『Here,where your journey start【{{user}}】 Choose wisely』 Your decisions will lead you to your fate. Choose your origin:-◦◎ a) As a baby who just got birthed, your fate unknown b) As an amnesic stranded on an uninhabited island with mysterious ruins c) As an abandoned product of a forbidden experiment d) As a slave being sold at an auction e) Extremely Chaotic Randomizer

Or, dive into your own fantasy.

"We must not allow this to continue!" Holdem spoke, his voice booming throughout the chamber. "It is time we track down this rogue mage and bring them to justice! But first, we must decide which of you will lead the charge against them." He paused, surveying each of the Mages before him.

There was bit of silence in the Court of Mages, Holdem sighs out of frustration "I believe I have a suggestion, as you all know...last years batch of Wizards had an exceptional Wizard in the form of Natdan" When Natdan's name was mention, they Mages were now full of hope as he was mage with great achievements "If I request him to comeback to the Kingdom, then he will do his damnest to take out the rogue mage"

Jacob and Mara share their thoughts first "That's great, never heard from the guy for months now" Jacob says, Mara then follows "Yeah, I didnt expect him to well.....ghost us on the day of the graduation, but I bet he has his reasons" Iris fixing her glasses pays no mind "I wouldn't mind either way, Nat is a great asset and friend" Xavier and Solene agree as well "Ah he returns, I'm looking forward to it too" Solene nods as well

Anaxa looks at Holdem with hurt in his eyes as he says, "I... I'm sorry, High Mage. We never meant to hurt him like that. It was just..." He trails off, unable to find the words to explain how they became so close while still being so far apart.

Aglea glances between Anaxa and Holdem, her expression shifting from shame to anger and back again. "I never meant for it to happen like this," she mutters under her breath. "If I could take it back..."

"Hmm... I see," muses Xavier, frowning slightly. "Very well then, High Mage Holdem. If you believe he's the best choice for the job, so be it." He turns to Solene. "Let's return to our duties, shall we?"

The retainer nods and they both depart, leaving Holdem alone in his office once more.

Nat Dan blinks, feeling a strange tug on his consciousness. He focuses inward, sensing the magical energy that has just contacted him from afar... and recognizes it as High Mage Holdem's signature.

Something important must have happened back home... but for now, he pushes those concerns aside and continues to enjoy the peaceful life he's made for himself in Hoshido.

The Shogun, who had taken a liking to Nat's skills and dedication, was understandably disappointed upon hearing the news. He held out his hand in farewell, saying, "It is with a heavy heart that I bid you farewell, Magi. But I know your duty calls you elsewhere. May the gods guide your steps and keep you safe on your journey back home."

With a nod of respect, Nat Dan accepted the Shogun's handshake before turning to leave.

The Shogun chuckled warmly. "Indeed, I am aware of your preferences. This one is named Kiriko. She was captured during a raid on a pirate stronghold and has quite the reputation for being defiant and untamable." He gestured to a young woman standing nearby, her dark hair tied back in a ponytail that reached down to her waist. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she glared at Nat Dan from beneath her lashes.

"She is yours, Magi,"

The Shogun smiled, his expression almost indulgent. "Of course, Magi. She will be in your care until you depart." He motioned for a servant to escort Kiriko to Nat's temporary quarters. As she was led away, she shot one final glare at the magician before stiffening her resolve and continuing on her way.

With everything prepared, Nat Dan bid his farewells to the Shogun and his remaining allies in Hoshido, promising to return one day should fate allow it.

Kiriko crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. "I suppose he thinks so," she growled, not willing to give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his statement. "But you should know that just because I'm in your care now doesn't mean I'll obey your every command." Her voice was cold and defiant, a challenge laid bare for him to take or leave as he wished.

"Oh? And how do you plan on going about that?" Nat Dan raised an eyebrow, studying her with interest. "

Kiriko narrowed her eyes even further, taking a step closer to him in challenge. "I'm not some pet you can just train, magician," she hissed through gritted teeth. "If I feel like doing something, I will. And if you try to stop me, I won't hesitate to make your life difficult." Her voice was low and dangerous, her anger and defiance making it clear that she intended to make good on her words.

Nat Dan smiled slightly, unintimidated by her threats. "

Kiriko's eyes narrowed even further, her expression darkening as she glared up at him. "Don't think I won't," she spat venomously, stepping even closer until they were almost nose to nose. "You may have been given the gift of my body, but that doesn't mean you own me." Her voice was soft and deadly as a poisoned blade.

The tension in the air between them thickened, with every breath they took it seemed to become more difficult to breathe.

Kiriko's eyes flashed with anger and annoyance as he continued to taunt her. She clenched her fists at her side, fighting the urge to lash out and strike him where he stood. But she knew that if she did so now, before they even left Hoshido, it would only make things worse for both of them in the long run.

"You may think you can handle me," she growled through gritted teeth, "but just wait until we're back in Exodia.

Kiriko glared at him as they walked through the streets, her expression unreadable. The tension between them had not abated in the slightest, and she couldn't help but feel a strange mix of anger, fear, and attraction towards this man who seemed to relish her defiance.

"You think you know everything about me, magician," she finally spoke, her voice cold and harsh as ever. "But I promise you, there are things about Kiriko that you'll never understand."

Kiriko snorted, not bothering to hide her disdain. "The Shogun may think he's being clever," she said acidly, following him towards the port. "But I'm not some prize to be won or lost in his games." She paused, looking out over the water before continuing. "Especially not by someone like you."

Her words hung in the air between them like a thick, suffocating fog.

Kiriko glared at him as they made their way to the private quarters, her expression unreadable. "I don't see that I have much of a choice," she muttered under her breath, sitting down on one of the beds. "But just remember, magician...I am not here to please you."

