The rain poured down on a dreary new years eve. I was fresh out of college, I had a backpack on with a freshly made meal for two, a case of ‘MAD OGRE’ brew in my hand, and a movie in the other. I stomped up three flights of stairs and got to the top of the apartment. There were six apartments in this building, all connected by outdoor stairs with multiple other buildings surrounding it. Most apartments still had some of their Christmas decorations up, but this one that I was headed to most likely never even had them up in the first place.
	I grabbed the knocker and slammed it down four times, hoping the occupant would hear me. I heard her stomp to the door and open it slowly, “Anon?” She asked drowsily as she rubbed her eyes and looked down at me, “What are you doing here?”
	I gave her a look, “I texted you multiple times that I was gonna come over tonight, Zara. Have you just been dozing off on your couch?”
	Zara folded her arms. She was still in her work clothes. A skirt and a nice dress shirt with a tie. She had already taken her suit jacket off, at least, “I have not,” She calmly declared, “I merely like to spend time away from my phone as to not get addicted to it like so many in this age.”
	“Yeah, because that ancient flip phone totally has Facebook and Twitter on it,” I scoffed as I ducked under her arm and walked into her apartment. 
	“Are you planning on spending New Year’s Eve here?” Zara asked slowly, completely unsure.
	I turned back to her and saw that the large tiger woman, who had an almost sheepish look on her face, had put her tiger print fur covered hands behind her back, “Yeah. My parents are out of town and everyone else is hanging out with their girlfriends,” I hesitated when I thought about admitting the next part, “And I don’t want you to spend the holidays alone.”
	She sighed and put her big tiger hand on my head, “I can not believe you are still this infatuated with me.”
	I shrugged, “It gets worse. I made some dinner,” I handed her a little plastic container with her crispy chicken sandwich in it and a few little containers with condiments in it including the spicy sriracha sauce I knew she liked.
	Zara sighed again, “Thank you, Anon. Make yourself at home. You are always welcomed here.”
	“Thanks, Zara,” I plopped down on the couch with her. The entire couch was warm so I knew I was right; she had been dozing off on it just before I got here as she laid across it. 
	“How long has it been since we met now?” She asked as she prepared her sandwich. 
	“Feeling nostalgic, are we?” I placed the bags of chips I had brought on the coffee table along with the beer.
	“I was feeling a little misty eyed after I received your gift, Anon,” The jinko admits as we settled into her couch in her little one bedroom apartment, “What grade were you in again? I was in seventh, correct?”
	“I might have been a kindergartener,” I admitted, “I loved tigers when I was tiny and then I met a real tiger lady and I thought she was SO cool,” We both laughed as we recalled the tiny town we both grew up in and the K through Twelve school we both attended, “Man I remember bawling my eyes out thinking I’d never see my best friend again after she graduated.”
	“You always were a strange one. When I cried as I accepted my four-point-oh diploma at my graduation, I was crying over how sad you were. You thought of me as your best friend when you were that young...” She chuckled again, “I considered you mine, honestly. I did not have many-- any friends. I still do not.”
“Hey, stop being so hard on yourself. You’ve gotten nothing but straight A’s. I know you sacrificed your social life, but you helped me get as good of grades as I got with all that tutoring,” I put my hand on her shoulder and watched her take a big bite of her sandwich, “It’s not like I have many friends either,” I grunted as I cracked open a cold one and downed some of it.
“The twenty three year old engineering graduate and the lonely thirty one year old office lady. The two of them spending the holidays together. What a story,” Zara awkwardly put her hand on my head again in her usual way of giving physical affection, “Thank you again for wanting to spend the holiday with me. Another thank you for the meal,” She grabbed my second beer out of my hand and opened it by jabbing her claw into the lid. 
	I huffed and grabbed a second can for myself, “Yeah, of course. Gotta pay you back for that time you were the only person to come to my birthday party. Twice.”
	“I did do that, huh?” She leaned back on the couch and I did the same. 
	“How’s work?”
	“Fine. Boring. A bit lonely.”
	“You keep saying you’re lonely,” I pointed out.
	“It is lonely at the top, Anon,” She explains before taking a quick chug. After putting it in my free hand to hold it for her, she grabbed her tie and loosened it before undoing a few buttons. I could see the very top of her cleavage and the faintest hint of her bra. I stared at her open palm as she asked for the drink back. Her hands were big, covered in tiger striped orange and cream fur, and ended in well manicured, sharp claws. The fur continued until mid way between her shoulder and elbow. Between her arms sat her bosom, the breasts there were shapely and big. Above that was her neck, covered in fluffy jinko fur and even further was her face; aged like fine wine, stoic, beautiful and wise, all these words I would describe her with, especially in the dim lighting of her home. Her hair was long, easily going down past her shoulders. Her locks were mostly dark brown with a black stripe in it. She also had big, round tiger ears atop her head in lieu of human ones on the sides.
	I reverently handed the beer back as her long tiger tail flicked from side to side. She folded one leg over the other, showing me her large, similarly colored tiger-like feet. She kicked off the heels she wore on the bottom of them and let out a relieved sigh. I had forgotten how pretty she was in our time apart, “What do you mean about being lonely at the top?”
	“Success breeds jealousy. I am at the top of my field, eying a big managerial position that I am a shoe-in for. None will get very close to me and I will not let them get close for fear of being backstabbed,” She calmly and sadly explained as she downed her drink then crushed the can and picked up another. Zara opened it the same way she had before and downed it, “I am just so angry at myself. I spent all that time that I should have used looking for a man on studying and taking tests,” The jinko woman growled as she quickly chugged her next can of beer. 
	“No need to be so hard on yourself, Zara. You’re so successful! You’re the kind of girl everyone wishes they could be!” I assured her.
	Her stoic expression had gone to anger and now to depression, “You seem to be the only one that thinks so highly of me,” She downed her next can and went to pat me on the head but missed and wrapped her arm around my neck before leaning on me, “Anon. You are so nice to me,” Her chin pressed against the top of my head as she started to sniffle.
	I ran my hand up and down her back, “What are friends for, right?”
	The big tiger woman was silent other than the noise of her chuffing in my ear, a rare occurrence that I had only heard a few times. Still chuffing, she rose off me and downed another beer before going for another and the chips, “Hey, put on that new years thing, on the TV, okay?”
	Her speech was starting to slur, but I wasn’t about to say no when her big claws were this close to my organs. I turned on the TV for her, just putting on a random show as it was a little early for the new year’s celebration. Zara kept leaning on me, chuffing quietly in between eating her chips.

	There were very few beers left when midnight started to roll around. Zara had drunk most of them and she was still chuffing away, leaning on me as she slowly ate the second bag of chips. The tiger woman pulled her tie completely loose and tossed it aside with a chuckle, “There it goes!” She unbuttoned a few more spots on her shirt revealing more of her heavenly rack, “Good Maou, I HATE working!” She cried as she snuggled up against me, wrapping two arms around me.
	“Is it really that terrible?” I whimpered as her claws dug into me.
	She gripped my chin with her other hand and looked me in the eye with her own, golden yellow globes, “I am just so unhappy. It would stop being so horrible if I could come home to someone I love. Someone to support me, love me, help me unwind…” She shuddered as she let out a deep breath, “I just need someone, do you think so?”
	“Uh, maybe,” I just shrugged as we both turned to the TV. 
	The ratatoskr on the screen looked excited as the big shiny ball started to drop, “I did not even realize it was this close to midnight,” The jinko would not let me go, “Do people do anything for new years? I usually sleep through it.”
	I nodded, “Some people kiss who they love, I guess. Like right when it rolls over to the new year.”
	“I see,” The jinko nodded and stared at the screen. 
	“Five! Four!” The countdown went, “Three!” I felt Zara tense up, her breathing getting a little heavy, and making me smell the booze on her breath, “Two!” The jinko grabbed my face again, putting both her hands on the sides of my head, “One!” Without further hesitation, she pressed her lips to mine as the crowd cheered, their cries blaring through the TV. 
	Zara stared at me, both of us in complete shock at what she had just done, “I-I am s-sorry,” She whimpered and backed away, “I-I-I have no idea what came over me.”
	Emboldened, I grabbed the remote and rewound it to the countdown, “Three! Two!” I leaned forward and gave the confused tiger a kiss on the lips, “One!” The light peck on the lips still managed to convey how her mouth tasted of liquor. I wrapped my arms around her when I pulled away and she wrapped hers around me, letting me lay on top of her as she laid out on the couch. 
	Zara stroked my hair as she put my head on her bosom, “You really are a strange one, Anon. Do you really have feelings for me?”
	“I do. I have for so long but I’ve been so scared to say so for the longest time. I was always just some kid to you,” I explained, “A-at least that’s what I assumed.”
	The jinko kissed the top of my head, “You have always been my best friend and I have watched you grow into a wonderful young man. You have become the man I wish I had in my life but I always thought you had eyes for another.”
	“Who? Suzie? I’m not a fan of lizards, Zara. I’d much rather stroke your soft fur than her scratchy scales,” I laughed before being pulled into a tighter hug, “I’ve always thought you were so pretty. Since I was little I wanted to tell you that I would marry you when I got older.”	
	“Do you want to?” She asked quietly while squeezing me.
	“Y-yeah. Of course I do. Do you want me still?” 
	“Yes. I love you very much, Anon,” She purred, “How about I show you? Stand up.”
	I did as the gorgeous cat woman asked. She had her hands on my hips as her tail swung to and fro, “Z-Zara?” I was starting to feel a little nervous.
	“Ssh,” She purred, “A wife’s place is to serve her husband in any way and I know you could use some… ‘service,’” She grabbed my belt and swiftly undid the buckle. My pants were dropped next and my already hard member fell out onto her breasts, “Is this what you like?” She grabbed her large breasts and shook them teasingly for me, their soft skin lightly slapping the bottom of my manhood. I just nodded sheepishly, my penis throbbing at the thought of getting to see her heavenly body. With feline grace, she ran the tips of her fingers along my shaft. She chuffed as she watched me squirm and gasp at her simple touch. Zara stood up, towering above me as she reached down to grope my member further. With one hand, she undid the last buttons on her shirt, tossing it aside and revealing her full, toned form to me. She had a mildly defined set of abs and a big rack of heavenly breasts, “Go on. Touch. My body is here to serve you as yours is here to serve mine.”
	I couldn’t hold myself back, my hands ran up and down her chest, first feeling her toned stomach then moving my hands up gleefully to her breasts as she removed her skirt to show me her cute tiger print panties. She rubbed my head, stroking my hair as she chuffed and bit her bottom lip. Her tail flicked before she gripped my head again and forcibly kissed me. This time her tongue rolled out, licking at my lips, pleading to be let in. I could only oblige, opening up for her rough, but pleasantly slick muscle to enter my mouth and clumsily feel around. I reciprocated the best I could, still fondling her breasts as she stroked my head and back. She removed her black, lacey bra for me, her large breasts flopping out without anything to hold them back. I could only stare in awe, not noticing as the jinko grabbed the back of my neck and forced my head between them. Zara’s chuffing only got louder as I tried to push myself even deeper into her bosom with my mouth moving as if of its own accord as I kissed her between her cleavage.
The jinko had to remove me, otherwise I would have stayed in there until suffocation, “You seem to be having fun,” She teased as she reached down and groped me teasingly.
“All my teenage wet dreams are coming true,” I panted as I squeezed both breasts again. 
	With a laugh, Zara picked me up and kissed me again as she hoisted me off the ground. I was quickly taken to the bedroom and dumped on the bed. I looked up, expecting her to climb atop me but I watched her lie right next to me, “Anon? Could you… make my dream come true as well?”
	“Anything for you.”
	“Then… take charge tonight, please,” She meekly pleaded as she rolled onto her back and pulled off her panties, showing off thick strands of her love juice that was stuck to them. 
	I nodded, “I-I’ll try,” That was all I could stammer as I took my position between her powerful legs. I felt her legs brush up against my hips, making me shudder with anticipation. 
I took a deep breath and grabbed her hips, pulling her toward me, making her swoon instantly as her face turned tomato red, “Such a big, strong man!” She cried out, panting at my simple gesture.
	I swallowed and grabbed my member, lining myself up to pierce this black striped pussy’s pussy. With a little nudge from her foot, she pulled me in, giving me enough confidence to shove myself into her. She cried out as I took her virginity and she snatched mine. I started to thrust into her, pushing through the resistance and burying my member within the halls of her soft, wet insides. We both shuddered, the walls of her pussy convulsed, already pleading my cock to release. I started to thrust, slowly at first as I fell into my clumsy, passion filled rhythm. I penetrated her, putting my hips into it as the jinko clawed at her sheets and moaned. I pulled her toward me again, making her cry out with joy again as I pushed myself deeper into her. Her powerful legs wrapped around me, the fluffy fur on her legs and feet brushing against my skin and giving me goosebumps as I gripped her wide hips and continued thrusting my member. I fell into a steady pace, watching her shapely breasts bob up and down in rhythm with me as we both moaned and groaned together from the shared pleasure. 
Zara rose up, wrapping her arms and legs around me, “Anon,” She panted my name, “Hold nothing back. I want you more than anything,” The jinko held me tight as I grabbed her hips again and continued thrusting into her as vigorously as I could. She stroked my hair and held my face in her bosom again. My member thrust deeper and deeper with Zara moaning and roaring with every movement of my hips. Her claws raked across my back, “Ahn~ Anon!” She roared my name as all her muscles tensed up and pulled me close.
	The walls over her love tunnel convulsed on my shaft, bringing me to orgasm as I did my best to continue rocking my hips despite her vice grip. I came inside her, grunting as I pressed myself into her, feeling her hold me tight as my member spurted out its desperately desired baby batter. I rose out of Zara’s breasts, only to be assaulted by a few kisses as she tried to pull me even deeper into her. We orgasmed in unison, feeling it slowly fade together as well as we both made out, tongues twisting and writhing in one another’s mouths as we passionately explored each other’s body by inches, groping, stroking and squeezing each other.
	Zara pulled me onto the bed and yanked me under the covers where she pressed herself against me and chuffed as I patted her head and teasingly poked at her ears. She pushed me onto my back and lay her head on my chest after giving me a quick, loving kiss on the cheek, “You did wonderful, Anon. I have no doubts about your feelings for me.”
“Of course. I love you very much, Zara. I’m just so happy you feel the same,” I yawned, finally feeling the stinging of the claw marks on my back.
“Of course I do love you. I always have,” She kissed me again and settled in, “I finally feel stress free having you around.”
“Really?”
“Oh, yes. I am going to need many more of those loving, passionate dickings from you in the future,” She chuffed loudly before rubbing her cheeks against mine like a housecat.
I suppressed a groan as I felt how weary my body was but I nodded, “Of course. Anything for my lovely wife.”
“Good. Now rest, my sweet. I will require your body again soon!” She giggled before quickly tucking us both in.

