Ai No Kusabi Fan Fiction ❯ The Lost Cadre ❯ Chapter 15 ( Chapter 15 )

Author's Notes: Ai no Kusabi and its characters do not belong to me and I make no claim/money on them. But…. Everybody else IS my own creation that I have plopped down into the Ai no Kusabi world. The things that they do and their interaction with the other characters of Ai no Kusabi are purely my fabrication. The two songs used by Jolen in his routine are Eight Times by Mindless Faith and Helium by Syrian (in that order) and all rights for the songs remain with the artists.

 

Eight Times by Mindless Faith on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rSGLmP36Dc
Helium by Syrian on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wu_uYkfVWI

Since Jolen dances in a specific way here, I've got some examples for you on youtube.
Male belly dancer with zills: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPQbDxI0E_I
Male belly dancer showing flexibility: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axUixg0RFaI&feature=re lated
Male belly dancer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi045BhRyIc&feature=re lated

 

 

Chapter 15

 

Ejnar glanced around the hotel room with a critical eye. It wasn't nearly as high class as he was used to, but some sacrifices had to be made if he was to carry off his disguise. His secretary had done well with the arrangements, as expected. She even remembered to have his favourite fruit and a chilled bottle of rare wine in the room waiting for his arrival.

 

She wouldn't need to lose another finger as she had the last time she'd failed him. There would be an extra thousand credits tacked onto her next pay for her foresight.

 

There was a moment of irritation at the declaration station when entering Amoi. The lines were horribly backed up due to tighter security because of the plans Ejnar had put in motion. He'd been tempted to push his way to the front of the line and demand he be let through ahead of the common rabble. Rational sense overrode his annoyance so he remained where he was, not-so-patiently waiting for his turn to go through.

 

A smile teased Ejnar's lips when he thought of how easy it had been to pass through the tightened security. His papers were superior forgeries stating he was a citizen of Asanti, and he was excellent at hiding what he was from the low level intelligence of most people who crossed his path. The dying of his hair to a deep purple-blue was an inconvenience, as were the coloured contacts that changed his grey eyes to a startling bright green. Ejnar did like the large, tear-drop shaped, faceted black jewel temporarily embedded in his forehead, and gave serious consideration to keeping it once his business on Amoi was done. He thought it highlighted his features nicely.

 

Ejnar sat down in front of the comm unit and punched in the number for one of his remaining operatives. His call was picked up on the fourth ring, and Ejnar let his displeasure show on his face for making him wait. The face of the man looking back at him was puzzled and he stammered a response saying Ejnar had the wrong number.

 

“I do not. I'm the only person with this number, Wiesel. I've had a long trip and have no patience at the moment. You are to meet with me at the main gate of the garden bordering Genma Street in one hour. Do not keep me waiting or things will be unpleasant for you.”

 

Ejnar cut the connection without waiting for a response. He'd have preferred to have his agent come to the hotel or have their conversation over the comm, but the last thing Ejnar wanted was Jupiter possibly catching wind of him being on Amoi again after all this time and ruining his plans. An unsecured comm unit was the fastest way to disaster in that regard, and Ejnar had planned too carefully and for far too long to let a stupid mistake trip him up.

 

*********

 

Ejnar strode through the gate of the garden and spotted Wiesel sitting on a bench. The man rose from his seat as Ejnar approached and gave a respectful nod of his head. He remained quiet and fell into step as Ejnar began to walk through the lush garden. A soft, wistful sigh escaped Ejnar as he looked around at the garden he'd loved when he was a young boy. Very little had changed, it was almost like the past sixty years had never happened. The few differences; added statues, trees removed and changed pathways brought him back to the present. They reminded him that many things had changed since he'd last been on Amoi.

 

“Report. Leave nothing out,” Ejnar said as he stopped to inhale the heady perfume of a native flower that only grew on Amoi. He saw no reason not to enjoy the garden as Wiesel relayed all he knew.

 

“Mingan showed up at a function several weeks ago for the first time in years, bought a Pet named Sevilen, but hasn't freed him as he normally does after one night. The Pet is not native stock, and Blondies are speculating and placing bets as to why Mingan would want to keep one that has disfiguring marks as this one does. He brought the Pet to another function and allowed it to sing. I've been told that it was the most beautiful thing people have ever heard, and there were reports about everybody being overcome with lust when the Pet finished singing, but that last bit hasn't been confirmed.”

 

“There was also an incident with a man by the name of Zesiro at that function. Zesiro, according to what I could find, is from a place called Awh'an, and is something called a Shal-hazal and an ambassador for his world. He started a fight with Mingan over the Pet, and he was holding his own against Mingan. The Pet actually stopped the fight, he seems to have some connection to this Zesiro person. Mingan is not happy about that.”

 

Ejnar smiled. Apparently the money he was paying this operative was actually worth while. The man could continue to draw breath a little longer. Ejnar gestured for the man to carry on.

 

“Mingan attended the performance of the dancer, Jolen Helki, alone. It was an exclusive event and no Pets were allowed. Zesiro went on stage at the dancer's invite and took part in a portion of the performance. This is something that Jolen does for every show.”

 

Ejnar nodded. He knew who Jolen Helki was. He'd seen the man dance in person several times over the years. The grace and beauty of Jolen's movements were stunning.

 

“Just before Jolen began his encore, Akando showed up. That was wholly unexpected and, if the agent at the theatre had a better head on his shoulders, he could've possibly taken Mingan and Akando out at the same time. Unfortunately, the sleeper acted contrary to the explicit instructions I gave him. I have no idea why he shot Jolen.”

 

“Jolen was shot?” Ejnar asked sharply. He crushed the delicate flower he'd been holding. Putting an end to Jolen's dancing career was nearly blasphemy.

 

“In the shoulder. He was taken back to Mingan's house and I assume he was treated there. I have no idea why he wasn't brought to a medical facility, but he has remained there since then. To the best of my knowledge, Akando is also staying there, too. Zesiro assisted in the brief interrogation of the sleeper, but as far as I can find out, the sleeper didn't reveal anything before he took some poison and died. My sources tell me that Zesiro is currently staying with the Blondie Raoul Am. Rumour has it that they are having sex. Jupiter hasn't responded to this rumour, and there isn't anyone who's been able to confirm it, either.”

