On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

As Miyu stopped outside of the small, shallow cave in the mountainside, Michiru-san also coming to a halt behind us, I felt the bond with my Territory shift. It’s begun then. I thought we weren’t good to go until tomorrow though. It was hard to sense my Territory at this range, but what was between us was certainly a Connection, so it was naturally amplified and strengthened.

I could feel that Tsukiko had cleared the build queues. The cost wasn’t too extravagant, as we’d naturally let the Buildings within it tick down naturally for a while, and it was certainly nothing compared to the expense of pushing for a near-instant Rank Four. Moments later, the Territory indeed began its upgrade, and I felt a slight disassociation, as all the non-essential Buildings went dormant, and even things such as Ether Spires were functioning at a reduced rate. Fortunately those that weren’t forged from ether, such as Asha’s Tree, were unaffected by this, so at least we still had substantial ether coming in. Or rather, going out… this is going to be one hell of a rush-build. I don’t think even China and their pooled resources and Territories can compete…

“Is there something wrong?” Miyu asked as she began surveying the area outside the cave. “The ground is a little… uneven. Can I ask you to flatten it for me? I would so very much hate to trip and sprain my ankle or worse, and then you would have to carry me back.”

“I’d just Heal you.” I chuckled, earning a rather unimpressed gaze from Miyu. “As for me? Yeah, I’m fine. Just noticed the Territory upgrade has begun. We’re even further ahead of schedule. Shiro, Asha and Magatama are sure working hard.”

“A gentleman would support me, rather than simply offering Ether Healing. But while you are a good man, you are certainly no gentleman.” Miyu remarked primly, but even as she did so, I unleashed a little earth element to flatten the land before the cave, and wind to polish off the remaining bumps and protrusions, leaving it as pristine as a dancefloor in a studio.

She then reached carefully into the neckline of her jūnihitoe, which was a tight struggle due to the weight and many layers, and pulled out a small metal chain, upon which hung a familiar jewel of jade. “And certainly is it as you say, Yasakani no Magatama works hard indeed. Her Tsukumogami form is at your Territory, but her jewel self… I asked to borrow it. I asked her and Yukiko…-san… I assure you. I would not be rude and ungracious. Not for this.”

She then paused, a slight smile on her face. “So, within the day my Territory shall be effectively worthless. In that case, I shall have no need of the defences that protected me last time and take up near all of my ether.” She glanced at Michiru-san, her Chosen Hero, who flushed pink, pulling her scarf up a little, hiding everything but her brown eyes.

It was true. Other than the Ether Spires for generation and the Throne for Michiru-san, which honestly was more for a psychological benefit than an actual tangible one, though of course, there was a chance that when it was upgraded, Michiru-san could develop a bonus Skill, along the lines of Miyu’s, Miyu had spent all her ether on defending her Territory. Defensive Emplacements and Spawning Spires abounded, since I barely tithed her, and in addition she’d had the Fae artisans and Mortal Engineers work in crafted defences. So the Church attack, seeing Miyu as just another small Chosen ripe for the picking but ultimately unimportant, had dispatched a force to her Territory as they had the others, on the way to attacking me. Yet their attack was repelled, and Miyu was one of the few Territories in Tokyo other than mine and Major Sasaki’s, to endure.

“I don’t know about worthless, but yeah. You’ll be deep within the inner circle, especially as the Anchor is moved to its new home. But it would be good to come up with a plan to maximise your ether generation and utility. Don’t worry, my dear Vassal, I’ll still put you to work. And you’ve a great deal of dancing to do.”

“Slavedriver. But also a flatterer.” Miyu managed a smile, and materialised two massive fans, still folded, from her storage, along with cedar planks. Seeing those, I was puzzled, but Miyu merely asked if I could lay them down. “Put them here, make a small stage, if you would.”

I did so, forming a square area around three metres to a side.

“It is a little cramped, but dancing on an upturned sake barrel would be worse.” Miyu noted. “But the cedar wood will symbolise it. And symbolism is the key. Oh, Michiru. Into the cave, if you would.”

As she nodded, hurrying in, ass still shaking like an overeager puppy, frantic enough that her long skirt flipped up showing her knees and thighs, and the needles and throwing blades strapped to her pale legs, Miyu turned to me. “I do love dancing. Even these dances. But then…” She glanced back towards where her cousin and Kozue-chan were guarding us from anyone peeping. “…Honoka was always better than me. Younger, more talented. At dance, piano, schoolwork… she even plays the violin at a near professional level, whereas I am barely passable…”

“I’m sure what you would consider passable is a fantastic performance…” I shook my head, and her smile, face pale due to her white makeup, was rather cute.

“Flatterer.” she repeated. “Honestly, yes, I am not bad. But there is always someone better. In this case, it just so happened that was Honoka, and she was better at everything. And was the chosen heir, since she was the daughter of grandfather’s first… no, I suppose I should speak the terrible truth and say second son now. Me, I was a mere bargaining chip to be married off, and… I am not overly fond of men, to put it mildly.”

I nodded. “Yeah, and you don’t have to worry about that. And I know the myth you are replicating here. Don’t worry. You have my blessing. If you and Michiru-san want to be happy together, I’m all for it. You never have to marry against your will. As for heirs to Fujiwara house, with your grandfather having Chirurgery, and my Ether Healing, I daresay even at his advanced age we’ve got twenty years, and by then, I doubt such things as inheritances and big business will be anyone’s top priority.”

“Ah, your words are sweet, but… those of the same sex cannot marry in Japan, can they?” Miyu asked pointedly, and I grinned.

“True. Technically true, anyway, but as one of those unforeseen side-effects of the Ministry and special passport legislation we never considered, just like my sis and Adelheid can drink to their heart’s content, the passports declaring them legally adults, when we put in the polygamy legislation, it also opened up same-sex unions between passport holders. And as a Chosen, you have one, Miyu. Just sign up Michiru-san and there are no problems. I’m sure Natsumi and her family would be happy to whip you up some wedding furisode and dresses. Besides…” I winked, pounding my chest confidently, to lighten the suddenly tense mood. “…if I have to, I’ll browbeat the government into properly changing the law. I probably should anyway. Love is love, and as long as both parties feel it, I don’t believe anyone else should interfere.”

“You think so, hmm?” Miyu tilted her head, quite the effort in her stiff clothing, and her ponytail bounced, and I realised it had bells scattered within it, small and gentle, as they rung softly. Reminds me of Aliyah, just it’s not ‘click-click’, but ‘tinkle-tinkle’.

“I have a different view.” Miyu continued. “But I am indeed flattered that you would go so far for me. It is because I am your Vassal and you have to look after me? Or to please grandfather?”

That’s a… loaded question. But in this moment I don’t believe I should lie or try to avoid it. “Obviously as my Vassal, I have responsibilities to you, but that’s not it. As for your grandfather, if anything, he’ll probably be angry. No, at first, I thought you selfish and spoiled…”

“…as indeed I was…” Miyu murmured quiet, sad agreement.

“…but Hinata, Motoko, Natsumi and many others showed me that your life was hard in ways I could never understand. That wealth and privilege could be a cage, torture… and that sometimes being free to choose is the best freedom of all. So, I think we’re friends, Miyu? Don’t you?”

“Oh, undoubtedly.” Miyu agreed, to my relief, and Michiru-san, listening from the cave, shouted that while she was not worthy to be a friend, she was our bodyguard and loyal dog. Our? Dog? Is she really all right today? I know it’s been tense, perhaps the relief of the situation resolving itself without bloodshed has made her giddy.

“I feel blessed that I turned to Hinata-chan for assistance. I wanted to die, but now… I feel that living is not so bad.”

I nodded. “Anyway, as your Vassal, I give you permission to pursue Michiru-san romantically, and it isn’t against the rules of Adamant, so I don’t think you have to stand down.”

“Indeed. I have no intention of doing so.” She tapped her insignia. “I am whiny, and bitter, and often selfish, but I stand by the choices I make, and I knew what taking the diamond meant, what wearing the uniform means, not just to me, but to others, and I put it on full well knowing that.” Miyu’s tone was firm, brooking no argument. She was now using a long metal pole, almost like a metre-long stylus, to etch old-fashioned classical Japanese letters and phrases into the ground around the dance platform. My Eyes shone for a moment, and I was going to check her Skill, but Miyu frowned.

“Please, do not do that.”

At her earnest tone, I let the glow fade, and she sighed in relief.

“Thank you. I believe you should see this through your own eyes, your own feelings, unclouded by outside influences. I mean no disrespect to the World Tree…” Miyu continued to inscribe characters, and now I got a closer look, they seemed like poetry, as well as excerpts from the famous Japanese myths… I suppose calling them myths is wrong… histories is not quite right either… how about allegories, maybe… such as the Kojiki and the Nihongi.

“…but… and I did want to touch on this. If I can take up more of your time?”

“Always.” I promised, before having a thought. “Did you want me to create a boulder to seal the cave?”

“Later. Let Michiru listen and watch for now.” She glanced at the cave, before looking back at me. “The Gods are cruel, do you not think?”

I paused at that. “Really?”

“Yes. Really.” She repeated my response back to me, at odds with her usual elegant diction. “I know what you are thinking. That Taṇhā is not such a being. That she treated Shiro well.” Miyu shook her head. “You are colouring your perception with the fact that you love her, love both of them now, as absurd as that seems.” She puffed out her cheeks. “But they are so above us, we are at worst insects, or even bacteria, to be disposed of if we intrude or have no use, or at best… was Shiro not a kind of pet to the Goddess? She found Shiro’s nature intriguing, found a connection there. But it was far from equal, and she would disregard her wants, as when she tried to devour you. Do not mistake me… Taṇhā has changed. You changed her, Akio.”

I nodded. “Not just me. Shiro did, Shaeula, maybe even you had an influence, Miyu.”

“Perhaps. But… she sees you as a lover, thus you must be an equal. And when one sees an equal, then acts that are cruel feel so. And since you see us as your peers, it has influenced her. I suspect… she herself admits to being a solitary Goddess, a hikikomori, as Shiro so put it, though I do not fully grasp the concept.”

“Good. Don’t. You’d only upset Michiru if you shut yourself away from the world. You’ve no need to anyway…”

“That aside, my point, Akio, is that the tasks they set us are at best meant for pets, at worst, as disposable, forgettable ants. It makes sense, to beings of such power, scale, wisdom and near endless life, we are fireflies, here briefly, shining brightly, if we are fortunate, and then gone. Tsukiko-san, the noble Lady Diviner… Tsukuyomi had great favour for her, but even he could do naught but send her to her death, expecting her to simply shed tears and comply. And if you have met other Gods and Goddesses…”

I nodded, remembering the Norns. They had certainly seemed quite human, in many ways, but yes, controlling the fates and lives of billions, trillions, perhaps even greater numbers, of beings within the World Tree Pantheon would certainly numb them to sorrow and suffering. I remember Tan saying… “Gods are simply us writ large. Greater capacity for both the good and the bad. As to whether they think it cruel, they might disagree. After all… we have received gifts from them, even if…” I glanced at Miyu, then down at her costume, and at the cave, and even through her makeup, I could see her flush. “…they don’t understand us, and the gifts they give can be a blade without a hilt.”

“You comprehend it well.” Miyu sighed. “I simply wanted to make a point. It is a miracle, you know. Taṇhā… you have made her see the true potential of us lesser beings, and so now she sees us, and will not step upon us easily for her goals. You found what we might perhaps call the goodness inside her. No, that is not quite right, is it Akio? Just as if we swat a buzzing wasp we are not guilty of wickedness. Even were the wasp sapient, who could blame us?”

“I’d certainly think twice if wasps could reason and speak. Though I still wouldn’t want them stinging me.” I admitted. “So, your Dance… it’s not just to court Michiru, is it?”

“Of course not.” Miyu rolled her eyes, and I smiled to see how open and comfortable she was with me now, a far cry from when we first met. “I should hardly need to go to all this effort for that. Nor would I need this.” She clutched Magatama tightly with her free hand, even as she etched further lettering into the smooth ground. “Ame-no-Uzume judges with her own standards, and be I an insect, or rather, as I hope, a pet she finds worthwhile, she expects me to do as she has. Owners do train their pets, after all. And I am not you, to make her fall in love with me. If anything, I fear for her if she descended in this moment.” She laughed, a mischievous, bright tinkle, and I shook my head ruefully.

“I’m not interested in collecting Goddesses. Tan’s more than enough to handle.

“Are Valkyries not Divine?” she rebuked me, and I shrugged.

