Ai No Kusabi Fan Fiction ❯ The Final Decision ❯ Chapter Three ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: As before, the characters of Ai No Kusabi and the Taming Riki series do not belong to me, nor do I profit from this story.

* * *

Chapter Three

 

Faith is a bird that feels the dawn breaking and sings while it is still dark.

 

- Rabindranath Tagore

 

* * *

 

Iason frowned as he quietly approached Jupiter's inner sanctum for the second time in merely a few short hours. He was strangely disturbed, however, by his utter lack of fear. Perhaps he was more troubled at the thought that his relationship with Jupiter had been irreparably altered. He had no regrets. It was merely the inevitable consequence born from his actions since the day he fell in love with Riki.

 

Love. It was this deep and consuming affection for his pet that had inadvertently set him free. Jupiter no longer held any power over him. In the past, he had worried about the damage she could bring to his status, his household, and his very name. However, recent events had helped to put everything into proper prospective. He no longer cared about wealth and stature. What value did cars, credits and villas hold to a hollow man? Without Riki, material possessions meant little. All that was needed was the love of his brash, mongrel pet to elevate Iason Mink to the position of the richest man on Amoi.

 

“Sit down.” Jupiter's electronic voice conveyed her anger even more so than the deep crimson of her pulsating aura.

 

Nodding his compliance, Iason gracefully took a seat. For once in his life, he could not think of anything suitable to say.

 

It was several minutes more before Jupiter finally spoke. “Explain yourself, Iason,” she commanded severely. Clearly, her patience was at an end.

 

“Please understand,” he began slowly, “my purpose was not to defy you.” He forced himself to remain still as she came forward to place her holographic hands against his face. In a bizarre thought, he almost imagined her desire to wrap those same hands around his throat.

 

Jupiter remained motionless, her aura nearly searing against his pale skin. “Oh?”

 

“I apologize for the delay,” he replied smoothly. “If those had been the last moments of Riki's life, it was my desire to be there with him.”

 

Instantly, Jupiter retreated to her platform, her aura dimming to a swirling purple. “Your refusal to me was simply out of fear that your pet might die?”

 

“Of course,” he answered immediately, his brow furrowed with his confusion. “Riki is the only facet of my life that I hold in higher regard than my position as the Head of the Syndicate.”

 

Jupiter silently reflected on his declaration, unable to find a suitable response. She knew that Iason was profoundly fond of his mongrel pet, and it was obvious their connection ran deep, but…love?

 

She was a sophisticated computer; an advanced sentient being with the capacity to learn and grow. Emotions were fascinating to her, and she often studied their cause and effect, even experiencing them for herself. Anger, jealously, elation, disappointment, satisfaction…all these she could understand and process. Love, however, was foreign to her. She felt attachment, perhaps even affection for Iason, especially during his earlier years when she was looking at him to be the next Syndicate leader. But love? It was something she had not yet been able to comprehend.

 

“Do you…love him?” she asked quietly, her aura returning to its calm, aquatic hue.

 

“Very much,” he answered automatically. “More than anything.” His heart pounded furiously at the question. Why would Jupiter pose such an inquiry? Surely, no matter how advanced a computer Jupiter was, she was still, merely a computer. Such deep and seemingly irrational emotions - such as love - would be beyond her understanding.

 

“Your pet has caused much damage.” Jupiter's electronic voice sounded hollow and empty.

 

Iason nodded. “Rest assured that I will have everything restored at my own expense.”

 

“It is not your wealth that is at stake here!” Jupiter snapped suddenly. “It is your reputation as well! You cannot be the Head of Syndicate, the representation of all Amoi, regarded highest among all others, and allow your pet to continue in such an unruly and embarrassing fashion.”

 

With a heavy heart, Iason sighed and rose from his seat. “I think I understand,” he answered softly.

 

“Where are you going?”

 

He froze. “Are you not dismissing me from my duties?” he asked, surprised.

 

“Dismissing you?” Jupiter sounded just as surprised. “You would step down from your position for him? A mongrel? You care for him that much?”

 

Straightening to his full height, Iason struggled to hold back his scathing retort. It pained him to see how far the prejudice reached, affecting even Jupiter herself. “For Riki,” he corrected her through clenched teeth. “And yes, I love him.”

