Ch 5: Awkward Mornings

[So? How was your first day, my Little Sunshine?]

Kunou and Chiaki sat on their living room's couch, staring at the magically projected image of their mothers, Lilith calmly sitting at the kitchen table and carefully eating a midnight snack.

"It was exciting, Oka-san! Have you heard the news?!"

Yasaka, ruler of the Yokai and Kyoto, a beautiful woman who more or less looked like an older and more mature version of her daughter, raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

[I haven't, seeing as no news has reached me of...interesting events occurring in Kuoh. Is everything alright?]

"Certainly! And guess what? The 8th Campione started attending our school!"

An awkward silence permeated the room, Chiaki staring wide-eyed at her Princess...who seemed to belatedly realize that there might have been more calming ways to impart such apocalyptic information.

[Begging your pardon, Kunou-hime...but you did just say that the 8th Godslayer is now attending Kuoh Academy, correct?]

Chiaki sighed, dryly replying, "Yes, Oka-san...Kunou-hime did indeed speak the truth."

Emiko Julieanne was quite similar to her daughter in the ways that matter. A slim, shorter woman who's long brown hair hung to her knees, eight fox tails swaying behind her and clad in the same Miko apparel that Yasaka was adorned in, their uniforms of choice for public matters.

Her dark purple-eyes were also wide in open worry, an action mirrored by the nine-tailed woman next to her.

[Is everyone safe? He hasn't made any demands or threats, has he? Campione or not, we can force him out-]

"T-there's no need for that, Yasaka-sama! Bassaym-san is...he's actually very polite and amicable, compared to the rumors and reports on other Godslayers!"

Kunou quickly nodded her head in agreement, backing up her friend with, "What Chiaki said! As a matter of fact, Chiaki is already really friendly with him! And Ephemera-sensei vouched for him, so there's that to consider..."

Yasaka frowned, clarifying, [The Empath Angel? She believed he was trustworthy?]

"She did, Oka-san. And he easily forgave us and the student council for attacking him at the start of school-"

Two sputters from the projected women sounded throughout the room, Emiko hysterically shouting, [You attacked a Rakshasa King?!You attacked THE Cazador?!]

"W-w-we didn't actually fight him, Chiaki fell into his arms and things calmed down after that...so..."

Both older woman stared at the smaller of the Kitsune as she squirmed awkwardly, Kunou again realizing she might have made things a bit more dramatic than they actually were.

[Chiaki-chan...you fell into his arms?]

The purple-eyed girl's ears flattened themselves in embarrassment.

"I, er...got knocked out of window and he caught me, Oka-san."

Emiko let out a long, resigned breath.

[You have your father's talent for finding trouble, Chiaki-chan.]

Suddenly clearing her throat Yasaka brought the conversation back on track with, [Allow me to clarify...the 8th Godslayer is attending Kuoh Academy. He is apparently benign in his intentions and actions. And the Empath Angel believes there is no imminent threat from him.]

"...Yes, Yasaka-sama."

Both older Yokai stared at their daughters, doubt evident in their gazes-

"Ophis says he is ok. Kunou-chan and Chiaki-chan will not be harmed. I won't let them."

The stoic girl's words seemed to be the final bit of reassurance Yasaka needed, a small sigh escaping her lips as she stated, [Very well, if the Ouroboros Dragon and Lilith-san are vouching for him, I suppose there's no sense in me getting all worked up…]

A motherly smile spread across her face.

[Why don't we talk about something more pleasing, how were your classes?]

[Chiaki-chan, a moment?]

Kunou and Lilith gave their friend a curious glance as Emiko called to her, Yasaka giving her compatriot a brief glance before dissipating into light, judging her part of the conversation over.

The lithe foxgirl found herself curious about what her Mother wanted to speak to her about, the other two going to bed as it was fairly late.

"Yes, Ka-san? Is something wrong?"

The older Yokai seemed to struggle for words before eventually sighing, fixing her daughter with a sympathetic gaze.

[You seemed very certain of the 8th's stance and trustworthiness. Odd, considering you have only known him for a day...even more strange when you never made mention of spending time with him directly.]

Chiaki shifted uncomfortably, causing her mother to sigh.

[I'm not criticizing you, my Little Spark...I am merely worried.]

Deflating as her mother used her old nickname, Chiaki quietly replied, "It's...hard to explain, Ka-san. I know that trusting him so quickly after only a single day is the height of foolishness...but I spent a great deal of that very same day doing nothing more strenuous or dangerous than chatting with him. He is...quite stable. And fun to talk to. More than that, though..."

