Duty Bound

Ramirez has won. Fina and Aika are kept alive, for one reason; Ramirez needs an heir. However, the decision he reaches will draw the two women into a world of rivalry, jealousy and passion, turning friend to foe, and enemy to lover. As well as this sexually charged battle, surviving rebels fight to free Arcadia once again. Two wars… one victory.

WARNING: This fiction contains rape, angst, and sex scenes.

He awoke. Gradually. Light from the rising sun had spilled across his face which was facing the windows. With a deep breath he sat up and glanced around. The bed beside him was empty, but it always was. She always made a point of rising before he did. Not that he had any objections. In fact, he would prefer her not to be at his side when he awoke, that way, he could imagine it was someone else he could hear running a steaming bath in the washroom.

Standing he walked to the door, steam rolled under its lip, and he didn't bother to knock before entering. The huge bathtub, sunk in the centre of the room was filling with spiced water, the moisture rising from it slicking his skin. She crouched beside the rim, the pale silk bed dress she wore clinging to her, every curve.

As beautiful as she was, the sight of her, even like this; heavy with his heir, breasts swollen, hips rounded, would not excite desire within him. She knew this, but she lived with it. Her green eyes met his own for a second, before they dropped to the floor.

He was already naked, and so he merely stepped down into the tub and allowed the scented water to ease the tension from his body. He felt her settle behind him, as she started to bathe him. To give her credit, she was excellent at relaxing him, and he greatly enjoyed her baths. He closed his emerald eyes and imagined it was her massaging soap across his back and shoulders, as opposed to his concubine.

After several minutes of this bliss he sat forward and turned to face her.

"Join me." He said quietly. It was an order, not a passion filled request. He stepped back and watched her obediently lift the thin material away and step into the steaming basin. He drew a little closer to her and glanced down. Her eyes were lowered, never meeting his. Her ample chest seemed buoyant in the hot water, but it was not these in which his interest lay. He dipped his hand below the surface to skim across her swollen belly. He closed his eyes and sensed the tiny life within her. An Emperor needed an heir, and this son would fit the title well. He knew what the babe would look like. Blonde hair and startling green eyes. A pure bred Silvite. Just as he was. Just as his mother was. Ramirez stepped back and stepped up and out of the bath.

"The child grows well, and is in excellent health." He said. After he dried himself, he tugged on a white shirt, which was light to allow for the summer heat, and black sparring trousers. He turned to glance at her. She was still in the water, her hand rubbing over her stomach, a natural instinct for an expecting mother, the other twirling a few strands of pale hair between her fingers.

He came forward and squatted by the side of the tub.

"I'm going to Council, there are matters of rebellion which need my attention. You may do what you wish till this evening." He said, before he stood and strode out, without a backwards glance.

Sighing, she relaxed in the waters until they began to cool. When they did, she got out and drained the tub, pulling on an outfit of silks, she stopped before a mirror to investigate herself.

She looked at the bump.. it would not be long now. She felt a growing love for the child within her, however it was somewhat dampened with the knowledge that the father held her not half as dearly as she did him. She should not be the one stood here, concubine and Bride-To-Be of the Emperor, it was a living torture for her. He felt passion for another, and that same person felt an equal passion for him. She felt the familiar sting of jealousy. Turning away from her reflection, Fina had to admit that the pregnancy suited her. Her cheeks were flushed and healthy, and she positively glowed. However, on the inside, she felt cold. This chill had settled the day Vyse had died…

Ramirez watched in cold satisfaction, as Vyse slid from his blade, gagging on his own blood. The man had fought well, but one mistake, one weak spot in his defence had led to his downfall. The Silvite stepped back, and let the young Air Pirate pitch to the side, his body thudding heavily onto the cold marble floor. His eyes were emotionless as he sheathed his blade, utterly unconcerned by the two enemies that still stood.

Aika's bow clattered to the floor, and a scream of anguish tore from her throat. She staggered to Vyse's side and rolled him onto his back.

"Vyse!!" She yelled, gripping his face in her hands, shaking him and slapping him. "Wake up! Please!! Not after all these years! Not now!!" Sobs choked her and she clawed at his cleaved chest, as if trying to knit the wound together. "Come back you bastard!!" She screamed through her tears. "Come back and fight!"

