The Slime and the Snow Village part 1
Night had finally fallen, yet the usual sounds you would hear during this time were nowhere to be found. Instead of hearing the sounds of crickets chirping or the gentle rustling of the wind you instead could hear sounds of joy and laughter echoing out. Behind the building where we had our club meetings our surprise party was in full swing. Not only was this party to celebrate the new home made for the Kijin but it was also to commemorate our victory over Charybdis. Because of this everyone who was involved in the battle was in attendance as food and drink was consumed in healthy amounts as everyone was in good spirits. We even had fresh sashimi made from the megalodon that was surprisingly tasty as Hakurou gave everyone a show by showing off his skills with a blade in something that wasn't related to combat.
Rubi: This sashimi is delicious, how did you learn to make this so quickly?
Hakurou: ( chuckle ) You can thank years of practice and patience.
Miia: It's so tasty! I can't believe this is that same thing that tried to eat us only a few hours ago.
While everyone was enjoying themselves it seemed that Mizore was one of the only few who couldn't get into a festive mood. Her sights were currently set on the academy off in the distance as her thoughts drifted to her boyfriend and how he was doing with an unexpected guest.
Mizore: ( I hope Kazuto is doing okay. I know that we were relieved to not have that jerk back at school but now that he's back I can't help but worry. )
While the others were busy having fun she silently snuck off as she decided it would be for the best to find me in the hopes I don't lose my cool at having to deal with my old teacher. Currently in the headmaster's office I was with him as we spent the last hour interrogating Mr. Kotsubo after he had regained consciousness. At the moment I had my sword pressed firmly at his throat, the slightest twitch from either one of us would be enough to cut the skin and induce bleeding in an instant. Right now he was bound by a magic seal courtesy of the headmaster as his arms and legs were surrounded in magical chains that kept him in place.
Mr. Kotsubo: I swear that's everything I know!
Kazuto: Oh is that so? Well forgive me if I don't exactly believe you.
I pressed the tip of my blade further into his flesh as a single drop of blood crept down his neck, the look in my eyes was of absolute disgust as I faced down the man who thought he could get away with violating my girlfriend last year.
Mr. Kotsubo: You have to believe me! I told you everything I know from when I was held captive! Headmaster please say something!
The look of fear in his eyes was as clear as day, yet I wasn't about to let him off the hook just yet. Great Sage had already informed me that it was very likely he was telling the truth but I still wanted answers, and if we couldn't get them by simply asking questions then I had no problems using force if necessary.
Headmaster: Kazuto please lower your sword, I believe this is as far as we can go.
I took one last look at my former teachers eyes, the fear that I would ignore the headmaster's words and simply end him here and now was all too real. Instead I pulled my sword away from him and placed it back in its sheath as I took a few steps back from him.
Headmaster: It seems as though we have much to discuss. This organization you mentioned, Fairy Tale sounds like they could be a serious threat.
Kazuto: A group that strongly opposes humanity and wants to make monsters the dominant species. Basically we can consider them the antithesis of Yokai Academy.
Headmaster: And you are positive you didn't hear about any other plans while you were held captive?
Mr. Kotsubo: Yes, all I heard within my cell before they turned me into... that thing was about how they were hell bent on making humanity pay for how our kind have been treated for centuries.
That didn't give us much to work with, all we knew for certain was a group of psychopaths wanted to take over the world and wipe out anyone who gets in their way. This is sounding like the plot of your average comic book or manga.
Kazuto: Okay, if what you're saying is true then how come after you got turned into Charybdis you came all this way to attack Yokai Academy? Was it a direct order or did you come to attack us of your own will?
He didn't say anything. All he did was just look towards the floor as he refused to answer. I then grabbed him by the collar of his shirt as I pushed him against the wall and surrounded my free hand in a dark red aura and held it within an inch of his face.
Kazuto: ( Let's see if threatening him with Rot will make him talk. ) I'm not going to ask you again, unless you answer my question right now I will let you experience what it's like to have your entire body eroded bit by bit until there's nothing left of you. If you thought getting hit by my poison last year was bad I can personally guarantee this is far worse!
The venom in my voice was hard to hold back, I wanted answers and he still couldn't give us what we wanted. All we were getting was the bare minimum and it was really pissing me off.
Mr. Kotsubo: I don't know.
Kazuto: You don't know?
Okay I was wrong, NOW I was getting pissed off. I placed my hand closer to him now only a centimeter away from making contact. Several small snake heads began to form as they hissed and snapped their fangs angrily in an attempt to scare him further and make my point more clear.
Kazuto: What do you mean you don't know? How could you NOT know!
Mr. Kotsubo: I meant what I said, all I remembered was swallowing some weird orb and my body writhing in pain. After that the next thing I knew I was waking up in the infirmary where the headmaster was waiting for me.
Once again I got confirmation he was telling the truth, I let him go as I deactivated my skill and walked out the door slamming it behind me. I couldn't stand being in the same room as him any longer and just wanted to be with the people who mattered to me. I figured if anything I can simply ask the headmaster for more information later when I was in a much better mindset.
Mr. Kotsubo: What's wrong with that kid? Does he really think he can make a difference against people like Fairy Tale? He's going to get himself killed.
Headmaster: You know better than anyone that young Kazuto is not to be underestimated. Ever since your confrontation with him last year he has gone through several battles that have made him stronger.
Mr. Kotsubo: I remember. He took down the head of the Security Committee. But I don't see how beating a single S-class makes him a threat. He was probably just lucky.
Headmaster: That wasn't the only adversary he has defeated. He has also faced the fabled Orc Disaster after he evolved into a demon lord. And let us not forget he defeated the legendary Charybdis as well and even spared you after learning it was you who had transformed into the beast. Every opponent he has faced he has made their power into his own thus making him into a stronger monster all together.
Mr. Kotsubo: I still don't see how that makes him dangerous. If his strength comes from defeating his enemies than that just makes him reliant on who he defeats. He isn't strong at all, he's just stealing power and not cultivating his own.
