[Day: Christmas Day]
[Time: Morning]
[Location: Chelsey's House]
Christmas morning dawned with a soft, golden light filtering through the curtains. I woke to the sound of soft giggles and whispered excitement coming from downstairs. I smiled, knowing that Adrianna was likely up early, eager to open her presents. Chelsey stirred beside me, her eyes fluttering open.
"Merry Christmas, Shiro," she whispered, her voice still thick with sleep.
"Merry Christmas, Chelsey," I replied, leaning in to kiss her gently.
We got up and dressed, heading downstairs to join the others. The living room was a picture of festive cheer, with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree standing tall, its branches heavy with ornaments and lights. Whitney, Celene, and Amber were already there, sipping hot cocoa and watching Adrianna as she eagerly examined the wrapped gifts under the tree and Mark and Caroline were still sleeping.
[Those sleepy heads... And I thought you and Chelsey would've been sleeping through the day after your performance.]
I chuckled softly to myself at Lust-E's comment. 'Well my stamina recovers pretty fast y'know. Besides, who knows. Maybe Caroline put it on Mark last night too.'
[Hm. I guess, but they are gonna be missing out ¯\_(ツ)_/¯]
Adrianna's face lit up when she saw me and Chelsey. "Merry Christmas, Papa! Merry Christmas, Mama!"
"Merry Christmas, Princess," I said, scooping her up into a hug.
"Let's open presents!" Adrianna exclaimed, wriggling out of my arms to grab the first gift.
We all gathered around the tree, taking turns opening our presents. The room was filled with laughter and the sound of tearing wrapping paper. Adrianna's delight was infectious as she unwrapped her gifts, each one met with wide eyes and joyous exclamations.
I watched the scene with a heart full of gratitude. This was what I had always dreamed of—a loving family, sharing the magic of Christmas together. All I ever wanted was to feel the same love that I had spread around over the past two months.
Whitney handed me a gift, a knowing smile on her face. "This one's from me."
I unwrapped it to find a beautifully crafted leather-bound journal. I looked at Whitney, touched by the thoughtful gift. "Thank you, Whitney. It's perfect."
Whitney's smile widened. "I thought you might like to document our adventures."
Chelsey handed me another gift. "This one's from me and Adrianna."
Inside, I found a photo album filled with pictures of our time together—from our first meeting to recent moments, each photo capturing the growth of our bond. I felt a lump in my throat as I flipped through the pages.
"This is amazing. Thank you," I said, my voice thick with emotion.
Adrianna beamed up at me. "Do you like it, Papa?"
"I love it," I replied, hugging her tightly.
While the rest of the group opened the rest of their presents, Chelsey and I made our way to the kitchen to prepare a nice, hearty breakfast for everyone. Chelsey and I worked together, making pancakes, bacon, eggs, and fresh fruit. The delicious aromas filled the house, mingling with the scent of pine and cinnamon from the Christmas tree.
Once we were finished, everyone made their way to the kitchen for breakfast, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and love. We shared stories, laughed, and simply enjoyed each other's company. Celene watched me with a proud smile, happy to see me surrounded by such caring and loving people.
After breakfast, we gathered in the living room again, this time to relax and reflect on the past year. I sat with Adrianna on my lap, Chelsey snuggled up beside me, and the others spread out comfortably around the room.
"This has been an incredible year," I said, looking around at everyone around me. "I've found love, friendship, and a sense of belonging that I never thought possible."
Chelsey nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. "You've brought so much joy into our lives, Shiro. We're so grateful to have you with us."
Adrianna looked up at me, her eyes full of admiration. "Papa, you're the best Christmas present ever!"
My heart melted at her words. "Thank you, Adrianna. And you're still the brightest star in my sky."
Celene spoke up, her voice filled with pride. "Shiro, you've grown into an incredible man. Your tribe would be proud of you, just as I am."
I smiled at Celene, gently rubbing Adrianna's head. "I bet they would. Oh yeah, when's your mom supposed to be coming over, Chel?"
"Mmm...I believe this evening. Her plane got held up in Florida due the recent hurricane they suffered there. Hopefully she makes it...I really want you to meet her.." Chelsey said, looking at her phone for any updates from her mom.
Soon, Chelsey's doorbell rang and Chelsey got up to get the door. I was also curious to see who was at the door, so I got up, setting Adrianna down to follow Chelsey. Adrianna hurried over to Whitney and Amber so she could play with her dolls with them.
Before Chelsey could open the door, she felt my hand grab her shoulder. She looked back at me with a raised eyebrow, noticing my serious face. "Babe, what's wrong..?"
