Disclaimer:
This work is fiction. The work has no (intentional) relationship with any person existing at any time anywhere whether real or imaginary or copy written.
Feedback will be read, processed, and if it’s a flame it will be given the finger, then I will burst into hysterical laughter. Constructive feedback, be it criticism or praise, will be read, processed, given a smile, and filed away. To contact me, please send an email to socom.seal@(SPAM)yahoo.com. Remove (SPAM) for a valid email.
You should not read this if you are not of legal age where you reside. This work can contain rape, BDSM, cannibalism, and probably anything else my sick, twisted mind can come up with.
Note: All times are in a mix of military and standard times. For example, 1AM = 0100 hours = 1:00, while 1PM = 1300 hours = 13:00. I hope this will make it easier on readers to understand the timeline while leaving me in a format that I understand better. If it causes too much of a problem I will switch to standard.
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“<<Text>>” Means that it is being spoken in a language other than English.
“This is telepathic thought”
Chapter 20
<14:00, Plymouth>
Andrew grunted as he hoisted a new bag into position and tightened the wrapping on his hands. Steadying himself he returned to his strikes, each one raising a slight puff of chalk powder. Finishing his rotation he wiped his face and prepared for the next round.
“You can’t use that to run from me anymore.”
Andrew turned to look at the shade that hovered nearby. “On the contrary. I can and I will.” He returned his attention to the bag and began punching it.
The creature’s featureless face split into a grin. “Come now. Are you sure you still want to run?”
Andrew continued punching. “Yup.”
“I can offer you more power than before.”
“Not interested.”
The creature frowned. “In that case would you mind releasing Hatasa? It’s getting boring in there.”
Andrew chuckled. “Go play with Lagneia. She’s getting big, the last time I checked.”
It growled. “We don’t get along.”
Andrew turned and winked at it. “I know.” He returned his focus to the bag. “Now shoo. I’m practicing.”
The creature growled and began to dissipate. “Not even going to give me a proper dismissal?”
Andrew smirked. “Begone, Pyktis. By this name I remove your form.”
Pyktis finished dissolving, leaving behind fading laughter as Andrew tightened up and dropped the bag off its hook.
“He’s becoming more and more dissatisfied with how much Lagneia’s influence has grown.”
Andrew sighed and grabbed a straw dummy. “I knew you would be next, Istina. You always show up.”
The pure white humanoid laid a glowing hand on his shoulder. “That is because you value me more than the rest.”
Andrew settled into a stance and set to work demolishing the dummy. “Just because you are all as real, now, as anything outside of my head doesn’t give you the right to attempt to counsel me.” He pretended to rip the dummy’s arm off before resetting it. “You are my one constant, Istina. Notify me only if that begins to change.”
“Who are these people?” Claire’s thought came clearly. Andrew blinked. “Are you alright?”
“Just having a talk with my mind. Pay no heed.”
He could feel her discomfort but she consented. He smiled and sent her a feeling of reassurance before turning back to the glowing form of Istina. “And who wants to chat next?”
Her glow began to fade. “I believe Hatasa sends a message. He apologizes for the attack and asks to be allowed free roam.”
Andrew laughed. “Tell him to fuck off. I won’t fall for his tricks.” He watched her go. “And now when I turn around, there won’t be anything there.” He turned. “And I was wrong.”
The child-like being cuddled the straw dummy. “But I am the last.”
Andrew smiled and sat down, motioning the figure to his lap. “Thank you, Mir. I’m glad to see you, especially after Hatasa and Pyktis took over.”
Mir skipped up to him and sat in his lap. “As long as Istina guides you, I can never die for long.” It giggled. “And Lagneia’s power grab has helped immensely.”
He hummed idly. “Has Bartimaeus reformed yet?”
Mir shook its head. “Aspects are still returning. Bartimaeus can only reform once we have all come back to terms.”
Andrew nodded and flexed his hand. “I would ask you who had yet to return, but it’s not your job to worry me with what is.” He sighed. “Quite the opposite.”
Mir reached up to kiss his cheek. “Even if Pyktis finds a way to overpower Lagneia, remember that I am on your side.” It slid through his body and flipped through the floor. “We all are, in the end.”
Andrew sat still for a few moments to allow his emotions to return to normal before standing. “Thank you, all.” He shoved the punching bag and practice dummy out of the way and made his way to the forge.
~~~~~~~~~~
He pushed open the door and stepped inside. “Anybody know where Aella is?”
Adria glanced up from where she was watching Claire buff a piece of armor. “No clue. You’ll have to search the house.”
“Tent.”
She shook her head. “Sorry, tent.”
Lyn looked to him. “I can put a speaker system in that you can control.”
Andrew grinned. “And miss out on having an excuse to walk in on harem tamings? No thank you.” He laughed. “It’s not important anyways. We’ll stick around in Plymouth long enough for Claire to finish her armor before moving on to our next destination.” He glanced at Lyn. “Does Claire need your help anymore?”
She shook her head. “I think she’s fine.”
Andrew nodded. “Then come with me. I need to get you to do something.” They walked out of the forge and Andrew made a quick turn, heading inside the laboratory. He quickly shut the door and rounded on Lyn. “Who the fuck are you, exactly?” He hissed.
She stepped back in surprise. “What?”
He grabbed his pocket knife and slammed it into the table. “Read the symbol out loud.”
She glanced at it but shook her head. “I can’t read it.”
He snorted. “Bullshit. It’s the whole reason you decided to open up to me.” He snatched the knife. “Let me read it for you. The symbol on this side reads as ‘bu’ and this side,” He said, flipping the knife over, “is ‘shi’.” He waved it under her nose. “And in addition to that being of supreme interest to you for some reason, you also said something quite interesting the other day. Care to remind me what it was?”
She looked away from him. “In service I live.” She whispered.
He nodded. “And if I recall correctly, that isn’t the kind of phrase to be thrown around. Who are you, Lyn?”
She toyed with her shirt for a few moments. “Witches are very rare in Edo, as I am sure you know.” She said. “Do you know why?”
Andrew shrugged. “I would guess because of your culture. Because of exactly what is printed on this knife.”
She nodded. “Slicers, their evolutions, and other sword-wielding pokegirls are celebrated there. A Witch is an abomination.” She glanced at him. “And when one of the oldest families’ daughter thresholds into a Witch? It is better that she had never existed at all.”