 

“There is no need to be uncouth,” Jupiter chastised softly. “I only wish to understand how someone of your status could renounce everything for the sake of a mere mongrel.”

 

“Riki is not a `mere mongrel' to me,” Iason responded, struggling to keep the anger from his voice. “And I can no sooner live without him than I can live without the very air.”

 

Jupiter contemplated this with interest. “So your feelings toward him are akin to…necessities to sustain life?” It was a struggle to define a feeling that was completely alien to her.

 

Iason nodded, relaxing slightly at Jupiter's inquisitive tone. “It is similar,” he said. “While I do not need Riki to maintain my physical body, I do need him to survive emotionally and mentally. That, in turn, affects my physical state as well.”

 

“I find this interesting,” Jupiter announced. Though she does not understand love, it has not stopped her from researching its presence throughout history. “There are many legends and historical documents that tell tales of great affection, causing men to act in ways they wouldn't normally. Many times, these feelings of `love' often result in the detriment of others.”

 

“True,” Iason agreed. “However, there are also many examples of how others are lifted up by their feelings of love to become something greater than themselves. Ios and Erphanes, for instance, chose to die rather than renounce their love. Their devotion to one another transformed them into the twin moons of Amoi.”

 

Jupiter was familiar with the tale and many others like it. Love had caused Erphanes to take his brother's final twenty lashes after the battle of Arman, just as Riki had stepped in for Iason during his hour of need.

 

“Love is an emotion that vexes me,” she admitted softly. “Though I do not understand it, I wish to explore it further.”

 

A strange feeling of apprehension overcame the Blondie in that moment. He couldn't explain the sudden dread that crept over his heart.

 

“I wish for you to prove your love, Iason,” she continued firmly, “by allowing me to conduct an experiment that would grant me greater insight into the powerful bond between you and your pet.”

 

“An experiment?” he repeated reluctantly. “What sort of experiment?”

 

“I offer you a compromise,” Jupiter replied. “Although your pet has been made an A-class pet, it seems he cannot escape the truth of his origins. I have observed that despite his elevated status, he is unhappy because he is still a pet and still viewed by others as such.”

 

Iason nodded, his heart pounding furiously in anticipation.

 

“I will make him a full citizen, without restrictions and granted with the same rights and laws that govern the very Blondies…but under one condition.”

Unable to contain his shock and hope, Iason's jaw nearly dropped and he swallowed heavily. “What condition?” he whispered, his voice cracking with suspicion.

 

Jupiter answered, “You and your pet must undergo memory alteration.”

 

“Absolutely not,” Iason said at once. His mind quickly calculated everything he would need to do to prepare for his and Riki's escape. Tanagura be damned. Voshka's offer of asylum on Alpha Zen was suddenly a very appealing one. He would take Riki away before anyone could hurt him.

 

“Allow me to finish,” Jupiter interceded. “You claim that you are incapable of living without your pet. Such a bond should survive my test.”

 

“By tampering with our intelligence? How could we possibly find any benefit in that?”

 

“I only wish to erase your memories of your pet, and his of you.” Jupiter was a bit annoyed at the accusation that she would so readily cause him harm. Was she not doing everything in her power to cater to his needs? After everything he had done, she was still very fond of Iason. “If your affection for your pet…your `love', as you claim it, is as eternal as you profess, then you will be drawn together once more. If that is the case, I will make him a full citizen and you two will be allowed to live in peace.”

 

Iason's heart clenched in dread. “And if not?”

 

“Then your life will continue as it had before you met him,” she answered with exasperation. “I do not wish to punish you, Iason. My only hope is that you are firm in your choices as they affect not only me, but all of Amoi as well. I am attempting to help fix a reoccurring problem in your benefit.”

Closing his eyes, Iason struggled to maintain his stoic and calm façade. Though he wanted to refuse outright, Jupiter's offer intrigued him greatly. She was being more than necessarily generous or fair. It was a dream come true. And when Riki was finally a citizen… His heart soared at the thought.

 

“May I confer with Riki before I make my decision?”

 

“Of course,” Jupiter acquiesced. “This decision concerns his fate as well as yours. If you choose to accept the terms of the experiment, I would ask that you and your pet come to my chambers to discuss the conditions.”

 

Iason couldn't hide his shock. “You wish for…Riki to accompany me here?”