Her ears flattened in a mix of shame and embarrassment.

"Even after Bennia-chan let it slip about my...past 'relationships' he did not make a big deal out of it and continued speaking with me as if nothing had changed in the slightest."

Emiko's eyes gained a sad light, but she held her silence.

If there was one cultural facet of the Yokai that was less progressive than other Supernatural factions...it was in their tolerance of homosexual relationships.

While by no means outright bigoted-far from it-being gay was considered something...outside the norm, not a thing to be spoken of. Considering her daughter was the attendant of the Yokai's future ruler-as well as her young age-she would never be able to openly pursue such a relationship, doomed either to a life of secrecy or forsaking any chance at a meaningful, intimate relationship.

Thankfully it had merely been a phase-one of the many confusing paths that adolescent life meanders through-and her daughter hadn't been doomed to a harsh life, simply because of a random roll of fate's dice.

"And you should have seen him when he met Miyo-chan! He did something with one of his Authorities that let him talk to a kitten and allowed us to help it, it was really interesting!"

Emiko smiled briefly, but nonetheless warned her daughter with, [I no longer worry that this Godslayer is an indecent person...but you know as well as I do that Campione are naturally drawn to adventure and battle, just as battle and adventure seek them in turn. I fear you will be swept up in these inevitable happenings if you continue to be so close to this Godking...do you know why I called him Cazador earlier?]

Chiaki furrowed her brow, replying, "No, what does it mean?"

[...It means 'Hunter' in Spanish. Around eight years ago several dozen Mages came together and fled to the Amazon Jungle. They were outcasts, excommunicated, disowned...and were universally chased for their frowned upon practices. With no Campione residing in South America and no large Supernatural or Divine presence, they successfully did so. And they eventually succeeded in summoning two Heretic Gods.]

Chiaki felt her eyes widen.

"T-two?! How did they manage to do so with no one noticing?"

[The Amazon Jungle is a large place, my Little Spark. But regardless, the only Campione that might have answered the call in time was John Pluto Smith, or perhaps Salvatore Doni, if he wandered his way there by chance.]

Chiaki continued to intently listen to the tale as her Mother wryly smiled.

[Eight years...and in two days the 8th Godking took care of the Heretic divinities and every single last mage-all 71 of them-and went on his merry way less than a week later. Thus, the title 'Cazador'. He is different from the rest of his ilk in that he seems not to pursue battle and conflict purely for enjoyment...but as a form of crusade, if rumor is to be believed.]

Chiaki couldn't believe her ears.

That feat was almost unheard of! Only Godou Kusanagi emerging victorious from the Devil King Civil War and Salvatore Doni surviving a battle in space were as mind-boggling.

"That...that was Bassaym-kun?!"

Her mother frowned at he use of the honorific 'kun' but nonetheless answered, [Indeed. Rumors abound of how, when it comes to Heretic Gods and those that would aid or summon them, the 8th Godking is...unstable. Potentially even obsessed.]

"Well, it just seems so…futile. You're fighting an enemy that can't ever really be defeated, it sounds like. Isn't that…saddening?"

"On the contrary. I welcome it."

Chiaki frowned as her mind leapt back to the unusual moment of anger and lethality Bassaym had shown when broaching the topic of Heretic Gods...it certainly fit with what her mother had been saying, but…

"...Ka-san, I don't think that's all there is to Bassaym-kun. It's our job-our duty-to aid Yasaka-sama and Kunou-hime in their duties, to see past those that would deceive them...you taught me how to look beyond falsehood and I just can't see Bassaym-kun as giving off a fake persona. Yes, he was...intense during his explanation of Heretic Gods, but he was so genuine when he...well, when he asked to be my friend..."

A small blush adorned the Kitsune's cheeks as she mumbled that last part, her mother neutrally watching her daughter's reaction...before heaving a monumental sigh, the slightest of smiles adorning her features.

She knew her daughter very well and was plenty aware that once her mind had been made up on a matter, no amount of words could convince her otherwise.

All she could do was both warn and support her.

[As Yasaka-sama's attendant, allow me to say this. Remember that your duty is to ensure Kunou-hime's safety at all times and that no matter how trustworthy or sane this Campione may seem...remember that Godslayer's are willful and destructive, no matter what rose-tinted lenses we would like to view them through.]

