Disclaimer: We still don't own Yugioh. What, do you think we're rolling
in cash or something?
--
Many gracious thanks to the people who've reviewed us, we love you. Bodzilla, thanks for being the first. High Crystal Guardian, the Queliyg are usually pale yellow with kind of owlish (or parrotlike?) beaks. They're kind of like really feathery dinosaurs in some ways, too, because they have arms instead of real wings... Golden drew some pictures but we don't have a scanner. You guys make us feel all warm and fuzzy.
This is still dedicated to Mr. T, and we feel we have to keep saying it in case we decide to withdraw that dedication (just kidding! ^_^) But this chapter is also dedicated especially to Mom. We know this seems to be mostly the Pegasuses' story, but don't worry, Yami, Yugi, and the rest show up again next chapter!! So keep reading!!
--
Chapter Four: Say what?
--
_"Keith, you traitor. Where are we?"
Keith gave her an innocent-who-me look. "What in the world would possess you to think me, of all people, a traitor?"
"We're in a transport of some kind and no human power has resources for such large transports. Where are we, and tell me now before I hurt you."
Keith smirked. "Heavens, but you're moody today."
Cecilia felt all her nausea and exhaustion vanish with her anger. "Keith!" she growled threateningly, jumping to her feet, "Where! Are! We?"
The man stared at her in startlement. "In a Queliyg airship headed for Japan."
The exhaustion reclaimed her and she sat heavily down on the floor. "You could have had the decency to put a chair in here. Or a bed."
Keith stared at her. "I'd think there should be a bed where you're going, lady."
"Which is where?" she asked, warning in her tone.
Keith shrugged and strolled away from her. "I may as well tell you since there's nothing you can do. You'll be an honored guest of Gozaburo Kaiba himself."_
Max's eyes snapped open. "Japan. Kaiba." He stretched, because the driver's seat of an M113 isn't the most comfortable place to sleep. "Now how do I get to Japan?" he pondered, studying the steering wheel. Maybe if he stowed away in an airship... He wasn't too keen on spending time hiding in a cargo hold or something but he'd do it for his wife.
"May as well suck it up," he muttered, putting the M113 into gear and heading for the nearest port. "Maybe I can figure out a way to avoid the cramp in my neck after something like that..."
--
Mexico City: North American Space Port; two days later
Max arrived late in the day, all the better for "the warrior called Pegasus." He tucked his hair up into a knit skull cap to hide its silver sheen, then slinked into the city, hoping the dust from his journey would obscure who he was.
The first time Max had ever seen an alien that was neither Queliyg or elf arrived shortly, as a large, pink squid slurped across the street.
Max blinked. "Hoo, boy." He advanced a little more cautiously.
Pretty soon he came across what appeared to be some sort of spacer's bar. The sign over the door read La Cuccaracha, and presumably said the same (or something similar) in several other languages, at least two of which were definitely alien. Max presumed it was a seedy place.
As he entered, he noted that most patrons seemed to be alien, and there was a little elven woman wearing a necklace of sharp spurs tending the bar.
"Hey," a large, bearlike creature said as it brushed past him to go out, "Isn't it past your curfew, human?"
Max swore at him in Queliyg. The ursan blinked.
"Oh, so it does tricks, does it?" the alien finally said. "Who trained ya, I wouldn' mind meetin' her!"
Max said something that would've been very insulting if the bear understood any of the three human languages he'd used, but it obviously didn't.
"What?" the bear asked.
Max thought fast. "I said, 'How do you give your fur that shine?'"
The ursan looked down at his dull, grizzled fur. "Shine?" He looked back up, but Max had melted into the crowd.
He found an empty stool at the bar. The elf bartender soon came over to him.
[I need help,] he murmured to her in slightly broken elvish. She glanced around as if to make sure no one was watching.
"So what would you like?" she asked in English. [And what kind of help do you mean?]
"Something Terran. Preferably cheap." He set a few simoleons on the counter. The Queliyg had a different name for the money but he could never quite get his mouth around it. [I need to get to Japan. It's urgent, but I'm trying to keep the Queliyg from noticing.]
"One minute please," she said loudly, then softer, [That shouldn't be too difficult, the Queliyg have a terrible intelligence network.]
He waited as she poured him a drink and then set it down before him. "Thanks." He took a sip, then made a face at the sour taste. [Can you point out anyone who might be able to help me?]
