One moment, I was leaning in—eyes closed—to kiss Elara, the wind whipping through my hair as Auralis carried us above the clouds, Elara's lips inches from mine.
The next, everything shifted; the air kind of thickened with a different scent, the light changed to a less bright, golden glow even as my eyes were closed, and the sensation of open sky vanished into a somewhat enclosed space.
My lips met not Elara's, but another's; soft, insistent, and tasting of sweet spice. Quite mischievous.
I pulled back instantly, my eyes snapping open. It wasn't Elara's silver-gray gaze meeting mine. It was Sakura's amber eyes, sparkling with pride, her pink hair framing a sly smile, her fox ears shifting atop her head.
"Uhm… Sakura? Isn't this kidnapping?" I asked, heart pounding as I took in the surroundings.
We were in an ornate chamber that felt like some ancient Asian… though not quite:
A tatami-matted floor underfoot, sliding shoji screens painted with cherry blossoms, low tables with cushions, and walls adorned with silk hangings depicting beastkin warriors in flowing robes.
Lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, flickering light that made the room feel intimate and nearly animated.
"Nonsense," the pink-haired fox woman huffed, raising a delicate hand fan to her face, snapping it open with a flourish. "You should be honored to be captured by someone of my significance. Welcome to the Beast Kingdom—Shishi-no-su."
Shishi-no-su…?
I stepped back, trying to process it all.
The last thing I remembered was the saddle on Auralis, Elara's hand in mine. Now I was here, in a place that felt like… feudal Japan with a twist.
There were samurai-like armor on display stands, but not exactly, due to some touches like heavy iron lanterns and stone hearths.
The air carried scents of incense and fresh tatami mats, mixed with a faint hint of fresh wool and spice from the outside.
"How did you—?" I started, but Sakura waved her fan dismissively.
"A little teleportation spell, you see. Nothing a queen like me can't manage." She raised her head proudly, "I distracted you and Elara with that healing/ mind control kiss. So you lot failed to suspect the other spell I cast—one that specifically makes you susceptible to forced-teleportation with no resistance at all. But since I erected a barrier over the entire kingdom, there is no fear of it happening again. and don't fret, the spell will wear out in a month or so."
Ah… I see… So she teleported herself back to her kingdom, then kidnapped me immediately. How crafty.
…Wait, a whole month?! I'm vulnerable for a whole month?
"Now come," she extended her hand to me, "let me show you why Shishi-no-su is superior to that archaic nest of the Amazons."
She took my arm, gently but securely, and led me through the sliding doors onto a balcony.
And you know what? The view simply stole my breath.
Shishi-no-su stretched out below like a vast, living painting: tiered pagoda roofs curving upward, cherry blossom trees lining winding paths, low lantern-lit streets bustling with beastkin of every type.
Dog-eared merchants hawked wares from wooden stalls, cat-tailed acrobats performed flips for crowds, bunny girls in kimono-like dresses darted through with baskets of fresh produce.
Temples with massive bells rang softly in the distance, and bridges arched over koi-filled streams.
It hit me hard—this place looked like the Japan from my old world's history books and anime, but active and real. I felt like a kid on a time-travel field trip, excitement bubbling up despite the apparent kidnapping.
It was ancient Japan reborn, but with some revisions—stone castles integrated into the pagodas, knights in fur-trimmed armor patrolling alongside samurai-inspired guards, market squares blending tea houses with ale taverns.
Maybe there was an alliance or amalgamation between a Japanese-like nation and some other medieval kingdom here?
But regardless…
"It's... incredible," I admitted, leaning on the balcony rail. "Like Japan, but with fairy-tale mystery and beastkins."
Sakura's tail rustled behind her, her low-cut kimono-like dress shifting as she stood closer.
"Japan? From your old world? Oh, right. I forgot you were a god-touched. Our own god-touched said the same thing when he arrived."
Then she continued with a bright smile, "Shishi-no-su has stood for millennia, a haven for all beastkin. See the markets? We possess endless flavors; spiced ramen, grilled meats, sake that simply warms the soul. If you joined us, you'd never hunger for variety again."
Hah! Nice try. I see what you did there.
But then I smiled nostalgically, thinking of Verdant Spire's simple fruits and herb teas.
"Shishi-no-su is undeniably beautiful. But the Amazons aren't archaic. They're wonderful too, connected to the forest in ways this city won't match. You know, Verdant Spire feels like my home now."
"Hmph!" Sakura huffed, fan hiding her scowl. "They are primitive female apes, living in trees like monkeys. Here, we have real civilization; art, trade, power. You'd definitely thrive here, I assure you."
"You don't understand, miss Sakura," I shook my head, still smiling. "What you say is true. But those primitive female apes saved my life and gave me something special for free—love, care, and a sense of belonging. That's worth to me more than any paradise."
"But… they mate with you left, right, and center, don't they? Those monkeys in heat. That can't possibly be comfortable for your health… or testicles."
"Ack! I mean," I felt heat creeping up my face as I looked away. "i-i-it's not like I don't like it either, it's just…"
What the hell is she saying so casually?!
"Fine. Let's make a deal, then." Then she snapped her fan closed, her amber eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "I'll show you the true beauty of Shishi-no-su. If I make you beg to stay, you join us naturally—we need elements like you to bolster our kingdom's strength. But If I fail, I shall drop the matter indefinitely."
Hmmm. I considered the offer.
The summit had shown me the world can be dangerous; wisdom was very needed. If I refuse her now, things might only escalate. But if I win this bet of hers, she'd stop interfering with us again…
"Deal." I nodded.
***
Sakura led me down into the streets, her presence parting crowds like a wave.
Beastkin bowed as we passed; fox guards in ornate armor saluting, cat merchants offering free samples of sweet mochi.
Oishiii!
We wandered through lantern-lined alleys where geisha-like beastkin played string instruments, the music… was kind of haunting, but still melodic.
Temples with golden roofs housed massive bells that rung deep notes, vibrating through my chest.
The highlight was the central square: a colossal statue of a muscular lion-man towered over everything, wielding a massive war hammer and this slender, curved sword… Oh, a katana!
He had a mane flowing down like a king's cape, his expression fierce and gallant.
"This is my late father," Sakura said quietly, voice softening. "King Leorin. He built Shishi-no-su into what it is today. He was the last of the great were-lion demigods that perished in the 7th Celestial War 12,000 years ago."
Your father sure is muscle-bound. And 12,000 years ago? How old are YOU again, Sakura?!