 

Wiesel passed a data stick to Ejnar.

 

“Here are current pictures of Mingan, Akando, the Pet Sevilen, Jolen Helki, Ambassador Shal-hazal Zesiro and Raoul Am. I also copied everything I could find on Sevilen, Jolen and Zesiro to that file. So far I've found nothing on what the connection is between Mingan's new Pet and Zesiro. That is not in the public record, and none of my contacts have been able to find out. Raoul has been adding information to Jupiter's database that I have reason to believe he's getting from Zesiro about the Awh'anise in general. They sound like a dangerous species if you're on the wrong side of them, but one of the largest exports of Awh'an is soldiers for hire. The price is steep, but everything I've dug up says that the cost is worth every penny spent. There was a small note that Shal-hazal were also available to be hired out, but the cost for just one was... I believe you could buy a small country for that price.”

 

Ejnar pocketed the data stick and continued to walk along the crushed stone pathway as he thought. Having an Awh'anise soldier might be a sound move if they were as good as Wiesel said they were. He'd have to check out the information on the Awh'anise and the Shal-hazal when he got back to his room to see if it was feasible.

 

“You've pleased me, Wiesel. There will be an additional thousand credits in your account by the end of the day. You may have tomorrow off, with pay, as well. Continue to please me and I may move you into my regular staff when all this has been resolved.”

 

Ejnar smiled a little when Wiesel's face paled. The man stammered that he was quite happy working in the field for Ejnar and wouldn't know what he'd do with a regular desk job. The Blondie was well aware that he was feared and didn't doubt that Wiesel felt more comfortable to be slightly out of Ejnar's immediate reach. Ejnar dismissed Wiesel and continued along the pathway, plotting what his next move would be.

 

*********

 

“I don't like this, Mingan,” Sevilen said as he pressed closer to Mingan and looked around the glass and steel building they'd just entered.

 

“I'm aware of that, Pet. Jupiter wants a sample from you and she made it clear that not providing it wouldn't be a good idea for either of us. As Cadre, I have a lot of lee-way, but not even I can defy a direct order from Jupiter unless I want to put myself into a world of pain like you'd never believe possible.”

 

Sevilen scowled and snorted softly but followed Mingan to the bank of elevators. The last time he'd been seen by doctors on Amoi, they'd jabbed him with needles, handled him like he was a toy and, put not only their fingers but various medical instruments in places they had no business putting them as far as Sevilen was concerned. It had been a humiliating, painful experience that Sevilen had no desire to have repeated. The one blessing had been that Sevilen's curse didn't seem to work through the barrier of latex gloves and he'd been spared learning everything he never wanted to know about the doctors treating him like an unfeeling doll.

 

Mingan ushered a reluctant Sevilen off the elevator when they reached their floor. Sevilen drew in a deep breath and walked beside Mingan as he approached a desk where a pretty man sat typing. The man looked up when Mingan stopped in front of him.

 

“Mingan Zenos with his Pet, Sevilen, reporting for testing as requested by Jupiter.”

 

“Ah, yes, sir. We've been expecting you. Follow me please.”

 

Mingan took Sevilen's hand and gave it a little squeeze before pulling Sevilen along with him. The man opened a door and gestured for Mingan and Sevilen to enter. He then approached a comm unit and started to type information.

 

“Please have your Pet strip and stand on the platform.”

 

Sevilen sucked in a sharp breath and turned pleading eyes on Mingan.

 

“Is that really necessary? It was my understanding that a simple sample or two was all that was required.”

 

“Well, the note in the file does say that only a blood sample, cellular sample and semen sample are required, but I thought that if you were already here, you might want to have a complete physical exam done on him in case you decided to breed him. Most Blondies do to the point that it's become standard procedure, really.”

 

Sevilen made a small noise of protest. He'd heard about the breeding programs for Pets and wanted no part of it. He didn't think Mingan was keen on the idea either. Sevilen wasn't happy about hearing that he was also expected to provide a sample of his seed. He'd gotten used to only Mingan seeing him in a sexual situation and wasn't sure he'd be able to give the sample he was being asked for.

 

“I have no objection to you taking the blood and cellular samples. I don't want my Pet performing for anyone aside from myself, so you'll need to leave the room while I collect that. I have no intention of breeding my Pet so a full exam will not be necessary.”

 

The white-coated man shrugged. “The full exam is your choice or not. I am sorry, sir, but the semen sample was requested by Jupiter, and I must be present for the collection to authenticate that it came from your Pet. It won't be a performance as you're thinking. The same methods used for non-public breeding would be used here. Your Pet's penis will be fitted with a collection vial and an electro-probe will be inserted into his anus. He will be stimulated, the sample taken and that's it. It's quite likely that your Pet won't even achieve an erection during this procedure as we're only interested in the sample; not sexual gratification or titillation of any kind.”

 

Sevilen felt a blush heat his cheeks. He hated being talked about as if he were nothing more than a toy, but he held his tongue. His recent interaction with Mingan, Zesiro and Jolen made him forget that every other Blondie and person on Amoi viewed him as property and spoke as if he either wasn't there or was too stupid to understand he was the topic of conversation.

 

“No. Sevilen is my Pet and I see no need for Jupiter to have a sample of his sperm. I'll take responsibility for denying permission.”

 

Sevilen shot a grateful look at Mingan. The technician shrugged and tapped several things into a comm unit. He finished typing an entry when Mingan hissed sharply through his teeth. Sevilen's eyes went wide as blue light flickered over his Blondie's skin. Mingan's body snapped tight and a low, pain filled groan slid past his lips. As quickly as it started, the blue faded from Mingan's skin and he slumped in his chair, panting hard.

 

“Mingan!”

 

“Sir, are you all right? What happened? I've never seen anything like that before,” the technician said in a nervous voice.

 

Mingan rolled his head to look at Sevilen, the intense pain of the initial shock receded but didn't go away. Instead it remained a constant low-level sensation of pins and needles that scraped along his nerve endings. “I think Jupiter really wants that sample from you, my Pet. I didn't think she'd respond so fast.”