Andrew sat silently for a few moments. “I was told you come from a very strong magic line.”
She shrugged. “On my mother’s side, maybe. I was brought up as the daughter of a noble and his Samurai. From the moment I could hold a katana I was being constantly pushed by my ‘mother’. Maybe they were hoping I would defy my genetics.” She shook her head. “I could not. On my sixteenth birthday I lost my family, and nearly my life.”
Andrew sat back. “And you hid this until I figured it out myself. Damnit, Lyn!” She jumped at his words. “Why?”
She gestured wildly. “Why? Why should you care? It was all years ago.”
Andrew smiled. “’Why am I so nice?’ ‘Why do you care?’ Same question, Lyn. Same answer.”
She sighed and nodded. “You’ve already given me your answer to that question.” She rubbed her arm. “Will I ever learn?”
Andrew chuckled. “Probably not. But I don’t mind.” He raised an eyebrow. “Do you miss it?”
She blinked. “I am an Enchantress. I’m a mage.”
Andrew snickered. “And Claire’s an Armsmistress. Doesn’t mean I don’t want her to learn magic.”
She looked away. “I do, sometimes. But I’m not physically capable of it anymore. I’m the dropout student.”
Andrew shook his head. “I, a human, beat a Valkyrie.” He appraised her. “That was you clapping that morning.”
She nodded. “Yes.”
Andrew’s gaze flicked to the doorway before returning to Lyn. “If you would like, I’ll spar with you. I’m an opponent that would give you a fair challenge.”
Lyn shook her head wildly. “You don’t need to do that. What if I hurt you?”
Andrew jumped back with a laugh as a katana embedded itself in the table next to him. “Claire has no qualms and she is much more dangerous than you are.”
Lyn turned, wide eyed, to the smirking Armsmistress. “My forge ran away.” She said teasingly, retrieving her sword. “Although that’s alright. The next sets of armor need to be slow forged anyways.”
Andrew circled her, inspecting her work. “Impressive. In two days you did this?”
Claire nodded. “Lyn was a major help in keeping the metal workable and soft.” She was clad in an ebony set of armor adorned with spikes. Her katana glinted in the light with a matching black pommel. “I figured this matched my new hair better than silver.”
Andrew nodded. “Speaking of that, let me see your eyes.” He glanced into them. “Good, they didn’t stay red. That would have been unfortunate.” He smiled. “I like them hazel.”
Claire blushed and shoved her helmet back on. “I’m glad you aren’t as picky about the red hair.”
He grinned. “I am. I like it better red.”
Lyn stepped in to save Claire. “Weren’t we going to stick around for Claire to finish her armor, and then head off somewhere else?”
“Yea, we were. Let’s go find everyone else and head back to Coventry.” He chuckled. “I’ve decided I need to have a chat with our good friend John.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<16:00, Coventry Gym>
Andrew walked into the gym and waved cheerfully at the receptionist. “Hey, I’m back again. I was hoping I could speak with John?”
The Ingenue grinned at him. “He’s with a challenger right now, but he can probably find some time to chat with the man who broke his winning streak last week. And we are closing in about an hour, so he may be able to make some time then.”
Andrew nodded. “Thanks a ton.” He sat down and settled in for a wait.
After about half an hour the challenger door swung open to release a happy tamer and what looked to be an emotionally drained John. He noticed Andrew and broke into a grin. “Mr. Ranger! Good to see you.” He blinked. “Wait, are you here to go for a sex badge?”
Andrew laughed and stood. “Oh, heavens no. The only time you’ll see me trying for a sex badge is when I’m going for a laurel. I’m here to talk to you and your Alpha.”
John grinned nervously. “I apologize about the deception, but I’m sure you understand my reason.”
Andrew nodded and followed him into a break room. “I’m not mad about that, but I really do have to quickly speak to the two of you.”
John shrugged and grabbed a pokeball from his belt, releasing Alia, who glanced at Andrew and immediately draped herself across a chair. “Mr. Ranger. To what do we owe the pleasure?”
Andrew withdrew the aura glasses from his pocket. “I’ll cut straight to the point. What would I see, Alia, if I put these on right now and looked at you?”
The Thundnaga glanced at the glasses. “To tell you that you would have to tell me what those are.”
“They perceive aura.”
Alia’s eyes widened. “In that case you would see nothing. Do not put those on.”
Andrew chuckled. “I’ve already seen your daughter’s aura. Did you know she’s nearly a one in a million girl?”
Alia’s face warred between hostility and fear. “If you know that much you know how much it hurt to let her go.”
Andrew shivered. “I know how much it hurt. Why did you?”
She glanced at John. “To put it bluntly, they grew up. She grew up.” She watched him. “It was the hardest decision of my life.”
Andrew nodded. “She is in good hands. Is her quirk anything dangerous?”
Alia shook her head. “She likes dogs. Once your Valkyrie evolves and refuses to fight a cat type, you’ll see the kind of behavior Aella has with dog types.”
Andrew laughed. “She’s already evolved. We’ve all been training hard.”
Alia smiled. “That’s good. A Hunter needs to keep on her…” She paused. “…toes.” She said with a laugh.
Andrew snickered. “Aella will be on her tail constantly.”
They all laughed. Andrew stood to leave. “Would you like to see her before I go?”
John shook his head, answering for them both. “She’s already gone. We don’t need to reset the timer of loss.”
Andrew nodded. “I only dropped by to make sure Aella would be treated the best I can. Thank you both.” He turned to leave but was stopped by Alia’s call.
She watched him carefully. “I expect you to treat her right for the rest of her life.”
Andrew shuddered. “Alia, dying is not on my to-do list, and me dying is what would happen if you ever got word of your daughter being mistreated. I will do my best to keep her happy until the end of my days.”
Alia’s smile returned. “Glad to hear it.” She waved lazily after him. “Take care, Mr. Ranger.” She waited for him to exit the gym before addressing John. “It’s a good thing the war’s over. I have no doubt he would have been one of our targets.”
John glanced at her. “Your point?”
The Thundnaga stretched and started looking around for some food. “I’m not sure we would have been successful.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Andrew stood and debated where to go next. He was still waiting for Braxton’s reply, so he had no idea if an expedition to Capital was worth it or not. He could continue around the Blue League, but that was just something to aim for. Everyone was in near peak form. It was these kind of times that became dangerous. If he let himself hole up and wait, they would fall off.
