FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

All right, the 2nd to last chapter to FF. This one took a while because I wanted to get a little into Tyrant's past and also explain a little about Nightmare and how he get to where he is. If you need a refresher on the gods of the power stones, take a look back on the earlier chapters. Have fun and enjoy.

"They drained him more then I thought," Xander said looking at Tyrant.

Tyrant was suspended in mid air, five glowing orbs rotating around him like a planet. His eyes were closed as his chest rose and fell slowly.

"I knew I'd find you here."

Xander turned to see Mystina walking up.

"How long till he recovers full power?"

"He's a lot more powerful then we thought so it's going to take a couple of days. We have the orbs at full power healing and even that's taking a toll on them."

Xander studied him again before turning his eyes to Mystina without moving his head.

"Did you get rid of Lezard?"

Mystina flinched a little before smiling.

"Of course I did."

"Liar!!" he yelled grabbing her throat. "You him let him live."

She grabbed his hand as he lifted her in the air.

"Why did you let him live?"

"I....I don't know."

He squeezed harder making her gag.

"Next time I say to do something, you carry it out. Understand?"

"Ye....yes.....Xander."

He grunted and dropped her to the ground as she started coughing.

"Don't disobey me again."

"I won't," she said softly.

"I must tell the master we've succeeded. Continue to monitor our guest."

"It shall be done," Mystina said looking at the ground.

Xander disappeared as Mystina growled angrily,

********

"Canis please help us," Shadow said.

Canis smiled putting down his tea as he looked at everyone.

"Very well," he said as his eyes flashed with power. "I will tell you everything."

The house seemed to dissolve around us before showing us looking down on people.

"What are we looking at?" Crystal asked.

"The gods of the Power stones." Canis said.

I looked at them to see them looking at a man that was well aged dressed in all black. He had sliver hair and was surrounded by six things that looked like angles with four wings and no heads.

"Who is that?" I asked.

"The Godslayer or Nightmare as the gods call him." Canis said.

I turned back to the gods of the stones as the each had on the same color robe as the stone. They didn't look as old as I thought they would be as one of them walked up.

"Godslayer, you do not belong in this realm."

"And why not Modeen? The Multiverse is a big place." Nightmare said with a smile.

"You will not destroy this realm like you have with many others. You may be the Godslayer, but you will not beat us."

Nightmare laughed and shook his head.

"You don't know who I am do you?" he said as his body started to emit a dark aura. "I am Nightmare, the destroyer of all gods. And you will die at my hands like every other god."

"Nobody will die today," Canis said. "You may be powerful, but even the mightiest of people can fall."

Nightmare looked at Canis with a scowl.

"And what do you know god of dogs? You don't even belong in this realm yourself."

"That may be so, but I will not stand idly by and do nothing to help."

Nightmare let out a humph as he looked at them one by one.

"Eight pitiful gods trying to defeat me? Very well, I will let you entertain me for a while."

The ground shook a little behind him as a throne made of rock appeared as he took a seat.

"Destroy them all," he said to the angels.

All the angels wings glowed bright before they charged them. Everybody spilt up and took off. Nightmare watched as the battle took place.

"These things are tougher then they look," Gannon said dodging attacks.

"I guess you're rusty then," Istar said bringing up a barrier as it deflected balls of power.

"Don't play around with them," Valz said.

"Bring them together. I can take them out in one shot," Ruben said.

"You heard the man, let's make it happen," Ginyu said.

They knocked the angels around until they were gathered together in a circle. Ruben held his hands together as the Chaos stone glowed.

"Time for you to visit the depths of hell, "Chaos Dimension"."

The sky got dark as a circle surrounded the angels. A pentagram appeared in the sky before a light shot down from the middle of it. The angels let out a yell of pain as their bodies started to break apart before getting sucked up into the light.

"That's that," Ruben said dusting his hands. "Now you're the only one left."

"Don't take me lightly," Nightmare said.

"Don't take us lightly," Istar said angrily.

Nightmare's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Well why don't you save yourselves some major pain, and just submit to me destroying you."

"Don't get cocky with us," Istar said and took off towards him.

"No wait," Tenzen said.

Istar was like a speeding bullet towards Nightmare who sat unmoving. He raised one finger slowly as Istar was inches away, causing him to be bound where he stood.

"What is this? I can't move," Istar said struggling.

Nightmare got up slowly and walked towards him.

"Is this the extent of our power?"

"You haven't seen anything."

"Really? Then show me," Nightmare said snapping his fingers.

Istar felt his body unbound as he looked at Nightmare.

"I'll show you."

He crossed his arms together as the Power stone glowed brightly, causing him to glow with an orange tint as his power grew greatly. Nightmare watched as the wind blew his hair back before a bright flash of light covered his body.

"Say your prayers," Istar said.

He didn't even take one step before he went to both knees holding his stomach.

"Jesus, I didn't even see him move," Canis said shocked.

Nightmare lifted Istar's chin with one finger looking him in the eyes.

"You disappoint me."

He brought his other hand towards his face as a black ball appeared. Nightmare smiled before the ball exploded in his face sending Istar flying in the air and landing with a thud next to everybody.

"Istar!!" Modeen said rushing over.

"St.....strong," Istar said before passing out.

"I haven't even used one percent of my power. I thought you were suppose to be stronger then this," Nightmare said shrugging his shoulders.

Gannon and Ginyu looked at each other before nodding their heads.

"Wait, what are you two going to do?" Tenzen asked.

"What we can do," Gannon said.

Nightmare looked as they walked forward.

"Two against one, now that isn't fair? Oh well, guess I'll have to raise my power to five percent of my max."

He closed his eyes as everybody shivered when they felt his power go from crazy to absurd.

"All right," he said opening his eyes. "I'm ready when you are."

Gannon glowed yellow before disappearing. Nightmare gave a smile as he dodged an invisible onslaught before throwing his elbow out hard to his left as a person let out a grunt. Gannon appeared as he was on one knee holding his chest and breathing hard. Nightmare grabbed his neck and lifted him with ease.

"The god of time, Gannon. I've heard great things about you."

"I'm.......honored," Gannon said.

"How can you hope to stand against me? I was made to destroy gods, just give it up."

"And give up the girls I have now, no thanks."

"Very well. Your legacy will end now then."

Black lighting started to surge through Gannon's body making him yell in pain. Just as his eyes went into the back of his head, two green globes exploded on the back of Nightmare. Once the smoke was clear, he turned to see Tenzen in the air.

"Was that suppose to hurt?"

"No, just to give him enough time."

Nightmare turned back to see a doll with its face in a wink. He let out a chuckle before it burned in his hand.

"I see everybody has their jokes to play."

"That's what makes us sane."

"But it will do you no good. I'll give you one shot Tenzen, make it count," Nightmare said putting his hands in his pockets.

Tenzen scowled at his arrogance.

"One shot huh? Very well."

Tenzen held his hands apart as his body got covered in a green glow. The Soul stone glowed brightly causing the sky to glow.

"I'll give everything you want and more Nightmare."

Tenzen held his hand up as a swirling green vortex hovered above. Out of it came an ivory spear. He spun it around before pointing it at Nightmare.

"May your soul rot forever in hell, Elmeckia Lance."

He spun the spear rapidly above his head before throwing it at him with great speed and strength behind it. The spear glowed green before an image of a phoenix covered it. It let out a screech before hitting Nightmare causing a massive explosion. A huge tornado of green flame covered the area before fading away leaving a crater.

"Shit, I haven't used that move in a long time," Tenzen said breathing hard as he felt the stone pulse rapidly.

"Boy, Tenzen went all out if he's using the Elmeckia Lance." Valz said.

The smoke cleared as Nightmare stood there. He looked at his left cheek which showed a small cut on it.

"You ruined my beautiful face. For that, I will show no mercy."

He lifted his leg before slamming it down causing a huge crack in the earth which raced towards Tenzen. When it was under him, a giant hand shot up and grabbed him.

"You're finished."

His eyes flashed causing the hand to crush him before bringing him down to he ground numerous times. The final slam caused an explosion as Tenzen was sent flying in the air before crashing to the ground unmoving.

"Two gods down, six to go. Do you want to continue this useless fight, or kneel and prepare to die?"

********

"You have done excellent work Xander."

'Thank you my liege. You are too kind," Xander said on one knee.

"How soon will Tyrant recover full strength?"

"We have the recovery orbs at full power but its taking a toll on them. He's a lot more powerful then expected."

The flame chuckled and glowed dimly,

"But there is something that bothers me about him."

"And what would that be?"

"He doesn't seem to be the one who would follow directions. He might turn on us."

"Yes, that is possible. But have no fear. Once he recovers, bring him to me."

"But what if he refuses?"

"Just tell him that I have an offer he can't refuse."

Xander bowed his head before leaving.

********

"Damn. We can't beat something like that." Valz said.

"And it doesn't even look like he even getting serious," Ginyu said.

Gannon still wasn't moving but Istar regained some of his strength.

"We have to work together. Let's use the Delta Attack." Ginyu said.