 

Sevilen sucked in a sharp breath. Jupiter had done that to Mingan for defying her on his behalf. He felt like a ball of ice lodged in his belly at Mingan's words. He licked his lips nervously. He was determined to do whatever he had to in order to protect Mingan even if that meant protecting his Blondie from Jupiter. Sevilen's shoulders sagged a little. If there was any merciful higher being, this sample collecting would be over quickly with minimal embarrassment.

 

“It's okay, Mingan. I'll do it,” Sevilen said softly. He turned to the technician. “Can you take the other samples first?”

 

The technician raised an eyebrow at Sevilen. He'd never seen a Pet allowed such freedoms. He glanced at the Blondie, saw the scowl on the man's face and took an involuntary step back. He'd heard the stories about things that Mingan had done in service to Jupiter, and the medical chat lounges had been filled for days about the story of Mingan literally ripping a man's head off with his bare hands.

 

“Pet....” Mingan started with a note of warning in his voice.

 

“I won't be the cause of Jupiter doing... whatever that was to you again. That guy said it would only be a few minutes. As long as he wears gloves when he touches me, I can deal. I've been through worse, Mingan.” Sevilen folded his arms across his chest and stared at Mingan hard.

 

Mingan muttered under his breath about stubborn, wilful Pets who should listen to their Masters. He knew Sevilen could be quite obstinate, and that it was within his rights as Sevilen's master to beat that attitude out of his Pet, but Mingan wasn't about to do that. Gaining Sevilen's trust was important, and the Blondie wanted his little Pet to realize that he was more than a toy, that he held a place of importance in Mingan's heart.

 

“Fine. I don't want to hear a single complaint out of you later regarding this procedure.”

 

Sevilen narrowed his eyes and was about to snap back with a nasty comment when he remembered they weren't alone in the room. He gave Mingan a tight nod and faced the technician. The technician, sensing the little drama was over between master and Pet, approached Sevilen.

 

“Open your mouth,” he instructed as he opened a sterile packet with a plastic stick inside.

 

Sevilen obediently opened his mouth and remained still while the technician scraped the inside of his cheek with the stick before dropping the stick into a container. The technician pressed a label to container and set it aside.

 

“Hold your hand out, palm up.”

 

Sevilen did as he was told. The technician cleaned one of Sevilen's fingers before pricking him with a needle. He drew the small sample of blood that welled up on the tip of Sevilen's finger into another waiting vial, labelled it and set it aside along with the other one.

 

“Disrobe.”

 

Sevilen drew in a deep breath and did as he was told, folded his bodysuit neatly and placed it on the floor next to his boots. He stood with his feet a shoulder's width apart and his hands clasped behind his back as he'd been taught in the slave house. He shot the technician a curious look at the surprised sound he made when Sevilen was fully naked.

 

“These are burns.”

 

“Yes.”

 

The technician moved to look at Sevilen's back and murmured to himself before he turned to look at Mingan.

 

“I don't mean to question you, sir, but you had to realize that doing something of this nature would incredibly de-value your Pet.”

 

“Sevilen had the burns before I bought him. His people did that to him before he was sold. I suggest you move along with the sample collecting.”

 

Knowing to let the subject drop, the technician opened a packet and proceeded to wipe down Sevilen's groin. A flush crawled over Sevilen's cheeks and he wanted to pull away from the stranger handling his cock. Instead, he remained standing perfectly still and focused his eyes on Mingan.

 

Mingan watch the technician touch Sevilen intimately and wanted to rip the man away from his Pet, but remained seated. The surge of power that Jupiter had sent through him was still buzzing like an angry insect along his nerve endings, letting him know that any further rebellion on his part would be met with more of the same. With a supreme effort of will, he remained seated and showed nothing of what he was feeling. Mingan was sure that the second the technician entered the information that the desired samples had been collected, the low level pain would stop.

 

The technician pressed a button on the wall and a drawer slid open. He pulled out a tangle of leather-looking straps and attached them around Sevilen's waist and upper thighs, pulling them tight. He fitted a clear tube over Sevilen's cock and hooked it to the straps. He fiddled with the container for several seconds before he seemed satisfied and picked up a tube of what Mingan assumed to be lube.

 

“Bend over and hold your buttocks apart.”

 

Sevilen did as he was told, feeling very exposed. The container strapped to his cock was supported by the harness, but the technician had done something to it that made it feel a little more snug than Sevilen liked. It wasn't quite uncomfortable but Sevilen couldn't wait to be able to take it off. He jumped a little when he felt the cold, slippery touch of the technician's lubed finger against his hole. Heat washed into Sevilen's face when the technician's finger slid in easily. After moving back and forth several times, the finger was withdrawn. Sevilen's little sigh of relief was cut short when he felt something hard and cold press against his entrance. Instinct had him tense up to try and deny access.

 

“Push out with your muscles so I can slide the stimulator in. The more you try to delay this, the longer it will take.”

 

Sevilen bit his lip and did as the technician instructed. He hadn't been sure how big the device was and was surprised and relieved to find that it was only a little bigger than the finger that had prepared him. A little shiver travelled up Sevilen's spine when he felt the device fully enter him and settle heavily in his body. With the device completely inside him, Sevilen wondered how the technician was going to get it out and hoped it wasn't going to be the humiliating experience he thought it would be. The technician told Sevilen to let go of his cheeks, stand and pointed to a metal chair, instructing him to sit. Sevilen sat and sucked in a sharp breath when the device shifted a little and pressed on the spot inside him that made him see stars.

 

The technician moved to a computer, stripped off the gloves and tapped a few keys before looking up at Sevilen and pressing one more button. Sevilen jumped when the device in his ass buzzed to life. He wanted to squirm but the technician was giving him a stern look. Sevilen's eyes widened when a small jolt of pleasure settled in his groin, and he looked down to see a stream of white shoot from his flaccid cock and collect in the reservoir at the bottom of the container.

 

Mingan watched his Pet being prepared and fitted with the device and felt arousal stir to life. As irritated as he was to be forced to submit Sevilen to the procedure, it stirred old, erotic memories of the medical play he'd engaged in with Cenon decades ago. Mingan shifted slightly in his seat as arousal snaked down his spine, and he wondered if he'd be able to coax Sevilen into playing a little doctor/patient game at a later date when his memories of this procedure had faded a bit.

