Endless Path : Infinite Cosmos

"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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(A/N: I've been busy these past few days due to holiday preparations and such. As an apology of sorts, I'm posting the first 20 chapters of a new Mushoku Tensei/Genshin Impact Fanfiction on my website… Feel free to check it out and let me know what you think.)