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Virtually Real: Chapter 69: Tatters

Prowl-Ar Nightiger Human Immortal shapeshifter. Able to change from human to anthro or full black tiger with white stripes at will. He can also take on the form of a Bull and a wolf, but his fur and stripe patterns remain the same.

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.

Kyle (Drake) Nanaki/ Red XIII: quadrimorph. He 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. He can also take on his original form, wolf form, and lion form however his coloration and markings remain the same in all forms. In one of the games Kyle inadvertently contracted lycanthropy, however already having a wolf form this only allows him to get bigger and stronger when already in wolf form.

Shock: The Shadow Runners chief diplomat he and Dash are on a five year mission to the synth colonies in the Alpha Centauri System.

Jordan (Wolf): Joined the Shadow Runners as the ship’s medic and eventually became one of their mates. Whether he knows it or not has divine connections. In one of the games they encountered a pack of werewolves. Since wolf already had a wolf form this meant when overly emotional he increases in size and intimidation.

Rider: An Anthro Smilodon. After contracting the lycanthropy Rider is now able to take on a werewolf form. However because of his already large size he is larger than most wolves.

Dash (SP-01): The first real world synth. AI mind created by Mahan and Wolf using Prowl-Ar's and Wolf's personalities merged together. The body chassis by Luca is also based on Prowl-Ar and Wolf's DNA patterns. Dash was programmed to act as a nanny to Prowl-Ar and Wolf's children. He fell in love with Shock. He became a new mate, primarily for Shock, but to the rest of us as well. He then began altering his form and personality in order to better fit with Shock's needs.

Fenrir (Ulfgar Lokison): The great wolf fated to kill the gods and consume the world. Bound by the gods Fenrir changed after his eternity in chains. He fell in love with a human and has decided to defy his fate.

Malhoket (Mal): The son of the goddess Bastet and a priest of Anubis. He was placed in Wolf's care as a sex slave. Curse bonded so that if they didn't have sex or were very far apart they would experience great pain. This curse has been broken.

Kebohtet (Keb): The son of Anubis. The God charged him to Prowl-Ar as a sex slave even going as far as cursing them to keep them together. This because he felt Prowl-Ar owed him a debt. Unlike other characters from the games Mal and Keb were born in ancient Egypt and picked up by Mahan as he journeyed forward through time. Since the curse had been broken they have become the group’s newest mates.

We returned to House shortly after Wolf finished the judging. Mr. Baker seemed satisfied with Wolf's recommendations and insisted he'd add the mystery dish to all further mastery tests. It would allow the journeymen time to experiment and push their skills even higher.

As for the election the vote was held in the castle under the supervision of the king's guard. Also the outlying villages needed to be contacted and informed of the choices and cast their votes. That would take a week at least. Once completed all votes would be returned to the castle where three separate counts would be done. If any discrepancies happened three new people would be chosen and the count would be done again. In the event there was still conflicts the King's Shadow would be required to choose the best candidate.

It seemed the field had grown after we had left since in the end there were six individuals to vote for. I just hoped there would be a consensus and an overall winner so I wouldn't have to get involved.

"It's funny, I've only been here a couple of hours, but this really feels like home. At least I think this is what it feels like. Since I was raised by the church as a holy knight I never had this feeling that I really belong." Marius said, looking at the house.

"I've had a couple of places I felt like I was home, and yes this is one of lose places. I mean sure it is going to take some getting used to going around completely naked, but since everyone else is . . ." Actaeon agreed.

"Close your eyes and imagine what you would look like as an anthro, like the people from town. Actaeon imagine yourself as a stag and Marius you're a wolf. I'm sure you'll find it less embarrassing that way." Wolf said, as he shifted.

I shifted to my tiger form. To be honest I didn't feel any less embarrassed, but the only ones that would really matter were my mates and I'd been naked around them enough in all forms that I wasn't scared of what they might think anymore. "House, has everyone returned, or are there still a few individuals I need to gather?"

"Only Mika and Ghost are not here." House replied.

"Oh, did you want everyone here?" Wolf asked. "I know they are your slaves but Mika needed to help close up the shop for the night and Ghost wanted to congratulate his sister on becoming a journeyman baker. So I gave them permission to stay longer."

"That's fine. I was more worried about our newer slaves getting lost and needing assistance getting back."

"Everyone is in the back yard enjoying the food and getting to know one another."

"Then we'd better hurry and join them." Marius said running ahead.

Actaeon on the other hand shuffled and looked sad.

"Don't worry, Wolf and I will find you a mate perfect for you."

"I know you will, but for now everyone has a partner except me. It's strange, I was fine with that back in my own realm. I mean, it was impossible to be with the one I loved. Here though . . . I don't know, it's just different."

"I promise, we'll find you a mate." Wolf said, causing me to frown.

He knew how I felt about promises, and he also knew I considered any promise my mates made were also my duty to fulfill.

He winked at me. "For now let’s go see if Kyle is cooking properly or experimenting."

"What do you mean experimenting?" Actaeon asked.

I was torn. I wanted to warn him, but at the same time this was a game and I didn't want to upset Kyle. He'd worked hard to make sure his experimentations tasted good now. It's just, on the rare occasion his idea of good didn't quite match up with everyone else’s.

"Master Kyle likes to make new and different things. Just be sure to test a little bit first, to make sure it is to your tastes." Wolf said.

"Okay." Actaeon replied, looking slightly scared.

"Oh and you might want to find Birch, he's also a deer with an interesting story about how he became our slave. Oh and meet with Pyre and Raze they're taurs."

"Centaurs?" Actaeon asked excitedly.

"No, fox and dog taurs, but they are built the same way as a centaur."

"Yeah, I should meet them. Just to be sure of my attraction to centaurs." He replied, before sprinting ahead as well.

I sighed. "Do you think Kyle would be upset if I skipped the food?"

"How much did you eat?" Wolf asked, suspiciously.

"A fruit pie and some cheese bread."

"How much of the bread?"

"Um, half the loaf."

"Tiger?"

"Honest, I still have the other half wrapped up in my pack. You know I don't like to waste it. I wouldn't have eaten so much if Marius and Actaeon had taken their portion."

"Let me guess, the cheese was a problem and I'm sure you didn't help the situation?"

"I explained, eventually."

"So you ended up over eating."

"No! I mean I'm not full or anything it's just Kyle will want us to try everything and I know that will be too much."

"How bout we share so each of us only has half as much? After all, I also had too much when judging." Wolf whispered, as we passed through the house into the back.

"Sound's good to me we just have to be careful not to get caught."

"Doing what?" Kyle asked making us both jump.

"I had to judge a food competition so I'm going to share with Prowl-Ar because he filled up on bread."

I just stared at Wolf in shock.

Kyle started laughing. "I had the feeling that you were eating so I contacted Wolf." Kyle held up his gem shard, "He told me you'd had a fruit pie and he was judging the baker's graduation. So I already knew. I thought it would be funny to see how you would react."

"I'm sorry love, can you forgive me?" Wolf asked.

I nodded, "Yeah, you both got me, but I love you so it's all good. Still I hope you're not mad that I can't eat as much."

"Oh, that's okay. The look on your face when we surprised you was better than any reaction you have to my barbecue skills. Still this should make you happy." He gestured to all our slaves.

They were broken into small groups. but there wasn't any kind of divisions between them. As if they'd all knew each other the whole time.

"So, we were told you have a couple more we haven't met yet?” Wolf said, looking at Kyle and making sure the topic was changed.

Kyle blushed, "Um yeah, I picked up four new slaves. I'm just worried you'll be upset with me."

"Why would we be upset?" I asked.

