Chapter 21

21

With the immediate danger subsided, I looked around at the wreckage and the subdued Yakuza members. The battle had taken its toll, but the victory was hard-earned. Noboru approached me, towering like a warrior guardian from days of old, his divine aura flickering back to its full strength, though exhaustion etched lines across his features.

"Mae," he said, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to resonate through the stillness of the night. "Are you hurt?"

Besides standing here with my tits hanging out, shaking from what is most likely shock? I shook my head, taking a step closer to him, feeling the weight of the moment. "I'm fine. Just… a little shaken up."

He studied me for a moment, his gaze intense, as if searching for any hidden signs of pain. "You fought bravely, like a warrior," he said, a hint of admiration softening his expression. "I'm proud of you."

I felt a warmth bloom in my chest, despite the havoc that had just unfolded. "You weren't so bad yourself, considering you're still recovering from your injured wing."

Noboru chuckled softly, the sound rumbling like distant thunder. "It seems we both have our battles to face. But I'm here now, and I won't let anyone hurt you again."

His words wrapped around me like a protective shroud, and for the first time since the fight began, I felt a flicker of hope. But the reality of what we'd just endured loomed large. "What about Kaito?" I asked, my brow furrowing. "What will happen to him now?"

Noboru's expression darkened. "He's no longer my concern. His fate hangs in his hands. The darkness his father sought has now turned against him. I will ensure his father is dealt with appropriately, but it won't be easy."

The sound of distant sirens floated through the air.

A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me—relief mingled with concern. "I never wanted it to end like this. Even after everything… he was still a part of my life. He's not a bad guy, just a guy who grew up in a bad situation he couldn't get out of. One I wanted no part of."

"I know," Noboru said, his voice gentle. "But sometimes, letting go is the only way to protect what truly matters. "

I nodded, grappling with the weight of those words. "And what about us? Where do we go from here?"

He stepped closer, the air around us crackling with energy as his form shrank down to what I had become familiar with. He grabbed a shirt off one of the bodies and slipped it over my head, covering me up. "We will forge our own path, Mae. Together. You are more than just a link to my past; you are my present and my future. But we must be cautious."

"Yeah," I sighed, looking at the remnants of the battle, "First we have to get away from here before the cops reach us."

Noboru reached for my hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "Hold onto me."

Without question, I got on my tip toes and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, bringing us body to body. "But your wing?—"

"Is fine. Though I do enjoy the way you worry for me, a divine warrior of?—"

I rolled my eyes. "Alright, alright. What is with you males and your cockiness? Nope. Don't answer that. I know what you're thinking. Get us out of here, Noboru. Now, please?"

He let out a genuine laugh as he snapped his wings and unfurled them to their full expanse, before shooting us up into the sky.

Our bodies pressed together as if seeking to reconnect after the strain of the battle. The intimacy between us was both comforting and exhilarating, a reminder of our bond. Our kiss spoke of both passion and relief, a reprieve from the horrors we had faced.

As we held each other in the air, the world around us seemed to fade into the background. The quiet intimacy we shared was a welcome contrast to the violence and turmoil we had endured. It was a moment of solace, a chance to find peace in each other's arms.

Noboru flew us back to my home where I was able to wash away the remnants of what transpired.

Just as we were beginning to relax into the reprieve on the bed beside one another, a sudden burst of preternatural energy filled the room, causing us to pull apart in alarm. The air shimmered with a metaphysical light, and a new presence made itself known. My heart raced with a mix of fear and uncertainty, worried that the dark magic had somehow restored itself and a dragon was going to burst into my home.

An unexpected figure emerged from the glowing energy—a being of pure light and authority. The entity was regal and majestic, its presence commanding both awe and respect. I could feel the immense power emanating from this new arrival, and it was clear that this was no ordinary divine being.

Noboru tensed, his gaze locking onto the newcomer with a mixture of apprehension and hope.

"It's been a long time since you've graced me with your presence," Noboru said, his voice a whisper of disbelief.

The entity, whose form radiated a comforting warmth, addressed us with a tone that was both authoritative and reassuring. "Noboru, you have endured much," the entity spoke, its voice resonating with a harmonious blend of compassion and power. "Your punishment for the transgressions of the past was harsh, but it was not without purpose."

Oh no. Was he going to get punished again? Were we never going to catch a break? I refused to let them take him away from me!

