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Part 1

Part 3—Gil

My mind was on fire. Literally, on fire. I didn't know who I was, the fire had taken that from me. All I knew was that I was, and that I hurt. A lot. I opened my eyes, seeing the world for the first time. Individual dust motes floated in the air above me, illuminated by the glow of a full moon. I decided right then and there that I hated that moon. I'm not sure why, not yet. Maybe it killed my mother or something.

I smiled slightly at my own joke. No, my mother was—

Alive, in Phenex Mansion. She loves cooking, and sewing, and—

Dead, fallen to an assassin from a political enemy. She loved to dance, to play lute—

I gasped softly, a splitting headache forcing two opposing viewpoints into my skull. Which one was right? Or were both of them wrong, and it was something completely different? How could I tell?

I shivered as the cold wind hit me. I don't know where the wind came from, I was in a church.

Fucking churches.

I don't know why I hate churches so much, but I'm sure they deserve it.

The motes of dust were replaced by the handsome face of a young boy, smiling softly as he leaned down to capture my lips with his own. Excitement raced through me, as I remembered many dreams that had involved this very moment. I was the damsel in distress, and my precious knight—

No. I'm no worthless damsel, I'm a warrior of—

My thoughts collapsed as I felt a tug at the back of my mind, and everything went black.

The Fool… loves completely.

I was startled from my thoughts by the sound of a door opening. I stayed still, unable to sit up as a giant entered my field of vision. He had long, red hair, a pretty face, and green eyes.

He stands with arms wide open, hoping to give away hugs for free. He does not consider this work, he believes this is necessary. Believes that someone has to hold you captive from your own fears. No need to disavow a need to be held. Weld your arms around his shoulders, glue your cheek to his chest, test his commitment if you must, The Fool will never let you go. Nor will he keep you forever. He will be yours until you say so.

I smiled, allowing my new mother to hold me. Even if she wasn't my first mother, I would still protect her like she were. I decided, right then, that I really enjoyed cuddles. I wasn't sure if past-me did, but I loved the comfort and security it provided to both the giver and the receiver. If I ever fell in love, I would snuggle them as much as possible, so that they never had any doubt about what they meant to me.

The Fool was brought up with no sense of direction. If it comes down to it he will fall up. The Fool doesn't know how to stop, but he is expected to understand in the instant his hand is let go, he is expected to know that the tiny kindnesses… were just pretend. He is expected to transcend his own feelings and step aside to make way for the 'something better' that so suddenly came along.

"Millicas-sama!" a voice called, "There you are, Millicas-sama. Honestly, this is the third time today. You really must stop getting lost." I turned, my wide, four-year-old eyes turning to see a maid approaching me. I sighed.

Silly creature.

̪̣̺̣̗͙̦̔̎ͯ͗͒̋̑͜ͅ

T̬̪͚͉͖̝̪͋ͨͥ̾ͧ̊̌h͙̬̺̤̪̺͐́ĕ̙̠̪̠̘̜̩͌͘ ̫̈̃̚v͎̪̠͖̹̰̊͞ͅǫ̲̣̇ͩ͊̒̑̇ͮi͉̘̺̖͚̺̥͑͘d̾ ̺́w̤ͦa̷̍̒ͧs̘̭͒ͧͪͣ̋ ̰̃̀n̟͎̤̺̺͔͚ͨͣ̃ͪͨ̚ô̴ͤ̐̐͂ẗ̛́ ̘̰̫͓̪̈́ͭ̎́fͭ̃ͪ̽̍ͩo̿̓̏ͦ̓҉̜̜͕̦̝͎r̵̐͛̏̀ͫͦ̚ ͗̌ͩ̎͋m̼͕̺ͣ̇o̴͕͙̖͌̃͊̇̓̏ͦr̖͚̆ͨ̉͑̄̉t̪͍̱̹ͯ̑͝a̡̝ͯl͐͏͈̫͓ ̶ͪͭͣ͌̒̚m̹̯͍͛͗̇ͫͤ͆ͤ̀i̖̜̼̰͍̱̅̅͒ͧņ͈̻d̤̟̘͎͎s͎̱͙̰̜

̪̣̔̎ͯ͗͒̋̑͜

Love is for humans.

))I know Nothing.((

))Yet, I understand Everything.((

))And so, I shall chase the Dream.((

He smiles as his ears become garbage bins, filling with the throw away advice that people always give, but never seem to take. His body becomes the lake into which others will throw the stone of his heart, hoping it will sink beyond rescue. Even in this, he will glue his hands together, and wish you an unrelenting happiness. He will break himself open and offer up his trust, knowing it is the only gift worth giving, that the hardest part of living, is watching what others will do with it.

))I soothe the restless((

))And console the weary((

))A fading memory,((

))A living memorial, ((

))The lost ones take form.((

But the Fool believes.

))We stand with the Infinite,((

))As We weep for the Dream.((

The Fool believes that there are those who would keep it bastioned within the heavy chambers of their marrow, sacrificing their own bones for its protection. That the risk of finding one honest connection in the midst of bedlam is what makes the hurt worth it.

))Fight with me, Oh ye lost ones.((

))Free the broken ones,((

))Create peace between giants.((

He does this to prove that the only things that belong to us are the choices we choose. That we lose everything by risking nothing. That we bring about our own ending by pretending away our pain, as if we were somehow above it.

))For which we fight,((

))This Eternal freedom,((

The Fool steps blindly, reminding us we cannot simply bear what is necessary...

))Dreams of the Fallen.((

...we must love it.

The first mind was so sweet, so loving… I couldn't help but shed a tear. Rather than the burning of before, this felt soothing, healing, as if it were something that had always belonged to me that had returned after a very long time.

