Nemo__404
patreon
Deathworlders Should Not Be Allowed To Date! 68
🕑 Added 2025-01-07 00:41:39 +0000 UTC[Author's Note] Brace yourselves—this is one of the longest chapters.
Luna VI query: Set the source to the leaked files of the first reconnaissance operation of Irisa AND the translation logs of Princess Amara Auralyn.
Certainly!
Luna VI query: Narrate the full period between the hearing and Argor return.
***
Nathan’s Perspective:
Upon discovering that Samantha had arrived at the lobby for an intervention organized by his mother—and that Amara had gone to meet her along with Mia—a chill ran down Nathan's spine. His mind went into overdrive, imagining both potential outcomes, fearful that either they would all become friends, or that things would quickly take turn for the worse.
As Nathan left his parents behind and hurried to the lobby, he realized he had no idea what to expect. Despite Amara's typical confidence and lack of jealousy, the fact that Samantha had likely been invited solely to be confrontational made the entire situation an unpredictable question mark.
His questions were answered the moment he stepped into the lobby. Near the reception, he spotted the three women–Samantha's loud voice capturing more attention than Amara's unusual presence, while Mia stood firmly between them, blocking Samantha from getting too close to Amara.
Nathan's steps quickened, and as soon as they noticed him, the atmosphere shifted. Samantha—a young woman with white skin, brown hair, and hazel eyes that now seemed unusually expressive—paused mid-sentence. Nathan didn’t remember her being this emotive; their breakup had been cold and perfunctory, lacking any depth or lingering emotion. Her face momentarily betrayed a flicker of shock as her gaze locked on him, her ex.
"Nathan..." Samantha's voice trailed off as she stepped back, putting some distance between herself and Mia. This small movement allowed Nathan to see her better—she looked much the same as she had a year ago before his time on Irisa: a well-dressed woman who liked taking good care of herself.
"The whole intervention thing is off, Sami," Nathan explained, wasting no time. "Amara's already getting along with Mom." His tone left no room for ambiguity, making it clear he intended to preempt any misunderstandings before they had the chance to arise.
Samantha's eyes widened for a brief instant before settling into a firm expression. "Of course, you'd say that after being brainwashed by her."
Her gaze darting toward Amara, who remained indifferent, her arms crossed, her skin maintaining its serene blue color, and her tail swaying lazily behind her.
"Mom was worried and dragged you into this mess. I’m sorry for that, but it’s settled now," Nathan interjected, hoping to end the conflict before it escalated further. "You can talk to Amara if you want, but there's no need for this intervention thing."
Samantha seemed momentarily taken aback by his calm reply, but she quickly regained her fire, raising her voice once more. "Settled? It’s all over the news! They’re saying the Irisians manipulated you to force the GU’s hand and save their planet. To me it looks like your alien girlfriend whispers sweet nothings in your ear, and you just believe her like a fool."
Nathan sighed inwardly. He knew the media narrative she referenced was little more than a small echo chamber, but he chose not to argue the point. Instead, he replied with a quiet resolve, "Well… Amara’s more like a wife than a girlfriend at this point."
Samantha’s face froze, her words caught in her throat, while Amara stood unfazed. The only reaction came from Mia, who quipped with a sly grin, "Ouch."
The jab seemed to snap Samantha out of her shock, igniting a fresh tirade. "A wife? It’s been barely a year! We were together for almost five years, Nathan, and all you ever cared about were those stupid plants. Every time I brought up settling down and stopping the constant traveling, you acted like it was the end of the world."
"That’s enough, okay? We’re not revisiting this conversation," Nathan said, his patience wearing thin.
The last thing he wanted was to drag old grievances into the present, especially with Amara and Mia caught in the middle.
But Samantha wasn’t done. Her voice rose again, loud enough to draw attention from even the hotel staff. "No, it’s not enough! I won’t stop until you see reason. For God’s sake, Nathan—she’s blue!"
Nathan frowned, his jaw tightening as he noticed people glancing their way, not even masking their interest. The possibility of someone recording the scene only fueled his restraint. He took a deep breath, but before he could respond, a soft but firm pressure silenced him.
Amara’s tail.