Chiaki stiffened, blandly replying, "Yes, Oka-sama. I understand."

There was a moment of tense silence...and Emiko's cool countenance disappeared, replaced by a very foxy-and very mischievous-grin.

[Now, as your mother, I expect you to bring this 'Bassaym-kun' to meet me sooner rather than later. I need to appraise the worthiness of this young man for myself, if he so swiftly caused my sweet little cub to develop a crush this large in only a single day~!]

Chiaki practically inhaled her tongue, coughing and sputtering before frantically replying, "T-there isn't-I don't have a crush on him!"

[And Lilith-san doesn't like sweet foods. Come now, my Little Spark. I've been around for a good number of years-not that I want you to tell anyone that-and I know what infatuation, in all it's forms, looks like. Just promise to use protection if things come to that, I hear Godking's tend to have auras that naturally draw a person's eye and attention…]

"M-m-mother?! D-don't be-"

[Have a good day at school tomorrow, Chiaki-chan! And congratulations on so swiftly seducing a Campione, the Yokai faction as a whole will surely be all the stronger for it~!]

Emiko disappeared in a flash of dispelled light, leaving a red-faced and gaping Chiaki staring at nothing.

...At least until she buried her face in a nearby pillow, letting out an embarrassed wail as she rolled back-and-forth across the couch in mortification.

"Urgh...waking up on a stranger's couch is rarely a good thing...what happened last night?"

Forcing himself to open his groggy and unfocused eyes Bassaym glanced around the room, confused as to why a significant portion of his peripheral vision was dominated by light-blonde coloration-

"Oh."

…A moment passed before the Godslayer nervously swallowed, realizing that the odd shape and color was actually Ephemera's head, the Angel resting her lovely face against his chest and peacefully breathing in slow and deep patterns.

"Which makes her breasts damn near hypnotic to look at. Shit, of all the times morning wood had to be an issue! Please don't wake up now, these pants aren't quite tight enough to hide my-"

A soft, adorable yawn left the woman's mouth as she slowly sat upright, her sinfully soft legs entwined with Bassaym's own and causing an uncomfortably comfortable level of friction to occur.

And those thoughts promptly went out the window as Ephemera's ten snow-white wings sprang out of her back, gracefully flexing and stretching in the column of morning light that filtered in through a nearby window.

"…And I immediately understand why so many over the course of Human history have worshiped Angels. Beautiful…"

Transfixed by the wings before him Bassaym missed his teacher glancing down at him, completely waking up…and gaining a faint dusting of red across her cheeks in the process.

"O-oh, good morning, Terrance-san!"

Snapping out of his daze the Godslayer desperately tried to regain his wits, rapidly replying, "E-err, right! Good morning, Ephemera-san…"

Both stared at the other, completely at a loss as to how to remove themselves from such an embarrassing and awkward scenario without making things worse.

"How did we end up this way in the first place? All I remember is watching Airplane, getting a kick out of it and then we ended up watching Young Frankenstein…oh. We were watching movies until super early in the morning…no wonder we both woke up on the couch."

No sooner did that thought make it's way through his brain than Ephemera softly coughed, bowing her head and quickly saying, "I should go prepare for school then, Terrance-san."

"Uhh, yeah…that sounds good."

Not taking notice of the Campione's less than impressive word choice the Angel swung her leg over Bassaym's lap-

-and in the process ground her ass against his erection, causing both of them to jump suddenly and release noises of surprise…even if for entirely different reasons.

"M-m-my apologies, Terrance-san! I didn't mean to, erm...touch you so intimately?"

His eyes mildly unfocused the Godslayer merely distractedly replied, "That's, uhh...perfectly fine, Ephemera-san. Do you mind if I borrow your shower? I kinda smell and don't want to go to school like this, good impressions and everything..."

"Oh, of course! It's the second room to your left up the stairs. Towels are in the closet."

"Thanks."

Quickly making his way to the bathroom Bassaym removed his clothes, switched on the water...and had to put his hands against the wall, breath coming hot and heavy as the cold water uselessly pounded off his frame, his cock throbbing.

"Dammit, woman...you can't do things like that to me unless you want me to do something...fucking Authority..."

Lord of Beasts, one of Bassaym's Authorities usurped from the Indian God Pashupati, was simultaneously one of his most useful yet inconvenient. Like he had displayed when first meeting Miyo he could talk to animals, among other effects...but he would also be condemned to display animal traits of his own.

