SK4 - Chapter 5 - Kaya - The Princess Tour (Patreon)

“So what do you think, Shara? The Training Grounds are nice, aren’t they?”

Kaya walked along with Shara as they toured the Training Grounds together. The Star Oni girl looked at all the orcs and monsterfolk training outside, from having duels to using practice dummies and even lifting weights. The place had grown as a result of the several purchases, becoming like a large compound with various structures within.

“I like it. I could see myself spending a bunch of time here. The aesthetic even matches my people’s, to an extent, and I can tell the girls are going to like this place too. But what’s with that garden, it feels a little out of place?”

Shara pointed to the beautiful, well-kept garden off to the side. A babbling book ran through it, with several small ponds with fish and turtles within. Bamboo lined the area, closing it off from the bustle of the city, and numerous plants grew throughout.

It was a peaceful area, and it had a large clearing near the center for anyone to sit down and ponder their Concepts. The essence was dense there, and the mind felt clear and tranquil within. Compared to the neighboring areas, it did feel a bit out of place.

“That one is new–the Garden of Reflection was just completed. I haven’t gotten to spend much time there yet myself. It’s a place to ponder your Concepts, I guess your people call that the dao? The Pagoda of Martial Wisdom is to help you learn more about your Path, the Bushido Dojo and Archery Sanctum to practice it, and the garden to reflect on it. Combined with the workout area the orcs made, it’s everything a warrior needs to progress between Ordeal runs.”

Shara looked up at the Ordeal tower, a larger pagoda than the Pagoda of Martial Wisdom. That one only had a couple of floors, and each was rather small, with a few racks filled with scrolls. But the Ordeal tower was many stories tall, and had a domineering presence from its sharp and dark features, each floor’s slanted roof like sharp blades.

“And I can go through there and fight, to get stronger? Without anyone’s help?”

“You may want to go with others. A supporter is expected, to maximize your time there. Even if just someone who is meant to maintain your camp and protect you while you rest. But it allows for a fighting supporter, like an archer, too.”

“How does that work? It can allow me solo or with an ally? Wouldn’t it be way too challenging for the solo combatant to go without?”

“The Ordeal is alive. It tunes the difficulty based on the entrants and their participation. There are thoughts that it can even see the future to an extent, as it almost seems to know from the get-go who will participate and by how much–the encounters all tuned to match before they happened. But those are all just theories, and for all we know it reads our minds, or uses some other means of predicting.”

“That’s kinda creepy.”

Kaya chuckled. “That’s what Nick said too, but it’s just the way our world works.”

“Nick said that too? Oh, that’s right. It’s easy to forget that he hasn’t been on Orion all that much longer than we have.”

They continued their tour until they went to the Bushido Dojo, a shrine-like building with many rooms separated by paper walls. The various orcs and monsterfolk were facing each other in duels. Wearing training armor and weaponry, the ferocious orcs tamed and focused their fighting style inside.

“Hm, the orc and monsterfolk warriors fight differently in here. Why is that?”

“They are learning the way of the Samurai. Most of them were Honorable Raiders until recently, though many are continuing that. Some are exploring this way of fighting and life, learning it from within the pagoda of martial wisdom to see if it fits them. Some want to serve Nick as his knights and are training for it.”

“I see. He told me that he helped your…minor wish come true, and this was sort of a part of that in a way, wasn’t it?”

Kaya smiled as she looked at it all. “Yeah. My mother would have loved this place, and I’m really proud of it too. Probably, it’s nicer than what she had available to her.”

A man’s voice was heard, chuckling. “You got that right, Kaya. I don’t blame Lord Redmond, but he didn’t have nearly as much at his disposal as Lord Noblefrost. The constant threat and attacks from the nearby kingdom meant he was always losing talented warriors.”

Kaya turned to see Renzou, the panda beastfolk Captain of the Guard. “Renzou! How are you, and how is your family doing?”

“I’m excellent, and my wife and kids love it here in Frosthaven. With the priestesses of Zura and the orcs of Nagduros pitching in and teaching classes, my kids are making friends and making great progress. My wife has freedom to work now, and that’s kept her busy and progressing, while I’m busy with the guard.”

Shara seemed a bit confused, a curious look on her expression. “Freedom?”

Renzou gave her a grim smile. “I was a war slave until Lord Noblefrost freed me, and so many others. I was treated well, but the wife was stuck in our quarters, unable to leave beyond a few instances. It was partially for her safety, but it was a part of the terms.”

