Archive of Our Own ^beta

“So Lin, what's that assignment you've got for us?” I ask as I join Lin and Elma at our barrack's dinner table, Tatsu uncharacteristically missing from Lin's side.

With an excited bounce and pose Lin turns, eyes shining with excitement. “Remember how we had a birthday party for Tatsu?”

“Of course, hard to forget the misunderstanding and subsequent chaos, thankfully we found him and explained we were making food for him, not planning on making him into food. Speaking of, the little turnup didn't run away again did he?”

“No, we sent him off on an errand” Elma says, “he can't keep a secret you know.”

“Secret?” I ask with a raise of an eyebrow?

“Yes, back to what I was saying,” Lin interjects once more. “I want to do the same for his siblings, all five of them. They range in ages from nine to twelve, but their birthdays are all around the same time, so I was planning to do a big party for them! We've already spoken to Koko and have a plan in action; games, food, as well as bringing other nopon caravans to join the festivities. We're gonna get Tatsu to join as well, but only closer to time, we don't want him spoiling the surprise before we're ready.

“Fair enough, I don't think the guy could keep a secret to save his life” I chuckle.” “This doesn't sound like much of a mission though, more like supply shopping and sending invites before a party.”

“That's what we wanted to talk to you about” Elma interjects. She walks over and sits closer next to me, I can't help but look her up and down, taking in her beautiful complexion, crystal like hair, and oh so alluring curves. I quickly try to focus back on what she's saying before she notices my lingering eyes. “You've had a lot more free time than us, Rook, so we're hoping you can take care of the dirty work before the party. Noctilum is pretty dangerous right now. Dodonga caravan can hardly leave their cave, so we can't bring others in, much less have a large party.”

“What's happening out there? I figured most places would be cleared out now that the war is over.” I also feel like I have been slacking since I hadn't heard this news before, I usually try to stay on top of all rumors and intel both that travel through Blade HQ, to not have heard this until now leaves me a bit ashamed. I've been too focused on other things, with my Trysts with Mia and Sela, plus my couple days of isolation between them, I've missed a lot in just a few days.

“Two things so far. First off indigens have been leaving their normal territory and acting much more hostile. For example, a place we want to use for the party has recently been taken over by hunter Dilus’, despite it being outside of their nesting or hunting grounds. We aren't sure the reason, but my hypothesis is that it has something to do with our second issue. Apparently there have been sightings of Ganglion remnants, but their base hasn't been found. Several people report being shot at from a distance, but the ganglion disappear before they can track them down.”

“I know Noctilum has a lot of hiding spaces with all its dense vegetation, but you'd imagine there would be some tracks, its not our first time dealing with ganglion ambushed there and no one has mentioned them disappearing like that before”

“Exactly, which is why we're worried. Maybe they've changed their strategy, or maybe it's new technology. Either way it's bad news for us.”

“So I'm guessing you two want me to go clear out the indigens and look into our mysterious ganglion attackers?”

“Nail on the head, Rook.”

Lin speaks up once more, “I've heard Ga Jhiarg and his Worthian soldiers were looking into it as well, they may have some leads. You can start there, and Elma and I will prepare everything else for the party alongside our usual work.”

“Got it, I'll keep y'all updated.” I head back to my room and begin gathering equipment. I'm unsure what weapons would be best, so I make sure to pack multiple load-outs. Once my supplies are packed I go to the garage and enter my skell, an Ares 90 custom build with a green paint job. Using my communicator I send a message asking to meet with Ga Jhiarg, and drive off towards his base in Oblivia.

Before long I am standing in a large opening deep in a cave, lit only by torches, facing Ga Jhiarg. The prince of the Wrothians is an impressive figure, a muscular anthropomorphic lion with fiery red fur. “Welcome Cross, what can I do for you today?”

“I've heard you're looking into the ganglion sightings in Noctilum, I'm doing the same so I was hoping to hear any information you may have.”

“Yes, from what we can tell the ganglion are now using an underground tunnel network. I have several scouts out there now, but we're still looking for all the entrances.”

“So that explains how they keep disappearing, everyone expects to hide in the overgrowth or trees, not underground. With how wet and swampy Noctilum is I figured a man made tunnel system would collapse. It probably didn't even cross most people's minds.”

“Yes, we never would have expected it either, luckily our scouts are more experienced in tracking than other species.”

“There's also plenty of indigen attacks outside of their typical habitat. I wonder if it could be caused by the ganglion tunnels disrupting the ecosystem.”

“Very likely, it seems they have been purposely aggravating dangerous species as well, perhaps to distract us, or to fully prevent us from accessing some places in Noctilum. Either way, I am going there soon to speak with some of my scouts.”

“I'm heading there next to clear out some indigens and look for the ganglion next, would you like to work together.”

“Excellent, it should go much smoother with us working together. Come, let us head off.”

Hours later Ga Jhiarg and I are flying over the treetops in Noctilum. “We're getting close to the coordinates I was given. There's supposed to be an aggressive pack of Dilus here.”

“Lead the way Cross, I will fight alongside you.”

We descend in our skells, and quickly see the large amphibious indigens. One in particular seems much larger than the others, its teeth and fins both overgrown and marked with the scars of combat. “The pack leader, and it's an undiscovered tyrant from the looks of it. I'll try to disrupt the pack, Ga Jhiarg provide support and focus on the tyrants actions.”

