The Other Side

Wow, I think this is the longest chapter I’ve done yet. I just couldn’t find a place to end it, so it’s almost twice as long as usual. Somehow I don’t think you’ll mind. ^_^

Sheleeta
Sorry about the cliffy but I have to admit I do enjoy writing them. (Yes, I know I’m evil. *snickers*) Anyhow I’m glade that you enjoyed the last chapter and I think Iason would look hot as a Mongrel too. (I would draw him as one but I can’t draw to save my life, so I’d never do him justice.) Anyways enjoy the next chapter!

Ethereal


It was very cold when Iason awoke, and ridiculously dark. It was so dark in fact that even Blondie eyes could not make out anything beyond shadowy shapes. The floor beneath Iason was some sort of metal, and it was comparable to lying on ice. Iason remembered all to well how he had ended up in this situation. He could here soft breathing on either side of him, and coughs and moans farther away, so he was not alone. He knew he must have been captured, but other than that he had not idea what was going on. Iason groaned as he attempted to sit up, only to hit his head on something hard and cold. His teeth clicked together painfully and his forehead screamed out in protest. He flopped back down with a very un-Blondie-like curse, his hand shouting up to find the same cold hard steel that was below him above him as well. It was like he was in some sort of box. No, not a box because the sides were open and there was sounds coming from both directions. It was more like a tunnel with a very low ceiling, though Iason was certain that if he were to go to either end of the tunnel he would find no way out.

“Wha-what’s going on?” Riki’s quite voice sounded right beside him. Iason turned in the dark, feeling around until he found Riki’s body not far away. The Mongrel was stone cold, and from the sound of his voice he was considerably weak. Iason winced as he pulled the Mongrel closer to him, bringing him up to his chest.

“Iason, that you?” The weak voice asked with a hint of panic. Riki was trying to struggle but he clearly did not have the energy to put up anything close to a fight. Of course it wouldn’t have mattered even if he was at full health. Iason was after all a Blondie. “It is I Riki, relax. You are very cold so I am going to use my body heat to warm you.” He said as he wrapped Riki in his arms, giving the Mongrel the warmth he so desperately needed. It was odd, being this close to a Mongrel should have disgusted him, but he found he didn’t mind it at all. He could even have enjoyed it if Riki wasn’t as cold as death and clearly suffering so much. Riki stopped struggling after he heard Iason speak, his body willingly conforming to the Blondie’s own frame. His face was buried in Iason’s chest and the Blondie could feel hot breath on his neck and hair tickling his chin. Iason settled down, suddenly feeling quite comfortable despite the cold steel beneath him.

“Um, thanks.” Riki said in a small voice as he nuzzled against Iason’s chest, for warm Iason assumed. The Blondie didn’t respond, his attention was on the shivers that were now consuming the small body beside him. The Mongrel must really have been in bad shape if he wasn’t even protesting. It was unnerving; Riki was usually so full of fight, so stubborn. “Are you badly injured?” Iason asked as he studied the creature beside him in the almost none existent light. He felt more than saw Riki shake his head beside him, “my head hurts, and its cold but nothings broken or bleeding. Where the hell are we?” He asked as he shifted, his body convulsing with a violent tremor.

Iason tensed beside the Mongrel. How much should he tell him? He would surely wonder why Iason knew so much, and he doubted that Riki would take it well. How could he expect the Mongrel to understand what he had done when he himself wasn’t even sure why he had done it anymore? Still, he’d rather Riki learned it from him than the Vuzerians, and he knew the truth would come out soon enough. Not only that but he owed Riki the truth. “We are on a cargo ship to Vuzeri. At least that would be the logical assumption.”

Iason wished he could see Riki’s face, for he could get very little from his tired tone of voice. “And why the hell would that be logical. What’s going on Blondie?”

Iason sighed, already he could tell that this would not end well. “So it is back to ‘Blondie’ is it? I suppose I deserve that. The Vuzerians were given permission to hunt Mongrels and use them for sport. I believe this is what has happened to us.”

“Wait what?” Riki sat up and pulled away from Iason only to back into a body not too far behind him. Judging by the stillness of the dark form Iason guessed that this Mongrel was either unconscious or dead. It was hard to tell which at present. “What the hell do you mean ‘use for sport?’ What the hell are they going to do to us?” Riki’s voice was shaky and spiked with anger. He didn’t back any farther away from Iason, since doing so would mean going over the still form behind him. Still, the emotional distance between the two had grown quite a bit, just as Iason had feared it would. He felt such a profound loss at that moment that it tore away at him leaving him feeling hollow inside. He had finally begun to gain the Mongrel’s trust and now it was unlikely that Riki would ever trust him again. Riki may even view them as enemies once he learned the truth, though Iason could never again see Riki in such a light.