"I don't know...but whoever is behind that door...is seriously dangerous," I warned, my tone more stern and serious.
Chelsey's expression turned into a concerned and skeptical look. "On Christmas..? I doubt someone would come here looking for trouble. Let's just see who it is, maybe your nerves would calm down after seeing them."
Chelsey turned toward the door and opened the door, revealing a mysterious man wearing a black robe adorned with tribal designs, similar to the ones on my body. The man's eyes were intense as he looked at Chelsey. He then looked behind her, spotting me and our gazes locked onto each other.
My eyes widened with recognition as I looked at the man. "Feleti..?" I whispered, almost in disbelief.
Chelsey's gaze shifted between me and Feleti, a confused look now on her face. "Shiro, who is this?"
"That's...Feleti. A cousin of mine," I answered, my mind racing as I searched around Feleti's body and surroundings to find the presence I was sensing.
"Oh? A cousin?" Chelsey said as her face brightened. She turned toward, offering her hand for a handshake. "Hi, I'm Chelsey!~"
Feleti looked at Chelsey then walked into the house, pushing her aside. Chelsey grunted softly as she was pushed toward the door and watched as he walked deeper into her house.
"Rude much..?" She scoffed then closed the door behind herself. "Welcome in, I guess."
As Feleti approached the living room, all eyes landed upon him. Feleti scanned the room then noticed Celene sitting on the couch, his expression darkening.
"Feleti... It's been 12 years. How've you been..?" I asked, trying to lighten the now dark mood.
"So this is where you've been all this time? Hmph...and the tribe is still considering you of being the Head of the Tribe?" Feleti asked, his tone full of spite and disgust.
"What?" I asked, surprised by the way Feleti spoke to me.
Celene stared at Feleti, sensing strong hostility and a demonic presence around him...a powerful one. She kept her expression calm then stood up, walking toward him. "Feleti, it's been a while.."
Whitney, Amber, and Adrianna stared at Feleti and noticed something was off. Adrianna stuck close to Whitney and Amber, feeling nervous about Feleti. Feleti looked at Adrianna and noticed her eyes kept wavering over toward me.
"While you're here playing family man and living a dream that will soon end, I've been at Hawaii trying to take the place of Tribal Leader and yet...they will never acknowledge me. I continue to live in your shadow...even while you're gone," Feleti said, his eyes flashing with resentment toward me.
I stared at Feleti, memories of my childhood pouring back into my head. "Feleti...I—"
Before anyone could react, Feleti launched an attack at me, his fist aimed straight for me. I blocked just in time, grunting with shock. Everyone around us looked surprised, not knowing what to do.
"What the hell are you doing?!" I yelled, pushing Feleti back then my eyes widened as I noticed a sword materialize behind him.
Celene's eyes widened, recognizing the sword as the weapon Ardor was sealed in. "Why...Why does he have that..?"
A tall and imposing woman with a graceful figure appeared behind Feleti. Her red eyes shined with Ambition like no other, her long black hair with red highlights flowing behind her. She smirked at us and let out a soft giggle as she looked at me, noticing my Love Demons behind me.
"So this is the Shiro Moji you spoke about? Kinda rude attacking him during Christmas isn't it?~" The woman chuckled, her red eyes never averting from me. "Quite the good looking guy too..~ It's a shame that we have to take him out. He has five of my precious nieces with him... certainly a sight to see.."
"This will be my Christmas present to him, from me. Once I kill him...I will be acknowledged. Just like my father wanted.." Feleti said, pointing his blade at me.
"Quick Shiro! Upgrade your Levels! That's Ardor!" Lustie said as she made her presence known.
I was still in disbelief of the moment. My body froze within the presence of Ardor, memories of the tragic event playing in my head on repeat. Suddenly, Lustie smacked the back of my head, releasing me from the trance I was in.
"Snap out of it and listen to me! Right now, Feleti wants to kill you! Upgrade your level now to maximum level!" Lustie commanded.
I nodded and looked at my watch, swiftly upgrading all of my traits. I could see my sweat falling upon my watch as I hurried to get everything done.
[Traits Upgraded!]
[All Traits Level: 50!]
[Shiro, we've got you. Believe in Lustie and her sisters..as well as your own abilities. This isn't someone like from The Syndicates. Fighting your own family can be hard, but set aside you own feelings...and open your eyes.]
[Feleti, your cousin...is an enemy.]
