Converse

"….hurry up….. c'mon, fuckin' hurry up…."
      Radittsu laid a hand on a tense shoulder. Merica was shaking, had been since they'd *felt* the combat back on Vejiitasei. His bondmate was hurt - and he hadn't been there…
      The infirmary comm screen cleared, to reveal an exhausted, battered Jagung, Jecmen at his side helping to support him. Merica growled.
      "What the fuck did you think you were doing!?"
      Jagung blinked, taken aback, then scowled.
      "My duty, baka. I'm the prince's bodyguard - or had you forgotten?" He lowered his head, shame in his eyes. "Not that I deserve the post any more…"

Order had been restored with surprising speed - for which, to Leteetza's annoyance, they had largely to thank Nashi. The King's Liaison seemed to know how to get hold of everyone and anyone who would be of any use, from builders and decorators to repair the suite (Vejiita had suggested they move to another, but no-one wanted that) to a retired Saiyan warrior who might know a little about the aliens. The family spent a somewhat cramped night and morning in the temporary suite and then had moved back into their own.
      Leteetza watched, bemused, as half the brats dived for the side chamber that had been Jeice's, blinking at the soft cries of relief that floated back out into the common room. She glanced at Zha'haabron, who smiled.
      "They've been using his room to keep their most precious possessions safe."
      The Saiyan's eyebrow's rose. Whose idea had that been? 'tiisaan was the first to exit, hugging the box with the bells Mahrayne had given him tightly to his chest. He beamed up at his sire.
      "They're not hurt, papa."
      The king stroked his hair gently, then gazed sadly around the common room. The crystal hangings and decorations they'd brought back from R'ren'nkh'ia had all been destroyed, along with a lot of clothing. The only thing that had escaped relatively unscathed - and that only because Zha'haarak had wrenched it down and shoved it between the wall and the sleeping platform in the first few moments, before the fighting had started in earnest - was the wall-hanging the children had made with Mahrayne. He shook his head, sighing: only his host-sib would have thought of such a thing at such a moment. It was now back in its accustomed place, slightly singed around the edges, but as brightly coloured and familiar as ever. As for the rest - well, the decorations could be replaced, and the new furnishings would soon become familiar. The important thing was that the family was safe.
      Though not all of them. He eyed Zh'leet, who was already preparing drinks for the children. She hadn't said very much, but he could *feel* her grief. She and Gh'veen had grown close during their time on Vejiitasei; it had been a warm, fond companionship, and the brood felt… lost, now. He'd speak to her later about returning to R'ren'nkh'ia, not that he thought she'd want to go, but she should be offered the opportunity - or maybe ask her if she'd like an assistant, perhaps her sire-sib Zh'lata… But not yet. Give her time to come to terms with her sorrow first…

Kyuri watched Hijau pacing, his tail lashing. She knew he wanted to simply go to the cell where their captive was chained to the wall and pound him to a pulp - she wanted to do the same, for Kelapa's sake. But Vejiita had ordered that the alien remain untouched until the medical team had finished with him. The Saiya-jin-no-Ou wanted to know all there was to know about the species.
      She caught Hijau's arm, ignoring his snarl.
      "Sir - I know how you feel. But we have our orders."
      "You don't know how I feel. It's not just me - they hurt Zha'haarak… They threatened everything I hold dear. And I couldn't stop them."
      "I know - and that's why we have to wait. We have to find their weaknesses."
      He frowned, considering the comment, and reluctantly nodded. She pulled him into her arms, offering comfort: heh, so calm and efficient on duty, so fiercely protective of those he loved. For a moment she was tempted to tell him about Kel - they'd both suffered at the alien's hands - but no, that was Kelapa's secret, not hers to disclose. And on second thoughts she wasn't sure it would do either of them any good: the injuries were old now, overlaid with so much else…
      Hijau stilled for a moment, then moved back, his head inclined, and smiled. Kyuri smirked: she knew that expression.
      "Let me guess - he has the all-clear to return to the suite."
      The captain chuckled.
      "You know me too well…"
      She snorted, then pushed him towards the door.
      "Well, what are you waiting for? Go and take him home!"

