FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Virtually Real Part 14: Where Did We Leave Off?

Returning Characters:

Prowl-Ar (Human, Tiger/Wolf, Shifter)

Kyle (Nanaki, Red XIII, Eastern Dragon)

Shock (Video Fox, V-Fox, Kelly, Fox/Tiger, Shifter

Mahan (Shadow Runner Artificial Intelligence)

House (Realm Guardian)

Prowl-Ar’s slaves:

Conner (Fox) & Bit (Rabbit)

Shot & Key (Horses, half brothers)

Sticks (Wolf) & Birch (Deer)

Mika (White Mouse) & Ghost (Cougar, Herm)

Chester (Chipmunk) & Josh (Monkey)

Evan (Old Lion) & Leo (Lion)

Bruin (Lion/Bear) & Race (Lion/Otter)

Mark (Lion/Wolf Twin) & Carl (Wolf/Lion Twin)

Rick (Lion/Kangaroo) & Justin (Coywolf)

Aaron (Lynx) & Isaac (Collie)

Altan (White Tiger twin, purple stripes) & Amur (White Tiger twin, Pink)

Blacky (Black Lab) & Scratch (Black Panther)

Golden (Yellow Lab) & Royal (Golden Retriever)

Husky (Husky) & Shepherd (German Shepherd)

Talon (Western standard Dragon) & Stripes (Tiger/Canin Hybrid)

Pyre (Foxtaur) & Raze (Dogtaur)

Yarl (Western groundling dragon) & Ketz (Eastern sacred dragon)

Kyle’s Slaves

Swift (Otter) & Tas (Thylacine, Tasmanian Tiger)

Diggs (Kangaroo) & Mitch (Dingo)

As the door closed behind Shock, I hugged Kyle. "Thank you, for not telling him about my problem."

"Even if it takes the rest of our eternal lives, I swear one day I'll find a way to reassure you, you're not inflicting yourself on me. I know you trust me because you're dealing with things you've kept repressed for almost as long as you've been alive. You feel safe for once, allowing yourself to feel again, knowing that I'm here to hold you together until the pain passes.”

"You haven't even seen me at my worst. God forbid you should ever see that." I said curling tighter into the embrace.

"Tell me." He whispered.

"I can't, I don't have any memory of the event. I think I found a way-" I sniffed, "I think I used the evolver to destroy the memory areas of my brain and then repair the damage. Then uploaded my mind from a mem-crystal made before the event. I only know the heavily edited details that Mahan has told me."

"Mahan-" Kyle started.

"No, I'm not going to tell you. There are some things that should never be spoken."

"Mahan please, he needs to know. If I ever- if it happens again he may need to- to put me down."

Mahan didn't respond.

"Tiger, you can't mean what that sounds like." Kyle said pushing me back slightly to look directly into my eyes.

"If you think it sounds like he wants you to kill him, then it is exactly what it sounds like. My reason for not wanting to speak of this is because of what it did to him the last time I told him about the events. After a month in the med-bay, in a catatonic state, I had to isolate him in VR for two years to keep him from spacing himself."

"Mahan, I have Kyle and Shock to help me work through the pain this time."

"I suppose the first thing you need to know is that Prowl-Ar is what is often referred to as a berserker. If he is pushed too far he snaps and he goes feral. It's like he has all the knowledge and skills of both his tiger and human forms but none of the limits that all rational beings place upon themselves. What I'm trying to explain is that even though he blames himself for the events that took place it was a completely separate being that I'm going to be describing. I suppose it is best to start at the beginning."

"That is the logical place to start." I said.

"You say that now but you don't know the whole story. It started like so many tragedies do, a group of nineteen fanatics gunning down a group of civilians. In this case it was a furry convention. All told there were 443 fatalities, no one bothered to count the injured survivors. There were roughly another two hundred 'suicides' because of this incident. I stress suicides because that is the official report on twelve police officers that ended up dead. Those officers put down five of the shooters before the rest surrendered. The killers were tried but the heaviest sentence was five years. When the sentence was rendered. Something broke in Prowl-Ar." Mahan paused again, and then let out static sounding like a sigh. "Prowl-Ar was one of the uncounted injured. He would have been a victim, but-“. Mahan stopped speaking.

“Don’t stop now, you’ve never told me how I got back here. I just figured I wasn’t badly injured.”

Again he made the static filled sigh “A potential crew member got him to the convention center roof and aboard a shuttle. That individual didn't survive the trip. The shuttle only had two med-pods. He sacrificed his chance for his daughter."

"Wait, what do you mean a potential crew member?" I quickly asked.

"This is why I didn't want to talk about this. You had just started to reach out again. You'd made a few friends online and though I was skeptical you thought a couple of them would make good crewmembers. They invited you to a meet up at the convention where you'd planned on hinting at the possibility."

"If they already knew about the shuttle there must have been to sentinel files for them. What about the girl?"

"No, they hadn’t gotten that far into the process. They didn’t even know about the shuttle. You shifted after being shot and it was enough. The girl, unfortunately was dead before even before her father put her in the med-tube. I'm not sure if he even realized it or if he did and maybe he purposely didn't use the tube for himself.”

“So he lost everyone again, oh tiger.”

I could feel Kyle crying, but I just felt numb by this point.

“Prowl-Ar was at the trials as a survivor but the judge refused to allow any survivor testimony. I think that was the last straw. I noticed you weren't yourself when you returned, however you were quick to take me completely offline. I only know what happened next through deep scan research I preformed when you brought me back online over a decade later."

I laughed, a hollow empty laugh. "That's why I made sure that, now, no one can access the deep scan system without Mahan."

"You used the deep scan to track down the killers, didn’t you?” Kyle asked.

"He went after more than just the fourteen surviving gunmen. The Grimm Reaper, that's what he called himself, went after the killers and everyone that was a part of their plan or helped them in the aftermath. They didn't die quickly or easily either. It didn't matter if they were in prison or free they all died along with 23 police officers who supported them, the judge who let them off because in his own words "they were justified in cleansing the world of such reprehensible sexual deviants", and another 1296 members of affiliated hate groups."

I was shaking, this was information Mahan hadn’t shared before. "Oh God, that would make me the most successful serial killer in human history."

"It depends on your point of view. Some see you as an avenging angel, others as the ultimate anti-hero, fortunately most people categorize The Grimm as modern myth. It didn't help that at each execution The Grimm left a calling card of a Reaper's Sickle painting in the victim's blood. Copycats came out of the woodwork, or at least 21 did. Most didn't survive to kill more than two people. They received the mark of two crossed sickles to represent The Grimm’s displeasure. To this day most extremists avoid furry gatherings fearing a return of the Grimm Reaper."

"I've always tried to keep my emotions on such a short leash since I knew I had the potential to lose it, but I never imagined I'd go that far. Even with what little he told me before I ordered him, if I snap like that again, to space me and resurrect a sane version after whatever made me snap is long past. I can't let go of my self-loathing because I killed people. They may not have been innocent but that doesn't make it right. Now that I know the numbers I-I-".

"Ho-ly-shit!"

Both Kyle and I jerked around to see Shock slumped against the door.

"I can't believe it." Shock mumbled.

"Shock, it wasn't-"

"You're like a fuckin' folk hero in the community. While growing up, every night after saying my prayers I'd ask God to send his Reaper to punish my Stepfather. I- I prayed for you to rescue me. That is so messed up, but you really did it. I never even imagined the possibility I’d fall in love with my greatest hero."

