Chapter 4: The Talk

A/N: Delayed I know, I have been distracted and had less time than I'd like to work on this, but I did finish this. But I did finally crank this out.

But Forwarned this chapter has some lemon in it, that involving a large monstrous Elias and Chise so if you're not into that thing you were noted here.

Naofumi had stormed out of the castle a little more than just pissed off. He was steaming red, and if he could see his eyes they were a deep shade of red. 'That no good lying stuck up, self righteous piece of-' The insults continued to spew and roll around in his mind. Once again he'd been betrayed, sticking his neck out for this country only to have a knife shoved into his back. 'I hate this whole damn country! I swear if there wasn't another surefire way of getting back home then I'd make sure this entire place burned to the ground!'

'All these people staring at me! Judging me! Like I asked to be brought here, and all of you- ALL OF YOU JUST STARE!'

The crowds around him were indeed staring, their vision fixed on the Shield Hero. His red glowing eyes were the focal of their attention, but he was far too pissed to think or see straight. Hosting up a single middle finger Naofumi stormed off, giving the entire crowd of people a generous bird as a parting gift. Whether they understood the meaning or not.

Right now he just wanted to feel some sense of satisfaction. BUt the King's words still followed him, aggravating him. Toying with him. 'Raphtalia. Dammit I never should've let them take you! I should've fought harder!'

All of the memories of his- His! Humiliation at Motoyasu's hands, because of that red headed bitch! His footsteps took on a new fever, faster, without direction he just kept moving as the small remnants of his sanity kept him from stopping and perhaps breaking the teeth in of the nearest person.

He just kept moving, never stopping until- "AHAH! Shield Hero my most loyal of customers, back again I see?" A sharp business voice cut through the tension in his mind like an axe.

"Huh?" Naofumi's head turned towards him, he was standing in front of the slaver's tent. His purple suit, top hat and monocle on full display. A rotund body that still moved lively along with his french thin styled curled mustache on his face. Greed and coins flickered in his eyes along with a single golden tooth that shined brilliantly amongst his others.

"Well what brings you down this way, looking for another slave? I heard you had quite the trouble with the last one I sold you." His voice dropped lower as he spoke. "If you'd be so kind as to step inside I might have some information for sale that you might find- valuable- His grin ever expanding as he gestured for Naofumi to join him inside.

A small shot hit Naofumi, "Raphtalia? You-"

"Shh, not so loud sir Shield." The slaver hushed, bidding him to come inside. "Far too many ears and I don't give this stuff out without compensation." Though there wasn't much more convincing needed as the Shield Hero followed him inside. The curtain falling to the side as the large warehouse style canvased area, still full of slaves and life reminding Naofumi of his first visit here not too long ago.

"What do you know of Raphtalia?" He didn't try and cut corners, and he pulled out ten pieces of silver that he had 'freed' from the bandits and held out a hand. He was going to waste time, considering who he was dealing with.

"My, my." THe slaver grinned as he took the offering. "I see that my demi human slave has left quite an impact, but of course the information." He cleared his throat and pulled out a small letter. "It seems that your demi human was scheduled to be purified by the three heroes church," He looked up and chuckled, "In essence that would strip her of all her experience and levels. Basically she would be no better off than when you found her."

"What!?" He was a bit stunned by the revelation, what was the point? "Why would they do that!? Raphtalia didn't do anything to them and it's okay to just take everything from her?"

The slaver stroked his chin before explaining. "Well some powerful forces, royalty no doubt wanted to see this happen. I only say that because she was escorted there by royal guard knights in chains." He released a throaty laugh, " I guess freeing her meant enslaving her elsewhere."

Naofumi took a step back before sitting back down on a wooden bench. Grasping the sides of his head as his fingers weaved through the black locks. 'I'm so sorry Raphtalia… I wasn't there to protect you. I shouldn't have given up. I needed to win!'

The only person that had mattered to him up until that point had been stripped away in more than one way. It was a gut punch right to the chest.

"Ho, Ho my friend." The chortling laugh of the pot bellied man came as he walked towards Naofumi and put a hand on his shoulder. "I never said I was done. No sir, because your dear demi human was actually saved," His smile gave Naofumi more to fear than relief as he came closer to whisper. "That raccoon girl was hand picked by the Holy Mother of the Three Heroes Church and is currently in her care."

It took a moment, but Naofumi's jaw slightly dropped. "Then-"

"Yes my dear boy, oh yes. She is just fine, the purification never happened as she was seen leaving with the Holy Mother this morning. Many people are quite drawn to the religious saint, Humans, Demi's, and Monsters all alike. This next part is on the house," He sat down and put an arm around Naofumi. "Ever since her arrival in the capitol, monsters have been seen swarming in masses not seen ever before, people flocking to the capitol and there even talks of other nations wishing to see this Saint for themselves. Now I personally haven't seen or met her, but there's no shortage of people who'd want to be getting close to her." He lowered his monocle to look at the Shield Hero. "There's even the notion that a massive black winged demon is said to be stalking this religious saint."

The truth of those words was more than evident as that very same winged 'demon' was inside the royal palace.

"Now, how about we get you a suitable replacement for that Demi Human- I have quite the new selection and even a fresh stock of eggs which I'll cut you a deal on for a single gold piece!"

The slaver droned on for a bit. Never seeming to run out of things to sell or words to share, as Naofumi had been given some relief that Raphtalia was safe for now. 'It seems that me and Elias are sharing ever intertwined fates, Chise is the Holy Mother and now has Raphtalia in her care. While it's not perfect I'd rather have her there than anywhere else at the moment.

"So would you care to press your luck." An outstretched arm showed the way to a small dozen eggs, each one neatly packaged and arranged in a wooden crate. " One gold piece can net you a Filolial or if you're really lucky it could be a dragon egg that can be worth up to ten gold pieces."