 

“Yes.” Jupiter moved once more and cupped Iason's face tenderly in her hands. “You are important to me, Iason Mink. If he is that important to you, then he is important to me as well. I wish to meet him.”

 

Nodding, he watched in wonder as Jupiter returned to her previous, statuesque form. With a final bow of respect, Iason moved toward the exit.

 

“Iason.”

 

He paused, but didn't turn back.

 

“Choose wisely. For all our sakes.”

 

* * *

 

Several hours passed before Iason found himself outside Tanagura Hospital with a splitting headache. Since he left Jupiter's inner sanctum, he had posited every possible scenario in his tired mind and carefully weighed the pros and cons. Though he was not completely certain he wanted to allow the experiment, the benefits most definitely outweighed the costs each time.

 

However, it was not only his decision to make. The choice affected Riki just as much, if not more, than him. Everything his precious pet had ever wanted would be granted to him. Perhaps that was what frightened the Blondie more than anything else. Once Riki was a full citizen, would he stay with Iason? Was his bond as a pet to a master the only thing holding him back?

Shaking his head, he hissed as he received an answering throb. He was foolish to doubt Riki's devotion. Hadn't he set him free just a short time ago? Riki had refused, opting to stay with Iason as his pet. Surely, he wouldn't have done something like that if he didn't love the great Blondie. Though he knew, without a doubt, that he loved the stubborn mongrel, it bothered him that he doubted Riki's love for him.

 

“Iason?”

 

The startled Blondie nearly jumped at his name. “Raoul,” he greeted. “I apologize. I did not see you standing there.”

 

Raoul chuckled nervously. “You seemed a bit preoccupied. I do not blame you though. I trust Jupiter stated her proposal?”

 

Iason nodded. “It was…intriguing.”

 

“And what did you decide?”

 

Smiling, Iason replied with a shake of his head. “I'm not sure. I have to talk to Riki first.”

 

Raoul shook his own head in bewilderment. “Why?”

 

“Why?” Iason repeated with disbelief. “Why wouldn't I talk to Riki about it? The decision could alter his entire future.”

 

“And you are his master,” Raoul snapped, irritably. “Your decision is all that should matter.”

 

Iason sighed. “I will never understand how you can constantly change your opinion from one minute to the next.” His bright blue eyes bore into Raoul's intently. “Did you not gain respect for Riki the day that we were whipped? What has changed?”

 

Pushing a lock of hair from his face, Raoul sighed as well and lowered his gaze. It was true that Riki had earned his admiration for his courageous actions in taking Iason's place at the whipping post. However, it did not change the fact that the mongrel was…well, a mongrel; a lower class being. A pet was supposed to be loyal to its master. Riki had only done what was expected of him.

 

“I must go see him, Raoul,” Iason interrupted his thoughts.

 

The formidable Blondie nodded. “Please consider her request,” he pleaded softly. “Like Jupiter, I only wish for your well-being, Iason.”

 

The Syndicate Head clasped his shoulder briefly, before moving away. Raoul's eagerness to see Jupiter's experiment conducted was definitely on Iason's `con' side of the list. He couldn't help but wonder if there was another agenda being played out of which he was unaware.

 

Soft laughter broke into his thoughts, and he smiled as Riki came into view. The stubborn mongrel was sitting up in his bed, looking much healthier then the last time Iason had seen him. Daryl and Katze sat on either side of him, talking softly, looking at ease in the small room. Whatever discontent had been between them was long forgotten.

 

“Iason!” Riki called, looking up from the current conversation. The others smiled warmly at the Blondie as he stepped into the room. The mongrel's face twisted in concern at master's expression. “You were gone an awfully long time.”

 

“I had much to think about,” Iason answered softly, stepping into the room.

 

“Like what?”

 

Daryl and Katze exchanged a knowing look. “Should we leave you two alone?” Daryl asked meekly.

 

Iason shook his head. “No,” he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose lightly. “This concerns everyone.”

 

Filled with trepidation, Riki glanced at the others before staring straight into Iason's eyes. What could Jupiter have possibly said that would involve everyone? And what could possibly have caused the great Blondie's mental anguish? He looked as though the weight of the world rested upon his broad shoulders, and it was obvious he was suffering from another debilitating headache.

 

“Iason?” Riki whispered softly, taking the Blondie's large hand in his own.

