Ammy sat along one of the many brooks feeding the lake in the Southern Glen. Simply attired in a green kimono with a red rose on the front and back, she held her ebony walking cane close to her chest as she leaned against a tree and listened to the bubbling waters near her in the shade. Today was peaceful. Closing her eyes, she thought of the Rose Moon festival and smiled. It was good to be out among people again. For now though, peaceful glens with few people in it were a blessing to her today. It let her feel things out in her soul, sort through things and put emotions into order and as she did this, Ammy did what she loved to do best, sing.

~Rising of the sun,
upon the hilly plains,
turning our hard worked wheat,
to golden grains.
Warming tired workers,
caressing the sleeping lovers,
guiding the bold travelers home.
Touch upon the deep waters,
turn them to shimmering jewels,
fit for a kings daughter.
Grace the faces of those,
who sail far and wide,
those who ride the seas,
both grass and waters wide.
May the sun set slowly on your travels,
may you reach your homes with marvels.~

Mako walked upon one of the many paths in the Southern Glen, pursuing on one of his many quests in this realm. A slight jingle of ring mail under the odd kimono he wore was made as he walked. His left auto-mail arm stroked the three katanas he wore at his left hip. Eyes glowing an electric blue cast about the shadowy pathways, searching for signs of his long lost sister and trouble.

~The wind is rising,
carrying cries of the dying.
Do you hear it?
Do you hear it?
The smell of blood is surging,
the rise of death is urging,
a man down paths dark,
and twisted in time.
Have you forgotten your oaths?
Have you lost your honor,
in the mire of battle and lies?
Watch your footing dear warrior,
the path you tread is slick with blood.
Watch you footing dear warrior,
your life?s end will come to no good.~

Words... Mako heard words being sung on the wind. He paused in his travels and stopped to listen as the words sounded hauntingly familiar.

~I see home for what it once was.
Shining hope filled with beauty and spires.
Now I see ashes and soot,
the spires cry for the loss of the skies.
We have fallen from grace.
What has happened to our once magical race?
Myth and legend have turned to metal and science.
The hum of magic fades to the keening wail of machinery.
Lost is the fresh air we once breathe,
now we cough and dream beneath murky seas.~

Those words, they struck chords within his cold heart. Mako staggered for a moment in that shaded trail he stood upon. A hymn a Humara?s Dirge... who was singing of Humara?

The songs touched upon memories locked within Ammy?s heart. Century?s old memories and they hurt deeply, a pain she wanted no longer to keep but to let surface, to bleed out like poison needing release to allow a wound to heal.

~Fair mother with the fiery hair,
fair mother with thy glacial stare.
Fair mother upon who all called thee majesty,
Witch of the Cirus Star.
Fair mother with thy fiery soul burning bright,
didst take upon a mortal man to bed one fateful night.
With passion and pain did ye both weep and cry,
joyful in the daylights summer rays.
Too hot did your passion burn,
too weak was his flesh that yearned,
so didst thou watch him burn.
Oh fair mother with your magic burning bright,
did you not see your candle's dwindling light?
In eighteen score nights,
did thou not bring to our fair kingdom a majestic sight?
Hail to the Witch of the Cirus Star!
Hail to the creation of the Phoenix Stars!
One to burn bright,
carrying the fathers might,
the other to twinkle high in the night,
to carry on the mothers light.
Woe to the death of the Witch of the Cirus Star.
Given to the creation of the Phoenix Stars.~

It can't be! Mako's heart beat quickened. The song that swirled around him and filled his ears, threatening to overrun his cold hear was outlawed centuries ago. No one was left alive that knows of it, except...for one person. Ammy? He took a moment to listen to the direction of the singing.

~From the ashes of one great star,
shine bright two new stars,
in the Humaran night.
Look to them for your salvation,
in the time of rebellious blight.
Look to them to win the Humaran fight.
By Magic and Blade shall they make,
the Anthros rebellion fade.
By Might and Power shall they,
topple the beastly towers!
Rise oh Humara,
rise and lift your songs high.
The Phoenix Stars shall burn,
a new future bright,
for us during the Anthros Twilight!~

She was further up on the path Mako was walking. He continued to walk. Thoughts flicked and burned within his mind. You will kill her or You will bring her home. Humara needs her. But what if too much has happened to her? I have lost track of her for over 132 years. Can I really kill her? Really raise a blade to my twin sister? His eyes hardened in thought as they chased through his mind and collided with clash of mental blades.

Finished with her singing, Ammy opened her eyes. The golden hues were flecked with crimson red as she remembered home, her true home. She clutched her walk cane under that tree a bit harder. So many memories have been stored, touched, and felt; so many to sort over and make sense of. Home, Humara and her mother were but a few of them. She wiped tears away from her cheek as another memory began to touch her mind. Brother. Brother? Now where had that memory come from? She tried touching upon the memory and it shattered like a fragile glass sphere.

Mako felt his mind touched by Ammy. Sister. He continued to walk up that path, words of those songs she sang were ringing in his head still. Was he a foolish warrior? Perhaps a bit too cold? He shook his head and took on a determined look once more and kept walking towards what he hoped was his long lost twin and not another dead end.

Ammy stood slowly up as a breeze started to from the up the path, a biting chill to it, and on it a scent of jasmine and sandalwood mixing with steel, electricity and the stench of soaked blood.

Mako could sense someone ahead as he got closer. He saw a Lupinossai under a tree and he scowled. Filthy animals! His metal hand flicked one katana just loose of its scabbard as he strolled faster up the path. He'll send it to oblivion and continue on to find his sister.

That scent was getting closer and the thoughts of her brother came to mind again, shattering every time she tried touch them. Ammy sensed danger was coming swift and sure up that path. One she hadn't seen in centuries. She backed up from the tree slowly and placed herself in the middle of the flowing brook, feeling the cold water flow over her paws. She planted her ebony cane into the brooks stream bed and waited. Let danger come. She'd faced them all her life and she was sick of running.

Mako slowed his run seeing the Lupinossai retreat to the brook and take up a defensive posture. He slowed down further to a slow walk, right hand on the hilt of his katana now. This Lupinossai was strange. He'd killed many of them and many other Anthros but none had shimmering crimson hair, and those eyes. He stopped a few paces from the Lupinossai and watched it.

Ammy gazed upon the short male human and her legs about gave away. The memories of brother came back and didn't shatter. How could they? He stood before her. The bond only twins shared, long scarred over and thought dead after so many deaths and revivals lit up like a searing flame in her chest. She looked at every detail. Much has happened. He didn't used to be so cold looking, so cruel. And that arm. Dear brother, what has happened to you?

Mako felt the twin bond flare in him briefly and he treated it like he did everything else when his sister died those centuries ago. He stabbed it with a cold katana of iron will. His senses were starting to tell him that this was his sister, Ammy Phoenix, but that was not so. Not this beast. Not this god forsaken beast created by his own people. He slid the katana out of its sheath slowly. "Who are you?"

The appearance of naked steel shoved any reminiscing from her mind. Brother or not, she was now being threatened. Ammy held her cane tightly for a moment or two and watched him. "I am not in the mood for answering questions asked by one who reeks of death baring a sword at me. Who are you? And you best choose your next course of actions wisely, human."

Mako wore a cold thin grin. "A bold Lupinossai how interesting. I suppose I won?t have to listen to begging and cries of mercy when I slice you up and send you back to Humaran Science Division. Who I am won't make a difference to a corpse." He lifted the katana, single handed with the tip pointing right at Ammy?s heart.

Ammy's eyes narrowed. "Humaran Science Division. Well now I know where you're from. Let me see if I can match your face. Shouldn't be too hard though when was the last time you started wearing auto-mail, dear brother?" She growled low. Ammy let her magical senses flow into the brook she had planted herself in and was prepared to defend herself with ease.

"Brother?" Mako snarled. "I have only one sister and she does not wear the face of a cursed beast. What mockery is this Lupinossai? Speak or I'll carve the answers out of your living flesh!"

"Mako, stop it! Can you not feel your own sister standing before you?" She asked, not bothered by the threats. Many have threatened her in this realm and all have fallen. If her brother has to be among that number so be it. "I wear another body, but my soul, is my soul."

"Impossible! I saw your death! That array to bring back mother and to raise Humara Island it took all of you. You vanished. All of you!" Mako bickered coldly, that katana never wavering.

"Did I really vanish? All of me? Not a single pulse upon our bond you felt in the times between the night time and coming of the dawn?" Ammy asked softly.

No, the Lupinossai was right. Mako had felt something faint for a long time. The single maddening tug that kept him searching for his sister, the other half their country needed to rid their world of the Anthros. And yet... and yet... He looked upon a Lupinossai that had his sister?s soul. Coldness seethed deep in him. "Is this a joke, Ammy? A sick fantasy? To wear their body, to feel their sympathy?" He sneered.

