Galaxy Pirates

Chapter 32: Dohta Joins the Crew

Dohta groaned and awoke, to see demure golden eyes watch him attentively and a bright smile form on the orange-haired tall woman's countenance once she beheld him come to his senses.

"W... Where_"

"Dohta!" the familiar high-pitched voice of his little human friend reached his ears. Ellie dashed at him and squeezed him in embraces, crying hot tears of joy, "Dohta, you're awake! You're alright!"

"E... Ellie?"

"I was so worried!"

The tiny maiden wetted his bandaged chest with tears. Lady Maluma, for she was exactly that orange-haired woman to have treated his wounds, explained to him the situation – of how he was taken into custody by the Young Captain, if one could name it so, since Dohta's very own brother Zehu and sister Zona, as well as his friend Ellie and all the other comrades were on the ship and it was rather a friendly company than captivity. Soon, all of these family members and friends gathered in his room, to cuddle him (since Zehu and Zona could never bear not hugging their long-lost-and-recently-found big brother) and congratulate him on his recovery. Then, came the time of introductions – Zona introduced her boyfriend Baxus (yes, they had already decided to become a couple, since Dohta had actually been sleeping for many days and had missed quite a lot), Ellie introduced her sister Violet (whom Dohta already knew too well) and father Gunther, and Maluma, on her part, presented her husband Roderigo Alvarez, who came to get along with Dohta in quite a short time, thanks to their similar personalities.

After Dohta heard the whole story, he sighed in relief:

"So, you say, Hitha became the chiefess and married Jedha Mahut – that commoner she said she loved?"

"Yes," Zona replied, and Zehu too nodded in the affirmative.

"That's good. At least my rampage did bring something beneficial to the whole asteroid... I apologize to you all, for causing such trouble".

"Don't worry. We understand your pain, Dohta," Zona smiled with the intent to encourage him. "We love you. Hitha was worried about you. We'll let you contact her via a crystal-device later on when you're better. Until then, we'll inform her of your recovery".

"Thank you, I'd appreciate it. I've caused her quite a lot of pain too... I hope she forgives me".

Zehu placed a hand on his shoulder in a comforting manner, as a sign that everything would be alright. Dohta gave him a grateful beam in return. Then he eyed them all, and, noticing their troubled faces, inquired:

"So, what will happen to me now?"

"Captain said he wants to invite you to his crew," Ellie hugged him. "He promised me he wouldn't hurt you".

"Hmph, he can't really hurt me any more than he already has, can he?" Dohta bitterly chuckled and glanced down at his bandaged body, "Recovering from his Crimson Ardour blasts will require some time. I guess I should even thank him he left me alive? I hate being grateful for such lowly pity, so tell him to not expect that from me".

"Come on now, young man, what are you saying? Weren't you two friends? At least that's what Aru has told me," Maluma put hands to her waist in a reproachful manner, "It was only natural he'd leave you alive!"

"He said so? Arubah was always unpredictable... To be honest, since he was a Herminoid – a higher species than me – I never knew what was going on in his head. He is a complete riddle to me. It is true, though – it was he who inspired me to continue living and pave my own path. I'm eternally grateful to him for that. But before I sort things out with him, I'll need time to process my thoughts and feelings, and reflect upon everything that has happened".