Fray

After a long while, Soleil's little friend has regained some color, and her breathing is evening out. She is just sleeping now, and she needs the rest to regain her energy and heal from her fall.

In my head I curse Locanas. I will have to deal with him later.

Since Elodie is looking better, Soleil agrees to leave with me. She's reluctant, and wary, her eyes large and afraid when we leave the medbay. But, she puts her tiny hand in mine, and the electric shock of her touch puts an excited grin on my face.

Luckily, we don't pass many males at all. I praise the Gods. They were amazed to see two females. The first time any of them have seen one before, let alone two at once. But they're willingness to simply grab them without thought? It's ridiculous. They need to control their urges.

I forced all of the males to return to the ship, afraid that some would take their impatience to a whole new level. I was suspecting that they would try to raid the human den, which would not be good.

They are stationed here now, with occasional groups going to the den. It was a good plan, and I thought that Soleil was done with me. She hadn't come to see me in days, so I decided to stay away to give her some space.

And then I hear a scream. A human, very female scream. My heart had stopped in my chest and I rushed towards the noise. I was terrified at what I would find. I found her in the woods with Locanas, and another female. I wonder if she was coming to look for me. I would like to think so. There is one way to find out, and I'm going to try it out.

Leading her down the hall, I bring us to the control room, looking through the shelves until I find what I'm looking for. A translation chip. I hold the case in my hand, my fingers gripping it tight.

Soleil stands nearby, looking around the room with curiosity. All the blinking lights and technology surrounding her is likely confusing. Her world is so very different from mine. Humans are barbaric. Basic. She will learn much if she decides to join me.

She doesn't understand what I'm about to do either, and I know that it will hurt her. Is it worth it? Should I use the only translation chip we have on board for this female? Is it the right thing to do, or am I blinded by bias?

I take a deep breath. I know that Soleil is the right choice for this chip. She has faith in me, and she takes charge. When faced with her friend's injuries, she became so protective and fierce. I know that she will do well in gathering the human females together to join our males. She is smart, and sweet. I just don't want to make her feel any pain.

"What is it, Fray?" Her tiny fingers touch my arm, and I blink down at her. She's so open and curious, and trusting. I realize how incredibly close Soleil is to me, and I gulp. I want to touch her, to hold her. These are thoughts I shouldn't be having. I wonder what she would do if she knew what was in my mind.

"I know I have to do this, but I am not strong enough." I tell her in a murmur, gently brushing where her fingers touch my forearm. I tell myself that Soleil has to get this chip eventually, so it might as well be from me.

Before I can open the case, Soleil takes it from me, wrinkling her eyebrows down at it with wonder. She pries at the lid, twirling it around with her nimble fingers as she searches for a way to open it.

"What is this thing?" The little human peers at the black box, trying to open it and failing. I chuckle in amusement at my little human.

"Give it here." I command gently, taking it back and popping it open easily by pinching the side buttons. She gasps when she sees the translation chip. I purse my lips grimly as all traces of amusement die inside of me.

I grip the tiny piece of metal, and I lift it to Soleil's right ear. I put my palm on her neck, holding her in place. She doesn't flinch away, doesn't give off any smell of fear. In fact, she looks remarkably calm. I sigh.

She is so trusting, and I can only hope that she will not lose that trust that I love so much when she feels the sting.

"I am so very sorry." I whisper, and then I press the cold, unfeeling device to her ear cavity, and the chip does its job. It burrows deep, climbing down into her ear like a parasite.

Soleil's shout of pain is my worst nightmare, she slams and hand to her ear as fear sprouts on her features. I hate myself for a split second, but it had to be done.

The agony is over with very quickly, and I'm glad for it. I can breathe easier. And now, my sweet female can understand every word I say. I didn't expect to feel so much relief and... excitement.

"I'm sorry, but it was necessary. I pray you'll forgive me, little female." Soleil jolts at the sound of my voice, and I laugh, a nice sound after the unfortunate incident.