And few things were more intense than an animal that wished to breed.

Quickly grasping his erect-and sizable, befitting a bestial type Authority-cock he proceeded to pump his shaft with swift, jerky moments, mind rapidly flashing through a series of images.

Bennia and Chiaki grinding their hips together, small bodies glistening and lithe as they locked lips and moaned sensually into their partner's mouth-

-Miyo, bent over with her ass sticking into the air, tails swaying as she purred and presented dripping lips-

-Ymmeri, strong front abandoned, taking his meat into her mouth with lewd noises-

-Ephemera, her arms held above her head and wings splayed across a bed of roses, her ample bosom encompassing his rod as he pumped it between the gentle mounds-

A deep, animalistic grunt left the Godslayer's lips as copious amounts of cum sprayed the walls of the shower, a side-effect of the Authorities nature.

...Normally, one ejaculation would never be enough to satiate him, not with Lord of Beasts providing a nearly insatiable boost to his sexual stamina. But the combination of cold shower and realization that he was jacking off in his teacher's bathroom provided enough of a 'calming' agent for Bassaym to lose his erection, leaning heavily against the wall with a tired sigh.

"...Can't believe I'm complaining about this, but having super sex stamina sometimes sucks. I need a girlfriend. Or, failing that, a couple of mistresses that don't mind keeping things merely 'friendly'...except then I'll be expected to aid whatever organization or group they belong to, since they're the only ones that willingly enter into such a relationship. Ugh, what a mess..."

Idly grabbing a bottle of shampoo and examining it Bassaym's thoughts took an entirely different turn.

"She...she won't think it's creepy if I use her shampoo, will she?"

Eventually the Godslayer shrugged.

"Can't be any worse than jizzing all over her walls."

Ephemera was in something of a tizzy.

"O-oh my gosh, he was...he had...I'm so embarrassed!"

The Angel was dithering as she rapidly dressed herself for the school day, only half paying attention as she replayed the moment she had...touched such an intimate part of a man. And a man that was a Godking as well!

"He...he won't expect to take me as a concubine now, will he? I mean, it was just an accident, right? I didn't intend to be so...bold!"

A crimson blush gave her cheeks a rosy tint as her wings shyly flexed and ruffled, porcelain hands rising to her face as something...warm gathered in her stomach, the phantom sensation of rigidity and heat pressing up against her behind causing her thoughts to wander.

"Now now, Ephemera...think pure thoughts, think pure thoughts...relaxed rules or not, focusing so heavily on...on lust isn't healthy! Oooh, I never should have been so flirtatious with him yesterday!"

The young woman clasped her hands together, offered up a short prayer to God-

-and jumped halfway to the ceiling as a sudden knock on her bedroom door startled her, voice squeaky as she stammered, "Y-yes, who is it?"

"Ooh, that was such a dumb question! Of course it's Terrance-san, who else could it be?!"

Thankfully for the Angel's dignity the Campione didn't make a point of calling out her silly question, merely responding, "It's me, I finished up in the shower, is there anyplace you want me to put the towel?"

Bustling towards the door Ephemera quickly opened it, plastering a pleasant smile on her face as she kindly said, "I'll take it, Terrance-san~! You can go ahead and...is there something wrong?"

She cocked her head in confusion as Bassaym stared wide-eyed at her body, the blonde-haired woman glancing downwards-

-and furiously blushing as she realized she had answered the door in nothing but a black bra and pantyhose.

The door slammed in Bassaym's face as Ephemera gave an embarrassed squeak, shouting, "M-my apologies!"

The Godslayer had his face buried in his hands, taking slow and careful breaths.

"Easy does it, Bassaym...you already made blacklight artwork once, don't go doing it again..."

The young man regained some semblance of control over himself and shook his head before heading downstairs to put the towel away himself.

"...Sweet Jesus, those were some bountiful D-cups!"

Maybe not completely in control.

"Is there something you want to tell us, Campione-kun~?"

Bassaym did his utmost best to ignore Tomoe's cheshire tone as he flipped through his math notes, trying to make sense of formulas that he was fairly certain were based off of about three grade levels of prior experience...experience that he didn't have.

His studying session with Ephemera couldn't come quickly enough.

"Although if this morning is anything to judge by I won't be getting much studying done..."

"Ooh, that sounds like juicy details! Spill!"

"Huh?"

Finally glancing up Bassaym noticed Tomoe was gleefully staring at both him and Ephemera, the Angel lightly blushing as she made eye contact with the Godking before swiftly striding from the room, her lessons done for the moment.