"Shock, please I'm not a hero, I'm a murderer. I'm not even the same individual as the Reaper."

"What about all the people you've helped over the years?" He asked.

"What are you talking about? The Grimm only existed for ten years and that was two centuries ago."

"That isn't strictly true. The Grimm is still active, he just does things a bit differently now." Mahan said.

"Mahan?" All three of us asked.

"I've told you that I have my ways of dealing with evil individuals. Take Shock's situation for example. His Stepfather confessed all of his sins to the police this morning. When questioned why, he showed them what has become known as the Grimm card."

"Grimm card?" I asked.

"It's a titanium card with the Grimm's symbol engraved on one side and a message on the other." Shock replied.

A picture of a black card appeared on the screen. On the front it said "Confess or face justice" and the back was had the Reaper symbol colored reddish brown.

"The card is engraved titanium and the symbol is colored by the dried blood of the corrupt judge. Though they rarely bother to test it anymore. If Shock’s stepfather is appropriately punished, according to the law, he has nothing more to fear. If he gets out of it with a plea bargain or on a technicality. Well, it's best if all of you don't know anything about that."

"Mahan-" I started.

"The Reaper currently has a record of four thousand four hundred ninety three combined kills. After the trial the current card ‘disappear’ thanks to my drones, and it will be archived in the vault."

"Mahan-" Kyle growled.

"Before you try and tell me that I can't be judge, jury, and executioner let me remind you that unlike humans I can do the research and I know whether an individual is guilty or innocent. However I'm not just a machine so I'm also able to take extenuating circumstances into account.”

"MAHAN! Shut up and check your scanners!" Kyle roared.

"There is nothing- Oh! Shock, there's a syringe on the matter generator, pass it to Kyle. Quickly please."

"I'm alright, just give me a moment to center myself." I said trying to control my panic attack.

"Mahan, not that I'm afraid, but should I be?" Shock asked.

"Of Prowl-Ar? He'd hurt himself before he'd ever knowingly harm you. At this point you could out right betray him and he would likely blame himself."

"Just because I'm using my meditation techniques to relax and center myself doesn't mean I can't hear you." I growled.

"Then tell me I'm wrong about my assessment."

"Screw you."

"I'd like to see you try."

"Getting back to betraying Prowl-Ar, I wouldn't consider it if I were you. My tiger might not be a threat, but I sure as hell would be."

I let out a deep breath. "Kyle, stop acting tough. We both know you have a soft spot for our little fox. You'd forgive him, eventually. Shock, you don’t be afraid. Even if I ‘snap’ Mahan can keep both you and Kyle safe."

"He wouldn't have to because I'd never willingly betray any of you. Even if I find someone else that loves me I'll still come back here, because you're my family."

Kyle and I looked at each other, "Alright you incestuous little kit. Get your tail to school before we have to punish you." Kyle said.

"Mmm, is that a promise?"

"Go!" Both Kyle and I yelled, and I swear Shock actually skipped out the door.

"Kyle, remind me never to do, whatever it was I did that got Shock aboard this ship. I don’t think we’d survive the experience."

"Fine, I'll remind you not to save the planet the next time it's going to be destroyed."

"Don't bother. I tried to tell him not to involve Video Fox, but did he listen to me?" Mahan asked.

"Kyle, go ahead and use that syringe of sedative. Knock me out so I don't have to listen to Mahan's smug voice."

"You know my voice is based on your vocal range."

"See what I mean? It's horrible."

Kyle grinned, "Mahan, privacy mode, code life stream. There, he won't be bothering us for a while. I'm not going to give you the sedative. Instead I'm going to hold you until you fall asleep naturally."

"But I've been unconscious most of the day."

"Shush, you need real sleep not the nightmare filled horrors you've been experiencing. Now no more complaining."

"But I like complaining."

"Fine then, complain all you want, but it isn't going to change anything."

"Kyle?"

"What?"

"I need to use the bathroom."

Kyle slapped his hand across his face and started to laugh, "Of course you do."

***

I yawned and stretched before opening my eyes.

"Don't tell me you're still tired?" Kyle asked.

"No, I just don't like having to rush it if I don't have to. Besides, now I have a reason to stay right here."

"Oh, and what reason is that?"

"You, of course."

"You know, Shock is busy working with Mahan to record a couple of net-casts in order to cover for the fact that he's still aboard, so we have some time to ourselves." Kyle ran his hands lightly over my waist.

I gasped and did a pelvic thrust causing him to laugh. "Mmm, I think I found a sensitive spot."

"Not to interrupt-"

Kyle held his hand up flipping off the wall monitor.

I grabbed his hand and pulled it back down to my sweet spot while blushing, "Don't stop," I whispered.

"I don't plan on it. I'm going to find every place that drives you wild."

"I thought you should know that Shock has gained access to the house program."

"Computer, engage full privacy mode!" I yelled.

Kyle grinned and tweaked my left nipple and I shook my head. "Sensitive but not-" He moved up and licked across my collar bone causing my eyes to roll back, my mouth to drop open, and a drawn out moan.

"This is so much fun."

My leg jerked up as if I'd stepped on a nail and he laughed. "You may not be into foot play but it seems you have sensitive arches."

I looked down in time to see the end of his tail moving toward my other foot. I started to move, but he glared at me and I stopped.

He paused just looking at me and then he smiled. "You’re almost completely submissive when it comes to love, aren't you?"

I tried to turn my face away as I whispered, "Yes."

He shifted to his human form, "What about now?"

"Doesn't matter, you're always going to be the one in control here."

"What about with Shock?"

"He wants me to be in control, so I'm just following his wishes."

"What about the game?"

"You'll notice that there hasn't been a lot of sex that hasn't been initialized by one of them." I whispered.

He shut me up with a kiss. As he broke away he smiled, "No more talking. From here on the only sounds will be those of pleasure." Again he ran his fingers over my hips, I moaned, and he grinned.

***

"If you two are done rutting, you need to talk Shock down."

I glanced at the drone sitting in the living room as we exited the bedroom. "Oh sorry. Computer, cancel privacy mode."

Mahan's avatar appeared and the drone promptly turned and walked back out the door.

"So what's wrong, now?" Kyle asked.

"All of Video Fox’s accounts have been frozen, his virtual assets seized, and all contacts are being investigated."

"You've got back-ups of everything?"

"Of course. The moment you left to bring him aboard I copied everything involving Kelly Fox and his fursonas."

"Good, enact Ragnarok protocol on Video Fox.”

"Are you sure that is the wisest course of action?"

"He is now under Shadow Runner protection. The actions taken constitutes an attack. Freezing every single system involved is my response. If the individuals responsible want their systems back they have two hours to publically broadcast an official apology to Video Fox. After that, if they don't apologize, erase the systems and any backups they may have."

"If they do apologize?"

"Immediately unlock their systems and only erase Video Fox’s information. From this point forward all of his interactions will be on our servers."

"What about Kelly and Shock's files? Shouldn't they be transferred as well?" Kyle asked.

"No, those accounts should remain as they are to protect his identity. However, Mahan, if the connection between the three accounts are ever made transfer the accounts immediately and enact scorched Earth."

"What does that mean?" Kyle asked in concern.

"If Kelly's identity is discovered all files of his and Shock's existence will be erased and he'll join us here as a permanent crew member."

"Can I have some discretion as to directly contacting the CEO's of three companies involved?" Mahan asked.

"Mahan, what haven't you told us?" Kyle asked.

