Loves and lives
The memory faded and the mismatched pair stood on the lavender plain again. Small wonder it vanished. Liriel's mind had faded when she had done that to herself. She likely hadn't been capable of anything after that. Even as a Cyberlancer, it was a miracle the Kavat had survived it.
"Oh, Liriel!" Trinity was crying as she scooped the stunned Kavat up and held her close.
I… I did that… To myself. Liriel was numb. Somewhere beyond shock.
"Even without Cyberlancer power, you knew where to strike to do the most damage to your mind, your memory. There was no way anyone would get any information from you." Trinity was sobbing as she held the distressed Kavat. "It wasn't going to be permanent, but still… Oh my god." She hugged Liriel tight enough to hurt, but the Kavat barely noticed.
I had to protect the kittens and all the others. Liriel said weakly. I had to.
"Yes, you did." Trinity just held the shuddering Kavat as she cried and Liriel fought hard not to cry. Seeing that, remembering that hurt in so many ways. Liriel could almost still feel the pain in her guts. "You did what you had to do, dear. You did what you had to do. What I do not understand is how you got from wherever you were back to the dojo? The cats had to find you, but… how? And how did they rescue you?"
I don't know. Liriel admitted. I wasn't capable of coherent thought so, there won't be any memories. Or if there are, only fragments. I don't know. She repeated, a bit hysterically. Trinity hugged her again and the Kavat relaxed. I guess… That woman. That 'Reverend Mother'. Would she know?
"Probably. But will she say?" Trinity mused. "The Corpus Clergy play their own games generally. The Reverend Mother is a bit more allied with Tenno than most Corpus would ever imagine, but still, she is constrained in how she can act. No matter what, I want to find that doctor."
Her tone left little to the imagination as to what Trinity would do if she did. Shade or no, she could and would make the woman hurt for a long, long time for what had been done to Liriel. Only a fool hurt Trinity's loved ones and Liriel knew that Trinity loved her.
You and me both, Trinity. Liriel snarled and then she relaxed. What now? I mean… I guess I need to talk to the cats. Am I still their Elder?
"Isis said 'yes'." Trinity held the Kavat now, just held her as Liriel shuddered. "So, you will need to talk to a lot of people, but the cats will likely be a good place to start."
The Tenno will be ambivalent. Liriel made the last word a question.
"Most will be pleased to find another Cyberlancer, no matter the species, but the cats do tend to make people nervous." Trinity said diplomatically.
I can't imagine why. Liriel snarked and Trinity had to chuckle at the Kavat's sour tone. I also need to check on Abigail and Mary. That kitten Mary… She shook her head. She reminds so much of other young Tenno we both knew. Like what I heard about Nikis just after he became Tenno.
"That bad, huh?" Trinity sighed deeply and nodded as Liriel made a noise of agreement. "The best ones usually are. You and Ariana were certainly never shy about voicing your opinions any more than Nikis was." Liriel gave a haughty sniff, but did not reply. It was true.
I am ready to wake up, Trinity. Liriel said quietly. How long can you stay?
"Until Nikis comes and boots me back." Trinity was shimmering now with golden code that wrapped around the Kavat in soothing bands. "No one else will dare."
You are such a pain, Trinity. Liriel laughed and it felt good to laugh after so much pain and fear.
Liriel woke up to find herself on the bed in the room she had been in. Quais knelt by one wall, but Olim was gone. Small wonder. Cyberlancers were insanely busy. She was somewhat surprised that Quais was still here, but then again, he had sworn to her that he would protect her, so it wasn't but so surprising. Trinity's shade formed beside the bed, the shade's posture worried and proud.
"Liriel?" The Tenno in the Ash warframe asked, sounding worried. He rose. "You did not rest easily. Are you all right?"
