Return at last.

The moment you stand tall directly in the center of Castle Phoenix, you throw your arms up as you breathe a deep lung-full of crisp, fresh air and shut your eyes. The sun above shines down directly over your body, which is the first time you've felt such a thing in days. The closest you've even been to seeing the sun was when you were exploring the lich's cottage. You let out a long sigh of relief. It's almost euphoric. By the time you open your eyes again, you witness a small army marching on your position. Most of the residents are coming, with Eva, Amara, and Niki leading the charge. Rinlin is **** to leap away just in time for the attack.

Eva throws her body into your embrace. You grab hold and spin her around, and the moment you stop, Niki wraps her arms around your shoulders to pull your head in close. A more gentle touch wraps itself around your arm, and when you turn, you see Amara's warm visage. Snow stops nearby and tugs the mask town from her lips to reveal a smile.

"You've been gone so long!" Eva cries. "We were just about to organize some kind of a search party."

"I wasn't gone longer than I said I might. But thank you for worrying about me," you reply.

Tom emerges from the crowd. He looks rather good today, with his hair actually groomed, and wearing a new, nicer suit of leather and cloth likely crafted by Luna. Beside him is a woman you almost don't recognize at first. She looks somewhat like a slightly shorter, less imposing Mistress Dajy. Her pure white hair is combed neatly, and there's a single rose threaded just above her left ear. She stands close to him. After a moment, you realize it's actually Vodrani, one of Dajy's succubi.

When Tom sees the catfolk near you, he peers closely and says, "Holy shit. Is that you, Rinlin? How did you end up coming back with Kyle?"

She hurries over to him. "It's long story. Thanks to him, I was saved from execution." She stops for a moment to inspect the girl beside him.

Tom realizes through the silence that he should be the one to speak. "Oh. This is Vodrani, my girlfriend."

"Your girlfriend is a succubus!"

"Aha. She sure is."

Vodrani grabs his arm and pulls him in aggressively against her. "Is that a problem?" she asks. "I have chosen Tommy as mine. If you want him, you'll have to fight me for him, and I assure you that you won't win--"

"I don't want him! Calm down."

People move out of Lady Nyllia Tesgella's way when she marches forward. Her incredible confidence acts almost like a barrier around her, clearing a path through anyone nearby. The chilly breeze wafts through her long, radiant, pink hair, and the sun shines bright off her polished silver armour. She approaches you and takes a knee, like a knight before a king. "You have returned, Demon King," she says. Her eyes peer up into yours as she smiles. "I am certain you have much to tell us, but be certain to rest if you need it."

"Come on, Nyllia. You can stand," you say with a smirk.

She pulls herself up. "Are you well?"

"I am--" As you speak, she pushes herself more assertively forward and plants her soft lips against your own.

Eva immediately grabs her shoulder. "H-Hey! You absolutely cannot take the first kiss since he's come back. That's not fair! I don't care if you're some kind of famous adventurer, all right? I joined the party way before you did."

Niki raises her hand. "I actually joined first, technically."

"How interesting." Amara places her fingers upon her lips and chuckles softly. "Are we meant to line up and kiss in order of meeting?"

Bek hurries his way into view. "I'm next, I'm next!"

"... To kiss him?" Niki asks.

The dwarf furls his bushy brow. "Huh? No. What's wrong with you guys? I thought we were discussing all the ways he found to kick that Demon King's ass. I want every juicy detail!"

You look down to see roots begin to emerge from between the stones of the pathway. They wrap around one of your feet, and a moment after, you feel a similar embrace around from your back. You then hear the gentle voice of Peony whispering into your ear.

"My handsome husband has returned at last," she says. "That was many days of not being able to make you smile. I may have to make up for lost time." She giggles, nuzzling her face into the back of your neck.

"Everyone stop!" a voice shouts from amongst the rest.

People turn, stepping away to reveal Summer standing there with a large jar under her arm. Her little wings buzz as she plants her feet firmly on the ground and stares directly into your eyes from a distance away. She thrust a finger forwards, pointing in your direction. "Let him go!" she commands. She puffs out a cheek in discontent, and then proceeds to explain. "Kyle has been gone for days, and not once would he have had a proper meal. No more bothering him until he eats! Right here, do you know what I have? Special honey, imported to the castle this morning. I'm going to make the greatest series of dishes he's ever had, so don't hold him back!"

Rinlin holds up a hand. "I respect your care towards him, but we have important things to--"

"Nothing is more important than a full belly!" She stomps her foot down and proceeds to march towards the castle. "Follow me~!" As she goes, she hums a catchy song.