FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

I want to thank Mysterydude again for proofreading and lending me his characters. I also want to thank Tatami the Nine Tailed Fox for the use of his characters as well. Thanks to the both of you. Enjoy.

Shawn, Caleb, and Raigen @ Mysterydude

Zack and Pharaoh @ Tamati the Nine Tailed Fox

"Would you care for something to drink Sir Jonah?" the maid asked, holding a platter supporting two glasses filled with water.

"No thank you," Jonah said with a smile.

"How about you young sir?" she asked Shawn.

"Nothing for me thank you," Shawn said.

The maid bowed her head before walking away. Jonah and Shawn sat in the waiting room, waiting for an audience with the king. It was a spacious room with four benches along each side of the wall. A suit of armor guarded each corner of the wall, reflecting the gleaming beams of sunlight that lanced toward them from the open window. In the middle, a massive, round oak table with four chairs settled atop of an intricate rug of blue and red, the image of two crossed swords emblazoned boldly on the carpet.

Shawn looked at the various pictures that hung on the wall with interest before Jonah spoke up. "Those are the previous kings that ruled this kingdom before Yvain." Shawn merely nodded in reply, seeming lost in thought.

Two guards in purple armor strode through the door, startling Cindur from his place against the wall.

"The king will see you now, sir Jonah," one of them said.

"Thank you," Jonah said, getting up and doing a light stretch.

They followed the guards down the hall, the armor making loud noises on the marble floor. The hall was lined with pictures of the king and his family, as well as regularly spaced guards who saluted as they passed. They reached a pair of double oak doors, which the guards pushed open. In the center of the great room was a large square table, twenty chairs arranged neatly around it. On one side of the room stood another table that had several maps of the area that were highlighted for what looks like a defensive strike. At the far end of the table in the biggest chair sat a panther, who stood up as they entered. He had on a pair of crimson silk slacks and shirt. A gold necklace with a turquoise pendent hung from his neck. His fur seemed to shine in the light, as he smiled and opened his arms in a welcoming motion.

"Sir Jonah Coel. It's an honor for you to grace my kingdom with you presence," he said. His voice was deep and a little intimidating, but caring.

"The honor is mine, your majesty," Jonah said, taking a bow along with Shawn and Cindur.

"Who is your friend?"

"Shawn Matthews, your majesty. A good friend of Jonah's," Shawn replied.

"Well, any friend of Jonah is a friend of mine. Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the chairs. "And please, call me Yvain."

Yvain folded his hands as they all took a seat. "So Jonah, what brings you to my kingdom?" Yvain asked.

"I'm seeking supporters. Zemeckis' army grows stronger everyday. I need all the help I can get for the upcoming war that will eventually break out and possible send this world in ruins."

Yvain eyes narrowed a little as his whiskers twitched.

"Zemeckis? His army is strong. Backed up by some of the most powerful and dangerous djinns."

His grey eyes moved back and forth from one place to another as he thought about the situation.

"I don't know what assistance I can give you right now. But rest assured, when the time comes, you will have the full support of my kingdom. Zemeckis and his army must be stopped at all costs."

There came a couple of knocks at the door before it opened. Another panther walked in, a dress of brilliant scarlet clinging to and accentuating her slim form. She wore a necklace almost exactly like the one the king wore, except with an opal pendent on it. Her sliver eyes lit up when she saw Jonah.

"Good evening father," she said, giving a curtsey.

"Jonah, you remember my daughter Adilica?"

"Of course I do," Jonah said, standing up and taking her hand in his, giving it a kiss. "Still as lovely as ever too."

The insides of her ears turned red and folded back in embarrassment as she blushed.

"Still quite the gentlemen I see, sir Jonah."

"Of course your highness."

Adilica smiled warmly at Jonah, before turning to address her father.

"Father, my carriage is waiting outside. I shall be back by noon tomorrow."

"Okay my dear," Yvain said, giving her a hug.

She gave another curtsy before leaving. The door closed quietly, leaving the room in silence.

"What do you intend to do after you leave here Jonah?" Yvain asked, picking up where they had left off.

"I am going to head to Halycon and speak with Queen Iria," Jonah replied.

"Iria huh? You know she's a stubborn one to deal with."

"I know. But she owes me a favor, so I'm going to collect."

"An ace in the hole might work, but you know she'll try and trade it for something more pleasurable, for her sake."

"I'm not going to waste this chance for her greedy desires. Besides, I was already married once."

Yvain gave a hearty laugh along with Jonah.

"Since it's about nightfall, spend the night here and have some dinner."

"We don't want to be a burden your majesty," Shawn spoke up.

"Pish posh, trivial things," Yvain chuckled with a wave of his hand. "I insist. It's the least I can do."

"Thank you, your majesty."

"Guards."

The doors opened as two wolves in black armor walked in.

"Have the chambermaid prepare rooms for our guests. Also, have the chef set up for three more bodies."

"Yes mi-lord," they said in unison before leaving.

"Now that that's out the way, let us discuss more about the matters that are about to come."

"But of course." Jonah said.

__

The forest was abuzz with the sounds of nocturnal life as the sun set on the horizon. Crickets chirped in the tall grass, owls hooted in the trees and frogs croaked from the nearby pond. Another sound echoed through the night, one that did not fit in with the peaceful songs of nature. It was the sound clashing metal, followed by grunts and groans.

"Your weight distribution is off. You need to balance the weapon as well as your body," Caleb said, swishing his cane dexterously to illustrate the point.

Isaiah was breathing hard as he held the scythe tightly with both hands. He and Caleb had been sparring for hours it seemed, sweat pouring off the side of his face and rolling down his back as he steadied himself. He shifted his feet a little before taking off towards Caleb, who stood ready in a fencing stance. Isaiah faked a couple of moves causing the scythe to shift his body awkwardly. Caleb read his moves easily and swiftly parried his attacks, before knocking the weapon out of his hand. It landed on the grass, blade first as Isaiah flexed his hands, wincing from the jolt.

"Your moves are predictable. Maybe that weapon wasn't a good choice for starting out."

"I can handle it. If my grandfather could, so can I. The only thing that's confusing me is why I couldn't break through your cane," Isaiah groaned, rubbing the blisters that had built up on his palms.

Caleb smiled, before pulling the cover off the cane, revealing a rapier.

"Easily concealable along with quick access. A perfect combo."

Caleb looked into the sky, which was rapidly turning the muted hue of twilight.

"It's getting dark now, so I think that's enough training for today."

"Okay."

They walked along the faint trail, dead leaves crunching under their weight along with dry branches. A small light filtered through the waxing darkness. As they neared it, they saw a cheery fire blazing in the center the small camp they had made earlier in the day. Zack sat by the fire, adding a couple of twigs and stirring it up, causing embers to fly into the air. His black fur made him look almost like a shadow, if it weren't for the small patch of white fur in the middle of his chest, and his tail, which moved lazily back and forth. His ears obviously picked up the moving foliage, as he immediately looked to his left to see the two of them returning.

"Enjoy your training?" Zack asked with a grin.

"I'm sore all over and my hands are covered in blisters," Isaiah groaned.

"Welcome to knight training," Zack said with a laugh.

"I don't know how you do it," Isaiah said, plopping himself down in front of the fire with a groan, happy to get off his feet.

"You'll get used to it. It is your first day after all. Try doing it for years."

Raigen and Glacier appeared from the other side of the forest.

"Well?" Caleb said, looking at Raigen.

"Closest town is about a half day walk in that direction," Raigen said, pointing east.

"That would be the mining town of Ryuka. The magistrate there used to be a fair and just man, until one day he just....changed. He became ruthless and taxed the people dry. The mine began to go dry from over mining, so he forced the people to give him a third of what they collected from tourists. Some people moved, because they had no money to give. The others that refused the magistrate... They were sent into the mines, never to be heard from again. From what people tell me, he made the mines into a prison of sorts," Zack said.

Glacier walked over and sat next to Isaiah, who blushed a little, still remembering the kiss they had shared, even if it had been brief.

"Master Isaiah, are you okay? You look flustered."

"I'm....I'm fine," he said, rubbing his hands together, but instantly regretting it as the blisters started to burn, making him grimace. "I really wish you wouldn't call me that."

She noticed and gently took a hold of his hand, palms up. "That's how things are supposed to be, now that we've bonded." He jumped a little as the feel of her soft fur sent a shiver up his spine, making goose bumps appear on his arm.

"You have blisters on your hands. Have you been fighting?" she questioned softly.

"No....not fighting per se. Caleb was training me on how to use my grandfather's weapon properly."

"I can try and ease them, if you like?"

"Sure."

She closed her hands before opening them slowly, making a clear bubble appear and fill with water. She guided the bubble over and placed Isaiah's hands into it, making him jump, as the water was surprisingly warm. The water began to soothe the pain a little, to the point where he could no longer feel the blisters as individual patches of flame. He let out a relaxed sigh, squeezing his hands into fists then relaxing them again.

"Does that feel better?"

