I don't own anything. All characters and all rights belong to Ichiei Ishibumi*
M for mature topics. No children allowed. *
The Broken Boosted Gear
By Try Another Time
*This is a dangerous chapter. So please don't read unless you want a very spicy scene.*
Preparations continued as large boxes filled with provisions were tightly brought before Ddraig for him to take inside his dimensional storage. The dragon was tasked with protecting the team's supplies; there was enough food and supplies for them to survive almost four months in the harshest desert in all realms, The Golden Sands of Unforgiving Delusions.
It was like no human desert; the temperatures rose past 160 degrees Fahrenheit while the nights were as cold as the harshest winter storms. Add to such inhuman temperatures sand storms that could occur at any point with winds that surpassed 100 miles per hour, massive worms that hunted beneath the sand, monstrous scorpions that chased after anything that moved, and many other elements that would make the whole trip a nightmare.
Yet, the team didn't seem scared by any of it. Serafall, Gabriel, Ereshkigal, Ddraig, Baraqiel, Yasaka, Eury, the former Valkyries Rossweisse and Liv, and Ingvild were the ones chosen for the trip. Ingvild was only brought due to Serafall's pleas to bring her along.
"She will be better with me than if she stays alone in Lilith. The trip will do her good and will allow her to see what the alliance is doing." Serafall explained to the rest as she made her case.
It had been barely two weeks since the girl was released from the coffin that had kept her in a cold sleep for centuries. Serafall was left in charge of Ingvild's safety, reintroduction into society, and accommodation, with the Sitri resident acting as her new home. As the one that had the closest connection to her, nobody dared to object to Serafall's appointment. However, a few devils seemed interested in taking such a task, but after facing Serafall's wrath, each one backed away.
Serafall was very protective of the girl, and Ingvild had trusted her, so there was nothing to do but keep them together.
Ingvild was still adapting to the current times and the messiness that came with it. She was brought all the information regarding the alliance and was even informed of her dormant sacred gear, which surprised her. The heads set aside her future sacred gear training for the moment as treatment and reintroduction into society were of higher priority.
There were many things to learn, choices to make in the not-so-distant future, and things to experience, but thankfully, she had the support she could ever need.
Especially with the mystery that arose once she looked into the civil war records within her faction. To Ingvild, the civil war was something she was still coming to terms with. She understood why Serafall and her side went to war; she had seen the cruelty of the Old Satans firsthand and was only saved due to her father, the brother of the current Lord Leviathan back then.
Heck, Ingvild knew she was also a pawn that was likely to be used one day even if her father tried to keep her safe, but she still couldn't fully support all of the lives lost on both sides of the conflict.
She wasn't a violent person. Ingvild had yet to take a life, and even if she didn't support the Old Satans, she hoped there was a more peaceful way for them to resolve their issues.
Ingvild had no way to change the past, so she resigned herself to coming to terms with the war and its results, but one thing remained unanswered as she reviewed the official list of deaths and executions of the war.
"My father is not here. Do you know if he's imprisoned?" Ingvild asked Serafall and the others.
"Several devils from the Old Satan faction went missing or actively escaped. We don't know what happened to him; I can verify the execution of your uncle, but your father, I can't say what happened to him." Ajuka told her as he accepted the responsibility of being the one that put an end to the former Lord Leviathan during a public execution.
"Ereshkigal is the one who holds jurisdiction over the souls of our departed. If someone can verify his death, it is her." Falbium told her that same day.
So Ingvild approached the goddess hoping to receive an answer, and the one she got opened more mysteries for the alliance.
"Roderick Leviathan, he's not in my records," Ereshkigal answered as she went through her long list of names.
The answer left everyone scratching their heads. If Ingvild's father was alive, where was he? Why didn't he try to recover the sarcophagus since the capital was abandoned? Was five centuries not enough to try to rescue his daughter?
Many were the questions as Roderick's possible survival left everyone, including Ingvild trying to understand why she was left sealed and forgotten for five long centuries beneath the old capital.
