Fleet looked at the electric clock on the apartment wall. It was 4 am and the windows still showed cold starlight. Tiana, his assistant was snuggled up in his bed, now vacant of his mate Ammy.

Her name brought back to mind the nights events. As he wandered the trails of memory, his eyes fell to the desk top he was sitting by. A braided leather cat of nine tails laid by his paw. It was destined for Ammy's back in a few hours as punishment for wanting to flee life and abandon the Den.

He sighed wearily, and cradled his forehead in his right paw. Street Wolf, his somewhat loyal Beta was to be the one to administer the whipping. On hindsight, he was starting to feel that he had made a mistake in treating Ammy this way. What was he to do? He was an Alpha of a new den in a new realm. His pack looked to him for leadership, and dare he say it, the deplorable job of punishment.

His mind wandered back to last night again. Ammy had just succeeded in helping Verishia and Alae conquer a shadow spirit that possessed Gunther. At the end, Ammy slid into a coma as she pushed herself hard. He remembered doing everything in his power to keep her stable. He even went and mind walked into Gunthers head to find his soul and ask him to bring Ammy back to him. He was so afraid she wouldn't wake up.

Gunther and Verishia had managed to speak with Ammy and her mother Phoenix, but Ammy was reluctant to come back to the living. She no longer wanted pain, and was tired of being on the verge of death anytime she helped people. She even stated that we didn't even have a pack, and that my worry counted as nothing since I worried too much.

That was the first time I felt my heart shatter and grow cold. The first time I walked out on Ammy's injured form and abandoned my duties as a medic in the SA. It was also the first time for me to return and beat Ammy into submission and the collar her like a slave.

His brows furrowed. A tear glimmered in his eyes. He had lost his temper as an Alpha and has now most likely damaged the fragile trust Ammy had in him.

His thoughts were interrupted, by the door opening with no knock. He knew that only one person would enter without permission. He looked up and saw Street Wolf standing in front of him. His scowl and bared teeth showed that he had heard what had happened.

Fleet: "Have a seat Street, and I know. You're upset and I am not going to try to order you to be quiet. In fact, this discussion is between friends and not superiors." In a wearied voice.

Street: Was caught off guard by Fleets attitude. Evidently Fleet was rattled by what he has done. He nodded to Fleet and sat. "So, Laddie, you've caused a nice little Alpha mess. Care to fill me in on why?"

Fleet: "I lost my temper in the moment and mistook self preservation for selfishness and abandonment. I beat Ammy in front of Lord Brutin and her friends in the Shaved Kurrii, then collared her. She is to serve as a slave and do Shardre's and Tiana's chores for 2 weeks, be collared and tethered to me in public at all times. And....." sighed. "To be whipped by you 5 times with this cat of nine tails." he said, brushing the whip with his paw. "And, to spite her, I am letting Tiana sleep with me, though I can't stomach that idea and have taken to sleeping in my chair at night."

Street: Sat there absorbing the information with amazement. Not only and Alpha mess, but a potential pack disaster on Fleet's paws. "Laddie, you're in real deep. I don't need to tell you that you've just gone back to square one with Ammy's trust. And you have made a major mistake as an Alpha in letting your emotions gain control. I can suggest a solution, but it will require your trust in me, laddie, and the willingness of Ammy. Our troops are sensing all of this disturbance between the two of you. I have kept as much rabble muted as possible, but once they here their Alpha attacked his mate in a fit of mistaken rage, you're through." He said. He let the last part sink into Fleet's head.

Fleet: "What do you suggest then?" He asked in hope bordering no dismay.

Street: "First, you must confront Ammy, talk to her, and understand her laddie. She's just 19. A wee pup to us guys. You remember being 19 I wager. Reckless, immature, and hyper I bet. I know I was, and got a lot of it knocked out of me in the Blood Fangs. Ammy is different. She is lacking parentage until now with Phoenix. She also is confused about where she stands in this little den of ours. She has no directives from Brutin or you laddie. She's spinnin' in circles to decide what she is supposed to do. Also, most of the things we do here including interacting with our friends in the Shaved Kurrii caries the weight of danger. We have attacks at that tavern often and Ammy is willing to jump in paws first with no questions." He paused to let it sink in.

Fleet: Nodded, his ears lowering as a pup might do when being lectured.

Street: "Secondly, stop coddling Ammy. If she wants to be with you no matter what, let her. She's a tough nut. I should know. The first time I met her, she broke my nose and several ribs and took my guns. Thirdly, drop the nonsense about why she loves you. Can you honestly remember any of your feelings or decisions at 19 to be pure or direct? She'll understand eventually why she loves you, till then, let her work it out in peace. Now then, you've gotta get that collar off of her as soon as possible. Granted laddie, you made your punishment proclamation in front of everyone including Brutin. But explain to Ammy why she must keep the collar on and tell her not to take it to heart."