I blinked. No, that wasn't right. It didn't belong to me, I belonged to it. I wasn't sure where this certainty came from, but I knew it with every fiber of my being. I belonged to him, as surely as the sun rose in the sky.

"I can only tell you how it felt. It felt like moving—suddenly, quickly, and without warning."

"I was running, alone in a monochrome world, running from what was chasing me. And then… I wasn't. I was home, and the colors were everywhere. I felt safe, and I no longer felt alone."

What I really learned from the first five years of my life, was the difference between wishing, and hoping. A wish is hope in its' most aggressive form, a wish gets made… and then it's over.

A monochrome animation played, illustrating her next words. "I was being chased, running for my life. I knew that everyone I loved was dead, and that nothing would ever be the same... So I closed my eyes, and wished that… that… that it would all be over, and I could see my home again."

Hope… is slow. It's a light we have to build within ourselves. I wish that you'll never know what I knew—things about despair, and everything it cost me to get through.

In the grayscale animation, a spark of color dyed the image—the hair of a young boy, jumping in front of a grey fireball. "…And when I saw you…I thought that you felt familiar, that you reminded me of something I had felt somewhere before, something that I had lost and missed terribly…"

The boy with the red hair grabbed her hand, and they were running through the trees. "…and I realized why you felt so familiar…"

Color dyed the world, turning the leaves green and showing the gleaming stars. '…you felt like home.'

I can only tell you how it felt. It felt like knowing that it would never change. And it felt like hope, that it might.

"I'm going to find her one day, and ask her why. Until then, I'm going to stay with you."

Hoping is what you do when wishing fails. Hope is what you do, when they tell you that there is no hope. You take a deep breath…

I saw my fiancé's face within a large sitting room. I heard another voice, the barest whisper. "That's okay, right?

I had my mouth open, and I was answering a question. I heard my own voice as he answered, "As long as you want."

…and you do it anyway.

Another tear fell down my face. Another lonely soul, one that would happily follow the first into the depths of hell itself. It had chained itself to the first with its' own form, deciding that it would rather die than be separated.

And, honestly, I could relate.

Mostly... I get hung up on the stopping, the suddenness of abandoning a tether I both love and hate. Mostly I think that in stopping, there is loss. A vacuum I cannot imagine, but nevertheless dread.

A great red Dragon floated in a void before a single grave, standing lone sentinel, paying its' respects to everything it had lost. It turned, leaving the void in its' past, leaving for the future.

I am crushed under the fury of a perceived disgrace, my resolve corrupted by the whispering razors of suspicion, skinning my confidence, making trophies of my ruins.

A white Dragon flew in, setting the lone grave ablaze.

I convince myself to accept failure, before sacrifice is required. But still… I forge myself a philosophy that insists that if I am to succeed, then I must first surrender the relief my excuses provide.

The red Dragon returned, horrified at the carnage of the gravestone. Despite trying to leave it in the past, the Dragon still took up arms, charging the White One, demanding bloody recompense for its' losses.

There will be no alibis to let me deny my ability to make change happen. Mostly I'm afraid of the ending. When victory becomes a funeral. A lament for all the terrible poisons I thought were cures.

They fought endlessly over this, like they had fought over everything. Despite them once being siblings, they were now bitter enemies. They nursed their grievances into grudges, each choosing to blame the other for their losses, instead of accepting them.

Eventually, they stopped caring about the damage. When the world itself burned from their conflict, they merely raged on. So others were forced to stop them. They bound them with chains they dared not break, and placed them in prisons they could not destroy.

Mostly I shudder at the purity of a fresh start. I pause like boots in honor of untouched snow. Like a pen, raised in salute, giving the highest of respect to the start of a new sentence in a story.

Yet in the red Dragon's rage, a lone boy approached her. He smiled. Ignoring the chains, ignoring the scars. He held out his hand, asking her to leave behind her burnt bridges to build new ones.

It is changing.

She took the outstretched hand, her chains falling away as her form shrunk.

I was theirs, now. Theirs to do whatever they wished with me. I could feel their souls merging with mine, bringing with them all of their hopes, dreams, desires, and worries. I could feel yet more tears coming to my eyes from the sheer beauty of the moment.

'This was what I was missing.' I decided. 'All those lonely years. This warmth. This comfort.'

All that promptly dissolved as I abruptly remembered that I had just been kissed. Very passionately, and very deeply.

'OhmySatanOhmySatanOhmySatan—' "Th-that was my first kiss…"

For some reason, that fact didn't bother me as much as it should.

Laughter, pure and clear, rippled through my mind, making me jump slightly. {Don't feel too bad, the Fool got mine, too.}

I'm hers, too, right? Ah, yes. Of course I am. Now, what am I supposed to say here?

A series of impressions, a long train of memories. I can't show my true feelings, no matter what.

…Mother taught me that, and she was right…

…Only the weakest of Kings show weakness…

The red-haired boy smiled down at me, making my heart skip a beat. I knew him, and he obviously knew me. So who was I? Who was he?

His perfect lips parted, and he spoke. "Can I just call you Gil? I'm tired of differentiating between the two of you when you're the same person, now."

I blinked, the names ringing through my mind. Gil. 'I'm Gil. Gil is my name. And this…' A flush burned to life on my cheeks. 'This is Millicas-sama. I live to serve him. I am his, and no one else's.'

Some part of me tried to protest, but I ignored it. I was his, now. No one but him could touch me, and only he was worthy.

I decided I quite liked that.

I nodded shyly, looking up at Millicas-sama. "I-if you really want to that is. Consider it a favor from the King."

King? No, that's not right. I'm not a King. I'm a… something. I don't remember.