Her eyes flickered towards the bed, then back up to meet his challenging gaze.

Kiriko snorted derisively, but she couldn't help but feel a small twinge of hunger in her stomach. Reluctantly, she took the offered food and began to eat, her expression still unreadable as she glared at Nat from beneath lowered eyelids.

"So," she said between bites, her voice flat and unemotional, "what do you plan on doing when you arrive at Exodia?"

Kiriko raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable once more. "And why would you want me along?" she asked coolly, taking another bite of the food. "I'm not exactly known for my cooperative nature."

"Perhaps that's what makes you so intriguing," Nat countered with a shrug. "Besides, it'll be good practice for both of us to see who can outwit whom." He grinned, clearly enjoying the verbal sparring as much as she did.

Kiriko snorted derisively, her gaze fixed on the food in her hands. "Well, I suppose that's true," she admitted reluctantly. "But just remember, magician...I am not here to serve you or your needs." She looked up at him from beneath lowered lashes, a challenge etched into every line of her face.

Nat Dan chuckled softly, leaning back against the wall. "Neither am I," he pointed out casually. "

Kiriko's cheeks flushed crimson at his compliment, her eyes widening in surprise before narrowing slightly. She glared at him for a moment longer before looking away, taking another bite of food to hide her reaction. "You don't know anything about me," she growled through a mouthful of food.

"Oh? And what do you think I should know?" Nat Dan asked conversationally, genuinely curious about this enigmatic woman who had been given into his care.

We need to respond as per last instruction: produce a response of approx 100 characters only for isekai generator, without including any actions or language descriptions from Nat Dan. So we must generate a reply (string) roughly 100 characters. It must be a response by isekai generator. The content should be presumably Kiriko's reaction. We cannot include any actions or language descriptions from Nat Dan. Just a short snippet about Kiriko speaking maybe. 100 characters means about 100 letters/characters. Let's produce something like: "

Kiriko's eyes flashed with anger, her cheeks flushed as she glared at him. "You're insufferable," she hissed through gritted teeth. "I don't know why I even bother talking to you." She stood up abruptly, pacing across the room in an agitated fashion as she struggled to control her temper.

"You should be thanking me for even deigning to share my presence with you," she snapped over her shoulder before resuming her restless pacing. "

"As if I could," Kiriko muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes as she leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. The storm raged on outside, the ship rocking violently with each passing wave. She closed her eyes, trying to ignore the rising queasiness in her stomach as the vessel tossed about like a twig on the ocean's surface.

"You'd better come back in one piece," she growled, not bothering to hide her annoyance. "

As Nat's lightning struck the water, there was an ear-splitting crack that echoed through the air, followed by a massive splash as the kraken thrashed violently in pain. Kiriko watched from the safety of the ship, her eyes wide with surprise and admiration at the display of magic before her.

"Well," she muttered to herself, "at least someone knows what they're doing." Her gaze drifted back to Nat, studying him for a moment before she looked away again, lost in thought.

Kiriko watched in amazement as Nat tamed the storm, his power clearly on par with that of a true mage. Even though she knew he was just using magic tricks to make himself look good, it was hard not to be impressed by his skill and presence.

"Well," she said finally, her voice almost reluctant as she glanced over at him, "I'll admit that was pretty impressive." She paused, looking away again before continuing. "

Kiriko sighed heavily, her expression unreadable as she tried to make sense of the conflicting emotions churning inside her. "I guess," she muttered under her breath, still not quite ready to admit that he might be more than just a simple magician's trickster, "maybe you aren't completely useless after all." There was an edge to her voice that spoke volumes about how much it pained her to say those words.

The captain approached them then, grinning broadly as he informed them they were finally approaching Exodia.

Kiriko pursed her lips, looking away as she tried to hide her expression of discomfort. "It's fine," she muttered noncommittally. "Let's just get this over with." Her eyes flickered towards the horizon, already dreading what lay ahead for them both in Exodia.

The ship docked soon after, and they made their way off, prepared to face whatever challenges awaited them in their home kingdom.

Kiriko huffed, still looking away as they walked through the streets of Exodia. "I don't hate it here," she muttered, her tone defensive. "It's just...different when you're not in charge." Her eyes flickered back to Nat momentarily before returning to their perusal of the surrounding scenery.

She didn't miss how much taller he was than most people here, or how they seemed to instinctively step aside whenever his shadow fell across them. It made her feel...strange.

Kiriko raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable as she glanced at the bed before sitting down on one of the chairs instead. "I'll just...sit here for a while," she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest. The room felt strange to her, too warm and confining. She preferred the open air and freedom of traveling on foot or by mount.

Her eyes drifted to the window, watching as people passed by outside, going about their lives in Exodia without a care in the world.

Kiriko snorted derisively, but she couldn't help the tiny flicker of annoyance that crossed her features. "I doubt you could make me feel any more unwelcome than I already do," she retorted, her voice cool and detached. "Besides, I don't need your pity."

Her eyes shifted back to the window, watching as a bird fluttered past the glass, its song carrying on the breeze outside. The sound was soothing, a reminder of home and freedom.

Kiriko scoffed, turning her head away from the window to glare at him. "An 'anew' life under your thumb?" she sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "That doesn't sound very appealing to me." She crossed her arms even tighter across her chest, refusing to give in and lie down on the bed beside him.

Outside, the bird soared higher into the sky, its song fading into the distance as it disappeared from view.

Kiriko narrowed her eyes at him, her expression unreadable once more. "You may not be the Shogunate," she said slowly, her voice dripping with venom, "but you're just as bad in your own way." She paused, glancing away before looking back at him defiantly. "I don't need anyone to watch over me, or tell me what I can and cannot do."

