FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Virtually Real Chapter 55: Not My Story?

Note: While not required I strongly recommend going and reading Down Time: https://www.sofurry.com/view/1948596 by snowie111. The events of that story are referenced, and aftermath is dealt with, in this chapter.

Characters:

Prowl-Ar Nightiger (Tiger): Human Immortal shapeshifter. Able to change from human to anthro or full black tiger with white stripes at will. However spends most of his time in human form Whether he calls himself Lord Lightstripe or Lord Nightiger, Prowl-Ar is the master of the House Nexus dimension.

Kyle (Drake) Dacat: Quadrimorph that spends most of his time in his anthro Eastern Fur dragon form. His personality is based on Red XIII or Nanaki from the original Final Fantasy VII game.

Shock Dafox: Former trans-male transitioned using Shadow Runner technology. A furry news caster that Prowl-Ar gave an exclusive interview to.

Jordan (Wolf): Ship’s doctor, dual shifter able to change into a wolf with all black fur and a white tiger with small saber fangs. Prowl-Ar’s third husband.

Trace: Prowl-Ar’s son from one of his stories made real with the Evolver.

Frost: Eastern Dragon/otter hybrid created in a virtual reality and given life son of Prowl-Ar and Kyle

House: Artificial Intelligent Game Construct, Prowl-Ar's butler, chef, and grounds keeper. Guardian of the House Nexus realm. House takes on or generates servants from chefs to teachers as those under his protection need.

Mahan: Holographic or drone interface. Artificial Intelligence based on Prowl-Ar's mind, but different due to extensive self-modification. Primary intelligence of The Shadow Runner spacecraft.

Janelle (Jan) Lily Steele: Human: Chief of Security for the New York United Nations. Now head of security for the Furry Station along with her sister.

Jennifer Rose (Rosy/Jen) Redfield: Human: Janelle's sister and former Secret Service agent. Co-head of security aboard the Furry Station.

Silverbolt: Based on the transformers: Beast Wars character, he is the Furry Station’s primary artificial intelligence.

Rekcah: First known as Slider He immigrated to the Furry station with his husband, Snowie in order to watch over their friend Frost. He has no tact and can say things that are hurtful, but he is only being honest in his own way.

Snowie: Formerly posing as the MAS character Go Lee, he and his husband immigrated to the Furry Station after the news came out that tier friend Frost was severely injured by bullies.

Charcoal: An Arcanine pokemorph slave belonging to Prowl-Ar

Sparx (Sparkle): Luxray pokemorph slave

Crimson: Incineroar pokemorph slave, though it is hard to tell since he looks the same as his pokemon form.

Chomper: Tyrantrum pokemorph slave, tends to forget he has functioning arms and hands.

Stone: Day form Lycanroc pokemorph slave. Tends to think canines are the heist form of life.

Iceberg: Arctivore Nexomon slave.

Inferno: Carnigreis Nexomon slave. Is unable to speak on his own his own, but his mate Speed is able to translate the electrical impulses in his brain in order to speak for him.

Speed: Jeeta Nexomon slave. Unlike other morphs he still retains a small amount of his electrical abilities making him capable to “reading” Inferno’s thoughts.

Timid: Shark slave bought by Wolf. Despite his name he has a bold outgoing nature.

Bold: Second Shark slave owned by Wolf. Bold is the opposite of his mate Timid even though they are technically the same individual from different universes.

Bort: Wild Boar slave

Tu'ruk: Orc slave owned by Wolf.

We barely made it through the portal and Timid was already stripping off his clothes. "Come on Bold, get rid of that old rag and I'll introduce you to the others. Then we'll go swimming!"

"Master, may I have permission to do as Timid suggested?"

Wolf walked over and placed his hand on Bold's cheek. "As long as you follow the rules you don't have to ask for my permission. If you do something that displeases me, I'll inform you. I'll," Wolf glanced at me where I was doing my best not to yell at him to get his hand away from all those dangerous teeth, "we'll explain why what you did was wrong so that you know not to do it again. Now go play while My Tiger, gets to know a bit more about Bort and Tu'ruk."

I glanced at the Orc and Boar as they were undressing. I swallowed at the size of Tu'ruk. I figured he'd be well endowed due to his general size, but even flaccid he was hung like a horse. No, I take that back he could make some horses feel inadequate. I really hoped he was a shower rather than a grower even if VR did give us a certain amount of protection. Bort on the other hand wasn't as tall maybe seven foot, and maybe a bit overweight. However I had no problem recognizing that "fat" was covering solid muscle. Still Wolf had chosen Sharks, an Orc, and Boar; all species on my preference banned list. I sort of wondered if he was upset with me. Maybe he thought I chose all the good pokemorphs or something?"

"Tu'ruk, why don't you tell my mate about yourself?"

The Orc actually looked a bit embarrassed. "I'm Tu'ruk, the unworthy, I was raised by my human mother. Which is a good thing since I'm defective. Orcs are supposed to live for battle, but all I want to do is farm. I'm most happy when helping things grow, rather than killing."

"Okay Bort your turn." Wolf instructed.

The boar smiled cheerfully "I was a-"

"Remember the rules I told you." Wolf interrupted.

Bort sighed. "I was a thug. I was hired to collect taxes, beat up people, and . . . I suppose you get the picture. I wasn't a good person. I'd probably still be doing that, if I wasn't taken by the slavers and I met Tu'ruk. He believed I could be a good person, even when I didn't. Still since our cages were side by side we were constantly talking helping each other by telling stories. Even though mine were mostly lies, or at best half-truths. I'm not sure when I fell in love with him but, I can't imagine living without my gentle farmer."

"I was drawn to Tu'ruk because the other orcs were treating him badly. After buying him he begged me to buy Bort, and as you said my Tiger, it's best to keep mated pairs together." Wolf said.

"Mated?" Bort and Tu'ruk both said looking at each other.

"I- I mean yeah I love him, but I never considered . . ." Bort said, trailing off.

"Other Orcs already see me as defective, and I do have feelings for Bort. Feelings that were sometimes very hard to hide. I- I thing I would very much like to be Bort's mate, if he wants me."

"Wolf, I think these two need a little alone time to get to know each other better." I said smiling at them.

"You heard the Tiger, go and have fun." Wolf smiled, as they wandered into the jungle. Once they were out of sight he turned to me. "So where to next? Pokeworld perhaps?"

"No, the real world. It's feeding time again. Only a couple more weeks and they'll be on solid food with the accelerated aging."

"I know it's strange, but I'm not looking forward to that. I find you so sexy when you're feeding our babies."

I blushed. "I'm not sexy."

"To me you are, and always will be."

"Enough already. Kyle and Rider politely request you both take over baby duty so they can, and I quote, exhaust a horny fox or die trying." Mahan interrupted us.

"Mahan, you're a real-"

"Asset, we're lucky to have you to keep us from having any fun." Wolf quickly said.

"Nooooooo!" Mahan screeched "Their sarcasm has infected you!"

Wolf and I laughed as we left the chamber.

