Aftermath 2

"... never again..."
      Leteetza gritted her teeth, growling as another strong contraction swept through her body. Vinas eyed his monitor and nodded.
      "Not long now, my lady."
      "Thank fuck for that."
      Radittsu nuzzled her mane - Vejiita had grudgingly allowed him to be there for the birth of his daughters - and shifted her slightly in his arms.
      "It was your choice to have me sire them, little warrior!"
      "Yeah, thanks for reminding me..." She growled again, bearing down then grunting as the first of the twins slid into the world. Ayva wrapped the baby in a soft cloth, holding her closely as the second was born. Leteetza slumped back against Radittsu's big body, sighing with relief as Vinas checked her over: the big Saiyan chuckled quietly, eyes on the two bundles in Ayva's arms, bundles that seemed right now to be all mane and long black tail.
      "Thank you, aijin. They're beautiful."
      "Of course you'd say that, you're their father." She held out her arms for them, snorting softly as they both began to feed. "Got your appetite too, by the feel of things... Though you're right, they are beautiful."
      The twin girls were big, their manes black like their father's, but when the light caught their eyes there was a sheen of deep emerald. Radittsu stroked the infants with his tail.
      "What are you going to call them?"
      "What would you like them to be called?"
      He thought for a moment, then kissed her ear.
      "One should have your name."
      "I hate my name."
      He blinked.
      "You never said!"
      "No point. But I wouldn't wish it on any child of mine. I like the idea of Radiza, though."
      He smirked.
      "Heh... thanks... what about Mara?"
      "Mara..." Leteetza murmured the name a few times under her breath. "Mara and Radiza. Yes, I think I like that."
      "Pretty names for pretty brats." Ayva grinned at the parents. "Healthy ones, too. Then again, when are they not?" She hesitated for a moment. "Where will you be staying, Leteetza-sama?"
      "In the Royal Wing - the Saiyan one." She twisted to grimace at Radittsu. "Sorry. He won't let me stay with the family overnight."
      The male kissed her forehead.
      "I know. It can't be helped. Can you visit during the days?"
      "Yes. And once they're weaned, I'd like them to spend at least half their time with you, day and night, if the Ssii'iin doesn't mind."
      "'bron will be happy to have them share the family's life. Zha'haarak is already looking forwards to helping care for them."
      "It won't be too much for him?"
      "He doesn't think so, but we'll keep an eye on the situation. 'bron won't let him do too much."
      "Good." She yawned, then eyed Vinas. "I really want to get back home."
      The Feeodoreean nodded.
      "You are well, the babies are strong and healthy - I see no reason why not. Although I would like to see you in a few days, to check all continues well - and of course you will contact me immediately should you be worried about anything."
      "Of course." She grinned at Radittsu. "Want to escort me back?"
      "Will Vejiita allow it?"
      "Oh yes. Though my own guard will accompany us, of course."
      Sighing, he held his now-drowsing daughters as Leteetza slid gingerly into her bodysuit and they walked carefully from the infirmary, gathering up the King's Companion's honour guard as they went...

Later that night Vinas was interrupted in the middle of a long-term genetic research project by a trio of Saiyan Elite guards who insisted, politely but inexorably, that he accompany them to the Saiyan Royal wing: his objections were ignored, and neither would they tell him why he was wanted. Irritably, he grabbed his medikit and allowed them to hurry him along...
      Leteetza was sitting beside Buahan, who was leaning back against her terrified mate, teeth gritted as contractions speared through her hugely distended abdomen: it hadn't come as much of a surprise that the princess had conceived twins, since it ran in the family. The little warrior smirked as the Feeodoreean arrived.
      "Keeping you busy tonight..."
      Vinas quickly scanned the princess, then nodded at the Saiyans.
      "All is proceeding well." He eyed Buahan. "If you are in pain I can administer relief."
      "No..." it was gasped, and Peyaru nuzzled her neck. "But get Pirum..."
      Blinking but not prepared to argue, Leteetza *called* Ry, who had 'raadiin pass the message to 'sel, who had Kiraz fly Pirum to the Royal wing. A very few minutes later the Hassinan was sitting on the bed beside her friend, holding her hands. She smiled at the young male.
      "I've seen lots of birthings, Peyaru-sama. I can help."
      Vinas eyed her sceptically, then sighed silently and handed her a soft cloth.
      "Very well - but please do not get in my way."
      Luckily the whole process was fast, the babies - both female, to the parents' joy - small but as usual perfectly healthy. Their manes were more like their father's than Buahan's upswept crest, and their long tails were tipped with white, to Pirum's softly-exclaimed delight as she gently handed the first baby over to Buahan: Vinas placed the second in the beaming father's arms. Peyaru snuggled the baby close, breathing in her scent.
      "Mandaari."
      Buahan, pale and weary, glanced up from scenting the baby she held and eyed him quizzically.
      "Mandaari?"
      He kissed her.
      "It was my great-grandmother's name. She was a wonderful person." He hesitated for a moment. "You don't mind, do you?"
      She shook her head.
      "Mandaari is pretty. Mandaari - and Zakuro."
      He tried the name under his breath, then smiled.
      "I like that."
      Buahan nodded decisively.
      "That's decided then." She grinned at Leteetza. "Would you mind telling father?"
      Leteetza chuckled.
      "Of course not. Though you could wait and tell him yourself. He'll want to see you as soon as you feel fit enough."
      The princess smirked tiredly.
      "I feel fine now - but I'd like a little time for us to get used to the idea." She winced as Zakuro found and suckled hard on a nipple. "And to feed the brats."
      As Peyaru handed her their other daughter, Leteetza stood and headed back to her own rooms, where Kayusu was caring for Leteetza's twins and her own new son. Interesting. From what she could tell, a surprising number of the new births were female...

