Restless

Wet season arrived with a torrential storm that rattled all the windows and had Kiraz - for all that he'd learned to control his fear of thunder - whimpering and diving between 'raadiin and Ry for sanctuary. The zn'hre had laughed outright and nudged him roughly in the ribs.
      "You want to go snuggle with Rad-san, chibi? Have him keep you safe from the big, bad, dangerous noises?"
      Growling, the Saiyan had punched him. 'raadiin, of course, retaliated, and the situation could have descended into a full scale fight if Ry hadn't grabbed Kiraz by the tail and 'raadiin by the hair and dragged them apart.
      "Take it outside. I want to sleep."
      Kiraz had glanced uneasily at the balcony doors, silhouetted in flickering violet flashes, and subsided, glaring at his aijin.
      "One of these days I'll find out what you're afraid of…"
      'raadiin smirked and lay back, arms behind his head.
      "I'm not afraid of anything."
      Ry raised an eyebrow but declined to comment. He knew, even if the zn'hre didn't, what 'raadiin feared - loss of control. More specifically, having control taken from him. It was probably just as well he was both strong and warrior-trained… But Kiraz was shaking very slightly, and the storm was worsening: Ry reached over him to fondle the zn'hre's inkei. Groaning, 'raadiin pulled Kiraz to him, wriggling to position the Saiyan between his thighs. Ry grinned as Kiraz (forgetting all about the weather) shoved happily into the zn'hre's cool body, pulling them both onto their side so that Ry could slide in behind 'raadiin, slide into him, the two Saiyans shifting in unison - something they'd only recently managed to learn. 'raadiin double-climaxed hard and fast, whimpering as he nearly passed out. Grinning at each other, the Saiyans began to thrust, together, arousing the zn'hre almost immediately…
      'raadiin loved this, they knew. Heh, let's face it, they loved it themselves; over and above the physical pleasure to be had from fucking that cool, powerful body, there was a lot of satisfaction in being able to turn the beautiful, responsive zn'hre into a writhing, trembling mass of yearning flesh…

Next door Ti'aasaan, 'vaasaan in his arms, stood at the balcony door, gazing out into the storm. Zorun had been asleep: woken by the sense of something missing, he frowned at his bondmate, sliding from the sleeping platform to stand behind the little zn'hre.
       *All right?*
      Ti'aasaan sighed and nestled back into the warrior's embrace.
      **Oh yes. I just… storms fascinate me. I suppose it's because we have nothing like this on R'ren'nkh'ia**
      Zorun chuckled, nuzzling the pale green hair.
      *I'm glad you like them. I always have.* He stroked their hostling's mane. *Glad the brat likes them too.*
      'vaasaan smiled up at his sire.
      *It's pretty, papa.*
      Zorun shook his head in bemusement. And pride. Nothing seemed to frighten the little brat…
      Ti'aasaan turned his head to kiss a broad warm shoulder.
      **Zk'viss… I wondered…** He twisted to face Zorun, gazing up into dark eyes. **Would you like… I mean, I'd like us to have another hostling…**
      Zorun blinked, then grimaced. He really should have seen it coming: Ti'aasaan had loved hosting 'vaasaan.
      *It's not too soon?*
      **No…**
      The Saiyan wrapped his tail around 'vaasaan's waist and lifted him up to face level, eyeing him gravely.
      *And what do you think of the idea, little 'un? Would you like a brother?*
      'vaasaan gazed at his sire sombrely, then nodded.
      *Yes please papa.*
      Zorun laughed.
      *Oh, well, I suppose that's decided then… Shall we go back to bed?*

Ti'aasaan wondered aloud, the next day when he and 'vaasaan were sitting with Zha'haarak listening to the rain, if wanting to conceive had anything to do with his actually accomplishing it. The gentle zn'hre smiled, laying a hand over Ti'aasaan's abdomen to feel the tiny, powerful spark of ki that was the result of last night's lovemaking. After all, the little zn'hre pointed out, he didn't conceive every time, only when their feelings were particularly strong.
      **I am so pleased for you** Zha'haarak stroked the claim scar on Ti'aasaan's neck. **It is so good to see you happy**
      Ti'aasaan hugged him.
      **Do you think you and Hi'ijaa might try again?**
      **I would like to, very much. Hi'ijaa is worried it might be too much of a strain for me**
      **Tch' - so protective, these Saiya-jin… though it wasn't easy with 'jau, was it?**
      **No - but the end result is so wonderful… Perhaps I will try to persuade him again**
      Ti'aasaan glanced up as Zh'leet strode across the room, large beaker of faintly steaming glop in hand, and resignedly reached up for it.
      "I suppose Zorun contacted you."
      "Of course." The brood eyed him sternly. "Drink that down. You know carrying a hybrid is hard on you."
      Ti'aasaan rolled his eyes and drained the beaker, grinning at Zha'haarak. Zh'leet folded her arms across her chest and glowered at the pair of them.
      "I want you both to stay warm, and comfortable. No exertion."
      Zha'haarak smiled gently.
      "But I am not hosting, Zh'leet."
      "No, but I don't want any undue strain on that hip. Your trip down south was very beneficial; I don't want that wasted."
      Zha'haarak shook his head with a sigh.
      "Very well. I will be good." Chuckling quietly at her satisfied grunt, he turned back to Ti'aasaan.
      "How is 'tiisaan?"

