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Alexei woke with a sudden chill down his spine. As he looked around, Kaelin still fast asleep, his entire room was pitch black. Confused, he put a footpaw over the edge of the bed and found himself stepping in deep red water. Alexei backed off and peered into the water. Looking at his footpaw, he saw the water was very thick, staining his fur. It was then he realized he hadn't stepped in water at all; it was blood. "What the hell?" Alexei shook Kaelin, but the roo never woke. Alexei turned Kaelin around, shocked to see his mouth and eyes stuck open, blood pouring from them. Alexei cried out and pushed Kaelin away. He held his head and closed his eyes tightly. Clasping his head with both paws, he suddenly realized he had both his eyes and both his arms. He knew this wasn't real. Suddenly, from off in the dark distance, a figure stood on the blood, a light even darker than the plane around him flowing from it.

The figure was clearly a fur. A lion, in fact. As Alexei focused on the lion, he was surprised to see it was Xavier. Alexei called out to Xavier, but was left with nothing. He tried to cry out to his brother, only then realizing his mouth had been sewn shut. Alexei tore at his muzzle, cutting it up, trying to scream. He looked back up at Xavier who was steadily getting closer. He tried to use his powers to lift himself off the bed, but found it was useless. Now standing on the bed, which had turned into a jet-black rock, he tried to jump toward his brother, however found his footpaws were nailed to the rock. Alexei pulled desperately on his legs to tear himself from the jagged rock, but like all other attempts it was useless. He simply began to weep, standing on the black rock, surrounded by an endless ocean of blood, doing nothing but watching his brother carefully.

Suddenly, Xavier vanished. Before Alexei could completely process the information, Xavier appeared in front of him. Xavier's face was covered in darkness, only his glowing blue eyes shining through. Wearing a wicked suit of armour, Alexei couldn't help but stare. Seconds later, Xavier bolted swiftly forward, putting a paw on Alexei's neck, choking him. Alexei felt himself slam into the sharp black rock, his head now bleeding, as his brother pierced his stomach with a large Commune blade, which looked identical to the one Alexei had bought earlier that day. Alexei cried out in pain, his lips tearing from the metal twine which had kept his muzzle shut. As he screamed, he felt Xavier's cold paws wrap around his neck, choking the life out of him.

As his eyes went wide, taking his last breath, Alexei woke up, sitting up quickly, sweating and panting hard. The room was just how he had left it. Alexei felt the back of his head and his stomach, which had no lacerations to speak of. Alexei looked over at Kaelin, who was still sound asleep. "What the hell was that?" he said softly to himself, holding his head. Much to his dismay, yet not surprising in the least, he still had his mechanical arm and missing eye. Alexei shut his eye and lay back down, putting an arm tightly around Kaelin, scootching closer to him. He tried to get back to sleep, but knew it would be impossible. He just lay with an arm across his mate.

Less than an hour later, a voice sounded on the comm. It was Alyster. "Captain, are you there? Captain?"

"W-What is it?" he said, nervousness in his voice. Alexei sat up.

"We have reached the home planet of Lumar without a hitch. Personally, Captain, I think it was much too easy. We should be prepared for anything."

"Where did you land the ship?"

"We are currently flying at quarter-impulse over the Great Planes on the darkest side of the planet."

"Did you reach the coordinates?"

"The coordinates referred only to the planet, sir."

"Alright, so land the ship and we'll wait for further contact."

"Are you sure that's wise, Captain?"

Alexei slumped back down. "I'm positive."

"Aye, Captain. Alyster out."

"Wait a minute," Alexei blurted out.

"Yes, Captain?"

"Um. Did you pick up and anomalous signals or communications recently?"

"Sir?"

"N-Never mind. Forget it. Just land the ship. And open a channel on the same low-frequency, subspace bandwidth they used to contact us with. No, wait, to be safe, just open up all channels, all frequencies."

"Yes, sir. And if I may be so bold, are you feeling alright? Your commands are always much more... commanding."

"I'm fine, Alyster. Thanks for your concern. Alexei out."

Kaelin rustled a little beside Alexei, making an odd noise as he did.

Alexei lay back down, again holding Kaelin very close.

"Honey, not again..." Kaelin mumbled.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

"I was already awake, sweetie." Kaelin turned around to face Alexei. Nose-to-nose, Kaelin smiled. "Alyster is right, though. You do sound kinda nervous. Everything okay?"

"Yeah, Kaelin. I'm fine. I just had a bad dream."

"Aww... My poor little lion had a scary nightmare?" Kaelin kissed Alexei on the forehead. "Well you're safe with me, hun."

Alexei smiled. "We just landed on Lumar. Just waiting to see what to do next."

"That was fast. Can we go outside?"

"What? Why?"

"I've never been on the surface of Lumar. And under the stars, I think it'd be kinda romantic."

Alexei thought about that for a moment. He smiled and nodded, then shakily put his footpaw over the edge of the bed and onto the cold metal floor. He sighed and went for his pants. Quickly putting them on, he turned back to Kaelin and tossed him his pants.

Kaelin, still sitting on the bed, skillfully threw on his pants. His sweater was still in the cargo hold where they had left it.

Alexei walked up to Kaelin and picked the roo up, cradling him in his arms.

Kaelin laughed as he was swept off the bed. He put an arm around Alexei's neck and the two continued out the door, somewhat awkwardly. Despite being a lion, Alexei was well-built but comparatively short; much shorter than Kaelin, who was tall and skinny. As they walked into the cargo hold, they were met by Alyster.

"May I ask where you are going, sir?"

"We're just going outside for a bit. To look at the stars."

"Is that wise?"

"Alyster, please. I can handle anything that comes our way, and I know for a fact not much inhabits the Great Planes. Just grassy hills as far as the eye can see. Reminds me of Ireland back on Earth."

"I have never seen this Ireland, sir."

"Well I'm sure they'll have some data on it from that information we downloaded on Pann."

"Indeed, sir, that was quite the planet."

There was a moment of silence. That was the planet where Alexei fought his brother Xavier and lost a very good soldier, and even better mate, six months before.

"Well," Alexei broke the silence, "we'll be off then. Tell me if they try to communicate with us."

"Yes, sir."

Alexei put Kaelin down and they climbed down the ladder and opened the bay doors, stepping out onto the Great Plane. As the door closed behind them, Alexei was suddenly met by Kaelin's lips. He murred and melted into Kaelin's form.

Kaelin pulled back, looking deep into Alexei's eyes.

Alexei stared back. Paw-in-paw, without saying another word, the two walked through the grassy field, pressed against each other and staring into the black, starry sky. Alexei stopped, still holding Kaelin's paw, and turned the roo around, putting a paw on his back and holding him tight.

"Alexei..." was all Kaelin could say.

Alexei then lifted himself and his mate a few inches above the ground and slowly took off upward.

Kaelin murred as he felt the cool wind brush quickly through his fur, being warmed only by Alexei's close touch.

Alexei slowed his ascent. "How's this, hun?"

Kaelin pressed his cheek into Alexei's chest fur. He felt so warm and so safe in the lion's arms. "It's perfect, Alexei." He opened his eyes and stared at the stars all around them.

The furs just floated high above the ship in a warm embrace. The white moon was high, casting long eerie shadows of the rocks, hills, and the ship down below. To the east, the red moon was just rising. Alexei murred as he let go of his mate, still holding his paw, and kept him afloat in front of him.

Kaelin held his breath for a moment as he slowly floated away from Alexei. He, too, murred, knowing very well he was completely safe being with his mate. He had nothing to be afraid of. He pulled himself back into Alexei, wrapping his arms around him and resting his head on his shoulder. Staring into the infinite cosmos, all he could focus on was the moment.

Alexei rubbed Kaelin's back, loving the feel of his soft fur against his chest and running through his paws.

The two just floated in silence, completely content in each others arms. The cool wind flew through their fur, sending shivers up their spines, while a flock of quiet birds flew overhead. They looked up and watched the silhouetted alien birds fly past. Other than the quiet flapping of their wings and the breeze blowing against them, not a noise could be heard. As the birds passed, the furs listened to each others heartbeats. Alexei began to purr.

"Alexei," Kaelin said quietly, "you're purring."

Alexei smiled.

"I like hearing you purr. It tells me you're very happy."

The lion blushed. "Of course I'm happy," is all he thought to say. He squeezed Kaelin a bit tighter and purred a little louder, inadvertently. Neither of them wanted that moment to end.

Suddenly, breaking the silence, a voice sounded from Alexei's belt. "Captain, we have just received another transmission from the mysterious Lumarians."

Alexei sighed and looked back to Kaelin. Kaelin wore a face of disappointment. "I'm sorry," the lion said.

"It's alright, hun. I knew he'd be calling soon, anyway."

Alexei slowly lowered himself and his mate back to the ship.

Kaelin pressed against Alexei as tight as he could while they descended. As they landed, he reluctantly let go. Kaelin opened the cargo bay door and the two walked in.

Alyster was waiting for them on the catwalk. "We have been given new coordinates, sir. Surprisingly, they are close by."

"Good to hear. So put in a heading and let's go. I don't want to be exposed here any more than I have to."

Kaelin sat on a crate and as Alexei walked past, he grabbed his wrist and sat the lion on his lap, scritching his belly.

Alexei murred. He turned his head and asked, "So, how's your tailhole feeling?"

Kaelin grinned. "Hurts like a son-of-a-bitch, hun. What did you expect?"

"I dunno."

"Hey, let me ask you... You told me earlier that you knew what it felt like, but how do you know? I mean, Kavhen's fist was huge. So if it wasn't his fist...?"

Alexei lowered his head. "Well, it was many years ago, before I became the leader of the Elite Corps. One of my men, who had actually saved me from being raped on the War Planet, raped me later, after joining the Elites."

"He... He raped you? Honey, I'm so sorry. Why didn't you do anything to stop him?"

Alexei sighed. "I guess... part of me wanted him to rape me. I was lonely. Away from you. I was tired, beaten... He just thrashed me around some more and I just sorta let it happen. He was an exceptionally large Lumarian, appropriately named Behemoth."

Kaelin held Alexei tighter, now just rubbing his belly.

"He lay me on the floor of my room after beating me and I just took it. Needless to say, his cock was at least as thick as my arm halfway through. And trust me, he was determined to get the whole thing in no matter how much I cried. The base of his cock was probably around the size of my upper arm, around my biceps."

Kaelin was almost in shock. "That's unbelievable. Did... he manage to get the whole thing inside you?"

Alexei nodded. "The thing I hated most about it all was... I sort of liked it. I know that sounds kinda sick, but despite everything, I didn't mind so much being raped. At least not while it was happening."

"So... what we did this morning... must have really turned you on."

Alexei blushed and nodded. "Yeah, it really did. The difference is, of course, this morning was with a beautiful kangaroo. Behemoth was a disgusting Lumarian, in both appearance and attitude."

"I see. So you're very selective of whom you get raped by?" Kaelin joked.

Alexei lowered his head, smiling. "Yeah, I guess I am."

Seconds later, the entire ship began to shake. Alexei and Kaelin jumped to their footpaws as the red-alert sounded. They both ran and leaped off some boxes, quickly getting to the second floor. They rushed into the cockpit to see what was going on.

Alyster was frantically pressing the console. "I can not free us, sir. We seem to be stuck in some kind of tractor field. I can not locate the source."

"Is it pulling is in?"

"Not that I can tell, sir. It seems to be holding us here."

"Well try to break free."

"I am, Captain. It is useless."

Alexei growled. "Then cut the engines. We'll just have to pay these bastards a visit."

As the engines were shut down, the ship jolted and slowly descended toward the surface. The three held on tight as the ship was about to smash into the ground. As they looked out the window, holding their breath, they were surprised to see they were being dragged beneath the earth.

"Could... could they be our mysterious contacts?"

"I have not reached the coordinates yet, sir, however anything is possible."

Now in pitch black, they had no way of knowing just how far they were descending, save Alyster's prediction. A sudden jolt suggested they had stopped. Still dark outside the window, they heard a sudden rapping at the cargo bay door.

Alexei rushed out of the cockpit and leaped off the catwalk. He opened the door and stood ready for them. As the door slowly opened, many cloaked Lumarians rushed into the ship. As they ran by, Alexei grabbed one and tossed him back out, knocking a few over. Another Lumarian approached him and took a swing. Alexei ducked and jabbed his elbow in his gut.

The rest of Alexei's team appeared from above, from their quarters, quickly jumping down and joining the melee.

"Stop this at once!" a booming voice cried.

Alexei stopped, dropping a bloody Lumarian, and looked toward the entrance.

"From someone who can read minds, you did an excellent job of figuring out who we are," he said sarcastically.

"Who are you? And why did you just board my ship?" Alexei asked.

The cloaked figure sighed. "Most of us are not trained fighters, Earthling. Hardly tactful at all. This is not unusual treatment for vessels happening by our trap. Perhaps if they were better informed this could have been avoided."

Alexei stood at ease and helped the fallen Lumarian up. "So, are you the ones, then, who contacted me earlier?"

"I am," the Lumarian said, pulling back his hood. Being the oldest of the Lumarians, he seemed to be their leader.

Graunta finally appeared from his quarters above. Now taking notice, he just stared in shock at the mysterious old Lumarian, his mouth agape. It looked as if he tried to speak, but no words could form.

"My name is..." the Lumarian said, trailing off as he looked up at Graunta. A tear formed in his eye. "My name... is Jharre. I command these Lumarians."

Alexei looked up at the Lumarian wide-eyed. "You're... Jharre? Oh my God, that's unbelievable. Wait until I tell Graunt-"

Graunta quickly made his way down the ladder and slowly approached Jharre. He, too, had tears in his eyes. "It's been... so long," he said. He then embraced his long-lost love, smiling widely. "I have missed you so much."

"We have a lot to catch up on," Jharre said. "I love you, Graunta, more than anything. I never stopped thinking about you."

Graunta sniffled, still holding his old mate. "I love you, too, Jharre. I didn't think I'd ever see you again. I was so worried for you... What ever happened to you?"

Jharre pulled away and wiped a tear. He turned gestured them all to follow. "Come. I will explain everything to you. But first I want to show you all why I asked for your assistance."

