On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“It’s been one hell of a day.” I sighed as I sat down on one of the overstuffed couches in the room I had at Buckingham Palace. Seeing the tight squeeze, Shaeula, ever one to seize a chance, got up and squirmed onto my lap, her pert bottom, still clad in her emerald dress, tight against me. That left Eri able to move in on one side, while on the other, it was Mae, who had occupied her share of sofa through sheer force of will, it seemed.

“Aww, poor baby.” my sis smirked with playful meanness. She was sitting on another chair, and we’d actually had to transport more into the suite of rooms that were available to me, as despite having their own, the girls all insisted on piling into mine, leaving it in this crowded state. “Such a hard day for you, getting engaged to a Princess, and having to dance with an endless parade of knockout women. Wow, if any ordinary man could hear you, they’d stab you for sure!”

“It wasn’t all fun and games.” I countered. Everyone was still wearing their beautiful ballgowns, though the hats had come off, as had the uncomfortable high-heeled shoes, and I felt my cheeks heat up at that. Natsumi, Motoko, you pair of minxes. You’re getting cheeky. Maybe I’ll have to playfully punish you later…

“Oh. Yeah. True.” My sis was downcast for a moment, before she forced herself to cheerfulness. “Sure, it got a bit messy, and maybe I was a touch heated… but dad always blames you for everything, it’s so unfair. I’d thought he was getting better…”

“I think it’s because he’s proud of Akio now that it’s worse.” Eri suggested. While the women in the room were chatting amongst themselves in small groups, drinking and eating, or watching the huge TV that had been turned on, most were listening carefully to us as they did so.

“He doesn’t want Akio to make a mistake and ruin everything he’s built…”

“Wow, I’m not a mistake!” Aiko puffed out her cheeks, and seemed genuinely angry, face pale, before Eri’s knowing, flat-eyed stare brought a flush back to her cheeks. “Okay, okay, I get it. You’ve pushed me more than anyone, even if it’s been super annoying most of the time. Wow, I get it now bro, it’s not all fun and games.”

“You’re thankful I care, I know.” Eri was unmoved by Aiko’s pouting, and even when she swore to get her revenge, Eri just shrugged. “Anyway…” Eri continued after that. “Father-in-law can’t help but worry, it’s all he’s ever done. People don’t change so quickly. And besides… I think it’s for the best, but I’m not going to lie and say I don’t understand why it’s a step too far for many.”

“Oh?” Shaeula raised one eyebrow, shifting so that she was more comfortable, and luxuriating in the sensation as I began to stroke her neck playfully, her nape bare due to her unusual hairstyle for the Ball. “Yes, that is most-most satisfactory. Akio, do continue. Now, I would not-not expect you to be one for accepting other the concerns of other people, Eri.”

“How rude.” Eri chided, though her faint smile showed she wasn’t offended. “I understand just fine, I simply don’t usually care. I don’t think I would have, even in an ordinary world. I want to be happy, but I want Akio and Aiko to live a life full of happiness too. If we were together… I could have shared then. On occasion.” She winked one obsidian eye at me. “Obviously you’d be my husband. Taking pity on Aiko once in a rare while would have sufficed.”

“Wow, most unexpected betrayal!” my sis cried out in mock pain. “Eleanor, Ellie, do help me!”

“Being rather informal today, aren’t we?” Ellie sighed. “Not that I mind, I suppose. Things are official, so we should get used to being family.” Her cheeks were pink to match Aiko’s now. “As for your parents, how about I help you talk to them? After all, I think I understand them best out of everyone here, no?”

“Yeah, just… give me a day or two. I need to cool down.” my sis insisted. “Anyway, subject change…” She pointed at the TV which many were watching avidly. “Looks like we’re headline news. Not that we expected anything less!”

Indeed, the TV was showing a repeat of the BBC headlines from earlier, with Liz abdicating and the Crown passing directly down to Ellie in the near future, plus my ascent to the Duke of Windsor, and Ellie’s husband. There was also a lot of footage from the dances, and the girls were competing to take pride in being shown and teasing the others when it was their turn.

“Oh, Yu-mi looks great there.” Natsumi was saying. “A shame she’s not back yet. But then, she did bring the others from Korea with her, and she’s not rude enough to ditch them.”

“She will get her turn.” Motoko agreed, casting a sidelong glance at me, full of knowing amusement and barely veiled passion. Since when did you get so amorous, Motoko?

I would think it obvious. Since she became your female… Shaeula interjected in my thoughts. Oh, yes, my neck in sensitive. Your wandering hands please me. Ah…

She was momentarily distracted by the TV. It had now changed to showing Shiro, or rather Tan, in both the Queen’s declaration, and also the dance we had shared. What was said caught our attention though…

“…shocking revelation of a true Goddess, though perhaps, as we are already aware of God Hachiman, that should not have come as such a surprise, but the proscribed terrorist organisation, the Church of True Revelation, released a statement through unaffiliated third parties. While it is unverified, the BBC believes it to be genuine, judging by the tone and some of the supporting language.”

“What-what is this then?” Shaeula grinned nastily, stroking one of the rings on her fingers idly, the golden, thorny knotwork rough and sparkling with faint soullight.

“It is an annoyance.” Tan answered for us, as the reporter read out the statement.

“As Revelation-Cardinal, who has the Verum Lore, true wisdom of the Lord, I, and all the loyal faithful of the Ninth Heaven, do declare a crusade. False, impious wretches who call themselves Gods and Goddesses shall be swept aside, for only the light of the Lord is allowed to illuminate this benighted land, full of sinners. Yet sins can be forgiven, and the lost lambs guided to Paradise. Yet only if the creeping rats who should not be upon this world are driven off. Taṇhā, wicked Rakshasi, seducer of men, abomination, return to whence you came, or else face the bright steel and furious vengeance of a billion loyal men and women, who shall stop at nothing to destroy your false projection here!”

“That’s rude.” Hinata sniffed. “Calling her a seducer of men is slander. A seducer of one man is the truth!” She then let out a little giggle.