"As you know Prowl-Ar maintains a few Earth side assets. In order to pay for them he has to make money. To do that I have made a few ‘investments’. To that end I, or Prowl-Ar, is the majority shareholder in three of the effected companies. I just thought it would be best to let them know they need to apologize, even though they are doing what they are required to do by law."

"Basically you're letting them say we're sorry, but it isn't really our fault." I said.

"Precisely, they save face and get to keep making money for us, uh you."

"If they refuse?" Kyle asked.

"I'm the one that wrote their contracts. If they refuse they're fired with no benefits or severance package and I'll appoint someone new that is smart enough to listen." Mahan stated smugly.

"Can you do that within the two hours?" I asked.

"Everything is online now so news comes out at as a constant stream. If I partition and deal with all three companies at once it shouldn't take more than half an hour at most. The problem you're not seeing is that Shock discovered that Video Fox was frozen and has been dealing with his frustrations in the VR chamber."

"That isn't a problem. It seems better than how I deal with things." I said.

"He's been running your House program."

"So?"

"Not the copy but the main program. I should also point out that his bio signs indicate he is involved in violent activity and you set game at deadly level."

"Shit!" I grabbed Kyle's arm and pulled him toward the door. "Why didn’t the computer automatically reset the level? Shock’s only rated up to rookie level."

"I'm still a bit new to this level idea so what is my rating?" Kyle asked.

The rating starts at level zero observation. At that setting you see everything but there is no interaction. The next levels are safe, starter, and rookie. At rookie level if you get shot it’s like being punched just hard enough to bruise. Then there are advanced, experienced, and dangerous. You're rated for dangerous level simply due to the fact you've lived most of your life in the virtual world. At that level if you get shot you're going to be bleeding, a lot, but you can’t actually be mortally wounded even if it is point blank in the face." We made it to the lift. "Don't think I'm going easy on you at that level, because you're going to take real damage that will switch the chamber to emergence medical mode all the same."

"That is the level Mahan wanted you to play at, right?"

"Yes, but my usual setting is deadly with only master being higher. I play at the deadly level because it allows for the most realism, but as you've seen it isn't always the smartest idea."

"What about master level?" Kyle asked.

"That level is usually locked and usually requires voice authorization to unlock. The exception being for the emergency medical program. It wouldn't do to be hauled out of the VR and have all the stitches disappear."

The lift doors opened and Kyle chased after me.

"Is there a second exception?"

"Yes, but it isn’t important." I slammed my hand against the door access panel.

"Players, Prowl-Ar and Kyle, you are locked at observer level until you resume the position of your avatars."

"Computer, what is the condition of player Shock?"

"That information is unavailable to your character."

I turned toward Kyle only to discover that he'd passed me and had taken position at his avatar.

"Hurry up, as soon as you're in position you can ask house directly."

I ran to my position.

"Would you like a quick summary of your action to this point to get into character?"

"I am my character. We just got back from the dragon home world, Talon is stretching his wings, Aaron is getting cleaned up after Kyle scared the crap out of him, and Kyle and I are headed inside to-" I stopped abruptly, took a deep breath, and carefully thought about what I was about to say. "To speak with House and Evan to learn about everything that has transpired in our absence."

Kyle gave me a funny look.

"Game continuing."

We quickly headed toward the house.

"What was that pause about?"

"If I'd said the wrong thing, in this case I was about to say 'what the hell is happening to Shock' the computer would have locked us to observation mode for twenty-four hours as a penalty since we aren't supposed to know that Shock is here." We marched in the front door to find that the foyer was empty. "House, anything to report?"

"Yes Sir, there are three new areas to explore. The first is a location with an amphitheater, the second is a small tropical island, and the third is a mixed pine and aspen valley with a stream and ponds. Mika is showing marked improvement in the kitchen and Mitch has started taking cooking class showing a real aptitude for savory dishes. Sticks has been spending a great deal of time training in the dojo and he has set up a shelter in the aspen area. He is working with Birch to get over his fear of storms. That world's guardian has been informed to send him back here if a storm is going to be really intense."

"House, are you hiding something?"

"No Master Kyle, I'm just bringing things up to date."

"House, as interesting as your report is. What I want to know is if there have been any unexpected events, such as requests from the kingdom, or unexpected visits from the King's Shadow?"

"No, there have been no emergencies. However, you have received one visitor. Mr. Dafox, claims to be a distant relative of yours, though he is a fox. I assumed that you sent him here seeing as he arrived by portal and only you, Master Kyle, and the King's Shadow can freely travel by portal. He has been here a few hours and has, so far, spent all of his time in the dojo sparing first with Raze and then with Sticks. Currently he is practicing with a Kithara wind staff. I had to make a special one to fit his stature."

"So he's only practicing and not breaking things or flying into a rage?"

"I don't know about being that angry. He was a bit upset when Sticks bested him but they parted on good terms. He has also been showing signs of frustration at not accomplishing the moves he wants with the staff. I'd provide a tutor, but I have very limited knowledge of wind staff performances."

"I see, thank you, House, and please have everyone assemble in the dojo at their convenience."

"Yes Sir."

House disappeared and I headed for the Dojo.

"House, is Mitch currently in the kitchen?"

"Yes, Master Kyle."

"I think I'll just check up on him, um which way is the kitchen?"

"It's-" I pointed toward the left wing but suddenly realized I wasn't sure since I hadn't explored the most recent changes yet. "That way I think."

House's butler avatar reappeared. "I will show you the way, Master Kyle. Master Prowl-Ar, the dojo is still in the same location." I nodded and headed down the right wing hallway.

As I approached the doorway I could hear Shock's performance. His skill had definitely improved. "House, mask my presence from Shock and make sure everyone knows to enter quietly and find a place to sit around the edges."

I felt a tingling sensation as the cloaking program started. Now I'd be nothing more than a shadow even if Shock looked directly at me. I quietly entered the dojo. Sticks and Birch were sitting on the floor. Birch was leaning back against the wall with Sticks between his outstretched legs resting back against him. It was obvious that Sticks had been training since he was still dressed in his fighting gear. I held my finger up to my lips to keep them quiet as I sat near them. I silently laughed and forced myself to slide closer until Birch and I were touching.

"Alpha, I'll go change right away." Sticks whispered.

"No, if you're comfortable you can keep your gear on for now. Just relax and continue as if I wasn't here."

Birch nibbled on Sticks' ear causing him to giggle.

I smiled and focused on Shock. It seemed he'd moved on from attempting to put his own spin on my music to creating his own style. I quietly hummed along trying to place the song he was attempting to modify. Suddenly I had to bite the inside of my lip to keep from laughing as the song was finally dredged up from the depths of my memory.

"House, play music 'What Does the Fox Say' to give Shock a rhythm to follow."

"Alpha, you know the song he is trying to play?” Sticks asked, “He said it was an old folk song from his home realm."

"I don't know about it being a folk song, but it is old and certainly perfect for him to try and modify to fox style."

With the background music Shock's moves were much more fluid and assured. Conner sat next to me and I glanced around noticing that the room was starting to fill.

"Dad, who is the new fox? Why doesn't he have a collar? And why is he wearing clothes?"

"I'll explain everything once everyone is here. For now just sit back and enjoy the music."

Conner was suddenly lifted up and plopped in my lap. He just giggled. It wasn't until I felt a large body sit next to me, smelling of fresh bread, that I knew for sure Kyle had cloaked his own entry.

"You had better not be scattering crumbs in my dojo you naughty drake." I whispered.

