The Ritual

Story by devilmaycry on SoFurry

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#14 of Freedom Figthers


Another installment of FF. Took a while but finally finished. Comments always welcomed. Tell me how it is.

"Wow, this place really is nice" Annabelle said walking down the street as the morning sun slowly rose into the sky.

She, Jenna, and Tasha were out looking around the town to see the sights and sounds.

"Everybody seems so cheerful and polite" Jenna said smiling at the raccoon who gave her some bread in exchange for a couple copper coins.

"The food's superb here too" Tasha said taking a bite of the bread. "I never want to go home after being here."

"I know how you feel" Anna said laughing along with everybody else.

Some commotion was heard up ahead as a crowd was surrounding somebody.

"Wonder what's going on there?" Jenna said.

"Let's go check it out" Tasha said.

As they got closer they heard a familiar voice talking up a storm before letting out a yelp.

"Sounds like Chris is up to no good" Anna said with a chuckle.

Pushing through the crowd, they saw Chris standing next to Nicole with a camera in his hand. People were talking and pointing at the camera in his hand.

"Wow, this place has some neat stuff" Chris said snapping another picture making everybody jump and move away.

"I think you're scaring everybody" Nicole said looking around.

"Who cares" Chris said snapping another photo. "Wait till I show everybody back home these pictures."

He stood up and turned around only to be met by a firm chest that felt like a brick wall making him back up as he hit it.

"What gives?" Chris said rubbing his nose.

"What is that thing you got there? Why is it giving off a flash of light every few moments? Are you signaling for an attack against the town?" A large bison morph said looking down at him.

"Attack on the town? What are you talking about?" Chris said confused.

The girls watched as a small gathering group of what was clearly town guards got closer, ready to jump on Chris at a moment's notice.

"This looks bad" Anna said. "They are going to mob him."

"Who's going to mob who?" a voice said behind them.

They turned to see Faleen there with a smile. Tasha looked behind her looking for something.

"Where's Ultimus?"

"He's sleeping off the training I gave him. Here this is for you, or rather for Ultimus" Faleen said handing her two vials half filled one with a blueish liquid, the other a reddish liquid "A deal's a deal. The red one is for you Tasha. Drink it an hour before you are with Ultimus, The other is for Ultimus."

Tasha smiled as she took the vial looking at it.

"They're getting closer. We better do something or we're going back short one person" Jenna said.

"What do you mean?" Faleen asked.

"Chris was taking pictures and the crowd is taking it the wrong way" Anna said.

"I better put their minds at ease then" Faleen said and disappeared, reappearing in front of Chris. "What is going on here?"

"Oh Faleen, this person is signaling for an attack on the town with that strange device he has in his hands" the bison said.

Faleen looked at Chris who held a digital camera in his hand. She chuckled softly before looking at the bison.

"You have no need to worry. It is a device that captures images something like a painting. Except instead of seeing it on canvas, it is held inside until it is transferred to such. Have no fear."

Everybody started talking at once before nodding their heads.

"I apologize small one" the Bison said.

"No harm done" Chris said with a smile.

"Now then, I believe a festival is still going on. Go have fun" Faleen said.

The crowded scattered as fast as it gathered. Chris let out a sigh before looking at Faleen.

"Thanks. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't been here."

"They might have taken you to a cell and beaten you till they were satisfied they had the truth out of you."

Chris's face went pale as Faleen chuckled.

"Just be careful around here. Nobody has seen the things you normally have on a daily basis. There is plenty of light here, at least turn the flash off."

"Okay, I'll be careful" Chris said putting the camera away.

"Come on Chris, let's have a look over there" Nicole said pulling his arm.

"Sure, thanks again Faleen" Chris said disappearing into the crowd.

Faleen smiled before turning to the girls.

"Well then, shall we have some fun too?"

"Indeed" they all said with a smile.

********

"Now this is good stuff" Venom said drinking another cup of ale.

Him and Crystal were in a bar chatting and drinking away.

"I know what you mean. I haven't had anything this good since that party in Windurst" Crystal added.

A cute shepard came over with another cup and some food which she placed on the table. Venom gave her a smile which she blushed to before giving a smile back and leaving.

"Looks like she likes you" Crystal said.

"You think so?" Venom asked.

"Sure do. If you turn your head slightly, she's staring right at you."

Venom turned his head a little to see her watching him. She blushed again before disappearing in the back.

"May I join you?"

They both looked to the right to see Jason standing there with a smile.

"By all means" Venom said.

He took a seat as the shepard brought out another ale for him, stealing another glance at Venom.

"You guys enjoying yourself?" Jason asked taking a sip.

"Absolutely" they both said.

"This place is like Mardi Gra without the cigarette smoke" Crystal said.

They started laughing when the bar door opened and in walked in about a mixture of 30 furs.

"How about some service?" a horse said. He had a nasty scar on his left cheek and eye.

The shepard came out to greet them but saw who it was and gave a growl.

"Took you long enough Cassia" the horse said.

"Rufus, thought I told you not to come here while I'm working?" Cassia said angrily.

Rufus grabbed her by the shoulders hard making her yelp.

"You better watch start showing me the respect I deserve. Otherwise, your family will no longer receive my protection. Now, show us to our tables."

Cassia let out a growl before showing them to a table in the back. They looked on with interest as the whole gang gave them dirty looks as they passed.

"Looks like a party" Crystal said with a smile.

"The wrong kind of party" Jason said.

Cassia walked past their table, making brief eye contact with Venom before going to the back. The look she gave him was one of fear and anger.

"There's going to be trouble" Venom said finishing his drink.

"Oh really, you think?" Crystal said with a chuckle.

"He's right. The Darkwoods Company has been nothing but trouble since they came to town, six months ago."

Cassia came back out with 2 huge trays with cups of ale on top. It was quite heavy as they looked like they could tip at any minute but she handled them pretty well. She slowly made her way to the tables before one of them stuck their foot out, causing her to yelp before stumbling to the ground. The cups flew off the trays, drenching various people.

"Why don't you watch what you are doing?" a fox said grabbing her roughly by the shoulders.

"You always were a clumsy bitch" Rufus said with a chuckle.

"Big talk coming from a premature ejaculator" Cassia snapped back.

Rufus got up and backhanded her to the ground.

"Little cunt, watch your mouth."

By now, the place was empty as only Venom, Crystal and Jason were left. Venom slammed his cup down hard causing it to shatter as everybody looked at him. He got up and slowly walked towards Rufus who was standing over Cassia.

"You got a problem boy?" Rufus asked looking Venom right in the eye as they stood the same height.

Venom didn't say anything as he went to one knee and offered Cassia his hand.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly giving a smile.

"Yes, thank you" she said as he helped her up.

"Sorry about the cup."

"It's okay. I'll get it cleaned up" she said with a smile.

She walked past him before Rufus grabbed her shoulder.

"You're not going anywhere till you clean up this mess with your tongue."

Venom grabbed his wrist roughly making him let go.

"You've done enough damage."

"Don't butt into things that don't concern you boy" Rufus said angrily causing all his gang to get up out their seats. "It could be bad for your health."

Venom let go of his hand as his eyes studied the crowd gathering around him.

"You picked the wrong group to fuck with boy" a lion said with a snarl.

Venom closed his eyes and placed one hand on his hip.

"You guys can't beat me."

"We'll see about that wont we?" Rufus said.

Venom opened his eyes only to get suckered punched stunning him as everybody jumped him. Jason's eyes lit up as he stood up.

"Looks like fun. I want in."

He jumped in the pile as bodies went flying this way and this. Crystal shook his head as Cassia looked at him

"Aren't you going to help?"

"No need to" he said before getting up and blocking the punch aiming for his head. He twisted the assailant's wrist hard spinning him in the air before landing hard on the table breaking it. "They can take care of themselves."

"Hey Venom?" Jason called out.

"Yeah?"

"How about a little contest? Let's see who can beat up the most. Loser buys the next round." Jason said as he saw a wolf in full plate armor come at him. Jason watched him come up with some spiked gauntlets to take a swing at his head. Jason was quicker as he grabbed hold of his wrist and he flipped him across the room dispite the weight of his armor.

"You're on" Venom said with a laugh as he tossed 2 weasels into the wall.

They went through all 29 people as quick as lighting before only Rufus was standing.

"Damn, is that all?" Jason said looking around as he heard lots of moaning and groaning. "I was just getting started."

"You think you're all that because you beat a bunch of runts?" Rufus said with a smile. "Then you don't know me very well."

"We'll see about that" Jason said advancing before Venom held his hand out.

"He's mine."

"Knock yourself out" Jason said walking back to the table and finishing his drink.

Rufus brought out his rapier he had by his side and took a stance.

"When I finish carving you up, that bitch is next."

Venom's eyes narrowed angrily as Rufus smiled before lunging at him. Venom dodged easily at his poor sword play. Rufus came down with a hard downward swing with all his might. To his surprise, Venom grabbed it by the blade with one hand.

