[I apologize for the delay, I was trying to broaden the music I use for my stories and I've found a TON of them that fit the story, so look forward to music just as epic as the up and coming fight with Shalltear, or is it going to be her? Stay tuned and find out!]
A few miles from the Re-Estize Kingdom: inside Sesshōmaru's Royal Carriage
Sesshōmaru's POV
I sat within my carriage, observing the fleeting landscape of trees through the window. The rhythmic thud of demon beasts pulling us forward was a constant, low rumble, accompanied by the disciplined march of my vanguard. My retainers, both male and female, clad in dark, lacquered armor with elegant gold and silver inlays, formed a formidable escort.
Our conveyance was a masterpiece of otherworldly craftsmanship, a carriage from a realm long past, its obsidian frame adorned with intricate gold filigree. It was a design I had always favored for its stark elegance. Beside me, my queen, Cereza, reclined in a pose of casual grace, her form accentuated by the bespoke attire I had fashioned for her.
Cereza: "My darling, where did you acquire such a magnificent conveyance? I recall nothing of its like from the annals of the Umbra Witches, yet it speaks to my very soul."
I glanced at my first true consort and queen, Cereza, an Umbra Witch whose past I had helped unravel.
"If it pleases you, I can arrange for another to be made. Indeed, I shall see to it myself."
A soft, knowing smile touched her lips as she leaned her head against my shoulder, her dark hair, usually a cascade of power, now a soft veil.
Cereza: "What did I ever do to deserve such devotion~"
I inclined my head slightly, pressing a chaste kiss to her temple.
"You reminded me of the fragile nature of existence, and the fleeting beauty within even the most chaotic of souls. You brought a certain... spice to my otherwise predictable eternity."
I felt Cereza lift her head from my shoulder, though I was momentarily lost in the echoes of her fragmented past—a past of forgotten memories, of a sealed fate, and the raw, untamed power that simmered beneath her elegant facade. A power that, in its nascent form, had once been a terrifying, uncontrollable force, not unlike the whispers of tormented souls I had sensed in other realms. It was a psychic resonance, a ghost of a child's suffering, that had clung to her before her true Umbra heritage fully blossomed.
(I had found her adrift, a witch without memory, her very essence a beacon of forgotten anguish. The angels and sages were but a distraction; it was the raw, primal fear that had once defined her existence, a fear born of experimentation and isolation, that truly intrigued me. I had peeled back the layers of her amnesia, not with gentle hands, but with the stark truth of her heritage, allowing her to embrace the darkness that was her birthright. Her past, a crucible of suffering, had forged a diamond, and I had merely provided the fire.)
I felt Cereza's warm hand gently intertwine with mine, pulling me from my thoughts. I looked at her, her peach-colored eyes holding a depth of understanding that transcended words. She knew. Her inherent psychic sensitivity, a remnant of a forgotten trauma, allowed her to brush against the edges of my own mind.
Cereza: "Sesshōmaru, my love... I am eternally grateful for the truth you unveiled, for guiding me back to my power. But the past is a fleeting shadow. Let it go. The angels and sages have paid their due, and my memories are now mine to command, thanks to you~🖤" nuzzles into Sesshōmaru's neck
(She is one of the very few who truly understands my nature, and the truth of my own existence. I laid bare my memories, my journey, my very essence, and she accepted it, not with fear, but with a knowing smile.)
I snaked my arm around her waist, drawing her closer. Her other hand settled on my chest, directly over my heart, sending a shiver through me.
"There is no need for such expressions of gratitude, witch. I merely... rectified an imbalance. I despised the plight you endured. I could not—mmmnn~"
Cereza silenced me mid-sentence with a slow, exquisitely sensual French kiss. Her soft tongue, a playful serpent, lazily glossed over my teeth, her lips, a delicate contrast to my own, a "marshmallow kiss" as she once called it, firm yet yielding.
"Mmmmm~ (Remarkable... I-I'm seeing stars~ Cereza, you are... cheating. You employ your arcane allure to render me pliable...)"
Cereza: (Indeed, my lord~ 🖤 Do you intend to resist?)
