Runelt99: Always payoff XD They found a way to meet her requirement she never expected.
horakthy baraq: I always love it when one can be hoisted by their own petard XD And it fits perfect with the theme that you don't need overwhelming strength to solve a problem...sometimes you just need to be clever. ;)
DragonGodZalma: Well, the nightmares are still in the back of his mind with Iggy, but they've been working to not dwell on them as much like before. That and I wanted this chapter to be more lighthearted. :D
avenger3576: Oh no, considering the old man who first taught Issei the love of breasts liked to hang around outside a middle school...I'd never do that to Odin LOL.
TheLycan2026: XD I am so glad I was able to make you laugh. Hope this chapter has the same effect! :)
Observer01: Maybe devils have a genetic program of sorts, she had the T-Rex in the short story too but no origin story for it. I may need to have art made for this chapter, so many good visuals. :D
Shadow king: They still interact, but with the huge cast now it is hard to get that shown as much as I would like. It's funny you mention that as this current chapter may have something you like...
fanficcyberman: Thank goodness they have a good medical system XD I can picture her telling them "it's just a few broken bones." As for Saji, one requirement down...now he has to find a way to beat a super genius at chess lol. It was nice bringing Hafga back too, hope to have more moments with her. And thank you so much for the review and kind words as always :) You are exactly right, despite the issues they face, they still have everyday concerns. When the world isn't crashing down around them, I can focus on that in these downtime arcs. I have been doing well, and wish the same of you and your loved ones, my friend! :D
Okaze: That makes it even better knowing I was able to make you laugh. :D Haha, exactly. Not even Serafall saw that one coming. ;)
Guest1: I went back and updated it a bit a few days ago. Sorry about the delay, focusing on the story itself makes updating the wiki take longer. It makes me wish I had an intern lol. Not sure who to make a page for next. :D
Z: Thanks man. :) It means a lot you telling him off, but don't worry about dealing with people like that. Not sure in what world having 2000+ mostly positive reviews is a bad thing according to him lol. I've cared more about writing what I enjoy than having huge numbers or anything like that. That being said, having people like you really like it all this time means more than I can say. :D
7: I know what you mean, so many side characters have talents/abilities that could make fore a unique or interesting usage. No spoilers, but I do plan Sona to be part of her own portion at the next major arc. Hmmm, Millicas a Gasper sidekick...the teamup of the short men! XD Now that is an idea lol. And I most certainly will keep it up ;) No stopping now!
Dragonx411: Thank you so much, man! I hoped people would like that little nod to the fact the concept of Power Rangers started in Japan as Sentai. Happy 4th to you too! :D
And with that…ONTO THE SHOW!
"Quietly now," the angel hushed those who followed behind her. "We can't afford to be caught at this point."
"You think I don't know that?" A burly man beside her growled. "Everything has gone to shit in the last month!"
Looking behind them, a dozen or so followers made up of devils, youkai and humans stuck close but were clearly on edge. Ever since the group had been revealed as traitors to their respective realms, having chosen to side with the Khaos Brigade, they had been on the run trying to find new ways to stay ahead of the authorities. Out of desperation, they had crept towards the manor to one of the leaders of the Shinto Clans, Suzaku Himejima, for a final chance at the strength they needed to survive.
"We know that the primary clan leaders have their homes built on ley fault lines. Even a fraction of that energy would give us the power to stay out of their clutches a bit longer. More than enough for all of us to share and with Suzaku gone off on her little diplomacy missions, we'll have to only deal with the standard guards."
"Um…what guards?" The man, an Enenra youkai, pointed out as the manor entrance came into view. Sure enough, there was not a soul in any direction. The building was locked up, but other than that was utterly defenseless. "This is even better than we could have hoped for!"
"I don't like it," the blonde woman muttered as she furled her white angel wings. Despite working with the brigade, she had not fallen from grace due to her convictions. It was utterly beyond her scope of reasoning that their honored father would ever have wanted his children to work alongside those they warred with for so long. She'd been one of the few to openly seek out representatives of the Brigade herself hoping to stave off such a horrific thought. "We should come back another night."
"And give them time to catch us? We were barely staying out of prison when we were dealing with the clans and youkai separately. Ever since that bungled kidnapping of Yasaka, they've been working together. Without backup from other factions, we can't keep fighting them."
Without waiting for an answer, the youkai ushered the rest forward, the traitorous angel following out of necessity seeing that no others would hold back with her. The locks were easy enough to pick and gain entry, the normalcy of the house within surprising the trespassers. It was mostly standard for a traditional Japanese home with humble accommodations and a kitchen. Using magic to mask their presence and sound, the fractured remains of the Khaos Brigade in Kyoto made their way upstairs.
"The family shrine is on the second floor," the Enenra whispered from intelligence gleamed when they had actual spies in their ranks. "Wait…"
"…smell them from here…dozen or so based on the…"
"Someone is in there!" He called out to his allies, generating a ball of compressed air in an outstretched hand. There was a feminine voice coming from directly ahead, his desperation overriding caution.
"Shit…did I forget to cast the privacy spell? Brynda showed me how to do it the other day, I thought I had it down pat. Oh well, there are definitely a dozen of them, this nose knows the way."
"Well done my cute little apprentice, let's give them a big welcome then."
A burst of blue energy struck the door separating the attack team from the voices causing it to explode, sending splinters in all directions. Standing within the room were two women with cat ears looking positively smug. One had black ears on matching hair while the other had white on brown wearing a pair of glasses. The uniform adorned by each was one he'd only heard described in passing as those used by the Crossroads.
"That one you will need to work on," Kuroka reassured the woman to her side. "It takes years to master the combination with devil powers, though maybe you can use some Nekoshou magic on its own soon enough."
"Don't need training to smell them," Aika announced loud enough for them to be certain exactly what she'd said. "This was the perfect chance to test it out since I missed the battle at the tower."
"Who are you?!" The Enenra demanded without realizing that the angel had already fled, his team starting to inch towards the stairs leading back downstairs.
"We're the early warning system, knew you bozos would try for this place soon enough, Miss Suzaku had seen you scoping out her house the last few days. Super creepy."
"So, at the behest of my beloved husband-to be..." Kuroka stepped up to continue. "...we're here to bring you in. Please come quietly…or don't, I'll have fun either way."
Magic flew from all directions as hidden Shinto warrior-priests emerged having perfectly obscured their presence. Three of the Brigade's numbers fell in an instant before the others could get their defenses up. Kuroka pounced on the first flattening him with her touki-enhanced strength while Aika pelted another with whisps of magic that pinned them down behind a corner. The Enenra man only escaped thanks to shifting into wind, attacks passing through him though they still hurt. Forgetting all loyalty to those under him, he raced downstairs towards the front door.
A DAMN TRAP! He angrily berated himself for falling for it. I need to get away, once I'm outside, I'll be able to disappear like the…
Any further plans were snuffed out as soon as he made it out into the cold night air of Kyoto. Waiting for him was no fewer than two dozen men and women armed to the teeth. They were clearly not Shinto or youkai troops, being made up of members of various myths including Valkyries, fire giants, angels and even a bespectacled fallen. Their clothes were identical to those of the cat women upstairs aside from a few points of customization. Were it just them, he would have tried to fight his way through, however floating above in the sky was the largest warship he'd ever seen with no fewer than a dozen cannons pointed directly at him. Their former leader, the angel girl, was already kneeling ahead having been apprehended before she could escape.
