Surreal

A.N. Warning, there is character death in this chapter. Milky Goodness and Icejade, thank you for your reviews.


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“I’ll recalibrate the portal spell to take you to a safe area outside the destruction, if you’ll excuse me.” Kenlan headed for his lab to further refine his calculations.

“What do you think happened?” Arabel was horrified to think that the entire brothel had been destroyed. Many slaves like he’d once been had lost all hope for the future. It was unfortunate that none of them would ever experience a happy ending like he did.

“There’s no way to be certain until there’s an investigation but it could be they were targeted from space by a ship of some kind,” Stafon spoke up.

“It’s the Tolatrians – they did it.” Ja’el voiced what most of the room’s inhabitants had been wondering themselves.

“If it is them then we’d best delay this mission in lieu of a larger force in case they are waiting for us,” Stafon stated.

“I can’t wait, if the Captain’s still alive he could be hurt or worse,” It took all of Soiph’s willpower to restrain the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. She was grateful when Woen placed an arm around her shoulders for support.

Jubek cast sheltered glances at the Commander yet maintained his casual demeanor. In reality he was terrified for her; he could sense what the Captain meant to her. He also recognized that Woen too cared for her. It seemed ironic that in such a short time the red-haired Commander had managed to work her way into their hearts.

“We’ll work as quickly as possible. If it wasn’t for the aid you and your Captain provided we would never have been able to rescue Ja’el in time. Now it’s time to repay you, but we need to do it right,” Woen explained.

“Woen speaks the truth,” Gillian stated after teleporting into the room. She’d been apprised of the situation by Kenlan and Devo. She then turned her attention to Soiph. “Although I can not travel to your galaxy personally, I will send the best of my forces. And hopefully we will not be too late to save the ones you hold dear.”

Soiph forced a smile and nodded while praying that luck would be on their side for they were going to need it. Perhaps the Captain had managed to get out on time; yes she had to believe that.

~*~

Rais applied pressure to the deep gash across Chav’s chest as he fought frantically to save the young man’s life. He’d ripped his sleeve off and was using it to staunch the flow of blood. The slave was deathly pale and his pulse extremely weak.

Rais realized they would both be dead if he hadn’t been given advanced warning that a Tolatrian ship had moved into orbit off Letria sector and powered its weapons. He’d been in his quarters with Chav when he grabbed the young man with the intention of taking an elevator that were all crammed as the order to evacuate the fortress had been given. They had been heading towards the stairwells through a glassed walkway within view the outside of the fortress.

Rais had seen something that made his blood go cold. Heading toward the Elite Den’s direction was an alignment of several hundred missiles. Without stopping to think. Rais blasted a hole in the glass with his phaser. He grabbed Chav and told him to hold on tight before extending his grapple and lowering them down from the glass walkway. The rope tore the skin of his palms as he worked as fast as he could.

The first missile hit before they’d made it to the ground. When the rope broke, the blast from the first impact sent them flying several yards. Upon landing, Rais felt sore all over but didn’t think he’d broken anything. He glanced over at Chav and realized his lover hadn’t feared that well. A piece of metal debris was embedded halfway in his chest. He realized he’d have no time to treat Chav right there. So he lifted the slave in his arms and began running towards the city proper.

Rais didn’t glance back behind him, but he could hear the horrible sounds of metal bending, glass breaking and flames cackling. As the Elite Den faced its destruction, all he cared about was saving his love.

The Captain had intended to treat Chav as soon as he found a safe place to do so, but there were none to be had. It seems the Tolatrians had launched an all out attack from space with the intent of destroying the entire city. The Elite Den had been their first target, but now the rest of the city faced imminent destruction.

Rais saw several ships attempt to escape, only to be shot down before they’d even made it out of the city. He realized he had one choice and quickly found a manhole that lead to a sewer. He knew he’d cause serious harm if he attempted to lower himself down with Chav while the metal was still in the slave’s chest. Therefore he removed it and used his shirt sleeve to staunch the flow of blood. He felt Chav’s pulse but didn’t allow himself to breathe a sigh of relief that the young man was still alive. He had to get them to safety. Holding Chav’s unconscious body in one arm, he gripped the stair rails with the other hand and lowered them as fast as his body could muster.

Upon arrival on the grimy floor below; Rais set Chav down gently to once again begin tending his wounds. He heard a gurgled gasp and realized that Chav had regained consciousness. His violet eyes mirrored his pain as they slowly opened to gaze at him.

“Cap – tain…Di – an.” An involuntary cough escaped his lips as well as a spattering of deep red blood.

Rais ripped what was left of his other sleeve and quickly wiped at Chav’s lips. “Don’t talk.” His heart was thumping in his chest as he realized the gravity of Chav’s injury, he didn’t have much time.

“I … need you … to know – Cap…”

“Rais,” he quickly interrupted him, wishing only for him to save his strength but realizing that Chav desperately wanted to tell him something.

“Rais,” Chav forced a smile through his haze of pain. He savored the way his lover’s first name rolled off his lips. He could feel his life fast slipping away and realized that it was too soon. They had only just gotten together. It simply wasn’t fair.

Rais noticed the way the material of his sleeve that he’d used to staunch the flow of blood at Chav’s chest was now soaked through with blood. He was losing him. “Hold on, we’re going to get through this.”

