Author's notes - How many people are still reading the series? If you are is there anything you'd like to see in it before it's over?
Summary – Tommy meets his new father in-law.
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Mutt
Tommy
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"Please, please my ass." Storming down the sidewalk, my Earth clothing looking rather out of place among all of the white cloak wearing eltarians around me, I however can't bring myself to care as my parting argument with Zedd is still raging through my mind.
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"Thomas just stop and listen. Now I know you're frustrated, we both are and lord knows coming here was not a good idea, but the fact remains that we are here now and… will you stop getting dressed and listen to me?!"
Keeping silent as anything I say right now will most likely end our engagement, assuming this hasn't already, I pull on my boots last before heading for the door.
"Thomas you are not leaving here without your vaccinations." Voice stern and not one to be messed with, he however bows quickly and noticeably as I turn to fix him with a murderous glare. "Please?"
Getting nothing in response aside more dark and dangerous looks, he heaves a sigh, hand running through his hair in exasperation. "Thomas listen to me, please. I know you are angry, I understand that to you this is highly unfair and humiliating; however you must understand that I am not trying to make it as such. I love you, you know that, I tell you as often as I can and I mean it. You know I mean it. So I'd think you would trust me enough, trust my love for you enough to realize that I am only putting you through this because it directly relates to your health and wellbeing. That if anything at all were to happen to you because I did not prevent it when I could I would end my life."
Looking at him intently, taking in his heart felt words and the deep sentiment behind them I take a slow measured breath before responding as calmly and heartfelt as I can. "Get out of my way before I end your life."
-ooo-
It had been all I could handle to storm out of that veterinary clinic with a shred of my dignity still in tact, leaving both Zordon and Zedd to explain my departure to the doctor and later on Council how they would.
Of course it had then taken me a good fifteen minutes to make certain I'd lost them after that, not about to return to the penthouse with either, and certainly not ready to make up with Zedd for his own insults, be they unintentional or not. "Stupid Zedd, thinks he knows everything, let's just see how much he knows with me gone for a few hours. Might just be a bit more appreciative and respectful after some time to sit and think over what an egotistical moron he is."
Though in hindsight perhaps he's not exactly the only moron as I still have no clue where anything is located on this planet or even in this city that I am now myself- if honest –rather lost in. "At least today can't get any worse."
Cold wind suddenly picking up, making me wish I had a cloak of my own, I wrap my arms around my stomach tightly, lowering my head and nearly missing the too smug voice coming from the alley way beside me.
"You know I never thought I'd ever hear someone actually say that, but I'll be damned if it didn't eventually happen." Tell me I didn't just hear that.
The owner of the voice emerging from the alley, two others close in tow, I look at all three blonde haired, grey cloak wearing men uncertain if I'm glad or not for their menacing presence.
"Live long enough I imagine you'll hear a lot of things." The comment given absently despite my still foul mood, I move to walk past them, unconcerned with whatever threat they seem to think they can pose, before I find myself blocked by the purple eyed one which I will assume is their leader.
"See a lot of things too."
"I'm sure." How mad would Zedd be if I broke this idiot's neck? What if I claimed self defense? He couldn't be too upset in that case could he now?
"Like for instance, a pet taking himself for a walk without his master." Reaching for the collar of my black shirt, he gives a too amused smirk as I knock his hand away before he can actually touch me. "Without a collar and tags too."
"I am not a pet. And speaking of walks, why don't you take a long one off a short pier."
Looking surprised by my comeback, most likely used to creatures with the intellect of Spunky the wonder cat, he quickly recovers though not with the best of temperaments. "Well, well, this one has quite a mouth. You know my last pet was too smart for his own good too. Of course that was easily fixed, what with the broken jaw and removed tongue and all."
"That supposed to be a threat?"
"More like a warning." Beginning to circle me much like the predator he seems to believe himself to be, he takes a strong whiff inhaling my scent and sending a rather unpleasant shiver up my spine. "What the hell are you? Not camale, not domale, tabine maybe, no, no tail, no fur, no whiskers…a mutt, but something else too."
