"Scáthach, carry me~" I put my head on my teacher's shoulder.
"I'll drag you." She said evenly. "It is your fault for working into the late hours of the morning. You had two beauties to share a bed with, yet you decided to coop yourself up in your workshop."
I let out a yawn. "I wanted to test some things with Gramps." And I didn't get any coffee this morning!
Truly a crime.
"Have you settled your new state?" Raikou asked, wrapping her arms around me from behind.
"He has a better control of his power. His new divinity is no longer leaking out like a faucet but instead it comes out more as small drips." Scáthach replied to my Servant.
"Mmm, Gramps helped me direct some things better and make sure I wasn't just broadcasting my new status everywhere I went." I responded. "Especially back home. I don't think the Counter Force would appreciate it if I walked around with my full power for the world to feel." Just existing wasn't usually a reason for the Counter Force to start purging. Their modus operandi for it is to use as little energy as possible in all its actions. If the Counter Force sees that I'm doing nothing across the Time-line, it'll most likely leave me alone and deal with other issues.
That and the fact that I had a good amount of leeway with my actions due to my usage of the Kaleidoscope. If Zelretch could claim to have some Administrative Privileges, I could be called a Moderator.
With another yawn, I pointed over in the distance. "That should be the plot of land the Old Man told me to use." We casually walked through the streets of Fuyuki city in the early morning hours.
"You said a Powerful Witch lives here." Scáthach spoke up. "Is this her?" My Teacher jabbed her thumb to the side.
"Yup." I nodded. "Hey Medea." I waived.
She tilted her head. "Not the greeting I expect. But good morning." She perched herself atop a nearby building, opting to step off and glide down. "Felt some Servants nearby and had to investigate." She pulled her hood off. "Though I would much rather be in bed with my Husband right now."
"Fiancé." I corrected her. "I refuse to acknowledge him as your husband until I see a wedding invitation in my hand." I gave a little grin.
"You're ridiculous." She snorted, a small smile on her face. I think she was warming up to me. "What brings you around, boyo? And some new faces."
"Scáthach." My Teacher said simply.
"Medea." The Caster Servant replied as they shared a nod, not caring to deal with certain formalities.
"Raikou." My Servant also spoke up. "It's nice to meet you." She added with a smile.
"A pleasure." Medea responded, not usually one for much conversation with strangers. "Since I'm already up, what has you up and about in my city?"
"Your City?" I questioned.
"Yes, my city." She puffed up. "And you can even tell the brat I said that."
Ah, always looking for an opportunity to antagonize Rin. "Well, have I told you about my house?"
She blinked. "No, and I am assuming there is a reason you brought it up other than to rub it in my face?"
I had forgotten she's still living at the temple. They should have a good amount of savings now…..unless she spent everything on her clothes. I paused, staring at her. "You spend all your money on your clothes, don't you?"
"Gaaah!?" She made a weird noise. "O-of course not." She looked away.
"Uh huh." I didn't believe her. "Anyways. So, I connected my home to anchor over multiple World Lines. I wanted to set it up here in Fuyuki to make it easier."
"Easier for what?"
"Are you really going to be obtuse?" I questioned. "Obviously I wanted it to be easier to come and see you and for you to come see us if you want. Besides, Atalanta has probably been anxious about seeing you again too." Besides the obvious situation with Atlanta, I wanted to be better friends with her. I felt like she needed it and I enjoyed her company.
She opened her mouth then closed it again. She looked rather lost if I were to be honest. "Do what you want." She teleported away.
I let out a sigh as I felt her presence disappear.
"What a pitiful woman. She refuses to be honest with herself." Scáthach spoke up.
"Oh well." I shrugged. "Not much I can do except keep doing the same thing I always do."
I walked up to the empty lot and stabbed Mirage into the ground.
"Can you set up some Bounded Fields?" I asked Scáthach.
"It will be no issue." She nodded, going around the perimeter and drew up runic sentences.
