Shadows of the Past

A/N: I want to first thank Syrin for helping me with this. My warmest thanks and love to you. To my fan, if any (haha), I thank you for the support and pushing me to continue this. On to the story!

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Shadows of the Past

Ch. 2

Riki looked around then down at the smiling boy in his arms. "I-I-I..." he started to say but then his eyes rolled up and he fainted onto the floor. "Oh, Riki!" Ima exclaimed as she and and the others ran to the fallen mongrel's side. "Is he alright?" Xian asked.

Iason rushed to Riki's side knelt down and picked the lithe frame up and carried him to a nearby lounge chair where he gently deposited Riki. "Heiku if you would..." Iason did not need to ask as Heiku was already next to him check the fallen pet for any signs of injury. "He's merely fainted."

Suddenly a small voice from behind them spoke "Is mommy gonna be ok?" Iason looked at the small boy, who seemed to believe Riki to be his 'mommy', and saw the small boy looking up at him with pleading wide, teary eyes that looked strangly familiar. Though where that familiarity came from he could not recall.

"I think he's only just sleeping a bit, little one." Katze spoke softly into the young boys ear gently running is hand up and down the boys back. There was a slight movement from the couch.

Riki's eyes fluttered and then opened. He sat up slowly but was knocked back down when a tiny weight landed on his belly. Riki looked into those brown eyes that mirrored his own. A sob caught in his throat. "R--riku?" he asked examining the boy. "Are you really my little Riku?"

Iason watched the scene with no small amount of jealousy and anger. Jealousy because Riki had a child with another man and angry because Riki 'chose' not to inform him of this. Iason decided that he will be interogating Riki later on in the evening. "Mommy," Riku said looking like he was going to cry. "A-are you gonna be ok?"

Riki shook his head. "If I do, I'm just so happy to have you back. Did Auntie Raye treat you well? How did you find me?" he asked. He prayed this wasn't a dream. He had missed his son so badly.

"One of papa's friends worked for a 'liite that worked a 'ellow man that was ranting 'bout a dark haired mongrel in the tall tower that belonged to 'nother 'ellowman." Riku explained. "Papa said that couldn't be mommy 'cause mommy'd kill a 'ellow man if he tried to do that to 'em."

Iason was looking down right peived, while Riki was blushing furiously. "But Kyle, Papa's new friend said that the mongrels name was 'Riki' an' then Papa kicked him in the head and threw 'em out the window." Everyone present with the exception of little Riku sweat-dropped at that statement.

Iason was only moments away from interupting the little reunion to speak to 'hir Riki alone for a few minutes.

Raoul interrupted. "Wait! What's going on here? How can you be a 'mommy'?" Unknown to him, he answered the question on everyone's mind. Riki sighed.

"Well, although I appear male on the outside, I was born with a female's reproductiove organs. Five years ago, I gave birth by C-section, as I don't have the proper birthing canal of women, to Riku. One day, I left him with my former partner Guy to to steal whatever I could so we could live." He looked up at Iason.

"But I never saw him again until tonight. Last I heard Guy and my sister, Raye, were caring for him."

"And why have you never spoken of having a child or the ability to conceive OR that you have blood relatives OR that you have been keeping track of their movements? Answer. Me. Pet." Iason all but yelled, his anger evident in his tone and dark expression and aura around him.

Riki looked up a bit hurt and angry. "What garauntee did I have that you wouldn't track them down and do Jupiter-knows-what? I'm a mother, I had to protect my child. I'm a big brother who cares about his sister. I wasn't sure how you'd react to Riku and as for Guy, he's my past. I love YOU. I gave up my freedom for YOU."

"You are first and foremost my pet!" Iason bellowed moving toward Riki and a now frightened Riku. "It is my right to know of your past especially when it can and will affect what 'is' mine." Heiku, who had been between the master and pet and pet's child slowly began to inch away before he was caught in a potential taming 'incident'.

Riki stood and pushed his son behind him. Riku clung to his leg nd peered around Riki to look up at the tall 'ellow man.

Riki was scared but he stood tall. Everyone watched in anticipation. "Iason, if you hurt my baby in any way I'll never forgive you and they'll be no more love for you on my part." Riki said. "It was a long time ago and Guy is behind me now. I'm asking...begging you to forgive me for my past and let me have my son."

Iason's face grew even more angry. "Katze," He spoke in a deceptively calm voice. "Yes, sir," came the quick reply. "Track down this Guy Riki spoke of as well as his sister Raye. Bring them here by the hours of Eos tomorrow." Riki began to protest but was silenced by a stern glare from Iason.

"Daryl take the child to Riki's old room. Give him food, vitamins, a bath, and put him to sleep. Riki you will come with me. Now." Iason paused and looked around the room at his friends and guests. "I am sorry my friends but this evening must come to an early end. My furniture will show you out. Thank you for coming. Riki, come."

With that Iason turned towards his bed chambers and left.

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A/N: Don't worry, my loves, your beloved ice demon and Syrin won't disappoint you. Til next time, darlings, have pleasant dreams (Kiss)