Riki's Submission

** Again – thanks to my reviewers. You make my efforts all worthwhile.

Kaji11, Katy, Anonnadonna, Ayachan and Nautica!

It’s fascinating how differently we can interpret these characters, based on the same anime. {grin} Nautica – write me privately sometime (Herders4me@aol.com) and tell me how you see them. I see you read “The Other Side”, too. I was absolutely thrilled with that story. Never thought I’d cry for Raoul and Guy – but I sure did! My story is set well before that one, but I’d really like to think that if Iason and Riki were raised from the dead, that’s how they would end up.

I’d also like to ask a favor… Can people please send me their recommendations for good stories to read? Either on AFF or elsewhere. Ayachan especially for WK. My favorites are all Pam Nunn. **

~~begin chapter 10

Iason got up immediately and went to Riki’s side, freeing him from the chains. “How much do you remember?”

Riki’s voice was raspy and pained. His words came out hesitantly. “The shower… Bleeding… hurting. The doctor. Hurting again when you forced me to lay still.” He looked up and met Iason’s eyes. “You raped me, Iason. How could you do that?”

Iason embraced him. How could I? I don’t know… Riki started to sob and held tightly to Iason. “It was so awful, Iason. And those other men…”

Iason pushed him away gently. “There were no other men, Riki. Just me. What do you mean?”

Riki shook his head and leaned it against Iason’s chest again. “The other time,” he managed to whisper. “I was confused.”

Iason stroked Riki’s head and back. Patiently, he asked questions until he understood what had happened. He kissed Riki’s forehead. “I will never let anyone else hurt you like that again, Riki. I promise.”

Gradually, Riki stopped sobbing. “And you, Iason? Will you rape me again?”

Iason resumed his caresses. Despite Riki’s surface hardness, his language and defiance, there was an innocence about him. No, Iason thought. Not exactly innocence. A vulnerability. “I’m sorry, Riki. If I had it to do over, I wouldn’t.”

Riki said nothing. Did not curse him. Didn’t fight. And Iason held him tighter, afraid now he had lost him, would never get him back. “Riki, say something.”

“May I go back to my room? Please.” Away from you. Anywhere away from you…

Iason didn’t want to let him go. But he would honor the boy’s request. “Yes. If that’s what you want.” Iason pulled him to his feet and walked with him to his room. When Riki only stood still, staring blankly at the wall, Iason pulled back the covers on the bed. And led Riki to it. Helping him in, helping him lie down, then pulling the covers over him. “Do you want anything else? Should I send for Daryl?”

Riki shifted his head, refusing to look at Iason. “No. Just leave me alone. Please.”

Iason felt moisture in his own eyes. Tears? he wondered. Impossible. Blondies don’t cry. I certainly don’t cry. He withdrew from Riki’s room quickly as the wetness ran down his face.

~~

Riki stared at the walls, shuddering as the horrors washed over him again. On some level, he knew he was being foolish. What Iason had done was hardly the worst thing that had ever happened to him. That first rape had shaped his life. Guy had found him and taken him to a shabby apartment and cared for him. And introduced him to his friends. After that, Riki had concentrated on building his strength and fighting techniques. Determined that he would never be at anyone’s mercy again.

He had not been successful immediately, but each time he lost a fight, each time he was forced into sex, that determination grew. And he worked harder, and trained harder. And pushed his friends to do the same. By the time the future members of Bison were in their early teens, everyone else in Ceres knew and feared them. Riki had felt powerful, had become Riki the Dark.

Riki had recognized sooner than the others that their goal of leaving the slums could not be achieved without giving up that power he had fought so hard to possess. Ceres might be a slum, but he was its king. To leave would mean becoming subservient to someone else and he had never been willing to do that.

And then Iason had taken him away. And all choices had been taken away as well. Iason, he thought, is upset because he raped me. But it bothers him not at all that he shames me into submission in other ways. Sex was the least of it for Riki. So, who’s the most fucked up? he wondered. Me or him?