I let out another yawn as I leaned against Raikou who was still by my side.
"Is there anything I can help with, Master?" Raikou asked.
"Yes, I have a very important task for you."
"Yes?"
"I need you to keep being amazing." I gave her a cheeky grin, even if it was a cheesy line.
She puffed up with a cute little embarrassed smile. "Don't tease your mother." She lightly poked me.
"Yes, please forget I am here and continue your flirtations." Scáthach snorted, walking by as she set up some more Runes.
"If you insist." I replied.
"You will receive a beating in the future. When you do, I hope you recall this moment." She retorted.
"Master." Raikou giggled at our banter. "I believe she is serious."
"She is."
"I am."
Both Scáthach and I replied at the same time.
"She enjoys stepping on people." I stated.
"He enjoys being stepped on." Scáthach retorted without missing a beat.
"Oof, still a sharp tongue you have." I clutched my heart. "Raikou, my heart is hurt. Will you give me some healing?" I looked up at her expectantly.
"Let your mother kiss it all better~" She giggled pressing her lips to mine. I placed a hand on her cheek deepening the kiss, enjoying the taste I'd come to associate with her.
"It's done if you are also finished being foolish." Scáthach looked at us, crossing her arms with a huff.
Teasing Scáthach was fun.
Reluctantly, I had to remove myself from Raikou's grasp as I walked over to where my sword was stabbed into the ground. "Thankfully I've done this enough times so it won't take too long." I began running the calculations through it. Only having to change a few variables for it all to process. Unfortunately, it becomes a bit longer the more times I do it. The obvious new variables I have to account for.
"How long will this require?" Raikou asked.
"About an hour or so." I shrugged, reaching out for a patch of earth just outside the Bounded Fields. I clutched my hand, forcing the ground to rise up and take the form of a bench. "May as well get a little comfy as the calculations run their course." I happily plopped myself down.
Raikou didn't seem perturbed as she took a seat to my left, scooting in and leaned on me.
I looked at Scáthach who looked back, her expression turning into a scowl.
I returned it with a warm smile.
She huffed again and plopped down to my right without a word.
"My Scáthach is too cute." I laughed.
"Your Scáthach, am I?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Yup, all mine." I reached over, my hand sliding towards hers. She paused for a moment, but her fingers became interlocked with mine.
"I suppose I am." She said quietly, trying to force the growing smile on her face back down.
I briefly wondered If I should drag this out a little more. To have an excuse to spend time with them, and only them before realizing the folly in that line of thinking. It's been several days since I've seen my other girls, and I had a responsibility to all of them since they accepted this relationship with me. If there were circumstances that I found myself with only one or two, I felt it my duty to devote a lot of time to make them feel loved during that period. Not that I wouldn't do so in any other situation.
But I suppose I didn't want to make it seem like I was prioritizing any one of them over the other. Managing time with each of the girls in my harem was an important task. Not that I saw it as a burden. I just wanted to do my best to make them all as happy as they make me.
I know that when we returned, Scáthach and Raikou would receive less of my time. None of us are children that can't handle some kind of separation at points, and they have their own lives to live. It's just...
Maybe I'm over thinking it.
I tend to do that a lot.
I don't actually have any real experience to draw upon for a situation like this. Maybe I should find someone knowledgeable and ask for tips on how to handle a harem?
Regardless, I was content to spend this last bit of time with just the two of them.
***
We all stood and watched intently as the colorful array of colors filled the Bounded Field and a House started to solidify its existence into the empty lot.
"Your Magic is always interesting to see." Scáthach commented. "I often wonder how it operates and if I could copy it."
I tilted my head at that question. While the peculiars of True Magic are something that came about during the Age of Man, it's not something entirely divorced from Magic of the Age of Gods. It is however something incompatible with their entire system of usage. That being said, True Magic manipulates certain phenomena that will one day be overcome by Humanities ingenuity. So who's to say she couldn't replicate the effects through her own knowledge and her access to her brand of magic?