 

Sevilen bit his lip and alternated between watching what he was sure was excitement build in Mingan's eyes and the reservoir slowly fill with his seed. The device in his ass sent steady pulses to his prostate that made his cock twitch and spurt with embarrassing regularity. Arousal started to curl low in Sevilen's belly. He could see the proof of his release, but the longer he sat with the device buzzing in his ass, the more frustration he felt. It wasn't quite like reaching orgasm and Sevilen started to feel like he was being kept on edge with no end in sight.

 

Sevilen gnawed on his lip and clenched his fists on his thighs as he struggled to stay seated. Sweat dotted his hairline, and his cock and balls were starting to throb in a way that had nothing to do with pleasure. After what seemed like forever, the device in his ass finally stopped pulsing and Sevilen gave a shuddery sigh of relief. He looked down and blinked at the amount of sperm in the reservoir. The technician stepped over to Sevilen, snapped on a fresh pair of gloves and detached the reservoir. After capping the tube, he held it up and looked at it with curiosity.

 

“Your Pet has nice volume. If you should change your mind about breeding him, you could make a nice profit with minimal outlay of money for the collection of his semen.”

 

“I won't be changing my mind. Was it really necessary to collect that large a sample?”

 

“Jupiter's instructions were to get as much as possible. I was simply doing my job, sir. I need to remove the stimulator from your Pet and then we're done.” The technician turned to Sevilen. “Stand so I can remove the straps then bend over and spread your buttocks apart.”

 

Sevilen stood, more than ready to have the whole procedure over and done with. The technician unbuckled the straps between his legs, removed the container still attached and finally removed the other straps. He raised an eyebrow when Sevilen remained standing instead of bending over as he'd been told.

 

“Sevilen, do as the technician told you,” Mingan said in a low voice.

 

Sevilen scowled but bent and held his cheeks apart. He tensed when he felt something cold and hard press into his body and craned his head around to try to see what the technician was doing. A soft hiss escaped him when his ass was stretched open so quickly. Sevilen clenched his jaw tight against making another sound from the burn of the sudden stretch. He felt the technician's fingers brush against his insides and heard a metallic clink as the stimulator bumped the edge of whatever was holding his ass open. A completely unexpected shiver travelled over Sevilen at that and he raised startled eyes to Mingan. The look his Blondie gave him was pleased, and the arousal that had already been there flared brighter.

 

“Would you care to see inside your Pet, sir? Some masters find it erotically interesting.”

 

Mingan said nothing but smiled at the suggestion. Heat washed into Sevilen's face when Mingan rose from his seat and moved to stand next to the technician. He'd thought the sample collecting had been the height of embarrassment but having his ass stretched wide and people looking inside him seemed worse.

 

“That's quite the stretch,” Mingan said as he looked his fill.

 

Seeing his Pet spread open was more erotic than Mingan thought it would be. He made plans to take some of Cenon's medical equipment out of storage and to see about cleaning up the exam room Cenon had in the house. Medical play was definitely going to be something he did with Sevilen in the very near future.

 

“For such a small Pet, that's nearly a two inch dilation. I'm surprised it was so easy to achieve. You must work him on a daily basis. I think with a little more intensive training, you could have a five inch dilation in a few weeks. I can give you the name of a good store for some stretching tools if you wish.”

 

Mingan worked to hide the smile that wanted to break free. He certainly did train Sevilen's ass every day, only it possibly wasn't as the technician was thinking. Mingan filed away the intriguing reference to a possible larger stretch for later. His little Pet would likely be aghast at the idea of anything other than Mingan's cock or a few toys being inserted in his ass, never mind something Mingan was sure his still sex-shy Pet would say would never fit. The Blondie felt a thrum of excitement at proving his Pet wrong.

 

“That won't be necessary. I have a large collection of things at my disposal when I decide to pursue that route. As lovely as this view is, I have another appointment shortly,” Mingan said.

 

“Of course. We're done here. The samples will be sent to Jupiter and I'm sure she'll let you know if she needs anything more.”

 

The technician collapsed the device stretching Sevilen open and removed it. He gave Sevilen's ass a quick wipe with a towel to clean it of lube before telling Sevilen he could dress. The technician stepped over to the computer and began entering data. Mingan let a small sigh slip past his throat when the low level pain he'd been dealing with abruptly vanished as the technician entered the information about Sevilen's samples, Jupiter was obviously satisfied that Mingan had followed her orders. Sevilen knew his face burned with a blush and dressed as quickly as he could. Mingan took his hand once Sevilen was dressed and led him from the exam room. Sevilen was quiet until they were in the car and were underway.

 

“That was... that was so embarrassing at the end. Why did you come look?”

 

Mingan glanced at Sevilen and let his grin show. “Because it was worth a look. It was very erotic, Pet. To see you spread open like that just waiting to be filled.... If the technician hadn't been there, I would've had your ass.”

 

Sevilen flushed, folded his arms across his chest and muttered to himself. He was still feeling a little aroused and very unsatisfied, but his balls and cock felt tender. He liked the idea of sex with Mingan, but he wasn't sure if he was ready for that at the moment.

 

“I hope Jupiter is satisfied with what she got. I really don't want to go through that again.”

 

“If I have my way, you won't have to go through that for Jupiter again. Unless she wants to start breeding Pets using your sperm, there isn't any logical reason for her to demand more. And even though Jupiter rules all, you are my Pet and can't be bred unless I give permission, which I won't.”

 

Sevilen heaved a sigh of relief. He didn't like the idea of possible children of his being bred as Pets or Furniture or whatever Jupiter wanted. “Where are we going?”

 

“Iason's. I need to borrow one of his people. Or, more accurately, Akando needs to borrow one of Iason's people. I'm asking because I'm a little more diplomatic than Akando, and we need this to happen sooner rather than later.”

 

Sevilen remained quiet for the rest of the short ride to Iason's home. He wasn't sure of the reception he'd get from Iason's Pet, Riki. The last time, he'd tried to apologize but instead ended up almost pairing with Riki, which resulted in Riki getting a public spanking. Even though Sevilen knew Riki liked the rougher aspects of sex, he also knew Riki didn't like the humiliation of being spanked in public. Sevilen sighed softly. He'd have to apologize again, and hope that Riki forgave him.

