Arue probably used something perverted to draw his attention away for a few minutes so she could make the change."

Said Yunyun, having finally recovered enough to join in the conversation again.

I nod in agreement, recalling all the times back home I saw Hiropon flirting with the local girls, some of them still attending Red Prison Academy only for Rikarika, his wife, to show up and smack the back of his head hard enough to knock him out then drag his body back home.

I then look at Kazuma and say-

"Kazuma, thank you for showing restraint last night like you did. I'm sure that means a lot to Yunyun now... as it does to me too."

Yunyun nods in agreement though I do hear her say quietly to herself-

"Even if it had happened, I wouldn't have really minded it... seeing as it would have been with Kazuma and all..."

She must have sensed I was looking at her, giving her a deadpan look, as she quickly changes the subject and ask me-

"So what should we do now, Megumin? Even if the second page was fake, there's still the matter of the first page. Shouldn't we head back home and see what's going on ourselves? I mean, make sure everyone is alright?"

I think about it for just a moment, then say-

"No, not really. I'm not all that worried, if I'm being honest here. It's not like the village is filled with weaklings like you, Yunyun. (Yunyun objects to my choice of words but I ignore her) Everyone there is strong and capable so I'm sure everything will be fine. And even if the village does fall, I'm sure the memories of them, as well as our feelings will live on in our hearts forevermore."

I then place my hand on my chest as I look solemnly into the sky.

And then, Yunyun grabs me by my top and starts shaking me as she cry's-

"Megumin, you heartless monster. How can you just say something like that so casually? Doesn't the safety of everyone not concern you? ("Not especially.") Not even your parents? ("I'm sure they'll be fine?") And what about little Komekko? Aren't you at least worried about her?"

Hearing my little sister's name getting mention makes me take pause.

The rest, even my parents, I wasn't to concerned about as I was confident that they would survive no matter what.

But my little sister...?

Seeing as I didn't respond immediately to her words there, Yunyun must have taken that as a sign that I didn't care even about Komekko.

"Fine then, be that way. I guess I'll have to go check on things and save everyone myself. Including little Komekko too. Kazuma, can I have permission to take a few days to head back home to check in on everyone?"

"Sure, I don't mind. But don't you want..."

Kazuma didn't get to finish his words as Yunyun zips away, heading up to her room before reappearing before us, already dressed in her Adventurer's attire.

"Well, I'll be off everybody. I'll be back once I confirm everything is OK back home."

She then bows before turning and racing out the door, probably wanting to catch the earliest transport back to Arcanretia and from there, head straight to the village.

"Yunyun..."

I said to myself as I walk to the front door, wishing she had given me a chance to process her words so I could have then replied.

I then look back at the others and say-

"Guys, I'm going to be going up to my room for a bit. I need time to think about some things here."

"Understood, Megumin. I'll be out back, training if you need anything, OK?"

Said Darkness.

I give her a nod as I begin to head upstairs and she turns to head towards the back door.

"Hey, are you two forgetting something here? Will someone please untie me already."

I heard Kazuma yell out but I was already to lost in thought to react to.

==================={ Part 4: What Awaits Them As They Set Out }===================

(Kazuma POV)

I ended up staying tied up for the next hour; a fact I complained to Darkness about once she came back in to rehydrate herself.

After that, we talked for a bit about the situation and quickly came to a decision about that topic.

We both then left the mansion to take care of some personal business over in Axel.

"Hey, Megumin; me and Darkness are stepping out for a bit. Wanna come with?"

I yelled out, getting no reply from her.

Chomusuke, on the other hand, did want to come as she was quick to hop onto my shoulder.

That little one is sure getting good with her jumps here as of late.

Once we had reached Axel, me and Darkness decided to split up in order to take care of our respective task.

For Darkness, she needed to mail off a letter to her father; a response to his question about if she wanted to join him in attending that meeting with the other nobles over in the capital.

After that, she would head over to the Erisia Cathedral to ask Cielo a question for me.

As for me, I made a stop off at some shop to procure some needed materials, mainly in relations to making the next set of items to be massed produced for sale by Wiz and Vanir.

But there was a few things not relating to that I also wanted to get; as a just in case sort of precaution.

I then made my way over to Wiz's shop as I had another bit of business there as well.

"Ah, Kazuma. Long time no see. Is everything going well?"

"Hey Wiz. Yeah, I guess you can say that, more or less. By the way, is Vanir here by any chance? I need to ask him something."

Wiz shakes her head and says-

"He had to go take care of some personal business... down below if you know what I mean. He should be back by tomorrow morning though. What's wrong, did something happen?"

"Yeah, I guess you can say that. You see, the truth of it is..."

Me and Wiz ended up talking a fair bit about the situation and thanks to that talk, a game plan was decided upon.

Truth be told, it was a game plan I wish I had recalled myself back at the mansion as it would have saved us all so much trouble... well, it would have saved Yunyun some trouble.

No matter as that trouble will soon be rectified.

After that, I ran as fast as I could over to the transport station to see if I could catch Yunyun, but she had already left.

I considered chasing after her, maybe even being able to catch up with the carriage she was riding if I used Sprint-

But I decided to let her be as this could be a good lesson for her towards learning when to not go rushing into things before other options have been considered.

I then met up with Darkness over at the Guild and, ever discussing our plans, I use Teleport to send us back to the mansion where we both begin making preparations for the next day.

