Chapter 2

Once outside Kira pressed her back against the door, shaking. The ache had finally subsided and she took the moment to grab a deep breath.

The guard, stationed at the door, gave her an inquiring look, she held her hand up to stop him from asking. Taking a deep breath, she rushed down the hallway. What had she done? 'Oh prophets…' She had to get out of here. Spotting an empty room, she ducked in and closed the door. The darkness enveloped her and she took a moment to steady her breathing. When she had received word that Dukat had been kidnapped she figured it was all a rouse. There was no way that Gul Dukat had been captured, but so far nothing had turned out as expected.

Upon her arrival, she hadn't been prepared to see Dukat so vulnerable. Her plan had been to confirm Dukat's presence and if required get him the hell out of here. She hadn't expected to be informed that she was apparently some integral part of the prophet's plans. Sisko was the chosen one, he had been spoken to by the prophets, not her... not a lowly Resistance fighter. Kira closed her eyes, her lips still tingled, she had felt something in that room... an arc that brought them together. Kira wasn't a hopeless romantic, she didn't demand love and she had very little to give in return but, she wasn't stupid, she couldn't deny the sexual tension that ebbed between them. A quick glimpse of them tangled together in bed shot through her brain before she quickly shooed the thought away. Her anger flared, was she never to be rid of that tiring man, could the fates be so cruel as to bind her to a monster. How was she ever going to face him again after that? She needed her own answers. If the prophets had actually designated a path for her then they must speak to her now.

Leaving the room she calmly made her way back to the group's main living quarters. As soon as she appeared within the doorway, several of the men and women jumped up to greet her.

"Is it done?" The original young woman asked.

As if it was simply that easy, Kira snorted. It was then that Kira fully realized how young most of the group was. This woman was practically a child, maybe in her early twenties.

Kira spoke up, "Who is the one you say who speaks to the prophets?"

"That is I," A withered voice called out into the crowd.

Kira looked around, peering into the depths of the space before her eyes rested on an elderly woman who was slowly walking towards the crowd. She was smaller than most of the young women and she looked to be around a hundred. She walked with a gnarled walking stick and her white hair exploded in every direction.

"Mat'ana," Kira bowed and stood at attention. It had been awhile since she had seen a Bajoran elder, not many of them visit the station and her trips to Bajor were unfortunately few and far between, "I meant no disrespect."

The woman laughed and waved her hand, "It is alright my child. I am Zaarpil Welre, of Ih'valla. I have heard much about you from the prophets."

Kira blushed, "I don't mean to be mistrustful but, the prophets have never spoken to me..."

"Often that is because we do not ask the right questions. We think we are asking the right questions but often we are not. When you finally ask the right question, you will know," Zaarpil smiled.

"I'm still unsure..." Kira started.

"Of course," Zaarpil grabbed Kira's arm and started leading her along, "Let me show you something."

Together Zaarpil lead Kira to a large room, it was full of Bajorian relics, idols and other religious artifacts, "This is our church. It's not much but the prophets approve. Ask your questions here and when you receive your answer return back to the main group."

"How will I know i'm asking the right question?" Kira asked frantically.

"Your heart aches, it already has the question. Speak with your heart and you will understand."

With that Zaarpil left, leaving Kira alone in the room.

"Alrighty then..." Kira sighed, settling down within the room.

Kira closed her eyes, emptied her mind and then there was only darkness.

When she awoke she was surrounded by a gorgeous lush garden. Her mouth fell open as she took in the sight, it was beautiful. Then the garden began to shrivel and die, everything withered away and she watched in horror as the garden became nothing but desert and dust. She almost wanted to cry but in the middle she saw a single green leaf. Getting down on all fours she inspected the leaf, it was just a tiny little guy. As a dust storm picked up she automatically put her hand over the little leaf to protect it. When the storm settled and she removed her hand she was surprised to see that it had grown twice as large. Kira's heart hummed, regardless of the beauty of the garden before, this little plant, gave her courage and hope. This one who refused to give up and grew in the desert. Another storm picked up and she placed both her hands around the little plant again. Once again when she removed them, the plant had grown twice as large and two other little plants had peaked up beside it. She had to do something. She had to protect them. She looked around and in the wrecked garden she spotted some logs and statues. All while protecting the little plants from the wind storms, she built them a shelter as best she could. She made sure the plants still had sun but that it was also protected by the harsh wind storms. As she sat down and crossed her legs she saw three flowers bloom. A grey, a red and one which seemed to be a combination of the two. Although the colour of the red was vibrant and pretty by normal standards she couldn't help but look at the combined colour, transfixed. The red bled through the grey and created a beautiful pattern she had never seen before, she could barely take her eyes off of it. Suddenly feeling sleepy, she closed her eyes and was astonished when she woke up to see herself laying in a garden of red and grey flowers. The lush garden had once again returned. A noise startled her and she looked up to see a white haired Vedek sitting on a nearby log. His smile widened.

