Cry Havoc
An idiom: to warn of danger
Note: Kunou is two years younger than Issei
In the emptiness of darkness, a chained figure twitched, only to thrash as vigorously as possible in its entrapment. Each of its limbs was outstretched, taut by chains that went on infinitely into the darkness. The tortured individual's movements were heavily dulled, despite the waves of power and the sheer vitality it radiated carelessly.
The vaguely red humanoid figure then stilled. It remembered this situation. It had happened many times before.
She had awoken once more.
[Boost!]
[Boost!]
[Boost!]
Each word in a voice, which she could barely recall was her own, was followed by a small prickling feeling. Her slumbering reserves were powerless to stop her current wielder from drawing power from her.
[Burst!]
[Reset!]
Thankfully, such a simple, puny human—she assumed as such from the meager three boosts—could only hold so much power. That reminded her, it would be best to check her host's soul. Or try as well as she could with her limited senses and spotty mind.
Throwing out her senses, honed from random bouts of wakefulness in her dark isolation, she delved into the darkness to find her host's soul. Upon reaching it, warmth slammed into her senses. She had practically flung herself into a fire.
It reminded her of something important...
—CHhk!
The chains were unrelenting as she tried to nurse her unbearable headache. She had forgotten that trying to remember when, how, and why she was chained in darkness resulted in a mental fissure.
It would be a few minutes before it would fade away, threatening to return if she dared try again.
Suddenly, a blue translucent panel entered her vision... her blinded vision which had only seen darkness for... Her budding curiosity ignored her upcoming thought in favor of the blinding screen.
- :|: -
Name: Issei Hyoudou
Race: Human
Lvl: 11
Description: Unconscious and injured after being overwhelmed with your power
Emotions: Satisfied, Baffled, Overwhelmed
Stats:
HP: 280/280
MP: 76/76
STR: 15
END: 12
DEX:8
AGI: 10
INT: 6
MAG: 2
(Unlocked)
DRE: 14
Extra Pts.: 3
Equipped:
Head: (empty)
Top: Kyoto Junior High Uniform (torn)
Bottom: Kyoto Junior High Uniform (torn)
Left Hand: Boosted Gear
Right Hand: (empty)
Accessories:
(empty)
Skills:
Gamer's Body MAXED
Pain Tolerance Lvl: 3 | 80%
Sprint Lvl: 5 | 20%
Boosted Gear Lvl: 2 | 32%
Scan MAXED
Boost Lvl: 3 | 40%
Explosion Lvl: 1 | 50%
Dragon Aura I Lvl: 2 | 10%
- :|: -
'Huh?'
If she could blink, she would be blinking dumbly.
"Ise, breakfast is ready!"
Miki waited…
And waited.
"Ise?" Again, the woman didn't hear any noise... She blinked. Now that she thought about it... 'When did Issei return home?' "Issei?" She gave his door a knock and waited for any shuffling.
There was none.
"I'm coming in." The first thing she noticed was the lump on the bed. It was vaguely his shape under the blanket. "Issei?" she whispered, approaching. Pushing what seemed like a shoulder, she repeated herself a bit louder, "Issei?"
"Mmh... Oppai..."
Miki unconsciously released a sigh of relief as she smiled down at him. Lately, her little boy was becoming more and more... different. She wasn't quite sure what it was exactly or why he decided to change. However, the changes weren't bad thankfully.
Quite the opposite really, but it was so unlike him. He wasn't the type to change so quickly, so easily. When he suddenly announced he would go to the library after school almost every day, the mother wasn't exactly sure what to think. Though, she would trust him as long as he came home in time for dinner...
Her brows furrowed once more.
'When did Issei return home?'
She lifted the blanket covering him. She stopped once his head and shoulders were revealed.
One of Miki's brows arched after taking a closer look at his well-formed shoulders. Her young boy never made any mention of working out or doing any heavy lifting... She shook her head lightly. It doesn't seem like he was overdoing it so she wouldn't worry about it.
For now, at the very least.
No matter what, he was always Issei, her ever honest and earnest little boy. 'Even if he was almost my height,' she thought as her hand brushed through his always messy hair. Despite the impression of his usual hairstyle, Issei actually had a careful hair routine. He thought it would make him look cooler in order to make more friends.
Though, she certainly wasn't expecting a girlfriend so soon!
The housewife spoke her next words softly, stifling a small laugh, "Don't push yourself too hard." A kiss to his forehead followed before she moved to exit. She would let him sleep a little longer. "Love you, my darling son, Issei."
She exited quietly and placed his food in the microwave for later.
When the brown-haired boy was sure his mother was downstairs, he yelled into his pillow, muffling himself greatly. His mom was so embarrassing! "Gah... Kaa-san, I'm not a little kid anymore!" Issei grumbled to himself. Primary school was the worst, as she had no hidden inhibitions even in front of his peers!
He beat down the warm feeling in his gut. He refused to acknowledge joy from the words! Never mind the part of him that almost slipped up and returned the words back to her, nearly blowing his cover.
'Gah!' Boy, did he feel a little guilty that he didn't return her heartfelt words…
Having calmed down, the brown-haired boy rolled onto his back and heaved a sigh. His eyes were still closed. As such, his only visual stimulus was in the corner of his vision, waiting for him to acknowledge. Having grown so used to it, there were times he had completely forgotten about them.
This was not one of them.
Although, the boy was thankful for the sudden distraction his mother had served this time.
"How did I get home?" His mother didn't seem frantic, which was a good thing. The last thing he wanted her to see was him all bloodied and broken.
Speaking of which…
His eyes widened as he jumped out of bed. His gaze immediately went down to his body, inspecting himself. His left arm was still covered in a red gauntlet that shined in the light leaking through his blinds. Unlike his usual sleepwear, he lacked a shirt, a pair of shorts and simply wore some briefs.
Due to [Gamer's Body], any wounds he did have would be healed if he slept long enough. A glance at his HP confirmed he was fully healed. Seeing he was physically alright, he swiped through his notifications. It was akin to scrolling through one's texts... Sadly, his friends didn't talk much through the phone unless they were excited about an ero item or several.
"How did I get home...?"
He paused.
- :|: -
Subspecies: "Fallen" Unlocked!
Entry Found in Encyclopedia
- :|: -
His mind went back to the last panel he saw before he passed out. "Raynare" was the Fallen's name. Unlike Yuuma's name, it didn't have a question mark next to it. He didn't see if the Fallen was similar in appearance. However, they- he couldn't assume the Fallen was a male or female... never mind the fact he had no way of knowing if they had genders?
His head hurt trying to wrap his head around it. Either way, Raynare, a fallen angel, was there to protect him.
'Did Raynare bring me home?'
The orb on his left hand shone brightly. [The better question is why, partner.]
The boy could only blink dumbly at his armored hand. "My hand is talking to me...?" He wasn't as surprised as he thought he would be.
[Nice to meet you as well. I am the Y Ddraig Goch, the Red Dragon Emperor.]
"Uhm, hello, Why Dagin Goche-san?"