“You – you’ve made me…so happy. I love you – Rais.”

Fear clutched Rais’s heart when he saw Chav’s eyes close. He clasped both hands against the younger mans face as he prepared to resuscitate him. Suddenly, a loud explosion was heard. The heat in the sewer intensified before he even saw the large ball of flame that was hurtling towards them from the south of the tunnel. Rais barely had time to cover Chav’s body with his own before the flames rolled over them.

~*~

Ja’el couldn’t stop pacing back and forth in Arabel’s quarters. He was so overcome with worry over what the away team would learn about Erik’s fate. It didn’t look very good for the people of Samian either. The away team had learned just before they departed that the entire city had been engulfed in flames along with the Den. If Erik was a prisoner somewhere in the city, then he no doubt met his fate like millions of other people had.

“If anything happened to him – it’s all my fault. He wouldn’t have been in Samian if I hadn’t…”

“Ja’el you need to stop beating yourself up; they’ll find Erik alive, I have that much faith in them,” Arabel replied.

“You’ve known them longer, so I trust your advice,” Ja’el nodded in Arabel’s direction but could not look him in the eye.

It dawned on Arabel that something was not right with his cousin. He decided it might be best to get Ja’el’s mind off Erik for a bit. “You never told me how you managed to escape the Tolatrians after our downfall.” Arabel was surprised when he saw Ja’el’s face crumple as he fought to hold back tears. “Ja’el what is it?”

A sob escaped Ja’el’s lips before he raised tear-filled eyes to Arabel. “I didn’t escape; I spent two years in an Atlinium mine.”

Arabel’s aqua eyes widened; “two years, by the gods! How did you survive that?” He knew that the life expectancy in such mines was usually less than one year.

“By living a life that eventually led to my true escape.” Ja’el wiped at his tears as he prepared to come clean with his cousin. This was a conversation he had hoped to delay until learning of Erik’s fate, but now was as good a time as any to deal with it.

Arabel regarded Ja’el solemnly as he gave him time to compose himself. Whatever secret his fellow Talion was keeping bottled up was eating away at him inside. It was high time he got it out and moved on. Arabel would be only too happy to help him do so.

“I worked in the mines, but more than a simple toil laborer. The guards that lived there – they found me appealing.” Ja’el’s breathing increased as the strain from the negative memories weighed heavily on him.

Arabel already knew where Ja’el was going with this before he even continued. It was their lot in life as attractive men who oftentimes could not protect themselves from unwanted sexual attention.

“For six months, as my fellow Talion’s died around me, I alone survived. I realized I was fed and clothed better than they were, all due to my activities at night in the private bed chambers of the guards. And then – he came.” Ja’el closed his eyes briefly as he fought to find the words to continue. “His name was Zaxton Lartier. He had a plan to embezzle money and supplies from this particular mine, and enlisted my help. In return, I would be granted my freedom and a large sum of the profit.”

“So you both escaped as a result when it was all said and done?” Arabel asked.

“I escaped, Zaxton never made it. I left him there to die.” Ja’el noted the surprised look on Arabel’s face before he turned away and walked out onto the balcony. The sun was setting and the forested landscape was ablaze in colors of red and honey. The slight wind wafted against his hair as he took a deep breath. He could feel Arabel’s presence behind him.

“I’m not the boy you once knew Arabel. I did indeed become a whore during my time at the mines. It was the only way, to get close enough to certain guards, and steal the information that Zaxton and I needed.” Ja’el turned to face his cousin, his silver eyes once again filled with unshed tears. “It was only made possible through Zaxton. He taught me the skills of being a good whore, the ways to ingratiate myself into the lives of the guards. And then when we were finally faced with freedom and he lay injured, begging for my help. I couldn’t risk not getting out of there, so I left him. And that act of selfishness has haunted me for three years.” The tears finally escaped to slide down his slender face.

Arabel was close to tears as well as he listened to his cousin’s story. He quickly embraced the other man in his arms and felt the trembling shake of his shoulders as his sobs wracked his body. He was certain Ja’el’s heartache didn’t come from love of this Zaxton, but instead from guilt of reneging on their deal. However, from Arabel’s perspective, Zaxton had taken advantage of Ja’el and deserved what he got.

“I’ll understand if you want me to leave. I just wanted to know that I wasn’t the last Talion alive. I can now willingly take that knowledge to my grave.”

“Why would I want you to leave? You’re my flesh and blood.” Arabel released him to look him in the eye. “You’ve made me so extremely happy to learn you’re still alive.”

“You don’t get it – I disregarded everything that made me a true Talion. My honor, my pride.” Ja’el’s tears seemed never ending. “Only the hope of one day reuniting with more of my kind kept me from taking my own life. I couldn’t live with myself, I never expected anyone else to be able to.”

“We all make mistakes, and yours were founded – you were in the fight for your life in that place,” Arabel felt himself breaking at Ja’el’s words.

“You don’t understand what it was like, what I willingly subjected myself to.” Ja’el lowered his head as he fought to forget the horrible memories of his life as the whore of many men.

“I understand better than you think, I was once a slave at the Cadence Palace.”

“I was aware of this, but you were also subject to Euphoria.”

