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Virtually Real Chapter 54: Wayward Souls

Characters:

Prowl-Ar/Tiger: Captain, human dual shifter, tiger/wolf hybrid and tiger/bull hybrid. Has black fur and white stripes.

Jordan/Wolf: Doctor, human dual shifter, wolf all black fur and white tiger with small saber teeth.

Kyle/Drake: Second in command, Red XIII quadrimorph spends most of his time as a red Eastern anthro Dragon with Red XIII markings

Kelly/Shock/Fox: Streaming reporter/diplomat, former transgender human shifter tiger/fox hybrid standard red fox with yellow stripes

House: V.R. creation the guardian of a Nexus Realm.

Charcoal: Arcanine fire dog Pokémorph, mated to Sparx

Sparx: Luxray electric lion Pokémorph, mated to Charcoal

Chomper: Tyrantrum T-rex fossil Pokémorph, mated to Crimson

Crimson: Incineroar fire tiger Pokémorph, mated to Chomper

Stone: Day type Lycanroc stone wolf Pokémorph, Mated to Iceberg

Inferno: Carnigrius fire tiger Nexomon, mated to Speed

Speed: Jeeta electric cheetah Nexomon, mated to Inferno

Iceberg: Arctivore ice wolf Nexomon, mated to Stone

Nathan (Nate) and Alexander (Alex): Prowl-Ar and Wolf’s twin sons

Sakura: Prowl-Ar and Nature’s daughter

Reaper: the godlike entity inhabiting Prowl-Ar’s mind and telegem.

Vexy: Western dragon shifter currently traveling to Alpha Centauri.

Luca: Sergal shifter living and working on one of the two furry space colonies. Currently in the process of perfecting the technology to make the synth race a reality.

"Ok, how the hell can you do this without gagging?" Shock asked as I finished changing Nathan's diaper. Shock was changing Sakura and gagging every few seconds.

I grinned. "First shift to human form, your sense of smell will be blunted."

Shock shifted, "Doesn't help." he said gagging again.

"Well, you could just turn off your sense of smell and taste. That was part of the general upgrade package I gave you." I smiled, as I put Nate in his bed with Alex. He grabbed his brother’s hand and fell asleep.

"You've watched all of us suffer this whole time and said nothing?"

"Kelly, please keep your voice down. You'll wake them." Wolf said, as he entered. He walked over and leaned against me while smiling down at our cubs. "So cute and peaceful."

"Yeah, they are going to make life a nightmare when they get older."

"No they won't. They will always be our perfect little babies."

It was times like this that I was sure Jordan was living in a world of delusion. But then again even if they made life difficult I knew I'd only love them more.

"Okay, how do you do it?" Kelly asked.

"I just remind myself that they will be perfect like their Papa Wolf."

"You're daydreaming again, my marshmallow tiger. I'm far from perfect and I think Kelly is asking how to keep from gagging."

"Oh, you just decide to stop smelling. It's in the mind not the nose. In reality you are still smelling everything your brain just isn't processing the information."

"You're kidding right?" Kelly asked.

"No, it's how I do it." Wolf said quietly.

I concentrated and was inside Kelly's mind. "Think I don't want to smell anything."

"What the, you're talking in my head! This is-".

"Concentrate. Think I didn’t want to smell anymore." I followed the neuro receptors guiding the thought to the correct location. "That's it you shouldn’t be able to smell anything. Don't panic, all you have to do is think I need to smell and your senses will return." I pulled back from his mind.

"Don't do that again." Kelly whispered.

"You realize you can think to me as well? With the gem shards we have our own mental network. We can talk like this without disturbing the babies."

"So you can hear everything I'm thinking?" Shock asked.

"No, you actually have to consciously project your thoughts."

"How many years are you wasting maintaining this connection?" Wolf asked.

"None, because the gem and shards are basically all part of the same network all of the time no energy is being expended. The only energy I've used was for actually getting into Shock's mind and making sure the mental pathway was working properly. And before you get upset I've been practicing so very little energy was used."

"How much?" Wolf demanded.

"A second, maybe two. Now all of you talk to each other. When you mentally communicate through the gems I have to hear all of it. Even if Shock is talking to Kyle." Reaper growled.

"We can do that? We don't need Prowl-Ar to relay the messages?" Wolf asked.

I heard Reaper whimper making me laugh. "Yes, shards can communicate between shards. Now let's let Reaper rest, before he makes me suffer."

"He wouldn't dare." Wolf said aloud, with such conviction that even I believed him.

"Jordan, I know I said I didn't want kids. But do you think, maybe at some point, we could have a little folf?" Shock asked.

"Love, I came to tell you that it's your VR time. You go play and I'll join you if Mahan alerts me that we're playing at the same level finally. I think right now I need to tell Kelly about Barret and Apollo."

"I- okay." I said, before I stumbled out of the nursery half grinning and half confused by the fact that Jordan already had names for our next two boys.

"Sir, we received a transmission from Vexy." Mahan said pulling me out of my haze.

"He shouldn't be there yet."

"I'm just going to play the message."

"Hello Captain, We're just checking in. Bet you didn't expect to hear from me this soon. We're taking it slow and we're only a quarter of the way to Alpha Centauri. However one of the two Synth's, Luca sent with us, had a good idea. If we leave a jump beacon every quarter of the trip, if something goes wrong we can call for help and you'll be able to jump out closer to us. Not that we need help. We really want to do this on our own. I'll send an update when we reach the halfway point. Vexy out."

"Hmm, I have to admit that was a good idea. Now I don't have to worry about him as much. Two synths though, Either Luca is concerned about Vexy or he is up to something."

"Maybe he just realized Vexy was going to need extra help with those kobolds as they got older?" Mahan suggested.

"Mahan, you're spoiling my fantasy of Luca being a sex obsessed villain plotting world domination with his army of synth sex bots."

"Good. You shouldn't be thinking that way."

I rolled my eyes and entered the VR chamber. "So, Mahan even rates Luca higher than me. Wish I could figure out what it was that I did to actually piss him off to this extent."

***

As I entered, my newly acquired Arctivore, Carnigrius, and Jeeta stepped out of the portal and onto the island. I was disappointed to see that it hadn't progressed any. "House call everyone here, please."

House's avatar appeared. "Sir, where is Rush? Did you sell or trade him?"

"What do you mean? I sent him and his chosen mate back here and then went searching for a mate for Stone."

"I did not open a portal. So they didn't come here." House said immediately.

"Technically time and space have no meaning for you correct?"

"Yes, to a certain extent. I still live a linear existence."

"Ok, let's say someone badly injured traveled through a portal. Injured so badly that you couldn't help him. Is it possible that you from the future would divert the portal to that future time?"

"I would need to know the general date and universe the individual would be traveling from. However, yes, it is theoretically possible. Was Rush injured?"

"No, the slave he chose as his mate was however, and since they traveled together I'd prefer the idea that you of the future saved them rather than they are lost to the rift between realities."

