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Prolegomenon

The subway jolted to a sudden start, and Xavier could sense something was off. A peculiar smell hung in the air that the young lion couldn't quite put his finger on. He shifted in his uncomfortable seat, closer to his mother. As he clung to her, the feeling in the air grew more intense. Xavier felt uneasy.

Xavier's mother looked down at him. "What's the matter, honey?"

"I don't feel very good," Xavier whimpered. "I wanna go home."

"We can't go back now. I've finally started talking to your grandmother again and I'll never hear the end of it if we don't show up now. Just sit tight and we'll be there soon." Xavier's mother patted her son on the head to comfort him, feeling the beginnings of a mohawk.

Xavier sighed. He could whine all he wanted, but he knew they weren't going back. He groaned as the feeling continued to grow, still holding his mothers paw.

The train finally came to a stop and the doors slid open. Xavier looked up at the boarding passengers, reading their minds. He collected names, ages, anything that stuck out in their minds. He did this almost instinctively now, until one particular fur caught his attention. Xavier looked up at the much older lion, surprised. He couldn't read this lion's mind, for whatever reason, and that unnerved him. Xavier became nervous and he shifted again in his seat.

"Will you sit still, Xavier? We're almost at our stop."

Xavier ignored his mother. He continued to stare at the lion until a kangaroo walked on with a bounce to his step, taking a seat beside the mysterious newcomer. He read the roo's mind, but there was nothing unusual about him, besides his various body piercings. Xavier tried the lion again but was left with nothing.

The subway started with a jolt and Xavier continued to observe the lion.

"See something you like?" Xavier heard the roo say to the lion.

The old lion ignored the kangaroo.

The two continued talking, the roo being inquisitive and the lion acting hostile.

Xavier began to bore with their trivial conversation, and yet he still found himself strangely drawn to the lion. He had to know. He had to know who this lion was. He had to know everything about him. As Xavier stared at the lion, he noticed his own reflection in the window beside him. As he gazed into the window, something struck him; Xavier noticed that the lion sitting across from him had a striking resemblance to himself. He stared as if in a trance, almost shocked at what he saw. Side-by-side, their faces seemed nearly identical.

Suddenly, as the train came to a stop, a flash in Xavier's mind. As the furs boarded and unloaded, everyone shifting about, Xavier noticed a dirty-looking coyote board the train. The peculiar feeling had mostly left him now. Just as he was about to get up off his seat, the lion across from him stood up.

The coyote seemed nervous and twitchy and held one paw in his long brown trench coat.

Xavier, now sweaty and nervous, sat back and watched as the older lion simply stood there, watching the coyote.

Suddenly, without warning, the coyote pulled a silver revolver from his coat. "A-alright everyone," he shouted in a shaky and raspy voice, "get down an' give me all your money... a-and valuables... then nobody gets hurt!"

Just then, as if on cue, everyone started screaming and shouting at once, except for the lion. Xavier went to stand up just as his mother placed her paws over his eyes and pulled him close. He cried out as his mother pulled them to the back of the train. Through his mothers fingers Xavier noticed the roo on his knees and pulling on the lion's shirt, begging him to get down.

Suddenly, after hearing a gunshot, the older lion dashed forward and, like lightning, struck the coyote hard, sending him to the back of the train. Then, in the blink of an eye, the lion had smashed the coyote's head into the back window.

As this happened, Xavier stared in complete awe of the lion. He had never seen anyone move so fast and so precise. It was at that moment he knew. He knew this lion had the same powers he did. But how? How was this possible? Although one question was answered, he still had hundreds more.

The lion took his seat beside the roo and the train continued on.

Xavier got to his feet, still staring at the lion, wanting desperately to say something. As his trembling mother sat down, Xavier gathered his wits and reached out to touch the lion. But then, just inches away, he was cut off by the roo.

"That was incredible. I didn't even see you move! First I heard a shot, the next thing I know you just slammed that guys head into the door. How did you move so fast?"

Then Xavier heard the one comment he would remember for the rest of his life. The lion, now directly in front of him, replied to the roo, "I have powers."

Xavier knew he meant it as a joke, but it was true. He opened his mouth to say something but was again interrupted, this time by the screeching of the halting subway. As the doors slid open for the final time, Xavier was suddenly pulled back by his mother, being dragged off the train.

The lion got up and left in a hurry, and moments later the roo followed with that same bounce in his step.

"No!" Xavier cried as he pulled himself toward the lion's exit.

"What is your problem?" his mother yelled as she finally pulled her son off of train.

"That lion," Xavier pointed, "I have to talk to him. I need to know who he is!"

"What have I told you about talking to strangers? Thank goodness you didn't see what he did on the subway."

Xavier rolled his eyes. He just watched as the mysterious lion's tail disappeared up the stairs and onto the streets. Xavier sighed.

Now on the street, Xavier and his mother hailed a cab and got in. The two continued on in silence until Xavier asked, "Mom, did you see that lion? He was sitting right in front of us."

"No, honey, I didn't." She was still shaken up a bit by the coyote. "Why?"

"Well, it's just... he looked exactly like me, only older. Who could he possibly be?"

"Xavier, don't be ridiculous. That lion looked nothing like you."

Xavier looked up at his mother. He could sense she was hiding something. "But you said you didn't see him... Mom, you know something about him, don't you?"

His mother sighed deeply. "I should have guessed you'd find out eventually... I was just hoping it wasn't when you were only ten years old."

"What is it? Who is he? Do you know him?"

"Yes. He's... your brother."

"What?" Xavier said, shocked.

"He must be twenty by now... Ten years before you were born, son, your father and I had our first child... except we were far too young to care for a baby. We tried. We tried so hard, but it was impossible to make ends meet. So, unfortunately, we had to give up our first-born son." Tears filled mother's eyes as she continued. "It was so painful to give up our child like that, but it was the only way to ensure he had a full and proper upbringing. He was quickly adopted by another couple, two lions, who couldn't have kids of their own. They lived in a small village, Crosswell, about five hours from the city." She looked down at her son and held his trembling paws. "On the exact day you were born, the news got out that Crosswell had been burned down, probably by some malicious arsonists, or so they say. Nobody was reported to have survived, so I had assumed the worst for my son. Until today, I thought I would never see his bright-eyed smile ever again."

"So, why didn't you ever tell me this before?" Xavier whimpered.

"I don't know, son. It... it was too painful, I guess."

"Will I ever get to meet him?"

"I don't know that, either. He has... a unique lifestyle. I didn't want you to fall down the same path he had chosen."

"What 'lifestyle?' You mean he's ga-"

"No, not that kind of lifestyle. He... he has very special abilities."

"What do you mean?"

"I think you know what I mean."

"Well, how do you know what kind of lifestyle he has? You thought he was dead."

Xavier's mother laughed, then a pause. She sighed. "I read his mind."

Xavier stared up at his mother, shocked and unable to speak. "H- how...?" was all he could muster.

Xavier's mother smiled. "I have a very special gift that I was able to give to my children. Your father knew about me, but for the most part I kept it secret. I passed my powers onto you, son, and back then I knew little Alexei would have them, too."

"Alexei?"

"Your brother."

"But... why couldn't I read his mind?"

"In time your powers will grow and mature with your body. Alexei has ten years on you, Xavier."

"Oh."

The rest of the trip was spent in silence as Xavier was deep in thought. It now seemed even more important that he meet his long-lost brother. He had no way of knowing where Alexei was headed or what he was doing, but Xavier knew he would do whatever it took to be united.

The visit with his grandmother and the rest of his family proved awkward and boring for the young Xavier, but the next morning something in the newspaper grabbed his attention. The headline read: "Alien invasion not a hoax. Young lion abducted, 20." Xavier grew up reading these types of articles in tabloid newspapers - aliens touching down and tearing up the land, being the most common. Of course, there was never any sufficient proof of their existence - however this story was printed in almost every major syndicate. Xavier could recall the newspapers his mother had saved from the day he was born. In the City paper was the story of the Crosswell Incident, claiming terrorists bombed the village, and in the tabloid was the story of the Crosswell Invasion, claiming aliens landed and tore the village apart. Xavier knew now that the two stories were very closely linked. It was suddenly all very clear.

He didn't know why, but as he read the article he got a strange feeling in his gut. Xavier knew there was more to this article than ridiculous theories and crazy explanations. He knew his brother was linked to every one of those articles, and he knew what he had to do. Aliens first touched down when he was born - when Alexei was ten - so Xavier had to somehow get their attention. He had to bring the aliens back so he could find his brother. Nothing would stop him now. Xavier knew what he had to do.

* * *

Alexei stood before the Grande Council awaiting his judgement. He stood, almost completely naked, in front of hundreds of Lumarian and other race's dignitaries, restrained and showing off his dozens of large scars and injuries. Nearly half of the Lumarian military had showed up, as well as allied nations. Alexei looked around the grand Chambers, now looking up at the seemingly endless height. He moved slightly, the dozens of chains rattling quietly.

The chains were wrapped tightly around Alexei's almost naked body, keeping his paws behind his back and attached to large metal restraints around his wrists, ankles, and a thick collar-like one around his neck. Alexei could barely move, and yet he knew he could easily free himself. He stood before the Council smiling confidently.

"You have nothing to smile about, Captain," The High Elder said. "Do you even know why you are here?"

"Because I fucked up."

The Elder scoffed. "That is a gross understatement. For one thing, Captain, you failed to show up to your last appointed meeting. You and your team were sent to rescue ten important dignitaries from the Olissian moon base, and not only did you fail that task miserably, but you secretly housed one of the enemy!"

"The Olissians are hardly the enemy," Alexei replied.

"The Olissian is hardly your biggest problem, Captain," another Elder pointed out.

"Yes," the High Elder continued, "Perhaps your biggest mistake was traveling back to your home planet of Earth, as well as causing immense casualties among both Lumarian and Commune forces."

"Those three fighters attacked me first! And correct me if I'm wrong, Elder, but the Commune are the enemy!"

"You have destroyed the already fragile relationship we had with the Commune. It will take decades, if not a century, to undo what you have done."