“I wasn’t under Euphoria when I willingly serviced General Hetite.”

Ja’el glanced at Arabel and saw the look of utter despair in those azure eyes. Perhaps there was more to Arabel’s suffering before coming to this place of light than he knew.

“You see, you’re not alone. Most of us that survived the Tolatrians wrath have been forever changed. I experienced it, and so did Anata. She took it upon herself to find a way to get me released from the brothel, and it was not always through shinning means,” Arabel began. “It doesn’t matter what we were forced or subjugated to in the past, all that matters is the future. And I know Anata would agree with me.” He glanced upward at the slowly darkening sky. “Do you see that bright blue star there?”

Ja’el followed the direction of Arabel’s gaze while wiping at his tears. He did indeed find the star to which he was referring.

“Queen Gillian created that star, during Anata’s memorial service in honor of her. She credited her for bringing me and Devo together. And now as a result we’re also reunited to start our lives again anew.”

Ja’el was only beginning to realize just how powerful these Suvian’s really were. The Queen had created a star in honor of Anata? The idea was incredible. Arabel had allied himself with truly exceptional beings. He only hoped they’d have what it took to find Erik.

~*~

The Suvian vessel arrived through the portal after the Tolatrian vessel that had just devastated Samian departed. The rescue team soon found they could not teleport into the city that continued to burn. They opted to enter the planets atmosphere and use the ship’s own fire extinguisher capabilities to put out the flames.

It took close to half an hour but finally the fires had ceased but it was apparently too late for the city. Smoldering, skeletal remains of buildings stood sentry to the destruction. Soiph was extremely anxious to get down on the ground and begin the search. She had been trying to reach Rais on his radio to no avail.

The rescue team consisted of Stafon, Soiph Woen, Jubek, Dascos and Boden who had just returned from a mission and opted to join them. He was the son of Bahlal; an astrophysicist who once helped saved the lives of the King and Queen many years ago. Boden considered Woen a close friend and was willing to once again depart on a new mission even after just arriving home.

The five of them were soon beamed to the surface in the remains of the Elite Den. Soiph had to fight back tears to see the place where she had worked and lived for so long in complete and utter ruin. She once again wondered if all she knew including her friends were now wandering the afterlife. The thought would have been enough to crush a weaker person, but she would not give up until all hope had been extinguished just like the raging fires had been.

Woen realized the situation looked grim. When he’d threatened Kisku Draymond about his so called legitimate establishment, he’d never imagined that this is the way it truly would have ended. It’s very likely the brothel owner himself perished in the blaze. Woen only wished the man’s punishment had not taken so many other lives with him.

“I’m picking something up,” Soiph stated. The rest of the team gathered around her as she held her scanning device. “It’s the Captain’s radio, just outside the city in the sewer area.” She took off running in that direction only to find herself being embraced by Stafon as he allowed her to lead him while they teleported to the correct location at a much faster pace. Time was of the essence, if the Captain was still alive, he could be seriously injured.

Moments later the team arrived within a darkened sewer system. Stafon used his latent powers to create a white ball of light that illuminated the immediate area. Soon, they could make out two soot covered bodies that lay on the grimy floor. Soiph was instantly at their side turning the first one over she recognized Rais right away. Tears almost blurred her eyes when she realized he was deathly still.

Dascos was immediately at her side reaching for the other body. When he turned it over he noticed the deep gash in the chest along with the charred and burned skin. It was too late for this one. However, the other one appeared to have suffered only burns and no other injuries. He quickly placed his hands on Rais’s chest and began to radiate a large heal spell through him. The soot and dirt that covered him quickly vanished, and before long all present saw as the Captain took a deep breath of life.

Soiph squealed with joy when she realized he was okay. She finally noticed that the body next to Rais belonged to that of Chav. She raised questioning eyes at Dascos and wondered why the healer hadn’t revived him as well.

“I’m afraid his companion has been dead for far too long. I can not resurrect him,” Dascos explained. “I must get the Captain back to Atika for further treatment. It might be time to let the second ship come through to continue the search for survivors since there is no longer any imminent danger.”

Stafon nodded his agreement before kneeling to lift the lifeless charred body of the brothel slave in his arms. “We’ll take him back with us for a proper burial.”

“Jubek and I will stay for a while, we promised Ja’el we’d find out what happened to Erik. We’re hoping to find a clue among the remains,” Woen stated.

Soiph slowly stood as the ones that were leaving prepared to beam back onboard the ship. As grateful as she was that Rais was going to survive, she knew he’d never be the same after losing Chav.

~*~

Ja’el was disappointed when the first ship returned but there was still no news on Erik. They had managed to find the Elite Den’s Captain alive and Jubek and Woen had stayed behind to continue the search. Perhaps there was still hope of finding Erik alive as well. Ja’el was normally a patient person but not knowing the fate of his bodyguard was driving him insane. He simply needed to know Erik was alright, and safe.

This was a man Ja’el owed his life to. Erik had saved him on board the ship during the solar storm. If it weren’t for him he’d never have been able to reunite with Arabel. Now it seems as if the bodyguard had landed himself into hot water, and Ja’el so desperately wanted to lend him aid. He prayed to the gods that his lover would be found soon.

