《The Last Noble》


 The Beginning

    In the time of Ancient past the first of the gods was born. A soul who gained a conscience without a physical form. Despite all it was all its power as the first. It was bored. It wanted what had yet to exist. Companionship. The first beings it created were the prehistoric predators and massive herbivores of the past but they with the exception of the dragons and pack animals. Were incapable of the companionship the god wanted so he started over erasing everything but the dragons and some pack animals that would later become the beast tribes. Then he created the elves however the elves preferred companionship with the dragons and nature. So he created demons in his frustration they were and still are an amusing roudy bunch with tempers that could make a dragon run in fear. However they did not know progress only destruction and fun this angered the elves and dragons to stop this he created the angels to bring a bit of order in the demons lives contrary to common belief demons and angels compliment each other they are opposites that attract yet do not ever get too close as god warned that the mixing of races could create either greatness or total annilation. Eventually however god made the humans and dwarvess the dwarfs and humans were one and the same really just that one was better at understanding how and the other why. With this the main races were created. Everything went well until a human and elf interbread creating the first half elf.


    The half Elves at first were shunned but god saw great potential rather than total destruction so he decided to nurture them he claimed that an Elves gental nature with a humans limitless potential could create something of a saint. However their was an issue. Half Elves can not have offspring. So god said that the birth of half Elves should be celebrated however he left a warning that to love a half elf ment your bloodline will not continue. As such it became a rare occurrence. Still over a few centuries the number of Half Elves had reached 10000 or so not many but enough to start a small country where all Half Elves may love their own kind. It brought peace but it also brought the first war. Claiming land for a race had never been done before. Sure land was claimed but never at such a size never for a particular race this was the turning point. As war waged and the emotions of the many sentinent races brought about a new race of gods that were and still are based on desires, emotions, and logic.


    As the the gods became stronger a new war was waged against the first god. Many gods died but they succeeded. And then began to select races, tribes, or just different values in which the sentinent races would pray. And in exchange for the power given by prayer they may grant it if sincere. Meaning it appealed to their being.


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    It wasn''t long until they realized a humans pray brought so much more power. While the shortest lived race they always give the gods the most strength. And yet dwarfs did not even though they are so similar. It is because dwarfs understand how but do not normally question why. Humans always strive for why even before the have figured out how.


    Many wars were fought over humans but eventually they realized something as long as humans existed more gods would be born at a fast rate and that would only mean more wars. And so the beginning of the Fall happened. They declared humans to be a unworthy race of the gods. The gods declared they will no longer except prayers of humans and many gods of races even sent the other races to war. Only the Kitsu Clan cared. The Kitsu Clan are great hunters and intelligent philosophers yet they needed humans to be able to build houses because their hands are not yet evolved enough to do so......No thumps just stumps there.


    Part Two The Fall Of The Last King


    The king was worried very much so his armies could not last much longer and the barrier of the human lands was a temporary measure. It could only last 6 months at best not enough to raise a new generation of soldiers. His wife was nearing the final stages of pregnancy. If he was to be the last king so be it however he would rather burn in hell then let his bloodline end.


    Two months before the final battle that would mark The Fall The old king sent his child to the Kitsu Clan telling them to never reveal the heritage of the child to anyone not even the child herself. His little princess the old king kissed her fair well and walked toward s the final battlefield his entire army but a silent calm. Like a pond the moon shines down on the heavons towards it. Silent and sirene. The army marched to what would later be known as the battle of silence. Every man and woman caught to the bitter end their children promised refuge with the Kitsu Clan. While some where caught as slaves then bred as slaves the population of humans steadily increased. However only humans who bear the mark of the Kitsu Clan are truly free. After 4 generations of the kings bloodline with a bit of Kitsu blood in the young boy. A new king will rise a godslayer and godlover.


    Who said anything about a fall the beginning has only just started.

 chapter 2 The change

    The Change:


    A young boy of around the age of 11 currently stretching as hard as he could to reach the last apple on the tree. It was a special apple tree where only 10 fruit grow a year. And only 1 of those fruits contain the seed. The trees last for thousands of years and are indestructible by everything but the most ridiculously hot fires capable of turning the land into magma.


    The young boy hailed the name Sepheroth Edaat. He was named after an old story. The son of the first god who helped in creating the other worlds. The story is old and there are few things known except that he is the son of the first god, his name and his world shattering power. It is said the son was stronger than his father the first god. But other than this everything else is mere speculation.


    Sepheroth had yet to go through the transformation the Kitsu Clan went through at the age of 12. Sepheroth was fast approaching that age which is what brought him to the tree. It is said those that eat the seed during the transformation gain a much larger mana pool. The transformation takes many forms. Some forms are divine some demonic. Some are closer to human others to beast. However each member of the Kitsu Clan has one thing in common that never goes away. A bushy tail and cat like ears.


    Sepheroth currently looked more human than most Kitsu but that is what the goddess of the Kitsu Clan wanted so there was no issues. A small amount of discrimination. But humans and Kitsu got along very well. The small country of half ELF''s also sheltered humans. There race could not continue without them after all.


    The young Sepheroth had been taught magic and swordsplay from a very young age. However the one thing he never really had was a large mana pool. His mana regen was insane. But because his mana pool was small his best spell was only of the forth their. There are 20 tiers 20 being the highest 1 being the lowest. Most gods are around the 16 or 17th tier. 20 tier spells are basically world creation spells. While casting a 4th tier spell every 20 seconds was good and all. Most spells under the fifth tier are not kill spells mostly they are buffs minor heal spell or barriers. The best offensive magic of the forth tier is dark fire. Its basically a 3rd tier fireball except much hotter and it explodes on contact. However its still easily survivable with a first tier water shield.


    This seed would be his ticket to fame. Not that he really needed. No the real reason was for a young slave girl. Slaves in the Kitsu Clan are treated very well and likely always will. However disobeying orders will result in the post where offenders will be whipped other than this slaves do whatever the hell they want. They can even earn money to buy their freedom. That doesn''t necessarily mean they will keep it though. Its just you don''t have to follow orders any more. Actually their are two orders that a slave can defy one is to have sex but only if the girl has an actual lover. The other is to hand over earned money.