Alexei bared his teeth and growled. "The Commune shouldn't have been at Earth, so I had to investigate."

"No, Captain, it was not your duty to investigate. That would have been the duty of the Commune military. You had no right to-"

"I had every right!" Alexei blurted out. "That is my home planet. I had to go."

"Regardless of your relationship with that planet and its inhabitants, you are bound to the Lumarian Empire, its military, and its Elite Corps. I understand how you must have felt, Captain, but you disobeyed a very serious law, and for that you must be punished."

Alexei stared hatefully at the Elders.

"We will now decide your fate, Captain."

The Elders sank into a dark room behind the Elder's Stand, out of view of the rest of the Chamber. A quiet murmur filled the Chambers as the Elders made their decision.

Alexei looked back behind him, looking at the Lumarian Elites at the end of the long platform he stood out on. Alexei shrugged and smiled, but they appeared less confident. Wrapped in chains, Alexei looked at his true love and soul mate, Kaelin, a tall and slender kangaroo he had brought with him from Earth.

Kaelin clung tightly to Kavhen, a young Elite who had also shared a physical relationship with the lion; his Captain. Kaelin wore a face of worry and angst, feeling much less confident than his mate about the judgement.

Alexei sighed and continued to look around the Chambers. As always, he read their minds, gathering as much information as he could. Most of the aliens couldn't have cared less what happened to Alexei, but showed up out of mere curiosity. Most Lumarians thought it was a waste to throw away such an asset, such a power. They had just assumed the Elders would give Alexei some special, less severe sentence, thus preserving their precious soldier. But they knew, deep down, that Alexei and his team would be banished from Lumar, never to return. Suddenly, Alexei gasped at the sight of another fur, another Earthling, on a far off platform. It was a lion, much younger than himself, who stared back at Alexei with wide eyes.

The two stared into each others eyes, both just as surprised.

As Alexei stared at this small lion, he felt something very familiar about him. Alexei narrowed his eye and concentrated on the lion, but could not read any of his thoughts. He concentrated harder, but again was left with nothing. Alexei continued to stare at this familiar yet unknown lion until the Elders arrived back with their judgement.

"Captain Alexei, we have decided your fate fairly and accordingly. You and your subordinates, including the other Earthling and the Olissian, shall hereby be exiled from the Lumarian Empire and all of its subsequent planets. However, given your unique abilities and your years of exceptional service to the Empire, you may travel to anywhere you wish, so long as it abides by our laws. You may not take up residence on Earth, or the consequences will be dire. You have forty-eight hours to remove yourself and your team from Lumar space, otherwise we will be forced to remove you ourselves. A ship shall be provided to you and your crew. Understood, Captain?"

There was a long silence as Alexei stared up at the Elders. "Understood," he said at length.

A large Lumarian High Soldier approached the lion and removed his restraints, then continued to escort Alexei off the platform.

The Chamber was filled with loud chatter and gossipy murmurs as the aliens discussed the sentence. They thought it was fair and just, however an incredible waste.

As Alexei approached his team, receiving a warm touch from Kaelin, he looked back to where he had seen the lion. He watched as the lion turned an exited the Chamber. Alexei had to know more.

"What's the matter?" Kaelin asked, now holding Alexei's right paw as the group slowly made their way out of the Chamber.

"What do you think is the matter?" Alexei snapped.

The team looked back at their Captain, surprised.

Alexei sighed. "I'm sorry, Kaelin. I know you were just trying to help. Let's... let's keep going."

The Elites continued slowly through the large beautiful corridors of the High Council Tower, none of them saying a word. Alexei knew they were feeling angry and dejected.

Alexei walked along side his love, Kaelin, holding paws. He stared out the large glass windows, off into the distance, thinking about his sentence and his situation. He had a lot on his mind. Alexei sighed, as he was now torn between two lovers. On one hand, he has the spry and happy roo, Kaelin, whom he shared a very special moment with six years before. On that fateful day, the day Alexei was taken from Earth, he had given himself to Kaelin, body and soul. That was the first time he had ever been so intimate with another fur. However, on the other hand, when Alexei was taken and had no one to turn to, feeling lost and alone in space, Kavhen was always by his side to guide his way. Kavhen, the young Lumarian Elite, helped Alexei when he was in dire need of a mate, and they, too, shared an intense and extraordinary bond. Alexei released Kaelin's paw.

Kaelin looked down at his mate. "What's the matter?"

"It's nothing. I've just got a lot on my mind, is all." Alexei stopped and addressed his team, "I'm going to head back to my room now and pack up the few things I have. I suggest you all do the same. I don't want to stick around here any longer than I have to."

"Yes sir," they replied in an unenergetic way. The team then walked away to their respective quarters.

Alexei could sense how they were feeling. He could feel their depression and their anger. Specifically, he could feel their anger towards him. Alexei knew it was his fault they were now all banished from their home world, never able to return. He knew how they felt, as he was taken from his planet Earth, and even now can never return. Alexei continued down the corridor, Kaelin following beside him. The two kept silent.

Alexei entered his room and took a seat on his bed, sighing deeply as he lay back, spreading his limbs out and stretching his muscles.

Kaelin took a seat beside him. He placed a paw on Alexei's thigh and caressed him softly. "Perhaps before we go, you and I can spend some time together."

Alexei smiled and placed his left, mechanical paw over Kaelin's. "I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I don't think I'm really in the mood right now. I've got a lot on my mind."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I don't know."

Kaelin lay down, putting an arm over Alexei's chest. "I know you're upset right now, but I'm here to help. Whatever happens we'll get though it together."

Alexei sighed. "It's just... I wasn't expecting to see you on Earth. Part of me... part of me was hoping I wouldn't see you."

Kaelin cocked his head. "What are you saying?"

"I love you, Kaelin, more than anything. But I also love Kavhen. I know he said he didn't mind if you and I got back together, but it's tearing him apart. I can't stand being with you and watching as his heart slowly rips in half."

Kaelin looked at his love for a moment. "Well, I know this isn't going to help any, but you can't have your cake and eat it too."

"I'm well aware of that," Alexei shot back, annoyed. He took back his paw and rubbed his right - his only - eye. "I'd like to be alone right now. The others are planning to get together at the Main Lounge for one last drink on Lumar, if you want to join them. They're about to call and ask anyway."

Suddenly the Comm rang. Alexei smiled.

Kaelin returned the gesture and pressed a button. "I'll be right there and I'll see if Alexei wants to join us." Kaelin looked over at the tired lion and raised a pierced eyebrow.

Alexei shook his head.

"I guess it'll just be me. See you in a bit." Kaelin lifted his paw and turned to the door. He said, while walking out, "I pray you'll join your team at least once tonight, Alexei. I think they need you right now."

The door slid shut as the roo made his exit.

Alexei sighed. He lay there for another moment, pondering his situation. How could he be with one without hurting the other? Alexei shook his head and got up off his bed. He walked over to the shelving unit and pulled on a pair of black baggy pants. He then pulled out a light-coloured tight-fitting shirt and held in front of his face. Because of his mechanical arm, Alexei wasn't able to slip into a shirt without tearing it up. He then held the shiny red pendant hanging around his neck with his right paw. Alexei smiled and threw down the shirt, walking out topless.

Alexei traversed the large corridors with relative haste. Just as he reached the door, he felt a strange feeling in his gut. Unnerved by this, he continued into the Lounge anyway. He was greeted warmly by his team and Kaelin.

"I remember a day," Jorhn started, "when we couldn't pry the Captain out of his room for anything. And now look at him." Jorhn raised his glass.

The Elites all laughed.

"Well, I figured you guys aren't going to see your home ever again, so the least I could do was have a drink with you."

The Lumarians looked at each other and lowered their heads.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that."

"We know, Captain," Eskelle said. "It's hard for us to be forced off our own planet... But you know how that feels, don't you."

Alexei took a seat at the table between Alyster, the Olissian, and Kaelin. "Yeah, I suppose I do."

Axiroth scoffed. "Kinda like payback, huh?"

The group looked over at the young and big-mouthed Elite.

"We forced you off your planet, now you're doing the same to us. I guess we reap what we sow, eh?"

"Axiroth," Graunta started. "Don't-"

"It's okay, Graunta. I deserved that. However, Ax, the difference here is that none of you were forced to come with me back to Earth. You all came on your own free will. I did not have that choice."

Axiroth slumped back in his chair.

"So, I've got to ask you," Jorhn said, turning to Kaelin, "how are you finding all this space travel and stuff? Our poor Captain here took weeks, if not months, to finally fit in."

Kaelin answered quietly, "Uhh. It's fine. It's not as bad as I was expecting."

The group laughed. Then Raiche, "And what were you expecting?"

"Well, I don't know. I guess I was expecting it to be a lot scarier. Like, constant fighting and laser battles and stuff like that."

"And you're going to see a hell of a lot less of that now." Axiroth took another swig of his drink. "Hey, maybe we'll keep things exciting for you and start living on the War Planet!"

"Alright," said Graunta, "I think you've had a bit too much to drink."

Alyster then cut in, "I do not want to put a damper on your good time, Lumarians, but where will we go? If we are to leave in less than forty-eight hours..."

"Don't worry about it," Eskelle said, giving the Olissian a friendly smack on his dark-skinned muscular arm. "Wherever we're going, we'll get there when we get there."

"Hey, Kavhen, you've hardly said a word and you've barely touched your drink. Something wrong?"

"It's nothing, Jorhn. I guess I'm just a little down because we have to leave so soon."

Axiroth interrupted, "That's why we drink!"

Ignoring the young Elite, Kavhen continued, "I guess I'm just not feeling very good."

Alexei leaned up slightly and looked at Kavhen in the eyes. He could see more than just premature homesickness. He knew that Kavhen's deep depression was because of him. Alexei felt terrible, but he didn't know what to do. Many years ago, just a few short months after being taken from Earth, Alexei had been having a hard time fitting in, but through the adversity Kavhen always stood by his side, despite it being an unpopular decision. Alexei, knowing he was never to return to his home planet, had given himself to the young Lumarian and they shared a powerful bond. However, since returning to Earth and reuniting with his truelove, Kaelin, their bond had become severely compromised. Thoughts were swirling around in Alexei's head and he was unable to concentrate on anything else. He sat back in his chair and shut his eye and groaned quietly.

