[CHP.1]
I thank God for my inspiration.
Kenobi, Anakin, Rex, and Cody were all sitting about looking over a message sent to the Republic about a week ago.
A firy red fox furred man with brown hair and tan skin was talking as the woman next to him stood like a general, with brown hair, gold eyes and white fur.
"Please the Separatist have already tried to take the planet (Buzz.)… Protector Gilda and I agree they are too strong for our people to handle alone (Buzz)…We reach out to you to help us and in in return we share our technology and (Buzz.)…We only ask for a treaty to be made of peace between our kind to insure (Buzz)… Please bring two of your men, preferably warriors of your army so we may know who we are to fight alongside and (Buzz)…"
"Sadly, the transmission ends there." Kenobi sighs.
"Someone really didn't want these people to reach out to us." Anakin looks over.
"They most really need help." Rex nods worried for them.
"They're technology must be quite powerful if they could get this message out so well intact." Cody looks on arms crossed.
"Indeed. If the Separatist are that desperate to keep these people out of our reach then we must help them." Kenobi nods.
"I wonder what the rest of the message was trying to say. I'd hate to get there and suddenly forget something." Anakin smirks.
"I'm sure the people will understand once we explain. You two should go and rest while Anakin and I pilot the ship. The Volpi asked that we bring two of our warriors and who better than two of our top men. Best they see them rested." Kenobi looks at the two troopers with a smile and they nod.
As the two head off to another part of the ship Cody had to sigh "I don't think we'll get much rest with general Skywalkers flying."
"What do you mean?" Rex looks at him a bit confused.
"He crashes almost every ship he pilots. I don't know about you but I'd like to get there in one piece." Cody glares.
"There is that." Rex chuckles at that, used to his generals hot dogging.
Meanwhile on the planet Volpi…
The planet Volpi was a lush land with five different ranges of land; Forest, mountain, dessert, river, and finally tundra.
Inside a large estate we see the same fire colored Volpi from the call pacing about.
The female with the gold eyes stood nearby and said "Calm yourself they said they would come."
"I know Gilda but I worry. How can I ask two of my own people to do this? I know it's for the best and the way of our people but… Sigh. Any they chose and that accepts must be allowed to go." The silver eyed man sits down sadly.
"Yes Richard that is what we agreed to. Please calm yourself. What's the worst that could happen?" Gilda smirks.
Richard glares annoyed "You know exactly what could happen."
Suddenly they heard a load scurrying about upstairs as Gilda laughed and Richard groaned, face in his hands.
Upstairs…
"Maybe a bit more color." A long braided red haired and orange furred woman looks at the overdone room.
"Don't you think you're going overboard with their rooms Zoe?" A female Volpi with dark blue gray fur chuckles. She had short brown hair and large brown eyes.
"You think so Asha?" Zoe's ears droop looking around.
Asha looked at the overly extravagant looking room and chuckled "Look sometimes less is more. Here let me help."
Asha comes up to take a few things down, like the extra curtains, the extra-large pillows, and a few flower arrangements and replaces them with small scented candles.
"There, that should do it. I heard most off warders don't have a great sense of smell so the scented candles might be better." Asha smiles at her work.
"It does look a lot better." Zoe sighs looking at the nicer room.
"Your idea was great too Zoe, you were just excited. I get the same way at times. Remember when I accidently over painted that project in school?" Asha chuckles.
"That was funny." Zoe chuckles.
"Besides this is really exciting, off worlders staying here for the first time. You think they look anything like the invaders with the black sword." Lila ponders.
"I hope not." Zoe huffs at the idea.
The planet had once been attacked before by a group of warrior like people with a black like sword. What they never expected was that the people had technology that helped them connect to the nature around them and help drive them off.
Back on the ship…
Rex couldn't sleep. His mind was raising about what was going on and that they would be needed in some way other than fighting.
Cody was much the same. He wasn't able to sleep, not just because General Skywalker was at the helm. But he found himself thinking about the people that they would be meeting soon.
"You can't sleep either?" Rex turns to face his brother.
"Not a wink. I keep thinking about these people. I've never seen anyone people with such a balance of animal and human form." Cody sits up to look at him.
"Yeah it's pretty interesting huh?" Rex sits up his mind spinning on what others could look like.
"It's interesting and they seem to have their own warrior like structure. I suppose I'm interested to look up their tactics and such. But I think what I can't get out of my head the most is the unfinished message." Cody frowns leaning his head on a fist.
"I'm sure it was just instructions on how to help. And we can just ask when we arrive." Rex tries to assure his worry wort brother.
"True. I just, I feel like we might just end up paying for the lack of information somehow." Cody sighs laying back.
"It'll be fine. Now we should try to get some rest." Rex lays back down.