Still Iason had to do this. “The Vuzerians gather different species to fight as gladiators. This is what they intend to do with Mongrels.” He said in a strained tone.

“How the hell do you know that?” Riki asked suspiciously.

Iason took a deep breath, steadying himself for the anger that he knew was coming. “The Vuzerians gained the right to hunt Mongrels through a contract made by the people of Tanagura, by Blondies Riki.”

Riki was silent for a moment as if he was waiting for more, or perhaps he just couldn’t form words. Iason wished he were so lucky. Instead the words spilled out from between his lips in a jumbled mess that felt like it wasn’t of his doing. “Riki, I am so sorry. I would never want to hurt you. When I made the deal with the Vuzerians you were just a pest that needed eliminating. I had no idea that you were such an amazing person. Riki I regret what I did more than anything and I will do all that I can to get us out of this. I, I care for you Riki. I will not allow you to be harmed.”

“Not fucking harmed?” Riki practically screamed causing bodies to shift around them. Of course his voice was far weaker than usual but in this place it carried and echoed and went straight to Iason’s gut. “What do you call this Blondie? My entire race is being enslaved! And what the hell do you mean you made the deal with these fuckers? You did this.”


“Riki I did not know-“ Iason started as the Mongrel took a breath.

“Didn’t know what you fucker?” Riki cut him off. He certainly didn’t seem at a loss for words now. “Didn’t know that you were destroying millions of lives. Why? Why the hell would anyone do this? Why couldn’t you just be satisfied with letting us live in the filth of your waste? No that was to good for us wasn’t it!?”

“It was orders Riki, it was just orders.” Iason pleaded. For some reason he felt he had to make to Mongrel understand. “I didn’t know you than, but I will make this right. I will get you out of this.”

“And what about everyone else? Are you going to save them too?” Riki spat.

“They are trash, I am not concerned about them.” Iason responded.

“Yeah well I sure as hell am! They’re my people Iason!” Riki yelled in a scratchy voice, he needed to stop yelling, he was still quite ill. “If they’re trash then so am I!

“You are different Riki, I will not allow you to be harmed. Now please calm down.” Iason said in concern for the Mongrels health. Yes he was a Mongrel, but he was unlike any that Iason had ever known.

Riki sighed and shook his head. “I’ve already been harmed Iason, more than you know. You know what, I used to think you were all fucking monsters. Than I met you and I began to think that maybe you weren’t all bad. Now I realize I was wrong.”

“Riki I-“ Iason paused as a blinding light suddenly filled his vision. It took only a moment for Iason’s eye to adjust. Than he could see several Vuzerians unloading Mongrels from the fount of what turned out to be a long steel container. In this light Iason could see Riki clearly. His injuries were thankfully superficial, though he had a rather gruesome cut over his left eyebrow that was sluggishly bleeding down the side of his face. The rage that he saw if that face froze Iason to the bone. He hadn’t ever seen such hatred in the Mongrel before. He had to make Riki see, he had to make him understand that he was not the same person who had sighed those demandable papers anymore. He didn’t have long either. They were actually very close to the front of the box and already the Vuzerians were hauling out Mongrels in quick succession. Iason had to hurry. “Riki give me a chance to show you that you were not wrong. I can help you.”

“Go help yourself Blondie.” Riki spat out turning away from Iason. “That seems to be what you’re best at.”

“This one’s dead.” A Vuzerian said as he reached the body of the Mongrel right behind Riki.

“Throw ‘im out than. We haven’t got all day!” Another yelled from outside the box. The body was removed and than the man was reaching for Riki.

“Goodbye Iason.” Riki said as he willingly moved towards the front of the box and quickly disappeared around the corner.

“Riki no!” Iason yelled as he surged forward pushing the Vuzerian that was unloading them aside.

“Wow hey Cid watch out! Coming your way fast!” The Vuzerian yelled. Iason felt a hand close around him with considerable force as he was pulled away from where he could see Riki following behind a Vuzerian. “Easy there fella. You’re going to be in with the advanced fighters. You don’t want to go where that trash is headed.” Iason turned a deadly glare on the Vuzerian, wrenching his hand free and turning to run after Riki. He would have preferred to take the time to kill the Vuzerian for his insults, but he didn’t have the luxury. Riki was almost to the lift that would take him out of sight and possibly out of Iason’s life forever.

“Guys I need help with this one!” The Vuzerian that had been holding Iason shouted. Suddenly four of the bastards were on him, pulling him backwards. “Sucker’s got the strength of a Blondie.” One of them mumbled.

“I am a Blondie!” Iason yelled, “I demand that you release me this instant!”