The night, after spending most of the day in my workshop, followed by making dinner, I finally returned to my room and started getting ready when I noticed a little something laying on my bed.

It was the Mason Gloves and a letter to me, written by Eris.

"Kazuma, at the request of Chris, I have worked a little godly magic so that you can make use of this Divine Relic. Please be aware that there are limitations that comes from using them, which I have outlined below. Keep those limitations in mind when making use of this item. And Kazuma... please don't use them to make anything perverted or I'll have to bring down divine retribution upon you 'wink'."

I chuckle at that before reading the instructions, making a mental note before putting the gloves inside my Adventurer's pouch.

As much as I wanted to start using them now, it would be better if I held back until such times as they would really be needed.

After all, they only had a limited number of uses do to reasons Eris herself didn't have the ability to fix.

In fact, according to her letter, the only way to restore them to full functionality was to essentially destroy them then recreate them which would take one human lifetime.

You'd think the gods could do something like that a lot quicker but... eh?

Anyways, I then lay back on my bed and begin to ask the Know-It-All a few questions, all the while recalling how I had asked it about when Yunyun's next fertile date would be the night before.

Funny, it had told me originally that it couldn't tell me anything about the future but I guess something like that would be considered a loop hole as it would be a regular monthly thing for her.

A knock at my door brings me out of my thoughts, making me look to see Megumin already letting herself in without giving me a chance to say anything.

"Kazuma, can we talk for a minute?"

"Well, well, well, Megumin. Not even waiting for me to say 'come in' or 'its open' before letting yourself in. What, is this some sort of night raid or something? Guess I can't blame you as the thought of what me and Yunyun almost did last night must have ignited your competitive spirit some, huh?"

I was joking of course as I already had an idea as to why she was here now.

I had expected her to immediately rebuke my words, perhaps chastise me and call me a pervert.

Instead, she gets right to the point with saying-

"It's not that I'm worried about my home village or anything. Nor about the people or even my own parents. But... I am worried about my sister and I want to make sure she's safe at least. Kazuma, is it OK if I also take a few days off to head back home? If only to collect my sister and bring her back here. And, also I guess; would it be OK if I bring my sister here to live with us? Just for a little bit."

I sigh before I sit up and ask her-

"Megumin, I know this was something that has been on your mind all day, ever since Yunyun made mention of your sister. Can I ask what took you so long to come acknowledge it? I mean, is this was how you felt, why not simply have gone with Yunyun when she left?"

Megumin hesitates for a moment.

"I... well, I wanted to..."

"You wanted to ask us if we would go with you, to help you if things really were bad over there, huh?"

She nods reluctantly before saying-

"I didn't want to burden you, Kazuma. I didn't want to burden any of you with my clan's problems. I mean, we just got back from a trip that didn't exactly go well for us, for you especially. I didn't want to be selfish here even though I really wanted to ask. It took me this long to make my decision so..."

I get up and walk over to her, pulling her to me by placing a hand against the back of her head; having it rest against my chest.

My action clearly catches her off guard as she makes an audible 'eep' sound.

"You can be such a dork, Megumin. You're just as shy and reserved as Yunyun can be brash and impulsive. In other words, you are each acting like the other now. It's kind of scary if I'm being honest."

"Kazuma..."

"Anyways, the decision was already made before you even came in here to ask. While you were hiding away in your room, racking your brain needlessly over this matter, me and Darkness were making preparations for the trip tomorrow."

Megumin pulls away from me, her eyes gazing up at mine as she ask-

"Kazuma, does that mean...?"

I give her a nod as I say-

"Yep, go head and get ready if you haven't already. I want us out the door and heading over to Wiz's shop by 8am tomorrow morning. Got that Dynamite? Cielo will be meeting us there as well."

Megumin remains motionless for a few moments before a smile appears on her face, followed by her hugging me tight.

"Thank you, Kazuma. This really means a lot to me that you would be willing to do this. I promise I'll repay you for doing this here soon."

"Heh, sure you will. Just like all the other things you said you'd repay me for but have yet to do. Not that I'm keeping count mind you. (yeah right, I've been totally keeping count) Besides, I did promise you if we ever went to the Crimson Demon Village, I'd help translate the Japanese writings you guys have on those old ruins so now is as good a time as any, right?"

Megumin gives me a happy nod before asking-

"By the way, Kazuma. Why are we going to Wiz's shop? Shouldn't we try to catch the early morning carriage or something?"

I shake my head, then say-

"Why take the long way around when we can have Wiz teleport us there directly? She often goes to your village to do business with your old man, who owes us both some serious apologies and explanations don't you agree? (she nods) Anyways, she has offered to teleport us there as thanks for my helping her out. This is the reason why I said Yunyun was being rash and impulsive before too. If she had just been a bit more patient, she could have saved herself the long boring trip like we are going to do."

That makes Megumin giggle as she can't wait to tease her about that once we see her there.

"One quick thing though, Megumin."

"What is it?"

"If Yunyun's dad's letter really is the real deal and if there is a Devil King General attacking, and looking like they have the upper hand; I can't make any promises that I will stick my neck out to help save the village. I know I've said this before but I can't stress it enough that I feel we have already done our parts here in this war. Besides, if your clan can't handle this problem, as powerful as they are said to be, I don't see how I could help turn the tables with the conflict. I hope you understand?"

Megumin, surprisingly shakes her head as she takes my hands into hers and says-

"And I'm not going to ask you to either. I'm only going to get my sister out of there if need be. Maybe my parents too if they'll come. But my sister is my sole priority here. So long as she's safe, that'll be enough for me."