"Anything is worth a try now." Valz said.

"Then I'm in," Ruben said walking up.

"No," Istar said getting up slowly. "You and Modeen are the ones who have a better chance when working together."

Ruben wanted to object but Modeen patted his shoulder.

"He's right Ruben."

Ruben grunted but nodded his head. Istar, Valz, and Ginyu walked up as Nightmare looked at them.

"You really are stubborn people." he said shaking his head. "But what else should I expect from pitiful gods such as yourselves."

"You're going to regret those words, Godslayer." Istar said.

All of them started to glow with power as they got covered with glowing auras. Nightmare raised an eyebrow as he felt their power grow stronger by the second.

"Maybe this won't be so boring after all." he said with a smile.

Istar took off first, followed by Ginyu. Nightmare took a stance ready for anything. When they got close enough, they spilt off in separate directions.

"What is this?" Nightmare said confused.

He felt a presence behind him. Turning around, Valz was there and struck him hard in the air with a summersault kick, dazing him.

"Ginyu, now." Valz said.

Istar hands glowed with raw power as he set his sights on Nightmare.

"I grow tired of you."

He flew at Nightmare and struck him over and over, each hit sounding like a bomb going off. He held his hands above his hand in a double axe handle as a ball of pure power grew rapidly.

"Final Blast."

He came down onto Nightmare with a thunderous explosion sending him flying to the ground.

"Ginyu, do it." Istar said.

Ginyu flew at him knocking him back into the air before he hit the ground. He held his hand out as a black hole appeared.

"Oh heavenly stars, grant me your power and strike down my enemy. Prismatic Missile."

Rays of power shot out from the hole striking Nightmare further into the air with explosion before coming together like a comet and detonating.

"Valz, finish it."

Valz pulled out a giant bow made of gold and pulled back the string as an arrow of white flame appeared. He let it go as it split into dozens of tiny arrows as they struck Nightmare's body all around. He held his hand up as the arrows returned to his hand in a ball of white light

"This will finish you, Holy Explosion."

He shot the ball into the air as it split the clouds before the arrow came streaking down as it connected with Nightmare sending him through the ground where it exploded shaking the ground violently before calming.

"Did we get him?" Istar said out of breath landing down next to Valz.

"I don't know. I can't sense him anywhere." Valz said.

Everybody stood quietly, not knowing what to expect. Soon the ground started to shake, weak at first then stronger before a black light shot up. Nightmare floated up from the hole, his back turned as he landed on the ground.

"Impressive," he said before turning around. He had a cut over his right eyebrow and his black shirt was ripped in some places. "I must admit, you gods do have tricks up your sleeves. But your attacks only tickled me."

He gave an evil smile as his eyes turned black, streaks of lighting started to run around his body.

"His power keeps rising," Modeen said shivering a little. "I've never been this........scared before."

Black waves of power oozed from Nightmare's body as he laughed.

"Since I gave you one shot to hurt me and you failed miserably, it's my turn. Are you ready?"

Ginyu, Valz, and Istar stood ready. Their bodies shook a little but their eyes held strong. Nightmare held his hand out, palm down as a black ray shot into the ground. It converged towards them before rising up like a wave and covering them inside a black dome.

"What is this?" Istar said and started to strike it.

As he hit it, it felt like jelly as it bounced. He kept striking it until he held his chest and coughed. Looking at his hand, there were traces of blood.

"What's going on?" Valz said going to one knee.

Nightmare's face appeared from the wall and laughed.

"This is only a taste of what I'm capable of. The longer you stay in there, the more the poison seeps into your body, destroying your organs little by little."

"You bastard" Ginyu said angrily

"Since I'm a kind soul, I'll end your suffering now."

Nightmare laughed as his face disappeared. Outside, Nightmare held one finger out and started to write in the air. The dome responded by flashing before white symbols appeared all around. He gave a smile as he finished and created a small black ball.

"Your time has come to an end. Oblivion Blast."

He tossed the ball at the dome causing it to glow all white before exploding from the inside causing the ground to shake violently as cracks lined the earth. When the shaking stopped, the dome dissolved showing a huge crater with Valz, Ginyu, and Istar lying at the bottom.

"Hmmm, I still feel them hanging on. Guess I do have a soft spot after all," Nightmare said laughing madly.

********

Lezard sat on the bed of the inn he was staying at. He traveled a while trying to get away from town and find new work. He took a couple of assassin jobs which he handled easily. But his mind kept going back to Mystina.

"Dammit," he growled angrily.

He got up and paced back and forth trying to clear his mind and get ready for his next job he had to do.

"Why is she having this affect on me?"

He let out a yell before driving his fist into the mirror cracking it.

"A little tense are we?"

Lezard has his rapier at the person's neck in a heartbeat. His eyes widened at who he saw.

"Mystina!? Dammit, I told you about doing that."

Mystina felt her neck as there was a small cut. She wiped it clean before licking the blood off her finger.

"I told you I would find you."

She grabbed him and kissed him hotly, passionately, making them both moan before breaking off.

"What are you doing here?" Lezard asked confused.

"I needed to vent some frustration. And what better way to do that then rough *kiss*, wild *kiss*, crazy *kiss*, sex."

"Won't you get in trouble for doing this?"

Mystina let out a deep purr which rumbled through Lezard's body making him purr himself.

"I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself. Now help me release my frustration," she growled pinching his neck with her nails pulling him into a kiss.

Grimwald watched from the window with a smile before disappearing.

********

"Wait a minute," Skorp said holding his hand up. "How is he beating the gods so easily? I thought the gods were stronger then this?"

"I should explain then. Nightmare is what he said, a godslayer. He was made by an Over-power to punish some unknown and long dead god or gods." Canis said looking at him. "Most god slaying weapons are just that, a sword, dagger or an arrow. The Over-power who made Nightmare chose to make a living creature with free will. But when his job was done didn't bother to seal him up. Then he allowed it to roam freely throughout the entire Multiverse, which is a term for alternate realities."

"An Over-power? What's that?" Tiger asked.

"There are many levels of divinity, quasi powers. Thanos would qualify as one. Demi gods, like Faleen is. Then there are true divinities, lesser gods, intermediate gods, and the greater deities. These are what mortals are most used to." Canis explained "An Over-power is in simple terms our boss. They ensure we don't give our followers and worshippers, one set of rules to follow, and that we do things against our own rules."

"To give you an idea of their power, a hundred thousand gods could attack an over-power with their strongest attacks, and they wouldn't so much as scratch the over power. By contrast the over power could wave his hand, and not only destroy all those gods but at the same time create new ones to take their places." Faleen said.

I sat there and watched. Five gods, stronger then me were taken out easily by this one person. The thought made me shiver as I felt the Light stone pulse as well as if remembering the event.

"So, how exactly did you beat him?" Venom asked.

"We couldn't defeat him, so I had take a chance and hope I was right on my hunch. Just watch you'll see what happened." Canis said.

The scene fast forward as we saw Ruben, Modeen, and Canis hunched over.

"Yes, even I had the pleasure of tasting my own blood." Canis said with a chuckle and started laughing some.

Modeen had blood running down the left side of his arm as his right eye was closed. Ruben's body had several bruises and covered with blood. His right hand seemed to be broken as it was twisted badly. Canis's fur around his neck was red as blood came down his muzzle onto his robe.

"I give you people credit," Nightmare said breathing hard. His black shirt had been completely torn off as cuts were around his chest. His silver hair showed streaks of red. "This is the first time I was forced to use up to half my power."

Modeen stood up and gritted his teeth holding his left arm.

"We can't beat him like this. He'll kill us eventually."

"What do we do then?" Ruben asked.

Canis head was spinning before an idea crossed his mind.

"Hey I got an idea. I'll be back soon."

And in a flash of light Canis was gone as Nightmare laughed out.

"Looks like he's chosen to save his own tail, after I kill you seven I'll go hunt him down."

Ruben snarled at Nightmare as he shouted out, "If he says he'll be back, you can believe that you bastard."

Laughing, Nightmare approached the seven wounded gods as an aura of blackness covered his hand.

"Then I'll just need to kill you before he returns."

That blackness formed into a long curved black blade that was attached to his arm. As he approached the standing three they were prepared to try one last attack to save their lives.

As Nightmare lifted his arm a female voice shouted out "Vortex orb!" And taken by surprise Nightmare had turned around to see a blood red vixen wearing familiar robes and holding a staff with a large clear diamond. Her features foreign to all, but three of the watching group. A white orb in her hand collided with Nightmare's chest as he screamed in pain. The attack had not only caught him off guard, but the pain had stunned him as the orb tore into his chest and then fired off pushing him nearly a hundred yards in the blink of an eye.

"How dare you!" Nightmare yelled out as he glared murder at the werefox and with a lash of his hand a powerful bolt of pure energy came at the three remaining gods and the vixen as she held her staff up and projected a barrier just in time to block Nightmare's attack. There was a massive explosion that raised dust and debris. Holding his chest Nightmare had begun laughing only to be cut off when he saw the barrier was intact but two more had appeared around the other fallen gods.