~*~

Gillian had summoned Soiph for a briefing after it was clear that Rais was out of the woods. The Captain had yet to regain consciousness as a result of his injuries but would be fine. Stafon and Kenlan were also present in the conference room.

“What do you suppose provoked this attack by the Tolatrians?” Gillian had a pretty good idea but wanted to hear Soiph’s take on it.

“The Elite Den had been in complete compliance with them while we were working together. But then they upped and left us to deal with the problem of the renegade scryers. So, Lord Draymond ordered us to work together with Woen and Jubek in the hopes that they would eventually leave us alone.” Soiph sighed as she ran a hand through her red curls. “I can only assume that what happened after Ja’el’s rescue prompted this.”

“Then that would make this indirectly our fault,” Gillian began. “Would you like to warn those at the other brothel?”

Soiph’s eyes widened. “By the gods, I hadn’t thought that they’d go after the Cadence Palace as well.”

“It would make sense if they now held a grudge against your Kisku Draymond. Whom at this point we don’t know if he’s dead or alive,” Stafon spoke up.

“Yes, we should send warning to the Cadence Palace, so that they may evacuate at least,” Soiph replied.

Gillian nodded then glanced in Kenlan’s direction. No words were spoken between the two but the mystic understood the Queen’s wishes. He excused himself from the room.

“Who was the boy found with the Captain, the one that perished?” Gillian asked.

“His lover; one of the brothel slaves, Chav Stovoy.” Soiph lowered her gaze as she once again imagined the magnitude of Rais’s grief once he learned of Chav’s death.

“He attempted to save him, how honorable.” Gillian could sense the extent of their true feelings without Soiph having to say the words. “Well then, I suggest you be at his side when he finally awakens. Something tells me he’ll need a familiar face to help him get through this. Meeting is adjourned.”

As Soiph stood and was escorted out of the briefing room, her thoughts were not only on Rais’s recovery, but on two men still searching through the rubble in Samian. The Commander realized she’d allowed herself to become deeply involved with these two and prayed for their swift return.

~*~

Erik awoke to most unpleasant sensations. He was completely naked and his chest and waist were tightly constricted by the tentacles that had attacked him. But to his horror, one slippery appendage was now nestled deep within his ass. He was impaled and violated by this otherworldly creature that sought to dominate him. It seemed the beast had yet to succeed for he still possessed his full senses.

It seemed he’d been moved a different plane, the area was still completely dark, but he could now make out the images of withered and bent tree-like shapes that littered the area. He had a sinking feeling that he’d been taken to a place where escape would be extremely difficult.

The pulsation from the tentacles had ceased and slowly, Erik attempted to wiggle himself free. Big mistake. The creature which held him was now alerted to his consciousness and begun the pulsation once more.

//The more you fight, the more you will suffer.//

The raspy voice penetrated Erik’s thoughts. He knew exactly whom he was dealing with. “Why do you claim me now when you’ve let me live free all these years?” Erik demanded.

//You have grown careless, not to mention soft. I’ve seen the young man that occupies your thoughts, how pathetic!//

Erik gritted his teeth as he realized his opponent had invaded his mind and witnessed the memories of him with Ja’el. “Just let me go, you’ve never cared about my life before, there’s no reason to start now.”

//But I’ve been bored, and teaching one of my wayward offspring a lesson seems to be just the thing I need to lessen that boredom.//

Erik could not see the creature which held him, but he knew exactly what it looked like. Slimy, scaly, with numerous flopping appendages. He was related to this – this monster. Although he was half human, his inhuman strength reminded him every day of his other side. What would Ja’el think when he learned the truth? He’d be devastated to find out that his lover was a demi-god related to the monstrous gods of Andrenon’s history. Would Ja’el forgive him for his duplicity, or shun him for the demon he was.

//Your thoughts only further indicate how weak you’ve become.// With those words, the creature sent an electric bolt shockwave through Erik’s body.

A blood-curdling scream escaped Erik’s lips as the tentacles constricted drawing blood as they tore his flesh, while the electrical attack felt as if it were frying his skin cells. When the attack finally ceased, Erik’s body slumped; suspended by the force of the tentacles but his anger did not wane. “Fuck you!”

//Such disrespect for your elders; and here you lay like a human weakling.//

“Kill me, or let me go,” Erik began through clenched teeth. “But don’t toy with me.”

//You are in no position to be making demands. But I’m not toying with you. In fact, I have very precise plans for you.//

Erik was fast losing patience. “What do you want from me?!”

From out of the shadows, a black scaled face with yellow eyes emerged before Erik. //You’ll find out when the time is right.//

Before Erik knew it, his body was being flung and dumped into a deep pit. Instead of landing on solid ground, he felt the presence of numerous bodies beneath him. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness he gazed around at a sea of red eyes all focused on him. They were alter-realm beings. Merely peons that had not posed any threat to Erik at full strength. However, he’d been severely weakened by the days of tentacle torture that he knew he’d be unable to fend them off.

When his hair was tugged from behind and a creature bit his nipple painfully, he realized he would be raped and tortured for as long as these beasts possessed the stamina. This was not something he was used to, all his life he had radiated strength. He was a protector after all. A bodyguard with the ability to help the weak. But now, here he was; one of the weak with no one to protect him. As his arms were held back and his legs were parted as a stiff cock was hurriedly shoved into him, he tried to focus his thoughts on Ja’el. He knew he’d see him again – he had to.

