Reprisal
Ti'aasaan laid a hand on Zha'haarak's shoulder, frowning as the prince flinched.
"Ssii'irin? Are you all right?"
The gentle zn'hre smiled tremulously.
"I'm sorry… What did you say?"
"I asked if you enjoyed your meal…" The little zn'hre sighed and pulled the prince into his arms.
"What happened, zvi'ch? You've hardly said a word since you returned."
Zha'haarak bit his lip.
"He… he wanted me to claim him."
Ti'aasaan's eyebrows rose.
"And?"
"And I did."
Ti'aasaan winced sympathetically. Zha'haarak's eyes were bright with unshed tears.
"It was awful. I hurt him so much. I didn't mean to bite so deeply… But it happened before I could stop it. And it wouldn't stop bleeding…"
The little zn'hre stroked his trembling companion's hair soothingly.
"Saiyan flesh is so delicate… But he wouldn't have asked if he wasn't sure he wanted it. Or if he couldn't cope with the pain. He loves you very much."
"I know. That doesn't make me feel any better."
Ti'aasaan kissed his forehead.
"But just think - he wants everyone to see that he loves you, wants to let them see he belongs to you, wants everybody to know it. He feels that much for you. That's so… so… zh'antich'a… You should be proud."
Zha'haarak nodded.
"And I will be. But for now all I can see is his blood… There was so much of it. I've never seen Hi'ijaa bleed like that. It… it was frightening…"
The little zn'hre rose and pulled Zha'haarak upright.
"Come on - time for you to bathe." He glanced over his shoulder. "Jeice, would you accompany the prince, please? He's had a fright and needs to recover."
The hash'shavven looked up from where he'd been stroking Ra'vahn's and Za'rayne's hair and nodded cheerfully. He could feel that Zha'haarak was too distressed to want to make love, but half an hour of gentle massage should certainly serve to comfort him a little.
"My pleasure…"
Hijau had ordered Kyuri to ensure that Zha'haarak got safely back to the suite: the gentle zn'hre was still trembling and upset. The female's eyes had widened as she glanced at the captain's bleeding neck, then she nodded and solicitously ushered the prince from the office - returning, half an hour later, scowling anxiously.
Hijau had a pad of fabric ripped from a spare bodysuit pressed to his neck: it was soaked through and he looked a little pale. Kyuri frowned.
"Sir? Can I do anything to help?"
He smiled wearily at her.
"Damn thing doesn't want to stop bleeding… I hadn't realised zn'hre teeth were so sharp."
"Let me see."
Resignedly, he pulled the cloth away. Kyuri winced.
"Ouch."
"You should feel it from this side…"
"Whatever possessed you to… Oh. Cendawan."
"Only partly. I always did intend this, just not in these circumstances."
Kyuri examined the wound, fingers gentle on the deeply-gashed skin.
"It's slowed a little." Which was true, the blood trickled now instead of streaming. Hijau grinned lop-sidedly.
"That's something, I suppose."
"You should take the afternoon off."
He scowled.
"And make myself look weak? Forget it."
She glared at him.
"Nothing weak about it. You've just been claimed, you're entitled to a little time to get used to the idea. Face it, you should be home fucking your mate, not bleeding all over the office!"
He sighed.
"I'd rather wait until it's stopped bleeding. I think it frightened him."
"'Course it did, baka!"
He frowned.
"Is that any way to speak to your commanding officer?"
She sighed in exasperation.
"No, but it's a good way to speak to a pig-headed friend." She shook her head, folded her arms across her breasts and regarded him closely.
"You didn't eat much at midday: I'm going to get you something now. I really would feel happier if you eat it, and you'll feel better for it too. And as soon as that's stopped bleeding I really think you should go home. Sir."
He glowered, then sighed.
"Oh, very well. You'll know where I am if you need me."
The bite was still weeping slightly by the time Hijau returned to the suite, blood beading along the deep indentations, but it was much less alarming than before. The captain was thankful he didn't bruise easily - that was one less worry for Zha'haarak to deal with…
The gentle zn'hre was seated on a floor-cushion, his legs tucked gracefully under him, sketching. He looked up as Hijau landed on the balcony, then struggled upright and limped to hold his mate tightly.