With a nod of approval from Ga Jhiarg I target the pack of Dilus with my skell's shoulder mounted rockets. They shoot and rain chaos upon the herd. Several of the smaller Dilus fall in the initial blasts but the rest are now fully aware of our presence. I disengage my flight unit, firing the main gun on my skell onto the nearest Dilus as I fall. Ga Jhiarg follows suit, using the sharp weaponry of his skell to slice and dice as soon as he makes contact with the ground. A Dilus rushes me, I use my EX knuckle to slam into it, crushing its skull. Ga Jhiarg rushes in to attack the Tyrant Dilus, one so large even our skells seem in danger of being crushed in its massive jaws. Ga Jhiarg charges forward, thrusting his skells weaponry into the side of the massive tyrant.

The tyrant's roar drowns out even the sounds of combat, and the remaining Dilus all turn towards their pack leader, rushing towards Ga Jhiarg in a coordinated attack. “Damn it, Dilus never seemed intelligent enough to pull off an attack like this, our strategy of breaking up the pack having fallen through. Ga Jhiarg's skell has several Dilus clamped on, before the tyrant itself chomps onto the skells arm, completely ripping into the metal.and severing the mech's arm.

“Cover yourself!” I yell as I charge my most powerful weapon, releasing a massive laser into the horde of Dilus surrounding Ga Jhiarg's skell. Many are burnt alive or thrown away by the resulting energy. The tyrant, while burnt and bleeding, is still tearing away at the skell, trying to get to Ga Jhiarg inside its cockpit. I rush forward into.a jet powered shoulder charge, knocking the Tyrant over, allowing Ga Jhiarg to eject from the skell.

No time to check on him, I eject one of two grenades installed on my skell, and chuck it into the open maw of the massive Dilus. With an explosion the tyrant is finally defeated, and I excitement my skell to go check on Ga Jhiarg.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, looks like I owe you once again Cross.”

“No you don't, it was my strategy that caused your skell to be destroyed. I never expected Dilus to cooperate like that.”

“Whatever the ganglion are doing, it is definitely affecting the indigens, that behavior is not typical.”

Before I can respond a bullet whizzes by our heads, causing us to duck to the ground, taking cover behind the smoldering skell wreckage.

“Ganglion!” Ga Jhiarg yells. “Those cowards!” I draw my rifle and return fire, despite barely being able to see my attackers. Ga Jhiarg follows suit as we see a couple of Puge, ganglion robots they use as footsoldiers, crawl out from the nearby forage, unleashing a stream of constant gunfire. After enough firefighting back and forth the Puges were too damaged to continue, however we were still taking incoming fire from elsewhere. Ga Jhiarg and I take the time to reload, during which our assailants use the opportunity to rush in. I glance over our wreckage, a lifesaving shield in our eyes, to see 4 Prone and a Marnuck incoming. Not only that, but a large shadow is now casting over the battlefield.

“Oh great, what now?” I saw to myself while contemplating if I should make a run for my skell. Depending on what our mystery object from the sky is that would make the battle a breeze, but would my armor protect me enough to get there without being riddled with bullets? I decide to risk waiting, to see what is joining us on the battlefield. I hoped for a miracle, and a miracle I received.

A large black skell with a flat, rounded disk-like head flew into view. One I recognized immediately as a Wrothian skell. Since Ga Jiargh and I destroyed all the wrothian make skells the ganglion had access to we knew this had to be an ally. The skell drops, crushing two Prone underneath, it quickly grabs and flings another away while simultaneously shooting another. The Marnuck returns fire but is quickly flattened by the skell before he can do real damage.

Ga Jhiarg and I leave our cover, waving at our alley. “Here's one of my scouts now!” Ga Jhiarg says excitedly. The wrothian skell comes to a stop, opening to allow the pilot to exit and join us. A familiar Wrothian woman steps out, armour covering her clawed feet and legs, her tan skin peeking through the rest of her armour, still allowing her slender yet strong build to be seen. She has a pointed noise, and her face is circled by a crown of fluffy white hair, or should I say fur. Overall she has the look of the typical anthropomorphic feline that all Wrothian do, however one trait gave away her identity instantly. Rather than the sharp cat-like ears on top of her head like other Wrothian have, hers are large, rounded, and extra fluffy, looking more like something you'd find on a child's teddy bear.

“Gu Ladha” I say, “it's been a while!” I helped out Gu Ladha previously. She was made fun of and ostracized for her cute ears, something seen as a sign of weakness in the proud warrior culture of the Wrothians. She avoided others and lived in isolation, eventually coming to the decision to cut her own ears off. I was the one who knocked the knife out of her hands during her attempt to mutilate herself, an act that eventually led to a full on duel, where she realized she was highly talented as a skill pilot. From there she gained more confidence and decided to prove her worth to her people through her piloting skills, proving she was someone to not be taken lightly. Obviously this has worked well for her if she's one of Ga Jhiarg's trusted scouting team.

She waves at me, before meeting eyes with Ga Jhiarg and saluting. “My prince, welcome.”

“Relax, Gu Ladha, and thank you for your help.”

“Yes my prince” she says, dropping her guard and immediately becoming more familiar. “And hello Cross, it's good to see you again.”

