Installment three final

I finally decided on a Name for the Baby. Braiden, that’s a good name for our little Bandit of Hearts. “Braiden, I love it, it’s perfect for him! Hello little Braiden, I’m your big sister Gabby, and you’re going to be a Big Brother soon!” I squeezed both of my children, to the delighted giggles of both. Then the time came, and the joy vanished. We went and watched the execution, with stony faces of people who were doing the utmost not to show emotions, or we’d be bawling our eyes out. Watching Braiden’s birth mother losing her head literally almost broke me, especially seeing the smile on her face looking at her Son safe in my arms. Mitchell and Darla didn’t have to go to the execution, to which they were half as grateful as I was. They kept me from diving into depression as I instructed them in their lessons.

A week later we had broken out of our funk. “Your Majesty, what’s the Navy situation? How many ships in the fleet?” “I don’t really understand the concept of a Navy, we have some fishing boats, but nothing can go far from shore, or carry anything large.” I was dumbfounded. “I need to reach the sea, I’ll make a proper dry dock, and I think I can manifest a hull with earth magic out of Stainless Steel in a single piece. I did a smaller piece at the farms, just a Saw then, but still I manifested it with magic. I can do the same with a ship hull, then have the ship wrights finish it off after it’s launched into the water. Adding sails, rope, the anchor perhaps, assuming I can’t manifest that too. Then perhaps I can find some trade routes by Sea to carry goods cheaper.” I was animated about this project. “Fascinating, I assume our Smiths would be able to repeat your designs?” I shook my head. “No, the Smiths couldn’t do it, they’d need multiple pieces, and be able to weld the seams, and coat the whole thing in paint. But the Ship Wrights can build wooden ships based on my design, using the dry dock. I’m just cheating with Magic to get something extra sturdy for exploring.” “Very well daughter, I approve, and since your honeymoon had to be cut short for such a distressing issue, take everyone with you, enjoy the Sea Side for all of us. Maybe you can bring back something tasty. The first of the new Carriages is ready, though without the Royal Crest, but I doubt you’ll mind that. They’re very excited about building stage coaches, and have three of them in progress, while only one Carriage is being built at a time.” I bowed to the King, and a thoroughly smiling Alian, Jeanette, and Gabby followed me out.

Mitchell and Darla decided they’d rather stay at the Castle, since Cassandra, and Adel had taken over on the lessons, and they didn’t want their Mother to forbid any future visits because they didn’t stay where they were supposed to be. “Smart thinking, though I feel bad about not taking you to see the Sea with us. It’s a rather special thing, we’ll have to fix that another time then. I love you guys, and I want you to take care. I’ll bring you a souvenir when I come back, even if I have to send it with a Messenger ok?” I hugged Darla, and lightly punched Mitchell in the shoulder, which made him Grin broadly. “We will take care of our studies, and help where we can in the Kitchens. I’m kind of glad we won’t have to attend the Dining Hall while you’re gone. That would be awkward.” “I’d like to leave you in charge of the cat too, this might be a bit much for Midas after all.” Darla beamed. “I’d love that, we get along anyway!” “We won’t be able to only take your Detail I’m afraid.” “True, but tell my detail to bring their casual uniform as well as their official uniform. Never know when we need to be unobtrusive.” Alian sent a Maid with the messages, and we went to pack. Alian like us decided the adventuring style was more practical for travel, but she packed gowns for the other side, as did we. Not knowing what we might face in our travels.

The lookout had been equipped with his own crossbow, and quiver of bolts, to my relief. I sat on the bench between them, and the driver, which startled everyone. “I’m going to be paving the road ahead of us, I need to be here, it will speed our travel a lot.” A little depressed, but understanding, the others piled into the Carriage’s interior. The ride was smooth, and quick. Nothing like a car, but much better than previous attempts, with the shocks, and the paved road I was making ahead of the horses. They shied a bit at first, but quickly settled as the strange thing kept going away, instead of coming closer. The trip to the ocean was supposed to take three weeks, but the paving sped us up greatly, and we reached the first town along the way that night. Having stopped ten times to kill monsters, and harvest what we could, then turning those materials in at the guild prior to finding a place to sleep. I raised a new wall, like the one I had built for the farming community, expanding the town’s footprint by more than double. The guards were shocked, then irritated at needing to defend a larger wall, then overjoyed when they realized the total dominance the wall provided. They didn’t really need to defend the whole wall, just mount a couple guards on the towers that could direct forces to the assaulted sides.