~~

By the next morning, Iason had made many decisions. His first call was to Katze. His former furniture looked tired. “Did you not sleep well?” Iason asked.

Katze’s voice was as irritated as his face was tired. “How was I supposed to sleep with two lovesick pets going at each other all night?”

“You could have broken them up. Chained them in your living room.”

Katze shook his head. “No, I couldn’t. That’s your department.” When Iason’s expression did not change, Katze quickly asked, “Is something wrong with you?”

“No.”

Katze lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and waited for Iason to say what he wanted. When long moments went by, he finally asked. “May I know why you called?”

Iason shook his head slightly, as if clearing it. “I want one of the warehouses converted into apartments.”

Kayze sat up. “What? No one would rent them. No one with money wants to live here.”

“You do.”

“I don’t exactly have many choices.”

“They won’t be rented anyway. They are to be homes for old pets.”

“Iason, what in hell are you talking about? That’s impossible. You’d lose a fortune.”

“I will send a proposal. In time, it may actually make money.” If there are other fools like me. “I will want you to work with Riki on making it happen.”

Katze was still incredulous. But he could not argue with Iason. “Very well.”

The Blondie closed the connection.

~~

Riki did not come out of his room, and after three days, Iason lost patience. He opened the door, and found his pet sitting on the floor. “Are you planning on staying in here forever?”

“What difference does it make to you?” Riki glanced at him. “You haven’t given me any orders. I’m not disobeying you.”

A hint of anger. Maybe Riki was still there. Iason felt a surge of hope. “There is something I want you to do. You’ll be working with Katze.”

There was a flicker of interest in those dark eyes. “What?”

“Get up, pet. Get dressed. And come have breakfast with me.” Iason left before Riki could object.

~~

Iason was beginning to think Riki would disobey him when the mongrel finally came into the dining room. He had showered and his hair was still damp. He had dressed totally in black. Tight pants and a long sleeved shirt. He glanced once at Iason and then took a seat at the table. Daryl brought him coffee. In uncharacteristic slowness, Riki added sugar and cream. Massive amounts.

“This is the finest imported coffee, Riki. You ruin it.”

Riki put the spoon down and looked at Iason. “Is the damn coffee for me or for you?”

Iason shrugged. “For you. Fix it however you want.”

Riki put in two more heaping spoons of sugar before he sipped from the cup. It was much too sweet, even for Riki, and he grimaced as he swallowed. Iason noticed but said nothing. Instead, he looked to Daryl. “You may bring breakfast now.”

When Daryl was gone, Riki turned his attention to Iason again. “What’s so fucking important you had to get me out of my room?”

Iason’s voice resumed its authoritative tone. “You use that word too much, Riki. Watch your language.”

Riki glared. “And if I don’t, are you going to rape me again?”

Iason was not surprised. It was to be expected that the mongrel would attempt to use this weapon. He shook his head. “No, pet,” he said softly. “I will never do that again.” Then his voice grew firmer. “But there are many other ways to punish you. I am hardly out of options.”

Riki dropped his eyes. “Nothing ever changes with you, does it?”

“Everything changes, pet.”

Riki’s eyes flashed. “I am not your pet.”

Iason’s face was unmoved. “You are. And you always will be.”

Daryl appeared with plates, but stood back, afraid to interrupt. Iason motioned him forward. Riki sat back, trying to calm himself as Iason began to eat. When Iason was finished, Riki had still not taken a bite.

“Take the plates, Daryl.” Riki didn’t look up. “Come to my office, pet.” Iason stood and walked off.

Riki watched him go, still hesitating. But Daryl touched his shoulder. “Go to him, Riki. Please don’t upset him anymore.”

“Him? What about me?”

“You’re his pet, Riki. Please just obey him.” Daryl’s voice was pleading. Riki was tempted to pummel him, but fought down the urge. Daryl could not understand how he felt. Finally, he nodded and got up to follow Iason.

