Tartan: Thanks 4 your review.
Edriss: I don't plan for Alloran to visit V3 in prison, it seems OOC, as much as you'd like it!
Birdie num num: Thanks for your review.
Anifan1: The Tortured is updated! Thanks for the review.
Martson: He kind of 'wins' in this chapter, or at least his son does. But he is the victim of incredibly bad luck sometimes.
Beekiller-Johanna from Finland: Thanks 4 the review.
Chicken52: Unfortunately, you aren't the first to review, so no dedication this time. Better luck this chap!
Myitt: Glad you like ti, thanks 4 the review. Illim may make another re-appearance soon…
Chapter dedicated to Tartan (first reviewer).
I headed back to the Academy the next day. I hated my job as a professor. The arisths I trained did not treat me with any more respect than the rest of my species. I was always catching them giving me curious glances, and I knew they were talking about me privately. The other professors avoided speaking to me if they could.
I did not know how much longer I could cope with this stress. It seemed like the entire universe hated me. I was no longer the only male on Jahar's mind, I had only one friend left, I hated the job I had been forced into… the list was endless.
The Electorate had shoved me away, in a job training the last dregs of the Andalite military. I was no longer invited to any sort of military conference or gathering. Andalite society wished to forget that I had existed.
As I walked towards my training room, I saw a sheet of human paper stuck to our computerised noticeboard. It was what humans call a 'poster'.
On it there was an enlarged picture of Earth as seen from space, against a starry background. Green and blue writing across the top said 'Tours of Earth.' There was further information below it, in the same colours.
I rushed to my teaching room and got out a computerised notepad. I quickly scanned in the details. It would cost a lot; but then, I would probably be able to go for free, since I had connections with Earth.
This could be the time away I needed. We could go as a family, and it was mixed species; which meant I would not have to spend the entire time with older war veterans looking at me like I was muck under their hooves, foals pointing and laughing and younger adults going (That's the Abomination,) to each other. I could go off with Hork-Bajir, Yeerks and humans who didn't seem to hate me so much.
The Hork-Bajir had every right to hate me, and I knew that. But Hork-Bajir are by nature gentle creatures who tend to forget the wrongs done to them; the exception being the Seers, who knew who I was. But even they were capable of being more courteous than my own people.
It may also seem strange that I actually wanted to spend time with Yeerks. But I was trying to learn a lesson from the Hork-Bajir; forgive and forget. There was only one Yeerk who had actually directly harmed me, and he was in prison. The others treated me with far more respect than anyone else.
(We'r going to Earth,) I announced by way of a greeting when I arrived home.
(What?) Baras asked. (How?)
(There's a tour in one Andalite month,) I replied. (It's not going to be affordable, but I'll talk to Prince Aximili and see if we will be able to go for free… or at least for less.)
(Great!) The resident xeno-biologist (Marili) replied. (I've never seen Earth, except on holograms.)
(We leave in one month,) I told them. (Make your preparations.)
I hoped the tour would help to re-build bonds in the family. I knew it would probably not be long before Marili was married; she was beautiful and there were already many males courting her.
Baras was withdrawn, miserable. It was not very difficult to guess the reason why; Ferala and Hedran had recently announced their engagement. I hoped the trip would cheer Baras up somewhat.
I had urged him to tell Ferala of his feelings for her, but he refused to do any such thing. Since it was making him so miserable now, I decided it was time to bring up the issue again.
I waited until Marili and Jahar had lft, then approached him. (Baras?) I began.
(Yes?)
(You are miserable because of Ferala, are you not?)
He sighed. (I am.)
(Why will you not tell her of your feelings?)
Baras turned to me. (I will not ruin her happiness for the sake of a fantasy! She does not love me, and her decision has been made.)
(Have you ever thought that perhaps secretly she wants you, but is making do with Hedran because she does not think that you feel for her?)
Baras spun around. (Do you think so? But why would she be marrying Hedran if she doesn't think she loves him?)
I sighed. (One of the major flaws of our culture is the inequality. There's a lot of pressure on females to marry. Those who don't are often seen as social outcasts. Just tell Ferala how you feel. You'll be much better with your feelings out in the open, you know.)
(But…)
(When I was younger, marriages were almost all arranged. My father consulted me, but there were many, including Jahar's father, who did not. Be grateful that you have a choice. Will Fearla be at the tail-fighting tournament you're going to tomorrow?)