She shrugged. "I'll check the expiration date on that bottle." [I suggest you talk to that tall scaly gentleman over there.] She gestured subtly toward the alien in question. He was lounging catlike in a corner, dragonlike face pointed vaguely in their direction. [He might look frightening to you or me, but he's anti-slavery and never liked the Queliyg. He might help you. His name's Xab're Sk'tal.]
"Zah-breh Ski-tal..." Max approximated. [Is that close enough that he won't eat me?]
The elf laughed. [He's extremely tolerant. Very few individuals can pronounce his name well.]
Max stood. "Okay. Thanks, and you really should check the label on that thing."
Xab're was huge, and Xab're was scary, and Xab're was imbued with predatory grace to spare. _He must get chased by the females of his species all the time,_ Max thought a little insanely.
Xab're blinked at him slowly as he approached. "Interesting," he said in a mostly clear, sophisticated accent, "If you have long, silver hair under that cap of yours, I'd say I've seen you on a Queliyg wanted poster."
The skull cap was suddenly making Max very hot. "Um-- Oh?"
The draconic creature laughed and sat up, his tail uncurling from around his long legs and pushing out a chair for Max to sit at. "Apparently flawless in battle and extremely clumsy when hiding oneself's true nature. Sit down, Maximillion."
Max sat. "The bartender told me you might be able to help me," he said.
Xab're smiled, careful to keep his razor-sharp teeth mostly hidden. Max just barely caught their glint. "Ah, Myra. One of the only free elves in this city. What a wonderful person. What help is it you need?"
Max found himself staring into Xab're's dusky green cat's eyes. It felt as though they could burn past the very soul. "I need passage. To Japan."
"Japan, hmm?" Xab're pulled a single golden scale free and studied it. "Don't you have things you have to do here?"
"What I have to do in Japan is my priority right now. A traitor has taken my wife there, and I have to get her back."
Talons tapped the table and two silvered wings ruffled at Xab're's shoulders. "Ah. Insanity for a woman. Be careful of it, Maximillion. I thought I fell in love once."
"What happened?"
Xab're made an expression of disgust. "She was Queliyg and I was a different species. Her mother's mindset got to her soon enough." His eyes turned pale blue. "Her name was Ryin. Pretty for a Queliyg."
Max nodded. "You sound like Shakespeare. How long would passage to Japan take?"
Xab're shifted in his seat and frills at the sides of his head flared a little uncomfortably. "You might not like hearing this, Maximillion, but if you want to survive getting to Japan it could take almost a month."
Max gaped. "A _month?_ Why?"
"It's harder to get things _into_ a Queliyg territory than it is to get things out... The sooner we get to it, the sooner you can get to Japan."
Max jumped up, startling the alien. "Then let's _go!_"
--
Domino, Japan: The Governor's Estate
Cecilia was led into the practical fortress by her kidnapper, Keith. Even though she still felt woozy, she managed to keep her head up and remain dignified.
"Master Kaiba sent me to examine the prisoner," an elf said as she stepped in their way.
Keith glared. "Why wasn't I informed?"
The elf put her hands on her hips. "You were not told because you didn't need to know," she replied. "Until now."
He growled and grabbed Cecilia's shoulder, pushing her toward the elf. "Fine. Go with her."
The elven healer took Cecilia's hand and led her away. "Are you really Cecilia Pegasus?" she whispered in an awestruck tone.
Cecilia nodded. "Yes, I am, and I don't feel well, which you should probably know."
The she-elf grinned. "I would have found out sooner or later. It's my job." She opened a door to what appeared to be an examination room and pointed out a little bed. "My name is Mysti. Sit, please."
Cecilia sat gratefully. "Thank you, Mysti. I've just been so _tired_ lately."
Mysti nodded thoughtfully. "Have you ever encountered elven healers before?"
"Well-- yes. Seven years ago, I contracted a rare and deadly illness. Max took me to a nearby group of free elves and begged for help. If not for their old healer, I would have died."
"Oh, dear." Mysti was stirring a cup of what looked like tea. "Take a sip of this, please."
Cecilia did.
"Mmm! What is it?"
Mysti smiled. "Something to make you feel a little less stirred up. There's actually nothing special about it, it's just soothing. Lie down, please."
Cecilia lay flat on her back. "You're always so polite. It's wonderful bedside manner, I suppose."
"How exactly have you been feeling lately?" the elf asked.
"I've been nauseated, tired, my feet hurt and I can't decide whether I'm happy, contented, or ready to tear people's heads off."
The healer nodded. She went about several cursory examinations, then said something in elvish.
"I'm sorry, was that directed to me, because I only speak about one or two words of elvish."
"Hmm? Oh, sorry, no. Up, please." Cecilia got up.
