Book Four – Interlude – Part One – Investigation (R-18)

When the sun warmly illuminated the master bedroom of the Fisher Jin household, it revealed a pair of lovers. Fisher had fallen asleep against his wife’s stomach, and her hand had come to a stop in his hair. The early morning songbirds soon began to chirp, and the captain groggily opened his eyes. Having almost cried himself asleep, he woke up with a bit of a headache from where he had vented his emotions to his supporting wife.

He pressed on the mattress, turning his head to the left. Smiling, Fisher leaned forward and pecked Marissa on the cheek.

“My love, you and our daughters are my entire world…” he whispered. Fisher did his best to roll out of bed without making a noise. After stretching his legs and arms, he turned back to his wife and covered her bare chest. Fisher slightly lamented the fact she was probably cold, but because of her love, Marissa didn’t want to disturb her husband. That was what he loved about her.

Marissa was kind, gentle, and loving. In short, she was the perfect mother. On top of that, this wife wasn’t a pushover. The skills to fight a thousand men didn’t reside inside her body, but she could pull forth anger to protect her family. That spirit was also inherited by Mari and Meri, and it was further forged by Marissa’s parenting. Fisher wished he could spend every day with his children, but his schedule wouldn’t allow it. Of course, he was the Captain of the Guard. It wouldn’t be hard to grant himself the time off if he wanted, but abusing power wasn’t on the list of how he wanted to live his life.

He didn’t want to be that man anymore.

A few seconds later, Fisher turned his head and searched a nearby dresser. He had to work, so he slipped himself into something breathable. Right as he was buttoning his shirt, he heard a small voice coming from behind him.

“Did I wake you up?” Fisher asked. He turned around.

“No,” Marissa said, shaking her head and sending locks of hair barreling across her eyes. “But I am freezing… I wonder whose fault that could have been…” She ended her playful sentence with a smile and a striptease, pulling the blanket down to her stomach. If she was uncomfortably cold, she wouldn’t have exposed her chest, presenting it to Fisher. But she did, and that meant Marissa wanted something.

“I guess I’m guilty as charged.” Fisher finished buttoning his shirt and sat back down on the bed, the mattress slightly shifting from his weight. He reached out and grabbed his wife’s hand, pulling it to his cheeks while gazing into her eyes.

Marissa leaned forward, planted her lips on his, and gave him a deep and passionate kiss. Her tongue barreled through his mouth, hugging and dancing with his as a few drops of salvia dribbled down their chins. When she finally pulled back, Marissa seductively ran her tongue over her pink lips.

“There! Your fine is paid in full. You’re free to go!” Marissa proudly announced. She laid back down and turned on her side, continuing to stare at her husband. His eyes continually drifted down to her chest, which was what Marissa wanted.

“If that’s a punishment, then maybe I need to do something that’ll send me to jail,” Fisher replied. “But that’s going to have to wait. I’ll go get breakfast started. But…” Fisher became quiet and tried to find the right words.

“Darling, I know what you want to ask me. It’s how I can believe you so easily, right? Well, I can safely say that you aren’t a man who would so easily lie to your family. You wouldn’t make up stories and such. Because of that, I’m sure you met someone you trust, and they gave you that info about Sakdu and his army.”

“I…” Fisher stammered with wide eyes. “I don’t know what I did to deserve a woman like you,” he eventually said. Fisher thought it over for a few seconds and realized he shouldn’t look a gifted woman in the eyes and question it.

“That, my husband, is a secret. But if you want to know, then you know what you need to do…” She closed her eyes, propped herself up, and slightly puckered her lips. Fisher took the cue and leaned forward, kissing his wife. It was much of the same as the last time, but Fisher was on the attack. His thick hands went to her neck, but he didn’t grip it. Fisher just allowed his fingers to slide down until they came to a pair of breasts. They were cold, surprisingly cold, and he then realized it fell to him to warm his wife.