"I'll remember to send the portal for them."

"Where's Rush? And who are these slaves? I told you I wasn't interested in-" Stone said, as he came marching up from the beach. Only to be knocked off his feet and pinned to the ground.

"That is not the way you address your master. You are right, Sir. This pup is well built but he has a lot to learn. I'll enjoy teaching him."

"Stone, meet Iceberg, your mate. He is from a world similar to yours only instead of being created by a god his kind were created by a demon."

"As I understand it morphs like us are rare on your world and are disposed of when captured. On our world morphs are exceedingly rare due to the humans fearing us. And when we are created we are usually treated the same as non-morphs."

"If you're lucky enough to be evolved in the Nexorealm. Inferno and I were captured in our youngest forms and purpose evolved to be slaves in the slavery realm." The Jeeta added.

Inferno nodded.

I glanced around and noticed the others had joined us. "The wolf like creature pinning Stone to the Ground is Iceberg, The yellow lightning cat is Speed, and the silent tiger is his mate, Inferno. You three, the blue lightning lion is Sparx and the fire dog, Charcoal, is his mate. The fire cat is Crimson and his, ah dragon mate is Chomper. Finally the rock dog under Iceberg is Stone. I thought Rush and his mate Spanner would be here already but House said he didn't open a portal, but I did send them back. I can only hope we'll find where they came out eventually."

I heard a whimper and glanced over at Stone. Iceberg was serious about putting him in his place. He was riding him hard and only muffled whimpers could be heard because Stone was using his hands to hold his own muzzle shut.

"Master, are we allowed to do that with our mate whenever we want?" Speed asked.

"With your mate and anyone else that is willing. The only rule I currently have is you're not allowed to lie to me. Oh and the one you want to have sex with has to be willing . . ." I was wasting my breath. Speed was impaling himself on Inferno while sucking Crimson.

"Mmm while my mate is busy there is something I'd like to try" Chomper said rubbing against me from behind. "It's not something I'd do with the felines, with their barbs, or canines, with their knots, but as a human you're rather smooth." He went quiet as he discovered I was still soft. "Don't you find me attractive?"

"I do." But did I though? Here I was surrounded by dominant males, characters I'd fantasized about many times and all I could think about was my real life sexual partners. "I'm just still a bit sore from where Charcoal took me. Plus I'm worried about Rush, Spanner, and my mates." That at least was true enough.

"Your mates? You're mated but you go out actively seeking sex slaves?"

"It's complicated. I'm not looking for sex, at least not anymore, I'm more interested in exploring new realms and rescuing those that need it."

"I guess Rush and I were sort of unwanted extras."

"No, don't ever think that way. Everyone is important. I did sort of rescue you, didn't I? Rush made it sound like your trainers weren't very good."

"It wasn't so bad. They fed me and let me fight, what more is a Tyrunt good for? It's not like my type is known for its intelligence."

"Still, you deserve plenty of love and affection." Crimson said, as he wrapped his arms around Chomper. "Plus I evolved with more human type equipment, so no barbs. Also I don't go off as quickly as some felines." He gestured to Speed and Inferno who were grooming each other.

"So will you . . . can you take me like a female?"

Crimson and I glanced down at Chomper's genital slit. He must have been really nervous because not even his tip was showing.

"I can do that, but then you have to do something that might seem strange for me."

"Um, I guess it depends on what it is."

"I want you to dominate me. I want you to overpower me, take me and use me as roughly as possible while I fight to escape."

"You want me to force you?" Chomper asked, in confusion.

"Yeah, we'll both know it isn't really against my will but it will seem that way."

"Before you to start that sort of play I need to know that you'll be able to stop and explain that it is only play if and when you are caught."

"Of course. If my mate is willing to indulge me I certainly don’t want him to get into trouble for it."

"Good, then you two go play while I spend some time trying to figure out what is wrong with the portals."

They nodded and headed toward the far side of the island, likely for some privacy.

"As far as I can tell the portals are working just fine."

"Fine, so when is your next upgrade?"

"I can upgrade now. However, in order to do so the realm has to be empty."

"So I need to take my new slaves to another realm and then return." I said, trying to figure out how I could do that without having access to the guardian worlds that future house had.

"I have access to a world that is basically just a small village. There isn't much there other than the foundations of an ancient castle and a few outcasts just trying to survive."

"I suppose that would be the best option. Have appropriate clothing ready for when everyone has finished with their fun. I'm just going to take a little nap."

"Of course sir."

As I got into the hammock all I could wonder is "What would my mates think of me giving up the chance at sex for a nap?"

"That you're a caring marshmallow tiger who is more concerned about us than himself. This is a game play it however you want. Oh and I've figured out how to focus my telepathy through this shard to be able to listen in on your thoughts once more."

"Clever Chiot."

"Sleep."

***

I woke slowly, but didn't get up. "Reaper, I thought your gem protected me from such attacks."

"It does, however you're the one that gave Jordan a shard so he is immune. It's not my fault you made yourself vulnerable. I suggest you get used to the idea he is more powerful than you."

"Jordan's more powerful than the god of death?"

_ _

"That's not what I said and you know it. You don't have a problem not being the strongest, do you?"

"I-" I actually considered for a moment. Admittedly I liked to think of myself as the hero. Did I have a problem if Jordan, or any of my mates were more powerful than me? "No, I don't have a problem not being the strongest."

"I think you're lying."

_ _

"I'm not, because I know I'm not the strongest individual. I tried to pretend I was all of my life, but now I know I don't have to be powerful. I just have to be open to allowing my mates to help me. Power just isn't as important as trust and love. That's not to say I wouldn't do something heroic like sacrifice myself for their safety, though."

"I suggest you start to learn how to create a telekinetic shield then."

"Master, I don't want to wake you, but House said you wanted to see us?” Charcoal whispered.

I opened my eyes to find the group standing around me.

"Yeah, we need to travel to another realm."

"You trust us that much?" Stone asked.

"I hope I can. You see House- "I paused trying to think of the best way to describe what House was going to do. “House evolves. Except his evolution is based on the number of individuals living within him."

"So why would we have to leave for that?" Sparx asked.

"Right, let me clarify, I don't mean just the house structure. The entire House realm evolves. For that to happen there can't be anyone other than the guardian in the realm."

"So we all leave and when we return what will we find?" Speed asked.

"Well the House will be bigger, perhaps actual bedrooms, a larger island, perhaps more food sources in the form of a larger garden, and probably portals to new realms.

"So where are we going?" Chomper asked.

"A small village of outcasts with the ruins of a castle. Perhaps while you're there you can help them in some way. Anyway appropriate clothing will be provided."

"We have to wear human clothing?" Iceberg asked.

"Yeah, you'll find that most civilized realms require what they consider a certain level of decency, though I know of a couple where clothing is used to heighten ones indecency. Now go inside and House will help you get properly attired."

"What about you?" Charcoal asked.