With that the two finally lay back down to sleep.
Back on Volpi the next morning…
Zoe wakes up to a small alarm. Sitting up she places on a rube over her pjs then walks to a room next door.
Inside are scattered toys around a round blue bed sleeping inside is a little curly sandy haired and orange furred pup. The five year old boy hugs a little blue fox plushy with a military hat on it.
"Peter. Peter time to wake up my pup." Zoe gently strokes his hair as she sits on the edge of the bed.
"No. Sleepy." The pup nuzzles into his pillow not wanting to get up.
"If you don't get up no pancakes." Zoe smiles down at him.
"Pancakes?" Peter looks at his mom with his sleepy silver eyes.
"Come on. Grandpa and Granny probably have them ready." Zoe holds her hands out for him.
Peter hugs his mom, being carried down still sleepy. Once in his seat he pops awake at the site of the high stack in front of him. His tail wagging as he sits his toy on the side as he digs in.
"So ravenous." An orange furred older woman laughs placing some coffee down for her daughter.
"Dad already out?" Zoe sips her morning brow waking up herself.
"He wanted to make sure the spot will be safe." Lila, Mr. Summer, nods sitting down with some food.
"Safe?" Peter looks up from his food with a messy face.
"The Jedi are coming remember? Grandpa wants they're landing spot to be safe." Zoe laughs cleaning her pup's face.
"What they look like?" Peter looks curious with an ear twitch.
"Don't know yet. But I'll find out soon." Zoe smiles at his bright eyes. "Now let's get you ready for school." She gets him out of the chair.
"I wanna stay with mama." Peter hugs her as they go back to his room.
"Mama is meeting the Jedi and you have play time with your friends." Zoe buttons up his shirt.
Peter puffs his cheeks not wanting to be away from her. The two had been like that since his father, Hiro, passed away two years ago. It had been a rough two years so they moved in with Zoe's parents for a bit of help. Mostly since Zoe couldn't stand being in a house that smelt of her lost love.
"I'll be there to pick you up and afterwards we can get ice cream to start the summer. What do you say?" Zoe pats his head lightly.
"Kay." Peter nods with a small wag of his tail.
Out in the city…
"Hey you two, what took you so long?" Asha asks waiting near the school.
"Sorry we're getting to a lazy start." Zoe looks down at her son holding on to Soldier, his toy.
"Hey big guy. Excited for the summer to star?" Asha pats his head.
Peter just nods hugging the toy. He was still pouting a bit about not getting mama to himself starting today after school.
"Aw what's the matter?" Asha asks seeing his reaction.
"He's mad we won't get alone time this summer." Zoe looks down at her pouting pup.
"Aw come here you." Asha hugs him, blowing his cheek making him laugh.
"Aunty, stop it." Peter laughs.
"Not till you give me my hug." Asha tickles him.
"I suggests you give in." Zoe laughs herself at this.
Peter gives in and hugs her and she hugs back before letting go.
"Now that's better. Hey if it makes you feel better we'll go do a bunch of fun things this summer." Asha smiles.
"Pinky promise?" Peter looks up with his big eyes.
"Pinky promise." Asha smiles holding her pinky out Peter smiles as they do the little vow.
"And I promise we'll go out for mama pup time." Zoe does the same.
"Kay." Peter smile at his mom.
They then drop the little guy off. Peter was clingy to Zoe for a bit before Miss Flora, his teacher, finally got him to come in. Once that was done the two headed off to where the Jedi would land.
"So, excited to see the handsome off worlders?" Asha chuckles as she slightly elbows her friend.
"Asha." Zoe's ears go up a bit.
"Oh come on Zoe, I'm just slightly joking. And of course I'm excited as well. This is kind of a historic day for our people. And I know you're fascinated as well since you volunteered to be their guide." Asha winks sticking her tongue out slightly.
"I just hope Peter doesn't feel abandoned." Zoe sighs heavily with drooped ears.
"Don't worry I'll help out where I can with Peter. Who knows maybe he'll like our guests. Oh look they're landing." Asha points up.
"Let's hurry." Zoe rushes over.
The two rush over to stand next to Gilda and Mr. Summers as the shuttle finally drops down. Then the platform dropped and four men came down, it was clear to see that two of them were Jedi and the other two were the soldiers.
'They're not bad looking. But something about that armor seems familiar.' Asha has to raise a brow.
'Peter will go wild having real soldiers here.' Zoe giggles a bit at picturing her happy pup.
Once they were down Richard came up and said "Welcome to Volpi my friends. Thank you for coming so quickly."
"The pleasure is ours Chief Summers. We're glad to help in any way we can." Kenobi nods.