As the shield Hero hadn't been fully paying attention to what had been said up to this point he looked at the stand set up. "You mean those large birds?" The round man nodded his head eagerly.

"Yes, a Filolial is stronger than a horse, and usable in combat. They say Heroes that use them are even stronger. It would make a suitable replacement for the Demi-Human who might be a quick sword and shield yet a Filoali is able to use wind magic, but if that wasn't good enough it might be a good source of transportation." The laugh that came next made Naofumi grimace, "We wouldn't want a legendary Hero coming into town after slogging through muddy roads and looking defeated now would we?"

"Where did you hear that tall tale?"

"No where, but perhaps many people just viewed a familiar looking customer of mine resting his feet at the entrance of the city." His finger's tweaked his mustache. "But I'm certain that you could use the help regardless of the reasons?" His arm gestured towards the box, "So how about it? Just a single gold piece?"

Naofumi might be hesitant but the man he was dealing with did have a way with words and Naofumi would be needing more help down the line.

[***]

Back in the palace Myne had whisked away the dashing Lindel aka Elias in disguise to a balcony several wings away from her father, not that it mattered as Elias had a firm grasp of what was going on even if he was not in the room. "Might I ask where you come from Mister Lindel?" Myne said, putting on her finest act. The kindness and sincerity was turned up to eleven. Bringing him some tea that the maid had prepared and was even gracious enough to pour the dashing gentleman a cup.

"Oh, my origins. That would be a tad boring of a story, an older man like me would much rather hear of such a fascinating young woman's endeavors." Elias said smiling as he took a small sip of tea. 'Sweet, but no real potency.' Keeping up the demeanour of a proper gentleman was like sleeping to him. This style of human interaction had flavored many of his actions with humans over millennia.

'Humans always seem much more at ease around those who they deem respectable, reliance on outward appearances shape one's perception so much.' Elias set down his cup and folded his fingers together.

"You are too much Lindel, I am Princess Myne L Melramarc, 2nd in line to the royal throne and assistant to the Spear Hero Sir Motoyasu." Myne took her own drink of tea and then sat across from Elias who nodded along with her.

"Such accords I see why you are nobility. A charming young woman of mind and body." Elias could feel the ego in this female. Everything was built around their own desire for recognition. When he spoke of her she grew more engaging, blushing and seeming to be enthralled by attention. 'The human term Narcissist comes to mind.' balancing how much they enjoyed their own attention and accolades. "Although if I may ask a question."

Mne was smiling to herself, "Please, no need to ask for permission, you can freely speak your mind."

"Might I ask why you picked to be a party member of the Spear Hero? Was there a particular reasoning for it?" Bringing up his hands he folded them under his chin letting them rest comfortably.

"Oh, that story is a bit complicated. Are you sure you'd like to hear the whole story?"

Elias nodded, "I would, such tales fascinate me, of course the audience I am with can also be of such a great help as well." Though there was another reason, one more pressing to his situation as he sat back and took in the full story, her explanation of how she had been betrayed by Naofumi- his current partner- and the horrid condition of her assault at his hands. Then the noble spear Hero stepping up to support and protect her helped land her at his side.

Confirming the story as told to him by the Shield Hero was another step forward- he trusted Naofumi- But trust could always be broken. There was only one person on this planet that had his total trust and she was currently in someone's else's greedy hands.

The second princess then responded to Elias's question with a similar one "Might I ask why you Sir Lindel are helping the Shield Hero? "

Elias smiled, "I assure you despite the uncouth company I was keeping earlier. This is merely a debt I am repaying to the Shield Hero. I have no true loyalties other than my word to aid him." He took another sip of tea.

"Oh," Myne pouted slightly, "What could the Shield Hero have done to make you owe them a debt." She folded her hands up, her elbows touching the table as she ever so slightly squeezed the sides of her breasts together on the table edges, the view of her cleavage being expanded in a subtle manner.

"The Shield Hero and I had been attacked while traveling in a Caravan to the capital. Without the Shield Hero's help I might've been killed." He took in a full breath, "After such an act I felt it only proper to return the favor. I shall help the Shield Hero as a debt of gratitude."

Myne remained quiet, her hands slipped down onto the table before her fingers slowly began moving in and out of their locked position before going back in, repeating several times. "Would you perhaps reconsider your reasons for helping him after what I've told you, Lindel?"

Elias noted the insinuation, 'I'll play along.' "Agreements are merely words, especially considering your royal status I would be a bit of a fool to neglect such an offer." He withdrew his hands and sat back. "Although I'm not sure how much help I would be able to offer, I may have some magic but I'm no real good in a fight."

"Oh that's no worry, what I need is a man of strong will and character. Someone who…" Her voice lowering. "Knows what the right thing to do is?"

"Certainly," His head nodded along with her words. "What would you like of me Princess Myne?" Using her established title to feed more into her ego, Elias would take the information provided and use it to the best of his own knowledge.

"If you can't leave the Shield Hero's side, then if you wouldn't mind keeping an eye on him? You see the Devil of the Shield can't be trusted and if you can make sure he stays in line like a proper gentleman such as yourself then perhaps a certain arrangement can be made later." She tossed her hair back, "If you can help me with this task then I will need help down the line when I become the first princess. If you do then well… I might have positionings and openings available in my reign that would need filling with capable men."

'Hmm perhaps there might be some use for her. A royal princess would have some way in some areas and the way that her father was reacting around her leads me to believe that her sway over the King. A fortuitous opportunity for me.' Recalling the conversation with Naofumi Earlier in the day and how they discussed what would be way off of this world.

