CHAPTER 7:

With Rebellion Comes Freedom

Iliana picked up her whimpering newborn from his crib and wrapped a blanket around him. Leitjin twitched his mandibles in irritation and uttered a whine from his throat making his mother place him over her shoulder to soothe his back gently. His soft body pressed against hers and his mouth gently puffed out air against her neck. She smiled happily and walked over to her bed to sit down and keep warm. Kantra laid in bed with his arms tucked behind his head and turned his head to the right to see his happy mate.

Little Leitjin had gotten a clean bill of health a few days ago and the joyous parents were more than happy to bring him home. Fortunately, his incident would leave no damage to his lungs and he'd grow up as healthy as other yautja children. The newborn was fitting in happily in the household and was adored undeniably by his parents. Kahet's mood had lightened also but he still felt left out sometimes. However, now he had a big room to himself that he was starting to grow fond of and did not want anyone taking that away too.

"My little sweet 'ums" Iliana cooed to her baby who dug his face deeper into the crook of her neck. "I'm starting to think he likes to hide."

"He's a newborn" Kantra scoffed and chuckled at her statement. Due to Leitjin's birth, he'd gotten the week off from Sau-Trul and he was going to enjoy every minute of it.

"Like your natural born hunter idea with Kahet?" she smirked defiantly at him. He rumbled his chest and didn't say a word. She sighed in her happy maternal way, "I'd forgotten how happy Kahet made me when he was a newborn. Now, I can start again with this little one."

"I told you that you'd enjoy mothering and you complained years ago" he laughed and squeezed her thigh affectionately. "And here we have two boys."

"Your dream family's beginning to grow" she smiled at him while Leitjin began to shuffle around. She shifted him onto her right arm and chuckled, "Is my baby hungry?"

He gurgled softly at his mother and watched her with his lazy hazel eyes. She giggled at his expression and untied the right dress strap to uncover her breast in order to feed him. Once he was comfortable, her baby began feeding hungrily making her laugh.

"He's hungry, that's good" she told an amused Kantra who was busy watching something else. "Hey, my face is up here! You pervert."

"You're my mate, I'm allowed to" he scoffed and sat up to stretch his arms. Getting out the stiff knots, he placed his forehead against her shoulder and trailed his index finger down her arm. "Besides, if another male did look at you, I'd kill them."

"Kantra!" she exclaimed while scolding him at the same time. "No male would look at me anyway, I'm human. They'd be grossed out and run to hide under their mother's skirts."

"Don't think like that" he purred and nuzzled her cheek. Tracing an upper mandible down her cheek, he spoke, "You were made for me just like I was for you. We may not fit into our own species norms separately but together, we complete ourselves like a puzzle."

Iliana felt proud as well as loved by his touching words, which usually weren't used all the time unless the situation called for it. Most yautja males didn't use or even know the word 'love' for their mates but Kantra did after their years together and she appreciated it greatly. Yes, her lover was a rare one and she supposed she was too in a way after going through so much with him over the years. His people still weren't overly accepting of her but she didn't care as long as she had his support in this world. She kissed his temple gently and traced her lips down the side of his face until she reached his chin.

"There is none but you in this world for me, Iliana" he whispered tenderly. "Always."

"And no one but you in my life, always" she sighed and kissed him gently in a quick kiss. "I love you, my handsome and loving mate, despite all your complaints, it just makes you more irresistible. And I love hearing this romantic side of you, I'm a lucky woman to have you."

Kantra was always pleased that his mate returned his affections whenever he expressed his. He didn't like it when her self-image turned negative and would try his best to cheer her up just like she praised his hunting skills. He kissed her again in a firmer manner and let go a few seconds later after making sure her sweet taste remained in his mouth. Purring onto her neck, he watched his other half feed the little one they had created despite the slight genetic differences between them.

My little miracles, he thought and traced the back of his index finger over his son's forehead delicately.

"I'm very relieved that both of you are here safely after the rough days you've had" he spoke and tucked a few brown strands of hair behind her ear. She smiled and nodded in return while cuddling up to his warmer body. "I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you."

"Me neither, I wouldn't want to leave you alone in this world" she whispered and traced a hand over his cheek. "I want to last as long as I can by your side and die by old age with you. My biggest fear is that we'll lose each other one day whether by the drift of time or sudden death itself."