“Hey, it’s no laughing matter. I don’t want the hassle of being hunted down everywhere I go. Even elephants can be annoyed by enough ants, you know?” Shiro grumbled.

“I think they are somewhat mistaken.” Daiyu was the one who found the main point of the argument. “Projection? Do they think you are doing what Akio does, with his ability to split himself?”

“Most likely.” Tan agreed. “That would be the normal method of doing things, yet… such is not the case. Were I to perish here, I would not die, perhaps, but as I am far more intimately tied to the princess, and invested in this world, than is usual for someone of my status, the damage would be reflected most unpleasantly. Not that it shall come to that.”

“No, you’re strong, Tan.” I agreed, and she gave me a flat stare, a slightly mocking smile on her lips.

“I was believing you would say you would protect me.”

There was laughter from everyone at that, and I smiled ruefully. “You know I will, not that you need my aid.”

“But it would still be appreciated. And I enjoy it when you say it.” Tan added, and Shiro cheekily took over.

“Shit, Aki, Tan’s getting more deredere for you day by day. I bet her sisters and her father will hardly recognise her when we go visit.”

We fell into more playful banter, discussing the potential Church threat. We were of the opinion it didn’t truly matter, from a local perspective, as they were our deadly enemies now regardless, and we’d killed two Cardinals and stolen their treasures. But from a wider multiversal standpoint, it did create an issue. Tan, however, decided to be confident and shrugged it off.

“I have been careful indeed. I used a loophole to remain here at first, and that has not changed. As for knowledge, I have been sure not to reveal what I should not, and now I have the same loopholes as your Valkyries. I am certainly in minor breach of some Compacts and other agreements, many unspoken and implied, but… even so, knowledge of this will not reach the Ninth Heaven or other Pantheons swiftly, and as it is a relatively trivial matter, it will be overlooked until there is a time of calm, of peace, between incursions.”

Daiyu asked what incursions she meant, but Tan waved her off, unable to answer, though those of us who had met the Norns had a very good idea of that.

“And if all goes well, and Akio has no wish to be flogged…” There was some amusement in Wisdom World at that. “…we will likely outpace any news of my indiscretions. In the best case, as an Astral Emperor, Akio could stand on his own, or easily seek shelter from the Six Paths, Eight Million Invitations, Endless Knot, or even another, unrelated Pantheon, and be accorded a position of much honour. Or… we fail, as the Valkyries suspect with their defeatism…” She enjoyed getting in a dig at those she saw as rivals in many senses. “…and we retreat to the Six Paths and my home, we and those you wish to shelter. Then, when trouble comes for us, the results of my actions here, it will hardly be worth a costly dispute over a failed word and a few refugees. It will not be our fault they are unaware of your value.” Smugly satisfied, she smiled bewitchingly.

“Got it. And of course, Earth has many who’ve used the same sort of loopholes as you, it seems, Tan. The Kami, the Huánglóng and his Guardians, and surely more. I’m hopeful Pantheon politics can win out.”

“Quite.” Tan agreed, as I continued to stroke Shaeula playfully, though I wasn’t failing to notice Mae was rather restless beside me, and I glanced to the side to see she had produced a brushing comb, a match to the one Hana gifted me, just in Mae’s shades, crafted of fine materials.

Okay, I see where this is going. She is very stressed, what with Caihong’s and Liena’s current situation. I can spare a little effort to keep her calm and stress free. Who’d have thought I’d need to be grooming the legendary Tamamo-no-Mae for that?

I was about to suggest what she clearly was angling for, when the BBC reporter finished talking about us, and brought up another topic of interest. I wasn’t the only one paying attention, as several of us looked rather sick, as well they might. Gruesome. And if I’m being honest… it doesn’t sound natural, but like something Hyacinth could do…

“…spreading outbreaks of what is presumed to be a rare, highly communicative version of the infection necrotising fasciitis, commonly known as the flesh-eating virus, despite being bacterial in nature, which began in the city of Blagoveshchensk on the Russian border with China. More than a hundred and seventy cases were reported, though the Russian Ministry of Health has refused to comment regarding fatalities, though internet footage, what hasn’t been removed already, shows a number of bodies being taken from the local hospital.”

“Gruesome.” Haru shook her head. “But also… rather strange.”

“Indeed.” Daiyu understood. “It brings up unpleasant memories.”

As they spoke the report continued. “There was a secondary outbreak in Svobodny to the north, and unconfirmed reports of further towns being affected. If so, this is an extremely aggressive strain of the bacteria, which commonly does not spread easily…”

“It could be Chosen-related, or worse.” I agreed, as the report ended. The mood had soured, so Hinata clicked off the TV. “But then again, it could just be what it seems to be. Not everything is related to Chosen. But we’d best do some research, just in case, though I’m confident if we get any outbreaks Ether Healing can contain it.”

“Yes. That’s all we can do.” Eri agreed, before sighing. “So are you going to groom her or not? She’s starting to get frustrated.”

Indeed, Mae was idly drumming her artfully lacquered nails against the comb, and I chuckled, setting Shaeula down and patting my waist. “I guess so. Though… you’ve no tails today. No wonder, if you tried to fit them in that dress, you’d be flashing everyone…”

“Yes, we didn’t need any other sensations during the Ball.” Ellie agreed. She was drinking with Yukiko and Tsukiko, the three of them getting along very well. “Grooming, hmm?” She had untied her brown ponytail and her hair hung loose, and I had an idea I was going to be combing a lot of hair tonight, but I was interrupted by golden cloth falling down over my head, which still smelled of Mae’s sweet fragrance. Pulling Mae’s golden gown from my face, she was revealed in all her glory, ears and nine fluffy, golden-red tails, similar in shade to Hihi’irokane, fanning out behind her.

Quite… the sight. Mae’s dangerous regions were barely covered by the scantiest of red underwear, a pair of low-rise, almost transparent crimson panties, to accommodate the tails fanning out behind her, and a matching strapless bra, which was surely held on not merely by good design, but by a miracle or aether, as she was straining against it, her obscene chest threatening to burst free. I swallowed, feeling Mae’s charms, and indeed her Charm, before calming down, Resilience and Determination surging within me.