I glanced down. How did I keep forgetting that I was completely naked in House’s realm? "I have advanced technology that forms clothing best suited for the realm I travel to. Don't worry I'll be fully dressed as well."

Inferno patted me on the head.

"My mate thinks that is sad. He thinks you look perfect without clothing. Natural, the way you were created, rather than disguised as something you're not." Speed said.

I looked at the Jeeta. "Can you read Inferno's mind?"

"No, at least not exactly. We've always been together and he's never been able to communicate normally it's just I've learned to understand the electro chemical impulses in his brain almost as though it was an actual language."

I placed my hand on the Carnagrias' chest. “If possible, would you like to be able to communicate like the rest of us?"

"Yes. Please. That is what I want most. To be able to communicate. To tell you with my own voice how happy I am you rescued me and my mate. I was so scared we'd be sold separately and I'd never have someone that would understand me ever again." Speed relayed.

"I can't make any promises, however I know a realm with a Doctor that can tell us if such a thing is possible. It's just . . . House has a lot of evolving to do before being able to open a portal to that realm."

That obviously made Inferno happy as he quickly became aroused. I still didn't feel in the mood, however surrounded by such hyper masculine males was certainly fueling my submissive side. Maybe when my VR time was over I'd go find Rider and Kyle so they could really dominate me.

We stepped through the portal and onto a trail. I'd have thought we had landed in a deserted world except I recognized some of the landmarks. The trail would one day be a road and off to the right would be Master Lark's Smithy. That told me that the House realm was likely located, at least for now, on this planes so we'd arrived in my character's past. I'd need to be careful or I's break the game.

"This feels wrong, where are all the Pokémon?" Inferno asked.

"Or Nexomon. Normally you can’t go more than ten steps without encountering at least one." Iceberg added.

"I'm not sure how to explain, but there are none of your kinds in this world. The morphs here were born and raised as morphs the same as humans would be. It also means they don't evolve. Your realms are actually rare and special in that regard."

"So they don't know about pokeballs?" Stone asked.

"Or Nexotraps? Speed added.

"No, actually they don't know about most technology either. They're at the wheel and cart level. It's likely they can forge iron for swords and have bows and crossbows so behave.

"You there! Hold in the name of the King!"

I raised my hands and slowly turned. "Good 'morrow, um guardsmen." The Doberman and ferret couldn't have been much older than seventeen and their armor was rusted, ancient and was very oversized making them look even younger."

"Quiet you!"

"Toby, there's no way we can defend against them. They'll tear us apart and eat us." The ferret whispered.

"Cobby, shush. Just look dangerous and follow my lead."

I kept a straight face but I heard Charcoal snicker. "They're so cute, thinking they're strong enough to take on even one of us."

"Y-you'll come with us to meet the King, but your guards will wait h-here." Cobby stuttered.

"How about instead you take all of us to meet the King and you two don't end up being eaten by my guards?" I asked.

Cobby dropped his spear and ran. I glanced back and Chomper was yawning in a way that showed off just how large his mouth and teeth were.

"Chomper, I don't need the extra help."

"What? I'm just a little tired."

I glared at him.

"I'm not lying, honest. That was just a yawn. I can tell you're trying to be friendly."

"Then cover your mouth when you yawn." I growled.

Chomper looked really confused and then gasped. "I'm so sorry. I keep forgetting I have functional arms and hands in this form sometimes."

"S-sir, y-you and y-your s-slaves nuh- need to come with m-me to-"

"Toby! Why is Cobby in the barracks hiding in his bunk?" A gristled Elephant shouted cutting off Toby's stuttering.

"Master Heron! We found these warriors-"

"They're not warriors. Only one of them is carrying weapons and he's obviously some sort of privileged lordling. The rest are slaves. You can tell by the collars."

"I am Lord Lightstripe and I assure you, despite the lack of scars I am very much your equal."

"You over estimate yourself, boy."

I huffed, "No, I'm being humble in order to allow you to save face."

I stepped aside allowing his massive battle hammer to impact the ground where I'd been standing. "Everyone move back. You are about to learn why I'm not scared having you as slaves." I reached for my weapon, and jumped back letting the hammer swing by with a foot of clearance. It appeared to be the same as Sir Wren's battle hammer or more appropriately the hammer Sir Wren would inherit. That meant it had a six inch blade hidden in the top.

"You can't dodge forever and if you think those little blades will harm me, you're dumber than you look."

I snapped open my staff letting it roar. This wasn't my performance staff, no, this was the one designed for battle. The metals were harder than titanium and lighter than aluminum. If I directly blocked a blow my arms would shatter before the staff would dent.

"A pretty staff?" He laughed, "You are about to-"

He had paused in his attack and I touched the end of the staff against his hammer sending enough electricity surging through the solid iron weapon to kill nearly any other creature. Sir Heron was only forced to his knees.

"Yield."

"Never!" He yelled as he attempted to stand. A tap of the staff to his forehead with what small charge was left was enough to knock him out.

"How did you do that?" Crimson asked, as I collapsed the staff and returned it to my belt.

"He's a warrior hardened in battle, not a duelist. His moves were exaggerated and easy to read. And this hammer," I picked it up one handed. "Is effective against groups but not a single focused fighter."

"H-how are you doing that? Even Sir Heron can't move his battle hammer that easily." Toby asked.

I place the hammer head down next to Heron's head. "I'm not sharing my secrets with everyone. That would be foolish. Now, you said something about visiting your king?"

We followed Toby through the village. As we walked it became obvious that it was a village. There was a smithy where the Blacksmith's guild would eventually be located. An apothecary, and the stone foundation's for the eventual town guard garrison. The castle was there but it was a massive ruin of collapsed stone. It did have a newly constructed bridge. Once across and inside the "walls" the inner courtyard had a basic wooden barracks and an obviously royal pavilion tent.

"Please, have your slaves wait here while you have an audience with our king."

I glanced up at the cloudy sky. “Can you perhaps give them shelter? It feels like it will rain shortly."

"I-I guess so. There is nothing about not keeping them out here in the rules."

"Good. Oh and Chomper, apologize to Cobby for scaring him."

"Yes, Sir."

I walked over to the royal tent where two guards blocked me.

"Let him enter. It's rare we get human visitors."

I stepped inside the richly appointed tent. I took in the surroundings carefully surprised at how empty it seemed. The only thing that spoke of wealth was the heavy wooden throne and the gaudily dressed human sitting on it.

"Not very impressive, I know. However once the castle is rebuilt then the kingdom will return to its former glory. It is too bad you are not a woman, as rare as we humans are I'd have made you my queen."

"Queen of a pile of rocks and a collection of outcasts? Not much of a dowry."

"It wasn't always this way. Long ago this castle was the seat of power for a powerful King. He ruled over all the lands and everyone bowed to him. Some said he was a wizard, others claimed he had dragon blood. However they all knew to fear him."

"That explains why the castle is a pile of rubble. Tyrants always get what they deserve."

