Aftermath

Leteetza turned from the viewscreen as Kelapa closed down the link, to meet Radittsu and Hijau's eyes. They'd both heard the conversation of course: Radittsu looked resigned.
      "I'll deal with it."
      "You will not!"
      The big Saiyan blinked, then scowled at the Elite Captain. Hijau sighed and ran a hand down Radittsu's cheek.
      "Aijin, you're not recovered enough yet. And I'm closer to Zorun than you are, after FullMoon."
      Zha'haarak bit his lip, eyes frightened.
      **But zkai'da, the Ssii'iin closed the *link*…**
      *Not completely, beloved.*
      **But…**
      *Zkai'da, someone has to do it. He won't be entirely sane until he's found release.*
      The gentle zn'hre bit back a sob.
      **But he'll hurt you!**
      *Yes. But he won't kill me. He can't, not after we *linked*.*
      **How do you know that?**
      Hijau frowned.
      *I'm not entirely sure. But I'm certain it's so.*
      Radittsu eyed the smaller Saiyan, scowling - then sighed and very reluctantly nodded.
      "Do you want me to come with you?"
      Hijau half-smiled and shook his head, glancing at his bondmate then beyond to the family, the smile fading as his gaze lingered on Zha'zhasaan cradled in Zha'haabron's arms.
      "I need you to look after things here…"

Zha'zhasaan stared blankly into the distance as he had done for the last four hours, gaze fixed, unspeaking, unmoving, and nothing anyone could do made any difference…
      His scream had woken them all, jerking Ti'aasaan upright: the little zn'hre grimaced as his ribs protested, then ignored the pain and pulled the shrieking, wide-eyed hostling to him. Zha'haabron had reached them first, gently taking 'zhasaan's rigid little body into his own arms and holding him close as 'miiron wept silently, one hand tremblingly holding a limp cold hand. Zha'haabron gazed into 'zhasaan's unseeing eyes.
      **Little one, what has happened? What did you *see*?**
      But the hostling had **closed** completely, neither *hearing* nor *speaking*, deaf and mute, motionless and cold. Ti'aasaan was sobbing frantically in Radittsu's arms, Jagung and Merica - who were spending a few nights in the suite at the little zn'hre's request - stroking his hair and shoulders, trying to offer comfort. The king closed his eyes, *focussing* more tightly, trying to break through the child's self-imposed barrier and failing.
      Leteetza, who with Zh'leet and Zha'haarak was trying to settle the anxious children, eyed Hijau worriedly. Her brother was pale and looked haggard: his hands shook as he rubbed his face. The only person who seemed relatively all right was 'tiisaan, who had pulled 'dittsu and 'jiita to him with a contented smile…
      And then Kelapa's call had come through - which explained Hijau's state, though not Zha'zhasaan's, and certainly not 'tiisaan's apparent happiness. Unfortunately it also explained Kiraz and 'raadiin's anger: their ma'issin was hurting and, as Kiraz *told* his friend, if the captain's scent was anything to go by, he was going to be hurt even more when Zorun got home. Leteetza scowled at the young warriors.
      "You are not to take any action. This is something for the adults to deal with."
      "Fuck that! I'm old enough to train with the Guard, I'm old enough to get involved with things that hurt people I care for!"
      Leteetza blinked, then frowned and looked more closely at the pair, noticing to her bemusement that they seemed to have grown, somehow, without her realising it. She nodded.
      "I appreciate that, brat, but Mahrayne is an alien and a representative for her people. You must let us try to sort things out first, understand?"
      For several seconds the warrior princes glared stubbornly, then hissed and growled reluctant agreement. The female nodded.
      "Good. Now, the best thing you two can do at the moment is try to keep your siblings occupied. It's going to be a little - tense - around here for a few days."