**Zkai'din… How do you feel?** He gently touched the Saiyan's neck, the lightest brush of cool fingers, not enough to start the wound bleeding again. Hijau smiled and kissed his forehead.
*I'm fine, beloved. Healing. And very, very happy. Thank you.*
Zha'haarak's eyes closed in relief.
**I was afraid…**
*I know. You don't need to be.*
**But why are you here? I thought you were on full duty…**
*It was pointed out to me that I should be with the one who claimed me. And that is traditional. Kyuri's taken over for me for the afternoon.* He cupped the cool face in warm hands. *I thought we might do something - special - this afternoon.*
**What?**
*I don't know. Is there anything you'd like to do - anywhere you'd like to go?*
The zn'hre bit his lip.
**I don't know…**
*You've never seen the sea, have you?*
**Only from space**
Hijau grinned.
*Wear a warm bodysuit and jacket - the breeze can be quite cool…*
Everyone had assembled for the evening meal by the time they returned, wind-blown and exhilarated, their eyes sparkling. Zha'haabron smiled at Hijau, gently touching his neck.
"Welcome to the family - again." His eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of the wound, flickered briefly to his sibling then back to the captain. "You are brave!"
Hijau shook his head carefully, smiling warmly.
"It was what I wanted, my Ssii'iin."
The king nodded, then gestured to the heaped platters.
"Your timing is excellent…"
An hour later, comfortably full and relaxing in the bathing pool, Hijau found himself the subject of scrutiny by Kobis and 'haabron. Kobis in particular seemed most intrigued by the whole business of claims, and kept Radittsu and the captain busy for a good half an hour answering questions, with the rest of the children listening in. Leteetza had been slightly alarmed by the depth of interest he'd shown.
"It's a very serious business. Not something you should do until you're fully grown, and absolutely certain you want to claim - or be claimed. It's not something you can play at." She fixed Kobis and 'haabron with a frown. "I don't want you to try anything like it, not until you're a lot older, you understand?"
'haabron glanced at his sire, while Kobis regarded Radittsu and Hijau, pouting slightly. The adults nodded, almost in unison, and Zha'haabron frowned.
"Leteetza is correct. You are not to think of it for several years, at least."
'haabron's shoulders drooped as he humphed.
"But dadda claimed you…"
"Indeed he did. And Vejiita claimed Leteetza, and Zorun claimed Mahrayne. But we are adult. You have a long way to go before you are old enough to do the same."
"Zha…" But it was said reluctantly, and Kobis looked mutinous. Leteetza determined to have a talk with Vejiita later - he had more influence with the brats than she did.
The excitement had died down a little by the time Mahrayne returned. Kelapa flew her back to the suite: it was late morning, and only Zha'haarak and Ti'aasaan and the infant hybrids were present. Ti'aasaan smirked at the females.
"Well, you look as though you've enjoyed yourselves!"
Mahrayne grinned.
"It was wonderful! We hunted, and swam, and the island is so beautiful…"
Kelapa smiled indulgently as the Hassinan spent the next hour talking non-stop about her visit - only pausing when the children returned from lessons for the midday meal.
"'rayne!" 'tiisaan grabbed his teacher around the shoulders and squeezed enthusiastically. "I'm glad you're back. When can we start the bell-dancing?"
Laughing, the Hassinan hugged him back.
"Tomorrow, yes?"
He pouted, but only for a moment.
"I suppose you should have a little time to get used to being home…"
Radittsu, Jeice and Leteetza returned soon afterwards, and minutes later Zh'leet, Gh'veen and a couple of palace servants arrived with food. For a while there was peace in the common room as everyone took the edge off their hunger. Then towards the end of the meal Kelapa started fidgetting, shoving at her mane and rubbing the base of her tail - a tail which seemed… fluffier than normal and which was lightly streaked with pale gold. Mahrayne frowned, a little concerned: she'd never seen her lover like this before.
"Kel, is something wrong?"
The question drew all eyes to the Saiyan - and Leteetza grinned.
"I think you'd better get yourself to the infirmary."
Mahrayne stared, alarmed, and touched Kelapa's arm. She felt hotter than normal…
"Are you ill?"
Kel growled, then sniffed and groaned, rolling her eyes and grinning mirthlessly at Leteetza. From the corner of her eye Mahrayne saw Radittsu staring, his tail flicking from side to side, a strange, almost leering expression on his face. Kel turned to her lover.