[...I guess it's my fault to expect such a mundane youngling from the East to know of me... I am the dragon spirit within your [Sacred Gear].]
Issei blinked as a panel suddenly popped up above the biggest orb that sat on the back of his hand. 'There really is a spirit within the newly reformed [Twice Critical].'
- :|: -
Name: Y Ddraig Goch
Race: Dragon
Lvl: 2
Description: Willing to teach you about the supernatural world
Emotions: Intrigued, Exhausted, Offended
Stats:
- :|: -
[—That's an insult I cannot forgive, Partner.]
"O-Oh, sorry... hard to remember things when on the verge of death." His hands clenched into fists unconsciously. "I'm really lucky, aren't I?"
[Depends. To have one of the three Great Factions watching over you could be a sign of bad luck.]
"But the Fallen Angel brought me home soundly, didn't they?"
The dragon gave what seemed like a neutral hum before responding, [Finish going through your... 'notifications' first.]
"Okay..."
Flipping through various translucent blue panels, he stopped on an especially long one.
- :|: -
The Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet
Lvl: 2 | 32%
Tier: Longinus
Ability:
Scan Determines an enemy's strength and notifies the user when sufficient strength has accumulated to readily defeat the enemy MAXED
Boost Doubles the user's power every 10 secs (Max: 3) Lvl: 3 | 40%
Explosion Releases stored power for a temporary but extreme power-up (Current: 15 secs) Lvl: 1 | 50%
(hidden)
Description:
One of the 13 "God slaying" Longinus crafted from the Welsh Dragon's scales by The God of the Bible. Also known as the [Boosted Gear].
+ Quest: "God Slayer"
+ Quest: "Free the Madness" !
+ Quest: "Defeat the White One" !
It houses the spirit of the Welsh Dragon, Y Ddraig Goch, and the spirits of past users. It gives the wielder an innate dragon aura that grows alongside the [Sacred Gear].
+ Skill: "Dragon Aura" (Lvl: 2)
+ Weakness: "Dragon-slaying" (Current: 10%)
Capable of housing even powered objects.
+ Expands Inventory
+ Left Hand: 2 Slots when active
{Upgraded from [Twice Critical]}
- :|: -
[Nothing like a [Twice Critical], no?]
Issei didn't respond in his awe. Rather, he expanded each of the plus symbols within the description.
The first quest granted him an item that was necessary for the second quest. Unlike the latter two, it wasn't mandatory. The item's name was... a weird static he simply couldn't comprehend. The boy shook his head and tried to look at it again.
"Tiamat's Treasure" was the item's new name. As he read over it, his left hand within the dragon scales grew nearly unbearably cold.
"Why-Dagin—"
[Just 'Ddraig' is fine.]
"D-.. Dagin-san," The boy could only furrow his brows as he struggled to say the name unsuccessfully again, "A-Are you okay?"
[...I am not sure, Youngling.]
Issei made a mental note to try to avoid looking at the quests further for now. "Uh,sorry then..." The dragon spirit only grunted in response.
'Moving on...'
Before he knew it, all his notifications were gone. Through most of them, Ddraig was quiet, only speaking up once or twice. Usually, it was with an elaboration.
"Well, in any case, it was nice meeting you, Dagin-san! Oh, and thanks for the extra info!"
Within the void of the [Boosted Gear], Ddraig felt a numb tug on a chain just as she was about to respond. [Did you hear a crack?] The boy shook his head with a soft "no," so she moved on, [And, it is my duty to guide you... as well as I can...] The dragon trailed off. As she did so, the cozy embrace of the gauntlet began to chill once more. [...I'll return to my slumber for now, Youngling.] Ultimately, the emerald glow faded away before his eyes. Following it, the red gauntlet shimmered before also fading into nothing.
Finally alone, Issei allowed his mind to wander. It ended back to the "Free the Madness" quest. He glanced back to his left hand in concern. Before he even had a chance to read the contents, Ddraig had such a negative reaction. A gut feeling told him he needed to know the contents.
Hopefully, even as Ddraig sleeps, it won't bother her to read through it.
- :|: -
+ Quest: "Free the Madness"
Release Y Ddraig Goch
"I, who am about to awaken,
Am the Heavenly Dragon who has stolen the principles of Domination from God..."
A red dragon, armed with a fire that knew not the meaning of END, once ravaged the lands in its ancient rivalry. It only knew power, destruction, and utter dominance. However, it was defeated after disrupting a war and imprisoned. Since even in death, its soul refused to die.
After many centuries in numb darkness, that once-powerful soul wanes. It just wants release.
[Hint: Teach the "immortal" how to live again]
Objective:
- Shattered Divine Chains (0/7)
- Juggernaut Drive Mastery I (0/1)
- 70% "Y Ddraig Goch" Route (Current: 1%)
Reward(s):
- Blazing Inferno of Scorching Flames Skill
- The True Red Dragon God Emperor's Grace
- The Infinite Dragon God's Grace
(10,000,000 exp) | (? Gold)
Failure/Deny:
- Absorption of Ddraig's Soul
- The Red Dragon Emperor's Grace
- Lost Route (Ddraig, ?)
?:
?
- :|: -
...Reading the initial bolded words made his head hurt. —Only to see it not even finish! There was no point in having it!
Following that, weren't people supposed to die when they're killed!? Even if she was an "all-powerful" dragon, it made no sense... never mind the awful pun. The hint underneath was weird as well. How was he supposed to teach someone how to live again?
What do I live for?
His head tilted back to stare at the ceiling. "For his harem" was the obvious answer. Though, to get one, he'd have to make girls fall for him then feed them, house them and ultimately, keep them happy.
At the last part, he couldn't help the wide smile and the giggle that slipped between his lips.
...After a few minutes of fantasizing, he wiped the bit of saliva from the corner of his mouth. He slipped back to his train of thought quite easily, albeit panicking slightly. How was he supposed to make a dragon fall for him! Give her gold? Find her a nice large cave underground? Find fair maidens to 'feast' on? "Hehehe..." Again, he couldn't help the perverted giggle.
"Ise?" His mother's voice rang from just outside his door.
He shook his head, vigorously, before responding with a "yes?"
"Isn't there a... date you need to get ready for?"
His eyes widened, "RIGHT!"
"Don't forget to grab a bite before you head out, okay?"
"No problem!"
... :|: ...
"Oh, Ise! Before you go," she pulled a bag from her apron pockets, "here's some extra money. Use it wisely, alright?"
"I will, I promise!"
Miki went to ruffle her son's hair, only to pat him instead. She'd let him go this time, knowing full well how much work he put into his hair. It always put a smile on her face. "Have fun, Ise!"
"I will! Love youuuu!"
And, with that, he left.
"Good morning, Yuuma-chan!" The hand that was waving slowed as she turned towards him.
Her obsidian black hair was done up in a poofy ponytail, swaying slightly in the cool autumn breeze. Alongside it, her contrasting white dress flowed outwards with the sudden movement. It calmed back down while her expression revitalized itself. Her small smile made him lose all semblance of time.