"No Mako. I was saved by the Lupinossai. The helped me when no others would. They took me in and I am glad. I have found this body to my liking and do not intend to part with it." Ammy said firmly. "Now put away the katana so we can talk like adults."

"You've betrayed us! Taken their side now, you have. You've thrown your lot in with the stinking Anthros. They are the rightly slaves of the Humarans and you know it. Why? Why bandy around here now as one of them? You have gone mad sister! Your soul is corrupt and I see the body believes the same. Let me help you." Mako placed a step closer to Ammy.

"I am not mad or insane Mako." She stared at her brother and saw him step closer. She twitched a paw and raked a furrow in the ground a mere hair breadth from his foot.

Mako paused for a moment in his advance, katana still born in open hostility. "Sister.. sweet Ammy. Why don't you come home with me? Come home to Humara. We can place you in a proper body and crush the Anthros. Reclaim the Lupinossai as the rightful army we bred them for and make Sliinkaa a thriving human planet once more. Together, with father?s talents in me, no warrior can stand in our way, and with mother?s talents in you, magicians and sorcerers alike will kneel and worship you. True power, Ammy. True power like mother used to possess before she died giving birth to us. Let us take our rightful place as rulers of Sliinkaa." He reached out his auto-mail left hand to her.

"True power?" She snorted. "You mean the power the Humaran government will control? They wouldn't let us rule, and you know that. Since birth, we have been their attack dogs. True power to do what? You go and kill mercilessly like the angel of death. I am sent to erase whole nations with my magic, leaving their structures behind for inhabitance. No brother. That isn't true power. That is true tyranny." She didn't take the offered hand.

"Ammy, don't be foolish. Listen to me, you're brother. These Anthros have messed with your mind. Made you soft, fed you lies. Domination is the first step to peace." Mako pushed his words onto her with a cold will and power.

Laughter, unhinged, mad laughter spilled from Ammy's muzzle. "You narrow minded killer. My time with the Lupinossai was nothing of the soft nature. I became another magical weapon when I had most of memories locked away for a time when they revived me in this body. I learned new horrors, new depths of hate and new depths of pain and anguish; new depths of love and hope. You brother have become brittle in your narrow minded ways of killing."

"Are you implying you are lost to me then sister? That you will not come home willingly?" He took another step forward. "Must I take you home like a spoiled little child, bent over my knee and punished?"

Ammy's eyes shifted from gold flecked with red to crimson red flecked with gold. They sparked and glowed as he took that step closer. The water in the brook trembled wildly around her as she tapped her powers. "I have no intentions of going home to Humara. Were I to go back it would be to Lupinoss, where I owe my gratitude. My new home is here in Rhydin. Now, if you value your limbs and your life you will sheath your weapon and withdraw." she snarled.

"Or what, Ammy? You were second best in swords to me. You know you cannot win." He stepped closer to her. Three more steps and she would be in striking range.

Power shimmered around her in a tangible sphere. Sharp, glittering katana's of ice and rock rose from the stream bed, twenty of them at her command and they began to dance around her in twirling death. "Brother, you have barely any magic to speak of. Combining my magic and my sword you know even you will fall and die in agony. You have lost this round. Retreat, I beg you."

"Beg?" Mako sneered. He eyed those swirling constructs of death. He could take her. If he timed it just right, he could. He weighed the options.

"Don't do it Mako. I will shed no tears shedding your blood." Ammy spoke coldly.

"I will do as I wish sister. And I think you are bluffing. The Ammy I knew would have attacked me by now." Maka sheathed the katana then crouched.

Oh hell, that stance! Ammy's blood turned to ice.

Mako pulled energy and chi in towards his body, the grass around him rippled, his electric blue eyes flared brightly. The air thickened between the siblings. One step forward and she was his.

The Kuzu Ryu Sen... for the love of Lupis, Mako, you've gone insane. Ammy tensed slightly. One step and she was his, taken out before anything could be said or done if she were anyone but his sister. She barely remembered how the ancient Hiten Mitsurugi technique was performed but she hoped she was guessing right in her defenses. Ammy took in a small breath and let stir another shell of power within the one she had controlling the swirling swords. Her lungs threatened to burn, to send her coughing.

Mako saw her breath in, felt that her magical power was humming but an off note was in it. She was weakening. He grinned coldly. "Sister, one last chance, come home."

A tear slid down Ammy's furred cheek. "Never."

Mako stepped forward, touched his god-like speed and surged forward letting forth a battle charge. Grass and sod exploded behind him from such a burst of speed. "Kuzu Ryu Sen!" he flashed towards the standing Ammy, a blur of motion. The katana was drawn in a blink of an eye, point suddenly split into nine aiming to pierce head, heart, belly, shoulders, thighs, arms, and groin.

Powers in place, given to the cause, Ammy stepped forward and drew her walking cane as if it was a sheathed katana. "Amakakeru Ryu No Hirameki!" She burst forward in speed as well, the ice and rock katana?s flowing up and surging with her as she drew that second sphere of magical power into her cane. Brother you fool! She roared in counter challenge.

Steel clashed with ice and rock. Ebony wood met steel and flesh. Naked cheek brushed furred cheek. Furred hand met metal hand. Red eyes burned brightly into the soul of a cold killer. Electric blue eyes glowered into the soul of a sister given up as lost.

Ammy stumbled and went down on one knee several steps past the meeting point, drawing in gasps of air.

Mako landed in a stiff crouch, mirroring his sister, across from the brook, the two on opposite sides now.

The sound of wood and metal thunked into the ground. Blade and Cane broken from their parents impaled the grassy ground.

"A draw." Mako said coldly. He stood up and several screws sheared off in his auto-mail arm. It dangled useless by his side till the nanites could repair it.

Ammy turned and remained on one knee. Her legs aching, the walking staff severed cleanly in two, a slash on her kimono from left hip to right shoulder only a hair's breadth away from drawing blood. "Brother, give up this madness."

Mako sheathed the broken katana. "I have no sister. Not when she wears the face of a filthy beast and parades about with them." the wind blew the crimson red hair from his eyes. "Next we meet, Ammy, you will die. Be certain of that."

"Mako, come to your senses!" She pleaded

Mako walked away from the brook, taking a path back to Rhydin.

"Mako... what has happened to you?" She slumped to the ground and cried bitter tears.

Fleety was sitting by the beach, playing hir violin tonight. Shi was practicing some wintry music for the coming change in weather in the next few months. Hir music was bringing delicate snowflakes drifting around hir, dusting fur and hair in gentle white. Shi found the coolness pleasing.

Mako was once again out and walking the lands. His auto-mail arm finally repaired and fully functional again, the Humaran was on the prowl. His mood was a bit foul lately and no longer the neutral calm killing cold it used to be. That run in with his long lost twin sister and the draw results of their duel had kindled a burning rage in him as he laid low letting his arm repair itself.

Adjusting the wintry tune, Fleety caused a stiff breeze to blow in, carrying the snowflakes across the beach.

Lost in his killing thoughts turned upon that image of his sister in that Lupinossai body, something cold and wet touched his cheeks. Mako came to a stop and touched his tan skin. Removing his fingers he looked down at melting snow. Snow? On a tropical island? And for that matter, he could hear a violin playing somewhere on the beach ahead of him. This realm is insane! How can his sister stand being here? There should be order! Should be Humarans ruling this realm! Not... all of these oddities running around hand in whatever they call their appendages being so happy.

Fleety continued to play, a shimmering blue aura starting around hir. Shi could sense something though on the beach. A man bent in wrath and as old as hir or maybe older; shi picked up the tempo of the music and let the snowflakes grow in size and swirl around hir like a mounting blizzard just to see who would be approaching hir.

Rawsha was at the beach house, her bedroom window open letting in the cool breeze, she'd feel it become cooler outside and glance up from the book she had been reading, she yawned softly and realized, laying down a few minutes while her hair and fur dried after a bath.. to read had turned into a few hours, she let the book close and got up off the bed-

Mako shivered. This weather made no sense and did that music get faster? What the hell was going on? A weather ho down? He trudged through the building snow and sand towards the sound of music. Maybe if he made it stop, it would warm up again.

Or was it the weather picked up with the music? Fleety was grinning now. My, my. The man was still coming. Hmmm. Sliding of furred fingers along the strings, making the music whine and keen shi altered the rhythm and tone and soon it was a lilting summer marching tune for war time. A warm, hot summer wind chased in behind the blizzard, setting the snow to melt.

First freezing and now he was warm? Mako squished through the slushing snow. He was really beginning to hate coming here for his sister. He should just kill her and go back to Sliinkaa and start taking over every continent by himself.