"No, I'm not ill. I've just come into heat - I need to check in at the infirmary for some contraceptive." She smirked at the King's Companion. "Last thing we need around here is another pregnant female!"
Mahrayne watched, bewildered, as Zh'leet - with a long-suffering sigh - had quickly organised outdoor activities for the children and hustled them off, sweeping up Gh'veen, Zha'haarak and the new hybrids in the process, with a muttered, "Get something organised, please. I'm not doing this for the next five days!" to Leteetza.
And now the Hassinan was finding Kel's behaviour very strange. The warrior had returned from the infirmary and gone straight into their room, stripping off and taking a long - cold - shower, then returning to the common room naked and sprawling on her stomach on a floor cushion, her tail in constant motion and frequently raised into the air. It was having a most unsettling effect on Radittsu: the big male's erection was blatantly obvious, and if Mahrayne had had Saiyan senses the musky scents of arousal would have made her sneeze… Leteetza's eyes were almost all pupil and followed the movement of Kelapa's tail unblinkingly. The Hassinan tugged lightly at her arm, biting her lip as Leteetza dragged her gaze away from the larger female.
"'teetza, what's happening?"
The little warrior sighed and gestured to the balcony.
"Outside. I can't concentrate in here…"
Moments later, after taking deep gulps of the warm afternoon air, Leteetza relaxed and turned to Mahrayne.
"I guess no-one's explained heat to you?"
"Not in any detail, no…"
"Right… It's like an itch you can't scratch yourself, that drives you nearly insane, and the only way to get relief is to have someone else scratch it. Only problem is, it comes back again a very little while later, and you have to have it scratched again." She grunted. "To be brief and blunt, it makes you crave to be fucked, repeatedly. Preferably by males - females just don't satisfy the urge, though they help in the short term… In a way it's lucky Kel's here - Radittsu and Hijau will be able to take care of her - needs - while she's in season…"
Mahrayne stared, eyes huge.
"But… They're both bonded. And Hijau's claimed…"
Leteetza shrugged.
"Their mates are zn'hre, and they don't understand what jealousy is. And anyway, Zha'haabron's never expected Radittsu to be exclusively his: Rad-san's always been free to fuck others if he wants to. He just doesn’t want to very often, although I don't think he'd turn down anyone he liked. And Zha'haarak is fond of Kel, in his own way, and very grateful for her helping Hijau during the run up to FullMoon: he wouldn't object." She thought for a moment, then grinned. "And I'm sure Ti'aasaan and Jeice will be more than willing to help out, too!"
Mahrayne blinked, carefully not allowing herself to realise that if what Leteetza was saying was true, she could have - 'sampled' the big Saiyan… No use thinking about it now - Zorun had claimed her, and made his wishes very clear…
"And this all starts when?"
"Right now. Kel's already desperate - I think the only reason she hasn't jumped Radittsu yet is because she doesn't want you to be upset."
The Hassinan frowned.
"But I won't be. I thought she understood that."
Leteetza twinkled.
"Better go and reassure her then. Before she starts chewing the floor in frustration…"
And it had to be one of the most arousing things Mahrayne had ever seen, her lover writhing and snarling as Radittsu pounded into her from behind, his tail working at her groin as his big hands kneaded her breasts, rolling her nipples between his fingers, bringing her to orgasm twice before dragging her upright and sucking hard at her neck as he came, crushing her to him as she dug her nails into his forearms, drawing blood as she came again. The Hassinan groaned as Leteetza wrapped strong arms around her, teasing and tantalising her tightly strung body until she too climaxed, thighs clenched tightly together, trapping the Saiyan's hand…
Panting, Kel crawled over to Mahrayne and crouched before her, thighs wide apart, eyes mutely pleading. Swallowing hard, the Hassinan pushed the warrior onto her back and brushed a hand down to her groin, fingers sliding into her as the thumb flicked over her mound… Kelapa came again, almost immediately, quivering as Mahrayne stroked and scratched, intrigued by the feel of Radittsu's semen trickling stickily from her lover's body. Kel pulled the Hassinan's other hand to her breast, where Mahrayne played with a nipple already hard and swollen from the male's attentions: she glanced towards the sleeping platform, unsurprised to see Radittsu now buried in the little warrior's body…
This 'heat' thing was definitely interesting.