Fleet: Remained quiet and attentive.

Street: "Lastly, you and I both know, the ruling methods in our lands are full of corrupt Alphas. You can't entirely back out of this punishment as it would show favoritism, but you can publicly admit your mistake and then proceed to correct it."

Fleet: Ears rose slightly. "How?"

Street: "By doing what is right and hopefully showing Ammy you do care about her and that she is not an object to order around or mistreat. This is what I strongly suggest you do. Proceed with the punishment, but explain it to Ammy in person and in private. Some manual labor won't hurt her. It'll let her strengthen her body some as long as she no longer feels worthless. The collar is something you can't avoid now, but it doesn't have to be as degrading as it appears. Finally, show Ammy you really love her. Stand if for her on the whipping. Take the punishment for her in public and double it to 10 lashes. This will show her you care, and it will prove to our pack that you are mortal and can make mistakes but wont abuse your position to hide it." He said sternly.

Fleet: Just watched Street and thought long and hard on the suggestion. "You're right Street. I will accept that solution. I will talk to Ammy in private and explain things and ask her to forgive me. I will publicly explain the decision to the den and publicly accept the flogging, but, it is to be 15 lashes. I have harmed my mate, abused my position, and was lead astray with my emotions."

Street: Just sat and looked at Fleet. "Laddie, you can be hard on yourself sometimes. Just because your an Alpha doesn't mean your perfect nor that you have to live up to hight expectations. BE YOUR SELF! If you really want 15 lashes, then fine, let the last five bring sense back into your head. We all see you struggling as a leader, but we know you try your hardest. Not a single one of us doubt you as a leader and we will be there to help you learn. Now then, I must go and gather the troops for their Alpha's first Public Announcement and Punishment." He stood.

Fleet bowed to Street as low as possible. "Thank you Street. I value you as a Beta and will try to listen more. I will be in the compounds military courtyard in 5 hours. I wish to talk to Ammy."

Street just smiled, picked up the whip, and walked out of the appartment.

It was 10 am, and the sun shone brightly on the SA's military compound. All 500 Lupinossi troops stood in their unique units, uniforms and weapons polished and ready. Today, they were told, would be addressed by their Alpha.

Street strode up and down the ranks making sure all were in proper formation. His uniform was clean, and his guns hung proudly on his hips. A new item was on his belt. A cat of nine tails he had picked up from Fleet. He was to be the administrator of a public whipping today.

He made sure that the courtyard was free to use at this time, but allowed anyone not in the Fleetian Den to be a witness. Why should they hide the mistake of their Alpha like some clandestine secret. He marched up to the front ranks and saw Fleet and Ammy walk into the compound. A grimace touched his muzzle. It was time to start the show.

Fleet walked up to Street, Ammy in tow with the leash in Fleets paws.

Street: "I hope you're ready Laddie. I know this wont be easy, but believe me, it is needed." he said to Fleet in a reassuring voice.

Fleet: "There has been one change to the event. I have granted Ammy the right to give me the last 5 lashes as a reminder to me." He said with no emotion.

Street: Looked to Ammy and was surprised not to see glee in her eyes. Maybe she was maturing. "Alright then Fleet. I will have a medic on stand by to treat you."

Fleet: "No. I bear my pain and my scars. They will help me usher in a Den built on trust and respect."

Street: Nodded and lead Fleet and Ammy to the raised platform. A whipping post, with its red stained tethers stood irresolute in the morning light. Street clipped a lapel mic to Fleets tunic.

Fleet: "Brothers and Sisters of the new Fleetian Den! I am Fleet Wolf, your Alpha. I am honored to see you here today in your finest glory. You make us proud. But this event is not to be just for praise. As an Alpha, I must both commend and condemn a pack mate. The condemned is none other than my mate Ammy Wolf Spirritor."

The troops broke silence with a murmur of voices. The den elders, in there low rankings, raised wizened eyebrows at this statement. A few grinned and nudged it other. Every one resumed silence when a crackling boom of thunder was heard from Street's Soul Eagles.

Fleet: "However, the condemnation is not without flaw. I lost my integrity in a fit of emotions and condemned her to whipping and temporary slavery. I was a foolish pup. I am unable to renounce the condemnation as it was made public to all her peers and to Lord Brutin himself. The slavery punishment will proceed for 2 weeks as ordered, but, I know that the leaders from our own homeland were corrupt. I am not giving leniency or immunity from law to Alphas. Ammy's punishment must continue as I said, but I am taking the whipping she is to receive as my punishment for failing you as an Alpha. Let it be know, that I am a Lupinossi, not a god, not a perfect being, but a flawed Lupinossi like the rest of you. I am above no laws."

The troops were unearthly silent. Even the elders were taken aback by this statement. An Alpha, apologizing, and even accepting punishment? That was unheard of and heresy. But, they kept their peace. They were no longer Alphas themselves do to the corruption Fleet spoke of.