We left the next morning, just after breakfast, and continued paving the road towards the Sea, passing through another town, stopping long enough for the horses to rest and be watered, while I constructed a new wall there, with the same set of reactions. Then we reached the third town before we had to call it a night. Another wall built, horses tended, dinner eaten, and sleep, before setting off after breakfast again. Having killed monsters twenty different times the day before, we weren’t too surprised to stop for monster killing thirty times that day, only it all happened before we reached another town. The guild hall was overjoyed to receive all our bounty, and another wall erected. When they said they couldn’t afford the full bounty, I didn’t even care, I just said take it all, “Don’t pay me anything, just update our Rank Plates, and make profit instead. Put the rewards to the use of this guild branch instead. It’s an investment of the Royal Family see?” Bowing and over zealous thanking for my generosity followed, causing me to cringe. “Yeah I get it, just update the Plates please.” I didn’t rank up, but Jeanette did. She was Steel plate now, and Silver wasn’t too far off it seems.

We left after Breakfast again, and before long, we could see the coast town we were heading to. It was rather small for what I thought a port town should look like, but plenty of room for expansion, outside of the palisade walls. My wall construct rose up almost automatically at this point. I extended it out into the water making a large artificial harbor, and the dry dock rose up just about halfway to the new wall on the left of the town as we approached. The Road continued right up to the gate, but I also angled a new road to the dry dock’s supply yard that I can constructed. The Carriage didn’t even need me t o tell it to go straight there. We stopped, and I immediately started to Manifest the Ship’s Hull, and before the delegation from the town arrived, I had tilted the new hull into the water, with braided cables to keep it from going too far. The Town Delegation stood in shock for all of ten seconds, before a group of ship wrights who had come along sprang into action. They had the new hull tied up to the new Pier I had built in next to no time. The biggest grins ever were on their faces.

“Excuse me, master Ship Wrights, I hope you don’t mind the head start on this one. I needed something big, and durable as a Royal Scout ship. Can I trust you to finish her up? Also I’ll need a some precious drink to put into a container, and cork up. Then we smash the container, causing it to break, at the exact time we say the ships name. It’s a ceremony from my original Nation.” “A precious drink you say? My wife had made a strange drink using Honey, it makes people feel strange if they drink too much, but we like it. Don’t even have a name for it yet, but would that maybe work?” I smiled. “Yes, I think Mead would be a perfect choice. That’s what the drink you mentioned is called back in that Nation.” “Mead is it? I like that!” I manifested a glass wine bottle, and handed it to the Man. “This is the container, it’s fragile, and I can’t Manifest a cork with magic, I hope you can manage that part somehow. Also tell your Wife, that the drink is best out of an Oak Barrel. Not sure why, but that’s the Barrel of Choice for the experts.” “I thank you Milady, and I have plenty of cork bark just now. It should stop it up right nice.” “You’re very welcome, in the meantime, gather all the ship wrights, so I can demonstrated the dry dock here, that way you can all use it when you need to build a larger hull. Also, I need the Warf Watch so I can show them how to operate the sea gate. It reduces the waves during storms, and can block the harbor from an enemy if needed There are weapon emplacements out there, but no weapons there yet. I’ll need to ship them from the Capitol, it’s the only place that can currently make the weapons, though you can make your own bolts.”

It took only a week for the ship to be finished, and crewed. We then had the naming ceremony. I Christened it the Tiger’s Eye, since I intended it to be the eyes of the Nobility which were all Tigers. I then ordered a Shake Down Cruise, having spotted an island off in the distance, which naturally nobody knew anything about. We set sail, everyone came with me on this jaunt. It took a little over ten hours before the Island was close enough for me to spot a clearly visible port town in its shore. As we approached, I used my Magic to make a break water, and pier. We slowed as we approached, and I had us tied off, but didn’t allow the gang plank to be lowered. I had it prepared, and all sails furled. Then we waited. We had dressed up in our Formal Gear, with all the Guards in proper uniform. It was nearly an hour later before a Delegation approached the Pier. They were clearly nervous. The leader was what looked like a Panda Clan. They called out to me. “I am Queen Lamalia, prepare to be borded!” “Your Majesty, I am Jane Rae Richards, wife of the First Princess of the Continent across the Sea, and technically this is sovereign territory, just as that Pier which I constructed is technically YOUR sovereign land. You’re welcome by the way. The Breakwater is also a gift, it will calm the effect of the tides on the town during storms. Demands, are NOT the appropriate approach in this situation. We have already waited for your convenience for over an hour as it is. Clearly if we were intending trouble, we have the advantage.” The Queen’s Eyes widened in shock. This was a situation that had never occurred in the history of her Nation. “Perhaps what your Majesty truly meant to say, was that you would greatly appreciate a tour of this vessel. That perhaps we could initiate trade relations between our nations, as we have much more timber, and land based foods available.” “Ah yes, I indeed spoke the wrong words. A tour would be lovely, and I bid you welcome to our shores. We are not accustomed to dealing with other Nations, it in fact never has happened before.” “Lower the Gang Plank! I’d ask that you limit your party two three members, and six guards.” The Queen nodded graciously. “We will comply with this request, it is reasonable.” She pointed to the other officials she wished to attend, and six guards. We toured the ship, and they all marveled at the massive ship. “How can we obtain a secure relationship with your Nation? Your words are all well, but what assurances can we accept?” I jokingly responded. “Well we could Marry, but that would include Alian, and Jeanette too, because I’m already married to them.” The Queen Smiled warmly. “That would be splendid, can we do it tonight? Naturally I would have to insist on a Child to be implanted in my right away.” Alian, and Jeanette, knowing I was Joking were shocked at her instant acceptance. “Would your Majesty prefer the Impregnation now, and the formalities after?” Alian asked.