I give her a nod.

"Then you better hurry and get ready then, if you haven't already. And get some sleep too. After all, we could be teleporting into a war zone tomorrow and if that's the case, we'll need to move quickly."

"Agreed... (pause) Oh... Kazuma, about all those debts that I owe you?"

I wave her off, saying-

"Eh? Oh, don't worry about any of those, OK. I was only teasing you back there."

Well, not really but I didn't want to force her to do anything here she wouldn't want to do.

"Thank you for saying that, even if you don't mean it. Still though, I will repay them back in full. No, I want to repay them back to you and I promise, it will be soon too."

Hearing that makes me gulp in anticipation, something I knew I really shouldn't allow myself to do as I could easily burn myself by anticipating anything.

Megumin then tells me she see me in the morning before walking to my door.

But, before she leaves, she looks back to me and ask-

"One last quick thing Kazuma. I know it was confirmed you and Yunyun didn't sleep together last night. But I still have to ask; did either of you do ANYTHING last night apart from talking and trying, and failing, to kiss each other?"

"No, not really. Pretty much what we told you is what happened? Why, are you still a little jealous?"

Megumin smirks at me then says-

"Maybe I am? Why, wanna do something about it?"

She then giggles before exiting my room, leaving me to ponder her words.

Was she inviting me to try to do something intimate with her now?

Or maybe she was wanting me to give her a reason to initiate doing something herself here?

Who am I kidding; I'm definitely over-thinking this.

I mean, it's Megumin I'm talking about here.

I shouldn't expect stuff like that with her, given her stance on stuff like that to begin with.

Still, it was a good thing that bell wasn't up here right now.

Otherwise, I would have had to confess to that one little detail me and Yunyun had left out-

The detail being that when Yunyun had excused herself from my room last night, she had turned around and actually kissed me on my cheek before leaving.

{Insert Image 3}

The next day, we had arrived at Wiz's shop, finding Cielo having already arrived and waiting for us.

"Ah, welcome boy who seems to can't catch a break from having to travel far and wide. Moi was told by that useless shopkeeper that you wanted to ask Moi something."

As the girls chat with Wiz and look at what she had on sale today, I lean in close to Vanir and ask-

"I was hoping you could use those powers of yours to see if there was anything I should be aware of in relation to this trip we're going on now."

Vanir pulls away, rubbing his chin as he thinks.

"Moi is sure you already know this, boy; Moi doesn't just give information out for free here... however, Moi is will to make an exception this one time but only because this information will be as beneficial to Moi as it will be to you."

"What do you mean?"

I asked, getting Vanir to lean in close again and say no louder than a whisper to me-

"To this Devil of foresight, all is known. Moi has foreseen that while on this trip, thou will be given an opportunity to change the lives and livelihood's of certain individuals; an act that could also affect us as well depending on what choice you make. Also, your choice could have an everlasting impact on the relationship thou has with one of thy companions and lead to great things in the future."

I wanted to ask him what he meant by that, I really did; but I knew Vanir wouldn't elaborate as he loved to be cryptic.

I then begin to ponder upon his words; wondering if he was meaning Megumin or Yunyun there?

"Kazuma, I heard you all had a run in with Hans while in Arcanretia."

Wiz's words bring me out of my thoughts as I say-

"Yeah, we... did. Sorry about what happened to him, by the way. I didn't know him long but he seemed like an... interest guy."

"He was indeed, he was indeed..."

Said Vanir in a tone that felt very weird to me; like he didn't quite believe that Hans was dead.

Strange, huh?

A few minutes later, we had retreated outside and were now standing in a teleportation circle.

"Well, you guys stay safe now and be sure to say high to everyone there for me."

"We will."

I say as we give her a thumbs up.

And with that, Wiz cast the spell and we find ourselves heading off to the Crimson Demon village.

Here's hoping nothing goes wrong here.

(Wiz POV)

"OH?"

"Hm? Is something wrong?"

Asked Vanir.

"That was strange. Just as I cast the teleport, I felt some weird energy present in the air. It was probably nothing but I hope it didn't have an effect on the teleportation here. If it did, then who knows where they ended up."

Vanir waves off my worries as he says-

"Moi is sure they'll be fine. Moi has seen them getting to the village of crazy mages safely... except for the boy who will suffer some minor trauma's but nothing that should have to lasting an effect on him."

I went to ask Vanir what he meant when he said that when-

"Excuse me, is this Wiz's Magical Curio's by any chance?"

We both look, seeing a rather cute looking girl with pink hair done up in pigtails looking at us.

Behind her, a blue haired girl looking all tired and destitute upon the ground, crying like a baby.

"Yes it is, I'm the owner; Wiz. And this is my partner, Vanir. Can we help you, miss...?"

"Sorry, I only give out my full name to people I trust here. For now, you can call me Harp Song and that sad pile of misery behind my is Aqua. Anyways, I need to ask you two some questions, if I may...?"

=========={Part 5: What Awaits Them When They Meet The Tranquility Girl }===========

(Kazuma POV)

As soon as the teleport came to an end, we found ourselves in a rather bad situation;

Namely, we were falling from the sky into a pool of pure holy water just outside Arcanretia.

The landing wasn't very kind to us; and was also rather wet for us as well.

Luckily, the fall hadn't been such that we would suffer any form of serious injuries upon hitting the water; but both me and Cielo had to use our Heal skill to fix ourselves and Megumin up.