Shara still looked confused, so Kaya added, “Nick freed hundreds of slaves with his own money, and busted up a criminal ring, saving many more in Silverbrook just a few weeks back. There are hundreds of ex-slaves here in Frosthaven now.”

“Wow, I don’t think he even mentioned that! He’s done a lot of heroic deeds, hasn’t he?”

Renzou chuckled. “You got that right. You two here for a bout? I hope you are, our warriors always gain something valuable when you fight here, Kaya.”

Kaya turned to Shara, “What do you think, Shara? Up for a training match with me? I can limit myself to not using Essence. I know you do not yet cultivate.”

Shara beamed, practically vibrating in place. It seemed she loved to fight. “Let’s do it.”

The two squared off, standing across from each other with their weapons drawn. Shara, with her deadly looking large bat with spikes all over it–a tetsubo. Kaya had her battleaxe, its weight comfortable in her hands.

Both a shaman and a priestess of Seraphara were available, ready to heal any wounds. The only rules were not to go for killing blows, to stop their attack without dealing damage to their opponent. With Shara’s bat, if she was at Kaya’s level, she wouldn’t want to do a spar or practice battle, as it was difficult to imagine being able to stop the blow from being deadly.

Shara hesitated. “Um…before we start, I want to apologize in advance.”

“Apologize?”

“Yeah. When us Star Oni women fight, we go a little berserk, and…we trash talk a bit, and say mean things. Still, I have control over it in practice, so it shouldn’t go any further than that.”

Kaya chuckled, and decided to reassure her with a bit of trash talk of her own. “Not to worry. You won’t hurt my feelings when you’re laying on your back.”

With a grin, Shara came after Kaya, her swings powerful yet measured. True to her promise, Kaya didn’t stir her essence.

But her body was reinforced by it. It wasn’t so simple to turn that off, but she did her best to not just overwhelm Shara with her superior strength and speed. Parrying the larger woman’s swings, she countered and pressured Shara into fighting defensively with her axe.

It wasn’t long before Shara started shouting out obscenities, calling Kaya a furry slut, a hairball, and the most hurtful: a bedhead, as Kaya pushed her back and forced her to block and dodge. Despite her large size, Shara was rather nimble, and her movements were fluid and graceful. But what Kaya was most surprised about was how much Shara’s strength increased as she got angrier.

Shara’s technique with the club was skillful and well-trained, and Kaya’s respect for her only grew with every swing as she started to push back. Kaya had no doubt that if she was still in the first Stratum, Shara would have been extremely difficult to beat. She even felt some Concept within her building, the girl having some special weight added to her attacks.

Kaya considered using her furry slut tails to trip Shara up, but decided against it. She would win with skill only. It was what Shara deserved, and she could feel it. As they fought, Kaya thought she understood Shara a lot better.

While she was reserved in her demeanor, she was earnest in battle. The Star Oni defeated their enemies fair and square, with superior strength and skill. None could stand up to their vicious clubs, and their berserking appeared to come from the chaos within their hearts and minds. Perhaps, merging their fates focused that chaos, their partners guiding them, and all of that power straight into their heavy clubs.

Ducking low under her swing, Kaya grabbed Shara’s arm and tugged her forward, and brought her axe up to her neck. It was Kaya’s win, and despite how she might have been berserked, it seemed she had some presence of mind to understand she had lost. She let out a shaky breath, and dropped her club.

“It’s my loss.”

Seeing so many people around, Kaya realized it was better to have their chat in private. She bowed to her, and then picked up her club to hand it back to her.

“Good fight. Let’s take a walk, and head over to the garden to have a chat.”

Shara noticed so many people watching as well, so she bowed and thanked her for the fight, then said, “Okay. Let’s go.”

They walked over to the garden, the babbling book filling their ears as they continued through the tranquil place. Off to the side, they crossed a bridge over a pond and sat in a small, covered pavilion. A place that was perfect for having tea.

Shara smiled at it. “Wow, the Qi here is so different. Very calming, I feel like I should bring tea for next time, though.”

Kaya chuckled. “Yeah, I just had the same thought. That was a good match, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, I was really surprised. You’re so strong and fast, even though you’re not that big! I can feel it. You’re an honorable warrior, just like most of my people.”

Kaya chuckled. “I was hoping we’d get to know each other a little better. You did well, even better than I expected for being unable to cultivate. You have an interesting strength within you, and I’m looking forward to when you can.”

