Bonded Summoner-Chapter 26BS7 - : Group Date

Despite being a relatively boring ride compared to most other options, their amusement park still had the Ferris wheel. The kids sometimes enjoyed it, and the adults rode it from time to time. Jake actually enjoyed it a fair amount because it had a special feature.

The girls each got into their own cart, allowing Jake to fly to each one and enter without an issue. Realizing it was likely Fhesiah’s plan, he went to join her cabin first.

Once he was inside, the feature was shown. The cabin’s windows were overlooking one of his world’s major cities, as if the Ferris Wheel was present there. A tablet was available next to the bench Fhesiah was sitting on, allowing them to pick a city within his kingdom.

The bench was deep, and actually resembled a bed. Taking a look with his Umbral Gaze, he realized they were all like this.

“Ah, you joined me first?” Fhesiah smirked, and began removing the belt to her cultivator robes, her chest starting to spill out of them as she held them with the other. “Could it be you need a little relief first?” She nodded to herself, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Easier to think properly with your head when your other head is drained,” she teased, and then pressed something on the tablet, changing the view to be one of their many private films instead–a feature Jake didn’t even know it had. Her moans echoed in the cabin.

He rolled his eyes, and changed the setting back to Cascadia, ceasing the moans, and his hearthflames closed the robe she was removing, causing Faye to pout as he sat next to her.

Jake said, “I take it this group date was your idea? It feels more than a little odd to date four new girls at once. Three of which were women you brought to us from your crazy adventure, besides.”

Fhesiah chuckled. “Aren’t they excellent women and allies, though? And Yona has been amazing with the kids. They all love her already, she is a mother of theirs in all but name. And without Ruby and Sati, I’m not so sure Nessa would have been nearly as successful, let alone her kingdom. To me, this feels like Fate that they become a part of our family.”

Jake took that in, understanding as she continued, “As for this date, it was my idea, but all of us were in on the plan. Those four are just happy for a fleeting piece of your attention. It’s trivial for you to make these girls happy beyond belief, you know. Think of it like…you’re a rock or movie star, mixed with a war hero back on Earth. They’re down for whatever you want, and while we called it a date, it can be as romantic as you want it to be. Either hold hands as you look over the scenery and talk, or bend them over the bench and have your way with them. They’ll be happy either way, there’s no pressure for you.”

Jake chuckled, shaking his head. “Good pep talk, wife of mine. I know I can always count on you to be tactful when it comes to other women.” Of course, Jake wasn’t annoyed, he definitely enjoyed her…directness.

Fhesiah shrugged. “Just telling you like it is, and I know you don’t need Nessa to know that I am speaking the truth. The only way you could hurt these girls is if you said you were unwilling to pursue them, turning them down entirely. So why don’t you just go enjoy yourself, and make them happy while you do? Each of these girls is already loyal and at least mostly in-love with you…and they have hearths. You like that, don’t you?” She waggled her brows.

He realized that, as usual, she was right. As long as he could keep all of his wives happy, he was down for any number. He had paid attention to when the Hearth Bond had formed with Nessa, using both his Umbral Gaze, and all of his magical sensory. And the amount of soul he lost was not really a concern, as he essentially outgrew the problem. This meant most of Ophelia’s concerns were resolved as well.

Nessa’s information about the projections resolving any time management-related issues made sense. There were also several other factors, including his new Presence and Hearthian bonds that made things much easier to manage as well, in terms of keeping all of his women happy, fulfilled, and satisfied.

“Alright. Of course, each of the girls is charming. I’ll go see them and–” Jake was about to take off, ready to head to the next cabin, but Fhesiah pouted, grabbing his shirt before he could.

She tugged him hard enough so that he fell on top of her, pushing her down onto the wide bench. “C’mon, at least some fun over the clothes? I deserve a turn, a date too, right? Everyone else is getting one.”

Jake chuckled. “Of course,” he said, as his lips met hers.

As expected, Fhesiah was not interested in the view as they kissed and groped. She rolled on top of him and then her hips ground on his crotch as she kissed him passionately and she moaned, trying to get him worked up. Jake thought some clothes were about to come off, before she suddenly pulled back.

Fhesiah grinned, as she patted him below the waist. “It’s all a part of my plan to get you riled up, and use one of the other girls as an outlet. But do call me if you do. So that I can….help.” She waggled her brows.

“Thanks for your help, Faye. As always, you’re the best wing-woman, the one with a wonderful hobby.”

“And don’t you forget it!”

Taking a calming breath first, he flew to the next passenger cabin, which held Bree inside. The large woman with wild red hair, horns, and dog ears on top of her head was looking over the world of Ariminum, which had reached the second Tier. He sat down next to her, but she continued to look at the world out the window.

“This world of yours is probably the most boring one of the bunch.”

Jake chuckled. “It was for us too. It’s like a fantasy version of Europe from Earth. It seems it started to become more interesting now that they won their second Conquest, however. Take a look over here.” He pointed to two locations, on each side of the cabin. There was a volcano, but also a glacier in view of the city, but he had to really zoom the camera to see them, as they were quite the distance away.

