Tales of the Freedom Fighters

by Chatroom Publications

Slice of life stories from Knothole. Not always Sonic-centered, but we hope you will enjoy them, anyhow. Read and review; and PLEASE keep reviews in good taste.

1. Lessons

Chatroom Publications Presents. . .
A story set in the universe of Sonic the Hedgehog.

Tales of the Freedom Fighters - Lessons

By: Saverio J. Dello Russo (Werepuppy1@aol.com), and Jennifer Cleckley (Werekitty1@aol.com)
Contains characters and situations copyrighted to DIC Enterprises Inc., and Archie Comics Publishing.
Enrique LeGuerr, Raurmarique du Rahj, Lyric Tuneaker, Sasha Prower, Ambermane Wistra, DJ Tuneaker, and Erica "Scratch" Heatherwood created by and copyrighted to Jennifer Cleckley.

Misty Gilestel created by and copyrighted to Saverio J. Dello Russo.

Peter, and Devin created by and copyrighted to Jennifer Cleckley, and Saverio J. Dello Russo.

Characters created by the authors may not be used in other fanfiction stories without their express permission. Use of the authors' characters without permission is a violation of copyright law.

WARNING: Contains mature subject matter. Discretion is advised.

"Life is a carnival believe it or not, life is a carnival two bits a shot..."

LESSONS

The sun set over the nearby barren hills, painting them vibrant reds, and oranges as the scrub grass waved in an errant zephyr. A single figure stood to capture this brief glimpse of beauty to be had in this hostile territory. She stood, listening, alert, eyes scanning for any signs of hostile life, but was rewarded with only the signs of the night creatures' stirring.

Erica Heatherwood sighed as she moved on, remembering the conversation that sent her on this journey. It had been a normal day at the University until she received the message from Enrique LeGuerr, the head of the Battlemage Combine.

"Ah, mah dear Erica," the elder skunk observed as she made her nervous way into his office, "'Ow naice to be see-eeng vous."

"Howdy, Mistah Le Guerr," Erica said smiling, "Yo wanted t' see me?"

"Oui. It ees seem-eeng that vous ahre go-eeng to be
graduat-eeng soon. Ond vous 'ave done vell on vout courses weeth os. But vous ahre to ze point zhat ze best teacher ees experionce," LeGuerr said.

"Huh," Erica uttered, "and how's do Ah go about gettin' this experience, suh?"

"Vell, Ah was thinkeeng zhat vous could join ze Knot'ole Freedom Fightairs. Mah daughair should be zhair, and weel be able to keep vous en shape, non? Ond zhey 'ave welcomed mages before."

"That suits me jest fine, suh! Mah cousin's theah too," Erica exclaimed grinning.

So now she was here, on the edge of the Great Unknown getting ready to pass through. Erica had decided to travel afoot in order to avoid the time lag that comes from a long teleport.

She walked into the Great Unknown apprehensively. It was a barren place. High rocky walls towered over the lapine. Buttes and arches seemed to teeter on the brink of toppling. The variegated brown of the scenery got to the bunny, and she climbed a plateau to scout around. Nothing. Just the browns of the rock, very little grass, and a few crawly things.

"Huh. No wondah nobody lives heah," Erica observed. "A body twould get depressed jest lookin' at tha sky." She went down the side of the plateau half sliding, half hopping in order to keep her balance. She reached the bottom, and her momentum was so much that she took three running steps before stopping. Erica stood there, hands on knees, panting to catch her breath. A sound, so faint that she almost did not hear it, came to her ears. The battlemage kept her poise but was on the alert. It may have been just a bug clearing its throat, but one could not take chances.

A wolf, taller than she, with dark gray body with lighter gray face and charcoal hair, wearing a simple tunic and cutoff shorts, carrying a not so simple rifle; walked out from behind a boulder. He stood there regarding her, as if her presence was an affront to all that he believed in.

*Arrogant li'l S. O. B.," Erica thought to herself. *Kinda cute though.*

"You trespass," he said.

"Trespass?" the lapine asked still panting. "Honey, who in tha hoo-ha would live out heah?" The wolf cocked his weapon. *Yo's not scarin' me thet easy, honey,* Erica thought beginning to get peeved.

"It is the land of my people," he uttered coldly. "We do not want strangers here." The battlemage straightened up, and looked at the young wolf like he was crazy.

"Hokay, honey," she said placatingly, "Jest let me ketch mah breath, an' Ah'll be on mah way."

"No," the wolf growled, gesturing with the rifle, "You are my prisoner. Start walking."

"Excuse me?" Erica asked raising an eyebrow, "Hey, honey, Ah'm tryin' ta get outta yor hair. You don't need ta take li'le ole me prisoner, since Ah'm jest passin' through." The lupine took aim.

"You will not be passing through any longer," he uttered as he began to squeeze the trigger. Quicker than he could see she zipped through the intervening space, and was right in his face. Two thuds sounded from the ground. The wolf looked down to find two parts of his rifle laying at his feet. "Oh shit!" He, for a split second, saw that this rabbit had some *very* long claws. Then they disappeared into her clenched fist. He looked into her angry blue eyes, and just then began to be a little unsure of himself.

"Yo asked fo' it," she growled, and slammed him with an uppercut. Erica shrugged off her backpack, and cracked her knuckles. "Ah'd say yo needs a lesson in manners."

The wolf got up, very shaky on his feet, and prepared to defend himself. They circled, and Erica attacked. She slammed an elbow into the sentry's stomach, then as he bent over to catch his breath, Erica gave him a chop that sent him sprawling in the dirt. As the hapless and unprepared sentry tried to rise, Erica kicked him viciously in the ribs. There was the unmistakable sound of bone cracking.

"Care ta try again, honey?" Erica asked sarcastically. She waited for the wolf to rise, and then she mockingly gestured for him to attack again. The wolf snarled in pain and fury. He lurched into a unsteady run, trying to attack Erica. Just before he could reach her, Erica launched a round house kick, and sent the unlucky wolf spinning to the ground once again. Erica watched as the wolf spat out several teeth and quite a bit of blood. Erica walked over to the beaten wolf, unsheathed her claws, and grabbed a fistful of the wolf's chest fur. "I oughtta shred your furhood!" she shouted.

Unknown to either of the combatants, there was a watcher hidden in the shadows. *Would seem that the little pita has met his match,* the watcher thought. As Erica contemplated destroying the wolf's hopes for procreation, she heard several sets of footsteps near her. "That's quite enough," someone said.

Erica dropped the wolf, and spun around. She saw a tall wolf-fem in a blue bodysuit. She had gray fur, and piercing blue eyes. Under her left eye she had a scar, which marred an otherwise considerable beauty. There were two other wolves present, both males. One was as tall and as well built as Erica's adversary, with black fur shot with gray and blue eyes. He wore a sand colored tunic with matching pants and a weapons belt. The other was as gray as the female, but had dark brown eyes, and wore a light gray tunic, black pants, and also had a weapons belt. He also bore a scar but his ran from his jaw down the side of his neck, and disappeared under his tunic. But strangest of all to Erica was the snow leopard. He was big, bigger than even Erica's attacker. He wore a scarlet tunic with a bandoleer crossing his chest, blue pants, and boots. His fur was gray with black clouded spots, white on his muzzle, and assuredly his stomach too. And he had icy blue eyes, but there was something in the depths of those eyes that made Erica shiver. *Whut in tha wurld is he doin' heah?* she wondered. She grinned sheepishly, and said, "Uh... Howdy folks." She slowly raised her hands.

"Just what is going on here?" the female asked, who apparently was their leader.

"Ah was jest passin' on mah way ta Knothole y'see an' this asshole tried t' shoot me."

"You happen to be on our land," the wolf-fem said pointedly. "We
do not want or need strangers here at this time."

Erica sighed exasperatedly. "Ah didn't know thet," she replied. "And if this jerk had'na come out an' tried t' take me prizner, Ah still wouldn't know it."

"Point," the snow leopard said.

"Perhaps, Raurmarique," the wolf-fem said. She studied the battlemage for a moment. "Just who are you, and why do you seek Knothole?"

"Mah name is Erica Heatherwood," Erica replied. "Ah've bin sent by tha head of the Battlemagin' Combine ta join tha Knothole Freedom Fighters, an' gain some experience battlin'. And mah cousin's there. Who are you?"

"A fair question," the wolf-fem said. "I am Lupe, leader of the Wolf Pack Freedom Fighters." She snapped the safety on her weapon and lowered it. "Out of curiosity, who is your cousin?"

"Well, mah cousin is Bunnie Heatherwood," Erica began, "an' sumthin' happened to her. Ah know it, but her letters haven't been the most coherent."

Lupe looked at the snow leopard she called Raurmarique, then back to Erica. She studied the battlemage for a long while. "You speak the truth," Lupe said finally.

Erica cocked a half smile. "Well," she said, "Ah think Ah'm telling tha truth. He, on tha other hand-" she pointed at the defeated sentry- "probably wants mah hide."

Lupe smiled. "No, you do not have anything to fear from us," she said.

"Lupe, be careful. She might be a plant," Raurmarique warned.

"No, Raurmarique, if she really meant to do us harm we would all be at each other's throats by now," Lupe said pointedly.

"I should be able to get a better idea once she steps into the shadows,' Raurmarique said. "Anyway, I did say that little *pita* was too young to be on guard duty."

Lupe chuckled. "All right, if you think it's really necessary," she replied. "But I do not think it is."

"Ah don't get it," Erica said, confused. "What does mah steppin' into a shadow have t' do with me bein' a plant?"

"Come. I will show you," Raurmarique replied, grinning. "You'll have to trust me a little." They stepped into a shadow. Suddenly it got very dark, very fast. Erica crouched into a fighting stance, her eyes wide. A moment later Raurmarique stepped out of the shadow holding Erica's hand. "Greetings, noble Warrior," he exclaimed. "You are safe from us and to us."

"Thet's good to know," Erica observed, shaking Raurmarique's hand, then letting it go. "Cain Ah go now?"

"Perhaps we can aid you on your journey," Lupe uttered. "Please allow us to guide you to Knothole."

Erica raised an eyebrow, and looked at the wolf leader quizzically. "Thet's a rale nahce o' yo t' offah, ma'am, but why d' yo ask?"

"We have mapped out the safest trail through the Unknown," Lupe explained. "This way you can be assured that you will not end up in a pit somewhere." Erica looked thoughtful for a moment, then went to her pack. She rummaged around for a bit and brought out a map, which she examined critically.

"Ah think Ah'll take yo up on yor offah. Tha Great Unknown is nuthin' but a big ole blank spot on mah map, heah."

"That is right. No one, not even we of the Pack, has successfully mapped the Great Unknown."

"We-ull, thanks again, ma'am," Erica said stashing the map back in her pack. "Now d' yo know of a safe place whar abouts Ah cain set mah self up fo' a camp? 'S gettin' late, y'know."

"We have a place where you can stay," Lupe replied readily.

"Surely you don't plan on bringing her back to the lair?" the beaten sentry uttered aghast.

"What would you suggest, whelp?" Lupe shot back heatedly.

"How do you know that we can trust her?"

"Raurmarique tested her."

"Oh real trustworthy mel, that Raurmarique," the sentry said arrogantly.

"Peter-" Lupe started to growl, but was interrupted by Erica casually stepping in front of her.

"We-ull, honey," Erica said, sauntering over to Peter, "Ah sho' nuff know that *YO* cain't trust me. But then Ah think yo's too cocky fo' yo own worth." She followed up her statement with a swift kick to the annoying pup's groin, and since he had already conveniently bent himself over, Erica threw him. The Pack leader went over to the downed Pete, and leaned over him.

"If you say *ANYTHING* like that about Raurmarique again," Lupe whispered savagely, "I'll personally rip out your throat." The whelp audibly gulped, and nearly rose, but was stopped by a rabbit's foot coming down upon his chest.

Erica leaned on her knee, and grinned wickedly at Pete. "Now. Are yo goin' t' b'have?" the battlemage asked caressing the wolf's cheek with her clawtips, " or am Ah goin' t' have to teach yo a 'nuther lesson?" Pete gulped again, realizing just what another lesson from this psycho rabbit could involve.

"I-I-I'll behave," he whimpered. Erica moved her foot, and squatted by the quivering wolf.

"Good boy," she said patronizingly, running a hand over his ribs, and using a minor healing spell to set them. She stood up and walked back to Lupe.