Despite the compliment, Shara looked stricken by her statement. “I’m really falling behind, aren’t I?”

Kaya tilted her head. “Falling behind whom?”

“Everyone, even my brethren who are going to be revived or rebirthed. Every day that I can’t cultivate…is a day that I am falling behind. A Star Oni woman, especially me who carries the Fatestrider bloodline, is meant to be stronger than her husband. And because I’m being stubborn… he and all his wives only grow stronger than me by the day.”

“I don’t know that you’re being stubborn, it’s only been a few days? I get that… it’s a lot to take on, suddenly. Even I was a bit hesitant about Nick’s pack, his family, becoming so large.”

“You are? Why don’t you fight it, then? Those little hussies–” She cleared her throat, looking embarrassed. “Sorry.”

Kaya chuckled. “I did only say a bit, didn’t I? I was shocked when Fang brought around nearly a dozen girls too. But when I thought about it, I know that Nick will handle it, and make us all happy. It is part of his oath or Pact that he had given when I became his wife. Not only that, but I know he isn’t the one running around collecting them out of greed or lust alone. He will love them all just the same, but he does it because it’s his duty, and to protect his people.”

“A pact? You mean he makes something different for his wives than the Follower Pact?”

“He does. For me, he promised to be a lord worthy of my service as a Beast Warrior, drawing other honorable warriors to his cause. He also promised his protection, limitless adventure, and his love. So even if there are others, I know his love will always be there for me.”

“I suppose…maybe I’ve been looking at it the wrong way. It does hurt me to see him with other girls, but I haven’t let him try to make me happy first. Maybe…the Soul Pact can help reassure me. But seeing him happy with other girls…my chest tightens, and it feels like a punch in the gut, and I just get…angry. Then, I can’t help but compare myself to you and the rest, and I feel like it will never end. I will always want to be the one to make him the happiest, or spend the most time, or…”

“It hasn’t gotten any easier these past few days? I heard the bones in his hand creaking sometimes, but you seemed to handle it pretty well while we were riding home.”

Shara blushed. “You knew? Perhaps… a little. It could be something that I will just get used to in time. I…don’t know why I’m being so indecisive with this. When it comes to battle, I never doubt.”

“I noticed that, but love and battle are usually two different things. You could try changing your mindset? See your challenge to mark your Fated as a battle of its own, your jealousy an enemy that must be defeated. And if you can’t beat it by yourself, let your Fated help and guide you.”

Shara still looked a little doubtful, but she gave Kaya a small smile. “I suppose… I can give it a try. It does help that you’re so nice.”

Kaya chuckled. “I’m hardly even the nice one. You met Winny, Becca, and Luna.”

Shara gave a small smile, thinking about their dinner last night. “They are too nice, aren’t they? I suppose… I really should look at all the plusses. I do have friends among the Star Oni, but I can see myself being friends with you too. It helps that none of Nick’s wives are really weak, strong in their own ways. They are all already walking their paths, talented and strong. For now… I’m the weak one.”

There was a big bout of laughter, and shouts of victory. It seemed some orcs in the workout area were excited about something. It was loud enough that even Shara heard it, her head snapping in that direction. “I wonder what’s going on there?”

Kaya grinned, already knowing what was going on. “Let’s go check it out.”

Kaya and Shara left the garden and went around the corner of the bamboo wall, and found several orcs lifting and pushing heavy objects in the workout area. Once again, they had their orbs of stone and pedestals to lift them into, some barrels filled with sand, and large logs the strong orcs were lifting. They even carried and pulled heavy weights across the workout area with thick ropes, the friction making it a larger challenge.

The commotion was because Nick had arrived, in what looked like an outfit that matched what the orcs wore quite well. It was clearly a workout outfit, a blue vest and shorts that showed off his muscles.

Andross was there, and the two knuckleheads were screwing around, challenging each other in feats of strength. They now had even larger stones and weights than before, many of the orcs reaching a new level of strength.

Nick pretended not to look over, but Kaya knew that with his sort of ‘follower sense’ he would know Kaya and Shara were standing there watching. A small grin tucked at his mouth, confirming this in Kaya’s eyes.

“What do you think of Nick’s bod, Shara? Is he a hunk or what?”

A flash of anger filled Shara’s face, before it softened as she stared at Nick’s body, her eyes not pulling away. She blushed, and nodded. “Mm.”

