When the feast ended Zack was at the training grounds with some of his partners. Lilith didn't wanna train so she was off having a late-night rendezvous with Dyna. Meanwhile, Ren was sparring with William as the wolves laid curled up nearby watching. Kaya was in one of the training fields firing stun arrows at Cynthia helping her train. After discovering the new stalker Cynthia was determined to not fall behind in strength. Zack was sitting around watching the others while waiting for Sun to return from the mountain. Octavia was practicing her swordplay but took a break to glance at Yu snuggled against Zack.
"Wanna practice with me tonight?" Yu asked while kissing his neck.
"I love it when we do, but you hold back against me," Zack replied.
"I'm sorry...I don't wanna hurt you that's all." Yu said lowering her head.
Zack kissed her forehead while rubbing the fluff on her arm lovingly.
"I know you don't, and it's nothing to be sorry about," Zack said while comforting Yu in his embrace.
Over the past week, Octavia has slowly gotten used to Zack having other partners. She would still feel jealous seeing other women approach him, but started to get used to the ones living with him. So far Yu was the only one she truly liked. This was only because Yu had a gentle nature to everyone. Yu was also considerate about giving Octavia alone time with Zack, and would even sacrifice some of her time to do it. Octavia had a smile seeing the two snuggled together.
'I wish I could be that forward in public.' Octavia thought as she swung her blade down with immense force.
"How's the new sword holding up?" Vicente asked while out walking from the garden.
"It's the only artifact to not crack after a few uses," Octavia replied as the blade went pitch black.
"She's been trying to break it too," Zack teased.
"I'm just making sure it's high quality that's all. Wanna spar a little?" Octavia asked Vicente.
"I have to finish the schedules for next month," Vicente replied promptly leaving.
"All these years, and still a wimp." Octavia scoffed returning to her training.
"What you do isn't considered sparring." Zack chuckled.
"You never have any problems with it," Octavia replied.
"That's only because my wounds heal fasts," Zack told Octavia with a playful smirk.
"That's why we're a good match." Octavia declared glaring at Kaya.
While they were talking Sun arrived with a few of her companions in tow. Seeing their arrival Zack retrieved four mithril bands tossing them to Octavia. She began pouring chaos into them as the shiny bands turned pitch black. She walked them over to Zack carefully as he took off his shirt and shoes. Octavia helped him fasten the bands onto his wrist and legs. Once clasped on they resumed their usual color as Zack winced.
"I still think doing this is dangerous," Octavia stated.
"I agree," Namoi said walking over.
"There's no other way to prepare for a rematch," Zack replied standing up to enter the training ground.
The bands he was using was forged several nights ago with the intention of helping Zack train. They were grade seven artifacts capable of being a vessel to any power source. Such a powerful artifact for such a simple function seemed trivial, but not if used for chaos. Most materials could only withstand small traces of it being applied, and the item was destined to shatter after it was done. The weapons forged in hell being the exception, but they aren't easily attained. Rolen was capable of recreating a substitute that was only possible due to Zack's grace powering the forge during creation.
"You sure you can handle all of us?" Sun smirked as the other kakuens chuckled.
"You would be surprised at my abilities to multitask," Zack replied walking into the barrier.
Once Zack entered the training ground Sun, and the others sprang forward going on the attack. The artifacts were restricting his power, and allowing them to demonstrate their techniques properly. He knew his combat skills needed to improve, and this allowed him to train effectively with others. The past week the kakuens were in charge of his martial arts training, and Octavia was helping him improve his swordplay.
After two hours of training with the other Zack told his companions goodnight. They were surprised to see him staying awake but knew there had to be a reason. He flew off towards the mountain district but didn't stop at the houses. He landed at the highest point and sat down to meditate.
'Is Malachi building his forces, or looking for us? There has to be a better way to locate them.'
Zack was practicing his sensory abilities, and it helped to be somewhere high up. He wanted to be able to sense people in distress over longer distances. It would only work over a large radius around Zack, but would still be effective in finding the slavers' camps, and convoys.
While practicing Zack felt a presence slowly creeping on him. The aura was masked, but not their intent. He was still meditating with his eyes closed as the figure slowly crept forward and pounced at Zack. Right before the figure landed on him his body was gone. The figure stood up rapidly looking around. Zack appeared behind them swiftly seizing their arm behind their back. Seeing a smooth brown back in front of him leading to a wide set of hips in a tiny loincloth he let go. The spotted tail swatted him in the face as the figure rapidly turned around.
"What were you planning on doing?" Zack asked.
"Take a guess," Ericka smirked as she dashed at Zack.
Ericka let off a barrage of swipes intending to shred his clothes, but Zack easily dodged each swipe.
"You're bored I guess?" Zack asked while casually dodging.
She could tell Zack was playing with her, and it only made her wanna dominate him more. Ericka's essence began to ignite and with it a burst in speed. He had to quit toying with her, and dodge seriously. A few swipes made their way through, but his clothes were only frayed.
'I didn't know they could move this fast.'
"Just undress already!" Ericka shouted swiping at his belt.
Zack appeared behind her wrapping his arms around her.
"See you could've said that from the start." Zack teased grabbing her breast.
"Now where's the fun in that," Ericka smirked rapidly turning around knocking him to the ground.
"Gotcha," Ericka said swiftly undoing his pants.
Ericka didn't even wait for him to get hard. The second his cock was freed from his pants she slid her loincloth over.
"Wait a second you're not...."
Ericka slid him inside and immediately began riding him aggressively. It was a weird sensation for Zack, but it didn't last long. Ericka moaned loudly feeling his cock growing inside, and began tearing away the buttons on his shirt. Once his chest was exposed Ericka slid her hands down, and Zack could feel her supple paws. Normally Zack would reward such behavior with a lesson, but he thoroughly enjoyed the way Ericka worked her hips.
"F-fuck you're good at that." Zack moaned while gripping her hips.