    The reason Sepheroth wanted the seed was so he could free a slave by the name of Aria. She is one of the most beautiful women in the entire continent. In fact the goddess of beauty even proclaimed that no man may touch such a beauty unless she herself approves. Doesn''t really change the fact that she is a slave. Because of that many men have tried and all advances ended up with the suiters screaming with a beastly agony that can only be described as inhuman.


    However Sepheroth had loved her long before her beauty bloomed. He was the only man who would talk to her. Also it was known that men with pure intentions could touch her but Sepheroth was and is still the only one who risks it.


    He did experience that very agony that many men went through however it was a time where both Sepheroth and Aria were caught up in the moment. One kiss was all it took and 17 days of torture insued it was terrible but not mind shattering the goddess had sensed the love but found him unworthy so while the pain was decreased considerably he still stole a kiss which increased the time of the curse. Normally it only lasts 3 hours


    .


    Sinse that day three years ago he has done everything to gain the goddesses approval. Except pray even though he was Kitsu his human blood made it impossible to pray to anyone but his patron goddess. He still talked and enjoyed his time with Aria but he had to be something worthy by the time of the transformation which is only in two months for her and literally just one day for himself. He had time but a very small amount of it. For him it was not a matter of her outer beauty when she was young she was often made fun of for being ugly even then he loved her.


    The Kitsu Clan ages twice as fast as humans. And get their transformation at 12 any of the more human forms look to be in their early 20s. Most Kitsu Clan however end up with a humanoid body completely covered in fur with no hair on the chest face and lower body parts. Most of them are stuck with mischievous smiles.


    Before they turn 12 however they look sort of elven with no hair anywhere but their head and tail.


    Sometimes you get varitions though. For example you could have someone look completely human with the ears and tail only now their eyes will be slited like a cats and a glowing golden. Many of this varient have a faint Aria that can only be noticed by the same or better varients. All the kitlings however can see it. That is what Sepheroth technically is...for another 13 hours or so.


    Finally Sepheroth being tired of trying to reach for the damn apple he decided to risk and jump hoping to get the apple and land on his feet.


    .....AHHHHHHGGUUUFFF...UGH fcking hurts." Sepheroth cursed. Well he retrieved the apple.... at the price of a bloodied head.


    Oh well time to go home. He decided to save the apple for his 12 birthday and eat the sead after the transformation starts the following hour.


    As he headed home he thought... Hell why not might as well buy that fcking sword. No one else seems to want the damn thing and I will be stripped of all my money after the transformation anyway. It was a sort of tradition in the Kitsu Clan that after you transform you must leave for a month with nothing but the clothes on your back and any 1 weapon you may bring. Its a supposed to be away for you to train in peice. To master your knew body but generally only the very rare variants ever actually needed to leave the two common varients didn''t notice much change accept a power increase that wasn''t really much and could easily be controlled after just 3 or 4 days. Still the tradition stands.


    The sword was made from the rarest form of mytheral platinum mytheral. Iron mytheral was rather common all you needed to do was pump magic into it for about a month and it becomes basic mytheral that really can''t get any better unless you remove the impurities during smithing which doesn''t change it much other than make it a little sharper and shinier. Next on the food chain of mytheral in strength and rareness is star ore. Star ore is the equivalent of basic iron mytheral in its shiny pure state. However star mytheral is completely different. It takes on a moonlight Aurora. It is by far the most valuable of the mytheral weapons because it boosts magic and is the best sword for a magic swordsman.


    However, it still isn''t the strongest although star mytheral is the rarest. Platinum Mytheral is indestructible and can only be forged in volcanoes by literally dipping the metal in the volcano for 10 seconds then pouring magic in. You have to do this for about two weeks although not exactly the rarest of metals and easy to make the metal actually forging it is difficult because you have to forge it during the final cool down. It will take approximately 5 hours to cool to the point where forging is no longer possible. As a result almost all swords made from platinum mytheral are just big ass slabs of metal with a somewhat sharp edge. The sword he wanted really wasn''t that different however unlike most this sword had an very beautiful artwork on engraved on the side. It had a ton of beautiful glyphs that was from a language no one really seemed to know so it was labeled as artwork. Sepheroth knew better though despite the beauty those were clearly runes.


    The written language of magic was said to be forgotten the only known fact is that you had to pour magic in for it to work. Each glyph stood for an entire word. That sword was not ment be just a sword. It was also a book. That said upon closer inspection after arriving at the shop. The sword itself was slightly thinner than normal the edge was sharp enough to draw blood if a fingure were to be dragged across very unusual still it wasn''t really that sharp if it was not for the massive weight of the blade these could never be used in battle because the simply are not deadly enough. If he put light pressure on the blade with his figure it would not cut only if he dragged it across with a little more pressure did his skin break. Definitely better than most platinum blades hense the higher price. Currently the price stood for 47 gold and 38 silver. Rather cheep compared to the other completely mytheral blades but still expansive. He would not really have much money left. Since armor would be provided tomorrow and his money was to be taken not really much point in not spending it. Oh yea the money taken is never returned.


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    They use that money towards the treasury for the kingdom sort of like a one time tax thing. Its the only time the king collects tax the only occasion this rule is broken is during either a few years of famin or war. The reason people are taxed during famin is actually for the purpose of helping them get back on their feet by buying seed for farming wizards to mend the land. While farming was relatively advanced every 20 years or so the drought would come followed by the moonswing. Which is similar to a hurricane except flooding is about 3 feet high for miles. During this time the only food available is bread rice and occasionally a bit of meat. Many people starve though none die of starvation it is a time of weakness for the Kitsu Clan.


    Sepheroth bought the sword and retuned home. Deciding to try and prove his theory Sepheroth quickly pulled out some pen and parchment. Dipping the pen in ink he began to copy the symbol while pouring ink into it. Trying to simply write was difficult it was like some invisible force prevented him from moving more than centimetres at a time the hole while he poured his mana in at a steady rate just under his max regeneration rate. There aren''t any stats in this world their are ranks but that is it really. Status plates existed but once again it was basically an idea card that stated basic info and perhaps a few achievements.