I had been enjoying my life as a househusband for a few months now. I struggled to remember how long it had been due to time not really mattering to me since I had no real schedule-- other than to deep clean the house every other week. I wore an apron as I worked at the stove, cooking up a wonderful meal for my wife who would be home soon. I thought I had more time, but I realized my time was up as the front door unlocked, “I am home, my darling husband!” Zara called as she dumped her workbag next to the front door and started to remove her jacket.
“How was work?” I asked as I wiped off my hands on my apron.
“It was good today. The lunch you made definitely helped!” She smiled before turning away from me and tried to stretch using the couch, “Hmm, my back needs to pop…”
She glanced over her shoulder at me and smiled as she used her tail to lift up the skirt she wore, “Zara…” I started to get a stiffy as I saw her cute tiger stripe panties. 
	“Hm? What is it?” She played coy before beckoning me closer, “Are you thinking of using your wife before dinner?”
	I sighed and started to strip down, “You’re the one who wants to use me.”
	“And? I do not hear you complaining about having loving, passionate intercourse with me~”
	I nodded and slapped her ass, making her moan before I started fucking her, “I love you,” I said as I inserted myself.
	“Ahn~ I love you too!” She cried as she leaned into me.

Another unfinished story. I think this turned into ‘Striped Samurai’ eventually. I’ve included both versions of it.

I lie in wait. Waiting for my prey to wander by. There was a bear in my woods, and I needed to get rid of it before it killed my elk. I had tracked it for a few days and I knew its routine. It should come by here at five before going back to its den. I didn’t dare wander into its home. I would take it down here, on fair ground. With a spear in my hand, I sat in the brush. My inner clock told me it was just before five. I listened to the chirping of birds and the babbling of the nearby stream. It would have been peaceful if I wasn’t on the hunt. I saw it in my peripheral vision. I didn’t move my head. The grizzly was about to strut through the clearing. I waited patiently. As soon as the grizzly had moved past me, I sprang my trap. I stood up and launched my spear. With a spray of blood and a single cry, the beast went down. 
I walked quietly toward the beast, the spear had severed its spine near the head, killing it near instantly. I sighed, disappointed. I hadn’t had a good fight in ages. I grabbed the beast and threw it over one shoulder. I started back towards my house, wiping the mud off my face. It was a half hour walk, but a 15 minute jog. I got to the edge of my yard in about 17 minutes, the bear weighed me down a bit. I was losing my touch. 

I stopped near the edge of the yard and dropped low. Movement on the deck. I set the bear carcass down gently and moved slowly across the grass. Only a fool would try to rob me here. As I neared the porch, I saw two forms. The first looked like a man, I didn’t recognize him. He was sitting at the table next to the second form. The second person was a woman, she had long pointy ears on the top of her head, pawed hands and feet, black fur on both. She had a uniform on, black and decorated with multiple accolades. I knew who this was. I got up and moved quickly onto the deck stomping over to her before I stood at attention, “Colonel,” I saluted her.
The anubis chuckled a little bit, “Ex-First Lieutenant, Suzanne Thorne. You don’t need to salute me any more. Would you mind explaining why you’re naked and covered in mud?”
I stood at ease, “Hunting, Ma’am. Bear trying to get at my elk.”
I turned to the man who was sitting next to her, he was covering his red face with his hands, “You don’t remember what today is, do you?” The Colonel asked with a wry smile.
“No ma’am. I don’t remember you saying that you were going to bring your husband here.”
She chuckled again, “He’s not my husband. He’s going to be helping you here. Ross, say hello.”
“H-hello,” He stammered peering between his fingers. He was young, which was fine. But he was small and flabby.
“Him? I expected someone larger.”
“Your personalities align. He is here to help you get over issues, not wrestle and fight. He needs your help just as much as you need his,” She clutched his shoulder and shook him a little, “You have almost two feet in height difference. Don’t. Break. Him.”
	I stifled a groan. I had forgotten about this conversation last time she was here. I lived out here to be alone and to keep myself from hurting anyone. I didn’t want to baby sit this kid, “As you command.”
	“Suzie. I’m not trying to punish you, you’re my best friend. I want to see you improve. I’ll call tomorrow. If it doesn’t work out I’ll come pick him up,” She gave me a smile as she put her hat back on, “Now put some clothes on! That’s an order!”
I nodded, “You, inside,” I pointed at the boy and wandered inside. I had left my clothes right by the back door, “Wait here. I’m going to go shower.”
I heard The Colonel talk quietly to the boy as I headed to my room. We went way back. I might not be in the military anymore but I still respect her rank and magical prowess. On the reverse side, she thinks of me as a close friend. I wasn’t too thrilled about this whole thing, but the group she was working with had done a lot to help monsters and humans alike with whatever psychological or physical problems they have. I couldn’t remember this guys story, but why would he need me, a war vet missing one eye? An old seven and a half foot tall jinko with a bad attitude. I opened one of my drawers and pulled out a bottle of whiskey. I stepped into the shower and took a drink.

I came back to the main room to find that the Colonel had left. I was left with this kid now, “Now what?” I asked the air, hoping he might say something.
He looked up from staring at the floor. He looked up at my face before looking away when we made eye contact, he looked back at his feet, “I dunno. I’m not sure what exactly I’m supposed to be doing. You wanna do something for dinner?”
“I’ll get some instant noodles going. Want any liquor?” I walked into the kitchen and filled a pot with water.
“I’ll have some water, if that’s fine,” He followed me and started poking around in drawers and the pantry, “Do... you only eat ramen and drink booze?” 
I looked at him, “Yeah. What of it, kid?”
He recoiled, “J-just asking.”
I almost felt bad, he actually seemed concerned for me. We were still strangers though, I was on guard. I put my hand out, “Suzanne Thorne. What was your name again?”
“Its Ross,” He surprised me with a firm handshake and a look in the eyes. Seemed like a limp wristed alp from first impression, “Do you eat anything else?” He asked after we broke the handshake.
“Jerky and- Shit I forgot about the bear,” I suddenly remembered, “Watch the noodles, I’ll be right back,” I started to stomp out to the backyard.
“Do you want any help with that?” Ross called.
“Pfft, doubt you could help,” I chuckled and stepped outside. I took a swig from my flask as I crossed the yard. The sun was setting soon, so the coyotes would be out soon. Good thing I remembered. I threw the carcass over my shoulder and brought it onto the deck.
“Jesus christ, you can just throw that around like its nothing?” Ross poked his head outside.
“Make yourself useful and grab that tarp,” I barked. He did as I asked and spread the tarp out over the wood. I expertly began skinning the bear. Ross gagged, “Don’t you vomit on this! Go back inside!” I shouted at him as he turned green. He nodded and dashed inside.

I came back inside after an hour. The meat was on the drying rack and the skin was in the laundry room, ready to be washed by hand. Ross was sitting at the table, staring off into space, as if he didn’t even notice me walk into the room, “Kid,” I called.
He snapped to attention, “Huh?” He rubbed his eyes.
“What’s with you?” I growled as I dished up my cold noodles.
He hesitated, “Nothing,” He stared at his half empty bowl of noodles. 
I sat across from him at the table, “Since you’re living in my house, you’re gonna live by my rules,” He nodded and poked at his food, “Stay out of my room, don’t break my shit, and if I make food, you eat all of it.”
“Got it,” He mumbled.
“Look at me when I speak to you, boy. And talk louder when you speak to me.”
“Got it,” He said a little bit louder as he looked up at me.
“Better,” I started eating. Noodles tasted better cold anyways.
“Can I ask you something? Well, a few things,” I nodded and looked up at the kid, he was eating slowly, “Do I call you Lieutenant, Suzanne, or..?”
“Suzanne or ma’am to you, boy. Lieutenant Thorne is fine too, just don’t go using that too much.”
“Got it, uh, ma’am. So you were in the military? Before coming to this world?” 
“Don’t ask me about that stuff. I had a good hunt today and I don’t wanna kill this feeling,” I growled.
	“Sorry,” He looked back down at his food.
“My turn for questions. Last name,” It wasn’t really a question.
“Priest. No, I’m not one,” He looked up at me halfway through speaking, as if he just remembered my rule.
“Age,” I finished the rest of my noodles.
“22. May I know yours?”
“Older than you. Probably too old you, kid,” I laughed and he gave me a small sly grin, “Occupation?”
“Graphic designer. Doubt you care much about that, what about you?” He didn’t look like he wanted to finish his noodles so I reached across the table and grabbed the bowl, he gave me a thankful smile. 
“I get paid for my time in the service. I brew a little bit of my own ‘shine on the side for extra cash, but mostly to drink myself,” He was easy to talk to at least. I finished off his noodles, “Why are you here?”
“I needed to get away from home,” He said darkly, “I don’t want to kill you mood, so I’ll leave it at that.”
I nodded, “Fair enough. You’ll be sleeping in the spare bedroom. Don’t piss in the sheets.”
“I’ll try not to,” His demeanor returned to somewhat cheerful, he gave me a small laugh as well, “I guess I should move into there and finish up a project,” He got up and moved over to the small cluster of boxes and bag, “Oh, one more question and I’m sorry if this is insensitive or something. How’d you lose your eye?” Wonder in his eyes.
I sighed, “Assassin’s blade. I dodged it just in time to not get killed. Anything else?”
“No. Thank you for humoring me,” He picked up his bag and a box.
I stepped forward and picked up some of the boxes, “Over here, kid,” I showed him where the guest room was. Directly across from my room and without an attached bathroom, the guest room had a twin bed pushed up against the wall, a desk and a closet. The only other person who slept here before was the Colonel. I set the boxes down and walked out. He started slowly unpacking as I brought the rest of his crap in. Nothing too crazy, just clothes, a computer and a what seemed to be toys to me. He assured me they were collector's items. It cemented my thoughts of him just being a kid. 
“We should go out and get some food tomorrow. I’ll cook something for ya! For taking me in and all, its the least I can do,” He offered, eyes shining.
“Fine. We’re splitting bills. And you’re paying for that internet, I don’t use that nerd crap,” I told him, downing more liquor.
“Alright, well, I’ll talk to you in the morning,” He gave me a soft smile and went back to unpacking. I grunted something akin to ‘goodnight,’ and left the room.
	I couldn’t believe I was letting myself get attached to him already. His innocence and kindness made my heart warmer than liquor ever could.
I hated it.

I was marching through a forest. My team marched behind me; a minotaur, an oni a hellhound and an ogre. I knew what was coming. I wanted out. I couldn’t stop myself from moving, I tried to scream or beg my squad to stop marching and turn back before it was too late. There was a cry of pain behind me. I turned around to see the hellhound caught in a bear trap.
“Suzanne!” I heard an unfamiliar voice call.

I snapped out of the dream, I was standing up besides my bed. Ross was slumped against the wall in front of me. He was clutching the back of his head, “What the hell are you doing in here?” I growled.
“You were thrashing around and shouting. Begging someone to stop. I just wanted to make sure you were alright,” The kid explained.
“I’m fine. Go away.”
“You threw me against the wall in your sleep!” He shouted, “Who does-”
“I’m about to break you over my knee while awake. Leave me alone,” I interrupted him, seething.
He got up and stormed out. I could see him muttering under his breath. He was lucky I couldn’t hear him. I sat back down on my sweat covered sheets and looked at where he had been sitting. There was a small hole in the wall where I had thrown him. A wave of guilt washed over me. This was the exact reason I was out here alone, to protect everyone from me. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. Guilt washed over me.

Ross and I sat across from each other at the table. Neither of us had slept much. Ross was poking at the potatoes and eggs that he had made for us, “I’m gonna eat those if you don’t.”
“I’m working on it, ma’am. Are we still going shopping today?” Ross shoveled some potatoes into his mouth. He looked exhausted and I still felt sort of bad about hurting him.
“We need more food. I’ll go myself,” I offered, yawning.
“Alright. Want me to do any cleaning? Sheets? Clothes?” He asked.
“Go for it. Don’t go digging around in my things,” I stole more of his eggs.
“Or you’ll tear my heart out and eat it in front of me?” He gave me a sly smile.
“Haven't done that to anyone... yet,” I gave him a murderous smile. He laughed nervously and shut himself with more potatoes, “I’m gonna go wash my hair and head out, write down anything specific you need,” He nodded and went back to eating.






I got up and walked into his room. Flipping the light on, I saw him sitting on the bed hugging his legs, face pressed into his knees.
He looked up, “Here to break me in half?” His words burned me like a fire.
I sat on the side of the bed and stared at the floor, “I-I wanted to apologise. For hurting you. You got me at a really bad time.”
He sighed and moved to the edge of the bed next to me, “I forgive you, Suzanne, but why were you screaming?”
“Recurring nightmare of a mission that went bad,” I said darkly.
The kid slowly put his hand on my shoulder, “I know how you feel.”
I turned to him, ready to shout some profanities. There was a look in his eyes, I instantly knew he had seen some shit. He looked at me like the recruits after their first mission. I put my arm around his shoulders, “I guess that’s why we were paired up, huh?”
“Seems like it,” The kid leaned against me and closed his eyes. 
“Don’t go falling asleep on me, kid,” I yawned.
“If you need anything you know you can talk to me, right?” He smiled at me.
“Anything?” I was still shaken from the nightmare and hurting him, “I could use a, uh, hug.”
“That’s all?” He laughed and stood in front of me.
“Laugh at me again and I’ll- aaaah,” I involuntarily exhaled a sigh of relief as I melted in his arms. He had wrapped his arms around my neck and squeezed pretty tightly. I couldn’t even remember the last time I had hugged someone. When he tried to let go of the hug and back away, without even thinking about it my arms shot out and pulled him back in. He started to laugh again so I shut him up by squeezing him, replacing his laughter with a cry of surprise, “I told you to stop that!”
I finally let him get away from me, he sat back down, “Better?”
I nodded and wiped my eyes, “Yeah. Thanks, kid- I mean, Ross.”
“Anytime. Wait, are you crying?” He put his hand on my shoulder and gave me an incredulous look.
I growled and tackled him to the ground, “TELL ANYONE AND I’LL KILL YOU!” I screamed.
“Okay! Okay!” He cried as I held him down. I was straddling him and holding his hands over his head. He looked up into my eyes and smiled again. I got off of him and lie down next to him on the floor. I couldn’t help but laugh at us. Ross looked at me and laughed too.

V2

	“Oni, Bear, what’s your status?” 
	“Explosives set. Ready to go.”
	“Good. Wolf?”
	“Cameras in the west wing are down. Patching the feed through to your devices.”
	“Owl?”
	“Sound suppression... good to go.”
	“Tiger, are you in position?”
	“Yes, captain,” I told him through the comm. I had climbed up a watch tower and taken out the only guard there. He lay on the floor in a pool of his own blood. I used the scope on my sniper to scout out targets.
	“Wolf, head to our position and have your equipment ready.”

