Thanks to Ulyferal for Beta-reading this chapter and helping me out. I couldn't dose this with out her help!
Chapter Two
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
Beyond Megakat City was a vast desert that was bound by a huge mountain range at it back, the Megakat Dam at its north end with rivers spreading out from it, Megakat Springs at its south end with its own kat-made lake that supported its own small community where the rich and famous would go to play at its huge golf resort. Not far away was Gemkat Labs, a bit further away in the desert proper was Megakat Prison and west of that were the Megakat mines. Located a little closer to the city were many huge canyons used by the SWAT Kats for a targeting range as well as the enforcers for the same purpose.
Up the center section, reaching all the way to the foot of the mountain range was where the most desolate part of the desert existed. None cared to travel here which was fine for a certain small tribe that lived in the mountain's shadow.
The land about the village was fairly inhospitable but they had succeeded in finding the one spot that had a small lake that was mountain-fed, surrounded by scraggly vegetation and a thin pine forest. Since planes didn't fly over this area and there were no roads leading to it, the village was secure from outsiders.
The village itself was laid out in a half circle with one large dwelling at its center. While still fairly well hidden by the tall pines, a large training field had been laid out behind the large house with two dojo's one was for martial arts training, the other for sword training. The small forested area hid the village quite well. An apron of green went from the village edge toward the lake, a half mile distant.
The village may have looked simple and bare of modern conveniences but it was comfortable and kept simple for a reason. This was home to a clan of warriors known as the Yuudai. Here kittens as young as six were taught the ways and history of their people and the ancient arts of fighting under the watchful eyes of their teachers.
The clan were not Kats but Saharas, a warrior race that fought under feudal lords in their native lands many centuries ago. They were highly sought after by Emperors and other leaders to work in the shadows as spies and assassins. Then one day, Kat kind turned against them...slaughtering them wherever they could find them, forcing the Saharas to hide themselves away until their name was nothing but a myth found in ancient scrolls buried in museums. All thought them extinct.
Since that terrible time, the Sarahas had learned to hide themselves from further retribution by Kat kind. They did this by using only Kat names when away from the clan holdings and hiding their distinct scent with covering sprays so they could mingle more easily.
Though they lived simply, that did not mean they were ignorant of modern things or ways. Those that left to live among Kats regularly brought back info and technology so the clan could keep current and not seem out of place when they visited the city and other countries.
On this day, in late summer, a lone Sahara walked through their village toward the main house. He was tall had dark tan fur with spiked hair that had been brushed back and banded. He moved with a sense of grace and power in his walk. One of his paws was tucked in his pocket while the other carried some folders. He nodded to his fellow villagers as he passed by, not pausing to talk as he had important news to convey to the head of the Yuudai Clan.
Reaching the house, he opened the door and stepped in removing his shoes before taking his first step on the bamboo floor. Walking down the hallway he halted at one of the doors that was made of rice and knelt down on his knees before it to wait.
It was barely a few minutes later when a soft, but commanding voice called, "Enter."
Opening the door from his kneeling position, he then rose and walked in before shutting the door behind him. He stepped forward to face the person in the room and gracefully knelt down again.
His brown eyes stared at the back of Akiko Yuudai, a tall Sahara female with light brown fur that had once been a beautiful deep brown shade during her youth. Long graying hair was held in a low ponytail and reached the middle of her back. She was wearing a summer kimono of light blue and she was sitting at a low desk that held a scroll, ink pad and brush. She was presently writing something on the scroll with even brush strokes.
Though her back was toward the male Sahara, she was unconcerned as Jota was a trustworthy warrior as were all in the clan.
"Akiko-sama, I have news on Jimmu-san as well as current information on the doings of Megakat City," Jota said politely laying the folders in his hand on the floor behind Akiko.
Their leader paused in mid stroke and turned her head slightly to see the folders. Putting down her ink brush, she turned halfway around and picked up the folder marked 'Ulysses Feral' on it. This was her grandson's Kat name. Pursing her lips, she flipped through the folder pausing to read the report on her grandson. It took her a few minutes to read every detail of the report. She hummed a little to herself before closing the folder turning back around and setting it on her desk.
"So, one of my grandsons has finally found his bond mate. It is a blessing that I have been waiting and praying for a long time," Akiko murmured a slight smile on her face though Jota couldn't see it, he did hear pleasure in her voice.
"But Akiko-sama! Did you not see...his bondmate…it is a kat. What if she were to find out about us...she might then betray us due to her livelihood!" Jota objected his voice clearly showing disapproval to this mating.
