Ms Kitty, Death Sentence

Last updated 5/26/02

Barong stood in a darkened room, eyeing the walls and corners as if he expected them to suddenly spring out at him. His ears were twitching back and forth as was his tail in anticipation. His right hand rested on his gun on his hip while his other hand fingered the hilt of his family's sword. This sword has been passed down from father to son for many generations. It however was not a typical sword that humans are accustomed to, as the blade was made of a metal stronger than a metal know to them. However the biggest difference was that it held a power of it's own in check, waiting to be released in time of need.

A sudden sound to his left made his muscles tense up, waiting, anticipating the oncoming attack. It finally came but from the right. An energy weapon discharged at him and he barely jumped out of the way and rolled to the side drawing his gun. Coming to his feet he fired off two shots and was pleased to hear the sound of the rounds striking a body. He had barely gotten to his feet when he noticed two figures step out of the shadows ahead of him. The low growl of their voices alerted him to who his attackers were. Barong let loose a roar and charged the two of them. His two shrouded attackers began baying and snarling right back at him and drew swords. Their sword blades suddenly had a dull glow surround them and waving them wildly the three charged each other.

At the last moment Barong drew his sword and dove to the ground and slashed at the legs of one while tripping the other with his feet. One yelped and began whimpering as Barong's sword passed through both legs at the knees severing them. The energy enhanced blade passed through flesh and bone effortlessly while the energy surrounding it cauterized the wound in the same instant. The other just fell to the ground with a dull thump. Jumping to its feet the reaming attacker faced off with Barong for a tense moment, each wondering which would strike first.

Barong's ear suddenly perked up and he threw himself back just as a series of energy blast crashed into the ground where he once stood. When he came back to his feet he stood face to face with one of them. He happened to be the same height though he was just a small bit smaller around. However it's bad breath and floppy ears told him that this was the most hated enemy of his race for thousands of years, it was a race much like Barong, but it bore more resemblance to a canine instead of a feline. It snarled savagely at him through its teeth while it drooled over the thought of tasting fresh meat. However it would not taste much longer, as Barong was suddenly aware of another series of fire was headed his way. Twisting quickly he forced his attacker to become a shield. The dogs' eyes suddenly lit up with pain before going black as death took him.

Rushing the shooter still using the dog as a shield Barong was able to get close enough to return fire with deadly accuracy without taking any damage himself. As the shooter fell he was left alone for the moment surrounded by dead bodies. Hearing a laugh from behind him the cat turned around quickly to see Fenrir, a large and vicious creature who much like Barong's people gave up walking on four legs many thousands of years ago and since then on their own worlds they were the dominant race. Fenrir though was beastly and savage, more so than any other ravenous dog that Barong had ever met. For it was Fenrir that almost single handedly resulted in the death of hundreds of the cat-people.

The two faced off with only a growl emanating from him and a hiss coming from Barong. Springing forward the two drew their swords and ran at each other. Just a scant distance away Barong jumped to the side and sprang off the wall and landed just shortly behind Fenrir. The large dog swayed and turned to the cat before toppling over with two holes in his chest. Barong stood holding his gun in his hand with the muzzle still smoking slightly from use.

A loud clap brought him back to his defensive stance before the lights suddenly went on to full brightness around him. Ki'Lah stepped from around a corner clapping her hands in mock amusement. "What do you want here?"

"Me, I've come to see the mighty Barong in action, though it is strange to think that Fenrir has been dead for almost five hundred years." As she spoke the lights came back to their normal illumination and the other bodies and walls faded and disappeared leaving only the two of them standing in the middle of a large room.

"He may be dead but our people still hate what he did."

"Really, well I will not speak ill of that then, however these simulations do little to improve all of your skills. If you are interested I have one ready that will push you to the brink." She spoke with an amused smirk and he could see a hint of playfulness in her eyes.

"Very well, what am I to do?"

"You, are to play the Knight in the Kings service."

"But that is no…"

She cut him off, "Yes, but you have been alerted to an assassination attempt." As she explained more the room changed to the great throne room on his home world. On the throne set the King and Barong kneeled upon seeing him before he realized it was just a simulation. The program was to be an assassination on the King and Barong was to find and stop it before it happened. "The program will start when I leave, and you have only five hours before he strikes.

"Ha! It will be easy to sniff out a dog hiding in the Kings court!"

"If you say so, but be warned that all is not as it appears."