Hijau, Kyuri, Gtislin and Zyelenyi were at the spaceport to meet the returning transport… Zorun was the first out of the shuttle, ki a raw-edged purple flare around him. Hijau chewed his lip, then resigned himself. This was really going to hurt.
      They locked eyes for a moment, then Hijau jerked his head towards the distant plain: Zorun snarled and took off, closely followed by the captain. Mahrayne exited in time to see the twin ki-flares vanish into the distance. She bit her lip and glanced at Kelapa.
      "Wh… what…?"
      Kel smirked grimly.
      "Hijau-sama has 'volunteered' to provide your mate with the release he requires."
      Heart pounding - she thought, fearfully, that she knew what that meant - the Hassinan was about to risk asking for more detail when Kel saluted smartly to her superior officer: Kyuri stood before them both. She smiled slightly at Mahrayne, who felt like bursting into tears: it was the first time she'd seen anything approaching a smile for the last four days. But Kyuri's gaze was fixed on Kelapa.
      "Report to Headquarters, warrior. Immediately."
      Kel glanced at Mahrayne: Kyuri nodded towards Zyelenyi.
      "Youngster here will carry her."
      "Can he manage three?"
      Kyuri blinked, then frowned.
      "Three?"
      "'rayne, the brat, and Pirum."
      The little Hassinan peered out from where she'd been hiding behind her big sister and smiled tremulously. Kyuri sighed with mingled resignation and irritation, and was about to speak when -
      "That will not be necessary. Pirum will come with us."
      Startled, Kyuri turned to Vinas.
      "With you?"
      "But I want to see Bu-chan!" the young Hassinan almost wailed. Kyuri smiled.
      "She's visiting with her mother at the moment, Pirum, and won't be back in the suite until tonight. And," the officer glanced at Mahrayne, "it might be better if you returned to the suite later anyway."
      "Good. Then she can meet my team properly." The Feeodoreean folded his arms. "Transport?"
      "Waiting for you outside - unless you'd prefer to have one of us fly you?"
      He shook his head, a brief expression of distaste flitting across his face.
      "Thank you, but the transport will be quite sufficient."
      "In that case I suggest we move. We all have much to do…"

Kelapa stared at Kyuri, her face ashen, for long moments before turning to the wall, howling as she slammed both fists through it. Kyuri caught her as she dropped to her knees, holding her shaking body tightly.
      "There is nothing you could have done. The kings and the Guard killed four and we have one in custody…"
      "Where?" snarled the older female. Kyuri leaned back and slapped her face sharply.
      "King's orders - he's not to be touched. Well, not until he's been fully examined. After that…" She smirked unpleasantly. "Of course, there may not be much left to punish. The Feeodoreeans aren't using any form of painkiller - and they are being most thorough in their investigations. I'd suggest you spend a little time outside the cell - his screams might give you some measure of satisfaction."
      "Destruction of the whole fucking race's the only thing that'll do that!"
      Kyuri's eyes gleamed.
      "I understand that's next on the agenda…"

Vinas hastened into the low-gravity chamber, ready to give Kobis a verbal lashing - but found he couldn't do it. The child looked worse than 'haabron, hollow-eyed, pallid, thin, his whole demeanour one of fear and grief. The Feeodoreean sighed and touched his shoulder gently, thinking to himself that he must be getting soft in his old age. Either that or working so long amongst the aggravatingly emotionally-charged Saiya-jin was taking its toll.
"If you would care to move back a little, young highness, I will see what I can do…"

Mahrayne entered the suite from the balcony, nervous and apprehensive.
      It looked different. Where were all the decorations? But she had little time to wonder about it - 'tiisaan spotted her at the same time as the Saiyans scented her, and hissed with joy, flinging himself forwards and stopping just in time as bright little eyes gazed curiously at him from the baby sling. He blinked, huge-eyed, then beamed up at her.
      "That's your baby? He's beautiful!"
      Mahrayne smiled tremulously.
      "Thank you, sinam." She glanced around the suite: the adults nodded a brief, cool welcome then returned to what they were doing: Kiraz and 'raadiin glared then pointedly ignored her.
      Mahrayne's eyes filled with tears. She knew they'd be unhappy and angry with her, but they could at least have greeted her baby…
      Then she looked a little more closely.
      Zha'haabron held 'zhasaan in his arms, his eyes closed, frowning: even from here the Hassinan could see there was something very wrong with the hostling. 'miiron was at his side, holding the little dreamer's hand, while Ti'ani and Le'leen sat nearby, eyes closed and faces screwed up in concentration. And Ti'aasaan was moving awkwardly; what she could see of his slim body was covered with bruises, and he looked ill. Leteetza simply dripped exhaustion: she, Zh'leet and an awkward-looking Jagung were trying to keep some measure of control over the children… 'haabron and Kobis were nowhere to be seen (not that that was very unusual). But most frightening of all was Zha'haarak, huddled in Radittsu's arms, shaking, tears streaming from behind tightly closed eyelids, whimpering, his hands clenched over his ears. Biting her lip, Mahrayne bent to whisper to 'tiisaan,
      "What's happened, sinam?"
      The little dancer's face fell.
      "Didn't anyone tell you? We were attacked while you were gone…" And the Hassinan sank down onto the nearest floor cushion, horrified, as the zn'hre told her all about the attack on the suite by the ki-blank aliens, and how 'dittsu and 'jiita and dada Zhak were almost kidnapped, and Gh'veen was killed, and how 'haabron was very ill but now Vinas was back he'd be all right soon…
      "What’s the matter with 'zhasaan?"
      He sighed.
      "We don't know. 'ani and 'leen have been trying to *get through* to him, but what they're *seeing* doesn't make sense…"
      She swallowed hard, then whispered,
      "And Zha'haarak-sama?"
      'tiisaan lowered his eyes.
      "He's hurting 'cause Hi'ijaa's hurting. Zorun-sama's hurting him." he added helpfully.
      Oh gods… what had she done…?
      "But I'm all right." the little dancer said with a diffident smile. "It was very strange. The same time 'zhasaan screamed I was dreaming." He frowned. "At least, I think it was a dream. You were with me, holding my hands and we were dancing. Only it wasn't quite you. You didn't have any beads."