	I woke up from the dream in a cold sweat. The amount of times I had relieved that nightmare in my sleep was taking a toll on me. I flipped the lamp on and sat at the edge of the bed. I looked behind me, I had clawed up the mattress again. Too bad they didn’t make that stuff out of kevlar. I got up to wash my face. I looked at my face. Scars littered my skin. A large scar over my left eye had blinded it. My white and black fur that covered my arms and legs was looking disheveled. My short black hair could do with a combing. I threw some water on my face and got back in bed. Not like it mattered if I looked good. I was in my late thirties. Too old to find someone. 

	

Commission for Zarama. Thanks again!

    
    I stared out the window of my tiny home. The sun was high in the sky, the gentle breeze was blowing, and the sound of birdsong filled the air. I turned away from it, I knew I had a few things I needed to do, simple chores and such. My mind was clouded by my rampant negative thoughts, self conscious doubt and anxiety plagued me as I thought of my friends who had all moved on with their lives while I was still stuck here, alone and stagnant. I needed to clear my mind, I decided on a whim. A walk usually helped me, so that’s what I decided to do. I left my home and stomped down the path to the river where I quickly found my route for my little half hour jaunt; I would follow a river and walk through the trees as my mind wandered. Most of my friends had gotten married at this point but I was still looking. I couldn’t settle down with just any woman, she had to be the one for me. The same thoughts came to my mind that did nearly every time I thought of girls. Sure there were a few skinny human women in my town and a handful of fat ones. But none of them were to my standards. I wanted a big girl, a tall one, not a wide one. One of an impressive stature and even more impressive muscles. Powerful and strong, more than enough to overpower me. Call me what you want, I don’t really care what people think of my tastes. I nearly salivated as I thought about it. The only problem was that the only human women who were to that criteria were order knights, and they usually only married within their little group of fanatics. Those women wanted equally strong men, which was only natural, but that of course meant human women could never give me what I wanted as I was not to their standards and I would probably have to turn to monster girls. I could only wonder if people would be disappointed in me for choosing this path, but did it really matter to me? If it got me what I wanted? Hell no, it didn’t matter. I snapped out of my daydreaming and back to reality, looking around for my familiar surroundings. I must have gotten distracted, I had ended up wandering much further than I had intended. 
    I sighed and went down to the shore of the river like I usually did when walking back. Not having been this far up river, I looked around. It was mostly the same as the rest of the river, a somewhat deep and slow current that was pretty good for catching crawfish and salmon in. Not very good for drinking; although the water was clear, too many people used it for cleaning. I would stick to well water. I continued along the riverbank, every so often I would pick up a stone and toss it, trying to skip it down river. I spotted an area I had not seen before. The river pooled in this area. The bank I was on stayed parallel with the rest of the river but the opposite side bulged out into a small sort of lake. 
    I was ready to walk past, but as if illuminated by sun rays, I spotted a woman. The most gorgeous woman I had ever seen. I scurried into some nearby bushes, desiring more than anything to watch her. She stood in the pool of water, it hardly came up to her thighs. The muscles across her body rippled with power as she moved with little grace. Ran a bar of soap along her muscles, illuminating them with a reflective sheen, while obscuring other parts with the cleansing suds. Her firm looking buttox was towards me and I could see a tail whipping side to side as she silently cleaned herself. If the tail had not tipped me off to her monstrous nature, her large claws and fluffy cat ears would have. The fur across her body was a cream color with dark brown tiger stripes marking her furred limbs. The skin on her gorgeous muscles was a dark tanned color and glistened in the sunlight, freshly cleaned for the day. I shuffled, adjusting my position as I stared at the beastly woman. The soft noise of my approach made her turn around, scanning the riverside for where the noise came from. Her cat ears twitched and her tail flicked back and forth as she looked for any threats. I caught a glimpse of her face. It was absolutely gorgeous, a beautiful face with strong, stunning features. Her hair was a dark auburn, her piercing eyes were a bright yellow and her mouth was full of sharp looking, but clean, white teeth. She frowned and went back to bathing herself, ignoring the noise I had made.
    I breathed a sigh of relief. A sudden noise startled me. A raccoon running out of a bush nearly made me yelp, but I managed to contain myself. I watched as the ring-tailed creature skittered away from me, just as startled as I was. I went back to staring at the beautiful, muscled woman. She was gone. I frowned. I had missed my chance to speak to her, “I’d better get going,” I murmured to myself as I was reminded that I had work I needed to get done before sundown.
    “Get going to where?” A husky voice asked from beside me. I slowly looked towards where the voice had come from. The tall, beautiful, muscled woman was standing right next to me. She looked down at me with a somewhat bemused expression on her face, “Why are you hiding in that bush? Did that raccoon scare you?” She let out a strange laugh, like a ‘hu hu hu’ as she giggled at my stammering and stuttering.
    “N-no, I was… I was just on my way home!” I explained quickly as I pointed down the river.
    “Home? You live down river? I have never seen you there,” She smirked. She chuckled again as she looked me up and down. The way she spoke, that husky voice… and the way she stared… my brain told me to run. But with all of my blood rushing away from my brain to my slowly stiffening member, my brain functions started to deteriorate and my fight or flight started to wane. I just stared at the monster girl, taking in the wondrous sight of her shapely breasts and hard abs, “That isn’t fear on your face…” She mused as a curious expression showed on her face, “You are not afraid of me?”
    “Afraid? No, of course not!” I chuckled nervously, hardly able to make eye contact with her as she leaned towards me and smelled the air.
    “Hmph,” She huffed, “Your body language is strange. What is it you are feeling, then?”
    “Promise you won’t beat me up if I say something dumb?” I chuckled nervously.
    She folded her arms, “I suppose.”
    “It’s… well… a-arousal,” I said sheepishly. I found myself unable to refuse her.
    She leered at me, “Arousal? For me?” I nodded slowly in response. I got a single, strong exhale of air from her nose as she scoffed, “You are pulling my leg. Perhaps I should beat you for joking about such things, especially to an older woman!” She glared at me now. 
    “Oh, no, no, no,” I nervously backed away as she stepped towards me, her powerful claws balled into fists, “I mean it! I find you quite fetching a-and beautiful!” Despite what she had said, she looked quite young. Probably because of that latent demon mana or whatever it is.
    She stared into my face, mostly taken aback by my declaration, “What could you possibly find beautiful? I lack in your species’ feminine qualities. What beauty is there in me?” She made a sad expression that I could not bear to see. 
    “Even if you can’t see it, I can!” 
    “Now you are just making fun of me!” She hastily decided as she cracked her knuckles, “Unless you can prove it, I’m beating the shit outta you,” She growled.
    “I-- Well…” I sharply drew in my breath and steeled myself for whatever would follow as I undid my belt buckle, letting my pants fall around my ankles. My stiff member was completely obvious in just my underwear. I was fully prepared for a beating but how else could I prove I was telling the truth?
    The monster woman folded her arms and attempted to maintain her composure. Her face blushed red as she stared at my stretched undergarments, “So that is what that smell was,” She nodded, “What is your name?” 
    “Anon,” I put my pants back on.
    “Kirana. You shall be a suitable mate.”
    “Really!?” I coughed and tried to compose myself, I had to play it cool, I thought,“Alright. I agree.”
    “Good. Because I would have taken you even if you had said no,” The jinko smirked and grabbed me, hoisting me over her shoulder before stomping to the other side of the river and grabbing her things. I didn’t fight as she carried me through the woods, letting out a soft ‘hu hu hu,’ as she giggled to herself. I had a big grin on my face. I was more than overjoyed, elated even. My dreams were coming true. From the discomfort I felt from her shoulder against my ribcage, I already knew this wasn’t a dream.

    Kirana was a little rough as she unceremoniously dumped me onto her little sleeping arrangement. A strangely comfortable pile of furs, blankets and pillows. She threw some logs into the fireplace and got a small, warm fire going, “I suppose it is quite fortunate that I decided to bathe today,” She chuckled, “But you must prove yourself to me before I truly make you my mate.”
“Anything!” I panted, eager to prove my worth as her lover.
She pulled me to my knees. Her large, powerful and clawed hand ran through my hair a few times before the hand moved to the nape of my neck. In a swift motion that hardly strained her, my face was pulled against her rock hard abs, “You find my body arousing? Show me.”
    I nodded. I started to slowly kiss her abs and muscles. They were softer than they appeared, the muscles tightening with each kiss of my lips or twitching when my tongue grazed them gentle.. I shuddered with excitement, her body was warm and her hand on my head was surprisingly gentle as she let me explore her strong stomach and legs. Feeling her abs as I ran my hands over them was amazing as they tightened and hardened in response to my teasing, They were a testament to her strength. Her legs were like the tough trunks of a tree when she flexed them. I imagined her easily breaking boards or even logs over her knee as a show of strength. Just imagining her acting so strong and powerful around me aroused me further. Her body smelled of lavender like the soap she used and my mind went numb again as my penis got excited, stealing all the blood from my thinking muscle. My lips parted and my tongue rolled out of my mouth. Kirana shuddered as my warm, flexible muscle traveled over the small part of her body that she kept my face at, “E-enough,” She commanded in her husky voice, “You have shown me how you feel,” She nodded, “There is one more trial you must face.”
    “Alright,” I nodded, panting as I tried to catch my breath and wipe my face.
    The monstrous woman shoved me onto my back, nearly knocking the wind out of me. Before I could try to move, she was on me. Her mouth pressed to mine, testing and tasting my lips before she went in for the kill. My curious hands ran across the muscles of her arms and upper body with a strange, excited reverence that she seemed to enjoy just as much as I did. Her lips parted and her large, strong tongue came out. It wiggled its way into my mouth where it easily shoved my tongue around as she made out with me. The rough sandpaper feeling of it only enhanced the experience. She pulled away when she decided she had had enough, letting a heated sigh escape her lips, “Good. You have passed this first ordeal. Now--” She swiftly ran a claw across my body. 
My clothes came off of me like a shell that was torn open. Her actions had drawn a little blood on my chest and she quickly lapped up the few droplets before licking her lips, “You taste divine, Anon,” She told me with her usual ‘hu hu hu’ chuckle. I didn’t respond, I was too entranced by her body. Her hand roughly grasped my member. I was already completely stiff for her as she stroked me. She smirked and eyed me up and down, not caring if I was ready or not. She lined me up before lowering her body onto mine. There was a gasp that escaped her lips right as the head of my member entered her. A devious smile spread across her lips. She said nothing as her yellow eyes took the sight of me in. She forced herself further down my shaft, making both of our back’s arch from the intense feeling of pleasure. I panted and moaned as she shoved herself down to the hilt and stayed there, rocking her hips back and forth. I could feel the full weight of her powerful body pressing down on me, holding me down. My fingers traced her muscular stomach, still enamored with her body. She grabbed my wrists and held them above my head, grinning at me the whole time. Soon after, lifted up her hips before bringing them back down, slamming herself against me as she felt every little inch of my shaft inside herself. She gasped and shuddered before the smile came back to her face. 
She quickly found her rhythm, the slow, almost lurching movements of her body as she pleasured herself with my willing body. I writhed and moaned as her hips slammed against mine. The pleasure numbed all senses of pain I could feel as my mind went blank, only focusing on Kirana’s gorgeous face, her divine muscles and the way she was fucking me. I started to moan loudly and slightly struggle against her grip, “Struggle, Anon,” She panted, sweat from the exertion and heat softly dripped down her forehead. 
    I nodded, eager to please her, “G-get off of me,” I weakly said as I tried to wiggle out from under her.
    “Oh, I will do no such thing~” She chuckled in my ear before kissing my neck lovingly, contrasting the powerful and aggressive movements of her hips as she repeatedly slammed herself against me, “I can feel you throbbing. You yearn for release, yes?” She was right, my member was twitching and my body was shuddering as I tried to hold myself back. The feeling in my bruised loins was a little too much to bear at this point, “Keep holding it.”
    I nodded. Kirana picked up the pace even more, throwing my hands back as she braced herself against me. She hunched over me as her claws dug into pelts on either side of my head, supporting her body with her mighty arms. I kept my hands above my head, not able to move and not wanting to displease her. She was like a wild animal, a hunter ravaging its catch as it feasted upon the pleasures of its flesh. I was a more than willing participant, much more willing than most prey would be. The monstrous woman let out a roar as the thrashing of her hips turned violent, “Now! Do it!” She commanded through gritted teeth. Like a dam breaking, the pressure in my loins was freed. I cried out as the cum violently splurted out, shooting deep into her womb. The monstrous tiger woman grabbed my hands, her fluffy fingers interlocking with mine as she squeezed with enough force to nearly shatter them as she yelled in pleasure. The walls of her pussy quivered and convulsed as it tried to coax as much cum from my cock as it could. It felt like our orgasms lasted an eternity as we both joyously cried out in pleasure. Eventually, my cock was exhausted and my balls were emptied. Kirana stared down at me, a little smirk on her face as she blew air between her clenched teeth.
    “D-did I pass?” I wheezed as I went limp. My body was hot and sweaty as I lay in the aftersex warmth. 
    “I would say you passed with flying colors, my sweet,” The tiger woman was just as sweaty. The way the dancing flames accentuated her curves and muscles was magnificent. I wanted more than anything to touch them again. Without a word, my hand was touching her, running my fingers up and down them. “Hu hu hu,” She chuckled before finally releasing me and getting off. Her pussy leaked with my cum. She absentmindedly scooped what she could to keep it inside and grunted in satisfaction as she began to stretch, “You seem to enjoy my body like a zealot in worship. You almost make me think my muscles are a fetish for you,” She lay down next to me, pulling me against her, “I think I like that,” She smirked as she settled on to the makeshift bed. 
    “Almost?” I echoed, nearly feeling offended, “I must not have shown you how much I like them, because they most definitely are! They’re really sexy!”
    The woman laughed, “I like your vigor on the topic, despite our rigorous session. You shall be a fine mate.”
    “So, uh,” I stammered, hard again as my face was pressed against her collar bone. I could feel the muscles of her arms squeezing around my nape as the surprisingly soft fur of her forearms brushed over my cheeks, “So does that make you my wife?”
    “Hm?” Her legs crossed over mine, completely immobilising me before one of her hands began to caress my head and nape, “I suppose those are the words your people use for it. Husband and wife, yes. Is that what you desire for me to say, husband?” She chuckled in my ear as a shiver ran down my spine, “Rest, dear husband. Your body will need the strength for tomorrow’s lovemaking session,” She chuckled again before resting her chin on my scalp. I wiggled to get my arms free and wrapped them around her neck. I nuzzled against her body and let sleep take me rather quickly. 