"Who are you?" She asked sitting up.

"Who I am is of no consequence. Who I could be is what's important."

Kira just stared at him confused, "Come to me my child," He spoke quietly.

She got up and approached him, as she approached him she gasped. Now she could see that he had Cardassian ridges around his eyes, to go with his Bajorn nose, and a moon shaped birthmark on his neck.

"You must train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose. Only then will you find your purpose."

"My purpose…" Kira mouthed.

"I can not tell you anymore. It will all come to you in time. Remember what you have seen here."

Kira blinked as she returned to the world, the room once again taking shape around her. Her heart hummed and she clutched at her chest, her brow was frowned, the vision didn't make any sense. Was it trying to tell her that there would be a joining of Cardassia and Bajor? Or perhaps that the answer lied in a union of the two, perhaps a child? Ziyal? But the Vedek had been a male. Was everything important or were only pieces of it important. The desert could be either Cardassia or Bajor, both were once lush gardens that had been destroyed. The more she thought about it the less sense that the dream made. Perhaps it had been nothing more than a dream? It had been a full day and she was rather tired. Do dreams in the church count as messages from the prophets?

"Did you find what you were looking for?" Zaarpil asked as she slowly entered the room.

"I suppose..." Kira responded with caution.

"What did you see?"

"There was a whole garden of red and grey flowers, a world were Cardassia and Bajor were combined as one. I was the one who tended the garden..."

"Perhaps it is time for you to tend to your garden," Zaarpil whispered.

"You're right!" Kira shouted as she stood up. Finally, what she had been waiting for her entire life. Kira was practically giddy, a purpose! As Kira left Zaarpil touched the spot where Kira had been sitting. A vision flashed before her eyes. A garden of red and grey going up in flames until there was only black ash. Zaarpil pursed her lips and watched Kira's retreating figure.

'Ok,' She breathed in deeply. Maybe it wasn't all bad. She hadn't planned on doing it but, if the prophets wanted Dukat to fall in love with her then she owed it to the people of Bajor to try. Her heart thudded in her chest. She could be objective, treat this like another mission. There was no emotion, just plain simple attraction. Kira shook her head. What was wrong with her? This wasn't like her. This was Dukat she was talking about. After calming herself down, she packed up her emotions and strode back towards Dukat's room.

She smiled wearily at the guard as she proceeded into the room. She was happy to note that Dukat was still very much alone. She couldn't help but smirk at the sight of him. A slight tremor passed through her, was it passion? Fear? Dukat lifted his head wearily.

"Back for another round?" He smirked.

His voice sounded hoarse, she had been so worked up previously that she hadn't even paid attention to his injuries. She sighed, he probably hadn't had any water for hours, perhaps days. She was still unsure on how long he had been held here. He looked roughed up but surprisingly well. He tried to hold his smirk but his exhaustion was causing his facade to crack. He lifted himself up as best as he could and stared back.

"Has anyone else come in?" She asked, suddenly a little nervous.

"No," He answered honestly.

Now that she had returned she was unsure what her plan was. What did the prophets want with a man like Dukat? Perhaps it wasn't the man that they required... He was the head of the civilian military, he would know where prisoners of war were being kept, and about any upcoming missions. Perhaps this war would be won with Cardassia as an ally. Whatever Dukat choose... his men would follow. It was at least worth a try. Kira was used to making sacrifices, this would just be one more sacrifice for Bajor, her largest yet, she prayed she wasn't making a mistake. She had fought on the battlefields, she had planted explosives behind enemy lines, she had fought and survived concentration camps and yet the idea of pretending to love the man in front of her seemed like her greatest challenge. War she understood, not people.

"Is there something I can help you with?" Kira asked sweetly.

Dukat wanted to answer but he found his body was reaching its limit and his brain wasn't working as it should. Kira didn't seem to notice.

Stepping forward, Kira reached out to Dukat, he closed his eyes in preparation but no hand connected. Instead he felt small hands on his ropes behind the chair. Taking her time, she released him of his bonds, the ropes, falling to the ground. Dukat slowly moved his arms to his sides. The numb feeling slowly morphed into pain and he tensed at the sensation. He was surprised he could still move his fingers. Once his feet were free she stood up and smirked. His backside was numb and his legs ached as he stood up.

"Come with me," Kira stated, reaching out to help Dukat walk.

"Do I have a choice?" Dukat snapped.

"No," Kira's hand brushed against Dukat's.