I shook my head then smacked my cheeks, clearing my head of the tragic memories. I took a deep breath then exhaled, a flashback of my sparring session with Feleti when we were kids playing in my head. I opened my eyes and they flashed with determination.
"Everyone...Get back," I yelled, getting into my stance.
Chelsey hurried toward everyone, gathering them and heading toward the dining room. She watched from the dining room as I stood off with Feleti. She noticed Caroline and Mark descend the stairs then got up. "Caroline! Mark! Don't come closer!"
Feleti looked at Caroline and Mark while they froze on the stairs. He smirked then looked back at me. "More family and friends...? You certainly always had such charisma..." He said, holding two fingers at them then a red orb of energy formed at his fingertips.
Before Feleti could fire off whatever blast he prepared, I lunged toward him and tackled him through the door and landed on top of Feleti, gripping his robe and launching a punch to his face. Feleti caught my fist then kicked me off him before getting up and dusting himself off. He looked over at me then noticed me on one knee, a smirk playing on his face.
"Praying to Tengoku? She won't help you.." Feleti taunted as he walked down the stairs, his hand taking place on the handle of his sword.
"Maluhia..." I said softly then stood up, letting out a Tribal Howl.
"Let's go, Shiro!" Lustie said, the tip of her tail turning into a blade.
"We're with you, Shiro.." Charismari reassured, her white demon wings appearing on the lower half of her back.
I nodded and my Love Markings began to shine brightly on my arm. I activated my Unleashed State, my senses now heightened by a multiple of 50. "Let's go.."
I dashed toward Feleti, sending my fist flying toward him. Feleti evaded my punch then blocked my kick with one hand. I went for a sweep kick, but he leaped over my attack, spinning around and landing a powerful kick to my face. I groaned as I was sent flying across the yard then recovered sliding backwards. My eyes widened as Feleti appeared in front of me at great speeds.
"You're too slow!" Feleti chuckled and kicked my chin, knocking me in the air. He grabbed my ankle then slammed me to the ground. "And too weak to be Tribal Leader!"
"C'mon Shiro! Get your ass up!" Lustie grunted as she flew around the sky with Passion and Charismari, evading Ardor's energy blasts.
"We're counting on you! If you die, you will lose us!" Charismari called out then grunted as she was blasted away.
I slowly stood up and spit out a bit of blood from my mouth. "Tch... You're pretty strong, Feleti."
Feleti took his hand off his blade, sensing that he didn't even need it. "Hmph... You're really pathetic you know. Ani is always talking about how you're gonna return to Hawaii and spewing bullshit from her mouth. I've always hated how much she liked you. How much everyone looked up to you...like you were the Golden Child.."
"Twelve years ago...when the Tribe was attacked, it wasn't just a mere coincidence. As you've probably figured out from your guardian, it was a betrayal from within. Guess who betrayed the clan? My family!" Feleti laughed, spreading his arms out.
I looked at Feleti with wide eyes, every shared memory with him now shattering in my mind. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, hoping this was all a bad dream.
"My father killed yours twelve years ago using this blade. The blade known as Baalheim. My father knew Esorian Magic because he was a descendant of the Heavenly Bay Tribe that existed hundreds of years ago." Feleti explained, closed his eyes and crossing his arms with a smirk.
Feleti opened his eyes, looking at me with glowing eyes. "Even after his death, your mother assumed position as the Head temporarily, saving that spot for you because she also believes you will return...however, I will make sure that spot is guaranteed for me! Your death here and now will solidify my spot and there will be nothing they can do about it because they're Golden Child will be gone!"
Feleti stared at me then his smirk faded as he noticed me not moving. "Hey are you li—"
I immediately struck his face, iridescent lightning flashing upon impact. I roared as I knocked him away, my breathing heavy as I was seething with rage. "Shut the fuck up..."
Feleti recovery quickly then grunted as he sensed my presence growing stronger. He looked up at me, holding his nose and noticed iridescent energy flowing around me.
"Oh?~" Ardor asked as she looked down at our fight with Lustie in a headlock. "My my..~ Your master's presence is growing quite strong..~"
Lustie was tapping out then stopped when she felt my presence as well. She looked down at me, feeling my rage, my hatred and pain. "Shiro..."
"You bastard..." I said as I clenched my fist, blood slowly being drawn from how hard my fists were balled.
[Warning: Bloodlust has increased to 80%]
"You...betrayed my tribe. You betrayed our trust... because you were jealous because of my position? Because of some fate that I couldn't control..? You took him away..." I said, gripping my hair unable to contain my own anger.
