Revelations
Zha'haabron had taken Ti'aasaan to the ocean...
The little zn'hre loved flying. Dressed warmly in a full bodysuit and jacket, held securely in the prince's or Radittsu's arms, his arms around a strong neck, he gazed down and around him with wide, sparkling eyes, his delight obvious.
Zha'haabron was considering training him once the hostlings were born. He'd already decided Ti'aasaan would return to stay on Vejiitasei afterwards: away from his loveless, lonely existence on R'ren'nkh'ia and encircled by the bondmates' warmth and tenderness his ki was rising steadily, his whole being blossoming. (Radittsu had agreed - with reservations: he had Zha'haabron promise to reconsider if there was the least hint of any resurgence of zn'hre mating-associated problems. He was not prepared to risk either of them.)
They'd landed back on the suite's balcony just a few minutes before Radittsu and I arrived for the noon meal. Ti'aasaan was glowing with happiness.
"Water.... I never imagined so much water could be in one place! And there were fish!"
Zha'haabron smiled indulgently, stroking Ti'aasaan's neck. He glanced up at me.
"We have had a good morning. How was your session?"
I grimaced, rubbing at my shoulder. "Painful. I don't think I'm ever going to catch up."
Radittsu chuckled and ruffled my hair. "We'll have to get you training more intensively!"
I groaned. "Must we?"
"Do you want to improve or not?"
I sighed. "I suppose so..."
The meal was substantial and tasty. Afterwards Ti'aasaan stood and stretched, smiling at the prince.
"I would like to bathe, if I may."
"Of course. We will join you in a few minutes."
Moving slowly towards the bathroom, Ti'aasaan suddenly halted, hands over his heavily swollen belly, his expression one of surprise and faint alarm. The prince was immediately at his side, holding him close.
"What is it?"
The little zn'hre frowned. "I don't know..." He gasped and doubled over: Zha'haabron caught him and lowered him to the ground, eyes wide with fear.
**Zh'leet! Here, now! Bring Gh'veen with you**
Ti'aasaan was panting: I knelt and rested my hands on his shoulders, with Radittsu crouching beside me anxiously. Zha'haabron was behind the little zn'hre, hands on his belly, trembling as he fought down panic. He stared at me, eyes desperate.
"It's not time yet! It's too early!"
I gazed down at Ti'aasaan, frowning. He didn't seem to be in pain, exactly, although his expression was one of great discomfort. It was an expression I'd seen before, somewhere... He gasped again, tensing, and held his breath, and the flesh of his abdomen - rippled. After a few seconds he drew another breath and relaxed slightly, shifting in the prince's arms as he raised himself into a crouch, his thighs spread wide apart.
My eyes widened in recognition, and I grinned. Radittsu and Zha'haabron stared at me in shock.
"Why are you smiling?" growled the big male. "If it's time for the hostlings to be born he could die..!"
I shook my head. "I don't think so. It's time, but they're not trying to eat their way out of him - he's in labour!"
There was a startled silence, then - "What's labour?" came from both of them.
I stared at their scared, bewildered faces. "You've never seen anyone give birth before? Naturally, I mean?"
They both shook their heads - then Ti'aasaan gasped again, grabbing Zha'haabron's arms tightly, and I got businesslike, silently thanking the gods that I'd been with Kabaji through her labour. I'd hated it at the time, but at least I had some idea of what to expect, what to do.
"Right. Zha'haabron, lift him onto the bed, then kneel up behind him and put your arms round his chest; you need to support his weight. Radittsu, get that bodysuit off him then stay close. There are five babies - you'll have to help me hold them as they're born. Zh'leet," I said over my shoulder as the ko'ish'n and the tz'een hastened into the chamber, staring at the bustle of movement as everyone hurriedly did as I'd instructed, "I think we're all right here, but can you two have whatever instruments you use ready just in case things go wrong?" I frowned and bit my lip. "And help keep them separate if it looks like they're going to attack each other."
As they moved to obey, I turned back to Ti'aasaan, now naked and held securely in Zha'haabron's arms and grimacing as another wave rippled through his swollen abdomen. I pressed a hand gently over his belly and smiled at him.
