Three Square Meals Ch. 130

"I do," she murmured into his chest, sounding reassured.

He held her close until she had calmed and John decided not to bring this painful subject up again, having put Sakura through enough already that afternoon.

"John? Would you mind if I asked you a personal question?" she tentatively enquired.

"You can ask me anything you like," he replied with an indulgent smile, stroking her onyx mane.

"We talked about lots of aspects of our relationship today... but we haven't discussed sex. Is there something I can do better in bed?" she asked, real vulnerability in her eyes.

John quickly shook his head, but before he could reply, Sakura placed a finger on his lips.

"You don't come to me as much as the others, especially Dana, Alyssa, or the twins..." she said softly. "I want you to enjoy being with me just as much as you love being with them."

He rested his head on the pillow beside her and gazed into Sakura's eyes. "I have been with the others more... but it's usually for practical reasons."

"I know all about you helping Sparks to learn Progenitor schematics. Alyssa's your first matriarch, she's your second-in-command, and has been with you longest. You also tend to sleep with the twins together rather than individually, so it's only fair they see more of you as a pair," she said, before giving him a gentle kiss. "But there's something holding you back with me... isn't there?"

He considered it for a moment, then reluctantly nodded. "It's not what you think though... it's the opposite in fact. I like being with you too much."

Sakura's brow furrowed in confusion. "That doesn't make any sense."

"Do you remember when you pretended to be my obedient thrall?" he asked while caressing her arm, his fingers trailing over her soft skin. "I loved it... but you know how I struggle with my Progenitor ancestry. You're very submissive in bed, which is incredibly arousing... but I can't help feeling guilty about enjoying it so much."

A look of tremendous relief swept over her features and she gave him a dazzling smile. "You really loved it that much?"

He nodded, his expression conflicted. "I really did... but our relationship is unbalanced enough as it is, without me being domineering in bed too. I already worry about taking advantage of you."

Sakura shook her head, her smile turning coy as she rose up and gracefully straddled him. "It's not you being domineering..." she murmured, moulding herself to his chest. Looking down into his eyes, she continued, "I'm in awe of you, John. There's no one in the galaxy I respect more. You've saved so many people... done so much good. You're a paragon of justice in a horribly unjust galaxy."

She hesitated, reluctant to continue, the indecision in her eyes clear to see.

"What are you trying to tell me, Sakura?" John asked quietly, humbled by her reverence for him.

Her cheeks flushed and he knew that she was baring her soul to him now. "If you were a god, I would worship you," she said in a breathy whisper. "I'd be your most devoted servant, your High Priestess of Justice..."

John could tell she was completely sincere and was shocked by her fervent declaration. At the same time, her words affected him deeply, the total devotion from such a beautiful girl an intoxicating aphrodisiac. What surprised him the most was that he felt no guilt, but he had no idea why.

Sakura felt him thickening underneath her belly and gently rocked her pelvis, rubbing herself against his throbbing shaft. She could see the startled look on his face and guessed the reason for his reaction, both physical and emotional.

"The way I feel... it has nothing to do with you being a Progenitor," she explained, her breath caressing his lips. "This is all about the man you are, John. You saved me from that awful steel prison... helped me get my revenge against Mikaboshi... and reunited me with my parents. You answered all my prayers... how could I feel any other way about my saviour?"

John rolled her over on the bed so that he was raised over her supine form. Sakura crossed her wrists above her head and her ankles behind his back, a wanton look of submissive desire in her enchanting brown eyes. Her calves pressed into his ass, while her powerful thighs gently kneaded his flanks, encouraging him to take her.

"I'll require a demonstration of faith from my High Priestess," John said, watching her pupils dilate with arousal as she hung on his every word. "I need to see you climax for me at least a dozen times..."

"Then you'll bless my womb with your cum?" Sakura panted, arching her back so that she could feel the heat of his cock against her belly.

"For the rest of your life," he replied, grinding against her and relishing the mewling whimpers that evoked. "The beautiful babies you're going to give me, Sakura... We promised your mother grandchildren... and I mean to fulfil that promise over and over again."

She cried out in ecstasy, the sensual rubbing against her clit combined with John's deep voice tipping her over the edge into bliss.