He said, “The leylines have been stuffed full of magical energy from the Framework, bringing the world to the next Tier. It’s giving it some more unique properties now, but these things take time.”

“Hm. I didn’t much pay attention to what happened to my Conquests. We usually just gathered our armies and headed on to the next one. We would always go for a bigger and better world, so the previous world was rendered useless beyond creating more armies.”

Jake could definitely see that, and that was the usual progression. They had sort-of skipped to the end of the next Tier with Highlands, thanks to the death curse bringing it down to where they could claim it, but then by winning such a massive reward thanks to Tartarus’ cheating.

They sat in companionable silence for a minute, before the wild woman looked at him a little pleadingly, and looked at his hands. He met her green-eyed gaze, and took her larger hand in his.

Jake arched his brow at her. “I didn’t know you’d be all that interested in romance. I just…don’t get that feeling from you.”

Bree blushed, and by how her hearth flickered, he could feel how much she enjoyed her hand in his.

“It’s…all new to me, so perhaps, it was more that I didn’t know what I was missing. But…it’s true that I enjoy fighting by your side a lot. The fights in the dungeon were wonderful, and I’m really excited about The Burning Steps. Thank you for…always indulging me by bringing me out in the many challenges. Fighting against that other Champion really got my fire burnin’” She smiled in remembrance.

He chuckled. “Well, you are usually a great pick, so I don’t need to be thanked for that. On The Burning Steps, we may use you as a usual participant, an Adventurer.”

Bree grinned. “That does make me even more excited. I can’t wait to bite and tear them to pieces.”

Jake couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “I’m sorry I haven’t spent as much time alone with you. Our relationship has been on hold since we’ve first met in person, because of the issue of you not having a…more human-like body. After that, we’ve been a bit busy in the dungeon and then the situation with Nessa. I know you want me to be your mate or for you to join my pack, but what is it that you want our relationship to look like? I… figured you would want to wait until we can resolve things with your sisters.”

Suddenly, she slunk down in her sitting, and didn’t seem to want to meet his eyes, a timid expression. “I want…what you want. If you want to sit here and hold hands…or bend me over the bench and use me… I’m down. You’re the pack leader. Your will is law.”

Jake narrowed his eyes at her use of Faye’s phrasing, and she just grinned in response. He said, “I see. You really don’t have a preference at all?”

She frowned in thought, and her free fist clenched and unclenched, a few times. “Hmm…if I did have one…it would be that I’d like to get any awkwardness over with. While I like most of these feelings you’ve awakened in me, this… odd tension is not one that I enjoy. At all. My sisters have really made things tough for me, making me have to wait to form our true bond, and I know just how much this matters to you. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have plenty of fun… if you want, Boss.”

He knew what she meant. He didn’t know how to behave with her, or how he should connect. It was hard to understand her, being that she was at least partially similar to Avalara in that she had an age and wisdom beyond normal human understanding. Ultimately though, just like then, perhaps he was overthinking it.

Jake looked over her body once more. Her body was designed by her, with a huge waist, and a large chest. Long legs, with thick thighs and hips that wouldn’t quit. It was clearly made with two things in mind–fighting and fucking. It seemed her intentions were as clear as day from the moment she constructed it and revealed it to him, he now realized. He should have seen it sooner with another resident body designer among his wives.

Fhesiah designed her body like a guy creating a girl in a video game character creation screen, dragging the boob and waist sliders almost as far as they could go. Just, she pulled them back a hair more, since any bigger might have been a bit inconvenient. But then… she slid them the rest of the way again with her kitsune form anyway.

He replied, “Can’t say the awkwardness is something I enjoy overly much, either. But alright. It won’t be right now, but we’ll get some…special alone time together, and soon. Let’s just enjoy this moment for now.”

Jake wrapped his right hand around her waist, pulling the larger girl closer to him tightly. He still had his left hand holding hers, and she had been enjoying the feel of his strong hands.

Bree shivered at his casual strength. While she was bigger than him and probably stronger physically, Jake was definitely no slouch. She definitely liked that he was taking control.

She said, “Mmm…yes, I’d like that.”

He changed the view over to another world, Bramvalen, but it was more static images provided than it was a live feed, like he could get on the worlds they owned. This world was definitely more jungle-covered like Highlands was, with giant trees and vines, as well as fields of thorns and large, dangerous-looking creatures.

Sensing what Bree would like, Jake scratched between her dinodog ears rather than hold her hand. She had longer legs than him and her torso was taller, besides, so he had to reach up to get to the top of her head. She sighed into his touch, and leaned her head on top of his, and held his left hand in hers.

Her tail swayed in a wagging pattern behind them, but her tail was longer and different from most dogs or dinosaurs. The tail started thick near the base, like most lizard tails. However, it narrowed into a thinner cord, where it had a heavy, spiked object at the end of it.

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It seemed she was able to alternate the movement of that portion of the tail, like a pendulum, as the thicker portion of the tail moved in the opposite direction, wagging like a dog, if she wanted. Very peculiar in how it swayed behind her.

