Hey there all. Yes I know that I haven't updated for a while and you have all been waiting patiently for me to get off my ass and update. So here it is.
Ai no Kusabi does not belong to me.
Enjoy.
Chapter 8
Midas. Area 9. Ceres.
'Fuck. Their gaining on us. We'll have to split through the Hell's gate.'
'What. And get a knife to the gut in the process.'
'Fine. Then stay here and let the Darkmen tag your ass.'
Running footsteps echoed through the penetrating darkness of night, bouncing off the dank walls of trash littered alleyways. Cats with glowing yellow eyes and hunger-starved strays were the only living things to grace this hell ridden place were nothing livid, nothing grew. Misery and darkness shadowed this place and it was a place only the most hardened mongrels even dared to tread. Of course all of Ceres was the same; no light could penetrate its thick layer of darkness. Many half-bloods called this place home, so many forgotten souls, cast out by a society that labelled them as nothing but filthy half-breeds, fighting tooth and nail everyday just to survive . But this place, this was at the core of Area nine. The very heart of Ceres. A place that no man would venture, should he be presented with a knife in the back.
The urgency enlaced within the running picked up the pace. Three Shadowed figures past under the dim street lights and ran into a dark alley just as a sleek black hover craft glided past them.
'That was too fucking close.' One of them said breathlessly; sweat causing his blue hair stick to his face, obscuring the thin red scar over his eye. They were leaning against the murky bricked wall, trying to catch their breaths.
'What... the hell are the Darkmen doing this far into Ceres? No one enters the Hell's Gate. Not even those fuckers.' The second comment, pushing his brown hair from his face. 'What are the odds that they would be here'?
'Who cares, we got the loot didn't we.' The third, a red-head pulled out a large wad of cash from his ripped jacket and waved it in the air. 'With this, we'll live like kings. Maybe even get a pet. Those bastard elites won't know what hit them.'
'It's that kind of stupidity that so many assholes like you end up dead.' A hoarse, ragged voiced rasped behind them. He chuckled humorously. 'How pathetic.'
'What the fuck.' The money was placed back inside the man's pocket and all three mongrels turned around when a dark figure emerged from the shadows. The light from the twin moons rained down on their hideaway and lit up the darkness, casting away the shadows to reveal the figure's profile. Clearly a mongrel, long straggly, brown hair covered half his face, a face so pale and sunken it was hard to tell if the man was actually a man at all. His skin looked old and worn, identifying the man's age was hard to determined. His dull brown eyes were grazed and wild. Like an animal. His clothes were so torn and dirty, they were nothing but rags covering his thin rail-like body. And to more to the grotesque picture, the frail man was missing his left arm.
'Who the fuck are you.'? The red-head of them asked.
'I am no one but a shadow.' The stranger said, his dark eyes becoming even wilder.
'Man your one fucked up dude. Get out of here before I decide to break every brittle bone in your body.'
'Shhh… there back.' The scarred man whispered. The three thieves flattened themselves against the wall, the stranger disappearing back into the shadows. The black vehicle rolled past them and stopped for a moment. Holding their breaths, they waited. One heartbeat. Two heartbeats. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, the sleek car rolled away and disappeared.
'Why did they come back? You don't think me got made do you.'?
'Fuck. We'll just have to lay low here until dawn. Hopefully the bastards are gone by then.'
'What do you plan to do with the money you stole?' The shadowed human emerged once more from the darkness.
'What's it to.'?
'Curiosity.' The one-armed mongrel rasped.
The one who had the money patted his jacket pocket 'We plan to get out of this shithole and make a break for the highlife of Midas. We'll be rich. Nothing can stand in our way.'
'Yeah.' The other two cheered. The figure chuckled; well it was more like a gurgle.
'What's so funny, old man or do you want me to break all your teeth.'
The man chuckled once more and his voice came out like rough sandpaper. 'Don't you think they will become suspicious when three mongrels rock up with all that money? You wouldn't get through the door.'
'What are you…?'
'Hey have you heard. Someone spotted...get this, Riki the dark. Of all people. Walking with a Blondie through Midas. Can you believe it?' The brown-haired man said. The frail shadow's head snapped up when he heard the familiar name.
'Riki.' The Shadow rasped in pain.
'Riki of Bison. No way. For real. But his rumoured to be dead.' Astoundment filled the air. It had to be a rumour. There was just no logic behind it. The last anyone had seen the black- haired mongrel was almost two years ago. The news around Ceres was that he was either off world or six feet under. There had been whispers that he had been whisked away by the Tanagura head, Iason Mink but the rumours were never proven. Many would notice if Riki the dark decided to show his sexy mug around town. There would be an uproar. No doubt after that famous pert ass.
'Yeah. I thought so too. And I was ready to beat the guy to a pulp for talking bull shit until he showed me a holographic image of this so called 'Riki.' Check it.' The young mongrel reached into his faded jacket and pulled out an old phone. He pressed a button on the worn keypad and the screen lit and passed it to his buddies. Their eyes widened in awe.