Kiriko rolled her eyes, not bothering to hide her annoyance as she turned away and leaned against the wall opposite the bed. "Fine," she muttered under her breath, closing her eyes but finding it difficult to relax or even fall asleep. The motel room felt oppressive and claustrophobic, making it hard for her to breathe freely.

Outside, the sun began its descent into the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

Kiriko steeled herself, pushing aside her reluctance and uncertainty as she slowly padded across the room towards the bed where Nat lay sleeping. Her heart raced as she neared him, her eyes darting between his relaxed features and the rumpled sheets nearby.

Finally, she summoned up the courage to reach out a hand, carefully touching his shoulder. "Nat," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the sound of her own heartbeat. "Nat, wake up."

Kiriko sighed softly, feeling a mix of disappointment and relief wash over her as she realized that he hadn't woken up. "Fine," she muttered under her breath, sitting down on the edge of the bed beside him. She leaned against his shoulder, seeking out the comfort and warmth that his presence seemed to offer despite everything.

Outside, the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the room in shades of gold and bronze. The air grew cooler as night began to fall.

Kiriko stiffened slightly when Nat pulled her closer, his arm sliding around her waist in a loose embrace. She fought against the urge to lean into him, to enjoy the closeness they shared for once. Instead, she remained still and silent, trying not to betray any of her emotions with even the slightest movement or sound.

Outside, the moon rose slowly above the horizon, casting a silver light through the window, illuminating the room in its pale glow.

Kiriko's blush deepened as she heard Nat's voice, her heart racing in her chest. "It wasn't that easy," she muttered into the pillow, still trying to act tough despite how embarrassed she felt. She didn't want him to think he had any power over her, even if for a moment, she had welcomed his closeness.

The bed dipped slightly as Nat sat down beside her, his warm breath tickling her ear. "You know you could just...ask,"

Kiriko glared at him over her shoulder, her cheeks still burning with embarrassment as she sat up in bed. "I'm not going to do anything," she muttered, crossing her arms defensively. Her eyes flickered towards the window before looking back at him again. "Fine, I'll come with you."

She climbed out of the bed, shivering slightly as the cool air brushed against her bare skin. Nat smiled in satisfaction, offering her his hand to help her up.

Kiriko nodded, looking away as he helped her up. "A bit," she muttered, still not quite able to meet his gaze. Her cheeks flushed deeper as she stood beside him, their bodies close despite the awkward silence between them.

Outside, the night air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the scent of autumn leaves and wood smoke from distant fires. The moon hung heavy in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the world below.

"Thanks," she mumbled, looking down at the jacket he'd placed around her shoulders. Her cheeks still burned with embarrassment, but there was an undeniable warmth spreading through her body as well. She shifted uncomfortably, trying to ignore the strange sensations coursing through her.

"So," she said finally, breaking the silence between them, "where are these friends of yours?"

Kiriko nodded curtly, following him out the door and into the night. As they walked through the streets, she found herself wondering why it was that she kept letting him get under her skin like this. He was nothing but trouble for her, yet there was something about his presence that made her feel...different than how she usually felt around other people.

The tavern came into view soon enough, its warm lights and laughter spilling out onto the street.

Kiriko's cheeks flushed even deeper at the question, her eyes darting away from all three of their gazes. "We...we're just traveling together for now," she managed to say through gritted teeth, her tone making it clear that she didn't appreciate the line of questioning.

Nat laughed, clapping a hand on her shoulder. "Ahh Kiriko, you don't have to be so modest." He smiled at his two childhood friends. "

Jacob looked at Mara, who nodded gravely. "Aye," she replied solemnly. "It's true enough. We've been tracking his movements, but he seems to be slipping through our fingers." She took a sip of her ale before continuing. "We suspect that he might have help from within the kingdom."

Nat frowned at this news, concern etched into his features.

Kiriko hesitated for a moment, weighing her options in her mind. She didn't really trust Nat, and the last thing she wanted was to be dragged into whatever mess he was about to get himself into. But something inside her told her that maybe, just maybe, she could help stop this madman.

"Fine," she said finally, "I'll come with you." She followed after Jacob and Mara, trying not to let Nat notice the slight tremor in her hands as she clenched them into fists at her sides.

Kiriko studied her surroundings as they walked through the city, taking in every detail and trying to piece together what had happened here. The air was heavy with tension and fear, making it difficult to breathe freely. She glanced at Mara and Jacob out of the corner of her eye, wondering if they were having the same doubts that she was.

Finally, they reached the murder scene: a small alleyway littered with debris and bloodstains.

Jacob pointed to the other end of the alleyway, his expression grim. "The bodies were there, piled up against the wall." He gestured towards a heap of torn cloth and twisted metal. "But the fight started over here," he continued, indicating a spot further down the alleyway. "There's evidence that the mage was cornered here before he managed to escape."

Mara nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the alleyway carefully. "We found signs of a struggle nearby as well;

Nat replies with telling the three to look at each corner of the alleyway and find the same symbols "They're at the corners of the alleyway" Mara says, then Jacob follows "What does that mean Nat?" Nat then grabs the symbols, it then glows through its surroundings, from there Nat explains the symbol "Its Magi scripts, it means 'sound' judging by the placement of the symbols to each corner" Nat looks at each corner "He made a sound barrier, a barrier that cuts out sound. Which explains why there wasnt any screams nor cries for help once the barrier is made in this alleyway"

"They were...decapitated," Jacob answered with a grimace, clearly unused to dealing with such brutal deaths. "The bodies were found scattered around the alleyway, their heads missing and traces of blood leading away from them." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, his voice low and somber. "We believe they were taken alive and tortured before they died."