“Demigoddesses, maybe. Not necessarily in the Greek sense, but… it’s complicated, all right? Besides, Tan was indeed a shy Goddess, who had issues of trust with men after her father tasked her to ensnare the Buddha, and he snubbed her. That hurt her confidence. I simply… helped her rebuild that.”

“Yes, you do like to meddle and help us reach our best selves.” Miyu agreed mildly. “And speaking of, I have said all I wish to for now. Think on it though, I expect it will be relevant in the future, and it is a blind spot of yours, believing the best of women. Many Goddesses will surely not be beings you can comprehend. Now then, Akio, speaking of your meddling, please do go talk with Michiru, and relieve her worries. Of which she has a number, and likely more, after the events of this morning. It will take me some time to finish my preparations here.”

“All right then. Just ask if you need anything else.” Michiru-san, huh? I sauntered over to the cave, and once inside, Michiru-san greeted me. She was sitting on a small rock, and on seeing me, she flushed, before, oddly enough, unwinding her scarf, and setting it down beside her, covering the rough surface. She patted it, signalling for me to sit down, and I frowned.

“Oh, is it not comfortable enough? I do apologise, Akio-sama. Let me pad it some more…” She reached for the zipper on her skirt, and I coughed, rapidly speaking, even as it slid down under the pressure of her fingers, revealing pale skin and a flash of dark red.

“What the hell are you doing?” I hurried over, reaching out to stop her, though my hand halted, as I didn’t want to grab her. Tsurugi had fortunately returned to her sword form, but she was awake, and giggling contentedly, though she felt sluggish again after her earlier unexpected feast. She moved so fast, that even with my stats I was blindsided. How did she even do that? Was it just her sheer hatred of my touching another sword which gave her superhuman potency for a few instants? I admit to being caught flat-footed as well though, my Resilience leaves me slow to react when it’s somebody I care about moving unexpectedly… that’s… actually something that was good to learn. That could be a weakness of mine enemies could exploit somehow…

“I am simply making the seat more comfortable. I cannot have you discomforted, Akio-sama. You are, after all, my master!” Her skirt was unzipped now, but before she could tug it off, I sat down next to her. The scarf indeed didn’t make much difference to the comfort of sitting on a boulder, and I wondered if she was uncomfortable herself. Sadly, the rock was small, so our sides were pressed together. To my great relief, she was still wearing her skirt, and as long as I didn’t extend my vision, the unzipped side was largely hidden from my view by the angle of her legs.

“Miyu’s… no, I was going to say she’s your mistress, but that won’t work, not after today, will it?” I smiled. “How does it feel, finally getting the love you crave?”

Michiru-san frowned. “You are my master. I am a ninja…” Normally she would have declared that proudly, but now she seemed rather sorrowful and bitter. “…despite everything, I am, and proud of it. Though also ashamed.” Her grimace was now making her pretty face seem pained, so I ignored my hesitation and softly patted her head, stroking her hair reassuringly. She smiled, leaning her shoulder into me more, and her tone now a little brighter, she explained.

“Ninjas follow Japanese feudalism, not European. In Europe of old, a Knight serving a Baron would not follow the orders of the Viscount the Baron obeyed, without his say so. Whereas in Japan, the liege lord of my mistress would thus also be my master. And you are undoubtedly Miyu-sama’s lord, in every sense!”

I think you should stop calling her Miyu-sama, though I suppose it’ll be more meaningful if she does at the right, suitably romantic moment. Realising that in an odd way, I was looking forward to a heartwarming confession and their relationship blossoming, I continued to pat her head, smiling.

“I wouldn’t go that far…”

“It is true!” Michiru-san insisted. “I am loathe to contradict you, Akio-sama, yet you took control of her future from Fujiwara-sama, and you have ties deeper than mere loyalty and familial bonds. She is your Vassal, and so am I, even if not in the meaning of the Astral.”

“All right then. If you say so.” I accepted her words, knowing she was stubborn and wouldn’t relent. “You can be my Vassal too. I don’t mind.”

“I am relieved.” Indeed, her smile was now more relaxed, but just as I thought that I’d navigated her moodiness, she pulled her head away from my hand, and her expression fell. “Though now… I can truly feel ashamed and worthless. After all…”

I was puzzled by the sudden shift, but her next words made it clear. “…the Kōga, and worse, my honoured grandfather, have been unforgivably rude. Worse, Kozue has constantly been disobeying you and dismissing you. I can hardly bear the disgrace.”

“Hey now.” I warned. “That’s on them, not you. Honestly, Kozue-chan… I totally get it. She’s young yet, and Honoka was ripped away from the life she was expected to lead, and she sees me as largely at fault for it. After all, to end up in Adamant, and the way Fujiwara-san tossed her to me… it implies things, doesn’t it? And for all your sister’s immaturity, she’s fiercely loyal to Honoka. That’s praiseworthy, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Michiru-san conceded at last, though she seemed unwilling. “But a true ninja would understand and serve, and never be so disrespectful…”

“But she wants to be a bodyguard, not a ninja…” I pointed out, ignoring Michiru-san’s angry muttering at that. “Honestly, the only one I’m really pissed off at is Furuihonō, the old bastard.” My scowl was now rather venomous, and Michiru-san raised one eyebrow, impressed.

“The way he spoke to Yukiko… I know I have no right to argue, considering I’m the man that put her in that position, but… it’s a good job your father intervened before I could do something I regretted, jeopardising our relationship with your village, or so I was thinking at the time. Still, revenge is a dish best served cold, as my mom would say. Once this mess blows over, I’ll work the bastard to the bones without rest until he’s repented to Yukiko and apologises with heartfelt sincerity. Compared to him, your grandfather Kenshin-san hasn’t earned nearly as much of my ire.”

“That is quite the relief.” Michiru-san giggled. “I was concerned. Jōnin Furuihonō is a man I respect, even if he loathes my honoured father’s interpretation of the ninja way, my interpretation… but…” her humour faded again, her mood mercurial, and I worried that she was taking things too hard. “…my ninja way, my creed, my way of doing things… it cannot continue, unless…” She shuffled nervously, pressing against me, before, her cheeks red, she stripped off her skirt, revealing rather scandalous wine-red lace panties, high cut, and her bare legs, which were as I had glimpsed before, strapped with a number of leather pouches, carrying darts, needles, vials, blades, lockpicks and more.

“What the hell are you doing?” I gasped. I could have stopped her, but not without grabbing her arm inappropriately. I worried she’d go further, only to be surprised as, breathing heavily, face flushed, eyes watering, she stood, walked a few paces away, gently laid down her black skirt on the dusty ground, smoothed and straightened it, and then bent over, placing her hands on the cloth, legs straight, ass, which was barely covered by the dark red cloth, pointed at my face. She was looking to the entrance of the cave, where Miyu was still working, though she was watching us, her expression a nearly unreadable mixture of emotions. What the hell?

Spoiler

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“You have to punish me for my failures, and the insolence of my family and clan, master!” Michiru-san insisted. She seemed sad, though by the way she was wiggling her hips, the speed of her breath, and the fact that… Her panties are damp. And I don’t think it’s sweat… she was clearly aroused, I wondered if there was more to it, but in front of Miyu…

“Failures? What failures are those?” I asked. “As for Kozue-chan, I’ve told you I understand that she’s in a tough spot mentally. Besides… I’m certainly not going to spank you, if that’s what you’re suggesting. It wouldn’t be proper, or right.”

Michiru-san froze for a moment, her eyes a little vacant, as if she hadn’t imagined my response, or even felt it possible. Her mouth gaped open as she looked back at me, and then her gaze seemed oddly… pleading.

“I’m not.” I repeated, and Michiru-san turned her gaze to Miyu, who had seemingly finished her inscribing. She frowned, before shaking her head.

“It would be… appreciated… if you could.”

I was shocked at her words, considering their relationship, and she seemed to understand that, as she let out a long sigh, clearly full of exasperation. “Michiru has… always… had certain inclinations. Blame Koga-san for showing her too much of the wrong sort of wisdom.” I nodded at that, agreeing wholeheartedly. I never should have let him off getting a punch from me, When I see him after this, I’ll rectify that…

“Worse, since… we met, and she attempted to harm Hinata-chan, and you kindly not only spared her and me of punishment, but aided us in our time of desperate need, her… masochism, I suppose it would be called…” I was surprised she knew such a term, being an isolated noble daughter, but then, nowadays they were associating will all sorts of people, and had access to the internet, largely, if not totally, unrestricted, so it might have been something she researched, to understand the perverted ninja in front of me, who, seeing Miyu speaking up for her, was trembling, face red, lips… both sets… moist.

“…it spiked, though she still has her pride. It has to come from me, or… or from you, I suppose, Akio. After all, she sees you as her master, and also…” Shaking her head, she asked again. “Please. I would normally not ask, and it is an insult to Hinata-chan and the others, for you to spare some tender affection for Michiru, to help calm her cravings and unstable mental state after the events here today, but… I confess, I do not wish to be the only one suffering embarrassment today.” She bowed, and Michiru cried out as she lowered herself awkwardly in her heavy, multilayered robes of silk. “Please, Akio, show Michiru some chastisement, affectionately steer her to the right path and away from her disquiet, while I watch on. Then in turn…” She fell silent, and I believed I understood.

“This is… not what I expected. Michiru-san…”

“Call me without an honorific. I have asked before, and you did not listen.” she pouted, face red. “I do not wish to be treated as above Miyu-sama. And… I wish a little closeness to you, Akio-sama.”

“Fine. Michiru. You really have nothing to apologise for, but… if it’s honestly preying on your mind…”

“It is! It definitely is!” she insisted quickly. I rolled my eyes at that, as nobody should be so eager for punishment, and in that case, it surely wasn’t even a punishment at all.

“…then I want you to forgive yourself and leave dealing with the rest of your family to me, okay?”

She nodded, turning her head away, and with a sigh, I gently slapped her ass. She barely flinched, and I did it again, slightly harder, but still softly. She bit her lip, and I could feel disappointment radiating off her in waves, so out of consideration, and still lamenting the mess I found myself in… Shiro would be laughing herself silly if she knew what was going on here. I’m pretty certain Eri wouldn’t approve…

Keeping myself calm, I alternated slapping each of her ass cheeks, but she was clearly unsatisfied. I went a little harder, but it still wasn’t right, and Miyu then helpfully offered me a suggestion, which made me wonder just what games they got up to when alone. Not that it’s my business…

“If you are predictable like that, she will not feel it. Touch her lightly and firmly, make her feel the anticipation, then strike suddenly, seemingly at random. And… I think she wants a little more, Akio.”

“Yes. My… my panties… they should be removed. The cloth… dulls the pain.” she breathed, and her skin was flushed red, ass too, not from my soft, lackadaisical blows, but from her arousal.

“That’s going too far for my conscience…” I insisted, only for Miyu to murmur that ‘the Gods are cruel’ and once more I bit down my protest.

“I do have limits, you know, but…” Steeling myself, I reached out, and my hands hooked into the scanty red fabric, touching her hot flesh. Michiru moaned, which made me very uncomfortable, as this was different to usual. Honestly, only my experiences grooming Mae’s and Hana’s tails allowed me to keep pushing onwards. If I was single, this would probably be wonderful. But as it is now, I just feel guilty, and uncomfortable.

I swallowed that and the shards of my conscience, sliding down the fabric. First I left it half off, which was bad enough, as her twitching asshole was visible, but she continued shaking her bottom at me, so I grimaced and slid them all the way down. A dribbling line of love nectar followed, and her panties were indeed soaked. Her slit was twitching, a sharp line cut through pink flesh, and I noticed she was clean-shaven, no hair at all visible.

“Ah…” Michiru moaned, and from the entrance to the cave, Miyu was watching, her own eyes damp with emotion, though which emotions they were eluded me. “Please punish me. Punish me roughly, make me feel it…” Her tone, her words, they all came across as rather… sexual… which made things even more awkward, but I’d come this far, so… crisp sounds of a firm smack rang out, and she yelped, shuddering. Drool flew from her mouth, and nectar oozed from her pussy. I slapped her again, but then my next blow was instead resting my hand on her ass, softly feeling it. It was elastic and firm, well-muscled yet not hard, clearly showing she had not only trained her muscles, but also striven to keep feminine grace. Natsumi’s the same, Motoko too. They have proper muscles, but it’s all wrapped in feminine softness.

As I pondered that, I slapped, I touched, I even squeezed a little, and soon her cheeks were swelling, red handprints and finger-marks marring her smooth behind. Her thighs were slick with nectar, and her eyes were unfocussed, and she was drooling as if she’d sprung a leak.