That was all she was going to get out of her, she supposed. It seemed Shara was content to just watch as Nick lifted various weights, competing with the numerous orcs. They even did some arm wrestling and some kind of shoving match, where they held on to grips on a stack of logs that was on wheels, and pushed against one another. Several warriors could team up, but Nick almost held his own against three orcs.

Shara’s mouth was open slightly, and she seemed to be enjoying Nick’s physique a lot. “Wow…he’s stronger than all of those orcs, isn’t he?”

Kaya chuckled. “Yeah. He does work out here from time to time, but it’s not a part of his daily routine like the many orcs. Part of it is his level is higher, and–”

Shara interrupted, her face morphed into a scowl. “What are they doing here?”

“Huh? You mean…” Kaya turned to the side, and spotted several Star Oni girls watching the workout with rapt attention. “Oh, there’s some Star Oni checking the place out. They must have wanted to see the Training Grounds too. Well, if they’re looking for their Fated this place makes a lot of sense.”

Shara seemed to be getting a little upset. The three girls were looking at Nick with excitement, and one even made a lewd gesture, squatting down as if on top of an invisible man repeatedly, and the other two were laughing at the other one’s antics.

Her face twisted, and her voice took on a strange tone. “Now, why would that make any fucking sense, ah?”

Kaya could feel the girl getting upset, her breathing picking up. “This is where half the warriors in our city gather daily. I mean, if there was a good chance of them finding their Fated among the people of Frosthaven, it’d be here, right?”

Shara scowled. “But those sluts are only looking at my Nicholas. I told that bitch Hoshiko–”

“Now wait a second here, Shara. What did we just talk about? And these Star Oni girls should make you the least upset. If they’re Fated, it’s really outside of their control, isn’t it? Just like you. To be angry at them is to be angry at the world, or fate itself, isn’t it? The same as for you.”

Shara’s breathing became heavy, and her hand started gripping her club tightly. Kaya considered just taking it from her, but it was like some sort of security blanket for her, she knew.

Kaya added, “Here’s what I think. You are Fated with Nick, but you are not alone in that fate. He is Fated with so many wives because he’s worthy of it, his fate so large from his heritage and bloodline that it drags others in. Whether it’s his strength, his heroism, his status as a king…all are far above the norm, a man far above so many others. But his ability to make you feel special is up there too–whether he’s got one girl or twenty, you’ll feel loved and treasured, that I know for certain. Didn’t you already feel that way on the way here, as you rode in that vehicle, and he held your hand?”

“T-Twenty?” Her breathing picked up, and for a moment, Kaya thought she’d need to stop her from running over, but the three Star Oni must have felt her glare boring into them because they spotted Shara and paled, before hurrying away.

Shara closed her eyes, and took several calming breaths. “That…you’re right. I can already tell he cares about me at least a little, and he did make me feel special in spite of it all. Then there was…the kiss. It’s not like we’ve known each other that long… but I already know you’re right.”

Kaya patted her back gently. Knowing that the other Star Oni were all making lewd gestures, and how excited she was to see Nick’s muscles… she thought this might be good to bring up. She whispered. “That’s right. And trust me, his ability to keep so many girls satisfied means when you have him all to yourself, you’ll have many nights you’ll never forget.”

Shara’s eyes widened, her breathing picking up. “Y–You mean…”

Kaya could actually smell her arousal grow, and she knew she might be on the right track. “Oh yes. Even though you’ve got thick, strong legs, he’ll have those knees buckling, I promise you that. Just think, those strong arms of his lifting that heavy stone? That could easily be you, over and over again. Bet you’re not used to that, are you? And you might be big, but I have no doubt he’ll fill you to bursting, trust me.”

A blush covered her purple skin, making it take on an almost pinkish hue that matched her hair somewhat. She seemed to consider it, watching Nick once again lifting a heavy log, and tossing it over to Andross, his muscles flexing. Shara was clearly distracted, her gaze stuck on his muscular form.

“So, just think about that. Nick only does it with wives, girls that are his forever. And I know he wants you.”

“He wants me?”

“Yeah. Who do you think he dressed up like that for? Oh look, he’s coming this way.”

Shara almost looked like she wanted to go hide, like a strangely giant mouse. She let out a breath, only making it two steps closer to the bamboo before Nick called out to them.

“Hey Kaya, Shara. How’d your spar go?”

Kaya smiled. “Shara here is even tougher than she looks, and that says a lot. When she can cultivate, I know she’ll be a force to be reckoned with. I know she’ll be a major asset in the Ordeal.”

Shara looked over at her with surprise. “You mean that?”