The Blondie was sitting before his computer screen when Riki entered the room. Iason pulled another chair closer and glanced at Riki. “Sit.”

Riki slumped in the chair, his legs extended in front of him, and Iason frowned. But he did not comment, just pulled up a drawing on the screen. A plan. Riki leaned closer, looking with interest. “What is it? Something to steal?”

Iason kept the smile from his face. “Hardly. It’s a layout for an apartment.” He expanded the screen. There were six apartments on a single floor.

Riki leaned back. “Why are you showing it to me?”

“It’s a pet apartment building.”

“What?” Riki leaned closer again. “Where?” He faced Iason. “Why?”

“Dory and Donner need somewhere to live. And Flick and Remy.”

“And me?”

Iason laughed. “No, pet. You will be staying with me.”

“But not Flick and Remy?”

“They will be with me for a while longer. But eventually, they will go.”

In an unconscious gesture, Riki moved his head, tossing his hair back. “What are you doing, Iason?”

Iason faced him. “I am trying to provide alternatives. To see things differently.”

“For pets? Nobody cares about pets.”

“Do you not care about yourself?”

“I’m not a pet.” But the protest was rote, stated without feeling, as Riki looked again at the plans.

Iason studied his face. “I forgot,” he said sarcastically. “Mongrels steal pets and rape them all the time.”

Riki whipped his head around to look at Iason. He colored. “We didn’t do it that often. And we didn’t know…”

“Didn’t know what?”

Riki hesitated. “We didn’t know they were… people.” But he flinched as he remembered what Bison did to the pets they stole. Oh, god, we were as bad as the damn Elites. We just assumed pets were mindless. I’m no better than him. He clenched his eyes shut before he looked at Iason again. “I’m sorry.”

Iason turned away, again hiding his smile. “I want you to work with Katze to make this a reality.”

“Do I get to meet with him?” Riki asked hopefully. A chance to get out of the penthouse.

Iason considered. “I’ll have him come here.”

Riki pouted. “I’d rather go to him.”

“I’m sure you would. But you haven’t exactly earned the privilege.”

“Yeah. Whatever.”

~~

Iason left Riki alone for three more days, seeing him only when he checked on the progress of the plans. Katze had decided on a warehouse already in Iason’s possession with an empty top floor. It was in the heart of an area where workers would always be needed. Riki had suggested common rooms on the exterior walls, and bedrooms in the interior. Each bedroom would have a sink and a toilet. Bathing facilities would be communal. With this configuration, the number of occupants could easily be doubled.

Katze had liked the layout and had redrawn the plans. Iason was pleased and had complimented Katze. He was surprised when Katze gave the credit to Riki. “Mongrels aren’t stupid, Iason. Just because we were born in the slums doesn’t mean we were born without brains.”

Iason had stared at Katze then. He already knew his former furniture was brilliant. If he were a Blondie, he would no doubt be a syndicate leader. But it had not occurred to Iason that Riki might be so bright as well. He nodded.

It was decided that Katze would do the actual presentation for Raoul. Riki wanted to hear it, but Iason gave him permission to be present only after he promised he would behave and remain silent.

And wear chains.

Riki had readily agreed to the initial stipulations, but had balked when Iason brought up the subject of the chains. He refused to have breakfast with Iason the morning of the presentation. In the end, Iason went to his room before Raoul arrived, thinking he might withdraw his permission if Riki remained obstinate. “Pet…”

Riki turned on him. “I’m not your damn pet.”

“Riki, please behave. I have a friend coming tonight. If you cause problems, he will never offer his support.”

“Why do you need anyone’s support? Aren’t you the frigging head of the Blondies?”

“It doesn’t work like that, Riki. Nothing gets done unless there’s consensus. With Raoul’s support, I might be able to manage that.”