It was rough, Quais. I remember most of it now. Liriel said weakly as Trinity nodded to her. I mindwiped myself to protect kittens and others. I… I don't know how I survived that. A mind wiped Kavat has no chance. Other memories will surface, I am sure. Probably at bad times, but for now? I know what I have to do. I have to talk to the cats again eventually. I have a job to do and I must do it. The Tenno as well need another Cyberlancer, so I will serve as I did. I… She paused and then swallowed hard. I do hope to speak to Ariana someday, but for now? I have my duty and more mysteries.
"Someone had to help you, but who and why?" Trinity shook her head as her warframe formed around her insubstantial form. "We need to inquire, but right now, the cats are your priority."
Tanah's lab has to be my priority. Liriel countered. If the Corpus find and activate that, all hell will break loose.
"Liriel..." Trinity groaned but then nodded as the Kavat glared at her. "Okay, okay. Yes, I can see that. An enthrallment center would not make for a good toy for the cult to play with. But you have to focus on yourself as well. You need to come to grips with what you endured, dear heart."
I know. Liriel admitted. I will. She promised. The being who runs this place, Brianna Executor, she is a mind healer, no? She knows about secrets.
"She does." Trinity allowed. "She can and will help you, but she and Tanah are both very busy at the moment."
Well, than it is a good thing I have something else to focus on. The Kavat jumped from the bed and accepted a pet from Quais before stalking towards the door. I need to talk to Violet and check on Abigail and Mary.
"Don't neglect yourself, Liriel." Trinity repeated. "There are many lives counting on you now."
The doors hissed open and all three came to a sudden halt as the small calico form that lay just outside leaped to his feet, only to hiss and freeze as Liriel stared at him.
Matril… Liriel said weakly as the calico cat stared at her, his eyes huge. I… Oh my god! Matril!
Before anyone else could move, Liriel was at Matril's side, her power easing into him, seeking painful spots and soothing them with a mix of Cyberlancer ability and Elder affinity for his augmentation. He jerked and then slumped in relief.
"Feel free to yell at me, Liriel." Matril said very quietly when she was done. "I screwed up."
Shut up. Liriel snapped and all but draped herself over him. She was larger than he was, but he was far stronger than any terrestrial cat had any right to be. Genetic engineering was scary stuff. I remember now, Matril. You followed me. You saw me beaten down and taken by the Corpus.
"The Grineer came back, but found the defenses live. They stopped trying after losing a company of troops. They didn't deem it worth the expense for an empty derelict. They will probably come back eventually, but for now? We are safe." Matril was crying as Liriel rubbed up against him. "But… you… I couldn't do anything!" He pleaded.
Hush, love. Liriel said sadly. The past is past. You and I… We didn't expect to find each other, but we did. I didn't expect to survive what I did to myself, but I did. Here I am, Matril. I am not leaving until and unless I find you cats another Elder. Part of me doesn't want to leave at all. Her tone turned silky. And you know the reason.
"I… Liriel!" Matril broke down and cried as the Kavat soothed his hurts. Eased him with gentle caresses of both body and code but there were limits to what she could do. She turned beseeching eyes to Trinity who sighed and nodded.
"Don't try the 'too cute for words kitten' eyes with me, Liriel." Trinity said sternly, but she had a smile in her voice as she hands came up and golden energy swept around Matril. "They didn't work when you were a kitten, they won't work now." Her code flashed and Matril relaxed. "There, better?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Matril stood easily now and he nodded his thanks to Trinity. "Thank you. I know I was hurt, but I um… I had to be here."
I am glad you are here. Liriel's words were heartfelt. I don't like Isis. I doubt I ever will. But you… What I did could be called enslavement but you never blamed me. You or Grisha. She realized. I was so mean to Grisha. She was so kind to me, before and I was so mean to her after I woke. She said a bit weakly. She could have hurt me so much worse, but she didn't.
"She understood." Matril reassured the distraught Kavat. "You were a mess, love. But you are better. You will apologize when you get the chance. Not that the boss lady ever has to apologize for anything." His tone was wicked.
Matril. Liriel's tone was somewhere between laughter and anger. You are just trying to butter me up.
"Is it working?" Matril asked, his tone sly as Liriel sputtered.
