Mature Content Warning: This chapter features explicit sexual imagery, and the capture of humanoid girls for fun and profit. Do not read this if anything mentioned offends you. Also, naughty language is included.

Author's Notes: I finished this chapter up early. I think the next one won't be released until the weekend. This story will last for 10-12 chapters total, depending on what needs to be written. Everything is lining up nicely.

The chapter name below is the real name of the chapter. I try to keep the thread titles a bit cleaner.

Chapter 6: Asshole

Tera slapped down on the hauling winch's return mechanism again. The device had been damaged slightly during the last attack on their camp, and now it was a pain in the ass to get work. However, after beating on it for several minutes it had finally begun to do its job.

The electric Eelai slowly found its way into the largest cage of the hauler, as the winching hauled its unconscious form up and over the loading ramp. Once its upper body was loaded, Tera and Mindi spent several minutes trying to shove the rest of her oversized body into the device.

"Damn, why couldn't this bitch have just died? She smells like rotten fish." muttered Mindi as she helped her harem sister shove the oversized sea naga into her still undersized cage. By the time they were done the poor unconscious Demi-Human was in a balled heap with her tail in the air.

"We've killed far too many of late." remarked Kara and she sat on the gun. As the best shot in the group she pretty much always rode at the gun. The fact that this got her out of loading duty wasn't entirely a bad deal for her, either.

"Ugh, I'm covered in Eelai slime." griped the Kraken in annoyance.

"Could be worse, you could have been hit with some of its blood like our master was." remarked Tera while trying to hide a growing smirk.

The Kraken didn't bother to hide her smug smile as she recounted how easily he had dropped from a little blood splatter. Even now, with three anti-toxin meds cleansing his system, he was asleep in his bedroll. Their new harem sister was his only immediate guard.

"Alright, miss alpha. We're loaded." called out Tera after she double-checked all the locks. The Steel Valkyrie nodded at them perfunctorily.

"Get cleaned up, and one of you start lunch. The day isn't over yet." ordered the gunnery based Demi-Human. Their master had left strict orders not to leave until the morning unless they absolutely had to.

"Fine with me!" replied Mindi as she wandered over to the shallow pool of water nearby. This small pool of water was what was left behind when the Eelai used its water floor technique. The pond nearby had been the Eelai's home prior to her current incarceration.

The Florida Preserve was proving to be a very lucrative hunting ground. Water and insect based Demi-Humans were quite common. Plant types were frequently found as well. The whole area was filled with almost every type of Demi-Human around save for ice types and those that preferred hard ground.

"Hey, what about the capture limit?" called back Tera as she stripped off her plain white t-shirt allowing her large perky breasts to bounce free.

"We've only put two in the cages today. The kill limit hasn't been met yet, so we should be fine." remarked their alpha lightly.

Tera glanced over at the Eelai and the Ticroc, a flat-chested crocodile girl, before nodding. There were another half-dozen dead Demi-Humans in the corpse hauler. With a capture limit of three per day and a kill limit of ten it seemed somewhat strange that this place was a sanctuary. Unfortunately, during capture proceedings most Demi-Humans were killed. Those who could be captured were highly valued, however.

The Florida Preserve was only open for hunters and tamers for three months out of the year. Each individual is normally allowed only one full week out of that period as well. There was also a limit on how many tamers and hunters might participate. It was generally considered a privilege to even be allowed to enter and hunt legally. John's team had earned extended privileges due to their recent actions.

An hour later the field rations were cooking merrily over the campfire as Kara took up watch over their master while Honey, the Succubuzz, equipped a communicator and flew up to provide overwatch.

Kara dabbed at the sweat forming along her master's face as the man trembled softly inside his blanket. With a concerned frown she looked over at the medicine box and moved to get him another anti-toxin.

After administering it, a few minutes passed before the man settled into a slightly more peaceful slumber. He was lucky to have survived, to be honest. Even a single drop of an Eelai's blood can be toxic enough to kill a human being. Many Demi-Humans might not be able to resist such a shock to their system. Only her extremely quick movements had saved the man. She ripped open his on-hand medicinal pouch and administered the antidote to him twice immediately.

Sadly, that had not been enough. A few minutes later the sweats and trembling had begun again. A third dose had been used. Until now, it seemed to have been holding. It was apparent, however, that some of the toxins were still in his system.

Kara wiped his sweat away once more, and caught herself when she had absently tried to stroke his hair. "What am I doing?" she asked softly, while gazing down at her contracted tamer. Her eyes shimmered softly as she acquired a look of confusion and deeper concern.