"Well, they're not exactly ones you might approve of." Kyle looked around for a moment. "Mitch, can you find your four newest brothers and have them join us?"

"You got it dad!" The dingo yelled before disappearing into the crowd.

"Dad?"

"Yeah, it seems those we left alone for so long kind of created their own lore about us. I'm not sure if it is sweet or disturbing. I mean from what I can tell you've remained mostly the same, but I've become the protective daddy dragon that makes sure everyone is safe. And Shock is sort of a mythical big brother that is famous and has to travel the realms in disguise because so many people recognize him."

"You wanted me, kupo?"

I jumped at the voice behind me. On turning I found I was looking at a moglin. A young moglin.

"Kyle, we agreed no more underage . . ."

"Mogwin, is thirty-three of your human years, kupo. Not Mogwin's fault my species look like children to human races, kupo."

"I'm sorry Mogwin. I'll remember that, but if I ever treat you like a child just remind me that you're not."

"You’re not angry Mogwin corrected you, kupo?"

"No, you had every right to make sure I understood that I was in the wrong."

"Master Tiger likes to make sure all of our slaves are happy and comfortable. More like a family than masters and slaves." Wolf said.

Mogwin smiled. "Mogwin hasn't had family since he changed into this form, kupo."

"You do now." I said hugging him being careful of his pom pom.

"I'm his mate Bard. Don't let the name fool you, I don't sing, dance, or play an instrument. I think my former owner was a bit crazy. I was a racing chocobo. However I guess I was just too good because someone used a transformation spell on me."

"He means on us. I'm Lark, a chocobo breeder and jockey. At least I was until that botched transformation spell. Bard and I were combined into this half human half chocobo."

"Ignore him. He talks too much. So we were put in a show of freaks and that's where we met Mogwin. He helped us adjust to what we are."

It was strange but I was beginning to recognize a difference Bard had a deeper sad voice and Lark was in a higher range almost sounding like a child.

"Plus Moggy poo is so cute and fluffy and really wark wark if you know what I mean." Lark laughed.

"Would you stop that? You make us both look stupid."

"Sorry, I know you don't care for birds but you told me to check on mated pairs and they are both from realms like my own. I didn't know about the double personality thing until we got back here." Kyle said rapidly.

"I admit it's different, but I think we can separate-"

"No! I mean, yes Lark can be overly cheerful and annoying, but I wouldn't want him gone."

"Ah, Bard that is so sweet. But yeah even though Bard acts moody and sullen I couldn't imagine not sharing my life with him. Besides there is only one Mogwin and we both love him so we like the way we are."

"Well, it sounds like you'll fit in here really well." I said, as I found an open chair and sat down.

"You can go back to enjoying the party." Kyle told them.

"So what is wrong with the other two?" Wolf asked.

"Nothing, as far as I know. I actually got them first. It's just Mogwin, Bard, and Lark came over here first."

"You wanted me, my lord?"

"Depth, I told you to call me either sir or Kyle. If we are away from this island you should call me Master. However when you are here we are more informal."

"I'm sorry, my lord, but you are a dragon lord and I am a lowly half breed. The other Dragon Lords will come and punish us all if I don't show you the proper respect."

Kyle sighed, "This is Depth Charge, an orca dragon hybrid. In his realm Dragons can travel through space without spacecraft. These dragon lords seek out new planets and then convert over half the population into dragon hybrids, by force if necessary. Depth here found an old spacecraft and decided to warn planets the Dragon's hadn't discovered yet. That's how he met his mate."

"A lot of good trying to warn them. The Dragon lords were watching us. Using us to find new worlds to conquer. When we figured it out they attacked us."

"We tried to escape but our engine exploded. The next thing we knew was we were being pulled from the wreckage by the slavers. I'm Aero Burst, or just Aero, and I don't care if the Dragon Lords show up. I'll fight them to my last breath."

"Kyle, what species is Aero a hybrid of?" Wolf asked.

I looked at Aero carefully. He looked like a normal fur dragon. What had Wolf noticed? I looked again. It was his feet and hands. Since his face was more dragon like and without the classic wedge I'd missed it. "You're a sergal dragon hybrid."

"Wow, most beings don't even know about my kind. And those that do don't recognize that I'm part sergal."

"Kyle. Kitchen. Now!" Wolf ordered.

"What's going on?” Depth asked, as Wolf practically dragged Kyle away.

"It's okay. Wolf is just going to . . ." I reminded myself that I also wasn't to lie to our slaves. "Master Wolf is going to yell at Master Kyle for purchasing a Sergal."

"I'm a sergal dragon, but why would that be a problem?" Aero asked.

"We know a sergal in another realm and he has a certain reputation for wanting sex all the time. I know that reputations like that are not really true, but it does seem that way sometimes."

"He is a single individual. You can't judge our entire species on a single individual. Sure I like sex, but not to excess. It kind of scares me being nude like this. I mean, how many here are going to want to take advantage of me because my dragon parts make me look female?"

"Almost none of them. Didn't Kyle tell you? Nearly everyone here has a mate and there are no females. The closest would be Master Wolf, myself, and Ghost. Master Wolf and I modified ourselves to have female reproductive parts, though for now they are non-functional, and Ghost was born with both. As far as I know he only allows Mika, his mate, to be with him that way however. Basically most will find you much more attractive when you are already aroused. Now, how about you two rejoin the party." They nodded and headed for the food table.

"Wolf, you're going too far. Kyle is feeling hurt and depressed. Aero is nothing like Luca. Remember Luca is a human with a sergal fursona. We shouldn't judge a game character generated from the original lore on him." I mentally communicated to Wolf.

"He still should have known better."

"Better how? The game generated the characters and during his first slave auction I yelled at him for not making sur a mated pair stayed together. Now you're punishing him because of me."

"But . . ."

"You're mad. And we all have learned you go a little overboard when that happens. Just ask yourself if you would treat Rider or me the same way if we'd been the one to purchase Aero?"

"I . . ." He started, then he blocked our link.

I started for the kitchen. He could block our link but he couldn't stop me from having my say. I stopped when Kyle's mood changed to surprise and then a strange layered feeling of concern, the need to comfort, and forgiveness. Whatever was going on between them I wasn't needed.

"Game has been paused. Jordan and Kyle ask that everyone find other places to be as they need some private time together." The computer informed us.

As we exited to the cafeteria Rider, Mal, and Keb looked at me.

"What is going on?" Rider asked.

"Wolf and Kyle are just dealing with an issue they've needed to deal with for a long time."

"Good. I knew they would have to deal with it eventually. It hasn't been easy counseling both of them without pushing them to confront it together." Rider grumbled.

Suddenly I felt lost. Obviously there was more going on than even I knew. This was more than an old grudge against Luca.

"So what do we do now?" Keb asked.

"I don't know about you three, but I could use some sleep." I said, as I yawned. We may have been in VR but the generated food was still real and I still felt full and tired.

"I could go for mixing things up. Rider, do you think we could sleep with you holding me? We don't do that very often." Mal asked.

Rider smiled, "Sound's food to me kitten."

"Ooo I get to sleep with our captain!" Keb said, as his tail wagged rapidly.

"Just sleep. I'm too tired for any fun." I insisted.

"That's what I meant as well." Keb laughed as we headed for the lift.

***

After a good sleep, we returned to the barbecue. Now, suitably hungry again I was able to enjoy Kyle's cooking. Wolf admitted Kyle had become a good cook, when he wasn't experimenting on crew members.

All of our slaves made sure they spent some time with me making sure to hug me at least once. Evan insisted Wolf and he go somewhere private to talk. I tried to object, but Evan insisted he didn't want anything bad, just a chance to explain things. I got a sense of Wolf being upset but then he blocked me.

