Hello there! Hope you are all enjoying the story so far, I've been having some trouble with what should occur next, hopefully this won't be a mindless filler chapter, though a lot of my chapters are probably like that ^_^; I heard Twilight New Moon is coming on dvd soon and I am so freaking excited, but of course by the time you are reading this it will probably already have been out for a little while. Yes I have also noticed that my grammar is off but bare with me please lol anyway, here is the sixth chapter enjoy!
The Way We Used To Be
It had only been a month although it had felt like much longer. A month since they devoted themselves to acting like they were obedient to get on Kasakabi's good side. It had definitely been rough, but Joey and Seto had gotten stronger along the way. Joey could turn into his wolf form whenever he wanted and could control himself, but he still had trouble being aggressive. That led to Isa continuing her journey to find the perfect balance in his injection. It was almost complete but some side effects needed to be taken care of. Since Seto had been cooperating, Kasakabi hadn't touched Joey since, in that way anyway. There were still times when the doctor was aggressive, but that was to be expected. As Joey had predicted it was interesting to see Seto trying to not retaliate. He still remained rightfully protective of Joey though, that much he was forgiven for. Unfortunately Seto and Joey had a lot of spare time on their hands but not many places to go. Kasakabi didn't trust them enough to let them wander outside as they pleased, but had them accompanied by Zeke or sometimes a guard. He rarely let them go outside even with someone. Today was a special event though. Kasakabi had stopped by their cell earlier and told them that today he was going to show them something.
"Hello Seto, Joey. Kasakabi sent me to get you two, he says he wants to show you something." Seto sighed and bent the side of the page of the book he was reading.
"Your timing is horrible Zeke do you know that?" Zeke smirked and laughed.
"Yea well you know how much I love annoying you." Joey rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Any idea what it is he wants to show us?"
"Not a clue, he seemed very excited about it though."
"Well let's not keep him waiting then." Joey said as he jumped off the bed and stretched. Seto grunted and eventually stood up with a disappointed look on his face.
"You're really engrossed in that book aren't you?" Zeke asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well it's not like there's much else to do now is there?"
"He's used to doin paperwork and business stuff all the time, don't mind him." Joey said and he waved a hand dismissively.
"Before I found you yes I was." Joey grinned.
"Nope, even after ya found me ya had to bring paperwork home." Seto grumbled and Joey laughed while he put two hands behind his head as he walked. Indeed Joey's attitude had improved quite a bit in the last month. He seemed a bit more carefree now, but still had his submissive moments. Zeke led them to the holding area and they walked down the narrow hallway that veered to the right. It continued for about a hundred feet before a small staircase appeared that led to what seemed like a sub-basement. Ok, make that a sub military hangar. Seto and Joey's eyes widened as they looked around the huge area. In the middle of it was what looked to be a huge computer with a forty-inch screen. Right next to the computer, they didn't even know what it was. It was some sort of gigantic machine with all sorts of levers and buttons on one side. It was under a part of the ceiling that opened a small amount, but it didn't directly open to the surface. There seemed to be a reinforced tunnel that went to the surface.
"Wow." That one word that came from Zeke's mouth pretty much summed it up for everyone. Kasakabi appeared from behind the computer with a look of accomplishment on his face.
"Amazing is it not? It's taken quite some time but it is almost finished."
"What is it?" Kasakabi turned to Zeke and smiled.
"So glad you asked. This is the Doomsday device." (1)
"So this is it huh? You sure it's going to work?"
"I'm insulted that you would question it Zeke." He feigned a hurt look but grinned.
"Pretty soon, humanity will be all but lost. That is why, I am entrusting the two of you to collect more specimens for me both human and animal alike. You will be accompanied by guards as some of these animals will require restraint." He looked at a map on a nearby wall that looked to be of the area they were in, unfortunately the text of their whereabouts were blocked by another piece of paper.
"It has also come to my attention that there have been some government cockroaches patrolling the area. We cant have that now can we?" He scratched his chin before he suddenly smiled and he looked at Zeke.
"How do you feel about going on a road trip my friend?"
"It would be nice to get out for a bit, how long a trip are we talking here?"
"Let's just say you'll be sleeping in the vans." Zeke clasped his hands together and grinned eagerly.
"Now that's what I'm talking about, when will we be going?"
"Early tomorrow morning, before it gets too hot."
"Perfect. I'll gather the supplies." Zeke went back up the stairs leaving Joey and Seto staring around the room awkwardly.
"I will give the two of you a list of the animals we will be needing samples from, I will also give you the locations of the government agents."
"Nile crocodile, cheetah, lion, spotted hyena and plains zebra." Seto read every animal aloud and his eyes narrowed.
"Am I correct to assume we are in Africa then?"
"Correct, we are in Namibia in the Kalahari Desert. You will be traveling to Botswana to The Okavango delta."
"Aww man, I hate the heat." Joey whined and sighed. Seto patted his back.
"You'll live."
"Just get a good night's rest and pack yourselves a pair of clothing, it shouldn't take very long." Joey looked back at the giant machine and walked up to it, he lightly poked it and looked at Kasakabi in confusion.
"How is this thing supposed to work anyway?"
"Well, it's a little complicated. It's basically an atomic bomb, just a bigger one that will effect a much larger portion of earth. The energy released will be equivalent to almost twenty-five kilotons of TNT. The energy needed from the tank to launch this bomb was thought to be impossible but apparently they figured something out."