Headmaster: That is where you're wrong.
Mr. Kotsubo: What do you mean?
Headmaster: While it is true that taking the powers and abilities of those who he defeats is making it easier for him to gain strength, it is worth noting that it's not his only power.
The headmaster then looked out his window to look at the lights in the distance. Even from his office he could see people having fun with one another and enjoying the festivities among friends. He even spotted one girl in particular as he believed she was on her way to comfort someone important to her.
Headmaster: Like his father and grandfather before him I believe Kazuto's greatest strength is his resolve. He wishes to strengthen the skills he has received to make the most of them. Whenever he gains a new ability he spends days finding new ways to improve upon them and truly making those powers his own.
He then went up to Mr. Kotsubo and undid the spell binding him in place.
Headmaster: He strengthens his bonds with his friends and effectively makes them his family. It is his drive to improve himself that makes him strong and I have no doubt in my mind that one day he will become one of the strongest monsters in the world.
He then went back to his desk as he and Mr. Kotsubo continued to talk. As for me I was on my way out of school when I saw Mizore a few feet in front of me.
Kazuto: Mizore? What are you doing here?
Mizore: I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Being in the same room as that creep must be really aggravating.
Kazuto: ( sigh ) You have no idea.
That whole ordeal left me mentally exhausted, with all the bad news we got along with him it didn't help my mood any further.
Mizore: I figured as much, that's why I came over so I could comfort you.
She then approached as she took out the lollipop from her mouth and kissed me. As she inserted her tongue in my mouth I could make out the taste of cherry on her lips from her candy. She pressed herself against my body as she grabbed one of my hands and placed it underneath her skirt as she had me massage her gently while moaning. The feeling between her thighs was so soft and it wasn't long until I felt some moisture underneath the fabric of her panties. Before we could get further we separated as she looked at me lovingly with a massive blush that contrasted beautifully with her complexion.
Mizore: Feel better now?
Kazuto: ( flustered ) I... uh... y-yeah I...
I knew that she could be a bit forward when she wanted to be but I was still surprised to see her go this far. She then held my hand and pulled me along to take me back to the party to enjoy my time with the others. From here on out the rest of the night was spent in celebration. I allowed myself to forget my worries at least for a moment, for now I just wanted to spend my time among friends and family. Before the party ended I wanted to make a short announcement, in honor of the new home for the Kijin I wanted to contribute my own gift to them and decided to name them. They kept telling me it wasn't necessary but I insisted. I ended up giving them the same names they had before and I could feel the connection between us grow stronger. A loud cheer echoed out as it looked like the start of a promising future together.
( One month later )
It's been a whole month since the battle with Charybdis, in that time things have remained quiet throughout Yokai Academy. Mr. Kotsubo left the next day after the incident and from what the headmaster told me he decided to settle down somewhere in the countryside close to the water where he could be at peace.
Right now the girls and I were in the club room as we had finished giving out another fresh batch of our newest set of newspapers. The articles have been a massive success with the inclusions of our newest members. Shuna has taken the fashion section very seriously alongside Kurumu with their articles giving both girls and the guys suggestions on new styles to try out as well as recommendations for accessories. Shuna has even made her own articles involving cooking, some of which included her own recipes that some students and staff have tried and the results were incredible. The only downside to it was a small incident where our cooking teacher became very jealous which led to most of the school becoming curry hungry zombies which resulted in Shuna and I channeling our inner Erina and Soma respectively to stop those plans. Framea's travel articles have been massively popular with the older students who were close to graduating as it gave them ideas of places to travel or where to study after finishing high school. Miia's book recommendations have been very positive and her advice column has been steadily improving over the last few weeks, she has remained anonymous so no one besides us in the club know that she's been the one giving out advice.
It's been very peaceful for a while now and at the moment most of us were simply hanging around the club room just chatting with each other or doing homework. The only person who wasn't with us was Mizore, she's been rather distant the last several days and we were beginning to worry that something might have happened. We've tried talking to her about it hoping she would tell us what's wrong but she refuses to do so.
Yukari: Hey have any of you seen Mizore today? I've been trying to find her that last few days to ask her for her next article for the paper but she keeps disappearing before I get the chance.
Miia: No. Unfortunately none of us have had any luck with her.
Framea: Maybe she's feeling under the weather?
Miia: If that was the case I don't think she would bother showing up to class. Maybe it's a personal thing?
Kurumu: Possibly. I know that Mizore can be a bit strange at times but I think we've earned her trust enough that if something is bugging her than she can come and talk to us about it.
We then hear the familiar creaking of the door opening to see Mizore come in with a note in her hands. We all came up to her to check up on her and make sure she was okay.
Moka: Mizore, are you feeling alright?
Shuna: We've been really worried about you the last couple of days.
She seemed a little surprised at first to see how concerned we were about her well being. She then gave us a small smile as she handed me the note she brought with her.
Mizore: I'm sorry that I haven't been straightforward with you guys lately. I just had a lot to think about.
I then opened the note given to me and read it aloud for the others to hear.
Kazuto: " Dear Mizore. It's been a while since we've talked to one another so I hope this letter finds you well. Before I get to the main topic I just wanted to let you know that your father and I are doing well and we hope you and your friends are enjoying your second year at school. "
So far so good, hopefully whatever was written in this letter wasn't too bad that we had reason to worry.
Kazuto: " As you know your 19th birthday is coming up which means that your are finally of age to take part in our tradition. Namely the tradition that all young snow women take part in when finding a mate. I hope that you and Kazuto will join us soon so that the two of you can participate in the ceremony, I have also spoken to the village oracle about your situation involving the other girls and she agreed that they are welcome to join in as well. Please let me know when you are able to attend and we can get the preparations started. With love, Mom. "
As soon as I finished we all looked at Mizore who seemed a little embarrassed by the whole thing. She then went on to explain that this ceremony was very important to her people and the fact that it required her to bring me to her home was why she was too nervous to speak to us about it in the first place.
