...More Human Than Human...
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek. Reviews are welcome. I don't own any characters other than Fenix/Fi Flarestone, Faloray Skyborne, Lord Flarestone. I own Electi Illiusia/Electi Illiusians/Semita Caelesti. Enjoy and stay ethical y'all.
Chapter 37: Electi Illiusians
Previously…
"Lore, if you truly love her, you would come to terms with this new fact." Lord Flarestone stated. Lore inclined his head with a deep sigh. "Dear brother, I care deeply for her, I would be willing to share her with you if it meant for her well-being." Data answered honestly. "Ugh... I know. But I don't know how she's going to take it. She's stubborn." Lore boggled. "We will talk to her, she will understand." Data stated. "You make it sound so easy, brother." Lore shook his head. Lord Flarestone's face hardened with worry. It is like watching the blind leading the blind. At this rate, Fenix will lose herself. Lore, you need to let her be with your brother. Prove to her and to yourself that you truly love her and that this is not just a mere obsession with her. You too, will suffer if she is gone… so will your brother.
In the Observatory, Fenix scanned over everything to make sure the success of recreating Faloray. With her hands on her hips, she concluded with nod, "Alright, I got everything set up. We're ready to sequence Faloray's genome from me." Lord Flarestone walked to her, "Excellent, I'll have you lay down on one of the beds here as I extract some blood from you." She laid down as Lord Flarestone stuck an intervenes into her arm only for it to be instantly pushed out with force from her hyper-regeneration. Her bleeding stopped immediately without a hint of bruising. He looked at her arm mildly amused, then gently stuck it back in her arm and held it as he noted, "Faloray will not have any of your uniquely evolved attributes, that will be yours and yours alone since we are only using the essence of her from you." Once enough blood was drawn, her and Lord Flarestone started working on sequencing the genome. The memories of the scientist she harboured had resurfaced and she knew how to recreate Faloray with help from Lord Flarestone. She remembered that recreation was also banned throughout the entire planet but this was different, times have changed and only the androids were left. Fenix sighed as she worked, "As Lord Flarestone said, desperate times calls for desperate measures..." During this time, Data, and Lore wandered about the Observatory talking about Fenix and their relationship. All the while, Lore was torn between his own selfish desires to keep Fenix to himself and her need to be able to love Data or else, he would lose the Fenix that he fell in love with over a year ago. I'd lose her if I don't her be with Data. Lore's eye clenched shut. Would I really be selfish as to let that happen? Maybe a year ago I would've let her lose her mind as long as I had her. But that was a year ago. I'm not as stubborn as I used to be. He smirked feeling humility. I was so immature then… It would be so illogical to let her lose her mind. That's no different than for her to die. It only makes sense to let her be with Data. She still chose me, after all. It doesn't mean she loves me less. He glanced at his younger brother with sad eyes. And who else would be worthy of her other than my own little brother? Had it been anyone else, no. But you're not just anyone, Data. You're my baby brother. Its just you and I in this entire universe… with Fenix at our side. She is the woman both Soong brothers fell in love with.
Six hours into this experiment, the capsule which held Faloray was ready to be opened. Fenix opened the door to see a replica of herself with horns and pointed ears. Everyone was tense, waiting for her to wake up. Fenix softly commanded, "Faloray, please wake up. Your mate, Lord Flarestone… he is waiting for you." Faloray's eyes opened, they were the same colour as Fenix. She sat up, as Fenix covered her up with a blanket. Their eyes met, Faloray looked perplexed to see Fenix, a more human-looking version of herself, then her eyes flickered to her mate.
"... Lord Flarestone?" Faloray asked.
"Princess Faloray, I've... missed you... so much. What is the last thing you remember?" He cautiously asked. His heart raced with anxiety and excitement. He knew he had to keep himself together seeing the long-lost love of his life come back from the dead. "We ran away together to our island and..." Faloray blushed, "We completed our bonding ritual. Then... the crystal went berserk. I... I remember I was separated from you and then everything went black." She kept staring into Lord Flarestone's eyes as she held onto her blanket for modesty as she continued, "I... I missed you Fenix." she smiled. Lord Flarestone beamed with tears of joy spilled from his eyes as he embraced her. Faloray smiled as she embraced him back. Fenix smiled at the two embracing each other and touched the arms or Data and Lore, "We should give them some time to themselves. They have a lot of catching up to do." and the trio walked out of the observatory. Lore smirked seeing Lord Fenix's raw and unbridled happiness as he embraced Faloray. Imagine how that would feel… after a thousand years of being apart, the love of your life is finally back in your arms. Its… it's so beautiful.