When he looked at her, he knew—she would handle this.
"I am not blue," Amara said evenly, turning her gaze to Samantha. "I can be green, like this." Her skin shifted to a soft green hue, her hair darkening to an almost black-green tone as she pulled her long ears to the sides playfully. "Nathan says I look like an elf when I do this."
Samantha blinked, momentarily speechless, but Amara wasn’t finished. Her skin turned crimson, her hair becoming jet black as she extended her claws in a playful, almost provocative gesture. "Or perhaps you would prefer this? You humans call it a succubus, I believe. This is my first attempt at this one."
Amara’s skin changed again, this time to a tan complexion with a firely crimson hair. She turned to Nathan, who feigned ignorance. "This is Nathan’s favorite."
Before Samantha could process the sequence of transformations, Amara shifted once more, her skin turning pale and her hair a rich brown, with facial hues eerily similar to Samantha’s. "And this," Amara said calmly, "is a combination I will remember—not because I like it, but to ensure I never use it by accident."
The final shift left Samantha stunned, her lips trembling as her eyes welled with tears. Nathan didn’t need to say anything; it was clear this 'battle' was over.
After all, a clash between an Irisian woman, raised to face the fierce life of princess in a dying world, and a human whose greatest struggle had been asking her parents for more money, could only end one way.
Samantha’s watery gaze flicked between Nathan, Mia, and finally Amara before she turned and sprinted toward the hotel doors, not sparing a glance behind. Nathan could already anticipate the flood of calls he’d receive from mutual acquaintances once the story spread.
"She deserved it, but… poor girl." Mia stepped closer with a sigh. "I’m just glad I’m your friend, Amara."
Amara said nothing and only returned her skin to the neutral blue, but Nathan noticed remaining hints of green near her neck—perhaps a sign she regreted coming to the lobby to meet Samantha directly.
Hoping to lighten the mood, Nathan asked, "So… what now? Argor won’t arrive until dawn at best, and your meeting with those suits isn’t until tomorrow. We’ve got some free time."
Mia and Amara exchanged glances, seemingly less eager to move on to another topic than he was, but before either could respond, a notification popped up in Nathan’s vision. He sighed as he read it.
Apparently, Sally had scheduled a dinner for that night in her own home, only Amara and himself were invited. And judging by her tone, it was more of an order than a request.
Amara’s Perspective:
Since her first arrival on Earth, Amara’s days had been consumed by formalities, rescue missions, and diplomatic duties, leaving her with little opportunity to truly experience the planet. That changed, however, the moment a sleek, four-wheeled vehicle with oversized rear passenger doors pulled up in front of the TerraLux Resort. It was there to take Nathan and her to Sally’s home.
Even Nathan seemed surprised when he noticed a human driver behind the wheel, who wouldn't allow them to open the door themselves and politely guided them inside.
Once they stepped into the vehicle's luxurious and private rear cabin, Nathan mentioned he’d never been in one of these before, calling it a limousine. Amara, unfamiliar with the term, watched curiously as Nathan began to explore the space.
Her surprise grew when Nathan discovered a button that opened a section of the roof, revealing an open ceiling. He turned to her, and urged her to climb onto his back. She hesitated for just a moment, but quickly warmed to the idea when she realized what he meant. Wrapping her tail securely around his torso and carefully avoiding scratching him with her claws, Amara climbed onto him and poked her head out through the opening.
As the vehicle began to move, Amara finally had a chance to see Earth from a fresh perspective. The rush of wind brushed against her skin as she took in the sights. She noticed smaller vehicles trailing them in what appeared to be a protective formation, but they quickly faded into the background of her focus. Instead, she marveled at the roads, the green trees lining the streets, and the fluffy-tailed creatures darting about near the humans on the sidewalks.
The roads were wide but not overly crowded, offering a sense of calm that she didn't find in the sky above, where tiny drones zipped through the air, far more numerous than the vehicles on the ground. Amara watched them with fascination, noticing that their orderly flight patterns were too precise, likely automated.
She became captivated by the details around her–the cleanliness of the streets, the soft light of the lampposts, and the warm hues of the sky as dusk settled. Her gaze even lingered on colorful advertisements projected along the roadside, their designs revealing layers of information as her integrated translator unlocked them.
