A shorter chapter this time guys! I'm on hospital placement atm and have exams soon after.
I figured you would rather shorter chapters than months long waits!
Hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think!
Kaden slammed the door, finally making it to the sanctuary of his office. Knees threatening to crumble under the weight of all which transpired that afternoon. He needed to think.
Three of his guard... two azimuths... several injured and missing heirs...
... and Lear.
Once again, an empty void filled the place of the bond. His son was too far away to sense a connection. Not dead - he would have felt that - but an unmistakable realization that he didn't know where Lear had gone. Nor if he was safe. Sending a flurry of useless thoughts through his brain and turning his muscles to jelly. Right when they should have been celebrating the start of his son's marriage progression.
He lost him again...
Kaden shook his head. He couldn't afford to get emotional. Lear was strong and could fight his way back home. There was little need to worry about him unless he receives evidence proving otherwise. Now was the time to focus on the clans. Specifically pulling Hexaton back in line. Or disbanding her clan, whatever came first.
There was another leader struggling the same. Though Dex was handling it in the usual Dexivier fashion - by preparing a hidden battle fleet. Recently upgraded by Lear himself. To think they would use it early without him... Well, desperate times called for desperate measures. A shame none the less, and a favour his grandfather will repay in loads when Lear returns home.
He will return home, after all. Even if Kaden had to bring out a dimensionator and search for him alone.
A beep sounded from his pocket, and he reached for his phone, glancing at the name on the screen before talking.
"Hedrek," he whispered. "Why are you calling me now?"
"The Ventore clan will withdraw all services for the smaller clans," said the voice of the doctor, though it contained a sinister edge unfamiliar to Kaden. "How dare they attack our children! Then have the gull to blame us for the bloodbath that followed! I refuse to help those soul less monsters any longer - and my clan agree with me. We're announcing it in the morning from Hondurea's territory. The first stage of marriage progression is enough for me to act. "
Kaden froze at the words. His breathing becoming steady. "I see... The smaller clans won't enjoy that will they?"
"They certainly won't and..." continued the Ventore leader. "I know from what your son told me in our sessions that you have a way to get in contact with him. Despite wherever Hexaton sent them."
"Clank and Kit are working on it as we speak," said Kaden, nodding into the empty space of his office. "I'll contact you as soon as either of them make a connection. They need to eliminate interdimensional static to get a signal but are hopeful they'll make contact by morning."
"Humali's with him. I know it."
"Then you also know she is in excellent hands."
"I'm aware. Your boy's good. Standing up for her like that in front of everyone. I know he'll keep her safe. My primary concern is what you, old Dex and Hondurea are planning to do in the meantime."
Kaden sighed. Unsure how much detail he should bring up over the phone. "Let's just say... Lady Hexaton will wish she only had the restrictions to deal with after we're done. Not only did she attack leading heirs, she openly ambushed our guards and tried to threaten us at gunpoint. I'm through with the fake diplomacy, Hedrek."
"Glad to hear it. The smaller clans will group and plan their next attack. They've gone too far this time, Kaden. We can't let them win."
"Don't worry, I'm aware."
"You know..." The doctor's voice lightened. "If Aurina and Felibeth were here, they would already be gunning down smaller clan territory in Dex fighter ships. They used to be so hot-headed."
"A terrifying pair," chuckled Kaden. "Felibeth would have hired an assassin for Hexaton ages ago. We always disagreed on how to handle the political side of our jobs - and that was before I became a leader. She was much more hands on. If she were here... well, none of this would have happened."
Hedrek sighed. "Your boy probably gets his backbone from her."
"No doubt. He will need it, too."
"Kaden..." said Hedrek, his voice returning to its usual gentle but serious tone. "They are alive. We would've felt it if they weren't."
"I know. I just wish Hexaton had the decency to be diplomatic. The bond is still fresh... I only just got him back..."
"And we will get them back again. Dex and Hondurea are planning a meeting with Lismoth, Stanton and Hillax - they were hoping to use 'you-know-where' to plan a counterattack. Obviously, I can't be seen going into your territory with the announcement I'm about to make, but you can count on my clan to provide medical support."
"Hillax is joining in?"