Rawsha put on her black short sleeved shirt and the black pants, then pulled on her wizard robes, she ran a brush through her hair and pulled it up into a ponytail..after she was ready she took her backpack and shoved a couple of things inside, she gave the sleeping pseudo dragon in the warming basket near the foot of her bed a loving pat on the head and smiled as she heard him in her mind as he slept, then she headed outside and down the beach.

Mako paused in his trudging as he finally spotted the source of the music and most likely the weather patterns. Another damn Lupinossai!

That source would be Fleety, sitting on a wood bench by a picnic table, playing a black wood violin in silver trim and wearing Celtic bard clothing. Shi glowed a bit with a blue aura and maybe a touch of angel wings shimmered behind hir in neon green energy. Hir long blue hair flowed behind hir and fluttered in the warm breeze.

Fleety brought hir song to an end and gazed at the stranger. Shi noted his short stature, the clothing and the collection of katana. What fascinated hir was the glowing blue eyes, blue markings on the left cheek and temple and the crimson hair that reminded hir of Ammy. Hmm.

It stopped playing. Thank the gods. The fuzzy thing stopped playing that racket! Mako moved closer to the Lupinossai. "Were you the one making the freak weather?"

Fleety looked up and blinked hir eyes slowly and prettily. Shi had a feeling this man was someone to be cautious around. Someone hir mate knows and ran into. "Why yes, it was me. Though I didn't think March to Cambrith was considered 'a racket'. I can play other songs if you wish, sir?"

"The last time I heard music hear, was sung by another of you horrid kind, Lupinossai and she almost died by my sword. I don't take well to Lupinossai that think they are gifted beyond anything than slave material." Mako said coldly.

Fleety gave a small sigh. Shi laid down the black violin on the picnic table, folded paws together and looked right at Mako. "Well, you sound like my father. Have we met before? Maybe you?re a brother I've misplaced or haven't killed yet?"

Mako took a step back hearing the words. He felt sullied by the implications. "How dare you imply that I, a Humaran am tainted with Lupinossai filth. My father was the greatest Humaran general to mary the Witch of the Canis Star. Apologize to me mongrel or I will have your head!"

"Apologize? For a simple question in error sir? There is no need." Fleety said in a gentle voice, fighting to hide a smile. I find no fear from a Humaran. Look at it from my point of view sir. Humarans created us Lupinossai to be the finest fighting force then vanished leaving us to fend for ourselves. And we did just that. Can you blame us for not wanting to take back a master who left us and came back one day weaker than us?"

Mako found himself at a loss of words for a moment. This Lupinossai showed no cowering fear to the mention of Humaran; more than that it questioned him on the need to fear Humarans. This would not do. He could not allow Lupinossai to mock Humarans. Not if he wished to bring his sister around to his terms and return home with him. "What if we see the Lupinossai as a genetic mistake. A rejected product fraught with faults that we have removed? Can you fault us for not wanting to clear away our defects?"

"Hmm. That depends sir. Present this improved Lupinossai to us for judgment. Let us see what is perfect and what is imperfect?" Fleety countered.

"Comparison is obsolete with evolution. The imperfect are weeded out by the perfect. The strong live, the weak die." Mako said firmly.

Fleety scratched hir beard. "Well by that logic I would say we are still at the top, above your perfected Lupinossai, sir."

Mako was starting to get frustrated. This Lupinossai seemed to have a counter to anything he said. "How do you come to that conclusion, cur?"

"Let me make a simple observation." Fleety stood, left hir violin on the table and approached Mako, and began to circle him, sizing up the Humaran. "You are a Humaran, a warrior, most likely the finest of your class, and you can wield some magic given the aura about you. However there is a chiming about you that cries twin. You have a stature and build that is familiar to me as well as classical crimson red hair that is also familiar to me as well as they are worn by my mate, and three of my own children."

Mako's eye brows rose hearing this.

?In short, my mate, Ammy Phoenix-Spiritor has mentioned she had a twin brother in town. A Humaran bent on killing her and yet your little conflict ended in a draw. So, here's why I say we are better than your proposed perfect Lupinossai. One of your own skilled mages, the best, and most powerful of your kind is with us, lives in a Lupinossai body, has bred with me, a Lupinossai heir of the strongest Lupinossai Mage known, and we have produced powerful children none have seen before. In short, sir, or should I call you Mako, I believe us Classic Lupinossai are the strongest in your pathetic little model of evolution." Fleety said with a firm tone.

Eyelids twitched. This, this cur slept with his sister? Defiled his twin! Married her? Even had kids? Mako?s temper should be boiling, but it didn't. It went cold, frigid. Anyone sensing magic, anger or intent would notice Mako was a nice brilliant flare on the beach. He was contemplating actions right now. Most of them were not nice and involved the Lupinossai.

Aribius was standing on the island keeping to himself. He never did sleep or eat or didn't really do anything a normal mortal would do for that matter. Always awake and keeping watch over Deli'ina and Yaji'is. He felt the changing of weather, but he was a bit used to it. The changing of storms seemed to happen in his realm when heaven and hell was going all out at each other. He sighed. Yaji'is really had woman problems. He was starting to think he didn't even need to influence his brother.

Then again Aribius might just make his brother give-in and beg his new girlfriend for forgiveness maybe just to humiliate him. But his own thoughts were he was going to need to meet this Amaretto and Artisia and others at the lair to see if they were worth letting stay around. He was also thinking over the previous night's events and scaring off those kids and how poor Deli'ina had to suffer. Hmm.

Rawsha hummed softly, she had been in a better mood since meeting Deli'ina and was thankful for her newfound friend, she was heading down the beach for the portal so she could go search for the Wuudrii, when she paused on the beach as she looked up and saw Aribius.

Aribius heard the little footsteps and looked over at Rawsha. A dirty thought came up and stared at the young girl. "A boy hurt your new friend last night, Rawsha." His ears heard voices being spoken off in the distance but he was going to focus on just the girl for the moment.

Rawsha moved closer to him and her tail stopped the little wag, as she heard him say that Deli'ina was hurt. "Deli'ina got hurt?...is she ookaa?" She stopped and stood near him, she was worried and glanced off down the shore toward the lagoon and portal she could take to the forest.

"Fine now, but I must say it was quite severe. Why don't you see for yourself?" Aribius motioned his two paws and would create two side by side images. One showing the events with him and Iimiidiina and the other showed Deli'ina with her new guardians and the sickness and spells that affected her when Iimii attacked Aribius. "I warned the boy, Rawsha. But at least he threw a heal spell before running off."

Rawsha watched the images studying them closely. "..Iimii...attacked you? and Deli...got hurt...because she's linked to you?" She knew there were strange links with soul magic sometimes.

Aribius nodded to Rawsha. "Those that I have out and are linked to me will get hurt when I am attacked." He would stop the images. "If someone even tries to do a killing blow on me, she can die, Rawsha. It is unfortunate that she was hurt last night, but she is fine now. Oh..and if it cheers you up any, she is coming out tonight to find you." He gave her a kind looking smile. Aribius sensed something special about Rawsha and wasn't sure what it was, but he wanted to find out at some point.

Rawsha nodded softly and looked up at him. "I was about to walk to the portal..to go see if i could find her...I'm glad she's alright." She would have to talk to Iimii later. She heard voices on down the beach and she felt that spike in the presence of magic, she stepped past Aribius, her attention drawn by that change, she was walking toward the two further down the sand.

Aribius turned and began walking with Rawsha towards the other two on the beach. "A nice spike in magic it seems. Yaji'is gets like that when he gets upset." He chuckled. "But I don't think you've ever seen him get really mad have you?"

Fleety turned and crossed hir arms, tisking. "Aw, someone?s pouting. Did I hurt your feelings? Does it hurt to know your wonderful, powerful Humaran twin sister could ever like a, what did you call me? Oh, yes, a cur." Shi grinned showing teeth. "Face it Mako. I banged your sister and she begged for more."

"You...will speak with more respect for my sister....." Mako said between clenched teeth.

"Funny, how you have respect for a sister you tried to kill. Oh, and by the way Mako, your sister is a lesbian as well." shi smirked.
Rawsha shook her head. "I guess not..." She soon came around a bend on the beach and saw Fleety and the Humaran, she stopped a moment just watching them, then she called out gently to Fleety. "Aawo Fleety....things alright?" She was then headed closer.

"He's a man of short tempers. Just so you know, but he won't hurt you ever I assure that." Aribius said with a grin. Then saw the other Lupinossai and the Humaran. "Another Humaran? Either I've hit the jackpot or there's a lot more Humarans here than I thought."

