*** Alzi, Second body ***

It's weird having two thoughts going on at the same time. Right now, I can think about Shimmer's failures and think about the strangeness of this body. This body has very little mana, but it can still use some passives, like producing milk for my babies. I do wonder if it will work for my protective skills. Just the ones that protect my babies would be nice. I know I won't be healing anyone with this body, but if this golden version is always going to be around a kid, it would be nice to have it be able to protect them.

'What skills can I use in the second body?'

'Ones that benefit your children.'

It really is convenient that I get to ask a Goddess all my questions immediately. I don't really need to worry about defending my kids for a bit. Fluvis, Lottie, and Estrella are surely more than I need for the short trip we'll be taking, but it'll be good for when my family eventually fails to defend the kids. Failing me and their kids seems to be a noble trait, so I'll have to work hard on improving the strength of my lovers so we can defend the most vulnerable in the family.

"Alright, Alzi," Fluvis says. "We should have everything we need packed. Ready to head back home?"

"How do we get all the kids there?"

"Carriages. We have three women who can fight, so five babies per woman per carriage and you'll take the extra one. I've got three carriages, so we'll be fine for one trip. Some guards on horses, and we'll be fine for everything. It isn't perfect, and I'm working on making better methods to carry more kids, but I'm a ship designer, not a carriage designer, so it's slow going. Not to put pressure on you, but a Goddess of motion or carriages or something crazy like that would be nice. That is a joke. You've blessed me with more kids than I ever hoped for; I don't need you to give me a Goddess."

"Thank you for that work. I've got some plans to mass produce some Goddesses so they may come out, or maybe Fertility will do it."

"We'll have a lot of work to do in the future. Hopefully, they truly group up like Fertility wishes, or we'll have to spend all day praying to them in the future. If you say it's going to be big, then we have to know it will be something incredible. Shall we get our little joys bundled up for travel?"

"Yes, it'll be interesting to see what my Mommy thinks about my second body."

"I'm sure she'll love seeing what you look like without the Goddesses trying to claim you. You're just as pretty."

"Thank you."

"Um, Alzi," Salis asks. "I need some help. You too, Sis. I wish to send mother to the country side after the war."

"You want to banish Mother?" Fluvis asks.

"I would like to," Salis says.

Can nobles really be just forced to into some random town? That could be fun to do if I need to. I'm sure I could recognize some of the worst offenders from the brothel.

"Do you wish to make the plan now?" Fluvis asks.

"Yes, her sense of duty will force her to fight in the war. I just want her to head away from me after it," Salis says. "Please. I'm. If I have to deal with her after this."

"I understand," I say. "Make it short and sweet. If she pushes back we'll say that we'll ask the Queen her thoughts on it. The Queen should listen to what I say on this matter."

"Thank you," Salis says. "Is now fine?"

"Of course," I say. Fluvis nods her head, so hopefully it actually is ok. Probably should've let her decide that.

Tsunis is dressed for a ball carefully eating an apple for breakfast. Small frown covering her face as we approach her.

"Coming to beg now?" Tsunis asks.

"No," Salis says. "No. I'm here to command, as you tried to teach me to do. After the upcoming war you're to go to the grapevine."

"No!" Fluvis says. "Those are mine not the duchies. I'm not losing that wine to this bitch. She can go to the islands. Her power will be more useful there."

"You're not going to be able to enjoy that wine," Tsunis says. "How she got a second body I don't know, but I'm sure this one will have you pregnant in short order."

"Alzi, tell them I'm going to be able to enjoy my wine," Fluvis says. "Then we get back to Salis's point."

"Well... I'm sure there will be times you can enjoy the wine," I say. "I don't want to take that from you."

"Good enough. Salis please continue, but the islands," Fluvis says.

"You can't expect Salis to run the duchy?" Tsunis says. "Whatever the Goddesses did will fade shortly. Someone needs to run our duchy and it will have to be me. In this house."