Miia: So what exactly do you have to do during the ceremony?
Mizore: Not much really. From what we were taught when we were younger we are supposed to bring our chosen partner to a field of flowers where we gift them with one and promise to remain together always.
Yukari: That doesn't sound so bad, why were you so nervous about it to begin with?
Mizore: ( blushing ) Well... it's because of the type of flower that we use for the ceremony. It's a rare white flower that only grows up in the mountains called Snow White.
Yukari: Snow White? I think I've heard of that flower somewhere before.
Mizore: Supposedly it contains a strong aphrodisiac effect. It was probably used in lots of potions back in the day.
Shuna: Wait, if it contains an aphrodisiac does that mean that if you and Kazuto went alone...
Mizore's face became crimson red as she looked down and refused to make eye contact with us. We all came to the same conclusion as the girls started imagining what we would have been up to if we were left alone together. Needless to say the girls were somewhat livid but calmed down after they realized that if Mizore really wanted to she could have just kept quiet about the whole thing and not mention it to anyone. Instead she not only told them what would happen but she also told her mother her own concerns and from the letter she received it seemed like changes were made to accommodate our situation. A few days later and we were informed of an impromptu field trip to the mountains to go skiing. This was the cover story for the other students but for those of us who were aware we knew this was the headmaster's way to assist Mizore with her traditions as best as he could.
At the moment we were all riding the bus taking in the sights of the mountains passing us by as we were all dressed to better handle the cold. While everyone was busy getting excited about going skiing I was busy trying to stay calm about what was going to happen.
Kazuto: ( Take a deep breath Kazuto. Everything is going to be okay. Maybe the ceremony won't be so bad. Let's just avoid an unnecessary thoughts and hope everything goes smoothly. )
I was mostly concerned about the possibility of moving to the next step of my relationship with the girls but I knew I wasn't ready for that and I knew the same could be said for some of them as well. In the meantime I just had to keep calm and focus on getting through this as easily as possible.
Kokoa: What's wrong with you, you look like you're ready to jump out of the bus and hightail it all the way back to school.
Oh yeah I forgot that Kokoa was joining us on this trip. Ever since the battle last month she has tried getting along with us especially Moka. The process was slow and so far she has made some progress, mainly she just stopped bad mouthing her outer self and tried to be a bit more tolerable of her and her feelings.
Kazuto: It's that noticeable huh?
Kokoa: Obviously. Yukari told me the news. ( smirk ) So you gonna do it?
Kazuto: ( flustered ) What?
Kokoa: Don't pretend you don't know. I have to say I'm actually surprised that you're going to take this little harem of yours all the way to the bedroom so soon. You're either the bravest or the most desperate person I've ever met.
At this point I just hid my face behind my hands to avoid the topic further.
Kazuto: That's enough Kokoa.
While ignoring the apparent amusement Kokoa was having at my expense it took about 15 minutes more until we finally arrived into town. The buildings practically glowed in contrast to the snowy landscape as people could be seen enjoying their day. We kept driving until we reached a large resort where we saw a group of young women in white kimonos standing in front waiting to greet us with a familiar woman leading them.
Tsurara: Welcome students of Yokai Academy, we are honored to have you join us this evening.
Students: Thank you for having us.
They all bowed as we thanked them for their hospitality. The outside of the resort was designed to resemble an old fashioned Japanese palace while the inside was just as beautiful with a large fire place, beautiful paintings as well as some luxurious couches in the main room. As we were about to be assigned our rooms for the duration of our trip our group was pulled to the side as Mizore's mother took me and the girls to a separate room.
Tsurara: I forgot to mention this sooner but I have a special suite prepared for the eleven of you in advance. Please follow me.
Male Student: Wait Kazuto gets to share a room with all those hotties?!
Male Student 2: No fair!
Male Student 3: Does that mean he gets to do that with them?!
Kokoa: Have fun sis!
Ignoring our reddening faces me and the rest of the girls followed Tsurara to our accommodations but not before I saw Shion and Suphia give those guys a little smirk before they wrapped their arms around mine making them jealous as they had their breasts pressed firmly against my arms.
Kazuto: ( gulp ) ( If there's anyone listening please spare me. )
( Timeskip brought to you by chibi Kazuto getting ready for a snowball fight against chibi Kokoa. )
It didn't take long for us to reach our room as we continued to marvel at the resort where we saw several other rooms we thought about checking out later such as the hot springs, the dining hall and the rec room where the girls were already making plans for a ping pong tournament. 5 minutes later and we had arrived and as the door opened we got a good look inside and it was probably the most luxurious room I have ever seen, not only was it on the top floor of the resort but we also had a fantastic view of the rest of the town below and it was large enough for all of us to comfortably fit inside.
Tsurara: I hope it's to your liking. I took extra special care to prepare this room for all of you.
We began to spread out as we set our luggage down to explore the room. We had a large television in the main room as well as a separate restroom and bath, a mini kitchen but only a single bedroom. At first we thought there was going to be an issue with space but we looked inside and found a single bed large enough for all of us to fit easily. The room even had a soft pink glow as there were several scented candles and rose petals strewn around.
Tsurara: I hope you make good use of it girls. After all I'm sure Kazuto would love to share this wonderfully soft bed with all of you.
Shion: That sounds amazing! Kazuto can we please sleep together tonight, pretty please.
Suphia: Don't forget about me, I promised him that I would give him the ride of his life and I am not about to go back on my promise.
Miia: I can't wait to show you how we lamia get things done Darling!
Oh great it's already happening, fortunately it seemed that Tsurara had a few things that she wanted to discuss with us before she let us get settled. She lead us to a large table near the balcony where she had some tea prepared for us as we all sat down. I decided to sit in between Shuna and Framea since they were the furthest from the three who made it abundantly clear what their intentions were for tonight. Although that was probably a mistake since I noticed Shuna give me a wink as she licked her lips while Framea placed her hand dangerously close up my thigh near a certain part that I was sure was off limits until this moment.