Darkness, on the other hand, didn't suffer any injury at all.

Guess having an insanely high defense stat can really come in handy for situations like this.

Once we had fished ourselves out of the water and hoped the cold winter air didn't make us catch our death of cold, I look at the others and ask-

"Um, this doesn't look like the Crimson Demon village to me. Anyone have any idea why we've ended up coming back here to wacko land?"

"There must have been some sort of mana interference present in the air as we were heading between Axel and the village. I can't think of any other reason as to why we'd have been pulled out of the teleportation early."

Said Megumin, after giving it a moments thought.

"That's a thing that can happen?"

I asked her.

"It can happen, though it is a very rare occurrence. Just something to keep in mind for future teleportation usage, Kazuma."

"So, guess we'll be walking the rest of the way then? How long will it take us from Arcanretia on foot, Megumin?"

Asked Darkness.

"When me and Yunyun originally left the village and came to Arcanretia, so we could earn money to catch a ride to Axel, it took us nearly five days; though that was mainly due to us getting side tracked... a lot. If we just head straight there from here, and not let ourselves get distracted along the way. We should make it by late night tomorrow night. Maybe sooner if we're lucky."

"Speaking of Yunyun; shouldn't we just go ahead and wait here for her? Given the time she must have left Axel yesterday, I'm sure the caravan she's with should be arriving in Arcanretia within an hour or two. We could head into town and dry off then meet her and continue on together."

Asked Cielo; her words making sense to me.

Megumin however, dismisses the idea.

"Nah, I'm sure she'll be fine hoofing it on her own for the full trip. It will serve her right for being so impatient with wanting to leave so suddenly. Now, let's hurry onwards everyone. The sooner we get going, the sooner we can get there and I can get my sister out of the line of fire."

I give her a cheeky and knowing grin; one she returns by mouthing "Don't you even dare say it."

Since Megumin didn't seem like she would take no for an answer; even if we took a vote on the matter and she lost.

"Looks like we have no choice. Well then, will you take the lead, Megumin? You do know the road to your village better than we do here."

Megumin smiles as she takes on a pose befitting a Crimson Demon, saying-

"Hahaha; of course I will, Kazuma. Everyone, follow me and I will see us arrive at my village in two shakes of a lambs tail. Let us make away, my minions."

As Megumin begins to lead the way, the three of us fall in line behind her.

As we walk, Darkness leans in close and says quietly.

"You do realize you've given her an ego boost here."

"Hope that doesn't lead us into any sort of trouble, Kazuma."

Adds Cielo.

"It'll be fine, you two. Megumin won't get us into any trouble here... at least I hope so."

After a while, once any sign of Arcanretia had long since faded from sight, I decide to pull out my NEW Adventurer's guide book, replacing the old one that had been damaged during the Salamando incident, and begin to read up on the local monster population.

Nothing to dangerous from the looks of it; nothing we haven't already encountered before... wait a minute-

"What is it, Kazuma?"

Asked Cielo.

"OK you guys, listen up to this because this is important here. The biggest threat that can be encountered in the area is called a Tranquility Girl. This monster is a member of the Dryad family of plant based monsters. It's outward appearance resembles that of a young humanoid girl. It will often give off the impression of being injured in order to draw in unsuspecting prey."

"They have the ability to release a sweet smelling fragrance into the air around them; contained within this fragrance is a pharamone that will educe a charm like state upon those who inhale the sweet scent of the Tranquility Girl. When under its effect, the victims will want to dote on the Tranquility Girl and care for her, unable to think of anything else, even their own well being."

"If left unchecked, you will eventually wither away and die; either from starvation or dehydration. At this time, the roots of the Tranquility Girl when the reach up out of the ground and pull you downwards so she can then slowly feed off your remains for nutrients."

Megumin stops and looks back at me, saying-

"That sounds rather scary. I'm so glad me and Yunyun never ran into that after we left the village originally. Also, doesn't that sound an awful lot like that choker Alonzo used on us?"

"It does though at least this isn't as bad as the book says that once you get away from a Tranquility Girl and breath in some fresh, non affected air, it will clear your head of her charm immediately. And I'm also glad neither of you ever encountered one as I would have never met either of you otherwise."

I said in agreement with her.

"So Kazuma, does the book tell you anything about how to avoid being charmed by it?"

Asked Darkness, making me read more out of the description of the monster.

"Hm, it says the best thing to do is to harden your resolve and don't allow yourself to feel sorry for it, no matter how weak and hurt it may look as that is how its charm takes hold of you. The guide also ask any Adventurer's that encounter it to kill it without hesitation, in order to protect regular travelers that will be out on the roads."

Darkness then looks at Megumin and Cielo and tells them-

"OK, you heard what Kazuma said. If we see a Tranquility Girl; don't let yourselves feel sorry for it. Harden your hearts and do what must be done."

They both nod before we continue on our way.

As we continue walking, I do a little more reading on this monster; mainly about its natural enemy.

"Hey guys, there's something ahead of us?"

Says Megumin, making us come to a stop.

We then look ahead of us, along the path until our eyes fall upon the small, frail looking child that was sitting just off to the side of the main path we were on.

"Do you think it could be a Tranquility Girl?"

Asked Cielo.

Darkness nods as she draws her new sword; probably itching to break it in.

Not that she ever really broke her old sword in, considering her pension for NOT hitting anything.