Aligning her romantic interest with his in Jake’s mind was all that was required for their bond to finally move forward to the third level. Having been busy with the dungeon and then Nessa’s situation had left him not wanting to do anything with another girl until that was completed.

It just didn’t feel right to him, which was why it was going to be weird moving these four other relationships forward at once. He supposed as long as their expectations were set, it was fine.

The two watched over the landscape for a while, changing over to his other worlds and seeing the sights. Eventually, Jake had to move on. He had a lot of mini-dates to go, and girls waiting, after all.

He stood up, and looked over at Bree. Despite being an almost divine being, the woman had her ears flat on top of her head, and her tail stopped moving. She only looked up at him slightly, since even with him standing and her sitting, he was only a little taller.

Jake could tell she didn’t want him to leave. “I’m surprised you’re that sad to see me go. Could it be you wanted more?”

Bree couldn’t meet his eyes, looking away. “I…hoped…” She squirmed a little in her seat. It seemed she did have more desires, but had difficulty voicing them–likely because she thought only her pack leader’s desires should matter.

It was so strange to him that such a powerful woman could be so submissive this way. He supposed Faye was similar, but that was merely the bedroom, making it completely different.

It seemed, at the very least, Bree wanted him to desire her more. That was simple for Jake.

He reached out, and cupped her chin. Her eyes widened as he lifted it gently, and he leaned forward slowly. She certainly was strong enough to pull herself away if she wanted to, but as her breathing picked up, and she offered her lips, it was clear that he was right about what she desired.

Pressing his lips against hers, he kissed her gently. The soft touch of her large lips matched the passion on her chest, her heart and hearth soaring at his touch.

“Mmm…” Bree moaned, and Jake kissed her a few more times, the soft smacks of their flesh and their breaths the only sound in the cabin.

Seeing her large chest taking deep breaths, and her auril heart beating heavily, he could tell how easily she was turned on. Just like Tanda and Ava, she could go into heat at the drop of the hat and be ready to mate. What Fhesiah had said was right on the money, at least when it came to Bree. And she was sexy, there was no doubt in his mind about that.

He gave her a hug and helped calm her–and himself, down for a minute.

“T-That was…” Bree trailed off, blushing.

“Something to hold you over. Now I feel bad about making you wait.”

She shook her head. “No, this was perfect. I can feel how much you care, and want me–it’s wonderful. I have a lot to look forward to, after all this time.”

Jake reluctantly said goodbye and flew over to the next cabin, which held Ophelia and Tanda next, which he was thankful for. He’d be able to cool off after that. As he entered, the two were pointing out at the different features catching their eyes to each other.

Shadow Haven was a strange world, filled with many shadow creatures and entities of light. There was a permanent eclipse occurring, which cast odd shadows at nearly all times of the day and night. This caused a ton of abnormal creatures to exist in the world, and of course, Jake had already captured some templates from the shadow and light monsters brought to him.

The city was relatively normal looking, with what seemed to be the usual fantasy races of elf, dwarf, orc, and more. They each had different variants thanks to the light and darkness, it appeared, and he knew that the world had a light Nordic Origin or influence. It was one of the reasons Avaron had wanted it, it appeared. Aside from just keeping Nessa from taking it.

He joined them for a time, once again enjoying the sights as the cabin moved, while he brushed their hair and Tanda’s tail, the two sharing their sensations over their hearth bond making its connection.

Ophelia’s tail feathers were not a good target for brushing, but she got to enjoy it as if it were, from him running his fingers through her tail with one hand, as he brushed Tanda’s tail with the other. He was able to grip it with his telekinesis, making it easy for him to brush one-handed by adding to his number of appendages.

Lia shivered, as she leaned on Tanda in front of him. “Mmm… I love that. I’d be envious of how good it feels, but I get to enjoy it just the same.”

Tanda nodded languidly, her eyelids heavy. “Oh yes. Our mate has gotten so good at taking good care of us.”

Lia suddenly said, “Can you do the fire thing again? You’re getting very good at that, too.”

As part of practicing with his hearth flames and telekinesis using them, he had worked on doing some massages, much like Blood had for him. He covered them in a cloak of his flames, and then began putting pressure across their bodies as he continued their brushing. Their happy sighs and moans filled the cabin, and then they did their best to return the favor for a couple of minutes.

Tanda’s tail was wagging as her fluffy hands massaged his shoulders, and Ophelia was doing the same. They each took turns giving him kisses and sitting on his lap as they looked over the world cast in an otherworldly light and darkness, enjoying their time together.

Each gave him a kiss on his cheek as he said goodbye, and he moved to the next cabin.

Where Sati, the living flame, was waiting. This time, she was actually sitting on the bench. Other than a small layer of flames over her skin, she did look like a human woman. Her brown skin and golden eyes were striking, and so was the bright white hearth in her chest that Jake could both see and feel.

“Sati.”

“My Ishvara–my lord. How may I serve?”

“No need to serve. I’m happy to just spend some time alone with you.”

She smiled at that. “As you will it.”

Jake sat down next to her, and took a look at the city she had chosen. It was one on the Mystic Expanse, and it was near the city Jake had raided the cultists, a large city near a lake. It was at the bottom of a vast canyon. A tall mountain loomed over them, and there was a ravine that was wide and long, like the world was carved in two.