"Yes, thank you. It feels a lot better," Isaiah said, removing his hands from the bubble.

Glacier smiled as her tail wagged happily behind her, making a few leaves float in the air. The fire made her violet eyes sparkle as he stared into them.

"Just... do me a favor Glacier."

"Sure master Isaiah," she said, shrinking the bubble until it popped, sending a small puddle of water onto the grass.

"Don't call me master. Just Isaiah will do."

She giggled at that, making him blush and look into the fire.

"As you wish... Isaiah."

"Here, eat this," Caleb said, handing Isaiah some stripes of dried meat. "Get some sleep. We still have a long way to go."

___

The sky was completely dark now. The stars looked like glowing holes in the vast fabric of the sky. A small breeze moved through the trees, making them wave like a ghost's hand was moving them. Caleb sat under a tree near the fire, a small book in his hand as he read and jotted notes in another book. Raigen was laying down on a tree branch above him. If it weren't for the light of the fire, he would have been completely invisible.

"Can't sleep?" Caleb said, not looking up from the book.

The fire lit up the shadow walking towards it, Zack slipping from dark to light with the stealth of one trained in woodcraft.

"Not really. I'm kind of a night owl."

He took a seat across from Caleb and looked into the fire before glancing over at Isaiah. He was leaning against the tree, fast asleep with Glacier's head resting on his shoulder. The fire made her fur shimmer like a wave kissed by the sun. She let out a small, barely audible sigh before huddling closer to him. Zack let out a chuckle and shook his head.

"Lucky devil to come away with a beautiful girl like that."

"They are only bonded, nothing more," Raigen responded, his left leg moving lazily back and forth.

"Bonded? As in marriage?"

Both Caleb and Raigen laughed at that, making Zack blush.

"If that was the case, Raigen and I would be married also," Caleb chuckled.

"I couldn't be married to him anyway. He doesn't put out as much anymore." Raigen grinned.

"Quiet, you," Caleb said, throwing a rock up at Raigen.

"So what does being bonded mean exactly?" Zack questioned.

Caleb rubbed his chin, contemplating his answer.

"Glacier formed what is called a "pact" between her and Isaiah, by way of a kiss."

"Just a kiss?"

"You can form one by blood also, which is what must djinns prefer because it feels more sincere," Raigen answered.

"What exactly is a djinn?"

"We are elemental spirits from Almekia. Each of us posses a power of a certain element of the world. Earth, wind, fire, and water are just the basic forms. Glacier can control and manipulate water to a certain degree without a host. With a host, she can use her power to the full potential."

"A host meaning the bond partner?"

"You catch on quick. We are limited in power without a host. But some djinns are so powerful they don't need a host."

Zack leaned back on his hands as he took in all the information.

"So, what element are you Raigen?"

Raigen sat up on the tree branch and held his hands apart. Sparks of lighting flowed through his hands like threads of yarn, lighting up the darkness with crackling, leaping voltage.

"Lighting element? Pretty cool."

"I would like to think so," Raigen said, relaxing on the branch again.

"So, how do I get one?"

"They aren't objects you can buy," Caleb growled, his ears flicking in irritation. "You have to earn their trust. Isaiah earned Glacier's trust when he saved her."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that," Zack said, raising his hands placatingly.

Silence took over the small camp after that, and Zack closed his eyes, listening to the nocturnal life he used to when he was little. It was comforting to him as he relaxed, feeling a cool breeze blowing past him rustling his fur.

"Can I ask you a question?" Caleb spoke up, breaking the silence.

"Sure."

"Why are you following Isaiah? What is he to you?"

Zack's grey eyes looked at Isaiah for a second, before looking back into the hypnotic crackling fire.

"I've know him since he was seven. He's like the little brother I never had. I was always there for him, and him for me. My parents even treated him like he was one of their own. They loved him because he was always so cheerful and a great cook. I know him better then he thinks I do."

"Do you even know where we are going or what we are doing?" Caleb asked, turning a page.

"He said he was going to find his father. I want to help him the best way I can."

"I cannot be responsible for your well being. My job is to protect and train Isaiah for the trials that await him."

"You don't have to worry about me." Zack grinned, his teeth gleaming in the fire. "My father has trained me to be a knight since I was six."

"Glad to hear it. That's one less problem I have to worry about," Caleb said, closing his book and letting out a yawn as he stretched. "Because where we are going... You're going to need every bit of that training. Get some sleep. We leave at first light. Raigen, create an illusion so we can rest easy."

"Already done," Raigen said lazily, closing his eyes.

Zack watched Caleb lean against the tree, fedora in front of his face. He collected his thoughts before looking at Isaiah again. He was sleeping peacefully without a care in the world. Glacier shifted slightly in her sleep, her muzzle cuddled comfortably under his chin. They looked content and happy, their hands resting lightly together.

"I really hope you know what you're doing,Isaiah," Zack said to himself.

__

Zemeckis sat at the edge of a medium sized bed, head down with his eyes closed. The small oil lamp cast an eerie glow, revealing a stark, cramped room, furnished only by the bed, a rickety door marking the only break in the featureless walls. A prone figure still under the covers shifted slightly, making the springs in the bed creak softly before going still. Zemeckis grunted as he placed his hand over his chest, touching an old scar.

'I let my guard down,Jonah. I never let them heal this wound, no matter what they said. This is a reminder to me of how careless I was.'

His mind flashed back to the night in Egress castle where they fought. Jonah had put up an admirable fight, but he was no match for the power Zemeckis held. Just when he had Jonah cornered, somebody shouted that the box and medallion had been stolen. His head turned briefly to the left in somewhat of a shock at what he just heard. That had turned out to be a mistake. He scowled, his scar throbbing as he remembered the hot, stabbing pain in his chest where Jonah plunged his sword, blood covering his hand as he sank to ground and Jonah fled.

"I should've known better then that. How could I have been so blind."

Zemeckis felt soft hands massage his shoulders, before wrapping around and hugging him.

"What's wrong, Zeke?" Abyss asked softly in his ear.

"Remembering a personal vendetta."

Abyss sighed, before placing his paw over the scar.

"We will get our revenge Zeke. Nothing will stop us from conquering both worlds. I know you don't want to hear this, but you need to have patience."

Zemeckis let out a grunt of anger, balling his fists tightly.

"I will not kill him fast. I'll make sure to make him suffer. I'll make him beg for me to kill him."

Abyss gave an evil smile, before slowly, sensuously licking his neck, the rough tongue drawing a wet line along Zemeckis' exposed, almost shamefully delicate skin, sharp fangs inches from his jugular. Abyss was the only one who could come so close, who he would allow that much trust. Any other who tried... would not live to try again.

"That's the Zemeckis I know. Since you have some pent up anger, how about focusing it on me?"

Zemeckis smiled, before reaching back and taking a firm, but gentle grip on Abyss's sheath, getting a murr of approval.

"I think I'll take you up on your offer."

__

"That is Ryuka," Zack said, pointing to the small town. "To get to Logres, we need a horse and carriage to cross the mountain side."

The town was located in a valley at the bottom of Hillcrest Mountains. A tall fence made of trees surrounded the town like a fort. Two guards stood at the entrance to the town, casually leaning on spears, bored expressions on their faces.

"They have guards here?" Isaiah asked.

"Yeah. The mine began to get unwanted attention by thieves, so the magistrate brought in his own special guards instead of the kings. The two at the gate are from the king's castle, I recognize them. The magistrate's guards probably have a low tolerance, he wouldn't skimp on second-rate soldiers. I've never seen or heard of them before though, I don't have any contacts inside."

"In other words, we have to keep our heads down," Isaiah said, crossing his arms.

"Don't even start Raigen," Caleb growled.

"Spoil sport," Raigen chuckled.

They headed down the trail towards Ryuka. The guards, two lions in green armor, noticed them coming forward. Once they got to the gate, the guards crossed their weapons, blocking access.

"State your business here?" the guard on the right said, his voice rough.

"We need passage to Logres capital. I have to......deliver something important to a friend, per my grandfather's request," Isaiah spoke up.

"Sorry, not good enough. Be gone."

"Be we have to-"

"I said, get lost," the lion said, walking up to Isaiah, his teeth bared.

Zack walked in front of the guard, eyes narrowed as a growl formed in his throat.

"You want some too kid?"

"You might want to hold that tongue before it gets removed."

Slowly, deliberately, he rolled up the sleeve of his shirt. The guards' eyes widened in fear, as they took in the tattooed sigil of the royal guard marking his bicep.

"Our deepest apologies sir. We didn't know. Please forgive my rudeness," the lion whined, ears flat against his head and tail between his legs.

"Forget about it. Where can we secure means of transportation?"

"At the far end of town is a horse stable. You should be able to get something there."

"Thank you," Zack said calmly, before looking back at the others. "Shall we go?"

They walked past the guards into town. Most of the houses were made of wood, with a handful of wealthier homes made from brick. The citizens of the town avoided them, wary looks in their eyes, like they were afraid they would be punished if they even made contact.

"What is wrong with everybody?" Isaiah asked, watching people close their doors when they walked by.