"Yeah, probably. Just remember what Kazuma told us about the books warnings on this monster. Harden you heart and don't let yourself feel sorry for it."

Cielo slides on her Blast gloves and Megumin pulls out my old short sword as the three of them began to approach the Tranquility Girl.

I look back in the direction we had come from; wandering just how much further back Yunyun must be from us before turning back towards the girls while saying-

"Kill it quickly, you guys. Ever second you delay is a second it can... can't be serious here."

I give the girls a deadpan look as they had gone from going in to kill it to kneeling down beside it; babying it and shower it with affections.

I sigh as I take a few steps closer to them.

They all look at me as Megumin says-

"Kazuma, please... this poor girl looks really hurt. Isn't there anything you can do for her?"

The Tranquility Girl looks at me with tear filled eyes that was clearly fake, to me at least.

"Please mister, it hurts so much."

She said with a weak, frail little whimper.

Yeah, that's not going to work on me here... kid?

I place a hand on my head as I sigh exasperatedly.

"You idiots, what did I just tell you all a few minutes ago? Didn't I warn you about this very thing happening? How could you all fuck up like this just moments after being told not too. Are you guys really that... stupid? Wait, what am I saying here; of course you three are that stupid. Wait, I take it all back. I'm the stupid one here for not having learned this all about you lot, given how long I've known you all."

They three of them glare at me as Darkness says-

"Kazuma, is this really the time to be insulting us here? We have a clearly very injured little girl in need of help and here you are being an ass about some stupid monster that isn't even present."

"Wait... excuse me here. Are you all being serious with me or are you all just stupid? JUST look at her and you can clearly see the the tree parts of her growing out of the ground in going up her clearly leaf made dress. This isn't exactly rock science here... not that any of you would know what rocket science even is I guess."

Their glares at me intensify as Megumin says-

"Kazuma, I know you're lacking in a lot of areas but I always thought you were at least a decent guy deep down. I never knew you could be such a heartless bastard."

Eh...EH?

Did she just call me a...?

I don't know if I should be really pissed off right now or shocked to hear her use such language?

"Is he... wanting to hurt me?"

Asked the Tranquility Girl timidly, making the three of them hug her even more comfortingly.

Cielo then says in a reassuring tone.

"Don't worry, little one. I promise we won't let him perform such villainous acts upon you."

Oh, so me dealing with a clearly dangerous monster makes me a villain huh?

Fine then, if I need to be the bad guy here; need to get my hands dirty, then fine-

I'll play the bad guy role; both for you three idiots and for all the poor souls that will come along after us-

Like Yunyun as; you you three can fall for this creatures charms, then she would surely have zero chance seeing as she's the loving and nurturing member of the party.

Question now is just how should I do this...?

Oh, I know what to do here.

"(deep breath) "Oh, what have I done. You three are right. How could I ever mistake this poor girl for being a dangerous monster. Just wait, small child for I shall come over and heal you at once."

I know my acting was being very hammy and poor here and anyone with half a brain would have seen through it immediately.

Which clearly said a lot about these three as they were clearly buying my shtick hook-line-and-sinker.

Even the Tranquility Girl wasn't doubting my shoddy performance here.

A take a few steps forward before making a very fake sounding gasp sound.

"GASP! Everyone, watch out behind you. It's a giant Iron Buck Beaver; the natural enemy of the Tranquility Girl. It must think this small child is its natural prey. Be quick for we must defend her."

Immediately, the girls jump to their feet and, as I had hoped, they made a wall opposite me; leaving me a clear opening to attack the Tranquility Girl, who had also looked in the direction I had said it was at.

"Don't you dare come near this small poor... child?"

"Say, where's the Iron Buck Beaver, Kazuma?"

Slide... whoosh... clink-

They go rigid as they turn back to look at me as I return Chunchunmaru to its sheath.

They then look at the Tranquility Girl, seeing her head hit the ground which quickly looses its human like appearance; now taking on a guise that made it look like someone had carved a human face out of a decently wide yet small tree.

I then look at them and say-

"Well, that takes care of that. Now, let's hurry up and continue on to the village. And do make sure you three breath in the fresh, unfragranced air so you can clear you heads quicker."

Instead, they all pounce me and beat me up for the next few minutes till their heads had been cleared.

================{ Part 6: What Awaits Them Under A Starry Sky }==================

Night had fallen and we had decided to make camp for the night.

I turn my attention away from the camp fire for a moment to gaze at the girls, who had been unable to look at me ever since they had regained their senses.

Once the Tranquility Girl's charm had ended, they were naturally quick to apologize to me for letting themselves fall under her charms despite having just been warned, and reminded of the dangers she represented.

My response-

"Yeah, yeah; we all know the drill by now. You guys make a goof, I have to come save you butts and I end up getting the short end of the stick in the end. We all know how this goes so lets just forget about it and move on... until the next time it happens that is."

Maybe it was because of the regret over this latest incident or perhaps it was because of my sarcastic tone mixed with my deadpan expression... or maybe it was both.

Either way, they hadn't said a word to me sense then and every time I caught them looking at me; they would always look away quickly.

I just decided to let it be.

I mean, its not like my words alone will change anything at this point.

And, if I was being honest here; I was kinda getting us to it.

Like I said before; like it or not, this is my life now.

Terrific!

Anyway, back to the moment we were currently at; we had just finished eating dinner and it was time for us to be hitting the hay.

"So, how are we going to do this?"