"This is Tyr of the Crossroads, our battle is over," the booming voice called down from the Nagalfr's deck. "Surrender to our forces, or I will blow a crater into Lady Suzaku's front lawn where you stand."
All fight immediately left him, the Enenra rematerializing in his corporeal form fully aware his intangibility would not protect from such an attack. Falling to a knee, he cupped his hands behind the back of his head, eyes closed in utter defeat.
"Yoo hoo!" Kuroka waved up at the ship upon emerging from the front door. "We got all the ones inside-nya, come on down and we can celebrate!"
Himejima Clan Shrine, hours later…
"A crater you say?" Suzaku teased as she walked with Dorian the next morning through the gardens surrounding the Himejima Clan's primary shrine. "And what did my lawn do to warrant such a dreaded threat?"
"A little intimidation tactic, one of the pieces of advice you gave before," the Einherjar admitted with a pang of embarrassment. "It worked, didn't it? He didn't even try to fight back."
"Show a different face to your friends than to your enemies. Were I a few years younger, I may have contemplated being the Crossroad member from our land after seeing that display. You've taken to leadership quite well."
"Ouryuu has settled well into Kuoh Academy," Dorian reported happily. "I think he's even trying out for the student council."
"He'll be suited for that post no doubt, he was one of the first to really come around to the other clans working together. He's a good one. Slowly but surely, our influence is being felt beyond the borders of this city."
"Thank you for sending those names," Dorian came to the head of his appreciation. "After the Underworld attack, we got so many recruits that it's good to make sure we have members of each alliance realm. Everyone was able to complete so many missions that I asked Rat to start a training regimen while they're with us. It was the least I could do to come back and help clear out the few remaining traitors."
"You look to those around you, it is admirable," to Dorian's surprise, the Shinto clan leader laid a gentle hand on his head. "I've found in my time that there is often one link that brings many together like a binding or glue. It is impossible for one to be at the center of every event, but by so many gathering around you, it allows them to find their potential where they otherwise would not. Tobio was that for me years ago creating Team Slash Dog, it seems you are that for these Crossroads."
"I can't be everywhere, so that makes me feel better. The more the merrier after all."
"I hear you are taking that idiom to heart. I wonder…" Suzaku rounded on him looking the Einherjar up and down. "You are already so well-known after so short a time. I can imagine your future wives will have similar renown."
"We try to keep our private lives…private," Dorian lowered his voice, surprised that Suzaku knew of his situation worried that Azazel was saying too much. "I was used to being the head of a team, but becoming a public figure beyond the High King show is new."
"That privacy won't last forever, eventually the news always gets out unless you planned to shun them in public," she knew full well Dorian would never. "So, one could say that becoming your bride would open the door to many great strides for their people. Imagine how much support may come to Shinto Clans if we were to marry, for example."
"That is true, I wouldn't be surprised if that is why Azazel brought up that cross-myth harem idea before. The Nine Realms are already seeing greater traffic than they have in centuries, but you're just being hypothetical about our marriage, right?" Dorian asked with a nervous chuckle, but the woman who so closely resembled Akeno had already turned to walk away hiding an incorrigible, almost out of character, smile while he couldn't see. "…right?"
Elsewhere in Kyoto…
"You weren't kidding about Kyoto theater," Azazel complimented as he and Yasaka returned from an evening out. "Been a while since having such a good laugh, they know how to put out the jokes rapid fire."
"Our boasts of the superiority of our city are not exaggerated," she fluffed herself with pride. "Few can match our history and tradition, though our comedy is nothing to…laugh at, either." Azazel had to stifle a somewhat drunken chuckle of his own at her choice of words.
"And having a fountain of near-infinite magic beneath your feet is no doubt a plus too," he added while tapping his foot for emphasis. "I wonder if the ley lines have anything to do with how…" He paused upon realizing that they were both alone in the entryway with the kyuubi woman having nearly cornered him.
"Has anyone ever told you how delightful it is when you lose yourself talking?" She slid off the thick fur coat in a single motion revealing her gold evening gown with thin straps, reaching around Azazel in a purposefully-alluring motion to hang it up on the rack behind him. "How much do you think on at any given second, even now while inebriated? Just what can you do if that multitasking is more…focused?"
"Balance certainly helps," he dipped beneath her to escape the confines while keeping a grin on his face. "Keeping up with my experiments, helping Baraqiel with being the Vice-General. With the Khaos Brigade on the run, we have more time to chat with our neighbors without trying to kill one another. Of course, there should always be time for fun too, otherwise what is the point?"
"Not all are as cordial as us," Yasaka eased back on her advances, heading to the kitchen to brew some tea. "Did you never worry that without the brigade they would be even less so?"
"A common enemy forcing friendship?" He sighed heavily while taking a seat on the couch, thankful to be off his wobbling feet. "That would really be a new low for us as a people, wouldn't it? Unable to stop fighting each other unless a bigger fish is threatening to do it first. I know Indra is just waiting for an excuse to jump Shiva, but the rest…I'd like to think better of them. Now is the time to build bonds."
"Build bonds and sew oats?"
"Exactly!" He blurted out, almost missing that Yasaka was now next to him again offering a cup of tea to ease his headache. "Oh, thank you," he accepted it with a nod. "If we can get things squared away now, maybe they'll hold up in the absence of something bigger down the road."
"I can assure you…" Yasaka knelt before his seat in a way that was far too close to a wife welcoming her husband home. "…that Kyoto is fully committed to this alliance. If it weren't for unorthodox allies, who knows what would have transpired with the Hero Faction. And I never would have met…"
"MOTHER!" Azazel nearly spilled his cup as the blonde hair of Kunou popped up from behind the sofa in utter silence. "I was worried sick, the play ended over an hour ago. What have you been doing, and why are you kneeling in front of him!?"
"Azazel and I went out for something to eat," she said with a barely-restrained playful tone like a teenager lying to their parents in an odd reversal of roles. "We were having so much fun that I suppose we lost track of time. Did you have a nice time with that Millicas boy?"
"He was…very cordial and nice," she admitted hesitantly. "Kari got me home just a few hours ago, he really wanted to teach me about the Gremory family. Wait, don't distract me! What if there had been Hero Faction remnants in the area!?" Kunou started wagging her finger at her mother, the pair letting her go on from the clear concern underlying her voice. "A repeat of before isn't worth it for him!"
"I totally agree, though I think Dorian's trap took care of that," Azazel surprised her with his interruption once she stopped to take a breath. "But know that I would have gone down fighting to protect your mother even if Cao Cao himself had somehow reappeared."
"I…wha…? That's not the point!" Yasaka had to hold back giggling at Kunou's flustered expression. "Give me one good reason to let this slide ESPECIALLY since you are clearly drunk!"
"Well, I come bearing gifts," Azazel reached over to pick up a thin box he'd placed near his coat upon returning. "I would be remiss to neglect a gift for the daughter of the woman I was visiting. It may be a bit late for your birthday, but still…"
With only a stutter or two, Kunou opened the case to reveal nine shimmering orbs that had a dull glow encompassing colors across the spectrum. Her eyes went wide at how beautiful she thought they were, but refused to acknowledge it fully with Azazel watching her.
"A little gift from Dorian," the fallen angel grinned being able to see right through her. Heard you were studying the other cultures, so thought you'd like something from Asgard. They represent each of the nine realms apparently and the colors even match his gear, isn't that clever? That was from him, and this one is from me."
