Thank you so so much everyone for the reviews, the more I get the more inspired I am to write. It's been frustrating trying to piece this story back together after I lost the drive it was on, but it is slowly coming along, so I hope you will be patient and that you are enjoying it. If you ARE enjoying it- you KNOW what I want. :-) I'm not ashamed of being shameless.


"Look out!"

Guy glanced up from the bike he was working on just in time to see the chain moving an engine to the worktable snap and plummet towards the youngest member of his new crew. He had lunged for the boy before his brain finished telling him to move, and lifted his mechanical arm over them both just as the engine hit.

There was a horrifying crunch of metal as Guy shoved the crewman out of the way and deflected the bulk of the heavy piece of equipment with his artificial arm, but a corner of the engine caught him across the shoulder and drove him to his knees. Pain sliced through his real flesh and he hissed, even as the other crew members rushed towards him.

"Guy!" Selene cried crouching beside him, quickly shedding her dirty overall jacket and pulling off her white T-shirt to press it to his gushing wound. "Call for a medic. Now!"

The shop supervisor ran for a com-terminal as Guy glanced up at the pretty girl who had a gift for engine repair. He managed to grin through the pain. "I'm okay. Just a scratch."

"Don't be a tough guy. You could've been killed, you idiot!"

"I…I'm so sorry." Tanner whimpered, curled up by Guy's feet, still shaking from the fright of almost being crushed by an engine. "I…I just froze."

"Not your fault," Guy assured and struggled to stay conscious. He glanced down at his mechanical arm, which had been ripped open to expose several of the mechanical parts inside. Ashamed, he tried to cover the damage with his real, only to have the woman beside him cover it with her discarded jacket, just as the others reached them.

"If we'd known it took something like this to get your clothes off, we would have tried it sooner," a short, stocky built mechanic named Kyle joked, as he deliberately oogled the firm, luscious breasts in a pretty, pink sports bra on display.

"Yeah," Anren agreed as he knelt behind Guy and gently pulled the taller man onto his lap. "Who knew you were hiding those under that coverall?"

"A girl's gotta have some secrets," she retorted as continued to press against Guy's wound, concerned that the bleeding wasn't stopping. "Besides, you assholes don't need any other distractions from getting your work done."

Guy appreciated everyone trying to keep the situation light. He was still getting used to the idea that these people actually listened to him, and did as he asked. They didn't care that he was a Mongrel from Ceres, that meant nothing to them, but it was still a vast change from being a follower to being a leader. He'd stumbled at first, not at all confident in his ability, or even his right to decide their positions or ask them to do a specific task. As Riki's right-hand man it had been easier, because the orders had come from Riki, and he had but to see them done. Now the orders came from him, he made all the decisions and it was challenging. Especially since he'd had no friends other than the guys in Bisson.

Celene had been the most difficult, he was still getting used to having a woman around, they had been so scarce in Ceres. He'd been uncomfortable around her at first, but as Shiao had told him he could pick his own crew, he hadn't been able to ignore her impressive skills when she applied for the job. Luckily, Selene was open, funny and confident in herself and her abilities. She also encouraged and excelled at flirting, which was another thing he'd had to get used to while working with her.

She had pretty breasts, he decided, as his head started to swim and the color of her bra began to fade. When she said thank you, Guy realized he'd voiced his thought aloud, but didn't even have the energy to blush. He saw her lean towards him, frowning as she said his name, and then darkness claimed him.

When Guy awoke, he was on a padded table, in a pale blue room with a small shaded window. Turning his head to the side, he spotted a tall, familiar brunette standing by the window. As if sensing he was being watched, Shiao turned and walked over to the med-bed.

"Hello trouble."

Guy blinked and wet his lips, trying to remember what happened and how he had ended up here, but his mind was fuzzy. "Hey." He tried to sit up, but Shiao immediately pressed a hand to his chest and kept him in place.

"Down boy. Do you remember what happened?"

Guy stared at his employer and friend as bits and pieces came back to him. "An engine," he recalled, quietly. "Was falling. There was a crash…and blood…" His face flushed as another image invaded his mind. "And breasts."

Shiao's right eyebrow almost disappeared into his hairline. "Sounds like quite the adventure."

Suddenly remembering the damage to his mechanical arm, he looked to the left and saw the artificial arm looked as good as new. "You fixed it."

"Not I personally, but yes the damage has been repaired. Your shoulder was not so easily dealt with."

Guy lifted his real hand and could feel the bandages around his shoulder and torso. "How bad?"