"Impossible" Rufus said trying to pull the blade back.

"You lack discipline with a sword" Venom said holding it tight as a small trail of blood came down the blade.

"I trained under the best masters money can buy. How can you do this?" He gave a yank trying to pull the blade from the grip and injured Venom.

"Then you better get your money back" Venom said.

He twisted his wrist breaking the blade in half as Rufus backed up shocked. Venom followed up with an uppercut to the muzzle sending him a good 3 inches off the ground onto the floor.

"My nose, you broke my nose" Rufus whined holding his nose as blood rushed out.

Venom walked over and lifted him by the neck.

"Cassia, can you come over here please?"

Cassia looked confused but walked over. Venom kicked Rufus behind the legs causing him to go to both knees.

"Apologize to the lady."

"I won't" Rufus said before getting a knee to the chest taking the air out of him.

"Want to try again?"

"All right, just don't hit me again. I'm sorry."

"Do you accept Cassia?" Venom asked looking at her.

"He didn't sound sincere. Make him say it again" she said with a pleased smile.

Venom raised his fist making Rufus cringe before he started whining.

"Please don't hit me. I'm sorry. I'll never bother you again. I'll leave your family alone. Just, don't hit me" he said whining.

Cassia smiled watching the defeat of her worst nightmare.

"All right, now get out of here" Venom snarled. "And if I find out you've bothered her in anyway, I'll hunt you down. I have your scent and you will not get away from me."

Rufus got to his feet quickly and rushed out the door followed by the rest of his gang. Cassia ran over and gave him a hug which shocked Venom but he hugged her back.

"Thank you so much."

"You're welcome. Sorry about the mess."

"It's okay. When I finish cleaning up ummm, will you like to go out for a walk?"

"I would love too."

She smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek before heading to the back. Venom walked back to the table and sat down. Crystal smiled and chuckled a little.

"Got yourself a date I see?"

"It's just a walk, nothing more."

"Sure it is" Jason said getting up. "I've got some loose ends to deal with, I'll catch you two in a bit."

"I'll join you" Crystal said. "You coming?"

Venom looked at Cassia who was picking up the broken table parts.

"I'll think I'll stay here and help clean up."

"Suit yourself" Crystal said leaving with Jason.

********

I woke up with a groan in Faleen's bed and sat up. I still had an erection which made an evident tent in the sheets.

"Damn, what did she hit me with?"

I sat on the edge and took a stretch.

"I must be the luckiest person in the world. I've had sex with all of my friends but Greywolf and Crystal. Crystal probably wouldn't like the idea but Greywolf would."

My erection throbbed as I stood up and reached for my clothes. Whatever spell she hit me with was still with me. Putting on my clothes, I walked outside to the almost setting sun as the music hit my ears coming from the festival.

"I wonder what everybody is doing? Guess I should go and have a look."

As I closed the door, I felt it lock by itself. Pretty good security system. I gave another stretch before heading into town.

********

"You let a stranger beat you?" Lezard said looking at Rufus inside the house they were staying at near the festival. "And you call yourself a mercenary?"

"This stranger had another person help him. A lot stronger then anybody I have ever seen" Rufus said throwing away another bloody rag from his nose.

"What did he look like?"

"A wolf. Tall, brown hair, light grey fur and ice blue eyes."

Lezard looked at him as he knew who it was.

"So you're saying that both of them wiped out your crew?"

"The dragon did most of the hurting, including busting my nose."

Lezard reached for his hat and headed for the door.

"Just make sure your men are able to perform their job."

"Don't worry about my men. We can handle our job" Rufus said angrily.

"If you can't handle a little dragon, maybe you can't handle this job."

"I'll personally kill him myself when the time comes."

Lezard put his hat on as it covered his eyes.

"Just don't screw up. We only got one shot at this."

Lezard walked out the house and onto the busy festival street. He lifted his cap and looked into the horizon. The time was almost at hand. He gave a smile and pulled the cap over his eyes again and disappeared into the crowd. Rufus watched from the window before closing the blinds.

"All right, bring me the plans. I want to go over them again to make sure everything goes smoothly."

********

I walked through the music filled streets taking in all the good scents and sounds. I never thought I'd say this but, I never wanted to go home after this. My attention was diverted as there was a huge gathering further down the street. My curiosity got the best of me so I started towards the crowd.

"I know you're in there. You got to the count of 10 to come out that house and leave this town or we will burn the house down with you in it."

That voice sounded familiar as I peeked through the crowd. Standing there was Shadow in his anthro form surrounded by what looked like other furs in some kind of armor. Each set had matching insignia on their shields. Some of them had torches in hand as they surrounded the building.

"I will not repeat myself" Jason said.

The front door opened as Rufus walked out, a tad surprised to find Jason there. I had thought Jason could look mean before, the look in his eyes and one his face told me he was inches from killing this guy, almost turned my blood cold.

"What do you want? We've done nothing wrong here."

"I've heard reports, confirmed like in the tavern, when I helped take your pathetic group apart. The Darkwoods Mercenary Company has been nothing but a blight upon this town and caused no end of trouble since you came here 6 months ago. You are here by ordered to leave this town and never return."

I noted that everyone here seemed to have a very pleased look on their faces glad they were being kicked out of the town.

Rufus looked Jason right in the eyes as they stared each other down. I saw Jason ball his fists tightly just waiting for the slightest hint of him to provoke. Finally Rufus lowered his head and snickered.

"Fine, we'll leave. Its not like we enjoyed this crappy town anyway if everybody is as stuck up as you are."

Jason struck him in the stomach so fast I couldn't even see it as Rufus buckled to both knees holding his stomach and coughing. Jason grabbed him by the neck lifting him up with ease.

"Don't you say another word about my town" Jason said squeezing harder making Rufus eyes almost pop out his head. Jason bared his fangs in a snarl that would put a rabid wolf to shame in terms of meanness.

I walked up and touched Jason's shoulder lightly.

"Don't do it. I get the feeling he's not worth it the trouble."

Jason grunted and tossed him to the ground.

"Get........out" he growled showing his fangs.

Rufus got to his feet holding his throat and coughing. He lifted up his hand as his crew came out behind him.

"Let's get out here" he said walking towards the village gate. "You haven't heard the last of me. There will be repercussion to pay for this. Mark my words."

"You show your face in my town again, and the last thing you will see is me over your dead body" Jason growled angrily.

Rufus grunted as he followed his team and disappeared into the forest. I watched them leave as everybody went back to what they were doing.

"What was that all about?" I asked Jason.

"Just some hooligans causing trouble" Jason said turning to look at me, the feral wildness in his eyes slowly going away as he nearly panted out. "So, how was last night?"

I looked at him shocked as he chuckled.

"How...?"

"You still have her scent on you, very faint, but its there."

I took a couple of sniffs of my fur and sure enough, Faleen's scent was there but very faint. My ears went red along with my cheeks.

"She can move can't she?" Jason said raising his eyebrows a couple of times.

"In more ways then I could imagine."

"Anyway, I have to go get dinner ready" Jason said looking at the sky. "Enjoy yourself and don't eat too much. I make good food."

"I look forward to it" I said with a smile.

"Great, see you in a little while" Jason said giving me a pat on the back before heading home.

I figured I look around for a bit before heading to Jason's house so I walked the streets. Again, I got that funny feeling that I was being watched. I turned my head slightly to see a shadow disappear behind a house.

"You're not getting away" I said and went after him or her.

I turned the corner to catch a glimpse of a white robe turning another corner. Running down the alley I turned to corner to see the white robed person with its back turned.

"Who are you? Why are you following me?"

The person didn't answer as I heard a chuckle. The person turned around as the hood covered their face as the only thing I could see was a white muzzle.

"Do not worry who we are. You will find out in time."

"What are you talking about?" I said.

"Why not take a nap young one? You will need your strength soon."

As he or she said that I felt hard hit me in the back of the head knocking me out as I hit the ground. The only thing I saw was the person disappear by walking into the wall before my vision went blank.

********

"How soon before the ritual Xander?" the flame said.

"Any day now my liege. Faleen's men are still preparing the prison for Tyrant" Xander said on one knee.

"You know where to take him when you retrieve him?"

"Yes my liege. He will be taken back the designated spot to recover his strength before taken to the great seal."

The flame chuckled and grew brighter.

"You have everything planned well Xander. I commend you."

"You are too kind my liege" Xander said with a bow before he turned his head. "Who's there?"

The white robed figure appeared and went to one knee.

"Grimwald, what are you doing?" Xander asked a little annoyed.

"I just wanted to see the target for myself" he said taking off his hood revealing his face. He was an artic fox with crimson red eyes and silver hair with streaks of red. "I got tired of waiting."

"Fool. This is not a game. What if he spotted you?"

"He already did."

Xander got up and walked over to him and grabbed him by the collar.

"Are you trying to destroy everything we are working to accomplish?"

"Relax Xander. He didn't get a chance to do anything before I knocked him out with a little magic trick" Grimwald said with a grin.