'Holy mother of Jupiter. It's a spitting image. But his hair is longer and he looks older. Maybe it's just the picture quality. Damn look at the fuckin' Blondie. The Mother fucker is huge. I've never seen his mug before.'
'Le'me see.' The phone was snatched away by the young red-head and he took a good look. 'Mmm maybe. The picture is a little blurry and his wearing dark sunglasses so it's hard to tell. It might not even be him. A ghost. Riki has not been seen for years.'
'It's him.' The one armed man said from his corner of darkness.
'How do you know? I doubt you would have been his type?' the blue-haired mongrel retoted with a snicker.
'Because I used to know him. Back when he was still the leader of bison.'
'You.'?
'Yes. And now that you have seen this I am afraid that I can't let you live.'
'What the fuck.' In a blur of darkness, the shadow ascended on them with such speed that none of them realised the knife until it was pushed into their flesh. One by one they went down until the last fell to the asphalt. Quiet descended once again in the hell's gate. Notes of money littered the ground around him as the long-haired frazzled man stood over his three victims and leaned down to pick up the glowing phone, totally ignoring the money. He turned it over and glanced down at the picture. The mongrel's shoulders trembled with rage.
'Riki.' The shadowed mongrel's cry was full of so much anguish and sorrow; it melded with the darkness and flew away into the night. He cried out again threw the phone on the cold asphalt before stepping on it, breaking it in two, causing the couple of stray cats around him to scatter.
'Is it really you Riki?' He fell to the ground and a thin boned hand reached up and held his left shoulder, trailing down to feel his non-existent arm. 'Have you come back to haunt me. Is this what I must endure to atone for what I've done?
The coldness of the night wrapped around him, hopping to comfort him, but still brought him no closure. After a moment the young man collected himself and slowly stood up, walking away into the night without so much as a backwards glance.
'Riki. Forgive me.'
…
Tanagura. Eos tower.
The early morning sun peaked over the horizon and rose above the steel towers of Tanagura, sweeping the grey morning sky into a glowing orange. Its rays touching the glass panels of a sleeping Eos tower, bathing it in its warmth, causing its occupants to stir.
The penthouse of Ion Cassis was quiet and tranquil in the early morning hour. Its residents inside still slumbering peacefully, everyone except for small pale hand that peeked daintily out of his covers to turn off his alarm clock. Noel's bright green eyes peeked over the covers to glance at his clock before pulled back his fluffy warm covers and sat up, stretching out his stiff, sleeping limbs and yawned openly. The sun's warm rays filtered through his window and the young furniture smiled at the coming of yet another bright day. Smile still on his face he rose and padded his way to his own bathroom, courtesy of his master. Washed, brushed and ready to face a new day, Noel opened his door and walked out into the quite penthouse lounge room, navigating his way around chairs and sofas. The morning paper was found on the floor just by the door, picking it up and tucking it under his arm, Noel padded lightly towards the expansive kitchen. It was time to start breakfast.
He flipped the switch on the coffee peculator and watched the rich dark liquid drip steadily into the pot below, humming to himself quietly. He didn't know why but he couldn't contain his mirth today. He just felt so happy to welcome the day. And he realised it wasn't just today that he felt such a sense of contentment, but ever since he had started serving his Blondie Master. A Blondie who, with a gentle smile and kind eyes, told him numerous times to call him Ion. It was so unexpected and a little intimidating at first, he didn't know what to think. Furniture just don't stand on equal footing to an Elite, much less a Blondie. To even think such things would entitle you a one way ticket to Ceres. But when he saw how his Blondie interact with his companions, with so much kindness and compassion, Noel knew that without a doubt he had the best Master in all of Eos; in all of Amoi. Of course this was something he dare not mention.
He was the envy of all the furniture in Eos. Ion was his Master. And he couldn't help but feel a little giddy at the thought. And then there was the prospect of Riki living under the same roof as he. The same famous, wild mongrel that used to be his Excellency's pet, is now Ion's pet. The same pet that had recklessly walked back into a raging inferno, ready to die next to the one he loved. But he didn't die that day; instead he was swept into space with Ion, having no memory of who he was or the tragic scars he left behind. Not to mention the little quirk that happened to Riki when he got stressed for upset. Going from the size of an adult to a child in the blink of an eye.
He shook his head to repel his running thoughts and tried to focus on preparing breakfast. And it wasn't an easy task when you were cooking for a hungry household of seven, well seven and a half considering the life growing in the Faeierian's belly. Noel had just placed two pans on the stove top when he heard a familiar voice behind him.