Faloray was dressed in her usual kimono-like attire as Lord Fenix filled her in on what's happened to this point in their mother tongue. "So, girl-Fenix carries some of my genes and she recreated me from herself... "Her hand covered her mouth feeling taken aback, "...That was a very selfless act just to help you and for Electi Illiusia." Faloray commented. Lord Flarestone nodded, "Indeed, but she is in a predicament. She is mated to Lore... one of the twins, unfortunately whomever created Lore and his brother Data made them identical." She gasped, "She's needs to be with both to prevent the inevitable." Faloray warned. "I already mentioned it to Lore and Data, Lore insists that Fenix wants to stay with him and him only." Lord Fenix pinched his bridge. Faloray smiled, "I will talk to her about it. I wanted to thank her for recreating me." Lord Flarestone quirked an eyebrow as she continued, "I'll help her open her eyes. You may be a diplomat but this needs a woman's touch, dear Fenix." and winked.
Outside, Lore and Fenix were teaching Data Jeet Kun Do. He learned very quickly. Data landed a good kick on her torso as she went flying into a stone wall. His eyes widened with surprise, "Fenix, are you alright? I am sorry about that." Fenix got up and dusted herself off then checked her head. She looked at her fingers that touched her head to see there was some blood, "That's okay, it just means you're getting good at it." she smiled trying to hide her bruised ego. Faloray and Lord Flarestone walked up to them. Lord Flarestone began, "I think we should return to the castle, Faloray misses her home." The group flew back to the castle.
"Fenix, may I speak with you in private?" asked Faloray. Fenix nodded and they headed for Faloray's room. "Firstly, I wanted to thank you for your selfless act in recreating me. The time I spent with my mate was shortened and he suffered greatly. I'm... I'm so glad to be back." Fenix smiled, "If Lore was in his position, I couldn't bear to put him through another moment without me." Faloray smiled kindly, "You love him dearly, this Lore, your mate. But... you are also in love with Data." Fenix scowled feeling perplexed, "I don't know if I can say that, but I am drawn to him. I have feelings for him, yes." Faloray looked directly at her as she stated, "You and Data already formed a bond. That does not mean you love Lore any less." Fenix tilted her head in confusion as Faloray continued, "Let me tell you about Electi Illiusians and why twins do not exist in our species..."
Faloray talked to her about the predicament she was in. Fenix sat on the bed with her hand covering her own mouth with wide eyes and began, "You're telling me that I'm more Electi Illiusian than human and because of that, if I don't complete the bond with Data, I'll go insane, lose myself for good, lose my soul..." Faloray chided, "This is serious, Fenix. I am telling you this because Lore and Data love you, and quite frankly, I wouldn't be standing here if you didn't help so I want to help you. But I cannot help you, if you keep being stubborn and narrow-minded about this whole 'monogamy' you speak of. As much as I understand monogamy, this is a special case." Fenix covered her face with both hands and grumbled, "I know, I'm trying... but what worries me most is Lore. I don't think he'd want me to be with his brother. He's kinda... possessive." Faloray declared, "That is something he will have to come to terms with... and sooner rather than later. If he truly loves you, which I can tell he does... he will learn to cope with this unique circumstance, for your well-being. If not, he and his brother will lose you." Fenix stayed silent and let her words sink in. Feeling satisfied that Fenix understood the severity of her situation she added, "Lord Flarestone has already talked to Lore and Data about all of this. And I have informed you as well. It is up to you to talk to your husband and his brother about your decision." Fenix felt defeated and fell back onto the bed with a sigh, "Yeah, I know... I'll talk to them. Honestly, I don't really have much of a choice because I don't want to go psycho." Faloray smiled, "Good. I'm glad to hear that since... we are the only biological Electi Illiusians left. Come, let's go visit the royal bathhouse. It's wonderful there. The men can spend time together and you need to clean yourself up." She glanced at Fenix's head, "I noticed the crusted blood on your head. I can smell it."
