The morning was warm and sunny. Fleet lay there resting, feeling his energy slowly come back to him. His body was exhausted, but his mind was working away on what had happened last night.
"Did I really start the spark of a Lupinossi Empire?" He thought to himself. All I offered was trade between my realm and Lord Brutins Slaver's Association.
One item for trade was slaves. The 'slaves' in question were prisoners from several failed revolts. He saw nothing wrong with selling fellow Lupinossi to Lord Brutin. He knew many of them, and would rather see them fighting for Lord Brutin as indentured troops to be freed when they had earned it. Most would not have a problem with that arrangement either as they were seasoned warriors who rallied under the cause of an ignorant commander or loyalist.
The other item for trade was the Sealing Collars that HQ had ordered him to place on Ammy's neck. Lord Brutin found the ability to command the wearer to physically obey valuable. That ability was easy, but he wanted magic negation as well with these collars. An option, as far as he knew from Ammy's notes, was still not entirely possible yet. It's easy to negate what you know is out there already.
"I'll have to talk to Ammy about putting her magic negation research into the collars. Which means Brutin will have to wait for a bit to get the fully operational collars. And I still need to contact High Council with the decisions made. When did I fall from care free scout to diplomatic merchant." He muttered to himself.
He rubbed his silver gray muzzle with a paw and threw the covers off. He swung his digitigrade feet over the side of the bed. A walking cane mockingly looked at him from the bedside. He hated how weakened he became when he lost his Deity powers. The medics told him he would regain full mobility when his body had fully recovered from the drain of healing Ammy. He grimaced at that sacrifice.
"My life and soul for one who has two souls at war with each other." He thought ruefully. He stood shakily and slipped into his familiar warrior tunic and hakema. There was a naked emptiness on his left hip where his katana used to be. It was now safely held by Hex with the strongest shard of Ammy the Chaotic's soul trapped in it. He would have to find a replacement weapon as his melee skills are useless till he was fully recovered.
Limping over to the desk in the room Lord Brutin allowed him, he picked up a black soul gem slightly smaller than a fist his size and spoke to it.
"High Council, this Fleet of Den Wolf. Lord Brutin has viewed the offer with enthusiasm. He wishes to purchase all prisoners and 50 sealing collars. He wishes to have magic negation added to these collars. I know your facility lacks the ability to fulfill this request as Ryhdin's magic is a mix of all types." He said.

*Ah, Fleet. Nice to hear back from you. I trust you are healing well? It's not everyday that one sells everything for one soul. I hope she's worth it. As to your business at hand. We will send the reports of all types on hand, the price, and when we can deliver. Let Lord Brutin know that we will need to adjust our realm jump procedures to accommodate such a large quantity of goods. We will be sending envoys with each shipment to make sure they arrive intact. We also request you be present for each shipment. We don't want our envoys too overwhelmed by a new realm.
As to the collars. We will send the basic model with the Command function and allow it fully modifiable for the adjustments on your side.*

"Thank you High Council. I would like to make one other request. It is a personal request."

*We will allow it this once. Remember, you no longer have any ruling authority over us.*

The reply stung Fleet, but he kept his calm. "I wish to request a Lupinossi Wolf's Angel Katana. My previous sword has been entrusted with the soul of Ammy the Chaotic in it.."

*We can provide that easily. Good day Fleet of Den Wolf. The gem will etch the reports when you are ready.*

Fleet placed several sheets of paper on the desk and held the gem over it. It etched Lupinossi glyphs on the paper. He groaned. He would have to translate it for Lord Brutin. Once the gem was finished, he poured some water and sat down to translate making sure no mistakes were made.
He would next find Ammy and talk with her on the collar modifications and then see Lord Brutin. But for now, translation must happen and food.

Brutin sat back and took the proffered glass from Nadine and watched as she got back up and back to the bar, her very short plaid skirt, white button up blouse, stockings and oxfords signaled Dpoc's decision to change her out of her pink slave dress. Brutin had not come up with new clothing for her since taking her jeans and tee away from her for her antics in the Dragon.