"I'd love to talk shop with you at some point." I said with all sincerity. "Perhaps add Jinn to the conversation? She's very knowledgeable about her own corner of magic and has only increased her repertoire in our time apart."
"The Artifact Spirit you told me about." Scáthach muttered. "Yes, I believe it will be a good way to…..get acquainted with her." She chose her words with some thought.
I couldn't help but smile that she was considering how to bond with my other girls.
"Jinn's going to immediately hug you and call you 'sister'." I deadpanned.
The corners of Scáthach's lips quirked up. "I do like that forwardness." She admitted.
I looked over to Raikou who appeared a little nervous. "It'll be alright. They're all going to love you." I gave her a little nudge, offering her my arm.
Raikou made a little noise and grabbed onto me for emotional support. "I'm happy." She said. "And if they like my son so much, they will no doubt be wonderful people."
And it's moments like this that make my heart flutter at her genuine words.
I didn't dwell on it for much longer as the house fully solidified, sitting in all its glory right infront of us.
"Shall we?" I gestured.
"We shall." Scáthach smiled, walking forward without an ounce of hesitation.
I couldn't help but laugh as I followed along, Raikou on my arm still. Passing through the Bounded Fields, she didn't pause as she grabbed the door and pushed it open.
There was a beat of silence before I entered with Raikou right behind me as everyone looked at each other eyes then landed on me.
Artoria, Jinn, and even Yasaka were sitting around chatting as we walked in.
"Will!" Jinn jumped up and practically dived into my arms. This excitable girl…
"Jinn." I squeezed her tight, earning a little giggle from her as I spun her around. "I missed you."
"Awww, I missed you too. We all did." She smiled brightly, before letting go.
I looked at Artoria who also got up from her seat. "Miss Pendragon." I eyed her.
"Mr. Schweinorg." She quirked a smile as we stared at one another for a moment. She let out her own giggle, opening her arms up.
I quickly snatched her up in my arms. "It's been way too long."
"It's only been a few days."
"Every moment I'm away from any of you is way too long." I kissed her on the forehead.
"Mmm, Jinn was correct. I sorely missed your presence these past several days. It's been a trying time running around Skyrim with Rin." She sighed. "I wish to tell you of our time apart when everything has settled down."
"Of course." I brushed the bangs out of her face. "I want to know what all of you have been up to."
"Ooh, I can't wait to show you some of the things I uncovered!" Jinn happily replied.
"Oh my, do I also get such a greeting?" Yasaka flicked her tails as she stood up and walked towards us. She eyed both my companions that came inside with me. "Scáthach it's a pleasure to see you again. I hope this time we can spend some more time chatting."
"Yasaka." Scáthach smiled. "Of course, I'll be sure to come around often. I wanted to take a look regardless."
"Wonderful, I'll make sure that everyone knows to let you go about where you like." She nodded and turned towards my servant. "Raikou, it's good to see you as well." Yasaka's tone was very….neutral.
Raikou seemed to hesitate slightly before answering. "Yasaka, I'm happy to see you well. I also wish to speak to you more when you have time." She genuinely smiled.
Yasaka blinked, as if caught off guard but seemed happy at the response she received. "Of course!" She clapped happily. "My, we should make a thing out of it. Perhaps have a bit of 'girl talk' by ourselves, yes?" She swept her gaze around the room.
"Oh, that sounds fun." Jinn looked excited at the notion.
"Indeed. I believe we will have much to discuss when everyone has gathered." Artoria nodded.
"Should I be worried?" I reached out for her as she let me guide her into my arms.
"That depends, do you have anything to be worried about?" She had a little mischievous smile on her face as her tail wiggled infront of me.
"Don't worry, my Student. I shall keep your more embarrassing stories to myself." Scáthach teased.
"Are you sure, I have a story or two of my own." Jinn replied.
"It appears I've been swayed." Scáthach chuckled.