"The engine ripped through the bone, muscle and tissue, serrated several arteries."

Guy swallowed, nervously. He wasn't in any pain, but they may have given him medication; that would explain the fuzziness in his head. "So…pretty bad."

"Yes. I am afraid you shall never play the vinolen again."

Guy blinked, confused by the mention of an old string instrument. "I…I couldn't play one before."

"Ah." Shiao nodded. "In that case you shall be fine."

"Nice." Guy grinned. Most people thought Androids didn't have a sense of humor, but that was probably because of their deadpan delivery. He considered Shiao to be enormously funny, even if others didn't. "Can we go home now?"

"Yes, once you've finished your drink." Shiao pointed to the cylinder of liquid that was trickling from a perched machine, down through a thin tube and into an IV in Guy's arm.

"What is it?"

"Just fluids. You lost a good deal of blood. A transfusion was required after they knitted your shoulder, but you were sweating a lot and became dehydrated."

"Oh."

"Your shoulder will heal in time, you may require some therapy and the physician has prescribed some medication for pain and to stave off infection." Shiao inspected the near empty vial dangling above Guy's bed, curiously. "No work for at least a week."

Shit! "Sorry."

Shiao tilted his head. "Why are you apologizing?"

"For causing you trouble." If he wasn't there to finish the work on the new cycles the plant would lose money.

"Ah, well. My life is far more interesting since you came along, certainly. Although, I could hardly be angry over the fact that you sacrificed your arm to save a member of your crew. That is a very commendable…" Shiao smirked at him. "A very Human thing to do."

"I didn't even think…" Guy admitted as he glanced towards the window, then back at Shiao. "Is everyone else okay?"

"They were all very shaken up, including the boy you saved. They only just left."

"What do you mean?"

"They insisted on staying here until they were sure you would be okay."

Guy felt something heavy pressing on his chest as his eyes widened in surprise. "All of them?"

"Oh yes. They seem very fond of you, Guy." Guy set his large hand on Guy's head, ruffled his hair. "It seems you have a new gang now."

Guy turned his head away, beyond touched that they…that anyone would be worried about him. Not since Riki…He closed his eyes and grimaced. Damn it! Why did he have to compare everything to Riki? He had told Shiao everything over the last week or so, ever since his nightmare. He was more comfortable talking about his past and Shiao encouraged it. The Onyx had been right, talking about it did help ease some of his guilt, although he still occasionally had nightmares.

"Are you feeling unwell again? Shall I call for the nurse?"

"No." Guy looked back at Shiao. "I just want to go home."

Shiao smiled and leaned down to tap Guy's nose. "That is most enjoyable to hear."

"That I want to go home?"

"That you consider our place your home. It is of some relief to me, Guy. I worried you might never feel truly comfortable there. That you missed your mongrel city and might wish to return one day."

Guy sat up slowly and this time Shiao did not attempt to stop him. "I never really thought of Ceres as home," he admitted, quietly. "It was just the place where I grew up." And Riki, the place where Riki was, had always felt like home to him. "I do like it here and I'm grateful for all that you've done for me, but…"

Shiao put a finger to Guy's lips. "You aren't going to start spouting that nonsense about owing me again, are you?"

Guy swallowed his words and shook his head, enjoying the light pressure against his mouth, and for a brief, very brief moment, he felt the urge to flick his tongue out. Ashamed of the thought he dipped his head, effectively pulling away from the Onxy's touch. Where in the hell had that come from?

He knew that Shiao didn't want his gratitude and considered their relationship beyond the feelings of gratitude, or payment of debt. He had never known anyone as honest or generous as Shiao, it was hard sometimes to remember he was an Elite, and the same as Iason Mink.

"I know you don't understand my feelings in that regard," he admitted, then paused as a nurse entered, checked his IV and nodded.

"Good. All done." She disconnected the IV, slid a sterile wipe across the area and placed a small circular patch over the area, that was almost the same color as Guy's skin.

"Is he free to leave?" Shiao asked.

"Yes, but he isn't to have any physical exertions for the next five days at least. After that he will need to see the Leading Physician again to see how it has healed and if therapy is needed."

"Thank you."

Shiao helped Guy dress and put his shoes on. His T-Shirt had been cut off, so Shiao pulled off his dark blue draping jacket, leaving him in a gold and blue shirt and vest, and slid Guy's arms through it. The jacket hung almost to Guy's knees and his hands had disappeared beneath the cuffs.

