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Alden followed Kairos out the door into the corridor beyond and was immediately brought to a stop by the view that lay before him. He and his Master were in a corridor lined with doors along one wall, presumably all leading to rooms like the one they had just exited. But the opposite wall was made of huge windows looking out onto an impressive vista. It was a city of elaborate towers and skyscrapers, gleaming immaculate structures of metal and glass under a beautiful blue sky dotted with the occasional cloud. Flying vehicles of all shapes and sizes zipped to and fro wherever he looked. Gazing down, he glimpsed a network of wide public avenues decorated with all manner of architectural flourishes. Green parks were dotted here and there, splashes of colour breaking up the cityscape. “Ah yes…” Kairos had stopped a short distance away when he realised Alden wasn’t following him along the corridor and was now looking back at him. “You won’t have ever seen the Upper Districts of the city before. I imagine it is an impressive sight to your eyes.” “Yes, it is, Master…” Alden muttered, not taking his eyes from the view. The tiger tutted gently. “Come along now, my pet. There will be plenty of time for admiring views later.” He chuckled. “Especially as the one from my penthouse is even better.” At last, the badger pulled his gaze from the window and padded over to where Kairos was waiting. The tiger patted him on the shoulder. “Now, I should explain, you need to stay at my side, Alden.” He said. “Do not fall behind, or wander off or get distracted. Pets are only allowed out in public when accompanied by their owner, except in emergency situations. And do not speak to anyone unless they speak to you first, and then, of course, keep any response respectful.” “I understand, Master.” The badger nodded, finding himself eager to show Kairos he could be a good pet. The tiger led the way through a series of sterile white-walled corridors and into a large reception area, filled with comfortable-looking benches, some occupied with waiting Apex of varying species, some talking to each other, some engrossed in the holo-screens of their palm computers. An exit to the outside world was set into the far wall. A large desk manned by attendants took up one wall, behind them a large sign declared this place to be ‘District Pet Care Clinic’. As he glanced about, Alden noticed one of the waiting Apex seemed to be accompanied by his pet. A large muscular wolf was having a whispered conversation with the much smaller arctic fox sat beside him, who had a collar around his neck, black with decorative silver patterns… Of course, it is traditional for pets to wear collars gifted by their owner. Alden’s mind suddenly supplied this information, part of his suppressed knowledge coming back to him in a flash. The badger noticed how the white-furred fox was looking at his owner with what looked like genuine affection and adoration, and couldn’t help but wonder if he would end up looking at Kairos like that. And he realised that some part of him hoped he would. He pulled his attention back to the tiger, remembering how he’d been told not to get distracted and hurried to keep up with his owner’s pace as he headed for the reception desk. The attendant he approached, a leopard in the same white uniform as most of the staff of this clinic, looked up at Kairos, smiling and nodding. “Ah yes, Lord Kairos. I have the exit paperwork for your new pet right here.” He handed over a data-pad. “It just needs your approval and signature.” Kairos took the data-pad and started scrolling through its display as Alden took up a position by his side. The leopard noticed him and seemed a little taken aback. “You chose that one, my Lord?” The attendant said in surprise. “We do have better subjects, more physically impressive, more striking in their appearance, more…” He trailed off as Kairos lowered the data-pad to look at the leopard. He didn’t say anything, just fixed him with an intense glare of disapproval. “My apologies, my Lord, I… I didn’t mean…” The leopard shrank back under his stare, bowing his head and breaking eye contact. “I’m very sorry, Lord Kairos, it is not my place to question you or anyone else’s choice of pet…” “No.” Kairos said, his tone dripping with annoyance. “It is not.” He returned his attention to the data-pad. “This all seems in order.” He signed it by pressing his thumb to the pad’s scanner, and then dropped it onto the desk. “Have a copy sent to my personal data feed promptly and I might not send your supervisor a message of complaint.” The leopard paled at that and snatched up the pad. “Yes, my Lord, I shall do it right away!” He glanced at Alden and then back at Kairos. “Good day, Lord Kairos, enjoy your new pet!” “I shall.” Said Kairos, his response short and clipped. He placed a possessive hand on Alden’s