"So what's wrong with me?" she asked.
Mysti smiled. "I'm sorry, but we're being monitored," she said softly, as if to escape the detection of any microphones. "Master Kaiba wants to speak with you now."
--
Gozaburo Kaiba was a big, square-shouldered man who managed to fill the entire main hall with his cold presence. He turned a hungry, evil smile on the comparatively small young woman who entered quietly, elf behind her.
"The wife of Pegasus," he said as if in greeting. "Shame your husband couldn't join us, my dear, but he will soon, he will soon."
"I'm bait," Cecilia said, and it was statement and not question.
"Oh, so smart," he said, coming in very close to her, too close. "And so beautiful, too. It's little wonder Pegasus married you." He put a hand down and caressed a few silky golden locks.
Cecilia jerked away. "Do you mind? It's hard enough keeping it clean without people touching it all the time. Especially unclean people like you."
Kaiba's face twisted angrily. He started to draw his hand back, as though to slap her, but Mysti intervened.
"Master," she said, stepping between them, "I know that you have strict orders not to lay a hand on her until Pegasus is securely captured."
The hand dropped. "Fine. Take her to her cell."
--
"You'll like your cell-mates, at least," Mysti said hopefully as she led Cecilia through the dungeon.
They walked past a cell which held two human males, one of whom was crouched by the wall apparantly engrossed in a line of ants. The other looked up to see them.
"Hey, Weevil," he called to the other in a gruff voice.
Weevil ignored him, so he went over and kicked him in the head. "ACK! Rex!"
Rex grabbed his shirt and pressed him to the bars so he could see Cecilia. "Another one. Whaddya think?"
Weevil's cheeks were squashed between the bars. "I think you should let me get back to those ants."
"ANTS!?" Rex demanded a little hysterically. He looked around, saw them, and ran over to stomp on them violently. "DIE!!"
Weevil fell over. "REX! NOOOOoooooo!!!!
Cecilia found herself looking back toward their cell. "What in the world?"
Mysti grinned nervously. "Don't mind them. They've been in here a little too long. Your cell is here." She pointed out the cell already occupied by two younger humans, but it was roomier and they seemed to be a little saner, at least.
The older of the two, a buxom blonde, stood up and came toward the bars. "Hi, Mysti!" she said in a surprisingly cheerful tone. "New inmate?"
The other stood as well, and as she came closer Cecilia realized that there seemed to be something wrong with her eyes.
They were completely blank, without iris or pupil, and a pale pink- purple. It took Cecilia a few moments to realize that they were artificial implants.
"Cecilia, these are Mai Valentine and Serenity Wheeler," Mysti said. She turned to Mai. "Mai, this is Cecilia Pegasus. You-- should keep an extra eye on her."
"Why?" Mai asked. "I already take care of Serenity. Do you mean you want me to be extra protective of Cecilia?"
"Yes, why?" Cecilia asked, a little annoyed that Mysti wasn't telling what was going on with her.
Mysti glanced at Serenity, then rubbed her eyes a little exaggeratedly. Serenity closed her eyes. "They record what she sees," Mysti explained to Cecilia. "And I don't want them to know about this."
"Know _what?_" Cecilia demanded angrily. Mysti looked a little uncomfortable.
"Uh-- well... Congratulations, Mrs. Pegasus... You're pregnant!"
"I'm _WHAT?_" _What perfect timing!_ she thought sarcastically.
"Oh!" Mai said. "Well, there's as good a reason as any!"
--
The Asteroid Belt: five days later
Max impatiantly paced the cabin of Xab're's ship, The Rare Hunter. "When can we get moving again?" he demanded of the reclining dragonoid.
"Patience, Maximillion. I have to convince my friend to let his little servant break us through security in Japan."
"I thought you were anti-slavery," Max said.
"I am, and Duke isn't a slave, not anymore." Xab're stretched. "My friend bought him in Japan, took him up here, and set him free to work at what he pleased. He just likes to keep an eye on him, is all."
"Why?"
Xab're laughed heartily. "Wait until you meet the boy, and then maybe you'll know."
Max shook his head. "Why does that not sound like a good thing?"
--
"Ah," Max said as he watched the hyperactive teenager practically bounce around the ship garage. "Because it's NOT a good thing." Particularly to leave someone with a sugar intake that high in an area with an airlock.
Xab're shook hands-- claws with his friend. "Good to see you again, Jardexil," he said. He turned to Max. "This is Jardexil Kuperitaj, Maximillion. Duke's former owner."
