She woke to warmth: her face pressed against his chest, his hand resting over her shoulder. It felt perfect. Her vision cleared, and her eyes landed on the ridges and valleys of a masterfully sculpted torso, focusing on that. The morning light streaming from the window accentuated the set of abdominal muscles. The sheen of sweat that highlighted every contour. A web of veins beneath the surface—bulging, pulsing with vitality. This close, she could even see the faint lines that marked his skin. There were many.
She tried to decipher the tales they told, but when she took a deep breath, her mind drifted, overtaken by doubt—replaying Goren’s last words to her, then Kaito’s words after their battle. Had Goren truly teleported out of Kaito’s dimension to get stronger after witnessing Kaito’s strength? She had never crossed that demonic door herself, so she wouldn’t know if that was even possible. She also didn’t know the extent of Goren’s power.
Or had Kaito... killed him?
It would be fair for someone who didn’t know Kaito to assume he had killed Goren. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise her if people thought Kaito orchestrated the latest conspiracy in the kingdom. But that wasn’t the case for her. Despite the itch on her nape, she decided to believe him. However, those concerns weren’t the full extent of the decisions she needed to make. The revelation about the state of the kingdom felt as heavy as if melted dwarven iron had been poured over her shoulders.
She closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth a little longer. With the man that laid beneath her by her side, Daiyudura would always be better than fine. As she tilted her head, she glanced up at Kaito’s face. His prominent nose, defined black eyebrows, and his expression of total serenity.
His eyes fluttered open, and so did that reassuring smile.
“Hi. Ushemia nighthoney cake?”
She giggled and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear.
“It’s gotten long.”
He covered her hand with his, interlacing their fingers. They exchanged another smile as she nuzzled against him.
She wished this paradise would last forever.
“Yes. I want cake.”
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Holy shit, Kaito, that battle was epic! Did you see the look on that dumbass Goren’s face when you were all ‘Yeah, I’m a bard’? Priceless. I haven’t seen someone so shocked since that time you told Finn his fly was down.
I’ll have you know bards are the best class. The perfect balance of adaptability and enjoyment.
Yeah, sure. And when you started with the winking, I swear I thought you were trying to fuck him right there. ‘Oh Goren, your resistance to my charm spells only makes my heart sing louder.’
Gosh, Karen…in my defense, I didn’t want to remove the hand bindings—turned out they were surprisingly comfy. Plus, have you any idea how quickly I had to whip up that cake batter? I almost got carpal tunnel. But I’ll admit Goren seemed...flustered by the gesture.
Flustered? His eyes looked like they were going to bulge out of his head—Oh, right! That was another highlight when you told him his birthday cake was ready. How heartless can you be? Speaking of, how was the birthday boy’s cake? Bet it tasted like a mix of victory and the ash of his hopes and dreams, especially since he NEVER GOT TO TRY IT. And then you fed it to his niece. Hahaha.
Okay, I am not continuing this conversation.
Sorry, sorry. It’s just that you were right when we first met [...] It’s been fun.
Yeah, I suppose it has. So far this has been the best tour.
So what’s next? Are we toppling a kingdom?
I actually don’t know. We’ll have to discuss with Shagal, and also get Zee’s take on it.
SEE! I fucking told you! Hero’s journey baby!
I guess there’s no escaping a bit of heroism. But only as long as I’m the one driving the narrative—no scripted grand quests.
Sounds good. I completely 100% agree. I’ll turn on the AQGS, while you whip out the weird beetle army, and we’ll storm the capital.
Nice try. No.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Kaito drove his hands into the cold, frozen earth with ease. To a normal person, that ground would be no different than concrete, but to him it might as well have been water.
Slowly but surely, he dug out lovoves out of his garden, careful not to damage the roots. Each silvery plant that came out of the soil left the scent of cinnamon in the air.
Next were the blue itiocao stems, barely peeking out from under the white powder, and their minty aroma. For these, he only needed to snap the flowers from their stems.
The two herbs were best harvested the day after Frostfall’s crest, and they complemented each other perfectly in look, smell, taste, and well, everything. They were like night and day: one was warm, the other cool.
However, when the smells of lovoves and iticao mixed together, he suddenly found it hard to breathe. The herb slipped from his trembling hand, falling right back onto the snow, while tears crawled down his cheeks.
Kaito closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and finally smiled, remembering how right Jogid had been to plant these herbs for him. They would be the main ingredient in his winter pastry selection.