Leteetza knew she should greet Mahrayne, but 'tiisaan was doing a fine job of telling the Hassinan what had happened - and the repercussions of her own actions. It wouldn't do any harm at all for her to think it over for a minute or two…
      Mahrayne sat for a while when the little dancer had finished, her scent a mix of appalled, contrite and terrified, then gathered her courage and walked hesitantly to the little warrior, stopping at the foot of the sleeping platform and kneeling, bowing as far as she could with Kinu in his sling.
      "Leteetza-sama… I… I am so sorry. I would do anything to undo the harm I have caused."
      Leteetza twisted sharply to glare at Kiraz' growl, turning back to the Hassinan as he subsided, resentment clear in his scent. She stared at Mahrayne for a long moment, then sighed. They'd had too much grief just recently to willingly cause more.
      "Let me see him."
      Mahrayne blinked, then realised Leteetza was holding her hands out for Kinu. Swallowing hard - of course the Saiyan wouldn't hurt her child! - she lifted him from the sling and nervously handed him over. The little female nuzzled his neck, making him squirm and giggle, scenting him, then raised him to eye level.
      "Well aren't you a handsome brat? Just like papa." She glanced down: 'dittsu and 'jiita were watching curiously. Leteetza smiled and cradled the little hybrid in her arms. "Come and meet Kinu."
      The pair scrambled over and pulled themselves upright, leaning against their mother as they peered at the baby - soon to be joined by Za'rayne and Ra'vahn, who - to Mahrayne's astonishment - flew over to gaze at the youngest hybrid. She hadn't realised they were so advanced. She wondered, fleetingly, if Kinu would be able to fly - and if so, when?
      Little by little the rest of the children came quietly over to meet the new arrival - and greet Mahrayne, though in a somewhat subdued manner. All except those with Zha'haabron, that is, and Kiraz and 'raadiin, who glowered at her angrily and refused to go near. And finally Ti'aasaan gingerly moved closer, smiling tiredly.
      "I'm glad you're back safely. And I'm glad you weren't here when…"
      His eyes closed as he shivered, then reached to stroke Kinu's mane, his voice a low murmur.
      "Hello, little one."
      The baby smiled up at him, tail wrapping momentarily around a slender wrist, and the zn'hre touched his nose gently and glanced at Mahrayne.
      "He's beautiful."
      "Thank you." she whispered as Leteetza handed him back gently. The little Saiyan rubbed her eyes and glanced at the children.
      "You could help out by keeping that lot occupied for a while. I have got to get some sleep before I drop."
      Mahrayne nodded, heart lifting slightly.
      "Would you like to hear a story…?"

They'd missed her stories, it seemed. They kept asking for more. And Mahrayne, almost pathetically grateful for the illusion of forgiveness and normalcy, was perfectly happy to keep on telling them… If nothing else, it gave Leteetza and Jagung a chance to rest, the little warrior dropping into a deep sleep almost instantly, while Jagung curled himself around Ti'aasaan, stroking very gently at bruised skin as the zn'hre relaxed back against his weary bondmate. Nestling Kinu close, wincing every time Zha'haarak whimpered in Radittsu's arms, the slight movements of his body echoing what was happening to his bondmate out on the snowy plain, the Hassinan talked for hours, weaving tales to keep the children amused…