She was only a servant, a contracted mercenary. There was no need to touch him outside of normal taming requirements.

It was strange for him, however. The man seemed so vulnerable laying here like this. She knew on the surface that humans were weaker than Demi-Humans. However, he had always seemed so strong. His actions were confident and his course was clear. He was in charge. Yet here he was, a hair's breadth from dying.

Kara blinked as a strange sensation appeared within her. A moment later droplets of hot salty liquid landed on her hurt master with a soft 'plip'. The Steel Valkyrie blinked and lifted her hands, the hands that had failed to protect her mast, and softly touched her fingers to her eyes.

"What?" she asked softly, as she pulled them away. They were wet. Her fingers were wet.

She shook her head slowly as the implication became clear. Kara did not want to believe it, however. She was a soldier. Emotions were for the weak, there was only duty. She knew her master respected her, but what would he say if he saw her crying like some infant.

The Steel Valkyrie dried her eyes then took a breath. She had to watch over her master. There was no time for bizarre emotions.

Xxxx

"He still hasn't woken up?" asked Tera with mild concern. Honestly, she did not care if he died. However, if he did die any chance she had of being free again died with him.

"My master is injured." replied the Succubuzz softly as she looked down at the man who had restored her mind to her.

"Yes, Honey. Master John is still sick." replied Kara gently.

"Will my honey help him?" she asked while tilting her head. The Succubuzz was slowly beginning to develop something resembling true free will, after being with them for a week. However, she still only spoke in short sentences that often seemed childlike and innocent.

"It couldn't hurt. I think he needs to see a real doctor, though." remarked Kara decisively. Her master had instructed them to stay till morning. As soon as dawn broke they would head back.

Honey smiled happily as her body began to vibrate in a manner that produced a high-pitched whine. It did not take long before thick golden fluid began to drip from between her thighs. The Succubuzz moaned loudly as production increased.

"How exactly do you intend to get that into his mouth?" asked Tera curiously as she stared at the show.

Kara blinked then looked down at her master. Honey could drip her honey against his mouth, but there was no way they'd be sure he took it in.

An idea came to her. Said idea was accompanied by a scarlet flush of her cheeks as well. "Honey, come here."

The Succubuzz happily came over to her new swarm leader and stood before her. When she arrived the Steel Valkyrie knelt down and began to run her tongue softly along her sticky golden slit. Soon she was suckling at her pussy while gripping the bee girl's rock hard ass tight in her hands.

When she pulled away her mouth was covered in Succubuzz honey and her cheeks were puffed out slightly. The alpha of the harem then turned silently back to her master and pressed open his lips before kissing him softly. The honey moved from her mouth into his for a short time. This was followed up by rubbing his throat softly to make sure his medicine went down.

The process was repeated over and over again for several minutes. Mindi tried her best to fight the urge, but she was unable to keep a naughty tentacle from slipping over to tease the Succubuzz's ass.

After the honey transference was done Kara ordered the bee girl to lie down. After she complied, her alpha slid between her thighs and began to massage her pussy against the vibrating Demi-Human's honey covered love mound.

Tera slid a finger down to her own slit and began to stroke herself softly. The girls writhing and moaning before her were making her so wet. Her natural heat aura expanded greatly, causing the condensation in the room to begin to turn to steam.

Soon, the room was reminiscent of a sauna as hot naughty Demi-Human on Demi-Human action turned into a four way taming session with honey flying everywhere. All the while, their stricken master slept on.

Xxxx

"So, we're heading down to the Southern March proper today, master?" asked Kara thoughtfully. They had finished up their two allotted weeks in the preserve two days prior. John had decided that everyone could use a break for a day or two. To that end, they had all wandered through the tourist town for a while. If they didn't know better they would have sworn he had grown a heart after nearly dying.

John nodded at his alpha while Honey cuddled up against him. He wasn't particularly comfortable with how much affection the girl seemed to need, but like Kara she had been nothing but loyal since their initial meeting. In some ways this strange girl reminded him of a child, albeit one with incredible physical proportions and a naughty streak that had to be seen to be believed. It was a disturbing dichotomy. She must not have left the lab she was created in very often, until she ended up in the woods.

"Yes. We have enough funds in my account to support movement to the next area on my agenda. Once there we'll enter into a training session, for two weeks then apply for entrance into the Orange Cup." replied the man. He blinked not long after as he noted himself absently stroking the naughty bee girl's hair while she snuggled softly against him.