Kazuto: ( Great now these two are getting in the mood. )
Tsurara: Before I let you children enjoy your stay there are some things that I wish to discuss with you.
Kazuto: It's about the ceremony, right? The one for young snow women when they reach a certain age.
Tsurara: Correct. I assume that Mizore already told you the basics?
Framea: She did, she said this ceremony was for her and the person she chose as her partner where they promise to stay together forever.
Kurumu: She also mentioned the Snow White and how it's used as an aphrodisiac.
Tsurara: I see. I'm glad that you are well informed, however there are a few more details that I wanted to tell you personally.
Suphia: What do you mean?
Tsurara: While it is true that this ceremony was made to help the girls of our race find a suitable partner I'm afraid that isn't the only reason why we perform it. You may not have noticed on your way here but our race is dying and we have little time before we are completely wiped out.
She then told us the story of their situation. As it turned out once a snow woman reaches a certain age, usually around their mid twenties, they are unable to have children. As a result they are expected to find a partner early on which is why the ceremony was first created. However as their numbers began to slowly decline some changes were made, it seemed that for the last several generations on the day of the ceremony young snow women would actually have their partners decided for them by the oracle of the village. According to Tsurara this " prophecy " was seen by the oracle herself and was followed to this day. There have been instances where a young snow woman would find herself a partner and the prophecy wasn't necessary but more often than not they couldn't find one on their own so the prophecy was basically necessary at this point.
Tsurara: We've all been through it, even my husband was decided for me. Fortunately though all of our chosen partners have been correct, my husband and I couldn't be happier with one another and because of that we were blessed with a wonderful daughter.
She then took a sip of her tea as she carried a somewhat sad expression on her face.
Tsurara: At tomorrow's ceremony Mizore was to be given her own prophecy of her partner by the oracle. However because she and Kazuto are together I assumed that it would be enough to convince the oracle to allow them to perform the ceremony as it was originally intended.
She then stood up as she looked out the window, her eyes gazed upon the palace in the distance where the oracle lived. A single tear fell from her eye as she tried so hard to remain strong in front of us but we all could tell that something was wrong
Tsurara: However it would seem it was not meant to be, the other day I was told by the oracle that her partner had already been decided for her.
Us: WHAT?!
Mizore: Mother this can't be true, please tell me this isn't true!
Kurumu: This has to be a mistake right? Kazuto said he was alright being with all of us so why can't Mizore participate with him?
Yukari: You said so yourself, if they have a partner already than they don't need to be told who they should marry! Even then Mizore should get to decide who she wants to be with!
Mizore: Mother please tell me this is some kind of sick joke. Look at me and tell me that Kazuto and I can still perform the ceremony together!
Tsurara faced her daughter, her mask began to fail as she shed tears for her daughter knowing the news she would give her would break her heart.
Tsurara: I'm sorry Mizore, I did my best to make the oracle see that you were happy with Kazuto but you know as well as I do that her word is final. Your husband has already been chosen and you are set to marry him tomorrow evening.
Mizore couldn't believe what she was hearing. She began to tear up as she then got up and ran out of the room.
Kazuto: Mizore!
Ignoring the other girls inside I ran after her, I ended up outside the resort but at that point I already lost sight of her. I couldn't leave her alone when she was this upset so rather than head back inside I transformed into my direwolf form and began searching for her. I ran across for what felt like hours across fields of snow looking for her. I couldn't even use magic sense since she must have hidden her energy by suppressing it to the point where she could have passed for human. As the sky began to turn dark I kept searching for her only to end up with nothing, I was afraid I lost her for good, that is until I began to catch an odd scent wafting through the air.
Kazuto: ( What is this? My head feels a little fuzzy. )
I turned my head in the direction of the scent and I caught a glimpse of something out in the distance. I activated Sense Heat Source and saw what looked like a mass of cold in the shape of a person sitting down in the snow.
Kazuto: ( Mizore? )
Wasting no time I ran in the direction of the source and just as I suspected I found Mizore on the ground hugging her knees crying to herself in front of a field of Snow Whites. As I got closer to her I changed back into my human form as I slowly approached her.
Kazuto: Mizore, are you okay?
Mizore: ( crying ) No. No I'm not okay, how could I be when I just found out that I can't be with the man I love!
She was really upset, she hasn't been like this since the incident last year when we first met.
Mizore: This isn't the first time this has happened to me.
She then reached out and grabbed the nearest flower to her as she picked it and held it close to her.
Mizore: When I was young the first friend I ever made was a human. We would often play together and it seemed like we would always be happy so long as we had each other.
She then got up as she came closer to me as she stopped just out of arms reach. More tears began to fall as I was unable to ease her pain.
Mizore: One day I brought him here and told him what I really was. I told him that when we were older that I wanted to bring him here so that we could perform the ceremony together so that we could be happy forever. I was so sure that he would look past our differences and say that he would be honored to make such an important promise with me. Instead he became scared of me and ran away, I never saw him after that and thought that I would be alone forever.
She began to cry more, I tried to hug her but she took a step back from me staying just out of reach.
Mizore: For so long I thought that no one in the world would ever love me back. I thought that my destiny was to be all alone while everyone around me found their own happiness. That all I was good for was watching everyone else find the warmth of another person's touch that would never be mine. Then I met you and everything began to change. It was difficult at first but you quickly accepted me as a friend and a girlfriend soon after. Whenever I was with you I felt happy and I believed that I could finally find the happiness I thought I lost when I was little. But now... now I know that our happiness can never be.
Kazuto: But you don't know that for sure. You don't have to listen to the oracle. Who cares if she says that someone has already been chosen for you! You chose to be one of my girlfriends and I accepted you, that should be more than enough for them! Just tell them that you don't want to marry this guy and we can go back to Yokai Academy together with the others!
