InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Cold ❯ Twenty ( Chapter 20 )
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Romance / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.09.2018 | Pages: 9 | Words: 13.8K | Visits: 310 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter Twenty
March 19 th , 4035
Kagome swiped a damp forearm across her sweat slick forehead, an exhalation of annoyance puffing from her lips. The humidity beneath the dome was overwhelming, the stale, putrid air beyond sweltering. Incredulous cerulean orbs moved over the happily slithering slug natives that passed, nonplussed that the legless creatures seemed completely unaffected by the volcanic weather.
“How in the world can they stand all this heat?” she muttered as a second surge of discomfort flayed her skin.
The high noon sun had long descended beyond the horizon, and yet the slowly darkening sky offered little relief from the suffocating heat. She sent an inquiry to her failing computer, dismay settling in the pit of her stomach as her system brought up a staticky HUD. The distorted screen crackled in her mind’s eye, flickering numbers displaying a mind blowing temperature of 96 degrees and counting.
This city was awful.
Stagnant air laden with the stench of slug fluids.
Glaring Yothran citizens scowling her way.
Rusty, rickety structures more reminiscent of panic inducing death traps than viable establishments.
She was still struggling not to break out in nervous hives after her last experience with the hard angled buildings. A quick stop for a container of water at the sturdiest looking store she could find had filled her with gut churning trepidation. During her panicked dash for bottled hydration, worried cerulean orbs had remained fixed to the sunken ceiling that appeared dangerously close to collapse.
And after escaping the perilous store, she’d started a wretched march across the city.
There were no Skyway in Yothran, no teleport systems to reduce travel time, leaving her and her silent guard stuck trudging across a sticky metropolitan to find the nearest tram station. Any other time, the prospect of riding in an archaic transport, a relic compared to what Rektan 7 used, around an exotic new city would have excited the adventurer inside her but if the crumbling buildings and trashy streets were any measure of what awaited them, the ensuing trip would prove to be quite an unpleasant, nerve wracking experience.
An experience that could only serve to agitate her current unhappiness.
She was sweaty.
Annoyed.
Surrounded by grime.
And even more egregious, weirdly grateful for the backbreaking years she’d spent waitressing at Rizek. Despite the long hours of walking, her feet were nowhere near aching.
Throbbing feet or lack there of, she couldn’t wait to get back to the ship.
She didn’t like feeling so irritable but trekking down the beaten streets of Yothran was an exercise in misery she hadn’t felt in a while. It certainly wasn’t the worse conditions she’d lived under, however, and that fact kept her legs moving.
A shadow appeared from her rear left a moment before Hytic’s booming voice reached her ears.
“The station is the blue building ahead.”
She squinted, peering through the throng of slugs and dirty buildings in search of the tram station. A chipped, dented, lolling edifice stood nestled between a haggard pub and a rundown gambling hub. Perched atop its roof was a cracked sign with the faded words: Yothran Station.
“Finally,”she sighed, directing a smile to her guard and guide, “Thanks for the directions, Hytic. You’re a real lifesaver.”
The big male merely grunted in reply.
Taking that to be a manly expression of ‘you’re welcome’, she turned her stride in the direction of the beat up building that was her salvation.
Squeaking in surprise when she bounced off of something cold and jiggly.
She stumbled backwards, confused eyes meeting glaring onyx.
The fine hairs at her nape stood on end.
Seven feet of monstrous jello bristled, a deep screech of affront erupting. Flashing crimson with ire, the translucent Jerrsix listed towards her, its squishy body wobbling. Hostile, territorial and mean, the Jerrsix were one of the many banes of a space traveller’s existence. Their gelatinous form and high regeneration speed presented a unique difficulty in a fight, while their short fuse and aggressive temperament increased the chance of a virulent encounter.
Their method of execution was particularly nasty.
Stretching and contorting, the slippery creatures engulfed their prey, imprisoning them within their toxic, corrosive bodies. Victims of mammalian origin trapped within were slowly broken down into a floating mass of blood and liquefied organs.
A gory feast for the Jerrsix.
A horrific process on display for any and all to witness through the transparent goo that made up their deadly anatomy.
Thankfully, the one in front of her was empty, but judging from its glowering, pupiless gaze, it was poise to rectify that situation, starting with her.
Hytic shifted at her back, his towering form moving between her and the fiercely scowling invertebrate. Bulky shoulders straightening, the hint of a snarl on his feral visage, her silent guard sent the would be cut throat an intense stare of challenge. A deep rumbled emerged from his chest, the low vibrations thundering against her eardrums and tying her stomach in knots of dread.
The Jerrsix vibrated, ripples surging through its wiggly physic.
Hytic tensed, bulging muscle swelling, the hint of ivory fangs joining his spine chilling growl.
Slugs on the street paused, wide eyes watching the unfolding confrontation. Murmurs of outrage and concern rose, several of which calling for the assistance of an enforcer. Black eyes cut to the surrounding crowd, the presence of many stilling the Jerrsix’s ripples.
Though difficult to kill, the Jerrsix didn’t have many planets to settle on. Their volatile nature and grotesque eating habits were disqualifying qualities for most civilized societies. Wearing out its welcome here was a potential death sentence if other planet became unwilling to accept it on the heels of this outburst. A stigma that would apply to any others that sought to apply for citizenship on Lyt.
A reality it was disinclined to ignore.
Black eyes returned to her, it’s jelly separating in formation of a temporary mouth.
“Fucking aliens.” it gurgled before spitting a glob of gelatinous fluid dangerously close to their booted feet and slithering away.
Tension leeched from the male at her side.
The snarling Jerrsix wasn’t the only dangerous creature they’d happened across in Yothran. With his massive build, no-nonsense aura and accompanying pulse rifle strapped to his back, the physical warning of his mere presence was enough to deter most would be criminals. There were, however, a few species that shared the disposition of the Jerrsix and were disinclined to heed those non-verbal forewarnings. For those handful of hostile aliens, a more blatant warning was issued in the form of tense stare downs and ear rumbling growing sessions. No one had come to blows as of yet, but a time or two she’d eyed a couple of spots to take cover should the competitors moved beyond posturing and threats.
Hytic had certainly made her trip a lot smoother than it would have been had she gotten her way.
Her earlier snub of his silent vigil had long since fallen by the wayside the deeper they traveled into the seedy depths of the city. She felt more secure with him around. Appreciative of the safety his imposing form offered as they navigated the foreign town.
She turned, giving her protector a grateful smile.
“Thanks, Hytic.”
He released a familiar grunt of acknowledgement, crossing his arms over his wide chest. After a brief but careful scan of her surroundings, Kagome made a beeline for the tram station.
The interior of the building, unsurprisingly, was worse than the exterior.
Chipped and blackened tiles lined the floors.
Tired, broken fans hung from a cracked ceiling, attached precariously by exposed wires.
Low benches covered in dust formed a half square in the center of room.
Yothran station was a small box made up of a smattering of ticket booths, murky windows and non-functional sliding doors propped open by wood planks leading to a tunnel shaped boarding dock.
It wasn’t as crowded as she would have thought.
Only a handful of slugs and non-native species sat waiting on the benches or stood fumbling with the ticket machines.
Mopping moisture from her forehead again, Kagome trudged to the nearest booth and purchased two tram tickets. She took the slips of paper the computer spit out and found an empty wood slab to rest on, brushing away dust before sitting.
“This is the last stop,” she assured the male standing next to the bench, “I promise. I know this hasn't been the most comfortable trip for you.”