From within the briefcase he'd had on the floor, a tiny creature emerged glancing left and right curiously. It looked like a miniature golden fox with three tails and blue eyes. Upon seeing there was no threat, it bounded out and jumped into Kunou's arms standing atop the case she was holding. After several seconds it started nuzzling against her.
"Not the real thing I am afraid, but my finest work. I built a series of miniature robots for Seekvaira to use and to help Gasper train his abilities when inspiration hit me on this little guy. All the love and fun of a real pet with none of the mess."
"I-if you think that I'll just accept you because…b-because…" she lost her train of thought as the mechanical fox hopped onto her shoulder and laid down as if to go to sleep, purring softly. "You're the worst!"
With a strong, but half-hearted, push she caused Azazel to stumble back into the couch as she turned to run upstairs to her room. A lingering silence settled between Azazel and Yasaka for several moments before he started first.
"I should go," he rubbed the back of his head. "Wooing women is a strength, but I'm afraid I don't have much experience at handling kids."
"That is something Mr. Hyoudou would disagree from what I hear," the kyuubi leader comforted him. "I'll talk with her; this just needs time. I am willing to wait."
"Wait for an oldie like me?" He returned the kiss she leaned in to give him. "Dating one woman is new for me, I'm used to many."
"I suppose I'll need to show that I am woman enough for an entire harem." The flash of lust in her eyes for that split second sent even Azazel's heart pounding. Collecting his coat and briefcase, he said his farewells and stepped out into the cool Kyoto air to return to the hotel.
"Kunou?" Yasaka went looking for her daughter. "Oh, where did she get off to? Kunou!"
As she called for her, the stealthy blonde youkai crept downstairs and into the room followed by her new gift. After having pushed Azazel, she'd seen something fall from his jacket and roll under the table. Now able to retrieve it, she realized it looked like a science fiction ray gun. Unaware of what it could do, but recognizing the design as one of his inventions, she pocketed the device before sneaking back to where she could meet with her mother and feign having stayed in her room since the exchange.
I know what your intentions are with mother. I…I just can't accept it. And bringing more of these contraptions over, she looked at the small fox unable to resist patting it on the head despite her words. I don't know what this does, but I am sure I can use it to show his real side and why mother is too good for him!
Asgard Palace, the next morning…
"I never get tired of watching you work," Odin remarked with a flirty tone as he entered the gardens outside the palace using Gungnir as a walking stick. "Your technique is flawless."
Moving between the various plants almost like a dance was Freyja, her body glowing with perfected Sage Arts energy from within herself cultivated over the centuries. The many different species responded to her drawing near, blooming on the spot or leaning towards her finding the goddess more appealing than the far-off sun. She turned her neck to face her husband all the while her body continued moving.
"Is that eye of yours telling you so?" The goddess teased, knowing he was enjoying her movements ever since he'd first found her tending to a small glade in secret shortly after their marriage.
"Don't need all-seeing vision to see what is right before my eyes. I save this for things that actually get past me. I am surprised your lovely retainers aren't around."
"I gave them time off; they deserved it after helping put together that layout for the academy the Sitri heiress wishes to build." She could picture the girls already relaxing in the private bath she'd had made, soaking with her many cats floating around them.
"Oh yes, the one the Bael kid was focusing on too." Freyja nodded. "We already have Valkyries willing to teach there when it's completed. Auros, I think the name was planned for?"
"We are still looking for a headmaster, it will need to be someone that will take full advantage of the opportunity for members of each myth who are born with so little to find a good path in life.
"Ah, but that is for another time, would you walk with me, Frigga?"
"Your Breast Shows on hiatus?" She asked while taking his hand, fingers clasping together.
"Yes, but that is not the point," despite being confronted, the Allfather rarely stumbled with his words. "I am not a young man and have been thinking more of the future after I am gone, millennia more that may still be."
"Getting serious? That is unlike you when the sky is not falling. I am not young either."
"No, but you look the part more than I," he kissed her hand to supplement the compliment. "Thor is the most suited for the throne, of course, if his interest could remain on it long enough. "Thrud marrying Dorian may help that, keep their family invested in the alliance with our neighbors."
Both were fully aware that the benefits of the alliance were now being felt across the Nine Realms, causing past prejudices to become more muted than previous years. It certainly helped that with all the active traitors outed by Ophis and arrested, those fanning the flames had been removed. Even the discovery of Loki's vessel, the Nagalfr, had sent their science divisions scrambling.
"Brokkr and Eitri have barely left their forges since Seekvaira shared what she'd learned of Dorian's new ship. They've rallied their entire tribe, all the Ívaldi have been working around the clock if they can replicate it."
"No chance of that I feel," Odin lamented while picturing their small fleet of flying ships. "Though we can outfit many of our Skíðblaðnir with similar armaments, the very technology making it up is foreign to us. Maybe in a few years we can create one wholly from scratch, but until then…the Nagalfr will stand above them all."
"Dorian can handle it, I'm sure," Freyja squeezed Odin's hands. "It's too bad he had to leave for the Crossroads, I'll admit I quite miss the patter of little fee…"
Without warning, the nearby window flew open with their son, Vidar, hurtling through before ducking behind a nearby desk. Before they could ask, he held a finger to his mouth begging for silence to hide him. The answer presented itself as Brynhildr, wielding her enchanted sword, poked her head inside.
"My apologies Allfather, Allmother, but have you seen your son?"
"I believe Thor is making sure those 'spies' from Indra are behaving," Freyja played dumb while thinking of Thor visiting the same yoga establishment Dorian had frequented while recuperating.
"And Baldur is entertaining the children that live near the palace," Odin followed his wife's lead. "Ever since coming back from Helheim, it's like he has a new lease on life. They were throwing their toy weapons at him, isn't that adorable?"
"I meant your OTHER son!"
"Well Dorian and Vali are still away…" Brynhildr huffed as quietly as she could trying not to sound rude in front of the gods before turning and racing towards the pavilions seeking her prey. Only once her footsteps were dwindling into the distance did the blonde son of Odin sigh in relief.
"That was close, thank you mother, father. I fear she may have actually wished to kill me this time."
"You didn't do anything untoward her, did you?" Freyja asked with a glare, though Odin perked up looking as if he was prepared to be proud of his son.
"I did not lay a finger on her if that is what you fear," Vidar adjusted his robe to shake out the wrinkles. "I merely…voiced my interest in her becoming my High Queen, a few remarks to her beauty, and an invitation if she wished to know my quarters better. It was about that time I realized she had drawn her sword."
"Odd," Freyja cupped her chin. "You make such remarks all the time. Why would now elicit such a response?"
"Perhaps her heart actually skipped a beat?" Odin winked with his good eye. "Your perseverance finally paying off?"
"That…or she may have seen Ophelia and Svana when we got back to my house."
"Ah, two of your lovers," his mother sighed as she took her son's hand and sat him down. "I don't see Brynhildr taking such advances lightly while in the presence of other women."
"I know she's on the serious side," Vidar recalled her intense training with Rossweisse and other Valkyries over the years being stern with nary a smile save when proud of their accomplishments. "There is something attractive about that. It's a challenge, imagine how little she smiles and the feeling of accomplishment to being the one that causes her to do so every day!"
He always was obsessed with challenges. I thought it was focused purely on combat, when did he turn towards her with such thoughts?