"Maybe so. You see when the King died he never left. His spirit remained in the castle controlling those who came too close."

"And in all this time you have learned nothing?"

"So you know? Did you and your guards come here to slay me? A futile effort. If you kill this man I'll only take control of another."

"I'm not here to kill your host. I'm here to teach you another way."

"There is no other way to power!" He yelled lunging towards me only to fall back onto his throne.

"H-he shouldn't have come here. Now you have another body to control." The man said, looking haggard and pitiful.

"Actually, I was the perfect choice. I now have the Shadow King trapped right where I want him. He made a tactical error in thinking I was just another human. I cannot be controlled by anyone." I heard a laugh deep in my mind.

"You don't count, Reaper." I thought.

"Really? I can control you any time I want, I just don't see the need. No, I was laughing at the idea that you can't be controlled. Tell me how often you've been able to say no to your mates and they don't get their way eventually?" He chuckled.

"If it can't control you, are you a wizard as well?" The King asked.

"No, just a human with special skills. I don't control any magic."

"What are you?" The Shadow gasped as he slipped from my mental grasp.

"I am an anachronism."

"A what?"

"I am the being that exists but should not exist. I am a traveler between the realms of reality. I am the one that oversees all the nexus guardians."

"So you're a god?"

I laughed, "No I'm a human that happened to be in the right place at the wrong time. Now I'm forced to travel between realms unable to remain in any one realm, other than my original one, for very long."

"How long?"

"I don't really know I've never felt like testing."

"So why are you here?"

"Because I was sent back in time while traveling between realms. I can only assume I'm here because I need to teach you."

"Teach me what? How to rule? I already know how to-"

"No, that time is long gone. You will never rule again as king. You are meant to be more. You are the guardian of this realm, protector of the people, and advisor to the king."

"How do you expect me to do that?"

"I'll give you a week before returning to the nexus realm. I'll teach you several powerful skills that you have never thought yourself capable of."

"Such as?"

"You have the ability to know when someone is lying to you, you have the ability to shadow step to any location in your original kingdom, you can create special scrolls that summon you, and you can create shadow coins. Coins created from shadows and the gold you once possessed. However, your power is fueled by respect. The happier the citizens of the kingdom the greater your power."

"So I have to find a way to keep them happy instead of scared? How do you suggest I do that?"

"I suspect you reanimated only once the outcasts started making their homes around the castle?"

"That seems true, thought there has always been a few nearby, since most were too afraid to be here and those brave enough could eke out a living of sorts."

"So, what do you think would make the people happy?"

The Shadow looked away, “Probably a king who cared about them."

"So, your first step is setting up a government they can trust. One that has their best interests in mind."

"And if the new king turns out to be a tyrant, like me?"

I smiled. "Then it's a good thing they have an immortal guardian making sure the tyrant is removed so a good king can take over. Like I said, I'll give you three days’ worth of training and then at some point in the future I'll return to check to be sure you're on the right path. Perhaps if you've shown enough improvement I'll teach you how to travel across realms.

"Three days then. But, I make no promises I won't return to my way of doing things if I don't see any progress. You're the one that set the time limit; do you really think you can accomplish anything that quickly?"

"Let's start with how to let the people choose their own ruler."

***

I'd actually ended up giving the Shadow three weeks instead of days and he seemed to be progressing quite well in his new role. It had been difficult teaching him to shadow step without actually accidentally teleporting myself out of the VR chamber.

We stepped out of the portal and found that house had indeed upgraded. He was actually larger than the cabanas on the island. My companions, I no longer felt like calling them slaves, were quick to strip off their clothing.

"I don’t know about the rest of you but I'm going to the stream to wash off. There is no way I'm cleaning myself after the filth of that village." Sparx exclaimed.

"Inferno, even though he's a fire type agrees." Speed agreed.

"Count me in as well." Crimson said, as the cats headed for the stream.

"I don't know as it was that bad." Stone mumbled scratching at his fur.

"You three! Go wash as well. You're not bringing fleas into this house!" Wolf yelled, as he threw a bottle of shampoo at Stone."

"Who are you?" Charcoal asked.

"It seems he's the one in charge right now." I laughed.

"Tiger, you can just join them. You could use a bath as well. I don't want to say anything bad but, you smell like you've been sleeping in a stable."

I bit my lip, did I really smell that bad? I mean he wasn't wrong we'd all been sleeping in the stables curled up together for warmth. "Chomper, come on you’ve got some fur that can be washed."

"I don't want to."

"Once you've washed you can bask on the sand to warm up." I suggested

"That does sound nice."

"Master, aren't you concerned that this stranger is ordering us around?" Charcoal asked.

"Not really, since he is one of my mates. Sure he's telling me what to do, but at the same time he isn’t wrong. We haven't been sleeping in the cleanest of lodgings."

"Mates? As in more than one?" Iceberg asked.

"Yes. I have four mates. Eight soon to be ten children, and two grandchildren. Plus eventually when we jump through the right portal close to sixty pleasure slaves."

"Yeah, like us. Rescued from a bad fate, called pleasure slaves yet you refuse to allow yourself to partake of the pleasure." Stone said, before following after the cats.

"All of you go ahead. It seems I need to speak with my mate."

They glanced at each other and quickly took off.

"Okay, tell me what's wrong?" Wolf asked as he came over and hugged me despite the smell.

"Nothing's wrong, I just don't feel like having sex with anyone except the partners I already have. Is that so strange?"

"No, but Tiger, I know you. Yes, I like you to be my daddy tiger but I also know you like being submissive at times as well. Why are you denying those feelings? Is it just because you're worried we'll think less of you?"

"No, maybe, I don't know."

"Is it because you forced yourself to choose males that you knew I'd find attractive?"

"No! Definitely not. They're definitely attractive and have gotten me in the mood several times but . . ."

"But?" Wolf asked.

"But every time I think about being so submissive I feel like I'm betraying you and Shock."

Wolf visibly rolled his eyes. "Tiger, I love you for who you are. That means as both my big powerful daddy tiger and as my subby marshmallow tiger. Now how about we go down to the stream, wash off your stinky-mon, and then both be supper submissive together until they are exhausted. Then I'll dominate you to prove that you are mine. Then you'll take me properly and do your best to put another kitten or calf in me? Proving that I am indisputably yours?"

He reached down and fondled me. Reminding me once again I hadn't changed my uniform default from being nude when in the House realm.

"Seems some part of you is ready to go." He laughed, happily. He turned and headed toward the stream as his uniform retracted. Suddenly submissiveness was the last thing on my mind as I ran after him. I caught him and pulled him back against me. I'd shifted to tiger form without even realizing it.

"Just remember while those big hot males are making us both moan. You are, and will always be, my wonderful perfect Chiot."

"What happened to being submissive?" He asked, as he turned in my arms.

"Mine." I growled.

"Always." he looked into my eyes. "Mine."

"Forever." I replied hugging him tightly.