Jardexil groaned. "Please just call me Jard," he told Max. "Xab're's people don't believe in nicknames."
Max shrugged. "Then just call me Max, Jard." He was a little confused on which hand to shake, since Jard had two on the right side.
Jard was a muscular, blue skinned creature with yellow eyes and one cybernetic arm on the left side. The one above it was flesh. Max had to wonder for a moment how he lost one of those arms, but not the other. And why he even bothered with a replacement when he had three others in the first place. Balance, Max supposed.
"We were wondering if we could take Duke to Japan with us," Xab're said.
Worry flickered across Jard's face. "Either he wouldn't survive or nobody else would survive him," the alien said. "He tends to be a little excitable."
Max glanced over at Duke. "No kidding."
Jard grinned for a moment. "Hey, Duke, get over here!" The boy hopped over. "You remember Xab're, kid?" The human nodded. "Well, this is his friend, Max Pegasus."
Duke's eyes widened. "Are you serious? This is PEGASUS? Wow!! Um-- nice to meet you!" He suddenly seemed a little shy.
"I see you've heard of him."
Duke blushed. "Oh, _anybody_ who keeps up with news on Earth hears about Pegasus! He's a hero!"
Max shook his head. "I'm not a hero, Duke. My father was a hero. I'm just trying to honor his memory."
"What do you need Duke for, anyway, Xab're?" Jard asked.
Xab're flexed his wings. "Maximillion here needed to get from Mexico to Japan. Duke could help us get past the security."
Max shook his head, glancing up at the two large creatures. _I feel like such a little kid,_ he thought. _Dukie-boy here isn't helping much._
Jard gave him a yellow stare. "Why in the galaxy would you want to go to Japan, Max? Isn't being Duke's hero in America busying enough?"
"My wife was taken there by a traitor. I have to get her back, soon and safely."
Jard chuckled. "Ah, the men lead, but they still follow the women. No wonder your race is going in circles." Duke blushed and gave his former master a dirty look.
"Will you let me go?" the boy asked. "At the very least I need a break from all your teasing."
Jard feigned a hurt expression. "Fine, kid, if that's the way you want it. I'll miss ya, though."
Max watched as the boy's eyes melted. "Sorry, Jard."
The alien grinned and wrapped Duke in all four arms. Duke choked. "Hey, kid, I'll be fine. Help Max and Xab're, an' keep outta trouble." He set the boy back down. "Get outta here, you three."
Xab're grinned. "Thanks, Jardexil." He turned to go.
"Thanks, Jard!!" Duke called, running out. Max began to follow them, about to toss a similar thanks over his shoulder, when Jard stopped him.
"Hey-- Max, take care of that kid, wouldya?" Jard's yellow eyes seemed to glisten. "He's really kinda vulnerable, and I hate ta think of him hurt..."
Max nodded. "Can and will do, Jard. Thank you, and don't worry." He followed after his companions.
--
Domino, Japan; one week later
Max sighed. Two weeks since he'd set out to save Cecilia, just a little longer since he'd seen her, and her absence, plus Duke, was driving him slowly insane. Interestingly, he'd learned over the trip to the Belt and back to Earth that Xab're was well versed in human literature. He'd quoted Rudyard Kipling more than once in reference to Duke, jokingly calling him "a man of infinite resource and sagacity." Max called him "the Duke of Hazards." And not quite jokingly. The boy seemed to take dangerous delight in space travel, and the hacking of security systems especially.
Xab're poked his pointed head into the room. "Maximillion, here's where you and Duke get off."
Max stood. "He's coming with me?"
Xab're shrugged. "He seemed to think he could help."
Max laughed. "If he can learn to be quieter. I really appreciate all of this, Xab're."
"Don't mention it. Literally." He handed Max a tiny transmitter. "If you ever need a trip back, just buzz me, alright?"
Max grinned. "Right. Thanks, Xab're."
"Yup. Don't let Domino eat you alive, and don't eat Duke alive when he starts to drive you off the wall."
Max made a face. "Yuck. I'm supposed to be keeping an eye on him. Jard would kill me!"
The dragon nodded. "He'd tear you to pieces all right. See you, Maximillion, and good luck."
"Thanks. I hope we'll be needing that trip back soon."
--
End Chapter Four. ^_^ So, were you surprised? Max ought to be! ^__^ That Xab're sure is something, ain't he? He's such a great alien that we think he'll definitely make a reappearance. (HCG, we can't come up with quite the right words for him yet.) Meantime, should it be a girl, or a boy? Argh, Silver says boy, Golden says girl. Go figure. (And Mr. T shrugs every time we ask him. Males...)