There were two immense storms in the opposite direction of the ravine, with unique elemental Qi. One was a strange metal storm, shards of broken blades and countless spikes swirling through the air. The other storm held fire and lightning, and it was what she was spending the most time looking at.

“Do you miss it at all? You spent almost two whole years on the Mystic Expanse.”

“A little. But I still keep in touch with our allies, my brothers and sisters in arms over the Menu.” She smiled. “I’m sure I will see many of them again soon.”

Jake thought about that. “There should be some Love and Justice coming to The Burning Steps, but the elites like Xara, Xu Weiyan, and Aria are heading to Bramvalen. You could go there instead if you like?”

Sati shook her head. “I would rather not, unless you will it. I shall see them again, but that time will not be now. Instead, I sense that you will need me. It would be my greatest regret for you to require my aid, and for me to not be there.”

“Sense it?”

“The pull of fate. The flames of purpose burn brightly in me, and my purpose will soon be partially fulfilled, or one might say it will truly begin. I am being drawn. To here.”

She pressed on the tablet, and brought up some of the static images of The Burning Steps. Rather than a live feed, there were plenty of images of their destination available, as shown from the Alliance HQ’s, or from space.

This helped Jake understand a lot more about where they were going. The cities were like Mesoamerican pyramids. They were stepped pyramids built into the sides of mountains or volcanos, or even freestanding.

There was nearly no water to be seen, and instead, it was like lava made up the world’s rivers and lakes. Lava even ran up and down the pyramids through channels carved for that purpose, making it look like the pyramids were burning.

He didn’t doubt her feelings, as he could feel how certain she was over her bond. “I see. That is alarming, for many reasons. A threat my wives and I cannot manage without you…” Rather than think further on that, he decided to change the topic–this was supposed to be a date, after all.

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Jake noted, “Your wish is for a greater connection to me, and it seems you already have a profound love for me, which is flattering. But it is one that I feel I did not earn…or at least, it is one that I don’t understand.”

She tilted her head. “Must love be earned? Your children did not earn your love, yet they are given it freely. There are many people in your kingdom that also did not earn it, and it is the same. You care and work hard for those that earned it, but you strive even for those that did not.”

Sati continued, “It is in our nature to seek understanding, but love is ephemeral and ever-changing. All love is different, and can be summarized as strong feelings for another, but they are not always all positive. To try to grasp understanding of love is as futile as trying to grasp water, mist, or sand in your hands. My love for you is different, yes, but it is very real.”

“I know that, as I can feel how powerful it is. But it is greatly uneven, between us.”

“It is okay that it is uneven, have you not already experienced this with others, like Ava? Few lovers can really be truly balanced, such as you are.” She smiled, and then the fire in her chest burned brightly, and he could feel the deep respect she had for him as she continued, “But I know that your love is as deep as the ocean, and as bright as a star. For I have felt it, and it, along with the hope it granted me, is what kept me alive during my darkest hours, and helped me ascend against all odds. I seek more of it, for you to cast your light, your Gaze and your flame, directly upon me. For you to become a larger part of me, and for me to become a larger part of you. To return the hope and love bestowed upon me, and empower you in your grand task, as you uphold the Dharma.”

Jake frowned, trying to understand. He had felt an odd familiarity with her core, but he had reasoned that it had to do with Fhesiah’s two original flames within her, and later, all of his wives’ flames as well, from her…eating them. But now, he did sense a piece of him in her, though it felt different.

“Your darkest hours, you say? Could you tell me more about this?”

“It is a beautiful story, and I am proud to tell it.” She paused, “But… I’m afraid now might not be the best time. The others are waiting, after all, and…” Sati looked at his hand meaningfully, and gave him a pleading expression.

“Of course. We’ll have plenty of time for you to tell it to me later.”

He offered his hand, and said, “For now, I would like to become closer to you. I don’t know much about you yet, but I’m sure some day I’ll love you as much as you do me, even if it will likely be very different.”

Sati’s heart leaped for joy, and when her hand grasped Jake’s, her entire body brightened. While she had what looked and felt like a real body, she was still completely constructed by Qi and flames.

She didn’t say any words, but she didn’t need to. He knew he had brought her great joy, and he could feel the desire within her burn brightly.

Jake motioned to the images with his free hand. “Tell me about your time here, on the Mystic Expanse. I’ve only briefly visited, what was it like with all the strange storms?”

With a smile, she brought up several of the locations. Based on her tales, Tartarus definitely enjoyed placing Rifts down where storms passed through nearby, making it difficult to close them as they built up and summoned more troops to cause chaos.

And that wasn’t all–the cultists frequently had shown up to disrupt any Rift closures, compounding on the difficulty. But with her and Ruby’s help, they managed to prevail.

Sati spoke of her allies fondly, but she had an intense focus on the Dharma for all of her actions. Jake’s knowledge of the Hindu religion and their Divine was limited, but he had certainly brushed up on it a bit with his Mentors all following it on some level.