There was a bit of crunching and a mumble that might have been interpreted as ‘I'm not’ but sounded more like "mum nom". Within seconds the cloak faded and I watched as another scone disappeared into his snout. I quickly grabbed the last one in his hand and he looked at me in surprise. "The cloak dissipates if you speak to the one you are hiding from." I passed the scone to Sticks, "Will you please dispose of this while I-" I was interrupted by a crunch and the sound of more chewing. I turned back to see Sticks grinning at me as Birch finished chewing and then swallowed.

"There you go Alpha, all disposed of." Birch said.

I couldn’t say a thing between Sticks and Birch's grins, Kyle's pouty face and Connor's giggling words just refused to form. I winced as Shock hit a very sour note.

"Damn it all! Why can't I get that right?" Shock yelled.

I sighed and stood up, "House, my wind staff for human form. Alright let's try it together and see if we can work out the problem."

"Sir, how long-" Shock looked around the room, "has everybody been watching me?" The last part coming out quiet and sounding scared.

"I got here just before I had House add accompaniment. Everyone else has been filing in since then."

"You were sounding really good until that last note."

"Is there anyone that isn't here?"

"Mika and Mitch are finishing up in the kitchen, Aaron is entering the fur dryer, Talon has just landed, and finally Evan and Leo are just finishing up in the showers. They will be along once they've had their turn in the dryer." House quickly pointed out as he entered with my staff

"While we're waiting lets run through that part of the song again." I said.

Shock just stood sort of dumfounded until I snapped my staff into position. "When you're ready."

Shock seemed to snap out of it as the music started.

We were on our fourth attempt and still the note was wrong no matter how we adjusted the staff's swing. I cringed as I hit the bad note again, but I was the only one that did. Instead Shock had anticipated the note and snapped back to start position. We both stared at each other. "Run through it again, but instead of swinging your staff snap back to starting position the same as you just did. House, run background music at half volume."

The change worked but the next note was weak since the staff didn't have the momentum of the original swing. I thought about how to get the momentum needed for that note. It would be difficult with Shock's light frame.

"I've got an idea. House restart."

I watched as Shock once again hit the right note but instead of trying to swing the staff he released it slamming it down with his foot pad, following with a cartwheel to retrieve the staff and then spinning as he transitioned through the next note. I retracted my staff and headed toward my spot next to Kyle. There was no way I would be able to pull off that trick. It was definitely something only a fox could pull off.

The song ended and Shock started jumping up and down in excitement. "I did it! I've adapted my first song for fox style! Pause game! Sir, can I preform this for my next show? I know I can't let anyone know that I can shift but couldn’t I say it is just a trick of the VR chamber making me look like an anthro-fox? I mean it would have to make me look like Video Fox of course."

"No."

"Huh, but-"

"I said no. You said you wanted to perform while suiting. In which case Shock and Video Fox can't both have the same unexplained new talent."

"Oh, I guess you're right, and I’d rather preform as myself rather than as V-Fox anyway. Computer, continue game."

"Congratulations. I knew you had it in you. From here on out you should find it easier to come up with more new performances." I said, congratulating Shock as through the game hadn’t been paused.

He leaped at me wrapping me in a hug and I froze. It was only for maybe a second and then I returned the hug, but I still wasn't really comfortable with the action.

"It's alright. I get it you're afraid of letting anyone close because you don't want to be hurt." He rubbed his muzzle under my chin. "No matter how many centuries it takes I'm going to work on getting you used to being hugged."

"Break it up you two, there are a couple of adults present." Kyle said, as he pulled Shock off from me. "You wouldn't want to embarrass me would you?" Shock immediately latched onto Kyle who let out a "whoof" as he was hugged so tightly.

"Of course I would Uncle Kyle."

Now I had to laugh at the surprised look on Kyle's face. I glanced around the room spotting the individuals House said had been missing so I cleared my throat.

"Everyone, this is my great nephew Shock Dafox."

"How did he get here?" Tas asked.

"I found some of the, um toys that Uncle Prowl-Ar left behind. I eventually ended up opening a portal here."

Conner raised his hand and started waving to be seen.

"Yes, Conner? You have a question." I said.

"How can he be your nephew when he's a fox? Besides, you said that there are only humans in your home realm."

"That's completely true. However, there are some of us that would rather be an anthro like you. We call ourselves Furrys and most of us would do anything to be more like you." He winked at Conner. "As you can see I'm a fox tiger hybrid, but- "Shock shifted to his human form and nearly everyone gasped, "I'm also still human."

"Can all furrys do that?" Josh quickly asked.

I sighed, "No, as far as I knew only two individuals had that ability. Obviously Shock didn't come straight here. I presume you followed a similar path that I did?"

"Maybe not exactly the same path but close enough that it doesn't really matter." Shock grinned and shifted back to his anthro form.

I nodded, "Everyone, didn't you find it strange the lockers all display a feral form of your species except mine isn't human, it's a tiger?"

There was a lot of head nodding, but no one spoke so I took a deep breath and shifted to my anthro tiger form.

"It's because my other form is that of a tiger wolf hybrid."

"Since we're doing this I might as well show off a bit." Kyle said.

Shock and I quickly moved back as Kyle shifted to his full dragon form.

Everyone except Aaron and Talon plastered themselves against the wall.

"Master Kyle, give us a fireball to really show off!" Aaron yelled.

"No! Not in the house." I yelled.

Kyle laughed and changed all the way back to his human form.

"I have a question. Why doesn’t Master Kyle's locker have a picture of a dragon on it?"

"Good observation, Swift. Unlike everyone else," Kyle shifted to his original form, "My symbol is from my markings on my original form. Most people call me a lion wolf hybrid but I'm actually the last member of my species."

"Master Prowl-Ar, you took a feral as your mate?" Evan asked.

"Watch it old man. I may be a quadruped in my original form, but I'm no feral animal. Unless any of you get it into your head that you're going to give my mate a mating bite, again."

"Kyle, we spoke about this. That was my fault for not realizing how it might upset you. Evan was simply following my orders. Besides you made sure the marks were removed when I was in the med-tube."

"I'm just making it clear to everyone that I'm the only one allowed to mark you with a mating bite."

"Alright, I know the last few weeks have been kind of hectic. So, since we're all here I think this would be a good time to make sure everyone knows each other. For those few of you who don't know me I am Prowl-Ar Nightiger and this is my home. While I hadn't exactly planned on building such a large family. That is truly what you are, even though you were purchased or obtained as pleasure slaves. I expect you to perform that role of course, but you'll find that I'm very forgiving as long as you don't lie to me. Kyle, your turn."

"Hello everyone, I'm Kyle Dacat, Prowl-Ar's mate. For those of you wondering, while Prowl-Ar was content to remain here and enjoy what this sanctuary had to offer, I suppose it's because my tiger had already visited a great number of realms before we met, I still felt like exploring. It seems sort of strange now that I think about it but after seeing the suffering inflicted on Swift, my otter, I knew I had to save him but the only way I could do that would be to remove him from his realm making him my slave. I knew it meant returning here and giving up my exploring. Funny how right after making that decision I found myself in the middle of a situation involving two waring nations one run by dragons and the other," He paused and shifted back to human form and then to his anthro lion form, "ruled by lions. So I guess I'm going to be living here from now on, and trying to keep my mate out of trouble. Shock, your turn."

"So Prowl-Ar sort of already introduced me."

"You're Video Fox, aren't you?" Birch suddenly asked.

"Huh?"