"Joy." I drawled as Yasaka and I moved away. Though I reached for a fluffy tail, giving it a little stroke. I think she knew how much I adored her tails, as she didn't even bat an eye as I started playing with it. "Though we're missing one crucial person." I spoke up, noticing the fluctuations at the perimeter of my house.
The steps that the person took, and how all eyes turned to her as she crossed the threshold.
Yasaka's fluffy tail slipped out of my hand as I stared at her, a longing flashed across my face.
"Meridia." I greeted her, taking a few steps forward.
"Wilhelm." She replied, almost emotionlessly as she eyed the people she didn't recognize. "There are many new faces." She stated.
"Yup, and introduction are important, but first." I quickly swept her up.
"S-so suddenly!?" She squeaked out, breaking that emotionless mask. "P-put me down, everyone is looking." She muttered under her breath, cheeks flushing.
"Can't help it." I laughed. "Your reactions are too cute."
She huffed. "You are ruining my image for these new women."
"Well, if you want me to stop, I don't mind." I quickly let go. "I just thought you missed me as much as I missed you." I feigned sadness.
"You..." She huffed again. "Your teasing is ruthless." She turned her tone down to a whisper. "I did miss you." Her head turned to the side, not making eye contact. "You make me count the days until our reunion every time you leave." She scowled. "There, are you happy?" Her face betrayed the 'anger' she was expressing.
"I'm always happy when you're here with me." I reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. The Goddess tried her best to hide her embarrassment but failed in such a cute way.
"I hope you're pleased with yourself. You have destroyed any chance I had at presenting myself with any kind of dignity." She snorted, but refused to let me go. She turned towards the people she recognized. "Jinn, Artoria." She gave them a polite acknowledgement, even if they probably saw each other not very long ago.
Her gaze turned towards my other girls that she had yet to properly meet. "I am Meridia. I suppose you can think of me as a Goddess in your own terms."
It was their first meeting. The first time I had all my girls in a single room since they all became a part of my harem.
For the first time, I had no responsibilities in the immediate future and I had all of them together. This was certainly one of the best days of my life.
***
Getting back into DxD first up was all his harem finally meeting. So, early chapter woo, woo! Had some free time at work so i managed to get a good chunk of the chapter out with some notes on how to finish.
Anyways, if you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my pat.reon.com/astoryforone
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"Alright, this one is for Scáthach." I used telekinesis to float a cup of coffee over to her. "Meridia, Yasaka, Raikou." I floated them over as well.
"Mmm, so this is coffee." Scáthach seemed to savor the taste. "I enjoy it."
"There are also many things you can add to alter the taste as well." I spoke up.
"I shall experiment with this beverage at a later time." She nodded happily, going back to her chat with Meridia.
Honestly, I thought they would butt heads, which they kind of did initially, but they seemed to have found some common ground. Scáthach was telling of her time in the Land of Shadows while Meridia listened aptly.
Raikou seemed to have hit it off with Yasaka on this second go around. Swapping stories from each of their times in their respective Kyoto. I was surprised by how much Raikou was opening up, as she usually didn't like to talk about her past.
"And Tea for Jinn and Artoria." I floated them over to my last two girls who were also having an animated conversation.
"Thank's Will~" Jinn winked at me.
"Thank you, Wilhelm." Artoria smiled.
Artoria wasn't really into bitter things, and Jinn's preferences seemed to change with her mood.
"Well, I'm glad that some people appreciate my effort." I very obviously looked over at the other four who practically ignored me. Though I wasn't truly upset, I was very happy they were all getting along.
"I would appreciate you more if you retrieved me a second." Scáthach shook her cup.
"Oh, I have another around here…." I started patting my pockets, as if looking all around. "..somewhere. Oh, here we are." I reached into my pocket and took my hand out a moment later with my middle finger extended. "Oh no, where did this come from?" I flipped her off.
Scáthach just snorted, holding back a small laugh.
Gods I loved that woman.