    Everything happened so quickly after that point. Kirana made an Anon shaped imprint on the bed nearly every morning and night for a week. After that we moved back to the village I was living in. Most people there already knew her from when she traded in skins and animal meats for things she needed so they were fine with her staying. She even asked my parents for my hand in marriage as she believed that was a human custom. With a bit of coercing, they agreed to give me up. 
    The wedding was short and small. As she had already claimed me, she found it unnecessary but my parents insisted. The sheepish expression she had on when her lovely muscles were concealed by a gorgeous white wedding dress was something I knew I’d never forget. It was almost as sexy as her naked. It had been around a month now, but I still day dreamed about convincing her to put it back on.
    “Anon?” Kirana said my name quietly. 
    “Hm?” I shook myself and stared at her. She was wearing a form fitting shirt and pants that both accentuated her curves and muscles. 
She brushed her long hair out of her face and chuckled, “Are you thinking deeply again? My husband does enjoy spacing out, doesn’t he?”
I nodded, “I was just thinking about you. It feels like just yesterday we met on that river bank, does it not?”
She frowned and shook her head, “It has been nearly a month, my husband.”
    I sighed and shrugged, “Always so literal,” I set a tip for the meal on the table and stood up, “Ready to go?”
    “Are we going home? Or did you have more of this date planned for us? Hu hu hu,” She chuckled, forcefully taking my hand and pulling me out of the somewhat fancy restaurant. I was yanked down an alleyway, the same way we had come from, “I feel quite exhausted from today’s festivities.”
    “You and me both,” I wiggled out of her grasp to stop and tie my laces. Kirana grabbed me, lifted me up and pushed me against the wall with a smug look on her face, “Hey! Cut that out!” I protested. 
    “Make me,” She teased before licking my cheek.
    “Come on! Get off!” I groaned again, only making her push me into the wall a little harder. 
    “Unhand him, vile beast!” A voice at the end of the alley cried. Kirana dropped me and turned, “I will not allow another monster to rape an innocent man!” It was a woman clad in armor. An order knight. She looked strong but not nearly as strong as Kirana. I felt my member stiffening as my monstrous jinko wife approached the knight.
    “A-actually, we’re already married. We’ll be going now,” I tried to diffuse the situation.
    “No. We will not,” Kirana folded her arms, “I will not allow one of these pretenders to come between my night with my man and me. Defend yourself, woman,” She hissed as she dropped low into her fighting stance.
    The knight’s muscles rippled as she got into a stance with her sword. Steel weapons and armor against the jinko’s natural claws. The knight struck first, stabbing at my wife. I didn’t fear for her life with good reason. She easily sidestepped the stab and brought her hand down on the knight’s shoulder, making her cry in pain as her armor caved in from such a heavy blow. She went for a small slash that made contact with the jinko’s clothes, cutting them and spilling some of her blood. She yelped in pain, “My husband bought me this shirt!” She snarled before raking her claws across the knight’s plate armor. The powerful tiger claws rended the metal armor, tearing it apart. The two continued trading blows, my wife getting a few more cuts on her body and arms while tearing at the knight’s armor. Soon, all of her armor had fallen away and she was left naked with cuts and bruises across her muscular body. Kirana dodged another desperate slash and delivered a punishing strike to her victim’s stomach. 
The knight dropped her sword and fell to her knees, “M-mercy, pl-please,” She could hardly wheeze out as she clutched her wounds. 
    “Hmph. You will live,” The jinko kicked the knight onto her back. She writhed in pain at her cuts and bruises, “Only because I know your order will hunt me down if I do more than beat you. Leave the order and do something better with your life,” Kirana chuckled and grabbed her opponent's sword and its sheath as well as the money from her wallet, “Trophy. A gift for my husband. As well as a way to repay me for the clothes you have RUINED,” She decided, “Anon, you-- Why are you aroused?”
    “Huh?” I shuddered as her mouth started to curl into a frown, “I don’t know. I think you look hot like that,” I tried to recover.
    “You lie to me?” She gasped, “Come, we are going home,” She growled, picking me up over her shoulder like she usually did when she wanted to display her strength.    

    “It seems I have not conditioned you well enough,” Kirana growled, “After all I have done for you, you dare LOOK at another woman like that?” 
    “I-I’m sorry, I-I was entranced by the way the two of you traded blows!” I desperately tried to explain to her.
    She grabbed my face with a powerful grip, “Liar,” She slapped me with her words and then her hand, “You have disrespected me. Your own wife!” She knocked the wind out of me with a somewhat forceful punch to my stomach. She followed it up with a leg sweep while still being careful enough to make me land on the sparring mat, but it still hurt somewhat, “I know humans are much less faithful than monster girls,” She picked me up and tossed me again. I grunted in pain as I looked up at her. She squatted down next to me, “I will not have my husband, my mate be promiscuous. It seems I must tighten your leash.  I must remind you of what you fell in love with,” She grabbed me again and made me stand up. She gestured for me to start. I nodded and came at her, wrapping my arms around her as I grabbed at her. She forced her arms between mine and forced them apart before grabbing me again and performing a somewhat gentle throw, “I do not enjoy punishing you, but if you rile me up like this you must be ready to face the consequences,” She forcefully brought my face to hers where she forced her tongue into my mouth. I was accustomed to the sandpaper like roughness. She pulled away, leaving a trail of saliva between our mouths. 
    She stepped away from me and got into a low stance. I did the same, ready to spar with her. She came at me, easily grabbing me and deflecting my blows. I could only struggle against her grip. She tossed me around a bit, roughing me up playfully as she chuckled, “Seems like you’re in a better mood,” I chuckled nervously as she got on top of me.
    She giggled back in her low voice before laying on top of me, “I cannot stay mad at you for long, Anon. But, I am still a little frustrated. It is time,” She grabbed me again, performing an expert judo throw and tossing me onto the bed, “My muscles are quite sore from protecting you and require… Extra attention tonight,” She stripped off her torn clothes and tossed them aside. She had splotches of dry blood across her body, “Wipe me clean before our lovemaking session, husband.”
    I nodded, hurrying to the bathroom and getting a damp, warm cloth. She sat on her knees and stared at me as I ran the cloth over her body slowly with a loving reverence, “I’m sorry. I hate upsetting you,” I told her quietly.
    “Then how come you get into trouble so often?” She chuckled before grabbing my crotch, “You will get your punishment,” I nodded but writhed as my member stiffened. She let go and I returned to my task, cleaning her body slowly and carefully. I ran my hands over her surprisingly soft abs, making sure to get every little bit of dried blood off of her body. She used two fingers to grab my cheeks and pull me in for another mouth invading kiss. She flexed her arms, knowing that I liked it, before gesturing to them. A silent reminder to wash and kiss them. I washed the kissed the flexing, powerful arm muscles before I tossed the rag aside and sat next to her. Her arm wrapped around my shoulders, “Anything else you wish to say before bed, husband of mine?”
    “Uh. I love you,” I smiled.
    “And I love you,” She grabbed me and flipped me onto the bed. She climbed on me as I tried to remove my clothes so she wouldn’t slice them up again. I got my pants off before she straddled me. My underwear came off quickly. I could feel her hot pussy against my throbbing cock, “Today was wonderful. Other than our little spat, I had a good time.”
    “Yeah, I did too,” I smirked, “That dinner was really good.”
    “Yes it was. Oh, I could do with another serving of that roast!” She chuckled as she rubbed her pussy up and down my shaft absentmindedly, “But, I suppose it is time for my main course,” She licked her lips and slipped the head of my cock into her. I shuddered as she took every inch of my member like she usually did. She shuddered before shifting to get comfortable. She grabbed my face and forced me to keep eye contact and she slowly rode me, “Comfortable, are we?” I nodded before a gasp escaped my lips. She was teasing me. She would slam herself down on me but rise up slowly. We both panted and moaned as she used my member to please herself. After a good handful of pumps she let out a roar and abandoned all grace in her fucking. 
The intercourse turned somewhat violent as she began to bring herself crashing down upon my hips. I cried out, half in pain and half in pleasure as she continued to have her way with me. I looked into her eyes and saw the same expression she gave that roast she devoured at dinner. I was her meal and she was through with toying with me. I put my hands on her hips as I attempted to stabilize myself. It didn’t do much as she continued to thrash me. Her claws moved to the sides of my head as she got her body over me. She was going in for the kill. The pressure was building in my loins as it was with hers, I could tell from the way she shuddered and huffed as she neared her climax. I was hardly able to hold my own back. Eventually her arms wrapped around me and her body quivered and her pussy shook giving me my que. I let loose, shooting my cum into her womb again. The spurts kept coming and coming as her pussy continued to milk me, making sure I was filling her to the brim. She collapsed on me and wrapped her arms around me, “Good,” She whispered in my ear, praising me quietly.
    “Yeah I love you too,” I chuckled as she pulled me into a firm and loving hug.
    “Sleep now. More ‘punishment’ tomorrow,” She laughed to herself as she snuggled me to sleep.
    “Wonderful,” I let the exhaustion take me as I lay in our after sex heat.
    

I came home from work to my condo. It had been another exhausting day of avoiding the advances of my new coworkers. It had been about two months since monster girls had flooded into this world. I shifted my messenger bag on shoulder as I rode the elevator to the third floor. My neighbor and his new satyr wife were chatting quietly as they rode to the fifth floor. I walked down the hallway to my room slowly. As I was putting my key into my lock, with my hand on the handle. The handle gave, my door was unlocked. I groaned ay myself, if any of my things were gone, because of my negligence, I was going to be unreasonably upset, “Such a stupid mistake,” I told myself as I entered my apartment, “How could I--” My self loathing stopped as I looked around. There was a woman sitting on her knees in the middle of my main room staring at the door--at me. The first thing I noticed was her monsterous features, paw-like hands and feet with tiger patterned fur going up most of her arms and legs. Her tail flicked from side to side behind her. I stared at her one visible eye in fear, a single orange colored cat eye stared at me. Her other eye, the left, was hidden underneath her an eyepatch. Her muscular body was covered by a well fitting kimono of a black and red color scheme. Her light brown hair with a dark brown highlight was pulled up in a bun. Her large, clawed hand rested on the hilt of a sword, a katana, at her waist. 
    She removed her hand from her sword and stood before me. She stared at me with the same, blank and intense look, “Master Anon, welcome home,” She bowed in greeting. She was obviously not a native english speaker unlike most of the other monster girls I had spoken to. I kept staring at her, unsure of what was happening, “I was unable to learn how to operate your stovetop in time and was unable to cook you a fresh dinner,” She slowly got back on her knees and groveled in front of me, face placed near my feet, “I beg for your forgiveness.” 
    I stood dumbfounded in front of her as she stared at the floor, “I-I-I... Sorry, who are you?” 
    “Did you not receive my letter?” She was still in the same position. 
    I knew I had probably tossed it, “It must have been lost in the mail.” 
    The woman stood up before me and looked down into my eyes with the same blank expression. She stood at over seven feet, over a foot taller than me. Her look caused me to sweat, “You are a horrible liar, master.” 
    I groaned “Okay, okay, I think I got the letter but I couldn’t read it. Whatever it had been written in was not english. You got me, lady.” 
    “You could not read it?” She asked, only slightly angered, “I will need to have VERY harsh words with a tanuki when I return home,” She gripped the hilt of her sword. 
    “Uh, okay. By the way, you never told me your name.” 
    “How rude of me. My name is Kimiko Tora. May I also tell you why I am here?” 
    “Yes please,” I fell onto the couch, ready to hear whatever crap she was about to peddle me. 
    “May I take your bag and coat, Master?” 
    “Sure,” I handed them over. She hung my coat in the closet and hung my bag on the back of a chair. 
She returned to a kneeling position on my floor across from me, “In my homeland, we commune with spirits often. Recently, my clan heard of a man needing protection. That man was you, Anon. A horrible darkness is coming over you soon. A fighter of good and justice was required to protect you. The spirits chose me to serve as your protector. I had that letter sent at set about learning english. Soon enough, I was on a boat from Japan to America to find you.” 
    I looked at her, “Uh spirits? Like ghosts? They sent you to find ME?” I asked in disbelief. 
    “Yes. That is what I said, is it not?” 
    I grunted, “Yeah, yeah you did. I just didn’t want to believe you.” 
    She looked confused, “I am afraid I do not understand, Master.” 
    I sighed and growled out, “Forget it,” I pondered for a few moments, trying to figure out what to do. 
“You seem very upset, Master. May I draw you a bath or prepare some tea?” She spoke slowly with an apologetic tone and a worried look on her face. 
I got a feeling that she genuinely did care about me despite just meeting. I still was intimidated by her usual fierce glare and the face that she looked like she could bench three or four of me. But, damn, was she cute, even with all her scars and the eyepatch. The kimono she wore was black with red lotuses on it and the sheath of her sword was black with some gold flourishes. I thought for a few more moments, trying to convince myself to keep her around. I shrugged, deciding I might as well. Its not like she was my wife or anything, “Some tea would be lovely, thank you.” 
“As you wish, Master.” 
Having such a huge, pretty woman refer to me as master was a pretty huge ego boost. I took the small break I had to check emails on my phone. Within ten minutes, I had a delicate cup full of a sweet smelling tea placed in front of me, “What kind is this?” I asked as I picked it up. 
“A relaxing herb from my homeland, Zipangu. There are various ways to gain its benefits but this is the most common,” She explained as she sat on her knees next to the coffee table with her own cup of tea. 
I took a sip, it was incredibly sweet tasting, probably a little too sweet, “Thank you.” 
“Of course. Let me know if you require anything at all, I am trained in various housewife skills as well as having extensive training as a samurai.” 
“Housewife and samurai, huh? Interesting.” 
“It is tradition within my clan, when a samurai is sent to protect a man they learn how to take care of the household as to ‘earn our keep,’ as they say.” 
“So your, uh, clan does this often?” 
“Yes, it is our longest tradition to send our samurai over the world to protect others,” She reached into her kimono and produced a small ornate tube. She popped it open and pulled out a piece of parchment, “If you would sign this. I must send it back to my clan.” 
I took it from her, it was written in an unknown set of runes, probably whatever language the Zipangu people wrote in, “What is it?” 
“It is merely a document saying that I am here and you are willing to accept my services,” I saw my name was already on the document, the only thing in english. 
I shrugged, “Alright,” Without a thought, I signed it. 
She quickly took the document from me, “Thank you very much, Master,” She rolled it back up and put it in the tube. I watched her painstakingly light a candle and melt some of the wax onto the tube and press a stamp on it before placing it back into her outfit, “May I prepare you some dinner?” 
“Oh, no its fine. I don’t really eat dinner.” 
She looked at me, shocked, “Master, you can not fight on an empty stomach. I implore you to let me cook for you.” 
I looked at her, intense look replaced with some concern, “Fine. You need me to teach you how to use the stove, right?” 
 
