I Got Reincarnated! - Kitsune Chronicles
~Chapter 11~ Shoved onto Thee
"What's the big idea!? How dare you ruin the great Lord Gelmud's Plans!" The little masked Majin yelled and pointed his staff at Kayo and Benimaru, the kitsune growling and all 5 tails exposed, her eyes glowing a bright gold as she glared down this fowl smelling creature. "A new Demon Lord who would have done my bidding was about to be born!" It monologed like a child, or a cartoon evil villain.
"...Demon Lord?" Benimaru questioned as Kayo watched it throw a tantrum, thinking of ways to torturer it before killing it, if she could ignore the smell of it. "Yes! That's why I gave out so many names, sowed so many seeds! All to create an ultimate Pawn!" It said and a cold chill washed over the kitsune. 'He named Rigurd's eldest son... and was going to give Benimaru a name if he hadn't refused...' the thought of Benimaru becoming this creature's puppet made her sicker than his smell did. Benimaru put a hand on her shoulder to stop her from approaching the thing. Her rage clearly visible in the form of sparking and black fire in her clawed hands.
"Oh! It's Lord Gelmud!" Gabiru called out, sounding hopeful for some reason. "What brings you here? Could it be you've come to help us?" He asked but was sadly let down by the one who gave him his name. "Useless dolt!" it yelled and confused the poor lizardman. "Just become a meal for the Orc Lord already!" it yelled angerly "What is he talking about?" One of Gabiru's men asked, clearly confused.
"A useless fool like you will never be more than a nuisance! So be eaten by the Orc Lord already and become his strength!" It complained and Kayo became even more pissed off at what he said the to the foolish lizardman who looked like a kicked puppy. "You will be useful to me in death. Consider it an honor." The thing turned to the massive orc that smelled way better than the Majin before them.
"Get him, Orc Lord!" it commanded but the massive creature didn't move.
"What do you mean by evolving into a Demon Lord?" The Orc Lord asked, and it scoffed at the question. "You really are and Imbecile. You will become the Demon Lord '"Orc Disaster" and rule over the entire forest of Jura! That is both what he and I desire!" it proclaimed, and Kayo slipped off Benimaru's hand, wanting to get her claws on this... majin herself. Benimaru didn't stop her nor did Rimuru as they watched to see what she would do.
"Why are you just standing there? You, dumb pig!?" it yelled at the orc before it started to charge a magenta attack. "There's no time I'm not supposed to interfere, but I have no choice." it pointed an attack at the lizardmen.
"Sir Gabiru! You must flee!" The men of the name Lizard pleaded and tried to push the heartbroken Gabiru out of danger. "Die!" It shouted and shot off the attack at them, the 4 lizardmen shielding Gabiru before Kayo stepped in the way and caught the attack with her bare hand... and crushed it to sparkles.
"What!? How!?" It asked, completely surprised as Kayo scoffed.
"For a 'Superior Majin' your attacks are pretty weak." she sneered down at the short creature who took a step back, in fear or shock. "Agh. Stupid Fox, why don't you become a meal as well!" it shouted and created the same attack only several of them and shot them out at Kayo who only crossed her arms and showed no fear at the oncoming attack as the lizardmen watched in aw as Rimuru came down and deflected the many attacks for his fox sister.
"Wow. Your right, those were weak." the mussed to Kayo out loud as the Maji seemed to get sacred as he stepped back only to get wrapped up in Rimuru's thread. "Y-you... both of you..." it started but choked on its words when facing the new powerhouses in the Jura Forest.
"M-miss Fox..." Gabiru addressed Kayo, looking at her in aw along with his men. "Leave this to us. You and your men and fought hard so far. Take care of your men. Not many subordinates would give their lives for their boss." she told him and the lizardmen nodded and slowly backed away.
"Big brother. May I take this one?" Kayo asked with a sweet smile, appearing calm but anyone could see she was seething with rage. "Sure, go ahead." Rimuru 'allowed' her but Kayo seemed terrifying to him so he couldn't say no as she pat his head and walked up to the trapped majin.
"Now where shall I start? Oh! Thank you, for sending Benimaru and the others too us. I will be sure to take very good care of them and also- FUCK YOU IN THE ASS WITH A HOT IRON ROD!" Kayo stated out sweetly, and it confused the Maji greatly when she thanked him, but then she yelled and had a hot iron rod with her coming at him, he screamed like a girl in his panic.
Rimuru had to look away, terrified at what Kayo was doing to the poor creature, combined with beating it and many other things as she ranted at it. Souei rested a hand on Benimaru's shoulder as he watched how cruel Kayo could be. "Don't make her angry." was all the ninja told his young master who was very confused, after just watching Kayo mangle the majin that had seemed so strong just a few weeks ago.
"C-crazy Fox!" The Majin yelled as it managed to get a bit further away from Kayo, its clothes burned and ripped as it had a hand over his broken ass. "Y-you're finished! He's going to make you regret this!" it yelled at Kayo who only giggled eerily.
"Oh? And who is he? Your daddy? You must be such a disappointment if you have to ask him for help~ Just to deal with a stupid little fox like me~." Kayo taunted gleefully. Before it scooted back quickly towards the Orc Lord that had remained still during its 'master's' beating.