--
Many gracious thanks to the people who've reviewed us, we love you. Bodzilla, thanks for being the first. High Crystal Guardian, the Queliyg are usually pale yellow with kind of owlish (or parrotlike?) beaks. They're kind of like really feathery dinosaurs in some ways, too, because they have arms instead of real wings... Golden drew some pictures but we don't have a scanner. You guys make us feel all warm and fuzzy.
This is still dedicated to Mr. T, and we feel we have to keep saying it in case we decide to withdraw that dedication (just kidding! ^_^) But this chapter is also dedicated especially to Mom. We know this seems to be mostly the Pegasuses' story, but don't worry, Yami, Yugi, and the rest show up again next chapter!! So keep reading!!
--
Chapter Four: Say what?
--
_"Keith, you traitor. Where are we?"
Keith gave her an innocent-who-me look. "What in the world would possess you to think me, of all people, a traitor?"
"We're in a transport of some kind and no human power has resources for such large transports. Where are we, and tell me now before I hurt you."
Keith smirked. "Heavens, but you're moody today."
Cecilia felt all her nausea and exhaustion vanish with her anger. "Keith!" she growled threateningly, jumping to her feet, "Where! Are! We?"
The man stared at her in startlement. "In a Queliyg airship headed for Japan."
The exhaustion reclaimed her and she sat heavily down on the floor. "You could have had the decency to put a chair in here. Or a bed."
Keith stared at her. "I'd think there should be a bed where you're going, lady."
"Which is where?" she asked, warning in her tone.
Keith shrugged and strolled away from her. "I may as well tell you since there's nothing you can do. You'll be an honored guest of Gozaburo Kaiba himself."_
Max's eyes snapped open. "Japan. Kaiba." He stretched, because the driver's seat of an M113 isn't the most comfortable place to sleep. "Now how do I get to Japan?" he pondered, studying the steering wheel. Maybe if he stowed away in an airship... He wasn't too keen on spending time hiding in a cargo hold or something but he'd do it for his wife.
"May as well suck it up," he muttered, putting the M113 into gear and heading for the nearest port. "Maybe I can figure out a way to avoid the cramp in my neck after something like that..."
--
Mexico City: North American Space Port; two days later
Max arrived late in the day, all the better for "the warrior called Pegasus." He tucked his hair up into a knit skull cap to hide its silver sheen, then slinked into the city, hoping the dust from his journey would obscure who he was.
The first time Max had ever seen an alien that was neither Queliyg or elf arrived shortly, as a large, pink squid slurped across the street.
Max blinked. "Hoo, boy." He advanced a little more cautiously.
Pretty soon he came across what appeared to be some sort of spacer's bar. The sign over the door read La Cuccaracha, and presumably said the same (or something similar) in several other languages, at least two of which were definitely alien. Max presumed it was a seedy place.
As he entered, he noted that most patrons seemed to be alien, and there was a little elven woman wearing a necklace of sharp spurs tending the bar.
"Hey," a large, bearlike creature said as it brushed past him to go out, "Isn't it past your curfew, human?"
Max swore at him in Queliyg. The ursan blinked.
"Oh, so it does tricks, does it?" the alien finally said. "Who trained ya, I wouldn' mind meetin' her!"
Max said something that would've been very insulting if the bear understood any of the three human languages he'd used, but it obviously didn't.
"What?" the bear asked.
Max thought fast. "I said, 'How do you give your fur that shine?'"
The ursan looked down at his dull, grizzled fur. "Shine?" He looked back up, but Max had melted into the crowd.
He found an empty stool at the bar. The elf bartender soon came over to him.
[I need help,] he murmured to her in slightly broken elvish. She glanced around as if to make sure no one was watching.
"So what would you like?" she asked in English. [And what kind of help do you mean?]
"Something Terran. Preferably cheap." He set a few simoleons on the counter. The Queliyg had a different name for the money but he could never quite get his mouth around it. [I need to get to Japan. It's urgent, but I'm trying to keep the Queliyg from noticing.]
"One minute please," she said loudly, then softer, [That shouldn't be too difficult, the Queliyg have a terrible intelligence network.]
He waited as she poured him a drink and then set it down before him. "Thanks." He took a sip, then made a face at the sour taste. [Can you point out anyone who might be able to help me?]
She shrugged. "I'll check the expiration date on that bottle." [I suggest you talk to that tall scaly gentleman over there.] She gestured subtly toward the alien in question. He was lounging catlike in a corner, dragonlike face pointed vaguely in their direction. [He might look frightening to you or me, but he's anti-slavery and never liked the Queliyg. He might help you. His name's Xab're Sk'tal.]