"Ugh, musky kitty, go wash."

And instantly I hung my head and let him go. "Yes, Chiot."

I ran for the water as he laughed and chased after me.

***

"Love, when are you going to progress the game?" Wolf asked.

To be honest I was actually starting to enjoy myself. The slaves were spending plenty of time with each other and Wolf and I were using this time to rest and recover after our turns taking care of the kids. It had been three days game time since the last update.

"As nice as this it isn't really fair to the others." He continued.

"That's up to you. Honestly I probably already have too many slaves to deal with."

“Oh, so you expect me to start my own harem?" He asked.

"If that's the way you want to think of it." I said, grinning at him.

"House, what portals are currently available?" Wolf asked.

"Named portals are Pokéworld, The Kingdom, Trade Ring, Pirate Paradise, Leonar Slave Auction Moon, Nexorealm, and two unnamed portals."

I was a bit surprised that the program was using. Names from the prior game.

"House, lock travel to Pirate Paradise for now. Only open the portal when it is requested by Kyle Dacat Nightiger."

"What's going on?" Wolf asked.

"Kyle's lore had him start the game in that world. Because of the extreme time differential his avatar is supposedly there currently, but he has to return to the correct point in time to save my life in the game." I rolled my eyes, "This is why I hate time travel, even in games."

"I think you've caused enough trouble in the Leonar world already and I doubt I'll find much in the Kingdom. I have a few wants from the Pokéworld but they can wait. I'm pretty sure I could find something at the Ring, but I'm curious about the two unexplored portals."

"So shall we explore?" I asked.

"House, Keep an eye on the slaves, and open the portal to the most exotic world."

I held up my arm cuff. "Armor on."

Wolf looked at me and nodded, "Armor on."

We stepped through and looked up at a giant dome. I gasped as a megalodon swam by. "It's a deep sea dome. We're on an aquatic world.”

Another dome bubble near the edge. When it settled other land dwellers started to stream out into the plaza where we stood.

"Welcome to the great city of Hydropolis! Built centuries ago by the super-rich to hide their wealth it is now open to all that can afford it. If you have currency then you can buy it here!" A canned voice shouted.

"Well Tiger, it sounds like we're in the right place."

"Maybe, but to be honest I doubt we'll find much here."

Wolf ignored me, as he set off down the boulevard sticking his nose into stand after stand admiring the expected pearl, coral, and bone jewelry. I followed as he waved me over.

"Have you ever seen such a selection of pearls? I didn't know they could come in so many colors."

"I assure you, good Sir, you'll only find such rare beauties here on Hydron IV. Each color comes from a different species of muscle."

I'll take two necklaces of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple." Wolf said grinning at me.

"A popular choice. Do you want one that is premade or choose your own?"

"I'll choose, if that's okay?" I said quickly.

"Of course, Sir."

I rubbed my temple, or at least that's what it looked like. The truth was I had my headset on stealth mode and I adjusted the setting. The loose pearls were a mix of natural, cultured, and artificial with most of them being cultured. I carefully chose the best natural pearls from each of the colors.

"You have a good eye." The vender sounded a little upset. "I'll have them strung within the hour."

"No need." I passed Wolf his six and then pressed each pearl against the chord of my telegem. The chord quickly integrated each pearl and grew through them balancing three on each side of the gem. "Wolf you can do the same thing with the chord of your gem shard." I said as I paid the vender making sure to provide a little extra, to actually cover the cost of choosing natural gems, as Wolf placed his pearls.

We continued on and Wolf twisted the pearl beads. "I- I really didn't expect you to buy these, let alone wear them." I was just wondering what your reaction would be.”

"Love, you know I'll do just about anything for you if I can."

"I want a shark."

"Huh?”

He doesn't have to be really big and powerful like your Pokémon. As long as he's not too small." Wolf quickly followed up his first remark.

"Jordan, sharks are walking tooth factories that think only about who they're going to eat next. And don't get me started on the fact their skin is basically a weapon as well."

"You're being speciest." Wolf sighed, "I- we don't have to get one, but can we at least look?"

I wasn't sure if he really was as sad as he sounded or if he was playing me again, not that it mattered. I resigned myself to the fact we'd likely be returning with a shark slave. I just hoped it wouldn’t be one of the really big, dangerous brutes like a white, tiger, or bull.

After fifteen minutes of walking we reached the slave area. Jordan seemed mesmerized by one of the two main items. Both of whom left me feeling a level of fear I hadn't imagined existed. The first exhibit was a massive octopus. Its arms were all shackled and stretched out to small curtained areas where lewd noises were issuing. However my concern was the clacking of its beak that even the massive tank of water didn't silence. The second tank that held Wolf’s attention contained an anthro Great White Shark. He had to be at least twenty foot tall when standing. If measuring from nose to tail I couldn't imagine. It turned and glared at me. Its two penile clasper fins were as massive as my thigh in tiger form at their smallest. No way was I going to trust taking that monster with us. No matter how well behaved the seller might claim him to be.

Then I noticed an important fact all the cages were filled with water. All the aquatics for sale were water breathers. There was no way we could take any-

"Tiger, over here!" Of course my wonderful mate would find the one shark that could breathe air.

He was curled up in the corner of his enclosure sitting in about a foot of water. In fact he was curled up so much the only thing that could really be ascertained was that he was gray and likely an anthro-shark.

"He isn't exactly what I figured you were looking for." I said, looking at him.

"Doesn't matter. He needs us, I can tell." As if the discussion was settled Wolf set off to find the seller. I moved over to the air lock.

"You no want this one." A very robotic voice said.

I turned and found myself staring at a bull shark. A helmet and water tanks covered his head down to his shoulders. And his "voice" came from a translation device on the helmet. "It not even worth selling as chum."

"My companion is the one who wants him. To that end, being that I am expendable, I'm the one to discover just how dangerous he is first."

"Tiger, stop that. You're not expendable." Wolf mentally yelled at me.

"I know, but this brute is more likely to believe that than the fact my armor is stronger than any shark's bite." I mentally replied.

"Hah, this one, dangerous? He weak. He apologize to food. He disgrace to whole planet."

"Well then, if he eats me he's stronger than you thought. If he doesn't eat me my companion buys him and he'll no longer be here to disgrace your planet.

The shark looked confused as I finished opening the door and stepped inside. At last the shark decided he had nothing to lose and cycled the airlock. It quickly filled with icy water. I was really glad I already had my armor mode on. The internal heat elements kicked on and the artificial gills started filtering out oxygen for me. As soon as the light turned green I opened the inner door and the water spilled in adding about a foot of water to the small room. The shark didn't even seem to react.

I walked over and placed my hand on his shoulder. "Just go away and let me die. You wouldn't want a freak like me."

I immediately noticed three things. First he was obviously more intelligent than the guard. Second, his teeth, while sharp and vaguely shark shaped, were more like those of a mammal growing singly rather than constantly being replaced. Finally his skin wasn't the sharp denticles of a shark, more like the smooth hide of a dolphin.