“Good to see you too, and thanks for the assist.”

Ga Jhiarg speaks up, “please give your report.”

With another salute Gu Ladha speaks again. “We found several entrances to the tunnels, and believe we have found their main entrance. It is located in their previous base near Noctilum's largest waterfall.”

“Hiding in plain sight, should've known.” I say to myself.

“In that case, we should go ahead and take the fight to them.” Ga Jhiarg says, “Cross, would you help us?”

“Of course, I was planning to even if you didn't ask.”

“Haha, excellent. I will send warriors to guard every opening to the tunnels we know, and send in a force through the main entrance to flush them out. It will have to be a small, yet skilled team. I would go myself but without my skell I would be in trouble if I needed to retreat. Instead I will lead my men from outside. Gu Ladha, Cross, can I ask you two to be our force to go into the tunnels?

“Of course, my prince.” Gu Ladha says kneeling, while I nod in confirmation.

“Wipe out all enemies, either kill or take them prisoner. Once all the ganglion are eliminated, take an in depth search of the tunnels and try to find any information on their plans. We will guard the entries and perform a sweep of the area for any ganglion who were out of the tunnels at the time.”

“Understood” Gu Ladha and I say in unison. With our plan laid bare Ga Jhiarg heads off to meet with his other soldiers. Gu Ladha and I sync our skell's communicators before heading off.

“So, heading towards their small waterfall base, huh. Guess it's convenient for them while not as obvious as using their main bases here.”

“Exactly, but still this is unlikely the ganglion. To get warriors like Prone and Marnucks to sneak and hide is out of character. It's pathetic, they should fight and face death with dignity.”

“They must have a plan, something big to convince the soldiers to entirely disband after everything they went through. Hopefully we find some leads.” After a moment of silence I try to make casual conversation. “Seems like life as a pilot is treating you well, that was some seriously skilled fighting earlier.

“Thank you, it has been nice. I have rose through the Wrothian ranks quickly, and few make any more remarks regarding my ears. I still hate them, but less, and I must thank you for showing me my ears did not define me.”

“You’re welcome, I'm just glad you seem happier.”

“Yes, I must repay you one day, but for now we are approaching our target.”

We descend upon the seemingly empty base camp of the ganglion, one where I had multiple fights in the past. Gu Ladha speaks up.“The entryway is hidden in the floor of the center building there. Unfortunately we'll have to leave our skells outside, so take what you can.” We park our skell, double check our armour and weaponry, and quietly head inside.

“Gu Ladha walks over to where the metal floors have a barely visible seam in them, working her sharp claws into the wedge. As she starts lifting it up I join her, and together we lift the cover to the ganglion tunnels network. I hop in followed shortly by Gu Ladha, the tunnels are dim, but lights are periodically installed. It's cramped by usual ganglion standards, but considering the tunnel was made with larger species like Prone and Marnucks, Gu Ladha and I have plenty of room. Gu Ladha locks eyes with my, raising a sharp, perfectly manicured claw in front of her mouth in a shushing motion. Peeking out from around a curve I see two armed Prone, likely patrolling the halls. I place my hand up and signal to Gu Ladha. We both draw our knives, and hide in wait for the Prone to walk into our ambush.

Soon the Prone's heavy footsteps thudding on the tunnels dirt floors is nearby. I roll around the corner, grappling the Prone and thrusting my knife upwards into his neck. Gu Ladha moves alongside me, silently leaping at the other Prone. She grabs into him, her claws buried deep in its exposed flesh, and stabbed her knife repeatedly in its vital areas. This terrifying display shows just how impressive the Wrothian women can be, built for speed and ambush, able to perform gymnastic feats humans could only dream of, especially being able to pull them off nearly silently. I admire her grace and strength, glad once again the Wrothian fought back against the ganglion who enslaved them and decided to work with us.

Thankfully our ambush allowed us to take down the Prone before any shots were fired, so hopefully no one was alerted to our presence. We continue trying to walk as silently as possible, a task Gu Ladha was infinitely more skilled at due to her feline gracefulness. We try to follow what seems like the main path of the tunnel network, knowing our allies should be guarding the exits. Along our way we quickly silenced any stragglers before they had a chance to alarm others to our presence. Before long we heard voices, and know we are heading the correct way.

We come to the entrance to a large opening in the tunnels, one with an actual small building inside, the same tech metallic buildings the ganglion use elsewhere, just on a smaller scale. We see a large slug like Xeno walk through the automatic doors. I've only seen one other Xeno like that, Luxaar, the leader of the Ganglion. We didn't even know there were others on the planet, but its obvious he was likely someone high up on the hierarchy. Outside of the enclosed building, in the open tunnel area with multiple passageways all coming together is a large group of soldiers. Prone, Marnuck, Milsaadi, and robotic units like Puge's and a large turret are all located nearby, dozens of foes in total.

Gu Ladha and I take a few steps back into the tunnel, ensuring we are out of sight. “Slimey there must be the leader of this group, if anyone will have information it will be him. At the very least that building should have some records of their plans.” I whisper to Gu Ladha as I speak, terrified we may be overheard.

“Definitely, but we need to deal with the crowd” Gu Ladha whispers back. “Should we rush in or do you have a plan?”

