Away from chaos.

“Break their backs! Break their backs! Push forward!” I heard being barked behind me. Surrounded from sides and rear by men in similar banners and the men with opposing banners in front. My ears were filled with the shouts of orders, the screams of dying men, and the explosions of cannon fire. My nose was assaulted by the mixed scents of blood, sweat, gunpowder, and feces. Men in uniform crashed into one another with a deafening roar of steel against steel. Curved blades cut as deeply as straight swords crushed and maimed. Halberds split skulls as Kanabos caved in helmets. Spear splintered against spear and grass and mud was stained crimson. Many men would die on the fields of Zipangu this night.

No one really knows why the Shogunate of Zipangu went to war with the Emperor of Westerra, once the two mighty nations were the best of friends, but for reasons unknown to all except for the highest of officials the two nations gathered a force and went to war. And though many were against this, both sides had no choice but to serve their respective thrones.

I was pushed forward, axe in one hand and round shield in the other. My vision obscured slightly by the eye holes of my helmet. The man beside me from a completely different part of the Empire all together wore a steel chest plate over the chain mail I was bolstered with, a Morion resting on his head and a sword and kite shield in hand. He didn't even have a chance to swing his blade, with an arrow piercing his eye and his brain in one solid swoop. I gulped down the lump in my throat, ignoring the rapid pounding of my heart as both fear and anticipation of the coming melee overcame me. The battle was raging for the last four hours and many men had already died before I even stepped on to the field.

The next few minutes came like a blur, as the spear and sword wielding men of the east charged into us, stepping or tripping over their own dead in the process. I felt myself buckle as their weight smashed into my shield, only being held up by the men behind me as we forced our way forward. The right of my face was splattered with gore, the man beside me having cut deep into the throat of a man wearing a conical hat upon his head. 'Ashigaru' they were called by my superiors, average citizens outfitted for war, much like many of us.

Lines began to break with men pushing through into the thick of it, losing themselves between allies and enemies until our formations merged into one, a cohesive blob of violence. I swung my axe overhand and wildly, its sharp edge either bouncing off helmets or crashing into them, digging into the shoulders of men or missing all together. I could feel my shield punch against my arm and chest, the random spear or sword deflecting against it, the battle too chaotic for anyone to really plan their attacks and simply swung and thrust wildly until they met flesh.  No one was thinking about their next move, they simply attacked and if it worked they would attack again. Only a few had found themselves in what could be called a duel, bashing weapons back and forth or wrestling one another to the ground and murdering one another brutally with whatever they could get their hands on.

I punched forward with my shield, connecting with the chest of the oriental man before me. He wheezed and buckled, only to earn the tip of my axe against his neck, cutting deep enough to sever the windpipe and partially the spinal cord at the throat. His legs trembled before he fell over, unable to cover his wound with his hands in some vain attempt to stop the bleeding. I couldn't say I felt pity for the man, or even regret. I can regret later, when my life is not in danger.

I twisted my head from side to side to try and get a bead on another opponent, attempting my best not to slip on the mixture of blood and innards below me. I could hear a scream, a war cry even coming from my right. When I turned to face it, I was caught off guard, my eyes widening and my legs back pedalled as a man dabbed in armour made from iron and leather plates charged towards me, holding his curved blade in both hands, his face concealed behind his helmet and a mask that resembled and shouting monster, a ogre of old before the times changed. His eyes were a mix of battle lust and fury, wide and ferocious.

I stumbled and brought up my shield as he dropped his sword upon me, the sleek steel cutting deep into the wood. He withdrew his blade from the splinters he had made into my shield, swinging with a reckless abandon that felt planned and articulated.
This man was a 'Samurai.” a warrior noble similar to the knights of our lands, though many of their teachings differ from those of the Westerra nobility.

I had absolutely no chance against this man, he was a skilled soldier while I was a lowly villager given equipment of my home land and shipped off to war. All I could do is avoid his blade with my shield and pray for the best.

Between the battle cries of my enemy and the shouts and screams around me, I heard a whizzing sound above followed by the crash and thunderous roar of a explosion beside me, knocking both me and this samurai off our feet.