But such questions were left to be answered at another location as Ingvild was brought back to reality by the voice of Serafall.
"Hey, it is time for us to depart," Serafall said as she approached her. Her attire was a different uniform to the one that they would generally use as it replaced the materials for ones that allowed better temperature management. The colors were white with yellow as a secondary color. Short pants or long ones replaced skirts and the usual jackets with altered jackets and silky long-sleeve shirts that still held the emblem of the alliance.
They were also offered sunglasses, broad-brimmed hats, and turbans as extra equipment for the trip.
In the case of Serafall, she had short pants, her shirt, boots, and a pair of glasses resting in her hair at the moment.
"Sorry, I'll be right there," Ingvild said as she put her notebook inside her backpack. The girl wore similar attire to Serafall but wore a hat and long pants. "Shouldn't you choose the long pants instead?" She asks her friend as she stands up and walks to her.
"Don't worry; I have my countermeasures for sunburns. I prefer fewer clothes since we will be under the sun for most of the trip." Serafall said.
"Why do I feel that your intention is more inclined to show off your assets to Ddraig than anything else?"
"Hey, I'm getting two months with him, and if I can have his eyes on me at all points, it will be my victory, especially with her around." Serafall points her finger at Gabriel, who's already in uniform.
The Seraph was speaking to her brothers. Her attire covered all of her body as she wore long pants and an altered jacket with a hat, but even as she tried to hide her assets, her figure was an eye-catcher that challenged Serafall's beauty.
"I don't think she's trying to challenge you," Ingvild said. "I don't think Ddraig even cares about her appearance. He seems more focused on the preparations."
"That's the thing. Gabriel doesn't need to challenge me; Gabriel is a walking challenge. Her natural beauty pushes me to try harder, even if it is just a silly competition. Ddraig might not openly say it, but he must also find her appealing. As his girlfriend, I won't fall behind." Serafall says.
"Relationships seem complicated." Ingvild began to look around to see what the rest of the team was doing.
First was Baraqiel, who was saying goodbye to his wife and daughter. The fallen angel was wearing a turban and a full uniform. He tried to cheer Akeno as he held her in his arms.
"A happy family."
Next was Yasaka, who she had interacted with days before for the first time. The nine-tailed fox was talking to his daughter and attendants as she seemed to give them directions to follow while she wasn't around. Kunou held a serious expression as she carefully wrote down all the orders she was receiving.
"Kunou seems to be trying to show Yasaka that she can care for everything as her heir. As expected of her daughter."
Following Yasaka was Eury, who was ordering a small army of golems around; the small artificial creations entered a giant black cube in an orderly faction before it closed and shrank in size. After that, Eury approached the cube and put it in her pocket. Their eyes met, and she waved her hand at Ingvild before she walked toward her father and Azazel.
"She's a friendly goddess, maybe the friendliest of all I have met. Wonder what she's going to use those golems for."
Then her eyes led her to Ereshkigal, who had replaced her dress with a uniform. The goddess wore glasses as she checked a list of supplies while Ddraig carefully placed them inside his storage. Ingvild had gotten used to the aura of death that accompanied Ereshkigal. Although her words were friendly, she always felt diminutive before the mighty goddess who ruled over the souls of the departed.
"The gentle embrace of death. I am still coming to terms with having met someone like her. I guess that it comes with the territory, but having met not one but several gods makes me feel small before them. Even Eury could likely snap in two if she so pleased."
The hybrid continues to reflect on her current life until the final members of the team finally arrive with Thor and other members of the alliance. Shiva was amongst them; the god walked in the direction of Ddraig, and after reaching the dragon, he began to speak with him.
Ingvild watched the two as they shared a few words amongst themselves. Ddraig looked concerned as he listened to Shiva, but his expression turned calm after a few moments.
"What did they talk about?" Ingvild ponders as the group comes together for one last meeting.
"All right, the leader of this team will be Ddraig and Gabriel, with Baraqiel and Serafall as second in command. You will fly on top of Ddraig until you reach the gate that leads to Ra's home. Once inside the realm, our agent, the second son of the Phenex clan, will be waiting for you with his team. He has prepared a sand surfer, which will be your transportation method for the rest of the trip. Do not fly; we got strict instructions not to fly, so don't do it." Shiva said.