"Then you likely need to make a choice," Odin suddenly sounded quite serious before glancing to Freyja. "Do you prefer many women, or seek that one whom pulls you a certain way? Whichever you choose, the important part is sticking with it and owning up to your decision."
Like the choice I made dear boy. Sleeping with many women as often as I desired, or waking up to Freyja in my bed each day? I may be unable to stop myself from enjoying the sights of women from around the world, but never go further than that.
"What are you thinking?" Freyja eyed her husband. She knew well of his interests, but also of his restraint and dedication to it. She could forgive more than a few sideways glances under the knowledge that naught came of them.
"Well…"
"THERE YOU ARE!" Brynhildr leapt through the window without warning this time, sword swinging as Vidar avoided her blow. "God or no, you must learn the consequences of playing with another's heart!"
"Mother, Father, farewell!" Vidar bent in such a way to continue staying out of her reach. "Many thanks for the wisdom." He barely had time to finish before leaping through a skylight. Growling in frustration, the strongest Valkyrie chased after in pursuit.
"That is a level of frustration I haven't seen since Rossweisse," Odin shook his head as he was once again alone with his wife. "My sons seem to falter when a problem cannot be fought head on."
"We do what we can," Freyja patted his arm tenderly. "Now it is up to them to make the choice as they will. That being said, Brynhildr may be having such a dilemma as well…"
Kyoto…
"It's about time we had a chance for this!" Kuroka stretched out on the bed having gotten the best sleep of her life beside Dorian. It was a rare chance to be alone with him with Thrud and Rossweisse back home and Iggy giving them some privacy. "We got the run of the town and I don't need to worry about the authorities looking for me."
"At least I hope not," he teased a bit with a glance knowing how she loved to cause mischief even if her past crimes had been pardoned. "The reservation is coming up, after that we can pick something you'd like in the area, maybe even rent a boat at the northern prefecture or see a play."
"If we wait for night, we can stop by Pontochi, some of the best bars are there-nya," she spun on him suddenly looking the Einherjar dead in the eyes. "Or we could just stay in all day." She got closer and closer before Dorian took the initiative and kissed her instead, which seemed to be the one thing she did not expect. Surprisingly, she burst out laughing. "Well played, but I am not touching the water. If a path is wet or we hit up a boat, you'll have to carry me. Bet you never pictured us like this when we met."
"You did come on a little strong," Dorian eyed her with a raised eyebrow. "I was a lot meeker back then, there isn't any issue under the right…situation," he paused upon realizing Kuroka was looking at him almost like a slab of meat.
"Oh, don't look at me like that-nya," she purred. "I promise not to make any moves unless you absolutely can't help yourself."
"Fair enough," he breathed deep, still being a little nervous. Ever since he'd confessed to Kuroka with all the others inviting her to stay in his bed, Dorian had wanted to show the nekoshou that he was genuine. He had gone on many dates with Rossweisse and Thrud with Iggy always being there and getting her own, but Kuroka had yet to have any. It did not seem fair and he was looking to rectify that. "I did see a place you might like, but wasn't sure. Our reservation is first thing after breakfast."
"There you go again mentioning a reservation. Just where did you have in mind?"
A little bit later…
"I did not even know Kyoto had these," Kuroka remarked as she glanced around the establishment, they found themselves. "A little on the nose, don't you think-nya?" She could barely stifle a giggle at the sight of Dorian with three cats on his lap and more scattered at his feet or on the table in front of him. Only two, a black and white one, had seemed to find Kuroka appealing and were napping peacefully on her thighs. She had let her familiar run about, the black cat currently bounding through a maze of playpens built around the room.
"Well, cat cafés are very popular here from what I was told," he tried to rationalize his choice while not disturbing the animals. "This one in particular keeps them safely off the street and even helps out some owners whose apartments don't allow them."
"Definitely not where most men want to take me out for a date. Love hotels are where most try to get me, though this one does show that you are quite good at attracting puss…"
"Here is your order," a cheerful maid popped up with two trays just in the nick of time. "Okay everyone, you have to let your friends have food too." With a clever misdirection, she placed several bowls of food and water on the ground drawing the cats away so Dorian and Kuroka could enjoy their meal.
"Mmmmm," Kuroka moaned as she took a generous bite of the slice of cake in front of her while Dorian thanked the waitress. "I could eat like this forever. One of the benefits of Sage Arts, along with an infinitely perky bust, I never have to worry about putting on weight unless I allow it. This tastes so familiar…why did you choose this place, really? I could smell when you lost your virginity, I can tell when you're hiding something. It had nothing to do with it being a cat café, right? You aren't that simplistic in thinking."
Dorian buried his face a little lower as she said it loud enough for no fewer than three of the maid-dressed waitresses to overhear, craning their necks to try to listen in further on the woman's infinitely perky bust.
"I have my sources that you might have enjoyed this particular dessert when you were in the city before becoming a criminal."
Bikou, Kuroka knew instantly. After she killed her master, but before the authorities had found out, she'd already been looking for a group to join for added protection. In a moment of weakness, the two had gotten something to eat before being literally chased out of Kyoto by warrior-priests. I'm surprised that monkey remembered that far back. Dorian did quite the research, that brain of his is always working fulltime.
"And you learned the recipe had found its way to this quaint establishment?" She teased while using her tail to play with his foot under the table.
"You can thank Ms. Suzaku for that one, she seems to know every inch of the city. As soon as I described what my contact had confirmed, she knew exactly the place to go. It's on me today, have as many as you like."
"Of that I will-nya," she took another bite, her smile widening with each chew. "I never told anyone else, but Shirone was quite fond of these cakes though was too young at the time to remember. We'll need to bring home a few slices."
"Easily done, I can have it sent to our room." Dorian motioned to the waitress requesting more to go when they were done. "I can't remember the last time it was just us to be honest."
"Probably that hospital room-nya," she purred. "If Thunder Thighs and your TILF hadn't returned, who knows what we could have gotten up to with your selfless promise. I got quite a few contract requests from Mephisto's mages wanting to make a contract with me. I am sure I can convince at least one how fascinating it would be to become one of the few members of a dying race."
"That is good," Dorian breathed in relief. "So, the pieces are stable? No side effects or anything dangerous?"
"Nothing to worry about me over-nya," Kuroka adored how concerned he looked. "Aika is learning fast and the three Valkyries have grown fond of the tails and ears. I would go as far to say they're stronger than they ever were before. A new natural affinity for Sage Arts can do wonders for existing powers. Have you ever considered training nekoshou-Valkyries?"
"Not me, but Rossweisse has. She has said before she'd love to train Valkyries of other myths. Imagine it; Devil-Valkyries, Nekoshou-Valkyries, even Angel or Spartan-Valkyries!"
"You prove the point of cooperation-nya and my people get to flourish all over the world. You know how to show a girl a good time. I hope the rest of the day planned is as engaging."
"That's the plan. When you're done, I can show you the next stop, but don't worry…you won't have to get even a drop of water on you."
Kyoto river…
"Ahhh, draw me like one of your Valkyries," Kuroka laughed as she leaned back in the boat drifting lazily down the river. After their meal, the two made for the docks as promised, finding a boat to rent with the Einherjar carrying her over the threshold to avoid the water. Dorian had rowed himself until there were no sign of bystanders, at which point he set a simple spell on the oars to do the work themselves.
"I've never drawn more than stick-figures," he admitted. "However…" Reaching into his pack, he pulled out his lyre and started playing a gentle melody.
