Home On the Range Part 1

"Do you have to get up?"

Walt turned back to look at Penny. She was awake again and looking lovely. He leaned in and kissed her then shook his head. "I don't want to do anything else today but stay in bed with you. And I may just do that but I'm an early riser by nature and-"

His stomach made noises and then so did hers. "We're going to need provisions." He laughed.

She did too. "Hurry back if you can." She smiled.

"I intend too." He kissed her again. And again and again and-

Their stomachs growled again and they laughed. He finished pulling on his boots grabbed his shirt and put his hat on his head.

"I love you." He said slipping his shirt on.

"I love you." She said and watched him grin and skip out the door shouting to friday for music and singing.

She giggled listening to him go. She was tired... and famished... and completely drunk on love. She reached over and grabbed her phone to text her friends!

"Friday play me Whoopee Ti Yi Yo! I'm feeling like singing!"

(("Yes, Boss."))

"Whoopee ti yi yo, git along little dogies,

It's your misfortune, and none of my own.

Whoopee ti yi yo, git along little dogies,

For you know Wyoming will be your new home."

Walt made his way down the stairs jumping the last couple steps to bolt for the kitchen like a kid. He needed to make them something to eat so they could get back to important things! Coffee, bacon and eggs and toast. Just need a couple of minutes!

"As I walked out one morning for pleasure,

I spied a cow-puncher all riding alone;

His hat was throwed back and his spurs was a jingling,

As he approached me a-singin' this song,

Whoopee ti yi yo, git along little dogies,

It's your misfortune, and none of my own.

Whoopee ti yi yo, git along little dogies,

For you know Wyoming will be your new home."

He burst into the kitchen to an audience. He'd actually forgotten they weren't alone out here.

Kali was by the stove. Lifts-Her-Tail was doing dishes while Pyrrha dried. While Blake was paused eating and Sienna was shoveling food into her face. He thought he heard Ahnassi laughing out on the porch and Neo actually slapped his ass as she walked in behind him. Blake dropped her fork and Pyrrha almost dropped a plate.

He realized what he looked like his hair all messed up with his hat popped on top shirt on unbuttoned and bare chested... he looked down at least his pants were on and the fly was up. Singing like a fool. *Well* he thought *maybe you are a fool.*

"Excuse me ladies." He quickly snapped his shirt. Realized he'd done it wrong tried to redo it while he finger combed his hair. Realized he'd done it worse. "Friday that's enough music,"

(("I could play something else?"))

"No," he said.

(("Understood, Boss"))

She shut the music off. He tried to make his way over to the coffee nonchalantly after the fact. He reached into the cabinet and pulled out two cups as Kali grabbed the coffee pot and started to fill them for him. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome, Walter," she told him. "Your food will be ready in just a moment."

He nodded. Raised his cup and took a sip. "Sienna, good to see you."

She actually looked worse than he did... or he hoped. She mumbled "thanks for breakfast."

He raised his cup and nodded. "You're welcome." Maybe this wasnt so bad.

Ahnassi walked in past him. "Murrr. Ahnassi, sees, sweet Penny has marked Walter many times, yes? Good for her. Walter, still have smooth moves, like dancer. That's why he wants to sing. Play lively music."

Okay, maybe it was.

Lifts-Her-Tail brings over a tray with two plates on it. "One for Ms Polendina and one for you, Master."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Master" she said.

"Ladies if you'll excuse me." He turned to leave.

He didn't need to know. Neo had slapped his other ass check.

On his way out the kitchen Ahnassi said,"play more music!"

He shook his head and smiled. "Done! Friday do it!"

(("Yes, Boss"))

There was a lot of giggles and laughter and lively music in the usually empty house. If the price for that was a little dignity that was cheap. He happily hummed along as he made his way back up the stairs.

P.P.:It happened!

R.R:You guys did it?!

P.P.: We did!

B.B.: We're so happy for you Penny!

P.P.: Thank you!

R.R.: OMG! How was it?!?!?!

P.P.: I'm so tired and sore but...

R.R.: lol butt (_,_)

B.B.: Ruby!

B.B.: and?

P.P.: Magical <3 Amazing<3 Wonderful<3

R.R: Come back for another date!!!

B.B.: Yes. Please do!