shoulder and guided him toward the exit as the badger was left thoughtful by the exchange he had just witnessed. After stepping out into the sweet fresh air, Kairos guided him along a short avenue to a series of landing pads nearby. He briefly checked his palm computer. “I have signalled my personal skimmer, it should be here shortly to pick us up.” There didn’t seem to be many people about at the moment, but there were a few. All Apex of course, Alden could tell by their size, what with them all being bigger than the likes of him. A few even had collared pets walking with them, further highlighting to him how much smaller and weaker Runts like him seemed to be. He shook off that thought. The badger knew it was just the way of world he lived in, the way Apex and Runts were. Letting it distract him would accomplish nothing. He tried to remain focused on Kairos. Except that led him to troubling thoughts about the exchange with the leopard. “Here we are.” Kairos came to a stop by the landing pads and looked back at him. “It shouldn’t be too long…” He stopped when he saw the badger’s expression. “Alden, what’s wrong?” Alden quickly tried to put on a smile. “Err… nothing, Master! I’m fine!” The big tiger considered that for a moment and then reached out and placed a gentle comforting hand on the badger’s shoulder. “Alden, you are obviously not fine. Something is troubling you. And as my property, my pet, it is both my duty and desire to help and protect you as much as I am able. Whenever something is bothering you, I would like you to tell me, so that I may do what I can to help. You have my word, I will never judge you.” He let out a sigh. “Or, if you do not yet trust me enough to share what worries you, please just say so. I will understand.” He looked at Alden, golden eyes filled with warmth. Alden took a deep breath, debating how to respond. He realised he actually did trust Kairos. And he supposed keeping things bottled up would do no good to anyone. “Master, it’s just that… Why did you choose me to be your pet? If there really were other, better subjects to choose from…” Kairos rumbled a slight growl and muttered under his breath, his tail lashing behind him. “Now I am definitely going to send a message of complaint to that supervisor…” He focused his full attention on Alden again. “Listen to me… ‘better’ is a very subjective term. As far as I am concerned, I chose the best candidate they had to offer. My selection wasn’t based purely on physical or aesthetic properties…” The tiger allowed himself a sly smile. “Although personally, I think you have a wonderful physique and I have always found the fur patterns of badger’s to be rather striking.” Alden blushed a little at the compliments as Kairos continued. “I selected you based primarily on your psychological profile. You have many qualities and traits that I believe will mesh well with my own and make you a stimulating and pleasing companion. You were rated highly in intelligence, creativity and adaptability. The fact that you are also adorably handsome made for a nice bonus…” He looked up as he was interrupted by the whine of anti-grav engines, from a vehicle that was descending to the landing pad beside them. “Ah, here’s my skimmer.” He quickly looked at Alden, patting his shoulder. “Rest assured my pet, I took a great deal of time considering the options and you were very much the best option for me. Do not let the words of that leopard make you feel inadequate in any way, because you most definitely are not!” “Thank you, Master.” Said Alden, reassured by the tiger’s explanation and feeling better. “And thank you for trusting me enough to confide in me.” Kairos replied with a smile. “It is very much appreciated.. Now, let us go home…” The skimmer touched down and Alden was finally able to get a good look at it. It was a very sleek and elegant vehicle of white and gold, with dark-tinted windows. A door slid open on the side, revealing a luxurious interior. Kairos climbed in and gestured for Alden to follow. As soon as the badger was in and seated next to Kairos on the comfortable leather seating, the tiger said. “Skimmer, take off. Destination: home.” The vehicle bleeped in acknowledgement. The door slid closed and Alden felt a judder as the skimmer rose into the air. “It won’t take us too long to get there.” Said Kairos, making conversation. “I’m hoping you’ll like your new home. It is rather large and spacious, as well as quite luxurious.” “I wouldn’t expect anything less for a Lord.” Alden said. The tiger beside him frowned slightly and then chuckled. “Ah, another gap in your knowledge, it seems. There are no ‘lords’ as such in Apex society. My title is merely ceremonial, bestowed on any who have my position.” Alden was curious now. “What position is that, Master?” Kairos shrugged. “Member of the Apex Ruling Council.” As the tiger said the words, the knowledge associated with