"Finally got used to the new hand with that thing?" Kuroka asked while sitting up to listen. "Any other muscle memory you had to bring up to speed?"
"Only the things I couldn't do before," he tried to make a joke fully knowing she was being coy. "It didn't improve my coordination there."
"And what you COULD do before, did you get better at those?" She slinked forward with a hungry expression in her eyes. "Is this why you're with me?" The nekoshou motioned to her body, kimono almost slipping off her shoulders. "There are worse reasons-nya."
"If that was all, you wouldn't be here," Dorian answered honestly. "There is more than you like to show, Kuroka, and I've gotten to see that more than most, I imagine."
"You bring that side of me out-nya, that's common with you I hear. So, what beguiled you if not my body?"
"Your willingness to heal me after Kyoto was a start," Dorian tried to think on the spot such a simple yet complex question. "Saving Rossweisse from your own poison so that Koneko wouldn't see her die told me all I needed to know, but there was also…your voice."
"Hmm?"
"I can still hear you singing," he smiled at the memory. "When I was stuck as a child, I could hear your voice but can't quite remember the lyrics. That song."
"Ah, the one from mother, you remember that?" Kuroka relaxed a bit from her ready-to-pounce mode. "I don't suppose yours had such lullabies?"
"If she did," I can't remember." That thought truly made Dorian frown somewhat, Kuroka scowled at that. "Maybe you could teach me the one you know?" The older nekoshou stared at him legitimately dumbfounded as to how to proceed. There was no other man she'd met who could illicit such a reaction from her.
"That's a family song, I think we'd need to be a little closer to teach you something so…personal."
"I'll work towards that then, a goal for the future," his growing confidence had Kuroka looking forward to the next moment more and more. "For today, we can still have fun."
"So here we are, we two orphans sailing down the channel," she slapped the side of the boat for emphasis. "The Einherjar in shining armor and the reformed nekoshou criminal. What 'fun' do you want to do next?"
"I would love to know more about you," he answered after a moment of contemplation. "I know the basics, but not everything. How about this. I tell you something of my past you don't know about, then you tell me something of yours. We go until there is nothing left."
"Ooooooh, I like that, how wholesome-nya," she leaned back in the boat with her tails curling in delight and only the slightest hint of sarcasm. "Tell away."
"Let's start with families, my parents were Christians."
"I could have guessed that considering where you were raised and how naïve you were when we first met. My dad was Buddhist, can't say it rubbed off on me or Shirone."
"I'd never considered the Buddhist afterlife," Dorian thought on it before realizing it was his turn under her gaze. "Um…I've been getting better at working with my hands. Iggy was the one before who could sculpt like crazy, but I've been trying to do it myself."
"Then you can make a bust of me," she just couldn't control herself. "I haven't had a chance to partake of my favorite pastime…the Crossroad Tower doesn't have a single decent console nor does Irina have any interest. I am going stir crazy!"
"You like video games?" Dorian was quite surprised as while she lounged quite often, it was hard picturing her with a controller in hand. "What kind?"
"Anything with a high score, I am something of a size queen. The bigger the better and more I can brag about." Even Dorian couldn't help smirking a bit at her choice of words.
Rat would be proud.
"Well, we have enough of a budget. When we get back, I can requisition one for my room and…say, who is that?" Not far on the approaching bank two shapes could barely be made out in the mist rising from seemingly nowhere. One was a man of average height with dark hair, the other was much smaller not even reaching his shoulders. As they drew nearer, it was clear it was a girl running from the man cradling something in her hands.
"Lady Kunou, please return with me," the man pleaded. He could clearly keep up with her easily but was trying not to upset her any more than she already was. "That is not yours and could be quite dangerous. Who knows what it can do?"
"He can consider it payment for going out with my mother," the young kitsune's pettier side was on full display. "Maybe I'll take it apart and see what makes it work," she was fiddling the object in her hands which as they grew closer became abundantly clear.
"Is that Mr. Azazel's…?" Dorian leaned out of the boat trying to focus on the gun-shaped item. His action drew her attention and startled the youkai princess.
"Mr. Doria-?" Being distracted by the unexpected visitor, she tripped over a protruding stone and fell forward. The weapon discharged in their direction, splitting the water as it blasted right towards the Einherjar.
"Dorian-nya!" Kuroka leapt fast throwing her arms around him as she put herself in the path of the attack. The beam of light struck her in the back, a burst of magic rocking the boat and sending both careening into the river.
"I-I'm sorry!" Kunou rushed to the water's edge reaching in as far as her hands could go. "Tobio, help me!"
The dark-haired man threw off his black jacket before diving gracefully into the water. Guilt and worry tore at Kunou's features as she dropped the contraption she'd nabbed from Azazel the previous night. After several tense moments of the water being absolutely calm, Tobio emerged gasping carrying a pair of bodies, one on each shoulder. Trying to help, Kunou grabbed at the broad shoulders of the man and pulled hard. In no time, all four were sitting on the edge soaking wet.
"Mr. Dorian, I am so sorry! Can you forgive…huh? You are not Dorian!"
"Ooooh, my head. I told you I didn't want to get wet-nya." the black-haired man scratched at his head groggily. "What was in that blast? I felt like a truck hit me, wait…where did they go?" He stared down at the dark kimono loose on his body. "Where are my breasts!?"
"Um, I think I may have found them," the second body retrieved by Tobio, a blonde-haired woman with braids looked down. Her slimmer tunic was clearly not made to contain the impressive breasts pressing against them with the shape leaving little to the imagination. "It's a little hard to breathe. Kuroka, is that you?"
"Dorian-nya!?" Kuroka and Kunou gasped in unison. "I'm a guy!?" The nekoshou looked horrified until feeling up her impressive pecs and taking a peek down her robe, her expression turning to a more impressed one. "Hey, I could get used to this."
"Dorian Held?" The dark-haired man who had saved them asked hesitantly while retrieving the discarded weapon on the ground. "I am afraid Kunou got her hands on a device of Mr. Azazel's. I am Tobio Ikuse."
"You're the head of Slash Dog, Suzaku's cousin?" the feminized Dorian shook his hand awkwardly while shifting his newfound breasts in an attempt to find a more comfortable position. He'd heard of the group working for the Grigori known for their incredible battle strength. "Please tell me there is a reverse switch on that thing!"
Later…
"I never thought to design a reverse switch," Azazel admitted. "There was sort of a time crunch to have it ready to use against Cao Cao. It should wear off in a bit though based on when we used it on Rias and the others."
"Can't you just shoot us again?" Dorian frantically thought of other ideas as he shifted in the new V-neck sweater given to let him breathe better. "Would that work?"
"Fraid not, the weapon knows your natural gender so all that'd do is turn you into a girl again. You'll have to wait this out."
"I didn't mean to," Kunou bowed apologetically before them watched over by Yasaka and Suzaku who had come to see the commotion in their city. Tobio remained nearby acting as bodyguard while Kari was off on other missions. His skills were legendary, no doubt the intent was to dissuade any further attempts on the leaders after Cao Cao attacked Yasaka. Even with the other members of Team Slash Dog fighting elsewhere, he alone was a formidable fighter.
Vali remarked how much he wanted to fight him. Those two seem to have a history beyond just knowing about him.
"I know you didn't," Dorian tried to be cordial despite the frustrating situation. "But handling something unknown is dangerous."