"This one bomb is going to kill everyone?"
"No, I have multiple launching sites. They have gone undetected for years so far. After the initial launch we will have to wait until the "black rain" has stopped." (2) Joey had to refrain himself from glaring at the doctor, he couldn't believe they were going to let this happen. So many people were going to die.
"I will fill you in on the details later, right now you should be going back. I believe it's almost time for dinner." He said looking at his wristwatch. Seto had to grab Joey's hand and gently pulled him along. He kept glancing back at Joey as they made their way through the hall and back up the stairs to the cell.
"You ok?" Joey looked up at Seto and smiled sadly.
"It's just hard to believe ya know? First all this DNA stuff and now this maniac wants to kill everyone?"
"It is a cliché." Seto's attempt at making Joey laugh was a half success, he laughed but tears built up in his eyes. He took Joey's hand and led him to the bed where they sat down together.
"It is quite unbelievable, but it's happening. We have Kasakabi's trust and even if it's not all of it that's still enough for him to slip up."
"He knows were going to try I think."
"Then why would he be letting us go outside?"
"Maybe he knows we aren't gonna try this time, he seems to know us and our behavior and what not pretty well now."
"We'll enjoy the freedom we will have during this retrieval. Unfortunately we are a great deal away from home, but we'll find a way. We always do." Joey smiled lightly and put his head on Seto's shoulders. Seto turned his head to give Joey a kiss on the forehead.
Ruuumble
"…"
"I'm hungry…."
"Yes I noticed." Joey lifted his head and sniffed the air, his eyes widened and he grinned.
"Dinner smells good I can't wait. I wonder what Zeke will cook on the trip."
"Who knows." Seto's disinterest was evident and he lay down on the bed to continue reading his book. Joey pouted.
"Setoooo." Nothing. He poked the brunette in the side and smirked as his body tensed.
"Seeeeetoooooo." Still nothing. Seto had relaxed his body once again, thinking the blonde was done with whatever he was trying to do. A sudden sharp pain in his neck made him yelp and drop his book. He turned to glare at Joey, who was grinning like a mad man.
"Setooooooooooooo!"
"What! What do you want?" Joey lips covered his own in a silent answer. It was a quick kiss but when Joey pulled away Seto grabbed his shirt and pulled him back down. The kiss became deeper and more affectionate as time went by. Joey straddled Seto's waist and lightly grinded his hips into Seto's, making him moan into the kiss. They pulled away slowly, staring into each other's eyes asking a silent question. Joey crawled off of Seto and began walking to the bathroom, he turned to smile a Seto while swaying his hips as he walked. He giggled as Seto wrapped his arms around him and began nibbling his neck, the two of them disappearing into the bathroom. A few minutes later Zeke came up the stairs carrying food trays.
"Okay guys dinner is-" He glanced around the cell curiously. The sink being turned on relieved his worries, the door didn't have to be locked anymore but they still had to be supervised when they walked around. He was about to exit the cell when a particularly loud moan made him stop in his tracks. Curious, he walked to the door and put his ear against it.
"Ahh Seto please!"
A slight pause.
"Please what?"
A whimper and another moan.
"Please more!"
Zeke's eyes widened as a large blush spread across his face. He gulped and blinked as he felt something trickling down his nose. He jumped in surprise as Joey moaned really loudly this time.
'Oh god, Seto would kill me. I should go.' Another moan this time from Seto made him quicken his pace as he almost jogged out of the cell. He saw Isa walking up the stairs and gulped. When she saw his red face she looked at him curiously.
"Zeke are you ok? Your face is really red." He mutely nodded and grabbed her arm, dragging her with him down the stairs.
"Zeke! What are you doing I have to give them something!" Zeke's blush darkened and he shook his head.
"You don't want to go up there right now, trust me."
_ _ _ _
Seto collapsed heavily against Joey's bare chest, gulping for air as sweat poured off both their bodies. The bathroom wasn't large but the shower had had enough space for them and their, activities. Seto leaned his head down and kissed the tip of Joey's nose. The blonde's eyes slowly opened and he lazily smiled at Seto and lightly kissed his lips.
"Tired now pup?" He lightly teased. A smack on the arm was the response he got.
"Shut up." A blush graced Joey's face and he looked to the side.
"Mm we should take a shower now pup." Joey nodded and Seto gave him a hand up and the other took it. Seto turned on the shower and when the water got hot he put his arms around Joey's waist and gave his neck a love bite.
"Setooo!" Joey whined as Seto's hand went a little too far down.
"Care for another round pup?" He easily caught Joey as the blonde jumped on him and wrapped his legs around his waist.
_ _ _ _
"I better not be sore tomorrow." Joey grumbled as they walked out of the bathroom with towels around their waists.
"You could always ask for some ice." Seto walked up behind him and swiftly smacked the blonde's ass. Joey yelped and a blush spread across his face, making his glare a lot less effective than it already would have been.
"You love it." Seto smirked as Joey's blush spread and he walked away grumbling. As they got dressed Akim came up the stairs, Seto glared as he noticed Akim stared at Joey. Joey of course had no idea he was being looked at as he collapsed onto the bed.
"Need something?" Akim snapped his gaze to Seto.