"Cian isn't exactly pleased his youngest got targeted and his wife is out for blood. So Lismoth invited them along. Stanton sent a coded message offering supplies - you know, since Lorvas is in hospital and the Hillax girl is part of the family."
Kaden felt his grip on the phone lighten at the words. Stanton's boy was lucky that whoever aimed at him was a bad shot. Causing major burns on his upper shoulder, no doubt painful. but better than being caught directly in the blast and being transported elsewhere. A shame, too. Lorvas was easily one of the most promising heirs.
Kaden grinned. It was a stupid move on Hexaton's part.
The Stanton Clan is the only leading clan to have no restrictions in place. Following a strict ethos of ensuring the safety of the Lombax population through continued maintenance of buildings and attempting to provide affordable housing after moving into the new dimension. They were the sole reason the rate of homelessness remained low despite the chaos. Sending clansmen to every territory to create secure living arrangements and facilities out of whatever resources the territories could give them.
They built the city in less than five years thanks to their efforts, and yet the clan requested nothing in return. Citing their honor as craftsmen.
But to attack Lorvas - the clan's pride and future... well, it sounded like the clansmen took that news as well as the Ventore's did to being threatened.
Kaden nodded. "Alright... I'll give the order to organize a facility."
"Thanks, Kaden. Take care."
"You too, Hedrek. Let me know if you need further protection."
After listening to the end of conversaton click, Kaden placed the phone back on his belt and stared into the space before him. Unable to focus on the plans and designs scattered about the room, except for a recently approved plan on top of the pile on his desk with large red lettering stating 'complete'.
Pressure built up in Kaden's forehead at the sight. It was the faulty toaster Lear had fixed. Which was now on its way to market.
Kaden took one long, shaky breath and turned around. Doing his best to resist a snarl as he walked into the hallway. If Lady Hexaton believed she had the upper hand, then she better enjoy the feeling while it lasted. You don't just attack the Forrestier heir for no good reason and expect to get away with it.
Steps echoed about him as his guard changed positions within their hiding zones. He chuckled into the space in front of him as his mind trailed through plans and potential ideas. Ones he was knew a certain guard captain could accomplish instead of protecting his son.
...
"We're getting nowhere..." grumbled Malea with a yawn. She curled her legs close to her chest, unable to believe the chill in the morning air despite the heat yesterday.
The boys were arguing again - this time debating on whether to hunt or forage - while Miss Aquila stared off into space behind them. Her muscular frame leaning on the wall of their makeshift campsite and remaining quiet after the heated conversations from last night.
Cal shivered next to her. "And not getting any sleep, either. I miss my bed."
"What are supposed to do anyway...," said Malea. "Just sit here and wait for Lear's 'friend'. I don't even know what a Markazian is and don't know if I want too."
"And are Kerchu really that bad? Maybe they could help?" nodded Calaris.
"You two are insane!" said Aquila, causing them both to jump. "The Kerchu aren't friendly with outsiders. Talking to them is not an option. Markazians are generally on the friendly side in comparison - and Talwyn is not just a run of the factory variety either. She is in charge of the Polaris Defence Force! Her and Ratchet go way back. She won't hurt us."
"Says who?" growled Calaris. "It would be better than waiting around here... and why does Lear have connections to the head of the Polaris Defence Force?"
"Says me, friend. You don't have weapons, armour or any battle experience. Going up to the Kerchu would be like walking up to Ratchet's Grandad and asking to borrow his favourite ship. It's just not something you do... and it could get your head blown off. As for his connections - Ratchet just has friends everywhere from all the travelling he had to do, especially if it involved the military or planetary defence."
"This is so weird..." grumbled Malea, rubbing her forehead and feeling the start of a headache.
"Welcome to the galaxy. Always expect the unexpected," said Aquila with a sarcastic tone. "If it were my dimension, we would contact space pirates, so count yourselves lucky."
Behind them, the boys got louder, causing the girls to turn around.
"Foraging is safer!" yelled Tarvi. His face covered in dirt from repeated bashings to the ground. "Who knows what's in the rest of those dead monsters after they have been out all night."