“Hey, drinking time.” Shiro shouted. “Anyone who wants to watch can, but it’s a girl’s night in! It’s not like we’re going to be in Buckingham Palace any time we want, is it? So let’s make the most of it. Party, have fun, and later…” Shiro winked at me with her obsidian eye, while the other flamed red. “…it’ll be our turn. Right, Motoko, Natsumi?”

“Oh, undoubtedly.” Motoko’s smile was charming in its innocence and also the lewdness. I felt a brief moment of shame that I’d corrupted such an innocent young woman to the pleasures of the flesh, before I dismissed such a feeling. No, it’s love. That’s all. Natsumi too was giggling cheekily, clearly eager, cheeks red. Better they find love with me than with a guy who doesn’t appreciate them or meet their mental needs.

“Coming, Shaeula?” Shiro asked, but she shook her head, and as Eri got up to chat to Aiko, Hinata, Daiyu, Kana and Haru, Kana suddenly shelving her idea to play cards, as doing such with Haru was a futile endeavour, Shaeula stretched out on the vacated spot next to me.

“I shall pass for now.” She gestured, and wind element carried over a bottle of brandy. “I am most-most curious about just how Akio shall groom her.” And most jealous, if I may be frank.

No need to be. Shaeula didn’t want to admit it out loud, so I replied the same way. I love you in every way. Remember that one time…?

Shaeula flushed, covering her embarrassment by taking a sip of her booze, even as Mae lay down across my lap, heedless of how the bra fell free, and my sis whistled, a touch regretful, touching her own chest, before shrugging, and several others also showed some envy.

My idiot brother can be annoying sometimes. But yes, I do remember it.

So you know I don’t shy away from you, even as your Fae form.

Then you shall groom me next, yes?

Sure. Though hopefully it’ll be a bit more modest than with Mae. As I thought that, I channelled a little water element, and with the new potency I possessed, I used it to smooth her hair as I began running the comb through her first tail, not forgetting to squeeze and stroke the muscular core within, bringing a pleased, damp gasp from Mae. Under my ministrations her fur instantly regained an almost metallic lustre, while not being coarse, but nearly as soft as silk.

I would not count on that. Not at all. I am quite aroused after the day we have had, yet I suppose I can wait until later.

Eri snorted, glancing our way, and then went back to her chatting, and I tuned out the mental conversation she was having with Aiko, with Hyacinth, Rose, Lin and Asha occasionally joining in.

“How’s that?” I asked Mae, combing through her fur, having an idea, I released my grip on the comb, moving it with aether, as dextrous as I would be using my hands, and I grabbed her vulpine ear, playfully squeezing and stroking it. She reddened, lips opening wide, and her tail I was squeezing and combing trembled, the others stroking against me restlessly.

“That is… yes, I itch there.” she admitted breathily, and Shaeula let out a dry chuckle, her amber eyes sparkling.

“I suspect you itch in other places too, no-no?”

Mae merely snorted, as my hand moved to her other ear, and I was squeezing the base of her tail, even as her fur was now properly arrayed and smooth. She groaned, and a faint scent I was now familiar with spread, her panties damp, and if it wasn’t for her tails blocking my view, I’m sure I’d have clearly seen everything.

“Oh, do-do go on. This is most educational!” Shaeula raised her glass, and I switched tails, combing and kneading, toying with her ears, and yes, even combing her luscious cascade of long golden hair, which drew Ellie’s attention. Don’t worry, I’ll do yours later. I can see the envy in your gaze…

“Your waters are exquisite as ever…” Mae gasped. “…they are so very restoring…”

“I should think so.” I chuckled. “After all, it can restore your fur to its best ever state. And before you say anything… I don’t think it can completely fix Su Caihong and her daughter, but I do believe it’ll be part of the solution and give us a much better chance of success. But I’m trying to take your mind off them right now, so be good.” Teasingly, I bit down playfully on her ear, the soft, springy texture oddly pleasing, and she moaned anew, and a different liquid was swept aside by my waters as I kept combing.

“So, I did think this, yesterday. Or I suppose what with time zones, maybe the day before? This instant travel gets complicated.” Ellie sighed. “At this point, isn’t it just easier to go all the way? I mean, if it was me being treated so intimately, it’s surely a boyfriend only matter. Oh, but I don’t know Yōkai customs, I suppose, so maybe it’s different?”

“Tamamo-no-Mae is indeed a promiscuous fox.” Shaeula teased playfully. “Perhaps she does not-not attach much importance to this act?”

“Hardly. Ahh… be gentle. I am sensitive there…” Mae gasped, arguing with Shaeula. Indeed, at the base of her next tail, as I squeezed and massaged, working out the tension, which was surely mostly mental, I couldn’t help but brush against bare, silky skin, and damp, thin cloth, stimulating her further. I bit down harder on her other ear, and her body trembled, her tail jerking in my grip.

“You know I am trying… hah… something new, little Kamaitachi. A new… ahn… me for a new, hah… world.”

“Definitely sounds like they’re making out, if you ask me…” Kana snorted. In the end, they’d found an antique chess set, and were duelling each other in turn, playful advice being offered by the others. Honestly, the standard of the play was incredibly high, as while Intellect and Alacrity didn’t help with cunning or guile, it certainly made the calculations and thinking dozens of moves ahead rather easy. Yeah, I think we’ve just spawned an entire room full of grandmasters…

There are such fun games up here. Rose chuckled. Though they are not simply tests of mental acuity. Hnefatafl, for one, can use Runes and other tricks, and simulates true conflict. I would dearly love to have a leisurely game over the course of many days, drinking and… other things.

Rose! Lin gasped, surely as red-faced as her hair. It is a bit premature to be thinking of such things.

Oh, you don’t wish to? More for me. With that attitude, you might not end up being his second Brúðr with an attitude so hesitant…

Do not put words in my mouth. Of course I wish it, I pledged my troth, I shall be his, and he mine. But…

Don’t mind Lin. She’s bold but shy, quite the combination…

As the playful banter continued, Kana moved a bishop skilfully and made her point. “…so yeah, I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to go further.”