"You alright?" Kaelin asked.

"No. I've got a lot on my mind."

Kaelin rubbed Alexei's back sympathetically.

Alexei's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a young fur's voice. "Are... are you Captain Alexei?"

The voice, which seemed to catch everybody off guard - as they all whipped their heads toward Alexei - sounded young and nervous.

Alexei turned in his seat and was surprised at who he saw. "It's you," was all he could say.

The young lion standing behind Alexei just stood there smiling and breathing heavily. An awkward silence hung in the air. The newcomer, who shifted slightly, appeared quite young and stood a good foot shorter than Alexei. He wore a tight black shirt which showed off his slim yet highly-toned body, a left nipple ring poking from the shirt. As well as the ring through his nipple, the lion sported two rings on the right side of his left ear and a stud in the left side. He also had a stud in right ear in the same spot as the other. Finally the lion showed a spiky barbell through his right eyebrow and a small ring in the left side of his bottom lip.

Alexei was curious to know where else he had gotten his body pierced.

To finalize the young lion's punk-like image was a short, spiked mohawk between his ears. The stranger had bright blue eyes, much like Alexei's, and an adorable smile.

"Who the hell are you?" Axiroth blurted out.

The newcomer cleared his throat nervously and shifted slightly.

"It's okay, kid, we're not going to bite your head off," Alexei assured the boy. "Take a seat. I've got a few questions for you."

Alyster got up and gave his seat to the young lion. He took another seat between Axiroth and Raiche.

Alexei turned to the newcomer. "So, I guess the first thing I want to know is who the hell you are."

"I- I..." The lion blushed, feeling incredibly nervous.

Alexei placed his right paw on the lion's shoulder. "Calm down. Just tell me your name."

"Xavier. My name is Xavier."

"And you come from Earth, correct?"

Xavier nodded.

"And I suppose more importantly, how did you come to be here? Why are you in space?"

"Well, I guess I could ask you the same thing, Earthling."

There was a pause until, moments later, the Lumarians and Alyster broke out in laughter, especially Axiroth.

"This kid's a smart one, Captain," Jorhn said.

"Touche," Alexei said unimpressed. "I have a very good reason for being here. What's yours?"

"Well... I'd kinda like to talk to you in private about that."

"Whatever you have to say to me you can say to my men." Alexei grazed his eye across the table. He noticed Kavhen being particularly attentive to Xavier's words.

"Alright. Well, the reason I came to space is because... Well, I was looking for you."

Alexei just stared at the young lion, glaring. "We have never met before. How could you be searching for me?"

"We haven't met in person, but I've seen you. Him, too." Xavier pointed at Kaelin. "I'm kinda surprised to see him here."

"What? When? When did you see us?"

"Six years ago, the day you were abducted. I was on the subway that day. They day you two met."

Alexei and Kaelin looked at each other, then smiled. Alexei remembered that day well. That was the day, after ten years of feeling cold, angry, and alone, he had finally found his true love. He had allowed himself to open up and accept the kangaroo into his life. Alexei now felt warm inside as he gripped the red pendant, the gift Kaelin had given to him before he was forced off his planet.

"Ever since that day," Xavier continued, "I have been searching for you. I had to find you, and nothing was going to stop me. I am so happy now that I found you."

Alexei smiled as he pondered that thought for a moment. "Hang on a second... What provoked you to come find me?"

"Uhh. Well, I saw you had extraordinary powers, so I guess I was just really impressed."

Alexei wasn't convinced. "So then who took you to space? Moreover, what made them come? Surely they would have known I was captured. There wouldn't have been any reason to return to Earth."

Xavier sighed. "That... that I would rather tell you privately."

Alexei gave him a look suggesting to continue anyway.

Xavier shook his head.

Alexei sighed. "Alright then. But for now, join us! We're leaving after tonight, in case

you've forgotten, and we just made a new friend." Alexei passed a drink to Xavier.

"Uhh," he said nervously. "I don't drink, but thanks anyway."

"Commander," a deep Lumarian voice said from behind.

Both Xavier and Alexei turned around.

The Lumarian continued, addressing Xavier, "I do not think it is appropriate that you fraternize with the exiles."

"Well, I just-"

"You got a problem with us, punk?" Alexei cut in.

"I do not have to talk to you exiles." The Lumarian turned back to Xavier. "Come, Commander! You will not waste anymore time with them."

Alexei and the rest of his team rose from their seats.

Kavhen stepped forward. "Do not talk to your Commander like that. You should show a little more respect."

"This coming from you? Do not make me laugh, scum."

Kavhen growled and took another step forward.

Xavier then stepped between Kavhen and the Lumarian. He held his paw against Kavhen's chest. "Cool it, both of you."

Kavhen stopped, looking down at Xavier's paw. His heart rate started to increase the longer Xavier held his paw in the middle of his chest.

"Mikos," Xavier addressed the Lumarian, "what are you doing here, anyway? I told you where I was going." Xavier lowered his paw, caressing the tips of his fingers softly down Kavhen's chest, removing it completely just below his breast.

Kavhen blushed.

Xavier smiled.

Alexei noticed their subtle dynamic and the change in Kavhen's pulse and mood. As the two, Xavier and Kavhen, looked into each others eyes, time seemed to have stopped for but a moment.

Xavier looked back at Mikos, glaring. He seemed to be concentrating on the Lumarian. A moment later, "Alright, I guess I should get going."

A bead of sweat rolled down Mikos' face. "Yes, sir."

The two walk away, but not before Xavier turned back to address the exiles. "Farewell. It was an honour meeting the best of the former Lumarian Elites. Good-bye, Alexei. Good-bye, Kavhen." Xavier smiled and winked at the latter farewell.

Just after Xavier left, the team sat back at their table and resumed their regular conversation. Alexei, however, noticed a particular spark in Kavhen's eyes. Although he remained as silent as before, Kavhen felt very much alive.

Alexei knew what it was, but he wasn't sure what to make of Kavhen's new feelings. He was happy for him, and yet at the same time he felt uneasy. How could Kavhen move on so fast? Alexei stared into his drink.

"Hey, Alexei," Kaelin interrupted, "what's the matter? You've been staring into your glass for almost twenty minutes. Jorhn was just doing the funniest impression of that Mikos."

"I think I'm just going to head off to bed now. I've still got a lot on my mind."

"You want me to come with you?"

"No, it's okay. I think I'd like to be alone tonight, no offence."

Kaelin smiled and held Alexei's paw. "It's alright, I understand. I'll see you tomorrow morning, then, okay?"

Alexei returned the smile. "Sure. Good night." Alexei looked at his team. "Good night everyone."

At once the team said their 'good nights' and Alexei took off. He traveled the now dim corridors to his room, slowly. Suddenly, in the span of no more than twenty minutes, his entire mood had changed. He wasn't thinking, now, about his situation between Kaelin and Kavhen, but now it was Xavier and Kavhen. He didn't know what to make of their encounter.

Finally Alexei reached his room. He quickly climbed out of his pants and tossed them aside, standing in front of the large mirrored wall in only his shorts staring at himself. He rubbed the large scar running down his chest with his right paw, then continued down his own abs and reached beyond the short's elastic waistband. He slowly and softly fondled his fuzzy balls, closing his eye as he did, mostly concentrating on Kaelin. Alexei began to murr as his cock became more and more erect. As it did, he stoked the bottom to stiffen it as much as possible. Alexei opened his eye slightly and looked once again at himself. He smiled and blushed.

Alexei then fell to his knees and sat with his back against the mirrored wall and his legs spread out. He looked down at the throbbing tent he had pitched. Alexei started touching himself through his shorts, grabbing the head and rubbing it with his right palm. Alexei made a noise as a shoot of pleasure flashed through his member. The pads on Alexei's paws, although rough from extreme use and time, made for a most pleasurable feeling on his cock's head when gripped through the soft material of his shorts. Alexei continued this for a while, keeping the image of Kaelin in his head, but also of Kavhen and even of Jorhn.

Alexei laughed slightly as another shot of pleasure whizzed through him. He was breathing heavily now and sweating. His body had started to slip downward on the smooth metal floor, making things more awkward. Alexei propped himself up again against the mirrored wall with his left, mechanical paw, cursing as he did. This time Alexei removed his shorts. He removed them slowly and sensually, as if for an audience, until his pulsating cock sprang up from under the elastic waistband. Alexei paused for a moment as he enjoyed the sensation of the cool air wrapping around his warm extremity. He quickly removed the shorts after that, letting his paws caress his muscular legs as he did.

Finally, with his shorts completely removed, Alexei gripped his cock, this time with his left paw. The cold metal sent an unusual chill up Alexei's spine. He left his metal paw there for a moment, letting his paw warm up slightly, although it always remained cold. It was just as well since the sensation left a unique tingling which Alexei enjoyed immensely. He then started, as if he had done it this way a thousand times before, stroking his warm and cool cock, slowly up and down. His mechanical paw, unlike his fleshy opposite, has only three fingers with which to grasp himself, thus adding another uniqueness to the whole event. Although Alexei could feel some sensations through the metal arm, he more or less couldn't feel a thing with it, therefore when Alexei stroked himself thusly and closed his eye, it was very easy to imagine someone else was there with him. Most commonly the other was Kaelin, however Alexei's mind did tend to drift to a Lumarian, commonly Kavhen, as Lumarians also have three fingers. However, as Alexei did not like to admit this readily, he has confessed several times to enjoying a good fap to other Lumarians such as Jorhn and Raiche. Even the Olissian, Alyster, had once or twice filled the lion's thoughts.