Peter very slowly got to his feet. Lupe shook her head and said, "Come, let's go. We have many miles to travel." They set off at a walk, with Lupe and Raurmarique leading the way, the other two wolves following, and Erica behind the wolves. Pete came last of all behind Erica.

The journey to the Wolf Pack's lair had been uneventful, and their night passed in peace. They all had a restful night, except for Peter, who was very sore in several places. The morning dawned bright and fair. The party set out after a hasty breakfast. The wolf who had the scarred neck had stayed behind and another wolf, who was named Devin and happened to be Peter's brother, went with them.

Raurmarique was leading the party, and Devin, Peter, and Erica followed him. Lupe followed a little further back as their rear guard. They had been walking for over an hour, and Erica dropped back to walk with Lupe. Erica had decided that she liked the wolf-fem because of her warrior spirit, and her leadership, so she decide to strike up a conversation with her. "Yo evah been ta Knothole, Lupe?" she asked.

"Yes I have," Lupe replied graciously. "Over the last few months we have been working closely with the Knothole Freedom Fighters to coordinate the resistance. Sally feels there is a better chance of defeating Robotnik if we all work together."

"Ah hafta agree with thet, honey," Erica said. She didn't say anything for a moment; she just wanted to think about what Lupe had told her. "Whut's Knothole like, Lupe?" she asked finally.

Lupe glanced at Erica. "Well Erica, it's a very peaceful place," Lupe explained, "because Robotnik hasn't been able to find it-yet. The forest is beautiful, especially in autumn. There are so many trees, and a sparkling stream. It reminds me very much of my home."

"Yore home? Ah thought thet y'all lived in the Great Unknown."

"No, our present lair is a home in exile. My people originally lived in the forest and mountains north of the Great Unknown. We were loyal to the king, and when Robotnik drove us off our land, and we took refuge in the caves in the Great Unknown. He captured many of us, but a lot of us escaped, although not without reminders-" she touched the scar below her left eye- "We are few now," Lupe continued, "but we still are loyal to the royal house, and hope that one day King Acorn will return. If not, we would have Sally for our queen."

Erica thought about this for a moment. "Y'know," she began, "Ah've nevah seen a forest befo'. Mist doesn't have them. There's parks an' such but no *real* forests. Didja meet mah cousin Bunnie?"

Lupe smiled. "Yes I have," she said.

"Wuz she doin' all raht?" Erica asked, concerned. "When'd yo see her last?"

"About three weeks ago," Lupe replied. "And she was doing fine, considering-

"Considerin'? Considerin' whut?" Erica asked. They stopped walking and Lupe looked at Erica. She could see the concern in every line of Erica's face.

"She hasn't told you about her problem?" Lupe asked.

"As Ah told yo, her letters has been kinda garbled to tha point thet Ah couldn't read 'em," Erica explained. "Ef she *did* tell me of this problem, she didn't do it where's Ah could read it."

Lupe gazed at Erica for a moment. "Then I will not say anymore. Indeed I've said far too much already," she said finally.

Erica frowned. "Bettah iffin Ah's find out from Bunnie herself, huh?"

"Yes it is Erica," Lupe said gently. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"Oh well. Ah's jest curious," Erica said with a shrug. "An y'all cain call me 'Scratch'. If yo want to o'course."

"All right. Scratch. Come, the others are almost out of sight." With that, Lupe began to sprint after the rest of the party. Scratch ran to keep up with the femwolf. *Durn*, she thought in frustration, *they ALWAYS rise fo the bait. 'Ceptin' her*

Raurmarique squinted in the sun at the small green shapes, that were surrounded by red ones. "Where are they going?" he wondered aloud.

*LUPE'*, came the almost overwhelming thought, like a silent scream in her mind. She staggered as if she had been struck with a blow, and realized it was Raurmarique.

*What is it?* she thought back clumsily, as she continued running. Raurmarique had been teaching her a little of mindspeech techniques, but she still had to master them.

*There are some hover units and some of those red cycle things flying overhead. They seem to be going somewhere* Raurmarique replied.

*The direction, Raurmarique. Which way are they going?* Lupe asked desperately.

There was a pause. *East...Northeast it looks like,* Raurmarique reported. *Shall I bring them down?*

*They're searching for the lair,* Lupe replied. *Yes, bring every one of them down.*

*Intact or in pieces?* came Raurmarique's excited thought.

*Just do it!!* Lupe's thought screamed at Raurmarique.

Lupe could feel Raurmarique mentally grinning. *As you wish, my lady,* his thought replied. Suddenly from the sky there came a series of massive explosions. Finally there came a piercing whistling sound and a loud crash. *All but one's blown up,* Raurmarique reported. *The last one is encased in ice. You might wish to examine its...memory files.* Raurmarique's presence left Lupe's mind, but she could have sworn she heard him grumble about simpler times.

Erica and Lupe ran up to the ridge. There Raurmarique waited for them, while Peter and Devin started forging their way to the bot. Lupe flashed a smile at the leopard as she started down to their quarry, and he just followed in the lupine and Erica's wake. They found the others gazing at the bot. It was engulfed in a sphere of bluish ice, only barely melting.

"Just *how* are we going to get the memory core out of THAT?" Peter asked, indicating the ice. Erica made a rude noise, and extended her thumb claw.

"Simple, honey," she said driving her claw into the sphere, just below the bot's head. She circled the bot-cicle, cutting the ice. Then she backed away from the sphere, and ran toward it. "HEE-YAA!" she yelled, kicking the head area. It slid off the rest of the sphere with a crash, but the ice remained intact. Along with the head.

Lupe reached into the now freed head, and took out the memory core. This she hooked up to her portable computer, and read the SWATbot's most recent memories. "Oh my gods," she uttered in amazement.

"Whut's tha matter, honey?" Erica asked.

"Can you believe our luck?" Lupe asked grinning. "A few minutes later, and Nowhere Village would have ceased to exist. Our position would have been made much more perilous if this had happened."

"So I did well?" Raurmarique said peering quizzically over Lupe's shoulder at the computer screen, his limited knowledge of the Mobian alphabet foiling his attempts to read it.

"You have done very well," Lupe said smiling at the snow cat.

"Then what is this? What does it say?" Raurmarique asked pointing to a highly highlighted section of the screen. "I can't read it, but it looks important." Lupe followed the leopard's finger to the part of the screen that he was pointing out.

"Oh good gods! I don't believe it!" Lupe uttered dreadingly.

"What is it?" Raurmarique asked observing the concerned look on Lupe's face.

"There's an even larger force of bots on its way to Nowhere. As of this moment it's an hour away," Lupe said putting the computer away. "Let's go. We have to warn the villagers and fast."

They all set off at a dead run for the endangered village. Time seemed to slow down, and the Alpha fem began to worry about reaching the village in time. Somehow Raurmarique sensed her worry. He ran to catch up to her.

"We'll meet you in the village," he shouted over his shoulder, as he scooped Lupe into his arms, and dove into his own shadow, disappearing.

"Hoo, LO-dee!" Erica exclaimed, "Ain't nevah seen anythang lahk that!"


The rest of the party reached the village to find Lupe arguing with the mayor; and Raurmarique surrounded by locals carrying pitchforks, and other implements. The leopard stood calm and tried to look harmless while Lupe attempted to convince the mayor of the impending attack. Peter, Devin, and Erica, however, could see that Raurmarique was holding himself in check just barely. He obviously had an earnest desire to blast the annoying bureaucrat into the deepest hell he could find.

"What proof, aside from something on a computer screen, can you offer me?" the irate kinkajou demanded. "The only attack that *I've* seen has been you and that creature leaping out of a shadow!" Suddenly a laser beam sizzled through the air between Lupe and the mayor.

"Proof enough?" the wolf-fem asked in an overly sweet voice.

"Take cover! Scatter!" Raurmarique bellowed, grabbing the mayor and ushering him to a shelter.

"HOO, LO-dee!" Scratch yelled grinning. "This is gonna be fun!" The lapine was briefly cloaked in fire, and emerged stripped down for action. Her silk over-blouse was gone, leaving a black sleeveless tank top. On her forearms was a pair of elbow-length fingerless gauntlets. Devin looked in askance at the rabbit, and her odd idea of fun. Pete just stared.

Raurmarique gestured and was holding a scimitar of an ancient design. He raised it over his head and shouted a challenge in a foreign language. The bots paid no mind, as they continued to fire on the village and its people. The wolves brought their weapons to bear, and started laying down some cover fire for the two battlemages. Erica tore into the oncoming army of SWATbots with a vengeance, rendering them into scrap with her magically sharp claws. Unbeknownst to the rampaging rabbit, she was becoming surrounded.

The sounds of guns blazing was nothing unusual in this sort of environment, but SWATbots began to fall on either side of Scratch. She looked and found Peter finishing off a would-be ambusher. Erica flashed the wolf a grateful smile, then grinned impishly and said: "They let you out wit' a gun AGAIN?" Pete grinned until laser fire came their way. The wolf and rabbit quickly dove for what little cover there was.

Meanwhile Raurmarique was gracefully slicing the bots to pieces with moves that would have made a dervish dizzy, while Lupe' held her own with three bots. A fourth bot joined the fracas, and they finally captured the Alpha-fem. Raurmarique spotted the situation, and grew enraged.

"*REAAAAARRRRGGGGH*!!" the snow leopard roared, and tore into the bots that held Lupe captive. In an instant the femwolf stood free amidst a pile of scrap, and Raurmarique hemphed, satisfied at his work.

"Thank you," Lupe panted.

"My pleasure," Raurmarique said bowing. He went back to the fight, but kept an eye out for trouble.

"Re-mahnd me not ta get him mad," Erica said tapping Peter on the shoulder.

"Right," Pete uttered blinking.

The battle raged on. Lupe and her comrades are putting up a tough fight, but they were slowly losing ground. Even with the powers of the two battlemages in their midst they are still outnumbered three to one.

Raurmarique realized that their situation had grown desperate. He decided it was time to use the power he had been thinking about unleashing since the bots attacked. The snow cat threw his sword to Lupe, and gathered the shadows. They covered him, engulfed him, until only his blue eyes could be seen in the darkness. The form filled out and grew then stood up. . . up. . . up taller than the rest, and let out a thunderous, window-shaking roar.

"*GOOD GODS!!"* Lupe shouted, nearly dropping the sword. The shadowbeast that had been Raurmarique then charged into the oncoming bot army, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. In a few moments it was over. The last few functional bots were swiftly rendered inoperable.

Raurmarique kneeled in the plain, panting from exhaustion while the Freedom Fighters all stood in sort of a daze. They could not believe what they had just seen. Lupe was the first to recover.

"Raurmarique!" she cried when she saw him kneeling. He fell to his side, then rolled over on his back. He lay there gazing at the clouds, his breath coming in long rasping pants.

"Gods," he muttered, "I must be getting old." Lupe heard this last remark as she reached him.

"What are you complaining about? You're only just over a thousand." Raurmarique looked up at Lupe and started to laugh in spite of his weariness.

"You are a treasure, an absolute treasure," he guffawed. "Help me to stand, please, or I'll fall asleep here." Lupe took a firm grip in Raur's hands, and pulled him to a sitting position. She slipped her arms around his chest, and lifted him. Much to her surprise, the leopard was fairly easy to lift. Whether it was because he had not fully recovered or if he was just light, she did not know, and did not think this was the time to ask.

The mayor peeked out and gazed at the devastation that had occurred while he had been in the shelter. His people had been saved. Barely. Which was more than he could say for his village, but the site was no longer safe. "I. . . I don't know how to thank you. . . "

"Save your thanks, Master Mayor," Lupe said bitterly, guiding Raurmarique away from the battlefield. "If you had LISTENED to me in the first place, then your people would have better prepared."

"An' y'all might ha-uve lost so much," Erica added. The kinkajou sighed.

"Yes. You're right. Look, will you accept our hospitality for the night? We all will have to move on in the morning, but. . . well, your friend looks like he could use some rest," the mayor observed.

"I'm fine, " Raurmarique rumbled. "The weariness is slow to pass, but it is passing."

"We shall wait until Raurmarique recovers, then move on," Lupe said with finality as she moved Raurmarique to a bench where he could sit, and regain his strength.

"Please? We would be honored if you stayed."

"*'Honored'*? Just a short time ago you didn't even want to hear what we had to say! Now you don't want us to leave?" Lupe declared. She quickly regained her composure. "Thank you, but no. We shall find our own camp tonight."

"Anyway," Raurmarique said with a gesture to the people packing their belongings, "we'd be hindering your evacuation efforts."