~*~

The following day Rais finally regained consciousness. Soiph was immediately summoned to the recuperation room where his condition had been monitored. The bed the patient lay on was the focal point of the white washed room which held large windows that were open, allowing fresh air and sunlight to spill inside.

Rais was confused at first when he glanced around his strange surroundings. He was allowing his memories to fall in order when he saw his second-in-command burst into the room. There was a wide smile on Soiph’s face. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d seen her out of uniform. She currently wore a sleeveless, green, day dress with a scooped neck that hugged her curves gracefully. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail with a few tendrils escaping to frame her beautiful face. He was slightly surprised when she launched herself at him and hugged him tightly.

“Oh Captain, it’s so good to see you alive and well,” Soiph said as she squeezed Rais gently, careful not to hurt him. Dascos had said he was out of the woods and had opted for him to regain consciousness on his own. While his body was fine, the healer felt his mind needed to catch up with what he’d been through and felt it best for him to be given the time needed.

Soiph finally released him and sat next to him on the bed while continuing to grasp his hands with hers. “How are you feeling?”

“I feel fine – but we were attacked.” The memories came rushing back to Rais. “I was attempting to escape the blast with Chav down the sewers when … by the gods! Where is Chav?” He looked around the room once again wondering if he’d missed him or perhaps he was in an adjacent room also recuperating in bed.

Soiph lowered her gaze as she fought for the right words to tell Rais the awful truth.

“No,” Rais pulled his hands from hers and quickly left the bed. He was wearing a simple white shift that covered him from shoulder to thigh. He once again refocused his gaze on Soiph. “Where is he Commander?”

“His body – is in their morgue.” Soiph was fighting back her own tears as she told him what he needed to hear. “I’m sorry Captain, Chav didn’t make it.”

“No, no he was alive! He was injured when we were thrown to the ground. But when we made it to the sewer, he was still alive,” Rais insisted. As those words left his lips he suddenly remembered the explosion that followed Chav’s last words to him and the blistering ball of flame that had followed thereafter. He now realized that even he shouldn’t’ have survived that. Yet here he stood, didn’t that mean that Chav could have lived as well? “I need to see him.”

“Captain, you’ve only just recovered…”

“I need to see him now Commander!” Rais regretted raising his voice immediately after. He lowered his tone before continuing. “Please, don’t make me force that as an order.”

“Alright,” Soiph stood to face him. “I’ll get you some clothes and…”

“I’m fine like this,” Rais replied quickly.

Soiph pursed her lips together before gazing at him steadily. “Do you know where we are Captain? We’re not in Samian anymore. The city was completely leveled.”

Rais appeared stunned by her words. “Are we in a neighboring town?” He glanced outside the window and saw nothing but blue sky and green forest in the distance. It didn’t look familiar.

“No, try another galaxy. I’d been on my way back to Samian yesterday when we found we couldn’t return. So after the fire was put out, we searched the remains of the city and found you and Chav. You were injured terribly, thus you were brought back here, to Atika – home planet of the Suvian race,” Soiph explained.

“How badly injured was I?” Rais wanted to know.

“Your skin was burned in several areas. It was pretty awful.”

Rais glanced down at his bare arms that were devoid of any bruises or burn marks. He felt the smooth skin of his face and knew that he held none of the injuries Soiph had just described. “If these Suvians are capable of instant healing, then they could have saved Chav.”

“It was too late to save Chav. Captain, with all the years we’ve worked together, you know I wouldn’t lie to you about this.” She closed the distance between them before resting a palm on his shoulder. “Now I can take you to see his body, if that’s what you’ll need for closure.”

Rais blinked back tears as he regarded Soiph fearfully. He knew deep down that she spoke the truth, but refused to believe it. He nodded before replying, “Take me to him.”

Upon exiting the hospital room, Soiph found Arabel waiting for them in the hall. The Talion was wearing loose fitting khaki pants, and an opened collared white shirt. His dusky skin created a pleasing contrast to the stark white shirt as well as his silky blue-black hair which once again fell over his right eye appealingly. She hadn’t expected to find him here, and while she was certain the Captain wouldn’t want company, Arabel was so agreeable that she was certain Rais would have no objections to the Talion tagging along.

“Captain, I’d like you to meet Arabel Cresh Sventos, he is mated to the heir of the Suvian throne. Arabel, this is my Captain, Rais Dian.”

Arabel noticed when the Captain was about to bow before him and quickly stopped him. “There is no need for formalities. I’m only here to help during your personal time of grief. If you’ll follow me.” Arabel turned and led the way down the hall. He could feel both pairs of eyes on him as they made their way to a nearby elevator pad.

As they walked through the halls, the larger windows offered a breathtaking view of the landscape and a winding river that snaked through the forested area. Rais could not appreciate his new surroundings not when his final destination was a place ripe with grief. He was silent during the remainder of the trip, and was grateful that his companions also had little to say.

Finally, they were escorted into a sealed off room with several steel casings stacked together large enough for a human body to fit in. Arabel pressed a button and one casing dislodged itself from the rest and came to lie on a pedestal in the center of the room. He then pressed another button on the casket itself that caused it to become completely transparent.