She felt bad carting him around in boiling heat, even if he did make her feel safer. The heat was awful for her but with his great mass and thick mane it had to be even worse. His tan skin, made even more so by the sun, was slick, droplets of perspiration sliding down his temples. Not once had he uttered a single complaint, but it was painfully obvious he was burning up.
“The Xaltan has assigned me as guard while you complete your tasks in Yothran,” he rumbled, “my comfort is not apart of that mandate.”
The reverberating wail of an alarm cut off any response she might have formed.
Great quakes shook the floor beneath her feet, the violent clinking of fans exacerbating her frayed nerves. Small particles of the ceiling drifted to the ground seconds before a metal monstrosity hurtled into the rail tunnel.
With a nervous gulp, she stood, following the small crowd funneling the broken sliding doors as the tram screeched to a grinding halt.
A tall orange slug dressed in wrinkled blue livery took their tickets as they passed.
Kagome fought back panic the closer she moved to the tram.
It was a pathetic piece of machinery made up of small cubes. Unlike the sharp corners of Yothran’s buildings, these boxes were rounded at the corners and strung together by a rusty chains and hooks. Thankfully, the windows lacked glass within their frames. Riding through the city in an oven would have driven her insane.
If there had ever been any seats on the transport, they were long gone now. Thick straps hung from the roof inside, the only safety measure available.
She sent an apprehensive, inquiring glance to her guard.
“It will hold.” he told her.
Not exactly reassuring.
They boarded the heap of metal and searched for an open place to stand on the seat-less cart. She took a position near a rear window, gripping an overhanging strap in a death grip as Hytic took a place next to her.
Uneasy and a bit queasy, she focused her attention on the scenery outside the grubby window frame as the conveyance coughed into motion.
The tram rattled forward, spewing a trail of pollution in its wake.
It was long minutes before her death grip eased from the strap, and a couple more before the blitfers left her tummy.
Beyond some worrying creaking and gut churning rocking, the cart did seem as though it would ‘hold’ as Hytic stated and as it kicked into gear, speeding across bland landscape, the slight breeze it created felt nice against her flushed skin. It was probably the least miserable she’d been all day. With the winds blowing away the stench of slug residue, she found a small measure of morbid fascination watching the abysmal dystopia fly by.
Kagome leaned against the open window, her thoughts turning to the information hub they were headed to.
Since learning of the corporation, she’d spent most of her time on the ship finding out what she could about the TinO, and compiling her knowledge into her own personal database. Reading through files and reports she’d realized early on a lot of the details were incomplete. Prudent information on affiliate companies, investments, regions and planets the company held influence were missing. Addresses, contact info, even the list of active personnel was woefully outdated.
Many of the employees listed were long dead.
The trip to Lyt offered a potentially lucrative opportunity.
In the world of intelligence, proximity often dictated access. Different solar systems, different planets, collected and harbored unique pockets of information. Often storing files and data, not uploaded to the universal servers, in virtual libraries on planet. Much like the one she was headed to now.
What one world didn’t know, another might.
Despite it’s crumbling infrastructure, stinky locals and rough cities, perhaps the planet of Lyt knew something Rektan 7 didn’t.
Or perhaps the hub would prove to be even more outdated.
Either way, it was avenue she had to pursue.
If Lyt had new information, she wanted it.
She’d turn over every rock to figure out what TinO wanted with her and her brother.
To find out who or what she really was.
The piercing squeal of metal brought her from her thoughts. She braced herself against the force of the slowing tram, sending Hytic a grateful smile when hooked an arm around her flailing form.
The new station was a bit better than the last. Grimy and weathered but at least the ceiling fans worked.
Hytic took lead, ushering her through a throng of civilians and across the pothole streets of this new, cleanlier part of Yothran. The blistering heat was no better than it was across town but it did offer a bit of relief from the overwhelming stench of goo. There were a greater concentration of foreigners in this region, a kaleidoscopic population of aliens far outnumbering the natives.
A welcome change to her offended senses.
The trek to the hub was far shorter and a lot less eventful than the one to the tram, ending in front of a lime green rotunda.
Its kempt condition was an oddity in this city of filth, its shape even more so.
Each building she’d passed had followed a similar blueprint.
Hard angles.
Crumbling walls.
And a layer of grime as toxic as the smog.
The circular structure in front of her deviated from that standard entirely.
Metal doors parted with a soft hiss as she approached and a blast of cool air followed.
“Oh thank the sweet beautiful universe.” she sighed in bliss.
In desperate need of the blaring wind’s cooling effects, Kagome stood beneath the flow as she surveyed the room. The hub looked much like any other, though the computing systems were of a much older model. Wooden desks lined the curved walls, small, silver, hook shaped, projectors attached to their dingy surface. A tall, bright orange kiosk sat in the middle of the room, the cylindrical machine advertising snacks, beverages and running a string of news headlines along the four touch screens situated on each cardinal direction.
Near the far wall opposite the entrance, a double row staircase led up to a second floor of a similarly arranged room behind a wall of plexiglass.
Relieved by the rare commodity of air conditioning, and a building that didn’t require a hazmat suit, Kagome strode over to the closet computer, taking a seat in the ligneous chair. Hytic took a position next to the table, his back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest.
A green light flashed atop the metal hook a moment before an electronic inquiry pinged her system.
Her internal computer winked to life, struggling to maintain power as it answered the inquiry. She waited while the two systems wrestled to establish a link, wincing at the screeching, static induced hum the union created.
Several minutes passed before the noise faded.
A white screen flickered to life above the metal hook and a robotic voice began speaking.
‘Welcome to Yothran information and research hub. How may I help you?’
A search bar filled the white screen, a touch screen keypad following.
Reaching out, Kagome typed in the TinO company name.
A flood of articles, news clippings and publications rose. It took a moment for her internal system to respond, but she initiated a quick scan of the information results. Running the data against the files she had, marking new pieces her collection lacked while discarding what she already knew.
There wasn’t much to mark.
One or two files with perhaps a paragraph of new, insignificant insight and a couple of updated addresses.
Hardly the treasure trove she’d hoped for.
With a exhalation of disappointment, she flipped through some old news clippings she’d acquired, scanning the words filling the crumbled digital copy.
The headline boasted of the grand opening a newly constructed genetic research facility on the planet Byorr.
‘After several years of negotiations with government officials, the TinO has been approved to open the doors of its new genetic testing and scientific research facility in just three short weeks, a move the locals are lauding as a significant step towards economic relief and advancement,’ she read silently, ‘the company is set to bring thousands of new employment opportunities to the region and pave the way for more interplanetary investments and partnerships in the years to come.’
She scrolled down, blue orbs moving quickly over dark ink when a faded, black and white picture beneath the gushing praise stopped her cold.
A chill slithered up her spine.
A towering, glinting, stone and metal edifice stretched into a clear sky. The main entrance sat tucked between a semi-circlet of building several stories taller. A well manicured lawn sat on either side of the asphalt parking lot and driveway. Thick trees stretched high over and beneath tall reflective windows.
It was a typical structure.
A cookie cutter image of a modern facility during its time and yet…
To her…
An undercurrent of menace flowed from the picture.
Unease prickled her skin.
She knew that building…
Dark brows crinkled in confusion as she looked up at the date.
‘July, 19th, 2029.’
A chime rang through her psyche as her internal system flickered to life.
‘Embedded memory unsealed. Recovery sequences activated,’ the computer announced, ‘Memory playback initiated.’
Another chime echoed seconds before her mind was whipped away in a swirl of color, the information hub drifting away in an instant…
Radiant light streamed through fluffy white clouds.