“I've got an idea, here, take this.” I take Gu Ladha's hand in mine, soft despite the blood, and hand her my grenade. “You are much more stealthy than I am, get in close and use this to destroy the turret. I'll use my rifle to take out one of the more important looking enemies, like a Marnuck captain, as soon as you hear my shot fire, bombs away.”

Gu Ladha smiles, and gives a reassuring rub to my shoulder. “Good idea, give me a minute and I'll be in position.” She slowly and silently sneaks off, climbing a small series of ledges overlooking the open room. While she does this, I check my gun once more, ensuring it's fully loaded and ready for the ensuing battle. Once I'm sure Gu Ladha is in position, I turn the corner and aim my gun at a large Marnuck wearing red armour. I see it's mandible clicking as it addresses the other soldiers. I adjust my gun slightly higher, aiming towards where the Marnuck's eyes should be. It's too dark to see the golden glow of its eyes from this distance, even with a zoomed in scope, but I have faith in my aim. Taking and holding a deep breath, I pull the trigger.

A loud bang echoes throughout the tunnels as the Marnuck staggers and falls. Before the body even connects with the ground an even louder noise deafens everyone nearby, the sound of the turret exploding. Gu Ladha, being able to see much clearer in the dark than I can, likely tossed the grenade before I even fired, seeing that I was in position.

Now chaos has erupted in the tunnel, soldiers everywhere rushing to grab their weapons, some firing blindly, while the Puge's all condense around the building, likely programed to protect the high ranking ganglion in emergencies. I quickly prepare for my next shot, going for whichever Xeno I felt I could get the easiest kill on. Before I can fire I see Gu Ladha in my scope, slitting the throat of the very same soldier I was about to fire at.

In this chaos its too dangerous to shoot, I may hit Gu Ladha. Instead I draw my sword and charge into battle. I impale a Prone with my blade, shoving him alongside me as I run as a living shield to take the incoming gunfire. I slide my sword out of the corpse’s abdomen and begin slashing away at the nearby Milsaadi. Gu Ladha is a force to be reckoned with herself, while she doesn't hit as hard as me, she's much faster, and every strike is precise, taking down her enemies quickly. I yell out as I slash down another soldier, hoping to draw as much attention towards myself and away from Gu Ladha. I'm more heavily armored and she fights much better in one-on-one battles or areas she can get a stealthy advantage on. Large groups like this descending upon her would be the worst case scenario, but I'm used to larger group battles.

Gunfire from elsewhere breaks out, and some soldiers split up and run throughout the tunnels, likely trying to escape or join the combat at the tunnel's exits. Either way they aren't our worry any more. As the number thin I begin making my way to the Puges, trying to destroy them so we can get to the Ganglion in the building without issue. Their metallic blade arms ring out against mine, as they switched to close combat mode upon my approach. I slice one's arm off, grabbing it as it falls to use as a second blade. One I quickly impaled into the center of another Puge, hoping to strike a critical piece of machinery. Before long the sounds of battle have ended, I glance out among the sea of corpses scattered among the battlefield, but I don't see Gu Ladha, alive or dead. “Could she be hiding?” I think to myself. For now, the mission must come first so I rushed into the building where we saw the slug like Xeno enter earlier.

My fears were immediately relieved as I entered to see Gu Ladha, already holding the Xeno at knifepoint, a trickle of blood dripping down its throat where the knife had already made contact. I quickly assess the room for any potential dangers, and seeing none I pull my gun and aim at the Ganglion's head.
“Tell us your plans and I might make it quick!” Gu Ladha says, slightly twisting the knife to emphasize her words.

“Foolish Wrothian, I thought you left the ganglion to be independent. I guess you cats are already domesticated, cause it looks to me you swapped one master for another.” The ganglion voice is venomous, trying to get under Gu Luadha's skin with each word.

“Shut up! I asked you to tell us what the ganglion are planning. Luxaar is dead, whatever the plan is just give it up, it's useless.”

“You are the useless one here, the Wrothian would be extinct without us taking you in, and you pay us back with betrayal. We won't be so lenient next time, and trust me, we will ensure the Wrothian are enslaved again. If you thought we were unfair before, just wait until then.”

“We would never have been in danger if it weren't for scum like you, forcing others to do your dirty work.”

“Oh kitty has a tongue on her, too bad she's a pathetic, deformed excuse for a Wrothian, you should be ashamed. Your whole species should be ashamed, and you and your disgusting ears should be the prime example of the fall of the Wroth-” A loud gurgle erupts from the Ganglion's throat, along with a spray of blood.

The blood erupts like a fountain, spraying all over Gu Ladha as the Ganglion stumbles and falls, his throat slit end to end by Gu Ladha before my eyes could even register her movement. With that much blood she didn't just make a mindless slash, but purposefully sliced the carotid artery (or whatever the ganglion's equivalent is called), ensuring a quick but violent death.

“Damn it!!!” Gu Ladha screeches, chucking her knife across the room, not with her usual precision but a wild throw in raw anger. She stomps on the corpse, now pooling in its own blood as she growls. “How dare he say those things, about me and my people. He crossed the line. But,” she bites her lip. “My emotions got the better of me, we needed him alive for information.”

“Gu Ladha…” I say, taking a tentative step forward. “It will be alright, surely there will be some information hidden in here.”