He snapped his fingers and released Lyn. “We’re heading to Shrewsbury. I want to get to Dublin, and the ferry to Rosslare is one of the only ways to do that.”
Lyn nodded. “I have no idea where half the places you just mentioned are, but you seem to know where we’re going. Back to Shrewsbury we go.” She grabbed him and they teleported, coming out where they had pitched their tents a few days back. “So how are we getting to Dublin?”
Andrew released the rest of the harem. “We are getting to Dublin by the ferry to Rosslare that departs from Magikunt Village. We are getting to the ferry by teleport.”
Lyn frowned. “I’ve never been to Magikunt.”
Andrew nodded. “But Claire can be there in a few hours.” He glanced at her. “Feel up for some flying?”
Claire grinned and her wings shimmered into existence. “It’s been one of a few itches I’ve been yearning to scratch since my evolution.” She watched him hungrily. “And after I completed my armor there’s just one left.”
Andrew glared at her mock-seriously. “Thou must stick to the schedule.” He cried in a deep voice. “And thine schedule will be null if we’re not in Magikunt by tonight. Get going!” He watched her take off, Lyn in tow. “Speaking of that schedule, anyone know when her rotation comes back up?”
Aella chuckled. “She said she gets an extra night as the Alpha, so she’s actually slated for tomorrow. I think the only dissenter to that was Grace.”
Andrew gave Grace a questioning glance. She sighed. “I know it’s her right. No need to cut my throat again.”
Andrew laughed. “You know, the Beta usually enjoys some privileges too.”
Grace glared at him. “Stop taunting me.”
Andrew grinned. “First you say Claire’s cutthroat, now you’re ordering me around? My, my.”
Grace groaned. “I’m just glad you’re not still angry.”
Andrew smiled but stopped and glanced around. “I just realized we’re all together again, just like this morning. Weird.”
Adria chuckled. “I must admit I’m a bit surprised too. And not just about the four of us. You were livid when we got back to the tent today.”
Andrew shrugged. “I dealt with it.”
Adria nodded thoughtfully. “I guess you did.” She flopped backwards onto the grass. “Wake me when something interesting happens.”
Andrew laughed and set up the tent. “You know what, that’s fine. Everyone gets the afternoon off. Once Claire and Lyn get back we’ll pack up and spend the night at Magikunt Village, but until then, go for it.” He disappeared inside, followed by Aella, but Grace stayed outside.
“It’s been a while since we’ve just relaxed.” She noted, pulling out her rifle and cleaning kit. “Well done.”
Adria just grinned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<19:20, Magikunt Village>
Andrew sat watching the rain drive across the ocean. The clouds and setting sun hid Ireland from view, but tomorrow he would ride the ferry over. One step closer… He paused. One step closer to what? To one possible escape route, maybe. But if he wasn’t careful, it was one step further away from safety. The incident in Shrewsbury had reminded him that Sanctuary wasn’t just going to roll over and let him go. Whoever was pulling the new strings of the Author project still wanted him.
He glanced to his side. “I’ve always enjoyed rainy weather. And you?”
Adria sat beside him. “I can’t say it’s my favorite thing in the world.”
Andrew chuckled. “And what would that be?”
She ducked under his arm and away from the rain. “Well, you’re a top contender.”
He laughed. “That would definitely get someone out in the rain. Are you here to drag me back to bed?”
Adria giggled. “And if I was?”
Andrew hummed and tilted his face back to let the drops run over his eyes. “We do have to be awake tomorrow morning to catch the ferry. I suppose I’ll allow you to drag me away this once.”
She grinned and jumped up, dragging him with her. “Then lets goooo! I’m getting soaked out here.”
He jogged with her back to the tent. “Since when was getting wet a bad thing?”
Adria groaned and dove inside, Andrew pausing a moment for a final watering. He would have stood there all night if Adria hadn’t reached back out and pulled him in behind her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<09:40, Magikunt Village>
Andrew sat at the pier and nursed a hot cup of coffee. With boarding set to begin in a few minutes he was able to take stock of just what exactly he was about to get on. He had heard the ferry was moderately unsafe, but watching the waves wash onto the exposed deck was a tiny bit scary, even for him. He stood at the boarding call and made his way on. Hopefully they would make it to Ireland without incident.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<14:00, Rosslare>
Andrew nearly vaulted over the turnstile as he got off the ferry. Behind him he heard the less fortunate get mixed with the ones who had been seasick – he tried to ignore the retching.
The seas hadn’t been rough, fortunately, but the old ferry had still rocked. A lot. And since most of the people onboard seemed to be young, he had seen firsthand quite a few have their first experience with seasickness. He was just glad he hadn’t joined them.
Threading his way north, he quickly vacated the small port in favor of an open field, where he slowed and took stock. The four-hour trip had consisted of him watching the waves and avoiding as many people as he could, so he hadn’t been able to sleep as he had hoped. Which meant that, physically, he was slightly tired. Mentally he wanted to get going and not stop until he reached Dublin, but that was not going to happen. After a few moments of deliberation he released Aella. “We’re in Ireland. You’re on guard.”
Aella swiveled. “Me? Guard? Seriously?”
Andrew nodded and began walking towards Dublin. “Yes, seriously. You’re the only one who hasn’t been on a hike with me, and it’s also a good chance to have a talk.”
She fell in beside him. “What are we talking about?”
He chuckled. “I don’t know, what are we talking about? You lead.”
They passed the next few hours with small talk, Andrew slowly steering the conversation towards Aella’s mother.
“So, you and your mom got along well?” He asked, watching her reaction.
Aella nodded. “Sometimes it felt like too much, though. Like this one time we were play fighting and me and my sisters were getting pretty rowdy and she came in and…” She paused
Andrew glanced at her. “And?”
She shook her head. “She came in and everything changed. She wasn’t mad, I don’t think, but we all kind of stopped what we were doing. It didn’t feel good.”
Andrew nodded thoughtfully. “Kind of like when Claire was fighting Grace. And you asked me if she was a threat.”
Aella blinked in surprise. “Yea, that was the same feeling. But I didn’t feel it the same way…” She trailed off. “Oh, my god. I was projecting that.”
He chuckled. “Bingo.” He rolled his shoulders. “Tell me, Aella, do you know what template pokegirls are?”