'Oh blessed coffee.' Noel turned to greet his Master and almost dropped the pot pan he was holding. His tall master was standing there in nothing but his white pyjama bottoms, his long mane of blonde hair ruffled from sleep. Hard, broad chest muscles glowed under smooth skin and defined biceps rippled with every movement as the Blondie ran a hand through his hair, tousling that silky hair even more. 'Don't look down.' Noel chanted but found he was losing the battle within himself. His eyes widened. Washboard abs that fluttered and moved with every movement, connected to a narrow waist and my god are they tattoos. His master had a black serpent curling around one hip, much like the ones Riki and Heath had, and the Tanagura symbol, the Hsien- Ku lotus flower on the other. He had not noticed them since he had come to serve his blonde master a month ago because Ion was usually up and dressed this early in the morning. But today he was shocked to see the Blonde so unguarded and carefree, let alone having two tattoos.
But that didn't stop Noel from looking at the rest of the Blondie.
His skin wasn't pale like the other Blondies he had seen. It was more tanned and supple. Most likely form exposure to the sun. There was no hair anywhere on his body. It was all smooth skin. His 6'7 physique was perfection. Gorgeous wasn't the word to describe his Blondie. Stunning. Beautiful.
Noel squeaked and turned around before his master caught him ogling his goods. He hoped his voice wouldn't crack. 'I'll poor you a cup.'
'Please.' Ion said with thankful relief, not noticing his furniture's discomfort and walked over to the fridge. His tattoos moved with every twist of his body and he poked his head inside. 'What's for breakfast?'
Noel poured Ion a hot cup of coffee. 'I was thinking three cheese omelettes, fresh fruit and bacon and eggs with fried bread. And…dumplings.'
'Could you make blueberry pancakes? I absolutely love them. ' Ion asked with childlike glee which astounded Noel. 'And Riki is such a glutton for them as much as I am. And Aya is eating for two.' He added and reached into the fridge, grabbing out the eggs, milk and blueberries then going to the pantry and taking out flour and vanilla, placing the ingredients on the bench. Ion was about to place a frying pan on the stove when his furniture stopped him.
'What are you doing mas…Ion.' Noel rushed over and without thinking, took the frying pan from long, firm fingers. 'You shouldn't be doing that.'
'But I'm helping with breakfast.' Ion said with almost childlike innocence, looking down at Noel with large blue doe-eyes. Noel just wanted to melt right there. So cute.
'I would love to make them for you Ion. Your coffee and newspaper are here.' The young furniture placed the coffee and newspaper in his Master's hands and put his hands on his hips. His boldness totally lost on him. 'Now I don't want to see you back in his kitchen. Understand.'
Ion blinked, his face expressionless and for a heart stoping moment Noel thought that he would be punished until Ion smiled as if he was surrendering. 'Alright master chef you win. But make sure you put extra blueberries in the pancakes.'
It astounded Noel just how much of a child his master acted like sometimes. He was such an enigma. One minute he would be all child-like and innocent; the next, a Blondie as hard and as solid as steel, ready to defend the people he cares about without a moment's notice. It was intimidating yet the furniture wished that this fascinating man could care about him like he did his companions, even just a little. 'Stupid Noel. He is a Blondie. Get it through your head.' Noel shook his head and planted a smile on his face. 'As you wish. I will make sure I put triple the amount in just for you.'
Ion smiled and slapped his hands together. Quite happy with the thought of triple blueberry pancakes. 'Excellent. Can't wait.' Grabbing his coffee and newspaper, Ion whistled as he strolled out of the kitchen leaving his furniture to smile at his retreating back.
…
'How are feeling, Iason.' Iason was sitting up in his bed in the hospital when he turned his head and his blue eyes greeted Raoul who was standing at the door, his green eyes filled with concern as he walked into the room. Iason was naked from the waist up, tubes running from his arms and chest connected to monitors scanning his heart rate and lungs. He had been informed a while ago that Iason was awake and had been moved to the general hospital. He had been in the deep healing chambers for over six months, Jupiter and her medical teams working around the clock trying to restructure and build his body back together. A Blondie's body structure was a bit more…complex then an average human. Super-human strength and speed. To rebuild a body such as that need work. It was a very long and painful process, one that caused Iason's heart to stop beating more then once. Those times, Raoul really thought that Iason had given up fighting, simply just given up. Because without his soul mate, there was nothing worth living for. Yet he held on to life, even if it was but the thinnest thread. He still clung to hope.
Hope.
'A little groggy but ok.' Iason said, his voice hoarse from unuse. Raoul nodded and sat next to his friend's bedside. Iason looked tired and worn but otherwise he looked ok. Physically that is. Mentally, Raoul could not say.
'How long was I in suspended healing for?'
'Six months. Your legs took the most work. They had to be totally reconstructed. Also you have major burns to eighty precent of your body. How you managed to stay alive is a miracle. Your heart stopped three times. The third time was almost your last.' Raoul explained and watched with uneasiness as the Blondie in front of him processed the information he was given.
'Six months.'
'Yes.'