"Children." Trinity said repressively, but she was fighting a laugh. Suspicious sounds came from Quais as if he too was having a hard time restraining mirth.
Do you know what happened to me, after? Liriel asked. I mean, I was completely incapable of anything after that.
"The Clergy's Reverend Mother brought you to us. She didn't know what had happened. She said you just stopped responding and when she tried to talk to you mind to mind, there was nothing there." Matril said sadly. "She brought you to us, because we were felines too. She didn't know what you were to us. She hoped you would wake, but..." He slumped a bit. "Everyone was afraid you never would."
I heard her taking about finding out where I came from. I couldn't betray the kittens and the others. Liriel said softly. I had been hurt, but from what I understand, it wasn't the fault of the Reverend Mother or the one who had captured me. They were rather upset with the one who hurt me. It could have been a trick. She allowed. I was very out of it.
"She said your DNA had been harvested." Matril's voice held deep rage now, but it wasn't directed at anyone present. "She said that the one who did it was in prison."
It hurt like hell. Liriel admitted and Matril rubbed up against her again. That said, it could be a trick. She warned.
"Anything could be a trick, love. We must not be paralyzed by indecision." Matril replied. "But for now? We are both whole and not in pain. A win?" He asked.
A win. Liriel agreed and then stretched sinuously. For now? I need to check on Mary and Abigail. Later we will… catch up. Her tone was sultry and Matril rubbed up against her again. There was nothing subtle about his advances and Liriel fought to keep from reacting like a silly kitten in heat.
"Oh, get a room, you two!" Trinity laughed as both cats glared at her. "Sheesh."
Liriel stuck her nose in the air and started off. Matril followed, his own posture one of barely restrained anticipation.
"Are they always going to be like this?" Quais asked Trinity, not quite whispering.
"Dunno." Trinity still had a smile in her voice. "When I knew her, Liriel was always focused on her work. It is sort of nice to see her relaxed a bit. If a bit off-putting. She never did do subtle well."
I am right here, Trinity. Liriel protested.
"Yes, you are and I think Brianna Executor would appreciate if she wasn't hip deep in kittens all of a sudden." Trinity warned. Liriel and Matril shared a glance and Trinity stilled. "What?"
"Isis did something to help Liriel have kittens." Matril said quietly. "She couldn't otherwise. We are not the same species. We cannot breed normally."
Was fun though. Liriel snickered as both Quais and Trinity put hands to their faceplates.
"Yes, it was." Matril agreed, rubbing up against the Kavat again. "We will have some more later." Liriel purred in anticipation.
"Children!" Trinity snapped, but her heart wasn't in it. "There are young and impressionable minds here. I doubt that Brianna Executor would appreciate you corrupting them."
"But corruption is so much fun!" Matril protested. Liriel looked at him and he subsided. "Yes, Elder. Later." He promised.
Later. Liriel agreed. For now? Tanah's lab has to be priority. Also, Matril… Do you have any idea why Oracle Janet of all people would say she had failed? Matril stared at her and she shook her head. In my sleep, I was pulled somewhere else. She was there and said she had failed.
"That is not good." Matril said softly. All three Cyberlancers shook their heads in unison. "The Reverend Mother was worried that they couldn't find all of your DNA that was stolen. What would happen if someone were to clone you?" Both Trinity and Liriel winced and Matril swallowed. "Nothing good, I take it?"
"Enemies of the Tenno tried to clone me once." Trinity said sadly. "It didn't work well. The girl who was created was powerful, no question. But insane. She couldn't stop hurting people and I had to end her pain. Ariana and I did, with Liriel's help. Poor kid didn't have Cyberlancer power, but a mix of others, psionic and-" She broke off as Liriel hissed. "You don't think-! Oh no!"
If they cloned me, the Kavat they made will not be sane. Liriel warned and all of the others winced. If the one who captured me did, then I didn't have a coherent mind at the time. If the ones who stole my DNA did… She broke off and winced herself. Oh dear.
