Journey
*Zkai'da?*
Radittsu stood behind his silent zn'hre and gently wrapped strong arms around his shoulders, nuzzling fragrant green hair. They were now only hours from Zhane - could see the sun clearly ahead of them - and Zha'haabron was growing more and more tense by the moment.
He was afraid.
Radittsu wouldn't have believed it of his bondmate, but Zha'haabron was terrified of what they would find on their arrival. As the two-hundred-day journey progressed, he'd withdrawn more and more from their little embassy, spending longer and longer here, in the small observation blister, gazing blankly out at the stars. Sometimes he'd fall into an exhausted sleep here, and the big Saiyan had had to carry him back to their stateroom. And now…
Now he was strung so tight Radittsu was afraid he would snap.
The situation back on Vejiitasei wasn't exactly the most harmonious either…
'raadiin had insisted on seeing Ti'ani alone. Ry had protested vigorously.
"We don't know how he's going to react! You might need me there."
The zn'hre had stared at him incredulously.
"You were the one who started this! And what the fuck do you think you could do? In case you've forgotten, hri'vken, he's several times more powerful than either of us. If he decides he's just going to take what he wants, there's fuck-all we could do to stop him."
"But… surely he won't do that? I mean, with 'teetza as his mother and Tia-chan as sire… And the Ssii'iin and Radittsu-sama trained him…"
The prince shook his head.
"You've never *felt* what he *feels*. It's frightening. And that's why I don't want you here. I don't want you hurt."
Ry grabbed his aijin to him, burying his face in the cool neck, almost in tears at the affection that statement revealed.
"But what if he hurts you?"
'raadiin was trembling.
"I think… he probably won't. Well, not much. We're machii, after all…" He sighed miserably. "Well, if he does, you'll have to tend to me."
"We could tell the Ssii'iin."
The prince hissed angrily.
"This is my problem. I'll deal with it."
"Not just yours, aijin - mine as well."
"Don't be so fucking noble."
I love you too, Ry thought to himself, stroking the tense zn'hre's shoulders. 'raadiin suddenly froze, then pulled sharply out of the Saiyan's arms.
"He's coming. Go now."
"'raadiin…"
The zn'hre snarled at him.
"I said go! I'll *call* when… when it's over…"
The zn'hre and the hybrid faced each other across the room, neither wanting to make the first move. Finally 'raadiin, his voice shaking almost imperceptibly, growled,
"What do you want of me?"
Ti'ani moved sideways, slowly, not wishing to alarm the prince, and dropped to sit on a floor cushion, gesturing to another a short distance away.
"Please, sit."
"I'd rather stand."
Ti'ani shrugged, silently dismayed by 'raadiin's posture and scent. He'd had no idea his machii would be so… afraid, so repulsed by his overtures. It would be best to keep this as short as possible.
"As you wish… You are… Are you aware of… my… feelings?"
"'course I am."
"And?"
"And what? You want me to lie down, let you take me? You know I couldn't stop you."
The hybrid drew in a sharp breath.
"You really think that of me? That I'd behave like that?"
'raadiin tugged hard at one of his plaits, an unconscious imitation of Hijau.
"I don't know! I don't know what you'd do."
Ti'ani frowned - then *looked* a little more deeply into his machii's memory.
Ah. Of course. Ry and Kiraz. Although that affair had had an acceptable outcome, it had left 'raadiin feeling… uneasy, uncertain of himself when it came to bedmates - and absolutely determined not to be taken advantage of ever again. And there was a deep distrust of anyone who approached him on a sexual level.
'raadiin had no idea of this, of course. He just called it pride and dug no deeper.
Ti'ani felt like weeping. Sitting here watching the prince, helplessly aroused, the bond strengthening with every moment he spent in 'raadiin's company, the hybrid knew just how easy it would be to take what he wanted. 'raadiin would fight, but his body would submit, just as any zn'hre body would submit. Physically he'd enjoy it. Mentally it would be rape of the worst kind, and he'd never forgive his machii - or Ry for placing him in this position.
Ti'ani would not forgive himself if he came between those two aijin. Then there was 'fallon to consider…
He would not abuse his power.
He nodded and rose to his feet, wincing as 'raadiin, unable to stop himself, flinched back a little.
"I will never harm you, zk'vissin. Come to me, if you should ever want me."
Smiling sadly at 'raadiin's disbelieving expression, Ti'ani left the barracks. Four days later he'd inveigled his way into Mahrayne's little Hassinan-bound group, in the belief that being away from 'raadiin would perhaps make things easier to bear. But even with Jeice's training it had not…
'fallon. Ah, 'fallon…
'fallon was hosting.
