Chapter One Hundred And Seventy – R18/Contains sex
After a fitful night of poor sleep, during which I had a number of nightmares that I could only remember vague flashes of, muddy sketches of emotion and dark colour, I opened my eyes to the light streaming through my window. Shaeula was beside me as always, and while all we’d done was sleep, I wondered briefly what was the point of her having her own bed. Seriously, what a luxurious problem I’m having, that I’m complaining about such a beautiful girl sleeping in my bed. Managing a dry chuckle, the humour forced, I checked the clock. It was just after nine in the morning.
“Oh well, might as well get breakfast ready.” I muttered, and Shaeula stirred, her eyelids fluttering, before she slipped back into slumber. Looking down on her, I tried to push aside the lingering misgivings from yesterday. I did what I had to do. It was justified. They.. they were going to kill innocent people. And what would they do to Shaeula if they caught her? Lurid images of old movies where aliens were dissected in gleaming laboratories crossed my mind, and I felt nausea once more, my guts lurching. Turning on the tap in the kitchen I quickly gulped down handfuls of cold water, settling my stomach. Wiping at my mouth, I continued to prepare breakfast.
Last night was rough. I’m not used to negotiations with important people, though they did seem to listen to me and my wants. Perhaps that’s the Majesty at work? I don’t know... still, one thing was clear, and it was something I had pondered on, and would likely have the chance to discuss tomorrow, if this Fujiwara-san was as great as everyone said. Maybe he should be Fujiwara-sama then? No, that would weaken my own position, showing too much deference. I need to remember I have valuable knowledge, contacts and power. I can’t let people walk all over me for no reason.
Still, I had been indiscreet repeatedly. Always for good reasons, or so I thought, and I’d gained many benefits, but... also many enemies. But even if I had been discreet, Exposition-san had estimated there would be a few thousand Candidates in Japan alone. That meant there could be anything up to fifty or even a hundred thousand worldwide. The population of a medium-sized town sure didn’t seem a lot, but, to keep everything secret with that many voices...
It doesn’t matter what I do, sooner or later this is going to be exposed to the world. As of now it seems largely confined to those who already had influence or legacy knowledge, such as the shrines and temples, and those who can easily access information, such as governments, but... while I suspected the Candidates would fall into three categories... no, actually four... it would only take one to do something in the public eye that couldn’t be covered up to crack everything wide open. Some will refuse the call. Most will be smart enough to try and keep it largely secret as I had. Some... alas... will have already died. And the last group... there were always idiots who sought fame over security and safety. I expected governments and agencies would try and keep it all under wraps, at least for now, so they could monopolise the benefits, hence why Shaeula and I were targeted, but Candidates with exceptional skills and abilities would not be so easily leashed...
As I worked, deep in thought, Shaeula was suddenly behind me, padding out on bare feet, yawning cutely. “Akio, good morning indeed. Did you sleep well? Wait, do not-not answer that, I can see that you have not-not.” She put her arms around me, and I could smell her scent, sweet and calming. “Talk to me. I am here-here.”
With a sigh I turned to face her, kissing her gently. “Sorry for worrying you. I am fine, I promise. I know I did the right thing, and that the agents had crossed the line and deserved to die. They were only doing their jobs, they might have argued, but... anyway. I know in my head it was justified, but even so... the human heart is a complicated thing. But I’ll get over it, I know. After all...” I laughed a bit falsely, my tone a touch shrill. “My Resilience is off the charts. I’ll recover in no time!”
Shaeula looked up into my eyes, before nodding a little. “I see-see. Well, I shall endeavour to do my best to comfort you, have no-no fear. However, I do not-not understand the guilt in the way you do. The Seelie Court has been at war with the Unseelie for many-many long centuries, as well as the Wild Hunt and other foes. Death, killing and battle are no strangers to us, though until I came to this land, I had not-not been involved in fighting. Still, I believe they deserved their fates, so my words might offer you little solace.” She kissed me again, tenderly, just a fleeting brush of our lips. “I suggest you seek-seek aid from Eri later. She will understand and know what to say.”