'If I want to escape I will need more information and knowledge.' While certain of his own abilities there were always difficulties in teleportation magic. It wasn't complicated but making a full world-spanning transportation magic always came with risks, leaping from location to location could strain the magic caster and if this planet required a separate cast of the spell then would in more likelihood send them teleporting into another section of the world or another one even more different than this.

'I need more, but not directly.' "If I can be provided access to this country's finest magics. I would offer you my services." He laughed heartily, "I'm a glutton for more information."

The 2nd princess of Melramarc laughed with him, "Of course Lindel, I can promise you all the magical tomes, crystal balls that you desire. But for now I want you to keep a strict eye on the Shield Hero and report anything that might be even the slightest bit suspicious to me. He's already attacked me once so I'd like you to be careful as well."

Tipping his head to her, "I will most certainly be wary of him Princess. However, I believe I should be making my way back and finding The Shield Hero." Looking back towards the doors where they had come. "I heard quite the commotion while we were here chatting awhile ago."

Myne pouted a bit, "Aww, well I guess I shouldn't hold you back then. Just be sure to collect as much information on Naofumi as you can."

Getting to his feet Elias offered a farewell bow, "I assure you that I will do just that my lady."

The redheaded princess got up from her seat and walked over to Elias who drew himself back up. She took him by surprise leaning up and placed a firm kiss on his cheek, "Next time, perhaps we could be a bit more." Her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "Available?"

With a giggle she turned around and left as red eyes flared from the once calm gentleman, his visage straining against the magic underneath as bone pressed against the magical cover. Yet he swung himself away and covered his face with a hand, assuming the pose of a man in thought. Though it was to conceal the burning emotions rolling through him.

Elias made his way out of the Royal palace, wanting to find a nice and pleasant place to properly spit out the bile that had been placed upon him and then perhaps grind down the side of his face to remove such malicious taint that had been placed upon him. 'If it were my real face I'd have properly bitten her head off.' Elias was not afraid of signs of affection but there was zero reason for another female to put her lips on his face without his expressed consent. Chise had been allowed such rights as was appropriate, they had shared in intimacy before and would only be proper for them to have such displays. Afterall she had his consent, no one else did.

"Humans… I wonder which parts of me makes me more monstrous." His mind figuring that while a fae may be illogical in terms of humans, they would at least show one another more respect than this.

Tricks, games, and deceptions were never done maliciously, but Elias could not accept being- being- Kissed by a harlot! It was downright disgusting and he had to put on the act of being appreciative fully knowing that there might be a chance the act would be repeated. That only made him even more dreadful of what might be expected of him if that red haired princess continued to lust after him. The thicket of male pheromones that had been on her skin when he first had kissed it had been horrible enough, but then to be stuck closeby her and then having to smell it as she was so much closer?

"My beloved Chise, you are sweet and fragile, tender and reserved in your affections. It is why you are the ideal candidate for me. Nothing like an outspoken, loose, brazen, and demanding woman I've ever known. A child would be better suited to that ungrateful princess." Elias continued to vent his frustrations to himself as he put his hands into his pockets and started walking.

His goal of securing information had been achieved but at a steep price to Elais's personal pride. 'Perhaps i've become complacent with my interactions with humans, I've had more than my fair share or maybe this world just has an extreme lack of moral character and an unwillingness to hold one's self to a high standard.'

The goal of knowing whether or not Naofumi could be his ally was confirmed. The foulness of the capital city was completely ridden with deception and lies. Ontop of all numerous symbols and monuments dedicated to the three heroes church sealed that all of those inside here were like the mad zealots of the 14th Centuries. Believing whatever they were told because God told someone to tell them that they were not doing the right thing.

'This dogmatic religion is a far cry from where Simon comes from, yet even the protestants from Britain still require me to do the work they can't handle.' His finger's massaged the side's of his illusion, the act alone helping to try and quell old emotions he hadn't felt in a long time. Anger, hatred, resentment, and some new ones that made his heart beat grow seem like a drum in his ears.

It took several more minutes until he finally calmed himself down, 'Anger is not solving my current situation. I should locate Naofumi and then proceed further.'

Setting his hands within his pockets, Elias started his short journey to locate the Shield Hero. It might take awhile walking, but he did leave a clever bell on Naofumi.

A trail that was evident as the mage made his way down the path seeming to saunter around without a purpose. Not taking the direct paths towards him, sticking along alley's inspecting shops as he passed.

'It's troubling that I'm already being followed…' The incognito mage thought, as he'd become more aware of the presence that was now following him. 'I thought perhaps people were just careful… whoever is currently tailing me was out on the roads not long ago. They are strong individuals and have trouble masking that fact, but more so they are going through all this effort to conceal themselves.'

Were they working for the royal family? The church? Or another force that he was yet to meet? Elias had to become less visible or rather…

He walked inside of a small shop, one that had a collection of linen and robes. 'A fool might believe me lowbrow enough to steal. But when would one have to steal if…' He brought his hand over his face and out of sight of those nearby drew it across.

A pair of cloaked figures waited down the street. They were innocuous at first, but they had not been doing this job as well as they had previously known when they had been spotted. Switching in and out of positions, but now both of them waited by the front door. Each on opposite sides of the other. Slightly obscured by stands and stalls that lined the street.

They were following a peculiar target and watching the store that he had entered. Another customer went in, and the two remained nearby. One walking down and by the shop, stopping across the way to seemingly gaze at one curio stand but to hold up a small mirror. The reflection of the shop across the way.

It remained quiet and unmoving for several minutes. The two cloaked figures moving and switching places with one another. Walking along the storefront and back at a leisure pace.

Watching until the door opened and a woman with white hair walked out, her body covered by a black robe. The distinct redness in her eye color gave an unsettling glare. But she merely seemed disinterested and walked down the alley.