Everyone was somewhat dishevelled by the time Zha'haabron arrived back. He smiled around the common room serenely and prowled to sit beside his bondmate - who promptly dragged him into strong arms, biting lightly at his neck. The king raised an eyebrow, then nodded.
"Ah, I see. Zh'leet has taken the children out?"
Leteetza smirked.
"We though it best, my Ssii'iin."
"Indeed. Perhaps Kelapa should be allocated another room for the duration? I would prefer to keep the disruption to a minimum, if possible."
Kel gazed vaguely up at the zn'hre, colouring slightly.
"Sorry, your majesty… I can go back to Guard Headquarters if you want…"
He shook his head.
"That won't be necessary."
Kelapa grinned weakly at him.
"Thank you, your majesty. I'd rather be with friends…"
Kel had become aroused twice more before Zh'leet brought the children back, and first Ti'aasaan, then Jeice, had serviced her, watched by a wide-eyed and almost disbelieving Mahrayne: Leteetza was on her knees, Zha'haabron's shaft deep in her throat as Radittsu shifted within the cool body, holding his bondmate against his chest, the king trembling as he double-climaxed then collapsing forwards as the Saiyan began to thrust. The Hassinan had whispered to Leteetza, as she sat back up, licking her lips with a satisfied smirk, "Why can't Kel stay in our room? I'm going to be with Zorun for the next few nights anyway - I promised…"
Leteetza sighed.
"How can I explain? It's… a little embarrassing for us to lose control like this. Not that we don't enjoy it," she added hastily, grinning, "we do, intensely. But to be entirely at the whim of our bodies - well, it's… kind of humiliating. Especially for people like Kel, who prefer females but can't do without males once they're in season. She isn't going to want to have the scent of everyone she's fucked floating in your room once she's out of heat."
Mahrayne nodded, somewhat wistfully.
"I understand." She glanced at the little warrior's belly. "Is that what happened to you?"
Leteetza growled.
"I don't want to talk about it…"
The non-Saiyans had tidied the room a little by the time the children returned. The Saiyans - and Ti'ani and Le'leen - scented the air curiously as they entered the suite, frowning in puzzlement and focussing on Kelapa, who - to Mahrayne's amusement - blushed! Leteetza smirked at her fellow warrior.
"Don't worry - I'll explain it to them later…"
The evening meal was being laid out as Hijau returned. Mahrayne watched as Zha'haarak's face lit up with happiness - then stared as she caught sight of the captain's neck.
She winced. She could only assume Zha'haarak had claimed Hijau… how had that happened? She wasn't aware of the R'ren'nkh'ia-jin having any such custom… perhaps Hijau would enlighten her?… It must have hurt. The wound wasn't all that big, but it went very deep and was still raw and angry, although it obviously wasn't new. She beamed at the young officer - only to pause, bewildered and a little hurt, as he stared coldly down at her then deliberately turned away, ignoring her greeting.
Leteetza frowned. What the fuck was that about?! Whatever it was, it had to be put right, and quickly: Jeice was upset, Kiraz and 'raadiin were glaring daggers at the Hassinan (not that they knew what was happening, but Mahrayne had obviously done something to annoy their adored mentor), while the rest of the children were looking from one to the other with mixed unease and anxiety.
Zha'haabron eyed the young Saiyan, frowning, then *directed* a question at Radittsu. The big Saiyan was silent for a moment, then shrugged.
*He says it's between them and no-one else should get involved.*
The king inclined his head.
**Then they had better resolve whatever it is with all despatch**
Radittsu scowled at Hijau, who glared back - then turned decisively to his bondmate and *refused* to *say* anything more…
It was an uncomfortable meal, made more so by the undercurrents revolving around Kel - of which Mahrayne was perhaps fortunately simply unaware. It was a real relief to them all when Zorun arrived to collect his mate.
On the balcony, Leteetza hugged the Hassinan.
"What's happened? Is this something to do with Zorun?"
Mahrayne hesitated, very unwilling to tell the little female the sorry tale. She smiled tremulously.
"Um, it's something Hijau-sama and I will need to talk about when I return."
Leteetza scowled.