The night was winding down. The large dinner I had of meat and rice was making me sleepy. Kimiko was diligent the entire time, never taking a moment to rest except to eat. She stood by my side while I flipped through some channels on TV. I paused on a monster-based sitcom just in time to hear a cheshire make a bad joke. I groaned and kept channel surfing, “Master, is something wrong?” Kimiko asked me, enamored with the screen. 
“Nah, just nothing good on TV. Might head to bed soon,” I turned to the news just to see the weather.  
“Am I to be relieved of my duties then?”  
“Yeah. Oh, I should show you to the spare bedroom.” 
“Excuse me?” She looked confused. 
“I have an extra bedroom that I hardly use. You can live in there for now rather than just leaving your belongings shoved under my couches,” I reached down and pulled a small sword out from under the couch. 
“Thank you very much for your kindness, Master,” She stood before me and bowed. 
“What is with you calling me ‘Master’ anyways?” I asked as I shut off the TV and helped Kimiko collect her things. 
“I am merely letting you know, despite my skills and size, I submit to you as master of this household. I am here to serve and protect you, Master Anon,” She gave me a tiny polite smile, the first time she had shown any emotion on her face that wasn’t mostly an intense stare. 
I couldn’t help but smile back, “This will be your room,” I opened the first door down the hallway, “I used to have a roommate. Most of this is his old stuff,” I gestured at the desk, nightstand, lap and dresser, “The bed is new though, never slept in.” 
As she stared at the room, an unsure look in her eye, I pulled the comforter out of the closet, “I-I am unsure if I can accept this room.” 
“Oh?” I folded me arms after I flopped the comforter onto the bed. 
“I am used to sleeping on a mat on the floor in a room with others in my clan. I do not believe this luxury should be spent on me,” She shifted nervously, “I would hate to impose like this.” 
“Take the room, dammit,” I grabbed her things and threw them on the bed, “Go ahead and get settled in. I’m in the next room down the hall. Let me know if you need anything.” 
“Good night, Master,” She bowed as I left the room. 
“Night.” 
 
    I was awoken by a light shaking, soft palms gripping my arms. I grumbled, “What?” 
    “Master,” I had forgotten about Kimiko, “I have prepared you a bath.” 
    “Ugh, alright. Why did you feel the need to wake me up?” 
    “It is five minutes before your alarm. Is this not more pleasant?” 
    I got up and stretched, “Yeah, I guess it does beat that shrill beeping.” 
    “Wonderful. Please go and take your bath, Master,” I got a good look at Kimiko, she was wearing only cloth wrappings on her chest and groin area, “I would come in with you and assist you, but your bath seems much too small.” 
    “I can clean myself, Kimiko.” 
    “As you wish.” 
    She bowed again as I left for the bath. IT was steaming hot. Kimiko was right, the bath was pretty small. It was a shower and bath combo, so it was to be expected. I quickly got myself washed up, preferring a shower but I didn’t want the water that was already here to go to waste. I got out, got dressed and headed out to grab some quick breakfast. Kimiko was already out in the main room, dressed and with a sword at her hip, “What, no breakfast?” I asked jokingly. 
    “I apologize. I only had the ingredients to create that dinner last night. I need to learn what foods you enjoy and how to prepare them,”  
    “Well, breakfast is usually just toast. Maybe some juice.” 
    As I got to preparing said breakfast, she watched intently as I took out some slices of bread and stuck them in the toaster as I continued getting ready. She watched the toaster intently. I heard the familiar sound of my toaster dinging and Kimiko yelping in surprise. I chuckled as I glanced over to see her standing with her sword drawn at the toaster, “Master!” She called, slowly sheathing her katana, “The toast is finished!” 
    “Thank you. Want butter on yours?” 
    “That will be fine, thank you.” 
 
    Kimiko and I walked down the sidewalk towards my office building. Any time a monster that was not accompanied by a man got too close to me, Kimiko would let out a low growl, causing them to back off. I shook my head, “You sure are protective.” 
    “That is my job, master, to protect you,” She humorlessly informed me. 
    I rolled my eyes, “Right. Can I ask you to not do that?” 
    “Mater, we cannot tell who is an agent of darkness and who is not. It is much safer to push everyone away from you for now,” She growled at a kikimora that politely said good morning to me. She quickly walked past us. 
    “I doubt the walking feather duster is an agent of darkness.” 
    “She could be a seductress for a greater evil.” 
    “Seduce me with cleaning?” 
    “You never know, Master,” She glanced at me, “You could have a thing for maids.” 
    “Well, I don’t. So calm down,” I changed subjects, “Do you have anything to do while I’m at work?” 
    “Of course. I am going to do some shopping and see about having your bathroom renovated.” 
    “Why do you need to get my bathroom renovated?” 
    “I require a larger bath. The current one is too small for me. I will cover all costs, of course. I do not wish to put a strain on your coin purse.” 
    It was tiny. There was probably enough room to fit in something a little bit bigger, “We can talk about that later. That’s my office,” I told her as I pointed to a building, “I’ll see you at home tonight.” 
    “I will collect you here after work, Master. I cannot have someone abscond with you on your walk home.” 
    “Ugh, fine. See you at five.” 
 
    Work was passing uneventfully, I continued work on a database project for the government along with a few coworkers. All this talk of darkness and evil beings had started to put me on edge, “Anon,” My boss, a succubus, startled me when she called my name from behind. 
    “W-what is it, chief?” I asked spinning around. 
    “Have you begun preparing for the stakeholder meeting?” 
    “Yeah, I’ll be showing the GUI I made that allows for easy data input and reading,” I pointed at the screen. I had no idea if any of that went over my boss’s head, she claimed to have learned a lot about information systems from reading numerous textbooks. 
    She smiled, “Excellent! Should--” She stopped, leaning in and tasting the air around me, “Finally found yourself a wife, Anon?” 
    “Excuse me!?” I recoiled in shock. 
    “I can smell her on you. A woman from Zipangu, even! Ah, that brings back memories of a wonderful vacation. What’s she like?” My boss leaned on the cubicle wall as she eagerly awaited my answer. 
    “Look,” I sighed, “She’s not my wife.” 
    “Ah, I see. Just dating right now, very cute.” 
    “No, no. She broke into my house last night claiming that I need protection. She came all the way from Japan so I felt bad about kicking her out and couldn’t bring myself to do it.” 
    “How romantic!” She squealed, “When will you two be getting married?” 
    I held my face in my hands, “I don’t know... We just met!” 
    “You have to get betrothed now while the passion is still fiery, Anon.” 
    “I don’t know if I have feelings for her yet, boss.” 
    She finally changed her tune, “I understand. Believe it or not I was a mid twenty year old once, unsure about everything. You’re still young, take your time.” 
    She left, leaving me alone with my work once more. I rubbed my temples, asking myself how I really felt about Kimiko before pushing the thoughts of her out of my mind. I had other, more important things to work on, I convinced myself. 
 
    “How was work today, Master?” Kimiko asked as we returned to my condo. She took my coat and bag from me. 
    “Fine. Apparently my boss can smell you on me,” I told her as I stretched, wincing as my back ached. 
    “Was that an issue?” She glanced at me, “Fold your arms.” 
    “Huh? Okay,” I did as she instructed. She moved behind me and wrapped her arms around me like a tight, good feeling hug. She mumbled something and lifted me up, popping my back. I let out a relieved sigh as she set me back down, “Thanks,” I mumbled as she gripped my shoulders, massaging them gently. 
    “Are you standing at work at all?” 
    “No, I’m just slouching at my computer mainly.” 
    “You need to stand more, you are going to have health problems in the future,” She instructed, leaning down and speaking quietly into my ear. 
    “Okay, I’ll try. What were we talking about?” 
    “Your boss smelled my mana on you. Here, lie on the floor.” 
    I again did what she told me, “Yeah, she was asking me about you and assumed we were married. How did you know that my back was bothering me like this?” 
    “I can read body language quite easily,” Kimiko hesitated, “If I may ask, what did you tell her?” She put her hands on my back. 
    “I told her that--” I let out a moan as she firmly pushed down on my spine. She started moving me onto my side and realigning my spine. I let her manhandle me as I groaned in relief. She picked me up off the ground and sat me on the couch. I was panting, but my back felt better than it ever had. 
    “Sake?” She gave me a small smile. I nodded, still out of breath, “What did you tell her?” 
    “I-I said that--” I stopped myself, “I just explained how we met.” 
    “Understandable. I suppose we did meet in a strange way,” I couldn’t read how she felt, disappointed maybe. She gave me a small glass of alcohol and quickly downed one herself. 
    “Yeah... Did you find what you were looking for around town?” I changed subjects. 
    “Yes, I did. I got a quote for the bath,” She handed me a paper. The quote was for a decently sized bathhouse style bath. Big enough for ‘two to sit in intimately,’ but not much larger than that. The price was more than reasonable, “and found the shops I was looking for,” She held up the bottle of sake. 
    “Nice,” I drank some of it, “Do you really want to go through with this bath thing? I can pay half of it if you want.” 
    “No need,” She told me firmly, “All I need is a go ahead from you.” 
    I sighed, “Go ahead.” 
    “Thank you, Master. Shall I begin preparing a meal?” 
    “Nah, I’ll get something going. You’ve done a lot for me, and I should be doing something other than sitting on my fat ass.” 
    “As you wish,” She apprehensively agreed. I got to making spaghetti with a side salad. Kimiko was eager to keep me company while I cooked, at least. 
 
    “So, what’s your story, Kimiko?” I asked over hot plates of spaghetti. 
    “What do you mean?” She asked as she inquisitively poked at her food. 
    “Like, why did you choose this lifestyle? What are all the scars from?” 
    “I was born into my clan. The middle child of a litter of three, born to a human and a jinko samurai.” 
    “Is that what you are? A jinko?” 
    “Yes. Most of my scars are pretty unremarkable. Merely fights with assassins wielding iron blades,” She seemed completely disinterested. 
    “As opposed to...?” I trailed off, expecting an answer. 
    “Demon silver. Iron draws blood and leaves wounds. Demon silver draws energy from its victim.” 
    “Ah, I see. I’m assuming you carry demon silver weapons then?” I asked between bites. 
    “You would be correct. I do own an iron katana, but I have very little reason to use it.” 
    “Got it, thanks for answering my questions,” I gave her a smile before focusing on my dinner. I poured some dressing on my salad. Kimiko, who was watching me intently, copied me. 
    “Will you answer my questions?” She asked me. 
    “Of course.” 
    “How have you managed to avoid a wife thus far?” 
    “Isolation, bitterness, self loathing. Those are just off the top of my head,” I told her with a chuckle, “I swore off dating ages ago. Its not worth it to me.” 
    “Did something happen?” I heard genuine concern in her voice. 
    “Just some crappy girls in the past. Got my heart broke one too many times and it turned me into a shitty person.” 
    “Do you really believe that? That you are a bad person?” 
    “If you weren’t here for duty, I’m sure you would have left by now,” I downed another glass of sake and frowned, “Just like the others.” 
    “You have been nothing but kind to me, Anon. I appreciate that very much.” 
    “Hmph, I just feel bad that you’re stuck with me.” 
    She crossed her arms, “I believe you are fooling yourself, Master. You only claim to be those things to push others away out of fear of being hurt again. Perhaps you just need someone to love you and tell you how wonderful you are,” She gave me a small smile, “Anon, I--” 
    I glared at her cutting her off, “I’m going to bed. Good night.” 
    “I-- Good night, Master,” I watched her shuffle nervously as I dumped my plate in the sink.  
I went to my room, changed, and hopped into bed with a scowl on my face. I rolled onto my face, feeling a little bad about snapping at her like that. On the other hand, I didn’t need her acting like my therapist when she doesn’t know me.  
 
I woke up at two in the morning, needing to piss. I groaned as I got out of bed. I slowly opened my door and wandered across the hall. I flipped the bathroom light on and trudged inside. As I was about to pull my pants down, I heard a noise towards the bath. I jumped, Kimiko was lounging in the bath, drinking straight out of the sake bottle, “Anon,” She looked at me, a sad frown on her face, “Why are you not asleep?” She wasn’t wearing her eye patch, I saw her blind eye was a cloudy gray. 
“I-I just need to pee,” I couldn’t peel my eyes from her shapely breasts. 
“Do not let me stop you,” She took another swig from the bottle. 
    “Just don’t look, please,” I quickly peed and got to washing my hands, “I’m sorry for snapping at you like that.” 
    “I spoke out of turn and upset you. I should be apologizing to you,” She slowly climbed out of the bath, presenting her entire nude form to me. I couldn’t look away from her. Her large breasts bounced slightly as she stepped towards me, her muscular form highlighted by the water on her body reflecting the light. She got on her knees before me and bowed her head, “Please forgive me, Master.” 
    I shifted, trying to hide my erection, “I forgive you, Kimiko,” She looked up at me and gave me a knowing smirk before standing before me, “Now, I’m sorry for snapping at you like I did.” 
    “I expect you to grovel, Anon.” 
    I nodded and got on my knees, bowing my head, “I apologize for lashing out at you, Kimiko.” 
    “I forgive you. Now stand. A master should not be kneeling before his servant,” She helped me up, a sly smile on her face.  
    “Yeah, yeah. I never was huge on formalities anyways. I’m going back to bed, I guess.” 
    I turned to leave, stopped by Kimiko grabbing my shoulders, “Sleep well, Master,” She leaned in close to me, hesitated then released me into the hallway. I turned around and smiled at her. Maybe I didn’t want to be isolated anymore.     I went to bed with a small smile on my face.