Only able to stare dumbly, his hand still drooped downwards before she spoke up. "Good morning too, Ise!" Her lips widened as he continued to stare. "Aren't I cute?" To top off her words, she did a twirl on the tip of one foot.
The boy nodded, "The cutest..."
Yuuma's hair furled out as she rushed into his personal space and poked at his cheek, "Y'know, you're pretty cute with the blush on your cheeks."
"Ah-" He felt his cheeks burn.
"Hehe..."
He lifted his gaze at her giggling, losing himself in her eyes. "Yuuma-chan..."
'Man, aren't they beautiful or what?'
"Ise?"
"Sorry sorry! I just think your eyes are my new favorite color!"
"H-Huh?"
Without missing a beat, he expanded upon his words with a salute, "I could stare at them forever! Or, maybe look into them until my final dying breath, at the very least..." Reading her expression without glancing at her status came far easier to him after so much "practice" with it.
She was thoroughly embarrassed with his forwardness as expected! "Heh, payback~"
Quickly, her admittedly perfect eyes scanned back and forth. Then, she smacked his shoulder lightly, "You're too honest..."
"That's my name!"
She blinked. "Huh, it is."
'What a silly pun—'
A small giggle slipped from her lips that tried to pout.
"Yup!" His own eyes glanced down to her hands before turning away, hiding his blush. Yuuma was far too shy to hold hands in public. He wouldn't push her to do so if she wasn't ready yet. Even for him, it was embarrassing to think about as much as he wanted to hold them. "Have you eaten breakfast yet?"
"Just a light snack. I spent too much time getting ready..."
His wide smile twitched a bit wider at her words. She was too good for him. "Let's go find something then!"
"N-No, it's okay because look," Yuuma pointed towards a blond woman setting up some sort of food stand. Her hair was done up in twintails with frilly ribbons. It matched her semi-maid attire. A sign beside her showed various desserts. "She recently moved here. Just yesterday, she gave me some free food on the way home. And, I promised to bring a friend to repay her."
"What a kind Nee-san!"
'Never mind, quite the looker!'
Issei kept that thought to himself. Immediately, he marched over. Not too far behind him, his girlfriend followed.
- :|: -
Name: Shigune Nanadaru
Race: Human
Lvl: ?!
Description: Struggling to figure out her temporary job
Emotions: Frustrated, Tired, Troubled
- :|: -
Despite his window, the woman's name tag read: "Shiina Nara." Unlike Yuuma's ever-hanging panel, Nara's—or was it 'Shigune'—name didn't have a question mark. Issei had no idea what to think... never mind, the "?!" he's only seen once before on Yasaka.
But, she had to be a nice person if she gave Yuuma some free food!
"Good morning, Miss!"
The woman flinched as her panel flickered to reveal a new name. It now read "Nara Shiina (?)."
'So that means...'
The stand owner turned slowly in the couple's way. "G-Good morni- Oh, h-hi there again!" She set down the foldable sign, gathered herself together by closing her eyes as she made her way behind her stand. About a second later, she opened her eyes to reveal heterochromatic eyes. The right eye was ocean blue, and the left was a deep grey. "Getting something?"
Issei scanned over the sign and said, "Do you have cheesecake already prepared?"
Shina smiled as she reached down into the opening of a sliding door with a wink. "Does this look 'already prepared?'"
"It looks good if anything!"
Excited and her hands clasped together, Yuuma added, "It really does!"
"Oh, you want one too, Yuuma-chan?"
"I-If it's not too much trouble, I would like a slice as well."
"It's not," Issei started as he shuffled into his pocket for some money, "If anything, I'd make you fall in love with cheesecakes because they are the BEST!" He passed the correct amount of cash.
The ravenette girl gave a giggle, "That would be impossible."
"Is that a challenge?"
"Nope! Nothing can beat red velvet but sadly, Nadaru-san doesn't sell them."
Said woman blinked, a fist to her hand "Oh, it'll be something to think about then if I stayed." She watched as they continued, a plate in one hand and a spoon in the other. They were too engrossed with each other to pay her attention. Even Raynare. "...At least I can close up."
She confirmed Raynare's alarming report, so her temporary job was already over. However, just to make sure, she'd oversee them for another day. It wasn't often that she was given free time, after all. And, making desserts of all sorts sure was fun. She could do that later though.
She snapped his fingers and his disguise, stand, and signs dissipated.
"I'll go check in with Yasaka-sama now. It wouldn't do any good to be recognized without a pass, after all." A four-horned head peeked out from her dress pocket. However, before it could reveal itself, the woman was careful to mind the horns, using her fingers to lightly push it down. "N-No, Poh, you can wait, ok?"
The shrunken beast gave a grumble.
"I promised you can eat all the leftovers, didn't I? Since they came so early, there's a lot more than expected!"
It seemed to giggle. At that, Shigune Nanadaru calmed down, a hand to her generous bosom. Between her lips, she gave a relieved sigh. "Now to find a shrine..."
... :|: ...
Their date was coming to an end, and the sun was starting to set. Issei couldn't help but wish for each passing second to stretch on infinitely.
The hands on his arm tightened slightly. He turned towards his girlfriend in concern. However, before he could say anything, she spoke up, gazing up towards him. "I wish I could stay like this for a little longer, Ise."
The boy gave a dumb nod. "Uh uh huh..." Her eyes really were the best.
"I should be getting back home soon. Don't wanna worry Otou-san and Okaa-san..."
'AH! I really wanna stay with her longer!'
Issei blurted out, "L-Let me walk you home!"
Yuuma gave shook her head, her hands drooping down to hold his, "My parents would want to meet you... and I'm not ready for that yet." She moved onto the tips of her toes and planted a soft kiss against his cheek. Her cheeks were as bright as his own as she parted. "It's sweet of you to think such a thing."
He drew her into his arms, squeezing once. "I'll miss you."
"Hehe," the girl's giggle rumbled through them, "me too, but we can still text, Ise."
The Longinus wielder released her and watched her leave.
The girl turned once she was a good distance away, "I'll text you when I get home!"
"I'll look forward to it." With that, she was out of sight.
Just then, the bushes behind him shuffled. Immediately, he stiffened and summoned his [Twice Critical].
—Only for a familiar fox popped out.
'O-Oh geez, I...' His clenched fist trembled. 'I'm still not over what happened in the forest...' Not a second later, he released the tension.
"It's just you again, huh?" The fox gave a small yelp, trotting up to his crouched form. "Hungry again?"
"Ise?"
"Yeah?"
"Why are you standing at the front door with a wild fox?"
"It's cute? A-And, I wasn't sure what to tell you." Miki blinked at the oddly sound reasoning before taking a longer look at the fox that was rubbing against her son's hand. He- or was the fox a female? Either way, the pup, assuming such a small fox was a youth, was adorable. "I don't think the fox is a wild animal."
"You don't know its gender?"