The white haired woman rounded a corner before drawing up her hood. 'Seen enough to be forgotten. Human's who can not see one's face look harder, but one that you see is easier to look past for a few moments.'

Though he had completely changed height and appearance, the face was like a mask, from the appearance of a woman from long ago. They were looking for a man, not a woman and his robes concealed enough as he kept walking only to begin gradually gaining his height back and the feminine features returning to that of the dashing gentleman.

No one noticed or perhaps cared as Elias followed the trail-unknowingly- left behind by the Shield Hero some time ago.

[***]

The incognito mage weaved his way through the city, taking precautions against being followed for a second time. While he was certain of his abilities to evade detection again, he did not wish to make it a habit. Giving those who were more than likely working against him would be a detriment to constantly using his magic to evade detection.

Yet as he stopped at an Inn, one near a large commercial district of the city Elias already knew that the Shield Hero was inside. Moving along the edges of the building and noting the shutters were still open the mage pressed himself against the wall, his body becoming a shapeless black mass that quickly slipped upwards into the open window. Even for those who might see him, it would look more like a shadow or reflection.

Reforming himself into his refined form on the other side without a sound he was just several feet away from Naofumi. His back turned yet the mage could see that there was something in his hands.

"I see you have a new acquisition." Elias's voice caught Naofumi off guard as he held the egg he had gotten from the slave trader in his hands. Not that the decorative box didn't hide the fact from him.

Naofumi didn't seem at all surprised that Elias could just appear like that, but he had been his shadow for over a day so perhaps he was a bit used to it. Yet he looked at Elias with a bit of a harsher gaze. "Did your meeting with the princess go well?"

The mage slightly cocked his head at him, "If you are insinuating I wished to have that harlot touch me and force myself to act in order to gain her trust then yes. I would admit my meeting went well. But in terms of going through it again, I would rather not."

That surprised the shield Hero. "I see, so you weren't just running off with her?"

His magical face twisted and confused. "Why would I run off with her? Despite the red hair, she is nothing compared to my bride. That princess Myne has the flavor of charcoal, the smell of other men, and the interests that only planks of wood could hope to enjoy." Yet as Elias fixed himself into a more proper poise. "But she is a devious creature, no doubt she masquerades as a hapless princess in order to garner the favor of those around her. No doubt evident by the companion that she no doubt leads around with a string."

'Finally someone gets it.' "So what did she want, aside from jumping into your pants?" He half joked to which Elias snorted.

"She would not fit, nor would I let her get closer to me like that in any way." Elias walked over towards the bed and sat down on the edge. Giving himself a moment before finally breaking the illusion magic. Resting in a refined humanoid form, "This world is even more toxic than our own." Releasing an almost weary sigh, "the only positives is its use of magic, but that also should be put into the negatives as it's the reason I am here in the first place."

'I simply do not understand.'

"Did the princess give you anything?"

"Nothing physically, but her distrust of you is quite evident. She made no small mention of her dislike of your activities and offered me what she believed to be a hefty reward in defaming you."

"No surprise there, that bitch has manipulated so many just so she could get on her favorite hero's side and have her father back her every single step of the way." The reminder of his failure to see the truth of the second princess was still alarming.

Looking at Elias he couldn't also wonder if there was another grand deception at play as well. It wouldn't be too hard to imagine. A massive magical beast deciding to work with a Hero- one in particular- that had no friends anywhere, and no support. 'Perhaps I'm reading way too into these conspiracy theories. In my own head.'

The idea that somehow Elias might be in on it, 'But he was chained up underneath the three heroes church. Even if this was some type of ruse I doubt he'd come back and speak so negatively of the princess or help me as much as he has.'

So he let it pass, "The egg here is sort of a gamble. Depending on what hatches inside it could be a filolial or a dragon. The latter being almost ten times what I paid for, even if it isn't we could use a faster method of transport and perhaps a front line tank as they can be put to use in combat."

The mage examined the egg, "It looks nothing like the dragon eggs from our world."

"Well I mean it is-" There was a slight pause, 'dragons on-' "Whoa you're telling me there are dragons on Earth!?" That was probably even more crazy to believe than what he was holding.

"Of course, in the dragon aviary, there are not many of them but there are enough to keep the species going. The man who taught me magic oversees that section of land and protects it. It is a well kept secret but even if you return to Earth with me I doubt you will ever find it. It requires some level of magic to locate and even if you do, Lindel and the dragons will most likely incapacitate or turn you into food for the next young."

Naofumi just shook his head, "So our own world has crazy magic and monsters too?" This was even crazier than the video game world, a place that defied logic existed on a world that lived around science and technology and yet some ancient mage still existed back on Earth with a giant skull for a face and that same one was telling him that dragons existed on it too!? 'I don't know if I can take any more surprises…'

Elias nodded, "Indeed however, you should refer to them as Fae not monsters. They do live around humans but only a select few have the sight which allows mortal eyes to see them. Chise was fortunate to be born with her amazing magical powers and the sight, but these blessings are balanced, the fae work to be around her and their actions might not always be viewed as humans as kindness they do mean that she will never be without support."

His wolfen skull tilted downwards, "Is that surprise or confusion?" Piecing the expressions Chise had showed him, though it was more difficult to analyze on a male face. "Truly do you human's not realize that many old legends are in fact true or did you perhaps believe all of them were fabricated?"

"Before I came here I wouldn't have believed anything like that. Monsters, magic? It all sounds insane to me…" He found it within himself to actually laugh. "I mean it's-"

"Crazy? I disagree, Human's have merely been conditioned to believe what they are told. There are many in your world that have learned to live with those who are apart from you. Yet as I see in this world and back home, human's natural tendency to be led astray. To believe falsehoods and half truths because someone told them too. The crazy ones are far more accepting. Chise is human and yet accepts me and other fae without much question yet around people she is tentative, of course our neighbors and those of her own age don't give her much pause. I've observed that despite the unknown she willingly would choose to stay with me rather than any normal human."