“Just a few more…” I warned, placing my hand on her hot, tender ass, which made her flinch, though her pussy squirted a little. My other hand then struck, a crisp sound of flesh striking flesh, and my hand that had stroked her bottom struck too. Once, twice, thrice… a rest, where I kneaded her ass, and then two more final slaps, before I gently stroked the hot skin, not out of any desires, but merely to let a little ether in, to take down the worst of the swelling and pain but leaving enough so hopefully she wouldn’t notice.

Michiru waited for more, but realising I was done, she stood, which was a surreal sight, her black Hanafubuki uniform shirt having come partially undone, the red ribbon around her neck loose, her shoulders visible. Then below she was bare, apart from her panties around her ankle. For a moment, she glanced at Miyu, who was still watching, before she turned, and getting down on her skirt, knelt in full dogeza fashion, head pressed to the ground, heedless of the fact she had rather dirtied it.

“I thank you for your chastisement, Akio-sama. I do hope in future, if I displease or disappoint you, I can be corrected again. A ninja fears no punishment, only fears being of no use to her master and mistress!”

“Fine, fine, I accept your apology!” I insisted. “Please get up, and please put your clothes back on!” I felt rather ashamed of myself, that perhaps I should have refused, but… honestly, that totally wasn’t a punishment. I know Miyu asked me to play along to clear up Michiru’s sadness over the events of today, but still…

“It hardly seems worth it.” Miyu disagreed. “Michiru…” her voice was dripping with tenderness, and I could tell their bonds and affection ran deep. “…how was it?”

“I felt his tender care, every slap wishing me to be better, to not stray again!” Michiru insisted, lifting her head and turning to glance at Miyu, though the ecstatic, aroused expression on her face, and the fact I could smell her nectars, made me think her explanation was off somewhat. “I shall hone myself so that… if mistakes happen again, I will be able to endure!”

“I’d rather you didn’t make mistakes…” I was exasperated. “Not that you made any here… oh what’s the use?” Michiru certainly was odd, and definitely a masochist. “Just… don’t start giving Christina any ideas, please. Or I will punish you…” As her brown eyes lit up with delight I disabused her of her fantasies. “…and not in this way. You won’t like it.”

“Indeed, you have caused him enough inconvenience, Michiru. But now I fear it is my turn. Wait on that rock. Akio, if you could?” She’s been calling me without honorifics for a while now. Something’s changed. Is it… the embarrassment of what she’s about to do? I certainly don’t have to watch… unless… the Gods are cruel, she says? She danced for a woman in the myth, Amaterasu, though she wasn’t the one that saw, it was the Gods and Goddesses outside who did…

“What do you need?”

“The rock sealing the entrance. That one, perhaps…” She pointed to a nearby boulder. “…but if you can adjust it so Michiru can roll it away with her strength when it is time…”

“I can.” Michiru had picked up her skirt, but set it atop her scarf, and was perched on the boulder, legs dangling, pussy in full view of us. I turned away, deliberately not looking, focussing on Miyu. The boulder rolled over, and I carved the bottom with earth element. “But if I block the door with this, she won’t be able to see your performance…”

“Ah, but she will still hear.” Miyu was blushing now. “Michiru, stop opening your legs. You are lucky Akio is a good man, with great forbearance and willpower, or he would already have pushed you down and punished you in another way.”

I was stunned and aghast that Miyu would say that, but Michiru merely shook her head, eyeing me warmly. “Akio-sama has great restraint, though I am certain that, as a Kunoichi at his mercy, he was sorely temped to forcibly rip away my chastity with his massive, throbbing…”

“Oh-kay!” I shook my head, and earth elemental energies surged, as I stepped out of the cage and the rock rolled in to seal it, balanced carefully upon a fulcrum point I’d crafted on the ground, making it trivial to roll away with Michiru’s strength. Even as the cave entrance was blocked, barring a gap to let air flow, unfortunately I could still hear her words.

“…manhood, and then he would force me to serve with my mouth, ravage every inch of my body, and impregnate me…”

“I am sorry about Michiru.” Miyu apologised, again the makeup not able to cover her shame. “She is… complicated. She is disgusted by men indeed but also longs to be dominated by a powerful one she can entrust herself to. Koga-san has a great deal to answer for.”

“He certainly does. But… I’m not misleading the signs, you two want to stay together forever, don’t you? And I’m not thinking it’s platonic like Motoko and Natsumi.” I ignored the increasingly fervent perversions coming from Michiru from within the cave.

“You are not mistaken. Michiru is not strictly a lesbian, as I have said, she harbours desires to be overpowered and yet also treasured. She is like a dog, eager and not caring, or rather delighting in the play, if it is rough. Yet she is also rather choosy. But of course she is in love with me. And I with her. As you surely know.” Her smile was warm. “It was an… interesting experience, seeing you bully her so. I wonder what it would have been like, seeing her lose her virginity while I watched on…”

Miyu’s a… sadist? I mean, that’s a perfect combination for a relationship, but… I have to admit, I never expected this side of her.

“Please, I can’t handle another Christina. Besides, haven’t you two already…?” I didn’t want to say it, despite her shocking revelation she’d just delivered, I still found Miyu oddly innocent.

“Oh, we certainly have comforted each other a number of times. But that is off-limits. Michiru may not be a noble, but it would be a great shame if she went to her marriage bed with a torn hymen. Apparently the Kunoichi here have specialist training, so that they do not tear the proof of their chastity during harsh physical training. Michiru was taught this also. After all, men can tell a virgin, I am told, so for certain targets of… investigation and espionage…” her disgusted expression showed she thought as badly of the ninja traditions here as I did. “…it only works for virgins. A mission that can only be done once. Wasteful. But I digress…”

She smoothed out her disquiet. “…I suspect it is one of the reasons why vigorous sports and physical exertion is discouraged at Hanafubuki as well. That and we cannot compete with other schools, of course. But we were talking of Michiru. She is no doubt ecstatic now. I thank you for acceding to my request. I would also fall to my knees and perform dogeza for you, but wearing these jūnihitoe it would simply be torturous, even with my strength which I did not believe I could possess, only mere months ago.” Her smile was sly, and I found it beautiful, more honest than most of her expressions.

“Please don’t. If you do that, if Honoka sees, she’ll think I’m bullying her precious cousin.”

“And she will do nothing. Honoka… I see it now. My inferiority complex and deep-seated loathing for the thoughts of my future blinded me. She is… in some ways… less fortunate than I. All she knows is how to follow orders. Be it grandfather’s, or the future fiancé denied to her, or now, yours, and those of her Adamant commanders. Be very careful what orders you hand out. Kozue might be fiery, but Honoka… she would follow them.”

“No danger of that. I have no intention of actually being a lolicon and hitting on underage girls. Hinata’s bad enough for my conscience, and she’s of age.”

“But very mature.” Miyu chuckled. “Hinata-chan has changed so much. I like to see it. I like to see how Hanafubuki and those who go there have all changed. Michiru has too. As have I. I perhaps as much as Hinata-chan, Motoko-san and Natsumi-san.”

“Yes, you’ve grown stronger.” I approved, and she snorted, a rather unladylike sound, a habit she must have learned from some of the girls at the training school.

“Compared to you, I am still deeply lacking. This… this is a step I can take to redress that. Though I have delayed it. The Gods… or in this case, the Goddess… is cruel.” She clutched Magatama around her neck, and she pulsed reassuringly, a soft glow lighting up the jade.

“I know what you are thinking too. That Michiru will not face a wedding, nor shall I, without your say so, and you will accede to our wishes. We believe that and believe you. Yet…” Her gaze was solemn. “…we also have our pride. And besides…” she grasped my hands, still damp from Michiru’s sweat and other secretions. “…there is a great deal of comfort to be had, even without that final act. And last I checked, neither of us have a male member. You can affirm that with Michiru for certain, no?”

For a moment, I blinked, even with my Resilience, my brain misfiring. It was then I realised she was making a joke, and I shook my head, gently pulling away my hands, cleansing them and hers carefully with a little water element, chuckling. “I never knew you were so witty. Or so… so rude.” I suggested.

“There is a great deal you do not know about me. Understandable. Our acquaintance has been quite brief, if very meaningful to me. And you have many more worthy women who demand your time. As for my… rudeness… I am simply taking you at your word, that I may marry as I please, love as I wish. You are a man of your word, are you not? As a Faeduine…”

“Yeah, I promise you that.” I nodded, glancing back at the cave, where Michiru was now giggling to herself, which was… yeah, reminds me way too much of Christina. The worst thing is, Michiru’s a good, earnest girl, so… there’s no disgust, just… disappointment.

“Good. Then… we shall begin.”

“Okay. I’ll turn my back then.” As I suggested that, Miyu shook her head.

“You feel it is that simple? I am afraid you must witness.” Again, her makeup couldn’t hide her shame, and she smiled, as if to reassure me, when she was the one suffering here. “Do not worry for me. I considered and thought and worried and ultimately decided to follow the path laid out to me. And it is not the wrong path to take. You proved it with Michiru. You did not want to do it, showing you are no mindless beast who will attack me, and yet, at our urgings, you swallowed your own pride and dignity for our small happiness. A feeling I am about to face myself. I suppose… I am extremely grateful you are my master, Akio. And I am proud to be your Vassal. So… witness the cruelty of a Goddess who traffics shame as power…” She then winked at me, an unusually cheeky gesture, and I was delighting in seeing fresh sides of Miyu. At least she’s not a pervert like Michiru…

“…though if I could ask one favour?”

“Anything.” I promised, and her smile was suddenly rather wicked and wrathful.

“Excellent. It is an agreement. If you break it, I shall punish you.” she teased. “When we finally reach the Pantheons, seek out Ame-no-Uzume, and make her taste the shame I suffer tenfold! Only then shall I feel satisfaction! No, make it a hundredfold. I wish her to know that we mortals may be nothing but pets and tools, but that a tool can surpass its user, and pets can sometimes overthrow their owners, and become the master!”

I take it back. She’s a hardcore sadist! And a pervert too. “You want me to… humiliate a Goddess? Like… like Michiru-style? I absolutely abhor humiliating women you know…”

“Oh, I know. It is one reason I trust you, Akio.” she agreed. “There are any number of ways you can fulfil my request. You shall have a long time to think of a method that satisfies your conscience and soothes mine. But I shall be waiting.” She stepped onto the wooden platform she’d built.

“You know, I never knew you were so… aggressive, Miyu. You always seemed so meek and polite.”

“Of course I am polite. I am Fujiwara Miyu! Quiet, compliant, the perfect Yamato Nadeshiko, the flower of Japanese nobility and womanhood. That was what I was raised to be. But you…” she eyed me with amusement. “…you promised me I could be more than that, could be anything I wanted, without shackle nor chains. So I decided to take you at your word, after I realised you were a rare specimen, a man I cold trust. As for aggression… I am grandfather’s descendant. My father and mother might be rather pathetic, but grandfather… he never forgets a slight, nor hesitates on revenge, and getting his own way. He only compromises when he must… such as with you. A compromise I have made as well, though in my case…” she chuckled. “…grandfather lost me, lost Honoka, to keep his influence, and gain a measure of your favour. Me… I have only gained, and that little I have to give away… I thought on it and am satisfied they are small gifts to give, things quite possible to part with. Now then… it is time. Feast your eyes on the Dance Which Draws Down Divinity By Embodying The Chronicles And Ancient Matters Of This Land Of Eight Million Rising Suns…”

That’s quite the mouthful…

With a rhythmic motion, Miyu snapped out her fans, the two beautiful painted antiques, surely, one depicting the sun, and the other a moon in the night sky, covering her body. Then, she began to sing, a powerful melody, yet it was light-hearted and boisterous, and her geta sandals clicked and clacked on the cedar boards as she moved. Her ponytail whipped behind her, tinkling charmingly, and her fans were streaks of elegant colour, her arm gestures in perfect time to her body’s motions.

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Beautiful. I feel sorry for Michiru, that she isn’t seeing this. Still, I expect that she can persuade Miyu to perform for her any time she wants…

Already, I could feel the prickling of adherence, yet it felt distant, diffuse. Though it was having the effect that nearby ether was gathering. As her fans moved, revealing the beautiful pink outer layer of her silken robes, I caught sight of Magatama’s jewel form on her chain glowing, pouring radiance into Miyu, and the adherence thickened, the rate of it being drawn in from distant places magnified. Miyu’s dark eyes sought mine, and with a smile, even as she sung, she urged me with her gaze to act.

The myth, huh? It was the shouts and laughter of the Gods and Goddesses around her dance which drew out Amaterasu in the end, to see what was going on. I looked at Miyu with a sympathetic gaze, and indeed, her white powdered makeup only hid her embarrassment a little, but, showing no hesitation, she danced on, while I began to rhythmically clap along with her steps, raising my voice in admiration.

