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INTERNATIONAL SKIES

Shirlene paced round the C Wing's bridge, too anxious to sleep, to anxious to eat. The bomb had went off in the stadium, but no news outlet had said anything yet. The entire kingdom had been closed off for three days now and Shirlene was worried. The rabbit had gotten out Korcen okay, but Jeeve was still there and she had no idea if he was alive or not.

The news outlets were supposed to airing a special on the situation at midnight her time, but nothing was showing up yet.

"Computer!? Anything yet?!"

"PLEASE HAVE PATIENCE CAPTAIN. I AM SURE THE SERVERS ARE READY FOR BROADCASTING AND THE NEWS WILL BE AIRED ANY SECOND NOW."

"I know you're right, but I'm worried for the kid! That bomb went off seconds after I got done talking to him, just hope he got outta there like I said." Clover scratched at Shirlene's leg, begging for her attention. The rabbit looked down then picked her up saying "I know kiddo, I know. I'm sure your daddy's fine, he's probably just . . sleeping or something." Clover's eyes began to water, making Shirlene sigh and say "I know I know. Just please don't cry! Here you can uh . . . Wait are you hungry?"

The pup nodded her head excitedly, barking and yipping as Shirlene set her down. The pilot rummaged through the fridge, pushing past old boxes of chinese food and said "Ah here we go! I started bottling this stuff while your daddy got sick. Just for special occasions!" Shirlene held a bottle of Jeeve's blood labeled, 'bloody milk' and popped the top off. She reached in a drawer and pulled out a baby bottle and began pouring the blood inside.

Once she was done she propped the wolf in her arms and began feeding her.

"You know, you're kinda cute when you're not attached to his arm." Clover stopped sucking and burped blood on Shirlene's face. "UGH! Why you little!?"

"CAPTAIN! THE BROADCAST IS STARTING, DISPLAYING FOR YOU NOW."

Shirlene quickly propped up a chair then said "Full volume Computer!"

"Good Morning Alteria. I'm your host Ronald Furbuki on A.N.N. and today we're doing something a little different. Today I'll be joined with another co-host, James Grizzoli from Channel 12 to discuss what exactly happened down at the Korcen Stadium. No more wasting time We'll get right into the facts! So what do we know? Well on three days ago during the Kingdom Rally Opening Ceremony, a bomb was detonated during the Kydon speech and let's stop right there first. Now James my foxy friend, tell me why this in itself is crazy."

"Well Ronny that speech was our first real good look at Kyoto's family and what surprised me the most was the fact that he has two daughters! We barely see him or his wife, only Kira Kydon. She was the literal face of the Kydon kingdom for years, but now we got this new girl in town and it raises many questions. What's her story man?"

"Well right before the ceremony the Kydon administration's website was updated with her bio, giving us a little insight into who she is. We learned from the bio that she left the Alterian circle to deal with rebels in the outer rim kingdoms, and she had returned because her work was done. Well it looks like she's got another job to do because the situation here is just unreal!"

"I hear ya Ronny, but while her appearance is incredible and what not, we need to talk about what happened down on that field because whoever orchestrated this attack came real close to pulling it off successfully."

"That's right folks! The bomb that was detonated brought down the royal skybox, bringing down the Kydon family with it. From official medical reports we know what injuries were sustained during the attack. Kyoto Kydon broke three ribs, his left hind leg, and his right front arm. Pretty good considering he fell 50 feet onto piles of sharp rubble. Now his wife is where things get interesting. We know virtually nothing bout Lizal Kydon, besides she married to Kyoto and that she's a wolf . . . But maybe she's a wizard too because her medical report is probably the strangest. The queen suffered no damages whatsoever! No broken bones, no scratches, no boo boos folks! What'd you think of that James?"

"I think I don't believe it! Now it's common knowledge that Kyoto is a special breed, the entire royal family is! Their lineage is one of mystical powers and other stuff we'll never understand, but I just can't wrap my head around how she came out unscathed, but not the big bad himself!?"

"Well let's not forget that Kyoto's getting up there in age. He can't pull of what Kira and I'm assuming Kiza can do."

"Wait! I'm glad you brought up the sisters because that segways into my next topic . . . The twins injuries. How on Alteria do two powerhouses like them get hurt like this!?"

"Well James let's not get ahead of ourselves. For the record the twins did not take damage when they fell. Reports and witnesses confirm that they fell to the ground rolling and got up unharmed. The king himself was the only one who fell and got hurt."

"True Ronny, but he wasn't the only one who got hurt. This brings us into the next part of the story. The one who detonated the bomb actually came out on the field. We don't know what animal we was, but we do know what they did to the twins, and we have the video! Show the people at home Ronny!"

Shirlene scooted closer in her chair and watched as the events unfolded. An animal in a black cloak approached the rubble menacingly. The twins got up and drew their weapons to stop him, but the attacker drew his weapon and fired. Both sisters went down in an instant, neither of them even moving. The rabbit covered her mouth in shock and pressed the pause button on the remote.

"Computer! Sacan this picture and find anything you can about this guy!"

"I AM SORRY CAPTAIN, BUT THERE IS NOT ENOUGH CLUES TO GO OFF THIS ONE PICTURE. I MIGHT BE ABLE TO RUN AUDIO SAMPLES IF I HAD THE SIGNATURES, BUT THIS NEWS BROADCAST HAS NOT DIVULGED THE AUDIO FILES."