"Not our concern. We're here to secure transportation, nothing else," Caleb reminded him. "No trouble."

Silently, Zack hoped the snow leopard was right.

____

The stable was small, yet looked well kept. A few horses grazed peacefully on the grass surrounding the structure, the corral fences sturdy and straight. They headed to the house next to the stable, Isaiah taking the lead and knocking on the door firmly. After a minute, the door cracked open, a collie peeking out at him.

"Ye....yes? What can I do for you?" the feminine voice said, sounding a little scared, her yellow eyes looking him over.

"Good afternoon. My friends and I would like to purchase a horse and wagon from you."

"I.....I'm sorry, but without the magistrate's permission, I can't do it."

"But we are in a terrible hurry. I'm sure we can come to an under-"

"I can't. I'm sorry, but you have to go," she said, closing the door and locking it.

Isaiah blinked, standing there in confusion for a moment before walking back to Caleb and Zack.

"She won't sell me one."

"Why not?" Caleb asked.

"We don't have the magistrate's permission."

"He's making sure they don't pocket any gold behind his back. Its worse than I thought," Zack said, crossing his arms over his chest.

"So, what do we do now?" Isaiah asked.

"Simple. We find the magistrate." Caleb said, whirling around, his ears flicking in an irritated manner.

It wasn't hard to find the magistrate's house. It was the only house with two floors and guards standing at the front gate. They headed up to the front gate as the guards looked at them suspiciously, hands ready on their weapons.

"We need to speak to the magistrate in order to secure transportation," Isaiah said.

"Wait here," one of the guards said, before walking inside. Isaiah stifled a snort at Caleb's half-heard mutters --something about "lack of manners"-- and busied himself with straightening his shirt as the snow leopard shot him a glare.

They waited a few moments in silence until the guard came back.

"The magistrate will see you. Don't try anything funny or we'll kill you on the spot."

As they entered the house, the smell of roses filled their noses. Maids bustled around the spacious house dusting and sweeping. The place was downright elegant compared to the rest of the city. A medium sized man wearing silk purple pants and matching jacket with rings on each finger stood in the middle, watching the maids do their work with an appraising eye, as if waiting for them to make some mistake he could chastise them for.

"Magistrate, the visitors are here."

He turned, his expression calculating as he peered up and down at them, before smiling ingratiatingly.

"Welcome my friends. You needed to see me?" he said.

His appearance and manner gave him sort of a snobbish look, as he smoothed out the white silk shirt he was wearing underneath the purple jacket. Isaiah fancied he looked like some lavish bird with poor taste in plumage, one that was rather overfed.

"Yes. We need transportation to Logres, and the lady said to speak to you for permission," Isaiah spoke up, putting aside his impression of the portly, double chinned man.

"Indeed you do. Please, step into my office."

He directed them into a room behind him. Inside was an oak desk with paper cluttered all over. 'You would think with all the maids around they would clean up in here.' Various, expensive looking pictures decorated the walls; from lush valleys and fields, to beautiful houses decorated wonderfully. A window in the back let in some sun while giving off a glorious view of the mountains. The magistrate sat behind the desk and leaned back.

"So, you want a horse and wagon?"

"Yes sir," Isaiah said.

"May I ask where you are going?"

"I need to deliver something for my grandfather. It is very urgent."

"May I ask what it is?"

"No, you may not," Caleb answered, cutting Isaiah off.

The magistrate eyed Caleb up and down, a look of disgust in his eyes which didn't seem to faze Caleb at all.

"Unless I know what it is your carrying, I cannot give my permission," the magistrate said, looking back at Isaiah, apparently deciding he was the more reasonable, or perhaps simply the easiest to manipulate.

"I'm afraid I can't." Isaiah said, shaking his head.

"Hmm," the magistrate said, rubbing his chin. "Then at least tell me your grandfather's name?"

"Jeremy Glauze."

The magistrate's eyes widened as he stood up abruptly, his chair wobbling, dangerously close to falling over from the sudden action.

"So, the info that man gave me was right! He said you would come here."

"What are you talking about? What man?" Isaiah asked, a spark of confusion lancing through him.

"Guards!! Guards!!"

The door banged open, several armed men piling inside, weapons at the ready. Isaiah jumped at the suddenness. 'Were theywaiting for this?'

"What is the meaning of this? We've done nothing to merit this kind of attention." Zack said.

"Quiet, murderers. Guards, take them into the mines."

"Yes magistrate." Without hesitation, the men closed in, hemming around them like some kind of strange, heavily armed shepherds.

Caleb grunted before looking at Raigen, batting away the hand one of the men placed on his shoulder. Something seemed to pass between them, some kind of rapid exchange that Isaiah only caught by virtue of having seen it before.

Caleb glared at the guard, who had refrained from becoming rougher when the snow leopard showed no signs of resisting. "I am perfectly capable of following without your hands on guidance, thank you."

"But what about Isaiah?" Glacier said, her melodious voice sounding concerned.

"What?" Isaiah sent back, wondering what she meant_._

Glacier frowned, looking first at Caleb, then back at Isaiah. "He wants me to go with Raigen and find out what's going on." _ She paused, listening again. "He says he'll take care of you."_

"I'll be fine. Glacier, you go with Raigen," Isaiah said.

Glacier hesitated, but nodded her head briefly, before both she and Raigen disappeared. The guards hemmed them in, escorting them towards the door none too politely, though they at least did not resort to using their weapons as prods. Isaiah bunched his fists in frustration. Why did everything have to be complicated?

__

The sound of clanking armor and protests started to fade away as the magistrate smoothed his shirt down again, before looking out the window. Just as he did, his door opened again, a harsh, grating voice filtering in through the crack. The magistrate shuddered at the sound, hoping it was not about to issue more demands.

"Well?"

"They came, like you said they would."

"Of course they did."

"What will you do with them?"

"Anything I want until he comes. Until then, the fun is just beginning."

__

Zemeckis ran his hands over the box again, eyes closed in rapture, as he felt only a small percentage of power the box was emitting.

"Soon, the power to do what I want will be mine," he whispered aloud.

There was a sudden commotion outside the door, before a guard ran in, immediately dropping to one knee.

"My lord, there is an intruder demanding to see you! We tried to stop-"

"Zemeckis Creed!!"

'That voice...' Memories flooded back to Zemeckis as he smiled.

"It's been a long time, sensei," Zemeckis said, his back still turned.

A middle aged man walked in, his clothes resembling that of a samurai. A black belt was wrapped around his waist, holding up the blue and white uniform. The sleeves were extra wide as he had both his arms inside them. He had a katana attached to his side, sheathed in a white cover with golden markings written all over it. His blonde ponytail went down his back before making a loop back up to his shoulder. Strong azure eyes full of anger were locked on Zemeckis.

"Explain yourself Zemeckis."

"Leave us," Zemeckis said to the guard.

The guard bowed quickly, before hastily leaving.

"I'm waiting."

Zemeckis smiled to himself, before turning to look at his old teacher.

"You look well sensei. How have you been?"

"Answer me Zemeckis."

Zemeckis walked down the short steps, hands behind his back.

"If you're here, I really don't need to explain myself then, do I?"

"What happened to you that made you walk down this path?"

"Let's just say, I've opened my eyes to the world."

"You were one of my best pupils. You were always eager to learn and study. You mastered the blade better then anybody I have ever seen. Why are you doing this?"

"Unlike you, sensei, who is content with what he has, I wanted more. So I left in order to find more."

Abyss appeared from his shadow and stood beside him.

"Then I found it. Power so great, so unreal, just begging for an owner. That power is right up there," Zemeckis said, gesturing to the box. "And that owner, will be me."

"Power corrupts the mind. I taught you that lesson since day one."

"Yes, you did, Klaques. But your teachings are for the weak. I'm not weak."

Klaques balled his fists tightly, before wrapping his left hand on the sheath of his katana.

"You have changed so much Zemeckis. It pains me to see such a bright pupil like yourself fall to the corruption of power."

"If that's all you came for Klaques, you can leave now. I have things to do," Zemeckis said, turning back around.

___

Klaques closed his eyes, regret filling his heart for what he had to do.

"If this is your decision, then you leave me no choice. It pains me to do this, but I have to kill you myself."

He ran at Zemeckis, who still had his back turned, as if he were of no consequence. 'He's always been arrogant, but THIS...' As he came withing striking distance, he unsheathed and swung his katana in one motion, a blur of blinding speed and skill. His mouth dropped open in shock, as instead of biting into flesh, the vibrations of his blade striking metal lanced up his arms, a masked figure appearing out of nowhere to stand in front of him.

"What!?" he exclaimed, staring incredulously at the mysterious figure.

Zemeckis chuckled before turning around.

"I see you met my right hand."

"How-"

"Did your attack get blocked so easily? Simple, I taught all your techniques and maybe a little extra."