 

Iason smiled his gratitude as he gently lowered himself to sit beside his pet on the bed. The three remained silent as he quickly explained Jupiter's proposal, their expressions turning from awe to disbelief as he concluded.

 

“That's amazing,” Katze stammered in wonder. “A full citizen!? Riki…it's unheard of!”

 

“It is pretty amazing,” Daryl agreed.

 

Riki swallowed hard, his heart pounding furiously. “She would do that?” he asked hesitantly. “She would really make me a full citizen?”

 

Iason nodded. “I have her word. She merely wishes to explore every possibility before she makes such an important decision.”

 

Closing his eyes, Riki slumped against the pillows and released a long sigh. Everything he had ever wanted was right before him. All he had to do was take it. But what of Iason? Would his beautiful Blondie master prefer a submissive pet when this experiment was over? Perhaps it was only the thrill of having power over Riki that Iason found so arousing. Would he love Riki when he was an equal in the eyes of Jupiter? Many other questions plagued his mind as he opened his eyes and stared up at his master.

 

“What is it, Riki?” Iason asked, concern evident in his handsome features.

 

“Well,” Riki began, deciding to start with the less dangerous questions. “Once your memory is erased, you go on with your life in Tanagura like nothing ever happened. But what about me? Bison, Guy…everything I knew before you is gone and everyone in Ceres knows that I'm your pet. What kind of life will I lead?”

 

Drawing back, Iason frowned. He hadn't thought about that.

 

“You could work for me,” Katze interjected with a small shrug. “You knew of me before you met Iason. I could tell you that you were involved in a terrible accident that killed your former gang and have you work for me. You'll be separated from most of the Ceres population, and I can keep an eye on you.”

 

Daryl grinned at the red-haired eunuch with pride. Iason also appeared grateful for Katze's offer.

 

“How long do you think you two will take to find one another?” Daryl asked, unable to deny his curiosity.

 

“Not long,” Iason answered immediately.

 

Riki smiled and squeezed his hand. “You really believe we're going to end up together again, don't you?”

 

“Don't you?” Iason's heart ached at his pet's utter lack of faith.

 

Blushing brightly and ignoring Katze and Daryl's knowing grins, Riki forced the next words from his mouth, “I believe in love, and I know that I love you. I just don't like to tempt fate.”

 

“Oh, Riki,” Iason sighed and kissed the mongrel's trembling hand. “Is that all that worries you?”

 

“No,” Riki answered, suddenly very serious. “Who is going to tamper with our minds?”

 

Iason's expression revealed his confusion. Why would that bother Riki? “Most likely, it will be Lord Am.”

 

“That is what I'm afraid of,” Riki growled in irritation. “What if he tampers with more than he's supposed to?”

 

Iason frowned. This was something else he had not thought of, and it was far within the scope of Raoul's capabilities. He had no problem imagining the Blondie tampering with more than required in order to reestablish their failed relationship.

 

“I'll request that I be allowed to choose the person who performs the procedure,” Iason promised solemnly. Though Raoul claimed to no longer harbor ill will toward Riki, Iason also had no problem imagining the vindictive Blondie taking his revenge on his precious pet's fragile mind.

 

Taking a deep breath, Riki searched Iason's face for several seconds before he nodded. “All right,” he said firmly. “I'll do it.”

 

Unable to hide his excitement, Iason's eyes widened and a large grin lit up his handsome features. “Really, Riki!? Truly?”

 

He nodded again. “If I can do something that will save you from further embarrassment, then I want to,” he admitted softly with a bright blush. “If I were a full citizen…” He sighed as his voice trailed off in wonder.

 

“You have never been a cause for embarrassment,” Iason said sternly. He didn't want Riki to do something this important for him. He wanted Riki to do it because he wanted to do it. “I love you, my pet. I want you to decide what is best for you.”

 

The mongrel smiled. “I am,” he reassured the Blondie. “I want to do it. When do we get started?”

 

“As soon as you are well, we will go see Jupiter together.”

 

Riki could have sworn his heart stopped beating in that moment. “You mean…me and you? We're going to see…Jupiter?”

 

Iason nearly laughed at the utter horror displayed on his pet's handsome face. “Yes, my pet,” he chuckled softly. “She wishes to speak to us both.”