I kinda didn't want to interfere that much and just let them keep going. So I turned towards Artoria and Jinn who were sharing a little laugh to the side.
They noticed me as I snuck up and wrapped Artoria up from behind, resting my chin on her head. She was definitely the shortest of my girls. Though it in no ways detracted from her beauty.
"Am I interrupting." I asked.
"We were just speaking about –" Artoria began to talk but Jinn cut off her.
"Nuuh!" She quickly interrupted. "I wanna show him everything myself."
Interesting. Regardless, I always enjoy spending time with her and she apparently wanted to show me something she'd been working on.
"My apologies." Artoria nodded with a smile, tilting her head up to see at me. "Do you require our assistance with something?" she asked as her hands grabbed at mine, though she didn't pull me away but instead rested hers atop.
"Well, it's more something I want to speak with you about." I replied. "But before that, how have you been? And is Rin around I haven't seen her in awhile too."
"I have been very well." Artoria stated. "We had been exploring Skyrim's wilderness and diving into some very bleak catacombs, but that has its own excitement. I am however glad to be taking a break from such adventures. As for Rin, she relayed the words – 'I'm going to sleep for the next 10 years, don't wake me up.' Before collapsing on her bed."
"Dungeon diving is fun, lots of loot to take."
"Yes, I believe that is what drives Rin to continue this endeavor." Artoria said dryly. "Though we have yet to find the Bow we had been searching for." She cast a glance at Jinn.
"Oh fine, I'll give some spoilers. I found something interesting, and I want to show you when you had time." Jinn huffed.
"I would love to see what you've been working on. And how have you been Jinn? No one been bullying you at the college have they?" I questioned.
Jinn let out a giggle. "The Archmage made sure everyone treats me well. And an angry Orc is apparently also a good deterrent for most people."
Oh yeah, the Librarian was pretty intimidating.
"Though Ancano did approach me. Demanding answers to certain questions and tried to intimidate me with his 'status'." She snorted.
I paused, remembering that arrogant ass. "I guess he's tired of living."
"Oh, stop being so dramatic." Jinn laughed. "He was annoying but didn't do anything else. I told him off and Urag kicked him out of the library – permanently."
"Alright, alright." I accepted her little hint to not 'over react'. "If he just wants to skulk around and play at being important, it doesn't matter to me." Though if he touches one of my girls, not even his Gods will be able to protect him.
"That reminds me. Rin and I did encounter a contingent of those Thalmor on our adventure." Artoria interjected. "They tried to act as if it were a chance encounter, but I could see through their deceptions. They were interested in both Rin and I and tried to seek some answers regarding you."
"I know you can handle yourself fine. But as your boyfriend, I feel I'm obligated to ask. Need a hand to deal with anything?"
She smiled brightly. "I appreciate your sentiment and intent. And I am happy you acknowledge I can handle the situation. I feel as though it has not spiraled into something messy just yet and I shall be on guard for now so there is no need."
I know I'm defensive of what's close to me. I just don't want to overstep and make them feel like I'm smothering them. And Artoria Is good at talking about things she dislikes and what she wants even if certain romantic nuances are new to her.
Communication is key.
Besides, Meridia is also watching over them and I trusted her absolutely. Speaking off….it's been way too long since I've seen those amazing legs of her.
Almost as if reading my mind, Meridia looked over and quirked an eyebrow.
I grinned at her and mouthed something back.
She flushed.
Alright, stop getting distracted.
"I suppose I don't need to say it, but I'm always here, for anything. Both of you, even if you want to just talk about the inanest of things, I'm always happy to hear from you." I spoke to both Jinn and Artoria.
They shared a look before smiling. "We know, and we appreciate it." Jinn walked forward, wrapping up Artoria from the front.
Artoria looked a little flustered, but in a good way. "There is no need to worry, Wilhelm. We are aware that you have your own responsibilities and your own matters that take you far away. Just as we have things to focus our attention on."