Fina had not moved from her spot, she had merely fallen to her knees, dissolving into silent grief. They had lost. They had entered Soltis tower, full of hopes, adrenaline driving them. Had they not already killed Galcian? Ramirez would fall easily enough! Their confidence had been met with this cold, hard swordsman. Soon the battle had become a one on one fight between him and Vyse. At first it seemed evenly matched, but for the last minutes of the fight, it was clear that the Silvite's skill was superior. Vyse was battling for his life, his arms were tiring, and his magical energy was low. His palms were slick with sweat, it was this that had cost his life. He had attempted to block a thrust, but his cutlass had slipped in his hands, and the gleaming blade had plunged into his flesh.

Aika felt herself tumble into a void of pain and suffering. How could she survive without Vyse?! A gaping hole might have been hewn into her chest as well for the emptiness she now felt at his loss. She clung to his body, swiftly becoming drenched in his blood, her body racked with sobs.

Ramirez stepped around them, and motioned to a soldier.

"Have them taken away, lock them up somewhere, I will deal with them later. Ready my ship, I want our Armada to destroy any remaining ships in the Skies around Soltis."

"Yes my Lord Emperor."

Ramirez glanced back at the women, and he frowned. Such passion, all because Vyse now lay dead. The red haired girl, she was so fraught with grief, he found it quite fascinating, even Fina, one of his own blood wept for him. But then, Fina always had been strange, even as a young girl, displaying emotions of affection and care. She even befriended one of the bothersome creatures which shifted their shape, a native animal of the Silver Moon. To this day it followed her around. He turned from them, irritated that their mannerisms had even occupied his mind, and left the room.

Aika screamed when they tried to drag her away. She had to remain with Vyse, she had to… he might wake up. It took three men to separate her from his corpse, and she battled fiercely, until she found herself flung into a dingy room, occupied by two small cots. She was unaware of these surroundings, so lost was she in her anguish. After a few moments, she barely felt the gentle hands easing her to her feet.

"Sit down Aika. It will be alright…."

That voice. Slowly Aika blinked, tears staining her cheeks and looked around her. The room was dim, a single moonstone giving off a faint light from a wall bracket. She blinked. Where was she? Why was she here? Glancing around for the source of the voice, she found herself sat on the edge of a rough cot, and Fina beside her.

She opened her mouth to speak.. but found no words to say, so silently let her gaze drift to the floor.

"Aika, be strong. Perhaps the ships outside Soltis tower will defeat Ramirez's military.. we could be rescued at any moment. We could still win." Fina whispered, trying to sound hopeful.

Aika looked at her as if she was mad.

"Win?" She breathed slowly. "Fina, Ramirez could die a thousand times, and we would still not have won. Vyse is dead… he is dead Fina!" Acknowledging that he was truly gone brought a crippling pain to her chest, and she choked her words out, despite the lump in her throat.

"You.. t-tell me.. w-what kind of victory we will.. h-have won!!" She said, turning from the blonde girl and curling herself up on the rough sheets of the bed.

Fina slowly stood, Aika's shouted words cutting her deeply. She still did not understand much of this world, her attempts at support had driven Aika further into remorse. She too was mortified by Vyse's passing, he had rescued her, and risked his life for her on many occasions. The pain that she felt now was terrible, but it must be nothing compared to what Aika must be feeling. Unable to think of anything to say, she stood and wandered to the second cot and lay down, Aika's sporadic sobs reaching her ears. She buried her face in the sheets and bit her lip against the painful emotions within her. How did the race of man survive these agonising pains!?

Slowly, the pair exhausted themselves and they drifted to sleep… dreams of happier days plaguing them.

Ramirez was confused. Why should the display of the red haired pirate stay with him so? He could not forget the image of her, drenched in blood, screaming over Vyse. How must it feel, he wondered, to have someone care that much for you? His mind thought of the two women, and what could be done with them. He had an idea, but he had some decisions to make. Now, ruler of all Arcadia, he would need a son, one which would be raised under him, in his image to take control of Zelos when the time was right. It was for this reason that he had left the girls alive. Fina was the clear choice, a pure Silvite like him, it would ensure that his spawn would be untainted. However, Fina was weak, she was too emotional and sensitive, and he could not imagine her, a capable mother. Aika, she was not a Silvite, her colouring made that clear, still she was stronger, and had fire within her. Her strength would yield a good child, however, her blood would taint it. He sighed and forced the matter from his mind, it was irrelevant at the present. He returned to the task at hand, the ships, led by the Delphinus, fled swiftly when the Armada appeared. Realisation that if Ramirez was attacking, their leader must be dead. Without Vyse to lead the charge they had crumbled. Ramirez now had to decide whether to hunt them down, or let them escape. It had been a long day, he rubbed his temples and felt a wave of tiredness sweep over him as he sat in his ornate throne on the bridge of the Monocreos.