Blue eyes widened as if he just remembered something important and sat up even straighter. 'Riki.' They turned hauntingly to Raoul. 'Where is Riki?'
Raoul lowered his eyes. He couldn't bear to look at Iason anymore, should the perceptive man see his hesitation. But Iason noticed Raoul's fluctuation and his eyes narrowed. 'Raoul. Were. Is. Riki.'?
Iason's voice was so cold that Raoul visibly flinched. He forced himself to look up into artic orbs, knowing what he was about to say could possibly break whatever control Iason had right now. 'Riki is dead Iason. His body was never recovered.'
The bed-ridden Blondie stared at Raoul for a moment and for that moment Raoul was unsure whether Iason had understood him when Iason gripped the white sheets, his knuckles turning white and his whole body began to shake. He shook his head 'No.'
'Iason.' Raoul hurt for his friend but his sympathy was shoved to the back of his mind when Iason reach up and began pulling the tubes from his arms and chest. Blood spurted out and ran down Iason's arms. Raoul tried to restrain him. 'Iason stop. Your body is still recovering.'
But Iason didn't hear him. He clawed at his fresh wounds, his heart rate soaring through the roof. His body felt like it was on fire, burning him from the inside out. 'S…So hot, Riki.'
'I need some help in here.' Raoul screamed. Even with Raoul's strength, Iason continued to buck and thrash on the bed. He was just too strong. Medical staff rushed in with urgency to help Raoul subdue Iason.
'If he continues like this, his body could go into relapse and shut down completely. The stain will be too much.' The medic said breathlessly and ducked his head just in time to miss a swing from Iason's fist. 'You have to try and calm him down Sir Raoul.'
'Riki. Riki. Please I need you. Don't leave me.' Iason roared in his delirium and swung his arm around and managed to knock down two unprepared medics to the floor. Raoul grabbed the swinging appendage and held it down.
'Iason snap out of it. I know it's hard but he is gone. His gone, Iason. His gone.' Raoul whispered his heartache. 'Please come back.'
Iason's eyes flew open and darted around the room in a disoriented gaze. After a moment, his breathing became a slow steady rhythm and his mind cleared of sleepy fog, enough for him to realise he was in his bedroom, in his bed. Iason rubbed his forehead and sat up. He had not dreamed about that day for a long time. Vulnerability and compulsion shook through him, something he hadn't felt since that day, something he had only felt once and that was when he sat beside Riki in the burning hell of Dana burn, ready to die with his beloved.
He could remember Raoul holding him down on the hospital bed, pleading with him, begging him to calm down before he hurt someone unnecessarily. Iason began to calm down but his body continued to shake uncontrollably. He continued to chant Riki's name like it was his lifeline, as if somehow it would bring him back. After reassurance from Raoul that Iason was sedated, the medics quickly bandaged Iason's wounds and shakily rehooked the tubes to the Blondie's body before leaving the two Elites alone.
A dissembled Raoul turned to face an equally flushed Iason who at that moment looked like death had warmed over. He lay limp on the hospital bed, the sheets almost matching his death-pale complexion and his blue eyes were dull and unfocused.
'Iason.' Raoul approached with caution.
'Leave me.'
'Iason.'
'I said,' Iason grief-stricken face turned to him. 'Leave. Me'
Raoul had hesitated for a moment before complying with Iason's request and quietly slipped form the room. Iason lay quietly on the bed with only the constant beeping of the machines around him. His grip on his coverings had not loosened as his rage failed to be quenched. His anger would not subside. He wanted to destroy something, anything. Smash everything in this room, if only it would cool his murderous rage. He wanted to kill. Suddenly Wet drops landed on Iason's hand and his eyes widened when he reach up to touch his wet cheek. He was crying. The tears flowing freely down his face. He brushed them away but they were replaced by more stubborn tears. They just wouldn't stop. He clenched his fist as uninhabited rage took hold of his body.
The mongrel responsible for his and Riki's suffering was still alive. He made a vow that day to not rest until he found Guy. Would not find solace until he had his hands wrapped around the mongrel's throat, begging Iason to end his life. But he wouldn't. He would shove him into a healing tank just so Iason could torture him again.
Awareness came back to Iason and he realised he was back in his room. He shook his head to dispel those dark memories. That was the first time tears had ever graced his eyes. It frightened him because they weren't just tears for himself but tears for Riki. The thought of never seeing those obsidian orbs again was too much for him to bear and he unconsciously grabbed the onyx pedant hanging around his neck. The one Riki had given him. He had sobbed until his eyes were dry and his throat was sore that day. But it did little to lessen the pain. The pain that still remained even now though Riki resided just below him. Close but not close enough. And he now belonged to Ion. Black jealousy rose like a sleeping beast within him and howled to be set free but Iason clamped down on the dark emotion, reminding himself that no matter what has happened, Riki was still his. Still belonged to him and it was clear that in Riki's clouded mind there was still some recognition of who Iason was.
