Negotiation in a Fiery Alliance: Ch 1. The Lord of Hyrule’s Quest
Klinge closed his bathroom cabinet, coming face to face with the mirror in front of him. His eyes dilated upon looking on his face. This was the face of Malik. He was a human being again. Only two weeks in his new humanity, he was still in awe at his transformation. Taking his right hand he felt his cheeks. He was warm, soft even, and the metal arm felt cold upon touching it. Taking a toothbrush, he went a little overboard. Hygiene was something he never had to keep up with before. Finishing up, he washed his face, and wiped himself clean. The water felt chilling on his face, so he was glad he dried himself down. Walking back to his room, he looked around his new quarters. Covarog had provided him a new massive tower for his sake of lord ship. It would take some time before he finished building a house for himself and Asakonigei. Speaking of which, he watched his beautiful wife sleep soundly. Leaning back onto the bed, he leaned over her, giving her a soft kiss.
"Nhmmm..." Asakonigei stirred slightly on the mattress from the kiss. Ever since Klinge had turned into Malik, her husband, he had trouble learning how to be... human again. It was highly amusing watching him complete everyday tasks. When Asakonigei reminded him of little things he had to do, Malik almost seemed perplexed. "Mhmmm... it's too early." Asakonigei grumbled lightly as she pulled the covers up over her heard. "I don't want to get up just yet. Come back to bed, it's warm and soft here."
"What if I warm you up instead." Tearing her blankets off, he hugged her close, giving her slow kisses on her face and neck.
"HEY!" Asakonigei protested when Malik yanked off the blanket and then smothered her with love. "Goodness, what's gotten into you this morning?"
"I'm just in a good mood? Can't I hug my beautiful wife?"
"Snuggles, kisses, and compliments?" Asakonigei grinned at him, teasing a little. "No, no, you're definitely up to something. What is it this time?"
"Well... I was thinking we could do that thing that you are so good with your mouth this morning~ I can treat you well after in return~"
"Ooo, I see you're trying to butter me up to get what you want." Asakonigei giggled as she ran a finger from his chin to the center of his chest. "And I get a treat too? Well what if I want my big, thick, and hard treat first?"
Malik's hands rubbed the hips of his charming wife in return. "You're the mechanic. You should know ever engine needs to be revved up first."
Asakonigei was in the process of taking off her pajamas when there was a knock. Groaning aloud, the Kovina glared at the door. She scowled and fixed her top.
"Whoever is at that door, I'm going to throw them out the window."
"Not if I do so first." Malik grumbled, giving his wife a deep kiss and a spank on the ass to keep her wet and waiting. Grabbing a robe he covered himself up as he opened the door, glaring at whoever ruined his morning now.
Ralnor stood outside Malik's doors, his face as stoic as ever, even at the man's glare. The secondborn prince had his hands clasped behind his back, his face not betraying any emotion.
"The queen requires your presence." Ralnor then added. "Now."
"Does she now? I can tell that you won't make her wait, will you." Malik turned to his wife before Ralnor could give an answer. "This sounds like business. I suppose I'll see you after work?"
"Rrr... fine." Asakonigei flopped back on the bed, sulking. "I know you have to go, but I don't have to like it."
"I wasn't interrupting anything... was I?" Ralnor tried his best not to smirk. "Don't keep the queen waiting, commander."
"You were. And it's Lord Malik to you now, Prince Ralnor." Klinge quickly got his new attire on. It was a fine suit and clung close to his body, and tight chainmail underneath, but still a far cry from his shells that he wore as an undead. The fresh air was a foreign concept to him. As he walked with Ralnor, he tugged at his collar, never finding the right pace for the perfect fit. "Do you know what this is about?"
"Hmm, since you are now a lord, that occupation comes with newfound responsibilities." Ralnor thought it was rather funny to see the old commander rather vexed about being interrupted with Asakonigei. "The queen has a task for you to complete for her. Since our queen is with child and cannot leave the castle, and our king refuses to leave her, she has personally asked you to do this for her."
"What?" Malik actually showed he was startled, for the first time in Ralnor's life. The Gerudo Lord knew he new occupation would hold new challenges, but he did not expect to take them on so soon. "Covarog is not one to stray away from his responsibilities. Even with Zarazu pregnant."
"While that may be true, the king refuses to leave with Zarazu this close to her due date." Ralnor shrugged his shoulders. "His reasoning is that he will not be absent during the birth of their second son. The queen requested the king be present, as it is Lorleidian tradition for the husband to support his wife during childbirth."
