On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

As I laid Daiyu down on the futons, Motoko stood up and went over to sit with Ellie, Yukiko and Eri. Hyacinth, who was bustling about, offering drinks and snacks to everyone, even while watching the lovemaking with contemplative, amused interest, also wandered over.

“So, shall I start?” I asked, and Daiyu nodded.

“By all means. I am curious. Though…” Her black eyes met mine with a smile. “Perhaps it is wise to Dual Cultivate while trying it?”

“Sure, but… you only get one ejaculation, by the sounds of it.” I warned, knowing that when Daiyu was turned on, she tended to drain me dry. It was then Kana spoke up.

“She… can have mine. I’m next anyway.”

We all turned to look at her, and face red, she shrugged. “I’m… not quite ready to go all the way. I… have some ideas of how I’d like my first time. I’m… despite everything, a rather ordinary girl, I think.” She then smiled impishly, eyeing Ellie. “I was kind of in awe, you know. You’ve had, what, one date on Christmas Eve?”

Ellie nodded, face crimson to match Kana’s, and as she moved she was keenly aware of the soiled nightgown sticking to her body, my manly scent in her nostrils. “It was a rather wonderful date though. The stuff dreams are made of, I suppose… but you’re right. I… got carried away.”

I half-listened as I began preparing Daiyu for the massage. Instead of stimulating the Lotus Root safely from above, I decided to be more… proactive, knowing Daiyu would appreciate it, so I began to lick her pussy, my tongue lapping at her love nectars, and even rolling around the stiff red bean that was her clit, and sweat immediately beaded on her smooth, milky-white skin, as she began stroking my hair tenderly.

“Eri provoked you.” Kana snorted. “I know why, but… she’s got a bad habit of doing that. Especially since we were so heated earlier… ah…” Kana glanced at me then, shrugging. “…we’re not keeping secrets, Akio. We wouldn’t do that. But… the world of women is complicated. We have to talk, gossip amongst ourselves, and… manage some things, I guess? Don’t misunderstand, we’re not trying to tell you who you can’t get close to, it’s just… oh, never mind. That’s not the point…”

“That reminds me…” Ellie seemed eager to change the subject, flexing her hands, as if perhaps still feeling my cock between her fingers.

Daiyu’s breathing was speeding up, but the aim here wasn’t to make her cum, but to begin building Yin, so I withdrew my tongue, to her regretful murmurs.

“…Eri, you look a lot like me, the body shape and lines are right, but… how do I say this…” She leaned in and whispered, embarrassed, but I still caught most of it.

“…nipples look different, and… down below…”

Eri let out a dry chuckle. “Of course. I’ve never seen you naked. So I’m just guessing. It’s why…” Eri leaned in and said something which I couldn’t hear, and Ellie’s expression was a wonderful mix of confusion and interest.

“Really? I see. That sounds… I don’t know. I’m all very new to this.”

“Yes, which is why I wanted to give you a little push. The timing was good, as I lost the game…”

Daiyu was melting under my fingers, her body heating up, but with my Eyes I noticed that unlike with Mae, Daiyu’s Dantians were starting to respond as well, and her network was activated far more strongly. Makes sense, I suppose, it is a Cultivation Technique, from the Ten Thousand Flower Throne. But…

Daiyu nodded. “I want it. I believe I can control my own body enough that… you can stimulate my acupoints directly. And more besides.” She reached down and parted her lower lips, and I pushed my glans to her entrance, hesitating a moment to prolong her anticipation, before I slid in. She moaned in pleasure, biting on her lips, and her expression was far richer and more animated than usual, as Daiyu really let her emotions free when we made love.

“I’m going to try it then.” I suggested, and Daiyu nodded, even as I let my Qi seep free from my cock, something that took an absurd amount of control, especially with my still mediocre conversion efficiency, the thin needles poking at her Lotus Root acupoints and stimulating her meridians and sub-Chakras to intensify their production.

“…so yes, I thought you’d be thankful afterwards. I wouldn’t just do it to be petty.” Eri was insisting, as my fingers pressed down into Daiyu’s abdomen, starting the next part of the cycle, even as my dick slammed against Daiyu’s deepest places, wringing pleasurable groans from her. She reached out, hand on my own Dantians, and she began to cycle her own Qi, flooding me, and taking mine in return, yet that started to disrupt the flow of the massage, knocking the accumulation of Yin off-kilter.

“Besides, you made your points fairly and listened. I actually rather like you, Eleanor.” Eri was flickering her ears playfully, tail wagging. “You’ve got good sense, and I think we see the world in a similar way.”

As Ellie pondered that, I continued my attempts to apply the massage to Daiyu, even as we cultivated. Her breasts, which weren’t huge, but were still large relative to her slender frame, shivered under my touch, and as she wiggled her body, sliding her clamping pussy up and down my thrusting dick, she leaned in for a passionate kiss. Wet, squelching and slurping noises almost drown out the conversation, but Kana wasn’t done.

“You’re not as normal as you think, Eri.” Kana snorted. Her eyes went vacant for a moment, and she chuckled in relief. “I almost lost there. Bad luck, Tsukiko.”

As the woman in question smiled, gracefully popping the two buttons holding her top shut, her large breasts burst free, and soon she’d pulled down her bottoms, exposing her slit to me as she sat, unconcerned, sipping some of the water Hyacinth had given her.

“I wonder if I’ll ever have that level of poise and self-assurance…” Kana muttered, eyeing the now naked Tsukiko, before glancing back at me, flushing, then turning her attention back to Eri and Ellie. “No, I definitely will. I know I’m gorgeous. No, Eri, you have to accept that you’re not exactly normal anymore.” She smirked then, her expression teasing. “No, you never were. When we first met, I had you pegged for an overly obsessive, needy woman. You’ve done well overcoming that, but… it’s just channelled into something different. Not everyone needs a push. I think Eleanor would have done just fine without it.”

“I don’t know…” Ellie glanced over at where Daiyu and I were kissing frantically, my cock pounding into her, her walls squirming and sucking on my dick, a mixture of nectar, sweat and precum bubbling as it oozed from her hot, sweaty body. Qi was running wild, and this wasn’t the usual sort of Dual Cultivation we were used to, the flow turbulent and like dozens of small whirlpools within us.

“I think… this is not… useful as Cultivation…” Daiyu managed to gasp in-between fierce kisses. “…yet… tonight was not… supposed to be about… hah, ahn… training, so… I shall savour… hah… it, and hope…”

“Yes.” I agreed, breathless myself as I kept thrusting, clinging to Daiyu, kissing as if I wished to devour her. “I feel… hah… the same way, Daiyu.”

“I am… glad!” she managed, the massage Technique completely breaking down. I helped Daiyu contain and soothe the churning masses of energy, and she spasmed, liquid scattering, mouth slack. Her tongue sought mine, and we tangled them, even as Daiyu orgasmed. Her nails raked my back, but I didn’t even feel it, as I continued to thrust, and Daiyu, our minds and hearts in sync, even with the turbulent, aborted Dual Cultivation, used her phenomenal understanding and control of her body to tighten and release her pussy, squeezing me like Ellie’s hand earlier, and moments later, I burst, cum pouring into her, the amount not terribly diminished, despite my two previous releases.

“I do not wish you to think I only do this for my Cultivation…” Daiyu panted at last, as she lay in my arms, our bodies still wrapped around each other, the smaller girl in my arms smiling wistfully.

“I know.” I kissed her salty forehead. I’d missed Ellie’s rebuttal to Kana, caught up in the moment of bliss, but Motoko had offered her own viewpoint.

“Sometimes a little push is needed. But you have taken after Shaeula rather too much of late, Eri.”

As our little Fae in question snickered at that, drinking some booze with Shiro the pair of them had brought out of storage, Eri paused. “Really? I trust you, Motoko, so if you’re saying that…”

“Yeah!” Kana piped up again as I was stroking Daiyu’s hair gently, offering her a mixture of tender and deep kisses. “That’s it exactly, Motoko. Eri, you’re taking after Shaeula. Always in a rush. What does it matter if Eleanor just watched, or even retreated? We’ll be together for a long time. She doesn’t need to dive in headfirst!”

“I… don’t think Eri meant any harm.” Ellie defended her. “And… honestly, I don’t regret it. I’m a slow woman, but a steady one. I made my choice. I still feel rather awful about butting in, but… it’s all Akio’s fault.” Ellie teased me, even as she watched Daiyu and I. “He made me love him, and here we are. I… want the formal certainty of an engagement though. Before I go much further. I’m not a saint, or a particularly old-fashioned woman. I don’t have to wait until marriage, but… at least that.”