"...Ok, I can see why you would interpret my words in a very 'intimate' manner, given Ephemera-sensei's abrupt departure and flushed face, but I can assure you-"

"Ooh, ooh, I know! She gave you some private lessons and-*THONK!*-owie! Yura-chaaaaaan! Stop hitting me!"

"Stop asking dumb questions."

Dropping into a nearby chair Yura gave Bassaym a curious glance, asking, "Still, Tomoe has a point, as rare a thing that is to say-"

"So mean!"

"-but the two of you did seem a little awkward this morning. Something happen that the tabloids would want to know about?"

Before the Campione could come up with a reply Kiba scooted his chair over as well, not-so-helpfully pointing out, "Indeed, I don't think I've ever seen Ephemera-sensei so much as blink when confronted with adversity or ridiculousness...and yet there she was, blushing and avoiding eye contact. You work fast, Terrance-san! By the end of the day the whole academy will be spreading rumors about the two of you…"

Dropping his head to the desk below with a loud thump Bassaym weighed his options.

"Ok. I can either tell them the truth or a lie. The truth is that I spent the night with my teacher, made her dinner, watched movies with her, fell asleep next to her, took a shower in her bathroom and had a wank, saw her in her underwear, then came to school."

...He took a moment to imagine the fallout of speaking that truth.

"Ok, truth is 100% NOT an option, one day at this school and taking things out of context seems to be a damn tradition. Fabricated lie/truth it is!"

"Well my new apartment is completely lacking in furniture and appliances, only electricity and water running in it. Ephemera-sensei lives near to me and was kind enough to let me sleep over. I think she was just embarrassed about being so enthusiastic in suggesting places to shop for furniture and appliances, which was weird, admittedly."

"There, that should do it. A bit of honesty mixed in with plenty of lies and omissions."

Thankfully his newfound friends seemed to take his explanation in stride, Tomoe's eyes going wide as she practically shouted, "Your house is empty?!"

"Pretty much, yeah. Not even a refrigerator."

"That...that sucks so much! We need to fix this immediately after school, Bassaym-kun!"

The Campione widened his eyes a bit, replying, "Well I'm flattered, but I think I can manage on my own-"

"Nu uh! Have no fear, Campione-kun, Tomoe Meguri is here to save the-*THONK!*-owie! Yura-chaaaaan! Stop giving me brain damage!"

The blue-haired girl just shook her head, reminding her fellow student council member, "We can't, Tomoe. We have a meeting after school, remember?"

The excitable girl's face fell, Kiba chuckling as he said, "Well, if you're partial to the idea, Terrance-san...I can get a few friends of mine to help you, if you don't mind? We don't have anything pressing to attend to so this would be a good use of our time!"

"Again, you don't have to-"

"Perfect, we shall meet you at the front gate, Terrance-san!"

Bassaym just blinked, completely lost at what just happened.

"...Did...did I just get strong-armed into being helped? It's like a reverse mafia with these three. Oi! Take this here monthly rent and pay off your mortgage, or Papa Johnny over here and his baseball bat is gonna break your kneecaps!"

"Ahh, it's my fellow Harem King!"

Not sure in the slightest how to respond to such a greeting Bassaym merely settled for shaking the brown-haired boy's hand, replying, "Good to see you too, Hyoudou-san."

The boy before Bassaym seemed like the irrepressible type, a sharp contrast to his earlier confrontation when he'd accused him of trying to steal the academy's women.

"You know, I seem to recall you threatening me when I first arrived at the academy...what happened to your aggression from back then?"

Obviously embarrassed Issei scratched the back of his head, sheepishly giggling before slowly replying, "Well, you see...I was acting kinda crazy? And Ephemera-sensei is super trustworthy! If she says you're alright, then you're alright!"

"Oh, well, thank-"

"Her breasts don't lie!"

...Bassaym wasn't sure if Issei's open declarations of sexual topics was amusing or disturbing.

Probably a bit of both.

As if reading his mind Kiba chuckled, explaining, "Believe it or not, Terrance-san, Issei-kun is far better at concealing his...expressivenessthat he was before."

"You're right. I don't believe it."

"Umm...I'm standing right here?"

Both Bassaym and Kiba ignored Issei's muttered words, Bassaym instead asking, "So is it just us or are we-"

"Issei-kun, Kiba-kun!"

