The ground trembled beneath our feet as we crested the ridge and entered the volcanic wasteland. Jagged black rock jutted from the red-stained earth, steam hissed from fissures, and the sky glowed blood-orange in eternal twilight. In the heart of this inferno stood a colossal obsidian dragon—its scales reflecting firelight like polished onyx, eyes glowing with ancient judgment. It uncoiled from a ring of smoldering lava and spoke in a voice that shook the air.
"Mortal and spirits, you dare trespass my domain?" the dragon rumbled, nostrils flaring molten embers. "None may pass until proven worthy by fire and heart."
Saphielle stepped forward, hat tipped low. "We seek only to restore balance, mighty guardian," she said calmly. "Allow us safe passage, and we will prove our worth."
The dragon's jaws parted in a low hiss. "Then face the Trial of Passion and Purity. Show me the depth of your bonds and the strength of your hearts."
A surge of molten rock poured around us, forming a circular arena. The air crackled with power. The dragon lowered its massive head, eyes fixed on each of us in turn.
"As leader," Saphielle continued, bowing, "I choose Master to demonstrate this trial through the devotion of his companions."
I swallowed as the six of us stood at the center. The dragon's wings rumbled overhead. "Spirits, show me how far you will go to protect your master."
In that instant, every girl's expression shifted—excitement and determination gleaming in their eyes. Four of the five immediately began shedding layers of festival robes and travel gear, until they stood completely naked in the searing heat.
"Too hot," Ziz said breezily, though sweat glistened on her skin in the low light. Her golden hair clung damp to her back. "Can't train encumbered."
Behemoth merely removed her gauntlets and the straps of her armor, revealing flawless skin from her shoulders to her hips. Leviathan peeled off damp leggings to stand in undergarments that clung to her curves. Chimera shrugged out of every scrap of cloth. Bahamut and Saphielle remained robed, their divine status exempt.
I was momentarily stunned—not by heat, but by the unguarded sight of my five devoted companions in such raw vulnerability. Even beneath flames and molten rock, their bodies glowed with fierce purpose.
The dragon's eyes flickered. "Very well."
Ziz stepped forward first. Her hips swiveled as she wrapped her arms tightly around me, pressing her naked chest flush to mine. The heat intensified, her skin warm against mine. She ground slowly, each roll of her hips whispering her claim.
"He's mine," Ziz declared, voice low and possessive. "I will guard him with my body, my desire, my power."
She planted a bold kiss on my lips, tongue flicking, breath hot. I could feel fire light up my veins as I pressed back, caught between awe and heat. The dragon watched, eyes narrowing, measuring the purity behind her claim.
When Ziz stepped back, Behemoth kneeled beside me. She exhaled a steady breath, then placed my hand gently over her breast. Her muscles rippled beneath her skin as she spoke.
"I vow my shield," Behemoth whispered, gold eyes unwavering. "My strength shall stand between all harm and him."
Her body was a mountain of warmth and silent ferocity. My fingers trembled as I touched her heart beneath her skin. She looked at me, chest rising softly, and braced the very ground beneath us with a silent promise. The dragon's hiss echoed in approval.
Chimera climbed into my lap next, pressing smooth thighs against mine and looping her arms around my neck. She tilted her head and began licking my neck in playful circles—tongue light but deliberate.
"This is bonding," Chimera announced with a giggle. "A taste of trust—spirit and master entwined."
Her emerald eyes sparkled as she drew patterns on my skin with feathered strokes of her tongue. I felt every nerve stand on end, the mixture of sea-scent and candy sweetness dual to her nature. The dragon's scales glowed faintly at the rim of my vision.
Leviathan hovered uncertainly, body chilled by memory of our desert ordeal. She stepped forward, and though her robes had fallen, she retained a timid grace. She pressed her forehead against mine, closing her eyes.
"In my flowing tides, I give sanctuary," she whispered, fingers tracing gentle currents across my chest. "My heart's refuge is yours."
She wrapped her arms around me, tail circling my waist as though binding us. Leviathan's water affinity shimmered in her skin, transforming heat into calm, and the dragon's approval rumbled in the molten ground.
Finally, Bahamut drifted forward, her robes parting like wings of light. She laid a hand on each of our shoulders, her presence divine and serene. Then she knelt before me, bowing her head.
"Through sacred rites, I bind my soul," she intoned, voice clear and resonant. "In purity and love, I guard him always."
She pressed a tender kiss to my palm, eyes locked on mine. The heat of the volcanic chamber became cool as moonlight, mellowing into a cushion of divine warmth.
One by one, they had shown me—shown the dragon—their willingness to bare themselves both physically and emotionally.
There was a long silence. Then the obsidian dragon's massive head lowered in a single, graceful nod. Stars of fire drifted off its scales.
"Pass." The dragon's voice was a quiet roar. "Your bonds are stronger than flame."
With a thunderous flap, it rose into the heated sky, leaving behind only drifting embers. My robes reappeared in a swirl of magic, and the molten circle around us dissolved.
We stood panting, hearts racing, bodies returning to warmth and fabric. The girls huddled close, flushed and triumphant.
Chimera was the first to break the hush, cheering. "We did it, Master!" she exclaimed, launching herself into my arms.
Ziz punched her glove into the air. "He's mine!" she declared again, pressing a playful kiss to my cheek.
Behemoth rumbled, a deep, satisfied chuckle. "Hardly a challenge," she said, though her eyes were bright with pride.
Leviathan's tail flicked with excitement as she splashed water from her magic vial onto my face. "Cool down," she giggled, "hot head."
Bahamut gave me a fond smile. "Brilliantly done."
Saphielle appeared from the mist of drifting ash, smirk still in place. "Now," she said, folding her arms, "I expect equal displays of devotion tonight in camp."
I looked around at their glowing faces—laughter, love, and loyalty shining brighter than any phoenix's flame.
"Equal affection displays," Ziz echoed with a grin that promised further trials of passion.
We left the volcanic arena with the dragon's approval echoing in our hearts—and the promise of a very heated celebration waiting once the campfires were lit.