"How fucking tall are you, anyway?" Guy demanded, used to be the tallest in the pack and nowhere close to short, stared at the sleeves of the jacket in astonishment. Shiao towered over him by at least three or four inches, but they were close to the same width, so he never really considered how much of a difference there was between them.

"Two point zero five seven four meters."

"How much is that in feet?"

Shiao diligently rolled up the sleeves of the jacket. "Six feet, nine inches."

"Fuck me." Guy was six-foot-four and considered a giant by most.

"I think not. However, there are establishments around that can find you a comparable mate if you are so inclined." Shiao pulled the lapels of the jacket together and ran his hand down a gold seam in the front, instantly sealing the garment closed. "I would recommend waiting until you are fully healed, so as to fully enjoy the experience."

Guy stared at him, trying to ascertain if Shiao was kidding again; it was sometimes hard to tell. "I didn't mean I want you to actually fuck me. Its…it can be used as an expression of…of disbelief or wonder."

"Odd." Shiao scowled, tugged at the jacket hem to straighten it, as if he was dressing a mannequin, until Guy smacked his hands away.

"Shit, don't make it longer!"

Shiao stepped back and put a hand to his chin, studying the sight of Guy standing in his over-sized jacket. "I rather like it."

"You're an idiot."

"On the contrary, my database contains a wide range of…"

Guy finally laughed. It was impossible to keep up with the Onyx. One minute he was talking like an android, the next he seemed more Human than most people. "Can we go home now?"

Shiao smiled. "Yes." He guided Guy out to his car and settled him in the passenger side. "Are you in pain?" He asked when Guy hissed a little as he sat.

"Not really, just kind of sore."

The Onyx nodded. "Good," he rounded and climbed in on the driver's side and moments later, they were headed home. "Why I do not relish you getting injured, I think this happened at an opportune moment."

Guy glanced at him. "Oh?"

"Yes. The sales of the new aircycle you designed are going very well and I had intended to visit some of the distributors, to check the numbers myself. You could come with me."

"Why?"

"For one, it would get you out of the house so you don't get bored, and for another I think it would be good to allow the distributors to meet the designer of their best selling product." Shiao glanced at him. "Don't you?"

Guy dipped his head, he didn't consider himself a designer, he just had a way with bikes, that was all. Shiao was responsible for all the parts and most of the assembly. "Would it help the sales if they meet me?"

"Well, that is uncertain, but I think they might try to sell even harder after they meet you. It is good customer relations, and besides, we can visit some other cycle shops on the tour and perhaps you can come up with some new ideas. You would still technically be working."

Guy nodded, he liked that idea, rather than sitting around waiting to mend. "The nurse said I had to come back to have my shoulder looked at."

"Our trip won't take more than a week, and if there is an issue I am sure they have medical facilities there." Shiao glanced over at Guy. "Unless you're nervous about the space travel?"

"No!" Guy knew he answered way to fast and he caught Shiao's smirk. "Oh shut up. I'm not afraid! It just…does weird things to my stomach."

"I have something to help you with that. So, will you accompany me?"

An entire week with just him and Shiao, visiting other bike shops, maybe tasting some of the different cuisines. It actually sounded like heaven. "Yeah. Sure. I'm in."


"So, did your friend like the broach?" Carrie asked as she leaned over Riki's shoulder. He was seated inside her booth behind the main display counter fiddling with her display again. She was delighted to watch the dark skin at the base of the young man's neck turn a light pink.

"Yeah." Riki pulled the tiny panel off the side of the machine and picked up his multi-tool. He was both touched and embarrassed that Iason chose to wear the sapphire broach every day, in fact he never left work without it.

Carrie grinned and turned away as a customer approached. The woman purchased a necklace, two hairpins and a ring for the quoted price. Carrie quickly scanned the credit chip for the required amount, wrapped and bagged the items and watched the woman walk away. She sighed and turned back to watch Riki work.

"What's wrong?" he asked, without looking up from his work. "You got the price you wanted and sold a lot."

"Sure, and that's always nice," she agreed as she reached under the counter and inside her small cooler for two drinks. "But it's sooooo boring when they don't at least argue a little bit." She handed him one of the drinks. "I can't keep my bartering skills in shape with that kind of attitude."

Riki grinned, set the display box down and accepted the drink. "Speaking of bartering, how much you paying me for this?"

"Ten credits."

Riki wiggled his finger.

"Okay, fifteen then." She deliberately started her bid low to get the most enjoyment out of their game.