Her desire to face Tartarus was rooted in upholding the cosmic law, of both duty and righteousness. She had stories of helping villages with healing and rebuilding, and he knew he’d like to hear a lot more of them when they had a lot more time.

Like with Bree, he aligned in his mind that he would pursue Sati romantically, seeing her as a woman he’d like to make his for the first time. As their bond increased to the third level, her whole body shivered. The feelings that coursed over their bond were greater than before, and flaming tears of joy streaked down her cheeks.

Seeing how happy this small act made her caused his eyes to widen in alarm, and–

She reached out her hand, and cupped his cheek. “Do not feel guilt for making me happy, my Ishvara. For it was my choice to endure, from the very beginning. It was fate that brought us together, and so, too, will fate bring us closer still. The pieces will align when it is time, and not but a moment sooner. I will treasure the small piece of your heart that I already have.”

After a…very warm hug, he said goodbye for now, and promised they would find some alone time together with her in the near future. He flew into the next cabin, and found two of Ava’s lesser avatars waiting for him.

Both of them smiled at him, but one spoke while the other tapped the bench. “Hehe, come here, my mate. I’ll help you relax a little more.”

He sat down between them, and they both pressed their soft bodies against him. To Jake’s surprise, she was looking at several of the worlds at once, arranged in a grid.

Avalara seemed to want to hug and kiss while they viewed the worlds, and Jake was happy to oblige. The twins giggled and sighed as he kissed and snuggled with them, and he enjoyed alternating the avatar which received the sensations.

She mainly played around with trying to overwhelm his senses with the two versions of herself. They eventually shifted to him laying on both of their laps as one ran hands through his hair and scratched his scalp, helping him relax as she had originally stated.

Jake took a look back at the grid. “Why so many worlds?”

“I was just killing time while I waited for you. I’m checking what makes them special. There’s a lot more to it than what meets the eye, but Valtor has given me some magical geological surveys from them to match the images. The energy entering my core is rising at a rapid pace, and I need to find ways to shape and grow myself, my world, properly.”

He realized that would be even more complicated than what he was doing. Jake did already enchant her primary avatar’s hearth, with many demonic runes containing words he felt matched the beastkin and her path quite well. Life, Death, Conflict, Harmony, Balance, and more.

She had said that she could feel the amount of energy entering her and what she was using improved, but it was certainly a marginal effect, just like the Divine Reinforcement buff to her Primary Avatar was. To have a more substantial effect, he would need to somehow enchant the world’s core more directly.

“You’ve been a big help during our dungeon battles. Your influence on our beastkin allies and my templates during battle has been a substantial boon.”

“Yes, and I’ve enjoyed our battles very much. The Bloodwrought were truly tainted, and their defeat has emboldened our people. Many now seek to enter that floor to battle against them, you know. When Morwen used the Kingdom Of Annwyn spell, their spirits were truly laid to rest, so now we are making sure to send Priestesses of Arawn into every Battleground.”

After a goodbye kiss, Jake entered the next cabin, to find Yona waiting for him with cookies, milk, cupcakes and other miscellaneous baked goodies waiting for him. Their manor in Cascadia from the outside was on the screen, showing the World Tree and many of the growing treants and their hamadryads frolicking in the growing wooded area around it.

“Yona. I see you’ve kept yourself somewhat busy.”

She stood abruptly, and bowed. “H-Hello, Master, welcome. Yes. Would you like some snacks, or…my snack?” Yona placed her hands at the bottom of her dress, as if prepared to lift it, her cheeks red.

Jake arched his brow, then sat down next to where she stood, deciding to set aside the request. He grabbed a cookie, and dunked it in the milk.

“I’d love some snacks. Faye told you to say that, didn’t she? Have a seat.” He ate the chocolate cookie, finding it to be delicious. Just the right amount of softness and sweetness, the cookie just barely surviving being dunked in the milk. “Mm. That’s good.”

Yona blushed as she sat, her cheeks reddening further. “I made them, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it! She…said you’d take the food snack anyway, but she said it was important to show my resolve! So you wouldn’t have…doubts. About…me wanting you as my mate!” She forced out her words at the end there, and that caused Jake to arch his brow at that.

“Why choose me?”

Yona tilted her head, and her two cat tails formed question marks behind her. “You’re really asking me…? To me, it’s very obvious! You smell so good, you’re so strong, you’re so nice, and you make powerful babies, why, I could keep going for a hundred reasons!”

Jake almost wanted to hear all the reasons she could come up with, but he refrained from bullying the shy girl.

“We’re going to be busy a lot in the near future, fighting on the battlefield. I’m not going to be able to be around the Refuge all the time, even if I do plan on seeing my children somewhat frequently. Most of my wives are warriors, joining the fight along by my side. You’re okay with not seeing your mate all of the time? You’ll be the only one left here with Ava.”

“I know I’m not a warrior, and that’s okay because I can see how you need me too! You’re always so busy, you could use a lot more relaxation. This is one of the first times we’ve had time to talk one on one…though, I was kind of avoiding you.”

That was news to him. “You were avoiding me?”

