Endless Path : Infinite Cosmos

Staring out across their shared battlefield, a veritable sea of animal girl bodies, nearly a hundred different Vahn's couldn't help succumbing to a profound reverie. They had been fighting for so long that they completely lost their sense of time. However, in the end, it was not the horde of cute, beautiful, and incredibly enthusiastic girls that won out. No. Once again, it was the Sage Dragon Emperor that had emerged supreme.
"We did it..."
Hearing the soft utterance of their brother, the other Vahn's all nodded their heads in concert. Then, starting from the periphery, each began to disappear into thin air. In the end, only a single Vahn remained among a field of more than ten thousand panting, mewling, and twitching women.
Just as Vahn was about to begin his search for the original, one of the 'surviving' Sis Corps members nearest to his feet grabbed his ankle. He looked down to find a petite cat girl with hazy pink eyes and ashen grey hair that extended well past her lower back. He immediately recognized her as Kaya, one of the 'Nekomini Maid Corps' that had assailed him near the beginning of the battle. She was nearly identical to her twenty-seven sisters, but Vahn could tell each of them apart without issue.
Putting as much strength as she could manage into her grip, Kaya issued a euphonious, "Myaastah...don't go..."
"Still got a bit of fight in you, eh...?"
Though he risked setting off a chain reaction in the surrounding Sisters, Vahn waved his hand to levitate Kaya from the ground. She was a little on the small side, around 144cm, but he still drew her close and gave her an intense kiss as she locked her legs around him and willfully guided the tip of his glans to her steamy entrance.
Fortunately, though Kaya cried out with a cataclysmically loud mewl when she dropped her hips, Vahn was able to suppress the sound as it escaped her lips. A few of the surrounding Sisters began moving about and making sonorous noises, but that was primarily due to the 'resonance' caused by Vahn's Sex Divinity...
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After making his way through several other 'survivors', Vahn finally arrived at the epicenter of the cataclysmic battle, a large circular region occupied by a single slumbering figure with short black hair, tanned skin, and feline features.
Sensing Vahn's approach, the figure immediately stirred away, a dreamlike smile developing across her face as she teased, "Long time no see~? Oh my..."
Even before the cat-like woman had finished speaking, she found herself lifted into the air and supported by three nearly identical men. When they propped her up and spread her legs, she offered absolutely no resistance. Instead, she extended her left hand, willfully spreading apart her vulva to reveal a thin yet constant stream of lubricating fluids as she inquired, "Is this what you came for~?"
Without any hesitation, Vahn inserted himself into the woman in a single thrust. Her back arched as a silent scream emanated from her throat, but that wasn't enough to deter the four men surrounding her. Instead, they began to knead and caress every part of her body as the version of Vahn directly behind joined his counterpart in probing the woman's depths. He just took a very different route.
Feeling something hot and thick invade her rear, a giggle emanated from the woman's throat as she mewled, "Naughty boy...". Then, using her own version of the Hands of Nirvana, she began dexterously stroking the glans and shafts of the two Vahn's flanking her...
Breaking the woman's concentration, the Vahn in front of her leaned in as if he were about to kiss her. She eagerly extended her tongue to receive him, but before their lips could meet, he whispered, "You've been a very bad girl, Sis..."
"Eh...?"
Surprised by Vahn's words, a feeling of panic washed over Sis, her mind racing to understand what she had done wrong. Fortunately, it wasn't as bad as she was expecting. Following his words, Vahn brought lips close enough to touch hers as he added, "If I had known you were this lewd, I would have claimed every version of you years ago..."
Feeling a sudden and pleasurable heat spreading through her body, Sis became keenly aware of the fact that two of the Vahn(s) had inserted their rainbow-hued hands into her body. She could feel them caressing the literal core of her existence, her features rapidly shifting between her ten-thousand-three-hundred-and-thirty-nine offshoots as Sisters across the battlefield began to disappear.