"Xander, do not be so harsh on him" the flame said.

"But my liege....." Xander said looking at the flame.

"Everything is still going according to plan."

Xander grunted and let Grimwald go as he turned to look at him.

"I will deal with you later in private."

"Ooh, I can't wait" Grimwald said licking his lips.

********

"Hey, are you okay?"

I let out moan and went to one knee. Feeling the back of my head, I felt a spot a touch of blood and a nice big bump. I looked up to see one of the town guards, a collie.

"What the hell is going on here?" I said standing up weakly.

"What happened?" the collie asked.

"I don't know. All I remember was following a person in a white robe."

"You are a friend of Jason correct?"

"Yeah" I said looking at him.

"Okay, I'll get some men and do a search for this person in white. You should head on back. You two escort him back to Mr. Blackpaw's at once."

"Thanks" I said with a nod.

The sun was already down as the moon was in the sky.

"Damn, how long was I out for?"

I let out another groan as my head spun as I started for Jason's house as the guards helped me some.

****

"Food will be ready soon. Kids, go wash up" Jason said standing over a grill doing a cook out.

"Okay daddy" they all giggled while still playing with Tasha.

She watched them leave before giving a sigh.

"You look pretty attached to them" Sarah said as Tasha sat next to her.

"Yeah, they're adorable."

"I'm sure you'll have beautiful kids of your own one day."

"Yeah, I can't wait" Tasha said remembering the vial Faleen gave her

"This sucks" Chris said.

"What's wrong?" Theft asked.

"My camera's hard drive is full, and so are all my memory sticks."

"I can imagine. You've been taking pictures non stop since yesterday" Nicole said with a chuckle.

"You guys have another camera around?"

"Chris, this place is modern times. There are no such things as cameras yet silly" Faleen said making everybody laughed as Chris went red.

"Oh I'm sure I can help you out Chris, just wait till after dinner" Shadow said to him from the kitchen.

"Has anybody seen my son?" Rose asked.

"Nope. Too busy having fun" Tiger said, his head in Jenna's lap.

"Where's your brother?" Skorp asked.

"He got invited to dinner from a person he made a sculptor for."

"Lucky him" Venom said with a smile.

Everybody chuckled away when they heard the door open as I walked in with two guards beside me.

"Ultimus!!" Luna said with a smile. "Where've you been?"

I didn't answer as I went to one knee holding my head. Everybody rushed over and helped me to the couch.

"What happened?" Tasha asked.

"I.....I don't know. I felt somebody following me and managed to corner them in an alleyway."

"What did they look like?" Crystal said.

"I couldn't tell because he had on a white robe and hood robe covering his face. I asked who he was and what he wanted. The only thing he said was don't worry about who we are and that I would need my strength really soon. After that somebody or something hit me pretty hard from behind knocking me out. When I woke up, it was dark so I made my way back here, with the help of the guards."

"I'll have my student's search where you last were to see if they find anything" Jason said. "Whoever "they" are won't get far from me."

"Thanks" I said before my stomach let out a growl making me blush and everybody laugh.

"I guess its time to eat huh?" Jason said laughing. "Well you're just in time for dinner. Have a seat and I'll get everything ready."

********

"How did you get so strong?" Jenna asked.

Everybody was sitting around the couch drinking tea and talking away while I stood at the window looking out, my mind in a world of confusion. Shadow's kids had gone inside to bed shortly after dinner.

"I was born and raised to be a fighter so my body has to be in top physical condition" Jason said holding Sarah in his arms.

"I bet. I still can't believe you took that huge boulder and tossed it like a pebble at Omega. I'm strong but not that strong" Venom said.

"I tend to hold most of my combat skills and strength in check. The only time when I really cut loose is when I think it's needed to utterly destroy my target."

"Damn, glad you're on our side" Theft said.

"I was wondering something?" Chris said taking his eyes off his work.

"Wondering what?" Xellos asked.

"If Arn and Jason were to fight each other, who would win?"

Everybody looked at one another thinking the same thing. I was so preoccupied with what happened that I didn't hear what was said.

"No offense to Ultimus, even though we are a couple of years apart, I was training with swords while he was still learning to walk."

"So you're saying you would destroy Arn if you were to fight him one on one?" Chris asked.

"I wouldn't say destroy. I'd love to have a friendly duel with him as friends."

I heard Tyrant laughing which broke my train of thought.

"You hearing what they are saying about you?"

"What?" I said confused.

"They are saying that in a one on one duel, Shadow will beat you easily."

"He's a lot stronger then me so he probably could."

"Then after he's finished mopping the floor with you, he'll have his way Tasha."

"Shut up. Shadow's not like that. He has a mate and kids."

"Oh really? Have you noticed the way Tasha and Jenna are always around him? They way they hug up on him?"

"Shadow's not like that" I said again angrily.

"How do you know? You don't really KNOW him that well to make that decision. Just because he has a mate, doesn't mean he doesn't sleep around."

"Just shut up."

Tyrant laughed as I clenched my fists angrily.

"Once he proves that he can beat you single handedly, Tasha will fall for him like a ton of bricks. I can picture them both in bed now."

As he said that, images started appearing in my head of both Shadow and Tasha in bed together. Shadow running his hand down Tasha chest making her moan in pleasure. I closed my eyes and shook my head trying to get the image out of my head.

"The more you deny it, the more it will haunt you. You know you can't beat him boy. And once he defeats you, Tasha will be his along with that other one."

More images came into my head from Tyrant as I saw Shadow taking them both in bed. I heard their moans and cries of passion as Shadow took them both. I went to one knee growling in anger and holding my chest as the Light stone pulsed harder.

"Ultimus, what's wrong?" Skorp said coming up to me.

"That's right, give in to that anger. Look at them over them. She cares nothing for you" Tyrant said with a laugh.

I glanced over as I saw Shadow holding Tasha from behind showing her some kind of combat move.

"See, she knows a real man when she sees one."

I closed my eyes again as I felt my hair grow longer and the false anger build even greater.

"Ultimus, are you okay?" Skorp asked before he recoiled some. "Tyrant!"

Everybody looked as they saw red waves of power coming from me as I tried to fight it.

"Ultimus don't let him win" Tasha said running over.

She tried touching my shoulder but got a vicious jolt sent through her body. I let out another growl before running out the door. I didn't get far as I held my head feeling Tyrant take over as I gave a yell.

"Ultimus" Crystal said before covering his eyes from the bright flash of light that I caused.

When the light died down, Tyrant was in my place as he got up and dusted himself off.

"Humans and their simple minds. How easy it is to use them."

He turned around to see everybody ready to fight causing him to smile.

"So eager to fight are we?"

"What are doing out here?" Tiger growled.

"Let's just say, I used his weakness to bring me out. I never thought it would go as well as it did."

"What are you talking about?" Rose said.

"I used his feelings for her" he said pointing to Tasha. "And thanks to the little talk about a one on one duel brought up by Chris, used it against him."

"What does that mean?" Tiger asked.

"It means you dolt" Tyrant said shaking his head. "If muscle head here beat the little boy in here" Tyrant said patting his chest. "She will fall in love with muscle head and dump the little boy."

Tasha growled angrily along with everybody else.

"How dare you use my love for him like that" Tasha said angrily.

"So you are this Tyrant?" Shadow said looking him up and down. "I am not impressed."

"That's right. And you must be this champion of a god?" Tyrant said rolling his neck around.

"If you know what's good for you, you will give Ultimus back right now" Faleen said as her staff glowed white.

"Tsk tsk tsk" Tyrant said waving his finger back and forth. "I wouldn't try that trick again."

"And why not?"

"Because before you fire, I can inflict damage on his body that is incurable. And if you think I'm lying, try me" Tyrant said with a grin.

Faleen tilted her head and smiled for a moment before lowering her staff, she figured it would hurt to let him play his little game for now. Tyrant was totally clueless to his full situation.

"Better" Tyrant said. "Now then, how about a little fun muscle head?"

Shadow grinned as he walked forward.

"Sure why not."

"But I'm going to set a few rules first."

Shadow raised an eyebrow and looked at him.

"Since I know you have a few tricks up your sleeve, you can only defend, not attack. If you make the slightest attack towards me, I WILL damage the boy."

"You coward, what.......?" Tiger said before Shadow raised his hand.

"Agreed."

"Excellent. Let us begin" Tyrant said and flew at Shadow hard and fast making him yelp as he spun around to the right to get out of Tyrants attack line with barely a hair to spare. Still Tyrant didn't land his blow. Shadow grabs something from his belt as he threw an object to the ground at his feet that as Tyrant looked to Shadow the object exploded into a large could of white smoke covering him. Tyrant lunged at Shadow when the white cloud just covered him and Tyrant went right through hitting nothing.

A sharp whistle caught everyone's attention as Shadow stood behind Tyrant some twenty feet. "You can't lay a paw on me unless I want you to Tyrant." he said smirking.