“It is the same with Aiko.” Motoko added, and my gaze sharpened, but Daiyu breathed into my ear that matters were… complicated… but in hand.

“You should not force her so, even with good intentions.”

“I just want her to be happy. I love Aiko a lot. She’s been with me as long as Akio has. Longer even…” Eri’s black eyes were a little accusatory, as she smiled at me. “…after all, Aiko never left me. But I know why, and I don’t blame you…” She shook her head. “But you know Aiko has been very stressed.”

“Yeah. Even so…” I considered my sister’s actions today in light of this. “…forcing her to confront that isn’t the right call. We’re here to help her work through whatever it is she’s struggling with. We just have to let her know that whatever she needs, whatever will make her happy, we’re here for her, and we’ll make it happen. Without question.”

There was silence, the quiet chuckling of Daiyu the only sound I could hear, before Ellie shrugged.

“See? This is why I didn’t oppose you, Eri. Though perhaps I should have done. There’s no need to rush. Kana is quite right. For one so young, you’ve a good head on your shoulders.”

“Thank you.” Kana was pleased with the compliment. “Look, Eri, this isn’t the time for it. Just… let Aiko work it out and be supportive.”

Eri’s ears and tail were drooping, but seeing as most of the room was agreeing with Kana, she nodded. “All right. But… if she runs away from her own desires again, I’ll definitely step in. Aiko’s actually quite the dishonest woman, and oddly cowardly.”

“I think it rather understandable…” Ellie muttered, before raising one hand. “Don’t mind me. Just voicing my thoughts out loud. Can we just agree that I don’t hold any grudge over Eri’s actions? It’s…” her smile was suddenly rather wicked. “…not exactly a perfect reproduction of me anyway.”

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow, teasing her. “Want to prove that?”

“Oh, you!” Ellie chuckled, exasperated. “Not tonight. I’m… you know what, it’s embarrassing, but I’m not too upset watching. Seeing the looks of love on your faces makes me feel rather more sanguine about this whole situation.”

Daiyu pulled away from me, showing cum flowing from her pussy, as Motoko had, and she came over, sitting beside them. Ellie swallowed, hand working again, opening and closing, and Daiyu reached down a finger, scooping out some of the drizzling cum dripping from her pussy, and idly sucked it down. “Yes. We are all the same, Eleanor, whether we be swift or stately, our end destination is with Akio.”

“Hey, Daiyu, weren’t you taking my turn?” Kana asked, confused, and Daiyu nodded.

“I am grateful, as I would like to try a massage on Akio next, but… I shall not steal your innocent fun. Nobody objects if Kana has a little innocent time first, do they?”

There were no complaints, and Kana, face red, came over to me from where she was sitting. “Really, I’m admiring Eleanor now. Provoked or not, it takes a certain measure of bravery to be intimate in front of others. That reminds me…” Kana glanced at my dick and asked if I could clean it. I did so, a little water element washing off Motoko and Daiyu’s nectars and my spilled seed, and Kana relaxed.

“…I feel it’s a bit strange, the Valkyries are watching, aren’t they?”

“Have no-no fear.” Shaeula answered for me. She was enjoying a languid chat with Shiro, drinking and watching the sexy fun idly. “We are not-not shy with those we accept, such as you, Kana, or Eleanor. Yet, to have those who are merely bystanders…”

With a smile, I agreed. “Yes. Rose and Lin are watching, but the others have all retreated for now. Though Run didn’t want to go, claiming she was curious, until Lin snapped that if she wanted to stay, she had to be my Brúðr. The madwoman was actually considering it, so she says, but I think she was only doing that to mess with Lin and Rose. She’s a bit of a prankster, reminds me of you, Shaeula.”

“Yes, I can see-see that.” Shaeula chuckled.

“Oh, so it’s just those two watching then?” Kana was relieved.

“It would be nice if you could do what you did at Mount Atago and project them…” Natsumi offered. She was enjoying the show, relaxed and chatting to Asha about harmless things, their plans for the upcoming new year and so forth. “…but we all decided to give you a break.”

“Yes. Rose said I shouldn’t waste the energy. They’re happy just observing, that makes them feel a part of this.” Though one day they’ll genuinely be together with everyone. That day might be a long way off, but… I swear it’ll happen.

“Fine then.” Kana let out a quiet giggle. “I’m not so self-conscious then, though… all of you, just chat amongst yourselves or drink or whatever! I’m not going to be doing anything very sexy, so don’t get too excited!”

Eri snorted. “You’re just embarrassed. That’s fine. You’ll get used to it. Take your time, we’ve got all night. But…”

“I know. Akio’s got you all eager to play with him.” Kana winked. “I’ll just take up a little time, then… I might go see how Haru and Aiko-chan are. I bet she’s burying her head in a pillow and wishing that today was just a dream.”

“I don’t think she seemed that bad.” I shrugged. “Kana, can I kiss you?”

“That’s a sudden change. Yes, you can.” Kana pressed her lips to mine, and as her mouth opened, her tongue sought mine. It was a deep, passionate kiss, of the sort I didn’t often share with Kana, but it was a welcome surprise, and I felt some of the pressure constraining me ease. Yes, Kana’s very soothing.

As we parted, Kana let out a small giggle. “I do like kissing. It’s… nice. Feels very much like happy flirting. But…” Her brown eyes were serious, and with a smile, she patted her legs, pulling up the hem of her lacy red and white nightdress. I could see her panties, as she was indeed wearing underwear unlike many here, and they were oddly cute pink ones. Seeing she’d pulled up the hem a little too far, she flushed, but her smile didn’t falter, as she tapped her thighs again.

“You’ve seen me in my underwear before, though here it’s somehow a little bit more embarrassing. Anyway… you’re going to be worked hard, so… take a break? Though…” Kana paused, her gaze serious, as if she’d made up her mind on something important. “If you want to, I don’t mind… you know, going all the way. Though it’d be a bit strange having our first time today…”

I gently reached up and put a finger to her lips, before laying my head upon her soft, warm thighs. I shifted a bit to get comfortable, and Kana shivered at the feel of my hair tickling her bare  skin. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to make love to you, Kana. You’re beautiful. Inside and out. But… I can also wait for the right moment, and this isn’t it. It’s not right until you feel it is. Though you did say one wrong thing…”

I held in a chuckle as she began to stroke my hair tenderly, her gaze affectionate yet quizzical.

“Oh?” she asked, raising one eyebrow, and I snickered.

“Yes, no man would ever call this working hard. If you’d have asked me this six months ago, if I’d be here, doing this with all of you… I’d have accepted in a heartbeat.”

“Liar.” Eri and Shiro spoke together, and I was surprised, only for Eri’s next words to actually shock me.

“No you wouldn’t have. You would have run away.”

“She’s right.” Shiro agreed. “Our Aki, too much of a coward to take what was on offer. I… much prefer your carnivorous side.”

“Only because you get off on it.” Eri insisted, and Shiro waved a hand. She was quite drunk, she and Shaeula enjoying a leisurely drinking session while the festivities happened. It was fun, seeing the girls talking, chatting and playing with each other, though when it came to the sex, all eyes tended to be on me and whoever I was with.

“Harsh, Eri. Harsh. I do, though it’s embarrassing to say.” Shiro’s face was flushed with more than alcohol now. “But my point is… you and Shaeula broke Aki’s shell. And you too, Kana.” Shiro conceded, and Kana chuckled.

“I know. But… we’ve got problems, haven’t we?” As I stirred, she exerted a little strength in her hands, indicating I should just enjoy the lap pillow.

“Yeah, but… we’re working through them.” Shiro seemed puzzled, and Kana sighed.

“We are, but… look, stop the game for now, okay? And those of you who’re naked, put some clothes on. It’s rude to a guest I’ve got coming.”

A guest? My first thoughts went to Miyu and Michiru, but that didn’t seem to fit, as they clearly wouldn’t care about others being naked. In fact, Michiru would strip and beg for me to screw her, no doubt…

“I see.” Hinata nodded, glancing at Motoko and Natsumi, who also seemed to understand what was going on. “You’ve been rather quiet in our discussions, Kana. I did wonder why…”

“I guess, despite everything…” Kana continued to stroke my head. “…maybe I’m the most… ordinary… out of everyone. And… I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea…” her tone was suddenly very firm. “…but I’m experienced… in how ordinary relationships should go…” Her tone brooked no arguments about what she meant. “…so I can see some of the problems. But even so, I never dated before. I was hit on plenty, sure…”

“Nice humblebrag…” Shiro snorted, but everyone ignored her.