"Never realized you Humarans were into shaggin' anthro's and breaking all of the usual traditions." shi taunted.

"You know, I wonder which I should give to Ammy first. Your head or that tongue of yours." Mako said in a cold tone. Left auto-mail hand rested on hilt of a katana now and snicked the blade loose of the safety.

Fleety saw Rawsha and held up a warning paw. "Rawsha, be careful. Ammy's brother is here."

Mako glanced to the other two Lupinossai. They were coming out of the wood work. A child and a psychotic looking warrior. He focused back on the one that was taunting him. The other two were of no importance to him in this matter. His sister was insulted as well as he and he would rectify his honor.

Hearing the blade of a katana being set free of its safety, Fleety looked to Mako. "I give you one warning, Mako. Fight with me, it will not end well."

Rawsha realized who this man was, from Ammy's warning and talk around the house, when she saw the weapons being loosed she stopped just short of Fleety and studied him, she remembered what Lene had said too...the nine and a half year old wizard stood still but her mouth. "Humaran...know once that weapons blade is drawn...it will not make its mark" A shimmer of electricity sparkled around her left paw.

Mako sneered. "Coward. You would hide behind a child with magic?"

Aribiue looked down with a raised brow. That was one fierce kid. He definitely was going to use Deli'ina to find more out about this child. Aribius crossed his arms and stared at Mako and Fleety watching what everyone was doing. He could fight, yes, but it was usually good to observe potential enemies and allies. Except for the times he just loves frightening people

"Insulting one of my daughters is not a light matter with me Mako." Fleety said with a tired voice. "I have no need to hide behind Rawsha. She is powerful, but yet has much to learn. Perhaps I should illuminate your situation." Fleety held up a paw to make sure Rawsha didn't fire hastily and took one step towards Mako. "Let me tell you who I fully am."

Mako held his ground and as Fleet stepped forward drew a wicked looking Katana with razor sharp, saw like teeth on it, holding it ready to strike.

Rawsha would wait and hold the spell she had chosen in her paw, electric energy was weaving around her fingers and skipping the middle one which was gnarled to the point more than half of it was gone, she believed in letting conversation go on...but protecting her family was what she had on her mind, she just watched them for now.

"I am Fleetian Wolf, once believed to be an heir to the throne of Wolf. I am really Merlin Spiritor, last and only son of Spiritor, Grand Mage of Lupinoss, and greatest War Mage your Humaran people taught. I am the angel servant of both Canis and Lupis, the first two Lupinossai your people created who still live, now as deities. I am also the champion of Paladin, and crowned the Platinum Fang, God of Light and Lightning in this realm." He took another step forward, angel wings extended out now and brilliantly illuminating the beach in neon light.

?I've taken down worse." Mako snarled.

Aribius gave a long sigh. "This is why Humarans are going extinct in my realm."

"Mako, Mako, Mako. You fool. When I enter a fight, it's for good. For the end of everything. I am not your sister. I don't brook evil. I don't stand to let people live who like to mess with my family." Shi was starting shine brilliantly white and silvery. "If you attack I will promise you will die, your body will be ash, and your soul my prisoner to do with as I see fit. I was once a nice kind soul. Recent events have made me somewhat more practical with my enemies."

Mako gave ground but didn't sheath the sword. "I fought my sister. She's more powerful than you!"

"Maybe. We have fought from time to time. The results varied. But I see you are stubborn. Rawsha, remind Mako that he's dealing with magicians." Fleety let hir paw drop leaving Rawsh free reign to fire on Mako.

Ammy stood in the alleyway behind the Inn. A slight drizzle was falling. Wrapped up in fighting leathers died black and an oiled cloak, she took shelter behind one large garbage bin, waiting, lurking and listening. The three weeks of time she took to rest and recuperate had done her well, and she was hoping her hunch was right that her brother was residing in the Inn. Her plan was to spy on him in the alleyway if possible.

Rain dripped and drizzled down a bare neck and the owner of that neck just grinned. Weather rarely bothered the man crouched on the roof in the shadows. Mako would nearly freeze solid in a blizzard if it meant a perfect kill unseen. He was watching the alleyway for that odd woman he met but she had fled from him. Recruiting a side kick to his cause was proving difficult. Glowing blue eyes though noticed vermin skittering and fleeting from something on the ground under the roof. Someone was below. With stealth, he slunk to the edge and peered into the alley below him. He saw a white furred Lupinossai with crimson red hair laying in wait at the entrance of the alleyway. Oh, really now, dear sister? I tell you to stay away and you come after me? How predictable.

Moving the oiled cloak closer around her she peer around the trash bin again looking for any sign of Mako coming or going. She was pretty certain she could feel him at the Inn with her faint sibling bond. Where was he? Or actually the question she should be asking is Once I find him, how do I stop him?

Shifting his weight a bit, Mako gave some thought to this opportunity. He could kill her, and have her soul right now and she wouldn't know it. Go home and be done with this realm. But for some reason returning home was sounding less appealing than this realm of chaos. Perhaps, instead he'll sport with her again. He did owe her for that sword she snapped and his auto-mail arm that he had to repair. And he was still rubbed raw by that insufferable male Lupinossai she was married to. Grinning, Mako cleared his throat. "I thought I taught you better surveillance and tailing techniques... sister."

Irvine was busy being..... well not actually busy at all. He was just going for a walk around this still strange and unfamiliar city before wandering by the RDI and realizing he has yet to have seen where the alley round the back of the RDI actually goes and so he steps into the alley and has a look around. He appears to be attempting to eat a bag of pear drops as he walks but struggles with the wrappers and drops one on the floor. Looking around and not seeing anyone to notice him he proceeds to put a pear drop that is still in its wrapper in his mouth.

The clearing of the throat and Mako's voice above her made her heart leap. Ammy spun away from the wall and looked up to the roof and the rainy night sky. How did I miss him? He must have several routes in and out. Idiot, of course he would! "You taught me a lot of things brother, but that was centuries ago." She said, feigning calmness.

Seeing Ammy come out from behind the bin, Irvine stopped. She seemed to be talking to someone up above. Either she was a bit nutty or someone was on the roof. He decided to keep his mouth shut and see how things played out.

"Tsk, tsk. Time is not a reason to let skills rust." Remaining crouched, his blue eyes slitting a bit, he watched her. "Perhaps I should remind you why I taught you the skill I did sister." his auto-mail left arm moved and the gauntlet blossomed open with several covers releasing a small hail of nasty, barbed darts coated in sleeping draught.

Seeing that arm start to move, Ammy stepped back a moment and readied for a spell, then saw Irvine near her. Crap! "Duck!" She grabbed a wood crate from the bin to serve as a wood shield to deflect the darts as best as possible from Irvine and herself.

Most of Mako?s darts sink into that wood crate. "Nice to see your reflexes are adequate." Standing the auto-mail arm reconfigured and he sent a razor wire whip whistling Ammy's way; if the bystander in the alley gets harmed, not his problem.

Fortunately Irvine had his shield on his back.... but it was not a big enough shield to cover the entirety of his body. He proceeded to grab his shield and proceeded to run to Ammy tightening their combined defense with a shield of his own. "Hmm.... been a while since anything like this has happened to me. Sounds like you?re having an interesting family reunion."

Feeling the weight of the darts sink into the wood Ammy discarded the crate. "I'd love to say I'm adopted..." she heard that whistling razor wire, clapped her paws and formed are hardened disc of air before her.

Tamriel walked with his bow drawn silently as he moved across the roof tops toward the Inn. His dark eyes darted towards the sound of a fight.

Oh, he knew that trick already. Juking his wrist at the last moment he snaked the whip letting the razor wire hit that hard disk of air then slither around it aiming for Ammy behind it.

Ammy growled as a wound was opened up on her left thigh. Knowing the razor wire was attached to his auto-mail, she reached out to grab it with her marble stone right paw.

Tamriel watched the fight silently, an arrow now gracing the bow, debating on who to help.

Mako grinned seeing her cut and pulled his whip back but raised an eyebrow as the whip halted.

Firmly grasping that wire, Ammy leaned back and tugged on it hard. "Let's talk face to face!"

Irvine watches curiously "Hmm... that?s a trick I have yet to see....." Irvine quickly stretched his right arm out 2 times "By my faith in Bear, I cast shield of faith." He then proceeded to draw one of his swords with it. "So.... what?s the quickest way onto the roof? ARggh! Be careful!" he says seeing the wire hit but he is relieved she caught it. "Or... fetch him down here.... that works too." He shrugged.

The tug had Mako off balance for a moment. He used the pull though to lead him into a vault off of the roof. Drawing a katana he severed the razor wire while in mid air then landed in the filthy alleyway. Blue eyes glowed in the darkness. "Well now, it seems you're like your filthy mutt of a husband Ammy. Allies everywhere during a family dispute." He stood slowly, the katana, a wicked showpiece of curve lethal elegance and barbs. "But I can fix that."

