FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

• yeah, sorry this isn't as long as the last, but i wanted to put the next part all together as one, so i don't leave you guys hangin halfway through it.-

Book II - A New Land, A New Trick, A New Love

I Choose... To Be... Free

Chapter VIII

I woke up to find myself placed on the top of some grassy hill out in an open plain. I slowly rose up from the ground and looked out at my surroundings. I could see nothing but trees as they constricted my view of the land I was in. I looked around and noticed that the others were scattered around me. However, Owens was nowhere to be seen. "What is this place?" I thought aloud. Hoping that someone would walk by and answer my many questions. I heard something coming though the forest and laid back down with the others, my claws digging into the dirt.

The figure soon walked out of the forest, though most of it was still covered by the shadows of the trees. It stopped and looked around, I was only able to see its bottom half. The creature had dark green scales and surprisingly no legs. It looked like a long tail coming down from the rest of the creature's body. I heard something that sounded like a hiss coming from this creature direction as it made its way toward us. I saw that this creature greatly resembled a kind of serpent that I've seen in some book that I've read. Body of a snake that has wings, arms, and intelligence that closely resembles the human mind.

The serpent slithered over to the group, his body upright. He stopped and turned around looking closely at one of the remaining survivors and, given the situation, I thought that it was about to sink his fangs into us. With his back to me I slowly stood and unsheathed my claws, with intent to kill him. The muscles in my right arm tensed up as I neared my target. The serpent put one of his arms on the person's neck and pressed lightly. Before he could lower his head to strike, I jumped at him.

It was too quick for me really understand, but I felt something hit the back of my neck and grab my arm simultaneously. Then, the wind was knocked out of me as I was crushed into the earth. I heard him laugh from behind me and I heard his hissing getting closer. 'Dammit, this is it, I'm gonna die ' my mind screamed as I waited for my impending death. But for some odd reason it never came. I just kept hearing the serpent laugh, as if to mock me. "Just shut up and kill me already." I said, hoping that he would just get this over with.

The laughing suddenly stopped and his grip on me tightened. I braced for my death as I felt his breath wash over my neck. "You're too weak for me to waste my venom on. Now get up." I was shocked. This creature was going to let me live 'What the hell is going on?' "I said get up "I felt his hand grab my right shoulder, his claws digging in before painfully, yanking me to my feet. He stood a few steps back from me and looked at my figure, sizing me up I guess. "Tch, pathetic. Even for a half breed."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean "

"That you're weak and have no right being in this haven. Be glad I'm allowing you to live." With that he turned away a moved back to the unconscious body he was about to devour. I felt a fury arise within my mind and something told me to scream. I inhaled deeply and the serpent turned around with a grin on his face. I did as my body told me to and screamed, but it wasn't sound that came out. To my surprise it was a flame, that was sent searing toward him.

My flame hit the target and I saw the serpent disappear within the fire, his fate almost obvious to me. With the satisfaction of saving the survivors I grinned as the last of my breath left me, leaving me tired and exhausted. The flame had thankfully passed over the others and dispersed a few hundred feet away. Though to my horror the serpent had raised some sort of shield through his hand that protected him from my flame. As he lowered his arm the light bending barrier faded away.

He still had that grin on his face, though his eyes had a hint of surprise in them. "Hmm, a half breed unlocking magic within the second day of realizing he even had any... interesting." He said quietly, probably talking himself I guess. He once again leaned down and placed his and on the person's neck.

"What are you doing?" I said simply, realizing that it was getting very difficult to stand. Even if I wanted to stop him, summoning the energy to do so would prove an impossible task. The serpent looked back at me, the white front of his chest starting to shine off the light from the sun.

"I'm seeing that they're still alive you idiot. Do you honestly think that I would eat such a disgusting creature." The way he was talking started to remind me of some British professor I had awhile back. My vision started to fade, but at least I would know that my friends would be safe. Though, my fate, is now uncertain. 'Maybe I'll wake up and this will all be just a dream'

'Giving up already young one?' It was that voice again, the one that started all this. Was he going to laugh at me now as I fall into the dirt? 'You may rest now, no harm will come to anyone under his watch.' With that I passed into unconsciousness.

I awoke after what I thought to be at least several days later, possibly a week or more. My head was pounding and a flash of light blurred my vision. There were voices around, most of them I couldn't make out. Though the few that I could understand basically said that I was awake now. There was a shuffling of sorts as I heard people gather around me. I opened my eyes and slowly sat up. My vison was hazy, but I was able to make out the faces of Mar and Rose. They were the first ones to reach me out of the group, a worried look on their faces.

My vision soon cleared up as the room came into focus. It looked like the inside of a large log cabin. A stone fire place at one end, with the door next to it, most likely locked. There were windows scattered about, but far too high for anyone to reach. The floors consisted of dirt and a few rugs, randomly placed. It was then that I noticed that all of them were staring at me. "What?" I asked, my voice surprisingly low and bass. I figured out why they were staring at me, which really wasn't that hard. I'd changed again, and sure enough as I looked down at my arms I saw the red scales on my left arm, curved talons coming out of my fingertips.

Rose took a step closer slowly extending out her hand, "S... St... Ste."

"His name is Taioth. You'd better get used to it." I looked over to the speaker, having a rough idea of whom it was. Owens was standing over in the corner, looking toward the crowd. It was then that I decided that enough was enough, I wanted to know what was going on, and I was quite sure that everyone else did as well. I pushed myself off the beg and placed my feet on the ground heavily. I walked over to him, everyone getting out of my way as I moved passed them. Owens however, didn't move from his spot.

"I think it's about time you told us all what the hell is going on " I said, the volume of my voice making the walls shake a bit. He disappeared from my sight suddenly and I felt cold steel pressing against my neck.

"You need to calm down before something bad happens here. All of you will know in time." I heard him say, as the blade was removed from my neck. He the feinted into my vision, resuming his position before he had moved. The blade that he held at my neck, was gone. I looked at the ground and saw at least three dozen foot prints that hadn't been there before, all of them his. It sent a chill down my spine as a cold sweat formed on my face. How could he move so fast, without making a sound or even raising up a little dust.

'Hmm I thought I recognized him from somewhere.'

'How can you recognize him, you've been dead for thousands of years.'

'Yes well... I still have ways of getting information.'

'Please elaborate on these "ways" as you call them.'

'If I did you wouldn't understand'

'Oh I highly doubt that'

'All right then, tell me, how do you access the magical plane?... if you can't understand that then there's no possible way of understanding how I get my information... I think I've made my point.'

'Yes you have... 'Dam if I could see your face I'd break it'.'

'There's no point in trying to even think to yourself, I know every thought and every desire that you've ever wanted... and yes I mean every thing... even your thoughts about.'

'Whoa, whoa, whoa Can we not talk about that...'

' I don't see why we can't... I am you after all. You telling me that you wouldn't want a conversation with someone that knows more about you then yourself... both mentally and physically.'

'Ok fine, you win on that, so can you make yourself visible, since you're so magical and all'

'Actually I can, but we would only be able to communicate this way... people would start to think you're going insane if your talking to nothing... I can only make myself visible to you, just so you know.'

'Fine, do it, I'd like to take a look at you anyway.' I looked around and realized I hadn't moved from my spot. The others had spread about the cabin and started small conversations about what they think is going on. These conversations ranged from really good, to really bad, to something perverted, to things just... wrong. I ended up sitting on the side, next to a log. I leaned back against the wall and waited for this "other" part of me to show itself.

He slowly faded in, sitting with his legs crossed and his tail resting on his lap. He looked just like me, the only difference being that the colors were switched. My red scales were his blue ones and vice versa. 'Ah, that's better.'

'Hmm, I guess. I can see how it would ease the conversation a bit.'

' All right then, lets get down to business... what do you know about me that I don't?'

'Where would you like to start then? Mental or physical?'