Bri'seiyis watched as the prince brought the dance to a close, then applauded softly. 'tiisaan grinned.
      "What do you think?"
      The songwright inclined his head. Zhaneer dance was rather different from anything they'd seen before - precisely structured, oddly repetitive, very formal, but with a certain dignified beauty. Much of it seemed to be devised to test the stamina of the dancer - some of the movements were complex and difficult to hold - and the music that accompanied it was… sombre, slow, with many deep notes.
      "I think it will have limited appeal."
      'tiisaan considered the comment, then nodded.
      "I agree. But it's an interesting contrast. And -" he frowned, thinking it through, "- I should be able to incorporate some of the steps into other dances… adaptations of them, anyway. Shall I offer lessons in the art?"
      "Would you like to - and more importantly, can you do so without overloading your schedule?"
      "I believe so, Bri-sensei. And it would be a pity not to allow others access to the art if they so wish."
      "Then by all means let us take a look at the Academy schedule and see what we can do."
      'tiisaan nodded, then frowned.
      "There are records of other forms of dance in the immersion capsule's memory too - some of them quite bizarre, and some I don't have enough limbs to even attempt to perform. I'm going to speak to 'leesaan - and probably 'haavok and 'honee too, I think they'd all be very interested in finding out where those aliens come from. They definitely had links of some kind - cultural or trading, I think - with the zhaneer."
      Bri'seiyis nodded thoughtfully. No doubt the Saiya-jin-no-Ou would be interested in hearing about them too; he'd have to speak to the Ssii'iin. It wouldn't do for Vejiita to hear about such things before the High King had had a chance to investigate…
      The songwright shook his head. Before creating the Academy he'd been innocent of any political knowledge - now he had to think twice and three times before taking any wider action. Ah well. It was worth it. Look at what they were accomplishing…
      "Very well, Ssii'irin. Please ensure your sire is the first to hear the findings."
      'tiisaan gazed at him ingenuously - then grinned.
      "But of course, Bri-sensei…"

"You are sure this is safe? And that it will work?"
      Vinas - fretting at being here on R'ren'nkh'ia, away from what he saw as his primary responsibility, the Ssii'iin and the family back on Vejiitasei - frowned in exasperation.
      "I assure you, Zha'haabron-sama, it is perfectly safe."
      'haabron glanced a little uneasily at Kobis, who was almost fidgeting in his haste to have the genetic 'sunscreen' injected, then back at the Feeodoreean. It was silly, he knew, Vinas was the expert, after all. But Kobis was his bondmate and his beloved and he couldn't help but be anxious…
      The Saiyan chuckled and kissed him.
      *Come now - remember what I said? I want to go flying with you…*
      'haabron shivered and gave in, watching closely as Vinas applied the Hyoujin-designed hypo, then observing his bondmate very closely - eyes widening as the golden skin gradually darkened to a rich, golden-brown.
      It was most attractive.
      Kobis laughed at his bondmate's wide golden eyes and incipient erection.
      *I gather you approve…*
      **You look… wonderful…** He turned to the Feeodoreean. "Should we wait before going outside? Are there any… side effects we should be aware of?"
      Vinas shook his head.
      "Kobis-sama may itch for the first few days, but other than that, there's no reason why you cannot go outside immediately. The change to the skin is fast and permanent."
      The Saiyan grinned broadly and swept his zn'hre up into his arms.
      "In that case…"
      As he took off, Suguri and the rest of his squad filed in, eager for their treatment…

It felt wonderful, thought Kobis, relishing the subtle sense of freedom. The liquid sunscreen may have been non-oily and light, but he'd constantly been aware of wearing it, of it covering his skin. He felt naked without it, blissfully naked. Flying hand in hand with 'haabron, watching his bondmate's emerald hair stream backwards, he was overcome with happiness.
      *Is this far enough, beloved?*
      'haabron paused, hovering above the shimmering sands, and nodded, smiling.
      **Oh, I think so**
      Kobis reached for the zn'hre.
      *Good. Because I don't think I can wait any longer…*
      Dragging off the brief loincloths that were all they wore these days, Kobis pulled his laughing bondmate to him. 'haabron wrapped long legs around his Saiyan's waist, head rolling back as Kobis slid slowly into him, sparking fire throughout the cool blue body. 'haabron came quickly, doubly, the novelty of the experience thoroughly arousing, then began to stroke Kobis' tail as the Saiyan groaned and began to thrust powerfully, fingers digging into his zn'hre's buttocks as he held 'haabron still. He cried out as he came, throbbing almost painfully and slumping against the zn'hre, 'haabron ki-supporting both of them as Kobis tried to get his breath back.
      **All right?**
      *Oh fuck, yes…* Kobis swept the back of his arm over his forehead, trying to brush away the dripping sweat, and grinned. *Can we do that again…?*
      Laughing aloud, 'haabron reached to fondle his bondmate's tail…