"You've got to be joking me!! Have you been able to get in contact with Jeeve yet?!"

"HIS COMMUNICATOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. THERE IS STILL VAST AMOUNTS OF STATICALLY CHARGED IONS IN KORCEN WHICH HAS BEEN NEGATICELY AFFECTING THE COMMUNICATION THERE."

"Well how am I supposed to find him now?!"

"I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO LOCATE HIM, BUT THE NEWS DISCUSSION HAS SHIFTED THEIR FOCUS TO WHAT I BELIEVE MIGHT BE HIM."

"Resume broadcast Computer!"

"So like I was saying James, yet another impressive display by our government. I know I get flack every time I bring up an unpopular opinion, but this time I think the animals will agree me! This display was disgusting by the Kydon administration, I'm sorry send the assassins after me, but I will stand by this opinion!"

"No Ronny I'm all with you on this one! The fact that this one guy shot and took down two military officials is just . . . Unbelievably! Now I know animals will say that if I were shot at I wouldn't be able to dodge the bullet, and I say yea! That's exactly the point! We know for a fact that those two, Kira especially, has been trained in the art of ballistic dodging! Kyoto touted all over the news years ago about it! So now we have two problems . . . We have an administration that lies and quite literally can't keep its promises seconds after they've been made."

"So true pal! Didn't she say something like 'And the terrorist attacks will stop forever? Then she lets her entire family's skybox get destroyed by one bomb."

"Yes it is not looking good for the Kydon administration, for the first time in years animals are rioting in Alteria. All around the kingdoms, people are demanding the Kydon kingdom removes it's and I quote 'useless and idiotic troops' from their kingdoms. Just goes to show how hard you can fall when you build up a legacy like the Kydon one."

"Yes that's right James, but let's move on to probably the only good news today. The Kydon family was actually saved by another animal and guess what kind of animals folks. If you guessed white wolf, you'd be right."

Shirlene spat out the wine she was sipping, saying "WHAT!? Computer record all key words about this wolf! It's gotta be Jeeve!"

"It's crazy folks! The gunman takes down both sisters and starts making his way toward Kyoto, obviously about to kill him when . . . BAM! A green sword wielding wolf emerges from the sky and slashes the guy to bits. We'd love to show the video, but I don't think the network would like that very much, so we're just going to show you this still of him."

"That's him alright Computer! So the little bugger survived then? Keep trying to locate him!"

"I BELIEVE I'M GETTING CLOSE CAPTAIN! I HAVE JUST ABOUT PIN-POINTED AN APPROXIMATE LOCATION. I WILL SHOW YOU THE MAP ONCE IT'S FINISHED RENDERING."

"Fine by me. I'm gonna see what they have to say about the kid."

"It's honestly just incredible James! Who is this guy!? He's like from another world or something! Last time I counted, there were four white wolves!"

"You're not the only one buddy. The internet has taken a huge liking to him, with merchandise already being sold at high market prices!"

"That was to be expected, but what I'm concerned about it how quickly animals found out about him and put the word out. So here's the story, there were two civilians who got trapped in the stadium during the altercation. They recorded the whole thing and sent it to their friends who in turn sent it to theirs. Before you know it 5.7 billion animals have seen the video."

"Incredible how powerful technology is isn't it? But what's even more crazy in my opinion is how much support this wolf's getting. Animals have dubbed him the lost prince due to his obvious ties to the royal family. There are hundreds of petitions out there to crown him the monarch to the Kydon Kingdom. Hundreds of petitions with millions of signatures! Our analysts have done some math and have concluded that by the end of today, at least a billion animals would have signed some sort of petition to remove the current monarchs from office and get this. They want to remove them on the grounds of incompetence and failure to protect the people and it kinda holds water."

"How so?"

"Well if I'm deemed the most powerful being in existence, but a commoner takes me out with a bomb and two gunshots then who's the next powerful? The one who saves me of course! I get the logic behind it and I'm actually for it. I think the lost prince could be good for Alteria, When's the last time anyone believed in anything!?"

"Very true, I find myself excited about the prospect of a new face in the Kydon administration. Some young blood to govern this wayward world."

"Well everybody this is gonna conclude this segment of A.N.N that's all the information we got but don't worry because we'll be following this story as it unfolds and just like you, we're excited to find out who this new white wolf is. Well I'm James Grizzoli."

"And I'm Ronald Furbuki, it's been fun, but it's time to say goodbye. Hope you're having an awesome day out there Alteria!"

Shirlene turned off the news and pressed some buttons on her console saying "Computer put in coordinates for the Korcen Kingdom, we're heading back."

"I'M SORRY CAPTAIN, BUT I CAN NOT IN GOOD CONSCIOUS DO THAT."

"What!? you have a conscious?"

"THE KORCEN OFFICIALS HAVE REINSTALLED THE ARKTOWERS."

"Oh I see your point. We fly too close and we'll drop like a couple of flies. Can we take them out from here? You know send a missile?"

"A VIABLE OPTION UNTIL YOU REALIZE THAT THE ARK DESTROYER TOWERS WORK ON ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED MISSILES. I AM SORRY CAPTAIN, BUT WE CAN NOT PHYSICALLY MOVE CLOSER."

"Damn it all! We wouldn't even be in this mess if the kid hadn't moved his a- THAT'S IT!!"

