As the hours slipped by Astan sat back deep in the brush of Atrua's outer garden. For now, all he could do was wait for his time to strike. He watched as Haymark led his lizards out of the city. This could be it if he was careful. Astan moved with care as he called out to the shadows to mask his movements. With a wave and a simple spell, Astan was covered in shadow as he ran at the side of Haymark's cart. Once through the gate, Astan thought everything would be easy, but that was just the beginning.
From the shadows of the harbor, something slipped out of the water and made its way pass Perjona’s claw, then down the dock keeping itself hidden from a trio of drunken Pantherens who were singing their way home.
After leaving the harbor, it passed the guard house just as a young Puma stepped out to smoke his last jank of the night. As he struck his flint and took his first pull, something swung down out of the night and stabbed him in his chest. The pain was so sudden, it felt more like a cold blade piercing his heart than anything else. As the Puma fell to the ground dead, its murderer dashed back into the night and back on its course after his enemy.
As Memnon the Rat dragged his prey through the deserted streets, it reached out and grabbed him by the rags and pulled him in for a taste. The Rats smell was so enticing. It could barely steady his hands as it lifted Memnon for a nice long smell. It smiled as its slimy tongue slide out and ran across the Rats horrified face. Memnon kicked and punched trying to get itself free, but there was no point. He was already as dead as Memnon’s prey. All that was left was the pain.
[Your fear tastes so gooood!!]
Memnon screamed so loud, he was heard at the palace.
The guards would be looking for something tonight. Especially after what was left of Memnon’s corpse was found. But he should be gone long before that happens. Unless his enemy proves much harder to kill then he expects.
After the fear was drained from Memnon’s body, it tossed his wretched corpse into a garbage bin behind a butcher shop and went back to hunting his enemy. Memnon hadn’t been much of a meal, but he was enough to hold it until the enemy was caught.
As it stepped out around a corner, it found itself standing beside a trio of guards. Moving with amazing speed, it whipped its tail out and stabbed two guards in their neck before the last guard even knew he was there. Just as his camouflage shield snapped up around him, it reached out and ripped the Pantherens stomach open and sneaked away into the night.
The hour grew late, and it had just finished off the last of six palace warriors. It pulled them deep in the bush and fouled a well with the last of its night hunt. It knew it could have hidden the bodies where they would never be found, but the beast didn’t care.
As its wings opened it thought back to the first day in Atrua. It had tracked the enemy to the city of the Lions.
It thought it would enjoy killing them as fast as it could, but suddenly it sensed it was not alone. There was someone else here and that other person was very powerful. It would have to keep it from sensing him until he had the power to defeat it.
[It's too late for that.] Boomed through his head. [I know who you are. I know your name. Nereus.]
It heard his name, Nereus pulled back. He could feel the power rippling out from the entity. Power over him to make him do anything it wanted, including kill himself. There had to be a way to get free from its control. Nereus would have to do its bidding until he could find a way to get free of its control
[Relax Monster. I want the same thing as you. I want you to kill the enemy, and a few others.]
[Others?] Nereus said.
[Yes.] The voice said sending ripples of cold all through Nereus body. [Gather your clan. I have work for you.]
The cold feeling faded away as Nereus spread his wings and launched himself west.
[For now, I will do your bidding. But someday you will slip up and lose control and I will have my day.
As Sakura closed the rusty sewage gate, he turned to find Quynn and Sky looking into the window of Koshers glass show. Seeing two humans staring back through his window could cause Sakura, but the shop was closed. As a matter of fact, the streets were empty. There wasn’t a soul out here.
“Where’d everybody go?” Quynn asked.
“I’m not sure,” Sakura said. “Kosher’s is usually busy at this time of the day.”
“Isn’t this a weapons shop?” Sky said. He was staring through the window of Atrua’s main weapons shop They could see rows of swords and spears. There was also a complete set of shining armor being displayed with different sets of chain mail, boots and claws.
