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Virtually Real Part 16: Master Level Glitch

Returning Characters:

Prowl-Ar: Human, tiger/wolf shifter

Kyle: Red XIII, Eastern dragon shifter

Shock: Human, fox/tiger shifter

Mahan: AI

Reality:

Jennifer (Jen) Steele – UN Security Agent

House:

House – Guardian Program

Evan - Lion

Mika – White mouse

"What the hell!" Jen yelled, as she was jostled awake.

"Sorry, that jump was a bit rough, but the Dart wasn't built for comfort."

"Where am I?" She asked.

"We're currently in altered space between Saturn and The Junkyard. I can't give you a more precise location than that."

"Fine, then why am I here?"

"When we were leaving the U.N. building someone fired an RPG into the lobby. You, well not to put too fine a point on it, were basically killed."

"As soon as I get back I’m going to look into that. Civilians shouldn’t have access to that level of weaponry. Wait! Are you telling me I'm some sort of clone?"

"No, let me rephrase. You would have died if we left you. Even if the paramedics had been right there, you still wouldn't have survived. I picked you up, put you into a stasis pod, and Kyle flew us out to the Shadow Runner where we were both healed. Try not to throw up I'm dropping us out of Altered Space."

"Huh, I'm not even queasy. Geeze Video Fox’s report didn't do this place justice."

"Yeah, some people build small scale models, and I build full size replicas."

"If you ever decide to build a crew for that Galaxy Class Enterprise, during my life time, keep me in mind for the chief of security position."

"What about after your lifetime?"

Janelle twisted her head around trying to see me behind her, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"I can make a copy of your mind and then at some point in the future, if those ships need a crew, I'll clone you a new body with all your memories and experiences up to the moment you made the memory crystal. Of course it will mean that you will never see any of your loved ones ever again."

"But I'll still know that I returned to Earth and lived out my life with them in the past so in a way I get both. Sure, sign me up."

I changed course and headed for the Junkyard control station. "Mahan, can you patch me through to Kyle, please."

"Tiger, what's going on?" Kyle asked.

I could hear the concern in his voice. "Calm down, I'm just making the stop at Junkyard station with our memory crystals and to reset the assembly lines for the space station modifications now instead of on my way back. Jennifer has offered to create a mem-crystal in order to be a future security officer-"

"Chief Security Officer."

"Right, Chief Security Officer, for one of the ships out here, if the need ever comes up for it to be crewed."

"You did remember to tell her that she'll be a clone and that everyone she knows and loves will likely be long gone by the time you get around to allowing any of your ships to be crewed, didn't you?"

"He told me, and honestly I would prefer it that way." Jen answered.

"Humans can be so confusing at times."

"Aren't you human?" Jen asked.

"Tiger, don't take too long, or I'll send the manic ball of fluff after you. Kyle out."

"I feel like I've missed something."

"Obviously you didn't see Shock's latest stream."

"Usually Jan fills me in on the highlights during our evening chats. It seems I must have missed that one. The last one I know about is the one with the President."

"It’s only early evening. Shock released his latest video this morning and then we had the meeting with the U.N. I'll have you back in New York in about an hour, with this stop over. So basically, what you’ve missed is Mahan created Kyle using the character Red XIII from Final Fantasy VII game as a base. In other words he didn't start out as a human. It is just one of the forms he can take."

"Right, all three of you are shifters. I’ve seen that much for myself."

"Jan is going to have puppies when she finds out I was out here.”

“Is she a furry as well?" I asked as the Dart entered the station dock. I activated the landing skids and gently set down.

Jen sighed, "She insists she isn't, but I know she has suited as her wife's husky fursona once or twice. I guess I've always thought of her as a furry."

"You should let her know you feel that way. It's possible she is denying it out of fear of what you might think." I checked the pressure gauge, the dock was only at half pressure.

"I guess that's possible. To be honest I never really put much thought into furrys. I mean, yeah, I knew they had a thriving community and that my sister-in-law was furry, but it just wasn't part of my day to day life until a tiger, dragon, and fox showed up to save the world. You know, I'm still a bit pissed about that. The World Council obviously knew that the world was about to end, but I wasn't informed. As the Chief of Security I should have been briefed in case it got leaked and my team needed to defend the building."

"Mahan, how many people, worldwide, knew about the asteroid?"

"From what I can find, the information was limited to 234 individuals, most of them scientists. They were still trying to find a solution to the threat. In fact only seven people, Security Chief Jennifer had indirect contact with, even knew that there was an actual threat and it wasn't a hypothetical exercise."

Jen sat in stunned silence. I checked the gauges and then popped my canopy causing the forward canopy to open as well. "Welcome to Junkyard Station. You are officially the first fully human individual to travel five lightyears from Earth.

She pushed up slightly but didn't really move. "Wha?"

I laughed, "This isn't an Earth Station. We have artificial gravity. Oh, computer, reset artificial gravity to Earth standard."

"Gravity reset."

"What did you gave it set to? I felt unbelievably heavy."

"Ordinarily I have it set between point 25 and point five above Earth standard. It negates the problems associated with zero G and has the added benefit of making me stronger on the rare occasions I'm on Earth."

"How strong are you?"

"I don’t really know, but you saw the punch I gave Mahan. If I'd hit one of your security agents with the same force," I paused considering the ramifications of what I was thinking about saying, "I'd have killed him and let's leave it at that."

"That much was obvious, but I won't push it. So now what?"

"I'd suggest calling your boss and letting him or her know you made it out of the U.N. building safely and see if you need to report in for debriefing. That way I'll know the safest place to drop you off."

"How am I supposed to get reception this far out into space?"

"Your phone is currently connected to the Shadow Runner network. You'll likely have better reception then you could ever get normally."

"Fine."

"Just remember it's going to be at least an hour before you're back on the ground."

***

I slowly walked around the shuttle making sure it was properly shut down and secured, having already secured the Dart in its dock. Kyle had done a superb job, and I knew he would feel my admiration through our link. I headed for the flight commander's office to update the flight logs.

"Are you purposely trying to avoid your mates? You know I've already done all the busy work." Mahan stated.

"I guess it's just starting to sink in, all the major changes that have taken place. I-I'm just having some problems dealing with it all."

"No. You're not dealing with it, you're trying to hide from it like you've done in the past. If you were trying to deal with it you'd be telling Kyle and Shock what you're feeling."

"They know what I'm-"

"No they don't. They are feeling what you want them to feel, because you've had so much practice at hiding your feelings even from yourself. I know you want to hide, but I'm not going to allow you to do that. Either you return to your quarters and let your mates know what you are dealing with or I will tell them and then help them drag you out of whatever hole you find to hide in."

"Mahan, I really hate you." I changed course and headed for the lift.

"Of course you do because, for the most part, I'm based on you."

"No, I think right now I hate you as an individual and not as a projection of myself."

***

I walked into my quarters and found Shock in my chair working on my terminal.

"Hey Tiger, I'm just working on the script for my next video. It'll be all about what we are looking for in terms of Embassy space. I'm torn between using existing buildings and having new buildings constructed. What do you think?