"You need some help? Want me to speak to him?"
"No… please don't, suserah. We need to sort it out ourselves."
"Well, if you're sure…"
Mahrayne nodded.
"Please make sure Kel does everything she needs to be satisfied, yes?"
Leteetza chuckled.
"That'll be up to the males, not me. But don't worry. Her scent is irresistible… And have you ever known Ti'aasaan or Jeice turn anyone down?"
Kyuri tapped on the half-open door, then poked her head in with a grin.
"Got a minute, sir?"
Hijau looked up from the screen and smiled.
"For you, always!"
She smirked.
"You're in a good mood!"
"Had some good news…"
"Oh?"
"Nothing you need to know - right now, anyway!"
She pouted, then chuckled.
"Never known a male so good at keeping secrets! You should have gone into the diplomatic corps!"
"I can think of few things more boring… What did you want to discuss?"
"I checked up on that ki-manipulator."
"And?"
"It's actually two of them - twins. Names're Tane and Dari. Ayva's confirmed they're as good as the rumours make them out to be." She smiled wryly. "Apparently they're also a bit of a handful. Had to leave Cayir in a bit of a hurry - got themselves into some sort of trouble."
Hijau frowned.
"What sort? I'll not do anything that might pose any threat to the family…"
She shrugged.
"Can't have been anything too bad, sir: no action was taken against them."
"Hn. Where are they now?"
"Here. Apparently they're living down in the alien quarter, using their abilities to help the injured there."
Hijau's eyebrows rose.
"Is that allowed?"
"Nothing to stop them, as far as I know. If they caused actual harm, I'm sure we'd have been alerted. But from what I've heard, they've done nothing but good. Made themselves quite popular, too."
He frowned, chewing his lip, then leaned back in his seat.
"Very well. Have Manzano run a check on them: if everything looks all right I want to meet them as soon as possible."
Kyuri saluted.
"Yes sir." She paused for a moment. "Are you training this morning?"
"Checking out a handful of new recruits - you should have had the notes."
"Uhuh…all right, can I take you for drink when we're off-duty? I have a couple of things I want to discuss with you - unofficially."
"Very well. Until later…"
They flew to a pleasant little tavern on the outskirts of the alien quarter, where Kyuri ordered something Hijau had never heard of - which burnt like fire going down but left a very pleasant tingling in its wake. She grinned as he spluttered, and downed her own beakerful in one draft.
"You'll get used to it…"
"I'm not sure I'd want to!"
"Heh. You wouldn't want to get a reputation, would you?"
He glowered mock-angrily at her, then changed the subject.
"What did you want to discuss?"
She inclined her head.
"I heard from Merica a few days ago."
"How are they?"
"Oh, they've had a wonderful time! Life's a lot easier for them now Gelaga's dead."
Hijau nodded thoughtfully.
"And Rumput's a much happier place. I'm almost tempted to go back myself, see if the old estate's still there…"
Kyuri smiled sadly. Hijau didn't talk about his early life, but she'd done a little digging, and knew some of his history. Most of his friends did...
"But obviously nostalgia's not the reason for his call."
She shook her head.
"No. Fact is, Serendah asked Merica if he'd be willing to take on some of the running of the estate - and 'lend his expertise', I think the phrase was, to establishing a properly-administered warrior cadre on the island."
Hijau blinked.
"They want to leave the military?"
"Gods, no! Merica wouldn't know what to do with himself…" She caught herself and frowned, then smirked. "Well, actually, as long as he has Jagung he would…" She chuckled. "No, what he wants is to get out of the offworld military and rejoin the Guard, stay on Vejiitasei so he's close enough to help his brother when needed. It would mean Jagung as well, of course - you know they're inseparable. Would that be possible?"
The captain considered the matter for a moment.
"I'd have to check Merica's record. Last I remember his conduct wasn't the most exemplary in the military. But I suppose thirteen years of Nappa is enough to change anyone."
"Yeah, into a kill-crazy manic depressive!"
Hijau smirked, shaking his head.
"Such cynicism in one so young…"
"Just for that you're getting another firejoose…"
"Seriously, though, would you consider it?"
Hijau brushed at the tears the second drink had brought to his eyes and nodded.