 

Daryl and Katze shared a knowing look. This was big. Jupiter never spoke to anyone but the Head of the Syndicate directly. While Lord Am was made an exception to the rule that very day, the fact that she was willing to speak to Riki - a mongrel from the Ceres slums - was beyond anyone's comprehension. It would cause an uproar in the population if anyone were to know of it.

 

“You must rest, Riki,” Iason commanded gently, carefully smoothing a lock of unruly hair from his pet's drooping eyes. “We will see Jupiter in the morning.”

 

“Will you stay?” Riki asked through a yawn.

 

Pulling a nearby chair to the side of the bed, Iason nodded and settled beside his precious pet. “Of course,” he whispered, taking one of Riki's hands in his own. “As long as you want me to.”

 

Quietly, Daryl and Katze removed themselves from the room. Standing outside the door, Daryl couldn't resist one, last look at the unlikely lovers. Who could have ever guessed that it would turn out like this? That fateful day, long ago, when Iason ordered Daryl to stop the car, he had been confused as to why the Blondie would concern himself with such trivial affairs. Had it been the injustice of several men banding together against one? Or had the Blondie spotted something in the courageous mongrel from the very beginning?

 

When they brought Riki home, Daryl had been entranced by the youth's beauty and strength. He had heard stories about Riki the Dark, but had never imagined the famous mongrel to be so…captivating. Watching from the shadows, it had been obvious to the grey-eyed furniture that Riki was different. It was also obvious how much the master had come to love the stubborn mongrel. Now here they were, making history. Not only was their love story an epic one: a mongrel from the slums and the Syndicate Head; but they were about to venture into uncharted territories. Never before had Jupiter granted full citizenship to an outsider, and Daryl was proud to know that he had been there to witness every moment of Riki's legendary ascension.

 

“Riki…” Daryl whispered reverently, sending a prayer to whomever might be listening. Smiling as Katze's hand slipped into his own, the two closed the door behind them, shutting the lovers away from the prying eyes of the rest of the world.

 

* * *

 

“Riki,” Iason's voice was firm and low, “I trust I do not need to remind you to be on your very best behavior?”

 

The mongrel swallowed hard and nearly choked on his own bile. He knew that Iason had reason to worry, considering all the times in the past that he had betrayed the Blondie's trust when out in public. This time, however, Iason really needn't concern himself. Riki had never before been so terrified. He knew that this was not the time for his usual attitude and smart-ass comments. This was Jupiter. This was freakin' Jupiter! After all the damage and humiliation he had caused Iason, Riki was determined to show Jupiter that her Head of the Syndicate was still the most worthy of all the Blondie Elites in Amoi.

 

“Calm yourself,” Iason chuckled softly, running a soothing hand down his pet's taunt back. The muscles tightened and jumped beneath his caress, causing him to frown slightly in distress.

 

“Calm?” Riki whispered hoarsely. “I'm calm.”

 

Chuckling once more, Iason drew Riki to his chest and embraced him tenderly. At once, the mongrel was surrounded by the intoxicating perfume of the beautiful Blondie's hair, and the fragrance worked wonders on his ragged nerves. Snaking his arms around Iason's waist, Riki sighed and allowed the comforting rhythm of the Blondie's steady heartbeat to soothe him further.

 

“Better?” Iason murmured against his temple.

 

Riki nodded, snuggling closer and closing his eyes. Although the sensual Blondie could arouse him like no other, it was really these comforting and tender embraces that he enjoyed the most. He could find sex in the arms of any man, but only Iason held him with such love and tenderness. Only in Iason's arms, did Riki ever feel that he was special.

 

The lift doors opened with a sharp hiss, jolting Riki from his pleasant thoughts. He wanted nothing more than to cling to the formidable Blondie and pretend that everything was normal, but he also didn't want to appear weak in front of Jupiter. Determined to prove his worth as a citizen of Tanagura, he pulled away from Iason's embrace with a confident smile and straightened to his full height.

 

“Ready?” Iason asked, proud of his courageous mongrel pet.

 

Riki nodded before falling into step beside his Blondie master. The day of the Tanagura Art Exhibit, he thought he fully understood Iason's important role in the Elite society. Never before had Riki felt so out of place; so aware of his unpopular upbringing in the slums. He had watched, in amazement, as Iason charmed each and every individual that sought his attention, often in a foreign language. Riki had never before been so impressed and awed by his Blondie master.