Mizore: I wish that I could, but it's not that easy. The oracle is much older than she appears and her ability to predict the future is unmatched. All of her predictions have come true and if she says that my husband has been decided for me I am bound by our ways to obey her.
Kazuto: So that's it? After everything we've been through there's nothing we can do to stop it? I'm just supposed to just sit back and let some stranger take you away from us? Just like that?!
I couldn't believe it, after all these months of being together Mizore was just willing to throw it all away because someone said so. I refused to believe that, there has to be something that I can do to stop this. But if I did that I could incur the wrath of the oracle and I would rather settle this peacefully than resort to violence. But if Mizore's mother couldn't convince her than what chance did I have?
Mizore: There is one way we can change things.
Kazuto: How?
Mizore closed the distance between us as she held the flower closer to my face. I could feel the effects messing with my head as my body grew warmer. I didn't notice right away but at that moment Mizore had begun to undress, one by one she let another article of clothing fall to the ground and soon she was completely bare before me as she wrapped her arms around me. Even when I did notice I realized that I wasn't freaking out, instead I wrapped my arms around her waist as she kissed me as we fell back into the snow. She was on top of me as we separated and I could see her eyes full of wanting and desire.
Mizore: I know this is unfair to the others, but I need you to take me now Kazuto. If you do it might be enough to convince the oracle to let me go. Please do this for me, if you do I swear that I will be yours and yours alone for eternity.
Despite knowing that this was wrong the effects of the flower made it harder to resist the temptation. I wanted to touch her smooth delicate skin, to run my hands through her soft hair, and kiss those pink lips as she embraced me.
Mizore: It's okay Kazuto, you can do whatever you want. No matter how embarrassing or how painful as long as it's you I'm happy so long as I can make you feel good.
She meant it, everything she just told me was completely genuine. Yet despite that she was trembling. It was as if I touched her wrong even slightly that she could shatter in an instant. Rather than take advantage of the situation I took my hand off her waist and placed it against her cheek. The familiar coolness of her skin against the warmth of my hand was enough to help me get over the effects of the aphrodisiac that had begun to wear off.
Kazuto: Mizore you're trembling. This isn't how you want to do this is it?
Mizore: What are you talking about, of course I want this. I want to express my love for you, I want us to become one. I want more than anything to bear your child and to remain by your side!
Kazuto: I want that for us too, but not like this. We both know you're not ready for this. While I understand that it's important for you and your race to have a child before a certain time do you really think you could live with yourself if you did so like this?
She tried to deny it but she knew I was right. It was so easy, all she had to do was continue with what she was doing and she could be free. If she tried being more aggressive with me we both knew I wouldn't fight back since I wouldn't want to hurt her. But rather than doing so all she could do was look down at me and see that what she was doing was wrong. Right now she wanted me to take her first time from her in a moment of desperation rather than of love. Despite saying that she was doing this because she loved me she knew she was lying to herself in the hopes of justifying her actions. She then covered her face with her hands as she began to cry again.
Mizore: ( crying ) I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Kazuto. You're right, I can't do this. Not like this.
Before she could get off me I quickly sat up and enveloped her in a warm hug. I wasn't mad at her, I was worried about her because if we had continued I knew she would later regret her choice. She was genuinely surprised to see that I was still there for her, even after what happened what mattered to me more was her feelings because she was that important to me.
Kazuto: It's going to be alright Mizore. I promise we'll find a way to set you free. I won't let them take you away from me, from all of us. I told you girls before that you're all my family, I would rather die before anything bad ever happened to any of you.
She then lowered her hands from her face as she wrapped them around my body and fell into my embrace.
Mizore: Thank you Kazuto. I love you.
Kazuto: I love you too, Snow Bunny.
Sadly though this moment wouldn't last, as we sat there amongst a field of flowers holding one another Mizore disappeared in a flurry of snow.
Kazuto: M-Mizore?
I got up and began looking around for her. There weren't any footprints in the snow, my skills couldn't track her and there wasn't anything she could use to hide herself.
Kazuto: Mizore! Where are you? Mizore!
Suddenly the wind began to pick up as the snow surrounded me in a vortex of white that nearly blinded me.
????: The child of prophecy has come at last. You will be the one to save our race and ensure our future.
Kazuto: Prophecy? Are you the snow village's oracle?
Instantly the raging wind had come to a stop as the snow began to fall around us gently. I was able to get a good look in front of me to see a woman wearing royal garb holding an unconscious Mizore in her arms now wearing a pure white kimono with a pale blue sash around her waist.
Oracle: At long last my vision has become a reality. The child of prophecy shall bring about our salvation.
Kazuto: What are you talking about? What does Mizore have to do with any of this?
Oracle: Mizore. Such a beautiful name, fitting for the girl who will save us all.
Kazuto: Save you all from what? Tell me why Mizore is so important to you!
Oracle: I'm afraid time grows short. If we are to have any chance at a future for our kind the child of prophecy must be wed by the stroke of midnight.
A powerful torrent of ice and snow began blowing me back as I did my best to stand my ground. I tried taking a few steps forward but the wind seemed to increase in intensity as I continued to fight against it.
Oracle: I commend your bravery child, but alas you and Mizore are not destined to be together. Her fate has been decided long before either of you were born. You cannot challenge fate, so it is written and so shall it be.
Kazuto: Mizore!
I tried reaching for her but they both disappeared as the snow continued to fall against me. In a matter of seconds I was completely buried alive. Suddenly the snow shifted as the ground began to steam. Little by little it began to increase in temperature until the snow exploded with my aura rising around me as I shouted into the night sky.
Kazuto: MIZORE!!!!
I took a moment to calm down but I could still fill some lingering anger inside me. I tried sensing where they took Mizore but I got nothing in return. Not to mention that the others were most likely worried that we hadn't come back yet since it was dark out.
Kazuto: Ranga!
Ranga: Yes Master!
Kazuto: Listen to me carefully, I need you to use Shadow Movement and go find the girls. Tell them about what happened and contact me as soon as you do.