Although he left out the fact that he bought her, Elias was certain that she wouldn't leave him regardless. There wasn't anyone else in his mind that would take her in as such she would remain in his possession and he would see to anything that might be a threat to Chise being with him… when they returned home of course.

"Maybe… but I couldn't imagine bringing Raphtalia back to Earth if given the choice". He looked down at his hands. "It would be better for her to stay here where there are others like her."

That he did not understand, 'Humans are always peculiar creatures' Elias cleared his throat drawing the hero's eyes up to him. "Is this Raphtalia not important to you? Are you not working with me to secure her release against those that wronged you?"

"Sure that's what I want if I'm being selfish. But really I want people like Raphtalia and the other villagers to have a world that they can actually live on happily. It would be enjoyable to leave the evil parts of this country to its fate but that would be even more selfish."

There was a mild pressure in the back of his mind however that told him that his morality and desire to remain righteous was incorrect. That those who hurt him deserved to pay, but that simply wasn't him. There was good in this country, it was just unfortunately covered by several layers of shit.

Elias folded his hands in his lap. "Yet you care for your Raphtalia do you not? So why not bring her to our realm from what I've told you? Would you not believe that she would be better in our care than this world?"

There was only a grunt that came out. "I can't think about that, I can barely think about what's going on in this world. I don't want to plan ten steps down the road. We have to find them first!"

"Despite your reiteration of that problem I have no doubt that I will succeed in reclaiming Chise. But I ask this to focus on what will be your next step going forward?"

"My next step? I just want her to be safe." He felt like he was becoming a broken record at this point. "Why do you keep asking me that?"

Elias exhaled and shook his boney head. "Because you are thinking short-term, when I bought my Chise it was not because I wanted a human companion. Then upon having her live with me this past year I've only thought of what else I could have and I only want more, I want to see Chise live much longer, I want to share with her my knowledge, to spend my moments waking up in bed with her, to share deep intimate moments and learn how to feel like a human and man." He gave the Hero a hard stare, "that is why I want her back, that is why I must succeed. If I do not I will never have those feelings again for there is no other human alive that is like my Chise. None that are worthy of being my bride."

"But that isn't my and Raphtalia's relationship. I bought her when she was still a sick child. I didn't buy her to make her my wife or anything like that and I certainly didn't think of anything sexual either. I was looking for someone who could become my sword and she helped me just as much I helped her."

Both men were looking right at each other. The elder mage then asked a most curious question "So you haven't had intimate relations with her yet?"

"No-! I wouldn't do that to Raphtalia. What kind of person do you take me for?" He was offended, "Sex is the last thing on my mind and I would never take advantage of her like that."

The wolfen skull then nodded, "I see well then I shall elaborate as to why Chise is exceptionally important to me and you must make your reasons as to why rescuing your demi human is the same level otherwise you will never look to the future."

"What the hell does that even mean?" Naofumi was confused, he didn't need more reasons to fight for Raphtalia. She was innocent in all of this that gave him more than enough motivation in his mind.

" As a young man you are reaching the levels of puberty where urges and desires will grow within you, I myself never experienced them directly due to my being, however." Deciding to explain his own personal reasons in hopes of inspiring his companion to do the same. " I shall tell you of my first time, it was one of the most… hmm… I would say exciting but it was also incredibly pleasurable. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to be so euphoric. Even more tantalizing than drinking Chise's mana straight from her honey core." He was a little too far gone to notice Naofumi's confused expression. It was one of those memories that Elias had relieved many times while trying to retain his own sanity while trapped at the hands of the church. That his beloved was still out there, that he had more than a reason to keep on going for her.

His cravings for such a woman had never been there at all before, but since he had never before tasted of maiden flesh, Perhaps in his younger years that he no longer recalled he had eaten something similar but in terms of an oral treat it was a first.

"I believe these male feelings exist within us, but I never felt a need to act upon them. Perhaps it is the beastial side of me but I told you before that Chise was my first of many things but she was just as apprehensive as I was when we consummated our affections. I know it is a bit improper to fall into such carnal acts with your partner before marriage and yet the thrill of experiencing something new had me feeling very hot, tense, and even perspiration which is quite rare for me." The boney skull was probably grinning ear to ear, but the Naofumi could only hear the eagerness in Elias's voice, that desire to have something back.

"Oh I must've seemed like a child. But when I removed her clothing and hovered overtop of her, my body bare and heavy, I never felt my heart beat against my ribs so rapidly."

"Hey- uhm would-" He really didn't want to hear this, but he was once again not aware of who he was dealing with.

He wasn't heard as Elias continued to embellish in his loss of his 'virginity'.

It was quiet in Elias's room, both parties were looking at one another, the monstrious Elias several times over larger than Chise, not in his refined human form, but his larger beastial one. "Are you sure?" The deep gravelly voice of the half human-half fae repeated while resting above her. His arms placed on either side of her head while his legs hung over the edges of the bed. Fortunately the bed was made to fit his refined form without issue and was handling even this challenge without too much difficulty. "I know you are not afraid of me, but is this what you want?"

She remained still, her voice not able to find itself for a moment, but when Elias pulled back as if suspecting that her fear was getting the best of her she reached up. "Wait…" His head turned down towards her. "It's not that. Well I'm not sure of anything really, but it doesn't mean I don't want to be close to you. I want… I want to be with you. I want you to be who you are Elias. I don't want the magic, I don't want anything except how you really are."

"Chise…" She always had a way with her words, " You make me feel like i'm not a monster when you speak such words. Could you… Could you say something more about me?" She moved him.