The glaring rays of sun blinding.
Kagome lifted a tiny hand, shading cerulean eyes.
Squinting through stubby fingers, she peered up at the massive building settled atop the vibrant green lawn.
A slender form shifted at her side.
A soft hand engulfed her own.
She looked up at the woman next to her.
Her face was obscured in shadows, her mouth the only discernible feature.
Those lips moved, forming words Kagome couldn’t hear before curling up in a tender smile.
The woman turned, moving towards the building…
A young Kagome in tow…
Low chatter reached her ears, the scrape of chairs, the shuffling of bodies grounding her in reality. Kagome sucked in a breath, unsettled as her conscious mind returned to the here and now.
She blinked.
The computer chimed.
‘Memory complete.’
A beat of silence passed.
‘First inquiry: Do you remember?’
Black brows furrowed, confusion blooming.
Remember?
About what?
That day?
Nothing…
She didn’t remember any of it.
Had no idea when she had ever been on Byorr, let alone in front of that building.
That woman…
Even with her face obscured…
It was mother.
It had to have been.
And the little girl was her, but when had she ever gone to that place?
And why?
‘Second inquiry: Do you see it?’
See what?
What was she supposed to have seen?
The building?
The woman at her side?
But why would the memory block out her face?
‘Coordinates for next activation location are as follow.’
Kagome listened quietly as the monotone voice rattled off a series of numbers.
Her gaze moved back to the faded photograph, a shiver of disquiet tracing her spine.
xxxxxx
‘Third scan of Memory Recorder and Playback initiated. Current progress…2%.’
Kagome minimized the security analysis as her system uploaded, download and sifted through files.
Following a trip through the decontamination chamber and a soothing bath after, the fresh faced brunette strode through the halls of the spacecraft. Swathed in a baby blue, off the shoulder dress, hair curled over her left shoulder, Kagome navigated the maze of walkways, her fully functional system highlighting directions as it tracked her sibling’s unique single.
Returning to the ship had been met with a great deal of relief and gratitude, along with a resurgence of her network.
Back online, her computer began expanding the Recovery and Playback program, installing its own unique UI and giving her a rundown of how it worked. While the software appeared relatively benign since activation, she was more than a little apprehensive about the foreign processes taking place. It wasn’t a recognizable part of her baseline programming and was too complex to have accompanied any upgrade she’d ever had. Unlike the last hidden program she’d terminated back on Rektan 7, this one had attached itself to her original programming upon activation, becoming as integral to her internal system as the motherboard.
She couldn’t remove it even if she wanted to.
Which meant someone had to have installed it manually during her childhood.
Someone close to her.
Her mother came to mind immediately.
The memory of the woman with the smile strikingly similar to the one the older female wore added credence to the assumption, but if that were true, why would she seal away pieces of her memories beneath activation points?
Was she trying to lead her somewhere?
And if she was, where?
And why?
Kagome turned, pausing as the wall opened. She stepped through the portal and into the recreation room, returning nods to the more friendlier soldiers as she passed.
With little evidence to go on, and not a single digital footprint to chase, all she could do was speculate about who had added the software and why.
At least for now.
‘You have arrived.’ her computer announced.
Pushing aside the unfurling mystery of her memories, Kagome walked through the new entrance in the wall. She found her brother leaning over the banister of the observation deck, watching the guards run through their final training routine of the night.
The men and women of the Xaltan’s security detail were split into groups and assigned to different exercise stations on the wide floor below. In a far corner of the spacious auditorium, a gathering of guards shot pulse weapons at a number of moving 3D targets.
On the opposite side, a short, tough shouting female Wurmulix led an incredibly grueling routine of cardio along side a punishing regiment of weight lifting repetitions on digital equipment.
In the middle, an area of great interest to her sibling, sparing sessions were taking place. Men and women alike using unique and disciplined styles of offense and defense as they clashed with more force than she would have thought appropriate during practice.
Despite her winces at the thundering body blows and jarring face plants, she was growing used to the brutal nature of their training.
Initially, the rough handling had only made her cringe but after witnessing several of the women, some smaller than her, going toe to toe with the men on the mat, she had reconsidered the value of such harsh training.
It was something she wanted to speak to Sesshomaru about when she got a chance.
Strolling up behind the inky haired adolescent, she looped her arms around his neck and placed her chin on his shoulder.
“Don’t even think about it,” she murmured, “You’re way to young to get anywhere near that mat.”
Sota pouted.
“I wasn’t thinking about it, I just think its really cool to watch.”
“Mmhm,” she hummed doubtfully, “alright but remember what we talked about. Thirty minutes and then move on.”
He huffed but didn’t argue.
At their start, the matches were tough but held a level of restraint. As time progressed and more senior contenders entered the arena, the chance of bloodshed and broken bones increased.
Something she unwilling to let her brother spectate.
Their existence wasn’t without physical conflict, and she knew the amount of violence in their future was poised to escalate, but despite that dour prediction, she didn’t want him over consuming images of savagery. He was still a boy on the cusp of manhood and hopefully had a year or two before he’d need to bear the brunt of an unforgiving reality.
She wanted to hold off the world just a bit longer.
Dark brows furrowed.
She reached up, smoothing a hand beneath the bangs on his forehead.
“Your skin’s a little warm,” she murmured, “you feeling okay?”
“Yeah,” he shrugged, “I ran over here so I didn’t miss anything.”
She straightened, taking a place next to him on the handrail.
“How were things while I was gone?” she asked, gaze rapt on a lithe female fighter dodging the hammering blows of a unisex powerhouse.
“It was fine. Yglen stayed with me and the crew was really nice.”
“Oh yeah?” she smiled, “what’d you guys do?”
He shrugged again.
“Nothing special. I beat Yglen at Mythical Madness,” he boasted with a cheeky grin, “she thought I was really good at it and brought in some of the off duty guards. We set up some chairs in the rec room and had a tournament. I’m the reining champ on the ship now.”
Kagome beamed, chucking his chin with a gentle fist.
“Way to go champ,” she giggled, “sounds like you had a lot of fun without big sis.”
He pursed his lips.
“Meh, it was fun but nothing compared to beating your butt on the board,” he teased, “it was kinda weird that nobody got pissed and tossed the board on the floor, although it was nice to get through a whole game for once.”
Kagome huffed with feigned indignation.
“If you weren’t such a smug winner maybe I wouldn’t need to toss the board to make a point. Besides, you like when I liven things up. Excuse me for trying to make the game more interesting.”
Sota chuckled.
“How would you know if the game needs to be more interesting? You never stick it out long enough to finish,” he chortled, “the minute you lose a handful of pieces you start pouting and flip the board over.”
“You goad me into it!” she laughed, “You’re such a little brat.”
He grinned, then straightened.
“So did you get a hold of Lyra?” he asked, “I know you tried to check in with me but the connection was so bad I could barely understand you.”
“Yeah, a little bit. Lyt has really crappy communication signals because of the miasma. When we get to a planet with better signal I’ll try again.”
“Oh…”
He paused.
“Did…they come after you down there?”
She glanced over at his thin profile. His brown eyes were glued to combatants below, but tension lined his shoulders.
“Nope, not a single one,” she said, turning back to the fight and injecting a note of cheerfulness in her voice, “Sesshomaru assigned me a guard while I was on planet. A big burly guy that chased away a lot of mean aliens.”
He looked over at her, interested.
“What kind?”
“A Jerrsix for one.”
Sota grimaced.
“Those things are creepy. Did he fight it?”
“Nah, just scared it away.”