“Follow me,” Sakura said as he opened the shops' door and went. The shop was clean. You could smell the smoke from the forge as it bellowed out in the back of the shop.
“This is wrong,” Sakura said as he picked up a dagger and tried its edge. “I know the owner of this shop, he would never leave the doors open like this. And Kahn should be in his shop. The street should be alive with shoppers yet, there’s no one here.”
“Could it be something new straight from the palace?” Quynn asked.
“That’s the only excuse the works,” Sakura said. “A royal command, and it’s a pretty strict one too, even the beggars are obeying this command.”
“Then I guess that’s where we should be going.” Sky said.
“Yep.” Sakura turned north, then stopped. “Before we go, I want to warn you both that arena fighting here is different than in Tigaren. Once we accept a challenge here, It’s to the death. So, try and be careful what you say.”
The hills were quiet as Kenji made his way out of Atrua. To him, the jungle was fascinating, all the vibrant colors, the greens, and reds. All the fruit he had seen was cut and prepared for him. This fruit was different. He grabbed a huge red thing off one of the trees. He wasn’t sure what it was, but its smell. Its smell was intoxicating Kenji could barely stand being so close. Kenji licked his lips then opened his mouth. He thought he would die if he didn’t get the fruit into him Blind with toxic hunger, Kenji slammed the fruit into his mouth, then sat back as his filled with the delicious taste of his own blood. As he spit out the foul metallic taste, Kenji looked up to see what had stopped from enjoying the sweet exotic fruit.
Standing there wiping the juices of the red lotus seed from his cotton tunic, a tall wolf stood smiling down at him.
“Myumbo sir,” Kenji said. “That was to be my breakfast, is there a reason you took it from me? Or do you enjoy stealing fruit from young travelers?”
The stranger stared down at Kenji for a minute. As he put his hands to his side, Kenji grabbed for his weapons and had them out before the stranger could let out his breath.
“Should I take this to mean you want to fight me?” The stranger said. “If so, I should tell you I am much more then what you see here."
“No stranger,” Kenji said as he laid down his weapons. “I have no reason to fight you.”
“You might want to thank me.” The Wolfman said. “Quickly. Step over here where I can shield you.”
With a few quick steps, Kenji had moved over to stand with the stranger. From around the corner, a Hyenen stumbled. He was very thirsty. In front of him was the lotus tree fat with juicy seeds.
[Watch and learn.]
Kenji didn’t understand. What harm could it be to take a see?
[He can’t see us?] Kenji thought out loud.
[Hush, he might hear you.]
With a quick nod, Kenji turned back to see what the Wolf was trying to teach him. As they watched, the Hyenen took notice of the Lotus plant. Its eyes lit up and the mouth started to salivate. He picked himself up off the ground and crawled to the Lotus.
[Now watch.]
On his hands and knees, the Hyenen crawled to the Lotus plant. He crawled through jagged stones which they both knew was shredding his knees. Then he crawled through red ant which was all over his body biting and sucking up his blood. The Hyenen was in pain. It should have been screaming and running for the river, but all it could see was the Lotus seeds. Pretty soon its entire body was covered with ants and it lay gasping for breath as it died at the foot of the Lotus plant.
“That could have been you.” The Wolf said as he went down to fill up his waterskin. “My name is Aggar.”
“I am Kenji.” The Lion cub walked down to the water's edge and reached for Aggar. As the cub reached for him, Aggar jumped up with a spin and started a slice that would have opened Kenji’s belly. With a strong hand, Msia reached out with his mind and stopped Aggar’s attack.
“The cub is looking for his father,” Msia said as he and Akani stepped out of the jungle. “Just as I am looking for him.”
“Father?” Kenji wiped his eyes think he might be dreaming. “If I am dreaming please someone wake me.”
[Tis no dream Kenji Noriko Duma.] Msia said with a smile. “Are you satisfied. Only the true king knows the name he gave you at birth.”
In a deep bow, Kenji started to cry as he welcomed his father back to Atrua.
