General
3723 Words
“No.”
“But, Koryn-“
“No.”
“Kit?”
“I’m with Koryn on this, luvana.”
“Why am I not surprised.”
I glared at the brothers with crossed arms as we stood at the in and out gate of the Complex. All I did was ask about going to meet with the High Commander on behalf of the female humans at the Complex. I can’t really speak for the guys since I haven’t seen one human male in the months we’ve been here. When we arrived on Kaja, they separated us into two areas defined by gender. Not unusual, but since neither were allowed in the others Complex it made it hard to know what the guys wanted. For some reason, the brothers didn’t want me around the High Command building, and I was curious on why.
Koryn’s eyes narrowed. “We’re serious, Milady. After Eloré we will take you to see the High Commander. You’re just going to have to wait.”
I rolled my eyes. “Is it because the neighboring planets are here visiting? What is going on, boys?!”
Kit looked over to Koryn. They exchanged a look before Kit glanced back to me. “Yes. The other planets do not know of you humans being here yet. The High Commander hasn’t got around to telling them, but they are going to be informed today. That’s why you cannot go there right now.”
“Koryn, Kit, do these other planets want to harm my people?” I asked as I looked from one brother to the other.
“We’re not sure.” Koryn admitted. “That’s why we need you safe. Safe here in the Complex.”
I shook my head. “No. You are not putting me on house arrest! I’m going to work. Donvo can-“
“Can what? Protect you? How, Milady? The Kaji is too old to fight off young males, or did you forget what happened several days ago? No, it was me. I’m the one who came to get you that day. You need to listen to us. We’re not doing it to punish you, we…” Koryn looked away as I sighed.
There was no arguing with them. I knew this, but I felt like I was rolling over and dying if I gave up. “You what? Give me a damn reason to listen to you two. Huh?”
Frustrated Koryn went to say something, but just then his radio went off. He swallowed hard before moving away to answer it. I glanced over to Kit who looked like he wanted to say something, but he just bit the inside of his lip as he shook his head.
I scoffed. “That’s what I thought.”
With a depressed sigh, I turned and headed back to the Complex.
I stared at the tall fence and tilted my head at it. I scaled it once before, in the dark. It was about two hours after the brothers left, and now, I was going to work. If I wasn’t allowed to go see the High Commander, then I was at least going to go to work.
“I hate this fence…” I groaned as I quickly began to climb.
My hands and feet pulled me up and over quickly, and just before a Kaji on patrol came around the other side, I disappeared into the crowd.
I said good morning to the other market sellers as I made my way to Donvo. I was assuming since I wasn’t allowed to leave the Complex that Jag was somewhere else doing her job, and it was the only time I was thankful for it.
“Milady!”
I turned to smile at the Kajian calling out for me. “Morning, Ori. How are you doing?”
Ori shrugged. “My damned partner left the water on in the bath unit this morning and flooded the floor. Took me an hour to dry everything out. Here, I picked something up for you when I went home.”
I smiled as she produced a beautiful collar style necklace that was solid black with one diamond shaped blue jewel in the center. “It’s beautiful, Ori. Are you sure I can have this?”
She waved me off. “It matches your ring and eyes. It was practically made for you. Please, do not discourage me further. How are your Maité’s doing?”
“On my damned nerves. Controlling me, and thinking it’s okay. I’m no object. I could have sworn Koryn was going to say it this morning, but he stopped himself. I just wish they would talk to me, instead of ordering me around.” I sighed out as I put the necklace on.
Ori nodded. “I understand, but remember this, monet. Those two are soldiers, have been for most their lives. Soldiers are taught to not feel, only obey. Maybe their orders are truly from the heart?”
I groaned as I got the clasped latched. “Stop making me feel less mad at them, Ori”
She giggled as she smiled. “That necklace it amazing on you. It hides your marks though, so, I’m sure the boys will not appreciate it.”
“Well, until we come to some kind of understanding on this whole command and obey thing, maybe it will stay on. I don’t know how else to show my irritation beside defying them. Then it makes me feel like a rebellious child, man I hate this.” I sighed before touching Ori’s arm lightly. “Thank you for the necklace, I best be getting to Donvo.”
Ori nodded. “Tell that old man I said he needs to quit smoking.”
I laughed and hurried to get to Donvo’s stall.
“I have a feeling that you’re not supposed to be here.”
I rolled my eyes at him as I polished a stone. “What makes you think that?”
He huffed. “You keep scanning the crowd, like you’re watching for someone. Maybe the Lieutenant brothers?”
“No…maybe...” I let out a slow breath as I put the stone down.
Donvo chuckled. “What did you do now?”
I looked to the sky, trying to avoid looking at him. “They ordered me to stay at the Complex today. Like I was one of their soldiers.”
“So, you jumped the fence.” Donvo finished as he loaded more into his pipe.
I shook my head at him. “Ori told me to tell you to quit smoking.”
He grumbled at that. “Damn woman, always telling me what to do…just because my brother is her Maité. Thinks I belong to her too.”
“Pot calling the kettle…” I whispered to myself as I picked up another rock.