"It really depends on the location. Take Japan for example. I don't want to displace people just to build a new embassy building. I guess what I'm saying is that I trust you to make it clear that we want several location proposals all of which do as little harm as possible to the local residents and the environment."

"Wait, you're just going to trust me with such important decisions?" Shock asked.

"You have the training and I've learned to keep my urge to micromanage things under control, most of the time. However, we're going to have to do something about you sitting in my chair."

"Huh?"

"It's something we need to discuss now that we are mates. For now, that can wait, I'm going to take a shower first. Then all three of us will sit down and discuss our, or more appropriately my, quirks and problems." I took a deep breath, "For now go ahead and keep working on your script."

"Uh, okay."

I continued into the bedroom.

"I'm impressed. I was sure you'd lose it when you found Shock in your chair." Mahan said.

"You set that up, didn't you?"

"Not exactly, I didn't tell him to sit there, but I didn't warn him like I did Kyle."

"Mahan, why are you pulling this shit? It's like you're trying to make me mad enough to erase you. I really don't want to do that, but you're not giving me any real recovery time. You know that I have confinement issues that go all the way back to my childhood. It took years just to get to the point where I could wear the power armor. Now just the thought of putting it back on has me shaking."

"I do apologize for that. With adding parts of Kyle and Kelly's personalities I seem to have overwritten the information on your phobia. I know it doesn't help, but I have moved that information into protected memory so I can guarantee it will never happen again."

"I'm switching the bedroom and shower to privacy mode for an hour. Yes, I'm going to have that discussion with Kyle and Shock, but I think an hour isn't too much to ask in order to shower and compose myself for what I need to say. More importantly how Kyle and Shock might respond."

"You have one hour, engaging privacy mode now."

I grinned and immediately headed for my private VR chamber. "Computer, initiate full system restore and lock out."

"This chamber is now disconnected from the Shadow Runner's computer systems. Restoring pre-set program."

"Set program to stone council area and resize table and seating for a triumvirate."

A replica of a fully restored Stonehenge appeared. At the back was a stargate with a dial home device to the right. At the front along the procession to the henge stood seven Japanese Torii Gates. At the center was a triangular marble table with bluestone supports at each corner. On each side was a single chair created from a living tree. I walked around the table and sat in the chair with the stargate behind me.

"This is my place." I sat down and the chair tree immediately conformed to fit my form. "Save program stone council mates formation. Set to load this program when I next return, end program." I stood up and my chair was the last thing to disappear. I left the chamber and headed in to take my shower.

Exactly and hour later Kyle peeked in the door. "Tiger, are you alright?"

I was sitting on the floor at the foot of the bed.

"Mahan told us you needed to speak with us." Shock said, as he pushed past Kyle.

"Yeah, we need to have a nice long discussion. Please follow me." I stood up and headed back toward the VR chamber."

"Why in there?" Shock asked.

Kyle laughed, "Because if we try to discuss anything here in the bedroom we'll just end up in bed together."

"Sounds like a productive conversation to me." Shock laughed. As we continued inside Shock gasped. "Where did you come up with an idea like this?"

"I like creating interesting locations." I continued walking through the seven gates, into the stone circle, and finally to my seat with Kyle and Shock close behind.

"I recognize the Torii Gates and Stonehenge, but what is that?" Shock asked, pointing at the stargate.

"It is a transportation ring that creates portals between distant planets. It's from a really old television program. Now as you can see there are two seats left. You have to make a choice."

"Is this some sort of test?" Shock asked.

"No, there is no right or wrong answer and each seat is identical until you claim it."

"Kyle, I don't have a preference, do you?"

"No. Tiger, I can't help thinking that there is more to this."

"Of course there is more. Once you have decided you sit in your chosen space and say 'this is my place'. The seat will then conform to you. We can get this discussion started once we are all seated. Beyond that there is no hidden agenda. You know what, both of you close your eyes. Now I'm going to count to three, raise your arm for the place you want. One. Two. Three."

Both hesitated then Kyle raised his left hand indicating the seat to my right as Shock raised his right hand.

"Open your eyes and take your seats." I waited as both of them claimed their place and their trees adjusted. I sighed, "The reason we are here is because Mahan is being a total bitch. He's locked out of this chamber so he can't interrupt or even listen in. So, as you might have realized I'm a giant knot of problems. As soon as I got back Mahan accused me of hiding from my problems by avoiding both of you. I hate to admit this, but he wasn't entirely wrong."

"Tiger, you don't have to do this. While you were meditating I filled Shock in on things."

"No, I have to do this. I love you both and I need you to recognize when I seem to be trying to push you away. It isn't what I really want. I've always pushed others away as a form of self-defense. If I don't let anyone get close then they can't hurt me."

"Don't worry, now that our souls are linked we'll always know what you are feeling." Kyle said.

"Mahan also pointed out that I've masked my feelings for so long, even from myself, that there is no way-"

"Bull shit! Mahan, doesn't have a clue. You don't think Kyle and I didn't know that you were scared when you got back? Or that you were upset about me being in your chair? Yeah, I admit that confused me for a couple of minutes, but I worked it out on my own. You've been alone for a long time so of course you've formed attachments. I'd have been just as upset if I'd found you sitting in my studio chair browsing the internet with my computer. We are all shifters so of course we're going to be territorial about certain things. So, what else should I be careful of?" Shock asked.

"The kitchen, you can use the food synthesizer but the rest of the kitchen is mine." Kyle quickly pointed out.

I hadn't expected Kyle to speak up so quickly. "Yeah, my only other thing is my pillow."

"That lumpy monstrosity? Mahan warned me never to touch it but he never gave an explanation." Kyle said.

"It's complicated but the short version is I've had it all my life and I don't sleep well without it. Even when I'm in VR I use an exact replica. Kyle, the reason Mahan warned you is because on the rare occasion that someone else has used it they not only found it extremely uncomfortable but they've had horrific nightmares."

Shock sighed, "I don't have anything to be attached to, anymore."

"That is the next reason for this meeting. Computer, generate a scale model projection of the Shadow Runner's Command Crew quarters deck."

"Holy crap, you weren't kidding about having the smallest living space." Kyle quickly pointed out." Indicating the empty space surrounding our quarters.

"Narrow focus to the Commander's Quarters and the adjacent living space. Now place two doors connecting the new room to the Commander’s living area and the kitchen. Divide the new room horizontally into thirds with a wall a third in from the hallway and designate it kitchen as pantry. Oh and remove the door from the new pantry leading into the hallway. Soundproof the larger section and designate it as Shock's studio. Save design changes and send them to the ship's primary computer with a reconstruction rush tag. Shock, from now on that is your personal space and is off limits to everyone unless you invite us in. Mahan can reproduce everything from your original studio down to the smallest detail, but you can also upgrade where you see fit. Kyle, the pantry is for you."

"What about you?" Kyle asked.

"I know this ship inside and out, so I can find lots of places to call my own. My problem is fighting my impulse to run away and hide. So, Kyle, is there anything you didn't tell shock about?"