“It is.” I disagreed, working my way through Mae’s last tails. She had meted upon me and into me, her soft breasts against my chest as she leaned up, and my suit, which like the girls I hadn’t yet removed, was in need of some serious aetheric cleaning, a damp puddle on my lap. “This is grooming. I’m not an idiot though…”

I softly kissed Mae’s forehead as the last tail was finally straightened, her nine red-gold brushes standing proudly erect around her like a halo, fur tickling my cheeks, her scent in my nostrils. “…I’d be jealous as hell of Mae getting groomed by someone else after doing this a few times. But…” I playfully smacked her bottom, my hand lingering perhaps a little longer than it should have, her ass as rich and voluptuous as her chest. “…while Mae wants to reinvent herself, I want her to resolve her regrets with Su Caihong and her daughter. And I suppose with Patriarch Zixin too, if he still lives.”

Mae snorted as I patted her ass again, wiggling a little, before withdrawing, cheeks blushing with a rosy glow of aroused contentment. She grabbed her golden gown, and after dismissing her tails once more, pulled it on, which puzzled me, until I realised. Oh… uh, maybe a step too far, but…

As if she was reading my thoughts, one golden-red eyebrow was raised, her green eyes both gently mocking and quietly teasing. “That would not be crossing a line you have no wish to. I am loathe to be left out of fun, I always abhor being bored and missing out on entertainment. You are trying to distract me. As for settling my past… I have no doubt that wretched bastard Zixin endures, he is too cowardly and treacherous to expire. I shall have my due from him, never doubt that, but… I do not feel he needs to be dealt with before I can fully embrace a new life. I wish to change much about myself, but a lack of patience…” She stroked my cheek with one warm hand, her expression rather predatory “…that shall never change.”

“Very well-well. We hear you.” Shaeula snorted. She had removed her dress and underwear as we spoke, laying them down carefully. Orange. To match the gloves. Nice. Since she was now in her Kamaitachi form, it wasn’t too revealing, but she was still naked, two nipples poking out of the fur of her flat chest, and her thin, closed slit peeping through the amber pelt between her legs. Seeing me glancing at her, she chortled, and she leapt onto my vacated lap, but not before her aether surged, cleaning my damp trousers.

“You are supposed to be grooming my fur, not-not letting it get dirty.” She winked playfully at Mae, before putting her arms around me and locking her lips to mine. Our noses bashed together, her face now differently shaped, but she offered her tongue, and we kissed, tangling together, and Shaeula’s weasel tongue was rough, longer and more prehensile. The kiss was quite a different flavour to usual, and as we parted, she withdrew her tongue, tasting my spit that had built up during our kiss, swallowing.

“Ah yes, quite-quite refreshing. Now then, Tamamo-no-Mae, I understand, as I am sure we all do. But do not-not make decisions in haste. We do not-not care for fickle females. Let Akio help you settle your lingering regrets, then-then we can talk. Earnestly. For now… it is my turn!”

With a grin Shaeula lay on me as Mae did, only face-up, and as she was a lot smaller than the buxom Kitsune, and also entirely covered in fur, the feeling was quite different. Using the comb, I began to pull it through Shaeula’s amber fur, but as it was shorter and denser than the longer tail-fur, the comb was pulling a bit, and she winced.

“Careful, Akio. That was not-not fun…”

“Hmm. Okay, give me a second, I’ll work it out.” I idly patted her fluffy head, squeezing her ears, and I did what I’d done to Mae, taking them in my mouth, the smaller, more rounded ears still soft and enticing. The difference was with Shaeula I could play to my heart’s content, free from hesitation, so I licked her all around, nibbing and breathing playfully, as I flipped her over, so she was now facing me with her ass. Unlike Mae’s many tails, Shaeula’s shorter, thinner one couldn’t block the sight of her pussy nor her twitching asshole, though as always I wondered just why Fae and Yōkai had such.

Why would I not? I am a weasel, and weasels are living beings, as you are. Besides, I do believe I have them so I can make love to you, Akio!

Her amber eyes were moist as she craned her neck, peering at me, even as I toyed with her ears, leaving her fur thick with saliva. I ignored the ribald comments from Shiro and some of the other girls, grabbing Shaeula’s tail, feeling for its core. “Not as fluffy. Yeah, this comb is great for hair and longer fur, but I think it’s not right for you, Shaeula.” I handed the comb back to Mae, who tucked it between her breasts, an unnecessary but ostentatiously flirtatious display.

I materialised a few metal ingots from storage I had tucked away, and quickly crafted them into a new, smaller comb, with finer teeth, as well as a long-handled brush for fluffing. Now I could attend to her, and soon Shaeula was gasping in delight as I poured out the nurturing water element I possessed, soaking her whole body, running the comb through, and using carefully adjusted flame element to dry her off, like a soothing hairdryer, just full of tender feelings.

“I take-take it back, Tamamo-no-Mae, I can-can see why you do-do so enjoy this. It is most-most…. alluring, and-and arousing…” Shaeula panted wetly, her speech quirk intensifying as I groomed her. “…an intimate act-act, only we such can do-do…” her tongue was out, and I playfully slurped at the end of it, before grinning, hand touching her twitching slit.

“You’re getting your fur all damp and sticky…” I cheekily slid a finger in, then two, and she convulsed, lightly orgasming. More nectar foamed, and I removed my fingers, licking them clean, and I tried hard not to see Mae’s trace of regret there.

“…don’t worry, I’ll clean you off.” I swung Shaeula around, so her crotch was facing me, and I licked at her pussy, tongue sliding inside her. A finger entered her ass, then a second, stirring her up, and she tightened on me hard, gasping.

“This-this… is… ahn… hah… not-not… grooming, but… ahn… hah… ah… I care-care… hah… not-not…”

“Okay, if he was doing that to Tamamo-no-Mae there would be no going back.” Hinata giggled, glancing over, face red, before turning back to her game of chess. “It’s very debauched, doing this in the Palace…”

“I suppose it’s fine. After all…” Ellie’s face was also red, and she was attempting to appear unmoved, but I caught her stealing glances. “…this will belong to me soon enough. And… I don’t mind, I suppose. Oh, how I have changed.”