"All right," the mayor said bowing, "We are forever in your debt." The band of Freedom Fighters said nothing as the mayor walked away. Lupe sat on the bench with Raurmarique.

"Don't let it trouble you," the leopard said to his lupine companion.

"Raurmarique's raht, honey. Folks are funny sumtahms. 'Specially in li'le places lahk this," Erica put in.

"I know. But what bothers me is that many have died and more will probably die of injuries tonight because of that fool's arrogance," Lupe sighed, running a hand through her hair. Erica looked at the great number of injured critters and the lone figure tending to them. She could sense no magic from the village doctor, and there were more people in need than his reserves could possibly carry him to. Erica got up and dusted herself off.

"Ah'm goin' t' help whar Ah cain b'fo we go. Mebbe they'll have a bettah chance," she said then grabbed Peter's ear. "Yo's voluntierin' too, honey."

"Hey! Leggo my ear! Ouch! Stop it, I'll come!" the wolf yelped as he got to his feet before he was dragged. Devin chuckled, and got to his feet as well.

"Thet's a good fellah. Yo's be a big help," Erica said grinning at Peter. Devin followed the unusual duo to the doctor to offer their services. Lupe and Raurmarique were left alone on the bench.

"How are you feeling?" the femwolf asked.

"Better," Raurmarique sighed. "There's a reason why I don't use that particular power. And how are *you* feeling?"

"Drained. Angry. Gods above, how I hate this war." Raurmarique hesatantly placed his hand on Lupe's shoulder, and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"I've grown tired of this war myself. It will end. All things come to pass in time."

"But will we live to see the end of it?"

"I will, barring accidents," Raurmarique replied, "but no one truly knows the answer to that question. It will end. Robotnik cannot last forever. He will be overcome. With people like you fighting him, he will be overcome." Lupe gazed into Raurmarique's eyes and smiled.

"You give me hope, do you know that?" she asked reaching up and caressing his cheek. "Thank you."

"I? I am the one that gives you hope?" Raurmarique asked stunned. "You are welcome, my lady, but how. . . ?"

"By encouraging me, and fighting for me and the rest of the Pack," Lupe replied taking Raurmarique's hand. The snow cat held Lupe's hand in his for a long time. He liked this moment, and wanted it to last, but he was recovering his energy rapidly now. They would soon have to leave. They looked across the destroyed village to where Erica, Peter, and Devin were attending the wounded. Erica looked up and waved.

"We's almost finished. Yo's feelin' bettah, Raurmarique?"

"I'm fine, Erica, We can leave whenever you are ready," he said waving back. He turned to Lupe, and gazed at her profile. "L-Lupe'. . . ?" he whispered.

"What is it Raurmarique?" Lupe asked alarmed. He ran a finger along the femwolf's cheek, looking into her eyes.

"Uhm. . . I. . . You have given me a great gift too. I give you hope, and you have given me. . . ," the leopard trailed off wondering if he should continue or. . .

"What, Raurmarique?" Lupe asked.

"We's ready!" Erica shouted, startling the two. Raurmarique jumped a bit at the exclamation, yet he thanked the gods for it. He nearly had made a fool of himself.

Erica and the two wolves joined Lupe and Raurmarique. "How'd it go?" Lupe asked.

"E'erybodah's wrapped an' stitched as good as we cain make 'em," Erica reported. "They should have a bettah chance o' survivin' now." She turned to her lupine helpers. "Thanks guys."

"Well done my friends. We should be going," Lupe said warmly. Erica patted Devin on the shoulder, and Pete she ever-so-casually goosed. Raurmarique chuckled as he rose, feeling much better for the rest.

"Come," Lupe chuckled in spite of herself. "We still have a good way to go before we reach Knothole." Erica grabbed her pack, and just grinned when Peter looked at her quizzingly. The group set off once more for Knothole feeling a bit better for helping Nowhere Village, and for being out of the Unknown.


The land had gradually changed from the bare stones and broken ground of the Unknown to the savanna of the Known. The grass became thicker, and sweeter smelling. There were some smallish trees, and several stray boulders and rocks in piles along their path. Some seemed to be some sort of structures, but even Raurmarique couldn't tell what they actually were. Near one of these stone piles they made their camp. The wind was out of the west this night, and the stones sheltered them from the breezes. There was a small stream a few feet nearby, and they could see the Great Forest in the distance.

The party had drawn lots to see who would get the firewood. Raurmarique and Pete drew the shortest lots, and went to gather some firewood while the others drew water and set out the food. It was poor fare that they had, just some field rations. After a few minutes, they heard Raurmarique and Pete sniping at each other as they brought the firewood. They reached the camp site and Lupe asked impatiently, "What's the problem now?"

"This *pita* seems to think I don't know how to gather firewood, never mind that I've been surviving in the wilds on my own for far longer than he's been on this planet!" Raurmarique exclaimed.

"Well, look, it's far to green to burn," Pete replied.

"It's green because it's *zhonne* wood," Raurmarique retorted. "The trees grow out here in between the Unknown and Known, and burns quite well."

"Look, everyfur knows-"

"*ENOUGH!*" Lupe shouted. They both looked at her in shock, for Lupe seldom raised her voice. They could see the anger in her blue eyes, felt it like a solid presence. "I am too tired, I am too hungry, and I am too angry to listen to this petty argument," she said with cold deliberation. "So both of you *STOP IT RIGHT NOW!*" She stormed off in the direction of the stream, and stood at the banks of the stream.

"Boys, thet thar is whun pissed off she wolf," Erica observed.

Raurmarique knelt down, and arranged the firewood in a neat pile. "You still insisting that this wood will burn?" Peter asked.

Raumarique gave Pete a burning look that raised Pete's hackles. Something told Pete he had better shut up. "Just light it," Raurmarique said icily. "It will burn for a long time. Trust me." He walked over to where Lupe stood. "I am sorry Lupe. I didn't mean to upset you," he said sotto voce.

Lupe turned to Raumarique. "I know you didn't," she said quietly. "I'm very tired, more than I've ever been on a journey like this. And, as I said, I'm angry. That whole fracas at Nowhere could have been prevented."

Raurmarique gazed at her, a puzzled look on his face. "Prevented? How so?" he asked. "You must remember that I am only a soldier."

Lupe thought for a moment. "Well, we Mobians have lived an idyllic life and the when Great War was fought and won, we returned to that lifestyle," she explained. "No furson in their wildest dreams ever though there would be another war. So King Acorn decided to dismantle the War Ministry. The one thing he never counted on was Robotnik stealing the technology and using it to depose him. Because of this, no fur prepared any sort of defense, and Robotnik was able to take over with little trouble."

"Ah. Complacency. I wish my life could have been so idyllic... I wonder what that's like." Raurmarique said wistfully.

"Perhaps one day you'll find out," Lupe replied. "That is, of you can find peace within yourself." Raurmarique gazed into Lupe's eyes for a long time. Lupe notice his expression was thoughtful, something she hadn't seen in their short time together.

"You have helped me come closer to finding that peace," he said quietly. "I cannot begin to repay you for that."

Lupe reached up and caressed Raurmarique's cheek. "You already have by fighting for us at Nowhere," she murmured. "And you saved my life. *I* cannot repay you for that. And you saved the lives of a lot of villagers. You have already redeemed yourself in my eyes, Raurmarique."

Raurmarique smiled shyly. "I only did what was required of me," he whispered. They fell silent, and gazed into each other's eyes. The moon had risen, and bathed their camp and the land around it in a soft white light. They drew closer, and gently embraced each other. Slowly their mouths drew closer, and before either one of them realized it, they were locked in a passionate kiss. When their lips parted, they gazed at each other, but said nothing for a long time.

Lupe lowered her head a little, and said sadly, "I can't do this." Raurmarique looked at her quizzically. Lupe looked up at him. "I can't be with a mel. Not while the war is going on," she explained sadly. "And the gods know what I want to do now. But I can't Raurmarique. I'm sorry."

"I'm not asking you to sleep with me Lupe," Raurmarique said, as he drew her closer. "Just to love me, my beloved."

"Oh Raurnarique, I do," Lupe said passionately. At the campfire, the Devin and Pete had sat down and were beginning to eat their heated c-rations, while Erica ate some of the dried vegetables she had in her pack. Pete started to stand up and call Lupe and Raurmarique to dinner.

"Din-*HURK* he said as Erica yanked him down to the ground.

"Leave them be," Erica said sternly. The two lovers had heard that small exchange. Raurmarique chuckled.

"That Pete can be such a *pita* sometimes," he said. "Perhaps we should join the others." He gently kissed Lupe.

"Would you mind telling me why you and Erica call him a pita?" Lupe asked.

"Er..." Raurmarique coughed. "It's a slang term."

"Slang? For what?" Lupe asked.

"Ahh...literally...um... it means a soreness in the rectum," Raurmarique mumbled.

Lupe's face was a study in amazement. She began to snicker as she said, "That really is not that funny." She started to laugh a little louder in spite of herself.

"Well, you *do* have to admit he can be a real pain in the-"

"Do not even say it. And yes, I know he can be." They laughed as they made their way back to the campsite. When they reached the campsite Lupe managed to keep a somewhat straight face, but Raurmarique was giggling uncontrollably. He turned to Erica, who he had let in on the joke some time earlier, and pointed to Pete.

"Pita," was all he could get out before he dissolved into a torrent of laughter. Erica cracked up and fell on the ground, laughing hysterically. Lupe was still doing her best to keep a straight face, but didn't have a whole lot of success. Devin was as confused as Pete.

"What in the nine hells is so funny? And what does pita bread have to do with it?" Pete asked angrily.

The three of them looked at each other, and laughed all the more.

Erica managed to recover enough to let Devin in on the joke. Devin looked over at his younger brother, and broke out laughing.

"Yes! It's true!" Devin exclaimed. Pete just sat on a rock with his dinner, looking very miffed while laughter echoed off the rocks , filling the air with a sound that had not been heard in that area since Robotnik took over. Soon enough, even though he didn't know what they were laughing at, Pete started to laugh too.


Dinner went on uninterrupted by any talk. They had been enjoying the quiet of their camp when Raurmarique looked over at Lupe, and gasped. "L-L-L-Lupe, where did you get this? he asked aghast, as he touched the gold armband that Lupe always wore.

Lupe looked at the armband. "My father gave it to me many years ago. Why do you ask?"

Raurmarique was stunned. "The coat of arms...I recognize it. From a very long time ago..." His voice trailed off.

"Raurmarique, what's wrong?" Lupe asked, her voice full of concern for her new love. "You look as if you've seen a ghost."

Raurmarique ran his hand through his headfur. *Oh dear lords, lost and found in the same night,* he thought. He looked at Lupe. "Lupe, the coat of arms on that band belonged to a kingdom that was...lost...eons ago," "Raurmarique, I don't understand. What kingdom?"

"A kingdom of wolves, Lupe. One that if it still existed you would be heir to-" a look of realization came over Raurmarique's face, "A kingdom, that if I am right, literally had *your* name on it."

"You must be mistaken," Lupe said in disbelief. "I am not of royal blood. Indeed, my parents farmed some land north of the Great Unknown they had acquired when the pack was reestablished."

"But your father gave you this band," Raurmarique persisted. "Had it been in your family? Please tell me Lupe. It is *important*."

"Well, yes," Lupe said hesitantly. "It has been in my family for generations, and had always passed to the eldest female."

A feeling of dread washed over Raurmarique. "And your pack, does it have any legends of an exodus, and monsters? Raurmarique stopped, then added quietly, "From the far east, perhaps? The exodus, I mean, and the monsters too, I guess."

Lupe was puzzled by Raurmarique's questions. "We have some legends that tell of these things," she said quietly. "Raurmarique, what are you trying to say?"

"Your legends are true Lupe," Raurmarique said quietly. "The armband proves it. I was there in the east when the kingdom of Guadalupe was in full flower. I was there when it fell."

"Oh my gods. It can't be...I-I-" Words failed Lupe. Raurmarique sobbed, and disappeared into the shadows. All the party heard was a whisper of "Found and lost in a single night."

"Ah'd say thet cat ha-us whole heapin' load o' guilt on his shoulders," Erica mused. "But what in tha heck did he mean-" She stopped as she spotted Raurmarique standing just outside the circle of firelight. He came forward carrying a chest that bore the same coat of arms that was on Lupe's armband. The leopard set the chest before Lupe, and kneeled before her.