Ranga: It shall be done. But what will you do in the meantime?
Kazuto: I'm going to find Mizore, I don't know where she might be but I can't just stand around and do nothing.
Ranga: Very well. I will contact you as soon as I am able.
Thank goodness that Ranga usually stayed within my shadow whenever he wasn't needed. I brought out my wings as I began soaring through the skies hoping to find Mizore.
Kazuto: I'll find you Mizore. I know the others will back me up as soon as they can. So just hang on and we'll bring you home before you know it.
( Moka's pov )
( several minutes earlier )
The atmosphere surrounding our room was intense. We all couldn't believe that Mizore was going to be forced to marry someone she's never met. We all knew how attached she was to Kazuto since we were all like that as well, so being told by your mother that your happiness didn't matter because someone else had already made the choice for you would really break your heart.
We were just sitting around our room not really doing much. Mizore's mother had already left to attend to her resort but we could see the light in her eyes dimming because she knew how much pain her daughter must be feeling. The rest of us hadn't spoken much because we didn't know what we could do for Mizore, despite the rocky start we all considered each other friends and it hurt to know there wasn't anything we could do to help.
Moka: ( Kazuto, please help Mizore. You might be the only one who can help her through this. )
Ranga: ( Lady Moka, can you hear me? )
Moka: Ranga?
Suphia: Ranga? Isn't that the name of Kazuto's wolf?
Ranga: ( Lady Moka I need you to stand up, I'm going to use Shadow Movement to appear at your location. We have an emergency that Master needs your assistance with. )
Without thinking about it I did as instructed and suddenly Ranga jumped out from my shadow and appeared in the room with us. Lucky for us he was smaller so he had no problems fitting inside.
Moka: Ranga what's happening, you said there was an emergency.
Yukari: Did something happen to Kazuto and Mizore?
Ranga: Yes. Master was able to find her but before he could bring her back she was taken by the oracle.
Shuna: Oh no. Poor Mizore.
Shion: So what's the plan, surely Kazuto has come up with something!
Ranga: At the moment he's flying around trying to find her. Apparently the oracle was able to hide their presence so he can't locate her with his skills.
Rubi: So he's forced to rely on his eyes alone. This is bad. Was there anything else that happened before you came to get us?
Ranga: There is, it would seem that the oracle plans to have Mizore marry her betrothed tonight.
Us: TONIGHT?!
Framea: Then let's hurry! We have to find Kazuto and help him rescue Mizore!
Miia: But do we even know where to begin finding either of them?
Ranga: I can easily contact Master with Thought Communication. If we can find where they have taken Lady Mizore we can be sure that Master won't be far behind.
Kurumu: Alright then let's get going!
As we got dressed in some winter clothes the door of our room suddenly opened up and in came Mizore's mother.
Tsurara: If you're going after my daughter perhaps I may be able to provide assistance.
Suphia: Really? What happened to listening to your precious oracle? I thought her words were absolute?
Tsurara: True. However the more I thought about it the more concerned I became. You see over the last few weeks I've noticed that the oracle has been meeting with some mysterious individuals. A while back she came to hold a private meeting with them in this resort. One of my employees happened to listen in on their conversation and they mentioned a bargain. They couldn't get much information without risking their presence but what they did hear was choosing a bride for one of their men. If the oracle refused then they risked the lives of our people. I believe Mizore was meant to be that bride.
We couldn't believe what we were hearing, Mizore was being traded off so that these awful people wouldn't have to resort to violence against an innocent town.
Suphia: All the more reason for us to find her and get her out of here!
Moka: Mrs. Shirayuki if you know where they're hiding please tell us!
Tsurara: Finding the place you're looking for isn't the problem. Getting inside is another matter.
She then pointed towards the window and looking out we could see the giant palace out in the distance.
Tsurara: The ice palace is the home of our oracle. You could only enter if you work directly for her. The barrier is designed to recognize those who the oracle has given her blessing to in order to prevent intruders from entering it. Not only that but even if you were to try and break it the barrier is protected by several layers of magic making it nigh impossible to shatter it.
Ranga: A difficult task, but I'm sure Master will find a way to get past it.
Tsurara: Even if that's true he will have a veritable army to contend with. I've noticed over the last few days armed men entering the palace. No doubt they are continuously patrolling the grounds making sure no one can break in as unlikely as it seems.
Yukari: So we have to find a way to sneak in.
Suphia: If we can do that we might be able to find Mizore and sneak her out before anyone could notice.
Shuna: But if it's really true that there's armed guards we might not be so lucky and have to fight them off.
Moka: And without Kazuto I can't transform. But I still don't want to be left out, Mizore is my friend too and I want to bring her home!
Kurumu: Yeah, we're all going. We'll just have to wing it and give them one heck of a fight! Besides we're not completely helpless.
Kurumu then reached for her bag and brought out the whip given to her during the battle with the orc army over a month ago.
Yukari: You actually brought that with you on a school trip?
Kurumu: I figured it may come in handy, too bad I was right though. But at least we have something to fight back with.
Rubi and I then went to our bags to bring out our own equipment as well. Kurumu then went to Mizore's bag and brought out the fans gifted to her.
Kurumu: Once we find her I'm sure she'll be more than happy to join us.
Tsurara: I see you're all set on going. Allow me to aid you in your journey to rescue my daughter.
She then lead us to a separate room located across the hall, inside it looked like an ordinary room until she went over to the bookshelf and revealed what looked like a hidden room filled with...
Us: GUNS?!?!
Framea: Mrs. Shirayuki why do you have so many weapons? Are you some kind of secret agent or something?
Tsurara: I wish. You see ever since I was a little snowflake I've dreamed of being a spy!
Miia: ( whispering ) I think someone watched a little too much t.v. growing up.
Shion/Shuna: Mhm.
Moka: ( She totally missed her calling... )
As she rummaged around her weapons she came back out with a detailed map of the place and asked us to study it as quickly as possible.