Rishi sat staring hungrily at Ammy while Hex stared at Rishi. Alae was baking up the usual treats in the kitchen toiling away for others. Fleet sat at the table with him while just outside the door of the Kurii Brutin could see Ammy and Steet talking quietly.

"Why become an Alpha? A leader?" Brutin said finally and Fleet sipped his juice and listened intently with a nod. "There is power in leadership, a symbiotic relationship between those who rule and those who serve. But it is not what you think. It is a good thing to have people at your beck and call when you need them. But the trade off is that for every day and every moment your responsibility is to take care of them, so that when that one moment comes, they are there for you." He said and watched his people.

"But a true leader is always mindful of those around him, ever watchful. It is an arduous task but when someone attacks you and the room literally fills up and people come from as far away as the Compound to help defend you....there is no better feeling and those long hours of caring for them make it all worth it." Fleet considered that for a moment and Brutin watched him struggle with the dilemma.

"And if I wanted to create my own pack?" Fleet asked and Brutin smiled.

"Be sure you are willing to do so and then step in and do it. Do not hesitate."

I learned my first lesson in being an alpha tonight. I thought I could lead in civilian affairs. I boldly relieved Ammy of her demon and harbored it for it to be dealt with later. It was a plan that would have worked, but I found as an Alpha, if you don't consider all paths, you fail. I wasn't ready for Rishi's actions and the demon got loose.

I know a lot of rumors are flying around that I failed, that I used my prior experience as a deity to do something foolish. I will not deny these rumors. I will say though, that I would do anything for my mate. I must be sure though that when I do, to consider all paths. I was forced to sit and watch the battle at the Shaved Kurrii, as my body was still weak, my deity powers gone, and a walking cane at hand for defense. I felt not like an Alpha, but a powerless, useless puppy.

I sit by Ammy now and stroke her cheek. She paid dearly to help Rishi overcome the demon. Her arm is shattered, and she still sleeps. The pain no doubt was great. Hex was working on a new arm for her, but he wasn't sure how well that will go as rumors flooded back to him that Lord Brutin placed him in charge of the compound and ran off after Rishi.

Ammy stirs in sleep and looks so innocent. Hard to believe she housed the Demon of Chaos inside her. Now without Chaos, she seemed peaceful finally. "How am I to ever lead a pack, much less an empire that seems to spark chaos and tragedy at every corner. It'll kill me quick I just know it." He mused to himself.

Checking Ammy's vital signs, and reassured that they were stable, he left her a note about where he would be, gave her another sedative dose of pain relief, and stepped for a night to muse over his thoughts. He may go the Shaved Kurrii if people will want him there, or maybe the Red Dragon Inn.

"Leadership. A path with many forks, bridges, and dead ends. Pitfalls and potholes aplenty and your enemies seem to overcome these obstacles easily."

I didn't make it to my room before dawn broke. I came across Street Wolf. He was focused on training. He had been honing his skill with the weaponry and tactics Hex's men would use.

He would need the training. The prisoners would arrive in 3-4 more days. I just stood there and watched him practice. He oblivious he had a spectator.

When more soldiers appeared to start there morning training rituals as well, I continued on to my room. 3 hours had passed watching Street and the intense training. I felt tired and was only watching.

My paws took me down the halls and to my room. They were almost trained to take me there without thought. I opened the door and the warmth and smells greeted me. The smell of Ammy was there as well. She was still in bed, and I felt very relaxed and at home.

I dropped the packs by the desk. Laying the wrapped sword on the desk top, I stripped my uniform off. The bed looked very inviting. I had been up several nights in a row talking with Hex and watching him create a new arm for Ammy. Now my head was working on the trade envoys that would be appearing regularly. My head felt fuzzy. My body was now taking control and telling me to sleep.

I slid in under the covers. Ammy's presence was reassuring. I brushed her left forelock that loved to rebel any brushing, and gave her a kiss. As I settled down, her scent lulled me to sleep.

I arrived at top speed just outside the compound to screaming and howling. My nose told me blood was shed several hundred feet before I reached them. Hex was close behind.