“Now would be perfect indeed, I want your Child Jane. Your Kind has never been on this Island, and if they are all Nobles on your Continent, and your breed true as you say, then I want that for my Island. We may end up a part of your Nation, or remain independent, but we would have at least a few Tigers of our own before long.” We looked at each other, nodded, then all three of us placed a hand on the Queen. “What are you doing?!” We all flowed our Mana into the Queen, who in amazement, lifted her shirt to see all four of our images displayed, and melding into a successful impregnation. “All four of us, to make one child?!” “Congratulations, you’re the first ever Quad Blended pregnancy.” Her wondering smile, full of genuine love for this miracle of a child was priceless. “We thank you Wives, we will have the ceremony tonight, and I hope you will treat my Concubine well. I never had a proper Wife, because there was nobody with Political Power that I liked, but now I have two wives, and a second Concubine. Will you join us in bed this evening, I know our marriage is completely political, but I hope you will share in the physical as well. I am genuinely glad to be Married to you, and nobody from here.” We all smiled, and nodded. Ceremonies here were simple affairs, but they had a Jeweler on the way to the Palace, and I showed him our rings, and asked that a set each be made for the Queen and her Concubine. She said it would be ready in time for the Ceremony that night, and we placed the rings on their fingers together. Their eyes sparkled at the symbolic gesture of entwined rings for all of us.

We entered their bed chambers, and had just gotten undressed, when a baby’s cry was heard. Braiden had already been put down by a Maid in that room, but the cry was much younger, and the Maid quickly returned, and bowed. “I’m sorry, but it appears that the Baby is Hungry.” The Concubine sighed. “I’ll be back when she’s fed, I’m sorry my love, and sister wives.” She stepped out, and I was inspired. I signaled to the Maid. “Would you serve in any way? Even if possible nursing their baby?” She nodded firmly. “Yes, if I could, I would, but alas, I can not conceive, so I shall never be able to perform that task.” I placed my hand on her shoulder, and channeled my water magic into her, and willed her Milk to come in. She was startled at first, then confused as she felt something happening, then completely shocked when milk started to dampen her blouse. She ripped her blouse off, and stared in tear filled wonder at the milk dripping from her breasts. “How?” Without waiting for an answer, she hugged, and kissed me, then ran into the other room, to take the baby, and feed it herself. “How is our maid able to nurse our Baby now?!” The Queen pointed at me. “It seems my new wife has potent water magic, and could cause a woman to produce milk without having a child.”

Though there was an awkward start, the night was truly enjoyed by all, including the Maid, who stayed to watch, and feed the Baby twice more. We all passed out in a huge tangle of limbs, totally satiated. Staying wasn’t an option, as people would worry about us not coming back as it was, so we sadly had to set sail the next day. They both kissed us fiercely. “We would come to visit you if we could, but it’s not possible at this time. Perhaps we can return with the first trade Delegation that comes. The new Walls will help greatly, as we can expand safely here. I flicked a hand, and erected a whole new town outside the old walls. “I’ve got practice building those structures, I can do that in my sleep now.” A look of Amazement spread at the Delegation that was sending us off. “A truly marvelous wedding gift, I will treasure it, even as my people will!” Another kiss for all, and much tears, as the gangplank was raised, and the sails unfurled to catch the wind as we made our way out of the Harbor. We sailed directly back to the port town, and relayed the news to an astounded port official, that there was a whole Nation on the Island that was previously out of reach. We sent a runner off to inform the King, and await a Delegation to arrive.

The Queen wife, had sent a Homing Bird with us, and we sent it back from our Inn that night, only to receive a return message in the Morning. It seems that the island nation had a huge surplus of residents, and despite the massive increase in housing in their capitol that I had provided, there were still homeless people, and food shortages. She asked if there would be a possibility for immigration. We had to sit tight for the moment on immigration, but food we could aid with. We loaded the ship, and set sail immediately. With the winds strong, from a favorable angle, and the sea calm, it took only five hours to arrive, an hour to unload, and an hour to return. I didn’t go on the ship this time, knowing it wouldn’t be easy to return quickly.

