CHAPTER SIX

THE NEED FOR ACCEPTANCE

—

"You do not deserve to live!" the man screamed, swiping the tray of utensils to the ground. "After everything we did, that bitch…that bitch comes along and fucks it up!" He slammed his fists into the table. "I knew I should have strapped her down, injected a tracer infused with a shock system! But no! Brother insisted we do not harm her anymore than we have!" He lunged forward, grasping onto Luci's chin roughly. "Brother might have given up on us, but I'm not! I will get my vengeance. I will fucking destroy every single one of them!"

Luci's dark eyes pierced the man, nothing but black eyeballs within the sockets looked into the soulless man in front of her.

He laughed - harsh and loud. "Glare at me all you want, you demon!" he cackled, wrapping his finger around her throat. "Oh…so smooth. Makes me want to dig my fingers into it!" He squeezed as hard as he could, pressing his nails into her skin. "No matter…what though…you won't die!" He gave up, panting from the exertion and lack of results. "Oh well," he huffed, rising up and picking up a sex toy from the tray and turning it on to vibrate. "Then how about we try this?"

—

Riki slouched against the aircar's door, his arms crossed and a sigh escaping his lips. He usually would have been grateful for an excuse to leave Eos, but at the current moment it seemed wrong. He was afraid to leave Luci, afraid that during his absence something would happen - not that he could change any of it.

"What's wrong, pet?" Iason inquired, merging into another lane and then navigating to the location of his business session.

"Nothing," Riki answered. "Just tired and hungry."

"We will eat as soon as I am finished the meeting," Iason assured, gliding the vehicle down the road and then pulling up to a building with elegant stone pillars, carved steps and large heavy Amoian oak doors. In the peak of the outward roof panel were carvings of ancient Amoian folklore characters. Iason parked the car and opened the car doors then stepped out, his cloak fluttering behind him elegantly as he swiftly walked around the vehicle. He held out his hand which Riki reluctantly accepted. "Behave and I will let you chose the restaurant."

Riki sighed exaggeratedly, but obediently walked with Iason, thankful that he had not demanded chains. "Whatever, lets make this quick…"

—

Luci stood up abruptly, sensing terror, crying and screaming. Her eyes glanced up to the security camera as she detected a Blondie - Gideon. There was no help from him. Then again, who would help her? How could she help anyone trapped in this room?

'What can I do?' she sobbed internally. 'They are hurting.'

'Allow me,' the voice within assured.

Luci fell to her knees, the floor meeting her as she hit it hard.

Gideon glanced at the Maximum Security camera, his eyebrows knitting together as he laid eyes upon the child. He had heard from Orphe that Iason had brought a child mongrel into Eos and placed her into Maximum Security. He was curious as to the reasoning behind keeping her contained.

But now she appeared to be ill. What should he do? His finger hovered over the button to summon medical attention to Maximum Security. He paused, watching in amazement as the child stood up, it's whole eyeball the color of coal. A shiver of shock ran down his spine, his twisted amusement increasing. What kind of creature had Iason brought into Eos now?

—

Riki sat down in the chair, while Iason sat down in the opposing chair in the elegant restaurant. He liked this place, it was quiet, elegant and there were very few people in it. Riki felt like he could relax and be with Iason, not as pet but as partner. Now that there were no chains between them, they could seem almost like acquaintances or lovers on a date.

Iason nodded as he glanced around, approving his pet's decision. "Good choice, Riki," he praised. "I'm quite fond of this restaurant myself."

The mongrel glanced up. "We've been here once before, haven't we?"

"Yes," Iason agreed, then ordered some wine for himself, stout for Riki as a treat and then a fruity alcoholic beverage for both of them. "But not for dinner. We came here for a meeting once."

When the ordering was done for the beverages, Riki leaned forward. "If we've only been here once before how can you be fond of it? Don't you have to come to a place often to be fond of it?" Then again, because of that one time, he was fond of it as well. It wasn't just the atmosphere that he enjoyed, Iason seemed to relax and treat him as a partner while in the restaurant - after the meeting at least. They had stout here too! Which was what he drank last time he was here after the meeting while Iason had some wine before they left.

Iason smiled softly, picking up his wine and taking a gentle sip. "Years ago," he began. "I used to come here to avoid going to pet parties when I didn't have a pet." He glanced up, watching Riki lean back and was pleased they were talking so freely again - he was beginning to enjoy it. It was almost as if Riki had transformed now that Luci was in their lives.