"We are unfamiliar with the plant life and we still can use the meat from yesterday!" yelled back the Azimuth brute. "It's better than getting poisoned! Heck, I'm happy to go after another beast myself if you want something fresh!"
Aquila turned to face them, her back to the girls. "I agree with Alex. Not much edible plant life this deep into the swamplands. We can look at other options once we get off planet."
Tarvi's face contorted to what has now become his regular snarl. "I bet off planet food is worse."
"Not at all, friend. I recommend you try anything from Metropolis city or a local space pub. Always good food going in those places. You should ask Ratchet about anything close by though. I'm sure he knows of something."
When his face screwed up further, she sighed and gestured to the Azimuth. "Alex, can we talk? I would appreciate the help of a second brain while making a plan."
"Of course, Miss Aquila."
He gave one last glare towards Tarvi, then strolled over to Aquila's side, the two of them walking outside together. A sight which sent nausea throughout Malea's stomach, similar to when she watched Humali interact with Lear at the conference.
"Disgusting, isn't it?" muttered Cal. Her own face seeming to turn green. "A guard is the perfect match for her. Bet Lord Azimuth is dancing at the thought of the Azalea heir choosing one of his branch members as a partner. If they could get an heir out of it, then that's another position gone."
"At least they seem unaware of the politics behind it..." muttered Malea.
"Which makes it worse..." Cal hung her head back, sighing into the misty air. "What are we gonna do, Malea?"
As they continued discussing their future options, Tarvi tiptoed over to sit next to them. Listening to each word with a silence he usually seemed incapable of possessing while caressing a swollen sore spot on his cheek, the latter most likely from his previous interactions with the Azimuth guard.
"You know..." he said, grabbing the attention of the girls. "While this whole situation sucks... We are in the right position to turn things around for the smaller clans."
Malea shared a knowing look with Cal before speaking. "Is this another crazy idea, Tarvi?"
"No! What I'm saying..." he said, leaning closer. "Is that we have the perfect opportunity to rid our dimension of two of its biggest threats! "
The sound of the fire and buzzing insects hung between them for the next minute as his idea settled into the air. A tempting offer with too many flaws and fueled by the emotions of a child. Malea couldn't bring herself to speak in response.
"You're crazy," deadpanned Calaris. Breaking the silence.
Tarvi waved his hands around while trying to explain. "Look. We simply get rid of Aquila here - or leave her behind, whatever works - and do the same to Lear when we find him. Humali can't hand over the Ventore resources without him and the big clans will have to go back to the academy system. We'll be heroes!"
There were so many holes in Tarvi's oversimplified plan that Malea had to stop herself from gawking. Thankfully, Calaris had a talent for stating the obvious and ignoring protocol.
"Then how will we get back, you idiot! Those two are the only ones with a plan!" Cal snarled, looking as if she was ready to leap onto the short heir and hammer sense back into him.
"We simply take whatever they need from them before we use it. It's simple!" shrugged Tarvi.
"And what do we tell Lord Forrestier when his son doesn't arrive with us," said Malea, wanting to slam his head into the ground. "I'm sure Humali will happily provide the details. You heard her. The clans would rather disband then have a smaller clan heir lead them. This isn't about being 'heroes' or being good heirs. We need them now Tarvi."
"Agreed. Lord Forrestier and Lady Azalea will plan a bloodbath. I bet ol' Dex, Lismoth and Ventore will help them out. Malea is related to the Stanton clan - so there's another leading clan gone. Not to mention the Azimuths..." Calaris shook her head. "I hate to say it, but I agree with what they said last night. We need to get back and mitigate the damage. The lives of our clansmen are on the line, and it sounds like Lear and Aquila aren't keen on unnecessary bloodshed. Which could be enough to stop their parents and save lives. "
Tarvi waved his hand in the air, as if he were describing a mountain. "But we could bring the leading clans to their knees and fill in the void they leave behind. Think of the resources!"
"Think of the lives it will cost!" snarled Cal. "I get it - I hate the leading clans too - but revenge right now isn't worth it. Think with your head for once, Tarvi. Our desperation cost us the Ventore alliance. We can't afford to lose more! It even sounds like Lear will work with us once he takes his Dad's place as leader. "
"I agree. Let's focus on getting back home. I'm worried about my clan and family.