"Seems like they want to protect their airspace," Eury says.
"Most likely, the other gods besides Ra are trying to make it hard for us even to reach Ra's temple. The sand surfer will take a whole month to get you to the temple. If anything happens to the surfer, Ddraig can take over and swim through the sand to get you to the temple. Our agent holds a compass that will lead you to your goal." Shiva continues.
"Swim through the sand?" Ingvild looks confused after hearing such a thing.
"The desert is more like a massive ocean of sand. It is easy for anyone to sink into the sand. Some regions are stable enough for anyone to walk, but others are far from safe. If you fall, swim to the surface and wait for help." Shiva tells the group. "If any other problems arise, seek peaceful resolutions first, but if necessary, violence is authorized."
Everyone nods as they understand the pros and cons of the whole situation. Their safety came first, so they were allowed to defend themselves if necessary.
"Take a moment to say goodbye and be ready to depart," Shiva tells those involved.
Ingvild and Serafall approached Ddraig, who was speaking to Tiamat.
"Two months, the house will feel empty without you around, especially our bed." The true dragon king says as she holds his hands.
"I promise to come back not a single day later. I'll bring gifts for everyone, so be patient. Don't forget to sleep and ask for help with Shangri-La. I don't want to come back and see you in bad shape. Let others help you. If you need extra help, Yukime will likely heed your call."
"I'll think about it. She's likely mad about not getting to go on this mission as much as Kuroka."
"I'll figure something out next time. Take care." Ddraig places a kiss on her lips.
"Be safe." Tiamat looks to the side. Her eyes meet those of most members of the team. "I want him back in one piece, don't fail me."
"I got it," Serafall says.
"We'll bring him back," Gabriel says.
"He's not dying under my watch," Ereshkigal adds.
"We'll have his back," Eury says.
"We'll keep him safe," Liv says.
"There's no need to worry. I'll make sure Ddraig's body stays complete." Baraqiel adds.
Everyone agreed that Ddraig was bound to draw attention to himself.
The Welsh Dragon sighs as he accepts his fate. The dragon changes forms and lowers his body to the floor. One by one, the team members climb his head and settle down.
Once everyone is ready, the dragon spreads his wings and takes off to the sky. A magic circle appears, and a second later, he's gone.
"Be safe, Ddraig, and hopefully, you do not need to fight any of those accursed dark dragons," Shiva says before he walks away.
Several minutes later. Ra's realm: The Golden Sands of Unforgiving Delusions.
The team arrived at the realm shortly after their departure.
Before their eyes stood a wild sandstorm that hid the sun and the sky, they could barely see what stood before them, but several fire lanterns seemed to mark a path for them to follow. The path seemed to lead them down.
Ddraig lowered his body to the floor to allow everyone to get off before he changed forms once more. As he stood surrounded by his allies, the dragon looked around for any other paths but saw none for them to follow besides the one that led down.
"No other way out. Everyone stay close and follow my lead; be careful with your steps." The dragon said as he stepped forward and began to follow the lanterns. His nose tried to detect any scents to track, but he could not due to the harsh winds of the sandstorm.
The others offered no objections as they formed a line and began to follow Ddraig into the unknown while covering their faces with their wings and arms.
The path was horrible, as the floor below them was barely visible. Each step felt like a gamble as they continued to advance. The winds of the sandstorm grew wilder as the group tried their best to stay close and not lose track of their allies.
Minutes came and went until Ddraig saw something in the distance. It looked like a group of figures with lanterns in their hands.
"Who goes there?" The dragon shouted as he stopped his group.
Liv, Baraqiel, and several others took battle stances as they waited for possible attacks. Ingvild and Ereshkigal were safely secured in the middle of the group as the non-combatants of the team.
"I'm the second son of the Phenex clan, Rogier Phenex, a member of the alliance. Is that you, Sir Welsh?" Rogier asked as he stepped forward. What initially seemed like a standard lantern was one wholly made of flames.
