Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Iliad ❯ First Honor ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

First Honor

And so the very first child was born to our cause. Strong he is, there is no doubt of it with lungs such as his that keep us awake all hours of the night. I had younger siblings that I remember as babies, but none so fussy as this.

Lord Father is exceedingly pleased. Although his smile is now one of pride it still carries the same creepy coldness as before.

Not only does the child have his father's disposition, unfortunately for him he also inherited his looks. Never have I seen such an ugly babe, but his mother loves him and that is what matters.

Not three days after the boy's birth the Captain was allowed to come see the fruit of his loins. The Ginyu force and Lord Zarbon are considered the strongest and most loyal of Frieza's army and as such they have the privilege of viewing any issue we bear of theirs.

The Captain too is exceedingly proud and passingly acknowledges Alcemene's maternal abilities with the few words of praise he knows, I am sure he has never used them before they sound so strange on his tongue. I know however that should anything upset our new mother Lord Father would see to its resolution, immediately, that goes for any living breathing problem as well.

Alcemene is proud of herself and revels in the attention, but I would not be in her shoes for all the world.

There is much to fear within the walls of the Cold Palace and even more for a virgin to fear here in Frieza's harem of daughters, but my worst fear is that should a….copulation with one of Lord Father's….honorable warriors result in a child will I be able to care for and love it or will I only harbor hatred for it, symbolically attaching me to my prison forever. I do not wish to admit defeat and resign myself to this existence, but it is becoming difficult even when I try to think of dreams I had back home…they were few, because of hard times. I find bitterly that the Cold royal family destroyed my dreams before they were made…and this may seem a place of fantasy to the unaffected observer, but this is not a place of dreams, only stagnant survival.

Achilles is nine months old now, the sisters fawn over him, as he is a baby and even a ugly baby is more amusing then no baby at all I suppose. I worry too that our children will become little more than toys are decoration for us because of our detachment from their fathers. My parents were bond mates, with a love so strong only death could part them, something I will never have, I never expected to have…

Just yesterday young Achilles led us into a conversation that visited upon my worst fears.

Alcemene sat upon the grass with Achilles cradled in her lap as Persephone and Kore made faces and played with him. Harmonia and Selene sat nearby weaving garlands from flowers they picked from the conservatory garden. Our fairy companion still does not speak she sat curled up in the grass just staring as her fingers brushed through the grass like a caress. I was trying unsuccessfully to teach Vanessa how to play demon's chess, but her attention span is very short. When Kore spoke, “I am so glad that we have a baby around. I thought I would never smile again.” She tickled Achilles who waved his hands in response, his face as indignant as an infant can manage.

“You're right Kore, he does lighten the mood.” Harmonia said with a smile.

“Just imagine what it will be like when there are dozens of these little ones running around, then we won't have time for the idleness we now enjoy.” Wise Persephone added.

“I find no joy in this idle existence.” I quipped my bitterness once again rising to the surface.

“I can't wait to have my own.” Vanessa said absently, if I hadn't been so blind sided by the statement at the time I would have noticed she was just saying so to make passing conversation.

“Can't wait!?” I snapped. “You can't wait to have your virginity stolen by a stranger and then bear his child and raise it alone so it can grow up to serve a tyrant!”

“How dare you speak of our noble cause that way?” Alcemene snapped back at me with anger evident in her eyes as she pulled baby Achilles closer as if to shield him from my disloyal words.

“Noble or not remains to be seen, but some of us find being used infuriating and insulting!”

Alcemene surprisingly, allowed my veiled insult to roll off her shoulders and she shrugged, “You'll understand someday.”

“I understand perfectly, right now!” I stood up abruptly and marched off into the garden wishing I had my power back so I could thrash someone.

I did not know it at the time, but to everyone's shock our fairy sister followed me.

I walked until I reached the reinforced glass windows that looked out on the frozen wasteland of the Cold home planet.

I had never seen snow before I came here, but now I fear it is ruined for me.

I stared until I felt as if all my existence would crash down upon me and I would lose what little composure I had left, we've been here for over a year and hope to ever leave this place wears thin and is fragile with every passing day.

As I contemplated all this I felt a soft whisper of a presence behind me and turned, expecting to see Kore and instead saw our fallen fairy friend. “Oh, hello, did you need something?” I ask not expecting an answer….but I got one.

“No….I came to say I agree with you…” She looked as though it pained her to speak or as if she had never spoken in this tongue and it was new and surprising to her as well as I.

Her gray eyes were more expressive than I'd seen them since she'd been there as she softly took my hand and looked into my eyes. “You are right, this is not living…I thought I was the only one who felt the pain, but…” She put her hand lightly over my heart. “You feel it, and Kore…she cries in her sleep?”

“She…lost someone…” Was all I could say in response still in awe that the fairy was speaking to me.