"Miss Isa has requested that I escort you to the infirmary immediately." Seto walked to Joey and gently nudged him.
"We have to go see Isa pup." Joey groaned and rolled onto his stomach, bringing the pillow over his head.
"But I'm tired Seto!" He grabbed the pillow from Joey and whacked him on the head with it.
"Come on lazy ass." Joey peeked his head out from under his arms and grinned.
"But you love my ass, right?" Seto smacked him on the head again and began walking out of the cell with a scowl and blush. Joey giggled as he pulled on a shirt and chased after Seto, leaving Akim slightly flustered and looking at them with a curious gaze.
"Hey Seto wait up!"
"Don't touch me!"
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
"Really?" Joey looked at Isa with a questioning glance.
"Yes. It's like what you had in your neck before Joey, except it is an improved chip. You won't be needing those collars anymore." Isa undid Seto's collar and smiled as he sighed.
"That's better." She did the same to Joey's and he rolled his neck with a loud crack.
"The injection will hurt a little but it'll be quick, so who wants to go first then?" Joey sweat dropped and brought his hands up.
"Ah, Seto will go first, wont ya?" He lightly shoved Seto closer to Isa and scooted to the back of the room grinning nervously. Isa looked at Seto in confusion.
"He hates needles."
"Ah I see. Well then, please lie on your stomach Seto." Seto lay on his back and cringed as his sensitive nose picked up the strong scent of the alcohol swab on his neck.
"Ready?" Seto grunted and nodded. He couldn't help but cringe as the needle went in deep. He could almost feel the small chip going into his neck.
"All done! Okay Joey your turn."
"…"
"Joey?" Seto growled and walked briskly towards Joey, who stood in the corner ignoring them as if his life depended on it.
"It'll be over in a second get over here you wimp!" He grabbed Joey by the back of the shirt and the blonde tried in vain to flail out of his grasp.
"But Seto I don't wanna!"
"Too bad, it only hurts for a second anyway."
"Setooo!"
"Just lie still idiot!" Isa sweat dropped and moved to stand next to Joey. She put her hand on his shoulder.
"If you want I could give you a slight numbing injection?" Seto glared at her.
"No just do it, he's being a baby." She blinked and looked at Joey who had his eyes squeezed shut. She rubbed the alcohol on his neck and hesitantly picked up the needle.
"Ready Joey?" He nodded and squeezed his eyes shut again, Seto ran a hand through his hair to comfort him.
"You're done Joey." He opened his eyes and blinked in confusion.
"See you were being a baby."
"But Seto needles are supposed to hurt!"
"Maybe you've developed a thicker skin?" Joey grinned and sat up.
"Well I ain't gonna complain." He stretched his arms above his head.
Groooowl
"…"
"Seto I'm-"
"Hungry, I know." Isa could barely contain her laughter as Joey sheepishly smiled and rubbed his stomach.
"Zeke was supposed to drop off your dinner a bit ago, I'll remind him in a minute. You guys can go on back now. There might be some soreness at the injection site later."
"Thank you Isa." Joey looped his arm around Seto's and grinned as they walked back to the cell. At the top of the stairs Zeke was waiting for them, trays in hand and a small blush on his face.
"Oh yea food I'm starving!"
"You're always hungry."
"Why do you always hafta tease me?"
"You make it too easy."
"You guys are like a married couple, do you know that?" Joey blushed and Seto glared at him.
"Well here's dinner. I also want to explain what's going to be happening tomorrow night, protocol and all that."
"We are going to be leaving at exactly six breakfast will be served at five. Unless the government gives us any trouble this will be a pretty quick trip lasting two days at the most. I have already gathered all the supplies for flash freezing the DNA. Isa also gave me these." Zeke took out four injections out of the duffel bag.
"These are the injections Isa came up with for Joey. She said the side effects are now gone."
"Great, more needles." He sighed and Seto rubbed his back.
"What kind of trouble?"
"As Kasakabi said government have been seen walking around the area, if we don't steer them away from the area or get rid of them, we will be discovered."
"Kasakabi said that they didn't know about this though."
"They don't, but their suspicious. I trust Isa told you about her past? Kasakabi's as well? He disappeared before he could get caught, they know he's alive somewhere. We have to tread carefully."
"Well I suppose that's all I should inform you of, enjoy your dinner and get a good sleep." As Zeke walked out of the room Joey sighed.
"Well at least we get to go out, can't wait to get some fresh air!"
"It is getting stuffy down here isn't it?" Joey nodded and laid back on the bed as he finished his meal.
"Wish we didn't have to leave so damn early though." He muttered and closed his eyes.
"I'd think you would be used to getting up early by now."
"Yea well getting up at nine is one thing but five? That's way too early."
"You'll live."
"Love you too, cranky pants." Seto smirked and made his way towards the bed. Joey let out a surprised yelp as Seto straddled him.
"Anything I can do to make you feel better?" He whispered seductively and nipped the blonde's earlobe. Joey whimpered and bucked his hips as Seto's hand rubbed against him.
"We just took a shower ya know." Seto lifted his shirt off and began to pull Joey's off.
"I'm willing to take another one."
"Ahhh Seto! If were gonna do this we should go to the bathroom." Seto nipped Joey's nipple and gently sucked it, making Joey writhe under him.