Riki looked down at her display box, which was in pieces. "That'd barely cover the dis-assembly." He shrugged and took a drink. "I guess you can figure out how to put it back together…eventually."

Carrie was not mechanically inclined and he knew it, still she was tickled at the challenge. "It wouldn't say much for your reputation, leaving a job unfinished."

"My reputation is shit anyway." Another long swig. "Two hundred credits."

Carrie pretended to look outraged. "Have you lost your mind? I could buy a new display for that!" She paused, considered and sipped her drink. "Thirty credits. That more than double my original offer."

"Double nothing is still nothing. One seventy-five."

Carrie snorted. "Are you putting in jeweled screws or something? Fifty credits final offer."

Riki's gaze flickered towards her display table, and then back at her. "I can't take less than one fifty, but for that, I'll also design a new, completely unique character for your caller."

Carrie considered the offer. The caller on her current display had come with the machine, and was the usual generated character of a robot, that called out the specials as people passed. It saved on her voice and carried farther as well, but many other vendors had the same one and so it didn't catch as many eyes as she'd like it to.

Her gaze moved to the display table, then turned back to Riki again.

"One hundred even, you have the new caller ready for the festival next week and…" She smiled knowingly. "You can have your pick of anything from the table."

"Done."

Her eyebrows rose as he eagerly popped up and reached for the prize he had already chosen, a set of bracelets made of a dark, glossy black metal that changed color depending on the person's mood. The unique metal automatically reacted to a person's body chemistry and when Riki picked them up they turned an instant bright blue.

Carrie's hand flew to her mouth to stifle her laugh, because light blue meant Riki was incredibly excited at that moment, even though his outward appearance looked as stoic as ever. He was so cute sometimes!

She was both shocked and delighted when Riki showed up at her booth earlier that afternoon and said he'd gotten permission to do some work for her. Considering how fast he had worked on her machines before, she suspected he was deliberately taking his time with the display, perhaps to stave off the boredom of being a pet?

Remaining in character, Carrie scowled and grumbled. "I suppose you want them wrapped too?"

"Yes please."

Carrie's heart flipped over in her chest at the shy request and she barely resisted throwing her arms around him. Her loins reacted as she wistfully considered how great it would be if she'd had a kid just like Riki.

Instead, she stomped over to her packaging area and snatched a box. "Fine! But that caller better be amazing! Those bracelets aren't cheap you know!"

"It will be, I promise." Riki slid the bracelets in the box she presented, watched her put it in a bag with some tissue paper and adornments. "D…don't go overboard."

"Do I tell you how to fix computers?" Riki grinned and shook his head. "Then don't tell me how to gift wrap a package." She added a few ribbons and some sprayed flower petals that would remain fresh for at least a month. "It's for Junpein, isn't it?"

Junpein was the annual holiday in Tanagura, created solely to worship and offer gratitude to Jupiter for creating the Elites and all that surrounded them. Many of the more wealthy humans also participated, which was why there was a street festival that lasted for three days, as well as numerous parties, social functions and the like. They received visitors from all over during this time, and then on the fourth day, all of Jupiter's children flocked to the Gem Tower to pay homage to their God.

Riki remembered from past years that Iason would be secluded in the tower with his brothers from sunrise on the fourth day, until sunrise on the fifth day. Iason never spoke of what happened during that time, and Riki had never asked. He realized, after their fight at Katze's that Iason had been right. Iason had been trying to understand him and his ways, but Riki had given no real thought to Iason's kind. They had never gone to the festivals, because Riki was too rebellious or uncomfortable, and while they had received numerous invitations to pet parties during that time, Iason chose to keep Riki at home. Riki had not even thought to be grateful for that small indulgence of Iason's before. He wanted to do something special for Iason, to show that he had changed and he was serious about making things work between them.

"You there! Pet."

Both Carrie and Riki glanced over to find the same security guard that had harassed them the last time appear, and their playful mood disappeared instantly.

"Seems you don't learn your lessons well."

"He has permission…" Carrie began, but Riki held up his hand.

"Save it, he doesn't want to hear the truth."

"Out. Now."

Riki stared hard at the guard, hard enough that when he put his hand on the table and suddenly leapt to the other side the guard staggered back a step. "What now?" he growled.

"Now, we go see your Master."

"He's busy." Riki was suddenly anxious about disturbing Iason again. He knew that Iason wouldn't blame him; the Blondie was up to his neck again in work.

"He'll have to make time, then, won't he?" He grabbed Riki's arm, painfully. "Now shut up and move."