“…but I’ve got high standards.” She leaned down and kissed my lips briefly. “I guess only the best man alive will do. So… I was speaking to someone a little more… wise.” Daiyu and the others hadn’t reclothed themselves, but they’d at least draped sheets over their bare skin in deference to Kana’s wishes. “…trust me. I like that we all talk things out and come to agreements, but… we’re just saving up problems, I think. Oh, she’s here now.”

All eyes turned to the artfully painted door, which slid aside, to reveal an unexpected visitor. “Oh my, it smells like a brothel in here.” She spoke cheerfully in English, and Shiro snickered.

“Been to many of those, have you?”

“You know I haven’t. It was a figure of speech, Shiro.” the woman retorted. She had her wavy brown hair, with some blonde highlights, falling around her face in pretty curls, her brown eyes sparkling. She wore the Adamant white shirt, though it was artfully, or casually, unbuttoned, revealing her cleavage and the hint of a lacy bra. Her legs were bare beneath her black miniskirt, stockings having been removed, and her face was slightly red, perhaps also from alcohol. Though she’s still wearing her Adamant rank insignia on her chest.

Spoiler

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“Hi, everyone. Sorry to intrude!” Yu-mi waved, before coming and occupying a chair next to the makeshift bed Kana and I were on. “I was drinking with the Adamant girls… oh, not just my Korean recruits, but some of the others too. We have to build camaraderie after all. Nozomi is rather quiet, but surprisingly talkative when drunk…”

“Why are you here, Yu-mi?” Eri asked. “…are… you joining us? If so, I don’t mind. I know you like Akio, and…”

Yu-mi raised a hand to stop her. “I think we’re quite close, Eri. Thanks to our time in Korea and since. And I know you mean well. But that’s not what I’m here for.” She nodded at Kana. “It’s… a little bit mean, making Haru transmit thoughts about her, but she says she doesn’t mind, so… anyway, Kana called me in. Since… I’m like her, in a way. Kana’s the only normal girl here.”

I watched on, and Haru’s voice sounded. I’m very sorry about this, Akio. Maybe… maybe I didn’t go about things the right way. But… I was happy everyone wanted to help me, help us, find happiness. I should have known better.

It’s not your fault, you’ve done nothing wrong! I was emphatic in my response. I… love you, Haru. I do. But I thought to love you meant sheltering you from… well, from any base expressions of human desire. So… I’d never have got it without such bluntness.

Even so, there’s help and support, and… too much meddling. We’ll… have to learn the difference. I… overstepped with poor Ileana too. Because I was thinking of my own woes, I wished I could just speak up, so I forced my own desires onto her. Fortunately it worked out, but… it could have been a disaster. For her, for you…

It’s fine. We all… make mistakes. And I regret nothing. But… I’ll swear this to you now. I’ll never push you further than you can handle, than you want to go. Because that’s what love is.

Thank you, Akio. Though… I’m going to need the occasional push. I’m… stronger than I ever thought possible. If you make a small mistake, I won’t break. I promise.

“I’d say I’m normal…” Eri insisted, and wondered why everyone was either looking at her funny, or burst out laughing. “I am!” she insisted again.

“I… think not.” Ellie shook her head. “I don’t mean this in a disparaging way, but… your love for those you cherish is clearly abnormal. Akio, Aiko… even us now. You’d do anything to see them happy, and yourself, of course…”

“It is what Aiko calls her YandEri mode-mode…” Shaeula laughed. “But I do not-not disagree. Eri, you are wonderful, but you are not-not in any way ordinary. And I am thankful for that.”

“Yes. When it comes down to it, I’m not normal either.” Yu-mi shrugged, gratefully taking a drink from Hyacinth. “Thanks. Anyway… I’d be closer to our High Commander…” she nodded at Hinata. “…or Natsumi, but… fortunately, dad never sent me to Choe-Museon. I went to a fancy school, sure, but it’s nothing like that, or your Hanafubuki. So… I’ve got that rich girl common sense. Which is about as close to normal as anyone here gets, I think.”

“Guess that makes me the poor girl…” Kana snorted, and I smiled warmly at her.

“Hardly. Every hour now the factories and recycling plants are scaling up and generating us more money. We’re rich now, Kana!”

“True. I always wanted a wealthy, handsome boyfriend. Sure, you’ve got some unexpected baggage…” Kana admitted. “…but it’s not so bad. Though…”

“Yes. You’ve all done well.” Yu-mi agreed. “Eri, you took the lessons from Gangnam to heart. I’m proud of you. But… you overcompensated a little bit. Which might grow into an equal problem. Look…” Yu-mi was honest. “…you don’t have to listen to me. But Kana asked me for advice, and I’m happy to give it. I’m hardly… unbiased… but I think I’ve been around long enough to know what the dangers are. Though obviously I’ve never been in a relationship as complicated as yours is. But just to clarify, I’ve dated and had boyfriends, sure, but… I’ve never gone too far. I know that might not matter to you…” Yu-mi addressed me. “…but it does to me, okay? I can’t say my first kiss is something I can offer, but… everything else is on the table. Well, almost.” She chuckled self-deprecatingly. “There’s been a little bit of handsy play when drunk a couple of times, but nothing major. Like I told you that day, I’d go to the bridal bed a virgin. Both in body and heart.” She winked.

“Some of you might not know the story of how I came to be in Adamant. I won’t bore you all again, and I know you’re… eager… to carry on with Akio.” She teased, and some of the girls giggled. “My dad proposed me to marry Akio in exchange for saving my cousin Yu-jun from Choe-Museon academy. I wasn’t happy, how could I have been? Marrying a man I didn’t even know. But… I’m a rich girl, we often get engaged for business reasons.” The noble trio nodded at that, fully understanding. “So I was at least relieved Akio was handsome and seemed nice. So nice in fact… he turned me down, and rescued Yu-jun anyway. I was shocked. Relieved. Then frustrated, and oddly angry. Women are complicated creatures.”

She took a sip of her drink, reminiscing. “It was then that I guess the first seeds of affection were sown. It doesn’t take much…” Ellie and Yukiko nodded at that, agreeing. “…but anyway. I joined Adamant when I had the chance, and… now I think I’ve made no secret of my intentions.” She boldly gazed down at me, and I smiled.

“Yeah. And… if I’m being honest, Yu-mi…”

“Not now.” She shushed me. “I’m here to solve problems, hopefully, not cause more. But that you recognise my intentions is enough for me. For now, anyway.” Her smile was rueful. “Kana, keep on comforting him. This is girl talk, but… Akio should understand this too.” She took a deep breath. “Really, you’re all so close to what’s right, but… don’t try and reason everything out, be too logical. We’re human… or if not, we’ve all still got the same emotions.”

“I don’t get it…” Eri waved her tail, confused, and Yu-mi smiled.

“You do, but you don’t want to see it. I’m proud of you, Eri. You’re trying really hard as first wife, to make everyone’s lives easier, to stop Akio from being burdened by the conflicts that… are simply inevitable in a group this size, but… you’re forgetting the most important thing.”

“Oh? And what’s that?” Eri asked, and Yu-mi shook her head.

“Relationships are partnerships. And Akio has broad shoulders. He’d be delighted to be relied upon, not troubled, wouldn’t you?” she asked me.

“Right.” I agreed, realising what was bothering me. “Hey, Ellie…”

“Me?” the woman in question was surprised, shifting and Yu-mi’s eyes widened as she finally saw the clear lewd stains all over her blue nightdress.

“That’s the Princess of Britain, and you… so bold. There’s nobody else like you…” she whispered, half to herself, half to me.

Don’t I know it. I can hardly believe it myself, but… I won’t ever let Ellie go now. Nor any of them… and…

“Yes, you!” I set my thoughts aside, to confront the problem on my mind, and also what Yu-mi had hinted at. “I’m proud of you, you know?” As she tilted her head, questioning, I continued. “You think things through now, you don’t judge hastily, you empathise, but… you don’t have to accept everything. If you’ve got genuine complaints after thinking about things from all angles, say so. You might have come latest, but that doesn’t make you least.” I was firm on this point. If I can’t bring out love in my heart equal to any, then I shouldn’t be with that person. That’s my resolve.

“But, I…” Ellie was troubled. “…there’s so much I don’t understand, so many mistakes I’ve already made. I’d rather defer…”

“Yes, compromise when you feel you can, of course. But don’t swallow genuine regrets or disagreements. Otherwise it’ll fester.” I insisted. “There’s… something on your mind, isn’t there?”