As they all exited the ship, the other Lumarians pulling back their hoods, the lights came back on and they traversed the dirt-filled corridors. Most of the tunnels had some sort of metal structuring, but some parts were still mostly earthen. Finally they reached what seemed to be the main hub of this underground dwelling. There were many Lumarians sitting back and relaxing, mostly enjoying themselves. The group found an empty space to rest and the other Lumarians went about their business.

Graunta took a seat beside Jharre while the others sat around them.

"So, tell us," Jorhn started, "why did you call us here?"

"Right down to business, I see. Well like I said earlier, we are in need of your services. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you are the best Lumarian soldiers have to offer?"

"We were," Raiche said. "We've been exiled."

"Indeed. Hence my secrecy. Specifically, we are most interested in your Commander's abilities."

Alexei scoffed. "You and everybody else."

"Yes, well let me just get to the point. As you may already know, the Lumarian Elders have become corrupt. They used to rule our system with a fair yet firm grip. However many years ago that slowly began to change. Their grip became tighter and they were much more ruthless. Their laws were being enforced very strictly, and punishment was swift and brutal. We have no idea how they became so corrupt, but nevertheless, I have formed a resistance."

They all looked around.

"Slowly, throughout the years, I have been seeking like-minded individuals to build an army for the rebellion. Since your leave from our system, I knew something was terribly wrong. I tried desperately to find you and your men, the real Elites. We were all surprised to learn they had exiled their greatest asset. Today is a red letter day. Tonight, the eve of the Watchman, we will strike the Elders hard and take back our planet."

"The Watchman?" Kaelin asked.

"It's a Lumarian holiday," Graunta answered. "When the dark moon passes in front of the white moon, the passageway to the gods is opened. They say miracles happen on this day, as their eye watches over us for the entire forty-one-hour day. Unlike your planet Earth, our nights last for nearly twenty hours. We have just over six until the gateway is opened."

Jharre nodded. "That is when we will mount our attack. Things will go much smoother now that you're here, Alexei."

Alexei smiled. "Just how large is your army?"

"Excluding you, we are over fifteen-hundred soldiers strong."

"That's incredible," Eskelle said. "And you arranged all of this?"

"Not exactly. I had some help from a former Elite who joined us six months ago. With him onboard, our recruitment operation went many times faster than I had managed it in the years before him. His name his Mikos."

A certain tension hung in the air.

"Did... did you say Mikos?" Alexei said, trying to contain himself.

"Indeed I did. He was very helpful in recruiting and training many of these soldiers. Do you know him?"

Alexei growled. He felt a comforting paw on his back. "I know him quite well, in fact."

A Lumarian then approached the group. He was holding a disc, which he dropped as he spotted the old Elites.

Alexei shot out of his seat, quickly joined by the others. He was staring at the newcomer.

The Lumarian backed off.

"Mikos, is something the matter?" Jharre asked.

"I should kill you right now," Alexei said, staring at Mikos.

"You two... have a history, I presume?"

"He killed one of my men. One of my men who I was very close with." Alexei ran forward and gripped Mikos' throat tightly, slamming him into a metal post.

"Stop this at once!" Jharre said, trying to separate the two.

Alexei reluctantly let go, panting. He showed nothing but hatred for this Lumarian. "He is not a friend. He works for the Elders. He cannot be trusted."

"You misunderstand, Alexei. He used to be an Elite. But he had been cast out after returning from a failed mission."

"His mission was to kill all of us. He took the life of a very special friend to me, and for that, I can never forgive him."

Mikos tried to speak, but his words were mumbled and incoherent.

Alexei spat at Mikos.

"His tongue," Jharre explained, "was cut out by the Elders when he tried to explain his failure. As the second-in-command, he had both failed his mission and lost their second greatest asset. The other Earthling named Xavier."

Alexei put a paw on his mechanical arm. "Perhaps you can give him a Commune tongue. I would just love to hear him explain himself."

"We have the technology to give him speech, but he opted not to take it. Perhaps as regret for what he had done."

Mikos lowered his head, keeping his mouth shut.

"There is no punishment great enough for what I would do to him." Alexei again felt a warm paw run over his shoulder.

Kaelin pressed himself against Alexei, trying to comfort the heated lion. "Let's all just sit down and try to relax."

Alexei turned and took a seat, joined soon by the others. Jharre picked up the disc as he walked past, taking a seat again with Graunta. Mikos took a seat near Jharre, farther away from Alexei.

"So," Kaelin said, holding Alexei's paw, "I'm really dying to know, and I'm certain Graunta is more, what happened to you after you separated?"

Jharre smiled and lowered his head. "I would love to tell you it's a long, complicated story, but it really isn't. I was of course upset over being separated from Graunta-after what, five years of being together?-but I continued our mission on Olissia until we were finally called back to Lumar. I guess it was seen as a hopeless cause. I tried to find Graunta, but I was quickly called back into duty. There was a raid on one of our Command Outposts by the Commune. When we got there we discovered it was a trap, and we were all stuck on the powerless outpost for months. We were able to defend ourselves against the Commune, but unfortunately we were stuck there. My commanding officer and I eventually got into a fight with regards to my relationship with Graunta. When we were finally rescued, he reported me directly to the Elders and I was stripped and branded for my so-called crimes in front of the entire Council. It was then I went underground and began to organize a resistance. Most Lumarians don't understand the Elder's corruption. Few were eager to join, but over the years their malevolence grew and with it so did my army. Sixteen years ago my spies started hearing news of this powerful Earthling. A decade later I learned we had finally obtained this alien. It was then I started devising a way to get him." Jharre glanced at Alexei. "And now I finally have him."

"Indeed, but I haven't agreed to anything yet."

"But surely you must be sympathetic to our plight. The Elders are the ones who exiled you. All of you."

"I'm well aware of what they've done." Alexei leaned forward and stared coldly into Jharre's eyes. "Ever since I was ten, just a boy, every species in this entire galaxy was after my blood. Everyone wanted to use me for their own devices, and that thought sickened me. To me, this seems no different."

Jharre sighed. "So you have made your decision then?"

Alexei shook his head. "No, I haven't. I'll help you, but only for the sake of revenge."

Jharre's weathered face lit up. "You have no idea how pleased I am to hear this. I have devised several attack plans in the event that you would help us." The old Lumarian held up the disc Mikos had brought over. " I have some special tasks designed specifically to your abilities. Please review them."

Alexei smiled. "Yes, sir."

Jharre stood up, pulling Graunta with him. He turned to his old mate and said, "I have some things I would like to show you privately before we advance on the Tower." Now turning to the other Lumarians, "I can't thank all of you enough for coming. Please make yourselves at home. Try to relax before we go. Graunta and I will take our leave."

The two old Lumarians walked away. As they did, many of the Rebels gathered around the former Elites.

They sat in awkward silence.

"You are the former Elites?" one of the Rebels asked.

"Yeah, so what of it?" Axiroth said.

"We have heard many stories of your victories. Truly you are the greatest warriors this planet has seen."

Raiche stood up. "I'm going to go find something to drink. So long."

"Hey, wait a minute," Alexei said. "Did anyone see what happened to Darkis?"

Everyone looked around. "He was behind us when we left the ship," Alyster said. "I did not see where he went off to."

Jorhn got up. "Shit, I wonder if he really is..."

"I'm beginning to have my doubts, too," Alexei said. He held his nose in the air, trying to concentrate on Darkis' thought patterns. The lion was left with nothing. "I can't find him. It's like he just vanished."

"Should we check back at the ship?" Eskelle suggested.

Another Lumarian stepped up. "We did a full sweep of your ship. There was nobody on there."

"Damn it. Where the hell is he?"

"Do you want us to look for him?" Axiroth asked.

Alexei shook his head. "There's no point. This place is too huge to bother searching for him, especially with a battle about to begin in six hours. I say we just forget about him. I'm going to go review these tactics. You guys can do whatever you want."

With Kaelin, Alexei took off toward the living quarters. Not sure exactly where he was going, he asked around, also having to answer several questions about his past services, until he finally reached an empty room. Alexei lay on the bed and grabbed a portable console. He inserted the disc and suddenly many lights and signals appeared. Alexei began to slowly figure out how to navigate the files.

Kaelin took a seat beside Alexei. "So," he said, placing a paw on Alexei's knee, "what do you think?"

Alexei perked his ears and cocked his head. "Think about what?"

"I don't know. About everything. No more than ten hours ago we were trying to figure out which old dusty planet to visit next. And now we're going to be in the front line of a Lumarian civil war? It just seems kinda crazy to me."

"If... if you don't want to fight, I would understand completely."

Kaelin giggled and crawled on top of Alexei, lying on his chest. Brushing his paw through Alexei's mane, he murred quietly.

Alexei smiled, feeling Kaelin's warm furry chest beating against his. Alexei lifted his right paw to Kaelin's back, caressing him and holding him up.

Kaelin rested his head on Alexei's chest, under his chin, smiling. "Of course I don't want to fight, but I will come with you. I just want to be with you."

"That's very sweet of you. I'll make sure nothing happens to you." Alexei held the console above Kaelin's head and continued to read it, at the same time sharing his warmth with his mate.

Kaelin stopped stroking Alexei's mane and began to play with the lion's left nipple.

Alexei squirmed a little, giggling. "Kaelin, please... I have to read this."

"You can read it. I just want to make it a little more entertaining for you."

"It's distracting."

"And you know you love it. Haven't you ever wanted to have a little foreplay while you do something normal?"

Alexei put down the console. "We do that all the time. Just last week you gave me head while piloting the ship."

Kaelin laughed. "Oh yeah. Well haven't you always wanted to do that more often?"

Alexei continued to read the console. Suddenly he felt a quick pain in his nipple, and looked down to a grinning kangaroo.

"C'mon. You just go ahead and read your battle plans, and I'll sit here and pleasure you. How about that?"

Alexei sighed. "Fine. I'll lie here, and you do whatever the hell you want."

Kaelin sat up excitedly and clapped his hands together like a child. "I'm so glad you agreed. Should we both get naked?"

"Like I said, I'll lie here, and you do what you want."

Kaelin grinned. He quickly pulled off his pants and like an excited child, pulled Alexei's off, too.

Alexei held the console to his face and continued reading. He couldn't help but giggle as he felt Kaelin's warm tongue juggle his balls around, and his warm paw slowly caress his soft organ. He murred a little as he just finished reading the first plan, which included something about lowering defenses. He closed his eye and set the console down on his chest as he felt that same powerful tongue glide across his tailhole. He then felt two strong paws on either butt cheek pulling his rump apart, exposing his tailhole quite well. He felt the paws slide further toward his hole, spreading his cheeks further and opening his sphincter. Alexei could feel the cool, damp air on his insides. With his tailhole exposed and open, he again felt Kaelin's tongue slide completely inside. Alexei made a noise as his head mashed back into the pillow.

Kaelin giggled as he pulled out his tongue. He thought for a second and again pulled Alexei's tailhole open, this time much wider. He pressed his nose against the opening and pushed hard. With his tongue sticking out just a little, he closed his eyes and rammed his entire muzzle into Alexei's tailhole.

Alexei opened his eyes wide and groaned.

Kaelin, with his muzzle inside Alexei's tailhole, opened his eyes, which were only inches away from touching Alexei's dangling balls. He opened his mouth, which spread Alexei's tailhole more, and stuck out his tongue once again, licking at the warm, soft insides.

"Oh my God," Alexei muttered as he writhed about. "You're insane." He could feel Kaelin giggle, breath blowing into his bowels and escaping again, which made an amusing noise similar to a particular bodily function.

Kaelin, now unable to hold his breath much longer, pulled out gasping for air. He said, between breaths, "You're supposed to be reading."

"What the hell was that?"

"I knew you would stretch that far. Does it hurt?"

"A little, but that's not what I'm talking about. Who in the world sticks their entire muzzle up someone's tailhole?"

Kaelin giggled. "I do. It just came to me while I was licking you. Did you like it?"

Alexei blushed.

"I'll take that as a 'yes.'" Kaelin just stared at Alexei. "You are so damn cute when you blush, you know that?"

Alexei blushed more. "C'mon, stop it."

Kaelin giggled as he nuzzled Alexei's balls again.

A noise suddenly sounded at the door. Alexei sat up. "Who is it?"

Graunta and Jharre walked in, somewhat surprised to see Alexei and Kaelin naked together.

"What are you two doing here?" Alexei asked.

"I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit this, but Graunta and I were trying to find a place to... make love."

Alexei smiled. "Not enough rooms, huh?"

"Not this late at night."

"Well, there's another bed right over there," Kaelin suggested. "We won't mind."

"Speak for yourself," Alexei muttered. "Is there no other empty room?"

"Not that I can find. I command all these men," Jharre laughed, "but I'll be damned if I can find one room to myself."

Alexei thought for a moment. "Well, you two can have this one if you want."

Kaelin nodded. "Yeah, no arguments here."

"Thank you, Captain," Graunta said. "You are too kind."

"Hey, it's the least I can do. You two have been apart for way to long." Alexei got up and but his pants back on. He grabbed the console and left with Kaelin. "We'll just find somewhere else to, uh, read up on the battle plans."

Graunta and Jharre laughed.

As Alexei and Kaelin walked paw-in-paw, they passed by Axiroth.

"What're you up to, Ax?"

"Nothing. Just wandering around. What are you two doing?"

"We're trying to find a quiet place to stay. What are the others doing?"

"Raiche and Alyster went to find somewhere to drink, and I think Jorhn and Eskelle went somewhere to make out. Probably back to the ship. The way people are acting around here, you'd think it was the last day of their lives. Everyone's making out with someone else."

"Don't tell me you're jealous," Kaelin said.

"I'm not jealous. It's just annoying, is all. I'm bored as hell."

"You'll find someone eventually, Ax. Don't worry."

"I told you I'm not jealous."

"Have you ever had a mate?"

"Not really, no..."

"Do you want a mate?"

"Yeah, of course I do."

"Then you're jealous."

"Your logic astounds me," Axiroth said sarcastically. "Alright, so maybe I am a little jealous. Can you blame me?"

"Certainly not. I'd offer you to join Kaelin and I, but you probably wouldn't go for it."

Axiroth glared at Alexei. "You're right, I wouldn't. Can't we just do something I might enjoy?"