"Zah-breh Ski-tal..." Max approximated. [Is that close enough that he won't eat me?]
The elf laughed. [He's extremely tolerant. Very few individuals can pronounce his name well.]
Max stood. "Okay. Thanks, and you really should check the label on that thing."
Xab're was huge, and Xab're was scary, and Xab're was imbued with predatory grace to spare. _He must get chased by the females of his species all the time,_ Max thought a little insanely.
Xab're blinked at him slowly as he approached. "Interesting," he said in a mostly clear, sophisticated accent, "If you have long, silver hair under that cap of yours, I'd say I've seen you on a Queliyg wanted poster."
The skull cap was suddenly making Max very hot. "Um-- Oh?"
The draconic creature laughed and sat up, his tail uncurling from around his long legs and pushing out a chair for Max to sit at. "Apparently flawless in battle and extremely clumsy when hiding oneself's true nature. Sit down, Maximillion."
Max sat. "The bartender told me you might be able to help me," he said.
Xab're smiled, careful to keep his razor-sharp teeth mostly hidden. Max just barely caught their glint. "Ah, Myra. One of the only free elves in this city. What a wonderful person. What help is it you need?"
Max found himself staring into Xab're's dusky green cat's eyes. It felt as though they could burn past the very soul. "I need passage. To Japan."
"Japan, hmm?" Xab're pulled a single golden scale free and studied it. "Don't you have things you have to do here?"
"What I have to do in Japan is my priority right now. A traitor has taken my wife there, and I have to get her back."
Talons tapped the table and two silvered wings ruffled at Xab're's shoulders. "Ah. Insanity for a woman. Be careful of it, Maximillion. I thought I fell in love once."
"What happened?"
Xab're made an expression of disgust. "She was Queliyg and I was a different species. Her mother's mindset got to her soon enough." His eyes turned pale blue. "Her name was Ryin. Pretty for a Queliyg."
Max nodded. "You sound like Shakespeare. How long would passage to Japan take?"
Xab're shifted in his seat and frills at the sides of his head flared a little uncomfortably. "You might not like hearing this, Maximillion, but if you want to survive getting to Japan it could take almost a month."
Max gaped. "A _month?_ Why?"
"It's harder to get things _into_ a Queliyg territory than it is to get things out... The sooner we get to it, the sooner you can get to Japan."
Max jumped up, startling the alien. "Then let's _go!_"
--
Domino, Japan: The Governor's Estate
Cecilia was led into the practical fortress by her kidnapper, Keith. Even though she still felt woozy, she managed to keep her head up and remain dignified.
"Master Kaiba sent me to examine the prisoner," an elf said as she stepped in their way.
Keith glared. "Why wasn't I informed?"
The elf put her hands on her hips. "You were not told because you didn't need to know," she replied. "Until now."
He growled and grabbed Cecilia's shoulder, pushing her toward the elf. "Fine. Go with her."
The elven healer took Cecilia's hand and led her away. "Are you really Cecilia Pegasus?" she whispered in an awestruck tone.
Cecilia nodded. "Yes, I am, and I don't feel well, which you should probably know."
The she-elf grinned. "I would have found out sooner or later. It's my job." She opened a door to what appeared to be an examination room and pointed out a little bed. "My name is Mysti. Sit, please."
Cecilia sat gratefully. "Thank you, Mysti. I've just been so _tired_ lately."
Mysti nodded thoughtfully. "Have you ever encountered elven healers before?"
"Well-- yes. Seven years ago, I contracted a rare and deadly illness. Max took me to a nearby group of free elves and begged for help. If not for their old healer, I would have died."
"Oh, dear." Mysti was stirring a cup of what looked like tea. "Take a sip of this, please."
Cecilia did.
"Mmm! What is it?"
Mysti smiled. "Something to make you feel a little less stirred up. There's actually nothing special about it, it's just soothing. Lie down, please."
Cecilia lay flat on her back. "You're always so polite. It's wonderful bedside manner, I suppose."
"How exactly have you been feeling lately?" the elf asked.
"I've been nauseated, tired, my feet hurt and I can't decide whether I'm happy, contented, or ready to tear people's heads off."
The healer nodded. She went about several cursory examinations, then said something in elvish.
"I'm sorry, was that directed to me, because I only speak about one or two words of elvish."
"Hmm? Oh, sorry, no. Up, please." Cecilia got up.
"So what's wrong with me?" she asked.