Revealed in the casket was the deathly pale form of Chav Stovoy covered from neck to toe in a black shift. Rais moved to stand next to the casket, and placed a bare hand next to the cool glass. “He has no burns.”

“His body was restored, but his life could not be. We’ll leave the burial preparations to you if you wish.” Arabel was not unaffected by these proceedings. Only a few years ago, he too was in this position seeing to the burial of his sister.

Soiph recognized that Rais’s willpower had only moments before crumbling. She realized that time alone with Chav was what he needed right at this moment. She was grateful when Arabel recognized the same signs.

“We’ll be just outside if you need us,” Arabel stated before leading the way out of the morgue.

Rais continued to stare at the lifeless body beneath the glass casket for how long he was unsure. It wasn’t until he saw a tear drop spill onto the glass that he realized he was crying. He’d thought to one day build a life with this man, to free him from the brothel where no one or anything could ever do him harm again. Instead, here he was; gazing on Chav’s body with the knowledge that all he had dreamed for them would never take place.

“Wherever you are – I hope you’re no longer in any pain.” Rais gazed longingly at Chav’s pale face almost willing the boy’s violet eyes to open and fill with joy at the sight of him. “I know one day, we’ll be reunited. Until then, I give you my heart for safekeeping. Hold it tight until I see you again.”

Rais brought two fingers to his lips and kissed them gently before placing them on the cool casket. His loose, ebony hair spilled forward to pool in soft waves along the ledges of the glass. He began to sob softly as all the pain, despair and agony was slowly released from inside.

~*~

When Jubek and Woen returned to Atika the following day, Soiph was summoned to the briefing room to be a part of the current discussion. Kenlan, Stafon, Devo and Gillian were also present.

“So there were no other survivors other than the Captain,” Gillian stated. It sickened her to think that the Tolatrians would simply destroy an entire city with millions of people on a whim. She now wondered if her people would once again be forced to go to war. The Cadence Palace had been warned of a possible pending attack and had evacuated, but so far there had been no sign of attack. It was possible the Tolatrians were retaliating directly to the Elite Den officials and the aid they provided the Suvians. If that was the case, then there was a good chance their grudge would not extend to those of the Cadence Palace. However, Gillian wasn’t sure if she could sit idly by while others suffered for something she felt her people were indirectly responsible for.

“The other away team remained to at least identify the corpses that were found. That way we have a record of who died that will be available for loved ones to plan accordingly,” Woen stated.

“So once that record is complete, we’ll learn whether or not Ja’el’s bodyguard was among them.” Devo hoped they’d learn something soon. Although Ja’el seemed pleased to be with them, the sadness over the loss of his protector hovered over him like a thick cloud. Devo half hoped Erik’s body was found among the remains, if only to offer closure to Ja’el. The continued disappearance of his lover would only create a larger bridge between him and the people who wanted to love him and be part of his family.

“Jubek, explain to me exactly what Erik really is,” Gillian stated.

Soiph was confused by this line of questioning, was there something about Ja’el’s bodyguard that she didn’t know.

Jubek nodded, “He’s what we call a Relic.”

Soiph didn’t mean to intrude but couldn’t help herself. “There’s no such thing. Relic’s are fairytales, myths – like the gods.”

A sexy grin curved Jubek’s lips as he glanced at his female lover. “You do not believe that gods exist?”

“I believe in what I can feel, see and touch,” Soiph responded.

Jubek closed the distance between them, the grin never leaving his face. “Well then, I suggest you look and feel to your right. For you are in this very moment, in the presence of a god.”

Soiph stared at Jubek for a very long time before finally glancing to her right where Queen Gillian stood. She hadn’t learned much about Suvian history during her short time here. She did understand that Gillian was extremely powerful and had likened her abilities to perhaps those of a mystic or scryer. But a god? The idea was too farfetched to be credible.

“It seems Jubek’s tongue has run away with him, pay him no mind,” Gillian stated. “My earlier question was to ascertain this Erik’s survivability. If he is, skilled – then this blast should not have killed him. That is if he was even in Samian at the time.”

“Well where else would he have gone? From what we understand from Ja’el he would not have left him, at least not willingly,” Devo said.

“Well that’s what the investigative team will have to find out.” Gillian nodded in the direction of Woen, Jubek and Kenlan.

“We’ll get right on that,” Woen led the way out of the conference room and waited for, Jubek, Kenlan and Stafon to leave. He noticed that both Devo and Soiph lingered with Gillian.

Soiph had been stealing glances at the Queen ever since Jubek’s revelation about her. She had thought she’d been getting to know this woman so well. Only to have this bomb dropped on her. If Gillian really was a god, then why did she behave so normally? Weren’t gods benevolent and all powerful? She didn’t quite fit the bill. Soiph soon noticed that Woen was waiting for her and quickly exited the room with him following close behind.

After they had left, Devo turned to his mother. “Reactions always seem to vary when people first learn the truth about you.”

“Well, at least it’s never boring,” Gillian winked at her son. She also realized that he’d stayed behind for a reason. “What’s on your mind?”

“Oh not much, just the fact that there never seems to be a dull moment around here,” Devo replied dryly.

“Really, well if that’s all you wanted I think I’ll go visit my grandchildren.”