Rogier was a large devil dressed in a large robe that covered his uniform. The male was barely visible, but as he came closer, the team was able to verify his identity.
"My apologies, the sandstorm took us by surprise, and we were forced to go back to secure the Sand Surfer. The winds were bound to take away any unsecured items." Rogier explains.
"It's alright; let's move forward. I prefer if we escape this sandstorm as soon as possible." Ddraig says.
"Understandable. Follow me. We'll depart as soon as we get to the Surfer." Rogier turned around and started to guide Ddraig and the team toward the surfer.
The remaining members of Rogier's team exchanged a few words with the team, but besides that, they remained alert as if they expected something to appear.
The group advances for a few moments until they start to see the form of the Surfer in the distance as it sits secured near some kind of dock. It was a decent-sized ship, and at first sight, it seemed to hold an uncanny resemblance to ancient ships found in Egyptian ruins on Earth, but its body seemed composed of an amber-colored mineral unique to the realm.
"This is our ship. Although it might look normal, it shows its secrets once you go below deck. Come aboard." Rogier said.
The group followed him aboard. Once everyone was aboard, Rogier's team began to act as they released the ropes that held the ship in place. One of them approached the ship's bow and started playing a mysterious flute.
The ship suddenly shook as the flute awakened something that lay below.
Ddraig and his team watched as two long scaly necks arose beneath the sand before two sets of eyes were locked on them.
"Snakes?" Ingvild asked.
"No, they are Galatream Beasts (based on Gila monsters); the left is Bao, and the right is Bae. They are large lizards that swim through the sand. Usually, they would be dangerous predators, but domesticated ones act as ship engines that allow any ship to traverse the harsh desert. These two cost us a fortune, but it has been a good investment. I want to take them home as my familiars once the mission ends." Rogier reached out to touch the heads of the two lizards.
The lizards seemed to like the devil as they showed no hatred against him and even liked him before Rogier stopped them.
"Alright, that's enough; it is time for us to go. Come on, show our allies what you can do." Rogier reaches out into his pocket and brings a compass out. The item floats into the sky and shoots out a beam of light into the distance. The lizards remain motionless for a few seconds before confirming their target. "Go ahead, girls."
The beasts sink back into the sand before pulling the ship away from the dock. Once they are safe to depart, the lizards increase their speed as they guide the ship across the sandstorm.
"The compass will always lead to the desired destination of the holder. As long as it is active, Bao and Bae can follow it." Rogier explains.
"That's amazing!" Ingvild exclaims.
"It is indeed. Anyways, let's go below and show your rooms. My team can take care of this for a while." Rogier says before he walks towards a door.
The team follows him down past a set of small stairs.
A small halfway path leads them to an oval room with a small kitchen, a large dinner table, couches, and other items for recreational purposes. The walls were filled with maps and notes that Rogier's team had made as they explored the realm. The scent of the room was nice and welcoming.
"The halfway on the right leads to my team's rooms. Down that halfway on the left are several rooms for you to use. Most of you will need to share since only two have a single bed. Each hallway has a bathroom, and sadly there are no showers. We'll stop alongside the Grand Nile at specific spots to take showers. Besides that, once we reach any cities along the way, we can visit their large communal baths. We can pay for private baths if that is your preference." Rogier explains.
The team looks at each other as they reflect based on the information they receive.
"Ladies, we are sharing. Let the men take those lonely rooms." Serafall said before anyone could offer another plan.
"Baraqiel and I can share a room," Ddraig says. Baraqiel nods.
"No, you don't." Serafall throws daggers at the two males as if telling them not to argue with her.
Ddraig and Baraqiel turn to each other before they accept defeat.
Neither of those present was dumb enough to ignore the apparent plans of Serafall.
"Alright, let's settle into our rooms," Yasaka said before everyone made their way to the rooms. The pairs were as follows.
Eury and Yasaka.
Liv and Rossweisse.
Ereshkigal and Gabriel.