Mysti smiled. "I'm sorry, but we're being monitored," she said softly, as if to escape the detection of any microphones. "Master Kaiba wants to speak with you now."
--
Gozaburo Kaiba was a big, square-shouldered man who managed to fill the entire main hall with his cold presence. He turned a hungry, evil smile on the comparatively small young woman who entered quietly, elf behind her.
"The wife of Pegasus," he said as if in greeting. "Shame your husband couldn't join us, my dear, but he will soon, he will soon."
"I'm bait," Cecilia said, and it was statement and not question.
"Oh, so smart," he said, coming in very close to her, too close. "And so beautiful, too. It's little wonder Pegasus married you." He put a hand down and caressed a few silky golden locks.
Cecilia jerked away. "Do you mind? It's hard enough keeping it clean without people touching it all the time. Especially unclean people like you."
Kaiba's face twisted angrily. He started to draw his hand back, as though to slap her, but Mysti intervened.
"Master," she said, stepping between them, "I know that you have strict orders not to lay a hand on her until Pegasus is securely captured."
The hand dropped. "Fine. Take her to her cell."
--
"You'll like your cell-mates, at least," Mysti said hopefully as she led Cecilia through the dungeon.
They walked past a cell which held two human males, one of whom was crouched by the wall apparantly engrossed in a line of ants. The other looked up to see them.
"Hey, Weevil," he called to the other in a gruff voice.
Weevil ignored him, so he went over and kicked him in the head. "ACK! Rex!"
Rex grabbed his shirt and pressed him to the bars so he could see Cecilia. "Another one. Whaddya think?"
Weevil's cheeks were squashed between the bars. "I think you should let me get back to those ants."
"ANTS!?" Rex demanded a little hysterically. He looked around, saw them, and ran over to stomp on them violently. "DIE!!"
Weevil fell over. "REX! NOOOOoooooo!!!!
Cecilia found herself looking back toward their cell. "What in the world?"
Mysti grinned nervously. "Don't mind them. They've been in here a little too long. Your cell is here." She pointed out the cell already occupied by two younger humans, but it was roomier and they seemed to be a little saner, at least.
The older of the two, a buxom blonde, stood up and came toward the bars. "Hi, Mysti!" she said in a surprisingly cheerful tone. "New inmate?"
The other stood as well, and as she came closer Cecilia realized that there seemed to be something wrong with her eyes.
They were completely blank, without iris or pupil, and a pale pink- purple. It took Cecilia a few moments to realize that they were artificial implants.
"Cecilia, these are Mai Valentine and Serenity Wheeler," Mysti said. She turned to Mai. "Mai, this is Cecilia Pegasus. You-- should keep an extra eye on her."
"Why?" Mai asked. "I already take care of Serenity. Do you mean you want me to be extra protective of Cecilia?"
"Yes, why?" Cecilia asked, a little annoyed that Mysti wasn't telling what was going on with her.
Mysti glanced at Serenity, then rubbed her eyes a little exaggeratedly. Serenity closed her eyes. "They record what she sees," Mysti explained to Cecilia. "And I don't want them to know about this."
"Know _what?_" Cecilia demanded angrily. Mysti looked a little uncomfortable.
"Uh-- well... Congratulations, Mrs. Pegasus... You're pregnant!"
"I'm _WHAT?_" _What perfect timing!_ she thought sarcastically.
"Oh!" Mai said. "Well, there's as good a reason as any!"
--
The Asteroid Belt: five days later
Max impatiantly paced the cabin of Xab're's ship, The Rare Hunter. "When can we get moving again?" he demanded of the reclining dragonoid.
"Patience, Maximillion. I have to convince my friend to let his little servant break us through security in Japan."
"I thought you were anti-slavery," Max said.
"I am, and Duke isn't a slave, not anymore." Xab're stretched. "My friend bought him in Japan, took him up here, and set him free to work at what he pleased. He just likes to keep an eye on him, is all."
"Why?"
Xab're laughed heartily. "Wait until you meet the boy, and then maybe you'll know."
Max shook his head. "Why does that not sound like a good thing?"
--
"Ah," Max said as he watched the hyperactive teenager practically bounce around the ship garage. "Because it's NOT a good thing." Particularly to leave someone with a sugar intake that high in an area with an airlock.
Xab're shook hands-- claws with his friend. "Good to see you again, Jardexil," he said. He turned to Max. "This is Jardexil Kuperitaj, Maximillion. Duke's former owner."
Jardexil groaned. "Please just call me Jard," he told Max. "Xab're's people don't believe in nicknames."