She stepped out of the barrier and spoke to the utterly stunned godslayer. "Seems Canis was right, mortal attacks affect you quite nicely." she said and gripped her staff tightly.

"Impossible. No god can withstand my attacks, how can a pathetic mortal survive them?"

"I'll let you figure it out." she said as Nightmare had gotten up and he lunged at Faleen who also attacked, she used her staff to block the over head strike as Nightmare was starting to foam at the mouth in rage. With a flash he drew the blade back to try and cut at Faleen's body only to have her lead backwards.

Nightmare lunged forward as he prepared to strike at Faleen only to be caught off guard as what appeared to be chains of light snapped around his arms and legs dragging him backwards. As behind him appeared six other mages of various races with glowing hands as the white chains pulled him away from Faleen as he was forced into the middle of a semi circle of the group.

Each one took an equal distant position around Nightmare as they slammed their staffs into the ground and began chanting. As Faleen planted her staff and also started chanting is some ancient spoken tongue, as a circle formed around him that was filling with geometric and a seven pointed star as Nightmare screamed and shouted.

"I bind you to this void till a mortal wielding the magic attack power of a god shatters this void." She said and with a set of glowing fingers she extended her right arm and touched the diamond on her staff as it sent out massive waves of power as the strain on her and everyone showed as the waves hit Nightmare, and he was shouting, "I will return I will return!"

As a vortex absorbed him he sunk into the ground as the last sight of his was his hand vanishing at last as a disk shaped object lifted up into the air and then vanished. When it was gone all the mortals dropped to the ground exhausted as the bubbles around the other gods vanished and Canis appeared.

"I was right where as we couldn't battle it effectively, mortals could so it had a weakness." He says as the other gods started to heal them selves while Canis tended to the mortals and Faleen. As he did the image faded from view.

The house reverted back to normal as nobody spoke. The only sound was the crackling of the fire.

"Such......power," Luna said shaky.

"Faleen is the void you sealed him in weakened?" I asked her.

"No, the talisman draws on energy from around it keeping it strong. Only a god or a mortal baring the attack power of a god which is supposed to be impossible could break it. And no god would risk setting that thing free. The disk contains writing which warns what it protects."

"But that doesn't explain why he wants Tyrant." Theft spoke up.

I knew the answer right away.

"The "Ragna Blade"," I said crossing my arms. My mind was reeling as I tried to see the bigger picture. I knew that this Nightmare had to have been the one Thanos was talking about, but other pieces were still missing

"The "Ragna Blade"?" Shadow said looking at me. "Do you think it could break the seal?"

I closed my eyes remembering the hatred and raw power that went into that attack.

"That's the only reason I can see for them not taken the stones. That attack has tremendous power behind it, thus the reason Firestorm broke."

"Well yes and no, the Ragna Blade normally doesn't have the power needed to break that kind of seal. But when you place your anger, hate, rage, and pure evil into it, then its true power is seen and it has the power needed." She said and I turned away thinking.

"And now that he's been turned to evil he has plenty of that to power it." Canis said making me stop turning to face him as I looked at him questioning him with my eyes. But I couldn't put it into place as Tiger spoke distracting me.

"How do we find him?" Tiger asked.

"I can try but Xander might have hidden him well. It might be more advantageous to try and locate the talisman. It has to be destroyed to free Nightmare. And if Nightmare is freed I will be unable to help you directly. As a demi-goddess my powers and attacks will be as ineffective a full powered god." Faleen said.

"Who were those people anyway?" Jenna asked.

Faleen gave a sigh and sat back in the chair.

"Xander Talonshard, he and I served under Canis together before his betrayal. I thought I killed him but I guess I didn't see the job through."

Everybody was quiet before Shadow stood up and stretched.

"We'll figure out something tomorrow. In the meantime, lets all get some sleep."

We all nodded our heads and stood up when Shadow looked at me.

"Hey Ultimus, if you do something stupid and survive, when we get back here, I'll break both your legs and arms."

"What makes you think he'll do something stupid?" my dad asked.

"I see a little bit of Shadow in Ultimus. From what I heard from you guys, they are pretty much alike, very stubborn. Thankfully Shadow has mellowed and is not as reckless these days." Sarah said with a chuckle making Shadow give a small grin.

Canis chuckled as well as everybody turned in for the night.

********

Mystina purred happily as she rested her head on Lezard's chest covered in sweat.

"Amazing, just like I pictured it."

Lezard was quiet as Mystina looked at him.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"This seems too good to be true. Nothing ever ends good for me."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because every female I ever get involved with, died in my arms because of what I do."

She gave him a squeeze and a kiss on the neck.

"You don't have to worry about me. Like I said, I can take care of myself."

"I'm glad you can," a voice echoed out.

Lezard had his rapier in his hand quick as lighting as he stood up.

"Who's there?" he snarled.

"Grimwald?" Mystina said.

"Hello Mystina," he said appearing upside on the ceiling.

"What do you want?"

He looked at them both before closing his eyes.

"I've been sent to kill you both. Xander's very upset."

He opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Answer me truthfully and I'll decide my next step."

"Okay, what?" she asked.

"Do you love him?"

Mystina looked Lezard who looked back. She stared into his eyes before looking back at Grimwald.

"I do."

"I see."

He dropped down and approached them both. Lezard stood ready despite having nothing on.

"Give me some blood."

"Come again?" Lezard said confused.

"Give me some blood."

"Why?"

"Because Xander wants your head along with your spine attached as proof I carried out my job."

"Do what he says," Mystina said using her nail to prick her finger.

Lezard hesitated but cut his finger and presented it to Grimwald. Grimwald held his finger up as it glowed green. Both of their blood started to turn green before bubbling and growing bigger. After a few minutes, both Mystina's and Lezard's head floated in the air, their spine attached dripping blood.

"All set," Grimwald said and grabbed them, placing them in a bag and turning to the window.

"Why are you helping us?" Lezard asked.

Grimwald turned his head and smiled.

"My reasons are my own. You want I bring him the real thing?"

Lezard swallowed causing Grimwald to laugh. He was about to leave when Mystina stopped him.

"Grimwald.............thank you."

"If I find out you cause Mystina to lose her smile, consider yourself a marked man."

With that said, he disappeared into the night leaving a confused Lezard.

"What just happened?"

"We are now dead, thanks to Grimwald."

Lezard sheathed his rapier and laid back down.

"I guess it's a fresh start from here on." Lezard said.

"Suits me just fine." Mystina said kissing him.

********

I sat by the river, watching the sun rise slowly in the horizon. One arm was on my knee while the other plucked blades of grass from the ground. My eyes were closed as I thought about everything I just witnessed.

"Nightmare, if he ever broke free it would be the end of us all. The only thing I figured was that being mortal we could stop him.

I opened my eyes as they reflected the rays from the sun a little. Birds swooped down from the trees grabbing the fish that were careless enough to float to close to the surface.

"Surely Tyrant wouldn't be stupid enough to unleash him? Maybe if I can find him, I can talk some sense into him?"

I leaned back into the tree I was under and laughed.

"Yeah right, and Chris will become president."

I stood up and stretched, letting out a yawn. Walking to the edge, I dipped my hands into the water and washed my face.

"Guess I'll take a walk and think about this."

I put my hands in my pocket and started to walk along the river edge. Everybody was still asleep as Sarah was downstairs making breakfast. She turned her head as Tasha walked in.

"Good morning Sarah," she said with a smile.

"Good morning Tasha. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes thank you." She said as Sarah handing her some tea. "Can I ask a question?"

"Sure."

"How long have you and Shadow been together?"

She smiled as she placed the plates on the table.

"About ten years. How about you and Ultimus?"

"A year. I don't know what I would've done if I never met him. He's been everything I could hope for in a mate, kind, loving, and very cute. Kind of like Shadow."

Sarah giggled as Tasha blushed lightly.

"Yes, he's a wonderful man and great father. I'm sure Ultimus will be a great father too."

Tasha smiled and held her stomach softly remembering the vial she took. They heard a moan and turned to see Thomas in his pajamas.

"Good morning," he said in a yawn rubbing his eyes.

"Morning Thomas." they both said.

He walked over and sat next to Tasha who smiled.

"Tasha can I ask a question?"

"Of course sweetheart."

"Can I visit you and Ultimus when you leave?"

"Of course dear. You and your brothers and sisters are more then welcomed. Just make sure you ask your parents first."

"Thanks," he said jumping down giving her a hug.

"Thomas, go wake everybody and tell them breakfast is ready." Sarah said.

"Ok mom," he said and scampered upstairs.

After 5 minutes, everybody was downstairs eating away. Everybody was silent after what they heard and saw.

"So," Tiger said putting his cup down. "What do we do?"

"I don't know. For the first time, I'm at a lost for words." Crystal said. "I had no clue that anything like this was going on."

"Faleen, you said you couldn't locate Tyrant because of Xander?" Skorp asked.

"He knows how I work so he can block some of my abilities."