Klaques jumped back from the masked stranger, looking him over. The mystery person was dressed in an all brown linen clothes. The top part of the chest bulged a little, meaning it must be female. The mask over her face showed two pink eyes, a gleam of excitement in them. A long silver ponytail wrapped in red silk yarn trailed down her back. A black glove covered her left hand, the one holding a long, wicked looking katana in a casual grip. Strange markings covered the blade from hilt to the top.

"Show him what you can do my dear." Zemeckis said.

The figure advanced towards Klaques with shocking speed, blade flashing and whirling. He stood his ground as best as he could, but he still came away with numerous cuts. His clothes bore slashes in many places, as they hung onto his body barely.

"Impressive, isn't she Klaques? You're thinking how could someone learn your techniques and fighting skills so quickly? Your techniques aren't so hard to learn at all. But it has one tiny flaw, you taught it," Zemeckis said, eyes narrowing evilly.

Klaques breathed heavily, his left arm bleeding down his katana, crimson drops slipping to the smooth marble floor.

"This lady moves flawlessly. I can't seem to pick up where her attacks are coming from. Has Zemeckis really surpassed me? Has he becomeso strong that nobody can stop him?"

"Since I still have some respect for you, I'll let you die by your own technique. Nadia my dear, if you please."

She held the blade up sideways in front of her. Using two fingers, she touched the blade, beginning at the hilt and sliding up to the tip, causing the blade to glow black.

"Are you ready to die?" she asked bluntly, her voice feminine, but devoid of emotion.

Klaques took a defensive stance, knowing what was coming. She raised her sword in the air before swinging it in an arc, causing a crescent wave of power to come surging forth. It made a beeline toward Klaques, the marble floor it traveled over crumbling away as parts of it flew into air. Klaques readied himself, before taking a swing, hoping to deflect one of his own techniques. Instead of deflecting it like he hoped, it went right through him at an angle, before coming to a stop in the wall, making the structure shake as a large line was imbedded into it.

"Im......possible," he said, looking down at his broken weapon.

"Rest assured Klaques, your techniques are in better hands," Zemeckis said with a smile. That was the last Klaques saw.

___

Klaques's body slowly split apart as his upper half slid to the ground, blood spraying into the air before making a pool around the two halves. Nadia sheathed her weapon with a flourish, before turning around to Zemeckis.

"I've offered to help you because you said you would help me," she said, taking off her mask and revealing a beautiful face. Her skin looked smooth as silk, despite the firm set of her features as she pushed a stray hair away from her eyes.

"I know what I promised," Zemeckis said, looking at her menacingly, which made Abyss growl in reaction to his mood.

"You and your puppy dog don't scare me."

"I love a girl with fire in her spirit," Zemeckis said with a smile, changing tacts as he stepped closer, running a single finger down her cheek.

"Touch me again uninvited," she said, slapping his hand away. "And you will lose that hand."

"Hold your tongue, wench," Abyss growled.

Zemeckis laughed, before walking back up to the box.

"Once my men have found who you are looking for, you will be the first to know."

"Do I have your word?"

"Of course, my dear. Now then, feel free to make yourself at home. My castle is yours."

Nadia nodded, before disappearing with a bang as Abyss let out another growl.

"I don't trust her master. She could turn on us."

"Relax Abyss. Why spend needless energy on something when somebody else can do it for you?"

"Even still, she gives off a bad scent."

"Don't worry Abyss. In the end, nothing will matter."

__

Isaiah paced back and forth in the small mine cave he and Zack had been thrown into. The bars held sturdy even though the mine shaft itself seem old and worn by the passage of time. The air was stale, carrying the lingering scent of the ores and minerals that used to be mined in abundance. A line of small torches lined the walls outside, but the cell they were in still managed to ward away the light, leaving them in a sort of half-dark. Caleb had been taken somewhere else, along with their weapons. Caleb briefly wondered why, but didn't feel overly concerned. The snow leopard could take care of himself.

"What the hell is going on here? Why are we being treated like criminals?"

"Relax yourself Isaiah. Your going to grow old quick is you keep that up." Zack said from his place against the wall, his legs crossed as if he were doing his best to relax.

Isaiah let out a defeated sigh, but not before delivering another kick to the bars. He immediately regretted it, wincing at the impact of his toe against the steel and sitting down.

"I've been meaning to ask you, what made that guard at the gate get so scared all of a sudden?"

Zack rolled up his sleeve, showing what he showed the guard. It was a tattoo of a sword and shield, with a red ribbon wrapped around both. Isaiah let out a whistle when he saw it.

"The king's royal seal for guards. How'd you get that?"

"I AM supposed to take over for my father, remember?" Zack grinned, rolling his sleeve back down.

Footsteps echoed around the mine walls, seeming to come from everywhere at once, before they came markedly closer, making Zack and Isaiah stand. After a moment, the magistrate appeared in the flickering torchlight, a big smile plastered across his face.

"Can you explain why we are locked up in here?" Isaiah questioned.

"Simple. You are being charged with the crime of murder."

Both Zack's and Isaiah's eyes widened in surprise..

"Murder? We have done no such thing," Zack said.

"No, not yet you haven't. But everything is about to be arranged."

"So you're planning to frame us for something we haven't done?" Isaiah said incredulously.

"You're a fast learner, aren't you? Plus, I couldn't refuse the offer I got from the man who tipped me off about you."

"What man?"

Lance walked out from the shadows, hands behind his back.

"That man would be me."

"Lance!!" Isaiah shouted angrily.

"You didn't think I would let you get away with what you did to me? You almost cost me my life."

"So what? You tried to killed Glacier. Better you than her."

Lance walked up the bars, a scowl on his face.

"If it wasn't for the fact that my lord wants you alive, I'd kill you and your friend right now. Just like he did to Jeremy."

Isaiah stared at Lance, shock numbing him to the cold air of the mine.

"My.......grandfather.......is-"

"Dead, boy. You're never going to see him again in THIS lifetime. But if you want to see him again, I will cheerfully arrange that."

Emotions ran through Isaiah as he stumbled backwards against the wall. Zack hurried over to comfort him as tears began to build in Isaiah's eyes.

"Then, that feeling I felt before....."

"My lord said to bring you in alive, but he didn't say what condition. So, I'll leave you alone with your two new playmates."

As he spoke, two shadows appeared behind him. On his left stood an otter, wearing nothing but a white cotton robe with a hood attached to the back. His green eyes held a smoldering anger that was appeared to be kept at bay, but barely. On Lance's right stood a kitsune with nine tails. His appearance seemed ghostlike, his grey fur blending into the shadows with an eye-wrenching effect. The only things that stood out of the shadowy bulk were the white tips of each tail, which seemed to glow as if they were on fire, like the color of his eyes. Isaiah shuddered. Those eyes... they were disturbing.

"I'll leave you guys to the rest. Make sure not to kill the boy. The other one doesn't matter."

"Yes master."

Lance turned and looked at the kitsune.

"Make sure you don't screw up. This is your last chance."

The kitsune growled but nodded his head.

"I understand."

"Good. Well boys, have fun," Lance laughed, taking off with the magistrate behind him.

The otter walked up the bars and smiled.

"Well boys, before we have our fun, let's get rid of these bars."

He gripped the bars with one hand, and they watched in shock as the steel turned to ice and broke off easily. Isaiah gathered his composure and wiped his eyes. Now wasn't the time to break down.

"An ice element?" Isaiah said, struggling to remain calm, forcing himself into the state Caleb had trained him to embrace.

"Very observant of you boy. Pharaoh, take care of the other one while I put the main one here on ice."

"Whatever," Pharaoh said.

He reached behind his back and pulled out two silver sais, spinning them expertly as he took a fighting stance.

'Not good,' Isaiah thought, fighting the nervousness that threatened to overwhelm him. _'I hope you're ready, Zack.' _ He glanced over at his friend, hoping his casualness was born of confidence, not fear.

__

"Going to fight an unarmed person huh? Where's the honor in that?" Zack said with a mischievous smile.

"Noting personal. But I have to do this."

Zack looked at Isaiah, who still seemed to be in a shocked state after what Lance had said.

"Are you going to be okay?" Zack questioned.

"I have to be. I'm going to make Lance pay. Besides, I have Glacier to help me when she comes back."

"I don't want to leave you, especially after what that guy said. But it looks like I'm going to have my hands full."

"Just don't go dying on me."

"Ha, not likely." Zack grinned.

Pharaoh took the opening and advanced on Zack. Zack, being skilled in hand to hand, easily dodged the attack, before grabbing his arm and tossing him over his shoulder into the wall. Pharaoh hit the wall with a grunt, tumbling onto his back, before standing up and shaking his head.

"I'll carve your heart out!" Pharaoh snarled.

"Come and get it then," Zack growled back, before taking off down the hall, glancing over his shoulder to make sure his adversary followed.

With a loud growl, a roaring ball of fire covered Pharaoh's body. The kitsune leaped directly through the wall, charging after him. The mine shaft groaned from the impact, dust exploding from the hole, rubble covering the floor of the tunnel.

Following the echo of the blast, Zack's sharp ears caught a laugh from the otter, the words echoing down the shaft. "Now that they're gone, it's just you and me."