"Sergeant," He called, and instantly the armoured man appeared at his side. "have our fleet chase the rebels to the boarders of the Silver Moon, then set up a perimeter in case they deicide to attack again. Then turn my ship around and return to the Tower."

"Yes My Lord!" The man snapped, coming to attention before marching away, shouting orders.

Ramirez watched the bustle of the ship, his green eyes bored. His mind wandered back to the problem of the women. Which should be given the honour of carrying his heir? He sighed, he could always use a whore, but he shuddered at the thought. His son should not be birthed by a woman who sold herself. However, he highly doubted either of the women would willingly bear his offspring, but that was irrelevant, neither of them had a choice in the matter. He would decide soon enough, but in the mean time, he would enjoy torturing them. They were clearly broken over the death of Vyse, and serving the man that killed them was sure to drive them to breaking point, particularly the red head. He smiled blissfully to himself, today, despite everything, had been a good day. Galcian had been avenged, and Vyse was gone forever. He had the world of Arcadia in the palm of his hand, and none but a few tattered rebels to stop him.

She was unsure of how long she had slept, but she awoke feeling more tired than she had been before. Sighing she rolled her legs over the edge of the bed and sat for a moment, staring vaguely at the floor. Vyse was gone, there was no bringing him back. Thinking of him made her want to cry again, but it seemed she had exhausted her supply of tears and could do nothing but hang her head. After a few minutes of this sombre pain she glanced across at Fina who still slept on the other cot, and pulled a face. How could the pale little Silvite understand how she felt? She seemed to have such weak emotions, and although she was sweet and clearly cared greatly for people, she just didn't know how to comfort, or to feel empathy. Aika shook her head, but what could she expect? The girl had lived a secluded life alone in the Silver City, and had no idea of how the world worked, and what it felt like to lose someone integral to your life. Sighing, she stood and walked to the door of their cell, and found a surprise in that it opened easily. She felt herself tremble…. She was free to walk around Soltis. If she could find Ramirez, and kill him... Blood pounded in her ears at the very thought and her heart beat faster. Perhaps.. she would be able to find a way to escape, and then her and Fina could reunite with the others, and finally raze Soltis to the ground. She glanced back at her sleeping friend. If they were to wander together, they would be far too conspicuous, and would be unlikely to find an escape. She sighed, and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Once out of the room she breathed deeply. She felt empty, utterly devoid of emotion. She sagged against the wall and sighed.

Eventually she managed to force her legs to move, pushing off the cold marble, she wandered the deserted corridors. At regular periods, brackets were set into the wall, and they contained red moon stones, these cast a blood like aura around her. She paid little attention to how long she walked or where she was going. There were doors here and there, and she peered into all of them. Each one was either locked, or was a room identical to the one she had been placed in with Fina. After what could have been minutes, but felt like hours, she found herself at an elevator. A feeling of victory swamped her, she had begun to think she would never see anything other than the blood coloured walkways. Stepping into it, the pure whiteness of the walls made her feel more refreshed, however, her feeling of victory faded as she looked at the buttons for the levels. They were all indicated by different colours. There was one clear one at the top, however, she did not press it. Instead the touched a yellow coloured one, and instantly she felt the floor beneath her feet start to move. She had a rising sensation, and moments later, the doors opened, and a pale yellow light flooded into the elevator. She stepped out, the different colours, she thought, must represent different areas of the tower. She moved forwards, trying not to concern herself with the problem of how she would find her way back to Fina. She had barely moved three paces before she heard footsteps approaching from behind her. Turning, she barely had time to cry out before cold, metal hands closed over her wrists.

"Well lad, looks like we don't have to go all the way to the Harem. This lucky little whore has come to us."