Riki studied Iason’s face. “You’re serious? You really need someone’s help?”

Iason cupped Riki’s chin in his palm. “Yes, pet, I really do. Will you behave?”

Riki jerked his head away, and closed his eyes. “Yes. I promise.” Iason held out the chains and Riki hesitated only a moment before he lifted his wrists.

Iason led him to the great room and had him kneel on the floor beside his chair. Katze was on the balcony smoking, waiting to be called. When Daryl showed Raoul - and the pet he’d brought - into the room, Iason stood to embrace his friend. “Thank you for coming.”

Raoul raised his eyebrows. “You hardly left me a choice.” His eyes strayed to Riki. “So you still have him. I didn’t think he would last this long.”

Iason sat again and stroked Riki’s head. “He’s coming along very well.” He felt the mongrel stiffen under his touch.

Raoul took a seat on the sofa, and pulled his own pet down to the floor in front of him. A pale boy with blue hair, cut short around his face. He looked and acted very much like Remy. Riki stared openly, and the other boy stared back. Raoul noticed and smiled at Iason. “Perhaps we should have them put on a show. Trey has had little experience. Perhaps your mongrel could teach him things.”

Iason could feel Riki tense and moved his hand to the pet’s neck, stroking softly. Riki dropped his eyes. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Raoul. We will be discussing an idea for pets tonight.”

Raoul’s eyes lifted. “Pets? Whatever for?”

“Katze will explain.” Iason sent Daryl to fetch him.

Raoul listened to the presentation, but did not seem swayed. When Katze was finished, and left to go home, Raoul leaned forward. “The idea is insane, Iason. Just who do you think will use this facility?”

“I will, for one. In time, others will as well.”

Raoul sat back. “I seriously doubt it, Iason. Pets are a way of life. Since before we were born. And since the breeding program was developed, everyone knows pets are not real people. Their minds are limited. They are conditioned to be happy with whatever we do. No one will seriously consider freeing them.”

“I’m not talking about freeing them, Raoul. I’m speaking of providing an alternative to brothels and mind-wiping to create slaves.”

“What? So you’ll just make them slaves without the benefit of having their memories erased? Do you realize how much our pets know about us? No sane person would want to leave those memories intact. And it’s bad for the pet, too. To leave them in a state of complete unrest. You should know that better than most.” He glanced again at Riki. “Mind-wiping makes their lives tolerable.”

“The pets themselves would disagree with you.”

Raoul looked down to the pet at his feet. “Trey, do you care what happens to you when you leave me?”

The pale face beneath the blue hair shifted to look at Raoul. He was new to Raoul, and still very much afraid. “I will be happy with whatever you choose for me, master Raoul.” The boy dropped his eyes. “But, if I could choose, sir,” he added very softly, “I would want to keep my mind.”

Raoul was startled and reacted angrily. “Well, it’s not going to happen, Trey. You have no choices.”

Riki looked up. “Bastard,” he said. Not quite under his breath.

“Iason,” Raoul asked indignantly, “do you let him get away with that?”

“Of course not,” Iason sighed. “I will punish him later.”

“Fucker,” Riki whispered. This time, Raoul did not hear.

Iason continued as if he had heard nothing as well. “Please think about it, Raoul. I know you have had pets you did not want to dispose of. That green-eyed boy a few years ago. You were upset when you had to let him go.”

Raoul hissed. “Jupiter does not allow it, Iason. You will put yourself at risk to propose such a thing.”

Iason remembered how Raoul had asked Jupiter to allow him to keep that boy, and been denied. “Perhaps. But I don’t think Jupiter will mind when the proposal is explained to her.”

“You’re a fool. If you anger Jupiter, you will lose everything.”

“We’ll see. For now, I have four pets I will place there.”

“Four? All of them besides this mongrel?” When Iason nodded, Raoul shook his head. “You mean you’ve sent away those two new boys you bought when I got Trey?”

