Niku Barani

<center>Niku Barani</center>

By


Detia



One thing about your past is that it will influence your future, whether for the good or the bad. When I tell people a little about mine, they can't believe that's what I came from. One friend asked me how I kept from going insane after going through all that. If it wasn't for two certain special people in my life, I believe I would have lost my mind.

It is said that trouble comes to everyone in life. I was born into trouble. Very bad trouble. This trouble has a name. Kalia Cachulnick. Now that is one insane person. You might think that's a cruel thing to say about one's own mahda. However, if you knew her like I knew her there wouldn't be a doubt in your mind that she was crazy.

My first memory of her was when I was about four cycles. My older sister, Mira was practicing for some kind of talent/fashion show when she tripped over one of my toys. Kalia got really angry with me and started screaming and screaming. I remember her slapping me really hard. My pahda, Hazo, just kind of stood there watching for a while then left the room. My mahda was screaming, {If Mira is unable to perform because she's hurt, I'LL KILL YOU, LITTLE BOY!} Little boy. She called me that because I preferred wearing my hair in one ponytail and I refused to wear dresses. I was such a tomboy then.

As I got older, the beatings got worse. My teachers would ask me how I got certain bruises. I would tell them I fell off my bike or my sister and I got in a fight. Kalia said if I ever told anybody about the beatings she would lock me in “the hole.” “The hole” was a dark little closet in a corner in the basement. I was afraid of the dark and claustrophobic, so I definitely didn't want to go in there.

I noticed Mira never got beatings. One time I made the mistake of asking Kalia why. {Because she knows not to ask a stupid question, that’s why!} she answered. She then hit me with a chair leg she was carving. That's what she did for a living. She was a furniture maker. Hazo was a zoologist. He would always bury himself in his work when he wasn't kissing my mahda's feet. He was such a coward. Later on, I found out he was something else.

I think I had finally had it with my family one certain day. I was tired of Mira being favored over me so I decided to gather up a bunch of insects, sneak in her bedroom, and put them in her bed. Mira had a balcony on one side of her room. When I climbed up onto it, I checked to see if she had left the glass door unlocked. It was. I slowly and quietly opened the door to check if anyone was in the room. When I discreetly peeked through the curtains, I saw a sight that unfortunately seared itself into my mind forever. Mira was in her room. Actually she was in her bed, and she wasn't alone. Hazo was with her, and they were doing something a pahda and daughter should not do. At that point I decided I had to get out of that house.

I ran into the house and up to my bedroom. Kalia saw me run past her and told me to stop running in the house. I ignored her and grabbed up my back pack. I stuffed some clothes, snacks, and my allowance into my back pack. I ran back down stairs and headed outside. Kalia asked me where I was going so fast. She followed me outside but I didn't stop to talk. I was too disgusted and horrified by the sight in my sister's room. I got on my little motor bike and started it up. By that time Kalia had caught up with me and grabbed my arm.

{Where do you think you're going?} she asked.

{I'm getting the hell out of here! And don't bother looking for me!} I answered. I revved up my bike and sped off while Kalia stood there spitting curses. That was the last time I saw her for a very long time.

My trip didn't end until I arrived in Todine City. It's the capitol of the state of Patani, the largest state in Mua country. It's also huge and it's easy to get lost, or hide. It was getting dark. The darker it got, the more fearful I got. I didn't want to just curl up on a bench and sleep because I didn't want anyone to steal my motor bike or my back pack. While looking for somewhere to stash my bike and a possible place to rest, I noticed someone out of the corner of my eye. I turned around and saw a boy staring at me. His skin was gray, so I guessed he was Wua.

{What are you looking at?} I sneered. He started to walk towards me. {Stay back before I have to hurt you!} He stopped in his tracks and put his hands up, his palms facing me. He was signing to show he meant me no harm. I started to calm down a little. He then started walking towards me again with his hands up. He stopped about two feet away from me and spoke.

{Ah you lost?}

{None of your business!} I snapped.

{Ah know a safe place you cahn go. Ahnd no one will steal your things.} That got my attention.

{Take me there,} I demanded.

{Ok, Ah will if you tell me your name.}

{Tell me yours first.}

{Ah am Azon.} He put his left hand out in formal greeting.

{I'm Lsa,} I responded as I bowed.