I could hear struggling ensuing. When we arrived, 2 of the Den Steel envoys were dead, and so were 10 prisoners.

"Stay your arms! Those are my prisoners Envoys of Den Steel. You will not shed anymore blood!" I howled 50 feet away from them.

They turned from there sport of killing prisoners and looked at me. 8 pairs of green and gold eyes gleamed at me. Not a single weapon was without blood on it. My hackles raised and my sword was out singing its own song.

"Hex, Captain Street! We have a fight on our hands!" Fleet howled and sent his blade to whip mode and lanced the lead Den Steel Envoy through the heart.

The machine followed in Fleet's wake, but it's sensoria ranged far ahead of the male, already assessing the situation: ten of Lord Brutin's new aquisitions were dead, while two of the ten guards lay still as well.

Hex unlocked it's combat systems, the scythe-blades unfolding even before the trio arrived. Fleet didn't even give the guards time to surrender, impaling the first Lupinossi he reached. So be it, every one of them would die this night.

As the machine slid to a stop, it's metal legs screeching on the stone, one of Hex's scythe blades sung out, the suprised lupine's expression frozen in place as his head left his body behind. Hex was turning even as the body fell, it's movements becoming almost a blur to organic eyes. As the guards began to realize their situation, they started to fall back towards the new prisoners. Several loud pops signalled Street's attack, and another Lupinossi went down, another clutching her shoulder.

Hex moved in, four arms reaching out. One scythe sunk deep into the belly of another male, while the other scythe severed an arm of another female. Both screamed as they were thrown back behind the machine.
The other two arms reached out to grab a third male by the shoulders, and the Shock Rods impaled him. His scream was silenced as nearly fourty thousand volts of electricty coursed through his body, his fur smoldering and his clothing alighting. He too was cast aside as Hex turned to the last remaining guard.

While Fleet had dealt with one of the guards Hex had wounded, and Street another, the last uninjured guard had fallen back into the prisoners, and now held a female hostage with his sword at her throat.

"Back away! You want them alive, you'll have to garrantee my safety. I'm going back to Lupinoss, and this one is coming with me for insurance!"

He was terrified. His comrades had been cut down in only a few seconds, and he was determined to get out of this alive. Hex held up a humanoid hand as Street raised his pistols to fire, then the machine strode slowly towards the hostage-taker, one step at a time.

#You have harmed the rightful property of Lord Brutin and the Slaver Association. For this I have been given only one punishment, death. However, if you release her immediately, I will ensure you return to your world alive. If you do not, your death will be slower than the rest.# The machine's insectoid head glanced briefly at the lifeless corpses littering the ground, then back to the panicked guard.

The guard's sword was already shaking, but he seemed to consider Hex's offer. Finally he simply nodded and shoved the girl away towards the rest of the prisoners. The very instant the female was out of danger, Hex was in motion. It's earlier slow steps brought it almost to striking distance, and now just like the praying mantis Hex resembled, the machine lunged in a fraction of a second.
The casings which normally hid Hex's scythes were closed, so when the upper limbs lanced out and hooked over the Lupinossi's shoulders, the arms were not severed when the arms retracted. Like a nutcracker, the upper limbs closed on the male's shoulders, pinning him instantly and cutting off the circulation to his hands, and his sword fell to the ground as the lupine stared in terror right into Hex's 'face'.

#I gave you my word. You will return to your world alive, but you will never wield a weapon again. You will inform your leaders, your comrades, and anyone who will listen that those who betray the Association will be dealt with... harshly.#
And with that Hex increased the pressure until the man's shoulder-blades gave, a sickening pop and crunch as his arms were dislocated, followed by the screams of pain. As Hex started to release the lupine, the blade casings retracted and a final movement of the limbs severed the lupines hands at the wrist. It was at this point that the man simply passed out from shock.