***

As I slowly woke up I pulled my little fluffy fox closer. Wolf, in his capacity as ship's doctor, ordered me to take a break from VR. He could progress the game on his own for a while. He even hit me with a "If you trust me then you'll trust that I can rescue a few pokemorphs on my own."

"He's worried about you. We all are." Shock said, as he rolled over and looked into my eyes. "You're scared and you're doing your best to hide it with 'work' but we all know."

"I'm not-"

"No lies, even to yourself, remember? You're worried you're spending too much time with our Wolf. You're worried you’re not spending enough time with the kids. But that's not what has you scared. It's those damn visions."

"Visions?"

Shock sighed and tapped me on the forehead. "We're in here now, we know what's going on. The more you lock things away the more they seep into your dreams. You're not going to become that dark version of yourself that's pushed everyone away. We won't allow it."

"How-"

"Not finished. As scared of that as you are the happy vision scares you even more. The one where you are carrying Snowie's cub. You're not troubled by the fact you're carrying Nature's cub as well, which I find sort of funny, but that future is already changed. Instead of Kyle’s cubs Wolf is having yours again."

Shock placed his paw over my mouth. "Still not done. For the sake of argument let's say the vision is real but farther into the future than you thought and you just didn't see the other two kids. We all know just what sort of person you are. You'll do anything for friends and family. What if you are just carrying Snowie's child?"

"What?" I asked in confusion.

"Would I be wrong in thinking, if Snowie and Frost came to you and asked you to carry their baby, you would say yes?"

"I-"

"Yes?"

I sighed, "I'd say yes, even if it was Snowie and Rekcah that asked."

"Do you have feelings for Snowie?"

"He's cute, I trust him, and yes I could imagine having sex with him. But-" I paused and thought hard about it.

"But you don't feel the same way about him like you do about us." Shock stated bluntly.

"I-" He was right. I could fantasize, I could even love Snowie, but I couldn't feel the stirrings of the deeper bond I had with my mates. It was the same as the game. I could play but I’d always be thinking of my mates. "Shock you're-".

"Shh, we don't want anyone, other than my millions of fans, to know I'm the smart one around here. Besides it turns out you're really turned on by femboy foxes that are so much smarter than you." He laughed as reached down and grasped my hard dick.

"It has more to do with the fact you’ve been grinding against me this whole time." I defended.

"Have I been bad? Maybe you should do something about it." Shock asked, rubbing me faster.

I easily flipped him over and yanked his tail up. His ass gleamed and it was obvious he'd lubed up, likely before I woke up. "You planned this?"

He grinned at me and I growled and shoved into him.

"Yes! It’s about fucking time! You call yourself a switch? Be the top I need. Take me hard, make me scream, call me your good little boy, and fill me so full of your seed it sooths my throat as I cough it up by the cup full!"

I shift to tiger form and pound harder.

"You can do better than that! I modified myself for this. You won't hurt me, now don't hold back!"

Something seemed to snap, my body was running completely on instinct but I was also fully aware. I'd shifted to bull form. I could feel everything both my own rutting and Shock's need. He needed more? I snapped back into my body I was in control again, but I didn't control it. I let my body continue I leaned down and whispered. "That's my good boy. My perfect little gay fox."

Shock let out a little scream as his body went into orgasmic convulsion spraying his seed across the bed. I pushed deep holding him close and bellowing as he pushed me over the edge.

I rolled sideways so as not to crush my little fox. My body continued to convulse every few seconds as I continued to fill him with what I had left. Was this what it was like to release control? I hadn't blacked out.

Shock reached up and ran his paw across my cheek. "Wolf was right, this is what I needed. I- I need you to be both my mate and my . . ." He paused and looked away in embarrassment, "My surrogate father figure."

"So you want me to call you my son, or my little boy?"

"No! I mean yes! I mean-" he sighed again. “Yes, when we're together in bed. Elsewhere it would just be weird. Wolf was right about something else."

"I find he usually is, but just for the sake of knowing what is he right about this time?"

"Oh, just that you're a really sexy hunk of beef."

"Are you trying to get me riled up again, boy?"

"Bring it on daddy. I'm not coughing up your cum yet."

***

I felt someone slip into bed with Shock and I.

"You're still conscious? Jordan really did do a good job designing this form. Though I have to say I think I prefer my little tiger. Not that you aren’t sexy in this form as well." Kyle said, as he reached over me and grasped my pectoral.

"I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"For not spending more time with all of you."

"Tiger, listen you spend more time with each of us than you probably should. You make sure you're there every time I make a meal. You are always available when Shock wants you on his channel to boost ratings. You talk to Rider about your past once a week, you’re constantly fussing over Jordan making sure he isn't overdoing it and making sure the babies are alright. You make sure to make bonding time for the kids, and I don’t just mean the little ones I'm including our five older ones as well. Plus you are trying to get the VR game to the point where we can all play together. Have you taken any time just for yourself? Time to unwind and decompress as you call it?"

"Well, no. It's just-"

"You're also writing that autobiographical thing. Yes, we all know about that. Mahan keeps us informed. Well, about some of it. He refuses to talk about the really juicy bits. He has mentioned that you've been writing more about Wolf lately. Is that where this insecurity is coming from? Just because you write down what is going on with him more often that what you're doing with the rest of us?"

"Well, maybe."

"Tiger, don't take this the wrong way but if our lives were just a story, Jordan would be the main character."

"Oh really?" I asked in surprise.

"Yes, really. There is just something . . . special about him. I'm not saying we're not important, but let's be honest he's the Cloud in our story."

"Oh, and who am I?"

Kyle laughed. "Tifa of course."

I wanted to complain. I really wanted to complain, but I just couldn't come up with any argument against his logic. "I think I'd have been Zack or Vincent." I said lamely.

"No, you've definitely got that 'I'll take charge, if I have to, but we follow Wolf's lead' energy."

"And you don't mind that?"

"We all fell in love with you because you're you. Don't question it just accept it. Now get some real sleep. That's something you've been skipping with those little cat naps in VR.

I giggled, but holding Shock and having my Drake holding me quickly lulled me into unconsciousness.

***

I yawned as I entered the chamber. According to the log Jordan was still building his team of pokemorphs, so I figured I'd take a nap.

"No new slaves this time? Sparx asked.

"No, no one was a god fit." I said, as I carefully swung into the hammock with him.

"They didn't have any slaves?"

"Not really. I just went back to my realm of origin to check on things."

"Oh? Can we go with you next time?"

"Unfortunately it is a realm of humans only. Even Wolf and I have to be very careful not to get caught."

"What would happen if you were?" Crimson asked, as he fell into another hammock

"They’d probably execute us for being monsters."

"Then why go back?" Sparx asked.

I sighed, "It's a problem with how our realm connects to other realms. If we don't return to our own realm to recover we start to get weak. And eventually we'll-"

"You'll die?" Sparx asked, in concern.

"Well no, it's more like we'll slide out of synch becoming like a ghost type and then continuing to fade away until we can't interact at all, forever trapped in a living state of nothingness."