 

Daryl showed none of the surprise Mingan was sure he felt when he and Sevilen appeared at the foyer of the building and demanded to see Iason. There were some politely worded references to being occupied at the moment, but eventually Daryl buzzed them into the elevator knowing it wasn't smart to deny one of the Cadre anything.

 

Iason was dressed deceptively casual. Riki was lounging in loose pants and an over-sized shirt that looked suspiciously like one of Iason's. Although nothing showed on Iason's face, he was highly annoyed at having his relaxing massage interrupted. Riki hadn't been thrilled either, and Iason gave a tiny sigh at the high probability of having a sulky Pet to deal with for the rest of the day.

 

“To what do I owe this pleasure, Mingan?”

 

“I need to borrow one of your people for an indefinite period of time.”

 

Iason raised one pale brow. “Really? Riki is my Pet and, despite who and what you are, I refuse to give him up to you.”

 

“I don't want your Pet. While I'm sure he has a certain charm, I've got my hands pleasantly full with Sevilen. I need somebody with certain information gathering skills. I know you freed your previous Furniture, Katze. I also know that he's still in your employment. It's him I want.”

 

Iason hid his surprise well but the same couldn't be said for Riki.

 

“How the hell do you know about Katze?”

 

“Riki! Be quiet. Better yet, take Mingan's Pet to the game room while Mingan and I discuss business.”

 

Riki glared at Iason before stalking out of the room. Sevilen looked at Mingan in indecision but trailed after Riki when Mingan gave an almost imperceptible nod. Sevilen's shoulders slumped a little as he trudged after Riki. Iason's Pet was seriously going to hate him. Every time they were within eye sight of each other, Riki got yelled at or punished in some way.

 

Sevilen was directed to the game room by Daryl and found Riki standing on the balcony over-looking the city. He stood in indecision for several seconds before squaring his shoulders and approaching Riki. Sevilen wrinkled his nose at the smell of tobacco but moved closer.

 

“It seems like I'm always apologizing to you for stuff I don't mean to do. I'm really, really sorry about what happened at the party and that you got a spanking because of... you know.”

 

Riki shrugged. “Weird shit follows you around doesn't it?”

 

“Not normally. But everything has been strange since I first dreamed of Mingan. I'm hoping that once everything gets settled all the other stuff will stop, too.”

 

“So what the hell was that at the party anyway? One minute I was fine and the next... I wanted to fuck so bad my dick hurt. You were just about crawling all over me, too. Were you on something? And what was up with that fight between your Blondie and that guy with the tail?”

 

“The guy with the tail is Zesiro and he's a Shal-hazal from Awh'an. I'm... he's... it's complicated. But he says I'm special to his people and he's my... I guess protector is the best word. The night of the party, I'd started... oh god, this is embarrassing.”

 

“Started what?”

 

Sevilen bit his lip in uncertainty. He still felt weird discussing his private life with anyone. Especially when it involved sex.

 

“Started my cycle. Zesiro says it happens to all Awh'anise. We... uhhh... need to have sex. Often. It's some weird breeding thing, and even though I'm only a quarter Awh'anise, I got stuck having to go through it. My uncle Jolen said that and the genetics for eyes are a really strong Awh'anise trait that tends to breed true.”

 

“That's kinda cool. Gives you a reason to be a horny bastard and screw anything that moves. So, this cycle thing, does it make other people want to have sex? And you have an uncle? That you know about for sure? I've never met anyone who had relatives they knew about. That's pretty cool.”

 

“Making you want sex so bad was because it was my first time in cycle and because I'm a Vi'deshron. Zesiro said I shouldn't have been out in public,” Sevilen said with a blush. “Zesiro said it won't happen again unless I sing in public while I'm in cycle, which is not going to happen. Jolen Helki is my uncle. His twin was my father.”

 

“A Vi'de what?”

 

“A Vi'deshron. Zesiro said it's like a person who tells a story by singing, and that they can show people the stuff the song is about. Sort of like a holo program but without the computer making it. Vi'deshron are really rare and, because I've never been trained, unexpected things can happen when I sing. At least that's what Zesiro said.”

 

“Huh. That's kinda awesome and shitty at the same time. So, that dancer guy who got shot at the end of his show is your uncle? Holy shit. Y'know, hanging out with you would be hella interesting,” Riki said with a smirk as he tossed the butt of his cigarette over the balcony.

 

“Then... you're not mad at me?” Sevilen asked cautiously.

 

“Mad? Nah, why would I be?”

 

“You got spanked in front of everybody at that party. Your master made you jerk off after that, and everybody watched. It would've never happened if it wasn't for me.”

 

“Don't worry about it. Iason told me to behave myself and, well, I didn't exactly do that. Okay, so it wasn't entirely my fault, but it's not like that was the first time I've been spanked or jerked off in front of a roomful of people. Honest, don't sweat it. The spanking wasn't bad. I mean, yeah, it was embarrassing as hell, but it was only like five swats on the ass and I got my rocks off. If Iason was really pissed off about us almost fucking, he would've kept me from coming and left me wound up the whole damn night. He's done that before. He was only a little ticked off.”

 

“Oh. Okay. As long as you're not mad about it.”

 

“Nah. Hey, you play pool?”

 

Sevilen shook his head and followed Riki as he walked back into the game room. He listened as Riki explained the game, and eventually relaxed and started to have fun even though he was horrible at the game. He was surprised at how patient Riki was in trying to teach him to line up shots and, when Riki laughed, Sevilen knew he wasn't being laughed at. Before long Sevilen was laughing along with Riki and a little seed of hope took root in his chest.

 

Sevilen had never had a real friend before, and it looked like he was starting to have one with Riki. Many bad things had happened to Sevilen when he came to Amoi, but some good had come as well. Sevilen was going to ask Mingan if he could visit with Riki sometime or if Riki could come visit him at their house. The idea of actually having a friend made Sevilen grin broadly and gave him a giddy feeling in his belly.

 

*********

 

“I suppose I don't really have much choice in loaning Katze to you, do I?” Iason asked as he sipped at his wine.

 

“Not really. I'm asking more for formality than because I need your permission. I also want Katze to co-operate fully, and I believe he'll do that if he thinks he's doing this because you agreed to it.”

 

Iason gave a short nod. “Fine. I want Katze back in the same condition as when he goes to you. If something happens to him, I will expect compensation. Replacing him would be a difficult and costly task that I have no interest in undertaking. Will you be requiring all his time or will he be able to continue his work for me as well?”