Alexei's metal arm moved fluidly and methodically, as to be expected from a machine. It was somewhat limited, in this case, in how it pleasured the lion. Unlike a real mate, Alexei's metal arm could not easily mimic realistic motions and movements. It lacked any kind of personality or originality to its movements. Every stroke was perfect in that a finger never slipped or slid too low. However, for the purpose that it was created, the arm functioned exceptionally well.

Alexei continued slowly stroking his throbbing cock. He arched his back and murred as he imagined a variety of different males. Alexei let out a sigh as another shot of pleasure hit him. He squirmed about. He then bit his lip and continued breathing heavily through his wet nose, now focusing on Xavier. Alexei opened his eyes suddenly, still persisting slowly. He stared into space, just remembering the very sight of the young punk-like lion. His metal paw started to pick up speed. Alexei began to grunt with every few thrusts of his paw and every shift of his body as he recalled the lion's tight black shirt and his nipples poking through, so easy to see. He recalled, especially, the ringed nipple which was so obvious. Alexei imagined touching Xavier's chest, feeling the hard nipples and the ring beneath his two bare paws, always both flesh in his head. He imagined slipping the shirt of the young Xavier's back and breathing it in, getting a whiff, a suggestion, a taste of the lion's essence. Alexei threw the shirt aside, and with both fleshy paws, caressed and held Xavier's well-toned chest and body, moving in now and softly kissing him upon his single-pierced lips. Feeling the cold ring press up against his own bottom lip excited Alexei greatly.

Alexei's untiring mechanical paw was stroking quite vigorously now. Alexei was now almost completely lying on the floor, the mirrored wall behind his head, writhing in pleasure and moaning very loudly. He didn't care whether or not anyone could hear him. He hadn't pawed so well in months. The image of the young lion, Xavier, continued to pound away at his head. The images were so vivid and so perfect, his actions equally as tantalizing. Inside Alexei's mind, the young Xavier had removed his clothes and lay erotically in space, touching and fondling himself sensually. Alexei imagined himself with the naked lion, pressing up against the young warm body, kissing softly as their bodies bond and become one.

Alexei opened his eye wide as he felt a familiar feeling. His eye widened as it grew stronger. He arched his back and his tail flicked around as his paw continued to work away relentlessly. Alexei was now growling and moaning together. "Oh God..." he muttered to himself as his orgasm quickly approached. Deep in his cock Alexei could feel the impending explosion of ecstasy. Alexei cried out loudly as he tried desperately to hold off the inevitable.

Suddenly, a loud knocking and beeping at the door.

"Fuck!" Alexei shouted as just he hit his climax and his hot seed sprayed up onto his face, much to the exhausted lion's surprise. Alexei continued to paw slowly as the sharp delight left his mostly hard cock and as the remaining seed dripped onto his cold metal paw.

The racket at the door persisted.

Alexei, breathing heavily and still moaning slightly, continued what he was doing despite the door. He lapped up the small amount of cum which had landed just at his lips and he made a satisfied noise as the warm seed slid to the back of his throat. He enjoyed the sweet and salty taste of his own cum. He then closed his eye and began to lick the remaining off his metal paw. Alexei giggled as he licked his metallic fingers and as some dripped off the side of his mouth. Alexei, smiling warmly, rested on his side, completely naked and partially covered in his own seed, enjoying what he had just done and the remaining pleasure still in his cock.

And still the knocking continued.

Alexei ignored whoever was at his door. With his right paw Alexei continued to fondle his furry balls, purring as he did.

The door suddenly slid open.

Alexei looked up then suddenly jumped to his feet, shouting. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Oh, sorry," Xavier said, blushing, "I didn't know what you were doing."

"Well you can't just barge in," Alexei said almost angrily, pulling on his shorts. "What the hell do you want, anyway?"

"I just wanted to talk to you." Xavier moved further into the room, closer to Alexei.

"About what?"

"Umm. What's that on your face?"

"Huh?" Alexei rubbed his face, quickly realizing he still had remaining spooge all over his face and probably on his chest. He could feel it in his shorts. "It's nothing." Alexei wiped the cold seed off his face and rubbed it on his shorts.

"Well, is that all you wanted?"

Xavier laughed. "No, I'm just really curious about you. About what you've been doing in space for these past six years."

"And wasn't there something about yourself you wanted to tell me?"

"Oh yeah. But that can wait. Tell me about you."

Alexei walked over to his bed and sat on the edge.

Xavier took a seat beside him.

"Well, what do you want to know?" Alexei asked.

"I guess the most obvious one is how you got all those scars? And why do you have a mechanical arm? And what happened to your left eye?"

"There's a simple response to all that, kid. The Commune. Have you heard of them?"

"Of course I have. You mean they did all that to you?"

"Well, most of it. Not all at once, of course. This one here," Alexei lifted his left arm and showed the large old scar across the bottom of his ribs, "I got when I was ten years old. It was when the Commune first attacked and destroyed my village. That was the first time in my life I had experienced real fear."

"That's amazing," Xavier said, now rubbing the scar.

Alexei squirmed slightly and blushed at the young lion's soft touch. He smiled.

"And what about this one?" Xavier moved his paw up from Alexei's ribs and rubbed his soft paw pads along another large scar running just under Alexei's left breast and leading up slightly to just above his right nipple.

Alexei leaned back on his left paw, holding Xavier's paw with his other. "That one," Alexei explained, "I got a few years ago in a skirmish with the Commune along the Lumar-Commune border. Their commander sliced me open but I never fell. I continued to fight."

"Wow." Xavier was in awe of Alexei's war-torn body. He looked up in Alexei's eye, having just realized his paw was being held by his older counterpart. Xavier blushed again. "So, how come they couldn't make you a new eye, like your arm?"

"I don't know. I guess they've only advanced so far in their prosthetic technology."

Xavier withdrew his paw. He sat for a long moment in silence. He seemed to be thinking of something. Then finally, he said, "Six years ago, I saw you on that subway."

Alexei looked down attentively.

"After you got off the train, I just had to know more about you. I was compelled to know more."

"Why?"

"Because," Xavier sighed, "you and I... we share the same powers."

Alexei remained silent. Thinking for a moment, he wasn't very surprised.

"I was ten at the time," Xavier continued, "and I knew that when you were ten, aliens came looking for you. So I knew if you could get their attention, so could I. I learned later that you had been taken that night, so I had to find away up to you. I had to find out who you were. I needed to know you."

"So, how did you get their attention?"

"I just kept using my powers more and more. I guess there were alien spies or something left over from looking for you, so when they saw I was the same as you, within a month I was picked up and I started my journey to find you."

"That's pretty incredible, kid. So you must be... sixteen now?"

Xavier nodded with a smile.

Alexei twisted around to show Xavier a scar running down his right shoulder. "I got this one when I was sixteen. It was actually from in a fight against a bounty hunter. He got lucky with his blade and sliced open my arm."

Xavier held Alexei's scarred and muscular shoulder with is left paw, massaging and rubbing it up and down, getting a real feeling for the past laceration. He looked up into Alexei's eye, his own blue eyes seeming to sparkle.

Alexei stared back, unable to look away from his smaller fac-simile. Alexei started to breathe heavily, and he could feel Xavier doing the same.

Suddenly, Xavier thrust himself forward, planting his warm lips upon Alexei's.

Alexei, at first shocked, eased into the kiss. He could feel the cold ring graze slightly across his own lower lip, plus a cool metal stud against his tongue from Xavier's. Alexei leaned in closer and wrapped both paws around Xavier, caressing the young lion's back, slowly slipping off his tight shirt.

Xavier giggled and blushed while still locked with Alexei's lips. He backed off a bit, nuzzling Alexei with his cold wet nose, still staring into his eye. He lifted his arms and allowed Alexei to completely remove his shirt. Xavier closed his eyes as he felt the tight shirt almost peel off his body, caressing every curve of his toned body. He also enjoyed Alexei's paws rubbing up against his ribs and up his arms.

Alexei threw the small shirt aside and placed his right paw on Xavier's cheek.

Xavier smiled. "You know, my mother told me all about you after you left the subway."

"Oh?"

"She's like us, too."

Alexei looked deep into Xavier's eyes, now burning with curiosity. "How... would she know about me?"

Xavier giggled and shifted forward, getting himself more on the bed with Alexei. "She said our powers grow as we age, and since she had her powers way before us, she's able to read our minds."

Alexei coursed his paw down from Xavier's cheek, along his neck, then down to his soft and warm chest, feeling along the neath of his breast and to his left nipple; the one with the ring. Alexei fondled the ring and the nipple for a moment. "So then she told you all about my past, huh? Is that how you know so much?"

"Yeah, pretty much... but there's more." Xavier put his paws around Alexei's neck and nuzzled closely, kissing Alexei's lips softly, allowing the lion to pet his chest and nipples. He enjoyed this especially.

"So what is it?" Alexei asked, returning the kisses.

"My mother... is also your mother.

Alexei stopped. "W- what?" He lowered his paws but allowed his brother to keep his paws around his neck. He backed off only slightly. "How is that possible?"

"You mean you didn't know you were adopted?"

"I- it never occurred to me to find out. This is unbelievable." Alexei lowered his head.

Xavier lifted Alexei's chin with his right paw, looking at him sympathetically. "I know what you must be going through, but I don't want this to change our... relationship."

"What are you saying?"

"I love you, Alexei, perhaps more than a brother should."

"This is too much," Alexei turned away. "I just found out my dead parents weren't my actual parents, and that my real parents are still alive somewhere one Earth - who, I might add, I will never be able to meet - and now you're telling me you still want me, my brother, my own flesh and blood? You're my little brother, for God's sake. I can't believe this."

"Alexei," Xavier held his brother's face in his paws, "I never meant to hurt you. I thought you should know the truth. I thought you should how I feel about you."

Alexei shut his eye tightly. "My parents... my dead parents are still my parents. They are still my mother and father. They raised me. They loved me. They never abandoned me."

"You don't understand, Alexei. Mom was too young for a child. She had no choice but to give you up so you could live a good life."