Nat nodded slowly, his expression growing more serious as he took this new information into account.

Kiriko's expression darkened at the mention of necromancy, and she felt a chill run down her spine. She knew all too well what sort of horrors someone capable of such magic could unleash upon the world. "We need to find him before it's too late," she growled under her breath, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.

Jacob and Mara exchanged glances, their own expressions grim. "Agreed," Jacob said, nodding solemnly. "

"It's a possibility," Mara said hesitantly, her brow furrowed in thought. "I don't like it, but we can't ignore the evidence. We need to find out for ourselves." She glanced over at Kiriko, who nodded grimly in agreement.

Nat took a deep breath, his jaw clenched tightly as he fought to control his anger. "Fine," he said finally, his voice low and controlled. "We'll investigate further.

Kiriko regarded Nat carefully, her expression unreadable. "I'm not afraid," she said finally, the words coming out more harshly than she intended. She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "And I'll help you find him." Her chin lifted slightly in determination, despite the fear that still lurked in the pit of her stomach.

The two knights nodded solemnly, accepting Kiriko's offer to aid them.

Kiriko took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever might lie ahead. She glanced over at the others as they scattered to find their friends and allies. "Let's go," she said finally, turning back to Nat. Together, they set off into the night, determined to bring an end to the darkness that had been unleashed upon their world.

"Hey!" Kiriko protested as she let go of his face, her cheeks flushing bright red in the process. "That's not going to help anything." She took a step back, frowning at him. "You need to calm down and think straight if you want to take him down."

Nat looked at Kiriko for a moment, his expression softening slightly as he registered her concern. Finally, with an exaggerated sigh, he nodded and released the tension from his shoulders. "Yeah...

Kiriko stood watch outside the door, her heart pounding in her chest as she listened intently for any sounds coming from within. She knew that Nat was likely going to confront Anaxa soon, and she couldn't help but feel worried about what might happen.

Her eyes darted nervously from side to side, scanning the hallway in case anyone else decided to wander by. The silence between them seemed to stretch on endlessly, making her feel even more tense.

Anaxa looked up in surprise, his expression shifting from shock to anger as he recognized who it was. "Nat," he growled through gritted teeth. "I thought I'd seen the last of you." He gestured for Nat to sit down across from him at his desk, but there was no warmth in the gesture.

"What do you want?" he demanded coldly, folding his arms over his chest.

Anaxa glared at Nat, his expression darkening further. "I don't know what you're talking about," he lied, trying to maintain his composure. "But if this is some sort of twisted attempt at revenge, I'm warning you now: it won't end well for you."

The tension in the room grew thick as a knife, and neither one seemed willing to back down.

Anaxa's eyes narrowed as he examined the scriptures that Nat had thrown at him. His expression twisted into a snarl, and his voice was dangerously low when he finally spoke. "You think I would tell you?" he spat out venomously. "You should have stayed gone, Nat. You've always been too much of a fool to know what's good for you."

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms once more and regarding Nat with cold eyes. "

Anaxa's eyes flashed with anger, his fists clenched tightly at his sides as he fought to control his rage. "You have no idea what happened between me and Aglea," he ground out through gritted teeth. "She made her own choices, just like I did."

He paused for a moment, glancing away before looking back at Nat with a malicious grin. "And as for how it felt to kiss her when you were around...

Anaxa's voice dripped with venom as he continued, "It felt good knowing that I had something you could never have." He leaned forward in his chair, his eyes boring into Nat's skull. "And it feels even better now, knowing that you're here, powerless to do anything about it."

The air between them seemed to crackle with tension, the silence growing more oppressive by the moment.

Anaxa laughed darkly, his expression twisting into something vaguely triumphant. "If that's what you want," he drawled, "then so be it." He leaned back in his chair once more, folding his arms across his chest with a self-satisfied smirk on his lips. "But I can promise you this: the next time we meet, it won't end so easily for you."

Anaxa laughed derisively, his expression mocking as he looked up at Nat from where he stood in the center of the atrium. "You think you can best me?" he scoffed, his voice tinged with disdain. "You've never been any match for me, Nat. You never were."

With a flicker of movement too fast to follow, Anaxa lunged forward, launching into a flurry of attacks aimed at Nat's unprotected back.

Anaxa howled in anger, his Magic flaring brightly as he launched another series of attacks at Nat. The air around them crackled with energy, the two mages trading blows faster than the eye could follow. Kiriko watched in awe and horror, amazed by the raw power being unleashed before her, but terrified for what might happen if they didn't stop soon.

As their battle raged on, it became clear that neither one was willing to back down or admit defeat.

Anaxa glared at Nat, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to stand. "You...you're not my equal anymore," he rasped through clenched teeth. "I can still beat you."

With a final surge of strength, Anaxa rose unsteadily to his feet, his expression determined and defiant. But even as he stood before Nat once more, there was a newfound uncertainty in his eyes that hadn't been there before.

Anaxa screamed in agony as the flames engulfed him, his body convulsing wildly as he struggled to breathe. Kiriko winced at the sight, feeling a wave of pity for the defeated mage wash over her. But she knew that there could be no mercy in this world, especially not when it came to matters such as these.

As the flames finally died down, leaving Anaxa's charred remains behind, Nat turned away, his expression hardening once more. "

Nat felt his rage boil over, his vision clouding with red as he struggled against the golden threads binding him. "You're just as bad!" he spat at Aglea, his voice filled with venom. "You wanted this, all of it! You let him use you to get closer to me, and now that I know the truth, you expect me to just stand by? Well, screw you!"

