Planet Ontaria

[La_Reina]

Xai saw little of the alien though she was constantly asked about him. She hadn't received word of his attendance to the Ball and she was starting to feel that his species was a rude species with little regard for others. If he didn't feel up to you she could postpone or cancel the whole thing all together. Though that would make for tense situations with neighboring planets. Xai hoped she was making the decision the alien would be comfortable with and went ahead with the preparations.

Hermes came to her often with reports on the alien's doings. He was learning their language and Xai had requested that Hermes teach him the common language in case he wanted to leave Ontaria. The common language was the most common language and just about every species could speak it in one form or another. It was just the most advanced races that could speak it fluently and elegantly. Xai also made sure to pay Hermes for his attentions to the alien since this was done on her request to help educate the alien at least somewhat. Xai also requested that Hermes speak to him about manners, respectfulness, how to address the royals that were coming to him, and if the man needed any help in dancing she would be the partner; if not then that would be fine.

Xai went to the seamstress the alien was using and smiled. It had seemed the woman liked the different challenges the alien brought to her and Xai could see that some improvement had been made. Though it didn't help the alien get a career underway, but it was not Xai's place to comment. Instead she requested a dress be made for the ball. It was no more than 3 days later and the seamstress called for Xai to get fitted for the dress. Xai was impressed the seamstress had worked so quickly and learned the seamstress already had a dress that she was working on in hopes that Xai would come to her, because the alien had come to her. It was sound logic and when Xai tried on the dress she was very happy she had.

http://www.bridesmaiddressesnewyork.com/images/Milky_Way_Galaxy_Dress_by_Maggie_Sottero_Flirt.jpg

 

[JadeKnight]

On the evening of the last night of the first week, Zion had waited till everyone in the Homestead was asleep to make some preparations for his next step in his plans. He did what he and soldiers in the military usually called re-allocation of resources, often when they had to resupply themselves due to lack of resources available to them at times. For him, it was camping supplies. He gathered up a backpack, cooking supplies, a sleeping bag, and rations from different areas of Homestead. He checked out several maps of the surrounding thousand miles of land and sea in a radius around Homestead.

The last thing he did before leaving was tack a note to Hermes door.

Hermes,
By the time you or anyone else reads this, I will be gone. It won't be forever, but only a few days. During my absence I want to make three requests of you. First, Tell Xai I plan on attending this gala she set up, if not for appearances sakes only. Leave that last part out. She will mostly like want to know where I went, but I wish to have no one to come looking for me. Simply tell her I've gone out on a personal mission and will be back in a few days.
My final request is for you only, and no one else to know if you would be so kind. Gather all the research you can find or get a hold of on the Lost sea area. No matter what the Queen says, nothing is impossible to overcome.

Zion Kodachi

 

[La_Reina]

Xai was in the call room speaking to some of the neighboring planets on resources and trade. They were coming like they always did to a consensus of what everyone needed and a few wants thrown in for fun. Like the Gala she wanted a few extra minerals and feathers to spruce up the castle. She was laughing when she heard a soft beep letting her know someone was at the door and wished to speak with her. Xai waved her hand in front of the camera letting the door open and motioned for Hermes to go to a nearby chair.

"Thank you ladies, gentleman, and everything else. I am honored this meeting has gone so smoothly as before."

There were sounds of appreciation before each and every species left. Xai turned off her own communication device and turned to Hermes. "Yes."

"He left Your Highness, but he will be back in time for the Gala."

"Where did he go?"

"I do not know."

Xai could tell there was more, but Hermes usually offered the information and she didn't want to be rude and press him for details. Xai nodded. "Mayhaps he is finally setting a career for himself in our country or exploring the neighboring borders. I will let the other Kings and Queens know so he won't get hurt. A little exploring is good, yes?"

Hermes wasn't sure if that was a rhetorical question, but he nodded nonetheless.

 

[JadeKnight]

It was nearly early evening when Zion found a place to camp out. It was a small cove on the edge of the sea, twenty miles from the Homestead. Once he had dinner, he stripped down to only his pants and went into a meditative trance.

He went deep into himself, sorting through all the information that had been forced into him. He found much of it probably wouldn't help him, mostly just useful for reference comparisons. He tried to see if there was any skills that he could go to for something besides being a soldier, but that seemed to be how he was hardwired.