For the first time since it happened, her encounter with Samantha slipped from her mind. And despite knowing that Nathan would tire soon, she remained perched atop him, unwilling to let the moment end.
Nathan eventually shifted beneath her, and Amara realized his arms were likely growing tired of supporting her weight. With a quiet grace, she gently climbed down, settling back into her seat. Yet the impressions she had gathered lingered for the rest of the trip, her eyes much more impressed by the simple things outside rather than anything Nathan would comment about the vehicle's inside.
They gradually left the city, the streets giving way to open fields and sparse homes. The road narrowed, flanked by tall trees, and soon they arrived at a large, wrought-iron gate. Beyond it lay a sprawling estate with green gardens and a rustic stone house, a lone construction distant from the gate.
The moment they crossed the gate, a notification blinked in Amara’s mind.
Connection Lost. Reconnect when available.
The property was apparently a dead zone, devoid of any communication. Amara glanced at Nathan, who seemed unsurprised giving the owner's identity.
Sally's home was simple, natural, but the sheer size of the lawn gave off a vibe of wealth—either a matter personall preference or a requirement for safety. She emerged to greet them as soon as the vehicle stopped, and Amara followed Nathan outside, braking the silence as soon as he left the car.
"Meeting someone as important as you makes me feel like a proper ambassador, even though I’ve always leaned more toward being a scientist," he said.
Sally regarded him with a steady gaze, her silver hair catching the soft glow of the lanterns, giving her a serious appearance. Her eyes, covered behind thin-framed glasses, gave her an aura of and old librarian rather than a politician. "Well, sweetheart," she said, "you’d better get used to it. From now on, you’re likely to be treated like a proper ambassador, just not one on the human side."
Amara stepped gracefully to Nathan’s side, her gaze landing on Sally with a hint of amusement. "I have already offered him the title," she said. "Ambassador, advisor, even co-regent if he wanted it. But the only thing he ever asked for is a crew to explore Irisa’s other continents."
Sally’s gaze moved to Amara, lingering as it traveled from her swaying tail to her black claws and finally to her pointed ears. The scrutiny reminded her that this was likely Sally’s first time seeing an Irisian up close. For a brief moment, Sally seemed to study her with curiosity, but the interest quickly faded.
Sighing, Sally turned her attention back to Nathan. "His distaste for a normal job was always predictable," she said with a faint smirk. "It’s clear he have a preference for the exotic."
Amara found the comment distasteful, but she made no effort to deny it. She knew better than anyone how true it was. Nathan, on the other hand, chose to ignore the remark entirely, pretending he hadn’t heard it. He remained silent even as Sally waved them toward the house and invited them for dinner.
As they neared the large wooden door, the atmosphere shifted, drawing Amara’s attention. Her senses sharpened, catching a savory scent wafting from inside. It was so potent she could almost taste it, sparking a flicker of anticipation.
When the door finally opened, the source of the aroma became clear. Amara’s eyes swept over the warm glow of the dining room, a rustic but elegant inside where the wooden furnishings and the low light created a cozy ambient. At the heart of it all was a long table, filled with steaming platters of what appeared to be various kinds of meats. Her orange eyes lingered on the feast, and she immediately recognized the thoughtful effort Sally had put into catering to her species’ carnivorous tendencies.
"You can eat without worry," Sally said in a matter-of-fact tone. "I consulted your medical files before arranging the meal."
For a brief moment, Amara wondered if this was some kind of subtle power play, a way for Sally to reaffirm her high position in the human hierarchy. But the thought quickly dissolved when Sally gestured toward the table with a faint hint of warmth. "Take a seat."
Nathan placed a light hand on Amara’s arm, guiding her toward the two side-by-side chairs clearly intended for them. She followed his lead, her unease dissolving slowly by the sight of the orderly table. Whatever Sally’s intentions, it was clear this dinner had been meticulously prepared.
Sally gestured toward the table, her tone pragmatic but with a hint of warmth. "Let’s eat first before we get into the serious talk."
Nathan nodded in agreement, a trace of a smile crossing his face as he placed a hand on Amara’s shoulder. "I’ve always been curious to see if you’d enjoy fish and chicken."