"Like what? What is there to do? We're underground on Lumar, six hours away from a huge war. Of course everyone's acting like it's their last day, because it very well could be."

Axiroth sighed.

"Why don't you go get a drink with Raiche and Alyster?"

"I don't drink."

"Well, I'm sorry then, but you're stuck with nothing. Kaelin and I are going back to the ship." Alexei, still in paw with Kaelin, walked past Axiroth toward the shuttle bay.

Axiroth turned and ran after them, joining the two.

When they finally reached the ship, Alexei opened the hatch. They could just barely make out noises coming from the cockpit; probably Jorhn and Eskelle.

"Well, I'm not piloting the ship anymore," Axiroth said to himself as the door closed behind him. "Now what?"

"You can watch me make love to Alexei while he reads the console... if you want."

"What is it with you two, anyway? It seems at every turn you're on top of each other. Are all Earthlings so... amorous?"

The furs laughed. "No," Kaelin said, "not all. Just a good portion. Haven't you ever been with a female before?"

"Not exactly, no."

"So then how can you condemn that which you know nothing about? Perhaps you might even like it yourself."

Axiroth made a disgusted face and backed away. "Even if that was the case, I certainly wouldn't try anything with an Earthling."

"Why not?" Kaelin said, walking toward Axiroth. He pressed his furry chest against Axiroth's, which was quite muscular. "Afraid you'll like it too much?"

Axiroth blushed, but quickly pushed the roo away. "Get away from me! I have no interest in you or your kind."

"I was just joking around with you, Ax. Calm down. If it'll make you happy, Alexei and I will forego the love-making in order to do something with you."

Alexei lazed back on a crate and began again to read the tactics. "You two can do whatever you want. I've seriously got to read these."

Kaelin shrugged and turned to Axiroth. "What do you want to do?"

"I dunno."

"Hey, I know," Kaelin said, hunching over and rolling one paw over the other continuously, as if plotting something devilish, "we could go scare the shit out of Jorhn and Eskelle."

Axiroth laughed. "Seriously? Why?"

"For something to do. Just gimme a minute. I have an idea." Kaelin opened the hatch and bounded out joyfully, giggling all the while.

Axiroth sat beside Alexei. "It doesn't bother you that he was getting that close to me?"

Alexei looked up. "Of course not. I knew he was joking around."

"But what if... what if he wasn't? Would you be mad?"

Alexei put the console down on his lap. "If he truly meant it?"

Axiroth nodded.

"I don't know. I suppose I'd feel a little threatened if he suddenly came on to you. Yeah, I'd probably get mad. It's Human Nature."

"What would you do about it?"

"I don't know, Ax. What's with the questions?"

"Just curious, I guess. So? What would you do?"

Alexei sighed, shaking his head. "I'd probably... ask him what's going on, I guess. Firstly, ask him if he really feels that way about you, or anyone really. I'd want an explanation. Second, I'd probably ask how long he's felt this way, and then I'd ask how he still feels about me."

"That's it?"

"I really don't know, Ax. I guess that's all I could do."

"You wouldn't try to kill me or anything?"

Alexei scoffed. "I doubt it. I want what's best for Kaelin."

"I see..."

"Why? Did something happen to you?"

Axiroth appeared nervous. "Yeah, you can say that. She was my first serious girlfriend, I guess. Keep in mind, this was many years ago... but she started getting kinda intimate with this other guy and, well, I completely lost it."

Alexei sat up. "What happened?"

"Well... I killed the guy. Got put in prison for life, except after five years they suddenly decided to stick me in the marines. Probably my dad had something to do with that. I never really wanted to be a soldier, but my dad was a general and I guess he figured it'd be better than prison, plus it would straighten me out. I guess it didn't work so well."

"Hey, you're a good man, Ax. You've got an attitude, yes, but you're an excellent soldier."

"Thanks, Captain. But um... prison... was pretty awful."

"Oh?"

"I wasn't exactly the toughest kid. Yeah, I had an attitude, but my bark was much worse than my bite, so to speak. Anyway, the prisoners were a hundred times tougher than I could have ever been. And, I guess... they had desires that a weakling like me could easily provide... if you know what I mean."

Alexei put his paw on Axiroth's shoulder. "Axiroth, I'm so sorry. I really had no idea... I guess that explains why you can't stand Kaelin and I so much."

Axiroth lowered his head.

"It's nothing you have to be ashamed of. It wasn't your fault. If I had known this, I never would have teased you about it so much. I'm sorry."

"It's alright, Captain. Needless to say, that sorta put me off relationships for a while."

"Well, Ax, you are quite an attractive Lumarian, I'll admit that. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a mate when that day comes."

Axiroth smiled. "Thanks."

Suddenly, Kaelin came rushing back in holding two large black cloaks. Panting, he finally stopped to catch his breath.

"What's all this?" Alexei asked.

Kaelin laughed. "You wanna have some fun, Ax? Let's put these on and scare the shit outta Jorhn and Eskelle." He paused for a moment. "Uh. Am I interrupting something?"

"No, no. It's okay. You two go and have your fun. I'll at least try to finish reading this."

Axiroth grinned and got up, putting on the cloak. "Where did you get these?"

"I asked some guy," he replied, slipping into the over-sized cloak. "They said they have crates full of 'em. Which reminds me; These are what they're going to wear when they make their strike. Some kind of symbolic thing. C'mon, let's go."

The pair snickered and climbed to the catwalk.

Alexei grinned as Kaelin climbed the ladder. He looked cute in the black cloak, his thick tail sticking out from behind and his ears poking out from beneath the hood. Axiroth, too, had a tail, but Lumarian tails are short and easily concealed.

As the two left the cargo hold, Alexei sat back and continued reading the second plan of attack. Each of these plans were quite unique, but all achieved the same results. Ultimately, Alexei would end up in the Elder's Tower before the battle even began and covertly shut off the main defense system. While the system reboots itself, Alexei would have to quickly override that command in order to keep the system down. With the Tower defenseless, Alexei will have to set off a signal to indicate the start of the battle. It seemed simple enough. Alexei wasn't perfectly confident in his Lumarian computer hacking abilities, but if all goes as planned, Jharre could help him along.

Each plan laid out, in essence, is several covert ways into the Elder's Tower. Each plan will also determine at which point the Rebels will attack. Now reading the third, Alexei placed the console down and stared at the opposite end of the cargo hold, resting his chin on his metal paw. Suddenly, Alexei was startled out of his concentration as he heard mad screaming coming from the cockpit. He couldn't help but smile as he stared up as the entrance, waiting to see what would happen.

The screaming didn't stop as Kaelin and Axiroth came rushing out from the corridor, both laughing crazily.

A naked Jorhn then came running after them brandishing a large power tool. The two jumped down into the cargo hold and Jorhn stopped and leaned over the railing of the catwalk. Jorhn's shimmering pink cock was still significantly hard. "What the fuck is wrong with you?" he shouted down at them.

Axiroth and Kaelin couldn't stop laughing.

"Holy fuck... You two are insane!" As if he wasn't even naked at all, he casually held the power tool toward the two, threatening them, "Stay the fuck away from the cockpit. Got it?"

Between their laughing, they managed to agree to that.

Jorhn left and the two finally calmed down.

"Satisfied now?" Alexei asked.

"Perfectly," Kaelin said, wiping a tear from his eye. "Now what?"

"Why don't you two just get some rest?"

Kaelin sighed and lay on the grating floor beside Axiroth, who had already spread himself out.

Alexei just stared at the two for a moment and went back to the battle plans. As he stared into the console, barely registering the words he was reading, Alexei's eyes began to feel more and more heavy. Within moments, lounging on the crate, Alexei fell asleep.

What seemed like moments later, Alexei opened his eyes. He looked around at the pitch black, again seeing his brother. Alexei knew it was that dream again. Not even bothering to shout, he just stared at his brother, the darkest dark consuming him more. All around him, Alexei could hear horrible noises. Separating the sounds in his head, all he could hear was terrible cries all around. Alexei covered his ears, but the sound seemed to pierce his paws. "Stop it," he said to himself. "Stop shouting! There's nothing I can do to help you!" Alexei groaned and fell to his knees, the noises only getting louder.

The voices suddenly stopped and when he looked up, Alexei was again greeted by Xavier. Xavier's fur was as black as the world around him, and even blacker than the dark aura consuming him. Alexei held out his paw. He wanted to help his brother, but as he drew near, Xavier backed off. "What's wrong, Xavier? What has happened to you?"

Xavier spoke back, however without using his lips. "You did this to me, brother. This is all your fault."

Alexei then felt Xavier's powerful paws close tightly around his throat. "Stop this," Alexei tried to say. He was suddenly woken from his dream in a cold sweat. Alexei looked around, dazed and confused, breathing hard.

"What's the matter, Alexei?" Kaelin asked. "Was it a bad dream again?"

Alexei nodded. "I think... it might be my brother. He's the one in my dream. Something must be wrong."

"Can you locate him at all?"

Alexei shook his head. "I can't read his mind. I've tried before, but he's too strong."

"Any idea what could be wrong?"

"I don't know. He kept saying it was all my fault. But what was he be talking about? I never drove him away. He left on his own accord. Could he be referring to... Kavhen?"

"That wasn't your fault though, and he knew it. Not to sound so harsh, but if anyone is to blame it would be Xavier himself."

"I know..." Alexei shook his head and got up. "What time is it?"

"There's less than two hours until the Watchman appears," Axiroth interrupted. "Think we should meet back with Jharre?"

"Yeah, we might as well. Where did Jorhn and Eskelle go? They still in the cockpit?"

"No, they left already to get something to eat."

"Alright, well let's go then."

With that, Kaelin, Alexei, and Axiroth left the ship and headed back toward the main hub of the underground base. They saw the rest of their team in the saloon-like dwelling and joined up with them.

Raiche looked up at Alexei. "Everyone's getting a kind of tense around here. This is a big day for Lumar. I'm just damn glad I'm here to enjoy it."

Alexei smiled and replied with patting the nervous Lumarian on the back and taking the drink that was handed to him. As he sat at the bar beside Raiche, Jharre and Graunta entered the bar.

"Alexei," Jharre said, "have you decided on an appropriate battle plan?"

Alexei looked over and smiled and nodded. He knew Jharre had had a very good time with his mate, Graunta. "Yeah. I'm going to stick with the first one. It will take a bit longer, but I think it will be safest."

Jharre then addressed all the Lumarians inside the bar, telling them to exit into the main hub, and to ready themselves for the strike. As they all gathered in this massive hall, Jharre stood up and spoke to them all. "Fellow Lumarian Rebels... Tonight is the night we will strike the Elders, no, the entire Empire hard and furiously. Tonight we have the Gods themselves watching over us. May Jahnnei the Warrior guide your every shot and every swing of your mighty blade, for tonight she will be watching over us. Tonight, we will fight, and tonight we will win our freedom!"

The army then let out their war cries all at once. Jharre stepped down, breathing hard. He grabbed Graunta's hand for support.

"Short, but you've got them excited," Graunta said.

Jharre stood up again and held up his arm to silence his army. As the crowd settled, he put up his hood. "We will now advance upon the Tower, swiftly and quietly. Alexei, the Elder's Bane, will approach the Tower undetected. When his job is done, that will be the signal to start the uprising. We will overrun the Tower and destroy the evil that has ruled over us for far too long!" Jharre unsheathed his Lumarian blade, a large, glistening blade, and held it in the air, letting out his war cry. His army did the same. He stepped down and keeping his blade half-sheathed, he turned toward their shuttle bay and marched through the crowd. As he did, he was followed eagerly and orderly by his army.

Alexei waited behind the army with his team, save Graunta who had joined Jharre in the march. In the large, empty hub, the lion sighed and sat for a moment as his team crowded around.

"What's the matter, Captain?" Raiche asked.

As the sounds of the marching army grew more quiet, Alexei looked up. "I just want to thank you all for sticking with me for as long as you have. It's been one hell of a ride, and I couldn't ask for a finer group of men than you."

"You make it sound as if we're all going to die... or you are," Jorhn pointed out.

Alexei scoffed and shook his head. "I don't know what's going to happen when this is all over, but I just have this feeling in my gut... I can't describe it, but if personal experience has taught me anything, it's that no good will come of this. There's something evil waiting in that tower for me, and part of me wants to get on my ship and get the hell out of here. But I have a job to do."

There was a silence.

Alexei stood up and turned to Kaelin, holding the red pendant hanging off his collar. "Kaelin... I don't know how this is going to end. If... if you don't want to fight, I won't think any less of you."

Kaelin laughed somewhat nervously. "Alexei, don't talk like that. I haven't put up with your bullshit training to wuss out on you now. Besides, I'm coming with you."

"What? N-No. It'll be too dangerous."

"Not if everything goes according to plan. It's covert. If we do everything properly, no one will even know we were there."

Alexei smiled. "You sure?"

Kaelin nodded.

Alexei lunged forward, wrapping his arms tightly around Kaelin. When he pulled away, he addressed the rest of his team. "All of you... Will you be joining the rest of the Lumarians?"

"Damn straight!" Axiroth said. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. Oh, and before I forget, I brought your Commune blade along from the ship. I grabbed it after you left before. Your armour, too."

Alexei laughed. "I was wondering what the hell took you so long." Alexei grabbed the large case which held his armour. "Thanks. Hopefully I won't really need it."

The group laughed nervously.

"You guys are the best warriors the Lumarians have ever known. I expect to see you all again. I think it would be befitting... if you all grabbed your armour from the ship. You, too, Alyster. Show the Elders what real Elites are made of; What real Lumarians are made of."

The team all nodded and agreed with a laugh, then shook the lion's paw wishing him luck. Axiroth shifted nervously, then gave his ex-commander a tight hug. "Good luck, Captain. May the Gods watch over you."

"Thanks, Axiroth." As the Lumarian let go, Alexei turned toward the back entrance toward the Tower, followed by Kaelin. Seconds later, he turned back to his men. "Elites," he said, "May the Gods watch over you."

His team nodded and continued toward the shuttle bay to join the main army.

Alexei stood alone with Kaelin in the empty hall. After a moment, he and Kaelin slowly put on their armour in a somber tone. Alexei hooked on his blade and put a paw over Kaelin's shoulder. Together, the furs made their way toward the Tower.