“You truly embody traditional dance. This isn’t Kyomai, is it?”

She couldn’t answer me but managed to incorporate a headshake into the dance. It had similarities to her dance I’d seen before, but was far more graceful and beautiful, even Divine in nature. As she continued to sway and glide, feet tapping, one of her fans, the one with the starry, moonlit night design, snapped shut, revealing half of her body. The fan disappeared in a spray of faint purple sparks, stored away again, and as her signing continued, she smiled at me, her eyes watery, her face pink under the powder.

I was lost watching for what seemed like an age, but surely was only minutes, the rhythmic tapping of her geta on the wood blending into the song, There was another swift gesture, and her other fan closed, and she used it almost like a conductors’ baton, waving it in time with her swaying body. Then it too vanished, and her song rose, her voice perfectly pitched.

“HI-FU-MI-YO-I-MU-NA-YA-KO-TO-MO-CHI-RO-RA-NE!” she sang an old-fashioned prayer to the Kami, to Ame-no-Uzume, and her eyes were on me, and on the sealed cave, where Michiru was listening, no doubt with a lovesick expression on her face. Though I’d take that over her lewd one…

“SHI-KI-RU-YU-I-TSU-WA-NU-SO-O-TA-HA-KU-ME-KA!” the chant, sung in rising and falling cadence, continued, but now… Miyu’s hands went to her head, and she untied her braid, black hair flowing free, her black eyes with hints of brown giving her a graceful, traditional appearance, befitting her status as one of the most noble daughters in Japan. Then her hands went to her robes, and even as she danced, clasps and ties were undone, her long, piano-playing fingers deft. The pink silk fell from her, and she stepped out of it with grace, revealing the layer below, that of a fainter pink, with white detailing.

“U-O-E-NI-SA-RI-HE-TE-NO-MA-SU-A-SE-E-HO-RE-KE!” The chant continued, and another layer shed. Below was a pretty yellow silk, and soon that too was cast aside, three layers gone, each fluttering in the breeze for a moment before vanishing in a splash of purple motes.

“Bravo! Wonderful! If only the foolish Goddess inside the cave could see this show!” I called out loudly, doing my part. The next layer, that of orange and red, was also stripped from her, and below that, crimson red. Five layers down, and seven remained.

This is… unbearably hot, as hot as it is awkward. I’ve no wish to see Miyu this way, but… I can’t deny she’s beautiful. I think though, I’d like to see Shaeula and the others do this, putting their own spin on it…

Her song spun back into the prior chants, and two more layers of silk were disrobed, her movements slow and teasing. Now her legs were bare up to the knees, and her arms to the shoulders, as this set of robes covered less of her body with each underlayer. With but five layers left, this one a golden cream, she was still well covered but somehow seemed almost defenceless. Or perhaps… that’s the adherence?

I’d promised to look at her with my own eyes, not Yggdrasil’s borrowed ones, so I did, but even without such vision, I could detect the rising adherence, soaking out of the very land around us, also drawn from the skies. It wasn’t… pure… for want of a better expression, it was terribly mixed, but it had several things in common. It was of the sun and the moon, and also of Japan, similar to the sort that Yukiko’s family had let slip from their grasp by the Humanity Declaration. As it gathered around Miyu, it swirled, and a tangible aura was forming, one that was making the ground treble, small motes of dust rising and skittering, as if following the taps of Miyu’s sandalled feet as she clicked and struck the wooden stage.

The bells that were in her braid, but now distributed within her free-flowing locks, chimed and tinkled in time to the beat, and Magatama was glowing brilliantly, helping to enhance what I presumed was the purpose of all this. Adherence was drawn into Miyu, and in her body, her Chakra network, fuelled her Favour, and it shone brightly, though Miyu’s perfect smile cracked for a moment.

Yeah, that looks painful… As she sinuously shook her body, the golden cloth was gone, and as she began to remove the layer below, silver, I reached out. I couldn’t touch her, that would interrupt the Dance, but… use the myth. That’s what this is. Though… I had a small concern. And I never promised I wouldn’t use my Eyes, only that I wouldn’t peek at Miyu and her dance. The adherence was fair game.

I channelled Ether Healing through the gap between us, soothing her, all the while crying out about how sexy the show was, and how anyone missing it was a fool, and I could hear Michiru gnashing her teeth even from here, blocked by the stone. Still, she was steadfastly playing her part, so… Miyu invited me here, and I don’t think it was just for my blessing for her relationship with Michiru, though she clearly wanted that too. No, I think she knows this dance is potent but… risky.

I began using my Adherence Manipulation, which had broken past a the first bottleneck in a bizarre fashion, giving my potency I shouldn’t have. As Miyu’s third-to-last layer was shed, leaving her only wearing bright scarlet, the colour of blood and passion, this leaving her bare to the mid-thigh and shoulders, the cloth now thin and defenceless enough I could see she was wearing no undergarments, I helped stream the purer adherence into Magatama, who amplified it and turned it to the purpose of the Dance. I refined the impurities as best I could, the clashing energies no longer hurting Miyu, and her smile was thankful.

“I sing the song of praise to the Moon. If the Sun does not break through the night soon, I shall steal him away!” Miyu sang, and I remembered that Amaterasu’s husband was of course her brother, Tsukuyomi, and so… Ah, makes sense why I’m here now, at least from a ritual standpoint. But if she thinks I’m marrying Michiru, no matter how much she’d get off on me bullying her playfully… nope.

“Yes, yes!” I cried out, clapping my hands and stamping my feet even as we worked, and Miyu’s red silk was stripped from her, leaving behind only a thin, almost transparent white kosode underrobe, which left her nipples visible through the cloth, and the shadow of her pussy too. No makeup could hide her shame now, nor her arousal, and as the adherence built up within her, Favour swelling, I shouted to Michiru. “If Amaterasu doesn’t come to me, then I shall whisk away the lewd Ame-no-Uzume and do dreadful things to her sexy, naked body…”

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Miyu blinked, and I wrinkled my nose. Really? I tried not to notice the spreading transparency, as Miyu’s song reached the end, and, with a deft motion, she pulled the thin silk underrobe off her skin, revealing her bare body to me without shame, but with no little arousal and embarrassment, judging by the seeping liquid oozing slowly from her, and her scarlet skin.

“I am bare as they day I was born.” she sung, and to my vision she was surrounded by a halo of adherence. “I fear the Moon is taking me away, my chastity shall be torn from me, never to return, and by this cheating Moon, who already has a loving Sun… perhaps it is simply that she is no fun, no fun at all…”

“No, I am here!” Michiru pushed the boulder, which rolled clear, and rushed out, still only wearing the sailor top of her uniform. Judging by the state of her lower body, it was clear she’d been entertaining herself while imagining this scene, and I shook my head, really hoping that Honoka and Kozue-chan weren’t watching, merely guarding…

As she stumbled over, eyes wide and fixed on Miyu’s beauty, Miyu, still surrounded by a glowing halo, let out a cry. “The cave! Seal the cave as the myth decrees, else…” She grabbed Michiru who leapt at her, pulling her into her naked embrace, and I channelled earth element, moving the boulder back with a loud thump.

“The Heavenly Rock cave is sealed!” I yelled, remembering the myths. “Ama-no-Iwato shall never again hold my precious wife, the Sun Goddess, and light will bathe this world, and Japan!” Turning back to Miyu and Michiru, I blinked, as Miyu had removed Michiru’s black top, and was undoing the crimson bra she wore. It fell free, just as she stumbled, a massive surge of adherence and aether drawn towards us.

Father, Magatama is saying you need to receive your share, else she will get hurt. Though… too slow. Magatama’s doing her best, but… I could almost hear Tsurugi pouting. The Sun went away, it muddled the truth of things. It’s all tangled. If… if this is to happen, then… father, use me! I’ll cut away the bad mess, the mistakes of the past, the loneliness… the darkness. And Magatama will burn warm, and protect and soothe, like the hearth!

“Then cut, my precious Tsurugi!” I called, sweeping her out and slicing the intangible, the messy, potentially damaging adherence that didn’t fit what Miyu was trying to achieve here. She staggered, and Michiru caught her, flushing as naked flesh touched, for now they both were only wearing shoes. Michiru’s chest, rather unimpressive, greeted me as Tsurugi spun and slashed, the skies overhead sparkling with faint flashes of lightning, despite the largely clear winter skies.

“I am selfish. I should have explained…” Miyu spoke urgently. “Yet… I wanted it to be Michiru alongside you! Hurry, take my hand!” Michiru was holding her close, and I reached out, grabbing Miyu’s outsmarted hand, and as I did so, the adherence exploded, it was the only way I could describe it, and it gushed out, splitting into three strands, one of which flooded into me. I quickly refined it, and it poured into my third eye and throat Chakras, and they began to spin rapidly, and the overspill leaked down to my lunar Chakra, the adherence changing, becoming energies to further strengthen them. I didn’t gain any Skill ranks, but I could tell that I was now close to all three Chakras improving again, a welcome boon, and… not the only one.

Your Skill, The Future Reflected By The Moon, has advanced from Rank 3 To Rank 6, and thanks to an outside Divinity with great compatibility to the Adherence contained within this Favour, you have bypassed the first bottleneck…

Ambr letters flared as energies ranged inside me. I could feel Tsukiko, far distant, still manipulating my Territory, react in shock. The Favour we shared was mostly hers again, and she felt it far more strongly than I, but… my Path was to Connect, to strengthen and leverage Bonds in a constructive manner, so… the adherence flooded to her, distance no bar between our deepest natures, and I felt her respond, and the amber letters in my vision shifted, announcing a further change.

Your Skill, the Future Reflected By The Moon Rank 6 has become The Future Reflected By The Moon, Fates Tied By Bonds Under Moonlight Rank 6.

The ability to draw upon strands of Fortune and Fate has increased significantly. Those Connected to you by significant Bonds also contribute their own Fortune and Fate to the provenance of any vision or prophetic dream. The other half of your paired Favour, Fates Severed In Silent Darkness, will be strengthened by your Fortune and Fate, and due to the extremely compatible Adherence you have obtained and integrated, further strengthened by a living Magatama bead which specialises in enhancing positive blessings, and strengthens the energy of the Sun, your ability to encompass the wider tapestries, the Connections, which make up the uncertain futures has been strengthened. While the scope of such visions are still vague and allegorical, the illumination of the Moon shall light the way to wisdom, and Flames from the newborn Sun shall burn away the threads of twisted probabilities. [Class: Mythic] [Type: Fate]

It wasn’t just me. Michiru had gained a surge of adherence too, though… it hadn’t taken well, and I quickly realised why. Miyu, however, was greatly strengthened, her Favour blooming, but… it wasn’t without pain, as her network tore and twisted, the energies rampaging. Magatama soothed her as best she could, and I quickly pulled her close, heedless of her and Michiru’s nakedness. Splitting my thoughts, most of them worked Soullight Chirurgery on Miyu and manipulated the surging adherence, helping its absorption, the remaining ones helping Michiru integrate what she could, her third eye Chakra and solar plexus Chakra bubbling with the energies, but with little there to enhance.

“That feels… much better…” Miyu gasped out in my arms, as the Favour settled down. “I fear…” she saw my Eyes glowing, and knew I was now looking deep into her and Michiru. “…I have been a poor Vassal indeed. Selfish. Instead of Michiru, it should have been Yukiko-san. The benefits to her would have been substantial, but… I wanted it, needed it to be Michiru. I… apologise.”

“Hush now. This is delicate.” I chided her. “I’m just stabilising things. That Dance… it’s absurd…”

Dance Which Draws Down Divinity By Embodying The Chronicles And Ancient Matters Of This Land Of Eight Million Rising Suns is a potent ritual, channelling the distant energies of Ame-no-Uzume to create a primitive and limited Divine Possession; Ame-no-Uzume Skill temporarily, while the performance lasts. However, this Skill draws in and is fuelled by appropriate Adherence, and therefore each variant of this Dance can only be performed a single time.

If the Dance is performed correctly, with enough style and matching nature to purify enough of the Adherence, great boons will be granted, strengthening the effect of the Divine Favour of Ame-no-Uzume and the other Dances she has granted. In addition, those participants who also meet the threshold will be granted a portion of such strength. If the Dance and performance do not satisfy Ame-no-Uzume, then the backlash will be significant, and potentially even fatal, for the Dancer, and at minimum may destroy the Favour and cause irreparable harm to the bearer’s Chakra network and surrounding spiritual body.