"Vahn...wait...it's too much..."
Shaking his head, Vahn allowed his other selves to disappear as he fell with Sis against the pillowy surface of the bed-like realm she had created near the start of the 'battle'. Then, with his fingers linked through hers, he leaned close enough that his lips tickled the delicate hairs within her cat-like ears as he said, "No matter what happens, I will always love you...just as you have always been here to pull me back together, I will do the same for you..."
As her rapid transformations came to an end, Sis's body tensed as Vahn's mind completely blanked. His previously steady heart began beating like a drum in his chest as he asked, "Is this the 'real' you...?"
Pulling her hands from Vahn's, Sis hurriedly covered her face, furiously shaking her head as she insisted, "It's a misunderstanding! This is just the form closest to your heart...!"
While doing his best to suppress the shaking of his body, Vahn scanned the pale and petite woman pinned beneath him. She had short, somewhat messy auburn hair, a lithe body, and, before she had hidden it away, Vahn noticed that were a shade of leafy green set within a lightly freckled face. The only differences between her and the woman Vahn was imagining were her tiny horns, her pointed ears, the lion-like tail protruding from her lower back, and the reptilian scales covering her hands, forearms, calves, and feet.
Feeling a sudden and overwhelming urge to pull out for the first time in his life, Vahn nearly did exactly that until he noticed the tears escaping from beneath Sis's hands. His panic and confusion were immediately replaced by a feeling of guilt as he pulled her into his embrace before shifting to a seated position and hugging her as tenderly as possible.
"Shhshhshhhshhh...it's going to be okay, Sis. What did I just finish saying? No matter what happens, I will always love you. I was just...really, really surprised..."
After a fair amount of sniffling, Sis lowered her hands to reveal a pair of large, green, teary eyes. Vahn could feel his heart seize in his chest the moment they made eye contact, but he quickly suppressed any and all feelings of discomfort as he tentatively inquired, "This is just a form you adopted...right?"
Understanding Vahn's concerns, Sis sniffled a few more times before resting her forehead against his exposed chest and meekly replying, "It's difficult to explain...however, no matter how things might appear, I'm not your mother. It's just...there was a time when I really wanted to become her..."
With most of Vahn's memories being recycled through the Kaleidoscopic Wheel of Karma, the most prominent image within his mind at the time of Sis' creation was the memory of his mother. Vahn had actually been lying through his teeth when he claimed to have always wanted a big sister to take care of him. In truth, the one thing he had always yearned for, even after thousands of years of existence, was his mother's embrace.
Long before she had taken on the traits of people like Chloe, Sis had silently watched over Vahn in the guise of his mother. She would even visit him whenever he had nightmares, slowly weakening their influence over his mind by introducing Vahn's most significant source of comfort. This was the actual reason Vahn rarely dreamed back in the Record of Danmachi. Sis had actively suppressed them so that he wouldn't have a mental breakdown upon discovering her in the form of his mother.
Exhaling a breath he didn't even notice he was holding, Vahn surprised Sis by releasing her from his embrace, an indescribably affectionate smile on his face as he asserted, "You're so fucking adorable..."
"Eh...?"
Since it was pretty unusual for Vahn to curse, Sis was momentarily taken aback by his words. Before she could form any further thoughts, however, Vahn's hands suddenly slid down her body, firmly grasping her hips as he began to rock her in his lap. A shiver of pleasure ran from her core to the crown of her head, but, fearing Vahn would regret his actions, Sis shakily inquired, "Are you sure about this...?"
Letting a soft chuckle emanate from his throat, Vahn put a bit of force into his shallow thrust, eliciting a yelping moan from Sis as he said, "No matter what form you take, it doesn't change the fact you're still my beloved Big Sis. I won't lie. It is more than a little disconcerting, but, at the same time, I can't help feeling obligated to 'reward' you for being so cute..."