My vision blurred and my hearing dampened. I tried to get up only to feel a sharp pain in my side, a piece of artillery had lodged itself deep into my body, my blood now pouring freely from the wound.
The samurai however was no worse for ware, he pushed himself back to his feet, leaning against his blade until he could straighten himself out. He spotted me on the ground once more, advancing before I could properly arm myself again and planting his boot firmly on my chest.

He spoke to me, growled more like, in a tongue I couldn't understand. I tried to push his foot away but to no avail, all I could do is watch his weapons raise upwards, preparing to plunge its steel deep into my heart. All I could is watch this and wait for my end.

He let out one final battle cry, pulling his blade above his head only for his attack to be stopped by a flying spear that pierced through the flesh between his neck and collar bone, his body going limp before he fell backwards off of me and into the mud.

“Its Prince Valiand!” A decorated soldier with a short sword and tower shield bellowed, raising his blade skyward in celebration. I tried to get up out of the dirt, but all I could manage was to turn my head towards the direction the soldier was looking. There he was, the great Prince of Westerra, said to be as magnificent in war as he is kind in peace. His once long golden hair had been cut in preparation of this campaign, now short and kept like a soldier, his green eyes visible through his helmet.

“Captain!” The Prince bellowed, a commanding officer still alive that could hear him came running, stopping only to salute.

“Enough men have died here under both banners! Tell the men to pull back and regroup, there will be no victor this day.”.

The captain nodded and ran off, barking the orders as far as he could without having to reengage the enemy. The mighty Prince spotted me on the ground, drawing his mighty enchanted sword into the air, its blade burning with fire as it left its sheathe.
“All forces, retreat at once! Your Prince commands you!”.

With the order flowing through what was left of the ranks, Prince Valiand dropped from his horse and ran over to me, a warm smile visible through the openings of his helmet as he pulled me from the ground, supporting my body and dragging me towards his horse.
“Come, friend. I shan't leave you to die here!” he reassured me, lifting me on to his horse almost effortlessly before hopping on himself.

The steed galloped forth into the lines of his own personal guard who were all sent out to order the retreat. The lines were mixed of survivors of regiments from many distant countries under our banner, the armour and weaponry differing greatly from one another. Many were injured, and some were aided on by their kin as men ran from the battlefield. Through horses avoiding men and the push away from the battlefield, I could feel the Princes grip around my chest slip as he tried to steady himself amongst the panic and rush in the opposite direction of the carnage.

I could barely move, my breath was heavy and my wound was becoming worse and worse as time went on. Eventually I keeled over myself, falling from the saddle of the horse and back into the mud below.

I couldn't feel my body, nor could I move my arms or legs. It was a miracle I was not trampled under foot and hoof. I used what little strength I had left to watch my comrades pass by and leave me for dead. I could see the prince try to fight his way through the crowed, mouthing the words “No!” as he was pushed further away from me.

Was this my fate? To die thousands of miles away from home? Would I never see my friends or family again? I let my head fall against the ground, I couldn't do anything anymore. I could hear the thunder of running feet fade away in the distance, the sound of the night wind, the fires left behind from explosions, and the coughs, cries, and prayers of the dying men around me gladly took its place.
All I wanted was rest.


Much to my own surprise, my eyes opened sometime later, the warm touch of dawn against my cheek. I still couldn't move, but I could at very least see. I allowed my head to tilt to the right to observe the after math of this chaos. Lines and piles of bodies stretched for miles around, with a few men still clinging on amongst the dead. Standards left behind from after the battle laid torn in the ground, protruding only slightly from the mud. Those still able to move did so, with a Zipangu man dragging his sword behind him as he staggered through the graveyard. Not far away was a man wearing Westerran colours sharing a drink with another Zipangu man, neither said a word.

No one truly wanted to fight, Zipangu and Westerra never had a reason to. We traded, we mingled, we shared in culture. Until recently the two nations lived in peace of one another, and we may never know what changed that.
My eyelids became heavy once more. Perhaps the gods had decided that they would grant me one last breath of life to see my final dawn. I fought to keep them open, defiant in my own death, my last vision being what looked like the tail of a large green serpent slither into view. And then the darkness took me.