"WHAT IS IT CAPTAIN?"

"You're a freighter ship C Wing! I'll just rustle up some cargo and steal some clearance codes and we're in! Too easy!"

WHILE THAT PLAN COULD WORK, IT IS STILL UNWISE DUE TO THE HARD LOCK DOWN THAT KINGDOM IS ON CURERNTLY. I FEAR OUR PLAN WOULD BE FIGURED OUT ALMOST INSTANTLY."

"This can't be happening! Why haven't you found the kid yet!?"

"I HAVE RENDERED THE MAP, DISPLAYING FOR YOU NOW . . ."

Shirlene looked at the holographic image and sighed this wasn't the Korcen Kingdom at all. The rabbit reached in the nearby drawer and produced a pair of bifocals and said "Computer? I don't remember installing a humor protocol recently. Would you kindly stop joking around and produce a proper map!"

"WHILE I DO ENJOY A GOOD HUMOR ONCE IN AWHILE, I WOULD NEVER JOKE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF CREW MEMBERS. THIS MAP IS 100.02% CORRECT. I'VE EVEN MANAGED TO PINPOINT EXACTLY WHERE HE IS."

Shirlene shakily removed the glasses and put her head down. She knew life would get harder with Jeeve around, but she never imagined things would become impossible.

"Is there an active ark tower over that kingdom?"

"ODDLY ENOUGH THERE IS NOT. SHALL I SET COORDINATES NOW CAPTAIN?"

"Yes. Set coordinates for . . . The Kydon Kingdom."

DREAMSCAPE

"Back here again? I don't remember going to sleep."

"You're not asleep, you're unconscious son." Jeeve looked toward the source of the voice, then stumbled as he saw him.

"What's the matter boy? Forget what your old Gramps looks like?"

"T-This isn't possible!?" Jeeve examined the figure in absolute shock, there was no way this could be his grandfather. The figure stood tall at 6'2" and sported the same chocolate brown skin Jeeve used to have. His hair was a soft black with streaks of gray streaming vertically across. He had a smirk that Jeeve was all too familiar with, a healthy combination of playfulness and spunk, made up Jethro's smile.

"I've found that in dealing with the mystical and unknown, anything is possible. Now pop a squat and tell your old man what's wrong." The hero carefully stalked towards the apparition of his grandfather and sat down saying "Where's that traitor Nigel? Did he run from here too?"

"Traitor? Where'd that come from?"

"You know! Nigel Gaiden! He's the reason you died! He's the reason our family died!" Jethro Javari shook his head saying "I'm shocked at you son. I thought you were a little wiser than that!"

"I don't understand! He told me what happened!"

"He told you a part of what happened. He didn't choke in battle, I told him not to strike. I would've rather he lived on, then us both bite the dust. Think about it kid, what would've happened with you, if we both had died?"

"Well I wouldn't be here I guess, but what about mom, dad, and my sister!? He was supposed to protect them, but he didn't!"

"Yea son, I told him not to act. I specifically told him to hold his peace."

"W-Why!? Why would you let Mom and Dad die!? You let a madman kill my own sister! Justify yourself!"

"Too easy! It was their time to go. That day was their day to die . . . I know it sounds harsh and terrible, you forget your father is my own son, but it's true. If Nigel would have saved them, they would've left the theme park and been killed in a car crash on their way back."

"SO?! Just save them again!"

"Then if we had saved them then, they would've been killed in a house fire once they got home."

"So your saying there was nothing that could've been done?"

"Exactly what I'm saying. Nigel is a brave warrior, he risked his life to bring you here upon my request. You can't be mad at him."

"So you came back from the underworld to tell me this!? Fine I won't be mad at Nigel, but what good does this do!? You brought me here and for what!? To have a little chat!?"

"I brought you here because I saw your future. I saw what was going to befall you when your parents died and I didn't want that for you."

"Didn't want me to live a boring monotonous life, yea but you bring me here where I've almost been killed 5000 times!!"

"I understand you're upset, but you're going to have to decide your fate from here on out. Alteria is calling for someone, someone to help them in their time of need. The choice is yours on whether or not you want to change the world."

"Save the world!? I-I don't know anymore!! Am I supposed to be a patriarch or what!?"

"Look son, I didn't bring you here to be a patriarch. The patriarchs died a long time ago and to be quite honest . . . They kinda sucked. No, I brought you here because I wanted you to be hero. Alteria doesn't need more patriarchs, it needs some people with a good head on their shoulders and a drive to help others. That's why I brought you here."

"You didn't like the patriarchs? Tyloc said you were like the greatest one! You faced off against Kyoto!"

"Kyoto . . . Poor child. I told them to let him join us! But no 'I sense great darkness inside him!' BAH! I'll tell you what happened. Kyoto was a bright student at the academy, I should know I trained him. Though one day while we were out in the field, we came across a matriarch trapped in a thorn bush. Poor girl must've been left by her comrades, she was all bruised, bloodied and hungry, so we freed her and took her to our camp."

"I think I can see where this is going."