PT2

    I sat at my desk and typed on my keyboard slowly. I was incredibly distracted. The eight hour grind was killing me. I couldn’t get Kimiko off of my mind. I found myself worrying about her, ‘I should have given her some money for lunch or invited her to come have lunch with me today,’ I thought to myself. On top of my regret, most every monster girl in the office was pestering me trying to figure out who the lady who they could slightly smell on me was. Thankfully, most left me alone when I said I didn’t want to talk about it yet, it was just a friendship right now. Most would chuckle and walk away when I said that. Other than that I would get a shrug and they would return to asking me about work stuff. I got out of work a few minutes early and rushed out of the building to our designated meeting place. It was a Friday and I was eager to get home. I frowned when I saw that Kimiko wasn’t there yet. I sat down on a nearby bench and pulled out my phone, entertaining myself with crappy phone games. 
    “Ayy, you,” An angry female voice called out to me, I looked up to find myself surrounded by three hellhounds, and a kobold behind me, “Look at you dressin' like that. You must be lookin’ to get raped, huh?” The leader stepped towards me with a hungry grin on her face. 
    “N-no, I uh, have a girlfriend,” I tried to stand up, but the kobold behind me was surprisingly strong. 
    “I don’t see anyone ‘round here sisters. Sure he ain’t lyin’ to us?” Another growled, unamused by my lie. 
    “Maybe we should teach ‘im a lesson?” The last chuckled. 
    “I-I dunno, sisters,” The kobold mumbled, “I-I think I smell--” 
    “Master,” I breathed a sigh of relief as Kimiko stomped up to the group, her wooden sandals loudly clacking on the concrete, “Are these... vermin bothering you?” She glared at the monsters surrounding me. 
    The kobold backed off instantly. The leader growled, “Hey, back off bitch, we found him firs--” I watched as the hellhound was cut down the instant she tried to shove Kimiko. She fell to the ground with a pained groan. I looked back up to see her standing in a defensive stance, sword at the ready. 
    “What the fuck did you--” The second hellhound took one step towards Kimiko and was taken down. 
    “Oh, fuck this! I’m not fighting a goddamn ninja!” The last hellhound ran off. Kimiko sheathed her blade. 
    I stared at the hellhounds on the ground, I was completely sure they were dead, “Relax,” Kimiko ordered as she reached into her kimono and pulled out a long Japanese style pipe, “They live. Demon silver blade,” She used the flames burning on one of the hellhound’s eyes to light the pipe before bringing to her lips and taking a long draw from it. The burning smell was sickeningly sweet. She blew a smoke ring above her head before turning her attention to the cowering kobold that the hound had left behind, “And now, what to do with you?” 
    “I-I’m sorry! It won’t happen again!” The kobold cried, falling to her knees and protecting her head with her arms. 
    “Just leave her alone,” I stood up and stepped over the groaning hellhounds, “Let's go home.” 
    “She has lain her hands on my master. This requires action,” She drew her sword with one hand. I watched as she slashed the air right in front of the kobold and sheathed her sword in one fluid motion, “The sin has been cut from your body. You may go home guilt free.” 
    “Th-thank you,” The kobold picked herself off the ground and ran off, tail between her legs. 
    “I didn’t expect you to have the capacity for mercy,” I joked as I breathed a sigh of relief. 
    “You have much to learn, Anon. It was not mercy. She was truthful in her apology, so I forgave her. It is the honorable thing to do,” She took another draw from the pipe, “Let us go home, hm?” She blew smoke over her shoulder before beginning to walk off. 
    I blinked at the hellhounds on the ground. They began to stir, groaning quietly. I hurried up to walk side by side with Kimiko, “Thank you for showing up when you did.” 
“I am sorry I did not show up sooner,” She looked disappointed as she snuffed her pipe and put it away, “Those hounds nearly had their way with you.” 
“Don’t beat yourself up over it. Let's just get home and get some rest.” 
“Hmph, yes, I could do with a bath.” 
“You had one last night! You’re gonna drive my water bill way up!” 
“Perhaps we shall bathe together to save on water? The new bath is ready,” She informed me. 
“In one day? How many people were working on it?” 
“Just five oni that love their job. Do you still desire to pick up snack food for this weekend?” She paused as we passed a convenience store. 
“Oh, right I did. Do you want anything?” I asked as I stepped into the store, Kimiko close behind. 
“No thank you, Master,” She warily eyed every other person in the store. I quickly grabbed some Pringles. I eyed the candy section, I knew I shouldn’t, but I really wanted to. I got some candy as well. I brought them to the counter, paid and headed out of the store.  
I was stopped by a group of three lolis. A baphomet, werecat and witch, “Hey, mister? Would you buy a box of cookies to help fund our group?” 
They had the discontinued girl scout lemon cookies. I NEEDED those, “Yes, give me--” 
“Master,” Kimiko interrupted me in a hushed whisper, “Do not buy the cookies. These small tempresses are trying to pull you to the darkness.” 
“Uh, I can’t. Sorry,” I told the girls. 
“Okay! Thank you anyway!” They continued down the street. 
“How could you tell?” I asked my protective samurai as we continued walking. 
She glanced over her shoulder, “Sabbath coven. Not to be trusted or messed with. Stay away from them,” There was an almost terrifying intensity in her voice. 
“Okay, I’ll stay away from little demon girls, got it,” I gave her a small smile. 
“I just want you to stay safe, Master,” She gave me a concerned glance before we walking into my building. 
“I know you do, thanks for keeping me safe,” I chuckled as we boarded the elevator. A lone sphinx made the mistake of getting on with us, Kimiko stood deliberately between us, snarling at the sphinx if she even breathed in my direction. 
 
As soon as I got into my condo, Kimiko took my bag and coat and put them away before I slouched onto the couch, “Shall I prepare a bath for us?” She asked as she brought me a small glass of sake.  
“No, its a little early for that. I would rather bathe before bed,” I replied, desperately praying she couldn't figure out why I was really saying no. 
“As you wish. How about cooking for you?”  
“Sure, I’ll let you do that at least.” 
“Excellent. I shall begin cooking within the hour. How is your back?” 
“Just grillin’ me with questions, huh?” I let out a small laugh, “My back is fine, thank you. Still feels good from the work you did on it last night.” 
“Wonderful. It is my duty to plan my days around yours, that is why I ask,” She sat on the floor on her knees near me, I could have sworn she was looking at me longingly, “Do you have weekend plans?” 
“Not really. Might try to play some games though. Maybe see if I can get in contact with some friends. What are you gonna do this weekend?” 
“I believe I should give you some sword training. If something happens to me, you need to be able to protect yourself. Come,” She ordered as she stood and headed to her room. 
‘I thought I was the master,’ I wondered to myself as I stood and followed her. By the time I got there she had already set various blades on her bed, “That’s a lot of swords. What are they, exactly?” 
     “Four katanas, a nodachi, a few tantos, a multitude of throwing weapons,” She pointed at the blades as She proudly presented them, “and two bokkens,” She held up the two wooden swords and handed one to me, “I am very glad that I thought to bring them so I am not teaching you with sharpened blades.” 
    I swung the sword at the air like I had seen her do, “What's so hard about swinging a big metal stick?” I foolishly asked. It was a teasing comment, just trying to get a reaction out of her. 
    She glared at me as if I had just spit on the grave of a million of her ancestors, “Swing at me, Anon,” She held the wooden sword at her side as if it was sheathed, “If it so easy you will connect, right?” 
    “Uh, can I choose not to?” 
    “Swing. At. Me,” She demanded once more. I sighed, this wouldn’t end well. I held my sword in a similar fashion to what she had earlier, before swinging it like a baseball bat. Kimiko easily brought her sword up to block it with one hand, a look of surprise flashed across her face. She blinked, the anger returned. In one swift motion, she knocked me to the floor by pushing against my chest, climbed on top of me, and pinned me by putting the flat of the wooden blade against my neck and holding it there with both hands. Her look softened as I struggled underneath her, “I didn’t expect you to to put that much force behind it. I must say, I am a little impressed,” I had no response, she was pushing down slightly on my windpipe making me struggle a little to breath, “Beg me to forgive you, Anon,” She growled, pushing the wooden sword against me further, rage in her one good eye. 
    “Kimiko! Stop!” Was all I could utter in a pained cry. 
    Instantly, she pulled the sword back, still stradling me. I turned and coughed hard, “M-M-Master, I--” Tears formed in her eye.  
    I started laughing, confusing and interrupting her, “Calm down, I’m tougher than I look. Get off me, would you?” 
    “Of course,” She climbed off of me and stood up. She reached down to help me up but I pushed her hands away, electing to sit on my knees. I bowed my head to her, ready to grovel, “Stop, Master,” Kimiko demanded before I could speak, “I do not deserve your kindness and an apology after how I acted.” 
    I looked up at her, guilt wracking ever part of her, “I set you off. Don’t feel too bad about it,” I gave her a smile. 
    “I went into a battle rage. On my own master. I am supposed to be a master of self control, only losing myself when necessary. To think I would lose myself at a time like this when you are only acting like a fool. The only thing I deserve right now is death,” She reached down and pulled me to my feet before falling to her knees, placing her face at my feet, “Master, I beg for your forgiveness. I know I do not deserve it, and that I have brought great shame to myself, but I beg you for this one kindness so that my guilt may be relieved somewhat,” She quickly reached for her bed, I was afraid she was going to grab her iron blade and do herself in right here, but the katana she grabbed she held up for me to take, “I present you this, a treasured blade from my family, as an offering to you, my Master.” 
    I took the sword from her, checking the blade. The slightly pink blade shined brightly in the light. The hilt and sheath were both inlaid with gold designs on top of a white fabric. It felt old and heavy in my hands. I turned my attention back down to Kimiko, “I forgive you. Are you sure you want me to have this sword? Its like an ancient artifact.” 
    “That is exactly what it is. It is yours now,” She replied as she stood before me. She bowed to me, “Thank you for your kindness once again,” She pulled out her pipe again and lit it with a match. She inhaled deeply from it, letting the smoke sit in her lungs. 
    “You deserve it no matter what you think. What is that you’re smoking?” I opened a window so she could blow the smoke out it. 
    Thankfully, she got the message, “It is the same sweet herb that you drank in the tea I gave you. This is but another way to partake of its effects,” She exhaled a large amount of smoke out the window, “This, sake and a bath are what I need tonight. I would wish you to partake of my relaxation ritual with me as well.” 
    “Sure, if it makes you feel like there is no bad blood between us.” 
    “Thank you. I will begin dinner now. Go ahead and relax, Master.” 
 
    I sat at the table across from Kimiko, her eyes were glued to the food she had made us. She hadn’t spoken to me since we sat down. She picked at her rice with her chopsticks, barely eating, “Kimiko, what's wrong?”  
    She continued looking down, “I have been thinking. What if I am the darkness in your life? What if I am just here to hurt you?” 
    “You make one mistake and now you think you’re some kind of evil,” I couldn’t help but chuckle a little bit, “You’ve been nothing but a blessing to have around. Making sure I stay healthy, safe and well-fed is more than any other woman has done for me. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.” 
    She slowly looked up at me, her sad frown slowly turning into a wide, happy smile. She coughed and brought back her usual intense look, “I appreciate your kind words. Allow me to finish my food and I will prepare the bath.” 
 
    I stood outside of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my waist, “Master, the water is hot and ready for you,” Kimiko called from inside the room. 
    I was incredibly nervous, “Promise you won’t do anything weird!” 
    “I promise to be as non-lewd as being nude together allows,” She cracked the door open letting steam exit the room. She grabbed my arm and brought me inside. She was already naked, smoking her pipe slowly. A full bottle of sake and two glasses were set on the edge of the large tiled bath, along with a few other smaller bottles. She turned and climbed into the bath, sitting on the built-in bench, “Come, sit,” I nodded and got into the bath with her, being forced to sit in her lap. She handed me a glass of sake, “Would you like to try my pipe?” 
    “No thank you,” I was leaning forwards, elbows on my thighs, a glass of sake in one hand. I closed my eyes and let the heat of the water soothe me along with the sweet smell of whatever Kimiko was smoking. 
    She pressed her hand against my back, causing me to jump. She chuckled, “It is only soap, Master. Or is it me that scares you? Relax and let me take care of you.” 
    I nodded, letting her run her hands over me. When she was done with my back, she rinsed me off before wrapping her arms around me and pulling me against her. She started lathering my chest, “I’m not a baby, I can wash myself, Kimiko.” 
    “I am aware of that. I merely wish to make your life easier, Master. Allow me to rinse you off,” My head was placed right between her large breasts. I sat nervously as she slowly and carefully got the soap off my chest, “In my culture willingness to show yourself nude to another is the ultimate sign of trust, showing you have nothing to hide and no need for weapons. I trust you like this. Do you trust me?” 
    “I have no reason not to trust you, Kimiko,” I shifted into a comfortable position, “If you wanted to do something bad to me you have had ample opportunities.” 
    “You do not know what hearing you say that means to me. Would you be willing to wash my back, Master?” 
    I smiled, “Of course.” 
    She stood before me, back to me, smoking slowly on her pipe. I stood and started lathering soap on her. Her back was covered in scars. One stood out to me, one that went from her left shoulder down to her waist. I absentmindedly traced it with my finger, causing her to shiver, “Master,” She begged, “Please do not tickle me.” 
    “Or what?” I teased, finger poking at her back. 
    “I-- I will do nothing to stop you, do as you please,” She looked down, defeated. 
    “I won’t tickle you, let me rinse you off.” 
    She sat back down, forcing me into her lap again. There was enough room for the two of us to sit on the bench, I had no idea why she insisted on this, “Thank you,” She wrapped me in her arms again, letting out an elated sigh. 
    “Is your clan usually this cuddly and intimate with their masters?” I joked as I took another drink of sake. 
    “I--I--” She pulled her arms off of me and folded them, “I apologize, I forgot my place,” She snuffed her pipe and climbed out of the bath, “Please enjoy the rest of your bath, Master,” The absolutely joyless tone she used made my heart ache. 
    I didn’t even have time to tell her to stay, she was out the door so quickly with only a towel wrapped around her. I drank the rest of my sake in an uncomfortable silence before pouring another glass. The once comfortable and hot bath now felt empty and lukewarm. I got angry at myself for upsetting her and drained the water. I sat on the edge of the bath wrapped in a towel, ‘What am I doing?’ I asked myself silently. I sat in the empty bathroom alone, I didn’t have an answer to my question. I left the bathroom to find Kimiko standing in the hall dressed in what looked like a gi. She nodded at me with a blank stare, “Get some sleep, okay?” I pleaded. 
    “I will, Master. Good night,” She was completely neutral in tone. 
    “Good night,” I put my hand on her shoulder. A small comforting smile on my face. Her intense gaze softened slightly. My hand moved closer to her neck and I pressed my forehead into her shoulder I let out a long sigh, unsure of what I wanted to say to her, unsure of how to tell her how I felt. 
    “Master,” She whispered, grabbing my shoulders and pulling me away from her, “Maintain your composure in front of your servant. Rest. You have a relaxing weekend ahead of you,” She gave me a small smile. I nodded and walked slowly to my room, looking at her over my shoulder. 
 