And the yearning was killing him. He didn't know how much long his body could hold out. It was in a constant state of restlessness that just wouldn't cease. And he knew that only Riki could extinguish his insomnia. But that raised the problem at hand; Riki's amnesia. And then there was Riki's little defect. It actually made Iason smile. He certainly made a very rambunctious child. Could even go as far as to say adorable. Iason wondered if that was how he was when he actually was five years old. He bet he was a real terror in Guardian.
Iason's head snapped up when there was a soft knock at his door. 'Master.' Dante, his furniture said from behind the door.
'Come in.' Iason called out.
His bedroom door opened and his fair-haired furniture stepped in. His eyes drawn to the floor. 'Sir Am has arrived and is awaiting you.'
'I'll be right there.' Iason said coolly. Dante nodded and quietly stepped out.
Iason threw back his covers and swung his legs over the side. He looked down at them and touched his bare thigh. It twitched under his touch. In the beginning it had taken him at least a month to get the full use of his legs back. A month of constant physiotherapy. A constant reminder of what had happened. That almost broke him. Him, Iason Mink. The pain was just unbearable. It had him lashing out at anyone who was near. Medics were too afraid to approach him. The only one game enough, and strong enough to come near was Raoul.
Iason sighed and shoved the memory to the corner of his mind. He stood up and padded his way to his private bathroom.
…
Ion's perceptive azure eyes darted across the newspaper behind his black trimmed glasses, completely oblivious to the commotion that was going on around him, well trying to be anyway. He had finished his breakfast, which he would have to thank Noel immensely for and thought he would have some quite time before he headed off. He turned the page with a small sigh and continued reading, 'continued' being the word. He liked reading the paper in the morning. He liked to see what's happening around the city but for all their seriousness and genuine information, he just wished someone would put a jokes column in the paper, just so he could have a laugh. Ion made a mental note to call them. His humour died slightly when a thrill shriek came from his left.
'You just stole my dumpling, asshole. Haven't you ever heard of ladies first?' Luca yelled and smacked Heath upside the head.
'Ow.' The mongrel messaged his crown. 'I thought ladies were supposed to be prim and proper. Not foul-mouthed and butch like you.'
'What did you say, mongrel'? Luca's face darkened and her dark eyes narrowed.
'Ah, did I stutter, mongrel.'
'Please don't fight. I have a new patch right here.' Noel placed a plate of steaming dumplings in between the two. They continued to silently glare at each other as they each took a new dumpling. Noel walked around and gently placed a cup hot chocolate in front of Maddy.
'Here is your hot chocolate.'
She looked at it. 'Gadarian Chocolate.'
'Yes.'
'Half milk, half boiling water.'
'Yes.'
'Three marshmallows.'
'Yes.'
'Thank you.' Maddy smiled and happily sipped her hot chocolate. 'Its delicious.'
'Yes, thank you Noel.' Ion said from behind his paper and brushed a few strains of fine blonde hair from his face. His hair had been bothersome while he ate so he had hastily tied it in a loose ponytail. He considered that maybe he should get a haircut. Long hair just got in the way sometimes. He smiled deviously. He could just imagine that commotion that would spread if he did. It could even be seen as traitorous.
The blushing looks Noel was trying to hide that morning had not gone unnoticed so for modesty's sake and Noel's piece of mind he had slipped on his white silk robe, but left it open. The materiel felt so light on his skin, it almost felt like he wasn't wearing anything at all. It was made of the finest threads of a materiel called Crepe de Chine, sown by the spiritual hands of the monks on a planet called Hamura. He had done them a little favour while he was planet side and they had given it to him as a gift. For it was seen as a sign of great respect and honour to receive such high praises from these holy beings. The King of Hamura had promised that one day he would visit Amoi someday. That was defiantly something he would stick around for.
He heard a gasp to his right and looked up to see Aya touching her heavily swollen stomach. 'Aya.' He asked with concern and put down his paper.
The Faeierian shook her head, her red beaded braids swirling around her head. 'It was just a twinge. It's nothing. I think she's eager to get out.' Ion and his household have been on alert for the last month, preparing for Aya's delivery of her baby. She was in the very last stages of her third trimester and could go into labour at any time. It was a very happy time for everyone, especially him. He was going to have a baby in his home. Jupiter had kept silent so he wasn't worried. And yet it was sad time also.
'When she is born, maybe we could go back to Feaier so she can see her homeland. I am sure you are eager to get out of here. Being couped up here all day with this lot to keep you company.' Ion commented and nodded to Heath who had a bit of cheese hanging from his mouth.
'Hey.' The mongrel said with offense.
'Yes I think she would like that. And I know I must stay here for my own protection. Beau would have done the same thing.' Aya said with a note of sadness.
'Yes I think he would have.'