All of his bodily functions had slowed to a crawl, so he had been deep in the trance for three days when he uncovered a sealed portion inside his mind. He had little idea that once it was opened, the events set in motion would change more than just himself. However, it was needed for him to open it in order to keep evolving and growing.

It took several attempts, but cracks soon appeared in the door. A few more attempts and the area flew open. Zion was suddenly hit with intense pain as his dragon half was released completely from his mind. A surge of darkness and pain racketed his body for a moment. The next surge of darkness gathered itself into the crystal chunk in his hand. A ray of darkness shoot up into the sky, arcing through the air. It was visible to all to see who happened to be looking out at the sunsets on that evening.

The darkness ray arced directly into the area of water where Running Wind IV had crashed into the sea. The darkness struck the largest piece of the dimensional shifter, the glowing object the scientists had been studying, engulfing it for several seconds. The compressed energy was soon too much for the shifter to hold, and the darkness exploded outward while destroying the shifter. The ship was destroyed in the process, and all the debris within the ship floated to the surface, bloody bits of bodies, supplies, and other stuff.

A silver titanium case floated to the surface as well, riding the current towards Homestead. It bore an inscription in Japanese that said "Project Zion" across the top of the suitcase. It was airtight, so the contents were protected from anything that could damage it.

A sphere of dark energy traveled through out the entire galaxy, passing through every living creature. They felt a sense of hopelessness and dread for a few moments before the feeling went away. It also left behind a tiny seed of darkness, which would begin to feed on anyone's dark desires or actions. However it would be a couple of weeks before they started to take effect.

For Zion, the entire ordeal he was knocked out cold, collapsing on the camp for the rest of the night.

 

[La_Reina]

Xai was disturbed from her chambers with word of strange sighting near the beach. Xai had listened to countless tales of a weird beam of light exploding into the sky. Afraid the neighboring planets could see it and they would think it was an act of aggression Xai quickly channeled the planets. Some had seen the light others had not, but they were reassured of a weird phenomenon that had occurred and nothing more. After she was done with politics Xai returned to her chambers.

"Mayhaps it is the alien? But what was he doing? Is it a weapon?" No one had mentioned that feeling of intense depression that had washed over them and Xai assumed it had just been herself. Though she hadn't felt that in a long time if not ever. Xai was perplexed too many emotions running through her. She needed answers, but only had more questions. Her planet never had that bright light thing happen before and now that the alien is here it happens. It had to be him, but what was it?

The next mornings Xai was busy making the final touches for the gala. It was finally the night of the gala and she hadn't seen the alien. She hoped he would be on time. Some of the guests had arrived early to take residence in the castle and be on time to the event. Xai hugged and kissed the Amazonians, the Cratez, and various other species from different sizes, colors, and genders. Each was shown their own room and she made sure a private meal was sent up to each person.

Xai turned and saw Hermes. "Good. Where is he?" At the blank look she almost growled in frustration. She shouldn't invade on his question to explore, but the man was forgetting his own party in his honor. Should she make the call to find him or trust his word and let him come on his own?

 

[JadeKnight]

Zion woke a few hours later, a pounding headache. He also found himself transformed. His head had became that of a dragon, sharp teeth filling an elongated snout. His eyes were fully draconic and blood red in color. His entire body was covered in large jet black scales. His fingers ended in three inch long claws. A pair of large wings came out of his back at his shoulder blades and a three foot scaly tail.

He figured he could fly, but he didn't have the time to test that out. He needed to revert back to human form before he went back to Homestead or things would get out of hand before he could bring them under control yet. The crystal in his right hand had become jet black.

It took him the rest of the week before finally getting the transformation ability back under control, somewhat. He wasn't ready to go back till it was fully under control. That took him till the last morning of the third week. He made it back unseen into Homestead, putting everything he had borrowed back into their proper places.

He made his way back to his room where it looked like a suit had been laid out for him. He smirked for a moment, carefully putting it on. He took a moment to look at himself in the mirror, chuckling.

"Not bad."

He made his way towards the room the gala was being held. He grinned for a moment as he spotted Xai talking to HErmes for a moment. He moved up behind her quietly, a hand placed lightly on her ass as he spoke quietly next to her ear.

