Chapter 22 – The Fallen Stars, Assemble

I took out my phone, typed "Lewd Chiyoko" and created a new contact, then handed it to her. "Put your number in, Chiyoko. I'll introduce you to the team later." I glanced out the window. "Wonder what the others are up to." A lazy, contented smile played on Dark Cherish's lips. She didn't even flinch at the nickname. "Of course, Master." She took the phone and entered her number with a steady hand. Just as she handed it back, it buzzed. A new message arrives in the "Master's Harem" group chat. Aoi Tanaka: Mission accomplished. Target "Slime Fiend" has been neutralized. Zero casualties or collateral damage. Awaiting your further orders, Master. Attached was a picture. The four girls stood in a grimy sewer tunnel, all transformed. They were trying to look cool for the camera, probably Miki's idea. Akane had one foot on the puddle of green goo like a big-game hunter. Homura stood just behind her, looking stoic. Miki was flashing a peace sign, and Aoi stared at the camera with a cool, professional gaze. They looked like a tight-knit, slightly ridiculous team. "Well, look at that. The team has finished their work," I chuckled, showing Chiyoko the phone. "Here is our team, The Fallen Stars. Ready to meet them?" Chiyoko propped herself up on one elbow to look at the photo. A soft, maternal smile touched her lips as she saw the four younger girls in their triumphant pose. "The Fallen Stars... They look very strong and very loyal to you." She looked from the picture to me, her violet eyes soft. "Yes, Master. I would like to meet my new teammates. A healer should know the people she'll be caring for." She got up from the bed, her new dark costume swirling around her as she moved with a graceful confidence. She showed no shame, completely comfortable in her new skin. "Let me get dressed. I imagine they'll have a lot of questions." "The team is now complete!" Gemgem's voice hummed in my mind, dripping with triumph. "A manipulator, a strategist, a berserker, a powerhouse... and now, a healer whose power is fueled by desire and lust, the very acts that bind them all to you." I added Chiyoko to the group chat and sent a quick message with her address: "Good work! Your new mission is to bring pizzas to this address. And don't let Akane pick the toppings." I then sent Aoi the money for the food. A system notification popped up in the chat: [Lewd Chiyoko has joined the group] A moment of confused silence. Then, the chat exploded. Dark Ruby ????: WHO THE HELL IS "LEWD CHIYOKO"?! MASTER, DID YOU CORRUPT SOME OLD LADY?! Dark Heart Princess ????: Ooh, a new member! Welcome, Chiyoko-chan! ???? Your name is interesting! ???? Aoi Tanaka: A new asset, Master? Understood. I will buy the requested food items. Akane will not be consulted. Homura: ...Welcome. Chiyoko, now dressed in a simple dark purple sweater and black pants, glanced at her phone as it buzzed like crazy. A small, amused smile played on her lips. Less than half an hour later, there was a knock on the door. Chiyoko opened it to reveal The Fallen Stars. Aoi stood in front, holding a stack of pizza boxes. Miki peeked around her, eyes wide with curiosity. Akane was bouncing on her heels, trying to see the newcomer, while Homura hung back, observing. They all froze when they saw Chiyoko. They recognized her instantly. Not just some random woman, but as Magical Maiden Cherish, the famous, untouchable pure healer. "No... way..." Akane stammered. "You're..." "Magical Maiden Cherish?!" Miki gasped. "But... your name in the chat is..." "...Our Master was on a recruitment mission for a healer," Aoi concluded, her eyes narrowing as her brain processed the impossible reality in a split second. Chiyoko just gave them a warm, serene smile. It was her old smile, but now it was backed by a quiet, unshakable confidence. A hint of dark power shimmered in her new violet eyes. "Hello, girls. It's a pleasure to finally meet you all. Please come in." "My name is Chiyoko. And I believe I will be your new healer." She stepped aside, welcoming them into her home. "Come on in, let's eat," I said as they walked past her. "Miss Chiyoko already treated me to dinner, but her... draining made me all hungry again." I winked and nodded at Aoi. "You all did great on your first mission. Good job." The girls shuffled into the apartment, their faces a mix of awe and wild curiosity. Akane and Miki immediately started sniffing the air. "Master," Akane declared loudly, "it smells like sex in your apartment." "Akane, shush! This is Chiyoko-san's