She frowned. “No, are they like some kind of original?”
Andrew shook his head. “Templated pokegirls are pokegirls that have a certain template added onto them. For instance there’s the ‘MILF’ template that occurs usually in pokewomen that have kids. There’s a couple others, some that are used to describe pokegirls that bond with certain life-forms, and some that are just augmentation. The Fiendish and Blessed templates are two good examples of that.”
Aella nodded. “Ok, I get that. But why is it important?”
“There’s a template called ‘Hunter’. Would you like to know what it describes?”
Aella’s eyes suddenly narrowed and Andrew could feel the same type of presence he had back in the tent. “Why that one?”
Andrew swiftly reached over and rapped her forehead. “Because it’s you, you moron. Drop the act.”
Aella shied away from him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said flatly.
He frowned. “I have already spoken with your mother, Aella. You are a Hunter, and I want to know why you hid it.” He watched her carefully for a few moments. If she decided he was a threat, he would have only moments to react.
Aella suddenly seemed to deflate. “Yes, I am. Yes, I did.” She sighed. “Has anyone ever told you you’re too smart for your own good?”
Andrew chuckled nervously. “A certain Thundnaga alluded to that quite recently. As has Lyn.”
She giggled. “So, you know I’m a Hunter. I apologize for the deception, but you should know how it’s second nature.”
He nodded. “That’s fine. But I try to gratify my family, which means I try to help everyone with what they want. You’ve hid something from me.”
Aella smiled. “Oh?”
Andrew laughed. “You never told me you were a dog person!”
Aella blushed. “Well, it’s a bit more than that.”
He snickered. “Do you know what the Dublin ranch is known for?” She shook her head. “Well, there are two. There’s a bug type ranch, and a canine ranch.” He laughed as her head whipped around to stare at him. “Technically, they’re known for dog and fox pokegirls.” He laughed again when she suddenly sped up. “Hey, where are you going?”
She turned to look at him. “Dublin. Race you there!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<22:00, Outside Dublin>
Grace hissed as the rain began to soak her fur. “Can we get a move on, already? We’ve been hiking all day.”
Andrew jogged to catch up with her. He and Aella had covered a fair amount of ground the day before, and he and Grace had pushed nearly all day to make it to Dublin. Now it was starting to rain and they needed to get to the ranch before setting up the tent. “Can you see it?”
Grace squinted into the night. “There are buildings ahead, but I don’t know what they are. Could be a ranch, could be the city, I have no clue.”
Andrew nodded. “Let’s not approach it in the dark and get shot at. Get the tent out.”
Grace gladly pulled her pack off and digitized the tent, tossing it to him. “Pleeeease hurry. You don’t want to have to smell wet rabbit all night.”
Andrew chuckled but complied. “I wouldn’t.”
She pranced until he stepped aside, diving through the entrance before he could stop her. “Wet rabbit no likey. Good night!”
Andrew laughed but stepped inside, releasing the rest of the harem as he did. They all took one look at the sopping wet Mini-Top and the entryway was empty in seconds. “Well. I wonder why they-“ He mused, turning to Grace. “No no no wait!”
She ignored him and began shaking the water off.
He groaned and quickly followed the harem’s example, running to his bedroom and withdrawing a towel, which he chucked back down the stairs, hitting Grace in the face. He quickly shut the door and turned to Lyn, who was sitting on the edge of his bed. “I know, I know. Sorry that it’s late.”
Lyn shrugged. “Late, wet, tired. It’s almost like you don’t care about me.”
Andrew rolled his eyes. “Horny, wet, bitchy. Good thing we have something in common.”
She snickered. “Fair enough.” She slowly began undressing. “How are the nightmares?”
Andrew sighed and followed suit. “Since when are you my therapist?”
Lyn smiled. “Since I started feeling your emotions.”
He nodded. “Lots of sex. I hear that’s what catalyzes Delta bonds.”
Lyn laughed. “I hear there are better ways.”
Andrew cocked his head. “Oh?”
Her body shimmered and a shift appeared. “And while I would love to let it run it’s natural course, I don’t want to wait.” She poked his chest. “Remind me why you bought those radios?”
Andrew shrugged. “Battle communication.”
Lyn nodded. “And what is one of the main benefits of having a Delta bond?”
Andrew sighed. “Telepathic communication.”
Lyn grinned. “Want to make those radios a useless purchase?”
He rolled his eyes. “Pokegirls can’t bond with each other, so even if I was able to bond with everybody I add to the family, the radios weren’t a useless purchase.” He paused. “What exactly do you have in mind?”
Lyn took his hand. “You’ve described what your mental landscape is. I would prefer to have Adria here, but as long as you can visualize what I describe we’ll be fine.” She looked into his eyes. “One of the things I know, now, is the shape magic takes. Bonds are mostly psychic in form, but there’s a bit of magic floating in there. I don’t know what shape it will take in your mind, but you’re looking for some sort of chain, or cord. Something that bridges the gap from your mind to ours.” She grinned. “Find it and strengthen it. You’ve already got a Delta with Claire, so you should be able to tell what you need to do to cement your bonds with the rest of us.”
Andrew nodded slowly. “I see what you’re getting at. And why is this our pillow talk?”
Lyn laughed. “Because I know why we’re here in Dublin. And if we’re about to have a new sister, you need to know how to bond her, and quickly. You’re a dangerous man to be around.”
Andrew sighed. “Alright, fine.” He slowed his breathing, closing his eyes and relaxing into himself. After a while he realized he could no longer hear his breath and he opened his eyes. “A chain of some sort. I’m not going to find chains in a field.” He thought, walking past the multiple doors that dotted his mind. “A rope or chain would be used in a shipyard.” He strode to a wrought iron door and slowly pushed it open to reveal a long dock bobbing on a lake. “Ok, not exactly what I had in mind, but that works.” He walked down a dirt path and looked at the boats tied up nearby. “Hundreds of slots, five boats. That seems right.” He looked around and made his way to the boathouse. Glancing inside he noticed the different types of rope lying there before inspecting the boats. They were all plain, with only their ties being different. He inspected the one with a chain first. As he watched, it jumped slightly. “Claire, can you hear me?” He called, and it jumped again.
Claire’s voice echoed. “Yes, what is it?”