“You're right, let's search.” With a shove of her foot on the corpse she begins tearing the room apart. Most of the storage is dedicated to food and some weaponry. I scan for any electronics that could give us any information, but the small building is barren in that regard. I even went as far to search the Ganglion's putrid corpse, finding nothing but blood and slime. We found some small faculties such as water and electricity, but nothing that could store any type of information.

“Should we just leave, report that we failed to gather any information? Report to my prince that the first big mission I led was a failure. Maybe that bastard was right about me.”

“Ladha, don't talk that way. You're strong, you're skilled. I couldn't have done this without you. For now, let's take a break, we can look at it again with a fresh mind.”

“Nothing will be fresh while we're covered in Ganglion blood.” Gu Ladha says, looking herself up and down. Her previously white armour is now a deep red. I imagine I don't look much better.

“There's running water here, we can wash our armour off and rest while it dries.”

Without a word we both head over to the faucets, taking off our armour piece by piece and scrubbing them as clean as we could. Before I realize it, I'm standing only in my underwear, and the fact I didn't think this through now tears regret though my mind. I turn around to see Gu Ladha in a similar state of undress. Her body is slim, but pure muscle. She's built for silence and quick bursts of movement, and it's shown clearly in every curve of her musculature, especially her toned legs. Her skin is a tan brown, the skin of a fighter who is no stranger to the sun. At the end of those long, dark, alluring legs are massive claws. Claws that match the ones on her hands as well, with long, sharp, black nails curved into natural weapons. Her white hair is sticking out, curled slightly upwards from where she was wearing her helmet. I can't help but trace my eyes up and down her body. She is wearing nothing but a small black bra and matching thong. Her breasts are on the smaller side, especially compared to Sela or Mia, but they have an undeniable plushness to them, even from across the room. Her ass is similarly built, small but toned, the body of someone built for speed.

She glances back at me, but doesn't seem to question my stares. She tosses the last piece of armour on the ground and turns around, leaning against the wall. She still looks upset, and a large splash of blood is still drying on her face. I walk over, soaking my hand in water.

“Here, you've got blood on your face.” I raise my wet hand, placing it tenderly on her cheek and gently try to rub the blood out. She looks up at me and our eyes lock, the brilliant gold of her irises almost seeming to shine around her thin vertical pupils. Our mostly naked bodies are almost touching, and as I gently rub her cheek she begins making a soft purr sound. Her lips slightly part as she purrs and I find myself drawn in. Slowly I caress her face and find myself leaning in towards her. I close my eyes and press my lips against hers. She returns the kiss, slowly at first, as if she was unsure of herself but soon we find out rhythm together. She pulls in closer to me, our bodies pushed together and she begins to gently stroke my chest with her claws. The sharp tips of her black nails leave slight scratch marks wherever she traces. The light scratching is a tantalizing sensation, making me crave her more. With one hand still cupping her face my other grabs her slim waist, pulling her in more as we kiss deeper. I try adding my tongue, accidently scraping it against her dangerously sharp canines. She returns the gesture, her tongue much rougher than a human's, it almost clings to mine as if she doesn't want to let go, to let my tongue return to my own mouth.

Gu Ladha takes her hands off me for just a moment to unhook her bra, letting it fall to the floor before she grabs my face and kisses me deeper. Her soft fingers accented by the sharp claws slightly pushing into my cheeks, her now hard nipples standing out among her soft breasts now rubbing against my own bare chest. I snake my hand down and take a breast in my palm, squeezing the pillowy skin as we kiss. After a moment of that I take my thumb and begin rolling it around her nipple, hearing her soft gasps of arousal she's purring out into my mouth. My other hand slides down, reaching into her thong where my fingers explore, finding her slick folds and providing a few teasing strokes.

With her hands deftly snapping from my face down to my own waistband, Gu Ladha quickly pulls my own underwear down, allowing my dick to flop free. I step out of my underwear now bunched at my feet, and pull Gu Ladha's down in return. With her own hands free she gives a few teasing brushes of her fingertips against my cockhead, not using the tips to cut it, but allowing both her soft fingers and the smooth part of her black nails to explore my tip.

Once we are both entirely naked, I place one hand on her side and spin her around, she leans back against me as my free hand glides back down to her crotch. She snuggles in, her soft buttcheeks squishing into my dick. I then begin fingering her, one finger, slowly, allowing the heat and moisture of her vagina to envelop my finger. “Ohhh more” she moans. I slide a second finger in, eliciting another moan and a shudder to erupt throughout her body, causing my dick to be squeezed further by her rounded glutes. I kiss the back of her neck, slowly moving to the side. Her hair sticks up into my face but I don't let that stop me from kissing her neck. I only kiss harder as I use my thumb to gently massage her clit, causing her to melt in my arms.

“Youre adorable Gu Ladha.” I whisper into her ears. I take in the sight of her ears she is so ashamed of, adorable, round, and fluffy. They are far from typical for Wrothian's but undeniably appealing. In fact the cute appearance would likely be a massive hit among humanity, making her a popular sight around town if she didn't isolate herself so much. I know she's doing better about her self image, but I still want to do more to make her know her ears are a blessing, not a curse. Definitely not something she should be ashamed of. “Your ears are so cute.” I whisper once again, before kissing and then nibbling on her ear, taking the round appendage between my lips, the short but fluffy fur tickling my lips.