Their chosen path led them through the ancient sewer system of a forgotten Empire. Alexei wanted to stop and further examine the architecture, but he knew he hadn't the time. At various spots throughout the old tunnels were small growths of crystals, which seemed to emanate a dull and diffuse light. Always the curious kitten, Alexei wanted to examine the crystals further. Knowing there wasn't any time, he simply broke off a large piece and used it as a make-shift lantern. He continued through the winding sewer system with barely saying a word.

"You'd think it would stink more if this was such an old sewer system," Kaelin mused aloud.

Alexei smiled. "There's nothing to be nervous about."

"I'm not nervous."

"Then why are you trying to fill the silence with pointless chatter?"

"Because... maybe I'm a little nervous."

Alexei stopped and turned to Kaelin, quickly planting his lips on the roo's.

Kaelin pushed on the lion for a moment, but quickly started to enjoy it.

Alexei pulled himself away. "Did that help calm your nerves?"

"A little. What if we just held paws as we walked?"

"That's sweet, but there's barely enough room for one fur, especially with our armour on. You know I'd say yes, but it's not really possible."

"Well... what if I just held onto your tail?"

Alexei grinned. "That would be acceptable."

Kaelin promptly grabbed Alexei's tail and the two were off again. However it wasn't long until Kaelin started chatting again. "Do you think these crystals eventually stop glowing? Where are they getting the power from, you think? Maybe once the crystal is picked from the rest, it slowly loses power. Has yours faded at all?"

"I don't know."

"Well then hold it to one of those ones. Compare the two."

"Kaelin, please... We really don't have time for this."

"I know, I know. I'm sorry. The further in we get the more nervous I get. How much longer until we reach the Tower, anyway?"

"It's okay, sweetie. Hey, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, either. And we have quite some time until we reach the Tower."

"Alright. Well, I'll try to keep my thoughts to myself."

The two walked passed another group of glowing crystals.

Alexei sighed. "If you want to talk... well, it's okay. It's just, when I get nervous, I try to calm myself mentally. So go ahead. Please, talk."

Kaelin kept his muzzle shut. After a moment, "Well now I can't think of anything to say."

Alexei giggled. "You're so cute when you're nervous, you know that?"

"Thanks, I guess."

The furs continued through the sewers without another word. They traveled for at least an hour until they reached the axis of the sewer system. In this very large, dome-shaped space, pipes and tunnels covered the walls.

"Which way now?" Kaelin asked.

"Well, we were pretty much heading straight north from the Rebel base, and I know the Tower is north-east of the Great Plane. So logically we'd have to head north-east."

"But what if we went so far we're now along the same axis as the tower? Then we'd have to just go east."

"Because according to the plans, the Tower is north-east of here."

"None of these tunnels point north-east."

Alexei sighed. "Don't worry, Kaelin. We head east, then when we reach another axis we go straight north. Simple."

"A little too simple."

"The closer we get to the Tower the more security there's going to be. Shouldn't be too hard to avoid, though, especially down here." Alexei continued walking, now east, with Kaelin still holding his tail. "It'll be navigating inside the tower that'll be the tricky part. The security is relatively low on the lower floors, but the closer we get to the core, we'll have to be extremely careful. Not so much for armed Lumarians, but for the security devices. Cameras are the least of our worries. With any luck there will be someone in the Tower who will know all about them. I'll just read his mind and avoid them as best as I can."

"So, they keep the security override in the core? Why don't we just destroy the entire thing? That'll shut them down completely."

"Because the way I'm doing it, they won't know their security is down until the last possible second before the Rebels make their move."

"So, what's the signal going to be?"

"There are several cooling vents that lead directly outside of the tower. I'm going to shoot a flare through one and they'll begin their attack. The Tower doesn't have any windows, so no one's going to see it. All their sensors and monitors will be stuck in an endless playback, so they won't even know something's wrong."

"That's so simple, yet brilliant."

Alexei laughed. "Like I said, the hard part will be getting to the core."

The pair walked for what seemed like an eternity until they reached the final axis in the sewer system. It was just straight north from here.

Alexei stopped at the entrance to the north tunnel. "It'll be about ten minutes until we reach the Tower access point. You ready?"

"I'm as ready as I can be... but Alexei..."

"What is it?"

Kaelin rushed forward and kissed Alexei, pushing the lion into the wall. Kissing him deep, Kaelin started to murr. When he pulled back, he found Alexei wanting more. Kaelin moved back in, much slower this time.

Alexei embraced his love again. He slipped his tongue in the roo's muzzle and murred happily. Kaelin's warm tongue grazed over his, and all around his muzzle. Alexei pushed Kaelin back slightly, keeping his paws on the roo's cheeks, staring into his eyes. "Kaelin, I'm sorry, we really don't have time."

Kaelin lowered his head. "We could make it a real quick one... I mean, if the unfortunate should happen, at least this would be your last memory of me."

"Nothing bad is going to happen to you. Trust me."

Kaelin paused for a moment, then put his paws on Alexei's shoulders. He spun the lion around and slammed him into the wall, then threw him a little bit further into the tunnel, near a group of glowing crystals.

Alexei groaned. "What the hell?"

Kaelin jumped on Alexei, pinning the lion down. Staring into the confused lion's eyes, he quickly kissed Alexei, much more passionately than before, getting his tongue deeper into his muzzle. When he finally pulled away, he just sat atop his mate panting, waiting for his reaction.

Alexei, pinned by the roo, looked up at him, both annoyed and aroused. "Kaelin... we don't have time."

Kaelin lifted a paw and punched Alexei in the face.

Alexei groaned and looked up at Kaelin fiercely. He was now pissed, and yet even more aroused. Alexei growled as he tasted a bit of blood in his muzzle. He looked up into Kaelin's eyes and grinned. "You win, Kaelin. I concede to you. Do what you will with me."

Kaelin smiled happily. Quickly wiping the grin off his face, he tore Alexei's armour off forcefully, starting with the chest piece, then the right arm. He removed the leg and footpaw parts next, leaving the just piece of armour covering his groin and half his rump. He turned the lion around and finally removed the last piece of armour, murring as he did. Removing only the armour around his crotch, Kaelin's half-erect cock sprung out. He mounted the armour-less lion and his length grew to its fullest. There was something about being in his armour which aroused the roo.

Alexei, still lying helpless on his belly, turned his head back. "You're leaving your armour on? I mean, I know you're the one in charge here, but don't you think given the circumstances, you'd want me to feel your fur? Or you feel mine?"

"Like you said, I'm going to be okay. So we'll do it your way another time."

Alexei mrowled and turned back around. Within moments, he felt Kaelin's weight on his back and rump, then his throbbing length pressing into his tailhole. Alexei closed his eye and growled as roo's cock slid quickly up his back-end. He could feel the full length now completely inside him, throbbing and massaging his insides. Alexei started to breathe harder under Kaelin's weight. The roo then began to remove himself, but before even reaching halfway, he pushed himself forcefully back in again. Alexei moaned loudly as he continued to do this. It hurt somewhat, as he was thrusting quite hard, but he let himself go limp as Kaelin did his business. Alexei continued to moan, showing his appreciation. He knew time was of the essence, and yet those worries seemed to melt away with every hard and fast thrust of Kaelin's hips. He allowed Kaelin to abuse his body anyway, despite the extreme importance of his mission.

Kaelin stopped for a moment, then awkwardly lifted Alexei's rump up while still inside him, so the lion was on his knees and paws. Getting a firmer grip of his waist, Kaelin was able to pound the lion's guts even harder, thrusting as fast as he could. With each forceful thrust, Kaelin let out a loud grunt and slapped Alexei's rump hard.

Alexei cried out with each slap. With the armour on, Kaelin's smacks hurt twice as much. His cock began to leak a bit of pre, although from the preceding day he was surprised anything was left at all. He continued to moan and yelp with each thrust and each hard slap from the roo. He dug his paws into the dusty stone under him, trying to stabilize his movements. If Kaelin was going to be rough, Alexei wanted it to feel as rough as possible. Ceasing his movements, Alexei felt a difference in each of Kaelin's drives. He was pounding deeper and harder, which in turn caused the roo to hit Alexei harder. With one particular strike, Alexei cried out loudly. More pre dripped from his half-erect cock. Alexei's rump and tailhole were in a lot of pain, and yet he was having the time of his life.

Kaelin, still making noises as he pounded his flesh inside his mate, continued with his moans and groans. Moving at his fullest capacity, he was certain his climax would approach quickly. There was something about the current situation which excited the roo. He, too, knew of the importance of Alexei's mission, and yet he couldn't help himself. Finally, in almost ten minutes of forcibly humping Alexei's rear, his climax struck. Kaelin let out a long moan as he let his small amount of cum empty into Alexei's gut. He began to rub the lion's soft and tender bum as he slowed his pace, his cock now receding back into his sheath.

Alexei felt very warm, even in the cold, dusty sewers. He turned around and kissed Kaelin. His heart was pounding, and he could feel Kaelin's was too. Alexei sat up, his rump and tailhole quite sore, and stroked his own cock slowly.

Kaelin pushed Alexei's legs apart and crawled up to him, kissing the lion on the nose. "We don't have time for this," he teased.

Alexei grinned, then leaned over to grab his armour. Just as his paw landed on his chest piece, he felt a cold, metal paw on his cock. Alexei froze and looked back at Kaelin, who was grinning.

"Let me get this for you," he said with a laugh. "If you do it, we'll be here all night."

Alexei leaned back on his paws and sprawled his legs out, his cock sticking straight up. "Have at it," he said.

Kaelin gripped Alexei's meat tighter and pawed it vigorously. He let out a long breath as he fapped his mate as fast as he could.

Alexei leaned his head back and let out a long, continuous moan. His entire length was in ecstasy. His mate tugging at his organ nonstop was an interesting feeling. Kaelin's paw was moving very quickly, so much so it didn't feel like a paw was fapping him at all. However, because of the speed, Alexei's entire length felt like it was being managed all at once, as if by some machine. Still feeling some pain in his rear, Alexei's orgasm came quickly. With what little cum he had left was now covering Kaelin's armoured paw. Alexei lay back and moaned as Kaelin retrieved his paw, licking off the cum. His only regret was that he wasn't able to last any longer.

Alexei rolled over and rested for but a moment. He turned onto his chest and promptly got to his footpaws. With a smile on his face, he bent over and began to quickly reattach his armour. With all but his crotch-region armour reattached, he approached Kaelin and wrapped his arms around him, his moist sheath and balls grinding together with Kaelin's. The pair giggled and pulled away, attaching their last pieces of armour.

"You know," Kaelin said, "I think that's the fastest we've ever done it..."

Together, the two furs continued toward the Tower, both feeling very satisfied. With Alexei leading the way, Kaelin continued to hold onto Alexei's tail. Neither fur said a word until they finally reached their destination. They had finally gotten to the access hatch which led upward into the Elder's Tower.

"Here we are," Alexei said. He had left the glowing crystal behind, as there were lights now.

"You wanna go first?" Kaelin asked.

"What, are you afraid?"

"No, I just figure if one of us is going to get shot at, it might as well be the one who won't get shot."

Alexei held up his paws. "Fair enough. You can bring up the rear."

"Any time, hun."

The two giggled and continued up the access hatch. As Alexei opened the hatch above him, he could hear the inner-workings of the Tower. He couldn't sense any life, so he continued out and into the Tower. The sight he saw was breathtaking. The enormous Tower, at least at the base level, was almost entirely created of dark steel. The passageways were long and narrow, and as he peered over the edge, he got a slight sense of vertigo at the seemingly dark and endless bottom.

Kaelin finally got out of the access hatch. He just looked all around, mouth agape. "This place is... huge.

Some sounds could be heard, but most of it were the loud whirs of the functioning Tower. Much like a factory, many different machines were busy with work, one of which seemed to be a large-scale moving rack, transporting immobilized Lumarians, likely prisoners, to various parts of the Tower.

The furs continued further into the Tower, still amazed at the steel, maze-like design.

"Where do we go?" Kaelin said, taking notice of a few drone-like beings working on what appeared to be some sort of half-dead war machine. There was something very unsettling deep within the bowels of this massive steel tower.

"I'm not entirely sure. There should be a lift somewhere that leads directly into the main core, but I have no idea where it is. The schematics were sketchy at best."

"Suppose we could ask one of those things for help."

Alexei ignored Kaelin's comment. To their left, further away from their current platform, was a long, glass catwalk. "See that?" Alexei said, pointing to the other end of the void. "There's an actual platform way over there. That's probably where we should head. That will at least lead us to where we should go. Right now we're just wandering around on what I assume are supports for the rest of the Tower. C'mon, hold my paw."

Kaelin grabbed Alexei's paw and made a noise as he was pulled into his arms.

Alexei gripped Kaelin tightly and lifted himself and his mate into the air. Quickly they floated across the bottomless void and to the platform far from the access hatch. Alexei looked down and was amazed at the sheer size of the Tower. He placed Kaelin down and lowered himself, looking down both ways of the catwalk.

"Which way now?" Kaelin asked.

"Beats me. There's probably a sign somewhere, but I'll be damned if I can read it. I should have asked Jharre to give me some translations."

"Well, do you think we should just pick a way to go?"

"The access hatch is over there. I know the core would be near the centre of the Tower, so logically we should head further in. Which I guess is that way."

Kaelin shrugged. "That way, it is."

The two walked along the platform, looking around carefully for both a lift and for security.

Suddenly, Kaelin spotted something. "Hey, Alexei, look! Those things are going up there."

"What? Where?"

Kaelin pointed into the distance. The rails which the prisoner transports at one point began to spiral upward.

"As far as we know, that just leads to the prison itself. Besides, it's probably monitored pretty closely."

Kaelin sighed. "Well this is crazy. It shouldn't be this complicated. It's gotta be around somewhere."

"Hold on a second... do you see that light?" Alexei pointed past the rail system. There was a dim light shining from the metal ceiling, appearing as a diffuse pillar.

"Do you think that's the core?"

"Yeah, it's gotta be. It seems to be in the centre of all of this. And look," Alexei said, pointing to where they had entered before, "it would have taken quite a bit of climbing, but our original path would have taken us directly under that light."

"Well, let's go! Fly us over there."