"You're doing fine. Do you think you can you push down, help them on their way?"
He looked at me from eyes slitted with fear and the beginnings of pain, his face pale, terrified. Which was understandable, given that despite his previous hostings he'd never done this before. And of course he was still expecting to die, very slowly and very painfully...
*Radittsu, get the prince to reassure him. He's not going to die. They aren't going to eat him. He's going to have five healthy babies. At least, I think they're healthy - as far as I can tell they all seem to be moving all right, anyway.*
As Radittsu *passed* the message to his bondmate, Ti'aasaan tensed again, and I slid my fingers down his belly, feeling one little body move with my hand as I gently eased it downwards. Ti'aasaan pressed his head back against Zha'haabron's shoulder, gasping, eyes screwed tightly shut: his body heaved - and the first baby slid from him into my waiting hands.
I stared down in wonder. Big, unfocussed golden eyes gazed up in my direction from a tiny pale blue face. Its head was covered with soft, fluffy, emerald green down. It was tiny, but perfectly formed. I felt my eyes misting over.
"Ti'aasaan, he's beautiful!"
But I didn't have time to gaze for long: another ripple showed that the next baby was already moving into position. I turned to Radittsu, to find him staring down at the infant with the most extraordinary expression of mixed joy, awe and pride on his face. Wordlessly he took the baby in one big hand, holding it close to his warm body, his other hand gently stroking the tiny perfect face.
I blinked back tears and turned back to Ti'aasaan...
The whole smooth, startlingly bloodless event took perhaps half an hour, although it felt like a lot longer, and at the end Ti'aasaan was, understandably, exhausted. Zha'haabron settled him into the bed next to Radittsu, who had curled up around the babies, snuggling them close to his warmth and wrapping them in thick locks of his mane. It was probably the most amazing sight I've ever seen, the big, powerful Saiyan curved protectively around five tiny zn'hre, his eyes brimming with tears of happiness. Zha'haabron nestled behind Ti'aasaan and reached forwards, gently stroking each of his offspring, his eyes brilliant with awe and unshed tears. He gazed up at me.
"Thank you."
I shrugged, blushing. "Glad I could help."
Zh'leet and Gh'veen were frowning. The ko'ish'n smiled grimly at me, and I could see the unasked questions in her eyes. I nodded.
"Later." I spoke quietly, unwilling to disturb the strange and beautiful family scene before me. "Let's leave them in peace for now."
But I didn't go far: I was waiting for the backlash. It came a few hours later, as the suns began to set.
Moving silently, Zha'haabron left the suite, his ki suppressed and, I was willing to bet, *blocking* all contact with anyone. His face was grimly furious. My heart in my mouth, I followed him at a distance.
He flew for about an hour, finally halting above a deserted rocky islet. There was no way I'd been able to keep up with him, but once he'd reached the island he dropped the ki suppression, allowing me to pinpoint his location. As I landed he turned to me, his eyes burning: I raised my hands and stumbled backwards, fiercely regretting I'd followed.
"I'm sorry, my lord. I'll go if you want me to..."
He ignored me and began to pace tightly, ki flaring around him. Then abruptly he stopped and swung back to me.
"They lied to us." he hissed through clenched teeth. "For thousands upon thousands of years, they have lied to us. And my people have been raped and abused and mutilated and BUTCHERED because of their lies."
He flung his arms outwards and screamed to the sky as I cowered, terrified. I'd never felt such raw, overwhelming anger. And as he raged, I felt his ki increase, doubling in power, then tripling, his aura climbing through pale gold to blue to blinding silver. Finally he dropped to his knees and slammed his fists into the ground, splintering the rock below him into tiny fragments and dust, disintegrating half the island in his fury and despair...
After the echoes had died there was a long, breathless, frightening silence.
Then he sat back on his heels and beckoned to me over his shoulder, not turning his head. Afraid not to, I crept forwards.
He glanced at me over his shoulder and flashed a brief, bitter smile.
"I will not hurt you, little warrior."
Somewhat reassured, I warily moved to kneel in front of him, wondering at the sheer power emanating from him. He gazed at me, his face grim.