"Have, uh, how do you know?" Crimson asked, sounding scared of the answer.

"I very nearly waited too long once. You have to have a physical presence to pass through a portal."

"What about us?" Sparx asked.

"Don't worry, I can only open new portals to realms with a similar frequency. Lord Lightstripe here forced a portal open on his own. That's the reason only beings from his realm can travel to his realm." House stated. "I just came to tell you that Master Jordan is on his way back." I think I should probably mention after the last four additions I can open portals to the San Hokkaido world, though I doubt you want to go there, since slavery has been banned, and the City World. The one that seems to be labeled as Doctor's world."

"Ah! Then I can take Inferno to find his voice."

"I prioritized that portal, because Master Jordan contacted me. I didn't know that was possible."

"I knew it was possible once you reach a certain level of development. Jordan wanted to test . . . Wait, why did you prioritize the Doctor's world?"

"Opening portal now. Jordan said there were injuries." House replied.

Jordan stumbled out covered in burns and the portal closed.

"Open portal to medic world." He gasped.

"Chiot!" I yelled.

He waved me off and stepped through the new portal.

"House, send Inferno and Speed to join us once they’re dressed." I yelled as I followed Jordan through the portal.

We stepped out into a city plaza. "Wolf, how badly are you injured?"

"Third, maybe one or two second degree burns. Your armor is really impressive."

"What happened?"

"They sent in a primal Groudon. A legendary against a human and my six pokemorphs. Then they gigantamaxed him. It seems all the regions want pokemorphs eliminated. It was . . . According to my gauntlet all six are still alive in their pokeballs but just barely. They don't even have fighting moves as morphs. It was evil. There's no other word for it."

"Wow, you look fried." Speed said, as they stepped out of a new portal. Inferno hit him. "Hey, he does."

Inferno rolled his eyes.

"Come on we need to find a doctor." I led them across the plaza to Dr. Enrique’s office only to discover it was currently a radiology specialist.

"Something wrong?" Jordan asked.

"No, just a miscalculation due to time. Let me do a search on what we are looking for."

"What are we looking for?"

"A well respected physician that can treat exotic slave species, in both general and unique circumstances. He also needs to be known for discretion, at least concerning patients, and accept interesting forms of payment."

"So basically Dr. Enrique but for this time period." Jordan said nodding.

"Ah, and of course the perfect doctor is found. On the other side of the plaza."

"We quickly retraced our path and entered the office. I was surprised by the receptionist. He was a ram in a smart suit who must have an interesting shearing schedule to look so . . . I shook my head, not the time for such thoughts.

"Welcome to Doctor Carlos Catius' office. How can we help you today?"

"First degree burns, possible limb regeneration."

"Only one of you looks burned."

"My burns are minor. My six slaves were caught in a volcanic eruption. I have them in special stasis pods."

"I see, and I need your name as you will be registered as the patient owner."

I held out a black card. "I believe this is all you need to see."

The ram's eyes widened. "Uh, sir. I mean yes sir. The doctor will see you immediately!"

"What is that?" Jordan asked.

"Something Dr. Enrique slipped me for being sure the tigers got a good home. It is an elite card that marks the holder as important, not just on this planet but in multiple systems. Important like the ability to buy and sell worlds."

"And if it's stolen?"

"It is linked to my genetic structure so turns white and alerts the closest security forces that it was stolen."

"Bueno, how can I help you today?"

"I have six burn victims. First degree, they are exotics so you've likely never seen them before." Jordan said pulling out a pokeball. "This is a special transport device that will bring the victim here directly from his stasis pod."

"Okay, but I've treated a lot of exotics. You, your friend with the money, and his guards can wait here."

"I'll be assisting you. I am also a doctor, I just don't have the sophisticated equipment. Plus my mate insists that I could learn more here than anywhere else."

"Fine, but if you get in the way you're out." Dr. Catuis grumbled.

They left and I took a seat and motioned the other two to join me.

"Master, Inferno couldn't help noticing you and Master Jordan told a lot of lies."

"I know, and I don't like it, but most people have a problem believing other realms even exist, let alone it’s possible to travel between them. So yes we are required to lie at times. However, we try to keep it to a minimum and keep it as close to the truth as possible. I mean fighting a Groudon is nearly the same thing as fighting a volcano."

"So, why are we here?" Speed asked.

"Once Jordan's Pokémon are healed, if possible, I’m going to get Inferno's voice back. You're here to continue translating for him." Inferno pulled me into a hug.

"I doubt you need me to translate what he's currently thinking." Speed laughed.

It was fifteen minutes later that Jordan returned supporting a very wobbly Urshifu.

"Tiger, please take care of Shifu. The sedatives haven't worn off yet, but I need to get back in there to assist with Leather."

I shifted and supported the bear type on one side as Inferno took the other. Wolf had to be functioning on pure adrenalin to support this one on his own. As we sat him on the sofa I had to wonder. What sort of Pokémon would be named Leather?

My question was answered as an Obstagoon stumbled through the door. "Master Wolf said to wait here?"

"I take it you weren't as injured as the others?" I asked

The Obstagoon gave me a nasty look.

"No, he was fighting the group behind us when we were attacked. Master Wolf pulled us back into our pokeballs before the flames could get to him." Shifu answered.

"Shifu! You're alive, thank Arceus. Still, you need to hush. We don't know these morphs."

"Leather, I'm-"

"I don't care who you are. To me you're all just morphs from another region. Now shut up and let us smarter morphs talk."

Inferno started to growl.

"Listen, you have no right to speak to our master-" Speed started to translate.

"Master? Hah! Only humans can be called that. And you cat's barely rate Pokémon status."

"Speed and Inferno, please sit. Let the loudmouth continue to dig his own grave." I ordered.

"I suppose you think your master is better than mine? Hah, I'll rip you apart. And your master too, if he gets in my way."

I had to think for a few seconds before answering. "Actually, yes I do. You see while I don't have a 'master' there is one person that might be able to claim that title, not that he would, and he is likely going to punish you for being so nasty to his mate."

"I'm really scared, my master-"

"Is my mate, and he is very protective. Ordinarily that would be good for you. However, as the father of his children he is especially protective of me so-" I knew I'd screwed up as the three gasps I heard around me. "Computer pause events in this room only. Edit dialog remove 'as the father of his children' and resume." I sighed and sat back down, "so do you think being so rude to one of your new masters and your new brothers is really the behavior Jordan expects?"

"I-"

"It certainly isn't." Jordan said, as he re-entered.

"Master, I-"

"You're being aggressive toward the wrong person again. Shifu and Terro, see if you can control him a bit. Especially you Shifu, he is your mate after all." Jordan ordered as he left the Mudsdale, Terro in the waiting room with us.

"Shifu, I thought . . . I thought we were all going to die. I- I can't seem to remember anything after Jordan released us from our pokeballs to fight . . ." The horse looked confused, "something." he said, at last.

"It was-", Leather started.

"No, your memory loss is for your own safety. Give it some time, a week or two at least. Either your memory will return or you can ask again then. By that time you'll be far enough away from the event that it won't be as bad." I ordered.