When they returned I wouldn't say they looked happy, but Evan hugged Wolf and told him he was happy to have him as a member of the family. All Wolf would tell me is that everything was settled and I didn't need to worry about it.

As the last rays of the sun were touching the top of the caldera Mika and Ghost returned. They brought a message from Sir Wren. The King candidates had agreed to travel to all the villages to campaign. After the Tyrant King they wanted to make sure their choice mattered. Therefore it would take some time before I would need to return. If I was needed I'd be contacted.

House also informed me with Kyle's four slaves the barrier shield had reached the outer edge of the volcano and the tunnel door could be accessed but until more slaves were added opening the door was pointless.

"I guess that means it's my turn to build a pokemorph team?" Kyle asked.

"Considering everything that's happened you have a choice of trying on your own or we can go as a team." Wolf replied.

Kyle grinned, "After you two got all our kids hooked on the game you don't think I haven’t played most of the way through them? Admittedly most of it was so I could understand what the kids were talking about. Still, it was enough that I'm pretty sure I know which six I find most attractive."

"The choice is yours." Wolf said, as the first fireworks rocket exploded.

Everyone was oohing and ahhing at the show but I couldn't help feeling a sense of foreboding.

***

Kyle left early in order to "rescue" some pokemorphs. The rest of us slept in a little longer.

Now we were crossing the bridge from the central Island to the outer island. It seemed strange. When I started the game I hadn't meant for it to mimic the island on Earth, however it had now surpassed it. House was bigger and the slaves were constructing a town inside the faux volcano when the village on the real island was on the outside.

As we walked I was trying to figure out why Kyle was so adamant about getting more slaves. I knew he was competing with Shock back when we originally started but with Shock in another star system there was no rush. Was he competing with Wolf? I did a quick mental calculation and realized currently they both had eleven slaves. Was that it? Did he think he needed to compete with Wolf? That was something I was going to need to find out. After so much time and raising our kids together, I'd hope that whatever the motivation, it was just confined to the game.

"Master? Are you alright?" Conner asked.

"Huh?" I looked around and everyone was staring at me. "Sorry, I was lost in thought."

"I asked what you thought." Conner asked again.

I looked around. The village was mostly off to the left of the bridge a cobbled road separated the stone wall around the lakeside from a row of small houses. Each one had a small garden and a lawn with a water feature. A path ran between each one to a second house staggered in a second line behind the first.

"Each house is mostly the same outside, though House gave us options for fountains, streams, and ponds in the front. The water is collected in cisterns higher up and comes from condensation and the rain." Connor said, pulling me toward the first house. "This is Bit and my house. Every house is slightly different inside since we're all built differently and have different needs and tastes. Each house has a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area." He said, opening the door and letting me look in.

"So far, there are houses for all of us original slaves. We moved out here to have a little private space, but quickly found we all still wanted to be close together." Evan laughed. "It means more room in House for new slaves and it gives us a place to live when our slave term runs out."

Ghost grabbed me and led me back to the other side of the main road. "This side is much the same except in front are the shops, I know we can get anything from House, but at the same time it is kind of nice just coming and having something fresh baked and looking out over the lake or reading a book."

The first shop was the bakery and there were a few tables and chairs set up. Next to it was a path to a house that I figured belonged to him and Mika.

"The next shop is mine." Evan said. "You can't have something fresh baked without a nice drink so I set up a coffee shop."

"We also serve other drinks." Race added

"Yeah, well it's sort of a family thing. Each of my sons have their own talent for certain drinks." Evan continued.

"This is Josh and my shop. We make jewelry and trinkets. With my small chipmunk hands and Josh's human like hands and feet we're really talented at making small items. They also sell well in the Kingdom. Not that we're using it completely on ourselves. We've saved most of it for you since you are our master!" Chester said, excitedly

"What you earn using your own talents is yours to do with as you please. I didn't buy you to increase my own wealth. That goes for all of you, by the way."

"Okay, just two shops left, so far. This is Razor's and my glass shop. I wanted to do something and after many suggestions by House making decorative glass just seemed really interesting. We also make ordinary things like glass bottles to sell in the Kingdom but mostly it's just for fun and art. As a bonus Chester and Josh use our leftover bits in their jewelry." Oran informed us. Then everyone turned back toward the road.

"And the last shop?" Wolf asked.

"That's the smithy. Several of us have tried it, but I'm the only one with any skill and that is crude and not worth talking about. The Master Smith and Master Metal Artist do so much better; so I only heat it up when I'm feeling bored." Talon said, sadly.

"Not true, a lot of your work is around here. You made the tables and chairs for the bakery." Ghost said.

"And for the decorative bits on the houses." Evan added. "You do good work. You shouldn't compare yourself to the Masters and their special skills."

"He's right. Even I have to admit that Mika's Grandfather is on a higher level than I am, though my skills are more rounded so I can do more than just bake." Wolf added, surprising me. "No lie, the game really has boosted the craft masters well above what is humanly possible, even with hyper education." Wolf thought to me.

"I guess, still it would be nice to have someone to work with. Stripes isn't suited for it since his fur tends to burn in the heat."

Charcoal, Crimson, and Inferno stepped forward. "We're fire types so our fur doesn't burn. Well, it does, but not in the way that non-fire types seem to. We'd like to try, at least, to see if we have any skill." Charcoal said.

"This Island is a special place and I owe Master Prowl-Ar more than I can ever pay. I also want it to grow so I'll do my best as well." Inferno added.

"Master Wolf, Would it be possible to set up some crop terraces? I know everyone has a garden, but I would like to grow new plants and maybe set up a stand with fresh produce?" Tu'Ruk asked.

"Tiger?" Wolf inquired.

I thought about it. There would be more room outside but the inside had a lot milder climate cycle. "Seems like a good idea. Though you may want to extent the road setting them up farther away from village. That will allow for plenty of room to expand the fields and the shops if anyone thinks of other places."

"Master Prowl-Ar, is very smart human. I see why Master Jordan loves you." Tu’Ruk said, happily.

I blushed, not expecting such praise.

"So the village is alright? You're not mad at us for building it and moving out here without permission?" Evan asked.

"If I remember correctly I suggested the possibility before I left last time since some of you are permanent residents."

"Unless you force us to go we're all staying here. Um, Master." Key said, before blushing.

"I think it is perfect. This way house isn't going to get over crowded and everyone can have their own private space, though I notice we're all still naked." Keb stated.

He didn't fool me. He wanted House mostly empty so that I'd be focused on my mates. "That's because we're still on the island. Not the inner island but one large island. As House becomes more powerful eventually we'll be able to travel through a tunnel to the outer island. I'm hoping it will be soon. After all surrounding the outer island is ocean and I know how much Bold and Timid need that."

The two sharks grinned at me and I felt like running. Running all the way to the Seed Collector's realm and its endless grasslands.

"So this is same island only bigger?" Timid asked.

"Actually yes, it is the same island."

"Wonderful! The ocean there, uh here, is the perfect temperature. Master Rider, you only have one slave. You should go find more. Many more."

Rider looked confused. "Why would you want me to make more people slaves?"

"Because that's how the island evolves. Wolf, let's find Actaeon and see if we can find him a mate."

"A mate? Did he tell you what he is looking for? I haven't had a chance to ask him yet." Wolf asked.

"Yeah, and you are going to find his choice interesting, at the least."

***

We worked our way around Slaver Ring Station. I wasn't happy. I'd planned on three of us. Just Wolf, Actaeon, and myself. Then Rider insisted on joining us.