"When Alpha watches the news from his own realm, he often watches Video Fox. You're right Birch, I kept trying to place the voice too. But if you can shift why you do remain human and wear a fox suit?" Sticks asked.

Shock shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably. "It's because I've only recently gained the ability to shift, besides I can't let anyone in my realm know that I can shift."

"Does that mean you'll be staying here with us?" Conner asked.

"No,” Shock glanced and Kyle and myself in despair. “I'm only here for a visit with Uncles Prowl-Ar and Kyle, spend some time practicing my fighting and music techniques, and resting before returning to my own realm."

"Oh." Conner said looking let down.

"That doesn't mean he won't visit from time to time and you can always watch him when he gets back to reporting the news." I quickly pointed out.

Shock looked a bit surprised but didn't comment. I nodded understanding that he had a few private questions for me. "Next up is House."

"Me, Sir?" House asked, as his butler avatar appeared.

"Yes you. You're a big part of making this all possible."

"I suppose so, Sir. Everyone, I am the guardian of this realm and it is my job to make sure you are all well taken care of. My duties include cleaning, cooking, teaching, maintaining portals to the set realms, monitoring portal travel between realms, general grounds keeping, and a multitude of other jobs."

"Now that all of us unimportant individuals are taken care of," I paused to let the giggling die down, "first up are Bit and Conner."

They slowly walked out to the center of the room.

"I'm Bit and I guess I'm Daddy's first slave. My first daddy sold me to make room for more little brothers and sisters. What he didn't know, at least I hope he didn’t, is that I was going to be bought as food. Luckily Daddy Prowl-Ar bought me and with the King's Shadow's help even changed the law so that no one else would ever be sold as food again."

"I'm Conner, and I was sold as a thief. After a city guard sold my Mom into slavery I was left on the streets trying to survive on my own. No one wanted to buy a fox criminal so I was going to be executed, but Master Prowl-Ar not only bought me, but he also took me to pay for everything that I stole."

"Shot and Key, your turn." I said. The two horses switched with Bit and Connor.

"My name is Buckshot, but everybody just calls me Shot."

"I'm Whiskey, but I prefer to just be called Key. Our story is the same and though we look the same we're only half-brothers. The herd master, our father, was trying to sell us for eyeing his mares."

"Something we weren't doing, but we couldn't tell him that we were actually trying to see if any part of us looked different." Shot explained.

"Yeah, if he'd knows that we'd gotten hard from looking at each other he'd have sold us to the wolves, no offense Sticks."

"None taken. I've seen it happen, and I didn’t like it. It was just another reason my original Alpha thought I was weak."

"So Dad was trying to sell us on a non-auction day and causing a big commotion at the guild office. Master Prowl-Ar bought us just to get him out of the way." Shot continued.

"And I'm so glad he did. He allowed us to realize that we shared more than just a physical attraction to one another." Key said as he pulled his brother close and kissed him.

I rolled my eyes. "And you haven't been able to keep your hands off each other since. Sticks and Birch, your turn.

"I'm Sticks, and Alpha didn't buy me. I was place in his service by the King's Shadow. Though if he hadn't I would have died. My first Alpha wanted me sold because he discovered I was meeting with Birch. He sent me to my uncle, the city guard that sold Conner's mom into slavery, who then . . ." Sticks trailed off.

"Injured Sticks so badly that I had to bring him here to save his life. Even then his thoughts were for the safety of his mate." I finished for him.

"That would be me, I'm Birch. As soon as he was healed Master Prowl-Ar and Sticks came to make sure I was safe. After that I wasn't going to let Sticks be mated to anyone else so I freely gave myself to Master Prowl-Ar in order to stay with my mate."

"Yeah, love makes you do stupid things." I said.

"If you say anything disparaging about yourself I will punish you." Kyle said.

I just grinned at Kyle daring him to say more. When he didn't I called on the next two. "Mika and Ghost it's your turn."

"Yeah, most of you have already met me. I'm Mika and I was an apprentice at the slave guild until one of the Master's accused me of theft. The King's Shadow gave me a silver coin for helping him with a letter to the Guild Master. I gave the coin to my best friend to help his family."

"My name is Ghost and I'm the one he gave the coin to. When I gave the coin to my parents they got really upset because they thought I stole it."

"I became involved because I was there registering Birch." I pointed out.

"The Master that was contacted, immediately broke the guild codes and had both Ghost and I registered as thieves. I won't say anything else about the Master involved-"

"Hi, I'm Chester and the Master that was giving Mika such a bad time was my father. As it turns out he was the one responsible for selling young slaves as food."

"I didn't want to be enslaved to my grandfather so I agreed to become Lord Prowl-Ar's slave. He smoothed it over by promising my grandfather that I'd be taught all the skills I would need to be a master baker by the end of my slave contract." Mika finished.

"I didn't have much choice. No one in my family could afford to buy me. Luckily Master Prowl-Ar took me in, and even returned me to the way I was born."

Shock walked over and hugged Ghost. "I know how you feel. I was actually born with the wrong gender, but couldn't afford changing my body to male until just recently. Just always remember to be yourself and everything else is trivial."

"Thank you Shock, I hope you visit often. Since you're the only one here that knows what it's like having female parts, I'll likely have a lot of questions for you."

"Chester and Jay your turn. Though, Chester has already started." I said.

"So, I guess my Dad wasn't a very good person. I know he loved me and I'd like to think that he did what he did to protect me. Still on the night that he was caught he sold me and Josh to Master Lightstripe to protect us from some of his customers. I guess my Dad was sold into slavery for what he did to Mika and Ghost, so it is a good thing Master was willing to take us in even though Josh wasn’t what he expected."

"I guess that's my introduction. I was technically Chester's slave but when he was sold to Master Prowl-Ar my slave contract was also transferred to him. I only hope I don't disappoint him."

"Josh, I may not have been happy with you being a primate, but that doesn't mean I don’t love you just as much as everyone else. If at any time I've made you feel like you're less important then I'm truly sorry. I know how that feels and no one should have to feel that way." I walked with him, sat down, pulled him down into my lap, and wrapped my arms around him the way Kyle often did for me. "Evan, Leo, Bruin, Race, Carl, Mark, Rick, and Justin you're up."

"Most of you already know me since Master Prowl-Ar has been leaving me in charge of making sure all of you are taken care of while he was gone. For those that don't know me, I'm Evan and the boys up here with me are my sons, even though they are all hybrids. My ex-wife got all of us placed into slavery and even though we weren't supposed to be allowed to be together Master Prowl-Ar made some sort of deal so that we could be."

"I'm Leo. While I'm not the oldest I was the one that convinced Master Prowl-Ar to keep us all together."

"Hi, I'm Bruin and I'm the oldest son. I really don't know what else I can say about myself other than my mother was a bear."

"I'm Race and my mom was an otter."

"I'm Carl."

"And I'm his twin, Mark.”

"Our mother was the one that got us sold."

"Into slavery. She was a real-"

"Bitch. That is to say that she was a-"

"Wolf. Oh and we-"

"Often speak like we're-"

"The same person."

Kyle lightly slapped me on the back of the head. "Did you know they were that annoying when you purchased them?"

"Even if I did, I'd have still got them in order to have the full set."

"Hello, I'm Rick and my mom was a kangaroo. I guess Dad thought he would be safe since she was a marsupial. He was wrong. I was always picked on in school so I was really shy when we first got here but all of you have helped me get better."