"Good." I nodded. "I just want to make sure I talk about stuff like this more and don't make assumptions." Managing a Harem is looking to be a bit more daunting now that I had all six of my girls in one room.
"You are doing a fine job." Artoria replied. "Now, speak what you wish to truly talk about. We have danced around the matter long enough."
"Fine…" I sighed. They always seemed to know when I had something heavier to talk about. "I suppose we should talk about the elephant, or rather, small dragon that popped up recently?"
She realized what I was speaking of immediately. "Yes….Mordred."
"If you want to go somewhere private…?" Jinn offered.
"No." Artoria said firmly. "I…..do not wish to hide anything from those who will be part of my life, even if I have yet to truly connect with some." It seemed that the others were looking over now. "I have to handle this appropriately, and I refuse to put this off any longer."
She's the one who wanted Mordred to become a more permanent mainstay when I called her up during the Grail War.
"I'm proud of you." I whispered. It was an honest sentiment, her confronting something that had no doubt been carried in her heart for a long time now. It was just one of the many things I admired about her. "Do you have a way you want to handle this? I've spent some time with Mordred and her temperament seems to have evened out. To be honest, I have a good impression of her." And I enjoyed teasing her very much.
"I….do not." She furrowed her brow. "Do you….have any suggestions?"
"Well, she seems to share your ridiculous appetite. Maybe we can fill her up first, fatten her up so to speak." I grinned.
"I-I do not have a ridiculous appetite!" She went red pretty quick. "I eat just enough to fill myself up." She huffed cutely.
Well some of her tension seemed to evaporate. "You're overthinking it." I said plainly. "Take it from someone who overthinks things constantly. Just ask to meet up, and have a proper talk. You don't need to find closure or anything immediately. Just...talk to her."
"Is it really that simple?' She asked quietly.
"It can be if you want it to." I replied. "I can promise you one thing. As much as you're stressing over it right now, she will be just as much." Especially since both of them actually want this in some way.
Honestly, I think that made her feel a little better. "Will…..you go with me?" She grabbed my hand.
"Of course." I said without hesitation. I would always be any kind of support she needed. I doubted I would be involved in their intimate conversation, but just being nearby would probably give her a confidence boost. "Would you like Rin to come as well?"
"Yes." She nodded.
I know for a fact that Rin wouldn't hesitate to agree, so I didn't really feel 'bad' about sort of volunteering her for this.
"No rush." This was a very important matter to her and Mordred both. It would do neither any good if they just rushed into it. "Let's just sit down and figure out how you want everything to go, yeah?"
"Yes, I would like that very much."
"Well, I wanted to talk to Mordred anyways. I can ask her what she's been up to and pass on any message you want."
"I greatly appreciate your help, Wilhelm." She made sure to express her gratitude.
"Of course." I gave her a smile.
With that, I slowly separated from her. I would give her a little bit to settle her thoughts before bringing it up again in conversation.
Instead, I walked over to my Foxy mistress. Before I could even reach out, a fluffy tail rose up to greet me.
"Wilhelm, you didn't forget about me until now, did you?" Yasaka turned to look at me with a smirk. "Or are you here to play with my tails some more?" Her fluffy appendage waived infront of my face.
"Well, I can't deny that I adore your tails." I reached out for it, something I tended to do whenever we're together. But I think she enjoys the attention. "But I also wanted your company."
"Master." Raikou smiled. "You seem much more relaxed since we came here."
"I am?" I blinked. "I suppose I am." I nodded at her statement. "Well, seeing all my girls together, how could I not be?"
"Am I getting counted among them then?" Yasaka questioned.
"Do you even have to ask at this point?" I chuckled.
"Oh my, it seems this poor old Fox has been claimed." She feigned indignance.
"I'm pretty sure Kunou claimed me first, so it's only fair."
"You make a good point." She laughed. "And you will hear no complaints from me."
My fluffy tails.