“That’s no way to welcome your father home.”
Msia reached out and grabbed Kenji and pulled him in a king’s hug. As Kenji and Msia hugged, their minds mingled, and information was passed on from son to father, and from father to son. As Msia released Kenji from the hug, he looked down on his son
“There is much I’d like to tell you, but there is no time.” He said. “Atrua is in danger. There is only one way to save it. We must find your brother. There is no other way to win.”
“I don’t understand,” Kenji said. “What friends?”
“You will,” Msia said. “For now, just help me find your brother.”
“That should not be hard,” Kenji said. “Sakura and I were always the best at the castle game. You know why?”
“Why?” Msia asked.
“Because we could see into each other’s mind,” Kenji said. “He’s not far away.”
Over to the side, Aggar pulled Akani to him.
“Do you feel that?”
“What?” Akani asked.
“Something is wrong.” The Wolf said. “I can feel it in my bones. Do I tell Msia?”
Akani thought about it for a minute then answered.
“You’re a much better hunter then I am, Msia would tell you to follow your instincts, but be careful, don’t confront anyone without telling us.”
Three days earlier, as Sakura, Sky, and Quyyn dressed in heavy robes with hoods stepped into a crowd just outside of the city’s main gate. There was a line that ran down along the concourse with Pantherens, Tigarens, and the occasional Simian and Rhinon. Standing at a guard post, three Pantherens checked visas and work orders.
“Have your papers out and ready for inspection.” A Pantheren dressed in a blue uniform called out as he went down the line Inspecting visas and passing people through to two separate gates. One for city citizens, and another for merchants. Walking next to the guard was an older Pantheren with his hands folded behind his back. You could tell by his attitude his rank was higher. All he did was rub his nose at certain people who were quickly snatched out of line and pushed behind a curtain. As we got closer to the front of the line. Sakura reached into his side bag and slipped a ring on his finger, then put his finger to his lips to silence us.
“You!”
Sakura turned to the guard and stood tall with his mane hidden under his hood. As his emerald green eyes flashed, the guard stepped up to him to demand to see his visa. Sakura lifted his paw to show him the ring with the royal crest of the Dumas.
When the guard saw the ring, his eyes flew open in surprise to see the crown prince standing in front of him.
“Keep it quiet,” Sakura said. “I don’t want my presence announced.
“How can I be of service to you my Prince?” The guard asked.
“What is your name, guardsmen?”
“I am called Cade.” The guardsmen said pleased to be in the prince’s company.
“I need to go to the palace to see my mother,” Sakura said. “Can you get me in?”
“I’m sorry your highness,” Cade said. “But the Queen won’t be there.”
“Where will she be?” “Sakura said afraid of his answer. “Where is my Mother, Cade?”
Cade was quiet as he looked away from Sakura. Tension filled the air as Cade started to stutter. Sakura looked at him blazing eyes. Cade stopped and settled himself down before he answered.
“Tonight,” Cade said after taking a deep swallow. “She will be at the estate of the Gazini family, preparing for her wedding.”
They were all quiet for a minute as they thought about what Cade had said. He said her wedding. He didn’t say who she was marrying, that was kinda obvious. She was going to marry G’ania Gazini. He thought his take over of Panthera would be easier if he was married to the Queen. The Regent hadn’t thought about Sakura or his return.
“Can you get us into the wedding?” Sakura asked.
“What are you thinking?” Sky asked Sakura.
“I think we can find a nice surprise for the newlywed couple.”