The brown-haired boy turned on his heel, eyes positively lighting up as he shouted back, "Asia-chan, over here!"

Running towards them was a disarmingly cute blonde girl with one of the most innocent faces Bassaym had ever seen, two familiar figures following in her wake.

"Oh, hey Miyo-san, Bennia-chan. Did you two get talked into helping me out?"

As the blonde girl glomped Issei in a hug the Reaper and Nekoshou cheerfully approached Bassaym, the catgirl replying, "Sure did! Chiaki-chan is busy today and can't make it, so Bennia-chan asked if I could take time out of the club to help you~!"

"Is it alright for you to do that? I mean if it's just you watching over all the animals right now-"

Bassaym's words were cut off as a soft meow caught his attention, the kitten from yesterday crawling out from behind Miyo's neck and lightly leaping onto the Godslayer's shoulder, purring and rubbing up against his face.

"...I stand corrected?"

Miyo giggled while Bennia just watched on with no shortage of amusement as the spirited critter began to playfully bite the Campione's earlobe-much to his discomfort-as the Yokai explained, "He seemed to miss you and since you can talk to him I figured it would be ok if we took him along~!"

Bassaym made to reply but instead let out a small 'ow' of discomfort as the calico got a little too enthusiastic in it's play, drawing a bit of blood as Bassaym growled low in his throat, the kitten immediately flattening it's ears and tucking it's tail.

…

At least until a tentative meow and liberal use of 'kitten eyes' got the Godslayer to sigh in aggravation and give off a small 'chuff'.

The tiny critter immediately started to lightly pull at the Godslayer's hair, Miyo doubled over and trying to contain her laughter while everyone else looked on with varying levels of shock or amusement.

"Well? You going to introduce me to your friend there, Hyoudou-san?"

"Oh, right! Asia-chan, this is Terrance-san, the 8th Campione."

Bassaym halfway expected the blonde to panic upon revealing his title...and was pleasantly surprised as her jade eyes merely sparkled in uncomplicated happiness, her hand rising to shake as she cheerily said, "It's a pleasure to meet a Devil King such as yourself, Terrance-san!"

"The feeling is certainly mutual, Asia-san. Sorry in advance that our first meeting is mostly just going to consist of me buying all sorts of boring furniture and stuff like that…"

The girl merely smiled, sunnily responding, "It's no problem, Terrance-san! Bennia and Miyo-chan were telling me how your home is completely empty and that you had to rely on Ephemera-sensei's charity for your one night stand!"

All present froze, Miyo and Bennia innocently looking away and whistling to themselves as the Godslayer dully glared at them, Issei looking scandalized.

"...I can assure you, Asia-san, that me and Ephemera-sensei did not have a one night stand."

The girl looked entirely confused, asking, "I beg your pardon? But...you did stay at her house, correct?"

"Well, yeah, but that doesn't mean we had sex."

The girl blushed and seemed entirely befuddled.

"W-why would the two of you have intercourse?!"

Bassaym merely stared.

"...She's one of those innocent types, ain't she? And I thought Chiaki-chan was bad..."

The Godslayer merely pushed Kiba forward, dryly stating, "There, blondie. You can try to explain to her what was heard from Bennia-chan, and all the things it entails."

The Reaper merely cackled, Kiba giving a still comatose Issei a pleading look as Asia desperately glanced around, hoping someone would explain things to her while Miyo just watched the series of events play out like a sports game.

"...I just know Godou is laughing to himself right now."

"So what do you need, Terrance-san? Like, when you say your house is empty, do you mean empty empty, or just empty?"

"Dry as a tomb. I've got floors, lights, stove, sink, running water and a bathroom...that's it. I'm gonna need the works."

The group had traveled to the local Nitori furniture outlet, Bassaym running down the checklist of things he needed with a critical eye.

He wasn't exactly lacking money-and he was absolutely going to find a way to bill Godou for this anyway-but the list was daunting, to say the least...even if he'd gone with an absolutely minimalist approach to décor.

"Well, I guess we can just start anywhere...Christ, I hope they have a good delivery service or this just got way more complicated."

"No worries about that, Campione-kun!"

The Godslayer raised an eye at Bennia's cheerful words-the Reaper dressed in Kuoh's usual uniform, as she'd elected to become corporeal-as she proudly approached a stand holding all sorts of candies and such.

"Watch this~!"

A quick movement of her hand as a packaged treat of some kind was knocked towards the floor-

-and the snack disappeared into a midnight void with nary a trace, Bassaym raising an eyebrow in appreciation.