"And he is stable?"
      "For the moment, yes."
      Vinas' face on the comm link from Hassina looked harried, Gtislin thought, but that wasn't so surprising. Already a Saiya-jin specialist when the Alliance was formed, he'd worked tirelessly to learn all he could about the R'ren'nkh'ia-jin and their hybrids, and his devotion to the family was legendary amongst his own people - and now when he was needed he wasn't there…
      "You will advise me immediately if there is any change."
      Gtislin nodded.
      "Of course, sir."
      Vinas scowled.
      "I'll have words with the Saiyan prince when I return. This is the second time he's caused harm to the zn'hre through his thoughtless behaviour…"
      Gtislin glanced over his shoulder to the silicate-walled low-gravity chamber, watching Kobis massaging his young lover's back: the youngster had insisted on learning the technique so he could be of some use to the zn'hre. His grief and remorse was palpable…
      "Sir, I don't think that will be necessary. He's had a real fright this time: I don't think he'll ever let 'haabron get cold again."
      Vinas sighed and closed his eyes.
      "I should be there, dammit, not here with this spoilt, ungrateful little kg'aigh…"
      Best not to encourage that line of conversation.
      "I can handle things until you return sir." He resisted asking when that might be, it would only make Vinas more stressed. "How is the research going?"
      The distraction worked. Vinas crossed his arms over his chest and frowned pensively.
      "I have not been able to contribute greatly, but the results of the onworld team have been interesting. It appears that of the ki-wielding races, the ki-depletion only affects Saiya-jin - though that being said we can't be certain of the planet's effect on R'ren'nkh'ia-jin. Our brethren are frustrated that Hassina is too cold for the species: without that information our information can never be complete…"

Kobis' arms were aching, and he was so tired… He hadn't slept since the attack on the suite, too filled with guilt and misery to rest. He kept his hands moving on the hot smooth skin of his aijin's back, willing him to get better…
      A gentle hand on his shoulder startled him: he hadn't heard the chamber door open. It was Zha'haabron.
      Kobis sobbed once, then dropped to his knees, head bowed.
      "… I'm so sorry, your Majesty…"
      The king gazed down at him for a moment, then seated himself and pulled the young Saiyan prince onto his lap, holding him comfortingly.
      "Little one, you must not blame yourself. Your instinct was absolutely correct - to take the prince to safety. And had the season been different your actions would have been correct, also."
      Kobis gazed up at him, faint hope in tired eyes.
      "Is… is that true?"
      Zha'haabron kissed his forehead.
      "Of course, young prince."
      "You're… not angry?"
      "That you tried to save his life? How should I be angry? It was a brave and loyal thing to do."
      Kobis swallowed and glanced at 'haabron.
      "Do you think he'll forgive me?"
      The Saiyan was trembling: Zha'haabron stroked his mane calmingly.
      "He loves you, zk'vissin. He will find nothing to forgive."
      Kobis sighed and nestled a little more closely into the king's embrace. Zha'haabron suspected he'd not eaten since the attack either, and was about to ask him what he would like ordered, when a small sigh escaped the Saiyan - and the king realised he'd fallen asleep. Smiling, he shifted slightly to take the young one's weight off his injured ribs, then held him gently as he slept, one graceful hand stroking his sireling's hair.