They changed the topic, signalling the end of the conversation. Though as both girls chatted away about the latest hoverbooting news and gadgets on the market, a weak attempt to distract themselves from their situation, Tarvi continued to stare at the fire. The vengeance he spoke of was still burning in his gaze.
...
Rivet sighed in relief the moment the other Lombaxes were out of earshot. Another minute among that pointless chatter and she would have hurt someone.
Not kill them, because Kit and Ratchet wouldn't like that, but definitely maim or torture at the bare minimum. They also weren't that bad. Just annoying and naive. At least that's what she told herself.
Alex fell into place behind her, his heavy steps comforting her aching ears and a reminder she wasn't alone in this situation. He knew her 'planning' excuse was a load of bullshit. The thought causing blood to rush to her head - an odd feeling on a normal day.
Now she was distinctly aware of his presence, his form stepping out into the clearing to keep watch of their surroundings, and the fact they were alone with nothing but the hum of insects and far off leviathan roars between them.
"So..." she said, trying to fill the silence. "Where did you learn to fight like that? Genuinely curious..."
His ears pricked, causing her to smile. She hit a point of interest. "I can't go into detail, but the Azimuths have a long history of being combat specialists against sentient races. All proven battle techniques are passed down through intense training in the event the Lombaxes ever require their use again. How to fight Grunthors and other leviathans are part of our education system."
Rivet blinked at the statement. "You don't go to normal school then?"
Alex shrugged. "No, but as you have witnessed, it is a necessary sacrifice. I've practically been training since I could walk, though this is my first real experience."
Rivet grinned. "You're not doing bad for a first-timer..." she paused, feeling heat rush to her head. "And I'm really grateful you're here with me right now. Those smaller clan heirs are a real handful. I wouldn't be able to keep them alive without your help."
He frowned. "You're not used to keeping others alive, are you Miss Aquila?"
"Nope. I only had myself to worry about until meeting up with Ratchet and Kit about nine months ago. Unlike our toddlers, those two have experience and don't need to be watched. They never got in the way. Ratchet also had Clank guarding his back... In comparison, I'm already worried about the others, even though they are less than five meters away."
"Is that the isolation syndrome the doctor mentioned? Feeling animosity to Lombaxes who aren't as strong as you?"
Rivet shrugged, staring back over to the view. "Maybe... But I'm not worried about you. That's good, right?"
His ears went pink. "Yes. I suppose it is."
He then moved to sit down on the edge of the clearing to stare out into the swamp lands. His movements tainted with exhaustion. A feeling Rivet could also feel run through her own muscles.
A part of Rivet wanted to sit next to him. Maybe lean on his shoulder or, more surprisingly, to sleep near him. Like she did whenever Ratchet was around. She hadn't slept since before the conference, not that being tired ever stopped her before, but it seemed her body had decided that now was an appropriate time to rest. Despite the bugs, smelly swamp and stressful babysitting duties required.
She yawned. Her eyes landing on Alex's relaxed frame once again.
Was this what she needed? Lombaxes like Alex who made her feel safe enough to take a nap? It would explain why Ratchet made her feel tired. Though it felt different this time.
Rivet wasn't complaining.
She acted on impulse, her eyelids threatening to rest despite her will to keep them open. Her legs moved on their own, taking that comfy spot next to Alex. Without input from her brain, her head began resting on his shoulder, allowing her eyes to finally close. Her body losing its stiffness at the contact.
Alex relaxed into the touch, and his breathing became soft to the point Rivet could hear his heartbeat. She decided, in that moment, that she liked the way it vibrated against her ears. Proof of the life sitting in the space next to her. Soft enough to listen too while falling asleep, but just the right pitch to mask the buzz of insects around them. He smelled like leather and gunpowder. Some of the Azimuth weapons must still use it.
She sighed. Sleep finally arriving.
If only it could have lasted.
There we go! Hope you enjoyed it!
No idea when the next one will come out, but I have already started. Next chapter features our lovely Talwyn. I can't wait to get her involved in the story!
Let me know what you think!