"No! Stop! Stay away from me!" it yelled at her as it looked to the orc lord. "Hey, Orc Lord! Help me!" it cried out, but the massive pig only said two words.
"I'm hungry."
"Danm It! I said Help me, Orc Lord! No! I mean... Geld!" It cried out and Kayo backed away, pouting. "Well, there goes my fun. It's about to get really dangerous now." Kayo reasoned as the Orc slowly approached the injured majin who had not realized its position in the food chain... below the Orc Lord.
"Finally moving now, you scumbag?" it laughed, thinking it won and turned it back to the monster approaching him. Kayo was a little surprised to feel Benimaru's arm wrap around her waist and pulled her behind him, as he and Rimuru also saw what was coming next.
"Prepare to experience this beast's strength! Do it Geld! Make them rue the day they dared go against m-" it was saying before the Orc cut its head off with-it meat cleaver like weapon. The majin's head and body fell to the ground in a pool of blood. "Oh God, I hate this part." Kayo ducked behind Benimaru who was confused but then saw what Kayo couldn't stand... the Orc Lord was keeled over the now dead Maji's body and started eating it. He could feel her grip the back of his shirt tightly and her shaking, the power of the Orc Lord increased drastically as he gave a loud and powerful roar.
"I am the Orc Disaster! I am the one who will devour all in this world!" It shouted and looked at the small group that was standing before him. "My name is Geld... Geld the Demon Lord!" he looked down at the little blue Humanoid slime.
"Shion!" Benimaru commanded and the Purple Kijin woman readyed her sword and ran at the new Demon lord. "Right! On it!" She ginned, egger to take a piece of the monster who destroyed her home.
"Hey..." Rimuru tried to protest before Benimaru gave him his reason. "Let us handle this. This is our mission, and we will see it through." he told the slime who looked at Kayo holding on to Benimaru's back, the fox looking a bit sick at the smell.
As Shion clashed with the Orc, Hakuro took this chance to cut off the Orc's head, only the smell had Kayo on her knees. "Lady Kayo?" Benimaru looked at her worriedly as she had a hand over her nose and mouth, feeling about to vomit as the fur on her ears and tail stood on end. Rimuru glanced at her bit saw what she could smell, the severed head reattaching to the body with some gross yellow tentacles.
"That's some insane healing power." Rimuru noticed before Soeui made his move and cocooned the new demon Lord into his Arcane Threaded Fetters. "Do it, Benimaru!" He called out to the red Kijin who took that as his cue to attack and gathered the power Kayo had given him with his own into a red and golden fire he gathered into his hand.
"Have some of this!" Benimaru smirked as he laughed the powerful attack at the trapped Orc, destroying Souei's cocoon in the process... and the orc was still standing. With a howl Ranga added to the battle and used the storm to attack the demon with a powerful strike of lighting.
"This is bad." Kayo muttered as she finally was able to dull her sense of smell to avoid the fowl stench of the Demon Lord enough to stand up just as the dust cleared, and to the Kijin's surprise... the Orc got back up too. "It's no use attacking if he can heal after those attacks. Draining him of his energy might work but-" Kayo way saying but gaged badly when she saw the Orc now eating one of its commanders who had offered up their body willingly.
The kitsune lost it and turned away to vomit up the contents of her stomach violently, Shion kneeled by her side and rubbed her back while it happened. Rimuru was just confused by the reaction. "You can stomach shoving a hot pipe up a guy's butt, but you can't stomach this?" he asked her as she kept throwing up, but he could also tell she had also depleted her Magicules to dangerous levels.
"I draw a hard line at cannibalism. I-i rather eat Shion's cooking for the rest of my life." Kayo admitted, as the Kitsune had taken a bite of the Purple Kijin's 'food' once already. "L-lord Kayo! You said my cooking was good." Shion looked a bit hurt at the weakened kitsune's words.
"Not enough! I need more! Give me more food!" The Orc Disaster demanded, creating a magenta orb in it hand and shot it into the sky above them. It then spilt into hundreds of more of those orbs surrounding the slime party. Benimaru gasped as a cold chill went through his body as the orbs descended upon them to end their lives...
Only a purple barrier suddenly appeared over them, and the attack was nullified. Looking back, Benimaru saw Kayo using some purple glowing pearls that encircled her arm as she created the shield to protect them.
"Kayo! What are you doing!? Your nearly out of Magicules!" Rimuru scolded her, as he had been about to absorb the attack himself, if only he had just been quicker then Kayo who had pulled out the kitsune pearls for an extra boost. "Sorry, Slime ball. I can let you take out the Orc if that makes you feel better." Kayo joked, giving the slime a weak smile. She was feeling lightheaded, even with the energy from of the star foxes, she was still very weak.
"Lord Rimuru?" Benimaru looked to the slime who sighed and started to approach the Orc lord. "Don't worry. I got this. Just take care of her." He told the Kijin who looked unsure as Kayo shakingly stood up. "Trust me, Benimaru. Rimuru maybe the only one who can stop this thing right now." She reasoned as Hakuro looked at her seriously.