Alexei laughed. "I'm one step ahead of you."

Kaelin looked down, surprised to see he was many metres above the platform, now hovering over the void. Seconds later, before he could completely register what was going on, his wrist was grabbed by Alexei and the two shot off toward the light.

Within moments, the two furs landed below the light, on a large, round lift. Alexei quickly engaged the lift and soon the two were off.

Alexei giggled and fell to his rear, soon joined by Kaelin. The two sat together as the lift swiftly shot them toward the main core. The light inside the lift was very bright.

"Don't you think this was a bit too easy?" Kaelin said. "I just can't quite shake the feeling we're heading into something horrible."

Alexei held Kaelin's paw. "I know, I feel it too. But so far we haven't done anything wrong. Besides, even if we're surrounded by Lumarians, you know I could take 'em all."

Kaelin smiled. "I know. I would rather just avoid that situation if it were at all possible."

"I understand, sweetie. Don't worry. I won't let them touch you."

The two sat paw-in-paw, waiting eagerly for their ride to end. Finally they felt the lift slowing and together they got up. They stepped off the lift and looked up into the core.

The core was a massive glass sphere with an unusual, pure white energy swirling around within it. Alexei placed a paw on the smooth surface. The core was very warm, yet not hot. It was comforting. Inviting. Alexei was mesmerized by the sphere. Suddenly he was snapped out of his trance by his mate.

"We've gotta shut off the security fields, and I don't know how to do it."

"Yeah, sorry Kaelin." As Alexei walked toward the large console, he couldn't help but stare back at the core. As his paws met the console, he shook his head and got to work. Pressing buttons and controls expertly, the dark screen lit up and showed access to the Tower's entire systems. Alexei navigated the computer system quickly, finding the security controls easily. As he hacked further into the system, he felt a certain chill run up his spine. Alexei stopped for a moment.

"What's the matter?" Kaelin asked.

"N-Nothing. I'm fine." Alexei continued to work away. Praying his new security algorithms were accurate, he hit the final command. Suddenly the screen went blank.

"What happened?"

"I... I don't know. I don't know what happened. Did I screw up? Did I input it wrong?"

"Well, I don't hear any alarms..."

The screen finally lit up again, showing all systems were nominal. The timer continued where it had left off, and no traces of a hack where shown.

"How do you know if it worked?"

Alexei suddenly got intense flashes in his head. He let out a cry and fell to his knees as he was bombarded by images and sounds. As he focused, feeling a paw on his back, Alexei saw the Rebels were already in a fight. Many of them were dead, or dying. Concentrating more, he knew his Elites were all still alive.

"Alexei, what is it? What's wrong?"

Alexei groaned and opened his eye. "The battle... has already started."

"But you didn't send out the flare."

"I know that. They must... they must have been spotted. But how? They weren't within sensor range. They shouldn't have known about any of this. They shouldn't even be able to see anything now."

"Maybe they can't. Maybe they don't need to."

"What are you suggesting?"

"Darkis is a damn fine hacker, that's all I'm saying."

Alexei thought for a second. He suddenly felt so stupid. "Damn it!" he cried out, slamming his fist into the console. "Everyone was right. It's the only explanation. That's why he disappeared after we were pulled into their hideaway. I should have just read his damn mind... None of this would be happening right now. Damn it..."

"Don't blame yourself, Alexei. It isn't your fault. Of course you trusted him. He wanted you to trust him. It was all part of his plan."

"I shouldn't have allowed myself to be manipulated so easily."

Kaelin hugged his mate. "Look, we don't have time for this. They might need our help."

"Yeah... you're right. Thanks, Kaelin." As the two made their way to another access hatch, Alexei saw another image in his mind. This time a much darker image. He closed his eye and when he opened it, he was surrounded again in darkness. He could see Xavier yet again, still covered in an aura darker than dark. However the darkness surrounding Xavier looked familiar. As Alexei looked at himself, he noticed a particularly white aura spreading from himself. It reminded him of the energy swirling within the core. Alexei looked up and again saw Xavier much closer, the dark aura much more prominent this time. As the darkness grew, Alexei let out a cry, trying to push it back, then suddenly he woke. He looked back at Kaelin, who seemed extremely worried, then into the core.

Inside the core was a spot of black. As Alexei focused on it, the warm glow of the core grew rapidly cold as the light energy was consumed in darkness.

Kaelin turned around, staring into the void-like core. "What the hell... is going on?"

Alexei pulled Kaelin's head to face his own. He looked deep into the roo's eyes. "Kaelin... you have to leave at once."

"What? No. I won't leave you."

Alexei had a horrible feeling in his gut. "Kaelin, please. I can sense something terrible in this Tower, which has poisoned the core. Please, I beg you, go. Go join the others. Fight for me and for Lumar's freedom."

"What will you do?"

"I have to stay here. I have something I have to deal with. I need to see the Elders."

Tears started to flow from Kaelin's eyes. He did not want to leave his mate alone, but he could see in his eyes how serious he was. Kaelin lowered his head and backed toward the access hatch. As the hatch opened, a path leading directly outside, likely an emergency vent incase of a core rupture, the two furs slowly exited. The final hatch opened and a wicked wind tried to pull the pair apart. Holding on tight to Alexei, crying, Kaelin begged once more to stay.

"Kaelin, you know I have to go it alone. If you come with me, I can't... I can't guarantee your safety."

"I know," Kaelin wept. "I understand. I'll be waiting for you down below." With that, Kaelin let go of his mate and let the wind pull him from the Tower.

Alexei leaned over the edge and held out his paw, concentrating on his mate. Using his mind, he quickly, yet carefully, lowered Kaelin to the planet's surface. Knowing Kaelin was now safe on the ground, having landed by the Elites, Alexei looked at the ensuing battle far below. Flashing lights and bright explosions lit up the battlefield before the massive steel wall. The Tower lay right at the edge of Lumar's capitol city. The Rebels were attempting to take the back way into the Tower, but now their plans were interrupted. Alexei then looked up at the sky. Above the battle loomed the Eye of the Gods; when the small dark moon passed in front of the large, pure white moon. If there was indeed some divine Lumarian deities watching over the planet, they were undoubtedly focused on the massive battle below.

Alexei closed his eye and lowered his head. "May the Gods be with you," he muttered before closing the hatch. He walked somberly back into the black core. Along the side of the room was a small lift leading up the spherical wall. He stood on it and activated the controls. The lion was then sent quickly upward. As the lift slowed, he entered the Hall of the Elders. The massive hall, also spherical in shape, spanned at least one kilometre to its furthest end. Alexei was in the centre, where the Elders would sit. All along the furthest end were long platforms pointing inward, where the soul in question would stand to be judged. Alexei had stood on one of those platforms a few times in his existence. Looking all around the incredible, dark hall, he again felt a certain chill run up his spine. Alexei quickly turned, seeing the Elders in looking down at him, not moving a muscle. They seemed lifeless.

"At last we meet again," a loud voice sounded. This room was designed to carry sound, so their voices almost boomed. "I never thought it would take this long for you to get back to me."

Alexei looked up curiously. Something was off.

The Elders, five of them in total, suddenly slumped off their so-called thrones and slid down the ramp.

Alexei gasped and leaped out of the way, watching two of the large flaccid bodies clumsily fall under the railings, down many metres to the bottom. A few seconds later, he heard a quiet thump. Looking at the three bodies still up on the platform, he could see clearly they had been killed, their throats slit. Alexei then heard an insane laugh coming from somewhere in the Hall. He growled and walked around the platform, climbing the stairs to where they Elders had been sitting. Now able to see everywhere in the great Hall, Alexei whipped his head around frantically. "Where are you?" he shouted. Alexei then felt someone directly behind him. The lion froze.

A voice then spoke softly in his ear. "I'm right behind you."

Alexei suddenly turned and stumbled back, shocked to see his brother standing before him. He was wearing a black suit of armour, resembling that of Commune design.

"Surprised to see me here, Alexei?" Xavier said with a grin.

"N-Not entirely. Did you do this?"

"Not entirely." As if on cue, five Commune soldiers stepped in. "I had some assistance."

Alexei looked around at the soldiers. "Xavier... what the hell is going on here?"

Xavier giggled.

"Why? Why did you do this? Why did you join the Commune?"

"Because they saved me."

"Saved you? From what?"

"I was trapped on some planet where I was sure to die. But they came and rescued me. Zion saved me."

"Who's Zion?"

"He's my commander."

Zion stepped forward. "Indeed, what Xavier is telling you is true."

Alexei growled. "So why did you come here? Why did you kill the Elders?"

"We," Zion started, "have a multitude of Commune warships orbiting this planet. With Xavier on our side, we were going to launch a full-scale invasion on this planet. After the rebellion we would have made our strike, while the Lumarian forces are weak and disorganized. However once we learned you would be joining these Rebels in their fight, plans changed."

"This doesn't make any sense. How did you know about the rebellion?"

Zion laughed. "We had someone on the inside."

Alexei thought about that for a moment. "Darkis..."

"Indeed. While he helped you slip through the Lumarian defense system, we, too, made our move. He told us everything about you, your men, your ship. Even your little plan to help the Rebels. But you don't have to worry about revenge, lion, because the traitor is floating through space now as we speak. Darkis is an amazing creature, but like any other life form he does need oxygen to breathe." Zion laughed darkly.

Alexei growled. "So then why kill the Elders?"

Zion scoffed. "They were just a nuisance. They would have died when we invaded anyway."

"So then you were the one who alerted the Elder's Special Forces to the Rebel approach?"

Zion grinned.

"What was the point?"

"In the event you did not arrive on the planet, or if you disagreed to help the Lumarians, they would be distracted. We had our friend Darkis shut off the whole of Lumarian security. Their Outposts are without power, and other planets have no idea what's going on. Lumar will fall, and with it so will every other planet in this system."

"I won't allow you to invade this planet."

"Yes, I was afraid you would say that."

"So... what now?"

Xavier stepped forward. "We started a fight six months ago that I intend to finish."

"Xavier... no, you don't mean that."

"In fact, he does mean it, lion. Rather than waste valuable resources and manpower on an all-out war, the deciding factor will be the two Superpowers of this galaxy. One of you will fall, and with you so shall your alliance."

Alexei shook his head. "I don't believe what I'm hearing. This is insane! Why would you agree to this, Xavier?"

"Because... it's your fault."

"What? What was my fault?"

"If it wasn't for you, Kavhen would still be alive right now!"

Alexei felt his heart sink as tears welled up in his eyes. "No... it was not my fault. I loved him just as much as you did. It was unavoidable."

"Shut up!" Xavier cried, holding his ears. "I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear any more of your lies."

Alexei stepped forward, looking deep into Xavier's eyes. They weren't the same eyes he had seen six months ago when they first met; when they had slept together. His eyes were cold like steel, and empty. "What... have they done to you?"

Alexei could sense a great pain coming from his brother. He moved forward, holding out his arms.

Xavier stopped moving about, his paws still over his ears, and stared back at Alexei.

"Xavier, this isn't you. They have done something to you that makes you feel only anger and pain. This isn't you." Alexei placed his paws on Xavier's shoulders, sliding them back to embrace the younger lion.

Xavier cried out and forced Alexei back into the metal wall with his mind. He lowered his paws and regained his composure. "No, Alexei. There is nothing wrong with me. I'm going to tear you apart, then I will tear the Lumarians apart. Finally, I will find your mate, rape his filth-ridden body, then I'll bathe in his blood."

Alexei growled and cried out, bolting forward. He took a mighty swing at his brother.

Xavier nimbly moved out of the way, kicking Alexei down the stairs. "You're too slow, brother."

Alexei got back to his footpaws and looked up fiercely at his brother. "How dare you say such things! I don't know what they've done to you, but I refuse to fight you."

"You refuse?" Xavier stepped forward, clenching his fists.

"You're my brother, Xavier, and no matter what, I love you."

Xavier stopped, hesitating for a moment. "You... love me?"

"Yes, of course I do! Have you forgotten that night we spent together? I certainly haven't. You were so warm, and so tender. But now you're cold. So... cold."

"Don't listen to him, Xavier!" Zion shouted. "He's trying to confuse you."

Xavier looked at Zion, then back to Alexei. He suddenly felt a great pain in his head. Xavier cried out and fell to his knees.

Alexei ran up the stairs and held his brother. "What's the matter? What happened?"

Xavier looked up at Alexei with pure hatred in his eyes. He grinned evilly and forced Alexei back again, this time dashing forward and pounding his fist into Alexei's chest.

Alexei went flying far back, the wind knocked out of him. He flew past the support beam and landed hard into one of the many platforms lining the Hall's walls, breaking it off then falling to the one below it. Alexei lay there, trying to regain his wits. He shook his head and shakily got back to his footpaws, looking back at the main platform where Xavier was standing. Xavier stood nearly one-thousand metres away. Alexei then looked down at his armour which had a fist-shaped dent in it. "Jesus," he muttered to himself. Suddenly, Xavier appeared in front of him, hanging in the air and about to strike. Using every muscle in his body, Alexei just barely jumped out of the way. Time seemed to be at a crawl as Xavier's fist flew under his footpaws.

Seconds later Xavier slammed his fist, and his entire body, into the platform, smashing it to pieces and sending a shockwave resonating through the stands, snapping off every platform in the thirty-metre radius.

Alexei could feel the mighty shockwave blow through his mane. Suddenly, from the dust, he saw Xavier take off, blowing the dust away. Moments later, Alexei threw up his paw, blocking an attack. Then to his left he blocked another hard punch. Each of Xavier's strikes were lightning-fast and extremely precise. He had grown much in six months. Alexei continued to block attack after attack, grunting each time. Xavier wasn't leaving any room for Alexei to counter. Floating in the air, Alexei finally got his moment. He grabbed Xavier's ankle and spun him around, gaining a great deal of momentum. Finally he let go, throwing his brother hard into the Elder's platform in the middle. Alexei flew quickly forward, and before his brother could recover, he slammed his footpaw into Xavier's gut. Grabbing him by the collar, Alexei lifted his brother. "You can stop this, Xavier! You don't have to keep fighting."

Xavier opened his eyes and spat in Alexei's face. "I won't be satisfied until I see you dead."