Andrew nodded thoughtfully. “Just trying to find where our bond is in my head. Sorry to bother you.”
He could sense her sleepiness before she returned an acknowledgement. Turning back to the rest of the boats he set to work re tying the ropes with chain. As he worked down the line, each chain he replaced seemed to trigger a response, with multiple confused thoughts intersecting from Adria, Aella, and Grace. As he finished off Lyn’s connection he felt a sense of satisfaction from her. Grinning, he started to wake up but noticed a sixth chain leading into the lake. Frowning, he looked at it. “Lyn, there’s a sixth bond here. Any idea?”
Her thought came back tinged with worry. “Were you… Did you tame anyone before you met Claire?”
Andrew shuddered. “No. No, I did not. I would remember that.” He gave the chain an experimental tug. “The bond disappears into the construct. The rest of them show me clearly that someone is at the other end, but this one is hidden.”
“Try to figure out where it goes, but be careful.” She replied.
He gave a slight nod and began pulling on the chain. It rose a few feet before snagging. “It won’t pull.” He muttered, working at it.
“Is it identical to the other bonds?” Claire butted in.
Andrew grunted. “It’s almost identical. Other than it being hidden it seems slightly transparent, but that might just be the lighting.”
Lyn chuckled. “It’s your head. There is no such thing as bad lighting. If it’s slightly transparent, that could mean it’s something that’s supposed to be, but isn’t yet.”
Andrew sighed. “That sounds suspiciously Celestial.”
Claire laughed. “That or it’s you that’s driving it.”
Andrew blinked. “I’m waking up. Come meet me in my bedroom.” He dropped the chain and opened his eyes, this time to reality. He sat up when Claire walked in the door. “You said it might be me that’s driving it. What do you mean?”
Claire shrugged. “You don’t like admitting it, but you’re special. What if you really are manipulating this world?”
Andrew shuddered. “Please, don’t. If I am, then I might be responsible for hundreds of lives. I think I already am responsible, in another dimension. But not here. Please not here.”
Claire pulled him into a hug. “Ok. Not here. But you need to accept the possibility that what you just discovered is some way of your mind letting you know that something is about to happen.”
He laughed. “So I can see the future now?”
Lyn sighed. “Maybe you are the future.”
They stood in silence for a while before Andrew disengaged himself from Claire. “As much as I’d enjoy the rest of the night with both of you here, Claire, it’s Lyn’s scheduled night; and I want to visit the ranch tomorrow, so we’ll need to get going moderately early. Add that all together, and the fact that I am extremely creeped out by what we were just discussing, and I think I’ll see you in the morning.”
Claire nodded. “Alright. I’ll let the others know what just happened, so they don’t get too freaked out.” She ducked back out the door.
Andrew turned back to Lyn. “I think the pillow talk is over.” He whispered, nuzzling her neck.
Lyn giggled. “I agree.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<10:00, McCloud Ranch>
Andrew’s mind was still reeling. He had spent the morning with the harem, everyone getting used to their new bonds. Each of them individually hadn’t been much, but when he had tried to maintain all five simultaneously his head had started to hurt. Luckily it had gone away shortly; it seemed that practice was going to be the way to go for the telepathy, just like anything else.
He controlled his breathing as he and Adria, who was acting as his bodyguard, approached the main building. A semi-formed Delta bond, with no base, that was attached to a hidden pokegirl? Everything screamed at him to run, to hide, but he couldn’t. He had to see what was waiting for him.
Pushing open the door they walked inside. Andrew smiled at the Growlie behind the desk. “Hello. My name is Andrew and I was hoping to take a look at the available canine breeds?”
The Growlie nodded. “Master Niles is on his rounds but he’ll be back shortly. Is there something specific you were looking for?”
Andrew shook his head. “None specific, I’m just looking for a canine pokegirl of some sort.”
“Well then you’re just the kind of customer I love.” Came a voice from behind him. Andrew turned to see a man grinning at him. “Come with me and I’ll get a lineup going for ya.”
Andrew followed him into a room with glass along one side. “You’re Mr. Niles I presume?”
The man nodded. “Yup. Stay here for a moment; the glass is actually a one way mirror. I’ll bring an assortment of girls into the showing room for you.” He said as he left through another door.
Andrew sat nervously, with Adria hovering behind him. “Is everything alright?” She whispered.
Andrew nodded uneasily. “Other than never having done this before, I’m still worried about that bond. What if she’s about to walk into that room?”
Adria chuckled. “If she does, I’d say that would be a good thing, wouldn’t it?”
Andrew sighed and nodded as Niles returned. “Alright, sir, I’ve got about twenty girls coming in. Let me know if any of em tickle your fancy.”
Andrew watched as a door opened and a procession of Doggirls and some Kitsune filed in. They were all nude, and the full spectrum of appearances was displayed. They milled about uncertainly, some glancing at the mirror. He was scanning the group initially, and didn’t notice the girl who ended the line until she turned and looked straight into his eyes through the mirror. As she did he gasped in pain and clutched his head, Adria reeling as the psychic feedback smashed through his mind and down their new bond. He grit his teeth and glanced back at the room, hoping that Niles hadn’t noticed anything. “The yellow one, near the back. What breed is she?”
Niles glanced where Andrew was looking. “Oh, her? Doggirl. It’s a funny thing though, she’s pretty powerful. I’m surprised she hasn’t evolved yet.”
Andrew nodded carefully, trying to avoid another headache. “She for sale?”
Niles’ face broke into a grin. “You’re sure you don’t want a younger one? We’re not even sure if that one will ever evolve. You might be stuck with a dud.”
Andrew shrugged. “Well, as long as the price is good.”
Niles chuckled. “She’s real good with the new kits, so I’m a little loathe to give her up. But if you’re willing to fork over a little extra, you can have her for 30k.”
He grinned. “Good with the kits? You’re sure she isn’t a Denmother?”
Niles shook his head. “You might think so but she scans as a Doggirl. Weird thing.” He pressed a button and spoke rapidly to an attendant. “Come on up front and I’ll bring her out for you. We do require you to have your own pokeball; our ‘girls are registered with special balls in case of an emergency, and they’re technically illegal for a tamer to own.”
Andrew followed Niles back up front. “Interesting. I’ve got pokeballs, don’t worry about that. How do we process payment?”