The fairy nodded, “Someone she loved no doubt.” Her speech seemed to be coming easier and her voice was more stable yet still whimsical and fragile in nature.

I nodded. “You have lost much too.” I said sympathetically placing my hand on her shoulder. She looked up at me with the saddest eyes I'd ever beheld.

“Wings are the fairy's greatest joy. Without them there is no joy, without joy there is no magic.” She glanced down at my wrists encased in gold. “You too have lost your magic. You escape into anger…yet I have never been angry, so I cannot escape…”

“I am afraid, friend that the time is coming when there will be no escape…for any of us…”

She nodded and we stood there in a solemn silence before I asked her, “What's your name dear sister?”

She gave me a slight smile. Before answering…. “Daphne…”

Not a week after Daphne revealed herself to me Zarbon escorted Recoome into our hall unannounced. Evidentally he had done something to merit a reward….

Recoome although much more docile then Captain Ginyu was still a brute and dumb as they come, when he arrived he looked us all over with a lewd expression that said he was imagining what kind of bed mates we would be. I could feel the tension in all of us. Finally his eyes settled on Alcemene. “You. Are you…back to normal…since the baby?” He asked.

Alcemene had a bored look on her face even she realized that Recoome was incompetent. “Yes, I am.”

“I'll take you then. The Captain says you're pretty good and you've already proven you can bear strong sons now you can bear me one.”

Yet Alcemene ever dedicated to our cause smiled seductively and took his arm.

If there is one thing I can be thankful for it is that when a warrior chooses one of us he cannot stay here in the hall we must follow him to his assigned quarters or room for the night. After Recoome escorted her away, Achilles left in the care of a nurse maid and ourselves, Zarbon stayed.

Although much more amiable towards us then the Ginyu Force he was still a despicable villain.

When he didn't leave we all stared confused, his expression mirrored our own before he spoke again. “Ladies,” He said, “Lord Frieza has determined that it is time I sired one of my own to be as loyal and strong as I in the name of the family Cold….”

The look on his face and the tone of his voice showed evidence of confusion and betrayal that Frieza would doubt his most loyal right hand man and want him replaced so soon. He looked back up and I could sense the familiar male pride and lust in his eyes that made me hate all men these days. “I would be honored if one of you would consent to lay with me and bear my child.”

Still we were confused. Harmonia spoke first. “Lord Zarbon is it not customary that the warrior should choose according to his preference?”

“Yes my lady, but should any of you be more willing then another I would hate to force this upon one of you when another is more willing to participate.”

Although his arrogance was still staggering the fact that he gave us a choice made him more in my eyes, no longer despicable, but still a villain.

Before we could even discuss amongst each other our new found choice Persephone stood head held high and said, “I am willing.”

We were all shocked. I could not tell from her face or her eyes if she was faking this determinacy to protect us or if it was true desire.

Zarbon smiled softly and held out his arm to her. “Thank you…” He whispered.

She smiled back and stepped forward to take his arm and said, “Of course, just make sure the pleasure is all mine.”

Zarbon regained his lustful leer as he led her away and whispered. “As my lady wishes.”

Alcemene returned last night, but Persephone did not return until this morning. As we sat around the table set up for each meal in the courtyard she returned. After retreating to her room to…freshen up… she lay down on a chaise lounge and a maid brought her her food. She ate well although she appeared very tired a commonality in our line of work.

After she had finished all her food she laid back, it was obvious she wanted to rest and most of us were ready to let her yet it seemed Vanessa's curiosity had finally gotten the better of her. “How was it?” She asked. Harmonia wasted no time in reprimanding her soundly with a solid cuff to the head. “Vanessa! That is not polite!”

Persephone blushed modestly at Vanessa's question.

“What?! I just wanted to know so I'll have an idea what to expect for myself.” Vanessa defended.

All was awkwardly silent for a moment before Persephone surprised us all by answering in a whisper. “It was…nice.”

“Nice?” Harmonia and I both asked incredulously.

She continued to blush as she whispered slightly louder, “Yes, it was very…nice actually. I mean it hurt a little at first, but then…it was very enjoyable…for both of us.”

“How do you know he enjoyed it?” Vanessa asked still curious.

Persephone blushed deeper. “Well several ways, but he told me…during and after…”

A look of recognition crossed Vanessa's face and she nodded while whispering “Oh.”

After that we left Persephone alone for some much deserved sleep.

It's been two weeks since that morning and today we found out that both Alcemene and Persephone are pregnant.

A miracle…it seems…

Recoome can't be bothered to come and congratulate Alcemene, as he is away on a most important mission. Not that Alcemene much cares, Lord Father showered her with enough ego boosting affection. As not only is Achilles already starting to show signs of being a strong warrior, but the prospect of another such child on the way is a great boon for him. Persephone to was praised by our Lord and before he left he assured Persephone that before the day was out Zarbon would be notified of this great news.