"The possibility of being caught is a turn on." Joey blushed and looked around nervously, but moaned loudly as Seto reached into his pants and rubbed his arousal.
"You know if you're going to do that you might want to go where others won't see you." Joey yelped and pushed Seto off the bed as his face flushed bright red. His blush only deepened upon seeing the new face. He looked to be a little shorter than Joey and had feminine curves. He wore tight dark gray jeans that had rips on the knees. He had on a white wife beater that had been cut so his stomach was showing. On his left side close to his hip was a tattoo of a black Egyptian cat. He couldn't have been more than eighteen and his voice was gentle and sort of high pitched. The boy smiled and put his hands on his hips.
"Whatchya staring at?" Joey blushed and looked away, making the boy giggle.
"My name is Damon, pleasure to meet you." Damon moved closer to them and into the cell, giving them a better view of him. His shoulder length hair was platinum blonde and unruly and spiky. His eyes were a light blue and the pupils were slitted, upon closer inspection his nails were sharp giving them a claw like appearance. Joey had to do a double take as a black and white tiger like tail rose over Damon's head and the tip wiggled around.
"How come we've never seen you around?" Damon grinned and skipped over to Seto, his tail wrapped around the brunette's wrist.
"I sleep a lot, I like to stay in one place for a while. I smelled something different so I came out to see." Seto carefully uncurled the appendage from his wrist and tossed Joey his shirt while he proceeded to put his on.
"You could have just left us alone you know." Seto muttered and sat on the bed. Damon chuckled and shook his head.
"Afraid not, Kasakabi's going to be paying you a visit in a couple of minutes. Figured I'd spare you the embarrassment." Seto raised an eyebrow.
"As if you seeing is any less embarrassing."
"Aww come on I'm harmless, not like there's nothing you have that I haven't seen before." He leapt over to Joey and wrapped his arms around his neck.
"Though you'd better keep a closer eye on your boyfriend here, he's a cutie." He tickled Joey's chin causing him to blush even more, if that was even possible. Seto growled and before anyone could blink, Damon was thrown outside the cell. He hopped back on his feet and brought his hands up.
"Hey I mean no harm friend, just being friendly."
"A little too friendly." Damon shrugged and his tail wiggled behind him.
"It's fine Seto, if I had a choice I would rather him see than Kasakabi. Besides it's not like we were naked ya know?" Seto snorted and continued to glare at Damon, who slinked back into the cell and jumped onto the mattress perching on it.
"So when did you guys get here?"
"I think it's been a little over a month." Damon looked at them in surprise.
"Really? I didn't even notice you guys until late last night."
"How about you? How long have you been here?" Damon seemed to think for a minute before shrugging. He stood on the bed and did a back flip onto the top of the bookcase that was next to the bed and sat down.
"It's definitely been a long time, I don't even remember."
"I see you two have met Damon." All of them turned their heads to look at Kasakabi as he stood at the door of the cell. He frowned at Damon, who grinned and waved.
"How did you get out Damon? I thought Akim was supposed to keep an eye on you." Damon rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"Akim is so boring and serious, I left while he was eating. I came to check out the fresh meat, I'd much rather be in their company."
"If you wanted out you could have just asked me."
"The last time I told Akim to ask you if I could come out he said, and I quote, "too bad I'm busy." He never asks you when I tell him to." Kasakabi sighed.
"Alright then, every now and then I will stop by and ask you myself. How does that sound?"
"Sounds great! Oh! Can you tell Zeke to come up here?" Kasakabi's lips twitched upright into a faint smile, silent laughter behind his eyes.
"I will."
"Sweet! Don't tell him I'm here though." The doctor waved a hand in the air as he walked away.
"No worries, your presence will be unknown to him." Damon pumped a hand into the air and laughed. He turned to Seto and grinned.
"You guys have seen Zeke right? Nice hunk of meat he is, all those muscles." Seto rolled his eyes and Joey smirked, he went over to Seto and wrapped his arms around his waist.
"Not as sexy as my Seto." Damon clapped his hands together and gleefully smiled.
"Oooh shall we make this fun? Let's have a contest!" Seto's eyes widened and he growled.
"I will not take part in anything either of you come up with."
"Oh you're spunky, you must be the seme during relations am I right?" Seto blushed and growled while Joey giggled. Suddenly, Damon's ears perked up and is tail twitched, he grinned and held a finger to his mouth as he hid behind the desk near the door. Zeke appeared at the tops of the steps and walked into the room.
"Kasakabi said you two needed something?"
"ZEKE!" He never knew what hit him, the poor soul. Zeke and Damon landed in an undignified heap of tangled limbs on the floor. Damon threw his arms around Zeke's neck and showered his face with kisses.
"How I missed you my love!" Zeke sputtered and blushed and Joey couldn't hold in the laughter any longer. The sight was just too hilarious.
"Damon, he can't breathe." Indeed Zeke's face was slowly turning blue. Damon quickly let go of his neck and hopped off of him.
"You don't visit me anymore Zekie!" Seto snickered.
"Zekie?" Damon nodded and turned to Zeke.
"Were going to have a contest with Joey and Seto Zeke!" Zeke's face paled and he groaned and Seto glared and crossed his arms.
"No were not!" Joey smacked his arm.
"Yes we are, we might as well have some fun before we leave tomorrow."