"I guess we lost the battle then." Terro muttered.

"Spectacularly, but then considering we lost our abilities when we became morphs a determined Rattatta could probably defeat us." Leather snarled.

Shifu laughed. "Well defeat you, again, anyway."

I kept from laughing but it wasn't easy. Luckily Jordan returned. Rather than taking a seat of his own he fell into my arms.

"We stabilized the last three enough to put them into the regeneration tanks. We'll need to do a bit more. Computer, pause game."

"Game is paused."

"Love, how do you keep from becoming attached?"

"I don't. I get attached to all the characters. Fortunately, I'm even more attached to those in real life."

"What if it's all just one big game and one day the one of us playing wakes up?"

"Well I doubt I'm the main character but if that happens-"

"He is my avatar. Because of that a version of him exists in nearly all realities. Don't worry, your 'essence' is unique. I'll find you and make sure that you two are together. You have my word on that." Reaper said.

"You? Death itself is promising me that my tiger and I will always find each other?" Jordan asked.

"Yes, I can't make any guarantees about after you die though. I simply assist the soul to leave the body, after that I don't know what happens. Not that any of you need to worry about that."

Suddenly my actions were my own again. "Damn it Reaper, you can telepathically talk to any of us. You know how much I hate it when you take full control like that. My Chiot, what did he do or say?"

"Don't worry, he was just helping me feel better about everything. Can we take a break? I just want to stay here in your arms for a little while."

"I like that idea. But let’s finish up this scene first. Computer, resume."

"So, how long are we going to have to wait? Speed asked.

I sighed. I'm sorry, Inferno, it's going to take longer than expected. I'm going to send you back to the island. You might as well enjoy yourselves until I can get you in."

Inferno nodded.

"That sounds good to us." Speed replied.

"Shifu, Leather, and Terro you'll go with them and meet the others. There's no need for any of you to sit here and wait either. I'm sending you to our home. Our companions already there will bring you up to speed on what is expected."

We sent the two Nexomon and three Pokémon through a portal and then settled back down to cuddle. Computer, pause game. When game resumes the next Pokémon will be ready to be removed from regeneration."

"And do not disturb us until we decide to continue." Jordan added.

"Understood."

***

I sighed as my fighter engaged its magnetic clamps locking it to the deck. I wasn't exactly happy to be here. "Silverbolt, am I still undetected?"

"Of course Lord Nightiger. I assure you no one knows you're here. Will you be using your own masking holographic or should I provide you with one?"

"You know what? Let’s have some fun. Alert security that someone is using a holographic disguise, but because it is of Lord Nightiger you’re unable to track them. Start a timer. Let's see how long it takes them to find me. Oh and remind them non-lethal capture only. Since once their interrogation is done the Shadow Runners will likely want a chance as well."

"Sir, I’m glad you're on the side of good. You'd most certainly make a frightening villain. Informing Jen and Jan now."

I strolled down the corridor as though I owned it. The artists onboard had transformed the walls into an open savannah. Animals seemed to be in abundance both anthro and wild. The station's air filters actually made it sound like wind blowing through tall grass.

"Don't move."

"Well, that was quicker than I expected. Good evening Janelle. Nice to-"

"Don't even start. Drop the cloak and tell us who you really are." Jen said, as she joined us.

"Sorry Lord Lightstripe. It was your bad luck they were already dealing with a particularly belligerent individual so close to your location." Silverbolt informed me.

Are you telling us-" Jan started to ask.

"I'm here to speak with Snowie." I interrupted.

"Don't ever do that again. Let us know when you're coming." Jen said angrily.

"So you can lock down the whole station? I don't think so. However, to be fair, next time I'll let Silverbolt tell you I've snuck aboard the station again. Unless I'm here to see one of you. In which case you won't know I'm here until you find me relaxing at your desk."

"So why are you here?" Jan asked.

"Frost."

"God, don't tell me he's being bullied again," Jen moaned.

"You said you're here to talk to Snowie. Jen, I told you Snowie was creeping on Prowl-Ar's kids." Jan said, angrily.

"No! I mean yes, sort of. That's Snowie and Rekcah's primary job. They're the kid's body guards. Though Rin doesn't know that includes her and Ryu. I figured you two have enough stress without having to constantly watch those three kids."

If they're not creeping, why is it Frost spent the night in their apartments?" Jan asked.

"Because Frost wants to be Snowie's pet."

The two security officers stared at me.

"Before you start yelling, Frost, though he looks younger is technically of age. He also talked it over with both Kyle and myself. It's what he really wants. It's why I'm here. He let us know this morning that Snowie agreed. Now I'm here to make sure Snowie understands there are conditions and limitations on how far they are allowed to go."

"Well, at least you have some sense. Just make sure they understand no indecency in public areas." That includes overly revealing clothing. In fact you might want to make that point to your dragon as well. During his last visit he wore leather pants so tight . . . well, just make sure he doesn't do that again." Jan said, before turning and marching away while muttering "Damned dragon males looking like sexy females, making me question my preferences."

"Don't mind her, she's just . . . frustrated." Jen said with a laugh. “It’s difficult to be strictly straight when most of our population is much more diverse. Anyway, Snowie's likely in the complaints office. Good luck with you little chat." Jen said, before heading in the opposite direction.

"Would my Lord like directions?" Silverbolt asked.

"No I'm going to their quarters instead. I've got a special package to drop off."

"Ah yes, the smart metal you referred to in the missive you sent Master Flatley. Forgetting that only Mahan has production facilities to create it."

"Are you upset about that?"

"Oh, not at all, Sir. If Mahan is to be believed the power and resources needed just to produce a small amount makes it impractical for production here on the station."

"True and you only have five shifters onboard."

"Five? I only count four. Rin, Frost Master Snowie and yourself." Silverbolt stated.

"Right. Sorry I miscounted." I quickly brushed it off, after all Ryu and Rekcah didn't know if I gave them the activation shot they’d be able to shift. They’d already experienced first shift using the VR method. We'd told Ryu it was so he'd be able to understand how Rin felt when she shifted and Kyle had taught him to be a dragon. Rekcah had been a different matter. As a rabbit pony hybrid he'd had to become a double shifter. I'd personally watched over his pony transformation using my new Bull form. Shock watched over his bunny form, admittedly risky but it would prepare him for Snowie's folf form.

I'd reached the apartment door. It was really decorative if a bit out of place, but to each his own. I tapped the buzzer and the door slid open.

"I've recoded the pad so you can just enter. You're not a pet until you step inside, or Snowie takes you out on a lead." Rekcah said not looking back at the door. He was sprawled out on the couch wearing only a jock strap. I've had a long day and I'm not in the mood to play right now so get changed or whatever and wait quietly for Master Snowie to get home."

I cleared my throat.

"Oh fuck! What the hell are you doing here?" He yelled.

"You let me in."

"No, I let that perverted little dragon in."

"You mean my son?" I asked quietly.

"Yeah, he’s the one. Constantly breaking in and teasing my husband non-stop. And God the things he can make a man feel. Did you know he's able to move his-"?