"A warrior, and a pissed off one at that." Glaring daggers at him, more than done with this matter, I clench my fists barely restraining myself, knowing just what trouble taking out three civilians on this planet could bring me.
Ignoring my warning his hand flicks out once more- coming far too close to my face for my liking -he continues to sniff and debate, his two companions remaining silent, waiting it would seem for his command. "You smell wrong, I just can't quite place my finger on why. No matter though, I'm not picky about my play things."
"I already told you I am no one's play-" Stopping short as very dangerous looking blade is now in his hand, along with smaller but similar ones in those of his friends, I feel a good bit of my anger drain as slight worry now takes its place. "thing."
"I may not know what you are specifically, but I know enough to feel your weakness and smell the sex on you. You are a plaything, an uncollared, unowned one from the looks of it. Not to worry though we'll change that."
Backing away from the three men and knowing very quickly that I am in much bigger trouble then I had originally anticipated, my words come out clumsily and without conviction. "You don't want to do this."
"Don't we now mutt." Voice full of malice and danger the one with purple eyes takes a purposeful step forward. "And just why would that be?"
Suddenly recalling that being a power holder here is no secret like on Earth, not to mention how many times Zedd and Zordon had both announced it to the shuttle security on our arrival, I straighten myself slowly and strongly looking him straight in the eyes as I try to remember just how Zedd had worded this four days ago. "I am a keeper of the power. I hold the essence of the dino gem and am under the protection of the Council of Light, so I would strongly advise you to back down before it is too late."
Sudden doubt entering the other two's eyes they look to their leader apparently not as cocky as before. "That's what it is, it's not the fact he's a mutt it's that he has power. Perhaps we should reconsider letting him be Adox." Good, yes reconsidering is good. Maybe I won't have to resort to using what little power I have left in my gem after all. Fingers itching to clasp my bracelet though I wait on pins and needles for the main one's agreeance.
"The Council." Snicker suddenly turning into a vicious laugh he is quick to let me in the joke. "The Council of Light doesn't give a damn about anyone but themselves. Any and all power holders know that. You, you are nothing but an errand boy to them. And a mutt of one at that."
Growling as the demeaning nearly derogatory term is used once more I move to him my anger getting the better of me. "I am a warrior. A defender of the innocent. I have saved lives and taken them. Do not under estimate me."
"You are a stupid, weak, mutt." Reaching out quickly his hand is tangled in my hair gripping my spikes with painful strength. "Who is now my new pet."
Reaching for my wrist I don't have time to call forth my morphing code as my bracelet is removed and thrown aside. "No!"
"You little creatures amaze me do you know that. You think because you hold some basic form of power it makes you worthy of something. It makes you stronger. Better. When in reality it only makes you even more of a slave. Of a pet." Leaning into my ear he lets loose a low chuckle. "So tell me pet, what will you do now without your precious power?"
"He'll tell my son who will then in turn disembowel you."
Looking to the side as much as my attacker will allow, I see a slightly taller, slightly older version of Zedd standing before us, my bracelet held up in his right hand.
"Kerch." The name said in a clearly fearful whisper, the three instantly back away posture taking on much more submissive characteristics. Kerch? Who is Kerch? And why does he have black hair instead of blonde? I thought all eltarians aside Zedd had blonde or silver hair.
"Take your hands off of him, now." Voice the same silky smoothness that Zedd possesses, there is nevertheless and underling growl of menace held there as well.
Suddenly released I stumble forward a step hand instantly coming up to rub my aching head.
"We weren't going to harm him." Bull. Looking back to find its Adox speaking I watch in curiosity as he continues to back away from the new arrival. "It was all in good fun."
"He told you he was a holder of the power. This is a great show of disrespect child." Child? He looks to be Zedd's age. How old is he? How can you tell how old any of them are here? "Apologize before I execute my own power and punish you accordingly."
Licking their lips and looking between me and Kerch, the three quickly mutter out fearful apologies before turning tail and running. Well that was certainly interesting.
"Honestly." Jumping as a hand is suddenly placed on my back, my savior gently eases my bracelet back onto my wrist smiling softly as my hand goes to it protectively. "Easy little human, I'll not harm you."