Exactly like the ones his mother used to make for him every Christmas.
He made a mental note to thank his disciple.
[...]
GOT IT! I’ll remind you the next time we see Jogid.
There’s no need. I was just thinking out loud.
Too late. Already made the note.
Without considering a response, Kaito turned his attention to the multiple sets of footsteps he sensed approaching.
”Master Kaito, you shouldn’t have bothered yourself with that. I’ve come to take care of the harvest,” Jogid said, sounding utterly disappointed with himself, as he marched swiftly down the path he’d cleared out yesterday, three others in tow.
Master Kaito, don’t forget to thank Jogid for planting lovoves and iticao plants in the garden. [Note has been removed.]
Gee, thanks.
You know I got you.
”Ah, don’t worry about it. I enjoy doing this type of work,” Kaito said. “Good morning, everyone. Shagal, I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
”All thanks to you, Sir. And the safety your home provides.”
“Raise your head. Listen Shagal, you were hurt, so we helped you, and that’s that. You’re part of the family.”
The half-orc did not raise her head.
“Shaggy, I find it’s better to just listen to Kaito’s words.”
Oh, that’s a great name. You should start calling her that too.
Stop. I’m not gonna call her Shaggy.
Hearing the commotion outside, Zenith rushed out of the house to give Shagal a quick hug before beaming around at the group.
“Oh wonderful, you’re all here! And Shagal, you seem stronger than ever."
“You know me. Tough as an ironwood tree—”
“But I also heard what Portia said. If Kaito said it’s fine, it’s fine.”
Behind her, both Angelina and Portia nodded in agreement.
But even after Zenith’s remarks, her forehead remained pressed to the freezing ground.
“Your intentions humble me, but I cannot honor them. To not repay this debt would shame my heritage and my honor. I vowed one life to Master Kaito before, and now I owe him a thousand.”
Zenith’s frown creased deeper than it ever had, and she turned towards her handmaidens, who only shrugged and tilted their heads from side to side.
Kaito placed the herb basket on the ground, dusted the snow off his black leather pants, and moved next to Shagal, offering a hand.
“Very well, I think people should do what they want to do. I respect your wishes.”
After those words, Shagal finally looked up, accepted Kaito’s hand, and winced from her tender ribs as she got up to her feet.
“If I may, what are your thoughts regarding the king’s unchecked ambition?”
Kaito crossed his arms, considering the question.“An excellent point to discuss…later. Let’s all rest and enjoy today. We’ll make a careful plan soon. What do you think, Zee? Does that sound reasonable?”
“That…sounds…perfect.”
Her eyes, her hesitation, her smile, all spelled gratitude. But then her expression shifted into a more mischievous grin.
“In fact, you’re all just in time to join us for some ushemia cake. We need to finish it today!” She laughed and began herding Shagal, Portia, and Angelina back toward the house eagerly.“Come on now, no more talk of serious matters!”
Join her? Didn’t we just have some for breakfast?
She really loves your cream pies.
Damn it, Karen.
“Wouldn’t that be an inconvenience?” Angelina muttered.
“Inconvenience? More like… the last time, we barely fit in there…” Portia complained, reluctantly allowing herself to be corralled into the house.
Well, at least sugar in this world is full of healthy nutrients, he mused. But before he could finish that thought, he looked around to find everyone else had disappeared into the house. Now, it was just him and Jogid left standing in front of his shack.
As Kaito watched his friends shuffle into his cottage, laughing and chatting, a rare contentment filled his chest.
He had formed ties of friendship in some of the worlds he had wandered through in the past, but never like this. Not amidst all the chaos, the journeys, the grind. Never had a home felt so welcoming, a place so right.
“Hey Jogid, I’m glad you found a place you can call home.”
“Yes, Master, I figured it was time. I realize now I shouldn’t have intruded on your personal space. Also, I’ve settled down near my project. This way, I can focus entirely on it.”
“It was no intrusion. I was the one who invited you. Nonetheless, I’m happy that you’re also part of the family,” Kaito said, then picked up his basket full of herbs, but Jogid moved faster and snatched it.
“Master, allow me to finish harvesting these. After all, Dragonfolk don’t get cold.”
“Thank you, Jogid. By the way, what’s this project about?”
“Um, it’s infrastructure work for the village. It will enrich both Calmo’s culture and future.”