The breakthrough came after most of them were asleep.
      As he had been doing for the last four days, Zha'haabron held himself *motionless*, stillpoint and anchor for Ti'ani and Le'leen as they struggled through the morass of sensory echoes in Zha'zhasaan's mind…
      **This would be easier** Le'leen *panted* to his twin, **if we had any idea where one of these things ends and the next starts!!**
      Ti'ani sighed: his sibling was quite right…
      They'd woken silently just after the furore, instantly *aware* - of the image of Mahrayne's twin that danced with 'tiisaan in some space that wasn't quite in the dancer's mind; of the violent surge of Zorun's rage that had ripped through Hi'ijaa; and of the sudden explosion of images/sounds/scents that flooded through the little dreamer's *being*…
      Making sense of the jumbled mess was proving very difficult. There were images of destruction there - of planets, of civilisations, of individuals: they were sure one of the worlds was Hassina, though how they knew it they couldn't tell. Overwhelming the images of death were others of life, of birth, intertwined with a twisted thread made of other threads plaited together - gold, blue, green, silver, red and purple - that seemed to touch everything, other threads spinning off into light-filled distances. And there were tiny flashes of almost-familiarity - Radittsu and Zha'haabron on a beach, Jeice dancing on a blue desert, Vejiita gazing down upon a strange planet - interspersed with the entirely alien - faces that were eerily, hauntingly familiar but which they'd never seen, the colours all wrong, the voices strange… and throughout there was one stable image, a bright-ringed world of many moons…
      **I need a rest**
      Le'leen jumped: he'd been focussed on a set of images he found very disturbing, big winged creatures soaring over a mountainous landscape, and had momentarily lost touch with his twin. He *frowned*.
      **We can't. We have to find him**
      **Huh?**
      Le'leen blinked, then smiled. He'd *said* it instinctively, but it made sense. Somewhere in this mess was Zha'zhasaan, and they had to find him. If they could just do that, Zha'haabron would be able to guide them all back.
      But where would he be?
      **Ssii'iin, if 'zhasaan was to hide, where would it be?**
      Zha'haabron - who'd been *following* the twins' explorations with fascination and not a little anxiety - thought for only a moment before smiling.
      **The mountains. On R'ren'nkh'ia, where he found the zhaneer vessel**
      *Nodding* thanks, the twins began to *search*…
      The peak was covered with snow, but the little dreamer sat oblivious, eyes gazing vacantly into the distance. Ti'ani landed beside him, touching his shoulder gently. Golden eyes blinked and focussed, and the zn'hre smiled.
      It's beautiful here. Look…
      A slender hand pointed towards the featureless horizon. As Le'leen joined them, Ti'ani frowned and shook his head.
      It's not the most interesting scene I've ever seen, zk'vissin.
      Oh but it is! 'zhasaan insisted. Pure, clean, uncluttered…
      The hybrids exchanged a glance. Well, that made sense since it was the vast frantic conglomeration of images in his mind that had driven him here in the first place…
      Will you come back with us, zk'vissin?
      The zn'hre whimpered and covered his face with his hands.
      I can't…
      Why not?
      Didn't you see, on your way in? All those… things…
      Ti'ani laid a comforting arm across his shoulders.
      Yes, we saw. What are they all?
      The future.
      Le'leen blinked.
      What…?
      'zhasaan sighed.
      Things that are going to happen. The future.
      You can't see the future!
      'zhasaan pulled his hands away from his face and regarded them calmly.
      I can.
      There was a moment's disconcerted silence, then tears trickled from the big golden eyes.
      But I don't want to…
      Zha'haabron was suddenly before them, his powerful, serene *presence* infinitely comforting. He knelt to gather them into his arms.
      You have done well, all of you. But now it is time to come home. He smiled gently at the apprehensive 'zhasaan. I will seal the foreknowledge, the future memories from your conscious mind, little one, until you are able to deal with them yourself. Yes - he answered the unspoken question - there will come a time when you will want to, but that day is yet distant. I will not have your life blighted in the meantime.
      His eyes glowed…