"Am I going to have to spank you for real this time?" Kuroka glanced up at Kunou putting a slight fear into her before turning to Dorian with a grin. "The roles may have been switched, but we can still have fun like this."
"This was not a toy," Azazel addressed Kunou giving a stern, but still calm tone. "I should never have had it on me, but taking it was just as irresponsible. What if it had hit someone we don't know, or a normal human, or worst of all if something had destabilized the core and it hurt you?"
"Y-you consider that the worst of those outcomes?" Kunou stammered, surprised at the legitimate concern in the mature fallen angel. "Me getting hurt?"
"Of course, I do! Dorian and Kuroka's bits will heal, but a detonation would leave permanent injury. I'd never forgive myself if that happened."
He's quite good with children despite his own words to the contrary.
"The ray did agree with both of you," Suzaku could not help but point out, clearly finding the moment very amusing but restrained herself. "It did not do anything that could cause issues, did it?"
"Other than the obvious?" Dorian motioned to his body still unable to find a comfortable position to sit or stand. "I can just picture what Rat would say if he saw me."
"You may lay low here," Yasaka offered with as sweep of her hands. "The servants of my household are adept at keeping secrets."
"I can't do that," he restrained his groans while in the presence of world leaders. "We don't know how long it'll take and I was expected to be back by tonight. If it hasn't worn off by then, it would be best for me to head back and prevent any worry."
"You could claim Iggy had unfinished business here," Suzaku pointed just outside the meeting room with a smile.
In the waiting room, Iggy was currently in the process of scratching Jin, the large black wolf and Sacred Gear spirit of Tobio's Canis Lykaon, behind the ear. With both being independent avatar types, the pair had developed an understanding along with the young woman's love of animals.
"I have never seen Jin act that way," Tobio remarked with a confused expression. "She certainly seems to have a way with others. It is a good thing she did not see him when he was just a puppy or else we'd be unable to separate them. Most of my team have independent avatars, I am sure she'd like to meet them all in time. If you wish to use us as an excuse to remain longer, I have no objections."
"Thanks," Dorian appreciated the offer. "Maybe we can stay a few extra hours."
"She is the daughter of Yggdrasil, correct?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Hmmm, no doubt Albion is giving him some teasing over that. You know that he was quite fond of her mother long ago?"
"I had heard, but how did you?" Dorian tilted his head in confusion.
"Vali and I used to live together years ago," the leaders of team Slash Dog admitted. "He vented once or twice how Albion would speak highly of Yggdrasil and her beauty. You could say…"
"You could say he and Vali have a brotherly relationship," Suzaku laid it all out on the table. "Vali being the little brother in this situation, though he'd never admit it unless Lavinia was here."
"That…is hard to picture," Dorian looked up in thought, the room thinking how adorable he looked doing so as a woman. "Lavinia?"
"You will meet her in time I am sure," Tobio looked a little nervous. "She has an...interesting effect on Vali. If I am his brother, surely she is his big sister."
"Oh, I am writing that down," Kuroka looked to be ecstatic at the knowledge she was previously unaware of. "A little-brother Vali and Albion smitten with the World Tree. This is too good! And here I thought you were his first brother, Dorian."
"That's right," Tobio's eyes widened at the realization. "With his adoption by Odin, you two are blood-siblings. I suppose we are brothers in a way then as well."
"More family members?" Iggy leaned over from the waiting room, Jin doing the same with their heads side by side. "That is wonderful to hear!"
"I really like that," Dorian shook his hand awkwardly. "Never imagined having so many to call family."
"But it keeps growing," Azazel grinned from ear to ear. "Still working on that cross-myth harem I told you to…?"
"How can you like this man!?" Kunou exploded between the mention of a harem along with her being almost ignored with the other conversations going on. "You can't trust he won't try bringing in more women!"
"Do you think I could handle more?" Azazel answered before Yasaka had a chance. "Your mother is an amazing woman, one in a million. That alone should be proof enough that I would neither want nor would survive trying to bring in more.
"Your reputation speaks for itself," Kunou huffed, though her scowl softened a bit as a tiny fox hopped on her shoulder and licked her face in a concerned manner. "I don't trust you."
"Then I'll need to earn that trust," he reached over the scratch the tiny fox on the nose. "I'm not your father nor have any intention of replacing him. But I'm sorry, I love your mother and want to see her smile. Is that so bad?"
Yasaka's eyes widened a little at how honest Azazel was in that moment blurting out the statement for all to hear. She settled back into a content smirk, sensing from years of hearing lies that he was being completely truthful.
"I…just…you…!" Kunou couldn't handle anymore and fled back into the house after a final bow of apology to Dorian and Kuroka. The fallen angel just sighed, worried he had failed to convince her yet again.
"She didn't push you that time, believe me when I say that is progress," Yasaka stepped up to his side.
"And I'll be sure to put this under lock and key," he looked over his genderbend ray before slipping it into his chest pocket. "I had hoped it could have incentivized those traitors we captured to talk, but it only ended up causing trouble.
"Hopefully it will wear off soon," Dorian grew worried with each passing hour and he remained as he was. "We can stay a few hours longer, maybe that will give it time. Although, I don't think Iggy is the only one who wants to remain in the city…"
"So, you knew Vali really well?" Kuroka was standing next to Tobio with a pen and paper with wide intense eyes. "Tell me EVERYTHING, I want to know every detail of my former fearless leader who always kept everyone at arm's length."
Asgard…
"Have you accepted death? If enough people pray to you, perhaps you'll reconstitute faster." Brynhildr fumed at Vidar who had been backed into a corner. "To try teasing me even after all this time…"
"I was NOT teasing!" The Norse god insisted. "I truly do wish you to be my High Queen, there is no other."
"There are MANY others," she thrust her sword forward. "All those women, I doubt I've ever seen the same one twice at your home. Do you even remember their names?"
"When they give it," he admitted, causing the Valkyrie to swing her blade down as hard as she could. "But…yours, Sigrdrífa, I never forgot." Vidar had caught her sword with a single hand holding it at bay failing to pierce his skin as he looked deep into her eyes. "My family has trouble in that field, just look at father."
"That…is no longer my name," Brynhildr insisted as she halfheartedly tried to pull her sword free to no avail. "I gave that up for the title of strongest Valkyrie."
"Whether you claim it or not, that WAS your name," Vidar insisted. "I remember when you first became a Valkyrie, you were so proud. I do not know what it was back then, but something made you shine brighter than any other. I knew then without a doubt that you'd become Brynhildr."
And that day you lost your name. I know our customs are that the strongest Valkyrie becomes Brynhildr, but I didn't want yours to be lost. If nowhere else, it'll be safe in my mind. You are the greatest Valkyrie, though I know Dorian would disagree.
"There is no other Valkyrie I'd want as my queen," Vidar finally released her sword which she surprisingly sheathed after a moment of contemplation. It did not go over her head that he did not specify the High Queen piece this time.
"Not the other 'queens' that you visit every other day?" She asked, her fury restrained. "You've been that way for years."
"You can say I was slow to figuring out what I wanted," he grinned in a way that sent her heart fluttering though she hid it from him. Once more, he held out his High Queen piece to her. "I may…overindulge in my single life, but once a commitment is made, that is for eternity."
"Very well," she snatched the piece from his hand, not thinking to prepare for the backlash of magic that surged into her as the piece disappeared beneath the flesh of her palm.