'Stay safe, my friend.'

__

Caleb wandered the shaft halls, having no clue where he was going. He'd made short work of the bars holding him using a little trick he'd learned from Shawn.

"Damn, I should've paid more attention to where they took me. This place is a maze."

He turned another corner, walking a short ways down this new corridor before his ears picked up a barely audible moan. Thinking it was Isaiah, he hurried to the sound. The moan came from a fair sized cavern, separated from the main shaft like its own room, which held a large number of the carts used for bringing the ores up to the surface. An opening in the cavern spilled in a small ray of sunlight, showing a man hanging from a rope in the middle, wearing nothing but a pair of linen pants covered in dust. Bruises covered the top of his chest, and Caleb could see dried blood around his hands where the rope dug in.

'He's not Isaiah, but I can't leave him here like this.'

Walking over, he took out his rapier and cut the rope. The man fell into his arms with a grunt of pain.

"Who......are......you?"

"Who I am should be the least of your concerns right now."

"You.....have.....to stop....." he couldn't finish as he coughed weakly.

"Conserve your strength."

"Master Caleb!"

Caleb looked over to see Raigen and Glacier running up.

"Where's Isaiah?" Glacier asked.

"They separated us. What have you found out?"

"The magistrate's a fake. I went back to the house and did a little searching around... and found this."

He held up a golden brown feather that was big for its size.

"He also had a foul scent to him. Almost like he wasn't human." Glacier added.

The sound of evil laughter came from behind them, making everybody tense up and turn around.

"I guess the jig is up," the fake magistrate said, walking up. "I guess good things don't last long huh?"

Caleb stood up, supporting the weakened man. "Who are you?" he growled.

"I have many names and faces."

Glacier took another sniff, her face suddenly showing recognition.

"Clayco," she growled.

"Impressive, Glacier. I'm glad you remembered me."

The imposter's body blurred briefly, before reverting to a white gryphon with large brown wings. He had on a black vest and red pants, an eye patch covering his left eye. He crossed his arms over his chest, giving them an appraising look with his other eye.

"What element is he?" Raigen asked.

"An illusion element. He can make you see things that don't exist or turn you against yourself," Glacier responded. "He's the cause of a lot of kingdoms turning against each other."

"Sounds like fun."

"Now that the pleasantries are out the way, I'm afraid you all have to die now, as per my lord's orders."

Caleb let out a growl as Clayco smiled.

"Raigen, is there a way out of this place?"

"Yes. At the intersection, take a left, then a right and the exit is right there."

"Can you stall him long enough for me to get him out of here?"

"Look who you're talking to." Raigen chuckled.

"Glacier, find Isaiah through your bond. He probably needs your help right about now."

"No problem there," she said before disappearing.

Raigen walked up towards Clayco with a smile. He held his hand out, palm up as a ball of lighting lit up the room before turning into a halberd.

"Shall we dance?" Raigen smiled.

__

"Well well, if it isn't Jonah Coel," the hippo said, sitting on a chair that appeared too small for her size, two guards standing attentively behind her.

"You look as.......lovely as ever Queen Iria." Jonah said, looking her up and down before bowing.

A royal, deep blue dress with gold sparkles strained to covered her large body. A sliver tiara topped her head along with yellow hair. Hungry, turquoise eyes scanned Jonah up and down.

"And who is your young friend?"

"Shawn Matthews, your majesty," Shawn answered.

"So, what brings you to my kingdom Jonah? Have you considered my offer of becoming my champion knight?"

"Not really, your majesty. I've come to discuss the war Zemeckis will soon bring to your kingdom."

Her eyes twinkled with interest before she stood up, the chair giving off a groan as if happy to have the weight off its frame.

"It's always business with you, isn't it Jonah?"

"Just the way I am, your majesty."

She walked down the few steps before making a small circle around Jonah, trailing her finger under his chin as she did.

"I could make it worth your while if you stayed here with me," she whispered in his ear.

"Your majesty?"

"You know how much I dreamed about you and the things I would do to you?"

Jonah jumped as he felt his butt get pinched, groaning inwardly as he heard Shawn chuckle softly.

"You even smell heavenly," her voice purred in his ear.

"Can we get back to the situation at hand Queen Iria?" Jonah said firmly.

She let out a humph before walking back to sit down, making the chair groan again.

"Zemeckis can't hurt us. I have a barrier around my kingdom to prevent such things from happening."

"From what Jonah told me of Zemeckis, your barrier wouldn't last long against his onslaught," Shawn spoke up.

"And how do you know that?" she snapped.

"Because I can tell your barrier is weak. Even I would be able to break it if I wanted to."

The guards went for their weapons before Iria held her hand up.

"I know how strong Zemeckis is. But I don't want to involve my people in your fights."

"Your people will have no choice but to be involved when he comes. You know he will show no mercy."

"I will show him no mercy. Did you forget why and how I became queen Jonah? I'm not just all looks."

Jonah sighed, before shaking his head.

"I see you have made your decision. Let's hope it will end well for you and your people."

"Accept my offer to become my personal knight and I will be more then happy to offer anything in exchange."

"I'm sorry, but I cannot. There are other kingdoms I must warn."

"Then we have nothing more to discuss. Guards, escort sir Jonah and his friend out," Iria said, with a dismissive wave of her hand.

The guards escorted them both outside the castle walls and into the town. Shawn shook his head before chuckling.

"She's a stubborn one."

"Stubborn isn't the word I would use," Jonah replied.

"Why is she so obsessed with you?"

"When she was still a princess, I made the mistake of being her bodyguard for a short time as a favor to the previous queen. She developed such strong feelings for me that she demanded my hand in marriage even though I was already married."

"In other words, a death crush?"

"Something like that."

Shawn chuckled lightly before putting his hands behind his head.

"So where to now?"

"Litisnoise and speak to king Vanyard. He should be more reasonable to deal with."

"Alright. Let's go."

__

Zack turned another corner, heart pounding from his sprint. He skidded to a halt as he came face to face with a dead end.

"Well, this is an unfortunate turn of events."

He spun around to head back, and was forced to recoil as a wall of fire sprouted in front of him like a hellish shrub, blocking his path. The mine shaft started shaking before Pharaoh exploded through the wall.

"There is no escape now," he said, walking calmly through the wall of fire.

"That would appear to be the case," Zack said, looking at him with forced nonchalance.

"You got lucky with that throw you did. But I assure you, it won't happen again."

"We'll see won't we?" Zack growled, taking a stance.

Pharaoh paused only long enough to draw his sais, before rushing towards him with blurring speed. But yet again, due to Zack's early training, he couldn't hit him. But Zack had no trouble finding openings and taking them, staggering Pharaoh with precision strikes to the kitsune's body.

"I thought djinns were suppose to be stronger then this?" Zack questioned the panting fox.

Pharaoh let out a growl, wiping his lip clear of blood.

"Mock me will you? Guess I'll stop going easy on you."

The tips of his tails ignited in flames making Zack jump in surprise.

"Lets see how well you dodge this!"

With a smooth motion of his finger, one of his tails extended and burrowed into the ground. Zack looked around, hoping to find some clue as to where it was coming from. Suddenly, it shot up from the ground, cutting his face making him yelp as it burned a fiery line of pain across his skin. It felt like he was being stung in the face by a million wasps.

"Curse you," Zack growled, feeling a tiny trickle of blood roll down his cheek.

Pharaoh laughed manically as his tail coiled back.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure to spread your burnt ashes over the ocean to cool them off."

He smiled before all nine of his tails dug into the ground towards Zack. They came at a fast, blistering pace, striking like a snake before going back underground. Zack tried to dodge as best as he could, but with no way of knowing where they were coming from, he was fighting blind. He didn't like fighting blind.

"Ha ha, you look good like that." Pharaoh laughed, looking at Zack as his tails came back.

Zack was breathing hard, leaning on the wall, sweat dripping from his brow. His body had several cuts on it. While they were small looking, enough of them could bleed him out. Blood soaked through the clothes he was wearing, turning the white vest crimson with precious fluid.

"Damn," Zack thought. "This isn't looking good. If I could only see where his tails are coming from."

"And now, you shall die."

Eight of his tails flew at Zack, pinning him to the wall. His last tail hovered over his head as he gave an evil grin.

"Goodbye."

His tail flew towards him like an arrow, making a beeline for Zack's head. Zack gritted his teeth, trying to move his arm which was trapped by his shirt. With a determined growl, he tore free and grabbed the tail inches from his face. The heat it generated instantly started to burn his hand, flaming arrows of pain shooting up through his arm.

"Impossible," Pharaoh growled, a shocked expression on his face.

"Sorry, but I can't die yet," Zack chuckled harshly, struggling to hold onto the tail. His pads were aglow with pure agony. "I still have something I need to do."

Pharaoh growled and retracted his tails back except for the one Zack was holding. Zack let it go and took off towards him.

"I won't lose to you," Pharaoh snarled.