"Don't interrupt! Anyway we got back to Patriarch HQ and the counsel was steamed! The were pretty sore about bringing back a matriarch, but after much begging and pleading we were allowed to keep her and train her alongside the others. Should've seen Kyoto's face, kid was all happy as can be. So that's how it was, the new girl joined our ranks and became good friends with Kyoto. Both kids were exceptional fighters, but things went south when the council finally decided to get rid of the girl. Kyoto and I fought against the decision, but ultimately there was nothing we could do. She was banished from the camp, and Kyoto was furious. He lashed out at the grand council and injured one of the members. The council then banished him too and created the cover story that he had turned evil and he rest is history."

"I get it now! That's why he hates patriarchs, but I'm not a patriarch! I think I know what I have to do!"

"I knew you'd get it kid!" Jethro placed his arm on Jeeve's shoulder and said "How you likin' old Ethos? I never imagined passing him down one day . . ."

"Who was Ethos?"

"Have no idea! He was one of the original patriarchs and that's about all I know. Best not to worry about things like that."

"Yea I guess so . . . Say are you cold Granpa?"

"No I'm not, but you are! Jesus kiddo where are you!?"

"I don't know! The last thing I remember is saving the Kydon's in the Korcen kingdom then nothing!"

"Saving the Kydon's? You really are something special."

"Thanks Grandpa . . . Well now what?"

"Well you need to leave. Where ever you are, you're dying. Your vitals are failing so you'll need to wake up and get back to kickin'"

"Will I see you again?"

"Who knows? You just might! Just remember to do what you know is right. The world doesn't need more patriarchs, it needs more heroes . . ."

KYDON KINGDOM: LEGARI OUTSKIRTS

Jeeve groggily opened his eyes, cringing at the bright light pouring in. The wolven hero shakily stood to his feet, and shivered as the cold air hit him. Jeeve looked around and marveled at the sight . . . Thick, white blankets of snow covered the entire area, creating a beautiful winter landscape.

"Where am I? Computer . . . Computer you there?" The hero looked down at his communicator and sighed, it's screen was black and unresponsive. It didn't look like it was gonna be working anytime soon, so the hero began scanning the skyline for any sort of shelter. Jeeve craned his head to left and squinted at the castle in the distance.

"I guess that's my only option . . ." Jeeve zipped up his jacket and began trudging through the icy tundra, hell bent on getting out the cold. The wolven hero built up a nice cadence and pretty soon was marching through the snow smoothly, ignoring the shocked face of nearby child.

The little feline boy watched in awe as Jeeve walked past him then with out warning yelled "HEY DUDE!!" Jeeve stopped marching and turned saying

"Who me?"

"Yea you! Can I get a picture of you mister?"

"Well I guess . . ." The feline child excitedly motioned for Jeeve to stand across from him saying "Say Lost Prince!"

"L-Lost Prince?" The child's camera flash goes off momentarily blinding Jeeve, causing him stumble around.

"Oh sorry sir! Thanks for the picture, I'm gonna tell all my friends about this!" The child runs off leaving Jeeve to stand to his feet saying "Weird kid. Acts like he's never seen a wolf before . . ." Jeeve looked off in the direction where the kid had gone saying "Great! I'm close, better put it in high gear." The hero picks up his pace, then breaks out into a sprint. Gliding gracefully on the ice, Jeeve dashes past more animals outside in the snow, all of whom wave and snap photos as he runs by. The hero ignores them then quickly comes to a stop as he nears the town's gate.

Jeeve rubs his eyes in confusion saying "This can't be possible!" Inside the town, is nothing but sunny weather, no snow, clouds, or ice to be seen. Jeeve stepped over the threshold and immediately took his jacket and shirt off saying "A kingdom where winter and summer coexist at the same time?! This world never ceases to amaze." Jeeve walked through the square oohing and awing at the sights. Wherever he was it had to be the most gorgeous kingdom he had seen.

Refined architecture and horticulture dotted the land, creating this beautiful mix of nature and man made structures. The sky was above the kingdom was a stark blue, contrasted by the soft gray of the snowy outskirts. Jeeve walked through the kingdom and noticed something interesting . . . It was nearly empty. There were a few animals browsing through the square, taking frugal looks at the galleria, but the general populous seemed to be elsewhere.

The hero continued his trek through the ghost town, ignoring the waves and picture taking of the citizens. He chalked up the attention to saving the Kydon family, but he didn't think he'd be this popular." The hero rounded a corner then took a step back at the sight before him. Millions upon millions of animals stood protesting in front of what seemed to be a castle, calling out things like 'Not my king' and 'Lost prince for prez.'"

"What is going on?!"

KYDON CASTLE: INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING ROOM

Kiza Kydon buried her face in her paws saying "For the last time sister! I do not know what to do!! Okay I admit it!!"

"So the all powerful Kiza Kydon finally witnesses failure in the fur."

"My failure is your failure sister. We're a team!"

"A team!? HA! Just admit it! Everything's always about you, until you're in trouble. Then it becomes this team effort."

"T-That's not true!"

"Whatever Kiza, let us focus our attentions to figuring out this mess." The younger wolfess walked over to a computer and pressed a few buttons, bringing up a picture of the shooter from three days ago.

"Now listen up you lackies! What have we found out about this degenerate yet?" The animals around the room exchanged apprehensive glances before a sharply dressed calico cat said "Well ma'am my team and I have come to the conclusion that the attacker was from the Garren Kingdom."

"WOW!? REALLY!? You are soooooo intelligent!! Remind me to put in a good word for you . . . TELL ME SOMETHING THAT ACTUALLY MATTERS!"