"You are the heir to the realm of Guadalupe, Raurmarique said quietly. "I can see the resemblance you have to the ancient Queens. These are yours."

Lupe stared at Raurmarique. Slowly she lifted the lid of the chest. She gasped at what she saw inside. The wealth of a kingdom lay in that chest. A crown, simple yet elegant, and many pieces of jewelry shone in the firelight. They all had a similar stylized wolf motif, and the number of gemstones were uncountable. For the most part the gems were set into the eyes of the wolves, but sometimes a clever artisan used them in the scenery of certain pieces to highlight it. The artistry was magnificent, outshining current works, but reflecting them as well. When Lupe finally recovered from the shock of so many beautiful pieces of jewelry she said, "Raurmarique, this cannot be true."

"Look into the lid Lupe," Raurmarique replied thickly. "Look, and see that it is true." Lupe looked as Raurmarique asked, and discovered a hidden compartment. Contained therein was a rolled up painting. She drew it out, and unrolled it, eliciting a collective gasp from the group. Lupe felt her legs weaken, but she was determined to remain standing.

On the canvas was a wolf that looked almost exactly like the alpha that stood with them. She was dressed regally, and was without the "reminder" that Lupe sported on her left cheek. The resemblance, however, was uncanny. Lupe looked at Raurmarique. She gazed at him for a long time. Finally she said "It is true, isn't it?"

"It is," Raurmarique replied.

"My gods," Lupe breathed.

No one said a word. It was all too profound for all of them. Raurmarique just knelt there, waiting for any questions or comments from the others. One by one, they all took a closer look at the painting. No one said anything, except for Erica. "Honey, ef y' ask me, Ah'd say thet wuz you," she murmured. "'s a ringah fo' yo', honey.
'Cepting one difference."

"At the time that I was in Guadalupe, I did not find out her name," Raurmarique explained. "I was...preoccupied."

"Go on," Lupe said.

"I was insane when I was there, a berserker," Raurmarique said.

"What happened in Guadalupe? Lupe asked, dreading the answer.

"I've read your legends," Raurmarique replied in a near whisper. "How does it feel to meet a legend?" Raurmarique shuddered. "I am the monster from the East. I am the basis for the legend of Redhand the Slayer."

"The destroyer who lives in the shadows, and destroys everything in his path," Lupe breathed.

"I-destroyed Guadalupe and scattered its denizens to the winds," Raurmarique said hesitantly.

Lupe could feel her heart hammering against her ribs. "What you did yesterday. Was that how you destroyed Guadalupe?"

"Part of it, yes. It was mostly from insanity. I became a berserker after I was first placed under the spell of Neveraging. I was
driven mad."

"Oh gods."

"I-I-I-I-couldn't remember-any of it-until I was snapped back to sanity eons later."

"And you have the nerve to offer her a courting gift?" Peter screamed. Raurmarique surged to his feet, grabbed Peter's shirtfront, and forced the young wolf to look into his icy blue eyes.

"You have certainly tried my patience *pita*. WHO said ANYTHING about a courting gift?" Raurmarique hissed, snarling at Pete. "The Crown Jewels of Guadalupe are LUPE'S by right! I stole them long eons ago, and I am returning them to their rightful owner!" Rauramrique let go of Pete's shirt with a disdainful gesture, and glared at the offensive whelp. He turned back to Lupe, and knelt before her. "All the treasures I have are stolen," he said quietly. "I have no property or wealth of my own. The only thing I have left is of dubious value."

Lupe was thoroughly puzzled by this. "I do not understand, Raurmarique," she said softly.

"As a...'courting gift', I give you my life. It's all I have left, all I had in the first."

"Raurmarique, why?" Lupe asked.

"Why?" Raurmarique sighed. "My semiworthless life is all I have to offer. As I have said: The treasures I intend to return. Some I'll have to bury at the sites of where I had taken them. I lost everything that made my life worth living the day that Ambermane was forced by the king that was my ruler to put the Neveraging spell on me. Lastly Lupe, you have given me the chance to love again. There is nothing I can offer that can equal that, except my life."

"That is a strange thing to say," Lupe remarked.

"My life was made into a living nightmare by my former ruler," Raurmarique said bitterly. "If it wasn't for his childish greed, Guadalupe, Tajh duMaur, and several other kingdoms would still exist."

"I do not understand," Lupe said.

"Long ago, I was the bodyguard for the king of Tajh duMaur," Raurmarique explained. "He was a petty furson with petty wants. I did not pay attention to this, because it was not my duty. My duty was to guard the royal furson. My one joy was that I was going to be mated to a wonderful tigerfem who had decided that I was worth her while."

"Go on," Lupe encouraged.

Raurmarique took a deep breath. "It was an interesting day when Ambermane Wistra-Prower came to Tajh duMaur. There was a welcoming celebration, but the king had other plans. Ambermane wanted a rare herb that grew only in Tajh duMaur. The king wanted the Neveraging spell. S-s-somehow, he had found out about it. He captured Edmund Prower, Ambermane's mate, and used him as a hostage to force her to cast her spell."

"My gods. Then what happened?"

They all could see the tears shining in Raurmarique's eyes. "He wanted the spell put on me first. He was going to rule the country for all time, and he simply had to have a body guard. I had proven reliable in the past...so I was chosen."

"What happened when Ambermane cast her spell on you?" Tears started to run down Raurmarique's cheeks. "The king made a big production out of it. Made a speech about becoming the ruler of Tajh duMaur for all time, while Ambermane chanted. I hadn't been told what was happening, so I was unprepared for the effect. I went hot, then cold. I heard the king say something about me being his body guard for all time and...I g-g-guess I snapped. I can't remember what happened too clearly. Just the blood and the screams, and-" he fell to his side and curled up in a ball, sobbing-"-and Jannelle's body sliding lifeless from my hands." Raurmarique's grief overtook him, and his body shook with his sorrow. "Jannelle, Jannelle! Your memory will haunt me forever! Gods forgive me for what I have done!"

Pity and horror welled up in Lupe's heart. She knelt by Raurmarique, the slipped her arms around him. "Oh Raurmarique," she said quietly, as she nuzzled his neck, and held him tight. Peter and Devin stood shocked at the revelations of this night. They did not sit too well in the mind. Erica quickly got tired of the two wolves staring at, what should be, a private moment between Lupe, and Raurmarique.

"All right. C'mon, yo' two. Let's give 'em sum tahm alone."

"But-" Peter started.

"Move," the battlemage, in her drill sergeant voice. She pointed to a clearing just beyond the fire's glow.

"But-" Pete tried again, then audibly gulped when Erica emphasized her point by extending her index finger's claw. He then decided that he had better get going.

Erica strolled to the clearing with the two wolves following behind, casting glances back to the camp. Peter also was giving their battlemage guide some anxious looks.

"Erica," Devin finally ventured, "what just happened there?"

"Ah'd say jest a bit o' lightin' strikin', honey."

"I don't understand."

"Y'see, theah's an old sayin' thet goes: 'Why must we love wheah tha lightin' strikes, instead o' whar we choose?' An interestin' question, ifin you's think about it," Erica mused. "In mah opinion, Ah'd say thet yo's monstah o' tha East ha-us been tamed."

"You're saying that they are falling in love?" asked Devin furrowing his brow.

"Honey, there ain't no *fallin'*' to it. Thet snow-cat jest gave himself to Lupe'," Erica laughed. "D' yo know what it means t' give sombodah yo's lahf?"

"No," Peter uttered, a frown on his face.

"He lives only fo' her," Erica explained seriously. "Ifin' she asked him to kill himself, he'd do it. Thet's how much he loves her. An' Ah'm sho' thet she is startin' to feel tha same."

"Oh gods, *no!* This can't be!" Peter sputtered, anger coloring his features.

"What? Yo's got designs on thet thar femwolf?" Erica queried, with a raised eyebrow. "She's not yo type, hon."

"No! That monster killed my people! And gods only know what he will do now!" Peter growled.

"My brother," Devin said quietly, "that was a very long time ago."

"Pete, honey, yo's cute, but yo's sho' annoyin'," Erica uttered peeved. "Can't yo see thet he'd changed fo' tha bettah? Anyways Lupe's got him bound tighter than Selena LeGuerr in a brew tastin'."

"I don't like it. I don't trust him at all," Peter said, subdued.

"Hokay," Erica said crossing her arms. "How cain he proove t' yo thet he's changed?"

"I don't know, Erica," Devin murmured.

"He had to atone for what he did," Peter said finally.

"Thet's what he's tryin' t' do, honey," Erica replied. "Thet's what that confession an' givin' Lupe them jewels was a part of." There was dead silence. Pete almost spoke, but his brother beat him to it.

"She's right, brother. He is trying. But I still don't trust him-yet. But I do trust Lupe's judgment."

"I never will," Peter spat.

"Petah, honey, do you trust me?" Erica queried.

"Yes I do, Erica, but what does that have to do with trusting Raurmarique?"

"Jest lissen. Ah split yo's gun fo' ways from Sunday, an' mopped a canyun floor wit yo, an' yo'd trust me t' defend yo's back. Now Raurmarique tore through an ancient kingdom of wolves, and sent 'em runnin' to tha winds ovah a thousand years ago, an' yo trust him t' help yo outta a pit," Erica explained, using her claws as a graphic reminder. "Pretty interestin', honey."

"Forgiveness, Peter, forgiveness. Raurmarique has been through a lot. And not of his own will." Erica then stood, and with a slight shift in stance, went from a competent battlemage to a rather sexy lapine. She playfully vamped Peter, who just goggled.

"Believe me, honey, yo's a LOT safer wit' Raurmarique."

"Give him a chance Peter, that's all," Devin said seriously.

"An' lahk Ah said: Lupe's got thet cat bound tighter than a Mist trade agreement," Erica said with a shrug, liking the effect she had on the mel. Peter took a deep breath.

"All right," he said with a sigh, "I'll give him a chance. But gods help him if he harms Lupe."

"Petah, honey, ifih' he harms Lupe, he's sho' to kill hisself befo' yo's even get to him. If Lupe doesn't fo' bit him t' do it, o' course," Erica uttered exasperatedly.

"We shall see," Peter said a bit menacingly. The rabbit sauntered behind the irate wolf, reached up and started to scratch between his ears.

"Oh kay, Pete, calm down," Erica said with a grin. "We's don't need yo t' go back mad." She worked her way in front of Peter and for the first time since they met, Peter actually smiled at Erica. He relaxed under the scratching that Erica administered. His face had the silliest look on it, and his ears splayed out to the sides. Finally he fell to his side. "Whoops! Go you a bit *too* calm, huh?"

"Looks like he's out for a while," Devin chuckled.

"Oh no I'm not," Pete said with a simpering smile on his face.

"Oh *C'MON,* honey, yo's cain sleep back at the camp," Erica said offering the prone wolf her hand.

"Thanks Erica," Pete said, as the lapine helped him up. She winked impishly.

"Anytime, hon."

"We should get back," Devin uttered, noting the time. They walked back to the campsite to find Lupe smoothing a blanket over an already slumbering Raurmarique. She went to her own bedroll, and settled in. Erica, Peter, and Devin decided that the Alpha was onto something, and settled in themselves.


They rose early the next morning, broke their fast quickly, and started packing in order to be off. Erica stuffed her bedroll into her backpack, causing a stare from Peter.

"When d' y'all think we'll be reachin' Knothole, honeys?" she asked when she had finished.

"We should reach Knothole by sunset," Lupe replied.

"We'd better," Devin observed. "There's not much cover between here and Knothole."

"I haven't forgotten that, Devin," Lupe said.

"Perhaps not the usual type, but I can hide you all in shadows if needed," Raurmarique volunteered.

"You have that ability?" Lupe asked raising an eyebrow.

"I think I could if I tried. I've never had to do it before."

"Wouldn't that be too taxing on your energy?" the fem queried, concerned.

"Not really. . . ," Raurmarique explained after thinking for a bit. "Changing into the shadowbeast is taxing because I have to make the shadow-stuff solid. But camouflaging all of us would not be as hard be as hard because I would be only spreading the shadow stuff around. If I had to shield us, then I would start having trouble with my energy reserves." Lupe looked thoughtful for a moment.

"All right. Do it, Raurmarique."

"Is there no other way?" Peter asked, uncomfortable.

"Er. . . Lupe, I'm going to have to wait until we're in the forest itself. There are not enough shadows to work with." Lupe looked puzzled, and Erica looked around.