"Did I miss anything?"

 

[La_Reina]

Xai was playing hostess and was frequently asked questions about the visitor from outer space. She laughed and made coy remarks about being late and piquing everyone's curiosity while inwardly she wondered if she was going to be made the fool. She hated this feeling and haven't felt this way since she was child. Uncertainty and slight betrayal were not new, but unwelcome feelings. Xai hated to ask, since she had refrained for a full 24 hours, but she approached Hermes and simply just look. The look asked it all and she knew he understood as she gave a small smile and shook his head. "Well, at least the party seems pleasant and that everyone is having a good time." Hermes nodded. "I also want to thank you for everything you have done. I would like to extend my offer to employing you as the Court's Linguist for all situations that may need a dual tongue. The pay is triple what you receive now, you will be needed at all hours, and will have a private room in the castle. Whenever you are needed you will come. That is something that cannot be lax."

Xai was waiting for Hermes counter offer or maybe just an offer of acceptance when she felt a hand on her bum. She turned sharply to their guest, grabbed his hand in an iron grip, took it off her behind. "DO NOT ever touch me without express permission. I do not know where you went or who you were with, but you will never lay hands on me like that and live." Xai turned away muttering about barbarian aliens before she raised her voice to acknowledge the room. "Ladies, Gentleman, Voids, and Zulrks. I present you... the Alien Zion."

A round of applause, some oohs, and aaah, and suddenly Zion was swarmed. Hermes was there to help him as Xai slipped through the crowd still angry and went to a balcony to cool off. The nerve, the gall, and she was ready to raise hell. She suddenly stopped. Where had the anger come from? Yes, she had every right, but she was ready to start a war and she was a peace keeper. Xai sat down on a cushion trying to figure out where these intense emotions were coming from.

 

[JadeKnight]

Zion just smirked for a moment as she gripped his wrist and spoke angrily to him. He chuckled a little at her mutterings before he was surrounded by the alien guests. He gave a smile to the guests, fielding questions as best as he could. He made up his planet of origin, and regaled them with stories of tall tales.

They guests loved his stories, but they soon moved away as the dancing began. He walked to the edge of the dance floor, watching the dancers and listening to the music. The music was unfamiliar to him, but the dance moves were very familiar to him. Though he didn't have the skills completely, he was sure he could do it with no problem.

He was pretty sure that Xai had calmed down a little bit, so he went out to where she was. He paused at the door, holding out a hand.

"Feel like a dance or two?"

He gave a smile to her, though he was also thinking it was time to get the game of cat and mouse started, going after the Queen for his own.

 

[La_Reina]

And the reason for her anger returned to her sooner than she would have liked. She stared up at the man and knew refusing would be rude though she had some inner desire to be just that. Instead she placed her soft hand in his and let him pull her to her feet from the cushion. Xai brushed past him into the great hall and stood in the center. Every other dancer gave her room as her dress wooshed around her. Xai waited for Zion to get closer before the music started.

"I hope you know the LeStep. It's uh, simliar to your ..." Xai paused and thought for a moment. She remember Hermes and her talking about dances they could do to include Zion so he wouldn't feel left out. "Like your Tan-o. I think it's called." Xai hoped she was pronouncing the dance correctly and if he even knew it. She held up her hands and waited before she would give the signal to the musicians to play.

"Ready?"

 

[JadeKnight]

He chuckled softly for a moment.
"It's the Tango. And yes, I'm ready anytime."

He placed one hand around her waist, and held her other hand in his as the music started. He was a little slow at the steps during the first dance. He easily picked everything up by the middle of the second dance. He spoke softly as they danced in the middle of the dance floor.

"If you mus know, I was out in the middle of a small cove a few miles from here, alone. I merely spent my time meditating on what's been taught to me so far, and lived off the land. It was really quite helpful."

He continued to dance with her for a third dance and it was nearing the end of the song when he decided to make his play. He twirled her for a moment before suddenly pulling her against him. He stole a kiss from her sweet lips for a moment before he twirled her away again, letting her go as the last note dropped.

He took a bow towards her with a little smile on his face. His eyes glowed a soft red for a moment, or that could have been the imagination.

"I had a wonderful dance Queen."