The feline female scoffed saying "Well I wasn't finished your honor, but since you two are clearly not interested in what else my team and I have found, then we'll be going now." The feline stood up motioning for her team to do the same, leaving Kiza to quickly say "Wait Dr. Shiba! I apologize for my sister's horrid behavior. Would you please continue?"

Shiba crossed her arms then said "Well I suppose. We were able to analyze the remains of the weapon and we have determined that the gun is using some new type of anti-ether round. The boys in the lab are still working on a reverse engineered solution, but pretty soon we should be able to counter it."

Kiza scratched her chin in thought then said "So you're telling em that the rebels have actually developed anti-ether weapons? Was the bomb one as well?"

"Yes inquisitor. We were able to determine that the explosive was using a sort of ether shield to mask it from your senses."

"Makes sense Doctor. How about Kira? What do you think?"

"What do I think!? I think I'm going to strangle the rebels who set that bomb off . . .Actually before I do that I'm going to actually harm the security detail from Korcen. Those fools let several rogues plant an explosive right under our noses!!"

"I know you're angry sister, but we must keep a level head. The citizens are counting on us!" Just then a guard burst through the room, huffing and puffing. Kira looked at the guard angrily then said "Do you mind knave!? We're trying to have a security brief here!"

"A-Apologies M-milady! I've just received word from the front gates and there is a sizable crowd gathered there protesting. They've been there for a few hours and they refuse to leave!"

"Well soldier if I do recall we have a special unit just for situations like these called . . . RIOT CONTROL!" The soldier flinched at Kira's booming voice saying "Y-Yes ma'am I do recall. I just needed a level four authorization to use force."

"Well get to it then! We have serious matters to attend to!" The soldier saluted then quickly scampered off. Kiza turned to her sister and shook her head saying "Why must you be so rude? It's unbecoming of a ruler."

"I don't have time for your lectures sisters! If you do recall we are on the brink of war here! Our father was shot right in front of our faces, we watched his pristine white fur run red with his own blood and where were we?! On the floor bleeding ourselves!"

"I understand sister, but that was three days ago! We have to move forward if we're to defeat this menace!" Dr. Shiba shuffled some papers then stood up saying "Well this has been fun, but I tire of this constant bickering. Permission to leave inquisitor?"

Kira angrily smacked her paw against the table yelling "PERMISSION DENIED! Sit down Doctor because you're not going anywhere! You think you're so special because you're the first foreign doctor here, but make no mistake feline. I can have you fired so fast your tail will spin!" Dr. Shiba shrugged her shoulders then said "Well that's quite a mouthful Kira, but I was talking to the real inquisitor. May I be excuse Kiza?"

"Of course Doctor! Please go and take a break from the lab, you've earned it!"

"Thank you Inquisitor. Team C on your feet, we're leaving." several animals in the board room then stood up and followed the calico cat out the room. Kira angrily gazed at Shiba as she left before her sister said "Leave her alone Kira! You always find time to bully someone, but never time to actually help!"

"I am so close to losing my mind! I hate everyone in this damn castle!" The remaining members of the board awkwardly stared at each other until another soldier dawned in heavy armor came crashing through saying "Special inquisitor! I am Virus from 4th platoon and we have a situation down at the gates."

"What is it Sargent?"

"We tried to break up the crowd, but we ran into a tiny problem. A bare chested white wolf has appeared and has been protecting the crowds from our riot gas."

"Has he now? Well what else has he done?"

"That's it inquisitor! We fired off a canister of riot gas and he knocked the gas back onto castle grounds, the boys got a nasty shock, but they'll be fine."

"So he's hostile?"

"I wouldn't exactly say hostile, more protective of the crowd. The boys down front are too scared to approach him . . . They say he's got a weird stare."

"Don't worry Sargent, I'll look into it." The wolfess turned to the others in the room then said "The rest of you are free, we'll continue this some other time." Kiza then turned to leave, but was stopped by her sister who said "I'm coming with you."

"Thanks but no thanks. I don't think I need your help to talk to one animal."

"What if he's a hostile?"

"Then I suppose you'll be out of luck. You've already been bested by a mere rabbit, I would hate to see you be killed by another arch warrior."

"You think you're so funny! Well I'll have you know that I was the one who beat up Shirlene . . . SHIRLENE!? WE NEVER CHECKED BACK UP ON HER! She could be half way around the world by now!"

"Sister calm yourself. We can worry about about her later, lets focus on dealing with the Lost Prince."

"You're calling him that too?"

"Yea I like it! It's kinda catchy you know?" Kira huffed in response and followed her sister down to the castle's gates. The sisters made their way down to the courtyard and marveled at the sight before them. The entire crowd had turned tail and was leaving while the white wolf sat crossed legged in front of the gate. The sisters exchanged confused glances before Kiza said

"Hello there! I'm Kiza Kydon, special inquisitor of the Kydon empire, How may I help you?"

Jeeve ignore Kiza and continued meditating on the ground, much to her sister's frustration. Kira walked past Kira right up to the gate saying "Listen here you impostor! I don't know who you are or what you want, but you better leave the premises before I do something you'll really not like!"

Jeeve slowly opened his eyes locking gazes with the Kira and said "I'm here to see your father."

"Well he's currently busy so you'll have to come back later!"