"Do we search everywhere until we find him?" Theft asked.

"It would take too long." Faleen said shaking her head. "And I have bad news, I recalled something from last night I forgot to tell you. Nightmare cannot be killed. Seems the over power made him immortal and eternal; the best you can do is reseal him. I have taken steps to ensure that when he's weak enough we can reseal him."

Everybody was quiet again until Faleen's nose started to twitch. She sniffed the air as everybody looked at her.

"What's wrong?" Jenna asked.

She got up and walked over to Tasha and sniffed again. Tasha's face brightened hoping for good news.

"Did it work?"

Faleen looked her in the eyes, a sad expression in them as Tasha sighed sigh sadly.

"Congratulations, mom."

"Mom!!" everybody said.

"Yes, Tasha is pregnant."

Everybody was speechless until Chris clapped his hands causing them to cheer.

"That's great," my mom said. "I bet Arngrim is excited."

"Where is Ultimus?" Anna asked.

Everybody looked around but I was no where to be seen.

"He always does this," Tiger said. "He'll show up eventually."

"Of course he will," Tasha said tears of joy in her eyes. "Thank you again Faleen."

"My pleasure."

********

Xander looked at Tyrant's body, still enclosed in the healing circle. He felt a presence and turned around.

"Well?" he said.

Grimwald walked up and tossed the bag to Xander.

"It is done." he said coldly.

Xander opened the bag and grabbed Mystina's head and looked at it.

"Did I have to resort to such measures?"

"She got what she deserved. I gave her power and she chooses a petty thief over me."

He rubbed her cheek softly before kissing her pale lips.

"Sorry my dear, you had your chance but you blew it."

"Who's going to monitor our guest now? Mystina was the only one with the healing capabilities?"

"That's where you're wrong my friend. Come on out."

Grimwald looked behind him to see an otter walk up. Her purple hair was cut short as she carried a cat-o-nine tails by her side.

"Meet Meara, her replacement."

She bowed her head and smiled.

"She knows everything Mystina knows and more."

"I see," Grimwald said a little disappointment in his voice.

Xander walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Do not worry Grim, once this is over, we will have more power then we know what to do with."

"Of course Xander, I can't wait." Grimwald said with a smile.

********

I headed back to Shadow's house after walking and thinking. It seemed like every question had another question on top of it which drove me crazy. My head hurt and my stomach growled as I entered the front yard, hearing everybody's laughter.

"At least they're in a good mood."

I opened the door as everybody turned to look at me with smiles.

"What's up?" I said.

Tasha got up and ran into my arms hugging and kissing me.

"Okay, I'm glad to see you to," I said looking at her confused.

"I've got wonderful news."

"I'm listening."

"We're going to be a family."

"I thought we're already a family?"

"No silly, "our" family."

I looked at her confused far a second before it sunk in as my eyes widened.

"You.......you serious?" I said shocked.

"Yes."

"Oh my god."

I couldn't believe it. Tasha was carrying......our kids. I hugged her tight and kissed her happily.

"How.........when....." I stuttered out.

"That night I went into heat, I conceived." Tasha said happily.

"But I thought......."

"You can thank me for making it happen." Faleen said. "Our deal in now complete."

"Deal? You mean you two set this up?"

They both nodded their heads as Faleen stood up and walked over.

"I guess I owe you my thanks. But it's probably not enough."

"Don't worry," she whispered in my ear softly. "I'll let you pay me back personally."

My ear ears went red as my tail wagged non stop making everybody laugh.

"Now that you're back, let's decide what we're going to do." Crystal said.

My face turned serious quick as I sat down.

"Okay first question, do we know where he is?"

"No. Faleen said some guy named Xander might have a barrier around him preventing any kind of tracking." Venom said. "And she can't locate the disk either."

"I see."

I crossed my arms and held my head down, eyes closed. My ears twitched a little as everybody looked at me.

"Then I guess we have to wait until they make the first move."

"But that's crazy. By the time we find them, if we find them, that walking powerhouse would be free," Theft said.

"You have any other ideas?" I said looking at him.

Theft opened his mouth to speak but closed it and shook his head.

"I know the waiting game is dangerous, but until we know where they are holding Tyrant, we can't make a move."

Nobody liked the idea but they nodded their heads in agreement.

"And when we do find them, we hope and pray Nightmare isn't released." I said as my ears picked up the sound of music. "Until then, I suggest everyone enjoy what time they have before coming face to face with what could very well be our final resting place."

I stood up and held my hand to Tasha who took it.

"I'm going to enjoy myself with Tasha while I can. I suggest you do the same."

Everybody watched as I left before Crystal closed his eyes and laughed.

"He's matured into a real man."

"Well he has all of you to thank for that," Rose said. "I knew it would be hard on him at first, but I'm glad you guys stuck by him."

"Yes, he's indeed a true champion." Shadow said "A touch inexperienced but with you at his side he has great potential."

"Well, let's take his advice and enjoy the festival," Greywolf said getting up.

********

Tasha and I walked through the festival hand in hand. We were both happy but now that a new situation has arrived, my mind was set in defense mode. I didn't even hear what Tasha said until she stopped and I felt a tug.

"You didn't even hear what I said did you?"

"I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Tasha frowned but gave a weak smile as she caressed my cheek.

"Don't worry about it my love. We'll stop them before it's too late."

"It's not them I'm worried about anymore."

She leaned up and kissed me softly.

"Ultimus, you know I'm stronger then I look."

"That's not the point." I said with a touch of anger.

Her ears folded back as I cursed myself. I held her close as she whined quietly.

"I'm sorry," I said softly.

"It's okay. I understand what you're going through."

She looked up and gave me that smile which I loved her for.

"Now then, shouldn't we be enjoying ourselves like you suggested?"

"Touché," I said with a smile.

"Excuse me?"

We looked over to see a collie in a booth.

"Yes, you two. Come here."

We looked at each other before walking over. He had an assortment of charms hanging by strings from the ceiling.

"I can see the love in both your eyes. Can I offer you one of my charms?"

"How lovely," Tasha said looking at them.

"May I suggest the angel charms?" he said holding up two sliver angels. They each had a harp in their hands riding on a cloud.

"Very pretty."

"There's an old story about them. It's said that when two people's love is deep enough, the angels will react. When one is injured the color changes to red and when one is dead, it turns black."

I grunted at that and turned my head.

"So beautiful. Can we get them Ultimus?"

"Sure, if that's what you want."

I handed the collie the money as we started walking. Tasha slipped on over my head as it hung around my neck.

"Looks good on you."

I slipped the other one around her neck and kissed her.

"Makes you more even more beautiful to look at."

She blushed and kissed me again as we walked through the festival.

********

My mom stood on the front yard watching the kids play with Sarah. Her thoughts went back to that dark night when she was on the run thought the forest with a bundle in her arms, her pursuers hot on her trail.

"I never did get to thank that person for the help," she said.

"Something wrong?" Shadow said walking up.

"No, just remembering something."

"Oh, care to share?"

"I was just remembering that night I was running from my pursuers with Ultimus in my arms. Then just when they surrounded me, somebody jumped in and saved us. I couldn't see his face because it was dark and he was dressed in all black."

"I see." Shadow said as Cassie ran over and picked her up in his arms.

"But there is one thing I remember. It was what he said to me."

She looked up at the clear blue sky and smiled.

"That person said, "Do not worry my lady, I will handle them. You and the little one get to safety."

"Oh that was you? I thought I had taken your scent in before." Shadow said.

My mom looked at him in shocked as Shadow smiled.

"You mean, it was you?"

"Yes. It was a small favor Canis asked me to do while I was inspecting something in your realm. Turned out better then the last time he asked me for a small favor."

Rose hugged him and gave him a kiss on the forehead.

"You really are something else. Thank you."

"You're most welcomed," Shadow said before joining his kids.

********

"How is he Meara?" Xander said.

"He's completely healed, but for some reason he's not waking up."

"That's strange. Do you know why?"

"I'm trying to find out now."

Xander looked at Tyrant and saw his left hand twitch as if having a bad dream that he couldn't wake up from which was all to true.

"Come on Tyrant, I know this isn't the extent of your power is it?" Wanda said looking at her brother Tyrant."

"You wish," Tyrant said breathing a little hard.

"Then show me what you got," Wanda said taking a stance.

Tyrant charged his older sister again as they went blow for blow. Their father was watching from a distance with a smile on his face.

"The young master is quite the fighter," Calais said walking up to the king.

"Indeed he is. He has far more power then me at that age that is waiting to be unleashed." Veldez said.

"Are you sure you want to hand down the kingdom to him at such a young age? He's only 23."

"He may be young, but he's has the support of everybody in the kingdom. Wanda may be older, but she doesn't have the maturity that Tyrant has."

Tyrant hit the ground with a thud knocking the wind out of him.

"Okay you two, that's enough for today," their mother said walking up.

"Yes mother," they both said.

Chic walked up and looked at Tyrant's face. His green hair was a tangled mess as his face had some bruises and cuts on them.