"So you…hid here?" Riki confirmed.

A soft chuckle escaped the pale lips. "I did not hide, pet. I merely needed a place of refuge and tranquility. I found that here," he answered, sipping his wine again.

He could easily recall the evenings he would spend in the restaurant, sipping his wine or tea while eating a biscuit or roll and listening to the classical or soothing music. Here he could sit and reflect on the day, his life, anything at all after a grueling day at work. There was plenty of art pieces on the wall, artisan pieces from foreign planets and other interesting items to keep his mind active.

One evening, he had just had a horrid day at work - endless paperwork, meeting and complications. But the moment he stepped into the building, he felt all of his problems leave him. Here he was safe from others, not even Elites seemed to enter into the hidden restaurant. It was attached to a hotel, but was hidden from the view of others. It was located just before the border dividing Midas from Ceres, which is why Elites did not come to it - they dared not go to any place within that close proximity of the Slums. But Iason did not mind.

Iason had stumbled upon it purely by accident one day while wandering around in Midas. He had been looking for a hotel to maybe stay in for a change of pace, wandered too far and been caught in the rain. He entered into the building, not knowing it was a hotel, late in the night and was greeted by a beautiful women with shoulder length silvery white hair. She had called servants and had the Blondie escorted up into a VIP room where he took a shower.

The style of the room was exquisite but foreign to him. He could not pinpoint it to any off planet location and was intrigued by it. The statues of creatures, women and men in foreign outfits upon podiums throughout the building and his room were mesmerizing - like pieces of folklore.

"Excuse me?" the woman called, knocking on the thick wooden door. He couldn't even pinpoint what wood it was made of. Just what kind of hotel was this?

"Yes?" he called back, opening the door and holding a towel while dressed in a robe.

The women smiled, blushing slightly. "I humbly apologize for disturbing you…"

"Mink. Iason Mink."

"Lord Mink," she smiled, handing a parcel off to him. "A complimentary change of clothes for you. And please do visit the restaurant if you have a moment. The rain isn't showing signs of stopping."

Iason frowned. "Complimentary? I assure you…Mrs…?"

"Anne. Miss Anne," she answered, stressing the Miss.

"Miss Anne, I assure you I am capable of paying for anything," he concluded, not taking the clothes.

Anne just smiled softly. "Lord Mink, I did not mean to offend you." She held out the clothes again. "I haven't had a customer in months and it would make me the happiest woman alive if you enjoyed your time here."

Iason reached out, taking the parcel. "Is it because I am a Blondie? Are you expecting me to rate or review your establishment?" He then noticed that she had a large patch of scared skin on her left shoulder and nape, but the damage matched nothing he could connect it to.

The woman blinked. "A Blondie? Oh! You mean a Son of Jupiter?" she confirmed, stepping back.

Iason blinked. "You were unaware?"

"I have heard of Blondies, but I have never seen one in the flesh," Anne smiled. "I stay confined to my establishment - it is my home and refuge."

"How can you afford to keep this establishment running if you have no customers?" Iason questioned. He had seen even busier businesses in Midas shut down due to bankruptcy, how could this establishment afford to remain open?

Anne grinned. "I have money in the bank," she answered mysteriously. "Anyways, if you feel inclined to, please do try the restaurant. We are featuring some traditional dishes from my homeland if you are curious to taste some exotic flavors." She bowed and turned away, leaving the Blondie standing at the door.

Iason blinked again, watching the woman walk away, a feeling of familiarity coming over him. He closed the door and proceeded to change into the outfit - a refined suit of a very expensive brand.

Giving into his curiosity, he headed down the grand steps of the hotel that were lined with a red carpet and followed the signs which lead to an attached restaurant. Standing at the podium was Miss Anne, holding a menu with a smile on her face.

"Good evening, Lord Mink. I am thrilled you've come!"

Iason returned from his recollection, a smile upon his lips. He hadn't seen that woman in years, but if he ever did, he wished to go into a business agreement with her and create an establishment that would flourish for all and break the unspoken taboo of Elites refusing to enter into places close to Ceres.

"If you enjoy this place as well, I will gladly bring you here more often," Iason announced, glancing up at Riki who was taking a drink of his stout.