Reluctant but necessary, Aya was forced to stay inside the penthouse by Ion's request for her own safety. The Blondie felt bad for leaving her here but she insisted that she was perfectly happy and she had plenty to occupy her mind. Constructing the baby's room and making baby clothes. And besides Her and Noel have become good friends. Of course she wasn't the only one who was forced to be couped up here day after day and his irritation was starting to show. He had taken Riki out to Midas once and that almost ended in a disaster. Ion hadn't taken him out since and Riki was starting to question him why he wasn't allowed out. The Blondie had tried to explain to the mongrel that a pet was not allowed to run around town without their masters but he feared it had gone in one ear and out the other.
He could always ask Katze if he could give Riki a job. Something small that would keep him occupied while he was at work.
'Did I lose you, Ion.' Aya's soft voice penetrated his thoughts. He shook his head.
'No, it's nothing. My thoughts just ran way with me. By the way, is Riki going to be joining us for breakfast? I had Noel make his favourite.' He asked his engineer and navigator. He knew Riki liked to sleep in most days.
'I heard the shower turn on a few minutes ago so it looks like the sleepy head will be.' Seiren said and finished the last of his juice.
Ion scanned his pet's mind; he still couldn't get used to the word pet, and found the tell-tale waves of uneasiness and unrest with an interlacing of restlessness. Could he have had another dream? Of course being couped up in here would dampen anyone's mood. He sighed and pulled back from his mind probing, should Riki feel his intrusion, and stood up. He addressed his young furniture.
'Thank you for breakfast, it was delicious. I am going to go and get ready now. Keep some pancakes hot for Riki. He will be out shortly.
Noel nodded as Ion strode past him. 'Yes, of course.'
Inside the lavish bathroom steam rose into the air from the double-sized shower that took up most of the left wall. A large six seater jet-streamed white marble bathtub took up the other wall, attached to that was an intimate two seater heated spar. The floor and walls was a lovely cool black marble and the double sink counter was a seraphic cream. Anyone who stepped inside would have marvelled at how stunning the décor was but since it was Riki; he couldn't really tell.
The dark tanned mongrel stood under the water of the six spray showerhead. Long black tendrils of hair stuck neck and back as the water ran down his muscled body. He bunched up his hair and pulled it over his shoulder. Riki branched out his senses and located the shower basket on the tiled wall. His fingers brushed the bottles of shampoo and conditioner and body wash until he found his favourite. He squeezed a good amount on his loofa and the sweet aroma of citrus and mint filled the air. He lathered the soothing wash over his body before stepping under the spray. Hoping the gentle messaging of the water would dampen his transient mood. But his body just wouldn't listen.
He was wound tighter then a spring coil and he felt one wrong moved could cause him to snap. Ion thought it was to do with being couped up her day after day; week after week, although it was a part of the problem. The actual reason for his distressed disposition lived in the penthouse just above him. The mysterious and compelling Iason Mink. He just couldn't get the Blondie out of his mind. The past month has been an absolute head fuck.
And he didn't even know the guy or what he looked like. Or so he thought.
And yet somewhere deep down, he felt like they had shared something…strong, something…intimate. A sensual connection. He just didn't know what it was. Hell he had even dreamed about the fascinating Blondie. Ion had told him he Iason's social status on Amoi and that it was difficult to almost impossible to get close to him. But Riki found he just didn't care. He wanted to know this man; this man he felt- with unwavering certainty- was connected to his lost memories.
He suddenly felt the slight presences shadow across his mind and became instantly aware that Ion was probing his mind. Riki tsked and drummed down his emotions as much as he could, should Ion read his heightened stress and come blasting through the door. Because when he became stressed, he shrank and it wasn't something he enjoyed. Especially being an adult in a kids body.
He turned off the shower and opened the sliding glass doors. He felt around for his fluffy towel and dried his face and hair before stepping out. He dried the rest of himself and padded naked into his room. Once he was dressed, he walked out into the living room and found Ion and Noel in the lobby. Ion slipped on his jacket and fixed the collar, before taking the shoulder bag from Noel's out stretched hands. 'Thank you.' Ion said and turned around to see Riki standing there.
'Ah you're up. Good. I am heading to Apatia now. Luca is going to bring you down in a few hours for your check up.' Ion put his hand up when Riki opened his mouth to complain. 'There will be no 'ifs' or 'buts about it. Please don't fight me on this Riki. You might be fine now but you could have another attack and I just don't want to risk it.'
Riki wanted to protest the demand but thought better of it. Ion was as stubborn as a mule when he wanted to be. 'Ok if I have to.'
'Yes you have to.' Ion smiled and then walked up to Riki, towering over him and placed a hand on his shoulder. 'I know you have been unsettled staying behind every day but it's only temporary.' I hope.
'Yes. Yes I know that you are an all-important Blondie. I will just stay here like a good pet and wait for your return.' Riki bit back sarcastically and cracked a grin. Ion nodded.