"If you don't stop getting hit in the face, you're going to lose your good looks," Chic said wiping some blood of the corner of his mouth."

"But I need to get stronger, like my sister."

"Being strong isn't always important. Its how you prepare for a fight that determines the outcome of a battle."

Tyrant looked at her as she smiled into his grey eyes.

"You have a lot to learn Tyrant. But in the meantime you need to do your studying."

"Yes mother," Tyrant said.

Veldez walked up to Chic as they watched the siblings joke around.

"Are you sure he's ready to under take the Trial of the Kings at his age?"

"He is more then ready. Have the sages ever been wrong?"

"No, I guess you're right."

"I must consulate with the sages again. Have him ready for tonight."

"Of course my lord."

Veldez smiled as he turned and headed towards Nashmu to consulate with the wise sages. Tyrant let out a sigh and tossed the book on the table.

"Why must I learn this?"

"Because a king needs to know how to run a kingdom properly." Calais said.

"I don't need to use my head. I'll let my strength do the talking," Tyrant said hold up a fist.

Calais reached over and hit his hand hard with a stick.

"Kings not only need a stern fist, but a strong mind. Tyranny leads to uprising and rebellion. You don't want that do you? Your subjects turning against you because of unjust rule or laws?"

"No." Tyrant said rubbing his hand.

"Good. Now then, continue you're reading."

Veldez walked through the halls of the castle as the rays from the moon lit his way. His mind thinking about the sages and what they said.

"The kingdom of Ro'mave will fall."

"Fall? Why?" Veldez said.

"Outsiders from another world consider us a threat. No one will survive."

"You lie," Veldez said angrily standing up. "We have done nothing to anger anybody."

"It is inevitable. You cannot fight fate."

"We shall see," he said and stormed out.

Veldez stopped outside Tyrant's door and closed his eyes.

"They have to be wrong."

Veldez grunted as he opened his eyes. Grabbing the handle of the door, he walked in as Tyrant was looking out from the window. A light breeze blew his green hair back a little. Veldez was quiet as he looked at his son. The sages had to be wrong.

"Are you ready?"

Tyrant turned to look at his father.

"Yeah," he said nodding his head.

"Good, let us go."

They walked out the castle grounds and past the town limits to the forest's edge.

"Beyond Junger Forest and Samorage Champaign, lies Full Moon Mountain. There you will under take the Trial of Kings to because the rightful successor to the throne. There you will also learn the "Ragna Blade", a technique passed on to every king of Ro'mave. This journey will take days but I have faith you will succeed."

"I will return father. I will not fail."

Veldez gave a proud smile.

"Spoken like a true king. I await your return."

Tyrant nodded his head and headed towards Full Moon Mountain with nothing but the clothes on his back. It was a long, tiring journey through harsh weather, rough terrain, and dangerous wildlife. He finally made it to Full Moon Mountain where his ancestor's spirits await those waiting to take the trail.

***

"Are you sure about this Grimwald?" Soa said.

"Positive Lord Soa. If we don't take them out now, they are planning to join Thanos' rebellion and then even we won't stand a chance."

Soa crossed his arms and closed his eyes.

"What do you think Skorp?"

"As much as I hate to admit it, Grimwald might be right. If they join with Thanos, we will all be crushed."

Soa closed his eyes again before sighing inside.

"Very well. We'll attack at once. Prepare the warp gates."

"Yes Lord Soa," Grimwald said with an evil smile.

Tyrant went to his knees breathing hard as blood mixed with sweat dripping onto the stone floor.

"You have done well Huitzil Tyrant. You are worthy to be known as king. Therefore, as successor, the power of the "Ragna Blade" is yours to command," the statues said surrounding the room as their eyes glowed covering Tyrant in beige light.

Tyrant felt power flow into his body as well as knowledge from the past. The light receded as Tyrant stood up. He made a tight fist as it glowed red.

"I've done it father, just like you and mother said I would. Now to get back."

He hurried outside the cave where the night breeze blew through his hair. He lost track of how long he been here but he felt older. He closed his eyes letting out a sigh of relief before opening them. Something didn't seem right as he looked and saw black smoke fill the air from afar.

"Mother," he said shocked and took off in a hurry.

"Kill them all." Grimwald yelled as he drove his sword into one of the guards who was fighting the invaders.

Soa ran through the doors of the palace to where he saw the Veldez.

"We have done nothing to you. Why do you attack us?" Veldez said angrily.

"Because it must be done," Soa said, sword in hand.

"I don't care what the sages say, I will not let Ro'mave fall."

He let out a yell before speeding towards him. Soa closed his eyes and stood motionless before sidestepping to the right and driving his sword right into Veldez's chest. Veldez let out a gasp as Soa pulled it out and stumbled backwards as blood flowed out his body.

"VELDEZ," Chic screamed and rushed up to him holding him close and crying.

Soa looked at them and brought his sword up to finish it but couldn't bring himself to do it. He turned only to here a yell.

"Weakness will be your downfall my lord. Pleases try to remember that you had to do this."

Soa didn't say anything as he walked out leaving Grimwald there with a smile.

"This is almost too easy," Grimwald said pulling his sword out.

"Get out of my way," Tyrant yelled as he tore through people on his way to his parent's room.

When he got there, he stood silently as he looked at his parents bodies on the ground. Chic on top of Veldez, her eyes closed as the blood from both their bodies made a pool. He balled his fists tightly as tears streamed down his face.

"You will pay for this," he heard a voice yell.

"Wanda," he said turning around and rushing outside.

He looked to see his sister held on both sides as Skorp came up to her.

"May your soul rest in peace," Skorp said sadly.

He raised his sword and drove it into Wanda's heart.

"NOO," Tyrant yelled and charged head on.

Skorp pulled his sword out in time to block Tyrant's wild attacks until he overpowered him. Tyrant held his hand up as a ball of black fire appeared and threw it at him. Skorp looked at it and took a batter's stance and knocked it back towards him. Tyrant put his sword up for defense but got it knocked out of his hands into the air. He recovered in time to see Skorp come at him. His eyes watched as the sword came down into his body. At first he felt nothing, but then looked down to see his blood pour out.

"Not.....like this," Tyrant said in tears before dropping to the ground next to Wanda.

Skorp blew a breath as Soa walked up.

"Is that all of them?"

"Yeah," Skorp said blankly. "They're all dead."

"Then let's get out of here. My hands are too stained with blood."

Tyrant watched them leave as he felt the life drain from his body. He crawled weakly over and held his sister's hand.

"Wan.....da, Mot.....her, father," he said tears in his eyes. "I wasn't......strong enough."

"Poor soul," he heard a voice say.

His vision had left him as he couldn't see the person is anybody was there.

"Do you want power?"

"Yes," Tyrant said weakly.

"Do you want revenge?"

"Yes."

"Then summon me. I will give you all the power you need."

Tyrant remembered his sister talking about a being that grants the desires of anybody that summoned her. Miser Murphy he thinks was her name. His sister even told him how to call her but said never to because father would be upset if he found out. Having nothing left to lose, he started to recite the words as best he could.

"I offer.....my soul to.....the Goddess of......desire. Come take.....my body as......your own.......and become one......with me...." His voice trailed of as he lost his strength.

A red pentagram appeared under him lifting him into the air. He let out a yell as light shot up covering him in a red glow. Power surge through him as the huge gash going down his neck was stitched up leaving a scar. His green hair turned blood red as he opened his eyes which glowed red as well.

"Our pact is complete," Murphy said.

Tyrant let out a yell as a massive dome of red expanded around him destroying everything. His eyes opened in the healing circle and let out a yell as a huge surge of power destroyed the orbs.

"Whoa," Xander said covering his face from the dust.

Once the debris cleared, he saw Tyrant standing there, a red aura surrounding him.

"Such power," Meara said.

Tyrant opened his eyes and looked at them, then his surroundings.

"Where am I?"

********

"Ahhh just was fun," Tasha said walking up to the gate seeing the kids playing with Sarah.

"Indeed," I said opening the gate for her.

"Ultimus," Thomas shouted and jogged towards me before tackling me to the ground.

"Hey there little guy," I said getting up and tickling him making him laugh.

It was then I felt it. Massive power that hit like a shockwave. The light stone pulsed hard and rapidly making me go to one knee breathing hard.

"Ultimus? Ultimus what's wrong?" Tasha said worried.

I couldn't even speak as I let out a growl before glowing with a white aura.

"What......is this power......I'm feeling?" I said to myself.

The power felt familiar somehow until I remembered who it belonged to. It was Tyrant's. He was at full power already. The Light stone pulled me softly in a south-east direction.

"Ultimus, what's wrong?" Crystal said walking up with Skorp at his side.

The stone relaxed somewhat as I stood up. Now I knew where he was.

"Ultimus?" Skorp said touching my shoulder snapping me out of my trance.

"I'm fine," I said.

"What was that all about?" Crystal asked.

I couldn't tell them what I felt and where the Light stone pulled me to otherwise they would follow when I left.