Azon took me to what looked like an old boarding house not far from Todine City Park. He unlocked a metal gate and led me to the back of the house to secure my bike. He then pulled out a key card, entered a security code, and entered the house. I was close behind him. We entered through the kitchen where we met a woman cooking.

{Ah'm back, Lady Dani.}

{Azon, welcome back! Who is your friend?}

{Lady Dani, this is...}

{Lsa Cachulnick,} I interrupted. I figured I could introduce myself.

{Oh, hello, Lsa. I'm Lady Dani Meglouse. Why don't you make yourself comfortable? Dinner will be ready soon.}

Azon explained that Lady Dani was like a guardian to him. Turns out he had been living on the streets as an orphan until Dani found him and took him in.

{So, what brings you to Todine City, Lsah?}

{You don't want to know. Hey, is Lady Dani married? She's wearing a marriage bracelet, but I don't see her entawan.}

{Oh, Lady Dani's life mate is visiting his other mate and son in Fountain Hill. You see, Lady Dani is Master Quito's pitawan.} A pitawan is like a legal mistress or second spouse. It's lawful to have a pitawan, but I had never encountered that before then.


I spent several months living with Azon and Lady Dani. I had grown quite close to them. Lady Dani was like a big sister to me, and a better one Mira ever was. And Azon and I became a couple. He was such a gentleman, showing me around the city and teaching me how to survive on the streets. He told his friends in the neighborhood that I was his cheri beri. I didn't mind. I liked Azon a lot. He showed me how a person should be treated. My time spent at Lady Dani's was so enjoyable, I forgot about all the hellish things I went through at my parents' house. Unfortunately, after a while the memories would come back to me in nightmares. My tossing and turning would wake Azon, who would comfort me and help me get back to sleep.

One day Azon and I were running an errand for Lady Dani. Her entawan, Quito Meglouse, was coming to visit with his entawan and son, Makel. She sent us to pick up ingredients for dinner while she cleaned the house. We had to go to three different stores to find one particular ingredient. Our search made us late getting back home, so Azon suggested we take a short cut. That was one of the biggest mistakes we both ever made. We had unknowingly stumbled upon gang territory. Azon realized where we were when he saw the graffiti in the alley way we were in. “Silver Shanks” was written in huge letters and a silver blade was drawn cutting through the center.

{Dahmn! Looks like we made a bahd turn, Lsah. We'd better head...}

Azon was cut off by a voice behind us.

{You're not going nowhere, maggots...except to your grave if you try to run.}

We both turned to see a tall young man wearing navy blue and red motocyke gear. A female stepped up beside him. We heard more footsteps behind us and turned to see two more males behind us.

{Hey, you! Turn back around and face me!} We quickly obeyed. {Don't even think about runnin', cuz if you do we'll cut you down. So, do you want to join our gang or die where you stand?}

Azon and I were terrified and struck with silence.

{Answer me, maggots!} the tall one shouted.

{We...We'll join your gahng, just don hurt us,} Azon stammered. I just nodded because I still couldn't speak.

{Smart choice....Milollee! Lsobo! Falong! It's time for two little maggots to be initiated!} The gang started to cheer as they grabbed me and my friend and forced us to ride with them to their hideout.

The Silver Shanks took us to an abandoned looking building. The leader, who was called Rio Ritua, or “Royal Highness,” walked up to a wall. He pulled out some type of electronic device and pointed it at the wall. The wall seemed to melt away to reveal an elevator.

{Ok, maggots, we're gonna take a little trip downstairs.}

Azon and I were forced in to the elevator which took us down to a hidden area. When the elevator doors opened, Rio Ritua looked at us and grinned.

{Welcome to HELL! This is where you either become one of us or die in the process. Let's hope you can handle the initiation. Falong, Lsobo, use this one as a punching bag!}

The two males grabbed Azon and started to beat him mercilessly.

{C'mon, you gotta fight back, gray boy! Show us what you got!} Falong taunted as he punched Azon in the stomach. To the gang members' surprise, Azon did fight back. He held his own pretty well. Unfortunately he didn't get through the initiation unscathed. He came out with a bloodied face, but he had survived.

{Well, well. I am impressed, gray boy. I'm gonna have to come up with a new name for you. I don't know where you learned how to fight like that, but you move and look like a shadow. I'm gonna call you Umbor Casta, “Living Shadow.”}

Rio Ritua then looked at me with a really creepy smile on his face.