P.P.: We will!!! Walt's back with breakfast in bed!!! XD l8r

R.R.: WHOA!!! U r still going at it?! Jelly!!! U go Penny!!!

B.B.: O.O We've created a monster and hooked it up with a beast!

"Ugh I didn't need to see that today", said Blake.

Her mother sighed and gave Blake a hard look. "Blake dear. You know I love you. I usually don't put my put my foot down but that man took us in. You might not be happy about it. But the reality is that so far he's treated us well when he could have been so much worse. Your friend asked him to take us in and he did out of love. Not desire, not lust. Love. If we must be owned, better a man like that who is compassionate and caring then someone who would be much worse. I understand you're finding it difficult and i won't insist that you get over it. But at least don't talk bad about him in his own home! He deserves at least that much courtesy! If the situation was reversed and he was in our home I'd like to think we'd be just as gracious as he has been. Why even Sienna had the manners to thank him for breakfast."

Sienna shrugged. "It was all I owe him. Do not mistake manners for gratitude or trust. I will not trust that easily nor be fooled so easily. But I did eat his food. So he deserved to be thanked. But I agree with young Blake here. That man isn't to be trusted. You'd all do well to remember that. Now if you will excuse me I'am going to bathe and prepare for my next attempt. "

"Wait Sienna." Said Pyrrha "Before you run off again Walter wanted you to know like he explained to us that there are dangers in the area. if you're going to take off take a first aid kit and bear spray with you. Maybe a flare too. Some of them are poisonous apparently."

Lifts-Her-Tail her tail added. "And he's ordered extra clothes and other things for us that should be arriving. Later we'll be picking out other clothes and underthings for ourselves. Master has graciously said we may choose for ourselves and as much as we want. Though he did recommend we get several outfits for warmer and colder weather and something called swimming suits?"

Sienna's ears twitched. She had heard them and she would like to get out of her soiled clothes. Saftey gear would be important as well. She was no fool. And maybe she could get a weapon! "Very well. I'll stay closer to the house. Could I get something cleaner to change into?"

Lifts-Her-Tail bowed. "I would be happy to show you to the baths and find something clean to wear."

"Hold on," said Blake. "I'll join you." She and Sienna had worked together in the White Fang once. Maybe they could so here as well.

Sienna nodded thinking very similarly. "Very well. Let's go together."

Kali looked after her daughter concerned. Was Blake about to make the same mistakes as before. She hopped not for all their sakes.

"Walter!"

Penny giggled and then sighed as he ran his hands around her body caressing her. Currently he was kissing the small of her back when he was supposed to be washing it. She bit her lip. She was tired, they'd kept taking rests but waking up to find themselves touching each other like a magnetic attraction, but she wanted more too. She turned around and stroked his head as he kissed her navel.

"We're supposed to be getting clean..." she said softly playing with his hair.

(("I don't wish to interrupt, sir. But the ladies and packages are waiting downstairs, Boss."))

"I *kiss* don't *lick* care *kiss*" he paused to say as Penny slowly pushed him back a moment. "They can wait. Everything can wait."

Penny stroked his face affectionately as he kissed her wrists now. Her masters hunger for her was so exciting. If that's what he wanted she'd give it too him. Give him anything. "As you wish, Master. Mmmhmmm..."

"What's taking so long?" Said Sienna. Tapping her foot. "It doesn't sound like they're rutting again."

Ahnassi sighed. "Ahnassi, remember. Walter is very, passionate special friend! Sweet Penny, very lucky, yes?"

Neo smirked. She was about to "say" something but they all heard the door to the Master bedroom finally open and footsteps. Walter and Penny walked hand in hand her head leaning against him. She paused though at the top of the stairs seeing so many eyes upon them. At least most of them seemed to be happy. She blushed but Walter squeezed her hand gently and helped her down the stairs.

"S-salutations, everyone. Apologies for the delay," she could hardly speak up but her soft voice carried in the hushed quiet of the large room.

Walter looked around but it seemed as though most everyone was quietly happy and while they'd given Walter a bit of teasing, most of them seemed to be looking at Penny in a supportive manner.

The only disapproving looks were from Sienna and Blake sitting together on one side of the room. But when he looked they both stayed silent. *Well,* Thought Walt. *could be worse.* He deliberately sat her with the other ladies who were sitting together minus Lifts-Her-Tail and Neopolitan. Pyrrha took Penny's hand and squeezed it smiling and Penny squeezed back.