That got a good laugh out of all four of the Vuzerians. Sure you are princess.” One of them said running his hand through Iason’s black hair. Iason would have broken that hand if he wasn’t so well restrained. “Don’t worry, we treat our top fighters well. You’ll get someone to play with when you get to your cell so you won’t need that one.” The man said in a disgustingly reassuring voice. Iason wasn’t paying attention. Riki had just disappeared into the lift and was now headed who knew where. He hated Iason so much that he would rather walk into slavery than except his help. Iason barely even noticed as a collar was slipped around his neck and he was pulled off in the other direction. “Riki,” he breathed in a low voice full of loss. “I am so sorry.”

~~**~~

Guy groaned as he leaned against the back of the elevator, frustrated and utterly exhausted. He and Raoul had spent the week going from one safe house to the another, looking for any sign of Riki. They had run into a few of Bison’s members that had gotten away or were gone during the explosion. That was the hardest part. That he was here with the enemy. He had tried to explain to them that Raoul was just looking for Iason but none of them would listen and had all left rather quickly at seeing Raoul. Guy winced at the memory of anger he had seen on their faces. Even if he ever did make it back he would be branded a traitor.

Roual stepped into the elevator beside him but refrained from leaning against the back wall as Guy did. “I think I will order our meal in tonight. I have no wish to go anywhere.”

Guy grunted in agreement. “What a total waste of a day. Not a fucking sign of them anywhere.”

“I did not expect to find them in a so short a time. Midas is rather large.” Raoul said evenly. The Blondie had been surprisingly tolerable throughout the week. He hadn’t done anything to belittle Guy, in fact he had treated him as a guest. It was unnerving to say the least. Guy had come to feel very comfortable in his presence, perhaps too comfortable.

“Well whoop-de-do for you. I thought we’d fine a clue or something at least.” Guy grated out in frustration. Raoul smiled down at the Mongrel, his eyes alight with good humor. He was about to reply when another Blondie joined them in the elevator, the door whisking closed behind him. Guy instantly stiffened, moving away from the wall to stand by Raoul. Guy had seen a good number of Blondies since coming here, but this one was new. He was most definitely a Blondie but his hair was tied up in dreadlocks and his clothes were a bit messier than most Blondies would deem appropriate. The Blondie smiled at Raoul as he stepped closer.

“Hey Raoul, didn’t know you lived here too. I just moved in, it’s a nice place isn’t it?” The Blondie said with a thick husk.

Raoul straightened, his body quivering as if he had just heard the squeal of metal on metal. It seemed that he was as uncomfortable in this Blondie’s presence as Guy was.

“Hastins,” Raoul grated out in brief acknowledgment. “Elevator suite 001,” he said sending the elevator up. Guy breathed a sigh of relief. The trip would be short and then they could escape to the sanctuary of Raoul’s apartment.

“Elevator halt.” Hastins said stopping the elevator in its tracks. Raoul gave him a questioning look. “Raoul, I’ve been meaning to talk with you, and now seems as good a time as any.” He looked down at Guy with clear hatred. “There’s been talk at the office, you know, about you keeping this Mongrel here. I know you want to use him for information and all, but why not just leave him at the office? It’s got to be a real pain, having him stinking up you apartment and all.”

“Fuck you!” Guy spat out unable to hold his tongue. “I don’t fucking stink you ass hole. You’d be a whole lot more annoying to live with than me anyways. Besides he’s not using me for anything. I agreed to help ‘im and I wouldn’t do shit if he was treating me like some fucking cell rat.”

A small smile played at Raouls lips, for some reason he didn’t seem to mind Guy’s outburst. Though Guy was beginning to regret it by the way that Hastins was eyeing him.

“Indeed. You should try to control your pet Raoul, that is unless he’s already controlling you.” Hastins spat out. “I hope you intend to punish him for such blatant rudeness towards one of his betters.”

“You ain’t my fucking better, Blondie.” Guy said.

Hastins moved quite quickly, faster than Guy could react. The Mongrel barely had time to figure out that Hastins was about to punch him across his face when Raoul moved in front of him, blocking the attack.

“Elevator, resume.” Raoul said causing the elevator to climb upward once more as he lowered the arm that had taken the attack for the Mongrel. Guy stood frozen behind the Blondie staring in shook and still trying to figure out what the hell just happened. “I will deal with my property as I see fit. You are not to harm what is mine without permission is that clear?” Raoul said with venom in his voice. He sounded very calm, but there was a hint of hostility in his tone that Guy could just barely detect.

Hastins blinked, his eyes widening in shock before narrowing in anger. “You’re defending him?”

“I will do as I please with him.” The door to the elevator opened and Raoul took Guy’s wrist, pulling him along behind him as he left the elevator. Guy followed behind limply, too overcome with emotion to resist. He could see an ugly blemish on Raoul’s arm for where the Blondie had struck. If that punch had connected with any of Guy’s vitals he might not have survived it. Raoul had likely just saved him life, so why was he so fucking angry with him?