As his right hand made its way to the small of Sis's back, supporting her as he continued to hasten his movements, Vahn's smile gained a wolfish quality as he teased, "Besides...you're far from the first woman who has wanted me to call her Mommy..."
With her jaw and teeth clattering each time Vahn invaded her depths, Sis found herself wholly unable to respond to his words. Her emotions were going completely haywire, but none were more powerful than the feelings of love and devotion she felt towards the boy, no, the man sitting in front of her. She still intended to view him as her beloved little brother, but Sis knew their relationship would never be the same after this...
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After a surprisingly easy 'battle' against the Rattenfanger Community, Sandora, Yo, and Asuka watched as the 130 spirits slowly disappeared from the Little Garden.
"To think that the 'true legend' of the Pied Piper of Hamlin was something so mundane...tragic, but mundane..."
Though she was delighted to have acquired a new Gift in the form of a giant, seemingly indestructible red golem, Asuka couldn't help feeling a little empty inside. It turned out that the 130 children hadn't been killed off by a natural disaster or sacrificed by some demonic entity. They were simply a group of children who left home with the goal of forming a small community away from their oppressive parents. As for the cause of their deaths, it was entirely natural causes. Most of them had starved to death, while others had simply succumbed to the elements...
"At least with this, the matter has largely been settled. We just need to get out of here and inform the people they can return to their daily lives. After all, I'll arrange a commendation ceremony to make it known just how important a role the No Names played in the quick resolution of events. It will take a day or two to get everything organized, but it should give your Community a substantial increase in influence."
Regaining her smile, Asuka had to restrain the urge to give Sandora a big hug as she said, "I'm glad you're such a prudent person, Sandora. Let's be friends from now on, okay?"
Hearing Asuka mutter her trigger word, a radiant smile developed across Yo's face as she pulled together both girls and enthusiastically exclaimed, "That's right! From now on, the four of us will be the best of friends~!"
Though she initially smiled wryly in response to Yo's words, Asuka quickly noticed the discrepancy in her statement, asking, "The four of us? Do you mean Lily...?"
Answering in place of Yo, the tiny Earth Spirit hiding in Asuka's cleavage poked her head out, her mitten-like hands waving eagerly as she happily chimed, "Asuka~! Friend~! Friend~!"
Surprised that the tiny Spirit hadn't disappeared along with the rest of the Rattenfanger members, Asuka was briefly at a loss for words. In the end, however, she just accepted it as a good thing, smiling as she said, "Looks like Deen isn't our only new member. Welcome to the No Names...Merun?"
Tilting her head to the side, the diminutive fae pointed toward herself, asking, "Merun?" in an adorably confused tone. In response, Asuka just nodded her head, stating, "That's your name. We can't keep calling you Earth Spirit, now can we~?"
Though she didn't fully understand Asuka's words, Merun happily flew around the trio of girls, her voice a mixture of laughter and excitement as she sang, "Merun~! Asuka~! Merun~! Asuka~! Ehehehehehehe~!"
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(A/N: Bet no one saw that coming (O w O)...')

"You did well today. A few things didn't go as planned, but you never gave up. Good job."
After issuing a few orders and informing everyone that the danger had passed, one of the first things Sandora did during her off time was ask Vahn to reward her. She didn't feel like she had earned it, but one of the things Vahn had taught her during their time together was that she simply didn't need to. People were allowed to be a little selfish when it came to things like love and attaining happiness.
While lying atop Vahn and enjoying his caress, Sandora asked, "When do you want to get married? A lot of people were asking me about it..."
"Mmm...after all the time we've spent together, it feels like we're already married. I'm ready and willing the moment you are..."
Reading a little too much into Vahn's words, or at least pretending to, a sultry smile that didn't quite suit her presently dainty figure developed across Sandora's face as she said, "Don't tempt me..."