"What is that supposed to mean?" She did not answer and left him standing in the great hall. And just like she said all the nobles and knights of the King came to life as soon as she left. Shrugging his shoulders he set out to find this lowlife that would dare attack the king.

Ki'Lah left the simulator shaking her head and slowly made her way back to the medical lab. Entering the lab she could see Roy was still sleeping soundly. Beside him on an adjoining bed was Marie. She had refused to leave his side, and so far she had not left. Barong had not liked it and had gone to take his frustrations out in the simulator. Placing her hand on Marie's head she awoke the sleeping girl. She slowly awoke and the first thing she saw was Roy, then turning her head she saw Ki'Lah standing there. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes she told the woman, "Morning, how much time is left?"

The pale woman laughed, "Fine don't ask how I am or anything."

Marie blushed, "I'm sorry, how are you today?"

The woman just shook her head, "He looks like he is fine and he should be coming out of this in about three hours. And Barong will come out of the simulator a few hours after that."

"Don't tell me he's killing Fenrir again?"

"Well he was, I think he killed that ghost about six times before I setup a simulator for him," she said with that same mischievous grin.

With a raised brow Marie had to ask, "What did you do?"

"I set him up on the simulator running program M23 looking for an assassin."

"M23? That's my program?" She ran a hand through her hair then suddenly realized what this meant, "He's going to be busy for hours looking for something that doesn't exist. She could not hold it and she began to laugh at what her friend had done. Marie went to get cleaned up in an adjoining room while Ki'Lah looked after Roy. The room Marie stepped in was modestly decorated with items that were designed to bring peace. Just stepping in the room she could feel peace washing over her. Next to the room was a bathroom where she was able to get cleaned up and change her clothes.

In the lab Ki'Lah leaned over his head and placed her hands on either side of his face and closing her eyes she focused her mind on him. The rest of the lab fell away and she was surrounded by darkness for a brief moment before the area began to brighten. "Roy, can you hear me?"

Just ahead of her came the response, "Yes, but I think I need an aspirin." She just laughed as did he, "How's Marie holding up?"

Still laughing lightly she told him, "You know you two are not trying to keep this much of a secret are you?"

"Should we?" She nearly laughed at his smile and she could see how Marie was attracted to it.

"I guess not, how's your memories coming along?"

"I remember so much, but it seems strange it’s like there is another in my head with these memories, and not me." He was nervous, but already he was retaining more than she thought he could at this moment. So much so that she almost considered shortening the time required.

Looking at him carefully she thought of several things to ask, but decided to have him show what he's learned. "Roy I am going to change things a moment and I want you to tell me what you remember."

He nodded and from the floor came a chair that seemed to be laid back. It was long enough to support him from his neck to his feet. "This is the pilots chair on the bridge. The ship is called Imdugud." He sat in the seat and from its sides a joystick came up to meet his right hand and another came up on the left but it was turned sideways. Placing his hands on them he told her of their function, "On my right is the direction control and on my left is the throttle."

"That is good," she said smiling, he was learning much. Foot pedals came up to meet his feet and he explained them as the port and starboard thrusters for tight turns. As each item appeared around him he was able to recall it all even the alphabet that they used. She suddenly changed her voice and started repeating the same words over several times. With each repetition he came to understand it more until it was perfectly clear to him. "You are the pilot Roy of the ship Imdugud," she repeated until he responded back saying the same in her language and not his native tongue.

"It should not be long now before you will have absorbed all you can, but don't force yourself to speak our language. It will take some time to understand how to properly speak it."

"No problem doc."

"Doc?" She regarded him curiously at this.

"Sorry, that's what some call doctors on my world."

"Hum that is interesting, yes I think I like that."

There was a light pause in their conversation before he spoke again, "How's Marie?"

"You just won't let that rest will you?" He just shook his head and silently pleaded to hear some news from her about his love. "She is fine, right now she is showering in my quarters and has been with you here overnight. Much to Barong's disapproval."

"I'm sorry I seem to be coming between them, From your previous pilot, I now he is her body guard and she is royalty." Ki'Lah looked at him startled as he wasn't supposed to know that, that wasn't part of the information being transferred over. "I know I am not worthy of her in Barong's eyes, but I love her and I can’t see myself without her." As he spoke his emotions and feelings of love for Marie threatened to overcome Ki'Lah and she had to fight hard not to be overwhelmed.

"STOP!" He looked at her curiously, she seemed to be teetering on the edge of insanity at the moment and he instantly regretted what he said. "I'm sorry, but your emotions are unchecked, and will lead to rash thinking and destruction unless you can control them." He was about to apologize when she silenced him with her hand. "I need to rest for a moment, but you should wake in a few hours. Marie is waiting for you."