Niles shifted the Growlie receptionist to the side. “Just hand me your ‘dex and we’ll be good to go. She should be out shortly.”
Andrew handed over his dex, shaking his head slightly at Adria’s questioning look. As Niles was running the payment Andrew heard a door open behind them, and the accompanying surge of emotions told him who was standing there. He pretended to not notice, waiting for Niles to hand him his ‘dex back before turning to appraise her.
She stood at least 6’ tall, and she held her head up, her C cup breasts standing out on her chest. She looked nearly human, save for the light dusting of yellow fur across her body, as well as the long ears on her head and waving tail. He surreptitiously held a finger to his lips for a moment before continuing the motion and grabbing an empty pokeball. “I’ve been told you need a pokeball.” He said, holding it out. She nodded and touched the capture point, the ball only shaking once before indicating a successful capture. Andrew pocketed it and turned back to Niles, shaking the man’s hand. “Thank you very much. It was a pleasure doing business.” He said, and exited the ranch. As soon as he was out of sight of the compound he pulled the pokeball from his pocket and released his newest acquisition, who stared at him.
“I’ll be brief. What is your name?” He asked.
She blinked. “I have no name. I am just a Doggirl from the McCloud ranch.”
Andrew hissed. “Drop the act. I’m not a stupid person and my patience for tricks has already been used up by my Naga. What is your name?”
The girl looked away. “I am who you want me to be.”
Andrew nodded. “Well then, Shamira, we had better get back to the rest of the family.” He ignored the look of shock on her face. “Adria, mind running back to the tent? We’ll have introductions soon.” The Groaning nodded and skipped off, turning invisible in midair. “Now then. You are not a Doggirl.”
Shamira was still staring at him, slackjawed. “How do you know my name?” She whispered.
Andrew started walking towards the tent. “I took a guess.” He chuckled. “I created you. I think I’d remember your name.”
She blinked. “You… Created me?”
He nodded. “I once wrote a story. In it was a strangely strong Doggirl named Shamira. Time passed and I needed an explanation. Mostly for my own curiosity. So, I created your breed.” He appraised her. “My only worry is that you shouldn’t exist.”
Shamira shook her head. “…What?”
Andrew sighed. “I am not from this world. Where I come from, this world and everyone in it is just a story. Or, a collection of stories. I was dragged here by a group of Sanctuary Goths who want to use the power they believe I, and a few others, hold, to change the world.” He chuckled. “I busted out and am now on the run. What I mean by you not existing is that the world we are in is not the one I wrote. Therefore, it shouldn’t hold characters from my stories.” He glanced at her. “And yet, here you are.”
She gazed at him. “I could feel you behind the mirror. Why?”
Andrew crested the hill and motioned at the tent. “Do you know much about yourself?” He grinned when she shook her head. “Come on inside. I’ll tell you.”
She looked at the small tent with trepidation. “Come inside? Will we fit?”
Andrew laughed and ducked through the entrance. “Come on.”
Shamira paused for a moment before pushing her head through the gap. As she entered, she gasped at the large space. “Wha?”
Lyn waved from her perch on the balcony. “Welcome to our tiny tent.” She called. Shamira was gazing around in awe when a squeal came from the kitchen.
“PUPPY!” Aella cried, curling around the stunned girl.
Andrew sprang forward. “Aella, get off her!” He swore as Shamira’s fur began to grow. “NOW!”
Aella blinked and suddenly screamed in pain as Shamira’s claws cut a streak in her tail. Andrew cursed as he fumbled with her pokeball before finally recalling her. “I’m sorry, she didn’t know.” He whirled on Claire, who was standing with her sword drawn. “ENOUGH!” He roared.
Claire’s eyes widened at his interference, but she dropped her sword. “What is going on?” She asked.
Andrew waited for Shamira’s fur to shrink again. “Shamira is the newest addition to the family. Aella just hit a bad nerve.” He rolled her pokeball between his fingers. “A potentially deadly nerve.”
Shamira glanced at him coolly. “Is she one of yours?” She asked. At his nod, she sighed. “I apologize. Why did she attack me?”
Andrew shook his head. “She didn’t. She just really, really loves canine pokegirls.”
Shamira gave a barking laugh. “I see.” She looked at him. “You were going to tell me something.”
He nodded and handed Aella’s pokeball to Claire. “She needs to be here for this, but hold onto her. Alright?” He turned back to Shamira. “Do you know what you are, Shamira?”
She shook her head. “I am a Doggirl. I can’t evolve.”
Andrew chuckled. “Wrong on one count. You are not a Doggirl. You’re a Goldina.”
Lyn frowned. “I’ve never heard of that breed.”
Andrew nodded. “That’s because it’s not supposed to exist. It was an entry I wrote up one day in order to explain a strangely powerful Doggirl in a story. When I get the time I’ll re-write the entry for you.”
Shamira frowned. “How do you know what I am? Nobody else does.”
Andrew sighed. “I already told you. I created you.” He gestured. “I created your breed, so I know how it works. It’s how I knew to get Aella off of you as soon as I could. It’s how I know just how powerful you are. It’s why I am showing you, right now, the extent of our family.”
Shamira glanced around the entryway. “There are six?” Andrew nodded. “Seven including me. A full number.”
Andrew smiled. “A strong pack.”
Shamira smiled back, her canines glinting in the light. “Indeed. A strong pack.” She stretched. “I am Shamira. It is a pleasure to meet all of you.”
Lyn waved. “Lyn. I’m an Enchantress.”
“Adria. I’m a Groaning.” Adria followed, doing a quick backflip in her ghost form before re-possessing her body.
Grace was next, giving her customary curt greeting, followed by Claire. “I’m Hauteclere, but Claire works too. I’m also the Alpha here – and if that’s a problem, you can take it up with Andrew. Alpha’s his decision, Beta’s mine.”
Shamira nodded. “Is there a Beta?”
Claire shook her head and carefully released Aella, who had healed her wound. “The position of Beta is still up for grabs.”
Aella moved carefully to Shamira. “I’m Aella. I’m a Na… Hunter Naga.” She whispered. “And I really love dogs.”
Shamira grinned and flicked her tail within Aella’s reach. “I apologize for hurting you. If I feel threatened, and you’re wrapped around me, it might happen again. But other than that I don’t mind.”