About halfway through the day I was wiping the mud off the bottom of the stall thinking about what the brothers had said to me. I got that they just wanted to keep me safe, but at the same time they were treating me like I couldn’t handle anything myself. Like I was useless. It was frustrating. I understood that humans were less durable than the Kaji, but I wasn’t fricking useless. I just wanted them to know that.
I huffed as I straightened, seeing Donvo staring off with a near frightened look on his face. I narrowed my eyes at him, but he didn’t even notice.
“Donvo? What-“
I completely froze. Something was off, wrong. The air felt different than the festive Eloré air, and I was nearly too afraid to turn and see what it was. So, I decided to ignore it. Maybe then it will just go away. It was crappy hopeful thinking, but I was in a crappy mood.
“You. Turn around.”
Hearing a voice so entirely different than the Kaji made my mouth drop open. Whoever was behind me, was not Kajian.
f**k.
I swallowed hard, making sure not to groan, held my head high and began to slowly turn around. It was a man, well, not a man. A male. And dear god, he was frightening. He was tall, at least as tall as Koryn, bald, and his skin was fleshy colored with a slight ash tint. What made me shiver to my bones though, was his blood red eyes that seemed endless. His eyes roamed over my body and lingered on my exposed skin. Dressed in all black today, I wore a Kaji style halter top and skirt with slits up to my hips on both sides, and this guy was looking at everything. His shoulders were broad, and on the backs of his knuckles were little black spikes. I felt like I was looking at a devil, not an alien. Not with the way he was looking at me.
At this point I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to run, but there was no way that was going to happen. I wasn’t going to leave Donvo alone, not with this guy.
“Excuse you? Were you talking to me?” I asked as I crossed my arms.
Donvo hissed behind me. “If there was ever a point for you to shut up and be good, now would be it, Milady.”
I quickly looked over my shoulder at him, and was shocked to see the big bad Donvo, scared. When I put my attention back on the other guy he was closer. His footsteps were so quiet, I would have never heard him coming. Why does this always happen to me?
The guy smiled, showing sharp K-9’s like a vampire from myth. “Got some bite don’t you Kaji?”
He thinks I’m a Kaji? He’s definitely not from this planet. “Are you here to buy something? Or are you just going to stand there and stare at me?”
“Milady, call for Koryn and Kit. Now.” Donvo’s voice shook.
I knew he was probably right, but I wasn’t going to go crawling back to them right now. Maybe later, but not right now. I could handle this, right?
The guy took another step forward. “That all depends.”
“On what?” I ran a hand through my hair as I let out a sigh. I was trying my best to keep from visibly shaking.
He took another step forward, closing the distance between us. “On what’s for sale.”
“We have rocks.” I pointed behind me with my thumb.
Donvo struggled to light his pipe behind me. “No.”
I looked over to him and raised an eyebrow. “Donvo?”
He shook his head at the strange ash guy. “She’s not for sale.”
Then I understood. “Yeah, no.”
“Are you sure about that, omianya?” The guy said as he reached out to force me to look at him. “Do you not know who…you. You’re not Kajian.”
My jaw clenched, and took me everything I had to say anything. “No, I’m not.”
At that, the guy looked way too pleased. “So, you are for sale?”
“What? No. I’m not a slave or pet.” I said before feeling an arm snake around my waist. “Let. Me. Go.”
All around, the market became still. The Kaji around seemed to hesitate, unsure on what to do, and I was hoping none of them interfered. I didn’t want any of them to get hurt, this guy seemed dangerous, and Donvo was right. I should have called for back-up. My petty ass has gotten me into more trouble, and I was never going to hear the end of it. But, it was too late for that now.
The guy smirked down at me. “Let me introduce myself before you decide to demand anything from me again. General Vyer Kelzer of Grongion, and who are you little angry one?”
I rolled my eyes at him. “Milady.”
Vyer nodded. “Milady, how about you accompany me the rest of the day?”
“No.”
The Kaji around me gasped and some nodded in their approval, Vyer on the other hand pulled my face closer to him. “You want to say that again?”
I ran my tongue over my lips in irritation. “I said no.”
“Please, leave her go, General.” Donvo begged.
Vyer smirked, seemingly getting more excited.
f**k, why me?
I took the moment to hit the button on my bracelet communicator. “Let me go. I’m a nobody.”
“All the more reason, right? With me you’ll be one of the most powerful beings on my planet. You’re telling me that you don’t want power of position? Status. You are one of those humans we were told about, yes?” Vyer asked, not letting go of me.
I hoped the brothers were listening. This guy was strong, he had a few fingers on my chin and yet I couldn’t pull out of his grip. “I am human. A human who doesn’t want power, or status. There is not one thing that I want that you could give me. So, can you let go of me?”
Vyer leaned in, only an inch from my face. “I can think of one thing.”
I scoffed. “I doubt it. You see, I don’t need anything from you. If you don’t release me, I’m going to make you let me go.”
“Oh really?” He said with a menacing smile. “I’d like to see what you got, omianya”
Of course, he would call my bluff, well, here goes nothing. I lifted my foot to kick him in his chest, but he shifted out of the way. Then I tried to elbow him in the face, he blocked it easily. All the while he was smiling. I tried to kick him again in the knee, he took the hit and didn’t even flinch. My last-ditch effort was a dirty blow, but maybe was the only shot I had. I acted like I was going to try and punch him, but then brought up my knee to try and hit his family jewels.