Tera glanced at them every now and then with a look that seemed to be a cross between hatred and longing. She didn't want anything to do with the bastard, but when she saw how well he treated Kara and Honey it hurt a little. All she had to do was stop being belligerent and things would be much better for her.

Mindi on the other hand, made no secret of how she felt about the situation. She'd called the new girl a shameless hussy on many occasions. Why a Demi-Human would want to be anything else but a shameless hussy was not really a question she had been prepared to answer.

"Training, so we're not going to do anymore hunting for a while?" asked Tera, as a means of avoiding her inner conflict.

John shook his head at her. "No, we need to learn better team tactics. I want us to make a good showing at the tournament. Winning is preferable, but simply making it into the official roster is the current goal."

"How hard can that be?" asked Mindi with a snort.

Her master quirked an eyebrow at her and replied, "Most of the entrants are professional tournament battlers. They only bother to make their yearly capture quotas and spend the rest of the time training solely to battle for prize money. While this does not necessarily mean they are stronger fighters, their skills will be very well honed through rigorous continual training."

"Meaning, we'll probably get our asses handed to us?" asked Tera thoughtfully.

The man nodded at her. "I'm confident that with enough training we can at least place in the official roster. I do want you to perform your best."

"Oh, yeah? What do I get out of it if I do?" asked Mindi with her hands moving to her hips.

"Continued existence in my harem." replied John.

"Honey is happy with that." replied the vibrating Succubuzz as she snuggled up closer to her master. He smelled like sunshine and cookies to her. These were two of her favorite things.

He fought down the brief urge to smile before nodding, "Actually, you and Kara have proven your loyalty on several occasions. You'll both receive a present if you fight well."

Tera frowned at him in annoyance. The blatant favortism rankled on her nerves. She wanted to be free to live her life. She had done whatever he asked with little complaint. Why was she discounted as being loyal?

"Is there a problem with master's proclamation Tera?" asked Kara with a raised eyebrow. The fact that she was polishing one of her guns was not lost on the Blazine.

"No. No, there isn't." she replied softly before turning away.

John noted her acquiescence and nodded slightly. She was coming along at least. However, he wasn't interested in spoiling her or Mindi. Neither of them wanted to be with him at the moment. He did not trust them enough not to let him die if he were alone with them.

"A present?" asked Honey with a bright smile. "Whatcha gonna get me?"

John patted the busty Demi-Human on the head and said, "You'll see."

She pouted adorably and puffed out her cheeks. "Meanie."

The man surprised them all by barking out a sudden embarrassed laugh. This was becoming decidedly uncomfortable for him. He could not help it, though. Something about the adorable bee girl seemed so familiar.

Xxx

Tera sighed to herself as she looked up at the moon. She was sitting in the back of the truck by herself, on guard duty. Technically she was supposed to be the sentry on duty, but they were at an official campground. The location had ample security of its own.

The events of the last few weeks weighed heavily on her. Her dreams snatched away at the last moment, the loss of her citizenship status, everything.

She was so wrapped up in her current remembrance that she did not notice the approach of her master.

"So, this is what you call guard duty?" asked John with a light tone of voice. He was attempting what passed for cheerful banter. He was not particularly good at it, however.

"Master? Oh, oh sorry, I." began Tera as she stood up quickly and dusted off her shirt.

When she moved into the light he noted the tears drying on her face. He might be a somewhat heartless bastard but he still understood the need to maintain morale. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." she replied evasively before turning away. Why did he care anyway?

He nodded at her then surprised her by climbing up onto the back of the truck. He leaned against the cab and looked up at the moon.

A silent time passed between the two. Tera could not resist asking, "Is there something you need master?"

"No. I just wanted to see how you were doing." replied the man casually. It was actually true. He had come to get her status report since he liked to do that sort of thing when they were resting at official campgrounds.

Tera blinked then attempted to fight off a blush. He had not just said he was interested in how she was doing. There was no way that he had meant that.

"Why do you fight me?" asked the man after a few minutes.

"I've never laid a hand on you master." responded the Blazine before turning away from him. Nervously she pulled her long shirt down to cover more of her body. Her cotton shorts were awfully short.

He nodded. "Am I really that much worse than your old master? Speak honestly. I need to know the truth."

He wasn't so much interested in her feelings on the matter so much as her view of his leadership and command abilities. He needed to know if he was being effective.

The Blazine blinked rapidly a few times and nervously edged away from him. This was not his usual behavior at all and it was confusing her.