Aella nodded and carefully stroked Shamira’s tail. Andrew glanced around at the assembled pokegirls and clapped his hands together. “Right! So, a few things are going to happen. First, Shamira and I are going to head upstairs. Second, when we get back it will be a free day. Something to get Shamira into the flow of things.”
There were multiple groans as Andrew disengaged Aella from Shamira’s tail. “Why are they complaining about a free day?” Shamira whispered to him. He grinned.
“You’ll find out.” He whispered back and headed to the kitchen. “If you’d like to meet me upstairs in my bedroom, it’s the big double doors. After you can speak to Lyn about your own bedroom.”
Shamira nodded hesitantly and walked up the steps, stopping by Lyn. “What does he mean about ‘my own bedroom’?”
Lyn chuckled. “Exactly that. You’ll see in a bit.”
Shamira nodded slightly and stepped into Andrew’s bedroom as he emerged from the kitchen with a banana in each hand. “If anyone here ever tames with Shamira, make sure to feed her a banana first.” He laughed at the incredulous looks. “Seriously. She’ll rip you in half otherwise.”
Lyn threw up her hands. “You wrote that in, right? You damned pervert.”
Andrew snickered. “Guilty.” He climbed the stair and peeked into the bedroom, where Shamira was lying on the large bed. “Hellooo? I come bearing snacks.”
She glanced up, her eyes widening at the sight of the banana. “Gimme!”
Andrew chuckled and tossed her one, which disappeared almost instantly. He sat down next to her. “I was hoping to get to know you a little better.” He murmured, running his hand through her fur. She sighed contentedly as he gently massaged her arms, working his way along. Once he reached her shoulders he gently flipped her over. “It must have been tough at the ranch.”
She hummed as he worked his way into her back. “I had to be careful nobody discovered that I wasn’t a Doggirl. The extra height and assets made it difficult.” She gasped as he worked at a knot. “Ooh, yea. Right there.”
Andrew continued in silence for a few minutes. “How old are you, exactly?”
“Twenty-eight.”
He nodded thoughtfully. “Then you’re not the same Shamira I wrote. Would you mind if I called you Mira? You know, for my sake.”
Shamira chuckled. “As long as I can call you Master, I don’t care.”
Andrew grumbled at that one, but decided to move on instead of argue. “So what other foods do you like?”
Her tail flicked as he massaged its base. “Rice is good. And corn. And KATTLE, of course. They used to serve this mixed thing at the ranch. It was delicious.”
“Anything as yellow as you are, right?”
She giggled. “Yea.”
Andrew finished rubbing her down. “I’ll keep all that in mind.”
She glanced at him. “I’m still trying to figure out whether or not to be wary of you.”
He sighed. “I’ve said something pretty scary. I’m like your Sukebe, right?”
The Goldina nodded warily. “You created me? Of course that’s going to worry me. And just looking at you is making me feel…” She trailed off.
He reached inside his mind and grabbed the hidden chain, giving it a yank. Shamira started when he did. “I have never tamed you. But we’re already bonded.”
She shook her head. “How is that possible?”
Andrew sat silently. “Tell me, when did you evolve?”
“I think about a month ago. It was really scary at first, because I started feeling things differently, and none of the handlers even noticed anything was different. I mean, everything changed and nobody noticed.”
Andrew nodded. “About a month ago I was unkindly yanked from my dimension of existence into this one. I’d be willing to bet that that night was the same night you evolved. I’m sorry about that.”
Her tail thwacked slowly against his leg. “I was lost at first. But you’re here, now.”
He chuckled. “I’m here, you’re here. I’m still trying to figure out how to survive here, but now you’ve been dragged into my life. Are you sure you want this?”
Shamira nodded. “If only because I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but with you. And if it’s dangerous, you’re going to need someone to protect you.”
Andrew smiled. “Thanks. However, there’s one thing wrong with this picture.”
She cocked her head. “What?”
He pulled his shirt off and grinned at her. “I’m still clothed. In a bed.” He winked. “With you.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“So, uh, why is he so calm?”
Adria stirred her tea. “Pardon?”
Shamira shrugged. “I nearly cut Aella’s tail off. Why is he so calm?”
Adria laughed. “Believe it or not, you’re probably the most tame first encounter he’s had. He met Claire in a facility he was being imprisoned and tortured in, he rescued Grace from her abuser and she tried to kill him for it, Lyn was emotionally destroyed and barely responsive, and I tried to possess him. In a Zombabe-infested city.” She shook her head. “Not to mention Aella was slipped into his pocket after a gym battle. So, I guess she holds the trophy, actually.”
Shamira groaned. “What the heck.”
“Yea, there’s been a theory going around about stuff like that.” Andrew said, emerging from the kitchen. “I have my own spin on it, but essentially we seem to have a variety of bloodgifts and curses. I think it’s just the way Authors’ minds work, which somehow mixes with what this world is, that does it. ‘Interesting times’ is the name I can think of off the top of my head. But in addition we can’t be scanned, can identify pokegirls on sight, as well as other small things.”
Adria snorted. “The ‘other small thing’ he’s talking about is his ability to form constructs. Using his imagination.”
Shamira gaped at them. “What in the world?”
Andrew chuckled. “I’m not. That’s the point.”
They jumped when Claire reached in and banged her fist against the wall. “Oi, what’s going on in here? It’s a free day!”
Shamira turned in place as Adria quickly gulped down her tea and bolted from the room. “What? Free day? What’s the rush if there’s nothing going on?” She yelped as Claire grabbed her chair. “I still haven’t gotten an explanation!”
Claire chuckled. “Free day means a Tamer-Free day. Which means for the next twelve hours, I’m the boss. Not him.”
Shamira scrambled out of her chair. “Yes’m. Where are we going?”
Claire grinned. “You catch on fast. I like that. The others are in the arena; but I need to ask. You gonna go around naked?”
Shamira’s tail twitched. “I don’t like clothes.”
Claire shrugged. “That’s fine. Aella usually goes around without anything on too. I was just asking, since I know most ranches don’t tend to bother with extra clothing for their pokegirls.”
Shamira nodded. “Yea, but it worked for me.”
“Alright,” Claire replied, leading Shamira to the arena. “This hallway is the arena, firing range and taming room. The other is the forge, arcane workshop and storage area. Upstairs are the bedrooms, and the dining room connects to the kitchen and laundry room. Have you talked to Lyn about your bedroom yet?”
