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2025-04-23 10:51:39
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Groomed 1
8-YEAR-OLD XIU "Father, may I go with you today," I ask quietly as Father scans his breakfast. Our main housekeeper always prepares Father his favorites, which he scans with a critical eye before eating. "No, Xiu. You must study. One day you will take my place. You will be responsible for our family name. You must be prepared. Taking days off is irresponsible. You must understand this even at your age," he says before glancing at me. "Eat your congee and fruit," he orders and I begin to eat slowly. I knew what his answer would be but I still wanted to ask. Today is my birthday, and I think Father has forgotten. I thought maybe if I spent more time with him today he would remember, but I knew it was a long shot. We see so little of each other. He works long hours and spends all day in his office. I see my tutors more than I see him, but I understand. He wants me to be the best I can be. He owns several companies and I must be prepared to oversee all of them. Being a woman will ma
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 2
XIU POV My eyelids are heavy but I force them open. I can hear my father's low voice and the nurse's quiet whispers. I know they are talking about me but I can't distinguish the words. I am too drowsy. I just received my medicine an hour ago so I am at my weakest. After a few more blinks I turn my head to find them standing only a few feet from my bed. "My beautiful daughter looks like a skeleton. Why is the medicine not helping her? Money is not an issue. Make her better," my father angrily spews at the nervous-looking nurse, and I smile weakly. Just hearing that he cares about me warms my heart. He has never shown me much attention unless it involved my studies or teaching me something about the company. He had actually started giving me one-on-one tours of our beverage company and talking about when I would be taking over before I got sick. "Sir, her cancer is stage four. Her bones are riddled with it... There is no getting better. Xiu is going to die," she explains yet again
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 3
XIU POV As Sarah pushes me down yet another hallway, I spot a second wheelchair with another sickly Asian woman in it, and my curiosity grows. Are they testing some kind of new drug? Is it specific to Asian genetics? Father's second-largest holding is in pharmaceuticals. He should have known if such a drug existed... unless America was hiding it. "Evening Sarah. I see your trip out of the country was successful," the other white woman says and Sarah sighs before replying. I stare into the stranger's face, trying to decipher if there is any ill intent, but her blue eyes are as hard to read as Sarah's are. The entire flight over I hadn't slept. I had forced my body to stay awake. I had stared at Sarah and prodded her with endless questions, but she had stayed firm in the fact she couldn't disclose anything else to me. She seemed kind and looked at me with those sparkling eyes while insisting I sleep, but I wouldn't allow myself to be fooled into resting. Even if I was doomed to dea
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 4 (Modok)
I growl lowly as I think about the Vaals being slaughtered at this very second. Young males who are not even out of training and yet they are having to fight. I will make every dishonorable bastard on that rock bleed. Only cowards attack those too weak to win. "They are going to keep hitting this area if we do not put fear into their hearts," Burk roars as Nole straps his knives to his thighs right beside me. I can see the sweat glistening on my orange friend and I know his thoughts about our enemy mirror my own. We will give them nothing but death. "Our brethren are dying right now! Jahns and Gafrops have attacked the Vaals stationed on the moon of Frole. Are you ready to defend? Are you ready to protect? Are you ready to tell these Beasts we will not succumb to their rule," Burk roars again as he paces the transport room? "Yes, Commander," we shout as the technician finally presses the transport button. A wash of color zooms past us and my body sinks into a crouch. As soon as o
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 5 (Modok)
I grin as my eyes take in my family's home. I have missed them. Fighting has kept me from visiting for far too long. I straighten my new civilian clothes and switch my bag to my other hand. I take a deep breath and head for the door. I know my family is expecting me since it has already been announced I am a Gold Ranked Harvest Champion, but I didn't call. I needed time to process the last battle and come to terms with all the friends we lost. I stayed in my military-provided living quarters for a few days before transporting home to Gaimo. I refused calls from everyone and sat in silence like I always do after a difficult battle and funeral services. I needed it, but my mother and sister won't see it that way. As I near the door I begin to hesitate. Do I ring the bell or do I use my code and walk in? I haven't lived here in years... But before I can decide, the front door slides open, and I am met with my sister's angry face. "What the Kilkballs, Mo? Mom and I have been calling.