And Zha'zhasaan sighed and crumpled in his arms, finally falling into a natural sleep. Radittsu smiled at his bondmate.
      *All well?*
      Zha'haabron shook his head slightly, resting back on a pile of pillows as Ti'ani, Le'leen and 'miiron snuggled close and collapsed into sleep.
      **It will be some time before he returns to anything like normal, zkai'da. He's seen the future - not one event at a time, or even several events in sequence, but all at once**
      The big Saiyan frowned, nestling the weeping, trembling Zha'haarak closer to his warmth.
      *How do you know?*
      The king frowned, dragging another fur over the exhausted hostling in his arms.
      **I… don't know. I just *know***
      Radittsu nodded, then inclined his head.
      *What did you *see*?*
      Zha'haabron regarded him levelly, and smiled.
      **You mean, did I see our future?**
      His bondmate chuckled quietly.
      *Of course.*
      The king closed his eyes wearily.
      **Glimpses, yes. Nothing was clear. But you were with me in times still to come - distant from now**
      The Saiyan sighed, part relief, part satisfaction.
      *That's good.* He reached a hand to his zkai'da, brushing a lock of emerald hair back from the beautiful face. *You're exhausted. Will you sleep?*
      **You, also**
      *Heh - but I haven't had to trek through the future to find a little lost lizard!*
      Zha'haabron smiled.
      **Ti'ani and Le'leen did most of the work…**
      Radittsu scowled.
      *Stop arguing and get some sleep, will you! You can take over from me tomorrow - I'll rest then.*
      **If you are sure…**
      The big Saiyan growled mock-warningly. His bondmate gave in gracefully.

"I want us to get back to normal as quickly as we can. When will you be up to resuming your teaching duties?"
      Leteetza - and Mahrayne, and the other adults - had been woken at first light by excited hissing as the hostlings woke to find Zha'zhasaan soundly asleep cuddled against his sire, 'miiron at his side and Ti'ani and Le'leen snuggled together. Radittsu, eyes heavy with exhaustion, had hushed them, grinning widely, and cuddled the gentle zn'hre to him; Hijau - and therefore Zha'haarak - was obviously sleeping. Brilliant sunslight streaming through the balcony doors added to the feeling of quiet celebration: the cold season had ended at last.
      Swallowing the last of a beaker of meaty glop, Mahrayne considered the question. She was still aching, but the worst of the pain was over, and the sooner she started being useful again the sooner the awful sense of guilt would ease.
      "The day after tomorrow?"
      Leteetza raised an eyebrow sceptically.
      "Really."
      Mahrayne nodded.
      "Yes, 'teetza. I'm nearly recovered."
      The little female snorted.
      "That's not what I heard. Vinas thinks you need at least a hundred days to fully recover."
      Mahrayne scowled.
      "I think I know my own body better than him…" Her voice tailed off at the cold expression on Leteetza's face.
      "Regardless of your opinion of him, Vinas is the expert here. He's worked closely with the G'gecks to learn all he can about Hassinan physiology. It was Vinas who made it possible for Zha'haabron and Radittsu to have their own hostlings, who treated Jeice after he was freed, who will be responsible for Kinu's health, and that of all the hybrids. And he's the royal physician. Vejiita insisted he go with you, because he didn't want to risk any harm coming to the first Hassinan-Saiya-jin hybrid - and because you are important to the Alliance." She growled. "We needed him here after the attack: his team are good, but they don't have his vast knowledge. Now, you will listen to him, and you will treat him with the respect due his position and expertise, or you will answer to me - in the first instance, anyway. Do you understand?"
      Blanching, Mahrayne nodded, eyes wide and fearful. Leteetza glowered at her for a moment, then relaxed and smiled.
      "Good. Now, as to you starting up the lessons again… If you really think you can cope, your help would be appreciated. Za'rayne and Ra'vahn are old enough to join the classes now, and I'd like 'dittsu and 'jiita there, if only for an hour or so, to get used to the routine. Pasunippu will be joining us too, and in twenty days or so Peyaru will be moving here from the North: Vejiita wants him to take classes with the others. And of course Pirum's here now as well. I've spoken with Ubi, and she wants a couple of other Thinkers to help: she wants to discuss that with you before making a selection."
      Mahrayne inclined her head, frowning slightly as she considered the ramifications of the enlarged class.
      "May I speak with her? Perhaps later today?"
      Leteetza nodded.
      "I'll contact her. I'll check with Vinas too, get his opinion on how fit you are to return to work. He'll probably want to give you an examination first."
      Mahrayne nodded, biting her lip. Leteetza smirked.
      "Oh, don't worry. He'll have Ayva perform any sort of internal examination - he's not completely lacking in consideration. Nor is he vindictive."
      The Hassinan managed a relieved, trembling smile. Leteetza eyed Kinu, contentedly feeding as 'tiisaan stroked his mane.
      "What will you do with the brat while you're teaching?"
      Mahrayne blinked, surprised by the question.
      "He'll come with me, of course."
      "Hn. all right - but if you need a break, there's plenty of help here. Ti'aasaan and Zha'haarak will be more than willing to take him off your hands for an hour or two. Heh, I can take him myself if you're desperate."
      Mahrayne smiled. Leteetza was gazing at the cub, her eyes soft.
      "Thank you, suserah. And thank you for your patience, and your forgiveness."
      The Saiyan shrugged.
      "We don't hold grudges, 'rayne. Just make sure you listen in future."