I felt his soft mind brush against mine, and I blushed. He was inspecting me, his new prize. I laid my mind bare, eager to please as he examined every part of me.

Hishishishishis…

I really did like the feeling of belonging to him. Everything I did, all for him. Every word, every thought, every breath. His. 'No one could take him from me, nor me from him.' That thought sent a tremor through my body, a shiver of pure delight.

I was his, forever.

Immortal together, serving the one that I had always dreamed of. Pure heaven.

He finished looking me over, and I felt slightly disappointed. That disappointment was banished a moment later, however, as he leaned down and picked me up in a bridal carry. I felt my cheeks heat brighter still, and had to fight off a loopy giggle

I barely noticed as he opened an odd portal and stepped through, bringing us into an odd room furnished with a dresser, a bed, and a writing desk. A bedroom. I glanced up at him, and saw a smug smirk on his face. It was likely His bedroom, then. Wait. If He took me into His bedroom, then—

I let out an involuntary squeak as He sat down on the bed and settled me on His lap. I was being held, on His lap.

I buried my face in His chest and blocked out the rest of the world for a bit. Just breathing in His scent was enough to make me want more. 'Will He take me off into the sunset, now? Like in the books?'

I felt two other minds pressing against mine, and I opened my eyes to see two girls hoovering over me with excited faces. I gave them a shy smile. 'They must also be His.' I decided. 'I hope I can please them, too.'

Mmm… serving three people?

I felt my Pride twinge inside me, and a rush of pure pleasure rushed through me. Serving them would be amazing. I would be theirs, too, and every time I pleased them, they would praise me, and I would feel so very good…

I shook off the haze of pleasure, trying to focus on the present. "W-why am I in your room?" I managed to squeak out. Millicas-sama's nice, comforting scent filled my mind as I buried my face in his chest once more, calming me somewhat.

He sighed deeply. "All right, listen. Here's what you need to know."

I listened attentively, being a good girl as I followed my instructions. The resulting pleasure brought me to the brink of unconsciousness, but I managed to force myself to stay awake. As he finished, I finally became able to think clearly once more.

"So, for the Soul-Bond to 'set' properly, I have to be in physical contact with you for the next eight to ten hours?" I asked, feeling slight excitement as I considered the possibility. Being held like this for hours? The very idea makes me feel all warm and tingly inside.

He nodded in confirmation, smiling down at me. I felt comforted, knowing I was a good girl. I had listened, just as He had ordered me. I was a wonderful, good girl, who lived to serve her master.

I nuzzled into His side, yawning widely. Now that I was close to His comforting scent, and I no longer had to listen as he spoke, I realized how tired I truly was. "This isn't too bad, I guess." I murmured. 'Rather like when Riser-nii used to sleep with me to prevent nightmares.' I decided, snuggling into Millicas-sama's side. A jolt of embarrassment made my cheeks flush at the odd thought, and I reflexively tried to cover it up. "Be glad, for you are able to share bed-space with one such as I!" The words slipped out against my will, and my eyes widened.

Bad girl.

Something within my chest died, and I felt like I had lost the world's greatest treasure. I had insulted Him, and now I was a bad girl, and now he wouldn't want me—

My fears dissolved as he smiled and kissed me on the forehead. He pulled me tight against his side as he laid down, the other two of His girls snuggling into Him as well. I felt so warm, so safe… I would never leave this. No matter what. I would serve them forever, and I would enjoy every moment of it.

With that wonderful thought in mind, I drifted off to sleep.

I allowed them to place me onto a large cross, iron bands fastening around my hands and feet. The Bishop smiled up at me, but I was anything but reassured…

I swallowed my fear, steeling myself. Emotions wouldn't help me now. Nothing would. I looked up at the moon, knowing that I wouldn't survive this. The chanting of many voices surrounded me, and I closed my eyes.

I blinked. Immortality? I'd almost forgotten about that, what with how long I've been locked at this age. It would be a pain to grow old as I had in my first life. I gave up my quest for immortality after I learned of its' cost, but perhaps…

I favored the young man with a kind smile. "You drive a hard bargain, young Lugal. I approve. I accept you proposition, O Lugal of Dreams. So long as you hold up your side of the bargain, I am yours to do as you will."

The red-haired man nodded once, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a crystal trinket. I felt a tug, and my vision dissolved into golden light.

I gasped, sitting up with a start. What had I done? Oh, Satan, what was that? That… that… thing that I had been last night? So utterly submissive and shy? That wasn't me, I refuse to let that be me!

It's too late now! Part of me giggled deliriously. We're His, now, aaall His. No one can ever take us from Him.

I ignored the voice, trying to sort my new memories. They were really just one jumbled mess, fused together so I didn't know where one ended and the other began. But I at least remembered who I am—who I had been—so I could at least avoid acting like some besotted wench.

I spent the next time separating and re-integrating Ravel and Gilgamesh into Gil, trying to remember what I had lost. Gilgamesh was sure she had forgotten something, something important. So what could—oh.

Ishtar.

Fuck.

Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck. I was defeated by Millicas-sama… no wonder I feel so drawn towards serving him with my entire being. Ishtar, being the bitch she is, literally wired the pleasure centers of my mind to activate whenever I was a 'good girl' for my 'master', so I would gradually grow addicted to servitude. The fact that Ravel took great Pride in the fact that she was going to serve 'Millicas-sama' just made those urges ten, twenty times worse. Hell, if I didn't know better, I'd guess that Ravel's demented Pride was entirely responsible for my actions. As it was, the girl still had some serious issues.

My lips twisted into a scowl. 'No wonder I was acting like a desperate sex slave. I essentially was one. If He- no. Not He. Just he. If H-he had so much as indicated he wanted me, I would've happily given my entire being to H-him.'