"Why do you think you're going to die?"

"They keep feeding me live food, as if I were some dumb brute like the other sharks around here. Eventually they're going to fill the tank to prove I can breathe underwater as well."

"Can't you?" His gill slits were small but they looked functional.

"Yes, not as well as air though. It's just, they're using deep sea water. There is less oxygen. Plus it's too cold. When I'm in the water it should be warm surface waters preferably tropical and near land so that I can come ashore and cook my food. Though I guess it isn't so bad. I've been here long enough that I’m starting to feel warm."

Not good, if he was more mammal than shark it meant he was becoming hypothermic. "My mate wants to buy you as a pleasure slave. How do you feel about that?"

"I'm a male, you do realize that right?"

“We both prefer males, and you?"

He finally took a good look at me. "I never really thought about it. I'm not like other sharks. My mating parts are kept inside and I'm not strong or stupid enough to consider copulating."

"Could you accept copulation with another male?"

"I- I guess though I'd have to take the female role. There would be too much danger of not being able to control my instinct to bite if I took a male role."

"Let me see your teeth." He opened his mouth wide. It was frightening but not as much as a normal shark since his jaw didn't extend. My initial observation was correct. His teeth were shark shaped, but thicker and rooted like a mammal's. "Hmm, I think we can come up with some options. A mouth guard to cover your teeth, though there is a chance you could bite through it, caps that would blunt your teeth, or file them so they're not as sharp. I think Wolf will also need to find you a mate with thick hide, a rhino perhaps."

"Mate?" He asked, in surprise.

“Oh right, the rules. First off you can't lie, even if it is something that will upset your masters. The punishments for lying are much more severe than telling the truth. Next every slave has a mate they are responsible for and who are responsible for them. You can refuse to have sex with any slave, but not your masters. Currently you'll have two masters. Your primary Master is my mate and I am a secondary master. Once we collect our mates from across the realms you'll have several more secondary masters."

"Do I get to choose my mate?"

"That is up to Wolf. I often allow it since it creates better bonds."

"I see."

"There are a couple more things you need to know. The island where we live is in another realm and, other than on special occasions, like when we're traveling to other realms, we don't wear much clothing and our slaves go fully nude."

"I've never worn clothing. I'm not even sure clothing exists that would fit me. Wait! You live on an island?"

"Don't get excited about the possibility of escape, it is contained within an invisible bubble keeping danger's out and slaves in."

"I wasn't thinking of escape, it just seems so long since I was able to swim in warm waters."

"Don't worry we'll be there shortly." Wolf said, before falling against me. "Tiger, how do you do it?"

"Do what?" Teleport more than a couple of feet."

I quickly pulled six stones out of my pouch and opened the portal. "Now hit the rocks together and place them with the first to and then step through."

He nodded and stepped through I did the same thing for the last two stones. "Pause game, and shut down.” I ordered.

"Game has paused."

"Reaper!" I yelled.

The fox appeared before me. "He'll be fine after getting plenty of rest. He's immortal like you so he didn't use up much life. And before you explode I had nothing to do with him being able to teleport. The shard should only let him telepathically communicate with anyone else with a gem or shard and give very limited telekinetic abilities. He shouldn't have been able to do that."

"So he did teleport and didn't use the built in program tools to do it?"

"It was a full teleport. I need to look into this, but I should warn you, with your soul connected to two of your mates as it is, they may be able to manifest this power as well. You must warn them how dangerous it really is. You're protected by the full gem but they don't have that protection."

"What about Jordan?"

"Oh he should be fine, he has other protections."

"And what about the babies he's carrying?"

"Wait, what? I take a short nap and you knock him up again? I'm starting to rethink the deal I made with you. The two babies are," Reaper stared at Wolf for a few seconds, "fine, this time. You both got lucky. Real lucky, make sure he understands He can't do that again while pregnant. I won't go into the risks because I'm sure your imagination will create worst case scenarios far more graphic. Now I suggest you both get some rest. You're not feeling it yet but shortly the backlash is going to hit you."

"Meaning?" I asked.

"Meaning that he had to pull double the energy to make that jump and to protect his own life he took half of it from you."

"Reaper, that stays between us. No one is to ever know that fact, understood?"

"Yeah, now you're getting a bit smarter and protecting yourself."

"I'm not protecting myself. I'm protecting them, from worrying about me."

"Idiot." Reaper mumbled before disappearing.

"Mahan-"

"You need to speak with those that you gave shards, to make sure they don't-"

"No, just Shock and Kyle, everyone else is blocked from being able to teleport. It seems Jordan with his abilities was able to unlock teleportation as well."

"Yes, I've noticed there is something special about him."

"Mahan, reset chamber to sleeping quarters, and inform, whoever needs to be that Jordan and I may not be recovered enough to take our shift." I lifted Jordan onto the bed and fell in next to him.

"You may miss bonding time? Prowl-Ar?" Mahan asked in surprise.

"Just monitor and let me rest. Just need sleep." I didn't bother to listen to anything else Mahan might have had to say.

***

I woke first, likely because I'd secretly been practicing my abilities in order to build my resistance. I had Kyle and Shock join us and I explained to them what had happened; and how they needed to be extra careful not to teleport since it was so risky for all of us.

They agreed, but insisted I consult with Reaper about finding a way to keep teleportation from manifesting in the gem shards I'd been passing out far too often.

Shock also informed me that he'd been checking out the version of house he'd arrived at. It was definitely a version before I bought my first slaves. It was about half the size, lacking the entertainment side, grand entry, and pool. However it was two stories and had a basement.

For Kyle, he'd finished his review and was ejected to Dr. Enrique's world with two slaves wearing my collars. And we'd have to pick him up there at the correct time.

They both wished me luck in explaining to Wolf what had happened and the dangers involved. I asked them to stay and help, but they conveniently had other duties to attend to.

I smiled and snuggled up next to him. He was always so cute when he slept, not that he wasn't all the time. It's just when one of us was curled up with him he looked so innocent and relaxed. Like a part of him knew we were right there and he could sleep peacefully as long as we were.

***

"Tiger? How long have we been asleep?" Jordan asked.

I stretched and yawned. "As long as we needed to be."

"But-"

"Don't worry, I made arrangements with Shock and Kyle to cover for us."

"What happened? The last thing I remember was buying Timid and then the seller tried to tell me I had to purchase you, since you were in the tank as well. All I kept thinking was I didn't want to deal with him anymore and as soon as I got into the tank with you, we'd portal out."

"You channeled my telegem in order to teleport inside the tank."

"Is that even possible?" Wolf asked, in surprise.

"I didn't think so, until you did it. Just don't do it again. It can be super dangerous for the babies."

He gasped and placed his hands on his belly.

"They're alright, Mahan would have alerted me otherwise. The other reason is because you drained a lot of your life energy. That's why you passed out and your memory is a bit lacking."