{I have special plans for you, cheri beri,} he purred as he held my face in his hands.

Rio Ritua and Milollee took me down to another level. When the elevator doors opened I gasped in awe. It was like a totally different world down there. There were elegant furnishings, priceless paintings, fine china, silk covered couches, and plush carpeting.

{Rio likes to live like a king,} Milollee whispered into my ear.

{Milollee, baby, get this one ready for her initiation.}

{Whatever you say, Rio,} Milollee replied in her silky voice.

Milollee took me to what they called the Grand Master Bedroom. She sat me down in front of a vanity and had me look in a mirror. She sighed and shook her head.

{Hmm... we're going to have to soften your tomboyish looks. First, I'll have you take a bath and then we can do something with this beautiful hair.}

The bathroom was huge. I wondered how a bunch of kids could afford all of this. Milollee had me bathe with some of her scented bath oils as she washed and conditioned my hair. I was afraid to ask what all this had to do with my initiation. After I was all dried off, Milollee pulled my hair into two ponytails and had me put on a short, navy blue nighty.

{Aww, you look so cute! Like a pretty little niku! Rio likes his girls to look real cute,} she cooed. {Ok, looks like you're all ready. You wait here until I get back, sweetie.} She gave me a little peck on the cheek and pranced off.

When Milollee returned with Rio, he seemed to like my new look.

{Ah, yes! She looks adorable! She DOES look like a little niku. Good job, Milollee!}

Milollee took my hand and led me over to the huge bed. I got a really bad feeling about that and started to pull away.

{C'mon, Niku, don't be scared. Rio won't hurt you...}

{Unless I have to,} Rio added as he pulled out his silver blade, which was stained with blood. Milollee sat on the bed and put a pillow in her lap. She had me lay my head on the pillow then began to stroke my forehead.

{So, Niku, you got a boyfriend?} she asked. I nodded.

{It's not Umbor Casta is it?} Rio asked. I nodded again. {Well, from now on, I'M your boyfriend. You got that?}

I nodded one last time as the tears began to flow down my cheeks.


My time with the Silver Shanks was wild and dangerous. Everyone had the main job of selling illegal drugs. I was shocked to discover that most of our clients were law enforcement officers. That fact seemed to assure us that we wouldn't be picked up for dealing. Besides dealing, each gang member seemed to have his or her specialty. Falong (Spider) specialized in burglary and was very skilled at scaling walls and buildings. Lsobo (Fire Warrior) was an arsonist. Milollee (Little Bird) was a spy and a prostitute. Umbor Casta (Living Shadow) would sometimes do spy work with Milollee because of his ability to move in silence. I had gained the name Niku Barani (Deadly Rabbit) because of my hard and swift fighting style. Sometimes Rio would have me work with Milollee at one of the brothels to bring in extra money. I was told that the brothel we worked from was owned by someone named Lord Tkkla. He seemed to be the only person Rio was afraid of. I figured Lord Tkkla must have been very powerful indeed to get Rio shaking in his boots.

One day I was sparring with Milollee. She may have appeared to be a prissy princess but she sure could fight. Lsobo came into the dojo and told us to cut our session short.

{Rio said get washed up and change into something nice. We've got important company coming.}

{What important company?} Milollee asked.

{Lord Tkkla.} Milollee squealed, dropped her bokken and ran to get ready. I was right behind her. I hadn't ever met this Lord Tkkla before but I heard he was very powerful.

Lord Tkkla's arrival had everyone nervous, especially Rio. He was worried Tkkla would think we weren't bringing in enough profit. I thought we were doing extremely well, but I had just joined the Silver Shanks, so what did I know? As Lord Tkkla entered the ground floor of our hideout I made sure I got a good look at him. His handsome looks were absolutely striking. His skin was bluish green, his hair was golden blond, and his almond shaped eyes were hazel. He had many rings on his left hand and his garments were black and gold. He had a thug on each side of him. One was carrying some kind of briefcase. Lord Tkkla looked at Rio and smiled. Our leader returned a nervous smile. For some reason, I found it refreshing that someone had the power to cause Rio to lose his cool.

We all sat down at the meeting table while Lord Tkkla and Rio Ritua discussed profits.