Ki'Lah opened her eyes to see she was back in the medical lab. Wiping her forehead she saw sweat there, 'Sweat? That's not good I have to hurry.' Marie was there though looking worried and before she could stop herself Ki'Lah opened her mouth, "On his back come joy and destruction…" She suddenly closed her mouth and Marie looked terrified. "I'm sorry, his mind is a jumble and it has affected my balance. Do not worry." Marie relaxed and took his hand. "I have to go meditate for a while, he will wake up in a few hours, and with any luck Barong won’t come out of the simulator for at least two hours after he wakes up."

Moving to her feet Ki'Lah had to hold on to the table for a moment as she was still feeling the effects of his emotions on herself. 'What ever else that can be said about him, he really loves her.' Making her way to her room she locked the door and began to meditate to regain her center and clear her thoughts. She had lost control of her emotions only once and it caused many problems, and she did not feel like letting that happen again. However her warning had left Marie with several questions of her own.

Marie was able to enjoy a little peace and quiet for about an hour before Barong barged into the lab screaming, "Where is she? That lizard tricked me!"

"What are you talking about?" She asked feigning innocence.

"She set me up on your program looking for an assassin!"

"I didn't think there was one of those in my program?"

He let out a low growl, "There's not one." His voice and attitude teetered on anger, but he was holding it all in for the moment.

"Well how did the simulation end?"

He suddenly looked down in shame causing her to wonder about it. "We lost half the empire in a civil war and…." His voice dropped off and she tried hard not to laugh. Barong had never been so embarrassed, humiliated and angry at the same time. It was disgraceful to him that this had gone so badly. Dropping heavily into a chair close to her he tried again to calm himself. "So how is it?"

She just brushed off the comment and was about to rely when another voice answered. It was roughly in their language, and it nearly scared them both to death. "It is fine." Marie gasped and clutched Roy's hand tighter and she felt him squeeze back though his eyes were still closed, but it was undoubtedly him that spoke.

"It talks!"

"Yes I talk, though you're giving me a headache." With his free hand he rubbed his head while speaking though he kept his eyes closed. Some of the words were pronounced roughly, but they were understandable.

"Roy, how did you learn to speak our language so fast?"

"Yes, I would like to know that too," added Ki'Lah from the doorway of her room.

"Quick study I guess." He groaned as his head was throbbing and Marie placed her hand on his head trying to sooth away the pain albeit feebly.

She tried to help him sit up as his head was still reeling from the aftereffects of the treatment he just woke up from. While she did this Barong went to talk to Ki'Lah about the simulation. He was just about to say a particularly crude remark when his ears heard Marie talking to it, though she only said a few words he picked up on something else carried in her voice. He had heard that tone only a few times before and to hear her using it on that human just hurt more. 'I wish I could tell you Marie,' he thought before actually turning around to see that it had an arm around her and she had her arm around it. "It's disgusting the way she fawns over that." He thought he said it quiet enough but he forgot about how close he was to Ki'Lah at the time.

"It may be, but I think she cares for him, and he cares for her too."

He scoffed and looked at her incredulously, "How can you even say that, they're of two different worlds, not only is she royalty but it's not even compatible with…" His voice suddenly dropped of as he contemplated what he just said, 'Why'd I say that? Or even think it?'

Ki'Lah looked at him with for once a concerned expression, she asked him a simple question and she made sure to keep her voice low so only he could hear. "Is that what you're afraid of?"

"I am not afraid!" He bellowed gaining the attention of Marie and Roy. When they turned towards him he could see the way they held each other, even to his eyes it was painfully obvious. 'They're not compatible… But how can she hold it like that if she doesn’t….' His mind refused to complete either thought though the evidence was painfully clear. Barong's mind threatened to explode if these questions were not answered and before he could even check his anger his mouth opened, "Get your filthy hands off her human! She's Nobility and above you."

Roy almost let go, but Marie held onto him tighter refusing to let go herself. "Barong, I'm sorry you feel that way but I…."

He cut her off. "No! You can't!"

"Why not?

"It isn't right and he knows it!" Barong did not even notice that he had not called Roy 'it' that time though the others seemed to catch on faster. "Admit it Human! You know now that she's royalty and not even of your kind!"

To everyone's surprise it was Marie that spoke up, "Barong, it doesn't matter to me that he's not one of us."

