Cramped, crowded, and… compassionate.
The human ships are difficult to find places to be alone, especially when one is half again taller than a human and several times their weight. Everything in his body hurts and aches. The more he thinks about it, the more he realizes he shouldn’t be alive.
Treason for attacking the fleet’s highest leader aside, he literally dropped from orbit. Granted, his landing was softened as much as possible by his knowledge; he delivered a powerful blow to the ground with his arms, shattering his forearms. But, the impact created both a pressure cushion, as well as the force absorption. Additionally, the planet had a rather soft ground, and lower gravity than Grodurra. Other factors played a role, but he didn’t jump without a chance of survival.
Still, it is truly a miracle he’s alive. If his head hit the ground, or if the regenerator had broken, he would not have survived long enough to stand up. If Long hadn’t shot the void queen, he would have easily been gunned down. If the Zarakyssns were as smart as humans, they would have targeted his regenerator intentionally.
And yet, none of that absolves him of his true sin.
His large, Grodrrn fingers gingerly stroke a metal “+” shape with one elongated stem; the holy symbol of Christianity, the religion held by a human female -among many others, most likely-. He feels nothing from it; no strange resonant sounds, no magnetism or other forces. Mild radiation, but most likely from exposure to radioactive fields.
The fievegal is not entirely without religion in its history. Many Grodrrns, including Niolajt Jardzen Mrff, still quietly hold beliefs in the many spirits of the Bachsuu. Dzor himself never did, but he does know his Chulm’chn did. She believed that his decision should be based on his own observations, and when he was a little more mature, she would discuss it with him, but never tried to sway him.
Likewise, Admiral Angelica Long is very open about her beliefs to those who are curious, but she never attempts to convince anyone to join her belief.
Dzor never asked her much about it.
He never asked her why it’s so important to her. Why she wears it on her uniform when no one else he’s passed does so, save the chaplain he managed to ask what it’s significance is. Unlike Long, though, the chaplain wears his cross on one of his collar points, where most of the human military wear their rank insignia on both.
Long specifically wore hers on her shoulder, though, and she would reach to it for emotional strength.
The chaplain was thorough -seemingly excited at the chance to be the first to convert a Grodrrn-. Dzor is of course not converted, but he understands Long a little better, now. It is understanding that he regrets having not learned sooner.
It’s been over a week now, and everything is painful. Physically, emotionally.
His back is definitely screwed up now from everything he’s done, and his arms may not heal correctly. It is a risk when over-relying on a regenerator. He probably has damaged spinal cords, tumors, and crooked bones. He deserves far worse. He can still fight, of course, even now, but his posture may forever be crooked and his gait will be limping and pathetic in appearance if nothing else.
More painful, though, by far, is the emotional wounding he takes…
...every time a marine or spacer salutes him. Every time the words “Yarjen Jor” are uttered by the wide-eyed, delusional mammals. Every time the insect queen tries to console him. Every time the Cave Queen offers him something to eat. The endless kindnesses following his atrocity stab at him more painfully than any blade.
And more painful is his inability to face her.
“Yarjen.” Human male. A very familiar human male.
“Chief Grey. I am thinking. Please excuse.”
Most humans are cautious around him and go out of their way to avoid irritating or angering him. Some humans, though, show no fear at all. Chief Grey, being one of them, takes a seat across from Dzor at the table, setting a plate down. They’re on the observation deck, almost as far away from the cafeteria as one can get. But, he has pancakes.
“Pancake, Yarjen?”
The gruff human sets his cigar down as he digs his utensils out of his pocket.
“No.” Dzor starts to stand, but Grey says, “Whoa, there, soldier. Take a seat.”
“You are here to talk about Long.”
“You brought her up, not me.”
Dzor snorts, baring a few of his teeth briefly. He continues limping out of his seat.
“She’s awake.”
The large Grodrrn halts.
“Asked for your immediate execution.”
Dzor looks at the human field leader. His smirk is a dead giveaway, and the Grodrrn commandant growls.
“What do you expect? It’s Long we’re talking about. Go see her.”
Dzor’s hands tense, and he’s stuck, still lacking words. He finally grunts out, “I can not…”
“Don’t be an idiot. If not for you, then for her.”
“She no want…”
“Oh for f-... Fisher warned me, but I thought he was an idiot. Look, Long is a frickin’ idiot and an incompetent piece of-” BOOM.
A heavy reptilian hand slams the table, and sharp nails screech lightly as that hand grips tightly, struggling to resist anger.
Grey smirks smugly, taking a bite of one of the pancakes.
A deep voice growls, “Insult me all you wish, hoomin. But I will NOT listen to another word of insult towards Admiral Long.”
“Good. Truth then. She loves you. Go see her.”
Dzor’s hand slides, shrieking his nails against the metal table, which causes Grey to wince, but the motion was involuntary from surprise. “How you so certain?”