"That's one," he said with a grin of satisfaction, watching her writhing on the bed in the throes of passion.

***

*Jade, could you go and check on John for me please?* Alyssa asked, her worried voice drifting through the Nymph's mind. *I'd go myself, but there's too much shipping around here and I can't leave the Bridge. It's been a couple of hours and he still hasn't let me back in.*

*Of course, I'll head there right now,* Jade replied, sharing the blonde's concern.

"I'm going to find John," she clicked to Helene, her high-pitched sonic chatter reverberating through the water. "You can stay here and play with the Nymphs, or head back to the Dojo if my sisters have driven you to distraction."

The Aquatic girl undulated her body, fins propelling her rapidly through the water. "It felt like I was intruding in something private and personal when I watched Calara sparring with her father," she replied in a rapid burst of clicks and squeaks. "Can I come with you instead?"

Jade gave her a warm smile and held out her hand. They sliced through the water and bounded out onto the beach, where the Nymph retracted her fins and shook herself off, drying in an instant.

"Here you go," she said, handing her companion a clean towel, before shimmying into her dress.

"Oh, I wish I could do that..." Helene eyed Jade's artfully-styled voluminous mane with a sigh of longing. She plucked at her soaked green hair that was plastered to her head. "What's that Terran expression? I must look like a drowned rat."

Jade stood closer and inhaled deeply, her breasts expanding to ridiculous proportions. She expelled a warm fresh breeze and fluffed out Helene's hair, quickly drying it out until it was perfectly coifed once more.

Helene laughed gaily and flung her arms around her verdant companion. "You're the best, Jade! Thank you!"

They left the Lagoon hand-in-hand, waving goodbye to the rest of the Nymphs who were still having fun cavorting in the lake. Jade glanced at the Abandoned girl as they walked along the corridor, an ambivalent expression on her face.

"Helene... do you ever get lonely since you joined us?" she asked tentatively.

"No, not once!" Helene replied, smiling and shaking her head. "I got so used to being alone in Neptra village, but John and the girls have been so welcoming... especially you." She squeezed the Nymph's hand, her bright smile widening.

"Good... I'm glad to hear it," Jade said, guiding her companion into the grav-tube.

Helene tilted her head to one side and studied her friend. "How about you?"

The Nymph returned her smile. "Since I became a matriarch, I hear my sisters chattering away to each other constantly. They might seem quiet on the outside, but up here..." she tapped her temple. "It's a very different story."

"What do they talk about?" Helene asked curiously.

"John," Jade replied with a grin. "From the moment they wake until it's time for bed, they discuss nothing else."

Her teal-hued companion gave her a knowing look. "You love every second of it, don't you?"

Jade laughed and nodded. "He's my favourite subject too."

Helene darted another glance at Jade, her expression showing her confusion. "I don't understand what you're feeling at the moment. I sense happiness... attraction... and concern?"

"The first two applied to you," Jade explained, turning to study her companion. "The concern was for John."

"Oh, is he alright?" Helene blurted out in alarm.

"Probably... but he blocked me and Alyssa from his mind a couple of hours ago. We're going to the Raptor to make sure John and Sakura are both okay."

"I see," Helene said, looking calmer. She darted a shy smile at the Nymph and added, "I like you too."

Jade faced the Abandoned girl and held both her hands. "Helene... the reason I asked if you ever get lonely, is that I've grown very fond of you over the last few weeks. I'd hate to think of you ever feeling sad or upset about anything, so let me know if there's ever anything I can do to help."

"Like best friends?" Helene gushed, her baby-blue eyes shining with excitement. "I'd love that!"

"Yes... best friends," Jade agreed with an affectionate smile. The conversation hadn't gone quite how she'd planned.

Helene suddenly laughed and hugged the Nymph. "I'm sorry for teasing you!" She pulled back, her expression growing more serious. "I do care about you very much, Jade. Were you hinting at being interested in a relationship like the one Dana and Rachel have?"

When confronted so bluntly with that question, Jade hesitated, suddenly unsure how to respond.

"I know how much you love John," Helene said softly, placing her hand on the Nymph's chest above her heart. "Are you sure there's room in here for anyone else?"

"I do like you... very much," Jade said earnestly.