Showing no apprehensions to Sandora's current form, Vahn gave her butt a firm squeeze without further remark. After the 'day' he had experienced, he was down for just about anything. In fact, it felt like most of his worries and concerns had ceased to exist...almost like he was in complete control for the first time in thousands of years...
Staring into Vahn's face, a serious expression developed across Sandora's as an intense heat permeated her body. She had intended to wait until their wedding night, but if Vahn was in the mood, there was no way she was going to refuse.
Sensing the changes he had triggered in Sandora's body, Vahn squinted his eyes as his smiling face developed a wolfish undertone. He wanted to respect Sandora's initial decision, but if both of them were willing, he saw little reason to delay things. After all, they had already crossed that line a long time ago.
"I want you..."
Following a shudder that emanated from her core, any thoughts Sandora had of waiting were promptly dismissed. It was pretty rare for Vahn to be the initiator, so she wasn't going to pass on the opportunity to experience 'being wanted' by the man she had willfully given her everything.
"Then take me...I'm yours..."
Squinting his eyes, Vahn's irises shifted from aquamarine to gold as he said, "You're also adorable..."
Without waiting for Sandora's response, Vahn pulled her legs so that she was straddling him. He could feel her body temperature skyrocket. As for what came next, only the bedroom, walls, and furniture were made privy...
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"You realize what you did wrong...?"
Though he had regained his luscious golden locks, Izayoi found himself at Asuka's mercy, hands bound and most of his power still sealed. In spite of this, he managed a daring smile as he answered, "I acted on my own and nearly did something incredibly foolish."
Nodding her head in approval, Asuka muttered, "It's good that you know." as she continued circling Izayoi's body with a pensive yet subtly beguiling expression on her face.
After circling to the front of Izayoi's body, Asuka 'surprised' him by hiking up her dress so she could take a seat on his lap. Then, with her hands and arms linked around his back and shoulders, she asserted, "We nearly lost everything today. I-"
Squinting his eyes, Izayoi interrupted what Asuka wanted to say, stating, "But we didn't. And now that we know our shortcomings, we can work to fix them. Don't get hung up on the past..."
Turning her eyes up at Izayoi, Asuka barely suppressed the urge to use her Authority to make him stay quiet. Instead, she quietly replied, "Trust me...it isn't the past I'm concerned about..."
As Izayoi raised his brows, various questions forming on the tip of his tongue, Asuka leaned forward and asked, "Have you noticed anything 'different' about our situation...?"
Taking a bit of the wind out of Asuka's sails, Izayoi asked, "You mean other than the fact you aren't wearing panties...?"
"..."
Sitting up straight, Asuka met Izayoi's gaze, her expression a pout as she complained, "Seriously...how did I ever fall for such a base and barbarous scamp...?"
Without missing a beat, Izayoi replied, "I imagine my roguish good looks and-"
Interrupting Izayoi's response, Asuka sealed his lips with an intense and passionate kiss. She had nearly lost everything she cared about in just a few short seconds. She hadn't, but the possibility was more than enough to annul any apprehensions about advancing the relationship between her and Izayoi. Besides, she didn't want to be the only person in her group of friends that was still a virgin...
Though he felt like Asuka was about to do something she would regret, Izayoi didn't say or do anything to stop her. As the day had proven, he was far from infallible. Vahn's overwhelming display of power had also left him feeling a lingering feeling of dread, so Izayoi wasn't going to refuse a chance to forget...even if only for a short while...
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After an 'eventful' night for all parties involved, Vahn, Sandora, Yo, Lily, Asuka, Izayoi, and the Earth Spirit Merun gathered for a late breakfast the following day.
Though Asuka had similar thoughts about every other girl at the table, Lily was the first to teasingly remark, "Asuka is looking particularly radiant this morning...did something good happen?"
Instead of responding to Lily's words, Asuka issued a dismissive harumph before subsequently failing to prevent a blush from spreading through her cheeks. What she didn't know was that everyone at the table could 'smell' the difference between her present and past selves. If she did, she would have had to excuse herself to stifle a series of screams.
