Chapter 8: Outings

(Wolf's P.O.V.)

I was walking along the streets, and I made sure to stick to the main roads of the areas we were permitted in, and Tyler walked along my side. I did my best to make sure that he didn't see my goggles, since a crack had riddled them earlier from Krystal's outburst. I sighed as I looked at the many stores we were walking past, and Tyler spoke up, "Do you have any ideas for the diplomatic negotiations?"

"Yeah, but for now, I prefer to keep those ideas to myself." I looked at the ground as I did my best to word my next sentence carefully, "I'm also still making a few last adjustments to the final phrasing, and I'm sure this time it will work…"

From the reflection of the shop window, I could see Tyler nod as he looked at the store as well, and said, "Alright then. Do you think you can get them to accept it when we go back though? And how do you intend to solve their side of the negotiations?"

"I will counter whatever they… have to say to the best of my abilities. I think we… should head back now…" I said, as I clutched my sides in between the pauses I had made. I tasted copper in my breath, but I just swallowed while I turned around. Tyler seemed to hesitate as he continued to look at the shop window, and I put more attention into my surroundings, and noticed it was a café of sorts. "Do you have the… money we were granted?"

He quickly faced me as he said, "Oh course, what do you need?"

Chuckling, I motioned at the shop and said, "Go ahead and grab a bite… I can walk back alone. I will be safe… I want you to try some local food while I handle the diplomacy."

Tyler was looking at the store, but when he turned towards me, he asked, "What happened to your goggles?"

Well… he was bound to discover that sometime… "I tripped, and when I hit the ground, it popped out of place… then I broke them as I tried to put it back into its place. Anyways, are you going to get something to eat?"

His eyes kept shifting between me and the store, and he groaned silently as he asked, "You won't tell the general about this will you?"

"Not as long as you don't." I replied, and I saw a nervous grin cross his face, and then he turned around and entered the shop. I smiled beneath my helmet as I shook my head, and turned back down the road, and started walking. When I get back, I just hope Krystal hasn't told her parents yet, and she isn't there when I arrive. Such a sad fact that the one and only person I had wanted to see again, is now the last person I wish to see…

What was that!? I looked down an alleyway, and looked down it, swearing I had just saw something that was huge and in the shadows. I felt like reaching for my gun, but I didn't want to cuase a scene, even if whatever I saw raised the hairs on my neck. Shrugging, I turned back forward, and continued back to the Governors home.

-In The Same Alleyway-

(Garit's P.O.V.)

I didn't bother hiding the sinister chuckle that had been in my throat. The human has keen senses if he detected me that fast, but his senses aren't keen enough, or he would have known better than to leave his weapon harnessed while I'm around. I stood up from my concealed position, and I stood at my full height of eight feet, and I moved away from next to the wall. His foolish mind probably mistook me for a mere shadow… common, but fatal, mistake…

(Wolf's P.O.V.)

I handed my gun over to the guard waiting outside the door, and when he took it, the other opened the doors and let me inside. Looking around, I saw only the Governor and the armored guards, and I bowed slightly as I said, "Greetings sir, I'm ready to begin negotiations."

He nodded as he waved his hand and asked, "What are your terms?"

I clasped my hands behind my back as I said, "All I'm requesting is blueprints to advances in your world's technology, but for every scenario, I have a different offer." This caused the Governor to frown, but he also nodded.

"My counter-proposal is that you allow a dozen or so of our people to attend your schools and work places to see how compatible our two planets are." The governor said. This internally made me flinch. Letting my head tilt forward slightly, I said, "Sir, the main reason why my government hasn't allowed us to accept this proposal, is we aren't a unified planet, and if it showed we had contacted an alien race, trouble wouldn't be that far away, and we don't wish to endanger any of your civilians…"

Worst thing is… my government is just too cheap to accept something as menial as that… they would probably need something smaller to even consider letting the Cerinians get something beneficial… HAHA, maybe just like in medieval times, a marriage to keep the two at piece… "The Cerinians I would choose would accept this task, no matter the risks… but I take it you have another proposal?" the Governor said as he leaned back into his chair.

If this was before Krystal hated humans… I would probably ask for her hand in marriage. HA, big fat chance of that happening now, bet she would kill me now for even considering that… actually, where is she by the way? "Yes, what if we only take a few weapons and vehicles so we can try to reverse engineer the technology ourselves then?" I asked.

"If we did that, we would need to see your technology as well, so we could see how much more advanced we would be making your sole government."

I sighed beneath my helmet, and I said, "For that, I would need to check back with my government, and see if they would authorize a deal like that."