King Donican, knowing how fast I tended to operate, and wanting to see this marvel with his own eyes, had already been en route , and had met the runner less than half way from our end. He endeavored to increase his speed, and arrived late that night, just as the Tiger’s Eye made port for the second time. “I see you’ve made some more work my dear, yet you also married the Queen of this new Nation, I couldn’t ask for a better outcome. Since I have arrived so quickly, I shall embark on this new Vessel, in order to greet my newest daughters, and accept their immigrants. I appreciate you waiting for my personal approval, but I would have preferred you just accept them. We have the room, and I’m sure they’d love to join the Ship Wrights working here, if nothing else. Shouldn’t be much of a change for them. We’ll see how that goes when we get there I suppose.” “It’s the same thing as when I refused to allow anyone to treat me like a Noble, before I was one. Have to be proper, and legal. Alian probably could have agreed, but even then, it would have been a Major incident if either you decided against, or else we simply couldn’t actually offer what we agreed to. Better get the official seal instead.” He sighed. “You’re all too wise. It would have worked out in this situation, but you’re right, waiting for me is the wise course of action. Shall we be off?”

This trip wasn’t quite as quick as the day prior, but still we managed it in under eight hours. When the Gangplank was lowered, and the Royal Pendent was seen from the Capitol of the island Nation, it caused a bit of a Panic. Queen Lamalia made haste to reach the Pier almost as soon as the Gang Plank was put out. “I bid you greetings my Wives, and I presume the Pendant is significant?” “Only if your Father in law is Significant your Majesty. May I present, his Royal Majesty King Donican Marion of the Nation of Tilania. Sadly his Wife did not decide to come on this venture, because she will adore you when you meet.” “I bid you most welcome King Donican of Tilania, I am Queen Lamalia of the Island Nation. We have had no reason to name our Island, as we have never left it. Perhaps you could aid us in choosing a name for this Island, though I am truly hoping you are here about Immigration.” Donican smiled broadly. “Daughter, I would be delighted to help in naming this beautiful Island, and certainly we will accept any Immigrants who wish to board the vessel upon our return, but more importantly, I’d like to hug my newest daughters. Also my Grandchild if that would be possible.” Lamalia bowed in respect. “Honored Father, I believe that is more than acceptable. I have long since missed my birth Father, and my Mother as well. It fills my Heart with Joy to have such a splendid set of new Parents to ask advice when needed.” Their embrace, though stiff at first, quickly warmed into a genuine familial hug of a Father, and his Daughter.

Mayra, Lamalia’s Concubine was overjoyed to hug her new Father, as she had lost all of her family long before the Queen had taken her, and all she had were the Queen, and her baby girl Tassi. Tassi gurgled, and cooed at Grandpa, as he held her lovingly in his arms smiling fit to burst at her cherubic face. The little one looked rather like a Kangaroo in her ears, and tail like her Mother. The Panda Clan doesn’t breed true all the time like Tigers apparently.

It was at this point, that a man came looking like a Grizzly Bear, covered in cuts, and bruises. He was obviously exhausted, and out of breath. “My Queen, we of the Bear Guard have encountered a powerful Monster. It is unlikely that we will prevail at this point. Please evacuate at once!” I started, and Jeanette was right on my heels. “Which direction is the beast? We’ll hold it off, or kill it if we can. If my physical strength is no match, then my Magic may prevail.” The Bear Guard, startled by my words, and even more by my Tiger ears, mutely pointed in a direction. We ran out into the wilds as directed. Alian looked on dejectedly knowing she wasn’t allowed to follow at this point. Lamalia and Mayra were too stunned at our movements. “You’ll get used to it, she’s crazy powerful, and well then there’s her origin. Doesn’t mean I don’t worry though.” The two hugged Alian for comfort, and King Donican took charge of the evacuation.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

We came upon the Bear Guards, in their struggle. The one sent with the warning was clearly the worst off. What I saw was a large, ironically bear like creature, about the size of a Mammoth, with almost metallic looking claws, and teeth. I manifested a solid steel spike about fifty feet in the air, pointed directly down onto the Bear Thing, and I entwined its legs with stone restraints. The Bear Men attempted to take advantage, but I called out frantic. “HOLD!!!” They looked back, and I pointed up. Looking up, they immediately noticed why I said to hold, and were quite content to pause as the spike missed my target, yet imbedded itself into the creature’s shoulder further pinning it in place, as it let out a massive roar.