"Whatever," Riki mumbled, refusing to allow more of his emotions to come through. He felt guilt having a good evening while his daughter was locked away.

Iason paused, realizing why he enjoyed this establishment so much. It reminded him of Riki, producing the same calming effect that Riki did on him. "Come now, don't turn a good evening sour."

Riki sighed. "Luci is locked away in Maximum Security and we are here. How can I not be bothered?"

"Then," Iason began, glancing around as the waiter was about to return. "We will bring something back for her."

"What?"

Iason nodded to the waiter, then proceeded to order his usual meal. He glanced at Riki. "What are you having, Riki?"

Riki pointed to Fire Roasted Kabosu & Stir-Fried Areaves with Fresh Herbs. "I'll take that one," he decided, allowing the waiter to see his choice.

"Very good," he praised, then accepted the menu. "I shall return with your meals shortly." He bowed and then left swiftly.

Riki took another sip of his drink, then looked to Iason. "What did you get? Did you even look at the menu? I didn't even see you open it." He paused. "Oh fuck…d…do you have x-ray vision too?"

Iason laughed aloud. "No, pet, I do not have x-ray vision," he smiled. "I've been here enough times to know my favorite meal. I got the—"

"Sweet Yrsoi," a voice interrupted, and a woman with silvery white shoulder length hair and dressed in a slimming ivory dress appeared, carrying a tray. "Iason Mink has returned to me once again."

"Miss Anne," Iason exclaimed, instantly lightening up even more. "I am so pleased to see you again after all of these years."

Anne stopped at the table. "As am I. I was certain it was you here again. You are the only one who would order the oven baked Sea Amaranth and Lavender Iciorra Rice and a bottle of Clorlueums Rosado on the first try." She set down the tray. "Here are your complementary fresh Kehimelo Bread sticks with roasted Shateorra sauce." She then set down a pitcher filled with a thick rusty liquid and two empty glasses. "And here is some fresh Magorian juice. I just blended it now with a few Sour Tangyrans."

Iason nodded, pleased by everything. "Thank you very much."

"It is my pleasure," she smiled, then looked to Riki. "And this is…?"

Iason gestured to Riki. "This is my pet, Riki. Riki this is Miss Anne, the establishment's owner."

Anne blinked upon hearing the name Riki, then smiled. "I am very pleased to meet you," she softly responded, reaching out her hand to touch Riki's for a second. She removed it quickly and then backed away. "Please enjoy your appetizers and meals when they arrive." She then swiftly moved back to the door she came from before Iason could make his proposition.

Riki looked back at her, then Iason. "What was that about? Who is she?"

Iason leaned back. "She is the establishment's owner as I said. I've known her for about six or seven years, I believe."

"She seems odd."

"Riki," he scolded.

"What? She touched my hand and acted like I electrocuted her!" he protested, swigging his stout. "I just thought it was weird."

Iason had to agree a bit. "This business does not receive many customers. She probably was surprised by you being here and might have done it on reflex and released as a pet you are not to be touched by anyone other than me."

Riki rolled his eyes. "What are you going to do? Throw her into Glagyrc Bay?"

"No," Iason dismissed. "Her business holds potential and I could not risk having it fail before I make an offer for partnership."

"Partnership? You're going to offer to be her business partner?"

Iason nodded. "You'll understand once you've tasted the food, Riki," he assured, plucking a bread stick from the basket. "And the hotel above the restaurant is something else that has potential. Everything about this establishment holds pieces that belong to another planet, or even galaxy that Amoian's have never seen. That is why I believe it holds potential for success."

Riki wasn't buying it. "So the place has some different art work, whoopdie-doo!" he huffed. "That doesn't make it a magnet for success."

Iason reached over, picking up a bread stick and dipping it in the sauce and holding it out for the mongrel. "Open," he commanded.

The mongrel ground his teeth, but opened his mouth and allowed the bread stick to enter, taking a large bite. He paused, his mouth filled with a taste he could not describe. It was a roasted herb of some kind mixed with a salt and a bread that had a distinct rich flavor. He chewed, the tastes amazing his palette and yet somehow tasting familiar. "Oh my God," he mumbled, stealing the bread stick and cramming it into his mouth.

"Now do you see the potential, pet?" Iason questioned, watching in satisfaction as the young man continued to eat bread stick after bread stick. "And this is just the appetizer."