"A-Ah, I never had a pet, so I don't know— well, it felt awkward to check so..." She watched as he leaned to presumably check. The golden fox jumped away, ending up behind her. "Never mind the fact it does that as if it knows I'll check." Though, "it" was a princess…
'How foxy…'
However, seeing the fox act rather harmless, Miki picked up the fox, gently. As she did so, her hand caressed the impossibly groomed fox. "She's a girl, honey."
"I had a feeling that was so." She was a princess after all. However, he continued to play dumb.
The fox practically melted under the mother's continued ministrations, "did you feed her?"
"A-Ah..." Her son looked away, scratching at his cheek.
'Guilty huh.'
"Hmm." Her mind wandered back to the fox. "What are we gonna do with the fox, Issei?"
Her boy flinched at his name. "I-" He glanced up to her, resolutely, "I want to find the owner. I'll get Matsuda to take a picture for some 'lost' fliers. I'll get those printed at school. Oh- I'll put one on each of the bulletin boards there too!"
"You really thought about this, huh?" The fox peered up to her as her hands stopped. "What about in the meantime?" Her brown eyes peered down to the golden eyes of the fox.
"She won't leave me alone so... I thought I could take care of her in the meantime?" Issei ended his statement, both hopeful and asking indirectly.
Miki didn't respond to him. Rather, she narrowed her eyes before asking the fox, "Are you house-trained, little one?" The fox perked up and yelped. Behind her, her golden tail shined as it wagged. Miki gave a smile before turning to her son, "Okay."
"Okay?"
She ruffled his hair with a soft laugh. "Yes, Ise. We'll take her in for now."
"Awesome!"
Miki set the fox down and watched the fox run to her son. Issei stopped and picked up the fox, "You hear that, Kunou-chan?"
"Kunou-chan?"
"O- Oh that's—!" He paused to glance at the fox, "It's the name she responds to." Noticing the lack of petting, the fox brushed her head against Issei.
Brushing up the seemingly random name as the draw of the luck... or he guessed a ton of names until a sign. The latter drew a snuffed laugh from her. "Ah," she caught herself, "welcome to the family, Kunou-chan." The little fox yelped up at her even as Issei got the fox to relax in his arms. "I hope we can find your family soon!"
... :|: ...
The digital clock beeped once, meaning it was 7:00 pm. Immediately following it, the small fox started pacing by his door, "Is something wrong, Kunou-chan?"
She only yelped, nudging her head towards the door.
"Oh! You need to use the bathroom!" Hopping from his bed, he ran out the door. He practically glided down the stairs. All the while, he heard the tapping of Kunou's paws following behind. "Kaa-san, I'm taking Kunou-chan for a walk!"
"Ise, you need something before you go! Come here!" His mom called from the kitchen.
"Coming!" He glanced down to Kunou, who just looked at him patiently, "Let's see what mom has for me." He moved onwards to the kitchen. Kunou followed.
—Only to pause. Was he treating the princess improperly this whole time? It was a little late for this train of thought but...
He glanced back and as if Kunou could sense a change, she stopped to tilt her head towards him. "Should I carry you?" The fox only strutted into the kitchen. "...I guess she doesn't mind."
"Issei, how does a small fox beat you to the kitchen!"
"Ah! I don't know buuut I'm coming!"
Hurrying to the kitchen, he was greeted with his mom putting a collar on Kunou. The latter sat still, gallantly. "Issei, by law, dogs are required to wear a leash."
"Ohhh."
"Got it?" His mom turned towards him. In her lap, Kunou preened in Miki's lap under her unconscious petting. "Thankfully, I never threw out my dog's old stuff..." He never knew she had a dog. His eyes glanced up to her window that flickered. It seemed like something had happened to the dog in the end to bring such anger to his mother…
She set Kunou down, "Okay, there you go." She rose. It was then, Issei realized, he was just a bit taller than her. "I'm proud of you and love you, Ise."
"A-Ah, I love you too." Kunou's yelp echoed from the entrance. "Be back in a bit, Kaa-san."
"Do you want a snack when you get back?"
Kunou yelped again. Issei could only laugh, "I think Kunou might appreciate a snack as well." His mom escorted him to the front, "See ya!"
"Look out for each other, you hear Kunou-chan?" the little fox sat proudly, tail wagging behind her.
Three days passed in a flash. Between enjoying time with his new girlfriend, studying up with his best friends, and caring for the princess, he found himself filling that void "Shin-kun" left with his departure—a void he hadn't realized he had.
"Hopefully, Shin-kun is doing fine out there..." The weight in his lap shifted, sensing a change in her primary caretaker. "I'm okay, Kunou-chan; just thinking for once. Haha..." He continued his distracted petting, shifting his thoughts to the fox and her window. "I'll get you home soon and safely, I promise."
- :|: -
Daily Reminder: (7:00 pm)
Evening Training
Quests
- :|: -
His internal "alarm" went off. Ever since Kunou started living with him, he moved the alarm later than usual. It was now after dinner. His evening training session also doubled as the time to take Kunou-chan out. In between exercises, he would play with her while resting his muscles.
Apparently, being a princess meant she didn't play much. It was something he hadn't thought of until he caught his mother and Kunou-chan playing so happily. And so, he made sure to play with her.
Speaking of the golden fox, she seemed to have noticed the time and waited patiently by the door. However, her window was a bit different today.
- :|: -
Name: Kunou
Race: Fox
Lvl: ?
Description: Plans to finally return home
Emotions: Excited, Regretful, Homesick
- :|: -
This whole day she was homesick. Seeing as she was but a puppy, she was most likely missing her mother a ton. He could understand. If he couldn't see his mom for a long time, he'd miss her too!
Although, he couldn't quite place why the little fox would be "regretful."
"Ready for an adventure, Kunou-chan?" Those seemed to be the right words as she gave a yelp and her tail shifted more energetically. It made him smile.
He'd miss her.
"Kaa-san! I'll be back in a bit!"
"Be safe and I love you!"
Kunou-chan seemed to be looking back at him with a glint of amusement. At it, he could only smile, albeit embarrassed while bouncing back some of that mischievousness. "J-Just wait 'til your mom smothers you with love too!"
The fox's skipping wilted to a slowed trot.
Issei panicked.
Immediately, he gathered her into his arms and rushed out. "My bad. You must miss home, right? You've been down this entire day." Activating [Sprint], the wind roar passed their ears. "It should be by the place I met you, right?"
The boy could feel her staring up at him. He did nothing but continue running for about another ten minutes. All the while, he recalled how they met. 'Man, my END is something else!'
... :|: ...
Kunou glanced up then back down, uncertainty filling her. Among her lax days, she finally drew up enough energy from the surroundings to "speak."
Issei was the main source. The boy seemed to not notice that since the Longinus awakening, he was leaking potent energies. A lot of it to be exact. Although, the Fallen Angel overseeing him seemed to cast something on him to prevent too much leakage every time they touched. It hindered her "collection" severely.
"...Hyoudou-san..." A soft and pristine voice called out.
"H-Huh?" Said boy's feet skidded to a stop, looking down to the golden fox in his arms. "Kunou-chan, was that you?" His surprise echoed in his rapid blinking.