The machine let the still living body fall to the ground, then turned to Street. #Go to Suede's clinic and get the Medics. I want this man to survive his injuries. He is to be returned to Lupinoss to deliver my message.#

Then the machine shook the blood from it's weapons and returned to civillian mode, turning to address the squad of compound guards which had responded to Hex's silent call. #Soldier, escort these prisoners to the wing of the slave pens set aside for the Legion. Any wounds are to be tended to and they are to be fed well. Tomorrow they begin their training for the Legion of Chain.#

Finally, Hex turned at last to Fleet. The new Alpha looked around at the scene, then the machine. No words were exhanged, but volumes were spoken. Hex simply nodded and began it's walk back to the compound.

It was cold this morning. First time I have been witness to a rain shower in Rhydin. It seems the rain decided to share Ammy's emotions. His pillow was wet from her tears.

They had left the Shaved Kurrii last night, and headed for their room. He would give her a night to remember. Then a medic came running up to us. He told us that the envoy was very stable and being irate. I thanked him for the report and told him to dose the envoy with Ketamine Valium cocktail at about 3ccs. It would relax the envoy and keep him out of trouble till the morning.

We continued on to our room. Ammy was wagging her tail and her hips swayed so seductively. I would have been under her seduction and love in an instant, but the medics meeting had started events for me. I told her to run along into the shower and I would be there. She giggled and rushed into the shower room, her uniform mystically being shed like winter fur.

I waited till she started the water and then I began to check my equipment. I reviewed my Realms Points carefully. And before I joined her, tried to contact Cinna via my soulgem but would not receive a signal. I tossed the gem back into my pack and collected my gear on the desk.

Ammy was singing now. A melody called Naughty, ******, Me, by a long dead singer known as Tata Young. He chuckled to himself. She was enjoying the mp3 player he had traded for on his one trip to the earth realm. I unlatched my sword, laid it on the desk, and stepped out of my Hakama. I carefully folded it onto the chair. In retrospect, Ammy was right. I needed more than just the bottom of my warrior garb. I will need replacement wear when I arrive.

A glimpse of Ammy's body in the shower shoved the thoughts aside. I could think on this in the morning. For now, she needs me.

Well morning came and here I am walking through the mud to Suede's Clinic. The medics were happy to se me coming. The envoy was awake and ready to leave. I asked for some privacy with the Lupinossi. When they left, I looked him straight in his golden eyes.

"You have caused me a lot of trouble. Now we go home and sort this out, and you are going to behave me." I said in a low menacing Alpha growl.

*And what makes you think I will? My Den will have you killed as soon as we arrive for killing my brothers and sisters in arms." The envoy shot back.

"You will not have a choice in this. And if it comes to a blood bath, you will be the first to fall as you cannot pick up a weapon." I sad flatly. Then I pulled out Ammy's command collar that I had painstakingly put back together.

The envoy just stared in horror as I clicked the collar around his neck and the unlocked his shackled feet.

"Now then, my pet. Let's go." I said in command, and he followed my unwillingly.

We walked to the compound in silence. The Realms Hopping mantra and method being reviewed and repeated in my head. Then I remembered why Ammy was crying. She wanted to come with me not because she missed home. She wanted to go to make sure I didn't die like the old Fleet.

I firmly, yet softly told her no and why. I let her cry that night. There wasn't any other way to explain it.

We arrived and I shoved all thoughts out of my head. Appointing Lupinossi Glyhps in key areas in the air in front of me, I spoke the Realm Hopping Command.

"Dia Lupinre Passri tel Lupinosse sol Ryhdinrae. Proctetrae Soultre Lupre."
As I spoke the fabric of the realms split open.

"Come Pet. We have business." I said and we strode through the realms gate home.

Street looked at the 490 prisoners standing at attention in the compound. They were given a full nights rest. Healed and tended to. Fed a decent meal which most looked like they never had in years. Their condition in body was alarming. They were skinny, their fur patchy, and they looked beaten. But their eyes. Those eyes said other wise.

Street knew those eyes. Those were the eyes he used to wear in Lupinoss when he was leading his troops. They said a simple message, "Beat us, trample us, and as soon as you turn your back or let your guard down, you die!"

Good. They had fight in them. As for their bodies, that was something they could fix in time. For now, he needed to get his troops started on their paths to victory in battle.