Asked Megumin; referring to the issue with sleeping out here in the open like this.

"sigh You three go ahead and get some sleep. With my skills, I'm the best option when it comes to doing the whole night watch job."

They all look at me with Darkness saying-

"We can't do that, Kazuma. What can't ask you to do this for us too... not after... what you did for us... before..."

"What, you still thinking about that? I told you all to forget about it so do that already. Besides, I've always been a bit of a night owl so staying up for one night won't kill me. I might need to have one of you carry me in the morning so I can try to get a little sleep then but who knows?"

Cielo shakes her head, then says-

"Sorry Kazuma, but we can't in good conscious go doing that to you, especially after what happened before. You say we should just forget about it but how can we? Even for us, that was a big screw up back there."

"Cielo's right, Kazuma. We need to make it up to you somehow. At the very least, let us help you deal with the night watch. We can each take turn doing that. I can take the first watch, then Cielo, and finally Darkness."

Said Megumin, getting a nod from the others.

I wanted to tell them that it wasn't necessary but I already knew this was an argument I wouldn't win.

So, I just sigh again and accept their terms.

Fifteen minutes later, Darkness and Cielo had turned in for the night and, from the sound of it, were already asleep.

I, meanwhile, was poking at the logs in the camp fire with a stick for no particular reason.

"The star's are really beautiful tonight, aren't they?"

Came Megumin, making me turn my gaze towards her; seeing her gaze into the night sky.

I look skyward as well and, after a moment.

"Yeah, it really is, huh?"

Megumin then goes from looking at the sky to looking at me and ask-

"So, is the night sky over Japan look as good as the sky we're under tonight?"

I take a moment before I respond.

"Not really. For one thing, all the lights in the big cities pretty much drowns out the stars. Even in the countryside, you can't really see the stars all that well, not like you can around here. It's all... rather complicated to explain really."

"I don't mind listen, if you want to talk about it..."

Said Megumin as she gets up from her spot and comes walking over to me, taking a seat right beside me; sitting very close at that.

"In fact, I really want to hear about the land Kazuma comes from."

"You want to hear about my homeland, huh?"

I consider her words; consider what I could say, how to explain it all to someone from a world like this.

"In my homeland; the city's can be so much bigger than Axel; with building that rise into the sky so high that one can feel like they could easily touch the stars. The roads aren't made of stone but concrete where horseless carriages called cars move along at very high speeds. I wish I could show you... all of you what it looks like as simple words alone are not enough to suffice."

"Then let's go there, Kazuma. Would you take us to see your homeland one day?"

I hesitate, wondering if it would be OK for me to tell her the truth.

I mean, was that even something a individual like me is allowed to do, to tell them about the existence of other worlds?

To reveal to them that their world isn't the only one that exist in this universe.

I didn't know; it was something I need to ask Eris about, maybe Chris,; whichever one I spoke with first.

For now, I'll simply just say this to her until I know more.

"That... isn't possible, Megumin. My being here... now, with all of you. I guess you could say it was an accident; an experiment gone wrong. Where I'm from is a land that's so far away that even the most advanced ship sailing the ocean could never reach it. Fact is; there is no going home for me."

From the corner of my eye, I noted a fear pass over her face; being reflected in her eyes as she brings her hands to her chest.

She hesitates saying anything at first; then finds the courage to ask me-

"I see... but if it was possible for you to go back, would you?"

"Would I go back? (long pause) Sure, I would like to go back, if only so I could see if I could grab all my old stuff to bring back here. But going back to live, to reconnect with old friends and family? There's nothing back there that would make me want to stay. My life there was... well, let's just say that while things here haven't always been... pleasant, it's still been better than my life back there and then."

"I see... that's good to hear. So, does that mean that you would say you're happy here?"

I'm sure she wanted to add "... with us" to her question though she didn't.

I turn to see her looking at me with wide, expectant eyes.

Here now, in this moment, with the light of the star filled sky shining down upon her-

Megumin had never looked more beautiful.

And, in that moment, for just an instant; I considered closing the distance between us and kissing her.

And judging from the look she had on her face, I wondered if that's what she wanted too?

Instead, I say-

"... Yeah, yeah I guess I would. Despite all the troubles I often suffer, I am happy here."

I then feel her rest her head upon my shoulder; placing a hand upon mine which I turn; allowing her fingers to interlock with one another.

"Me to; I'm happy here too. And I hope, these happy times will last forever. That we can stay together... forever."

And we remained like that, holding hands with her head resting on me, for a long while after.

{Insert Image 4}

================={ Part 7: What Awaits Them In That Open Field }=================

(Megumin POV)

Damn it; what was wrong with me?

Last night had been going so well and the mood had been nothing less than perfect.

It had been the perfect chance for me to finally start repaying Kazuma for all his kindness.

So why the hell did I end up falling asleep after resting my head on his shoulder?

Kazuma must have been so annoyed with me too.

When I had looked into his eyes last night; I could see there was a desire there coming from him-

A desire to do something more personal; dare I even say more... intimate.

And the thing that shocked me was the fact I was fully open to him doing anything in that moment too.

Which was even more shocking do to the fact I did have that whole shtick about not being interested in all that lovey dovey mushy stuff.

I had proudly proclaimed, multiple times actually, that I never had been nor would I ever be.

And yet, last night, not only had I been; I think I might have even wanted it to happen between us.

So why did I have to go fall asleep at that time?

I completely ruined the mood by doing that.