"You're leaving?! But we just met!" Damon was near tears and Joey waved his hands frantically.
"Were not leaving forever, we just have to get stuff and we'll be back in a couple of days!" Just like that Damon was smiling and hugging Joey.
"Thank god, I've been pretty lonely for a while now." He glared at Zeke who sighed.
"I'm sorry ok? Last time I tried to give you your food Akim just took it and sent me away." Damon snarled and linked his arm with Zekes.
"What a jerk." Zeke blushed and looked away.
"So, about this contest?"
"Joey!"
"What?"
"No!"
"I wasn't asking you! I wanna see who wins!" Zeke sighed and shook his head.
"So what is this contest everyone keeps mentioning?" Damon grinned and poked him in the side.
"I told them you were sexy but Joey said you weren't as sexy as Seto so yea."
"What would this contest involve?"
"Hot shirtless men of course!"
"Of course…" Damon put his hands on his hips and looked to be deep in thought.
"We'll need a judge, Joey and I can't do that it wouldn't be fair."
"Oh! What about Isa?"
"Yea she's the only person we can really ask, no way am I asking Kasakabi and I'm mad at Akim. So Isa it is! I shall go retrieve her!" Damon struck a pose and pointed in the general direction of the infirmary before dashing down the stairs. Zeke chuckled and shook his head.
"He sure is energetic, same as always."
"I didn't know you had a boyfriend Zeke." He turned to Joey and frowned.
"I don't. Were not going out, he's just really affectionate." Seto raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"Oh? From the way you were blushing I would have thought differently."
"…"
"That's what I thought."
"Here she is!" Everyone turned to Isa and Damon as he drug her into the cell.
"Ah Damon what did you need me for? I have some tests to run."
"Girl you need to take a break, we are having a contest on who is sexier. Seto or Zeke, and we can't judge cause it wouldn't be fair." Isa's eyes went wide and she blushed.
"I don't believe this is appropriate Damon."
"Oh come on, I've been without social contact for almost a month! I need some fun!"
"Well, it couldn't hurt I guess."
"I still haven't agreed to this yet."
"Hush Seto you have no choice." Seto glared at Damon who grinned back. Joey hesitantly put his hand on Seto's shoulder.
"It's just for fun Seto, please?" He flinched as Seto glared but his eyes softened as Joey looked at the floor.
"Fine." He grumbled as Damon squealed and jumped with joy.
"Ok then! I'm going to take Zeke to his room and get him into an…outfit. Meet you back here in half an hour!"
"Half an hour?"
"Well yea we need the perfect outfit, good luck you two!" Joey scratched his head and observed Seto in deep thought.
"I don't know why he needs half an hour if were going to be shirtless."
"Don't be a grump you heard what he said, he hasn't been out in a while and needs some excitement. Kind of like we really need to get out, and we are." He grabbed Seto's arm and smiled.
"This will be fun."
"For you."
"My happiness is your happiness right?" Seto blinked and looked at Joey, who had his puppy eyes going full effect. His left eye twitched and he sighed.
"Fine."
"Yay! You're gonna need some eye liner."
"…"
"You said you would."
"That doesn't mean I have to like it."
"Fine, grab your leather pants. I'm gonna find a belt." Seto sighed and grabbed his black leather pants while Joey rummaged through his drawers. He smiled as he held up a black studded belt.
"Here it is."
"Oh joy."
"Put the damn pants on." After the pants and belt had been put on Joey circled Seto.
"You don't need any shoes, come with me and I'll put some eye liner on." He hesitantly followed but sighed again and went inside.
"I should've done this a long time ago, you look great!" He looked at himself in the mirror and glared.
"I don't think you need anything else though. Come on let's sit for a second." Joey dragged him to the bed and sat next to him and leaned his head on Seto's shoulder.
"Thank you for lettin me do this, I know you don't like it but it's good to have some fun." Seto smiled a little and kissed Joey's forehead.
"Yes, it's also fun to give you a hard time though." Joey smacked his arm.
"Meanie."
"You love me though."
"I neither confirm nor deny it." Damon laughed as he and Zeke walked in on the affectionate argument.
"You guys are cute." He whistled.
"Looking good Seto, going with the Au naturel look I like it." Joey beamed with pride and grinned, as he looked Zeke over. His black hair had been ruffled and had that "I just got out of bed look." Damon had put him in gray faded jeans that were a light green at the knees and had small rips on the sides. Zeke had also gone shirtless of course and barefoot but sported a silver cross necklace as well as a stud on his left earlobe.
"I pierced his ear! Doesn't it look great?" Zeke blushed and brought a hand up to poke the earring but his hand was slapped away.
"You're not supposed to touch piercings they need to keep clean."
"Ok where did Isa go?"
"She went to the lab to wait, she didn't want to stay here while I dressed Seto."
"I'm gonna go get her then, be right back."
"You know its kind of weird seeing you like this Zeke, remember how serious and formal you were when we first met?"
"I wouldn't say I was formal, just serious. Kasakabi prefers us to act professional that way and the only one that really takes that seriously is Akim. That's part of the reason why Damon is kept away is cause he's such a free spirit. Kasakabi couldn't control him as well as he wanted to and was uncomfortable. He's definitely been here for a while, longer than me I think."
"How long have you been here Zeke?"