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 6
My body aches as I begin to regain consciousness. I have no idea how long I have been asleep, but my joints aren't happy. I try to open my eyes but the bright colors in the room make me close them again almost instantly. I can hear someone else in the room with me, but my mind is groggy. I try to lift my arm to rub my face and wince. Everything is still as sore as it was on Earth. Either they haven't healed me yet or the entire thing was a lie. Suddenly, someone touches my arm, and my eyes fly open. When I am able to focus I see a dark blue alien man with red eyes and hair looking at me, and I instantly scream. "Who are you," I demand in Mandarin, and he backs away as if afraid of me with his hands in the air. I try to sit up, but my arm gives out on me. The male tries to approach me, but I yell again. I don't want him anywhere near me. He is too tall and too large. I have no way of defending myself in my weakened state. He stops in his tracks and once again puts his hands up as if
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 7
"The other humans should be here already," Baalee says as she presses the button to open the door. The door slides open immediately, and my eyes skim the room. The two small humans sitting in the room full of colorful people are easy to spot. Baalee leads us toward them, and as we approach, I hear a bit of their conversation. "The Peulos come from a watery planet and like to swim. They are blue or green in color. Kea's are all around you. We are the most colorful. We view everyone as family and hate conflict. Fighting in this war is hard for our people. That is why Keas hosts the Harvest. We are the most trusted," the green Kea is saying to the caucasian human and my mind soaks up the information greedily. "Oh, look. The other humans have all arrived. That was faster than usual," the purple Kea says as she sees us approaching them over the human girl's shoulder. All the heads at the table turn toward us at her announcement and I lift my chin a little. My back straightens even more
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 8
I silently glance around at the colorful walls as Liamee leads me to the room I am supposed to be staying in. The other girls will be in the same hall as me, and I pray they leave me alone for the evening. I have so much to think over. "Here is your room, Xiu," Liamee says as she comes to a halt. The door slides open and my lips tilt up as soon as I see the luxurious space. At least the room I will call home is nice and calming. "I see you like it," Liamee says as she looks over my expression. I smile at her and nod. "Well come in. Let me show you some of the things that might be different than Earth," Liamee says and I follow her inside the big room. She glides around pointing at things, but I only half listen. My eyes are making their own assessments as she talks. The linens are nice, the rug is expensive, the artwork is simple, and the touches of red make me happy. The sitting chairs look comfortable, but the bed looks overly plush and I know it will hurt my back by day t
Last Updated : 2025-03-25
Latest chapter
Groomed 29
"The Final day of the Harvest has arrived. All champions that fought a beast have moved on. All may challenge one another to prove they deserve the top spot. The last man standing goes first as the Winning champion. The order after his pick will be based on the fastest beast kill time. Then we move on to the champions from days three and four who lost. The longer they lasted in their battle against the top contenders, the higher their ranking. May the strongest win," the announcer says, and the crowd explodes into applause. The males run out of their holding area in a line while waving out at the crowd. When I spot Modok in line behind Commander Burk I can't stop my lips from tilting. He looks rather solemn compared to the other smiling champions. The others seem to be acting as if it's all over, but Modok looks as if his mind is strategizing for the brawl. Even his friends look more at ease than he does. "Warriors of the Universe, it has been my honor to introduce you. Good l
Groomed 28
"Come on, Nole," Jia whispers lowly as the big Bronkark, who came to kiss her hand after his first battle, walks into the arena. The tension on her face mirrors the emotion battling within me. After our talk in the cafeteria, I was scared my prediction of someone else wanting her wouldn't be true, but Nole seemed genuine when he offered her his hand. "He will make this look easy," I whisper and Jia gives me a smile. "Thank you," she whispers back as the Latroot enters the field already on its stomach. Its shifty green eyes look around the area in all different directions and I feel as if I will be sick again. It bares its moldy-looking teeth, and Nole smiles at the creature. He tosses his knife as if the field is a stage rather than an arena and Jia chuckles. "I guess he is enjoying himself," she says and I relax a little. The orange giant does look comfortable out there. The creature begins to run at Nole, and its freaky arms immediately make my horror return. Nole, however, sm
Groomed 27 (Modok)
Burk, Nole, and I haven't fought our beasts yet and the atmosphere in the holding area is tense. All fifty five champions are back today so the place is packed full of angry and determined males. Burk keeps eyeballing Tilk and vice versa. The Cok Commanders keep eyeing Burk, but he hasn't noticed and I keep posturing myself closer to Burk's side just in case someone pops off."He won't catch fire no matter how hard you stare," I mumble, as Burk glares at Tilk again.He snorts and shoulder bumps me to release some tension. "He keeps looking at me," Burk growls as if that clears him of any wrong doing, and Nole chuckles."Modok wiped the ground with him. He is probably embarrassed," Nole says rather loudly and I try not to smirk.Tilk went down even easier than I expected him to, but I don't want to shame the guy. I have no hard feelings toward him. He learned first hand not to disrespect us."Focus on your fight. You are the next one up," I say lowly, and Burk finally peels his off of
Groomed 26
I follow behind Jia and smile at the several audience members who are waving at us. The two-day-long fighting between champions is finally over. Now the fights between the winning champions and the beasts can begin. I sit down and look out at the familiar field. I try not to recall all the blood and blows that have been exchanged in the middle, but some of the more gruesome images come to mind anyway. "We are down to the top twenty-seven champions. Our three-way champion winner Captain Bolis of Vaal, has chosen to fight a Bunte. Will the other 26 champions line up, please," the announcer says, and I hold my breath as the line of winning males come out onto the field. I haven't seen Modok since he beat the Bronkark, and I have missed him. When I spot him my entire body heats up instantly. His bare chest and tight abs are so beautiful. I want to lightly run my fingers over every piece of exposed skin. I want to feel the texture of his hard scales. I want to learn what makes him f
Groomed 25 (Modok)
"Day two of champion-against-champion fights is about to begin. Get your banners in the air and cheer on your favorite champion. First up, we have Lt. Shaan of Cok and Capt. Vipul of Hassin. Please step into the arena," the announcer says and the two of them leave the holding area. I look around at the half-empty space and breathe a sigh of relief. Most of the champions who have already won didn't stay to watch the fights today so the area is more comfortable. Burk and I are here, but only for support. Nole's match is the second one of the day and he is anxious to get it over with. "Vipul," Burk says and Nole folds his arms. "Shaan," he says and I shake my head. "Vipul," I say and Nole shoots me a look before refocusing on the two champions heading for the middle of the arena. "What am I missing," he demands and Burk chuckles. "Vipul is unpredictable and fast. Almost as fast as me. Shaan is all power. He will get outplayed by speed," Burk explains in a low voice, and I nod.