When I woke up, it sun had just risen and I found myself having been placed upon my make shift bed by Kazuma.

And even more than that, not only had I refused to wake up, but neither did Darkness or Cielo; meaning Kazuma had to go the whole night watching over us without any of us helping him...

At least, that's what Kazuma said though Darkness wonders if he was just being nice by letting us get our 'beauty' sleep there?

I honestly didn't know the answer to that but there was something I did know though-

Before this trip is over, I will somehow find a way to recreate that atmosphere we had last night and I would do what I should have done last night.

Kazuma deserved that and I would personally make sure he gets it too.

That was my duty as his partner and second in command, his best friend, and his...

"Hey, looks like we've come out of the forested pathway and into a massive plains area."

Said Cielo; feeling the need to point out what was so clearly obvious to us.

And I'm not salty about her interrupting my thoughts either.

"Say Megumin, can you tell us anything about these plains here? And how much farther do you think we need to go before reaching your village?"

Asked Kazuma.

I pull out the pocket watch he gave me and look at the time on it; I then look at them and say-

"If we keep going without a break; we could be there by late afternoon. In other words, we're making surprisingly good time here. As far as the plains themselves? There's nothing really special to worry about with them as most of the beast that originally roamed them are either dead or away due to their migration patterns. The one thing you should be wary of though are the Orcs, Kazuma. If they see you then there will be trouble for you."

Kazuma didn't like the sound of that; obviously.

"Mm, Orcs, huh? Just imagine, to find myself being captured by an army of those ravenous beast; who's libido was rumored to be the stuff of legends."

We all look at her but say nothing as no words could describe what any of us must be feeling.

I did consider informing Darkness of a certain truth about Orcs; one that I know would break her heart and crush her perverted dream she was longing for now.

But I decide to not take that from her; at least not right now.

With that, we continued our journey through the open field and soon, we spied something laying on the ground.

"Hold on a moment; I'll use Farsight to see what it is."

Said Kazuma as he activated his skill.

"OK, I can't be sure of anything beyond the fact its laying on its back with its head tilted away from us. It has pinkish colored skin that appears to be slowly turning red. And... it's wearing an apron?"

"It has to be a female Orc then; probably out sun bathing in order to get a tan."

I said as I honestly couldn't think of what else it could be here.

Cielo then places a hand on my shoulder, asking-

"Well Megumin; you're the area expert here. What should we do?"

I wanted to say we should take the long way round it; my gut was telling me we should do that-

But I also wanted to reach the village as quickly as possible; to make sure Komekko was OK too.

So, I decide to throw caution to the wind here.

And besides, I was confident that even if we were spotted; it was only just the one Orc which means we would have no problem keeping Kazuma safe.

"Let's go ahead and keep going as is, but move slowly and quietly. I'd rather not wake it up should it be asleep as Orcs do love to nap when they are tanning themselves."

So, moving as quietly as a mouse, we made our way over to the Orc then carefully began to walk past it.

As we do so, I hear Darkness mumble to herself; her voice was sort of quiet yet still louder than I would have liked.

"Ugh... it's a female Orc. Here I was thinking we could have some fun out here too."

"Darkness, you seriously need help."

Said Cielo.

"Or she needs to get laid or something?"

Said Kazuma; whispering his words to me.

At least he was trying to take my warning seriously.

After passing the Orc, and being worried when Darkness had stopped and waved her hands before its closed eyes, when started to continue onwards when-

"Hm, what have we here?"

The deep, gravely sounding voice said from behind us, making us all freeze in place.

A shadow then rises up over us, making us look back to the see Orc rise up, none of us even reaching her waist in terms of height.

"Oh, looks like we have some visitors walking through Orc territory. Mm..."

She kneels down to get a better look at us.

"What do you mean 'you're land?' This area is considered shared property with us Crimson Demons or have you forgotten that?"

I said defiantly though the female Orc ignored me.

Her eyes then fall onto Kazuma, making them go wide as she starts to drool.

"Oo, a man. Haven't seen one in quite some time. Would you like to come with me back to my village. Me and my friends would treat you like a king if you do."

Kazuma takes a few steps back, his face not hiding his growing fear.

"Um... thanks for the offer... but I'd rather not if it's all the same to you."

I get in between Kazuma and the Orc; saying with as much of a threatening tone as I could muster here-

"Don't even think about it, lady Orc. This man here is MY mate and I'm not in the mood to share him with you or your sisters."

I wondered if Darkness and Cielo... and maybe even Kazuma may have misunderstood the meaning behind my words there?

But I had to phrase it like I did as it was the best chance he had of being left alone.

Perhaps his only chance here too.

The female Orc looks at me, studies me, for a few moments before a deep, booming laugh rings out.

"O-O-O-O-Ho; that funny joke you just make. Think you have what it take to please such a man, little child? It might be amusing to watch here. But no time; need to get him home to start grand mating festival. Now, move out of way and let me help him head home with me."

Immediately, me, Darkness, and Cielo form a wall between Kazuma and the Orc as Darkness says-

"Don't be thinking we'll just be letting you lay your hands on our Kazuma here. You may be big and covered in muscles, but we have numbers on our side and we will defend him no matter what."

The Orc cocks her head, clearly confused by Darkness's words.

"What you mean 'we have numbers', bulky metal girl? Are you saying you have more than us?"

Before anyone could respond; the Orc then makes a weird sounding cry into the air.