'Very well. I will see you later. Keep out of trouble' Ion walked to the door and opened it before walking out, just catching Riki's remark of, 'and maybe you should take your own advice.'
…
Iason and Raoul took the elevator down from Iason's floor. The elevator stopped on the floor below and the doors chimed and opened to reveal Ion standing there.
'Sir Cassis.'
'Oh Raoul; your Excellency. Are you heading out as well?' Ion asked cheerfully and stepped into the large lift.
'Yes. We are in the middle of negotiations with Agathe over a new trade agreement. We have a meeting with their Trading Minister today at the Janus Hall.' Iason said. The doors closed and the elevator began it's descend.
'Agathians. Wonderful people.'
'You have met them.'? Raoul raised a blonde eyebrow.
'Why yes. I had the pleasure of meeting them a few years ago. Although the Minister of law wasn't very welcoming afterwards when I bet him in a card game and won his private cruise ship.' Ion said with a thoughtful expression. 'I believe his words were. 'It's not wise to piss off an Agathian.' Or something like that.'
'I see.' Iason deadpanned.
Ion chose to ignore the syndicate leader's stony remark.
'You have seemed quite busy lately, Sir Cassis' Raoul asked.
'Preparing for a new baby is no easy task. Let me tell you. I hope Noel will be able to keep up.' Ion said and the elevator stopped and the doors opened to the lobby. The three of them stepped out and walked to the entrance of Eos tower. The guards let them past and opened the doors. They took no notice of the maintenance crew by the communication panel Riki had temporary fixed as they passed them and came to the sidewalk were two white hover cars were waiting.
'Well this is where we part ways. I hope your trade agreement goes smoothly. Oh,' Ion turned around.' If the Trade Minister happens to be a tall, muscled man called Akash, tell him I said hello.'
And with that, Ion walked over to his craft. He climbed in and the car pulled away, leaving Iason and Raoul behind.
…
Apatia was situated in Lhassa- Area one. It was a large, pronounced area in Midas, where Elites kept their pets when they were not at Eos. You could say it was more of a 'training academy' for Pets to learn how to better serve their masters. The circular domed building was adjacent to the popular love-inn and the high rolling casino. Orange road was the main centre where many of the sex soirées where held. Mistral Park was the major business partner of Apatia. You could say they were two sides of the same coin. Mistral Park would sell the pets to buying Elites and they would send their new brought pets to Apatia for maturing. It was a win-win situation. Ugly as it was.
Ion pulled into the private underground parking lot and parked his car. His massive frame emerged from his vehicle and made his way to the back entrance. He knew that this was uncommon of a Blondie but he felt it necessary to go around the back then the front as it draws too much attention. For all its beauty on the outside, Apatia was as cold as the stone it was built from. Everything was artificial. Down to the pets that were kept here.
That was why Ion choose to work here as a medical physician. To work with the pets. Get to know them. And the director of Apatia certainly didn't mind taking him on board, especially with the impressive amount of money Ion donated. His main field was genetics and gene development but he was also very knowledgeable in the biology of pet production. How their bodies work and functioned. Since they were actually created in a lab, their bodies were a bit different to Riki's or Seiren's. It would be different. But he liked a challenge.
He stepped inside and found himself in the familiar white walled hallway. He passed under the artificial lights and down another hallway. Pets were not allowed back here only if they were with their trainers. They were kept in separate housing units or 'dorms' and took their 'lessens' there as well. The section he worked in was the medical department and you could tell by the smell of antiseptic. No matter where you go, every medical station smelt the same.
'Sir Cassis, good morning.' Ion heard behind him and he turned to find a ruby, Domnic his name was, standing there in his pristine white lab coat.
'Good morning.' With a smile and a nod, Ion kept on walking. His long blonde hair trailed behind him in his custom plait like a golden snake.
He finally came to his own medical lab and opened the door to his office. He tried to make it as homey as possible with the artificial lights and boring white walls. He had placed bookshelves and units and filled it with as much knowledge he would get his hands on. Already he had a patient waiting for him with one of the trainers. Trainers were expected to wear white uniforms and black shoes. It was kind of creepy actually. If it weren't for the shoes, they could easily blend into the walls. They had no real will of their own. Despots ready to do the director's bidding.
'Good morning, sorry to have kept you waiting.' Ion apologized and took off his jacket; His tall, impressive stature seemed to unnerve the young pet as he sniffled and hide his flustered face behind his tissue, so Ion grabbed his rolling chair and sat down in front of the pet. 'Now what seems to be the problem?'
'The pet says he is experiencing a sore throat, a running nose and a fever.' The green-haired trainer handed Ion a folder, containing the pet's portfolio. He put on his glasses and opened the folder; his blue eyes glanced over it. The pets name was Kade; pet registration number: B132M. Pretty high by pet breeding standard and he was a one of the newer breeds too. Kade's master was Galen Lovegood; a platina and the head of Tanagura's engineering plants. He had light blue hair and eyes and seemed to be about 5'2'. All in all, he was absolutely adorable.