“Not yet, of course, but when the time comes.”

“Iason, you hardly even know them yet. Maybe I can understand the last two, but you can’t possibly have developed feelings for these new ones yet.”

Iason had no answer he was willing to share with Raoul. How he had so quickly developed feelings for Riki, and had begun to think past what Jupiter demanded. He remained silent, and Raoul continued to argue. “You paid a fortune for them. If you don’t sell them when you’re done with them, you’ll lose it all.”

“Cost is not a concern to me.”

Raoul remembered the painting that had been sent to him. No. Cost was never of any significance to Iason. He found himself distressed and touched Trey’s shoulder. “We must leave. We can stop by a salon on the way home.” He smiled at the boy. “You can show there.”

Trey smiled. But Riki could read the underlying fear. He watched as Trey and Raoul took their leave, Iason walking with them to the door. And thought of Remy and Flick. He realized he would miss them if Iason sent them away. But, apparently, there was never any doubt of their disposal. Only how it would be accomplished. Why the hell is Iason doing this?

He stood and waited for Iason to return, looking outside at the balcony. Iason walked in and watched him. Riki was standing on one foot, the other tucked behind his leg, his hip curved. Quite an enticing pose. Iason realized he was being aroused, simply looking at the mongrel’s backside. “Riki,” he said softly.

Riki jerked around. “You’re like a damn cat. You sneak around without making a sound.”

Iason smiled. “Yes.” He held out a pack of cigarettes and Riki looked at him suspiciously.

“I thought you said you were going to punish me.”

“And I will. But I thought perhaps you wanted to smoke first.”

“Will you take off the fucking chains?”

“Yes, pet.” Iason approached and removed the chains. He opened the door to the balcony and stepped outside. Riki hesitated only a moment before following. Iason handed him a cigarette. “Only one tonight, pet.”

Riki started to argue, but stopped himself. The bastard doesn’t have to do this at all. He took the cigarette and lit up. Taking a deep drag, he stepped to Iason’s side and looked out over the city. “Your friend didn’t seem very receptive.”

“To be expected, but the idea is planted.”

Riki smoked silently for a few minutes, then asked, “Why did I recognize him?”

“You don’t remember?”

A swirl of confusing images hit Riki’s mind. Katze’s apartment, falling. “You bastard. You had him wipe my mind.”

“No, Riki. Just the specific memories. I didn’t allow him to do anything else.”

“You swear?”

Iason faced him. “I swear.”

Riki didn’t realize he’d been holding his breath until he released it. “Alright. They were pretty awful memories.”

“Would you like Raoul to try again? He would be upset to learn he’d failed.”

“Hell, no. I never want anyone fucking with my mind again.”

“Language, pet. Watch your language.”

“Whatever.”

Iason handed him another cigarette. Riki lit it quickly. “That’s two.”

“I can count, Riki.” Iason was leaning over the balcony.

“Why’d you do it?”

“What?”

“Try to erase those memories.”

Iason was silent for long moments. “I was ashamed I’d hurt you.”

“You always hurt me.”

“No, I don’t. And what I’ve done is only to tame you.”

“Tame me?” Riki said indignantly. “I’m not a fucking wild animal.”

“Yes, you are, pet. But you’re getting better. Finish your cigarette. We need to go back inside for your punishment.”

Riki sighed. “I hoped you’d forgotten.”

“I never forget.” When Iason took his elbow to lead him back in, Riki did not fight.

But he watched, wide-eyed as Iason got the strap out. “Oh, hell. Not that again.”

Iason canted his head, sending his hair in swirling golden patterns. “Would you rather be chained naked in the rack?”

Riki considered. The rack hadn’t been so bad last time. He’d been able to sleep. “Yeah. I want the rack.”

Iason was surprised. Riki had been aroused with the last strapping. But it didn’t matter. He had plans of his own for the night. And they didn’t include Riki being in a rack. He sat in his chair. “Strip, pet, and lean over my lap.”