Vejiita had called for an audience with his immediate family, and Leteetza, 'jiita and 'dittsu toddling alongside tightly holding her hands, and - somewhat nervously - Kiraz and Buahan assembled in the royal suite (Zha'haabron had insisted that Kobis be excused: Vejiita had scowled but acquiesced - he could have words with his son some other time.)
      The Saiya-jin-no-Ou looked - grim. Leteetza glowered at him, but before she had time to demand what was the matter he smiled and gestured them to be seated. Disorientated, they did so, and he stood before them, arms crossed over his chest - then smirked at Kiraz.
      "You fought well."
      The young prince blinked.
      "Uh, I did?"
      "Hijau has told me how you helped him defend the family - and later protected the lizard prince while the others battled the aliens." His eyes gleamed warmly. "I am very pleased. You are proving worthy of your heritage."
      Leteetza smiled wryly to herself. It was as much of an admission of fatherly pride as Kiraz was likely to get - and it obviously overwhelmed and delighted the brat. He reddened and ducked his head.
      "It was no more than my duty, father."
      Vejiita nodded.
      "Maybe - but it was well done. I have decided that you will start training for the Guard, effective immediately." He raised a hand as Leteetza opened her mouth to object. "You will still take some lessons - it is important that my children have a knowledge of statecraft, the affairs of empire and its constituent species, and that you have at least a nodding acquaintance with the administrative side of the Guard - but your physical training will now take place at Guard Headquarters." He paused, biting back a smile at the brat's wide, sparkling eyes and huge grin. "I trust this will be agreeable?"
      "Yes sir!!" He paused, frowning. "Uh, sir? Can 'raadiin train too?"
      The king glanced at Leteetza, who shrugged.
      "The hostling risked himself to fly out into the blizzard with me, to rescue Ti'ani and Le'leen - and used his body as a shield to prevent me being injured. He'd be a credit to the Guard."
      Kiraz pouted.
      "And he's stronger than me. At the moment, anyway. But I'm catching up…"
      Vejiita chuckled.
      "I will speak with the High King. If he agrees - and if we can find a solution to the problem of the cold weather - then I see no reason why not."
      Kiraz saluted - then grabbed his father around the waist and hugged him hard.
      "Thank you!"
      The king smirked and ruffled his mane.
      "I expect good things of you."
      "I won't disappoint you…"
      Kiraz moved back as Vejiita beckoned to Buahan; the little princess found herself lifted into strong arms.
      "Would it make you happy to have Peyaru live here, with us?"
      Leteetza blinked, bewildered. What the hell had come over Vejiita? He'd never been this - expansive - before… Then she grinned. Heh - it can't last, just enjoy it!
      Buahan had squealed and nodded.
      "Yes please, papa! We've been writing and talking sometimes on the comm link, and… and I'd like it if he was here…" she finished, blushing a little shyly. Vejiita kissed her cheek.
      "Then I will have it arranged."
      Buahan hugged him - then looked up, eyes serious.
      "There's something else, papa…"
      He inclined his head enquiringly. She swallowed hard.
      "I'd like Pirum to come and live with us too. She's my best friend," she added in a rush as Vejiita frowned, "and she's female - I get so lonely sometimes with just males around - and she's funny and… and… and I really really like her, papa…"
      The king glanced at Leteetza, who nodded.
      "It's true, Sire."
      Vejiita pursed his lips.
      "I will consider it. If I've understood their customs correctly, she won't be mated for a good few of our years in any case, so her being offworld won't cause any disruption to the Hassinan…" He smirked. "Not that that is a major consideration!"
      He hugged his daughter. "I will not promise, but I will give it some thought."
      Buahan beamed up at him.
      "Thank you, papa."
      He gently lowered her to the ground, then crouched down and beckoned Leteetza closer, holding out his hands to the infants. 'jiita walked over to him: after a moment's hesitation and a glance at Leteetza, 'dittsu joined them. Vejiita regarded them both, then gazed up at their mother.
      "They look well. How do they behave together?"
      She grinned.
      "Oh, they both have a fine competitive edge. 'jiita has the higher ki, of course - but 'dittsu has better control. And a sweeter nature." She smirked. "They both take after their fathers, in fact."
      The king nodded, ignoring the gibe.
      "Good. How do the other brats treat them?"
      Leteetza sighed.
      "As babies. Which is what they are. Za'rayne and Ra'vahn play with them a lot. 'vahn is very fond of 'dittsu - I think he understands the family relationship. As for the rest - well, I know you want 'jiita treated like a king, but I really don't think it's going to happen. You have to understand, the rest of the brats are princes too, we've never needed to make any distinction between them, and they already see 'jiita as the same as they are. I'm not prepared to risk that easy relationship between them all - even if they'd let me! They're more likely to laugh the idea." She sighed. "I know you don't like the fact but it doesn't help that Zha'haabron is more powerful than you. The hostlings will want to know why someone weaker than them should be treated as somehow above them, and I don't know how to explain it."
      Vejiita scowled. Leteetza hastened on, knowing he wasn't going to like her next words.
      "They've also seen the way you and Zha'haabron speak together and - after last night - how you fight together. They see you as equals."
      The king glowered - then, very reluctantly, nodded. Leteetza breathed a silent sigh of relief. He was fully aware that the High King's ki surpassed his own: to be perceived as his equal was, no matter how much he loathed the idea, flattering. Better, perhaps, to accept the current situation and train Vejiita Shinnou himself once the child was a little older.
      And allowing 'jiita to be treated like the rest would also avoid any resentment issues.
      "Very well. Continue as you are. Understand, however, that when the time comes he will be trained as king, regardless of what the others might think."
      Leteetza bowed her head, relieved. At least that gave her a little time to prepare everyone.
      "Yes, Sire. Of course."