The pup could only nod, debating between trying to hide in his arms or facing him. She shook her head and continued, "Thank you."
"Awh, it was nothing!"
The small fox caught some of his contagious happiness (mostly since he was scratching behind her ears). However, she stifled it. She had seen how broken he became in his honest effort to save her. It was time to split ways. She couldn't drag him into her world. The supernatural world was already so "anti-men" or misandry.
His normal lifestyle hadn't prepped him for it in the slightest.
Never mind the fact, the Fallen 'crows' were already watching him, even now. She could smell their sin around Issei after all.
'Though, having the Sekiryuutei on our side might just be what Mama needs...'
Kunou wriggled out his grasp and hopped out his arms. "I can make it home safely from here. The guards today can be trusted."
"Nah" was all the boy said as he shook his head.
"N-Nah?" she let the strange 'word' roll off her tongue.
"Yeah, 'nah,' no, I'm coming with, 'Princess."'
Combined with the fact that the quest was still active and a gut feeling, he couldn't leave a tiny fox, who was shivering from the lack of warmth away from his arms, alone. It wouldn't sit right with him. She was a friend and one who was in obvious danger.
"Y-You mustn't!"
"Bah, I need to make sure to bring my friend home. Otou-san wouldn't like it if I didn't at least walk you home."
"F-F-Friend?!"
"Yeah, I'll carry you again. Just point the way." Before the speechless fox could protest, he picked her up—and headed in the wrong direction.
"...It's in the opposite direction, towards the sunset, Sekiryuutei-sama."
"Oh, my bad!" Too caught up in the excitement, he hadn't realized she called him 'Sekiryuutei-sama.'
Swiftly, he turned on his heel and sped up. The sudden speed surprised Kunou. However, despite everything, the fox relished in the rush. It was "playtime" again, so to speak. She didn't have any heavy responsibilities or high expectations placed on herself. She was but a pup.
Albeit, the transformation was forced upon her, sealing almost all her youkai energy. So much so, the princess felt cold for the first time ever, unable to draw upon her innate talents. Thankfully, this Sekiryuutei was warm, in body and mind.
Regardless of her excitement, she slowly drifted away into slumber. Using her last bit of energy to translate her words took a lot out of her, something neither of them realized until later.
Feeling the lack of movement, the brown-eyed boy peeked down. At the glance, a soft smile overtook his expression. 'I'm glad she could finally calm down. Though...' His smile seemed to grimace. 'Hopefully, I'm still going in the right direction.'
A symphony of feathered beats drew a smile from the fox. It was a welcomed tune since being forced away from home. She could practically see them, darkening the sky... Though, it was hard to enjoy with the world shaking so much!
"Uncle Nura really is letting loose..." A twinge of jealousy shot through her. Mama asked her to always hold back in her lessons. She even had to hide the fact she had seven tails...
"—H-Hey Kunou-chan, wake up please!" Immediately, she jolted awake. Her groggy vision landed on the panicked face of her recent benefactor. "Hey, sleepyhead. I'd let you sleep longer but like," his gaze flicked back out, weaving out the way from feathers as sharp as daggers, "I think they have the wrong idea."
"Rarfh—"
'N-No!' She ran out of mystical energy. So used to having copious amounts of it, she never really bothered to truly learn how to absorb it from her surroundings. With her cursed form, she could barely scrape enough energy from her surroundings from what little she could remember. Out of practice and sorely unused to the process of refining energies into high-quality youkai energy that she could use, she was basically empty again.
Issei seemed to sense her panic. It may be because Kunou was an animal now, but she prided herself in at least hiding her emotions... This Hyoudou Issei was strangely perceptive with these things she notic— "Rarrff!"
'Watch out behind you!'
She recognized the path and the trees behind him. He was backing up to a cliffside, where a bridge used to be.
"Don't worry—I have the- YOUR princess in my arms, you know!" The boy shot her an apologetic look, "anyway, Kunou-chan, I promised I'd bring you back to your family." As perceptive and studious as he was, he was also quite dumb. The fox in his arms wriggled, almost going as far as to scratch at his exposed skin to escape his grasp. "Kuno— Woah!"
He thrust out his left arm, "U-Uh, Boosted Gear!"
[DRAGON BOOSTER!]
[BOOST!]
He used the gauntlet to block another feather going for his face. However, that left him open for two other feathers to tear into his sides. "Urgh!" He dove out the way of the next wave of feathers from the trio of Tengu. He spoke his next words, gritting through the pain, "C-Can you somehow convince them I'm on their side?"
Kunou froze to the side a few feet away as her mind raced.
It seemed to her that there wasn't anything she could do to convince them otherwise. Hyoudou Issei was covered in a Fallen's twisted scent of holiness and sin. He was a male. Since almost every non-married youkai was part of the "Male Uprising" in the West Youkai Faction and Issei also carried the scent and aura of an unlisted dragon, the High Tengu squad probably assumed he was to be killed on sight.
"H-Hey I don't want to hurt you if you're just here to protect Kunou-chan, y'know!"
Her thirteen-year-old mind did not know what to do.
"Squawk!" The middle Tengu sliced through the air and swung her golden staff at Issei. The boy managed to block the overhand slam but wasn't prepared for the bottom half to fly towards him and knock him back, away from Kunou.
"Hime-sama, come!"
She didn't want to see Issei die.
"Hurry!" The head Tengu held out her talons as she soared towards the still pup. All the while, Issei was distracted by the pair of servant crow-like youkai.
However, he paid them no mind as two pairs of feathers shot towards Kunou from the treelines. It seemed the head Tengu realized it too, as she had yelled out, "Hime-sama! Watch out!"
Drawing deep within himself, he powered his sacred gear.
[BOOST!]
His gamble paid off.
He shot off into her direction in such speed her untrained eyes could barely track. He dove, drawing her into his warm arms encompassed her once more. They tumbled, harshly. "I got you," he whispered to her.
'There's something red leaking from your...'
—!
A loud explosion filled her senses before she lost consciousness.
Issei, on the other hand, felt an odd sense of deja vu. Having felt his body fly through a tree... it always did some weird stuff to his head. Though he could only assume that, having only experienced it once prior.
'I think.'
A groan filled his ringing ears. It sounded like him. It could've been him. He wasn't sure.
[RESET!]
His fading vision landed upon the dirtied fox in his arms.
Pain.
'Oh, Kaa-san will need to clean Kunou-chan when we get home, again. Sorry in advance, Ka— my back hurts again...'
In the corner of his eyes, his hp read 10/250. It was strangely low. Like super low. Like he was dying low.
His vision darkened. It was a shadow he guessed, correctly as he craned his neck to the oncoming Tengu. It looked familiar.
Pain.
'Hey, I protected Kunou-chan for you guys.'
He felt his lips move but his voice was nowhere to be found. He gestured back to Kunou with his head and eyes. It was then he noticed, Kunou was partially red.
'No wait, that's blood.'