"It's strange. I don't have any particular objective in the immediate future as I focused on preparing for Scáthach's revival, and now that I finished that, I find myself with quite a bit of free time." Granted, I hadn't stress over it and gathered some things on the side. But it had always in my sight and something I was building towards.
Obviously I have some very important things to do much further down the line. But nothing that demanded my attention right now.
"So you find yourself without anything to do?" Yasaka asked. "From what I've heard so far, it must be a strange feeling indeed."
"All this time we've been together, we've been moving from place to place. I believe it will be beneficial for you to settle down for a little bit." Raikou stated.
"You're right." I agreed. "I should settle down. I do have some things I wanna take care of to keep myself occupied and such." I ran my fingers through Yasaka's fur. "It's indeed strange, but I don't mind too much. Obviously I wanted to spend time with you all. That's something of a priority on my list. But Kunou as well, I want to take her out, do some dad things and truly spend time with her and bond."
"I would like that very much." Yasaka's expression turned very gentle. "Kunou needs some time with her daddy." She smiled softly. "And I would love to spend time with my...man." She settled on, perhaps finding a term that felt 'right' to her.
"And I was going to see Izzy soon too. I feel like it's been way too long and she's a good friend."
"Oh dear, how long as it been?" Yasaka questioned. "I don't think it's been that long since she got back. I heard some murmurs about Death Gods and a 'vacation' or something, so I think she should be back by now."
"I am still unsure about you meeting her, Master." Raikou stated.
"You don't need to worry." Yasaka tried to reassure her. "Izanami has been nothing short of wonderful in the time I've known her. My Kunou adores her as well."
"I see…..perhaps I am just biased due to my own circumstances." Raikou relented.
"I've heard quite a few things about your world. I can't blame you for thinking that way. But you should meet her and get to know her." Yasaka responded.
"Izzy would love more friends." I added.
"Hmm, I suppose I should meet her. Be prepared for when she becomes 'more' than that." Raikou hummed.
"What?" I questioned.
"That's a good point." Yasaka nodded.
"We're just friends." I huffed.
"Mhmm."
"I believe you, Master." She smiled innocently.
I sighed, knowing this wasn't a fight I would win. We were only friends, why did no one believe me? I mean she's beautiful, yes. And we share many hobbies, and generally have a lot of fun together. But…..she hasn't expressed any kind of feelings like that towards me. And I haven't really flirted with her or anything.
Whatever.
"Anyways." I changed the subject. "How have the little group of misfits been? I distinctly noticed that the city isn't on fire. I'm guessing that's a good sign?"
Yasaka let out a laugh. "You say misfits, is Kunou added to that?"
"You tell me?'
Yasaka snorted in response. "Our little Kunou is getting more and more mischievous. And It's only going to get worse as she gets to 'that' age. She tried to get me to let her skip classes today so she could come with me."
"Isn't it normal for kids to look for any excuse to skip school?"
"Yes, but normal children aren't Youkai who can cast certain spells in an attempt to get out of it."
"Oh jeez, what did she do this time?"
"I'll let her tell you." She said dryly. "Maybe hearing her daddy give her a talking to might make her settle down. Though, I am happy she's been more expressive lately. I'm hoping it evens out soon once she realizing you are a mainstay in our lives."
Ah, I could understand. Kunou didn't have a real 'father' before, so it's sort of a switch in dynamic for the younger girl and she's acting out in this way in response. It's not necessarily bad, but it should be something we talk to her about. "It makes me really happy that you're talking to me about parenting problems, even if I have no idea what I'm doing here." I smiled.
"Oh honey, you make it sound like any parent knows what they're doing." She reached for my hand, taking it in hers. "Right, Raikou?"
"Fufu, of course. With my Kintoki I, to this day, didn't know what I was doing and just tried my best to raise him appropriately." Raikou agreed.
"And you are her parent now. You accepted that role, and you accepted both of us just as we have you." She playfully poked me in the chest. "So, I expect you to behave as such, mister. That means helping me rein in our little hellion. And believe me, that will be a trial in and of itself."