    After what seemed like 30 minutes but was actually 12 hours and 25 minutes. He bagan to get a slight headache but just finished before anything else he activated it a pure white flame appeared consuming the paper in his hands and then catching his hands. However it was just warm. Unfortunately it seemed the flames would not go away until all the magic used in the ruin ran its course.


    The headache came back forcing Sepheroth to come back to the present he looked outside and saw the moon.


    " FCK how long has it been." Sepheroth yelled clearly panicked. A massive pain yanked his body back and forth like a seizure. Sepheroth grabed the apple. Despite his firey hands the apple just seemed to shine a little brighter not burn. Chase bit into the apple. It brought a breaf moment of relief than the change continued he bit once more. This circle of pain and momentary bliss continued until he finally ate the core then the pain skyrocketed.


    Sepheroth blacked out. A sign the change was in the final changes. It was morning when the he blacked out from the screens throughout the night that only ended just now. A few decided to check on him. People go mad through the change so usually only family or close friends are aloud near after the change.


    Sepheroths parents are dead. So Aria was the only one to rush to Sepheroths hut. Much to the dismay of a few admirers yet to give up. As Aria walked towards Sepheroths bedroom and opened the door the...Man? Angel? Well whatever it was was slumped over on the floor. Aria had a hard time excepting this was him. That this was her Sepheroth he was way to different his tail had even changed.his cad ears remained the same. But his tail was no long very long and whip like. It had sedated blades along it with a sharp spade at the end he now had wing feathery and soft to the touch. One bitch black the other pure white. Black wings are the marks of the fallen but white is the mark of the messengers of gods. Most angels had black wings preferring to live with demons rather than gods. Gods are to picky they often said being a race capable of killing gods but really to nice to do so unless pisst off the gods let the insults slide mostly because they were kind of right. And honesty was a general trait they as a race tended to be blunt with.


    Aria was more shocked when she saw his face. It was very well beautiful his now long white hair and black bangs that seemed to cover his face. Interestingly his wings seemed to be transparent it Aria pushed a little her hand went through. That''s when it her.


    " my god they are made of mana," she whispered.


    Slowly the wings began to fade until they are only barely visible. And even then only the black wing can be seen.


    Sepheroth began to stir in his sleep. His serrated blades on his tail seemed to retract inwords.


    Sepheroth opened his eyes to a beautiful site. Sepheroth smiled and Aria took an quick inhale of breath. With quite the look of astonishment.


    Sepheroth began to panic at this but still remained calm. He feared he became ugly or something that was until aria began to lean in her breath seemed rather quick.


    Sepheroth smile returned and simply said" Aria,"


    Aria kissed him he kissed back. The pain following was intense it literally burned his very soul Sepheroth simply looked upwards smirked and kissed Aria long and slow. The pain kept getting worse but he refused to let Aria see that.


    " does this hah hah hah mean that she approves"Aria asked her hands around his neck.


    " no she doesn''t but I don''t care your mine," Sepheroth said at this point the pain reached all time heights he could feel the goddess of beauties anger and also some jealousy but mostly anger at her hurt pride. The goddess of beauty hated when this happened it has only ever happened 4 times but each time no matter what she does she cannot give the girl she blessed the perfect husband. Though admittedly those woman seem to have good enough taste in men hense the jealousy.


    The Goddess of Beauty is named Cloreese. And she wanted to fry that mans soul into nothingness. However after attacking it she realized she could only bring very powerful pain however for someone like him pain is pretty much meaningless so she continued the assault focasing her entire being towards destroying the soul. Soul destruction is a spell between the 13th and 19th circle. Cloreese was of the 15th circle. His soul was simply to strong. Even the weakest of souls are at least the 15th circle and his was by no means weak.


    She screamed in fury at his smug look. She can not attack his physical body as it exsisted in another plan of existence but her followers are a completely different story. Still she isn''t petty to go after the girl no this was just her and this A hole. Her sister the goddess of love just stared at her with a disappointed frown.


    Before they could go any further Sepheroth decided it was time to leave before they got more heated. The soul is at its weakest during sex because a portion of the soul is syphoned in order to create the child though if the child fails to exsist the soul fragments return within the hour. After the child is born the the parents souls regenerate. And the new soul merges with one in search of a body. Those a knew existence is born and the old sole forgets all memories.


    " Goodbye beloved I will see you again before your change," Sepheroth rubbed her head gave quick kiss and got up to leave not even stopping to check his appearance cause he just didn''t care he was happy.


    Aria looked longingly from behind at the bride back with those transparent wings and swaying tail. The massive sword strapped across the side of his back just above his tail.


    " Come home safe," she whispered.


    "I will," and he walked put the door with that crazy smile of his.


    Aria smiled " crazy idiot,"


    <hr />

 To Die Another Day

    The elder of the small town came forth as Sepheroth walked out of his small hut that he inherited from his parents.


    " Good day elder," Sepheroth said his fist over heart. Standing tall and proud.


    " Yes... Good day lad. I have never seen a varients such as yourself in fact I don''t think I have ever seen a winged varient. Though their are records that their have been winged varients. Never thought I''d live to see one."


    " Sir...Wings?" Sepheroth asked politely while trying to have a look at his back.


    " boy have you even seen your appearance yet," the Elder said a little perplexed for most that would be the first thing they would do the only exceptions were...Ah, thought the Elder with a mischievous grin


    " So boy or should I say MAN who is the lucky lady," The Elder said.


    Sepheroth blushed looked at an interesting peice of grass over in that one corner. Such a nice green blade of grace.


    Getting over his delusions Sepheroth quickly took a step back put the key in the door locked it knowing that she could get out the back way Sepheroth knew very well that she had been listening through the door apparently so did Eldar. He then looked the eldar straight in the eye.


    " I have no idea what your talking about," Sepheroth stated at this point a rather large crowd was gathered.