'A sore throat. Running nose and a fever. Interesting.' Ion took out a pen and began writing fluently inside the folder. He closed it and placed it beside him. He gracefully stood up and went over to his medicine cabinet and storage unit. He pulled out antiseptic swaps, tongue depressors and a syringe and a vile of clear liquid. He also picked up his stethoscope and a thermometer placed them, with the other items on a metal tray and came back over. He sat down again and sat the tray down beside him.
'Come here, pet.' Ion's tone was soothing, as he didn't want to frighten the pet, well not anymore then the young one already was.
Ion tried again. His voice never faltering 'It's alright little one. I am just going to check you over to see what is wrong.'
Kade shakily stood up and jerkily walked over to Ion. The Blondie resisted the urge to sigh and grabbed his stethoscope. He placed the ear pieces into his ears. 'Can you lift up your shirt, please.'
Unable to deny him, the pet did as he was told, shivering as he went. Ion took the chest piece and placed it on the pet's marble white chest. He listened to the Kade's raging heartbeat and was unsure if the unnatural heartbeat was due to the pet's health or to being in close proximity with Ion. 'I need you to calm down Kade. I can get a proper reading if your heart is beating out of control.'
'Sorry, Sir.' Kade dropped his eyes.
'It's ok. Just breathe.' Ion nodded and smiled to show Kade that it was alright. Ion listened again and took down the number of heartbeats a minute. He also listened to the pet's breathing and took his temperature. He wrote down notes and checked his findings. When he was finished he came to a conclusion and turned to the trainer, removing his glasses.
'I have found what ails this young pet. He has Acute Viral Rhinopharyngitis.'
The trainer looked at Ion as if he had just spoken in another language. 'My lord.'
'A cold.' Ion said and took the syringe and vile from his tray. 'A simple common cold. Most like from the air conditioning inside the units. I will administer him an injection that will fight the cold and hopefully eliminate all signs of returning.'
Ion took the top of the syringe off and gently inserted the needle into the bottom of the vile. He pulled back the plunger and the clear liquid flowed into the syringe's valve.
'This won't hurt too much. All you'll feel is just a tiny prick. It won't even last three seconds.' Ion said gently and held the pet's thin arm in his large hands. He could basically wrap his whole hand around the pet's arm.
'What's your favourite colour, Kade?' Ion was trying to distract Kade as he wiped the top of his arm with the antiseptic swap.
'R…Red, Sir.'
'Red. I like red too but my favourite is purple. Don't tell anyone.' Ion whispered playfully. 'Now count to three and it will all be over.' Ion injected the solution into Kade's arm. He winced slightly and Ion pulled back with a look of sympathy.
'There all done. That didn't hurt did it?'
'No, it actually tickled.' The pet tried to sound brave.
Ion laughed. 'That's the spirit. Now keep away from the air conditioning from now on.' Ion stood up and walked back over to his medicine cabinet and pulled out a bottle of white pills. 'These are pills that will bring down your fever and help your sore throat. I will not give you an accelerator since your symptoms are not life threatening. Take two a day and you should be back to full health in no time.'
'I will.' Kade smiled as he was led away by the silent trainer. Ion sighed when the door closed and pinched the bridge of his nose. It was going to be a long day, he could feel it and it was still only morning.
He disposed the used syringe in the safety bin and cleaned up the rest of his tools, readying them for his next patient. Yes it was going to be a long day.
…..
'We are going now.' Luca called out as she and a reluctant Riki headed out.
'Ok.' Heath called back from the living room. He was reading a navigator's hand book while Seiren was playing around with a part of Crono's engine. The engineer had grease on his cheeks and nose. Aya was on the sofa opposite them knitting a baby's blanket and Maddy was humming as she drew on paper.
Seiren banged the piece of tubing on the table to dislodge whatever was stuck inside.
'Do you have to do that,' Heath asked over his book. 'It's annoying.'
'The damn bolt won't come out. This is what's causing that rattling sound.' Seiren banged the pipe again when a soft, painful gasp could be heard from across the room. Maddy looked up from her drawings.
'Aya.'
'I think….' The Faeier then moaned and clutched her belly. Maddy jumped up in alarm. 'Heath. Seiren. Something is wrong with Aya.'
The older mongrel and the Amorian stood up and rushed over. 'Aya. What is it.'?
'The Baby.' She just managed to get out. 'She's coming.'
To be continued.
I can't believe how many words I put into this chapter. I just didn't know when to stop. I also can't believe the last time I updated was on Christmas day. It's been a while so thanks for waiting and I hope to keep you updated. Acute Viral Rhinopharyngitis actually is the scientific name for the common cold. I just had to add it in because in next week I have to get my flu injection and I am not looking forward to it
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