He strolled across the compound to stand in front of them. A few of the SA sentries watched in bored curiosity. He stopped right in front of the prisoners, the stared at the first row, the to the next. He cleared his throat.

"Lads and Lassies, today you are privileged to stand here not as prisoners but recruits for a new future. Ye can thank your saviour Fleet of Den Wolf for making arrangements with our wonderful Lord Brutin to accept you into his army the Legion of Chain. Now listen up. You all are not free Lupinossi, yet. But you can be. Here are the conditions. You will fight for Lord Brutin and follow all commands he orders, or the orders of our Supreme Commander, Hex, or my orders. Once Ye have fought for 10 years, you will be free having fought for your freedom." He stated loud and clearly. He let his words sink in for a minute.

The prisoners looked to each other then to Street. The looks said it all. They weren't cattle and they realized that their predicament was better here than back home.

"Now then. I will be you Captain in this army. I am Street of Den Wolf. I am from a different Lupinossi time. I used to command the Armies of Wolf's Blood Fangs, and I will lead an army of New Fangs starting this day. Now then Lads and Lass', lets sort you all out. How many of Ye can fight with sword?" He asked loudly.

175 Lupinossi howled out in unison.

"Stand to the right of the group then in ranks of 3 by 50 deep." Street ordered. "How many can fight with spear, heavy arms, or lances?"

120 Lupinossi howled out in unison.

"Stand to the left of the group in ranks of 4 by 30 deep." He barked out.

"Any archers among Ye?" He asked.

100 Lupinossi howled out in unison.

"Fall back from the group in ranks of 4 by 25 deep." He barked again.

"Any healers?" Again came his bark.

20 Lupinossi howled out in unison.

"Step forward in to ranks of 5 by 4 deep." He ordered.

75 prisoners now stood in the center and looked at him. He walked up the group for a personal inspection. "How many know Luprikai?" He asked.

35 Lupinossi howled out in unison.

"Good. Step to the left a bit into ranks of 5 by 7 deep. And do we have any Magi in our group?" He asked.

12 Lupinossi howled out in unison.

"Step to the right into ranks of 4 by 3 deep." He watched as they passed by. He reminded himself that he has no grudge with these magi.

He looked at the remaining 28 Lupinossi. They all had wings and were between 2-4 feet tall. "What are Ye able to do Lads and Lassies?" He asked.

"Scouting!" They howled back.

"Good. Ranks of 4 by 7 deep." He barked. He then commenced a personal inspection of all ranks of all the groups. This proceeded into the day.

The troops marched well, fought well with each other, and had adapted to their roles and equipment faster than expected. The gift of fighting to earn the freedom gave them a blazing spirit to learn.

Street grinned in satisfaction. Fleet would be proud of the troops to serve him when they were released in 10 years. Hex may be proud as well if a robot could feel that emotion. He was beginning to wonder about Hex. He didn't act like a normal machine and he remembered Rishi's statement about him developing personality.

He would be reporting to Hex in a day that the troops were ready. Then a chill wind blew in on the compound in the form of 10 Lupinossi. They marched in under the power of something else. The all had collars on them that looked like one that Fleet put on Ammy. When they marched in, Street had a good demonstration of the range of emotions his troops possessed.

They ranged from wonder to sheer hatred. This was not good. A fighting den with internal chaos tears itself apart at the first chance. He approached the ten Lupinossi.

The lead Lupinossi just stared at him and stopped moving.

"Who are you, and why are you here?" He asked sternly.

The just looked at him. A Lupinossi in the ranks broke silence and spoke.

*They will not be able to talk Captain, sir.* she said.

He glanced at her and she shied away knowing she broke silence without permission. He would overlook the infraction this once.

"Step forward Talna, and explain what you know of them." He barked.

Talna marched up to Street and turned to face the 10 Lupinossi.

*They wear collars of command and are unable to talk till they are removed. Only the collarer can remove them. As for their identity. These are, or were the elders on our council of Lupinoss. I recognize them from my trial for treason. And two of them appear to be high nobles of Den Steel. This is all I know Captain." She saluted and remained at attention quietly.

Street thought on this. Elders? Nobles? Why here? Who sent them? He sniffed the air and caught a faint scent of Fleet Wolf on them.