Amused by Asuka's reaction, a soft chuckle emanated from Lily's throat as she remarked, "How cute..." with squinted eyes. This caused the blush on Asuka's face to become far more prominent, a condition made all the more severe when Izayoi chimed in to add, "No kidding..." with a teasing smile on his face.
Before Asuka could explode from embarrassment, Vahn stepped out of the kitchen, asking, "Anyone order the Aldrnari Empire's Special...?"
With all the focus shifting to Vahn, Asuka was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, her respite was short-lived as Vahn slid a plate of aromatic, perfectly cooked red rice in front of her and Izayoi, winking as he said, "Congratulations."
Burying her face into her hands, Asuka attempted to convince herself she was trapped in a nightmare. Instead, she found herself dragged back to her new reality as Yo supportively squeezed her hand and asserted, "I'm happy for you, Asuka! You too, Izayoi! Congratulations~!"
Unable to take it any longer, Asuka's face began to twitch like she was having a seizure as she exclaimed, "This isn't a suitable breakfast topic! And would you people please stop making it sound like I'm pregnant...!?"
Though Yo was more than a little surprised by Asuka's outburst, everyone else at the table either smiled or laughed. Even Izayoi was no exception, a lighthearted laugh emanating from his throat even as Asuka crushed his foot beneath the table...
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Following the nearly hour-long breakfast, the group split up for a short while before reconvening at the Chamber of Flames. Sandora had a few things she wanted to talk about, so she had asked them to gather there once they had washed up and calmed down.
"So? What's this about, chibi?"
Without minding Izyaoi's overly casual way of speaking, Sandora returned a friendly smile as she explained, "There are three things I wished to discuss. First and foremost, I wanted to thank the No Names for helping to resolve things without any significant incidents. Though we could have resolved things ourselves, things would not have ended so swiftly without your support."
Following her words, Sandora waved her hand to signal for the servants waiting in the wings to bring out several large chests filled with gold bars, a variety of gems, and a pair of gauntlets.
"Due to your affiliation with the Sage Dragon's Hearth, I can't imagine you have many financial issues. Still, Salamandra owes you at least this much for your services. Please accept them."
While it was true that they could receive practically anything they needed from Vahn, having a treasury and resources of their own was never a bad thing. Asuka, in particular, had a fondness for gold that nearly rivaled that of a Dragon. It wasn't for no reason that she had been blessed with a Gift that granted her Authority.
"Second is the matter of what to do with our captives. Vahn and I further discussed the issue last night, and he suggested turning over the Lesser Demons to the No Names. After all, you are the ones who defeated Weser and Ratten. Given the stipulations of the Gift Game, it is only natural they join the Community that subdued them."
Voicing the thought on nearly everyone's mind, Yo inquired, "What about Pest? It would be too tragic if she were separated from her friends..."
Maintaining her smile, Sandora revealed, "I have entrusted Pest to the care of the Sage Dragon's Hearth. While it is true that I was the one to defeat her, Vahn was the one who expelled Pest's demonic energy and prevented the plague from sweeping through the city. On the conditions that her friends' lives be spared, she has agreed to apprentice within the Sage Dragon's Hearth as a Maid."
"What a relief..."
Exhaling a breath she didn't even realize she was holding, a radiant smile developed across Yo's face as she directed her hazel-eyed gaze to Vahn. After learning about Pest's origins, Yo would be beside herself if anything terrible were to happen to the adorable but deadly Demoness. With Vahn taking control of the situation, Pest was in safe and reliable hands. At the very least, Yo couldn't imagine anyone more able and willing to help.
Understanding Yo's thoughts, Sandora supplied an approving nod before adopting an almost silly smile as she said, "Last but not least, I wanted to invite each of you to attend mine and Vahn's wedding ceremony as guests of honor. We're still working out the details, but it should take place within the next five days."