"We can never have enough Elites. And personally I like them both. As long as the records check out I'd be happy to authorise it from the Guard side. Vejiita will have to give the order for their release from Nappa, though. Get the records to me tomorrow and I'll set things in motion."
Kyuri sighed and grinned.
"Thanks."
"They could have gone through official channels, you know."
She nodded.
"Yeah, but then Nappa would have found out and raised hell. This way is easier for them both." She drained her beaker. "Like another?"
He shook his head.
"Better get home…"
"… to Zha'haarak. How is he?"
She chuckled at the expression of dreamy bliss on her captain's face, and slapped his shoulder.
"I get the message. I'll see you tomorrow."
Kelapa's heat was over, and rather to Mahrayne's surprise, given how prone to teasing certain members of the family were, the whole incident was downplayed and discreetly 'forgotten'. And the argument - argument? Blazing row! - she'd had with Leteetza and Kelapa, with Radittsu glowering furiously from the sidelines, when they'd found out about what had almost happened on Hassina had been resolved. Everything settled into a comfortable routine once again - almost, anyway. Hijau still refused to speak to the Hassinan...
They were in their own room: Hijau wouldn't sleep on the platform when Mahrayne was there. Zha'haarak was trying once again to make him see sense.
**Zk'vissin, don't you think you're being just a little unreasonable - and unkind? She has apologised, after all…**
The captain held his bondmate close.
*Zkai'din, I know the damage parents can cause. And it was a perfectly legitimate question - let's face it, she's no warrior. For all her threats there's fuck all she could have done to stop them. And can you imagine what would have happened to Zorun if those bastards had gone ahead and killed the brat? What would have happened to me?* He rubbed a hand wearily over his face. *I do not appreciate being screamed at by a… a… ki-less female with no sense of propriety.*
Zha'haarak sighed.
**I think you're being irrational**
*Then I'll fucking be irrational!*
**Zkai'din, she's not leaving. And it's unfair to inflict such tension on the family**
*Then I'll move back to HQ…* He sighed at the suddenly stricken look on the gentle zn'hre's face and kissed his forehead. *No, beloved, of course I won't… I'll think about it, all right?*
**You promise?**
*I promise…*
The Saiyan buried himself in his zn'hre's cool, welcoming body, and for a long while nothing more was said.
"Can we speak?"
Hijau glanced up from his meal to find Leteetza frowning at him. He sighed and indicated a seat.
"You know why I'm here."
"Mahrayne."
"Why are you being so fucking awkward? None of it was her fault, you know."
"I know."
"So why won't you speak to her?"
He watched her for a moment, hesitating, then sighed.
"If I tell you something, will you give me your word, as a Guardsman and as a… friend, not to tell another soul?"
Leteetza frowned for a moment.
"You know I can't give you my word if what you are to tell me constitutes a threat to the King or the Empire."
He nodded.
"I know. You have my word that it does not."
"Then you have my word as a Guardsman and a friend…"
He closed the door and proceeded to tell her, in a quiet voice, everything that had happened at FullMoon and since - though not the fact that Nappa had spent years raping his brother, that was still Zorun's secret and shame and not his to reveal. At the end of the account she looked haggard.
"Oh gods… Hijau, I'm sorry. You've lived with that since? It must be hell."
"It's not the most pleasant thing I've ever experienced."
"Is there any way I can help?"
"I don't think so. Just - bear with me, all right? It's wearying, having to stomach Zorun's feelings as well as my own, Zha'haarak's, and through him the rest of the family…"
Leteetza shoved a hand through her mane.
"Right - I can sort of see why Mahrayne's upset you. But could you at least try to get over it? She really did fight her parents, you know, and she would have done everything in her power to save the brat if Marldus hadn't intervened."
Hijau bit his lip, remembering Setela, vividly recalling his own inability to save his brother's life.
"I will try."
The little female stroked his mane and smiled.
"It will make life easier for all of us…"
And Hijau did try, greeting the Hassinan courteously, if coolly, answering questions, accepting the friendship she tentatively offered, if not quite able to bring himself to respond in kind. But it made Mahrayne happier, and having Leteetza explain just a very little of his past went some way to easing the tension between them.