“She told me so. ‘Chief… Would you judge me if I confessed to Dzor? I… I think I love him.’ Exact words. Hand to God almighty.”
“Theenk?”
“Don’t read into it, idiot. Go see her. Let her tell you herself.”
“You deceive.”
“What incentive would I have to come up here and deceive you for any other reason than my friend is in love with you and I want her to be happy?”
“I take arm.”
“It’s not an ideal icebreaker, but I’m sure someone mentioned this; you did the-”
“If you finish sentence,...”
“Why does it anger you so much? You were ready to bombard our allies from orbit to ensure victory. Theoretically, Long, too. But you draw the line at preventing horrifying mutagenic toxins from infecting her?”
“I deesobey…”
“Then go get yelled at. You’re not afraid, are you?”
The Grodrrn glares at the human, but he doesn’t say anything. Chief Grey takes another bite, saying after he swallows, “Look, I get it. You’re not afraid of the discipline; you’re afraid of being rejected. You’re afraid you lost it all. Blowing it off won’t help you, though. Get past this. For both of you.”
Dzor scratches his neck scales. He grumbles unintelligibly, but leaves the table, headed for medical. His pace is slow, and his gait is pained and limping.
He halts at the doorway to medical. It’s strange to him to feel like this; nervous? Anxious? He never felt this way with his bondmate back in the Fievegal. In fact, they barely talked to each other and never touched each other. Their pairing was just… expected.
Long is the exact opposite. She wants to talk all the time. She asks anything and everything. She shows kindness and affection through physical contact; gentle touches to amplify her points.
He stalks carefully and quietly into the medical bay, mindful of the staff moving between different rooms. The scent is easy to follow. He could find her anywhere on the ship. And, he can already tell she’s not alone; at the very least, her sister -Jessica- and the Cave Queen offspring -Vivi- are easily detectable.
He stops when he lays eyes on her. Admiral Angelica Long; one of the strongest-willed humans Dzor has encountered. She is nearly opposite of what he expected when he attacked them originally.
She is a frail and tiny mammal. He could destroy her with the faintest of movements. She has long auburn-brown fur that grows out of her head and mostly-dull teeth for an omnivorous diet. She stinks of hormones -like all humans-.
And Dzor cannot do anything but stare, fixated on this human.
She is smiling as she idly plays with the Cave Queen offspring while talking warmly to Jessica. She’s weary, with dark rings under her eyes and a weakness to her movements. And, one of her most important limbs ends half-way down her bicep.
Her green eyes shift and lock with his own gaze. He moves on instinct, vanishing from the doorway.
He’s not ready. He can’t face her yet. He would gladly accept any punishment. What he isn’t ready for is forgiveness. Or, not receiving any.
He exhales deeply, walking back out of medical.
“Jor!” The voice is similar, but younger.
He doesn’t stop though. He makes it back out into the hallway and heads towards nowhere specifically.
Compared to humans, he can hear almost everything. He can hear heartbeats, he can hear breaths, and he can easily hear footsteps. Bootless footsteps are nearly running to catch him.
“Y-Yarjen Jor! Wait! Please!”
He slows a little, though his limping gait is already probably half of his normal pace.
Sure enough, Jessica jogs around ahead of him, clutching Vivi close to her chest. Both look up at him with pleading eyes. Jessica smiles, though. “H-How are you doing, Yarjen?”
He doesn’t answer. The young woman is wearing casual clothes -pajamas essentially- and doesn’t have her normal issue boots on, having run in just her socks to catch the Grodrrn. Vivi has a small dress -strange, since the Queen typically walks around almost nude unless she’s trying to hide from light-.
Jessica looks down a little disappointed, saying a little more tenderly, “Angie’s doing well. A-And…” The teen suddenly hugs the Grodrrn as her eyes water. The even tinier girl, Vivi, also hugs him, and Jessica squeaks out, “Th-Thank you, Yarjen.”
He is stunned once more. Vivi adds, “You save Auntie! You’re Vivi’s hero, Unckie Jor!” The amphibious princess deftly crawls up his torso, hugging his cheek next. The Grodrrn commandant looks down at Jessica, though, asking, “How…? Why thank?”
“She’s alive.” She sniffles, adding, “You saved my sister. I-I know you’re struggling with the decision you made… but no one else could have. No one could have decided that AND done it quickly enough… No one but you.” She takes his hand, hugging it to her face to kiss his finger. “And… she feels the same way. It could have been much worse… But you…” She chokes, simply hugging his hand firmly.
Everyone is saying the same thing. But, how can it be so simple for them? Or rather, how can it be so… strange?
Then again, Long has proven -and many of the humans have- that simple is not the way they operate. Everything has meaning. Everything has shades of right and wrong. The weak can still serve. The strong can still follow. Nothing is as cut and dry as the Fievegal was.
“I… will speak to her… when she is free…”
Jessica looks up at him, urging gently, “She’s free now, Yarjen. Vivi and I will give you space. She knows you’re hurting, and she wants to reassure you.”