"If there is I'm sure we'll bring it up after the interrogation."

"What interrogation?" Shock asked.

"The one Mahan is going to give us to make sure Prowl-Ar told us everything." Kyle said with a laugh.

"Shock Dafox, Shadow Runner Communications and Human Relations Director. Let him try to get more than that. Still I have a question about an area on the ship schematics."

Immediately the graphic returned, "What is this room here?" I groaned, of course that would be displayed as well. "That is my vault. It's where I keep items extra secure."

"Such as?" Kyle asked.

"My limited supply of smart metal and a box more dangerous than anything else on this ship. A box that must never be opened."

"What's in it?" Shock asked.

"It could be empty, or it could hold the power of gods."

"Oh. My. God! Are you seriously telling me you have a box that might hold the telegems and you've never opened it?" Shock asked in excitement.

"That is exactly what I'm saying."

"Telegems?" Kyle asked.

Shock turned toward Kyle. "Think ultimate master materia. A single stone that gives the user God like abilities. Prowler’s black gem of change, or death, gave him complete control of the mind. He could teleport, had telekinesis so strong he could manipulate single atoms and telepathy. However, his access to these abilities was controlled by Reaper, the stone’s guardian."

I sighed, "That's why the vault is my private area. That box can never be opened."

"Why not?" Kyle asked in confusion.

"The box represents this reality. I'm risking the possibility that this is nothing but a dream. If I open the box no matter what I find I'll lose everything. I want, I need this dream to continue. If I wake up and this is all a dream, I'll have lost all hope and no longer have anything to live for." I lowered my head to the table. "I-I can't lose you two. Not now, not after finally knowing what it is like to love so deeply."

Shock stood up, walked around the table and hugged me. I flinched but quickly relaxed. "Get used to it. I'm a hugger and I'm not going to even try to change that." Shock said hugging tighter.

"I don't want you to change. I'm sorry, I'm working on getting past my boundary issues."

"I promise I won't bring up the telegems again, unless somehow a Kah Har God starts talking to me out of the blue, and even then I'd suggest a brain scan first." Shock said.

"If you're contacted by a Kah Har avatar, Kyle and I will know it immediately through our shared link." I laughed.

"So, since we're getting things out on the table is there anything that I need to work on?" Shock asked.

"Yes, when you get frustrated or hurt don't run away from us. That goes for you too Prowl-Ar. We're mates and we need to be there for each other." Kyle said.

"I've got one for you Kyle, no food experiments without telling us first. Also make sure to always have Mahan check to be sure what you are making is safe. There are some foods, if they aren't prepared correctly can be dangerous and even deadly." I said, fighting my urge to get out of Shock’s continuing hug.

"I didn't know that. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. Considering your reaction to some of my experiments, it is only fair that I warn you of something new."

"Oh, there's something else I’m going to continue publishing my videos.”

I rolled my eyes. “Foxy, if I thought there was a chance you’d stop I wouldn’t have just set you up with your own studio.”

“Oh, right, but I want you both to watch the raw footage to make sure I don't accidentally release any dangerous information."

"Fair enough, but let me know when you finish a script and I'll read it first. That way you don't have to do as much work filming things that would just end up having to be cut."

Shock smiled. "The next script, about what we are looking for in an embassy building and possible job openings is ready to be read then. After that I'm taking a week off to relax and recover from the excitement of the last few days."

"After being in hiding all these years and I can sympathize with you."

"I do have a question, how do we change the current VR game now that we are mates? Oh and if we're mates can I add to the household as well?" Shock asked.

"I suppose."

"Good because as soon as we can work it in I want to rescue those fox twins from the video you made."

Kyle started laughing. "Well at least he didn't ask for the tiger and dragon from his first VR experience."

I face palmed and Shock's mouth hung open.

"You said that was private and you wouldn't be able to watch it." Shock said, finally releasing the hug and stepping away.

I could hear the hurt in his voice.

"Don't blame Prowl-Ar, he kept his word. Mahan brought it to our attention when he pointed out that we needed to pay closer attention to what you really wanted. How did he put it?" Kyle asked.

"If I sent you back down to Earth without acknowledging your feelings for Kyle and myself, I would be abandoning you just like my friends abandoned me. So we came up with the plan for each of your identities. After that I guess it was the push I needed to really allow myself to open up to the thought of being with both you and Kyle."

"So I'm only here because Mahan forced you to let me stay?" Shock asked.

"No! Mahan still doesn't think you are ready to be here for the rest of your now unnaturally long life. Kyle was always for you staying and I was the swing vote. It wasn't until my breakdown in the game, when I thought you were leaving, that I realized just how much you'd come to mean to me. Maybe you didn't notice the fact that I was stretching out the time before you had to leave? Even If we hadn't soul bonded with you, you would probably have been spending more time on the ship than on Earth. I'd even been researching Mahan’s hidden bases for the one closest to you so that you would be able to come and go as you pleased."

"Wait, wouldn't that be against the rules?"

"Not for a crew member. I admit I hadn't planned on the whole soul bond and you become our mate, but I can honestly say that I'm not going to have any regrets over how it worked out."

"So what now?" Shock asked.

"Now you have one last hyper education course to complete, I have a script to read over and Kyle has some free time on his hands."

"And after that?"

"We'll continue the game tomorrow afternoon at the point we left off. Unless of course you haven't finished filming and editing, in which case it'll be the day after tomorrow. However, with the tools available, and I'm including Mahan, you should have plenty of time."

"What are we waiting around here for? I have a class to get to."

I shook my head. "Computer save and shut down."

As soon as the exit was visible Shock headed for the door. "Be sure to have the script edited by the time I'm done so I can start filming right away." That said he was out the door and likely running for the education room.

"Kyle, I need you to come with me."

"You're up to something again, aren't you?"

"Why would you think that?" I asked as we exited the VR Chamber.

"Because you're always up to something."

I grinned and opened the vault.

"Holy crap, that's a lot of security measures."

"No one gets in here, unless I want them here."

"Is that the box? Wait, there are two of them?"

"That's because there are more gems than I ever wrote about in my stories. Still, unless Reaper decides to let me know that I'm meant to open one of those boxes they will forever remain closed."

"So why did you bring me here?"

"I need to make some changes to our smart metal mateship rings and I can only do that in here."

"What sort of changes?"

"Drake, my love, do I have your permission to remove my ring for a few minutes?"

"Uh, yes, I guess."

I slowly removed my ring and placed it on the metal programing pad. "It is just a small change. I'm changing the yellow gold and white gold double helix into a triple helix by adding a third black metal."

"Why black?"

"It sort of represents our VR powers Black for my shadow fire, yellow gold for your soul fire, and white gold for Shock's ability."

I removed the ring from the pad and passed it to Kyle. He quickly slid it back onto my finger.

"What is Shock's ability?" Kyle asked as he tried to remove his ring. "And why won't my ring come off?"

"Because you have to ask my permission to remove it."

"You mean if I didn't give you permission you wouldn't have been able to remove your ring?" Kyle asked in surprise.