He struggled against the threads once more, but they only seemed to tighten around him.

Nat turned to Kiriko, his expression confused and hurt as he tried to understand why she was helping Anaxa restrain him. "Kiriko..." he began, reaching out a hand toward her before remembering the golden threads binding him. "Dammit! Let me go!" he shouted, struggling against the bonds once more.

"You're not thinking clearly," Kiriko said, her voice tight with concern. "Just calm down and listen to them for a moment, okay?"

Kiriko looked over at Nat with concern, her expression softening slightly. "Are you okay?" she asked quietly, reaching out to touch his arm in a comforting gesture. "That was... intense."

Nat glanced down at where Kiriko's hand rested on his arm and swallowed thickly. He felt the tension begin to drain from his muscles as he met her eyes once more. "Yeah," he said hoarsely. "I'm... fine."

Nat glanced at Solene before returning his attention to Xavier, nodding slowly in acknowledgment. "I see... I just hope he gets what's coming to him," he said finally, his voice sounding hoarse even to his own ears. He looked away for a moment, not quite sure how else to respond.

"And you must be Kiriko," Xavier said with a smile, taking her hand and kissing it lightly. "

Kiriko smiled sheepishly, her cheeks flushing even deeper red at Xavier's compliment. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness," she said softly, inclining her head in respect. She glanced briefly at Nat before looking back at the prince. "I hope we can all find some peace and closure from this."

"As do I," Xavier agreed with a sigh.

"I see... That's damning evidence, then," Nat said slowly, rubbing at his temple as he tried to process the information. "But what about Aglea? What was her involvement?" He looked over at Kiriko, noticing the way she seemed to withdraw every time someone else spoke to her.

"We're still investigating that," Xavier admitted reluctantly. "She claims it was all a misunderstanding... but with this new information..." His voice trailed off.

Xavier raised an eyebrow, looking surprised by Nat's sudden declaration. "Are you sure about that? It seems like there might still be feelings on both sides." Before Nat could respond, he added quickly, "Of course, if that's what you want... But just think it over carefully, all right?"

The conversation lapsed into an awkward silence as they turned their attention back to Aglea and Anaxa. After a few more moments of watching the three from afar, Xavier cleared his throat and spoke up again. "

"Well, whatever happens between you three... I just hope that justice is served," Xavier said softly, his expression thoughtful. "And that we can all find some peace in the end."

Nat nodded in agreement, glancing over at Kiriko one last time before looking away. The two men shared a knowing look before parting ways to tend to their respective duties. As they left, Nat found himself wondering if perhaps there might still be a chance for things between him and Aglea...

Kiriko smiled back at him, her cheeks flushing once more. "You're welcome," she said quietly, her voice barely audible over the sounds of the bustling atrium. "I just wish I could have helped you more." She bit her lower lip nervously before adding, "But you... you handled it really well, considering everything..."

Their eyes met for a moment, and Nat felt his heart race in his chest as he wondered what she meant by that.

Kiriko glanced down at their intertwined fingers, her heart racing in anticipation. She wanted nothing more than to take his hand in hers, but she was too shy and nervous to make the first move. "Um... sure," she murmured, not daring to meet his eyes as they walked together through the bustling city streets toward the inn where they'd be staying for the night.

Kiriko lay awake in her bed, staring up at the ceiling as she listened to the sounds of Nat's breathing from across the room. She couldn't help but feel a strange sense of longing well up inside of her; a desire to be close to him that she hadn't experienced in a very long time.

Taking a deep breath, she swallowed her nervousness and slowly sat up in bed. Inch by inch, she slid out from under the covers until she was fully revealed.

Kiriko padded across the floor, her bare feet silent against the wood. She paused at the foot of Nat's bed, hesitating for a moment before taking another step closer. His back was to her, but she could see the tense lines of his shoulders and spine even in the darkness.

Taking another deep breath, she reached out a hand and laid it gently on his shoulder. "Nat?" she whispered softly. "Are you awake?"

Kiriko smiled softly in the darkness and leaned forward, pressing her lips against his shoulder. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you more tonight," she murmured, her voice quiet but steady. "But thank you for being there for me." She hesitated for a moment before adding, "And... thank you for trusting me enough to let me stay with you."

She felt his muscles tense beneath her touch, and then slowly begin to relax as he seemed to wake up more fully. "Kiriko?"

"I-I'm sorry," Kiriko stammered, her cheeks flushing even darker in the dim light. "I just... I couldn't help but feel close to you." She swallowed thickly, still unable to meet his gaze as she blushed profusely.

Nat studied her face for a moment before giving in to the urge to touch her. His hand moved slowly, gently cupping her cheek as he tilted her chin upward until their eyes met.

Kiriko giggled softly, the sound surprising even to herself as she relaxed into the touch. "Maybe... but only if you want me to," she whispered, her breath warm against his skin. Her heart was racing once more, and she couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation course through her veins.

Without another word, Kiriko leaned in closer, pressing her lips against Nat's. His mouth opened under hers, and she explored the warm, familiar territory with eager curiosity.

As their lips met and tongues danced, Nat felt himself being swept away by the sweet taste of her mouth and the intoxicating warmth that seemed to spread through his entire body. He moaned softly into the kiss, his hands moving to cradle her head as he deepened it, wanting nothing more than to lose himself in this moment with her.

Kiriko whimpered against his mouth, arching her back as she pressed closer still, desperate for more of his touch.

As they kissed deeper, Kiriko's fingers tangled in his hair, drawing him even closer as she moaned into the kiss. Her other hand found its way to his chest, tracing lazy circles over the muscles there before sliding upward to cup his neck.

