The Morning After

The door opens, and Eve's head pokes in, finally disturbing the silence that's haunted me. "Dusk...can I come in?"

"Please." I do my best to make room on the bed, waving her over.

She climbs up on the bed, before suddenly giving me a hug, her stub of a horn cutting a bit into my collarbone. "...I'm so sorry...but I can't give you an answer, right now..."

I rub her hair and hug her with the other. "It's okay. It's a lot to take in."

"...but I'm not going to abandon you." Her head pulls back, and she looks me in the eye. "I owe you everything... I haven't forgotten that..." Looking down, she begins shaking her head. "...but I don't know...if I can turn my back on-"

I cut her off with a finger to her lips. "I know...it's a lot to ask...but I'm not asking you to do that." Pulling her back in, I kiss her forehead before we hug again. "I'm just glad you're still here."

The back door opens, and the twins rush in, followed by their mother. Violet wastes no time hopping up on the bed, words flying out her mouth faster than I can understand them. Daisy sits at the foot, patiently listening to her sister. Although Diana...looks like she wants to say something; even after a minute, she keeps eyeing me, when she usually wants nothing to do with me.

"[D] ...and then Daisy came out of nowhere and got him! She was so cool!"

Daisy blushes slightly as her sister praises her. "[D] I-it wasn't that cool..."

. . .

Kara and Camilla haven't come back by nightfall, leaving just myself, Eve, the twins, and Diana. The empress, contrary to what I might think, decides to fill their space on the bed, even setting her hand on my shoulder and having her head turned toward me. Eve's in my other arm, and the twins are face-down over my legs, all three of them asleep.

However, Diana isn't. She just keeps staring at me, deep in thought.

I shift slightly to give a bit of space between us, stirring but not waking Eve. "[D] What's on your mind?"

The blonde doesn't respond at first. "[D] ...nothing for you to be concerned about."

That's not creepy... Blinking, I turn my head back up to the ceiling. "[D] Well, goodnight, then..."

I once more awaken in the sea of stars, my sheet popping up in front of me again. It seems like the same old stuff...but how about these new Priest powers? I scroll down, getting straight to the new abilities. Hmm...not a lot of outright benefit...not even a 5% boost each...but the grab bag isn't actually too bad...assuming I can still have sex. Can I even do that anymore? I recall something about back injuries hindering sexual prowess.

Pausing, I shake my head. Why the hell am I focused on sex at a time like this?

Scrolling further, I find Chosen of Ramel's Family...which confirms what I thought before: I'm a priest of Carnachias...

I don't know how long I sit there, properly processing it. I'd thought it was the case before, but now...seeing the confirmation...

I'm startled by my sheet moving on its own, to my active quests. Build Your Army...more hornets...more thralls... I gulp. They want me to go faster, but...why are there options? I didn't even realize that was a thing. Returning my attention to the objectives, I find I can focus on utilizing either Diana's or Rose's abilities. Although, there's a third 'option' that grabs my eye: if I grow my 'army' quickly enough, through either method, the reward is...

Angelic Evolution

The thing part of me had given up on, now within my grasp. Looking at the requirements, I do some mental math. That's... Blinking I do the math again. Even if I use both Rose and Diana's abilities for all 4 weeks, it's not enough... I read through it again:

Rapid Recruitment: Time Limit: 4 weeks. Grow your army of goblins, hornets, and thralls by at least 150 individuals. Individuals need not be matured. Children sired by those other than you do not count toward this quota.

It includes goblins, too...but the only two options in Riverbend are Torch and...Eve. I grimace. Even assuming it's possible for me, I don't want to **** her into that. Thinking back, I remember her core being a Seedbed. Redoing my math...it's enough. If I complete both of the other objectives, and Eve agrees to help, it'll be enough. Again, assuming my dick works.

Now all I have to do is convince her...easier said than done...

Anord

"And you're sure you've got everything?" Hali glances over from the couch.

I fasten the buckle of the bag, tugging on it one last time. "I'm sure."

"Food? Water? Fleshlight? Vibrator?"

Sliding my arms through the straps, I hoist it onto my back. "Yup. All the essentials."

My mistress sips her soda. "How about all the 'fun stuff'?"

"I should have it all, but what about that thing you mentioned for the slime?" She had mentioned setting something up for some slime she'd found in Riverbend, but I have no idea what.

"Banta. It's still being made; I'll deliver it myself in a few days." She adjusts in her seat to face me more, slinging her leg on the cushion and her arm onto the back. "You sure you're up for your first big venture?"

"It's not that big. I'm not going any further than you did."

"But I'm a grand succubus, and you're just a fledgling. Not to mention I'm Tier 6." She shrugs.

"True, but it's not like I'm in any real danger. Once I leave Bestion, I only have to worry about goblins, wolves, maybe a slime or two. I could use the experience, anyway." Shrugging back, I head towards the doorway. "I'll see you next time, Mistress."

The pinkette side-eyes me. "Just remember what I told you, alright?"