Tyrant snarled out as he once more lunged at Shadow who now seemed to totally control the fight. Tyrant began throwing a number of kicks and punches at Shadow. While he did land a few they were only when shadow blocked his attacks. The rest Shadow completely avoided.

"This fight is unfair we need to do something." Venom snarled out.

"Don't worry about him" a voice said behind them.

They looked to see Canis sitting on a lawn chair watching the fight.

"He's a lot more resourceful then you think."

Shadow rolled quickly to his right avoiding a flying knee aimed for his head and got to his feet. Tyrant lunged for him as Shadow blocked it inches from his face. He made another attack which was blocked by Shadow as he grinned and started blocking everything Tyrant threw.

"Patty" Shadow said blocking an attack. "Cake" he said blocking another and kept saying it making Tyrant fume.

"You think this is a game?" Tyrant said angrily backing away.

"You mean it isn't?" Shadow said confused.

"How's this for a game?" Tyrant said angrily as a ball of black flame appeared in his hands.

He made a run towards Shadow as he stood ready. Just as he got close enough, Tyrant disappeared. Shadow blinked and as he moved hard and fast going forward just as Tyrant appeared behind him and with a glowing right hand as Tyrant took a swing at his head Shadow growled out as he barely ducked in time. Tyrant and Shadow danced. Shadow was doing everything possible to avoid the attack while Tyrant was nearly foaming at the mouth in anger. Finally Shadow jumped back just as Tyrant made a lunged as that glowing hand tore into shadow's shirt and ripped it wide open as Tyrant stopped advancing growling out as a star like object was tore from Shadow's neck.

"I'll tear out your heart and eat it in front of your children" Tyrant said ready to lose his sanity as he saw something lying in the ground.

Walking up, he saw the star pendant on the ground.

"What's this?" he said reaching for it.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you" Shadow said looking at him.

"Well you're not me" Tyrant said reaching for it.

As soon as he touched it, he got zapped with tremendous power knocking him in air backwards.

"I warned you" Shadow as he walked over and picked it up and putting it back around his neck. "This was my best shirt too."

Tyrant stood up and shook his head and growled angrily.

"You broke the rules muscle head. Now somebody's going to pay."

He disappeared and reappeared behind everybody next to the front door.

"Whatever you're going to do, need I remind you if you even touch a single piece of fur from his mate or kids, you will join your buddies Yin and Yang in a world of hell that you will never escaped from" Canis said calmly. "The choice is yours."

"Humph, you may be a god, but you have certain rules that you must follow meaning you can't touch me without somebody asking you for help" Tyrant said reaching for the doorknob.

"And if you think I hadn't thought about asking him to do such, you're a fool. I could ask him at any moment to do so and there would be no escaping him Tyrant. You have been under total control from the moment Ultimus came to this world. Now be a good half demon and give Ultimus his body back, or I will." Shadow said bluntly.

Tyrant hesitated for a second before lowering his hand.

"You can't be everywhere god. Somebody will pay dearly for this humiliation."

"I do not exist in the world your mortal senses can perceive. I exist out side of what you can define as reality. I am not constricted to what you perceive as time and space. They mean little to me."

He went to one knee as a white dome covered his body. It receded as I passed out on the ground. Shadow walked up as Faleen looked at him.

"You ok?"

"Not bad. Pity I wasn't able to fight him fully. Might be quite the workout before I stomp him into the ground."

"Typical Jason." Faleen said with a chuckle.

Shinro and Lezard looked at each other from their hidden spot. The look they gave the other told them this deal was getting sour now.

********

I woke up with a jump before I held my head from the pounding headache I had.

"You're up finally."

I looked over to see Thomas sitting there bed side.

"Hey Thomas" I said moving to the edge of the bed.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. Daddy and the mean wolf fought but I didn't see everything because mom told me to stay in here. I was told he hit you so hard you fell asleep."

"I'm ok now little warrior." I said with a smile. "Is everybody downstairs?"

"Uh-huh" he said nodding his head. "In the living room talking."

I got up and walked outside followed by Thomas. Downstairs I heard everybody talking about what happened.

"At least that thing will be out of my son and locked away in hell where he belongs" my mom said angrily.

"But he won't stay there forever" Faleen said looking at her.

"Why not?" Tiger asked.

"He will be trapped until he lets go of all the hate, anger, and evil inside of him. A chance to redeem himself in a way. Even if it takes a hundred thousand years."

This caused a small uproar as everybody talked at once.

"There's no way that thing can redeem himself." Venom said angrily.

"And why not?" Canis said looking at him. "How can you be so sure he is beyond redemption? Only a few are truly beyond redemption. The most powerful force in the universe is change. Even the Gods can change. In this world, even the blackest of villains such as Tyrant can turn to the light and renounce their evils. Just as noblest warriors with hearts of gold can be tainted and wholly corrupted by evil. To deny him any chance of redemption would be wrong. The forces of good and evil are constantly fighting and waging war. And even through this eternal war there is balance. When a force of great of good or evil is destroyed by the others, a new one stronger one will rise to take its place, to preserve that balance. Or when one is introduced."

Everybody was quiet until they looked up and saw me as I lowered my head.

"I'm sorry" I said softly.

"For what?" Shadow said.

"I let him use my emotions and caused more problems."

Faleen walked over and gave me a hug and a kiss.

"You worry too much. Maybe that's the reason for your grey hairs."

"Even still, I feel responsible."

"Don't let it bother you" Crystal said. "He found out the hard way of interrupting a vacation."

Everybody laughed at that as I looked around.

Dad was the one who spoke up. "Shadow, why hadn't you asked Canis here to remove Tyrant from the light stone?" he asked.

Shadow leans back and sipped on some drink of some sort.

"One does not lightly waste the favor of a god. That favor could be used to bring back a dead friend. Also I had asked Canis a long time ago as a favor to protect and watch over my family. And if I hadn't said anything to Tyrant and had he so much as touched my mate or my cubs with so much as a finger with any intent to harm them, Canis would have taken action against him."

I could feel Tyrant in the Light stone shudder some as I asked him "Why did you spare him that fate?" I asked at everyone just stared at Shadow in disbelief as he sighed.

"Two reasons. I didn't want to take the chance he would manage to hurt them. And you all want answers don't you. You've forgotten what Thanos said. Someone else was calling the shots and his power was greater then his. Don't you want to know who or what that was? Or have me seal Tyrant away here and now and maybe be caught totally off guard when this being seeks his revenge upon you? Do you chose the quick and easy path, or take the longer path knowing it may even bring heart ache and pain? And thus be stronger for the longer journey?

I closed my eyes and crossed my arms thinking as I weighed the pros and cons of this choice.

"As much as I would love nothing more then to have him taking away to the far depths of hell and never return, this new person Thanos speaks of bothers me. I have to know."

"I've come this far, why stop now?"

"Where's Tasha?" I asked, finally seeing she wasn't there.

"She took a walk down towards the lake. Why don't you join her?" Faleen said with a toothy smile.

"I guess. A little fresh air would do me good" I said heading for the door.

The moon was bright as not a cloud could be seen. My ears picked up the sound of water nearby so I headed in that direction. A slight wind blew in my direction as I smelt something sweet in the air.

"Wow, something smells good."

I hurried towards the scent. When I got to the clearing by the lake, my mouth dropped. Standing under the moon light was Tasha. The moonlight hit her fur making her glow like an angel. I was just waiting for the white wings to appear from her back. Her tail moved slowly behind her as she looked out into the lake. Her ears perked up as she turned to look at me.

"Hello my love" she said smiling.

I was still speechless as she walked up to me with a smile. As she got closer, that sweet smell grew more powerful making me growl. She wrapped her arms around me and gave me a kiss.

"What's.....that smell?" I said.

"It's my heat."

"But how?" I said as I started to lose myself in the scent.

"Remember the deal Faleen mentioned to you? This is part of it. Now our dream will come true as soon as you drink this." she said holding a small tube with blueish liquid.

"What is it?"

"You'll see" she said lifting it to my mouth as I drank it down.

My body started to tingle in a funny way but nothing major. She tossed me to the ground hard, straddling my hips kissing me deeply, only breaking it to catch our breath. The smell coming from her starting to make my head spin as my felt pre soak my pants.

"I said I was going to have fun with you in that form" Tasha said taking off her shirt and pants. "And I always keep my word."

She reached over and took off my shirt revealing my chest which still had slight evidence of Faleen's claw marks. She licked my neck making me moan softly before sliding my pants off freeing my trapped rod with was painful erect. She grinded against me as I felt the heat coming from her entrance.

"We having an all nighter?" I asked looking at her.

"You better believe it" she said with a smile as she lowered herself onto me.

The heat enveloped me as I growled and dug my nails into the ground. Tasha let out a moan before she started riding me slowly at first. She had a tight grip on my shoulders as she bounced up and down making wet slurping sounds. He tunnel was squeezing me harder then I felt before making my knot form quickly. She let out a yip as my knot popped in and out of her causing her to dig her claws into my shoulder. I let out a growl and met her on a downward thrust causing my knot to lodge inside locking us together.