"That explains this somewhat." He thought. He noticed the other troops were still displaying more emotions than allowed.

"Attention Lads and Laddies. These are new recruits. No scowling allowed. I want you all to be in control of yer temper. I can see why ye might hate these Laddies here. But, they are here. Talna! Take them to restraining cells for now and I placing you in charge of guarding them. I am going to have a talk with our Alpha Fleet Wolf. The rest of you, return to training. Commander Hex will want us soon, I can sense it. So let us remain sharp!" He barked, then left the compound.

It was not often that Hex was called away from the front lines of the Phaesia war to attend to matters back on Rhydin, however over the last few weeks, since before Verishia had left to confront Lar Jerrod, Hex had become what some might call paranoid.
Almost one in ten guards at the compound regularly reported to the machine anything that was out of order or unusual. Anything that Hex could not witness itself, but would want to know about, was passed through the supply gates to the mechanical Commisar.
So it was that Hex had received word that Fleet's return with Den Steel elders had disrupted Street's Lupinossi troops. Hex had hoped that the matter would be resolved quickly and quietly, but tonight's events seemed to indicate otherwise. Hex returned to Rhydin to see to this personally.

As soon as Hex crossed the Gate in it's scorpion body, a soldier rushed up and pointed the way to the guest quarters building, to the wing set aside by Brutin for Fleet and his Lupinossi.
The mechanical scorpion was hard to miss as it scuttled along the compound's yard, spotting Fleet a moment before Hex spotted the crowd of Lupinossi surrounding the guest quarters building. Hex altered it's course to intercept Fleet before the crowd would have a chance to spot them all.
#Do you have a plan of action to deal with this, Fleet of Rhydin? Otherwise, I will be forced to conclude this matter myself.#

The ball was back in Fleet's corner, for the moment...

((OOC Note: The events dealing with the 'renegade' soldiers is posted here.))

She knew it was to early to barge in on Fleet, but she had to ask his help. She found her mother in the soul stream of mana and she asked for a soul gem. Fleet was the only one she knew from Lupinoss that had the knowledge to make one. It was 4 a.m. and he was usually asleep at his desk, but this time his light was on.

She walked in quietly and heard Tiana talking to him in Rhydinese. She had improved a lot in the last few days. She tried to hear the conversation, but they kept whispering low. She slowly approached his door and opened it. A warm glow bathed her and his scent was everywhere in the room. She felt as if she was home. No matter how many showers Fleet had, he would always smell like the Plains of Dew and the forests of Sprintar.

Fleet looked up at her suddenly and closed his book. Tiana hopped off of the desk and bowed to me then scurried away.

"I didn't mean to interrupt Fleet." my voice came out odd and quavery.

Fleet's eyebrows rose at the way my voice sounded. He tapped his claws together and then patted his knee. I always felt like a pup when he did that, but he truly enjoyed having me sit on his lap. She could put up with the subtle reminder in age. His lap was always comfy.

Fleet: "What do you need Ammy?" He asked with one eyebrow quirked up in question.

Ammy: "I..uhm....love.....I...found mother in the mana stream last night when I was casting a spell and she wants to see meagainandIneedtomakeherasoulgemrightaway...." I was speaking faster than I thought I could.

Fleet just listened as if the fast words didn't phase. Only once did his ears flatten. She knew he heard the one word she was afraid to mention. "Soul gem."

Fleet:"Soul Gem......" He rolled the word on his long tongue. He gazed at Ammy with blue eyes, a small blaze in them reflected from the fireplace. He pursed his lips then looked at his book. "We will discuss this further tomorrow love. For now, we must sleep. The morning is still early and I have been up all night tending to Den affairs." He grinned and kissed her forehead.

We stood and he laid his book on the desk and turned off the lamps. As we walked out of the office, he killed the fire touching a panel on the wall. But I knew better. His paws never touched the panel and sparked a faint metallic blue when the fire died. I just kept this to myself for the moment as we headed to bed. I can puzzle it out in my dreams later, for now, rest and recreation was at paw.