“Now, finish off this pest, for the honor of my new Wife Queen Lamalia!!!” Invigorated by my call for the Honor of their Queen, they charged in as the creature managed to tear one paw free of the stone encasements. The first Bear to approach held his Massive shield, and took the blow allowing his compatriots to stab into the sides of the beast. Jeanette fired off her crossbow, hitting its eye as it raised its head up bellowing in pain from the stab wound. Then I launched myself claws extended through the Knuckles I wore. My punch seemed to ring his bell as I pummeled the side of its head, and my other hand’s spike plunged deep into the other eye, and I ripped my claws across its hide as I sprang back into the formation. “Careful, it’s blind now, and while that’s a good thing, it also means this critter is going to be unpredictable. Watch for a safe opening, keep your distance till the time is right.” The Guard nodded in affirmation, as the raging beast ripped its other front paw free, and madly swung both paws trying to find purchase on something.

“This thing’s no joke huh? That spike should have been quite the injury, but the damned thing’s still not giving up.” The Captain answered me. “Aye, I’ve seen beasts like this before, but never this large. The smaller ones take more men than we have here, our only hope was to delay the thing long enough for the Queen to flea, then you, that spike was you yes? Also you said the Queen is your Wife now?” I grinned. rest of my patrons.”

I turned to the Host. “My method was simple. I tied the window and door shut, with metal bits hanging from the rope, so when it was cut, it jingled, which woke us, with plenty of time to get ready. It’s not foolproof, but better than nothing. I’ll talk to the Smithy, though, about some basic room locks and window latches. Those will help even more.” Bafflement about room locks was evident, but the Host thanked me nevertheless for the consideration.

With that, we ate our Breakfast, then left the Inn. The Guards came just then, and only asked us to verify that it was indeed I who had killed the Man, which I did, reminding them that I wasn’t a Noble, but that never stops people from assuming things. Thanking me for being as discreet as I could be, they went on with their day.

We visited the Tanner first, and my Armor was ready and perfect. It had a sort of deadly grace. I put it on straight away, and felt a million times better. Thanking him, we then returned to the Smithy, and everything there was ready as well.

I collected my knuckles, my crossbow with twenty bolts, and the single Ingot of Stainless Steel for proof of concept. Then I designed the basic room locks, window latches, and keys. It took him no time to understand the concept of individual room keys, but also having a Master Key for the Host. How the Master works differently from a Basic key that only works in a single lock. He said he could have enough of the Basic Locks and Latches for the whole in by the next day, and since again I had given him the idea, he’d do the initial work at cost. Everyone was likely to want a Basic lock for their front doors and latches on their windows after this, so he’d make plenty of profit in the future.

Another trip to the Cobbler to pick up my new footwear, and we were ready to depart. Then I realized I hadn’t gotten my tent or a water skin. I groaned and explained to Jeanette. “Oh, well, I can get those things, and you can pay me back when we reach the next town. I figure we take an escort quest going in the right direction. Keeps things simple.” I agreed to that, and we gathered the remaining supplies, filled my pack, and hers with provisions.o focused on getting to the Queen, who was at the Pier with us, that I doubt even he noticed the Wall, despite having to find a Gate to enter through it, and then get told where the Queen was.” We set off merrily towards the new City Wall. “We’ll be taking some immigrants across to the Port town on our side, since there’s such a food shortage. Though this beast will help with that, as will the new wall, being that it’s protecting a significant amount of new Farm Land.”

As we approached the Pier, the crowd parts, and gasps can be heard from every angle. My Beaming face is all that settles Alian’s heart, while Jeanette just shook her head in exasperation at my antics. “The Conquering Heroes have returned! Sing their Praised everyone!” I shouted out. Relief is palpable among the crowd at my words. “The Monster is defeated?!” Asked Lamalia. “Totally Dead, and twice as Ugly as it started. Thanks to everyone for their quick reactions on evacuation procedures. I think if it weren’t for my Magic, that it would have been different. The Wall would have held I’m sure, but that would have left you trapped waiting for the next run of the Ship. So killing it now makes me much happier, plus,…MEAT!” This got exactly the reaction I wanted, a large portion of the Men in the crowd, ran out of the Wall, to begin processing the Beast for Meat. I then had a thought, a crazy one. “Would it be like supre insane, to make a bridge here? Normally I’d say it was myself, but with my Massive Mana Pool, and the refined ability with Earth Magic I have, I think I could actually make a living Bridge over the ocean. Like thirty feet wide, and high enough to never get splashed with Sea Water, filled with growing dirt, and a road down the center. Nobody but I could pull it off, but I THINK I could do it.” King Donican, and Queen Lamalia looked at each other in utter shock at the ridiculous endeavor I casually mentioned.