"It's nothing. Must've been something I ate," I said giving a false smile.

They looked at each other curiously before Shadow called out.

"Dinner's ready. Kids go wash your hands."

"Okay daddy," they all said and hurried inside.

Everybody turned their attention to me as I walked past them.

"You sure you're okay?" Tasha asked.

"Positive," I said giving her a wink. "Now come on, let's eat."

They all stood there before shrugging their shoulders and followed me.

********

"Welcome Tyrant," Xander said, arms open.

"I'll say it again, where am I?"

Xander's left eye twitched with anger before he smiled.

"You are in my domain. Have no fear, I am your friend. I'm one who saved you from eternal imprisonment."

"So you did," Tyrant said stretching his body. "So what do you what from me?"

"You my friend are going to do us a huge favor," he said walking over and putting his arm around Tyrant.

Tyrant grabbed his wrist hard making him wince in pain.

"I am not your friend."

"How ungrateful," Xander said rubbing his wrist. "I save you and this is the thanks I get?"

"What do you want from me?" Tyrant said more sternly as he glowed red.

"I'm not the one that requests your aid. It is my master."

"Where is he?"

"I will take you now," Xander said snapping his fingers as a portal appeared. "Please, this way."

Tyrant walked in followed by Xander as he felt his body twist and turn before walking out to a barren field. It was void of all life beside a couple of dead trees and various mountains in the background. A huge chasm was in front of him that appeared to have a distortion above it. And there floated a disk in the middle of distortion.

"Greetings Tyrant. It is an honor to finally meet you."

A yellow flame appeared in the sky glowing dimly.

"This is your master? Is this some sort of joke?"

"It is no joke I assure you," Nightmare said. "This is just a manifestation I created due to the condition I'm in right now."

"So what do you want?" Tyrant said putting his hands behind his heads.

"I need you to set me free."

"Why?"

"So I can complete what I started."

Tyrant let out a yawn as the flame went darker at his arrogance.

"Don't feel like it. I'm out of here." Tyrant said and started to ascend in the air slowly.

"Then I guess I was wrong about the dryads being people of honor."

Tyrant stopped and looked at the flame.

"You know nothing of my people."

"I know your family all got killed because a certain lord was scared of your power. I can give them all back to you."

Tyrant landed back to the ground looking at the flame.

"What do you mean?"

"I can bring them back to life, your sister Wanda, your mother Chic, and your father Veldez."

"Why would you do that?"

"Because by freeing me I am bound to grant one wish to the one who freed me. Just let me show you the level of power I hold and how I can use it."

Tyrant thought about it in silenced.

"How do I know you will keep your promise?"

"I have no say in this matter. By freeing me I am bound to grant you one wish."

Tyrant thought about it some more. He would like nothing more then to have his family back with him after they were taken from him.

"Very well, what do you need from me?"

********

I sat on the bed as the setting sun casted it deep red-orange rays into the room. My head was down and my eyes closed, thinking about what to do. Should I tell everybody about what I felt or should I try to convince Tyrant to stop before he dooms us all. Then came the new situation, Tasha was carrying our kids. I couldn't let anything happen to her.

"Dammit, why is my life so complicated?"

Our door opened and closed as I heard footsteps approach.

"Ultimus what's wrong? You haven't come downstairs since dinner. Everyone's worried about you." Tasha said sitting next to me.

I opened my eyes and turned to look at her. Her eyes sparkled in the setting sun as I felt myself tear up thinking about what might come. She cupped my face and started to tear up as well.

"Please speak to me. What's wrong?"

"I just........I don't know what to do. I don't want to lose the happiness that has been bestowed upon me."

She leaned over and licked my tears away before kissing me. Climbing in back of me, I felt her wrap her arms around my waist holding me tight.

"Ultimus, you are putting all the responsibility on yourself. You know you have friends that will follow you anywhere and fight by your side, win or lose."

She was right. Every fight I was in, everybody was by my side in body and spirit. Every victory was made possible due to everybody's support. I felt Tasha lick my neck softly as I leaned into her tilting my head back.

"Do me a favor Tasha?"

"Sure," she said with a smile.

"Take off your clothes and lay down. I want to admire you."

She gave my nose a playfully nip as she took off shirt revealing her soft breasts and pink nipples. Next came the pants as her scent started to fill the room slowly making me give a quiet growl. She truly was a thing of beauty as I looked her up and down as she laid there, arms to the side as her left leg was up and her tail wagged slowly back and forth.

"God, you truly are a beautiful woman."

"Thank you my love," she said blushing heavily.

I got up and took off my shirt before sitting down between her legs. I lifted her left leg and massaged it slowly, just admiring how beautiful she was as I heard her sigh happily. I traced the tip of my claw slowly down her leg to her thigh making her moan and shiver. I never really took the time to really pleasure her but tonight was different. I wanted to give her all my attention.

"God you're so soft," I said softly switching legs as her breathing became shallow.

I licked the underside of her foot making her giggle and squirm.

"Tickle tease," she said giving me a nudge with her other foot.

I put her leg down and crawled up putting my head on her stomach where the new lives were being born. I gave a smile kissing her stomach up to her breasts as I gave them each attention with small kisses and squeezes making Tasha whine as she panted heavily.

"Oh god, you're driving me crazy."

Lifting her left arm, I kissed my way down slowly to her neck before meeting her in a passionate kiss. I broke off and rested my head on her shoulder as she held me close, our hearts beating together as one.

"I love you so much Tasha. You mean everything to me."

"I love you too Ultimus. You don't know how happy you've made me."

She rolled us over as she sat on my lap. Her hands trailed my chest slowly making me murr as my tail wagged.

"You are the perfect male for me. No one could ever replace you," she said licking my chest. "Not even Shadow can compare to you. I want you to know my heart belongs to you, and only you."

Her hands worked south as she slid my pants off revealing my semi erect penis. I let out a gasp as she gently stroked me up and down. Angling her rear, she pushed back into me as my penis spilt her lips open making us both gasp. Hilting herself, she leaned forward and kissed me lovingly as I held her close before moving her body up and down slowly.

"So good," I said kissing her, moving my hands slowly up and down her back making her whole body shiver in my touch.

I sat up making sure not to lose any motion as I kissed along her neck as she whined and dug her claws into my back. This mating seemed special to use because we both felt like it would be last time we would ever be together. So we took our time, drawing our climax closer then normal but we held back as our foreheads pressed together, eyes closed concentrating on nothing but each other.

"Ul....timus, oh god," she said breathlessly as she started to glow softly with me.

I gave a quick, hard thrust tying us together making her yip softly at the fullness she felt as her muscles massaged the sensitive flesh inside her. Whines came out my mouth as my knot filled up, ready to unload. Tasha was to first to hit her peak as she threw her head back howling softly. Her body shook violently as that vice grip she applied squeezed me hard as her hot liquid rushed out her tunnel.

"Oh Tasha," was all I could manage as I released myself into her convulsing tunnel.

It may not have lasted long, but to us, it lasted forever. Tasha got light headed and dropped onto my shoulders breathing hard as I held her close. No words needed to be spoken, as we laid down in each other arms, enjoying the warmth and after glow. I touch her cheek softly making her sigh happily. Her golden eyes got heavy before closing as she drifted off to sleep.

"I'll never let anything happen to you Tasha, I swear." I said to myself looking at her.

It took a while for my knot to shrink but I didn't mind. I pulled out softly making her moan but didn't wake as I got up. Covering her up, I got dressed attaching Firestorm to my side and headed for the door. Opening it, I wanted to look back but if I did, I would want to go back. Closing my eyes, I walked out, leaving the only thing that mattered in my life behind. I tip-toed quietly downstairs trying not to wake everybody and made it to the front door.

"Where are you going Ultimus?"

I let out a startled yip before looking to see Thomas standing there.

"Are you going to fight the mean wolf that attacked daddy?"

"Yes, I am."

He walked over and gave me a hug which caught me off guard but I returned it.

"Are you coming back?"

Are you coming back? That was a question I kept playing in my head over and over again. I gave him the only answer I knew was the truth.

"I don't know."

"I don't want you to die," he said in a whimper as he gripped me harder.

"I won't die. I promise."

I let him go as I reached up to take the charm off my neck. Opening his hand, I placed it in his palm and closed his hand.

"I'll come back for this. Just do me a favor."

"Sure."

"Don't tell anybody where I went. Not even your dad."

"But......"

"I'll take the blame for you. Just promise me. This is something I have to do by myself Thomas."

Thomas looked at the charm, then at me before nodding his head.

"Okay."

I gave a smile before turning back to the door.

"Good luck. I know you'll win."

I gave him a thumbs up before walking out the door. The cool night breeze hit my face as I closed my eyes. Opening them back up, I focused on the pull I felt earlier to find it still there.

"Show time," I said and took off.

********

"Is that all you require of me?" Tyrant said.

"That is all," Nightmare said.

"All I need to do is use the "Ragna Blade" to set you free and you will bring my family back?"

"If he says that's all........." Xander said before Tyrant looked at him.

