A/N: Apologies for a delayed update, but real life has a habit of keeping me busy. Hopefully, I can continue with frequent updates again soon.

Sky Song

Jade Cat

"No," Simon stated.

He shook his head, and smiled, almost wanting to laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "No. There is absolutely no way she's going with you. Not a chance."

Kaylee chewed on her bottom lip nervously, not quite sure as to what to say to ease the tension between the two feuding siblings.

"It's too late, Simon. Already dressed. Now, it's your turn," River commented, stoic.

Simon stared at his little sister, unable to mask the tinge of annoyance creeping into his comely features. "River, I didn't go through hell and back to free you from these people, just to have them get their hands on you all over again! I can't...I can't go through that one more time," he explained, trying not to relive the experience of nearly losing his sister.

River sighed, and rolled her eyes, "You have to come, too."

Then she smiled cheekily. "Have to keep me safe, like you always do. Get dressed, Simon. That's an order," she demanded.

River then skipped along to the ship's exit, and pressed the button to open the doors. Simon stood watching, mouth agape. "I can't believe her. I can't believe she's making me do this. Kaylee, you have to stop her, tell her you aren't going!" the doctor pleaded with his paramour.

"Simon...," Kaylee cooed, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder.

A moment of silence passed between them, and it was all he needed to know that he'd lost this battle. He sighed, and Kaylee smiled reassuringly. "You know you can't stop her. Eventually, you're gonna have to let her...be her own woman. She ain't the same scared little girl that came to this ship in a box, no more. She's...grown," Kaylee said sweetly.

When Simon made no comment, and steered his gaze elsewhere, Kaylee took it as her queue to leave him be with his thoughts, and walked to join River. No one heard him say, "But she is. She still is a little girl..."

Syaoran was an obvious man to find, for someone who ought to have been inconspicuous. Mal ignored the uncomfortable feeling deep in his belly. Instead, he shut it up by taking another swig of the drink he'd been nursing all night, and was reassured by the feel of the butt of his pistol hidden beneath his coat. He tried thinking positive thoughts, too, but that had never really worked out well for him before, so he was usually quick to abandon the activity.

Next to him, Jayne had gotten tipsy, and was flirting with the girls that had found a seat on his lap. One of them had been their waitress, and the other was her proclaimed 'friend', wearing just as little as every other girl in the club. Mal had stopped paying attention to the mercenary once he spotted one of the girls cupping him, eliciting a bulge that the captain understood wasn't any hidden grenade of the ilk he could use in a fight.

At least he could count on Zoe. Good old straight faced Zoe. His first mate had her arms folded across her chest, looking on at the stage, completely unamused by the acrobatics the naked females were performing. She'd ordered a drink, but hadn't really touched it. Instead, the woman looked weary and suspicious of her surroundings, most obviously scouting for their man, as well as any other characters of interest. It was no doubt that she had seen him, too. Jayne was the only one still completely oblivious, his head stuck into the giggling girl's chest now, making raspberries.

Mal leaned back, and spoke softly to Zoe, "Looks a bit fidgety, don't he?"

Zoe quirked up an expressive eyebrow, and shot back, "We talkin' 'bout Jayne or Red Dragon, sir?"

Mal suffered a glance at the merc, and almost regretted it instantly. "Dragon, of course. I don't care to know how Jayne acts in front of his lady friends, nor how he uses his naughty bits thank you kindly," he replied with mild disgust.

The corners of Zoe's mouth twitched. "Think he's seen us, too, sir. Hence the fidgeting."

Mal could still make him out from the corner of his eye, the tattoo on his forearm a shocking red, dancing along his tanned skin.

"I don't mean to sound redundant, sir, but...I got a bad feelin' about this," Zoe breathed next to Mal's ear, never letting her expression betray her feelings.

From across the table, an intoxicated Jayne shouted, "Hey, Mal! Reckon I can get a bit of a forward pay? You know, like an advance?"

He snickered darkly, and stared up at the two girls riding his thighs, his hands groping a butt cheek on either one. "So's I can have my fun with these two. Ain't an opportunity most men come by very often, you can understand that, as a fellow man. So whatcha say, capt'n?" Jayne rattled on.

But Mal had stopped listening. He hadn't even caught the waitress purr, "He can join us, too, if he likes. A man that shuài, I'd do for free."