Fisher fondled and playfully pinched Marissa’s nipples, using his rough hands to caress her generous breasts. He did some sort of hand motion with his palm, causing Marissa to subtly shake with pleasure. She leaned in and placed her soft lips to her husband's. He pushed forward, invading the sanctity of her warm mouth with an explorative tongue that was ready to fight.

When he finally removed his mouth from hers, after a breathtaking kiss that lasted nearly two minutes, there was a thick, visible line of spit connecting their lips. Marissa opened her eyes, and they were slightly watering. Her breathing increased just a little, and she was a bit flushed in the cheeks. One hand went down to her soaking crotch. The desire to finger herself welled up deep within her rich bosom, of which her other hand went to massage.

“Sweetie, I love you more than the world itself. Stay up here and rest a bit, okay? Don’t worry about the kids. I’ll make sure they’re dressed and ready to eat breakfast,” Fisher said, removing his hands and returning them to his side. The warmness of her breasts still remained upon his skin, and no doubt she still continued to feel the touch of her husband.

“Okay. I love you too, dear,” Marissa said in between deep breaths. She watched as Fisher left the bedroom and heard his deep voice through the walls as he woke up his children. She laid back down and stared at the ring on her finger. It wasn’t anything special or extravagant, just a simple metal ring that was perhaps much too plain for a woman of Marissa’s beauty. But it had history behind it, and that made it the most expensive item in the world in her heart.

Fisher had enough money to purchase a proper ring filled with rich sapphires, verdant emeralds, and flawless diamonds, but the day that came to pass would be the day she left him with her children in tow. Extravagant items and fancy luxuries were things Marissa just didn’t want or need.

When it came to earthly possessions, Marissa fancied the sentimental value. For example, she would care more for a hastily scratched drawing from her daughters than a painting from the world’s most renowned artist. “My darling, how could I not fall in love with you? You’re strong and kind—stronger and kinder than anyone I know. I know that sounds odd, considering I know your past and the sins you’ve committed. But had that not come to pass and we met as children, you still would’ve stolen my heart away.

“Ah, I can’t forget this… You can make love like a raging beast when I want it rough, or you can be as delicate as a newborn deer if I want you to be gentle. Our children look up to you as the only man in the world who deserves to be their father. If you take all that together, you’re the obvious choice of who I want to spend my life with. But on top of that…”

Marissa rolled to her side and stared at a family portrait, which was painted with brisk, heavy strokes that brought out a primal feeling. Even still, it captured the final event of a perfect evening.

“Fisher, in my eyes, you’re just too good for me. You were the one who saved me from a life of unhappiness with a strange man that I did not love… And you were there for me when I lost it all… Sometimes, I feel like this is all a dream… But it’s not. This is my actual life, and I couldn’t be happier… Hehe!” Overcome with happiness, Marissa squealed and rolled left and right like a schoolgirl who was confessed to by her crush. Her brown hair soared across her eyes. “Blessed Divine Beings, I thank you for blessing me with the best husband a woman could ask for…”

Marissa closed her eyes and folded her hands together to offer a small prayer. She wasn’t a devout follower. Sometimes, Marissa didn’t even think the Divine Beings existed at all. But when good things happened to her, and she knew she didn’t put in the effort to deserve whatever happened, Marissa found it necessary to thank the ones she believed to be responsible. In nearly every case, she could only think of the Divine Beings. It was ironic. A non-believer thanking the very concept they refuse to believe in? How preposterous!

Moments later, the heathen opened her eyes and slipped out of bed. The window in their room was closed with a thick curtain, and only a little light bled into the house. What space available was useless to any would-be peeping toms, so Marissa didn’t have to worry about anyone spying on her remarkably mature body. What, with her impressive chest that slotted so softly into her husband's hands to her thin waist and wide hips, complete with a smooth, curvy rear, she was gorgeous.