Riki glared, but obeyed quickly enough. Iason noticed the mongrel's cock was beginning to swell. When Riki was positioned, Iason stroked his buttocks. “The old marks are gone.”

“Just get it over with. I want to go to bed.”

“As you wish, pet.” And the strap hit.

Riki flinched. “That hurt, dammit.”

“It was supposed to, pet.” Iason struck him four more times and Riki groaned and squirmed with each one. After he dropped the strap, Iason rubbed at the welts. Riki whimpered and Iason shifted his legs so he could reach for Riki’s cock. The mongrel was fully erect and Iason toyed with the head, until Riki was squirming again, this time in pleasure. “Let’s go to bed, pet.”

Riki got up carefully and followed Iason with no objection. Oh, hell, he thought, how can I let a beating arouse me? But the answer was obvious, even to Riki. It was the closeness of the Blondie, the physical contact. If I can’t control this, I’m lost.

And when Iason embraced him and covered his mouth in a deep kiss, he was. “I want you,” Iason whispered.

Riki heard his own voice, as if it came from someone else, “I want you, too.”

Iason picked him up and carried him to the bed. Riki groaned when his bottom touched it, and Iason rolled him over gently. “Stay here. I’ll get something.” There was no response, but Riki didn’t move. Iason went to the closet where first aid supplies were kept and rummaged through everything he saw. “Daryl,” he called loudly and jumped when the young furniture appeared instantly.

“I’m sorry, master Iason. I… I thought you would come here, sir, so I… I waited.”

Iason held his face still not to smile. “So where is what I want?”

Daryl reached in around him and picked up a tube. “Here, sir. It will relieve the burning.”

Iason took it. “Thank you.” As he walked back to his bedroom, Daryl sunk to the floor.

~~

Riki looked up. “What took you so damn long?”

“Patience, pet.” Iason squeezed the gel on Riki’s bottom and the mongrel gasped.

“It’s cold, you bastard.”

“Would you prefer something hot?”

“Hell, no. I’m already on fire.”

“Then be still.” Iason’s hands moved gently to rub in the cooling gel, and soon Riki’s whimpers turned to soft sounds of pleasure. “Better, pet?”

Riki shifted on his own to lie on his back. His cock had softened, and Iason moved his hand to touch it, stroking in long, sensuous motions. He watched Riki’s face. As the mongrel’s erection grew harder, his face softened. Beautiful, Iason thought, looking down at the svelte body. The dark skin, the curls of dark hair at the base of his cock. All of him. He tore off his own clothes haphazardly and fell on the mongrel, seeming ready to devour him.

And Riki was ready to be devoured, opening his mouth and his legs to invite Iason as close as he could come. Passion overcame them swiftly, and when Iason turned Riki to his stomach again, the mongrel was eager. Iason coated his now throbbing cock with the cream and pushed into Riki. After the initial resistance of the muscles at his opening, Riki welcomed him, pushing back to enclose him totally. When Iason started to pump and hit his sweet spot, Riki cried out. Iason fell forward over his back and shifted a hand to grasp Riki’s cock and pull it off in pace with his own strokes.

Riki could not be still or quiet and thrust himself back hard against Iason. They climaxed almost simultaneously, Riki feeling Iason’s heat fill him, and his own covering Iason’s hands. “Holy fuck,” he screamed, and continued to moan loudly until his vibrations ceased.

When at last they were still, Iason pulled out and turned Riki over to lie on him. They kissed again as their breathing slowed to normal, and Iason ran his fingers through the dark hair. “I will have to put more sound insulation in if you cannot control yourself, pet.”

“Do you want me to control myself?”

Iason covered his face with kisses. “No. I like you just the way you are.”

Riki laid his head on Iason’s chest. “I still hate you.”

“No you don’t.” And, this time, Riki did not argue.

~~end chapter 10