"Good boy Ultimus, fill your wolfie with your cum" Tasha whined in bliss as she squeezed and caressed my penis.

I let out a shivering moan before throwing my head and let out a howl as my seed erupted into her, filling her to the point some escaped and leaked down onto the ground. She let out a yip as she felt me fill her triggering her own orgasm as she shivered around me and bucked on top of me getting everything.

"That was better then the last couple of times" I said panting on the ground.

"It gets better" she said licking me playfully on the nose.

She started rotating her hips making me whine as she teased my sensitive cock still tied to her.

"Oh yes, I'm going to have fun with that body of yours" she murred kissing me as my knot shrank enough for her to slip off.

She dragged me to a nearby tree as I leaned on it. I let out a sigh as her hands roamed my body.

"God you are sexy as wolf. I don't think I ever want you a human again."

"You don't mean that do you?" I asked looking at her.

She blushed and shook her head no as she rubbed her head up and down my chest inhaling deeply. Moving her hand down, she grabbed my sheath gently making me tense a little as I closed my eyes and let her have her way. It didn't take long for her to make me hard as she stroked me up and down.

"Very sexy indeed" Tasha said licking her lips and gave the tip a quick kiss, making me jump.

She gave me another lick before taking me in her mouth slowly making me draw a sharp breath. I felt that familiar tongue work me up and down as I felt her suck greedily. She moaned softly as she felt my pre as she stopped and gave me a kiss as I cupped her face.

"You really want this bad don't you?" I said with a grin.

She gave me a toothy grin as I saw a sparkle in her eye. I gave a smile before pushing her against the tree. Her tail was raised high as her swollen vulva glistened in the light. I crawled closer as that sweet scent assaulted me even stronger.

"God you smell good" I said with a growl before giving her a lick making her moan.

She tasted sweeter as I drove my tongue in. Her legs started to quiver as I roamed her passage which was very hot. By now my lower half was throbbing painful but I held it off as I continued to service her.

"Ultimus don't make me wait. Give it to me. Give me your big wolfie cock" she said looking over her shoulder at me, her tongue hanging out.

I let out another growl and stood up behind her lining up and gave a rough quick thrust into her causing her a yip to come from her. I started pounding her from behind, taking her like the bitch she was as she let out snarls and dug her claws into the tree bark.

"Fuck me Ultimus. Fuck me like there's no tomorrow" she growled out pushing back on me. Meeting every rough thrust with her own.

I pushed her legs apart and pushed deeper making her yelp as her tunnel tightened around me and her juices covered my penis. My knot popped in and out of her before I pushed into her tying us.

"God I love you so much" I said still pushing with my limited movement panting heavily.

She let out a whine as I felt her squeeze down on me with all her might which sent shivers through my body as I whined and came hard inside her. I rested my head on her shoulder as she turned her head and licked me softly under the chin.

"It seems she did teach you a few new tricks" Tasha said with a giggle.

"How do you know about that?" I asked.

"Call it ladies talk" she said with a smile.

"You little minx" I said and gave her another thrust, hitting her g-spot making her howl in pleasure.

I gave a smile and did it again making her body shake in my hands and dig her claws deeper into the tree. I was getting use to this tying and like the fact I still had some room to push into her as I continued a steady rhythm, feeling my seed build again. She didn't last long before she let out a howl and grinded into me riding out the pleasure she felt. I let out a moan feeling her tighten around me as I joined her in bliss.

"Oh god" I said light headed and took her to the ground with me.

"She trained you well" Tasha said with a giggle.

"A painful training too" I said remembering where she clawed and bite me.

"Love can be tough."

"That wasn't love. That was straight feral."

"You haven't seen me yet" Tasha said with an evil grin. "Your night has only just begun my love."

********

"The ritual will begin tomorrow night" Lezard said to Shinro and Rufus. "Rufus, I want 20 of your men with me surrounding the church and the rest at Jason's house" he said tapping the map.

"Very well. Who's going to be the distraction while we surround Jason's house?" Rufus asked.

"My man is already there and is all set" Shinro added.

Lezard nodded and pointed at the church.

"The church is surrounded by a strong barrier that will go up once its started."

"How do we get in?" Rufus asked.

"That's where we come in" a voice said in back of them.

All 3 of them had their weapons drawn and at the neck of the person in a blink of an eye.

"Is this how you treat all visitors?" Mystina said with a smile.

Lezard let out a growl as he sheath his weapon. Rufus and Shinro hesitated but did the same thing.

"I told you about doing that. Next time, I won't stop myself."

"You say the loveliest thing" she said with a purr and walked past him to the map. "Is everything ready for tomorrow night?"

"Just going over the details now" Lezard said.

"Will you succeed in doing this?" she asked looking at them. "We only need you to distract them long enough for us to do our job."

Rufus eyes narrowed angrily.

"My men can handle their job. But the question is can you guys handle Jason and Faleen?"

Mystina smiled seductively at Rufus and gave him a wink.

"Do not worry. Faleen may be the former champion of Canis, and Jason a powerful fighter, but we can deal with their kind."

Lezard, Rufus, and Shinro made eye contact with each other briefly before looking at Mystina. She gave them a smile before heading to the door.

"You boys do a good job, and maybe we'll get to know each other a little better."

She blew them each a kiss before heading out the door. Lezard let out a growl before heading back to the map layout.

"I don't trust her" Shinro said.

"Trust or not, they hired us to do the job" Lezard said.

"If it wasn't for the absurd amount of money Shinro said we would get, I would turn this down. People like that are bad news" Rufus added.

"Nevertheless, a job's a job's" Lezard said.

Mystina walked down the street and into the alley into the darkness. She didn't get far as she felt those familiar hands wrap around her waist making her purr.

"Sneaking up on a lady huh?" Mystina said with a purr.

Xander smiled and kissed her along the neck.

"Are they prepared for tomorrow night?"

"Yes. Do we really have to kill them after? I wanted to have some fun with Lezard" she pouted playfully.

"He's poking his nose where it doesn't belong and asking too many questions."

"I understand" Mystina said closing her eyes as Xander groomed her neck with his tongue.

"And besides, I feel like poking around in places where I don't belong also" he said with a smile.

"By all means, poke away" Mystina said as they both disappeared in a flash of light.

********

The sun was bright and birds were singing away. I look at Tasha as she slept peacefully, still tied to me even though the night. I gave a chuckle and nuzzled her gently on the cheek.

"Come on cutey, time to get up."

She let out a low growl and buried her face in my chest.

"Now you know how I feel in the morning" I said laughing making her growl again.

She opened her eyes and looked at me evilly. I stopped laughing as I looked at her. She kissed me softly before rolling me over on my back and sitting on my lap and crossing her arms.

"I am not like you in the morning. How could you say that?"

"Sorry" I said folding my ears back.

She gave a smile before running her hands up and down my chest making me murr.

"I guess I can forgive you this one time" she said and gave me a kiss on the nose.

She stood up as my penis returned to it sheath and gave a big yawn and stretch. Getting dressed, she looked out over the lake again as the sun reflected down on it making it shine. I stood beside her and looked too.

"Ultimus?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think, when this is over, we could come back here to live? Just the 2 of us?"

"I wish we could, but I have a feeling it's not possible" I said holding her close rubbing her arm. "Remember what Canis said about the balance of good and evil, I'd bet my tail something like that is happening back on our world."

She let out a sigh and leaned into me, she didn't like what I had said one bit, but we knew it was true. The silence was broken with the sound of my stomach letting out an angry growl. Tasha elbowed me in the stomach letting out a humph.

"Typical male. Always ruining a romantic moment" she said and walked back to the house.

"That's not true. Hey wait up" I said catching my breath.

We walked up to the gate as Thomas was there to greet us.

"Ultimus come quick" he said happily.

"What's up Thomas?"

"It's a surprise. Come on hurry" he said pulling my arm.

"Okay okay" I said with a smile as he pulled me through the house.

We walked in and downstairs into the cellar which itself was like a studio apartment. Lots of trophy aligned the wall along with a giant dragon skull in the middle of the room. God knows how he got a hold of that and I really don't want to know. I saw everybody talking as they looked at me. The place held display cases with what looked like swords, shields, and some armor. Some shattered and broken, but arranged in a set display. I didn't see any skulls, or anything macabre like that.

"What's up Ultimus?" Greywolf said.

"Hey" I said. "What's going on?"

"Getting some new toys from Shadow" Theft said holding up a gun. "I've never seen this baby in such good shape."

"What is it?" I asked, not really familiar with guns.

"It's a FG42. This gun dates back to WWII. I can't believe he has something like this here. I can really put some power into this baby" Theft said happily as the muzzle of the gun began to glow a faint yellow.

"I see" I said not even knowing what he was saying. "Did everybody get something to?"

"I did" Venom said lifting a sword on his shoulder.