Vivi whines gently, “Aww… Meemee! I wanna see!”
“Sorry, Sweetie. Auntie and Yarjen Jor need to talk.” She looks at Dzor again, “Please?”
It’s not lost on him at all. Jessica is not the same as her sister, but she is Angelica’s sister. They share that same, irresistible plea.
Or, maybe it’s just him. Has he become soft?
His shoulders relax, and he exhales. “Very well…” He gingerly takes Vivi and hands her back to Jessica.
“I will prove wrong.”
Just before he leaves, Jessica adds, “It looks good on you.”
He looks over his shoulder at her, and she gestures at his left shoulder. There, rather sloppily painted onto his teeshirt sleeve, is a silver “+” shape with one elongated stem.
He walks back to Medical with purpose.
Who does he intend to prove wrong?
He has just one hope.
Angelica is resting her head on her hospital bed, patiently waiting for nothing in particular.
He tries to enter quietly, but he is still a Grodrrn. To his knowledge, he is the heaviest being on the ship, short of the larger meteor hoppers the humans discovered in an asteroid belt.
Angelica opens her eyes, looking at him briefly. She instantly sits up with a warm expression, cooing gently, “Yarjen.”
He’s caught a little off guard by her warmth. He keeps his posture as normal as possible, stepping gently inside the room as he finally replies, “Admiral.”
Her expression shifts, and she states worriedly, “You’re limping…”
He looks down. He was very careful to try to keep his posture and steps normal. He looks at her again, and she asks tenderly, “Are you okay? Do you need-?”
“Will be fine. Wounds closed and bones set. Time, now.”
She sighs, murmuring, “You used to be a better liar.”
“Not a lie.” He steps over to the side of her bed, sinking to a kneel before her. “Could still wear regenerator, but worsen at theess point. Will let body heal.”
She smiles softly, “Okay.”
He glances at her arm momentarily, asking softly, “What of… you?”
She reaches toward him with her right arm, gesturing her hand. He stares at her a moment. Normally, when she reaches for him, she puts her hand on his forearm. He puts his arm closer, and she intentionally reaches for his hand, gripping it gently. “I can still function. It’ll be tricky, but I’ll be okay. Thank you, Jor. For everything.”
He winces briefly. She grips his hand a little tighter, “Jor, I mean it. Truly. I am forever in your debt.”
“Deesobey…”
“I was wrong. You saved more people than I could have with my foolishness.” She adds dryly, “I don’t know how you survived a fall from orbit, but…” She smiles at him, “I’ll forgive you for disobeying me. This time. Next time, I’d rather you be more forceful in recommending I just don’t… Maybe…”
“We lose a lot…”
“True. It’s hard for me… They’ve got me on a lot of drugs right now. Sorry if I’m not myself, by the way. But,... I know, in my core, we’re scraping by with any survivors. I just wish I knew what to do right.”
This time, Dzor’s hand tightens gently. “You do right. Your compassion inspire true loyalty. Even ins-... Queen Syretia loyal to you… Few in Fievegal this loyal without selfish goals. I am sorry. For all I do wrong.”
The list is long, starting from the day he met humans the first time. He’s never fully apologized for any of it. He’s never felt as he does now.
The human woman’s hand leaves his briefly, but only to reach up to the back of the reptilian warrior’s head. She pulls his head close, holding him to her chest. He can easily hear her heartbeat better than ever before, and she is calm. She coos tenderly, “I forgive you for everything, Jor.”
He’s surprised by the feelings he’s experiencing now, and he can feel her cheek come to rest on his head. She hums softly, quickly becoming apparent to him that she’s humming a song. It’s slow and soft, tender and kind. Her hand gently strokes his head as she continues to hold him. “I’m thankful to be alive, Jor. I’d love to have both arms, but it’s a small price to pay.”
He breathes deeply and exhales. He can smell the agents in her blood, likely to dull the pain and maintain antibiotics. But, he can also smell everything about her that he’s come to know. He can hear her heart.
“I love you, Jor.”
This causes him to recoil in surprise, if only to be able to look into her eyes. He wasn’t bluffing when he can pick up on micro-changes to determine lies. He’s still new to humans of course, but it should be the same basic principle.
Not one word has been a lie, let alone the last sentence.
Angelica’s cheeks are noticeably more pink in color, and her expression soft and tender. Is she out of her mind?
She adds sheepishly, “S-sorry to drop it on you like that. But… I’ve known for a while, and… Well…” She inhales and exhales more deeply. Her heart is now beating more quickly. “I know it’s probably weird with our obvious differences, but,... I admire so many things about you. And… I feel so close to you… and thankful to you.” She fidgets with her blanket using her right hand. “I love you. You’re the first person I’ve ever felt that about to this extent. I don’t have a lot to offer to someone like y-...” The woman is cut off by a puff of hot air on her neck, startling her into a shiver. She locks eyes with Dzor again with a wide, hopeful gaze.