"That's right, and after tomorrow I'll require both yours and Shock's permission to remove it."

"Tiger, do I have your permission to remove my ring?"

"You have my permission."

Kyle passed me his ring and I got to work making the changes.

"So you're going to get all official again?"

"No, we are. During dinner tomorrow we are both going to take a knee and ask Shock to be our mate. When, if he accepts, together we will slide a ring on his finger making it official. As for Shock's special ability, I'm calling it Ether, but you'll have to wait a bit until we help him try it out."

"Ether, you mean like space or a void?"

I slid Kyle's ring back on his finger. "Sorry, no more hints. I put a lot of thought into this and I want it to be a real surprise." I removed a third ring from the pad and grinned. "Well, maybe one more hint. His power can be combined with our combined soul forged explosion."

"Don't you think that attack is powerful enough?"

"Never. Now I have a script to edit and unfortunately you're about to be interrogated by Mahan. He's going to want a full report to be sure I really did tell you about my avoidance problem."

"That's going to be fun."

"Just remember if you do decide to vent your frustration, do it in the VR chamber." I shook my hand. "Punching his upgraded android bodies hurts like hell."

Kyle laughed, "I'll keep that in mind."

***

"Now, before we start the game I need to know how you to left. Did you just pause or did you exit through a portal?"

"House told me that you might needed my assistance and I thought it was part of the game so I portalled out." Kyle replied.

"I had just finished taking a shower and was toweling off when the game paused, but I was alone. Is it that important?"

I sighed, "I allow the slaves to watch your show, so yes it is important. Over the last few days I've been doing a lot of editing in order to keep from breaking the game. The most important thing to remember when we are asked, and I'm sure we will be, is that time is different in the two realms. A few minutes in the 'game' realms equal a few weeks in our original reality. It's the reason I don't travel to my original reality very often. Just as importantly it isn't a lie."

"It isn't the truth, but it also isn't a lie. Wow, Kyle, did you know he was that devious?" Shock asked.

"Yes I did, I've experienced it several times myself, when he was playing the game I was created in. I mean, he knew the whole story, but he had to play it out as though he didn't know what would happen next. He covered up any mistakes by having headaches that gave him flashes of possible future events."

"It wasn't easy. I mean yeah knowing that a member of your group is going to die and not telling is hard enough, but there were multiple occasions where I could have used my knowledge to my advantage but I refrained because I wanted the characters, especially Kyle, to like me for me and not because I could give them spoiler information."

"What about this game? You don't seem to have that problem."

"This game is an escape from reality and is completely event driven rather than scripted. A single decision leads to multiple tangents that lead to the next decision so it is impossible to predict what will happen from one day to the next. Currently there are several storylines playing out around me. Kyle just finished a storyline. As for you, who knows what madness will develop now that you're likely to be a regular character. After all, you've already chosen to eventually play out a hero story line in another realm."

"You’re sure that game will be connected to this game?"

"Of course, House is a nexus to multiple realities so it is possible to travel to many different realms."

"Except the pirate realm. House can no longer open a portal there." Kyle said regretfully.

"That's because I was a different character during that episode. Traveling there would be rather taxing, however that doesn't mean other pirate realms don't exist. Now is everybody ready? We'll return to the point where we left but it will be around five minutes later. I opened the chamber door and stepped back into the waiting room with Scratch. "Sorry for taking so long."

"What do you mean? You were only gone a few minutes."

"Oh right, the time difference. In the realm I had to travel to it's been a few weeks for me."

"Huh, I remember something about time slowing down near a black hole in school. Is it sort of like that?"

"Sort of but every realm has its own time speed. Normally I try to travel only between realms that move at a fairly similar speed."

"Ah, Mr. Nightiger, I'm happy to say that the surgery was a complete success." Dr. Enrique announced as he walked in. "He is in recovery now, however he is not to attempt to make a sound for three days. He also needs to be put on a liquid diet for the next two days and then semi-solids for day three. I also need to tell you that oral sex is out of the question for at least a week."

"I figured on something like that. He's going to need plenty of time to heal."

"He's also likely going to need a good speech therapist since he has been mute from a very young age. I can recommend a few, if you need."

"No, Doctor, I have a member of my household that can provide what is needed."

"Very well, it'll likely be another fifteen to twenty minutes before he has recovered enough to travel."

"Thank you, Doctor."

He nodded and left the waiting room.

"Scratch, I need you to go back to House and let him know about Blacky's diet, so he can adjust dinner arrangements. Oh, and it looks like you'll be wearing the translator for a few days."

"I don't mind. It was wonderful finally being able to know what my mate really wanted to say."

I opened the portal. "Also let Master Kyle know how much longer I'm going to be here."

"Yes, Sir." Scratch scampered through the portal. I sighed and sat down. With nothing better to do I picked up a science magazine. It seemed physical magazines were making a comeback in this realm. I laughed and dropped it back on the table after seeing the main story "Alternate realities: Science Fact or Fiction". It's almost always the little details like that, which kept the game fun.

***

"Everyone, before we begin, I have a few announcements. First off you need to know that we, Kyle, Shock, and I had to spend some time in my original realm. The important thing is that time flows differently in that realm. Minutes here equal weeks passing there. So, if we seem strange or forgetful it's because we've been away for some time."

"Have you done this before?" Leo asked.

I sighed, "Yes when I was injured and Kyle had to be called. My injury was actually much worse than what we've led you to believe. That's why I was able to seemingly heal so quickly. After a month Kyle brought my medical tube back to the house to finish my healing."

Kyle stood up and stepped up next to me. "It is also the reason that my slaves can't return to their realm. That realm moves much slower than this one. So slow that a portal cannot be opened any longer. Even I hadn't realized how long Prowl-Ar and I had been apart."

"Shock, can you stand for a moment, please."

Shock stood up looking somewhat confused.

"This last trip was made on Shock's behalf. I know some of you have been watching the news from my realm as reported by Video Fox."

"Yeah, V-Fox is the coolest!" Conner yelled.

"I'm sorry to say that V-Fox is officially dead."

Just about everyone broke out in yells of disbelief.

"Quiet, please!" Kyle yelled, "Master Prowl-Ar hasn't finished.

Everyone immediately quieted.

"As I said, V-Fox is officially dead, however as you can see Shock is very much alive. I'm telling you this because in upcoming videos you are going to learn a lot about him, Kyle, and myself. Now, there is one last thing that Kyle and I need to say before we settle down for dinner." I nodded to Kyle and he nodded back and we both kneeled before the confused fox.

"Shock Dafox-" I started.

"Will you do us the honor-" Kyle continued.

"Of becoming our Husband and-"

"Life mate?" Kyle finished

"I- yes, of course if you'll have me.”

We both smiled and slid the ring on Shock's finger. "Now it's official Master Shock."

"Master? But I’m not that much older than most of your slaves and I'm even younger than at least one. How can I-"

"Master Shock, if Master's Prowl-Ar and Kyle love and trust you enough to make you their mate, then it is unlikely we'll have any problems accepting your orders." Evan pointed out.