It was a huge sword with a fire pattern around the blade. In the center of the Blade I noted it was pretty fat and I swear I could hear a bit of a liquid sloshing around. At the base of the sword were what looked to be dragon's teeth holding the blade up along with a gold handle. The center of the blade was craved of what seemed to be a dragon's head and was breathing fire.

"Very nice. Can I see it?"

"Sure" Venom said as tossed it to me.

I caught it as it brought me to the ground. Man this shit was heavy. I tried to lift it but with some trouble as the blade tilled up I felt liquid run from the blade tip to the handle as the weight shifted from the blade to the handle making it off balance. Venom walked over and lifted it like a toothpick and twirled it a couple of time before resting it on his back protector.

"It suits you" I said catching my breath.

Faleen walked up to me holding a long black box. "Venom, you need not worry about that blade breaking. The adamantine alloy has been enchanted to always remain razor sharp and diamond hard. You will never need to sharpen it. Just apply it with a slightly acidic oil and then wipe it clean."

"And this is for you" she said with a smile.

I held it curiously before opening it. My eyes widen as I saw Firestorm laying there shining new. I grabbed the handle as it ignited in flames and the lightning crackled around it.

"Firestorm. But how?"

"It was a minor repair to the blacksmith who forged it. He didn't think it was possible to break it at all and was surprised to see it like that. He laughed when I told him what happened and was happy to fix it again. Said he'll make it better then ever."

"Thanks" I said as the fire went out and I attached the blade to my side.

"The ritual will begin tonight so you must get prepared at the church. I have one of my best councilor to help you get prepared along with everybody. Are you ready to finish this?"

"Absolutely" I said with a smile.

"Then let us go."

Jason watched as we were getting ready to head to the church when he said, "You all go on ahead I need to talk with Ultimus, Skorp and Soa."

Ultimus looked at Skorp who shrugged his shoulders.

"What's up?" I asked

Jason sat down and he says, "Well I wanted to talk to you about what happened last night and what with what Tyrant said. Is there anything you want to ask me Ultimus, put any fears to rest?"

"I don't think so."

Jason chuckled "Well I wanted to let you know while I do find Tasha highly attractive, I would not attempt to bed her with out your and her permission. It is not the way of my people. I'm also highly attracted to Jenna and Anna as well."

"Hahaha, who wouldn't" Skorp says with a laugh. "They are rather beautiful."

Jason laughed at that. "That and Sarah found Ultimus attractive as well. Well I wanted to let you know even if Tyrant had hurt Ultimus It would not have mattered any. Our healers here are highly skilled. Even if killed Ultimus could have been resurrected. Unlike your world, the Gods here are very active and such resurrections are more then possible, even if there is nothing of the body left."

A shiver went through my body as I felt Tyrant's rage pick up a notch realizing he was played from the start of that battle.

Looking at me Jason said, "It's ok from what I heard the process is not terrible, or painful."

"I see" Ultimus says

Jason said, "Given that today Tyrant will be extracted chances are high if some one is after Tyrant they will make their move, so I've asked Faleen to ensure he is drained of all his strength. If they get a hold of him it will give us a little time to find them before they can get him to full power."

"That's sounds good" Skorp said with a nod.

"Hey, I had wanted to ask what was that star Tyrant grabbed last night?" Crystal asked

Jason reached into his shirt and pulled out a multi colored Star. "This is what Tyrant grabbed hold of. I'm sure you will know what it is Soa" and Jason tossed it to Crystal as he leaned back.

"What is it?" Skorp asked as Crystal looked it over as I came over.

Jason smiled. "That was why I couldn't stay and fight with you along side Thanos. The Dragon's Star, It's also why you trusted me so easily Ultimus."

"I see, I guess" I said looking at it.

Crystal looked it over and it had seven points on it each arm of it a different color and Soa's eyes went wide, "How the hell? This was forged from shards of the Power Stones. One shard from each stone. How the hell did you pull this off?"

"It has part of the Power Stones in it?" I was utterly shocked.

Jason nodded and held out his hand as the star floated to his hand, "Yes, I been to your world before. Canis and Modeen as you know are good friends. So among the seven gods I was given a set of three challenges by each. And as prize Canis got a small shard from each of the stones to forge this artifact of power. Consider it an absolute last resort weapon. If Thanos knew about me having this there is no telling what would have happened."

"Amazing" I said. "I guess there's nothing you can't do huh?"

Jason swallowed hard. "Don't ever think that. I have failed in some tasks given to me. I am far from perfect. My own arrogance and pride has been my down fall more then once."

We all looked at Jason who was nodding.

Jason said, "Surprised? Don't be. When you get very powerful, very smart, and cunning one tends to either over prepare or under estimate one's enemies. Both happen to me from time to time. I suppose we should get going and get this over with. Don't tell your friends about this. What friends don't know enemies can not find out. If something happens they will be more then ready. Trust in them."

Skorp and Crystal both nodded their heads.

"Oh yeah, if you ever did want to court Tasha, I'm pretty sure she would say yes. I don't mind at all" I told him.

Jason laughed and stuck out his tongue, "Maybe I could show her how to better please a male when this is over" he teased.

"Hahaha, you wish" I said with a friendly punch to the shoulder.

Jason mock whimpered and recoiled from the punch. "That hurt you big meanie."

We headed upstairs and outside towards the church.

*****

At the church and out of ear shot of everyone else Tasha pulled Faleen to the side and started talking.

"How long will it take to found out if I'm pregnant?"

"I will know by tomorrow morning, by scent alone." Faleen said with a smile.

Tasha smiled and gave her a hug which took Faleen by surprise but hugged back.

"Thank you for everything."

"You are quite welcome. Although I wouldn't mind having Ultimus a couple more times before he leaves" she said with a blush.

"Anytime you want" she said as they both started laughing.

********

Rufus looked at the house in the background as Sarah and the kids played.

"You guys know what to do right?" he asked looking at everybody.

They all nodded their heads but went silent as they heard footprints approaching. Shinro appeared and looked at Rufus.

"Wyrue is all set to begin when I give the signal."

"Good" Rufus said getting up. "You men will go on his signal. And for the love of god, don't hurt any of them."

"Yes captain" they all said with a salute.

"Where is Lezard?" Rufus asked walking with Shinro and the rest of his men.

"By the church waiting for us."

They walked the back alleys avoiding the guards that patrolled the streets during the festival. They arrived at the side of the church surrounded by trees. Lezard dropped down from the tree his was on and looked at them.

"They are heading to the church now. Here take a look" he said tossing Shinro a spyglass.

Shinro climbed the tree and looked around till he saw everybody. Rufus was behind Shinro on the branch as he handed him the spyglass. Rufus let out a growled as he saw Venom.

"Something wrong?" Shinro asked.

"No, just saw something that needed to be taught a lesson."

They dropped down from the tree as Lezard started talking.

"Once she's starts, I want your men to flank the back. We must wait until the barrier goes down before we do anything."

"And if it doesn't go down?" Shinro asked.

Lezard looked at the church for a brief second before looking at Shinro.

"Then we're fucked."

********

We entered the church as I felt that comforting feeling wash over me. Waiting down by the pedestal was the cougar in a bath robe and the collie. Her grey hair was in a ponytail behind her as her tail moved behind her lazily. The collie had on a priest robe as his rusty red and white fur shown through the arms of the robe.

"All right Ultimus, you will go with Meryl to take a purification bath to cleanse your body and soul" Faleen said gesturing to the cougar who bowed politely.

"Bath?"

"Yes. A bath to soothed your body and mind for the ritual" Meryl said with a smile. "It contains special herbs and oils to help you relax. The incense will help relax mind and soul."

"A bath sounds good I guess" I said shrugging my shoulders.

"Please follow me" she said turning around and walking to the back door.

"Everyone else, please follow Snibe" Faleen said pointing to the collie.

"This way please" he said with a smile.

I followed Meryl into the back where there was a medium size pool of water with steam rising up from it.

"Take off your clothes and sit in the middle please."

I nodded my head and proceeded to strip down. I put one foot in as the water was just the right temperature. Walking to the middle, I sat down as the water reached just halfway up the chest. The water rippled as Meryl walled in a sat down behind me. I blushed as I felt her breasts on my back. The scent in the air I found peaceful and soothing.

"You are tense young one. Relax your body and let your mind be at ease" Meryl said as she started washing my back.

I let out a sigh as my body went limp in her arms. My mind however was still trying to figure out what the hell is going on.

"I sense your mind is troubled young one. What is wrong?"

"I don't know. I'm still trying to figure out that myself."

"You are still thinking about the person who followed you and what he said yes?"

"I just don't understand any of it" I said as she washed my arm.

I gave a chuckle as she passed under my arm before dipping the cloth into the water.

"Let us not discuss that then. Tell me about yourself young one. I am here to be your councilor after all" she said washing my other arm.

I nodded my head and opened up to her. I told her everything: Vicki, my grandmother's death, meeting my mom and dad, Tyrant, Thanos, plus my mate Tasha. Once I was done, I felt her hold me tight.