It was but a moment later that other females guests were around him, asking for a dance as well. He shook his head softly, extracting from them carefully.

"I am sorry ladies, but it getting late. Perhaps another time."

He made his way to the door where he turned once more. Catching Xai's attention, he gave another bow. A few guests passed in between them, and he was gone when they had passed by completely.

 

[La_Reina]

Xai nodded and in her mind she repeated the words 'Tango,' not wanting to mess up his language any more than she wanted him to mess up hers. Xai was in his arms and as she nodded the music started and at first they were the only couple. It wasn't as graceful as she would have liked, but it was getting there. It was obvious Zion was rusty, but he picked up quickly. Other couples joined in and there was laughter and gaiety.

Xai glanced at Zion. She hadn't asked a question, but he was speaking to her as if she had. She shouldn't have cared where he went, but she had. She nodded. "You did not have to tell me your whereabouts. You are free on this planet, alien, and I hope you join our society with whatever talents you have gleamed from your time alone." Xai hoped her words were inspirational as well as professional. She tugged to pull back, but Zion wasn't letting go and the next dance started. Smiling she continued on with this dance that was just a moving of the body from side to side.

"Though, there are other planets that would love to house you as well. You do not need to feel compelled to stay on Ontaria or if you are an explorer to get a team and explore. I'll help you as much as possible." The song ended and Xai was going to sit, but a third song had her still in his arms. She glanced around noticing quite a few stares and knew this was unlikely. It would seem that Zion and Xai might have a relationship. She didn't want to give people the wrong impression.

"Zion...", but he twirled her and her lips brushed his before she was twirled back away and finally released from his grip. He bowed and she automatically curtsied as her mind flew into overdrive on what just happened and the reactions around her. She slowly made her way to the Grand Chair where she could sit and overlook the proceedings and it didn't pass her that Zion was retiring and had danced with no one else. Xai glanced back to Zion wondering about everything and when she turned back he was gone.

That night Xai stayed later than she wanted. She had plenty of questions to answer too and none that she truly knew the answer too. Everyone had a lovely evening. It was proven she didn't have a new super power to take over the worlds (heavens forbid).

Xai left the maids to clean up and walked out into her garden. The moon was just a tiny sliver and it gave enough light to see a few feet ahead. She sat down in the midst of her flowers and thought. Did she see his eyes go red? Did she feel heat in her chest when his lips touched her? Mayhaps she was entering her heat cycle? She should get a confidante to spend her evenings with to take care of her heat cycle. It seemed too soon, but obviously something was amiss with her.

 

[JadeKnight]

When Zion retired, he locked himself in the room for the night. He hadn't tried to use his wings much on the camp-out, so he figured tonight would be a good night to. It took a few moments for him to create his black leather wings, stretching them out to their full eight foot wingspan. It was a different feeling for him, a completely different set of muscles than he was used to.

Though the room didn't offer much room to move his wings, he did the best he could. After three hours of slow flapping and stretching, his entire back was sore. He had a little more control over them, but he didn't feel like he could fly with them yet. He detransformed his wings and went to bed soon after the nightly singing started.

 

[La_Reina]

Xai awoke the next day and started attending to her daily business. She was in the non-formal sitting room speaking with Meeka. She had used Meeka before. He was a nice looking man with dark red hair and sparkling green eyes. He was kind, sweet, and had the penis that made Xai's mouth water just thinking about it.

"I thank you for coming so early and being available. I will make sure you're things are delivered next to my suite." Xai paused seeing Hermes come to the room. She beckoned for him to enter. she was almost done with Meeka. "The next few days we will be attending formal functions for Zion whom I hope you will meet and become friends with. He will be needing guidance on protocol and perhaps some male friends." Xai stood up signaling the meeting was over. Meeka rose, went to Xai, kissed her hand, said some kind words and left.

"Hermes. I need you to let Zion know that we have had extensive pleas for his attendance to a few gatherings. I would like for him to attend so we can have a better relationship with our allies and work a few deals. I would like to know if Zion had found anything of interest to him in our world as well as a career like linguist such as yourself. We can help him with those. Let him know that our first obligation is to the Amazonians and it's a 72 hour warp speed trip. If he needs garments I will arrange for them to be made. If he has any qualms please let me know and I will try to speak to him personally about it. Here are the invites," Xai passed Hermes a computer chip that had approximately 20. "I scaled them down to 5 for now. If he wants to add or subtract any please let me know."