Street: He walked up to Fleet, and took the lapel mic. He switched it off. His voice needed no assistance. "Fleet of Wolf, Alpha of The Fleetian Den, Mate of Ammy Wolf Spirritor. You have been found tainted with the act of false condemnation and the beating of your mate in public. By your own decree, you accept her punishment made in false wisdom. You shall receive 5 lashes for beating your mate in public. Another 5 lashes for false condemnation, and a final 5 lashes to be give by your mate as punishment for heeding to your emotions in a time of leadership. Do you accept?"

Fleet: "Yes."

Street: Motioned to two soldiers. The marched up quickly and stripped Fleet of his clothing, then tethered his paws to the post. The soldiers turned and left, but not before a gleam of pride and acceptance of Fleet was seen in there eyes. Street saw this and just nodded. This was how it should be. He uncoiled the whip. "May Lupis give you strength to endure, and Canis find mercy in her heart to spare your pain." Street spoke the litany of punishment and unleashed the first lash.

Fleet: 9 lines of fire seared his back. He felt flesh and fur part ways with his body. He remained calmed. Another lash and he forced the pain aside. He looked Ammy and focused on her and his love for her. 3 more lashes and his back felt as if it was on fire.

Street: Proceeded to deal out the next five lashes to Fleet. Anyone looking could see him grimace with each swing he gave. Fleet was doing the right thing he kept telling himself, but it still hurt to lash his Alpha. He kept the lashings even in strength and severity. Soon it was lash 10. Fleet was starting to sag a little on the tethers. He motioned for Ammy to step forward.

Ammy: She watched Fleet take her whipping. Watched him watch her to chase the pain from his mind. She caught the movement of Street paw and walked up to Street numbly. Could she... could she... really whip him. Street placed the warm leather handle of the whip into her paws and took her leash. She turned and took a good look at her mate. His back bled freely. Fur was missing in patches. Muscle could be seen. He would never be able to use his deity wings again. Street coughed and gave the leash a slight tug, enough to jingle the collar to get her attention. She asked for this, now she must go through with it or be condemned to them herself. The whip uncoiled. She placed it in her right non mechanical hand. She let fly the first lash, felt it tear into his back, saw him shiver slightly. His muse of pain distraction gone. Again she lashed, and again, and again.
She was to the last lash now. Fleet was not sagging against the tethers. The binding rubbing his wrists raw. People could hear him lightly gasping and a faint sob. But not a sob of pain, but a sob of acceptance. She bowed her head. Tears streamed down and she didn't move for five minutes. Street jingled the leash again.

Street: "Finish it Lassie. It is the last stroke, then all will be done." He said gruffly. Fighting back tears himself.

Ammy: "I love you Fleet for being who you are and not trying to be someone else. Never lose that quality my love." She said and lashed out one last time.

Fleet: Howled in pain at the final lash and just hung limp. Her voice and words lashing his heart more than the whip. He now knew, truly knew why she loved him.

The two soldiers that stripped Fleet marched up again. One supported Fleet as much as she could without brushing his ravaged back. The other one released the tethers. They both let him sink to his knees slowly. Street motioned them to fall back in rank. He then turned to the troops.

Street: "Punishment has been served. Give a warrior's howl to Fleet Wolf, Alpha of Honor!" He howled.

The whole compound echoed with 500 Lupinossi howling in loud accord. The howling carried over the city of Ryhdin.

Street: "Fall out. You're all dismissed. 3 days leave for everyone! No scram!"

The crowd dispersed and Street turned around. Ammy was sitting next to Fleet, crying. He kept pushing her paws away. "Let me be with the pain for now. I deserve it. I'll let you tend to my back love, just not yet."

Street just shook his head. Some things don't change but at least he admitted to letting her help him later. He walked up and put a paw on the only part of Fleets shoulder not ravaged. The area of his dens tattoo from Lupinoss. His birth marking and heritage. "You held up laddie. Let your mate tend to you, and I strongly urge you not to do any duties for a week until you heal. It can wait." He then strode off to make sure the troops didn't go too wild with their first taste of leave.

He sat in the apartment contemplating what to employ his Den in to support itself. War was an option for the soldiers, but even the most die hard warrior needs a break. A time to perform a different task. He would need to talk to all 500 Lupinossi to find out what they did or can do outside of the military.

He glanced to the door as Tiana strolled in. She was wearing a smug grin and swung a leather leash in her paw. He had heard from one of the troops of Tiana's rough reigning in of Ammy when not needed.

"Tiana, you look happy today?" I asked quizzically. The smugness disappeared in a flash. She walked over to Fleet and looked innocent.

Tiana: "Just happy to have an Alpha that knows what he is doing and a Den that is strong." she said sweetly.

"And the leash?" I asked politely, pointing to the leather lead.