A sharp pain suddenly erupts across my face and Gu Ladha is several steps away. I haven't even registered what has happened when I feel the telltale wet trickle of blood. I raise my hand gingerly to my cheek, my fingers stained with blood when I pull them away to check. I stare in disbelief, just seconds ago we were cuddled.closely and kissing intimately, now she's left a large bleeding gash in my face.

“Don't ever talk about or touch my ears!” Gu Ladha yells at me, flashing her fangs.

“I- I'm sorry. I just wanted to…” My words were cut off as I saw Gu Ladha run towards me again. This time I had time to react, but whether out of shock or what I didn't react. She shoves me to the ground, and I can't help but think of the times we've spared before. We've fought both in and out of skells, in the skells we are pretty evenly matched, but I always had the advantage in ground combat. Guess Ladha started each time with a surprise strike, but after her first attack she was on the backfoot. She's proficient in stealth, not able to keep up a constant fight like other Wrothians. I should be able to get up, to stop her rampage, but I can't bring my body to move.

Now laying on the ground, Gu Ladha places her foot on my gut. “You better be sorry.” She says, pushing her foot down for emphasis. “Even if you're sorry you still need to be punished. Her foot slides down, her sharp claws leaving light scratches until she reaches my dick. She begins to rub my shaft up and down with her pawed foot as she stands above me. “I'm not so cute now, am I?” Gu Ladha taunts “Call me strong, call me talented, call me a warrioress. Now, Cross, what am I?”

“You're strong and beautiful, powerful and deadly, Warrioress.” I tell her what she wants to hear, and in reward she changes how she's stroking my dick with her foot, allowing me more pleasure rather than pain, but she doesn't stop.

“Good boy, you'll do as I say from now on, correct?”

“Yes, Warrioress.” She gently teases my tip with her claws in response.

“You'll watch what you say from now on, correct?”

“Yes, Warrioress. I'm sorry.”

“Then I'll make your punishment more rewarding, I'll make you prove you can be a good boy for me, that I can control you.” She continues her assault on my cock, her foot finding and focusing on the spots that elicit the most squirms from me. I writhe under her foot, my shaft throbbing under her paw.

“Warrioress, I'm about to cum.” I address Gu Ladha as she desires. I know I could escape, but I can't deny a part of me is enjoying this. Even though I only wanted to cheer her up, I know I upset her. That guilt makes me want to be punished, makes me want to go along with whatever she demands in order to make it up to her. So for that, I decide I will do whatever she asks until she is satisfied, even if it is humiliating. If I get some sexual release from it, even better.

“Good boy, cum underneath my foot for me.” She digs her paw into my dick further, the toes and claws tapping on my tip, pushing me over the edge. I moan as I erupt, my cum spurting in ropes now covering Gu Ladha's clawed foot.

Gu Ladha stops, her eyes meeting mine. She gives a soft look, her earlier anger now subsided, a twinge of guilt in her eyes. She likely didn't mean to go as far as she did, but I can't blame her, I did offend her, even accidently. I give her a gentle smile and nod, trying to silently let her know it's alright for her to continue.

Gu Ladha has always been isolated, she was ostracized and the laughing stock of her people. She's always been seen as weak and someone to pity, so I've noticed she has a hard time restraining herself when she is able to feel powerful. I imagine her dominating me was enjoyable for her, even if she didn't do it initially out of pleasure. In fact, I doubt Gu Ladha had ever been in a relationship due to the way she avoided her fellow Wrothians, so this may be her first real sexual experience. I'm determined to let her lead, and let this experience be whatever she wants.

She likely is having similar thoughts, leading to an internal debate, but after a brief pause of consideration, and my reassuring nod she decided to continue where she left off. To continue with my “punishment’.

“Cumming from just my foot? Not much of a soldier are you?” Gu Ladha continues to tease, waving her cum covered claw in my face before she bends down, taking a handful of my hair. With a small yank she forces my head back, hair pulled into her hand as her claws slightly scratch my scrap. My face is now forced to look up to her as she continues to speak. “This is supposed to be your punishment though, I can't allow you to be the only one to cum. You're gonna have to please me now.”

With my hair still pulled back, Gu Ladha steps over me, straddling me as she lowers her snatch into my face. I hadn't noticed it before when I was fingering her, but she was a thick bush. It's a pleasant surprise to find the bush is incredibly soft, just as soft and smooth as the other fur on her body, one that feels like a cushion or pillow as she grinds her wet crotch against my face.

“Lick me, lick the warrioress who defeated you.” I obey her demand without hesitation, my tongue eagerly digging into her slick folds. I slurp her tangy precum like it is the world's most nourishing water. My tongue's onslaught continues until Gu Ladha is moaning audibly, her claws pulling my hair even tighter as she tries to push my face into her depths. I use this opportunity to take hold of her, one hand on her thigh, the other on her ass as I maneuver to where I can reach her clit. I kiss, lick, and suck on her clit, trying my best to pleasure her as much as I can.

“Ahhhhhhh” Gu Ladha screams as she cums, flooding my face as I continue to eagerly lap up whatever I can catch in my mouth. After several pleasured gasps Gu Ladha unhands my hair, and steps back; my tongue left hanging out from where I was still licking deep into her vagina as I was told. I stay sitting against the wall while I wait for the awkward silence to be broken.