{My, my. Looks like you've had a bit of an increase. Where did this jump in profits come from, Rio?}

{From the brothel, My Lord.}

{Oh, really. You have some new tricks up your sleeve to bring in more customers?}

{Actually, we have a new trick. Lord Tkkla, meet Niku Barani.} Rio instructed me to stand before Lord Tkkla.

{My goodness! What an adorable face! And such a developed body....How old is you, cheri beri?}

{Ten cycles, my lord.}

{Only two cycles younger than Milollee. Yet your face looks barely over seven cycles. If it wasn't for that luscious figure, I would never have guessed you were ten cycles.} Lord Tkkla turned back to Rio. {So she's the cause of the increase in clients?}

{Both male and female, My Lord.}

{Really? Hmmm... you're going to have to make sure this one gets some special pampering. We don't want her to get worn out too quickly. I say have her work every weekend. That's when we have the greatest flow of customers anyway.}

Rio seemed very relieved that Lord Tkkla was impressed with our profits. Lord Tkkla closed out the meeting with a cash bonus for each of us.

{Well, after business comes pleasure. Milollee, my dear, I believe it's time for me to get acquainted with your cute little partner. Oh, and do you remember what I asked you to have for me next time I saw you?}

{It's all in place, My Lord,} Milollee replied in her sweetest voice.

{Good.} Lord Tkkla them looked over at his two body guards. {Gentlemen, find something to do to entertain yourselves. I have a date with two lovely ladies.}


Money wise, we were doing extremely well. In spite of the wealth I was absolutely miserable. There were also little spats among the gang members. Lsobo and Azon got into it over me. He made a pass at me right in front of Azon's face. My beau promptly beat the farndah out of him. From that day on Lsobo never hit on me again. He also stopped calling Azon “gray boy.” Azon also harbored a grudge against Rio for making me one of his girls. We got to spend time together but Rio said I had to sleep in his bed with him and Milollee. Milollee started to act funny towards me because I was bring in more clients than she was. I was tired of dealing with the gang life. I wanted to leave but I was smart enough to keep it to myself. Rio told us if you live as a Silver Shank, you die as a Silver Shank. He also said if we ever leave, we'd better make sure not to cross paths with him because he'll kill us. I believed him. I saw what he did to one boy who was a part of a rival gang. And Milollee told me what happened to a girl who had left them and was found by Rio later on.

Over time, Milollee and I had each acquired the position of Madame in the brothel. This meant we no longer had to turn tricks and that each of the other girls working there had to give us part of their profits. Each of us was in charge of 15 girls. We also trained new comers and oversaw the health checks. There was a strict policy in place to prevent the spread of disease and unwanted pregnancy. If that policy wasn't followed, violators were promptly removed and left to fend for themselves on the streets. Loss of workers meant loss of profits, and Milollee and I did all we could to prevent that.

One day, my partner and I went shopping for a new supply of body oils in Merchant Village.

{Ok, Lsa, I'm going to take you to a kiosk I found that has some great prices and good quality product.}

{After that, I'll show you a store where we can buy contraception in bulk. Don't worry, I checked out the quality of their stuff.}

When we got to the kiosk, I had the surprise of my life.

{Hmmmm....looks like they have a new merchant at the kiosk today. I don't recognize her.} Milollee may not have recognized her but I did. It was none other than Lady Dani!

As Milollee and I browsed through the body oils, I noticed Lady Dani staring at me. She finally realized that I noticed that she was staring.

{Oh, I'm so sorry for staring. It's just that you look so much like someone I knew. She would be about your age by now. I hope you're not offended.} I just shrugged my shoulders. After Milollee and I made our purchase, we were going to head to the other store. Lady Dani stopped us briefly. She picks up a flyer from behind her kiosk and showed it to us.

{Could you do me a favor? If you ever see either one of these people, could you let me know?}

It was an old picture of me and Azon before we were initiated into the Silver Shanks.

{Hey, Niku, isn't that...?} I nudged my partner in the ribs, prompting her to keep quiet.

{Sure, Lady. If I ever see them I'll stop by and let you know,} I replied with a smile. I didn't want Lady Dani to know what Azon and I had become. I was so ashamed. At that point, I decided that I was going to figure out a way for us to get out of that gang without getting killed.

When I got back to the hideout, I told Umbor about my meeting Lady Dani.