Tsurara: If this plan is to succeed we're going to need two teams. Mizore is most likely going to be held in the most secure quarters located in the east wing. Our distraction team will create chaos to draw security towards the west and draw them out towards the west wing emergency exit. That leaves our strike team to penetrate the east wing to locate Mizore and escape with her.
Kokoa: Sounds like fun, hope you don't mind me joining in on the action.
Moka: Kokoa when did you get here?
Kokoa: That's not important. So are we gonna rescue your friend or what?
I was surprised to see Kokoa helping us, but my other self did tell her that she should try being a little nicer and try to get along with me a bit more. Maybe this was her way of opening up a little.
Moka: Thank you Kokoa. Ranga please let Kazuto know about our plans.
Ranga: Yes Lady Moka. ( Master, did you get all that? )
Kazuto: ( I did, thank you Ranga. )
As we continued to memorize the plans as best as possible I overheard a conversation between Suphia and Mrs. Shirayuki.
Suphia: I have to say that I'm still surprised that you're going against your customs. Won't you get in a lot of trouble if you get caught?
Tsurara: Perhaps. I truly love my home and its people, but my daughter is out there alone and afraid. I don't care what happens to me so long as my Mizore is safe. You girls and Kazuto are the only ones who can help her keep the happiness she's found. So I will do what I can to help her keep it as well.
I was glad to know we had her complete faith in us. Now we would do our part and bring Mizore home. We then got dressed in traditional clothing worn by the oracle's attendants that were imbued with her blessing that would allow us easy access inside. Apparently over the years they have been left behind by accident when they stayed at the resort and never noticed. Ranga remained in my shadow for the time being as we took one last look at ourselves to be sure we were all ready to go.
Ranga: ( Lady Moka, I wanted to inform you that Master is in place and ready to begin at any moment. )
Moka: ( Thank you. Please keep him informed of any changes to the plan if needed. )
Ranga: ( I shall. )
We then made our way to the palace, halfway through our trip we split up into our two teams. The distraction team consisted of myself, Rubi, Shion, Kokoa and Framea leaving the others to find Mizore.
Rubi: Okay the western entrance is right over there, there seems to be a few guards but as long as we don't draw too much suspicion we should be able to get inside easily.
We then walked up to the palace as we felt the barrier passing over us. So far so good, now we just had to get past the guards. Fortunately it seemed as though they had no concerns over us and we made it inside with no issues.
Framea: ( sigh ) Thank goodness, I thought I was going to pass out before we got inside.
Kokoa: It wasn't that bad. If anything it was a piece of cake.
Shion: We've made it this far, that means we're one step closer to bringing our friend back home.
Moka: I guess this is it. Everyone ready?
Shion/Rubi/Kokoa/Framea: Yeah.
( Kurumu's pov )
So far we had no problems getting inside the barrier, the only obstacle we had currently was the number of guards blocking our way in.
Miia: I hope the other girls are doing okay.
Yukari: I'm sure their doing fine. I'm more concerned about you Miia, you sure you're going to be okay out in the cold only wearing a kimono?
Miia: Don't worry about me, this kimono is surprisingly warm and it's not that cold inside the barrier.
Suddenly it looked like the guards got a warning of an attack on the west side. They quickly left leaving two behind to keep an eye on things.
Suphia: Looks like the plan is in motion. Let me take care of these guys.
Suphia then channeled her lightning into her legs as she sped across the bridge and appeared behind the guards before they had a chance to notice. A few quick karate chops to the back of their necks and they were easily knocked out as she opened the door for us so we could head inside.
Kurumu: That was easy. Hopefully the rest of the plan goes just as smoothly.
Guard: Intruders!
Shuna: You were saying?
Crap, I guess this is what I get for tempting fate. As the guard came to apprehend us some of his buddies came running in after him. I was the first to react as I pulled out the gun from my sleeve, they were modified to shoot bullets of snow so they wouldn't kill but they were painful and guaranteed to leave a few bruises. I shot the first guy in the leg making him trip as the girls took out his buddies the same way. Suphia then got to work knocking them out so they wouldn't alert their friends to join us.
Suphia: Not bad girls. Let's keep going.
As we traversed the halls we kept running into more guards as they did whatever they could to stop us. Shuna was able to use some of her magic to keep most of them off our back by blasting them into walls where they fell unconscious while Miia and Yukari backed us up with ice cold artillery.
Yukari: Does anyone else get the feeling that there's no end to these clowns?
Miia: It does seem that way. Hopefully that means we're getting closer to Mizore.
Suddenly we felt the entire palace shaking, we looked out the nearest window to see the barrier flash every few seconds and a resounding boom accompany it soon after.
Miia: Looks like Kazuto is working on the barrier.
Yukari: Hopefully that gives the guards something else to worry about and make our jobs easier.
Suphia: In that case we better hurry. The others are doing their job distracting the guards so we need to play our part too.
Kurumu: Let's move out!
( Kazuto's pov )
Why. Won't. This. Barrier. Break!
I started attacking with everything I had but this stupid dome seemed resistant to everything I threw at it. Whether physical or magical I didn't seem to be making any kind of dent to indicate any kind of progress at all.
Kazuto: Come on Kazuto you can do better. The girls are risking their lives to help Mizore. She's waiting for you to rescue her so don't let her down!
I resumed attacking with whatever I had at my disposal, I didn't care if I burned through my reserves of magic. I will find her and bring her back home.
Great Sage: Alert: multiple firearms directed to your location.
I quickly flew away as several bullets were fired at me. Looking down I saw several guards locked onto me as they pointed their rifles at me hoping to knock me out of the sky. Their bullets passed through the barrier easily while I was still struggling to get anything past it.
Kazuto: ( This is bad, these idiots are free to fire at me as long as they want while I can't do anything except avoid their attacks. )
Ultimately I was just part of the distraction team so at least I was playing my part well. Even so I felt like I had to do more, Mizore was counting on me to set her free and I didn't want to disappoint her when she really needed me.