“Excuse the intrusion.” came another voice.
The siblings shifted, glancing over their shoulders at the entrance.
“Hey, Yglen, what’s up?” she greeted, pushing away from the banister, “Thanks a bunch for keeping Sota entertained and out of trouble.”
“I don’t need a babysitter to stay out of trouble.” Sota negated.
“Yeah, yeah, I know, you’re a big tough guy,” Kagome sighed, placing hands on hips, “but having Yglen around when I’m not makes me feel better.”
Seemingly mollified, his brown orbs returned to the action on the gymnasium floor. The bald female inclined her shinny head.
“I am happy I was able to be of assistance, Kagome.”
That bald head tilted, voice lowering.
“The Xaltan would like to speak with you about a matter of great importance.”
Kagome listed closer to the female, pink tinged her cheeks as a slow burn unfurled in the pit of her stomach.
Cuei hummed beneath her skin, a whisper of arousal flaring.
“Oh yeah?” she murmured.
Yglen smiled, a discreet knowing uplift of her thin lips.
“Perhaps my earlier offer will be welcome now?” she asked.
Her proposition to supervise Sota while she had “private time” with the the Xaltan. Her face burned with embarrassment, but did little to mute the burgeoning lust engulfing her body. She wasn’t used to anyone but Lyra knowing intimate details about her sex life or lack there of and while sex was hardly a taboo subject in this age of intellectual advancement, she was a bit out of her element.
Intimacy wasn’t something she’d dealt with in a number of years.
She lacked confidence speaking about it in such a blatant manner.
But if she was going to continue to engage in a sexual relationship with Sesshomaru she’d have to get used to some of the awkward situations that came with it.
And she wanted to continue the affair.
Sex withe silver haired male was potent…
Addicting.
Exciting to her body as well as the cuei running through her veins.
She wasn’t all too sure if the phenomenon was unique to her lover or if sex was merely a natural stimulant for the mysterious power. Outside of her unsatisfactory teen explorations with Hojo, she didn’t have anything to compare their explosive interludes of passion to.
At the moment, her cuei was a mere hum beneath her skin, the amount of growth nearly negligible since the last spike. She’d have to monitor her levels during and after her tryst with her inamorato and record the results.
If she remembered…
The pink of her cheeks bloomed crimson.
It was hard to think about anything when he touched her.
What was there to think about when she was spread beneath him and submerged in an ocean of toe curling bliss?
How could she form a single thought when his thorough lovemaking reduced her brain to mush?
When the hard planes of his body sliding across the softness of her own sent her senses into over drive?
When in the throes of ecstasy, her reeling mind could narrowed to nothing but the incredible stroke of his cock…
Clearing her throat, Kagome glanced back at her thankfully distracted brother.
“Hey Sota.” she called over her shoulder.
“Yeah?” came the preoccupied reply.
“I uh, need to go talk to Sesshomaru for a bit. Yglen’s going to hang out with you while I’m gone.”
“Alright. Later sis.”
“Don’t forget what I said. Fifteen more minutes and then move on.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he huffed over his shoulder, “I got it, I got it.”
“Please,” Yglen injected, “be at ease whilst you enjoy your discussion with our Xaltan. I have raised and nurtured many a youngling on my home planet before joining the Xaltan’s ranks. Young Sota is in excellent hands.”
xxxxxx
He sat shrouded in dim florescent light, perched casually in a hovering chair within a vast empty space.
A sheen of blue glimmered in his golden depths.
The magenta stripes gracing his cheek sharply jagged.
Kagome sauntered forward, meeting his molten gaze as the wall behind her closed.
He was in a mood.
She could sense it across the room.
That thrum of intensity she’d felt before they separated on Lyt prickled her skin, but it felt vastly different now. Her stomach tightened, cuei churning beneath her skin.
“Yglen said you wanted to…talk.”
A pulse swept the room, dark shadows stretching.
Flickering candles emerged along the walls.
Black furred carpet weaved beneath her feet.
And at his back, a wide, four poster bed topped in soft silvery sheets materialized, leaving her in no doubt what he wanted to ‘discuss.
A trill of excitement unfurled.
He was across the room in a burst of movement, bringing her flush against his body, his speed as dizzying as the sudden fusing of their mouths.
Her lips parted on a breath of exhilaration, arms twining his neck as she met the glide of his tongue with her own. Arousal bloomed, the weight of his energy blaring across her skin.
Strong hands spanned her waist, gliding over her hips before grabbing two handfuls of her rear end. He squeezed, kneading the globes of her ass with an eagerness bespeaking of profound carnal hunger. The stiffness of his sex pressing against her lower abdomen. Hard lips ravaged her mouth, the ardor of his kiss sucking the breath from her lungs.
She struggled, fighting to keep up with the aggressive dance of his tongue. His burning intensity and lustful groping igniting a cherry hue to her flesh.
She gripped the wide expanse of his shoulders.
Fingers twinning the silken silver tresses at his nape as she returned the slippery passion, battling back the twirl of his tongue and sweeping the confines of his mouth.
A rumble left his chest.
Surges of energy pulsing from his skin.
Clawed hands found the bare skin of her thighs, slipping beneath the hem of her dress. The prick of his talons sending a shiver up her spine. Her insides clenching when he swept her feet from the floor and pressed her body against the wall.
Liquid excitement dampened her panties as she wrapped her legs around his waist.
He shifted, finding her clit through their clothes, the delicious pressure of his cock forcing a gasp of bliss from her lips. He rocked forward and back, grinding their genitals together in a spine tingling rhythm of frenzied lust.
Tendrils of desire bloomed, smoldering in her veins as their lips met.
A muffled mewl of pleasure leaving her lips as he humped her against the wall.
Nanonites shimmered, melting away the dark shirt plastered to his musculature, exposing the hard planes of his body. His skin was feverish, radiating power, saturated with an undefinable, yet tangible energy. Alive in a way she could scarcely put to words. It clashed against her own, stoking the low hum of cuei into a volcanic simmer.
Fascinated, hypnotized, she slid her hands along the solid peaks of his body, each caress igniting a reverberating ripple.
Wet lips found her neck, the hot glide of his tongue sparking aching need.
She gasped, palms sliding over hard muscle, a cauldron of lust melding her gut.
He growled, slathering his tongue across her throat, lunging between her thighs as a burst of energy pulsed from his flesh. Her eyes closed, a shiver tracing her spine, the surge of power echoing deep inside her core.
Cuei bubbling to the forefront.
Crashing through her slender form with the force of train. Inflamed, yearning for the contact of his flesh against hers, she connected to the nanonites adorning her body. Dissolving the baby blue material of her dress.
The pink glow of her aroused skin joining the radiant flicker of candlelight.
He turned, carting her across the room, a flare of excitement blooming when her back met the solid softness of the bed.
He bent, latching on to her nipple with a fierce suckle, the pull of his mouth and curl of his tongue wringing a squeal of pleasure past her lips. His tongue flickered, circled before laving the puckered peak with a thoroughness that brought her hips from the mattress. Turgid flesh bumped her thigh, the warmth and weight of his cock akin to a brand against her exposed flesh.
Kagome groaned, sliding her hands over the silken drape of his hair, a hiss of bliss whispering past her lips.
Merciless lips switched, latching onto the sensitive peak of her other nipple, paying the same devastating attention to the excited point. His chest rumbled, the deep growl humming against her breast as he lapped sloppily at her nipple. Her hips rose, the rough suction of his mouth bringing a lash of heat to her throbbing clit.
He panted, lungs heaving as he laved her nipple, clawed fingers whispering dangerously over the soft flesh of her waist.