And finally, Ingvild and Serafall.
Once inside, everyone found an average size room with nothing too impressive to say. The group tested the beds, and to their surprise, they were comfier than expected.
Ddraig's POV.
The dragon took off his jacket before he activated a small magic circle. "Ventis Vacuum." A small wind tornado sucked all the sand covering his body before it compiled into a tiny sphere. The dragon grabbed the orb and admired his work. "Thank Gaia for such a helpful spell. I don't know what I would do if I had to sleep in a bed covered in sand."
The dragon then placed the sphere on the desk before he sat on the bed. He took off his boots before he began to reflect on the time he was going to be away.
"Two months without them…. I hope Ophis continues brushing her teeth and that Tosca doesn't sleep too late." Ddraig said as he thought about his family.
"It's hard to leave them behind, isn't it?" Yasaka said as she leaned against Ddraig's door.
"Are you missing Kunou?"
"As much as you're missing your daughter. It comes with being a parent, but we have to trust them. One day, they will leave the nest."
"Right." The dragon sighs as he tries not to think about the day Tosca goes off on her own. "Anyways, thank you for even accepting to come on this mission. Not everyone was available or willing to come to this place."
"It is to be expected as Shangri-La has grabbed everyone's attention, and few can endure the harsh conditions of the realm. I even expected Thor to join the team instead of the Valkyries."
"He wanted to, but his wife prevented that. She said they needed to decide if they would permanently settle in Grigory or try to build a house in Shangri-La. That's why Rossweisse and Liv came as his replacement. However, I feel that Rossweisse will prove to be a bit more helpful than Thor. She has a better understanding of our goals for the negotiations. Liv might not be as strong as Thor, but if violence comes to be the only solution, she will prove to be a fantastic ally. I have seen what she can do with her lance, and she could grow even more with more experience."
"You think we might need to fight during this trip?"
"Apophis was seen based on Rogier's reports, and if one evil dragon is around, we can expect the other siblings to be also around. But the major issue is their father. If Crom Cruach is with them, there's a high possibility of a fight. We don't mix well. There's animosity between us."
"How bad are we talking about?"
"Enough that it will end with me killing him once more."
"Once more?"
"Crom and his "children" can resurrect after a certain amount of time. Even if I or anyone destroys their bodies, they will return as long as their souls are intact and free to wander. It is annoying as their souls tend to escape as soon as possible."
"You can leave their souls to me in that case," Ereshkigal says as she approaches them. "I can seal their souls if you offer me the opportunity."
"It won't be easy," Ddraig says.
"Come on; we have an entire team if a fight occurs. Try to trust us more, you foolish dragon. You're not alone." Yasaka says.
"I know, but this is Crom we're talking about; if he sees a chance, he will kill all of us without a hint of mercy. I might be famous for my strength, but Crom is infamous for his brutality and merciless fights. I can't allow myself to make any mistakes if he shows up." Ddraig seemed tense as he spoke of the dragon.
Yasaka wanted to ease his worries, but someone touched her shoulder before she even got the chance.
"Excuse me, you two. I need some alone time with my boyfriend." Serafall said as she stood behind them.
Ereshkigal and Yasaka turned to her. The devil smiled at them as she waited for them to move away.
"All yours. Yasaka, come along. Let them have some time alone." Ereshkigal says as she removes herself from the equation.
Yasaka silently moved away, and with no obstacles in her path, Serafall went inside, closing the door behind her.
"Did you know that these walls are not soundproof at all?" Serafall asks Ddraig as she approaches him. The girl was blushing but did not back down from her goal. "Thank Lilith for my preparations." Serafall created a magic circle before she threw it toward a wall. "Now, we're safe."
"Sera, what are you trying to do?" Ddraig asks.
"Me? I want to get you all to myself, so I want some one-on-one action. Stop thinking about the mission and focus on me, you dummy." Serafall says as she sits on top of Ddraig's lap. "I finally get to do what I want." She kisses him once before she moves to his neck and bites it, knowing that it is a weak spot for the dragon.