Amara tilted her head, repeating the unfamiliar words. "Fish and chicken?"
Her eyes shifted to the table, scanning the various platters.
Nathan chuckled softly, pointing toward a platter of delicately arranged raw slices. "That’s fish. It’s one of the few meats we humans eat raw." He then gestured to another dish, piled with golden-brown cuts. "And that’s chicken. It’s a lighter meat, not like the red Oczoil you Irisians are so fond of."
Amara's orange eyes widened with interest as she leaned forward, her curiosity about these new flavors manifesting as a subtle trace of a yellow tone around her neck.
She hesitated for a moment, wondering if it would be inappropriate to use her claws to eat. But nefore she could voice her concern, Nathan was already holding a fork with a small piece of meat skewered on its prongs, and bringing it toward her mouth.
Her lips parted reluctantly, but as soon as the unknown flavors met her tongue, her hesitation vanished. The meat was rich and salted, with subtle spices that deepened its flavor. Her eyes widened as her sharp teeth tore through the tender piece Nathan had called "chicken."
After swallowing and expressing some yellow, she declared, "For this meat to taste so good, it must come from a ferocious beast, like the Oczoil."
Nathan didn’t miss a beat, his face lighting up with mischief. "Oh, absolutely," he said with a straight face. "Chicken is the most ferocious animal on Earth."
Amara’s eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him. After two harvests together on Irisa, she had learned to recognize when Nathan was teasing her. But instead of calling him out, she decided to play along. After tightening her tail around his leg and leaning closer, she asked, "Truly?"
Sometimes she enjoyed pretending to be fooled—it made him smile, and his broad grin now confirmed her choice was the right one.
Encouraged, Nathan abandoned the fork and reached for a platter of raw fish, using two wooden sticks to lift a delicate slice. His grin widened as he dipped it in a black liquid and held it out to her, ready to introduce her to yet another taste of Earth’s cuisine.
Amara hesitated for a brief moment as Nathan held the delicate slice of raw fish to her lips. The flavor, when it hit her tongue, was unlike anything she’d ever tasted—soft yet bold, with a sweetness she couldn’t place. For an instant, she was confused by its unfamiliarity, but then her eyes fluttered closed, and she allowed herself to savor it fully. She momentarily forgot she was a guest in the home of an important human on an alien planet and let her emotions show freely.
Nathan’s voice barely registered. "I don’t even need to ask which one’s your favorite," he said.
When she opened her eyes, she found Sally watching her from across the table. The older woman held a glass of deep red liquid in her hand, and as their gazes met, Sally spoke. "You know, it’s harder to believe that you two are still like that after nearly a year together than it is to believe you fell in love once."
Sally drained the rest of her drink in one gulp, then set the glass down with a soft thud. A faint smirk touched her lips as she added, "Makes an old single lady jealous."
A trace of white appeared Amara's face, unsure how to respond. Nathan’s quiet laugh broke the awkwardness.
The rest of the dinner proceeded uneventfully, with pleasant conversation filling the room. Amara politely declined the red liquid offered to her, explaining that she wanted to be in her best shape when it came time to discuss the serious matters at hand. Only after everyone had eaten their fill did Sally set her glass down and clear her throat, drawing their attention.
"Now, sweetheart," Sally said, her tone shifting to one of gravity, "let’s talk about why I needed to speak with you as a queen of you people."
Amara straightened, her formal demeanor returning as she responded, "Speak and shall hear you."
Sally glanced briefly at Nathan, then back to Amara, her expression firm. "The rescue of your son led to a chain reaction of events that we need to address."
Amara’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you referring to the deathworlder creatures that were also rescued?"
"That, too," Sally acknowledged. "But Icarus has made a plan. We’ll frame the destruction of the lab as a containment failure rather our intervention. We might avoid an all-out war with the Alliance. At least for now."
The implications hit her, but Amara kept her colors a neutral blue, concealing the turmoil inside. The mere possibility of an war was chilling. A war where humanity, with its limited control over a handful of systems, might have to face the Alliance—an old galactic power whose influence stretched deeper and farther back than most civilizations could even comprehend.