Just then, Krystal walked into the room, with her staff in hand, and when she closed the door, even her father looked over. Almost instantly, I began to throw my barriers up, and this caused a small, yet sad, frown to appear on her muzzle. "I have my own proposal for your government now…"

Making sure to keep my barrier up, I began to think to myself, this can't possibly be good, not if she is getting in on the negotiations…

"We will give you all our blueprints for our current weapons, in exchange for a single life changing decision…" She said as she sat down next to her father. I clutched my side momentarily as it throbbed dimly, and I asked, "And what would that be, Lady Krystal?"

Tyler walked into the room as soon as I finished my question, and he was holding a bag of some sorts when I looked over my shoulder. I nodded to him, and he smiled as he nodded back to me, and Krystal cleared her throat, grabbing both of our attentions immediately. "In return for giving your government the technology it wants; the current diplomat, or another human by the name of Wolf, must marry me for life."

WHAT!? I coughed beneath my helmet as I stepped back a few steps, and I saw a faint blush across her cheeks from where I was standing, even with my goggles on.

The Governor's head shot towards her as his muzzle dropped, and I looked over my shoulder and saw that Tyler was stiff with shock as his eyes kept shooting between me and Krystal. I cleared my throat as I asked, "Why would you wish to marry another human by the name of Wolf?"

"He was there when my family and I needed him most… he saved my life, shared my first kiss, along with protecting Cerinia…" She stated as she continued to stare at me. "I also know that as the current Diplomat of Earth, you so happen to be Wolf."

Now it was the guards stationed around the room that looked at me with shocked disbelief. I felt my head sag as I looked down at the floor, and I heard Tyler curse suddenly, "Fuck!"

Without even turning my head, I said audibly enough for him to hear, which meant the others could hear as well, "My thoughts exactly…" looking back at Tyler, I asked, "Can I take the helmet off now that she knows?"

"Yeah, sure… we're both screwed anyways…" he said as he held his head in his open hand.

Grabbing the lip of my helmet, I raised it up and over my head, and I held it in my hand as I took a deep breath and asked, "Why would you marry someone you don't even know yet?"

"There is a dance later tonight around seven… I intend to participate in it, with you as my partner." She said as she walked up to me. When she was three feet away, she added, "And from what I dug up from your handler, you still have six days to get to know me better." She then looked over at Tyler, "While we are at the dance, you can send that report to your leaders."

I looked back at Tyler and frowned as I said, "I warned you that she had telepathy, yet you didn't try to mask your thoughts?"

"In my defense, I thought I was…" Tyler said as he crossed his arms. Krystal spoke up next, "Do not be ashamed… Wolf's resistance to my telepathy was highly surprising…"

Looking back forward, I looked at Krystal as I asked, "First you whack me with your staff, then you keep sending me death glares, and after all that you freeze me somehow… and now you want to go to a dance with me… I'm not sure if I'm happy or worried."

She frowned as she took another step forward, shrinking the distance between us, and she said quietly, "So you are telling me, it would be better if my family had died during the attack?"

"I didn't say that!" I shouted as I stepped back in shock, but then I added, "When I was here, you didn't even know what a human was. Now you hate them, and I don't need to be a telepath to know that."

Tyler coughed from behind me, and he said, "I believe enough has been discussed for now… we should head back to our room to sort through it all."

Krystal smiled up at me as I swallowed thickly, and she bowed her head as she batted her eyelashes, causing me to shift uncomfortably. She continued to look into my eyes as she said, "Yes, you two go do that… I will be going to get ready, report back to my father when you reach your decision."

With that said, she turned around, and walked away, leaving Tyler and I in a stunned silence, and I broke it by turning around, and walking for the doors. I swallowed again as I heard Tyler begin walking behind me, and my head was swimming in a bowl of syrup, She's taking me on a date… and she knows as well as I, I cannot decline as my duty of diplomat…

…

"Tyler, I say again, I did not tell her!" I said as Tyler once again asked me a repeated question.

He was in a chair as he leaned back and was typing on a laptop I didn't notice before. He stopped typing either way as he turned around in his seat with a solemn look, "You still know though, that now that she knows who you are, we only have two options left… neither one you will like."

I waved my hand, and he continued, "The first option is we are forced to leave Cerinia due to a… mishap. And the second one, you marry the blue girl…"

When he said that, I felt another wave roil through my head as I looked at the holographic clock; it read in big bold blue 6:45 P.M.After I saw the time, I asked, "Should I just wear this when I go?"

Tyler began to laugh as he looked at me, and he said, "I suggest you keep everything, except the helmet… I would say the rifle, but you will need the protection… I'm not authorized to go to any social gatherings unless required by the Governor."

I sighed as I stood up, and walked over to the washroom, grabbing my toothbrush, and flicking off Tyler as he continued to laugh…

…

(Tyler's P.O.V.)

