Make sure you read Amanda's companion sequence, Exile, in conjuction with this sequence.
United
"They're here! They're here!"
'raadiin's clear voice echoed down across the shuttleport from where the hostling hung in mid-air, sharp eyes fixed on the sky. Moments later the rest of the family could also make out the distant shape of the shuttle, descending swiftly to the ground. The little zn'hre warrior landed beside 'haabron and hugged him hard, too excited to stand still.
Though that was true of all the children. The hostlings were positively bouncing with eagerness to see Leteetza and the heirs again, while Radittsu had had to grab Ti'ani and Le'leen to stop them flying up to meet the shuttle. He stood with a hybrid in each arm, the strong little bodies trembling as long soft tails lashed against his ribs in anticipation.
And then the shuttle had landed, and Leteetza and the three young Saiyans leapt to the ground, in too much of a hurry to wait for the landing steps or their honour guard… And chaos erupted.
Leteetza was knocked backwards, laughing happily as two hurtling amethyst and black streaks landed in her arms, words tumbling end over end from two mouths as the hybrids tried to tell - and *tell* - her everything all at once. 'raadiin launched himself at Kiraz, the signal to start an impromptu wrestling match which ended up with the Saiyan on his back, blinking his startlement as the zn'hre, straddling his waist, put some of Ye'vena's teaching into practice. Kobis was a little more dignified, walking across the ground to stand before 'haabron, gazing at the R'ren'nkh'ian for several moments before suddenly grabbing him into a rib-aching hug, tail tightly wrapped around his friend's waist, whispering, "I missed you…". And Buahan flung herself into Radittsu's arms, smiling up at the startled warrior with big bright eyes and a giggled, "'lo Oji-san."
Jeice, who'd been standing beside the big Saiyan, frowned inquiringly.
"Oji-san?"
Radittsu grimaced, somewhat embarrassed.
"She means mataitoko. Though how she found out…" he frowned at Leteetza, still sitting on the ground, hybrids hugged to her and now swamped by chattering hostlings. "I shall have to have words with the little warrior, later…"
Jeice blinked, not understanding any of this, and was about to ask what the Saiyan was talking about when Zha'haabron clapped his hands twice. As everyone fell silent and turned to him, he gestured gracefully towards the enclave entrance, glancing briefly up at the sky.
"Shall we have our friends come indoors? We do not want them to burn…"
Leteetza grinned up at him.
"It's all right, my Ssii'iin - I remembered the sunscreen for us all." She squinted up at the sky. "It is a bit hot though. We'll be cooler inside?"
The king smiled and nodded, and Ti'aasaan waded through children to help the female to her feet. Putting Ti'ani and Le'leen down for a moment, she hugged the little zn'hre, taking the opportunity to ask in an undertone, "How is he?"
Ti'aasaan shook his head minutely against her cheek. There was no need to ask who he was.
"Suffering."
"Can I help?"
"I don't know. But please feel free to try…"
"Oh, this is nice!"
Leteetza grinned around the suite as two of the Elite honour guard hauled a couple of large transport cases into the common room: Zh'leet bustled forward to introduce her sire-sib and press beakers of cold fruit juice into the newcomers' hands. The Saiyans were all in brief, cool clothing, unpacking could wait until later: Zha'haabron gestured for everyone to be seated while the adults caught up on the news.
Kiraz shared a floor cushion with 'raadiin, staring suspiciously at the young - and infuriatingly smirking - zn'hre.
"Who's been training you?"
'raadiin leaned back on his hands, legs stretched in front of him.
"One of papa's shr'en'an warriors."
Kiraz nodded, remembering Zh'anah. She'd been shr'en'an.
"Think he'd train me too?"
"I s'pose… We could ask papa."
Kiraz grinned and ruffled his friend's hair.
"It's growing out. And you got taller."
'raadiin stared, wide-eyed.
"I did?"
Kiraz stood, pulling the zn'hre up with him, then turning so they were back to back.
"See?"
'raadiin was about to reply, irritably, that of course he couldn't see, given how they were standing, when Ti'aasaan intervened, resting one hand on each child's head then inviting them to move away and look. 'raadiin grinned and punched his friend in the stomach. He was now just a fraction taller than the Saiyan.