the Ruling Council suddenly returned, clicking into place in his head, allowing him to fully understand what he meant and causing the badger to stare at him wide-eyed. The Ruling Council were the twelve most powerful politicians in Apex society, who made all the big decisions regarding both Apex and Runts. The tiger appeared to be slightly amused by his reaction and added. “More than that, I am actually the head of the Council.” Alden stared at him, wide-eyed with shock. The head of the Council? That meant this tiger, his owner, was one of the most powerful and influential individual’s in all of Apex society. Noticing Alden’s reaction, Kairos smiled at him. “Impressed, my pet?” “Yes, Master.” The badger said, honestly. “I’m not certain what I was expecting you to be, but I’m fairly sure it wasn’t that...” “Please do not let my position of power colour how you see me.” Kairos said. “At least not entirely. The politician is only one part of who I am. Admittedly, it is the only part most people see. But as someone close to me, you will get to know more than that.” After a few moments silence, Kairos added. “And I should inform you that my political life may involve you on a regular basis. You might accompany me to council meetings on occasion, other councillors do bring their pets from time to time, to show them off, and show how proud they are of them.” He smiled at Alden. “And I should like to do the same.” He then gestured vaguely in the air with one paw. “And there will be assorted high class events I am expected to attend. You will be joining me for them.” He leaned in and whispered conspiratorially. “You’d be surprised how much political decision-making goes on at such supposedly only ‘social’ events.” Alden took this all in, the badger feeling more and more anxious. The idea of regularly being part of not just Apex society, but what was the elite of Apex society, all while having to avoid doing anything to embarrass or disappoint his Master was kind of intimidating. “I see I might have made you feel a little overwhelmed.” Kairos said, noticing the change in his pet’s demeanour. “Do not let it worry you for now. As I said before, I will help you understand the proper etiquette and protocols and so forth, and I am confident you will be able to handle it. As I believe I mentioned, part of the reason I chose you is your intelligence and adaptability.” All Alden could do was accept this and hope he’d be able to live up to his owner’s faith in him. After another few minutes, Kairos’ gaze was drawn to the view out of the front windscreen and he pointed. “Ah, here we are, we’re almost home.” Alden looked to where the tiger was indicating. The skimmer was approaching a tower of shining glass and gleaming metal, with elegant and intricate architecture, easily taller than all the buildings in the area. It was certainly an impressive sight. “My home occupies the uppermost few floors.” Kairos smiled at the badger. “Or I suppose I should refer to it as ‘our’ home now.” The skimmer soared in for a gentle landing on a private landing pad protruding from the building near the very top. Alden was expecting windy conditions this far up, so was surprised by the still cool air when he disembarked the vehicle after Kairos. The tiger noticed his surprise and easily deduced the reason, supplying an explanation. “There are suppression emitters built in to the railings. They keep the wind down in a bubble around the pad.” He nodded to the building. “You’ll find the same on all the penthouse balconies, as well as the rooftop garden. It allows you to step outside for some fresh air without having to worry about being blown away.” He held out a paw towards him. “Now come along, I’ll give you a brief tour.” A little hesitantly, Alden took the paw in his, still a little nervous and anxious about this whole thing. He allowed the big Apex tiger to pull him close and place and arm around his shoulders as he led him inside. A short corridor led to a vast living area with dotted elegant and comfortable looking furniture. The space had high ceilings and massive floor to ceiling windows along one wall, offering a spectacular view of the city spread out below. From here, he could see all the way to the city limits and the agricultural fields beyond, as well as the sun setting over the distant mountains. “I did tell you the view here was better…” Kairos smiled at Alden’s wide-eyed appreciation of the vista before them. After the living area, Kairos showed him a variety of rooms, all beautifully elegant and luxuriously decorated. An elaborate library, a fully equipped gym, a fully appointed kitchen with attached dining room. A few doors they passed by, Kairos explaining they were his private work areas, his office and study, and Alden was not permitted in there without his express permission. On an upper level, there was a large master bedroom for Kairos and another