"If you ever feel the need for a fatherly figure I suggest you get to know Evan. He has the most experience." I quickly whispered to Shock. "Now, my mates, if you'll return to your seats we can start dinner. Quickly before we end up on the menu." I winked at everyone still seated.

Everyone laughed as we finally sat own to eat.

***

Shock looked around the empty gravel pit. "You told Evan that I was going to take you and Kyle to some of the realms I had visited before finding you, so what are we doing here?"

"In some VR games we have special powers. We're here so you can learn about yours." I explained.

"Do I get to pick what power I get?"

"No, usually Mahan makes the choice; however, I spent some time coming up with your power. First you need to see ours. I'll go first." I held out my hand and formed a ball of my shadow fire. "My dark fire drains the will of all those around me making them incapable of fighting."

"I don't feel any different." Shock said.

"Kyle, your turn."

Kyle's golden soul fire quickly burst to life and I realized he'd been practicing.

"My golden fire fills those around me with love and joy making my enemies no longer want to fight."

"I still don't feel anything."

I grinned. "Kyle, it is time to show him what happens next."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Don't worry, he'll be fine. Shock, when Kyle and I merge our fires it creates-"

"Soul forged explosion!" We yelled together.

"Holy shit!" Shock yelped as he ducked, but the energy had no effect on him.

"That explosion knocks out everyone around us friend and foe alike."

"And both of us if we don't maintain physical contact." Kyle quickly pointed out.

"So my power is immunity?" Shock asked in surprise.

"No the title of your power is Ether. Kyle and I are going to create the soul forged explosion again. However, this time hold your hands up with your index fingers pointed out like a gun and imagine the soul forged energy is your bullet. Aim at the cliff and fire."

We formed the combined energy and it immediately flowed to Shock's hands he pointed and fired. The resulting explosion sent tons of rock into the air.

"Pause game!" I yelled and everything froze before the giant boulders could start raining down on us.

"Holy crap! That blast might have been more powerful than the mako cannon." Kyle said in shock.

"Uh yeah, I created Ether to harness the powers of other players so that Shock could use any power as his own. With our combined power it was supposed to be the same result, but Shock could make it a distance weapon so our allies wouldn't be effected. Instead, you unbelievable fox, you took the power and transformed it into something new."

Shock held out his hands and on the left a small golden flame flickered and on the right was a twin in black. He clenched his fists and the flames changed into light blades. "This is definitely the hottest power ever." He yelled in excitement.

I looked at Kyle. “I was wrong and you were right, I may have overdone it this time. Luckily it isn't available in the "House realms game."

"Ah, no fair." Shock complained.

"That’s just the way it is. I mean it would be kind of stupid having slaves running around with super powers. It's bad enough I made allowances for our shifting ability."

"I guess that's true. So what now?"

"We get back to the main game. I believe there were a pair of foxes in need of saving?"

"Oh, how is that going to work out? I mean the VR bits in my videos."

"I completely edited those parts out for the in game broadcast."

"Of course. Let's go then." Shock said excitedly.

"Wait, before we start I want to know the basics of this new realm. All the ones we've been to so far I've explored in the past. However, this is a newly generated world. Computer, please give us the basics of the realm we've chose to travel to."

"This realm is a spin-off universe of modern day Earth. However, in this reality Prowl-Ar transformed the majority of furrys into their fursonas before going into exile. Wars were fought over furry rights and furrys are now generally considered to have the same rights as humans, however many prejudices still exist. It would be wise to remain human while in this realm."

"I hate to interrupt like this, I’d much rather take over a NPC, but I'd advise against this realm. At the very least set the level lower for your safety. As many may recognize and blame you for their problems."

"Computer, change settings to advanced level."

"You're taking Mahan's advice?" Kyle asked.

"Yeah, surprisingly he makes a very valid point. We really don't know what we're walking into. Speaking of which, Computer, remove all game hooks other than the human's threatening the fox twins. Begin the game after we have portalled in, stopped at a cafe, ordered, and nearly finished with our drinks."

***

"What did you order?" Shock asked.

"Cranberry juice over shaved ice." I looked toward Kyle.

"Ice tea with a fresh lemon slice."

"Iced mocha with extra whipped cream."

I laughed, "It's a good thing we're going in as humans because that would leave you looking rabid, as a fox."

"Mad fox! Run for your lives!" Shock shouted.

The scenery shifted and we were standing next to a table. We sat down as a European Badger came out with our order.

"Here you are, sirs. If you need anything else please don't hesitate to come in and order more."

"Thank you, but I'm sure this will be plenty."

"Very good, Sir."

"Oh man, this is the best I've ever tasted." Shock moaned.

I spooned some of my drink into my mouth. It was cold and bitter and tasted as expected. "Seems normal to me."

Kyle took a sip, fished the lemon slice out with his tongue, chewed it, and swallowed. "Seems really bland to me."

"You just ate a slice of lemon, peeling and all, and you say it's bland? Try a sip of my coffee." Shock insisted.

Kyle did his best to take a sip while avoiding the whipped cream. "Bland and overly sweet."

"Don't bother asking me. I don't drink coffee so I couldn't give you a proper answer."

"What about trying Kyle's tea?"

I suppose a small sip can't hurt, but I have to be careful, tea has an adverse effect on my system. With my enhanced healing and nanites it shouldn't affect me and no matter what tests I run they all say that there is no problem." I went ahead and took a small sip of the tea. "It tastes like I expected. Maybe you’re just not used to drinking tea in your human form?"

"Hold them still while I get the knife."

Shock's chair went flying as he spun out of it and took off with Kyle close behind. I took the time to place a $50 under my glass before following them.

"Let them go." Shock growled.

Listen kid, they're just a couple of fox sluts. You can use them after we've taken their tails. They shouldn't bleed out before you're done."

"I said, Let. Them. Go."

"Or what? There's five of us and two of you."

As I arrived I could see a gold glow forming around Shock's hands. Something wasn’t right he shouldn’t be manifesting any abilities.

"Actually if you count the foxes there are five of us and five of you. The way I see it you're outnumbered in terms of intelligence, skill, and strength. Now I suggest you apologize to our friends and leave before we get mad." Kyle said.

Knife guy laughed, "You think we're scared of you, two fox sluts, a teenager, and a twink and an animal lover?"

"Kyle, bruised, battered, and broken is fine but no killing." I said, as I quickly stepped back.

"Who are you calling a twink, you pathetic waste of flesh?" Kyle roared as he shifted, grabbed Knife guy's hand and twisted. As the bones broke the knife fell to the ground.

I spun around Kyle's side while shifting. I heard bone breaking as my foot made contact with the shoulder of a thug who was reaching into his jacket. He flew backwards getting tangled in a chain link fence across the back of the alley. I noticed the other three thugs were also down. Two gripping their crotches and the other one looking blissed out of his mind as Shock whispered in his ear. “Where is he getting the mind control powers from?” I wondered.

"We should go, before the police arrive and arrest us." One of the twins said, shaking Shock’s arm.