“I knew…that you didn’t really desire me. In a way, you’ve already rejected me, right? And I knew, you were just focused on your wives and children–being an excellent mate! That was one of my reasons. Anyway, I knew that my… desire was one-sided… It was less painful if I just focused on the job, which I love very much! Your kids are wonderful.”

“I see. So Faye’s group date gave you the push you needed here, to try again?”

Yona nodded. “And the other girls too, even Bree, Ruby, and Sati. Your mates all feel so loved, even all of your children. And your Presence alone… I hear that it is always with them, no matter where you are. That is more than enough for me to want you to be my mate, even if you’re always away. T-That, and…of course, if you give me some kits…”

“It certainly makes sense for you to want some children of your own. I’ve seen how great you are with them.”

“Your kids are so great. And it’s not only for me, that I want to be your mate. I want to help you!”

Jake frowned. “You, help me? I didn’t think you wanted to fight with us.”

She shook her head. “Fhesiah says that my hearth is special. That if you have my flames of Bastet, the Qi stars and the moon, it can help make our family stronger. So I can give you…more than just being your maid and nanny, I can give you my strength and my love.”

Jake chuckled. “Alright. Well, I was mostly sold before I entered the cabin, but you’ve won me over further. You–”

Yona squealed, and hugged him tight as she tried to tackle him. He had to lean away with her tackle, to prevent her from feeling like she crashed into a stone wall. She nuzzled her head against him with a wide smile, and her tails curled into hearts behind her as she kissed him on the cheek.

Suddenly, her whole body, including her tails, froze. Her eyes widened as she moved away. “Er–I’m sorry, Master! I…got too excited!”

Jake couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s alright. Let’s enjoy the view for a bit, and then we’ll find some time together in the near future, I promise. I don’t know how often we’ll get the chance, but it seems all four of you girls are okay with any pace that I set. That makes things simple for me.”

“Oh yes… I don’t want to be a burden. I’m so happy, even for just a little bit of your time! Us Nekomata…well, the ones less like me…they tend to sleep as they cultivate, for weeks and months. I’m thankful I’m not quite like that, or I’d be useless as a maid and nanny, but I can do just fine if you’re gone for a long time, I’m used to it. Don’t worry about me.”

The two of them watched the strange landscape of Aetheris spiraling around them, as Yona fed him snacks and he pet her ears, which she enjoyed. Eventually, a loud purring sound came from her chest, and her tails were both rubbing against him as they undulated behind him, and they held hands as they viewed the terrain and enjoyed the lifting sensation of the cabin moving.

With her acceptance, he formed the glyphs with his hearth flames, and applied them to her hearth and made her another one of his permanent summons. And given how strong her feelings were, and how she was wiggling into his heart just like her two tails, they were also at the third stage immediately.

The flames in her hearth burned brightly, and he could feel how much joy was in her heart from just a bit of time with him. He didn’t know how much time he’d get to spend with her in the future, but he could feel just how relieved, and how much she would cherish their small, simple time together.

Eventually, with a kiss on her blushing cheek, Jake said goodbye to her and flew to the next cabin, where Bloodberri, and surprisingly, Nessa was waiting.

“Milord. Please, have a seat and join us.” Blood motioned to their coil, the girl not using the bench and sitting in the middle of the cabin. Nessa was resting in the tail couch, and laughing at Berri’s stories.

Jake looked at Nessa a little questioningly. “Oh. As much as I wanted another date with you, I feel like I’ve gotten plenty of your time lately. I wanted to spend some time with Blood and Berri for a bit, she wanted to show me how this sport works on Highlands. Of course, she’s trying to sell me on it for Aetheris.”

Several balls were floating around them, and Blood held a spherical, magical puzzle in her hand. This was her telekinesis practice routine, but it seemed she had added some sort of mental strength or mind improvement practice.

An energy moved around the pathways inside the sphere, and she was using her magical sensory to perceive it, as well as move her own energy around inside to lock and unlock sections of the tool.

He sat down in her tail-couch, and Berri ran their free hand through his hair. Her eyes were on the image in the cabin window–a bird's-eye view of a bunch of beastkin children playing baseball in Cascadia. They looked like older teens now.

Nessa smiled at him, and held his hand. “The beastkin really love this sport! I’m surprised at how organized it is.”

As Jake watched the kids play, he realized that there were probably hundreds, even thousands of kids now reaching the awakening age and probably entering dungeons soon.

Berri nodded at his thoughts. “That’s right! We’ve already had some of the older ones enter our subguilds as they focus on the early floors of the dungeon, or incursions, and prepare for their Trials.”

A section of the sphere lit up in her hand, and Blood smiled. “When they get stronger, they’ll all be excellent candidates for Hearthtribe. But most importantly, they will be prepared to defend their home in the War Trial.”

Berri added, “They all have a lot of pride in their world, their people, and respect for Hearthtribe and the Hart Clan. Just like Blood wanted. They’re all very likely to want to fight for their home, but also work hard on themselves and join Hearthtribe as their ultimate goal.”

He had known that there was a sort of nationalism or patriotism focus in the children’s teaching and training, and knew it was Blood’s idea. Still, he was a bit surprised by how well it was working.