{Oh, Lsah, how I wish we could go back to live with her. Ah miss her so. And Ah miss my friend, Mahkel.}

{Azon, we've got to get out of here.}

{How? The only one with the key to the elevator is Rio.}

{Well, we could tell him were going out to sell some Liquid Love, or even some Stardust at the pier. Then once we're out there we'll just never come back.}

{Ah don't know. Rio has never sent us awt to work together. He says he doesn't trust us two to work together ahlone.}

{Well, everyone else is already out doing something else. Lsobo was sent to light up that electronics store. Falong is out robbing those rich people's apartments on the West side. Milollee's busy with the health check at the brothel. Rio doesn't get off his lazy ass to do anything but boss everybody around. I'm sure he'll let us go out to bring in some extra money.}

{Ok, let's try it, Lsah.}

Much to our relief, Rio did send us out to do some dealing. We picked up a supply of product and headed out to the pier. When we got there, we dumped the drugs into the harbor. Unfortunately, somebody saw us.

{What do you think you're doing?} We both quickly turned to see Falong standing next to a big crate. {You know, Rio's not going to be too happy that you threw several hundred credits worth of Liquid Love into the harbor.}

{Mind your own damned business, Falong!} I spat.

{You know, I get this funny feeling that you two are trying to defect. You know what happens to those who defect right?} We didn't even grace that question with an answer. {So, are we heading back to the hideout to let Rio know what you've done, or are you going to try to do something stupid, like run?} Falong placed his hand on his laser gun as he said that.

Since Azon and I didn't show any signs that we were returning, Falong aimed his gun and prepared to fire. He was interrupted by several empty crates falling on top of him. From the corner of my eye I could see Milollee urging us to run. We didn't have to be told because Falong was coming out from under the crates. We were almost out of Silver Shank territory when I heard the sound of a laser blast and something splashed me on the right side of my face. I turned to my right to see Azon fall from the pier into the harbor waters. It looked like half his face was gone! I screamed and then felt a stinging in my right leg. I kept running in spite of the pain. Somehow I had made it out of Silver Shank territory. I looked back briefly to see Falong standing on the border staring at me. I didn't stop running until I collapsed in front of a house.


I must have been unconscious for quite some time because I woke up in the hospital. Lady Dani was sitting at my bedside. There were several other people in the room with us. After my head cleared a bit, I realized it was Kalia, Hazo, and Mira.

{What are you doing here?}

{What do you think we're doing here, Lsa? We are your family! Your pahda and I have been looking for you for cycles!}

{Yes, and when we came across Lady Dani handing out flyers in Merchant Village, we let her know that we were looking for you too,} Hazo added.

{Oh, Lsa, if Makel hadn't found you at the doorstep when he did, you probably wouldn't have made it! And aren't you glad to see your family again?}

{No! No I'm not glad to see them! Why don't you all get out of my sight! Go away!}

Lady Dani looked shocked at my words. My parents and sister all looked as if their feelings were hurt.

{Lsa, why are you talking like that?} Kalia asked.

{You know exactly why! Now get out!}

My parents and sister reluctantly left the room.

{Lsa, I don't understand. Why don't you want to see your family?}

{Because they disgust me, that's why! And I don't want to discuss the reasons!}

{All right Lsa. As you wish. Tell me one thing though. Where is Azon?} When she asked me that, the memory of his blood splashing my face and his body falling into the cold harbor waters flashed through my mind.

{I...I saw....he was shot!} Then I burst into tears.

{Oh, Vasah, no! Lsa, who shot him?} I wanted to answer but I couldn't stop sobbing. {Oh, my little Azon! You can't be dead! You can't!}

After I was released from the hospital, I went to live with Lady Dani. I explained to her what happened to me and Azon that day she sent us on an errand. Azon's best friend, Makel, was devastated by the news of his death.

The police never found Azon's body where I said he fell. They dredged the waters for hours but nothing ever turned up. I would have told them where to find Falong, but then that would have endangered Milollee. She risked herself and her unborn child to help Azon and me escape. She and Rio had gotten married and were expecting their first child.


While living with Lady Dani, I became a traditional dancer. I knew I could dance, but the only dance I knew was the Biril, the dance of seduction. Master Quito, Lady Matra, and their son would come often to visit. I got the feeling Makel liked me. He acted kind of shy around me. I found him quite attractive myself, but I wasn't quite ready for another beau after what happened to Azon. Makel seemed very nice, and very silly at times. His smile was so big and beautiful that I couldn't help smiling too. And to this day, he's one of only two people who can make me laugh. I knew he was very special.