After a brief pause, Amara’s voice broke the silence. "Is this about humanity seeking military assistance from us?"
Sally shook her head, her gaze shifting briefly to Nathan, who sat silently, excluded from the conversation.
"No," Sally replied firmly, then leaned forward and continued. "Nathan did some damage to the GU’s reputation when he went public about Argor. Many important people now view your species negativity, even if that's not what the average Earth citizen thinks."
Amara’s eyes flicked to Nathan, whose expression darkened at the mention of his leak to the press. He seemed to sink further into silence, clearly aware he had caused some unintended consequences to Irisa.
Sally ignored him and continued. "What I want to discuss with you, sweetheart, is a way to fix that. A small favor you could do for the GU. It could go a long way in calming the waters before things escalate further."
Amara straightened in her chair, her orange eyes steady on Sally. "Very well, Sally. What is it that you require of me?"
Sally leaned back, her eyes meeting Amara's. "You could prove both that your intentions with Nathan are genuine and that you mean no harm to humanity. All I ask is that you agree to share your translation logs with the press."
Amara’s thoughts barely had time to begin processing the implications before Nathan interjected sharply. "She can’t accept that," he said, his voice rising slightly as he turned his gaze to Sally. "You are asking too much. Amara’s translation logs most likely contain far more than just a record of spoken words."
He paused, his jaw tightening as he glanced briefly at Amara before continuing. "Those logs have her emotions, surface thoughts, and even things she’d never share willingly. You are asking her to sacrifice our privacy entirely."
Nathan’s focus shifted fully to Sally, his voice firm but filled with a protective edge. "You can’t ask that of her. Not from her, not from anyone."
Sally's expression remained unreadable throughout Nathan’s outburst, and Amara simply observed him quietly, her emotions contained, but a faint yellow hue shimmered along her neck—at an angle that only him could see.
Sally raised a hand to calm Nathan. "It’s not as invasive as you’re suggesting, Nathan." she said. "I’d provide Amara with a tool that would allow her to erase certain parts of the logs before sharing them. For obvious reasons, she could only erase, not edit the content. The integrity of the logs must remain intact."
Amara and Nathan exchanged a long, weighted look, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, Amara broke the silence. "I require time to consider your proposal."
"You have until morning," Sally replied, standing. "I’ll expect your answer over breakfast."
Nathan’s eyes narrowed slightly as realization dawned, replying faster than Amara. "Does that mean you expect us to stay here all night?"
Amara’s tail tightened subtly around Nathan’s leg under the table, signaling that he’d indeed asked the right question.
"Why not?" Sally said with a faint smirk as she stood by the table. "My home is far safer than any hotel. Besides, Argor can be brought directly here during the night. Unlike the hotel, where an Irisian ship wouldn’t be allowed to land."
Amara turned to Nathan, her inner doubt not showing. "What do you think? This is your planet, and you should be the one who make the decision."
Nathan glanced at Sally briefly, scratching the back of his head. "It should be fine," he said finally. "As long as Sally don’t mind a bit of a party when they bring Argor late at night."
Sally chuckled. "Party away. I don’t even remember the last time I had a proper night’s sleep, so that won’t be a problem."
Amara looked at Nathan one last time for confirmation, and when he nodded subtly, she said, "Very well, we shall remain here for the night."
Nathan’s perspective:
A young man, dressed impeccably in a crisp white shirt and black vest escorted Nathan and Amara down a quiet hallway to a private guest room. His polished demeanor made it clear he was well-trained, though Nathan suspected he wasn’t just an ordinary staff member given his presence in Sally’s household.
When they reached the door, the man stopped, turned the handle, and opened it for them, stepping aside to allow them to enter. Amara paused by the threshold, her orange eyes flicking between the man and the room beyond. "Should we pay the servant?"
Nathan resisted the urge to facepalm, his fingers twitching as he suppressed the reflex. 'Of all things to say…' he thought, his mind filled with second hand embarrassment.
Before he could respond, the man by the door spoke up, his tone was professional but with a touch of annoyance.
"I’m not a servant," he clarified with a polite smile. "I’m an international relations trainee working for GU's security department. Part of my duties involve assisting the old lady's guests."