I quashed the delirious flutterings in my stomach. Giving in to my urges would only strengthen them, and I refuse to give in. I won't give Ishtar the pleasure. Regaining Gilgamesh's Divinity will take time, especially with my form being that of a Devil, so I'll just have to bear the vow… no, the curse while I wait.

Millicas-sam…

Millica…

Millicas-saaaaaa…

'Dammit, I guess I can't get rid of all of it. I guess I'm stuck calling him '-sama' for now.'

BAD GIRL.

I gasped as something was ripped from me, and I felt myself slipping. Millicas-sama's arm around my waist shifted, and a wave of giddy, guilty pleasure raced through my entire body.

I was a good girl. I had to serve. SERVE.

Yes. I would serve Him.

I whimpered as the pleasure faded, all conscious thought practically nonexistent. The girl laying on His chest opened her eyes, and I felt a new mind brush against my exposed thoughts. She smirked, sitting up and looking me in the eyes. Her beautiful golden orbs told me of her desire, and I let her. Her lips pressed against mine, and my world became bliss.

Good girl.

Pleasure, pure and undiluted, raced through my mind. I was Hers, now. His and Hers. I belonged to Them, and I would do anything to please Them. Anything. Anything at all.

The kiss ended as She pulled back, radiating satisfaction and contentment. I felt immensely pleased, knowing that She had enjoyed my lips. Anything I could do to serve Her would make me happy.

I wonder if she wants another—

No. No. NONONONONO.

I grit my teeth, forcing my mind back under my control. I'm not some two-bit whore, I'm a mighty LUGAL. A ruler, firm and proud. An heiress to the Noble House of Phenex.

Old memories surfaced, old mannerisms called on. My lips opened as I voiced my rage. "Y-y-you mongrel! You dare besmirch me with your lips? I, the Lugal of Heroes? K-know your place, knave!"

My voice, though raw and shaky from the pleasure, still held firm. I nodded to myself, proud of my ability to resist both what I assumed to be the Goddess's influence and Ravel's odd sense of Pride. I don't quite know the difference between the two, but I will in time.

"You enjoyed it!" She crowed, looking remarkably pleased with herself.

I felt my hard-earned control slip, if only for a moment. I was Hers, and She had told me I enjoyed it. So, obviously—

No. No, no no no no. Focus on the bad parts, the flaws in the kiss. I'm a girl, kissing a girl. That's not good. Stop trying to justify it. It was my second kiss, and nothing even close to Millicas-sama's. His was the absolute epitome of perfe-

…Dammit, Ravel.

"A-as if I would enjoy such a sub-par kiss!" I managed, ignoring my slight stammer. Even if the kiss itself wasn't half-bad, I didn't want her thinking I wanted her kissing me.

She pouted, turning to the red-haired girl. "Does this mean I don't get another one?"

The red-haired girl sighed. "Ask Millicas."

That wench! How dare she not give Him the respect He—

I stabbed the voice. Repeatedly. It didn't help much, but it made me feel better. If only the voice in my head were the curse instead of Ravel Phenex, I could actually do something about it. Alas, that's the cost of a Soul Meld. The desires of both parties, both sexual and otherwise, are unified. And until I can accept Ravel's disturbingly submissive mind as part of myself, I'm stuck with having a voice in my head.

Not that there's a chance in hell I'm listening to it.

The white-haired girl turned to Millicas-saaa

Millicas sama.

Millicas-sam—

Millicas-s

Millicas.

Millicas.

'Yes!'

She turned to Millicas, eyes glistening. "Can you please tell her to let me kiss her?"

Aaaand, there it went. 'Damn it.'

I braced myself, hoping that he didn't say yes. If he did, I wouldn't be able to—

"She loves a good competition. Try challenging her to a game." He offered, making the white-haired girl pout.

I visibly relaxed. I had almost forgotten, Millicas-saaa… Millicas is one who loves to compromise. He would never force me to do anything.

Millicas-sama is a good, fair husband.

'Indeed He is.' I agreed absently, a jolt of pleasure running through me. Ravel's Pride welled up within, and a small smile graced my lips.

The red-haired girl smiled. "Winner gets to demand something of the loser?"

The white-haired girl nodded. I smiled, trying to force my mind to focus once more. "Very well. If I win, you must not bother me again… a-and you must acknowledge me as Millicas-sama's First Wife."

Good. If I was on top of the pile, then I wouldn't have to worry about my submissive urges. Or at least, that's what I hoped.

The other girl gave me the tiniest of smirks. "If I win, I can do anything I want with you, whenever I want. And, I get to choose the design of your new Guardian configuration."

I twitched. 'Guardian configuration? Like my necklace? This could go wrong in so many ways. And yet…' I stood and tossed my hair over my shoulder. 'I am a Lugal of the highest order. I WILL NOT BOW.' "V-very well." I forced out, authority coating my voice. "Choose the competition, mongrel, so that I can prove myself superior!"

My opponent held out a Geas Scroll. "Sign."

I did so without question. Before I could even think about it, really. She had ordered me, and I complied without a moment's hesitation. I could've sold my soul for all I knew, and I didn't regret it one bit. And that thought alone terrified me more than anything I've ever faced before.

'Fucking Ravel… Fucking Ishtar…'

The girl's smirk intensified. "All right. We'll do something simple. So simple even a 'mongrel' like me can do it."

I felt part of my old knowledge returning to me. This was something I knew. Bargaining. "Very well. Speak." I told her, my voice the hardened tones of a ruler.

The girl held up her arm. "Arm-wrestling. No restrictions."

I blinked, faltering. 'Arm-wrestling? Is she kidding me? Arm wrestling over an important issue? You might as well flip a coin to decide the fate of the world!' I sighed. 'And besides… asking for a physical challenge against someone of my strength? Isn't that a bit… Well, at least she didn't ask me to compete while wearing a French maid uniform.'