I watched confusion and panic as the deity continued, unsure of what else was going to come out of his mouth and how much time I had left with Noboru. "Because you have overcome the dark power wielded by the Yakuza leader, you have demonstrated not only strength but also an unwavering commitment to protecting the balance between light and dark. I must admit, I was surprised I did not see an entire city raised to the ground by your flames like the last time. Your actions have been a testament to your resolve and your discipline."

Noboru's eyes sharpened in surprise and relief as the deity's words sank in. "Does this mean—?" he began, but the entity interrupted with a nod.

"Yes," the entity confirmed. "The punishment imposed upon you is lifted. The balance has been restored, and your role in maintaining it is once again honored."

What? He never told me his punishment wasn't over yet, the jerk!

A wave of relief washed over Noboru, and he looked at me with a mixture of gratitude and joy. The irritation that flared a few seconds ago, waned.

"The burden is finally lifted," he said softly, his eyes meeting mine. "We are free from the shadow that has loomed over us for so long."

The divine entity's presence began to fade, the light gradually dimming as it prepared to depart. "Remember," the fading voice advised, "even in moments of respite, the balance must be maintained. Continue to honor your commitment to light and protect those in need and we will… overlook this minor transgression of you choosing to bind yourself to a mortal."

With that, the paranormal presence receded, leaving us in the quiet aftermath of its departure. The room felt different now, lighter and more peaceful. The immediate threat had been vanquished, and the weight of Noboru's punishment had been lifted.

I turned to Noboru, our eyes meeting with a profound sense of relief and connection.

"You didn't tell me you were still being punished," I started, unable to contain my attitude.

"It didn't serve a purpose to tell you. Would it have changed anything, Mae?" he responded calmly.

I narrowed my eyes. "Maybe."

He chuckled softly and pulled me closer, the warmth radiating from him grounding me. "No, Mae. It wouldn't have. I've hurt you enough for a million lifetimes. I wasn't going to do it again through words that made no difference in our destiny."

I sighed, wrestling with the complexity of our situation. " So, what do we do now? Just pretend everything is fine? Our relationship is unconventional, Noboru. It's not like we can walk out on the streets like every other couple out there, living together in a happy little home."

His expression shifted, the amusement fading into something more serious. "We find a balance. An understanding. My existence has always been tied to duty and destiny, but that doesn't mean I cannot carve out a space for us within it."

"An understanding," I echoed, considering the weight of his words. "How do you propose we do that?"

He smiled, a glimmer of mischief returning to his eyes. "We embrace the chaos of our lives. We communicate openly, even when it feels uncomfortable. And we do our best to enjoy each moment together, no matter how unconventional it may seem."

"Enjoy? You mean like going for coffee or something?" I raised an eyebrow, half-joking.

He cupped my face and I felt my body deflate a little with the weight of my thoughts. "I feel your worry, Mae. It will be alright."

"Yeah, right. A bird deity and a tattoo artist—sounds like the start of a bad joke," I said, smirking.

"Maybe," he replied, leaning back slightly to look at me more fully.

A laugh bubbled up despite the tension still lingering in the air. An awkward pregnant pause passed between us and I couldn't hold back the question that continued to gnaw at my mind .

"Noboru, what happens when I age while you remain immortal?"

His expression shifted, the playful spark fading slightly. "It's a reality we must face, Mae. Time works differently for me. I will watch you grow, and experience life in ways that I can only remember." He leaned in and placed a kiss on my lips as unbidden tears began to stream down my face. "And I will find you in each and every lifetime."

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling in my chest. "What if something gets in the way? What if you can't find me," I choked, the fear gripping my heart. It was rude of life to throw this at me. To finally offer me love only to threaten to take it away again with uncertainty.

He shook his head, determination etching his features. "Our bond transcends the physical realm and grows stronger each time we come together."

I let out a laugh, despite the tears finally understanding all of Noboru's moves.

"Is that why you can't keep your hands off me? Is that the true reason for your marathon sexcapades?"

Clever bird.

He nuzzled the crook of my neck, letting out a satisfied sigh that curled my toes.

True to my promise, I pushed the negative thoughts aside and climbed onto his lap, pressing his hand against my breast through the fabric of my shirt.

His magnificent wings closed around us like a blanket from the heavens, cocooning us from the world .

His eyes flickered like flames of desire, darkening with need as he trailed his beak across the slope of my shoulder. I tilted my head back to give him better access, wrapping my arms around his head, cradling him against me.

Clad in just my panties and a shirt, I rubbed my hips against his hard cock, teasing him.