 

“I don't foresee anything happening to Katze, but if something does, you will be compensated. You have my word on that. I have no idea what kind of demands will be placed on his time. He'll be working for Akando, not me. I will mention to Akando that when he doesn't have need of Katze, he's to allow him to work on your business.”

 

“When do you need him to start?”

 

“I'd like to pick him up on my way home. Tell him to gather whatever he needs for a prolonged stay and to be ready in half an hour.”

 

Iason nodded again and stood. He knew that he'd never get any money for lending Katze out, so hadn't even broached the subject. Under Jupiter's law regarding the Cadre, Mingan could've simply gone to Katze's apartment, hustled him off and Iason wouldn't have had any say in the matter. He probably wouldn't even have had any idea what became of him. Iason rang Katze, informed him that he would be working for the Cadre on a project and to be ready to go in half an hour. Iason could see the confusion in Katze's eyes, but the man simply nodded his head and said he'd be ready.

 

“Is there anything else?”

 

“No, I believe we're done. Thank you for your time, Iason.”

 

Mingan stood, shook Iason's hand and waited for Daryl to bring Sevilen to him. He smiled when he saw the relaxed and happy look on Sevilen's face. Riki ambled over to Iason and stood close to his master, warmth in his eyes. Sevilen grabbed Mingan's hand and looked earnestly into Mingan's face.

 

“Riki was teaching me to play pool. I'm not good at it, but he said he'd like to have me come over again because it was fun to try and teach me. Can I? Riki said I'm not a snot like other Pets and that I'm cool to hang out with. And can you believe Riki doesn't know how to swim? I said I could teach him. Can Riki come over to our house so I can teach him to swim in the pool? Please?”

 

Mingan smiled at Sevilen. His little Pet really had no idea how firmly he had his master wrapped around his finger. While he didn't particularly like having to share Sevilen, seeing the happiness on Sevilen's face from such a simple thing was worth it to Mingan. He also noticed how Sevilen had called his house theirs, and that made his heart beat a little faster in excitement at Sevilen seeing things as also belonging to him.

 

“As long as Iason doesn't have a problem with you visiting or with Riki coming to our house, it's fine with me. Not today though. We have one more stop before going home and I think with everything that happened earlier, we'd both appreciate some quiet time.”

 

Sevilen felt his cheeks heat a little at the reminder of his medical exam earlier. He wasn't sure he'd ever get over the embarrassment of Mingan looking inside him like he had. He also remembered the arousal that'd been in Mingan's eyes and wondered if Mingan meant that some of that quiet time was going to be spent in bed. Sevilen wasn't sure if he was interested in the idea of sex or not. His cock and balls didn't ache quite so badly anymore but they still felt a little tender.

 

Iason saw the way Mingan looked at his Pet and knew the big Blondie would indulge Sevilen. Iason smirked a little when it seemed that Sevilen appeared to have no idea of the influence he had over Mingan. Iason agreed to let Riki visit while he was at work sometime in the coming week and saw Mingan and Sevilen to the door. The look of happiness on Riki's face when he'd agreed to allow Riki to visit made Iason smile. The Blondie thought that he wouldn't have to put up with a sulky Pet after all. If only all of Riki's snits were as easy to deal with.

 

*********

 

Sevilen shot curious looks at the man Mingan picked up. Irritation and wariness was in his eyes. Mingan said the man's name was Katze and that he was one of Iason's people and would be staying with them for a while. Sevilen thought Katze was pretty enough to be a Pet except for the long scar on his face from cheekbone to jaw. Sevilen's eyes kept flicking to the rear view mirror to stare. He'd never seen anybody else on Amoi who wasn't flawless and it made him feel some sort of vague kinship with Katze for being less than perfect.

 

“Iason gave him the scar when he was Iason's Pet. Not long after that, Iason had him made into Furniture,” Mingan said, dividing his attention between Sevilen and Katze. “You'll find that I run my house much less formally than you're likely used to seeing, Katze. You may offer your thoughts and opinions freely in the privacy of my home, but I expect normal protocol when out in public. Akando, the man you'll be working with, has stricter views than I do on roles in Amoian society, but I'm sure you'll catch on quickly how to deal with him.”

 

Sevilen stared at Katze in the mirror with wide eyes. The man said nothing but Sevilen thought he looked uncomfortable with Mingan revealing how he got the scar and that he was now Furniture. He also looked a little confused at Mingan's words. Sevilen turned in his seat to face Katze.

 

“You're Furniture? But you're still pretty enough to be a Pet even with a scar. And that could've been fixed, right? It's not that deep a scar. Not like my marks. Why would Iason do something like that? That's just....”

 

“Marks? Pets don't have scars or they don't remain as Pets for long,” Katze said with a little snort of disbelief.

 

Sevilen bit his lip for a few seconds before pushing his sleeve up to his elbow, exposing the blackened runes burned into his skin that spiralled around his forearm.

 

“My people did this to me before they sold me. These runes are over my entire body. One scar, even if it's on your face, is small compared to all this.”

 

Katze's eyes widened in surprise. He'd never seen anything like the marks on Sevilen. He reached out to trace one of the slightly raised marks. Sevilen gasped and jerked his arm back a fraction of a second too late as Katze's finger glided over one of the burns. Sevilen's body went rigid, and a high, eerie moan twisted from his throat. Mingan swore and wrenched the car to the side of the road, bringing it to a bone-jarring halt as horns blared at the sudden move across several lanes of traffic. He pulled Sevilen from his seat into his arms, cradling him and calling his name softly.

 

Images exploded into Sevilen's brain. Early memories of children laughing and playing games together in a common room. A green haired boy pinky swearing that they'd be friends forever. Screams of denial as the green haired boy was dragged away, never to be seen again. Katze's first meeting with Iason. Katze pairing with other Pets and pleasuring himself for Iason's entertainment. Katze working away on a computer, accessing things he knew he had no business looking into. The flash of something and the icy burn across his cheek when Iason discovered him. The depression and sense of loss at becoming Furniture warring with the relief that he was allowed to live after his monumental mistake. The sadness at realizing that Iason never saw him as anything more than property. The irritation and slight hostility at being given to another Blondie to use as he saw fit without knowing if he'd go back to working for Iason.