My beautiful and devoted mate, he thought in respect. You'll never be alone.

"You'll never lose me, I'll always love you" he said, quietly. He nuzzled his face into her neck and whispered, "I will never make you second guess my loyalty to you and I'll never change into something you'll drift away from."

"Good and neither will I" she smiled and wiped her watery eyes. She was always emotional when it came to these heartfelt talks with him. "I'll always love you and my little ones will always be my proof to you."

Leitjin let go of her breast and began to coo softly. Iliana smiled and handed him to his father gently so she could retie her dress. Kantra held his drowsy son and purred to him playfully causing his little hand to reach out as a reflex and grasp one of his tusks. Leitjin felt it curiously but let go after a second in order to let out a tired whimper. Kantra placed him over his shoulder carefully and patted his back softly like Iliana had taught him years ago with Kahet. Leitjin stared over his father's back and gripped his father's mesh with his tiny claws making Iliana smile at the scene.

"It does take you back to those years" Kantra smiled in agreement to her. "I think I'll be better with Leitjin after learning from Kahet. The trouble with parenting is learning the experience for it and knowing what each of your sucklings need."

"Mm-hmm" she chuckled and grinned happily, "You're a wonderful father, Kantra, you always have been. I'm glad you're here with me this week."

"So am I, I'm surprised I got the entire week off" he said, rumbling his chest in content. Then smirked, "I guess old Sau-Trul realized having and raising kids wasn't easy."

"Or he realized how delicate they are and how much they need their parents during those moments" Iliana said in a kindhearted and soft spoken tone. "I think no matter what species you are, caring and raising your offspring is always a priority over your own matters."

"True but there may be some that eat their kids!" he said, pointing a finger at her. She sighed and realized they were back to their humorous situations again. Oh well, it was good while it lasted. "Don't sigh, you know it's a possibility."

He's so outrageous, she thought. But he's mine.

"I know, love" she grinned in return and kissed him. "Good thing we're not one of those because our babies are cute to the bone."

"Isn't that the truth?" he said smugly and puffed his chest out. "Just like their father."

"Very true" she chuckled as he kissed her in return.

Leitjin let out a loud burp making both parents stare and laugh seconds later. Their little one just sighed and nestled into his father's shoulder to return to his slumber. Kantra stroked his hair gently and purred to him to make sure he fell asleep with no problems. Outside, the quick scampers of a woken up Kahet ran past their room and towards the kitchen wearing only his loincloth and a fur pelt over his shoulders for warmth.

"Morning!" he called and didn't stop his pace.

"He's. . .happy?" Kantra said, puzzled. For the past weeks, he'd done nothing but sulk. "Children are odd and marvelous beings."

"Could you believe we were once like that?" Iliana smiled and stood up in order to go start their morning meal. "Now, we're the parents."

"And one day he'll be one and realize the terrors of rearing his own children" he grinned mischievously and chuckled a soft devious laugh. She just stared blankly at her insane-looking mate and exited their bedroom. "What?"

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Weeks later, Iliana finished bathing a crying Leitjin in his yellow plastic baby tub and quickly wrapped him into a warm towel nearby. His eyes were shut while his mandibles stayed wide open to exert his loud cries. She caressed his small body against hers to warm his up in order to get him comfortable. Ever since his first bath, the child had disliked it and expressed it in his crying. No matter what she did to make him comfortable whether by holding him in different angles or warming up the water continuously, nothing worked.

I have to wait for him to get used to it, she thought. There's no other way.

"Kahet loved his baths but I guess you don't, eh?" she said soothingly and took him to her bedroom.

Leitjin opened his eyes and whimpered fearfully while grasping his towel tightly in his grasp. Iliana soothed his little brown hands gently and hummed to him to keep him calm. Entering her warmer bedroom, she placed him on the bed where she had his clean diaper and green sleeper ready for him. Even though Kahet had used the clothes she'd bought for him on Earth years ago, she'd kept them and it paid off in Leitjin's case. She dried her son's body gently while he stared at her with worried eyes. Humming a soft tune for him, he listened as she rubbed a baby moisturizer onto his skin. Most yautja didn't need any kind of moisturizer like humans on Earth due to their humid atmosphere along with the fact they hated any unnatural scent because of their sensitive noses. Since her babies were hybrids, she kept their skin moisturized just in case and it wasn't a problem with Kahet, who loved to have his skin silky smooth.

