Summary: Jael plays the Game while Kimble and Aiden play a game of their own. Part eight of the Game.

Rated M for profanity, violence and some sexual content.

Disclaimer : I do not own the X-men or any of their associated villains, but the Siskans, the Dognan, Jael and the Outkasts are mine. Please do not use them without my permission. Thanks. :)

Updated 10-27-13 to add (break)s as needed and to do the usual.

(One)

Like all the Siskans in the Game we are fated to find some special object, our precious Angels. When one thinks of objects, we usually think of something like a cup or a book. Instead, my sister Babette brought home a child.

Oh, he was a poor wretched thing – a tiny human infant someone had dumped in a garbage can and left for dead. Or at least, that was what we were expected to think. One look at his shine told me otherwise. It was sparkling and bright and even though it was Babette who had brought him home, I loved him with just as much devotion as she did. She named him David and he came to live with us in the harem.

This alone tells you how loving our Master was. Babette had snuck out of the palace and brought home her Angel, an infant that could just as easily been stolen. Trishnar knew better though, and he gave my sister no trouble over it. As the Master, he had every right to take David away for himself but he did not. He loved Babette and so allowed David to be raised by us as we saw fit.

I fell in love with David from the first moment I saw him. He was a tiny baby but smiled and laughed almost right away. He was so easy to please and I played with him often, establishing a bond a with a human I had never felt before or since.

Already I can hear you scoff again. Yes, I know I am an overly proud and stubborn creature. Yes, I am withdrawn and sullen. I have a whipcrack temper and a harsh mouth. I can be quite crude when the fancy strikes me and I have never thought twice about speaking my mind. How could I possibly care for a human child with any skill? I cannot explain it, but David's pure innocence charmed me immediately. I couldn't hold back anything from him, least of all my love. He loved to laugh and play and perhaps I had needed him to remind me that it was okay to do these things freely and truly live. He thawed my ice cold heart.

As David grew from an infant into a toddler, he was in my bed as often as Babette's. She would hold him and kiss him as any mother would, but he was drawn to me for the stories I would whisper to him and the songs I sang. I loved to hold him in my arms as he slept, my eyes looking over that peaceful face. He had the finest white skin and long lovely lashes, he was the most beautiful living creature I knew. I loved to hear the sound of his heart beating and feel the heat that came from his tiny body as it lay curled up against me. His love was innocent and pure, and while I am a purely sexual creature, I would never have harmed him. Babette was never jealous of his love for me, maybe she figured wisely that a child needed both a father and a mother and with us, David certainly had both.

He was unlike many of the humans I had met, so fresh and young, and because he was so new to the world he had not formed the many hatreds that I had thought all humans possessed. He didn't see me or his new mother as anything less than real. He loved us freely and unconditionally, always wanting to held and kissed and petted.

Since David was so close to me in both body and living soul, it wasn't long before I began to have visions about him. Mostly they were happy and pleasant - David bringing me a gift, David painting, David getting a new outfit from his loving mother. But when David turned five, the visions began to change and not for the better.

(break)

Star was restless in the huge master suite of the Cloud Jumper and she paced about, unable to hide her nervousness. The Master wasn't here, he was outside, preparing for war. Jael had received word that Tranan was ready to play the Game and they had just now arrived in California, the place chosen for them to battle - Yosemite Park. This was no different than when her Mistress Sheba had been invited to play and the same issues were troubling the Rogue Siskan, the same questions — will my Master win? If not, where will I go next? Star didn't know anything about Tranan, all she knew as fact was that he was Dognan.

At least Tranan won't kills us. He seems to want his Siskans around, Luma grumbled in response to Star's jumbled thoughts. Star was still split, Jael had done nothing for this condition, not that he had noticed any such thing. As long as Star served him without hesitation, all was well in his world even if it was not in Star's. Luma was the Protector of them and like Aiden's Father personality, always had advice and encouragement to pass along.

You don't knows that, Star silently replied to her inner sister. Star didn't speak her voices aloud, she had learned long ago that it made others uncomfortable. Her conversations were all internal but no less agonizing. On the other hand, it would shure be nice ta sees some of my brothers and sisters again, I wonders who might be there in Tranan's harem.