I actually considered telling him that he also drained my energy, but decided against it.

"Tiger, you're hiding something from me. What is it?"

I rolled my eyes. I could keep things from, Rider, Shock, and Kyle. So why was it Jordan could always tell when I was hiding things? It seemed I’d have to tell him after all. "For you to teleport, like you did, you use a lot of life energy."

"You told us it was alright since we're immortal."

"Yeah, but . . ." I really didn't want to tell him.

"Tiger, tell me."

"You don't just use your life energy, you also use mine."

"And I suggest you don't do it again. Your babies are fine but you sped up the development process. Jordan, you're going to be giving birth much sooner than expected, though still slightly longer than it took the first time. If you do that again you are likely to miscarry." Mahan informed us. Likely to keep Jordan distracted.

"Tiger?" Wolf asked in a scared voice.

"I'm not worried. You are always carful." I said, pulling him close.

***

We actually took a break from the game for a couple of days to rest and spend time with the kids. Then returned stepping out of the portal just behind Timid.

"Praise to Lord Mako, this place is paradise." Timid yelled, while spinning around trying to take it all in. And you said there is a shield bubble around the island, but is it far enough out that I'll be able to swim?"

"Go find out. If you meet any of Prowl-Ar's slaves politely introduce yourself, but remember you belong to me." Wolf said, smiling at the change that seemed to come over Timid.

"Yes, Sir." Timid smiled and then took off in the direction where we could see the beach.

"I don't get why he's named Timid, as excited as he is." Wolf said, watching him.

"I think it's because of the way they'd been treating him. He's small compared to the other sharks I saw there."

"Maybe. I see you collard him for me. Black with gold stripes, did you choose that?”

"No I just reached into my pouch thinking I needed one of your collars and that's what came out. It's likely the computer has designated those colors to you, considering it's the same colors as your MAS suit was painted."

He leaned against me. "I was just wondering since of the four collars mine is the closest in color to yours."

"I didn't have anything to do with it. Though maybe I should claim the credit." I grinned at him.

He slapped my butt cheek rather hard. "Bad Tiger, thinking about lying to your mate."

I adopted my most innocent look and rubbed the spot he'd hit. "I'm sorry, I'll be good."

Wolf gave me a little push. "Cut that out. You know I was only teasing."

I grinned at him. "I know and I'm really happy about that. A little bit of friendly teasing can be a good thing. I know it sounds strange, but it reminds me how much you love me."

"I suppose, it is strange."

I laughed and shook my head. "See when it comes from a place of love it's alright. Unlike. . ."

Wolf hugged me. "I know, I've seen your memories and nightmares. I- none of us would ever hurt you like that. What the!?"

I glanced where Wolf was looking. Timid was returning looking sad and upset.

"What's wrong?" Wolf asked.

"The others. They . . . They didn't want to play. I think they were scared of me. They were in the water splashing each other so I swam over to introduce myself, but when I stood up they yelled and took off for the beach."

"House! Would you please summon my slaves?" I yelled.

"Yes sir."

"Wolf, take Timid inside, for the moment. Once everyone has arrived we'll have proper introductions."

Wolf nodded and led the shark inside telling him it was just a misunderstanding.

Meanwhile I worked at unclenching my teeth and retracting my claws. Finally I gave up and shifted to human form. I was still angry, but a little less dangerous, maybe.

"Master! Somehow a Sharpedo got through the shield!" Chomper yelled, as he ran up. He was holding an improvised spear. I grabbed it and snapped it in half then proceeded to break the whole thing into smaller and smaller pieces venting my anger on the weapon. Finally I looked up and everyone was standing back looking nervous.

"Um, Master, I thought you said the shield would keep out anything dangerous." Speed said, quietly.

I glared at him. "Wolf, you can come out now."

Wolf came out of the house. Some of my anger dissipated since it was sort of funny seeing Timid trying to hide behind my mate. "Everyone, this is Timid, Master Wolf's first slave. Timid, these are my slaves: Charcoal, Sparx, Chomper, Crimson, Inferno, Speed, Iceberg, and Stone."

"I- I'm sorry. We should have realized you were one of us. Can you forgive me for acting like I did?" Chomper asked.

"You- You're a dinosaur!"

"I'm not sure what that is. I'm a Pokémorph, like Crimson, Sparx, Charcoal, and Stone. We each have our own type though, I'm a Tyrantrum."

"Pokémorph?" Timid asked.

"They're from a universe where all the animals are called Pokémon and each species has its own name."

"Our universe has a lot in common with the Pokéworld, but is called the Nexoverse and we're Nexomorphs." Iceberg added.

"I'm sort of a shark, sharkmon, I guess?" Timid said.

Wolf laughed. "You’re not a Pokémon. As best I can tell, you're a shark mammal hybrid maybe dolphin, it’s hard to be sure since your shark genes are dominant."

"So, where's your mate? Is he still in the house? Charcoal asked.

"I- I don't have a mate yet."

"We just got back, and we thought maybe a swim and getting to meet all of you would cheer him up before we jumped back to the same type of place." Wolf said. I didn't need telepathy to know he was as mad as I was, but he was hiding it better.

"Oh! Sure, come on Timid; let us show you around the island. There's a rather deep bay, just a ways down the beach, which you might enjoy. Speed said running over and pulling Timid back toward the beach.

"Chomper-"

"Don't worry Masters, now that we know he's one of us and not a sea monster here to attack and eat us, we'll do everything we can to make up for our poor first impressions." Spark said, as he and Charcoal took ahold of Chomper's arms and started pulling him along with them.

"I'm sorry, I really, really am." Chomper shouted back to us as the others followed behind him.

"Do you think he'll be alright?" Wolf asked.

"Yeah, if they don't overdo it trying to make it up to him. Fortunately, once he's in the water none of them will be able to keep up with him. So any ideas for a mate?"

"I've got some ideas, but I think I'm going to let him have a say in choosing."

I smiled. "Yeah, I find their partnership turns out better that way."

***

We stepped through the portal and Timid was pulling at his clothes again. "Master Jordan, I just don't feel right."

I'd done my best, with House' help, to come up with something for him. His gray shorts were darker than his skin color. They were silky and light as they could be, while covering him. Well, all except his back side, his tail necessitated that the shorts didn't have a back. The sea blue T-shirt had the arms ripped off and neck stretched to allow it to be as open as possible.

"If you keep complaining next time we'll try something really tight." Jordan said, looking at his slave as if considering this might have been a mistake.

"I'm sorry, Master I- I- I want him!" Timid stuttered before moving. I finally looked around, we hadn't arrived in the same place as before. We were in the aquatic section and Timid was drooling over a larger shark.

I pushed down my fears again and did my best to look at the slave without preconceptions. I looked closer, something was off I couldn't quite figure out what it was but something wasn't right.

"He looks like a bigger more muscular version of Timid." Jordan said quietly.

"No, that would break the game." I replied.

"What?"