She found herself gazing at three fierce Vaulan visors. Before she could protest, she was roughly manhandled into a corner, as one of the men reached to unlace his prickguard.

"Get off me you Vaulan Scum!!" She screamed, finding her voice. The man holding her laughed.

"Now lass, what else are whores good for eh? Don't worry, we have plenty of coin."

"Let me go!" She cried again. "I'm not a damned whore!!"

The one before her paused and glanced at his comrades, he had finished discarding his cockpiece, and it was clear he was ready for her. She felt a touch of hope as he stopped. It was crushed seconds later when he laughed horribly, tearing off his visor so she could see his eager face.

"So we won't even need to part with our coin lads!"

"No!" She screamed, terror seizing her… she could not lose her innocence like this.. not in this place! She started struggling and lashing out at them, adrenaline driving her on. She felt a heavy blow first to her stomach that doubled her over, and then a second blow hammered into her temple. Stars exploded before her eyes, and she was barely aware of being shoved against the cold wall, or her leg being slung around an armoured hip. An agonising pain suddenly tore through her abdomen, and she screamed as she was brought roughly back to reality. She scratched and punched and the man before her, but was swiftly restrained by the other two, as the third continued his invasion of her body. She sobbed and cried out in agony, her eyes rolling in pain, as more blows were landed. Just as she was sure she would vomit, it stopped, and the support of the two men pinning her upright vanished, and her rapist was torn from her. She slumped, barely conscious to the floor, where she swooned, and was rapidly devoured by blackness.

Ramirez narrowed his eyes at the three men, one who was clumsily fumbling to refasten his prickguard.

He had been returning to his quarters, primarily to think of women, he had passed the three rutting soldiers without a glance. Often was it that his men were too impatient for privacy, and merely took their pleasures in the corridors. It was one of the main reasons why he rarely took this route through the pleasure halls to his own accommodation, despite it being the fastest way from the docks. However, the screams of protest had caught his attention. When he had seen his man, hilted within the Blue Rogue, he had instantly ordered them dragged from her. He quivered in fury, and glared at them. Why he felt so angry, he did not know.

"Have her taken to the infirmary, then back to her quarters." He said quietly.

The soldiers before him clearly knew they had displeased the new Emperor, however, were unsure of how. Taking pleasure from a woman was common, with or without her consent, among the men.

Aika was lifted and carried away by his Sergeant. Ramirez watched her vanish around the corner before her turned back to them, his blade singing smoothly from its sheath. The man with his visor removed widened his eyes in fear, opening his mouth to beg, however, before any words could be uttered, the blade bit savagely into the side of his face. The other two gasped in horror, as the body pitched silently to the floor, twitching horribly, blood flooding around them.

"You two may consider yourselves demoted." Ramirez said, his voice a deadly murmur.

"Y-yes Lord!" Stammered one, falling to his knees in the gore and bowing his head.

The Emperor cleaned his blade on the dead man's back, before restoring it to its sheath and stalking away, ordering the two survivors to clean up their comrade's remains.

He walked on until he had risen two floors to the higher regions of the tower. Here only select people were authorised to access. Admirals, and men of high rank, slaves designated to work here, and Ramirez himself. Those found here without permission were instantly killed. It was in this wing that Ramirez had his quarters, and he went directly to them. His rooms were lavish, massive, ornate doors opened onto a wide balcony overlooking Soltis. At the centre of the room, was a large, carved dining table, strewn with maps for the skies, rifts, and continent boarders. To his right an archway that reached almost to the high ceiling, free of doors, led to his sleeping chamber. Through it could be seen a huge silk, and velvet covered bed. He leaned back on the wall and groaned, closing his eyes. Seeing her, tear stained, screaming and fighting.. he had felt a heat spread through him. He had seen a vision of her pinned beneath him, imagined himself as the soldier had been, buried deep within her, taking his pleasure. He growled and pushed away from the marble, angered to find himself notably excited. He had reached his decision.

WR: ok, random place to end it. Strange so far eh? Rather like my other fic, where Vyse dies, and I know there are quite a few similarities in style, but the plot should be very different. You have seen a flash of the duture.. now don't you just wna tto know how they got there? Fina will get pregnant with his child.. but where is Aika when that is going on? Poor Aika… that little scene will have an effect on her throughout the rest of the fic.. at least.. im planning that it will :P