Shaeula squirted, tongue lolling out, soiling her fur with more sticky juices, and as we kissed, I continued stroking and fingering, making her climax yet again, before taking pity on her and giving her time to calm down. We kissed, I fondled her ears and tail, and giggling, she reached for my belt, only to stop, her expression regretful.

“No, not-not… hah… yet. Later.”  We exchanged one final, lingering kiss, before I washed her nectars away and used the comb and aether to separate the stubborn, sticky tufts of fur, and soon, Shaeula was clean and well-groomed, her fur a lustrous golden orange, like fossilised tree sap, fluffed up nicely with extra volume and bounce, the new brush proving its worth.

“That was most enjoyable.” Shaeula relaxed, her expression languid. “I shall-shall ask for this again.”

“Feel free. But…” My grin was cheeky. “…we’re not done yet, you know?”

“We are not-not?” Shaeula blinked, confused, tail swinging and bashing my leg as she considered it. “My fur is quite-quite tidy, and my stress evaporated, though my lust burns hot. Your fingers and tongue were not-not enough to assuage my needs, I crave your mighty manhood. And later, I shall-shall have it.” she insisted, gaze suddenly predatory, and I knew that tonight I was going to get toyed with by a lot of women, just like the prior time. Oh, what a simply horrible fate. I think I’ll be able to step forward bravely somehow…

“Nope. There’s one more thing. Four, technically.” With a smile, I knocked against one of her wrist sickles with my knuckles gently, and they rung out like a wineglass gently tapped by a tuning fork. Shaeula’s eyes widened, and she grinned.

“You are most-most wise. My sickles are indeed a part of me.”

“Yes, and just like all the rest of you, in any form, they’re gorgeous.” I retrieved a silk scarf and used it as a polishing cloth. Gently and carefully, I brought out trickles of water element, shining and buffing the jade until it glowed beautifully, like precious jewels. Shaeula’s face was slack as I did so, and Mae couldn’t help but ask a question.

“Does it feel that pleasurable, little Kamaitachi?”

“My name-name… hah… is Shaeula, I know you know… ah… it.” Little hitching gasps were creeping in. “And yes-yes, it is… ahn… quite-quite… arousing indeed… hah, huh…”

“I see. Perhaps I shall have to insist on better treatment.” Mae’s green eyes were fixed on me, and she bared her teeth, which were suddenly a mouth full of fox fangs. Ordinarily, that would have seemed intimidating, frightening, or out of place, but on Mae it still seemed beautiful. “My teeth, perhaps you can care for those as well?”

Uh, if it was Shaeula, sure, but… we’re starting to get a bit too intimate there. Or am I overthinking it, considering what my hands have touched? My thoughts went to one very famous scene in an anime, and I wasn’t alone in that, as Shiro burst out laughing.

“Aki’s going to recreate the famous toothbrush scene? Shit, that’s kind of hot. Though really, he should be doing it with Ai, if he wants to be lore accurate.”

My sis raised one eyebrow. “I’m not following. But… uh… is it dirty? I mean, I’m not saying no…”

“Actually, it’s a bit weird, but not particularly lewd. It’s their reactions which make it seem that way. And the fact they were totally going to screw each other afterwards if the other sister hadn’t walked in at that moment…” Shiro snickered.

I was onto Shaeula’s final sickle now, and I caressed and played with her small, furry foot as well, enjoying the pads which felt squishy and soft, and after more aroused moans, and one final regrooming of Shaeula’s lower body, I was done, and Shaeula was snuggled against me, though she then changed back to her mortalform. As I raised an eyebrow questioningly, she giggled playfully.

“Oh, I am not-not a selfish female. I am happy you show me such love, no matter what I appear to be, but… I do-do like how you look at me when I am thus. Besides…” She eyed her discarded dress. “…fur is not-not suitable for what is coming.”

“No, I guess it wouldn’t be.” I agreed, just as Hinata defeated Kana in their game of chess.

“Great timing. And a good game, Kana. It does sharpen the mind.” She held out a hand, and Kana shook it, expression rueful.

“Yeah. I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. Father and grandfather would be stunned at me playing chess, never mind so well. Anyway…” Kana glanced at me, flushed, and shrugged. “…are we starting?”

“Oh, we are indeed.” Natsumi giggled, but I was confused, as she produced a number of glass vials of various sizes. What’s going on here then?

“Nobody has to take part if they don’t want to, especially you, Aiko.” Natsumi added, and my sis shrugged.

“Yeah, it’s… a bit much. I’ll stay and watch and chat, play some games. That’s not so weird, is it? I mean, I’ve watched my bro get it on before, so we’ll just call it educational.”

“I’d say it’s very weird…” Ellie rolled her eyes, before glancing at Yukiko, who smiled ruefully, as if to say ‘what can one do?’ and waved one hand dismissively. “But…” Ellie continued. “…I can live with it. It doesn’t particularly bother me. That’s just the way you are, Aiko.”

“Thanks, Ellie!” My sis gave her victory signs with both hands. “Honestly, it’s both a relief and super scary, you know? I’m just going to do what I want from now on, no pressure, no worries.” She winked at Eri. “No pressure, get it?”

“I do. You’re holding a grudge, I was only doing what was best for you.” Eri sighed, and my sis chuckled bitterly.

“I know you have the best intentions, and I love you for that, Eri. But you go about things like a bit of a bully. I just… needed time, you know? Not everything has to be now.” As Eri opened her mouth to protest, oddly enough it was Mae who spoke up.

“Indeed, she is not wrong.” Mae reached out, and Natsumi tossed her a small vial, which she caught, eyeing it, her teeth, back to normal, still having two cute fangs, which peeked over her lips as she smirked. “Though I am not renowned for patience, having something to look forward to is wise. A wait is not so painful…” She glanced at me, her tongue darting out and licking her lips. “…if there is good company to endure it with.”