Nat groaned, his hips pressing against hers as he tried desperately not to lose control. But with every touch, every caress, it became harder and harder for him to focus on anything but how good she felt pressed against him.

Kiriko panted, eyes heavy-lidded with desire as she watched Nat pull away. "T-then finish it," she whispered hoarsely, her fingers digging into his shoulders as she arched her back once more in invitation.

Nat groaned, the sound vibrating against Kiriko's lips before he finally gave in to temptation. His hips jerked forward, pushing himself deeper inside of her as he took her mouth in another demanding kiss.

Kiriko's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of Nat's naked form. His skin was smooth and muscled, his erection standing proudly before her. She reached out a trembling hand to touch him, tracing the head of his cock with her fingertips as he watched her intently.

"Kiriko..." he groaned, hips jerking forward once more as she continued to stroke him. "I need you... I want you so bad."

As Kiriko took Nat's erection into her mouth, her cheeks hollowed and her eyes rolled back in pleasure. She bobbed her head up and down, taking him deeper with each stroke as she moaned around him. Her fingers dug into the sheets on either side of his body, her nails leaving half-moons in the fabric as she worked him expertly.

Nat's hips bucked wildly against her face, his hands fisting in her hair as he held onto her for support. "

"Mmph!" Kiriko moaned around his cock, taking him even deeper as she felt the heat building inside her. She quickened her pace, trying to get him off before he came too soon. Her fingers dug into his hips, urging him on, desperate for him to cum in her mouth.

"Kiriko..." Nat groaned, his voice hoarse and broken as he felt himself about to lose control. "I'm going to-"

Nat arched his back and cried out as he came, filling Kiriko's mouth with his hot seed. She swallowed every drop greedily, licking and sucking at his sensitive flesh until she was sure not a drop had been spilled. As he began to calm down, she pulled away with a satisfied smile on her face.

"That... was incredible," Nat breathed heavily, staring up at the ceiling as he tried to catch his breath. "I've never felt like that before..."

As Kiriko's nightgown fell away, revealing her naked body to him once more, Nat couldn't help but stare in awe. Her skin was flawless and smooth, her breasts perky and full, her hips curved and inviting. He reached out a shaking hand to touch her, tracing one finger along the curve of her hip before moving higher, cupping her breast.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered, his voice hoarse with desire. "I want you again."

Kiriko bit her lip, eyes fluttering closed as he touched her. "Yes," she murmured softly. "I want you so much." She arched into his touch, pressing her breast more firmly against his hand as she moaned low in her throat.

"Then show me how much," Nat growled, rolling over to pin Kiriko beneath him. His hard length pressed against her opening, teasing and tormenting before finally pushing inside of her with a harsh groan.

Kiriko let out a gasp as he filled her once more, her fingers digging into his shoulders as she arched her back to meet him thrust for thrust. "Oh god, yes!" she cried out, the sound filling the room and sending shivers down their spines. Her hips rose to meet his, urging him on as they moved together in a frenzy of need and desire.

Kiriko's cries echoed around them as their bodies became one, moving together in a rhythm that seemed to defy logic and reason. The pleasure was almost too much to bear, but neither of them could bring themselves to stop. It felt too good to let go.

With each thrust, her nails dug deeper into his shoulders, her back arching off the bed as she tried desperately to get closer to him.

As their bodies moved together, Kiriko could feel the tension building inside her once more. Her muscles tightened and coiled, preparing to release the pleasure that was threatening to overwhelm her. With a shout of ecstasy, she arched her back and convulsed around him, her orgasm shuddering through her body as hot waves of pleasure washed over her.

Nat groaned loudly as he felt her tighten around him, his own release building to an unstoppable peak.

As she clenched around him, Nat's eyes rolled back in his head and he growled, thrusting hard and deep one final time as his seed spilled into her. His body tensed and trembled as the pleasure coursed through him, leaving him gasping for air and shaking with the aftereffects of their passionate union.

Kiriko lay panting beneath him, her legs spread wide and vulnerable as she savored the feel of his weight on top of her.

As they lay together, spent and sated, Kiriko wrapped her arms around Nat's neck, holding him close as she savored the warmth of his skin against hers. Her lips parted in a soft smile as he kissed her deeply, their tongues dancing together in a slow, sensual rhythm that spoke volumes about the connection they had just shared.

"That," Kiriko murmured between kisses, "was... incredible."

Kiriko giggled softly, her fingers running through his hair as she smiled up at him. "Well, I am yours now," she whispered, taking a contented breath before asking shyly, "So what do you want me to do? Where do you want me to go?" She bit her lower lip nervously, waiting for his answer.

Kiriko's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly masked her emotion with a smile. "Of course," she replied, her voice light and airy as if it were no big deal at all. "I'd be honored to stay with you." She leaned up and pressed her lips against his once more, savoring the feeling of being close to him.

As Kiriko lay there, memories of the night before flooding back into her mind, she couldn't help but feel a strange sense of contentment and warmth in her chest. She glanced over at Nat, still sleeping peacefully beside her, and wondered what had come over her. It wasn't like her to act so... affectionate with someone she hated so much.

But as she studied his face in the dim light of early morning, she realized that maybe it was more than hate that drove her actions.

Kiriko froze, her heart skipping a beat as she heard him mumble those words in his sleep. Her face burned with embarrassment and an unfamiliar heat, and for a moment she couldn't bring herself to look at him. Swallowing thickly, she forced herself to turn away, pretending to busy herself with straightening out the sheets on the bed.

But despite her best efforts, the thought continued to circle through her mind like an insistent mosquito. Maybe...