“Sounds great, I’ll see you inside—”
As if on queue the snow shuddered as a mound rose up from underneath the icy crust. It cracked and fell away as two white mandibles emerged, followed by the rest of Scutus’s body. He swiveled his head side to side, surveying how the pristine snow perfectly camouflages his white chitinous form. With clicking footsteps, he ambled towards Kaito.”
“Good morning, magnificent leader, Master Jogid.”
Jogid nodded.
Kaito, however, facepalmed himself. “Magnificent? That’s a little too much.”
Scutus’s antennae twitched rapidly. “Sir, but General Albus couldn’t stress enough how we weren’t properly venerating your existence.”
Kaito sighed, and Jogid nodded in agreement after each and every one of Scutus’s words.
“That’s not what I meant…forget it. Good morning to you, my friend. What brings you here?”
“We have reviewed the plans you provided and have drafted a list of improvements for Your Excellency to consider.”
Scutus reached under the outer wing shells protecting his back and retrieved a dark brown leather scroll case. He held it out with both forelimbs to Kaito, who gazed at the case for a moment without accepting it. His eyes glanced over the cracked hide and tarnished brass caps sealing either end. Then he looked back up at Scutus and politely shook his head, pushing the case gently back towards the beetle without opening it.
“I’m not the architect, and after seeing your city, well... I’d be ashamed to even critique your suggested improvements. Just make sure it’s simple and doesn’t disturb the landscape here. I love my view of the forest, and I only need a few extra rooms so that Zee feels comfortable, if she decides to move in with me.”
“Your words humble Megnaxia. The only thing I would like to clarify then is…this style. We are not familiar with these terms, ‘Ma-chi-ya,’ ‘En-ga-wa?’ You said you wanted a ‘Tsu-bo-ni-wa.’ I don’t think we understand it.”
“Yes, it was my parent’s dream, but it would make me happy. Don’t stress too much about it. Just make it like the tea houses in Megnaxia’s entertainment district. Same concept.”
Fantastic, then everything’s in order. The project is simpler than the Kaito school of Magical Arts that we are completing under Master Jogid’s guidance. So your home’s expansion will be completed before the second summer.”
“Wait, what?”
She woke to warmth: her face pressed against his chest, his hand resting over her shoulder. It felt perfect. Her vision cleared, and her eyes landed on the ridges and valleys of a masterfully sculpted torso, focusing on that. The morning light streaming from the window accentuated the set of abdominal muscles. The sheen of sweat that highlighted every contour. A web of veins beneath the surface—bulging, pulsing with vitality. This close, she could even see the faint lines that marked his skin. There were many.
She tried to decipher the tales they told, but when she took a deep breath, her mind drifted, overtaken by doubt—replaying Goren’s last words to her, then Kaito’s words after their battle. Had Goren truly teleported out of Kaito’s dimension to get stronger after witnessing Kaito’s strength? She had never crossed that demonic door herself, so she wouldn’t know if that was even possible. She also didn’t know the extent of Goren’s power.
Or had Kaito... killed him?
It would be fair for someone who didn’t know Kaito to assume he had killed Goren. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise her if people thought Kaito orchestrated the latest conspiracy in the kingdom. But that wasn’t the case for her. Despite the itch on her nape, she decided to believe him. However, those concerns weren’t the full extent of the decisions she needed to make. The revelation about the state of the kingdom felt as heavy as if melted dwarven iron had been poured over her shoulders.
She closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth a little longer. With the man that laid beneath her by her side, Daiyudura would always be better than fine. As she tilted her head, she glanced up at Kaito’s face. His prominent nose, defined black eyebrows, and his expression of total serenity.
His eyes fluttered open, and so did that reassuring smile.
“Hi. Ushemia nighthoney cake?”
She giggled and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear.
“It’s gotten long.”
He covered her hand with his, interlacing their fingers. They exchanged another smile as she nuzzled against him.
She wished this paradise would last forever.
“Yes. I want cake.”
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Holy shit, Kaito, that battle was epic! Did you see the look on that dumbass Goren’s face when you were all ‘Yeah, I’m a bard’? Priceless. I haven’t seen someone so shocked since that time you told Finn his fly was down.
I’ll have you know bards are the best class. The perfect balance of adaptability and enjoyment.
Yeah, sure. And when you started with the winking, I swear I thought you were trying to fuck him right there. ‘Oh Goren, your resistance to my charm spells only makes my heart sing louder.’