She smiled, "You don't get complimented very often." Her hands slowly reached up and his massive wolfen skull moved into her touch. Her fingers traced along his edges and gently stroked along the expanse of his head.

His head shook. "I've never been with anyone like this. But, but I like it when you say good things about me. Is this what the opposite of Jealousy is but you speak only about me?"

Ever since Elias had gotten possessive of Chise, her time with Stella showed the redhead that there were hidden emotions that she had never seen from him. Despite being a thousand years old if not more He didn't know how to handle something so basic, it was why Chise had -perhaps foolishly- reached out to show her companion that he was important to her. While being intimate with Elias in minor ways, touching, kissing, and other small tasks it was quite another to have him like this. "I trust you Elias and… I love you."

Elias released a heavy breath. The spell those words had upon him were incredible. "Chise…" His head dipped down further and his long tongue slipped from his mouth dropping over Chise's lips. Access was given as she opened her lips and let their tongues meet. It was their own unique thing, their personal way of kissing and loving each other.

The taste of her sweet mana aroused him and made his tongue swish and swirl over every orifice of her mouth, able to find the crumbs from the biscuits she had eaten before bed, and a light peppering of mint from the mouthwash she had used as well. Chise felt him close and her eyes closed to revel in their french kiss, but the hunger in Elias's eyes made her almost shudder, a twinge of fear did run down her body, but it was nothing compared to that warmth inside her own body. Being wanted and loved it was something she had wanted for a long time and now she was having it given to her freely.

Even if he was not human or wholly fae. He was still her Elias, her own lover. Elias's hands slipped down and under her back and hips. They were claws capable of ripping through a homunculus and breaking apart trees and now they were used to cradle her body and heft her closer.

Her other hand slipped alongside his face, touching and caressing the lines of his boney jaw. Skin or not he felt everything and it made him release a low rumble of approval. The grip on Chise's back tightened as he drew her up and even closer, the claws only slightly pushed into her back causing no pain as her hips made contact with the lower part of his chest.

His tongue whirled around inside of her mouth tasting everything but he wished to do something special. Any event required a commemoration or significant event to mark. His long tongue went rigid and as Chise's own eyes opened in confusion it pushed backwards into her throat and with a single snap connected their magical pathways. He let his own mana flow into her, the magic of his own sensations and feelings were imparted and passed onto her.

It stole her breath, as she felt Elias and in a way she had never even imagined. It made her gasp and release a choked gurgle as her throat was filled with a large tongue.

Elias stopped the connection immediately, her unease and discomfort went both ways. "Are you alright?" Pulling her back slightly from him.

Taking a moment to catch her breath. She nodded, "I'm fine."

"I'm sorry I wanted to make this moment special, were my actions displeasing to you?" Even for as imposing as he was, Chise could tell that he was upset as well. "I merely wished to mark this as our first time ever being like this, human's want cherished memories and I thought this would be unique for us."

The role of friend, apprentice, bride, lover, and mother always had a blending effect, never sure which one she would have to be when it came to him. "Elias it's not that I didn't… like it… I am human and it's just kind of overwhelming when you linked our bodies like that."

"You know what I did?" He set her down on the sheets. Still towering over her but his hands now held her by the small of the waist.

"I mean it was kind of obvious, I felt everything you did and everything I was doing to you. You also told me you could share memories and stuff like this before I guess I just wasn't ready for it."

"I see, I-"

Chise reached up and put two fingers up on his mouth, though he didn't often need to use it to speak. The act was to sush him. "You don't have to apologize. You didn't hurt me and it felt good, I just wasn't ready for it that's all." Elias dropped his head down his nose touching her cheek.

"You have such a way with words. I truly don't know what kind of man I would be right now if I had not met you and learned so much from you." Still nuzzling her she then kissed his boney face before taking the boney face in her hands. He moved without complaint as she looked into his eyes.

"You saved me, you gave me a home, family, friends, and a life I had forgotten how to live Elias. She then pressed another kiss directly over his lips. "I love you."

"I enjoy those words, even though logically they are just sounds, but they come from you, and because it's you I want to hear them more." In the history of all his conversations with humans and fae alike, none of them felt anything like this. He told her things that she wanted to hear to enamor her, letting her become dependent upon him. But holding her like this and hearing her, it was him who wanted to hear more. These words, phrases that caused him to feel… feel… truly alive. "My Chise."

He tilted his head and let his tongue slide back out to kiss her once again, their mouths linking once again. The taste of her mana flavored juices were his once more. Sweeter than honey, richer than chocolate, and it only made him hunger more.

Yet as they kissed his insistence pushed her backwards, her body falling onto the sheets as his frame engulfed her, pausing a minute later until Elias released a heavy sigh of lust. The light tremors coming out in the end.

"You really are getting into this." Chise giggled as Elias's red eyes closed. Trying to make light of what was to come.

"I haven't got into it yet my sweet puppy. But I plan too." His words had a little mischief in them as his head trailed down the long tongue sweeping down across her neck before proceeding downwards. The long sweeps touching the collarbone and top of her chest. "Female areolas on their breasts are supposed to be sensitive to stimulation."

"Well," Chise was blushing now, apparently Elias was attempting his version of pillow talk. "They are sensitive, especially when you're- you're using your tongue like that." It moved around her breasts winding itself around the sides before slowly working upwards to her tips. The pink protruding nubs, although still relatively small, were lathed over by Elias.

"It seems they are, but maybe I should experiment further." Seeing her flushed face and smelling such a rich fertile scent in the air the devious Elias brought his massive paws up, one was capable of covering her entire chest.

"I know… they're not very big." Even if she didn't mind, her chest wasn't that developed by comparison to Titania. It was a small part of her that wanted something that Elias would be happier if she did have a big breasts.