"What makes you say that Lady Kayo?" he asked the fox who could hear their voices without any of them saying it out loud. "It's not about power, but skills and how they are used. My brother has those the skills, and I know he will use them." She told him confidently before she nearly leaned too far to one side before Benimaru kept her from falling. Holding her close to his body warmed her chilled form, Kayo took in a few breaths, the taste of vomit in her mouth helping drown out the Demon Ors's fowl scent.
Her ears twitched as she picked up on a new voice.
"Lord Geld!"
Kayo blinded in confusion, wondering who would be calling the demon lord as he battled Rimuru. Kayo's dazed eyes locked onto a... normal looking Orc, one that looked strangely unaffected by the Demon Orc's ability.
~Daze~
Her vision was taken up by a new environment, a far reach from the wet and muddy marshland to the hot and dry landscape of a harsh desert. The cries of 3 young one's caught her attention first, raising Kayo's alertness as she looked round and saw the source.
3 little Orcings, all of them very small and very thin. Kayo walked over to the small ones btu then noticed 2 large, fully grown orcs approached them insted.
"Are you hungry? Wait just a moment." one of the large ones voiced as he kneeled to the little one's level and grabbed his left arm... only to rip it off.
"N-no..." Kayo looked on in shock, trembling as she saw the orc set the severed arm in front of the shocked little ones. "Here. Eat it." the large orc voiced and the little ones desperately ate it... and didn't leave anything but the blood stain on the dry cracked ground.
Tears fell from Kayo's golden eyes, a hand to her chest as it pounded hard as she watched, vaguely aware Rimuru was there watching the same thing she was. "You don't find this degusting?" the slime asked her a little confused, Kayo closed her eyes and pushed away cruel dark memories of her own. "No. He gave himself to feed his people... this land... there's no water, not even a Catus. It's completely baren. Nothing but harsh sunlight." she voiced and opened her tear-filled eyes. "If Orcs are anything like pigs, their skin can't stand such harsh direct sun. That alone will kill them, never mind the lack of food and water here. I'm not surprised he became a puppet of that Majin. It would have been so easy to make him do whatever... just so his people could eat."
Kayo reasoned as they watched as the Orc King traveled to the Jura Forest... for some small hope. "Just a few miles short." she voiced softly, watching the Orc King fall to the ground, his hunger over taking him above all the other odds stacked against him. Then... the Majin appeared upon him like a vulture, Kayo growled. "I've should have killed it myself." she grumbled, regretting letting the Orc eat him and gain its power, and then there was just Kayo, Rimuru, and the Orc lord standing in the barren desert.
"He told me anyone I ate as the Orc Lord, would not die, being under the control of Starved. It appears he was mealy using me as a pawn for his evil scheme, but I had to take the risk. That is why I must eat. Even if you are a slime that can eat anything. I cannot let myself be eaten." The Orc Geld, tried to resist being eaten by the slime, but he didn't notice the kitsune slowly approaching him carefully.
"When it comes to eating, I have the advantage. You'll lose." Rimuru told him. Little Kayo do what she wanted, then again her was trying to eat the troublesome Orc. "I ate all the monsters I encountered. I ate Lord Gelmud. I even ate My brethren. My Brethen are starving. So, I-" Geld stopped as he felt small warm hands on his in their strange barren scape. He looked down and saw the tearful kitsune holding his hand, confusing the massive orc greatly.
"In this world It's eat or be eaten." Rimuru pushed on while the Orc was distracted by whatever his sister was doing. "The strong devour the weak, but the strong also protect the weak. You did what you could for your people, even if it was by such sinful means." Kayo reasoned softly as the Orc looked down at her, felling... relaxed?
"I cannot lose. If I die, my sin's fall upon my brethren's shoulders. It matters not if I am sinful. To ensure that they don't starve, I must take all the world's hunger upon myself." Geld voiced as he tried to pull away from the Kitsune, but she only pulled him down to the ground, where she sat nicely along with him... and the surroundings changed in a purple flash, to that of a lush meadow somewhere in the Jura Forest.
Geld was shocked and confused as the Kitsune smiled at him and pointed over to a little stream not far from them... the orc could hear laughter. Looking in that direction, he couldn't help but gasp at what he saw... 3 orclings, happy, healthy, and without a care in the world as they splashed around in the water.
"W-what is this?" he asked her, shocked as he was no longer in his demon form but in his Orc, form sitting on a blue and white blanket with the kitsune and slime. "A look into the future." Kayo told him with a soft smile as she was using Orion's pearl to peek into the future.
"Rest assured. I will do all in my power to make sure your fate is not replicated and that your people will know full bellies and peace." Kayo held out her hand to the Orc who stared at her as if she was a goddess. "But... my brethren will take on my sins. How can this be?" he asked, confused as Rimuru smiled at what Kayo was offering, making it easier for him to devour the orc and withering down the Orc's will.
"My brother and I are not normal monsters. With our combined knowledge, skills, and a little help from our friends. We can make anything a reality." Kayo giggled confidently and the orc slowly raised his hand to reach out to her's as he had tears in his own eyes.
"Thank you. Please... take good care of them." he asked before disappearing into glittering gold that blew away with a calm breeze, Rimuru finished devouring him with no more trouble.
~Awake~
"Lord Kayo?"