"Please come this way." Richard nods back and brings them over to Gilda and the girls.
As the guys walked by they started to notice something, many of the people in the crowed were female, and many were staring at them with a sort of shine in their eyes. Even stranger, many acted very flirty towards them. Sending kisses, lash fanning, and waving fingers. It was strange.
The two looked at each other thinking 'What's going on?'
"These two will be your guides while here." Richard walks them over.
"I'm Zoe Summer, heir to the Forest Region and a healer." Zoe curtsies politely.
"I'm Asha Stonefeather." Asha nods to them.
"I am Anakin Skywalker and it's an honor to meet you." Anakin takes a hold of Asha and Zoe's hands kissing them.
'How does his mate deal with him?' Zoe takes her hand back not liking that.
'The poor woman.' Asha sighs heavily
"I am Obi-won Kenobi. Please except my apologies for my flirty former student." Kenobi gives a polite nod. "Then these are our men." He motions to the two soldiers.
"Captain Rex at your service." Rex salutes a bit stiff.
"Commander Cody ma'am." Cody salutes.
"Look at them. So muscular. Over here boys." The vixens call swooning over them.
"Alright time to go!" Gilda barks ready to draw her swords.
All of them run off then.
'What was that all about?' the guys look confused.
"Sorry about that, all of them are just a bit curious." Richard sighs hoping they wouldn't think poorly of them.
"Oh no it's quiet alright. All of this is new to us as well." Kenobi assures him.
"Why don't we head back to my manor and get settled in? My wife has been making a nice lunch for us." Richard motions for them to get going.
"Lead the way." Anakin nods.
At the house…
Lunch was mostly intros again and telling a bit about themselves. And Richard explaining what has happened.
"So they cut you off from trade routes?" Kenobi looks surprised.
"We have a few systems we trade with. But no one has been able to get through that blockade." Richard nods with drooped ears.
"Luckily we had been told about the Jedi and your help being allowed. Thank you so much for coming." Gilda explains.
"Don't worry about it. We're happy to help." Anakin shakes his hands in front of him a bit.
"Excuse me, Lady Zoe the school is calling." A maid comes in with a polite head bow.
'Peter.' Zoe's ears droop.
"Excuse me." Zoe nods to the guests as she gets up.
"Is Zoe a teacher as well?" Kenobi looks very impressed.
"It must be Peter." Lila shakes her head a bit.
"Who's Peter?" Cody raises a brow.
"Oh he's Zoe's son." Asha explains.
"I'm sorry, the school was having a half day and I forgot. I'll be back in a bit." Zoe relays with another polite bow.
"Don't worry about it. We're just eating anyway." Rex says with a small hand wave.
"Thanks." Zoe smiles before heading out.
"So I would like to know more about your men. It's best we know who we will be working with especially with all the important events that they'll have to attend…" Richard starts.
"Events? Excuse me Chief Summers, I didn't know our men would have to be in any events. Is there a reason for this?" Kenobi asks confused.
Richard raised a brow "Did you not get all our message?"
"It was somewhat distorted and parts of it missing from the Separatist trying to keep it from getting to us." Anakin explains.
The Volpi all looked over shocked, Lila and Asha flushed as Gilda chuckled.
"Is there something wrong sir? I assure you my brother and I are willing to help in any way we can." Cody explains.
"We're here to help after all." Rex nods.
They all looked at each other and Richard then said "It's a bit embarrassing especially after what happened at your welcoming." he sighed.
"No wonder you boys looked so freaked out. You had no idea what you were getting into." Asha looks on shocked.
"Wait the attention they were getting, that was expected, and what were they getting into?" Anakin asks with a raised brow worried for his men.
They all look at each other and then Richard says "Well you see the only way our people can create a peace treaty is if we um… How to say this?"
"Is if we create a bond stronger than anything written on paper, a bond bound by one of the strongest vows ever done. Marriage." Gilda is the one to talk to them.
"What?!" they all say shocked.
Rex nearly chokes on his soda as he speaks. Cody was choking down his drink not wanting to do a spit take.
"You see for our people to fully accept this treaty we must have a marriage. It was started some generations ago when the clans first joined to have peace with each other. The tradition is so deep in our culture we can't erase it." Richard explains.
"But why our men? Why not a representative?" Kenobi raises a brow.
"Your representatives only represent one planet each. While your warriors represent your entire Republic. That is why we asked for you to bring them. So we could make a peace treaty in marriage and then hopefully by blood with the pups to come." Gilda explains.
"Pups?!" The guys jump now, feeling the whole thing crashing down on them.
"Waugh wait isn't there another way to do this?" Anakin asks.
"No. Chief Summers is open but the people are so stuck in the old ways at times that if we don't do things like this then we could have a revolt on our hands. So there for there has to be an engagement." Asha sighs at how her people thought at times.