It had taken them all by surprise, except for 'fallon, who'd been aware of his fertility for several days, and happily allowed his aijin to impregnate him without advising 'raadiin of the fact. They'd believed he still had at least two years before reaching hosting maturity - until Pasunippu worked out the little prince's age relative to Saiyan years and found he was actually only a matter of two hundred or so days short of the minimum known age.
Zha'haabron had been absolutely furious and had taken himself off to the prairie to ki-blast inanimate objects for a while, to work off his anger. Radittsu had given him four hours then flown after him, finding him glaring, panting, at a large and still-smoking area of devastation. The Saiyan sat on the boulder beside him and gazed around.
*You've not lost your touch. Feel better now?*
Zha'haabron growled.
**You gave me your word you would tell me when his scent changed…**
*And I would have kept my word, zkai'da, but his scent did not change.*
The king swivelled to glower at his mate.
**Truly?**
Radittsu nodded.
*Truly. It's changed now he is hosting, but that's all.*
Zha'haabron rubbed a hand over his eyes; seconds later Radittsu risked sliding a hand under his heavy plait to the nape of his neck, kneading gently at the tight, tense muscle there. They sat in silence for a moment, then the king suddenly slumped. Radittsu pulled him close.
*You're tired and stressed. You should rest.*
**No time. We need to prepare for the expedition**
Their ship was waiting, had been waiting in orbit for some time now, crewed with Hyou-jin, stocked with everything they thought they might need, both on the journey and once they reached the zhaneer homeworld. But 'selaan, Pirum, Kinu and Za'jau - who'd all been promised a place with the expedition - were still on G'geck… Yes, Zha'haabron could have them recalled if necessary, but he was *aware* of what had transpired between 'raadiin and the young hybrid, and *knew* from 'selaan that Ti'ani was - if not exactly enjoying himself, at least coming to terms with the fact that his incipient bond with the warrior prince was unlikely in the extreme to be reciprocated. The longer he could spend away from Vejiitasei the better, and he was finding a certain contentment in looking after Kinu and 'jau. According to the reports from the cruiser crew, they shouldn't be away for too much longer.
And they could leave for Zhane almost immediately.
Zha'haabron shivered. Zhane. More than once he'd woken breathless and terrified from some vague, undefined but nonetheless horrific nightmare, to find Radittsu holding him tightly, murmuring to him comfortingly. And as the departure date grew closer, the dreams came more and more often…
He didn't want to go. He wished with all his heart they'd never found the thrice-damned scoutship. But they had, and now he had to follow through the investigation to the end or he'd never have a good night's sleep again.
**'fallon…**
Radittsu kissed his neck.
*You're not using him as an excuse not to go. Zh'leet and Br'yaan are perfectly capable of dealing with the situation, and Gtislin will be here.* Vinas had almost begged to be granted leave to travel to Zhane with them, and Zha'haabron had allowed it, knowing how intensely fascinated the Feeodoreean was with the origins of the zn'hre. And while they sincerely hoped it would not be so, there was always the chance his skills might be needed. And perhaps most importantly of all, Vinas' team had devised a lightweight visor for Radittsu, which would block out the lunar wavelengths that triggered the ouzaru transformation. The big Saiyan would be safely able to accompany his bondmate down onto the surface.
The king eyed his Saiyan narrowly: it had fleetingly crossed his mind. But in all honesty he could not refuse to go. He was the High King. He represented his people as no one else could. He had to be there.
**I know, zkai'da**
*And it'll do 'raadiin good, having to look after his mate.*
Zha'haabron smiled wryly. He couldn't see that happening, personally, and had decided to order 'raadiin to care for the little zn'hre.
**The hostlings will be born before we return**
*Then that's something to look forward to when we get back. Come now - 'fallon and 'raadiin are waiting most anxiously to know what you're going to do to them!*
There wasn't much the king could do, except make his displeasure known in no uncertain terms, which resulted in 'fallon cowering behind his sire for the next four days and 'raadiin skulking around the barracks not daring to show his face at the palace. But in all fairness, Zha'haabron couldn't really blame 'raadiin: the young warrior hadn't actually known 'fallon could now host. And 'fallon's fearfully bursting into tears when his sire so much as looked at him was upsetting everyone else…
Vejiita hadn't made things any easier for the king either. The Saiya-jin-no-Ou had neither understood nor approved of the expedition, but could do nothing about it. Except complain, loudly and frequently, about losing not only his primary ally but also the hybrids: Le'leen and Ti'ani were both going to Zhane, and Ra'vahn had also asked to be allowed - which at least left Za'rayne, should any situation arise that required a hybrid's special skills…
And Vejiita announced that Kiraz would go with them, as the special representative of the Saiya-jin. Which pleased the Saiya-jin-no-Ouji greatly, given how tense things were with 'raadiin at the moment, and how much he'd missed Pirum and 'selaan while they'd been on G'geck - something that had taken him completely by surprise. He'd been alarmingly happy when they'd returned.