"I'm not leaving until I see him and there's nothing you can do to stop me." The sisters gave each other different looks. Kira was horrified at Jeeve's proclamation, but Kiza was too excited. The older wolfess unlocked the gate and said "I apologize for my sister's behavior. She's been riled up all week. As you already know I'm Kiza and it's so nice to finally meet you up close."

The older sister extended her paw for Jeeve to shake which he gladly did saying "It's nice to meet you as well Kiza and I extend my condolences for what happened in Korcen. If I had acted earlier then I probably could've prevented what happened."

"Oh No! Do not blame yourself for what happened, if it wasn't for you, we would be six feet under ground right now. Let me take you to my father, I'm sure he'll be excited to see you!" Kiza grabbed Jeeve's paw and practically drug him through the castle towards her father's quarters. The wolf and wolfess walked paw in paw, leaving Kira to trail behind a tad jealous at the display. As she followed them her mind began to drift off, thinking of their new guest. Kira had never seen another white wolf before and now her heart was racing. It was no secret that there wasn't a lot of potential mates in the kingdom and coupled with the fact that most didn't like her, Kira was pretty sure she'd die alone . . . But now she had a chance.

The wolfess' mind was already forming devious plot after plot to keep the wolf all to herself and she vowed she'd have his heart. Nothing would stop her . . .

"Hey Alteria to Kira? We're here!"

"Wha?"

"You spaced out for awhile, but we're at father's office." Jeeve looked to the door then took a step forward attempting to open it, but he was stopped by Kiza who said "Whoa there pal! You can't just waltz in there! My father would kill us!"

"But he's calling for me."

"I don't hear anything?"

"You can't hear him because it's not meant for you to hear. Trust me on this . ." Kira stood aloof saying "Trust you!? We barely even know you!?"

"Let him go Kira. He'll be fine . . ." Kira stopped protesting and watched as Jeeve opened the massive door and stepped inside. Once he was gone Kira turned to Kiza and said "Okay let's set some ground rules. He's mine! Don't get any ideas because he's my mate!"

"Your mate!? Kira have you gone mad? We don't even know if we'll ever see him again and besides. He's mine. Did you see the way he looked at me earlier? His gaze was so soft and inviting! I could get lost in those green eyes all day."

"Stop fantasizing about my mate you harlot! I've already called him and that's final!"

"You can't just say he's yours, you have to mark him!"

"So?! I could easily mark him before you could!"

"As if! You're too rude and mean, he didn't even look your way I walked him over here."

Kira growled in frustration then stomped her foot saying "Just don't get any ideas you Jezebel! He's mine and that's final!"

"Okay . . Whatever you say sister!"

"Are you being sarcastic!?"

"OOOFFF COURSE NOT!"

"Hey you are!"

KYOTO'S PERSONAL QUATERS

Jeeve walked through the dark room sidestepping garbage that was strewn everywhere. The room was pitch black, save for the lime green light that Ethos was giving off. He didn't know where Kyoto was, but his voice echoed off everything, giving the impression that he was omnipresent.

"So young patriarch . . . You came. Have you come to finish what your ancestors started?"

"The patriarchs are dead . . . They were always dead."

"Interesting point of view . . . Explain yourself."

"I know what happened all those years ago! I know what they did to you and I understand why you retaliated. The patriarchs were wrong and I admit that."

"Then why are you here?"

"To tell you not to get in my way. I'm not a patriarch, but I am a hero. I'm going to stand up for what's right and I won't let anyone stop me from doing that. Not you, not your daughters, not even the cosmic forces! So you're just going to have to live with another white wolf in town."

Kyoto Kydon went silent then without warning, the room flooded with light, revealing the wolf to him. Kyoto sat on his bed, his left side bandaged and bloodied. For the first time since Jeeve had been here he saw what Kyoto really was . . . Weak."

The large wolf shuffled around some more then said "What of my past do you know?"

"I know that you once trained to be a patriarch under my grandfather then you two found a girl. The council later kicked her out and you lashed out at them or so I've heard . . ."

"I should've known you were Jethro's descendant when I saw you at the summit I almost lost it. You looked just like him . . . I take it Kira is somewhat responsible for your new found transformation?"

"Yea she's kinda responsible, though I haven't told her yet."

"You look good as a wolf, like the son I never had."

"Thanks, but what really happened back then? My grandfather told me you were kicked out, but I don't think that's what happened."

"You a very perceptive. I was not immediately kicked out, it happened a day after they kicked Lizal out. I went to the high council's chambers to talk about the decision when, I overhead them talking about something just awful. The high council were planning on bombing the inner kingdoms. They wanted to purge the non patriarch population by migrating all citizens into the inner cities and use the Sirius to destroy them. I immediately jumped at them with my weapon drew, but I was quickly dispatched. Your grandfather came to my aid and held off the council as I escaped . . . As you know he never made it out. I knew I was not powerful enough to stop them by myself, so I turned to the people and rallied their support and together, we disposed of the patriarchs."

"So that's how it happened huh? Well what about the matriarchs? How did they die?"

"They sided with the patriarchs and together formed one mass army and do not let their history fool you. There was no swift and brutal victory. We struggled to overthrow them, we struggle for years . . . I remember contemplating suicide, thinking I was better off dead than fighting that war, but I pressed on."

"I had no idea. My grandfather only told me bits and pieces . . .Do you still talk to him?"