"I did!"
Leteetza, the hybrids cuddled closely against her, beamed at them.
"I think you all have! Must be the lighter gravity or something…"
Radittsu, Buahan still cuddled in his lap and gazing up adoringly, much to his discomfiture, inclined his head.
"Or maybe they're just growing up."
The female snorted - then nodded.
"Yeah… You just notice it more when you've been apart."
Kobis knelt beside 'haabron, in silence, feeling horribly and unexpectedly awkward. The zn'hre prince had changed while they'd been apart: he seemed somehow more grown up, and the Saiyan didn't know how to respond to him.
'haabron felt almost as ill at ease. He'd missed Kobis so much - and now that his friend was here, the zn'hre didn't know what to say to him…
Zha'haabron noticed, smiling to himself, and beckoned to them. As they settled beside him he laid a hand on both children's shoulders, inclining his head to his sireling.
"Why don't you show Kobis the sound chamber? He'll be able to see what our world is like from there - and you two can talk without the younger ones disturbing you."
'haabron turned to the Saiyan prince, smiling eagerly.
"It's beautiful there. Would you like to see?"
Kobis nodded, almost shyly, and 'haabron took his hand, pulling him to his feet.
"We'll be back for evening meal, papa."
Zha'haabron smiled indulgently.
"No hurry. Have one of the guards contact us if you want to eat there and we'll have food sent up."
'haabron beamed delightedly and kissed his sire's cheek.
"Thank you, papa."
Radittsu regarded his bondmate narrowly as the two children left the suite, still hand in hand, their guards trailing them at a discreet distance.
*Are you matchmaking again?*
Zha'haabron smirked.
**I'm - facilitating a natural attraction**
The big Saiyan heaved a resigned sigh.
*That's what I said - matchmaking. You'd better be sure Vejiita doesn't mind…*
They left the guards in the ante-chamber and climbed the spiral staircase into the chamber itself. Kobis was entranced by the spacious domed room, rising up to brush his hands gently over the chimes, eyes widening at the delicate music they made, then joining his friend at one of the wide, high windowspaces. 'haabron grinned and turned to look out over the desert, arms spread wide as he gestured to the sands - and Kobis wrapped his arms and tail tightly around the zn'hre from behind, face buried in soft emerald hair, breathing in the scent he'd missed so much. A second later he sighed with relief and relaxed as 'haabron's arms snaked around his waist, hands resting lightly above the base of his tail as the zn'hre leaned back against him, nuzzling his face.
They stood for a while, the silence companionable rather than awkward this time, until 'haabron twisted to face his friend, sliding cool arms under the heavy mane and around the warm neck.
"I'm glad you're here."
Kobis hugged harder.
"So'm I."
"Let's sit down…"
"… and you can tell me all about this place…"
Back in the suite Leteetza was beginning to sweat. She gazed at Radittsu and raised an eyebrow.
"How long does it take to get used to this heat?"
He smirked - then realised that he'd actually acclimatised quite well. He was still hot, and a spell outside would leave him thoroughly dehydrated, but he no longer felt that enervating somnolence the heat used to bring. He gestured towards the door to 'his' room.
"Cool room's through there. Use it any time you want - same goes for the brats. In fact…" he grinned evilly, "… you and I should - try it out together sometime."
She grinned back.
"I'd like that. I've missed you." She hugged the hybrids and smiled around the room. "I've missed all of you."
Zh'leet handed her a large beaker of cold water and scowled at 'raadiin and Kiraz, who were tussling on the floor.
"Little prince, until the little ape is more used to things here I don't want you to overtire him or have him get too hot."
Zha'haabron frowned at her words and regarded the two little warriors: Kiraz' skin gleamed with a sheen of sweat and he was panting, his face and chest flushed.
"Stop now, both of you. Zh'leet, a drink for the Saiya-jin-no-Ouji, if you please."
Both children pouted but halted their mock combat, Kiraz flopping back on a cushion with a sigh while 'raadiin sprinkled drops of cold water on the heated golden skin, grinning as the Saiyan prince shivered slightly. Zha'haabron nodded.