"Rekcah, when is Snowie due back?" Snowie had tried to warn me Rekcah didn’t have any tact. I had to wonder how he'd been able to play the part of Shadow so well. I guess it's because he almost never spoke.

"I walked in where he mentioned the teasing." Snowie said behind me. "I'm sorry, some times . . ."

"I'm right though." Rekcah defended himself.

Between Snowie's look of exasperation and Rekcah's grin I couldn't help it; I started laughing.

Snowie sighed, "About Frost-"

"Hun, don't you dare apologize. Your new pet came to you. Don't let him bully you just because he thinks he's in charge of all us." Rekcah said, pointing at me.

"Rekcah, go find someplace else to be while I deal with our guest."

From the tone of Snowie's voice I was almost headed for the door myself. I’d have to be extra careful about that.

Rekcah nodded. "It's just about time for school to get out so I'll go make sure the kids make it to their rooms safely."

"Good, and make sure Frost knows I want him to wait an hour before he comes here."

"Rekcah, tell him he is being timed and must be at the door in exactly one hour, not early or late." I added.

"Oh? Why so specific?" Snowie asked.

"He's like me. He'll arrive fifteen minutes early just to be sure he isn't late."

"Yes, Sir." Rekcah said, as he pulled on a jumpsuit before leaving.

I waited as Snowie tried to organize his thoughts.

"It almost sounded like you want me to be very strict with Frost." He said, finally.

"That's not why I'm here. I figured you might be a little worried about what we, his fathers, might think."

"Well yes, actually."

"Okay, Kyle says as long as Frost is willing, and you don't hurt him in a way that can't be easily healed using the medical facilities on the station, it is fine with him. However if you hurt him mentally or damage him to the point he can only be healed with the evolver, Kyle would like you to know that he will kill you over and over in new and inventively painful ways."

"I have no intention of doing anything Frost doesn't agree to first."

"Wolf agrees, but no mental breaking. Teaching him to obey is one thing but breaking his mind in order to make him a better pet is out of the question. He also had a warning. Frost is older than he looks and I'm not allowed to get involved, beyond this meeting, unless you or Frost requests my advice. Because of that I'm locked out of any form of monitoring. So please, make sure to take care of Frost. My opinion is if Frost is happy and you're happy then whatever 'fun' you two or three have is fine."

"Wow, I was worried about what Wolf might think since Frost didn't mention him when I asked what he thought his parents would think."

"It's probably because Frost and Wolf haven't had a lot of interaction. I'll be honest with you, I'm a bit afraid with school and the babies I'm not spending enough time with Rin and Frost."

"They're both basically adults, even if you don't want to believe it. It's natural they're going to spend more time on their interests. You'd probably feel worse if you didn't have the new babies. Knowing you, as little as I do, if you weren't busy you'd be thinking you're a bad parent because you feel it isn't right spending the type of time Frost wants to have with you, right?"

"Dammit, I'm supposed to be the parent here."

"Listen, if you ever feel you need help learning how to be a better submissive or even a dominant, and your mates agree, I'm willing to help you."

I blushed. His offer was tempting, very tempting, but Frost was more important here than my interests. "Anyway all Rider had to say was 'It's about damn time'. Finally, and I can't believe I have to ask this, Shock wants to know your thoughts on the programmable latex uniform. He says he put a lot of work into making it perfect and he hopes both you and Frost have fun finding and exploring the hidden features."

"Hidden features?" Snowie asked grinning.

"Do me a favor, slap my face."

"What?"

"Slap my face hard enough to leave a hand print."

"Why? Does this have something to do with the hidden features?"

"No, but Shock will feel it as well and he needs to be punished for making me say this. The command 'latex pulse' will make the suit form a latex butt plug that with pulse until you command 'pulse stop'. You have complete control so Frost cannot stop it or remove it without permission."

"And there are more features to discover?"

"That's what Shock implied. You can always contact him to see if he'll give you any hints to other features. Anyway there's another reason I'm here."

"The chastity thing. Listen, I won't do that unless Frost is completely committed to it. Besides a chastity device wouldn’t work on his dragon form anyway."

"Actually it can. I'm not going to get into how or why I know it works. Just be assured that once you put it on him it will reshape to keep him in chastity until you command otherwise."

"What if it malfunctions?"

"Smart metal isn't the same as smart cloth. It can only take on simple shapes. A cage for example or a specialized cage and plug for a genital slit. This is a special variant that cannot permanently be attached like ..." I looked at Snowie's hand. "Um, why aren't you wearing your wedding band?"

"Are you kidding? I decided I didn't want to lose a finger when I shifted."

I sighed. "What did I tell you after you came out of the Evolver? After I gave you the ability to shift?"

"To put Rekcah's ring back on his finger once he came out of the Evolver."

"Yes, and I told him to do the same for you."

"Rekcah isn't a shifter so I put his ring on him, but we agreed-"

"Has Rekcah tried to remove his ring?"

"No why would he?" Snowie was starting to sound frustrated.

My own fault really since I was treating him like a child. "I replaced your rings with smart metal. Rekcah can't remove his ring without your permission. When he gets back have him put your ring on you." I held up my hand showing my own ring and shifted the ring growing and resizing as I did so. "As you can see I still have all my fingers. Also the ring is bonded to my skin so I can't remove it without all of my mate's giving me permission to do so."

"If I put it on now?"

"It won't fit. It's programed to activate when Rekcah places it on your finger. Frost's cage won't bond to his flesh, for safety reasons. However, I've set it so you and Rekcah can make adjustments or open it. However only you and Kyle can remove it. Sorry, but that was Kyle's one condition for the chastity cage. If Frost ever feels you're being too strict he can ask for the cage to be removed. However, he doesn't need to know that you’re not the only one that can remove it."

"I don't get it. Why don't you have-"

"Because I can't be trusted. What I mean is if Frost asked I'd free him and he knows it. This way he won't have an out, so you will know that he is putting in the thoughts to be sure this is what he wants."

"I- I sort of figured you'd say no. Why are you giving me permission to ah, give Frost what he wants?"

I shifted back to human and sat down. "I- This is going to sound strange but I had a premonition. Well, more like a vision of the future. In it I've modified myself, much the way Wolf has, so that I can carry cubs to term. One of them is yours."

"Wait! I mean you're attractive and all, but I'm certainly not going to get you pregnant. I mean, I'm really not looking into becoming a parent."

"Yeah, I was a bit concerned about the implications as well. Yes, I'm attracted to you, but I've got all the mates I can handle as it is. However it was pointed out that it's possible I'm only acting as a surrogate for you and Rekcah or you and Frost."

"I-" Snowie couldn't continue.

I smiled it was almost as if I could see him considering what a folf bonny or folf drotter hybrid would look like. "No, I'm not-"

"A lot can change in ten years, maybe five, I'm not sure how far into the future the vision was, but my current cubs looked to be around ten."

"I'm not saying I'm not intrigued, but you'd really be willing to do something like that?