One day Lady Dani informed me that she would be going on a two week cruise with Master Quito and Lady Matra.

{So, Lsa, you can stay here by yourself or stay at Master Quito's house with Makel. Which do you prefer?}

I really didn't want to spend two weeks all by myself in that house. Besides, I really did want to spend some time with Makel alone. Every time he came over Lady Dani's with his mahda, Matra would keep a close eye on us. I got the feeling she babied him a bit. I knew that's her only child, but good grief! We were both going to become Elders in about five cycles.

Lady Dani called Master Quito's home a house, but it was more like a mansion in my eyes! Don't ask me what three people needed with six bedrooms. I mean, from what I heard, the Meglouses did a lot of traveling. Master Quito invited us in and had me and Makel sit down at the dining room table. Quito and Matra then gave us basic instructions to follow while they were gone and went over the list of emergency numbers with me.

{Now you two be good and don't tear up the house,} Matra admonished us.

{Matra, you're treating them like children! They are over 13 cycles. I'm sure they know how to behave, right son?} Quito winked at Makel, who began to blush. After everything was settled, our parents left for their cruise. Makel and I were finally alone, and I found out that Makel's shy behavior was nothing but an act. The others hadn't been gone five minutes when he began to flirt!

{You know you are the prettiest cheri beri I've ever seen!}

{Whatever Makel. Like I'm going to fall for that line,} I teased.

{No, really, it's true! I bet you have plenty of suitors.}

{Actually, I don't have any. I've been too busy.}

{What do you mean, you don't have any? What am I?}

{Well, what do you want to be?}

{I want to be the one who has breakfast ready for you when you wake up in the morning,} Makel replied with his handsome grin.

{Well, you certainly do know how to lay it on thick, don't you!}

{Oh, I'm nowhere as good as my pahda. I mean he managed to get TWO ladies to fall for him!}

Since we were both on our spring vacation, Makel and I had nothing much to do except get to know each other better. I found out he would be starting his pilot's training after the break. I also found out he is an excellent cook! Since we both had martial arts training, we also sparred with each other to pass the time. I believe after the first week I realized I was in love with Makel. It was as if love snuck up on me and grabbed me from behind. I woke up one morning and just knew I couldn't be without him. That was the first time we actually kissed.

{Lsa, would you think I was crazy if I told you I love you?}

{No, because I love you too.}

From that day on, my guest room went pretty much unused.

About three days before the others were to return from the cruise, Master Quito called during one of our “workout sessions.” Makel reached over me to answer the phone by the bed.

{Hello, Pahda. Yes, everything is fine. Lsa and I were just, uh, “working out.” No, we haven't torn the house up. And I know Mahda had you ask that. Three days? Ok, Pahda. We'll see you then. Bye.} After he hung up, I started to laugh.

{I can't believe you told him we were working out!}

{Well, we are getting plenty of exercise, aren't we? Hey, you want to go to the Great Fountain for some fresh air?}

{Sure, why not? I'll bring my flute.} Besides dance lessons, Lady Dani also had me taking flute lessons. I played for Makel, but others who were there began to gather around to listen. I was very honored by their applause. Makel provided me with a pleasant surprise when he presented me with a dark green promise stone. Without hesitation, I said yes. Makel was obviously very happy about my acceptance of his proposal. He even began hugging total strangers and shouting for joy.

{SHE SAID YES! Did you hear that?} He was so excited he almost forgot to put the promise stone around my neck. We spent the rest of the day discussing plans for our future together.

When Master Quito and his life mates returned, Makel couldn't wait to tell them about our engagement. Lady Dani and Master Quito were excited for us. However Matra had reservations about me.

{Young Lsa, we don't know much about your background or your family. I think we should sit down with your family and get better acquainted with them before...}

{Matra, Matra! It's obvious Lsa is a fine young person if Dani has made her a part of her life. Besides, you should let them be! It's time you back off and let our son be a man for a change, by Vasah!} Matra gave Quito a nasty look, but Quito stood his ground.

{Oh, alright. Makel and Lsa, congratulations on your engagement.}

I was relieved that the Meglouses wouldn't be meeting with my biological family. That would have been quite a mess.