"Will she now? And you are so sure of this, Jota?" Akiko tsked still not looking at him but her voice warned him to be very certain of his words before persisting with this line of thought.
Jota froze and went silent. Akiko was one of their wisest and, though older now, she had once been their fiercest and most skilled warrior. Even at her age, she was a force to be reckoned with during training sessions as she taught the next generation of warriors.
"Forgive me, Akiko-sama, I did not mean to speak so harshly about Jimmu-san's mate. It's just…kats in her line of work…it's a find of a lifetime for them...it proves to them we aren't extinct at all..." Jota voiced his concern leaning down till his head touched the floor.
"Which is why we will send someone of the clan to test this she-kat to see how trustworthy she is before allowing her to know our secret. " Akiko ordered quietly, turning only her heard to stare at Jota piercingly.
"But let us put that aside for now. What of the Mayor? Has he received our letter yet?" Akiko asked letting her gaze drift toward the room's pale wall.
"Yes, Akiko-sama. But it seems being mayor of this city so long and holding so much power, has gone to his head. The same could be said of the city council as well," Jota responded briskly willingly dropping the more uncomfortable subject for the more straight forward business.
"Such fools. It appears they have forgotten who it was that had placed them in those positions so long ago. It seems we will have to remind them of that. And what of the enforcers?" She asked mildly aware the news might not be good.
"Enforcer recruitment is down fifteen percent and the death toll has risen by two percent," Jota reported grimly. He watched Akiko take a deep breath then slowly let it out.
"And the SWAT Kats?"
"Same. No changes."
Akiko brought her paw up to touch her chin in thought. "I don't understand. Being a genius, I expected Clawson to have realized he could sell the diagrams of his inventions as Razor by now and got him and Furlong out of debt with Jimmu-san and quit working at the salvage yard. The fact they are still there is a puzzle to me."
"Your pardon, Akiko but perhaps Clawson hasn't thought of doing that under his call sign since he had wanted to do it under his true name but was blacklisted by an unscrupulous member of Pumadyne when he was younger."
"Yes, I know this but it doesn't explain why he hasn't moved forward."
"Most likely it's because it simply hasn't occurred to him. Being a genius doesn't necessarily mean one possesses common sense," Jota said mildly amused. "I guess someone needs to drop the hint in his ear."
Akiko chuckled a little. "That could be the case and you may be right." Her face fell into more grimmer lines as she continued, "We must take action to return balance to this city. At the moment, those sworn to protect and care for the Kats of this city no longer are doing so. While the one who does care, is using the SWAT Kats in her own way rather than trying to get them and the enforcers to unite for the betterment of all."
"Do you really think Jimmu-san will work with the SWAT Kats? He really doesn't like them at all."
"But he doesn't hate them as much as he used to. We must get him to understand the importance of uniting with the SWAT Kats. Informing him that they share the same goal, that of protecting the city and all those within it, might coax him to see reason and, if not, perhaps I may have to 'convince' him about how much this will benefit the clan as well though he really should know that without being told," she said a bit piqued by her grandson's attitude.
"Grandmother? May I speak?" A low husky voice spoke it was the type one would hear coming from a bedroom that suggested something completely different.
Jota's head snapped to the corner on his right, eyes wide as he now sensed a different chi in the room besides himself and Akiko.
A dark brown furred, Sahara female with short brown hair that reached her neck, sat in the corner with her legs under her and her paws laying quietly in her lap. She was wearing a black one piece suit with a neck mask that only covered the lower part of her face. Wristbands that reached her elbows with white pads by black strings were on each arm. She had beautiful golden eyes just like her grandmother and they were fixed on Jota at the moment.
"Urabe-dono! Forgive me, I did not…" Jota said quickly turning around on his knees to apologize to the heir to the clan leadership.
"It is alright, Jota-san. I did not wish you to sense me until I desired it which is why I hid my chi from you," Urabe said gently then turned her face toward her grandmother, a questioning look in her eyes.
"You may speak, Urabe-chan," Akiko quietly gave her permission.
"Since I am heading to Megakat City, why not assign the mission to me? I will take care of Manx and those in the council while I pick a team to deal with the omegas. I will also search for the source of all this paranormal activity." Urabe suggested.
A choked sound caught her attention and she turned her head to eye Jota questioningly.
"Are you saying something in Megakat City is causing all these strange occurrences?" Jota asked, shocked and unhappy to be just hearing this.
"I'm afraid so. The occurrences have been growing in strength and numbers for ages but we've been unable to find its true source. In the distant past, the politicians didn't deal with us much so we had limited access to what was going on."
"Till Manx came into the picture," Jota said, understanding in his eyes.