'Lets start with physical, I've got a feeling it'll be short compared to the mental

changes.'

'You're right in your assumption... ah, let me think for a second...yes, as you've seen for

yourself your strength, agility, and dexterity have dramatically increased in all areas of your physical form. Your claws can be broken, but it takes a great force to do so, the same goes for your scales. Though they stop from blood being spilt, they by no means stop the blow from being felt, so don't think you're invincible. Your internal body structure has changed a little and the rate at which your wounds heal is fifty times greater then a humans'. Your wings are strong, very strong, but do not use them until you're taught on how to fly. Normally it would become instinct, but since you're a half-dragon I'd get a teacher. As for a more distinct physical part, it's a little pointed instead of what it would appear to be on humans and it's a little rigid, providing a more pleasurable experience.'

'Huh? What is this "distinct" part you've just described to me?' I asked him, tilting my head. In fact, I'm almost knew what part he was talking about. I just wanted to be certain and not get it confused for something else.

'What do you mean by that? Are you really that dense? I'm taking about that thing in-between your legs you dolt.' As soon as he said that I felt like I was about to pass out as a heat wave flushed my face. I was surprised to find myself curious on this particular part of his explanation.

'Why the hell do you have to talk about that? Is it really necessary?'

'Of course it is If I don't tell this to you now, what do you think you're gonna be like if I

didn't and you discover this on your own... I'm pretty sure you'd probably shout out something like "what the fuck" and people will ask what's wrong. Then you'll have to explain your little problem.'He said, almost laughingly... though he was kind of right, so I really couldn't do anything but lower my head in defeat.

'I guess you're right about that...'

'Have I ever been wrong about anything concerning you?'

'I guess not... wait... how would you know?'

'Well for one I'm you, please try not to forget that.... Second, conversations between your mother and father, sometimes drifted toward that subject... I guess it comes with the job.'

'What job? Were you once a hired hand for them or something?'

'No, I meant it in the sense of being their neighbor, friend, and guardian of their child.'

'What do you mean by guardian? Are you related to me somehow?'

'Well, not by blood... but I guess I'm the closest thing you have to family right now... other then your mother of course, but I have no clue where she is...' The hollow figure lowered his head in a silent apology.

'It's okay' I told him, no sense in him worrying about something he can't control. Our conversation stopped there, neither of us said anything for awhile. Each of us having our own concerns and thoughts, but they were generally the same, we were still the same person after all. I still didn't know his name, but I really didn't care. My mind eventually wandered through random subjects. I felt someone lean on my shoulder and sat up slowly from my relaxed state. I turned my head to see Rose, smiling at me, something that deeply confused me.

Not a word was said between the two of us, but none were really needed. We just stared at each other for awhile. I noticed that she seemed weary, both mentally and physically from her ordeal. God knows what was happening while I was sleeping. I leaned back against the wall and went back into a relaxed position. I tapped my left shoulder with my hand and she got the idea. Rose leaned her head on it and tried to fall asleep, her body occasionally getting a slight chill as nightfall came. 'Your wings are very flexible you know'

'What's that supposed to... oh, ok' I replied, mentally hitting myself for not getting it sooner. She seemed to jump a bit though as I carefully rapped my left wing around her. I felt it get warm fairly quickly beneath the fleshy membrane. She quickly settled down though, and brought her body closer to mine, which caught me off guard. As if to completely throw me into a loop she grabbed my arm and pulled it over her and rested her head at the base of my neck.

'Guess she's not afraid of you anymore... well I'm getting tired as well, I'm going back inside.

'Back inside my head right?'

'Well I never really left it.' The image faded away slowly and, eventually, disappeared. My last sight of him being myself yawning and stretching out my arms and wings. 'Ah, home sweet home' Was the last thing I heard him say for the night. I looked around the cabin. People were huddling together by the fire to keep themselves warm for the night. Those who couldn't fit by the fire huddled together in the corners of the cabin. If I didn't know they were all cold I would've thought everyone here was about to do "something" of a sexual nature. But, in these situations survival is above everything else.

I was perfectly fine, my scales acting as a type of insulation, keeping me warm. As time passed on I felt that I was the last one awake, even Owens had passed out long ago. I would've thought myself to be lonely, but I had someone close to me, who wasn't afraid of my scales or my recently discovered attributes. At least someone cared if I lived or died, these thoughts made this night and many others bearable. Because that's all I really needed, just one person.

'She didn't have to care about me this much, it would've been enough to just be my friend... but, for some odd reason, she wants to be more then that. I don't know how... but... maybe I'm just getting ahead of myself... but.'

'You are boy, you're getting way ahead of yourself. Now shut up and go to sleep already... geezz what does a spirt have to get to get some peace and quiet around here.'

'Oh, sorry... I'll be quiet... geez I can't even think to myself any more.'

'Oh, just be quiet and go to sleep, I haven't been able to think to myself either... how the hell do you think you didn't find out about me till recently. I've been with you since you were born. From the time you were learning to walk, to your first day at school, when you first "discovered" females, to now. I've seen it all. You know that voice in your head that's been telling you on how to do things, that was I. Now just pass out already.'

I guess the relationship between the two of us wasn't exactly perfect. Then again, when

you're forced to spend every minute of your life with someone you tend to get annoyed and angry at times. It wasn't perfect, but it sort of kept things interesting. Though to be honest I was really starting to dislike perfection, though it does have its perks.

I laid my head almost on top of Rose's and fell asleep with her in my arms. For the first time in my life... I was happy...

End of Chapter 8

I Choose... to be... Free

Chapter IX

When I awoke, I was no longer in a cabin and Rose was no where to be seen. I stood up and stretched myself quickly before noticing the strange terrain I was located in. To my right was a small mountain, not too far off. But next to it, was a glacier, surrounded but ice. In between the two was a large, rushing river. I was standing in the middle of it, atop a small mound that was curiously made out of stone. As the river flowed, it split into two more and created two pools that encompassed two other islands before floating down in a single stream.

One of these islands was lush with plant life. Trees of all kinds sprouted from the nutrient rich soil. The multiple flowers of varying colors of all kinds covered the base each tree. The leaves were different reds and greens depending on their type. Though the weather wasn't tropical, I saw palm trees and much dune grass throughout the small forest. On the other island was almost the same exact thing, only it was on fire. A blaze ravaged the trees but for some odd reason they never faltered and the leaves themselves didn't fall off. The color of everything on this island was black, except the flame which, changed colors depending on where they were located. It wasn't just red and blue, there were purple and occasionally black flame as well as green.

"What is this place?" I asked aloud, hoping someone or something here could answer me.

"This is the training ground." I heard someone say, the voice sounding familiar but I still don't believe I've ever heard it before. I turned around to the owner of the voice and found me... well the other me. He was standing on another stone mound that I hadn't seen before. I wanted to ask where he'd come from, but there were more pressing matters.

"Well where are we?"

"I told you, the training grounds. Don't you pay attention?"

"I meant where on this world are we? How far are we away from the cabin, where are the others? And... since when can you talk?"

"Well I always could talk boy, but if you mean by sound vibrations it's because I am you."

"That makes absolutely no sense."

"Wasn't supposed to." He said laughingly, a grin plastered over his face.

"So, where is this place?"

"Your head."

"What?"

"We're inside your head right now... consider this a dream... only it's not for dreaming."

"How is that... never mind."

"Ah, he's getting smart now."

"Whatever... How did we get here?"

"I brought you to this place"

"So... if we're inside my head right now... I should still be sleeping on the outside right?"

"Correct."

"So I won't be able to control or feel what happens to my body outside of this world."

"Right, outside your body is just as it was while you sleep."

"So, then, what's the point of all this? I mean, if I can't train physically then what's the point of all this?"