 I didn't know how long I was here, in this wretched dark. I drifted in and out of consciousness, my eyes always burning and heavy as I did so. The first time I awoke I was surrounded by the sounds of coughing and foreign words. I tilted my head to the side, a Zipangu man sleeping in the bed next to mine, his right eye bandaged shut as well as his chest.

The next time I awoke the very same man was sitting up in his bed, eating rice from a bowl with two sticks. The other beds around us were being occupied less and less, my last sight being a Westerran man, from the looks of his skin tone somewhere from the south, leaving with his equipment on his back.

Finally once more I awoke, tilting my head to the left to find the Zipangu man wasn't there. I forced my vision to my right, seeing him in full dress, he bowed to a figure concealed by the buildings wall before leaving through the front doors. I was the only one left, looking back at the ceiling as I fought with myself to stay away. I heard something enter the room, moving passed the beds and towards my own. From the corner of my eye I saw a woman, her light violet coloured hair was all I could make out through my obstructed vision.

“Oh, you're awake.” she spoke in my tongue, though with an accent. “Rest easy. You still have some time before you can move.”.

“Where...Am I...?” I muttered, slurring my words through my teeth.

“You're in a safe place.” She assured me. “When I found you, you were barely alive.”.

My eyelids once again became heavy, her words becoming more and more hazy as I drifted away.
I came to hate the darkness, I couldn't feel anything, nor move my body. All I could do is lie there and listen to the faint sounds of reality as I was slowly pulled back to it. As if I was torn away from life but fate refused my death.

I was finally given the privilege of returning to consciousness some time later. My eyes opened slowly, my vision blurred for the first few minutes. I allowed them to adjust to my surroundings before sitting up. The sudden rush of blood from my skull made me dizzy, luckily I was still lying down so I wouldn't stumble and hit my head and have the possibility of being unconscious once again.

I took a look around the room, all the other beds were empty and there seemed to be no sounds of talking or groans of injury anywhere. Was I the only one left? How long was I out for?
With a little wiggle, I moved my legs. They seemed to be in working order, though I wasn't going to risk any sudden movements. And slowly, I pushed myself from the bed, planting my feet firmly against the hard wood floor. I struggled, pushing myself from the mattress and on to my feet. With a quick rush of dizziness to my head, I stumbled to my left, almost tripping over the pair of slippers sitting beside the bed. I looked down at them, poking them with my feet once before slipping them on, it seems that the owner of this household didn't like naked feet against the floor, and considering they nursed me back to health it was only polite.

I remember hearing a woman with a Zipangu accent. A feint figure with long violet hair stood over me while I rested in that bed. Was this her household? Either way I should find her to express my gratitude.  I searched the room quickly for my equipment, my armour and weapon were nowhere to be found, even the undershirt I wore to the battle was missing in favour of this Zipangu style robe. Not to say it wasn't comfortable, it was just something I was no accustomed to, though I sucked it up and kept moving.

I left the room behind me, stepping outside into a beautifully kept garden with a pond in the centre surrounded by flowers both familiar and foreign to me. The wood floor didn't end when I stepped outside, stretching from left and right from me. I could tell the home was enormous, a traditional Zipangu home I had passed several times during the armies march through the country only much larger, the equivalent of a manor perhaps?

I decided to move to my left, leaning against the wood linings of the wall with one hand while gazing out into the garden and forest beside me, it was calming, with only the sound of wind and the chirping of birds breaking the tranquil silence, like nothing I had ever experienced before.

I found myself lost in the endless colours and sounds of the wild, breathing in that sweet fresh air exempt from the heat of foundries and the sweat and stench of other men. So much so that I narily fell off the side of the house and into the grass, only stopping myself when I felt no more wood under my foot with my last step. I took a step back and turned to my left once more, following the pathway further down the house until I heard the feint sound of humming coming from the end of the long hall.

I followed the tender voice, humming a song that was foreign, yet soothing, to my ears. It grew louder and louder until I was standing outside the room it originated from.
I took a deep breath and gave the wooden area of the door three slow knocks, the humming stopping immediately after the first.