"Then why did she never look for me? She must have known what really happed at my village. Why did she not come for me afterwards? I spent ten years of my life cold and alone, filled with nothing but hate and rage. For ten years I wandered the planet, isolated from any human contact, and she never once thought to find me. I was just a kid. That day I was raped of my innocence and I had no one to turn to. I had no shoulder to cry on. When I needed her the most, she wasn't there."

Xavier wrapped his arms around Alexei, shedding a tear. "I'm so sorry, Alexei. But mom thought you were dead! The news said there were no survivors, so she never thought to find you. She had assumed the worst and was severely depressed for months, if not years, after."

Tears rolled down Alexei's cheeks.

Xavier offered a sympathetic embrace, holding his brother tightly. "I didn't mean to hurt you, Alexei. All I wanted to do was let you hear the truth at last. I'll understand if you want me to leave."

"No," Alexei looked up. "Don't go. I could use someone right now."

Xavier smiled. "Anything for you, brother." He rested his head beside Alexei's, on his right shoulder.

Alexei's sudden coldness disappeared in his brother's arms. He felt warm again.

Xavier pulled back his head, now rubbing his wet nose against his brother's. "I love you, Alexei," he said softly, "and I want to do anything to make you feel better." Xavier slowly moved his paw down Alexei's soft chest, past the red pendant, and rested it over Alexei's crotch. He moved his fingers delicately, fondling him through his spooge-stained shorts.

Alexei closed his eye and leaned back, resting on both paws, allowing his younger brother to fondle his balls. Alexei murred as Xavier did this and as his cock slowly became erect. For an instant he thought how wondrous it was that he could become so easily erect such a short time after an orgasm. Alexei felt incredibly pleased at that moment. He felt his worries and his problems melt away as his shorts once again grew with tingling excitement. Alexei giggled as Xavier started his paws in a more massaging motion.

With his free paw, his left paw, Xavier lightly caressed the tip of Alexei's cock through his shorts. He continued this action as Alexei started to moan slightly. He then moved his paw forward to rub the stiffening shaft along the top, squeezing slightly. Xavier then giggled at Alexei's obvious pleasure. As his paws fondled his brother's most private areas, he felt an incredible sense of delight and even honour in being able to get so close to his brother. To be able to touch him thus filled him with an almost overwhelming sense of joy. Xavier's paws were much less than a millimetre away from cuddling his brother's naked organs, and that thought excited him greatly. The prospect of holding Alexei's essence made the young lion giddy with anticipation. What thrilled him more was the wait, the anticipation, the uncertainty of knowing exactly when he would get past the thin grey barrier which prevented their most intimate of contact.

Alexei writhed around on his bed, pushing himself into a more comfortable position atop the sheets and the mattress, enjoying every second he spent with his brother. He leaned his head back, keeping his eye closed, and focused on the sensation in his shorts. There was something about this which excited Alexei differently than he had been before. Alexei had an unusual feeling in his gut, almost overwhelming the lion to the point of unconsciousness, that he had never experienced with either Kaelin or Kavhen. There was something much different about his current mate, but he couldn't quite put his paw on it. Was it, perhaps, because he was becoming more intimate with his brother than most brothers ever should? Alexei quickly pushed that thought to the back of his mind as Xavier caused a sharp shot of pleasure to rush through his body. Alexei grunted and moaned loudly at this and at the continuous massaging of his cock and balls. Perhaps it was just because his own brother was responsible for such ecstasy. Perhaps it was just the taboo of being so close to his sixteen year old brother which excited him so. Suddenly, another shot of pleasure. Alexei moaned louder this time, writhing about. All he could concentrate on now was the seemingly random and constant touching and fondling of his cock and balls, the never-relenting sensation which was an almost constant source of pleasure for the lion. Alexei just lay there taking it all in.

Xavier, too, had become incredibly excited over this. He could almost sense Alexei's pleasure in his pants now. He, too, was erect and yet he continued to service his brother. The desire to be pleased himself thusly was almost too much for the young lion to handle. As he handled Alexei's balls with his right paw and his cock with the left, Xavier began to moan, almost a whine, as his own needs remained unattended. Still, for some unusual reason, this satisfied the lion's lust. Xavier then felt something on his pads, from through the shorts, which excited him more; his brother's precum. Xavier laughed slightly at the sight and he held his left paw to his nose, his right still working away. Xavier took a whiff and was suddenly thrilled. He murred and licked his palm, now moving it down his neck and chest, making his way to his belt. Xavier released Alexei and started removing his belt.

Alexei groaned just as his brother stopped. His paw then whipped down to his crotch, almost by reflex, to continue the feeling. He caressed himself softly, waiting for Xavier's return.

Xavier quickly removed his belt and then awkwardly removed his black baggy pants between Alexei's legs. Once removed, he tossed them to the floor and climbed atop his brother; Alexei was leaned back on his two paws while Xavier knelt above him, their noses almost touching. Xavier wore only his tight black shorts which showed off his throbbing organ. As he hung above his brother almost completely naked, Xavier started to feel very warm. He hadn't felt like this about anyone before.

Alexei, leaning forward more, put up his paws and held Xavier's face. He moved in close and kissed his younger brother softly. Alexei was very excited now. He released Xavier from his lips and from his paws for a moment. Alexei reached down, still staring in Xavier's eyes, and tugged on his shorts.

Xavier looked down and blushed profusely. He smiled greatly as he coursed his paws across Alexei's thighs and up his sides. Xavier caressed his brother's abs, as well as the scar across them, until he reached Alexei's shorts. Again he started rubbing the tip of Alexei's cock until Alexei closed his eye. Xavier then slipped his paws down Alexei's shorts. The excitement seemed almost to burst from his chest as his paws grazed slightly across Alexei's throbbing member. Xavier started breathing very heavily as he began to slip his brother's short off slowly.

Alexei murred as his brother pulled off his shorts. He moved his legs together, lifting them slightly, to help his brother along. Once his shorts were removed, Alexei moved back and looked up at his brother, now watching him remove his own tight black shorts. Alexei took a tight hold of his own cock, stroking it ever so slightly, and watched his brother.

Xavier, now on his knees, pulled his shorts down past his organs, his cock springing out from under.

Alexei giggled at this sight.

Xavier laughed as he quickly removed his shorts the rest of the way. Now completely naked, kneeling in front of his older brother, Xavier could hardly contain himself. He almost lunged at Alexei, locking lips instantly. He wrapped his arms around Alexei's neck, laying atop his scar-covered brother. Perhaps what excited the young lion the most was the feeling of Alexei's hard cock pressed up against his body as he kissed his brother.

The pair continued making out passionately, writhing and rolling about in sheer delight. As they did, Alexei eventually found himself atop his little brother. He pulled his head back and looked down at Xavier smiling and breathing and sweating heavily. The passion he shared with his brother was immense. The flames of their desire burned incredibly.

Alexei lowered his head to Xavier's chest, kissing it softly.

Xavier purred as his brother brushed his lips across his fuzzy chest. He moaned a little as he felt Alexei's warm moist lips graze over his right nipple, then giggling as he felt Alexei's wet tongue caress his hardened nipple.

Alexei opened his eye and looked up at his brother. "Are you ready to get this started?"

Xavier nodded excitedly. He leaned forward and asked, "So, how do you want to do this?"

"Just get on your paws and knees and let me worry about the rest."

Xavier did what he was told obediently. He leaned forward, now on his knees in front of Alexei, then bent forward again. He put down his paws then lifted his head, looking up at his brother, as if groveling. His tail flicked around with anticipation.

Alexei looked down warmly on his younger brother. He then looked over to the small dark shelf beside his bed and held out his arm, concentrating. The drawer then opened and a tube floated up and into Alexei's paw. Just as he did, Alexei felt an arousing in his throbbing, idle crotch.

Xavier, while Alexei was turned, had cupped his paws around Alexei's fuzzy balls, finally getting to feel them fur-on-fur. He had also leaned in and wrapped his lips around the end of Alexei's cock, tasting some of his precum, and bobbing his head up and down slightly and quickly. He caressed the neath of Alexei's warm organ with his studded tongue.

Alexei blushed when he looked down and saw what his brother was doing. He let out an incredible satisfied sigh as the pleasure once again mounted in his cock. The feeling of Xavier's rough wet tongue, as well as the stud, sent odd pleasures up his spine and through his balls. Alexei let out a loud moan shortly after Xavier had started. He placed his right paw atop Xavier's head, almost pushing him down further each time after his head bobbed up.

Xavier continued what he was doing, mostly because Alexei demanded it. He tried for a moment to stop and try something different, but Alexei's paw kept pushing on his head. For some reason Xavier enjoyed this, so he did was he was told. He then tightened his lips around Alexei's wet throbbing cock, increasing the pleasure.

Alexei sighed again as he leaned back on both paws, releasing Xavier's head.

As Xavier came back up, having nearly swallowed down to Alexei's base, and began to concentrate at the end of Alexei's cock. With his right paw, Xavier wrapped a few fingers at Alexei's base and stroked up and down, keeping a tight grip of the shaft, while at the same time he wriggled his tongue sensually around the bottom of Alexei's cock-head, as well as the sides. He moved the stud several times over Alexei's small hole, occasionally letting it slip inside momentarily.

Alexei moaned loudly at this incredible feeling of ecstasy. He was in carnal bliss at the paws of his little brother. He jumped slightly each time his brother forced his tongue-stud into his urethra, sending shivers up his spine. It was, truly, a unique feeling. Laughing through long heavy breaths, Alexei had decided it was enough. Through great pains, he placed his paws on Xavier's head, motioning him to stop. As Xavier released his cock, slowly removing his warm wet lips from around his shaft, the feeling still lingered. Alexei's cock was throbbing incredibly now, almost to the point where it was painful.

"What's the matter?" Xavier asked.

Alexei leaned down, holding his paws to Xavier's face. He said, between sweaty breaths, "You were doing magnificently. It's just... I want to do it my way."

"I see."

"Heh. Don't take it personally. But you got what you wanted, didn't you?"

Xavier giggled. "More so. Thank you, Alexei."

"The pleasure was all mine. Now, turn around."

Xavier, still on his paws and knees, turned so his rump faced Alexei.