"It is important to remember that it will take our friends a little while to become accustomed to our world. We must care for them, ensure their health, while they are here." His clear golden gaze fixed on his sireling. "Do we all understand?"
'raadiin nodded sombrely and sat crossed-legged beside Kiraz, fanning at the Saiyan's face with his hands. Kiraz closed his eyes with a sigh - and Zha'haabron asked the question everyone had been dreading.
"How is Hi'ijaa?"
Leteetza's eyes flickered involuntarily to Zha'haarak, curled up on a cushion in Jeice's arms. The gentle zn'hre's eyes were shadowed, and the little warrior's heart ached for him.
"He's… very unhappy, my Ssii'iin." She smiled painfully at Radittsu. "Oh, he's performing his duties as well as ever - I think he's focussing on them to stop himself feeling too much. But…" She sighed and lowered her eyes. "It's hard for him."
Jeice's arms tightened as he felt the prince trembling, and pressed a kiss to the side of his neck. Leteetza's eyes were angry.
"I don't know why Vejiita won't let them be together. It would make far more sense to have Kyuri take over for FullMoon anyway - it's not like there'll be anything official going on, and we aren't as affected by the moon as the males. At any rate - " she glowered briefly, making the promise more to herself than to Zha'haarak, " - if he doesn't have a bloody good reason for it I'll make sure he suffers. I don't like seeing my friends in pain."
Zha'haarak turned his face, emerald hair veiling his face as he wept silently, inconspicuously, against Jeice's shoulder. Zha'haabron frowned.
"There is nothing we can do to help?"
Leteetza shook her head.
"Kel and Kyuri are doing the best they can. I know Kyuri's prepared to stay with him for the season, but she's not really attuned to him - and he's a lot more powerful than she is, not to mention not in his right mind just now. He's going to hurt her. And we can't ask Kel - wonderful as she's been so far it's just not fair." She frowned slightly at Radittsu. "Will you help him through the worst?"
The big Saiyan smiled.
"I'd already planned to."
Jeice felt the silent sigh of relief that shuddered through the zn'hre in his arms.
Leteetza nodded.
"You understand I had to check."
Radittsu's smile was full of affection.
"Of course."
Zha'haabron stroked his bondmate's mane.
**Thank you**
The captain's eyes widened.
*You didn't honestly think I'd entrust him to anyone else, did you?*
The king inclined his head.
**No. But thank you all the same…**
Radittsu caught the cool blue hand and pressed a kiss to the palm.
*Ah, beloved… I'm going to miss you… thank gods it's not for long…*
A little later Zha'haarak pushed himself awkwardly upright and asked if they would excuse him for a little while - it was time for his daily communication with Hijau. As he limped from the suite Leteetza frowned after him.
"Is he all right?" She grimaced - of course he wasn't… "I mean, is he going to be all right through all this?"
Zha'haabron closed his eyes, expression tense.
"We have no choice. He will have to be."
Leteetza nodded slowly, biting her lip. How did life get so complicated recently?
An hour later Zha'haarak returned to the suite, dejected, tearful, arms wrapped around himself as though by so doing he could bring Hijau's embrace more clearly to mind. He settled back on the cushion, back into Jeice's arms, head lowered, aware of the others' compassionate gaze but too heart-sick to meet their eyes. The subo held him, giving what sympathy he could as the talk turned to their plans for the expedition to the mountains...
Half an hour later Zha'haarak gasped suddenly, his body twisting in Jeice's grip. As the little alien struggled to hold the prince the zn'hre screamed, arcing out of the subo's arms and then curling around himself on the floor, whimpering. Radittsu was the first to reach him, holding the slim, writhing body as gently as he could. Leteetza and Ti'aasaan joined him seconds later, each adding their own strength to try to keep the gentle zn'hre from hurting himself. The big Saiyan glanced up at the king, eyes wide and fearful.