Saiya-jin are both tough and resourceful: two hundred and thirty days after the war had finished, things were almost back to normal. Even most of the females were back at their usual tasks, their babies either with them or in a nearby créche. Zha'haarak found himself in the delightful situation of looking after Mikan and Kurumi, Tane's daughter Misir and Dari's son Arpa - both of them big, strong babies with blue-sheened heavy black manes and long tails - and even the new baby princesses on occasion, when Leteetza or Buahan needed a break or was required for an official engagement. Needless to say Zh'leet was in her element...

Hijau arrived back as second sun was setting, to find his bondmate watching over the sleeping infants. The Saiyan cuddled him from behind: Zha'haarak nestled into the embrace with a sigh.
      **Zkai'da...**
      There was a hint of yearning in his *voice*, and Hijau nuzzled his hair.
      *You'd like another, wouldn't you?*
      **Is it that obvious?**
      The Saiyan chuckled.
      *To me, anyway. Shall we make an appointment to see Vinas?*
      The zn'hre twisted to gaze into his mate's deep green eyes, his own alight with anticipation.
      **It would not trouble you?**
      *It would make you happy. How could it possibly trouble me?*
      Remembering how worried the Saiyan had been last time, Zha'haarak grimaced slightly, then sighed.
      **It would make me happy. Will you make the appointment?**
      Hijau grinned and headed for the comms unit...

Zha'haabron was tired. Not just physically tired; there was a profound exhaustion deep within him. The war had a lot to do with it, that and the deaths, but there was something else, Radittsu was sure. But the High King was hiding it.
      Perhaps the proposed trip back to R'ren'nkh'ia would help. The peace and tranquillity - and warmth - of the homeworld should soothe him. Then, the big Saiyan thought to himself, he'd insist - gently but determinedly - on his zkai'da telling him what was wrong.
      Radittsu took it upon himself to start planning for the trip: Zha'haabron wanted to be on Vejiitasei for the Academy's Summer Event, but after that there was nothing that required his presence until the end of the year. And it wasn't as though they'd be that far away... Vejiita wasn't overjoyed, but agreed that Zha'haabron should not shirk his own duties.
      The Hyou-jin had formally presented the Lizard in the Night to the High King of R'ren'nkh'ia - and agreed to supply the Saiyan Empire with as many of the advanced starships as they needed. Nappa had already requested that his force be completely replaced with the new vessels, and Zyelenyi commissioned two ships for the diplomatic corps. (The new head of the corps was also considering inaugurating a new Saiyan exploratory force, but the Saiya-jin-no-Ou wasn't prepared to commit to the idea until after the Karilun Empire had been dealt with.) Transport was not a problem. Co-ordinating who was to be included proved a little more difficult, however.
      'tiisaan refused outright: he was too busy, and didn't want to leave Lento and Tion behind. 'haavok and 'honee couldn't be spared from their work in the library, and 'raadiin, Ry and Kiraz were needed in the Elite Guard. 'sel was caught up in his studies with Vinas' team - and in any case didn't want to leave Pirum - and Kinu and 'jau were busy with the diplomatic corps, along with Za'rayne and Ra'vahn, who somewhat to Zyelenyi's surprise had accepted his invitation to join. To find out whether they were suited to the work, at any rate. And Zha'haarak wouldn't leave Hijau, or the new babies. But Ti'ani wanted to take Ta'haarel and the infants to visit the desert world: Le'leen, 'zhasaan and 'miiron were keen to be included - and Radittsu was determined Ti'aasaan and Zo'rien, and 'leesaan, would be with them.
      A short while later, when Zha'haabron found out 'fallon was pregnant again, the prince was also forcibly included, along with all his hostlings. Ry could have sworn he *heard* 'raadiin's sigh of relief. Not that the warrior zn'hre didn't love his mate and sirelings, of course, but 'fallon was exhausting to live with, and 'raadiin seemed incapable of resisting him.
      And the fact that Ry and Kiraz would have their zn'hre to themselves for the duration had both Saiyans smirking widely...