Alexei shuffled closer, keeping the small tube with him, and placed his paws softly on Xavier's rump, stroking up and down. He felt down Xavier's legs and up again, now moving his paws across his lower back and around to his abs. Alexei leaned forward, resting his cock along Xavier's tailhole teasingly, and wrapped his arms lovingly around his brother's waist, purring. A moment later, Alexei leaned back up and grabbed the tube. He squeezed a generous amount of lube into his palm and smothered it all over his cock. He murred at the sensation. He then leaned forward and grabbed a hold, from behind, of Xavier's.

Xavier yelped slightly as Alexei's gooey paw coated his cock with the warm slick lube.

Alexei then, with another small amount on his fingers, spread a little extra across Xavier's tailhole, and then a little bit inside.

Xavier yelped again, then laughed nervously.

Alexei laughed then he wiped the excess off his paw and positioned himself strategically behind his brother. He stared, for a moment, down at Xavier. He loved his little brother very much, perhaps more than most, and he considered what he was about to do. He was about to share with him an almost sacred bond, a joining of two powers in the most physical and spiritual way. However, this was not just a lion he was joining with, it was his own flesh and blood. But Alexei didn't care. He loved his brother so deeply. He closed his eye for a moment and when he opened it, he slowly began his ascent.

Xavier gasped as he felt Alexei's slick cock press against his tailhole, entering only slightly. His eyes then widened as it wormed its way more and more inside, stretching his hole greatly. Xavier bit his lip and held his breath, fighting off the pain, trying hard not to react. He refused to show any signs of weakness to his powerful brother. However, the feeling was incredible. The mix of both pain and pleasure was almost indescribable. On one hand, Xavier's tailhole burned as Alexei's cock pushed its way through, and yet at the same time it felt very satisfying.

Alexei, now completely within Xavier's bowels, stopped momentarily to reflect. He had entirely entered his brother's body, feeling terrific. As he looked down at the small lion's slim sensual back, his paws caressing the sides of Xavier's perfect rump, things started to come into perspective. Although he had only met his brother that day and learned of their relativity, he had now connected with him on such a metaphysical and corporeal level. It was almost unbelievable how far he had come with the little lion in such a short amount of time. Alexei squirmed a little feeling Xavier's bowels constrict his throbbing cock. He moved around slightly, and as he did he heard his brother make a noise. Alexei smiled as he snapped back to reality. He began to remove himself, eager to drive himself back in again.

Xavier moaned as Alexei's cock made its way back out of him. He let out a big breath and continued breathing heavily.

Alexei, nearly all the way out, paused for a second before reentering. He was breathing normally, but sweating quite a bit. Alexei shook his head and forced himself back up Xaveir's tailhole, grunting as he made his way. Alexei could easily feel how much smaller his brother's hole was compared to his other mates, let alone his own. Alexei knew his brother must have been in pain. Alexei could feel how much tighter the squeeze was, and although he felt some sympathy for Xavier, the feelings were easily pushed aside the further he moved forward, as the sensation was incredible. Once again at the end, Alexei removed himself, much quicker now. He continued faster and faster until the two began to work effortlessly together.

Xavier was now moaning almost continuously both at the pain and the pleasure. Every one of Alexei's thrusts sent sharp sensations up his body, and very quickly he let his mind and body go as he worked smoothly and seamlessly with Alexei's hard thrusts. The pain eventually started to subside as it was replaced with an almost numbing joy. Although it still burned, it burned brilliantly.

Alexei was now panting as he worked his little brother. They worked as one, fluid and perfect. He kept pushing forward, thrusting harder, grunting as he did. He remembered just moments ago he had pleasured himself marvelously, and was even more aroused in knowing he was back at it again, ready to spread his seed. Alexei continued in and out, caressing his brother's thighs and tail as he did. What aroused the older lion more was, once again, the taboo of sharing his seed with his little brother. His current mate, ten years younger than himself, was small and sensual. Deep within he knew what he was doing was wrong, but there was nothing that could hold him back. He loved his brother and would continue to please him and himself for as long as he could. Alexei then leaned forward a bit and wrapped his arms around Xavier's lower back, gripping with his left paw Xavier's warm balls.

Xavier let out a higher-pitched grunt as he felt the ice-cold paw chill his heated organs. Despite what Alexei had just been doing to him, he still blushed as his brother touched him so. The incredible pleasure being pushed rhythmically and constantly up his small tailhole, combined with the more subtle fondling of his hardened organ and balls, threw Xavier into a state of euphoria. His senses shut off as he gave into his carnal desires. The only thing he could feel, the only thing he could see, smell and hear was all in the paws of his brother.

Alexei continued busying himself with his brother. His panting and sweating was now nonstop and uncontrollable. He was almost sure, too, that he was drooling all over Xavier's rump, but couldn't be certain. Eventually Alexei started to feel a very familiar feeling in both his gut and deep in his cock. He could sense his orgasm quickly approaching so he released his brother's organs and focused on finishing the job. He placed both paws on Xavier's hips - very sensuous hips - and continued his long hard thrusts into and out of his brother's body. He tightened the muscles in his groin to hold off the powerful orgasm as long as he could, but it was inevitable. Soon enough, the exhausted Alexei let forth a loud sigh, more like moan, as his cock was instantly hammered with a sharp pleasure and the little seed left in his body sprayed into Xavier's bowels.

Xavier could feel himself filling with his brother's seed. It was a very special moment in Xavier's life as his bowels filled with Alexei's warming essence. The brothers were now one. Xavier, breathing hard, wanted so much to share his own seed with his brother.

Alexei, still getting in as many last-second thrusts as he could, let himself slip out of Xavier's very red, and probably very sore, tailhole. A small amount of spooge dripped out from the tight hole and the end of Alexei's cock. Alexei leaned down, pressing his cold wet nose just at the base of his brother's tail, and sniffed long breathes. He moved down slightly, licking the red hole as he did.

Xavier, still breathing heavily, blushed even more as Alexei did this. He had never felt so good before in his life. And yet his cock still ached for relief.

Alexei promptly lapped up his own warm seed dripping from Xavier's tailhole. He enjoyed the taste immensely, both a mix of spooge and the edge of his brother's bowels. Alexei, panting with his tongue out slightly, lifted his head and rubbed it caressingly on Xavier's rump, murring both at the unusual taste in his mouth and at what he had just done.

Xavier turned, uncertain of what to do, and addressed his brother, "Alexei... I still..."

Alexei looked up and smiled at his blushing brother. He knew what he wanted. Alexei lifted himself atop the small lion, coercing him onto his back.

Xavier turned readily, his warm throbbing cock sticking up with great anticipation.

Alexei, now between Xavier's outspread legs, fondled the cock softly, almost teasingly, with his right paw.

Xavier giggled and blushed again. He knew, although he wanted to deny it, this was going to be fast. He had never felt more aroused, more turned on, than he was right now. Looking down past his fuzzy chest, his left nipple ring catching his eye briefly, into his glistening cock as Alexei slowly caressed it with his flesh paw, filled him with so much joy and so much sexuality, he knew his orgasm would come fast but hit hard.

Alexei, murring, licked the throbbing cock in front of him. He teased the small hole at the tip for a moment until he continued into full-on licks for the entire length of the cock.

Xavier squeed slightly as Alexei's rough, textured tongue dragged across his organ's entire underside, then around the head right after. He could almost hear the blood pounding through his cock's veins now. It was almost frustrating having to wait.

Alexei now wrapped his lips tightly around the end of his brother's cock, still working his tongue, bobbing his head slightly up and down. He then lifted his metal paw and, after fondling the warm fuzzy balls for a moment, which got an arousing reaction out of his brother, he gripped the base of the cock.

A strange sensation shot up through Xavier's gut. He moaned again at this.

Alexei started stroking more now with his left paw. He lifted his head slightly as he completely grabbed onto the cock. He knew what his brother wanted. He stroked the cock, at first slow, quickly. His saliva had provided ample lubrication, so now it was simply a matter of time. He knew it wouldn't be long.

Xavier continued to pant and moan as the unique feeling in his cock continued at an almost blinding pace. All he could feel now was the complete ecstasy coursing through his cock and balls. He now tried to hold off his orgasm, but not unlike his brother, it was useless.

Alexei lowered his face as he slowed his pace in order to suck the boy's cock once again. However, he was greeted with a pleasant and almost shocking surprise.

Xavier's cock was very suddenly filled with incredible delight, so much so that it almost hurt as his seed exploded out of him.

Alexei got a blast of hot seed right on where his left eye should be. His head flinched as the warm spooge caught Alexei off guard. Then, another blast got the older lion right on his lips, further to the right. Surprised again, Alexei opened his mouth slightly.

As each surge of spooge burst from Xavier's cock, the small lion let out a rough and tired moan. The climax seemed to have lasted much longer than he expected, rather the feeling lingered much longer. Again, one final powerful ejaculation got Alexei right between his pursed lips.

Alexei, now less surprised, murred as he tasted his brother's sweet cum. He closed his eye and with his right paw he wiped off the copious amounts of seed from his eye and the side of his mouth. He swallowed then reached his tongue to the right of his mouth, lapping up as much as he could.

Xavier looked at his brother as he devoured his cum. Xavier felt incredibly happy seeing Alexei enjoy his seed, his essence, so greatly.

Alexei licked the remaining seed off his paw, the taste almost orgasmic, and lowered his head once more to clean up the mess he left on Xavier's diminishing cock.

Xavier lay back as Alexei finished up, murring happily.

Alexei finally rose and dragged his exhausted self onto his brother, their faces meeting and bodies intertwined. Alexei licked his lips again. They were both panting heavily.

"Thank you, Alexei," Xavier started. "That was more than I could have ever asked for."

Alexei laughed tiredly. He lay slightly to Xavier's right side, while still mostly atop. He then lifted his right paw and placed it on Xavier's left cheek. The two looked into each others eyes. "It was my pleasure, little brother."

Xavier giggled. He added, smiling, "Thanks, big brother," then kissed him softly on the lips. Their kiss lasted a long moment.