"Y'know he's got a point," Erica said pointing to the ground. "Look, honeys, they be hardly any shadows heah. Ceptin' our own."

"That's right. I have to have the shadow-stuff to work with. Unfortunately that's a limitation to the magic," the leopard said with a sigh. "Erica may have another sort of camouflaging spell though."

"Do you, Erica?" asked Lupe.

"Huh? D'oh! Thet's right! Man sumtahms Ah'm so dumb," Erica said slapping her forehead, and casting the spell. There was no apparent change. "There it be. Hit's not much, but to tha' eyes of summat else we's be a blendin' into tha background."

"Excellent, Erica," Lupe said starting off. "Let's go."

"I have no love for these magics," Peter whispered to Devin.

"Even if they help?" Devin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. Even if they help." Erica dropped back, and looked at Pete.

"Ah heard that, honey. Some o' the best mages Ah've known ha-uve been wolves," Erica said with a grin.

"Is that a fact?" Peter asked surprised.

"Sho' nuff, hon," Erica replied cheerily. "There's this wolf in tha battlemage combine thet cain beat me five tahmes outta ten."

"Really?" Peter said awestruck. "I was beginning to think you couldn't be beat."

"Oh no, honey. Fo a furson thet cain't be beat, yo's gotta luk t' tha skunks. One named Selena LeGuerr fo' instance."

"I've heard this name," Devin murmured.

"Who is this furson?" Peter asked, amazed.

"Selena LeGuerr's only tha best Battlemage on tha planet, honey. Not even Luna Silvermane, tha wolf Ah tol' yo about, cain come close t' her," Erica replied. "Y'all might meet Selena when we's get t' Knothole. Thet's the last place Ah heard she was a goin'."

"Wow," Peter uttered. "I'd really give a lot to train at the battlemage combine, even for a one day."

"Yo's got magic, honey?" Erica asked raising an eyebrow.

"No, not that I know of," Peter replied.

"Then the best yo's cain do tis ta bet a battlemage t' be trainin' yo. 'Cause yo's gotta be a mage t' get in," Erica explained with a tinge of regret for the pup. "Sorry, Peter, hon, them's tha rules."

"Oh. I see," Peter uttered disappointed. "Maybe you can train me?"

"How long yo's goin' t' be stayin' in Knothole?" Erica asked raising an eyebrow.

"We don't know," Devin replied. "It's up to Lupe."

"Hokay. Ah guess I cain be givin yo's sum learnin' in thet area," Erica said musing on the possibility, "but yo's nevah concidered askin' Raurmarique? He's a battlemage too, y'know."

"No, I haven't," Peter said thinking about his self-improvement. "Maybe if you both trained me-"

"Well, let's git to Knothole firust, an' then we'll decide whut t' do from there." The party fell silent for the next few miles. The grass had grown taller in some spots, often rising above Raurmarique's head, who was the tallest of them all. They had crossed about half of the savanna, and were in an area where the grass was shorter on all sides except for the west, when all of a sudden, a robotocized cheetah ran out of the taller grass, and passed them by. Before anyone could react, they heard *BAM*, and several bolo lines appeared out of the grass, and wrapped themselves around the fleeing cheetahbot. The unprotesting bot was unceremonially dragged back into the tall grass. They all stood there blinking, as if they could make their eyes deny what they had just witnessed. Finally Erica said in disbelief, "Oh kay, whut in the hoo-haw was *thet* all about?"

"I do not know Erica," Lupe replied. "It seems that Robotnik's developing a new type of weapon."

"But why were they using a cheetahbot for a test subject?" Devin asked.

"Gee, mebbe it's the fastest thang the could get thay-uh hands on?" Erica said speculatively.

Lupe thought for a moment then said, "The fastest thing they-" she stopped with the light of sudden knowledge. "Oh my gods, that thing's specifically designed to capture Sonic!" she cried.

"Do we take them?" Raurmarique asked politely.

"Can you keep our cover while you attack? If not, then we should try to find out anything we can about this weapon," Lupe said urgently.

"Now hole' on there honey," Erica interjected. "WE needs to find out how many o' them there bot b'fo we goes in anyways. An' you knows how these cover spells are. Yo cain't attack wit them on."

"You're right Erica," Lupe agreed. "We have to see what we're up against."

Erica started to trot off in the direction where the cheetah was dragged. She said as she trotted away, "Lakh Mistah LeGuerr allus says: 'A warrior wit'out a plan looses.' C'mon honeys, let's go an' see whut we cain see." The rest of the party followed Erica as she led them out of the range where the tests were taking place. They got to an area where the grass was exceptionally taller, taller then the grasses on the plain. Through the grass they saw the testing site. Several SWATbots stood with bazooka-like weapons on their shoulders, and there was also a larger version of the bazooka like weapons on a vehicle that had metal tank-like treads. Worker bots and drones made notes, and operated various measuring instruments. Supervising the whole operations was Snively.

"I might have known that Robotnik would have his lackey doing his dirty work," Lupe said quietly, with disgust and contempt in her voice. They watched as he motioned to a worker bot and called, "Rea-a-ady the next sahb-ject!" The cheetahbot stood in the classic sprinter's pose. At a signal for the diminutive hominid, the bot took off, soon receding from sight. "Fire!" Snively barked at a SWATbot. It pressed a button on a controller, and a line exited the large tube. Soon the cheetahbot was dragged back to the testing area.

"Lupe, what's our next move?" Devin whispered. "There's too many of them to fight."

"Ah wish we haid us a camera," Erica murmured.

"We do," Lupe replied. "Peter, come and take a look at this." Peter had been watching their backs, and had not seen what was going on. As smoothly as a slide of oil, Peter and Devin switched places. Peter looked through the grass. "Do you think you can remember all this?" Lupe asked.

"Not a problem Lupe," Peter replied. "Just let me concentrate for a moment."

"Hully geeze, ole Pete's got a photographic memory?" Erica asked.

"Yes he does," Lupe whispered, "and that's why I often send him on reconnaissance missions. We don't have the equipment, so we use what the gods gave us."

"Hush, let me concentrate," Peter said. They all fell silent. Pete gazed through the grass and Erica could see his expression harden into a look of extreme concentration. Several minutes had passed when Pete whispered, "I've got it. Let's go"

"None too soon fo' me honey, " Erica whispered, rising from her crouch, and making her silent way through the grass. "Yo's a handy furson ta have around, Pete."

"Save the compliments for later Erica. We're not in Knothole yet," Pete replied.

"T'ain't a complement honey, jest a statement o' fact," Erica said, casting a grin over her shoulder at her lupine amigo. "*Thet* comes later."

"Lupe, we should destroy them while we have the chance," Raurmarique said urgently.

"I do not want to risk any of us getting hurt, even though you could wipe them out at will," Lupe replied, "and we don't know if there are others nearby."

"Ah'd rather get reinforcements," Erica stated. "Jest in case of surprises. 'Allus outnumber yo's opposition, of have a way o' reducing their numbah', as my learin' says."

"I second that Erica," Devin chimed in.

"Erica's right Raurmarique. We came to escort Erica to Knothole, not for a fight. There may be many more than there were at Nowhere," Lupe pointed out.

"Point," Raurmarique said, resigned to the fact the he would have to miss a chance to destroy some of Robotnik's forces.

"We have to turn slightly to the south," Lupe said. "We should be in Knothole by nightfall."


They party quietly left the test area, and walked in the direction Lupe had indicated. For the rest of the day they heard nor saw any evidence of Robotnik's forces. For the most part they walked in silence with Lupe leading them, followed by Raurmarique, Devin, Peter, and Erica who stationed herself at their backs as their rearguard. The sun was beginning to set in the west, when they reached the first outlying trees of the Great Forest. They quietly made their way throughout the trees and undergrowth for a few miles. Erica was going to ask Lupe where the village was, when Lupe held up her hand, indicating that they should stop.

*Now whut?* Erica wondered. She saw Lupe beckon to them all. Lupe had walked to the foot of a large oak tree. She sniffed at the air and tree, and smiled. *Watch this,* she mouthed to Raurmarique, who was the closest to her. She took a deep breath. Then: "OOOOOOOWWWOOOOOOOOOOWWWOOOOOO!!!!!"

"EEEEEPPPP! AAAAAAIIIIIIYEEEEEE!" came from the lookout platform above their heads, and something that vaguely resembled a fox fell with a loud thud into the undergrowth. "That looked like it hurt," Devin observed.

Lupe was laughing merrily, as she helped the unfortunate furson out of the undergrowth. "Hello Antoine," she said sweetly, as she brushed the frightened Damonite off. Lupe had remembered how terrified Antoine was of the Pack's howling, so she decided to have a little fun, and to teach him a lesson for falling asleep on watch. She had caught his scent, and knew from it that he was asleep. She didn't say anything reproachful to Antoine; she thought she taught the lesson well.

The rest of the party laughed, but Erica laughed the hardest of all. "Ah didn't know yo's a prankster, Lupe! Thet wuz a howl!" she said between fits of laughter. Raurmarique groaned at the bad pun. Antoine had finally been brushed off and calmed. He said, "Ah, oui! 'Allo Lupe. Heh. We ahre not expecteeng vous, non? Mah preencess vill be glad that vous ahre here, non? Ah shall be getteeng some-von to be replaceeing moi, an' Ah shall be takeen vous to her, yes-non?"

"Thank you Antoine," Lupe replied. "I appreciate it." Antoine bowed then trotted off, muttering to himself. Erica studied the retreating figure for a while. "Ah'm glad Ah came, ifin' thet's whut they ha-uve on lookout," she said.

Lupe replied, "Antoine isn't the best lookout in Knothole; he's more into the heraldry and customs and protocols of the monarchy. But he really is a decent furson."

"It looks like they can use your help after Erica," Pete observed. A few minutes later Antoine came back, leading a hedgehog with a rather jaunty step, and somewhat taller than the vulpine. They saw that he was purple with a black vest, orange tennies, and a equally jaunty grin. "Hey-hey, it's the wolf lady," Lyric Tuneaker said, bowing. "Howzit hangin'?"

Lupe shook her head. "It's nice to know you haven't changed at all Lyric. How are you?"

"Hunky-dory Lupe-girl," Lyric said, flying up to the watch platform. "See ya later, folks."

"Good bye Lyric," Lupe called after him.

"Now *he* sounds lahk fun," Erica said approvingly.


They followed Antoine into the village, the wolves greeting those they've met on training sessions in times past. Erica didn't know anyone, so she just took in the experience. They reached Sally's hut, and Antoine knocked on the door. "Mah preencess?" he said diffidently, "Lupe an zome ozairs ahre here to be seeing vous."

Sally opened the door, and she smiled. "Lupe!" she exclaimed, "this is a nice surprise. What brings you to Knothole?" Antoine bowed, and left to relieve Lyric.

"Hello Sally," Lupe said. "We brought Bunnie's cousin to Knothole. We met quite by accident in the Great Unknown.

"I didn't know Bunnie had any relatives left," Sally said, puzzled. "I had thought they were all robotocized."

Erica grinned, and offered Sally her hand. "Howdy y'highness, Ah'm Erica Heatherwood," she said.

Sally took Erica's hand, and said, "It's a pleasure, Erica. And please call me Sally."

"All right Sally," Erica said.

"Bunnie will be happy to see you."

"Bunnie an' me haven't seen teach othah in a coon's age. Ah'll be happy t'be seein' her too."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kept you out here. Please come in everyone."

Erica followed Sally into the hut. "Thet ain't all we be needin' t' tell yo, honey," Erica said seriously. "We saw somethin' on our way
heah."

"What as it that you saw?" Sally asked anxiously.

"It seems that Robotnik has developed a new weapon, and is in the process of testing it," Lupe explained. "It a net gun, and I believe he intends to capture Sonic."

"Now who in tha heck this Sonic character tis, he's got t' be awful fast, because we 'em testin' this net gun on cheetah bots," Erica said.

"Oh my gosh," Sally exclaimed. "Do you have any information about the net gun? Pictures, things like that?"

"No Princess," Lupe said, "but we have the next best thing. Peter, tell Sally what you saw."

"Wait," Sally said. "I have a better idea." She went over to the window and saw that Lyric had come back from covering Antoine. "Lyric! I need you for something," she called out to the mage.

Seconds later lightning flashed in the hut, and Lyric stood within. "You called princess? he asked with a grin.

"Yes Lyric," Sally replied, as she pointed to Peter. "That wolf has some information we need. I would like you to read his mind, and
project his memories."