Although Ti'ani in particular couldn't wait to get offworld again, Zha'haabron decided to allow a day's respite before the expedition set off, for Kinu and 'jau to spend some time with Zorun, Hijau and Zha'haarak. The gentle zn'hre wasn't looking forward to losing his hostling for the four or five hundred days they'd estimated the entire mission would take, but took comfort in the fact that Ti'ani and Le'leen would be there and were more than capable of taking care of everyone.
Pirum and 'selaan had arrived back at the palace to find Kiraz there, preparing for the expedition - in other words, sitting at a monitor with Pasunippu trying to learn a few words of zhaneer so that he could at least greet their potential hosts in their own tongue: a touch that Zaheen had thought would show great courtesy to the ancient race. He glanced up at the Hassinan and the zn'hre - who were barely keeping their hands off each other; neither of them had realised, before the trip, how much they'd come to enjoy, and rely on, the easy intimacy they shared - and smirked.
"You're back then, snowball."
Pirum sniffed and tossed back her hair.
"Master of stating the obvious, aren't you?"
'selaan's pupils were huge as he gazed at the Saiyan, a sudden throbbing in his chitsu reminding him how much he'd also missed being fucked. He took a shaky breath.
"Would you like to join us, Kiraz-sama - tell us what's been happening while we were away?"
Kiraz stood with alacrity, ignoring Pasunippu's knowing grin. He sighed apparently-resignedly.
"Well, I suppose you should be told…"
He slid a hand down both slim backs, cupping one warm and one cool buttock and ushering them towards the suite.
He grinned widely down at 'sel, who was writhing and whimpering beneath him. Gods he'd missed the little ama! Almost as much as he'd missed Pirum…
The Hassinan pulled herself to her knees, one hand fondling the Saiyan's tail, the other stroking 'sel's erection, shivering delightedly at the feeling of cool, fizzing zn'hre semen and warm sticky Saiyan come trickling from between her thighs. It was amazing how much you could take something for granted until you no longer had it…
Kiraz growled and thrust home one last time, quivering as he pulsed into the cool slender body, tail wrapping around Pirum's waist and teasing her nub. He pulled out moments later, shifting to one side to make room for Pirum, who eagerly impaled herself on the moaning zn'hre's inkei and leaned forwards to lick and nip at his jaw… He shivered and gripped her hips, then paused, gazing up with vast golden eyes.
"Would you like to be on your hands and knees?"
Pirum grinned and scurried to comply: it was a favourite position, especially when both her bedmates where there - with 'sel fucking her from behind, Kiraz had access to the rest of her… The Saiyan enjoyed playing with her breasts, nipping and sucking her nipples, and his talented fingers at her groin guaranteed her at least another two climaxes. She closed her eyes with a low moan as Kiraz' mouth closed over her left breast, tongue flicking her nipple…
All three of them were looking forward to the long trip to Zhane.
They'd boarded the shuttle with all due ceremony the following day: Vejiita, Zorun and an honour guard had attended to see them off. It was a sizeable group: Zha'haabron and his bondmate, Ti'ani, Le'leen, 'vahn, Kiraz and Pasunippu, Pirum, 'selaan, 'leesaan, 'zhasaan and 'miiron, Kinu and 'jau, Vinas and two assistants, four Feeodoreean researchers, Zaheen, three members of the diplomatic corps and eight guards, four va'ha'da and four shr'en'an …
Vejiita had saluted the High King, albeit with some irritation.
"You will report in regularly."
Zha'haabron frowned.
"Of course."
"Good… Go safely."
The zn'hre inclined his head.
"Thank you."
"… and if they show any interest in joining the Empire, extend our welcome."
Zha'haabron's mouth tightened. Typical Vejiita.
"I think it unlikely, but I will bear it in mind…"
The ship was large, spacious and perfectly adapted for the mission. A large stateroom had been equipped with a massive sleeping platform, and the adjoining bathing chamber had a large pool, but there were also separate cabins and staterooms for those who wished to use them. The recreation facilities were more than adequate, with several training chambers, a comfortable library, and even a small garden room stocked with native Zaisan plants, which 'leesaan and 'selaan were looking forward to examining. The trip would be a restful one, physically at least.
Life onboard quickly assumed a familiar routine for most of them. The Feeodoreeans spent most of their time in the ships labs, the Guard in the training rooms, and the children at their studies. And Radittsu and Zha'haabron had some time to themselves…
If only they'd been able to enjoy it. But the king was preoccupied and tense, and nothing the big Saiyan could do seemed to be able to shake him from his fears.