Ellie glanced at Eri, before nodding. Eri’s expression hardened, and Ellie waved one hand conciliatorily. “Don’t worry, Eri. I’m… not going to stand in your way on this. But Akio’s right. I do find it hard to accept and understand. Maybe… maybe I’m just too stupid…”

“Not at all.” Kana piped up. “I feel the same way, Eleanor. And I know I’m not alone.” Yukiko’s smile was shy now. “But that doesn’t mean we don’t understand, Eri.” Kana insisted. “Just… haste isn’t necessary, is it?”

“I… look…” Hinata spoke up now. “Akio. You loved Haru, it was obvious, and once we found out she’d come to love you… we pushed you two together. Was that wrong?”

Yu-mi and Kana both glanced at me knowingly, and I sighed. “It still was, the way you went about it. But since it was done from love of both of us, it’s fine. Instead… next time, talk to us. You could have supported me to change my way of thinking without just arranging everything. I’m slow…” I smiled at Ellie. “…yes, when it comes to relationships, I’m no better than you. We can learn together. If you’d have just suggested that Haru was thinking of our relationship in a different way now, and that I needed to reconsider my own feelings… sure, I’d have been stubborn, but…”

“I see. I get it.” Yukiko spoke up. “It’s like with the Kitsune, isn’t it? You’ve been clear you have feelings for Tamamo-no-Mae, and what that entails. Miyu and Michiru as well, I guess. And…” She glanced at Yu-mi, who blushed.

“I’m not here to cause bother. I… wore the uniform, and I think I’ve been plain in my desires. Try this…” Yu-mi smiled at me. “I want our engagement to be restored. We put it on hold…”

“I was sure I cancelled it…” I joked, and she tittered knowingly.

“You tried, certainly. But.. I genuinely fell in love with you. And while there’s a lot to be unhappy with, like the fact the man I want to marry is engaging in debauchery on this industrial scale…” Her joke hit hard, and I did feel a bit ashamed. “…I’ll be honest. I don’t think any other man measures up to you, Akio. And you’ve stolen my heart. And everyone here feels the same. Everyone in the other room too.”

“That’s right. Eri…” Ellie stood up for herself. “…I’m going to have to ask you to be a little more… modest… in your schemes. I… haven’t come to terms with everything yet. And don’t glower at me. I’m just being honest, and Akio says it! My voice matters too… and I know I’m not the only one who kept silent to avoid causing arguments. But… I’m also not going to reject things just because I don’t like them at first glance, or because that’s the way things have always been.” She then bowed to Eri, which confused her, judging by the flickering of her ears and the waving of her tail. “I do apologise, I’m not the brightest, so it’ll take a lot for me to understand. Please do make allowances for me, and I’ll try my best to be fair.”

“You… don’t have to say that.” Eri waved her ears, face pink, and it was Hyacinth who broke the sudden tension.

“Yooou are slow, yes, mistress Eleanor.” Hyacinth agreed. “But you are honest, and without malice, and… you cooome to the right conclusion eventually. Else Hyacinth thinks you would nooot be here with us now.”

“Thank you.” Ellie was touched by her kind words. “I was so awful to you, and to Motoko and Natsumi, when we first met. I know I’ve apologised, but…”

“The past. It matters nooot.” Hyacinth insisted, as did Motoko and Natsumi.

“Yes. And we do know you did it out of care for their wellbeing. You’ve got a righteous, unyielding heart, Ellie.” I added. “I love that about you. And if you’re not rushing to conclusions, you’re growing!”

“Even I can change.” Ellie’s smile was wry. “Besides, I’m more of a woman now than I was this morning.” She pulled at her sodden gown, sniffing. “Maybe I should have gone all the way. Grandmother would have understood…”

“Nope!” Yu-mi giggled. “It sounds to me you went exactly as far as you should. Now… what have we learned?”

“Communication. All our problems are a result of bad communication.” Kana added, and Yu-mi clapped.

“Yes, as expected of a well-adjusted young woman, same as me. Now, don’t get me wrong. Girls have to have secrets, and Eri, your insistence on sorting out problems so they don ‘t bother Akio is admirable in theory, so long as you know where to draw the line. And he can’t mediate every dispute a group this large has, else he’ll abandon you all and run away to be a monk… oh, sorry Tan, poor taste.” Yu-mi apologised, and Shiro, or perhaps Tan, waved a hand, dismissing that joke.

“But there are some things that need everyone’s input. And… Haru was one of them. Tamamo-no-Mae another. If I’m being honest…” Yu-mi shrugged. “…since I’m here to be honest, I wasn’t lying when I said I love you, Akio. But accepting me or rejecting me isn’t just your decision alone. It can’t be.”

“I know. It’s why…” I paused. “Look, I’m not in love with Nebisuki, far from it, but… when she has such wild and clear affection for me, it… does slowly grind down my resistance. But… I’ll never accept her while you loathe her, Shaeula, even if my feelings do change one day. And I can see why you do…”

Shaeula grimaced. “Now-now I feel rather awful. Loathe is a strong-strong word. But I do not-not think she is worthy of your love. Yet… I shall swallow my pride and speak to her. I do not-not believe she can change, but…” Shaeula suddenly snickered. “See, Eleanor? I am not-not any better than you. None of us are. We all-all have our worries and our prejudices. As for the other matter… it is not-not for us to speak of it. Eri…”

“All right.” She puffed out her cheeks and swore, unusual for her, as her tail lashed in frustration. “But it’s pissing me off! So much. I’m frustrated and I hate it, and it could all be solved so easily…”

“I doubt that.” The hitherto silent Tsukiko shook her head. “You are letting your biases rule you, Eri. Yet…”

“Yes.” Hinata agreed. “It doesn’t matter if there are obstacles. If it’s what everyone wants, we’ll bulldoze them. Money, power, favours, it doesn’t matter what it takes. Because we’re all Akio’s wives! We help each other. And… if we come to a dispute that can’t be resolved between us…”

“Akio has the final say. The tiebreaker, as it were. Of course, if he has a better third option…” Yu-mi chuckled, and Kana took over.

“…at the end of the day, Akio… it’s all your responsibility. To make us happy. You made proud boasts, so… follow through. We have to make you happy too, of course. But that means you’re the centre. The spider at the heart of the web.”

I see. That’s not so dissimilar to what Mae said… Still enjoying Kana’s lap pillow, I agreed. “I promise you all now. I’ll give you all so much happiness you’ll believe it’s all a dream. There are problems, yes, but… I’ll resolve them somehow. With all your support! I don’t like pyramids, and Kana, honestly I’m not a fan of spiders…” I remembered the Jorogumo, who we’d surely find with the Raven Knight, when we met again. “…no, it’s… more like a solar system, maybe. If I’m the sun, then my gravity holds you all, but… a solar system with just a sun is a dead, pitiful place. My light only has meaning because it gives you all warmth, and… in return, you all give me a place to belong to.”

“How poetic.” Yu-mi giggled.

“So… then in that case…” Kana leaned down and kissed my lips once more. “…I like Yu-mi. What do you all think?”

“I’m greatly indebted to her. Even now. But debts don’t make a good basis for a relationship…” Eri suggested, and Yu-mi clapped her hands again.

“That’s right! You’re learning! I’m so proud. Hey, I’m going back to Korea soon. I did want to go with Akio again, but it seems he’ll be busy Questing. But if you’re bored, want to come? We’ll tour the clubs… oh, don’t worry, if any guys hit on us we’ll send them packing, but… some girly fun time would be nice…”

“I’d… not mind that.” Eri agreed. “So…” she turned to me. “Akio… you said before that you’d started to regret not accepting Yu-mi…”

It’s true. I swallowed. “Yu-mi, do you really want to marry me?”

“I’m not a liar, Akio. Besides…” She nodded at Hinata. “High Commander, if you would…”

“You don’t think we picked just anyone for Adamant, do you?” Hinata giggled. “We’re not fools. Even if Shiro and Shaeula hoped you’d turn Adamant into your stable of concubines, I expected you’d be too kind to do that. But… you can certainly consider them all potential bridal candidates, if you are interested in any of them. Nobody is opposed to the idea. Those that are somewhat on the fence about it don’t hate it. Yu-mi here… just as Miyu and Michiru… they’ve fallen for you, Akio.”

“It’s true. So, yes, I’d dearly love to be part of your lives. And honestly, you could use me.” She winked at Kana. “I don’t think it’s fair for Kana to have to herd all you oddballs. Because despite what you all might think, none of you are anywhere close to normal. Though… neither are Kana and I anymore.”

“I… guess I don’t mind?” Ellie shrugged. “It’s easier to accept than… some things.”

“I don’t need an answer now, but…” Yu-mi smiled at me. “…you don’t hate the idea, do you?”