[Warning: Bloodlust has reached 100%!]
[There's no controlling him now until his Bloodlust has reached 0%. Talenta, Luckie, you are tasked with keep anyone in the way, OUT of the way.]
Talenta shuddered at my presence then nodded, acknowledging Lust-E's words. "Got it..."
"Of course!" Luckie said, getting ready and swaying her tail.
"I'll kill you..." I said as I walked toward Feleti, flashes of my past popping into my head, memories of my father replaying in my head. "Feleti...You will die by my hand..."
I activated my Luscious Awakening, my energy surging around my body. Without warning, I launched myself toward Feleti and feinted my first strike, causing him to block high. I caught him with a spinning kick, knocking him away from the powerful impact. Feleti rolled backwards on the ground then recovered onto his feet.
I sprinted toward him, leaping toward him and landed a flying Superkick to his face, iridescent lightning flashing upon impact once again. Feleti groaned as he was sent flying once again, slamming into a car. He slowly stood up, holding the back of his head, groaning softly.
'What the hell is with this sudden strength..? I can't even get a clear reading on him anymore..' Feleti thought to himself.
I walked toward Feleti, cracking my knuckles. The Golden Star in the sky began to shine brighter, fueling my determination, my Ambition, my Resolve. "I'll never forgive you... I'll make sure you suffer!"
Talenta dashed toward Feleti and summoned her golden sword. She leaped toward him and slashed, but he blocked her slash with his sword then grunted. He groaned as he was pushed back.
[Rolling slots...]
[{0}{0}{0}]
[Triple Zero! Ambition Potency +100%, Strength +100%, Stamina +100%]
"Don't move," I commanded.
[Golden Tongue Activated: (1/10)]
Feleti grunted and his body froze in place. His eyes widened with disbelief. He stared at me as I walked toward him, his mind racing with questions.
"My desire...is to kill you, Feleti. That is my desire, my wish.." I said darkly, my steps cold and my eyes void of emotion.
[Desire Exhibition Activated!]
[Jack of All Trades Activated!]
[Libido Drive Activated!]
"Oh wow~ He's activated all of his current Love Crests all at once?~ Just who is your master?~" Ardor asked, licking her lips as she watched me.
"That's our Shiro! The man of Destiny. The Prophecy," Lustie smirked then crossed her arms. "He's being fueled with pure Ambition...a single goal.."
"Man of Destiny..?~ Hmm...So he's Destiny's Hero? Huh..~ You've chosen yourself a nice host..~" Ardor said and grunted as she noticed multiple flashes of lightning. "Sigh... Alright I guess I better go down and help him. Will you stop me?"
"Hmph...You don't seem too hostile right now. We'll let you save him," Lustie said.
Charismari nodded and held her hands in front of herself. "Since you haven't become a threat yet aside from your actions twelve years ago, we have no reason to attack you. You barely even fought us."
Ardor chuckled softly, floating down toward Feleti. "You do realize that one day we will have to fight. However, I don't want to fight Shiro when he's not at his strongest. That's why I never helped Feleti. I assumed he would be strong enough. Now he's losing..~"
Passion watched Ardor, her gaze shifting over to my battle. "She's being earnest... Let's leave her be."
Lustie and Charismari nodded in agreement, making their way back toward me.
I continued to land a barrage of Destiny Flashes directly at Feleti's face. He managed to block my next attack and launched his fist at my face, but noticed me evade it at high speeds. I appeared behind him, my arm becoming encased with Heavenly Energy. Feleti quickly turned around, grunting loudly as I caved his face in with a powerful Heavenly Impact and lightning flashed upon impact as I fused my Destiny Flash with the attack.
Feleti flew across the street, rolling on his back then slammed into a tree, coughing up a bit of blood. I walked toward him slowly then noticed Ardor appear in front of Feleti.
"Alright, Shiro. That's good enough. You've won for right now...only because we underestimated you. However, I can not let you kill this host. Not until you've gained your full power." Ardor said then looked back at Feleti. "I won't have you embarrassing him because he was caught off guard."
"Get out of the way..." I commanded.
[Golden Tongue Activated: (2/10)]
Ardor smirked as she resisted my command. She sighed softly and looked at me. "Don't move,"
My heart thumped as I was affected by the same Golden Tongue ability I thought only I had access to. My body wouldn't move, not even a budge. I looked at Ardor with many questions in my mind. I wondered if she had killed Lustie, Charismari, and Passion, but I felt their presences.