The look on Jayne's face dictated that he did not like the idea of sharing either girl with his captain. But both Zoe and Mal had more important matters on their mind. Like, noticing that, after shooting down the remains of his alcoholic beverage, Syaoran was finally working his way over to them from across the club. The place had gotten crowded enough now that he seemed to blend in. Just a man making his way through. Mal stared at the stage, but, out of the corner of his eye, he was always aware of the approaching shadow of their middle man. When he did reach them at last, Syaoran took a seat close by, as if it were the most natural thing to do.

His dark eyes still darted about the room anxiously, and his fingers twitched in his lap. Mal wanted nothing more than to reach over and slap the man in an effort to make him stop. Either he was unaccustomed to being a middle man, or there was something terribly wrong with the job. Either seemed like a good possibility, at this rate.

"Got a job for you, captain," he remarked, not making eye contact with any of the crew members.

"So I hear. Got any burnin' details I need to know? Me and mine went through an awful lot of trouble to meet with you," Mal asked, reaching over for his glass.

Syaoran scratched at the black stubble on his chin. "Can't say much. Boss needs somethin' moved off planet, and word on the street is you're the man to do it."

Mal swirled his drink in his glass, thinking on the words Syaoran said to him. He could feel Zoe tense up in her seat, and even Jayne had become aware of the new man's presence. He continued to entertain the females, but the mercenary's ears were pricked and listening.

"Say we do decide to be takin' on this job. What exactly will I be bringin' onto my ship? No offense meant, but, if I'm stakin' out my life, and my crew's, I think it's fair, as businessmen, for all of us to be somewhat aware of the item in question," Mal treaded carefully.

Syaoran met his eyes then, dark orbs shining in the eerie lighting of the strip club. There was fear imbedded deep within them. He was scared, and Mal couldn't understand exactly why.

"That's why boss picked you," Syaoran started, his voice taking on a nervous edge, "You aren't likely to be asking too many questions."

Syaoran leaned closer. "What needs to be moved is top secret, and it's going somewhere far away. Payment will be as promised, with an advance to help you get started. That is, if you're the man you claim to be."

Mal let his comment linger between them before posing a question, "How much of an advance are we talkin'?"

Under the table, Syaoran slid a small, brown package towards Mal. "Enough to cover the cost of fuel and protein there and back. If you're careful, you could probably even squeeze in some credits for a few upgrades for the ship," Syaoran explained.

Mal's hand hovered over the parcel as he contemplated the risks and benefits of taking the job in his head. They needed this. They'd spent way too much getting to Sihnon in the first place, and they'd already come so far. To turn it down would mean a rough couple of weeks for the crew of Serenity, and Mal couldn't afford any more losses. He had parts needing replacement, needed fuel for the journeys, and protein for the mouths he had to feed.

But before he took it, before he said yes, he looked Syaoran dead in the eye and, with a bemused expression, asked, "Just one more question. What in the móguǐ gāng has got you so spooked, boy?"

Syaoran's almond shaped eyes widened, and his mouth gaped, as if to be caught in the act. It was quick, the glance he gave, and Mal couldn't have followed it even if he tried. He was too busy studying the younger man's face, trying to read him. Men in the Huǒlóng Syndicate could not be appearing so fragile and frightened, like lambs. They had a reputation to maintain, after all. A tattoo on Syaoran's arm was not enough to convince those around him that he was part of the gang.

"Sir," Zoe whispered into Mal's ear, terse, yet foreboding at the same time.

It seemed his first mate had caught Syaoran's wandering gaze, and was indicating to Mal the group of men hovering by the bar. Initially, they appeared to be just like the others in the club; there to enjoy the show, and to drink. A few even made grabs at the women who stalked by, naked as the day they'd come crying.

But that blaring red tattoo was never too hard to miss. And each one of them was sporting it proudly in some fashion tonight.

The marketplace was bustling with as much life and energy as Beaumonde, even late into the evening.

"Look at all the shiny!" Kaylee cried ecstatically, rushing over to a merchant's table.

This one had jewelry strewn across the showcase; necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets. Some were shimmering gold, others were silver with fancy beads and expensive looking water pearls. Simon followed behind River as she examined the goods, looking for something that would catch her eye. Kaylee held up a necklace that resembled something Inara would have worn, and turned to show him with a wide smile on her face.

Despite the circumstances, he couldn't help but smile back at her. "It brings out the green in your eyes," he commented.

Her cheeks glowed at the compliment, and she looked away, placing the necklace back down where she found it. "Ain't no need for someone like me to be havin somethin' that pretty. 'Sides, when would I even get to wear it? Can't be puttin' it on while I'm fixin' up Serenity. Might get caught on somethin', you know? Dangerous, like the capt'n would say," Kaylee rambled, unable to mask her disappointment.