"Zarazu just- never mind." It seemed Zarazu and Covarog shut everything down the moment she found out she was pregnant with her boy. Why would her third child, or any child, be any different? Arriving at the court room, Malik strolled in. He exchanged a view glances with some nobles. His transformation and new title had stirred the political environment around the castle. "Queen Zarazu. King Covarog. I am here upon your summons."
"My brother and his queen have been trying for a child for the last five years." Ralnor reminded the commander. "So they're bound to be... careful."
As soon as the pair walked into the court room, Ralnor bowed politely to his brother and Zarazu. The queen was sitting in her chair while Covarog stood beside of her. He had his hand on the hilt of his sword, always on alert for danger. Covarog knew some of the nobles, as well as any other enemies, may try to harm his wife and unborn children. So, he was not going to leave her side, even though Zarazu was more than capable of protecting herself. Ever since Klinge had turned human, into Malik, Zarazu was without her personal bodyguard most of the day. Covarog did not like it and did not trust anyone else enough to guard her besides the captains, and Kelly and Tulilad had their own duties to attend to during the day.
"Thank you for arriving so promptly, Klinge---Lord Malik. I apologize, I'm still getting used to the new name." Zarazu smiled at her friend. "Please, sit."
Murmurs traveled at his name change. Sitting down, Malik adjust his seat. “What is the business at hand, ladies and gentlemen?”
"We have a task for you to complete since our queen is now with child." Covarog told Malik as he hesitated to leave Zarazu's side. She gestured for him to do so, and the king then presented Malik with a scroll. The writing on the scroll contained new trade agreements for the Kikai Empire, as well as helping the Hasai build a new alliance with Danjur. Since the Kikai Empire was recovering from the hydra poison blow, there was still some aid required. "We need you to be an ambassador for Hyrule as you travel to the Kikai Empire and Danjur to help build a stronger alliance for future generations."
Malik gripped Covarog’s arm. This was startling news. “This is why you aren’t doing this yourself, isn’t it.”
"That is not necessarily true, Lord Malik," It was Zarazu's turn to speak this time. "You asked to be instated to the title of lord, and with that title come responsibilities. My king has started to repair the burnt bridges of the past with the Kikai Empire and has already built a strong foundation with the kingdom of Danjur. However, it is now your turn to show us that you can handle the pressures of being a lord and look past the bias which might cloud your vision for our children's future. It is better to have peace, than to have war." Then she simply asked him. "Are you up for the challenge?"
Malik felt the pressure of everyone eying him. Nodding, he took a bow to his Queen. “Of course. I’ll prepare at once to leave with my wife. Is there anything special about this case I should know about in advance?”
"You will have assistance with the Kikai Empire and Danjur, Lord Malik, I will not send you into uncharted territories alone." Zarazu assured her friend. "My sister, Zizi, and her husband, Kahli, have graciously volunteered to go with you to the Kikai Empire as well as Danjur to help establish a good relationship and to make a notable impression." The queen then interlocked her fingers and smiled brightly, a little impish look on her face. "And I have arranged transportation as well."
“Kahli? Why him?”
"Do you know any other Hasai who will tolerate you for the sake of their wife?" Covarog tried to hold back a snort. "Or will agree to be near you?"
"My king..." Zarazu gave her husband a look, who instantly shut his trap. "What my king is trying to say, Lord Malik, is Kahli is our best option at the moment. He is married to my sister and has good standing in Hyrule. He can vouch not only for the kingdom of Hyrule, but also his own people."
“Very well....” Malik rose, incredibly annoyed by this assignment, but it was his duty. “What transportation did you have in mind?”
"Pojiji's old earth dragon, Ari'phompha, has graciously volunteered to transport Zizi and Kahli to their destination, so I asked Nubi'ahlus to escort you and Asakonigei," Zarazu elaborated. "So there will be no delays or set backs taking a road. Kahli was most concerned about being on hazardous roads with the threat of bandits, mudslides, so on and so forth, so I indulged his request for more conventional transportation."
"You will spend one day traveling to the Kikai Empire on dragon back, and three days there to negotiate means of trade and other concerns for the alliance." Covarog continued. "Then you will spend the next three days traveling to Danjur, and spend three days there before traveling back home."
A knock came to the door. Kahli came in with his wife. The man wore respectful robes in black. “Queen Zarazu. Our preparations our complete.”