"Snowie, as twisted as this may sound I consider you and Rekcah part of my family, so if my mates were in agreement I'd let either of you impregnate me if that was what you wanted."

"That's . . . that's a lot to consider."

I smiled, I wasn't going to tell him I'd do the same for Luca if it was needed, but I was fairly certain Shock wouldn't agree to it and besides we'd be lucky if the colony wasn't overrun by little sergals eventually despite the use of the evolver making all of us nearly infertile with other humans. If the rumors were to be believed Luca was getting enough attention from males and females that he likely didn't think about any of us sexually anymore.

"Lord Lightstripe, if you wish to depart undetected I respectfully suggest you do so now." Silverbolt said, interrupting both of us.

"Uh?"

I winked. "I'm just thinking that you and Frost will have more fun if he thinks, or at least has the option of telling himself, I don't know what's going on."

Snowie laughed. "Devious."

"Just remember place the metal against his ah, parts and it will adjust automatically. Oh and you have full control over his clothes so you have ten-"

"Seven" Silverbolt interrupted.

"Minutes to decide his attire. You can even set it to change automatically as he enters. Oh and above all, have fun.” I said, as I stepped out of the room. I pulled up my masking program and walked down the hall. Rekcah and Frost didn't even give me a second glance as they passed. Still the grin on Frost's face told me everything I needed to know. He was safe and happy in Rekcah and Snowie’s capable hands.

***

Once again I sat in the waiting room. Wolf had completed healing another of his Pokémon a twilight form Lycanroc named Dusk. I accused Wolf of capturing Dusk so he could say his Lycanroc was better than Stone, my day form Lycanroc. Things got a bit awkward when Dusk got excited that maybe Stone was his brother. It seemed their prior owner had Stone, Dusk, and Blood for a full Lycan set. They'd been about to rescue Stone when he was taken. Then Dusk got caught so we still needed to rescue Blood, I guess. I sent him back to the island to see if Stone. That left two more to go.

I was reading the real world news on my pad. I was worried, so much so I'd fast tracked the construction of two more colonies. Things weren’t getting better. In fact even countries that supported us were suffering with the formation of hate groups. We were doing our best to move those most in danger to the colonies. Russia was nearly a furry and LGBTQ+ free zone. Those that hadn't gotten out on their own had been gotten out by the station personnel. The world was looking to be heading for another collapse, and this time-

"Don't even think it."

"Jordan?"

"No, not this time Dad." Trace's voice filled my head. "He's busy so I'm telling you this isn't your fault. Humans always have and always will find something to hate."

"I suppose but this time-"

"No. I'm telling you it isn't your fault. If anything you're making it better by creating a safe place for the innocent to take refuge."

The door opened and Wolf led in a Machamp. "Tiger, this is Cogneur. Please keep him company while I finish up with his mate Asaut." Wolf said, transferring the groggy Pokémon to me as he headed back to the medical area.

I helped him sit down and then took a seat across from him. He was big easily the size of my bull form. So, Cogneur, How did you end up with Wolf?"

He remained silent staring straight ahead. I pointed directly at him and moved my finger. His pupils didn't move. He was blind, likely from the regeneration. "I'm guessing you can't see. Your sight should return shortly. Can you hear me?" Still no response. I reached up to snap my fingers and he caught my arm in a strong grip. Stronger than he should have.

"I only speak to my master." He flung me away. I remember hitting the couch and not slowing as it flipped. I woke at a sound that honestly scared me, a deep feral growling. I was stretched out on a medical bed. And I couldn't feel anything. "Jordan?" The angry growling stopped.

"God! Love, I'm so sorry. That shouldn't have happened. I'll edit that character out of the game as soon as you've recovered." Jordan said, quickly.

"What happened?"

"I programmed my pokemorphs for loyalty, size and strength. I- I never thought one would attack you. They are supposed to be loyal to all of us not just me. He-" Jordan started crying, "If it wasn't for the safety protocols you- you wouldn't be here."

"Computer, at highest level, what would have been the outcome of the interaction that put me here?"

"Death."

"Second highest?" I asked.

"Death."

"Current level?"

"If the safety protocols, added to the VR system by Tye Dacat, had not activated, Death. However the predictive algorithm calculated the danger and changed the game environment to soft textures. Unfortunately you were still injured by initial action and object interaction."

I glanced down at my arm. It was heavily bruised. "Computer dial back Cogneur's aggression twenty . . . no belter make that forty percent also increase intelligence by ten percent with the added ability to instinctively calculate the amount of damage an attack may cause."

"Tiger," Jordan growled, "I don't-"

"Don't start if you didn't want him you wouldn't have chosen him. He was blind from regen and I didn't identify myself as you mate or one of his masters. Plus he is going to be a lot more careful about his actions and very remorseful toward both of us. For my sake keep him."

"I- okay, but I'm doing this only because it's what you want. However I need to take a break. I'm going to need some time to get over how angry I am."

"That's understandable."

"Computer run snowy night with us in observer mode."

Jordan crawled onto the bed with me as the scene changed to the snow scene I'd created for him at Christmas. It was strange being warm and in bed out in the open.

"No falling snow, clear sky and full moon.” Jordan added.

The scene transformed. The sky full of stars, and the moonlight reflecting off the snow crystals creating a carpet of icy color.

Wolf held me close. "This is my special place. I come here when I need to relax or think. It’s so empty yet knowing this is where you grew up it's comforting at the same time. My tiger, you’ve been alone for so long that you're not as careful as you should be. I wish I could change it. Go back in time and just be there with you from the very beginning. Don't worry, I know better than to try it. Still, it doesn't change how I feel. I just, I need to know that you're being careful. I- I don't want to lose you."

"I promise you, Jordan, I'm yours for as long as you want me."

"What about our other mates?"

"I-"

He booped my nose, "Don't worry, as long as I keep you around for myself you'll be here for them as well. Of course if I decide . . . No, I'm not going to even joke about that. We belong to each other just as we belong to our other mates. Computer, once we've fallen asleep change scene to command quarter’s bedroom."

"Oh, you expect me to just fall asleep with such a cute wolf in my arms?" I asked.

"Hush. Just relax, your body needs time to heal and right now all I want to do is fall asleep in your arms."

"Me too puppy, me too." We lay there watching the stars just holding each other as we fell asleep."

***

Wolf finished healing Asaut, his Nidoking morph and took both back to House. I reminded him to go easy on them, as I remained at the Doctor’s office while Inferno's vocal chords were healed.

I put the tablet I was reading down as Dr. Catius entered the room. "I'm sorry to say this, but your slave is . . . unable to be healed at this time. I've regenerated his vocal chords and everything should work, but there is some sort of nerve blockage preventing the correct impulses from the brain to reach them. Maybe in a few decades, but that wouldn’t help him now."

I smiled and nodded. “You did your best doctor. Better than anyone else considering the condition my mate's slaves were in. I hope you don't mind taking gold instead of credits?” I said, placing several stacks of gold coins on the table.

"Gold is good!" He said, eyes bulging. "Feel free to return at any time with any injury."