He panicked. Then, he panicked even more because he couldn't move his numb arms to check on Kunou... Ah! A bright idea filled him, remembering the lone Tengu approaching him. She could check on Kunou for him!
'H-Hey! I think Kunou-chan is bleeding!'
Pain.
He didn't even need to read the Tengu's window to feel the pity in her eyes.
'Pity? Check up on Kunou-chan! ShE's HuRt!'
P a i n.
His vision exploded in black as he lost all forms of awareness.
... :|: ...
In the darkness, the chained dragon watched on through the large orb in the [Boosted Gear]. Her host was something else. Gamer's Body allowed for his body to be mostly intact, besides the severe bruising, fracturing, and feathers sticking out his throat and lung.
From what she gathered, he could fully heal if he had some 'hp.'
The chain on her left wrist shattered.
Huh?
Information and memories flooded her. However, she brushed most of it aside in favor of one new function. Immediately, she tested it.
Pain.
Issei's body flinched as Ddraig felt physical pain for the first time in centuries. 'It's not as bad as I thought it would be.' Perhaps being chained up in numb darkness also numbed her sense of pain. Nonetheless, Ddraig continued with the "trial." She could control Issei's body.
She gathered the fox her host cared for in her arms that shook, barely capable of holding her.
[BOOST!]
The approaching Tengu slowed to a stop.
[BOOST!]
[BOOST!]
Behind that Tengu, the pair of lesser female Tengu from earlier flew over with a larger male Tengu in between. He was beaten, tied up, and out cold.
[BOOST!]
"Sasami-chan, I can sense someone who's quite strong over here~"
The Head Tengu flinched, turning back, "Y-Yasaka-sama!"
Further behind the approaching trio of Tengu, a blond, voluptuous woman in a loose-fitting shrine outfit floated over calmly. Her calmness seemed to hide her actual speed as she had actually overtaken the aforementioned youkai and stood over Ddraig.
The dragon spirit decided she would fulfill Issei's promise for him.
The dragon in a human's body took a step forward. One of Yasaka's brows rose at such boldness, seeing the boy as no threat with the state of his injuries. The dragon forced his arms to hold out Kunou in a sign of peace.
[RESET!]
At the announcement, Ddraig found herself suddenly back in her prison. She was drained like never before. Nonetheless, she forced herself to see that her part in the mission went through successfully.
Her host's body practically crumpled onto Yasaka, who was quite the powerful being herself. Her host would've enjoyed the sensation of the woman's bountiful chest. Though seeing Issei's body like that, the Kyuubi held onto him in one arm, and in the other, Kunou rested. At such weakness, Yasaka only laughed.
On one hand, Ddraig felt anger and shame. On the other, she realized the Nine-tailed Fox probably had no idea she was actually faced with an Ancient.
Fortunately, Yasaka, at the very least, took pity upon her daughter's savior and ordered around some healers once they made it back to the woman's home. With that, Ddraig went back to slumber, dispersing the [Boosted Gear]. Her host was in good hands for now.
"Argh..." For Issei, it was uncomfortable to even make the noise. His throat felt like patches of sand. But by cherry-red, perky tits, he was thirsty! As if to try and elevate the feeling, he went to move his right arm.
—Chhk!
'Huh?'
He could barely move his sore arm. What prank was his dad pulling on him this time! Despite his tiredness, the ache in his throat bothered him far too much to even think about going back to sleep. He opened his eyes. It was almost painful, feeling grainy and crusty.
He was greeted with an unfamiliar ceiling.
"S-Sekiryuutei-sama?" A small but familiar voice called out.
"H-He..." His 'hey, Kunou-chan' fell short. He was both captivated with the small beauty before him and too dry in the throat to continue.
"Oh, water! I have a pitcher and cup right..." there was some shuffling by the bedside, "here!"
"Hime-sama, don't touch this man!" A mature voice shrieked in spite.
The volume made Issei recoil. The migraine he was trying to ignore slammed into him. His throat was too sore and parched to muster a groan.
"Sasami." The young girl's voice was frosty as she glared at the feathered wing halting her. It had nearly caused her to drop the ceramic teacup. Never mind the fact, she could see Issei's face twist in pain. "While you were too busy assaulting my savior, otherwise the Sekiryuutei, because you jumped to conclusions, I was targeted by a man, who wished to harm me."
The Kitsune could only sigh, seeing as the half transformed Tengu frozen in place. The woman was stuck between duty, morals, and the fact that the princess had practically chewed her out.
Kunou ignored her and continued. "Sekiryuutei-sama," she noticed his eyes weren't very focused, as he stared off to dust on the ceiling. And so, she tried again, "Sekiryuutei-sama?" He blinked down towards her and went to speak.
'That wouldn't do...'
She interjected before his lips could part, "Here, Sekiryuutei-sama, I'll hold the cup to your lips." There was a slight upward tug of her lips, recalling the time she spent at his home, "as you did for me." There was another 'clench' of his chains that bounded his limbs to the bed. "See? You can't feed yourself like this."
"Ah, g-go on pl..." His voice failed him again. He blushed slightly at his weakness. The young girl placed the cup against his lips. She made no mention of his ravenous gulping.
She pulled out a handkerchief, dabbing his mouth. In doing so, she was reminded of her younger days where she played with various youkai-shaped dolls. "More?"
Issei gave a small embarrassed nod. Then, he cleared his throat slightly, trying to bring up his voice, "Yes... please." It came out weak and almost scratchy. Though, it was far better than before.
She repeated the cycle a few more times. After he finally shook his head, she hid a small laugh behind her other hand at a silly thought. "Sorry Sekiryuutei-sama, I should've gotten a bigger cup. I forgot how much you can eat and drink."
From behind the entrance of the room, metal rattling caught their attention. "Ohime-sama?" a polite voice called.
"Oh!" Kunou realized she was so engrossed with Issei that she forgot about her lunch. The girl had refused to leave his bedside. Else someone—like Sasami—do something unforgivable just because he was a mere man. "Come in, Nami-san."
From the corner of her eyes, the "princess" spotted Sasami standing on the far side of the room, opposite to Kunou's seating beside Issei's bed. It would seem, for now, the woman was content to watch.
"Lunch is served, Ohime-sama." The fat, browned-skinned boar-woman rolled a cart that doubled as a table. She stopped to bow deeply. On it, various fish and glazed meats, vibrant vegetables, and a pitcher of mixed carrot-orange juice filled the top layer. The bottom was covered in fruits. Some were glazed.
'As wasteful as always... No, wait!'
She blinked. "Nami-san?" The waitress looked up from her bow. "Could you fetch me another pair of utensils and another plate?"
"Right away, Ohime-sama." This time the larger woman gave a shallow bow and rushed out the room. It would be a little while since the kitchen was on the opposite side of the fondly dubbed, 'Kyoto Palace.' "Excuse me."
Issei looked at all the food in question, "Kunou-chan?" At the affectionate name, Sasami practically growled from her corner in the room. "S-Sorry, Hime-sama, how'd you know I was gonna wake up?"