At that the two brothers sat down a bit spaced out.
"I believe my men need time to process this while we talk more on the subject. Is that okay?" Kenobi asks.
"Of course, Asha can you take them to they're room?" Richard asks.
"Sure, come on guys let's get you both set up." Asha goes over to tap their shoulders and the two fallow her like zombies. Still in shock from what they heard.
With the guys…
"Engagement? Really?" Rex sighs siting on the lush bed.
"We can't really do this, the rules forbid us to have attachments like this." Cody paces back and forth.
"Well since it's for a treaty I guess the rules are null void." Rex ponders.
"I can't believe this is happening. Are we really doing this?" Cody sits down pondering.
"This really is…" Rex sighs rubbing the back of his head then sees curious eyes by the door then tries to hide but his little orange ear is still in sight, Rex has to fight a chuckle at that.
"Rex I don't think any of this if very…" Cody starts to lecture.
Rex motions for him to be quiet then points to the twitching orange ear seen in the crack of the door. Rex was still trying not to laugh at the cute scene.
Cody raised a brow then smirked. 'Looks like we got a little spy.' He had to hold in a little chuckle at that.
Peter, realizing they're quiet, peeks in the door to find them by the door. His little ears go up at as he sees them by the door, falling back on his butt surprised.
"You okay little guy?" Rex helps him up.
Peter nods a bit red. A bit shy in front of new people. He plays with his hands as he looks at the floor and the new twin men.
"Is there something you wanted to ask us?" Cody leans down to be eye level with him. Not wanting to scare the kid.
"U-um… do you w-want to play with me? Mama and aunty are busy with Grandpa and the… Jebi?" Peter tries to recall what they're called.
"Jedi." Rex corrects softly.
"Yeah that's it." Peter says a bit excited then falls back again. "Um so… can you?" he looks at them hopeful.
"Well um you see…" Cody rubs the back of his head uncertain.
"I think we can play a bit. But if you want to be a soldier…" Rex goes back into the room. "Then we better trade." He takes off the little helmet and places his bucket on the pup's head.
"Rex what are you doing?" Cody looks shocked.
"Oh come on, we can keep him busy until his mom or dad are free." Rex whispers back to his brother. "Plus if we're having our own might want to get used to it." He looks at the happy little guy.
"Rex!" Cody flushes at the thought of having kids of his own. 'I can't believe that's part of the treaty!'
"Come on. Come on. The living room is big enough to play in." Peter pulls on Rex's hand with his little ones.
"Coming. Coming." Rex laughs as he lets himself be lead.
Cody sighs and decides to give in. He needed to keep his mind off of this.
In the living room the boy played around and Rex taught him how soldiers really moved around a battel field. Cody explaining how soldiers planned, stick together, and never left each other behind. The two even told some stories, keeping out a few things so as not to scare the kid.
Cody had to emit he did have fun with the boy, he was always curious about his younger brothers but the Kaminoans never really ever let them interact with such young brothers. Saying it wasn't a task they needed to know.
Rex found the kid adorable. He puts his whole heart into the game and clearly likes being a protector in them. He wondered if Peter got that from his mom or his father.
In the end they used everything in the living room to make it look like a course and battle field. After several pretend battles… well let's just say they all ended up falling asleep. Peter in-between the two exhausted men and snuggling up to Rex, who had an arm protectively over the boy.
Meanwhile…
"I felt so bad for them when they found out. They looked so shocked. They were zombies for a while after the news." Asha sighs explaining to Zoe about what happened.
"Oh the poor guys." Zoe's ears pin down at that.
"I'm still trying to get my head around the thought that they're only 15 years old. Gilda is chewing the Jedi out right now for that stupid cloning idea of theirs." Asha huffs.
"Really there's no good reason to do that. I would think they'd be more respectful to life." Zoe huffs a bit at that.
Their people were big believers in life and how it must be respected. Having living beings made unnaturally to be forced to live to only fight and die in a war was not at all seen as a respect for life to them.
"I'm glad your dad is deciding to help them out. And not taking back his idea. If you ask me not letting them have attachments is a horrible idea." Asha scuffs.
"Oh maybe we can start sending packages to Kamino with little things for the pups to enjoy." Zoe ponders on how else they can help.
The two go into the living room and find the cutest sight ever.
Asha whispers "Photo moment." As she gets her holocam out.
'So cute.' Zoe giggles.
"Papa." Peter nuzzles Rex in his sleep.
Zoe felt her heart break a bit at that. The two of them did often fall asleep playing soldiers. She found it so sweet back then.
After the photo is taken Zoe carefully takes Peter out of his place. Peter nuzzles her in his sleep.