"Not bad. Think we'll be able to fit all the stuff we need into that little Hammerspace of yours? There's gonna be a lot of it..."

Bennia put her hand to her cheeks, shyly replying, "Oh my, Bassaym-sama...are you worried you won't be able to fit your big packages into my tiny little hole? I can assure you, they'll fit just fine, I'm a big girl and can take it good~!"

Bassaym just sighed and elected to dryly stare at the grinning girl, Miyo rolling her eyes as Issei dabbed lightly at the blood flowing from his nostrils. Kiba seemed content to ignore the byplay while Asia was madly blushing, evidently catching on to the innuendo.

"Very amusing. You gonna put that snack back now?"

"Eh? Why would I? I'm hungry and it was only 200 yen!"

Bassaym didn't so much as flinch.

"And as someone who worked in retail I understand the plight of the guys and gals working the floor, who get all of the responsibility but none of the authority. Who do you think is gonna get tagged if inventory goes missing?"

The blue-haired girl just blinked in abject shock at the Godking's words, Miyo curiously asking, "You worked in retail before, Terrance-san?"

"Sure did. Before I became a Campione, granted, but I manned the customer service desk at a hardware store for a year plus a few months. I've got a respect for the people that fill those positions, having been there myself. And Bennia-chan is just being the worst kind of person right now."

The tiny girl surreptitiously flipped Bassaym off-even as she glumly returned the snack to it's original spot-as the Godslayer winked at her, causing her to scowl.

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you work there, Terrance-san?"

The group continued on their way to the chair display floor, Bassaym explaining, "My family was never particularly rich, so I worked to earn a little bit of spending money for myself. And my dad was the outdoorsy type, so I figured hardware would be a good choice. Employee discounts saved us a lot of money."

Kiba nodded thoughtfully, his question answered.

"What about you all? Any interesting jobs?"

To his surprise everyone but Miyo glanced at each other before collectively wincing.

"You could say we're...in a sort of 'customer service' kind of business."

Bassaym tilted his head at the blonde's words before snapping his fingers.

"Ahh! The whole contract thing as Devil's, right? What's that like?"

Asia and Kiba shuffled awkwardly while Bennia shivered, the blonde girl hesitantly saying, "It's, umm...varied?"

"It's friggin' weird is what it is."

Bassaym raised an eyebrow at Issei's dry tone.

Seeing the expression the brown-haired boy elaborated with, "One of my regulars is a massive dude who looks like he could bench press a car. He dresses up as a Magical Girl and routinely wants to shoot his, 'magical beam of love' at me."

The Godslayer blinked a few times as Bennia instinctively hugged his side, muttering something under her breath in a fugue state.

"...And I thought I saw weird shit handling hardware returns."

Conversation predictably died for a few minutes after that admission.

"The Supernatural people are weird. I thought the Divine side of things were bonkers but this a whole new level of loco..."

"I'm not getting a king-size bed, Hyoudou-san."

"You have to!"

"No, I don't have to. What the Hell would I need a King for when a twin would do just fine?"

"For your harem!"

Bassaym blinked a few times before letting out a small sigh.

"I can already tell I'm going to regret asking this...but what harem? Last I checked I was single."

Issei boldly proclaimed, "But you've already started one, Terrance-san! You already have Kunou-chan's attendant, Bennia-chan, Miyo-san and-I can't believe I'm saying this-Ephemera-sensei! In two days you've begun the process of collecting one of every type! And aren't Godslayers all over having, like, a gazillion mistresses?"

"...Good thing he didn't see me talk to Ymmeri-san, otherwise he would bouncing off the walls."

"Ok, couple things. First, me spending time with all of the aforementioned people doesn't mean we're romantically inclined. Second, Campione are not all about polygamy, that's just my older brother and there were a shit-load of circumstances related to that. Thirdly...weren't you against me forming a harem at first? Why the sudden change in opinion?"

Issei blinked before awkwardly clearing his throat.

"Well everyone else, Ephemera-sensei especially, said you were actually a good person, so...I can't deny a fellow man his rightful harem of beautiful babes?"

Bassaym was about to reiterate that such an occurrence seemed highly unlikely when his shopping partner suddenly turned dead serious, locking eyes as his voice dropped an octave.

"But...Terrance-san? You know NTR is a trash fetish...right?"