Ddraig gulps as he feels threatened. He imagines what she might have in store for him. "Sera, we can't go there."
"Go where? We're just sleeping together. Just a couple sharing a bed."
"Oh, it is just that. Is-"
"Naked."
"Shit. Sera, please stop."
Serafall continues to blush as her hand reaches into his chest. "I've waited for a chance to explore your warm body. Tiamat told me how good it feels to have her bare skin resting against you. She also told me about your cute reactions as she explored every inch of your body."
"Sera, we don't need to do this. Tiamat and I have only slept together. There has been nothing lustful going on between us." Ddraig tries to stop Serafall's lustful desires.
"Don't lie to me, honey. This neck has been a victim of many kisses and bites. This chest has been a pillow that has been caressed and marked by her claws. I'm using this chance to learn every inch of you and for you to learn every inch of mine." Serafall takes off her shirt and bra before she throws it to the side.
Ddraig's eyes bulge forward as Serafall's bare chest stands before him.
Serafall wasn't as big as someone like Gabriel, but Serafall's breasts weren't smaller than Tiamat's either. If he had to compare the two, they were around the same size.
Serafall grabbed his hands and guided them to her breast. "Touch me. I want you to feel them."
As soon as his hand touched her breast, the devilish leader couldn't hold her moans back. Her blush increases as she reaches a new stage of closeness.
The dragon could see that Serafall was doing her best to be brave and take their relationship to the next level. She likely felt a bit jealous of his closeness with Tiamat. "... I need to do this, or it will take a turn for the worse. Jealousy can be nasty." The dragon moves his hand away from her chest and towards her face. "You don't need to rush, I told you I would wait, but I'm willing to guide you if that is what you want."
Serafall goes silent for a moment before she answers him. "Show me."
Ddraig kisses her and turns the whole situation around as he places Serafall in the bed. He stood tall before, and she could only blush as he gave her exactly what she requested.
Their remaining clothes quickly disappear as Ddraig moves his hand with great ease. His finger glides around her body as he seeks her weaknesses.
The girl moans as Ddraig carefully shows her what he has learned, thanks to the insistent attacks of his first bride. Tiamat was one to use every chance she got, as her lust knew no bounds.
Tiamat was very forward when it came to her teasing, and he fell victim to her actions on many occasions, but showing weakness had allowed him to turn things around. As she felt in control, Tiamat dropped her guard, and he used that to his advantage to learn what she liked, where to touch, where to kiss, where to caress, and especially where to sink his fangs to bring her to the highest of climax.
If sharing a bed with his lovers was a battlefield, then Ddraig was an experienced soldier when it came to foreplay and ready to face any other challenge that could arise.
And with such knowledge, he sought to explore Serafall's every inch.
Several hours later.
Serafall peacefully rested on Ddraig's bed as she smiled in her sleep. Her devil wings and horns were present as she had lost control over them long ago. Although Ddriag had not crossed some barriers, he had brought her to experience new joys as he guided her through this stage in their relationship.
"Maybe Tiamat knew about this development, which is why she told me to bring extra bedsheets. Regardless of that, Serafall is bound to grow more intense as time goes by. I need to be careful, or I'll have a second Tiamat in my hands. I must keep any weird books away from her grasp; Tiamat got me with those."
The dragon told himself as he carefully covered Serafall with the bed sheets. The dragon couldn't help but smile as he saw her in such a peaceful state.
She was more than willing to learn, and he had to admit that she was as wild as Tiamat. Knowing his luck, this was bound to be one of many one-on-one sessions they would have.
As he stood up, he grabbed his pants, shirt, and boots before he exited the room. It was nighttime by now, and to his surprise, he could still hear the sandstorm outside.
"It seems we're yet to escape this nightmare of sand and wind."
As he reached the spacious room which connected everything, Ddraig's eyes met with those of Yasaka, who was calmly drinking some sake as she sat on the table.
The nine-tail fox blushed as she saw him and silently signaled the chair across her.
Ddraig took the offer.
Yasaka summoned a new glass and poured some sake for him.