"You going to be okay?" Asha asks looking worried.
"I'm just going to put him to bed. Want to cover them please?" Zoe whispers with a sad smile.
"Sure." Asha nods grabbing some blankets.
"Papa… home." Peter mutters as he settles into his bed.
"I wish he could honey. I wish he could." Zoe's eyes mist as she gently moves his curls out of his face.
'Why did you have to be a hero?' Zoe smiles sadly at a photo just out in the hall.
Zoe rubs her fingers over it lightly remembering that playful day. A wonderful day where they were both free from their duties.
"That was a perfect day." Zoe rubs her misty eyes.
"Oh Zoe." Asha pats her back seeing her friend.
She had just finished covering the two and had come to check on her. Knowing how hard hearing about her old mate must feel.
"It's been two years, but it still hurts." Zoe whispers turning to cry in her friend's shoulder.
"Let it out Zoe, let it out." Asha rubs her friends back.
"Why? Why did he have to go into that storm?" Zoe whimpers recalling how he died.
They had had a horrible storm two years ago. It came as a surprise to all. Zoe was in with a sick Peter so Hiro was pulling a double shift. He went out on a boat to help get those stuck out on them in the river region to shore. But while helping his ship hit some rocks, he got everyone on to another ship but didn't make it himself. They went out to look for him and his life boat right away, but he had hit the rocks. He had no chance in that weather.
After that Zoe left the Protectors. She still helps as a healer and certain events. But she's purely a healer and heir. Zoe didn't want to make their pup and orphan and the others understand why she chose it.
"I miss him. I miss him so much." Zoe weeps.
Zoe has always tried not to cry in front of Peter. Not that they haven't wept as a family. But she likes putting on a brave face for her pup whom looks more like his father every passing year. So in moments like these she lets out her pain.
Truth is Zoe is relieved he seems to have no abilities. No force skill means he can't be a Protector. He won't be put in danger like his father was.
"He had a heart of gold that guy. He could never leave anyone behind, you know that. That's why you feel for him." Asha sighs.
"Yeah." Zoe sniffles looking over at an image of them when they entered the Protectors.
In the photo Hiro had swept Zoe up into his arms grinning ear to ear. Zoe flushed as he had done this right before the camera went off. Meanwhile Asha's laughing to the side at the antic already predicting back then that they would be mates.
"Come on you should go get some rest." Asha helps get her friend to her room.
Zoe just nods. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep hugging a pillow that had laid on the other side of the bed.
"Hiro." Zoe whimpers a bit in her teary sleep.
Once her friend was asleep Asha sighed. She felt truly sorry for her friend. To lose a mate was hard for a Volpi and usually they didn't find another. It was rare. She wanted her friend to be happy but she wasn't sure if could ever push her to try again. Not with the pain her friend held.
She then went down to find Gilda smirking as she was looking inside the living room.
"Still out cold?" Asha chuckles.
"They're good with pups. That will definably help them find a mate." Gilda chuckles as she closes the door.
The next day…
Cody and Rex woke up flushed to find themselves on the floor, at first they were worried Peter was gone but guessed that one of his parents had moved him. They then cleaned up the living room and headed off to clean up before breakfast.
Once done they heard a knock at their door. They both looked over and Cody opened it to find "General Kenobi. Is there something wrong sir?" Cody stands at attention.
"Sir." Rex stands ready for anything.
"At ease you two. I just came to tell you both what decision we came to." Kenobi tries to calm them.
The two nod but still stand at attention. Kenobi sighed at that but decided to continue "We've come to the conclusion that there is no other way to make the treaty without there being an uprising with the people. But we have also decided that you two cannot be forced into doing this. So if you two would rather not be the ones to make the treaty then we can always ask some of your other brothers to take this responsibility on."
The two looked at each other shocked. Were they actually being giving a choice on such an important matter? The two looked over at their general and responded.
"As much as this is a shock sir, this is a mission of peace. If we declined it would take too long to bring in another pair of brothers to replace us. And then the Separatist would come in and hurt the people." Cody gives his impute.
"And there's no guarantee the next batch would be interested." Rex adds with a nod.
"So it seems we'll be taking this assignment sir." Cody finally said.
At that Kenobi blinked and said "I, I'm glad to hear that. But please remember you two are not being forced to do this and if you do this there is no going back."
"We're aware sir." Rex nods with a serious expression.
"We said we'd help in whatever way we could and we meant it." Cody nods.
Kenobi sighs and nods back and says "Okay then. Well the girls will be taking you out about the town today to get to know the people a bit and they're ways. Try to at least enjoy yourselves and be social. The Chief has given us a month for you two to make a choice and then the engagement rituals will start."