I nodded and we entered a portal not that the doctor likely noticed, the way he was scooping up the gold.

As we stepped out House met us. "Sir, it is time again."

"About time." I replied.

"I have a new gateway. Scans indicate it is a peaceful world."

"Call everyone in." I ordered.

"Yes sir."

Wolf stood beside me, his ten slaves to one side my eight on the other. “We’re here, as some of you know, because house is ready to evolve. That may seem strange, but as a nexus when a certain number of residents accumulate more room is needed. However in order to evolve the nexus has to be empty. That means we need to be in another realm for the time it takes. That is where we are going now." Everyone nodded and I stepped through the portal.

I was standing on a road maybe path would be a better description. Something felt off. As I looked around the spruce forest to either side it looked uniform, carefully groomed even. This was less a forest and more of a tree farm.

At last Wolf was the last through and the portal closed. "This ... seems wrong." He said looking around as well.

There was a roar and a shout from farther ahead. "Wait here while I-" I started.

"Like hell. I'm not letting you walk into danger." Wolf growled.

"Fine. Stone, Dusk, and Iceberg come with me." The three canines stepped forward.

"Love, one of us needs to investigate and the other needs to stay with our companions." I thought to him.

"Cogneur, you go as well. Remember, you owe him your life after the way you acted."

"Yes, Master."

I didn't argue instead setting off down the road. We'd only gone about two hundred meters, just topping a slight rise, when a cabin came into view. Well less a cabin and more of a small mansion. On the front porch a partially anthro white tiger was violently mating a human. My eyes went wide. "Everyone back. We need-" I whispered.

"We need to save him." Stone growled.

"Trust me, what is going on down there is meant to happen. We're the ones that shouldn't be here. We've got to go now." As quietly as we could we hurried back to the others.

"What's going on?" Wolf asked.

"We need to get off this planet." I replied, continuing down the road.

"Love, you're scared. What's going on?"

"A tiger was raping a human." Dusk replied.

"Wait. What?" Wolf asked, stopping abruptly.

"It's not rape. Well, not exactly. The human is consenting and both are sexually mature."

"Tiger, what are you hiding?" Wolf asked.

"This is Trace and Tye's universe. The human is a version of me and the tiger is his foster brother experiencing his coming of age transformation."

"It's not right." Cogneur said quietly.

“Maybe not, but from the state of transformation we have until the end of the day before transport arrives. This is private and sacred land. If we're caught we'll all be sold as slaves, and in this realm that is a very bad thing. We need to find a ship and travel to the other side of the galaxy until we can portal home."

"Shadow Runner contingency?" Wolf asked.

I laughed. "This is the only realm that won't work."

"Why not?" He asked.

"Two reasons, the Shadow Runner designer is the human behind us and the Runner won't be built for three thousand years. However, it shouldn't be hard to get a ship at the spaceport."

"Why do you think that?" Timid asked.

“Because we’re going to buy it by stealing someone else’s identity.”

"Tiger, that's not like you." Wolf thought.

"Don't worry, it isn't exactly theft. I'm only stealing from myself. They'll check my blood and confirm that I am Tigris Dacat. No one will really notice since I, that is the other me, will be exiled for a few years. He'll attend university on a more open world. Everything will be fine as long as I don't meet him or any of my foster kin, like Nature. Oh! Wolf, switch to human form."

Jordan shifted, "What's wrong?"

“Pure wolf morphs have a very bad reputation and are never seen as free individuals. The others should be fine since none of the wolves or cats are purebreds as the authorities would see it. And whatever you do don't mention my name, any of them. This is going to be exceedingly dangerous."

"Tiger, where are we?" Jordan asked.

"Accordia, the closest star systems are Snarion and Vesuvia. Considering what is happening back there, my resources are limited. I just don't understand it. I locked out all my prior writings as source material."

"Tiger, that was for the MAS game." Jordan said, as though it should have been obvious.

I stopped. He was right, I'd locked the House game not intending to return to it. "Still the portals aren't supposed to connect to any realm where I or a version of me already exists."

Jordan laughed, "And is that you back there? Consider everything that's changed in your life."

Well, he wasn't Prowl-Ar, at least not yet. He wasn't a shifter, even though he had the genetics. I shifted to human form realizing the danger I was putting us in appearing as a light striped tiger. Even my bull form was risky.

Suddenly a small freighter set down in a clearing off to the side of the road. An off white tiger with bright white stripes looked out the loading ramp. "You boys shouldn't be here. This certainly isn't your time or even your world it seems." The tiger said, smiling at us.

"Love?" Jordan asked tentatively.

"Go, he's a . . . friend, well sort of."

We quickly got aboard. I made sure our group was strapped in and, along with Jordan headed up to the bridge.

“You boys could have caused a whole lot of trouble, you know that?" The Tiger asked as the ship lifted slightly and then seemed to jump to altered space while still in the atmosphere.

"Oh like you're not?" I asked sitting down at the co-pilot’s station.

"Hey, I'm the one with the time gem. I was never here”

"And how are you doing, Entropy? Ready to make this kitten take a break?" Reaper asked, appearing on the console.

"The hell! If I'd known you were bonded to that- that thing. I'd have left you back there timeline be damned."

"And you, kitten need to go and visit your father. He worries about you." I said.

"Listen kid-"

"Allan, you talk to him with respect." A young woman, looking like she was formed of light and glass, leaned over the back of his seat.

"Why should I do that, Enty?" He asked.

"He is Prowl-Ar Nightiger, first of the line of Lightstripe." Reaper announced.

"And next you're going to tell me the other one is Arlen's father."

"Well, no." Reaper replied. I grinned, I'd never seen him flustered before. "He is Jordan Nightiger, Prowl-Ar's mate and mother of the Lightstripe dynastic line." Reaper finished.

Allen looked like he was going to say something several times, but each time words wouldn't form. "Enty, where do I take them? You know we can only move forward and I've already jumped us to the dark ages after the Shadow Runners died."

"Has Accordia been evacuated yet?" I asked.

"Wait, how can you-"

"You're not the only one that is capable of time travel. When are we?" I continued.

"Four years after the planet's death."

I nodded, “Take us back to the approximate place you found us."

"The planet is dead. There's no atmosphere."

"We don't need to exit the ship. We're actually from an alternate universe. We'll be able to travel back to it, though a lot more time will have passed than expected. Don't worry we won't be back. I'll lock down the portal to this universe. Still, go visit Arlen. He misses you. Oh and let him know, the Shadow Runners aren't dead. The energy unleashed has simply accelerated them through time. They'll slow down in a couple thousand years.

"We're over Accordia and I'm taking us down but-".

"He's right, Allan. I've checked the time stream. They're still here, but not here at the same time." Enty said.

"We could jump-".

"Things are going to get much darker. The Federation isn't to be trusted. Arlen needs to know that the Runners will return, the Federation is evil and Kindra's former followers should be accepted as turning good."

"Everyone else is through the portal" Jordan yelled. I hadn't even noticed he'd slipped away.

"See you later Entropy. Take care of yourself little sister." Reaper said, as he faded from sight.