Hermes could only nod as he was given direction after direction. When it was over Xai swept out and Hermes felt he had a lot on his plate, but he was the Queen's chief Linguist. He was getting paid handsomely and all because of some alien. His life was really on the high. Hermes found Zion and began telling him what Xai wanted. As an afterthought Hermes thought Zion would like a female on his arm. "Zion would you like me to arrange for a Confidante to attend these parties with you. A Confidante will not tell your secrets and will please you sexually if you desire. The Queen's Confidante will be attending and I'm sure she wouldn't mind you bringing yours."

 

[JadeKnight]

When Zion woke up that morning, he had the feeling that he was going to be caught up in some very strange events. Though he was sure that he would be a cause of a few himself, which caused him to chuckle. He also had a strange tingling in his right hand, a point that kept moving around in the crystal like a pointer.

He was in the middle of trying to figure out what the tingling meant when Hermes came up to him. He tilted his head a little as he listened to the linguist explain everything that Xai had wanted relayed to him. He was quiet for a few moments as he thought things over.

"Alright then. I will need garments of course, that's a given. And sure, why not, I'll take a Confidante."

It wasn't exactly what he really wanted, but he couldn't voice that at the moment. He also had to figure out the source of the tingling. He raised an eyebrow at Hermes who seemed to be waiting for something else.

"You can go now. I have something to take care. Just find me later whenever."

He watched Hermes move off before experimenting with the tingling. It finally lead he down to the beach where he had first been brought out of the water, the tingling now a steady throbbing, like a heartbeat.

Piles of broken metal, electronics, and body parts were stacked up along the beach. He recognized the body parts, many of which still had tatters of clothing, as the dead scientists. The rest of the debris were from the unmanned ship that he had appeared on. He estimated the electronics alone were a major find. However the throbbing was pointing him to a small tent that had been set up a few feet away.

Inside, a older looking Ontarian was examining a sheaf of papers. A large box filled with the shards of the dimensional crystal was sitting out on a table, which his throbbing was point to. Zion cleared his throat for a moment.

"That's quite a collection of debris on the beach."

The male grinned as he looked up at Zion.

"Yes, it was my lucky salvage..oh, your the alien."

Zion laughed for a moment.

"Yes, I am. And your salvage? I believe you have that wrong. Technically that belongs to me, since I was in possession of it last."

"No, you're wron...."

Zion laughed and held up his right hand.

"This says otherwise. This is the same substance as those crystals. However, I could make a deal with you, since you seem to be interested in those parts."

The male blinked for a moment, looking a little scared, Finally he nodded with a little smile.

"What sort of deal?"

Zion hmmed for a moment as he thought, looking around the tent. He smiled as he noticed the case with "Project Zion" on it.

"Here's the deal. You can have the ship parts, electronics, and body parts. I just want those crystals and that suitcase over there."

"Why the body parts?"

"You might say they could make some good fertilizer for growing."

Zion wasn't quite sure about that, but it was worth a shot. The male was quiet for several moments as he thought it over. Finally he smiled and nodded.

"Deal."

"Good. I need a request of you, make it part of the deall. I want those crystals made into a necklace, two bracelets, and a couple of ankle bracelets. Also, put the largest piece on the necklace as a pendent in this form..."

The male was silent, looking confused as Zion grabbed some paper and drew on it for a few minutes. The drawing soon became the view of a black dragon from the front, wings spread outward to either side. It's head was turned to the right, breathing a gout of fire. The whole thing was six inches from tip to tip. The male was taken back a bit at the sight, shuttering.

"But..But.."

Zion frowned and then growled.

"No buts. Can you get a team to do this in a few hours, and get it delivered to the Queen?"

The male looked a little shaken, but he nodded. Zion smiled, grabbing the suitcase before making his way back to Homestead.

 

[La_Reina]

Xai was busy too busy. She was overlooking the affairs of her state. The harsh winter was coming and she was making sure they would have enough food, water, and wood to last the 8 months. This one was going to brutal and cruel and she didn't want to lose any people. Plus there were to be a few births that were way out in the country. She needed to make sure they had the necessary supplies to survive. Plus she still had parties and other political things she had to deal with.