The following morning Kelapa returned to the suite. Mahrayne smiled tremulously in welcome - but waited to see what sort of mood the warrior was in: Kel looked grim and angry and very very tired. She greeted Leteetza with a salute, then a hug. The little warrior eyed her narrowly.
      "You're not all right."
      "No. But I will be."
      "You sure?"
      "Yeah." The tall warrior's head turned, eyes settling on the Hassinan's face, and she smiled wearily - to Mahrayne's almost tearful joy. Leteetza smirked.
      "Go on. Ubi can handle the brats for today."
      "You sure?"
      Leteetza slapped her backside.
      "If I wasn't, I wouldn't have said it. Get."

But as it happened they only had a couple of hours in 'their' room before Kelapa froze, nostrils twitching, then grimaced.
      "We'd better go through…"
      Puzzled, Mahrayne followed the warrior though into the common room, in time to see Zorun arrive back - bruised, bloody, but calm and under control again - with Hijau cradled in his arms.
      Mahrayne stared, breathless, Kinu hugged tightly to her, watching as her mate very gently, very carefully, handed Hijau's limp body over to Radittsu. The captain was almost unrecognisable under the blood and dirt.
      Zorun and Radittsu shared a look, then the King's Guard stroked Hijau's face - tenderly, she thought - and knelt before Zha'haarak as Radittsu carried his aijin through to the bathing chamber.
      "Your highness… I thank you for your generosity and compassion. After my king, my life is yours."
      The gentle zn'hre, trembling in Zha'haabron's arms, pale and exhausted with pain-filled eyes, inclined his head gracefully.
      "Thank you, Zorun-san. I trust you are recovered?"
      Zorun's eyes closed.
      "Yes, your highness. Though I deeply regret the manner of it…"
      The prince raised a hand.
      "It is part of you, Zorun-san. We are glad that we could help." His eyes - gentle and forgiving - flickered to Mahrayne. "Perhaps you should spend some time with your son."
      Zorun glanced back over his shoulder, then smiled at the prince.
      "I would like that, your highness."
      "Then please, go to him."
      Kel sighed as the big male rose and limped towards them.
      "Ah well. I'll see you again soon."
      The Hassinan clutched her wrist, swallowing hard, scent fearful.
      "Kel…"
      The female growled quietly.
      "He won't hurt you, not now. And he needs you - and you need him. So does Kinu. Go with him."
      As Zorun gathered his mate and son into his arms, Kelapa returned to Guard Headquarters. With a little luck Kyuri would be free tonight…

Zha'haarak limped into the bathroom and slid into the hot water, nestling close to Radittsu where the big male was laving water over Hijau's lacerated chest and arms. The gentle zn'hre stroked a hand tenderly through his bondmate's mane and gazed up at Radittsu with sorrowful eyes.
      "He's hurting so much…"
      The big Saiyan sighed.
      "I know, little one. But none of it's serious. He'll be fine in a couple of days."
      They both fell silent as Hijau stirred, groaning, eyes flickering open and turning directly to his zn'hre. He managed a small smile.
      *Zkai'da…*
      Zha'haarak caught one bruised, abraded hand and raised it carefully to his lips, kissing the broken skin.
      **I love you…**
      Hijau sighed and pulled him closer, then glanced up at Radittsu, his voice hoarse.
      "I'd like to rest now."
      The big Saiyan grinned and rose to his feet, lifting the smaller male easily and enveloping him in a light ki-haze to dry him. Not as sensual or satisfying as the feel of soft fabric over water-sensitised skin - but a lot less painful right now.
      "Then let's get you to bed."
      Minutes later Hijau lay on his less-painful side with his beloved nestled closely against his back, cool body easing the aches of bruised ribs and spine and tail. He smiled to himself as he drifted to sleep. He'd be recovered in two or three days - and then they'd make that long-awaited appointment with Vinas…