"Remember what I said. Arlen needs to know that hope still exists." I turned ran down the corridor. Jordan was waiting for me with the portal open. We quickly stepped through together.

***

What we found as we arrived was somewhat worrying. House had evolved to the point it looked like it had been when I'd originally started the game. That meant we were in a time we already existed.

"Welcome back Master . . . You are not the correct Master Prowl-Ar. You are the original that left me so long ago."

"House, I'm the same person. You current Master Prowl-Ar where is he?"

"He's gone to the Kingdom to purchase a dragon pleasure slave to occupy his time while Master Kyle is exploring other realms."

"House, there was a time distortion we need to travel to a realm to wait until our two times synchronize."

"Would you like me to send you to the realm where the one calling himself Master Shock and his slaves traveled?"

"Yes, that would be perfect." Jordan quickly said.

A portal opened and everyone once again headed through. I dove through as I noticed the fountain starting to reshape.

"So where are we now?" Bold asked.

“I don’t know, but if I had to guess probably a realm where we’re going to find another of our mates.” Wolf replied.

I looked around at the desert we found ourselves in. It only took a moment for me to realize where we were. "Everyone, follow me. And whatever you do don't take off your suit. The air isn't safe to breath.

After walking along an old long abandoned road Wolf broke the silence. "Tiger, where are we and where are we going? My God!" Wolf yelled as we came around a bend. There were at least two and maybe more pokemorph’s remains.

"We need to move faster. Everyone high alert there is something out here that wants us for dinner." We rounded another bend to find several collapsed structures.

"Master, we might be able to take shelter in the remains of the house over there across the draw." Bort pointed out.

"That's where we're headed but not directly." I replied, even though Bort had likely been talking to Wolf. "Wait!" I used my headset to zoom in on the structure's basement entry. The concrete and cinderblock was broken and smeared with blood. It was faint but something moved inside. Everyone, back to the path next to the bodies. We've got to go up over the hills."

"Tiger, where are we?" Wolf asked again.

"I'm home, also Shock's home, just in a different reality. Those bodies are likely Shock's pokemorphs. This is the world after a civilization crash. I think there was a nuclear war and the fall out has created a mutant creature. It’s living in what used to be my basement. Of course I have a shelter under the area but we've got to get to an entrance the main one being in that basement."

"And the back up?"

The hangar bay set in a cliff face a quarter mile away. Not easy to climb down to even harder to climb up. It won’t take long to get there. I think that thing is a night predator, but we shouldn't take chances."

We made our way along the hill tops. It was a longer distance but likely safer. I just wished we had weapons. We reached the canyon as the sun was getting close to the horizon. The holographic shield was still hiding the entrance, thankfully the game allowed the use of the reactor that I preferred to power the base. I shut down the shield. Without rope there were two ways down an old iron ladder that had seen better days and stone hand holds. I sent Timid and Bold first. I'd have sent Wolf but he refused to go until I did. Bort and Inferno followed by Asaut and Chomper.

"You're sending the stronger ones down first?" Wolf asked, as Tu'ruk and Charcoal started down.

There was a loud roar and we knew the predator was on the move. There was a humming noise and we looked back.

"I can take four at a time. So start loading up starting with the four wolves." Shock said, piloting a hover cart next to the cliff. Stone, Dusk, and Iceberg got aboard I pushed Sparx on as well. "Wolf insists on staying until I'm inside. I said as Crimson and Speed started climbing down.

"Master, I- I'm not going to be able to climb down.' Terro said, gesturing at his hooves as Shifu and Cogneur started their decent. Leather followed close behind taking the rock route just above Cogneur.

The hover cart came back up. "Shit! Get on now!" Shock yelled. We jumped aboard and the cart lifted a good hundred feet into the air.

The creature was at least four times human size, almost dinosaur like. It raged and jumped up toward the hover sled. As soon as the others were inside I remotely shut the hanger door. If it hadn't been focused on us it could easily have swung down into the base.

"That thing got all but two of my pokemorphs. What was House thinking opening a portal to this realm?" Shock asked.

"Why didn't you portal back out?" Wolf asked.

"House open portal."

"Realm is currently out of synch with nexus realm please try later."

"I've been trying ever since I 'adjusted' the game to get back in. I guess I really shouldn't have done that. I don't suppose there's a third entrance that I just haven’t found yet?"

"The cart is fast enough we could try for the main entrance." I suggested.

"Not a chance. Not much surveillance left but from what we could see it would take too long to dig out the door. Are you telling me you built a base with only two entrances?"

"No, but you're not going to like the other options." I said reluctantly.

"Doesn’t matter, this cart isn't going to last the night."

"There are two other entrances."

"Even better." Wolf said.

I let out a sigh and pointed down the valley. "The first is buried under the rubble of that house. The second is under the rubble of the house at the top of the hill."

"We might be able to clear away the rubble from the one at the top of the hill before the creature gets there." Terro said, thoughtfully.

"There's more. They're single use and only big enough to comfortably travel along in my tiger form. Terro, you’d never make it and even if both are accessible two of us will have to stay behind.

Shock flew over to the valley rubble, "Where is the opening?"

The creature was easily climbing down the cliff face after us, but the hatch was uncovered. "Hit the scan pad and stand up straight."

"What?" Shock yelled as I grabbed him and dropped him on the hatch.

"Palm scan!" I yelled as the creature was crossing the small stream.

Shock hit the scanner and the plate he was standing on dropped with the top sealing closed. I shot the cart upwards again.

"You're next, Tiger." Wolf said.

"No. I know you're going to argue, but I have a plan. If the tube is an option you take it." I generated an override card from my suit. "You'll have more room to walk than I would anyway."

"What about you and Terro?"

"That thing is fast, and likely smart. I'm going to lead it to a third location a bit farther away. It'll think that Terro is being dropped off so it'll be rushing to get there, hopefully tiring itself some. Then we’ll fly directly back to the hanger and get it closed before the creature even gets close."

"I'm going with you."

"Love, I need the cart to be as light as possible to coax more speed out of it. Plus only my override will work on the hanger doors. If Terro could have fit the tunnel it would be him and myself in there you and Shock taking the risks because of your lighter frames. Now go."

Wolf jumped down slamming the card against the pad and dropping into the tube.

"So; how long until the cart runs out of power and we actually die?" Terro asked.

"I wasn't being noble. I've stated my plan.” I set a course that would take us about two miles away the creature following as rapidly as it could. I jumped at the sound of a second roar and another of the creatures rushing toward the first. We obviously led it across a territorial line. I immediately changed course back to the base. We could still hear the fighting as the hanger door slammed shut behind us. Terro sighed in relief.

As I stepped down from the cart Shock slapped me. "That's for not giving me a choice." I doubled over as he punched me in the stomach. "And that's for lying and saying that I'd be walking, but inserting me into a pneumatic tube making me puke all over myself." Shock yelled.

"You deserved that, but I know you were just making sure we were protected. Come on, let's find you a place to sit and recover." Wolf said, helping me walk out of the hanger bay.

***