“If you think you can Wife, I’d agree, but it’s a joint decision.” Donican Smiled. “Though I do enjoy the ship, this land bridge, if you can actually make it as you say, would be a very good thing for most travelers. I say make your attempt, but be thorough in your design.” I nodded, and moved outside the wall, looking for the best location. Once I had chosen my location, I focused my will, rising from the depths of the Sea at forty miles apart came huge pillars thirty foot square, and a shelf of stone stretched out from my feet to reach the top of the Pillar about forty feet off the sea’s surface, and continued to climb to the second one another twenty feet higher. As the shelf stretched, it also thickened, and side walls rose up. Ten foot tall walls on either side of the now five foot thick stone shelf. There were holes for drainage, and a thin sheet of Stainless Steel began to spread across the surface. A road formed down the center of the bridge, raised up off the steel by about four feet, and rich soil manifested on either side matching the height of the road. Through the Magic itself, I knew when I had reached the other side, and the bridge was completed. I collapsed, unable to move after the Mana Drain from such a massive working. I didn’t black out though.

Jeanette, Alian, Mayra, and Lamalia swarmed me as I fought to regain the strength to stand again, while an obviously proud Donican looked on in amused fascination at the working I had somehow pulled off. “I think I almost emptied my Mana Pool with that. Only the working itself kept me on my feet at the end, so once I was done, down I went.” “You really don’t know how to hold back do you Daughter?” Donican chuckled with a wry smile, shaking his head at yet another impossible thing I did so casually. “It’s rather frustrating Love, every time you drain yourself to this degree, I never know if you’ll recover. I wish you’d stop doing such reckless things!” Alian complained. “But that’s why we love her so much Alian. Jane wouldn’t be Jane if she didn’t go in fully on whatever project she came up with.” Alian smile, and Lamalia seemed to understand the situation much more. “What exactly have I gotten myself into? I don’t know if my Heart can take many scares like this one.” “We should still take the first load of immigrants by ship, as the Bridge will clearly take some time to travel across. However, we can start sending wagons of supplies, and bringing more immigrants on their return, allowing the Tiger’s Eye to continue on the exploration voyage you intended for it.” Donican stated with confidence.

“I think, what with the Beast being defeated, and this new Bridge for my people to use if they need it, that I can safely take leave from the Capitol, and come across for a Visit myself, now that a reliable method of returning exists. No offense to your ship Jane, but it only works if it’s here.” I smiled. “No offense taken, you’re totally right. Ships can only help, if they are where you need them to be, and right now, the Tiger’s Eye is the only ship that can travel across the Sea. The Bridge is truly reliable, if slower.” Besides I thought, it’s not like I didn’t make both anyway. Lamalia sent off messages alerting her advisors that she would be visiting her new in-laws across the Sea, and to send messenger birds should they require her return before a Month. Some runners brought back parcels of clothing, and other such necessities, and we boarded the ship with the Immigrants who had already boarded.

The trip back to the Port town was very quick, due to a wind change, and I got a little concerned. “That’s a pretty drastic shift in wind direction. You’d best not sail out for a while Captain, I think maybe a storm is brewing, and the wind shift is the first sign. If you do decide to start your exploration cruise, use extreme caution.” The Ship’s Captain nodded in apprehension. “I think you may be right, now you mention it. Never put those things together before, but as I recall bad storms did always have the wind in my face if I was looking out from shore. I’ll wait for a day or two, and see if things feel better later on.” I sighed in relief at his words, as I and my family disembarked from the ship. I had picked up some sea shells, nice ones, and several barrels of sea water to take home. Having setup a salt production facility in the town, I’d only have to haul the water once myself.

It was a very uneventful trip back to the Capitol, but the company was excellent. We traveled so much faster on the way back, that it only took two and a half days, instead of the near week that could have been expected before. The walls rose majestically in the distance, and our carriages were quickly let through, as the crowds parted out of respect. Lamalia marveled at the speed of the journey, and the masses of people in our Capitol which dwarfed her own. The Palace looming above her was another shock. “I know how you feel, this is a bit much for me still too.” We all went to the private audience chamber. Vanessa, Mitchel, and Darla were all waiting as the Family entered all together.