"Zkai'din?"
      'raadiin grunted and forced open his eyes: he still hadn't fully recovered from the cold and exhaustion of the previous night. 'fallon shyly proffered the beaker of faintly steaming fruit juice he held.
      "I thought it might warm you a little…"
      The young warrior hauled himself into a sitting position and smiled at his sire-sib. 'fallon was such a pretty little thing, and pragmatic as he was, 'raadiin nevertheless wasn't immune to the hostling's adoration. He smirked as he accepted the beaker, cupping it in cold hands as 'fallon moved to sit at his back, producing a comb and easing it gently through 'raadiin's long, heavy green hair. The warrior sighed, his eyes closing - it felt wonderful. He smiled to himself: everything 'fallon did felt good, the little hostling's presence was soothing and restful and… As gentle little fingers carefully separated his hair into five strands then plaited them together, 'raadiin wondered, for the first time, about taking him as partner. Obviously they'd need someone else, as well, preferably a Saiyan, if they didn't want to produce lots of little hostlings.
      Though the idea was actually quite appealing. And 'fallon would make a wonderful maazi.
      He chuckled to himself. Heh, it'd be some years before they were ready for that! But in the meantime…
      They could still have sex before they were physically able to host offspring, couldn't they? He shivered as 'fallon kissed the side of his neck, feeling warmth gather in his groin…

Tane and Dari were waiting when Hijau returned from the infirmary, Zha'haarak cradled carefully in his arms: within minutes the gentle zn'hre's pain was easing under their ministrations. Hijau watched for a moment, smiling as his bondmate relaxed, then turned to Zha'haabron.
      "They land in less than half an hour, Ssii'iin. Shall we go?"
      Pulling his cloak a little more tightly around him - it was the end of the cold season but there was still snow on the ground, and the air was chill - the king nodded, and together they flew to the spaceport.
      Hijau watched the king as Radittsu limped wearily from the shuttle, smiling to himself at the quiet expression of love and reverence glowing in the beautiful face…
      And the big Saiyan flew to his bondmate, sweeping him up into a bruising embrace, trembling with happiness.
      *Zkai'da… I have missed you…*
      Zha'haabron sighed, ignoring the pain from his ribs as he *basked* in their joined love.
      **Zk'aida…**
      Merica hovered impatiently, chewing at his lip, waiting for them to finish greeting each other: Hijau smiled.
      "Jagung is recovering. He'll be allowed home tomorrow. Ti'aasaan will be in the infirmary for a few more days, though."
      Merica closed his eyes with a sigh.
      "Then I suppose Jagung should stay with him…"
      The captain chuckled.
      "He'll want to be with you too. Why don't you go and see him now."
      Merica scowled.
      "Heh - I need to have words with him."
      Hijau grabbed his wrist.
      "It wasn't his fault, Merica. Those aliens have no scent, no ki-signature, and they're at least as powerful as the Ssii'iin. Jagung fought well, bought us time for the others to get to us. And," he added as the warrior frowned and tried to interrupt, "it would have made no difference if you had been here."
      He let that sink in, then released Merica's arm.
      "Go to him. He'll be happy to see you. So will Ti'aasaan: they're in the same room. Stay with them as long as you want."
      He smiled, closing his eyes, warm contentment filling him. The family was - mostly - reunited: it felt wonderful.
      "This battle's over. We can rest for a while."