Amara’s cheeks flushed faintly with a hint of green. Her regal composure faltered for just a moment as she glanced at the man and then at Nathan.
"I... apologize," she said, her usual commanding tone replaced by an uncharacteristically meek one.
Nathan suppressed a chuckle, sensing her discomfort. He gave her a reassuring nudge toward the room, deciding it was best to move on quickly. The man by the door merely nodded as they crossed the threshold, maintaining his professional demeanor as if he hadn’t noticed her misstep.
As the door clicked shut behind them, Nathan glanced around the guest room. It matched the rest of the house’s rustic charm–a large, inviting bed stood at the center with a neat pile of folded blankets resting in the middle. Below the window sat a sturdy couch, its fabric simple but comfortable-looking, and the rest of the furnishings were solid wood, built to last. There wasn’t a single robot or modern appliance in sight, and the room exuded a timeless vibe.
Amara’s voice broke the quiet. "There’s a washroom. If you want a shower," she said, glancing toward a small adjoining door.
Nathan considered it for a moment before shaking his head. "I’ll pass tonight," he replied, stifling a yawn. "I’m too tired—from the hearing and… everything else."
Amara didn’t respond, merely nodding lightly before wandering around the room, her sharp eyes taking in the details. Nathan, less interested in exploring, began loosening his tie. He shrugged off the jacket and unbuttoned his shirt, tossing both onto the bed. After removing his shoes, he settled on the couch, now wearing just his pants. Hugging a pillow to his chest, he closed his eyes for a brief moment, assuming Amara would likely head for a shower.
When he opened his eyes again, however, he was greeted by an unexpected sight. Amara had already discarded all her formal clothing and was approaching him. Her gaze wasn’t the playful or naughty look he sometimes saw in her—it was something quieter, more vulnerable. She looked like a tired girl seeking solace.
Without a word, she reached out, her claws sinking into the pillow he was holding, and tossed it aside. Then, ignoring the large bed, she eased herself onto the narrow couch beside him. Nathan didn’t move or protest as she adjusted her position, her warm weight shifting until she found a comfortable spot, resting her head gently against his chest. Her claws curled carefully away from him, ensuring she wouldn’t hurt him as she settled in.
Neither of them spoke for a while. The silence between them was filled only by their steady breaths. Nathan wrapped an arm around her instinctively, and Amara’s tail coiled lightly around his leg, the smoothness of her skin pressing against his.
As the minutes passed, Nathan became acutely aware of a lingering anxiety in the room. It wasn’t loud or disruptive but sat elusively in the quiet between their breaths. He realized that the source of this tension wasn’t just the unresolved matters of the day—it was Argor. Their son’s absence was there even if unspoken, a void that wouldn’t be filled until he was safely back in their arms.
Perhaps the reason they had ended up on the narrow couch instead of the large bed wasn’t just the desire to be close after so many busy days. Deep down, they both knew that true rest would only come when their family was whole again.
After a while, Nathan broke the silence, his hand stroking strands of Amara’s hair and gently playing with her long ears. His voice was soft, almost hesitant. "Will you ask me about Samantha? Or about my opinion on sharing your translation logs?"
Amara shifted slightly against him, her skin blending with her surroundings as she prepared to rest, "I have already decided to share my translation logs. No one will doubt my feelings after that."
Nathan’s heart skipped a beat. He paused, his hand stilling for a moment. "How much will you erase from the logs?"
"Argor’s birth, and everything related to it," she said.
Silence fell again, and Nathan didn’t reply—he couldn’t. This entire situation had been set into motion because of his decision to go public about Argor. Some guilt manifested within him, but he understood that this was the price they would have to pay for the rescue, and that Amara would also have to bear her share of the cost.
Several seconds passed, and just as Nathan thought Amara had forgotten his earlier mention of Samantha, she spoke again. "I want to hear everything about your ex."
Nathan braced himself for what he expected to be a long night of questioning, but Amara surprised him again. "I will disable my translator. Your unfiltered voice may soothe me into slumber."