"Mmmm?! (says mentally, a faint crimson blush spreading across my cheeks Cereza! Cease!... she deepens the kiss, her movements becoming more insistent No... mmmm-more~)"
I opened my eyes, a slight haze clouding my vision, and met her peach-colored gaze. In that moment, I felt a delicious loss of control. My hand, as if guided by an unseen force, began to slowly, almost reverently, trace the curves of her body, ravishing her newly restored form with each wave of intensity from her kiss. I felt her soft hands caress my abdomen, then slip beneath my robes, touching my bare skin. The sudden contact made me flinch and shiver, and I heard Cereza's low, throaty giggle within the kiss.
(D-damn her... Sh-she alone truly comprehends the depths of my being; she wields my own vulnerabilities against me~❤️)
Cereza: (You are susceptible to feminine charm, my lord~🖤 Such a captivating sight~)
I felt her hands glide lower, then with a delicate, almost imperceptible flick, my hakama loosened, the button giving way as it hit the carriage wall. I looked at Cereza, a deep blush staining my face. She slid her hand into my inner garments, her fingers tracing the impressive length and girth that now stood at full attention. She giggled again within the kiss, then pulled back slightly, her eyes glowing with mischievous intent.
Cereza: "Mine. Now."
Her eyes, usually peach, now glowed with a faint, infernal crimson as she gracefully slid to her knees before me, still seated. With a fluid motion, she pulled down the top of her dress, revealing the ample swell of her breasts. Then, with a decisive tug, she drew my hakama down further, allowing my arousal to spring free, lightly brushing her cheek.
Cereza: "Hehehe, mommy wants to play~"
She then took hold of her breasts, cupping them together to sandwich me between them. I looked down, seeing half my length still exposed. I swallowed hard as she began.
Cereza: "Ahhhhhmmmm~slurp, slurp, slurp"
She began to suckle at the exposed tip, a glistening strand of saliva connecting her lips to her breasts as she initiated a masterful tit-fuck. Each motion sent waves of exquisite sensation through me, pushing me closer to the edge. I jerked and spasmed, grunting and moaning amidst the wet, hungry sounds. I felt her pull away, and before I could even utter a whine, she pulled up her dress, revealing a sight so scandalous it caused my very first nosebleed. Cereza was wearing no undergarments, and glistening strands of her own desire connected her inner thighs to her outfit. I simply stared, mouth agape, as I heard her soft giggle.
(Ohhhh, I'm utterly undone... smirks And it shall be an experience beyond mortal comprehension when she employs her arcane powers to... looks at Cereza, who now wears the most devilishly naughty expression Oh, so you listen in, do you? I shall relish making you howl like a demon hound.)
I saw Cereza lick her lips in a manner that was utterly captivating. With a graceful movement, she stepped onto the seat I occupied. She looked at me, placing her hands on my shoulders for support, and slowly, tantalizingly, descended upon my still-hard shaft. I felt her moist warmth engulf me, and as she slid further, it felt as though my very essence was being squeezed. When she finally went down halfway, I felt a tender spot on my tip, and from her, I heard the most scream-worthy moan I had ever elicited.
Cereza: "AAhhhn!!~💘"
As I now understood I had found her most sensitive point, a deep blush bloomed across her face. Her eyes, half-lidded, met mine, and the very fabric of reality seemed to shimmer around us. This was Cereza's evolved Umbra Witch power, her ability to manipulate the very essence of existence, now fueled by her unbridled desire. Her hair, imbued with demonic energy, writhed and coiled, grasping her thighs, and began to roughly pound Cereza down onto my shaft. With each powerful thrust, her eyes slowly rolled back in her head.
Cereza: "A-a-ahhhh phap ahhhhh! whap YES!!! Fuck wap ME! gasp YES!!! Right THERE!! plap Yes... plap Yes! smack YESHHH!!!!"
I gazed at Cereza's face, seeing the classic expression of pure, unadulterated ecstasy, a delicate trail of saliva escaping her lips. Just as she believed the pleasure could not intensify further, I began to mindlessly thrust into her, and all I heard was her delightful giggling every now and again as she allowed her body to be utterly consumed by her desires. As I continued my relentless rhythm, I began to caress her breasts, pinching and pulling at her nipples until she became nothing more than a drooling, twitching mess. I felt her inner walls clamp down on my shaft, and I groaned.
"Cereza! I-I'm co-co-coming!!!~❤️"
Cereza: "INSIDE!! Fill me up! FILL ME UP ALL THE WAY, MY LORD!~🖤🖤🖤🖤"
I let out a guttural groan as I unleashed my rather plentiful essence deep within Cereza. She twitched, spasmed, and then collapsed onto me. I slowly withdrew, then pulled her into a tight embrace. She returned my kiss, a sloppy, passionate French kiss, as if obsessed with my taste.