Seeing no reason to refuse, Asuka, acting as representative and Leader of the No Names, answered, "We would be honored to attend your wedding. In fact, now that we are in discussions to establish an alliance, it would be strange for us to refuse."
Giggling in response to Asuka's words, Sandora surprised nearly everyone present by waving her hand a second time. Instead of servants appearing with treasure chests filled with valuables, however, it was her brother who stepped out from behind one of the curtains flanking Sandora's throne. In his hands was a glistening golden scroll that exuded an immense amount of magical power, enough to make the hairs of everyone except Vahn and Sandora stand on end.
"Instead of an Alliance between Salamandra and the No Names, I wanted to recommend a Contract of Perpetuity between myself, the Floor Master of the Northern Plains, and the prevailing Leader of the No Names, Kudou Asuka. In simple terms, it is a contract of friendship that supersedes even the restrictions of certain Gift Games. In even simpler terms, it makes us honorary members of one another's Communities. If you make this public, I imagine it would provide quite a substantial boost to your Community's reputation..."
Though she was tempted to ask why Mandra's face and eyes were visibly swollen, Asuka just accepted the contract with a smile, stating, "You have done us a great service, Sandora. One I, and the No Names, will not soon forget."
Offering another light chuckle in response to Asuka's words, Sandora's expression lit up like the sun on a clear Summer day as she tittered, "Of course. That's what friends are for~!"
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"Come on, is this really necessary...?"
Though Vahn had dispelled the demonic energy from Izayoi's body, he still ended up bound and, for a short while, gagged inside of a cell. After all, until the Gift Game came to an end, he was 'technically' on the side of Grimm Grimoire Hamlin.
In response to Izayoi's words, it was Asuka who answered, "Though it is partially my fault you ended up here, I'm siding with Vahn on this one. I can't believe you, of all people, made such a foolish mistake. Maybe a bit of prison time will make you think before the next time you run off on your own..."
Exhaling a sigh, Izayoi rolled onto his side with a bored expression on his face as he said, "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Princess..."
Squinting her eyes, Asuka was about to chastise Izayoi for his behavior when Vahn chimed in, asking, "Do you really intend to lecture someone under the influence of the Central Network's compulsion? Izayoi isn't the only one that needs to learn from this incident. You need to work on getting your priorities in order, Asuka."
Hanging her head, Asuka's confident demeanor momentarily cracked as she softly complained, "Not everyone can be like you. Some of us..."
Though she was about to say that 'some people' needed to work to obtain their power and authority, Asuka realized the irony of her words before they could part her lips. After all, she was born into a family with tremendous wealth with an ability that allowed her to get whatever she wanted. She also had one of the most potent Gifts, powerful allies, and a functionally unlimited number of supplies. Simply put, she didn't have a platform to stand on if she wanted to argue about fairness...
Believing Vahn could be reading her thoughts, Asuka muttered, '"Never mind...forget what I was about to say. I'm...I'm just not thinking clearly at the moment..."
Just as Asuka was about to excuse herself, Yo suddenly embraced her in a warm hug, whispering, "You don't have to be like Vahn, Asuka...we love you for who you are. Just be your best self, okay...?"
Surprised by Yo's words and actions, Asuka opened her mouth to speak but simply couldn't find the words. Instead, she hesitated for a moment before returning Yo's embrace in silence. Their interaction earned them a rather rude remark from Izayoi but, thanks to Vahn, his voice couldn't carry beyond the cell.
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After Asuka's and Yo's moment of bonding, the duo reconvened with Sandora to discuss their next plan of action. Vahn was also present, but none of the girls paid him any mind due to the fact he was, momentarily, standing outside the Axis of Reality.
Having regained her confidence, Asuka was the one to start things off, stating, "Things aren't as bad as they could be. As much of a blunder as it was, Izayoi's actions prevented whatever was meant to happen when the glass panels were broken. If we go back to the Corridor of Displays, we should be able to resolve this without further issue."