“I'm sorry” Gu Ladha says softly, coming to sit beside me. “I overreacted, you probably were just trying to compliment me and I hurt you.”

“It's alright, I don't blame you. I know you've been through a lot, and I want to be able to help you however I can.”

“You've already done so much Cross. Hell, without you I would have cut my own ears off. Never would have reached my position in the Wrothian army either, or been able to serve as an ambassador between our species. You've done so much for me and I just treated you horribly. You must hate me now.”

“I don't hate you, I never will. Yeah, my face hurts, but this will heal. Besides, I've been hurt worse. Did I ever tell you the time I lost my arm saving Tatsu?” I chuckle, trying to make light of the situation.

“That was your mimeosome,” she says, leaning against my shoulder, “not your real flesh and blood body.”

“Still, before the pain response was shut off I felt it as if it were my real arm. This is nothing compared to it. Besides, I kinda enjoyed the rest of it.”

“What?! I basically forced myself to you, didn't ask if you were comfortable with any of it. I'm awful.”

“We were already getting intimate before all this happened, I was hoping we would go further. If I wasn't comfortable with what you were doing I would have fought back.”

“I didn't even think about that, you've bested me before, you probably could have escaped if you wanted to. I'm so stupid.”

“You're not stupid, you're smart, skilled. A beautiful warrioress that I enjoyed pleasuring.” A red tint flows over her tanned face, flush with embarrassment.

“I said that in the moment, I wanted to feel strong. Kind of embarrassing in hindsight.”

“I think it's fitting for you.” I lean over and kiss Gu Ladha once more, tenderly feeling our lips together and I wipe a tear from her face. “We can continue if you want, I'd love to have you command me again.”

“I would like that, and please, don't let me hurt you this time. Tell me if it's too much.” I nod as she brings her lips back to mine. Her lips are so soft and gentle compared to her earlier aggressiveness. Eventually she pulls away, laying over me with her ass to my face. She takes my still soft dick in her hand, and gives it a slow lick. Her rough tongue is a little painful but extremely pleasurable, it provides an experience unlike anything I've felt before. “Let's see if we can get this soldier back at attention” she jokes, continuing her licking. Before long blood flows to my dick once more, making it hard once again since I came to her feet. Once my shaft got hard Gu Ladha took the tip in her mouth, bobbing her head up and down as she tucked my cock. From tip to base my dick becomes soaked in her saliva, her lips forming a tight pleasurable seal around my dick, even more sensitive than earlier from my earlier orgasm. She arches her back, her soaked groin in my face which I eagerly begin licking once more. Now as I perform my duty to pleasure her, her tail wraps around my head, making a soft furry scarf tickling my face and neck as we perform oral on one another. Gu Ladha cums once again, her moaning without ever taking my cock from her mouth. Vibrations shoot through my member as she takes me balls deep, her soft lips and wet mouth enveloping my entirety. However, I don’t cum, my body still shuddering with a dry orgasm, my body still not refreshed from earlier. With an erotic pop, Gu Ladha pulls her lips from my tip, before giving me another long, slow lick from my balls to my entrance, eliciting another shocked gasp from me.

“I want you in me” Gu Ladha says, turning around to face me once more, lining her soaked opening up with my cock. I can do little but nod and beg, wanting Gu Ladha to ride me until I'm a mess, unable to speak or move. She slides down, my sensitive cock enveloped in her warm tight folds that immediately causes me to gasp in pleasure. She rocks side to side, bouncing up and down. Her slim yet athletic body puts on a display of eroticism. Her hips move with alluring precision, her tail swishing wildly showing her own pleasure. “Be a good boy and let me fuck you.” She moans, running her hands up and down my chest, taking time to tease my nipples with her sharp claws, the black nails that slashed me earlier now being used to provide nothing but overwhelming pleasure.

“Fuck, ohhh Gu Ladha use me, fuck me as much as you want.”

“Shhhh,” she says, her hands making her way up to my neck, slowly wrapping her slender fingers around my throat. She squeezes as she rides me wildly, leaving me unable to speak, only able to breathe slightly, entirely at Gu Ladha's mercy. She kisses me relentlessly, her hands still tightly wrought around my throat, her hips slamming rhythmically against me as my dick throbs deep inside her.

I know I would have cum much sooner if I hadn't earlier already, but my body rushes with heat as I reach my limit. I struggle pathetically to thrust deeper into her, unable to move much as she is completely in control. I cum, flooding her womb with my sperm. Gu Ladha's head tilts back as she moans loudly, her tail shooting straight out. She tightens her grip on my throat, leaning me red and unable to breathe as she begins her own orgasm, her walls tightening and milking me for every drop of sperm I still had in me.

Air rushes into my lungs as her claws drop from my throat, allowing me to breathe again, my cock giving its last few throbs into her vagina as she slowly pulls herself off me. Slowly she lays on my chest, cuddled up in a surprisingly gentle display after her previous dominance. I feel her soft fur buried into my chest, her eyes closed as she breaths heavily. I look Gu Ladha over, stunned by her beauty. Still, I can't help but look at her round fluffy ears, undeniably adorable yet I would never say it again. I place my hand in her hair and gently massage her scalp, taking time to rest my aching but satisfied body.