"No," Salis says. "I will run it. You won't ruin me this time. I will run it you fucking bitch! I'm stronger than you. You made me out to be some weak fucking bitch! I know I'm better than you. I. I. I'm going to kill you if you come back to this house! After the war you're gone. We don't need you anymore. I won't have you ruin me or my kids or anything. You ran me into the ground so I would follow your commands. Fuck you. I've tried to be like Fluvis for so long, but I just panic anytime I need to do things. Not anymore. You're done, Mother. I'm going to be the duchess and I expect you to behave. I have the support of the future Queen."

"Alzi, since you're the one forcing this out, understand you'll have to pay me to fix this duchy after this one collapses. You know what the price will be. She's confused and unable to process what has happened."

"No," I say. "We'll be fine. Worse case I'll just find a way for Fluvis to help Salis run the duchy. Your power is needed and respected. But you will not be around my children. You can't be trusted with them. I'm sorry, but we will make sure you have plenty of comforts for your retirement."

"You just keep raising the price," Tsunis says. "Don't worry. I'll wait on that island and when you come running, bring a body with a working womb. I won't have the time to be pregnant. You'll care the kids."

"I bring the dildo and we'll see what happens in bed," I say. "But that doesn't matter I can make whatever promise you want. Salis will be fine without you. It's just sad that you can't see what your daughter is capable of."

"I know what she can do. I'm her Mother," Tsunis says. "I'll be heading to the capital for the war. We'll see about the kids." She moves out of the kitchen without a care. She really thinks she broke Salis that badly.

"She didn't give a shit about me," Salis says.

"She'll grow angry on the island," I say. "Everyday we don't come crawling back to her will eat away at her. The fact that she can't see her grandchildren will drive her mad. You'll have more chances to say your piece. For now, just heal. You stood up to her. You said how you felt. She's just incapable of understanding things she doesn't control."

"I suppose," Salis says. "It did feel good. But you two have to get going. War waits for no one."

"Yes," I say. "Don't be a stranger."

...

The hardest part of getting them ready was getting the babies to settle down in the carriages that I wasn't in. But eventually they all settled in, and I joined Lottie to make way towards Space's temple and home.

Sixteen more kids are coming back home. I should figure out the count in Lottie's womb now, but I just focus on the kids. I'm not sure what I should do about the wife. I can use her as I want, but what do I want to do with her? Nothing really. It's fun breeding her, but I've got the kids to worry about, and this body isn't saddled with all the lust, just the things needed to care for my kids.

It does make it a peaceful trip. Lottie is just waiting for me to force her to do something, and I just have to focus on the kids through the temple. I did end up sneaking a kiss just to check if that worked with this body, and the only thing that popped up was the number of kids, sixteen. She'll be stuck in bed, or maybe Fertility's temple eventually.

Space didn't bring me up for a meeting this time. This body is likely not able to meet up with her. She hasn't had our kid yet, so this body probably can't survive there yet. But it is nice getting back to Mommy faster, even if I miss some snuggling time with my wife.

But they were all waiting for me to come back. Even the Queen was waiting for me to show up.

Fluvis was in the first carriage and actually greeted my Mommy before the Queen. Daring to hug my Mommy before bowing to the Queen. By then, I was out and hearing the Queen talk to Fluvis about her sister taking over the Duchy and navy. Mommy, Mai, and Kelly came running up and smothered me in a hug. Ilka and Akhae were standing just behind everyone with some soft smiles.

"Your hair is so pretty," Mai says. "Hard to tell if gold or the rainbow is better."

"Like the sun shining down on us," Mommy says. "I'm happy your kids are coming back with you. It was always so hard leaving your grandkids when I would run into them. Shall we get the sisters together?"

"Please."

It doesn't take long for us to get all the kids up to the nursery. Someone had expanded it somehow to fit the extra kids. I'm guessing Space helped a bit. I could ask, but it isn't important enough for now. I'll ask when I'm coming back from the Phoenix realm and give my thanks in person.

"The kids are happy to see you," Mommy says, patting my belly. "I don't know if I should call your kids grandkids or kids."

"Both are true, except for your kids."

"Doesn't help, dear," Mommy says. "But how about you tell me about the new kids?"