Kayo groaned as her head throbbed painfully, her eyes slowly slid open as she looked into the crimson eyes of Benimaru who had a hand on her upper chest above her heart. Having transferred some of his magicules into her, Kayo became stiff as she felt where his hand was, and blushed a dark red.
"Good, your awake now. It seems you were right about Lord Rimuru." Hakuro mussed as he noticed her shocked face and Benimaru quickly pulled his hand away. "Apologies, Master Hakuro instructed me to give you some of my Magicules to keep you out of danger." he told her and let Kayo stand back up, as she also needed to calm Lust down before she did something very sexual to Benimaru.
"Thank you, Benimaru. One Problem down and several more have popped up." Kayo mentioned sadly, unsure of how to get Benimaru or the others to stay. 'It was part of the deal. Unless...' Kayo was consulting Knowledge and Lust before Rimuru asked her to go back to the village, being the fastest she could get there and back for a very important meeting.
~Later~
The kijin meet up with Rimuru for a little chat. Kayo having left to inform the village of their victory, leaving Rimuru to talk with the Kijin, as the kitsune was unsure of how to face Benimaru or convince him to stay.
"I guess... it's over." The slime voiced, trying not to look disappointed as he looked at Benimaru, the Leader of the Kijin unsurely. "Yes. Our fallen breadthen have been avenged fully. There is no need for us to stay here." The crimson Kijin reasoned with a slow nod.
"I promised you'd be free once the Orc Lord was defeated, your welcome to come back anytime though. Thanks for all the help." The slime sadly thanked them, unsure if they would stay or go off on their own. Something Kayo was preparing for as she seemed to want to keep busy instead of saying goodbye to the guy she had been crushing on.
"Lord Rimuru, I have a favor to ask." Benimaru added, giving the slime some hope. "What is it?"
"Please accept our Allegiance. We will continue to serve you and Lady Kayo." The Kijin asked and Rimuru's eyes sparkled with a bit of hope that he had noticed Kayo's feelings. "You're sure?" He smiled eagerly, he looked at the others to see if that also agreed but there was a strong feeling they would, even if Benimaru wanted to leave.
"I have no objections." Hakuro mussed with a smile of his fond memories with the goblins and Kitsunes.
"We are truly blessed to have met you and Lord Kayo." Souei broke his usually stoic ninja expression to one of excitement that made him sweeter. Shion came up to Rimuru with a smile and held him as if he was still in his slime form and not his human one. Her large breasts nearly crushing his head, now understanding why Kayo disliked HAVEING large breasts.
"I am your secretary and bodyguard, Lord Rimuru. I'll never leave your side!" Shion happily declared as she held her slime lord, her hugs not as warm or soft as Kayo's.
"Not till the end of our lives." Benimaru added with a smile before they noticed Rimur's shadow shifting and Kayo coming out with a glare on her face and arms crossed as she looked down at the slime, a bit pissed off.
"You gave a vile to Kurobe to use on me too? How many times did you think I would almost die?" Kayo asked the slime who gave a nervous laugh as he looked away. Not wanting to admit he was really worried about the fox giving her all to protect the village, and she didn't have much to give according to Great Sage.
~Later~
After a brief recovery period, all the races that had participated in the battle were gathered in the throne room of the Lizarmen's home. The Orc's on one side, flanked by Kayo's Fox brothers who were to make sure the orcs did not escape, and the lizardmen with some goblins they had allied with, and Treyni sitting along wide them on the same stone bench. While Rimuru and Kayo were seated between the two groups, the kijin standing at their sides like bodyguards but Rimuru felt safe and cozy in Kayo's fluffy soft warm tails she let him nest into.
"Chairmen Rimuru Tempest, please begin the conference." Treyni spoke as she smiled at Rimuru who was nervously sweating. Not having ever held a conference with himself as the head before, so he glanced at Kayo who was lost in thought before the Slime poked her.
'Kayo... a little help please?' he requested as the fox stopped her own little meeting with her other selves.
"Right. I am Kayo Tempest, Sister of Rimuru Tempest and Vice Chairmen. We have come here today to discuss what should be done in the aftermath of the Orc Disaster. We ask that you please hold your thoughts until we can share what we have to say." Kayo voiced confidently as she had her back strait and making eye contact with those before them. Her voice reaching everyone as she projected nicely but wasn't loud.
"First off, Rimuru and I both agree not to charge the Orc's with any crimes." as she said this the Orcs looked shocked and confused. "We know this will upset the lizardmen, who have suffered the most casualties in this battle, but please try and understand our reasoning." Kayo looked to the chief and his children. "The cause of this was a great famine, a result of the Orc's homeland becoming a barren wasteland, that led to the Orc's starvation and desperation. I do not fault the Orc's who saw salvation in that Majin as one of your own had also been given a name by them. Nether your people nor the Orc's could have foreseen the fowl sins that would result from the Majin's 'gifts'." Kayo hissed out the last word as the room seemed to get cold and Rimuru couldn't help but admire Kayo in the moment as she closed her eyes to try and calm down.
"A selfless leader of any other race would do the same for their people in such a circumstance. Giving their all to make sure their people are taken care of no matter the cost to them. I admit, I do admire that conviction and am guilty of doing so myself for my family and village." Kayo's eyes glowed as she opened her eyes and the room got warm. "Thus, I firmly stand on helping those affected by this event and to prevent it from happing again." Kayo finished, but the slime could see her getting nervous with so many eyes on her.