He found it was hard to let go of her hand but as soon as he did Kali took it squeezing and patting it smiling at Penny to show she had her support as well and was happy for her. He smiled she was a good mother and person.

He looked up to see Neo sweeping her hand to the boxes before her and Lifts-Her-Tail and he nodded thankfully. "You're quite right, Neopolitan. Thank you." She inclined her head and smiled as he walked over and started pulling things out. "Would you and Lifts-Her-Tail please assist me in handing out everyone's things?" Neo nodded enthusiastically excited and Lifts-Her-Tail nodded. "Of course, Master. It would be a pleasure."

They started with duffel bags and backpacks, one for each. Walt had Friday try to pick suitable colors but had emphasized which ones to get. These weren't fancy consumer goods, they were practical and durable equipment for outdoors and tactical use. They all had name tags. And each duffel already had spares of the girls usual standard outfits or their earlier or alternate ones they wore in them. The backpacks had first-aid kits and canteens as well as flashlights.

Next came phones for each of the ladies to use same as Penny's and Neo's. Friday greeted each of them and walked them through tutorials on their functions. The ladies from Remnant were happy to see that they'd work like their old "scrolls" from their world did but even better. He'd eventually get them either earrings like Penny and Neo or design them something else.

Then Walter came to the cases of equipment marked with the 3S logo and the ranches brand as well as the name of each recipient. He debated about handing them out or not briefly. He still wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not but he knew it was dangerous, they needed to be able to protect themselves.

"These cases hold your arms and equipment for those that use them. They're as good as, and even better than, your originals. For those of you that are either unarmed experts, like Ahnassi, or not combatants I didn't get much more than basic but very serviceable knives and a sidearm for protection. You can keep them with you or check them in and out at the armory where you'll be instructed in their use."

"I know you can't harm me, the collars see to that and I can take care of myself, but I don't want you harming each other either. I don't want any of you to come to any harm. All worlds are dangerous and this one is no exception. " He looked at each one of them so they understood his meaning seriously. "I'm giving you a lot of trust and responsibility to keep yourselves out of danger and safe if danger finds you. Not to attack other people unless otherwise instructed but to defend yourselves. Do not test it or take it lightly. Even if you think I'm not watching, Friday is. It's a trust and privilege that can, and will, be revoked if you do and they'll be taken away and locked up in the armory. Am I understood?"

He looked around the room very seriously and found very serious eyes looking back at him. Each one voiced their understanding. They handed out the equipment cases.

Most of the girls were delighted. Neo was especially thankfully and even gave him a hug which surprised him but he gratefully returned it.

Pyrrha was particularly thankful as well and she was surprised it was larger than the others. When she opened it she found it included new armor that was similar to her usual but also much lighter. Walter explained that it was lighter, stronger and more durable then her old.

Blake and Sienna were glad to see their arms. They were surprised that Walter personally handed them over. Sienna again thanked him curtly and politely as she had done at breakfast and Blake, after giving her mother a look, also thanked him properly for the gift.

"You're both very welcome," he told them.

When Penny's turn came he said,"Without your powers or ability to use your old array I wasn't sure what exactly you'd like." He opened the case to show just a pair of hilts like her old swords but marked with the 3S logo. "I and my team came up with these energy blades. They're based on technology from other worlds but we modified and adapted them to something we thought you'd like that would be similar to your two weapon style. Think of them as something between your old array and the blades you used as a Maiden. We can make further adjustments as necessary and I'm looking into things that might give you the ability to fly later. We can test them out together."

He stroked her face and kissed her as she kissed him back. It was so thoughtful of him. He explained their use and how sharp they were as she backed away to a safe distance to activate them they made a distinctive sound as the glowing blades of energy activared. They were shaped similarly to her old one's and her Maiden blades she had been able to conjure. They hummed with energy and power and she could rectract them easily enough. "Thank you Walter! They're just wonderful!"

Walter smiled glad that she'd liked them. "Theres some special master instructors who'll be available to teach you in their use. They are very powerful and dangerous so I don't want you to use them until you've received the proper training first, alright?"

Penny nodded and even gave him a salute. "Understood, Master! I look forward to the training and will not use them until properly proficient and combat ready!"