Honesty is required. Yes, communication. I’ve been doing better, but… I wasn’t truly communicating with Haru, despite my best intentions, so…

“No. I admired you from the day we met.” I admitted. “But it’s not my decision alone. We’re all in this together. But… I don’t think there will be many objections. Because…” I promised everyone here, and even Rose and Lin who were in the Wisdom World. “…be it Yu-mi, Miyu, Michiru, Mae, Haru… oh fucking hell, how did it end up this way?” I cursed, my words heartfelt.

I never… intended this. But… bonds that can’t be changed are chains. But change doesn’t just mean weakening, bonds can grow stronger too, change their meaning. Connection is important, but… Bonds are a Connection, at least in my mind, which makes both parties so conjoined better, happier, stronger… “…I’ll make those who love me happy, yet doing so, I’ll never short any of your happiness, I promise you all.” I met everyone’s eyes one by one. “But… it’s not just me who can make us happy. We’re all friends, companions, family. Just like Yu-mi says, have fun together, share hopes and dreams, make our wishes come true. No matter what… we have a near-eternity with each other. And I won’t let our enemies, or destiny or fate, or anything else, rob that from us. So…”

“When he says it like that, how can we be unmoved?” Tsukiko chuckled. “Though Tsukuyomi is also said to govern time. Perhaps you need to ask him to extend the day for you, if each day was a hundred hours, you might have enough time…”

The door to the other room slid open, and Haru popped her head through. Seeing us looking, she smiled, and it was a beautiful sight, as she seemed genuinely at peace for once. “I just wanted to say… I have no objections. And you were right. I was just… fearful. That your love for me was always going to remain the way you forced it to be. Now…” She took a deep breath. “…my cowardice is dead. And it won’t come back. I promise. Oh, everyone else here agrees. Nobody objects to your decision here, Akio. So rest easy. Now… it’s a bit… stimulating a room for me.” Her smile was strong but wavered slightly. “I… know it’s not the same, but… I’ll work my way up to it slowly.”

“Yes. You go relax.” I agreed, and the door slid shut. “So…” I looked at Yu-mi, who’s anticipation was plain.

“So, what’s your verdict?”

“Assuming everyone here is fine with it… I don’t mind us dating, with the expectation if things go well, I can speak with your father. I… said the same to Miyu and Michiru, so if that’s enough…”

“Absolutely. It’s probably a wiser decision.” Yu-mi smiled in a mixture of relief and anticipation. “I’ll tell dad anyway. I like that you’re not rushing into things now. It’s more sensible. But… don’t mistake me, I’ll prove I’m a woman worth your love, and I’m certain you’re the one for me.” She winked, before patting Kana’s shoulder. “Now, I’d best be going. I’ve said my piece. Communicate. You love each other enough to sometimes argue and fight, disagree and bicker, and come out of it stronger.”

“You can stay…” Eri began, but Yu-mi shook her head.

“I’d better not. This is the celebratory night for you all. Me… I’ll wait for the day Akio invites me boldly.” She winked at me, before saying her farewells and sauntering out. As the door shut behind her, Kana let out a relieved sigh.

“Sorry if I overstepped, but… honestly, I was a bit worried about how things were going. It’s all very well and good us coming to agreement on things, but… the many can’t drown out the voices of the few, and… what we think is best for Akio, and those who, like us, love him, might not be.”

I leaned up, getting off her thighs, surprising her, as I pulled her into a hug. She melted into my embrace, reciprocating, and after a fierce kiss, the most passionate we’d shared, our tongues greedily searching each other’s mouths, the scene dyeing Ellie’s, Yukiko’s and some other faces crimson, we parted.

“You’re the best, Kana.” I hugged her tightly. “I was a blind fool to disregard you for so long.”

“No kidding.” Kana agreed, her own face scarlet. She didn’t flinch as I groped her chest a little through her nightgown, allowing it for a while before playfully smacking my hand away. “That’s enough sampling the goods. I’m not ready to go further tonight unless you’re going to insist. Don’t get me wrong, I’m eager, but…” Kana made up her mind. “…I want to make the first time special. Don’t worry, I’m not going to keep you waiting forever, or even that much longer.”

“I should say not-not.” Shaeula added, waving her glass of Fae liqueur. “I can smell your eagerness, Kana. It makes sense, you are-are only female.”

“Hey, don’t be embarrassing me! Anyway…” As those who had covered up during Yu-mi’s visit doffed their sheets, baring their naked selves again, Kana sighed. “…Yu-mi’s a good woman. And I think she’s the sort we need, you know? Of course, if you don’t like her, don’t pick her up just for the sake of it, or because she’ll help keep us grounded…”

“I know.” I promised, kissing Kana again.

“All right…” Kana managed, licking her damp lips when we were done. “…Daiyu, I’ve had my fun, and spoke my mind. You’re up.”

“Very well.” Daiyu had been quiet during the conversation, but she smiled at me as she pressed me back down onto Kana’s lap, face up. “But you can assist. I do not wish to steal all your pleasure. Also… I very much respect Yu-mi. She never shirks her Cultivation training. I do not deny some jealousy when you embrace another, but…” Now she was kissing me, and once we were done, her black eyes were as moist as her lips. “…compared to the joy I feel being with you, with everyone, it is a mere candle flame flickering before the sun.”

“Very well said!” Eri agreed. “Look, Akio… maybe, maybe I’m not normal…” Ignoring snorts from the others she continued. “…I felt I was, before, when I defended you from Shaeula so fiercely. But… I… honestly wouldn’t go back and change this life. Not now. Because if I did, people who otherwise wouldn’t be happy, who are precious to me, who have become precious to me, would be sad, would suffer. Yes, I’m giving away shards of my own joy in exchange, but… Daiyu’s right. My joy right now is the size of Mount Tai, way up in the clouds. Do you think that trading away a few spadefuls of that will ever leave me unhappy?”

“Eri got the good part…” Natsumi giggled.

“As for me…” Asha touched her swelling belly. “In this moment, all my dreams are already true.”

“Then get more dreams.” Yukiko insisted. “Mount Tai is huge, but I think we can shoot for Olympus Mons. That’s the biggest, if I remember correctly?”

Tell them of Ymirfjall, the greatest mountain within the World Tree’s shade. Lin added, as Rose smirked at her knowingly. Lin’s golden eyes were stern as she waved one hand to dismiss her sister’s teasing. Aim for that at least…

I did so, and Asha nodded. “I merely spoke to relieve your pressure, Akio. I seek no further joy, for you have given me my life, love, and new life within. What more do I need? Yet… I shall accept all the happiness you offer me, and… I and our daughters, we will always return it tenfold.”

“And I’ll do the same. So we’ll be in an infinite loop!” I promised. “Ymirfjall will seem small in comparison. Anyway… Daiyu, what are you doing?” I asked, as her fingers roamed about my body.

“Thinking. This Technique is the massage from the tags I saw once, but I barely paid attention. I had no idea I would wish to touch a man so intimately. Now… I believe…” She pressed a thumb into one of my acupoints, injecting Qi, which my body accepted like ink into water, as we were compatible Dao Companions.

“Hah…” I let out a groan, as despite that acupoint being on my thigh, it sent a surge of energy running through my body, and my balls felt hot, as though the liquid within was heating up.

“If you press on the other side and release aether, the effect should be similar.” Daiyu advised Kana.

“Hey, don’t push yourself…” I warned, and Kana smiled brightly.

“I’m not going to. It’s a bit embarrassing, and I’ll probably run off to where Aiko and Haru are after this, but… it’s only a massage.” She winked, jamming in her finger to my other thigh and releasing energy. It was cruder than Daiyu’s precise control, and Qi seemed to have a more active effect on the subtle body… huh, that makes me wonder. Definitely an avenue to explore…

My thoughts vanished as Daiyu’s skilful, slender fingers were jabbing me in the thighs, belly, back, even my buttocks, and the Qi within was charging my meridians and capillaries, ones that seldom saw much use. Kana mirrored that, and the flow built, focussed on my lower body, heat bubbling like molten metal.

“Oh, I lose.” Shiro was saying. “But as there’s Tan as well…” Shiro just stripped her top off, breasts bouncing free. “Only fair.”

I didn’t have much leeway to pay attention, as Kana’s and Daiyu’s fingers were working me. The balance was a bit off, but I released my own Qi, stabilising Kana’s efforts, and Daiyu nodded approvingly.

“You are a quick study.”

“I guess. Well, I’ve experienced performing the technique Mae half-remembered. Anyway, Kana, if you’re comfortable with this, then I am.”

She gave me a sweet smile. Daiyu had moved to my belly area now, so instead, asked Kana to massage me more normally, and so her fingers started teasing my shoulders and neck, while a fire was lit in me by Daiyu’s hands and Qi.