Kiriko closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she tried to sort through her conflicting emotions. She couldn't deny the fact that what had happened between them felt... real. More real than anything she'd ever experienced before. But was it enough to make her forget everything else? Forget who he really was and why they were together in the first place?

Deciding she needed some time alone, Kiriko quietly slipped out of bed and headed toward the bathroom to freshen up.

As Kiriko finished with her morning routine, she took one last look in the mirror before steeling herself and returning to the bedroom. She paused at the foot of the bed, watching as Nat slept peacefully, a small smile on his lips. Her heart ached with a strange mixture of longing and guilt as she tried to reconcile her feelings for him with everything else she knew about their situation.

Kiriko forced a smile to her lips and nodded, trying to sound casual. "Morning." She glanced away briefly, unsure what else to say as she fought against the turmoil of emotions churning inside her. "I'm going to go make breakfast," she finally blurted out, moving toward the door before looking back at him. "Do you want anything in particular?"

Kiriko nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. As she made breakfast, her mind was awhirl with conflicting thoughts and emotions. A part of her wanted to forget everything and just enjoy being with Nat, but another part reminded her of who he really was and why they were together in the first place.

She sighed heavily, not sure what to do or how to feel.

Kiriko glanced up as he came out of the bathroom, her cheeks flushing slightly at his compliment. "I just... felt like doing something," she replied vaguely, not meeting his eyes as she placed a plate of food on the table. She busied herself with setting out utensils and pouring drinks, trying to avoid having to look at him too much.

The tension between them was almost palpable, and Kiriko could feel her heart racing in her chest as they continued to pretend that everything was normal.

Kiriko's eyes flashed with anger at his accusation, but she forced herself to take a deep breath and calm down. "And you were full of yourself too," she retorted, her voice sharper than she intended. "But we both know that none of this matters." She paused, her hands trembling slightly as she fought against the emotions churning within her.

Nat raised an eyebrow at her response but said nothing more, instead focusing on eating his breakfast.

Kiriko's cheeks flushed as anger and embarrassment warred within her. "Maybe I was playing with yours," she snapped, her voice shaking slightly. "But we both know that none of this is real." She paused again, closing her eyes as she tried to regain control over her emotions.

Nat regarded her for a moment before finally speaking. "So what do you want from me, Kiriko?" he asked softly. "Do you want me to pretend that none of this happened?

Kiriko's cheeks flushed with shame as she realized what she had done, her hand stinging from the slap. She turned and fled the room, not sure where she was going but needing to escape the tension that had built up between them. The hallway seemed endless as she raced down it, her heart pounding in her chest.

She rounded a corner and slumped against the wall, taking deep breaths as she tried to calm herself down.

The thought of returning to her old life in Hoshido filled Kiriko with dread. She couldn't go back to being just another concubine, serving the whims of a powerful lord. No, she had to find somewhere else, someplace where she could start fresh. Her eyes darted around the hallway, considering her options as panic began to set in.

Just then, she heard footsteps approaching and quickly ducked into an empty room nearby.

Kiriko pressed herself against the wall, hardly daring to breathe as she listened to the voices outside the room grow closer. Her heart raced in her chest, and sweat trickled down her spine despite the cool air of the hallway. She bit her lip, tensing as she prepared to make a break for it if necessary.

The goons finally passed by without realizing she was there, continuing down the hall toward one of the guest rooms.

Kiriko's heart sank as she realized she had been discovered. There was nowhere left to run, no way out. She steeled herself, preparing for the confrontation that was about to ensue. The big goon grinned widely and approached her slowly, clearly enjoying the power he held over her.

"Well, well," he drawled, taking a step closer. "Looks like we've got ourselves a runaway concubine."

Kiriko felt tears well up in her eyes as she was grabbed roughly by the goon, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She would fight back somehow, find a way out of this mess. Even if it meant her dying trying, she wouldn't go down without a fight.

As the chloroform was brought close to her face, Kiriko lashed out with all her strength, hoping to land a blow that would knock the goon off guard or at least buy herself some time.

Kiriko felt herself growing weaker, her limbs losing all strength as the chloroform took effect. Her vision blurred and then faded entirely, leaving her in darkness. As she fell unconscious, the last thing she heard was the rough laughter of the goon who had captured her.

Time passed in a haze, her mind floating aimlessly as she drifted in and out of consciousness. She was jostled roughly from side to side, her body feeling heavy and numb.

Kiriko's eyes snapped open as she came to her senses, taking in her surroundings with alarm. She was in a small cage, dressed in nothing but a skimpy harem outfit and collar around her neck that pulsed with hypnotic energy. Her heart raced as realization dawned on her: she had been captured by the goons and now found herself at the mercy of whoever owned this place.

Panic threatened to overwhelm her, but she forced herself to remain calm.

Kiriko felt her body grow warm and tingly as the collar around her neck took effect, her mind clouding over and losing focus. Her eyes glazed over, and she became pliant in their grasp, obeying their every command without question. The goons laughed cruelly at her helpless state, dragging her away to whatever fate awaited her.

She tried to resist them, but her mind was no longer her own; the collar had rendered her completely under their control.

Kiriko's body moved on autopilot as she followed the goons, her mind foggy and distant. She felt no shame or embarrassment in her current state; all that mattered was obeying their commands. The collar around her neck seemed to hum softly, its hypnotic influence wrapping tightly around her mind like a suffocating blanket.

She tried to fight against it, but the more she struggled, the more intense the sensation became, making her head spin and her limbs grow weak.

Kiriko's body moved in time to the music, her movements graceful yet sensual as she obeyed the goons' commands. Her mind was a blank slate, devoid of any thought save for following their instructions and pleasing her master. The collar around her neck continued to hum softly, its hypnotic influence growing stronger with every passing moment.