We all greeted each other warmly, and the Sea Shells were received with actual gratitude. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you Lamalia, and Mayra. I hope we can become great friends.” “I thank you for the warm greeting, and am truly glad to have you as a Mother.” “As am I your Grace.” Mayra piped up. “None of that Your Grace nonsense in private, you’re my precious daughters now!” So saying she embraced them both in a fierce hug. Tigers are very fierce when it comes to family. Lamalia had brought a drink with her, as had Jeanette, having grabbed a small keg of the Mead from the Port, while the drink Lamalia had brought seemed more like Sake than anything else. Everyone drank that night, and far too much, especially since aside from myself, in my old life, Lamalia, and Mayra, nobody had ever drank before in their lives. I didn’t let the younger ones partake, since it was a custom from back home that people should be older to drink alcohol. I however drank far too much, and not until morning did I realize my mistake. Waking up in a pile of limbs wasn’t an issue, and the headache was expected. It was after that, when I relieved the pain, and started thinking again, that my eyes bulged in horror. In our drunken state, all my wives together with myself, merged our Mana, and I was the only one who could have received it.

I screamed in horrified shock at what was done. Somehow I just knew it took. The time was about right, and with my luck, there was little doubt it had taken. The others startled awake, and came to my side in concern. “Love,…what is it? My head hurts, but I doubt you’re screaming from that.” My pale face turned to Alian, and she sobered up along with everyone else. Slowly they realized what happened, I could see it as their eyes widened too. “Are,… are you sure?” Shaking like a scared kitten, I nodded my head. I pushed my Mana into my womb, and the embryo shone barely visible, but there for everyone to see.

“Isn’t this a good thing?” Lamalia asked. “Uh, did we not explain about Jane?” Lamalia, and Mayra shook their heads, and Jeanette explained my origin, and about my original body. Now they understood why I was so freaked out. They all clung to me in support, and it helped, but only a little. Everyone was super supportive throughout the next months. Lamalia having sent a message saying they wouldn’t be returning outside of an emergency due to Family issues, she and Mayra remained with me, as all but Mayra’s bellies swelled up. I was happy with the first babies were born, but that happiness didn’t last, as with each one, I knew I was closer. As Lamalia’s child was born, another cut Tiger Boy, just like Alian’s, I was starting to really panic. Jeanette had two little girls, and with Mayra’s boy, that was a really good spread. Counting my Son, that was four boys, and three girls counting Gabby.

When it was my turn, I was really freaking out. The Pain of the contractions was rather intense, but that’s only pain. I was just freaking out, and I couldn’t help but want my Parents. It wasn’t just a want though, it was a desperate need. With everyone in the room, all my wives, the King, and Queen, Adel, Cassandra, Darnel, and even Mitchell, Darla, and Gabby, I still wanted my Parents. So much that the surprising event happened. I summoned them both into the world.

In a blinding flash of light, they both fell flat on their faces, naked as the day they were born, and around twenty five or so in appearance. I knew them instantly. “Mom, Dad! What, How?” Despite the Major itch they were undoubtedly suffering, Mom somehow knew I was talking to her. She looked at me, as another Contraction hit me. I grunted through the pain, as my eyes stayed trained on Mom’s. Dad looked too, a little slow on the uptake, just like always. “What?” He asked intelligently, but Mom didn’t waste a second as she crawled not used to her tail yet, to reach my side. She gripped my hand tightly. “My Baby, I don’t know how this is happening, but I know you’re him. I guess I’m getting grandkids after all!” I sobbed as I laid my head on her shoulder desperate for more contact.

King Donican had snapped his fingers, and gotten robes for my Parents. He draped one over my Father himself, while a Maid helped my Mother into hers. She twitched as the Maid tucked her tail into its hole. “You’re adorable as a Tiger Girl sweaty. I won’t lie though, I’m going to miss your Handsome face too, at least for a while.” Another contraction hit, and Dad finally had his brain in the game. “Son,.. Or daughter? How is this happening? Your Mother is always right about these sorts of things, so I know it’s you. She could pick any baby out of a crowd without even trying after all. Still, how did my Son become my Daughter, and have Tiger Ears and a Tail?!” I laughed. “If I knew, I’d tell you, but how did I bring my Dead Parents into another world, as younger Tiger Clan versions of themselves?” He chuckled. “Good point.” I grunted again with a contraction. “Perhaps you could save the interrogation until after your grandchild is born Mr. Richards.” Vanessa said sternly. “Uh, Yeah sorry. John knows I’m slow on the uptake. Wow grandkids in a new life.” Vanessa smiled a little. “It’s Jane now, and I believe he just changed the spelling of his middle name.” “Oh, yeah, makes sense. Well as much as anything happening right now does.”