Moments later, the ground begins to shake as a wall of shapes comes into view; heading towards us quickly.

"Sorry... but me and friends must disagree with you. Now, hand over man or else this get ugly."

"Kazuma... now would be a good time to start running."

I said to him; his response was to do just that as he turns tail and activates his Sprint skill and books it.

Immediately, before we could follow, the female Orc pushes past us as she gives chase, as do the other incoming female Orc's' changing their direction to follow after their friend.

We also quickly begin the chase, though our reason was to save him, not to have sex with him.

At least not yet.

What? I'm started to become open to the idea!

"Megumin, I don't understand. Why are they so obsessed with getting their hands on Kazuma? Shouldn't there be plenty of male Orcs back in their village that can satisfy them?"

Cried Cielo as we desperately tried to close the distance between us and the Orcs; failing miserably.

"Not anymore. Word has it about a hundred years ago, most of the male population was wiped out in some kind of Orc purge or something. The few surviving males ended up being overworked, if you know what I mean, by the females which killed them and now, all that's left are the females so they are forced to kidnap males from other species in order to compensate for the loss."

Somewhere during my explanation, Darkness had jerked her head towards me and said-

"Wait, what are you saying? That all the male Orcs, who are the enemies of all women in the world, are dead and gone?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

Darkness comes to a dead stop before collapsing onto her hands and knees; her fist beating into the ground as she cries out in utter pain-

"Why, why, lady Eris? Just why are all the good things in this world taken too soon?"

"Darkness, now's not the time for that."

Screamed Cielo.

"Hey, you guys... I COULD SERIOUSLY USE SOME HELP RIGHT... GGGAAAHHHH!"

Kazuma screams as, despite the speed his Sprint gave him, one of the lady Orcs had managed to catch up to and pounce him; pinning him to the ground.

"KAZUMA!"

Both me and Cielo scream.

Darkness, hearing us, finally recovers from her sorrow as she returns to her feet, then charges forward as she yells out-

"OK, I'm in a bad mood now. Get off my friend right now you pig face before I have to..."

Her words are cut off as another female Orc, the biggest and most muscular one I had ever seen, blocks Darkness's way-

And when Darkness tries to attack her; the Orc simply sends in fist swinging down low in an upward motion; belting Darkness so hard that she's sent flying all the way back towards the forested area we had just been traveling through.

"snort Puny, weak human woman."

"GUYS, DO SOMETHING... ANYTHING HERE. I'M FINE WITH EVEN BEING BLOWN UP!"

Screamed Kazuma as the Orc that had tackled him was now picking him up, making sure to keep his arms pinned to his side.

Cielo goes in, readying her fist to do some damage but two more Orcs tackle her; one of them smacking the back of her head hard enough that she is knocked out immediately.

"No... damn it; Explo..."

I go to unleash my spell, not worrying about the this and that right now.

But an Orc comes in from behind me, moving with a swiftness that shouldn't be possible as I feel a chop hitting the back of my head now too.

As I collapse onto the ground; the last thing I see before the darkness takes me was the Orcs walking away with Kazuma as he tries and fails to free himself from their grasp.

"...K-Kazuma... I...I'll save... you..."

And then, my world went dark...

Next time: Well, looks like Kazuma's boned... in more ways than one it seems. Will someone be able to save him or is he about to experience the worst form of death by Snu-Snu? Find out next chapter.

Image 1:An excited and fast moving Kazuma carrying a blushing Yunyun bridal style in his arms.

Image 2: Two images; one of a tied up Kazuma and embarrassed Yunyun and the other an angry Megumin and Darkness, arms crossed over their chest.

Image 3: Kazuma standing in his room; a thought bubble hanging over him that shows an undefined image of Yunyun kissing Kazuma (meaning there's no details like eyes in the image, just outlines).

Image 4: A back shot of Kazuma and Megumin under a star filled sky; Megumin's head on Kazuma's shoulder.

{Bonus Short}

(Note, this is just a comedic scene, only meant for laughs and doesn't have to be considered canon to the main story if you don't want it to be. It's purely for a laugh, nothing more.)

The gathered five watch the image being shown to them from the large orb; watching as Kazuma gets carried away by the female Orcs while his companions lay unconscious upon the ground.

Complex "So, are we going to just sit here and do nothing as big bro... Kazuma gets defiled?"

Shy "I agree, one of us should go over there right now and save him before it's to late."

Ego "(shaking her head) No, let's just sit back for now and see how this will all play out here."

Passion "Believe it or not, I agree with her her on this. Let's see where this little development is going to go?"

Complex "Eh? What's wrong with you, two? Why are you wanting to see Kazuma get raped here?"

Passion "Don't misunderstand us, Complex. It's not like we WANT to see that happen to Kazuma. It's just that..."

Ego "But we need to consider the opportunity here. In all the various time lines we have observed, have been to; this is the first we've ever seen Kazuma actually get kidnapped by those Orcs while the others are unable to do anything. Aren't you the least be curious how this will play out? How he might get himself out of this one?"

Passion "Or, if he can't, how it will effect him physically, mentally, and emotionally going forward?"

Shy "Well, I am a bit curious myself."

Complex "Yeah... I guess I am too... wait, this still isn't right though. Glutton, what do you...?"

Glutton "Mm... mm... Ka-zu-MAAAAHHHHH!"

They all look at Glutton, giving her a deadpan look.

All of them "Hey, stop touching yourself around us. If you need to do that, take it outside!"