—

Eli entered the security room, bowing to Gideon. "You summoned me?"

"You are in charge of the child's well being?" Gideon questioned.

The Sapphire considered this. "No, I am merely watching her one behalf of Lord Am who was given the task of testing the child from Jupiter."

"But you tend to it, do you not?"

"To a degree, yes."

Gideon pointed. "It fell down and now is frozen with it's eyes large. Why is that? Is this being even Human?"

Eli hesitated. "I am not certain, Lord Lagat. Lord Am is speculating that it is in fact not. However, there are no tests to confirm this."

"Would a simple DNA test not confirm it?"

"No, Sir," the Sapphire denied. "The tests cannot confirm it."

"How so?" Gideon questioned, now wanting the juicy gossip details to spread around Eos that Iason was bringing mutants into the building alongside his mongrel.

"Lord Lagat," Eli sighed. "I am unable to share further details."

Gideon frowned. "Says who?"

"This is classified through Jupiter until she, or Iason, releases the details to us all at once." He bowed slightly. "Pardon me as I check on her."

Gideon scowled, his night of teasing Aisha with the fact he had gossip about something Iason had brought into Eos going down the drain. He rather enjoyed taunting Aisha, since Orphe was not always available to annoy.

—

"Oh my God," Riki groaned, pushing his empty plate away. "That was so good…"

"Indeed, the menu does not disappoint," Iason agreed, dabbing his lips with a napkin.

The waiter swooped in, clearing away their empty plates promptly and then scurrying away. Anne came back out of the room, carrying a tray with two expensive crystal glasses filled with an exotic fruit, scoops of some frozen treat and a decorative biscuit on top with drizzle.

"Here is your dessert," she announced, setting down the glass in front of Iason and then Riki. "Suku Ivy sorbet with fresh Yocriorra fruit and an Ezesan biscuit. Enjoy."

"Thank you," Iason nodded, then continued. "Miss Anne, have you ever considered partnering with someone to expand your businesses profit?"

Anne just smiled. "No, I have not," she answered truthfully. "This business is meant to be fairly private actually. I do not foresee it prospering beyond this, unless in the hands of a successor."

"Why is that?"

Riki listened in on the conversation, picking up his spoon and digging into his dessert. He held back a moan as the taste of the delicious food filled his mouth. Goddamn! These people knew how to make the greatest dishes!

"This hotel and restaurant is actually something I made to as a request from my niece," she revealed. "It is my hope that she will take it over one day or one of her children perhaps."

"I see," Iason grimaced. "I hope that they will allow it to prosper. It has a lot of potential in my opinion." He paused. "But I must know, what planet is all of the decor, recipes and whatnot from?"

Anne laughed. "That is a secret! I cannot tell you. Perhaps one day though."

—

Eli entered the room cautiously, halting as the child turned around to face him in an inhumanly slow fashion. The whole eyeball was engulfed in darkness, producing an eerie vibe along with the silence. "Are you all right? Lord Lagat says he saw you fall," he explained.

Luci just stared back, her face hard in expression. She looked like a sex doll with her expressionless face, but a mutant one with her eyes.

"Your eyes," Eli finally spoke. "Why are they totally dark?" He reached over, picking up the tablet and holding it out to her. "Can you tell me?"

The child didn't even glance at the tablet, her eyes glued to the Sapphire.

"Luci?" Eli called.

No response or movement.

Eli slowly put down the tablet and reached into his pocket. Even though there were no iris or pupils to confirm it, he felt Luci's eyes pinned on his every movement. He pulled out a small flashlight and stepped forward. "Let me see..."

Luci backed up, her expression changing to displeasure. Eli froze, shivers running up his spine as the face seemed to contort from the familiar childlike one to that of an angry man or demon. Fear radiated through the Sapphire as he raised his palms up, slipping the flashlight back into his pocket and stepped away as if threatened by a creature that could kill him instantly. He felt nothing but sheer fear as those eyes stabbed into him, watching him intently as if evaluating when he was the weakest for an attack.

—

Iason tapped his chip to the machine, swiftly paying for the evening's items that were not complimentary. He glanced up at Miss Anne. "Are you really not going to tell me where this is all based off of?" he demanded. "There is evidence of a civilization of some kind with the amount of art and food. And I have researched on my own and have not found anything that matches it."