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“Last thought is wrong.” He scratches his neck scales, looking up. “You offer compassion and wisdom I do not possess. Different perspective. Kindness…”
He looks back into her eyes again, “We marry.”
Now, the human woman is stunned. She blinks twice, asking, “Wait… What did you just say?”
“We marry. Theess is human pair bond, yes?”
“K-...Kind of… How did you know that?”
He looks to the side, crossing his arms. “No reason.”
Long smiles, saying softly, “I don’t think you understand. I-It’s not something you just do. It’s a religious thing, mostly. We become life partners exclusive to each other. You and me. That’s it. No Saurmynnyka, no other intimate relations, just you and me. A ceremony bonding us together.”
The Grodrrn looks at her. “I accept.”
She scoffs in disbelief. “I-...” She can only chuckle in admiration. She admits, “I can’t say I want to object, but… I still worry you don’t understand. I…” Her warm smile shifts to a soft frown. “I’m reaching the end of my… uh… feminine qualities… fertility specifically… as it is. I know you have your hatchling with Craw on the way, and she’ll definitely be a Zhi to me as well, I hope. But…”
“No matter. You give meaningful purpose. I accept exclusive bond. Ideal, een fact.”
The human woman blushes as she clutches the blanket. “D-Don’t tease me, Jor. I’m serious. Th-This is very important to me. You’re not doing it right, s-so I’m… I’m nervous…”
The Grodrrn puts his big hand on her lap, saying more gently than usual, “I sincere. I choose bond with human I… love… as well.”
Her eyes instantly water as she stares into his eyes. “Y-You’re… serious?”
“End of discussion.”
Admiral Angelica Long’s facade falters, and she begins crying. Her tears, however, are scented with euphoria. She holds Dzor’s hand affectionately, but has to release several times to wipe her eyes. “S-Sorry… I just…”
“Humans weak and cry easy.” Her watery gaze shifts to look at him, and he adds, “Not problem. I do not dislike. Good cry better, though.”
She chokes and laughs, whimpering joyously. She teases, “Grodurns are fearful of their feelings, but sweet once you reach them.”
He smiles, unoffended by being called fearful. “Teach how I wrong.”
“What?”
“How marry correctly.”
Her blush returns, and she squeaks, “Oh… Um... I-It might seem humiliating… You’re supposed to ask, n-not tell. And, usually, the suitor presents a ring o-or something else meaningful. B-BUT, you don’t have to do any of that. It’s okay.”
“I don’t have to do anything,” insists Dzor. “I choose course of life.”
She smiles and relaxes on her pillow. “Thank you, Jor.”
“Thank you, Yukonja.”
***
Gree’ato sits on her knees quietly as her younger sister, Tzzaann curiously tugs at her mouth and inspects her teeth. Like the other Void Queens, Tzzaann is sterile, and she was given to the Azure Queen as a sort of payment. Of course, the Azure Queen doesn’t harm any of the Void Queens, since she and her sisters raise them all from a young age.
“{What are these sharp things?}” asks the small queen as she prods at one of Gree’s teeth.
Gree’ato is still a Grodrrn though. She can do her best, but her mouth was not made to make some of the sounds and syllables used by Zarakyssns. Still, she does her best, “{U-Um… They m-my teef.}”
“{Teef!? They’re so pretty! Do I have teef!?}” Tzzaann expands her mandibles, letting Gree’ato inspect her insectoid mouth.
“{I-I’m scared not, geeztress.}”
The young queen snickers playfully. “{You say ‘sister’ silly, Sissy!}”
“{S-sorry…}”
Tzzaann affectionately scratches Gree’ato’s chest -a Zarakyssn form of affection often shown to children-. Gree’ato is older than Tzzaann by a fair amount, but is still admittedly a child by Grodrrn standards. Her Chulm’chn kept her egg in stasis for a time, which makes her deceptively younger than what should be possible after what happened to the Saurmynnyka.
“{It’s okay, Sissy! We can keep learning words together!}” The queen hums warmly, and Gree’ato hums in unison with her, affirming.
“{So, can I grow teef? They’re so pretty!}”
“{No…}”
“{But, Sister Azure has teef too! I want teef!}”
“{Not… um… Not ibble.}”
The tiny queen instantly starts crying, and the doors explode open with Void Queens and several soldiers shortly after. Gree’ato tenses. Even in the Fievegal, the situation wouldn’t look favorable. Especially if the child in question was of noble birth, such as a Haeroczaa.
The most terrifying sound ever, however, taps slowly as pure evil approaches. The Void Queens part without saying anything, even as Tzzaann cries.
The Azure Queen walks calmly into the room. It’s clear she was on her way to the location already, and she didn’t change pace just because Tzzaann began to cry, unlike the Void Queens.