Ddraig took it and slowly sipped it down until none remained. "Still as good as before. Just promise me you won't get as drunk as that night in Grigori."
Yasaka's blush became more intense as she remembered the mess her daughter and her had caused in the tavern. "I'm truly sorry. I promise that won't happen again."
"I hope so. No matter how mad Aku makes you two, drinking is not the solution."
"... You knew?"
"I'm already involved with your family's complex situation. By this point, I should be an extra emergency contact for you three in case of problems." The dragon jokes.
"I apologize once more. That night was not befitting of an Alliance leader such as myself. I should have stopped myself." Yasaka says.
"We're all allowed to make some mistakes. None of us are perfect. Especially not me."
Yasaka takes another sip as she listens to him. The alcohol affects her as she grins and lets go of her restraints. "Says the beast of a male, who was locked inside a room with his lover for at least 8 hours. By Gaia's blessing, how much stamina do you have? It makes sense she's so attracted to you."
Ddraig grabs the bottle of sake with his tail before he pours himself some more. "That was all foreplay. She felt like she needed to match Tiamat's level of closeness."
Yasaka drops her glass as she hears that. "Foreplay?"
"Foreplay. I haven't crossed that barrier yet."
"You're a virgin?"
"I am. A proud virgin to this day. My first kiss was with Tiamat, I have never crossed the line, and even then, I still have a daughter." Ddraig says as he teases the blushing fox.
"... Pass me that bottle." Yasaka's tail reached out and grabbed the sake. "That has to be bullshit. Nobody can just last that long doing foreplay."
"Aren't you a curious fox? Well, you can ask Serafall when she wakes up."
Yasaka blushes even more. "Maybe I will."
"Go right ahead." His tail reaches out and grabs the sake once more. The dragon then gulps it down in one sip. "Enough sake for you; go to sleep."
"Since when have you become my guardian?"
Ddraig stands up and approaches her before carefully grabbing her chin. Their eyes were focused on each other. "You almost blasted a hole in the tavern; that's all the answer you need. Go to sleep, sweety."
Ddraig releases her, but he strokes her head and ears instead of walking away. "Softer than I expected." He sees how her tails start to move from one side to the other. He couldn't see her face, but he felt danger arising. "Alright, I might have done too much."
Ddraig stops and begins to walk away without saying another word. He climbs the stairs and disappears to the surface.
Yasaka is left all alone with her blushing face. "He touched them; he touched my ears. How dare he?... How dare he make me feel such joy?"
Anger? Joy? Those were questions left for another day as Yasaka stood up and walked towards her room.
Outside within the sandstorm. General POV.
As he reached the ship's deck, Ddraig was met with a surprising sight. Indeed he had heard the wild winds of the storm; they were currently right in the eye of the storm.
The deck was covered in sand, but he could see what surrounded them, which to nobody's surprise, was sand and only sand.
Not visible plants, mountains, ruins, or anything of the sort. Only sand.
As he looked up, he barely saw the purple night sky of the realm, but not even the moon was visible due to the storm's strength.
"Finally done with your beloved?" A voice called out to him.
Ddraig looked around only to find Ereshkigal sitting atop the mast. "That's a dangerous place to sit."
"I guess. But I must admit it is an excellent place to watch the night in the desert." Her wings were currently covering her body. "Although it is a bit cold."
"Come down, Ereshkigal. I prefer speaking to you while we're at the same height."
"..." Ereshkigal stayed silent momentarily before letting herself lean back.
"What are you-" Ddraig watched as the goddess began to fall, and his instincts told him to move to catch her.
Thankfully he was fast enough to catch her.
"Nice to see you care enough to worry about my safety," Ereshkigal said as she rested in his arms. "You do know that such a thing wouldn't be enough to hurt me."
"... Don't do that." The dragon said as he tried to place her down.
"Stop. Keep me in your arms."
"Why?"
"Your body is warm, and the night is cold. My wings don't seem to be enough."
"..." Ddraig said nothing and stood up with Ereshkigal still in arms.