He remembered when Manx had called on them numerous times to deal with other politicians of the city. The first time he came to them was when he was running for Mayor and was having difficulties in the polls. He was new and untried so he was running up against the old school politicians still in place. As he searched for help to improve his chances, he had met one of their connections.
Asking for assistance, Manx promised he would see to the welfare of the city if they would help him get elected. But now, years later, and many reelections, Manx apparently felt so comfortable and secure that he no longer desired their assistance so brushed their concerns for the safety of the city aside. He completely ignored their veiled threats that they could remove him. His attention was drawn back to Akiko when she responded to his statement.
"Indeed. But that is not the only reason. Whatever is causing these strange occurrences in Megakat City are no longer confined there. It's been discovered it has been spreading out to nearby countries," Akiko told him, grimness in her voice.
"Remember the attacks on the oil tankers recently? It was caused by a mutated sea snake," Urabe reminded him.
"You're right...a sure sign the source is growing," Jota agreed, worriedly.
"Urabe-chan, this mission is yours. I want you to hand pick the members of your team and fill them in. You, personally, are to deal with Manx, Briggs, the SWAT Kats and the council members. Do what you must to succeed but keep Jimmu-san out of the loop as long as you are able. Someone else will deal with his current issues," Akiko ordered
"Understood, grandmother," Urabe responded, bowing her head.
"You may both leave now," Akiko said getting up. "Excuse me. I have phone call to make to my grandson, congratulating him on his bonding."
Akiko moved to the rice door. Jota rose gracefully to his feet and quickly opened the door for her. Just as she was about to step through, Urabe stopped her a moment. Akiko looked back at her questioningly.
"Grandmother, please tell Jimmu-san that his big sister sends her congratulations as well," Urabe said warmly smiling behind her mask.
Akiko laughed, "I will, granddaughter."
Once she left the room, Jota and Urabe left as well. Jota headed back to the training field while Urabe walked from the main house to a neighboring home nearby. It was a simple two storey house, colored white with brown trim and a fence around it. Urabe walked up to the door and knocked. When no one answered she sighed, shaking her head. She should have known no one was going to respond to the door so she turned away and strolled around to the rear finding a very pregnant Saraha female sitting in a porch chair.
The Sahara fur color was peach with long blonde hair held in a French braid which lay down her back. She was wearing a gold-orange yukata and had her eyes closed. One of her paws lay on the large bulge below her ribs and was rubbing it up and down no doubt trying to calm the kitten within while her other paw held a cup of green tea.
"Amber-chan," Urabe called softy as she slowly approached not wanting to startle the expectant mother.
Amber opened her eyes revealing them to be a deep blue. She smiled at the dark brown female approaching her.
"Urabe-san, it is good to see you," Amber said using a respectful tone to address her visitor.
"Urabe or Urabe-chan, Amber-chan. Your bondmate is my brother's best friend after all," Urabe chided her gently her smile hidden behind her mask.
Amber laughed a little at that comment. Her bondmate was the complete opposite in temperament of Urabe's other brother Jimmu-san. While the gruff and powerful Jimmu-San was rigid and a by-the-book type of person who never questioned the orders he was given, her bondmate was more likely to bend the rules when needed and definitely, questioned orders rather than follow them blindly.
"Is Kazuma-san around?" Urabe asked walking up to the porch.
Amber nodded and said, "He's inside getting some cake for me. That seems to be all I'm wanting today."
"It just means your kitten will be a sweet thing when she comes into the world," Urabe said warmly happy for the two parents to be.
Kazuma and Amber had been trying for two years to have a kitten. Finally, they were being rewarded. It was just last winter when Amber announced she was pregnant to the joy of the whole village. She was due to deliver a female sometime in July and they were ecstatic.
Suddenly, both females' ears pricked up as they heard the sound of footsteps approaching from inside the house. The door opened abruptly to reveal a handsome Sahara male. He was six two with orange fur and darker orange strips. His chin and neck were colored white that went down to his stomach. He also had white on the tips of his fingers, toes and tail. His brown eyes gazed adoringly down at his bondmate before realizing they had a guest. He smiled as he stepped through the doorway and made for Amber carrying a slice of cake on a plate.
He handed Amber the plate then took a seat next to her before addressing the other female. "Urabe, what brings you here? The kitten's not due for a couple of weeks," Kazuma questioned politely.
"I have some important news to share with you two," Urabe told him stepping up onto the porch then leaning against the rail facing them.
"Hmm? Good kind or bad?" Kazuma asked smiling.
"Good news!" She said, smiling behind her mask as she drew the suspense out.