large bedroom next to it for Alden, with his own adjoining bathroom. He only got a chance to glimpse it briefly during the tour, and spotted a number of boxes and parcels waiting for him on the wide comfortable looking bed. “Just a few gifts I got for you.” Kairos had explained with a smile. “You can open them soon, after the tour...” The tour eventually concluded with what appeared to be another lounge, although smaller and more intimate feeling than the large living area he’d seen at the start of the tour. But that said, it was still rather large to Alden, particularly as it included an elegant white and gold grand piano. The badger found his attention focusing on the piano, feeling drawn to it for some reason. When he finally pulled his gaze away from it, he saw that the large tiger beside him was watching him curiously with a slight smile. “I was interested in how you’d react in here.” The tiger rumbled. “Your file mentioned you had some degree of musical ability in your old life, and could play the piano.” Of course, Alden couldn’t remember anything like that. But looking at the musical instrument made his paws twitch slightly, and he could easily imagine himself sat there, fingers on the keys. “Feel free to give it a try, my pet.” Kairos said, gesturing at the piano. “Some of your musical skills should have survived the memory wipe, even if you can’t remember ever having them.” Hesitantly, Alden walked to the piano, wondering if he really could play or not and how his Master might react if he failed. He really didn’t want to disappoint the tiger. But on the other paw... If he could do well enough to please his Master, make him smile... Well then, that was more than enough reason to try. That thought drove the badger forward, filling him with determination. Both the piano and the seat perched in front of it were too large, obviously sized for an Apex player, but Alden was not deterred and sat down, his gaze wandering over the keys before him. A sense of familiarity tugged at his mind. He knew he could do this… He closed his eyes, placing his paws on the keys, taking a deep breath. There was no conscious knowledge of what to do, so Alden let instinct take over and started to play. A gentle melody filled the air, but with the odd wrong note here and there as the Apex sized keys caused him to strike the wrong one repeatedly. His instincts and muscle-memory were obviously more used to something sized for Runts. It felt odd to be playing, with no memory of having learned how, and he couldn’t help wincing with mild frustration with every wrong note. And yet, it still felt good. He was enjoying himself, his smile broadening as he progressed. He reached the end of the piece and sat back, withdrawing his paws, looking down at them, marvelling at what they’d just done. The music was finished, but there was silence only for a few moments as it was replaced by the sound of Kairos clapping his paws and saying. “That was excellent, my pet!” Arden turned to face him. He wasn’t so sure about that. “But I made so many mistakes...” Looming over him, Kairos reached down and patted him reassuringly on the shoulder. “True, but that is to be expected. You have not played in a while, and were using an instrument too big for you. All things considered, it was an excellent effort. Did you enjoy it?” The badger considered this for a moment and nodded. “Yes, Master, I did.” Kairos gave him a warm smile and Alden couldn’t help but smile back. “I am glad.” The big tiger said. “We shall have to look into getting you a proper Runt-sized piano so that…” He was suddenly interrupted by a shrill beeping that filled the air, making Alden’s ears flatten. Kairos looked annoyed, a frustrated growl rumbling in his throat as he reached into a pocket and pulled out the source: his palm computer. It activated and the holo-display showed the face of a worried looking Apex panther, black fur ruffled. “This had better be good, Varquis.” Kairos said. He seemed to be struggling not to snarl. “I gave VERY specific instructions that I was not to be disturbed today!” The panther on the display winced in response. “I know, my Lord, and I apologise… but it is an emergency. There’s been another bombing in the Lower Districts, a fuel storage depot…” Kairos froze at this news, instantly serious. “The RFA?” There was tug of familiarity at the back of Alden’s mind at that, from the hole in his memories. The RFA. That meant something to him, he was sure. Or rather, something to whoever he used to be... “It would appear so, my Lord…” Varquis replied with a pained expression. “But of course, we can’t be certain at this early stage…” “Of course.” Kairos rumbled. “But I have no doubt it will be them…” He let out a long deep sigh. “I’m on my way.” He said, frustrated, and deactivated the computer before waiting for a reply. The tiger immediately turned to Alden, placing an arm around his