"Well there's a difference between this world and the one your physical body is in. One of these very important differences is that here, you cannot die, so it is safe for you to try the magics that have a... costly result. Also, you will not tire and you can continue to train until you are content... if you haven't figured it out, we're here to train your mind not your body. Right now you're attached to the platform you are currently standing on. Your first task is to get off it... should be simple enough."

I looked at the water below trying to find its depth. The white water surrounding the stone prevented me from seeing more then a few inches deep though. I thought about jumping into it and seeing for myself, but there were two major problems with that theory. One, I don't know how deep the water is and the current looked very strong. It could pull me down stream for miles on end before I can figure a way out of it. Second, this might not even be water. It has the look of water, but it could be something completely different... I wasn't told that I couldn't feel pain in this place either.

There was a strong gust of wind, no warning or anything just a strong wind the pushed me enough to fall into the water. I was able to direct my fall so that I landed behind the mound, which took the current away from the river. Though it was only a small space, but it should help a little at least. Through all my worries and concerns... the water was as deep as I could see... only a few inches. "Haha, it's good that you're cautious boy, but if you wait to long your opportunity will escape."

"Great... so what now?" I said to him standing up in the river.

"Well first get out of the water. Then, I'm going to teach you something."

"Like what?"

"Just get out of the water..." I nodded my head and began walking out when I noticed that I wasn't wet. Before I even started to ask the obvious question I pushed the thought into the back of my mind and sat down. He sat across from me, about a yard away, and made himself comfortable on the grass before speaking. "Alright, in this area is every element you need to use any sort of magic. There are eight main types and countless sub magics, which is when you mix the main types to create something else. These main types are fire, water, earth, air, dark, light, sound, and transformation."

"The one I'm going to teach you the basics of, for now anyway, is transformation. The concept is simple, find something you want, break it down, and put it back together in whatever fashion you desire... for example." He stuck his hand into the ground and pulled out plain dirt. With a white flash that dirt somehow became a small branch. "This process is very similar for when you wished to retract your claws, only it takes more energy, concentration, and time. By concept and preparation, this is magic in its simplest form. Don't expect to achieve this on the first day though, you must learn to use your ancestral abilities before you can use any magic."

"What I mean is, you must learn to use the magics that have been passed down through your blood line. I've seen your father's abilities and they've proven to be quite impressive and formidable."

"So what were they?"

"He could change to the color of his own scales. It doesn't sound like much I know, but it is very useful for espionage and reconnaissance. Assuming your human genes haven't screwed anything up I assume that yours are exactly the same, with some minor differences most likely."

"What do you mean by minor?"

"Well there could be small differences in how well you can change your color. You might not be able to blend in as well with your current environment."

"So... how come you don't know what's exactly going to happen?"

"Give me a break kid, I only know what you know... and what I knew from 3, 000 years ago. I've never seen you tap into your abilities yet so, therefor, I don't have a clue on what's really going to happen."

"Alright... so, how do I make this happen?"

"Um, to be honest, there's no definite way to know. It shows when it needs to, and when you need it to, not before."

"So then why are you teaching me a magic that I cannot use?"

"Because, the spiral pattern on your arm indicates what kind of magic yours is a type of transformation. Also, the ability to retract your own claws is another indication that your magic is a type of transformation. Not all dragons can do that you know, in fact you're one of the very few who can. Also, it helps to know a little bit about your own magic before it appears." We sat still for awhile, listening to the river rushing and the fire burning. I slight but constant breeze washed over us. For a training ground, it was... relaxing.

"Hey... can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"How come."

"Some of my scales are red, right?"

"Yeah."

"Reason they're red and not blue like the others, is that mine were red, it's a side effect from having me inside your head."

"Oh."

"Well I believe we're done here for now. So why don't you go explore and find out where everything is in this place." I nodded to him and stood, my curiosity finally getting its fill as I walked around this strange place. I decided to head over to the mountain region in order to see what kind of ores and minerals that were stored inside of it. What I found was... well, nothing. Other than rock it was just a normal mountain, but then again that was just by sight alone. I slashed at the rock with my claws and grabbed a piece that flew off it. It felt just like stone, about ten pounds.

"Well I was expecting to find something useful, like iron or a diamond perhaps." As soon as I said that I felt the weight in my hand increase. I looked at it and to my surprise the stone split into two different pieces. If that wasn't enough one half was a slab of iron and the other an uncut diamond. "Hmm, what about steel?" I said out loud and the diamond became a piece of coal. The coal and iron collided in my hand and started spinning around as grinding sounds became audible. It glowed red and went into the shape of a cube before it dropped in my hand. It wasn't hot, but the cube still glowed.

It was steel, it seemed that this mountain only contained the basic elements, the others have to be made. Though how exactly this all worked I really don't know, but it's really not a good idea to question things like this right now, I'd rather keep my sanity. I thought of trying something different like uranium, but I didn't like the idea of radiation burns.

I thought for a while about where to explore next and decided to head up stream. I looked ahead and it seemed to go on forever. I jumped up into the air and saw something up ahead, it was nothing but a small speck in the air. Also there were two mountains off in the distance, well actually one glacier and one mountain. "That's... odd." I turned around and jumped again, seeing the exact same thing in the distance. Assuming it was myself I turned back and walked over to the spirit, whose name I never learned yet.

I found him sitting on the ground. In the exact position that I last saw him. I sat across from my spiritual companion and looked up. "So... I figured that... ah, since this is a complete new world to me... could you tell me what I might encounter here?"

"In what manner do you speak in?"

"Well lets start with the creatures of this realm. Other then serpents, what other creatures linger in this realm that are of similar intelligence?"

"Well there are others such as the serpent, and other humans as well."

"What about others such as myself?"

"If you're talking about a half dragon and a half human combination, you're very unlikely to come across one. And though most species tend to breed with their own kind, it isn't against the law to mix them together nor does anyone really care. Last time I checked the saying "You are who you are, and I don't give a shit." Was very prominent during my life." He said laughingly, I couldn't help join in with him as well.

The mood was lightened between us, and now I thought would be as good a time as any to ask for his name. Which I did, the name Riker of the Angelic Flame, was what came from his mouth. "So, what is my last name then? Shouldn't I've inherited my mother or father's?"

"It's not that simple boy. Here your last name is given to you by your family or friends, it is dependent on what powers you posses. For example, your father's was Shadow Scale, due to his ability to conceal himself among the terrain and his stealthy nature. Mine came from the mastery of fire I posses. You will get your own when one has been decided."

"Okay, I guess that makes sense... but back to my question."

"Ah yes, of course. Though, I do not know if I'll remember them all."

"That many huh?"

"Yeah, lets just say that almost any animal and any myth you can think of has an anthropomorphic partner."

"Are we talking about something along the lines of a medusa? I don't feel like getting turned into a stone statue."

"No not in the least. A medusa would be more of a demon anyway. Since you brought up stone statues though, we're talking something along the lines of gargoyles."

"Hmm I see, so the stone by day thing is a real effect to them?"

"Yes... it's a curse I'm afraid. Though without this curse... I fear that they would've taken over this land."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well... they're the ultimate military weapon really. They don't need to eat, their natural talent for swordplay and magic is outstanding, the brute strength they posses can give the strongest of dragons a run for their money. That curse is the only thing that keeps them in a constant check."

"The way you speak of them... it sounds as if you've fought one yourself."

"That I did... and I lost. In battle they're ruthless to an almost primal level. In truth they're unstoppable when they fight. Though during the day they are all helpless and can be destroyed with a single hammer."

"What about the technology here?"

"Ah, an excellent question. Time is short so I'll say this as quickly as I can... too short... ah hell you'll see for yourself within the next week or so, keep in mind that three thousand years ago was about the end of the dark ages for this land." Riker's voice faded away as the landscape became enclosed in a shroud of darkness. Then, consciousness faded away again as I was forced back into sleep...