    Bystander 1 " hoho lads finally got himself a girl so who is the lucky girl?"


    Bystander 2 " come on then spit it out you know lying to the Eldar is a serious crime."


    Bystander 2 is hit with a frying pan.


    " hey gran why don''t you tell everyone here who you slept with last night fcking cheater." Mysterious woman 1 shouts.


    Mysterious woman 2 " NOOOO don''t hurt him." Clingy mysterious woman 2 shouts holding bystander 2 Gran.


    2 hours of ensuing chaos later.


    Phew glad that''s over, Sepheroth thought.


    In the End no one figured it out who was in his house well people could guess but because of the curse on Aria they assumed it was unlikely. Or perhaps it was both a blessing and a curse.


    Currently he was being fitted with some new rather cheap leather plated armor. He asked for all Black and a green gray cloak if possible.


    The result was better than he expected. His wings being made of mana did not require slits in the clothes. Baggy black Cargo like pants that had steel plates stitched inside the clothing converting the new a portion of the thigh and the shin. Sephoroths steel toed black combat boots made from a snake skin of sorts perhaps gator. Covered his Achilles heel and the boot stopped just above the ankle. The back of the boot had a metal half oval at the bottom of the boot with a relatevily sharp spike. For Sephoroths upper torso a simple black leather vest with slaves that reached a little past his forarm. It fit skin tight showing off his muscles underneath. His armor had one silver steel chest plate that covered his entire upper chest.


    The cloak was a bit different it was a much suppior armor. It was sort of a gift for being the first winged varient in over a two centuries.


    The cloak was mad of a special spider silk that was indestructible once treated correctly. In its wild form a flame is required to cut it. However using a white hot flame on it the using ice magic made the string virtually indestructible. That step was only done after the silk had been weaved into something. However wearing the silk didn''t mean the wearer is safe. It is very weak to blunt force also if a sword is sharp enough While not piercing the cloak the sharp sword will simply take the cloak with it. A good way to keep your sword clean some say. Its strength is magic resistance and slashing attacks. Its widely used and has saved lots of lives however the silk does have limits.


    For example the cloak tends to have stain issues how do you clean something that''s indestructible. Very difficult it takes very high class water magic and a shit ton of percition. This would require a mage of at least the 9th circle the strongest mortal has only ever reached the 13th circle. To give you an idea.


    Within each circle their is 4 ranks just a little further separation so I''m reality their are 80 ranks. A person in the 9 the circle could never beat someone from the 10th circle at that persons own game. However a 9th circle rank D has a slight chance of beating a 9th rank A.


    Anyway to fix the stain issue. As Sepheroth did not really know any strong enough water spells. His manna pool could probably allow for something of at least the 11th circle right now if he was any good at estimating. Sepheroth had the cloak died a green gray pattern this would also help make him invisible. When in the forest. Camouflage if you will.


    Sepheroth took his first steps out the village only to be hugged by behind.


    He turned around to see Aria already walking away as if it never happened hell the people who saw it pretended it didn''t happen it was really to quick to be anything more than a goodbye to a friend. But Sepheroth knew better. As did Aria.


    Aria saw Sepheroth taking his first steps towards the mountains dark forest. Many did not survive the trail. Though only 2 in 10 actually died it was enough to be worried. Aria did a light jog towards him to not draw suspicion. Gave him a quick very strong hug from behind and walked away. The villagers saw her face and decided not to Catcall on this. That hug was far to serious it was a farewell. And a promise to meet again.


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    To Die Another Day.


    Two weeks into the trail Sepheroth figured out a few things. One his body was a fcking war machine. Two magic in his body seemed to flow backwards which was extremely weird. Normally such a thing would kill a man but it just felt alien to Sepheroth. Sepheroth took to studying the runes after figuring out the meaning of 10 runes he attempted to desiphire it. Apparently there was no real meaning just a bunch of spells and stray runes carved into the blade that are pretty much rechargeable meaning unlike written runes they don''t disappear after use just pour in mana and boom your done.


    Still he learned extensively or the written magic language. It wasn''t everything but he was now at least fairly knowledge able.


    There was actually only or perhaps a little over 200 symbols used in various combinations its sort of like a code. Not an actual language. Each symbol means what you wish it to mean within its limits. For example fire could not be water but fire could be a fireball, a spark, a Firewall, a Fire tornado hell a fire slash. Its only limits are the mind of sentinent life whatever sentinent life can''t think of it can not do. Another interesting thing is that those who know the meaning of the runes can understand what the other magician is trying to comply sort of like having what info directly downloaded into the brain if that helps anyone.


    The month is almost up. Sepheroth is currently heading back with a large bag full of pelts. He could fly back and be there in about 6 hours but then he would be a week early no point in that then is there.


    "Gurururaaaal," a deep primal growl could be heard.


    A beast had stepped out of the bushes it had many battle scars. It was a black dragon. Black dragons are dragons that have literally lost all sentinent thoughts. Occasionally there is one capable of thought but those are only the really old ones. And their more trouble than dragon kings. Luckily this one is still young so Sepheroth has a decent chance of survival.


    Sepheroth drew his sword a dark silver Aurora covered his body the dragon lunged. Sepheroth rolled slashing his sword at the beast leg in the possess. Only a vary minor flesh wound appeared sort of like a really deep paper clip it stings like a bitch but other than that it cab just be ignored. And that''s exactly what the black dragon did then he breathed the blue fire of the savage dragon clan.


    " Guess he isn''t just a beast if he knows blue dragon fire," he said aloud while erecting a barrier.


    It seemed the dragon heard that and growled in confirmation. But still it was a part of the savage clan just because it was a little smarter doesn''t mean its not going to attack. Black dragons of the savage clan love their prey to fight them to the death nothing gives them more thrill. Unfortunately the only worthy prey are SS class monsters which are very rare. Very powerful varients of the sentinent races, like himself. Or dragons few if any dragons canalised their own kind no matter how much of a beast they where even if they had no mind the form of respect every dragon gets after the defeat by another dragon its cremation. If a dragon dies by something else like old age, disease, but most likely in battle with the wrong opponent that is the only time a dragon will eat his kind its also a form of respect. Prey left dead to rot is cruel to the dragons.


