ReBirth
Happy?*
Vejiita glanced sharply at his Companion and smirked.
*Say, rather… satisfied. The future of the Empire is assured.*
They were walking in the palace gardens, leaving the noise and bustle of 'jiita's coronation behind them. It had been a tiring day, emotionally if not physically, and the peace of the night was soothing to Leteetza's frayed nerves. She sighed and stroked the king's tail with her own.
*What now?*
What indeed? the first emperor thought to himself. In the hundred years of his reign he'd seen the Empire grow from two worlds to two thousand - and he'd never once visited any of them… Leteetza had always wanted to travel… He smiled slowly.
*What say you to us taking the Lizard in the Night and going off... exploring?*
She stared at him.
*Are you serious?*
*Why not? We can call it a state visit to all the Empire's member-worlds if you want an excuse.*
She was silent, staring up at the stars. 'jiita had 'dittsu to protect him, and a devoted and powerful Council - including Zorun, and Buahan and her not inconsiderable influence - to support him. There was, in fact, nothing to stop them doing just that…
*Can we take some of the family with us?*
He considered it for a moment, then nodded…
And so it was that a hundred days later the completely refitted and overhauled Lizard in the Night set off for R'ren'nkh'ia, the first stop on the grand tour. Not counting the crew, the party was ninety beings strong: with the first emperor and his companion went Le'ska and Ka'rayne, 'haavok and 'honee, 'selaan, Pirum and Kiraz, Ti'vien and his sibling Ti'vaani, Jemiin and Maaren, Cicer and Ti'lida the chronicler - along with an honour guard, a double handful of Feeodoreeans, and a wide variety of other alien species.
On Vejiitasei life continued as always, under the second emperor. More worlds joined the Empire. Zha'haabron acted as advisor to the new king, with Radittsu as always at his back, Royal Liaison and consultant to the Elite Guard, both of them helping to train 'jiita's son when he was old enough. Hijau retired to Rumput with Zha'haarak - still reclusive and shy despite his galaxy wide fame and the almost-constant requests for commissions - Hi'kaaran and Hi'raiya, while Kyuri took over as Guard Captain. The diplomatic corps, staffed largely by Zasshu, grew as the Empire enlarged. The Academy remained famed throughout the galaxy, and 'tiisaan took over the administration after Bri'seiyis' death from old age a hundred and fifty years after the Lizard in the Night had left…
Empirical year 444…
Zha'haabron gazed at his bondmate, forcing back his tears.
Radittsu was old, so old, now, older than his species had any right to be. His magnificent mane, still as thick, still as heavy, now mostly silver, his pale skin tight over his thin frame. He moved slowly, with a gracefulness learned over the centuries from his bondmate.
But he was dying. And there was nothing Zha'haabron could do to stop it. His zkai'da, his bondmate, his life, was simply dying of old age.
Zha'haabron still had at least a hundred and fifty years left to live before he could expect to reach the same stage. As he gazed into his bondmate's midnight eyes, still beautiful, still as loving as ever, he knew he could not spend them alone.
He gathered the Saiyan into his arms and flew them to 'their' beach…
Radittsu walked with him in the sunslight, slowly, limping slightly as his joints complained, his eyes drinking in the sight of his zkai'da - knowing it would be the last time he could enjoy the cool blue beauty that was Zha'haabron. His bondmate hadn't changed at all…
*… I'm tired…*
The zn'hre lifted him carefully, cradling the thin body against him. Radittsu was cool. Far too cool. It wouldn't be long now.
*I never did manage to tell you what you mean to me, did I?*
Zha'haabron kissed him, tears flowing unregarded down his beautiful face.
**You did, zk'aida. Over and over and over again**
*I never quite said it all, though…* He gazed towards the ocean. *There's never enough time…*
**I know**
Radittsu sighed and turned back to the High King.
*Take me to the pool?*
Zha'haabron had never visited the pool, but he knew from Radittsu's memories where it was. He carried the weary Saiyan to the special place and set him down on a sun-warmed boulder. Radittsu gazed at the cascade, at the deep pool, the gentle stream that cut a channel through the rock, broadening and deepening as it flowed to the sea.
He smiled. His smile hadn't changed, either.
He took his beloved's hand, his eyes brimming.
*I don't want to leave you.*
**I… I don't want you to go…**
The Saiyan pulled his love into a gentle embrace.
*If I had a choice… I'd never leave you… my zkai'da…*
His eyes closed. He breathed Zha'haabron's name one last time.
And the High King held his lifeless body close, keening his grief to the empty air.
There was a warmth around him. He sighed - then frowned. Something had changed. He… was no longer hurting. He felt… he felt better than he had done in at least a hundred years…
He opened his eyes, very slowly. And gazed up into a familiar gold.
*Beloved?*
Zha'haabron smiled down at him.
**Of course**
*But… I… died. Didn't I?*
**Yes**
*Then… What…?*
Graceful hands pulled him upright. He gazed down at himself, the old, tired body somehow restored to youth, to health, to a strength he hadn't known since… oh, since he'd first met Zha'haabron. He gazed into his bondmate's beautiful face.
*I don't understand…*
The smile the zn'hre gave him could have restored the dead to life.
**I promised you we will always be together. Did you think I'd let you leave without me?**
Radittsu stared, then reached for him, enfolding him in love.
*You came with me. *
**Of course. Where else would I go?** Zha'haabron stepped back a little and gestured around them: Radittsu dragged his gaze from his beloved and glanced around, his eyes widening.
*Where are we?*
Zha'haabron stroked his face.
**Anywhere we want to be. Will you come exploring with me?**
Radittsu stared at the stars that surrounded them.
*Anywhere?*
**And anywhen. We are free, zk'aida. Eternity is ours** He inclined his head, beautiful golden eyes twinkling. **Where would you like to go first?**
And Radittsu grabbed him into a bruising hug - except that their flesh could no longer bruise - and wept for joy.
*You choose. As long as you're with me, I really don't care…*
© 2004 3rd June Joules Taylor