Nessa said, “It’s pretty amazing. Maybe we should do something for the cultivators like this. At least, some kind of sport to help build more camaraderie and ties among them. Marriage is good, but this could resonate even with the non-cultivators.”

Berri was excited about that, and already had several ideas.

Jake looked over the mecha-magical sphere Blood was working on. “What’s with the puzzle?”

Blood answered, “I’m working on improving my mind further. It appears, when it comes to creating projections, this is one of the most challenging elements.”

Jake noted, “It sounds like I’ll need to make use of it as well, then. I can see the benefit in getting stronger in my multitasking and other capabilities.”

“I’m sure you will, but I am happy to pave the way for you on this, like I did the telekinesis. I do believe gaining training from each other’s subconscious is very real, so by me getting good with this, it will likely make things far easier for you for when you do.”

He had certainly noticed that he progressed fast with the telekinesis, and he did think it was thanks to her. The girls certainly moved rapidly through Hearth Control levels quickly, likely because he had paved the way. They were already at Expert, and they had caught up faster than he had predicted.

Without being granted the groundwork at Tier-Up like Jake had, he had thought it would take them quite some time, but they had defied his expectations.

Nessa, Berri and Blood snuggled with Jake as they looked over the children playing, and he was really shocked at how fast and strong the teens were in the game of baseball. Seeing beastkin run so fast on all fours as they stole a base or leapt way higher than a human could possibly to catch a ball out made him realize their race added a lot of nuances that weren’t normal on Earth.

“Feels a bit like our first date, Berri.” Jake noted.

Berri giggled. “You’re right! Blood was still a bit reluctant at that time, but even she enjoyed it. She complained a lot about you at first, but she’s just a softy for those that love her.”

“That’s not fully true. I’m the stern one with the children.”

Berri snorted. “You spoil the girls more than me with your immense effort, even if I’m spoiling them by wanting them to have too much fun. Who designed the Rattlesnake and Viper in the first place? I sure didn’t, even if it was my idea.”

Blood’s eyes narrowed. “If I didn’t step in, that thing you made would have been a deathtrap!”

Nessa was amused, Jake chuckled. “Blood just wants the best for those she loves, you included, Berri. And she’ll work very hard to make them happy, strong, and healthy. It’s one of the many reasons I love her.”

Blood pouted. “Now, why did you have to go and say something like that, Milord? I know you have one more visit to make…” She licked her lips as she looked down at his waist, and the balls hovering around them froze.

Nessa blushed, and looked away as she felt a bit uncomfortable. “Um…that might be a bit too advanced for me to join in with yet.”

Jake chuckled. “That’s alright.”

Knowing a kiss was certainly fine, he twisted to face and kissed Blood deeply, causing a shiver to course through their giant body.

Berri pulled back and said. “Hehe, I get to benefit even when Blood is charming! We get triple the time since we’re three, right? I know Nessa wants some kisses too.”

Jake chuckled at Nessa’s blush, as she turned to meet his lips. Her snake tail wrapped around his legs, and he pulled back to tell Berri, “You’re always charming too, Berri. And you do so much for everyone. Your schools and orphanages are doing a lot of good, and our children are happy beyond belief thanks to all the energy you bring to the family. You’re amazing.

“W-Well, Yona and Blood both help a lot with all of those things. As for the Orphanage and schools, Blood helped make them mostly pay for themselves! That’s a lot smarter than me selling all the stuff we make to fund them, even if they are relatively cheap. It’s also marketing, to find more people who need help!”

Berri pointed out how in the stands of the beastkin game, a lot of people had the sport team paraphernalia, and it appeared that a lot of that was both made by the orphans but also funded them.

Blood cleared her throat. “It’s awareness, my dear sister. You always have wonderful ideas, I just… help execute them a bit better than your wild imagination.”

Nessa said, “Fascinating. Maybe I could have better monetized the tournaments too? We let them gamble, but, maybe I could have done even more with merchandising?”

Blood smiled. “I’ll be happy to help you with these things going forward, my dear clan-sister.”

Jake spent a little more time and gave them all his love, and then moved on to the final cabin. The red-headed beastkin girl was instead looking over images of The Great Maw, which might become his in the future if his people were successful.

“Ruby.”

Ruby’s face lit up, and she turned to him as he came to sit down next to her. “Jake!” She sniffed. “Oh. I’m last, huh?”

Jake scratched his cheek. “Sorry about that. I feel like I know you the very least. And like with Yona, I didn’t know you were interested in finding a mate, let alone with me until just now. “

“That…is enough. You smell sooo good… and so strong.”

Jake arched his brow at her. “That’s all it takes? Haven’t you smelled tons of strong males on Aetheris, too? I know you’ve met the Sword Saint, and fought him.”

“None of them could even compare to the vampire I ate! And you smell…even yummier than that. So delicious.”

Jake arched his brow. “You’re making it sound like you just want to eat me.”

Her tail thumped on the bench behind her, and her eyes widened in alarm as she waved her arms. “N-No, it’s totally different!”

Jake folded his arms. “How is it different?”