Gree’ato then realizes that Tzzaann is pounding on her chest with her small insect hands, whining unintelligibly to the young Grodrrn.
The cold, seemingly evil voice asks nonchalantly, “{Tzzaann, why are you attacking our sister?}”
Tzzaann runs to the powerful ruler of the palace, buzzing and crying in Zarakyssn, but outside of what Gree can understand. But, she hears the word “{Teef}” at least once.
The Azure Queen listens without any change in inflection as the tiny Void Queen hugs her powerful reptilian leg.
Gree’ato sits silently. She speaks when spoken to. It is the only way she has avoided the fate so many servants around the castle have met.
The large Queen has listened patiently, and she says as plainly as ever -which is never a sign of safety with her-, “{You are not a Grodrrn, darling Tzzaann. You are a Shining Daughter. Shining Daughters have no teeth.}”
“{B-B-But it’s not fair! You have teef, Sister! I want teef to be like you and Sissy!}”
The devious matriarch shoots a glance at Gree’ato, smiling.
In a surprise move, the Azure Queen yawns her large, toothy mouth, reaching in and pulling one of her own, pearl-white teeth without hesitation. Blood dribbles down the teeth adjacent to the one she just pulled, but she never winced in pain, even as the Void Queens and Gree’ato flinched in surprise.
The Azure Queen hands the razor-sharp pearlescent tooth to the tiny, excited Void Queen, licking the gap in her teeth. Gree’ato knows from experience that the Queen’s tooth will grow back fairly soon, especially if she uses a regenerator, but it was almost painful to watch.
Still, Tzzaann gingerly tries to hold the tooth between her mandibles as the gifter watches patiently. “{Be careful not to swallow it, darling sister.}”
“{Otay!}” as she tries to speak, the tooth falls, and Tzzaann dives to catch it. The Azure Queen looks at Gree’ato, stepping over in several smooth, violently elegant steps. Gree’ato stays seated on her knees, waiting for…
“{Sissy! Sissy! Look! Big Sister Azure gave me a teef of my very own!}” Tzzaann darts past the Azure Queen to show off her prize to Gree’ato, and the young Grodrrn smiles, “{Yes, suiting you, geeztress.}”
Tzzaann hums excitedly, swirling in circles around the Grodrrn.
The Azure Queen stops above Gree’ato, looking down at the much smaller Grodrrn. “{I am at your service, geeztress.}”
The large blue Queen states, “[You do not stink, darling sister.]”
Gree fumbles for words, “[U-Um…]”
“[You do not fear me today, darling sister?]”
“[N-No, dear sister. Y-You have… been very kind…]”
“[Mmm.]” The Queen licks her missing tooth again, seemingly savoring the taste of even her own blood. Gree’ato knows at this point that this Queen could kill her at this very moment and feel nothing. But, for some reason, she is quite comfortable. She was genuinely touched when the Azure Queen stood up for her, even if she erased the fertile Queen’s memories of Gree’ato immediately after.
“[Come. Let us go visit Hulma.]”
Gree’ato tenses. She knows her Chulm’chn is not so lucky as far as treatment. He is the Azure Queen’s prisoner and plaything. She dares him to attempt escape -which he has- so that she can flaunt her superiority by defeating him one on one.
Every single time.
Gree’ato dares not object to the Azure Queen. While the apex predator hasn’t struck Gree’ato yet, it’s a fine line between nothing and death with the Azure Queen. The young Grodrrn springs to her feet and walks alongside the large blue Queen. Several Void Queens follow them quietly.
Gree’ato keeps her eyes down as they get close, though. She can smell scents she never knew in her Chulm’chn before his imprisonment.
The guards open the cell, which is right next to a cell with a door smashed outwards. The Azure Queen slows to a stop, musing coldly, “[Pathetic. You stink of despair.]”
Gree’ato looks up nervously. Her blood chills.
Her Chulm’chn is laying against the back wall with a collar and a metal chain anchoring him to the wall. He has scars all across his body, though all of his freshest wounds are healed. Still, his expression and level of energy are below despair.
Gree’ato instinctively starts forward, “[Hulma!]” She halts herself, returning to awareness of who is right behind her now.
The Azure Queen’s voice is disgusted and cold, but she says softly, “[Go ahead, Gree’ato.]”
“[Th-thank you…]” whispers the young Grodrrn. She jogs forward, dropping to a kneel to lift and hold her Chulm’chn’s torso. She is acutely aware that she could be locked in this cell with him and forgotten, but she doesn’t care.
He’s alive, and he murmurs, “[Gr-Gree? Y-you’re okay…]”
“[Y-Yes, Hulma. I’m right here.]” She pets his head gently, letting his hand take hers when he reaches up to hold her hand.
“[You-... You must escape, Gree. Get away from her… Find a way…]”
“[Hulma, our Queen is before us…]”
The Azure Queen states coldly, “[He knows. He’s desperate now to see you returned to the Fievegal. Isn’t that right, Hulma?]”