 

Now, however, standing before the beautiful blue sanctum that held Jupiter herself, Riki was almost overcome by his pride and respect for Iason Mink. Only his Blondie master was able to stand here, and it was only because of Iason that Riki would get a privilege denied to every other Blondie Elite. He understood that Jupiter and Iason were giving him a wondrous gift. No matter what anyone said about the mongrel from the slums, how many of them could boast about having an audience with Jupiter herself?

 

Riki gulped as the doors hummed open and Iason applied gentle pressure against the small of his back. Forcing his knees to cease their knocking, Riki entered the forbidden inner sanctum of Jupiter.

 

“The infamous Riki the Dark,” an electronic voice sounded from the far end of the room.

 

The mongrel's eyes widened as Jupiter's form materialized on a platform before him. He froze, unsure of how to correctly respond and settled with a deep bow.

 

Iason chuckled softly and ushered his pet into a nearby chair. “Jupiter,” he nodded in acknowledgement. “May I present my pet, Riki from Ceres.”

 

Startled, Riki nearly bolted when Jupiter suddenly morphed before him and gently took hold of his face.

 

“Do not be alarmed,” she said firmly, studying his features. “I apologize for failing to give you an advanced warning.”

 

“I'm fine,” Riki answered, struggling to keep the tremor from his voice. The feeling of Jupiter's touch against his skin was the strangest he had ever experienced. It wasn't as though she was actually touching him, but more like a low, electrical current was dancing across his cheek.

 

After several seconds more, Jupiter returned to her platform. “I suppose for a mongrel, his physical appearance is somewhat…appealing.”

 

Unsure as to whether or not he had just been insulted, Riki bit back a response and opted for silence.

 

“That he is,” Iason answered. He did not wish to find amusement in his pet's discomfort, but Riki's reactions to Jupiter were somewhat comical. Settling beside his tense pet, he turned his full attention to holographic image before him. “Riki and I have chosen to consent to your experiment.”

 

“From the tone of your voice, I deduce that there are conditions to be met first?”

 

Iason smiled and nodded. “I only wish to be able to choose the individual that will be altering our memories.”

 

“That is reasonable,” Jupiter responded. “I have a few conditions of my own.”

 

Riki nearly shivered. Though her voice was hollow with electronic tones, he could have sworn he detected something malicious within her statement. Sensing his pet's distress, Iason placed a comforting hand upon his knee. He gave the frightened mongrel a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to Jupiter. “Conditions?”

 

“You, Iason, will wear a transmitter at all times so that I may monitor your progress,” she answered.

 

The Blondie frowned slightly. “Is that truly necessary?”

 

Jupiter's expression shifted slightly, indicating a small nod. “I only wish for the experiment to progress untainted. If anyone tries to interfere, the experiment will be void and I will not uphold my end of our contract.” Her aura pulsed softly as she studied the two. “If the connection between you and your pet is as strong as you claim, you should be able to reunite without assistance.”

 

“That is understandable,” Iason conceded. “Anything else?”

 

“Yes. You will take another pet. One that I have specifically chosen for you.”

 

Riki froze in horror. What was she planning? Would Iason accept her demands? Dark jealously rose from the pit of his stomach at the thought of Iason with another pet. No! Iason would never betray him. However, if he couldn't remember Riki…

 

The look on Iason's face must have been question enough for Jupiter shifted once more and explained her decision. “I am adding another dimension to my little experiment,” she stated firmly. “I wish to know if you will pair with another pet, or if that specific grievance was born from your love of the mongrel.”

 

Unable to object with her logic, Iason nodded grimly. He could feel Riki tense further under his hand and wished he could pull his precious pet into his arms. If only there was a way to reassure Riki that he would never touch another pet. Unfortunately, he knew that his words would ring empty in the mongrel's ears. They would not remember one another. Who was to say what would happen?

 

“Do you already have someone in mind for the procedure?” Jupiter's voice interrupted his turbulent thoughts.

 

“Yes,” Iason answered at once. “Heiku Quiahtenon.”

 

“Very well.” Jupiter was silent for a moment before Heiku's countenance appeared on the wall beside her. He looked both stunned and frightened to see Iason, Riki and Jupiter before him. “Heiku Quiahtenon,” Jupiter spoke sharply, “you have been chosen to perform a mind alteration on both Iason Mink and Riki the Dark. Do you accept?”