Ama-no-Iwato Kagura has been completed. To please Ame-no-Uzume and embody the Adherence, the Dance must be shameful and to nakedness, performed before a representative of the Gods, ideally Tsukuyomi, though more representative witnesses will further increase the absorption of Adherence. There must also be a representative of Amaterasu, and if she is curious about the performance of the Dance, the effect is magnified. Other trappings, such as the cave itself and bells symbolising the Kagura will strengthen the effect.

Fearless before Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto has not yet been attempted. To please Ame-no-Uzume and embody the Adherence, the Dance must be performed utterly without fear, despite great danger from the embodiment of Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto. The more dangerous and Earth-aspected such a representative is, the greater the effect. There must also be a representative of Ninigi-no-Mikoto, declaring the Divine ancestry of the Land Of Eight Million Kami. Other trappings, such as symbolic marriage to the representative of Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto, the surrounding mountain peak, Earth Elemental energies and suitable confrontation will strengthen the effect.

Goddess Of Arts And Divine Dance has not yet been attempted…

I blinked, shutting off the remaining fiery letters with a groan. Yeah, okay, I totally get why you want me to shame the Goddess in turn. I have my bottom line, but…

“So long as I don’t have to hurt my conscience or commit any act of violence or evil against a woman, Goddess or not…” I smiled at Miyu in my arms. “…I’ll help you seek redress. I promise you that.”

“So you saw then?” she laughed, heedless of the fact she was in my arms. Michiru was seemingly jealous, pouting at Miyu, likely wishing she could hold her in her own arms, but instead she was pushing her modest chest against my other side.

“Yeah. I’m impressed at the loophole, it’s a work of genius really, but…” Miyu moved, and I could have reacted, but for some reason I was unable to, perhaps due to the lingering adherence, or the fading Divine Possession within Miyu. It wasn’t like Tan, Ame-no-Uzume hadn’t descended, or become part of her, but the Truesoul strands within the Favour had radiated a large amount of her soullight, at least comparatively, so some Divine presence still lingered, and the Truesoul strands seemed slightly thicker and more robust.

I’m trying not to think about this. Miyu had pressed her lips to mine, and it was a rather chaste kiss, no probing tongues or anything like that, but as my eyes widened in shock at her actions, the remaining adherence and soullight died down, and Miyu was once more truly herself, yet… She’s gained a significant boost to her Intangible Statistics and more. One-use Favour Skills… I never even considered such could exist. It’s… logical, I suppose, assuming that she has others she can deploy when they’re gone… though it is a double-edged sword, fraught with risk. Probably a balance…

My thoughts wandered as Miyu pulled away, smiling, lips damp. “I hope you will forgive me that I could not give you my first kiss. Obviously Michiru and I have kissed before. The nights are lonely, and it was hard being a perfect woman all the time. But…” she sighed. “…are you not angry? Yukiko-san would have gained far more…”

“It’s a bit selfish, I won’t deny it.” I sighed too, picking the two of them up in my arms and returning to the cave, my foot smashing the boulder apart with a single kick. Once inside and out of view, I let them sit on my lap, though Michiru’s stained skirt and sodden panties lying on the stony ground gave the cave a rather debauched air… and a pungent smell. Yeah, she definitely considered Miyu’s Dance carefully while in here…

“But at the end of the day, you’re my Vassal, but not my slave. And It’s only natural for you to prioritise Michiru. You love her, after all. Just like I prioritise those I love. Still…” I did firm up my tone now, as a lesson, especially as she had two more of the damn one-use Dances left. “…if you’d have come to me, I would have asked you to let Yukiko take part, but in exchange I’d definitely have prioritised Michiru for what upgrades I could scrounge up for her.”

“Yes, I see that now.” Miyu admitted, contrite. “It is not that I did not trust you, I simply… did not think it though. A great blunder. I suppose…” she exchanged a teasing smile with Michiru. “You shall have to punish me for my reckless waste of opportunities.” She wiggled her bottom on my leg, and I chuckled, though I was using all my willpower to not get aroused, which was a trial.

Thank you, Resilience and Determination. Normally I didn’t like doing that, it felt unhealthy for both body and mind, but in this case it seemed appropriate, what with Miyu’s lesbian tendencies and disdain almost bordering on fear of men. Though the fact she is rubbing her naked ass on my leg, and doesn’t seem to care her breasts are pressing against me does kind of make me wonder if I’ve gone wrong somewhere?

“Hey, isn’t Michiru the masochist, and you the sadist?” I teased her gently, and she blushed, the remaining makeup having sweated off her face now, revealing her natural skin tone, which was now scarlet from shame, and perhaps something more.

“I suspect I have elements of both. As a daughter of Fujiwara house who could only strive to meet the expectations of those around me, I grew bitter and resentful, and sought to dominate others in my heart, yet… I also yearn for comforting compliance, to follow those who know what is best for me. I am complicated, I know.”

“I am too!” Michiru insisted, hugging us both, and Miyu raised an eyebrow, flicking her forehead.

“No, you are incredibly simple, my dear Michiru. Now… I am afraid you stole what should have been Yukiko-san’s, even unintentionally, so… you should be punished alongside me.”

As Michiru brightened, I noticed her nipples were hard, and she was leaking on my leg, a rather unpleasant experience. I shook my head, denying that assertion, though Miyu could well have been teasing her and me, she seemed rather giddy, perhaps a result of the vast gain in strength she’d just experienced, and the relief of succeeding her risky dance, and getting my blessings for Michiru.

“There’s no need. I’m not spanking you, Miyu, and I’m definitely not escalating with Michiru. I wouldn’t dream of coming between the two of you. Now, can you please put on some clothes? I know you have your robes still, inside your storage, Miyu.”

“In a moment. They were so stifling. As for Michiru… she has made quite the mess.” Miyu wrinkled her nose, before glancing at me, noticing my Eyes were still glowing. “Do you have something to ask me? I have no secrets from you. None at all now. After all, you have seen everything of me there is to see…” She glanced down, shifting bashfully, and I instinctively patted her head.

“I have. Sorry. But you’re a very elegant, beautiful woman, Miyu. You’ve absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Me too, me too!” Michiru cried, and I couldn’t help but poke at her masochism just a little.

“Yes, you’re a beauty under your scarf, Michiru, but… you’re a little on the small side, if you know what I mean.”

“No, definitely not! I have a growth spurt coming! Mother is bigger than I am!” Michiru practically forced her chest against me, as if to prove a point, and I snorted with laughter, patting her head too. They make a great couple. I’m happy for them and I’ll support them one hundred percent, and speaking of that…

“If you want a punishment, Miyu…” She glanced into my eyes at that, a small smile on her face. “…how about I fix up your Chakra network. I’m confident now I can do it without damaging your Favour, or if I do, I can fix what minor mess-ups I make. The lunar Chakra will magnify your strength, and… it has another, very relevant use for you right now.” I winked at her, nodding at Michiru, and she frowned for a moment, before agreeing.

“Very well. I can hardly turn you down, considering you indulged our selfishness, and have always supported me. Do your worst. Michiru tells me it is rather horrible, pain-wise.”

“It’s not as bad as Ether Healing training.” I promised, which wrung a bitter laugh from them both. Even those who hadn’t done more than gain a few Ranks knew the horror of it, just from witnessing others suffer under Hyacinth’s spores.

“In that case, there is little need to dress.” She stood, naked and defenceless, and her slit was also clean-shaven. They said they didn’t want to lose their virginity, but I bet they comfort each other with their mouths, so yeah, makes sense, I think.

“He is considering something foolish, Michiru.” Miyu smirked, and the smaller girl agreed.

“Yes. I simply…” she flushed red and clammed up. Miyu then patted her shoulder sympathetically.

“It is fine, Michiru. Not every woman grows hair. I prefer mine cleanly shaved regardless, it feels better in the hot summers.”

“Yeah, I probably don’t need to hear this. Anyway… can you take out your robes? Michiru, your scarf…” Soon we had a makeshift, if not terribly comfortable bed, upon which Miyu was lying face up, skin red.

“All right then. This should be easy enough…” My Eyes peered into her, and I slightly regretted my bravado, as even purified by the Dance Ama-no-Iwato Kagura, and further refined by Magatama’s efforts, and mine too, the explosive use of adherence to grow her network and amplify the Favour had caused a tangle of damage and snarls which probably would recover over time, leaving Miyu stronger, but I knew from listening to Daiyu that minor blemishes in the foundation of strength were actually unacceptable. Gaining a hundred now is no use if it makes it far harder to gain a thousand later…

“How is it?” Miyu asked as I fell silent, my Split Thoughts racing, analysing the best solutions for Chirurgery. “Or are you perhaps…” her smile was oddly wicked. “…using this as an excuse to ogle me? Koga-san believes all men are wolves, unable to resist tasty prey, and… grandfather, father and his kind are also predatory, revelling in the power of dominating and loving many women. If so…”

As she talked, I nodded, only giving her a little of my attention. The representation of the Favour, which now I was beginning to recognise was a construct of the soullight and adherence embodied by each Favour and the strands of Truesoul, the silver sakaki leaves twisted around her throat and forehead, had grown more vibrant and multiplied. In addition, the necklace and crown of these leafy metallic boughs which graced her had expanded, and they streaked down through her network, circling her heart and even down to her root, touching upon the meridians and small sub-Chakras governing the Sacral and her erogenous areas…

The heart area’s the main issue. It’s somewhat interfering with where I’d want to bore the lunar Chakra. And I worry that if I touch the new growths carelessly… fortunately, once the expansion had reached her heart it had diminished, so only a few thin branches of silver wound down through her body to below, and a bare handful of leaves blossomed. I don’t think this will complicate matters, but… does that mean, after her next singular Dance…?

“…I suppose it does not matter, does it Michiru? It is a great shame to show our naked bodies to a man who is not our husband, but… once the water is spilled, it cannot be returned to the tray. Every inch of us has been memorised by his vast Intellect, and he can recall it any time he wishes. So it makes little sense to hide our bodies now. If you wish to see us, simply ask, and we will gladly disrobe for you once again.” Michiru’s oozing had intensified, and she was breathing heavily, while Miyu’s face was scarlet, and her masochistic tendances were fully in line with her sadistic, as she was both revelling in being shamed, and also in shaming Michiru, it seemed.

“I think you’d be better served doing that for each other.” I clicked my tongue. “Enough teasing. You’re very beautiful, Miyu, and Michiru is likewise very cute, but I’m no wolf. I don’t have to eat every girl I see. Besides, the others would be extremely angry with me if I treated you simply as living pornography.”

Neither of them seemed to recognise the expression, but now my assessment was done, and my Split Thoughts, bolstered by my potent Intellect and Alacrity, had run through all the permutations, I was ready. “Okay, I apologise, but this is going to be a little rough…”

“Of course. We are all aware it hurts at first…”

“You’re doing that on purpose, aren’t you?” I grimaced. “What happened to the calm, composed, elegant Miyu?”

“Do you prefer her? I am always simply myself.” Miyu shrugged, bare chest bouncing. “I admit, I might seemingly be experiencing a surge of great elation, that I survived the Dance unscathed. I had planned it for quite some time but dreaded it. There was always so much risk, and… I am quite the coward. As you are well aware.” Her frank admission shocked me as she continued. “I am also extremely conflicted right now, arousal, shame, lust… all boils within me. I believe I am quite giddy, and likely will bury my head in shame for days after all this is done. But I will not regret it. The only thing I will regret is being hasty and not thinking of Yukiko-san, or rather, that you would not forsake me and my desires, and Michiru’s needs.”

“Yes, there’s no point beating yourself up over it. I’ll be sure to find plenty of ways to empower Yukiko in the future. Ways to empower us all. Now then… best lie down, these cloth layers won’t stop you bruising if you fall over.”

Miyu listened, and lay face up on the fabric of her jūnihitoe, her brownish-black eyes observing me with a great deal of trust. We were connected, obviously, Lovers’ Link, what I could grant, was already with her, the stats I could give far too good to deny it to anyone I liked or wanted to protect. Through that, I could faintly feel the storm of emotions she talked about, and so… “Michiru, hold her hand, okay? Keep her calm.”

“Of course, Akio-sama!” She leapt off my lap, leaving behind trails of stickly liquid, before clasping Miyu’s hand, though I noted she made sure to face away from me, wiggling her swollen bottom, which was already almost recovered due to her stats and Skills, giving me a show. This is serious! I’m temped to smack your ass properly this time, not just to tease you. No, I shouldn’t get distracted…

 I began the Chirurgery, my soullight and refined adherence easily piercing into Miyu. She moaned, tightening her grip on Michiru’s hand, who was whispering into her ear so faintly even I couldn’t pick up any sounds, her lips pressed right against her. First, I went to the areas that had suffered damage or had clumps of misplaced energies, eating away at her. Magatama flared with a bright light, as if eager to help, and through our Connection I caught a brief glimpse of her Tsukumogami form, looking up at my glowing Anchor as ether was endlessly poured into it, her eyes reflecting the rippling, prismatic glow.