Hijau was in the middle of a meeting with his officers when it happened…
Zha'haarak had got into the habit of meeting Hijau at Guard Headquarters for the midday meal every other day, walking through the palace grounds rather than flying, as Vinas had said it would be good for him to exercise his damaged hip now, while the weather was warm: it might help to minimise the pain once the cold season was on them again. And it was a pleasant walk; the grounds were beautiful, the views over Vejiitamachi quite stunning. The Guard were growing used to his presence, too, greeting him cheerfully and courteously - he'd heard someone comment to a colleague that he brightened the place up…
He was about a quarter of the way to headquarters, limping a little more heavily than usual - he thought he'd maybe lain awkwardly last night, his hip was aching badly this morning - when the female stepped out from the bushes and stood in front of him, arms crossed over her chest.
He recognised her. Long red-gold mane and tail, very beautiful - Cendawan.
Hijau didn't like her. Radittsu didn't like her. Neither of them had been able to bring themselves to tell him why, from which he surmised something very painful must have happened in the past. He gazed at her curiously. She smirked, unpleasantly.
"So you're the little kfick who claimed Hijau. Hn. You're pretty enough, I suppose. But fuck-all ki. What was he thinking of!?"
Zha'haarak inclined his head.
"Might I ask what you want?"
"'Might I ask what you want'," she mimicked him mockingly. "My my, what is he doing with a pathetic little shit like you?" She shook her head. "No matter. I'm here to challenge you for him."
Zha'haarak blinked.
"Challenge me…? I don't understand…"
"Oh, did no one ever tell you about challenging a claim? That's a pity…"
He never even saw the blow coming - the next thing he knew he was on the ground, the side of his face on fire from her punch. Ribs cracked as she kicked him in the side.
"I don't like people taking what's mine…" She punctuated each word with a kick, or a punch - then slammed a knee down into his damaged hip.
He whimpered as it dislocated, feeling something give along the pelvic bone above the artificial socket, automatically grabbing for the hip - and then he screamed as she brought her doubled fists down on his hands…
He stared up at her, only just able to make out her form through the tears filling his eyes. He was helpless and in agony. Again…
She leered at him, ki flaring around her hands, and he closed his eyes…
Only to open them at the sound of a choked-off cry.
Zha'haabron was kneeling beside him, hands gently checking the damage, his powerful body obstructing Zha'haarak's view.
"…what…"
The king smiled worriedly and moved back slightly, enough for his sibling to see Cendawan hanging limply in the Saiya-jin-no-Ou's grasp, face purpling as Vejiita cut off her air supply. He slackened his fingers slightly, allowing her to gasp much-needed oxygen into her lungs. His smirk was icy.
"Why did you attack the prince?"
Cendawan blanched.
"The… prince?"
At that moment Hijau arrived, face pale, eyes wide and haunted, and dropped to his knees at Zha'haarak's side.
*Beloved? Zkai'da?*
The gentle zn'hre tried to smile - but the pain caught up with him and he lost consciousness…
Blinding white agony wrenched him screaming awake. But Hijau was there, holding him gently, murmuring reassuringly.
*It's all right, beloved… I'm so sorry.*
**H… Hi'ijaa…?**
*I'm sorry we had to hurt you.*
The prince managed to turn his head, his vision fading in and out but nevertheless just able to focus on Zh'leet, her monitor held to his hip as she nodded at Zha'haabron.
"Thank you, my Ssii'iin. That's back in place. Ligaments are torn though, heavy bruising, possibly some damage to the nerves… Fractured pelvis, three ribs cracked, broken bones in both hands…" She glared at the king. "The royal ape had better make that h'k'vierch suffer…"
Zha'haabron turned to gaze down at his sibling, very tentatively stroking the bruised and aching face.
**How are you feeling?**
Zha'haarak stared for a moment, then nestled his face against Hijau's thigh and wept.
© 2002 June 27th Joules Taylor
'treasured one'. Indicates deep affection on the part of the individual saying it.
BackSweet, charming, romantic, loving, wonderful, adorable… Implies the willingness to make oneself vulnerable in order to show one's devotion to and love for another.
BackTurvinian - the most polite translation is 'cess pit'. The deep hole in the ground where all bodily wastes, vomit, offal, dead animals etc, are dumped and left to rot. The stench is overwhelming and the air in the vicinity poisonous. You don't go near one of these if you wish to live.
Back