 

Sevilen whimpered and curled into Mingan, his breath coming fast and uneven. His head hurt and felt over full. Sevilen knew he needed to dump the memories quickly and needed to calm down to do so. He consciously relaxed his tense muscles and tried to get his breathing back under control. As soon as he was no longer panting heavily, he shunted the memories off to the back of his mind to deal with a little later. Sevilen opened his eyes although he felt like he should keep them closed and just go to sleep.

 

“M'kay. Tired. Accident,” Sevilen said in a thick voice.

 

Mingan hugged Sevilen a little tighter and glared at Katze in the rear view mirror. It was pointless now to warn the ex-Furniture against touching Sevilen's bare skin. The damage had been done. At least any future brushes of skin on skin would be harmless for the most part. Mingan glanced down at Sevilen and debated if he should have Katze drive the rest of the way while he held Sevilen.

 

“Take me home, Mingan. I'm fine. Just tired,” Sevilen said in a voice that didn't sound so raw as it had only a few moments ago.

 

Mingan grumbled but put Sevilen in the seat beside him and reclined the seat. Sevilen's eyes closed and his breathing evened out further. Some colour came back into his Pet's cheeks, and only then did Mingan relax. Mingan was about to quietly chew Katze out when Sevilen surprised them both by opening his eyes and said in a soft voice.

 

“Mingan didn't give Iason a choice about lending you out. He only asked Iason as a courtesy instead of taking you as is his right as Cadre. Mingan is Cadre, and you know some of what that means. Iason didn't scar you to punish you but to save you. I'm sure, being a Blondie, he knew what would've happened if Jupiter had known what you were up to. You do not want to know what she has done to people poking their noses into the Cadre's business. Death is a blessing compared to that. If I can find what happened to that green-haired boy, Virgil, I'll tell you in exchange for your promise to help Mingan and Akando find out what they need to know.”

 

Katze was staring at Sevilen in shock. He'd never mentioned Virgil to anyone, and there was no way in hell that Sevilen would've been able to not only get the name right but get the hair colour correct and know that he'd been trying to find out what had happened to his friend since the day he'd been taken away. He started to ask how he knew when Sevilen spoke again.

 

“I know everything you know up to the point you touched me. That was an accident and I'm sorry. It's safe to touch me now, but I can still find out things from you if I touch you and concentrate. I won't do that without your permission though because that's rude.”

 

Having exhausted himself staying awake to speak, Sevilen's eyes fluttered closed, his head lolled and soft little snores sounded from him. Mingan looked over Sevilen again before pulling the car back onto the road and heading for his home. Katze leaned back against the plush seat, his mind whirling. He startled when Mingan spoke.

 

“Sevilen is a very special person. He's extremely important to me. It would be in your best interests to remember that. Sevilen also says that he dreams of the future. I can't say if that's true or not, but he's been right about things more times than could be coincidence. I'm sure you know who Zesiro is by now. That man is also Sevilen's protector so I'd advise you to be cautious around him and how you treat Sevilen in his presence. Zesiro is a very dangerous man, and I've seen what he's capable of. Don't take him lightly.”

 

Katze remained silent. He felt like he'd just been thrown into an alternate world where none of the rules he was used to applied any more. One part of him was a little scared of what might happen. The other, more curious and adventurous part of him, was thrilled at the idea of being tossed into the unknown with only his wits to survive whatever came his way.

 

********

 

Jolen finished stretching and smiled as he picked up the remote for the music player and keyed in the selections he'd programmed into the machine. His latest round of Operation Drive Akando Crazy was sure to make the irritating Blondie even more frustrated than he already was. The dance he was about to start was designed to draw attention to just how flexible Jolen was and the fine muscle control he had. Jolen idly wondered if he could make the big Blondie drool over what he was about to do. He was having an immense amount of fun at Akando's expense.

 

The music started, Jolen set the remote down and began slow hip rolls. He didn't hear Akando enter the room, but could feel the Blondie's eyes on him. A little smirk passed over Jolen's lips when he turned in a slow circle before the music picked up the pace. The costume he was wearing for his dance was going to inflame Akando.

 

Made out of sheer material, the fabric of the pants swirled around his legs hiding and revealing in equal measure. The pants hung low on his body showing a hint of the scales that travelled across Jolen's belly to his cock. His chest was bare and the scales down his spine were clearly revealed up to the point where they dipped into the back of his pants. Rows of metal disks were hung around his hips and chimed together whenever he moved or shook them. Tiny cymbals were strapped to his thumbs and middle fingers and he tapped them together to the beat of the music. Most of Jolen's hair was in a thick braid that swished behind him while two sections had been left loose at his temples to float around him as he moved.

 

Akando leaned against the doorframe and hoped he looked casual. Jolen was wearing an exotic outfit that almost revealed all he wanted to see. He couldn't seem to take his eyes off the movement of Jolen's hips and belly, and felt his mouth dry a little at the thought that if Jolen could move as like that, riding the lithe dancer was going to be even better than he'd hoped. When the tempo of the music picked up and Jolen's hips shook faster and almost turned into lewd gestures, Akando wondered if Jolen would have time to zap him with electricity before he tore the pants from him and had his cock up the dancer's ass.

 

The music piece ended and another started. Jolen moved faster, his hip shaking sent the coins jangling and the fabric spun out from his legs. A quick pass of his hands together had the finger cymbals sliding off his fingers yet still clasped firmly in his hands as Jolen spun and leapt towards a bench. Jolen dropped the cymbals to the floor and swept up the items on the bench.

 

Akando watched curiously as Jolen held up two metal circles with rays radiating along the edge in each hand. Colourful streamers several feet long bracketed the leather wrapped handles. Akando wasn't sure what Jolen was up to, or if he should step in and take what was obviously a weapon away from the dancer before he did some kind of harm to himself. The Blondie's thought process stopped when Jolen began his hip shaking dance again, adding swooping movements of the metal rings to his steps.

 

Akando had never seen anything that looked so enticing.

 

Jolen twisted and shimmied, the blades weaving around his body in a deadly dance. The ribbons swirled around him as he moved, and a tiny smile teased Jolen's lips as he worked his way closer to Akando. The Blondie watched him with rapt attention but was more interested in the hip shaking and belly rolls than the very real weapons Jolen wielded.