“Of course I do. You know, just like Nick, none of his wives can lie unless it’s to protect someone. So believe me when I say that I want to be your friend, and I’d like you to have my back as comrades in arms.”

“That…means a lot to me. You are a strong warrior, just like my people, Kaya.”

Nick smiled. “Glad to see you two hitting it off. I told you, didn’t I, Shara? My wives are easy to get along with because they’re all great.”

Shara looked over at Kaya, a small smile on her face. “Yeah… I do feel like that is true. Your wives have been nothing but welcoming to me, just like you promised.”

“What do you say we go on a date, Shara? Just me and you.”

Shara smiled, and suddenly, Kaya got the feeling like she forgot everything else they talked about by how eager she replied. “I’d like that. Now?”

Nick chuckled. “It can be now, tonight, or tomorrow. But the day after, we’re hitting the first challenge in the Heritage, so that day won’t do.”

“Let me…go get ready, I’d like to go now. What are we going to do?”

“It’ll be a surprise, but dress in some traveling clothes. We’ll be taking the utility vehicle.”

“Um…okay. How long…?”

“It’ll take me a bit to get ready, too. When I am, I’ll tell Vi to let you know, before I swing by to come get you.”

Shara’s smile was wide. “That sounds great. I’ll see you…soon, Nicholas.”

The girl rushed off, and Kaya couldn’t help but chuckle at how excited she got. She was clearly a girl in love, even if she seemed to want to deny it.

Kaya looked him up and down, grinning. “Winny have you wear that, or did you come here wanting to show off?”

“Well, a king does need to grace his people with his great presence every once in a while, right?” Kaya just stared at him for a moment, and he said, “Yeah, it was Winny’s idea to try to seduce Shara a bit. I don’t even need you to tell me that she liked what she saw.” Nick grimaced. “Felt like a piece of meat for a minute there. ”

Kaya chuckled. “It worked, and perhaps a little too well. There were three Star Oni girls over there licking their lips before Shara scared ‘em off.”

Nick turned around, as if looking for where they were. “I think I saw them.” He sighed. “I’ll worry about that later, and just focus on Shara for now. Thanks for playing cupid for me again.”

“It’s fine, I like Shara, and I know she’ll be great for our team once she catches up. What is your plan for the monsterfolk girls, and the priestesses?”

Nick let out a breath. “I get the feeling that while they are all interested in me and want some of my affection, they aren’t really needing romance. I’ll probably do a group date with them, and then…well, if they want to bear my children… I’ll give them what they want. A win-win, I guess.”

Kaya chuckled. “Those priestesses are excited about the benefits, but they also want you bad. That’s going to be some tough work, a handful of beautiful, thirsty priestesses, and a dozen sexy monsterfolk girls. You sure you’re up for it?”

“Mmm…you’re right. I’ll have to try real hard to find a way to enjoy it. But a hero must make sacrifices, to do my heroic, kingly duty. Even if it takes days. What do you say, Kaya? You wanna join, or watch when it happens? I know the monsterfolk girls couldn't care less.”

Kaya snorted. “That’s okay. Even with you, somehow, sloppy tenths just doesn’t seem that appetizing to me.”

Nick looked around him before he leaned in, pushing her closer to the wall of bamboo and grabbed the base of her tails harshly as he said in a low voice, “Who said anything about tenth? I could take you first, in front of all of them, while they watch. I bet you would like that, wouldn’t you? All of them watching you and smelling your arousal and listening to your moans. Or maybe it would be better for you to go last, me teasing you the entire time? I’ll have Winny or Jasmine tie you up, and put you in the corner while you wait.”

Kaya’s breath had caught in her throat as he painted that picture in her mind, and she couldn’t help but whine as she thought about how that would go. But after a moment, she snapped out of it and batted him in the face with her tail, rolling her eyes.

“Just get outta here and get ready for your date. Getting me riled up when you’re not going to finish what you started is a little cruel,” she said, folding her arms in a huff. Kaya knew that Nick believed it was bad form to sleep with another of his girls before a date.

Nick tsked. “You’re right, sorry. Think about that for later, and we can make it happen in the next few weeks.”

Kaya looked around worriedly as he walked away, letting out a shaky breath. She was thankful that her and Shara’s viewing of Nick working out was at least a little hidden from view.

Shara had looked at Nick with stars in her eyes and a blush on her cheeks, so she didn’t think it would be too long before she became his wife. If it didn’t happen today, then it would be soon.