A personal touch

As you get everyone settled, Anna gives you a concerned look. “Master, how much did you spend on this?”

You chuckle. “A good amount, but less than I expected. I don’t think you realize how popular you girls are. Once the craftsmen found out who was commissioning them, and what it was for, many of them offered cheaper rates. And in the magical side, I did a lot of work myself. What’s the point of being a powerful mage if you don’t use the power practically as well?”

Kali laughs. “Don’t let it go to your head, darling.”

You smile. “I’ll do my best. You girls keep me humble. Now then, I’ll start with you, Hana.”

The slime girl smiles. “You didn’t need to get me anything! Being included in your family is gift enough!”

You shake your head. “That’s not how this works. Your gift is rather simple, however.”

You hand her a plain looking bracelet. “I know it strains you somewhat to use your disguises, so I had this bracelet made for you. It can apply a simple glamour over you, giving you the appearance of your last used disguise.”

Hana smiles. “It’s perfect, thank you. Now I can be a little less shy in public!”

You smile and nod, moving on to Samara. “I have something special for you, Samara. I know you miss your powers, so I did some research. It’s actually what started my whole gift idea. I worked with an enchanter to create a new necklace for you. It’s more powerful than the collar, but it’s only function is to block your mind from outside influence.”

Samara looks surprised as you clasp the delicate silver necklace around her neck. “You trust me enough to give me my powers back?”

You nod, unhooking the null collar. Samara gasps, her eyes glowing red for a moment. Then she throws her arms around you. “Thank you! I felt so useless! I promise I won’t let you down, Josh!”

You gently kiss her lips. “You were never useless, Samara. Don’t ever think that. You are family, and we all love you.”

She holds you for a moment more. “You’re too good to me. Thanks for…everything.”

She releases you, wiping her eyes. You smile again and turn to her angelic sister. “Ahh Kali. I can see the wheels turning in your head, but I got you something practical. You’re always trying to defend me, or fight alongside me. It’s time you had an appropriate weapon.”

You open an ornate case and pull out a sheathed longsword. Even within the sheath, it’s a work of art. The grip is white leather wrapped with golden wire, with an elaborate cross guard shaped like angels wings. Kali takes the blade and draws it, her golden eyes wide as the rune etched blade glows with a blue-white light.

You smile. “The glowing is largely cosmetic, but it is enchanted to stand up to your strength, and it cannot be used by anyone other than you. It will always return to your grip when you will it.”

Kali looks at you. “This is incredible. The only blade I’ve seen as powerful as this is yours.”

You nod. “Only the best for family.”

Kali smiles. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

You pick up three small boxes. “Maya, Anna, and Lynn. The mothers to be. I have something very special for each of you.”

You hand a box to Lynn. She opens it and gasps. Inside is a ring, shaped like a pair of hands clasped together, holding a diamond. A ring of tiny emerald surrounds the larger gem.

Lyn looks up at you. “I-is this…”

You nod. “It is. I want our family to be official. But please, let me give the others theirs before you answer.”

You hand Anna her box, which she accepts with shaking hands. There’s already tears in her eyes as she opens it, revealing her ring. Intricately twined threads of gold and platinum form delicate flowers, in turn surrounding a diamond.

Anna looks at you, her beautiful green eyes wet, and her voice shaking as she speaks. “Master…Josh…it’s beautiful…”

You gently kiss her cheek. “Hold that thought, my beautiful maid.”

Anna nods, and you turn to Maya. Maya bites her lip, her red eyes flicking down to the box in your hands. You smile. “First love, last gift. Not a surprise now, but I hope it’s as meaningful regardless.”

You hand her the box, and she quickly opens it. Her ring is an miniaturized dragon, incredibly detailed, with tiny rubies for eyes. A diamond is held in the dragon’s jaws.

Before she can react, you drop to a knee in front of the trio. “I love all of you. I always will. Would the three of you do me the honor of making that official?”