Anne's face had a look of sadness wash over it briefly, but she smiled to conceal it. "Very well, Lord Mink. Your persistence will be rewarded. It's from Atera Estronia."

The Blondie's face immediately dropped into displeasure. "You're playing games with me."

"No, Sir."

"Ater what?" Riki questioned.

"Atera Estronia," Iason answered, crossing his arms. "A mythical planet from folk lore of long ago inhabited by unknown creatures." He glanced up at Miss Anne. "Mythical as no one has been able to find it."

Anne shook her head. "It is not mythical," she calmly answered, then handed off a small take out box from under her arm. "My waiter overheard you speaking about bringing a little something home for another person." She set it down. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, gentlemen."

Iason watched her walk away, perturbed by being denied a business partnership and still not knowing where all of the succulent food and art was from. But he was nothing shy of pleased that Riki seemed to be content and shared his enjoyment of the mysterious establishment. He picked up the container, rising to his feet. "Let us go now," he decided.

"Iason?" Riki called, following after him. "Can I smoke quick before we go?"

Iason nodded. "You may."

Riki headed out the door, down a few steps and then halted. He pulled out his pack from his pocket and swiftly put it between his lips and lit it up. He glanced back at Iason who was leaning against a pillar behind him, contently watching as he exhaled a cloud of smoke. "What?"

"Nothing in particular," he answered, moving down the steps and approaching him like a panther. "Shall we make a quick stop to a few store while we are here?"

"Whatever," Riki answered, then took another drag. "I don't care."

"Shall we stop by a children's store and get Luci some clothes?" Iason questioned, wondering what Riki's reaction would be to providing for his child.

"Oh shit!" he exclaimed. "Shit, yeah that would be a good idea. She only has that shirt to wear." He glanced up at Iason. "I have no idea where kid's stores are though."

Iason nodded. "I have a place in mind."

"Isn't everything closed though?"

The Blondie merely started walking away. "Stores open when I come by," he dismissed. "We'll leave when you are finished."

Riki quickly smoked the rest of his cigarette then hurried after him.

—

"Woah," Riki mumbled, entering into the building. The walls were lined with kid's clothes of all colors, sizes and fabrics. It was enough to make him cringe a bit as he imagined how packed this store might be during the day.

"Do you see anything you think is good?" Iason inquired, having navigated his way to his mongrel's side after speaking to the shop owner.

"I have no fucking idea," he answered, wandering through the aisle like he was an alien in a foreign society.

Iason approached a rack of clothes. "She's very small, but she might grow with the supplements that Raoul has her on." He held up a shirt and leggings combination. "What do you think of this?"

Riki approached, looking at the pink top with frilly edges and gray leggings. "Why are you asking me?" he snapped. "How would I know?"

"As a parent, it is your responsibility to provide for your child," Iason answered bluntly. "Would you pick this outfit for your daughter?" He wasn't actually concerned about the clothing, but rather trying to understand his pet more. If he could understand what Riki would pick for his child, then maybe he could learn more about what his pet liked or thought was good. He just wanted to understand Riki - he always did.

The mongrel shrugged. "I don't like the puffy sleeves, but it's not me wearing it," he mumbled.

Iason nodded, placing the outfit back in it's spot. "Then we will continue looking." He grasped onto Riki's hand, gently guiding him to a more formal and respectable outfit area. "How about any in here?"

Riki pulled away, walking to a small crimson colored top with lace sleeves infused with black outlines. The neckline wasn't low and it looked somewhat decent, not completely formal or casual. He pulled one down on the hanger. "Would this be good?" he asked, turning to Iason for guidance.

Thrilled to be asked for approval, Iason examined the shirt. "Yes, I think it would look decent on her," he answered, surprised that Riki had chosen the shirt he too had glanced at.

"And these?" Riki added, holding out a pair of black pants that were made of a velvety material.

"Yes, those would do fine," Iason agreed. "She will need at least three outfits to wear during the week and sleep wear as well." He reached out, grasping onto a dress that was faded denim topped with an orange bow and a puffy, white skirt bottom. "Your thoughts on this?"

Riki nodded. "It's fine."

Iason hung the outfits over his arm. "I will find a few more outfits here," he decided. "You go find some sleeping outfits for her. Does that sound easier to manage?" He could see Riki was feeling overwhelmed by his insecurity as a new parent, and did not wish for him to view the task negatively.