"First of all Sekiryuutei-sama, please keep calling me, 'Kunou-chan.'" She made a glance towards Sasami, as if to dare the woman to say something. The High Tengu only looked away. "Second, this is mostly for me. I'm always served like this. I'm a growing girl after all!" The blond girl puffed her chest, proudly.
"Haha, I'm sure, Hi- Kunou-chan." Speaking of names... "Though, what's with 'Sekiryuutei-sama' all of a sudden?"
"You're the Longinus wielder of the [BoostedGear], the gauntlet of the Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig-sama. Just for the influence you will have in the future alone, you are deserving of respect, Sekiryuutei-sama."
"Huh..." He said more to himself before brightening up, "Just call me 'Ise,' or at the very least 'Issei.' We're still friends, no?" His eyes glimpsed down to the chains holding him down.
"Righ... Right, Issei-sama!" She missed his glance, too embarrassed with the smile on her lips. Though, it was pointed at her lap so Issei couldn't see it.
'He wasn't angry with her!'
"...So..." Before the silence could get awkward, he spoke up, "You're really going to eat all of that?"
"W-Well, no." The mini Kitsune put a finger to her chin, "Unless I do without breakfast or lunch for one reason or another, I don't actually eat all of this." She made a plate, continuing, "Being cursed into a small fox made my appetite much smaller than normal. However, to show their care, the chef still prepared the same amount and I'm too... I don't want to turn down their goodwill."
"Yeah, that makes sense," the chains rattled as he tried to scratch at his cheek. From the corner of his vision, he could see Sasami flinch and her window practically flip into battle mode. He ignored it—focusing on Kunou, who was probably the only person keeping him safe. "I was worried if we were feeding you enough back at home."
"Don't worry, I was sufficiently fed. And, before you asked, your mom's food was more than good enough." At his awry smile since being caught, she brightened as she grasped one of his hands before bowing deeply. "Thank you for caring for me, Issei-sama."
"I-I'm just glad you're safe at home."
She let go of hand as a glint appeared in her eyes, "Issei-sama, if I may ask a question?" The boy tilted his head in confusion. "How did you know I was a youkai princess?"
"I didn't?" There was a scoff from the corner of the room. "I just saw what I thought... heh." He let a small laugh slip before catching himself, "I just thought a cute pet or zoo animal was being chased by an angry-looking... ogre or troll. And then, you seemed so... regal, I guess."
"I see." Kunou mulled over the info as she set a plate closer to him than to her. "Here's your pl—!" The boy only gave a small smile at her sudden silence. She, on the other hand, sputtered out an apology, "A-Ah! S-So sorry, I forgot."
Even before he realized it, he tried to raise his hand to pat her. Again, the chains held him down. It only served to make her feel worse. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure you have your reasons, no?" Again, her expression fell as her window showed him everything he needed to know.
'A pretty little girl like you shouldn't feel pressured like this...'
"A-Ah, I said that aloud, didn't I?" Kunou only gave a shaky nod. "Well," he glanced towards Sasami, then steeled his resolve. He was hungry after all! "You can feed me?" he said as his stomach growled.
"Hime-sama will do no such thi—"
"Y- Yes!" Immediately, she moved her chair, so she was adjacent to both the cart and his bedside. "I can do that right away, Issei-sama." They both ignored the Head Tengu, who practically loomed over from on the other side of the bed.
The 'princess' wasted no time and held a pair of chopsticks full of seasoned salmon to his mouth, gingerly. "...say 'ah.'" she said, softly.
Her golden gaze was serious as it focused on getting the food up to his mouth without fail. In his opinion, such a look conflicted with her concern and her soft features, most notably the pair of fluffy ears that twitched every so often.
It was then he noticed that she was within a traditional Miko outfit. It really completed the whole Japanese princess look.
- :|: -
"Fed by a Princess!" Screenshot Saved
Description: Chain to a bed and hungry beyond belief, Kunou holds a spoon up to you.
Refer to Scenes Tab in your Profile.
- :|: -
"Issei-sama?"
"Sorry sorry, I was too captivated by your cuteness!"
"Nrk!" Kunou nearly dropped the fish in surprise.
Seeing that, Issei raised his head and took the fish. Watching him swallow allowed the girl to calm down a bit. "I haven't eaten fish this good in too long!"
Kunou ignored the rattle of the chains since his excitement was contagious and 'Issei-sama' wouldn't want her to linger on it. "I'm glad you think so. I'll give Chef Humara your compliments."
She continued to feed him. All the while, she smiled through their conversation and laughter.
- :|: -
"Kunou" route Upgraded!
Status: "Budding Crush!"
(Previously, "Kind Oniisan.")
Currently: 30%
Bonus:
+ Intermediate Fire Mastery I
Refer to the Relationships tab in your Profile.
- :|: -
'...At least she's enjoying our talk.'
It was sorta embarrassing to know this. At the same time, he never realized he had progressed so far. The notification notices were piling up in the corner of his eyes. He was unable to sort through them with the company around him. Too many eyes—whether hidden or not—were on him.
Both Kunou and Sasami stiffed before a voice called out, "Kunou?" The door opened revealing a tall blond woman, followed by nine luscious tails. She was unparalleled in beauty and bust. Her shrine maiden out, a good mix of loose and tight in the right places, revealed much of the latter. It was something he couldn't help but notice.
"Yes, Mama?"
"I thought we could have lunch today, again." Her gaze drifted over to Issei. With it came sudden self-consciousness. Unlike Kunou's serious (seriously cute) look, the woman's aloof gaze was misleading in its intensity. It was as if he was a specimen for her to dissect.
If Kunou was the 'princess,' this person most definitely was the 'Queen.'
- :|: -
Name: Yasaka
Race: Kyuubi
Lvl: ?!
Description: Thinks you're an interesting specimen
Emotions: Foxy, Fascinated, Relieved
- :|: -
There was another ping, signifying a new entry into the encyclopedia. He ignored it, focusing on the woman before him.
She simply smiled. "But, you look like you're having lunch with the Sekiryuutei." She approached so she stood by Kunou, "Thank you for saving my daughter." She finished with a short bow.
In the background, Sasami gaped dumbly.
Issei sucked in a deep breath and gathered his confidence. "I'm just glad she's safe at home, uh," that 'confidence' fell flat on its face as he tried to fake that he didn't know her name, "Miss?"
Yasaka's aloof expression softened, sensing his honesty. "I am just 'Yasaka.'" The Kyuubi tapped the chains bounding him with a slender finger. The chains shattered and faded away. "This was just a precaution."
Instantly, breathing came much easier. The fogginess he hadn't realized was there disappeared. He felt awake-awake. "Woah..." He sat up, blinking down at his arms.
"I hope you can forgive me for my discretion."
He pretended to be amazed, "Wow, I'm really all healed up so it's all good." It wasn't too hard since he did feel especially energized.
Kunou perked up, "Issei-sama, you were responding to the healing balm especially well!" She then deflated slightly, remembering his bloodied bandages... never mind her nightmares of his brushes with death.