Dukat ignored it and started feebly limping towards the door. Once Kira had caught up she threaded her arm in his and together they managed to make their way back to Kira's assigned room. They passed a few guards and some Bajoran rebels but Kira merely stared them down, daring them to question her. The moving was slow as Dukat's limbs tried desperately to remember how to function. Once there, she pushed him into the bathroom and told him to clean up. She sat on the bed, her face in her palms as she heard the shower starting to run.

Kira rubbed her eyes, this was crazy. What were the prophet's thinking? But she had made it this far, hadn't she and she wasn't one to back out of a challenge, no matter the odds. All she had to do was seduce a womanizer. Should be easy, right? She was a woman, she had multiple partners in the past. She could do this. She could forget who he was. Kira sighed, wishing that the anger she had felt earlier would return. It was easier to forget when she was blinded by rage.

Of course, once she had seduced Dukat there was always step two. What would she tell everyone? What would happen when she reached Deep Space Nine? Oh, he implied he wanted a relationship with her but she knew about his past. As far as she could tell, he used the term romantic partner very loosely, and to make matters worse, she had to keep everything a secret... In the room, it had only been the two of them and it had seemed so manageable. Kira sighed, 'Oh Neyrs...'

Hearing the shower shut off she waited for Dukat as he emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, his lean muscled form blocking the doorway. Her eyes swept over his form instinctively, taking in the ridges which ran down his arms and across his chest, highlighting his muscled anatomy. His bite mark was an even darker grey, a bruise starting to form around the punctured flesh. She smirked appreciatively, a rush of heat was building up between her legs, her body betraying her.

"If you wanted into my bed, there was better ways to accomplish it," He grinned, crossing his arms. It was then that Kira clued into the fact that he wouldn't have a change of clothes. Apparently, when he was kidnapped they hadn't been so thoughtful as to allow him to pack.

"What can I say, I'm a woman of action," Kira tried, but it came out sounding as lame and defeated as she expected.

"You drag me all the way from Cardassia. A marvelous feat I must admit. You bring me here and torture me. At least do me the decency of telling me the truth of why I am here!" Dukat raised his voice.

"The decency? Not like you're one for decency!" Kira fired back, "You could have started with telling the truth a long time ago. You're also at fault here Dukat. And from what I can tell you have a lot of faults to make up for."

"And I suppose, Major, you are personally going to collect them," Dukat moved towards her, his nostrils flared.

"I think I may damn well," Kira shoved a hand against his chest, stopping him.

"And how pray... do you believe you will do that," Dukat snarled, pushing the majors hand off his chest.

His arms still ached but he grinned and bared it.

Kira's breath hitched as she realized how close Dukat was standing. That familiar ache and pull returned, she frowned and steeled her nerves. Dukat had always made her uneasy but, she had always been able to deal with it. She was never one to back down and she wasn't going to start now.

"I'm warning you Dukat..."

"Really Major. I know you aren't going to do anything. It would be against your precious federation guidelines. You are like a domesticated hara cat, all screech and no claws."

Grabbing the towel, she pulled Dukat forward. Not expecting the movement he stumbled until they were chest to chest. Reaching up Kira pulled his mouth down into a kiss. She poured out all her anger, her frustrations and her pain into that kiss. Dukat wrapped his arms around Kira and pushed her back onto the bed. His lean body laid on top of hers. Fire ran through his arms as he supported his weight, but he ignored it.

Kira had hoped the kiss would be a distraction but she couldn't stop the thoughts from coming. She clutched at Dukat's hair, trying to deepen the kiss and forget about everything. Could this truly be her purpose? What was she willing to do for the prophets? She scrunched her eyes. She had been playing diplomat for far too long, she needed to take action.

"Major..." Dukat breathed as they separated.

"No," Kira stated firmly.

Using all her strength she pushed Dukat off, he backed up to the end of the bed, confused. With a wicked glint in her eye Kira pushed Dukat back with all her might. He stumbled over his feet and fell onto the floor. Pain shot up his ass and his towel fell to the side but it was quickly forgotten as Kira stood above him.

"We are doing this my way," Kira said.

His breath caught in his throat, he had never seen her so alluring, she looked wild and he liked it. Inspecting his member her eyes darkened with lust. It was large and a deep grey, she assumed due to his arousal but, what intrigued her the most were the ridges that ran either side along its length. Flaring out at the bottom and getting smaller as it reached the tip. She could also see a patch of scales just above it, something similar to the Bajorn men's ridges. It twitched in anticipation causing her face to flush. She wanted him, she wanted to feel him inside of her, bringing her pleasure. This wasn't the passionate love making that she shared with Bareil, no, this was filling a need.