*What the fuck is happening??*
Zha'haarak was shaking, eyes tightly shut and teeth clenched, biting back screams as his body thrashed uncontrollably against the cool stone floor. Zha'haabron knelt at his sibling's head and closed his eyes, *reaching* into the tortured mind…
Mahrayne's pain, his bondmate's pain, his own pain throbbing through him Hijau headed towards Zorun's ki-signature.
He was still in the glade. Zorun was still in the glade…
The big Guard was on his knees, shaking, voicing something that was partway between a whimper and a keening wail. Hijau landed and streaked forwards, not giving the larger male more than a second to defend himself…
Zorun landed sprawled on his back, head spinning, disorientated as the smaller male kicked him across the glade then dropped into a crouch, gathering ki. Snarling, Zorun dragged himself upright and launched himself at Hijau.
The smaller male met him head on, the pain of the heavier body crashing into him negligible under the deeper pain of loss. He grabbed Zorun's throat, snarling into his face, grating out,
"Not here. Not here - not in her glade…"
Wrenching himself from the younger Guard, Zorun shot skywards, heading for the plains, closely followed by Hijau.
And once there…
There was something purely primal about their fight. Ki-use forgotten, they hit out with fists and feet, knees, elbows, pounding into each other, splitting flesh, cracking bone, one driven by loneliness and a sense of betrayal, the other by guilt and shame, both by an overwhelming sense of loss…
It should have been quick - Hijau wasn't as powerful as the King's Guard. But anger lent him a ferocity and stamina he'd never known before, while Zorun was weakening, the knowledge that his pregnant mate would be away from him during FullMoon filling him with anguish. The battle lasted for hours, until finally, in desperation, Zorun managed to grab the smaller Saiyan's tail and squeeze, feeling the bones grind together in his hand.
Hijau froze, unable even to scream, and Zorun dragged them both to the ground, slamming the younger warrior hard against a boulder - then turning him onto his stomach, ripping off what was left of their clothing, and ramming into him.
Some small part of his mind quailed at the memory of doing this once before, and regretting it, but for the most part the big Saiyan was a mass of hunger, loss and sheer need. Forgetting that it was Hijau under him, he loosed the officer's tail as he came - only to be reminded, painfully, as the younger male's elbow slammed back into his face, dislocating his jaw. As he flailed backwards, Hijau, his face a mask of hate, twisted to grab Zorun's own tail, wrapping it twice around his hand and wrenching it hard enough that the big guard was pulled off his feet, for a moment terrified that the younger guard had ripped the prehensile limb from his body…
But it was still attached. It hurt too much to be otherwise. Strong fingers dug into the sensitive flesh - excruciatingly painful, too much so for the big male to be able to do anything: Zorun was helpless. A battered hand gripping his opponent's ebony mane, Hijau shoved him hard against the same boulder, snarling incoherently in the big male's ear - then forcing himself into Zorun as he buried his teeth in the flesh of a massively bruised shoulderblade.
Zorun screamed, pain searing through him. It had been so very long since he'd been fucked - then, as now, it had been rape. Only, now - somewhere in his pain-filled mind, he accepted that this was deserved. Due payment for deeds done.
Hijau wasn't quick, nor gentle, and the bigger male's back and neck and shoulders were soon bleeding heavily, deep teethmarks marring the tawny skin. Blood trickled from between his legs, too, the scent of it spurring Hijau to stronger and rougher thrusts as Zorun whimpered beneath him. But finally the younger male was done, slamming in one last time, hand clenching so tightly around the captive tail that Zorun saw white and nearly passed out.
Moments later Hijau snarled and pulled out sharply, still keeping his hold of the trembling black tail. Zorun slid to all fours, his forehead touching the ground, rasping breaths shaking his body. The younger officer stared at him, face a study in disgust and contempt, then loosed the King's Guard's limp, fractured tail, throwing it against the gashed and bitten back with revulsion.
Without saying a word, he rose and flew, slowly, unsteadily, back to the city. Zorun watched him go, eyes wide with a slightly disbelieving, unwonted respect. Hijau had beaten him. Hurt and humiliated as he'd been, nevertheless the smaller, slighter, weaker male had beaten him…
Back at the empty suite Hijau sluiced the blood and semen from his body and almost fell into bed, carefully not thinking about what had just happened. Exhausted and aching, he curled up, pulled the covers over him and immersed himself in Zha'haarak's scent, weeping silently but - strangely - less stressed than he'd been since the family had left.