Squeezing and releasing her supple flesh, the prick of his elongated nails seemingly unconscious.
He was struggling, fighting some internal battle she wasn’t privy to.
His control eroding with each swirl of his tongue.
A sharp nip pierced her haze of ecstasy. The pressure of his teeth shocking to her body, the ensuing tug tightening her abdomen.
It was an unfamiliar thrill.
A decadent sensation, one she was too impatient to enjoy.
Cuei crashed through her veins, goading the wailing need hammering through her trembling form.
She wanted more.
She needed more.
Breathless, impatient, she tugged at his silver locks, the move of aggressive inciting his own. He dove for her mouth, wringing a squeal of delight, her thighs spreading as he settled between them.
Divine contact.
The touch of their naked sexes arching her spine.
Rough hands slid beneath her body, calloused hands gripping her buttocks as the smooth hardness of his mushroomed tip slipped between the moist folds of her pussy. Her breath hitched beneath his lips, goosebumps pebbling her flesh when his cock found the apex of her body’s ache. His moved, surging forward and back, rubbing the length of his shaft along the sensitive flesh of her clit. Dull fingernails found the thickness of his biceps, the delicious slide and glide sending liquid fire through her core.
She panted, smothered moans of heightened pleasure erupting with each stroke. Ivory legs lifted, circling his working hips, a silent plea for more of the delicious friction between her thighs. Heated lips found her neck, the nip of fangs drawing a gasp from her lips. His touch roughed, hands squeezing her ass, the hot friction at her clit pushing her headlong towards a fiery climax.
A cyclone of carnal hunger swept her reeling mind.
Cuei wailed beneath her skin, the ruby glow of her skin illuminating the room.
His hips shifted, circled, the firm pressure of his sex drawing liquid excitement from her saturated core. She twisted, strained, fingers clutching the rigid planes of his back. The slippery slide of their genitals throwing her writhing form into chaos.
“Sesshomaru.” she mewled, winding her arms around his neck.
Finding the sensitive edge of his elf shaped ear with a brush of lips.
He stiffened, muscles tightening.
A fresh wave of blaring energy erupting from his pores.
A harsh exhalation bursting from his lungs a moment before her world spun.
Rough hands flipped her squirming body, a squeal of surprised arousal leaving her lips as her face met the velvety sheets.
Impatient hands gripped her hips.
Her stomach clenching when he raised her bottom.
Muscular thighs shoved apart her own.
A breath of anticipation passed before the blunted curve of his cock sank into the wet, hot depths of her pussy.
“Oh yeah,” she gasped, shaking hands fisting the sheets.
She trembled, panted, stomach clenching as her body struggled to accept the abrupt entry. Painful ecstasy unfurled, heated bliss spreading with every inch he gained. The girth of his cock taxed her quivering walls, the length of his sex sinking alarmingly deep. Bumping and stroking gut melting nerve endings. A groan of pleasure tore from her throat as he filled her body to the brim. There was no time to adjust and barely a second to breathe before he moved.
The first stroke initiated a tidal wave of sensation while the second pulled her under.
Her spine arched, a low whine of rapture singing from her lips as he set a battering pace that curled her toes.
Hard.
Deep.
Quick.
A frenzied, all consuming cadence of absolute ecstasy.
In and out.
Forward and back.
The heavy drag of his cock scattering her brain.
Her eyes rolling as her body wept liquid excitement, bathing his sex in the hot fluids of her tight pussy.
It was everything she wanted.
Craved so badly.
The snug, wet, glide and drive throwing her world into crisis. Soul shattering bliss erupted, tension tightening the delicate muscles of her body. Shaking arms braced her body, an inferno engulfing her senses as hard thrusts rocked her slender form. The powerful impacts sending her sex into a chain of spasms.
She trembled.
Sucked in a breath, held it.
Struggled to draw another.
Her lungs seized, the glow of her skin intensifying.
Orgasm loomed.
Devastating detonation slowly creeping over the horizon.
Calloused palms tipped with pointed nails smoothed along the curves of her hips, traced her ribs before reaching the sensitive peaks of her bouncing breast. He tugged her engorged nipples, rolling the hardened tip between his fingers. White teeth sank into her bottom lip, a sharp mewl of pleasure ringing above the slap of their frantic joining. She gasped, her body quaking. The dual sensations of his hammering cock and fondling fingers dragging her deeper into a endless pit of mindless lust.
She panted, her spine arching as a whimper left her throat.
Big hands palmed her breasts, squeezing the generous mounds before retracing their path over her skin with a sensual prick of claws. She shivered, tugging the sheets, a squeal of delight leaving her lungs when his hands landed with a loud smack on the ivory globes of her ass.
Gripping her cheeks, he lunged into her body, bumping a spot that made her insides squirm.
A wave of decadence swarmed.
The pulsating pleasure cruising on the heels of raging cuei.
“Oh yeah.” she gasped, “Yes, yes, yes, ohhhh.”
Her arms trembled, weakening beneath the wave of bliss. She sank to the bed, pressing her sweaty face to the bundle of linen.
Raising her bottom in a bid for more of the orgasmic thrusts.
He growled, a low rumble of approval, hands smoothing the expanse of her hips as gave her what she so desperately needed. His rapid pace intensified, the depth of his strokes lengthening. The battering slam of his hips ploughing her into the softness of the bed.
Kagome panted, the radiant ruby of her skin flaring.
Terrible tension gathered.
“Oh God.” she breathed into the wrinkled sheets.
She stiffened, stomach clenching, catastrophic pressure building in her abdomen. She skated the ledge of insanity, teetered on the edge of detonation. Molten ecstasy hurtled through her core, the building tide of orgasm nearly unbearable.
Overtaxed senses narrowed to the slide and glide between her thighs.
Honed in on the lewd, erotic melody of their meeting genitals.
Savored the pounding impact of his ramming cock.
Reveled in the melding sounds of her high pitched cries and the low rumbling growls of her rutting lover.
It was a mind numbing experience.
Overwhelming in its intensity.
Heady and addictive to her sweat slick body.
Cuei roared to the forefront, thrumming through her veins. Caught in a tornado of lust, Kagome regained her upraised position. Bracing her torso on arms that shook, she rocked back into the delicious onslaught forcing her writhing form into chaos. Slamming her buttocks against his hammering groin with enough force to rattle her teeth.
She inhaled, held it before exhaling on a keening cry of pure, unadulterated, hedonistic ecstasy.
An avalanche of lust roaring through her rocking form, the intoxicating pounding launching her into a tailspin. She reached back, digging blunted nails into a brawny thigh.
Goading the silver haired male to pound her into oblivion.
He answered her voiceless desire.
Driving her forward into the sheets, hefty weight pressing her into bed. His heaving chest met her spine, hips thrusting, clawed fingers twining hers as he fucked her into the mattress.
“Oh God, oh yessss, yesss! ” she wept into the sheets, “Fuck me! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yessss!!!!”
She stained beneath him, toes curling. Muffled screams of pleasure erupting with each decadent ram of her pussy.
It was the height of ecstasy.
The very pinnacle of nirvana.
Frightening its intensity.
A hurricane of epic proportions sweeping her away.
He growled against her nape, the bestial sounds leaving her insides squirmy. Goosebumps brushed her flesh as his tongue found the hollow of her shoulder, the hot appendage blazing a trail beneath the lobe of her ear.
Tension snapped.
Her eyes rolled as the destructive force of release consumed her conscious mind.