Gree’ato can feel the shiver tremor through the once-great-warrior’s body. She instinctively hugs him more firmly. She partially tries to protect him, though she knows that if he can’t defeat the Azure Queen, no one can. The Queen’s heavy but elegant footsteps approach, and Gree’ato hugs as firmly as she can.
“[You doubted me, didn’t you, Hulma? It is strange how I am perceived as a liar, when I am the most honest being you have ever known.]”
“[Run, Gree… Please…]” He whispers desperately. “[Do-Do not stay for me…]”
“[Hulma… I can’t leave you.]”
The apex predator in the room retorts snarkily, “[You absolutely can. You will leave this room when I ask you to. You will see him when I permit you to.]”
“[Please…]” whimpers the young Grodrrn. This causes the Queen to pause and look at her.
Gree’ato summons her courage, making eye contact with the Azure Queen. “[Please let me choose when I see him. I know it is not my place to ask for anything, but… Please…]”
“[My darling sister…]” The Queen places her hand gingerly on Gree’s cheek.
Her Chulm’chn flinches at this, as if about to spring an attack. The Queen never reacts, however. She is completely unthreatened by a Grodrrn who is legendary for his might.
“[Am I mistaken, Hulma?]”
“[I am not your Chulm’chn… Monster.]”
Gree’ato can hear the sudden squishing of flesh and teeth. Nervousness creeps into her. But, the Azure Queen doesn’t snap-react; she rarely does. At least, not from emotion. “[Did I lie, Hulma? Or did you?]”
He tries to sit up on his own, but it’s clear his strength is vastly weakened from refusing to eat. Again, the Queen is unafraid.
“[I would NEVER suffer a creature like you to live.]”
The Queen snaps her face to within inches of his, snarling, “[That is painful to hear from you most of all. YOU assaulted my mother, and YOU got her killed, and YOU turned me away when I BEGGED for your help. I wanted to be like you, to run from my monstrous appearance. I thought if ANYONE would look at me differently, it would be YOU, Hulma.]” She growls throatily as she rears back. “[You sired the deadliest being in the universe in your ignorant desecration of my mother. You took away your own Zhi’s ability to produce hatchlings of her own because of your ignorant Fievegal’s policies and your incestuous whore’s lust. I’m not the monster. You are. And I’ve become exactly like you.]”
Gree’ato stares up at the Azure Queen’s reptilian and insectoid form in stunned disbelief. She doubted her nose. After all, the Queen has bathed in her Chulm’chn’s blood many times following battles with him. She brushed it off because it couldn’t be true.
But it all makes sense, even if it doesn’t entirely.
The Azure Queen is an outcast of two empires because she is a hybrid; a chimera even. She has the might and predatory instincts and senses of a Grodrrn, while possessing many of the natural armors, immunities, and telepathic abilities of the Zarakyssns. She seemingly combines the best of both and the worst of neither. And her blue skin tone -a rarity in Grodrrns and non-existent in Zarakyssns- could only have come from a small number of Grodrrns. Dzhonn and Gree’ato were both lucky to be allowed to live only because of who their Chulm’chn is. Or, was at least.
“[You’re not a monster, dear sister.]”
“[Do not appease me, Gree’ato. It disgusts me.]”
“[I mean it sincerely, dear sister.]” The young Grodrrn sets her Chulm’chn down gently and stands up, gingerly touching the Queen’s chest. She can hear some of the Void Queens shift aggressively. NO ONE, save children who don’t know better, initiates contact with the Queen. And even children aren’t always welcome.
But… the Azure Queen simply stares at her.
Her Chulm’chn hisses, “[Gree! D-Don’t believe this… creature! It’s all lies.]”
“[I can smell it, Hulma. She is my sister. And I am her sister. You never told me what your meeting with the Queen of Queens was like. You never told anyone. Why?]”
He tenses, trying to climb up to his knees. He scolds the Queen instead, “[Do not poison her, you wretch! She is innocent of all!]”
The Queen still doesn’t say anything yet, still staring at Gree’ato with a confused expression.
Gree, instead, retorts, “[Answer me, Hulma.]”
“[She killed Dzhonn, Gree. Do not trust her! You must get away from here!]”
“[Why did you do that to the Queen of Queens? Why did you shun your oldest Zhi?]”
“[THAT THING IS NOT MY ZHI! You are, Gree. Please, listen no longer…]”
“[I don’t understand why you will not answer me.]”
The Azure Queen finally speaks softly and distantly, “[He is a stooge of the Fievegal. HE was afforded great luxury in the Fievegal for what he did. While you and I suffer.]”
“[GREE HAD A HOME! A FAMILY! YOU TOOK THAT AWAY!]”
“[Then why am I the one with nothing to hide?]”
Gree’ato is suddenly snatched into a vicious grip by her Chulm’chn, and he holds her between himself and the Queen with his claws to her throat. “[I would rather see my Zhi die than be poisoned by a monster like you.]”