I steadfastly ignored the part of me that perked up at the idea of serving Her in such an outfit. I also ignored the fact that the voice in my head sounded an awful lot like myself rather than Ravel.

We approached a writing desk I vaguely remember from last night, locking hands and waiting for our cue. "Begin."

I immediately began straining. To my utter shock, she not only held her own, but smashed my hand into the desk within ten seconds of the 'match'.

Fuck.

Giddy anticipation and an odd Pride in my foe for besting me raced through my veins, making me clench my teeth. 'If I don't figure out what's causing these feelings, I'm going to go insane.' I thought grimly. 'Or, worse, give in to them.' I gave a nod of secession to the white-haired girl, as well as a polite smile. 'Thankfully, Gilgamesh is in the driver's seat right now. Ravel would be a submissive pile of mush by now.'

The white-haired girl didn't even notice, seeming to stare off into space in thought. I hesitantly took a step away from the now-ruined desk, glancing at Millicas-sa… Millicas and using my new Bond to scan his mind. He didn't bother to block my clumsy probe, or even seem to notice, so I was able to listen in to his thoughts for a bit.

Stars whirling amongst nebulae of memories. Cosmic winds blowing past impossible gaps in reality. Creation and destruction, perfectly balanced in an endless harmony, never to be disturbed…

An endless ocean, life flickering within its' depths. The clear blue water allowed one to see the millions of different creatures that dwelt there, dancing amongst the waves…

A forest, teeming with all manner of greenery. Warm air and a cool breeze. Leaves dancing, swaying in the wind. It would never change, merely grow older as time flowed on. The forest, ancient and calm, lulled one into a quiet sleep…

Against my will, my muscles relaxed. His aura was so calming, so soothing, that I could bask in it for the rest of time. I would close my eyes, now, and lose myself within his mind. His wonderful, beautiful mind…

A contented sigh passed my lips as my eyes glazed over. I would have this forever… forever and ever and ever. Forever within His embrace, never again having to worry about anything. He would take care of me, hold me, shelter me…

I honestly would've lost myself, right there, if I hadn't been shaken from my trance by the most unlikely of places. The white-haired girl, Shirone, turned to my husband and smiled triumphantly. "She'll be having a slave collar. A thick golden one, complete with a chain and obedience runes."

The sudden shock of being snapped from H-his mind gave me pause. Then what she actually said registered, and my face turned a brilliant red. "E-excuse me!" I spluttered, "What?"

She gave me a smirk that made my stomach flutter. "Your new Guardian configuration. It's going to be a slave collar."

Ohhh Satan.

YES. YES. YES. YES. The voice chanted in my head gleefully.

Shirone's smirk combined with her domineering tone and sexy, sexy gaze were wreaking havoc on my self-control. Ravel wanted me to kneel down and submit right now, and Ishtar's 'reinforcement' wasn't far behind. Honestly, if Gilgamesh hadn't given me such excellent control, I would probably be eating out of her hand right now. And a slave collar besides?

I pictured myself in such a collar, and wasn't as disgusted with the image as I thought I'd be. In fact, if the collar were gold…

I practically felt steam coming from my ears as I realized what I was contemplating. A collar. Around my neck. A slave collar. 'What the hell am I doing?'

Millicas-sama will make the collar Himself. The voice reminded me. A collar, placed around your neck by Him, to prove that you are His belonging.

My mouth was open and speaking before my brain had time to catch up. "V-very well. Let it not be said that a Lugal does not uphold her vows."

I mentally applauded my own quick words. They made it so that I was merely acting under my pride, rather than any actual interest. If this were a courtroom, I would have convinced even the most stubborn diplomat.

…Dammit, now I actually want the collar. Why does it have to sound so good?

I considered the idea, shoving Ravel's eager mind aside. 'I mean, it's no wedding band, but anyone who looks at it will immediately know I'm taken. And I already see him as my husband, so there's no real problem in showing it. It's just not something I'll show the unwashed masses.'

And yes. That is the only reason. No matter what others might tell you. Who needs a silly ring, anyway? I-I mean, I wouldn't object if he were to—

"Is anyone listening to me?" Millicas complained, catching my attention. "There's no way I'm making something like that. I don't even know how you managed to convince me to make those."

He gestured towards Ruby and Shirone's necks, where a red choker and an honest-to-Satan pet collar resided.

Wait. Shirone? Where the hell did that name come from? And why the hell have I been using it so easily?

The white-haired girl's name is Shirone. She was born on November 23, and loves her Master more than life itself. If anyone were to hurt him, she would likely torture them to death in many painful ways…

I blinked, tracing my odd knowledge back to its' source. 'Sha Nabqa Imuru? How the hell…?' Well, however it had managed to follow me, it was more than welcome. Apparently it had absorbed a fair share of knowledge as I was listening to the siren's call. A couple spells… some random facts… is that a rubber duck?

"If you don't, we'll revoke snuggle time." Shirone's voice broke me out of my thoughts once more. 'I really should stop getting lost in thought while in public, it's unbecoming.'

He froze. "Fine. I'll do it. But remember, I'm only doing this because Gil is okay with it."

…I am suddenly very worried about my future if my new husband folds when his snuggle supply is threatened.

Ruby smiled softly. "We know. You would never make us do anything that we don't want to, unless it's for our own good."

…Oh. Well, good. If that weren't the case, I might be forced to kill hi—

Kill—

'Damn, can't I even say it? Fuck you, Ishtar. The 'submit to him alone' clause was meant to make me treat him as an equal, not bind me to him in eternal servitude. And fuck you too, Ravel, you submissive bitch. Just because you love being in his Peerage doesn't mean that you can cream yourself whenever he dominates you in any way.'