'Perfectly said.' He praised her; proud she could step up for him.
"Chairmen Rimuru, my we hear your personal thoughts on this?" The lizardmen chieftain asked as the slime had gathered his thoughts while Kayo spoke. "I've taken all of the orc's sins upon myself. If anyone has a complaint, bring it up to me." Rimuru voiced, much to the orc's shock.
"P-please, wait! Surely there is no logic to-" one Orc stood up, shocked and flustered as he looked at the Kitsune and Slime.
"We assured Demon Lord Geld, that the orcs will know peace and full bellies. It's also fated according to a powerful Seer I know." Kayo spoke up with a kind smile as she looked at the Orc that had spoken up... recognizing his voice as the one who had called out to the demon lord before. He and the other's looked shocked and touched but also ashamed as they felt they did not deserve this kindness.
"I see. However, I still feel that answer is somewhat unfair." The chief voiced and both reincarnated humans understood how it looked to him. Then Benimaru stepped before them to speak, getting everyone's attention and Kayo was curious about his input.
"There is one immutable rule shared among all monsters: 'Survival of the fittest.' The moment they faced each other, they were both prepared for that." he added, Kayo had to hold her tongue at the comment. She didn't believe fully in strength alone... then again, she had been the runt of her littler and was now considered just as strong as her slime brother even with just 5 tails.
"You guys lost your home too. Don't you have any complaints?" Rimuru asked, worried that the Kijin still held some grudge towards the orcs. "I would be lying if I say we didn't, but we will not disgrace ourselves a second time. No matter how unlikely it is to happen under Lady Kayo watch." Benimaru admitted, having believed the Kitsune would find a way to keep the orcs in line.
"I see... that is a fair point, but there is one thing I must know." The Lizardman chief inquired as he looked across the room at the worried looking orcs, then back at the slime and Kitsune. "Lady Kayo mentioned that you will not charge them with any crimes. Does that mean you both intend to accept all of their survivors?"
Rimuru looked worried and unsure before Kayo spoke up for them both.
"Of course. However, with their numbers still being quiet high at 150,000 it will be near impossible for us alone to take care of them all. So, forgive me if I sound foolish by suggesting we ALL work together for a peaceful exitance." Kayo asked as there were some confused faces and Rimuru nodded, agreeing with the kitsune who put it so well, and he didn't have to do everything.
"Work together?" The chief questioned, wondering what the Kitsune was thinking as he had noticed her spacing out and it was clear she and the slime were communicating privately with one another. "What do you mean exactly by, work together?" The Lizardman's Captain questioned next, and Kayo tried not to look uncertain about her idea that hinged on everyone doing their part.
"Ideally. We would like for the lizardmen to share a clean water source as well as fish, the goblins to offer a place to live and our Village will offer processed goods to the survivors." Kayo's hands were shaking as she was getting nervous and looked to the orcs, or rather their new leader in the eyes. "In return, the Orc's will provide labor, such as construction, repair work, and lots of heavy lifting. I trust your people are willing and able to do such things." she directly asked, the orc having tears in his eyes as he nodded.
"Y-yes." he responded softly and was confused why the fox was stepping in so much... and why the slime was allowing it.
"Good. It is with this exchange; we wish all races of the Great Forest of Jura to form an alliance and build a mutually cooperative relationship. It would be cool if we could create a nation where all races could coexist!" Rimuru added, not sounding as well put together as Kayo's but the monsters did take his words into account.
"And you're saying we could also take part in this alliance?" The Orc Leader asked, looking unsure if they would be included in this alliance or just be used as Labor for the other races. "Well, you have nowhere else to go do you? We have a place for you, so do some work. I don't tolerate slackers." Rimuru told the Orc before Kayo looked at them worried.
"Are any of you still hungry? I have a few snacks I was testing out. Their nothing special but they should fill you up. You have a lot of work ahead of you. You'll need the energy." Kayo offered as she went into her tails and the chamber was filled with a delightful smell of fresh cooked meat buns as she pulled out a rather large plate.
'Where did those come from!?' Rimuru asked in shock as he looked between her tails for an answer, curious as to where she had pulled out fresh hot food that she was offering not only to the Orcs, but the lizardmen, goblins, the Kijin and Ranga as well.
"It's... so warm~." one of the goblins marveled as they held the bun in their hands.
"It doesn't smell poisoned..." The lizardmen captain voiced unsurely, Kayo shooting her a quick glare before the Orc's gave the odd treat a bite... and started to cry.
"Delicious~!"
"Heavenly~"
"A True Blessing!"
They cried happily as they finished their treats, and it encouraged the others to try the food.
"Wow! This is really good!" one of the goblins praised as they ate the bun, delighted by the soft tasty meat inside. The Kijin of course ate the snack prepared by their Lady Kitsune without question, Kayo even handed Ranga one as his head popped out for a moment to nab the tasty morsel. With eveyone else eating the snacks, the lizardmen gave it a try and where also impressed by the simple food but the Orc's took it seriously as they all kneeled before the kitsune deeply.