"I can't remember exactly but I know it's been around three years." He smiled as an over excited Damon dragged Isa up the stairs, almost making her trip in the process.
"Alright Isa, time to judge!" She looked at both men and blushed.
"Really Damon I don't think I could choose, their both handsome."
"Were not talking about handsome were talking about sexy!" Seto snorted and looked to the side.
"There is such thing as a tie you know." Joey cuddled into Seto's chest.
"I don't care what Isa says, I know my Seto is sexy." Seto blushed and Damon laughed and linked arms with Zeke.
"Yea but were not going to do that. We need to compare." His face took on an evil look and he smirked.
"I bet Zeke is bigger than Seto."
"We don't need to get into that Damon!" Zeke exclaimed with a horrified expression on his face.
"Well then what are we supposed to compare? Zeke has more muscle we know that for sure, no offense."
"None taken." Seto grumbled.
"You guys aren't interested in sharing I take it?" Seto grabbed Joey who was blushing heavily and growled at Damon.
"Cool your jets I was kidding!"
"I think I can deal with a tie, the fact that I got to put make-up on him was entertaining enough." Seto groaned but Joey kissed his cheek. Damon groaned.
"That's boring and anti-climatic!" Zeke patted his head and smiled.
"We'll do something when we come back from the trip."
"You're going too? Awww man I'm gonna be alone with Akim."
"You've been fine with that for the past month two more days won't kill you. When I get back I'll ask Kasakabi if I can take you outside for a bit." Damon's eyes beamed and he grinned.
"That would be nice, I miss fresh air." He tugged Zeke's arm.
"Walk me back to my room Zeke."
"Okay, have a good sleep you guys. I'll be waking you up at five with breakfast." As Zeke and Damon walked out of the cell Joey smiled at Seto.
"You should wear eyeliner more often."
"No."
_ _ _ _ _ _
"Good morning Sunshine's! Rise and shine your breakfast has arrived." Joey groaned and buried his face into Seto's chest.
"It's too early." Seto on the other hand was already awake and stretching, he sat up and Joey shivered at the loss of heat. He pulled the blanket over his head but yelped as his warm shield was ripped off the bed.
"Setooo." He whined and hugged himself.
"Get dressed." With the grace of a sloth Joey crawled out of bed and slowly got dressed. Zeke brought the trays in and set them down on the nearby desk.
"You can sleep in the van Joey, eat breakfast." At the mention of breakfast Joey's movement increased dramatically. Seto shook his head and frowned as he watched the blonde barely even chew his food.
"Don't eat all of it you glutton." Zeke glanced at his watch.
"I'll be back ten minutes before six to get you guys, it'll take a couple of minutes to get out of the tunnels." He picked up the two backpacks by the door and walked down the stairs. By the time Zeke returned Joey was dressed but rubbing his eyes sleepily.
"Alright time to head out guys, you ready?"
"No." He smiled as Seto smacked Joey on the head.
"What'd you do that for?"
"To make you wake up." Joey snorted.
"You couldn't fully wake me up right now even if ya held a god damn gun to my head."
"Alright guys let's go, don't want to keep everyone waiting." When they got to the garage two rugged jeeps and two large vans were on and waiting. In one of the jeeps was a group of guards and the others were in the vans, Joey, Seto and Zeke took the other jeep.
"There was a vehicle change but if you want to sleep you can lie down in back Joey." Joey nodded and climbed into the back seat and curled up. Seto took the passenger side and Zeke was the driver. It took ten minutes to get out of the tunnels, Seto always felt uneasy in such a narrow place. He almost smiled when they reached fresh air. Light was just rising in the horizon and he took a deep breath.
"It's always very nice in the early morning, not too hot and not too cold. The perfect temperature." Seto nodded.
"It's good to be out again."
"I'm sure if we weren't so far underground we would be able to go out more." Zeke picked up a radio and looked behind him.
"Alright guys we need to move quickly, I will remain in front and I want the two vans in the middle and the other jeep bringing up the rear. Let's move out!" Not even an hour into the trip they passed by a small watering hole with a couple of blue cranes rinsing off their wings. The light from the sunrise reflected off the water on their backs and wings making them shine.
"Beautiful isn't it? I think Africa is one of the best places on earth to view wildlife." Two hours later Joey deemed it an acceptable time to wake up, he yawned and stretched in the back.
"How much longer?"
"Around two hours."
"I have to go to the bathroom." Seto groaned.
"I told you to go before we left."
"But I didn't have to!" Seto shook his head and Zeke smiled and brought the radio up.
"Pull over for a second guys, if anyone else needs to piss you better do it now." After Joey finished his business they got back on the road. It started to warm up pretty quickly by eight and Joey was already starting to sweat.
"I thought he said we would be able to handle the weather better?"
"Kasakabi hasn't had many people live through the process, as you already know. It's different with each animal. Some people may have physical changes, like you guys and Damon. Others may not have any at all but still possess the strength, agility, and intellect of the animal. Every injection is unpredictable no matter how many times he does it."
"I see, have you been injected?"
"Thankfully not, but I know that if I stay one day I will be." An uncomfortable silence hung in the air.
"So, why are we going to this delta specifically? I mean all those animals are pretty much anywhere around here right?"