I sighed, my embarrassment well and truly gone. At this point, I just wanted to get this part over with so I could have some time alone to think.

Millicas turned to me, and whatever moment he and Ruby were having ended. "All right. Since I'm using Denial anyway, I might as well make you some new clothes. What do you want?"

I frowned. "Denial? What's that?"

He smirked. "Oh, nothing. Just the Creation branch of the First Sorcery."

I froze in place, my heart rate spiking. He what? "Bullshit!"

Ruby snickered. "Kingly bullshit?"

I glared at her. 'Bitch.'

Our silent glaring contest was interrupted by Millicas's pointed look. "No." He replied to my unspoken question. "I actually did master the First Sorcery. I just can't use it easily, or often."

I blinked. That made… a bit more sense. But even if it made perfect sense, I probably wouldn't understand it right now. I've had a bit too much to handle already. Having two minds smashed together and having well over a hundred years' worth of memories shoved into your skull will do that to you.

Sighing, I considered his original question. Gilgamesh wasn't the least bit body shy, and regularly wore clothes that exposed most of her skin. If anyone wanted to have their way with her, they would have to be strong enough to beat her anyway, so why bother hiding? Ravel, on the other hand… well. She was a sheltered little girl who was extremely self-conscious about her developing form. The fact that Gilgamesh had perfect curves and an ass you could chip a tooth on was only making her embarrassment about her body worse.

This odd conflict in ideals seemed to be generating an overwhelming urge to stab anyone besides my husband and wives who so much as looked at me crosswise. So in order to prevent needless deaths… "I do not feel comfortable dressing like Gilgamesh, so I will wear…" I tried to show him an image of Ravel in her daywear, but it was probably murky due to how poorly I remembered it.

Millicas nodded, not commenting on the image quality. "Got it. Now, stay still." He closed his eyes.

I tensed, expecting something to touch my skin and form itself to my dimensions. Instead, golden light surrounded me and solidified, revealing Ravel's day dress and a golden collar.

An ornate, well-decorated, obviously expensive collar, engraved with an elaborate labyrinthine design of black lines that snaked around the entire thing.

I squeaked, flushing and grabbing the collar as a wave of giddy joy hit me. My newfound submissive side squealed in excitement, and I couldn't find it in me to tell it off as the pleasure began to intensify. I was HIS now. Everyone in the world can see His ownership of me. And if He ever wanted to use my collar, well. I would just have to let him have his way with me.

My already red cheeks flushed brighter as I realized what I had just thought. Satans, I've been married to the man for less than a day, and I already want him to fuck me? I'm SIX! I don't care how 'fertile' Ishtar's power makes me, I'm NOT fucking a six-year-old.

And then I realized that my new husband had opened his eyes and was looking over me. Instantly, the voice sang for joy. Look at me! I'm yours, now, Millicas-sama!

I growled at it. 'No! Don't look! This is NOT befitting a Lugal!'

But He gave us our collar! We can never escape Him anymore, so it's only right that we give Him His due.

'His due!? I owe him nothing! He doesn't own me!'

Yes, actually, He does. The voice replied smugly.

Millicas interrupted my thoughts as he began to speak once more. "That collar is based off of Command Spells. It allows for absolute Commands, even at the expense of the laws of reality."

He pulled back his sleeve, exposing a golden chain around his wrist. A quick glance told me that Ruby and Shirone had identical chains. He held up his arm, and tiny red lines glowed on the chain.

"By order of Command Seal, appear by my side!" He called.

I felt a jerk—like I was being pulled somewhere against my will. I didn't fight it, and when I opened my eyes, I was practically touching shoulders with him.

Ooh, ooh! Lean in and brush against His shoulder! We should feel it against our skin!

'First, what the fuck? And second, what's with you and shoulders all of a sudden?'

His shoulders, specifically, turn me on.

'EVERYTHING turns you on.'

Only everything of His~

I growled low in my throat. I was getting rid of that voice, as soon as possible. There's a reason that you don't do a Soul Meld with people of two different ages. Ravel's Pride was in 'being useful', which had warped and twisted her mind as she had been exposed to mine. I had the mental equivalent of a raving maniac inside my head, twittering on about sexual fetishes she had only just learned about. How utterly insufferable.

Oh, don't worry. I'll dissolve into your subconscious once you accept your submissive side.

Yeah… that's not happening. Ever.

I shook of my mental distraction, forcing myself to pay attention.

Millicas was giving all of us a serious look as he spoke. "This is NOT a toy, do you hear me? This is a dangerous magical device that is coded only to us, and with very good reason. This collar could be used to Command her to end her own life, and she would be forced to do so. You must both promise me that you will never Command Gil to do something that she wouldn't normally do, barring unique circumstances."

…We are so tapping that.

'Fuck off.'

Oh, come on. Even Gilgamesh had submissive tendencies once you got past her guarded exterior, and Millicas-sama pried that away with ease. You can't pretend that you don't want him.

I ignored the voice and nodded in agreement, my fellow wives doing the same.

Millicas's personality pulled a one-eighty, returning to the cheerful persona I was more accustomed to. "Good! Now, let's get ready for breakfast!"

I breathed a silent sigh of relief as he turned and left out the only door in the room. 'Maybe now I'll get the chance to sort out my thoughts. It's way too cluttered up here, and I can't go three sentences into a conversation before getting lost.'

My plans were dashed as Shirone approached me with a predatory grin. A pair of white ears stood straight up with excitement, and a fluffy tail curled around my waist as she grabbed the short chain of my collar. I stiffened, flushing, as her lustful mind forced its' way into mine and began filling me with a warm, fuzzy feeling.