The two nodded though were curious about what these engagement rituals were.
Kenobi sensed this "Don't worry I'll inform you when you'll have a task to do, like the events you'll be attending during our time here. I promise we won't try to put up any more surprises for you two."
The two smile at that, appreciating his words.
Peter once again is brought down by his mom. He had played so hard yesterday he hadn't even needed Soldier to sleep. Which was good since he hadn't been dried in time. But once more he hugs his toy close.
Breakfast was uneventful. Mostly just light chatter about the day. Peter announcing he wanted to play soldier again with the two troopers.
"You had fun huh?" Zoe smiles at her peppy son.
"Yeah. They told me the soldier's code and… and how to sneak and…" Peter tries to name everything off. "We can play again can't we?" he looks at them with big eyes.
"Maybe later tonight kiddo." Rex pats his head.
Peter smiles at that taking in the feel of big hands in his hair again.
'They're kinda rough like papa's were.' Peter ponders trying to recall his dad.
"We'll definably try to make time pup." Cody nods.
"Kay." Peter yips happily.
Later…
Running off they try to lose the mob. Finally ditching them as they duck into a little book store called Fang For Thought.
"T-that was close." Rex and Zoe said at the same time.
"I'd rather face a whole battalion of droids then do that again." Cody holds his chest.
"And I'd rather fight a griffon then face them." Asha pants.
"Well now, been a while since I've seen you girls. But I didn't think you'd have mates." An old man chuckles looking over at them from his counter.
The four blink at that then see they're all holding hands. They let go at that a bit red.
"Come on Grandpa Link, you know I'm not after a new mate." Zoe clears her throat moving away with a sad look.
"Besides they're not our mates, they're the representatives that came to help us out with the treaty. We just had to duck in here to escape a mob of crazy vixens." Asha sighs.
"Well feel free to hide out in here until the mob cools down." The gray furred tod smiles at them.
"Thank you sir." Rex nods to him.
"We really appreciate it." Cody does the same.
With that they look around a bit.
Rex finds Zoe sitting on a lazy sofa looking at the wall with a far off and sad expression. He could guess what or who she was thinking of. A part of him wanted to ask what happened but thought it best not to.
Turning he goes down to look at a book. Only to find he can't read it.
'I left the translator in my pack.' Rex sighs at that. 'Maybe I'll find a kids book and look at the pictures.' He places it back then goes looking around.
As he walks through he finds himself drawn back to where Zoe is. Despite the sad expression on her face she is quiet pretty. And her colors all seem to blend well. Her eyes like star light in only a slight contrast to her sunset colored hair and fur.
'Wait a minute what am I thinking?' Rex shakes his head. 'Wait I'm allowed to think this aren't I? Oh this is confusing.' He sighs to himself still trying to wrap his mind around all of this.
Cody looked around as he brought his translator out Asha noticed it and asked "What's that?"
"It's a translator. It helps us to read other languages." Cody explains as he holds up the device.
"Wough so cool. Can you show me how it works?" Asha looks excitedly.
"Um sure." Cody says surprised she was interested.
As they walked about Asha showed him a few of her favorite books. Some he liked and others weren't really his taste. The one he liked the most was the Gifter series, and some stories based on the lands history and culture.
As they looked about though Asha was very animated with how she described the stories, which she liked and which she didn't. But as they walked there was one thing on his mind he couldn't get out.
"Asha… I'm not going to judge you. Just like I told that jerk. But, why did you attack your fellow Protectors?" Cody asked.
Asha looked over and said nonchalantly "Oh I went out to hunt when I overheard some of my hunting party say they were going to hunt me down instead. I felt so made that when I felt someone shove me I went wild and attacked them. After that I've been branded as a danger. Gilda's the only one who believes me when I say they were planning to hunt me. That's why she's got them under threat."
Cody looked on shocked and asked "But why? Why would they betray you like that? Your part of their unit your squad how…" Cody couldn't comprehend it, but then he remembered Slick. And how he betrayed his own brothers.
"It's not really betrayal when you were never friends with them to begin with. I was always a little different then everyone else because of the way I think. I have a mental disorder that makes certain things difficult and certain social situations hard but I do okay when I can. The other reason is because of my fur." Asha growls.
Cody was shocked once more. 'What's wrong with her fur, it's blue but that actually makes it look really unique.'
"Oh you probably don't know why they hate my fur. It's just that only those with mountain clan blood have this color. And yes you're right there is no mountain clan, not anymore. Let's just say their warriors made a mistake and it cost them everything." Asha sighed.
Cody saw this was already a lot to ask and said "So what other story do you recommend? So far you've given me lots to look over."
Asha seemed to light up again at that and dragged him away to look at more.