Shamira shook her head. “He tamed me, we came downstairs, you showed up. I haven’t had a chance to do much else.”
Claire chuckled and pulled open the door to the arena. “I’ll get Lyn to help you out after this. You’ve never been in a combat harem, right?”
Shamira shook her head again. “Not really.”
Claire gave her an evil grin. “Well today you’ll be getting stress-tested.”
Shamira laughed nervously. “Great.”
They stepped into the arena and were greeted by the rest of the harem. “Hey, Shamira.” Grace called, waving her over. “You ready?”
The Goldina grimaced. “Can’t say I am. How is this going to work?”
Claire was pulling on her gauntlets. “Pretty simple. We’re going to test you. We’ll start at 1v1, working it up to 2v1 and so on. Once you drop, we all break for a short time, and keep going.” She unsheathed her katana. “We’ll start you off slow. Lyn, if you would?”
The Enchantress nodded and stepped forward. “This won’t take long. I’ll be down before she breaks a sweat.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shamira’s chest heaved. They had gone through most of the 1v1 matchups, and she now faced Claire. Grace had barely been beaten out by the slightly stronger Goldina, and was recovering on the sidelines. Shamira was not.
Claire nodded to her. “Well done. But you seem tired – would you like to stop?”
Shamira grinned. “Can’t have that. You said until I drop, right?”
Claire chuckled. “Well put.” She unfolded her arms and summoned her wings. “But so far we’ve been going with hand to hand combat. And while I’m much better with my sword, I can also fly. Can you?”
Shamira shook her head. “No.”
Claire vaulted into the air and began circling. “Come on! Take me down.”
Shamira took a deep breath and crouched. “Won’t you just come down?” She pleaded. Claire smirked and shook her head. Shamira sighed. “Fine.” She muttered, leaping at the circling Armsmistress, who dove out of the way. Shamira growled, but landed and turned. “I can’t do anything if you dodge!”
Claire giggled. “Nope, and I’d suggest you hurry.”
Shamira stood, her tail twitching as she tracked the Armsmistress before suddenly exploding upwards and grabbing Claire, the pair rolling in midair, Claire trying to stay in the air. “Well done!” She cried. “But woops, here we go!”
Shamira yelped when Claire unsummoned her wings, causing them to drop to the floor with a thud. Shamira immediately threw Claire off of her, struggling to her feet as they clashed. She was still slightly stunned from the impact, but her enhanced strength managed to keep Claire at bay long enough for her head to clear.
On the sidelines the others watched with interest. “That must have hurt. That armor is damned heavy.” Lyn observed.
Grace nodded. “She’s doing well. Although if I were allowed my techniques-“
Aella snorted. “If we were using our techniques Lyn wouldn’t have been the first to go down. I would have.”
Adria chimed in. “Nah, I would. None of my stuff works against a Normal type like her.”
There was a collective gasp as Claire sank a fist into Shamira’s gut, which turned to a cheer when the Goldina tackled the Armsmistress to the ground. “Yooo, it’s getting interestinnnng!” Grace called and laughed. “Claire’s got the advantage of not feeling those claws. Those things hurt.”
Claire’s armor was taking the majority of the hits, but since she had foregone her helmet Shamira was using every opportunity to get a hit on her head. It was starting to show, and the Armsmistress had to wipe blood out of her eyes from a cut on her forehead. “I just realized we’re in a bit of a stalemate.” She mused, holding Shamira’s arm. “You can take those claws out of my elbow.”
The Goldina shook her head. “No thanky. I haven’t dropped yet.”
Claire sighed and kneed her in the stomach, dropping her to her knees. “There we go. Let’s take a break.”
Shamira relinquished her grip and fell backwards. Claire walked to the sidelines. “Aella, one of those little perks that you’ve got is healing, right?” The Naga nodded. “Mind getting my forehead? I’d like to be able to see.”
Aella chuckled and nodded, her hand glowing as she sealed the cut. “Would you like Shamira healed as well?”
Claire rolled her shoulders but shook her head. “We’re moving onto 2v1 in a moment. Let her rest, if there’s anything broken heal it, but she needs to be tired.” She grinned. “We all are, really.”
Aella nodded and moved to Shamira’s side, who sat up and waved off the Naga’s help. “So, I passed?” She called hopefully.
Claire laughed. “You’ve qualified. We’ll see how far you get. From now on it’s no holds barred. And I’ve got something that might get you a bit worried.” She added, reaching for her pokepack and digitizing a square box.
Shamira looked at it in confusion. “That?”
Claire grinned. “Grace and Aella will be your first opponents. And they’ll be fresh.”
Shamira’s eyes grew wide. “That isn’t.”
Claire held up two pokeballs. “It is.” She triggered the recall beams and popped Grace and Aella into the PPHU. “You have until the cycle finishes to rest. As soon as they’re done, we’re going.”
Shamira grimaced but ducked her head to control her breathing. “Did you all go through this?”
Adria shrugged. “To an extent. But the rest of us also had our share of strife. You haven’t yet.”
Shamira nodded. “We said no holds barred, right?”
Claire blinked. “I did. Why?”
She grinned. “With respect, this is not a situation I can go all out. There’s no threat.”
Claire frowned. “Pardon?”
“Ask Andrew. He’ll tell you.”
Claire cocked her head. “He says you’re correct but won’t specify. He wants to be here.” She blinked. “Scratch that, he’s on his way.”
Andrew poked his head in a minute later. “Sorry, I was meditating. I hear things are about to pick up?”
Claire glanced down when the PPHU blinked and released Grace and Aella. “Yep. 2v1. No holds barred. Shamira claims she can’t do that?”
Andrew grinned. “She would be correct.” He walked over to Shamira and pulled her to her feet, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. “Now then. New plan.” He held his arms out and grinned. “2v2. Kill the tamer.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Andrew Ranger
Age: 27
Licenses:
Tamer: Y
Master Tamer: N
Researcher: N
Watcher: N
Breeder: N
Badges:
England; Coventry, Shrewsbury
Wales;
Ireland;
Scotland;
Active Harem:
Hauteclere – Armsmistress, Level 38 (Alpha)
Grace – Mini-Top, Level 37
Lyn – Enchantress, Level 35
Aella – Naga, Level 32
Adria – Groaning, Level 35
Shamira – Goldina, Level 40