She tickled her baby's yellowish tummy causing his feet to curl in response and she kissed the balls of his feet softly. Seeing that his skin was dry and smooth, she placed a cloth diaper under his bottom and wrapped it carefully while he moved his feet reflexively. Securing it, she grabbed his one piece outfit and began dressing him starting feet first. Leitjin gurgled and grabbed her hand when she placed his tiny round arm through the sleeves and she kissed his knuckles happily. Reaching for the nearby pacifier, she placed it over his mouth and he sucked on it instantly. She zipped up his sleeper and kissed his temple happily.

"You did good today" she congratulated and grabbed his hand into hers. "There's nothing to be afraid of, Leitjin, I'll always protect you."

He whined as he curled his legs towards his chest causing her to smile affectionately. Hearing bare footsteps come into the room, she turned to see Kahet standing in the doorway with an upset look.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" she asked, reaching her hand out to him.

"You finished washing him" he said, pouting unhappily. "You promised I could help."

Her eyes widened slightly at her forgotten memory and sighed, "I'm sorry, I've had a lot on my mind Kahet. Next time-"

"It's always next time!" he accused and crossed his arms. "Ever since you brought him home I can't do anything with him since he's too small and when I can, you forget."

It's not fair, I never do anything, he thought.

"I certainly don't mean to, son" she said softly and tried to make him feel better. His feelings towards his brother had lessened and she didn't want to worsen them. "I don't want you upset so why don't you play with him?"

"I can't even play games with him" he huffed and flared out his mandibles. "I'm supposed to be an older brother but I get to do nothing."

"Kahet, don't be upset" she sighed and grabbed Leitjin to hold him in her arms. Kahet glared at her in response to her paying more attention to his brother.

"But I am and you don't care" he cried and backed away from her doorway. "I try to fit in with the baby but you still pay him more attention and leave me alone. It's not fair!"

Kahet ran away towards his room as tears burned in his eyes. Shutting his door with a lock on his keypad, he ran to his bed and flung himself onto it to cry. He was doing everything his parents had asked from him and he still didn't get to hold his brother or help his parents. It was always 'no, we can take care of it' or 'go play, don't worry' from them whenever he wanted to help. All he wanted was to play a part in Leitjin's life despite he didn't want to before and now it came back to bite him in the butt.

Why?, he thought as his chest hurt while he cried into his pillow. It's like they don't want me anymore.

"I do what they tell me and I still get nothing" he cried grimly. "I . . .If I'm a bother then . . .I'll leave."

He sat up and wiped his eyes quickly as he got off his bed and headed towards his play area. On the floor, there laid an information tablet about the Ade'k'ra that Sau'Nak had brought last week. Kahet grabbed it and tucked it under his arm as he went to put on his sandals quickly though he had a difficult time tying the straps. He really should've paid more attention towards learning to tie them. Shaking his thoughts, he walked over to his keypad and unlocked his door. It opened and he walked out quietly and tiptoed through the lonesome hallway as he pressed himself against the cold wall. As he came to each door, he made sure to pass them all without activating the sensors to open them. He guessed his mother stayed in her room so he walked through the main hall and entered the quiet main room. Running to the main entrance, he jumped up towards the high keypad to punch in the numbers his father had repeatedly used under his watch throughout the years and smiled triumphantly when it opened.

Kahet walked out nervously but felt thrilled at having his first taste of freedom without his parents supervision. He walked in the left direction to walk down the level until he reached the elevator shafts in about ten minutes. He waited for it to open and when it did, he got in unnoticed along with the other occupants getting inside. Luckily, someone pressed the lower level where the gardens of the Ade'k'ra were held and smiled when the doors snapped open. He pushed through the passengers quickly and stepped onto the floor of the current level filled with residents either heading to the gardens, library, or public bath chambers. This level was basically the recreation level of the ship and everyone came here at least once a week to relax whether you were young, old, hunters, non-hunters, or just plain bored.

I love coming here, he thought happily.

He walked towards his intended place in a proud stride as if he were a grown hunter already. He already knew the route to take there from his home and he'd been there so many times, it had been memorized into his brain like his home's security code. The place wasn't too far and he hoped none of his family members were there or he'd be in serious trouble. He paused for a minute and felt guilty for leaving without a word which went against everything his father had taught him but he shoved it away.