"I look forward to everything that entails." I took her hand and squeezed it.
She softened her expression again. "I really did luck out with you, didn't I?" That genuine smile on her face was one I always loved to see. "But I got a little off topic. Mordred hasn't been doing much, I haven't gotten any real reports. They're just enjoying my city from what I've seen. Achilles and Atalanta have taken a job to hunt down some Vampires causing issues in the human Kyoto. We had some reports about several dozen humans drained of their blood and such. And the Serial killer hasn't caused any issues yet."
"Well, it seems like everything is going well."
"About as well as can be." She nodded. "We're still dealing with the after effects of the attack, but we're going to feel this for several more years before it's done."
"Do you require any aid? I may not be much help, but I am adept with my sword." Raikou offered in a show of concern.
"I wouldn't say no to any help. Gods above, we're seeing an abnormal number of strays from dozens of different species and factions and they're all causing trouble." Yasaka let out a sigh. "And our resources are….not very good right now. So it's difficult to pay for outside assistance in dealing with these things since my own people are already running ragged."
"Hey." I squeezed her hand again. "It's not just Raikou. Tell me what you need and I'll do it. I can get ahold of many things, even the most mundane, in large quantities if needed. Or if you want me to bring my sword to bear against someone. I want to alleviate some of your burden."
"You're sweet." She smiled brightly. "Both of you." She turned towards Raikou. "Give me a couple days, let me see what's the biggest priority and I'll figure something out."
"I heard the last bit of the conversation." Scáthach stepped over. "My spear will be available if you require aid, as well." Scáthach offered.
"I'm pretty good at Magic." Jinn spoke up. "I can also help move things back and forth if you need anything."
"Rin and I were taking a break from exploring the Wilderness. I can offer whatever aid I'm able. I have my pride as a Knight, do not hesitate to call upon me." Artoria joined in.
"I do not believe it is wise for me to show myself in any blatant manner. But….I can call upon my followers if it's merely resources you require." Meridia spoke up in a rare show of concern.
Both her and Scáthach seemed to be really trying to build bridges here.
"You all…." Yasaka looked like she was about to burst into tears. "Thank you, it's been hard dealing with all these messes."
I didn't realize how hard she's had it since then…..I needed to be more attentive in the future.
Well, I have something to work towards now. Help Artoria and Mordred figure things out. Go visit Izzy in the next few days, and help Yasaka clean up the messes from the attack.
"Shall we speak of the changes our shared interest has gone through, now?" Meridia spoke up.
"Pardon?"
"Do you think you could hide the changes to your existence from me?" She put her hands on her hips. "You are very different and have things you shouldn't have. Now you will speak. Why do you possess divinity? And keep in mind that I am able to retrieve such information easily." She pointed towards the piece of fabric binding my hair. And I recalled that she did something to it so she could see what I've been up to.
"I believe that is a wonderful idea." Artoria turned to look at me with a blank expression.
"Divinity?" Yasaka also stared at me intently. "How could you possibly obtain divinity?"
"I don't understand either." Jinn muttered. "What could have happened for such a thing to happen?"
"Yes, Wilhelm. Please regale us with the tale of how you acquired this." Meridia snorted.
"Um....it's a funny story actually." And I completely forgot I had to explain how I decided to fight a God to my significant others.
"Do speak, I will fact check for them." Scáthach looked all too amused.
"It's not good to lie, Master." Raikou seemed to join in as well.
"I blame Zelretch."
"No. Try again." Meridia immediately denied.
"Crap, that usually works."
***
Taking the intro a little bit slow for now, but things will begin picking up. And I feel like I need to clarify, because too many people asked about this. On the interlude, when Akatosh took the spear, people kept saying I need to fix it because Wilhelm had the spear. Did yall miss the fact that Akatosh is the God of Time....I literally wrote about him messing with the time line like right before he retrieved it.
Anyways, if you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my pat.reon.com/astoryforone
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