"I will make them suffer for what they have forced the zn'hre to endure." It was a promise for the future, and one I knew he'd keep - but for now I had to remind him of the present. Hesitantly I reached for his hand.
"My lord, shouldn't we perhaps be getting back? You didn't tell anyone where you were going, and they'll be worried: you have a family waiting for you."
He stared at me for a long moment, then took my hand. His sudden smile was like a sunrise.
"I have, haven't I? Family." The smile faded slightly. "There is no R'ren'nkh'ian word for 'family' ..."
We flew back at my pace, hand in hand, and hand in hand walked into the suite. Ti'aasaan was deeply asleep, still exhausted, but Radittsu and the other R'ren'nkh'ia-jin were still awake. I was worried for a moment that Zha'haabron might be angry with Zh'leet and Gh'veen, but apparently his fury was only directed towards the chiefs who had perpetuated the myth of zn'hre violence and cannibalism for so long: at any rate he greeted them with a smile.
His bondmate was still curled around the babies, although they were now sprawling at a platter of finely minced meat, tiny, slightly uncoordinated hands pulling small pieces into mouths that already possessed sharp little teeth. All except one of them, who was curled up in Radittsu's hand, looking up with huge golden eyes into the Saiyan's dark, wondering gaze. I grinned at him.
"Looks like you have an admirer!"
He tore his gaze away from the baby and beamed at me. "He seems to have taken a liking to me." His smile faded as he stared at Zha'haabron, eyes wide with shock.
*Beloved? What's happened? Your ki...*
**I will tell you later. We have a lot to discuss, all of us**
"Very interesting. This suits my purpose perfectly."
Vejiita's eyes gleamed. I'd left the new family to get some sleep - although I somehow doubted they'd get much! - and returned to our suite: the King was still awake, so I'd described the events of the day. He'd been fascinated.
I frowned. "My lord?"
He smiled at me, but didn't elaborate. I sighed in exasperation. "Are you ever going to tell me what's going on?"
"Perhaps. I need to speak with Zha'haabron first."
And with that I had to be satisfied. He pulled me into a close embrace, reaching for my tail...
I visited the following morning, eager to see how the family was doing. Radittsu looked tired - he grinned and said he'd just been too excited (and, I suspected, a little worried in case he rolled over in his sleep and hurt the babies) to sleep - but Ti'aasaan was wide awake and sitting cross-legged on the bed, his expression a mix of the bewildered and thoroughly delighted, with the babies squirming over and around him. He glanced up as I perched on the edge of the bed, and gave me a beaming smile.
"I will never be able to thank you adequately."
I grinned at him. "You're welcome. I'm just happy it all worked out all right."
Five pairs of golden eyes turned curiously in my direction at the sound of my voice, and moments later five supple little blue bodies were climbing all over me! I laughed.
"Fearless little things, aren't they?"
Zha'haabron heard me as he entered the room from the balcony, and smiled.
"They have no reason to be afraid."
The simple, profound comment brought tears to my eyes. He was right. No zn'hre need ever be afraid again.
I took the morning meal with the family, watching the babies with sheer delight. To my amazement they were already showing signs of individuality. Two of them were squirming together, trying to catch each other's arms and legs, looking for all the world as though they were sparring. Zha'haabron was stroking the head of another, who had sprawled over his knee and was hissing rhythmically, pushing its head against his hand. He smiled, divining the cause of my surprise.
"All R'ren'nkh'ia-jin mature early. It's a survival trait: the planet is inhospitable, and the sooner young learn to fend for themselves the greater their chances of life."
Radittsu glanced up from teasing his baby with a strand of his mane, chuckling as the tiny hands grabbed and missed.
"What are we going to call them?"
Ti'aasaan looked up from the baby that was sitting, albeit unsteadily, in his lap and paying close attention to what was happening around it, and gazed at the prince, who inclined his head.
"Traditionally, offspring - hatchlings and hostlings - take the first element of the sire's name as the first element of their own: it's how tribal membership is recognised. The latter elements most often take the form of the host's name, although status can also be a determining factor, certainly for the aristocracy. The lower classes tend to name by type, to some extent."