She leaned over and whispered in my ear, making me shake off the fog covering my mind. "Would you like me to kiss you?"

'W-what? No! Never!' I snapped mentally, trying to fight off the odd sensation. The words didn't pass my frozen lips, however, frustrating me even further.

Yes, please! The voice cried, ignoring my attempts to shut it up.

I growled, and was about to give the voice a scathing comment when I just… lost what I was going to say. It was floating away from me in a cloud of bliss. A pair of lips captured mine, and I melted into them.

And then the pleasure hit, and consciousness fled.

...I leaned into Her kiss, feeling the sheer pleasure of Her mind. She was such a good Mistress, making Her slave submit to her with such wonderful feelings. It was really only my Pride that kept me aware as she slowly began deepening the kiss, and I knew that logic wasn't going to be returning anytime soon.

{You'll be a good little sub, won't you, love?} She purred through the link, making me press myself even closer against her.

{Y-yes Mistress.} I answered, shivering from a fresh wave of pleasure. {I-I'll do anything.}

And it was true. As of that instant, I would happily lick Her toes if she asked me to. I was just happy to be useful to such a benevolent Mistress, no matter what she might use me for.

{Good girl. Master will be pleased.} She praised, breaking the kiss.

Good girl.

I straightened in hopeful pride, before deciding to stop thinking too hard about the details and merely snuggling against my precious Mistress. {Millicas-sama loves you very much, Mistress.} I praised Her, looking adoringly into Her beautiful golden eyes. {I can feel it.}

She blinked. {Neither Gilgamesh or Ravel were ever in love, were they?}

I shrank into myself, slightly horrified. Was She asking me to—no. No, she's making sure that I'm loyal to Her and Millicas-sama. Don't worry, Mistress, I would never betray you for some unworthy swine. I'm yours alone. {No, Mistress. Ravel fell in love with the boy who cared for her safety enough to give her a priceless necklace, but she never knew him. Not really. Millicas-sama is the first one we've… I've… ever loved.}

{And me?} She probed, making me smile widely. I'm already anticipating my Mistress's needs, and I've only been Her slave for a day!

{I love you too, Mistress.} I told her, basking in the pleasure that came from serving Her. 'But maybe… if I pleased her once more…' I pulled away, giving my wonderful Mistress a pleading look. {Can you please kiss me again?}

She smiled at me, making my heart flutter. {Sure.} She leaned in, and a fresh wave of pure pleasure crashed into my mind.

Kissing feels so good… how could Gilgamesh and Ravel stand never having this? Never mind that, how wonderful will Millicas-sama's kiss be? Will it be passionate, like this one, or more tender? I can barely remember what His first one felt like, but it was absolutely amazing.

{I feel like I'm watching two addicts share a needle.} Ruby deadpanned. {It's seriously creepy. If Master weren't so absorbed in his own thoughts, he would have noticed it by now.}

I blinked, )Sha Nabqa Imuru( helpfully informing me exactly what He had been thinking about for the past five minutes. I filed it away for later examination, instead focusing on the lovely Nekoshou in front of me. My Mistress ignored Ruby, instead kissing me once more. This kiss was even better than the last, and the sheer level of pleasure that I was getting made my head spin. I gradually realized I was becoming addicted to these sweet kisses of Hers' as her tongue pressed into my mouth…

I was snapped out of my pleasure and Lust-induced haze as M̶i̶l̶l̶i̶c̶a̶s̶-̶s̶a̶-̶ as Millicas opened the door. I jerked back, my Pride as a Lugal making me grit my teeth at being found in such a compromising position. And by my husband, no less! Part of me immediately whimpered as my kiss-induced bliss was shattered, but I quashed it. That voice was weakness, and after showing such a shameful sight, I can't afford more weakness. If I had caught one of my courtiers like this, I would've had them stripped of their riches and tossed to the slums.

Millicas seemed unaffected, however, and almost seemed to expect it. "Try not to do that in front of my family."

I blinked, glancing at my equally blasé wives. 'Do they do this often? If so, will I have to get used to this kind of thing?'

I shook it off, coughing in embarrassment and bobbing my head in acknowledgement of my error. I had more pressing matters to discuss. Fortunately, )Sha Nabqa Imuru( seems to have properly organized my mind during my, ah, lapse in common sense, so I can at least use complex sentences.

"Ahem. A-after due consideration, I have come to a conclusion. If I am to appear before your family as your Claimed, I must do so properly, so as to not shame you. It is my duty as King to teach you how to properly appear, especially if I am to become your lover." I told him, mentally smirking. It seems like all of my mental faculties have indeed returned. No more scatterbrained fool, then.

He snorted. "You… don't know who my family is, do you?"

I nodded, not bothering to use Imuru for what my observation skills could tell me easily. "You are Millicas Gremory, are you not? I assume you are a branch member of the Gremory family in low standing, or at least judging by your secondhand items and clothes."

My fellow wives gave Millicas a significant glance, and he… dare I say… pouted. "What?" he grumbled, "There's no way I'm living in one of those echo chambers, and if I asked Mother for a lamp, she's probably buy me some millennia-old masterpiece I'm terrified to touch lest I break it. I'll keep my stuff, thanks."

I frowned. Was my conclusion incorrect? Impossible. Unless… "Am I missing something?"

My husband gave me a roguish smirk that made my heart skip a beat. "Just wait. You'll get the joke eventually. Now, how would you like to be presented?"

My frown deepened as I berated myself. Even if he was attractive, this is not the time. Not after I practically drooled all over him for the past eighteen hours. "Call me Ravel Phenex. If you explain the circumstances in which I was captured, as well as how you used logic to pinpoint my location, we could—"

"I'm gonna have to stop you there. I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just a guy who got lost." He interrupted, raising a hand to stop me.