"Two of the same person from different realms can't inhabit the same realm. The program doesn't allow it." I explained.

"Another glitch, maybe?" Jordan asked.

"No, not this time. The code has been checked multiple times." I scanned the new shark and then Timid.

"So what did you find?" Jordan asked.

"You're not going to believe this. That shark is and isn't Timid at the same time. They are either brothers or cousins separated by the barrier between realities."

"Ok, now explain that in English, or better yet François."

"Timid's mother was this shark's father and Timid's father was his mother."

"Love, you're giving me a headache."

“I guess what it comes down to is, do you think you can handle a larger stronger version of Timid?"

Jordan grinned. "Well, it's not the mate I'd planned on getting for him, but I don't think we'd be able to separate them if we tried." He said gesturing toward the two sharks.

Timid had his hands against the glass as did the shark inside. I watched as they turned their heads and pressed them together only separated by the reinforced glass. Timid pulled away first. "His name is Bold, but that was what was given to him by the slavers due to his size. He- he doesn't want me to share the name his mother called him so Bold works. He's like me, a hybrid but he was raised by his mammal mother to be better than his instincts."

"Timid, you can communicate with him?" I asked in surprise.

The shark blushed, "Yes, but it's more than that. When we pressed against each other, we- it's like we lived each other's lives in an instant. He- if he has to be a slave he'd rather be a slave to one of you because you care."

"What does he mean?" I asked.

"Tiger, you know what he means."

“Ah I see you're admiring my catch. I suggest you move on. This one has been tested and prefers males. Even if you did consider breeding him with your little female he'd break her."

I thought the slaver was rather funny, but I could feel Jordan getting angry.

"You do realize in these species the female is the larger one? Are you sure your 'big one' is actually male?"

"I uh-" The captain looked at Bold in confusion.

"Captain, you know if this one is a female she's a protected species. Not only do we have to return her to where we found her, but we've got to make reparations if she missed the breeding season. Plus all the ring fines for misreporting-".

"Shut up! I scanned him he's definitely male." The Captain yelled.

"Yes, he is. Though to be fair he is a hybrid and not as valuable as a pure anthro shark."

"Listen, if you think you can talk me down from 20,000-"

"Ten thousand."

"Nineteen, five."

"I glanced at Bold. Listen, I'll go to fourteen but that's it I'll find something else."

“Seventeen." I turned and started to walk away. Waiting for the next price drop to keep me haggling.

"Fifteen."

That was more like it, I started to turn back.

"Sixteen." The Captain said.

"Fifteen, five. But you have to furnish some sort of clothing so he is presentable while I continue shopping." Jordan said.

The captain looked at Bold, but finally nodded. Aye, but it will likely be a sheet with a length of string for a belt."

Jordan nodded. "That's fine, as long as he is decent."

I just watched as they let Bold out of the tank. The first thing he did was run over and hug Timid. I had to admit it was rather cute. Then they worked a sheet around Bold. He looked more like he was wearing a dingy gray dress. Finally I watched Jordan pay using the appropriate format pulled from a pouch identical to my own. Finally, Bold knelt holding his head at the perfect angle so that Jordan could slip on his collar.

"Okay, since I planned on picking up someone a little different on this trip let's look around." Jordan said, and we started walking.

I noticed Luca portaling in. Last time I could have marked it off as just another Sergal with very similar golden colors, but the portal confirmed it. Luca was playing his own version of the house game.

"Love, there's something I need to check on. There's a locator function on your gauntlet and you can always call for me." I tapped my temple.

He nodded, "Go and have fun, just not too much fun. I'm going to continue to browse. I'll let you know when I'm done."

I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and then took off after Luca. As I followed I noticed he seemed to know where he was headed. That meant he'd visited this realm far more often than I had. It seemed he was headed to the technological section. I caught up and got in front of him. "Excuse me-"

"I'm not interested in what you're selling and if you're here to rob me I don't have any currency on me. Now please move."

I stood there stunned. Luca had never acted like this with any of us before.

"Pause game, computer I have random encounters turned off. Please have the character blocking my path move." Luca ordered.

"That is not possible." the computer replied.

It took a moment before I realized, since he was running a separate copy of the game I was hidden as a non-player character. Obviously to save memory the VR computers were sharing the processing duties.

"Fine I'll do it. Resume game." He said, sounding irritated.

"My apologies." I said, stepping aside.

"Of course the computer couldn't force the character to move when it was already set to move. I've got to remember not to pause so quickly. I really wish I could have found the cheats file when I found this program." He mumbled as he continued on. Believing, rightly so, that an NPC wouldn't pay any attention to his mumbling.

"Tiger, was that Luca?" I actually jumped when Jordan put his hand on my shoulder

"Uh, yeah. It seems he was able to get a copy of the game. And the two games are sharing the game generation load between them. Though, because we're in the original, we can see Luca but when he looks at us he only sees NPC characters."

"It's not good he has a copy."

"Don't worry, House is tailored to the individual. His house and slaves would be much different than ours. I don't think we have anything to worry about."

"What's he doing here though?"

I looked around and it hit me why I found this slave station to be so strange. There were species that were on my ban list. "I think this is actually a realm from his game."

"So while here we're in his game, he can't tell it's us. We could have some fun with this."

"Maybe, I sort of lost track of him. But that's not why we're here.

"Oh, right I came to find you since I've finished."

I glanced behind him to see an Orc and a wild boar. The orc was a green skinned variety. Smaller than most but still taller and more muscular than any human. The Boar was average height for an anthro. He was a bit fat, but more having a muscle gut than just fat.

I pulled out the stones.

“Please, help me.”

I looked around and pinpointed a small crystal globe on a nearby vender’s table. A mist was swirling inside and for just an instant a fox face would form. I walked over and picked it up. The mist inside settled into the form of a three tailed kitsuné.

“Please, help me. I need to return to my home.”

“Excuse me, how much for this crystal ball?”

The vender looked at me with an evil smile. “I’m sorry, but I have no need to buy something like that. It’s probably cursed. Away with you.”

“I can’t just take this, it was right here on your display.”

“I said take your rubbish and get out of here, before I call security.”

I returned to Wolf and his four slaves.

“What was that about?” He asked.

“You know me, just trying to help a wayward soul to get home. This little Kitsuné belongs with his brethren. It will take some time, but I’m going to make sure he gets home.

“You know what I am and where I’m from? You can really take me home!”

“Yes, it will take some time but you will be returned to your realm. Better yet your family has learned a new way to grow more tails so once you are home you will be able to eventually ascend.”

“I- I’ll do my best not to bring you bad luck like all my previous owners have claimed.”

“I know you won’t. Unlike the myths you’re a good kitsuné.”

Wolf laughed. “This time you really have collected a wayward soul rather than it just being a euphemism.” Now let’s get back to House before something else happens.

We portalled out. I'd find out the stories and names of Wolf’s Boar and Orc once we were home away from the crowds and noise.

***