"I don't remember asking you a god damn thing."

Xander balled his fists angrily as Nightmare chuckled.

"That is all Tyrant. Only the "Ragna Blade" can break the seal holding me in this empty void. Break the seal and you have my word, I will give you your hearts desire."

Tyrant closed his eyes, thinking about it.

"All I have to do is break the seal and I get to see my family again."

He opened his eyes and held one hand out as he got covered in a dark aura.

"Very well, here goes."

The barren sky got dark as black lighting struck the ground around Tyrant. Heavy winds started to blow as Xander covered his face.

"Jesus, his power keeps rising."

I landed down in the ruined courtyard and looked around. My tail went rigid as I felt an incredible spike of power.

"The "Ragna Blade"? Am I too late? I have to hurry."

I took off in a sprint inside the destroyed castle. The Light stone guided me with light pulses in certain directions until I got to the area where Tyrant was held to recovery. Meara turned around and looked at me in surprise. Behind her was the portal that showed Xander and Tyrant and was closing slowly.

"Let me pass and I won't have to hurt you," I said nicely.

"I'm afraid I can't do that," she said taking the cat-o-nine tail whip from her side.

It flashed brown as she gave it a lick before cracking it on the ground. I gave a sigh inward before feeling the whip wrap around me.

"Last chance lady," I said with a growl.

She didn't respond as I felt the whip tighten around me and start to siphon my power. I gave a growl as my body flashed with power causing the whip to uncoil from my body. Meara gave a gasp as she felt the power I had but didn't falter as she readied her whip again.

The whip came at me again as I stood there. Once it got close enough, I drew Firestorm and dissected it into pieces. Holding my hand out, a ball of energy formed as I looked at her. With a flash of my eyes, it streaked towards blasting her backwards into the portal.

"Sword of the dark, cold void. Free yourself from thy bonds. Become one with my body, one with my soul. Let us both walk the path of destruction together. May the fools who stand before us, be cut down where they stand by the power you and I possess, Ragna....."

Tyrant stopped short when he felt the power I used and smiled. The "Ragna Blade" attack slowly started to fade.

"Why did you stop?" Xander said.

"He's here."

"What?" Xander said.

He got his answer when Meara tumbled out of the portal. A huge burn mark was on her robe as she stumbled to her knees looking back. I walked through the portal before it closed with a snap as Tyrant smiled which I couldn't see.

"How did you get here?" Grimwald said.

"I guess you can blame me for that," Tyrant said turning around. "That surge of power I released when I awoke probably triggered the Light stone. No surprise given how long I was bound to it, it would react to my power."

He walked forward until we were a couple of feet apart.

"What are you doing Tyrant, release me?" Nightmare said angrily.

"Keep your shirt on," Tyrant said waving his hand behind him. "You can wait another twenty to thirty minutes. Me and the boy need to have a heart to heart talk."

********

Morning came around as everybody was downstairs in the living room.

"You know, waiting for that monster to be released is not exactly my cup of tea." Greywolf said.

"We don't know where to look for him. Its like Ultimus said, the waiting game is dangerous but we have no leads." Xellos said.

"Speaking of which, where is our leader?" Venom said.

"Probably out for a walk," Tasha said. "He wasn't there when I woke up."

Thomas came skipping in along side Cassie and laughing. Tasha gave a smile at them until she noticed the charm around his neck.

"Thomas, can you come here sweetie?"

"Sure thing," he said with a smile.

He skipped over and sat next to Tasha who looked at the charm.

"Where did you get this sweetie?"

"Ultimus told me to hold on to it until he gets back."

"Where did he go?"

He opened his mouth to speak but closed it remembering what I said.

"Thomas?" Tasha said again.

"I......don't know," he stuttered out, ears folded.

Shadow saw him as he locked his eyes with his own.

"Thomas, if you know where he went, tell us."

"But daddy, I promised I wouldn't tell."

"Thomas," Shadow said sternly showing his teeth in a small growl making him shiver and swallow hard.

"He.......he went......to fight.....the mean wolf."

Everybody let out a gasp at hearing that.

"He knew where Tyrant was and didn't tell us?" Theft said annoyed.

"Let's not jump to conclusions." Crystal said. "He may have a reason for doing it."

"Like what?" Jenna said.

"We'll just have to ask him. Which way did he go Thomas?" Luna asked.

"I don't know," he said shaking his head.

Shadow gave a growl making Thomas whine.

"Thomas?"

"I'm telling the truth daddy. I don't know which way he went. He closed the door when he left and when I opened it, he was gone."

Tasha rubbed his head and gave him a hug.

"Thank you Thomas. Go play now."

"Okay," Thomas said hurrying upstairs to his room.

"Well this is a fine turn of events. Ultimus knows where Tyrant is and decided to take him on by himself." Venom said with a touch of anger.

"Like I said, Ultimus must have a reason behind his actions." Crystal said.

"Luna, can you try and locate the Light stone?" Skorp asked.

"I can try."

She closed her eyes as a ball of light appeared in her hands. The ball flashed red before a black skull appeared causing the ball to shatter making Luna gasp and get light headed.

"Luna, what happened?" Skorp said holding her.

"I don't know. An intense barrier appeared and blocked everything."

Shadow crossed his arms as Faleen walked in.

"Any luck on your end?"

"None. Xander has covered himself very well." Faleen said shaking her head.

"Then allow me to help," a voice echoed out.

Everybody was at attention as they looked around.

"Where are you?" Greywolf growled.

"I don't like invading people's homes so I'm waiting outside."

They rushed out to see Mystina standing there with a smile.

"Greetings," she said.

Greywolf let out a growl and charged her, Dragonstorm glowing bright. He leapt at her with an overhead swing that would spilt a mountain in half. A blur appeared in front of Mystina kicking the legs from under him as he fell to the ground. Looking up, he saw Lezard holding his rapier at his neck.

"Greywolf!" Tiger shouted.

"Stay back or he dies," Lezard said proving his point by poking his neck drawing a little blood.

"Now now Lezard, there is no need to be violent. Let him up."

"But......."

"We come to help them, not fight with them."

Lezard nodded and removed his rapier. Greywolf rolled to his right and did a back flip gaining some distance as he felt his neck.

"Explain why you're here?" Faleen said.

"I've come to bring you to Xander."

"Why should we believe you? If it wasn't for you, none of this would've happened." Rose said.

"Let's just say, the fury of a woman scorned is severe."

"What do you mean?" Venom asked.

"He tried to kill us, we're returning the favor."

Everybody looked at one another as Mystina crossed her arms.

"If you're going to stop him, we need to hurry."

"Very well," Faleen said. "Lead us there."

Mystina turned around and with her finger, drew a circle in the air. The circle shattered revealing the ruined courtyard I went to.

"I recognized that place. That's the ruins of Davoi." Shadow said.

"Humph, he's clever all right." Faleen said.

"Shall we go?" Mystina said.

Everybody nodded their heads and proceeded forward until Faleen stopped them.

"I cannot permit you three to fight," she said looking at my mom, Tasha, and Jenna.

"Why not?" Jenna asked.

"You and Tasha are carrying offspring. I have a rule about mothers to be fighting. And since you are Ultimus's mother, I think it would be wise to stay here."

Greywolf looked at Tiger who gave a huge grin and a wink.

"But Ultimus needs my help." Tasha said.

"If you go, he will be more worried about protecting you then fighting. The best way you can help him is by staying here and remaining safe."

"But........"

"Please don't make me bind you here," Faleen said, her eyes holding sadness.

Shadow walked up and took both her hands.

"I promise you, I will return with Ultimus. I swear to that Tasha."

Her eyes filled with tears as they ran down her cheek.

"Please bring him back to me."

"You have my word," Shadow said kissing both her hands. "Of course he may be a little bruised once I finish with him."

"If we're done with the goodbyes, we need to go." Mystina said.

"Shadow, a warning if you are forced to use the Dragon's Star I have no idea what will happen being so close to the parent stones." Faleen warned him and he nodded.

They all nodded their heads and walked into the circle as Jenna, Tasha, Rose, and Sarah watched them.

********

"I've waited to long to get my hands on you." Tyrant said with a grin.

"You flatter me."

"Release me Tyrant. I will deal with him." Nightmare said.

"Like hell you will," Tyrant said. "I will kill him with my own hands."

"Don't you want to see your family again?"

"I'll set you free once he's dead."

I looked at the flame remembering everything I saw.

"You can't release him Tyrant. It'll be the end of us all."

"Humph, are you trying to give me a guilt trip?"

"No, I'm telling you not to listen to him. You don't know what he's capable of. He's a god killer."

Tyrant let out a laugh as he took a stance. Red waves of power flowed from his body.

"Tell you what little boy. If you can beat me, I'll forego my agreement with him."

"You dare......"

"Shut up," Tyrant said looking at the flame. "I'm the one holding all the chips. So if you want out, zip your lip and watch the show."

The flame turn black as Tyrant turned back to me.

"En guard boy."