Star had lived a long life, but had not met many of her kin. She had some vague memories that went back to the beginning, of when she was first made, and most of them were pleasant and happy. Quishnalay had been frightening and cruel, but those of her kin whom she had spent time with had been good people, souls worth fighting for. She could recall Asher, a gentle Rogue like herself with a Grey Mark who always went out of his way to make her happy. She would be pleased to see him again, but had no way of knowing who possessed him now.

Star continued to pace, feeling lonely and small. Sheba had known that Star was special and kept her segregated the same way that Jael was doing with her now. The isolation gave Star too much time to think on what had befallen her poor clutchmates, especially the ones that had been destroyed. Because she had seen so few of her kin, it made their senseless destruction that much more painful for her. So many opportunities for love and friendship wasted and now lost forever. The thought of it renewed her hatred for her current Master, something jarring her inside as it conflicted with her programming, she wasn't supposed to hate those she served.

And she did hate them. Of all of Jael's men, only Razel had been given the privilege of her use and she despised him worse than Jael. He was a man without finesse, he came at her like a young boy, all selfishness and madness. His touch was cruel and she couldn't help but wonder if he had ever loved anyone in his life. He fucked without any attempt to pleasure her as well, as though the idea of it never crossed his mind. His carelessness was almost worse than the bruises he gave her when he couldn't restrain his desire. She knew she was all he thought about, that he would take her from Jael if he had dared. If his love for Jael hadn't been stronger than what he thought he felt for her.

What Star desired in life was what all Siskans desired - a true Master. A Master who was a real lover in every sense. Star was fast losing hope. It was fading along with her desire to live.

The Game is not over yet, Luma said, butting into those worrisome thoughts again and offering encouragement. She didn't want Star to despair. Remember what the Master said? He's setting up in Arizona for a reason. There are still more players yet in this Game.

Star moved to the large glassed window, looking out at the trees that surrounded them now. Yosemite was a large park and they were hidden well from view. The ship was large and they were high up, giving her a spectacular view. She saw none of it, she was losing herself in a gentle dream of love. She was naked as always and ran her hands over her large orange Mark, closing her eyes as she daydreamed. In her fantasies, she was possessed by a perfect Master. He was always much larger than herself and so would protect her from the harsh and cruel outside world. There was fur, too. Soft and luxurious fur all over. All of her owners had been Dognan as were the majority of her clients. It had been odd serving Razel, he was small and hairless, almost cold against her skin.

Where are yous, my Master? Star asked the man in her dream, a tear slipping out of one eye. When will you comes and rescue me?

It's too big in here, came another soft whisper. This was Kinta the Fearful, roused by Star's sadness. Let's go back to the bed and lie under the blankets. I don't wants to see the outside no more.

Shush, little sister, Star replied, wiping at her face and trying to gather some courage. It'll be all right, I promise.

Just to calm herself some, she stepped back from the window. She retreated to the bed and did lie under the blankets, but not to hide. Instead, she closed her eyes and returned to her daydream. It wasn't like her to sleep so much, but Jael had left her few amusements and this was all she had. Although the fight that would soon take place outside was about her and her kin, she would not be participating.

Star did not possess the gift of foresight as Aiden did, but sometimes she just knew things. Things like knowing that Jael would not be the last one to own her. Her thoughts of another man, a large furred being rang true in some strange way she could not deny. It was the only thing that gave her any sense of hope. It was that small thread of hope that was keeping her going. Maybe Tranan won't be so bad, she thought, smiling now. Yeah, it just gots to be so. He'll be the one to loves me. It has to be so, anything gots to be better than this.

(break)

Jael stepped down from the Cloud Jumper and smiled at the coolness of fresh grass beneath his feet. They had completed their journey here to Yosemite National Park and he had selected a nice clearing in one of the more isolated parts of this vast forest in which to land. It wasn't far from the coordinates he had given to Tranan to guide the pirate here.

Jael had chosen this area precisely because it was isolated - whatever happened here today, he wanted to escape the notice of the X-men who might be scanning all of the news reports for unusual mutant activity. There would be no civilians here, no casualties other than the fighters that came. No one to send out a warning to the X-men that anything was taking place.