With a stretch and a yawn, she worked her tired muscles and moaned when she heard a satisfying crack in her neck and arms. “Aahhhh… That felt good,” she whispered. She tip-toed over to the dresser and began to rummage through it. Her hands parted past the sea of clothes until she came to a pair of racy underwear. She held it up, peeking through the black lace. The lack of any fabric in the crotch meant it should be worn for special occasions.  “I have to save you later. My dear husband, I do hope you don’t have to work tomorrow. I’m not letting you sleep tonight. Hehehe!”

Marissa giggled and stuffed the unmentionables to the side. She quickly gathered a somewhat regular, although still sexy, pair of undergarments and raced to the bathroom to take care of any and all sanitary needs. When this beacon of beauty emerged a few minutes later, her hair had been thoroughly combed through. A brown wave of softness nestled against her shoulders as she walked over to another dresser. She searched high and low for a matching black bra. After acquiring that, she quickly slipped her arms through it and turned to stare in the bedroom mirror.

She posed as if a painter was etching her on canvas, her healthy chest looking as bountiful as ever, then searched through yet another dresser for a sporty pair of black pants and a white blouse with pink highlights. After finally clothing her body, she sat down on the bed and reached for a pair of nearby fluffy slippers. These cute, adorable household shoes were a gift Mari and Meri picked out a year prior for their mother’s birthday. They even managed to pay for it by completing a list of chores their father had prepared for them.

“Now, I’m all set!” Marissa said to no one but herself. She stood up and walked out of the room, gently closing the door behind her. As she made her way to the kitchen downstairs, she peeked inside her children’s room and gasped at how best it was. The various stuffed animals were right at home on a shelf Fisher had commissioned from a carpenter in town. Their matching animal beds had blankets and covers thrown all about, but that was the worst of the damages. According to the gossip she heard when shopping, quite a few of the mothers in the neighborhood had problem children who did not clean their room.

“Oh, Fishy. Our little angels are so well-behaved. I’m so proud of them.” Before walking away, Marissa intruded upon her children’s room and hastily tidied up the beds. It took no time whatsoever, and cleaning was something Marissa didn’t mind doing, especially when it came to her family. She was their support just as much as they were for her.

And with that, Marissa descended down the stairs, and the chitter-chatter of a lively breakfast began to take root. It increased in intensity when she entered the kitchen.

“Good morning, girls,” Marissa said with a lovely time. Her eyes looked at the family table, where Mari and Meri were at it. They were both wearing a shirt featuring a cartoon duck, pajama bottoms, and fluffy slippers like their mother. As if they had one brain, the two looked up from their plate of eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes and smiled.

“Good morning, mommy!” they said in unison. Meri reached for her glass of milk and took a small sip. Marissa walked over and lovingly tussled her brown hair before kissing it. She did the same with Mari, then walked over towards the cook.

Fisher smiled at her before turning his attention back to the roaring stove. The sizzling of bacon filled his ears, the smell of delicious fat filled his nostrils, and the tender lips of his wife occupied his mouth for just a moment.

“See? I told you I have it handled. I am a father, you know.”

“Yes, I know that. Still, you know how much I like to cook.”

“I do know that. You’re always cooking for us, so I wanted you to have a small break.” Fisher flashed a smile and flipped the bacon. He had a small jar nearby filled with thick grease, but it wasn’t time to use it. He still had to cook breakfast for him and Marissa. “Besides, you didn’t say a word of protest when I said I’d handle breakfast.”

“That’s not fair… You left me in such a state, knowing I’d say yes to anything you asked.” Marissa adorably pouted and laughed it off, showing she didn’t have any problem with it.

Fisher let go of the sizzling hot pan and went over to a strange machine on the counter. He pressed his hand to the thickest part of it and sent Skill Energy through it. The coffee maker did what it was concocted and dispensed its black product into a cup with a handle. Fisher grabbed that, then added a dollop of milk and two little cubes of sugar. For the finale, he took a small wooden spoon and stirred the cup.

“Here you go, sweetie,” Fisher said, turning around and handing over the cup. “Sugar and milk, just the way you like it. Your plate’s almost done, so it won’t be much longer.”