"I, I... well, no." she admitted after collecting herself. Her old master had been a cold calculating bastard. John, while also a cold calculating bastard, did occasionally show brief signs of giving a shit about his harem outside of what they could be sold for. There was also the fact that he had not actually sold either her or Mindi even after the occasional stunts they had pulled.

"I did not think so. What he did was inexcusable." replied the man as he gazed up at the moon.

"What he did?" she asked with wide eyes.

"He illegally rendered you into a slave. Don't misunderstand me. I do not really give two shits about that in general. However, I would not do that." he replied carefully. He did not want to make her think he was trying to win her favor. Honestly, he did not care about that. He wanted her required loyalty. Any emotional sentiments she had about him were her business.

"You wouldn't?" she asked him. She looked at him strangely as he stood there, the moonlight shining down on him.

"I doubted that he was a proper tamer the moment he challenged me. What sort of crass individual actively challenges someone in a cafeteria full of people? When I discovered the reality of your situation it made my opinion of him drop even further." replied the man before he hopped up onto the cab.

In a bizarrely friendly manner he patted the spot next to him to give her an idea that she should sit there. With confusion writ large upon her features, the Blazine hopped up and sat next to him.

"Understand something. I consider Demi-Humans to be inhuman contract workers at best, for the most part. However, I am not one to abuse my tools and resources."

"I'm just a tool?" she replied sadly.

He nodded at this, sending a soft trill of sadness along her body. She was nothing but a tool, a thing to be used at his leisure. Everything she had worked against her entire life, and she was back to square one.

"Kara works for me via contract. Honey seems happy to be property for some strange reason. You and Mindi, however, have done nothing but snark at me since I won you. Although, you seem to understand your situation better." stated the man.

"Master, I've done everything you asked of me." replied the Blazine in a brazen manner. She dared to speak against her master's words? For shame!

John, though a somewhat arrogant prick, did not take affront to this. "Yes, yes you have."

Tera grew silent for a few minutes then turned her head toward him again when her master spoke. "What do you want if you win the tournament?"

"What do I want?" she asked softly. "I, I want my freedom and citizenship back."

"If you win, you may have it."

Tera blinked at him in shock. "You, you're saying you'll let me go? You'd pay my court costs?"

"If that is what you want, and if you win." he replied seriously.

A sudden flurry of emotion erupted within the girl. He was really going to do that? Was he being honest? Was he lying?

Reality set in a moment later, however, as she remembered what he had said about the tournament. "My chances aren't good are they?" she asked sadly.

"No. They aren't." replied the man, in his particular nurturing way.

"Why would you even allow me this chance?" she asked after a while.

John shrugged at her. "You've done what you've been told. I only want Demi-Humans in my harem that want to be there. If you can prove your determination to be free in this way, then why keep you here? You don't desire to work for me anyway."

Tera nodded slowly at that. It made a certain sort of sense. Besides, if she did win he would gain a lot of notoriety, a major prize purse, and would be able to enter the official battle circuit within the mandatory four placement requirements.

"If I don't win?" she asked softly.

"You're stuck with me until you die, prove your loyalty, or I sell you." replied the man without missing a beat.

The Blazine nodded softly. She had thought that he would give her such an answer.

As a bit of a motivator the man did decree, "If you at least place, then I'll but you shoes if you want."

She blinked then started to shake a little. Soon a soft laugh tittered out of her. It was the first real laugh she'd experienced in some time. If she did well, she'd get shoes.

He noted her antics and shrugged. "What? I thought that girls liked shoes?"

She tittered a little at that then asked cutely, "I'm a girl now? I thought I was just a tool?"

John turned to her and leaned in a little. Tera blushed softly and had the sudden strange thought that he meant to kiss her. The more this thought awoke within her, the faster her heart started to beat. She couldn't possibly be attracted to the jerk, but soon she felt her eyes closing slightly even as her lips gently parted.

The moment the man came within a hair's breadth of her lips, he whispered, "Yes, but you're my tool."

The girl felt an involuntary spasm of pleasure as she began to heat up a little. He had just said something like that? The cold bastard who tormented her daily just by existing, had really said such a thing?

She blinked in surprise when he patted her on the head then turned and hopped off the truck. "Good talk. See you in the morning."

The Blazine sat there with her body leaning forward for a short time, her lips in full sensual kiss motion. Slowly, the moment passed and she reigned in her impulses.

She took a deep breath then softly chewed on her lower lip before saying, "Asshole." with soft tearful eyes. There was no heat in her words, however. The heat was within the lonely Demi-Human sitting on the back of a truck.

Xxxx