Dukat watched in anticipation as Kira sensually removed her clothing before leaning down to press her body against his, once again resuming their kiss. Surprised, Dukat responded eagerly. He felt Kira's hand travel down until she found his member and gave it a squeeze, Dukat hissed at the pressure. She debated teasing him but felt it was too intimate for the situation. Moving quickly, she straddled him, guiding him into place as the ridges stretched her more than she was used to. Dukat moaned in pleasure as he slid into her welcoming depths. After a few slow strokes, she adjusted to his size and mewled in enjoyment. She slammed herself up and down, a slow ache spreading throughout her body. Dukat groaned in pleasure as he grabbed her hips. Rocking his hips up to meet her. Kira gasped at the extra movement. His scales rubbing delectably across her clitoris. After a few strokes Kira had forgotten about everything. She forgot the wars, the occupation, their differences, and most importantly she forgot her past. All that mattered now was this moment, the two of them joined, the energy that arced between them and the feeling of being filled. It wasn't long before she could feel her orgasm climbing. She reached down and clawed her way down Dukat's chest. She dug her nails in, creating dark purple streaks down his chest.

Dukat cried out in pain and stilled her hand with his own but, the damage had already been done.

"Woman!" he shouted.

"Man!" Kira echoed, punctuating it by tensing in on his member.

Dukat tipped his head back in pleasure, his breathing increasing as he picked up the pace. The two bodies slammed together each releasing their hurt and frustration.

"Don't you dare," Kira growled out as she sensed that Dukat was starting to get close.

"Don't I?" Dukat taunted.

Kira reached down and clutched at his chest. Dukat gasped in pain and caught Kira's wrist.

"As you wish," He smirked.

Kira felt the power wash over her. She, who had tamed the beast. She looked down at her beast and couldn't help but take pleasure in his glazed eyes, in the flush of his body. The sight of him brought her orgasm and she cried out as it washed over her in waves. Shortly afterwards, Dukat howled out his own orgasm, digging his nails into Kira's hips as he sent out his last couple thrusts. She eyed his clenched fists with displeasure. Dukat collapsed back on the floor. His limbs were already weak with exhaustion from his earlier torture and now he wasn't even sure they could function anymore. He laid there for a while, his eyes closed, his body burning. They stayed joined together. Kira looked down at his motionless figure.

"I must be in heaven," Dukat quipped.

Kira rolled her eyes and taking pity on him she got up and approached the replicator. She knew that Dukat must be famished and she was currently in a good mood. She replicated some water and some food and brought it over to the bedside table. Dukat forced himself up, still rather unsteady and collapsed into the bed. He quietly ate and drank as he eyed Kira. Kira watched him cautiously, until feeling satisfied he was settled, she turned her attention to stare out of the window.

The country side was mostly dust and dirt, there was very little greenery left. She frowned looking at the state of her home world. Stealing a quick glance at Dukat she felt both lust and shame. She had scratched all the way down his torso and the angry lines were starting to match the shade of his other injuries.

Noticing her gaze Dukat looked at his chest, "At least I'll have something to remember you by."

His voice was difficult to make out, she wasn't sure if he was serious, teasing, or something else entirely. She half chuckled and then resumed looking out of the window. She almost jumped when she heard Dukat speak again.

"We didn't have a choice," Dukat spoke without passion.

Kira's rage flared but it softened when she glanced back at him. He looked much older now then she had remembered. For once she didn't feel like arguing. She could yell at him for not caring, for committing crimes against her people but honestly, she was tired. Tired of fighting the same fight over and over. She knew that according to Dukat, Cardassia committed no crimes, everything was necessary. Cardassia needed more resources and Bajor had them. They did what they thought they needed to do to make sure that Cardassia prospered. She knew the old song and dance. There was no excuse for what the Cardassians did, but what mattered now was Bajor's future. The land was finally back in the hands of the Bajorans and what mattered now was what the people of Bajor did next. Their path to healing would be in the future that they make, not attempting to erase the past.

"We had..."

"Dukat," Kira cut him off.

"Major, please..."

"Dukat!" Kira whirled around, staring him down, " I really don't want to talk right now. You must be tired... get some rest."

"I didn't think you cared," He grinned.

"You're making it very difficult," Kira frowned.

Kira rubbed her eyes and yawned, joining Dukat once she had turned the light off.

Dukat merely smirked and made himself comfortable under the covers. Dukat had expected himself to be regulated to the floor and although he wouldn't admit it, he was glad that he could stay. His limbs ached from the excursions of the day and he could feel his injuries flaring up and causing discomfort.

He listened quietly forcing himself to stay awake as he waited patiently. His body begged for sleep but he knew he could not give into it. He had to make his escape and this might be his only chance. He wasn't sure what he would do but he knew he would figure it out. When it sounded like Kira's breathing had evened out into sleep he sat up.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Kira stated.

In the darkness, he could see a phaser being pointed at him. Had she tricked him? He was sure she had fallen asleep. Dukat settled back down into the bed and closed his eyes. He tried to stay awake again but sleep quickly overtook him.