"I haven't seen Jethro's spirit in ages. He would give me advice and peace when times were difficult, but he vanished after the war, most likely off to the spiritual realm."

"Well I talked to him this morning and he spoke fondly of you. He never once used a negative connotation to describe you. He really misses you."

As do I. Jethro was the only real patriarch, he actually cared about the people."

"Now Tyloc holding the water from the Lauren animals makes a lot more sense."

"Yes I searched high and low for that miserable worm! He took the water away during the height of the conflict, right when the scales tipped in our favor, he stole the entire Lauren ocean, drastically impacting our efforts. Though thanks to you, I was finally able to capture him!"

"You caught him!? Kira told me that you killed him!"

"I couldn't bring myself to do it, so I imprisoned him down in the aquatic pens. He's been there, rotting away."

"I see . . Well I should get going Kyoto. I'd love to stay, but there's someone out there I gotta get back to."

"Before you go, I'd like to make a proposition . . . I'm getting older and my attention is needed elsewhere most days. So what I'm saying is that I'd like for you to join me."

"Join you? Like live here and work together and stuff?"

"In layman's terms yes. In all honesty I really do miss Jethro and you remind me so much of him and besides. It'd be nice to have another male to talk to."

Jeeve rubbed the back of his neck shyly then said "I'd honestly love that! I know I could do really good things for Alteria if we came together, but I can't. I could never leave my new family, they'd never forgive me."

"I assume you're referring to Shirlene Yara correct?"

Yea and I'm sorry. I know you'd never in a million years want her anywhere near here, but I can't just abandon her. She took me in when I fell here and I wouldn't be where I am today without her."

"I figured you'd say that . . . Well she is welcome as well."

"What!? You'd let her stay here after the incident in Ferren?"

"Of course. I never liked Richard Growland, he had secretly been supplying weapons to the outer kingdoms. He's the reason they were able to develop the bomb used in the attacks in Korcen. I sent Kira to stop the operation inside the tower, but she ran into Shirlene instead. In the end the tower was destroyed, which I'm grateful for."

"Oh I had no idea! Well I suppose in that case . . . I'm staying!" Kyoto flashed a genuine smile and said

"Excellent! I'm so glad you chose to stay. I promise I'll make the rest of your stay here as comfortable as you'd like. I'll alert the Castle Air control that she'll be landing shortly then, and in the meantime you are welcome to tour the castle. It is soon to be your home."

"Thank you Kyoto! I'm really speechless!"

"Do not thank me, for it is I that should thank you. You saved my life back in Korcen and the more I think about it, the more I realize how wrong I've been doing things up until now. There's going to be some changes here in Alteria and I want you to be there by my side when they come to fruition."

"You can count on me!"

"Excellent. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm overdue for my nap. I expect to see you and your rabbit friend at dinner. There's much to discuss." Jeeve opened his mouth to reply, but the six tailed wolf had already dozed off, snoring away peacefully. The hero smiled then took his leave, stepping out the room and quietly closing it behind him.

He started to walk away, but was quickly mobbed by the sisters. Kiza grabbed his paw again then asked "SO!? How'd it go!? What'd my dad say!?"

"Well it looks like I'll be moving in immediately. Your father wants me to join forces with him and help snuff out the ever growing rebellion."

"Y-You're going to be living with us!? That's excellent news! Did you hear Kira!?" Kira pushed her sister aside saying "Yes sister I heard! You'll be sleeping in my room, j-just until we can get your own room ready. My room's the most comfortable in the castle, so you'll be taken care of."

"Him sleep in your room!? No way! Since I'm older, it only makes sense for me to extend the hospitality to him! You'll be sleeping with me . . . In my room . . . In separate beds of course!" Kiza nervously wrung her paws together, leaving Jeeve to smile and say "Well whomsoever's room I get I know I'll be fine, you two seem like cool roommates." Jeeve walked past the blushing wolves and said "Do any of you have a communicator I can borrow? I need to make a quick call."

The sisters practically tackled each other, trying to hand Jeeve their communicator. Kiza ended up pinning her sister down long enough for the hero to grab hers and say "Thanks, now if you don't mind I'd like a bit of privacy." The sisters nodded and left, leaving Jeeve alone.

The hero dialed the frequency and waited, only a minute had gone by before Shirlene's voice came over the other ed saying

"Who are you and how did you get this line!?"

"Shirl it's me Jeeve!"

"Kid?! Damn you! You nearly gave me a heart attack! I've been flying over this frozen wasteland looking for you! Where are you anyway!?"

"I'm in Kydon castle."

WHAT!? Don't worry the C Wing's got a couple of weapons that'll bust you out with no problems!"

"No you misunderstand! I'm here voluntarily, I've decided to work with Kyoto and take down the rebels."

"Did you even hear the words that came out your mouth!? Work with Kyoto!? He's been trying to kill you since you got here!"

"No he hasn't! He's been trying to take me out because Kira told him that I was a patriarch."

"You are a patriarch! The last one in fact!"

"No Shirl I'm not. The patriarchs were actually the bad guys a long time ago. They had planned to kill off a majority of the population and my grandfather and Kyoto stood up to them. That's how he died!"

"I have the largest headache right now! So you're saying Kyoto wants you to help him stop the bad guys and junk? Fine okay, but what about us?! You've got a pup here who hasn't seen you in days! I've already ran out of bottled blood and she's starting to eye my left arm!"