"I- I'm Justin, and I'm only related to Carl and Mark. I guess my real Dad was a coyote that mom was cheating on Evan with. But Evan is the only Dad that I've known and I'm glad that I was able to stay with my family."

"Come on Isaac, we're next. Hi everyone, I'm Aaron and this is my former slave and now mate Isaac. The deal that Master Prowl-Ar made was with my father. In order to purchase Evan's family my father forced Master to buy myself and Isaac as well. All because I was causing so much embarrassment over the planned execution and dissection of Altan and Amur."

"As my mate said I'm Isaac and I was born into slavery. This refuge that Master Prowl-Ar has created is really unique. He seems to really care how we feel and is trying to help all of us become better individuals. Thank you Master for everything you're doing for us."

"Next up are Altan and Amur." I said as Aaron and Isaac returned to their spots.

"I'm Altan.”

"And I'm his twin, Amur. Before anyone panics we don't complete each other's sentences."

"Instead we're able to share each other’s thoughts, feelings, and most importantly pleasure." Altan said.

"Master Prowl-Ar, we've learned what our fate was supposed to be, and I know you've been busy, but how and why did you rescue us?" Amur asked.

"It wasn't exactly me that rescued you. The King's Shadow learned of your story when he was having Stick's Uncle 'fixed'. The Doctor mentioned that he was the one required to study your brains. The King's Shadow, knowing my tastes thought you would fit in well here so he made the deal and then informed me that you would become my slaves. I do have to admit that I found your genealogy to be very intriguing."

"That's, well, it really isn't that important to us. Especially now that we are here with you." Altan blushed and then they returned to their places.

"Now a bit of background as to my motivation for buying the next group. I knew that Altan and Amur had a thing for canines. To that end I thought it would be a good idea to buy a couple more. So with Evan's assistance I traveled to a realm where I knew I'd find plenty of options. Of course this action got me into a lot of trouble, but I don't regret it. Blacky and Scratch you're up first."

"I'm Scratch and Blacky here was my slave. Though it was in name only. You see I begged my father to buy him because I fell in love with him the moment I saw him. Unfortunately when my father caught us he was so angry that he put both of us up for auction. I thought we were going to be killed since no one wanted damaged goods like me. That is until we were led into Evan's bidding box. Even then we were afraid what was going to happen to us and even now it all still feels unreal. Thank you, Master, for saving us."

Something wasn't right. I carefully thought back and realized that I'd never heard Blacky say a word. "So, Blacky, how do you feel about being here?"

Blacky hung his head and refused to look at me.

"Master, he can't speak. His vocal chords were cut before my father bought him." Scratch pointed out.

"Damn it. I wish I'd known that sooner."

"You're not going to get rid of us because you weren't informed, are you?"

I could hear the fear in Scratch’s voice. "No, that wasn't what I meant. If I'd known you couldn't speak I wouldn't have embarrassed you the way I just did. House, please bring me a modified mind communication gear set as if Blacky was my Voice."

House arrived with the units and I carefully placed the tiara on Blacky's head and clamped the bracelet to his wrist. Then I put on my own and activated my unit. "Blacky, can you understand me?" I said, knowing he would be the only one to hear me.

"Of course I can understand him. What a stupid question. I can't talk, but I can hear just fine. I don't get what he thinks putting this on me will accomplish." Blacky said.

"Quite a great deal, when you consider that these units allow two way communication." I replied.

Blacky gasped and stepped back his eyes wide and looking at me with fear.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Master. Please don't punish me!"

"Blacky, calm down. I'm not going to punish you for what you think. You could have thought that you hated me and wished that I was dead and I still wouldn't have punished you. Sure I would have been hurt, but I never want any of my slaves not to have the ability to think freely. I'm only doing this to ask you a very important question. Do you want me to have your vocal chords fixed? Remember it is going to take time for you to learn how to speak again and you may not sound exactly the way you remember."

"I don't even need to think about it. If I can be repaired then yes, most definitely, as soon as possible." Blacky said.

I removed the tiara and he looked a little hurt. "As soon as we've finished here I'll take you to see Dr. Enrique." Then his eyes got wide as I placed the tiara on Scratch's head. "I get the feeling you two might want to 'talk' to one another privately." I held up my arm with the link control. "However, if you don't also pay attention to your brother’s introductions I'll shut the link down." They both grabbed me in a hug.

"Thank you Master, and Blacky says thank you as well." Scratch said tears beginning to mat his facial fur.

I smiled as the two sat down gazing into each other's eyes.

"Young love, remember when we were that way?" Kyle asked.

I sighed, "Yes it seems like forever since this morning."

Kyle laughed and punched my shoulder.

"Golden and Royal, your turns." I said as I rubbed the spot Kyle had hit me.

"My name is Golden. My original Master sold me because I was getting to old. After being here just a short time I'm surprised that Master Prowl-Ar purchased me, since I seem to be just outside his preferred age range."

"It wasn't so much about your age. It's what your former Master put on your sale file. 'Intelligent and obedient. Prefers males so he would make an excellent watchdog of female kittens or educator for male pups.' I felt that alone would make you an invaluable addition in helping some of the boys adapt to the idea of exploring their sexuality with their mates." I explained.

"Hello I'm Royal, which is a strange name considering I'm a dog and never had any hope of ever being anything other than a slave. It's also strange since my former Master really only kept us as status symbols and only referred to the rest of us by breed. To be honest, I’m also confused why Master Prowl-Ar chose to purchase me out of all the dogs available, since I know there was no information on me."

I smiled, "There were two reasons. The absolute look of despair in your picture and the fact that no one else had even bothered to look at your profile. I’ll be honest the only reason I checked your profile is because it was attached to Husky and Shepard's profiles. Anyway, I've seen that sort of despair before. Call me a soft hearted fool if you want, but I had to do something about it."

Royal grinned, "Is that why you paired me up with Golden? You knew he would be the best one to help me?"

"I'd like to say yes, but the truth is you could have ended up with any of the others. However with Husky and Shepard already having a bond between them, Pyre's unique situation with Raze and then Stripes being a last minute addition it was only chance or fate that you two were mated. I'm just happy it worked out and you seem much happier now."

"I guess that means we're next. I'm Husky and Shepard is my mate. The two of us along with Royal had the same Master. He used us like prize studs to get himself into the best circles. It didn't do him any good and if anything it only made me sure that I had no interest in females."

"That was my conviction as well. It was nearly impossible to tell Husky that I had feelings for him. When Royal was added to our pack he actually helped us figure out that our feelings were mutual. He even helped us avoid getting caught by our Master. Master Prowl-Ar, the reason that he looked so depressed was because he blamed himself for our first master's downfall. By helping us realize our true feelings it became obvious we were incapable of being stud material no matter how good our pedigree might have been."

"It was my fault because I'm the one that let prospective breeders know that you two weren't likely to impregnate their bitches. Don't worry about what happened in the past. We have good caring Masters now and that is what is important." Royal said.

Shepard smiled, "You forgot to mention the opportunity to be free once our contract ends."

"Masters, when our contract time ends and you free us, does that mean we'll have to leave?" Husky asked.

I was confused for a moment. "Uh, no. you can remain living here. I hadn't really thought that far ahead, but if you don't want to leave I won't force you out. About the only thing that would change is that you wouldn't have to follow our orders, you'd have the right to refuse to have sex with anyone living here, but you'd still have to follow the rules regarding lying and clothing."

"That's fair, I was just afraid you'd send us away. We really do like it here and we even discussed the possibility of reaming slaves if it was the only way to stay." Shepherd replied.