“Thank you, dear,” Marissa said. Her cute nose sniffed the sweet scent flowing from the cup and walked over to join her children. She sat down with them and talked about whatever they wanted. The topic of schooling did come up, and Fisher internally bemoaned. He knew education was important, and Marissa was bright and intelligent. She was taught by professors and tutors during her childhood, and she managed to even impress them.

Fisher couldn’t say he was the same way, though, since his intellectual strength was in battle and strategy, not in math or science. He never wanted his daughters to go near a battlefield, so he didn’t really want to teach them how to fight. Of course, knowing about Sakdu, his army, and how close they were, was changing his mind about that.

He wanted them to learn from the best... Preferably from someone tougher, stronger, and smarter than he was. A particular black-haired, red-eyed girl wasn’t available. And even if she was, she probably wouldn’t agree to it. Fisher—the father himself—was the second option. There wasn’t anyone else he could trust with his daughters when it came to combat.

I really don’t want them to join Warden… The world’s a dangerous place… Too dangerous…

Fisher shook his head, removing a set of thoughts that were about to grow incredibly selfish. His daughters were their own people. He didn’t own them, meaning he couldn’t dictate what they wanted to do with the years of their life. The final choice was buried within them, and so were the challenges, mistakes, and rewards that came with it.

With a shake of his head, Fisher threw away those thoughts. If he was lucky, he didn’t have to worry about any of that until his oldest was about 10 years old. Turning his attention back to the pan, he used a fork to pick up the eight slices of bacon. Sizzling juice dripped down. When he placed that delicious pork on a wooden plate, he went to the fridge to retrieve the eggs.

Fisher knew Marissa favored scrambled eggs in bacon fat, so he went right ahead. Cracking eggs in a bowl, whisking it until it was just right, performing the duties of a father and a husband made him happy. Back when he was a child—before tales of the Demi-Human Slaughter had spread all around, Fisher’s sister once had promised to teach him how to cook. His village fell before that could happen, and it took a decade for any culinary knowledge to enter his brain.

Of course, the one who took up the role of his teacher was also the mother of his children.

Once he poured the eggs into the pan, Fisher went to make a bit more pancake mix while thinking about the days before Meri and Mari came along. Even if that time was magical, it pales to living with his sparkles of joy. Every day was something new… A new experience, a new smile, a new wonder…

The smell of breakfast brought him back to reality. After a bit of this and that, he plated the eggs and bacon, meaning he was halfway finished with the breakfast preparation. He just needed to fry up some sausage and make a few pancakes, and everything would be finished.

Five minutes later, Fisher eliminated the flow of Skill Energy flowing to the stove and sat the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink. He went ahead and filled the pans with water and soap to make clean up easier, then walked to the dinner table with two plates in hand. Both of which were absolutely radiating a mouth-watering aroma.

“Here you go, dear,” he said upon setting her breakfast down.

Marissa turned to Fisher when he sat down, thanking him with a wink of the eye and a playful smile. “Thank you, sweetie,” she said for added measure. But it was more so for her children. She taught them their ‘thank yous’ and ‘your welcomes,’ but it wouldn’t look well for Marissa if she skipped out on it.

“Daddy, your cooking is the best!” Meri cheerfully gave her approval. She was drinking apple juice for a small cup, but it had somehow got on her cheeks. Marissa took care of that and piled on the praise.

“Oh, your father is magnificent at making breakfast. He had a good teacher, you know?”

“Daddy? You had a teacher?” Mari asked. She took a fork and tried to guide the last remaining piece of pancake to her mouth. However, she purposely missed and giggled when syrup dirtied her cheeks. Marissa folded up a napkin and proceeded to clean her daughter up.

“Your mother taught me how to cook. Before I met her, I couldn’t even bake bread without it burning,” Fisher answered honestly. He took a sip of his lukewarm coffee and snapped into a crispy bite of bacon.