They stayed at the bookstore longer than they thought. Enough that their stomachs grumbled telling them to head out to eat.
"Where should we go to eat?" Zoe ponders.
"How about Milli's? Best diner in town in my book." Asha smirks showing her extra-long fangs. The two looked over shocked at that making her flush saying "Oh that's my mountain side. They had large fangs because of the griffons that live there."
"I always liked them." Zoe smiles at her friend.
"I think they're fine." Rex nods.
"I bet they probably come in handy when you need them." Cody nods.
Asha smiles and says "Well lets go, it think we're safe so far but just in case."
Asha and Zoe sniff the air outside and give the all clear.
The boys glad for that and head out, the girls showing them the best way to sneak around the town.
At Milli's…
The little diner was cozy and was run by a nice vixen around Gilda's age with what looks like almost pink fur and sandy curls.
"Here you go kids. Now tell me if you all have room for dessert." Milli smiles and heads off.
The guys looked happily at their food and were ready to dig in but they saw the way the girls were trying to hold in their smirks.
"What? What is it?" Rex looks confused.
"Is there a joke we don't know about?" Cody raises a brow.
"Sorry guys it's just, Milli's trying to butter you boys up a bit." Asha chuckles.
"She's really pulling out all the stops." Zoe laughs.
The two looked confused at that.
"Why would she want to impress us? Wait is she…?" Cody looks over panicked.
"She's not one of the ones is she?" Rex looks worried.
"No, no she's not the one interested in you guys, she's interested for her girls." Asha chuckles.
"Twins. They're good friends of ours." Zoe nods with a smile.
The two calm at that but then feel uncertain about the meal.
"It's okay boys, she's nice to everyone. Though I think you might like Lilly and Tulip. They both have their mother's kind nature and pinkish fur." Asha chuckles as she thinks of the sweet girls who love to sing.
"Or are they not your type?" Zoe ponders.
"Um we're not sure…" Cody seems uncertain.
"I'm not sure if we have one." Rex ponders his eyes lingering a bit on Zoe then back at his food.
"We could set you boys up on a date if you like." Asha offers.
"They're nice really. And at least it will get your feet wet in the dating pool." Zoe nods wanting to help.
"It's not that it's just, we're not all that certain how to act on these sort of things. We didn't even interact with women most of our lives so going in straight for a date would feel kind of awkward I suppose." Cody sighs rubbing the back of his head, hating to admit a disadvantage like that.
"Even the woman we've met with we've never looked at them that way. Not that a lot of them really saw us in the army of faces." Rex sighs at coming to realize all of that.
"Oh we're sorry boys, we just wanted to help." Asha's ears droop.
"We didn't even think of that." Zoe's ears pin.
"It's okay we know that. We just need a bit of time." Cody nods hoping to reassure them.
"Just let us catch our footing before tossing us in." Rex gives a small smile.
The girls smile at that and nod.
After they're meal they head back to the estate, as they do Asha said "Oh wait almost forgot to tell you, the day after tomorrow there's an event. It's sort of part of the Chiefs of the lands plan to help you guys find mates." Asha flushes.
"Oh yeah I forgot about that." Zoe adds.
The guys looked confused for a bit.
"We did say we'd help and events were part of the treaty." Cody nods.
"Guess catching our footing will be easier if we're in the mist of it." Rex sighs a bit.
"Well that day you guys will have to dress up nice and dress with the upper-class Alpha females." Asha sighs.
"And don't worry I'll be there so I can help." Zoe motions to herself.
The guys jump at that.
"Wait why only them?" Cody asks confused.
"Why would we be with upper-class first?" Rex looks confused as well.
'If at all.' Rex ponders.
"It will just be for that day. The day after is normal alphas and betas, and then omegas. It's just that upper class Alphas tend to have first pick and well it's tradition for them to usually be the first to have pups." Asha flushes.
"The others will be more relaxed but this one is more like a ball." Zoe explains.
The guys flush at this and as they think about what picking a wife from that status could mean then something comes to mind.
"We can't dance!" The two panic.
"That could be a problem." Asha worries a bit.
"Well we can give a few lessons." Zoe smiles at them.
"Yeah Zoe's right we can teach you boys how to dance a bit today and tomorrow, and even a bit before the party." Asha nods excitedly.
The two sigh at that happy to know they'll get help.
"That'll help." Rex relaxes a bit.
'But why is my heart jumping at the idea of being near her?' Rex feels his heart race a bit as he looks at Zoe.
'Wait dance with them. Why does that make me feel nervous?' Cody didn't know why but the thought of these lessons scared him almost as much as the part itself.
"But I'll have to join you all tomorrow after I finish teaching Peter to hunt. Can't back out on that." Asha chuckles.