"Stay out of sight, leave as soon as I'm done, and-"

"Don't. Touch. Banta. So much as a hair on her head is out of place, I don't care who you are; I'll make your life a living hell." She glares, before returning to a more neutral expression. "Take care. I'll see you in a couple days."

A hair? That's an interesting phrase to use for a slime... I smile to her, opening the front door. "See you then!"

Dusk Blackwing

I open my eyes, barely seeing the ceiling above me. Weight on my arms and chest confirms that Eve, Diana, and the twins haven't woken up, yet. How early is it? The gaps in the doors show a faint light, but nothing else helps me keep time.

Settling my head back on the pillow, I try to go back to sleep.

*tug* *tug*

I sigh. Mentally tugging back, I open my eyes to find myself face-to-face with Mo- Miki, sitting across the table with a small smile on her face. "...good morning."

"Good morning, Dusk. How have your injuries been treating you?"

Another sigh, my shoulders slumping over. "I have a feeling you already know..."

Her smile fades. "And what is your plan, moving forward?"

I look down at the table. "...I'm not sure." But I need to get stronger. If I can't beat the Saintesses...

"If I may." She pushes a glass bottle across the table. "If you plan to continue your quest, being bedridden will make it impossible."

I pick up the bottle, wisps of white trailing through the clear liquid inside. "And this will heal me?"

She closes her eyes and shakes her head. "Unfortunately, no. I may be a skilled alchemist, but your injury is too severe for my level of expertise." The blonde takes a breath before continuing. "No, this will remove the drawbacks of long-term possession. With it, you can possess Kara continuously, for as long as you need, without consequence. Kara's body may not be as strong as your own, but with proper training-"

"No." I set the flask down, a little forcefully. "I won't...steal Kara's life! Let alone put her in so much danger!"

Miki stares intently. "She is already in danger, anytime you throw yourself into a fight. How is this any different?"

I clench my fists in my lap. "...it just... It's not fair to her. It's..." A sigh escapes me.

"You may be right, but it will be much harder for you to do much in the way of fighting in your current state. You'll have to fight as Kara at some point, and starting sooner is better for both of you. You saw firsthand how difficult it was to take out a single wolf den, even as a gobi and mio. Kitsune are not bred for direct combat, which goes at odds with your entire technique." She takes a breath, reaching out for the potion. "I won't **** you to drink this, but you must see reality for what it is. You are crippled; Kara is weak. My daughter is already in danger, but as her dominant half, it's your responsibility to protect her."

There's a lull as she waits for me to respond. "...it...is..." I sigh. "There's...no other way around it, then..." I feel my ears droop as my shoulders sag.

"No, there isn't. On top of that, assuming the king doesn't throw you in prison again, you also have a village to manage. In addition to your training with Kara, I have a book I'd like you to read on the subject. Do you know how to read on your own?"

Honestly, it feels like she really is my mother right now. "...yeah..." ...at least I can do that part without Kara...

"Good. I'll come over once I'm done changing Kaguya's bandages, and we can begin your tutelage." She stands and walks around the table, setting a hand on my head in passing. "Everything will be fine, Dusk. We just need to work hard to achieve the peace we want."

Mother- Miki enters my parents' room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

. . .

Several hours later, Miki points to the barracks, formerly Camilla's home. "With the recent immigration of goblins, the villagers will likely feel more at ease with either building more barracks, spread out over the village, or building up the current barracks to be more fortifiable. Regardless, you should find ways to ease their minds about-"

I'm saved by a knock on the door. With a relieved sigh - and a small glare from Miki - I raise my voice to be heard outside. "Come in!"

The door opens, and Rena pokes her head through the gap, her brunette locks hanging down to her side. "Lord Blackwing, the Empress has sensed a group flowered individuals approaching the village. They'll arrive in less than an hour." She opens the door further to step inside, showing she's clad in her metal armor. "She knows you're incapacitated, but wanted to know where you wanted her to direct them."

My mouth opens, before I shut it. Shit. I never got around to building those houses for them... She said she was gonna bring a dozen, so where can we keep that many people?

Luckily, Miki speaks on my behalf. "They can bring their carts to the north edge of town, just outside. Their horses can go to the stables; they'll pass that on the eastern road. While housing is scarce, any who can't rest in Garth's can find shelter in the church until more houses are built." Her response is concise, and I doubt I would've reached that same conclusion - despite how much of the past I-don't-know-how-long she's been drilling this stuff into me.

Rena looks between Miki and myself, and when I nod, she does the same. "I'll do my best to guide them."

"Actually," I look to Miki myself, before returning to the brunette. "I'd like to meet them all, if I could. They're supposed to build the local economy, right? It'd help to find out how they can help, and how we can help them do that." I give a quick mental tug at Kara, hopeful that she understands that I'm asking to possess her.

Miki gives an acknowledging nod. "Well said."

Once more I turn to the kitsune. "I'd actually like you there, too. I doubt I'm the best at this, so having you there would probably help."

A genuine smile appears on her face. "I'd be honored."

Something tells me she misses being in charge of her village. Hopefully this will help with that... In all honesty, she could manage as much of Riverbend as she wants. I'm not sure this is for me...