“Wait, I’m concerned about Arabel. He won’t be happy with Ja’el unhappy. I was wondering if there was anything you could do to help us speed up the process of finding this bodyguard,” Devo stated.

“You know I would love to help, but if I interfere in that galaxy at all…”

“Yes I know, you’ll threaten the balance of power. I was just hoping there was a way you could help find him indirectly. I hate seeing Arabel like this, constantly concerned and worried about Ja’el’s welfare. And the fact that he’s become close to Soiph and her problems with her Captain is also affecting him deeply.”

“For the Captain’s situation, only time will heal those wounds,” Gillian replied softly. “As for the other situation; I don’t think you give Arabel enough credit. He’s a lot stronger than you think. Yes, he’s taken the burdens of others as his own, but he has a really solid support system. Our family is his rock. If he needs help sorting through these problems, he knows where to look.”

Devo smiled and nodded his agreement. He had suspected as much about his mate, but it always felt better to hear someone say the words and his mother always knew the right ones to say. “You’re right; I’ll just let this play out and see where it goes.”

“Perfect, as for right now, if either of you need me, I’ll be in the nursery.” Gillian winked at him before teleporting from view.

~*~

Soiph had just come from seeing Rais. He was broody and very unresponsive during the half an hour she spent with him. The Captain rarely left his room after Chav’s burial ceremony took place the previous day. Soiph recognized the signs of withdrawal. She hadn’t been surprised by this, Rais had loved Chav dearly. She only hoped he could get through this time of mourning without being consumed by grief.

The body identification had been complete, and Kisku Draymond was among the deceased. This put the shareholders of the brothel directly in charge. Soiph realized that at some point they’d have to contact the shareholders and allow them to decide the fate of their working contract. She also realized that it was very possible that both of them would be sent to the Cadence Palace. It wasn’t something she cared for, regardless of her contract to work for the company. Gillian had already offered to have them stay in Atika for as long as they liked. She would prefer to explore new venues here rather than have to go back to an old life that was suddenly very unappealing. She opted not to tell Rais any of this just yet, as she didn’t want to add any extra burden to his already heavy load.

Soiph wanted to check on Woen and Jubek’s progress and decided to call Woen on her communicator. Since she could not converse telepathically with the Suvians, they had supplied her with a communicator that several of her new allies had opted to carry one in case she needed them, Woen included. Once he answered, he informed her that they were currently in a lab located on the sixth level and that she was welcome to join them.

Soiph wasn’t particularly interested in their hunt to find Ja’el’s bodyguard, but she did miss her dual lovers and just needed an excuse to see them. Once she arrived at the lab, she had to hide her disappointment that the two men were not alone. With them was Boden and Bahlal whom she had met once in passing..

Woen smiled at Soiph’s arrival and gazed at her appreciatively. Today she wore a soft yellow day dress with draped sleeves and a V neckline. The dress fell to just below the knee, showcasing her shapely legs. Her luxurious red curls were undone and fell across her shoulders in soft layers. He’d also noticed the brief disappointment on her face that she’d done an excellent job of quickly concealing. It seems their lusty Commander would have preferred to see them alone.

“Welcome, Commander,” Woen began. “You know Bahlal and his son Boden.”

Soiph nodded in greeting at the two men before turning her gaze to Jubek. The scryer sat in a chair with his legs propped up on the table. He looked very relaxed and carefree as his quick wink to her would attest. Soiph felt her thighs grow damp by that mere look from him. She hadn’t engaged in any sexual forays with them since the destruction of Samian. She sighed inwardly. It seems the Tolatrians vengeance had not only ruined her home and career, but her sex life as well.

“Bahlal is an astrophysicist, we thought his aid would be tantamount all things considered,” Woen stated. Decades ago the man actually helped to locate a missing planet in space time that had trapped the King and Queen. If it wasn’t for his aid, it was possible they would never have been found which would have spelt doom for the Suvian people.

“I don’t understand, is it not most likely that if Mr. Dannos’s corpse was not found among the remains of the city then he was taken on the Tolatrians ship?” Soiph asked.

“There was a thorough scan of the ship while we were there,” Woen replied. “Only Tolatrians and their allies were onboard.”

“So where do you think Mr. Dannos is?” Soiph wanted to know.

“He might be trapped somewhere in space time,” Bahlal spoke; the man was well over 40 but didn’t look a day over 25. He could easily pass as a brother to any of the younger men present. “Jubek can better explain the spell we believe was used.”

Jubek finally removed his feet from the table, and stood up to face her. “It’s an entrapment spell. I believe the Tolatrian scryers set it up and masked the energy signature so that Erik was caught unawares.”

“And do gods normally fall into such traps so easily?” Soiph was reiterating the fact that she didn’t believe Erik was a Relic. It would however make him an exceptionally skilled human; seeing as he held his own rather well during his fight with Woen and Jubek. But a Relic was completely out of the question.

“I’ll admit, I think he was careless; but one things for certain – the motivation of love does strange things to people,” Jubek replied before glancing sideways at Woen.

Soiph didn’t miss the look Jubek gave Woen and had to wonder if the jubilant scryer felt that way about the Suvian. “So you’re suggesting that Mr. Dannos was in love with Ja’el? Has the Talion confirmed this?”