"Your Highness. There has been debris wash ashore."

Xai looked up at the messenger. She sighed. She was so busy. "What sort of debris?"

"Ship parts and ... bodies."

Xai stood up shocked. "Oh no. Okay, I'll be there. We must honor their spirits and set them to rest."

"Yes, but ..." Xai huffed annoyed. She quickly smiled to ease her the rudeness of her previous actions. What was wrong with her? "The alien had taken some of the body parts."

"What? Why?"

"I don't know Your Highness."

Xai nodded and dismissed the messenger. Xai signed a few more sheets so she could get to a stopping part. She stood up and Hermes came to her telling her what Zion and he spoke about. She nodded. "Find me Zion. I need to speak to him personally." Xai excused Hermes as he left to deliver the message to Zion.

"My queen," Xai stopped to see Meeka approached her. "You looked stressed."

Xai smiled. "There's not enough hours in a day." Xai leaned forward and Meeka kissed her passionately. Xai pulled back with a smile. "I will see you tonight, but first I must leave."

"I thought we would spend lunch together." Xai patted his cheek softly and left. She made promises to try when she got back.

 

[JadeKnight]

Zion was in the main courtyard trying to open the briefcase when Hermes found him. He didn't even notice Hermes approach, being so focused on trying to open it. He knew whatever was inside was very valuable to him. The lock was a simple combination one, but it would take forever to randomly try. He noticed a metal tag attached to the handle with Dr. Kodachi's full name and a short series of numbers.
"Excuse me, sir."
Zion blinked for a moment and looked up at the linguist. It took a moment for him to take in his surroundings.
"Oh, hey HErmes. Give me a second, will you?"
Hermes nodded as Zion went back to his task. He tried the number sequence on the lock and it came right open. Zion laughed and spoke to himself in Japanese.
"You idiot Dr. Kodachi. Sly, but still an idiot."
Inside the briefcase was a black foamy lining that was cut to accommodate and protect several items. A large black laptop took up the left half of the inside. A large test was nestled next to the laptop, filled with bone shards and labeled in Japanese as Black Dragon bones. A small red flash drive labeled 100GB was in the lower left corner with the power cord above it. Zion hmmed for a moment before closing and locking the case.
"Now what's up?"
Zion frowned as he listened to Hermes before laughing.
"It's a matter of miscommunication my boy. Let's go before the Queen gets her panties in a bunch."
They made their presence known to Xai a short while later, Zion still carrying the briefcase. He gave a bow before speaking.
"Now before you get your panties any more in a bunch, let me explain..."
He didn't give her a chance to complain as he launched into the details of what happened. He did leave out the part about making the gems into a gift for her. He held up his right hand for a moment to show the black gem.
"I believe this was mistaken as a body part. This is merely a fragment of a larger crystal that embedded itself into my hand. The shattered crystal was never even a human body part."
He looked between the two for a moment before pulling out the laptop power cord.
"Any idea where I could get a direct current power source to plug this into?"

 

[La_Reina]

Xai was in the private eating area with Meeka. They were smiling and laughing and he was teasing her by putting Sgardini on a spoon, offering it to her, but keeping the spoon just out of reach. It was fun, light, and a bit sexy when Hermes arrived with Zion. Xai turned to the two and smiled. Xai was about to introduce Zion to Meeka when Zion opened his mouth and insulted her. Xai couldn't think as he went on about what was thought to be body parts. When he was done Xai slowly rose to her full height, even if it was shorter than Zion's.

"Are you finished?" She waited not sure if he would need a translation. "You will never address me in that fashion again. If I feel the need to know something from the alien in MY country I will know it and you will never refer to my undergarments or my attitude in such a manner again. Am I clear or so help me we will clean out the cells and throw you in it. I don't care if you are from another time, dimension, or anything."

Xai couldn't focus on his question or what he had told her about crystals. She looked at the pretty ornaments and sat down. She turned to Meeka who was looking shocked. Never had he heard her so angry. Xai turned to Hermes and Zion ignoring his question. "You both are excused. I'm having the mid day meal." Xai turned back to Meeka.