"Sure. Sixteen names are a lot to remember."

"Yes, you're pushing this old woman's memory to the limits."

*** Fluvis ***

"Hello, your royal highness," I say. I wish I could just help Alzi get the kids settled, but when at war, business has to come first sometimes.

"Welcome to the capital. I read the letter, but I need to hear it from your mouth."

"Yes, my sister is better. I have the Goddess of the Sea to thank for this. She'll be taking over my duties till you can appoint someone. I would like to offer her name to hold the position officially."

"If she is truly better, I will have no problem with that. I trust that you will be watching over her."

"Yes, but I am here to fight. I'm no longer pregnant. Lottie will be staying behind, but Estrella and I are ready to serve."

"Good. We'll need the help. The numbers are... staggering. The phoenixes have shown themselves, so Alzi has been successful in getting them to uphold Shimmer's promises."

"You have nothing to say about a Princess sneaking into the Queendom and marrying your daughter."

"I didn't have time. As for the rest, in private. Follow."

"Yes, your royal highness," I say. We move to the castle, the Queen completely ignoring Alzi. Alzi ignoring the Queen is more accurate. The Queen was peeking over at my new wife, but Alzi didn't return the look. Alzi knows the Queen is bound for her harem already. Why show her respect now?

"We've gathered a number of Goddesses to our side, beyond what Alzi did. Not the level of support we would like from any of them. But I'll take slightly on our side over nothing. Woodworking is helping to create better bows for us. Goddess of the clouds, giving us some shade on the hot days. Nothing that makes this easy, but enough. Alzi's sacrifice with the other Goddesses is proving much stronger. War's direct help with the strategy, tipping us off to the best actions. Death isn't giving the enemies any extra time to be healed, while reacting a bit slow to our own potential losses. All barely keep us even. Royalty and Fertility say a ritual is being worked on to end it, but we need to hold on. My wife is doing a lot of healing, but we need Alzi back to help. Even if she doesn't dip into her sexual skills she'll nearly double the healing. After you."

The Queen directs me into a study. A maid is placing some tea down before bowing out, and we can get to what she really wants to say.

"I had a letter. One that the Goddess of Writing confirmed had some writings from a Goddess. The patron of the phoenixes. I'm sure you heard about the ice elf incident," the Queen says, sitting behind the desk.

"Enough to guess."

"Good. Yes, we are backed by the phoenixes and the dragons. Both sides are aiming for us to be the route to getting the other's DNA. Both gave up a while ago, but they didn't completely abandon the idea of it working. I have the smallest hint of their DNA in me. Nothing of value, but enough to come out when their kind touches me."

"The kids."

"Yes, the kids," she sighs. "Shimmer getting in was going to happen. If the dragons didn't have the murderous woman leading them, they would've found a better way to clean up the mess their male made."

"And what of Alzi in all this?" I ask. This can't be that important to hide from everyone. Shimmer hasn't been hiding her origins for a while now.

"I don't know if they are ok killing her, her kid, or taking them both. I'm hoping you can warn her. She doesn't like Shimmer, but she needs to keep her close by for safety. Nanoka isn't strong enough to handle the Dragon Queens anymore. None will blow past her, but if she has to worry about Alzi and Shimmer. It leaves room for mistakes, and I'm not about to let that happen under my nose a third time. I'm hoping you can help facilitate that message. Focus on the kids. The dragons won't care about Shimmer, but they will care about her kid."

"I'll find a way to tell her," I say. "It's about her kids. She'll be happy to protect her kids even if she doesn't love who carries them. She's keeping Esiyae around just for the kids in her womb. Alzi won't be happy, but she won't be too mad about it.

"Thank you. Now, about where we could use you."

*** Isda ***

"My lady, please just let me get Kelly. Just a check."

"No, I'm an angel. I won't have anything happen yet. This is normal."

"It is not and you can't count on your divine nature. You're so short and there are so many inside you. Please, just a check up."

"No, Kelly has Fluvis's kids to worry about. Morning we can check if this still hasn't progressed."

"Please."

"Stop. Let me rest."