He extended his hands, causing tendrils of crackling fire to lash out at Zack. They curled around in the air like cobras, before striking at Zack with vicious speed. Zack dodged nimbly, almost with ease. Pharaoh snarled and lashed out with his tails again.

"That trick won't work twice on me." Zack smiled, his confidence building as a plan formed in his mind.

He ran right through them, untouched, closing the gap quickly. Pharaoh growled in frustration and reached back for his weapons, but it was too late as Zack was all over him. He delivered a devastating barrage of punches, before sending Pharaoh spinning to the ground with a jumping roundhouse kick. Pharaoh groaned, looking like he had been knocked into another world, his eyes defocusing briefly from the blow. He tried to get up, halting as he felt a pointed object on his neck. Looking up, his eyes showed resignation as they met Zack's, the wolf kneeling over his body with his sai inches from ending his life with a single push. Defeated, he closed his eyes, ears folded against his head.

"Do it. Finish me off. I'm as good as dead anyway."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because this was the last chance Zemeckis gave me to prove my worth. If I fail, then Lance will rip my tails off one by one before killing me."

"All the more reason to live. You shouldn't have to live like that or prove yourself to anybody to fit in." Zack said, slowly removing the sai, eying the nine-tails warily.

"But I'm worthless. I can't even beat you, which only proves what Zemeckis said." Pharaoh closed his eyes, a small whine escaping his muzzle. "So just kill me now. End my pointless life. I have nothing else to fight for."

Zack let out a growl, before striking Pharaoh in the muzzle with a solid right, which got a surprise yelp.

"Stop your whining. Everybody has something worth fighting for. You may not know what is it yet, but I do. And I'm not going to stop until I have accomplished it. If your resolve and will is that weak, then go ahead and kill yourself," Zack ground out, tossing the sai at him contemptuously. "But if your resolve and will is strong, then you will find something out there worth fighting for."

Pharaoh looked up into Zack's grey eyes. They were filled with determination. Determination so strong that he was willing to do whatever was necessary to ensure success.

"What is your name?"

"Zack. Zack Tatami."

"Well Zack Tatami," Pharaoh said, standing up. "Bond with me."

"What?"

"Bond with me. If your will is as strong as you say it is, I want to see it. I want to know what it is you're fighting for."

Zack's muzzle split into a toothy grin. "Very well."

Pharaoh took his right hand and made a small cut, not too deep but just enough to draw blood. Zack copied him, using his claw. They reached out together and locked hands, crimson trickles joining into a tiny stream across their palms. The moment the streams began to mingle, Pharaoh... ignited. Zack's eyes widened, as the kitsune transformed into myriad writhing tendrils of flame, snapping and crackling in the air, before circling rapidly around Zack's body and making him go to one knee. Zack let out a yelp as he felt a roaring fire course through his veins. His blood boiled with volcanic ferocity, his breath coming in heavy pants, tongue hanging out in an attempt to cool himself off. The pain lasted only a minute, building into an intense, explosive power coursing through him. He felt the immolating power of pure fire, from the small candle light to the raging inferno, begging to be released into the world.

"Wow," Zack panted. "Intense."

"You now have my power of fire at your disposal master Zack."

"Incredible..." Zack breathed, holding up a finger, and almost jumping in surprise as a small ember appeared and danced on his fingertip.

He wanted to play with his new power inside him some more, to experience this incredible, joyous life! But suddenly, he remembered something.

"Isaiah!! I have to help him. How do I get back to him, Pharaoh?"

"I will guide you, master Zack."

A small ball of fire appeared, bobbing in front of him for a second before taking off, Zack right behind it.

"Hang on Isaiah. I'm coming."

__

After dropping the wounded man off at the inn, Caleb dashed as fast as he could back to the mine-shaft, plunging without hesitation into the darkened tunnel, and quickly finding his way back to the same spot he had left his djinn partner.

"Raigen?" he called, looking around cautiously.

He heard a grunt behind him, and whirled around, every muscle tense for action... only to to see Isaiah stumble around the corner, one hand on his side as blood leaked out over his fingers.

"Isaiah!!" Caleb said, rushing over to examine his charge. "What happened?"

"I got....careless. Let my guard down."

"Where's Glacier? I thought she was with you?"

"Still.....fighting. She told me......to run."

"Alright. I'm going to get you out of here."

Caleb turned his back making Isaiah smile. The human reached behind his back, pulling out a sharp, carved scimitar.

"Too easy." Isaiah said to himself_._

He was just about to strike, lifting the weapon for the kill, when Caleb turned in a blur of motion, blocking the strike with his rapier.

"Sorry. I'm not so easily fooled."

He pushed Clayco back with a rapid, cutting thrust, metal ringing on metal and almost drowning out the gryphon's soft chuckle, a smile on his face as he was forced to retreat.

"What gave it away?" he asked.

"Two things. One, Isaiah would never leave Glacier's side. And two, your scent is all wrong."

Clayco laughed as he reverted back to normal.

"It appears I made an error. Very rare for me to do that."

Raigen appeared next to Caleb in a flash of lighting, the snow leopard glancing at him only briefly, unwilling to take his eyes from his opponent. A small cut marred the djinn's left arm, but it didn't look serious.

"I see he got you."

"Bad illusion got me confused for a split second," Raigen responded.

"Lets finish this quickly. I'm worried about Isaiah."

Clayco smiled before placing his weapon on his shoulder.

"Now fellas, two on one isn't fair. You have a clear advantage. So let's even the odds."

He flicked his hand in a quick, dismissive motion. Without warning, the scenery around them shifted... and changed. It went from a dull, dank mine shaft, to a lush, green meadow. Raigen and Caleb looked around confusion.

"Much better scenery, wouldn't you agree?"

"I'm more of a forest guy myself." Caleb responded dryly, locking his initial surprise away as he recognized the magic as mere illusion.

"Humph, can't please anybody anymore. Now then, shall we start the show?"

He made a wide circle with his finger causing the air to ripple around him. They both watched incredulously as nine copies of Clayco walked casually out of his body.

"This is unexpected," Caleb muttered, looking carefully at the doppelgangers. "Now, which is the real one?"

"I assure you my friend, we're all real," they said together.

"You have to have a host to be using this much magical power," Raigen said, his eyes narrowing.

"I've been doing this for a while now, so I know how to bend the rules a little. Yes, without a host, I can't do half the things I want, but this should suffice for the likes of you."

They all took wary stances and inched forward.

"Are you ready?"

Raigen stood back to back with Caleb, their eyes roving as they attempted to stay focused all around them. They only had a moment to prepare. In a split second, the clones converged on them in a rush, feathers ruffling on corded forearms, identical, glittering scimitars extended menacingly. As one, Raigen and Caleb leaped into the air over them, neatly dodging the simultaneous attack. This caused the doppelgangers to split up, five chasing after Raigen and five after Caleb as the two landed gracefully.

"Why can't things go smoothly for me just once?" Caleb growled in annoyance, taking a stance with his rapier in one hand, cane in the other.

Clayco went on the attack again as Caleb parried and dodged the numerous attacks from all sides, blade flashing in whip-like motions. He managed to get in a few strikes on Clayco, knocking one clone down before another came and took his place, the harrying scimitars pushing him back with their relentless attack.

"I'm impressed," Clayco grunted, still on the attack. "You're lasting longer then I expected."

"I aim to please," Caleb grunted, blocking an overhead attack with his cane, the blow ringing down through his shoulder, before lashing out with a straight kick to Clayco's stomach, sending him stumbling backwards. Fatigue poisoned the blood in Caleb's veins, his concentration slipping slightly, his guard lowering just enough... which he paid for with a brutal blow to his back. Caleb let out a roar of pain as he went to one knee, before standing back up quickly, a grimace on his face. He could feel the blood beginning to trickle down his back as he grimaced in pain.

"He's wearing me down little by little. At this rate, it won't be long before I run out of gas."

He managed a glance over at Raigen who had also dropped to one knee.

"Raigen, you okay?"

"I've been better."

"We have to take them out all at once. Its the only way."

"What do you suggest, master?"

The uncharacteristic respect was a sign of how stressed the djinn was. He couldn't even summon a smile, too focused on the task at hand_. "We gather them all in a circle. I bind them and you take them out."_

"I understand."

Clayco smiled, apparently seeing his victim in a helpless state.

"The more you deny your fate, the more you suffer."

"Lucky for me, I don't believe in fate."

"That's too bad. Maybe next time lady luck will be on your side. At least you'll die in a pretty place."

They advanced on Caleb again, who leaped over them, landing on the grass with a grunt, a tiny fire of pain burning across the skin of his back. Raigen appeared behind him as they stood back to back again. Clayco's doppelgangers surrounding them once more, slowly inching forward, weapons ready to end their lives with a scything stroke.

"You ready?" Caleb asked.

"Yes master."

"Good."

Caleb closed his eyes, chanting the bind spell in his head as his mouth moved silently. His rapier glowed brown as he channeled the spell into his sword like a conductor.