Both the guard and Riki were shocked when the man suddenly cried out in pain, and as they looked for the cause, they saw a small, thin hand had gripped the fingers on Riki's arm and had twisted the guard's wrist to a painful angle.

"Please pardon me, but is there a problem here?"

The guard's eyes widened slightly at young blond boy before him. "You…Let go! That hurts!"

"I apologize for causing you pain." Cal calmly applied more pressure, bringing the man down to one knee. "However I cannot allow you to manhandle my charge. He is my responsibility, you see, for I am his teacher and Master Iason does not allow anyone to touch what belongs to him." Cal smiled blandly. "You can understand that I am just doing my duty, can't you?"

"Y…yes. Yes! I understand, just let me go."

"Of course." Cal released the guard so quickly that he actually fell backwards on his ass. "Do you require medical assistance? Shall I call for a transport?"

The guard scampered backwards, whimpering when his injured wrist touched the ground as he scrambled to his feet. "I'll report you for this!" He hissed, cradling his wrist. "Who do you think you are anyway? I've never seen you here before? Just who do you think you fucking are?"

Cal stepped towards the guard, watched him instantly step back. "I merely wish to give you my identification." Cal indicated the pad on the guard's belt and waited as the man fumbled to pull the pad out with his good hand. Cal pressed his thumb to the pad and stepped back as the guard read the display.

Riki's eyebrows rose as the guard paled and he exchanged a curious look with Carrie, who was also watching the scene bewildered.

"This pet has permission from his Master to assist with the vendor's machines, if they require it and I, as his tutor, am here to supervise him. There should be no more misunderstandings, am I correct?"

Fumbling to get back the authority the kid had so easily snatched from him, while trying not to offend someone with such high clearance, the guard's eyes narrowed. "You weren't here, so of course I would assume something was amiss."

"I was over there, in the book store." Cal indicated the bag of books he had purchased. "I could see Riki clearly from the windows of the shop, which is why I arrived so quickly to end any … misunderstandings."

"Well…well how was I to know that? All I saw was an unattended pet!"

"There are unattended pets all over the market place. I find it difficult to believe that with your keen eyes and…" Cal leaned forward just a bit to observe the small dots of color on the man's uniform collar. "Ten impressive years of experience you only managed to see one that required your attention."

The guard flushed at being both praised and insulted in the same damn sentence. "Make sure you stay with him, from now on."

"Pets are free to roam without a guardian, as you well know, as long as they have the permission of their Masters. I can quote the exact Pet Codes for you if you like, or you can add them to your suggested reading list in future." Cal nodded regally. "Of course, if I can't look after my student and protect him from unwarranted harassment…" He lifted his gaze and narrowed it on the guard. "What kind of teacher would I be?"

"F…Fine. See…see that you do." The guard turned and stormed off.

"Do put ice on your wrist if you chose not to seek medical assistance!" Cal called out to him, then turned back to Carrie and Riki. "Hello."

"Hello?" Riki repeated in disbelief.

Normally Riki hatted for anyone to fight his battles, but he had been too stunned by Cal's performance to do anything but stare. Was this the same kid who had nearly passed out when Iason had mentioned making him a ward? The same kid who just yesterday seemed so nervous and anxious about how he would fit here?

"Yes. Hello is the standard greeting. I can say it in twelve other languages if you prefer?"

Riki released a chuckle of disbelief that the young man was so fucking calm. "No…that's fine."

"I…I'm Carrie," Carrie finally managed and held her hand out over the display counter so Cal could shake it. "You must be Cal."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss. Carrie. I must apologize for forcing you to watch such a brutish display."

"Are you kidding! That was the most entertainment I've seen in years!"

Riki grinned as Cal, finally proving that he was the same, uncertain kid that had come back to live with them, flushed to the tips of his ears. "What are the books for?"

"For you, for your lessons."

Riki's smile faded as he looked in the bag, there had to be at least a dozen books in there. "All of them?" He hadn't considered he'd have to read so much. Did Cal expect him to actually study?

"Yes. Much of the information we require cannot be found in the general data banks, but we may be able to glean what we need from these old books."

"I'm not gonna have to read all of them, am I?"

"Riki, you like to read."

"Novels, fiction, computer programs, not…that stuff."

"You don't even know what this stuff is."

"It looks boring."

"How can you say that when you haven't looked inside?"

"The covers look boring. There's no pictures."

"Your novels don't have pictures."

"On the outside they do!"