In the dark of the evening hour, G’ania sat on the throne with dark feelings in his head. Tomorrow would be the day of his wedding. He still couldn’t believe she had agreed to marry him. He knew she didn’t love him. She was still in love with her first husband, Msia. But he had disappeared long ago. They had sent out search party’s for years with no success. They either came back exhausted or they never returned at all. But G’ania couldn’t concern himself with his old king. He had a future of his own to plan and it wouldn’t be easy. There are many here in Panthera that would oppose some of the changes he had planned. But today wasn’t the day to worry about such things. Today was his wedding day and that would bring a different set of problems. G’ania wasn’t blind to the fact that Michiyo didn’t love him. He had given her a choice. Marry him and stay on the throne or oppose him and be tossed out of the palace and on to the streets with nothing but the clothes she had on. Michiyo looked at him with a look that could kill. But she knew she had no choice. She stood up and pushed back her chair. Her perfume filled the air and made the Regent a bit dizzy. Her jewelry rang on her wrist like shining silver bells. As she walked toward him batting her gold and green eyes the regent couldn’t help but admire her.”
“I will marry you.” She said. “But I will never love you."
As she turned to walk away. The Regent stepped and grabbed her by the back of her short hair and pulled her back to face him. She staggered back with her teeth gritted.
“Love is unnecessary for now.” He said. “But if it was required. You would be at my side begging to be serviced.”
Michiyo pulled away, her silver and gold jingling in frustration as she backed away. The Regent had gone to far this time. His threats had been on more than just her. This time they were one her children. Kenji and Amara. This time she had no choice, she would have to either get them out of the city or strike at him before he could make a move against her. This time he had made the ultimate mistake. He thought the Queen weak, just a pretty face that Msia had always had at his side. He did not know her true power. Now he will learn about the true nature of this Tigarian queen.
As trumpets rang out the double doors opened, and the guest slowly made their way into the ballroom. Dressed in robes of bright red, green and gold they danced their way all through the hall with their faces hidden behind masks. Some wore feathers with golden beaks while others dressed as characters out of colorful tarot cards.
Dressed as a priest in black, a Giraffe came in carrying his book of prayer. He walked down through the hall and gave his nod of approval to those gathered there to witness the ritual. Next came the dancing girls. They wore silver masks and dressed in colorful silks as they spread flowers all through the crowd.
Violins harked G’ania Gazini’s entrance. Standing tall and proud he wore the colors of his house silver blue and black. His mask was silver with a full mane of black hair flowing down his back. G’ania was followed by the Fool in red, yellow and blue and the mask of the jester as he did his dance to entertain the guest.
The Blind man was led in by the Lovers dressed in their robes of love that sent the smell of jasmine all through the hall. As all was ready, G’ania gave the nod to begin.
Two trumpeters rang out the Pantherens wedding song, Michiyo stepped out into the ballroom. Scantily dressed, she wore the red, gold and green of the house Duma. Her mask was made of iron. It was that of the crying maiden and not the golden mask G’ania had presented her to wear for their wedding. On her arm, she wore the wedding bracelet that Msia had given her on the day of their wedding. Behind her carrying the train of her veil and with her head down in protest of the wedding came her daughter Amara. When G’ania saw how she was dressed, he was furiously offended, but there was not much he could do for of he lifted a hand to her, the crowd would be on him in seconds.
As G’ania and Michiyo stood together in front of the priest, the ceremony began. The priest spoke of the long-gone days of Pantherens past and the kings and queens of long ago. He spoke of happiness and the peaceful reign of the days in the past. Then came the vows. He asked G’ania if he would love, honor and keep himself for his bride. Would he protect her and keep her in the way a queen should be treated? Then he asked if G’ania would hold and protect Panthera and be the king the country needed.
“I do,” G’ania answered.
With a nod of acceptance, the priest turned to Michiyo and started on her vows. He asked if she would love and honor G’ania for the rest of his life. Michiyo stood silently keeping her mouth shut. The priest waited for an answer then looked to G’ania confused.
“She will.” He said. “Move on with the ceremony.”
Unsure what he was supposed to do, the priest moved on.
“In accordance with the laws of Panthera, is there anyone here who objects to this wedding?
“I do.” Rang out from behind the couple.
Surprised that anyone dared to object, G’ania turned to confront whoever had spoken out.
“Who dared interrupt my wedding?”