“That’s right, Eri. I’m happy now, and you know it. So be pleased for me, yeah?” my sis insisted, and Eri nodded, though her cat ears, and most likely tail, still hidden below her gown, appeared. They began to talk in their minds, a playful bickering, and even as background noise within my thoughts it was rather soothing.

“Okay, so what’s this then?” I asked, and Hinata stood up, taking another vial from Natsumi.

“It’s simple. We’re at the stage we need more samples.” She winked playfully at me. “We have the healing and aether-restoring potions, the reds and blues, and purples are coming too, but… we also want far more potent products.” She winked at me, and I had a bad feeling. Oh. That.

Indeed. Shaeula’s thoughts were amused. She slid away from me and started putting on her dress, though she left off the underwear, but did wear her gloves. Your Soothing waters. Amongst… she was the one licking her lips now. …other fluids.

“It’s not been quantified precisely, as it’s difficult, the effect it has on our Charm and Majesty.” Hinata continued. Mae reached out a hand, one nail piercing my wrist, and blood flowed free, and she captured it in the vial she was holding, before licking her nail clean. My wound then closed up, her energies, which she had injected into the small nick, dissipating, allowing my Ether Healing to kick in.

“Oh, you did not cry. A shame. Now we shall have to squeeze out some tears another way.” Mae sealed the vial with the stopper, eyes alight with wicked amusement.

“We know…” Hinata continued. “…that we are seeing some improvement as we make love to you, Akio, but it’s slow growth, as you can imagine, and those with lower Statistics would gain it faster. But we need to see if we can enhance the effects. After all, we all wish to be more Charming.” She winked, as many of the girls nodded. “Besides, they also help with regeneration and aether recovery. We can’t pass that up.”

“Okay, but… it’s not like you can sell potions made from my bodily fluids, especially not… that one.” I glanced down reflexively. “That’s sexual harassment and a definite crime.”

“I don’t know, we do plan to process and enhance the potions via Alchemy, the ingredients might not end up being what they were.” Hinata’s words were light and amused. “Besides, we here wouldn’t care, so even if they are for our use only, having better potions on hand could be a lifesaver in emergencies.”

I couldn’t help but agree to that. “I guess so. We’ve a few abilities we haven’t had time to fully optimise. But… putting my genetic material out there in public is too risky anyway, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, not like we’re selling bottles of your cum, Aki.” Shiro snorted. “Women all over the world would be grabbing syringes and pouring your goo right up there and trying to get pregnant. Even your blood, well, we don’t know if any Chosen have abilities which can affect you through it, but Tan says such powers do exist, even if very rare. So yeah… it’s mostly for our use, and emergency trump cards for Adamant and the like. Or if we can distill the effects out with Alchemy. So, anyway…” she trailed off, and Natsumi and Hinata rushed over.

“…we need tears, spit, and sweat. Tamamo-no-Mae got your blood so… urine, and of course your semen.” Hearing such words out of Natsumi was rather shocking, and she was slightly red, saying ‘semen’ so boldly, but she wasn’t backing down.

“Sadly, we want to try every fluid. Though one’s the most fun to squeeze out.” Hinata added playfully. “We need phlegm, bile, lymph, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluids and more…”

“Oh, wow…” I echoed my sister’s usual exclamation. “What a delight for me…”

“Don’t worry, it will be.” Natsumi promised, waving the largest vial. “Once we’ve extracted a semen sample, we’ll help you release plenty over all of us, just the way you like it…”

“Yeah, so best start using Ether Healing to fill your tanks up, Aki…” Shiro smirked, enjoying my discomfort. “Good job you can replenish your stocks, else you’d never keep up with us. Oh, I always found that weird, when in manga and stories they always say they can heal, but not restore blood. I mean, why’s replacing blood any harder than regrowing a damn arm? If anything, it should be easier, wouldn’t you agree?”

As everyone crept closer as Shiro monologued, I gave up, shaking my head, smiling ruefully. “All right then. I suppose it makes sense. Besides…” I took all of them in with a gentle, affectionate gaze. “…if we can concentrate it and enhance it to increase your Charm, well, you’re all charming enough already, but what man wouldn’t want his beloved women to just be a little more?”

“Oh, you always know what to say…” Motoko chuckled, and I let the girls play with me, though certainly some fluids were more pleasurable to donate than others…

***

“No drinking it.” Hinata warned Shaeula, who grinned, putting down the vial, which was full of thick, pearlescent liquid. “Those are our samples.” She took it from her and added it to a test-tube rack, and when all the vials were in place, it vanished in a spray of purple sparks. “Once we’ve set up the Ring Gate in the new spot, I’ll drop these back to Ixitt. Now then… onto the more fun part of the evening…”

“Indeed.” Motoko came forward, still wearing her tight-fitting red dress, though she’d let her hair down, clearly expecting me to comb and care for it. “Natsumi and I know you well. Why, here in London last time you positively delighted at how beautiful we appeared, and also how dishevelled and lewd we became when you marked us, and our pretty dresses.”

“Yes, that’s right.” Natsumi giggled. “You might not seem it to others, but we know how jealous and possessive you can get. Seeing us marked with a liquid only a woman who loves a man should receive, it excites you and satisfies you and seeing us change from elegant to lustful stimulates your desires.”

“Here we are in London again…” Motoko smiled, patting my cock gently, and then circling it with her long, slender fingers, stroking it tenderly, rubbing my glans, and soon my dick was hot and hard within her gentle grip. “…and we are once more attired like beautiful maidens.”

She bent down and kissed my glans, licking at the precum which was starting to ooze. “So we all agreed. Dirty us, witness a room full of flowers disgraced and lustful only for you, and then once you have seen all you desire, then claim us all, fill us inside and out!”

“These noble girls really are closet perverts.” Kana remarked to Eri, who giggled, nodding.

“I knew it from when I first met them. They were so clueless and repressed, it was surely inevitable. Once Akio set them free, they discovered what love and pleasure are, and became addicted to it.”

“Like you?” Kana asked shrewdly, and Eri nodded, ears flickering restlessly.