"Seems I have no choice." I said taking a stance.

Tyrant licked his lips before disappearing. I turned to my left putting up my arm to bock an oncoming attack. His blow made me grunt as I felt the power behind it.

"Let the fun begin." Tyrant said as he threw a barrage of attacks at me.

I managed to duck, dodge, and parry before launching attacks of my own as each blow that was block caused flashes of power. Our movements became a blur as we disappeared. The only thing that could be seen were the flashes of power. The flame lowered down next to Xander.

"Xander, can you follow their movements?"

"Just barely. They are moving incredibly fast."

"When I give you the sign, have Meara throw a ray at a forty five degree angle in the sky."

Xander nodded and looked at Meara who held her hand out as a small lance of light appeared. The flame watched for a second before flashing.

"Now!!"

Meara threw the lance into the air towards the said target. I had to stop to avoid getting hit by it which was a bad idea as I felt Tyrant grab me from behind. He applied pressure into the bear hug as I felt my air escape me.

"You have him Tyrant. Now finish him and set me free."

Tyrant didn't respond as he applied more pressure hearing me grunt feeling my body being compressed. He looked down at the flame and Xander who had a smile on his face. Letting out a grunt, he let me go which shocked me as well as everybody else.

"Tyrant, what are you doing? You had him," Xander yelled.

"I don't remember asking for your help."

He held up two fingers as a circle appeared under Meara. She let out a yell as the fire that erupted from under her consumed her quickly leaving nothing left.

"I said I will kill him myself."

He looked towards me and prepared himself.

"Now then, where were we?"

********

Everybody arrived at the ruined courtyard as the portal closed. Shadow took a sniff in the air taking a couple of steps forward.

"He's here all right. His scent is strong."

"I sense Xander here as well." Faleen said.

"Where to?" Crystal asked.

"This way." Mystina said.

They hurried inside to where Tyrant was held to see the pieces of the orbs scattered about. Skorp bent down and examined them.

"This is highly advanced healing capabilities."

"Only the best for us." Mystina purred.

"Where are they?" Venom asked.

"Through the portal."

"What portal?" Theft asked.

Mystina looked to see the portal has disappeared.

"Xander must have closed it."

"I'll fix that." Faleen said.

The diamond on her staff glowed bright as it shot a ray forward hitting a barrier of some kind. She smiled as she spun her staff causing the ray to go in a circle. The barrier let out a crack before shattering.

"Still using simple barriers. He'll never change."

"Come on." Skorp said rushing in.

I skidded on the ground leaving trial marks trying to stop myself.

"Come on boy where's that fighting spirit I know you have?" Tyrant said in the air, arms crossed.

I let out a growl before wiping my muzzle of the blood on my lip.

"If you don't get serious, I'll end this game."

"If that's what you want, fine."

I stood up as the ground started to shake around me. My hair floated upwards flashing a bit of blue as sparks of blue lighting flashed around me. I let out a yell as a blue dome surrounded me making Tyrant smile.

"Good boy."

The dome receded as I had taken the full power of the Light stone. I opened my eyes and looked at Tyrant.

"Now we can get started with the main event."

He was about to make a move when movement caught his eyes.

"Well, seems like the whole gang is here now."

I looked behind me to see everybody running towards me as I reverted back to normal. Shadow walked over and smacked me on top of the head.

"What was that for?"

"For being stubborn and hogging all the fun."

I gave a chuckle as I looked at everybody.

"How did you find me?"

"She helped us." Theft said.

I looked behind him to see Mystina. Xander saw her too as he growled angrily.

"You still live?"

"I guess I got a weak spot for pretty girls," Grimwald said with a smile.

"Turnabout is fair play Xander," Mystina said with an evil smile.

Red bolts of lighting struck the ground as we covered our faces from the dust it kicked up.

"As much as I like a good get together, I do have things to do." Tyrant said.

"Humph, you still haven't learned your lesson huh?" Shadow said.

"Things are different now you walking rug. If you want to go another round, bring it."

"With pleasure."

Shadow transformed in a flash and lunged at him. Tyrant stood there with a smile before dodging his attacks with ease. Shadow came down with a strong downward punch making a hole in the ground where Tyrant should be. He pulled his fist up to see Tyrant laughing behind him.

"You can't hit me unless I want you to."

"Mock me will you?"

Shadow lunged at him again as Tyrant disappeared every time he got close. Only he grunt as he did a back flip and suddenly as he landed Tyrant appeared in front of him and then screamed out as Shadow slashed at him lashing his back with five long slash marks as he lunged tackling Tyrant as he screamed out managing to turn around for the tackle as they hit a wall.

Tyrant yelled out and closes his hands together and rabbit punched his head making him snarl as a blast of energy hit him blowing him back into a tree breaking it into as Tyrant scrambled to his feet and lunged at Shadow. Shadow rolled as he got to his feet with an acrobatic flip and then met Tyrant's leap in mid air. As he managed to get a powerful upper cut to knock tyrant back as he roared out and landed on his feet as shadow pressed his attack

Shadow charged again as Tyrant stood there. He threw his giant fist at him with great velocity behind it. Tyrant stood his ground and held one hand up and caught his fist as it pushed him back leaving a trail.

"Not bad." Shadow said.

"I'm just getting started."

Shadow swung again as Tyrant ducked and threw a blow of his own catching him in the mid section. He followed quickly with a round house sending him skidding on the ground as he dug his nails into the earth trying to slow himself down. Before he could right himself, Tyrant grabbed his head and slammed it on the ground before kicking him hard making him slide before he stopped at us.

"Shadow, you ok?" Venom asked.

"It'll take more than that to hurt me. Got sloppy is all." he said snarling

"It's our turn," Tiger said as everybody charged their power.

"No wait," I said but was too late as they converged on him.

I watched as he single handedly defeat them one by one as they all hit the ground with a crash. Tyrant walked over to where Crystal was and grabbed him up by the throat.

"You killed my mother and father, so you should die first."

"You're......wrong." Crystal choked out.

"Oh really?"

"I didn't.....kill your.....mother, only......your father."

"And saying that is suppose to make me feel better?" he scowled squeezing harder.

"I didn't.....want it.....to happen.....but I had.......to think about.......the war with.....Thanos."

"You thought killing my family was the right thing? We didn't even know who Thanos was or even cared."

Grimwald started laughing as Tyrant looked at him.

"What's so funny?"

"You dryads are so gullible. So easy to provoke."

"What do you mean?"

"It was I who gave the false information to Soa. It was the only way to get you to summon Murphy and achieve the power great enough to free my true master. Well after I disguised myself as your sister and told you the secret of how to summon her. You meeting Thanos was just a bonus."

Tyrant dropped Crystal and turned to Grimwald.

"You mean you're the cause of my family dying?"

"Oh no, without Soa's help, it would've been a problem for me alone. But with the right wording, I managed to get him to do the dirty work."

Crystal looked at him in shock and disbelief.

"You mean.......I killed an entire race for your cause?"

"Don't say it like that? You know you enjoyed cutting down his father you are a killer in and out Soa."

"My god, what have I done?" Crystal said feeling sick before throwing up.

Tyrant was fuming as his power surged rapidly.

"You have made the worst enemy you could ever want."

"Is that so? Well come and get me. I'll kill you, just like I killed your mother."

Tyrant let out a yell of anger as he exploded towards Grimwald who smiled before nimbly dodging and deflecting all his attacks before connecting with a strong right hook sending Tyrant to the ground. He recovered quickly glaring daggers at Grimwald.

"Is this all the power the mighty prince is capable of?"

Tyrant was in a rage as he took off into the air. Black lighting started striking the ground as I felt the "Ragna Blade" started to form.

"I'll show you no mercy."

"Well show me what you got your "majesty"." Grimwald taunted.

The "Ragna Blade" finished with a bang as he held onto the handle. The blade of lighting crackling as he spun around and threw a wave of power at him splitting the ground where Grimwald was.

"Too slow, your "majesty"."

Each strike left a hole in the ground as Tyrant was lost in his anger. I noticed Grimwald was evading closer and closer to where the flame was. It was then I realized what he was doing.

"Tyrant stop. He's leading you to the seal."

Tyrant didn't hear a thing I said as he got closer to the chasm where Grimwald stood.

"No where to run now."

"Oh no, what ever shall I do?" Grimwald said acting scared before he laughed.

Tyrant launched himself towards Grimwald who stood there still laughing before disappearing as Tyrant ripped the distortion in the sky. He got launched back by a huge surge of power but landed on his feet as the distortion got bigger. My tail went rigid as power that I couldn't even describe washed over me. A hole opened up slowly as a leg appeared and stepped onto the ground. Out of the corner of my eye I watched Faleen vanish in the blink of an eye.

"At last," Xander said.

I watched as the whole body stepped out before the hole disappeared.

"Nightmare," I said shaking from the raw power I felt.

Nightmare stretched his body letting out a yawn. Xander and Grimwald were at his feet kneeling down as he looked at them before he looked at us.

"Welcome," he said. "To the beginning of the end."