"Thank you, Kahli." Zarazu stood from her seat to greet her sister, Covarog instantly going to help her stand. "My king, I am fine."
"You're pregnant."
"I'm not two tons of fun just yet, I can walk."
"... all right."
"Zizi, you look well!" Zarazu hugged her baby sister with a bright smile. "Hard to believe Manaco is going to be a big brother already. He's barely over a year old."
"Who's fault you think that is?" Zizi nudged her husband with a grin. "Kahli failed to tell me about his 'spring season' and couldn't keep his hands off of me."
"I think Covarog has a spring season everyday." Zarazu giggled with her sister. "Another boy? Girl?"
"It's another boy." Zizi patted her belly. "But so far, no hot flashes like I had with Manaco."
"Maybe that means the kid will be a Zemlja like you."
"Who knows, we'll see."
"Are you sure you're okay going? I can always send someone else."
"No, no, sis, I got this. Besides, my husband is going and he needs my support."
"Very well." Zarazu smiled at Zizi. "Do you need anything else?"
"I think we're all ready, and we're grateful that you're taking care of Manaco for us while we're gone."
"I took care of baby dragons, and you are as a baby, I can handle Manaco."
Kahli held Zizi close, not liking the stares of the nobles. “We’re very excited for the newborn. As well as your support.”
"I'm the queen, though I am also Zizi's sister. Of course I will support you both." Zarazu noticed how close Kahli was holding her baby sister. She recalled Zizi telling her that once more, Kahli's instincts were in overdrive since she was pregnant with their second child. The queen thought it was slightly amusing. "Please, let me know if there is anything else you need before you leave. Lord Malik and his wife, Lady Asakonigei, will be accompanying you."
Malik smiled fondly at the name. “I like the sound of that. Lady Asakonigei.”
Just before any more fun could be had, another knock came, followed by mechanical clanks. To everyone’s surprise, the Android, T0-D entered the court room, having somehow having gotten past security.
“Statement: Greetings meatbags! Especially you fat one. I hope your pregnancy isn’t an issue Zizi.”
"... what is that thing doing here?" Zizi did not hide her disdain for the robot, crossing her arms. Ever since T0-D kidnapped her, the Zemlja was not trusting of the robot despite the friendship with Zannah. She growled at him, "My pregnancy won't stop me from turning you into a pile of nuts and bolts if you get within ten feet of me. Stay over there, you pile of scrap metal."
"Tod... we talked about this." Zarazu groaned in annoyance as the robot made his entrance. She tried her best to be civil. "There are protocols in place. You must announce yourself to the guards who will escort you here. This is the agreement. If you do this again, we're going to have to report it to Zannah."
"Your owner knows this, we discussed it." Covarog was not pleased either, especially since the robot loved to challenge security any way possible. "You follow protocols when you visit here, we follow protocols when we visit your empress. It's disrespectful for you to come bounding through here."
"Please, Tod, don't do it again."
“Amusement: Oh, you know it’s all in good fun. And why have protocols if your guards can’t even spot me? Seems foolish to waste time.”
Kahli held his wife close. Her distaste was his own. “T0-D, why are you here?”
“Statement: Emperor Zannah sent me to intercept you. A trip to the Empire is no longer required.”
“Why is that?”
“Quarry: Are you broken Kahli? Did you malfunction? No? Than don’t interrupt, and I’ll tell you.”
T0-D’s eye went from blue to red, and back to blue again after issuing his insult. “The Empress is traveling directly to Danjur for an open negotiation. She can’t wait for Zarazu to join her.”
"My queen, unfortunately, cannot join your empress at this time." Covarog said through gritted teeth to the robot. "My wife is pregnant and for her safety, as well as my future child, cannot leave the castle."
"Please tell Empress Zannah that I send my deepest apologies, but my king is right." Zarazu told T0-D. "We have tried for a child for so long, we cannot take any risks by my venturing beyond the castle."
"In her place, we are sending Zizi and Kahli, who Zannah knows, as well as Lord Malik and Lady Asakonigei."
"Quarry: Lord Malik?"
Malik cleared his throat. "We fought against each other at the end of the war."
"Exclamation: Ah! You certainly look much better. You're no Zarazu, but my Empress will make do. Zarazu, would you like me to record a message for my Empress?"
"Yes, please, T0-D, I think recording a message for your empress will be suitable. I'm sure she can understand the situation I am in currently, and it will be better to explain for her." Zarazu nodded her head. "If you have any other questions before I record, I will answer them now."