Eventually the pair fell asleep together, sharing their bed and their warmth. Alexei drifted off with no regrets, lying naked atop his brother. A small amount of cum still lingered on both their cocks, but Alexei didn't mind. It was now cold and wet, but it was strangely appealing. Alexei shook his head slightly, so as to not disturb his brother, and eventually himself closed his eye and drifted away. He felt very warm at that moment, lying with his little brother, feeling a certain link, or bond, with him. Alexei could still taste Xavier's cum in his mouth, and could almost feel it warming his gut, like hot soup on a cold winter day. He knew, then, that they were one. He knew Xavier felt just as warm with his seed resting within his bowels. The two had shared a deep, meaningful bond that night, and now it was complete. These thoughts slowly left Alexei's busy mind as he finally drifted off to sleep beside his brother, his arm draped across Xavier's chest and his paw resting just atop his pierced nipple. Alexei smiled as he embraced the warm darkness.

* * *

Alexei woke suddenly. He was still lying with his little brother, draped across his naked body. Alexei slowly lifted himself and sat up, rubbing his eye. He groaned as he felt some residual pleasure within him. He then felt two warm furry arms drape around his neck from behind, two paws clasped above his chest. Alexei held the two paws and looked to his right. He was greeted with Xavier's warm smile.

"Good morning, big brother," Xavier said happily.

Alexei smiled. "Good morning, Xavier."

Xavier squeezed Alexei tightly. "I don't want you to leave, Alexei."

"I know, but I have to. It's the price I must pay for love."

Xavier thought about that for a moment then released his brother. "So, when do you plan on leaving?"

Alexei lifted his head, searching for the time. A moment later, "We've got five hours at most. Then we'll be off, never to return." Alexei lowered his head. He was suddenly filled with incredible guilt and sadness.

Xavier rubbed Alexei scarred and naked back. "Don't worry about it. Maybe one day you'll be able to return and I'll be able to see you again."

Alexei sighed. "What I would give for such naivety."

Xavier cocked his head.

Alexei smiled. "I won't be coming back and you'd be a fool to think otherwise. The Council has made their decision."

"Well, screw the Council."

"If only it were that simple, Xavier. My team and I would be fugitives, constantly running from the law. I know what it's like to always be running, and I wouldn't wish that life on anyone. It's best if we just pack up and leave and never look back. The Lumar System would be much safer that way."

Xavier wore a face of despondency.

"If it makes you feel any better, Xavier, it would be much easier and safer for you to visit me sometime."

"But how would I find you?"

"Kavhen."

"What?" Xavier was taken aback, blushing a little.

"I noticed the way you and Kavhen looked at each other, and while I didn't know about you, I knew what he was thinking. When your powers grow strong enough, you'll be able to find him."

Xavier didn't know what to say. He simply nodded.

Alexei stood up, letting Xavier's paws fall off his shoulders and down his back. He turned to his brother while slipping into a clean pair of shorts. "I'm going to meet my team for our last meal on Lumar. You can join us if you wish."

Xavier, who was still kneeling naked on Alexei's bed, smiled and hopped off. He quickly threw on his tight black shorts and his black baggy pants. He looked up at Alexei who was already heading toward the door. Xavier rushed over to where he had thrown his small black shirt and slipped into it.

Alexei watched as Xavier almost climbed into his extremely tight black shirt. He felt a little turned on as he once again noticed his brother's hard nipples poking through. He smiled and went out the door, Xavier quickly following behind.

The pair traveled the busy corridors quickly to the Main Hall, where Alexei was to meet his team for their meal. Before entering, Alexei addressed his brother, "Xavier..."

"What is it?"

"Please don't tell anyone what we did last night, at least, not my team. I don't want them to know."

"You mean you don't want Kaelin to know."

"What?" Alexei felt uneasy.

"I know how much he means to you. I would never come in the way of you two, especially with a love like yours. Last night... just sort of happened, you know? I didn't intend for us to..."

"Yeah... Thanks, Xavier, for understanding."

Alexei smiled then the two entered the Hall. They were greeted warmly by the ex-Elites.

"Good morning, Captain," Jorhn said.

"'Morning, everyone. Mind if Xavier joins us?"

The Lumarians shook their heads and the brothers took their seats. Alexei sat between Xavier and Kaelin.

Kavhen sat across the table from Xavier, the two just staring at each other.

There was already several large plates served across at the crowded table, so Alexei picked various things. He felt very hungry that morning.

"So, when will we be leaving, Captain?" Alyster asked.

Stuffing a large piece of food piggishly in his mouth, Alexei turned and answered, muffled, "Beats me." He spat food as he talked. "After breakfast, I guess." Alexei swallowed his food. "If there's anything you guys want to do before we go, you should do it now."

Axiroth scoffed. "Kinda like one final slap in the face, huh?"

"No, I was merely suggesting-"

"I know what you were suggesting. Am I the only one who wants to get the hell away from here? The sooner we leave the sooner we can all die in peace."

The table stared at Axiroth. They weren't sure how to react.

"Ax, I..." Alexei couldn't find the words.

"You got us all banned from our home world, Captain. What the hell are we supposed to do before we leave?"

"I don't know. If there's anyone you wanted to say farewell to, now's your last chance. If you want to go out and get piss-drunk, you can do that too."

"Puh! We don't need your pity."

Kaelin put his arm around Alexei.

"I can't stop you from leaving, you little shit!" Alexei stood out of his chair and slammed his fists on the table, cracking it. "If you want to live your wretched little life running from your own people, so be it. But don't bitch to me about it. I never forced you to come to Earth with me."

Axiroth slumped back in his chair.

Alexei sat back down, annoyed. He looked back at Axiroth. "Do you think this is easy for me? I know what you are all going though and I know how it feels. So, do you think I don't feel bad about it?"

Axiroth, still frowning, met Alexei's gaze. He kept silent.

"You all knew what would happen if you came with me, and I cannot begin to show you, even remotely, what that means to me. I feel absolutely awful about getting us exiled, so much so it almost makes me sick, but don't you dare, not for even a second, accuse me of anything less."

Kaelin caressed Alexei's back warmly and sympathetically. He rested his head on his shoulder.

Alexei sighed. He looked up at his team who were all sitting silently with their heads down. At length, he said, "Please, don't resent me."

"I don't resent you, Captain," Raiche said.

Alexei received comforting smiles from the rest of his team, save Axiroth.

Kavhen looked up. "Captain... I will never resent you, no matter what you do. You will always have my heart."

Alexei stared at Kavhen with tears in his eyes. With that one comment, he suddenly felt an unusual amount of guilt, but not for his team. It suddenly hit him what he had done with his brother that night plus the situation he was in between Kavhen and Kaelin. "Thank you, Kavhen," he said.

After a moment of dead silence, they all continued their meal. Xavier had gotten up and sat with Kavhen and they continued their conversation happily.

Alexei looked up and around and he noticed his team was in relatively high spirits suddenly, all things considered. Alexei now felt it hard to enjoy his food.

"What's the matter?" Kaelin asked. "I'm not mad, or anything. I know how you feel about him."

"It's not that. I'm just not very hungry anymore. I feel sick."

"How come? Even Ax seems to be feeling better."

"Just... just drop it, okay? I've got a lot on my mind."

Kaelin was worried. "Okay, Alexei. If you ever want to talk, you know I'll be there for you. Kavhen will, too."

"Thank you." Alexei stood up and turned.

"Where're you going?" Xavier asked from across the table.

"I... I need some time to think. I'll wait for you all on the shuttle."

"Oh, c'mon, Captain," Jorhn begged. "Sit with us. If you wanna talk, you know we'll listen."

"No. Not about this. Just enjoy your meal." Alexei left without saying another word. Just as he reached the door, he felt a paw on his shoulder. It was Xavier.

"Brother... tell me what's wrong."

"I think you know what's wrong."

"Is it about last night?"

Embarrassed, Alexei nodded. "I just need time to think."

"I don't want you to forget about us - what we did. We bonded that night, Alexei. It was a very special moment."

"I know," Alexei said, holding his little brother. "I love you. I love you as much as I love Kaelin and Kavhen..."

"I love you, too, brother. But that's... that's the problem, isn't it?"

Alexei nodded again. He embraced Xavier and said quietly, "I will never forget you, Xavier. I'm so glad I met you, and I will miss you."

Xavier shed a tear. "So this is goodbye, then?"

"Yeah."

"Okay... Goodbye, big brother... and I love you."

Alexei smiled. "Take care of yourself, little brother." Alexei left his brother's arms and headed toward his ship. As he entered the shuttle bay, he got his first glimpse at his ship. It was larger than he had imagined, which was good. It was of older design and probably of poorer quality. No doubt the Elders found the most useless ship in their armada to hand over to the exiles. Alexei walked up to it and placed his metal paw on its surface. "So, this is my ship, huh? Piece of junk probably doesn't even work."

Suddenly a hatch opened on the ship's belly, a sort of stairs lowering down, and a dirty Lumarian walked out.

"Who the hell are you?"

"The name's Acharam. I was just cleaning this baby up for you, sir. She's not pretty, but she'll run."

"So, are you through?"

"Yeah, I just finished up. Why, you in a hurry?" Acharam laughed.

"Of sorts."

"Hey, I don't blame ya. I'd wanna get my sorry ass off this planet as fast as I could after that kinda trial."

"Excuse me?" Alexei wasn't sure what to make of the so-called engineer.

"No offence, pal, but you got off easy. Most guys who break the lower life-form law get booted to some shit planet in a military escort. You can go almost anywhere you want in your own ship."

Alexei stared up at the engineer. "Just get the hell away from me, okay?"

"Whatever you say, exile." Acharam walked out the bay door.

Alexei ignored that last comment and walked onto his new ship and toured around. He found the cockpit and sat in the large chair, staring out the window. He finally had time to himself.