End of Chapter IX

I Choose... To be... Free

Chapter X

I awoke in the morning, wondering if all that was a dream. Riker quickly responded that it wasn't. I felt warmth on the left side on my body and got closer to it on instinct. I lowered my head until it touched something soft and I remembered last night. It was still hard to believe that Rose was still there. I could only see the back of her head, but she looked so peaceful. She still held my arm, but tighter then last time.

I thought about moving, but only for a moment. Sitting on the hard ground, my back pressed against the rough side of a log cabin, you'd think I'd be very uncomfortable. In fact I probably would've been, had not Rose been at my side. I felt her stir underneath my wing, and her head turned. Rose's blonde hair shadowed her face as she appeared to be looking at me. My gaze led me down to her clothing, which seemed adequate, for now anyway. Purple tank top with a black leather jacket and a denim skirt. The skirt was cut low, but not enough so that it became inappropriate for casual wear.

That thought led me to my own clothing as I looked down at myself. My shirt, was now... well exploded. It once fit perfectly on me, but my newly acquired bulk was pressing against it. The blood red shirt had ripped at the top and down the arms, giving away to my muscle. Yet somehow it still held together, though barley. My once loose fitting, black slacks were now... quite comfortable really, though they became a little tight around my ankles. To compensate for the extra size. My shoes however... where, gone. My clawed feet being way too big and wide for any foot wear I can think of.

I heard a low hum coming from outside the cabin, and it was getting closer. "Hey, wake up... something's coming." I said shaking Rose slightly. The hum was getting louder as she stirred.

"Hmm? What's going on?"

"Something's, coming this way. We need to wake up everyone now." Rose turned and faced the sleepers and inhaled deeply.

"Get your asses up now, before I kick the shit outa all of ya " I sat there stunned, as everyone, even Owens, jumped to their feet.

"Dammit Rose, what the hell are you doing?"

"Shut the hell up Mark, and listen." Things became quiet for a moment as the hum increased in volume. "Someone or something is headed this way."

"Ah, perfect timing." All eyes turned to the speaker, low and behold Owens, standing with a smile on his face.

"What's coming this way Owens?" He turned and smiled at me.

"Our ride out of this place, and to your new homes, for a while anyway." The humming stopped as I heard tires come to a halt. "Ah great, now listen up. We are guests in this world so please hold your comments and questions until we reach the base." The door was forced open and was almost blown to bits as it reached the wall. Some people screamed, others silent. Then nothing, no sound, no movement, nothing.

"Ah, you sell yourself short. Allow me to aide your sight" As Riker spoke to me, my vision changed. Everything became a dark blue, then I started seeing greens, yellows, and reds appear and take shape. "I believe this is what your people call inferred vision... now look around" I did as he said and stood from my resting place, watching the colors. Then I saw something crawl along the ceiling. The heat signature was weak, but I could still see it. Claws, long ears, wings, and a tail. It looked like a dragon, but it was too small and its facial outline didn't look right.

It crawled along the side of the wall, scouting the area, as we all stood in shock. I hadn't looked at it yet, but I could still see the creature. I quickly plotted a path that took me to ii, while making it seem I was heading toward the door. "Wait where are you going?" I heard someone say as I walked passed them. Moods seem to lighten a bit as others became more relaxed. Their tension however, increased dramatically as I dug my claws into the wall. The creature stopped moving about as it looked at my claws less then an inch from its head.

"Dude, are you okay." Another person said, as everyone stared at me, frightened.

"I don't take to kindly to people who sneak up on me." I said, my voice snarling.

"I'm sorry I just."

"I'm not talking to you." Before the guy could answer back I grabbed his hand and placed it on the shoulder of the creature. "I'm talking to this thing here."

"A "thing" am I?" The creature grabbed my arm and held tightly, thought its voice distinctly female. Everyone in the cabin gasped as they heard its shrill voice.

"Ah, so you can talk. How about revealing yourself to everyone else."

"Ugh, fine you caught me." The creature climbed down from the wall and stood slightly slouched. She placed her hands on her neck and pushed in. Somewhere, something clicked and my vision returned to normal sight. Her figure pulsated as bits of her body came and went in flashes. It finally stopped, revealing the creature in a black skin-tight suite, with a matching pointed helmet. I was actually able to get a good look at my own face through the reflection on her visor.

Her hands slid to the back of her neck and I heard a click. I could tell she was female already, even though her voice was enough her chest was what threw away any suspicion of just a guy with a high voice. Her legs however, looked a little awkward. They looked a little thin to be holding her up. "Hey, buddy I'm up here" Her voice sounded a cleared, probably since it wasn't coming out of a radio this time.

"Um sorry, I just..." I raised my head to meet her face, and was a little surprised. I thought Riker was exaggerating or just trying to make me feel better when he talked about the other species on this world. But here I was, looking eye to eye, with what appeared to be some sort of bat. Ears about the size of her head, two fangs coming slightly out of her mouth, a black nose, and eyes darker then the night.

"You just what? Common spill it, we ain't got all day."

"It's just... I've never seen anything like you before."

"Well I've never seen a half-breed dragon before, but you don't see me starring." Her face lit up suddenly and she walked passed me while whispering "Though you and your friend over there look exquisite for my tastes." As she passed, I felt her tail brush up against my leg and my face heated up. I turned around to see the "friend" she was talking about. Mark's face was beat red as she moved away from him. Though her tone was more of a seductive one, the fangs led me to think about what she meant by exquisite and tastes, if only for a moment.

"Alright people, listen up. My apologies for my secretive entrance, but it's how we do things around here. Outside you will find a vehicle, get in it. Next to it are three soldiers wearing suits like mine, they will not be concealed. The enemy is approaching our current location with tactical kill squads armed with E-4 missiles. ETA is eighteen minutes and twenty-three seconds. Needless to say we need to move ASAP."

There was silence for a moment before someone spoke, and not the brightest of the bunch either. "We've seen our friends die at the hands of creatures we've never seen before. We were brought here and locked away in this dam cabin. About a day later you show up and bringing us to some base. For what? How can we trust you? How can we be sure you're not going to kill us all?"I really couldn't blame him. He did have a point.

"Unfortunately, you're right. You don't know what's going to happen. So you're all given two choices. Get inside the vehicle, or stay here with no food or water and missiles' ready to fry you with four million volts, your choice." Her little statement shut him up. "Right, if anyone else wishes to speak, do so now, we're short on time." Silence loomed over us all. "Right then, proceed exiting." We did so, but I noticed Mark continuously glancing back at the bat girl. She caught him staring and smiled at his flattery.

We walked out and stepped onto the grassy plane. Her vehicle, was big, widths wise. This thing could take up a three-lane highway and have only about an inch to play with. Though it was sleek and according to Riker's brief description of how things should be, it fit in quite well. It was composed of five different pods each looked like a three-dimensional oval cut in half and pointed at the front. I bit hard to imagine I know but stick with me here. They were arranged in the shape of an X, with the one in the middle being larger then the rest and protruding from the front end about five feet. They were all connected by large tubes appeared to be made out of steel.

The tires underneath were spiked, about an inch long each and there were quite a few of them, too many to count anyway. Each tire was centered on the four outer pods, the color of the vehicle though was surprisingly a bright blue and white mixed in like camouflage. "Something wrong, dragon boy?" I heard her ask me.

"Um no, I just don't see the point in having it that color miss..."

"I'm formally addressed as Kiri of the White Sky, but you can call me Kiri. It really doesn't matter what the color is really, if you can see your enemies color clearly, you're too late, unless you have a blade handy." I looked at her for a minute, what did she mean by that? "What? Do I have something on my face?"

"What did you mean by having a blade handy? Last time I check this kind of vehicle has no use for a blade." Kiri looked at me for a second, remembering that my world is almost primitive to hers. She ruffled my hair for an instant and smiled. "What was that for?"