The topic of conversation proceeded with Fisher as the target. By the time he downed his coffee and finished off his pancakes, his wife was talking about her plans for the day.

“I ought to do a store run because I noticed we were almost out of sausage. Honey, do you need anything?” Marissa tucked her hair behind her ear and picked at her bacon with a fork.

“I can’t think of anything. Girls, do you want something?”

After a chorus of a hundred different items that ranged from rainbows to unicorns, Fisher only smiled as his wife controlled the conversation until the children were asking for more reasonable things like candy or sweets.

“Hehe! I’ll be sure to pick up some cookies on the way home. Ah, but I might need a few good, well-behaved daughters to help me pick out dinner. Now, where might I find that?” Marissa spoke with a playful tone and placed a hand on her forehead as if she was scouting far and wide.

Mari frowned, believing her mother was referring to a third daughter. Meri just raised her hand and said she was good.

Surely, the Fisher household certainly wasn’t lacking in excitement or love.

The rest of breakfast continued without a hitch, and soon, it was time for the father to head to work. Marissa told him that she would handle dishes, and he thanked her with a quick kiss on the cheek. Mari had a natural reaction for a child her age, meaning she thought it was nasty. On the other hand, Meri became jealous and demanded a kiss from her father, saying it wasn’t fair that her mother got all the attention.

To keep her from whining, he kissed her on the head and went upstairs to put on his armor.

Dimensional Storage is really something, isn’t it? Without that skill, Fisher didn’t know how he’d lug all of his gear around when it wasn’t in use.

After shutting the bedroom door, he emerged just a few minutes later, sporting a very familiar look. The scratched word on the chest plate had still not gotten buffed out. The sunlight peeking down was absorbed by the void-like color, which seemed as if it could swallow the very essence of light. The helmet he ought to have worn remained in his storage for the time being, and it was the same with his sword and nadrium dagger. He trusted his girls not to go near his weapons, but he just didn’t want to take the risk. Having what he needed in a secure spot a dimension away just made it all easier.

Fisher made his way to the front door, stopping by the kitchen to speak to his family, who then walked with him the rest of the way. Were they perhaps acting like guards? Possibly. Meri did walk in front of Fisher, pretending she was the forward scout.

When they came to a halt, his daughters hugged their father, and Fisher kissed his wife. “I’ll try not to come home late, but today might be a bit busy.”

“Okay, dear. Do be careful, okay?”

“Daddy, don’t get hurt, okay?” Meri asked.

“That’s a promise, okay?” Mari said with a mouth full of bacon. Fisher didn’t know where she had gotten that, but the sly smile on Marissa revealed the secret.

“I promise I’ll come back safe and sound. I’m your hero, aren’t I? Heroes don’t get injured,” said Fisher. “Have you ever seen me come home with a boo-boo?”

“Nope! The favorite man in our lives always comes home without a single harmed hair on his pretty head.” Marissa winked and pulled her children back. If she didn’t, Fisher wouldn’t ever have a chance to leave. In fact, a part of her wondered if that was their ultimate plan.

Fisher smiled and nodded, then opened the door and left, but not before waving and saying bye one last time. The virgin sky had not a cloud in sight to block that beautiful, bountiful sea of blue. The sun acted as a warming tray for the plate that was the whole world. Its intensive rays of light were silently swallowed by the Captain of the Guard’s armor. By now, Fisher was very used to how hot he got when wearing it, so the extra warmth was welcome. It, of course, meant his body would just radiate a musky sweaty smell, but that was when soap and water came in clutch.

When the door closed behind him, shielding the house from getting any warmer, Mari whispered to her sister. “Our daddy’s so cool… He’s really a real hero…”

“Uh-huh! He really is!” Meri crossed her arms and smiled, acting as if she was the reason he was so amazing to them in the first place.

Marissa silently stood there, listening to her children talk about their father. When it seemed as if the pleasant chatter was coming to an end, she asked her children to go get dressed because it was almost time to hit the markets. “We have to get there early before it’s all gone,” she told them.