Alexei shut his eye and rested his head back, sighing. It now seemed he was torn between three lovers; Kaelin, Kavhen, and Xavier. He had chosen to be with Kaelin long ago, and yet couldn't help but feel bad for Kavhen, who had helped him through hard times. Kavhen had said he was okay with Alexei choosing Kaelin, but he knew it tore him up. And now he had his own brother to deal with. In amongst Alexei's confusion was the bond he shared with Xavier. Not only was their love taboo, it also conflicted greatly with Alexei's feelings. He rested his aching head on his metal paw. He knew he was going to stay with his truelove, Kaelin, the one who had taken his virginity, but at what price? How long would he have to suffer the guilt?

Alexei sighed and groaned as he slouched in his chair. He only wished there was an easy way to deal with this. Alexei then heard someone walking along the metal grating of the ship's floor. Alexei turned as the footsteps appeared behind him.

"Hi, Alexei," said Kaelin. "The guys said they'll be along shortly. I went back and got some of your stuff from your room. I figured you didn't bring it with you."

"Oh. Thanks, Kaelin."

Kaelin took a seat beside Alexei - the co-pilot's seat. "You want to talk about what was bothering you before? Xavier told us you could use someone to talk to."

"Xavier... Yeah, I guess I do have some stuff on my mind."

"What is it?"

Alexei sighed. "I love you, Kaelin, very much. But as you know... I feel the same for Kavhen. I guess I just feel terrible about leaving him like that. He's torn up inside and all I can do is stand around watching him grow more and more despondent."

"Well, he and Xavier seemed to really hit it off."

"I know, but we're probably never going to see Xavier again. And until the day we do, if we do, I'll always have this guilt hanging over me."

"So, what you're saying is you want to be with both of us."

Alexei nodded. "I know it's impossible, but I don't know what to do. I can't possibly make you both happy."

"That's true. I guess you've just got to pick."

"I can't! I can't just pick. I love you both the same for different reasons. Trust me when I say this is all I've been thinking about the past few weeks."

"Well, it's a sticky situation, Alexei."

"Thanks for the support," said Alexei, sarcastically.

"Well, what do you expect me to say? I would love to tell you to be with me and only me, but that isn't fair to Kavhen. Look, you know how I feel about you, as well as how Kavhen feels. It all comes down to you making a decision; me or Kavhen. Which will it be?"

Alexei sighed. He didn't dare tell Kaelin about himself and Xavier. His situation was tough enough, he didn't need to complicate things more by bringing up the topic of incest. He figured it didn't matter so much in his decision, as he would not see his brother, now, for a very long time. "Thanks, Kaelin," Alexei said at length.

Kaelin smiled. "Off the record, I think you should choose me."

Alexei smiled back. "How would you feel if I left you and stayed with Kavhen?"

Kaelin thought about that for a moment. "I don't know. Disappointed, I guess."

Alexei put his head down. He began to realize, suddenly, that he had gone back to Earth, essentially, to save Kaelin from the Commune. He had taken the roo from Earth in order to be with him always in space. And even before that, six years before that, he had opened up to this roo, to another living being, for the first time in over a decade, and had even given him his innocence. But once again Kavhen appeared, picking the weary lion up after fighting for so long.

Alexei turned to Kaelin and held his paw with his right. "Kaelin, you and I have been through so much. I still remember the day we met."

Kaelin smiled. "I fell in love with you almost instantly. I knew, from the first moment I saw you, that we would be together. I never doubted that for a second. And here we are."

Alexei kept silent for a moment, thinking about what Kaelin had just said. "We have come a long way, haven't we."

The pair shared the silence together, still holding paws. Suddenly, a loud crash from behind.

Alexei leapt out of his chair, along with Kaelin, and saw his team as they looked around the aged ship. "I hope this piece of junk flies," he heard Raiche say from down a corridor.

"There are six living quarters on this ship, Captain," Alyster said, "and the engine is fairly simple. The cargo hold is below-deck, and if I am not mistaken, it is more than adequate for all of us."

The team, several poking their heads around corners and out of large hatches, stared at the knowledgeable Olissian, somewhat surprised.

"How do you know that?" Alexei asked.

"It is of Olissian make, sir, designed for carrying small companies comfortably throughout the galaxy. It has warp-speed capabilities for limited periods and little fire-power... I designed the ship myself, Captain. That was before the Commune invasion."

Alexei made a small impressed noise. "So, am I to assume you can fly this thing?"

"With ease, sir."

"Look, you don't have to keep calling me 'sir,' okay? That goes with the rest of you. I'm not your captain anymore.

"You'll always be our captain," Eskelle said.

"Yeah, if we don't have you to follow," Jorhn cut in, "then who? Ax?"

The team, excluding Axiroth, laughed.

"Fuck you," Axiroth replied.

"Calm down, Ax, we're only kidding around." Jorhn walked up a ladder and into the cockpit. "Now, lemme see if I can figure this baby out. Care to give me a hand, Alyster?"

"It is quite simple, really," Alyster went on. He followed Jorhn into the cockpit and Alexei and Kaelin walked forward to join the rest of the team.

"I trust you all have your necessities onboard now?" Alexei asked.

They all nodded.

"Well, you can fight amongst yourselves as to who has to share a bunk. If I'm still going to be your captain, then I get my own."

"I'm not sharing a room," Axiroth blurted out.

"You can be with Raiche, how about that?"

Raiche shot an evil look at Alexei.

"Captain's orders," Alexei argued.

Suddenly Kavhen sighed. "I am going to room five, so if anyone wants to be with me, you're more than welcome." Kavhen walked away without another word.

Alexei looked around at his team. "I'll go talk to him. Raiche, tell whoever's flying this boat to get us out of here now."

"At what heading, Captain?"

"Surprise me." Alexei turned and followed Kavhen. He caught him just before he entered his room. "Kav," he said aloud, "I think we need to talk."

"What about, Captain?"

Alexei gestured for them to enter the room.

The room was small and had two beds. Kavhen sat on one and Alexei the other.

"I can tell you're upset."

"We are leaving Lumar, never to return. Do I have no reason to be upset?"

"Kav, please. You know what I'm talking about. Don't make this harder than it already is."

Kavhen kept his head down. "You know how I feel about you, Captain... Alexei. And I told you before I was okay with you and Kaelin being together."

"I know what you said, but you don't truly believe that, do you."

Kavhen nodded. "We shared a very special moment, Alexei, and for six years you and I have been together. Then suddenly, in one moment, all that is gone. Forgive me for not sharing your happiness."

Alexei sighed. "The decision wasn't easy for me, you know. Kaelin and I shared something very special that night. He taught me what it was to be alive again. We were meant to be together, I think."

"I know, Alexei. I can feel something between you two that is missing between us. But..." Tears started to fill Kavhen's eyes. "But it still hurts."

Alexei sat beside the depressed Lumarian. "The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you, Kav, but you must understand I have no choice but to hurt one of you. I just wish this was easier. I still love you so much." Alexei put his arms around Kavhen, holding him.

Kavhen felt warmer inside. "Thank you, Alexei... Maybe that's all I needed to hear."

"I never stopped loving you, Kavhen, not even for a second. I just can't choose both of you."

"I understand." Kavhen knew Alexei couldn't have both himself and Kaelin, and as well his bond with Kaelin grew much deeper than that with his own. Kavhen knew both his and Alexei's feelings for each other were equally mutual, however deep down he knew, as much as he chose to deny it, that they weren't meant to be. This time, fate was against Kavhen. However, it was also fate which brought Xavier to him. Although he wasn't completely certain, considering his striking resemblance to Alexei, whether what he felt for Xavier was real or just a compensation of sorts.

"How..." Alexei started suddenly, "how do you feel about Xavier?"

Kavhen was caught off guard. "What?"

"You two really seemed to hit it off. Do you have feelings for him?"

"I-I don't know. I think I might, or I could just be seeing you in him. I love you, Alexei, very much, but I think I may also have feelings for him. I am very confused right now."

Alexei cuddled closer to Kavhen. He said, softly, "You're strong, Kavhen. I know you'll get through this, but know you aren't alone. You have a ship full of souls who care so much about you and would be willing to help you in any way possible."

Kavhen didn't know what else to say. He simply sat next to Alexei, cuddling close. The moment seemed to last forever. Kavhen felt warm in Alexei's arms. At length he said, "I think I do have feelings for Xavier. Perhaps I am mostly saddened at his absence right now."

Alexei smiled. "It'll be okay, Kav. I'm sure we'll see him again sometime."

"Thank you, Alexei."

The two squeezed and Alexei left with a warm paw on Kavhen's shoulder. He walked slowly through his ship and its narrow metal corridors. The ship, nearly ancient in design, had a very dank feeling to it, cold, wet, and rusting. The fluorescent lights, many of them flickering, buzzed as Alexei walked by, wiping his paw along the cold steel walls. He felt more like he was in a large cargo ship or submarine, but Alexei was pleased. He was no longer bound by the Lumarian empire.

Alexei finally entered what he now claimed as his own room. He eventually found the light switch in the room and turned out the dim buzzing light. A small amount of light still poured into his room from a passing planet through the small, square porthole, shimmering off his metal arm and highlighting his furry muscles. Alexei stared out the window at the slowly passing pale blue planet. He felt exhausted, that moment, as he began to remove his clothes. Naked, the passing light now highlighting his entire body, Alexei threw himself onto his small bed. All he could think about now were the three loves in his life; Kaelin, Kavhen, and now Xavier. He had chosen to be with Kaelin, despite how he knew Kavhen would, and did, feel. After his talk with Kavhen, Alexei knew he was more at ease, yet still confused about his feelings. Kaelin, of course, knew exactly what he wanted, and he had it. Alexei couldn't read Xavier's mind, at least not well enough to make any sense of it, to know exactly how he feels. He assumed, however, that he, too, had feelings for Kavhen. Alexei loved all three of them very much.

Alexei lay on his right side and shut his eye, trying to shut the thoughts out of his mind. With his mind clear, rather, mostly clear, Alexei drifted to sleep. He didn't know where the ship would end up, but wherever it was, he would be free. Although his freedom was limited, he was free nonetheless. That thought comforted the weary lion to sleep.