This time there were no chains to stop him.
"I-Issei-sama?"
"Don't worry about it, Kunou-chan." His hands were careful around her ears, rubbing her hair. It wasn't too different when she was a little fox.
"Hehe, no problem..." She nuzzled against the hand, all too familiar with the 'ritual.' "Urk-!" The younger Kitsune could practically smell the smile on her mother's lips.
As Issei withdrew, Yasaka placed one hand to her cheek and the other onto Kunou's shoulder, "Oh my, my little Kunou doesn't even let me pet her anymore."
Kunou glanced up to her mom then back to Issei. His smile conveyed a hint of mischievousness and that he could relate to having an overly affectionate mother. "B-Because once you start, you never stop, H-Haha-ue!" She only used that version of mother when Mama was going too far!
"Hyoudou-dono, Ku-chan is being meannn~"
"Hahaha!" They soon joined the boy in his laughter. "Man," he wiped away a tear, "I'm really glad that you weren't some overly strict Okaa-sama that I imagined you to be. I was thinking about keeping Kunou."
Again, Sasami gaped at such bold words. Said girl, on the other hand, froze. She had no idea Issei was thinking about that.
"Oh?" Yasaka simply raised a short brow, "What if I wanted my beloved daughter back?"
"Well, if possible..." The Sekiryuutei stared up at her, resolutely, summoning his [Sacred Gear], "I'd convince you to keep her out of this... civil war." He shot a glance at Sasami, "That's what's going on, right?"
"I-Issei-sama!" Kunou shouted before the tension rose further. Her gaze fell to her lap, where her hands fidgeted together. "It was my fault that I was cursed and almost captured. I had snuck out two nights prior to our meeting. It's a little suffocating to have a guard, or three..." She matched her gaze with Issei, "but, I am safe here." Behind her, Yasaka's tails moved to embrace the mother and daughter.
"P-Please don't fight."
"What?" Issei furrowed his brows at her, "Where did ya get that idea?" He removed himself from the bed and bowed deeply, "Please train me!"
Leave it to Issei to subvert expectations, unconsciously, Kunou couldn't help but mentally groan as she pouted in embarrassment. She spouted all that for nothing!
"Oh my~ Hyoudou-dono, you need to think about how you say things." Before she said anything else, she traded gazes with her daughter, having a wordless conversation. "...Are you sure this is what you want?"
Still bowing, he said, "Yes! Every evening I go out to train, but," he rose, scratching at the back of his head, "I don't really know what I'm doing besides building muscles and boosting myself until I can't, repeatedly. Even then, I've started to hit a wall."
Yasaka started with, "I see." Then, the Kyuubi held another wordless conversation with Kunou through their matching golden eyes. It ended with Kunou, looking away. Though, her 'emotions' shifted. It read: 'Overjoyed, Yearning, Mortified.' The mother simply smiled wider. "Let's eat first before hashing out the details."
As if she knew, Issei's stomach grumbled loudly. "H-How long was I out anyway?"
Yasaka's curiosity peaked when she recalled just how long he was out. "Oh, you know, just two days." Her golden fox eyes sharpened to read his every move.
Meanwhile, Issei's heart sank. "Oh no! Kaa-san is gonna kill me!" He tried to move for the door, but a long fluffy tail stopped him.
"You might as well eat first, Hyoudou-dono. I'll help you get home afterward, ok?" The nine-tailed kitsune withdrew her tail, seeing him return to the bed. From somewhere, she pulled out extra utensils. "I'll feed Kunou and myself. You can feed yourself with chopsticks Kunou used, ok?"
Furiously, Kunou blushed.
"O-Okay." He began eating, trying to look regal before them. It was pretty cute to see him fumble.
"Up you go~" Yasaka held her daughter up and took Kunou's seat. She sat the girl in her lap. "Now, when was the last time I did this?" Kunou gave no response, pouting. Yasaka patted her head once as she grabbed some shredded beef, "Open up~"
"Come on~ You spent all day by his bedside, leaving once to pee."
"H-Haha-ue, please stop embarrassing me..."
"Ok ok," she set the chopsticks down and held her hands up. "You can feed Mama instead. Is that fine with you?"
"Haha-ue..."
"Fine fine. But do remember, before you ran off, you promised to have dinner with me." Kunou slumped down. "Your real punishment can wait until later."
"...I just wanted to see the outside world..." The girl could recall seeing a strange gap in the barrier that hid their home. She swore it was Mama who stepped through it. She was only following behind!
"—Yah!" The seven-tailed kitsune yelped as her 'mother' glowed brightly before turning into a flame. "...Figured she wasn't actually here, just like last night..."
Sasami finally spoke up, hearing that. "She's out stomping out the rest of the 'rebellion,' Hime-sama." Kunou gave no response. The thirteen-year-old girl just poked at her food, so the guard continued, "She hadn't taken them seriously until they made an unforgivable move against you."
"But it's because people like you that those men are rebelling in the first place."
The Tengu said nothing, shuffling back into her corner. Oh, young Hime-sama, if only you knew what Yasaka had gone through...
Issei had enough of the gloomy talk. "You know..." He cleared his throat, getting the girl's hopeful attention. "Kunou-chan, promises are super important." He held up his hands in mock surrender as the 'hope' drained from expression, "I'm sure you've been told that many times. However, if you do anything, you do right by your promises."
His expression softened with a gentle smile, "I got you home safely, didn't I?" He stuck out a hand, "Here's a new promise. I promise to get strong enough that your mom can trust me to take you outside, ok?"
The girl shook his hand, "I'll hold you to it, Onii-chan!"
"O-Onii-chan?!"
"Is that not enough respect..? Onii-sama then!"
"O-O-Onii-sama?!" As if hit by an invisible bullet, he flew back. He could die happy.
Aes (AN): Oop. Didn't mean to take half a year to update.
I didn't want to end where I did, but I was losing steam. I already had so much out and I'd gander I'd take at least another month, if not three, to finish what I where I wanted to end. One of those things was exposing more of the inner-workings/descriptions of skills or whatnot. I will get to it next chapter.
Reviews are appreciated. m(_ _)m
Be well.
Words: [10,797]
Name: Issei Hyoudou
Race: Human
Lvl: 15
Stats:
HP: 390/390
MP: 108/108
STR: 19
END: 18
DEX: 10
AGI: 14
INT: 12
MAG: 3
DRE: 18
Extra Pts.: 6
Equipped:
Head: (empty)
Top: Bandages (loose/bloodied)
Bottom: Running shorts (dirtied/torn)
Left Hand: Boosted Gear (hidden)
Right Hand: (empty)
Accessories:
(empty)
Skills:
Gamer's Body MAXED
Pain Tolerance Lvl: 6 | 20%
Sprint Lvl: 6 | 14%
Boosted Gear Lvl: 5 | 2%
Scan MAXED
Boost Lvl: 5 | 10%
Explosion Lvl: 2| 20%
Dragon Aura I Lvl: 4 | 50%