"Excitement: I'll need a ride with one of the dragons. I'm sure Zizi and her husband will love my company."
Malik did not like the android either, but he knew that his Zizi would NOT be able to handle her buttons being pushed for a day of travel stuck with the machine. "You will ride with me Android. I'm sure my wife will find you fascinating. She's a Kovina."
"Curiosity: The members of the metal tribe. I suppose it will be the closest thing to transcending your meatbag status. Zarazu, you may record your message now."
"If he tries to get on Ari'phompha, I'll push him off." Zizi grumbled under her breath to her husband. "I don't want him touching me, near me, and if he makes one more joke about me being 'fat', I'll figure out by some law of Zemlja magic to dismantle him."
Zarazu pulled T0-D aside to record her message.
"Empress Zannah, I hope you are well. I regret to inform you that I will not be able to attend this alliance meeting with you in Danjur. I am now with child after trying for over five years. My king and I have both agreed that for my safety and the safety of the future heir, I cannot leave the castle grounds. In my place, I am sending my younger sister, Zizi, and her husband, Kahli. You are both acquainted with each other, so I know this will make the proceedings easier. Accompanying them is Lord Malik and Lady Asakonigei, who are on good terms with Danjur. I hope to be seeing you soon."
T0-D's eye went from white, back to blue upon finishing the recording. "Statement: The recording is stored. I'm sure she will be glad you sent Kahli. And for what it's worth, I'm sure you will deliver another little 'bundle of joy'."
Zarazu then returned to her husband's side. "Please make any last minute preparations, and be safe. I will be awaiting news."
~
"You know, when you accepted this title of 'lord', I had no idea we'd be traveling outside of Hyrule." Asakonigei was excited. "I've never been anywhere except here and Lorleidi. I heard Danjur has these... these metal machines that are like... living! And these things called engines! Do you think they'd let me mess with..." The Kovina was rambling, almost having a skip in her step. "I cannot believe Zarazu wants me to present my suits of armor for them. Do you think they'll like them?"
Malik nodded, finishing packing his bags. "I'm sure they will. As long as we stay behaved. I hold the reputation of the entire country on my shoulders. As far as Zarazu is concerned, I am the country."
"Do you think we'll have time to... ourselves?" Asakonigei asked him as she placed a brand new piece of lingerie on top of Malik's pile of clothes. Black, silk, and very revealing, all of her husband's favorite items in a piece of lingerie. "Because I'd hate for this to go to waste..."
"I'll make the time." He leaned over to give her a kiss, and shut his bag. "You seem excited to explore Danjur culture. How do you feel about the Hasai?"
"I'm curious about the Hasai, but I don't want to upset you, love." Asakonigei then told him. "I want you to be comfortable first. I can always learn from a book, but if you don't want me near them, then I won't go. You're my main priority, my love."
"Unfortunately, you'll be exposed to them, no matter what. And I'm sure you'll have no problem with them as much as I do. It's history on my part. And to my dismay, I'm certain, unlike Zizi, your first exposure to them outside of Kahli will make you love them..."
"What makes you say that?" Asakonigei halted Malik from packing for a few moments, taking his hands. "You know I'll be on your side."
"Your love as a gear head will make it so..."
Walking to the courtyard, T0-D was chatting it up with Nubi'ahlus. "...honestly, I don't understand your worries. Surely even you must understand fire is the most attractive element. Any dragon would be glad to be your mate."
Turning to the door opening behind him, he waved to Malik and his wife. "Greetings: Oh Lord Malik. Nubi'ahlus and I were wondering if you had rusted with the time you had taken to arrive. Even Zizi could roll her way over on her stomach faster than you."
"Fire is probably most attractive to Hasai culture, metal person, but in Lorleidian dragons, it is the soul." Nubi'ahlus explained to the robot. He was very curious, sniffing the man who... was not a man. It was confusing for him. "We must resonate with each other."
"Oh... my... spirits." Asakonigei sucked in a sharp breath when she saw T0-D. "What is that?!?!"
"Answer: I am combat and communication Android, designated T0-D. I work in the service of my Master, Emperor Zannah of the Kikai Empire. I have lived for thousands of years, originally designed by ancient Shiekah, but in time, have been modified by Hasai engineers. I am one of kind, and very proud of my programming. Humans have called me dangerous, intelligent, and joy to be around. I understand the human biology and mind to handle people effectively."
"That means he's good as a killer, or just getting under other people's skin..." Malik huffed, ignoring the android to get his bags loaded.