Eri huh? “It’s not that I don’t want to, but... I’d be ashamed to tell her I’ve killed someone. No, not one. Two. Honestly, ever... ever since we were kids, I’ve always wanted to appear as someone she can respect and admire, who’ll keep her safe. To have her know... well, I won’t say I’m a murderer, because I’m not, but a killer anyway.... I don’t like it.”
“Silly Akio.” Shaeula wrapped my head with her knuckles, the way she stretched to make it happen terribly cute. “If Eri, or Aiko, or I... if we were in danger and there in front of you, you would not-not hesitate, even if you feared we would disapprove. I know this. So do not-not be a fool. Simply tell her of the lives you saved and the price it cost, and she shall-shall surely understand and comfort you.”
I see. That simple, huh? I often forgot, since my current life was packed full of crazy events every day, but it had only been mere weeks since I had started dating Eri, and days for Shaeula, even if Boundary time lengthened this somewhat. Shrugging, I turned my attention back to breakfast after ruffling her hair affectionately, and soon we were digging in to quite the morning feast...
********
“Well, we have a ton to do today, at least I do. So, what are your plans?” I asked Shaeula, as I finished washing up.
“I shall accompany you of course.” Shaeula answered. “But first I shall take a bath. Yesterday was quite-quite the ordeal.”
As Shaeula headed off for the bathroom, I once more mused on how spending all the cash to get a massive bath put in was totally worth it. Taking my phone I fired off a quick message to Karen-chan, getting a response that she was at one of my new hotels, dealing with a few bits of administrative work. Damn, I’m starting to feel she needs a pay rise. And some assistants...
Stepping out into the morning sun, I decided to once more pay a visit to the shrine to apologise again. They had absolved me of any blame last night, but even so, my guilt wasn’t so easily squashed. On arriving at the shrine I was greeted by Nagi-san and Daichi-san, and before I could get out an apology, Daichi-san spoke first.
“Ah, Oshiro-san, excellent timing.” He smiled at me, more warmly than I would have expected. “We had been meaning to speak to you.”
“I see. Before you do, I’d once again like to apologise for...” I began, but Nagi-san cut me off.
“Now, now, Akio-kun. No need for that. We understand you feel guilty, but you handled the danger without us being put in harm’s way, so I feel, and Daichi and father-in-law agree, that you kept your word. So...” she turned to her husband, who nodded.
“We’ve decided, Oshiro-san. We will do as you have requested and sign over the shrine to you.”
Wait, what? This came out of nowhere, they were so hesitant before. The timing is perfect, as we have nearly finished the Anchor upgrade, but still...
Seeing my hesitation, Daichi-san smiled. “Don’t worry, my father also agrees. To be honest... it was our daughter who persuaded us. She seems to have a lot of faith in you, Oshiro-san, so don’t let her down. Besides... having seen more of Shaeula around the shrine, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if the White Snake kami could walk the Earth as well. You did say it could be done by Christmas, right?”
Kana-chan, huh? Shaeula mentioned she had started training her ahead of schedule, perhaps that motivated her to push her parents.
“I think so. Perhaps even sooner, but I’m not promising.” I answered, knowing that using up a precious slot on a Throne of Heroes was a tough choice to make. I had ideas for several I wanted to designate as a Hero, but my final choice would have to wait. “So... if you are really sure about this, then have you chosen a lawyer? If not Karen-chan can sort you out with one, as well as the required funds.” Sorry Karen-chan, I’ll make it up to you, I promise! I’ll leave you a bottle of good booze in your office.
“I’ll speak to her.” Daichi-san agreed. “There was one other matter though, that I hope you will look favourably on.” He paused, looking a little unsure, glancing at his wife. Nagi-san smiled broadly, looking at me earnestly.