Max shrugged. "Then just call me Max, Jard." He was a little confused on which hand to shake, since Jard had two on the right side.
Jard was a muscular, blue skinned creature with yellow eyes and one cybernetic arm on the left side. The one above it was flesh. Max had to wonder for a moment how he lost one of those arms, but not the other. And why he even bothered with a replacement when he had three others in the first place. Balance, Max supposed.
"We were wondering if we could take Duke to Japan with us," Xab're said.
Worry flickered across Jard's face. "Either he wouldn't survive or nobody else would survive him," the alien said. "He tends to be a little excitable."
Max glanced over at Duke. "No kidding."
Jard grinned for a moment. "Hey, Duke, get over here!" The boy hopped over. "You remember Xab're, kid?" The human nodded. "Well, this is his friend, Max Pegasus."
Duke's eyes widened. "Are you serious? This is PEGASUS? Wow!! Um-- nice to meet you!" He suddenly seemed a little shy.
"I see you've heard of him."
Duke blushed. "Oh, _anybody_ who keeps up with news on Earth hears about Pegasus! He's a hero!"
Max shook his head. "I'm not a hero, Duke. My father was a hero. I'm just trying to honor his memory."
"What do you need Duke for, anyway, Xab're?" Jard asked.
Xab're flexed his wings. "Maximillion here needed to get from Mexico to Japan. Duke could help us get past the security."
Max shook his head, glancing up at the two large creatures. _I feel like such a little kid,_ he thought. _Dukie-boy here isn't helping much._
Jard gave him a yellow stare. "Why in the galaxy would you want to go to Japan, Max? Isn't being Duke's hero in America busying enough?"
"My wife was taken there by a traitor. I have to get her back, soon and safely."
Jard chuckled. "Ah, the men lead, but they still follow the women. No wonder your race is going in circles." Duke blushed and gave his former master a dirty look.
"Will you let me go?" the boy asked. "At the very least I need a break from all your teasing."
Jard feigned a hurt expression. "Fine, kid, if that's the way you want it. I'll miss ya, though."
Max watched as the boy's eyes melted. "Sorry, Jard."
The alien grinned and wrapped Duke in all four arms. Duke choked. "Hey, kid, I'll be fine. Help Max and Xab're, an' keep outta trouble." He set the boy back down. "Get outta here, you three."
Xab're grinned. "Thanks, Jardexil." He turned to go.
"Thanks, Jard!!" Duke called, running out. Max began to follow them, about to toss a similar thanks over his shoulder, when Jard stopped him.
"Hey-- Max, take care of that kid, wouldya?" Jard's yellow eyes seemed to glisten. "He's really kinda vulnerable, and I hate ta think of him hurt..."
Max nodded. "Can and will do, Jard. Thank you, and don't worry." He followed after his companions.
--
Domino, Japan; one week later
Max sighed. Two weeks since he'd set out to save Cecilia, just a little longer since he'd seen her, and her absence, plus Duke, was driving him slowly insane. Interestingly, he'd learned over the trip to the Belt and back to Earth that Xab're was well versed in human literature. He'd quoted Rudyard Kipling more than once in reference to Duke, jokingly calling him "a man of infinite resource and sagacity." Max called him "the Duke of Hazards." And not quite jokingly. The boy seemed to take dangerous delight in space travel, and the hacking of security systems especially.
Xab're poked his pointed head into the room. "Maximillion, here's where you and Duke get off."
Max stood. "He's coming with me?"
Xab're shrugged. "He seemed to think he could help."
Max laughed. "If he can learn to be quieter. I really appreciate all of this, Xab're."
"Don't mention it. Literally." He handed Max a tiny transmitter. "If you ever need a trip back, just buzz me, alright?"
Max grinned. "Right. Thanks, Xab're."
"Yup. Don't let Domino eat you alive, and don't eat Duke alive when he starts to drive you off the wall."
Max made a face. "Yuck. I'm supposed to be keeping an eye on him. Jard would kill me!"
The dragon nodded. "He'd tear you to pieces all right. See you, Maximillion, and good luck."
"Thanks. I hope we'll be needing that trip back soon."
--
End Chapter Four. ^_^ So, were you surprised? Max ought to be! ^__^ That Xab're sure is something, ain't he? He's such a great alien that we think he'll definitely make a reappearance. (HCG, we can't come up with quite the right words for him yet.) Meantime, should it be a girl, or a boy? Argh, Silver says boy, Golden says girl. Go figure. (And Mr. T shrugs every time we ask him. Males...)