“Trust me. I’m not one to do anything I’m not comfortable with. I’m too self-centred. But… I’m also in love with you, Akio. Like everyone here. I had no idea this was my future, but…” She winked at Daiyu. “…it’s hard to hate it, don’t you agree?”

“Yes. Just as the cold, deadly seas sent me to this land, to my destiny, and water travels from high to low… our Dao ties us together.” Daiyu’s hands were magical, and soon my body was in a strange state, of utter languidness, as well as a fiery ball of heat, my own Qi circulating beautifully.

Your Skill, Spiritually Pure Dual Cultivation, has increased from Rank 3 to Rank 4. Your Qi generated during acts of intimacy with your Dao Companion or others who share a deep Connection with you is purer and better able to enhance the body. It becomes easier to pass bottlenecks regarding Cultivation and its Skills when Dual Cultivating.

Your Class, Dual Cultivator, has increased from Level Three to Level Four.

Your Skill, Moonlight Jade Qi Refining, has increased from Rank 4 to Rank 5…

“That feels…” my body shuddered, as Qi was activating all my energetic centres, especially around the root and sacral Chakras, which fed into my reproductive organs. “…amazing. Wait…”

Daiyu was grinning, an unusually bold facial expression, and the flow of her Qi changed. Suddenly, it was as if my cock was grasped in invisible hands, squeezing and teasing sensations wrapping it.

“Hold on a second, Daiyu…” I began, but she merely continued her work, while Kana sealed my lips with hers. Now, Daiyu lowered down her mouth, swallowing up the tip of my cock, licking my glans. Her Qi surged, and I struggled to keep from orgasming on the spot. The other girls were chatting and laughing with each other, though some, such as Eri and Shaeula, were eyeing this playful, erotic scene with a mixture of amusement and hunger. Wait your turns… I can’t… all at once…

“Go on then…” Kana muttered, her spit dripping down into my mouth as she pulled her head up. “I can’t bear to leave it so chaste.” She pulled my hands to her chest, and I surrendered, squeezing her breasts through the thin cloth of her gown and bra. Kana moaned seductively, and for a moment I got the urge to tear off her flimsy clothing and go further, but reason stopped me, and… honestly, I want our first time to be special too. This… would probably be fun, and Kana wouldn’t hate it, I can see that by the way she’s reacting, but… she’s right. Kana’s my ordinary girlfriend, and I don’t mean that in an unkind way. She’s… very soothing on my heart, and… I imagine any ordinary first time she plans will be a magical experience I’ll remember fondly forever…

“Thanks…” I gasped, only for her to seal my lips again.

Daiyu was slurping and lapping at my dick, even as her fingers kept moving, expertly cycling my intensifying Qi, which was reacting with my crystal element. My body was suddenly extra sensitive, and I could feel water element churning too, my new, strengthened waters still retaining the Spirit Water property, and some faint impurities were leaking, though I used a little flame element to precisely destroy them.

I… wait a minute… Daiyu’s lustrous black hair was loose on my belly and thighs, she’d managed to get my whole dick down her throat, tongue and lips caressing me, and as my grip tightened on Kana, I could feel her tongue, Daiyu’s tongue, and it was like I was kissing both of them at once. Kana tried to speak, but with our lips locked all that came out were damp moans, and as her body trembled under my touch, Daiyu clamped her mouth shut and sucked at the same time, and my body, surging with Qi, couldn’t take it.

I convulsed, my fingers digging into Kana’s chest, and she moaned, parting her lips from mine, but I moved my head, recapturing her mouth, and as I came hard, spraying a torrent of cum straight down Daiyu’s throat, she gagged and choked, though her black eyes were euphoric, even as she calmed my Qi with her jabbing fingers.

“Puah… hah…” Kana gasped, as our tongues parted. “That was… passionate. If it’s this… good now… hah… wait a minute…” I was still groping her, though now rather more playfully, as I continued to shoot into Daiyu’s mouth, it was as if I was leaking out all my tension with it.

“No time to fondle me now. Is… is Daiyu fine?” Kana gasped and indeed, I realised that even for me,  the length of ejaculation was abnormal. Daiyu seemed unbothered though, and I could feel her own Qi surging, rising to meet mine. Still, soon even Daiyu was overwhelmed, and she coughed, her licking and sucking halting. Cum splattered me, as well as Kana’s thighs, and Daiyu tried bravely to swallow the rest, but even as my flow diminished, she coughed out more, and eventually my cock popped free, squirting some last sprays across Daiyu’s bare body, and Kana’s legs. A long ribbon of cum was stuck to Daiyu’s soiled lips, and as our Qi resonated together, I felt a great fulfilment, and knew Daiyu felt the same. My hands dropped from Kana’s breasts, and as I was basking in the afterglow of the massage and what was effectively a different type of Dual Cultivation, Kana and Daiyu pulled me up into a hug, their arms around me, sandwiching me.

Hugging them back, I gently kissed their forehead and cheeks, though then I felt a little bad. “Sorry about that, Kana. You got a bit splashed…”

“It’s fine.” she giggled, nuzzling against me. “Eleanor was brave enough to get a little dirty, so I can manage. I didn’t even get you off! Though Daiyu… whoa, your face is a mess!” Indeed, Daiyu’s lips and chin were covered in my cum, and she licked at her soaked mouth idly.

“Yes. It was… well, my stomach is a little uncomfortable.” She patted her belly. “Much more and you might mistake me for Asha.”

“Hey, it wasn’t that bad…” I laughed, but Daiyu shook her head.

“It was. But the flavour is addictive.” At her words, Ellie nodded, before flushing, embarrassed and shocked at her own boldness, and she wasn’t the only one to do so. “Still, I believe the Technique has merit. I felt the purity of your Qi change. As did mine.”

“Yeah. I Ranked up the Skills.” My Eyes shone. “Yours haven’t Ranked up, but… you’re close to a breakthrough. Which is impressive, at your Rank. But… while Skills are nice, love… love matters more, wouldn’t you agree?”

I leaned into their embrace, being more open with my feelings. “It’s just a shame…”

“Thinking of Yu-mi? Or Haru? Or maybe Tamamo-no-Mae? Hey, maybe you’re even thinking of Aiko…”

I shot Kana a flat look at her cheeky words, and she teasingly kissed me again, before relinquishing her hug and standing. She pulled down her nightdress, which was a little sticky, though not to the extent of Ellie’s.

“Look, we match!” As she did a twirl, Kana leaned in and whispered to me.

“I’ve seen the purikura, remember? Don’t get me wrong, I know how you feel, but… look, Eri was a bit of a bully earlier, but it’s something to think about, no?”

I nodded slowly. Aiko had been acting stranger than usual. No, she always playfully teased me, I remembered Vegas, but… this seemed odd, even for her.

“All right.” I murmured. “But if I wanted to talk to you about it…”

“I’ll listen. Of course.” Kana promised. “Anyway, I’m off. This was… yeah, way more stimulating than I imagined.” She tugged at her neckline, fanning her red face. “If I stay any longer, I’m only going to get swept up into things…”

“Hey, you’re only going to avoid losing the game!” Shiro teased, bouncing her bare chest, and Kana winked.

“You got me. But hey, I played fair. If I’d have lost up until now, I’d have bared my body for Akio to ogle. But I didn’t, so… bad luck!” She winked at me. “Everyone have fun, okay? See you later!” With that she waved and went to the other room. I heard my sis greet her teasingly, sounding oddly cheerful, and set side what Kana had said, at least for now. Daiyu was languid in my arms, so I picked her up and carried her back to a chair, setting her down gently. She thanked me, before closing her eyes, trying to make sense of her slightly changed Qi. Yes. I have to give my attention to those here now. Not that I feel that’s any sort of chore.

“Then… it seems it’s my turn.” Eri smiled, going over and patting Daiyu’s shoulder. “You did very well. Your massage was inspiring, though… you Cultivators do have an advantage in that regard. Anyway…” Eri’s black eyes gleamed. “I… can’t complete with that, but…” With a smile she scooped up some fallen clothing, Daiyu’s stripped pyjama shorts, as it happened. “…I do have an idea.”

“This should-should be good!” Shaeula teased. “But can Akio keep it up?” Her eyes took in my dick, which was starting to soften after Daiyu wrung it dry.

“Oh, I’m certain this will wake him up.” Eri promised, before shocking everyone by bowing to each woman in turn. “I’m… sorry. I know I’ve been so pushy, but… I genuinely think it’s for the best. Yet… I don’t want to browbeat everyone into doing what I want. So…”

“It’s fine. Really.” Ellie insisted. “Didn’t we say so earlier?”