A tear running down Alexei's face, he sighed and shook his head, releasing his brother. "If you fight me, we could tear this planet apart. You know that. Just stop this madness now."

Xavier growled, baring his teeth. He continuously showed a face full of hatred. "You're a coward."

"I know what you're capable of, Xavier, and I know what I'm capable of, too. You must know, deep down, you don't want to fight me." Alexei suddenly felt a hard fist tear through the flesh on the left side of his face, on the scar he had gotten many years ago. As Alexei fell to the right, he felt Xavier's hard footpaw slam into the other side of his face, then something swing down on his head, slamming Alexei into the steel floor. Alexei groaned and lifted himself to his knees, blood dripping from his muzzle. He could see Xavier's footpaws, pacing in front of him.

"I am not a coward, Alexei. I'm not afraid of what I can become. Unlike you, I embrace it." Xavier then kicked Alexei in the face, sending him flying down the stairs and hitting the railing.

Zion quickly moved out of the way of the falling lion, then signaled for his men to leave. He nodded toward Xavier, implying to keep it up.

Holding his muzzle, Alexei cried out. When he sensed Xavier calmly walking down the stairs, he wiped the blood from his nose and stood up. "You... can't possibly mean that."

Xavier scoffed. "We are paragons of power, Alexei, and like a fool you try to disguise your power. You try to deny to yourself and to others that your powers even exist. That ignorance, brother, will be your downfall." Xavier swung his footpaw back and thrust it toward Alexei's head.

Alexei nimbly dodged to the right, then skillfully bolted toward Xavier, slamming the back of his mechanical paw into his face. As his brother staggered to the right, Alexei grabbed his wrist and slammed him into the stairs.

Xavier cried out as his body bounced slightly off the ridged steps, blood hanging above his face as it poured from the back of his throat.

As Alexei's paw slipped away from Xavier's wrist, Xavier hanging just inches off the steps, Alexei slammed his fist down into Xavier's chest, pounding him further into the steel. Alexei then picked Xavier up and slammed him into a support beam between the railings. He punched his brother hard on the left cheek, then on the right, and once again on the left. He could almost hear his skin tearing and the blood oozing from his deep lacerations. Alexei drove his knee into Xavier's gut, then as the young lion was bent over, he clenched his fists together and smashed them into Xavier's back.

Xavier collapsed to the steel floor with a thump. He groaned and writhed a bit, however he was far from out. He swung his footpaw around, tripping Alexei.

Alexei fell hard then instantly threw his paws in front of his neck, tightly gripping Xavier's wrist. Xavier was millimetres away from shattering Alexei's trachea. Alexei then twisted his paws, nearly breaking Xavier's wrist, and kicked up his footpaw to force Xavier away. Alexei quickly stood up and already blocked an attack. Taking steps back with each blow, he just barely blocked each of Xavier's attacks. Alexei grabbed onto both Xavier's wrists and pulled him forward, again digging his knee into his brother's gut. Backing off slightly, he took another swing at Xavier.

Xavier looked up and quickly swung his right paw, slamming his fist into Alexei's.

A massive shockwave emanated from their colliding attacks, rattling the entire Tower, both furs managing to stand their ground. As the shockwave subsided, they both backed off, staring at each other. Within moments, the two dashed forward, crying out, slamming their fists together again. As their fists collided, another incredible shockwave rocking the Tower even harder this time, the armour all up their right arms cracked and chipped.

Xavier swung his footpaw around, Alexei leaning back and avoiding the blow.

Alexei reciprocated with a kick of his own, which was easily blocked by his brother, sending a smaller wave from the two.

The pair again swung their right fists hard, slamming together. As an unimaginable force blew from the furs, causing many of the surrounding platforms to break and collapse, the armour on their right arms cracked and completely tore off, sending small pieces of shrapnel-like bits flying through the air, cutting their cheeks. This blow caused the two furs to back further away from each other, both skidding to a stop. They just stood and stared each other down, holding their now bare wrists. Finally the Tower stopped rumbling and the ruined platforms slowly came to a stop, the dust just starting to settle below. Both Alexei and Xavier were bleeding and breathing hard, waiting for their cue. They heard a noise coming from their left, and at the same time their eyes darted toward it, then back to each other.

A large chunk of the platform was slowly sliding away, about to fall and crash. As if hanging in time, the two waited for it to fall. Inch by inch, the chunk of steel and concrete-like material slid slowly away from the rest. Finally the piece was released, falling downward at what seemed like a snail's pace. The two concentrated on each other's eyes while they waited to hear the chunk slam into the floor.

A bead of sweat slowly dripped down Alexei's face. He concentrated intensely on his brother, still waiting to hear that sound. What seemed like an eternity later, the lion finally heard the faint sound of metal crashing on metal. Alexei burst forward quickly, slamming into his brother.

With their paws linked, the two pushed on each other hard, baring their teeth and growling. As they pushed each other, their footpaws slid slowly back, their claws scratching the metal floor. Large blasts of energy burst from the furs as their powers mounted. They could feel the platform they were on rumbling, then noticed dust and rubble vibrating from afar. Bursts of energy continuously struck parts of the metal platform, sending sparks flying in all directions.

Alexei growled and concentrated, trying to push a force toward Xavier. He could feel a great amount of pressure building between he and his brother as they simultaneously tried to push the other back telekinetically. Alexei growled loudly and concentrated harder. Sweating greatly, every muscle in his body burned. Finally Alexei's legs gave in and the lion collapsed, the force between them pounding hard against his chin, causing his teeth to slam together and his gums to tear. As his paws slipped away from Xavier's, falling backward, blood just poured from his muzzle. Alexei hit the metal floor hard, likely cracking his skull, and skidded back. As he came to a stop, Alexei let out a groan. He then felt Xavier press down on his chest with his footpaw.

Xavier grinned evilly down at his brother, pushing harder on Alexei's chest. He then slid his footpaw forward, crushing Alexei's neck.

Alexei choked and tightly gripped Xavier's leg, trying desperately to lift it off.

"It's all your fault," Xavier said. "This... this is all your fault."

"It's... it's not my fault, Xavier. I didn't... do anything to you."

"It's because of you my life turned out like this!"

Alexei groaned hoarsely.

"If I hadn't seen you on the subway that day... none of this would be happening."

"That was... just coincidence. I never even knew... you existed."

Xavier growled and pressed down harder.

Alexei gripped Xavier's leg tighter. He could feel the metal heating up under his paws as the force started to bend the armour. Alexei held out his left arm and swung it across, smashing his paw into Xavier's ankle.

Xavier cried out.

Weakened, Alexei was able to push Xavier's footpaw off, forcefully tripping his brother. Alexei got up and raised his fist, then seconds later punched Xavier hard in the cheek, three times in a row, cutting his bare knuckles. He lifted Xavier and pushed him against the stairs, keeping a paw firmly on his neck.

"I have no idea what the Commune did to you to make you so angry, but I promise I will help you."

Xavier groaned. His face was throbbing, blood pouring from his cheek. "They did... nothing to me. I hate you, Alexei. I hate you so much."

Tears started to trickle down Alexei's face. "You don't mean that. I know you don't." Alexei released his paw and pressed his body against Xavier's, putting his paws behind his head and holding him tightly. "I'm going to help you," he wept, "I promise."

There was a quick moment in time where both furs thought the fight was over. Xavier slowly slid his paws up, hugging his brother back. He looked up into Alexei's eyes and shakily lifted his head, putting his lips to his brother's.

Alexei's eye shot open as he lowered his head to kiss Xavier back. He could feel his brother's metal stud on his tongue graze across his, as well as the ring in Xavier's lip. A tear ran down Alexei's cheek as he pushed himself down, getting his tongue further into Xavier's muzzle. All the pain in his body seemed to vanish as he embraced his brother once again in a loving kiss. Alexei pulled back and looked deep into Xavier's eyes. He noticed his entire eye was black as pitch, contrary to its normal blue. Alexei suddenly became petrified, almost frightened by the darkness in Xavier's eyes. He then snapped out of it as he felt Xavier's bare paw brush through his blood-soaked cheek fur, then smiled as he heard his little brother giggle. "I love you, Xavier," Alexei said softly.

Xavier smiled and blushed a little. He opened his muzzle to speak, but then was struck with a great pain in his head. He tried desperately to hold it off, closing his eyes tightly. Another tear ran down the young lion's face. Suddenly Xavier cried out, forcing Alexei back into the support beam.

Alexei smacked his head against the metal beam, groaning as he staggered forward. He felt somewhat dizzy from the blow.

Xavier got up and looked down at his brother, now seething. He dashed forward, slamming Alexei back into the beam, punching him repeatedly in the face.

With each blow, Alexei cried out, blood and tears spraying from his face. All Alexei could recall was the last time he and his brother fought. Xavier had nearly killed him, and it seemed it was going to happen again. Alexei wouldn't allow it. Not without helping his brother first. And yet the pain was too great. Each blow was happening to fast for the bloody lion to react. He just stood there, being forced up by his brother, taking strike after strike to his already raw face. Finally, Xavier stopped pounding away at his blood-soaked brother. Alexei didn't even have the energy now to keep his head up, nor keep his eye open. The only reason why he could still stand is because Xavier was using his power to keep him there.

Xavier backed off, panting. His bare paw and forearm was covered in Alexei's blood, as well as his armoured arm. After a moment of staring down his brother, Xavier cried out and punched hard at Alexei's gut, then tore at his armour. With each stroke of his paw, he ripped off a large chunk of Alexei's blood-covered armour. He then grabbed onto the piece covering his chest and tore the entire front off like it was paper and tossed it over the edge. As he tore off Alexei's final piece of upper armour, he let go his hold on Alexei, letting his brother collapse to the metal floor. Xavier stood above Alexei, panting.

Alexei groaned and tried to lift himself, yet it was impossible. He knew he had been in worse situations, and yet he found himself powerless. Using all his strength, Alexei managed to lift his body up, then very slowly get onto his knees and paws. Panting, he was finally able to lift his body so he was now only on his knees, then moments later lifted a shaky leg and, using the railing as support, stood up on his footpaws. His head lowered and dripping with blood, his eye was focused on Xavier.

Xavier stepped forward and grabbed Alexei by the collar. He couldn't help but stare into the shiny red pendant hanging off it. Xavier held it in his paw, examining it carefully. He suddenly tore the red stone off. "This must be pretty important to you," Xavier mocked his brother.

Alexei nodded. "It was a gift... from Kaelin."

Xavier carelessly tossed it aside, the stone falling hundreds of metres down to the bottom of the large hall.

"No!" Alexei cried, pushing Xavier away and leaning over the edge, holding his paw out. He watched as the pendant quickly disappeared. "Damn you..." he muttered. Alexei then turned and pounded his metal fist as hard as he could into Xavier's right cheek, sending the young lion flying to the left. With his brother distracted, Alexei leapt over the edge of the Elder's platform and flew quickly downward. He slammed hard into the ground, looking around desperately for the pendant. Piles of rubble and broken platforms had built up at the bottom of the spherical room. Looking around for it, Alexei tossed huge platforms out of the way as if they were nothing. He whipped his head around frantically, crying as he searched. He turned around quickly and was met with a hard blow to his face. Alexei fell back and rolled down a broken platform, a piece of jagged rubble jetting into his back. Alexei groaned as he lay there, tears continuously flowing down his face.

"You really are pathetic. You had the perfect opportunity to attack me, and you wasted it trying to find this." Xavier held up the red stone. "I think I'll keep it," he said as he secured it to a small opening in his armour.

Alexei growled and stood up. His face felt as if it was on fire, but he used that pain to fuel his power. "How dare you mock me like that," he said, seething. "I tried to reason with you, Xavier, and I tried to be pacifistic, and yet you still fight me. And now this. Well I'm through with it. You'd be a fool to think I could be taken down that easily. I'm going to show you exactly what ten long years of constant pain and torture can do to a fur. I'll show you ten years of rage and anger. Ten years of being cold and alone. Ten years of suffering. I'm going to show you, little brother, just what my powers can do."

With that, Alexei bolted forward, pounding his fists hard into Xavier's face and chest over and over, nonstop, until he delivered a solid back kick to Xavier's left cheek, sending him flying to the right. As Xavier hung in the air for just a moment, Alexei leapt up over him and smashed his footpaw down.

Xavier crashed downward through the piles rubble.

Alexei cried out terribly, flying above his brother, and held his arms across his chest. He concentrated for a moment then spread out his paws quickly, clearing the rubble from around Xavier. Alexei then fell quickly, crushing Xavier beneath his footpaw. He swiftly grabbed hold of his injured brother and threw him against the rubble, giving him several hard beatings with his metal fist. Alexei backed off for a moment, breathing heavily and growling deeply.

Xavier used that to time to recover. He let out a strong force toward Alexei, then bolted forward, swinging lightning-fast punch after punch.

Alexei stood his ground and at almost blinding speeds, blocked each of Xavier's attacks. He grabbed Xavier's wrist and spun him around, slamming him into the rubble.

Seconds later, Xavier bolted forward, hardly phased by the attack. He was trying desperately to get in a punch, but found he had underestimated his brother.

Alexei, with his paws deflecting each attack, leaned back and let Xavier's fist fly just past his muzzle. Watching the fist slowly fly by, Alexei reached up and gripped Xavier's wrist, twisting it around so he was holding the arm behind Xavier's back. Alexei promptly pushed Xavier hard into the rubble, holding his mechanical paw on the back of Xavier's head, grinding his face into the jagged metal. Alexei loosened his grip as he realized he was smearing Xavier's blood on the ruined platform. He then spoke in a deep, terrifying voice. "This is just the beginning, Xavier. You can stop it any time you wish. You just have to let me help you."

Xavier growled, trying to free himself. He closed his eyes tightly and concentrated his powers, still struggling. He let out a mighty roar as he blew a force against his brother. With Alexei weakened, he managed to turn around and deliver a powerful punch to Alexei's chest, sending him flying into the far rubble. Xavier cried out and punched Alexei again and again in the face, with his claws out, tearing up his already-bloody face. He stepped back for a moment, still growling, then beat his brother hard in the gut continuously.

Alexei, in incredible pain, eventually fell to his knees, throwing up bloody puke. The blood from his face was trickling quickly down his chest.