“I dare.” The Fool said as he took off his mask to reveal his identity as Msia Duma, the true King of Panthera. As Msia took off his mask, Sakura, Quyyn, and Sky dropped their disguise and stood ready for an attack.
“So Msia Duma returns home.” G’ania threw off his mask and grabbed Michiyo and pulled her to him. “Your return is too late. You have lost all that once belonged to you.”
"No!!!" Michiyo screamed as she ripped herself out of G'ania clutches. "The only thing he lost was time here with us. I still love him and I always will."
“Stupid bitch!” G’ania lifted one hand and fired a plasma bolt at her. “You made your choice, but it’s the wrong one!”
As the bolt streaked out at her, Michiyo threw up a bright energy shield to block. When the bolt struck her shield, cracks appeared but it didn’t shatter. With a wave of her free hand, she sent bullet liked pellets of light at G’ania. As he stepped aside, he summoned his shield to block off the rest of her attack.
While Michiyo battled G’ania, Msia stepped to her side and forced her back behind him.
“Now you face the true master of Atrua.” Msia stood there tall as the wind blew at his red, green and gold leathers. As he faced G’ania, his leathers had changed to take on the colors of Panthera. “Stand down villain!”
“Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!! G’ania laughed. “You don’t scare me Alleycat! But I know what scares you.”
Suddenly there was a flash of shadow. Darkness filled all their eyes. When it passed, G’ania was no longer alone. There next to him stood Mulu Amin, the Hyenen witch doctor. At his side stood Igoro Baba. His robes were tattered and torn. The fur on his arms looked patched and warn like he had been dragged and beaten.
Next, to Igoro, there was a patch of darkness. At first, they thought it was just a shadow until something in the darkness moved. Smoky tendrils slithered in and out, then shot out at Quyyn like the tentacles of some deranged squid. Sky dived at Quyyn and pushed him out of the way. He rolled across the floor then shifted to his Phoenix form and shot a bolt of Phoenix fire into the darkness. Getting quickly to his feet, Quyyn squared off with Igoro. Shifting to Dyrgyn, Quyyn roared and sent his mystic magik at the zombie gorilla. Throwing his fist up, Igoro beat at his chest then charged at Dyrgyn. Dyrgyn opened his wings then reached out with his long arms and smacked the gorilla away. As he shook his head, Igoro came back with a ring of energy that sped out and knocked the dragon back. Before Dyrgyn could react, Igoro was on him beating down into his chest armor.
As the Shadow demon streaked up into the night, Sky flared up after him. Streaks of shadow and fire flew back and forth between the two nightflyers. Sky twisted and turned his wings creating waves of phoenix fire that sent its cold down into the heart of the Shadowdemon.
“The time has come, Sakura,” Mulu said as they circled each other ready to battle. “The only thing missing is that sweet piece of meat you call your mate. But have no doubt, I will have him in my bed. His ass will be mine.”
“Never!!” Sakura screamed as he pointed his sword at the Hyenen. Streams of electrical energy blasted out from the sword. Like an arrow, it went straight for Mulu.
As the Hyenen laughed, his body was bathed in Sakura’s deadly blast. Flames covered his body as his coat burned. Mulu’s laughter was replaced with screams as his body burned. Sakura stood back and watched.
Out in the corridor, fist flew, and claws slashed as Palas, Nyo and Hayami battled Hyenen warriors and Demondogs. Palas streaked through the air slashing out with his bloody talons. Nyo and Hayami stood back to back as they ripped into the enemy. Their arms were like steel weapons as they fought. All around them piled the bodies of their dead enemies. They fought valiantly, but they were only mortal, and the numbers were stacked against them. A body fell between them knocking Nyo back away from Hayami. No matter how hard he fought, there was no way he could get himself back to fight at Hayami’s side. The first blow was by a warrior that fell, and his arm sent his sword right through Hayami’s back. As Nyo saw the sword pierce his comrades’ heart, he jumped out to bring down the attacker, and slipped in a pool of blood, and fell.