    Sepheroths sword did nothing more than many shollow cuts but it was wearing down the dragon. Sepheroth had a few broken ribs but nothing too serious.


    The dragon used its tail to pulveriz Sepheroth into a tree. Sepheroth flee upwards after the initial strike did a flip then came down sword swinging. The dragon attempts to swipe him down while in the air normally this would work. But Sepheroths got wings he changes paths in mid air and lands sword first into the dragon


    Sword stuck between the wings the dragon collapses.


    The dragon is still alive and will likely survive if he leaves now. But mercy without reason is dishonorable in the dragon world this is especially true with the savage clan other dragon clans would normal answer with...It Immused Me.... Savage dragons however required a better reason or they would hunt you down as an entire clan. Well the exception being a beast without thought. It may have just not been hungry.


    He went down to the dragon I chose mercy because I don''t want to haul your huge ass withe for a week got it.


    The dragon tilted his head as if in thought looked at the size of his opponent then said" I suppose if I was your size I would not either. Then to Die Another day."


    " I suppose so," Sepheroth said.


    In this world to die another day are the words of warriors lovers and above all they are used at the end of every fight you survive. The reason was simple. To live another day was considered a jinx those who said these words always died first and are also considered cowards for fearing death.


    To die another day the words that every warrior says in his final moments.

 Dancing the Dance of Death

    Sepheroth looked up towards the moonlit sky. In the distance. A campfire was currently smoldering. The light it gave off was dim with no smoke. A very common light of a controlled camp fire. Most however would not camp with an open fire in these lands which made Sepheroth curious. It is well known the beast that reside in this part of the forest are dangerous to all but the Kitsu clan and even then the Kitsu still die despite being on decent relations. With the intelligent beasts.


    Sepheroth took flight mostly out of curiosity. Gently he landed on a tree. Observing from the tree tops it looked to be a large party of around 50. Only one campfire was set. It seems the fire was actually set to give a bit better sight and maybe a little protection from the weaker animals. Approximately 10 people seemed to be on gaurd. Each had a clear sight of one another.


    These people obviously had the experience of veteran soldiers. Many people might think a party of 50 so close to the Kitsu Clan''s village is a threat. In reality 50 people in a party is actually common around here. It just goes to show you how dangerous these woods are. The good news is the strongest monster is only an S class that being a savage dragon. However the weakest is still A class basically this means even the weakest monster in this forest could wipe out half their party if they are not careful.


    The classes are an interesting subject for those that don''t know. Each class has 4 ranks. Example an A class Rank 1 could never beat an S class. However an A class Rank 4 could beat an S class Rank 1. After


    S class their is SS then SSS. After that is X and Finally unmeasurable. Those with unmeasurable are usually considered gods at the same time they could be as weak as a mouse but have some special ability that gives them the class. A good example of an unmeasurable is the old Wizard Gremlis. Gremlis has the ability to slow or even stop time. Gremlis himself without the ability could only be considered an S class at best but the Ability makes him unmatched.


    After further examination of the group he saw a carriage of sorts. It had people inside though they weren''t in the usual shackles it was obvious these people are slaves. Dirty clothes grimy skin. Despite this it seems the slaves are well fed and given proper bedding. Contrary to common belief not all slavers are bad. Some join the business to make sure the slaves end up with good owners and are treated well. It is likely this caravan will be sold to the Kitsu Clan.


    Although its always good to be on the safe side. While there are good slavers their are also bad ones many of the bad ones act good and then plunder your a village after gaining your trust. This gave birth to a saying among the slaves, slavers and common folk.


    Never trust a slaver. The good ones seem bad and the bad ones seem good. Do your business and with a knife in your pocket.


    It was good advice. So Sepheroth decided to follow it.


    Sepheroth hopped upwards in the air flew upwards about five feet then dive bombed towards the ground. Upon landing he created a Crater. It effectively woke everyone up


    Before they could draw their weapons Sepheroth commanded in a very loud deep voice.


    "State your Business you are Currently a days ride From Kitsu Village and You Are on Kitsu Land Without sending A letter of Notice."


    Some of the soldiers seemed to relax when they heard I was Kitsu however the older ones Tensed a little.


    " how do we Know your Kitsu. I know they have rare varients but I never heard a Kitsu With Dem wings before."


    These people are Cat beast men after closer Examination. The Cat People only live to be about 50 years on average their oldest being around 65 their lifespans are a little shorter than the average human so it is sort of expected they wouldn''t know.


    "You are correct to be wary. The last winged Kitsu lived over a hundred years ago only the oldest of our clan remember them. If you remember our average lifespan amount Kitsu is around 200 to 300 years the rarer varients like myself tend to live a little longer. So State your Business."


    As you can see we are Slavers. Slaves. Sell well in the Kitsu Clan. Besides I don''t know if you heard of our races reputation but we only stay in one place for a few days at most we have no homeland everywhere is our land. You leave us alone we leave you alone." An older man in his mid 40s it seemed.


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    That was true enough the cat clan among the beast races are well known slavers amongst one of the more trustworthy groups. They hate the idea of slavery but they hate humans more for inventing it. As a result they feel they are giving humans a taste of their own medicine they really don''t hurt the slaves however that doesn''t mean they won''t give one or two a quick death to make an example. Basically the cat Clan is both the half elves and the Kitsu Clans biggest slave trader. They are probably the only trustworthy salvers. Well they do occasionally raid towns but its rare. Especially amongst their two biggest buyers.


    "Fine I will allow passage however at the gate you will hand over all weapons. We will return them after you leave. You will each be aloud to carry one hidden knife for protection purposes."


    This was the common rule almost every Kitsu village and city followed these rules.  Only members of the Kitsu Clan may have weapons on them.


    " Very well," the Eldest of the group replied.


    1 day later.


    Sepheroth had returned to the village 1 day ahead of schedule. Normally this would not be aloud but at Sepheroths mention of slave traders arrival within 4 hours they quickly ushered him to the elder.