"Yeah," Riki softly sounded. "Yeah I can do that."

"This size, Riki," he pointed out, showing him the appropriate sizing for the clothing.

Riki nodded, then headed off to find the sleep wear section.

—

The mongrel set his findings on the checkout desk next to Iason's, who had found six outfits he approved of and had also gotten underwear and socks for Luci as well. Iason glanced over at Riki's outfits and nodded in approval, then paused as he noticed a small stuffed animal. "What is this?" he asked, inspecting the small, brown threaded teddy bear with a purple bow.

Riki's eyes darted away shyly, and he coughed to conceal his embarrassment. "Just thought that kid's liked soft things," he answered.

A small smile tugged at Iason's lips as he nodded. "Very well." He looked to the shop owner. "All of these then and bag them too."

The man nodded, scanning each item and folding them neatly before inserting them into bags. When he finished he announced the total and Iason paid for everything on his credit chip. Riki grabbed onto the bags, deciding he could at least carry them and then headed towards the door with Iason on his tail.

"Are you satisfied with everything?" Iason questioned.

Riki nodded. "Yeah." He slipped the bags into the back of the car and then took his spot in the passenger seat while Iason slipped into the front. "Thanks."

"You're welcome," Iason answered, thrilled yet again to have his pet show gratitude to him. "Shall we go home now? Is there anything you want while we are in the city?"

"No, I don't need anything."

Iason sighed internally, hoping that Riki would learn to not be so stingy in regards to getting items for himself in the future too. Maybe providing for Luci was the first step to overcoming the boundary and have Riki ask more of him?

—

They arrived back in Eos shortly after, but upon arrival were summoned by the Security Room. Riki felt his stomach twist into knots as he watched Iason swiftly remove his cloak and head to the portal after handing of the take out box and clothing bags to Cal.

Iason turned and glanced back at his distraught mongrel. "Everything is all right, pet," he assured. "If it was a severe situation, they would have notified me via wrist comm."

Riki nodded, then watched the Blondie leave. He laughed at himself, wondering just how having a daughter could reduce him to such a state. He took a deep breath and moved to the balcony to have another cigarette to calm himself down.

Iason strode down the halls and swiftly to the Security Room, arriving as quickly as he could without running. He nodded at Gideon and Eli upon entering. "What is the issue?"

"Luci is acting rather odd," Eli revealed. "And her eyes." He pointed to the screen. "Lord Lagat noticed her fall down and ever since...it's as if she is another person." He traced his finger on the screen, enlarging it. "Her face. It looks as if it is another persons."

Iason leaned in, observing the screen with concern. Why did her eyes change? And as Eli said, her face almost had an expression of another person. "What is she doing now?" he inquired.

Gideon tapped a button, showing the current footage of Luci curled up tightly and crying in the corner. She glanced back, tears streaming down her cheeks as she briefly looked at the lens and then turned back to the corner. "Her eyes are normal now," the Blondie murmured, then glanced up at Iason. "Is she Human?"

The blue eyed Blondie didn't respond. "I will handle this matter," he concluded, looking to Eli. "You are dismissed."

—

Iason stepped near the door, his signature automatically opening the door as he entered and closing behind him. "Luci?" he called, looking down upon the child who was crying silently. "Are you all right?"

Luci shook her head, not turning back to the Blondie.

"Look at me, Luci," he ordered, stepping closer. "Are you ill?"

Luci took a deep, shaky breath and then faced Iason. She slowly rose to her feet, her head down and her teary eyes pinned to the floor.

Iason took a final step, then lifted the child's chin and was amazed at how much her eyes looked like Riki's. "Why are you crying?" he questioned.

The child reached over, picking up the tablet and typed: I am just sad, that's all.

"About being in isolation?"

No.

"Are you..." Iason started, trying to find the right word. "Homesick, is it?"

Luci shook her head: Just sad. She looked up at Iason, then typed: Do you see me as a threat?

Iason then thought he had an understanding of her sadness. He thought that she was sad because no one trusted her as of yet due to not gaining Jupiter's approval as anything else aside from a potential threat. "No," he answered honestly. "If you were, you would have done what you wanted to by now."

Luci sniffled and nodded, wiping away her tears before typing: How long will I stay in here?