The dragon approaches the ship's bow before he climbs it and sits on top. He places the goddess between his legs and finishes the job by putting his tail and wings around her. "Better?"
"... Impressive, I approved it," Ereshkigal says before she leans back into him.
The pair continues to admire the night landscape in silence, only sharing the heat between them.
"You seem more calm. Did Serafall help you to relax and not worry so much about Crom and his brethren?"
"... As her lover and future husband, I had to pay attention to her needs and stop worrying about Crom."
"Nice. That's a good attitude to have. If you worry too much, you won't be able to enjoy what is around you. Although this trip is essential, you should also take the time to develop your relationships."
"... Does it include you?"
"We need to get used to being around each other. So try your best, and I'll do the same."
"... Very well."
"Now, I have to say that I'm impressed by your stamina. Eight hours? I got to say that is an impressive number. Is that your limit, or did you stop because she couldn't continue?"
Ddraig tries to hold his laughs back.
"Oh, come on, you foolish dragon. It was hard not to admire the work that you put in. Hours came and went as we all placed bets on how long you two would stay inside that room. I saw all the ladies blushing red as some even tried to listen by approaching the door. Rossweisse and her cousin could barely hold their nosebleeds after they heard you and Serafall were going to town right at the start of the trip."
Ddraig tries his hardest not to laugh. "You were all placing bets? Didn't you have anything better to do?"
"We sort of tried playing some card games and verifying the information with Rogier, but damn, the mystery was too tempting, although I got to say what surprised me the most is that you're still a virgin. Your scent is still somewhat pure. I meant to ask, but are you trying to save yourself for a particular occasion? Is Tiamat, not the one? Is this going to affect my plans for a child?" The goddess asks the dragon.
Ddraig closes his eyes as he smiles. "Don't worry too much. It will happen when it has to. The two years are not over."
"Two years, you say. Tiamat must be one patient female to wait that long for such a special part of any marriage. If I were in her position, I would have sealed us both inside a room for a week until I satiate my womanly desires."
"Is that what you used to do with your former husband?"
"Hey, I had needs, and he had to follow my lead at all costs. If I said we would do a full day, a full day, it was with obvious stops in between for food and refreshments."
"So, the famous queen that rules over the deceased claims to be a master of the arts in the bed?" Ddraig says as he tries to tease her.
"Wouldn't you like to test your luck? I tell you this; I'm far more experienced than you might think, even if I only shared a bed with one male. When the time does come, I expect you to match my drive, or we'll have a problem. You do not understand how far the sexual drive of a goddess goes." Ereshkigal said as she spun around to face Ddraig.
"And you don't know how deep the sexual drive of a dragon is."
Their faces were mere inches away from each other.
They both challenged each other to see who would back down first, yet none did.
The dragon not only hears his own heart but hers as well. "So I'm not alone at this."
"Come on, turn away, Ddraig."
"I'm not giving up."
Thus they continue like this for quite a while until a voice calls out to them.
"Are you two going to kiss or what?"
The pair looked around until they saw a speaker attached to the mast.
"Rogier?" Ddraig questions the voice.
"Yes. I was checking the deck and witnessed the whole thing through the cameras. Now are you two kissing or not?" Rogier asks.
"Turn off the cameras and go to sleep before I come for your soul," Ereshkigal says as her eyes flare up with anger.
The Phenex clan's second son goes silent before turning off the cameras and disconnecting the speaker. It was best not to play with fire.
Ereshkigal sighs as she turns around and rests her head on Ddraig's chest. "Outrageous. Someone that is stupid enough to spy on me? Utterly outrageous. I will give him a punishment when the sun rises."
The goddess seemed furious. Ddraig said nothing and looked for a way out before her anger turned to him.
"Don't even try that. You're staying with me until I say otherwise." Ereshkigal said as she felt his wings moving an inch from their current position. She held his right hand in place for further security.
Ddraig sights as he accepts his fate. The night was still young, but he was at least in the company of someone under the chilly night sky of the desert.
*Nigh is faint-Eve*
This was just the beginning of the trip.