    So boy what can you tell me about them." The elder asked in his husky voice


    " Standard 50 person party one Slave Carriage race Cat Beast Man. Leader Is an older man in his mid 40s rather well muscled despite age has several battle scars he weilds a large scythe.


    "Hmm. Thought members of the tiger clan died out. Well its likely he''s a varient."


    Tiger Clan?" Sepheroth asked.


    "Yes a very dangerous Clan they were whiped out by humans long ago. They live a little longer than the oldest of humans never lose their strength due to age. Its likely that like yourself the mixing of racial blood caused him to become a tiger clan varient. We should be Cautious."the elder explained.


    " Yes Elder," Sepheroth said and left to prepare for battle.


    Before that he went to Aria''s house. After three knocks he walked in.


    Aria was passed out on the couch. There are a few other people in the room all passed out several bottles of hard liquor lie on the ground.


    Seems a party happened last night. Sepheroth gave aria a gental kiss on the head and began cooking breakfast. At the smell a few people roused. They were all girls when they saw Sepheroth he put a figure to his lips as well as a smile.


    They got the message and left one walked up and whispered. You get her lover boy.


    Will do Sepheroth replied.


    " oh yea last night Steven got drunk and kissed your girl he still passed out honestly I feel sorry for him he was twitching for 3 hours."


    Pfft serves him right I''m not about to get mad at an idiot who was drunk and all ready got his punishment. Sepheroth thought with a smile.


    "Can you girls get that idiot home I''ll give you one of my famous omletes tomorrow." At this the girls got a little excited. Everyone knows that his omelet are to die for.... Literally he has had people kill each other over an omelet as a result he stopped selling them.


    They basically ran to steven and started dragging him to his house his head hit several things on the way out.


    ....he is going to have a hell of a hangover'' Sepheroth thought bringing his famous omelet to Aria waving it over her nose until she got a good wiff.


    ..,..................................


    Aria smelled something good and began to wake up because of her hunger.


    Upon open her eyes she went wide awake in front of her was Sepheroth she squeeled and hugged him Sepheroth barely managing to keep the omelet from falling on the ground while laughing he patted her head.


    "Let''s eat quickly. There are some slavers who will be here in a few hours you need to be battle prepared." She looked serious for a few seconds then said.


    "Okay."

 Dancing the Dance of Death Part 2

    I would have posted this chapter sooner but it seems like my fellow writers had a burst of inspiration....either that or they saw a bunch of people posting a lot of chapters and decided to get off their lazy ass...Ehem without further ado


    _______________________________________


    Aria had gotten ready wearing a rather basic light armor several hidden daggers are concealed on her person. Aria also had a short Sword and a heavy metal gauntlet that was used for blocking. The gauntlet was equipped with Three metal claws only about 6 inches long but deathly sharp.


    Aria could not help but love Sepheroth. He constantly looked out for her. Would do anything for her. Well that was most people actually. The real reason Aria liked Sepheroth is when they were kids he was the only one that talked to her. See back then Aria was considered very ugly to say the least. Sepheroth had told her he liked her all the way back then. He said to him looks didn''t matter he had called Aria a beautiful person. He gave her a mistreated slave who is only 15% Kitsu everything. Her confidence, her smile, her love, her trust.


    Currently her transformation should be happening in a month. Aria could not help but worry. If her transformation was something hideous even with Sepheroths kindness and gental nature there is always a limit. Even the sweetest man will have a point where they can not get past the physical. And Aria is afraid. In order to transform a member of the Kitsu Clan needs at least 25% Kitsu blood For a stable transformation. And they won''t transform if they have less then 10% in their blood. Her transformation will be unstable to say the least to put it more bluntly its going to be extremely painful. Even the pure bloods scream in pain during the transformation. At around 50% the pain is to the point where you pass out. Sepheroth went through this at 25% for the first 5 hours Aria had heard its like being tortured with smolder knife cutting your flesh muscle by muscle but then during the following 4 hours its like floating on a relaxing cloud. That relaxing cloud feeling is the only reason 25% is considered stable because once you go below 25% people tend to lose their minds. Once you go to 11-13% has very minor changes and the changes happen over the course of a month so it was like teeth growing. But her she had to get the absolute worst of the lot. 15% was the exact percentage known to kill people. Sepheroth did not know she was a 15% Kitsu blood. It was the only lie she ever told him. She said she was a 14% . 14% was the most painful but it was relatevily quick like a werewolf under the full moon. Lasted only 30 minutes. 15% lasted  on average 5 hours.


    Aria could see the caravan pulling up.  Sepheroth had gone to meet them with elder. You could see an exchange of money. The big muscular Cat man waved his hand over to one of the other muscular cat man. The Elder was obviously nervous you could literally see it like a fog coming out of his body it was bad the Cause was starting to get nervous.


    Only 3 slaves are actually bought. In reality here in the Kitsu Clan kingdom we treat them as serfs. Everyone just calls them slaves though. Not really a real reason we could call them serfs but it just never really stuck.


    The rest of the slaves would be sold throughout the kingdom. The three slaves are all female. Currently our female population is on the lower side. In the youngest generation of children their is a high amount of females however the population will still end up unbalanced. The Serfs for better word are aloud to choose their husbands. In other words what''s really going to happen is a bunch of single men are gonna ask for the women''s hand in marriage. The Kitsu Clan is Known for their ridiculous way of asking for marriage. In other words we are waiting for the comedy to begin.


    The slaver stocked up on bread dried meat and and hey for the Rhichcross. It looks sort of like a Rhino except its covered in scales has a long tail and is an omnivore. Meaning it will eat meat if it can.


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    Shortly after the caravan continued their journey. Guess its true they never stay in one place too long.


    Its getting late now with all this business so Aria decided to return home.


    ________________________________________


    After the Caravan left the gates to the village were closed. Then a gaurd was put in place 25 guards to be exact. Sepheroth had made sure this happened after they had left the Elder had said every single one of them are tiger clan. That didn''t really worry me they themselves didn''t seam to be aware of it. In fact they seemed kinda well... slow.