Too bad, maybe next time they'll care, he thought roguishly.

Continuing on his trek, he arrived soon and entered the lush and humid environment. The place had been modified to depict an actual garden from his homeworld so his people wouldn't forget or miss their planet as they traveled the stars. The ceiling resembled a holographic reddish-yellow sky while trees of varying sizes covered the expanse land. There were bushes and flora of many kinds throughout the area along with artificial creeks to give it a realistic look. Kahet's feet crunched underneath the forest green grass as he ran clumsily but happily towards one of the glass walls in the near distance. He took about two rest periods before reaching it and was instantly thirsty and looked around for water of some kind. Spotting a stream nearby, he ran to it and fell to his knees to cup some of the cold water into his hands and gulp it joyfully down his parched throat.

I'm so happy, he thought.

He fell onto his back and rested on the cool grass to relax while looking at the sky curiously. Unlike yautja onboard who saw according to the heat spectrum, Kahet had gotten his mother's genetics for sight and could see in the human spectrum of light. He loved to look at all the colors no one else took notice of much and purred in content. Eventually, he got up to walk around and smell the flowers near the area.

This is so much fun, he thought gleefully. Much better than being stuck in my room.

"Little one, are you lost?" he heard a female voice ask.

He turned around in surprise and stared at one of the gardeners that maintained the arboretum. The yellow robe and white gloves were an easy giveaway and he tried not to look nervous.

Think quick, he ordered his brain.

"No, I'm here to. . give this to my father" Kahet said, showing the tablet he carried. "He likes to relax here and I wanted to smell the flowers, they're nice."

"Thank you, young pup" she smiled and nodded to him. "You're sure you can find your way around, I could help you find him?"

"Um. .no, I. . .uh. .I can do it" he stuttered as his nerves began to crack. "It'll be quick."

"Are you sure you're not lost and lying about it?" she asked, raising a brow ridge in suspicion. "No pup is allowed without parental supervision, that's the rule."

"He's here, I'm not lying" he said quickly and scared at the same time. His parents would kill him if they found out or what if she took him away and he never saw them again.

No and I finally started to like Leitjin, he thought frantically.

"There you are!" a boy's voice popped out. Kahet turned to spot a boy a little older than him with reddish skin and brown mottles walk over from behind one of the trees. His loose black hair was held up in a ponytail while his gold eyes twinkled as he grinned.

"Me?" Kahet asked, pointing to himself unsurely.

"Do you know him?" the gardener asked, confused.

The boy wrapped an arm around Kahet's shoulder and nodded in affirmation, "Sure, he's my little brother. He's a nervous mess most of the time and takes forever to do his tasks. He's the lazy one in the family and a little slow."

I'm what?, Kahet thought in hysterics.

"Oh, well, I suppose your family is here then" she nodded and looked at the male. "Make sure you don't get lost."

The female left and the reddish pup watched until she was gone. He let go of Kahet who was confused and nervous all at the same time. Maybe coming here was a bad idea, now he was probably stuck with someone deranged!

"I'm not your brother, why'd you do that?" Kahet demanded while puzzled.

"You were obviously going to be in trouble and I gave you a hand" he said shrugging while giving him a sideways glance. "You are here alone, aren't you?"

"Yes" he said sourly and furrowed his brows, "Who are you? You're a stranger and I don't talk to strangers!"

"My name's Bakuub, son of Leader Nassor" he introduced himself and thumped his fist on his yellowish chest. "Who are you then? I can't talk to strangers I helped either."

"Kahet, son of Arbitrary Assistant Kantra" he said proudly. Then tilted his head, "Your father works with my grandfather, Leader Nak'Aru."

"See, now we can be friends" Bakuub smiled and waved him over. "My father's off somewhere in the gardens so we can play unless you have somewhere else to be."

"Nope" Kahet lied and followed him through the gardens. "How old are you?"

"6 and you?" he asked, curiously.

"I'm 4" he said, a little embarrassed. "I'm not a pushover though!"

"Neither am I, one day I'll be a powerful Warrior" Bakuub said, punching his fist through the air. "So, any friends nearby?"