“We won’t speak of it now, but in addition to keeping your word and not misusing the shrine or cheating us, we would ask... no, never mind. Later.” Nagi-san shook her head. “Speaking of other matters, Kana is having a group of friends from school over on Sunday, and she was hoping that you’d be kind enough to give her some money so that she can buy drinks and snacks, and let them use your home, since it has a lot of stuff to play with? It’s an impertinent request, I know, but surely you won’t refuse a cute girl like my Kana?” she fluttered her eyelashes at me flirtatiously, but I knew she was joking as her husband was standing right there.
“Kana will come ask you herself, as is proper.” Daichi-san elaborated. “But since you are here now we thought we would ask. On another note, Kana has managed to speak to Kikuchi-san, one of her classmates, and the daughter of Hisuikomushi shrine. Her father has agreed to meet with us on Sunday. So consider this a reward for her hard work.”
The priest at Hisuikomushi? Excellent. He’s an Astral Emperor-candidate, and his shrine will be in my domain when the Anchor upgrades. Plus I need to resettle the Jade Beetle kami there as promised. If he can help me with that... Smiling broadly, I pulled out a few ten thousand yen notes from my wallet and passed them to Nagi-san. “Sure, I’ll make sure Shaeula and I are out of the way on Sunday then. You can tell her she’s done a good job.”
“I think if you tell her yourself she’d be more appreciative. Besides, I don’t think there’s any need to make yourself scarce. It is your home now, and Kana might appreciate showing you off... err, having a man about the place to chaperone them all. ” Nagi-san said slyly. “Anyway, thank you again for looking out for us. I know you think that you brought danger onto us, so it doesn’t count but... look at poor Hisuikomushi shrine. Who can say that wouldn’t have been us, without your interventions?”
We finished up our conversation, and as I left to retrieve Shaeula and head into Tokyo proper, I pondered those words. Yeah, the White Snake kami would be a target for sure... either enslaved by Kiku or worse... maybe, just maybe, I’ve saved them by being here. At least, can I believe that?
“That... that was rather pleasurable.” Shaeula admitted, as she came down from the glow of her orgasm. She turned her body and we kissed again, her now tasting her own fluids on my tongue.
“Well, it’s time for the main event.” I said, my arousal peaking, all the heavy thoughts of my killings and the various other worries I was shouldering blown away by the glow of my love with Shaeula.
“Wait, what?” She asked, but I returned her to the previous position, her hands now on the floor, while my penis slid across her bottom, smearing precum on her sweaty skin, before reaching her slit. As she felt my dick hard against her, the head gently pushing at her folds, she turned her head to regard me, eyes warm. “Oh, I see. Feel free to indulge in my beautiful body. After all-all, I am yours. Besides, Eri told me to comfort you.”
“You do comfort me. Just by being with me.” I told her the honest truth. Without Shaeula, I’d never have made it this far. “Are you ready?” I asked, still holding her in a doggy-style position.
“Of course, make me yours once-once more.”
She moaned as my penis slid inside her, spreading her small pussy open. For a moment I halted, allowing her to recover, before with a final thrust I was all in, my torso slapping against hers wetly.
“So... so deep inside me.” She gasped, filled to the brim with my dick, the twitching rod hammering against the entrance to her womb. Gripping her strongly from behind so she wouldn’t hurt herself, I started to piston, her tight little cunny squeezing me fantastically.
“Yeah, doggy-style is supposed to make the woman feel it more.” I breathed as I ravaged her body, feeling her shaking in my arms, her moans and cries turning me on so much. “I certainly feel it.”
“Yes-yes. It is-is ... wonderful!” she cried, twisting her body, her inner walls gripping my slippery shaft, which was making loud squelching noises as my precum and her fluids mixed, foaming out of her pussy. I grabbed her bottom hard enough to leave red marks, and she started slamming backwards as I pushed forwards, loud claps resounding where our bodies met.
