Wow...Um sorry about that. I did not mean to leave you guys with a cliffhanger I swear. Stuff just came up yesterday. However, to make up for it, HAVE THREE CHAPTERS! Yep, as an apology I will be uploading chapters 6,7,8 today. Also, keep an eye out for the references in these next chapters...

As always our overlord The Mouse owns this world, I only own my characters and plot.

Chapter Six: The Survivor's Acceptance

You can stop now.

I thought that last time.

Yeah but your arm is killing you.

And?

Rarsk is acting like his scales are coming off, and your MATE who is PREGNANT with YOUR CHILD just passed out.

WHAT?!

Urshyk is a husk, you're still feeding though…

Oh no.

When words finally did come out they were forced and clipped. "Rarsk get my mate out of here. If anything happens to them…."

"Never Alpha. Rarsk never leave side till you return."

"Good."

You've been standing here a while.

And?

Might be more comfortable for this topic in that corner folded in on yourself?

Ha. Ha.

Processing time.

….I don't want to though….

Too bad. I want to be near our mate and child, and you still can't reign it in.

Why can't I pull it back?

Your upset.

No, I'm not, I killed a monster.

And the two just following orders?

….

Yeah. You did what was necessary so why does this hurt?

You're asking me now?

Who knows maybe that's how you'll figure this out. So why are we so upset?

I don't know….

Yes, you do.

It's not true…..

Yeah it really is.

I can't…..

Can't what?

I can't…

Say it.

No.

Until you do our mate is alone with someone who claims to be on your side but was also part of the hunting party.

He won't act against me.

Why?

Cause he knows…..

What does he know?

…

JUST SAY IT!

HE KNOWS THAT I ENJOYED IT…..

How hard was that?

How don't you understand this?

Because THIS is all me. Instinct, me, I control this. You see the monsters we have hunted reflected in you. You see this urge as how you become them. I see only my reflection.

Oh god…..

Look, for a long time you and I have understood this. You just refuse to accept it. We are a hunter. It's why you didn't mourn when Bashti died. It's why you could take it in stride when you realized you loved the woman who raped you. Disconnect from emotions. Inability to empathize truly. Actions dictated entirely by how you feel. Predator.

But I never….That can't be…

I love fighting. I love killing. I love the dominance.

….why?...

Because we are broken. However, I don't worry like you do.

Why?

Because you are terrified of me.

How does that make this okay?

Because, as long as you are terrified of me, you will never become the monster you think I am.

…

Your terror proves that you are not me.

That isn't making me more comfortable.

It shouldn't, if you aren't careful, your psyche will break. If that happens, you won't be able or wanting to fight me.

So…

So, go be The Protector. Enforce order. Leave the thing she wanted you to be, firmly in the past. Let me be the thing in the night. Go be the hero.

Okay.

Glad we had this talk. You're going to wake up soon and when you do go to your mate. Confess your feelings and don't ever forget, you two aren't the monsters. SHE is. And she died a long time ago.

I'm asleep?

Yeah about an hour ago you passed out.

What?!

Yeah, told you to go sit down.

Ow….

Yeah shoulda listened…

"I don't get it Bashti."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't understand what I'm supposed to get from that."

"It's just a song, not everyone will see it the same."

"But it means something to you obviously?"

"Fine, I'll break it down for you. Think about it. It's about love obviously, but it's about more as well."

"yeah, obviously. it also talks about ambition and death."

"*sigh*: Love doesn't discriminate, between the sinners and the saints. it takes and it takes, and we keep loving anyway. We laugh and we cry and we break and we make our mistakes, and if there's a reason why I'm by her side when so many others have tried; I'm willing to wait for it."

"But why is that significant to you? Jedi can't love."

"That's...a gross oversimplification. Jedi avoid attachment because of the danger of lust. Far too many lust and think that they love."

"I can understand that, but-"

"It's different for you. Your love life can't be run by lust or you will risk bonding for life. But for most they don't bother to really try to get past that. When you lust instead of love you will risk everything to get that next satisfaction. Even in the most chaste of relationships lust is still a risk as you can get the satisfaction needed via simply being close to their partner. "

"So how does all of that differ from the song?"

"Hahaha, be patient. The difference between love and lust is simple. The luster views the other as their very life and fails to see any way to live without the other, despite the fact they have done so for years. Love understands the other. When love is involved the other has the ultimate control. The other can decide what to do with the Lover's affection. However, no matter the outcome the Lover's affection will allow them to move on through rejection, death, or trials."

"So, Love isn't against the code is what you're saying?"

"Yet again with the oversimplification, but yes. That is what I was saying. Look at the song again. Love doesn't discriminate."

" And death fits with the whole no death only the force bit?"

"Exactly. And as to the rest..."

"As to the rest what?"

"It's just a good song. I don't have a meaning for the end. Find your own, or just enjoy the melody."

"You're confusing master."

"Good, when you understand me it will be time for you to move on."

Love doesn't discriminate, between the sinners and the saints.

There a reason why your bringing this up?

You know why.

...Yeah...

From here things get better...just kidding. Hold on to something, Talean and Mysery aren't out of the woods just yet. Also props to all how got the reference. I am deeply grateful to Elizabeth for showing me that bundle of wonderful. As always though, All stories must end but not quite yet.