He very seriously saluted her back. "Very good, Penny! As you were!"

Returning to normal they both grinned and then kissed.

(("The consultants have arrived, Boss. They'll be outside momentarily. You might want to set up the holoprojector."))

"Good point. Thank you Friday!" Walt dashes to the side of the room and starts carrying over some pieces of flat equipment on the floor. He quickly snaps the interlocking pieces together forming a round, flat circle type of object one floor. He plugs it in. "Friday? Are you connected?"

(("We are, Boss. Shall we test it?"))

"Please do. Show us the Earth."

A large floating projection of the earth appears. It's not only solid looking and and rotating, it shows weather patterns, lighting and everything else in detail.

"Is that a holographic projector?" Penny asks. "And is that this planet?"

Walt smiles. "Correct on both accounts my dear. Friday's been teaching you a lot."

Penny nodded and the other girls are amazed by it.

(("They're here sir"))

"Thank you, Friday. We have guests ladies and they're going to help you with picking out some clothes for yourselves." Walt rushed to the foyer and opened the door. A Woman in a fashionable suit and glasses stood there with her characters. A Edna Mode, a Anthropomorphic Rarity and a Deadpool. "Ms Tiffany, I presume?" He extended his hand.

She shook his hand. "Yes, Mr Stark. From Fashion Fantasy. Thank you so much for calling upon us. You said you needed shopping and possibly design fashion advice for multiple female characters characters of several species?"

He lead them inside. "That is correct. They're newly arrived and we have a slight security concern at the moment. The area is extremily secure and protected but at this time I don't wish to take them from the property. We were hoping you'd help them through some holographic virtual shopping choices with my AI assistant Friday's help. And if they need measuring and fitting for custom clothes we would like that service as well."

"I see, Sir." She looked around at the ladies and the holographic setup. "Yes we would certainly like to offer our expertise? For all of the ladies here?"

"All of the ladies."

"How many outfits and do you have any requirements or preferences?"

"They all need appropriate clothing for the weather and elements and they all need undergarments and swimwear. No super suits." He glanced at Edna who clicked her tongue. "Most will probably want some athletic wear as well. What ever their preferences are is fine by me." Walter smirked. "As for allotment they may have as many as outfits as they'd like."

Ms Tiffany adjusted her glasses with a gleam and a smile. "Understood, Sir! And as to cost do you have an upper limit figure in mind?"

"Not especially. My AI assistant will authorize most purchases and expenditures and alert me if there is something unusual high that I need to sign off on for approval. Other than that the sky's the limit but," he gestured to where the ladies stood,"they're the customers and as my property deserving of the utmost respect." He looked at Deadpool who nodded with an audible gulp and then turned to you the reader.

"He's so scary!"

"Other than that," Walter smiled looking at the ladies. "Whatever they wish and my AI will authorize is fine by me."

Ms Tiffany smiled. "Very generous of you Sir. We shall strive to take the very best care of them and see to all of their needs with courtesy and respect for them and for you."

Kali was starting to get some idea of what was going on. "Walter, please that's far to generous."

"Not all," he assured her, "and don't worry Friday will let me know if you try to purchase the crown jewels or something like that. But the other gifts I've given you aside you ladies have nothing. If you feel strongly about it then I leave veto privileges to you, Neo and Penny with Friday having the final say. I want this for you. All of you. So please accept?"

She nodded and bowed. "Very well. You're a very generous and gracious person Walter and I will do my best to see that it isn't abused."

Penny looks over at Neo who nods and makes a circle with her index and thumb. "We both accept as well and will do our best."

"Then I'll leave you ladies to it and your privacy. I'll be in the workshop until you're done," he turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Deadpool turned to the reader again, "Ohohoh. Here it comes romantic kiss!"

Penny runs up to Walter and puts her arms around him. "Come back soon?"

"I will!" And he took her in his arms and kissed her as Deadpool ruined the moment for the reader stage whispering "See! I told you! I knew it!" And tried to give the reader a high-five.

When Walt let go he put his hat on and gave Deadpool the "I'm watching you" signal to which he responded with double thumbs up. "Such a nice guy but so scary..."