    Then it began just like Eldar predicted the thing was this was no raid. It was a Fcking invasion. At least 10''000 strong. Our force consisted of maybe 300 soldiers none of them are very well experienced in battle. We only have Around 20 magic users. Kitsu Clan isn''t really known for their magic abilities.


    It the ancient past the Kitsu Clan used to be known as the fox people but as new Varients were born and old ones died out they ceased looking like foxes even among the pure breads their is only 6 known fox Kitsu. Often called the immortal 6.these 6 have amazing magic capabilities


    '' if only one was here right now,'' Sepheroth thought


    This army screened their war cries as they charged the walls that''s when they realized a second thing this wasn''t tiger Clan it was Moon Tribe. Savage wolves that had been waring with The Kitsu for over 3000 years. To have gathered such a force was nearly impossible. The largest band ever recorded was 300. This is an outrageous amount.


    Sepheroth then came to a decision. One that was a now or never. He abandoned the gaurd of the wall and quickly told everyone to flee. Then he reached Arias house. He barged inside Aria was in the middle of a nap it seemed curled up like a cat this rather cute image didn''t really fit the atmosphere.


    Sepheroth shook Aria awake" WE NEED TO LEAVE NOW BRING SOME FOOD A WATER SKIN AND SOME SPARE CLOTHES WE ARE BEING INVADED BY THE MOON TRIBE."


    ________________________________________


    Someone shook Aria awake violently. It was Sepheroth he had a serious look and quickly told me to grab my necessities.


    " How many?" Was all she asked.


    "10,000 strong we are retreating to the capital. The soldiers are going to hold them off until the civilians


    Evacuate. Once at the capital holding off 10,000 moon tribe should be easy for now defending the village is a lost cause  if you have your water skin let''s go," Sepheroth answered in a very frantic voice.


    As soon as they stepped outside Sepheroth grabbed Aria by the waist and took flight. His wings are not really used to this much weight or to be more accurate his mana supply was not big enough nor efficient enough to get them more than a fee miles.


    Aria saw several Arrows fly past them through the air. The Village was obviously on fire.


    After they descended on a hill. They could clearly see the Carnage as Death Dance its dance of Death.


    It made Aria hurl and Sepheroth grimaced as he pulled out three arrows in his back they are already healing.


    It seemed they weren''t the only ones to escape at least half the village managed we formed a group that quickly went to the capital. You either kept up with the main group or you are left behind. Sepheroth chose isolation from the main group. When dealing with the Moon Tribe the best way of dealing with them is either speed or isolation and ultimately guerrilla warfare was the best if once again you are good enough.


    With this Aria and Sepheroth set out towards the capital.

 insanity follows

    (Authors Note: hey guys been a while. Been trying to join the military did well on the test only a few more to do before basic training anyways without further ado a very long chapter as an apology)


    Sepheroth and Aria had been on their way to the capital for about a month now. Arias transformation would be happening soon. He did not want it to happen in the woods.


    Aria was becoming more worried about her transformation it was now no longer a worry about Sepheroth disliking her. It was now a fear of who she would be once it was over.


    Because of the worry Aria decided to give herself to Sepheroth 2 nights before the change.


    Sepheroth was sleeping when he noticed aria joining him. He gave her a hug to his surprise she gave home a deep kiss.


    " Are you sure?" Sepheroth asked. He wasn''t a dense idiot he knew where this will lead.


    "Yes. I lied too you Seph My bloodline its...15%," Aria held her breath waiting for a response one she did not expect. At least not like that.


    In response to this Sepheroth''s face hardened. Then he tackled Aria. A very long night then ensued. It was pure despite the lustfulness involved.


    ________________________________________


    The next morning Sepheroth got up And put out the camp fire. Which was now at a low smolder.


    He woke Aria up and they continued to the capital.


    The journey was relatively silent. There was no need for words when all you needed was that one persons company. They used flight the entire journey as it was faster. It also ment a close embrace....heh thought Sepheroth I am good.


    Despite the fact that Sepheroth Knew his soul was at risk. He still decided to go ahead and please Aria. It may be their last chance. Surprisingly there was. Not an ounce of pain.


    ________________________________________


    Gods Realm at time of Well that.


    "Hrrrmmphhhh hmmmmmph mmmmm," the goddess of beauty muffly cried through the gag.


    "Hooooo trying to destroy a soul is a big No no little sis. So now we shall commense divive punishment.


    Guards open her up. Prepare the Divine Love/torture machine."


    "Mooooommmmmmpphhh," translation NOOOOOOOOOOO.


    The guards pulled some cranks and the ropes spread her wide. The an odd machine was then placed forth it looked sort of like a siege weapon designed to break does but not Quite as big also many times more Advanced.


    "Ready....BEGIN," Goddess of love said with a very creepy smile.


    And so the legend of thunder and rain being the sound of the gods crying came to be...........


    BUBUBUBBUBUBUBOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM......


    SPRAYS down from the heavens in total exticy.


    AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.


    ________________________________________


    ......A worldwide increase in population seemed to happen......


    ________________________________________


    Sepheroth and Aria had made it too the capital obviously they were not the first despite the flight. One of the advantages to being alone is less urgency because a group travels slower than just one man.


    The city was Very Amazing in fact it was ruled by one of the Immortals.....who also happened to be near the gate at Sepheroths Arrival.


    Sepheroth was extremely Surprised too see an immoral in the flesh. Kind of intimidated too. The immortals were all 9 tailed fox women. Technically their was a male immortal but as he was the goddesses husband they just elevated his status too god hood. Immortals were around the 15th their basically mid lvl gods in there own right sort of a fail safe should the goddess or her husband die. Her race would still continue. Actually every race even the Humans have immortals in case there god dies. However the immortal of the human race is different from the other Immortals he/she Rencarntes repeatedly. Its a way for him to essentially be the new god of humans. Every life time his soul and body becomes stronger in the next life. Sometimes he is not even born in human reincarnation. He generally has his/her memories each life though unless it endangers himself/herself.