"Well, what is it?" Amber asked excited and getting impatient.
"Jimmu is mated!" Urabe dropped the bomb then watched their reaction.
"What? When? And to whom? Bastard! As soon I found out Amber was my bondmate and mated her, he was the first person I told!" Kazuma said in mock anger crossing his arms across his chest.
"Give him a break, Kazuma-san. It is only a recent occurrence and it's not like he can just run out here to tell us. As Chief Enforcer, he just doesn't have that kind of time and you know something like that can't be spoken of over the phone," Amber chided him, punching him gently in the arm next to her.
"Humph! He was better off being a warrior here then one there! At least here, he could do what he needs to and not be held back due to the restrictive rules he's forced to abide by now or he'd be voted out of his position," Kazuma growled happy for best friend but unhappy about his career choice.
Amber sighed, she knew Kazuma hadn't been happy with Jimmu leaving the clan and joining the Enforcers. Even now he still held a slight grudge but it was not strong as it was once had been.
"It was his choice and, by the sounds of it, the right one. Do you know anything about this mate of his?" Amber asked getting back to the news at hand.
"Her name is Dr. Abi Sinian, curator of the Megakat Natural History Museum and a very prominent and well-known archeologist," Urabe told her.
"What! Are you serious? You're not just pulling my tail are you?" Kazuma asked shocked and looking a little doubtful.
Urabe rolled her eyes, "No, I'm not."
"Well isn't that a kick in the tail! Funny, I always assumed he would have taken Briggs," Kazuma mused then blinked in unhappy surprise when Urabe threat growled at him.
"Kazuma! You know better than to say such things! The Saharas never pick their life mates, fate does! I'm sure there is a reason fate chose a Kat for Jimmu-san to mate and we will learn of it in due time," Amber interrupted chastising her mate...knowing exactly why Urabe was vexed with him.
Kazuma raised his paws defensively, giving Urabe an apologetic look before turning to his mate to hug her. "Yes, I know! How else would I have gotten such a wonderful mate as you!" He nuzzled her cheek.
Urabe had to resist rolling her eyes as the two forgot her for a moment while they hugged and cooed at each other. A part of her couldn't help but feel a little jealous that two of her brothers had found mates making her feel left behind and alone. She wondered if she would ever find her perfect partner. Shaking her head, she dropped that unproductive line of thought and returned to the other business that had brought her here.
Clearing her throat to interrupt the pair, she kept her eyes away from them and gazed at the lake as she told them, "That is not the only reason I am here."
Kazuma sighed and asked quietly, "I thought not, so what else brought you here?"
"Two reasons. I've been given a mission that will take me to Megakat City. I'm to several problems, the Mayor's attitude toward the Sarahas lately, the city councilors similar attitudes, and speak with the SWAT Kats about a couple of things. I also need a team to deal with the omegas while I'm occupied."
"Alright that's one reason, what's the other?" Kazuma asked, his attitude more serious.
"Someone must test Abi-san to see if she is trustworthy enough to know our secret." Urabe said grimly.
***Megakat City***
As noon chimed from the clock tower of city hall and the sun was at its highest point, in an apartment building not far from Enforcer Headquarters, was a nice roomy apartment located on the top floor. Said apartment was equipped with a large living room spacious bedroom with walk in closet nicely appointed kitchen with gleaming appliances and attached dining room and even had a guest bedroom with extra bath in the hallway.
The apartment was quiet, the sun peeking through the closed drapes of the balcony doors off the living room. A trail of clothing led from the front door to the back master bedroom; a great coat was discarded on the couch, a female's jacket shirt tossed to join it, a bra on a chair, a female shirt on the recliner, socks and shoes near the coffee table, pants and skirt in the hall, nylons on the floor near the bed, and underwear tossed near the dresser.
On the huge king size bed, Feral lay with his arm holding his mate's body close to his chest, one leg was draped over hers and his tail draped over them both. He felt Abi snuggle closer to him for body warmth as her she rested from their all night activities.
It was lucky, she had taken the day off so she could be with him. Of course, being in charge helped for both of them as Feral had also taken the day leaving his second in command. The Kat shouldn't screw things up being charge one day...at least he hoped not.
Being the boss also meant he didn't have to give a reason for not coming in though he knew, he would pay for it with extra work tomorrow. He sighed and pushed that worry aside as he enjoyed the feel of being with his new bondmate.
It wasn't just because he wanted to be with her after mating her last night, it was because Saharas needed to remain close to their new mates for at least a week to prevent separation anxiety. After that period, they should have no problem being apart for long periods of time. However, for them there was a problem.