Simon picked up the necklace, and called out to the merchant, "Jièguò, how much for this piece right here?"

Kaylee stared at Simon with awe, seemingly unable to understand exactly what it was he was doing.

The merchant stuck up three of his fingers, and Simon began to dig into his pockets. River seemed to be too preoccupied with a miniature statuette of a cat, carved from jade stone, to notice what her brother was up to.

"Simon, you don't gotta-" Kaylee tried to interject, bringing up a hand to his arm to stop him from paying the man for the necklace.

He turned to her, and smiled sincerely for what felt like the first time since the morning. "What's a good boyfriend if he can't even buy his girlfriend pretty things?"

Kaylee's face lit up, and her expression made the entire transaction absolutely worth it. He'd empty out everything he owned to have her look like that all the time, and know it was because of him.

"Oh, that's sweet, but you know, I really don't need shiny stuff like that. You should keep your money; use it to buy stuff for yourself and River. I think she's taken quite the liking to that jade cat," Kaylee commented.

Simon turned to see his young sister petting the head of the miniature statue as if it were an actual cat. Kaylee beamed next to him. "How 'bout I buy that for her, and we call it even?"

"Even? Kaylee, I want to buy you nice things because I can, not because you have to owe me something. If...If things were different...I'd be spoiling you rotten, right about now...Like you deserve to be," he defended, slightly hurt by her words.

He stared at the ground, not really sure he could handle looking her into the eyes after making such a confession. Being a fugitive on the run had its limitations, and one such limitation was enough money to court the girl he loved in the proper way. Her hand on his arm distracted him from his depressing thoughts, and he looked at her to see that she was smiling, like she always did.

"Chī," she started, reaching up to plant a feather light kiss on his unsuspecting mouth before continuing, "If things were different, you wouldn't have even met me."

Before he could respond, she had walked over to River, and paid the merchant for the silly little cat that the girl had become absolutely enamoured with.

"Now, I do think I need to pay a visit to some shops sellin' some actual parts," Kaylee said, eyeing the many stalls and stores littered about.

Simon kept an eye on River as they walked, although he had been more than tempted to take a hold of Kaylee's hand as they strolled along. How often did he even get an opportunity to proudly display his affection for her? Nonetheless, he didn't want to do anything that would make River feel left out, or uncomfortable, so he kept his hands to himself.

"Breathing sacks of meat with an expiry date. Tick tock, tick tock, you'll spoil before you know it," River announced, staring at her brother all the while.

When he pulled a face, she added, "You're running out of time."

"Out of time to do what?" Simon inquired, whilst Kaylee approached another vendor.

River gave him a knowing smile. "Asking all the wrong questions, Simon."

Kaylee grinned at the man flirtatiously before asking him, "House Madrassa is in the heart of the city, ain't it? You wouldn't mind tellin' a girl if she's headin' in the right direction, would ya?"

Simon lost interest in River's eerie speculation when he heard the merchant tell Kaylee, "House Madrassa? Why's a pretty girl like you heading over there, anyways? Certainly, you don't need to pay for that kind of service, with a face like that, darling."

The doctor was at her side in moments, grabbing a hold of her wrist and pulling her away. "Sorry about the confusion. My girlfriend can be quite sporadic. We're just tourists here, and we were doing a bit of sightseeing around town. We've heard amazing things about the training house on Sihnon, and she really wants to go see it for herself. As a matter of fact, she's been insisting on it throughout this whole trip." Simon forced a smile, accentuating the word 'girlfriend' to help the vendor understand that he was out of line.

Kaylee wrenched her arm free and gave the dark haired youth a glare that spoke volumes about how she felt in that moment.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know. You're a lucky man, sir, she's a real charmer. Anyways, if you're heading to House Madrassa, you're getting close. It's in the heart of the downtown area, you can't miss it. Most elaborate building you'll ever see. Your girl here has some fine tastes in travel if that's where you're heading," the vendor confessed, his thick, blonde moustache twitching as he beamed at the young couple.

To maintain niceties, Kaylee spent a sweet smile on the older man, and thanked him, "Xièxie, lǎozhàng."

But as soon as she walked away to collect River, Simon was on her heels and her once charming smile was replaced with a deep set scowl.

"Kaylee!" Simon cried after her.

She continued to walk away, blatantly ignoring him.

"Oh, come on, Kaylee. That man was clearly making some inappropriate comments," he tried explaining.