Jael was looking forward to this battle. He considered it his last major obstacle in the Game before taking on Xavier's group. Not that Jael considered Xavier a competitor in the Game, it was his pride that was at stake. So many times he had gone after Kimble only to be rudely rebuffed and sent packing. No, with Tranan defeated and his Shalayesk components taken, going after Xavier should be little trouble. Kimble would be his, the X-men defeated, and this planet ready for the taking. He would be King and all the pathetic humans here his subjects.

Jael turned at the noise of others coming down the ramp behind him. Razel had come, already checking out the area. A group of the more powerful stood behind him, awaiting orders. Jael looked at them, "Fan out," he ordered, gesturing to the trees. "Hide where you can."

They nodded and left, melting into the forest as though they had never been. Razel had stayed behind, taking a protective stance behind his Master. "He's late."

"Tranan will be here. His pride demands it."

True to form, Jael looked up a moment later when another ship suddenly winked into view above him. He was startled and more than a little frightened. Tranan had not used a Dognan cloak, something alarming. Jael had no idea just how long that ship had been there, watching him. It was a warning not to underestimate his foe.

The ship pulled to one side and landed gracefully, giving ample space between them. Like the Cloud Jumper, this vessel was also of Dognan manufacture, but judging by the cloak, had some after market enhancements. It was large and sleek, glittering silver in the sunlight like a mighty jewel, a lovely crescent shape that closely resembled Fallen's Lucky Dragon. It was the Dognan who had instructed her how to build such ships and it was no secret that this one had also been crafted by pilots such as her.

The ramp came down and Tranan departed, walking with all of the casual arrogance of one who was used to success. He had been a successful pirate, it showed in his fine dress and the quality of the weapons at his side. Tranan was full Dognan royalty and it showed. He was darkly furred and winged, his body full size and well muscled. He was not dressed in the usual cavalry uniform, but in a rough mixture of those cultures he had encountered. He did not appear to have body armor, but that meant nothing, he could have other means of protection. Most notable was the long sword sashed to his waist.

Like Jael, he had come escorted by a group of his own men. They were a motley bunch, all shapes and sizes with skins of many colors. These were not mutants from here, but a large collection of aliens from the many cultures that Tranan had befriended in his travels. The fact that they were aliens didn't mean they were harmless, of course. Some were winged, others clawed or scaled. All walked with the same professional ease, they would not be taken lightly.

That notion was about to be tested. The moment Tranan touched grass, Jael's camouflaged group from the woods attacked. They had not been ordered to do so, they did it on their own, hoping to even the odds a little better before the actual fight began. It was a mistake.

Tranan's people reacted quickly. Out came weapons the like of which Jael had never seen, plasma guns and disintegrator pistols. There was a cloud of smoke and some screaming, the end result never in question. In a matter of seconds, Jael's men were gone, obliterated and melted into smoking chunks.

Tranan just clicked his tongue at Jael's stupidity and shook a finger at him, grumbling in accented Dognan, "I know what you did at Trishnar's, word of your treachery spread quickly and I always have an ear to the ground. Don't think you can get away with cheating with me."

"I would never have done such a thing," Jael protested with mock offense. "You wound me by such an accusation. My men acted of their own accord. I would have punished them severely if you had not killed them already."

Tranan just snorted at him. "Please! I know full well what you did just as I know full well you didn't get all of Trishnar's Siskans."

Jael paused at that. "What do you mean?"

Tranan smiled with the wisdom of the well prepared. "Trishnar had a Rogue at Solestra. A rather powerful one, I might add. Pity for you he escaped."

Jael grumbled at that. He knew he didn't really have the means to go and fetch him. Solestra was light years away and was Trishnar's former palace on the other side of the galaxy. The King hadn't resided there in years and Jael had simply assumed that he had brought all of his Siskans here to Earth. It had been a mistake.

"Don't bother trying to work it out, Jael. I've already sent a scout out to go and collect him. He will be mine. If you want Trishnar's Grey, you'll have to go through me."

"It would be my pleasure."

Jael advanced but he knew he was on serious ground here. Even if he managed to defeat Tranan fair and square, there was always the risk that his pirates would exact their revenge. Their firepower had been frightening and Jael didn't scare easily. It had taken Tranan mere seconds to work through some of the better second stringers on his team and he didn't know if even some of his primary alphas could hold up. The first group hadn't been his core defense, he had held those in reserve, but it looked like he might need them after all.