 

“I…” He cleared his throat nervously. “Iason, why me? You know Raoul usually -”

 

“Raoul has an unpleasant history with myself and Riki,” Iason interrupted. “I do not trust him to remain objective when he has us at his mercy.”

 

The doctor sighed. Like everyone else, he knew of Raoul and Iason's relationship, as well as its bitter end. He also knew of Raoul's resentment toward Riki and his relationship with Iason. All in all, he understood the Blondie's concerns. Raoul was a fine Blondie, but integrity was not one of his many strengths.

 

“I accept,” he answered softly, nodding to both Iason and Riki.

 

“The procedure is to commence in five hours,” Jupiter said sharply. “Please be prepared.”

 

Heiku nodded and his image faded from view.

 

“Return to your penthouse, Iason,” Jupiter commanded. “The procedure will take place there. I have given you time to inform your household of my conditions and prepare for the experiment.”

 

Nodding, Iason helped Riki to his feet. “Thank you,” he said politely, bowing to the holographic image.

 

“Riki,” Jupiter said suddenly. “If you would be so kind as to satisfy my curiosity.”

 

The mongrel switched his gaze between Iason and Jupiter, unsure of how to respond. “Um…sure.”

 

“Why did you agree to this experiment?” Jupiter asked. “Does citizenship mean so much to you, that you would forsake all that has been given to you to achieve it?”

 

Riki felt Iason stiffen at his side, and he knew that he would have to word his answer carefully. Was it worth everything to become a citizen? Of course, but not for the reasons they suspected.

 

“Yes,” he finally answered. Lifting his chin, he stared directly at Jupiter as he addressed her. “I love Ias…Master Iason, and he loves me. When I am a citizen, I will finally be worthy of his love. I only wish to prove myself as an equal, so that Master Iason will no longer be judged by his peers.”

 

Stunned by both a rush of tenderness and fierce, fierce pride, Iason resisted the urge to sweep his pet into his arms and kiss him senseless. Smiling, he took Riki's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

 

“I find that answer…acceptable,” Jupiter offered, watching as the two exited her inner sanctum. It seemed that the pet loved his master as much as the master loved the pet. Fading from view, Jupiter quickly prepared a mental list of all she needed to do to prepare for her own role in their experiment. For the first time in centuries, she was almost…excited. It would be an intriguing and satisfying experience to see the conclusion to her carefully laid plans.

 

A rare opportunity had presented itself to her, and Jupiter intended to take full advantage of it.

 

Elsewhere, a communication was being delivered quietly to a different dwelling. Having heard the distinct chime, Yui wiped his hands on a nearby towel and quickly slipped into the room to retrieve the Blondie's message.

 

“Master Raoul,” he called softly, being careful to deliver the communication in perfect condition. “You have received a message from Jupiter.”

 

The Blondie nodded curtly and unfolded the document. Reading the neatly printed words, Raoul's hands shook with rage. It was becoming quite tiresome how Iason and his pet continually managed to destroy all of his carefully laid plans. Since the moment Jupiter had confided in him of her intentions, he had begun to plot a way to insert himself back into Iason's life. It was true that he had planned to scrub the memory of his infidelity from his former pairing partner's mind. Now that Heiku was performing the procedure, he would have to think of another way to reestablish their tumultuous relationship.

 

“Master?”

 

Crumpling the communication into a tight ball, Raoul nearly snarled at his frightened furniture. “That will be all, Yui.”

 

“Sir?”

 

“I said that will be all!”

 

Bowing low to hide his tears, Yui scampered from the room. He wasn't sure what his master was up to, but he knew that look better than anyone. Lord Am was severely displeased, and, come hell or high water, he was going to find a way to get what he wanted.

 

* * *

 

A/N: Well, here is another chapter. I wanted to take it as far as the procedure, but I realized that if I kept it up, not only would the chapter be a behemoth, but I probably also wouldn't get another update out for another few months…

 

There really is no excuse for my tardiness…at least none that I'd like to continually complain about. Let's just say, sorry for the delay and I hope you enjoy the update.

 

Thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews! I am terrible at keeping up with all your kind words, but know that I do read them and appreciate them greatly!

 

Forever yours, clnv