Xavier raised his footpaw above Alexei's head, looking down on him with an evil grin.

Alexei looked up to see the metal pads of Xavier's armour. He tried to speak, shaking his head slightly, but was left with only bloody gargles. He closed his eye tightly and suddenly felt an unimaginable amount of force slam into the side of his face. Alexei cried out in pain as his face smashed through the inch-thick glass of a platform, his sorrowful cry echoing loudly in the massive chamber. Curling up, Alexei held the side of his face. He began to weep.

Xavier once again held his footpaw above Alexei's head, watching his brother cry. "Pathetic," he muttered. Just as he slammed his footpaw down, he was shocked to see he had only smashed through the floor. Xavier looked around desperately, Alexei nowhere to be found.

Alexei hung above his little brother, still holding his face. He was growling constantly, tears and blood flowing down his cheeks. It hurt even to cry. Just as Xavier noticed him, Alexei cried out and pushed an incredible force out of him, down on Xavier. As the force continued to flow outward, the rubble below him slowly shifted away, the walls of the large Hall beginning again to rumble. Alexei growled louder and the Tower quaked even more.

Xavier stood below his brother, trying to keep his balance. He looked up at Alexei, somewhat impressed.

All the rubble surrounding both lions then began to lift as Alexei continued to cry out. He swung his arms around, and with them so did the rubble. It all begin to spiral around Alexei, as if caught in a slow vortex.

Xavier grabbed onto a large broken platform, riding it around Alexei. He waited to see where this was going. Very quickly the cyclone picked up speed. Xavier held on tight.

Alexei, through a pure evil eye, looked around for his brother. Once he spotted him, Alexei burst forward like lightning. As he slammed his fist downward, he noticed Xavier had jumped away. Alexei looked up and drove his fist again into only rubble. Then to his left, he quickly attacked again. Then below him. With every attack, Xavier seemed to just barely dodge.

Xavier hung onto a piece of rubble. As he did, he was constantly pelted by large chucks of metal and stone, cutting his face and tearing through his armour. He then shot off, hiding behind another chunk. Seconds later, he jumped again. Alexei seemed to be catching up. Xavier now jumped from piece to piece, not even resting for a moment.

Alexei continued to chase his brother through his massive cyclone. With each jump, he was gaining just a little.

Xavier was trying desperately to find his way out of his brother's cyclone, but there seemed to be no end. Finally he stopped running and turned, instantly met with his brother.

Alexei slammed into Xavier, but was surprised to see he hadn't pushed him back. Pieces of rubble flew past their heads.

Xavier held out his fist and punched toward Alexei.

Alexei flew back and thrust his fist forward as well.

As their two mighty fists collided, another massive force exploded outward, the cyclone faltering for a second, many pieces just dropping. Again the Tower shook uncontrollably. Their other fists collided now, sending another immense wave of energy pushing the rubble away. The two continued to slam their fists together, one trying to knock the other back. As their fists collided again, the incredible force blew the furs several metres away from each other. Seconds later, they both spiraled upward and outward, then shot straight toward each other. As they met, a loud crack boomed all around them, creating enormous cracks in the side of the metal tower. Again the two flew back. They flew around then slammed into each other again, creating yet another energy explosion.

Suddenly, interrupting the furs, alarms began to sound. The two, floating above the Elder's platform, looked down. Large fumes of blue steam shot violently out from below the platform, from where the core was. The entire Tower was now shaking, this time not because of either lion's powers. Alexei and Xavier glanced over at each other for just a second, then continued their fight.

The two were now delivering quick, hard punches, each attack blocked with another punch. As their fists continued to collide quickly, the Tower shook even more violently, the heavy blue steam settling at the bottom. The alarm then went louder and faster.

Alexei growled as he continued punching at his brother. The two then pulled back their fists far, trying for one final blow. Alexei concentrated hard. He was going to put all the energy he could summon into this punch. Alexei looked his brother in the eye and as their gazes met, the two staring at each other for an eternity, he finally let his fist go.

The two slammed their fists together, breaking the bones in each paw, creating an enormous, deafening explosion of energy. As the two hung in the air, their paws still connected, they looked past each other to see the walls of the Tower slowly peel apart. In the middle of the incredible field of energy, time was at a standstill.

Alexei, with a look of hatred on his face, was in awe of the amount of energy being thrust outward. He continued to watch the metal shred all around him. As he slowly began to fly away from Xavier, Xavier flying back at an equal pace, Alexei looked down. He noticed a brilliant white and black light shining from the core room. Suddenly, from beneath the Elder's platform, he noticed the odd light tearing through its wall quicker than the Tower was breaking. The core was beginning to rupture, and their final attack was catalyst which set it off. Flying backward, Alexei knew there was nothing he could do but pray for everyone's survival.

Seconds later, time seeming to have stopped for that amount of time, the core exploded.

Alexei cried out in pain as he was engulfed in the burning white light. He could feel his armour tearing, no, dissolving off his body. He could feel the incredible heat searing his skin, and his body flying through the white-hot air. Moments later, Alexei's screams were silenced. He could feel and hear nothing now. He couldn't even open his eye. However he somehow knew he was surrounded in a pure white light. Alexei looked around, not even sure if he was moving. He couldn't feel any part of his body, not even his muscles contracting. Alexei tried to speak, but was left with not even a breath. The only sure thing was that his consciousness was still intact.

Perhaps the core explosion was more than he could handle. Perhaps this is what awaited the lion in the afterlife, this eternal limbo, stuck forever between worlds.

Suddenly, the light faded into darkness. In front of Alexei was a dark eye, watching over him. Constantly this eye watched, never blinking, never moving. It was locked on the lion. Alexei stared into it. Perhaps this was his passage into the next life. Alexei tried to reach toward the eye, but still could not feel a thing.

Just then, in a sudden burst, Alexei's entire body felt as if it was on fire. Still staring into the eye, his other senses quickly returned. He could hear a loud constant ringing in his ears, as well as a thunderous roar in the distance, and many voices around him. He could smell burned flesh, likely his own, and taste his own blood. Alexei closed his eye and shifted, each movement equally as painful as the next. Then Alexei heard a voice. A very familiar voice. A voice that made the lion feel warm.

"Alexei," the voice said, "please be okay!"

Alexei smiled, despite the pain in his face. He then heard another voice. A female voice.

"Back off. Give the Captain some room."

He felt paws and hands all over him. Alexei tried to recall just what had happened, or why he was lying where he was. He didn't know why he felt so much pain, or why all he could taste was blood. Alexei lifted a paw to his face, which felt bloody and raw. He then realized tears were streaming out of his eyes, but he didn't know why.

A silhouette of a head then appeared in front of the large eye. Alexei, certain now his eye was open, winced as the face drew nearer. It was still hard to make out, but he was certain it was a fur. Alexei lifted his paws to embrace this fur. As his eye focused, the lion could see clearly it was a kangaroo hanging over him.

"What... happened?" Alexei said. His voice was broken and raspy.

"Oh, Alexei!" the roo cried, putting his arms around the lion.

Alexei groaned, the roo's arms irritating the raw skin on his face. "Who... are you?" Alexei asked. As he focused more, he could see some blood splattered on the roo's chest and face.

The roo backed off suddenly, as if horrified. "Y-You don't remember me?"

Alexei felt a pain in his head. He lay his head back down.

"Just give him time, Kaelin," the female voice said. "It's a damn miracle he's even alive to begin with."

Alexei thought about that. "K-Kaelin..." he muttered.

The roo turned back to him.

Alexei suddenly shot up, holding his head.

"Careful, Captain!"

"Alexei," Kaelin said, "what's the matter?"

Alexei groaned. "I-I remember now... what happened. I was in the Tower, fighting. I think... the core exploded."

"You're damn right it exploded," Jorhn said, bending down. "We were fighting the Elder's Special Forces here - an all-out war, if I've ever seen one - until we saw this blue steam shooting outta the Tower. Then a minute later the top half was completely destroyed. It was incredible. We all thought... you'd be killed. None of us were sure you had made it out, but of course Kaelin said you were still inside."

"You have to stop fighting... It's all a trick."

"We all stopped the moment the core exploded," Graunta cut in.

Alexei lifted his head and finally looked about. He was surrounded by thousands of Lumarians, sitting completely naked, save the collar around his neck.

"Right after the explosion, we saw these two fireballs shoot out," Jorhn continued, "one of which landed right here."

"What about... the other fireball?"

"Haven't found it yet."

"It's right here," a voice said from above. Everyone looked up.

It was Xavier. He landed in front of Alexei, wearing nothing but his collar, too. He held something in his paw.

Alexei's team was shocked to see him.

"Xavier?" Graunta said, "How did you get here? When did you get here?"

"Back off," he barked. "All of you, back off!"

No one moved a muscle.

"What's going on?" Kaelin turned and asked.

"Kaelin... you have to get out of here."

Kaelin turned back. "I'm not going to leave you. Not this time."

Alexei held Kaelin's paw. "Please... he's not here to hurt anyone but me."

"What? Why would he want to hurt you?"

Xavier approached Alexei and smacked Kaelin away. He bent down and picked Alexei up, growling.

The Lumarians moved in closer.

"You," Xavier said with pure hate in his voice, "this is all your fault."

Kaelin got up. "What the hell are you doing, Xavier?"

"Back off, roo, or I'll break his neck."

"This doesn't make any sense. What did Alexei do to you?"

"It was all his fault."

"What? What was his fault?"

Xavier's head began to hurt. He growled then cried out. "It's none of your damn business, roo!"

Kaelin stood where he was.

Xavier concentrated hard, letting out a strong force which slowly pushed the Lumarians back. With enough room, Xavier flung Alexei away.

Alexei got up shakily and shook his head, staring at his brother. He was breathing hard, his body still in much pain. His fur was all mussed up and soaked in blood, many spots burned right down through his flesh. He growled deeply. Suddenly, without warning, he was struck in the face by Xavier's knee. As Alexei stumbled backward, he felt a sharp pain on his left ear, and before he could fall, he felt it again in his right. The lion staggered to the left until he felt himself be swung around and slammed into an earthen pillar, likely raised by Xavier. He felt a sharp pain in his gut, then several on his face again.

Xavier cried out as he precisely punched all of Alexei's deep wounds. He struck Alexei once more in the face, letting him fall with the dirt. Xavier was panting. "Just give up and die," he shouted.

"N-Never..." Alexei then felt his naked body skid across grass and rocks after a hard kick in the gut. As he stopped, he rolled onto his back. Moments later, in the middle of all the Lumarians, Xavier mounted atop him, pressing his thumb into a deep wound. Alexei cried out terribly. He could hear Kaelin calling out to him, running forward.

"I thought... you loved me, Alexei," Xavier said.

Through the pain, Alexei managed to speak. "I-I do love you..."

"Then why? Why... did you let Kavhen be killed? And why... did you have sex with me, only to run off with the roo?"

Kaelin stopped just a few metres away from them. He was almost horrified at what he heard.

Silence filled the darkened air, save the sound of the inferno engulfing the Tower.

Alexei looked over at Kaelin, into his eyes. Through the pain he showed deep regret. "Kavhen's death... was not my fault."

Xavier pressed his thumb further into Alexei's wound, growling. He then put a paw around Alexei's neck, tightening his grip.

Alexei groaned as the pain intensified. "What we did, Xavier... wasn't supposed to happen."

"W-What?"

"I was confused. I didn't know what I wanted. You provided... some release for me."

"I... I can't believe this." Xavier gripped his head as the pain became almost unbearable. "Lies! These are all lies!" Xavier cried out in pain. "I-I don't know what to believe!"

Alexei placed a paw on Xavier's leg. "You have to let me help you. I can help you make sense of things." Alexei noticed Xavier was still held something in his paw.

"No!" Xavier said, punching Alexei in the face. He put his left paw on Alexei's shoulder, holding him down. As he cried out, he continuously pummeled Alexei's face. As Kaelin came running, Xavier held out his left paw and forced him away.

Some of the Lumarians began to advance, and as they did, Alexei, in one complete fluid motion, sat up and pushed Xavier away, kicking him across the torn grass. He held out his arms signaling the Lumarians to halt. It was then he realized his left arm had been badly damaged in the explosion. It looked like a heap of twisted metal hanging off his arm. Alexei looked back at his brother, who was now gone. Suddenly, a flash in Alexei's mind. He turned and blocked an attack. Again and again, with lightning speed, Alexei dodged and blocked each of Xavier's blows.

Both furs were extremely tired now, especially from the explosion. Most of their remaining energy was used protecting their bodies from certain death, which explains why only their collars were able to survive the massive heat of the blast.

Alexei ducked down and kicked out his footpaw, tripping Xavier.

Xavier quickly got back up and countered with a back-kick to Alexei's ribs.

Alexei stumbled to the side, but managed to stay up. He turned to his left and bolted to the side, dodging another attack. He rolled and hopped back to his footpaws, turning and blocking several quick punches. He was then surprised by Xavier grabbing onto his broken mechanical arm.

Xavier, with Alexei's arm in his paws, kicked hard into Alexei's ribs, tearing most of the metal off.

Alexei cried out and fell back, sparks and blood spraying from his arm, as well as some chunks of gore hanging from the middle. His body had become so intertwined with the arm, there was no definite division between the flesh and steel.

Xavier quickly moved forward, pounding his fist into Alexei's tender face. As his brother staggered back, Xavier attacked again and again. Finally Alexei fell, and Xavier pulled his brother back to his feet, holding him by his mane, and punching his raw face over and over.

With each blow, Alexei felt himself growing weaker and weaker. He hung from Xavier's paw, barely able to keep himself up, taking each punch. With his eye now closed, he simply went limp and allowed his brother to beat his bloody and swollen body, praying it would soon stop. Between the blows, Alexei cracked open his eye, quickly seeing a dark figure silhouetted by the two moons, by the eye of the Gods, hanging in the air.

Moments later, the figure crashed down, and as quickly as he came, he struck Xavier away.