"And I like you very much too," Helene agreed, leaning in to give her a reassuring kiss. "But it's not the same as your feelings for John is it?"

Jade shook her head, surprised at the aquatic girl's perceptiveness.

"It's the same for me too," Helene explained, giving her a bashful smile. She let out her breath in a sigh of longing. "He's going to be the father of my babies..."

The Nymph stroked her own tummy, imagining her master constantly breeding her for millennia to come. It was hard to think of anything else except the beautiful kittens she would bear him, working tirelessly with her sisters to repopulate their species in the galaxy. She whimpered with desire as she imagined her fertile womb carrying her Master's child within it... a part of John growing inside her belly... for the rest of her immortal life.

She glanced at Helene and blushed, her verdant cheeks darkening.

"I know," Helene said, with a look of understanding.

Jade realised they'd reached Deck Nine already and led Helene from the grav-tube. "John worries... about us feeling neglected," she said, reaching for Helene's hand again. "I think he feels less guilty if he knows we always have someone to turn to."

"A best friend?" Helene suggested with a smile, slipping her hand into Jade's. "Someone to pair off with when we all get together? Someone who loves your sisters, and swimming in the Lagoon, and talk of babies?"

Jade nodded, her smile matching Helene's. "A best friend would be wonderful."

They entered the Secondary Hangar and approached the Raptor, which seemed silent as the grave from outside.

"What're they doing in there?" Helene asked, frowning in confusion.

"There's a bedroom on the top level," Jade explained, striding up the ramp.

After ascending in the grav-tube, the Nymph pressed a finger to her lips to urge her aquatic companion to remain silent. She tiptoed to the cabin door, which opened for her with a quiet hiss.

"Oh, she looks so happy..." Helene murmured in barely a whisper.

Jade studied Sakura, who lay fast asleep in John's arms. The couple were spooned together, Sakura's belly heavily swollen with John's cum, his hand cradling her curves possessively. The expression on the Asian girl's face was one of utter bliss, a rapturous smile illuminating her gorgeous features even in the deepest of slumbers.

***

*I hope you're not expecting me to worship you too?* Athena enquired, greeting her guest with an enigmatic smile.

John laughed and hugged the radiant blonde. *No, I knew better than that.* He paused and looked at her in surprise. *Hey, how did you overhear my conversation with Sakura? I blocked you out of my mind!*

Athena kissed him on the cheek and somehow managed to make the loving gesture feel patronising. *You barred Alyssa's access to your mental defences, but she and I are separate entities.*

*So you already know what I want to talk to you about?* he asked, reluctant to upset her.

*I do.* When John released her, Athena glided into the picturesque cottage. *Would you prefer to talk down here or in the bedroom?* she asked coyly, raising an eyebrow.

*I think business first,* John replied, gesturing to the sweeping sofas.

*As you wish,* Athena agreed, sitting demurely in her long dress.

John sat opposite and glanced down at his interlaced fingers. *I know how painful it is for you to discuss my death, but I'm afraid that can't be helped. In fact, that's precisely why I needed to speak with you.*

Athena nodded, looking thoughtful. *Yes... that's a particularly nasty aspect of Progenitor enthrallment. It would be devastating enough for any thrall to survive her Progenitor's death, even without the psychic connection amplifying the sense of loss so dramatically. Unfortunately, I have no idea why that was implemented.*

John looked up at her and frowned in confusion. *Wait... how come you're not upset discussing this?*

She smiled at him indulgently and caressed her trim stomach. *Despite your very best efforts to enthral me, my nature and the nature of the Astral Plane preclude it.*

*So we're not actually connected?* John asked, shocked that he'd never realised it until now.

*Oh, I wouldn't say that,* Athena replied, toying with a tendril of hair. *But our connection is emotional rather than psychic.*

It took him a moment to realise what she meant and he smiled as he did so. *I love you too.*

She twitched her nose at him affectionately, but he could tell by the look in Athena's eye that it meant a lot to her to hear him say the words.

*With that in mind, I'd really appreciate some straight answers,* he requested, leaning forward expectantly.