"Damn it! Holy hell... Ughh, I'll feel that in the morning, but I have no regrets."
Cereza whispered in my ear, her voice still laced with a delicious sultriness, as she giggled.
Cereza: "Giggles as I readjust my dress and use my magic to discreetly cleanse the lingering essence from my inner thighs Wouldn't want to waste any of your precious essence, now, would we? She then licks her lips, a suggestive gesture"
I watched her, a deep crimson blush returning to my face, a faint wisp of steam escaping my ears from the sheer embarrassment. I covered my face with my hands.
"Cereza! Cease! You embarrass me! >~<"
She laughed at my flustered state.
Cereza: "Awwww~ My stoic lord, you are quite adorable when flustered."
I made a slight pout, turning my head away.
"Enough... cease.....>~>"
She began to crawl towards me, a predatory grace in her movements, like a lioness preparing to pounce on her prime cut of man-meat. But just as things were about to continue, the carriage came to a halt. I heard a female demon retainer knock on the door.
Demon Retainer: "My apologies if I interrupted your private moments, my lord, but you instructed us to inform you upon arrival outside the kingdom."
Cereza: "Aww, and it was just getting good~"
I discreetly retrieved a small, intricately carved purification charm from my robes.
(Purification Charm: Dispels all curses and negative spiritual afflictions, while restoring vitality and healing minor wounds.)
I crushed it in my hand, its subtle energy flowing over me, dispelling the blush and restoring my composure. I offered one to Cereza, who took it with a knowing smirk, crushing it. Its magic cleansed her, leaving her pristine and composed as she elegantly readjusted her attire.
"Are you prepared?"
Cereza nodded, her posture and aura instantly shifting to that of a formidable queen, as I prepared to meet King Ramposa III.
The Kingdom of Re-Estize: The Throne Room
3rd POV
Within the grand throne room of the Re-Estize Kingdom, the royal family, along with their assembled noblemen and women, were engaged in a heated discussion regarding the newly discovered kingdom Gazef had encountered.
Ramposa: "Then we are in agreement that a treaty between our kingdoms presents a profound opportunity for beneficial relations between our peoples?"
All those in attendance nodded their heads, when the prince, Barbro, spoke.
Prince Barbro: "Father, are you absolutely certain this... commoner's tale is true?"
Ramposa turned his head to his son, his eyes narrowing slightly.
King Ramposa: "speaks with authority Do you suggest that the Chief Warrior's words, along with those who accompanied him, are baseless?"
Barbro flinched in his seat.
Prince Barbro: "N-no, Father, I simply find it difficult to believe a single man could be—"
Knock, knock
Ramposa gestured, and a guard by the massive doors moved to grasp the handle and open them.
As the doors swung inward, a hauntingly beautiful chorus of voices, unlike any heard in the kingdom before, reverberated through the throne room. They looked to see a figure cloaked in white and gold, radiating an undeniable power.
As the figure advanced, many of the more lecherous men in attendance found their gazes drawn to the two rows of twenty Umbra Witch acolytes who followed, clad in surprisingly revealing ceremonial attire, each wielding a summoner's staff. Behind them marched male and female demon guards, their black armor with gold and silver inlays gleaming, standing at rigid attention. As they finally reached the throne, the acolytes knelt in unison, and a towering demon retainer, Kurotetsu, stepped forward.
Kurotetsu: "May I humbly introduce His Illustrious Majesty, Lord Sesshōmaru!"
Sesshōmaru's POV
I entered the throne room, Cereza by my side, my custom armor a silent testament to my power. My gaze fell upon Gazef.
"Ah, Knight Gazef. It is... adequate to see you again."
Gazef descended from the throne's dais, extending a hand in a gesture of respect. I accepted it, my touch brief.
Gazef: "To you as well, Your Highness. And who is this exquisite lady?"
I stepped back slightly, allowing Cereza to make her graceful bow.
"Allow me to introduce Cereza, my consort and Queen of our domain."
Cereza performed a deep, regal curtsy, lifting her skirt just so. Her voice, a melodic purr, filled the room.