“Yes, but… if I don’t apologise, I won’t improve. Kana and Yu-mi are right.”

“Then I accept your apology. If you’ll accept mine.” Ellie added. “I… would be delighted if you would fight for my happiness so hard one day.”

“Just come to me.” Eri insisted, and Yukiko and Tsukiko exchanged pleased looks.

“I will. Likewise, we’ll talk. You’ll be coming to Britain soon, so… there will be plenty of time.” Ellie finished, before Eri turned her attention back to me.

“Sorry Akio. Didn’t mean to ignore you.”

“No, it’s good seeing you getting along. Anyway… what’s your plan?”

“Simple.” She wrapped Daiyu’s shorts around my eyes, tying them off like a blindfold. “No peeking with your Eyes or other senses. I know you could, but I trust you. It’s only some harmless fun, anyway. Now then… use your hands and your mouth… uh, you can use this too…” Eri’s tail curled around my dick, tugging on it playfully, before her tail and ears vanished, Eri’s face screwed up in concentration, though I could no longer see that, as I played along, and was plunged into darkness by the blindfold.

“But… it’s like you observed, Eleanor. I’m not able to reproduce things I’ve not seen or experienced, so it won’t be perfect, but…” I felt Eri’s smooth hand grab my cock, guiding it to her pussy. My glans spread her open, and her warm, wet walls started clinging to me, as she gasped. Soon, I was deep inside her, down to the root, and her tone was higher-pitched, her breathing a little faster. “…it should be good enough. It’s… massage, but all I can do is use my womanly parts to do that. But I can spice it up.”

She began to rock back and forth, taking the lead. She guided my hands to her breasts, and she then kissed me passionately. It was a fresh experience, being cut off from sight, and it made smell, taste, touch… far more sensitive. As we devoured each other, Eri’s lips left mine, a long, satisfied sigh leaking out.

“Then… ahn… the game is… I’m… hah, ah… yes, deeper. Just there…” she was moaning as she continued to ride me. “Grope me… more, ah. Yes, I’ll… change… form. Guess… who… get… hah, ahn… them all… hah… right and… win… a prize!”

“A prize? What?” I asked, enjoying making Eri squirm with pleasure, and the feel of her soft breasts, her tight ass, and of course, her sopping pussy.

“You’ll… hah…. See. If you win. Ahn, hah… changing now….”

It was a unique feeling. Under my hands, Eri’s chest was shrinking, and as she rocked on me, her pussy tightened, squeezing my cock. Eri’s weight decreased too, and even the size of her mouth and tongue decreased. Entertained, I began to move myself, my dick striking deep inside, love nectar scattering, and Eri gasped, even her voice sounding different.

“Easy. Shaeula, right?” I chuckled, and Eri responded, in a passable imitation of her voice.

“Yes. I thought, hah, ahn… I’d be… generous. This… is strange. Hah, hits me different. Love it… though.” Eri’s movements were passionate and fierce, her tongue darting like an eel. It was strangely erotic, as Eri’s kiss was nothing like her usual one, and the feeling of her pussy, while not the same as Shaeula’s, wasn’t Eri’s.

As I began to heat up, Shiro warned Eri that if she went too hard, I’d cum, and she only got one shot. Eri snorted, and after our kiss ended, she gasped out a response.

“I… hah… ahn… know that!” her tone was gentle. “But this is… so good! Right…” Eri let out a lusty sigh, and began to charge form again, while shifting her hips, wringing and squeezing my dick. This time it was a little more challenging, her breasts and ass swelling under my grip, but as I sniffed the nape of her neck, which was bare, I knew.

“Natsumi, surely. I don’t even need the short hair to tell, I’ve fondled these breasts plenty, and her ass is tight and well-muscled, yet surprisingly plump.”

“It’s the training.” Natsumi laughed, and Eri agreed.

“Yes, she has… hah…ahn… an enviable… figure. I need… hah… to train my body… more. But for now… ahn…”

As Eri began to shift again, Natsumi spoke up. “Enviable? Yes, I’m proud of my hard work that’s shaped me, but… you’ve the most enviable of all, Eri. You can be anyone…”

“Yes, but… that’s… ahn, hah… not… me!” Eri’s weight increased, and her breasts were pressing against me now, heavy in my hands, and softer than I expected. I squeezed them, toying with the hard nipple, all the while thrusting into Eri’s pussy with my twitching dick. One of her hands was on my balls, the other stroking my back, and the fingers were so very familiar, not that I could ever mistake the explosive body, though the feeling of Eri’s facsimile of her pussy was off, it was still wonderful, and I was having to fight the urge to empty my load deep inside her.

“Tsukiko, yes?” I bent down, sucking on the huge breasts, and Eri hugged my head, gasping as I rolled my tongue around her nipples, and my cock was continually seeking out new places that made her moan. It was a fresh experience, as I was quite used to where to caress and probe my women to bring them pleasure, but as Eri was imagining what it would be like to be each woman, her pussy constantly shifted, and it was like a game now.

“Wait, hah… not so ah, ahn… hah… deep!” Eri gasped as I intensified my pounding. I flipped positions, so that Eri was now gripped by one arm and breast, and began to pound her, doggy-style, wet slapping noises sounding, as Eri’s lewd juices began to spray out.

“Oh?” I chuckled, licking her cheeks and blindly seeking her offered tongue, tangling them together. As Eri gasped and swayed, I heard the others talking.

“That’s… quite the sight.” Yukiko chuckled. “Does it feel strange, seeing yourself being… well, to put it plainly, being screwed like that?” I could hear the blush in Yukiko’s voice, but also curiosity and some arousal.

“It certainly is a sight.” Tsukiko agreed. “It makes me wish for my turn, if I am honest. I feel a burning heat inside, my womanly parts itch and throb. As do you, I imagine, Yukiko.”

“I do. This is maybe a bit too stimulating for me. And for now I am glad of the blindfold, considering… anyway, how are you feeling, Eleanor?”

As they chatted, Eri squirting so much my thighs were drenched, she gathered her slack thoughts and began to shift again. The large breasts shrunk, though still to a decent size, but her entire frame shifted, and the arm within my grasp became slender, and her bottom pert.

“Hinata, yeah?” I continued to lick at the breasts, finding the experience fascinating. “Honestly though, Eri… I’m about at my… hah… limit!” Her new pussy clamped me tightly, and with each thrust, especially as her body writhed and oozed, I felt the hot heat of my ejaculation rising within me. I strained to hold it in, but the situation was just so intense and unusual it was impossible to restrain for long. Eri kissed me savagely, the different sensation of her tongue alluring me, and even her breathy voice had changed.

“I… me too. Oh… Akio… I love you, hah, ahn… love… this! So… one more…”

“You know, I wouldn’t normally suggest this…” Hinata spoke up. “…it would have been terribly cruel to Haru before, but… in the future, when she’s finally overcome her fears and become one with Akio, felt the true joy and happiness that sex with someone you love can bring…”

“I get it.” Shiro was suddenly excited. “Shit, that’s some sexy roleplay. Eri can share Haru’s thoughts pulled from Aki, so… complete replication! Down to the pussy and everything!”

“Yes. So imagine it. Genuine sex with two of me at once! It would certainly be novel. Hey, that gives me an idea for my turn…” Hinata chuckled, and I had both a bad and a wonderful feeling about what was coming up.

“I shall drink-drink to that!” I heard the clinking of glasses, and the girls laughing as they swigged on either alcohol, juice or tea, depending on their preferences.

“Then… last … one…” Eri’s… or I guessed, Hinata’s… body was trembling with every thrust, every caress, every kiss. This time, the change was slower, as if Eri was struggling to focus, and as we kissed, I could feel the smile on her lips. Her height increased, and her figure shifted. Sucking on her breasts, I noticed them shrinking a little. Her ass too.

“Eri, that’s…” Shiro burst out laughing, though it was a touch nervous. I could hear muttered whispers, though everyone was keeping their voices incredibly low, or even using wind element to mute the sound, which perplexed me for a moment, until I thought about it. It’s the last one. It’s only a fun game to make the sex entertaining, so… she’ll try and make it hard. Literally.

My dick was throbbing and Eri was just moaning now, her pussy clamping and twitching, liquid scattering as if she was wetting herself, a habit which hadn’t happened in a while. I squeezed her ass, finding it springy and toned, rather reminiscent of Motoko’s. As I turned Eri’s head, blindly kissing her, I reached out for her chest to confirm, only to be surprised. Motoko’s aren’t this big…

I slipped free my tongue, trailing it down Eri’s chin and neck, to then suck on her breasts, gently nibbling on her nipples. She gasped and groaned, and there was a familiar tone about her sighs. Who… I continued thrusting, realising I didn’t have much time before I exploded.