Rena speaks up again. "If that's all, my lord, I'll return to patrol." She bows before exiting, making sure to close the door behind her.

Miki stands from her chair. "I suppose I'll take the time to check on Kaguya."

Right, Kaguya... "How's he doing?"

The blonde's face turns pensive. "He was only awake a few hours yesterday, but...he'll get better." She pauses. "It seems I'm once more indebted to you, Du-, Lord Blackwing." A nod of her head.

I raise my hand. "Please, it's weird enough to hear Rena call me that."

She gives a giggle. "If things continue like this, you may just need to get used to it." She turns to the back door. "I'll see you shortly."

And with that, I'm once again alone. Even HAL is off with Eve teaching her goblish. I still haven't heard back from- As if on cue, I feel Kara's tug at the back of my mind. There we go. Leaning my head back, I take a deep breath and send my mind away...

Opening 'my' eyes, I'm face to face with Camilla. Actually, that's quite literal, as she and Kara were apparently kissing before I arrived, with the human holding Kara's -now 'my'- cheeks.

She lets go, her hands falling to my shoulders as she pulls away. There's an awkward pause as we stare into each other's eyes. Her eyes are a bit red, her cheeks a bit puffy...not from my perspective, but from Kara's.

I take her head in my hands and touch our foreheads together. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry I ended up putting you through so much. I swear, I-"

"Dusk." She interrupts me, and I let her take a breath to contemplate her words. "I'm sorry, too. I don't think I can do it, but..." She lets the sentence trail off.

"Cammy...you don't have to finish that." I smile to her, attempting to ease her worries. My hand caresses her cheek, and I give her a brief kiss before pulling away. "How about we think about something else for now? I actually had a reason to possess Kara right now." Standing, I find that we're a ways in the forest, in a small clearing that some have dubbed 'Lover's Grove'... It doesn't take much to figure out what the pair were doing here, especially with the dirt on our clothes.

Cammy takes my hand to stand, looking a bit concerned. "So what is it?"

"Rose called in some backup. A dozen or so of her...flowers - really need to come up with a better name for them." I giggle. "They'll arrive shortly, and I wanted to get to know them a bit."

"Oh," my fiancé looks relieved. "Nothing big, then."

Another giggle. "No, nothing big. Shall we get going?" Without thought or hesitation, I shift into my -into Kara's- fox form, bending down for Cammy to climb on.

"I'm still surprised you're - Kara's willing to do this." She swings a leg over, grabbing hold of my scruff.

"It's a lot easier right now, I can tell you that much." I let out another giggle. Kara must've been especially giddy when I got here.

"I don't doubt it, but that doesn't change that I'm still surprised."

"Why not? I - Kara's been doting on you for years. Even when you left for the academy, she wrote you nearly every day."

There's a pause, and I feel Cammy's hands rise up from my back. "And how do you know that?" By the slightly defensive tone of her voice, I have to assume her arms are crossed.

"I...huh..." How do I know that? No one said anything like that to me, it just...came to me, like a... "...memory. I might be...starting to get some of Kara's memories when I possess her? I don't know, no one ever properly explained this to me." Even God's Eye seems to leave out details...

Her hands return to my scruff, gripping tightly. "I think I know what you mean... Last night I had a dream about...well, you, but we were in some kind of grand palace. I was your bodyguard, and we just...went through our day, I guess. You dealt with some people, Eve took over for you at some point, and we..." She lingers, giving enough hesitation for me to figure out what it was.

"And we...?" That doesn't mean I don't want her to say it, though. "Come on, Cammy. We're all adults, here.

She sighs. "...doesn't make it not weird talking about it... We fucked, okay? It was apparently 'my day' or something, and we spent a while...trying a lot of positions."

I giggle, imagining her cheeks burning, but manage to bring it back on topic. "And what does that have to do with me getting Kara's memories?"

"We were both nephilim in it. Eve was too. I don't think it was a dream. It was one of Lia's memories." There's a pause. "And now that I'm bringing it up, she just confirmed it."

I look down. I hope that doesn't mean something bad... "Are we sure she didn't make the dream herself? She can do that, kind of like that beach dream we all had." Part of me hopes that's the case...even if I don't know what her plan would be with that.

"My lady," Cammy's voice changes slightly, seeming more echo-y. "While I can form a dreamscape, it is...draining, in my current state. For now, I'll only use it in urgent matters, or if you specifically request me to."

A sigh escapes my maw. "Well...do you know anything about this...memory sharing, thing?"

"Unfortunately, my experience with such magics is limited. Another of my fellow servants would understand better; she was a skilled psychic." She leans forward, scratching behind my ears comfortingly. "If I remember anything, I'll promptly inform you, ma'am." Lia leans back into an upright position, before I once more feel a shift in her demeanor.

"You know, you could keep scratching my ears, if you want." I giggle back, only to have the smell of old wood fill my nose. "Well, if we weren't already here." Through the trees, I can make out vague shadows that seem to be houses.

"Well, all you or Kara have to do is ask." Cammy's hand slides up and gives a brief scratch behind my ears again.