"You're a moving piece of metal! You can talk but you're not alive, and oh my spirits, look at those gears!!!" Asakonigei was definitely excited, approaching T0-D with curiosity and not having any qualms about touching the robot. "You're made out of such fine materials, look at the quality of craftsmanship! What is the power source? How exactly how the metal not degraded with time? Do you have magical components? What about---"
"Asa, please..." Zizi groaned as she ran a hand down her face. "Now is not the time."
"But it's a... it's... living but not living! I've never seen anything like this!"
"You can pester the asshole later, for now, we need to get the dragons prepped."
"Correction: I do not posses an asshole, like you do Zizi. Tell me, is yours located by that hole on your face? Would explain the fecal matter that spews from your mouth at times." After delivering his insult, T0-D turned his attention back to Asakonigei. "Intrigue: Why I have a master core in both my head and my chest, as so if one is damaged in an unlikely event, I can still function. The ancient Shiekah held a deep potential for the ultimate blend of magic and technology. And the metals found in the original Hasai homeland held a metal known as Cortosis. Very interesting metal, as it grants me an immunity to low to medium level voltages. I am indeed living, in my own way. I find your fascination of me to be most interesting, given the uneasiness Zizi and her sister view about their false philosophy of my life."
Just for that insult, Zizi threw her bag at him, the pregnancy hormones getting the best of her.
"I ought to bury you so deep in the ground that you'll never claw your way out, you piece of slag!"
"Zizi, calm down, you don't need to stress the baby." Asakonigei told her friend. "I know you two don't have a good relationship, but can we try to be civil for the sake of this alliance?"
"Hmph. Tell that to the thing."
Asakonigei sighed and shook her head.
"Well, for your information, um..."
"They call the thing Tod."
"Tod," Asakonigei then told the robot. "I am a Kovina, I control the metal elements of the earth." She demonstrated by pulling particles from the ground, forming a ball of silver. "So it is in my nature."
Kahli hurried his wife onto the dragon, getting her away from the environment.
T0-D was heavily intrigued. "Excitement: A truly amazing ability. It is so enjoyable to find a Lorleidian who has a power not rooted in in the ground."
Malik groaned. "Great. You do puns too. Alright, both of you on the dragon."
"I'm going to find a way to kill him, I swear." Zizi grumbled to her husband as Kahli helped her onto Ari'phompa. It was a little awkward with her big belly in the way, taking a couple of tries to get comfortable. It did not help things that her back was killing her from the extra weight. "Hate that damn thing."
Asakonigei climbed on Nubi'ahlus, settling in behind her husband. She assured Malik that Nubi'ahlus would fly safely and not as rambunctious as Ba'puu. She knew her husband was not overly fond of the queen's water dragon, due to his sassy personality.
"I will make sure as soon as we arrive in Danjur, you are treated to a spa my flower." Kahli helped Zizi up, holding her tight and close once they were packed and on board.
"Thank you, Kahli." Zizi sighed, rubbing her back. "As long as I'm with you, I'll be okay. That thing just pushes my buttons." She then purred at him, giving a light tug on his chin. "But a spa would be no fun if you weren't there with me."
"Good spirits, by the time you're fifty, you're going to have team of kids for a game of ball if you keep it up." Asakonigei snorted at Zizi's flirty ways. "Then an army of grand kids."
"I don't mind having a large family." Kahli nipped at Zizi's neck. He'd enjoy massaging her all over once they were airborn.
Malik helped his wife up, and waited for the Android to get on the saddle with them. "I believe we are now ready for take off."
"Hrm, with the way your spring seasons are, I think Asa's prediction might come true." Zizi yipped slightly when Kahli nibbled at her neck. That was one of his favorite things to do, and she still was not used to it. If he was wanting her to get horny midair, then he was certainly getting her ready for it. "Maybe next time, we'll try for a little girl."
"Come on, Tod, Nubi'ahlus doesn't bite unless I tell him to." Asakonigei patted the seat on the saddle behind her. "Unless you plan on walking there."
"Statement: I'd be a very undesirable snack. Could even suffer an iron overdose."
T0-D climbed aboard, sitting around the couple. Malik made sure everyone was secure before waving back to Zarazu, who was sitting by the balcony.
Zarazu was watching with Covarog as the two dragons took off into the sky. The queen had given her sister an enchanted mirror to alert her of when the group arrived in Danjur. She hoped everything would go smoothly...