Thanks. I’ll take any help I can get.

Magatama is happy she can help. She… feels warm inside when she does. Tsurugi chimed in, and I smiled, sweat beading on my brow from concentration, despite the cool winter air in the cave.

“Okay, easy part done.” I shored up her damaged places, infusing her with my soullight, which was in turn taken in by the Favour. The sakaki leaves shone for a moment, and I then moved on to the tricky part. “Right, so… this bit is where the pain begins. I don’t want to risky numbing it, so… endure it, all right?”

“Miyu-sama is stronger than she believes!” Michiru insisted stoutly. “She will not cry out!”

“Do not promise what I might not be able to deliver.” Miyu shook her head, smiling at me. “I may indeed cry and scream, but do not go easy on me, Akio. If nothing else, I believe I have proved I am committed to this endeavour. And though no man should see me showing such disgraceful emotions, I can see you gazing upon my womanhood even now, slyly sneaking a peek, which shames me far more.”

“That’s a false accusation.” I insisted, though I was pleased she was holding up well enough for humour. “And there’s nothing shameful in tears. Pain hurts, that’s why it’s pain. If you get through it, that means you’re strong.” That said, I began. Firstly, I poked holes in her Astral subtle body, careful to avoid damaging anything too severely. Miyu winced, and Michiru went white as Miyu, her stats quite bolstered, squeezed down on her hand, and I heard bone creak. I gently spared a thread of aether, relieving Michiru’s pain, and she flushed gratefully.

All right, that’s the boundaries of the lunar Chakra done. Luckily the expanded sakaki leaves which make up the grown Favour left enough room for it, but… I can’t use the same branching capillaries as I normally would, as the growth blocks some of the paths. But…it’s like blood vessels, isn’t it? Everyone’s major ones are pretty much in the same place, but the others are unique, like a fingerprint. So… I can use that. Improvise.

Miyu groaned, and indeed did shed a few tears, as I began the process of making the new linking pathways. It was a far more laborious process than the standard drilling for a Special Forces soldier, for example, as there I had no blockages and could use the standard template, but here I was threading several dozen needles through thick undergrowth. But I had the Skills, I had the Precision, and as Miyu but down on her lip hand enough to draw blood, her body trembling, I finished rather quickly, all things considered.

“Great. Now… the final act…” I punched in a great deal of soullight, and Miyu cried out, as I sparked the lunar Chakra within her. I immediately noticed several flaws I hadn’t considered with my Eyes, due to clashes with the Favour and minor alterations it had made to her network, but soon they were all sorted, and aether and her sparse elemental energies were being pulled to it, swirling like a vortex. I could see she’d gained a decent amount of Statistics too, from the higher calibre of network, so it certainly wasn’t a loss.

“Is… it over?” Miyu asked, and I nodded, patting her head, while Michiru squeezed her hand.

“It is.” I gently wiped away the blood, Healing her swollen, gashed lip and puffy eyes. “You did very well. I’m proud of you.”

“I am relieved. It seems a day for results, even if the beginning was rather wretched.” Miyu sat up, hair falling loose around her shoulders. “Oh, do not pout so, Michiru. You are not at fault for your grandfather’s foolish yet well-meaning scheme, and even if you were… it was all a sham, no? Akio will not punish him too hardly.”

“Yeah, unlike Furuihonō, he didn’t piss me off too badly.” I promised. “In fact, I’ll give him Chirurgery and Ether Healing… so he can live a long, long time to make up for the mistakes of the Kōga. He’ll have to work hard to make it up to all those the Jōnin here sacrificed. Even if it was for what they believed were justifiable reasons. It’s not my way. They were right about that, I could never tolerate it. Reform was inevitable, and… they simply bring too much baggage with them, too much resentment. But I guess it’s not the way of a ninja to simply slink of quietly into retirement, and… I can grudgingly respect them for putting themselves in the same situation as their underlings at the end.”

“Exactly.” Miyu agreed. “Now then, will you make sure Michiru is in top condition?”

I nodded. “Yes, it should be trivial, compared to you.” And indeed it was, and Michiru didn’t even flinch as I fixed up her Chakra network, making some small improvements to the basic functioning as well while I was at it, based on what I’d learned over time. Her third eye and solar plexus Chakras were still overactive, which was worrying, but I had an idea to fix that later. Miyu chose Michiru for this Dance, so the result won’t change. Now we need to make sure that her choice wasn’t in vain, that Michiru can put her newfound strengths to use…

Michiru had been learning Cultivation, though her progress was slow. However now, with her strengthened Chakra network, it might be possible to focus on it. And as for elements, flame and light would be essential. But considering she had been honing her combat-related Skills rather than focussing on elemental ones… I have an idea. It’ll be tough, but… I was thinking my sis, Motoko, Natsumi, Daiyu and the others might want to work at it too… if Michiru can do it, anyone can…

“All done.” I grinned, as the two of them stretched and flexed, checking there were no lingering injuries or lasting pain, which was quite a sight. As a gentleman, I should have looked away, but Miyu was right. I’d already seen them in more alluring states, so this was nothing to get embarrassed about. As they smiled at each other, I spoke up.

“Just so you know… in the future, when you get more like the Fae, it’s quite possible you two could conceive a child together via your lunar Chakras. I don’t want to give false hope, we’re still human, after all…” I’m half, anyway… “…but by merging your lunar Chakras and all that you are, it could happen. Though that’ll be for the future. When we know how it works and can confirm it’s safe.”

“Children?” Miyu glanced at her friend, shaking her head. “I… hardly wish to think of heirs any time now. And… woman to woman… it… is difficult to accept.”

“I get that.” I agreed. “But what matters is what you think. Besides, by the time it happens, society will probably be very different. Fae and other spiritual beings are just moving back into the public consciousness, so once they’re accepted, things like two women having a child together won’t seem so outlandish.”

Michiru nodded slowly, face red, but she was also looking conflicted. Miyu also had a strange expression on her face, one I couldn’t read, but then she coughed, shaking her head, grabbing her loose hair and tying it up out of the way. “You are correct as you often are, Akio. That is a matter for the future. Whatever we choose to do, you will support us, I trust?”

“Yeah. One hundred percent.” I promised. “Happiness is what matters in this world. If the two of you seek it, I’ll do my best to make it happen. You won’t be forced into marriages on my watch, neither of you.” I promised again. “Anyway…” my smile was suddenly sly. “…tonight, why don’t you try out the Fae way of bonding through your lunar Chakras? It’ll help you get a feel for it, Miyu, and… it’s pretty incredible, I’ll admit. You’ll have a deeper understanding of each other, and heightened affection, when you’re done. Feeling the truth of your love for each other can only be sweet.”

“I can imagine.” Miyu remarked dryly. She sorted out her messy pile of layers that made up her jūnihitoe, pulling on the thin silk undershirt that covered her inadequately and left equally as little to the imagination. “Shaeula, Eri-san and the others boast about it. Shiro is quite dismayed she cannot join in. Matriarch Daiyu likewise, although…” She flushed again. “…I am told Dao Companionship and Dual Cultivation are sublime highs.”

“Yeah, ones you’ll both reach, I’m sure of it. And I know for a fact Dao Companions don’t care about gender.” I promised them.

“Yes, so she promises.” Miyu agreed. “Michiru, you are simply… unruly. Your clothing is unfit to wear in public now. It will be rather baggy, but some my silk robes will cover you. But not yet. I have no wish for you to soil them.”

Michiru grinned bashfully, face, and indeed, her naked body all the way down her chest and belly, equally pink. “Yes, to be held down, your borrowed robes stripped from me, and Akio-sama to drive his…”

“That’s enough.” I sighed, rather exhausted by her behaviour. “At least try not to be annoying.”

“But honoured father told me that were I to be caught alone with you, where none can see, you would surely attack me and tear of my clothes, ravishing me in every conceivable way until I am a shamed mess that cannot live without your mighty manhood, since I am the most irresistible woman alive, barring Miyu-sama of course…” she corrected hurriedly. “…here I am, naked, Miyu-sama in such scanty clothes, and none watching…” She rubbed her thighs together, and I was annoyed to see she was oozing again, pussy twitching, her nipples rock hard on her pert breasts, her gaze sticky and expectant, combining fear and lust.

“I’m definitely punching Takashi-san when I see him next.” I grimaced. “I’m not a molester, Michiru. And I’m certainly not going to come between the two of you. Come on, get dressed, time is ticking.”

“Not yet.” It was Miyu who stopped me. She hesitated, and I saw doubt in her eyes, so I asked her to be honest with me, and she nodded slowly.

“Very well then. I confess… I am curious to try as you suggested with Michiru. Yet… we do not know how. Could… could you teach us? As… as my friend…” she smiled wanly. “We would both greatly appreciate it.”

“I mean, I could, but… shouldn’t you ask Shaeula, since you’re all girls?”

Miyu shook her head. “I know she will decline to teach us. Besides, the Fae way of bonding together is not sexual, is it? She has said as much to you, I believe.”

Okay, I could play dumb here, but I’m not going to. Haru, was this what you warned me about? If so, I’m a little surprised. Miyu and Michiru have been… aggressively flirty with me this whole time, and I know I’m not wrong that they’re lovers, they even admitted as such, so… ugh, now I’m stuck because I’m not a clueless virgin big bro moonstone, as my sis might say. Now I worry I’m reading their interest in me wrong because I’m too confident… and yet…

“Okay, you’re right, Shaeula did say that it’s not sex, not really, though it can be. But… considering Shaeula’s stopped giving even Chirurgery to men, and she’s more reticent about aiding women too… I think it’s more intimate than she led me to believe.” Family, those a Fae respects… well, I know an annoying fox who has a fetish for family, so… I shouldn’t take Shaeula’s words at face value.

“Even so, we would greatly appreciate this. You said it yourself, I am rather shy, and this moment is an exception, due to my tension still running high, and the lingering traces of the shame and arousal remaining from my Dance. I am turning to you to teach us, as… as I would not have the courage to ask another, not even Shaeula.” Miyu then knelt, head bowed, not in dogeza, but lowering herself greatly. “…You wish for Michiru and me to taste greater happiness. If so… and I believe Michiru feels the same way…”

“I do!” She pounded her chest eagerly, which would have been a more thrilling sight were she not so modestly endowed. “…you saved Miyu-sama, saved me, from despair, and have given us support and hope for the future! Even… even with my family, when they plotted to use you, or disrespect you constantly, stupid Kozue…”

“…then, I wish you to be the one to teach us this, so that we may not ever forget our gratitude and warm feelings.” Miyu’s gaze was earnest, and while Haru had warned me not to be a sucker… It may be sophistry, and I know Shaeula underplayed the way Fae bond using their lunar Chakras, I’m not a fool… but it can merely be… an intimate experience, not an act of love, if that’s what we choose to make of it. I… don’t want to disappoint her. After all, I’ve benefitted immensely from her risky Dance, so I can grant her this favour, I think…

“Fine. But maybe it should be later, somewhere more comfortable? This dingy cave…”

“No.” Miyu shook her head. “This cave has… sentimental value to us now. It was where I was bold, and risked my all, my dignity, my very life, to Dance, and I felt closer to Ame-no-Uzume, even if such closeness is tinged with annoyance and desire for revenge, and… also closer to Michiru, and to you. Besides, it is not sex, is it?” She gazed at my groin, and I felt my own flush starting, before I calmed my mind. “Though I believe we will be largely defenceless…”

“Stop that.” I laughed off her teasing. “You know I couldn’t do that. How would I ever face Haru, or my sis, or anyone else, for that matter?”

Michiru sniggered, and as the makeshift bed of garments was adjusted, I used a little earth element to turn the rocky floor to sand, making it less painful to lie on.

“I suppose you could not. Grandfather… he would not know what to do.” Miyu giggled girlishly as she lay down, her thin robe riding up, revealing everything again. “Perhaps it would release him from his stresses, for when something you worry about, obsess over, comes to pass, there is relief, is there not? Just like when I danced the Ama-no-Iwato Kagura. I feared failure, feared what you would think of me, feared baring myself, but in the end…” Michiru lay down too, and I stood over them, thinking about the best way to teach them. “…you said that my dancing was beautiful, that I was beautiful. That was no lie, you meant it. I was very happy in that moment. Because you meant not just my body, which is simply what I was born with, but… but my spirit, my heart.”