"You'll see, if your luck we'll run into a scout then I'll show you exactly what I meant." She lifted her head up in the air and let out a yawn, revealing her long fangs and razor teeth. The sight unnerved me a little, but Kiri was a bat so such traits are expected. Besides I doubt my own are any less frightening. She shook her head to clear some thoughts and retained her focused figure.

"So, who's who around here?"

"You talking about my crew?" I nodded. "Well lets see. The one holding the big guns on the left, he's my weapons' expert Rocky, and he's a bull. The woman to the left of him, a fox, she's my mechanic Rook, call her anything but Ratchet though... she'll take your head. The wolf next to her is her brother, Kawa the Mighty River, he's my medical expert."

"How'd he end up as the Mighty River?"

"Long story short, lived in one for five days on a reconnaissance mission with an air tank the lasts the normal user two hours. How the hell he pulled that off I'll never know."

"Ever think of asking him about it?"

"Yeah, but he keeps to himself. His mind is always thinking and it never stops. I'm worried about him too, he sometimes sits on a chair and doesn't move for days at a time. He doesn't sleep, eat, shower, or even use the dam bathroom. Though, no matter how long it's been, he doesn't smell like something rotten, like everyone else would be." She stood silent for a moment, her eyes became wide for a moment as she realized what she'd told me.

I started walking toward the sky-colored machine, a latch had opened on it's back and a ramp led into it. "If you want someone to talk to, try... my uh friend as you addressed him. He'll listen."

"How would you know that?"

"Well... I just know he will. Plus he told me he wanted to be a psychiatrist one day, so it was also part of his career choice. He's got the mind for it too, I really don't think anything you say will freak him out." I kept on walking heading for the strange craft. I heard her run up behind me.

"So what's your friend's name?" Her voice was just above a whisper. I looked ahead and saw Mark. His back was turned and he was talking to Rose as the two walked onboard.

"Why don't you just ask him yourself?" I said, running off to join the others. Rachet was standing on the loading hatch for the center cockpit. The one's called Kawa and Rocky were already inside. All three of them wearing the same black, skin-tight outfit. There was an array of seats all facing forward.

"This is just a transport. The normal ones aren't much bigger then a jet in your world." I turned and watched as Kiri walked in, followed by Rachet. "Please sit down so we can leave." She walked up to the front of the space. I took my seat next to Rose and watched in wonder. I couldn't see any controls when we walked in. All the walls were smooth and nothing was present among them.

There was a purple light that shot down from the roof of the craft and landed in front of all the seats that we were given. As Kiri walked passed it, a figure started to appear. It started from the legs up and it was blue. It eventually worked its way up and formed into the shape of a foxes head. Hair appeared from the back of its hair and traveled down to its neck. Everyone but the people in black gasped as they saw it unfold before them.

Patches of numbers ran up and down its body in no particular fashion. It was a male, and wore nothing but a jacket that was also blue. No signs of an anatomy were present, which made me wonder of what this thing was. It opened its eyes that were a bit brighter then the rest of the body, but still the same color. "Greetings, I am the AI for the battle craft known as White Death." Its voice was odd, to say the least, but held a robotic tone as well as a very cheerful one. "This is the craft you are now all seated in. Please give me a moment to activate the user interface controls... hmm puzzling. Your individual DNA scans reveal most of you to be a pure blood human, how odd."

Kiri stopped and stood at the front of the pod. Rocky was standing behind her and sat on the ground, the other two joined him and started talking. I couldn't hear what they said, but they all looked concerned about something. "Exile, are the controls ready yet?" I couldn't help but notice the hint of agitation in Kiri's voice as she addressed the AI.

"Give me a few moments... yes. They're all ready for you madam White Sky."

"Excellent. Lets get out of here." Kiri fell back from her position, as if to lie down on the ground. Though her body was stopped as a chair appeared to be made out of light stopped her fall. In front of her appeared about a dozen screens and controls, appearing to be made out of a darker light. "Rachet, I want you to monitor the enemy position. Make sure they don't try anything." Rachet responded with a simple yes Mam and walked over to the left before performing the same actions as Kiri. Only difference being that most of the panels in front of her were of a view outside.

"Madam White Sky, I am fully capable of watching the enemy and keeping tract of their positions. Please, let Rachet rest, need she wear herself out for the coming journey."

"Yes Exile, I am fully aware of your capabilities. However, I want you focusing on looking for any kill squads in the path ahead of us."

"Understood, I will comply... scanning... hmm, it seems the enemy has foreseen our movements."

"Talk to me Exile, how many and where?"

"Only one, a C-class scouting unit. It is currently blocking our most direct rout. Distance at fifty-three kilometers and closing in at a speed of ninety-three kilometers per hour. ETA in six minutes thirty seven seconds. Recommended action, direct confrontation and engage. Chance of survival 93%."

"Okay, power engines to maximum output. I want to get as far away from here as possible before engaging."

"Affirmative... engines are at full power and are in manul control."

"All right, Rocky get the weapons systems online, I'd like to avoid any direct confrontation if possible." As Kiri barked out orders, I felt the craft start moving. I looked ahead and saw that we were passing through the forest at high speed. The surrounding brush and growth appeared to be nothing but a blur as the craft headed down. "Kawa, get the gliders open. Make sure there aren't any system errors. Rachet, what are the chasers ETA to our current position?"

"Mam they are changing course and heading for their scout. At this pace ETA is twenty minutes and seven seconds."

"Good keep an eye on them. Rocky, is our welcoming package ready?"

"Almost Mam, the E-1 missiles are currently on standby. It won't do much, but it will lower the enemy's shield about halfway."

"Good, launch it. See if you can find anything to slow down the chasers if their ETA becomes lower then ten minutes."

"Mam, might I suggest calling reinforcements?"

"No Exile I can handle a simple scout. What weapons do we have online for the Hunter?"

"Plasma beam rifle, light shield, and four, grade 20, class B rocket pods. All standard issue."

"Good, how's that E-1 missile coming."

"I'm guiding it as we speak Mam. Target hit in five." Though to anyone else it would seem very much in a panic state. I doubt it was. Everyone was moving panels around and pressing light keys. They were doing it with incredible speed and dexterity. Kiri was driving this thing as she vigorously worked, shouted, and assessed every situation given to her. I looked ahead and saw a flash of blue light as the AI confirmed the target was hit.

"Mam all systems are ready for Hunter combat, no problems or system errors."

"Good Kawa, keep me posted. ETA with enemy scout?"

"Twenty seconds and closing Mam."

"Good this'll be fun. Exile, activate the Hunter drive."

"Yes Mam, Hunter drive activated, standby for nerve fusion." I saw at least five dozen robotic arms appear from the wall and begin to attach to Kiri in various places along her entire body. I felt a rumbling in the hull of the craft. "Nerve fusion complete, Kiri of the White Sky, you are in full command of Hunter, White Death."

End of Chapter X

I Choose... to be... Free

Chapter XI

While the robotic arms grabbed Kiri's body in varying places, they didn't touch her wings or tail for some reason. I looked through the windshield and noticed that we were no longer on the ground, but in the air. There was a dark dot some distance away, but it was getting bigger. I saw that it looked much like a person, though the head looked like a hawk's. The armor on it was all black, and it varied in place. The bottoms of the legs were covered completely in it while its mid-section had almost none.

Before I could see anything more, I saw the ground for a second. We were flipping forward, for about another second before I saw the scout Exile had been talking about. I looked at Kiri, she was standing on the ground, the chair and panels of light disappearing. The robotic arms were lifting her and she was hovering in the still air. Her body leaned forward, she reached behind her back as if to get something. Her hands grabbed something unseen and brought it forward.

There was a crashing sound as she acted like she was leveling a rifle. The same light that gave her the chair formed again in her hands and became the rifle she was supposed to be holding. I looked outside and saw the hands and arms of something that was in the exact position as Kiri's. It was holding almost the same rifle as well, only bigger. The enemy was charging at us now, a beam of light in its hand. It charged at us, with the beam in front of it. Kiri didn't move at all, just kept aiming her weapon, waiting for something.