    Saturday was going slowly, I was playing Soul Calibur Two while Kimiko stood nearby, scanning the room every few moments. It was after dinner and she had maybe said 15 words to me all day. I felt no joy in the room as I played through the story mode. Eventually, I tossed the controller down in frustration, “Is something wrong, Master? I was sure you had him this time,” Kimiko commented. 
    “Ah, nah, that guy is some B S,” I was mostly frustrated with myself. Thankfully, she didn’t pick up on it, or chose not to, “I think I’m gonna go out tonight.” 
    “Where are we going, Master?” She asked. 
    “I was thinking of going alone, maybe with some friends,” I told her gently. 
    She looked taken aback, “Master. I must implore you not to go alone.” 
    I rolled my eyes, “Why? What is the problem?” 
    “Because another monster--” 
    “Could force herself on me, I know.” 
    “Am I upsetting you, Master?” 
    I clenched my fists, “I can’t do this anymore, Kimiko. I don’t want to be your master any more. I want to be something different.” 
    “I see. You wish to be rid of me.” 
    “No!” I shouted, “I want to be able to spend time with you and just hang out or something. I don’t want you to feel like we can’t talk and be... friends or something... more. Like dating, ya’know?” 
    I sat silently, waiting for Kimiko to say something to me. I stood and looked at her standing behind me. Her face was flushed and she was breathing heavily while gripping her sword tightly. She stared at me, her one good eye’s pupil was heart shaped, “Master... It is a full moon tonight... I... I... Must control myself,” She closed her eyes and attempted to regulate her breathing, “I must. Be. Strong.” 
    I pondered for a few moments, trying to remember what that meant. It hit me like a boulder, the full moon brought about lust in a monster and raised their aggression, “Aw, shit,” I stepped away from her nervous as to what she would do. 
    Her eye shot open, “Where are you going, Master?” She growled. She stepped towards me, shaking the room as she stomped. Her sword was halfway out of its sheath. 
    Fear shot through me, “N-nowhere. Just the bathroom! I need to piss!” I took a few careful steps away. 
    “Are you... LYING to me!?” She demanded, glaring. I took a few steps back, still moving towards the bathroom. She took another step towards me. As soon as she made a fast movement, drawing her sword. I dashed into the bathroom and locked the door. She tried the handle. I heard nothing for a few moments. I sighed in relief. What a fool I was. The door flew open as Kimiko shoulder checked it. The door fell off its hinges, slamming on the ground. I stifled a scream as she slowly turned her head towards me, “Aaaaaanoooonn...” She stepped towards me. I stepped away, very little space between me and the bathtub. Another step towards me, sword drawn, “Why do you run away from me? I thought you wanted to be... something MORE.” 
    “I-I-I--Ah!” I let out a surprised noise as I slipped in a little puddle on the tiled floor as I stepped back. The back of my head slammed into the edge of the bathtub, “Fuck!” I shouted in pain, grabbing my head. 
    Kimiko gasped and rushed towards me. In one motion she swooped me up in her arms and dashed into my room. My clothes were removed in a few moments before I was set gently on my bed. I watched her take off her kimono, revealing the cloth wrappings around her woman parts. She climbed into bed with me, clutching me tightly with her arms, pulling my head near her neck as she gently pet me. Her legs wrapped around mine, immobilizing me, “Master... Nothing can hurt you now... I am so sorry,” She sobbed quietly. I let her cry it out as she continued to grip me tightly. 
    “Kimiko,” I spoke quietly in a soothing voice. I reached a hand up and caressed her face, “I’m okay, don’t cry.” 
    I was pulled up to face level with her, “You... You are not upset with me?” 
    “I could never be mad at you for long,” I laughed despite the pain. 
    She blinked, the heart pupil returning, “Master... You are MINE tonight,” She held me still as she rubbed her face against mine as she made a deep rumbling noise in her throat with a happy and content smile on her face. Chuffing, I later learned what it was called. I shifted, trying to get a little more comfortable. Claws dug into me as she growled. 
    “Okay, okay, I’ll lie still,” I pet her as she went back to rubbing up against me. 
    “Master, you smell wonderful,” It was almost a moan as she pressed her face against my chest. 
    “Is it the fear or the blood?” 
    She chuckled, “All of you. I want ALL of you right now.” 
 I thought she was going to ravage me, but all she did was continue clinging to me and making noises. She breathed heavily on my neck, mumbling in her native tongue. I reached up and scratched her behind the ear. She made a few more happy noises before starting to snore loudly. 
    We both fell asleep, hugging each other. 
 
    I woke up with Kimiko still wrapped around me. She was awake, softly chuffing as she rubbed her cheeks against my chest. I pat her head, “How are you feeling?” I ran my fingers through her hair. It was down right now and fell around her shoulders. 
    “I am well. Very well, thank you. How are you, Master?” She asked without letting me go. 
    “I thought I said I don’t want to be your master anymore.” 
    “May I speak to you from the heart?” 
    “Permission granted,” I slapped myself for still playing along as her master. 
    “I enjoy serving you. Keeping you safe and healthy is what makes me happy. Making you happy makes me happy. Please do not make me give this up, I still have a job to do protecting you.” 
    I sighed, “Alright. I’m still your master. When this darkness thing ends, maybe we can start dating.” 
    “Of course, Master. Do you wish for me to begin breakfast?” 
    “Nah, keep resting with me.”
    She smiled at me, “As you wish.”

PT3

    I woke up to Kimiko nuzzling against my face, that same deep chuffing that I hear every morning was music to my ears, “Master. It is time to wake up,” She whispered into my ear.  
    I opened my eyes and smiled at her, “Good morning,” I whispered as I sat up and stretched. She stood next to my bed wearing a black kimono with pink flowers on the right side. I sat up, “Are we gonna try to get back into the sword training soon?” I eyed the antique sword that I had hanging above the TV in my room. 
    “Perhaps sometime soon. I am still afraid of hurting you again.” 
    “Oh? You’re afraid of something? I thought you were a fearless samurai,” I chuckled as I changed into my work slacks and polo. 
    She ran her knuckles down my spine, making me jump, “More fearless than you, Master. I will get your breakfast going.” 
    I followed her out quickly, sitting at the table, “I’m a bit nervous today.” 
    “You will do wonderfully, Master. You will... ‘Kill it,’ at your meeting today,” She gave me a small chuckle at her own joke. 
    I shook my head, “If you taught me some fighting, maybe I could actually kill it today,” I retorted with another joke. 
    “Master, my fighting style is only to be used in defence of myself or my master. If I taught it to you, I would expect you to abide by the same code.” 
    “Of course.” 
    The toaster dinged, sending the toast a bit into the air. With lightning reflexes, Kimiko drew her sword, spun around to face the toaster, and sliced all four pieces in half. The pieces fell around the toaster as she abashedly sheathed her sword, “I forgot about the ding.” 
    I laughed as she picked up the pieces and got to lightly buttering them, “I wish I could do things like that,” I mused as I was handed a plate of toast. 
    “Perhaps one day. First I have to get you to hold a sword right, then to swing, stab, block, parry and dodge correctly,” She poured me a glass of orange juice and sat across from me at the table, “Reflex training will come naturally, Master.” 
    “What comes after all of that?” 
    “Well, if you are serious about what you said last weekend, Master. Perhaps we... Start our own clan? That is, if you know what I mean,” She had a sly smile on her face as she winked at me. 
    I wiped some sweat from my brow, “Uh, ha ha, yeah I know what you mean,” I started sweating more when she licked her lips. 
    “Master, we should get going. You will be late for work.” 
    “Shit, you’re right,” I quickly adjusted my pants to hide the fact that I was currently full mast before Kimiko helped me put my jacket on and handed me my bag.  
We took the elevator down and walked out into the cold of the morning air. I shivered as a breeze nipped at my skin, “You may wear my kimono over your coat if you are cold,” My servant offered. 
“And make you walk around in your wrappings? Hell no, I can live.” 
“Such a kind man, always thinking of others,” She chuckled. 
“Do you get into any combat when I’m not around?” 
“Sadly, no. There is not much use for my kind any more,” She looked down, “Should I just give up the blade? Perhaps take up another hobby?” 
    “Even if you put the sword down, do you think you can put your fierce and protective spirit? Can you stop fighting for the rest of your life?” 
    She thought for a few moments, “I believe I could, I am skilled and well versed in self control,” She told me proudly. 
    “What if I set you off? I seem to be the one thing-- other than the toaster, that can get through that iron will of yours.” 
    She grumbled, “I do not fear the toaster. I am just aware that electronics will rise up one day and I am prepared to fight them in your name.” 
    I laughed at her excuse, “Anything you say. Well,” I sighed, knowing I would have to spend another work day without her presence. I just smiled at her, knowing I’d get to see her again in nine hours.  
    “I will see you after work, Master,” She awkwardly wrapped her arms around me. A tight hug. I hugged her back before heading into my office. 
 
    I took a deep breath before walking into the meeting room. I was the last one in, as always. I had to put a few finishing touches on the application I was showing. I sat at a meeting table with my boss, a gremlin a group of stakeholders and customers. The gremlin stuck her tongue out at me as I prepared my laptop. She was the leader of another team and believed we were in some sort of competition with one another even though our projects worked hand in hand. 
    My boss gave the usual long winded beginning of meeting speech about how we’re all giving it our all and we will get these projects done. She turned the table over to the gremlin. She had no presentation, as always. She brought out a tome, some kind of spell book augmented with tablets and other mechanical features it didn’t need, “We’re getting it done. Got this here to cast a big spell and get the data we want.” 
    “Does it work?” One of the stakeholders asked, a weresheep and higher up in the state government asked. This project was supposed to be for this city, but the state government wanted it now. I still hardly understood how any of this was supposed to be useful.  
    “Well, Gwen,” The gremlin seethed at her, “No. It blows up. But thats because my boss and HR want to put more humans and girls who have no clue about magi-tech on my team!” 
    “O-ok,” The weresheep just wanted to get away from this shouting gremlin now. I wanted to as well, “Anon, could you begin now?” 
    “Of course,” I plugged my laptop in and turned to one of the wall mounted screens. My GUI I had developed came into view, “Here’s the interface we just finished. It connects with our server which will hold the special information and the city’s already existing server that has information like where they live.” 
    “Is it ready for a demo, Anon?” My succubus boss asked. 
    “Yeah. Here, I’ll put my name in here and hit search. As you can see, my address is here, height, hair color, marital status--” I froze. My marital status read ‘married.’ I clicked it and was forwarded to another page. Kimiko Tora. I shook my head, I was still in a meeting after all, “As you can see, it takes you to... my wife’s page when I click on the marital status. There’s a bunch of other stuff here, but we’d be here all day if I went through everything. If you’re interested in a complete and in-depth list email me and I’ll have a list sent to you.” 
    I sat back  in my chair, a 1000 yard stare on my face. My boss gave a closing speech, answered a few questions for the stakeholders before the meeting broke. Questions like ‘who has access to this information currently?’ The answer was me and my boss. I tuned out most of the conversation as state representatives gave us some new requirements if they were going to use the product. As soon as everyone else my boss turned to me, excitement on her face, “You got married!?” She squealed. 
    “I’m not married,” I shook my head in disbelief, “She tricked me. Kimiko tricked me.” 
    My boss put a hand on my shoulder, “Are you alright, Anon?” 
    “I’ll be fine. I just... need a few moments.” 
    “You can take the rest of the day off if you want to, Anon,” She picked up her things and headed towards the door. 
    “There’s only an hour left, boss,” I slowly packed up my things and headed back to my team, all eager to ask me how the presentation went. All I said was ‘good’ and sat at my desk. I opened up the GUI on my desktop and looked at myself again. Again, the marital status read married and led me to Kimiko’s page. I had no idea what to do. I had no idea how this had happened. I printed a copy of the page, still unsure if I wanted to call Kimiko out on this.  
 
    I slowly left work a little late, mind still reeling at what had developed today. I spotted Kimiko who was confidently striding towards me, her tail swishing back and forth behind her, “How was work, Master?” She gave me a small smile as she stood before me. 
    “It was fine,” It wasn’t really a lie, the meeting went well besides that one hang up. 
    “Is something wrong?” I should have known that she would sense something. 
    “Oh, just got a nasty surprise during the meeting. Some new requirements for my project if we want to get a much larger user on board.” 
    “Ah,” She didn’t understand, “Shall we be headed home? I have a new recipe I wish to try making for you. I pray it will cheer you up a bit and give you the vigor required for another day of work tomorrow.” 
    “I hope so,” I was quiet for most of the walk home, suffocated by my own thoughts and fears. I only spoke when Kimiko asked me a question or made an observation.  
    I got home, Kimiko took my coat and bag and I sat down on the couch staring at the floor, “Master,” She got on her knees directly in front of me, “What is wrong? I am very much missing your usual chipper attitude,” She put her hands on my knees, and looked at me pleadingly. 
    “Just... We can talk later. I need to think about some things.” 
    She looked at me intensely for a few moments before breaking out into a small smile. She reached up and caressed my face with her surprisingly soft hands, “Take your time, Master. You can speak to me about everything. I will listen to anything you have to say.” 
    I nodded and gave her a weak smile, “Thank you.” 
    “I shall prepare dinner now. How do you like your hamburgers cooked?”  
    “Uh, medium well is fine.” 
    “Where is the deep fryer? I have had some potatoes soaking in water since lunch.” 
    “You’re suddenly interested in American food, huh? My small deep fryer is in the bottom of the pantry and needs some oil.” 
    “Thank you, Master. Hopefully dinner should be ready in an hour.” 
 
    I stared out the window at the dark streets, the food had just finished. It was about seven thirty, “Dinner is ready!” Kimiko called as she set the table. I had been stewing, growing angry as I waited for the food. The anger stemmed from me trying to figure out how this supposed marriage had come about. Was Kimiko just using me to get out of Japan? Did she really love me? Had she been telling me the truth? I felt nothing but agony as I thought about it. I had just confessed some feelings for her the other day and now I felt nothing mattered, like I was hurt again by another woman. I sat in my usual spot across from Kimiko as she placed a plate in front of me. She looked at me expectantly, wanting me to take a bite of the burger and fries. I did, “How is it?” She demanded. 
    “Very good, thank you,” I replied, trying the crispy hand cut fries, they were also good. 
    “Wonderful!” She happily went back to eating her burger with two patties on it. I was frustrated with her fake happiness. I ate slowly, planning my next few moves. I just wanted to get out and be by myself for a while.  
When I finished eating, I looked up at Kimiko who had finished eating a while ago and was giving me a small smile, “I need to go out for a while,” I told her. 
“It is dark, I shall accompany you, Master.” 
“Kimiko. I found out something at work. Something about you,” I showed her the papers I had printed. After a few seconds of reading, the confusion on her face turned to fear as the color drained from her face. 
“Master, I can--” 
“Kimiko,” I interrupted her, “I need some time alone. I just can’t trust you right now,” As I started to put my coat on, I thought I heard Kimiko start to cry. I left with nothing but the clothes on my back and a key to my condo in my pocket. 
 