Kazuto: ( I have to keep trying. She's waiting for me. For all of us! )
I began to transform into my ultimate form as I used the fire to increase my speed as I rocketed towards the barrier and kept hitting it as fast as I could. It still kept holding up as I repeated the same action over and over again.
Great Sage: Notice: analysis of the barrier is complete. In order to break through you must focus your attack at a single point. Furthermore you must attack this single point with a full concentration of your power at terminal velocity.
Kazuto: ( Seriously? Okay just pinpoint where I need to hit it and I'll get ready. )
After dodging another hailstorm of bullets Great Sage found the optimal point of entry for my attack. I then flew as high as I could reaching the upper limits of the atmosphere where I could still breathe. Being able to reach this high up in only a short time frame was manageable thanks to the new skill I got from absorbing Charybdis a while back called Gravity Manipulation which really made flying even easier. I flew through so many clouds that I honestly thought I would never reach the end even at this speed until I saw the full moon shining in the night sky accompanied by glittering stars.
Kazuto: ( I wish I could savor this moment, but I have a mission to complete. Let's do this. )
I channeled all my firepower into my legs so that I would not only reach the optimal speed but also focus the energy into a single flying kick. The rest of my body changed back while my legs still retained their fire like appearance.
Kazuto: Ready Great Sage?
Great Sage: Always.
I began my descent, first I allowed myself to fall for a short distance before igniting my flames in a sudden burst to push me forward quickly. My fire power allowed me to speed up considerably as I could feel the air around me getting hotter with every passing second. My personal barriers kept me safe as I could hear the wind whistling around me as I flew with the force of a meteor. Great Sage kept me notified of my trajectory to ensure that I would hit my mark since we only had one shot to make this work, we couldn't afford to make a mistake this close to our goal. I then focused my flames into a smaller point like that of a jet plane which gave me an insane burst of speed as I easily broke the sound barrier and flew much faster than I ever have before.
Great Sage: Notice: optimal speed has been successfully achieved. Contact with the barrier estimated in 10 seconds.
Kazuto: ( Girls if you can hear me you better brace for impact! I'm hitting this barrier with everything I've got! )
I wasn't entirely sure that they would get my message, it's possible that blocking communication signals might have been anticipated during the barrier's construction. As I traveled through the clouds the sounds of my descent could be heard for miles with the dark glow of my flames piercing through. When I broke through I could see those same guards from before running inside as they looked for a safe place to hide from the impact. I then flipped over so that my foot would make contact with the barrier as I put as much of my power into a single shot.
Kazuto: Everyone knows that a flying kick is the mark of a true hero! Just watch as I take this barrier down and you along with it!
Great Sage: Notice: Contact with the barrier in 3... 2... 1.
The sound made from when I made contact could best be described as the roar of an angry beast. The shockwave was so intense that the entire castle shook as if a small earthquake was taking place. The girls had already braced themselves for impact when they saw something aiming for the barrier through the windows while the guards had been knocked over like dominoes. When the smoke cleared I could see my foot burning intensely with a roaring flame sparking against the barrier trying to break through but only small cracks had formed from my collision.
Kazuto: No. No. No! It's not enough!
Great Sage: Alert! The barrier is beginning to repair itself. Changes in its magical structure have also been detected. It is likely that another attempt at breaking it in a similar manner will most likely fail.
This was my one shot and I blew it, even now the cracks had begun to repair themselves slowly. Before I could relay the news to the others and have them possibly evacuate to safety I got a message from Ranga.
Ranga: ( Master I'm sorry to say but Lady Mizore wasn't in her room. We can't find her. )
Kazuto: What? She's gone?
Ranga: ( I'm afraid so. I split off from Lady Moka to assist the others in searching for her. One of the guards said she was most likely taken by her new husband. We were too late. )
In that moment time had suddenly come to a stop. All I could think about was how I failed Mizore. The girl who just wanted someone to save her from her loneliness. The girl who just wanted somebody to love her back.
Kazuto: Mizore... I'm sorry.
My flames began to slowly die out. My drive began to dissolve as I was about to accept what happened. For all my power I couldn't save a single person. Especially when she needed me the most.
Kazuto.
Kazuto: Huh?
Kazuto.
Kazuto: That voice... is that...?
Mizore: PLEASE SAVE ME KAZUTO!!!!
That was Mizore, I know that was her screaming for me. I could feel her hopes crying out to me. I released all the power I had in me along with all my anger, frustration and renewed determination and my flames lit themselves up once more with searing intensity. Slowly more cracks began to form but it still wasn't enough.
Kazuto: I need more, I need to give it EVERYTHING!!!!
I poured all my magical energy into my fire to push it past its limits. With my strength enhancing skills already making me as strong as physically possible I just needed to push my magic to its maximum.
Kazuto: I said I would break this barrier with this one attack, and I'm not about to go back on my promise! So do me a favor and just break already!
Soon more cracks appeared and like shattered glass it finally broke as they began to spread all over finally destroying it. With the barrier broken I continued to fly down at breakneck speed and easily tore through the palace as I made it inside where I found Mizore in a large throne room half naked with a guy standing over her reaching for her.
Kazuto: Get the hell away from Mizore you bastard!
Without time to react I managed to get him with a flying kick to his face that brought him down to the ground. He was left in a massive crater as his head was the only thing between my foot and the floor as I intensified my flames pushing him down even further with the excess fire forming the shape of demon wings as my own wings were spread out. With one last push I blasted him down several floors as his crash landing shook the palace once more.
( Quick Note: This moment was inspired by Fire Force. Specifically when Shinra went to save Tamaki from Reka. )
After the smoke had cleared I looked towards Mizore to see her staring at me.
Kazuto: Hey there Mizore. Did you miss me?
She then suddenly began to tear up as she started to let her tears fall. For a few seconds the only sounds that could be heard was her crying before she dried her tears and looked at me with that cute smile of hers.
Mizore: You actually came for me, Kazuto.