Tiana: Looked down at the leather leash. "I was, uhm, walking a dire wolf in the garden."

My eyebrows just shot up in amusement. There were no dire wolves in our den or on Rhydin last time I checked. Now there was a thought. Dire Wolves sold in Rhydin. Mental note, look into it.

"Odd. When did you get a pet?"

Tiana: Rolled her eyes around a little and tried not to look like she was lying. "Two days ago."

"What does it look like? What' its name? Is it a male or female? Can it speak?"

Tiana: Looked like she was really cornered with those questions. "Uhm, white with a red and blue mane, Female, can talk when I let her, and her name is.... Spirit." She said, a slight shake in her voice.

Fleet chuckled. She knew she was caught. She hung her head.

"Give me the leash and next time you see Ammy, apologize to her. You don't have to treat someone in a collar inhumanly. Just think about this. What if it was you in the collar? Would you want others to do the same thing to you?"

Tiana: "No Alpha." She handed the leash back to Fleet.

"Good. Now I have a project for you. Find out what skills everyone has in our Den. We need more areas to be employed in to thrive in Rhydin."

Tiana perked up at the job and grabbed a note book and pen and flew off to take care of it.

He stood in the middle of the apartment. His torso bear, and a pile of bloodied bandages on the floor next to him. He had his Soul River sword in his paws, the blade, normally liquid, was solid and straight. His blues eyes narrowed a bit, then he flicked the sword forward in a fluid motion to strike the head off of an invisible opponent.

Or, that was the idea. His healing back protested and in mid stroke searing pain struck him and the sword dropped from his paws. It impaled the floor and stood their quivering from the fall. The sword quivered again as Fleet hit the floor with his knees gasping. He could feel his back ooze a bit. He wasn't anywhere near the fitness needed to fight.

He gritted his teeth and stood up. Maybe he was an idiot for taking all of those lashes, but what is worse. Him in pain, or seeing Ammy in pain and the possibility of her walking away from him. Reaching down, he wrenched the sword free of the floor and shivered in pain. He re sheathed the sword and dropped it on the desk.

Fleet sat gingerly in the chair and grabbed a roll of clean bandages from a pile on the dresser. He couldn't stay in the apartment any longer. He needed to be out and see what was going on in the world. That and an Alpha can't show this much weakness.

He wrapped his back as best as possible the picked of a braided leather leash. Ammy could use a break as well. He pulled on his red tunic and left it loose, then stepped out of the apartment and headed for the kitchens.

Last night rankled his fur. He was sick of females stating he was so complicated and confusing. He made a lot of sense, to himself at least. His daughter was getting in over her little head. She didn't know anything about running a den.

"I don't know, but I will find out when I try." was her answer to his question about her being able to lead a den.

You don't try to do anything in a den. You just do it. That's the way it has always been. Smooth, organized, and a chain of command. He sat back in his chair and pulled a clove cigarette out an lit it. He watched the smoke curl and twist away.

"Chain of Command" he rolled the words in his head. What he said to Nadine was true. Alphas lead, but the Betas run the pack. He puffed out a cloud of clove scented smoke. Betas run the pack and where was he in this mess? He was leading troops in parade drills and practices. They were living in peace time. The troops need something else to do and he was seeing how his unavailability to run the pack lead to Fleets blunders.

Talna ran through the door of the Lupinossi training facility panting. She looked drop dead gorgeous but the scowl on her muzzle made him drop any notions on flirting.

"Problems Talna lassie?" He asked.

Talna: "It's our new Alpha! Ammy Spiritor is proclaiming the end of the den structure!" she shot out in a gasp of air.

He chuckled, then laughed. His daughter had guts. If she can't understand the system, she'd just do away with it and start over. Talna just stared at him in horror.

Talna: "How can you laugh sir? Our den is on the verge of collapse! A female should have never been put in charge!"

"Talna, watch yer tongue. I put you in charge of a lot of things and yer a female. Let's leave our new Alpha alone and see what happens. Change can always be good. We are in peace time. The den could do with a new way running."

Talna's jaw just dropped as she watched the Beta of the Fleetian Den do nothing or even show anger at the annihilation of the Den Structure.

Talna: "So generations of running dens being wiped away means nothing to you?"

"Generations of running dens has lead to the problems we face. We ain't in our realms anymore. We are in a new realm and old ways no longer hold true. So, I am going to let her run things and help where possible. She may breath new life into the den. You're dismissed for now Talna."

She turned and walked away stunned.

He felt her metallic touch. Herd her whisper into his mind. Felt her energy that had lain dormant, stir again and touch his mind. He was standing on a battle field. Milling masses of Lupinossai fighters ranging back an forth. The weather was hot and he wore the sash of command.