"So they'll all be Zh'-something?" I was intrigued. I'd never actually made a study of R'ren'nkh'ian name forms, but I had noticed a sort of pattern. Zha'haabron nodded.
"Zha' followed by two syllables and ending with an 'n'. Assuming we wish to follow tradition."
"I want to call this one Zha'haabron." Radittsu had nestled his yawning baby in the crook of his arm, smiling down tenderly as it cuddled against his chest and fell asleep. The prince frowned slightly, inclining his head.
"We do not usually repeat names - not until the original owner has died, at any rate."
"Oh." Radittsu looked worried. "You think it might be bad luck?"
The prince smiled. "No, it's simply to avoid confusion. But I have no real objection, if that is what you wish. Ti'aasaan?"
The little zn'hre grinned. "As if I'd object! The more of you, the better!"
Zha'haabron raised an eyebrow, then smiled and touched Ti'aasaan's cheek with the hand that wasn't already stroking the baby over his knee. "In that case, we had better name this one Zha'tiisaan."
Ti'aasaan blushed. "I would be honoured..."
One of the babies had crawled over to me and was holding my finger with both hands, cocking its head from side to side curiously. Then it bit me!
"Ouch!" I winced, and the baby looked up at me, almost apologetically, then licked the blood from my finger. Zha'haabron laughed.
"Zha'raadiin."
Radittsu chuckled. "I see. I'm to be remembered for my - appetite, am I?"
Zha'haabron gazed at him for a long moment, tenderly, his eyes soft, and Radittsu smiled back, colouring slightly at the depth of love in his bondmate's face.
"I would be honoured." he said softly.
"I would like to call this one Zha'leesaan." Ti'aasaan said of the baby in his lap, who was still watching gravely as the adults talked. He glanced at me apologetically. "It's not quite as close to your name as I'd like..."
"It's lovely! And I'd be honoured!"
Radittsu laughed. "Right. Now we're all honoured. Now what are we going to call this little explorer?"
He glanced downwards to where the fifth baby was slowly and determinedly trying to climb up his mane.
Zha'haabron and Ti'aasaan watched the baby for a moment, then both looked up, smiled, and said in unison "Zha'zhasaan."
Zh'leet and Gh'veen chuckled. Radittsu and I just looked puzzled. Ti'aasaan took pity on us.
"Zha'zhasaan is a figure from our legends - a mythical adventurer who supposedly performed many great feats of strength and endurance. He is credited with building a great city in a mountain range in the far south of the world, a city built of precious metals and jewels. The name has come to suggest a doer of the impossible."
I grinned. "I think that's perfect! And I'd like to hear the full legend sometime, when you're recovered - and not quite so busy!"
He nodded, grabbing for Zha'raadiin as the infant came close to toppling off the bed in his frantic attempt to be first to reach the food platter the gn'ick'lehe had just placed before the prince. Radittsu smirked.
"Heh. He's well-named, at any rate!"
We were relaxing after the meal - and playing with the babies - when the comm screen sounded. It was Vejiita, requesting that Zha'haabron join him in conference. I collared the prince as he was leaving.
"My lord? I know Vejiita is planning something, but he won't tell me what it is. But if it affects him it will affect me, and if it affects you, as I'm sure it does, then it'll affect Radittsu as well. And Ti'aasaan and the family. I really need to know what's going on. Would you mind seeing if you can persuade him to tell me?"
He cupped my chin in one strong cool hand and regarded me calmly.
"Very well."
I smiled, relieved. "Thank you, my lord."
Vejiita looked up as Zha'haabron entered, his eyes widening in shock. The prince's ki was now more than twice his own...
Zha'haabron lowered his head briefly, well aware of the King's reaction to his new state, then seated himself and waited for Vejiita to speak.
"I understand congratulations are in order."
Zha'haabron smiled. "Thank you."
"And that an ancient myth has been laid to rest."
The prince's face became expressionless. "Indeed."
"And you are angry. I don't blame you."
"And you are wondering how you can best use the discovery."
Vejiita smiled mirthlessly. "You know me too well."