She wailed beneath him, twisting and contorting, shuddering within the storm of blistering release. The soul shaking explosion of fiery orgasm erupting in a flash of crimson, the glow of her skin outshining the candles lighting the room. Cuei careened in her veins, heart pounding ecstasy thundering through her core. The potent cocktail of energy and feminine satisfaction amplifying her jarring launch into paradise.
Sesshomaru stilled, groaning as she bathed his cock in slippery orgasm.
Kagome panted, fighting to draw breath beneath his weight, sweat slick body shaking.
Euphoria bloomed.
Thin streaks of blue emerged, struggling in the sea of red.
Rough fingers twined her hair.
Heated lips finding her neck.
He shoved against her backside before levered up on strong arms, caging her in as he reignited her body. Hips surging with renewed vigor. Ploughing through the rhythmic clenching of her saturated walls. Kagome stiffened beneath the sudden onslaught.
Her glowing dermis reflecting the resurgence of a powerful storm.
Whipping away blue.
Cloaking the room in angry red.
Engulfing the flickering yellow of the burning candles.
She jerked, shuddered, her ravaged body fighting the sudden rise of another tsunami. The forced climb painfully delicious, sliding along sensitive, overtaxed nerves. She whimpered, arching beneath his driving thrusts, hanging onto the sheet for dear life as another pulse of his energy swept her skin. Cuei screamed to the surface, crashing against the bestial flow of power at her back.
Sending her mind careening into chaos.
Climax erupted.
Her body jerked into crisis.
Orgasm erupted, crested, before detonating again and again.
She gasped, caught in a twister of sexual gratification.
Pinned between the softness of the bed and a powerhouse of raging lust.
And she loved it.
Loved every inch of the sweat slick skin plastered to hers.
Enjoyed the low rumbles erupting from his chest.
Addicted to the thorough savagery with which he ravaged her body.
Her stomach clenched, body quaking, powering thrusts pushing her towards an abyss of madness. She cried out, muscles locking, shockwaves of pleasure exploding. Her pussy contracted, quivering walls milking the ramming cock forcing her body into crisis. She wailed, screamed, tossed and turned as he brought her to shattering culmination over and over.
She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think.
Could only scream her ecstasy to the universe as she lost control of her body.
Helplessly caught in the most intense experience of her life.
Cumming harder and faster than her mind had ever conceived.
Her pussy spasmed, bathing his sex in liquid orgasm even as she climbed again to the precipice. Her spine arched, thighs spreading, a high pitched shriek of bliss tearing from her throat as her sex launched into a marathon of contractions. Orgasm barreled through her, one after another, each crest more intense than the less. Delirium swarmed, weakness, and rapture dragging her beneath a ocean of sexual gratification.
She gasped.
Reaching deliriously for the arms caging her in, fingernails sinking into thick biceps while her world dissolved.
Flares of cherry light erupted, cuei sinking into her very bones.
Sesshomaru groaned, the heat of his chest returning to her back. Pressing her shaking form deeper into the rumpled sheets. He shuddered, growled, finding her neck with eager lips as he joined her in oblivion.
xxxxxx
Kagome sighed, snuggling deeper into the downy comfort surrounding her naked body. Dark brows furrowed, her tired mind struggling to put name to the fluff beneath her cheek.
It was soft.
Warm.
And humming with vitality.
Heavy lids lifted a sliver.
White fur bathed in cyan light met her bleary gaze.
She blinked once, then again, confusion piercing her haze of euphoria.
The band of fur was tucked around her body, its thick curve forming a comfortable nook. Reaching out with a curious hand, she slid a finger along the trail of fluff. Warmth entwined with power seeped into her skin. Cuei hummed to the surface, thick streams of energy thrumming sluggishly through her veins. Drowsy cerulean orbs moved to the naked male on the other side of the silver pelt.
Shiny strands streaming down tanned muscle, Sesshomaru lounged nude against a pile of fluff, a neatly wrapped joint tucked between his lips. The lit end glowed in the shadowy room, whirls of orange drifting from the burning end.
A clawed hand lifted, pulling the rolled stick from his mouth.
His chest compressing as he blew a stream of smoke into the air.
She watched the billowing cloud with mild curiosity.
She had no idea he smoked.
Had never seen him light up in the time they spent together.
She couldn’t place the smell, wasn’t sure what was wrapped in the brown paper. The scent was unfamiliar but not unpleasant. Most smokers she knew preferred the sleek, metal, rechargeable smoking devices but like the clothing she’d first met him in, he seemed to enjoy items that lacked technological advancement. It was a distinguishing quirk of his that she found interesting. Men of his stature usually disdained ‘archaic’ objects that didn’t flaunt their wealth.
She stroked the hide again, watching his face as she did.
“What is this?” she asked.
Golden orbs swung in her direction, gleaming within the persimmon fog.
“Mokomoko.” he answered before lifting the joint for another drag.
“Mokomoko?”
“An extension of myself.” he murmured, expelling smoke through his nose.
Kagome ran her hand over the fur.
“Is it part of the phantom?” she queried, “The Inugami?”
His brow rose.
“What would you know of the beast?”
“Gossip abounds at Rizek,” she explained, running her fingers through fluff, “We had quite a few travelers from deep space that brought all kinds of hard to come by intel. The Xerian people aren’t exactly liberal with information but, from what I’ve heard, your people evolved from phantom canine millions of years ago .”
She met his gaze.
“Evolution has rendered the phantom a secondary consciousness, though its influence can still manifest physically and psychologically, voluntarily and involuntarily.”
Which explained the blue she’d seen in his golden depths.
The unrestrained, animalistic cauldron of lust he’d unleashed an hour ago.
And the decadent, blaring power that oozed from his flesh even now.
Another whirl of tangerine mist billowed from his lips, his honey orbs sharp as he returned her gaze with reticence. Disinclined to affirm or refute the rumor. It was enough that he didn’t answer, confirmation to her mind.
And she was fascinated to say the least.
She had a million questions she wanted to ask but the stubborn vibe she was getting from her stone faced lover curbed the urge. She was feeling really good. Deeply sated and wasn’t interested in disrupting the companionable air prodding him for information.
There were other things she wanted to talk to him about.
She stretched, twinges of their lovemaking making themselves known as she moved.
The echoing ache of his possession drawing a content sigh from her lips.
She turned on her side within the fluff.
Propping herself up with a soft palm and sending a curtain of dark mussed hair tumbling along her bare shoulder.
“So what did your scans find?” she asked instead, “I doubt you sat here basking in afterglow while I was asleep.”
He didn’t miss a beat.
Offered no denial.
Indulged no evasion of her accusation.
“Your cuei levels are elevated,” he commented, “Denser than previous scans. Saturating your flesh and mine. Intercourse appears to be a catalyst.”
It was along the line of what she thought but she wasn’t completely sold on that hypothesis. Her cuei was certainly denser but where as the last spike resulted in a breech of containment, this time her cuei seemed content to remain within its confines. Stewing and collecting, compacting itself in a way she’d never felt before.
“Maybe,” she allowed, “but maybe it has something to do with you. I’ve only been with one person before you, back in my teenage years, and I never had a spike with him. It could be intercourse but I don’t think that’s the only factor,” she murmured, petting his mokomoko, “That energy you radiate. My cuei reacts to it. It’s been recharging by itself since the last spike but its been slow and steady. Now, its bouncing around in my veins.”
He took a last puff from the stubby blunt, then reached out for the metallic disk that floated his way. Its top opened, the circular object hovering silently while he discarded the stub inside its hollowed compartment.