Glancing at the clock beside me, I saw it read five 'till seven and I looked back at my laptop as I finished reading over the final touches of my letter to the General.

General Sir,

Wolf has made progress better than I would have expected from a child of his age and lack of expierence in the diplomatic field. I must report however, that we failed to keep his identity from Krystal, who happens to have the skill asset of being a telepath. We had trouble a few times during our earlier hours on the planet, but they were resolved quickly and effectively enough to maintain a diplomatic atmosphere. Today's negotiations carried on how they would've been expected to, but instead of sending Cerinians to live on Earth, the daughter of the Governor, Krystal, decided to make a deal that was stunning, but also a curious one at best. She requested that our diplomat, or another human by the name Wolf, marries her, in exchange for blueprints of all the weapons they currently use. I myself would like to personally advise against this deal since we would be leaving one of our own on Cerinia, permanently, as well as him still having his life ahead of him. I will be awaiting your response in due time to finalize, or find another negotiation sir.

Handler Tyler Seal.

I sighed as I fixed a few mistakes in it, and looked over just as the door opened, and I couldn't help but let out the low whistle that emitted from my lips as I beheld a sight to see. Krystal was standing in the hallway, with a Tiara on her head, with a silver necklace around her neck. She was wearing a silver dress that seemed to sparkle in the lighting of the room, but she asked, "Where is the diplomat?"

"He's in the washroom currently…" I said as I looked back forward, and clicked the send button, and the email was whisked away. I leaned my head back as I brought my hands to my face, and let out a huff of air as I heard Wolf finally exit the washroom. "Enjoy your date kid." I said as I chuckled…

"Oh, Thanks for reminding me Tyler, but you also have a date to attend. It is a test to see if other humans, not just Wolf, can be mixed in with Cerinians with a romantic scene…" I snapped my head towards Krystal as she said this, and I felt my jaw slacken as my heart quickened and my throat grew dry. She smiled over at me as I asked, "You selected someone to go on a date with me!?"

"More of go to dinner… and don't say you already have a girlfriend or are married." Krystal said.

For the first time in many years, I felt my cheeks heat up as I recoiled slightly, Stop reading my THOUGHTS! That's not fair… "Who is the lucky lady then…?" I asked as sarcasm dripped from my words.

Oh my… A tall female husky walked from around the corner in what I could surmise as regular attire, but she seemed embarrassed as she hid her hands behind her back. her fur was all grew mixed with white, and her eyes glowed with a silver light as well, but they weren't facing me, rather than Krystal. "When I said I wanted a date as well, I didn't mean with a human…"

"Enjoy your date Tyler…" I looked over with my mouth agape as Wolf began to chuckle. Why you little…

(Wolf's P.O.V.)

We were outside a large building with flashy lights along a sign than was in that written language the Cerinians used. I sighed as I looked over at Krystal, and I saw her look at me with a smile as she said, "I know we didn't exactly start our weeks off on a good foot, so let this be my apology to you…"

Rubbing my side, I said, "You should remember, that was the exact spot I was shot in when I was trying to protect your family…"

Krystal reached out and grabbed my hand forcefully, and she frowned slightly as she said, "Then do it for me… how you would've when we first met… sort of like a continuation…"

I frowned as she began to pull me by my hand, It's not like I really have much of a choice here…

My heart nearly stopped when I felt her lips make contact with my cheek, and I glanced over as her hand tightened along my own. When her cheeks were gone, I looked over, and she said, "I can make this a horrible night if you would like. I can treat you like Wolf, or I can treat you like a cold and inconsiderate diplomat."

As we stepped into the building, I looked around, and saw it was dark with lights flashing around the giant room. Krystal pulled my hand until we were on the dance floor, and as soon as we stepped onto it, the main song ended. I looked over just as a bright beam of light shone on what I could assume was a DJ booth of some kind, and he picked up a mike, "This next song is for all those love birds out there!"

"Oh, I guess we gotta go sit do- OW!" My foot was the target for Krystal's heel as she said, "Now you're acting like that cold diplomat…"

I sighed as I moved my toes around, and I wrapped an arm around her waist while I continued to hold her hand, "Fine then… feel free to lead this dance…"

Krystal smiled as she wrapped her other hand around my neck, and pulled me closer as she began to move to the slow beating music. It was quiet, yet the music felt like it was playing from within me; a song that resonated and amplified from within the many people left on the dance floor. I heard Krystal sigh softly as she leaned her head against my chest as she pulled her hand tighter around my neck. Why have you grown to hate me so much…?