“You are welcome to join me.” The voice from inside called out. A woman's voice, the same one that tried to ease me when I was still bed ridden.
I slid the door open and stepped inside, spotting my saviour at the other side of the room, my eyes widening at her image.

She was stunning, beautiful, as if I had just laid my eyes upon an angel. Her flawless skin complimented her golden eyes and her long violet hair stretched past her shoulders and down her back. These features only distracted me from her...Less than human features... on each side of her head where her ears should be rested two green, lizard like fins and two lightning shaped horns adorned the top of her head. What should be hands holding the cup of tea were in fact large, green claws. What I believed to be a golden drop tattoo displayed itself almost proudly on her chest right above her rather large breasts concealed behind the dark green dress-like robe she wore, which I did my best not to gawk at.
But finally, and most importantly, her entire lower half was that of a serpent, with orange hairs or furs streaking down the top in a straight line until it reached the end.

She looked back at me with a warm smile, placing her cup of tea back on her small table.
“it is good to see you up and about.” she said as she slithered towards me. I was left dumb struck, we had monsters back in Westerra but they were wild and unfocused, prowling the deep forests in search for travellers to whisk away as husbands. I had heard that the monsters in Zipangu were tamer and sometimes even lived among humans, but for one to live in a place as noble as this?

“Though I was worried you wouldn't make it at first.” The monster continued, now standing in front of me. “Your wound was quite severe.”.

I was still left speechless, trying to wet away the dryness of my throat, but no words would come out.
“But, how rude of me. Allow me to introduce myself.” She bowed gracefully before me, her claws locked together before her. “My name is Akemi. I am the owner of this fine household.”.

I was still standing in front of her, mouth agape until I finally snapped myself back to my sense, shaking my head before mimicking the bow the Zipangu man did before he left the room some time before.
“N-nice to meet you.” I stuttered. “My name is Lucas Burnn. Thank you for your kindness!”.

Akemi giggled softly. “My my, how formal. I was not expecting this from a “Big scary barbarian of the west!”.” She said the last part in a mocking tone, as if she didn't believe it herself, which by how she treated me was probably true.
“You know my language.” I stated rather bluntly, still semi dumb struck from the whole ordeal.
“Of course, there is much you can learn from books. Though I am quite happy that you can understand me, it means I am learning correctly.”.

It wasn't perfect, but what she said was understandable. Though even with its slight imperfections it was very polite, like a noble speaking to another noble.

“What...Happened to the others like me? My kin?” I asked her, slowly stepping around the room as she slithered along.
“Your countrymen? They each left one by one as well as these lands natives.” She explained. “Though they were more than welcome to stay if they wished to wait out the war, many wanted to take the risk and return to their families or back to the war...”.

“And me?” I asked her.

“You were the last to wake up, actually.” She explained with a soft smile. “Its just you and I in this entire manor.”.

I sighed, looking down towards the floor. I felt almost betrayed, as if my comrades purposely left me behind in enemy territory even if I knew there was very little they could do in my previous state, and I had no reason to believe Akemi was lying when she said this was a safe place.

“Forgive me for not thanking you sooner.” I said with a bow. Akemi blinked, she seemed surprised for one quick moment before the same smile came back to her.
“It is quite alright.” She replied, returning the bow. “It would have weighed heavily with me to simply leave you all out there.”.

We stood in silence, neither of us really knowing what to do next, I cleared my throat to both break the silence and to speak.
“So, what happens to me now?” I asked her.

“That is entirely up to you.” Akemi told me, returning to her tea. “I do not expect the locals to take kindly for a Westerran man to be walking around if they spot you, and returning to your people will most likely mean certain death in a war such a this.”.

She closed her eyes, taking a sip from her cup before placing it back down. She opened her eyes again, looking back at me.
“You are always welcome to stay here.”.

“What?” I blurted, surprised by her offer. “Oh no, no no. I couldn't possibly. I've already taken enough of your hospitality for granted.”.