The Godslayer just sighed, flipping over a nearby price tag as he dryly replied, "Duly noted, Hyoudou-san. Your girlfriends are safe."

The boy nodded, satisfied, before suddenly glaring at Bassaym.

"You're not one of those weird monogamy assholes, are you?"

The Godslayer suddenly laughed, amusedly replying, "Hardly. Matter of fact, my parents were in a polygamous relationship. Even if that caused no shortage of trouble with the locals..."

Issei blinked in surprise, asking, "They were? Actually, where do you come from, if that was-"

The Godslayer suddenly stiffened, quickly bringing out his phone and swiftly stating, "Sorry, Hyoudou-san, but I need to take this."

"Eh? Oh, uh, that's...fine..."

Bassaym had already disappeared, leaving Issei scratching his head.

If he had been looking at Bassaym's phone when he brought it out, however, he would have noticed that there were no alerts or calls on it whatsoever.

"Hmm...now where could he have gone..."

Instead of replying Bennia just continued to look back-and-forth across the store, golden eyes scanning left to right as Miyo occasionally took a sniff, sampling the air.

...Not to much avail, as she wasn't using her sharper Yokai senses.

"Do you have anything, Bennia-chan?"

"Sorta. He's got this weird-but super hot-aura of death around him, kinda like Hades', but not crappy like that bony jerk's was."

Miyo filed that away for later perusal, curious what sort of powers the Godslayer had that allowed him to both talk to animals and reek of death strongly enough that Bennia seemed to be able to follow it like a bloodhound.

"Bingo! Follow me, Miyo-chan!"

Swiftly following in the Grim Reaper's wake the two girls exited the store, Miyo confusedly asking, "Did he leave?"

"I don't think so, as a matter of fact he should be...there!"

The duo quickly approached a support pillar that the Godslayer was leaning against, Bennia grinning as she began making groping motions with her hands-

-and was instead yanked behind the pillar by the Yokai, her squeak of surprise muffled by the Nekoshou's hand.

"...so they're on their way, huh? About fucking time, those three have a long overdue date with death...keep an eye out for me, would you?"

Bennia quickly stilled her struggles, Bassaym's tone...cold. And predatory, not a single trace of his usual affability or friendliness present. Miyo shivered, more than a little uncomfortable at the aura she was reading through her Senjutsu senses, the ability affording her a sort of emotional and power observation that was natural to her species.

It reeked of anger, death and imminent violence.

...She didn't fail to notice how Bennia's face was flushed, eyes hazy and body limp in her grasp.

A brief fluttering of wings caught her attention as a small Green Pheasant flew away from where it had been 'talking' to Bassaym, the murderous aura gradually receding-

-and Miyo couldn't restrain her yelp as the Campione's face suddenly leaned around the pillar and for a split-second she honestly believed he was going to attack them for eavesdropping-

"Heard that did you? Well, no biggie. It's a matter that doesn't concern you."

Miyo nervously swallowed, shakily replying, "M-my apologies, Terrance-san, b-but we weren't sure where you went so-"

The Campione placed a finger against the Nekoshou's lips, leaning forward so the front of his body was pressing against Bennia, giving both girls no room to lean away.

"Relax, Miyo-san, I'm not angry...but you heard something you don't need to worry about, so just pretend this conversation never happened, alright~?"

Gathering her courage as he withdrew his finger the Nekoshou hesitantly asked, "W-was it related to Heretic Gods? We might need to-"

Bassaym's hand cupped her chin with just enough force to make her nervous, his eyes stony and tone final.

"I'm a Godslayer. Leave the deicide to me, alright?"

She could only nod.

All traces of domination and seriousness left Bassaym, his grin back in place as he wryly stated, "Well, back to the shopping. I've still got an an entire house to decorate, unfortunately..."

Quietly whistling to himself the Godslayer strolled away, leaving both girls panting and lightly coated in nervous sweat...at least, Miyo was. She didn't want to guess why Bennia was so 'damp'.

"Miyo-chan?"

"Y-yes, Bennia-chan?"

In the most dire of voices the Reaper said, "We have to make him angry again sometime. That aura of death...fuck I need a new pair of underwear~!"

While she may or may not have agreed with Bennia's blunt words...Miyo couldn't help but admit that there had been something about the Godslayer's aura that had been...exciting, speaking to her feline side on a very primal level.

...She would indeed have to think about changing her panties when she got back home. And maybe take care of some 'personal' business.

"What? There's nothing wrong with liking a bad boy!"