Cereza: "I thank you, Sir Gazef. Your charm is... considerable. My lord has spoken of your prowess; I confess, I am curious to witness it firsthand."
Gazef chuckled, a hint of genuine amusement in his eyes.
Gazef: "I would be honored, Your Highness."
As Gazef moved aside, I noted Ramposa rising.
Ramposa: "Welcome, Lord Sesshōmaru. I am pleased you have come."
"Indeed. I presume Gazef has conveyed the purpose of my visit?"
Ramposa: "Yes, he recounted your deeds in Carne Village. I must ask, are these accounts truly accurate?"
A faint, almost imperceptible smirk touched my lips.
"Then perhaps a demonstration is in order. A friendly contest between myself and Gazef, to alleviate any lingering doubts?"
I observed Ramposa glance at Gazef, who gave a firm nod. Ramposa then led us to the courtyard. Along the way, Prince Barbro, ever eager for attention, spoke.
Prince Barbro: "Lord Sesshōmaru, if you would permit, may I join this match?"
I noted Ramposa's hesitation, but I answered before he could protest.
"Of course. Though, to be entirely forthright, the two of you might collectively last a few moments."
As I spoke, I saw a flicker of annoyance cross the prince's face. We soon arrived at the expansive courtyard, where three knights already stood, each holding a spare sword. We approached, took up the blades, and moved to opposing sides of the large grassy area nestled within their botanical gardens. I adopted a stance of coiled power, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of my blade, reminiscent of the swift, decisive draw of an Iaijutsu master. Gazef and Barbro assumed their own fighting stances. Before lunging, I offered a simple truth.
"There is no greater folly than underestimating one's opponent."
3rd POV
As Sesshōmaru uttered these words, Barbro charged forward, unleashing a flurry of attacks. However, he immediately realized Sesshōmaru was effortlessly dodging each strike, moving with a supernatural grace.
Prince Barbro: (Wh-what?! He's evading my attacks with such ease!)
When Prince Barbro committed to a wide downward slash, leaving his midsection exposed, Sesshōmaru struck with blinding speed. His blade, a silver blur, connected with Barbro's abdomen, causing the prince to gasp, spit a bit of saliva, and keel over, clutching his stomach. As Sesshōmaru casually stepped back, the assembled noblemen, women, and guards gasped. Sesshōmaru's voice, cold and precise, cut through the silence.
Sesshōmaru: "Overconfidence is a warrior's gravest flaw."
As Sesshōmaru withdrew, he moved his right hand, still holding his sword, behind his back, effortlessly deflecting Gazef's incoming attack.
Gazef: "You haven't forgotten about me, have you? Martial art: Whirlwind Flurry!!"
With this declaration, Gazef surged forward with immense speed, slashing in all directions. Sesshōmaru, however, merely deflected each strike with minimal movement, then riposted with a single, devastatingly fast counter-attack. Gazef could do nothing but brace himself.
Gazef was sent hurtling across the field, coughing a small amount of blood as his back slammed into a nearby stone wall. He looked up, his eyes widening to see Sesshōmaru's blade tip poised inches from his throat. Sesshōmaru's expression was unreadable, save for a faint, almost imperceptible curl of his lip. He slowly withdrew his sword.
Sesshōmaru: "You fought with spirit, Gazef. But your strength, though considerable for a mortal, is... limited. Should you desire true power, you know where to seek it."
Gazef let out a weak chuckle as he slowly pushed himself up.
Gazef: "I would be honored, my lord."
Sesshōmaru gave a curt nod, then looked over at the prince, who had finally risen.
Sesshōmaru: "Prince Barbro, are you... intact?"
The prince nodded, a sheepish chuckle escaping him.
Prince Barbro: "You wished me out of the fight so as not to truly harm me. And from what I just witnessed, I am indeed grateful for your foresight. A prince such as myself should not be so reckless, and I apologize for my presumption."
Sesshōmaru: (A flicker of sense, perhaps. Not entirely useless.)
As everyone applauded with a mixture of awe and relief, King Ramposa spoke.
King Ramposa: "Now, shall we proceed with the treaty, Lord Sesshōmaru?"
Sesshōmaru made his way towards the king, and as they stood side by side, the light seemed to dim, casting their figures into silhouettes, two powerful leaders in an uneasy harmony. As the scene faded to black, Sesshōmaru's voice resonated.
"May this pact bring order to a world adrift in chaos."