“Nonsense.” She hand waved my objections. “I've already tried to convince the others to stay but they also refused. It is a large home that could support a dozen families. And besides, the company would be nice for a change.”.

I thought it over, rationalized her words in my head. I had loyalties to my army and my brothers in arms, but at the same time... My wound could reopen on the trip or I could be singled out and caught on my way back to the front. And...And I was tired of it all, tired of the blood, the screams, the pain, the killing, the violence, the long hours at night wondering if I was going to die or not. I was tired of making friends and watching them die, I was tired of stepping over corpse after corpse just to go and make more. I was tired of the weight of my armour, the claustrophobia of my helmet, the callus of my hands brought by my axe and shield, I was tired of it all. Tired and I wanted out.

I took a deep breath through my nose, closing my eyes and lowering my head. “I accept your gracious invitation...” I announced to her.

Akemi maintained the expression on her face, though for just a split second, a single moment, I saw her eyes light up.
“I am glad to hear that.” she said, nodding her head. “Now please, join me for tea...”.

“Milady.” I announced, attempting to make an offer before she cut me off.
“Please, Akemi will be just fine.”.
“V-very well, Akemi. I do not feel comfortable simply free loading in your home. Allow me to repay your kindness as a house keeper.”.
“A house keeper?” The Ryu asked, her finned ear flicking slightly.
“I was a farmers son before I became a soldier, I'm more than capable in tending to your fields and fixing broken possessions.”.

Akemi giggled into her hand, “Oh my, a gentleman and a handy man. Well, I wouldn't want to stain your honor.”. She bowed her head, “I accept your offer graciously. Now please, join me for tea.”.

The days came and went slowly but peacefully. I spent most of my time either tending to the gardens as best I could. The highlights of my day was when something appeared broken, I always jumped at the chance to fix loose floor boards and wobbly chairs. I heard very little about the war, and what I did hear was neither good news or bad news, just simply news.

Though worry was never a constant. The sounds of nature around me and the gentle water of the pond brewed together with the smells of the gardens always put me at ease. Akemi constantly left her estate to visit me, talking for hours about the arts and literature, the garden, and even some things of her growing up. With every conversation she always had the same warm, inviting smile, never losing interest or trailing off whenever I spoke.

I looked up into the twilight sky, the stars visible against the backdrop of the setting sun. Night time here was always so wonderful, with the cosmos itself revealed to me like the kingdom of gods.
“Guess I should head indoors.” I said to myself, wiping the sweat from my forehead with a cloth.
I entered the manor, leaving my sandals outside has become a force of habit. I yawned loudly, stretching and cracking my back.
“Lucas?” I heard Akemi call from the other room, “Are you coming for dinner?”.

My heart lifted at her words, even if my current way of living were somehow terrible, Akemi's wonderful meals would make up for any hardships. I held in the urge to come running like a school boy, pacing myself and entering the dining room with as much grace as I could possibly muster.
Bowls of rice were set up for two people, with expertly prepared dishes of various Zipangu servings spread across the table between my seat and hers. I crouched down at the table, sitting with my legs crossed and trying to contain my smile.

“Thank you for the meal.” I said to Akemi, bowing my head slightly.
“You are always so polite, Lucas.” Akemi stated, picking food from the plates and placing them in her bowl. “You could try loosening up just a little, its such a bother to see you so uptight all the time.”.

I blinked, I never really saw myself as uptight. Though I knew I came off as a bit prudish, the division I was attached to during my service were known for their formalities and discipline even if they did give us whatever weapon they could before shipping us off to war.
“Forgive me.” I apologized. “I'll...I'll try my best. I do feel comfortable around you, after all.”.

Akemi looked back at me, a slight flush of scarlet forming on her cheeks before she shook her head, looking back at her meal, “I would like that very much.”.

The next day I continued my routine as usual, standing up as soon as the sun had arisen and went straight to work. The night before I was requested firewood from Akemi, something she was apparently running low on. I entered the woods after a few little preparations to the garden, starting the trip by picking up fallen branches and sticks for kindling. It was when I was heading back when I spotted it.