apartment!" Miki whispered, then her eyes went wide. "...Oh. Oh." She shot Chiyoko a look of newfound, profound respect. Aoi ignored them; her focus is on me. A faint blush rose on her cheeks at my praise, but she just gave a crisp little bow. "Thank you, Master. The strategy I proposed was sound." They all gathered in the small living room, balancing pizza boxes on their laps. Chiyoko moved like a natural hostess, getting plates and drinks for everyone, her calm presence soothing the chaotic energy in the room. Akane took a huge bite of pizza and pointed at Chiyoko with her crust. "So, you're really a healer, Chiyoko-san? Can you fix my knee? I scraped it when climbing out of a sewer." Chiyoko smiled warmly. "Of course, dear. Come here." Akane scooted closer. "Pain, pain, fly away," Chiyoko murmured and placed a hand over Akane's knee, and a faint, dark violet light glowed from her palm. The scraped skin instantly smoothed over, leaving no mark. "Whoa! That's so cool!" Akane yelled and looked at her, eyes full of respect. "It didn't even feel all sparkly and weird like normal healing! It just felt warm." "It's quicker and less troublesome, unlike when you healed Aoi with your gem, Master." Miki grinned lewdly. "Don't ask her to heal too much, or she might drain me again, Akane," I chuckled, grabbing a slice of pizza. "And you should eat more, too, Aoi, you're still growing." I put a piece of cheesy bread on her plate. My comment got a reaction from everyone. Akane choked on her pizza, sputtering with laughter. Miki covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking. Chiyoko herself blushed a deep crimson but met my gaze with a soft, pleased smile. Even Aoi's ears turned red. "Thank you for your concern for my nutritional intake, Master." The ice was broken. They ate and talked, Miki and Akane fighting over the last slice of pepperoni. Aoi quietly reviewed the mission with me, and Homura surprised everyone by chiming in with her observations about the enemy's weak points. Chiyoko listened to it all, a quiet mom watching over her new flock. This was my team: The Fallen Stars. As things wound down, Aoi looked at me. "Master, with our team now complete, what is our next objective?" All eyes turned to me. They were fed, rested, and ready. They were my army, waiting for their next command. "We'll need to deal with the Aegis of Light eventually," I said with a yawn. "But for now, just focus on getting stronger. Everything has to wait until after your and Miki's idol debut." Aoi nodded, her strategic mind clicking. "A sound decision, Master. Miki's and my Magical Rank is still low compared to theirs. We will surely lose in an all-out battle." "Yes!" Miki clapped, her eyes sparkling. "The more fans we have, the more people will love us! And that love, that fame ... will give us even more power, right?" She winked. "It's not just for strategic reasons, Aoi," I said softly, rubbing both Miki's and Aoi's heads. "I also... want to see the promises I made to you both come true." My sincerity made them pause, their expressions softening. I changed the subject to lighten the mood. "Anyway, I have a plan for team bonding tomorrow. We're going to karaoke together." "And not the shady one from last time, Aoi," I giggled. Aoi flinched almost instantly at the memory. "Karaoke! HELL YEAH!" Akane yelled. "Our first official team outing that doesn't involve sewers or battle!" "I think that's a lovely idea," Chiyoko said. "A chance for you all to let loose. Homura-chan, have you ever been?" Everyone looked at Homura, who shrank a little. "...No. I don't sing." "Don't worry, Homu-chan!" Akane slung an arm around her shoulders. "You can just play the tambourine! It'll be fun!" "Aoi, Chiyoko, I will let you two pick the place then," I said, getting up to leave. They exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between the team's strategist and its new mother. "I will research venues with private rooms," Aoi said. "And I will ensure they serve proper refreshments," Chiyoko added. As I headed for the door, a chorus of goodbyes followed me. "Goodnight, Master!" "Be safe on your way home!" Chiyoko's voice, warm and happy, was the last thing I heard. I stepped out into the cool night air, leaving them behind. My strange, powerful, dark family was chattering, planning, and bonding. "They were a newly-formed team, scattered, young, and weak. But I can sense that they have potential for greatness." "Not bad, not bad at all, host," Gemgem said coldly, its voice filled with a hint of hidden pride.