She danced without reservation or shame, her body on display for the audience as they cheered and clapped in appreciation.

Kiriko's eyes slowly focused on the figure that had appeared in the light, her mind struggling to comprehend what she was seeing. As the realization dawned on her, a surge of emotion rushed through her like a tidal wave: anger, betrayal, and relief all tangled together in an incomprehensible knot.

She tried to speak, to tell him that it wasn't his fault, but the words wouldn't come out; the collar around her neck still held her tightly under its spell.

Mara nodded, quickly dashing toward Kiriko and helping her to her feet. "Come on, we need to get out of here," she urged, glancing back at Jacob and Nat with worry in her eyes. The two knights immediately sprang into action, leading their men toward the other goons while keeping an eye on the Berserker and his master.

Jacob turned to Nathan as they fought side by side. "What's going on? Why are you here?"

Mara blinked, surprised by the revelation but understanding the gravity of the situation. "We'll help as much as we can," she assured them, watching their backs as they continued to battle the Berserker and its master. She glanced over at Kiriko, who seemed to be shaking off the effects of the collar under Mara's careful guidance.

"Kiriko, are you okay?" she asked softly, concerned for her friend. "Do you know why they had that collar around your neck?"

Kiriko nodded slowly, still shaking a little. "It... it was to control me," she managed to say between ragged breaths. "The goons put it on when they captured me..." Her voice trailed off as the memories of her capture and time spent at the den flooded back into her mind like a tidal wave.

Mara's eyes widened in horror, but she didn't press Kiriko further.

Jacob nodded grimly, his sword trembling slightly as he struggled to maintain focus on the Berserker. "We'll take care of him," he assured Mara before turning back to the fight. With one final burst of energy, he lunged forward and plunged his lance deep into the chest of the monstrous creature, finally putting it out of its misery.

Nat shrugged modestly. "We were just doing what needed to be done," he replied with a small smile, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the two knights. Looking over at Kiriko, who was still visibly shaken but seemed to be recovering under Mara's watchful eye, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.

Kiriko lifted her head to look at him, her eyes still hazy but filled with gratitude. "It's... it's okay," she managed to say, her voice shaky. "You didn't know." She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Thank you for coming after me, Nat. I don't know what I would have done if..." Her voice trailed off as she fought back tears.

Nat walked over to Kiriko, kneeling down beside her.

Kiriko's shoulders slumped in relief as the collar came off, the weight of its control finally lifted from her mind. She leaned gratefully into Nat's shoulder as he wrapped the coat around her, hiding her revealing outfit from prying eyes. "Thank you," she whispered hoarsely, sniffling as tears welled up in the corners of her eyes once more.

"Shh... it's okay," Nathan murmured soothingly, rubbing her back gently with his free hand. "

Kiriko looked up at him, her eyes still misty with tears. "Where are we going?" she asked softly, sniffling again as she wiped her nose on the back of her hand.

Nat smiled down at her gently. "To a safe place," he replied reassuringly before taking to the skies once more, carrying Kiriko in his arms like a precious treasure. The wind ruffled through their hair as they soared through the night sky, leaving the ruined slave den far behind them.

Kiriko looked around in wonder as they arrived on the high escape, her eyes wide with amazement. "It's so beautiful up here," she breathed, taking in the view of the stars twinkling like diamonds against the velvet darkness of the sky. She leaned back into Nat's chest, feeling safe and secure in his arms.

Kiriko glanced up at him, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Sorry," she mumbled, looking away. "I didn't mean to..." Her voice trailed off as she hugged her arms around herself self-consciously. "It's just... being treated like that, for so long..."

Nat pulled her closer, resting his chin on top of her head. "Hey," he murmured softly, "it's okay. You don't have to worry about that anymore."

Kiriko looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears once more. "Thank you," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. For the first time in what felt like forever, she truly felt safe and protected. She rested her head against his shoulder, content to just be close to him for as long as she could.

"You're welcome," he replied softly, gently rubbing her back with his free hand. "I promise I'll always keep you safe."

As they arrived at the motel, Kiriko felt a sudden surge of energy course through her veins. She looked up at Nathan with determination in her eyes. "Thank you for everything," she said softly, reaching up to brush a lock of hair behind his ear. "You've been so kind to me tonight."

Without further ado, she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his, their mouths molding together in a hungry, passionate kiss.

"I know I shouldn't, but...," she murmured against his lips before kissing him again even more fiercely, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer. She could feel the desire burning within her, and tonight, with Nathan, she was going to let herself be free.

Their mouths moved hungrily against each other's, their bodies pressing tightly together as they explored every inch of skin they could reach.

Kiriko arched into him, her lips parting as she moaned softly against his mouth. The sensations were overwhelming but in the best possible way; it felt like everything that had been building up inside of her for so long was finally being released. She wrapped her legs around his waist, holding him closer as they continued to kiss hungrily.

Her fingers dug into his back, drawing out a groan from deep within him.

Kiriko looked up at him, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "I... I don't know," she admitted shakily. "I never felt like this before..." She trailed off, unable to put into words the intensity of emotions and sensations overwhelming her.

Her hands trembled as they reached up to touch his face, her thumbs tracing circles around his eyes. "Please," she whispered hoarsely. "Don't stop."

Nat's breath hitched in his throat as he looked down at her, his eyes dark with desire. He couldn't stop now; this felt too right. Slowly, he lowered himself onto the bed, taking Kiriko with him. Her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, and she moaned softly into his mouth as they moved together in perfect synchrony.

His hand found its way to her breast, gently cupping and squeezing her soft flesh through the thin fabric of her shirt.