"I can't say I won't throw you out. I'm sure that House will be able to extend his protective shield to cover the lake and a good portion of the land around the lake. Plenty of room for you to set up a household of your own. Talon and Stripes, your turns."

They walked out to the center of the dojo as everyone else had, but Stripes started shaking and looking scared. Talon turned Stripes toward us. He wrapped his arms and then his wings around the trembling tiger and whispered something.

"Everyone, this is my mate, Stripes. He's feeling just a bit shy at the moment."

“It's just, I've heard all your stories and I'm feeling even more like a freak. You see, I'm an accident. I don't mean that my birth wasn't planned because it was right down to the last detail. I'm an accident because I was designed to be an improvement and I turned out to be a failure. I don't even know what the scientist's goal was when they hybridized tiger and canin DNA. Whatever the goal it didn't turn out the way they wanted. What they got was a tiger with a canin penis. I was supposed to be terminated, but Master Pridean took me as his personal slave because I looked like a tiger. He made sure that I knew that I wasn't to consider myself as anything but less than even a canin mutt." Stripes had started crying about the time he mentioned his former master.

"Stripes, there is something important I think you should know. Out of everyone here you are the most like my mate. Other than having a normal tiger coloration you both have the same, shall we say equipment. So please, try not to think of yourself as a failure or a freak because of your DNA, since it's like saying that Master Prowl-Ar is a freak." Kyle said.

"I'd never say something like that! He rescued me when Master Pridean would have killed me for not bidding more than he could pay to get Talon."

"In which case you saved me from a life of real slavery." Talon said, hugging Stripes tighter.

"I know, Master Pridean would likely have clipped your wings if not having them removed entirely."

"I would have killed myself before I let that happen. As it turns out I could have done that without even realizing it if Master Prowl-Ar hadn’t removed the termination devises implanted in me, risking his own life in the process." Talon laughed, "Master, you probably already know this but I could easily have left the moment we arrived on the home world, but I stayed with you for two reason the first is because I gave you my word and second because I'd started to form a real bond with Stripes while we were on Pyre’s world. A bond that is looked down upon in my former culture. When we were on that world you told me that I could ask for something and if it was in your power you would grant my request."

"Don't worry I haven't forgotten." I assured him.

"I'd like to be able to leave the island from time to time in order to scout out, and begin clearing an area at the end of the bridge connecting us to the mainland. That way I can begin building a place for my mate and myself to live when our ten years of slavery come to an end."

"Talon, are you serious?" I asked in surprise.

"Completely, and it's not like we'd want to go back to our own universe since no matter which side wins they wouldn't accept us being together."

"House, is it possible to enter and exit the shield?" I asked knowing that the world outside the shield didn’t really exist.

"No it isn't possible. And unfortunately I can only extend it to the end of the bridge at this time."

"Is there a way to increase the power so that you can extend the shield?" Talon asked.

"The shield is powered by the number of individuals living within it. I chose this location, an extinct volcano, with the intention of eventually expanding the shield to cover the whole caldera giving every one plenty of room to build homes and maybe even a town. However for that to happen Lords Prowl-Ar and Kyle will need to acquire more slaves."

"Considering how often I've been growing our numbers it shouldn't take long to expand the shield. Please keep Talon informed of the progress. Talon, I suggest you start studying so that when the shield has expanded enough you can get to work building your own house. If the shield expands enough then you have permission to begin building even before your ten years are up. After all as long as you're in the shield and wearing my collar you still belong to me, even if you have a separate house hold."

"Thank you Sir, I- I'll do my best to help Talon and serve you.” Stripes stammered.

I just smiled at them as they left the center of the room. "Pyre and Raze, it's your turn."

"Hi, I'm Raze and this is my bond-mate Pyre. I've been listening all this time and I'm a bit confused. When we talk about being bond-mates it makes Pyre and myself brothers even though we are from different tribes. However several of you have referred to each other as brothers and mates as though they were separate things."

"When we use the term brother it usually refers to having at least one parent in common. Or in the case of everyone here you are all more akin to brothers than slaves. I suppose it something like what you refer to as being bond-mates, except without the spiritual bond you and Pyre share. When referring to our partner using the term mate it means a deeper bond and involves sexual mating." I explained.

"So when you said that Pyre and I are mates you meant-"

"Master Prowl-Ar, you must change this situation. Two bond-mates cannot have that form of relationship." Pyre said loudly.

"Pyre-" Raze started.

"I'm sorry Raze. If I'd known that was what Master Prowl-Ar had meant, I'd never have tried to convince you to return with me. I know you don't want me. I should have killed myself when I was exiled."

"NO! I don't care what the tribe says. I shouldn't have gotten you exiled to begin with. While you were in exile I tried to start relationships several times. First with females and then with males, but it never worked out. When I thought you had died it made me realize that I had the same feelings for you as you expressed having for me."

"Pyre, I think you need to tell me why your people outlaw bond-mates being mated partners."

"It's because of our bond. If a bond-mate dies their counterpart often does as well. This leaves any pups without parents."

"You're both male so you wouldn't have pups." I said in confusion.

"While it is rare it is possible. By implanting my seed in Raze's sheath or he in mine there is a chance of pregnancy. When it is time to give birth the sheath expands and the child is born."

"That is . . . How do you . . ." I was really starting to hate when the computer hit me with twists such as this.

"I think what Prowl-Ar is trying to put into words is how do you keep from impregnating yourself?" Kyle asked.

"I can answer that.” House answered.” I've been studying Pyre and Raze's unique morphology since they arrived. Their species can only procreate with cross race interaction. If they were both foxtaurs they couldn’t reproduce. Furthermore I believe the taboo against bond-mate procreation is because there is a higher chance of a pregnancy taking place."

"How much greater chance, House?" Pyre asked.

"Twenty-one point four five compared to five percent for non-bondmates and zero chance for same race matings. While it is unlikely I would love to study their reproductive cycle in action."

"Are you saying that if we want to have a child we would be more likely to succeed?" Raze asked.

I was surprised at the sound of longing in his voice. Was he actually considering having children?

"No, Raze. When you had your medical scan I implanted a devise in each of you keeping that part of your system dormant. However once your ten years are up and the devise is removed I would suggest waiting a couple years to engage in that form of intercourse otherwise pregnancy is practically guaranteed."

"So, are you two good with being mated partners, or not?" I asked. Not that I needed to by this point considering the look they were sharing. I was pretty sure one or both of them would be pregnant within days of being freed.

"Raze, you know my feelings."

"When I thought you'd died I realized you are the only mate I've ever really wanted. If you can forgive me for rejecting you the first time, I'll be whatever form of mate you want me to be."

"Ah, so cute but save it for later. It's my turn to be in charge. Swift and Tas, you're up." Kyle announced.

"Yes, Master Kyle. I'll go first. I'm Swiftstream Snowglider, or Swift. I guess my story really started when I was placed with an Uncle, though I don't think we were actually related since I'm a river otter and he was a sea otter, to learn a trade as a sailor. I was his cabin boy. The ship was a simple Merchantman traveling mostly along the coast between the Oregon Territory and Chile Once a year he’d make the voyage across the great sea to the West Indies. That didn't last long since a Royal Navy vessel overtook us and gave the Captain a choice, seven men to fill out his crew or being sunk. Of course my Captain surrendered the men and then the Admiral took me as well. I suppose I was lucky since the Admiral proceeded to sink my Uncle's ship anyway. The first port we came to I slipped overboard. I spent several days hiding in the forest until I discovered a second town on the opposite side of the island. I was lucky to find friends who helped me hide and survive until the crew stopped searching for me."