Actaeon pointed out it would look odd for two humans and whatever Rider was, to be walking around with a human slave. Plus if we were able to find a centaur it was unlikely anyone would believe we could control him. Wolf shifted to his tiger form, which always made Rider act overly submissive for some reason.

I took my bull form and we had to spend half an hour calming Actaeon when he thought I'd become a Minotaur and was about to kill and eat everyone.

As for the slave options I wasn't liking what I was seeing. There were a lot of creatures from sci-fi movies but very few morphs. When we asked about centaurs we were directed on, but did learn that the ring considered centaurs beasts rather than morphs or intelligent beings. When we reached the appropriate area it wasn't difficult to see why. Of the eight nearly all of them were bleeding. Two were solidly chained in their cages so they could barely move yet they thrashed and fought. There was only two I'd deem acceptable. The first was more horse and massive. But it was the second one Actaeon was drawn to. He was smaller and more traditional looking. At first I thought he was young, and I guess he was compared to my extremely long lifetime. When I'd had a better look I'd guess him to be in his thirties. Strangely every few minutes it would look like he was changing into a human.

"You see that?" Wolf asked in thought. "He's trying to create an illusion that will make him look human, like on the world where you ran over the hypogryph."

“He ran into me-“ I started to complain, but Wolf smirked and then winked at me letting me know he was kidding.

"Chiron?" Actaeon asked as he got closer. The Centaur looked at him in surprise.

"No, but he was one of my ancestors. I'm Kirran."

"Hello Kirran, I'm Actaeon."

"You mean like the ancient hero that was turned into a deer?"

"That's me. My master's rescued me before I was torn apart. In exchange I had to become their pleasure slave. After that they will free me, though to be honest I don't know where I'd go."

"You on the other hand we can return to your home." Wolf interrupted.

"No! Why would I want to go back there? Do you know anything about my kind? We don't have females. Because of this, at a certain maturity, our elders expect us to start producing children. My first-time I was locked in a room with three women and told none of us could leave until all three were pregnant. None of them wanted me and when I changed they were even more upset. I was able to break out but was quickly captured. I- I doubt the girls escaped. It was ruled that I was still too young, after all the women should have desired me as soon as I revealed myself. No one even considered that maybe I wasn't producing the correct pheromones because I preferred males. I escaped again and found myself running. I hit what felt like a jelly wall and the next thing I knew I was being brought to this cage."

"So going home isn't an option for you? Master Wolf, will you buy him?" Actaeon asked.

I stepped forward. "Kirran, you're going to be sold as a slave. That much is guaranteed. However if my mate purchases you as a pleasure slave it means you will be mated to Actaeon for ten years. It also means that you will have multiple masters that you have to obey. You won't be allowed to lie and you will have to go around nude, though considering you're a taur that probably won't be that bothersome. You'll be expected to better yourself and eventually you'll be allowed to set up a home to share with Actaeon to fit in with the community."

"The community?" He asked

"Yes, I'll have to check the number when registering you but there are nearly a hundred slaves on my estate."

"What sort of work will I have to do?"

"That depends on your education and what you like." Wolf responded.

"Oh and the community is all male."

"Let me see if I understand this. In exchange for calling you my masters I get a legend for a mate and to live in paradise?"

"Well you have to do what we say, as long as it isn't unreasonable, and besides when we are traveling to other realms you don't strictly have to call us master, though you do have to wear a collar."

"It's just a cloth substance and most of the time you forget it's even there." Actaeon said, showing his collar.

"Sounds better than what the slavers have been saying I'll be doing."

"I'll go make the purchase." Wolf said.

"Oh and Kirran, stop trying to activate the illusion that makes you look human. While we are here you will be registered as a centaur if you appear human you can be stolen and re-sold."

"I- I'll try."

"Tiger, while we are here do you think we could look around some more?" Rider asked. "I'd like to find a few slaves that I can wrestle with that won't just let me win. Don't get me wrong, it was fun wrestling with Wolf's and your bigger slaves, but I could tell they were holding back. I want some of my own that I can allow to not hold back."

"Sounds fine to me." I said while shrugging. More slaves meant House could further evolve and the shield wall could continue to expand.

"Ready to head back?" Wolf asked, as he returned.

"I would like to find some slaves of my own. If I'm going to be a master I should have more than one at least." Rider replied.

"I'll stay with him while you take-"

"And leave my Bull and Sabretooth alone on a Slaver colony? I don't think so. You two need supervision."

I glanced at Rider and I could tell he felt the same combination of love and embarrassment I was feeling at being treated as though we were Wolf's slaves. "Up to you, just be sure to keep an eye on the love birds there." I pointed to Actaeon and Kirran.

"House portal Actaeon and my new slave back." Wolf ordered.

"House, have Pyre meet them and help explain how things work for new slaves." I added.

"Pyre has been summoned. Portalling Kirran and Actaeon home."

"Pyre? Remind me again which one is he?" Wolf asked.

"My foxtaur. I figure he's the best one for helping Kirran get acclimated."

"You're such a smart bull."

"If I is so smart. Why need wolf make sure I no get in trouble?" I asked, trying to sound dumb.

Wolf narrowed his eyes and glared at me causing Rider to burst out laughing, "He has a point."

"This is why you need supervision. There is a difference between being smart and acting smart. I swear, I think raising the children was easier than keeping you two out of trouble."

I didn't even need to think about my response. "That's because all our kids were little angels."

Rider really started laughing. "Love . . . you overestimated . . . how . . . delusional . . . our tiger . . . really is." he gasped out, between laughing fits. He did his best to compose himself. "I remember things much differently."

"Let's go find your slaves." Wolf said, as he started to stalk off.

We'd gone too far. I knew it from the feelings Wolf was radiating, and I bet Rider could tell as well. We both knew that Wolf had only grudgingly agreed to no more children until after we had grandchildren. I'd have tried to apologize but I could tell from the link that right now he really didn't want to talk to either of us.

"Tiger, should we . . ." Rider started and then hesitated. He was big and strong but sometimes emotions overwhelmed him. Sure he could deal with other's emotions and problems in a controlled setting when he was being a therapist, but mix in his own and he ended up at a loss.

"No, not right now. Let’s give him some time."

***

We'd been walking along the central path glancing at the slaves. There were creatures that I had to wonder where the computer found references for and a few that I recognized but were just animals.

"Captain, I want him." Rider said, pulling me to a stop.

I mentally called Wolf back to us as Rider practically dragged me into the next section. When I was finally able to get my bearings Rider was physically forcing me to look at a Rhino. No, that wasn't quite right I studied him trying to remember his species. "A wooly rhino?" He was big and I had to admit he looked like he might be able to overpower Rider.

"Oh and that one!" Rider said dragging me to another cage.

"Komodo dragon . . . no, Megalania."

"Oh I like him too!" I was pushed up against a cage with a saber-toothed reptile.

"Gorganopsid. Seems like they are from-"

"And this one looks strange, but strong."

"Rider, give me a moment, will you? Please?"

"Oh, sorry." Rider said, letting go of me.

"Uh huh. You two need a babysitter for certain." Wolf laughed.

I smiled, the upset was gone from the link. Either he just needed time to work out his irritation, or watching Rider fling me around like a bull shaped rag doll had cheered him up.

"You have a good eye. Those four will make strong workers with enough training. They will make better fighters in slave tournaments though. They won't even need training for that. Not much use for anything else. They show no interest in females. So finding another of their species for breading is pointless. I had the corresponding females, but they sold quickly. Everyone loves to watch primitive females fight." A particularly noxious human covered in uncured animal skins informed us.

"How much?" Rider asked excitedly.

"For which one?" The vender asked.