"You have suffered such hardship young one" she said sadly. "You are indeed a champion of your realm."

"I guess that old saying is true."

"What saying is that?" she asked curiously.

"What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."

"Indeed it does, for you have turned out to be a very strong man. Stand up please."

I stood up as the water dripped off my fur. She washed the back of my legs and my tail before telling me to turn around. I was hesitant, but did it as she washed my chest. I had a chance to glance at her. She was beautiful. Golden brown fur, shiny hair, sapphire eyes and a beautiful body. I felt myself hardening, not from just her image, but because she was washing my crotch softly.

"There is no shame in becoming erect in front of me" she said looking up at my face with a smile. "If you didn't become erect, I would think there is something wrong with me."

She gave a smile as my pink cock started to rise as she washed the front of my legs.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of. It is quite impressive" she said giving it a squeeze making me jump a little. "Close your eyes please."

I closed my eyes as she poured water down on me cleaning my body of the soap she used. She grabbed my hand and guided me out.

"Here is a towel. Dry yourself and put on this robe. I will be waiting outside."

"Okay" I said with a nod.

She gave me another glance and a smile before walking out. I gave a sigh as she left and dried myself. Man her hands were soft. If I wasn't a man but a sex manic, I would've taken her right in the pool and I think she knew that.

"Boy, now I know what Tasha goes through with water in all this fur" I said as I shook myself of the excess water.

I started to reach for the robe when I heard Tyrant.

"So this is good bye huh. Just tossing me to the dogs so to say?"

I was a little hesitant as I pick up the robe.

"22 years we've been together meant nothing to you?"

All in all, Tyrant had been a part of my life, even though he was a bad influence.

"This is for the better" I said putting the robe on. Then I said something that surprised even me. "I'm sorry."

This caused Tyrant to laugh wildly as what little pity I felt for him vanished as quickly as it came.

"Save me your pity boy. I'm actually kind of glad to get out of here. I've been in here too long. And if I am rescued I'll rip the heard out from your mate and eat it in front of you."

"I'll be happy to get rid of you too." I said with a growl.

"Admit it, you're going to miss having my power around. I've saved your life on more then one occasion."

"I'm not a kid anymore, so I don't need you."

"You will. Whether you admit it or not."

I gave another growl and walked to the door to see Meryl already dressed. She saw the anger in my face and looked confused.

"Is something wrong?"

"Its Tyrant, he's trying to goad me." I said giving a smile.

She smiled softly, "Relax and do not think of him."

********

"So what do we do?" Tiger asked.

"You will all gather around him in a clock wise pattern. Who is the closet to him?" Snibe asked.

"I'm his mate, if that counts" Tasha said.

"Of course. You will take this spot at the top."

She walked over and stood in one of the 12 circles surrounding a pentagram. Chris took the 1 o'clock position, Nicole was next followed by Tiger, Jenna, my mother, Luna, Skorp, my Dad, Venom, Greywolf, and Crystal.

"Perfect, just like that" Snibe said.

Snibe walked over and placed the stones in a star pattern around a circle in the ground.

"What are the stones used for?" Crystal asked.

"To hold Tyrant until we seal him in the prison." Faleen said.

"I see."

Meryl walked in as everybody looked her way.

"He is all set Faleen."

"Good, bring him in and gather everyone else. We must get prepared."

"At once."

I walked in as everybody had smiles on their faces. Finally, something is going right for a change.

********

"It is time Xander. I will await the arrival of Tyrant at the seal" the flame said.

"Of course my liege. I will not fail you!" Xander said with a bow as the flame disappeared.

Xander walked outside where Mystina, Grimwald and 3 other people were waiting.

"The time to strike is now."

"About time" Grimwald said. "I was getting bored."

"Remember to strike when the time is right and the most vulnerable."

"Do not worry Xander. Tyrant is as good as ours" Mystina said with a smile.

"Let's go."

They all nodded their heads and vanished into the ground.

********

Lezard watch the sun disappear in the horizon. He tipped his hat covering his eyes and hopped down from the tree.

"Showtime" he said to Shinro and Rufus who had their eyes closed leaning on the tree.

Rufus looked over at the church as a large, barely visible dome started to cover it.

"Are your men in position?" Lezard asked Rufus.

"Just waiting for the dome to go down."

"Your guy ready Shinro?"

"Yes" he said with a nod.

"Then lets get this show underway" Lezard said with a smile.

Shinro nodded and dug into his pocket and took out a small bottle filled with glowing sand. He tossed it in the air as it gave off a bright light before returning to his hands and into his pocket.

"Let go" Lezard said.

They walked up to the back of the church where some of Rufus's men were waiting in the shadows. Rufus walked over and touched the barrier softly as it sent a small jolt of electricity through him.

"Careful, wouldn't want you getting burnt."

They looked over to see Mystina walking through the trees up to them. Lezard held in a growl as Xander came behind her followed by the rest of them.

"You ready?" Xander said.

"What do you think?" Lezard said with a growl.

Xander eyes narrowed angrily as his hands balled tightly. He turned his head and looked at Grimwald and nodded his head. Grimwald smiled and walked up to the dome. He held his hand out and touched the dome as the energy he felt rushed into him making him smile.

"Flow Break."

The energy he received, he gave back 5 fold causing a hole to be created in the dome but not shattering completely as that would raise alarm.

"Simple enough" Grimwald said dusting his hands.

Rufus nodded his head as his men moved quietly and quickly into the hole. Everybody followed except for Lezard who grabbed Mystina back and held her roughly.

"No funny stuff. I have my eye on you all."

Mystina smiled and kissed him which took him by surprise but held her close as their tongues wrestled each other. She broke off and looked at him with a purr in her voice.

"Do not worry. For it is me who is suppose to end your life after this is over. But you are too handsome to kill."

Lezard's eye went wide, but gave a smile.

"Then I will keep my eyes on you then."

"Which part of my body will your eyes be locked on?" she said and turned to walk into the hole.

********

I stood in the middle of the circle surrounded by all my family. I was kind of nervous but in a good way. Faleen walked up to me with a smile.

"Now then Ultimus, when I give the word, release Tyrant from his bonds. With the help of your friend's power and the stones, we will separate the 2 of you. At that time, you need to connect with all the stones and draw him in the circle. We will handle the rest."

"Ok" I said.

"Everybody, extend your hands and lend him your power. Together you will give him the strength he needs."

"Of course" they all said.

"Then let us begin" Faleen said and walked away.

I looked at Tasha as she gave me a reassuring smile before closing her eyes and extending her hands along with everybody else. They all glowed a different color as I felt their power and warmth surround me.

Shadow and Crystal watched on until a guard rushed in and went to one knee.

"Master Blackpaw."

They both turned to see the same collie that helped me.

"What is it? Why do you disturb us?"

"Please forgive me. But we got reports that the same group you kicked out has returned in the cover of darkness just like you predicted."

Shadow's eyes narrowed angrily but he had an evil smile on his face.

"Where are they?"

"We don't know. We are looking for them now."

"Seems like a play to draw you away" Crystal said.

"I can tell. If I was them I'd probably go after my family. So I sent 10 of my finest men from the academy to my house where they will guard my family with their lives. And had my family teleported out, while a few of the wizards cast illusion spells to make them appear to be my family. These guys must think I'm a total rookie, not to have expected this tactic."

Falcon smiled and nodded his head. "You are indeed cunning Sir."

Shadow smiled and patted him on his shoulder.

"You have done well my friend. Stay here and watch my back for me."

"Of course Master Blackpaw" Falcon said with a bow and stood by the door.

Shadow looked at Crystal who was smiling in the circle

"Quite popular you are."

"I have a few fans so to say" Shadow said with a smile before they both turned their attention center stage.

I felt my power grow more and more as they shared their power with me.

"Now Ultimus release Tyrant" Faleen said. "Focus on the stones and use them to separate him from the Light stone."

I closed my eyes and focused on the stones as they responded and floated in the air glowing dimly. Next I focused on the bonds holding Tyrant as they released him and he got covered in a green bubble. The Soul stone glowed brighter and shot a ray into my chest hitting the Light stone. I let out a growl as I felt a sharp pain as Tyrant was pulled from the stone and into the circle.

"So that's Tyrant?" Grimwald said in his hiding place.

"Extreme power I feel from him" Xander said.

Tyrant was stiff as the bubble held him firmly.

"Let us drain his power" Meryl said.

All the priests nodded their heads and held their hands out. They started speaking incoherently as the bubble glowed yellow causing Tyrant to let out a yell as he felt his power being sapped away quickly.

"Now for the prison" Faleen said and walked over to the empty circle.

She raised her staff over her head as it glowed white. Slamming it down on the ground caused the circle to glow purple before becoming transparent as a large crystal slowly rose from it.

"Rufus as soon as they release Tyrant from the encasement have your men strike."

"Right" Rufus said as he gave a couple of hand signals to all his men who nodded their heads.