Athena mimed rubbing her bottom and pouted. *Very well, if you insist.*

*Is there some way I can strip that aspect out of my connection to the girls? It's horrible seeing them fall apart every time I mention the possibility of my death.*

The glowing girl sighed and shook her head. *I wish that there were, John. The connection between you and the girls... your thralls, to use the traditional vernacular, is very complex. Their compulsion to blindly obey any instruction you gave them was so obnoxious that it hung like a cloying shroud over all your interactions together and was thus relatively easy to strip away. The more subtle aspects of your influence over the girls will be far harder to root out.*

*What are you referring to specifically? Can you give me an example?*

She reclined on the sofa, the coy smile back in place. *You must know them by heart now. The lack of jealousy between your merry band of doe-eyed maidens, their sudden interest in the fairer sex when they join you... Need I go on?*

*Alright, I get your point.*

*The situation is further complicated by the fact that some of these subtleties were introduced at your behest, rather than being innate to the regular Progenitor connection. I suspect that instinctively you'll be reluctant to undo your own work... and with good reason.*

*Wait... I created some of these rules myself?!* he asked in surprise.

*Of course,* she replied blithely. *Do you honestly think that a Progenitor cares in the slightest about running a happy household? He gives orders to his thralls and they obey his every whim... whether they bitterly resent each other for being chosen to warm his bed would be beneath his concern.*

John shook his head in disgust. *The lives of women aboard those dreadnoughts must be unbearable.*

*I imagine so,* Athena said softly, a look of compassion in her eyes.

*So there's nothing I can do?* John asked, unable to keep the frustration from his tone.

*There's no way of altering a pre-existing connection, but we could try experimenting in a similar fashion to your first modification. If you cut off one of the girls, then re-established your connection to her after making some changes, we might be able to make some breakthroughs. You'd have to be extraordinarily careful not to accidentally damage some of the beneficial aspects of your eldritch network, such as the power transfer and the intrinsic contribution that every thrall makes to the sum total of your psychic might.*

John's shoulders slumped. *No, I can't do that to them. Cutting them off is agonising... I'm not willing to put any of the girls through that except as a very last resort.*

*Then I'm afraid you're stuck with your existing connection to the girls,* Athena said with sympathy. *If there was any way I could help you, I would... but the ability to link thralls together into a psychic network is at the very heart of a Progenitor's repertoire. Making changes is not something to be considered lightly.*

*Alright, I understand,* he said, meeting her concerned gaze. *Thank you, Athena. I appreciate your candid replies.*

*It was my pleasure,* she murmured, rising from her seat. *Speaking of which, perhaps we should retire to the bedroom to discuss payment for my sage council?*

He chuckled and took her hand, following the beautiful glowing woman up the staircase to her boudoir.

***

John was gently shaken awake and when he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Sakura's beatific smile.

"You looked so peaceful, I'm sorry I had to disturb you," she said, before leaning down to kiss him.

He stretched and glanced to his right at the chronometer on the wall. It came as a shock to see that it read "19:25".

"Dinner's nearly ready," she explained, stroking his stomach when it grumbled in protest.

"I better get a shower then," he said, sliding out of bed and offering her a hand. He glanced down at the Asian girl's waistline and was surprised to see that she was back to her normal trim proportions.

"Jade was here with Helene an hour ago. She left afterwards to top up her sisters."

"Did she share with you?" he asked, brushing the backs of his fingers across her slim tummy.

She blushed and nodded.

"Good," he said with satisfaction, giving her a kiss.

They showered together as quickly as possible, but John couldn't help being distracted by his lovely companion. He took over soaping her down, his hands gliding over her luscious golden-brown body.

"This afternoon was hard..." Sakura said quietly. "But I'm so glad we talked."

"So it's not just me that feels like something special happened between us?" John asked, encircling her in his arms.

She shook her head, leaning back against his chest and tilting her head up for a kiss.

They stood quietly for a moment, until Sakura whispered, "You don't need to worry anymore. I'll protect the girls... if you're no longer able to."

He could see the effort that declaration took and he hugged her tighter. "You're such a good girl. Thank you... that's a huge relief."

"After everything you've done for me... how could I refuse?" she replied, her stoic declaration undermined by the slight tremor in her voice. Sakura's expression brightened as she continued, "But let's forget about that and concentrate on getting you battle-ready. I think we should train as much as possible until you're confident that you're going to win."