"That’s where the rest of us come in. I'm Tas and my story is similar to Swift's but a bit darker. Diggs, Mitch, and I lived at the edge of a Royal penal colony. Diggs and I were natives, and for the most part that meant servants to the Royal military. Mitch was without legitimate parents and was raised by the other servants in the household. Diggs and I, well we were stupid and thought we could sneak aboard one of the boats, just to explore of course. What we hadn’t expected was to get trapped below decks."

"Sorry, but I've got to interrupt, I'm Diggs by the way. We got trapped because someone wanted to see the area where the prisoners were kept and didn't make sure the door was blocked open."

"I've told you a hundred time I blocked the door!" Tas yelled.

"My turn, my turn! I'm Mitch. I always looked up to Tas. As for Diggs it wasn't so much looked up to as drooled over how hot he is. Anyway I'd followed them, but just after they entered the prison area I was seen. I knew I couldn't escape, but I thought maybe Tas and Diggs could if no one noticed them." Mitched looked down. "I didn't realize that the door couldn't be opened from the inside when I knocked the block away. Sorry, I know I should have told you both of you, but I was afraid you’d send me away. Anyway I was taken to the Captain and he made me his cabin boy. I can't say as I like the way he used me. That's not to say I didn't find it pleasurable, but I'd have preferred a bit more, I don't know, feeling maybe. He treated me like an object. I guess it wasn't that bad because the crew knew not to touch me. It possible for me to have complete run of the ship and that allowed me to help Tas and Diggs remain hidden."

Diggs pulled Mitch close. "You didn't tell us any of that. We’d never send you away, no matter what. But why didn’t you tell us about the Captain?"

"You two would have wanted to make him pay and we wouldn't have escaped."

"So how did you escape?" Conner quickly asked.

Diggs smiled, "Mitch here, hid us in the weapons room as we were approaching the port. The Captain, expecting Mitch to try and escape put him in the prison. His real mistake was only leaving two guards aboard."

"I think his real mistake was not realizing that they had a stash of rum. They were so drunk they didn't notice the three of us ambling down the gang plank." Tas laughed, "While we had to stay quiet and hidden, most of the crew had talked quite a bit about making a trip across the island for a bit of fun while the Captain was with the governor, so we knew about the other town. We made our way across the island, avoiding the road, and then it was our turn to repay Mitch by keeping him hidden and safe."

"It was about a year later that Swift joined us and a few months after that when the three of them were hired by the Cherry Rose."

"The Cherry Rose? That's-" I started.

"The establishment I bought Swift, Tas, and Diggs from. Mitch joined them so that they could stay together." Kyle quickly interrupted. “Unfortunately, none of us can travel back to their realm because the portal became too unstable."

"That's, unfortunate. I spent some memorable nights at the Rose. Now that leaves our newest family members, Ketz and Yarl." The two looked stunned, as if they hadn't realized that their turn was next.

"I suppose I should start since it's my fault we’re here. My name is Ketz, its short for Ketzakotel Rainstorm. I'm not sure how things work for the other classes but in the sacred class we are paired up even before we hatch. Intimacy is discouraged because all loyalty should be given to our elders for the good of the alliance. Sex is only allowed for the purpose of fertilizing eggs and then only with a council approved female. The fact that both genders look identical until aroused only reinforces these rules."

"My name is Yarl. My name doesn't have any meaning other than it was the first sound I made after hatching. I'm a Groundling, the lowest class of dragon. Even though that may sound bad as long as we mostly follow the class separation rules we are free to act as we like. I said mostly because the winged Standard Dragons often spend their free time slumming in our parts of the city. We’re free to mate with anyone, and we frequently do, but unlike the other dragons we eventually form a bond with a single partner. The bond isn't about sex, it's a much deeper emotional connection that can only happen once in a lifetime. Unfortunately I bonded much too early and to one that was forbidden." Yarl blushed brightly.

"That would be me. I was in the council library trying to understand why the Groundlings allowed themselves to be treated like commoners since they, as a dragon species, should be a class above the other planetary citizens. I wasn't making any progress when I noticed Yarl re-shelving books. So, foolishly, I asked him."

"I was really surprised since no one asks a Groundling questions like that, especially not a Sacred Dragon. I'd likely have lost control of my bodily functions if not for the fact that the instant our eyes met I knew he was my one."

"I, of course, didn't have a clue. I was just happy that he was willing to talk to me. Even in the temple we never spent time just talking. Everything was focused on learning and knowing our proper place." Ketz said glancing at Yarl.

"We were fortunate that no one caught us. Eventually Ketz had to leave and I had to work late into the night to get my work done. I was so tired when I returned to my quarters I didn't even have time to do much more than pass out. Which was a good thing since I knew I didn't want to live without Ketz. When I returned to work the next day I agonized over just how I was going to kill myself. I knew that would be the only way to keep Ketz from being dishonored."

"I, on the other hand, spent that night tossing and turning as more and more questions came to mind that I was sure only Yarl could answer. I came up with a plan to get him safely alone. I knew of several meeting rooms that had fallen into disuse because they were rather small. The next day I stayed away from the library until evening and then I caught Yarl as he was leaving. I'd thought he'd just had a busy day. The next day was a rest day so I made him promise to meet me."

"I knew it was wrong, and if we got caught I'd be killed, but I couldn't refuse so the next day I got up early, told my supervisor I was headed into the city, and then snuck into the room where Ketz wanted to meet."

"As a student I was expected to spend the day in deep meditation, so I knew no one would notice I was missing. That evening we got caught."

"Wait a minute, you're leaving a lot out of the story." I said glaring at them.

"Things started off innocent enough, but eventually the discussion moved into physiological differences between the classes. It didn't take long for me to realize that Ketz didn't even know about gender differences. Things sort of escalated from there."

"Yarl taught me oh so many things. Bonding, love, pleasure, oh so many forms of pleasure. The one thing he didn't teach me was fear. That evening just before leaving we made plans to meet again. Just before going our separate ways I took his hand and promised I'd find a way for us to be together."

"That's when we were caught. I knew my life was over, but I thought Ketz would be able to live on for the both of us. I never imagined the rules placed on him were so strict that he wasn't even allowed to touch another Sacred Dragon let alone a groundling."

Ketz laughed, "Can you imagine how that low level paper pusher would have reacted if he knew just how much we'd been touching only a short time earlier?"

"He would have had a stroke, we would likely have eventually been caught anyway, and if not for Masters Dacat and Nightiger we would have been killed. Master Nightiger, I want to thank you for saving us. Having the freedom to show my affection for Ketz is beyond worth to me. You have my word that even after our time as your slaves has ended I will remain in your service for the rest of your life."

"Master, though it isn't considered proper for Sacred Dragons to make any form of lasting commitment, I too make the same vow."

"That's touching, but I'm going to refuse to accept it. Before you get upset or try to argue, hear me out. You've just found each other, experienced sex with each other for the first time, and escaped death. Give yourselves time to get to know each other before you make vows like that. If you feel the same way once your contracted time is over then I'll consider taking such a vow seriously."

"Sir, dinner will be ready in an hour." House announced.

"Thank you, House. Kyle, I'm leaving you in charge. Make sure Shock doesn't get into trouble." I winked at the fox, "Blacky and Scratch, please come with me."

***