Nodding her head in approval, Sandora stated, "We'll go together this time. I've assigned Forte, Frey, Ebony, and Raven to keep an eye on the members of Grimm Grimoire Hamlin. Let's try to end this without having to rely on Vahn a third time."
Though she was grateful for Vahn's intervention, especially in the case of Pest and her pestilence, Sandora couldn't help feeling as though she had failed in her original intent. However, instead of letting it bother her, she was more determined than ever.
One of the most important lessons she had learned from Vahn was that it was okay to make mistakes. Even if the consequences of your actions were catastrophic, you hadn't failed so long as you hadn't given up. The burden of your mistakes may weigh heavily on your body and mind, but that was even more of a reason to push forward. If you simply gave up, the deaths that came about as a result of your actions would have been in vain.
"Agreed. I can't stand being indebted to that man, so let's try to wrap this up with just the three of us."
As if to protest Asuka's words, the tiny Earth Spirit seated atop her head gave it a firm pat as she shouted, "Asuka~!"
Smiling wryly, Asuka plucked the faerie-like Spirit from her head, gently poking its cheek as she supplanted, &nbsp;"Make that the four of us. After all, there's a good chance you're the key to everything, isn't there...?"
Tilting her head to the side, the Earth Spirit had a supremely innocent expression on her face as she intoned a confused, "Asuka...?"
Producing a biscotti from her Inventory, Asuka fed the confused Earth Spirit a piece of the almondy cracker before returning her attention to Sandora and asking, "When do you want to set out?"
Returning a faint smile, Sandora said, "I would prefer to set out as soon as possible. The sooner we can solve this matter, the sooner my people can return to their lives."
"Can't argue with that."
Though she wasn't looking forward to getting crumbs in her bra, Asuka allowed the Earth Spirit to conceal itself in her cleavage before adopting a confident, resolute expression and saying, "Right! Let's do this...!"
Feeding off Asuka's energy, Yo pumped her fist in the air, shouting a spirited, "Ya-ho~!" while Sandora just nodded. Then, without so much as sparing him a glance, the trio bolted past Vahn with the Corridor of Displays as their destination. In their wake, Vahn walked over and made himself comfortable atop Sandora's throne, a pensive expression on his face as he called out, "Sis...?"
"Hmmm~?"
Aware of Vahn's present mental state, Sis elected to manifest in front of him instead of conversing with him from the comfort of his mind. Vahn's mood improved qualitatively the moment she did, so Sis chalked it up to a win-win as she snuggled up next to him and asked, "What's wrong...?"
Though he would normally bury his face in her breasts or enjoy her lap pillow, Vahn surprised Sis by wrapping his right arm around her, pulling her a little closer, and caressing the space between her cat-like ears. At the same time, his left hand nearly went for her breast, but he managed to catch himself at the last moment, his palm resting on her abdomen as he softly replied, "Yo nearly experienced something traumatic because of me..."
Ceasing her throaty purring, Sis's words and actions were somewhat contrary as she affectionately nestled her head against Vahn's chest and asserted, "You're wrong. Yo willfully participated in this event, and Izayoi's blunder was entirely the result of a personal oversight. Now, be a good boy and tell me why you're actually upset..."
Nestling his face between Sis's ears, Vahn closed his eyes to inhale a 'very' deep breath before opening them to reveal blazing golden irises as he said, "I'm tired, Sis...I'm tired of all the conflict, pain, and tragedy that is only ever a moment away from ruining everything. I have all this power, but it's utterly meaningless unless I abandon my principles and take control of everything. I've been trying so desperately to hold onto all the things that make me who I am, but they only ever seem to get in the way..."
"Mmm..."