"We need to talk to the Clergy." Matril slumped a bit. "They are dangerous, Liriel. They are good at what they do and pragmatic as hell. If they did clone you-"
Let's not borrow trouble, Matril. Liriel reassured the other. And frankly? I may not like Isis or she me, but only a fool underestimates the Corps. Steel would have bent under her tone. I better talk to Brianna Executor. If only to make sure whatever room Matril and I wind up with is properly soundproofed. Matril rubbed up against her again as Trinity made a disgusted noise.
"One track minds, the both of you." Trinity paused as Liriel looked at the shade, hurt in her eyes. The shade was quick to speak again, this time mollifying. "Liriel, I am joking. It is good to see you relax."
I still miss Ariana. That won't go away. Liriel admitted. But she would want me to focus on what needs doing. She always did.
"Yes, she did." Trinity sighed deeply as the odd quartet started off again. "Quais, will you stay?"
He is needed in the field. Liriel spoke up before Quais could respond. My kittens are safe, Tenno and I do not think anyone is going to try and hurt me again with Matril standing right here. Both of the Tenno looked at Matril who made a 'who me?' shrug. The cat didn't do innocence very well. Let alone Trinity. Um, if she can stay. The Kavat eyed the ancient shade expectantly.
"I cannot stay forever, but a couple of days won't anger Nikis too badly." Trinity allowed. Quais looked from one to the other. "She is right."
"I know." The Ash warframe agreed reluctantly. "That said, you have been hurt, Liriel. If you need me, you call, Sister. You have my number." He joked as he knelt down and Liriel pressed her cheek against the warframe's faceplate. She accepted a final pet from him and then he was gone. Matril glared after him but subsided when Liriel looked at him.
Back off, Matril. The Kavat said sternly. There is a difference between being kind and being possessive. As Jumper found out. The last was cold and Trinity stared as Matril winced hard.
"I don't want to know, do I?" Trinity asked carefully. Both felines shook their heads. "Okay..." She started off and the other followed her.
"All I will say is that there are a bunch of reasons I love Liriel." Matril said quietly. "That she doesn't take crap from idiots is one of the of those reasons."
"I see." Trinity sighed, but it was fake. She was smothering another laugh. "Still making friends, huh, Liriel?"
He isn't my friend, he is my subordinate. Liriel all but snapped that. But he did learn what the word "no', means. Eventually. Trinity stiffened, but Matril was quick to reassure her.
"Tenno, whatever you may think of us, do not anger our females." Matril said in a very quiet voice. "Jumper did when he didn't stop pushing. He did not enjoy what happened. Hell, what Isis did to him gives me nightmares on occasion."
He learned his lesson. Liriel relaxed a bit and then paused as a door ahead opened and two forms came out. One was familiar, the other was not. Brianna Executor was all but crying and the dark skinned man in what looked like a monk's habit was consoling her. Both paused on seeing the odd trio. Then the man slowly bowed.
TO LIRIEL!
"Hail, Queen of Cats." The man rose from his bow as everyone stared at him in shock. "We try to stay informed, Elder Liriel. You are looking much better."
You… know me… Liriel said weakly.
"We know you, yes." The man agreed. "The Clergy know you. I am Brother Caddasif, a specialist in mental traumas. I was called in when the Reverend Mother could not wake you. We now know that you are a Cyberlancer and rejoice that you have recovered. You are needed." He still looked very worried and Liriel felt her guts freeze.
The ones who stole my DNA. They cloned me, didn't they? Liriel said slowly and the man nodded. Oh dear. That never ended well when people cloned my kind.
"No, it did not. And it likely won't end well now." Brother Caddasif said quietly. "The ship where the cloning was taking place has dropped out of contact and the last report puts it on course for Jupiter. A direct course, one that will put it into the atmosphere."
The lab. Liriel said weakly. He nodded. I didn't know about that. Before.
"No, you didn't." The Clergyman agreed.
"But the one who stole your DNA did."