by Haruka

Arislan got to his feet, wishing his legs didn't feel quite so jelly-like. It didn't help that most of the people in the dining area were clapping to celebrate his coming humiliation.
Spanked. He was to be spanked. In public, no less. For the entertainment of others. He was raised a Prince not undisciplined, but never punished before the eyes of others save his parents and his nanny. He could almost feel Daryun and Narsus' tension like a physical entity. It would take all their self-restraint to make it through this. His, too. For their sake, he'd have to remain calm and poised.
"Now that it's settled that Arislan will be our victim, who will have the honour of bringing him to tears?" Quatre was saying. Rascal covered his Pet's mouth to keep him from volunteering again, and other Masters and Mistresses were glancing around thoughtfully. Lina tugged on Scarlet's sleeve, but the redhaired Mistress shook her head firmly.
"No one?" Quatre said in surprise.
"Kurama will do it."
Everyone looked toward Hiei, whose expression was as unreadable as ever. Kurama's, however, was one of genuine shock. Arislan wasn't surprised he'd heard some disturbing rumours that Kurama disliked him for some reason.
"Fine!" Quatre beamed. "Kurama, have a seat in the chair. Arislan, you know what to do."
Jump overboard? Run screaming? Neither option was befitting a Prince, even if they _did_ manage to make themselves known before being curtly dismissed. Arislan watched Kurama walk over to the chair, glancing back at Hiei, then over at him. Was that a _smile_? If it was, it had only been fleeting, and Kurama's pretty face was carefully schooled as he seated himself on the centre chair.
Arislan knew all eyes were upon him now, including Daryun and Narsus'. He couldn't let them down, even if it meant being humiliated before them. Lifting his chin, he walked over to Kurama's side. He moved as if to lower himself, but a throat cleared significantly nearby and he looked up uncertainly.
"Pull down your pants, Arislan," Quatre directed kindly.
The Crowned Prince of Pars blushed so deeply, he was surprised his cheeks didn't explode. He couldn't even take satisfaction in seeing Kurama redden as well, although he did wonder about it. Wasn't the redhead used to these games in his Community? There was no time to ponder on it, he could tell Daryun and Narsus were having silent conniption fits behind him. It was time to get this over with. Summoning all of his court-bred composure, he slid his breeches over his hips. After that, it was almost a relief to stretch himself out over Kurama's lap at least that way certain parts of him weren't showing. On the other hand, Kurama was still in shorts, and the sensation of his own bare skin against the redhead's was unnerving.
Not nearly as unnerving, however, as Kurama's hand on his bare bottom. Arislan felt his thighs tingle and something warm took root in the pit of his stomach. Kurama was only resting his palm against him, probably waiting for a signal from Quatre, but that small contact was making Arislan experience bodily reactions he'd never imagined before. He only hoped Kurama couldn't tell, let alone the spectators. Once it began, he knew things would be different. There would be pain, and that would distract him from any erotic feelings he was now having.
The warmth of Kurama's hand left him, then landed with stinging force, making him gasp involuntarily. Never in his life had he been struck by hand on the bare bottom, and the sound startled him as much as the pain. Another blow landed and he barely caught himself before crying out. Kurama had his other hand firmly against his waist, holding him in place as his punishing hand came down again and again. At first Arislan thought he could hear comments of approval and other such snippets of conversation, but he soon stopped noticing anything other than the pressure of Kurama's lap on his stomach, the hand on his waist, and especially the hand that spanked him.