"Then let me counsel you. When I have disposed of my sire, I will free the zn'hre. This will not be viewed favourably: until the R'ren'nkh'ia-jin have adjusted to being ruled by what they perceive as a slave, I will need protection for my people. I intend gathering us all together for safety at my court, and I will require Saiyan warriors as guards."
Vejiita nodded. "Wise. And acceptable. What do you intend doing with the chiefs?"
Zha'haabron frowned. "I would like to dispose of them and replace them all with zn'hre, but that won't be possible. Not immediately, anyway. Much depends on the abilities and natures of the existing zn'hre and whether they can be trained." He smiled, bitterly. "I am not so ingenuous as to think a people that have been lower than slaves for millennia can become a ruling elite overnight. We will need educators and trainers in all disciplines."
Vejiita nodded his agreement.
"May I also have your word that you will act to prevent any acts of sabotage or insurrection on the part of the other R'ren'nkh'ia-jin?"
"You have my word."
"My thanks. In return, I will provide you with as many chemists and pharmaceutical experts as you require, secondment of our warriors to supplement your own forces, and the full support of the R'ren'nkh'ia-jin in the establishment of your empire." He smiled. "On condition you do not try to include us as part of it."
Vejiita grinned. "You're far too valuable to us as a free agent. I promise you your independence."
"There will, of course, be other terms, on both sides, to the agreement."
"Undoubtedly. We'll gather the council and talk them out between us. I will have them prepare a codicil clearly specifying our additional obligations towards each other." He frowned. "It's a pity there's none of your own people you can bring in to the discussion."
Zha'haabron smiled. "The R'ren'nkh'ia-jin will see me as a traitor to my world. But with Lady Leteetza's help, and the statecraft I have learned from Zha'geekaan and yourself, I think I'll manage by myself." He regarded the King narrowly. "Leteetza must be fully informed, and as soon as possible."
Vejiita sighed. "I know. I've been procrastinating." He smiled ruefully at the prince. "I don't think she's going to like the idea."
Zha'haabron chuckled. "The little warrior lives by her heart, rather than her head. And she is very loyal. If you can convince her that mutual co-operation and mutual benefit are the principles on which the empire will be built, I think she will happily support you."
Vejiita leaned back in his seat, smiling. "I am glad you didn't die."
Zha'haabron's voice was dry. "It would have made things a great deal more difficult for you."
The King laughed. "Yes. But I am glad, over and above that. Now, would you care to join me for a meal?"
Zha'haabron shook his head. "Thank you, but I want to spend as much time as I can with my - family - before I challenge my sire. Afterwards I'm unlikely to have a great deal of time to spare, at least initially."
Vejiita nodded. "We'll do all in our power to ease that situation for you."
Zha'haabron nodded his thanks and rose to take his leave, then paused.
"One last thing. I wish you to relinquish your claim upon Leteetza."
Vejiita stared at him, disbelievingly. "What!?"
"I wish for her to be able to take a lover, discreetly, if she so chooses, without the risk of any retribution."
Vejiita shook his head, his jaw set. "I can't do that."
"You are the King. You can do anything you want."
"I can't relinquish a claim." he scowled.
"Can't or won't?"
Vejiita was silent. Zha'haabron nodded. "You won't."
"She's the King's Companion. Why should she want anyone else?"
"Why have you not let her claim you?"
"I need my freedom."
"And you think she does not feel the same?"
Vejiita disregarded the question. "We both knew I would eventually take a mate for breeding purposes."
Zha'haabron sighed. "I see. You are not willing to give her up. Very well. I am issuing a formal challenge to you for her."
The King gaped. "What? You?!"
Zha'haabron nodded.
"What would you want with her..?" His eyes suddenly widened, and he snarled. "Radittsu! I'll kill him..."
"You will do nothing of the sort. They have both behaved with the utmost restraint and propriety, refusing their feelings in order to keep faith with you." Not that you deserve it, he thought to himself. "As I see it, you have a choice. My ki is now so much higher than yours that I will beat you without even trying, should this turn into a public challenge. That would be humiliating for you. It would be better if you conceded, here and now, and avoided the embarrassment." He stared into Vejiita's eyes, expression grim. "You should also know that, should you do harm to either the little warrior or my bondmate, you will be in breach of the alliance, and I will consider it a declaration of war. I no longer need your help to overthrow my sire and take the throne - but your dream of empire will not succeed without us." He smiled coldly. "Is your pride - and one small female - really worth that price?"