'selaan had sought out his shi'iin soon after arriving on R'ren'nkh'ia; it had been a while since they'd seen each other and the young scientist was intrigued about 'jiisa's h'hzien. The warrior had shown no interest in any kind of intimacy while he was on Vejiitasei. 'sel wondered what it was about Bri'sassa that had so enthralled him…
      Probably fellow feeling, he decided after just a short while in their presence. 'sassa was surprisingly similar, in temperament, to 'jiisa - they were both even-tempered, pragmatic and level-headed. There the similarity ended though - 'sassa was exquisite, a tall, slender, deceptively delicate-looking zn'hre, a ki-wielder warrior, and a very efficient one.
      He also obviously adored his partner, standing hand in hand with 'jiisa as the prince introduced his sire-sib.
      "Welcome, Zha'selaan-ssii'irin! I am honoured and happy to meet you."
      "As I am delighted to meet you, Bri'sassa-san."
      The ki-wielder gestured to a low table, adorned with a jug of wine and three beakers, surrounded by floor cushions.
      "Will you join us?"
      "I will be happy to do so."
      The wine was very cold and very good, 'sassa a charming and accomplished conversationalist, and 'sel spent a very happy couple of hours talking with the pair. They were part of the Royal Guard, under Fa'saayen - 'jiisa just rolled his eyes and changed the subject when 'sel asked about the Suguri/'saayen/Ti'zheenan situation - and very happy with their lives. 'sassa listened with interest as 'sel gave his shi'iin all the news from home. At the end 'sassa sighed a little wistfully.
      "I would dearly like to meet them all, to see the planet of your birth."
      'jiisa took his hand.
      "You most likely will. 'haabron wants to attend the next Academy Performance, and the Guard will go with him, of course."
      'sassa looked uncertain.
      "Won't that be in mid-winter? Won't it be… cold?"
      'jiisa chuckled and pulled his h'hzien closer, accompanying each word with a small kiss.
      "You will look beautiful in a deep, soft, rich fur bodysuit…"
      'sel grinned broadly at the blush tingeing 'sassa's face.
      "He's right, you will. And don't worry, the Empire takes great care of its zn'hre."
      'sassa sighed happily, eyes closing.
      "And we have the Ssii'iin to thank for that, have we not? My host has told me horror tales of how things used to be."
      'sel nodded.
      "We live in good times."
      'jiisa smiled, then sighed and regarded his sire-sib wryly.
      "Sorry, 'sel - we have to report for duty very shortly. But will you stay with us while you're here?" He smirked evilly. "I'm sorry we can't provide the same sort of stimulation as Pirum and Kiraz, but at least you'll be warm…"
      'sel stared for a moment, then burst out laughing.
      "Ama!" He swatted his shi'iin across the head, then turned to 'sassa, bowing slightly. "Thank you for the invitation. I would be delighted to visit with you, if it is no inconvenience."
      'sassa smiled brightly.
      "None at all, Ssii'irin. I'd love to hear more about Vejiitasei, if you don't mind talking about it."
      'sel stroked his face briefly, affectionately.
      "I will be very happy to do so…"

**Zkai'da, you are not yet fully recovered**
      Radittsu sighed, then winced as he moved incautiously.
      *Well enough for this. Zkai'da, please don't worry. It's purely advisory.*
      Manzano's report back from the meeting between the Saiyan and Karilun Empires had been… troubling. Outwardly rational and pleasant, the Karilun representatives had nevertheless given the diplomatic corps reason to be concerned. The fact that they sheltered the Warui-jin didn't help, of course. So Vejiita had commanded that the special squads be expanded and retrained, and negotiated with Zha'haabron that at least three battle-trained zn'hre would be seconded to each squad. The Saiya-jin-no-Ou was taking no chances. And Radittsu, as commander in chief of the nitorine-trained warriors, was required to participate in their training.
      Except that he wasn't wholly healed from his last encounter yet.
      Zha'haabron was worried, but didn't dare to let it show. His zkai'da was under enough stress as it was. The big Saiyan pulled him close, kissing his hair.
      *Please don't. I will be fine, I promise. Merica will be there - he's more than capable of taking over while I take a break.*
      Not for the first time Zha'haabron bitterly cursed the fact that he did not possess the necessary skills to help his bondmate in this. Radittsu growled quietly.
      *I love you. I have always loved you, and I always will. Your safety is the most important thing in my life - yours and the brats. Trust me, beloved, I won't willingly do anything that might hurt the family.*
      Zha'haabron nuzzled his mane.
      **I know it, zkai'da** That that little word - willingly - terrified him he kept well hidden. **And I trust you. I always have and I always will, my zk'aida**

A short distance away Le'leen held his bondmate tightly, rocking back and forth as 'zhasaan whimpered, trembling, mind filled with images of bloodshed and death.