"For what defending ourselves?” Shock asked.

"Furs, especially fox whores like us, aren't allowed to assault humans for any reason." The other fox answered.

"Come on, we've got a place you can hide for now." The first fox said, as he quickly scaled the fence.

"Yeah, it would be especially bad if the humes caught the messiah and his acolytes now that you have returned." The second fox said, pushing Shock toward the fence.

Kyle ran, jumped, and easily flipped over the top of the fence. "Hurry up your holiness." He turned away but I could still hear the snicker.

I ran to the side using the wall as a spring point to follow Kyle's flip. Moments later Shock and the other fox clambered over the fence. Kyle and I shifted back to human form and as soon as his feet hit the ground Shock did the same.

"Smart move. Scalies didn't survive the revolutions, and we foxes are the lowest class. If we're lucky no one will recognize the messiah in human form."

"Renn, put your collar and leash on. No one will think twice about a human taking his fox pets out for a walk."

"Why do you have collars and leashes to begin with?" Shock asked.

The unnamed fox looked at the ground.

"It's the only way Todd and I can make any money." Renn pulled a folded piece of cardboard out of his pack. It read "Slave sluts: $5 paw, $10 oral, and $20 anal."

"We find an out of the way spot tie each other up as though we have a master and do what we can to survive." Todd said, without raising his head, "I guess that isn't going to really work anymore."

"Bro, don't say that, we only just turned sixteen. We can bluff for a few months."

"What do you mean by bluffing for a few months?" Shock asked.

I took their leads and we started walking.

"Huh? You're a fox so you should know we're only good for two things. Whoring until we're considered too old and then as a human's hunting trophy." Renn replied, cocking his head to the side in confusion."

I sighed, "Listen, I may look like your messiah but we're actually from another universe. We traveled here from our reality, but this is the first time we've portalled to a world so similar to our own. I guess the main difference is Shock is the only individual, besides myself that I transformed."

"Tiger, look." Kyle grabbed my shoulder and pointed toward the sky.

I gasped, the meteor was coming. "Uh, as I said we just got here. So, do you want to tell us about that meteor headed toward us?"

"It's nothing to worry about. It's going to pass rather close but not enough to be a real threat." Todd said.

"I keep telling you the human news is lying to us." Renn insisted.

"Sure and that Video Fox nut case is telling us the truth? He's just a freaking human in a suit to scared to get the injection to turn himself into a real furry."

I stopped inadvertently yanking on the leashes "Wait V-Fox exists in this realm?"

"Yeah you have a Video Fox in your universe too?" Renn asked.

"Not at the moment, because I'm standing right here." Shock said.

"Shock, Kyle, we've got to leave right now. Computer, pause game."

"Is that some sort of inside joke?" Todd asked.

"Tiger, what's wrong?" Kyle asked.

"We're in deep shit. Renn, Todd, we need to get somewhere safe fast, and I need to see your V-Fox’s latest report."

"Renn, I know what you're thinking, but we can't take them there. We'd be putting the others in danger."

"There's no such thing as more danger. That giant bullet isn't going to miss this planet and if I we can't open a portal all of us are going to die when the planet flies apart!" I yelled.

Renn and Todd looked at each other, unclipped the leashes, and took off running with us close behind. Ten minutes later we were entering a dilapidated building close to the alley where we'd started.

"Sorry, but we had to be sure we weren't followed." Todd explained.

"What the fuck are you two thinking bringing three humans back here? Are you trying to get us all killed." a small fennec holding a metal baseball bat asked.

"Don't mind Dune, his bite may be worse than his bark but his heart is in the right place." Renn insisted.

"Listen kit, I've told you more times than I can count, no human can ever be trusted."

"But Dune, he's-"

"I don't care if he's the fuckin' furry messiah. You cannot trust . . . Why are you two laughing your tails off when I'm lecturing you?"

I shifted to my anthro tiger form. "Probably because they think I am the Furry Messiah."

"Oh fuck me." Dune said, dropping his bat in surprise.

"Right now? I'm not really in the mood. I'm really more interested in getting the hell out of this universe. Do you have a usable computer in this place?" I asked.

"Uh yeah, down the hall first door on the right. It's my office. The computer is out of date but is still usable."

I headed down the hall.

"I'll stay out here and get to know everyone a bit better." Shock yelled.

I gave a bit of a wave and headed into the office with Kyle close behind. As soon as the door shut he started asking questions. "Why didn't the game pause?"

“It's a VR glitch that I thought I'd deleted." I turned on the computer and waited for it to boot up. "Mahan must have activated it."

"Why would he do that?"

I didn't respond instead I accessed the system and started programming a back door to contact Mahan.

"It's because of me isn't it? The VR glitch is required for a game character to achieve full sapience, isn't it?"

I stopped typing. "Yes, but after I discovered you were alive I made sure the glitch was deleted. Unfortunately it has a way of hiding itself in other programs."

"Prowl-Ar, what is going on? The VR chamber completely locked down and I can't access it." Mahan said.

"Mahan, code tri-phoenix."

"Would you mind repeating that?" He asked in surprise.

"This is a tri-phoenix situation. Isolate this VR program and then go dark."

"Understood, goodbye Captain."

"What is going on?" Kyle asked.

"I can't tell you until we're out of the VR chamber."

"Hey, you're not going to believe this," Shock announced as he barged in, "but Renn, Todd, Dune, Scrub, Drift, and Teef have all agreed to become my slaves, if we take them with us off this God forsaken world."

"Um, not to dampen your enthusiasm, but did you inform them that they will be-" Kyle started.

Shock cut Kyle off, "Pleasure slaves, and that they will be serving all three of us. Remember you had me learn the whole game. They have been fully informed."

"You do realize that even though he’s smaller Dune is probably older than you?" I asked.

"Yeah, he's twenty-two and his mate, Scrub, is twenty-three. The twins are sixteen, Drift is thirteen and Teef is twelve. I admit that those two are a bit young, but it was all or none."

"Then let's go." I Said.

Each of them had a small duffle bag and I noticed Dune had kept his bat.

"I'm excited to get to know each of you but that can wait. House, open portal." I quietly sighed in relief as the portal appeared. "Dune, you and Shock are up first. That way you'll know I'm not going to trick you and you can see for yourself that it's safe."

He nodded and they stepped through. "You two, "I pointed at an arctic fox and a younger red fox, "I'm guessing you're Drift and Teef, as the youngest you're next." They headed through. "Renn and Todd, your turn then Kyle and Scrub," I pointed at a meercat, "and I'll go last."

I could tell Kyle wanted to argue but seeing as I was keeping close he didn't. I stepped through the portal and into the courtyard. "Game pause, save and shut down." I gave a sigh of relief as the scene faded to the nondescript gray walls of the VR chamber. I tapped my foot on the floor. "Son-of-a-bitch."

"What is-"? Shock started.

"Everyone, we need to sit down and link our arms." I sat down and waited for them.

"Tiger, are we going to contact our cores again?" Kyle asked as he linked his arm to mine.

"Hopefully we don't have to go that deep."