"Until Jupiter is finished testing you starting tomorrow," Iason reminded. "And you had better sleep and be rested for the testing or else it will take much longer and you will be stuck in here for an extended period of time."

OK. I will try to sleep.

"Good," Iason praised, gently patting her shoulder. "Now get some sleep. I will pick you up in the morning."

Luci nodded, allowing Iason to set her on the bed and then crawled under the covers.

Iason touched a panel, the lights dimming from their natural light to the darker shade that would occur later. "Good night, Luci."

—

Riki glanced back as he heard footsteps approach and straightened up from his slouched position. "How is she?" he yawned.

"She's fine." He closed the space between them and caught his hand, entwining their fingers. "She was upset about not being trusted, but after Jupiter sees she is not a threat, that will change."

"I'd be pissed off if I was locked up," Riki mumbled. "I know what it's like. Very well."

Iason leaned in catching Riki's face and planted a kiss upon the lips. "You're going to get locked up now," the Blondie revealed, watching Riki stiffen. "You aren't leaving the bedroom until I'm finished with you."

—

"Huuu...Uuunn!" Riki moaned, his nails digging into the pale arms, piercing the muscle rippling beneath them. He gasped for breath, his body trembling within the Blondie's grasp as he was forged into. "I—Iason!"

Iason continued despite the plea, not satisfied as of yet. He thrust in and out, nearly pulling himself free of the hot, clenching crevice before ramming back inside. His eyes were pinned to his beloved's face, watching myriad expressions of pleasure and pain now that denial had completely obliterated. "Oh, pet," he whispered, his growing close to the climax. "You are divine."

"P—please!"

"Not yet," Iason denied, marveling at the sight of Riki's face contorting as a shudder rippled through him.

"Iason! P—please!" Riki begged, his cock ready to explode from the agony of denied release.

Iason thrust in fast and hard, nearing his own orgasm. "Now, Riki," he ordered, releasing the ring.

Riki arched his body into Iason's as the massive organ within him twitched and shot burning seed deep within him. He threw his head back, his eyes rolling back as he released a guttural cry that echoed across the room. Iason wrapped his arms around his pet, rolling off of him and embracing him from behind, his hand upon the tanned chest to feel the racing heartbeat.

The Blondie gently kissed the mongrel who was intoxicated with sex on the nape, snuggling close to him. "You are truly perfection, pet," he whispered soothingly, caressing the tanned skin.

Riki whimpered, his body not willing to have another round. They had been at it for hours and if they didn't stop, morning would arrive! He feebly attempted to avoid the touches that could lead to more sex.

Iason continued his loving ministrations, knowing he had reached the limit. "It's all right, I just want you close."

Riki sighed in relief, only then snuggling back against Iason and fumbling to hold onto the arm wrapped around him. His eyes were already glued shut in his exhaustion as finally gave into much needed sleep. He grumbled something before it was too late.

"Good night as well, love," Iason whispered, finally turning off his systems for the night.

—

Iason slipped into the last piece of his ceremonial outfit he was to wear when in the presence of Jupiter. He glanced back at the bed, eyeing up his mongrel who, even in his sleep, looked exhausted. But that was what he needed or else he would insist on being present. Jupiter had only sent him a notification later that she wanted the child in her domain early, but that was not as concerning as the fact that she had not stated when the session would end. How long would Jupiter keep Luci with her? Did she plan on trying to break her for as long as it took, or periodically everyday and hope that in between the child would have an emotional breakdown from the stimuli. He had no idea.

"Lord Mink," Cal whispered. "Shall I bring Riki's breakfast into the Master bedroom?"

"Only when he wakes on his own," he answered back. "Ensure he showers." He paused. "Tell him I am out doing business with Raoul, do not tell him I have taken Luci for a meeting."

Cal blinked, but nodded. "Yes, Sir."

Iason turned away then, heading down the hallway, through the portal and to the lift would would take him to the basement area. Within a few moments he was at the door. He looked at the scene of Luci curled up into a tight fetal position with her blankets all wrapped around her like a cocoon in confusion. The Blondie approached, reaching out and nudging the child whose eyes shot open before relaxing. "Luci, it's time to have a hearing with Jupiter," he informed her.