"All four. The Wooly Rhino, Andrewsarchus, Gorganopsid, and Megalania." I said, trying not to breathe too deeply.

"These two as well." Wolf added. He was looking at a beaver and a Thylacoleo.

Given the pre-history selection I guessed the beaver morph was likely a Giant American Beaver. "As well as Beaver and Thylacoleo." No reason to pay more when there wasn’t much difference between the two types of beaver morphs.

"You know what they are?” The vender asked in surprise.

“That surprises you?" I replied. He didn’t need to know that I’d studied many extinct animals.

"No, just-"

"Keep in mind I know what they are worth so overcharging us with lies about them being rare isn't a good idea." I added.

"Of course not, Sir."

I could see the shifty human trying to calculate what we would consider a good price. "Twelve thousand marks, each."

I looked at the vendor and shook my head. “Sorry you two, but not today. Maybe after he gets a few offers for the fighting ring this fool will learn not to-"

"Six thousand each."

I walked over to the Wooly Rhino. "Do you think he's justified in his price?"

"He's asking breeder price."

"Yeah, that's what I thought."

I moved to the Megalania. His tongue flicked as he smelled me. "You're not afraid of us. How interesting."

"How much does he get for ring fighters?"

"Highest I've heard is two thousand." The reptile replied.

"You can't trust slaves." The vender yelled.

I moved to the Andrewsarchus. “If I were to purchase the six of you for my mates, but I required you to form mated pairs how would you pair up? And please tell me if there is another slave any of you would prefer to have me purchase as their mate instead."

"The two lizards would pair up or they would attempt to eat each other. It's hard to tell the difference from the way they look at one another. The black one has it right that flat tail and the strange cat seem to communicate a lot when they think no one is watching. I find the one with the horn to be really attractive, but he ignores the looks I've been giving him."

I walked over to the Rhino. "Would you-"

He stepped back and lowered his horn toward me.

I looked closer and noticed the milky clouding in his eyes. I lowered my voice. "How long have you been blind?"

He was quiet.

"I'm not going to purchase you for labor or fighting. Well, not strictly for fighting. My mate wants strong slaves that he can spar and wrestle with who will not hold back, letting him win just because he is your master. You will be a pleasure slave."

"That is just a nice way of saying sex slave."

"No, it is about pleasure. While yes it can and often does involve sex it means giving pleasure to your master while he also returns pleasure to you. Master Rider gets great pleasure out of wrestling, especially with stronger opponents."

"I may be strong but I wouldn't be a good choice, with my disability there is too great a chance I will seriously injure or even kill him with my horn."

”I can repair your vision and Rider will see the threat of your horn as a challenge he is well trained so I’m not worried. Plus if you should run him through our medical facilities are advanced enough that we can recover from nearly any injury."

"Don't offer more than a thousand for me. The vender knows I'm blind." The Rhino whispered.

"If Rider hadn't seen you first I think I would have considered buying you for myself." I turned and walked over to Wolf. "So a beaver, nothing special there. If anything he looks smaller than your usual type."

Wolf rolled his eyes. "I don't have a type."

I flexed, showing off.

"That's proof? You're rather small and weakly built for a minotaur." Wolf laughed.

Okay, I deserved to be put down a little after earlier but that might have been a little hurtful.

"I know I'm small but I’m really a giant beaver."

"Has Wolf filled you in on what you have to look forward to if we purchase you?" I asked.

"You have a giant lake to swim in and I can stay with the one that seems to best understand me, sounds like paradise."

I shook my head and moved on to the Thylacoleo. "So what are your thoughts?"

"What does it matter? You'll do like all the others and sell us when you get tired. I refuse to be trained. Better I be sold for the ring."

"And leave your friend alone?"

"He'll get over me or die in the ring as well. I just hope we don't have to fight each other."

That's why he had such a fatalistic attitude. "How many friends have you had to kill?"

"I don't remember. I quit fighting and none of them would kill me so they were executed."

I could tell from the haunted look he probably remembered every one of them. "I do not allow lying. However you're not our slave yet so I'll let that pass. Plus we won't ask that question again. And if any of us do just say that Master Prowl-Ar promised you wouldn't have to answer that question."

I returned to the vender. "I'll give you twenty-four thousand marks for all six. That's four thousand each."

"Thirty five thousand."

"I don’t think you understand. I'm not negotiating. If I were I'd only give you a hundred marks for the blind rhino, a thousand for the common as humans beaver, and maybe a thousand for the borderline suicidal Thylacoleo. I'm offering a lot more than what the whole group is actually worth. You can either take my offer or we walk away."

"Then walk away. The way your companions were acting. I know they won't-"

"Rider, Wolf, we're walking away."

"But-" Rider started, but a quick glare from Wolf, and he fell into step.

"Sorry but the vender is being unreasonable. We'll find something . . ." I trailed off, as I noticed a group of slaves further down the walk.

We only made it a few meters before the vender came running toward us. "Sir! I've been authorized to take your offer." He yelled.

"I figured he had someone monitoring him. He knew far too little to be selling those slaves." I whispered to Rider and Wolf.

"You're playing a dangerous game." Wolf muttered. "They may feel betrayed by your actions."

"It's a good thing I'm not the one buying them. You both have pouches. Remember it was four thousand each."

"And what will you be doing?" Wolf asked.

"Oh, just browsing for a good deal."

"That is very vague, would you like to clarify?" he asked.

"You've been spending too much time with Dash from the sound of it. I'm just going to look at some slaves while you two purchase yours."

"Come on Rider, let’s make this quick so he doesn't get into trouble."

***

"What did you do?" Wolf asked.

"Looked around, picked up a couple more slaves, and sent them back to House. So want to look for more?" I asked.

"Tiger, you're up to something. We've been together long enough that I can tell." Wolf mentally said, while out loud he asked Rider "Want to keep going?"

"No, I think these four are good for now." Rider said happily.

Wolf nodded. “You know we're going to find out what you purchased as soon as we get home?" He said turning back to me.

"Yeah."

"So why the big secret?" Rider asked.

”Because if anyone is going to start a scene I'd rather it be in private. House portal, please."

For once Wolf went first, followed by his slaves. Rider sent his four through. "How bad is this going to be?" He asked.

"Hard to tell. It's four anthro dragons, all flightless though."

"That doesn't seem bad. Why did you feel the need to make Wolf mad?"

"Just telling you isn't going to help, just step through and maybe take your slaves over to the fountain."

"I'm sure you're exaggerating." Rider said, as he stepped through the portal.

I quickly followed. As soon as I was through Rider and his slaves were heading toward the fountain.

"Pause game." Wolf growled.

"Love-".

"Don't start. Do you know what those are?"

"A Tygrex, Nagacuga, Barioth, and Zinogre from a world based on Monster Hunter."

"Monster. Hunter. They are the monsters. Ones even worse than what we encountered in the Fallout world."

"They're anthro-"

"I'm not finished. The worst part is it's another world where you got the first pick. You know how much I love Pokémon, but you just had to go and get the best ones. Worse yet you nerfed the game so I couldn't catch any legendaries. In the mythical realm I had to keep Actaeon a secret so that I could be the one that got to be his master. Finally we go to the slave ring for me and it's Rider that ends up with the best prehistoric beasts now you get the best dragons from Monster Hunter. I get to pick the next world we visit and I get first pick of the possible slaves. Got it?"

"Love, all you had to do was say so. Just remember I'm not really choosing my slaves. The VR computer is placing them in my play path based on my past choices. The more choices in the game you make the more options will open to you."

"Okay but no matter what the computer hits us with I choose the next new world."

"Sounds good to me."