Gosh, Karen…in my defense, I didn’t want to remove the hand bindings—turned out they were surprisingly comfy. Plus, have you any idea how quickly I had to whip up that cake batter? I almost got carpal tunnel. But I’ll admit Goren seemed...flustered by the gesture.
Flustered? His eyes looked like they were going to bulge out of his head—Oh, right! That was another highlight when you told him his birthday cake was ready. How heartless can you be? Speaking of, how was the birthday boy’s cake? Bet it tasted like a mix of victory and the ash of his hopes and dreams, especially since he NEVER GOT TO TRY IT. And then you fed it to his niece. Hahaha.
Okay, I am not continuing this conversation.
Sorry, sorry. It’s just that you were right when we first met [...] It’s been fun.
Yeah, I suppose it has. So far this has been the best tour.
So what’s next? Are we toppling a kingdom?
I actually don’t know. We’ll have to discuss with Shagal, and also get Zee’s take on it.
SEE! I fucking told you! Hero’s journey baby!
I guess there’s no escaping a bit of heroism. But only as long as I’m the one driving the narrative—no scripted grand quests.
Sounds good. I completely 100% agree. I’ll turn on the AQGS, while you whip out the weird beetle army, and we’ll storm the capital.
Nice try. No.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Kaito drove his hands into the cold, frozen earth with ease. To a normal person, that ground would be no different than concrete, but to him it might as well have been water.
Slowly but surely, he dug out lovoves out of his garden, careful not to damage the roots. Each silvery plant that came out of the soil left the scent of cinnamon in the air.
Next were the blue itiocao stems, barely peeking out from under the white powder, and their minty aroma. For these, he only needed to snap the flowers from their stems.
The two herbs were best harvested the day after Frostfall’s crest, and they complemented each other perfectly in look, smell, taste, and well, everything. They were like night and day: one was warm, the other cool.
However, when the smells of lovoves and iticao mixed together, he suddenly found it hard to breathe. The herb slipped from his trembling hand, falling right back onto the snow, while tears crawled down his cheeks.
Kaito closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and finally smiled, remembering how right Jogid had been to plant these herbs for him. They would be the main ingredient in his winter pastry selection.
Exactly like the ones his mother used to make for him every Christmas.
He made a mental note to thank his disciple.
[...]
GOT IT! I’ll remind you the next time we see Jogid.
There’s no need. I was just thinking out loud.
Too late. Already made the note.
Without considering a response, Kaito turned his attention to the multiple sets of footsteps he sensed approaching.
”Master Kaito, you shouldn’t have bothered yourself with that. I’ve come to take care of the harvest,” Jogid said, sounding utterly disappointed with himself, as he marched swiftly down the path he’d cleared out yesterday, three others in tow.
Master Kaito, don’t forget to thank Jogid for planting lovoves and iticao plants in the garden. [Note has been removed.]
Gee, thanks.
You know I got you.
”Ah, don’t worry about it. I enjoy doing this type of work,” Kaito said. “Good morning, everyone. Shagal, I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
”All thanks to you, Sir. And the safety your home provides.”
“Raise your head. Listen Shagal, you were hurt, so we helped you, and that’s that. You’re part of the family.”
The half-orc did not raise her head.
“Shaggy, I find it’s better to just listen to Kaito’s words.”
Oh, that’s a great name. You should start calling her that too.
Stop. I’m not gonna call her Shaggy.
Hearing the commotion outside, Zenith rushed out of the house to give Shagal a quick hug before beaming around at the group.
“Oh wonderful, you’re all here! And Shagal, you seem stronger than ever."
“You know me. Tough as an ironwood tree—”
“But I also heard what Portia said. If Kaito said it’s fine, it’s fine.”
Behind her, both Angelina and Portia nodded in agreement.
But even after Zenith’s remarks, her forehead remained pressed to the freezing ground.
“Your intentions humble me, but I cannot honor them. To not repay this debt would shame my heritage and my honor. I vowed one life to Master Kaito before, and now I owe him a thousand.”
Zenith’s frown creased deeper than it ever had, and she turned towards her handmaidens, who only shrugged and tilted their heads from side to side.
Kaito placed the herb basket on the ground, dusted the snow off his black leather pants, and moved next to Shagal, offering a hand.
“Very well, I think people should do what they want to do. I respect your wishes.”