Ruby’s mouth opened and closed a few times, and then she looked troubled. “It just is? I can’t explain it. You just keep…smelling better and better, and I know my hunger for blood.” She grabbed his tropical shirt, and gave him a pleading expression. “I just know I want your blood, and I want it… in me, but not my belly! More than anything else in this world, and… I’ll do anything!”

Her eyes had gone a little wild toward the end of her sentence, but then she let go of him, and looked a little ashamed as she caught her breath, her words coming in between breaths. “S-Sorry. I…didn’t know what to say. Please…don’t be mad. I’ll…be good. My bestial side took over for a bit.”

Jake was more than a little troubled. But he realized that it didn’t really matter why she was attracted to him or in love with him, as long as it was real, and wasn’t for entirely selfish reasons. Or, that she didn’t actually want to eat him or just suck out all his blood like some kind of weird junky, he supposed.

His wives approved of Ruby because they knew, mate or not, this girl would fight tooth and nail for their family, his kingdom. Permanent death was not a likely outcome when it came to fighting for the Framework up to now, in the second Tier.

But later, in the War Trial, or at a higher Tier, death that broke the mind or weakened it to where they definitely would have difficulty progressing would become that much more common. Plus, there were certainly Permanent Death events at times, like within the War Trial, that could decide the future of the whole Sector.

That Ruby already had resolve and loyalty meant that she would be in it for the long haul. And so his family needed all the loyal, devoted allies, and all the strength it could get for that time. Jake wasn’t wanting to only add wives for power, but if there were already strong feelings and a connection or bond to his family, that would be a win-win.

In different ways, Sati, Ruby, and Yona had all devoted their lives to Jake’s family, and becoming his wives was both a means of repaying that loyalty, but also extending it to encompass more. In fact, they were already a part of their family in all but name. These were all things that fit Jake and his desires very well.

“That’s okay. You might be a little animalistic, but animals are some of my favorite people. Let’s just relax, and spend some time together. Then, we’ll do what feels right… when the time is right.”

Ruby took a deep breath through her nose, and then gave him a dopey, relieved smile as her whole body relaxed. “Yes, that sounds great. I’m still…finding myself, anyway.”

As a demonic beast who became sentient and sapient a short time ago, her mindset was very different from a human’s. She was still finding her cultivator’s path, and increasing her understanding of other people and their desires; learning empathy. Odds were, he would progress with her in their relationship very slowly, and she was the only one where their bond didn’t increase to the third level and staying at the second.

Jake pulled her a little closer to his side, and took a look out the window. Her hearth–her bloodflame, he could feel it was burning just a little hotter. It seemed to coincide with a feeling of fondness, and security.

Her calmness stayed the same as she breathed in through her nose. It seemed she truly didn’t have a strange, animalistic hunger to eat and drink his blood. There was a primal satisfaction emanating from her, and it reminded him greatly of Tanda and Avalara. The feeling they had when they were with him, their mate.

Ruby wasn’t much interested in the view, sniffing him as he ran his fingers through her white hair with black tips and scratched her small, fluffy black ears. Her tail flopped around behind her periodically, and she made an animal-like chuffing sound as she sniffed. Eventually, she ended up sprawled on his lap, and it wasn’t more than a few minutes before she fell asleep.

Fhesiah appeared in motes of light, pouting as she folded her arms. “You didn’t even bang one of them, or one of us! I’m a bit disappointed in that, but I saw this coming. Still, it felt like Bree and you had quite the chemistry! It was touch and go there for a minute. You were like this close!” She held her fingers close together.

Jake arched his brow, as he lifted Ruby by cloaking her in his hearth flames. Her smile grew wide and her tail tried to thump the bench that wasn’t there anymore a few times, but she stayed asleep.

“Disappointed? But we were going to head to the bedroom next, and now we have as much time as we want, now that everyone has enjoyed their date.”

Fhesiah harrumphed. “Hmph. While that excites me, you can’t distract me. These new waifus need some loving too, but I’m glad you didn’t turn any of them down, and made them all happy.”

“You were right, it was very easy to do so. We’ll be busy for the next several months, but we’ll also all be working together towards a difficult goal. I’m not sure how much we’ll have time for romance.”

“That’s why I was saying there’s no need for romance! But, I understand your heart most of all. You’re a big softy, wanting love before lust. Anyway, I’ll meet you in the fun dungeon!” Fhesiah disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Jake alone in the Ferris Wheel with Ruby.

After their mini date with Jake, the other girls had already teleported out of the Ferris Wheel when they were tired of watching the scenery. Only Sati stayed much longer than her turn, he had noticed. It seemed they were all happy to rejoin the children to continue their fun for now.

Jake looked over the sleeping Ruby, the girl still sleeping soundly, before he teleported to and placed her in her hammock in the Sanctuary. While it was a large number of girls he was dating now, it wasn’t all that complicated, as he thought about it.

He didn’t have intentions of moving through the four girls like they were some sort of checklist of girls to be bonded with, and he was just going to let things happen naturally. It was the same thing as he had always done, there were just more of them seeking his affection and love to increase all at once.