Luci sat up, yawning silently and stretching in an adorable child like way before slipping out of the bed. She padded along the floor until she was just in front of the Blondie, so he could keep an eye on her. She cringed as Iason ran his gloved hand on top of her head, flattening out her bedhead, flipping around and glaring at him grumpily as she covered her head.

The blonde retracted his hand, running his gloved fingers along his palm as he was certain he felt something wrong. "Move your hands," he commanded, coming to a halt.

Luci shook her head, producing the best puppy dog eyes she could.

"I will not hurt you," he promised, crouching downward before the child and still towering over with his height. "Remove your hands."

The child reluctantly did, but then reached out and grasped onto Iason's hand and placed it on her right side of her head. She moved it around so he could feel that it was normal, round and proper. Then she slowly moved it to the left side, where Iason's fingers twitched in shock as there was a sudden decline and bumpy texture. There was a massive dip and bump upward going diagonally and a smaller section jutting upward in an unnatural bump nearer to the front of her head. Everything was hidden by her fluffy raven black hair, and therefore, he would have never known because he hadn't touched her head.

Finally trusting him to be gentle, she removed her hand and allowed the Blondie to satisfy his curiosity and feel all of the bumps and dips of her once hurt skull that remained forever damaged. The blue eyes glanced up to meet brown averted ones. "How did you get this?" he asked softly, horrified.

Luci shook her head, her eyes down cast as tears bubbled up within them.

Sensing a rather hard topic, Iason rose up, scooping the child up into his arms and gently wiping away her tears. He felt anger rising up within him as he realized someone had physically damaged his pet's child on top of mutating her. And he feared, there was much more that was hiding deep within the silence.

—

Iason entered the chamber, carrying his new charge and halting within the presence of his Creator. "Hello Jupiter. I have brought the child as requested."

The AI glided forward, her massive purple and blue figure nearly towering over them before shifting down to the size of the Blondie. "Place her upon that chair," she instructed, her finger gliding to point out the location of an examination chair with straps.

The Blondie obeyed, approaching the chair and was shocked to find Luci squirming into him more as if she did not want to be let go of. "Luci," he whispered, prying off her fingers off and setting her into the chair that immediately secured her in with straps made of a transparent plasma that even he had never seen before.

"You are dismissed."

Iason turned. "May I stay and view the meeting, Jupiter?" he reasoned, glancing back at Luci who looked as if she were forcing herself to remain calm despite her earlier reluctance. "It may be beneficial if Luci is in the presence of a familiar personal."

Jupiter's eyes narrowed, but she reluctantly agreed. "You are to not interfere though," she demanded, then opened up a viewing chair which rose from within the floor until it was completely usable. "Have a seat."

"Thank you, Jupiter." Iason settled down into the chair, watching as the AI approached the child and placed her hands upon it's head. He had no idea what she was going to do, but he flinched when Luci's body went slack after it jolted as Jupiter implemented an audible stunning brainwave pulse..

The Artificial Goddess then hooked up wires to the slack form within the chair and produced a current of electricity that followed through the wires. When the electricity wouldn't penetrate through the skin, the AI ceased the current, deciding to monitor her brainwaves in place of forceful entry. She lowered herself, gazing directly into Luci's eyes with such intensity that the child could not even blink.

Iason realized then that the AI was hijacking her mind, forcing horrifying images and scenes into it through her unique hypnosis type method in attempt to break her into submission and testing her mental strength. Soon the child's eyes filled with tears from fear and sadness. Iason was about the say something when Luci began to move, attempting to break the chain of linking minds.

"Haa! Ack...ir!" she sounded in a strangled and broken voice, attempting to plea for mercy from the brutal treatment. She coughed up blood, a wheezing sound escaping her mouth as if she were in sheer pain just from the attempt.

The AI refused to cease, grasping onto the child's face and forcing herself deeper into the child's brain in attempt to break the barrier and take control of her mind and understand the being.

Luci began to struggle more and more until a bright flash of blue light shot forth from her, sending Jupiter sliding back a meter away from the chair. "Jupiter!" Iason screamed, immediately rising up to aid her.

Jupiter looked back to the child who now ripped through the plasma bindings and glared defiantly at the AI with two fully black orb eyes. "HOW DARE YOU!" a spine chillingly deep, young male voice yelled as the child stood up. "How dare you show such monstrous things to my beloved Sister!"

—TO BE CONTINUED—