In Service of the Emperor - pt. 1 up on SubscribeStar

 "So, you want to be a servant for the great Touma Tengu, do you?"

Sitting on a simple throne, the Tenguri emperor looks down at you as you kneel before him, ears flicking the air in annoyance. He crosses his legs as he inspects you, seemingly unconvinced of your worth, but he hasn't dismissed you yet.

"Yes, your highness! I want to help build your influence and wealth! Protect you from danger! Anything you need from me!" you exclaim, keeping your head lowered. You see the toe of his boot twitch a bit, but nothing else. 

"I do need capable hands to carry me to greatness..." Touma murmurs to himself, resting his chin on his hand, "Very well, if you'll submit yourself to an evaluation, I'll give you an opportunity to prove yourself."

"Of course, Emperor. What would you have me do?" you ask, looking up into his violet eyes.

"Go change into something you can move in and meet me in the training room. I'm going to test you, thoroughly."

Bowing once more, you follow a servant out of Touma's throne room down a number of hallways until you reach a locker room. You don't really have any other clothes on you, but if you're going to fight then it might be best just to go shirtless. 

Pulling your shirt over your head, you fold it up and leave it on a bench, kicking your shoes and socks off as well. Your current pants probably aren't the greatest to move around in, but unless you feel like fighting in your boxers, there doesn't seem to be any other choice. Finally ready to go, you walk out of the locker room from the far side, and into a large room with padded floors, various punching bags and equipment scattered about. You see Touma in the center, waiting for you in loose sweats, and you walk up to meet him, glancing at each piece of martial arts gear as you pass. 

"This is what you're going to be fighting in?" he scoffs, tossing his long braided hair, "If you're trying to make a joke, then we can just end this right here."

"I apologize your highness, I didn't expect to be doing much physical activity today. I don't have anything else to wear," you reply, bowing before him.

"Hmph. Just take them off. I trust you're wearing undershorts, yes?"

"Er, yes. Of course."

Turning away from the emperor, you undo your pants and slide them off, leaving them at the side of the room. You feel a bit embarrassed to be so exposed, but when you look back at Touma, you see him removing his own clothing until he's down to a pair of black spats. Turning a bit pink, you try not to stare at his muscled abdomen and chest, or the conspicuous bulge in his tight spandex shorts. For such a compact looking frame, he sure seems to be well built. 

"Well? Come on, we don't have all day."

Tossing you a pair of padded gloves, Touma snaps you back to the task at hand, securing his own wrists with protection. You're not completely unfamiliar with martial arts, but it has been a while. Hopefully you don't get too- WHAM.

Reeling back, you bring your hand to your face, unsure of what just happened. You see Touma in front of you with his hands raised, and realize he must have struck you.

"Keep your hands up!" he barks, throwing another jab that lands just above your nose and rocks your head back. The smell and taste of blood wash over you, but you manage to cover your head before his follow up, feeling it thud against your forearm. Unsure of what to do, you try to step away while keeping your arms up, but Touma stays with you and raises his leg in preparation, twisting his hips and letting the top of his foot slam into your side. 

Dazed, and with the wind knocked out of your lungs, you do the only thing you can think of to buy some recovery time; tackle Touma. Lunging forward, you wrap your arms around his midsection and bring him to the floor, the two of you landing solidly on the mat. You scramble to gain position over him, but he locks his legs around one of yours, leaving you in an awkward half guard. 

"Oh, so you do know how to fight," he smirks, locking your arms with his. 

"I've dabbled a bit..." you wheeze in response, still trying to catch your breath. You try to wriggle your arms free, but Touma's grip keeps you secured, forcing you to find another way out. Being so close to the Tenguri emperor makes you a bit weak, but you're determined to impress him, somehow, and fight through your nervousness.

Pushing your face against his hairless chest, you attempt to create more space and slowly begin to pull your arms out of his grip, finally pulling one free and using it to tug on his horn.

"Hey! No fair!" Touma exclaims, releasing your other arm. You take the opportunity to scramble for a better position, but as you slide your leg free, Touma propels himself back and catches your head and arm with his feet, pulling your face down into his stomach. Touma tries to secure the lock, but you manage to pull your head back just in time, your cheek brushing against his abs along the way. Unfortunately, you fail to free yourself completely, and you remain pinned awkwardly against Touma's crotch as he crosses his ankles over your back.

"Looks like you're stuck," he pants, watching you squirm in his grip, "But you didn't do too badly."

Read the full story here