Cal stared at him. "Have you changed your mind? Do you no longer wish to have your teacher?" He lowered his head a fraction. "I can tell Master Iason, perhaps Katze still wants me…"

His words trailed off and Carrie smothered her laughter as Riki, looking torn, ran his hand through his hair. The blonde kid was one smooth manipulator. He had Riki in the palm of his hand, and the mongrel didn't suspect a thing.

"No. No, I do want you to stay and be my tutor," Riki assured with a discernible grunt. "I just…it looks like a lot of shi…stuff."

"We shall leave no stone unturned, no book unopened to find your answers, Riki."

"Yeah, great."

Carrie released her laughter, unable to hold it any longer against Riki's dry reluctant reply. "Why don't you both head back and hit those books?"

"I'm not finished with your display," Riki countered.

Carrie picked up the display box, careful to include all the small bits and bobs that Riki had disassembled and set them in a large bag. She handed it over the counter to him, as well as the gift bag with the bracelets. "I'll be closing soon anyway, and it's a slow day, so take it home and work on it."

"Okay. I'll come back early…" Riki began.

"We'll have studies first thing, Riki."

"Can't we do that in the afternoon, or the evening?"

"The mornings are best. The evenings you will be required to spend with Master Iason, and I shall need to do my own research and studying in the afternoon."

"Yeah, but…"

"It is best to establish a firm schedule right away, don't you agree, Riki?"

Riki sighed. He'd created a monster. "Fine. But I want my cake tonight."

"Yes, of course."

Cal had promised to bake a chocolate cake for him last night, but Bean reported that there was a problem with the second oven and he required use of the first one to prepare the evening's meal which was a slow roasting rib dish that required several hours to bake. Riki suspected Bean was feeding them a line of horseshit and just didn't want Cal in the kitchen, but rather than put up a fuss he conceded to Iason's desert alternative and sent Cal for ice cream.

They waved good-bye to Carrie and headed back towards Eos.

"You seem to be feeling better than yesterday," Riki commented as they walked.

"I am."

Cal had decided to take Riki's advice and put everything he'd learned as a Furniture into being the best tutor he could be. It was still a position, a highly regarded one at that, which would take getting used to, but that would take time. He wasn't sure what to make of the guard's reaction when he gave his identification, and wondered if Master Iason had indeed registered him as his ward, or something more important. Well, such things didn't really matter. All that mattered was that he was of some assistance to Master Iason and Riki, and that he had a purpose again.

"Holy…" Riki turned suddenly, and darted across the market place to a cycle shop, to stare at the rotating window display.

A black aircyclce with wings that looked like moving flames curling out the back and a high sensor optic windscreen. It had a shorter snout than the regular bikes he'd ridden in Ceres, and a double seat for a passenger.

"Riki…" Cal began when he finally caught up to his charge, then squeaked when Riki grabbed his hand and pulled him inside so he could get a better look at the bike. "Eeep!"

"Twin processors, dual thrusters, a stabilizing core and armored body!" Riki recited as his expert eyes studied the moving display. "Auto wind and rain cover, conversion to off road tactical and secret storage compartment!"

"It is an impressive vehicle," Cal agreed as he watched Riki reach for the bike, as if needing to touch it to make sure it was real.

"Hey!" A large man from behind the shop counter called. "No touching the merchandise!"

"Apologies!" Cal called back and gently caught Riki's fingers before they could reach their mark. "Can you ride, Riki?"

"Yeah." This was the bike. The bike that he and Guy had envisioned, right down to the flames and the weather option. But, how could it be here? How could he be seeing the dream cycle of two poor, mongrels from Ceres, on display in a shop in Tanagura?

"Riki?" Cal sensed an almost instant change in Riki's demeanor, watched his wonder change to confusion and then sadness. "Perhaps Master Iason…"

"No." Riki turned away abruptly and left the shop, not even checking to see if Cal was following.

Iason would never let him have that bike, because it would be considered a means of escape. Part of him still believed that Iason expected him to run someday. To be honest, part of him thought so too. If things ever got bad again, really bad, like they were before, would he still want to stay? Would Iason let him go or chain him again?

He glanced back only once and pain pierced his heart that Guy couldn't be there to see it, that someone else had beat them to building their dream bike. Of course, he'd left Guy, even before Iason Mink, Riki had given up on their dream of opening an aircycle shop and designing their own bikes. Still, seeing the bike come to life brought back all the memories of him and Guy, the memories of his youth. He had thought he was done with them, that he had buried them.

Cal watched Riki's changing expressions mournfully as they continued walking back towards Eos.