Alexei collapsed and let out a long groan. His entire body burned, especially his face. Xavier's attacks had opened most of his old wounds, plus splitting many of his even older scars. Alexei pulled his right paw to his face, caressing his extremely raw and tender cheek. Alexei then felt a warm paw on his shoulder, and another on his face. Alexei opened his eye, making out a blurry vision of a fur. This fur, however, was not Kaelin, nor was it Xavier. He tried to focus, but it was next to impossible. He just closed his eye again. After a moment, the Lumarian forces began mumbling amongst themselves and not quite moving close, the pain throughout Alexei's body slowly fading. He then heard his brother's voice.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Xavier asked the shadowy newcomer, who was wearing a wicked suit of armour.

Alexei opened his eye and sat up, with much less pain that before. It still hurt, but oddly not as much. He stared in awe of this newcomer. Surely he was one of the Gods themselves.

Kaelin helped Alexei up.

Ignoring Xavier's question, the newcomer, a tall husky, turned back to Alexei. "Well you haven't changed one bit," he said with a smile. "I made a promise to you a very long time ago, old friend, and I intend to keep it."

Alexei cocked his head, curious. He had no idea who this fur was.

Xavier then attacked the newcomer.

The husky turned and held out his paw, easily gripping Xavier's wrist. "You are a very curious young fur," was all he said.

Xavier growled and blew out a strong force at point-blank. The dust and thick air burst from the husky.

Unmoved by this, the husky simply grinned. "You have a lot of spunk, young one." He tossed Xavier aside. As Xavier landed, crying out and running forward, the husky spun and gave a swift back-kick to Xavier's head, then before he fell, the husky burst forward, delivering a precise punch to his gut. Like lightning, the husky grabbed onto Xavier as he flew threw the air and tossed him to the ground, closer to Alexei.

The Lumarians cheered uproariously.

Alexei staggered forward. "W-Who are you? That was incredible."

"Has time truly ravaged your memory so?"

Alexei was puzzled.

Xavier got up, holding a paw to his bleeding head, growling deeply. He then burst forward, attacking frantically.

The husky stepped and leaned back, dodging each punch and kick. He held up a paw and started to block each attack with exquisite ease. The newcomer moved with speed many times greater than that of either Xavier or Alexei.

Xavier stopped for a moment then delivered another kick to the husky's paw. He then felt himself be swung hard into the ground. Almost unfazed, he darted forward again. He swung his left paw hard, missing his target, then his right then quickly his left again. He growled deeper and pushed himself harder. With each swing a powerful wave of mental energy burst outward. Suddenly, with almost no warning at all, Xavier was on the defensive. After swinging his arm, he tilted his head to the right, just barely dodging a kick. He then swung his left fist upward, deflecting one of the husky's attacks. He was now being pushed back as he was forced to defend himself. He had no room to counter. Xavier was getting frustrated. He stepped back then bolted upward, shooting himself over the husky to get behind. As he flew through the air, every thing seemed frozen in time. However, as he looked down at the husky, it seemed he was moving at a normal rate, reaching a paw up.

The newcomer took a hold of Xavier's leg as he flew through the air, pounding him to the ground, then swinging the lion around, sending him rolling toward Alexei. The husky walked forward confidently, staring down at the two. It was now the husky's turn to looked puzzled. "Luther... there are two of you?"

"Who's... Luther?" Alexei asked.

The husky closed his eyes and thought for a moment, opening them soon after. "You both bear a striking resemblance to a very old friend of mine. His name was Luther. You... share the same blood as him."

Alexei was taken aback.

Xavier suddenly interrupted by forcing the husky back.

The husky gained his balance as he skidded back across the grass. He growled and looked up at the lion.

Xavier quickly pushed Kaelin aside and held Alexei up with an arm around his neck, holding the Commune blade Alexei had brought before. He held it to Alexei's neck. All he had to do was let his brother drop and the blade would slice easily through his flesh.

Everyone stopped and watched.

The husky walked slowly forward. He concentrated on the two.

Xavier was growling deeply, showing nothing but complete bitterness and evil in his face. He then heard a soft voice from behind. It was Lumarian. Xavier froze, his breath taken, unable to believe his ears.

"Xavier..." was all the voice had said.

A quiet murmur filled the air, especially from Alexei's team. Some quiet sobs could be heard from what Alexei assumed was Eskelle. He opened his eye and looked at his brother, who wore a face of absolute grief and confusion. His brother was quivering. He looked past Xavier to who had spoken those words, and soon enough, Alexei, too, was beyond shock at who he saw standing next to the mysterious husky. By some divine miracle from the Gods, Alexei's old friend and lover Kavhen stood at the husky's side.

Tears were streaming down Kavhen's face as he stared at the lions. He inched forward, holding out his hands.

"There is a great evil inside you, Xavier," the husky said. "Planted there by the Commune."

Xavier dropped his brother and the blade and slowly turned around, tears pouring from his eyes. He then fell to his knees and curled his arms around his chest, bent down into a ball. With his paws on his head, he wept into his arms.

Kavhen slowly moved forward and bent down, lifting Xavier's head and holding the young lion close in his arms. He rubbed his fingers slowly through Xavier's fur, keeping the naked lion warm as he wept onto his shoulder. The two shared a warm and loving embrace.

Alexei again got back to his footpaws, with help from Kaelin. He looked down at Kavhen in disbelief. "How... How is this possible? Who are you?"

The husky stepped forward and lowered his head. "My name is Koko. I am an Elemental, a being of your ancient Earth."

"Are you... a god?"

Koko chuckled. "My powers come from the Gods themselves, but I don't walk among them. As an Elemental, I can manipulate the world around me to however I see fit. As well, I can heal any organic being. You must have many questions."

Smiling, Alexei suddenly fell to his knees. All of his energy had been completely drained, and he could no longer stand on his own two footpaws. Finally the lion had collapsed completely and drifted quickly away from consciousness. What seemed like moments later, Alexei finally opened his eye to see himself surrounded by his team, plus Koko and Kavhen. Even Xavier was there, however he was far from smiling. Alexei looked around, seeing he was back on his ship. "W-What's... going on?"

"You blacked out, Captain," Eskelle reported. "We quickly brought you and your brother back to the ship and got you both healed up. Koko was able to fix your deep wounds from today's fight. Xavier's awake, too, but he's very weak. He hasn't said a word since seeing Kavhen."

Alexei looked up at Kavhen and held up his right paw.

Kavhen smiled and held onto his.

Alexei murred at the warmth of Kavhen's touch. Tears were rolling down both their cheeks. "How... is this possible? My team, they saw you fall. I watched you die in Xavier's arms... I buried you..." Alexei then looked up at Koko.

"I made a promise to your great great grandfather, Luther, over one hundred years ago that I would watch over him, and I would come to him in his time of need. I was able to sense you and your brother's deep anguish, especially at the loss of your friend. I rushed to you as soon as I could, surprised, I might add, to see you two in space, but not before stopping at where you had buried Kavhen. I have never used my healing powers in such a manner, but I had to try. I had to do it for Luther."

Alexei was still somewhat puzzled.

"While I can't explain the science to you, I was able to reconstruct and heal Kavhen's dead cells, which took an innumerable amount of energy, especially his complex brain cells. With his body reconstructed, it was then a matter of reviving him."

Alexei glanced up at Xavier, who was staring blankly at Alexei.

Koko nodded and glanced over at Eskelle.

Eskelle rubbed her head. "It took a bit of doing, but we found the problem. Basically, Xavier was infected with a tiny piece of Commune technology. The microscopic device was somehow injected directly into Xavier's body, which consumed him entirely on a cellular level. In essence, the Commune were able to control Xavier's actions not directly, but my altering his brain functions. In this case, his emotions. They more or less programmed Xavier to... hate you. With Koko's help, we were able to rid Xavier's body of the so-called virus. We're still not entirely certain of the method the Commune used to infect your brother, but whatever it was was obviously a very over-powering force."

Alexei sat up, now at eye-level with his brother, and looked him deep in the eyes. "So... it wasn't really you saying those words?"

Xavier lowered his head. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

Kavhen put his arm around Xavier, holding him close.

After a long pause, Eskelle spoke up. "Well, I think we should leave them alone for now. They'll fill us in later."

Without hesitation, Alexei's team filed out of the infirmary, leaving only Alexei, Xavier, Kavhen, Kaelin, and Koko. They all stood in silence.

Koko finally spoke up. "Alexei, I notice your body is full of very old scars, but most strikingly is the one across your face. You have lost function of that eye."

Alexei nodded. "And?"

"Reviving Kavhen from the dead took much of my energy, however like the air in our lungs, I will always have some in me. Perhaps I could heal that eye for you?"

"Y-You can do that?"

Koko nodded.

"What about my arm?"

"I'm afraid... in my current state, that's too much reconstruction for my body to handle. Plus with all the metal intertwined, it would be extremely difficult without surgery. Save sacrificing my own arm to you, you will have to stick to the mechanical variety."

At the moment, Alexei's left arm was still broken to pieces, however the organic segments sticking through were closed off. Alexei then nodded to Koko, signaling he was ready.

Koko held a paw in front of the old scar across the left side of Alexei's face. He began to mutter ancient, incoherent words.

Alexei then felt a sharp burning from behind his scarred eyelid. He closed his eye tightly and growled as the pain intensified. A quick burst of pain shot through the left side of his face as Alexei's eyelids split open once again. As the pain subsided, Alexei opened both his eyes, blood dripping down the scarred side. Alexei gasped as he stared at Koko, Kaelin, Xavier and Kavhen through two eyes, the left quite blurry and very sensitive. Alexei closed his left eye, allowing it to adjust. He held the side of his face with his right paw, a tear building up inside it.

Koko smiled and backed away. "I'm afraid, Alexei, that will be my last favour to you. While I'm very pleased to have met you and your brother, especially pleased to see just how far you have trained your powers, I must now leave you. I am in search of my own destiny. Perhaps I'll even return to Earth to see how she's doing."

"But wait," Alexei said, "I just have one more question for you... you knew my great great grandfather?"

Koko nodded.

"I... I never even knew my mother."

"So then... you know nothing of your heritage?"

Alexei shook his head.

Koko sighed. "As an Elemental, it is my duty to protect the Earth. However, many, many years ago I decided my destiny did not lie on my own planet. With that, confident the planet was safe, I left for the stars. Hundreds of years later, I followed a Commune ship back to Earth, who had every intention of invading the planet and exterminating its people. Knowing I couldn't both protect the Earth and seek out my place in the universe, I entrusted a very strong-minded fur with a piece of my power. That fur was Luther, your great great grandfather. You, Alexei, share an almost identical resemblance to him."

Alexei was speechless. Sitting on the metal table, he held Kaelin's paw. "Thank you, Koko, for everything you've done. I owe you so much."

Koko smiled and bowed his head. He then addressed the lions. "You two have very special abilities, and it is your responsibility to use your powers for the greater good. You must promise me you will protect each other. I can sense a great deal of love between you two, and nothing should ever compromise that love. With that, lions, I take my farewell."

"I wish you the greatest luck," Alexei said, nodding. As Koko left the room, Alexei sat with his legs dangling over the edge of the table. He looked up at Kavhen and Xavier.

Xavier still kept his head lowered. He felt very ashamed of himself, and couldn't even look his brother in the eye.

"Kavhen," Alexei said, "You have no idea how happy I am to see you alive."

The two shared a warm embrace.

"Thank you, Captain," Kavhen replied. He put an arm back around Xavier. "Although it seemed like almost an instant to me, I am very happy to see you, too. And if I may be so bold, even more happy to see Xavier. I must confess, the moment I laid eyes on your brother, I fell instantly in love."

Xavier still retained his dejected demeanor. Although he was very visibly upset about the past few hours, Xavier did finally feel some happiness in his heart. He was overjoyed to be in Kavhen's arms, although you couldn't tell from looking at him. Xavier looked away for a moment, then looked down at Alexei. He held out his paw and placed something gently down on the table.

Alexei looked down, wide-eyed. It was Kaelin's red pendant. He looked up at Xavier. "You... kept it."

Xavier looked away.

Alexei smiled. "If you wish, you two can use my quarters if you need to be alone."

Kavhen smiled. "Thank you so much, Captain." As he and Xavier slow walked out of the room, Kavhen stopped and turned to Alexei. "You know, Alexei, you will still always have a special place in my heart."

"Thank you, Kav." Alexei nodded his head. "You, too..."

The pair finally left and Kaelin sat up on the table with Alexei, holding the lion's paw. He then took the pendant in his paws and reattached it to Alexei's collar. Patting it against Alexei's chest, he looked up at him and spoke. "Alexei, I'm going to love you from now and forever, but there's one thing I've got to know... What Xavier said before... about you two... sleeping together?"

Alexei lowered his head. It was his turn to look ashamed. "I-I never intended for it to happen."

"So, you did have sex with," Kaelin hesitated for a moment, "your... brother?"

Alexei nodded. "I'm... sorry. I know I should have told you much sooner. At the time, I was very confused. I was being forced to decide between you or Kavhen, then he showed up. I can't explain it, but when we were talking, I just felt this uncontrollable passion well up inside me. Before I knew it... my cock was in Xavier's muzzle and we made love passionately. We... bonded in a way brothers rarely do."

Kaelin scoffed and sighed. "Well, I can't say that's the best piece of news I've heard all day, but all things considered it certainly isn't the worst."

Alexei perked up his head. "Can you forgive me?"

Kaelin grinned. "Of course I can forgive you, Alexei. I just... needed to know, I guess, for my own clarification."

Alexei smiled and lay back down on the table, soon joined by Kaelin. Although the table provided little comfort, lying beside his mate Alexei felt very warm. He was still extremely tired, but no longer in pain. He opened both his eyes and looked deep into Kaelin's eyes. Alexei smiled and kissed the roo on the nose, then closed his eyes with his mate in his arms. Alexei had been through a lot the past couple days, and everything was finally settling down.

Lumar had won its freedom over its oppressive government, however by means other than planned. Regardless, it was the birth of a new age in Lumarian history.

Alexei wasn't sure what was in store for himself or his team on this new Lumar. The lion found his mind wandering, thinking about what Koko had said about his past, while being comforted in Kaelin's arms. All things considered, Alexei was at ease with the outcome of that day. His brother had been wiped clean of the Commune's technological virus; Kavhen, by Koko's divine grace, was alive again; and after six months of wandering aimlessly through space, Alexei and his team had finally found a home on the planet Lumar. And what was best of all is Alexei could live in peace with his mate, forever holding him in his arms.