Ammy dropped the severed piece of razor wire. "I've not come for violence Mako. Like last time, you brought action upon yourself. I merely wished to see you again and talk sense into you."

Tamriel looked at Mako with dark eyes as he strung the bow back and aimed toward the two below him.

Irvine looks to Ammy. "Does he try this every time you want a chat?" Irvine walks around Ammy and proceeds to stand in front of her and raises his guard looking directly at Mako. "You ever thought about taking up some lessons about manners?"

"We had our discussion. Remember Ammy? We ended on a draw. Remember what I told you. The next time I saw you, you would die. I'm in a sporting mood tonight though. So let me show you how I've used the gift of magic that you taught to me, dear sister, so many centuries ago. Fethim Restum Uprim Tenim Rasum. Rasum. Rasum!" His eyes flared brilliant blue, the muted, nearly hidden tattoos on his neck and temple flared to an eerie blue life and the whole alleyway and rooftop shook and shivered.

Then silence for a heartbeat followed by the scraping sounds as undead warriors rose up from below the alley paving stones, broke up from under the tiles on the roof tops and began to swarm over the roof tops and alleyways.

Tamriel turned striking a undead that came to close before turning back down, 3 quick arrows followed towards the two defending in the alley, 2v2 makes things even.

"He's been this way ever since I told him trying to marry his own sister is downright disgusting." Ammy said and looked about as Mako intoned that spell. Oh that wasn't good at all. She felt that power and when the undead erupted she sighed. All that time and he could only manage a summon undead spell? She heard something shatter against her hard disk of air.

Vex draped in black and metal wandered quietly through the alleyway, his footsteps still echoing in the darkness of night in spite of this. Whilst asking to be jumped, he was less concerned with any particular altercations... or that would have been the case until various undead shamblers decided to grace his presence. ". . . Well, I'm not the type to fight without a reason... This looks as if it's as good a reason as any."

Mako just chuckled. "Well, it's been fun sister, but I am bored with for the moment and my minions would like to play. Next time we chat, it will be heart to heart. One of them will be beating and bloody on the ground." Mako turned and walked through the middle of a hoard of undead that flooded into the alleyway

The arrow heading towards Irvine would almost hit him before bouncing back at Tamriel. Looks like that shield of faith he made earlier is going to be getting some use. He looks up to see where that arrow came from. "More crazy maniacs.... was doing really well at avoiding them in this dimension....." He looks at all the undead. "And a hoard of undead.... this is getting to be like the old days..... May I suggest we retreat to somewhere a little less cramped so we don?t get so easily surrounded?"

Tamriel grabs the arrow from mid air and watching them below. He rolls from the roof and to the flat ground, watching the chaotic alley

Ammy looked about. Both ways were blocked except up. She clapped her paws smacked the stone wall. Stone steps grew out of the wall. "Well, up it is and it's a fighting retreat." She unsheathed her rapier and it lit up with a wicked hungry flame as she mounted the steps and slashed the legs out from under an undead sending it toppling below.

Soon Mako was lost in the confusion and gone.

Vex would both draw and brandish his Forsaken, taking note of each of the shamblers around him... With the deft flick of his wrist and fingers, he drew his blade behind him, bent on practicing at least some form of combat uncharacteristic to him whilst he remained in this world. Then, in a brief moment, he dashed forward, appearing to vanish from sight. It was mere moments before he reappeared behind the large group of undead he faced. As he sheathed Forsaken within his cloak, many of them fell.

Tamriel watched them now, his bow still drawn as he watched where the stone steps went

Hearing Tamriel land he looks around towards him. "So.... what?s your game?" He quickly turns around to see Ammy make the steps and he blinked. "Ok, why do I have to come from a world where magic sucks?" Irvine quickly proceeded to follow Ammy proceeding to hack away at the undead approaching as he tried to walk up the stairs backwards awkwardly. "How many up their?" He asks concentrating on his foe.

Tamriel kept watching them smirking slightly as he watched the undead just die again

Ammy made it up to the roof and ducked as an undead arm swung for her head. "Full party it looks like!" A flick of the rapier and the offending limb fell below, aflame. A quick sigil trace, a pull of a metal shard from her pocket and formed a shield. She rammed the one armed undead to send it spiraling off of the roof to hit the ground below.

"Iaijutsu, as the people of orient from my realm called it," Vex murmured to himself as he turned to the few that remained on his end, frowning visibly. Reaching into his coat, he retrieved his cuff plate-guards, affixing them to the cuffs of his coat's sleeves. He assumed his Royal Guard Form as he awaited for the remainder of them to crowd around him. ". . . Hmm?" He then caught glimpse of the fleeing couple, tilting his head. "What is there to fear from these beasts, I wonder?"

The grounded undead grouped up to attack Vex. The undead on the roof not occupied by Ammy and Irvine hopped to the ground to pursue Tamriel. The undead on the roof with Ammy and Irvine began to draw closer attacking with melee attacks. Every part that was severed and every body that was felled though seemed to be liquefying though and congealing to the center of the alley floor in a thick miasma.

Tamriel drops the undead quickly "Mindless beings" His arrows ringing out quickly

"I see." Irvine makes it up the steps kicking one of the undead in the head knocking him of the steps before turning around. "So much for hoping to have more room to play with... usually swinging at them whilst walking backwards usually does it." Irvine would sigh before throwing his shield off into the face of one of the undead before drawing his Wakisashi before charging straight into the fray swinging with wild abandon with his katana and his Wakisashi somewhat recklessly.

As the undead coalesced about him, Vex raised his arms to block the swipes and strikes with impressive accuracy, using the plate metal as a weapon when he moved to retaliate by slamming his arms into the undead. Even as they retaliated, he didn't seem worried. Before too long, his arms seemed illuminated by a white-blue light which seemed to laxly emanate just without his cuffs. When the last of the creatures struck his plate-guard, the resulting energy spike resulted in quite the intimidating shockwave of what looked to be magic, but perhaps not? The burst of energy either incinerated what was unfortunate enough to be close to him, or knocking away what was far enough to survive the initial energy disturbance. Brushing off his suit and plate armor, the man tilted his head as he peered upward, watching them flee further up. Deciding to follow suit, he dropped closer to the ground, palm resting against the cobblestone. Without warning, he vaulted himself higher up.

Finally reaching the roof and clearing a small space Ammy set up a wonderful display of her mage warrior ability. Rapier sheathed, she set about shield bashing undead in the face to stun them then blasting them with her free paw using a mini fire ball spell. She would make short work of three undead to give Irvine some space to make the roof if need be.

Tamriel watched them desperately struggle. He smirked as he sulked into darkness, an arrow being fired toward Irvine quickly from his position

Down below that congealing liquid now shivered the gurgled and from it formed rapidly a Necro golem, bubbling and foaming as it grew in the alley way standing as tall as the roof tops. The vile aura of evil and infecting putrid disease rolled off it in thick black clouds.

Irvine noticed the man start his ascent. "Oy.... down there... I hope your just here to help right?" The arrow would seem to nearly hit him again and get dangerously close before bouncing back again. "Ahh great.... there goes my shield of faith...... Only got two uses.... " Regardless he began to turn around again and start fighting downwards to close the gap between him and the newcomer. "Don?t worry I?m coming down to watch your back" He would look at the Necro golem for a moment before proceeding to continue slashing. "You may want to get up here quick"

Ammy continued to bash and incinerate but they were swarming her quickly. "Enough!" clapping her paws she slammed the tiled roof sending a myriad of fists created out of the tiles themselves to crash up and down the roof top.

Vex landed about half-ways before he noticed the looming shadow rising behind and in front of him. Turning around, he took the evil-borne behemoth into his view and sighed. ". . ." He planted his hand onto the ground and his body low once again. This second vault was many times more powerful than the last, propelling him high enough to stand nearly face to face with the beast. Was he some kind of super soldier or some such. "You... are a nuisance..."

The undead that fell were sucked into the golem when they touched the black clouds. A series of eyes opened all over its towering body and began to grow tentacles.

Tamriel watched the protagonists form up, he smirked and fired a grouping of arrows at Irvine, seeing him as the weaker link.

Multiple eyes stared at Vex uncomprehending and the golem lashed several tentacles at Vex hoping to hit him.

A deep and contemplative, but altogether blank stare fixed itself to his visage as Vex dashed away from the tentacle slashes with mind-numbing speed. Heck, he even decided to get a little inventive and add some back flips into the mix to increase his evasive momentum. Even still, refused to attack the great beast, content with merely looking at the Cthuloid abomination from his vantage point.