 

When he was a few feet from Akando, Jolen spun, opened his hands and closed his fists around the trailing ribbons. He swung the disks by the ribbons around his body in a blur of motion and flicked his wrists at the crescendo of music. A ring embedded into the wall next to Akando's head and the other into the floor inches from his toes. Blue sparks crackled down the metallic ribbons and sheathed the rings in a brilliant burst of electricity before vanishing.

 

Jolen panted lightly. He was reluctantly impressed that Akando hadn't jumped back from either the close call with the weapons or the jolt of electricity. There was a touch of wariness in the Blondie's eyes as well as the ever-present lust. Akando pushed off the doorframe and started to step towards Jolen when the dancer yanked the rings from the floor and into his hands.

 

“You are a man of many talents. I've never seen a weapon like that before. What is it?”

 

“Deg'al neksha. Awh'anise military weapon. Only those of the Blood are allowed to use it.”

 

“The blood?” Akando asked as he edged closer to Jolen.

 

“Someone marked with a Neksha. Usually a Shal-hazal. I'm not a Shal-hazal but I do have the mark of the Neksha. Sevilen could learn to use these if he wanted to. Zesiro already knows how.”

 

Akando tried to stifle a laugh. The idea of a Pet, especially Mingan's little one, using a weapon was hilarious. He did wonder why Jolen seemed so sure of Zesiro being able to use the weapon.

 

“And why do you think Zesiro would know how to use this weapon of yours?”

 

“He's Shal-hazal. It's part of their training. Zesiro can fuck you up in reality as well as the dream world. In case you forgot, he's military. All Shal-hazal are military.”

 

Akando hadn't forgotten, but decided that information was unimportant, Zesiro not being the one he was interested in. The Blondie made a mental note to tell Mingan to be even more cautious around the Awh'anise. He reached a hand out to touch Jolen but was stopped by the ring that was brought quickly up to block. Akando pressed his palm to the top of the ring intending to push the weapon away and drew his hand back with a little grunt of pain. He turned his hand palm up, shocked to find his skin split open and bleeding.

 

“Idiot. What the hell did you do that for? Put pressure on it. You're going to need stitches.”

 

Akando watched the skin knit together and flexed his fingers a few times before wiping the small pool of blood in the palm onto his pant leg. He held up the uninjured hand to Jolen and grinned at the surprise on the dancer's face.

 

“The Cadre are very hard to truly hurt. I had no idea you were playing with a sharp weapon. You shouldn't do that. You could be injured and I don't like my... guests wounded. Unless, of course, we'd agreed to play that kind of game first.”

 

Jolen snorted and rolled his eyes. He'd caught the pause where he was sure Akando had almost called him his Pet again. He was about to respond when he heard the sound of a door opening and murmured protests from Sevilen. Jolen pushed past Akando and hurried to the front door, a little flutter of worry in his stomach at the tone of Sevilen's voice. Akando followed Jolen, taking the time to admire the way the dancer's ass moved.

 

“What's wrong with Sevilen?” Jolen asked as soon as he spotted Mingan with Sevilen cradled in his arms.

 

“M'fine. Tired. Touched him,” Sevilen said with a languid wave of his arm in the direction of a man standing in the entranceway with Mingan.

 

Sevilen yawned, his eyes closed and his head lolled against Mingan's arm. Mingan's expression was a little worried and he clutched Sevilen tighter to his chest. He nodded his head to the man standing slightly behind him.

 

“Akando, this is Katze. He's one of Iason's people. Try not to damage him as I said I'd return him in the same condition I got him. He's going to help you get information and he's damn good at what he does. Runs the black market for Iason. I've got to get Sevilen to bed. He's had a rough day.”

 

Akando looked the redhead up and down, frowning a little at the scar on the man's face. He was pretty enough to be a Pet even with the scar. He noted the flare of surprise in the man's eyes when he saw another Cadre member. Curiosity flickered but was quickly hidden when he saw Jolen.

 

“Are you Iason's Pet or Furniture?” Akando asked.

 

Before Katze could answer, Jolen stepped forward, switched his weapons to one hand and offered his free hand to Katze to shake with a warm smile.

 

“Hi. I'm Jolen Helki, Sevilen's uncle. The asshole is Akando, and I'm really sorry you're going to be stuck with him. Better you than me though.”

 

Katze automatically shook Jolen's hand even as he cast a wary eye towards Akando. He'd heard stories of the Cadre, and nobody spoke to them or about them like Jolen just did and walked away from the encounter whole. Yet, aside from an annoyed scowl, Akando said and did nothing. Katze had seen pictures of Jolen, but nothing quite prepared him for seeing the man in person. Katze knew of several Blondies who'd part with significant chunks of their wealth for someone who looked like Jolen for a Pet.

 

“Pet or Furniture?” Akando repeated.

 

“Both and neither,” Katze said with a little smile.

 

“Stars, but you're fucking rude. You could at least say hello to him,” Jolen said with a little snort directed at Akando before turning back to Katze. “Mingan is probably going to hover over Sevilen for a little while if Sevilen touched you. That usually wipes him out for a few hours although he is getting better at recovering. Come on, I'll help you find a room, hopefully far away from him.”

 

“You can't be both and neither. You're one or the other,” Akando insisted stubbornly.

 

“I was Iason's Pet. Then I became his Furniture. Now I handle some of his business ventures. I've been freed but still work for Iason because the pay is good and he's a fair business man.”

 

Akando grunted. He thought it was a shame the man had been turned into Furniture. It almost seemed a waste of a rather pretty Pet. Although, depending on the type of Furniture he'd become, there was still the possibility of fun. Akando slid a glance at Jolen, thinking how nice the dancer's blue hair would look next to the red of the Furniture and smiled.

 

Jolen caught the look from Akando and snorted softly. He made a point of raising the hand that held the two rings and let a little electricity trickle over the weapon to drip from the metallic ribbons. When Akando scowled, Jolen smiled, flashing a little unpolite fang at Akando and told Katze to follow him as they looked for a suitable room. As Jolen walked away with Katze in tow, he wondered if it would be rude if he asked the man just what the hell a Furniture was in Amoian society.