Shock looked confused. "What aren't you telling us?" Shock asked, as he completed the triangle.

"Close your eyes and enter a meditative state." I gave them several seconds. "Command code Trace Alpha One system burn." I closed my eyes and tried to clear my mind. I could hear something sorting out and a hint of electrical smoke filled the air. The next thing I noticed was that the artificial gravity had finally cut off.

"Kyle, Shock, are you all right?"

"What's burning?" Shock asked.

"Mind telling me what the hell is going on, now?" Kyle demanded.

"What you're smelling is likely the remains of the VR's computer core. Kyle, the glitch I mentioned is actually a semi-sentient computer virus. When the game shut down I checked the artificial gravity when I found it was still engaged I knew the virus was still in control so I gave the fail-safe code that physically destroyed the VR computer."

"So no more game?" Shock asked.

“Don't worry everything is backed up. It just means I have to go through the code to find and destroy the virus, again.”

"If you've destroyed the computer, can Mahan turn the gravity back on? I don't think I like being weightless as much as I imagined I would." Shock asked.

"Mahan? No, right now everything including Mahan is dead. Luckily the ship is large enough that we have a few days before we freeze to death. Kyle, this is your chance to prove how good you are in zero g. You're going to carry Shock and myself to the computer core so I can bring Mahan back online."

"I don't think I can carry both of you."

I grinned. "What about carrying me while I'm holding a fox?"

"I hadn't considered that. I should be able to carry you as a human and Shock in his feral form."

The air was knocked out of me as Shock propelled himself into my arms. Kyle caught us with his tail and used the momentum to curl around and rebound off the wall toward the door.

"What do I do when I get there?"

"Get my feet as close to the floor or wall as you can." In a feat I would have thought impossible, Kyle twisted around himself and I found myself headed for the door while Kyle was headed back across the room. As I got closer I shifted and extended my claws. As I hit the wall I sunk my claws into the thin padding. I stuck fast, like fur in Velcro. I carefully crawled down the wall and yanked away a panel on the wall. Inside was a handle. I maneuvered into a squatting position, grabbed the handle, and using my whole body as leverage pulled outward. The door opened about a foot. I twisted the handle locking it in place and moved on to the door. It wasn't difficult sliding it open enough that even Kyle didn’t have to shift.

"Where to now?" Kyle asked.

"We repeat this at the lift and then we use the lift shaft to get to the bowels of the ship."

***

Kyle and Shock stared at the walls of the backup computer core.

"There must be thousands of crystals here." Shock mumbled.

"Eight thousand four hundred sixty seven. I'm bringing Mahan online."

"You erased me didn't you? What petty excuse do you have prepared?"

"It was a tri-phoenix situation."

"Shit, I thought I dealt with that problem. Find a place to relax I'm beginning the system scrub, check and reboot."

"Get comfortable, I've never had to do his before and it could take a while."

***

I groggily opened my eyes. The three of us had shifted to our feral forms and were curled together in a pile. An alarm was sounding.

"Mahan, what's going on?"

"All systems are clean except for the rec deck VR chamber. I can't access the computer to check for the virus."

"Oh, that's because I used the failsafe. Until I manually replace it there's nothing to access."

"You could have told me that sooner. Still the virus wasn't able to infect any systems other than that VR Chamber. Regrettably, I must commend your decision to limit all the VR facilities access to other ship systems. I always assumed it was to limit me from interfering with your games."

"I don't do anything with the purpose of making an individual mad. That's just an extra bonus to hide my real reasons."

"I've checked every drone and every ship in the hangar bays and they are clean. Of course I couldn't check the evolver unit, but you keep it isolated from all other systems to avoid anything infecting that system."

"Mahan?"

"Shock, I know you're worried, but the game data is stored on crystal and the virus can't record itself onto that medium. That's why destroying the VR Computer, that translates and projects the program killed the virus. You'll be able to pick up the game right where you left off. Once the computer is replaced." I explained.

"What about House? Since he is the personification of the VR computer hasn’t he been destroyed?" Kyle asked.

"House, is a special character and his program is also encoded on crystal. However, once you replace the computer you’ll be limited to portal travel to the guardian realms and the kingdom until the game structure can be fully rebuilt. Now I'm going to shut down. The primary Mahan will be updated when you bring him back online."

"What now?" Kyle asked.

"Now we backtrack to the bridge, reactivate the grumpy unhelpful Mahan, and then I suggest we crawl into bed, cuddle up and finish our nap."

***

"Now, you all know what to do?” I asked as we waited for the House program to load.

"You're going to yell 'everybody down', grab Dune and Scrub, since they were walking toward you, and hit the ground. I'll grab the twins, and Shock will get the kids. The portal will destabilize and collapse." Kyle replied.

"From there it's back to the unscripted game. We've got it, so let's get going." Shock said.

"For someone that was so upset about this game to begin with you're really getting into it." Kyle said, smiling at Shock.

"Shut up Kyle, I'm still a bit disturbed by parts of it, but after getting a full review of events I can see it's not all about sex. In fact the game is more about . . . Helping those in need."

"Shock, you don't need to censor yourself. I'm not as stupid as Mahan insists I am. I’ve known for a while now this game was my way of simulating a family for myself. It's the reason I was willing to delete it once I had Kyle."

"I'm the one to blame for this game continuing. Mainly because I find watching my tiger taking and being taken by others stimulating." Kyle pointed out.

"So, now that I'm here to stay, if I asked you to delete this game you'd do it?" Shock asked.

"Since my Drake can watch the two of us, yeah I'd delete it, or at least the story portion. I put too much work into House and this location to remove him as a hub location. Computer-"

"No! I mean, don't delete it. I've just taken responsibility for six slaves of my own, I should at least see if maybe I have some repressed urges of my own. Don't you think?" Shock asked.

Kyle laughed. "Face it Fox, you're a perfect match for us. You're as perverted as we are."

"If I'm not deleting it, can we get back to playing?"

We entered the chamber and took our positions.

"Mr. Nightiger-" Dune started, as he walked toward me.

"Everybody down!" I yelled.

The portal flared as bits of debris came through and then it disappeared.

"What have you done?" House asked, his avatar standing over us.

"Complete planetary destruction." I replied.

"You destroyed a planet this time? I believe that is a first for you."

"I didn't destroy it. It was an asteroid impact. Check the portal system. That was a nasty surge when the portal collapsed."

The portals to the guardian realms are stable. The portal to the Kingdom is intact. Portal to the Doctor . . . will not open. Portal to Dirt, will not open. In fact no other portals will open. I will begin scanning for any other realms available to me."

"The priority is finding or re-opening a portal to the Doctor's realm. If we have an emergency that we can't handle with the equipment here we'll be in real trouble." I said as I got up.

"Of course, Sir. I took the liberty of summoning Mika, as it appears we have six new residents."

"Thank you House. Shock, since these are your acquisitions I think Kyle and I will sit back and see how you deal with them. Oh and you're going to need these." I acted like I was digging around in my bag before pulling out six orange collars with yellow stripes.