"Heheh," The monster chuckled, "They will still yet grow. They say stimulation will help with that and I accept your body as it is, big or small, I will still desire it."

"Thank you." She whispered, putting some of her small jealous pangs as his rough thumb swept over each of her nipples. His tongue licked the sweat between her breasts with slow intent. Continuing to gently need them applying a delicate scrape of his nails in order to draw out a slight pain-which only heightened her pleasure. "Ooh." She half whined as Elias pinched and teased her skin. Each moment making her breathe a little quicker, and the heat between her legs to burn a little faster. She'd never truly been aroused like this before but her body felt uncomfortable as her legs twisted around. Pushing kicking at the sheets while Elias body did not move-yet his ministrations only increased in pressure, going faster and faster. This light torture continued for a further five mintues until he began to slow down.

"Oh. Oh. Elias." She whimpered as her lover who was moving frantically now slowed to a crawl. "Wh-"

He growled and not in the sexy purring way. Elias sounded much more like a beast and his head swept down, her legs were spread apart by hands that could wrap around her thighs. "Mine. Alll- MINE!" The mage was growling even louder as his tongue slipped out and over the pink flower of Chise's body. The smell was sweeter than ambrosia, it was thick, potent, and filled with surei beggah mana! Magical female arousal, it was a divine treat and Elias's tongue lapped it up, there was no art or technique with his tongue, heavy thick strokes that caused Chise to wail.

Chise covered her face with her hands as she struggled to control voice and body, she gasped and sobbed as the large tongue pillowed over her folds before sliding into her body. "E-ELIAS! OH- Sl-Slow- UGH, R-Rough- Too Rough!" She managed to make out but Elias was clearly not listening. His tongue speared deeper and too late did he realize his own mistake when Chise let out a wail. Her body tensed and she kicked at him.

The taste of her blood hit him first before drawing back his tongue. The metallic taste of iron covered the tip of his tongue, the red from his massive skull seeming to spark as he realized what he had just done. "Chise…"

Still breathing heavy for a few moments Chise did look through some tears at Elias. "W-Well i'm not a virgin anymore." She wasn't going to berate her lover, she had agreed to this. Even if he got a little heated the pain was to be expected and she put up a strong face to try and reassure him that it was okay.

"I did not mean… I was not expecting to act like this." His tongue slithered back into his mouth. "My need was too great. I am sorry." HIs shoulders hunched and his grip on her legs lessened as he looked defeated by his current actions.

"I know you didn't mean to Elias, but can we just take things a little slower. I know it's going to hurt, but I want this…" Grasping two of his fingers with her hand. "I want to be with you, I want you to love me."

How she managed to keep twisting this knife within him, from pain but also a warmth that spread throughout him. "If you will let me. I would like to please you Chise."

Her consent was given, she squeezed his fingers. Laying back on the bed she would let Elias continue, even if he was incredibly insecure with his feelings sometimes. Chise wanted him to be comfortable with himself and learn how to handle his more carnal nature. If they were to be lovers this probably would happen more than once.

"I will be delicate, tell me if I cause you pain." Elias then returned to between her legs, his palms spreading her open once again, the warm breath from his boney skull tickling the apex of her thighs as the long tongue slipped back out, the blood gone and with much more care probed her depths. 'A female requires stimulation to lessen pain and given the difference in size she must be ready to handle me.' His true form was far greater than any human physically and size wise. Chise was delicate and a surei beggah, he had to be careful as he wished to have her by his side for as long as possible.

Even still, she was delicious. Elias focused on sweeping his serpent style tongue inside of her body, twisting and pushing along the edges finding the bumps that would assure his partner the highest level of pleasure. Holding up her legs just slightly off the bed, the mage opened his full mouth and covered Chise's core.

Lifted up only partially off the bed, Chise ignored the small shots of pain letting Elias explore her. He was being gentler, but insistent. His tongue was long enough that she could feel it slip against her cervix and peek into her womb.

It would be quite the visage should anyone interrupt them, but fortunately Silky had prepped the room to be safe for the two lovers to enjoy themselves. But she still had a sledgehammer outside the door should things get too rowdy between them.

"Delicious." He kept devouring more and more of her succulent mana, while all parts of her being were infused with latent power. This however, was akin to him squeezing an orange for the most pure and ripe of her flavor. The peak of taste, a true delicacy for only him.

Feeling her reactions, Elias began to be rougher, his tongue reaching a little bit deeper and more forceful. Recognizing her pleasure spots he only amplified the treatment. 'I wonder if my robin likes my authority.' "I want you to cum." Her eyes jumped and her body twisted, 'More testing.' "Cum, Cum my Chise!" Tongue or not he vocalized his desires and she responded with a howl.

"Oohh, El-Elias! I-I- oh God!" Her hand slapped at the pillow behind her while the other struck the back of his boney skull, the pain not felt in the heat of the moment as she just tried to grab a perch. Push? Pull? She didn't know.

The tightness in her stomach twisted, the hard rocking of her hips connected with Elias's spread jaws. "Aghh-!" Her pitch and voice rose to a heighted scream as she felt the corkscrew effect of a serpent tongue wiggling within her body. Her legs were unable to find purchase as they flailed about in the air.

Her first true orgasm hit her as she just screamed as her juices sprayed over Elias's jaws and tongue. It felt incredible, a euphoria that removed the doubts of her actions, that told her all of that pain had been worth it for this single glorious moment, Chise lost herself in that haze all but surrendered and unfocused on her lover drinking her orgasm with vigor.

The only hint that Elias had stopped was when the pressure of his tongue pulled away from her thighs and he still remained just above her.

His dominating stance shifted as Elias shifted his body, picking up Chise in his arms and pulling her towards the base of the bed. Being gentle yet his tongue slipped out of his mouth as looked at her with such a hungry gaze.