“That’s… a bit heavy. Haven’t I told you your dancing was wonderful before? I like your talents with the piano too. In fact… when Pilgrimage is over, why not celebrate at our place? There’s a piano in one of the rooms at the mansion, we can bring it out.” To be honest, the mansion has so many things only the rich enjoy… when father looked up how much the piano was worth, he nearly had a heart attack. He needs to get used to the way things are now. Though I know accepting change isn’t easy, even when exposed to it. Just look at now…

“Yes. I think that sounds wonderful. Michiru, why not display some of your own talents?”

“I would be happy to, Miyu-sama! But for now…” She was shaking with eagerness. “…I want to become one with you, Miyu-sama… Akio-sama…”

“Hey, I’m just guiding, teaching…” I insisted. “…it’s awkward enough with you making it weird, Michiru.”

“Surely you have noticed that is what she always does. Though at Hanafubuki she is nothing like that. Flamboyant, yes. Brash, but surprisingly quiet in class, clever and well-liked.” Miyu praised her, making Michiru giggle and squirm. “She only shows her true self around those she trusts absolutely. As do I. Though I do feel happiness that I no longer envy and fear Honoka, that we can be true cousins and friends. I dare say Kozue will come around too. You… have shown her a great deal of forbearance and kindness, Akio, and with the events of the day… she has surely understood that. Now…” She smiled, a gleam in her eyes. “…I too cannot bear the suspense. My dear master, show your pledged Vassals just how this works.”

“Fine then. First, you have to feel your lunar Chakras, fill them with aether, and your elements. Honestly, that’s an area you don’t excel, one that Michiru especially, will have to rectify…” I began my explanation, and Miyu soon got irritated by me looming over them and pulled me down to the makeshift bedding. It was very cosy, and kind of interfered with what I was trying to teach, but neither of them would budge on it, so I gave up. I’m not a sucker, Haru, I’m not. I’m drawing a line I won’t cross. But… I’ve seen them naked and had them in my arms so… it’s not an escalation beyond what is right…

Oh really? Eri’s thoughts sounded, and she was exasperated, but not as annoyed as I had imagined (and feared) earlier. I applaud that you’re trying to face reality. Just… get it over with. But be gentle with them. Despite their bravado, they are sheltered women. And you do have responsibilities towards them, especially now.

Fine, sorry about this. I apologised, and Eri’s laughter sounded.

Don’t be. Honestly, I am going to be right there beside you with a great deal to say to Ame-no-Uzume when we finally meet. And you might not be able to harass or beat her in good conscience, but I have no qualms about it! Michiru-san is a lost cause, I’ve always noticed she’s a mini Christina Bakker, just with more decorum, but Miyu-san… I think she’s heated up a lot due to the Goddess’ influence. So be gentle, teach her, and don’t go too far and actually get caught up in passion and screw her. Otherwise you’ll have to take responsibility, all right? When the passion boiling in her dies down, she’ll be mortified, but if you are kind enough here, she can sate her passions with Michiru-san in future, just like before, and she’ll remember you are a man she can trust not to take advantage of her when she’s not quite in her right mind, and simply treat all this as a daring, exciting secret that only we know of, one to treasure and look back on with fondness.

When did you get so good at understanding the hearts and minds of women? Oh, that came across wrong, I know you are one, but…

That’s rude. I’ll remember that. Eri’s warning was playful. Of course I have learned. How many women do you think I live with, spend time with? Share you with? Besides, I don’t hate it. People seek me out for mediation. Even when we are all great friends and fellow sisters, tied together by you and our bonds, we still rub each other the wrong way sometimes, fight over trivial things. That’s human nature, and unavoidable. We try to keep it from bothering you, since you have plenty of worries. And we don’t want to seem petty. And I’ll be honest… I still cause some friction myself, though everyone jokes I’m much better than I was. Anyway, my point is… of course I get how she feels. How they feel. And I know, if you don’t do this for them, it will leave a wound on their hearts. Because they’ve bared themselves to you, and are utterly defenceless now. In more ways than one.

She paused, a silent amusement then followed by her final words. Compared to the mess that Michiru-san’s village has caused, this is nothing. Just… remember that they are into each other, okay? Don’t break them up, that would be too sad. Though… she was suddenly pensive. …never mind. Like I said, I understand my fellow women a lot better now, and their states are a bit abnormal. Just give them a memory they can share, both shameful and pleasurable, and it might well deepen their love, once the embarrassment fades, anyway. Shared emotions, even those that can be seen as negative, can be turned to a huge positive. Isn’t that the whole point of darkness element? At least this pair are simple to deal with, unlike someone we know…

As Eri’s thoughts faded, that final complaint lingering in my mind, I made up my mind, the whole exchange having taken a mere moment. Shared pleasures, shames and other emotions? Yes, that’s the whole point of the Fae and their lunar Chakra linking. And bringing them closer together? Yes, I can do that. Honestly, their romance is rather touching. It’s Motoko and Natsumi, if that kiss they shared actually made their hearts race, I suppose. And a lot of guys, me included, do find yuri hot, though I’m honestly glad my women don’t go in for that much. I’m a jealous bastard at heart, so hypocritical…

“No, that’s not it.” My Eyes surveyed them. “Oh, actually, you’re doing it, Miyu. Your Skills have improved a lot since the Dance. It’s enough to make me want to see what you can achieve when you’ve completed the other two. Oh, I spoke too soon…”

Miyu’s lunar Chakra, and indeed her whole network, was rocked by turbulence, energies scattering as her face blazed crimson. Her dark eyes gazed into mine, before she squeezed them shut, took a deep breath, and gathered the energies anew. Seeing that she was managing, I turned my attention to Michiru, who was struggling.

“Here, let me.” I placed my hand by her root Chakra, very careful not to touch where I shouldn’t, though she was gazing at me with a frustrated expression, and I let my own aether flow in a little. It met resistance, and she twitched, but she was a quick study, and soon was mimicking my flow, gathering it properly.

“I perhaps need your assistance too.” Miyu had lost control again, her cheeks still red, and holding in a sigh, I aided her in the same way, and soon they were in balance. “Right then, the next step is…” My own Chakra network was bubbling, energies gathered around my lunar Chakra like a maelstrom of colours and sensations. “…you push it into each other and also accept. It’s… a bit complicated to explain.” I admitted. “Let me show you…” I wasn’t sure whether I should teach them one at a time, but Miyu and Michiru both insisted that they should be taught together, and I imagined I could make it work.

“Right then. Here.” I pressed my hand to Michiru’s and Miyu’s chests, feeling the very different weight of their breasts. I gripped gently, careful not to be indecent or harass them, and they both placed their hands on my heart, after I removed my own shirt, baring my chest. “If this was Dual Cultivation, then… our lower Dantians would be involved too. Which… would mean genital contact.” I noticed them flush as I mentioned that, and Michiru let out a damp moan. “Instead, we just pour in energy through the root Chakra, as if naturally cycling it… Luckily, the Fae don’t consider this a sexual act, not always, just… intimate. Honestly, I think it might be unwise, but.,.”

It was too late for doubts. I could feel their heartbeats, and the pulsing of their spiritual bodies, and the spirits somewhere within. Their lunar Chakras were trembling, and under my guidance, energy spilled out of them, and as our bodies were touching, I was penetrated by energy from both sides. Michiru’s was weak, feeble, compared to Miyu’s, but as both of them poured into my network, I let my own energies out, trying to help them feel what to do.”

“So… so huge.” Michiru’s brown eyes rolled back in her head, and drool leaked out from her mouth. Her legs that were against me, bridging the flow, snaked over me, her foot on Miyu’s belly, and she spasmed, damp nectar scattering. “…crushing my insides, breaking me… it’s… good…” Michiru continued to cry out.

Miyu, in contrast, was quiet, but her skin was oozing sweat, soaking my bare torso, and her breathing was ragged and erratic. Her free hand which was clutching Michiru’s, squeezed, and I thought I heard Michiru’s finger snap, though I wasn’t sure if she even noticed if it did, so out of it she was.

“Sorry, I’ll control my flow…” I tried to calm my energies, and it was an effort, for such a flow was meant to be all or nothing, carrying everything we were as a person. But it was also a type of Connection, and so I had the capacity to make it work as I needed. As my own flow diminished to match theirs, Michiru yelped, suddenly realising she was injured, but I quickly Healed her. It was then…

These are… your emotions? My lunar Chakra burned, and I could feel them. Two distinct bundles of what it meant to be them, Michiru, fiercely loyal, loving, dedicated, yet also incredibly needy and insecure. Her dedication to Miyu, and also, I supposed, to me, since she accepted me as Miyu’s master, was definitely built on honest passion, but it was also that she herself didn’t feel close to her family, other than her father. She loved her grandfather, but was constantly upset he didn’t admire her imitation of Takeshi-san, and…

“No, stop, don’t… don’t see me…” Her formal, almost archaic method of speech broke down and she was talking like Natsumi now, still polite, just… more colloquially. “…if you see me, you’ll despise me…”

Meanwhile, from the other side, Miyu’s self flowed in. She too was full of complicated and difficult feelings. Insecurity, inadequacy, fear… but she too fiercely, desperately cherished Michiru, though, it was a love built on domination. Not that Michiru minded such, in fact, it was what she craved, needed. Michiru’s devotion allowed Miyu to feel at peace, but… just as Michiru was brash, flashy, yet deeply timid in other ways, Miyu also had her yin side. The desire to be treated as a toy, to be controlled with a firm yet tender hand, to be loved possessively. And… it wasn’t love, not as I understood it, but…her feelings for me in this moment shone brightly, her remembered shame as she stripped for me, touched me, brushed her lips softly against mine, the first time she had ever touched a man, shone within her. It was hard to say it was love, Miyu’s love was as twisted as Michiru’s, but it was a… Connection.

Lovers’ Link spiked, and my Eyes shone, detecting they’d both managed to reach Rank 4, which both relieved me, as the stats would make them safer, and worried me in another way. But then…

“I… see. So this is what you think of me, Akio. And Michiru… without… any lies possible. No… politeness… no… praising me because you wish something. No… you do wish from me…” she giggled, and softly seized my chin, before pressing her lips to mine again. This time, her tongue entered, and her kiss was clumsy, horrendously unpractised, and a thought occurred to me… Hang on, when you kiss Michiru…

“Don’t think of that…” Michiru’s hand was between her legs, and she was sliding it up and down her bare pussy. Not inside, and not touching her clit, just… rubbing her entrance, wet squelching noises sounding, droplets scattering. Even with her hand away from my chest now, she was able to keep the flow going, or rather, my greater strength had seized her and was carrying her along like a log floating in a whirlpool. “…we kiss, but… to sully Miyu-sama’s mouth with my tongue…” She squirted, body shuddering, and her pleasure was carried into us. She moved her hand towards my groin, and I shook my head, and she froze, expression gloomy, even as Miyu’s tongue pulled away from me.

“I fear… Shaeula… lied.” Miyu gasped, feeling the afterglow of Michiru’s orgasm, which was then swept away by my own version of the sensations. “It would… have perhaps… been more fitting… if you were simply to have sex with us. Ugh…” She let out an unladylike sound, and began to match Michiru’s earlier masturbation, again, only teasing her outside, wet squelches and slick squeaks filling our ears. Michiru grabbed my hair and pulled me into her kiss, small tongue aggressively licking, as if to soak up all mine and Miyu’s mingled saliva.

“Or perhaps… in her way, she was… as sheltered as… we… and… simply… misunderstood? You are both… inside me… ooh, Ame-no-Uzume!” Miyu came, and a jet of her sticky nectar soaked my leg, staining my trousers. As she breathed fast, Michiru tore herself away from my lips, a regretful sigh leaking, before she clambered on top of me, and bent her head, lips meeting Miyu’s, and I watched in stunned silence, still cycling out energies, as the two kissed with the same intensity we had. Michiru was masturbating again, trembling with every brush of her fingers, and it was taking all my efforts not to just give in and take advantage of the two of them, knowing they wouldn’t resist. I’m not a bastard, and I’m not a sucker!

Still, even with my Resilience, my cock was iron hard, my mid fuzzy, despite my greater flow meaning I was in control, being assailed by two overlapping sets of emotions was intense. I think… what if… Eri, Shaeula and I, for example…

“Wonderful…” Miyu breathed. “…I am very happy. To be so cherished. But…” She smiled at me, the bottom of her scanty silk robe sticking to her, fully transparent. “…your willpower is praiseworthy.” She eyed my bulge teasingly. “You will not cross the line with us, but I feel sorry for you. Michiru…” They began to kiss again, touching each other, and their thoughts came through to me, Miyu’s with a shameful desire, and Michiru’s… eager, desperate curiosity.