There's so much overwhelming kindness and caring in her in brown eyes. I gulp, my jaw hardening.

"You can talk? I mean, of course you could talk, but English? Oh wait, is it because of that thing you out in my ear?" She blurts the words, excited and animated. She's acting like a kit. It is fitting. She's tiny.

I nod, smiling at her.

"It is for translating, my kind made them. They have thousands of languages encrypted. Including many languages from Earth." I explain, and she perks up even more, grinning from ear to ear.

"I'm so happy I can understand you now! This is so cool!" Soleil hops up and down, and I feel so endeared towards her that my heart wrenches in my chest.

"I am glad as well. There are many things I need to tell you." I murmur, tucking a small lock of hair behind her precious ear.

Soleil stills, staring up at me with her wide, dark eyes. And then, a smile appears on her face, lighting up the whole room and my entire universe.

"There is so much I want to hear. Tell me everything." She insists.

My brow wrinkles in confusion.

"What do you mean by everything?" I wonder. Humans are confusing creatures. Soleil simply laughs at me.

"I don't know. Everything, anything. Like where did you come from? Why are you here? What's your world like? What do you...."

I press a finger to her plush lips, silencing her and her never ending questions. She is an adorable creature, and a curious one as well.

"I am from Rytaria. A planet many rotations away from your Earth." I explain slowly, watching the excitement in her eyes grow. I decide to answer her questions one at a time.

I smile fondly at Soleil's interest in my background, but quickly turn somber when I realize I have to tell her about our mission. The sad story of our planet, and how it's on the brink of extinction.

"We need females. Our race has no more females of our own, so we came to Earth to find the only ones who can save us." I grab her tiny hand in my own. So delicate, so powerless, and yet, she holds the fate of my kind in these hands. "Human females are compatible. We came here to find mates."

Soleil contemplates this, chewing on the inside of her cheek with anxiousness. Her features pale. I grow worried the longer she remains silent.

"Mates?" She asks, and I nod furiously.

"Yes, mates. We need females. Not only for the continuation of our race, but for companionship. For joy. Our males are lonely. No race is complete without the beauty and grace that females present."

My small speech has rendered Soleil silent once again. She stands before me with a blank expression on her face, right before some emotion leaks into her eyes. A fantastic thing shines in her face. Hope.

Suddenly the small female clears her throat, staring up at me unflinchingly. My breath catches. She continues to amaze me.

"How many... mates do your males get each?" She questions, and I falter. I had not been expecting that.

I lift my eyebrows. I'm confused at why she would ask something so strange.

"What do you mean?" I counter, inviting her to explain. She presses her lips together. It is adorable. I try to remain focused.

"How many females does one male get?" Soleil says. I am dumbfounded.

"One. The bond between a female and male is sacred. Why would a male take multiple mates? That is absurd." There aren't words to describe how confused I am by her questions.

My confusion grows when she jumps forward to hug me, her slim arms wrapping around my waist as she presses her head into my stomach. I don't flinch away, but I do start with shock.

"Thank goodness. Oh, thank goodness." She murmurs into my shirt, and I don't miss the fact that her hefty chest presses against me. I swallow roughly, trying to keep my thoughts on track.

This female has trusted me to care for her, I will not take advantage of her.

My breath catches in my throat when the female grabs at me, pulling me by my shirt until I'm bent at the waist. Soleil stands on the tips of her toes, and suddenly her lips are on mine!

I blank. I do not know what to do. I have never been kissed, least of all on the lips! It is so strange, the pressing of lips together, but I cannot say I do not enjoy it.

Leaning into her, I grab her little face in my hands, before realizing that I can't keep bending down liken this. So, I shift my hands until they're grabbing her hips tightly. I lift Soleil, our lips staying connected as I hoist her to my level. Her plush, round thoughts wrap around my middle.

So much for not taking advantage of the female, it would seem she has other plans.