“You may be of a succubus species,” he suggested, giving her a sidelong glance, “speculation will continue to be the extent of our knowledge without DNA analysis. Testing is imperative for clarification.”
Her stomach clenched, panic settling over her skin with the heavy discomfort of a wet blanket.
“I don’t disagree with that,” she admitted reluctantly, eyes skating from his, “and I probably will have to be examined at some point, but I’m not comfortable going that route right now. I don’t like labs. I don’t like hospitals. And I want to avoid both for as long as possible.”
She was understating her aversion.
It was more than dislike.
The beep and whirl of medial machinery made the fine hairs at her nape stand on end.
The white walls and sterile rooms filled her heart with dread.
The sharp, pungent aseptic aroma twisted her stomach in knots.
She didn’t dislike labs and hospitals.
She was terrified of them.
She had a phobia.
An irrational, gut wrenching fear of being poked, prodded and examined.
Of being trapped beneath the soulless regard of some white coat scientist working to uncover what made her tick.
A lab rat to be mutilated and abused.
Goosebumps pebbled her skin, a chill crawling up her spine.
A simple DNA analysis wasn’t something she could go through with when she wasn’t sure what her examiners would do with the information. Her eyes turned back to the silent male next to her.
Besides, she wasn’t sure she wanted Sesshomaru privy to her genetic makeup, whatever that may be.
“I remembered something while I was down on Lyt.”
Hawkish orbs met hers.
“Reinhert Genetic Testing and Research. I was researching the TinO corporation and stumbled on an old newspaper clipping. A picture of the building was in the paper and it triggered a memory in my system but I don’t remember being there.” discomfort pebbled her skin as she thought back to the building, “I wanted to visit the facility. Maybe I’ll learn more about myself.”
She paused, disquiet churning.
“I wasn’t lying when I said I don’t know anything about my home planet, or even my species. The omissions in my file, not all of them are deliberate. There are holes in my memory, but earlier…when I saw that building….”
Disturb all over again, she sat up, the soft slide of her tangled mane whispering over her naked shoulders invoking a chill up her spine.
“My system might have been tampered with and maybe that why I don’t remember a lot of things. Visiting the facility might bridge the gap in my memory. At least that’s my hope anyway. I think it’s worth a shot.”
His irises whirled, a green ring contracting and retracting around his dark pupil.
“The ship has been rerouted,” he said a moment later, “We will arrive on Byorr three days hence.”
A 3-D graph of a ringed planet rose near their feet, a read out of prudent information at its side. Her own computer sprang to life, connecting to his projection as he highlighted several key spots.
“We will require more than a day to reach the laboratory. Byorr is several steps above Lyt in technological advancement, but has very few check-in stations and none that are near the facility. We will need to spend several days on planet and travel by vehicle.”
“Several days?”
Two patches of land flashed red, a white dotted line forming between the two.
“The nearest check-in is 72 hours from Reinhert.”
“Hmmm,” she murmured, “I’m not sure I want to leave my brother for that long. Would it be too much to take him with us?”
“Unadvised,” he told her, “Your brother’s safety will be reduced should we encounter adversity. Weapons are prohibited on Byorr and the admittance process is extensive. I have some influence in the region and have already secured two clearances. You will be assigned Delr’ik’s clearance but your brother remains here.”
“Ehhhhh,” she hummed, a goading, feline grin curving her lips, “No weapons? Word on the street is that the rules of another planet are not something the Xaltan observes.”
He scoffed.
“As I recall, we’ve had this discussion before,” he replied, golden orbs glinting, “My power and influence are a mere drop in the bucket. Extending my reach as far as the vastness of the universe allows was not a empty ambition.”
“Speaking of influence, what kind of business did you have on a planet like Lyt,” she questioned, “Doesn’t seem like the type of planet a pharmaceutical big shot would be interested in.”
“Any planet that furthers my ambitions retains my attention. Your perception of my station is misinformed. Places of significant poverty and strife are easily converted into a gold mines,” he explained, “The people are malleable, their government and institutions eager to negotiate to improve conditions.”
“That’s sounds more like exploitation than business negotiations.” she pointed out with a disapproving brow furrow.
Heavy lidded orbs gleamed, the hint of a cruel smile uplifting the corners of his mouth.
“Their suffrage is no concern of mine,” he declared, “I offer solutions with the expectation of compensation. They are free to decline should they so desire.”
He had that merciless look again.
A frigidity to his gaze that was as cold as his words. She doubted someone as calculating as her lover would position himself to be turned down. Considering the vast success and wealth his company generated, there were very few people that were in a position to turn refuse his exploits.
“I get the impression you don’t really give them an option to decline whatever arrangement you’re pushing.”
Smoldering gold shimmered with silent amusement, the minuscule upturn of his lips becoming more pronounced.
“The world of business is a cutthroat, ruthless endeavour,” he said, an undercurrent of schadenfreude twining his words, “The expertise with which I broker a contract is merely a by product of it.”
“And you think that justifies manipulation?”
“Hmph,” he scuffed, “I need no excuse nor offer any apology for the methods I utilize. My ambitions are what they are. Others may bow to my objectives or be consumed by them. It is of no concern of mine whether they bend or break.”
She frowned.
“That’s a really callous way to be, Sesshomaru. I mean put yourself in their shoes, haven’t you ever been in a situation where you were powerless?”
“No.”
She blinked.
There was something dangerous in his eyes. A glacial intensity different than what she’d seen before.
He was lying.
He had been vulnerable and clearly didn’t like the experience being brought up.
“So does that apply to me as well?”
“No. The terms of our negotiations were amicable,” he reminder her, “I offer my protection as compensation for your earlier aid.”
And for his own benefit.
A reality she would do well not to forget.
“Speaking of protection,” she began, “I’ve watched your guards training in the auditorium and I wanted to know if I could join in their training.”
She sighed.
“I can’t just depend on luck or you to get me out of a sticky situation, nor do I want to,” she explained, “and my self defense training is hardly suitable for the people being sent after me. I need to be able to defend myself but I also need to know how to go on the offensive if I need to.”
“I will attend to your training.”
Her head tilted curiously.
“You don’t have to do that. You’re usually really busy. I wouldn’t want to eat up your time. ”
“It is of no consequence. I will oversee your instruction. Delr’ik will do so in my steed when I am unable.”
Black brows furrowed, another question poised on her lips. His silver head dipped, merging the mouths, clearly uninterested in furthering the conversation.
xxxxxx
‘Warning, target has shifted.’
Inuyasha scowled.
Brow twitching with irritation as his system projected the change beneath his closed eyes. His navigator interface unfurled, highlighting the shift. Floating across the confines of his room, he rerouted his ship to follow his annoying brother’s altered course.
His stuffy older sibling was headed for Byorr after an unplanned stop at Lyt.
He growled.
It’d be nearly a week before he reach him but at least the detour would take him in contact range of his friend.
He hadn’t seen Miroku in a while.
Maybe he could convince the lecherous male to take a trip off planet. His skills would come in handy later.
xxxxxx
Up coming chapters I want to introduce Miroku and Sango. I also want to revel a bit of Toga’s ambitions and start sowing the seeds of romance between Sesshomaru and Kagome.
Let me know your thoughts, suggestions or ideas for anything about the fic. Have any questions, let me know. Any errors or missing words in the glossary, shot me a message. Don’t forget to review and I’ll see you all in the next installment.
Laters
~Sessakag
Glossary
Antiseptic Tonic: Cleans wounds and kills majority of germs.
Azerai: A bright red planet currently being evacuated due to its dying sun.