"Computer, resume game."

"House summon-" I started.

"No need I'm already here. Mika said, as he approached. Where do I start?"

"Master Wolf!" Kirran yelled as he galloped up. Both Pyre and Raze were racing to catch up. Kirran grabbed Wolf and lifted him off his feet in a hug. Not the easiest of tasks given he was in tiger form. "I never imagined a place like this existed. It feels so good to just be able to run again.'

"Mika, first up is Wolf's slave Kirran. He's a centaur and will be Actaeon's mate. The next four are Rider's." I waved to my dragons to follow and we headed over to the fountain.

"Ah, Mika. As I understand it you fill out the paperwork so I don’t have to enter that horrible smelling slave guild." Rider said, looking away from his slaves for a moment and at the mouse.

"That is correct Master Rider."

"That's good. Okay first up are Chural the Wooly Rhinoceros and his partner Drew the Andrewsarchus."

To his credit Mika didn't react to the strange species.

"Then Nok the Gorganopsid and finally his partner Ripper the Megalania."

"Got it, give house a second to scan and fill in everything else . . . and done. Now who's next?"

"That would be my two." Wolf said.

"I'm Castor the giant beaver and this is my partner Fex."

"And Fex's species?" Mika asked.

"Um." Castor stalled.

"Thylacoleo Carnifex, or marsupial lion." I said, giving Mika the information he needed.

"That just leaves your four."

"First up is Rex the Tygrex and his mate Argo the Nagacuga." I glanced at Wolf. "They've secretly been mates from a young age. Their parents were likely raised by Monster Riders, but their eggs were stolen and experimented on changing them into anthros. Like our Pokémon they lack their natural abilities. They don't even have a breath weapon. Finally I have Fang the Barioth and Zap the Zinogre. There’s is a similar story except Fang tried to bite through the metal of their cage and broke off his saber."

"Master Wolf, we can tell you're upset with Master Prowl-Ar, but I promise you all we want is a safe place to live where we're not confined to a small room or cage." Argo said quietly.

"I'm not mad at any of you. I'm upset with my mate and you won't ever get punished for anything other than what you or your mate does."

"On that note I'd just like to point out this brings the total count up to 107. At least until Master Kyle returns." Mika interrupted.

Almost on cue Kyle rolled out of a portal. "Wolf, Tiger get your Pokémon. We need to get back there and save more of them. I had to leave a member of my main team behind and I need to rescue him."

A Solgaleo materialized. "Don't even try to put me back in that thing. Do you know who I am? I am Solgaleo the light Pokémon. I control the sun. Never mind I can simply open a gate to my temple." He gestured but nothing happened.

"You're a pokemorph now. That means you have no special abilities or attacks." I informed him.

"Sorry, I grabbed him since he seemed really important to the lab where they were experimenting on pokemorphs, so I haven't had a chance to train him. Back in the ball you go." Kyle said, activating the pokeball.

"I don't care if that is a master ball. Now that I'm out in the sun there is no way that prison can hold me."

"House, darken the protective shield. No, daylight." Kyle ordered. The entire island went black moments later the safety lighting came on along with lights from the village and the house.

"Really? I'm sure that wasn't necessary. This poor Solgaleo doesn't understand he no longer has powers." Wolf said, while glaring at Kyle.

"House, you can return the lighting to normal." I said, rolling my eyes.

The Solgaleo looked scared, probably for the first time in his life.

"Sol, listen, when you were captured another Solgaleo came into being in order to take your place. That is the way with legendary Pokémon. I'm sure you now understand that you have no abilities. That is a product of becoming a pokemorph." Wolf said, carefully stroking the lion’s arm.

"But I didn't have that sort of contact with any humans." He mewled.

"The lab. I thought there was a disproportionate number of pokemorphs there. It would also explain some of the horrible things I witnessed. Tiger we've got to go back." Kyle insisted.

"Kyle, all our Pokémon ae morphs there isn't anything-"

"Other than Solgaleo here my team are all still Pokémon. Thief the Persian, Charm the Charizard, Persuasion the Liepard, Charger the Tauros, Bones the Houndoom, and I need to retrieve my Umbreon Noir. Add to that the Solgaleo there, even as a morph looks really strong."

"I'm not calling either one of you my trainer. You're both mean. Besides this trainer named me so he is my master." Sol said, placing Wolf between us.

Kyle glared at Sol. "Fine, I want to be the one to change my team into morphs anyway. Wolf can have you." He turned away but I heard him mutter, "One more isn't going to matter much."

"House-"

"Talon, Razor, and Sparx are on their way to help your new slaves to settle in."

"I've registered Sol to Master Wolf." Mika added.

"Have Keb and Mal join them. They may not be slave masters but while the rest of us are gone they are the ones in charge."

"Evan will be relieved at the reduction of stress." Mika said, happily.

"House, can you drop us at different locations and times?" Wolf asked.

"That may be possible."

"What are you up to?" Kyle asked.

"You have a Pokémon team to work with, but we don't. Wouldn't it be better if we had time to build teams so that we can rescue your Umbreon and shut down the lab for good?"

"I suppose that would be the best idea. Tiger, what do you think?"

"Yeah, sounds good. However, I think Rider should go with Wolf."

"Why?" Rider asked.

"It's simple you've never been interested in that world and without a doubt Wolf knows the most. If you accompany him you'll build a really good team. Kyle is going to return to the exact place he left to get Noir and we'll meet him there."

"What about you?" Wolf asked. I'm going to be going farthest back in time. It's been a while so I'm going to need time to build a team."

"Arcanine, Luxray, and Lucario." Kyle laughed.

"Also Lycanroc, Braviary, and a Buizel with an everstone." Wolf finished.

"Am I really that-"?

"Yes!" Both Kyle and Wolf answered at the same time.

Since I didn't want to duplicate the pokemorphs I had they were wrong, well, maybe not about Braviary and the Buizel. Heh, I'd build a team to surprise them.

"So what are you four up to now? Mal asked, as they arrived.

"Oh, you know. Just off to save a world from an evil organization so nothing new." I laughed.

They both stared at me. "Master, you’re not going to allow this are you?" Mal asked Wolf.

Rider laughed. "It was his plan. Better yet we're leaving you in charge. That means you two get to help our new members settle in."

Both of them looked stunned.

"Pause game." I ordered.

"What's up, Tiger? Did you get a private message from Mahan again?" Kyle asked.

"No, nothing like that. It's just we're about to enter a new chapter in the story and I thought it would be good to actually start out fresh."

"You just want to go and do some research on Pokémon, just to prove us wrong." Kyle said, shaking his head.

"Yeah, I'll admit I'm not as good at the game as Wolf. I'm sure he's worked out at least three different teams already. Attack, defense, and balance."

"Actually I'm constructing the best team given the information Kyle provided, but will still work without my favorites since I already have them as pokemorphs."

"What if I go further back in time and train my team some more? That way I can keep playing instead of having to wait for you two to catch up with me."

"That's a wonderful idea." Wolf said, happily.

"Great. So if we're out of the game for a little while can we have some fun?" Keb asked.

"If you want." I shrugged.

"Good." Mal said walking over and taking Kyle's arm. "I've been yearning for some dragon love."

"Yeah, and I want some time with our Wolf." Keb said dragging Wolf toward the exit.

"So, want to do a bit of sparing?" Rider asked. "Loser bottoms."

"I might as well bend over and say 'take me big boy'" I'd been joking but I found myself pushed up against the wall.

"Computer, run file Rider one." The room changed to a gym locker room. "You have your safe word if things get to intense for you. However, no quitting until you’ve worked up a good sweat."