He looked down and saw he had his familiar plate armor on with spatters of blood here and there. His old katana was securely grasped in his paw, blood dripping off of its tip. The spatter made a little rhythmic pitter patter on the plate armor of a dead Lupinossai at his feet. His grand father, Wolf lay their, graying muzzle pulled back in a death stiffened look of shock. A smooth puncture was in his breastplate, where his heart used to beat for 4 generations of leadership. The puncture was a smooth sliver shape matching his katanas blade profile.

He knew this battle. It was the battle for new order. The battle no one knew but him and the new elders on the council of Lupinoss. That was after the escort mission that led to disaster in Rhydin. He came back enraged at the audacity of the prisoner he bought to spare their lives being slaughtered at whim.

This battle was a coup takeover. He knew the council was rotten to the core. Even his grandfather who was the oldest elder on the council was soft and bent his head to deals made in the dark. He knelt in the blood quagmire from the body and closed his grandfathers eyes.

"Was it worth your life grandfather, to have my father murdered, and your favorite grandson ambushed? Your body tells me this is not so. May your soul wonder on in torture. Fen will not have you. You have been damned Wolf of Lupis the Brave."

He stood and looked over the battle. It was a war that was already won. The realm was waiting for a change. It had dried and withered in the corruption. He was the spark that ignited the change. He flicked the blood off of his katana and sheathed it. He heard an echo across the battlefield.

"Let me in. Let me in."

I know that voice. What is Ammy doing here? It was dangerous in his mind. Too dangerous for a non deity to be loose in. He would have to find her. But, the scenery changed, he felt the cooling wave of medication in his veins and the world went out.

Ammy stood on the shores of an island. Tall, sharp clawed mountains greeted her. She knew these mountains. They were the Tallons in her homeland, or would be if you were outside of the realm. She saw a path, well worn and smooth. She started up the path and wound through the mountains.

Little resting platteaus dotted the trail. Each one held a landscape view of a memory. She was watching one right now. She saw Fleet, a very young Fleet. He was but a pup. 4 years old she would guess. He was being held by his parents. The appeared to be waiting for someone. As they waited, she saw that Fleet had a small pair of blue wings on his back.

Seconds passed and figure arrived. It was John Michaels. He approached the parents and looked down at Fleet.

John: "He has his fathers eyes, his mothers wings and the aura of his great grand parents. He glows with magic Chewie." He looked at Fleets father.

Chewie: "That is why we are concerned. The elder told us that his magic was not the normal kind. His magic was higher."

John: "You are correct my great grandson. You are correct. He will be the ruler of Lupinoss when it is time for a new deity. When I die, he will take my responsibilities and cause the land to flourish. Till then, he will know only hardship and trials. He is a diamond in the rough, and the worlds he will see will be his polishing. Guard him well and be sure not to tell him of his destiny. I will impart that knowledge to him at the appropriate time."

The memory faded and Ammy stood there wondering about this. "So he is a deity. Just not fully aware of it."

She continued up the path, more memory plateaus, more pieces to Fleets puzzle fell into place. He has been around for a few centuries, more than his body showed. He was 150 in lupinossi years, but his memories, his soul, was over 200 years old. She shivered at the knowledge that she was so close to some one so old and wise.

One last plateau appeared a few step away from the end of the trail. She stopped and watched. Fleet appeared, but it was a current form of Fleet. He was talking to an older John Michaels.

Fleet: "I don't want this gift! I don't want immortal life! How am I to love and live if everything and everyone I know dies around me! This is a curse not a gift. Take it back and leave me!"

John: "I can not Fleet. Your gift was given to you by fate and genetics. You can deny as easy as you could stop breathing. You must accept whether you like it or not. It is not a choice. The power has been with you since you were a pup. Now it is you."

Fleet: "I can't handle all of this power. You want me to travel everywhere and learn. Why? So I can see other cultures tear themselves apart? So I can watch more friends die? Lead people back to my realm to fight for resources?"

John: "To learn Fleet. To learn. To be a strong leader to those who need you."

Fleet: "I am not a leader! I make more mistakes than should be allowed."

John: "Exactly. A flawed leader will not fall to pride and a need for power. You will fall and fail, fail and fall, but you will learn from it and lead people even better."

Fleet: "And my stupidity not to get my back healed? That wasn't something to be proud of."

John: "No it wasn't. You were moping from you lack of control on your temper. It will happen. When it does though, that is when a leader is to look to those he leads. They will lead you. It works both ways. Now then, you have a guest walking your memories. Get to her quickly. You know what wanders the landscape here. They may be memories, but some take deadlier form than others." he advised.

The memory faded. Ammy wandered what he meant by that. She followed the rest of the path and stepped into Lupinoss. She felt like she was home again. She walked for what seemed like hours in beauty and bliss, letting herself enjoy home again. She didn't see the shapes following her.

Fleet found himself in a wild field. Flowers of all types were here. He could smell the No-Tameh river from here. It was the Plains of Dew. Why did his mind bring him here? Nothing ever happened on the plains of dew that he could remember. It was a place for growing of crops to feed the dens. No one living would fight here.