I was so excited about making the wedding plans. After my university classes, Lady Dani would take me out to look for a wedding garment. Makel would call from the military base to discuss wedding plans. Master Quito had already provided us with an awesome wedding present. He bought us a house! And it was a big one! Number six must be his lucky number because it also had six bedrooms. I wondered what we were going to do with all that room.

{No, problem, Lsa. We'll just fill the house with lots of children!}

{Um, Makel, how many children are you talking about?}

{Oh, about ten to twelve...}

It took me a while to figure out he was joking.

A couple days before the wedding, Kalia called Lady Dani's house and asked for me.

{Lsa, I'm so disappointed in you! How could you not invite us to your wedding?}

{Listen, Kalia, I only invited friends and family to our wedding. You are not invited because you were never much of a family to me anyway. If you're feelings are hurt, too bad. You didn't seem to care about my hurt feelings before I left that madhouse. And let this be the last time I hear from you. I don't want to speak to or see you again. Goodbye, Kalia.}

I hung up before she could say another word. The wedding party was small. I had made a new friend in Fountain Hill named Adran Pawamin. I had invited her too. Matra asked me why my family wasn't invited. I told her my family and I haven't been on speaking terms for cycles, and for good reason. I left it at that.

Makel and I had the wedding at the Temple on the military base. Makel wore his hunter green and gold dress uniform and I wore a sea foam green wedding garment. We had the reception at one of Master Quito's restaurants. We even allowed some of Quito's regular customers join us. We had a wonderful time.

Makel and I hadn't told anyone yet, but we were already expecting our first child. I was about two and a half months at the time of the wedding. I knew in a couple months I would have to lay my scarlet and gold dance clothes aside for a time. Several months later we had a baby girl. She was such a big girl. She didn't come out crying. She came out singing. At least that's what it sounded like to us. So, we named her Tamla, “Beautiful Song.”

Tamla was one tough little girl. As she developed, I realized she looked like her pahda, but she acted a lot like I did when I was her age. She was a complete tomboy. I also noticed she was very intelligent and like to build things. When she was eight cycles, she took peace flower stems and leaves and built a model of our house. And her idea of a fun day was watching construction workers building homes and offices.

{Lsa, darling, is it me or does Tamla want to become an architect or contractor?}

{I think she's headed in that direction, too, my love.}


When Tamla was eleven cycles, we attempted to make arrangements with another family to have her betrothed. However, the boy's parents thought Tamla was a little to rough and big for their son. He acted like he was kind of scared of her, anyway. Tamla didn't seem to care though. She was too busy designing a new museum in her little sketch book.

Later on, our friend Adran introduced us to her new human coworker, Jawan Valentine, a Terran man who came to research our culture. Soon, Makel had himself a new best friend. The were like what humans call two peas in a pod. They both seemed to have the same weird sense of humor.

One weekend Makel told me we had new neighbors a couple houses down.

{Let's go welcome them to the neighborhood.} I thought Makel had a good idea. When we got to our new neighbors' home, they were moving their belongings into the house.

{Hey there, would you like some help?} Makel asked as he rolled up his sleeves. The family noticed us and came over to meet us. It appeared to be a couple and their son.

{Hello. I'm Makel Meglouse and this is my entawan, Lsa and our daughter, Tamla.}

{I'm Gafad Situ. This is my entawan Bani and our son Juyo.}

It took me a few seconds, but I recognized that couple. I believe they also recognized me. It was Rio and Milollee! I began to get a little upset. Did he hunt me down to find me to get me back for leaving the gang? Then something amazing happened. Rio smiled at me. And it was a nice smile, not his usual smile with sinister plans behind it. Could it be that he and Milollee had reformed?

{Lsa, it's good to see you are doing well.} I was glad to see my old pal and greeted her with a hug.

{Uh, is it safe for me to assume that you all know each other?}

{Yes, Makel. We knew each other quite some time ago.}

I learned that Bani also became a pilot like Makel. Gafad was a professional musician. I found out Falong was in prison for theft and no one seemed to know what happened to Lsobo. We all had gone through so many changes. Some for the better and some for the worst. I was glad things had improved for myself in particular. I never imagined I would find so much joy in the midst of so much sorrow. I never forgot Azon. Sometimes I wear my Silver Shank head band in memory of him. As for Niku Barani, she has been laid to rest.

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