(Yes, I believe Hedran has invited her.)
(Well, wait until she's not with him, and then tell her. Make it clear that you're just telling her so you don't have to lie, not because you want her to leave Hedran and marry you… unless, of course, she wants to.)
(I shall,) Baras said nervously.
I had already arranged to go with Baras to the tournament I'd mentioned.
(Do it now,) I instructed, when Baras pointed Ferala out to me. She was standing alone, looking a little lost. Hedran was quite a way away form her, talking with some of his friends, who shot impressed looks at Ferala when they thought she was not looking. I, however, could tell she saw them, but was choosing not to respond.
Baras hesitantly walked over to her. Later, he told me the discussion that had followed, which I will report to you now in his words.
Baras' POVI walked hesitantly over to the beautiful female stood alone. She turned when she heard my hooves approaching her. No going back now.
(Greetings, Ferala,) I said, remembering to be courteous despite my nerves.
(Greetings, Warrior Baras. Or are you a Prince now? I understand you took the examination,) she replied, her words formal but her tone warm, inviting.
It still didn't make what I had to say any easier, though. (I- I failed, I'm afraid,) I replied, lowering my blade and torso and pawing the ground beneath my belly with a front foot in a gesture of embarrassment. (Although only by five marks, in just one section,) I replied.
(That's a shame,) She said soothingly. (I would have passed you, although I am only a female and know little of military matters. Hedran is constantly telling me not to talk like I understand tactics, although I think I am merely joining in with the conversation,) she said, laughing wistfully.
I raised my head. (Females are no less capable than males of understanding tactics. In my case, I am certain that you would beat me,) I said, attempting to be humorous.
(Do not be so hard on yourself!) She said, smiling with her eyes.
My hearts hammered. I knew I would have to tell her.
(Ferala, I- I have something to confess to you.)
(Yes?) She asked. Did I detect a hopeful tone, or was I just setting myself up to be disappointed.
Should I go round the subject, ro should I just say it straight out? I went for straight out. (Ferala, I…love you.)
Her eyes went wide, and I quickly continued. (I know you are betrothed to Hedran, and that you will not return my feelings, but I could not bear to continue to deceive you,) I explained.
Ferala smiled beautifully. (Oh, but Baras, I do! I do return your feelings. I have loved you for a long time, but it is not considered correct for the female to bring up such matters.)
(What about Hedran?)
Her eyes went dark. (I hate him. I am being forced to marry him because of my family's financial staus. We own little land, and Hedran's father has promised my father five Aura (the Andalite equivalent to an acre) of land in exchange for me.)
(Only five Aura? For a female such as yourself? Twenty, at the least!)
Ferala ducked her head, embarrassed.
(No, females are not bought, they are earned. Has Hedran earned you?)
(No. He has unearned me, if anything. But I will not speak of such things.) She sighed. (I love you, Baras, I honestly do. I would love to marry you. But my family need the land.)
(What if my father can give you land?)
(Will he?)
(I'll check.)
I galloped back over to my father and explained the situation to him. But by the time we got back, Hedran had returned.
(Could I talk to Ferala in private, please?) I asked, icily courteous.
Hedran sniggered at me. (No. Leave now, and do not speak to her again. That is an order from a Prince,) he gloated.
(Then this is an order from a War-Prince,) father said icily. (Leave.)
Hedran sniggered again. It was a horrid sound. (A disgraced war Prince,) He laughed.
(Leave,) father repeated.
(Hedran, please…) Ferala pleaded.
Without warning, Hedran, smacked Ferala with the flat of his blade. That was the last starw. I whipped my blade forward and cut a bleeding gash across his chest, proceeding to move my blade to his throat.
(Last warning,) I said angrily. (Leave. And if you hit her again, I shall twitch my blade.)
I withdrew my tail, and Hedran galloped away.
Ferala and father looked at me with a new respect.
(Ten Aura,) father offered, coming straight to the point. (I would give more, btu I also need my land. However, you will be living on it for a while, at least until you have enough money to move out together.)
Ferala's eyes went wide. (I think my father will be comfortable with ten Aura of land.)
(I will sell it, and then give your father the gold he needs to purchase ten Aura of his own choosing.)
Ferala whipped her small blade forward, and tore the piece of cloth, attached where the blade met the tail, away. The symbol of her engagement. She then proceeded to stamp on it.
Father smiled warmly. (The tournament is beginning,) He said. (I suggest we take our places.)
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