The roof cleared, Ammy blinked at the golem. Oh hell, he's gotten better at that spell. Reaching inside of herself she tapped her Loaa powers. Alchemy wasn't going to be up to this task. Radiant green energy wings formed on her back. She started to sign and create sigils in the air, to form a banishing incant when it is done. It's going to take time though.

Irvine looked at Vexus and skewed his head. "Me?" Thunk, thunk, thunk three arrows landed into his back. One had managed to pierce his armor and went into his back. "Owe....." He says casually. He looked at the beast for a bit and shrugged. "May as well...." Irvine leapt from the step he was on and aimed to jump on top of the abomination stabbing it with his two swords before starting to rip it to shreds with his claws

The golem sent half of its tentacles after Vex while the rest moved for the flourishing Ammy, sensing the banishing spells power starting to build from infancy. The golem is a bit annoyed by Irvine ripping into it. More tentacles begin to emerge and flail at Irvine hoping to be rid of the nuisance.

The vagrant swordsman continued to deftly evade the strikes, raising a brow as one of the tentacles nearly grazes his hand as his body lifts up to avoid it. Vex even goes so far as to grasp onto one of the them to launch himself away when they reeled back, sending him further back onto the roof. Noting Ammy's incantation, he would flourish Forsaken in his hand and wheel it about creating a fan blade shield to deflect the strikes. ". . ." Seems he was silently attempting to get it to focus on him.

Severing several tentacles meant for Ammy did indeed guaranteed the golems attention was now on Vex as more tentacles were launched. This time, spines of bone erupted along them.

Three sigil clusters glowed white with radiant energy in air. Four more to go. Watching the other two fighting, Ammy pushed her skills and mastery faster.

The sword shield technique deflected several more before Vex was forced to leave his position of guard in front of her, hoping they would follow rather than attack her again. In fact, he reached into his cloak and gripped the cerise medallion in his cloak, hoping doing so would unlock the hidden power inside of him that he'd been able to access only luckily the last time.

Irvine kept going at the thing whipping him. It was going to take a bit more than that to stop him. He did try and pull out his swords and attempt to simultaneously strike at the creature with one and at the tentacles with the other

Irvine succeeded in getting his swords and felling a few tentacles and gaining the attention of the golem as well again. Ammy was temporarily forgotten as spiny tentacles were sent crashing along the roof in pursuit of Vex. Ah, and on a side note, being this close to the creature with several gashes in it now, Irvine would notice the golem was gushing more black, thick gas, some of the tentacles around Irvine would wither away until the gashes would start to seal up, capturing the gas once more.

4th, 5th and 6th sigil in place. Now the central 7th symbol. Biting her lower lip she hoped this would work. Ammy had never used her Loaa powers before. She was very new to them.

Finally, the male stopped cold in his tracks, the tentacles no doubt bounding for him. Almost immediately, they embedded themselves in the roof, leaving quite the large dust cloud in their wake. CRAP! Was Vex gone already?! In a soft flash of light, the swordsman's form was illuminated and then dulled. Soon, after several of the attacking tentacles in his direction would be shredded and rent asunder as the fell swordsman stepped froth from the wreckage, unharmed and seething with power.

Oh my, sensing this new power, the golem sent more tentacles Vexes way, spiny and thrumming with eerie red energy. If touched, this energy may cause dizziness, corrosion of equipment or failure of magical artifacts.

Irvine stabbed his swords into it again before starting to furiously dig into it with his claws again. Not really thinking.... he breathed in a lot of the gas... that?s probably not good for him

Not in the long run, not good for Irvine. He may have to deal with mummy rot or turning undead later on if he ever gets severely ill in his life.

The dark shield of ebbing energy flowing from the modern knight was apparently enough to deflect the tentacles of its own volition, degrading only slightly with each strike of the tentacles. Were they not wreathed in that red power, they'd have likely burned away upon hitting it. ". . . Eyesore..." He once again brandished Forsaken, which was itself wreathed in the blue-violet haze of energy. With a single swipe, an arc of indigo black light shot forth from the sword, intent on slashing into the massive hide of the fell beast.

Watching the red energy... he suddenly realized this thing was being held together by magic unlike most of the undead he was used to dealing with and he felt stupid and face palmed. He was going to way more effort than necessary.... He proceeded to stretch his arms out rapidly "By my faith in bear. I forge the claws of eternity!" Irvine?s claws would begin to glow being filled with divine power until they turned a pure white and the glow became almost blinding. Irvine then proceeded to continue striking at it the creature with the magical force of a god. About as good as his normal claws to physical beings but to metaphysical entities it would pack quite a wallop as one may imagine. In other words it really hurts magic

A large gash ran up the golem?s side from Vex's arc slash pouring more foul black gas from it. The tentacles all drooped that were intact still as the Necro golem was losing substance for now. The slash wound beginning to mend once more. Irvine rent large chunks out of the creature.

Vex looked toward the spell-weaving woman not far off now. ". . .Why is she not sealing this creature? Can she even do so?" He asked idly before he repeated his previous gesture, this time generating multiple phase slashes with similar effects as the beast.

The 7th sigil was now set in the center of the banishing array. The whole array chimed and pulsed white as it drew on the Godess Canis. It began to spin and rotate rapidly as the spell began to send out binding energy first to create a containment field. Seven points of holy energy began to form around the base of the golem. Radiating with the energy of a Godess, the ground thrummed with ancient power.

Those chunks and now the slashes added to the Necro golem were reducing it to a near deflated state.

Lines of power erupted from the points of holy energy along the base, starting the sealing process. "Get out of there, now!" Ammy yelled at Irvine.

Irvine?s combat awareness was pretty well honed and he reacted to the shout almost immediately pulling out the second of his blades before hopping of the side and rolling away. He quickly got on his feet and ran down the alley sheathing his blades

Seeing as his abilities were no longer needed, at least for the moment, Vex dispelled his power, sheathing his armaments within his coat. As he turned to leave, he looked back to the two as they continued their assault and their attempts to seal the golem. "I envy you... Blessed with such power..." he murmured. That said, he leapt up and over the opposite side of the building, quietly vanishing into the night streets unbeknownst to them.

A moment later and the sealing took. A flash of holy light, and the creature vanished. Banished from existence.

The Necro Golem was defeated, but in the distance echoed in the alley way. "Foolish sister. Don't pat yourself so readily on the back after defeating one little pet. Next time I'll leave more than a gash on your leg and a hoard of undead to play with."

Ammy dropped to her knees, angel wings flickering a bit then fizzling out. It seems she used her one favor with Canis for the time being up. Another spell like that will take some time to charge up again. A glance up at the echoing voice. "It doesn't have to be this way Mako!" she shouted back into the rainy night sky. "Just accept that I am not human anymore. Please? Just accept that your sister isn't human anymore!"

Irvine looked back and watched the fireworks. He looked up to Ammy. "You know.... I totally could have handled that myself you know....." Irvine proceeded to carefully remove the arrow from his back. "Only thing that got me was the crazy guy with the..... cough...." Irvine grabbed hold of his chest and began to heavily cough and wheeze.... Now that the adrenaline had gone down he realized he could hardly breathe. He propped himself up against the wall with his other hand as he continued to cough his lungs up. The glow from his claws faded

"No sister. I always take what I set my eyes on. You are human sister. Your soul is. I will have it back. Put you in a real body and we will rule our homeland once more. Have a good night sister." Mako?s voice was cold and filled with malice as it faded away.

Ammy sighed. Why did she get celestial blessed with the psychotic twin brother with a mental disorder? Stiffly she walked down the stone steps that were magically created in the wall. Touching the alley floor the steps slid back. Her transmutation powers having reached the end of their duration until cast again. "You okay?" she asked Irvine.

?Not.... really.... We beastkin are usually pretty damn resistant.... I have gotten pretty damn careless.... even if I?m resistant it?s still going to get to me eventually..... I breathed in too much nasty gas from that thing....." He started to cough again. "Are you injured? Do you need healing?"

"I'll be fine." Ammy said, not worried about her health for once. She fished something from a belt pouch. "Here, take this. A strong Cure Disease and Heal potion. It'll help you get over what you've breathed in. I can't stay any longer here I am afraid. My brother loves multiple targets and bystanders. He's mental. So I must go now."

"Well... seen as you offered." Irvine proceeded to gulp down the bottle all in one swallow. "Hay.... don?t go off.... we just fought together and we don?t even know each other?s names. Besides, I am not in danger.... I am sure I can handle whatever he can throw at me."

"My name is Ammy." She said with a smile.