Well, time to get down to it. Jael drew his sword and charged, beginning. The two Dognan warriors clashed with a powerful noise, exciting the small crowd that watched. Men from both sides shouted and cheered, rooting for their champion, and more than one of them making small wagers. It was understood that for the moment, the lesser players were on truce and neither side was ready to break that. Didn't mean a few dollars couldn't be made.

The battle went on heartily inside the growing circle of onlookers. Tranan was good, but not as good as Trishnar had been. It didn't mean Tranan couldn't win and this time Jael wouldn't be allowed to use his alphas to cheat. No, this time it would all have to be done legitimately. Jael would have to be careful.

As they fought, Jael slashed and cut at Tranan's ornate clothing, revealing parts of his own set of Shalayesk armor underneath. Tranan was not as stupid as Sheba had been. He had known what the Shalayesk was for and had armored himself with it, making himself just as protected as Jael was. They were on fairly even ground here, it was going to boil down to endurance and luck.

That armor was valuable. Jael felt it reacting to the battle as if it was a living thing, something bonded to himself. This was special armor and he was glad to have it. When he was struck the metal seemed to harden there on its own, protecting him. He wasn't going to be so easily wounded. Of course the same was true for Tranan, the battle was not going to be over quickly.

Swords flashed and danced in the sunlight as they felt each other out, looking for weaknesses. They were making a lot of noise, but after a few minutes neither one had been seriously injured, just some small nicks and cuts here and there. It was late summer now and more than a little hot. Both men were sweating now as they worked. Tentative and careful gestures were not going to hurry this along. Tranan was losing patience and lunged.

Jael was ready for him. Tranan was caught by Jael's powerful left hand and captured, drawn in close enough to be cut. He twisted and shoved against Jael, aggressive to a fault and refusing to give ground. He moved his feet, daring to come even closer. Both men were wrestling now, entangled in arms and upraised swords only just out of harm's way. They were up close to one another now, grunting hot breath at each other. Tranan laughed, "Well, isn't this cozy?"

"As always, a pleasure," Jael chuckled in return, twisting savagely and snapping Tranan's right wrist with unexpected force.

Tranan howled and dropped his sword, no longer able to hold it. He ignored the grinding bones and quick as a wink produced a hidden dagger from a switchblade trigger holster in the gauntlet he wore on that arm. One swipe in retreat found Jael's throat.

Jael balked as he choked, blood and foam pouring from his mouth. The cut was serious but not immediately life threatening. He wasted no time and came forward, the only one left with a long range weapon. He slashed and chopped, seeking out Tranan who seemed to always dance out of reach.

Tranan was no fool, Jael's injury was more serious than his own broken wrist. He could wait for the other to tire from blood loss. He laughed and teased, hoping to excite Jael into being reckless.

It wasn't going to work. Jael was patient, slowing himself down and trying to take deeper breaths. He pretended greater weakness than was true and faltered, deliberately exposing one side. Tranan fell for it and came forward, screeching a challenge. He managed to bury his knife in Jael's offered side, but couldn't dodge Jael's own hidden dagger. Out it came and plunged deep into Tranan's neck, finding better purchase than his own had. Blood gushed forth in a pulsing torrent, betraying the artery that had been severed. Tranan thrashed and stabbed Jael again, a parting shot, but one not destined to succeed. He twitched and fell dead.

Men from both sides of the battle shouted, some cheering, others screaming rage. A quick scuffle broke out, but was quieted quickly by those in charge - it seemed there was some kind of honor among these pirates and the troublemakers separated. Debts were paid and the bodies of the wounded and the dead were carried off the field.

Jael was severely injured. He had offered his side as a lure, knowing that if his gamble paid off, there was always Star to heal him. He would need her, he was losing blood quickly and offered no resistance as Razel and Marcus came and gathered him up quickly, lifting him to his feet. Jael growled deeply, catching the attention of the largest of Tranan's men. "I want what's mine!"

"You shall have it," the other said, politely using Earth English. "Give us a few minutes to see to Tranan and then we'll bring your prize."

"You have a half hour," Jael challenged, trying to make out that he was far less injured than he was. He was still concerned of some treachery and wanted to show no signs of potential weakness.

"We'll come."

Jael nodded and was carried away. He was now that much closer to winning the Game. All that remained was Xavier.