Several minutes pass, us wordlessly cuddling together doing little but interrupting the silence with gentle kisses, our naked bodies laying on the floor of the only building in these tunnels. Despite the fact we should have complete silence after clearing out the Ganglion, we hear the echoes of footsteps. Gu Ladha's ears perk up, and her eyes go wide. We get up, quickly donning our armour and weapons once more, in preparation for the worst.

I take a look from the doorway as Gu Ladha takes position for an ambush. The steps come closer, and soon I see the shadow of our mysterious visitors. The large, familiar frame of Ga Jhiarg enters the tunnel's opening, followed by several other armed wrothians. I step out and wave, followed by Gu Ladha giving the standard Wrothian salute.

“Excellent work you two!” Ga Jhiarg shouts out. The fighting has ended at all the exits of the tunnels, as far as we know all the ganglion here have been wiped out. Nevertheless, a scouting party is searching more of Noctilum for any signs. Gu Ladha, have you found any information on their plans?”

Standing up from her salute, Gu Ladha gives a blank look, trying her best to hide her disappointment and anger at herself. “No, my Prince. Their leader was killed in combat, and no records seek to exist. This building does have stores of food and weapons we can utilize.” She closes her eyes, preparing to be admonished for her failure.

“That is unfortunate.” Ga Jhiarg says, his claws rubbing the red fur on his face. “However you did excellent, I am proud you performed so well for the first mission I allowed you to lead.” Gu Ladha's face lights up in shock, surprised at the genuine praise, praise like she has not heard before. “And Cross” Ga Jhiarg continues “I appreciate your assistance.”

“Thank you, I appreciate your help as well. Gu Ladha was an incredible ally.” I give Gu Ladha a quick wink as I praise her. “I would love to work with her again if you would allow.”

“Haha, what praise.” Ga Jhiarg laughs, placing a hand on each of our shoulders. “The only other Wrothian you've requested to work with again was me, she must have left an incredible impression.”

“That she did,” I smile, “unlike anyone before.”

“Well then, I'll keep a note of that. She may have yet another promotion in our ranks soon, and I'll allow her to work with you whenever she isn't busy with another mission. I hope to work with you again as well Cross, the Wrothian count you as a great ally.”

“Thank you, I'm sure we will work together again soon. In fact, I may have something to invite the Wrothians to soon.”

“Looking forward to it, Cross, but for now we must return home. Gu Ladha, please retrieve your skell and return for a mission debrief.” With that being said Ga Jhiarg and his entourage turn around and leave the way they came. Once out of sight Gu Ladha's guard drops, and we begin heading towards our skells.

She takes my hand in hers as soon as we made our way past the battlefield. “Thank you, for everything.” She strokes my palm with her claw as she speaks. “I owe you so much.”

“You don't owe me anything, all I could ask for is that you stop being so hard on yourself, and you're already making big steps towards that.” By now we have returned to our skells in the old ganglion base, obvious that neither of us want to leave yet.

Gu Ladha starts to let go of my hand, before instead pulling me closer and kissing me once more. We kiss passionately for a moment knowing this will likely be a while before our next reunion. “I hope to see you again soon.” I say, once we finally separate our lips.

“Me too. I hate to leave but my prince will be concerned if I return too late.”

“I understand, you have your duties to your people, especially now you're a top tier skell pilot.” With a smile, chuckle, and one last kiss we enter our own skells and fly our separate ways home.

With the sun setting behind me I return to NLA, park my skell in team Elma's personal garage, and head inside to the familiar smell of Lin's cooking. “Yikes Cross, are you ok?” Lin asks as I step inside. I catch a look at my reflection in the glassware, the large gash on my cheek standing out like a sore thumb. Combine that with the fact my throat is bruised from Gu Ladha's choking, I look l look like i
I’ve been put through the ringer.

I plop down in a chair, today's exhaustion hitting me. “Yeah, thanks Lin. Good news, everything is cleared up in Noctilum. No more indigens rampaging and the ganglion have been wiped out with the help of the Wrothians.”

“Yay!!! Thanks Cross, sorry it seems like it was a tough fight. Maybe we should have gone along too.”

“No, you and Elma work on what you need to. It looks worse than it is.” I couldn't be more glad Lin and Elma weren't there for this particular mission, and I can't tell them how I got these marks, especially with Lin present. That it came from Gu Ladha and not the fighting at all. Elma gives me a skeptical glance, likely closing the fact these are marks from a Wrothian's claws, not from indigen or ganglion. Thankfully she chooses not to say anything, likely to prevent any awkward conversations.

Checking that Tatsu is out of the room, I ask “So, when is the party for Tatsu's siblings?”

“Next week, we've almost got everything ready.”

“Ready for what Linly?” Tatsu asks, surprising everyone.

“Ahh, where did you come from Tatsu!” Lin yells. “I thought you were meeting with Tora and other merchants to send the letters we wrote.”

“Yes, Tatsu is finished already. Nopon can work fast when we want to. Now Tatsu want to know what we are ready for?”

“Guess we gotta tell him now,” Elma chuckles.” We explain our plan to host a party for his siblings next week, and how we have been working towards the preparations. After making him promise to not spoil the surprise, we spent the rest of the evening discussing the upcoming party.