Adel approached. “My Sister In-Law has done so much for this Kingdom, and Married a Neighboring Queen as well. I hope you can be just as proud of her, as you were of him. Also, I’m very glad to meet you Uncle, and Aunt. You’re the first Uncle and Aunt I’ve ever had.” A baby finally came out, and I thought it was over. The little girl was lifted up, her little bottom spanked to make her cry. The cord was tied with string, and Alian did the honor of cutting it, as I had for her. Then another contraction hit. “UGH! Another one?!” Sure enough, my belly had been huge for a reason. The second girl came out in much less time than the first. This time Jeanette cut the cord. I panted and wheezed in relief, but it was short lived as another contraction hit. Vanessa had gripped my other hand at this point, as a third little adorable girl came into the world, and Lamalia took the honor of this cord. “Don’t tell me you were trying to make sure everybody got to cut a cord Love!” I chuckled thinking it was a fine joke, BUT it wasn’t a joke, because another girl followed right after that. FOUR, FOUR GIRLS in one go. I had quadruplets, and Mayra cut the fourth cord.

The healer came over, and checking my belly declared. “I think there’s another one Milady.” I looked at her in Shock. “Huh?!” Then the contractions started again. This one however was a Son. Dad took the honors, since he was there, and I refused to let go of either of my Mothers at this point. “I wish I could help you nurse baby, but I’m sure you’ll manage.” I looked at my Mom, and laughed. “Magic Mom, Magic, if you’re offering to Nurse, I can make that happen.” “Huh? You’re joking, you are, aren’t you?!” I shook my head. “You can have milk flowing in ten minutes from my using the magic on you. If you really want to help Nurse, I’d be grateful, what with all their babies, we’ve already got quite the Nursing fiasco going. Some of the Maids helped, but they don’t have as much time to Nurse as they’d like.” She beamed. “Yes Sweaty, absolutely, cast that Magic, I love Nursing Babies. With these new Breasts, I should put them to use right?!” The queen spoke next. “Dear, I’d like to help with that as well. It would be relaxing to sit by your Mother, with a babe in each arm chatting. Excellent excuse to get away from the politics.” As requested I cast the Milk production skill for both of my Mothers, and before I knew it, they had let me go, and taken my four daughters for their first feeding, as my Son was laid on my breast. My wives clustered around me beaming with joy.

“You think maybe you having quintuplets was because we all contributed our Mana? That’s five separate Mana sources involved.” Gabby looked rather sheepish, as did Darla. “What did you two do?” “It wasn’t our idea, you all insisted! So,.. Yeah, our Mana was involved too. I see why you didn’t want us drinking. If even you could do something like that, well, at least it was us giving right? You know we love you too, even if not like THAT, so it’s ok right?” I looked at Gabby stunned. “Yeah, it’s alright by me, but is it alright by you? That’s something for the special person you love in THAT way.” Gabby and Darla smiled. “Not gonna lie, it would have been weird if you had Given to me, or Gabby, but we’re happy our Mana helped with your beautiful babies, even if you didn’t mean to do it.” I took each one for a hug, and kissed their cheeks. “Let’s not tell your Parents ok Darla, Mitchell you’re keeping silent too. Your Mom might not let you come over again, if she finds out your sister was involved in my having Quintuplets. Speaking of, why haven’t you two gone back yet?” Mitchell looked a little sheepish now. “I sent Mom a letter, saying you needed us because of being pregnant, and she said it was ok to stay till the baby was born. Now I guess it’s a good thing, cause my Sister was involved, even if I didn’t know it.” I laughed. “Ok, mutual destruction pact enabled.” He looked confused, and my Dad answered his obvious question. “It means, if you tell your Mom about your Sister being involved, They get to tell how that letter was all your idea. You’d both be in trouble.” Dawning horror filled Mitchell’s eyes. “I understand, I won’t say a word!”

Luckily Mom and Dad being my Birth Parents, didn’t need to marry into the Nobility, I had done that for them. So they were awarded lesser Noble titles right out of the gate. They were encouraged to accept someone else into their relationship, as it would help with spreading the genes more. I had to explain how they didn’t understand about genetics at all before I showed up, and that the King and Queen were direct siblings. They were shocked to say the least, but seeing all my happy wives, Mom made a shocking announcement. “I never mentioned this Honey, but I’m actually Bi, and as long as I remain one of them, you can have more wives. I’ll be picky about who I let in, but I’m fine with a couple more if you are. Only one Tiger though, if you want any more than one more Wife, it’s got to be something different.” I was stunned, and Dad was shell shocked. “I don’t want to hear this after I just gave Birth Mom!!! It’s cool, but leave that talk for when you’re in private!”

My life couldn’t have gotten any better at that point. My wives and I decided to move to Lamalia’s island Nation, and let my Parents stay with King Donican, and Queen Vanessa. I had plenty of fun culling the Island of Monsters, and improving their ability to produce food for themselves. With all our little Tiger Cubs running around the Island, it was bound to have a boom in the future of Tiger Clan Nobility. It was complete contentment, though there were plenty of struggles as a Parent, I had finally come fully into being a Woman. I even got Pregnant again, WITHOUT alcohol. Surprise!