"I don't deserve you, Mae," he choked out. I placed a chaste kiss on his cheek. "I never truly understood the depth of love, until I experienced the agony of loss."

I kissed him again, pressing my forehead to his. "It's the balance of life, isn't it? Life and death. But now that we're here, let us focus on living, Noboru."

There was no resistance when I pushed him down to his back, watching the way his muscles bunched beneath my hands while I ran them lower, across the planes of his torso.

I crawled down his body and placed a kiss on his hip, stroking his cock, twisting my wrist toward the crown.

His mouth parted as he watched me with fascination and I wondered if he had ever experienced fellatio with my past self. With a wicked smile, I ran my tongue along the side of his shaft, feeling the inhuman ridges that twirled up the side. His cock pulsed when I reached the head, swallowing it down toward my throat.

I bobbed my head slowly, watching his reaction. His eyes widened as if realizing I held much more power than he could ever imagine, over him. He caressed my face in worship while I teased his cock with my tongue and mouth, suctioning the crown of his head where he gave me the most reaction to my ministrations.

"There's divination in your mouth, Mae. The spell you've cast over me has seeped into my very marrow. This power you wield…" He groaned when I made another pass across his crown before releasing him with my mouth and trailing my tongue across his slit, tasting hints of his pre-release.

Flipping my hair, I arched my back and slid my panties off before making a slow show of removing my shirt for his viewing pleasure.

His hands stretched out, unable to resist touching my skin, immediately latching on to my hips with a firm grip, dragging me across his cock until it was positioned perfectly along the seam of my pussy.

"You seem eager, big guy," I teased, leaning down and nipping at his clavicle.

He growled, wanting to flip us over, unable to restrain himself but I cupped his cheek and shook my head.

"No. I've been thinking about this all day," I admitted with a smirk, undulating my hips against his crotch, enjoying the way the ridges played against my sensitive spots, the way my arousal coated his skin.

"My punishment has been served, Mae. Do not torture me like this," he gritted out.

"Maybe I'm still mad at you about a few things," I breathed against him, continuing the slow dance of my hips.

"My intentions were never to make you mad at me. I only wished to worship you the way you deserved. To worship you as the goddess you truly are."

My cheeks flamed at his declaration. He knew exactly what he was doing to me and he wielded his words like the fiery sword he carried… like the fiery sword between his legs trying to pierce me.

"Do you like the way I feel, Noboru? Do you enjoy how much you torture me? Making me wet you like this in anticipation of you tearing me in two?" I panted.

His fingers dug into my hips to the point of pain, but held himself back with an otherworldly restraint.

Without another word, I sat up and impaled myself on his cock to the hilt with a gasp, watching us both squirm as my body was forced to adjust itself to his size from this angle. The bite of pain and tease of pleasure was something I always enjoyed… something Noboru knew very well.

I dug my own claws into his chest before beginning a harsh pace, slapping our bodies together with vigor. His wings expanded beneath us, the color of blood, reminding me that as much as he expressed his divination, I knew all too well what kind of demon he could be in bed.

"You feel so good," I moaned, twisting my hips to hit the right spots. My pleasure was climbing quickly and I was debating whether I wanted to tease myself a little longer or not.

"You're most beautiful when you claim your warrior, taking what you want from me," he whispered, running his hands up to my ribs and along my breasts, pinching my nipples.

My movements became erratic the closer I got to the metaphorical cliff, reminding me that not long ago I contemplated the purpose of my existence as I overlooked the sea. My fingers slipped with my arousal, circling my clit, adding to the torture I gave myself.

I threw my head back with a cry of pleasure as my pussy spasmed around his cock, making me see stars. Without any show of mercy, his hands immediately dug into my hips once more as he took over from below, forcing me to ride the aftershocks of my climax with his own brutal pace as he chased his finish.

With a roar, his climax triggered another one of mine and I fell forward, unable to hold myself up from the onslaught of such a shared explosion, stealing my breath away.

His wings wrapped around us like a blanket and I let out a stuttering sigh, savoring the moment that could have been taken away from us because of the ghosts of my past.

In the stillness that followed, we found solace in each other's presence. Our intimacy became a celebration of our freedom and the strength of our bond. I lazily wrapped my arms around his shoulder and rubbed my face against him like a satisfied kitten.

As we embraced, the world outside seemed distant and inconsequential. The trials we had faced had tested us, but our love and resilience had seen us through. And as we looked toward the future, we did so with a renewed sense of hope knowing that together, we could face whatever came next.