“You can’t be Shaeula, Hyacinth, Tsukiko… hah… fuck, that’s good…” Eri’s pussy had never been so seductive. It felt pretty much like she always did, just… somehow it was clamping, sucking and squeezing like it was a slime, wrapping around me entirely. Her free hand was caressing my face, and as I discarded those it could be, I was at a loss. “Really, I’d have said it was Motoko, but…” Sweaty, braided hair struck my face as I toyed with the breasts that were throwing me off. “…hybrids are cheating, okay?” I chuckled.

“I… hah… ah… wouldn’t!” Eri breathed quietly, before taking my lips again.

Then… it has to be someone I’ve not slept with yet. It’s not Kana, breasts too small, ass too. Eleanor, it’s not her either. Maybe…

“Yukiko?” I gasped, remembering the braid that had hit me a moment ago. It didn’t feel an exact match, but Eri was tired, so it wouldn’t shock me if she was losing her grip on Shifting Cat.

Eri’s only answer was a passionate, furious speeding up of both her kisses and her groping. Her ass smacked against mine, and my cock dug deep into her, nectars flowing. “I… I’m coming!” I cried out, unable to resist any longer as she squeezed, and my fingers tightened and dug into her arm and her soft breast, making her groan and whimper. Moments later Eri shuddered, a massive orgasm hitting her, and I was soaked as urine gushed out, her bladder releasing, even as she squirted love juices too.

“That was… hah… huh… hah… ahn…” Eri, her voice deliberately pitched low and breathy, gasped out some pleasured groans as my knees buckled, even as I still pumped my cum into her eager pussy, adding to the fluids pouring down. She slipped free from my grasp, crashing to the futons below, still panting, and I fell to my knees behind her, cock slipping free and blasting a final splash of cum across her body, most likely, not that I could see it.

“…good.” Eri finished lamely, giggling softly. “Sorry, Akio. You… ah… lose, but…” I felt her hand on my cheek, tender and warm, before she stroked my lips and then kissed me once again. When we parted, she offered her final words of the game. “…I hope you enjoyed the massage. The last… pussy… surely wasn’t accurate to her. But I imagined my insides as a sort of liquid, wrapping and kneading you.”

“Hey, I’m sad to miss out on a prize, but… just having you here with me is prize enough. And that goes for all of you.” I insisted, and it was Shiro who broke the silence, whatever they’d been using to muffle their voices now gone.

“Cheers, Aki. Love you too. Shit, you’re… single-minded, Eri. I think I might just have developed a new fetish now. I suppose it’s still all about power. If Aki can do that, he’s above… never mind.” Shiro stopped speaking, as Eri sighed, exhausted.

“Can someone… take off Akio’s… blindfold. I want him to see… why he lost.”

“I’ll do it.” Hinata giggled. “Eri, you are wicked.” I heard her come over, then she patted my head, before I heard the rustling of cloth. I then saw the light and… what the fuck?

“I never said…” Eri was composed, despite being on her knees, ass to me, her thighs soaked with piss, cum and nectar. Her hair in two black pigtails, her blue eyes shining with amusement and wicked teasing, her modest yet shapely breasts still with marks from my fingers and lips in the pale flesh. “…I’d only be your lovers, did I? It’s not a lie, just… a trick.”

“You turned into Aiko?” I was incredulous, watching as a river of cum drizzled from her pussy. “Isn’t that… so totally disrespectful?”

“That’s your problem?” Shiro snarked, and I shook my head.

“No, of… course not. Look, it’s not like it’s actually my sis, is it? It’s… weird. Uncomfortable, but it’s Eri in there. So it wouldn’t be any different if she was pretending to be a celebrity… not Arisu-san…” I hastened to add. “I’m not suicidal!”

“Good call!” Shiro affirmed. “But…”

“It’s just some fun. You didn’t even get to enjoy the visual appeal.” Eri’s post-orgasmic lassitude was setting in, but she was making sure I could appreciate the uncomfortable visual feast that was the appearance of my sister post-sex. “But if you want appeal…” Eri gave me one last wicked smile, her body reverting to Eri’s usual appearance, which forced out great globs of semen onto the ruined futon. Yeah, we’ve soiled this shukubo house beyond repair. Since I’m master of the mountain now… we’ll refurbish from the ground up…

I followed where Eri was pointing, her arm raised, only to see Yukiko naked, covering her chest and pussy with her arms, though she wasn’t doing a good job, her nipples were visible. Flushed even down to her chest, she smiled, a touch lopsidedly. “I lost this round while you were blindfolded. But…” With a sigh, she moved her arms. “…fine. You can see. You’ll see everything soon enough, anyway.”

“How bold of you. I… don’t have the fortitude to do that. I’m… not convinced it wouldn’t lead to me going all the way.” Ellie’s tone seemed unsure if she was praising or chastising her fellow Princess.

“So, how was it?” Eri asked, arms wide for a hug, and shaking my head, I held her close.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d have said the Aiko from earlier was you, but…”

“Yes, it was Aiko. And I didn’t bully her, no matter what everyone else says. I was going to, though. She’s not honest.”

“I doubt she’ll be any more honest if she finds out what you did…” I began, only for the door to open and my scarlet-faced sister to pop her head out.

“We can hear everything, you know! Eri, I’m suing you for violating my rights to self-image!”

“Try it if you can!” Eri shot back, and my sis giggled, blinking her blue eyes.

“Fine. I concede. But… how was it, bro? Did it cure your siscon? Like… shock therapy?”

“Hardly.” I shook my head. “I didn’t even see anything until the end. But I don’t mean I wanted to…”

“Sure. Sure.” my sis snorted. “Get Yu-mi back, if she can untangle this screwed up situation she has all my respect!” She then paused. “Eri… just… look, it’s fine, okay?”

“Is it?” she asked, and my sis nodded.

“It is. I… wouldn’t lie to you. I promised, didn’t I?” My sis then took a deep breath. “Anyway, I’m keeping Haru and the foxes chill, along with Kana, who can’t make up her mind whether she’s laughing or crying in here. Bro… no, Akio…” my sis used my name, which was always a signal she was serious, so my attention sharpened. “…don’t mind Eri, okay? She’s just pranking you. And it’s like Eleanor says. It’s not my body. Though Eri knows me well enough I’m certain the outside was flawless. The real me is right here. Anyway, I won’t keep you…” Hyacinth had come over and started mopping Eri and I clean. “…since it looks like your next one is eager. Assuming you’ve got any gas left in the tank.” My sis, cheeks red, deliberately stared at my dick, and when I raised an eyebrow, she shrugged. “Hey, Eri isn’t me, but you still ogled what looks exactly like me. It’s porn! Turnabout’s fair, bro. But yeah… way too embarrassing.”

“More than your little massage earlier?” Kana called from the room, and my sis giggled.

“Maybe. Two different kinds of shame. Anyway…” She raised one hand in a peace sign. “Have fun, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t. Later!” She slid the door shut, and I felt rather bemused, as Hyacinth’s soft hands expertly wiped away sweat, semen and piss.

“That was… eventful.” Hinata chuckled. “Anyway, next is Hyacinth’s turn, then Asha. Then I’m up, then Shiro, then Natsumi…”

“Asha, cooome help me. As we discussed.” Hyacinth, still in her sexy lingerie, called to Asha, who was naked now. As I contemplated the odds of me being sucked dry more than if I let Ileana take all my blood, Hyacinth smiled comfortingly, before pulling my head to her breasts and patting my back. “Do not worry. Asha and I are not here to overwork you. Nooo, we shall instead give you such a soothing, relaxing massage you will think yooou died and went to heaven.”

“But do not die.” Asha, her smile gentle, insisted. “I would not have our daughters be orphans.”

As Eri staggered back to her seat, cat ears and tail appearing again, she was staring at the shut door, a pensive expression on her face. She nodded to Ellie, who shrugged, and as Hyacinth and Asha began to draw upon wood element, I couldn’t help but follow Eri’s gaze for a moment, before turning my attention back to the two Fae who were eagerly ready to relax me…

That was… certainly something. Why did Eri do that? I mean, yeah, awkward, but I didn’t know, and it’s just an image… maybe it was like she said, and just to win her little game. There was no chance I’d guess my sis, was there? Though… Yu-mi’s and Kana’s words resonated with me. …yeah, no matter, I have to have a talk with Eri, with Ellie, with me sis and the others. We need to start setting some boundaries, I think… don’t get me wrong, everyone’s trying, but… with so many clashing personalities, if we don’t have some rules, problems will definitely build up…