    Anyway the Immortal instantly took a liking to the winged varient not because of love no let''s just say she has had very pleasant experiences with them.


    Currently though she was busy teaching magic and Training soldiers for the war.


    Sepheroth could see many people using magic without runes. It was actually fairly common. Only those without natural abilities needed runes. However runes are many times more powerful.


    They rented a tent as housing was full and talked about the past. It was a sad sombrence. The atmosphere heavy. That night the screening began according to tradition interference is not aloud for good reason too. As Sepheroth was about too find out.


    When Sepheroth tried to hold her she clung so tightly his own bones started to fracture and break. His healing abilities were increased so he would be fine in about two days but still it was painful. Then she bit his neck drawing blood and begin drinking. Her tail rapped around his body. And slowly she transformed. She gained 5 bushy tails a very adult body and dark crimson eyes very beautiful. She had just become a fox varient. Although she wasn''t immortal status. 6 tails was considered extremely powerful. She would likely gain more tails as she aged and trained.


    Aria finally awoke she felt very different. Both physically and mentally firstly what really scared her was her emotions were almost completely gone. The only reason she was aware they weren''t was because A. She just felt fear at the loss B. Despite her lower emotional compacity. Her feelings for Seph although almost gone were still their. To make sure she kissed him. A wave of emotion washed over her. But when she let go it was gone.


    In other words Without Sepheroth she was just A monster without emotion.


    She looked in the mirror and gasped. She was A true Kitsu varient something only pure bloods can be. Currently true kitsues numbered 6 the immortals 9 if you include the goddess her husband and the newest true Kitsu. Normally when a true Kitsu is born shortly after they are killed by outside forces before they gain power. True kitsus  have a habit of trying too conquer the world especially when they just transform. The only ones who are spared are those with lovers. They tend to retain emotions when in love meaning less power hunger. More trying to figure shit out.


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    Looking at Seph Aria slept beside him his heartbeat was a bit slow but then he was sleeping she did not even consider blood loss since no wounds showed and he was nibbling on her ear which gave her overwhelming love towards him.


    Later people came to check the tent. Only too shout that a true Kitsu has been born. The immortal of the city quickly made her way too the True Kitsu to ensure its safety.


    Apparently it wasn''t necessary she was currently making soup for people like nothing happened.....


    People thought it was a little strange but then they remember the winged varient in the tent with her the rumors spread and it just clicked.


    The two were lovers. Simple as that and considering he was a winged Varient it would be at least 300 years before he passed away plenty of time for The True Kitsu to stabilize the rationalized.


    Actually unknown to most and only too the immortals themselves the reason winged varients are so rare is because they are the true mates of True Kitsu. Male True kitsu only ever take one mate but since most true Kitsu will always be female the winged Varients are the only ones worthy of being with them first reason. They stir the emotions of Kitsu like no other. Second they are immortal but have a tendency too battle for their loved so they usually die before 300 years of age. Actually most of them die before 50 bunch of idiots.


    Well the current immortal of the city explained this and how it would be better if the other immortals shared him as he was the only known winged varient at the moment.


    Aria agreed knowing it must be a pain being immortal with little emotion she was already craving emotions which she could get from her boyfriend she could only guess what these immortal women must be feeling. But she made a condition. Anytime one of the other Kitsu want him first they must ask her. Second they must let her join in on the fun


    Using telepathic communication to the other immortals they readily agreed. Well accept one who basically said she has a husband it was a new true Kitsu that was actually just transformed 2 years ago jealousy kind of flared. Originally their was no jealousy towards Aria because they had been in love before the transformations. But the minute the other immortal turned down the offer jealousy kind of flared and now most of them are on a quest to find their knight in shining armor. That happens to be both immortal and single.....


    Aria and the immortal could not help but chuckle a bit.


    More for us The immortal mused. The immortals do not give names to anyone but their lovers as a result the immortals do not even know each others names. With a few exceptions. Example, if one immortal saved a new born true Kitsu because of the newity its easily possible to learn their names.


    Which is why when Aria asked. " what is your name?" The immortal nearly choked to death on the soup. It should be inbred into our bones to not even consider asking then again she did go through the transformation in lovers arms it is taboo because people who do that tend to kill their lovers and also tend to just be strange.... Who ever heard of royalty in a fcking soup kitchen for peasents..... Ugh she felt like banging her head on the table.


    " Considering you went through the transformation with lovers embrace I will forgive you for that question. But normally that is not a question you ask a true Kitsu its something sacred you only tell your lover." The immortal replied.


    Aria simply smiled and said" I just gave you permission to do my husband Would you please be willing to tell me," Aria said chopping vegetables much harder.....


    She kind of has a point and this Kitsu it fcking scary in a whole new meaning. " alright fine she the telepathically vtold Aria her name is Astral.


    " huh no wonder you immortals hide your name who names there kid that." Aria said still smiling but this time it was a bit more arrogant and a lot less scary.


    Why I oughtta ah I can just get my revenge in the bedroom, thought Astral.


    " yes well that is part of it in my time it was a common name but the biggest reason we hide our names is because through our names you can roughly estimate chow old we are....."


    Aria then visably cringed. That must suck wow I think I will keep true to that myself.


    " well no need to worry about it yourself. As you only have 6 tails its fine if you told the world your name a tail per century means in 3 centuries you will reach true immortal status until then you can be fairly easily killed so be careful. Since its well known you are the weird type from the lovers embrace likely assintion attempts will be few."


    "Hmm okay then, well I am going to my Seph here you take over meet me when your done." Aria then shoved a ladle and sheffs hat in my arms and walked off.


    "Wah....HEY  I am the immortal and ruler of the city what the hell are you shoving this at me for!" Astral yelled.


    " Fcking my boyfriend," was all aria said with an evil smirk.


    A worthy Kitsu to force an immortal to do house chores. She talked aloud to herself. Several people nearby heard it and spread the surprisingly accurate rumors of how the newest True Kitsu was super sneeky.


    Authors Note: well there ya go future updates will be extremely random most of my books are.