Groomed 24
As we enter the deserted eating hall, I turn around to face Jia, and what I see breaks my heart. Her eyes are saying so much as she looks at me: hope, disappointment, sadness, anger. I don't know if I can help her, but I know she can't go back to her room now. Krystal and Jia's correspondent will try to console Jia with pretty words, but something is telling me that Jia needs my unbiased opinion and statistics now. She needs something concrete to get her through the night not sweet words meant to soothe her hurt feelings. She needs the "bitchy" Xiu to tell her how it really is. She needs something that she can trust to be true. "I don't know what the Makskin said to you during your dances with him and I don't need to know. What I have surmised is that he most likely had a strategy about who he would choose based on whether he won or lost today... What I believe is he chose two females that he liked. You... and the Puelo female. His second, and first choice females. A losing fem
Groomed 23
"That's Zarn," Jia says suddenly and I look at her. "Which one," Fiadh says and Jia swallows before answering. "The Makskin. We danced twice," Jia says and I grow curious. Zuri and Fiadh have both had champions approach them after their fights, so maybe this is the male for Jia. I look back at the field and study the burgundy-colored alien with a more critical eye. He is tall and his body is covered in thick muscles, but it's his face that is captivating. His jawline is sharp, and the bridge of his nose is straight. His big eyes draw you in and his lips are a delicious shape. All in all, he is probably the most handsome champion in the tournament. He is facing off with an equally strong-looking Vaal, and I wonder if the pretty male will be able to win. He looks more beautiful than strong even though he is just as fit as the champions. When the crowd's growl cuts off, they both run at each other, looking determined. The Vaal goes for the Makskins' stomach while Zarn punches the
Groomed 22 (Modok)
My eyes drill into the back of Tilk's head as Nole claps Burk on the back. It's Burk's turn to go out onto the grass to prove to his female he is worthy and I know he will win. Moor is a good fighter, but he isn't good enough and he knows it. The way he has been eyeballing my Commander proves it. He is melancholy already and he hasn't even fought. Burk leaves and Nole glances down at me before smirking. "He won't surrender because you are staring holes into his back," Nole says quietly and I barely look at him before refocusing on my target. I am analyzing every move he makes. Xiu is depending on me and I will prove I'm worthy of it. Nole's ribbing won't shake me. "I'm moving up so I can see the match. You coming," he asks and I shake my head. "Burk won't break a sweat," I say quietly and Nole chuckles before moving to stand just behind Tilk. He watches the match for only a moment before commenting. "Burk's out for blood," he says and I smirk. I knew it. Burk would never insul
Groomed 21
"Are you ready," Liamee asks as she watches me look over my dress in the mirror. I nod and flash her a quick smile. My dress for today is gorgeous. The flowy material and baby blue color work together wonderfully. The off-the-shoulder straps and the sheer material hanging from them give it a modest touch that I adore. "I feel beautiful. The silhouette is lovely," I say, and Liamee beams before picking up her tablet. "Do you have any questions," she asks sounding eager to provide me with information, but I shake my head. I have researched the fights and I know what I should expect. "It is very brutal to see, but remember, everyone is healed immediately after the fight is over," Liamee says, and I nod. I move away from the mirror and slip on the dainty shoes the recycle machine made. I head for the door and Liamee follows behind me quietly. The silence between us is once again comfortable just like it was when I first arrived at Kea. I will miss seeing her every day when the tour