As it met us face to face, I could see the dark red eyes of the machine on the side of its head. There was a loud bang as a beam shot from Kiri's own weapon and went through the enemy's head. Everything shifted to the left as Kiri appeared to be making a jump that way. I head an explosion from outside the hull with a slight rumble. "ETA with enemy chasers' in fifteen minutes Mam." Rachet said, her voice still calm as if nothing was really happening.

"Good, Exile you have control, I'm going to rest for a while."

"Affirmative Mam." The dozens of robotic arms that had grasped Kiri were now letting go as she fell back on the luminescent chair. The arms of the machine outside pulled back and everything went back to the way it was. People were too shocked to speak at what had just happened as everyone sat in silence taking it all in. People were mumbling throughout the cabin trying to get information they had missed on what just happened.

"Exile?" I said, hoping he would be able to answer me.

"Yes, what is it?"

"If it's not too much trouble. Can you tell us exactly what just happened?"

"Why just the standard activation of the Hunter drive."

"Yes I know that but... we're not from this world and, all of us here don't know what that means."

"I apologize, but I do not understand your request." I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked over and saw Mark's auburn hair getting close to me. The vibrant green in his eyes shining through as he spoke softly.

"Let me try." I nodded to him and he stood up, to address the AI. "Exile, I assume that this ship has external cameras or some other device that transmits live video feed to the panels which are currently next to Rachet."

"Yes you are correct in your assumption. This craft has a total of 345 external and internal recording systems, All of which can be activated and used on the monitoring display panels." Mark stood silent for a moment before speaking again.

"You said recording devices' correct?"

"Yes, you are correct."

"Can you show us the external images focused on the craft during the point at which the Hunter drive was activated?"

"I'm afraid I cannot, the task of which you ask me will take too much concentration unless I differ from the task at hand. I can however show you a schematic of the ship before and after."

"That will have to do, please do so."

"Excellent, one moment please." Mark sighed and sat back down in his seat of rough steel. The image of Exile disintegrated into small packets of data that reassembled themselves to form the outside of the craft before the Hunter drive had been activated. The image span around for a few moments giving everyone a full view of the craft. The image faded away again and started to reassemble itself from the bottom up. Two of the pods had split into two different size halves. The larger of the two formed a leg while the smaller one split into three pieces that made a Y shape. This is what probably allowed this machine to stand.

The mid-section of the craft slowly grew from the bottom up. When it finished it looked as if three quarters of the center pod, two joints formed at the top on opposite sides. What happened with the legs happened here as well, only difference being that instead of three different pieces at the end a robotic hand shot out of the pods' front. The head of the Hunter came into view, being the last quarter of the main pod. It reminded me of the black helm on Kiri's armor, though this one wasn't black.

It was silent for a few moments, all of us awestruck yet again. This seemed to happen a lot lately... but I guess it was to be expected. "What about the weapons systems I saw in use? Can you show us the schematics of them?"

"Unfortunately I am forbidden to show schematics to any unlisted personnel. What I can show you would be the operating systems."

"That will suffice, please do so." The image of the Hunter disappeared and reassembled itself into a scale model that would be fit for myself or anyone else in the room as if it were only armor. Then formed itself into a rifle that I could hold as any other back home.

"This is the X-13 standard issue beam rifle, scaled down to usable hand use. Medium to long range weapon when equipped with guiding systems. Thirty shots per cartridge of class C plasma crystals injected at the top of the weapon. This rifle is highly accurate and versatile, the weapon of choice for almost many combat situations. The three-foot tripod barrel guides the beam precisely for three kilometers before losing control of it. This unique barrel allows the weapon to cool itself while firing, ensuring that any chance of an overheat is highly unlikely." The weapon looked balanced, and not much different from the old World War I rifles' I've seen. The image disappeared before I could take a better look at it however.

A new image appeared, started out with a piece that looked like a plus sign and a circular object in the center. Four pieces the extended out of it, ending the strange object in doubling its length. "This is the standard issue light weight, protective shield by use of radiating constant streams of plasma. More commonly known as the light shield, for its appearance in use. This weapon is rarely seen use in combat on the infantry. The shield propels a plasma stream ever .06 seconds, protecting the user against almost all physical attacks. It is ineffective against plasma grade, range weapons since a single beam can pass this small barrier. Its lightweight however makes it ideal for close quarter situations when ranged weapons are not ideal. A squad caught in a melee without these faces certain doom."

The figure dispersed once more and reassembled into an object that was oddly shaped. In front being a large, threaded drill bit connected to a cylindrical tube that had spiraling fins near the back end. "Finally, these are the standard issue, grade 20 class B rockets. These are equipped with three layers of charges each designed for single use and total self obliteration. The rockets have five stages before complete detonation, first being the launch stage. Second stage, guiding to rockets own specified target, capable of coming within millimeters of chosen target. Third stage, impact and detonation of EMP charges. Fourth stage, detonation of selected explosive charge ranging from standard explosives to high energy E-1 charges. Final stage, full explosion of the rocket body propelling shrapnel and packets of randomly placed small metallic spheres."

As Exile finished his explanation the picture disappeared and was replaced by the kitsune. "Is there anything else you request?" The AI starred at Mark waiting for an answer. He lowered his head as the hum of the ship accompanied the silence, though I detected a slight clicking sound from behind me. Just as Mark was about to say something, I saw a clawed hand grab his shoulder. He jumped and span around quickly to meet Kiri's cheerful face. Her black obsidian eyes starring into his. "Is there a problem with the speaker madam White Sky?"

"No, no problem here Exile, please return to your duties."

"Yes Mam." Exile's image faded away as everyone went back to their own business, leaving Mark with Kiri. Though she had a cheerful face on, he still swallowed hard.

"Is... is something wrong?" He managed to squeeze out before he ran out of breath. She smiled at him, revealing her toothy grin. If that didn't make him nervous enough, she brought her face in within inches of his. "Um... I... ah... um..." Was basically all he said, while his body shook uncontrollably. Kiri laughed at his little display which calmed him down, though not enough to stop the shaking.

"You know. You could've asked me instead of him."

"Yeah, bu... but I... I though you... were um sleeping."

"Oh, so you were thinking about me huh. Awe how kind of you." Kiri gleefully hugged him, and Mark's face lit up.

'Dam if she keeps this up, blood is gonna start coming out of every pore on his face'

"I... I ah... no... problem." Mark was practically refusing to breathe at this point. Kiri then brought her head to the side of his and then said something too quiet for me to hear. She pulled back, but as she did, she kissed him on the cheek. It was too quick for anyone to really notice, but I saw it clearly. Mark's struggling stopped suddenly and his face told shock, but not disgust. Which really didn't surprise me at all, since he didn't really tend to feel disgusted about any physical appearances anyway. Maybe shocked, unnerved, and possibly a little jealous, but not disgusted, it just really didn't fit his character.

Kiri walked toward the exit of the craft and somehow started climbing up the wall. I don't know how she did it, the walls looked completely flat and her claws didn't even scratch or dent the surface. I noticed that Mark hadn't taken his eyes off her as she scaled the smooth walls. His hand appeared to be covering his eye, as if some sort of disorientation occurred, like when you stand up to fast or something like that. Though most of his hand was actually covering the cheek where she kissed him.

She climbed to the top of the craft and crawled over to a control panel that I hadn't noticed before. She pressed a few buttons and a pole slid out horizontally from a small space in the wall. It went over about two or three yards before stopping, at which point Kiri practically jumped on it. She grabbed the pole with her feet and hung down from it. About ten feet over our heads she stretched and folded her wings close to her body as some kind of blanket. She glanced over at Mark who was almost directly under her at this point and smiled before closing her eyes.