"You have blessed us, Lady Kayo! We are forever at your service! Do with us as you see fit!" the orc's declared as Kayo was a bit shocked but gave a soft smile. "No need to call me lady. I'm glad you all enjoyed them." she assured them; a bit nervous before the leader spoke up. "Of course, Lord Kayo. We will devote our lives to our work." he told her. Kayo was not very pleased, knowing that it was going to take her a lot more work to oversee the Orcs long term. Planning however, was having a field day with all the ideas that could be done with the Orc's labor and some guidance.
"We would be honored to join forces with both of you as well." The lizardmen chief voiced, with a nod. Not seeing the Kitsune as an evil trickster like so many others had before.
"Treyni, is that okay with you?" The slime asked, as she had been the one to ask for a council to be held with him and Kayo as the Co-Chairmen, but the kitsune had left most of the decisions to Rimuru since she agreed with many of his decisions any way. "Certainly. The Treants under my protection will gladly share the bounty of the forest as well. Lord Kayo has made sure we have been taken good care of to be so fruitful after all." The dryad mentioned with a proud smile. The orcs on the other hand just had more of a reason to be more devoted to the black kitsune.
"Then... as caretaker of the forest. I, Treyni, herby pledge to acknowledge Lord Rimaru as the new Chancler of the Great Forest of Jura." The dyad announced as she stood before them all, and the slime seemed shocked and panicked at his new title. Kayo snickered a little before Treyni continued. "As well as give the title of Guardian of the Great Forest of Jura, to Lord Kayo." she added and Kayo was shocked, ears standing up as the words hit her and she started to feel a bit dizzy.
"I declare the Jura Forest Alliance to be established under Chalender Rimuru and Lord Kayo." She declared to all the monsters, Kayo could hear her brothers chuckling and teasing her for becoming the forest's guardian. The all those present started to kneel to the two of them, Rimuru was sweating and looking to an overwhelmed Kayo who was taking slow deep breaths with her eyes closed.
'It's not like we can decline it now.' The smile thought as Kayo nodded. 'I wish Treyni would have at least given us a heads up, but... I guess we are going to have to work with all we got. I'm with you, if you're with me Rimuru.' Kayo mussed as the slime felt her trails giving him a slight hug that was warm and comforting. 'Of course, Kayo. We're family.' the slime added as he appreciated her help as she stood up with the slime still wrapped in her tails, holding him up as she took in a deep breath before speaking.
"We gladly accept our roles as The Chancler and Guardian of the Jura Forest Alliance. We will uphold these titles with great Honnor, Grace and Integrity." Kayo voiced and Rimuru could only nod, feeling like a child with his mother, teaching him how to be polite.
~Later~
"Aeyah~ That was terrifying." Kayo sighed as she slumped down a rock wall after the meeting. She was shaking visibly before putting her head between her knees to help calm down. The kitsune had made sure she could not be followed, having given her brother's instructions about her plans for the orc's, part of which was having them partnered with foxes to create a Brains and Brawn pair to make up for the Orc's lack of intelligence, and the Kitsune's lack of strength.
"Hey. Here you are. Are you feeling, okay?" Rimuru bounced up to his fox sister who seemed to be decompressing from the meeting. "I'm fine slime ball. I just needed... time to-" she was saying before they heard familiar voices. It was a low mummer at first, but Kayo's sharp ears tuned in on the voices. "Thanks for speaking up for me. I'm not used to public speaking, but you were great! No wonder you where such an effective stage manager." he praised her but noticed she wasn't tuning in on him. It prompted him to also give a listen to the near silence of the caves.
"Please take my head as penance and have mercy on the others!" Rimuru and Kayo heard the orc leader shout before it was deathly quiet for a moment. It worried kayo but she was assured when Benimaru's voice reached her ears. "After the battle, we told Lord Rimuru that we wished to continue serving him, and he gave us official titles." She heard him say but part of her felt a little hurt he hadn't mentioned her before she turned to the smile.
"So Benimaru and the others are staying with us?" she asked, trying not to blush as the slime gave an amused chuckle. "Of course. That gives you more time to make him fall in love with you right?" he asked and was amused when the kitsune went bright red and looked away with a small smile.
"Thanks, big brother." she said softly before she heard her name being spoken.
"If you join the alliance and reviver them as our chancellor and guardian, we are not enemies." Benimaru reasoned with the Orc leader.
"I wouldn't dream of doing them wrong! He saved us, and she is helping us even after what we have done! I could never bear either of them ill will!" the orc responded, bringing some peace of mind to the odd duo, Kayo's heart was beating faster for some reason. "Then we are fellow servants serving the same master and Lady. Do your best to be useful to Lady Kayo as well as Lord Rimuru. I'll accept that as your apology." He told the orc with a calm and cool expression that made Kayo's tail wag in appreciation.
'He's becoming a truly great leader.' she mussed with small giggle, unaware that the slime had some devious plans for her.
"Hey, Kayo. If you're the Guardian of the Jura Forest... does that make you the boss of Benimaru and Souei?" he asked her, adding Souei as a kind of distraction.