"Yes it does! You have to have a mate of your own kind to ensure the royal blood lives on, your father…"

"I don't care! I love him!" She shouted causing all noise in the room to cease.

"You what?" Barong was seething as he hoped he did not hear what he thought he just heard.

Roy looked at her, the woman he held in his arms, and he could not help but feel pride swell through him as she proclaimed her love before Barong. She had said it before to him, but at the time he had thought she was only someone of importance, not the heir to an empire. To do this meant throwing away everything she was, and she would do that for him, but could he ask her to do that? "I love you to…" he was going to say 'but what about her people.' However those words never were voiced as he felt himself being hurled away from her. How Barong moved that fast he would never know but somehow he had picked up and thrown him nearly across the lab. Landing Roy at first thought that all of his bones were about to break, but somehow he sat up.

"I won’t let you throw away your people over some human! Listen Marie you have to keep the royal blood alive." He tried to calm down his voice and his anger, as it was getting him nowhere fast, though her next words shattered what resolve he had left.

"Then I'll have one with him." Her voice remained defiant and even Ki'Lah was impressed with the sudden courage that Marie was showing over this, though she did think it was all very hasty.

"HA!" his voice was harsh and cruel. "It's not even like us, what makes you think…" He suddenly stood up straight as a sudden realization donned on him. 'No, it can’t be!' He looked at Marie and she was blushing, "No, you couldn’t have…" His mind was reeling over this, 'When would they of had the time?' He suddenly remembered how long they stayed away to come back with so little. 'They… while… how…'

His expression of shock and confusion gave way to hatred, such hatred he had never felt before. Leaping over Marie and the table he landed in front of Roy. Hate and anger were the only things he could feel at the moment. "You will die! No Princess is to be touched by a commoner much less a human! She's was to remain untouched for her husband only, to do so means instant death." His voice turned cold and cruel as he sword came from its sheath. Marie had wanted to interfere but Ki'Lah held her back.

"Kill me if you must." All movement stopped as Roy spoke again in their language, this time much easier than before but it still sounded rough. He made no attempt to move to his feet, instead he moved to his knees, kneeling before Barong. "If she is to be married to someone else then kill me. I can't live without her, especially knowing that someone will be holding her."

"What?" Barong was shocked out of his anger at this human, asking for death simply because he could not be with her.

"It was wrong for us to do what we did, but I won't regret it. If I had a chance I would do it all over again just to spend time with her again." His words caused Marie to start crying and they even affected Ki'Lah.

His executioner though seemed unmoved by them, at least on the outside. 'He would choose death all over again?' It seemed a completely alien thought to him that someone would do the same thing over again even if it meant his own death. However here was a human, asking for it! Rules and duty had been ingrained in him for all of his life and Barong knew that certain things had dire consequences, but death there was no return from. From the human's own mouth he admitted what happened, even when he knew that death awaited him. Everything in his training raised the sword to strike down the human, but something else just as strongly was holding his arm up and not allowing it to fall.

Behind him he could hear Marie crying, that was making this all that more difficult. If he killed the human then Marie would be hurt deeply and would never feel the same about him. 'How can I hurt her like that?'

'But how can you let this go unpunished? It's admitted it, the law demands its blood.'

'If I kill him will she ever love again? Could se see me as anything other than the one who killed him?'

'Don’t call it a him!'

'Look at him though, he's waiting to die because he can’t live without her.'

'Do not call IT a HIM again, it will only make it harder.'

'Don’t you hear her crying? And he's not even dead yet.'

'Yes, yet, but it will be soon, the laws demand it!'

'But he loves her.'

"NO! It doesn't know love.' Back and forth inside his mind a war raged, one that he had kept in check for many years. Ever since being in the academy he had been strict on rules, and any infraction was dealt with swift justice. But now, rules seemed to matter little as Marie continued to cry and this human was making no move to defend his life. He was just kneeling there waiting to die. His whole world and his own life teetered on the fine edge of his sword. The law demanded that the human perishes for his deeds, but if Barong were to kill him then Marie would never get over it. 'But there's no other way.'

The law more than his own will started his arm in a downward stroke. 'I wish I had never told her that.'

*****

Fenrir:

http://www.wsl.ch/land/products/predator/paper2.htm

Odin, the god of war and death, was accompanied by two wolves; it was a wolf, Fenrir, that played an important role in the destruction of the world; two wolves chased sun and moon and at the end of the world they catch up on their prey (Grimm 1887).

Imdugud