It struck him. No one living. He cursed himself. He was attacked here when he was younger. A new scout in the army. His eyes scanned the area for grass movement. The Cursed would be around here. He saw movement. It was himself, but younger.

He was on his dire wolf mount looking bored and tired. Scouting was new to him and he was overloaded from watching everything. Fleet walked towards the image, his steps quickening. The image passed over a small bridge and Fleet knew it was too late. 5 Cursed rose from the grasses and attacked the dire wolf mount. It spasmed as the tainted claws impaled it hide throwing the rider off into the grass.

Fleet watched himself bring his broad sword to paw and kill two of the cursed. Watched as the other 3 snuck in from behind and attacked. That day marked the day he knew he was different. He fell and was attacked, but came back up swinging killing the other 3 Cursed. He some how walked off back his Pack city for aide. A 3 day walk.

"That was the day I realized that I had deity blood in me. That was what kept me from turning into a cursed with my multitudes of cuts and wounds. Though now, whenever I get near a lot of carnage, I turn into one slightly and something demonic possesses me. This is why I fear for Ammy. I know what it's like to have a demon inside wanting out."

Her heard a scream of anger come over the plains. It was from the south. The direction that lead to the path out of Lupinoss. He spread blue feathered wings and flew out to the south.

Ammy didn't know what the hell these things were. The looked like Lupinossi, but the fur, the eyes, the bodies, all said death and dying. There were 5 of them. They had followed in the grass, but one had stepped on a twig. She spun and saw them lurking. Cover gone, they rose and came at her.

She clapped her hands, but nothing happened. "Shoot, no magic!" she forgot. She dodged a lunge and yelled at the creature. But alchemy isn't magic! Its redirecting your own energy by science. She back peddled and took out chalk. She etched a transmute array on her metal arm and touched it with her paws.

She focused on the arm and watched it morph to a long blade. She grinned and ducked. The creatures had caught up with her, but now she was armed. She lunged in and slashed at the nearest creature. It growled in pain and evaporated in a dark mist that hung in the air. It was coming for her. She avoided the slow moving cloud and attacked. Another one. This creature had a weapon and blocked her blow.

Fleet could see a few figures in the grass land and a small cloud as well. Bingo. Cursed. Sun glinted on a figure that was fighting them. Ammy! He dove, his katana out and he angled for a line strike at two that were sneaking up on her. He cleaved them both as he landed.

Ammy heard shrieks and looked over her shoulder. Fleet was their. Katana gleaming in sunlight, two creatures dead.

Ammy: "Watch out! They make some weird cloud!"

Fleet: "I know. It Lupanecrosis in its 4th stages." He flapped his wings. "Winre heedre! Oustre Necrose!" A strong gust kicked up from his flapping wings. The three clouds dissipated in the breeze.

Ammy returned to the creature she was battling. With Fleet here, she wouldn't have to worry about the other creature. She lunged then withdrew. Her head was spinning. She forgot. Without magic, she was running on her own energy. The creature saw it had an opening and moved in quickly.

Ammy knew it would pounce on her and waited. She placed a metal pawed kick into it as it landed. The creature flew over her and thudded to the ground.

Fleet started after the last Cursed. It was huge! As he circled it he saw Ammy falter. He thought briefly and then was interrupted by his adversaries strike. He now focused on it.

A jeweled rapier appeared by Ammys paw. She looked down in amusement at it. She started to wonder how it got there and then saw the creature leaping at her again. Wonder gone, she grabbed the rapier and stabbed the creature. It died in an instant and a cloud formed. She rolled out of the way and watched it settle on the grass. Everything withered and died where the cloud touched.

Fleet looked the cursed in the eyes. "You're awfully big my friend. You're not a memory. Who are you?"

Cursed: "I am the beast in you. I want to play Fleety ol' boy. I want carnage. You kept me in chains until you took in the Chaotic. She fed me, made me stronger. Now that we are in your mind, I can kill you and gain control." it grinned at him wickedly.

Fleet: "You are wrong. We may be in my mind, but we are not alone. Ammy, love. I need your help." he called to Ammy.

Ammy: Looked in surprise and her hearth thudded in her chest. Fleet had asked for her help. Rapier in hand she stood.

Cursed: "She's nothing Fleet. A weakling just like you. You both are selfish pups. Give in. Let me out. I'll lead the Lupinossi to glory. Rhydin can be our realm!"

Fleet: "Wrong again. Rhydin is free. Lupinossi were kept hidden in Lupinoss to prevent themselves from being tools of war for pointless battle. I will make sure I keep John Michaels promise." He leveled the katana at the cursed.

Cursed: "Strike me, and you suffer!" He howled. It started to move for Fleet then roared in pain.

Ammy: "And if I stab you? Then what? Fleet has felt my lashing on him for betraying me. He can deal with me stabbing you." She shoved the rapier in deeper.