Mark just sat there in amazement, still covering the spot with his hand, as if in disbelieve. He then looked at the path that Kiri took to get to her spot, looking for some kind of mark, or scratch. I don't know what was going through his head at this point but he started walking to where she started climbing and started moving his hands along the walls. "Any idea what he's doing?" I said to Rose, who was also watching him.

"Not a clue... think he wants to be up there?" She said, pointing up toward Kiri. I nodded to her. "What makes you so sure though?" I moved my head closer to hers and spoke softly.

"Well, I don't know if you saw it, but as she pulled back from that hug, she kissed him on the cheek." That seemed to grab her attention as her eyes almost popped out of her head. She looked at both of them, then to me. Asking silently if I was sure of what I saw. I nodded to her and she looked at the two of them again.

"Well, I always knew he wouldn't fall for someone normal, but this is... is just."

"Unexpected?"

"Yeah..."

"Well I doubt there was anyway you could even think of this possible outcome."

"Mhmm, and I never thought that I'd be in the same situation."

"Well I... yeah... who'd have thought" I told her, a smile creeping up on my face. We both sat down next to each other and watched Mark continue to rub his hands across the walls. "Think he'll find away up?"

"Either that or she'll come down." Mark continued to run his hands along the wall for a while. He turned to see us watching him, as embarrassment washed over his own face. I nodded to him and so did Rose as she put her hand on mine. We were the only ones watching him, everyone else didn't seem to care or notice as they went back to talking amongst themselves, some were even sleeping. His face suddenly got serious and he nodded back to us, and went back to moving his hands along the wall.

Finally satisfied with his search he backed away from the wall and placed his hand on the floor. A smile grew across his face in a wide grin. He started taking off his shoes and socks, tossing them aside by the wall. He then looked back to us again, as Rose and I watched, curious as if he actually found a way up. He simply ran at the wall and jumped at it, landing against it. Though surprisingly he didn't fall, he clung to the wall somehow. He then started to climb up the wall toward Kiri, who appeared to be sleeping.

If that wasn't enough, I looked closely at his clothing and it seemed to just hang there. It wasn't clinging to the wall like he was, it just fell down. His steps were slow and cautious at first but he soon gained momentum and, in about a minute, was right next to Kiri's hanging head. He didn't do anything after that. He seemed content to just cling to the wall, waiting for her to awaken. However, after about a minute he slowly reached out a hand. He ran the back of his hand across her furry cheek.

Her body didn't move, not the slightest twitch in her sleeping form. He went to move his other hand, but whatever grip he had on the wall let go. He dropped from the top of the craft and fell toward the bottom. Kiri's arm reached out and her hand met his, stopping his fall. Mark looked up, his face still a little pale from the sudden drop. Kiri looked rather surprised, but her face calmed down once she realized who she was holding.

Mark was pulled up and met face to face with her, "Um... hello."

"You should be more careful when you scale these walls."

"Um yeah, I'll have to work on that."

"So why are you all the way up here huh?" Before Mark could answer, Kiri hugged him again. Due to the way they were currently hanging at this point, Marks face ended up right in the middle of her bosom. "You don't need to lie to me. I doubt you would go through all that effort to ask me a simple question... oh sorry." Kiri released her embrace on Mark and lowered him to her face. "It's gonna be hard talking like this." Mark nodded and she placed him up against the wall where he stayed.

Kiri swung herself up onto the pole and sat, motioning for Mark to do the same. He crawled along the wall and gingerly sat himself on the pole. As soon as he got himself comfortable Kiri brought him in for another embrace. "So why did you come all this way?"

"To return a favor."

"Oh, and what favor have I ever done for you?"

"This one." Mark turned as head and as quick as Kiri kissed him, Mark kissed her on the cheek. "Hmm, feels nice." He said softly, returning with his own embrace as his arms wrapped around her.

"What does?"

"Your fur."

"Oh... thank you..."The two started conversing in whispers too quiet for me to hear.

"Well it seems those two are having a fun time." Rose said, her arm starting to wrap around mine.

"Yeah, I guess we all need someone to hold onto in times such as this. Someone to love and hold dear." Rose nodded into my shoulder as she brought herself even closer to me. "You tired?"

"Not really, I just like doing this." I felt one of her hands slip out and grab my wing. She wrapped it around herself before looking up at me. "And I really like the feel of this big thing here, reminds me of a soft leather" I felt her hand rub against the inside of my wing while putting her shoulder on my head. I looked around the interior of the craft taking note of everyone. It would seem that almost everyone had matched up amongst themselves. It really seemed that the best thing for anyone to find, really was just someone else to hold onto.

I asked Rose if she knew any of these people. She said that almost all of them had been planning to ask out one another, and those that weren't were already a couple. Not one of the survivors had been left without someone to comfort them, like I had Rose and vice versa. "Fate really has unusual ways of working itself out." Rose agreed with me.

End of Chapter XI

I Choose... to be... Free

Chapter XII

I dozed off sometime, but was suddenly awoken by a small buzzing sound. I razed my head and looked around, everyone but Mark, myself, and the four members of the craft were sleeping. Mark was crawling down while Kiri sat in the fluorescent chair. Kawa and the others were back at their posts working vigorously to fix whatever problem was occurring. "Exile, turn that dam thing off." Kiri commanded, and the buzzing sound stopped.

I stood and placed Rose carefully along the seat, thankfully she had not stirred. Mark had jumped off the wall and walked over to Kiri's chair, as did I. As if reading both our minds, she told the situation to us. "We're receiving a distress call from a tactical kill squad. I'll have it up in about a minute. Rachet where is the call coming from?"

"About 243 kilometers east of our position Mam. At top speed we can reach there in about ten minutes."

"Okay. Kawa are the escape pods ready for launch?" This question, seemed to unnerve Mark just a little, but he held his composer.

"Yes Mam, they'll be able to reach Dread Diamond Summit Base in record time."

"Good, start loading them up, gas them first. I don't want any of them waking up during the trip."

"Yes Mam." This seemed to confirm Marks fears.

"I'm not leaving." He said, his voice almost demanding that he stay.

"That was not a request." Kiri replied, seeming to regret every word spoke.

"I'm not a soldier like your friends here, and I will-"

"That's exactly why you are leaving, civilians, refugees whatever you choose to call yourself's, you come before the soldier. I have a duty to aid my fellow Hunters in combat even though it means my certain doom." I looked over to Kawa. He was busying himself with carrying the others into hatches along side the walls of the craft.

"This is Hunter squad 276 we are under heavy fire and are losing control of our current position, if anyone is out there please respond."

"Sir this is Hunter White Death, we are currently rerouting ourselves to come and aid you in the fight, what is your current status."

"Mam artillery support has been cut off and my Hunters are barley holding down the fort. I don't know how much longer he can hold out, we're low on ammunition and on troops. Right now we've barricaded ourselves in the right wing armory. Communications with our command have ceased. I fear the worst..."

"Sir our ETA is ten minutes. Who is under your command right now sir?"

"Well Mam, Fire Bug, Jackhammer, Surf, Black Death, and myself are all that's left. They nearly wiped us out Mam, so many and so fast. We weren't even able to detect them on our radar until it was too late."

"Understood sir, I'll call in reinforcements to assist us. White Death out." Kiri cut the line and turned to face us. "You two need to leave now."

"I'm not leaving." Mark said again, his voice ridden with determination as well as his face.

"Neither am I." I said, Mark and Kiri both looked at me strangely. "Well someone has to keep an eye on you."

"But... what about Rose? Shouldn't you stay with her?" Mark protested. I felt a hand on my shoulder, and immediately knew who it was.

"I can take care of myself thank you very much." Rose said, her voice sounding slightly annoyed. She looked up to me, sadness and pride in her eyes. "You sure about this?" I nodded to her and she smiled back at me. "Then, take this. You might be able to use it somehow." She handed me the silver blade handle and closed my fist around it.