I gulped. Working out with Rider as an aggressive coach hadn’t been what I was expecting.

***

The game started and I looked around. This was ridiculous. I checked my dexnav and discovered I was In the Kanto region just inside the exit of the bug forest. According to my stats I had two Pokémon a Growlithe and a shinx. "Computer, reset my game session."

"Kyle played his character from this point so game cannot be reset."

"Reset my character then. I'm not playing Tigris."

"Understood. Will you keep current Pokémon?"

"Save Tigris and his Pokémon in an alternate game title pokeworld, then clear my Pokémon. This will be a fresh adventure."

"Alternate save complete. Your character is allowed two Pokémon."

"Zeraora and Smeargle."

"Checking, yes those Pokémon are still available. Will you name them?"

They appeared in my inventory. I'd wondered if the Zeraora was asking for too much but it seemed to be fine. “Do you wish to continue here or be portalled to another area?"

I considered for a few minutes. "Open portal to the beginning of Sword and Shield." I grabbed my bag and stepped through the portal. Within minutes I had added a Scorebunny to my team and started to level up. It had taken most of the day but I'd gotten the three to a point I felt they were ready for the first challenge. However that would be in the morning. As I was setting up my camp I found a Kanto Rattatta in my bag. He must have slipped in when I was making changes. I found that he was injured so I gave him a potion and sent him on his way. It probably wasn't very smart, but given the high number of Meowth around he wouldn't last long. I finished making my bed and crawled in. I had two of the six Pokémon I figured no one else would choose. Scorebunny was well on his way to being number three. Plus I needed to have Smeargle sketch flamethrower, hydro pump, earthquake, and gust. He was my secret weapon since no one thought of a normal type having the strongest elemental attacks. I'd get Buizel from violet and scarlet when I went after Chien Pao, if I didn't find him sooner. That just left one wild card opening. A flying type would be a good choice, but I wasn't really sure. Anyway that could wait.

As I was packing in the morning the Rattatta returned. He wasn't looking good but he was still alive. "Listen, I'm not your trainer and I'm not going to be."

"Tah." He said, weakly.

I gave him another potion intending to send him on his way. Instead he dashed into my pack again. I gave up trying to get him out when I had to run to get to the competition. Ace and Zero did well. I had to pull Arty back instead of letting him faint. I wasn't sure what the world rules were but I wasn't going to risk losing anyone this early.

***

I pulled Arty back and flopped down in the grass. I was about half way through the area and I still didn't know what Pokémon I wanted for my sixth spot. Ace had fully evolved and by chance Arty had been able to pick up flamethrower and earthquake. He still needed a wind and a water attack, but for now he had also sketched low kick giving him a fighting move.

"Rattatta?"

I also still had the Rattatta with me. It was sort of habit at this point. He'd take off every evening and return every morning in need of healing. Then he'd curl up in my pack and sleep all day. Except now he'd gotten in the habit of rolling an empty pokeball at me as if asking to join my team. If I went to bed with no pokeballs he'd have one by morning.

"I told you, I'll let you tag along until I find a Rattatta group you can go with but I don't care for your evolved form so I'm not going to catch and train you. Now, get back in my bag we're about to move."

He scrambled in and buried himself at the bottom. I guess to make sure I didn't leave him behind. All things considered I probably should though.

"House, open portal to the Pokémon Island where Chien Pao can be found."

"These places have names, you know." House replied.

"Yeah but I'm not going to bother learning them in the short time we have."

"Portal is open."

***

"Show us your Pokémon." The guy making the demand look like he was pulled out of a secret service movie or U.F.O. encounters show. He was dressed in perfectly pressed black suit and even had the thin solid black sunglasses.

"What?" I asked in confusion at the lack of introduction. I was just one step away from battling and capturing Chien Pao and these . . . fools interrupted me.

"We need to check everyone's Pokémon. Nothing to worry about. Just a quick scan and you can return to what you were doing." A second man, looking identical to the first stated.

I could feel the Rattatta shaking in the bottom of my pack. Was he scared? I looked closer at the group. There were five of them they looked the same except for one thing. Three of them were carrying guns. The only time I encountered guns in a Pokémon world was when dealing with the pokemorph hunters.

"If I refuse?" I asked.

"Then things are going to get messy."

"Really?” The second unarmed individual asked. "Listen, all we're asking is to do a quick scan on your pokeballs, to be sure you're not mistreating your Pokémon. That's all."

I sighed and held out the belt they were connected to.

"Buizel, holding an everstone, level twenty six named Riven. Smeargle level seventy three named Arty, Zeraora level seventy eight named Zero, and Cinderace level seventy four named Ace."

"Where are the rest?" The belligerent one demanded.

"I only capture the one's I really want to train. Chien Pao is next. While I'm training him and Riven, I'll decide on my sixth team member."

"That is the-"

"It seems you've been treating them well. We'll just be moving on. Have a good hunt."

"Listen, I have a bad feeling about him."

"You have bad feelings about everyone. Now come on, we're not going to find anything antagonizing everyone." The smarter of the two said, leading them away.

I quickly finished my quest and caught Dagger. I camped out that evening not wanting to risk running into . . . I realized the group didn't give their name. Every evil organization from Team Rocket on always boasted about their team affiliation. I let everyone out to play a little. I needed to get Riven and Dagger up into level seventy range, but I really needed to decide on my final Pokémon. I didn't have a lot of time either. Wolf and Rider had let me know they were ready to continue and Kyle said he just needed to evolve a member of his team and he'd be ready. I was grinding as much as I could, but I just wasn't as good as the rest of them. Or maybe they had caught Pokémon that gave them an advantage. If I hadn't stuck so closely to my rule of not catching any Pokémon I didn't plan on keeping I'd have a ride Pokémon to get around faster.

"Hey Tatter, those people are gone you can come out." The Rattatta, I really shouldn't have named him but I was tired of just calling him Rattatta all the time, hadn't come out of my bag.

It was evening so I figured he'd want to be out doing whatever it was he did every night. I reached in to get him and got nipped. He didn't really bite me. It was more of a warning not to try and force him out. I sat the pack down and an empty pokeball was pushed out.

"I told you I don't plan on training you."

"Tatta rat."

"Get out of there."

"Ta!!"

I didn't need a translation to know he'd just told me no. So, I turned the pack inside out. That surprised him and me. He's built quite a nest. Most of it was flyers from the different regions. All of them had scribbling around the edges almost as if . . . No, now I was letting my imagination run away with me. It was all very clean, which also surprised me, so I carefully put it all back in my pack. "Listen, I'm not evicting you, but you do need time outside that pack and no one-".

I hadn't been paying attention as I put things back in. There was a flash of light as I inadvertently activated the pokeball. Though I was sure it had been further away. There was the sound of a successful capture that made me groan. Now I'd need to go through the trouble of going to a pokecenter to release him. I sighed and pulled up his stats. “ES-0159, Rattatta type level ninety seven. Error everstone detected but not held.” My mouth dropped open. His stats showed that every one was at maximum. Strength and intelligence also had "error exceeds limits" warnings.

I released him from the ball and glared at him. "Catching you wasn't an accident, was it?"

He shook his head and looked down as if expecting punishment.

"ES-0159, I'm guessing that stands for experimental subject number 159?"

He nodded.

"And you're the one those people were looking for?"

He looked at me and shrugged. A rather disconcerting action given he wasn't an anthro.

"Well Tatter, we can at least get your name changed easily enough. However healing you might be a problem. I don't know how much information the charger saves. I still need to raise Riven and Dagger's levels as well. That isn’t going to be easy if we can’t visit any Pokecenters."