Weary of any eltarian now whether he's saved me or not, I take a step back shivering as the wind picks up once more. "Who are you?"
"How rude of me. I am Kerch Dereke." Wait, Kerch, as in Council member Kerch. Zedd's…
"You're Zedd's father."
Smiling brightly at this he gives an easy nod. "That's correct, and you are Thomas Oliver, Zedd's life mate and according to Zordon soon to be husband." Smile faltering just a bit as I begin backing away, he holds out a hand to stop me. "What's wrong Thomas?" What's wrong? What's wrong? Are you serious? Do you have a week?
"Nothing. I need to go now." Turning to leave, hand still on my bracelet I'm stopped once more as he takes my arm in a strong but careful grip.
"Thomas wait, now I understand you might be a bit jumpy after your encounter with those three but you are aware I'm a member of the Council of Light are you not?" Perhaps catching the flash of anger that enters my eyes at this, his own suddenly light with understanding. "The Council which has done nothing but cause you problems, ah yes, well than."
"They're not fond of me."
"No, no they're not." Taken back by his honesty as I had figured him to at least dance around the truth to try and get me to stay put, he continues calmly. "However they are even less fond of my son, whom I still love and do what I can to protect. I've no desire to hurt you Thomas, especially considering you are also now my son by bonding and in the next few months by marriage, correct?"
"I wouldn't be so sure of that." Reminded very quickly of my last fight with Zedd I pull back, crossing my arms angrily. "You're son is about this close from having me hitchhike back to Earth and throwing all his stuff out of my house."
"Oh boy, what did he do now?"
"Everything."
"Everything? Care to clarify just a bit there?"
Momentarily forgetting the potential danger I could be in, I let loose on my anger over all that has happened over the past few days. "He won't let me go out alone! He thinks I'm helpless and clueless! They made me go to the vet! The vet! Which by the way I blame on you too, because it was ordered from the Council that I go and get my shots! Then to add insult to humiliation they tried to feed me pet treats! Pet treats! Like I'm some kind of dog that needs to be patted on the head and given a bone when well behaved!"
"Well, that is indeed a long list of stupidity." Sighing but keeping his voice calm and slightly reassuring, he presents his own bit of reason and logic showing me just where Zedd perhaps gets his. "However I'm sure you realize just how dangerous going out alone can now be. You may not be helpless Thomas but you are still mostly human." Sniffing me as if to be certain he gives a confirming nod. "Yes still mostly human, though I can tell he's mixed blood with you, enough to heighten your senses and lengthen your life span at least a bit. Still though your strength does not match that of our species meaning you could very well be hurt being out by yourself like this."
Unable to really pose a decent argument after being saved from what could have turned into a very brutal attack, I give a shrug of defeat.
"Actually I'm rather surprised you convinced him to let you come out alone considering how against it he seems to be." Yeah um, convinced is probably not the right word there.
"Well I didn't actually so much convince him as stormed out of the vet's, leaving him and Zordon behind before they could stop me."
"So chances are he by now is going homicidal with worry." Most likely. Though considering I've yet to see explosions and people fleeing in panic I'm guessing Zordon is keeping him more or less in check, for now at least.
"I should go back." Even if I really don't feel like it yet, or truly have a clue where back is. Still though he's right it's not safe to be out alone, and Zedd probably is doing far more than just freaking out right now.
Perhaps seeing just how miserable I still am he finally shakes his head pulling me in the opposite direction that I believe Zordon's condo is in. "How about a compromise. You come home with me and get warmed up and I'll call Zedd to let him know you're alright. Besides I've been needing an excuse to talk to him for quite a while. Not to mention I've been wanting to get to know you as well. All I really know about you is what I've seen and heard from reports and Zordon." Those damn reports. "So what do you say Thomas, will you grant me a bit of your time?"
Really not left with much else to do as it's either brave the walk back to the penthouse alone or go with my soon to be father in-law I finally nod in compliance deciding it's best to get off to a good start with the man if that's possible despite the fact he's a Council member. "Alright, but make certain you emphasize that I'm still mad at him when you call."
Smiling that same warm smile I love seeing on Zedd he begins off in the direction of his home. "You are definitely the right choice for my son."
To be continued….