Kurama hadn't been able to believe that Hiei volunteered him for this. Not that the desire to spank Arislan hadn't crossed his mind. He didn't want to admit it, especially not to himself, but he was feeling a little jealous of the doe-eyed blonde. Arislan was altogether too charming with his sweet face, exotic accent, and perfect manners. Kurama knew he had an ego most youkai did, and with Youko only semi-dormant inside him, nothing less than centre stage was good enough. Everywhere he went, he was considered the most beautiful boy (or fox spirit) around. Arislan was serious competition there, and having him over his lap and at his mercy was too good to be true.
At least, that was what he thought until it actually happened. Then he realized several things at once. Hiei, the ratfink, had known of his jealousy and volunteered him so he'd be forced to get over it, or at least to control it. He wondered if it was also Hiei's intention to embarrass the hell out of him. He could feel Arislan squirming against his bare legs, the younger Pet's hardening penis was pressing on his thigh. Kurama hated to admit it, but he was getting turned on himself. Arislan's pert little bottom was already a nice rosy colour, and would soon go from enticing tingling to uncomfortable stinging, and then to painful burning. The audience was getting a kick out of it, Kurama noticed as he glanced around while not letting up his assault on Arislan's rear. The Masters were dividing their attention between eating, talking, and watching the show. The Pets seemed divided between wanting to watch and giving Arislan the courtesy of looking away. Maze stared openly and seemed to be loving every moment, while Inu Yasha only had eyes for Chihaya. The Seigi agents tried not to look, but most of them did in spite of themselves. Sesshomaru wasn't missing a second of it his slitted eyes were fastened on Arislan.
Daryun and Narsus surprised Kurama the most. Their heads were turned away, and with every smack that struck Arislan, they would both flinch as if they felt the blows themselves. What kind of Masters were they? Maybe their home Community was different than those represented here.
Arislan was getting squirmier and had finally begun to make some noise in the form of quiet squeaks every time he was hit. No one but Kurama could hear him. The redhead had to admit Arislan had a lot of self-restraint to make it that far without wailing he wasn't sure he'd be as strong. Maybe that was another aspect of their own Community could it be that Pets weren't allowed to show pain? It hadn't really struck the agents that different Communities might have different customs, and if that were the case, their job would be just that much harder.

Narsus winced again as he heard another sharp smack descend on his Prince's backside. Would this torture never _end_? He didn't dare look to see how Arislan was faring even if everyone else in the room stared, the Prince could at least know that he and Daryun did not.
Daryun. Narsus stole a glance in his direction and saw the muscle in his cheek twitch. It only did that when he was angered or frustrated and was unable to vent it. This was temporary, however. Narsus knew Daryun's fury would indeed be vented later, when they were alone. He shuddered to think of how he would pay for this when it was all over. The guilt alone would be his to bear, and he'd forever have to live with that knowledge. Lest he forget, Daryun would surely remind him. Not that forgetting was likely he may never look at Arislan again without remembering this ordeal.
The Prince's endurance was waning. Narsus could hear soft groans now along with the blows. He wanted to yell at Arislan not to hold back. These people would probably keep the spectacle going until they saw tears. Or blood. Narsus didn't want to think of the latter oh, Your Highness, cry out! Beg for mercy if you must, pride be damned!
Even as he willed it, the strategist knew it wouldn't happen. He shouldn't even think of asking Arislan to be less than he was.
"We have to stop this," Daryun murmured in a strained tone.
"We can not," Narsus replied automatically, as Daryun probably knew he would. There was nothing to be done but wait it out and suffer along with their Prince. In more ways than one.
Narsus was reluctant to admit it, but something inside him that he usually kept buried deeply was making itself known. Daryun wasn't the only one he'd had lustful thoughts about there had been fleeting ones for Arislan, as well, and all this only served to stimulate them. Anything of that nature with the Prince was out of the question, but Narsus supposed he was no different from anyone else when it came to admiring the Prince's beauty and wanting to be close to it. He didn't exactly wish himself in Kurama's place, but he couldn't help envying him the opportunity to touch Arislan so intimately. Shaking his head, Narsus tried to clear out the shameful thoughts and think about how they could help Arislan when it was over.

Nuriko gave Chihaya a reassuring pat on the arm, even though he himself felt anything but reassured. The angel was having a hard time accepting the performance that was taking place so much so that he hadn't noticed Inu Yasha's intense gaze upon him. Nuriko couldn't blame him. It wasn't everyday that a pretty, cultured young man was publicly stripped bare and spanked in front of a roomful of witnesses. Not in _their_ world, anyway. They should have realized by now that things were different here. Very different, he thought, looking over at Nakago.
Nuriko knew he wasn't himself. He'd never backed down from a fight in his life, but ever since Nakago raped him, he'd been erring on the side of caution and fear. What he _should_ do is report what happened to the other agents it was evidence, after all. Proof that Nakago didn't play by the rules. He and Pulse could go to Quatre and have the blonde beast dealt with once and for all. Nuriko's maroon eyes slid to the black-haired robot at his side. Even if he _was_ a cyborg, he was one of the most handsome men he'd ever seen. If he could get Pulse's mind off business for two seconds, there might even be a chance for them to get to know each other on a personal level. Nuriko didn't know if a human and a humanoid could have a worthwhile relationship, but he wasn't ruling anything out, either. He thought of Pulse taking him in his arms ... and shuddered. No, not yet, Nuriko thought, trying to calm his racing heart. It was too soon. You need rape counselling, Nuriko, he told himself sensibly. He thought he could handle this alone, but he couldn't. Nor could he bear the thought of telling anyone on board. Later, when the mission was over, he could fall apart properly and pick up the pieces. For now, he'd focus, and put what happened out of his mind.
If only Signal would stop looking at him like he should be remembering something that was just out of reach ....