Tatter ducked back into my pack and re-emerged seconds later with an Alolan flyer. He set it down and pointed to a few lines of text about training on an active volcano.

"With the type advantage it would be a good place to raise their levels. Wait, you can read and you seem to understand everything I say."

He vigorously nodded his head.

"Okay then, we're off to Alola to train. Everyone-".

Tatter grasped my finger to get my attention and shook his head. Then he pointed at my meager camp.

"Right, I need to pack up first."

He shook his head.

Are you saying we should stay the night and go in the morning?"

He quickly nodded.

"Okay, but don't think you're always going to get your way."

***

I'd finally raised Dagger to level seventy and Riven to sixty seven when I portalled back to house and logged out. Everyone else had been waiting on me plus we encountered and fought a search team on the Alolan Islands. I suppose I could have transferred to the Iron islands until we were found there, but I was already holding everyone else up. I'd converted the chamber for a strategy meeting and let everyone know I was finally ready.

"It took you long enough. I thought Rider and Wolf would be the slowest since they had to build two teams." Kyle said, as he entered and took a chair.

"Wolf is a master at this game so we had no chance of catching him, even with Rider as a handicap."

"What do you mean? As I built my team I'd fight the Pokémon Rider wanted and then he's catch them. He wanted strong Pokémon so he didn't have a lot of leveling to do other than his first one." Wolf said, as they entered.

"So what Pokémon did you go with?" I asked Rider.

"Primeape, Entai, Raikou, Suicune, Cobalion, and Terrakion." He said, proudly.

I sighed, "That's a strong team, but remember, if these are the same guys Wolf faced they have a Primal Groudon we may have to deal with. Wolf, how about your team?"

"I captured Typhlosion, Toxtricity, Baxcalibur, Leafeon, Keldeo, and Ferligatr. I'd have preferred a different water type but as I tried to catch him the game gave me an error message."

"Leafeon instead of Sylveon?" I asked.

"Yes, I was looking for a balanced team and a grass type made more sense."

I nodded. "Kyle?"

"My team is Infernape, Boltund, Flygon, Crookadile, Swampert, and Sylveon."

"You're the one that stole him?" Wolf growled.

"Damn it Kyle, I told you Sylveon was Wolf's."

"I didn't evolve him until after Wolf announced he already had his team."

"Not him. You stole my Swampert! I'd already used an ultra-ball and had thrown a net ball. Just as it clicked announcing I'd captured him I got the error message. I thought it was just a glitch so I kept hunting, wasting my time obviously. Ferligatr is a good second choice, but that doesn't excuse you stealing-"

I wanted to interrupt but something I'd heard somewhere before came to mind. "Sometimes the bravest thing in a situation is to back away and not get involved." I took it as a premonition and remained silent. Rider however had a different idea.

"Prowl, who is on your team?" He said loudly enough that he drown out Kyle and Wolf's arguing.

"Zero the Zeraora, Ace the Cinderace, Dagger the Chien Pao, Arty the Smeargle-".

"You're kidding, right?" Kyle asked. "Smeargle has to be one of the most worthless Pokémon. Even Magicarp evolves into Gyrados. Smeargle doesn't evolve."

"What moves?" Wolf asked.

I smiled. "Flamethrower, Hydro Pump, Earthquake, and Vine Whip. I’d planed on going with an air move but didn't have the opportunity to sketch a good one and I thought I could mix it up. Next is Riven the Buizel."

"What is it with you and not evolving you Buizel into Floatzel?" Kyle asked.

"I just prefer that look. Something about the fins on the arms and the floatation device just don't work for me. My final team member is Tatter the Rattatta."

"You're using a Rattatta?" Wolf asked in surprise. "That's like me having a Garvantula on my team."

"Yeah, I'm not denying that, but he's strong, smart and the Pokémon our enemy is desperately searching for. Seems he was a lab rat they were experimenting on."

"How smart?" Wolf asked.

"Not sure you’ll get the reference, but N.I.M.H. smart, maybe even smarter."

"I get the reference. How much smarter do you think?" He replied.

"Human lever, possibly a bit smarter. He can't talk, but I know he can read and comprehend. I'm not sure, but from the scraps of paper he had it looks like he's created a unique language that only he knows and he can write."

"So what's the plan?" Kyle asked.

”You've already infiltrated the base so you can portal inside. You retrieve your Pokémon, then get to the lowest level, plant as many of these as you can, and the portal to Wolf and Rider's location" I placed several small devices on the table.

"What are those?" Rider asked.

"Explosives. One planted in the center should be enough to bring the complex down. However I don't want it destroyed. I want it completely obliterated.

"What about the Pokémon, pokemorphs, and people inside?" Wolf asked.

"Kyle, try to collect as many as possible but remember we have a time limit. If it is as bad as you described I'm sure the Pokémon and Pokémorphs will welcome death."

"And the people?" Kyle asked.

"That is Wolf and Rider's job. You two will attack the outside drawing as many people out as possible."

”And what will you be doing?" Wolf asked.

"I'll be meeting and fighting the boss. I encountered a search team so now I have access cards, a uniform, and most importantly I'll have captured the Pokémon everyone is desperately searching for."

"That is one of your most foolish plans yet. They are the boss. Even if they don't have the Groudon they'll have a team that you'll never be able to beat with your Pokémon." Wolf growled.

"I'm already inside, I'll assist you." Kyle stated.

"Everyone admits I'm the best trainer so I should be the one assisting." Wolf yelled.

"You know what? You're both right. Wolf you’ll do the infiltration and Kyle will assist. Rider’s team is super strong so my weak team isn't even needed. Let me know when you're done. I'm going over to the station to spend a couple of nights with Luca."

It happened so fast I hadn't even registered I'd been attacked. I was pinned to the wall by two very angry werewolves.

"Don't you ever, even think-" Kyle growled.

"About doing something so stupid ever again." Wolf finished.

"Captain, don't take this the wrong way, but you can be really stupid sometimes." Rider said.

"It was a joke." I gasped

"Promise you'll never do that." Wolf growled, loudly.

"No." I said, before I heard the bang as Rider slammed his head down on the table. "I won't promise that I'll never make jokes like that ever again. What I can promise is I'd never sleep with Luca, or anyone else, unless I know all my mates are okay with it. I could just as easily have said Snowie, Ryu, or Fenrir but they all share their quarters with their mates. While Luca is still mostly unattached and spends more time in his lab, both working and doing other things."

"Idiot. You are as dense as the Runner's armor. Mahan, set up a schedule for Wolf, Kyle, and Prowl-Ar to meet with me separately and then a group meeting." Rider ordered.

"Schedule is set, Doctor."

"Good, Wolf and Kyle I want you two to take some time to be alone to consider why I'm ordering sessions. As for Prowl-At and I, we're going to have our first session right now."

Both of them seemed to sulk as they left the chamber. Once the door closed I found myself doubled over from the gut punch Rider gave me.

"Hurts, right?" He asked.

I glared at him.

"You could see that Kyle and Wolf were angry at each other so you made your little joke to turn their anger against you. No. Don't say anything."

I doubt I could if I wanted to.

"As I said you were stupid. In case it isn't obvious they are fighting a war over you. I'm not even sure at this point if they realize that is what they are doing."

So long as they are angry at me then they aren't fighting each other. I'm not the important one they are." I said, trying to not throw up and blocking my mental links to everyone.

"Shit. I shouldn't have given you the tranquilizer so soon. Not sure how much of this you’re going to remember, but you don't get to choose how important you are. They get to choose that. All you've done is hurt them. Now we have to help. . ."

I know he outlined some plan, but the only thing that stuck in my mind is that I'd hurt my mates.

***