After those words, Shagal finally looked up, accepted Kaito’s hand, and winced from her tender ribs as she got up to her feet.
“If I may, what are your thoughts regarding the king’s unchecked ambition?”
Kaito crossed his arms, considering the question.“An excellent point to discuss…later. Let’s all rest and enjoy today. We’ll make a careful plan soon. What do you think, Zee? Does that sound reasonable?”
“That…sounds…perfect.”
Her eyes, her hesitation, her smile, all spelled gratitude. But then her expression shifted into a more mischievous grin.
“In fact, you’re all just in time to join us for some ushemia cake. We need to finish it today!” She laughed and began herding Shagal, Portia, and Angelina back toward the house eagerly.“Come on now, no more talk of serious matters!”
Join her? Didn’t we just have some for breakfast?
She really loves your cream pies.
Damn it, Karen.
“Wouldn’t that be an inconvenience?” Angelina muttered.
“Inconvenience? More like… the last time, we barely fit in there…” Portia complained, reluctantly allowing herself to be corralled into the house.
Well, at least sugar in this world is full of healthy nutrients, he mused. But before he could finish that thought, he looked around to find everyone else had disappeared into the house. Now, it was just him and Jogid left standing in front of his shack.
As Kaito watched his friends shuffle into his cottage, laughing and chatting, a rare contentment filled his chest.
He had formed ties of friendship in some of the worlds he had wandered through in the past, but never like this. Not amidst all the chaos, the journeys, the grind. Never had a home felt so welcoming, a place so right.
“Hey Jogid, I’m glad you found a place you can call home.”
“Yes, Master, I figured it was time. I realize now I shouldn’t have intruded on your personal space. Also, I’ve settled down near my project. This way, I can focus entirely on it.”
“It was no intrusion. I was the one who invited you. Nonetheless, I’m happy that you’re also part of the family,” Kaito said, then picked up his basket full of herbs, but Jogid moved faster and snatched it.
“Master, allow me to finish harvesting these. After all, Dragonfolk don’t get cold.”
“Thank you, Jogid. By the way, what’s this project about?”
“Um, it’s infrastructure work for the village. It will enrich both Calmo’s culture and future.”
“Sounds great, I’ll see you inside—”
As if on queue the snow shuddered as a mound rose up from underneath the icy crust. It cracked and fell away as two white mandibles emerged, followed by the rest of Scutus’s body. He swiveled his head side to side, surveying how the pristine snow perfectly camouflages his white chitinous form. With clicking footsteps, he ambled towards Kaito.”
“Good morning, magnificent leader, Master Jogid.”
Jogid nodded.
Kaito, however, facepalmed himself. “Magnificent? That’s a little too much.”
Scutus’s antennae twitched rapidly. “Sir, but General Albus couldn’t stress enough how we weren’t properly venerating your existence.”
Kaito sighed, and Jogid nodded in agreement after each and every one of Scutus’s words.
“That’s not what I meant…forget it. Good morning to you, my friend. What brings you here?”
“We have reviewed the plans you provided and have drafted a list of improvements for Your Excellency to consider.”
Scutus reached under the outer wing shells protecting his back and retrieved a dark brown leather scroll case. He held it out with both forelimbs to Kaito, who gazed at the case for a moment without accepting it. His eyes glanced over the cracked hide and tarnished brass caps sealing either end. Then he looked back up at Scutus and politely shook his head, pushing the case gently back towards the beetle without opening it.
“I’m not the architect, and after seeing your city, well... I’d be ashamed to even critique your suggested improvements. Just make sure it’s simple and doesn’t disturb the landscape here. I love my view of the forest, and I only need a few extra rooms so that Zee feels comfortable, if she decides to move in with me.”
“Your words humble Megnaxia. The only thing I would like to clarify then is…this style. We are not familiar with these terms, ‘Ma-chi-ya,’ ‘En-ga-wa?’ You said you wanted a ‘Tsu-bo-ni-wa.’ I don’t think we understand it.”
“Yes, it was my parent’s dream, but it would make me happy. Don’t stress too much about it. Just make it like the tea houses in Megnaxia’s entertainment district. Same concept.”
Fantastic, then everything’s in order. The project is simpler than the Kaito school of Magical Arts that we are completing under Master Jogid’s guidance. So your home’s expansion will be completed before the second summer.”
“Wait, what?”