The brunette turned on her heels, and faced her boyfriend, setting her fierce and angry eyes onto him. "That man was harmless. We was just talkin', and he was just givin' me some directions, until you come bargin' in tryin' to make me look as dumb and dense as a log! I get that I ain't as fancy as you, but that don't mean that I'm stupid, Simon!"

Simon stuttered, tripping over his words as he realized his mistake. "Kaylee, I didn't...I mean, I don't think...-"

But Kaylee had already grabbed River's arm, and started walking away, ignoring his pathetic attempt at making an apology. He rushed after them, walking backwards and in front of her when she wouldn't even acknowledge his presence. He bumped into a few disgruntled people along the way, who also gave him some colourful language in return.

"Look, regardless of what happened with that man, you can't go see her right now. Mal is due to be back at the ship any minute, and when he finds us gone...Well, you know how he gets. Besides, this was supposed to be a simple outing. Just shop around a bit, then head back. There's Alliance everywhere, and River isn't exactly in her most lucid state right as of now. Please, Kaylee," he begged to no avail.

"Funny thing, I don't seem to recall anythin' about you havin' the right to tell me what I can or cannot do. And River's fine, she's havin' fun, aren't you, sweetie?" Kaylee cooed to the girl next to her.

The younger Tam sibling was still clutching the green cat statue in her hand, holding it safely against her breast as Kaylee made them dash through the crowded streets.

"Red blocks the way home, the knight will have to slay the fire-breathing dragon before he can find her. But the queen still waits in her tower," River started, stroking the smooth curves of the jade stone in her hand with her finger.

She looked to Kaylee with a pout, and said, "Checkmate."

It was almost never a good thing when Sheydra interrupted one of Inara's classes.

Almost, Inara tried to think positively.

But her first worry, her first thought, was always the worst. The few times that her friend would pay her a visit during her teaching sessions with her girls, the news had rarely ever been good. More often than not, Inara would find herself cutting her class short, and attending to the matter at hand. A matter that, unfortunately, was only something she could handle.

At least, that's how it went if Casey was too preoccupied with his own classes. Either way, Inara would have felt guilty dragging the man into the mess more often than he had to be. He had volunteered to help, assured her that it was no trouble at all, and that he actually liked being relied on for something such as this. Nonetheless, Inara couldn't help but feel as if she had laid out a responsibility onto him that wasn't actually his.

But it was in moments like this that she'd have really appreciated the help. Sometimes, the mere sight of Sheydra's familiar, long, golden hair was enough to set the companion's heart into a pitter patter.

She kept up her smiles, her charms, even as she excused herself from her girls. She set them to read pages in their textbook on the topic of familiar cues expected of clients, and dangers that would help advice a companion on how to act before things escalated. They did not appear to be excited by the notion of reading more pages, but at this stage, were advanced enough to know how to hide it to the common eye. Besides, Inara's classes were infamous for her hands-on teaching methods that enabled the girls to both have fun while learning the trade.

It filled her with a sense of pride to know that her girls would always come out on top in the examinations.

Still wearing her calm smile, Inara walked over to Sheydra's awaiting figure by the wide, curtained door. They both stepped outside of it gingerly, as to escape the quiet of the classroom, and any prying eyes and ears.

"Sheydra, how good to see you again," Inara lied, placing a delicate kiss upon each soft, porcelain cheek of the older woman.

Her mind raced, her heart beat maddeningly against her chest as she tried desperately not to break out and ask the questions on her tongue. Sheydra smiled back, and returned the kisses.

"It's fine if you don't actually mean that, mèimei. I can understand that my presence here is most often a sign of bad news," Sheydra admitted, still smiling sweetly at Inara.

"However, I think you'll be pleased to know that Liam is fine, and that I'm not here on his behalf today."

Inara calmed down significantly once Sheydra had set to rest her greatest worry.

"Then, what is it, jiějie?" Inara probed.

"Good news; it seems you have some visitors here to see you." Sheydra indicated for Inara to walk with her down the wide corridor.

"Visitors?" Inara asked, perplexed.

Sheydra nodded. Inara followed after her.

"You mean, previous clients?" the raven haired beauty continued to press.

Sheydra shook her head, "No. These people don't quite seem like they'd fit your...er, requirements. Nor do they look like they could afford your services...Although, maybe the young man with the dark hair and blue eyes could fit the bill. Something about him seems quite regal, handsome, sophisticated even. His manner of speech is most certainly core bred. The others, however...well, one woman appears to not know how to wash her face, whilst the other young boy seems to be a mute. I couldn't get a word out of him."