shoulders. “I am very sorry, Alden.” He said, a palpable edge of sadness to his voice. “I had very much wanted to spend the entirety this first day with you, just the two of us. But it seems the fate has other ideas. I need to go deal with this…” Kairos stood and headed for the door at a brisk pace, Alden trailing after him. “Master?” Alden needed to ask. “What is the RFA?” Kairos stopped and looked back at him, shoulders slightly slumped. “Something I dearly wish I didn’t have to think about today. They are the Runt Freedom Alliance. They like to describe themselves as a protest group, fighting for equal rights for Runts… But in truth, they are terrorists, with no qualms about indulging in chaos and destruction.” The tiger turned away, resuming his stride, heading for his bedroom, as a thoughtful Alden padded after him. The feeling of familiarity regarding the RFA bothered him. The cold thought came that maybe he had been one of them, some manner of terrorist, in his old life… No, that couldn’t be right. He had become a pet willingly, he was sure of that, his every instinct told him so, that the video of himself had been true. And there would surely be no reason for such a terrorist to chose this life? Yet, it still gnawed at him. He wondered if perhaps it was just that he had heard of them in his old life and nothing more. But that somehow didn’t feel right… His distracted train of thought came to a crashing halt when he realised Kairos was half-naked in front of him. He had been following the tiger automatically, and was now stood there as his Master was in the process of changing his clothes. He had stripped off his suit and was now just in his underwear, some tight black shorts, thoughtfully staring into an open wardrobe, apparently deciding what to wear. Alden couldn’t help but stare. He had of course suspected the tiger must have an impressive physique, but getting to see it was something else entirely. Kairos was beautiful, his whole body a display of thick, rippling, flawless muscles, combining to form a chiselled, well-defined physique, covered with immaculate white and orange fur underneath black stripes that seemed to complement his form perfectly. The badger couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from the body before him, admiring every curve and bulge, feeling a flush of arousal. His gaze wandered up that amazing body… And he saw that Kairos was looking at him, one brow raised in amusement. “Like what you see, my pet?” Suddenly overwhelmed with embarrassment, Alden looked down and turned away, ears flattening in shame. “I… I… I’m sorry, Master… Would like some privacy while you dress?” “There is no need for such a reaction, Alden…” Kairos said, soothingly. “I have no problem with you seeing my body. Especially if it is to admire it, as you obviously were.” Alden slowly turned and looked up at him, at his smiling expression and into his warm golden eyes. “I… Very well, Master, I will remember that.” Kairos nodded. “And I asked you a question, pet. Do you like what you see?” The badger’s eyes wandered over the tiger’s impressive form once more. “Yes, Master. You look…” He groped for an appropriate word to describe what he was seeing. “Magnificent.” With a low rumbling chuckle, Kairos stepped towards him and affectionately stroked his head, ruffling his fur. “Thank you, Alden.” He then returned to getting dressed. Soon, the big tiger was fully dressed, wearing an elaborate robe-like outfit. His mind helpfully told Alden they were the official robes of state, as more fragments of knowledge returned to him. “If you need anything while I’m gone, call for one of the servants.” Karios said, as he finished adjusting his robes and strode purposefully through the penthouse toward the landing pad. “It can be done with the palm computer I got for you, which is among the gifts in your room. I gave everyone the day off, but I’ll send them a message they might be needed after all. I’ll give them instructions to provide you with anything you need.” At the door to the landing pad, he stopped and looked down sadly at Alden, placing his paws gently on the badger’s shoulders. “Again, I am very sorry for this. I will return as soon as I am able. For now, just relax and start settling in to your new home.” And with that, Kairos departed, stomping unhappily out to the pad and climbing into his skimmer. It soon lifted off and darted away. Alden looked away from the pad and back at his luxurious surroundings. It seemed somewhat… empty and intimidating, without the big tiger there with him. He tried to shake off that feeling as best he could. This was his home now, he reminded himself. He had to get used to it. Learn to accept it. He suspected that was easier said than done... To Be Continued... |
Raging Tiger/Kuman the Barbarian/Mitchell and Michael/Going Under/Beware the Transformer/That Day/Working Bears/Heart of a Hero/Apex