"N-no way. It just means I protect all the forest as a whole, they just protect our village. Agh, a whole forest is that's gonna be a nightmare to manage. Also, be sure you take it easy on names this time. There are 150,000 orcs alone. I'm low on magicules so I can't help this time." Kayo reasoned and glared at the slime. "According to my calculations you will become goop after naming 25,000 of them. You can rest and then continue with the naming that many each day for about a week more effectively." she told him, but he brushed her off.
"You worry too much. I can handle it. Just worry about yourself and how you're going to get Benimaru to- AGH!." he teased but was cut short as she grabbed and stretched his little slime body.
"I'm serious. If you go down for a week-long nap again, I get stuck with your work AND mine. A lot can happen in a weak slime ball. Never mind a formation of a new nation. AGH, I bet my tails King Dwargo will be our first visitor." she grumbled, having informed the Elf spy about the village's state and a warning to the Hero King about the Orc Disaster.
"It will be fine. Trust me." he asked her as she let him go... but he saw her scarry look with glowing golden eyes. "I trust you slime ball but last time you told me not to worry about naming monsters you were out for a weak just naming 6 of them. Eather Great Sage was wrong, or you lied to me." she assured and looked over the slime who had asked his skill for some help but... it seemed mad at him.
"O-okay. I'm sorry I lied to you... I can teach you the-"
"Already learned it." Kayo's voice came from behind him, startling the slime to see two Kayos...
"Ah... well... um... how about... paid days off and vacation time?" he offered meekly before Kayo stretched him out and scolded him for several long minutes.
It was after it had been quiet for several minutes, did Rimuru and Kayo rejoin the Kijin outside and ready to deal with their first round of Orcs, Rimuru had to quickly make his way to Benimaru looking a bit panicked unlike the pissed off Kitsune who seemed a little tired. "Benimaru! Souei! You will be working under Kayo as her first official underlings as the Guardian of the Jura Forest!" The slime told the two and hopped past them quickly, confusing the two as they watched the Slime run away from the pissed off kitsune.
"Now wait a God danm minute, slime ball! I never agreed to it!" she called out to him but didn't pick up speed as she was having a hard time staying focused as the edges of her vision was getting dark. "Lord Kayo? Are you not well?" Souei asked her as he and Benimaru came to her, looking worried for the kitsune who suddenly went stiff.
"I-I'm fine. Just make sure the slime ball names a max of 25,000 of the orcs per day. Or we are going to have a Blue Out again, and I'm not doing that much work a third fucking time!" she yelled after the slime before her legs gave out and she felt forward into the arms of Benimaru who caught his new boss and cradled her in his arms.
"Is she going to be, okay? Is Lady Kayo sick again?" Shion asked worriedly as Benimaru felt the kitsune's forehead. "No fever, I think she just needs some rest." Benimaru reasoned before he noticed something in the morning sunlight. "Hmm seems Lady Kayo has gotten stronger with her new title." Hakuro mussed as he also noticed the change. It took Shion and Souei a bit to understand and see that Kayo now had 6 tails!
~Several Days Later~
"L-lord Kayo! H-he's not waking up!" Shion was near tears as she held the blue orb that was the Great Rimuru Tempest, tightly as she had come to Kayo after it seem the slime wasn't waking up. Kayo didn't look up from her work, reading reports about problems with the transport of goods between the villages. "He will, give him some time, Shion. He just over did it a bit more this time. He's fine." Kayo assured her as she consulted the map of the Jura Forest that had many little figures, flags, and markings done all over it.
"B-but what if he doesn't? You would be in charge, and you already missed your appointment with Geld." She mentioned the High Orc King and Kayo cursed as she looked outside to see the sun high in the sky. "Thanks for the reminder, Shion. I better head over there now." Kayo said before she quickly disappeared into shadows before the purple Kijin could inform her that it had been taken care of.
Kayo reappeared among shadows to see her brother Antonio, talking with Geld and Myrd about something over the Orc's lunch break.
"Hey Geld. Sorry I'm late. I got carried away with other work." Kayo greeted with a tired smile as she approached the males who smiled at her appearance. "No apologies needed Lord Kayo. You're working hard in Lord Rimuru's place to keep the alliance running smoothly. " The Orc assured her as the silent dwarf nodded.
"Yeah, don't worry sis. We have your back. So, you can depend on your fox brothers when Lord Rimuru is busy too." Antonio assured her and petted her head.
"Thanks, well about the work. How are the buildings coming along? And the plumbing? What about the road projects? There are some important trees in the way so I wi-Oww!" Kayo was saying before her bother picked her cheek suddenly with a frown. "Stop it sis. You're not the only Void fox who can move trees. I will move the trees so the roads can be clear and protected." He told his sister and let go, letting her rub her injured cheek.
"Yes, and Master Myrd and Master Kaijin found the issues in the designs and fixed them already. Some of my men are still working on it, while half of us take a lunch as you requested, we do." Geld mentioned to her, amused the Kitsune had demanded they take a lunch during their workdays. Only the Orc King grabbed a box that was next to him and offered it to Kayo.
"Would you care to join us? Lady Shuna and Lady Carmen delivered these to us themselves. This one is meant for you, Lord Kayo" he said, and Kayo slowly took it, and her stomach growled as she smelled the food that Shuna had prepared. "Are you skipping meals again?" Antony asked, looking at her with a frown of disappointment. "No! I've been busy okay. Me eating is the last thing on my mind. Also Geld I will need about 5 of your men to help till the fields so they can be ready to plant crops. The food the forest provide is good, but I don't want to over burden them with providing for the village." She asked before she felt something press the top of her head.