"I don't really have any" Kahet said, embarrassed and depressed at the truth. "My cousins are who I play with. Most pups don't play with me since. .um. ."

"Since what?" Bakuub asked, curiously. Lifting a brow ridge, he said, "It can't be that bad. No one has no friends for no reason."

If I tell him, he'll run off, he thought. Or he could stay. I could give it a shot but. . .I'll do it!

"I'm a half-breed so pups like to play with the pure blooded only" Kahet said, trying to put on a brave front while he felt sad on the inside. "My parents try to keep me safe from harm so I don't have friends."

"Oh" he said, surprised. Kahet sighed and knew he was about to leave like the rest. "So you're the one I hear the parents talk about?"

Kahet nodded and was about to walk away to save himself the embarrassment when he heard him say, "Adults are buttheads. I'll be your friend, I don't have many anyway. My brother's much older and my sister's a girl so how about it?"

"Really? You're not going to laugh at me later on?" Kahet asked, wary.

"Nope and I'll protect you" Bakuub grinned and patted his head. "Besides, if they hit me and you, my father and your father will beat up their fathers."

My first real friend, he thought happily. Forget mother and father for now.

Kahet laughed at his joke and nodded, "All right! Let's play Hunters!"

"I love that game!" his new friend laughed enthusiastically. "We can use my sister, Eshin'Ga, as prey!"

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"He's awake, he's usually sleeping" Kantra laughed and purred to Leitjin. His son gurgled and watched his father. "I'm starving, where's the food?"

"I'm fixing it, don't worry" she smiled while arranging it.

"How's Kahet? I haven't seen him" he wondered and amused his son by moving his mandibles. "Usually, he's hugging my feet by now."

"He was really sad that he didn't get to bathe the baby" Iliana sighed sadly. "He cried in his room and I left him in order not to make it worse. He's really upset that he can't do anything with the baby. I waited until you came home since you're the one he listens to the most."

"Really? I thought it was you" he said in surprise and felt pleased. "He likes me better. Nice."

"We're not in competition" she scolded and pointed into the hall. "Go talk to him please."

He nodded and placed Leitjin into a small crib with wheels that Iliana used to place the baby in when she was busy. It was much easier than using a human stroller or leaving him in his sleeping crib. Kantra walked down the hall to his son's room in order to give him a father-son talk. The door opened and he walked in, expecting a yell from his son. He was used to it recently because of Leitjin.

"Kahet, I'm here to talk not lecture" he said, quickly.

He looked around the room and spotted no one within it. Looking around the room and inspecting the bed, he realized his son was nowhere inside it. He quickly looked under the bed and his toy chest, even behind the dresser but nothing. Warily, he walked out quickly and went back to Iliana.

"He's not in his room, are you sure he's there?" he told her and she turned around in surprise.

He has to be there, he hasn't left it, she thought.

"Yes, I haven't heard anything since he went there" she said, worried. "I stayed with Leitjin in our room until now. The other rooms are empty, Kantra."

"Kahet! Come out this instant!" he yelled after making sure Leitjin was not within hearing distance. "Kahet! Kahet!"

Silence greeted him and it did not ease his worry. Iliana entered the main room where he stood and looked at him fearfully.

"Where is he?! I thought he was here!" she said scared at not knowing where her son was. She was sure that he hadn't left his room within the last two hours. "How could I be so stupid to leave him? I just wanted to give him some time to cool off. Where could he be?"

Damn it, he thought. Where did he go?

Kantra squeezed her shoulders and shook his head, "If he's not here, he could be with the family. I'll go check."

"Please find him" she cried and pressed her cheek against his chest. "I should've taken better care of him-"

"Don't blame yourself, look after our suckling" he said firmly and cupped her chin. "I'll bring him back, Iliana."

He left quickly and she watched him leave in fear for not knowing where Kahet could be. A mother should know better, why did she leave him alone and unwatched? She couldn't believe she'd been so stupid to leave him unguarded. Wiping her eyes, she grabbed one of his toys and held it close to her heart.

"Please find him" she whispered to herself. "Don't let my little one get lost and wander where he shouldn't."

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End of Chapter 7. And here begins the journey of little rebellious Kahet. Thanks to my readers and reviewers, I'm glad you think it's cute and touching! I'm trying to go with the parents and children's viewpoint on how their lives work in their new society and changing roles.