“Yes, I won’t deny it. You have that to look forward to, Kana.”

“Yeah, and I’m quite eager. I’m not going to lie either.” she shrugged. “It’s a good thing we can clean these gowns with aether. I know I’m rich now, but it still feels terrible ruining such pretty dresses.”

“Yes, all shall be restored and cleansed. Later.” Motoko pumped my dick a few times, chuckling. My face was red, and it was a little shameful that it turned out I did have possessive fetishes like that, and Motoko and Natsumi were not only willing to indulge but had persuaded everyone else to play as well.

Oh, it is nothing to be ashamed of, Akio. Shaeula insisted. We would be upset if you did not seek to make us yours, mark us so no other inferior male will dare glance at us. Besides… She licked her lips, rubbing her gloved hands together. …it is fun and satisfying for us as well. So do not be embarrassed, simply once more dominate us, show us we made the wisest choice of our lives, loving you!

Fine then. How could I argue with that? Ignoring the faint regrets from Rose, and indeed Lin, though she attempted to hide it, Rose not bothering as if she wanted me to know she wished to participate, but alas, the vast void between us prevented it, for now, I asked what the plan was, and Motoko, still keeping me on the edge of pleasure, her touch deft, smiled tenderly.

“To make it more entertaining, we shall each have a helper. Just leave everything to us. Like a King, sit back and let your concubines do the work.” She giggled playfully. “You might not strictly be a King, just a Prince-consort soon, but I still feel the experience is authentic.” She was suddenly serious. “I for one, find it a joy to think of being your wife. All I have been instructed in from a young age, I will get to perform, and more that I was not taught. And for a man who has captured my heart, not a mere arranged partner. Now, Hyacinth, do come forward.”

“Coooming.” Hyacinth grinned, stepping up to us. “Now, mistress Motoko, release his cock, and Hyacinth shall take over. Have nooo fear, I shall satisfy you both.” She bent down and kissed my dick, as Motoko had, before enveloping the glans in her warm mouth, tongue licking me all over, before she pulled my cock free with an audible popping sound, spit bubbling. “Now then, I do hope you can keep up, Akio, as we will be teasing yooou endlessly!” Her cheery grin, of the sort I’d only been able to see on Hyacinth’s face so very recently, warmed my heart, and I nodded, a smile on my lips and in my heart.

“I’m confident I can keep up. After all, with all of you, I’m truly richer than even Princess Ffionnan and all her treasures could boast.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere…” Hinata tittered at that, and while the girls were playing around, chatting, drinking or otherwise relaxing, most of their attention kept straying to what was about to happen.

“Very well then. Akio, grope me, kiss me, to your heart’s content, but Hyacinth shall maintain control of your manhood. Understood?”

“Got it.” I pulled Motoko into an embrace and our lips met. My hands went to her back, and her bottom, which I squeezed through the rich cloth of her dress, driving Motoko’s tongue to swirl faster with mine, her eyes showing her heat. Hyacinth, giggling and whistling to herself cheerfully, guided my cock to smear her saliva and my dripping precum along Motoko’s dress, leaving a sticky trail.

“Oh, this is tight. It is nooot easy to bunch up the cloth.” Hyacinth pulled up Motoko’s dress until it was high enough to show off her thighs. I slipped one hand under the wadded fabric, feeling her silk panties, and then slipped my fingers inside, rubbing at her clit and raw pussy. She leaked a dreamy sigh, her kissing intensifying, and my other hand tugged down the neckline of her dress, revealing her bra, which I quickly pulled down too, then I was fondling her already stiff nipples.  

“Hah… hah…” Motoko was breathing hard as our lips parted, her cheeks red and eyes damp. As my fingers now slid inside her pussy, spreading it out, liquid seeping, she whispered in my ear, her tone breathy and arousing. “…yes, guide me to ecstasy, show me I cannot live without your touch…”

At her words, my fingers probed deeper, thumb polishing her clit with her sticky nectars, even as Hyacinth slid my dick up alongside Motoko’s thigh, the contrast of the cool flesh, Hyacinth’s stroking fingers, and the silky cloth quite intoxicating. I pulled on Motoko’s nipple, sucked on her lips and tongue, and then, as Hyacinth pumped my dick up and down, using the cloth to wrap and tease my cock, I moved my mouth down to Motko’s cleavage and breasts.

She moaned and trembled, her hands stroking my back and face tenderly, as Hyacinth’s seductive touch, her thumb kneading my glans, other hand stroking and caressing my balls, quickly had a heat rising within me. Motoko was nearly there as well, my fingers squelching lewdly inside her, her panties becoming soaked.

It was a different feel, fingering her when she was wearing tight, silken underwear, as it constricted my movements, but she seemed to be enjoying it greatly, and as I sucked on her nipple sloppily, leaving a trail of saliva on one modest yet beautiful breast before moving to the other, she shuddered, a fierce orgasm washing through her.

I wasn’t quite done, but seeing Motoko in ecstasy, Hyacinth exerted all her efforts, hands squeezing and stroking, and aether shone, my shirt unbuttoning and lifting off me, and she started licking my back, her tongue rough and lewd. I was astonished, but she merely giggled.

“Brownie arts. One must be able tooo undress the master of the house, would you not say?” She winked, and I thought that was going a bit too far, but Hyacinth denied that. Yes, Brownies are not slaves, not toys to be used. But I am no pure Brownie. I am your lover, so my Brownie arts demand such…

With that, aether was suddenly stimulating me too, it was as if Hyacinth had four hands, and I cried out, as I erupted. “Fuck… so good…” My fingers continued to keep Motoko’s pleasure simmering, even as I let out a torrent of sticky cum, and Motoko’s red dress was suddenly turning darker around my dick, the cloth soaked through.

An ordinary load might make a bit of a stain, but even though I’d been milked before this to fill up a number of large vials for the Alchemists, I could output an absurd amount and had specifically been using Ether Healing to generate more, a trivial task at Rank 11. Cum streamed down Motoko’s thigh and splashed her sodden panties, and as I finally spurted out my last, Hyacinth relentlessly and sexily squeezing out every drop, before pulling my cock free and sucking it clean like it was a delightful lollipop, Motoko’s dress had been drenched.