Fortunately, Vidar was able to catch her before she fell to the ground, the god looming over her with her in his arms. She gripped his body tight as the magic spread throughout, filling her with both energy and a new connection to the son of Odin. It was true that the pieces did not work on gods, however, a god could still lead one as they did not take a piece into themselves. After several nerve-wracking moments, her grip lessened along with the intensity.
"Is it done?" Brynhildr was barely able to mutter through strands of disheveled hair covering her eyes.
"That's it," he admitted before helping her stand again. "According to Thor and Dorian, you should acclimate to it over the next few days. Imagine, being even stronger than you already were."
"Yes, I will need to get used to that," she flexed her hands as if expecting the newfound power to hit her in that moment. "I-in that case, I will leave you be. No doubt you have to go attend to your 'guests' at home."
"Well," Vidar looked up to ponder his next words. "I am sure they already left since I've been running from you all day. We didn't have any exact plans, so for the rest of this evening…I am all yours."
Crossroad Tower…
"I like being taller than you," Kuroka remained latched to Dorian's arm, the Einherjar now being almost a head shorter. "Think anyone will know it's us?"
"I'm really hoping not," Dorian admitted with a groan. The time to wear off seemed to be random among those they'd seen. Rossweisse had turned back quickest according to Thrud, having taken under a day while others like Asia remained as a man for almost forty-eight hours. "If I can make it to my room, I can lay low with some paperwork locked inside."
"Ooooh, maybe just the two of us huddled in a motel across town? I know this lovely little place…"
"Hello?" Dorian's heart plummeted as Irina appeared near the front entrance approaching them. "Are you new recruits? I'm sorry but it's past our hours accepting applications. If you come back in the morning, we can accept everything then."
"Irina," he started. "It's m…"
"Mighty fine to meet you! My name is Koko." Kuroka interrupted his attempt at explaining the confusion, clearly trying to make her already manly voice sound deeper. "My girl, Daria, and I just heard WONDERFUL things about your group here and wanted to sign up." Dorian tried to continue only to find her strong hands covering his mouth. "Seeing you here makes me want to sign up even more."
"H-how inappropriate to say in front of your girlfriend," Irina took a step back. "Besides, I already have someone…" The shocked expression on Kuroka and Dorian's faces gave her pause. "He-he is…"
"Is everything okay Irina?" Issei appeared at the door next hearing the concerned tone of his childhood friend. "Oh, who is the cutie?"
"Did somebody say cutie?" Ratatoskr swung down next as all color drained from Dorian's face. "Oho, I see what you mean, I wouldn't mind her joining us for…" The squirrel stopped, his nose flaring over and over as he sniffed the air. Without a word, he leapt onto Dorian's shoulder smelling him and Kuroka deeply over and over. "No way, is that…Ha…hahaha…hahahahahahahaha!"
The extraplanar rodent practically fell off her shoulder laughing hysterically rolling around on the ground barely able to catch his breath. The sound drew more lights from the tower with faces looking out the window to see the commotion. After a few seconds, Dorian's calm reached a breaking point with Ratatoskr's last line.
"Good look on ya boss, any chance of it being permanent? I imagine the ladies wouldn't mind batting for the other team for you."
The Einherjar ducked under Kuroka's grasp, tackling the squirrel and starting to wrestle with him despite the size difference, much as they had when they first met. Everyone was stunned, Ratatoskr and this unknown woman rolling around on the ground. It was Issei who first realized the connotation of the squirrel's words.
"Wait…boss? You mean, that is…GOLDIE!?" He looked like he was going to be sick as all the thoughts in his head towards how sexy she was and her impressive breasts came rushing back with new context. "Why, why do you have to keep making me need to burn my brain!?"
"Yep, that's him," Rat laughed even as Dorian wrung his neck. "If you can't strangle me, maybe you can suffocate me with the new girls." Dorian didn't hesitate, picking up the squirrel, he chucked Ratatoskr far into the distance until no one could even see him anymore beyond a twinkle of light. Panting with exertion and anger, he only then noticed he was the complete center of attention.
"Should we make sure he's okay?" Irina asked while staring off in the distance where Rat had disappeared.
"That won't even dent him…unfortunately," Dorian remarked with a twitching eye before turning and truly realizing he was now the center of attention. "Look, there was some…mishap with Mr. Azazel's invention. No need to dwell on it. Why is everyone awake to begin with?" He tried to ignore how intently everyone was looking at him but was failing. "Nothing to see here everyone, go back to your rooms." A few complied, but others kept watching though ducking a little lower in their rooms. Only a small but threatening burst of light from Laerad Ragnarök finally sent them closing their blinds.
"You…um, you look…"
"Cute," Rossweisse finished Irina's remark as she walked closer having heard the fighting. "Th-there is no shame," she continued, yet couldn't help looking him up and down thinking he may have been more well-endowed than her. "I was turned into a man after all. Was Iggy affected?"
"I was not," she answered while materializing behind the Valkyrie. "I suppose Dorian and I are separate enough that I was not altered by the ray. It would not matter anyway since I can change my appearance at will." For emphasis, Iggy's breasts suddenly flattened into pecs, her arms ballooning out with muscle as her white dress turned into a suit that would be right at home at a host club. Within a matter of moments, she was standing before them as a well-groomed, green-haired young man, yet her smile remained ever the same.
"Sis?" Koneko had heard the commotion and emerged, eyes twitching at the sight of her now-manly sister staring her down.
"Bro for now," she teased, leaning down to hug the white-haired nekoshou and lift her up to make full use of her new height. "And a temporary sister-in law to boot!"
"So I see," Koneko locked eyes with Dorian, approaching him once she was back on the ground which was all the more menacing now that he was closer to her height. "You two had fun in Kyoto?"
"We did," he nodded with a content smile. "Your sister is...urk."
Rias' first Rook had delivered a sharp jab into his gut without warning. He could take such hits, but the unexpected nature caught him off guard nearly sending him to his knees. It took more than a bit of willpower to remain on his feet.
"That's for not asking me permission first," she answered flatly before her features ever so slightly softened. "But...she looks happy, thank you for that. Be sure you keep that up, or else."
"Consider it d-done," Dorian groaned through the pain. He'd gotten used to dealing with family of the women he'd grown close to, Koneko was no different. He didn't need incentive to make Kuroka happy, but knowing her sister lived right next door was an ever-present reminder of the consequences should he fail.
"Awwww, my little sis trying to act all tough for m...urk!" Kuroka attempted to advance on Koneko again for an embrace only to be met with a fist in her face, sending the woman careening backwards.
"You keep that ray away from me," Issei looked concerned seeing just how much one could change seeing the pair and now Iggy. "This raises way too many questions I don't want to think about!"
"Only if you cause any trouble," Thrud was the one to send a chill of fear up his spine and a wink. "You can hide out upstairs, Dorian," she pointed to the elevator leading up. "We'll run interference until it wears off."
"I'll go too," Kuroka insisted as she joined him before turning to wink at her roommate. "Unless you'd like to bunk with a man for the night." Irina could only muster a handful of stutters before they left, Dorian mouthing 'I'm sorry' at seeing how flustered his protestant friend had become.
"Never a dull moment," Bennia shrugged her shoulders almost unfazed by the events. "Maybe it converts your appearance during the change, Dorian was hot and I recall you were all pretty sexy hunks."
"Bennia!"
"What!? It's true!" She moaned at Seekvaira who had chastised her. "Did you see his rack? That's almost Akeno levels! I don't even want to know what he had as a guy to convert into that."