Fleet grimaced. His back hurt. He felt impaled, but bore it. His mate was helping him with his own nightmare. He strode forward and plunged his katana into the beasts heart. He felt cold but kept it there. This was a dream, not reality. He will not die.

The cursed looked in horror at a united front and then disappeared.

Fleet: "You're not bad with a blade." he grinned.

Ammy: "You're not bad with magic and memories. We need to talk. Mind waking up?"

Fleet just smiled.

All she saw was his blue eyes then she was back in the clinic suite. The whole day had gone by. Street was sitting in the corner watching her. Medics fidgeted. Her back ached liked she'd been standing tense to long.

Fleet sat up slowly in bed then smiled at everyone. "Good day to you all. Shall we talk?"

It was Fleets turn to sit in the corner of Suedes clinic and watch the medics tend to Ammy's injuries. He chuckled. She knew how to take command in the heat of the moment, but once she hit calm waters, she falters.

Last night was one hell of a way to test her ability to command in battle. He was tired of being in the medical suite that night and left with Ammy. They had received a few scouting reports from Street about land for sale to build The Den. An idea Brutin and Ammy came up with while he was under sedation.

He sighed. He had failed as an Alpha and was proven to weak for the position. Ammy stepped in and filled the void of leadership. Now they were turning a den into a community, and they would both lead in it.

He shook his head and brought his attention to the fore. They were walking past the acreages that were available when a realm gate appeared. Nothing new really. Most who came to Rhydin passed through one whether they knew it or not. What caught him by surprise was a Cursed coming through, followed by 4 more Cursed.

He shivered some. They weren't indestructible, but it just took one hit, and one who knows not of them are doomed by the curse. He and Ammy took out four of them quickly. Ammy was grazed in the cheek, but Fleet couldn't worry about that at the moment. The fifth one must have be a former mage in its life and started slingin spells at them.

They hi tailed it in retreat. The got into com range and hailed Street. By the time they met up with him, they were in town. Ammy ran for the Shaved Kurriis district. Her idea. Simple. That district was always taking damage from idiots that attacked Brutin. Most people with common sense have moved out. We'd take the fight there and have some help as well.

We arrived with the cursed right on Streets tail. It walked into an ambush. Rishi was ready and sliced the cursed in half. We regrouped in the tavern and then made sure everyone wasn't injured. I gave Ammy the antidotes for the Cursed wound she took to the cheek.

Brutin was a bit upset and wanted a full explanation. We didn't have one. How can one have one when you are suddenly attacked and have to retreat. I left Ammy to Brutin, and headed for the area again to investigate the origin of the gate. Gun, Street, and Hex came along. I was glad.

The gate opened again and 9 Soul Knights appeared. These were suits of battle armor that were controlled by a soul gem. And one lupinossi mage. This was not good. Another realm must have found Rhydin and the way to realm hop.

A good fire fight ensued. We were able to take out all of the soul knights. Gun looked worse for were, his aging body not handling the combat well. The mage though.

Fleet shivered more and rubbed his fore head. The mage was Fen Stridar. He was the Evil Deity of Lupinoss. How the hell he got here he was not for sure. Last time he saw Fen, he was imprisoned by deity restrictions to perform his deity duties in Lupinoss. How did he break free?

He slipped by us in battle and telleported to the Shaved Kurrii. He acted like he was tracking something. I ran back as fast as I could, and found him in a firefight with Rishi, Ammy, and Gilli. He was pretty tough and took the barrage, the only thing he suffered was the loss of wardrobe. We thought we would have a long battle but Hex appeared with Nethicite powder on board and weakened him.

We tried to kill Fen, but he vanished. Now he was out there somewhere. He heard Ammy growl and whimper in the same breath. The fight may have gone smoothly, but Ammy was thrown in the fight into the Kurriis wall. Suede was amazed she survived.

I was complemented on my fast reaction for medical treatment and pain management, but that helped little. Ammy had both shoulders dislocated, 6 broken ribs, and a good concussion. He was amazed her skull wasn't cracked. His cocktail wore off half way through there treatments on her. The poor tech on duty found out the hard way when he was setting her ribs. He was still out from the punch.

A medic approached Fleet and waited patiently, tapping a boot. The Lupinossi appeared to be lost in thought. "Sir?" He tapped my foot.

I looked up at him. "Yes?"

"She will be fine now. We have her patched up as much as possible. Gonna take 4 days for her to heal. Thankfully your race has a fast healing rate. We gave her a vial of pills and giving you a vial as well. It's a pain medication that will work quickly and less dramatically than your outdated KetVal Morphine cocktails. Seriously sir, I you wish, we have a medical library you can have access to to update your knowledge."

The medic backed up a pace at Fleets ghost of a scowl. "I see." Fleet said with coldness. "Very well then. Can I take my mate out of here?" His blue eyes leveled at the medic.