She turned to assess Inara with a quizzical yet amused expression. "One day, you'll have to tell me how exactly you came to know these strange folk, Inara. I'm sure there's a good story in there somewhere. Perhaps almost as good as the tale of your rogue lover the girls seem to enjoy discussing," Sheydra laughed heartily.

Inara blanched as she came to realize who exactly could fit the descriptions Sheydra had given her. The woman would have to have been Kaylee, which would indicate that the man was Simon. But a young boy...? Inara couldn't think up of anyone she might know who'd also be familiar with the crew of Serenity. Had they picked up another passenger along the way? Knowing Mal, it didn't seem likely.

And what of her captain turned lover? Did that mean that he too would be dropping by for a visit?

She could feel the butterflies in her stomach, with wings as sharp as knives, fluttering about inside of her at the thought of seeing him again.

No.

There was no way Mal would suffer his pride like that. The man was still as stubborn as the day she'd met him. She just couldn't imagine him paying her a visit after the way she'd left him and Serenity for the second time. Especially after they'd become...intimate. However good her reasons were back then, he hadn't been aware of them, and she wasn't intent on telling him now. She'd rather he hate her, and go on without her than admit to anything.

"Much like the tales the girls like to spin, there is nothing true or exciting about the story of how I met the crew of Serenity, Sheydra. I worked on that ship, and made dear friends during my time with them. That's all there is to say," Inara explained with a courteous smile.

The fairer woman only grinned wider. "Whatever it is you say, Inara."

By the time they reached the foyer of the massive and intricate building of House Madrassa, Inara spotted the three familiar figures before they could see her. She instantly recognized Kaylee and Simon, but it took her a moment to notice River's little clever disguise. As soon as she laid eyes on them, her heart swelled up with love and joy. She only truly realized in that moment how much she'd missed the ragtag crew of Serenity.

She picked up her skirts, and walked quicker towards them. Upon noticing her, Kaylee grinned and waved, while Simon gave her a smile that made his pretty eyes twinkle. Even River was looking at her with a glow in her youthful features.

She embraced the girls without question, and without a moment's hesitation. She kissed the top of Kaylee and River's foreheads, relishing in their familiar scents.

"It's so good to see you all," she whispered into their hair.

They welcomed her embrace, and when they parted, Inara beamed at River. "Look at you! I could barely even recognize you in that. Are those Jayne's pants?!" Inara gasped.

River nodded. "I like the pockets," she stated.

Inara then turned to Simon, and gave him a hug as well. "I'm assuming Mal is treating you well?" She asked when they'd parted.

Simon took in a deep breath and ran his hand through his thick, growing hair. "I suppose it's been better ever since...you know," he tried explaining, stealing a nervous glance at his sister during his pause.

River rolled her eyes. "It's just a word, it can't make me sleep. He's talking about Miranda."

Inara smiled. "I see she's doing much better, all thanks to you."

Simon grinned sheepishly at the compliment. Kaylee bounced up towards the older woman, unable to contain her excitement.

"I can't believe it's really you! How long's it been, exactly? A year? Two years? Gosh, it feels like only yesterday we had a bonafide companion on our little ship!" Kaylee cried.

"Almost four years, since I was dropped off, actually. How have you all been?" Inara asked.

She caught the uncomfortable tension between Simon and Kaylee, like an aura that prickled up against her skin. They didn't look right around each other, like they usually did. Inara wondered if they'd broken up, or if it had just been another fight. She missed having her talks with Kaylee about boy trouble, and her talks with Simon about girl trouble. She enjoyed helping bring them together. Seeing them like this almost made her feel obligated to pull them aside, and talk it out. But she was also painfully aware that she no longer had that privilege, ever since she'd walked out of their lives.

Before anyone could answer her question, River approached the companion, holding something in the palm of her hand. She reached out, and gave it to her. Inara stared at the fine craftsmanship of the carved jade stone.

Before she could thank her for the gift, River grinned, stood up on her toes, and whispered into her ear, "It's not for you; it's a present for the stubborn and strong warrior prince."

A/N: This chapter took me some time to write out. It's longer than the previous ones, my attempt at trying to fill in all the things I need to fill in. But mostly, because I simply haven't had the time to write and proof my work these past few weeks. Lots going on, and I only wish I could update frequently. Hopefully, soon. As per usual, feedback is appreciated. :) Thanks for reading.

Translations:

Shuài: handsome

móguǐ gāng: devil's anus

Jièguò: Excuse me

Chī: silly

Xièxie, lǎozhàng: thank you, sir

Jiějie: older sister