“Okay, yeah, kind of hot.” Shiro agreed, smirking. “Reminds me a bit of our fun times when we were in London.” Shaeula and Hyacinth nodded at that. Still, we weren’t done, as Hyacinth was stroking me fiercely, and despite her sticky, white-stained hands, she had kept me hard. Motoko, mini tremors running through her body as my fingers kept stroking and teasing her sensitive inner folds, opened her mouth wide, begging for a kiss, and as we parted, she fell to her knees, my fingers popping free. Seeing them soaked, she licked her lips, and I offered her my soiled fingers, and she cleaned them playfully with her tounge, brown eyes shimmering with arousal, even as Hyacinth smirked and pointed my cock at her.

The girls were chattering away, everyone watching now, and the colour commentary some were offering was quite frankly embarrassing, though I did get a kick out of my sis pretending she was totally unbothered, even though she was as red as a tomato.

Wow, no I’m not, bro, it’s just hot in here. Now go on, blast her good!

You are quite amusing, mistress Aiko. But yes, I shall, as you put it, blast her good and proper. Mistress Motoko is craving more! Hyacinth responded, her purple eyes a little vacant for a fraction of a second.

Wow. Just wow. I’m not sure I should be a mistress… I mean, I’m not saying I’m not, but… wow.

Just take a deep breath and relax. It’s nothing scary. Eri chimed in, and their mental bickering continued, even while Aiko was talking with the others in the room.

“Now gooo, let your passions run free!” Hyacinth declared, her aetheric stimulation and tender yet forceful hands leaving my cock, still sensitive from my prior orgasm, shivering and quivering under her touch, my balls hot and boiling, eager to explode. My aether was being absorbed, rapidly recreating spent semen, and I had a horrible idea that no matter which fluids they intended to go with for the updated potions in the end, I’d be spending a day being wrung utterly dry of it, but such thoughts were rapidly discarded as Motoko licked at my cock even as Hyacinth teased it. As she then clamped her lips down, sucking, Hyacinth’s stained fingers dirtying her lips, I could resist no longer, and I came again.

Motoko’s eyes widened, and she took in a great mouthful. Her throat worked, swallowing several times, before she pulled away, opening her mouth to show me she held a great deal of pearlescent liquid on her tongue, before she let it flow free down her chin and drip onto her breasts and dress. Hyacinth guided my cock expertly, and it sprayed like a hose, drenching Motoko’s cleavage and pooling in the bra I’d pulled down earlier, before smearing a dripping line down her bodice.

As my flow diminished, Motoko swallowed the dregs of my cum and licked her lips, not even flinching as Hyacinth, giggling, grabbed Motoko’s unbound hair and used it to wipe off my dick.

“All good now.” Hyacinth chuckled, patting both my cock and Motoko’s head, even as Motoko reached out. Smiling, I took her hand, lifting her to her feet, her legs still shaky from her orgasm, and she quickly pulled up her bra, despite it being drenched, and fixed the neckline of her dress. She then reached down, pulling up her soaked hem, revealing her panties had slid out of position after my fingering, displaying her soaked pussy. She then winked at me, a trace regretful.

“I do not think a third load would be fair, we do not wish to tire you out, although…” She reached down, skin flushed, the embarrassment and sticky sensations making her aroused and ashamed at the same time, the shame also spiking her pleasure. She then parted her pussy lips, and nectar oozed out. “…later, you shall fill me up inside as well. But for now…”

Taking several deep breaths to calm herself, Motoko wiped the sweat from her brow, before properly dressing herself, pulling up her wet panties and dragging down her hems. She then smiled, our lips meeting, just a barest brushing, and I could taste our mingled flavours, before she, her poise returned, strolled and sat down, heedless of her cum-stained state.

“Isn’t that like… just vile, sitting in sticky clothes?” my sis couldn’t help asking, and I nodded, agreeing with her, though my eyes were drawn to Motoko as if by aether. Yes, it’s extremely arousing, more so than if she was sitting there naked by far…

“Oh my, yes.” Motoko chuckled, as Hyacinth stepped back. “It is quite unpleasant, but the sensation and the smell, it makes my heart race. I daresay, that when it comes to intercourse, when everyone has had their fun, I will have great pleasure. And so will Akio.” She shivered, letting out a moan just from my gaze, the plan she and Natsumi had formulated working better than even they had hoped.

Her legs twitching, crossing and uncrossing, she giggled politely, hiding it behind one hand like a genteel noblewoman. “But first, he must mark us all to claim us, lest we escape from here and go back to our own rooms, to spend the night alone in boredom.”

“I think that’s not happening…” I promised, and Natsumi stepped up. Though seeing my gaze, she winked.

“Nope, I’m not next. I’m the helper. Next up is…” She turned, grinning at Asha. “…our dear Dryad. They say plants need lots of water and nutrients to grow well, don’t they? So… time to water Asha liberally with your seeds…”

As Asha stood, her petal-dress skirts fluttering beautifully, I swallowed. She had the ripe air of a pregnant beauty, a motherly charm none of the others could emulate, and as she smiled at me, affection heavy in her yellow eyes, I grinned, even as Natsumi was affectionally sucking my cock, sniffing my damp balls.

“I’m not so sure your metaphor works that well…” I chuckled, exasperated and aroused, as many of the girls tittered and giggled. Patting Natsumi’s head tenderly, I reached out a hand for Asha, and we were soon in an embrace, my cock pushed deep into Natsumi’s throat, her tongue and lips working me ferociously, as if to not lose to Hyacinth.

To battle then. Though this is the sort of battle where I can’t lose, as even fighting it is a pleasure, and a victory for us all… With that, Asha’s lips met mine, her tongue gentle and tender, mine fierce, and we kissed, Shiro jeering me playfully, Ellie red-faced, clearly taking mental notes, Tsukiko and Yukiko now playing chess, though their gazes kept straying my way…