Arislan couldn't stand it anymore. It wasn't so much the pain of his rear, although it felt like it must have swollen to twice its size. The worse pain -- the one he felt he could no longer bear was occurring in his penis. Every swat to his bottom only served to tease his loins, and his member shifting against Kurama's leg created even more desperate need. How long would this go on? Probably longer than it would take for him to disgrace himself all over Kurama. He couldn't do that, not with Narsus, Daryun, and countless strangers watching him. Goddess, help me, he thought.
"Cry!"
Arislan raised his head slightly. He thought he'd heard Kurama say something.
"Start crying!" Kurama hissed, keeping his head bowed in supposed concentration. "That's what they're waiting for! I think I've sprained my wrist already, but they won't stop for me, it has to be _you_!"
"I ... ah!" Arislan gasped as another spank landed. "I can't!"
"You will or I'll make you! I don't want to be here all day!" Kurama gave him an extra-hard swat that made tears jump to Arislan's blue eyes. He tried to blink them back, not wanting to show this weakness in front of his men and the spectators, but Kurama seemed to suspect his intentions and tightened his hold. He rained a steady succession of whacks on Arislan's scarlet backside, and before the young Prince could prevent it, tears had tracked their way down his cheeks and dripped onto the deck.
"That's enough, Kurama!" Quatre announced, clapping. "Very good job!"
More applause joined his and Kurama sat back wearily, rubbing his wrist. Arislan struggled to regain control over his tears, choking back a sob before it could escape as he slid off Kurama's lap to the floor, where he remained for several moments, enjoying the cool hardness against his hot, wet face. He was painfully aware that his member was still swollen and hard, unsatisfied. If he stood up, everyone would see it if they hadn't already. Kurama had stood up, and was turning to go back to Hiei's side.
"Kurama," Quatre stopped him, "you can't leave Arislan like that. The poor boy needs some relief. Go back and take care of it, will you?"
Some of the onlookers cheered, others murmured in curiosity. Daryun and Narsus were watching now, and looked again as if they wanted to intervene. Kurama glanced down at the suffering Arislan, then at Hiei, who was scowling.
"I don't think I want him doing that," Hiei snarled.
Quatre looked at him in surprise. "He must. This is supposed to be fun for the Pets as well as the Masters. Arislan did his part as the victim, he deserves a reward."
"Let his Masters reward him, not Kurama."
"Kurama had the pleasure of spanking him he will administer the reward," Quatre's gentle voice took on a firmer tone. "Go ahead, Kurama."
Arislan barely registered the conversation going on around him. His world was pain and need. He wasn't sure he could even stand up, let alone walk. He knew he should be strong, although at the moment he couldn't quite remember why ....
Hands were turning him onto his back. Whose he wasn't sure, but there was no mistaking the soreness of his rear as it came into contact with the floor. He opened his wet eyes and saw a vision of his own manhood, stiff and red, standing at attention. No! He thought suddenly, realizing again where he was and who was watching. He moved to turn over again to hide himself, but Kurama came into view. The beautiful redhead bent over him and took his organ into his hand, lowering his mouth onto it. Arislan's back arched as ridiculous joy flooded through him. He _wasn't_ going to have to suffer through this forever, Kurama was going to relieve him! The other boy drew on his penis with his lips so skillfully that it was only a matter of moments before Arislan spasmed and filled Kurama's mouth and throat. Afterwards, he breathed a deep sigh of gratitude. "Thank you."
Kurama paused in wiping his mouth to look at him, startled. "You're welcome," he answered.
Arislan noticed Daryun and Narsus then and realized what they had just witnessed. His face flushed and he averted his gaze while Kurama helped him to his feet. He quickly pulled his breeches back up and left centre stage to go kneel by their table, eyes on the floor.
"That was great!" Rascal declared, clapping.
"A wonderful performance!" Scarlet agreed.
"Yes," Quatre said. "And since everyone has enjoyed it so much, let's carry it on as a nightly event. So tomorrow will be Kurama's turn as victim, and someone's lucky Pet will have _him_ over their lap!"

