Long story short

Rather than wander off immediately, you decide to have a seat under the tree and chat with the new member of the group. Melora is still sniffling as she snuggles up against one side of you, and you put your arm around her shoulders. Ferra leans against your other side, and you do the same with her. Alex pouts at being left out, but settles nearby, and you placate her with a smile. Cassie and Bella sit across from you, and Cassie has a wide smile on her face, her hair and skin a vibrant mixture of yellow and pink at the moment.

You smile at the chameleon girl gratefully. “First of all, thank you for what you just did. I cannot begin to tell you how great of a gift you’ve just given Melora, and I hope I can give you something in return some day.”

Cassie claps her hands excitedly. “I’m just glad I could help! So, can I be one of your harem now?”

You blink in surprise, and Bella laughs. “It’s easy to forget how forward monster girls are! Cassie, honey, be patient. Perhaps we should hear the story of how these lovely women joined him before you leap into his arms.”

Cassie pouts for a moment, her colors changing to blue and green for a moment, then to purple. “Ok, fiiiine. So, what’s the story? I bet there’s an adventure involved!”

You nod. “A few, actually. But first, I have to ask, your color changes, is there a meaning to it?”

Cassie nods excitedly. “Oh! Yeah, I can control my color if I concentrate!”

You see her change to a bright red, then fade back to purple. “But mostly it changes with my emotions. You could say I wear them on my sleeve! If I wore sleeves…you get it!”

You chuckle. “I do. I understand now, thanks.”

Cassie smiles brightly, and you once again tell the tale of your adventures so far. Cassie listens closely, asking many questions.

“So, your dad has a harem too? And how many, like fifteen? Wow!”

“Your family are gods? And they created your sword and Ferra?”

“How did you get through the barrier? How far away is it?”

And so on and so on. When you finish, her wide yellow eyes are locked on you, and she claps in excitement again. “That’s so cool! And now you’re building your own harem as you help save the world!”

You chuckle. “Honestly, I feel like my father does, harem feels like a bad word to use. It makes it seem like they’re my servants, and they’re not.”

Ferra nods. “I was created to protect Nicholas, but he taught me to care. To love. I love him, and I will never leave his side.”

Cassie stares, her colors fading to bright pink, as Alex speaks up, completely serious for once. “He saved my life. Rescued me from that horrid machine. He is my bondmate, and I would do anything for him, but I also know he cares for me and would never harm me. I’ve never known a better person.”

Melora squeezes you. “I’ve only known him a short while, but…he won me over. Immediately. I…I can’t explain it, but I’m the same as these two, I would do anything for him.”

You smile, kissing Melora’s forehead as she holds you tight. Cassie simply smiles, watching the four of you. Finally, Bella chuckles. “Well, Cassie. It seems you have a lot to live up to.”

Cassie nods, biting her lip. You shake your head. “You’ve already given a great gift, as I said. I just want you to understand that I’m not asking you to jump into my bed on our first meeting. The only one who’s done that is Alex. And she’s a pervert.”

Alex giggles. “It’s true. And he loves it!”

You shrug, and everyone laughs. “Anyway! I promised Bella I would introduce her to Captain Ben. Shall we?”

Everyone stands, and you’re glad to see smiles all around. As you head towards the shore, you chuckle.