Chise wasn't quite as 'excited' as she saw the large purple shaped phallus aimed right at her small entrance. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she felt the thick head of his cock gently kiss the edge of her womanhood. She couldn't pull her eyes away from it, as Elias pushed and dragged thead of his cock up against her body. Soaking it with her body's remaining orgasm. Rubbing up and over her clit the action causing her voice to slip out. "Hngnh!"

"Did that hurt?" he stopped moving immediately.

Shaking her head slightly. "No, no I'm okay. Just sensitive." Chise couldn't ignore it much longer it was going to happen. She reached up one hand to his face making contact with the bone. "I love you Elias." Assuring him and he pushed into her touch. "Just be gentle. You are very big."

"I will not cause you unnecessary pain. But I will insert myself within you."

She wanted to roll her eyes and make a joke. 'He's such a sweet talk-!' Her mind jumped as he pulled back and then pushed. Her legs which were currently split around Elias's waist kicked straight out as the rest of her locked up. However, Elias was being gentle, his swollen head stretched her narrow passage open and pushed inside just the tip and her body tightened around him. It didn't hurt that much, but she felt herself being stretched, and knowing this was barely made Chise forget how to breathe as she sucked in air as more of the thick mass crept inside of her. She'd rarely ever pleasured herself, and had not even been adventurous enough to put even a finger inside of her body and yet here she was taken Elias's massive cock for her first time.

Her red hair disappeared into him, her face burying itself within his feathered and muscular chest as his head tilted upwards and released a groan. 'There's pressure, heat, and wetness. This feeling. This is my Chise!' Slipping forward Elias pushed another inch inside of her, Chise squeezed her eyes shut as her teeth chomped into her lip.

The slow pressure and stretching was overwhelming the teenager. Her one eye opened enough to see the outline of her lover's mass. He was perhaps a little more than halfway inside of her and soon she felt his tip touch her cervix. A gargle escaped her lips as she wanted to speak words but the pressure inside of her body was overwhelming her. "Too… Too… Much." Her hands clutched at Elias, her nails digging into his dark flesh. "Elias! ELIAS!" Her voice screamed as his head shifted to her. The red eyes shined with concern as she shook her head. "Its too much! I-I can't, I can't do this!" It was painful, uncomfortable, and she wanted it to stop.

"It isn't too much, you can do this Chise. I will help you." He was being selfish, but this- This was sex! Chise felt incredible, the pressure around him, the warmth of her body and the way her walls gripped him squeezing and rolling around his genitals. He could not stop, he didn't want to stop this new experience. Black tendrils slipped from out of his back. One slipped around her waist while before seeking out her pink nub, she reacted positively when he had touched it before so he would do so now. The rough texture of his thorns were not painful but it made Chise whine as she attempted- in vain- to pull away but the tweaks of her clit made her forget about the pressure in her womb.

Two more tendrils slipped up and around her back and then squeezed her breasts rolling and working each of her sensitive mounds before lathing them with his long tongue before sweeping upwards and piercing into her mouth, taking her tongue with his own once more to distract her.

Elias then rocked his hips causing Chise to almost sob as tears welled up in her eyes. It hurt and felt so good, he was ignoring her but also pleasing her so well. Tell him no? Tell him yes? To stop or go further!? Losing all control of the situation and her body until the sensations hit her like a train. Chise screamed her legs kicked wildly in the air until trying to wind around the monstrous waist of her lover. Her scream continued for several long moments. There was pain and pleasure. She was lost in both as the tension in her body gave away and her limbs lost any desire to keep her locked in that position.

Fortunately for her she was still being held up the massive black paws. 'That was... I do not know.' Watching her squirm and twist, seeing her face twisted in uncontrollable emotion but the feeling of her body was beyond description. How she wrapped around him, and in the heated moment of her peak orgasm felt incredible around him.

Lowering her to the bed Elias with a gentle delicate touch as she seemed on the verge of losing consciousness the monster in him was aware of one strenuous detail of his own. "I am going to fuck you again Chise." His guttural growl came as he planted both hands alongside her head. "I will be gentle, but I must seek my own release. I want my first time to be IN you."

Maybe she did hear him, maybe she didn't, but she didn't offer an objection as he pulled back and then did, Elias released a howl as he drew back and began to thrust inside of her. Several inches in and then back out and then repeating, never pulling out completely but enough for a rhythm that they could both enjoy. "CHISE! CHISE!"

She wrapped her arms around him holding onto her lover-

"STOP!"

Elias opened his mouth to speak to Chise that he couldn't when he realized that in fact he wasn't making love to her. His head turned towards the Shield Hero. His face was completely red and more than uncomfortable as he'd listened to Elias tell the trail of he had lost his virginity. "When I made that joke about you being a virgin I really didn't need the whole story."

"Love is a human thing is it not, sex is a product of affection and love, does discussing one's affection bother you?" This was confusing as human's loved to preach about loving one another, what reason would he have for being uncomfortable?

But as Elias was ready to ask questions, he looked down at himself and saw that he was suffering his own 'ailment' "Very well I will leave you be for the time being. I must attend to myself, yet considering your level of embarrassment I will sequester myself in the lavatory area for the foreseeable future so please do not interrupt me."

[***]

Chise snapped upwards from the bed she was in, letting out a massive sneeze, startling Raphtalia who almost jumped as she sat in a wooden chair near the window of the church they were resting in.

"Chise!?" The demi human hurriedly made her way over touching the red-head's forehead to make sure that she was doing alright.

"Sorry," the young apprentice mage's voice was still thick and groggy with sleep. 'Elias was defientely talking about having sex with me again. I told him before to stop telling that to other people, it's supposed to be personal.'

R&R