Faloray and Fenix cleaned themselves up in the royal bathhouse. Faloray gave her one of her fitted, ninja-like outfits while her clothes were getting cleaned. Fenix liked the outfit, she looked like a ninja especially with her tanto on her hip. "Here, Fenix." Faloray tossed her a leather jacket, "Have this, too, I don't ever wear it, it's too masculine for my tastes." Fenix looked at the jacket with intrigue as she examined the it, "It's over a thousand years old but our clothes are indestructible, it's considered our armour." Fenix grinned, "I lost my jacket a while back and I've been wearing Lore's sweater this whole time. Now I got both! Thanks, Faloray! This is... badass." Faloray giggled then became serious, "So, are you ready to talk to Lore and Data?" Fenix sighed and nodded, "It's now or never. Let's do this."
The two women walked into the main chamber to meet up with the men. Faloray squeezed Fenix's hand trying to give her courage and looked into her eyes. I hope you follow through with this. You're too good to lose your soul especially after saving mine and Lord Flarestone's. Releasing her hand, she walked to Lord Flarestone then linked her arm to his. He looked at her lovingly, she spoke in their language Fenix. What ever she had just said, it made Lord Flarstone blush brightly and hastily whisked themselves away leaving Lore, Fenix and Data to talk. Data tiled his head in confusion, "I do not understand what had transpired between them." Fenix smirked, "They're going to renew their love." Lore blurted, "They went to fuck." Fenix hit him in the back of the head playfully. "Hey! Was I wrong?" She giggled, "No, but you made it sound so vulgar, that's all." and shrugged. Data raised his eyebrows, "Ah, I see." Silence fell amongst them and Fenix took a deep breath, not knowing how to begin this talk, "Um... yeah... Lord Fenix talked to you guys about my predicament I take it?" she asked. "Yes, if you do not complete your bond with me, you are destined to lose your sanity." Data answered. She nodded and turned to Lore, "Lore, I know this is hard on you but I don't want to go insane. What are your... thoughts? How do you feel about this?" Fenix gingerly asked. Lore closed his eyes with a sigh and began, "The Borg incident taught me a lesson that struck me deep within my neural net. I don't ever want to lose you again, whether it's literally or you losing the very essence that makes you... you. I understand what you must do..." and leaned his forehead to hers, "...You have to complete your bond with my brother. I will have to share you with him, but I will always want you to myself, that will never change. I also know that because I'm selfish, I'm willing to do this because it means that I will be able to have you by my side for eternity still... and... I love you." and kissed her forehead. "Data will become your lover as I have. Kiss me and we'll make this happen, seal the deal." He poured his heart out with another ultimatum, but this time, he put his fate in her hands. Fenix was touched by the sacrifice he was willing to make. She gently touched the sides of his face and started tracing his eyebrow, bridge, nose, down his jawline and lips with feather-light touches like she did the very first time. His eyes widened remembering the first time she did this. She kissed his neck, then his jaw, he leaned down so she could kiss his lips gently and lovingly, her kiss wasn't clumsy like the first time they ever kissed but it was just as innocent and beautiful. He kissed her back passionately as Data observed with interest. Once finished, Fenix shyly looked at Lore with a blush staining her cheeks, then gently pulled back feeling his hardened manhood, "Um... Lore...?" He looked down at his crotch then back to her with a wink. "Pardon my intrusion but, does this mean that I may be intimate with you Fenix?" Data asked. Fenix blushed again and opened her mouth to answer but, Lore scowled as he cut in, "NOT right now. But... Yes, you may be intimate with her, dear brother." He cut off Data before he could even begin then looked to Fenix and continued, "But that doesn't mean I'm not going to get jealous at times. You said it yourself... I'm PB&J." Lore finished then glared at Data. Fenix winked at Data, turned Lore's face away from Data's direction and kissed him. Lore's kisses were getting heated, Fenix pulled back, "Hey Data, I think Lore and I need some alone time for a little bit. We'll be... right back." Lore grabbed her hand and led her back to their room. Feeling possessive and the need to feel close to his wife, he skilfully stripped her clothes off and proceeded to make love to her. He needed to claim her.