In the corner of my eye, shining like a jewel in a desert, there it was. It caught my undivided attention, putting my pile of sticks on the ground and approaching it. A flower, a rose to be exact, blue with tips of violet. It sat alone in the middle of the woods, its stem protruding from under a fallen log. I looked it over, examining it up and down before cutting it at the stem. Looking back at it, it probably wasn't my best decision, but I ignored the biting at the back of my mind and placed the stem behind one of my ears, jogging back to my pile of wood.

When I returned to the manor, I saw Akemi right away, sitting with her tail hanging from the side of her porch. I dropped the wood away from the garden and near an old shed before walking over to her.
“Oh! There you are.” She said with her usual smile. “I didn't know how long it would take...What is that?”.

Her eyes focused on the rose hanging from my ear. I gently picked it from its resting place and presented it to her.
“I...Saw this while I was out in the woods.”. I reached my hands out to her, Akemi looked at the flower and then up at me. “I thought you might like it, its unlike any flower I've seen in your garden.”.

She took the flower between two of her claws, her face becoming visibly red. “T-...Thank you, Lucas.” she said, gently brushing the pedals with her scaly hand.
She arose from her spot, slithering back into her home without another word. I was caught off guard, staring blankly before returning to my work.

She remained silent throughout dinner, only chuckling silently when I attempted to make a joke or tell her a story. I noticed her dress was lower than normal, revealing more of her skin and cleavage.  I coughed, trying my best to pretend that I didn't notice, though I would occasionally catch a glance or two.
“May I have some more tea, please?” I asked her.

Akemi smiled and nodded, straightening herself from the table and slithering over with teapot in claw. She leaned over as she poured into my cup, her nipples visible under her loose fitting robe. I winced, blood rushing to my face when I caught a glimpse of her naked breasts.
“Th-thank you.” I stammered, focusing now on my cup.
“You are very welcome.” She said with a large, warm smile before moving back to her place.

I excused myself immediately after eating, finding my way into the springs for a bath. Even with the muscle relaxing heat of the water, I couldn't get the image of those breasts from my mind. Soon a memory turned into imagination and all I could think about was her. It flustered me, made me feel as if I were your average brigand chasing skirts in the slums of a city.

I took in a deep breath, letting the moisture of the hot water fill my throat and let the comfort of the heat against my body relax me. I had to get my mind of her body, she was my host after all, not some simple bar wench! I did my best to meditate, letting my mind wander to other issues until I felt the two mounds of flesh press against my back.

My eyes shot open, the blood red hue returning to my face and my mouth dropping with no words.
I heard Akemi giggle from behind me, her claws wrapping around my chest and her slowly pushing around my legs until they rested on my lap.

“I hope you are enjoying yourself in my springs, Lucas.” Akemi whispered into my ear, her claws caressing my chest gently.
“A-Akemi!?” I blurted, turning my head to look up at her. She was staring down at me with her usual smile though her face was visibly blushed.
Soon her claw trailed down my body until it reached my loins, wrapping around and stroking it gently.
“My my.” She giggled. “Already this hard?”

I cleared my throat, my body felt like it was on fire. All I could hear was Akemi coo and giggle to herself as she played with my prick, she leaned in closer, her lips touching my ear before she whispered.
“You were thinking of me, weren't you?”.

“No! I-.” Idiotically I jumped to defend myself, unable to really comprehend what was happening. The touch of her scales felt good against my skin, and her body pressed against mine sent shocks through my body. I could feel her breath, her heart beat, I've never truly felt this close to another person, let alone a monster.

I saw Akemi frown, her grip around my body loosening as she pushed away.
“F-forgive me.” She stuttered, “I did not mean to startle you. I lost myself is all.”.

Before I could react she was dressed and gone, leaving me alone in the springs. My heart sank, never in my life had I felt like such scum. This woman had cared for me and given me shelter in a foreign land, and clearly she wanted to be with me. And I pushed her away like excrement from a boot...

I've come to understand what she was over my stay here, she was not just any kind of monster. No, a Ryu, a very powerful, almost deity like being that has graced this earth. I have seen her magic, her miracles. How she brought flowers to life, how she changed the weather with sheer will alone. I saw her beauty, she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life. She was kind, gorgeous, and powerful. I should be honoured that she would even speak to a common peasant like myself, let alone touch my skin.