After I let her hear that thought, she looked up at me as she rested her chin against my chest, and said, "I don't hate you… in fact, you're the only reason I tolerated the other human ambassadors, diplomats, or peacekeepers. I even keep that picture you gave me in my pocket at all times…"

For the first time, I let a genuine smile actually cross my face while looking at her, and I said, "And I carry your locket…"

She giggled quietly as she leaned upwards, and whispered quietly, "Then perhaps we have a chance if you marry me. We both kept each other close when we could."

Sighing, I moved sideways and held onto Krystal as I said, "A human wolf with a Cerinian fox… I didn't know that was a good combination." I looked out and over the dance floor, and I couldn't help but chuckle as I shivered, and said, "And that really is a big wolf…"

I felt Krystal take her head off of my chest as she looked over, and she instantly tensed when her head stopped moving, and she said in a fearful voice, "We need to get out of here… now!"

FLICK!

The lights snapped off, and I heard Krystal gasp as she pressed tightly into my body as she began to shake violently. What is wrong?

I felt her mind envelope my own, and I instantly remembered, or was given the memory, of a giant wolf in full body armor… a grim reaper of the night. It was then that I myself remembered the wolf I had seen when I had almost been killed my previous fight on Cerinia. He is the true leader of the rebels… his name is Garit.

Grabbing Krystal's hands, I got low and began to walk towards where I think the entrance was, and I heard many of the patrons gasp, and a few females shriek as I brushed too closely to their tails, but I had a sole mission to do.

"Human diplomat of the planet Earth, you are ordered to surrender yourself to the rebels, along with Princess Krystal!" A loud and commanding voice shouted out.

Keep following me; I won't let you get hurt. The lights all snapped on, and I saw the entranceway directly in front of us, just a mere five feet away, but then I heard a chilling sound. BZAPPP! "AAHHH!"

I stood up and looked back as someone cried out in pain. Run for the entrance, I got your back. Sliding my rifle off my back, I shouted, "Over here you overgrown canine!"

When the wolf looked at me, I saw a sinister smirk across his muzzle as he raised his gun at me, and I nearly fainted. He was holding a gun that was easily bigger than me. BZAPPP! I ducked and rolled to the side just as a huge bolt soared over me and caused a small fire on the wall. I turned and ran out the doors, and heard him yell, "GET HIM!"

As I got outside, I saw another canine of some sort holding a gun at Krystal, and I instantly raised my gun and pulled off a quick burst that bloodied his entire arm. He fell to the ground as he began to yell in pain, and Krystal flinched, but I ran over and grabbed her arms as I looked over her. "Are you alright… are you ok!?"

I heard shouting from inside the club, so I opted to just pick her up, bridle style, and I began to run as fast as I could…

(Tyler's P.O.V.)

Crack crack crack! I looked away from Samantha and down the street. I shook it off as being just firecrackers or something. When I looked back into Samantha's silver eyes, she asked, "So, what do you think of Cerinia?"

"I didn't know it would be so amazing, and it probably wouldn't have if hadn't been you leading me…" I said which made her blush faintly as she looked away. Aside from them looking like animals, they seem just like any other person would act. I looked back forward, but I almost jumped out of my skin when I felt a tongue lick the side of my cheek. When I looked over, I saw Samantha looking away from me with her muzzle covered. Her ears were straight forward as she said, "I'm sorry, I don't usually kiss those I just met…"

"That was a kiss?" I asked as I rubbed my cheek, which now had dog slobber on it. Kiss just like dogs too… to strange. She nodded slightly, and I said as I wiped my hand along my jacket, "I guess humans kiss differently than Cerinians…"

At this, Samantha looked back towards me as she asked, "How do humans kiss?"

"We kiss with our lips instead of our tongues. Sort of… like this." I said as I leaned forward, and planted my lips along hers. I meant to keep it brief, but I saw the shock stenciled across her face, and I don't know if it was instinctive or she was planning on it, but I felt her tongue roll into my mouth. Oh gawd! I pulled away, and as soon as I did, she looked away from me, and I was grateful for that. I gagged as I felt myself lean forward, and I swore I felt like my stomach was about to turn itself inside out. I gathered up the spit on my tongue, and spit it out quietly as I stood back up. I put my boot on top of the spittle just as she turned around, and she said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that."

Doing my best to smile, I waved my hand as I said, "It was ok… real-" I was cut off as I saw down the street a familiar figure run around a corner. "…Wolf…?"

He set a figure down behind the street corner, unslung his rifle, and started to fire down the street he had just come from. Before I could begin to walk towards him, I saw a large red bolt of some kind blaze down the road, and it burned a hole in the glass shop behind Wolf. I looked at Samantha as she turned and looked, and I said, "Get back to the Governor or even the gate guards, and tell them we need help. We will hold this position." I ran down the street as I unslung my own rifle, and pulled out a hidden grenade from under my belt…