Lyric turned to Pete and said, "With your permission my good sir, I will do so."

"This won't hurt, right?" Pete said apprehensively.

"Of course not," Lyric replied. "Well, you might get a headache, but that will be cause by you concentrating on the specific memory. Then again, you don't want me rummaging through the memories of your lovelife." Lyric smiled, but then his expression turned serious. "Okay. Now concentrate on what you want me to get."

Pete nodded, closed his eyes, and said nothing. Lyric placed his hands on Pete's head, and began to copy and record the memories that Pete was thinking about. "Whoa, this looks bad," Lyric said, as Pete's memories entered his consciousness. "There's two versions, a very large one for capturing a lot of people at once, and a shoulder fired one to catch individuals."

"Yes it is Lyric," Lupe replied. "And I have a notion that Robotnik will use this on us all if he can capture Sonic."

Lyric shuddered. "Owch. Oy, dat's gotta hoit," he said. "Hokay, we're done." Peter opened his eyes and shook his head to clear the fuzzy feeling he felt. He looked at Lyric and Sally, and said "I have to sit down for a minute."

"Of course Peter," Sally said. Peter walked over to a easy chair that was near Sally, and flopped down. In a few moments, he was asleep.

" You want me to put this stuff on a video disk, Sally?" Lyric asked.

"Of course I do Lyric," Sally said. "And as soon as you're done, let me know. I want all the Freedom Fighters to see this."

Lyric grabbed a disk from the pile on Sally's desk, and checked it for content. He suspended the disk between his hands, a blue glow suffused the disk, and it started to spin at a high rate. About two minutes later the disk stopped spinning, and Lyric handed to Sally. "There you go Sally," he said.

"That's all it takes?" Sally asked.

"Yup," Lyric replied.

"Excellent," Sally said. "Thank you Lyric."

"Hum. Well, whut are we waitin' fo'?" Erica asked.

Sally looked at her watch. "If you wait a few minutes, Bunnie should be back any time. She-" But Sally's words were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. A second later, Bunnie walked in.

Erica stood there staring. Happiness, shock, and rage battled for dominance in her heart. "Bunnie Heatherwood, whut in tha hoo-ha's heppened?" she asked softly. Now she realized why Bunnie's letters had been so incoherent.

Bunnie, who hadn't noticed Erica at first, said, "Wal Sally I-" She stopped dead in her tracks. She stared in disbelief at her cousin. "Oh mah stars! Erica is thet you?" she exclaimed.

"Sho' nuff honey," Erica replied. "But, Bunnie Heatherwood, whut in tha hoo ha's heppened t' you?"

Tears started to form in Bunnie's eyes. "Oh Erica, Ah didn't whant ya t' see me lahk this."

Erica wiped the tears that had formed in her eyes. "Aw Bun, tain't tha end o' that wurld," she said. She crossed the room and hugged Bunnie tightly. "Ah jest wish Ah wus heah t' help yo' through it. Lahk yo' did fo' me." Erica pulled away, and unsheathed her claws.

"Sally, can I see you outside?" Lupe said, as she gestured for
the rest of them to leave the hut. Peter opened his eyes, and Sally helped him to his feet. She took Lupe's hint and said, "Yes of course Lupe." They all left Erica and Bunnie alone. "This Robotnik did this?" Erica asked when they were alone.

Bunnie sighed. "Thet he did Erica," Bunnie replied sadly.

Erica grinned, and examined her claws. "Ah allus wanted me a scratchin' post," she said. They laughed through their tears. Erica grinned, and sheathed her claws. "Now thet Ah'm heah, Ah cain help yo' a bit. This-" she tapped Bunnie's robotic arm-"is a part of yo' fo' now. We'll change thet, but fo' now Ah cain do nuthin but stand by yo', lahk yo' did when we's discovered mah claws. Ret now, howevah, we's got a film t' watch. Hit's gonna t' make yo' fur stand on end honey."


Outside Sally's hut Lupe and Sally were talking about possible courses of action that the Wolf Pack could play a role in. She turned to Raurmarique. "I'm sorry, but I didn't get *your* name. I'm Sally Acorn," she said.

Raurmarique bowed. "My name is Raurmarique du Rajh, your highness," he said graciously.

"I'm pleased to meet you Raurmarique," she replied. "And call me Sally."

"So far you're the second who has been, which makes me believe that there's hope for me after all," he said. He pointed to the wolves. "These disreputable characters are Pete (that you know) and Devin."

"It's good to meet you Raurmarique," Sally replied, "but what did you mean by that last remark?"

Raurmarique shrugged. "I have a *very* checkered past you highness," he said. "It goes back to long before the eggman took over. I am trying to atone for it. Since you can find me pleasing company, then I am making progress."

Sally was still puzzled by Raurmarique's answer. "I see," was all she could say.

"If it helps, you should ask Sasha Prower, or Ambermane Wistra about it."

"What does Ambermane and Sasha have to do with you?"

"It's a very long story princess," Lupe interjected. "Perhaps another time would be more appropriate."

"Yes, it is indeed," Raurmarique agreed. "We should be gathering our forces and reviewing the disk. We need to do something about that gun."

"Agreed," Sally said. "But I think we can take some time for dinner. You all must be hungry."

At that moment, Erica came out of the hut, laughing. "Momma was *so* mad! How in the heck did yo' think about thet?"

Bunnie followed her, and was laughing just as hard. She said, "Well..." Erica turned toward the group. "Oh. Hi ev'rybody! We's jest rememberin' tha ole tahms," she said.

Lupe smiled. "That's nice," she said. "We're on our way to dinner. Care to join us?"

"Sho' thang honey. mah stomach's makin' a meal o' mah backbone," Erica replied.

The party started to walk the short distance to the dinning hall. As they reached the dinning hall, they all heard a sound that sounded like a vacuum cleaner. "Whut in tha hoo-ha's thet?" Erica asked. A blue streak sped up as if to answer her question. "It's the keed wit' tha speed!" uttered a blue hedgehog with red sneakers, skidding to a stop before the party. "It's the number-one hedgehog, here for your viewing pleasure!"

"An' jest *who* are yo supposed t' be?" Erica asked crossing her arms.

Sally rolled here eyes. "Hi Sonic," she said somewhat exasperatedly.

"*This* is Sonic?" Erica asked, indicating the hedgehog. She looked him over, and looked at Lupe. "Are yo' so sure thet it be a great loss t' loose *him?*

"And who are you?" Sonic sneered.

"Ah'm Erica Heatherwood," Erica said with a scowl. She extended a forefinger claw. "An' let me get mah point across. Yo' bettah stay out o' mah way yo' walkin' ego." She looked at Sally. "This is whut all thet throuble wit' tha net gun's about?"

Sonic was mortified. "Whoa! Chill out! What *are* you talking about?"

"Simple. Lupe, Raurmarique, them wolves, an' me saw this long-nosed human testin' a net gun on some cheetahbots. Lupe sed that it was to capture yo'. But I cain't see why they're goin' through tha trouble. Yo'll trip yo' own self up."

"Erica, sugah, he's tha one thet rescused me frum the robotocizer," Bunnie explained.

Erica stood in stunned silence for a moment. "Well," she said slowly, "How about thet. Ah guess Ah should thank yo'. Yo' saved mah cousin's free will."

Sonic had calmed down. "I'd do it again for her, if I had to," he said quietly.

Erica offered her hand. She said quietly, "We-ull. Lahk I said, I'm Erica Heatherwood. Bunnie's mah cousin. Ah came t' help wharevah Ah cain."

Sonic took her hand. "Nice to meet you Erica," Sonic said.

They entered the dinning hall. After they were seated and Antoine gave them the evening's menu, they sat and talked among themselves about different things. Their meal arrived, and they ate in silence. After they were finished Sally picked several villagers as messengers to tell those in the village that she was calling a general meeting in one hour.


The villagers assembled in the meeting hut. Sally had send Rotor to get a compact disk projector from his workshop, and set it up. Very succinctly she explained what they were going to watch, and pressed the play button. The villagers watched in stunned silence as they watched the images play across the screen. Finally the disk-movie was over. Sally shut the projector off and said, "Suggestions, people?"

Lyric stood up. "Well, I'm going to state the obvious," he began. "We need to get the gun and the plans. Now that we have a goal, we can form a plan from there. It's too much to assume that ole needle-nose is still out there testing the thing. It's way past his bedtime."

Lupe stood up. "I agree Lyric," she said, "and I think I may have a plan."

"Lay it on me Lupe. This hedgehog is ready for anything!" he exclaimed.

"He talks lahk he needs his basket dented," Erica said aside to Pete.

"Don't underestimate Sonic Erica," Peter replied.

"My plan doesn't involve you Sonic," Lupe answered gently.

"Say what?" Sonic cried, as he stood up. "How could it *not* include me?"

"Because you are Robotnik's primary target," Lupe explained. "I'm guessing that he is thinking that if he can capture you, the Resistance will collapse, and he will be able to capture the rest of the free Mobians any time he likes. Therefore, until this net gun is destroyed, you should stay in Knothole and not risk getting captured."

"But-" Sonic began to say.

"Sonic, Lupe's right," Sally said.

"But-"

"No buts about it sugah-hog," Bunnie said, "you'd best stay here an' let othahs handle this."

"But-"

"The subject is closed Sonic," Sally said firmly. "And if you even think about sneaking off, I will expel you from the Freedom Fighters."

Sonic stared in shock at Sally. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it and sat down sulkily. Sally turned to Lupe and asked, "What's your plan Lupe?"

"It's quite simple actually. Raurmarique, Erica, and myself will go back to the testing area, and destroy the net gun."

"Just the three of you?" Sally asked. "I don't know Lupe. It sounds too risky."

"That's part of the plan," Lupe replied. "Robotnik won't expect an attempt to destroy this net gun. Moreover, the three of us can travel faster than a larger group. Besides,"-she glanced at Raurmarique and Erica-"I will have two battlemages with me. I think between the three of us we can handle what Robotnik has to throw at us."

"What about the plans for this thing?" Lyric asked.

"They probably aren't on site," Sally replied. "Most likely they're in the main computer in the Death Egg and Snively's using a link to access them."

Lyric raised his hand and said, "I'll go. I can access the file with my mind maging abilities. Also I can camouflage myself, never mind fly."

"Yes Lyric, I think this will work," Sally said. "If you can't access the files, destroy them any way you can."

Lyric crackled lightning along his fingers. "Shoot Sal, I'll
short out the whole damn computer. That should set him back a couple of months, or better."

"Yep, those minah setbacks will getcha ev'ry tahm," Erica observed.

Sally thought for a moment. "Yes, that's a great idea Lyric. But please be careful."

"Hey you know me Sal," Lyric replied.

"That's what worries me," Sally said.

"So it's settled then?" Lupe asked.

"But Sally, I want to go," Sonic protested.

"Sonic, if we should happen to fail, what do you think is going to happen?" Lupe said. "I think you know I'm right. This is one time you can best serve our cause by staying here."

"Lupe's right Sonic," Sally agreed.

"Thet's right honey," Erica said saccharine sweetly, as she pinched Sonic's cheek, "but Ah'm sho' yo's cain help wit' tha clean up." She sauntered out of the meeting hut. The meeting broke up and the villagers went their separate ways. Lupe and Raurmarique were walking alone when Raurmarique laughed. "What is so funny?" Lupe asked.

"Sonic is obviously not pleased," Raurmarique said. "But I think Erica might be on to something."

"What might that be?" Lupe asked.
"Sonic's a glory hound," Rauramrique said. "Kind hearted, but...I believe that Erica is going to annoy Sonic to no end."

"I believe you are right," Lupe said with a chuckle. They walked in silence for a few minutes. Lupe looked up at the moon and sighed. "A Mobian for your thoughts *janera*," Raurmarique said.

Lupe looked at Raurmarique. "What? I'm sorry. I didn't hear what you said," she said.

"I said: 'A Mobian for your thoughts *janera*'," Raurmarique replied.

"What does *janerea* mean?"

"It's Durmarian for 'my love' or 'beloved'. An affectionate nickname. A notch above *ahzeel* or 'darling'"

They stopped walking and faced each other. Raurmarique drew Lupe closer to him. She could feel his strength and the power that he possessed. Raurmarique could feel the gentleness and kindness and strength of character that was the core of Lupe's being. *I love this furson in spite of his past,* Lupe thought. She said, "Raurmarique, um-I-" Her voice trailed off as she began to kiss him gently. Raurmarique returned her kiss with the same gentleness. "Oh my love, shall we spend the night together?" Lupe sighed.