"Oh Rose I can't just." She put a finger to my lips, keeping me quiet for the moment. I had an idea, though it might not work I can at least try. I gently grabbed Rose's right hand, holding it firm but gently.

"Taioth what are you." This time I put my finger against her lips. She nodded and stayed quiet as I tried to concentrate.

'I know what you're gonna try. I'd advise against it.'

'Be quiet Riker. I need to concentrate.'

'Alright... remember break it apart, then rearrange them to what you want. Start with the top layers then take the excess to form the talons. They won't be as strong as yours, but they'll help.'

'Alright, now please be quiet... help me out if you can...'

'I'll do what I can.' I concentrated on her arm, starting with a small piece of her skin. Breaking it apart into its smallest form, seeing the atoms and molecules move and change form. Then, bring it back together into the form I wanted it to be. I could hear gasps in the back of my mind, but her arm did not move nor tense.

'Amazing... okay now the whole thing.'

'Well, here goes something.' Somehow I actually succeeded in doing the transformation on a small scale. Now I just need to do the rest of her arm. The process of completing the rest of the arm at once had proven difficult on a concentration level as well as my energy output, but nonetheless it was relatively the same thing.

'Now for a weapon... I doubt she'll want them where yours are.'

'I've got an idea, but I don't know what they're exactly made out of.'

'I'll take care of that part... just find a place to put them.' I thought for a moment on where to put the finishing touches.

'Hey, what about in her arm.'

'I see where you're getting at. Not a bad place to put it. They could function as a shield as well.'

'Alright then, lets make it work.' This was probably the most difficult part of my gift extending the outer layers to make space for the last component. Riker was able to form the object, but I had to place it, as well as some sort of trigger to release it. I choose something simple yet uncommon so she wouldn't unleash it on accident. Though a trigger for retracting it was harder to think of, but I found a way. 'There... done, how does it look?'

'Well why don't you see for yourself... though how you managed to pull this off without training or unlocking your ancestral power is beyond me.'

'Heh, three thousand years of knowledge and you can't figure this one out... oh well.' I opened my eyes to look at how my gift had turned out. Surprisingly it was perfect Every color, size, and shape was perfect Scales running down from her elbow to her hand in a spiral pattern. The color of each scale shined with beauty as red and blue scales flowed with the scales two by two. I looked up to Rose who was still in shock of what I had done to her arm in the last few minutes.

While she was still in her state of shock, I decided to test the arm itself. Since I had only played with the skin, I doubt anything internally had changed, but I checked anyway. I moved it up and down, left and right, and moved each individual finger. Everything seemed to be functioning as it should, so I decided to test the trigger functions. I closed her hand into a fist and pushed her arm along her side. It looked as if she was about to punch someone in front of her. "Tense your arm for a second." She responded to my voice and her arm started shaking. I looked in front of her and gently pushed Kiri out of the way.

"Kid, what the hell is going on? How did you do that to her and what are you doing now?"

"Just a few simple tests Kiri, nothing to worry about... and I used magic to change the skin of her arm, making sure the new changes are functioning properly. Nothing special." I looked at Rose, she was still in a state of shock, but seemed a little more relaxed. "Okay, punch the area in front of you as hard as you can." Rose did so and the last component shot out of her arm.

"Wha... what is that thing " Kiri shouted, getting the attention of the other three crew members.

"It's a blade of my own design. It works in almost the same way as my claws, though I must admit this looks more sinister." The blade itself was ebony black and supposedly made out of the same stuff as my claws. Its design however was anything but peaceful and just holding. This thing I created was to intimidate and unnerve any opponent that faces it. It was a straight foot-long short sword with five claws coming out the sides. A very painful death to whoever had to suffer it, though hopefully she'll never need to use it.

"Okay everything looks to be in order, now for the retraction. Relax please." Rose did as I requested and I began moving her arm again. I held it straight out, the bent the elbow so that the blade was facing the ceiling. I placed her newly scaled hand flat against the blade and gently pulled it toward the ground. The claws folded themselves into the blade then slid down her arm and back into its unique sheath. I looked at her, her face still showing much shock "My gift to you, though I hope you never have to use it."

"And I hope my parents don't freak out about this."

"Don't worry, I can change it back when we get back to our world."

"I didn't say I wanted you to change it back." Rose's face changed instantly. She smiled and started to move her new arm around, testing its features. "In fact." Rose's voice trailed off as she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. It was brief, but I felt like it lasted a lifetime. "I love it."

"Alright you two break it up. I never said you two could stay here anyway, so why did you get your hopes up." Kiri's frustration was evident, but I could tell she wanted us to go, so we would be safe.

"Um actually Mam. According to military/civilian protocol no enlisted personnel or AI unit can force civilians to do anything, in this case jump ship. Threatening is allowed, but forceful removal is not allowed nor is it tolerated." Kiri's face brightened up as she heard probably the most valuable thing the AI has ever said.

"I guess that means we're staying." Mark said proudly, a smirk growing on his face.

"Only if you choose to do so." Kiri stated, walking back to the command chair. The other crew members went back to their work as well. Kawa had finished loading everyone by now and was waiting for her order to launch them.

"Rose, I."

"There's no need to say it. I know what I have to do, just don't die on me okay... and on the way back... find some cloths that won't rip to shreds when you wear them." Rose said as she walked over to the open hatches. "Don't worry about me. I'll keep them safe." She turned back to me and smiled happily. She then looked over to Kawa and he approached her. She nodded to him and he gently placed the breathing device over her face. He squeezed a small bag and I could see purple gas flooding into the mouth and nose pieces.

Her body fell limp shortly after and Kawa gently placed her in with another group. He looked to Kiri who nodded back at him "Exile, launch the pods to vector C-P-185."

"Yes Mam, launching in five." The doors to the pods closed and I heard a slight hum and felt a rumble as the pods were launched to, hopefully a safe place.

"Exile, have you been able to establish contact with any Hunter units?"

"Yes Mam, command has rerouted squad 228 is on the way to give assistance. ETA for their unit is five minutes and twenty-one seconds."

"Good. Rachet what's out ETA with the enemy."

"Three minutes until we reach the Sir's squad. ETA for chasers is holding at fifteen minutes flat. Mam, I think we're walking into a trap."

"I know Rachet, but we've gotta help them. I won't stand by and watch our comrades be demolished. Rocky do we have anything onboard that will help us out from this distance?"

"Ah, I can make some ragtag E-2 missiles in about two minutes."

"You got one. Kawa how are the plasma generators holding?"

"She's doing fine Mam, though if we keep pushing her like this I don't know how long she'll last during the fight."

"Understood. Exile, power down the engines 5%, no sense in fighting with a blown generator."

"Done."

"Kawa, dig up a quick training program for the A-1 fighters, see if we can put these two here to use."

"Yes, Mam... would program 253 suffice?"

"That'll do. Set it up through the head links and get them at least poorly suited for combat."

"Pardon me Madam White Sky, but are you planning to activate the Hunter drive again?"

"Yes Exile, I can handle it."

"Mam your body is fatigued and you can barley keep up with commanding your own crew. Might I suggest one of the others here do it for you?"

"Forget it Exile, I need Rocky to keep our weapons online, Rachet needs to be monitoring the enemy, and Kawa must be available in case one of the generators blow."

"Mam, I was talking about the half-breed and the human."

"No way, neither of them have any weapons training nor do they."

"Madam, it would be better if they do it anyway. The strain you will be putting on your body and mind for activating the Hunter drive will be too great. You're better off in one of the A-1 fighters."

"No... dammit..." Kiri turned from her seat and looked at both of us, studying our body's physical condition and health. "Which one of you knows how to shoot a gun?" I stepped forward, ahead of Mark, a grin plastered on my face.

"Just tell me where the trigger is."

End of Chapter XII

-Well thats the end of Book 2 please comment and rate. say what you like nd dislike. give me some ideas if you want and i'll tell you if i'll use them... probably will.