I could feel Eri’s rueful, resigned thoughts. She wasn’t verbalising anything, just reminding me I should have expected things to get out of hand, and I did, but I hadn’t realised the two of them were so pent up. Michiru reached for my zipper, tugging it down, and Miyu’s hand pulled down my underwear, and my cock bounced free, bringing expressions of lewd awe to their faces. Their earnest thoughts, that their curiosity needed to be sated, that they had showed me their shameful, desperate figures in the throes of pleasure, and demanded the same of me, were awash within me, and our bonds, our connections were thickening.

Hang on… Eri spoke up. …Do you feel that? It reminds me a little of… when I was dying, and I got tangled in Lovers’ Link… grasp it, and… let it out…

Stop teasing me! I know you’re going to make me regret today, aren’t you?

What gave you that idea? Shaeula will be utterly delighted, that you’re finally playing around with Adamant’s members, like she wanted all along…

You know it’s not like that. But… you’re… huh… right. I feel it too now. Yes, it’s just like Ginneka’s. And because Miyu is my Vassal, it’s faint, but…

I grasped the Throne bond, but that wasn’t all I grasped. My cock was hard and hot from the fervent emotions the two girls poured into me as they clutched each other’s hand, masturbated and kissed deeply, putting on a show for me, exploring their deep passions for each other. Deep, comfortable passions. But what I was doing, they couldn’t tear their eyes from. Michiru was gushing, her fingers spreading her pussy as she rubbed the lips, strings of nectar flowing relentlessly, whereas Miyu was elegantly stroking, yet was also soaked.

Our three thoughts, our energies, all that made up ourselves, blurred together, and in doing so, the Throne bond became something tangible. It was meant to give Michiru a spiritual body, but that was useless, as I’d already given her a better one via Chirurgery. The few Levels were helpful, but Lovers’ Link, even before it had grown, outclassed that too, and a few points to all her Material Statistics were again insignificant. But…

“A ninja can never… be captured, or she’s… going to be subjected…” Michiru managed as she took a breath, her tongue tickling Miyu’s as they made sure I could see their kiss. “…to all sorts of… degradation. I… I want…”

“You cannot…” Miyu’s own tongue gently toyed with Michiru’s eager one. “…for you are mine. And what is mine is his. No man… hah… oh my…” she squirted, shuddering into orgasm, and in that very moment Michiru cried out, joining her, and I too released my cum. It splattered across both their faces, and like an eager puppy, Michiru licked it up. Miyu seemed perplexed as it dripped down her face, gingerly dabbing her tongue at it, before Michiru began gathering the jet in her mouth, and them seized Miyu’s lips, passing it over. My flow soaked their naked chests and thighs, and as it slowed down, I then let out a cry of wonder.

I didn’t know we could do this, but the Throne makes it clear…

Lovers’ Link strengthened, not enough to rank up, but they were close, and that thick tie between the three of us, shared shame (theirs sexual, mine entirely that I’d got swept into the moment and gone way too far as always), bodily arousal, spiritual satiation, and mental release, combining to bring the bond I wanted into focus, my Path bolstering me, a weight behind me, pushing me onwards.

They will gain a small boost to all of their Statistics, which is greater within the Territory proper, and have a maximum Level of Five. They also have a slight chance to develop new special abilities and Skills. That was an excerpt from a Rank 1 Throne. The key was… develop new special abilities or Skills. Shaeula had gained a new wind, Grulgor the ability to integrate with elements directly… what could Michiru gain?

“So… unpleasant.” Miyu grimaced. “Bitter.” They had finished their kiss, and seeing Miyu having swallowed my semen, mixed with Michiru’s saliva, filled me with shame and arousal. Just what the hell will I tell Fujiwara-san?

“Nothing…” Miyu read my thoughts, as of course she did, the three of us knew everything about each other, and in that moment, I realised…

Oh yes. I am speaking directly to the two of them. If Rose was paying attention, she would be too, but she is mentally distracted. Eri chastised me. If you blend your spirits, and I am connected inextricably with your spirit, of course I would come. Though… don’t worry, I’m not sharing the… sensations. Else I would have isolated myself and stayed clear.

“Yes. There is no need to mention anything. I Danced, and then you comforted me for my shameful display. I am still a virgin, as is Michiru.” Miyu was breathing heavily but still composed. In fact, she’d managed to grasp how the Fae way worked from this intense experience. “I thank you. Michiru and I can certainly manage now. You did only what we asked. Despite being able to do so much more…”

She gently scooped up a gobbet of my cum from Michiru’s breast with one slender finger and licked it. “Bitter and vile. I hardly see why Eri-san enjoys it so… I certainly am in no hurry to taste it again. But…” She grabbed Michiru’s ass, pointing it towards me, spreading her dripping pussy. “If you want it, take it. She would hardly mind…”

Michiru blushed, drooling. “Yes, I’m… stick it in, make a mess of me, screw me…”

“But you will not, will you?” Miyu knowingly spread her own pussy, giving me a good look at the pearly white film inside, slick with nectar. “Because, despite the pain and shame you are feeling, you are a good man.” She slapped Michiru’s ass, releasing her pussy, and the ninja girl slumped down regretfully, pouting, teary eyed. “And you believe your hands full. They certainly are. Now… you have done as we asked and taught us this lewd, sordid merging of spirits… which I do believe is definitely no less sullying than physical sex. Besides… you know it, do you not…”

He does. Eri affirmed, though I could hide nothing from them. But… despite all this, you can tell he cares for you, Miyu-san. Even though he could screw you right here and now, and regenerate your hymen with Ether Healing afterwards, so that you still appear the perfect virgin, and your dalliance be merely between the three of you… he genuinely wants the best for you. And he’s delighted you trusted him to be a part of your risky Dance.

“in that case… reward Michiru.” Miyu slapped her ass again. “She has endured a lot, and… this is a gift I cannot give her. I feel the bond shaking, and something within me tearing. Besides… it is the first step of my revenge against Ame-no-uzu… ahn… no!” Miyu spasmed, hips bucking, as to do what I needed, I indeed had to tear out part of the extended sakaki network that had grown from her borrowed Truesoul strands.

This was different to what I’d done before, and also somehow quite familiar. Miyu’s root and sacral Chakras pulsed, and the flow from her shattered, and I lost Michiru’s too, and she hugged Miyu, sweat pouring off her, as I forced the connection between Miyu and Michiru, and then bedded it in. Soullight Chirurgery managed to separate out a single strand, weakening Miyu a little, though she was still more powerful than when she had begun this day, and as Michiru’s root and sacral Chakras were wrapped in the silvery leaves, more blooming, vines slowly weaving up towards her heart and lunar Chakras, I knew I’d succeeded.

“I feel… Miyu-sama, I feel… wonderful!”

“Of course… you… aha… hah… do…” her laughing gasps of pleasure and sighs, her body slick and damp, made Michiru flush, and seeing that, they exchanged a long, damp kiss. Then, as they parted, Miyu reached out and brought me closer. Now our link was broken, I went to refuse, and she chuckled. “It is just a kiss. Gratitude. Besides, we have once already. Consider it… respect from one of your Adamant Officers.” Our lips met, and her clumsy initial forays had improved dramatically, perhaps learning from my emotions. When I was done, Michiru greedily joined in, and after I’d satisfied them, the sting of guilt prickling at me, Miyu actually shocked me, by slapping my dick playfully, her long fingers, used to piano and holding a fan, delivering a slap that actually hurt a little…

“Hey, that’s sensitive…” I grumbled, and she snorted.

“I know. Hence why I did it. If you think such again, I will be angry.” Her smile was a little scary now, and her sadism was showing, her earlier submissive streak buried deep. “It happened, and neither Michiru nor I lost anything, only gained. And we do not demand anything, either. It was simply a Dance to honour the Goddess, and then you merely trained us, as we requested. Some private lessons. This is the Pilgrimage still, the purpose was indeed to secure the Kami-Blessed Class, but also… to help us all reach our full potential. I would say…” she stood, her skin pink, but her smile bright. “…you succeeded.”

“That is right!” Michiru was back to her ordinary method of speech and seeing me smirking at that she pouted. “I feel… reborn. My love for you is deeper than ever, Miyu-sama, and… I am more than happy to serve as master’s outlet whenever and wherever is required!” She pushed out her modest, cum-soaked chest proudly, and I grimaced.

Miyu, however, was on top of matters. “I doubt he will have need of that, Michiru. If he avails himself of you, Eri-san and the others will be rightfully upset. Of course, that is not to say, perhaps in secret…” She winked at me, and whether it was still faint traces of her thoughts and emotions lingering in my lunar Chakra, I knew she wanted me to play along.

“If I told you I would, you’d not be excited, would you? Just… don’t expect it, and who knows?” That should keep her occupied thinking about that for a while and give me time to sort out this mess. We’re not…

“Rest assured, nothing has changed. Except for one matter.” Miyu smiled, patting Michiru’s head. “I must prepare for the second Dance, and… this time I will not be greedy, for you have already started to make good on your promise. Michiru’s Skill… tell us about it, please?”

“I will, but first, let’s clean up, okay? If I take you two back like this, Honoka and Kozue-chan will faint. Or try and kill me…” I grumbled. Michiru, however, merely grinned maliciously.

“You should allow me to walk back naked, covered in your manly seed, to show you conquered me…”

I did not!

Akio, you owe me, right?

I do. I’m sorry about all this, maybe I’m the sucker Haru pegged me as.

I don’t think so. You didn’t cross the final line, and Miyu-san is actually rather sensible. Michiru-san, well, she’ll keep her in line, and while you might have to deal with her exuberance, I think it’s safe. Just… don’t ever end up doing this with someone like Christina unless you love her, because if you have some casual play like this, she’s the sort who will take it as a declaration of undying love. She’s annoying enough without that!

I shuddered, picturing that image. You’re right. Do you think Haru was warning me about her?

I can’t see it. During the village visit she was still a drooling, broken mess in her wheelchair. Recovering from such heavy Donating isn’t easy. Just… anyway, it’s not a big deal.

You’ve changed, Eri. I don’t know whether to be sad you’re not more jealous…

Of course I’m jealous, don’t be an idiot. I’m also just a realist now. I’m grateful you didn’t sweep them up into your arms recklessly.

I ignored Michiru’s protests, and cleansed us all with water, evaporating it with flame. I dressed again, as did Miyu, though she only wore half her layers, the others we draped around Michiru, making her seem comical, like a little teru teru bōzu doll, the oversized white and pink cloth billowing out around her, as we had to store her school uniform and underwear, as I wasn’t confident of cleaning them without doing some damage. She ended up storing them in her Adamant insignia, and Miyu chided her to bring spares next time, not merely piles of ninja tools, smoke grenades and the like…

I do kind of feel I probably should… no, I just have to support them more. Miyu’s right. It was just a rather erotic lesson. It might not be Shaeula’s fault, but… she’s in for some punishment! I’ll show her just how ‘innocent’ her Fae ways of bonding are!

She’ll be delighted to hear it. She ran off back to your Territory, but… I think an issue bothering her has been resolved. Or she’s come to a conclusion. For someone so devoted to you, she sure can be complicated. Pamper her, okay?

Punishment, pampering… ugh, now I’m thinking of Michiru…

Just consider it a lesson. And now they’ve been far more erotic than they’ve ever dared, I daresay their relationship will go to the next level. Consider yourself a matchmaker. It’s easier that way…

I will do. Thanks again, Eri… I don’t know what I’d do without you.

If only you’d realised that years ago… anyway, I hope you never have to find out.

“How do I look?” Miyu was applying makeup to her face again, not the bone white powder of before, but a subtle, elegant enhancement of her features.

“Beautiful.” I insisted. “Though… I can’t in good conscience say the same about Michiru. She looks like a ball of silk.”

As Michiru insisted she was still ready to defend us if needs be, we excited the cave. Ironically, we hadn’t actually been gone that long, an hour or so, and as we headed towards where Honoka and Kozue-chan were guarding the route to us, Miyu, a cheerful smile on her face, entirely as composed as always, as if her striptease and the sticky, damp mess that was our lessons in Fae bonding was simply a fever dream and had never happened, asked me the question she wanted the answer to the most.

“So, Michiru. I can feel the Throne connection has changed. What did she gain?”

“An excellent question. I should probably give you the rundown on your own gains too, but for now… her new Skill is Dance Of Defending The Dawn, Doom By The Dusk…”

An ominous name, but the Skill itself… definitely has no sin, no sin at all…