"Whatever you're doing won't work. Your fate is sealed with my blade!" Clayco yelled, his doppelgangers charging along with him.

Caleb opened his eyes, his mouth finishing the final words as he slammed his sword into the ground. The spell he cast released itself in the form of a glowing pentagram etched into the grass, the arcane symbol flashing brightly with the flare of released power. All the doppelgangers froze in place, unable to move.

"Raigen do it," Caleb said, chanting a quick levitation spell and taking off in the air, his djinn in tow.

Raigen clapped his hands together commandingly, before spreading them slowly apart, like they were glued together. A ball of lighting began to grow between his palms as he held them over his head, as if offering a gift to the sky. In a sudden, violent motion, he tossed it straight down, right in the middle of the mob. The ball grew small, condensing into a black hole of crackling power, before exploding outwards, vaporizing Clayco's body in a storm of high electrical energy. The storm died down as Clayco's illusion disappeared, leaving them back where they were again, cloaked by the earthen walls of the mine.

"Good job," Caleb said, sheathing his weapon as they alighted gently on the floor of the shaft.

"Thank you master."

"Now let's go find Isaiah."

__

Isaiah ducked, narrowly avoiding yet another large icicle that threatened to pin him to the wall like a picture. The otter laughed as Isaiah scrambled to his feet.

"This is probably the most fun I've had in a while. I have to thank you for this."

"Sorry if I'm not feeling the same way," Isaiah growled back, his body pressed against the rough wall of the shaft, his chest heaving with exertion.

"I would like to have more fun with you, but my master would not want you injured."

The otter made a rapid Z motion with his finger. The ground around Isaiah's feet seemed to quiver in fear, then began to freeze over under a sudden, arctic frost. With a rush of hellishly frigid air, stalagmites shot up around him, locking him inside a make shift cell. In desperation, Isaiah tried breaking one of them with a kick, but only ended up hurting his foot.

"Try all you want, you won't break out of there. A real shame though. I was hoping to vent some anger out on somebody."

"Then try me on."

The otter turned, appearing ready to throw another taunt, only to have time to gasp in surprise as a strong jet of water connected with his body, sending him flying into the wall, knocking the breath out of him. Glacier appeared next to Isaiah, a smile on her face.

"Sorry I'm late, Isaiah," Glacier said, cutting through the ice bars with his weapon.

"As long as you're here, that's what matters." Isaiah said.

The otter stood up gingerly, shaking his head from the impact and looked up to see what or who hit him.

"Well well, the traitor Glacier makes an appearance. Have you come to be killed by hands?"

"Not by your hands. I did what I felt was right."

"What you know is right is nothing but a lie. But, no matter," the otter said, cracking his knuckles.

"Glacier, who is that?" Isaiah asked.

"Frost. He's a mad man that loves to kill anyone or anything. His blood lust is only matched to Zemeckis."

"Can we beat him?"

"I don't know. He has a big advantage over me."

Frost placed his hands on the wall, causing the temperature to drop and the whole area to freeze around them.

"Welcome to my playground, children. Are you ready to play?"

"We'll attack him from both sides," Isaiah whispered. He felt apprehensive, noting the lack of confidence in Glacier's gaze. But... they had no choice but to fight.

"Okay."

They charged him, trying to stay on their feet as best as they could as their purchase slipped, the ice making the ground slick as a bed of marbles. Isaiah took the right side while Glacier attacked from the left. Frost smiled, fangs glittering with feral menace, before taking them both on with a casual flair. He easily blocked most of Isaiah's wild attacks before Glacier took over, the husky stepping in gracefully, fists surrounded by watery gloves, adding elemental energy to her attack.

"Come on," Frost laughed evilly, one clawed hand shooting out and grabbing Glacier by the neck. "Surely you can do better then this."

Isaiah took another swing at Frost, making him drop Glacier unceremoniously to the ground on her hands and knees. She coughed, getting her air back, but he had no time to check if she was alright. Frost ducked under Isaiah's swing with ease, stepping back with a wicked smile. He lashed his arm outward, launching a knife size icicle from his palm that embedded itself into Isaiah's right shoulder with a wet smack. Pain blossomed, dragging a yell from his throat.

"You left yourself too wide open boy." Frost laughed sardonically.

"Isaiah!!" Glacier yelped.

Isaiah stumbled and slid backwards against the wall holding his shoulder with a wince, the icicle embedded in his shoulder beginning to freeze his whole right arm and hand.

"Dammit," Isaiah grunted. How could they beat this djinn?

__

Glacier's eyes narrowed to slits, refraining from crying out as Isaiah groaned in pain, his entire arm paralyzed by an icy glove. She couldn't afford to go to him. Her foe was too dangerous to spare a second's distraction.

"Don't worry. I only froze your arm. It'll thaw when I get you back to my lord."

"I won't let you," Glacier growled, breathing deeply to calm herself. She reached down inside, stirring her inner power into a roiling froth, envisioning a mighty waterfall cascading through her and fountaining forth with crushing force.

"Glacier, Glacier," Frost said shaking his head with a chuckle. "You should know you can't beat me. You never could, even when we sparred."

"Maybe I can, maybe I can't. But I'll make sure you feel every blow that I give you!"

She made a large circle in the air, causing a ring of water to appear. She grabbed it at the end and snapped it in the air like a liquid whip as Frost chuckled.

"Very well Glacier, let's make this quick." He sounded bored, as if she had interrupted him in the middle of his fun with a mundane task.

He raised his arm in the air, causing the ground to shake lightly, almost making Glacier stumble. A fog of knife sizes icicles formed from the ground and floated in the air around Frost.

"Let's see if you remembered how to use that."

He motioned both arms forward causing the storm of dead ice to fly at Glacier. She stood her ground, gripping her water whip tightly. Her power surged and foamed, and her eyes flashed briefly, causing a protective wall of water to rise in front of her. Tiny plumes flew through the air as the icicles splashed into the barrier, slowing their flight in the liquid. Using that moment, she lashed out with her whip, shattering all the shards in midair, tiny chips of ice clinking to the ground. Just before the water evaporated, she made another strike with her whip, catching Frost with a stinging blow across the left cheek. A vicious growl escaped his lips.

"Impressive," Frost growled, wiping his cheek, a swirl of frigid anger pulsing in his eyes like a winter storm. "You've learned a couple of tricks since I've been away. But it won't be enough."

He placed his hand on the wall, making it meld with the ice. The ice on the wall began to shift and expand as large ice spikes flew past her head and slammed into the wall on both sides, trapping her.

"I've improved some also, and came up with this painful yet amusing torture."

The ice shifted on the wall again as large, gaping holes appeared. Sharp icicle shards materialized in midair, hovering like frozen arrows waiting to be fired by an archer. With an evil grin and a motion of the otter's arm, the first one flew at her in a blur of motion, which she shattered with an easy snap of her whip. They came at her slowly at first, then began to pick up speed. Slowly but surely she began to get tired, her whip seeming to weigh heavier and heavier in her hand, barely managing to catch the shards before they broke through her defenses. Frost's eyes lit up as he watched her struggles, his expression burning with a hint of madness. He waved his free hand casually, making her whip freeze up, shocking her. The opening was all he needed. A razor blade of ice impacted into the flesh of her right leg, making her yelp in the tune of the arcing agony. Her limb froze rapidly, her control over both her power and the appendage failing as she tumbled heavily to the ground.

"I told you Glacier," Frost said laughing manically, walking up to her. "You may have gotten lucky with that one shot, but in the end, I will always be better then you. Always. You're nothing. Worthless. Traitor." Each word felt like another blow. She had failed. She was dead. Isaiah was dead. She had failed both of them.

"Leave her alone," Isaiah yelled, desperation in his voice as he tried to move his arm.

Frost shrugged. "I will, once she's dead."

He knelt down and melded his hand with the ice on the ground. He pulled his hand upwards slowly, drawing a glittering sword of ice from the ground.

"Goodbye, traitor."

He raised his sword to finish the job, a hungry gleam in his eyes. She couldn't turn away, staring numbly at the flashing blade, her life suspended before it like a fragile thread. Just as he got to the high arc, his sword melted in his hand. He let out a gasp of shock and looked behind him. She followed his gaze, scarcely able to believe what had happened, to see Pharaoh, his finger pointing at the otter as if in accusation.

"What are you doing, idiot?"

"What I should have been doing in the first place?"

"You do realize you just sealed your fate?"

Pharaoh just smiled, making Frost growl.

"I decided to make my own fate. Besides, you know you can't beat me."

"Says who?"

"Says me," said a voice behind Frost.

Frost whirled around with a growl, before letting out a grunt of pain. Glacier gasped as a blade jutted from the skin of his back, held easily by Zack.

"How...."

"Let's just say, me and Pharaoh came to an understanding." Zack said with a smile.

"You.......won't......get.......far. He will.......come.....looking......for you."

Frost's body started to freeze up before shattering into pieces. Pharaoh walked over and burnt the shards with a smile.

"Took you long enough," Isaiah said with a smile.