“[H-Hulma?]” whimpers Gree’ato.
“[Now he is desperate for some semblance of control of any single aspect of his own life.]”
“[SILENCE MONSTER!]”
“[Tell me, darling sister, what you want; let our Hulma kill you for his honor in the Fievegal, or I can save you.]”
The male Grodrrn snarls, “[YOU WILL NOT!]” His grip tightens, choking the surprised young Zhi with razor sharp nails piercing into her neck.
“[S-S-Sis...ter…]”
Just as her vision is fading, a flash occurs. Crack-thud!
Gree’ato gasps for breath, coughing on fluid as she crawls behind the blue Queen’s legs. She glances back at her Chulm’chn, who has collapsed in a blood streak to the floor. With a single strike, the Azure Queen knocked a powerful Grodrrn to the ground, nearly unconscious.
Or did she? Gree’ato looks and finds a burn on his hand, and a Void Queen near the door aiming one of their ranged weapons. The weapons assigned to Void Queens can take on a Grodrrn, and likely paralyzed his hand, allowing the Queen to strike without Gree’ato being hurt further. She has to breathe cautiously, as she can tell blood is dripping into her throat.
“[Mmnnorrynn, take Gree to be healed. She will need her lungs aspirated. Be gentle.]”
“[Of course, Dear Sister.]” The Void Queen with the weapon retracts it back into her dress and briskly walks to Gree’ato with two other Queens. She kneels, asking gingerly, “[Can you walk, sister?]”
Gree’ato stares at the Void Queen with wide eyes. It’s no secret the Void Queens are sometimes jealous of the strange treatment the Grodrrn receives, and even more so, find her disgusting for being something other than a Zarakyssn. But, Mmnnorrynn is being sincere and gentle. The young Grodrrn nods affirmatively. She coughs on blood, and Mmnnorrynn helps her to her feet.
As they’re leaving, the Azure Queen growls, “[The mammals, these ‘humans’; apparently, Hulma, they can undo the atrocity the Fievegal bestowed on my darling sister.]”
Gree’ato halts in surprise, looking back. The Queen looks at her, saying, “[We’ll discuss it later, darling sister. See to your injuries first.]”
The Azure Queen is vicious and full of malice. She is so defined by her hatred and anger, they are her normal state of being. She needs no lies for her torments; the truth serves her very well, as she knows exactly when and how to apply it.
So, Gree’ato has no doubt she is telling the truth.
The young Grodrrn swallows a small amount of blood. “[W-Would you let me, s-sister?]”
The wicked smile appears. It’s ultimately what the Azure Queen wanted; for Gree’ato to turn on their shared Chulm’chn. But… doesn’t she have a fair point? The Saurmynnyka is dead, and the Fievegal is apparently at war with a race of mammals because of it. And according to the intel Gree’ato has overheard, they haven’t had much success defeating a miniscule force. The need for female Grodrrns to remain sterile -or the desire, if the Azure Queen is to be believed- is now the greatest threat to the Fievegal they’ve ever faced. Gree’ato was treated okay in the Fievegal, but she was looked down on. The Azure Queen can be manipulative and abusive, but she clearly cares about Gree’ato’s life more than as a trophy of war.
“[Yes, darling Gree’ato. If I have to enslave the humans myself, I will learn their secrets for you.]”
Gree’ato bows her head, whimpering, “[Please show Hulma mercy, sister. As you said, he has become desperate.]”
Mmnnorrynn whispers, “[Gree’ato, our sister decides…]”
The Azure Queen exhales deeply. “[I think this was enough. If you wish to spawn more daughters, Hulma, I am yours and yours alone.]” She snickers deviously, stepping away from him to follow the Void Queens and Gree’ato. The young Grodrrn bashfully looks down as she coughs, squeaking after the door closes, “[Y-you aren’t serious, are you sister?]”
“[About what?]
“[U-Um…]” She coughs, sheepishly continuing, “[M-... Um… with Hulma…]”
“[Why not? He did with his mother for you.]”
Gree’ato swallows again.
The Queen cups Gree’ato’s cheek gently from behind, murmuring with a chilly viciousness, “[Fear not, sister. The day he begs to breed me in appeasement, he will no longer be worthy of me.]”
Urrzzvynnurr says from the other side of Gree’ato from Mmnnorrynn, “[Forgive me, sister, but I would venture he is not worthy of you now.]”
“[No forgiveness needed, Sister. If I needed mindless drones, I would go to the Horde.]” All of the Queens present snicker at the statement. The Azure Queen adds, however, “[But, do not be jealous, my beloved sisters.]” She pets Urrzzvynnurr’s head gingerly. “[Could we, I would yield an empire for us all.]”
Llyzznnurrymm, the youngest Void Queen present -ironically similar in age to Gree’ato, but much more thoroughly trained in combat- jokes, “[Perhaps these mammals can help us as well, Sisters.]”