"Irvine... Irvine Raidinski. I had a bunch of titles but I guess they are meaningless now...." He hands Ammy the bottle back. It?s good to recycle. He grabs hold of his sash and looks at it for a moment and sighs. "I am sort of new around here.... I Saved my world..... and then there was a flash of light and I found myself here. I have mostly been enjoying my retirement..... that was the first bit of real trouble I have encountered in a while.?

"Well then how about a trip to the Glenn and out of this garbage then?" Ammy offered him a paw that was all marbled stone.

Irvine took her hand with both his hands. "Golemic implants? You have not had any urges to steal peoples organs have you?" He proceeds to examine the hand. It looks better than the implants those crazy people he encountered previously had

Touching Ammy?s paw, poof they'd teleport to the Glen.

Ama'el nodded softly. "Thank you..ma'am." She would join them on their walk. "It would be a great pleasure." She had been taught manners and good posture, her movements are graceful as well, she would smile at the opportunity.

"Follow me then Ladies." Elinor said and with grace and elegance moved across the busy marble courtyard of Halloween festivities and dancing. She led them to a side garden that was visible to all patrons with sitting benches, but far enough from the music and chatting to make shouting not necessary. Talus was soon following them with glasses of Ice Wine. "What is your name miss?" She asked Ama'el?

Ammy followed along, less elegance and grace in her walk and more military stride like her father that followed them.

Ama'el thought for a moment and smiled. "Ama'el Niydeen" Using the name she had been given so long ago by those who had raised her, she would settle onto a bench, leaving plenty of room as she smoothed her skirts.

Ammy heard the name and smiled. It sounded lovely. She took a seat on the other side of Ama'el leaving plenty of room for Elinor between them and adjusted her sword for comfort.

Elinor sat on the bench and last and reclined in style. "I see. Well then, Ama'el, I am Elinor, and this Gwenyvere." She motioned to Ammy, though her glowing blue eyes slitted a moment. Talus stepped up and handed a thin, stem glass full of light blue Ice Wine to each of the ladies. Elinor took her wine, sipped it, then looked at Ammy. "Or should I call you Ammy?"

Ammy took the offered wine and it chilled her further than usual when she heard Elinor use her real name. Of course, the magical test and all of the barriers Elinor went through. Ammy bowed her head a moment and nodded. "Yes, my name is truly Ammy and not Gwenyvere." She sipped more wine.

Ama'el paused a moment and took the glass from Talus, those near glowing blue eyes with their starburst encircled pupils would stare at him for a second or so before she smiled. "Thank you..sir" She took a slow sip and listened to their conversation.

Talus would then slip away from the ladies and stand by the entry of the side garden and drink from his tankard, bored once more. The ladies would talk of magic, a subject he knew little of or cared about as long as he wasn't hit by it. He watched the dancing nobles and politicians then watched the anthro felines and anthro canines now coming out with foods and deserts and more wines for another round of festivities. Talus watched the anthros with deep regret.
We created those poor people and what did we do? Put them into servitude and bound them in collars. And the nobles wonder why they rebel and fight us? Talus snorted into his tankard and drank more ale. He toyed with the thought of freeing a servant or two in public but that would not only get him in trouble but many whispered rumors of his involvement with Elinor. So now he must fight and act like he hated anthro rebels when he'd rather cheer them on.

"Now that true names are out, how are you two truly feeling? I am sensing you both are anxious? Do you find the upset between the two mage houses so keenly even on a festival night?" Elinor asked.

A yellow portal opened up near where Ammy and Alma'el were. Out of it came Amauri dressed in a nice black suite and dress shoes. Some days he liked to dress nice. The portal would close behind him and he looked around. "Ooo, fancy. Wonder if they have coffee here, too?" Though he wouldn't be heard or seen by the locals since he came in wanting to be only an observer, but Ama'el and Ammy would certainly be able to see and hear him. Amauri looked around looking for Ammy and not seeing her. "Hm."

A few ringlets of platinum hair with its almost glowing red elegantly placed and combed streaks, fell down over her shoulders as she took another drink, she lowered her glass and caught sight of the anthros, then the portal opened nearby and Ama'el could feel that it was concealed by magic...she also watched as the strange fox came through...she swallowed the ice wine that was verging on choking her and gave a little cough, but brushed it off. "...the whole matter has bothered me for quite some time ma'am." She tried to be truthful, though it was a different time she worried over-

"And you Ammy?" Elinor asked with arched brow.

Ammy touched her tattooed forehead in thought wondering what to say, if any of it would make sense. "I have always resented the feeling of being used as a tool for possible destruction quite honestly. The training the battle mages are subjected to is brutal. The expectations are too high, and I feel the agendas of higher powers bode ill." Ammy spoke plainly about her general feelings on her whole life being raised as a magical weapon for Humara.

Though as Amauri stood there he felt the energies of not one, but two people that do not originate in this place. He looked at the directions they came from and stood there staring at the girls. Now he didn't know which one was Ammy and if Ammy brought someone with her. Amauri felt awkward now. Maybe he could pause the timeline for a moment and figure out who is who? Although, he didn't want to be rude and interrupt what was happening

Elinor thought about what Ammy had said. "If you feel so strongly against what the Hammer of Aethar is doing, why not leave? Join the Tower and help us put them down before they bring magic into this war."

"I did once, Elinor, but they... drug me back into the order you could say." Ammy sipped her wine more.

Ama'el listened to Ammy, so she was a battle mage, she had seen them come and go...she heard Elinor then and was about to interrupt, perhaps say something along the lines about..what she had been trying to do in her time, but then she thought better of it and stopped, she knew...history well... she caught herself staring at her mother.

Talus half listened to their conversation. "Honestly why can't you all just find a way to lock violent magic away." He muttered and sipped more ale. He scowled as he caught sight of a feline anthro being whipped by a royal guard for spilling a tray of drinks. Rumbling in his chest, he kept his hand off of his sword and looked the other way.

Amauri move over to where the ladies were and sat down near Ama'el quietly and relaxed resting a leg over another. He wouldn't say anything but just sat there. He noticed that man seemed pretty lonely, too and troubled. More thoughts. Hmm...

Oh how she wished she could tell Elinor that war magic was coming whether she would live to see it or not and her daughter was going to be at the head of that charge, bravely leading it with all the foolish none sense drilled into her head. She bit her lip. Or how Mako would incite more wars. This whole family would be soaked in blood! That thought hammered at her head making her mind spin a moment. She leaned back not used to this.

Elinor glanced at Ammy. "Ammy are you feeling ill? You look troubled? I don't mean to force your hand or loyalties to my cause, but as Witch of the Cirus Star, the mages of Humara are in my best interest and peace is what I want. We have warriors trained for this fight.... a fight not necessary."

Ama'el heard the flick and snap of the whip but overlooked it. She felt tired and knew she had duties and proposals to attend too in the morning...the night was going on quickly, she reached into a pocket and took out a small device that looked like a pocket watch, it is sliver plated and once she opened it, there were multiple faces, for multiple uses, she glanced at it and read what she wanted then closed it- "The fight isn't necessary...though people must listen." She spoke softly.

Talus snorted hearing Elinor. "Good luck convincing the king and the High Council that we don't need the war. The lands are worked and in good order. Why can't we give civil liberties to the anthros? Have they not deserved it instead of those damned collars?"

"I'll be fine Elinor. Too much wine perhaps." She lied. A glance to Ama'el though. This woman had a lot of interesting things to say and she felt like she's seen her maybe. A brief glimpse in a window or past a door. The memories failed her.

Elinor gave a scared look to Talus. "Guard your words Talus. The wrong people hear you and you'll be branded a traitor and publicly executed for amusement." She pleaded. She knew Talus was upset by the anthros abuse.

Amauri heard the whipping and sighed softly and got up and walked away from the girls. Hmm. Seems like everyone could use something to relax perhaps. He went somewhere to get out of site, opened up a portal in front of himself and walked through it and returned with a tray with some nice mugs of coffee and now he'd be visible to others. He'd walk out to the little group with a grin. Hope this didn't end badly. "Anyone want some coffee? It's like flippin' delicious. Help y'all relax, too."

Ama'el smiled softly and stood, turning to bow to Elinor and then to Ammy, out of being polite. "It brings me great sorrow..but I must depart". She would drain her glass slowly and carry it with her, she did watch the foxling...poor Ama'el, thought maybe she was hallucinating.

Ammy finally paid attention and saw Amauri. Crimson red eyes went wide but she didn't say a word. Coffee though sounded better than more wine. "I would like a mug kind sir." she said Amauri.

"Safe travels Ama'el. May you spell craft well and stay to the paths of peace!" Elinor called out softly. Elinor glanced to Amauri now with interest. "Well now, coffee service. This is more like it. Rarely get coffee during these boring balls. Yes, a mug for me as well and once for Talus."