Again. Didn’t work.
Vyer turned his leg to block my knee, then swiftly grabbed my wrists twisted them to pin them both behind my back with one strong hand. I struggled to get away, but I knew I wasn’t going anywhere. Inadvertently, my thrashing around was actually causing my body to grind against his. Well, that was counterproductive, I thought with a groan.
“What the hell do you want from me?” I growled, his free hand moved to the side of my face, tilting it back so I was looking up at him.
Vyer raised an eyebrow before looking up somewhere. “I already told you. I promise you this, my little human. I’m not leaving this planet without you. And I guarantee, you will be leaving with me of your own accord. Until next time, omianya.”
Before I could do anything, he leaned down and placed his lips on mine. His skin was unnaturally hot, and his lips felt like they were going to leave burns on mine. Then he was suddenly gone, and I felt sick. I was so helpless against that guy it was disgusting. I needed protection, I needed a gun.
“Milady!”
I turned to see Koryn running towards me with two of his men behind him, all three had weapons out. As soon as he was close I looked away, slightly ashamed for calling him here and the guy was already gone, and for that kiss I couldn’t stop.
Without hesitation, I was swept up in his arms as he looked for signs of wounds. When he looked at my face I saw his whole-body tense. No, he knew. That look on his face, there was something left over from Vyer that Koryn saw.
“Who did this to you?” Was all Koryn said.
His voice was low and dangerous, like when he attacked his father that night. I went to speak, but nothing came out. Instead my hand went to my face, to try to feel what he was talking about. Koryn grabbed my wrist to stop me, pain shot through my arm and hand enough for me to whimper a little. We both looked down to see fresh black bruising already appearing on my wrists.
I groaned a little. “What does my face look like?”
He let out a deep breath as he leaned forward to put his forehead to mine. “Like someone burned you.”
I nodded, but it was Donvo that spoke behind me.
“It was General Vyer of Grongion. He…seems to fancy Milady. Lieutenant, he wants to take her back to Grongion.”
My head whipped over to Donvo and glared at him. “Donvo, stop.”
“Milady.” Koryn growled, and I knew I was in trouble. “You were going to withhold this information from me? From Kit?”
“Koryn…I’m not going anywhere, so I didn’t think it was something to stress you two over.” I said as I held my own against Koryn’s growing anger.
He shook his head. “Why are you even in Heta? We told you to stay at the Complex. If you would have listened this whole thing wouldn’t have happened. Now, a damn General wants to take you home with him? Milady, I don’t think you quite understand what kind of s**t we are in now.”
“No! I don’t! Because you two never tell me anything I need to know about what’s going on!” I shouted back at him. “All you two do is order me around! Your supposed to treat me as your equal, I am not one of your soldiers!”
Koryn’s men stiffened as I shouted at their commanding officer. We were face to face, and I wasn’t backing down. I already lost two fights today, I had no intention on loosing another.
Koryn’s whole face fell, looking defeated as his hands moved to cup my face. He put his forehead against mine and let out a sigh. “I’m sorry, Milady. I…we didn’t realize we were treating you like one of our men, not our partner. When we told you to stay at the Complex, it was to keep you safe and nothing else. We were worried that you would, again, attract trouble to you. Milady, please understand this. Me and Kit will do better, but it might not even make a difference. That General has power, a lot more than both me and Kit. If he sways the High Commander, they will make you go with him. Regardless, of any claim on you. Marks mean nothing to the Grong. If that General wants you bad enough, he’ll take you away from all of us.”
My face paled. No. No. There was no way in f*****g hell I was leaving with that man. “I won’t go. I live here now, and I’m Maitéd with you and Kit. Do you see my face, Koryn? Do you know what that’s from?”
He looked to the ground and nodded.
I swallowed hard. “If he did this to me with just his lips, can you imagine what else would happen to my body? I would die, from the burns. If he wants me, he’ll be taking my dead body home with him. I won’t be subjected to him, I am not a toy.”
Koryn whole body tensed when I said, ‘my dead body’. He looked so conflicted it was starting to hurt my heart. “Milady, did General Vyer say that he wanted you? What did he say exactly?”
“He said ‘I’m promise this. I’m not leaving this planet without you. I guarantee, you will be leaving with me of your own will’. He thinks he’s going to make me come with him without a fight.” I said as I looked to the Kaji crowd as Koryn’s soldiers ushered them about their business.
Koryn shook his head. “That’s…really discerning. I don’t want to leave you alone, but there’s a few things I have to do. Don’t worry, I have no intention of letting that General take you. Kit wont either.”
I nodded. “I know you’ll do your best. I’m sorry for all of this.”
“It’s alright, we’ll figure out a way through this.” He said as he lightly kissed my lips, trying his best to keep from hurting me. “Have Donvo put medicine on your lips, they should heal within an hour or so. Why do you always get yourself into these stressful situations, Milady?”
With a smile, I shrugged. “The universe hates me.”
- Writer