He glanced at her, unsure whether she had truly turned off her translator or not. He didn’t press the issue; it didn’t matter. Instead, he complied with her request, speaking in a low voice as he recounted his past with Samantha. He let the words flow naturally, without worrying about chronology or coherence.
Sometime later, he noticed Amara’s grip tightening on his leg, and the careful placement of her claws shifted, resting dangerously on his chest. She had fallen asleep.
Nathan let out a quiet, accepting laugh. Being her chosen came with its quirks—morning scratches on his skin and a numb leg included. Shaking his head with a small smile, he rested his own head to the side, forgetting the passage of time as sleep also claimed him.
What felt like only a brief moment later, a sudden knock at the door startled him awake. Beside him, Amara stirred, her orange eyes fluttering open. Nathan blinked, realizing with some surprise that hours had passed without him even noticing.
As Nathan blinked himself awake, Amara’s tail swiftly uncoiled from his leg, and she used his shoulder for support as she rose to her feet. He rubbed his eyes, shaking off the last traces of sleep, before his gaze fell on his shirt crumpled on the bed. Quickly, he stood and picked it up, mindful of the red scratches on his chest—marks he would rather not explain to anyone. Meanwhile, Amara stood calmly by the door, making no move to retrieve her clothes, her bare form radiating an air of impatience.
Nathan glanced at her, reminding her of the obvious. "Amara, you’re on Earth."
She shrugged, crossing her arms with an air of nonchalance. "No one will see me unless I allow it," she replied.
His eyes widened slightly as realization struck—he had forgotten her camouflage. Ignoring his shoes, Nathan joined her by the door. By the time he reached her side, Amara had already blended with the room’s colors from the neck down, her form almost imperceptible.
They exchanged the briefest glance, a shared moment anticipation, before Nathan opened the door.
Standing on the other side was a group of Irisians, along with the same human Amara had earlier mistaken for a servant. Nathan’s attention was immediately drawn to one of the Irisians, a tall female holding a cushioned basket protectively in her arms. His breath caught, and a profound sense of serenity washed over him as his eyes found Argor nestled inside, his tiny body mimicking the blanket’s colors as he slept peacefully.
Amara ignored the other Irisians entirely, stepping forward to address the tall female. "Thank you for arriving in time, Dahala," she said, her tone grateful. "Name any reward you want, and it shall be yours."
Dahala bowed deeply, her tail coiled around one leg. She said nothing at first but carefully handed the basket to Amara. "He cried all the time on the ship. But the moment the hatch opened and he breathed Earth’s air, he stopped. Perhaps, somewhere within, he knows he belongs here too."
Nathan noticed Amara’s camouflage faltering as shades of yellow threatened to overtake her skin. Yet, somehow, she maintained her composure.
Her voice remained steady as she repeated, "You, and everyone here, will be rewarded."
Dahala straightened. "It was my duty as captain to save the prince. Rewards are for the elders to decide." She hesitated, then added, "However, there is a human named Thomas who coordinated the Earth side of this rescue. If you could arrange a meeting with him in person, I would be grateful."
Nathan caught a faint wave of purple among the remaining Irisians. Amara ignored it entirely. "Consider it arranged."
She then turned to thank the others, who assured her they would remain on Earth until she decided to return to Irisa. After excusing themselves, they left to board their ship.
Amara closed the door, and the moment it latched, her composure gave way entirely. Her body radiated a bright golden hue as she cradled Argor in her arms, unbothered by the possibility of waking him. Her joy was intense, filling the room as she stared down at their son. Nathan joined her, touching the baby’s tiny cheek with a gentle finger.
Argor’s eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, he stared at them both. Then, he smiled, his skin shimmering with the same gold hue as his mother’s before he drifted back to sleep, exhausted from the journey.
Nathan broke the silence, his voice low and full of warmth. "Our party tonight will just be watching Argor sleep."
Amara turned to him with a soft gaze. "I need nothing else," she said simply.
***
This was an account based on the full period between the hearing and Argor return. The previous narrative is based on the events of the first year of Irisa's exploratory mission. According to your current settings, no queries will be suggested.
Comments
Aured
wonderful!! Sounds like the politics are going to get intense - on the other hand, having rescued all those captives, all the death world races will be on Earth's side