I jumped from the springs, drying myself off as quickly as possible and dressing myself in the Eastern styled robes left for me. I moved as fast as I could to Akemi's room, halting just before her door. Slowly, I brought my hand up to the wood, balling it into a fist and knocking three times.

“...You may enter...” I heard from inside. I slid the door open, finding Akemi standing before me, her face had visible streaks of tears.
Out of all the manor I had never entered her room. The scarlet colouring on the wall, nobleman's furniture, and large, Westerran style bed made the room fit for a Shogunate, though I believe it spoke for her position in the world.  I stepped inside, standing before the living god that had graced me so.

“Forgive me...” I apologized right away. “I am but a simple farmer boy...When Your skin touched mine, panicked.”.

“No.” Akemi stepped in. “It is I who apologized. I should know better, Westerran monsters and cultures are different from my own. I should not have forced myself upon a human, I understand that for you it isn't right.”.

“That's not it at all!” I almost shouted those words. She jumpd at my sudden outburst, her hands locking together in front of her.
“I am but a worker! If my lord tells me to work, I work, if my lord tells me to fight, I fight! You are a living goddess! You are wealthy, powerful, beautiful, kind, generous, and strong hearted. I have nothing to offer you! Nothing I could ever do could prove my worth, to prove that I could be with someone like you!”.
I paused after my last words, my eyes trailing to the ground, “And...And still you chose me.”.

I looked back at Akemi, our eyes meeting. She didn't say a word, simply staring at me like it was the first time she had no idea what she was going to do. I felt a surge of courage course through my blood, turning it to fire. I stepped forward, closing in the distance between us.

I pushed my hands away from my sides, cupping her chin and cheeks between them. Akemi gasped, jumping at my touch. Her shocked expression slowly faded away and her warm smile once again returned. She closed her eyes, pressing her claws against my hands.
“I don't care about what you have...” She stated. “I just want you.”.

I smiled, pulling her closer until our lips finally pressed together. My hands moved from her cheeks to  behind her, brushing away her soft hair before my arms wrapped around her back and shoulders.
Our lips pulled away only for moments at a time as we kissed again and again. I could feel her claw brush against my chest, grabbing a hold of the sash of my robe and slowly pull it away, loosening the material. I followed suit, my hands moving to the top of her shoulders and pushing her silk robes down her body until she was completely naked.

I caressed her soft skin lovingly, my fingers pressing against her sides and ribs, shoulders, and finally breasts, my fingers sinking into her massive mounds with each squeeze and fondle. Small, controlled gasps left her lips with every touch of my hand. I could feel her touch as well, tugging and stroking my member until it was hard and throbbing.

I could hear movement, a scaly touch rapping around my legs and up my body until it was fully wrapped around my waist. Akemi had wrapped her tail around her and I, pulling us closer. My body tensed, my prick was pressed against her quivering womanhood, enveloped in her wet, warm lips yet not fully penetrated.
“Will you make a promise to me?” She asked me, her lips brushing against mine.
“Such as?”
“Promise you will stay with me, even when this petty war ends.”.

I smiled, brushing my hand against her cheek, “I promise.”.

With my words she pushed forward, penetrating herself against me. She moaned loudly, wrapping her arms under mined and pressing her claws against my pack. I moved my hands against her lower back, even with her coiled around me I still had room to move. I began to thrust into her, my fingers pressing against her lower back with each push. Each time I went deeper into her she moaned into my ear, I could feel her claws against my skin, trying with the strength of the gods themselves not to pierce my flesh.

I felt every sensation, her breath against my neck, her claws against my back, the sweet smell of rose pedals from her skin, the warm, pressing walls of her inside, her breasts pressed against me, truly I had died and gone to heaven.

In time, we had found ourselves on her bed, her tail having lost strength through it all, I moved her towards it. I positioned myself so I could continue my duty, with each thrust and grind she became more and more overcome with pleasure. I wrapped my lips around her nipple, playfully sucking and tugging on it.