Sure enough a few hours later without any pretense Zarbon came rushing down the stairs and plucked Persephone from her chair where she sat playing a game of Knights with Selene, spun her around kissed her.

I had never seen him so…happy. It made me wonder if happiness in this life could be possible.

Persephone laughed as he set her back down and placed a hand over Persephone's stomach almost…

“Thank you. This is wonderful. I can't thank you enough for carrying my child.”

Persephone's smile widened. “My pleasure.” She whispered.

He chuckled at her double entendre, before his face began to return to its seriousness.

“I hear congratulations are in order for you as well Alcemene.” He said nodding to her as she rocked Achilles. She nodded in acceptance and mumbled a thank you.

His face turned stone serious when he turned to the rest of us. “I also have news for the rest of you.”

We all stared quizzically at him. “What news?” Kore asked in a small voice.

“I hear that a warrior is on his way to the Planet Cold as we speak to be…honored…by Lord Frieza.”

Fear was evident in the eyes of Kore and Daphne while uncertainty shown more brightly in the rest. It made me feel better to know I was not the only one with uncertainties and fears.

“An outsider…” Vanessa whispered half in awe.

“Yes.” Zarbon answered. “I thought you would all like to know so you could prepare yourselves.”

“Do you know anything else about this warrior?” I asked remembering my father's words about knowing thy enemy.

“He is Namekian. His species does not have females.”

A slight smile came to light on Selene's face while confusion danced in her green orbs. “So does that mean…he's never…like us?”

“I don't know, I wish I could tell you more.”
“Thank you Zarbon, we all appreciate it.” Persephone answered for us.

Last night I could hear Daphne and Kore crying in their sleep; both in fear. I cannot blame either of them it is a dire situation our lives.

This morning we were told to look our best and be ready.

Around mid afternoon Lord Father arrived with the outsider. He was strange looking, with green skin, pink muscles, red veins, and antenna. He wore clothes of a traveling dignitary although I was sure he was a warrior because of the familiar look in his eyes and carriage of his stride.

We all stood in a line accept for Persephone and Alcemene, as Lord Father introduced us for the first time almost giddy, or as giddy as a tyrant could be. “Piccolo may I have the pleasure of introducing to you my daughters. Girls say hello to Sir Piccolo a great warrior in my army.”

We all replied in polite unison. “Good day Sir Piccolo.”

He nodded in return his gaze showed confusion as he looked between us and Lord Father.

“Piccolo you are the first warrior from outside these walls to meet my daughters. They are greatly honored by your visit. And my dearest wish is that they honor you for your great skill and your latest victory of which I am quite proud. So…choose.”

Piccolo's brows arched ever so slightly giving away his confusion. “Choose?” He asked.

“Yes, choose, a bedmate for the night. I know your kind is not well versed in such things, but surely one of them must catch your eye.”

Piccolo held his composure, but I'm sure as any being in his situation would be he was lost.

For a few moments he did not respond, but then his rough war hardened voice ground out. “ I could not choose.”

“Oh please Piccolo. If it makes it easier they are all virgins, so they have no expectations.”

Lord Frieza was always good at the low blow, veiled insult. For the fact that he was supposed to be our father we did not know much about him, but this much we knew of the tyrant, he always got his way, by whatever means necessary.

Piccolo's jaw clenched at his barb, but for his own sake he took a more extended glance at our line. After a litany of intense scrutiny he pointed to Selene. “Her.” He said in his gruff voice.

Lord Father smiled his cold satisfied smile and clapped his hands together sealing Selene's fate. “Excellent, Selene.” Selene stepped forward her caring smile never faltering and what she was feeling was a mystery to even the empaths among us.

“You shall entertain Sir Piccolo tonight.” Selene nodded obediently and took Piccolo's hand, a gesture that looked as if it may have scared him just a little, yet Selene looked as calm and happy as ever…

I write now by candle enclosed in my own chambers, it is night, we only know because the guards and the maids tell us so. It has been two weeks since Selene's encounter with the outsider. When she returned the next morning she said nothing and remained her happy self. Today we found out she is with child. Embarrassed of my own curiosity and fear I snuck into her room after all the other girls had gone to sleep. She met my appearance with the same calm smile she always had. Although I am by far the oldest of our harem, Selene's calm and wise words always seem to outnumber her years by far. As if reading my mind she gestured me to sit next to her and as I sat awkwardly trying to find the words to voice my query she sat quietly rubbing her stomach lovingly.

“How is it you can be so happy carrying a stranger's child?” I finally asked.

She looked thoughtful for a few moments before she answered. “I suppose…I don't think of it as his baby or our baby, it's my baby. My baby to love, mine to raise. Just…mine. To the elves all life is precious, never mistaken…”

Her words soothed my inner anger and gave me…dare I acknowledge it? Hope…hope for happiness…