“[Let us not raise our hopes above what can be achieved for certain, sisters. The humans have already achieved success with the Grodrrns. Your affliction, however, is not induced.]”
Urrzzvynnurr asks gently, “[You are not sterile, dear sister. Do you not desire offspring of your own?]”
“[It crosses my mind. But I have larger concerns for now, and you, my beloved sisters, are my highest priority.]”
The Queen escorts Gree’ato all the way to the healer Void Queens, who do as instructed. They aren’t experts on Grodrrn physiology, so the blue ruler guides them from nearby, ensuring the process is as safe and painless as possible for the young female Grodrrn.
When she can, Gree’ato asks softly, “[Sister…?]”
The Azure Queen looks away from some strange object with hundreds of thin skins inside a hard cover that she was studying a pair of the skins. “[Hmm?]”
“[Th-Thank you…]”
“[Don’t be ridiculous, Gree. I have my own motives for everything I do.]”
“[Um… D-Do… you intend to… have me… make your army? O-Of… more like you?]”
The evil Queen stares at her younger sister for a long, tense moment. “[What feeling did you feel when you ran to his side, darling sister?]”
Gree’ato is caught off guard by the deflection. She thinks for a moment, replying, “[Um… L-Love, I guess? A-And worry. H-He’s my Hulma. I can’t not love him.]”
“[What, then, did you feel when you sided with me?]”
The young Grodrrn looks down. “[I… I don’t know… A different love? You-... You’re right. I was never supposed to ask about a lot of things, but…]” She builds courage again, “[I-If you… I’m afraid, b-but… the humans…]”
“[I will ask you, but I will not force you. If you would bear my army, they will be your army, too.]” The Queen surprises the young Grodrrn when she approaches and embraces her, petting her head. “[They will not be like me, though. I am the only one of my kind that should exist.]”
“[Th-That’s not true. Y-You’re not like anyone or anything else, but… I think it’s inspiring what you’ve achieved with the universe against you. Your power is undeniable, a-and you’re beautiful… Your offspring would be-...]”
“[My offspring would be half of me. And that is ideal. I will not choose a Zarakyssn drone for you in hopes of replicating me, dear sister.]”
“[Oh, I-I thought, after what you said about Hulma, that… um…]” Another strange smell emits from the small Grodrrn; a sweet smell. An addicting smell.
“[Sooo… You know?]” The Azure Queen sounds genuinely surprised -a true rarity-.
“[F-Forgive me, dear sister. I-... I walked in when you… gave, um, Hyynnsseeyyaa… h-her chosen reward…]”
The Queen sports her devilish grin. “[I see.]” She licks Gree’ato’s neck, causing the Grodrrn to flinch. “[This taste… I like it.]” She adds, “[When the time comes, Gree’ato, we will discuss, and see if you feel the same way.]”
The young Grodrrn nuzzles briefly towards the Queen, and she whispers, “[M-May I, sister?]”
“[Mmm… I’m curious. Yes. This once.]”
Gree’ato gingerly licks the Azure Queen’s neck in return. Unlike Gree’ato, who flinched, the Queen never moves. She hums deviously, seemingly pleased. Gree’ato isn’t sure what specifically the Queen picks out when she determines tastes, but the waxy substance on her skin tastes tangy, not unlike Gree’ato’s own sweat, but also a little bitter.
“[You cannot tell what I feel, can you, darling sister?]”
“[I can’t, sister. I’m sorry. But,... It is… a good taste.]” The sheepish embarrassment tingles through her again.
The Azure Queen growls eagerly -aggressively-. Her presence feels larger all of a sudden, more looming. She seems to be pressing closer.
Suddenly, the Queen backs away, but she clarifies, “[Gree… I must excuse myself.]”
The young Grodrrn stares at the Queen in surprise. For once, the Queen looks almost flustered. She stalks to the door of the room, saying over her shoulder, “[You may ask to see Hulma, Gree, but only when I am here. In the meantime, clean yourself up. You will be joining us on our flight to the homeworld.]”
“[Th-The homeworld, d-dear sister?]”
“[Don’t fret. You will stay on the ship in orbit. I just don’t want you to be lonely here. Or… tempted.]”
“[Never, dear sister! I hurt for Hulma, but… I will not betray you.]”
“[Good. Then I trust you won’t attempt to kill me in my sleep on my ship.]”
Gree’ato nods, “[I will be ready to depart, dear sister.]”
“[Good.]” With that, the Azure Queen departs.
Gree’ato sits alone in the room for a moment, pondering what all just happened. In just a short while, she learned a lot about not only her own history, but the history of both the Fievegal and the Zarakyssn horde.
And, she truly gained a powerful sister who values her as an individual.
A warmth flows through Gree’ato for the first time since arriving at the Azure Queen’s castle. She knows she was kidnapped from the Fievegal, but...
She’s starting to feel more at home than ever.
***