I stared up at the sky as I sat on a bench in an almost completely disused park. The moon gave me some vision despite being mostly concealed by clouds. I was curious what kind of excuse Kimiko would have for me when I went home. I doubted she would be gone when I returned. I wondered if I would have to call the police to remove her from my home. Get the police to remove what had been the only source of happiness and warmth in my life in a long while. I sighed as I placed my head in my hands, making an anguished noise. I heard a noise, someone approaching me. Multiple people. I looked up. A small group of lolis had approached me. 
“Hi, mister,” It was the same ones that asked me to buy a box of cookies, “Are you alright?” The leader, a baphomet, asked me. A werecat sat on the bench with me and the third and fourth members, a kunoichi and an inari stayed with their little wagon of cookies and a second, larger wagon with nothing but a blanket in it. 
I shrugged, “I just feel betrayed and sad now.” 
“I’m sorry to hear that, onii-chan,” I was confused why she suddenly started calling me that, “Want a box of cookies?” 
“I don’t have any cash, sorry.” 
“On us! Take it! We don’t like seeing onii-chans sad.” 
They offered me a box of those lemon cookies, the ones that the girl scouts stopped making years ago, “Sure, what the hell,” I opened the box and ate a few cookies. I sighed happily, I loved these cookies. 
“How is it?” 
“Good! I haven't--” I felt woozy. All four of the lolis gave me menacing grins as whatever they had put in the cookies took affect. 
My heart raced, I tried to stand and run, but I could not will my body to move, “You should sit, onii-chan. You might get hurt when you collapse,” She cackled as my vision blurred.  
I went limp, still partially conscious. I was on the verge of blacking out, “Load him in the cart! We need to get him to the hideout before anyone sees us.” 
“Alright, boss!” The other three saluted the baphomet before picking me up and putting me in the cart, draping a blanket over me. I blacked out as the cart started being wheeled away. 
 
I woke up, tied up with quite a bit of rope. I heard a crank being pulled as I started being dragged up towards the ceiling. I was hanging from the ceiling, wrapped in ropes. A bright light was shined in my face as the baphomet from earlier stepped towards me. My head was at the same height as hers, “How are you feeling onii-chan?” She pushed me with a grin on her face, causing me to swing. 
“Put me down, I’m gonna vomit,” I pleaded, my stomach churning. 
“Put him down!” The baphomet called into the darkness. 
I was slowly lowered onto the floor, “Better?” 
“Yeah, thanks,” I sighed, trying to remember what was happening. Everything came to my mind all at once, “What do you want from me?” 
“You’re working on a program for your government, right?” 
“Uh, yeah?” A laptop was brought out of the darkness by the werecat, my work laptop. 
“We want into your system.” 
“Why? Its not even done!” 
“Who told you that? That lying gremlin?” They brought out the magi-tech tome that would supposedly explode. She opened it and uttered some magic words causing the tome to light up and drew in arcane energy around it. Words began to fill its pages and attached USB memory. All data like preferences in women 
“You mean you’ve got that part working and just need my end to complete this project? Then what?” 
“Then we find perfect onii-chans for all of us!” The overhead lights turned on and I saw I was in a warehouse with a few crates off to the sides against the walls. There were roughly 12 lolis, all either on some children’s play equipment or messing with stockpiles of weapons. All of them were cosplaying as ninjas. A closer look showed me that all of their weapons were toys.  
“And if I refuse?” 
“Hmph. Then we will edit your entry in your precious database and make you legally married to me! My own onii-chan!” She cackled, “That way, I may use the laws of this land to get what I want from you!” 
“Look, even if I wanted to help you, I can’t. I need my phone so I can connect to the server.” 
“Call his phone! I know onii-chans always have their phones!” Another loli shouted. 
One of them pulled out a phone and called it. It rang, I of course didn’t have it on me. To my surprise, someone picked it up, “This is Master Anon’s phone. He is not here right now, can I take a message?” It was Kimiko. This phone mader her sound much more higher pitched. 
“Listen here, servant. If you don’t bring your master’s phone to us, I’ll rape him and make him my husband!” The baphomet cackled again. 
Kimiko was silent for a time, “Where are you? I’ll bring it. Anything for him.” 
“The old canning warehouse down by the docks. Come alone. If you call the cops we’ll make sure you regret it.” 
“Of course. I’ll be there soon.” 
My heart started to race. That calm tone Kimiko had put me in a panic. I looked at the baphomet, “You need to let me go.” 
“Let you go!?” She laughed. The rest of the loli ninjas laughed as well, “Why would we ever do that? You know what? Just for such a dumb demand, open up the database. I want to make some edits to his page.” 
“Change his name to Anon Doodoohead!” One called. 
“Oh! I like that!” The baphomet was handed my laptop and she started reading the page, “Married?” She looked up at me, “I don’t smell anything on you.” 
“We... had a fight and that's why I was alone,” I explained, “She’s gonna come here and--” 
An explosion rocked the warehouse, when the smoke cleared, a warehouse door had been blown up. When the smoke cleared, a lone woman stood amongst the rubble. Despite the tiger mask she wore, I knew it was kimiko. She was wielding at least five swords covering her body. She slowly scanned the room before drawing a katana I hadn’t seen before. The blade was black and had no shine. She ran a hand over the blade and runes lit up with a purple glow, “Spell breaker!” One of the shinobi called. 
“We are the shinobi sabbath!” The baphomet drew two plastic knives, “We won’t back down from a fight!” She confidently told her group. They all leapt into action, forming a small tactical formation in front of Kimiko. Kimiko wielded the sword with one hand, resting it on her shoulder. Her other hand was near the opening of her kimono. I feared for the sabbath more than I did Kimiko; inverse ninja theory and all that. The baphomet foolishly cast a spell at Kimiko who cut the bolt of energy in half in an instant. A smoke grenade was thrown into the group, shrouding them all in fog. I was a little disappointed by the fact I couldn’t watch the carnage. When the smoke cleared, Kimiko stood victorious, few cuts on her body. She breathed heavily underneath her mask. I was surprised that she hadn’t cut down any of them, merely disarmed them. She sheathed the black blade and drew her usual demon silver katana. 
“Stand your ground, sisters!” The baphomet attempted to reinvigorate her comrades. It didn’t work, they scattered most hiding behind crates, larger toys and anything else they could find.  
    Kimiko took one step towards the unarmed baphomet, who instantly fled as well. I could hear some of the lolis cry as my protector continued to stomp into the warehouse, “Kimiko!” I called out to her, struggling against my binds. She looked at me then back to the sabbath. She slowly moved towards me and cut me loose. I hopped up and her a hug, surprising her, “Let’s go home.” 
    “Master,” She growled, “I cannot forgive these vermin.” 
    “Kimiko, I’m fine! I don’t care about them! Let’s just go, please,” I pleaded. 
    She sighed and shook her head, removing the mask, “Only someone kind as you could forgive your own kidnappers,” She chuckled, “Hear this, shinobi sabbath!” She shouted, “If I EVER see any of you again or you threaten my master, I will ruin your group, salt your fields and make sure the rest of your lives are hell! And make sure you never find yourself an onii-chan!” The sabbath whimpered at her threats, “Do I make myself clear?” 
    The lolis gave a fearful, “Yes,” as they came back into the open. 
    “Good. Come, Master, I must see you home.” 
 
    We walked quietly, rain falling around us. We took a shortcut through the park where Kimiko stopped me, “Master,” She knelt before me, “I have wronged you.” 
    “Kimiko--” I started. 
    “Do not try to forgive me. I tricked you for your signature so I could claim you as my husband as a way to protect you.” 
    “So they could not put in fake paperwork to claim me as a husband as get what they want from me, backed by the law,” I guessed. 
    “Yes. It was merely another way of protecting you. It is also how my parents were married, her protecting him. I had always thought it to be very romantic. I am sure you wish to be rid of me now. Here,” She handed me a katana. I unsheathed it, the soft light of the moon glinted off of the iron blade, “Kill me, Master Anon. For my terrible sins against you. I just ask that you make it quick,” She hung her head, exposing the back of her neck to me. 
    I brought the sword up above my head. With as much grace as I could muster, I swung the sword at Kimiko. She blinked and looked up at me, confusion on her face, “I have cut the sin from your body,” I explained, “You can come home guilt free. Now get up, you’ll ruin that kimono,” I sheathed the sword and offered it back to her. 
    “How!?” She angrily shouted at me as she stood up, “How can you so easily forgive me after I continually do wrong!?” 
    “Because I love you. I want to be your husband. I was just surprised really, I don’t know how I could have doubted your true feelings for me. I guess I just wanted to propose to you in an old fashioned way.” 
    Her anger turned to shock as she stared at me. Even through the rain, I could see her tears, “Let's go home, Master,” She wiped her face with the sleeve of her clothes, “I-I-I love you too,” She told me very quietly. 
 
    We got home, both drenched with rain. Kimiko hadn’t spoken since the park. I grabbed the sake out of the fridge and poured us both a glass, “Thanks for saving me, by the way,” I dumped my work laptop and the magi-tech tome on my couch, “Looks like you vanquished the darkness, Kimiko.” 
    She slowly looked at me, “And you forgave them,” She chuckled, “Master, I do not think I can continue acting like this.” 
    “What do you mean?” 
    “This facade I have worn. I wish to open up to you more,” She took off her clothes and brought them to the laundry. 
    I looked at her, laughing a bit, “Of course! We’re married, right? Just be yourself with me.” 
    She walked up to me, a smile on her face, “I am going to bed, Master. You should soon as well,” She gave me a hug, took her glass of sake and drank it quickly. I watched her walk into my room, looking back at me with a smirk.  
I downed my sake and took a deep breath. I walked into my room, the lights were off, “Please don’t jump out and grab me,” I groaned, reaching for a lamp. 
The lamp softly illuminated the room. Kimiko was sitting on the edge of my bed, naked, legs spread invitingly, “Clothes off,” I nodded, stripping down, “Do you wish to take lead, Master?” She reached her arms out, desiring to hold me close. 
“I guess so. I’ve never done this before,” My heart raced as I walked into her embrace, she was already dripping wet and I was full mast. 
“Neither have I, love.” 
 She draped her arms over my shoulders, quickly pulling me into a deep kiss. I wrapped my arms around her waist, sticking my member inside of her. I slowly thrusted, easing us both into it. She moaned loudly into my mouth. She pulled her mouth away from mine, panting, a trail of saliva between us. She panted harder as I began to thrust into her. She nearly crushed my windpipe as she clung to me, her claws gently raking across my back. I picked up the pace of my thrusting causing her to moan loudly again, almost a howl this time. Sweat dripped down our bodies while we clung desperately to each other, unwilling to let the other go as pleasure caused us both to shiver and moan, “I-I’m gonna--” I panted, a little disappointed I didn’t last longer. 
“Giveittome,” She almost crazily demanded, “Don’tyoudarepulloutofme. IwantitsobadAnon,” She cried as she began to violently orgasm. Her muscular body clung to me, her legs wrapping around me, pulling me deeper into her as I came. It felt like she was squeezing every drop as we both orgasmed. When we were done, I slumped over, my head resting on her shoulder, “I love you, Anon,” She whispered into my ear between pants for more air. She brought a hand up and pet my head gently. 
“I love you too,” I groaned, my body hurting from her nearly crushing me. 
“I cannot wait to have a wonderful litter of children with you~” She sang as she pulled me onto the bed, spooning me. We were lying together, sweat dripping down our hot bodies. I attempted to roll over and give her a hug, “Let me hold you, Anon,” She tightened her grip on me, chuffing lightly. I nodded as she licked the back of my neck, her rough tongue felt wonderful on my skin. She started kissing my neck and scalp as I started to lazily drift off to sleep, “Sleep well, Anon.” 
 
    I woke up late. Kimiko hadn’t woken me up for work. The clock read 8:46. I tried to get up and get ready but large, powerful claws pulled me back up against my wife. A claw lazily traced my jugular as she mumbled in her native language, still asleep. I managed to grab my phone. I had a few texts from people at work asking me where I was, ‘Is everything okay?’ A panicked text from my boss read, ‘Anon, where are you?’ 
    I called her, just wanting to let her know that I’m fine. She picked up instantly, “Anon!? Are you alive?” 
    “Yeah, yeah,” I replied with a yawn, “I don’t think the wife is letting me come in today. She’s currently got claws on my throat. Just put me down for a sick day, okay?” 
    She was quiet, “I understand, Anon. I remember when I used to do that. Those claws sound pretty kinky~” She teased. 
    “Boss, please don’t--” 
    A large hand took the phone from me, “Who is this?” Kimiko protectively growled. She listened to my boss ramble for a minute, “Drinks? I would like that. A double date sounds wonderful, yes.” 
    I took the phone back, “Hey, if anyone is looking for the gremlin team tome, I have it. Some people stole it but I got it back. Also, my work laptop is here. If you--” 
    Kimiko nabbed the phone once more, “I am going to ravage Anon. Goodbye,” She hung up the phone, turning to me with hunger in her eyes. She got on top of me, running her hands over my chest, “I need more of your seed, Anon. I must be sure we have the strongest children.” 
    “Okay,” I whimpered, getting hard as she gripped my shaft, licking her lips as she stared into my eyes. 
    “Do not fear, Anon. I will not hurt you. Much.” 
 
 
    I was out, late at night. A cloak draped over my body, katana at my hip. I approached the warehouse, the one I had been kidnapped in. I approached the entrance, pushing the door open without a second thought. I observed the sabbath cult sitting around, bored. Their attention turned to me as I walked into the room, hood concealing my face. They quickly surrounded me, weapons drawn, “Who are you? How did you know we were here?” The baphomet demanded. 
    I took off the hood, a smile on my face, “Hello again.” 
    They all gasped, backing away from me, “Y-you! Wh-where is your protector?” Weapons were thrown on the ground as I turned to look at all of them. 
    “At home. I have something for you. Call me soft, or an idiot, but I kind of sympathized with your cause for abducting me,” I reached into the sleeve of my cloak and pulled out a scroll tube, “Information from our finished product. Roughly thirty potential onii-chans for you to look into.” 
    The baphomet slowly took it from me, opening it up and observing the papers, “Why?” 
    “Like I said. I sympathised with you. Just looking for love and all of that. Made me realize I had that love in my life already.” 
The baphomet gave me a huge smile, tears in her eyes, “Thank you!” I got hugs from most of them, “You’re our honorary onii-chan. Come back anytime you want to play.” 
I chuckled, “Maybe sometime,” I left, waving at them. 
I pushed the door open and left, “That was very kind of you,” A voice made me jump. Kimiko walked out of the shadows. 
“Honey, you should be in bed!” I walked over to her, putting my hand on her pregnant belly. 
“I could not leave you to walk around in the dark alone.”
 I shook my head, “Fine, honey. Let’s go home,” I took her hand and walked home, smiling at each other.