“From what we were able to gather from Ja’el, Mr. Dannos did care deeply for him. Perhaps enough to fall blindly into the scryers trap,” Woen stated.

“But now that we have a theory, we need to prove it,” Boden spoke up for the first time.

Soiph glanced at Bahlal’s son as if seeing him for the first time; she’d only been vaguely aware that he’d been on the initial trip to Samian after its destruction. From his seated position she could tell that he was extremely tall and muscular, almost burly. He was wearing a sleeveless body shirt that showcased those thick arms. Black leather pants, a thick belt around his waist and leather boots seemed to complete his attire. Whereas Bahlal was small and thin, his son seemed quite the opposite and not exactly the scientist type. She did find Boden’s face attractive. He had shoulder length brown hair that appeared almost scraggly but in an appealing sort of way. His eyes were also honey gold, much like Gillian’s and Devo’s. And his skin tone was that deep bronzed complexion that made it seem as if the Suvian’s had been tanning for months on end, when it fact it was a natural complexion.

“You don’t need to stay Boden. You really haven’t gotten a break since you came back from your last mission. If you wish to take some time off, that’s fine with me,” Bahlal stated.

“I’m here, and you need my help – plus there’s no where else I’d rather be,” Boden replied with a grin.

Soiph closed the distance between them. “I like his attitude and I agree. Put me to work.”

Woen smiled at her enthusiasm before leading her to a computer terminal.

~*~

It had been a week since Ja’el had arrived on Atika, and so much had happened. He was living with Arabel and his wonderful family, who had accepted him for who he was his past included. Yet amidst all that joy was a lingering sadness that only his reuniting with Erik could cure. He knew he was doing a terrible job of hiding his brooding from Arabel but couldn’t help it. Even meeting the rest of his cousin’s family, his children included hadn’t raised his spirits.

Ja’el was currently taking a walk in one of the well manicured lawns that surrounded the Suvian fortress. His eyes did not notice the way the soft green grass parted beneath his sandaled feet, or the sweet smell of flowering plants, or the birds that sung sweetly overhead. Or even the bright blue sky that boasted not a single cloud, and the merry sunlight that should have cheered even the gloomiest pessimist. Nothing could lift Ja’el’s spirits except to once again be in his loves warm embrace.

“How do you fare?”

Ja’el recognized the voice of the woman who had spoken before he even glanced around to gaze at her. “Queen Gillian,” He was about to bow when she quickly stopped him by placing a hand on his shoulder.

“We’re family; there’s no need for formalities. And you may call me Gillian.” She smiled at him.

This was the first time Ja’el had been alone with the Queen. He couldn’t help but feel daunted by her. She was a Suvian goddess with incredible powers. Yes, she was his cousin’s mother-in-law and that did make them family. Yet it didn’t lessen his uneasiness whenever she was around him. What he did know, was that the last thing he needed was to suffer through someone else attempt at coddling him.

“I don’t know what you’re here to say, but I’ve already gone over every possibility in my mind,” Ja’el began. “Erik may be dead, or he may have abandoned me thinking I was more trouble than I was worth. Or – he may be captured and hurt, something he didn’t sign on for.”

Gillian nodded, “well since you have all the possibilities covered then we can skip that part.” She offered him a smile she hoped was reassuring.

Ja’el gazed at the beautiful woman with the long golden hair and the amber colored eyes. She was wearing a flowing blue gown that hid the well formed curves he’d seen in earlier meetings with her where her attire had been closer fitting. She did appear so approachable, as the Queen of this mighty nation of shape shifters and magical dwellers; she certainly didn’t seem in the least bit jaded by her power and prestige.

“Arabel is very lucky to have you and Devo. Your entire family seems so wonderful,” Ja’el said.

“You do realize that we’re here for you too, the same way we are for Arabel,” Gillian replied.

Ja’el shook his head, “I feel like I’ve done nothing to deserve your kindness, except being related to the right person. Don’t you see? I don’t belong here. I know Arabel cares about me, but we were never that close when we were growing up. The last thing I want is to be kept here by his sense of obligation.”

“Regardless of your relationship before, both of you are survivors of a terrible tragedy that befell your people. These types of experiences only serve to bring closer together those who were not.”

Ja’el was surprised at himself that he’d managed to be this frank with the Queen. He hadn’t even told Arabel what he’d secretly been thinking about their reunion. It only made it worse that the man he loved was missing. Everything would have been alright, if only Erik were here.

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do; I’ll make an effort to not be so gloomy from now on. The last thing I want is to put a damper on your wonderful family life.” Ja’el lowered his gaze as he waited, no hoped she would leave him alone.

“What you’re going through is nothing compared to what my family and I have already experienced. If one day you wish to know of our focus and will to persevere even through adversity, let me know. I’ll be waiting.” Gillian spared the young man one last glance before walking away.

Ja’el raised his gaze and watched her leave. She was a perplexing woman, Arabel’s mother-in-law. He wondered how his cousin dealt with her day in and day out. He couldn’t help but admire her protective nature and realized how very lucky Arabel was to have her in his corner. The same way Erik had been there for him. The mere thought of his missing bodyguard had Ja’el breaking down once more. He was grateful he was alone as he allowed the tears to spill free.