'zhasaan and 'miiron were coiled together on the communal platform, asleep, with Le'leen watching over them. Ti'ani wrapped his arms around his twin's shoulders and licked his neck affectionately: Le'leen sighed and wrapped his tail around his sibling's waist, inclining his head and closing his eyes.
*Skai'tan…*
Ti'ani paused, frowning.
*Le'leen?*
*Hmm?*
*What's wrong?*
Le'leen twisted to gaze at his twin, expression surprised.
*Nothing's wrong. Why do you ask?*
Ti'ani hesitated, then shook his head. The odd… *feeling* deeply buried in his sibling's psyche was disturbingly familiar, but it would appear that Le'leen was not aware of it - or at least, not yet. Ti'ani eyed the platform: only 'zhasaan and 'miiron were there…
So which one of them was his twin unconsciously bonding with?
He shook his head. It might not be an incipient bond. It might be… something else.
Though what, he had no idea.
Perhaps he should speak with the Ssii'iin… though Zha'haabron was - distracted right now. Ti'ani didn't want to add to his worries. Perhaps he should wait until after they'd made planetfall on Zhane and met the zhaneer. The king would probably be more relaxed, then.
In the meantime, he'd keep an eye on his twin…
*Koi?*
Kinu blinked and yawned, turning over to snuggle into 'jau's arms and nuzzle the hybrid's fiery mane.
*Mmm?*
*What d'you think we'll find? On Zhane, I mean?*
Kinu nestled his head on his little bondmate's shoulder and frowned, considering.
*I don't know. The Ssii'iin's frightened, though.*
'jau's tail stroked the half-Hassinan's back soothingly.
*So d'you think we should be frightened too?*
*No, I don't think so. I think the Ssii'iin's frightened because it's his heritage. But it's not ours. We're ourselves. Different.*
'jau's forehead wrinkled as he tried to work that out - then smoothed as he decided it didn't matter. It wasn't his problem. And anyway, Kinu understood these things much better. He sighed happily and cuddled his koi.
*But it'll be exciting, won't it?*
Kinu *laughed*.
*Oh yes - it'll be very exciting.*
*Zkai'da? Beloved?*
Zha'haabron shivered and turned to his Saiyan, allowing Radittsu to hold him close, kissing his hair.
**We should prepare**
Radittsu nodded, glancing towards the brilliant star, rapidly enlarging in the centre of the observation port. Not long now…
The Hyou-jin communications officers had been broadcasting the ship's approach and mission to Zhane since they'd entered the system, and as the ship settled into orbit above Zhane, a message arrived from the surface. It wasn't much, just a series of co-ordinates - landing co-ordinates, it would appear. Zaheen had frowned as Zha'haabron, wearing a subtly-patterned bodysuit and simple jewellery but with hair unusually elaborately plaited, joined the group in the shuttle bay.
"Ssii'iin, I am a little uneasy. I would have expected more than this…"
He regarded her sombrely.
"We do not know what to expect. Should we assume that we are welcome?"
She closed her eyes.
"I do not know, Sire. But they have not attacked, nor rejected our request to land - that is a good sign, I believe."
The king glanced at the hostlings, their eyes bright and faces eager, and at his bondmate, regarding him with open love and encouragement, and sighed. He should order them all to stay on the ship until he'd confirmed whether it was safe to make planetfall or not. But…
This was their heritage too. And they wouldn't let him face the unknown alone.
The shuttle dropped slowly through the atmosphere, the craft gathering data as they descended. Cool - cooler than Vejiitasei, but with a similar atmosphere. Gravity lighter than they were used to. Light shifted towards the blue/violet end of the spectrum: the zn'hre weren't going to be able to see very well. Humidity - uncomfortably high…
The shuttle landed in the centre of what was apparently a spaceport, although there was so little activity they couldn't be absolutely sure. But a small hovercraft was approaching from what was probably a building: their Hyou-jin pilot opened the door and extended the ramp, and Zha'haabron and Radittsu led the family down onto the surface of Zhane.
It was cold. Everything was blue; even the distant sun looked blue in the azure haze of the atmosphere. A thin wind ruffled manes and varying shades of fine green hair as the vessel drew to a halt nearby.
A single figure exited, loping slowly and gracefully to the newcomers. Zhaneer, as tall as Zha'haabron, skin paler, drifting hair far longer, golden eyes cool and aloof, his elaborate robes rippling. He paused, eyes gliding over the assembled group. Unsmiling, he inclined his head to Zha'haabron.
"We have been waiting for you."
© 2003 December 22nd Joules Taylor