Zha'haabron arrived back smiling. As he hugged his bondmates (and Ti'aasaan should now be considered a bondmate of some sort, I realised belatedly, since Radittsu could mindspeak with him...) and gathered the infants into his lap, the comm screen chimed again. It was Vejiita, asking to meet with me.
I glanced at Zha'haabron, who raised an eyebrow and flashed a quick grin. "Go, little warrior. We will see you later."
Frowning to myself I made my way to Vejiita's private office, expecting to be given an edited version of what he'd been working on all this time. Instead, he waited until I was seated and then said -
"I understand there is some kind of attachment between you and the captain of the Elite Guard."
I froze. I could feel the blood rushing from my face, and my vision went hazy - I thought I was going to faint. I slid to my knees.
"Sire - don't punish him. He's done nothing."
"You mean it's all one-sided - on your part?"
I stared up hopelessly, but his face was completely expressionless. Oh Zha'haabron, how could you do this to us?
"Tell me what happened."
Even my voice sounded faint. "I kissed him. He responded for a second, then pushed me away. It was my fault. His loyalty to you is perfect."
"Sit up."
Not daring to disobey I pushed myself back into the seat.
"Sire..."
He raised a hand, silencing me. "What are your feelings for him?"
I bit my lip. "I... I find him attractive."
"I repeat, what are your feelings towards him?"
"Loving. Being with him is... like being wrapped in a warm hug in the cold season."
He smiled. "And your feelings for me?"
I shrugged. "You are my lord. The greater part of my life. I would not be wholly complete without you."
He closed his eyes, sighing. "I release you."
I blinked. "..what..?"
"I release you from my claim."
"My lord?"
"I do not enjoy the thought of sharing you. But I have asked you to share me, and you have done so without objection. Should I be less magnanimous than my Companion?"
Not entirely sure I wasn't dreaming, I reached for his hand. He clasped mine gently.
"Go to him. Tomorrow I will explain to you everything that we have planned, and your place in it. But for now, go to him."
I kissed his hands, reeling, knowing how hard it had been for him to let me go.
Not that I was going far. And of course, I would return. I was still his to command.
Ti'aasaan was drowsing when I reached the suite: Zha'haabron and Radittsu were *speaking* together, and the babies were, amazingly, all asleep. At the same time. Not something that would happen very often...
Zha'haabron smiled up at me, then pushed gently at his bondmate's shoulder.
"You two should talk."
Radittsu stared at him, then at me. I nodded, and he shrugged and rose, gesturing to the balcony doors.
Once outside I took both his hands, gazing up into his beautiful, if puzzled, face.
"He's relinquished his claim."
He stared at me, uncomprehendingly, for a moment - then his eyes widened. I nodded.
"I'm still King's Companion, but no longer claimed."
I could feel a faint trembling in my hands, but whether it was from me or from him I couldn't be sure. I smiled shakily.
"Aren't you going to say something?"
"H...how?"
"I think it was Zha'haabron's doing."
He flashed a quick, delighted grin towards the doors, then turned back to me, his expression tender.
"Little warrior.."
I found myself lifted and held tightly to his chest, my arms around his neck, our tails around each other's waists, his face nuzzling mine - then my lips found his...
Warm, so warm. Everything about him is warm. I sighed into his mouth, and he hugged me closer, his tongue caressing my lips, his lips brushing kisses across my face, then holding me slightly away so he could look into my eyes. His smiled, filled with promises...
And he lowered me to my feet. I glanced up, surprised but not worried, and he smiled down at me, stroking my face, running strong fingers through my hair.
" Let's get used to the idea first. I don't want any anxiety or guilt spoiling things for us. And I don't want us to hurry. I want the first time to be special."
I nodded, sighing happily. Freedom would take some getting used to. I'd waited this long, I could wait a little longer.
Anticipation can be so delicious.
© 2001 (May 5th) Joules Taylor