For once he slept deeply, dreaming of holding his bondmate. He could almost feel the cool smooth skin against his own…
Radittsu bit his lip, holding his bondmate and Zha'haarak as closely as he could. Both of them were shaking and utterly exhausted: the gentle zn'hre was semi-conscious, tears streaming down his face; the king clung to his bondmate, gasping, limp with fatigue and stress. Zha'haarak - and through him Zha'haabron, who'd tried to take some of the pain into his own mind, to make the whole thing easier for his host-sib - had *felt* everything that had happened to Hijau, as it had happened…
Jeice had hustled the children and Leteetza out of the suite as soon as he realised that what was happening wasn't going to be over quickly, and led them all to a communal meeting and eating area. 'leesaan snagged a passing gn'ick'lehe, requesting cold drinks for everyone, then Leteetza had turned to the subo enquiringly. He grimaced.
"It seems to be a side effect of the bond between Saiya-jin and R'ren'nkh'ia-jin. Zha'haarak could feel everything that was happening to Hijau-sama."
The female frowned.
"You could tell?"
He nodded.
"I have grown close to his highness while we have been here."
… hn… Wonder what Hijau will make of that?... she thought to herself. "So what was happening?"
Jeice glanced at the children.
"Hijau-sama and Zorun-sama. They… fought."
"But a fight wouldn't be enough to reduce Zha'haarak to a… oh."
She nodded as she realised what the subo meant, remembering what Zorun had done to Hijau before - then scowled. That probably meant something had happened to Mahrayne… If she could arrange a comm link to Vejiitasei, she should be able to contact the transport, check that the Hassinan was all right… Then again, she had Kelapa with her, if it had been anything really serious the warrior would have contacted them…
Fuck it! She'd only just arrived and things were going wrong already! She should have stayed onworld…
Then Ti'ani cuddled into her, his tail looping around her waist, and she knew she couldn't have done it. She'd missed the little brats too much… Then she froze.
"Shit! 'haabron and Kobis! They're still in the - what was it called? Sound chamber? I don't want them going back to the suite while that's going on…"
She made to rise, but Jeice laid a hand on her wrist.
"I know where it is. I'll go."
She smiled her relief.
"Thanks. Tell them to wait in the chamber until someone comes to find them - or, if they want to come back, bring them here."
He nodded and hastened off, raising a few eye-ridges as the lizards he passed shook their heads over his unseemly haste.
He found the two princes deep in conversation, Kobis lying back on a cushion with his head in 'haabron's lap. It was a shame to disturb them, but Jeice didn't want them upset, and the scene in the suite was upsetting. He smiled cheerily as he entered the room: both children smiled back.
"Are you hungry yet?"
On cue, Kobis' stomach rumbled and both children burst out laughing.
"I guess that's a yes," grinned the young Saiyan, stretching and stroking his tail across his friend's face. 'haabron kissed the tail as it flicked across his lips, and Jeice's eyes twinkled.
"Would you like to eat here?"
Kobis glanced up at the zn'hre.
"What do you think?"
'haabron nodded.
"I'd like that."
Jeice bowed.
"What would you like? I'll have it brought up for you."
"Are you sure the grown-ups won't mind?"
The subo shook his head, relieved that 'haabron had brought the subject up.
"They have a little - private business to attend to right now and would rather not be disturbed. Leteetza and the rest are taking a look at the enclave." Well, sort of. One small part of it, anyway…
'haabron nodded and gazed down at the young Saiyan.
"Do you trust me?"
Kobis' eyes widened.
"Of course!"
'haabron smiled and regarded Jeice.
"We'd like a platter of kh'sh'gh in shr'ydk'l sauce, a bowl of i'iyth with shr'aak, another bowl of mixed sgr'oi and h'ki'vi, and a selection of k'kh'ivan. And a big jug of shleeval juice, please. And," he added, tickling Kobis, who giggled and squirmed, "please make sure they're large portions."