I gritted my teeth. Neither Gilgamesh nor Ravel were patient people, and this was trying what little I had. "What do you mean, you don't know what I'm talking about? You just spent the past five minutes thinking about it!"

'Thank you, Imuru.'

He shrugged. "My Dad lost track of me, so I got lost, and just so happened to find where you were. Right, Gil?"

I blinked, catching on. "I see. How unfortunate. I take it you are quite talented at 'getting lost'?"

He nodded. "All of my Peerage members so far have been found by me when I 'got lost'. Sometimes I even wind up in the middle of an active battlefield when I 'get lost'."

I smiled knowingly. "Of course. So, you got lost, found me in some strange building, somehow resurrected me with no knowledge of my heritage, and wandered back home?"

He gave me an innocent smile that fooled no one. "I'm glad you remember." Walking over to a magic circle in the corner of the room, he offered his elbow. "Well, we might as well."

I walked over and wound one arm through crook of his elbow, moving with the refined grace of a ruler. Shirone smiled and hopped onto Millicas's shoulders, and Ruby just rolled her eyes, taking his free hand and giggling at the enthusiastic catgirl. Then the circle activated, and we were gone.

We stepped out into a large dining hall, making me tense slightly. This is too much like my—Ravel's home for me to be entirely comfortable. Long, expensive dining table, plush chairs, maid, man with a newspaper…

I blinked, staring for a moment at the red-haired man with the newspaper. I swear he looks familiar, but I can't… quite…

Oh. OH. That's Sirzechs Lucifer. Ravel met him once when he accompanied his sister to meet Riser.

…Wait.

Lucifer?

My eyes widened as I abruptly realized that the most powerful man in the Underworld was sitting not ten feet away from me.

"Hey, Dad, look! I got lost again last night, and got a new )Knight(!" Millicas called cheerfully.

…All right, I think I've taken all this rather well. I died, twice, and became a completely different person. I'm currently fighting the urge to act like a submissive sex addict, and I'm honestly considering giving in. A cat-girl just made me her bitch with a kiss and a few honeyed words, and I would happily let her do so again. But Sirzechs fucking Lucifer?

WHAT THE FUCK!?

The red-haired man's name is Sirzechs Lucifer. He was born on October 6, loves eating deep-fried SPAM, enjoys grooming his chia pet, and is partial to sex in the shower. In addition to his hobbies, he enjoys…

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes and counting to ten. 'Not helping, Nabqa. Not. Helping. The hell is a chia pet, anyway?'

"Where did you find her?!" The Crimson Lucifer demanded, dropping the newspaper and rising to his feet. In three great strides, he was before me, examining me with a critical eye.

I'm not sure I like having another man besides Millicas-sama inspect me so closely. It makes my skin crawl. Powerful or not, he's still nothing compared to my husband. And until I find out what the hell a 'chia pet' is, I'm going to assume it's a sex toy and treat him like a pervert.

Millicas shrugged. "Some island in the Pacific. I found her on this cross thingie and when I took her down, she looked dead. I thought she might need a bit of a boost for the Evil Piece to work, so I poured mana into it until it glowed."

The man looked up from his examination, confused. "You used a Piece on her? A )Knight(? But that's not possible." He blinked. "Unless… that cross that she was on, was it under moonlight?"

Millicas nodded dumbly. "A full moon. Why?"

The Satan stood up from his impromptu inspection, urgency written in the lines of his face. "I need to make some calls. I'll be back later tonight. Would you mind talking to some friends of mine about how you revived her? This could be important."

My husband's innocent smile did not match his inner cackling. "Sure, Dad! Just as long as I can keep her, I'm fine!"

Sirzechs winced. "Actually… her name is Ravel Phenex, and she has a family to get back to."

Millicas gasped. "She's Riser's sister!? Does that mean that Riser and I will be brothers if I marry her?"

I felt my cheeks burn a bright cherry red. 'D-damn it! This is not helping! Stop saying it so casually! And fuck off, Ravel! Your fantasies are NOT making this easier!'

Shirone, noticing my sudden blush, began giggling softly. {Her face!} She sent, making my blush worse. {She's blushing brighter than Ruby during the Condom Incident!}

{Sh-shut up! I-it's not my fault this Fool keeps talking about marriage, and 'keeping me'!} I snapped, trying to fight down my raging blush. Mind of an ancient hero or not, I'm still a little girl at heart, and the idea of getting married to my )King( filled me with warm fuzzies I didn't know how to deal with. Ravel's captivity had been spend daydreaming of this exact moment, and Gilgamesh had a few more… private… fantasies that involved her 'landlord' forcibly 'taking rent' from her. 'Rent' ranged from marriage to… tributes of another kind.

'Why do both of my previous selves have to be so perverted?' I whined, trying to reign in my raging blush.

{We do not talk about the Condom Incident.} Ruby growled, distracting me from my mortification.

{Condom Incident?}

{Long story short, don't try to tease Millicas's parents. They'll take you seriously.} The irate Dragon snapped.

I winced, seeing the flickers of memory through the Bond. {Duly noted. Thanks for the tip.}

{Anything for my new sister.} She bumped shoulders with me affectionately, seeming to forget her anger.

"Would you like to eat here, or in my room?"

I blinked, coughing into my hand and scolding myself for getting distracted. "I-I can eat anywhere. I'm not too picky. Just as long as the food is the finest you can offer."

If my time in the Marble taught me anything, it's that pointless exorbitance only gets in the way. Something that my husband evidently agrees with if his relieved expression was anything to judge by.

"In my room, then." He suggested.

I smiled