"Yes they are, but they are more abundant at the delta. It's basically a labyrinth of lagoons. It's a huge magnet for animals trapped in the parched lands with very lush plant life and lots of fish. Were approaching it now actually." He pointed in the distance and smiled. It was beautiful, and certainly a paradise for the animals suffering from the heat. The delta seemed to go on forever with a succession of lagoons, islands and islets of various sizes, open grasslands and flooded plains in a mosaic of land and water. Palms and towering trees abound, throwing their shade over crystal pools, forest glades and grassy knolls. Crocodiles could be seen poking their heads out of the water and lounging on the bank, a herd of elephants with their babies stood on the opposite end enjoying the cool water and tossing mud onto themselves. Further down they spotted monkeys in the trees grooming, and even saw some lions lapping up the water. Joey was almost hanging out of the jeep staring at them in awe, like a kid at a candy shop without any limitations. Seto smiled internally, he too was enjoying the magnificent view. Zeke picked up the radio again.
"Alright everyone let's park under this tree here and get prepared." They all pulled into the cool shade under a magnificent tree, Joey sighed in relief and hopped out to stretch his legs. Seto shoved a water bottle in his face.
"Drink."
"Thanks." Zeke leaned against the tree's trunk with the guards in a circle around him.
"You will be staying here to guard the vehicles and equipment, it shouldn't take us too long to get the samples we need. We won't be eliminating the government here unless there are a lot of them, we will have talk to some towns people and ask them some questions about them. Make sure they aren't moving closer to our location. If anyone for any reason approaches do just what we planned alright?" The guards nodded and some sat down while others sat back in the vehicles with the doors open. Zeke grabbed a backpack and slung it over his shoulder.
"So what are we going to collect first?"
"I suppose we should get the least threatening one first, which would be the zebra."
"Why the hell does he want Zebra DNA? I thought he wanted predators."
"That's a good question, I think for now he just wants it for the record. Why don't you guys take your shoes off, were going to have to get wet for some of these." They took off their shoes and quietly made their way to a small herd of adolescent male zebras drinking and grazing.
"Alright I'm going to try and get close enough to get a dart in one if I miss or if it doesn't go down you will have to chase it and bring it down for me so I can tranquilize it then. After it's down and out put this cloth around its eyes just in case it's eyes are still open." They kept low, taking cover behind the reeds. Zeke brought the gun to eye level and aimed at the male in the middle eating, he took his time aiming and pulled the trigger. It was a direct hit. The other two males spooked and ran away, the one that was tranquilized lazily trying to run. It started weaving and then slowly lay down. Zeke brought a finger to his lips and they quietly approached. He lightly shook it and when it didn't move he sighed. Joey quickly covered the zebra's eyes while Zeke took a blood sample. Once done he put the tube in a container to flash freeze the sample, he applied an antibiotic to both injection sites and gave the zebra another injection to reverse the tranquilizer. They moved back quickly as the blindfold was removed and watched as it awoke in a daze but was quickly back on it's feet running towards the other males.
"That was so cool!" Joey could barely contain his excitement as he grinned, Zeke smiled.
"It is pretty fun isn't it? Wait until we do the lions, that will be kind of tricky."
"So what's next?"
"I think the crocodiles are closest to us, since size is not of importance we'll isolate a little one. We can't tranquilize one of these guys so we'll need to hold it down. You guys have seen those shows right? Where they wrangle them out and then sit on them?"
".."
"Okay then, when I get it out of the water or if it's already on the bank I'm going to sit on it's back. I'll want you guys to sit behind me and hold its back and front legs so I can duct tape it's mouth shut." Joey looked at Zeke with wide eyes.
"You want us, to sit on a crocodile?"
"That's how it's done." Joey sighed.
"I swear I'm gonna die today at some point."
"You will sit behind me Joey and Seto will sit behind you, I want you guys to grab the legs where it joins the body so you don't get scratched. Seto you're going to have to be careful of the tail." They scoured the area for the smallest crocodile they could find. Thankfully when they found it, it was out of the water and basking on the bank. Zeke swiftly jumped on it's back and held it's jaws closed, although he hesitated, Joey was able to sit on it's back and grab it's front legs while Seto sat and grabbed it's back legs. Zeke then brought out the duct tape and scooted off and asked Joey to hold the mouth.
"It's ok, these guys have a lot of power when biting down but they don't have enough to open them when being held closed like this." Joey nervously held the jaws shut and Zeke quickly wrapped the duct tape around it. He took out a hunting knife and nicked off a piece of skin.
"This should be plenty." They all jumped off and lunged away at the same time after Zeke took off the duct tape. They collected samples from a cheetah and a spotted hyena without any trouble, now it was time to collect a sample from a lion.
"Why don't we take a break first?" He tossed them water bottles and took one out for himself. Only three hours had passed since they started.
"We'll probably be able to head home tonight if we get to ignore the suits."
"Zeke I'm hot, can I go in the water?"
"Only for a second, the water isn't clear so be careful of the crocodiles." Joey took off his shirt and pants before diving in, taking Zeke's advice he only stayed in for about two minutes before putting his pants and shirt back on.
"You should take a dip Seto it feels great."
"I don't like wearing wet clothes."
"So picky." Zeke gulped his water and leaned back against the trunk of the tree.
"Man I've said it once I'll say it again, it's great to be out." Seto nodded and Joey smiled.