"Don't want to let him down." Zoe giggles.
"Oh right we said we'd play soldier when we got back." Rex recalls.
"Right don't want to disappoint him." Cody nods.
"Perfect, tomorrow you guys can come along if you want, that way you can see the forest regions actual forest parts and even the park." Asha smiles as they head back to the manor.
At the manor…
"Mama!" Peter jumps into her arms as they come in.
"Hello honey." Zoe nuzzles him in a hug.
"So what did you do all day?" Asha pats his head.
"We made cookies! Lots and lots of them! I even got to put frosting on them." Peter's tail wags happily.
"Really? Can I see?" Zoe places him back down.
Peter nods pulling her hand as they go into the kitchen. It was clear which ones were decorated by a kid. Extra frosting on them or look like a giant sprinkle star. But it was cute and he was clearly excited about them.
"Wow they all look great kiddo." Rex goes to take one.
"No. not yet. They're for after dinner." Peter warns. "Nana said so." His ears droop clearly having been told 'no' himself.
"Okay then. How about we play soldier for a bit? Then you can watch us be funny for a while." Rex pats his head.
"Funny?" Peter tilts his head confused.
"Sigh, you had to tell him." Cody puts a hand over his eyes feeling embarrassed enough on this, he didn't want anyone watching.
"We're helping them learn how to dance for a party soon." Zoe explains to the curious little thing.
"I wanna learn too! I wanna dance on mama's feet." Peter's tail wags as he raises his hand excitedly.
"Sure we'll teach you. It will be fun." Asha chuckles.
"Stealing our dance partners huh? Maybe you just won't come back from this war soldier." Rex scoops up the pup tickling his stomach making him laugh.
"N-no fair!" Peter declares between laughs and yips.
Asha laughed as the boys left she noticed how her friend looked down, ears and all. "What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy he had some new friends."
"I'm happy he's having fun. It's just… this is the first time he hasn't asked if papa is coming back." Zoe's ears fall a bit.
Peter was only three and didn't understand what was going on. So every summer he'd ask if papa was coming to see them instead of them going to see him. They often went to the River region for the beach and it's where Hiro was born so Zoe had his ashes scattered over the water he loved so. It also gave them a trip every summer. A trip to visit papa. Though Peter never saw him and wondered why he didn't.
"I know it's hard, but maybe it just means he's moving on." Asha ears fall.
"Don't get me wrong I'm happy he's not waiting for him by the door anymore I just also worry. Worry he might not remember him. He was little when…" Zoe rubs her misting eyes.
"Oh Zoe." Asha gives her a tissue to help clean herself up.
"I'm crying so much this year huh? Sorry." Zoe gives a slightly forced chuckle.
"You have no reason to be sorry. This isn't going to get easier. Maybe if you don't want him to forget him then well, maybe talk to him about Hiro." Asha hugs her friend hoping to help her.
Zoe leans into her taking the comfort. This might have been the first year Zoe could really let herself feel it all with someone to keep Peter happy. She wondered if it was time to really explain what 'Going away' meant. He was still a pup but she'd have to explain sooner or later.
With the guys…
They had made a fort out of some cushions and blankets.
"And Soldier saves the day!" Peter smiles showing his slightly big fangs.
"Hey you got large fangs as well pup." Cody looks over surprised and curious.
"Mama says papa had them." Peter gets a bit sad snuggling his toy close.
"You okay kiddo?" Rex looks at him confused and worried.
"Did you know papa?" Peter looks at them with big eyes.
"No sorry." Rex shakes his head.
"We only just arrived on this planet. Why do you ask?" Cody pats his shoulder.
"Cause… cause I don't remember much." Peter hugs his toy close with downed ears. "I know he had big rough hands like Rex. A-and he liked to play. And I know what he looks like cause of pictures. B-but I don't remember anything." He names them off counting with his fingers.
"Maybe if you want to know more about him you could talk to your mom. Ask her more about your dad." Cody suggests.
Peter shakes his head slowly.
"Why?" Rex looks even more confused.
"I don't want mama sad. Mama doesn't like summer cause that's when papa left. And… and she cries looking at photos of him. She doesn't know I know." Peter recalls his sad mother.
"When someone leaves it can be hard. But I'm sure remembering him together will make your mama really happy." Rex pats his head.
Peter hugs him around his neck at that. Rex hugging back slightly. Then the pup runs off with his toy in hand.
Zoe walks past the guys cleaning up the fort with her son in her arms. Giving them a small smile and mouthing 'Thank you' as she heads off to her room. Peter waving with a small smile as they head up.
"So what's going on?" Cody asks worried.
"They're going to go look at some photos for a bit and talk." Asha explains.