Narsus didn't know what to say to Arislan as they headed back to their cabin. The young Prince was walking rather slowly, trying not to show obvious pain. Narsus knew he'd have to say something eventually, and wished inspiration would hit him before they shut the cabin door. If inspiration didn't, then Daryun just might. The knight wouldn't look in his direction, which was a bad sign. It wouldn't be long before the two of them were alone, and then he knew Daryun would have more than enough to say.
They reached the cabin and went inside. Arislan began removing his tunic as he headed for the bathroom.
"Your Highness?" Narsus spoke up. "Is there anything we can ... do?"
Arislan paused. He looked back at them, and Narsus couldn't help thinking that even flushed and tear-streaked with his hair mussed, the Prince was beautiful. Especially when he smiled, as he managed to do now.
"I'll be all right, thank you, Narsus," he said. "To my knowledge, no one has ever died from a spanking."
"But that was excessive, Your Highness," Daryun said, frowning deeply. "You must be in pain ...."
"That's why I'm going to take a warm bath," Arislan answered. His blue eyes turned away briefly, then he took a deep breath and faced them again. "I'm sorry the two of you had to witness my own weakness toward the end. I could no longer control myself and I'm very embarrassed and ashamed."
"There's no need," Narsus told him. "You may be a Prince, but you are also human. Anyone else would have done the same thing."
"Perhaps," Arislan said softly. "But I still feel like I should have resisted at the end."
Daryun went over to him and put his hands on his shoulders. "Your Highness, I assure you that we think no less of you because of this. You bore the ordeal well. It is _we_ who are ashamed for having allowed you to be put in that position. We failed you."
Arislan gasped. "That's not true, Daryun! You had no choice! None of us did."
"Exactly," Narsus agreed. "So please don't give it another thought and don't ever feel ashamed. We're proud of you, as we've always been."
Arislan gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Narsus." He looked up at Daryun and hugged him. "And thank you, Daryun. No one was ever as fortunate as I to have friends such as yourselves."
Daryun smiled fondly as he stroked the Prince's white-blonde hair. "We feel the same way, Your Highness."
Arislan stepped back, his eyes moist again, but a shy smile upon his lips. "And now I'll take my leave for a while and try to ease some of the soreness out of my skin."
The two men watched their Prince disappear into the bathroom and shut the door behind him. Daryun turned toward Narsus, who braced himself for the onslaught.
"It's all my fault."
What? Narsus' head snapped up to look at Daryun, whose shoulders drooped with invisible burden. "Your ... fault?" he repeated.
"Yes," Daryun insisted. "If I had been thinking clearly, I would have come up with a reason to keep him out of that. I was just so stunned that they wanted to do such a thing, I couldn't ...." He shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "And once it began, I was distracted by my own shameful thoughts and urges."
Narsus stared. "You mean ... you had lustful thoughts about "
"About the Prince? Yes, damn it!" Daryun slammed his fist down on the desk top. It began to tremble where it rested against the wood. "It's not the first time," the knight admitted in a low voice. "Sometimes he just looks at me with those big earnest eyes and I want to ... Goddess help me, I won't put it into words!"
Narsus moved to his side and touched his arm. "You're not the only one," he said softly.
Daryun looked sharply at him. "Don't patronize me. I know others want him! That entire dining room wanted him! But I'm supposed to be his trusted _friend_!"
"As his friends, perhaps we have the greater right to be attracted to him," Narsus said. "We see him on a daily basis, not only his beauty, but his strength of character and convictions." He met Daryun's eyes. "I'm attracted to that in him, the way I'm attracted to that and more in you."
Daryun blinked. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. Narsus smiled wryly.
"If you don't say something soon, I will be wretchedly humiliated and shall crawl into the nearest hole to die."
Daryun's startled expression settled into a smile. "As we are in the middle of the ocean, I shall save you from certain drowning." He sighed helplessly and toyed with a lock of Narsus' long hair. "Yes, I'll admit, I have been attracted to you as well, albeit simultaneously with frustration and exasperation."
"Be careful, Daryun, or you'll give me a swelled head with all that flattery."
"I see there's no way to shut you up but one." Daryun pulled Narsus against him suddenly and crushed his lips under his own. The strategist relaxed into the embrace and responded willingly. When the kiss broke off and their eyes met, both men chuckled.
"And I thought you would never forgive me for what happened out there," Narsus breathed. "I was afraid you'd hate me."
"Do you think me so narrow-minded?" Daryun murmured, brushing back Narsus' hair. "We are both responsible for Prince Arislan and anything that happens to him while in our care. I would not lay on you any blame that I would not accept myself."
Narsus rested his head against Daryun's shoulder. It was as strong and safe as he knew it would feel, especially with Daryun's arms enveloping him.
They would have contentedly remained that way if not for someone knocking on the cabin door. Reluctantly, Daryun released Narsus and the latter went to see who was there.
"Yes?" he said as he opened the door. Quatre's Pet, Duo, stood waiting. He held out a small white jar.
"My Master told me to bring this to you," he said. "For Arislan. It should help his butt, you know?" He winked. "And he said applying it would be fun for _you_."
"Uh, thank you." Narsus accepted the jar. "And thank your Master, as well."
"No prob." Duo gave him a salute and loped down the hall. Narsus shut the door and looked at the jar, then at Daryun.
"I don't know about you, but I don't trust myself."
"Nor do I," Daryun agreed, taking the jar from him. He went to the bathroom door and knocked. "Your Highness? Someone has just left a jar of soothing cream for you to use on your skin."
"The door is unlocked, Daryun," Arislan called back. "I'm going to soak here for a while, so just slip it inside and I'll use it later."
Daryun did so, shutting the door firmly behind the jar. He and Narsus exchanged a smile.
"You heard him, Artist, he's going to be a while," Daryun said. "What do you say we finish our conversation in my room?"
"I say yes, noble Knight. The sooner the better."
As they left, the bathroom door opened slightly and Arislan peeked out, watching them go. Well, it's about time! He thought firmly as Daryun's bedroom door closed. He'd known for ages that the two were destined for each other, it was only a matter of when _they_ would realize it. He supposed he shouldn't have listened in on their conversation, but was glad he had. Their feelings of attraction for him would likely pass now that they had found each other. Arislan had yet to sort out his own feelings he knew he loved them both and was pleased to see them together but had a feeling his own love was yet to be found. He was in no hurry, though. Right now he was content to concentrate on learning how to rule, and enjoy his friends' companionship, advice, and protection while doing so. Smiling to himself, he retreated back into the bathroom.