Akemi pressed the back of her claw against her forehead, her head tilted to one side and her breath heavy and frantic.
“Don't stop!” She pleaded, “Please don't stop!”.

I let go of my mouths grip on her breast, kissing my way up to her chest until my lips touched hers. My tongue pressed against hers, playing inside her mouth until she wrapped her lizard like tongue around mine.

I could feel the fire build up inside me, my buttocks tightening and my movements becoming faster and faster. I wanted to love every inch of her amazing figure, with every thrust she pressed against me, her warm inside wrapping around every ridge and vein.

I had found my limits, pulling my mouth away from hers and pressing my teeth against her shoulder. And with one finally push, I exploded inside her, Akemi arching her back and letting out a long howl.
As I pulled out of her, my fluids dripped down her tail. She sighed, catching her breath and pulling me close into an embrace.
We kissed a sweet, tender kiss, her beautiful smile never once leaving.
“You are mine.” she whispered, pressing her forehead against mine. “And I am yours...”.

For once in my life I was content, I had a bed, food to eat, and work to do. But most of all, I was in love with a beautiful woman. Days went by in peace, until one day I heard the news.
The days that kings bowed to the commoners. After a year of brutal battle followed by months of soldiers digging into a bloodless yet grueling cold war, the Shogunate and the Emperor had finally came to peace. Though it was never truly revealed what started the war, the two begged their subjects for forgiveness, bowing deeply to their respective crowds of thousands, and in the end, millions who lived in their dominions.

Blood had been spilled, but in the end, life returned to normal for the two nations, with trade and borders once again opening up to each other. And as a sign of good will, Prince Valiand and Yoshimoto Matasume: The Heir of the Zipangu Shogunate, visited each others homelands to meet the people and do their best to spread good will.

And one day, while my wife and I were spending time in front of the home, we were visited by a man in princely wear and his subjects, he rode no horse, and carried his own belongings. He bowed, as well as the four men that followed him.

“I was told that a powerful Ryu resides in these hills. I have come to pay my respect.” The man stated.
“That would be me.” Akemi greeted with a smile, taking my hand in her claw as we approached.
“I am Prince Augustus Valiand of Westerra.” He proclaimed. “I have come on a mission of good will to Zipangu and its inhabitants, may they be man or monster.”.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Valiand. I am Akemi Burnn, and this is my husband.”

Almost instinctively I moved to bow, only to be stopped by the prince who stepped forward and pressed his hand against my shoulder. He stepped back and reached out, offering a handshake.
I took his hand in mine, a strong shake between men. The Prince narrowed his eyes at me, tilting his head.
“I am Lucas Burnn, son of Laric Burnn.”.
“You look familiar, friend.” he stated. “Have we met before?”
Before I could answer, he cut me off. “No matter, it must be my mind playing tricks on me.” He stated, I could tell by his smile that he remembered who I was.

“You are travelling light, my lord.” I stated, only for him to cut me off. “Please, as long as I dwell these lands I am simply Augustus.”.
“Very well, Augustus.” I tried to fit into calling a man I had followed as a underling by his first name. “Are you not wary of assassins?”.

“Nonsense!” he laughed. “I welcome the challenge!”.
The prince and his men stepped back and bowed once more, “I have taking enough of your time, I shall take my leave.”.

He waved as he left, “Farewell Lucas! Farewell lady Burnn! May your lives be good to you!”.

We watched them descend the hill before turning to move back inside. Akemi wrapped her arms around mine, resting her head against my shoulder as we walked.
“Do we have any plans?” She asked me, closing her eyes as we walked.

“Actually.” I coughed. “ I was meaning to talk to you, about perhaps travelling to my home country...And meeting my parents.”.

Her eyes opened wide, looking at me.
“Y-your parents!?” She stammerd, her face turning read. “Oh my! What will I wear!?”.

“Take it easy.” I laughed, “They're simple folk, I'm sure anything will be fine.”.

But even with my reassurance, Akemi panicked. Worrying about the ordeal and the trip ahead. I looked back once more towards the starry skies of the world, sliding the door shut behind me as I continued on with my life.