Raurmarique shuddered with unbridled joy at the invitation then, with a sigh, he regained his self control. "You are probably going to slap me for this," he began, "but although I am more than interested *janera*, I will honor something you have said to me earlier. You yourself told me that some things must take a rear line to this war. And I honor you decision. We could *sleep* together. But it would be far too tempting. Though on the day we are victorious, I shall be at your *complete* disposal."

Lupe laid her head on Raurmarique's chest. "You are right. It would be too tempting," she murmured. "And the gods know what I want to do right now." She looked up at Raurmarique. "But I do feel very safe and very loved when you hold me."

Raurmarique nuzzled Lupe's headfur. "Me too, *janera*," he whispered. He grinned and said, "But now we have something to look forward to."

Lupe smiled and said, "Yes we do. But now I'm afraid I must say good night, my love."

Raurmarique sighed. "Good night Lupe. I'll dream of you," he said
quietly.

"And I of you," Lupe replied. They kissed one more time. Lupe went to Sally's hut, while Raurmarique headed to the guest hut that he would share with Devin and Pete. Raurmarique watched Lupe disappear into the deepening shadows. He sighed, them walked slowly down the path to the guest hut, his mind on this lovely wolf he's come to love. For the first time in centuries someone has given him their love without condition or question. His spirit soared like a Mobian eagle. He walked along the path, taking pleasure in the thought that he finally had somefur that truly loved him for himself.

As he made his way to the guest hut, Raurmarique became aware that two shadows were following him. He stopped, and turned to face them, ready to go into action in a moment's notice. "Show yourselves," he rumbled ominously.

The two shadows melted into Devin and Pete. They stopped a few feet in front of the snow-cat. Raurmarique relaxed his guard slightly and asked, "Why are you following me? Retiring for the night?"

We want to talk to you," Devin said flatly.

"About what?" Raurmarique asked.

"About what's going on between you and Lupe," Devin replied.

"You were planning to sleep with her, weren't you?" Pete accused.

"Yes, some time after the war if she is willing," Raurmarique replied. "She wanted me to spend tonight with her, but I remembered that she mentioned that she could not be with a male while the war was on, so I honored her earlier wish. It will be better for the waiting. And I still need to see about something."

"Yeah, sure. Like we believe you duHajh," Pete drawled.

"That's duRajh," Raurmarique corrected. "And you can asked her yourself."

"Maybe we will," Pete said.

"I do hope you will be wearing armor when you ask," Raurmarique
said. "I sense that she has a volatile temper when people touch on her private matters. And you *will* be asking about a private matter between Lupe and myself. She *is* old enough to take care of herself and I'm sure that she could...whip my tail if my intentions weren't honorable."

"Yes, our cousin does have a temper," Devin agreed.

"Ah. You are family then?" Raurmarique asked. "Then it is natural for the tow of you to be concerned. She is truly blessed to have kin such as yourselves."

It was like leaning up against a wall that suddenly collapsed. Devin and Pete never expected to get such an answer from Raurmarique. They were at a loss for a reply. Raurmarique clapped the befuddled wolves on their shoulders. "Perhaps we should get some sleep, eh? It has been a long day," Raurmarique said."

Peter smiled slightly. "Yeah, we should," he said.

"Never mind it will be good to sleep on something besides the ground," Raurmarique said, as they walked toward the guest hut.

"It surely will," Devin replied.


The next morning dawned bright and clear. The Freedom Fighters who were going on the mission to destroy the net gun ate their breakfast, then assembled in the village square to check their gear and receive their final instructions from Sally. Several other villagers came out to see them off, including Sonic, and Peter and Devin. Lupe checked the explosives in her pack, while Erica sat on a bench. She looked about the village looking for Bunnie, but Bunnie wasn't anywhere to be found. Raurmarique gazed at the surrounding forest. His main concern was protecting Lupe, and he vowed to himself that if he had to give his life for hers, he would do so gladly.

Sally came out of her hut, and joined Lupe and the others. "Good morning everybody," she said.

"Good morning Princess," Raurmarique answered.

"I just wanted to see if you had everything you needed Lupe," Sally said.

"Yes we do Sally," Lupe replied.

"Good. Lyric has already left for Robotropolis," Sally explained. "About the time you three are working on destroying the net gun, he should be downloading the files, and destroying Robotnik's main computer core."

Erica stood up, flexed her arms, and stretched. "Hokay, everabody, let's git this show on tha road," She said.

"Before you go, let me impress on you all one very important thing," Sally said. "Do not take any unnecessary risks. If there are too many bots guarding the gun, or shooting starts, get back here as fast as you can."

"But your Highness-" Raurmarique started to protest.

"No buts about it Raurmarique," Sally said sternly. "We can't afford to lose anyone. Is that understood?"

"Yes your Highness," Raurmarique answered.

"All right. Good luck," Sally said finally.

"We-all see yo' in a few hours honey," Erica said. She winked at Pete, and very saucily waved to a still irate Sonic. They then took off for the testing site to take care of this latest threat.

They made their way out of the forest, and into the savanna. They
stopped for a moment to get their bearings. Lupe pointed to the northeast and said, "We came from that direction."

They headed off in the direction Lupe had indicated. "Yo wants me t' scout ahaid?" Erica asked.

"Yes, but not too far. We want to be able to regroup quickly if any bots show up," Lupe replied.

"Gotcha," Erica acknowledged. She moved stealthily into the underbrush, checking for signs of movement and tracks, listening for any sounds other than the woods, and sniffing the air for the telltale scent of the polluting bots, while Lupe and Raurmarique watched the land about them.


The day began to wear from the morning to the afternoon. All morning they had seen nor heard any indication that bots were near. Everything seemed to be normal, when suddenly they saw Erica tense, and signal frantically for them to get to cover. Lupe and Raurmarique did so without hesitaion. Erica watched the proceedings intently, waiting for the right moment to attack. But then she saw how heavily guarded the net gun was. The realization then hit her: the bots were moving the net gun!

Lupe and Raurmarique had made their way to Erica's position. "What is it Erica?" Lupe whispered.

"We've got t' do sumthang," Erica whispered. "They're moving the thang."

Lupe looked through the grass and saw the number of bots that were present. "I don't think we're going to be able to do this," she whispered. "There's too many of them. They must have brought up reinforcements sometime last night."

"Mebbe. Mebbe not," Erica said. "Ifin' Raurmarique can do thet monster thang agin."

"Raurmarique, can you?" Lupe asked desperately.

Raurmarique took a deep breath. "Yes I can," he said. "Stand back!" The shadows deepened, and drew themselves surround the snow-cat. The form grew and broadened, and with a deafening roar it descended upon the troop of bots. It attacked savagely, fastidiously avoiding the worker-bots, and annihilating the SWATbots that dared to stand in its way. The shadow creature grabbed the net gun, and sank into the shadows. In its wake it left the worker-bots staring at the shadow in systems error.

When the shadows retreated, Erica and Lupe saw Raurmarique flat on his back in the middle of where the net gun had been. They ran from where they had taken cover when Raurmarique changed into the shadowbeast form.

Lupe cried as they reached Raurmarique, "Raurmarique, are you all right?"

"*GODS!* I have to stop doing that!" Raurmarique exclaimed.

Lupe knelt beside him and caressed his face. "You did it again," she said She helped him up and he clung to her for support. "Will you be able to make it back to Knothole?" she asked anxiously.

"Yes. "We have to take it a bit slowly, though, until I catch my breath," was Raurmarique's tired reply.

"All right. Erica, do you see or hear anything nearby?" Erica perked up her ears, and listened intently, while scanning the
surrounding savanna.

"Ah think Ah hear thet damn fool hedgehog a commin' this way," the rabbit replied, rolling her eyes. A moment later, they could all see a blue blur heading toward them.

"Good ears," Raurmarique observed. No sooner than the snow leopard had gotten the words out, Sonic stood in front of them.

"Have no fear! The Hedgehog is *here*!" Sonic said with his usual bravado. "Let's kick some bot!"

"Yo's *JEST* now gettin' heah?" Erica drawled casually. "We've taken care o' it already."

"Say WHAT? There musta been dozens of bots out here guarding that thing!" Sonic exclaimed, *EXTREMELY* surprised.

"Yup." The rabbit indicated several random piles of scrap that Raurmarique Shadowbeast had left of the Swatbots. Raurmarique, himself, was holding onto Lupe, shaking with laughter.

"Wow!" Sonic uttered awestruck. "That kicks!"

"Sonic," Lupe said, interrupting his reverie, "there is one thing you can do."

"Name it, Lupe."

"Take Raurmarique back to Knothole, and let Misty Gilestel examine him."

"Who is Misty Gilestel?" Raurmarique asked puzzled.

"She's a healer," Lupe answered."

"But I do not need a healer. I-" the leopard started, but Lupe pressed her fingers to his lips, silencing him.

"My love, please let her examine you. For me?" Raurmarique sighed and smiled.

"All right. For you," he said finally. He held onto Sonic's shoulders and prepared himself for the sudden acceleration.

"Hang on, Raurmarique. Outta here!" Sonic declared as he zoomed off.

"See you soon, *janera-a-a-a-a-a!*" Raurmarique called as they disappeared into the wood. Erica looked up at Lupe, and gave her an innocent look.

"Ah couldn't resist, Lupe."

"Resist what, Erica?" Lupe asked raising an eyebrow.

"Tryin' ta get a rise outta Sonic," the lapine answered as she burst out laughing. "He's an okay fellah, but thet ego rakes on tha nerves. Anyway, the look on his face was a riot!"

"You're right, it does," the wolf managed as she laughed along with her friend. "But Sonic would do anything for you." She looked at the sky thoughtfully. "We should be going."

"Yup," Erica said starting for Knothole. "Now how in tha hoo ha do yo get tha feelin' thet Sonic would do anythang fo' me?"

"Well, Sonic is an egomaniac there's no question about that. But he does have a good heart, and I think that's what attracts Sally to him. He will do for you as long as you are both on the same side. In other words, anything for a fellow Freedom Fighter," Lupe explained.

"Oh," Erica said ingenuously. "Ah see."


They made their way back to Knothole, and went directly to the infirmary to check up on their friend. As they climbed the steps, they met a tall vixen coming out.

"Hello, Misty," Lupe said smiling.

"Howdy, ma'am," Erica uttered cheerfully. "Yo get a snow-cat in heah recently?"

"Yes, and Raurmarique is going to be fine. He'll have to rest for the next two or three days because he was so spent, but he'll recover," Misty answered gifting the two fems with a warm smile.

"Can I see him?" Lupe asked.

"For a few minutes," Misty replied after giving it some thought. "I gave him a mild sedative. He should sleep for the next twenty hours or so. He's in the first room on the right as you go in."

"If he was so spent," Lupe queried, suddenly concerned, "why did you give him a sedative?"

"He wanted to go back and find some more bots to fight. So this will make sure that he stays in bed and takes his rest. He seems to be. . . I don't know, obsessed with fighting Robotnik. Do you know why?"

"I do," replied Sasha as she came up to the infirmary entrance. "We are speaking of Raurmarique duRahj, correct?"

"Yes, we are," Misty said. "Do you know anything about him?"

"Yes," Sasha murmured. "In a nutshell, he has a rather checkered past, and wishes to atone for it."

"I see," Misty uttered thoughtfully. "There is more to this, Sasha, isn't there? But the tale will have to wait. I have some work to do. I'll see you later, Lupe. Nice meeting you. . . um, I didn't get your name."

"Ah'm Erica Heatherwood," the rabbit said with a grin, "but e'erybody calles me 'Scratch'."

"'Scratch'?" Misty asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Wit' nails lahk these, honey," Erica explained, casually extending her claws, "what else would yo call me?"

"I get your point," Misty said, with a slightly sour look. "Well it is a pleasure to meet you. I have to be going. Until later." Misty walked down the steps and back to the center of the village.

"Bye," Erica called giggling. "Nice pun."

"Misty does have a great sense of humor," Lupe started, then paused. "I'm going to see Raurmarique. I'll see you later, Erica."

"See yo round, Lupe," Erica said as she went off to find her cousin. Lupe went into the infirmary, followed by Sasha. The vixen was going to check the herb stock.

Lupe found Raurmarique's room without any difficulty. She entered quietly, and saw that he was sleeping soundly. She went to his bedside, and gazed at him for a long time. She noticed that his face was calm, and had none of the tension that she saw when they first met. She silently prayed that he was at peace. She watched his sleeping form for a little longer. Finally she leaned over and kissed Raurmarique on his forehead. "Sleep well, my love," she whispered. She then left the room as quietly as she had came.