Dragging the nail of her right index finger down the center of Vahn's chest, cutting through the fabric of his tunic as if it simply didn't exist, Sis asked, "So...what you're saying is that you're trapped between the decision to 'take control' or 'relinquish' it. And you believing choosing either option means losing yourself...is that it?"
Instead of responding to Sis's words, Vahn silently observed as she finished cutting a line down the entirety of his tunic. When her hand made its way over his heart, they could both feel the powerful organ pumping with enough vigor to power, not one, but innumerable stars.
"Does this remind you of anything...?"
Even without Sis helping to pull up his memories, Vahn recalled all the times when Chloe would affectionately caress his chest or listen to his heartbeat. He longed for those simpler times, a period in his life when-
"You're lying to yourself..."
Blinking in surprise, Vahn's face contorted into confusion as he asked, "What do you mean?"
Despite drawing a tiny heart shape in Vahn's chest, Sis's expression hardened as she asked, "Did you forget why you 'fled' the Record of Danmachi? If those times were truly as simple as you believe them to be, why are you here right now?"
"..."
Cupping Vahn's face to prevent him from looking away from her, Sis maintained a stern look as she added, "Every burden you carry is one you willfully picked up, Vahn. If you want to drop them, I will support you to the very end. However, I won't sit here and listen to you make excuses. Since the very beginning of this journey, you have been the only one that can make decisions for yourself. If you want to rampage for a bit, sleep for an eternity, or travel ten thousand worlds as nothing more than a guardian, there is nothing anyone can do to stop you..."
Near the end of her words, Sis brought her indescribably sharp nail to her blouse, her eyes glistening with even greater intensity than Vahn's as she purred, "Just do as you please..."
Feeling a knot forming in his throat, Vahn barely managed to mutter, "Sis..." in an uncharacteristically shaky tone. In response, Sis squinted her eyes, surprising Vahn as she said, "If you desired it, I would set out and conquer this entire reality, bundle it up, and present it to you with a neat little bow around it. You might have forgotten, but my power is the same as your own. If you're 'really' tired of making an effort, you need only say six words..."
Before Vahn realized it, he found himself being cradled in Sis's naked bosom, his body resembling that of the young boy that emerged in the forest so many years ago as she whispered, "Sis...please help me return home. Say those six words, and you won't have to worry about anything ever again...unless, of course, you choose to..."
Following her words, Sis emulated Vahn's habit of sniffing her hair. If he didn't recover his senses soon, she wouldn't be able to control herself...
Fortunately, though it caused the massive array of animalistic beauties within Vahn's mind to cry out in frustration, he promptly reverted to his 'true' form, whispering, "I still have a bit of fight left in me..."
Exhaling a hot sigh, Sis attempted to suppress her desires and resume her sisterly persona. Vahn apparently had different intentions, however, his voice gaining a soul-quivering quality as he said, "Sis...I love you..."
Feeling an insuppressible shiver spread through her body, Sis's eyes began to glaze over as she whimpered, "We shouldn't...if we do, I'm not sure I can contain myself. If I lose control-"
"I'll rein you in..."
Punctuating his words, Vahn leaned in to give Sis a deep and passionate kiss. At the same time, taking advantage of the fact she had sliced open her blouse, he reached up to squeeze her right breast. He could feel her jaw trembling through their connected mouths and tongues, his passion and desire increasing by the nanosecond.
Just as Vahn's hand began to move further south, Sis's eyes widened like a startled cat as she jerked away from him and said, "No! Bad girls!" in a shrill, panicked tone.
Before Vahn could ask what was wrong, women of various shapes and sizes began to manifest within the Chamber of Flames, quickly filling it as a strange feeling of 'emptiness' swelled within his mind. Then, like a horde of hungry animals swarming around someone holding a bag of treats, Vahn was quickly overwhelmed by what he would later come to know as the Sis Corps...
It was an experience he would never forget.
...
..
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(A/N: Well, hello there (O w O)...')

Chapter 2290: Accidental Exposure