The Summer Event was as moving an occasion as ever, if not more so given the circumstances, and at the end Bri'seiyis had a representative of each member world of the Empire form a living boundary around the lake, facing outwards, a symbol of unity and appreciation for their help with rebuilding the capital. The day afterwards the Lizard in the Night left for the zn'hre homeworld.

"May I speak with you sir?"
      Hijau looked up from his monitor to find a sombre-looking Merica standing before his desk. The Captain frowned slightly.
      "What is it?"
      "Requesting permission to surrender my post as Royal Guard, sir."
      Hijau blinked, then sat back in his seat, staring up at his colleague.
      "Why?"
      Merica's shoulders slumped: his captain looked and sounded anything but encouraging.
      "I... wish to retire, sir. Leave the Guard and return home."
      "And Jagung agrees, of course."
      "Yes sir."
      Hijau eyed him intently for a few seconds, then sighed.
      "Permission denied."
      Merica's dark golden eyes narrowed.
      "Sir? May I ask why?"
      Hijau gestured to the chair before the desk.
      "Sit."
      Merica stiffened.
      "I prefer to stand, sir."
      "It wasn't an invitation."
      Reluctantly the warrior lowered himself to the edge of the seat, hands gripped tensely together. Hijau regarded him for a moment or two then leaned forwards.
      "Your brother is still Lord in Rumput."
      Merica nodded.
      "Yes sir. But he wants me to take over."
      "Why?"
      "He wants to join the diplomatic corps, sir."
      The captain blinked.
      "He wants to... Why?"
      "Uh - I haven't asked him, sir."
      "What about Jagung? What's his role in all this? What about his Academy classes?"
      Merica shrugged.
      "He's taught Riiki everything he knows - and the brat is a natural teacher. Adores sharing his skills with others."
      "You aren't a natural administrator..."
      "I know that. But neither is Serendah: we have other people to handle all that. Jagung's interested in helping out, keeping an eye on things."
      "Merica, you're both nitorine-trained. You know you can't be spared - especially not with the Karilun operation in the planning stages."
      "... I don't want Jagung hurt again."
      "None of us want anyone hurt. But that's just not always possible." He smirked as Merica's jaw tightened. "And you'd go mad without some outlet for that aggression."
      The warrior made a deliberate effort to calm himself.
      "Afterwards, then. After the war, when everything's back to normal." Merica leant forwards. "Sir, I really do want to do this. We've been warriors all our lives, just about. Jagung's hated every hour of it, and we've had no time to be ourselves. We want... a little peace."
      Hijau's jaw dropped. Had Merica actually said peace?
      There was a darkness to the deep golden eyes gazing at him, a weariness and desperation that spoke more than his words. Jagung had been badly hurt when the Academy was destroyed, had still not fully recovered. Hijau imagined how he'd feel if Zha'haarak died, and had to swallow hard to prevent himself retching at the cold sick feeling the image gave him. And Merica and Jagung had been bonded for more than thirty years; by now it was most unlikely that one could live without the other. And yet he knew Vejiita would never give his permission until the Empire was safe. He lowered his eyes.
      "I'm sorry. I can't grant permission. Not yet."
      Merica nodded, shoulders drooping.
      "Then at least let us fight together." The and die together was unsaid but nevertheless heard by both.
      "That I can do. Consider yourself released from your service as Royal Guard. I'll release Jagung from his position as personal guard to my bondmate, as well. You'll both rejoin the primary special squad, though you can keep your suite in the palace if you want. And you are both hereby given twenty days downtime." He smirked mirthlessly. "And when the time comes, I'll make sure you are both allowed back to Rumput. Though you must understand you could still be called upon at need, given your special skills." He grinned. "And we all hope you'll be frequent visitors here."
      Merica gusted a sigh.
      "Oh, don't worry about that!" He managed a smile. "Thank you, sir."
      Hijau nodded.
      "Sorry I can't do more."
      "It's more than I expected..."

Zha'haarak stroked his bondmate's mane as Zh'leet and Br'yaan fed the sleepy infants. His voice was strained.
      **Will you have to go to Karilun?**
      Hijau shook his head.
      *Nitorine-trained squads and some elite guard will go - and I know the king is hoping to have a hash'shavven squad accompany the mission - but someone has to be here to oversee planetary defences in case of attack. That will be me and Kyuri.*
      **Sasa and Jahonda will go too?**
      Hijau kissed him.
      *All nitorine-trained warriors.*
      The gentle zn'hre bit at his lip.
      **Zkai'da, that includes Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu**
      *I know.*
      **Zha'haabron...**
      *Let's not worry about it until we have to, ne?*
      Zha'haarak nestled into his bondmate's arms, but couldn't help worrying. Life had suddenly become very uncertain at deep winter, and he still felt anxious and uneasy.
      Then again, they were due to visit Vinas tomorrow. He smiled to himself, feeling some of the inner tension ease. Vinas and his team knew so much more now, about how zn'hre bodies worked, he was sure they'd be successful. He nuzzled Hijau's mane.
      Another child... it would be wonderful...