"Convert…into…" Seekvaira's methodical mind betrayed her as a dozen scenarios entered it drawing a flush to her cheeks. Much to her continued horror, Aika suddenly materialized behind with a twinkle in her eyes her having spotted her rare state of showing emotion grinning from ear to ear.
"Oho, curious, are you? I happen to have a special talent for determining that and turned it on Dorian when we first met…you want to know, don't you?"
For once, the Agares heiress had no idea how to reply in the slightest.
That night…
"That ray must not have liked you, or maybe liked you a bit too much," Kuroka teased as she laid upside down on Dorian's bed watching him. She had turned back into a woman hours before, yet Dorian still remained as one. He had tried to distract himself grading papers for classes the next day and finishing a report for geography, but it wasn't working.
"My luck seems poor in situations like this," he groaned, pushing the pencil and papers away while rubbing his eyes. "How do you function with these?"
"Years of practice, though I imagine the distraction is more a mental one?" Kuroka reveled in the moment. "If my male body had stayed any longer, I would have HAD to try it out. Maybe you'd like to try yours while you have the time?"
"Try it ou…?" Dorian inhaled deep as Kuroka was suddenly upon him face to face. Seizing him by the collar, she maneuvered the Einherjar towards the bed and plopped him down on it.
"Yea, you have all the right parts for a woman, you MUST be curious how it all works. You may not get another chance."
"I think I would prefer our first night to be in my normal body," he admitted as Kuroka started grabbing at his impressive bust. "Wouldn't you?"
"What matters most is that it's you, isn't that the type of thing you'd say?" The nekoshou purred as she gently gyrated atop him. "After everything we've been through and your outing you planned for little ol me, don't think you're getting away from tonight. I did say that you had to ask, but if I give the right incentive…"
Like a balloon popping, Dorian's female form suddenly fell away leaving him in his normal body. Gasping from surprise, he started feeling himself up and down to make sure his original parts were all intact, an act mirrored by Kuroka doing the same.
"How did you...?"
"I thought that might work," she smirked confidently while leaning back, her eyes less lustful than a moment ago. "Magic can be funny sometimes, even when made by technology. My guess is that you really wanted your manly body back for a…certain purpose. Now that you're back to normal, I suppose you'll want me to leave and…"
Even Kuroka did not expect it when Dorian suddenly flipped her over and she found herself on her back. His hands were grasped around her wrist securing her to the bed in an assertive way she found herself liking more and more. In that position, she grasped truly how impressive a form he had looming over her, eyes looking into hers so fiercely.
"…nya?"
Dorian was breathing heavily, adrenaline coursing through him. Kuroka was beautiful, no man on the planet could say otherwise with a straight face, including him. She had confessed to him, befriended Rossweisse, Thrud, Iggy and all the others in the Crossroads and shown time and time again that she looked at him with more purpose than just his body and potential children. Amazingly, contrary to the nekoshou's own belief, that deeper side of her is what the Einherjar found more appealing than anything else. Her using those wiles as a means to return him to normal without expecting him to make a move was the surge of water to break the dam.
"You are not what you appear," Dorian whispered, leaving a kiss on the nape of her neck. "You like to hide it from others."
"In my former line of work, it didn't help to be thought of as soft. Acting the part of an evil nekoshou was more going with the mood-nya. With you though, I don't have to play any parts."
"Other than being yourself," Dorian's hands worked as they spoke, her kimono sliding effortlessly down to reveal her body to him. Her voluptuous breasts and curvature of her body were breathtaking to the point he could barely take his eyes off them. "You care about your sister, your friends, your entire species…"
"What is left of it," Kuroka normally would have been trying to get on top but found herself more and more enraptured by Dorian's assertive side as his hands explored her with enthusiasm. "With this piece system your friend Ajuka developed, nekoshous have a chance to bloom again. That is not to say I still don't fancy doing my part towards that end, but now I have the enticing appeal of choice over necessity…and I've made mine already."
No more words were needed, Dorian kissing her passionately on the lips before working his way down, lingering on her bountiful breasts for a time. His actions got Kuroka's blood afire, tails swaying each way before wrapping around his legs and tightening. Before he could go further, she had the Einherjar pushed onto his back staring straight at his now-exposed manhood eyes wide as if she'd just discovered her latest meal.
"I bet none of the others have done this yet-nya," she teased as she wedged him within the cleavage of her breasts, tails wrapping around the shaft and squeezing just enough. "I hear tell men quite enjoy this." Dorian didn't need to answer for her to tell it was indeed a new experience for him. "If you want, I don't mind inviting them in on this too."
"You…deserve your own night," Dorian remained strong as Kuroka bounced her breasts up and down upon him going faster and faster. "You are very good at that."
"Would it break your heart to know that I have experience?" Dorian replied by stroking her cheek softly before shifting focus to her ears. Even Kuroka found herself twitching with delight as he gave them special attention rubbing them rhythmically through his fingers.
"You aren't with them now, are you? I'd be pretty bad if I judged for past partners…you know I've been with Rose and Thrud already, right?"
"A-are you kidding? I can still smell them all over you, but not Iggy. That surprised me, haven't you been with her since you were little?"
"Vaetta, I mean…Iggy and I haven't…"
"Don't turn into a blushing bride on me now," Kuroka pulled back, seeing the uncertainty behind his eyes. "I'm actually quite jealous at the pedestal you put her on. She'll want her own night of course, but like you said, tonight is mine and I want everything you can offer. Make sure you don't forget her just because she's so unbearably innocent."
Dorian did not hesitate, sliding himself out from between her breasts, he flipped the nekoshou onto her back again so her lower half was hanging in the air. Lowering himself down, he started to kiss and lick between her legs, sending Kuroka into shivers of delight. His hands were not idol, gripping her waist and sliding sensually up and down her sides. When she thought he couldn't tease her more, he stood to his full height, manhood pressed ever so gently against her opening.
"Th-that's what I've been waiting for," she purred with a soft growl. "Our children shall be the matriarchs and patriarchs of a revived nekoshou people. "Don't you dare hold back on me now, after you have your fun, I'll show a few tricks that will curl the other girls' toes…!"
Kuroka's proclamation was cut off as Dorian entered her, hips pounding faster and faster to shake the bed. She did not make any attempt to be quiet or lower her voice despite being unaware of the spells of privacy that made up the walls. Her patience and restraint were being unleashed in that one night and she could not have been happier, Dorian treating her with the same dedication, love and enthusiasm as the others. She would learn the extent of his stamina and that of the Hestia-flames firsthand.
Dorian…
The soft whisper in his mind that came and went, giving away that while no one outside the room could hear them, they were not wholly alone. Despite promising to recede into his subconscious for the night, Iggy found she could not wholly bring herself to do it. The innocent woman who inhabited Dorian's soul did not hate Kuroka or the situation going on. All the same…the idea of her being in the nekoshou's place grew stronger and stronger in her mind. She had been with him the longest, and was hoping to know just how long it would be before the Einherjar's eyes fell on her in that light.
Dorian and Kuroka have a brief exchange in the other's shoes after a romantic date together resulting in another night of firsts for both. With love in the air in Asgard and Midgard, will a certain onlooker grow restless in her current position? I wanted to apologize for the slower upload times from previous. With crazy work and being a bit under the weather, I took it easy. But rest assured, even slowly, I am still working on each chapter and the next arcs. Until next time, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D