"Sorry. Took a wrong turn." Zack smiled, walking up to him. He looked at his arm which was still frozen. "Pharaoh, can you melt the ice?"

"Yes master."

Pharaoh walked over and carefully placed his hand over Isaiah arm. He began to melt the ice slowly, making sure not to burn his skin. When Isaiah could move, he rushed over to Glacier.

"You okay Glacier?"

"I can't......feel my leg. But other then that, I'm fine." she smiled, relief swelling in her chest like a healing pool. Somehow, they had managed to escape.

Caleb rushed in, making Pharaoh tense up, a fireball forming quickly in his hands.

"Whoa, easy Pharaoh. He's with us." Zack said.

"My apologies, master," Pharaoh said, the flames disappearing as quickly as they appeared.

"A fire djinn? How'd you get him Zack?" Caleb asked.

"We'll discuss that later. Right now, I want to get Glacier out of here," Isaiah said, holding her in his arms despite his injury. She sank back into his grip with a grateful sigh, feeling drained.

"How do we get out, Caleb?"

"This way."

___

Shawn let out a sigh as he sat down on the soft bed. He, Jonah, and Cindur had made it to the small village of Lindburgh just as the sun was going down.

"How much further to Litisnoise?" Shawn asked.

"Another day's journey to the northeast," Jonah replied from the bathroom.

"You know we were being followed halfway here?"

"I know. But I made sure Cindur threw them off the trail."

Jonah came out the bathroom and laid down on the bed with a sigh.

"I wonder what my son is doing?

"I'm sure Caleb is taking care of him."

"Let's hope so. I feel like something bad is going to happen to him."

"You're thinking negative Jonah. Have faith. There are no accidents"

Jonah chuckled briefly, before smiling.

"Yes, you're right. He's in good hands."

Cindur appeared in the room in a wisp of flames, making Jonah look up with a start.

"They are off our trail master. It was a little difficult, but I managed to fool them enough to give us a day's head start."

"That's good enough. Get some sleep Cindur," Jonah said, getting under the blanket.

"Yes master," Cindur said, laying down on the couch.

Shawn shrugged, deciding to take Jonah's advice as well. Cindur was capable, they should be safe. Time for some sleep.

__

"Are you serious? Jeremy Glauze is dead?" Caleb said, shocked.

He, Raigen, Zack and Pharaoh were in a room together, thanks to the man Caleb had rescued, who had turned out to be the real magistrate. He let them stay at the inn for free as thanks for saving him, as well as giving them a free horse and wagon. Caleb suppressed a grumble as Raigen wrapped his injury, tossing the dirty linen to the floor. He had been careless, allowing himself to take a hit. No more of that.

"That should do it, master," Raigen said putting the finishing touches on the wound. "It's not perfect, but it shouldn't get infected. You should let Isaiah heal you, or a priest with healing magic."

"I don't think Isaiah is going to be himself for a while. He took it kind of hard in the mine shaft. He wanted to break down and cry right there, I saw it in his eyes," Zack said, ears folded back sadly.

"Damn, which means Zemeckis knows about the medallion," Caleb growled, clenching a fist.

"What medallion?" Zack asked.

"It's better if-"

"You don't mean the medallion that will open the Shadow-void box?" Pharaoh cut in, eyes wide in horror.

"Shadow-void box?" Zack said, confusion flicking across his face.

"A box that contains powerful magic from a god that all the djinns banded together to defeat. It lasted for months until finally we overcame him. We separated his power from his body and sealed it away in the box. Or... so the legends say," Pharaoh said.

"So what does this have to do with Isaiah?" Zack asked.

"Only he can destroy the box and medallion together. It is his destiny, just like his father, and his grandfather," Caleb said. "Both of them have failed, so now-"

"Wait, you are expecting Isaiah to do all this? What the hell is wrong with you? He's still just a kid," Zack ground out.

Caleb gave him a critical look, before snorting and shaking his head.

"You wouldn't understand. You should talk to some of my associates about what they had to do when they were "just kids". Sometimes, there is no choice."

Caleb laid down on the bed, stomach first as so not to aggravate his injury.

"Get some sleep. We leave at first light."

Zack let out a growl as he watched Raigen and Caleb fall asleep so easily. He looked over at Pharaoh who was leaning on the wall, arms crossed.

"Tell me everything about this Shadow-void box."

"As you wish master."

__

"I'm alone now. My grandfather is dead and I didn't even get to say goodbye to him," Isaiah thought to himself, looking out the window of the inn.

He heard a small whine, making him look back as Glacier tried to get up.

"You took a short nap so I carried you back. Are you alright?"

"My leg feels cold."

"I wanted to wait until you were up to heal you because I didn't want to um....strip you," he said, feeling the heat of a blush rising to his cheeks.

Glacier chuckled softly, sitting up with a groan.

"I am your djinn. You can do whatever you want to me."

" Stop that," Isaiah said firmly, making her flinch. "You are not just a djinn, you are a living breathing person. As such, I will treat you as one."

Glacier looked at him in shock for a moment, before blushing hard and looking away.

"Th.....thank you, Isaiah," she said softly.

He smiled reassuringly, before walking over and sitting next to her.

"Now, let's see your leg."

She nodded her head and took off her blood-soaked pants with a grimace. He lifted her leg gently over his lap and began to feel over the injured area, gulping nervously and studiously keeping his eyes from wandering. She let out a sharp whine as he prodded the limb, making him wince.

"Damn, he did some damage, but nothing I can't fix. I have to warn you though, you will feel some pain, because this is larger than anything I have ever healed before."

"I'm ready."

He nodded his head and closed his eyes, his brow twitched in deep concentration. He could feel the power, like a glowing orb locked away in his belly, radiating a cold fire. He seized it, the sphere glowing brightly to his inner-sight, before he held his hand out and opened his eyes. A reasonable imitation of the ball of light now floated over his palm, ready to heal.

"Okay, here goes."

He placed the ball of light on her wound. The pain was clearly instant, as Glacier threw her head back and howled in pain, her claws balling up on the sheets and tearing them. Isaiah started to breathe hard as he put everything he could muster into the healing spell. Sweat poured down his face light-headedness threatening to stagger him, but he held strong, for her sake. Her wound started to heal up nicely, even bringing some of her fur back.

"There, that should do it." Isaiah said, before holding his head with a groan.

"Are you okay?" Glacier asked, looking concerned.

"I'm fine. Just... a little worn out. That took more out of me then last time."

He checked the area with his hand, moving over her soft fur.

"Looks like I did a good job," Isaiah said, moving his hand up and down her leg, checking his work. He loved the way her fur felt between his hands as he moved them up and down, and he couldn't help but move from gentle prodding to check for injury, to hesitant stroking.

'God, she's so soft.'

He felt a shiver come from the leg, making him look up and locking eyes with Glacier. Her tongue was hanging out, a soft murr rolling from her throat, her tail moving rapidly back and forth. Her eyes captured Isaiah, rendering him speechless as they stared at each other. It was then, looking into her eyes, that he noticed a small trail leading from the corner of one eye down her cheek. She had cried while he healed her. He reached up slowly and wiped the tears away, making her shiver. His body moved of its own accord. Glacier let out a soft sigh as their lips met gently, before returning the kiss. Isaiah realized what he was doing and broke it, blushing heavily.

"I.....I'm......sorry....I didn't.....mean....."

"You have nothing to be sorry about, Isaiah," Glacier said softly, not breaking their eye-contact.

"Well, your leg should be fine now. We should try and get some rest," Isaiah said, struggling to sort out the emotions roiling through him.

"Thank you. I'm going to wash this blood off before I do."

She got up and headed to the bathroom, but not before trailing her tail slowly under his chin, making him shiver. He shook the shock off his face and got under the covers after switching off the light, mind racing. A glow from the full moon illuminated the room as he looked at the shining disc through the window. 'Why do I feel this way...'

Thoughts of his grandfather suddenly floated to the surface of his mind, shoving the roiling emotions into a corner. Tears flowed, beyond his control, the cold light of the moon bearing no solace for his outpouring of grief. Suddenly, from behind, he felt two furred arms hold him close, a long tongue gently licking his cheek.

"Don't ever leave me, Glacier," he managed to say, the words shuddering with his silent sobs.

"I never will, Isaiah," Glacier said softly, holding him tight.

__

"You failed again, Lance? I wouldn't go to my lord if I were you," a hyena laughed.

"Shut up. I had the boy right in my hands," Lance said angrily.

"Sure you did."

"Get away from me Gush, or I'll vent my anger on you."

"Ha ha, you wish. But I'll leave you alone, crybaby," Gush said, pointedly turning his back and walking casually away.

Lance watched him leave with a scowl on his face, just as a saber-tooth tiger walked up to him.

"Lord Zemeckis requests your presence, along with the boy," he said in a deep voice.

"I....haven't got....the boy. But I can-"

"Don't bother then. I'll inform our lord that you failed."

Lance watched him leave, his face twisting as he balled his fists tightly.

"Mark my words, boy. I'll kill you if it's the last thing I do."