Due to their jobs, neither of them could take a whole week off to stay together without some prior planning. He hadn't really intended on taking Abi so soon, it had just happened. If he'd been able to wait, he would have made the arrangements to be on leave for the week necessary but now that was out the window and he would have to check his schedule to see what he could do now.
Whatever he had to do, he had to do it immediately since it would be unhealthy for them to be apart. The other part of the problem was telling Abi. She had to know they were bonded or she wouldn't understand the need to stay together for a week.
Sighing, Feral open his eyes, knowing he needed to get up. His stomach was growling for food and he was certain hers would be too when she woke up. Gently pulling free of his mate, he looked down at her peacefully sleeping face and felt that same primal need to take her again. He shook his head and shoved down the need, she was tired and he was hungry. To appease the urging of his body, he leaned down and nuzzled her neck then deposited a kiss on her cheek.
The nuzzling and kiss, of course, woke the sleeping she-kat. Her eyes half opened and she giggled as Feral's tail tickled her as it was leaving.
"Ulysses," Abi said giggling.
"Morning, love," He rumbled halting his move from the bed to kiss her again.
"Morning, to you too, handsome," Abi purred, yawning a little before sitting up.
Feral smiled at her, preparing to ask what she'd like for lunch, when the phone on his bed side table began ringing. Biting back a growl, he turned to answer it, hoping it wasn't an emergency at work. Snatching the phone and bringing it up to his ear, he barked angrily into it.
"Feral here and it had better be important!"
"Well, good afternoon to you too, Jimmu-san," An amused and familiar voice spoke softly.
Feral froze, immediately feeling his fur rise with uneasiness. "Uh...good afternoon, g-grandmother, uh...w-why are you calling me at home?" He stuttered uneasily. She shouldn't have known to call him at home in the middle of the day when he was always at his office.
Abi frowned, sensing Ulysses sudden uneasiness on the phone and the fact he never stuttered nor why he should be so upset by a call from a relative. She whispered, "Ulysses, what's wrong?"
He turned his head to her and raised a finger for her to stay quiet. Eyeing him in concern, Abi subsided and waited until he finished talking. Laughter came from the phone, drawing his attention back to it.
"Why, Jimmu. I know I trained you better then that. You may have succeeded in keeping Kat kind from learning about your lover but certainly not us!" She chided him gently.
That upset Feral even more. "You said you'd withdrawn all watchers on me once I became Chief Enforcer," he reminded her, not happy to learn that hadn't been the truth after all. He also hadn't seen any watchers around yet she implied they were there.
Akiko tsked, "Your senses have dulled over the years, grandson."
Feral felt himself wince at the disappointment in his grandmother's tone. "That's not true!" He objected strongly.
"Oh? Then why have you not noticed or sensed the watchers near you? They have been there ever since the SWAT Kats entered the picture."
Shock sang through him as he thought, 'That long? How could I have missed them?' Realizing his grandmother's accusation was correct. Maybe his fighting skills had become dulled over the years. It wasn't as if enforcer training then regular work outs were as intense or brutal like his early training from kittenhood. His shoulders slumped, face it, he was now only as skilled as a Kat and that was downright embarrassing.
"Forgive me, grandmother, I have indeed become lax in my training," He said humbly.
"We can talk about that at a later time, grandson. Right now, I and Urabe simply want to wish you congratulations on your bonding with Abi," Akiko said warmlysatisfied she had shaken her grandson from his complacency.
Feral groaned mentally to himself but aloud he said, "Thank you, grandmother. I guess I should be expecting someone to come from the clan now?"
"Yes, within three days."
Feral sighed, "Understood…it was good to hear from you grandmother."
"You too, Jimmu," she murmured then hung up.
He carefully set the phone down the reached up to rub the back of his head for a moment before turning to Abi.
"Ulysses, what's wrong, love. You seem really upset," Abi said gently, reaching out to touch his arm. She could tell the phone call had troubled him deeply.
"Abi…there's something I have to tell you," He began, knowing he couldn't keep this secret from her any longer.
Author Note:
Kun: Honorific. Used in the modern day among male students, or those who grew up together, form intended as a way to emmphasize a difference in status or rank, as well as to indicate familiarity or affection.
Chan: Honorific. Can be used either a diminutive(e.g., with a small child) or with those who are grown, to indicate affection. ("My dear...")
San: Honorific. Carries the meaning of "Mr.", "Ms.", "Miss", etc.
Dono: Honorific. Even more respectful then -san, the effect n modern day conversation would be along the lines of "Milord so and so."
Sama-Honorific used to address a persons much higher in rank then oneself.