"Like I said, you've won this round..~ Also, you're pretty cute. We will be meeting again..~" Ardor said, picking up Feleti then teleported beside me. She leaned toward my ear and whispered in it.
I grunted softly then looked back to see Ardor had already left.
"Shiro!"
The sound of a familiar voice called out to me, honking the horn of my car. I looked back, noticing Celene driving my car. I reverted to normal then made my way inside on the passenger seat.
"Shiro are you okay..?" Celene asked, her expression a worried one as she looked at me.
"I don't know..." I said softly, lowering my head. "I don't know anymore..."
Celene placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. She was about to speak, but heard me talking.
"But I do know one thing..." I said and my golden eyes flashed with determination. "Feleti...needs to die."
Celene gazed at me for a moment before giving me a soft, yet worried smile. She drove off toward my house. "He does need to pay his retributions. I was not expecting him to be the one with that demon...but I see you have five of your own."
"Ahh you can see us." Lustie asked and smirked.
"Of course I can. I've seen you all the entire time. I know you all are good demons for Shiro. You all have good hearts despite being devils," Celene said.
Lustie giggled, her ears wiggling and her hands on her cheeks. "I like this woman a lot!~"
"That's because you're so simple even the slightest of compliments get you so riled up," Passion sighed. "Anyway, what's the plan from here?"
I closed my eyes, leaning my cheek against my fist. "We will still spend one last day with everyone. I still have my final gift to give to everyone.."
"Right..~ Let's go!" Lustie said excitedly.
[Day: Christmas Day]
[Time: Afternoon]
[Location: Destiny Central]
After the unexpected events of Christmas morning, I gathered Chelsey, Habilee, Krystal, Gloria, Amber, Ashley, Aubrie, Akira, and Whitney together. I had one more special surprise for them, something that would solidify their bonds and future together.
"Ladies, I have one more gift to share with you," I announced with a twinkle in my eye. "I hope it brings us even closer and gives us a place we can all call home."
The women exchanged curious glances, intrigued by what I had planned. We piled into cars and followed me to a beautiful mansion near Matsugaya University, right in the heart of Destiny Central.
As we arrived, the women gasped in awe at the sight before them. The mansion was grand, with elegant architecture and sprawling gardens. It looked like something out of a fairytale, a place where dreams could truly come to life.
"Welcome to our new home," I said, my voice filled with excitement. "Lustie bought this mansion for us for Christmas, and I've decided to turn it into a share house for all of us."
Whitney's eyes widened. "Shiro, this is incredible! It's beautiful!"
Chelsey took my hand, a radiant smile on her face. "You've outdone yourself, Shiro. This is perfect."
The girls spent the next few hours exploring the mansion. Each room was more breathtaking than the last, with luxurious furnishings and plenty of space for everyone. There were large common areas for socializing, a spacious kitchen, and even a library filled with books.
Habilee wandered into the library, her fingers brushing over the spines of the books. "This place is amazing. It's like a dream come true."
Krystal, Gloria, Amber, Ashley, Aubrie, and Akira each found their own favorite spots in the house, envisioning the countless memories they would create together.
As the girls explored and enjoyed the mansion, I stood outside, looking at the golden star in the sky. Celene soon joined me, placing her hand on my back. She looked up at the sky as well, noticed the golden star was shining brighter than ever.
"I think I'm ready," I said, lowering my head and placing my hands in my pockets. "Sanctuary City won't save itself and I still have presents to give to the other girls. Plus...he's still out there. I won't let him live another day.."
Celene watched as I walked forward then smiled, following behind. "I had a feeling you'd say that...and because of that, I'm coming with you."
I stopped walking, a look of shock on my face as I turned toward Celene. "You're joking right?"
"Nope..~ As if I would let my foster son take on a war on his own. We have reunited, my dear..~ We shall fight as one as well.." Celene said then pat my shoulder. "Besides...don't you want to be acknowledged as the true Tribal Leader?"
I watched as Celene got into the driver's seat of my car.
"C'mon! The sky's not getting any brighter now!" Celene said.
I smiled at her then looked at my Love Demons. We exchanged glances then got into the passenger side. "Let's go..."
Celene drove off in the distance and the girls stepped outside to say their goodbyes to me. My heart sank a bit having to say goodbye to the Destiny Central Women, but I knew it wouldn't be the last I see of them. I will return...I love them too much to leave them behind forever.
Now with more goals to reach for and my guardian and mentor back with me, I knew a chance for growth and improvements were ahead. I had to get stronger if I want to save everyone. Karma... I'm coming. We will free Sanctuary City together.