I was breathing hard now because holding Tyrant was taking a lot out of me because he was still strong, even with his power being drained.

"He is drained of his power. Ultimus, let him go" Faleen said.

I broke the hold and went to one knee breathing hard and looked at Tyrant was still in the encasement. All the priests let their hands drop as Tyrant fell to the ground.

"Now's the time Rufus, do it" Lezard said.

Rufus made a go motion as all his men drew their swords and charged from their hiding places shaking everybody up.

"What the hell is this?" Crystal said as he ducked from a head shot.

Shadow was in his werewolf form in a flash as he tore through 3 wolfs coming for him. Falcon ran up behind Shadow who turned to look at him.

"Don't let them anywhere near the boy" he said and turned to block and attack.

"Of course" Falcon said with an evil smile.

Drawing his sword, he it right through back making him howl in pain. He turned around to see Falcon smiling.

"Sorry, but your buddy is taking a little nap now" the imposter said.

Shadow smiled and he used his paw and struck the blade of the sword with his strength as it then was ejected from his back."

"I suggest you start running" Shadow said with a growl as the imposter turned to run as Shadow bared his massive fangs.

He didn't get far as a sword was stabbed through his back and through his heart by my dad. "Go to hell!" he yells out yanking his sword from his chest and doing a back spin to sever his head from his shoulders.

I was too weak to move and was still on one knee catching my breath. Everybody was fighting when I saw one of them approach me.

"Who are you people?" I said looking at the same stallion who Jason threw out of town.

"I don't feel like telling you that. When I join you in the great beyond, I'll answer your question."

He raised his sword and brought it down on me. I closed my eyes until I heard the sound of metal clang together. I looked up to see Venom standing over me.

"Are you ok Ultimus?"

"Yeah, fine."

Venom pushed Rufus back who recovered quickly and looked at him.

"You really want to die don't you?" Venom said angrily.

"I won't be defeated by you this time" Rufus said as he held up his sword with sparked up as lighting covered the blade.

"Your new toy won't do you any good."

"That's what you think. You may have won the first round, but overtime belongs to me."

********

Rose put up another shield as a cougar was stunned for a second before being tossed into the wall. She went to one knee out of breath before looking over at Xellos who was handling himself pretty well against a coyote and a raccoon. What she saw that he didn't was the bat that was on the ceiling, descend towards him.

"Xellos look out" she shouted and ran towards him.

Xellos looked at her then up to see the bat, sword in hand, streaking towards him. He didn't have time to react before Rose pushed him out the way. She let out a yell as the sword ripped through her chest.

"ROSEEE" Xellos yelled.

He ran up to the bat and with pure rage, ripped his head. He carried her to a corner of the room carefully as her breathing became rapid.

"Rose, hang in there. Don't you die on me yet" he said reaching for the sword.

He was about to pull it out when he felt a hand on his. Looking up he saw Anna as she kneeled down beside her.

"This looks bad" she said removing the sword carefully so not to injury her body anymore.

"Is she going to make it?" Xellos asked.

"Hey, this is me you're talking to" Anna said giving him a smile. "I will take care of her. You have my word."

"Take care of her" Xellos said and went back into the fight.

Lezard took the confusion to run over to Tyrant who was still on the ground, too weak to move. He knelt down and looked at him.

"You okay?"

Tyrant opened his eyes as the red color made Lezard shake lightly.

"W.....who are...you?"

"Here to get you out. That should be good enough."

He reached down to pick him up when his sixth sense kicked in and jumped out the way of a fireball as it burnt the ground he was on. Turning around, he saw Faleen and the priests standing there, the tip of Faleen's staff blazing like fire.

"You are nimble thief. But the next one will not miss."

"If you plan on doing something, now would be a good time" Lezard said.

Another fireball shot from Faleen's staff with great velocity. Just as it was about to strike, Grimwald appeared and opened his robe as the fireball get absorbed into it.

"Wow sister, you sure are hot stuff" he said patting his robe a couple of times as small puffs of smoke came out.

"Who are you?" Faleen asked.

"Let's just say, I'm a big fan" Grimwald said with a smile showing his pearly white teeth.

"Leave this place at once if you know what's good for you."

"Bummer. And we came all this way to see you."

"What do you mean we?"

"Long time no see Faleen."

Faleen's fur stood up as she bared her teeth while turning around to see Xander standing there.

"Xander!? I thought I got rid of you?"

"You did. And I have to admit, it was the first time I got careless" he said pointing to his scared face.

"Next time I'll do worse" Faleen growled and shifted forms as Xander smiled.

"You truly are a beautiful woman. Too bad you refused me. Biggest mistake of your life" Xander said angrily as he glowed with a dark aura.

"I'll live with that" she said and disappeared followed by Xander as they fought unseen by the naked eye.

All the other priests had their hands full with the other robe figures when Mystina came over to where Lezard was.

"Hurry, grab him and lets go."

"What about these stones?"

"They are not important to our cause or our master."

Lezard nodded and put Tyrant's left arm over his shoulder and headed back the way they came. They didn't get far as Crystal blocked the way.

"I can't let you leave with him."

"You always were a stubborn person Lord Soa."

Crystal turned around and recoiled in surprise seeing someone he thought long dead in front of him, only to cry out in pain as he felt the blade of his friend's knife stab into his gut. Grimwald smirked at Crystal.

"So nice to see you again master. I hope you like hell" and Grimwald moved to help Tyrant's escape with Mystina and Lezard. Once outside, Mystina contacted Xander by telepathy.

"We have him Xander."

"Good. Get rid of Lezard and ready the Mist Storm."

"Of course."

Mystina turned to Lezard and kissed him deeply.

"Hurry and disappear."

"What about you?"

"Do not worry about me."

"But......"

"I will find you when the time is right. Now hurry."

Lezard hesitated but nodded his head and disappeared into the night. Mystina wiped a single tear from her eye before turning back to the church. She took a deep breath and holding her hand like she was blowing a kiss, exhaled as a white mist flowed from her breath. It flew into the church quickly and covered the air.

"What is this.....mist? I can't....move" Greywolf said.

Everybody felt the effects as their body was paralyzed from the mist. Xander looked down at Faleen and laughed.

"Guess we'll finish our love dance some other time eh beautiful?" he said and gave her a kiss on the forehead making Faleen growl evilly. "Let's go" he said and disappeared.

Grimwald looked at Crystal, knife in his hand.

"Well Soa, good seeing you again" he said before driving the knife deeper into his stomach and leaving it there making Crystal yell in pain as his blood flowed out and disappeared also.

The mist cleared after a couple of minutes as everybody moved around. Crystal pulled the knife out as he grunted in pain.

"That looks bad. Here let me help" Meryl said kneeling down and placed her hand on the wound as it glowed white.

"What the hell is going on here?" Shadow said angrily.

Movement caught his eyes as Rufus stood up covered in his comrade's blood. Shadow was on him in a flash as his large clawed hand held his throat as Shadow bared his fangs he was inches away from killing Rufus.

"Who are you people?"

"Just hired mercs" Rufus replied.

"What was your purpose?"

"To distract you long enough for them to take that Tyrant somewhere?"

"Where did they take them and who are they?"

"I don't know."

Shadow squeezed his hand harder causing blood to come down his neck.

"My patience is wearing thin. Answer the question" he growled.

"I don't know. I'm telling you the truth. I'm just paid to do the job, not ask questions."

Shadow gave a grunt and dropped him to the ground and turned around.

"Is everyone......?"

"Behind you" Venom said.

Shadow expected this and sidestepped out the way of a lunging Rufus. He brought his hand from behind and from behind shadow punched him so hard in the back of the bead there was a sickening crack as the stallion dropped to his knees as he fell down screaming that he couldn't move his arms or legs, even feel his body.

"Let him heal like that" he said to a priest. "Let's head back to my place. I want to see if my family's okay."

Everybody nodded their heads and headed back. Getting to his house, we all saw the bodies of dead people, including Wyrue. Shadow rushed inside as Sarah was tending to the wounded soldiers. She looked up and ran into his arms as Shadow hugged his firmly.

"Are you okay?" he asked touching her face softly.

"Yes, I'm fine. It.....it all happened so fast" Sarah said shaking.

"It's okay. I'm here now" he said hugging her as she cried softly.

Shadow closed his door softly as Sarah as his kids slept peacefully. He walked downstairs where we were all sat down.

"Okay, just what the hell is going on here?" Skorp said.

I had my arms crossed and eyes closed.

"They took Tyrant but not the stones. Just what the hell are they planning to do?" Xellos said.

"I don't know" Shadow said. "But I know somebody who most likely does. Canis" he shouted.

"No need to shout" Canis said calmly sitting in a chair, he seemed utterly relaxed.

"Please help us."

Canis gave a smile before sipping a cup of tea, his eyes flashed with power and he lifted one hand. "Very well I shall help you. I will tell you everything from the beginning" and with that he snapped his fingers.