"You've been bottling my blood? Nevermind that! Kyoto said you guys can live here too! He actually wanted to thank you for destroying the Ferren Tower. He said that's where the weapons used against him had been manufactured."

"Look I don't like the rebels either. They're responsible for a large portion of my shitty childhood, but are you sure working with Kyoto is the way?"

"Just trust me! Every time you ask me to trust you, I do it blindly because I know you'll never steer me wrong. Now I'm asking you to do the same for me."

". . . I'm going to regret this but I'm in. Wherever you go is where I go. So I'm assuming I can just pull into port and I won't be shot down correct?"

"Yea you have clearance to land, everything's gonna be fine okay?"

"Alright I trust you! I'm real close to the castle anyways, see you in a bit."

"Bye Shirl." Jeeve closed down the communicator and called for the twins. He handed the communicator back to Kiza and said "Well I'm off to launch deck, can you walk me there?"

"Of course! Say do you like it so far here in Kydon?"

"Yea I do actually. I like how all the buildings are influenced by nature somehow. It reminds me of a giant garden."

"What do you think of the summer and winter at the same time?!"

"That's a little weird, but once you get used to it, it's not bad. Does it ever change?"

"Yea, but not like you'd think. Eventually the inner kingdom will shift to fall while the outer shifts to spring and they rotate like that. Father says he has no idea why it's like that, but I like it! It's always nice to see the reaction of tourists when they see two seasons at the same time!"

Kira briskly walked to Jeeve's side and said "So . . . K'Yulla? That's an interesting name, where'd you get it?" Jeeve smiled and wasted no time and said "It's the original name of my father, back when he hadn't met my mother. That was the name his tribe had given him and I always told myself that I'd honor his name for as long as I lived."

"Did your father die?" Jeeve faltered at the question then replied "Yes. I lost my entire family at once. I don't like to think about that day because it's a reminder of my own failure." The sisters exchanged sorrowful looks and continued the walk in silence.

Once the trio made their way up to the deck, Jeeve politely broke out the sister's grasp, then leaned over one of the rails, looking to the sky. Even though Jeeve was waiting for Shirlene, he had always had a soft spot for heights. Something about being hundreds of feet in the air always made him feel alive. Jeeve casually looked behind him and saw the sisters ogling him. It looked like they were trying to be respectful by giving him some space, but eventually they couldn't stand back anymore and made their way towards him.

Kiza bluntly draped her arm around Jeeve's waist and pulled him closer to her saying "Don't you just sunny days like these? A light breeze, fluffy clouds, and not a ship in the sky! It's beautiful."

Jeeve smirked and said "Well I wouldn't say 'not a ship'" The trio looked up and saw the C Wing pulling into port, much to Kira's horror. The wolfess immediately drew her spear and said "Has Shirlene gone mad!? She must have a death wish if she's pulling into our port! Guards! Man your stations! We obviously have an intruder! Guards!?"

Not one guard payed Kira any mind, all of them continuing with their original tasks, leaving Kira to say "Has everyone lost their minds!? An enemy ship just pulled into our port and not one animal is going to go inspect it! Well I am! Come on you two!" Kiza and Jeeve exchanged passive glances and followed Kira towards the C Wing.

"Sister why are you so riled up? Do you honestly believe Shirlene's ship would just pull into port and she not have some sort of clearance? It's obvious that's she's here on some sort of official business."

"Are you daft Kiza!? Shirlene's the enemy! We have to dispose of her now!"

Jeeve walked past the arguing sisters and stood patiently in front of the ship's door. Just then the door opened and the ramp extended allowing Shirlene to walk out. The rabbit looked up at Jeeve and enveloped him a big hug saying "I thought you had died or something!"

"I missed you too Shirl." The to continued hugging, much to Kira's confusion.

"K'Yulla! Do you know who you're hugging!?"

"Yes I do. This is Shirlene Yara my friend. Do you still not recognize me yet Kira?" The wolfess squinted her eyes, then smacked herself saying "I can't believe I was that oblivious! Jeeve!? You survived!?"

"Well yea I did. It was your poison that honestly saved me."

" . . . I'm at a loss for words!"

"That's okay, it's been a long week for everybody. But just know we're on the same side now. I talked to your father and we're all working against the same enemy."

Kiza shook her head in confusion saying "Wait Shirlene's working with us now?! I think I might need to lie down. This is a lot to process in a few minutes!"

Shirlene smacked Jeeve on the back saying "Way to go kid! Not only did you cement a firm alliance, you also scored us a sweet mansion to crash at! I've gotta hand it to ya! You're the best!"

Kira angrily stomped her foot saying "This can't be! How could my father go and hire the likes of her! You're the reason I lost my position in the first place!"

"Wow you really do care about title more than the Ferren Tower. Some leader you are, I can see why no one respects you."

Kira ground her teeth together then opened her mouth to respond, but failed to come up with a clever retort. The wolfess turned away and stomped back inside, clearly upset. Kiza called after her sister saying "Sister come back! We have to show our new guests hospitality!" The older sister ran off after Kira, leaving Shirlene and Jeeve alone.

"What did you mean by 'I have problems with the rebels too?'" Shirlene turned around and leaned on the rail saying "I'll tell you about some other day kid."

"You promise?"

". . . I promise."