Fuck, I can’t take much more of this. My second load was rising, and Shaeula too was succumbing to pleasure, her twitching convulsions becoming ever more violent.
“I’m going to blow soon...” I cried, and she looked at me with moist eyes, her expression loose and hopelessly lascivious.
“Please-please hold on. I am... almost there-there.”
With you looking so cute, how can I not? Clenching, I held my orgasm back, my pace accelerating, my head feeling as if all the blood was leaving me, the only things I could take in were the sounds of Shaeula as she rose towards ecstasy, the feel of her warmth and the love in my heart.
She made a series of unintelligible noises as she orgasmed, fluid splashing my legs, and finally able to let myself go, I thrust in one final time, a huge rush of cum pouring deep into her, the feeling of her womb twitching and shuddering as it drank in my seed intoxicating. A few quick pistons more to fully empty myself, and I was done. Pulling my now limp and spent dick free, I took her in my arms, and we kissed again and again, little pecks like feeding birds, exhausted but glowing with joy and happiness.
“That was amazing. I do feel better now. I guess men are simple creatures.” I laughed self-deprecatingly.
“There is nothing simple about this-this.” Shaeula snuggled into my chest. “We simply care for each other, do we not-not? And Eri too is with us, even though she is currently far-far away. For her birthday you must-must make her feel this loved, but perhaps the three of us can do-do this together as well?”
“Wicked fox.” I grinned.
“I am no fox, I am-am weaselkin.” She groused, but she got the reference, having absorbed a lot of Japanese culture.
“Yeah, I know.” One final longer kiss and we sat side-by-side, still unclothed and sticky from our lovemaking. “So, what next?”
********
After we made love, we spent the rest of the evening and early night just being in each other’s company, hugging and kissing, still naked and sweaty. We watched anime, played games, had drinks and just generally relaxed. I felt a little guilty that we weren’t in the Boundary, taking care of things, but Shaeula assured me that taking time to rest and enjoy life was important too. Still, since I worried so, she did visit the Boundary for a brief few minutes, before returning, a little grumpy. Apparently Hyacinth had annoyed her, though she was behaving herself and not causing trouble.
Once I had tidied up all the empty bottles and food wrappers, we retired for the night, and slept just holding each other, listening to our heartbeats. And this night, I slept without bad dreams...
********
“So, here we are then.” I turned to Shaeula, who was looking stunning in a black cocktail dress and suitable golden accessories around her bare arms. She had changed her hairstyle as well, making it look more regal, the amber-golden hair piled up and pinned with fashionable and expensive pins and clips. “You look lovely.”
“Again? You have told me that many-many times already.” She sniggered, looking pleased. “Still, feeling your eyes on me is most pleasant. As for you... you pass muster as escort to this-this princess.”
I was wearing the suit I had picked up this afternoon, as well as an expensive watch, tie and shoes. It was a far cry from how I used to dress, and I was a little uncomfortable, but as I reached up to adjust my collar and tie Shaeula did it instead, her small hands neatly straightening it. It’s amazing how fast she picks these things up. I doubt they wear formal suits in the Seelie Court.
“We must remain dignified and regal.” She reminded me, looking up at the Fujiwara Imperial Hotel, one of the most exclusive hotels in Tokyo, and apparently owned and run by Fujiwara house. The name should have been the giveaway I guess, but I’ve never had to think about such things before. This is in a league of its own, making the hotel in Las Vegas seem rustic in comparison.
There were other richly-dressed people coming and going, men and women both. So, I reached out and offered Shaeula my arm. She took it, and with a murmured wish that Eri could have been here with us, we started heading for the entrance, the doors guarded by a mixture of hotel staff in impeccable uniforms and suited men and women that had the look of warriors, most likely Fujiwara Security staff.
Once inside, a smartly dressed young woman took our invitation and showed us to the lift, riding it to the top with us. Shaeula and I exchanged meaningful glances one final time, and then the lift doors slid open, revealing...