The medic gulped. Those eyes could kill if they wanted to. "Yes sir. Just keep her calm and relaxed for the four days. You can remove the supports and bandages when the time is up." He saluted, turned, and scurried away. He had heard rumors of Fleets anger.

Fleet just shook his head. He was tired of everyone treating him like an idiot. They want serious. Fine. He'll give them serious. He stood and walked over to Ammy.

"Hey love. You heading my way?" he hooked a thumb to the exit door.

She nodded slowly and winced when she did. She stood slowly and winced more. Her arms in slings, just moved closer holding her ribs. Fleet slowly put his arm around her and lifted lightly. She relaxed a little. Together they walked out of the clinic.

"I believe we have some things to talk to Brutin about. Street told me that Brutin has bought land for The Den."

We walked for Brutins office slowly. Ammy enjoyed the mid afternoon breeze that kicked up.

The 52 year old veteran calmly made his way through the districts as his mind wandered on an internal compass.

Taking a bearing, his unconscious thoughts brought him to through several repetitions of the circling the city. While turning a corner with his eyes gazing upon not but a foot from where he stepped, Gunther nearly collided with his comrade soldier the Lupinossi known as Street Wolf.

"Greetings soldier" spoke Fleet.

"Howdy. I wasn't able to procure a Desert Eagle suitable for you, but found something just as nice. Here."

Reaching behind his back, the veteran retreived a black anodized revolver that seemed to glimmer strangely in the fleeting afternoon light just prior to the night's clutches. Twirling the revolver several times along the trigger guard he caught it at the handle to pass over as a gift to the awaiting Street.

"Smith and Wesson 686 Combat Revolver. 7 Shots. Chambered for .357 caliber rounds and .38 caliber rounds. Special Order."

"Oh... this is very nice... a well balanced gun..."

"And just in case 7 shots isn't enough, these loaders should suffice." handing over a pair of speed loaders to awaiting paws.

"Thank you Gun. I'll have to go shopping for a holster as that I'm fully packed on firepower." as the brink of tears weltered up in the aged Street's eyes yet he dare not let them fall.

"I'll be at the Inn this evening. I hope to see you there later."

Nodding silently, the two veterans parted their separate ways.

He should be happy. Hex was making all of the parts he needed for the motorcycle plus upgraded parts. He would have them all by tomorrow night. Then why was he here on patrol with a urge to shoot some one?

It was those two girls in the Kurrii. They started some dang Rite of Domination and started a serious knock down drag out fight that threatened everyone. He collared them, called Brutin and was told to let them go. Nothing makes sense anymore.

He puffed his cigarette some more and focused on getting through his shift tonight.

She had done it. She had brought the guys back around to her. Street was cruising around happy as he used to be. He was enjoying being Chief of Security.

Fleet has looked up to her now after she tore him down in combat. He respected her now that he knew she could beat him in battle.

The Fleetian Den was beginning to take its first breaths. She was impressed with Fleets layouts for the community. They would do well.

However, a thought nagged at her. Fen Stridar was now hunting for her. She had stolen the souls of Nicole and Topaz to give them to Street. He was happy to have them. But now she had a Deity out for her. She could handle it. Now she was off to Brutins office to buy the freedom of 50 Lupinossi and show him what they wanted built.

All was going well.

Shadows pooled in the courtyard of the SA compound. Fen Stridar stepped out of the blackness. Ebony armor enshrined his body. Inky black fur blended with the black armor. Metallic purple hair flowed from his head. Three tri-color soul gems were embedded in his right temple.

He moved like a fiend, too fast for the cameras Hex had on the compound. He was at the door of the labs Ammy Spiritor frequented. His red eyes glowed bright. He raised a taloned finger. The talon glowed and he etched a message into the door.

"Ammy Spiritor. Your soul for the two you took." -Fen

He crouched and pulled out a black envelope and slid it under the door. The note read:

"You mess with a power beyond your ability little whelp. I will have your soul to replace Nicole's and Topaz's. You beat me once, never again. You attack dog Street Wolf, has a little gift for you. I hope you enjoy it. Oh, and I found a piece of your "mother" on a space station. She has been very cooperative. Till we meet on Rhydin or The Tallon Maw, I will be shadowing your every step. Prying into every dream, and maiming any you love." - Fen Stridar, Ebonite Knight of Lupinoss, Deity of Death, Chaos, and Lost Souls.

He stood, turned and walked slowly back to the pool of darkness in the center of the compound. He let the cameras see his form. He let the weapons come to bear and fire. He laughed and chuckled. The stone pavers beneath his demon feet. A blue sphere of energy deflected the firepower. Blue eyes glared at the guns from the shield and they malfunctioned. Weaponry erupted.

Fen laughed and stepped into the pool of shadows and vanished. A lingering echo was heard.

"Ammy, you will die!"