Azeraic: An individual who was a citizen of Azerai.
Betr: A two headed reptilian creature from the planet Tarthrix.
Blier: A state on the planet Lyt.
Blitfers: Six winged insect that strongly resembles a butterfly.
Brakon: The equivalent of bacon.
Byorr: A ringed planet that shares a solar system with Lyt.
Caspte: Fuzzy, peaceful nine foot caterpillar like creatures.
Check-in Station: Off planet space stations within orbit of a planet that function as a security border checkpoint before admittance to a planet is permitted. The inquiry processes are highly invasive and thorough, delving into important aspects such as backgrounds, criminal records, and genetic abilities of alien individuals that may prove harmful or dangerous. The probe encompassed brief visits, as well as immigration. Based upon accumulative results, degrees of clearance are issued ranging from unmonitored access to flat out rejection of entrance and everything in between.
Cuei: A type of energy to be explained later in the story.
Curerator: A container with a strong concentration of healing nano that promote the body’s natural healing capabilities and fight infection. Can be applied to most species without adverse reaction.
Cyis: Is a highly illegal drug with an effect synonymous with cocaine.
Exlar: Enemy cartel of Sarn and Foxling.
Daxtan: Word synonymous with husband.
Fliier: Eggplant shaped vegetable that is very bitter when eaten raw but produces a sweat, savory juice when squeezed.
Foxlings Cartel: A small cartel with a strong influence in a number of key parts of the Teriaus galaxy.
Gartuan: A grasshopper looking creature with several limbs and soft bones. It changes colors when distressed or in pain.
Gilrex Cartel: A major cartel that dabbles mostly in drug sales, prostitution and weapon deals. The cartel is a major rival of the Xaltaric Cartel.
Glurtak: Xerian insult.
Heedrix: Winged, moth like alien from the planet Qtax.
Helping Hands: A pediatric hospital.
Inugami: Unknown at this time. Rumors suggest the remnants of the Xerian’s primitive ancestors.
Jerrsix: Cylinder shaped with a smooth, round crowns, these aliens originate from a planet hollowed out and made uninhabitable by pollution too toxic for even their species to survive. They’ve since abandoned the crumbling world and taken up residence on planets with high toxicity and contamination. Their bodies are similar to the make up of a jellyfish. They come in a multitude of colors but dull gray is the most common. They are translucent, and lack facial features except for big black, pupiless eyes near the top of their form. Appendages, such as arms can be formed by their gooey bodies at will.
Kieyoshi: Xer word meaning wife.
Kran: A leaf, similar to cannabis in effect but is not an illegal substance in most of the known universe.
Kreeri: A solar system that includes Saratuo, Rektan 7 and other planets.
Knast Tree: A tree that produced nuts that are highly sought after on many plants and used to enhance the flavor of many dishes, mostly desert dishes.
Knutss: Pea shaped nuts from a Knast tree.
Krists: A snack almost like caramel popcorn.
Kryl: A creature found in the sea. It’s body consists of mostly tentacles, sort of like the spaghetti monster.
Laengs: Red eggs.
Liari: Kagome and Sota’s mother.
Lithro Technologies: A corporation the specialized in advanced android construction and programming.
Lyrial: Winter celebration on Rektan 7, pretty much like Christmas but has no religious context.
Lyt: A lime green planet, covered in thick miasma toxic to most species. It is a world wide democratic planet with moderately technological advancement.
MetaQuin: A moderate gang spread liberally through out many galaxies and specializing in smuggling. While just as dangerous as any other criminal organization, the MetaQuin are content to hang on the fringes of the bigger syndicates, often neutral in the midst of turf wars.
Omakran: A planet home to Voltrin and several other species.
Pain Inhibitors: A tonic that reduces the body’s ability to feel pain due to injury or illness.
Partanian Zoo: A chain of popular zoos scattered throughout the universe housing and showcasing several exotic and rare animals.
Pernix and Xin: Currency accepted in most of the known universe with Pernix equivalent to dollars and Xin the same as coins.
Phantox: Turkey type meat.
Pheran: A highly addictive illegal drug that induces a strong high, stimulating adrenaline and heightening senses. It leaves behind a relaxing euphoria when leaving the blood stream.
Quazix Check-in Station: Main checkpoint of the planet Lyt.
Rayn: Blue salad dressing with the texture of ranch.
Red Rooms: An illegal service that provides the customer with live murder/torture, allowing the viewer to dictate the actions taking place.
Rektan 7: A highly popular, wealthy and advanced planet home to thousand upon thousands of species.
Representative: Equivalent to a mayor in terms of a city, but can also cover a variety of position in broader terms such as a representatives of a entire planet or clan.
Rhit: Akin to spaghetti noodles.
Rilk: A city within the state of Blier that is pro-Exlar influence.
Rizek: A popular bar/restaurant near one of the major check in stations on Rektan 7.
Saratuo: A blue/green planet with a series of pink rings of average wealth and technological advances.
Sark lettuce: Orange, crisp vegetation with the consistency of lettuce.
Sarn: An old but medium sized cartel that relies heavily in sex trade.
Severance: Dissolving of a sanctioned mating on Xer, works in the same way as a divorce of a marriage would.
Sh’vek: Tall and spindly with elongated heads, these creatures have six eyes and round teeth. They are native to Rektan 7.
Slaxton: A androgynous, often times short creature with a big head, black eyes and gray skin.
Skti: A form suit that is commonly worn by enforcers or military personal. It comes in both long sleeves and no sleeves and contains pockets that are visible only when in use. They are also equipped with heat regulators, emergency curerators and have the ability to be outfitted with special software, if necessary, for specialized situations.
Skyway: Equivalent of a freeway or highway. It is a transparent road high in the sky with a gravity system that keeps vehicles in place and make crashing less likely.
Syntari: Very lucrative raw minerals used in various weaponry across the universe.
Thermal/Heat Regulating Band Aid: Band aid that comes in multiple sizes. It senses the best temperature for each step of the healing process, changing its temperature from cold, to reduce swelling, bleeding and inflammation, to hot, to reduce aches and pains and any temperature in between.
Thyrn: Leader of the Sarn cartel.
TinO: A research facility on New Saturn that specializes in space sciences.
Torpal: Blue, genetically altered vegetable that is crisp on the outside, but gooey on the inside and has an earthy taste. Shaped like a bell pepper.
Underboss: Male/Females that control large, illicit corporations trading illegal goods and services for profit.
Utsan: A card game similar to spades.
Vaprifle: A powerful rifle capable of vaporizing an individual into dust.
Visirik: Sunglasses without the arms that cover the eyes. Most are installed with software that enhances vision, is equipped with a zoom in mechanism and records as well as transmits data. Can be customized for specific purposes if necessary.
Vlamur: City in Blier that is pro-Sarn influence.
Voltrin: A dog-like race of people that live mostly on planet Omakran.
Wurmulix: An alien with a vertical mouth full of mini tentacles called feelers.
Yothran: A domed city in the state of Blier.
Xaltan: A term applied to the leader of the Xaltaric Cartel.
Xaltaric Cartel/Xaltar: A major cartel specializing in drug sells, weapon deals, and prostitution.
Xer: A wealthy planet of significant technological advancement.
Xerian: An individual who is a citizen of the planet Xer.
Zalvan: A family that share a tight bond. The word is synonymous with pack as in a wolf pack.
Zkyek: An exotic tiger type of animal with an extremely soft pelt. It comes in a multitude of colors and is found in the jungles of Rektan 7.
5: Android sent to retrieve Kagome and Sota for purposes currently unknown.