Jeice blinked. Then grinned and called down the spiral staircase for Y'istin, one of 'haabron's shr'en'an guards. As the heavy blue head appeared at the top of the stairs Jeice smirked at the little princes.
"You'd better repeat that to someone who understands what it means - and can actually pronounce it all!"
Ti'aasaan held Zha'haarak tenderly: the gentle zn'hre had eventually fallen into a deep natural sleep, for which they were all profoundly grateful. Radittsu cradled Zha'haabron, who was still pale and shaking, not so much on his own account - he'd experienced far worse in his time - but because of the awful effect Hijau and Zorun's… encounter... had had on his host-sib. And not only on him…
Anxiously, Radittsu laid a trembling hand on the king's swollen belly.
"Are they all right? It didn't hurt them?"
Zha'haabron shook his head.
"They are unharmed, physically. But the experience has left them frightened. In a while I want us to go outside, fly for a little. They find the sensation exhilarating: it will soothe them."
The big Saiyan unconsciously held his bondmate closer, kissing bright emerald hair.
"… Beloved, is the same thing going to happen with us? You're going to *feel* everything I do?"
"I would imagine so. Although since you aren't likely to try to rape anyone it will be less traumatic."
"But half the joy of FullMoon is being able to let loose. It's very violent, both the fighting and the fucking." He frowned to himself. "I suppose I'll just have to stay in control. I'll just have to not fight. At least I'll be with Hijau… Tch', it'll hardly be worth my while going back!"
If, as he'd half hoped, this statement would persuade Zha'haabron to change his mind about insisting Radittsu be on Vejiitasei for FullMoon, he was mistaken. The king pulled himself a little more upright, expression determined.
"I will control it from this end - it should not be that difficult to deal with the *resonances* without letting them pass to the hostlings. You must do as you wish. I want you to take full advantage of the moon." He glanced at Zha'haarak compassionately. "Between us we will care for the Ssii'irin. Having you partner Hijau will make it a great deal easier for them both." He looked towards the door as Jeice cautiously peeped in.
"Is it all right to come back now?"
The king nodded, and the rest of the family came in quietly. Radittsu carefully lifted Zha'haarak and settled him in the sleeping pit, then turned to the hostlings, frowning as he noticed that 'tiisaan and 'viirel were missing. Leteetza grinned.
"They disappeared to find Bri'seiyis a while back, once the excitement of our arrival was over."
Zha'haabron nodded, smiling.
"Of course."
Jeice gestured upwards.
"And 'haabron and Kobis are still in the sound chamber. Should I go and collect them?"
The king shook his head.
"Let them have a little longer to themselves. Last meal will be served in three hours time: shall we go outside for a while?"
Buahan and Kiraz - and 'raadiin and 'jiisa - were all for the idea. Leteetza produced the sunscreen, and within half an hour the family were airborne, watching their shadows on the shifting sands as the sun sank towards the horizon. After an hour Leteetza joined Radittsu and Zha'haabron on their perch on the outcrop, sighing and stretching.
"It's wonderful here. I feel - light. Relaxed." Her face fell for a moment. "Apart from what happened earlier, I mean."
"We will try to keep such occurrences to a minimum."
She nodded, then grinned as her gaze fell on his abdomen.
"Not long now!"
Zha'haabron grimaced slightly.
"There are still over a hundred and fifty days to go."
Her jaw dropped.
"But… You're so big!" She slapped her hand over her mouth, colouring. "Sorry, my Ssii'iin - I didn't mean to be rude."
"You were not. However, you have only seen zn'hre carrying hostlings, who are much smaller than hybrids." He stroked a hand over his belly. "These will grow bigger yet."
She frowned.
"Are you going to be able to manage?"
Zha'haabron glanced back at his bondmate. Radittsu was smiling dreamily, hands cupped around the king's abdomen, nuzzling his hair. The king sighed, then winced as one of the hostlings kicked. Radittsu grinned delightedly at the sensation and kissed the zn'hre's neck.
"I'm sure we will…!"
© 2002 May 10th Joules Taylor
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