High in the air, Palas watched as his two friends died. That left him alone against the onslaught of the Hyenen and the Demondogs. As Palas fought, iron arrows filled the air. Palas ducked and dodged but there was too many there against him.
[Myumbo my friends. Get some peace for me and my people.]
Beno walked through the city, a golden glow rose out from a structure north of him. A golden glow. It was a glow of innocence. Somewhere in that structure, there was an innocence that needed help. That was Beno’s talent. He could see the truth. With confidence, Beno turned north and headed toward the main house of the Pantheren nation.
With his cloak of invisibility up, Beno made his way down the main avenue. Mostly everything was closed except a few taverns and the local baking goods store. As Beno passed, an elder Panthreren in a white apron came out to put up his store awning. Stretching his arms, he yawned and fitted the bar to the awning and started cranking. As he worked his awning up, two of the city’s guards came up the street.
“Myumbo Meggar. How’s the daily bread coming?”
“Fine.” He said. “I just finished the sweetbreads. I’ll be starting on the bread in ten kinens. There are samples on the counter if you’d like a taste.”
“Thank you,” Thansel Said as the opened the shop door and started in.
Taking the bar from the awning, Meggar set it to the side and started in. Just then he stopped.
\“Myumbo?”
The fur on the back of his neck bristled as he sensed someone there. He looked from side to side feeling the presences there beside him.
“I don’t know who you are.” He said. “But I can feel you here. I don’t feel any danger from you, so I’ll let you pass. Be careful there are guards out and they might sense you too. Ta chacana My friend.
As Meggar went into his shop. Beno stood the surprised that he had felt him there next to him. His invisibility cloak had never failed him before. Then again, he was new at being a Griffin and he wasn’t sure exactly what he could do.
From the bake shop, Beno walked north pass the blacksmith then turned at the corner. As he walked, he kept the attention on where he was going straight ahead. Ahead of him, he saw a crowd of people. They were crowded in front of what looked like some kind of government building. Like a guard barrack. Beno stopped. He wasn't sure if he could make it past them. Some might detect him passing. Beno took a step back and bumped into someone. As he turned, someone took a hold of his shoulders
"Stay quiet," Meggar whispered in his ear. "Captain Drijat felt you as you passed my store. He called out for help."
Beno felt his heart drop like a stone. He had been detected. What should he do?
"Calm yourself now or all is lost." Meggar said. "I can help you pass the barracks but you have to calm down before they sense your fear.".
Beno closed his eyes and let his fear slip away. He didn't worry about being caught or anything the Pantherens might do. His thoughts were cool like the northern breeze as it blew across his face. With a calm mind, he opened his eyes. He watched as Captain Drijat walked out and looked out towards him. Meggar stepped up next to Beno as the Captain came over to meet them.
"Meggar." The Captain nodded. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes Captain." Meggar said. "I'm headed to the palace to take the morning order. The one I have can't be right. It only has two dozen payapa pies he wedding will need much more than that. You care to walk with me?"
"No." He said sniffing the air. "Move on. I have work to do,"
With a wave and a nod, Meggar moved on. Together they walked on to the palace and whatever danger they found there.
[Astan? Are you there Love?].
[Yes.] Astan sent. [I'm here outside the gate.]
[I need you.] Sakura sent. [I need you here with me in the palace.]
[I'll be right there.] Astan stood up and calmed his mind. He knew he'd be needing some of his most powerful spells and he couldn't use them if he was to excited.
As his magik boiled and gathered over his head, he walked out of the jungle to the gates of the city. Pantheren warriors ran out armed to meet him. Astan raised his hand and called his shield to form around him. Spears and arrows were fired it him. He watched as they hit the shield and bounced off.
With his arms spread out, Astan raised himself high into the air. From high over the city, he could see the palace. That's where Sakura was. Astan could feel him as he flew towards the palace. Success or failure, it was time to end all this running around Aspana.
"Sweet ending, here we come."