"And exactly _how_ can you blame me for this?" Kurama demanded. "You're the one who volunteered me!"
"Hn," Hiei retorted, arms crossed.
"Oh, fine, Attila the Hn, _don't_ tell me," Kurama snapped. "Just don't act like it's my fault, okay?"
"It's not your fault," Hiei conceded grumpily. "And I had a reason for volunteering you."
"Uh-huh, I _know_ what your reason was. You thought I was jealous of Arislan." Kurama looked away. "Well, maybe I was. A little. But I passed the test, didn't I? I didn't hurt him anymore than I had to."
"Yeah, you passed," Hiei said, then added, "He's not as pretty as you, you know."
Kurama smiled at him radiantly. He went over and wrapped his arms around Hiei, who gave him a tight squeeze around the waist.
"I'm sorry about what happened at the end," Hiei told him. "I hadn't bargained for that."
"Neither had I," Kurama laughed softly. "It wasn't so bad. I've done that and worse as Youko over five hundred years."
Hiei pulled away, and Kurama thought he saw a hint of a pout. "I don't wanna hear about Youko's sex habits before _I_ met him." He gave Kurama a direct look. "But since you brought him up, you'd better start thinking about how you're going to control him when you take _your_ turn tomorrow night."
Kurama gasped. "That's right! Youko doesn't like being hurt, he might rebel!"
"I could pick someone else," Hiei said hopefully.
"Hiei, you can't!" Kurama admonished. "We're Seigi agents! We have to sacrifice ourselves in a situation like this." He looked thoughtful. "Maybe if I start to cry early on they'll stop it before Youko can appear."
"We'd better hope so or this may be the first ship in history to sink from excessive vegetation."

End of Chapter 19

I own none of the characters used in Seigi.
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