Lore and Fenix lay in the bed with their limbs tangled after a session of passionate love making, Lore began, "I love you Fenix. I'll be okay knowing you'll be with Data... Eventually." He chuckled with defeat. Fenix nuzzled up to him, "I love you too, Lore. Besides, I don't plan on jumping his bones right away or anything. You should know me by now, it'll be gradual." She stated, Lore quirked an eyebrow and asked, "You're a late bloomer. Would you be like how you were with me?" She sighed feeling mildly tired and answered, "In a way, yes. But no... because you guys are different. Can't love two different people the same way." Lore let her words sink in then laughed as he remembered, "We've become the unholy trinity." Fenix cringed but laughed, "Oh my god Lore... We totally have!" They broke into uncontrollable laughter whilst in their embrace. I know I'm not losing you, but I feel that… this is the last time being together. I'm being illogical and silly. If you don't complete the bond with Data, I'll lose you. I know I'm doing the right thing. Emotions are annoying. How I envy you, Data… Lore prepared himself as he came to terms that after they leave the room. He understood from this point on, would have to watch his brother openly display affections onto his wife. I'll do this for you, Fenix. And for myself… I won't lose you.
Fenix and Lore dressed themselves to leave their room to meet up with Data. Fenix smiled as she walked up to Data. They awkwardly embraced each other until Lore rolled his eyes, "For fuck's sake..." and blurted, "Stop trying to spare my so called 'feelings' and just kiss him, Fenix." Data's eyes darted to Lore with surprise, he pulled back. His innocent yellow eyes met Fenix's purple ones as she remained speechless with a blush. Taking a breath, she awkwardly leaned in to kiss him. Her lips gingerly met his, he kissed her back gently. The initial feeling of awkwardness and internal conflict melted away as feeling his soft lips massaging her her. They finished the kiss and slowly retreated. Data looked at her lovingly with a soft smile, Fenix's cheeks were blush-stained. Realizing her heart fluttering as it does with Lore she understood. I… I need both of them. I know if I didn't meet Data, none of this happened but it helped Lore regain his brother. Lore cleared his throat excessively loud, startling Fenix. She turned her head to see Lore grimacing a smile, he sarcastically commented, "Really cute." She chuckled as she leaned her head against Data's chest, "Come on, Lore. Hug us." she playfully demanded. He rolled his eyes with a sigh and embraced Fenix from the back, he nuzzled into her neck and hair, inhaling her scent. He opened his eyes to meet Data's momentarily. This is going to be a bit strange for a while. Not bad… just strange.
Q dropped in on them, "So, the 'unholy trinity' finally got together now that the... cat's out of the bag." He smirked. The three of them let go of each other and scowled at Q, before Fenix could begin, Q started, "I told you! You're more Electi Illiusian than I gave you credit. And the only way you would've found out was to venture out here... to another world of beasts. Well, used to be beasts now it's inhabited with just androids." he shrugged, "You get what I mean." Q looked at Fenix seriously. She still hasn't completed her bond with Data. That's not good. "Any ways, if I were you, Fenix, I wouldn't drag this thing out." Q warned. Fenix asked, "What do you mean, Q? Drag what out?" Q exaggerated his eye roll, "Oh for goodness sake, girl! Mating Data, you oaf! The longer you fight your natural instincts, the quicker you lose your mind! Ugh… child... Do I have to tell you everything!?" he scolded with his hands on his hips. He added, "Your bond with Data happened basically when you first met. That was a long enough time ago... You got three weeks to complete the bond, after that... you're too late." He warned, then disappeared. Lore blandly added, "Great... now there's a time limit." Q popped in again to add, "Seriously Fenix, how lucky are you to have two androids to become your husbands, really? And girl… Mmm… Three is more fun than two." He hinted with a wink. Fenix was about to give him an earful but he disappeared before she got the chance. The three of them stood in silence, dumbfounded by Q's sudden appearance and what he had to say. Fenix shook her head and collected herself, "Hey, you guys wanna go flying for a bit? Explore these floating islands?" Data smiled, "I would like that, this place is… magical. I cannot understand the science behind a lot of how this planet seems to work. It is very intriguing." then looked to Lore. He smirked, "Why not? Let's go. The scenery would refresh our minds." He eyed Fenix and pulled her in for a kiss. You're still mine. I'll always reclaim you.