"Well let's finish this up, last but not least we need the lion. We should target the male of the pride. I will need one of you with me, and the other in wolf form keeping the other lions away."
"Ah I think I'll stay with ya, Seto should guard us."
"That sounds good, let's get going then." They walked for ten minutes back in the direction of where they saw the lions earlier. Unfortunately they weren't at the bank anymore, but they weren't very far from it. In the distance Zeke could see the lot of them lounging in the shade under a tree.
"It's pretty secluded out here, I don't think we'll have too much trouble."
"That does nothing to re assure me." Joey grumbled and gulped as he spotted the male.
"If you get bit just remember you've been through worse, does that help?"
"No that's just depressing." Seto scowled.
"Can we get this over with? The longer we wait the more nervous he's going to get."
"Yea. Ok were going to slowly and carefully approach the pride, the male will see us and hopefully stalk over here by himself. We'll walk backwards to try and distance him from the others. I'll line up the shot and when he goes down we be quiet like we have been, sometimes if the adrenaline kicks in the tranquilizer will wear off." They started the slow walk towards the pride, pausing every now and then when the females looked at them. The male was standing and sniffing the air, trying to stare them down. As they continued approaching the male started walking towards them. Zeke held out his hand signaling them to stop. The lion continued approaching even after they stopped, when he felt he was close enough Zeke started walking backwards with Seto and Joey following. None of the females followed as they had a handful of cubs with them, they seemed pretty confident that the male would chase the intruders off. Zeke brought the gun to his eye and slowed down a bit to get better aim. Just as the lion had picked up its pace Zeke pulled the trigger, and missed.
"Shit." He lunged to the side and brought Joey down with him. Seto quickly transformed and got in front of Joey and Zeke, growling so loudly it almost sounded like a roar.
"Seto! Don't hurt it! Try to keep it there, I'm going to try again." Seto bared his fangs as the lion stepped forward. Seto was luckily big enough that Zeke could aim from under his legs from the ground. He loaded another needle in and pulled the trigger, this time hitting it. The lion jumped in surprise and snarled at them, it staggered back looking quite drunk. As it finally went down Zeke and Joey slowly walked up to it, while Seto put himself between them and the females that had started getting up. As Zeke drew blood Joey carefully picked up the lions paw.
"This thing is as big as my head."
"Amazing isn't it? He's pure muscle. Look at his claws." Joey's eyes widened as he fingered a claw, it looked to be around three inches long. As Zeke put the blood sample away he went to the lions head and carefully pulled back it's lips.
"Damn."
"Could crunch your arm off in a second." Joey gulped and nodded, but his attention quickly shifted to Seto when he started to growl. The lionesses were all standing with a few of them making their way towards them cautiously.
"That's our cue to leave." Zeke quickly gave him the injection and they quickly ran away and out of sight.
"That was awesome, that thing was freaking huge!"
"Haha you guys did very well. I'll have to ask Kasakabi to take you with me more often." As they walked back to the vehicles Joey grabbed Seto's hand and entwined his fingers with him as he leaned against his shoulder. Seto tightened his grip on the blonde's hand. The guards with the cars stood up and nodded at Zeke as they approached.
"Did you find anything out about the suits from the people?"
"Yes, fortunately there aren't many of them. Unfortunately they plan on moving closer to our location."
"Shit, did you hear when?"
"Unfortunately not." Zeke sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"Right. We'd better head back then. If anyone has to piss now is the time because we won't be stopping again." On the ride back Seto sat in back with Joey on his lap. Joey yawned but kept his eyes open, Seto ran his hand through Joey's hair.
"Go to sleep pup, it'll be a while until we get back." Joey nodded and closed his eyes to try and sleep, but to no avail. He could practically smell the anxiety rolling off of Zeke. He sighed but tried to relax in Seto's arms anyway. Seto tightened his hold around Joey's waist and sighed. Zeke was going much faster than before.
'Those agents must be pretty close to the lab for Zeke to worry like this.' He leaned back and closed his eyes, mentally preparing himself for the disaster he felt coming on.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Oh wow, when I brought up that contest I got major writer's block. I know the DNA gathering was boring but I felt it was important to include it instead of just being like, "when they returned two days later." It didn't feel like something I could skip.
Oh god the Doomsday Device, how clichéd. Sorry I couldn't come up with anything better I really did try.
The black rain is referring to rain that came down after the atomic bomb was dropped, it contained large amounts of radioactive soot and dust and lasted for about an hour. I know all this stuff isn't very realistic like how this is going to work but if you don't like it then don't read it lol
The Good morning sunshine is something I had to live with. I went to a boarding school in Fresno California called AOS. We had to get up every morning at seven-fifteen to go hiking and that was what they would say when they tried to wake us up.
I know I made Zeke serious when they met but it's time for an attitude change =) Why are they in Africa? I have no idea, it was a really impulsive and random decision on my part. This took me longer to write than other chapters because I found the DVD box set of The Irresponsible Captain Tyler and have been watching a lot of that. I also found a book at Costco that I really like. Normally the only books I can tolerate are mange so this is a rare event. Not like I'm keeping you waiting though since all this will come out at once =) I am also going to try and make profile pics of all my created characters. Anyway I'll make sure isn't such a…filler chapter. No Flames please!