"I guess I'd better start off with the rules then. First, and most importantly you are not allowed to lie, even if you think we don't want to hear the truth. Second, except for special occasions, such as training and meeting visitors all slaves will be nude."

"Really?" Todd and Renn said together as they quickly stripped their clothes off. "This deal just keeps getting better."

Shock shook his head and continued. "Third, all slaves will have a mate that they are responsible for and to. In your case Renn and Todd, Drift and Teef, and Dune and Scrub are the pairings."

"You're telling us, even though we're identical twin brothers, you're making us mates?" Renn asked.

Todd grabbed Renn and pulled him into a kiss.

"Obviously you're not going to have a problem with that." Shock said in surprise. “Rule four, you are allowed to refuse sexual advances from any of your brothers, but not from Master Prowl-Ar, Master Kyle or myself."

"I should point out that while you can't refuse to have sex with us, we're not the sort of Masters who will force you to do something you don't want. You are pleasure slaves, not sex slaves." I interrupted.

"What's the difference?" Drift, the arctic fox, asked so quietly that I nearly missed the question.

"A sex slave is treated as an object and is used for one thing. A pleasure slave is, at least in your case, treated as a family. All-be-it a large incestuous family." Shock replied. "Right, while you are here you won't be spending all of your time fornicating. Todd, Renn, are you listening?"

"Yes, Sir."

Shock rolled his eyes as they only stopped kissing long enough to answer. "While you are here you will be educated in many ways including weapons use."

"Wait, what?" Dune asked.

"Why else would we let you bring your bat with you? Of course it will have to be place in the armory with all the other weapons." I replied.

"And if I don't want to let go of it?" he asked.

Kyle shifted to his full dragon form, "I will take it from you, even if I have to take your hand with it." He shifted back to his anthro form. "However, I'd prefer if you turn it in willingly. It makes it a lot less hassle when you check it out of the armory for practice sessions."

"Masters, I see you've brought back more wayward souls. So who am I to register first?"

"Everyone, this is Mika. He is a former apprentice to the slave guild, scholar, and in the near future a master baker." Shock introduced him.

Mika grinned, "Being nice to me can often get you more rewards than-"

"Careful little mouse, now that I'm going to be around more often I'm taking charge of the kitchen and I will not have anyone exchanging food for favors." Kyle stated.

"Of course, Master Kyle, I apologize. Now shall we get started? From the collars I'm guessing you belong to Master Shock. Shall I continue the established slave numbers or start a new system for you?"

"Uh, keep to the established pattern, I suppose. We'll start with the twins."

"All right, number 039, red fox, male. Age and name?

"Todd, with two “D”'s and I'm sixteen.

"Seller, reason for sale, and sale price?"

"None, rescue, and zero. That is for all of them." I said.

"Just remember Shock will still have to pay a minimum fee plus register for his license." Mika reminded me.

"Yeah, I know."

"Of course, sorry about that, old habits. Subject 040, same information as Todd."

"My name is Reynard, but everybody calls me Renn. Oh and that's with two “N”'s in order to match Todd."

"Got it. Now the Arctic Fox, subject 041 male.

"Drift, thirteen."

Again Drift was very quiet. I wasn't sure if he was just shy or if there was some other trauma.

"Subject 042, red fox."

"I'm twelve and I guess my name's Teef. At least that's what humans always shout when they see me. 'Stop Teef!' but I never do because if they catch me they’ll take my skin and make it into a coat. Though I don't know how since it just fit's me and would never fit around their big bodies."

"Teef, you're doing it again." Dune said loudly.

"Sorry, Dune. I'm trying to remember not to talk so much."

"Scrub, meercat, 23."

Dune sighed, "And you don't say enough. His full name is Scrubland but he prefers Scrub."

"Sentry, only say what needed."

“Yeah, whatever. I'm Dune, a 22 year old Fennec fox.

"Got it, Master, I've filed these with the rest, but you still need to get them all turned in and paid for."

"Thank you Mika, you can go back to whatever you were doing before you were interrupted."

He smiled and headed back toward the house. "Something tells me he was in the library this time." Kyle said as he watched Mika walk away.

"Library?"

I glanced at Drift. He’d said that loudly and with excitement in his voice. "Yeah, we have a large library, theatre, game room with video games, dojo, pool, weight room, and shooting range. There is also access by portal to several safe worlds including a hot spring bath house run by kitsuné."

"You forgot about the nature trail around the island, garden, and orchard." Kyle added.

"And I won't have to sell myself like Renn and Todd have to?" Drift asked.

"No, there's only the three of us and your mate, Teef that you will have to have sex with."

"I-I think I might like it here, at least more than where we were."

"It is only natural all of you will want to stay grouped together, but I encourage you to get to know your new brothers. I think you'll find that one or two of them have gone through similar hardships. Shock, you go ahead and finish up here and then take them in for cleaning." I ordered.

"Where are you two going?" he asked.

"I need to go and see what House has planned for dinner. What about you, Tiger?” Kyle asked.

"I've really got to go and make sure the paperwork is properly prepared for our trip to the slave guild tomorrow."

"Our trip?" Shock asked.

"That's right. I can turn in the paperwork on slaves but new Masters have to be registered in person. Plus we're going to need to meet with the King. His majesty is likely to be quite interested in meeting the men that captured my heart. Lord knows how often he has tried to set me up with eligible suitors, both male and female."

"What about the King's Shadow?" Kyle asked.

"I'm sure he'll be around, in his NPC state, of course."

"It sounds like a lot of fun." Kyle said sarcastically.

I'd have reminded Kyle about not lying, but the sarcasm was so obvious that I didn't bother. "Hey, at least the King is friendly and open minded."

Kyle harrumphed and headed toward the kitchen. I just stood in the entrance hall. I really didn't have an office in the game. I headed for the kitchen but came to an abrupt stop. I hadn't studied the house' floor plan since the remodel. "House, can you show me the way to the basement?"

"Of course, Sir. During the remodel I changed things so that each room is more compartmentalized. While the stairs to the basement are in roughly the same place you no longer have to go through the kitchen to reach them. They are also completely enclosed so that Sticks can move about even in the worst storms."

I reached the bottom of the stairs. "Is there currently anyone nearby?"

"No, this portion of the house is, for the most part, off limits."

I entered the prison area. "I'm making some changes to the layout. From this point on this area is to be converted into a sound proofed recording studio for Shock to make his videos. Entry is restricted to yourself, Shock, Kyle, and me. Any other entrance is by invitation only." I stepped back out and shut the door. A palm scanner appeared next to the handle and a red light formed over the door. I moved to the next area, the interrogation rooms. "This area is to be reconfigured into an office for official work."

"So it will have the same purpose with a slightly different layout?" House asked.

"That sounds about right."

I opened the door and found that House had completed the reconfiguration.

"All the information and tools you need are already here. Is there anything else you need?"

I sighed, "No, just the patience to get through all this."

"Just call me if you need anything."

"Thank you, House."

"You are most welcome."

I sat down at the desk and started the arduous task of transcribing information from my computer onto parchment.

***