Ms Tiffany cleared her throat. "That's enough Wade. Try to be professional." She turned to the ladies. "Alright ladies. Rarity start with measurements. Edna start researching designs. Wade watch the door. Lets get to know you a little better and start fitting you for some outfits!"

Walt walked out the door and down the steps off the porch. He went around the house and into the workshop. In the back he pulls out a stool and sits down. He takes off his hat placing it brim up. Maybe it'll catch some luck.

"Hello Friday."

(("Hello, Boss. I assume you want to get to work?"))

"Nope. I'd really rather still be in bed with Penny taking the day off but I figured while they're doing their thing..."

(("I really rather wished you could take the whole day off, Boss... where would you like to start?"))

Walt reached down and opened the cabinet taking out an old tool box and setting it on the bench. He then reached down past it and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and a cup and proceeded to pour. "Tell me about our "guests" interrogation."

(("After interview veiw team alpha finished with them they confirmed the information you'd already gathered. The got the name of the location they were contracted from but little else of use I'm afraid. They're currently recovering in the isolated medical cells. Investgation teams are checking the information they provided now."))

"What about Jimbo's case? Any updates on that?" He took a gulp.

(("By adding our primary search and extraction teams the man power and talent out looking for James has more than effectively tripled but still they haven't found him. Going over it there's significant discrepancies in the data surrounding the disappearance. We're trying not to dig deeply like you said but it does appear the Batman assigned to it is making progress in narrowing down the list of suspects in his investigation. As of now no correlation between the trouble yesterday and James disappearance."))

"Well that's something at least." He took another belt of the whiskey. "How about RealDreams?"

(("You were right about that as well. Something peculiar is going on."))

"Yeah I figured between those guys after Penny and then Ahnassi showing up... someone's been poking their fingers in pies they ain't supposed to be. I want to know who they are and why they're doing it and what it is they're after." He took another drink. "Ahnassi's case is especially disturbing. That one is on the "closed and protected" list."

(("So far it seems like none of the board members are involved directly. Either they are very good at hiding the data or-"))

"Or they don't even know what's going on and it sounds like they ain't lookin' neither." He sighed.

(("Walter..."))

"Yup?"

(("You armed the ladies not just because of dangers at home but on the off chance danger comes here. With all the protection here that's a suicide mission. "))

"Yup... I ain't decided yet..."

(("On what?"))

"On whether these things are connected... on wether our opponets are genius, idiots or fools... or if it's the curse..."

(("You're not cursed."))

"Well then just unlucky. Jimbo and lil'Jay have a talent for falling into trouble, especially Jimbo, and I..." he takes another drink swallowing down the last of what's in the cup.

((" You believe in your talent "finding" it."))

"Yep. I always find it if it doesn't find me first."

(("... you should arm yourself and I don't mean with one of those antiques, Boss. Infact you should be opening the toybox."))

"Some toys don't want to go back into the box when you're done with them. I learned that lesson a longtime ago... but maybe you're right. I'll consider it."

(("I usually am... Thank you and protect yourselves."))

"You're welcome and thank you Friday. Keep watching over those girls and updating me as situations develop. I think You might be right I'll arm myself."

(("Yery good, Boss."))

Walt sat there holding the bottle debating another drink or not, thinking about going out to the armory, grabbing some super high tech or mystic weapon.

Fuck it. He took a pull from the bottle then put it back. He rinsed and dried the cup throughly in a shop sink before putting it back as well. He put his thumb to the lock on the old tool chest while he stood reaching up to pull the old belt down. He slipped the belt around his hips its leather comfortable and reassuring. He tied down the two thongs. Then he reached into the box pulled out the bundle and unwrapped it.

The large caliber revolver fit his hand like one had been molded to the other. He checked it over throughly even though he knew what he'd find. Satisfied he slipped it into the holster.

Then he greeted the other old friend. Same again it fit his hand like he'd been born with it. He checked the edge carefully before he slid the big blade home.

Reaching over he picked up his hat and looked inside. He didn't see any luck. Setting the hat on his head he made his way back out the door. He'd just have to make his own as usual.

[Walter Stark Penny Polendina F.R.I.D.A.Y Neopolitan Pyrrha Nikos Blake Belladonna Kali Belladonna Sienna Khan Ahnassi Lifts-Her-Tail and special guest appearances

Will Return in

Home On the Range pt 2

Coming Soon]