Ama'el smiled at her mother and looked over her form once again..then nodded and moved past Talus, a soft hand moved to touch his shoulder, her touch was gentle. "Perhaps in time." Was all she whispered to him, hoping he would get her point before she passed by him and mingled into the crowds again.

"Farewell, Miss. And maybe your travels be safe." Amauri would smile to Ama'el. He grinned and moved on over to the girls and offered them coffee. "I know. Places that don't have coffee drive me nuts." he chuckled.

Ama'el would find a quiet spot and teleport on the aether stream, home and have dream filled sleep.

Talus watched Ama'el pass. Interesting. He felt like he should know the girl for some reason. He blamed the ale but nodded when she spoke those words then was lost in the crowd. Talus sighed and left the entry way to join Elinor and Ammy. Looking at Amauri he felt a little reckless. "Have a seat friend and rest from your work tonight."

Then he'd turn to Talus when Talus came to them and offered him some coffee. "Oh, I'm alright. I love sharing coffee with others. Have some. Ya looked troubled I'm sure it'll help you relax." Amauri wasn't really even trying to act like a servant. He really did enjoy sharing coffee.

Ammy snagged a cup of coffee and sipped for a long moment.

Talus sat, took some coffee and nodded. "Yes, quite troubled. Our nation has become something cruel and blind to that fact and those of us who can see are bound and stuck in our roles playing a part in this madness."

"Can't say I agree hearing a fellow getting whipped." Though that made Amauri think some that perhaps he should be a bit more careful. Didn't need an unsuspecting bullet to the head, but these people seemed nice enough. "I'm not bound to be shot where I'm standing at this spot am I?"

"Fath... Talus, it is truly a burden and a disease of our nation. If we push harder, couldn't you stop the fighting?" Ammy asked.

Elinor smiled at Amauri. "Hardly sir, though I wouldn't lip off to anyone out in that courtyard. Not all are open minded like us." A glance to Ammy almost hearing the word father. A small smile touching her face. She knew something when she tested Ammy but wasn't saying just what.

Talus glanced to Ammy for a moment at the near saying of Father? The man was confused slightly but sipped more coffee. "I am but a warrior trying to beat against a divided house of mages. I am like a little pebble dropped in a vast ocean. Meaningless and forgotten. One day though, perhaps my children will make a difference." He sipped more coffee.

Oh that sent a wildfire of energy zinging through her spine. Oh father, your children have made a difference... for the worse. Oh how I wish I could change the events that happen. She gave Amauri a saddened look in her crimson eyes. A look of understanding now. I can know them, speak with them, love them, but nothing will change. Nothing.

Elinor sighed. "Talks off strife and politics aside, on to a lighter topic. Ammy, are you married by chance? Have a family? Heirs at all?"

"Oh, no worries, Ma'am. I'm as polite as I can be, though the caffeine usually gets to me some days and I get a little hyper." Amauri grinned. Then he saw Ammy's saddened look and got a little worried for her. At least he could tell it was Ammy now given that she was the only person here and she did mention she had a human form, too. Maybe the red hair is a bit of a giveaway too.

Ammy blinked away the saddened look. "Yes Elinor. I am married. Three children and a grandchild as well. Will you be marrying anytime soon?"

Elinor smiled, looked to Talos and grinned. "Marriage maybe, though the one I love would be considered unfit for me because of mere Rank and Family Blood Line. But I do love him."

A sip of her coffee some more. "Perhaps a bit of moonlighting magic then?" Ammy hinted barely avoiding a blush mentioning that her parents would have trysts and perhaps children outside of marriage.

"Moonlight. Always a very nice romantic time no matter where you are or where you go." Amauri grinned.

Talus chuckled. "Ammy is a sharp one Elinor." He grinned.

"Yes very sharp." Elinor raised that eyebrow again. In the courtyard the music slowed down and the tolling of midnight rang out. Elinor looked out to the courtyard and sighed. "Soon I'll be expected to perform the annual banishing spells before the sniveling snots and then I won?t have a moment's rest till dawn." Rubbing her neck she looked to Talus. "Talus, fetch a camera dear for a picture. I'd like to give Ammy a memento to show any who sneer at her unproven bloodline that she knows me personally."

Talus nodded and stood walking out of the side garden to acquire the needed camera.

Ammy blinked in surprise. "Elinor, you honor me too much. Thank you for the offer of the photo. I wish we could talk more but I understand duties are duty. Out of curiosity though, if you were to have children what would you name them?"

"Things sure do seem tense around here." He'd move to sit down on a bench not far from them. Amauri didn't want to invade their personal space.

"Loraine if it was a girl, perhaps Gregor for a boy. You seem very interested in my opinion about family Ammy."

Sipping more coffee, Ammy smiled nervously. "Ah, well just a mother curious to know how a future mother would go about things. I can only assume you and Talus may actually go all the way and reproduce?"

"Pretty names you'd like to name your kids, Ma'am." Amauri would say with a smile to Elinor.

Elinor laughed softly. "Oh, the times he has bedded me I am not surprised I am not already with children. But yes, we would like to reproduce Ammy." She smiled to Amauri. "Thank you sir. And the coffee is excellent."

Soon Talus came back to the side garden with the camera as requested. "Better make this fast love, they are setting up the stage for your rituals."

Elinor sighed, stood with regal grace and offered a slender hand to Ammy. A look to Amauri. "Do you know how to work a camera?"

"You're welcome. I know places that make some amazing coffee. Love going to them." He'd have his own mug of coffee from that tray. Then looked back over from the question. "I sure do. Want me to take a picture of the three of you?"

Ammy stood and looked at her mother and father for a moment sipping more coffee.

Elinor smiled. "Yes, exactly sir. You are a true gentleman. Talus hand him them camera and then come join us." Elinor stood next to Ammy, taller that her by a foot. Tallus would hand Amauri the camera and step to the other side of Ammy, a foot shorter than her.

Ammy blinked and just smiled and stood in the middle, holding her cup of coffee, looking casual for someone who was back in time drinking coffee with her dead parents.

"I do my best, Ma'am." He'd take the camera and examine it for a moment and smile as he held it up and aimed it at the three of them. "Give me some big happy smiles for the picture." Amauri would say to them with a grin.

Ammy smiled.

Elinor and Talus smiled as well. The camera was a Polaroid model that would spit out a photo when it was taken.

Amauri would take a couple pictures having in mind maybe to give one to Ammy and the other Elinor and Talus could share. He'd hold the camera in one hand and then the two photos in the other. "Is two good? Maybe one for Misses Ammy here and another for you to share sir and ma'am?"

Elinor smiled. "Perfect." She took one picture and the camera, gave the other photo to Ammy and looked to Talu. "We must be off now." A look to Ammy. "I do hope you have a wonderful night but duty calls. Nice to meet you Ammy Spiritor." And with that Elinor and Talus walked off into the growing crowds and were soon swallowed up.

Ammy accepted the photo, watched them leave and sat back down on the bench. She stared at the photo in disbelief.

Amauri looked to Ammy now when the others walked off and moved to sit down beside her. "They're very nice and caring people." He'd say softly with a smile to her.

Oh his words started the tears Ammy held in check to flow down her cheek. "I.. had no idea how much I am like them.." She wiped tears from her cheeks.

Amauri would reach an arm over to give her a little hug. "Well, sometimes children can be a lot like their parents even if they don't know them. It's always something special." He'd rub her back.

Ammy nodded, put the photo with care into the pouch on her belt like it was gold. She was crystallizing it and preserving it for all time when she got home. "Time to go home." she said with a sniffle. She really didn't want to but she knew what could only happen if she stayed and the history to come. Standing she fished out a green orb of portal energy and activated it. She stepped through it and walked back onto the marble courtyard of the White Lotus Pavilion.

Once back in the Rhydin realm she reversed her spell and she was Lupinossai Ammy was more. She wept feeling the return of her fur, ears, and tail, the senses she was robbed as a Humaran. Didn't realize how much she had grown used to being a Lupinossai and how much her soul, now synchronized with the body felt alien in the Humaran body. Her brother would drive her insane if he put her back into a Humaran body.

Amauri would follow Ammy quickly through the portal and walk beside her. "Sometimes when I visit past times I'd like to stay around, too. I even sometimes visit the old lady who taught me this magic."

Ammy nodded to Amauri. "Would... would you walk me home please? This has all been so much..." she said a bit phased and teary.

"Of course, Misses Ammy. I'd be glad to." Amauri would smile at her and stay by her side. As he'd walk her home he'd maybe try to say a few cheesy jokes or sing a funs song or two to hopefully cheer her up.

Ammy would walk home with him and he did manage to make her cheer up.