“Raoul,” Hastins was saying. “Think of your reputation. That Mongrel can only bring you harm in the end, especially considering what Jupiter has planned for them.“ Raoul turned as the elevator began to close. “What I chose to do off the clock is my own business. You will respect that.” The door to the elevator sealed shut before Hastins could answer. Raoul and Guy were once again alone in the hallway. Raoul turned without a word and headed in the direction of his rooms. Guy followed him, mixed emotions playing out in his mind. Raoul didn’t say a word until they were safely in his apartment. As soon as the front door closed he rounded on Guy, his eyes betraying his anger. “What were you thinking talking to a Blondie like that? Do you want to complicate this situation more?”

“The guy’s an asshole!” Guy shouted back lamely.

“I am well aware of that, but that is no reason to antagonize him. You do not want to make an enemy out of him!” Raoul said in an uncharacteristically loud voice.

“Why the hell would you care-“

“Because you are mine!” Raoul yelled cutting him off. Guy blinked and stared at Raoul, his anger forgotten for the moment as astonishment filled him. Raoul seemed like he couldn’t quite believe what he had said himself.

Guy narrowed his eyes and turned his back on the Blondie. “I am not your fucking property.” He said in a chocked voice, though deep down he knew he was whatever the hell Raoul wanted him to be. He defiantly didn’t have any control over it. If Raoul wanted to hold him here he could. If he wanted to enslave him he could. If he wanted to kill him he could and no one would give a shit. Not anymore.

Raoul sighed and moved around the Mongrel. “Guy I didn’t mean it like that.”
Guy had his head hung down, his eyes on the ground so that he would not have to look at the Blondie. He didn’t want him to see the pain in his features, nor the tears that were threatening to fall. Was this a he was now, a possession?

“That’s what you told the other Blondie. You called me your property.” He said in a voice that threatened to betray his tears. To his utter shook Raoul knelt down before him so that he was looking up into Guy’s tortured eyes. He reached up a hand to stop a single teat that was threatening to fall as Guy blinked, unbelieving that a Blondie would kneel before him.

“Oh Guy, I said that because it was all that I could do to protect you. If that Blondie knew that I was keeping you here as my guest he would bring down the entire society on our heads. You would end up dead and I would be put through mouths of social conditioning. This is the way it has to be, it is the only way that I can protect you.”

“And if I wanted to leave?” Guy asked in that same shaky voice though in truth he didn’t want to leave. What the hell did he have to go back to now?

Raoul’s face wrinkled with pain, “than you would be taking away one of the only two people I have ever cared about, but I would let you go. I will not hold you against your will.”

Gu shook hi head, a few more tears fluttering from his eyes. “You could find Iason without my help-“

“I’m not talking about Iason.” Raoul cut in softly.

“Then who-“

“You Guy, I’m talking about you.” Raoul blurted out with a hint of frustration. “Guy I, you don’t know how much I-“ Raoul sighed and than leaned forward bring his face even with Guy’s. Then without any more warning than that Raoul’s lips pressed softly against Guy’s, his hands encircling with Mongrel’s lithe quivering form. Guy gasped his mouth opening to suck in air and unintentionally allowing the Blondie to deepen the kiss. Of anything that Raoul could have done this was the last thing that Guy had expected. Guy knew that he should pull away, should slap the Blondie or something but he was at a total loss. His heart ached for this for reasons he couldn’t comprehend and his mind was nowhere to be found. The feel of those soft velvety lips and the rich sweet taste of Raoul’s breath lulled him into a hazy sense of euphoria. Without really understanding what he was doing Guy reached forward and grasped at Raoul’s clothes, as if that simple act could save him from falling into this wonderfuly sinful trap. His lips danced against Raoul’s and he closed his eyes, happy to be lost in the sensation. Raoul moaned into the kiss, his miraculous hands finding their way under Guy’s shirt to rub against hot quivering flesh. Than as quick as it started it was ripped away. Raoul pulled back and shattered the odd dreamlike state that had so completely consumed Guy.

“I, I apologize Guy.” Raoul said breathlessly as he stood. “I don’t know why I did that. I am so sorry.” A tremor ran through the Blondie as he turned and headed for the washroom, clearly not sure what else to say.

“Raoul.” Guy reached out to him as he disappeared around the door. The Blondie didn’t respond, he seemed unable to handle what had just happened. Guy knew just how he felt. He had just kissed a Blondie and it had felt so right. He had betrayed Riki but a part of him just couldn’t regret it. Guy sat down hard on the floor right where he was, his hands coming up to his lips as a great wave of agonizing loss filled him. As horrible and dishonorable as it was Guy could not deny one thing. He had kissed a Blondie, and he was not sorry at all.

Well that’s it for now folks. The next chapter’s got a lemon and I promise I won’t keep Iason and Riki separated for long. They’ll see each other in the next chapter. Anyhow thanks for reading and please review, I swear they make me write faster. ^_^ Ethereal