"Already done sis. All the seeds are planted and watered." Bruno told her with a smirk as he rests an arm on his sister's head, Kayo opened her mouth to ask before he rolled his eyes. "Yes. Their deep enough to avoid hungry birds. I made a deal with the crows too. So, we don't have to worry about them eating our crops." he told his little sister who pouted but was relieved that a few things where already done. "Good. At least you're being a useful idiot." she joked and sat down with the others to talk about more mundane things, like lunch. "So good~ Shuna is the best." Kayo moaned happily, her tails swishing behind her as she at the Kijin princess's food eagerly, she looked cute enjoying her food and even when getting some on her face.
"Lord Kayo, it's good to see you outside again." Benimaru smiled, noticing Kayo while he was heading home to shower after training with the goblins and foxes. A few bruises forming on his pale skin was noticeable as he only had on a dirty white top and pants instead of his Samurai General attire. Kayo paused and blushed when she noticed him but then got worried when she noticed the bruises on his body. "B-benimaru? Are you okay? Your bruised." she asked worriedly as she set down her lunch and gently inspected the crimson Kijin as her hands ran over his heated skin... Benimaru noticed her touch wasn't warm this time, but cool?
"Ah. I was just training with the kitsunes. Souei warned me that they hit rather hard. Ouch!" Benimaru flinched as she touched the slowly blooming bruise on his chin. "I'm fine, I will be good as new tomorrow." he tried to assure Kayo, but she was already pulling something from her tails, a white jar. "Here, use this and have Shuna help you with the one's on your back. A dip in the hot springs would be good for you too." She told Benimaru and place the jar in his hand as he looked at her in shock.
"Lady Kayo? Do you not know what day it is?" he asked her as he looked worried for the black kitsune who was confused. "Yeah, it's been a week since the Jura Forest Alliance was formed." she answered, confused why Benimaru looked so worried before Bruno started laughing nervously.
"Sis. It's been 3 weeks since then. It's been 3 days since we last saw you outside." he told her; kayo froze as his words hit her. "3 weeks!? That can't be right, it shouldn't take them that long to arrive." the fox voiced her shock as she looked up to the sky, searching for something before looking worried.
"Pardon me but an urgent matter has-" She was saying before feeling a hand on one of her tails. The Orc King gasped at the action and Kayo's reaction to whom dared to grab a powerful Kitsune's tail without fear. "Kayo. It's nice to see you out an about. Shion said I had just missed you before you just took off." Shuna smiled at Kayo as she held onto her tail firmly, but not painfully. "I was worried when no one had seen you for days, and you haven't come to visit me for tea like you promised." the pink Kijin looked up at her with sadness and worry in her eyes.
"I'm sorry Shuna. I've lost track of time; the Alliance doesn't run itself." the fox told her and couldn't help but give a tired sigh herself. "Only because you're taking on everything yourself and not taking breaks or even eating." Shuna pointed out as she saw the empty lunch box Kayo had cleaned out of all food.
"She is right. Please trust us to help you, Lady Kayo. We are not going anywhere. This is our home now too; let us lesion the burden you're keeping to yourself." Benimaru asked Kayo, who blushed as she looked away, still unsure as Ares whispered into her mind. 'It's got to be these idiots can't do a thing without you. Or they are better WITHOUT you. Do you want to know which one it really is? Hint: YOU are weak and useless~.'
Kayo's fox ears dropped, and she gave a soft low whine that only her fox brothers could hear, they looked worried for their sister and what was going through her mind. "I-it's fine. I can handle it. We are going to have some-Benimaru!?" Kayo was saying shocked to suddenly see Benimaru doubled over in pain, his head falling onto her shoulder and his large hands on her upper arms as a reflex from his almost fall. The kitsune was sturdy and helped balance the Kijin who was shivering from the sudden pain.
"Oh dear. Brother, you're really hurt. Kayo can you help me bring him home?" Shuna asked with a sweet smile as the other's had witnessed the cute pink princess jab her brother in the back, intentionally hitting a bruised spot. "Sure, um. Sorry Benimaru but this is gonna be a bit embarrassing." Kayo blushed as the Kijin was shaking more from the shock than then pain in his back, only to go wide eyed as he was picked up off his feet and cradled in the arms of the Kitsune leader with ease.
"L-lady Kayo! This isn't necessary." he told her, blushing as red as his hair, shocked that Kayo could lift him so easily. "Of course, it is. We have to make sure you don't hurt yourself more and I can apply that balm to your bruises back home. Oh! and Kayo can have a meal with us too." Shuna smiled innocently as Kayo followed her with a blushing, and embarrassed Benimaru, being princess carried by Kayo.
"Lady Shuna said a month, right?" Bruno asked his brother, who sighed. "Yes, but I didn't think she would also hurt her brother to push them together. I still say 3 months." Antonio mentioned before Myrd raised 5 fingers. Geld just watched shocked and a bit amused to see other's mussing over their leader's love life.
"2 weeks." he voiced as he finished his lunch.