Outside in the hallway, she met Sasha who had just come from the stores. "How is he doing?" the vixen asked, quietly.

"He's sleeping like a cub," Lupe replied with a chuckle. "I think it'll do him a lot of good." Sasha nodded.

"That's good. I believe that you're doing him a lot of good as well, Lupe."

"I'd like to think I am, Sasha," Lupe mused with a smile. "It's a strange thing falling in love."

"I know. I've experienced the same thing myself. On another subject, I'm worried about Misty. She has an extreme tendency to overwork," Sasha observed.

"She is driven," Lupe said. "Ever since her village as destroyed and she came to Knothole, she's worked like the devils of the Nine Hells. But I don't think that's the only reason she's so dedicated."

"There's three people here, when Serena's not at Eastern helping Hiroshi, but she will *NOT* take any time off," Sasha stated, worried. "I fear for her health, to be truthful."

"Sasha, you can't force her. From what I know of Misty, she can be stubborn when she wants to be."

"I know. She reminds me of Bear sometimes," Sasha sighed, "or Grandma Amber. But she's going to kill herself, the way she's going."

"I know. But I think you should understand something, Sasha" Lupe said sternly.

"I'll try. But I am a healer-mage. I can't help but be concerned. I'm also an empath, and can feel her exhaustion as well. That makes me doubly concerned." Lupe came to a stop, and laid a hand on Sasha's shoulder.

"I understand. Would it help if I told you something that Misty told me herself?"

"Maybe," Sasha said thoughtfully. "I'd have to hear it." Lupe dropped her hand, and gazed into Sasha's earnest green eyes.

"All right. Misty told me that the night that her village was destroyed, something happened. About three hours before the attack began, a friend of hers stumbled into the clinic where Misty was working. This friend had been brutally beaten and raped. Misty stayed with her even though there was nothing she could do for her. She was just too badly beaten. It turned out that this friend's boy-friend was responsible, and all because this friend was having sex with him and wanted to stop. Misty stayed with her until she died. About an hour later Greenfields was under attack," Lupe recounted, sadly.

"Bright heavens!" Sasha gasped, shocked. She paused, thinking on what she knew of Misty. "No wonder I couldn't understand her emotions. That must have been horrible. What of the boyfriend? There had to have been *some* justice rendered to him."

"Unfortunately, no," Lupe uttered with a shake of her head. "By the time the constables went looking for him, the attack was underway. And there's something else. Do you know that Misty has three brothers?"

"No," Sasha said, blinking in surprise. "She's declined to speak with me about herself." The moon's light as they walked out of the infirmary bathed them, but did nothing to dispel the somewhat sad mood that they were in.

"Well she does. Or did. She really doesn't know, because they were part of the Royal Guard when Mobotropolis was attacked."

"Ah. It would seem that I have lived a very sheltered life," Sasha said musingly. "That helped, Lupe. I will still worry about Misty, though."

"I do too," Lupe said with a melancholy sigh. "But she's going to have to open up to you in her own time and in her own way. Why she chose to tell me these things I do not know." The vixen gazed intently at the wolf for a long moment, as they walked to one of the main paths.

"A kindred spirit. You seem to have the same dedication, and some of the same emotions that she does."

"Perhaps," Lupe said, yawning, "I'd like to continue this discussion, but I am tired."

"Rest well, Lupe."

"You too, Sasha." They parted company and headed to their respective huts.


Erica was sitting on the edge of Bunnie's bed. Erica was recounting her adventures that she had that day. "Hit was sumethin' Bunnie," Erica said enthusiastically. "They-alls was a-movin' tha net gun. A whole passel o' bots. Lupe' wants t' get sum help, but I r'member thet Raumarique could take tha whole lot."

"Ah heard sumthin' 'bout thet," Bunnie said. "Jest whut is it thet Raurmarique duz?"

"He turns hisself into a *huge* shadow-monster!" Erica replied, warming to her subject. "He jest gathers up tha shadows an' puts 'em on. He tore into tha SWATs an' left tha worker-bots alone, then got tha gun."

"Thet must really take a lot out of tha po' mel," Bunnie observed.

"Sho' did," Erica replied. "He was a layin' there exhausted when he finished. Ifin' hit wasn't fo' Lupe he would not have made it back t' Knothole."

"Whut d'ya mean?"

"She healped him t' his feet, and sorta half-carried him until he got his wind back. Ah thinks she loves thet snow-cat."

"Ah see. Ah'm shore thet wolf gal wudda carried him all tha way back t' Knothole ifin' she hed t'."

"Me too. But tha thang is thet Raurmarique loves her too, an' thet's why he tried t' be gettin' his wind back quick. T' be helpin' Lupe."

Bunnie looked down at the floor. "Ah know," she said quietly. "it's amazing thet two furs could fall in love while this here whar wuz goin' on." She looked up at Erica.

"You too honey?" Erica asked with a grin. "Tell me! Ah cain keep hit a secret. You should remember thet crush on..."

"Now don' bring thet up agin," Bunnie said. "An' since when cain yo' keep a secret?"

"Ah did! Honest!" Erica protested indignantly. "It was yor aunt, mah mom thet spilled tha beans on thet one! It's jest our luck thet big ears runs amok in our family." "Whell, all right Ah'll tell ya," Bunnie said. She leaned forward. "Ah really like Rotor a lot," she said somewhat conspiratorially.

Erica thought for a moment, then said, "Rotor...yo' mean thet walrus? Tha one wit' tha cap? He's a naice feller. He's helped yo a lot huh, Buns?"

"Yeah, he has Erica," Bunnie replied. "he keeps mah arms an' legs in wurkin' ohrder, among uther thangs."

Erica grinned lasciviously and said, "Really now?" "Yep," Bunie said. "He shore-hey! wait a minute." Bunnie slugged Erica with a pillow. "Ah don't lahke what yore implin' cousin."

Erica fell to the floor, giggling like crazy. "So he's kept ya frum doin' yoself in, huh cuz? Whut Ah could make out o' yore lettahs, they were purty depressed."

Bunnie jumped on Erica, pinned her to the floor, and started whacking her in earnest with the pillow. Yeah he did!" she exclaimed. "An' yo' should be glad he did!" She continued to whack Erica with the pillow.

"*HEY!* No fair cuz! Ah ain't got a piller!" Erica exclaimed. "An' o' course Ah'm glad thet Rotor kept yo goin'! We's wouldn't be havin' this one sided piller fight else!"

Bunnie stopped whacking Erica. She stared at her cousin for a moment, the began to giggle insanely. She fell off Erica, and laid beside her. "Thanks cuz," Bunnie said as her laughter subsided, "Ah needed to tell yo" how Ah felt. Not thet nobuddy in Knothole wuzn't sympathetic, it's jet Rotor wuz able t' give me sumthing more."

"Hokay. Ah cain see thet," Erica said, holding her head. "But did yo' ha-uve t' give me a headache t' tell me how yo' feel? Piller fights are fun, but theys hard on tha noggin."

Bunnie got up, and helped Erica to her feet. "Ah'm sorry Erica," Bunnie said apologetically. "Sumthames I ferget my own strength."

"Hit nuthin', cuz," Erica replied. "Jest don't whap me upside tha haid so much next tham, kay? Let's git t' sleep. Ah'm sho' we's goin' t' get t' hear all about Lyric's adventures. tamarrah."

"Hokay," Bunnie said, "Ah cain't wait t' hear whut he did t' Robotnik's computer."


Lyric gazed over Sally's shoulder at he computer screen. "Did you get everything?" he asked wearily. "I checked for other copies while I was grabbing the plans. I didn't find any other copies though."

Sally yawned, and rubbed her eyes. "Yes I did Lyric," she said just as wearily. "This is a tremendous help Lyric. Now we can prepare for this if Robotnik decides he's going to build another one."

Lyric yawned. "Kinda hard for him to do so. Not only did I get the net gun plans, but I got the whole design outline, and the plans for the earlier models. Then I electrified the computer core, and melted it to slag."

"But I'm not betting Knothole that he isn't capable of building another one," Sally said. "No, we can never tell with Robotnik."

Lyric was practically dozing in the chair he sat in. "I didn't say he wasn't capable of building another one," Lyric replied somewhat testily. "I just said it would be hard for him to do so. I made sure of that."

"I'm not in the mood to argue," Sally said wearily. "Let's get some sleep." She saved the plans to her hard drive, and shut off the computer. Lyric stood up, stretched, and yawned. As he headed for the door, he said, "Who's arguing? Not me. Night Sally."

"Oh no, not you Lyric," Sally said sarcastically. "Good night." She watched Lyric leave, but just as he was about to walk out, Lupe walked in. "Hello Lyric," she said.

"Hi Lupe. Bye Lupe. G'night Lupe," Lyric said tiredly. He made his weary way back to the hut he shared with Rotor. Lupe was surprised at Lyric's behavior. "What's the matter with him, Sally?" she asked. "He's normally a lot more friendly to me."

"Don't be offended Lupe," Sally said. "He had a hard day."

"I guess stealing the net gun files took a lot more out of him that he thought," Lupe observed.

"That's a fair guess," Sally replied. "And Lyric isn't the only one." She yawned.

"I understand," Lupe said. Suddenly she felt very tired herself. "There is one thing I have meant to ask you Sally."

"What's that?" Sally asked.

"Does Nicole have any information on the ancient kingdoms of Mobius?"

"I think so," Sally replied. "My father loaded many programs into Nicole. What kingdom did you want to find out about?"

Lupe yawned. "It can wait until tomorrow,' she said sleepily. "I could use some sleep right now."

"So could I," Sally agreed. "Well, your room is on the right. Everything you need is in the closet. I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night Sally," Lupe replied. They went tot heir rooms, and retired for the night.


Sally had called for a early morning meeting the following day. The sun was barely over the horizon when the first Freedom Fighters entered the meeting hut. Lupe' entered, helping Raurmarique because he wasn't real stable on his feet. Lupe' had said that he should stay in bed, but he insisted on attending. She led him to the first row of seats, and lowered him into the end seat. She took the seat to his left. Lyric entered, and seeing Lupe he said, "Hi-de-ho, Lupe'. Sorry I was so short last night." he took a seat directly behind her.

Lupe' turned to face Lyric. "It's all right Lyric," she replied. "Sally had told me about your mission. So you are forgiven."

Lyric smiled broadly. "Thanks, girlfriend. I was wanting to get that cleared."

Lupe' smiled. "You're welcome Lyric," she said gently. Lyric smiled at her, then turned to see who else was coming in. They saw Erica and Bunnie enter, and the two lapins saw them. They walked to the first row, and sat down. Erica said, "Howdy, y'all. Did we hauve to get up *this* early?"

"Oh quit complainin' Erica. Thes ain't nuthin' unusual fer Knothole."

Raurmarique yawned slightly. "I agree. I'd like it better if this was an afternoon meeting," he said.

"Well, with any luck, it will be a brief meeting," Lupe said.

"See thet," Erica exclaimed, "even he thinks this tis an uncivilized hour t' be up."

They heard someone laughing merrily. They all looked and saw Sasha standing across the room near the far door. A little further down Misty was talking to a jackrabbit that had one of his ears taped. Their attention was diverted when they saw Sally and Sonic enter from the back of the hut. The villagers continued to talk as they made their way down the aisle to the podium. Sonic stopped to talk to Rotor, Antoine, and Tails, who were standing near the podium. Sally walked up to the podium, faced the crowd, and said, "If I can have your attention, we'll get started." The Freedom Fighters took their seats. Sonic took a seat in the first row, next to Erica, while Rotor Antoine, and Tails sat behind Sonic.

When everyone was seated and had quieted down, Sally continued: "I've called this meeting to discuss our tactics and a new weapon that Robotnik has developed."

Sonic raised his hand, and Sally dreaded what was coming. "Yes, Sonic?" she said.

"Hey Sal, I think it was mondo uncool how I was left out," he said. "The net gun was to catch the number one hedgehog, but I was stuck here!"

Erica chortled, and almost burst out laughing. Sonic glared at her, then looked back to Sally. Sally replied, "Sonic you were left out for a very good reason. If that gun was used on you and worked, we would almost certainly be doomed. But that has been prevented, thanks to Lupe' and Raurmarique." Sally looked at Raurmarique. "I would like to know how you did it."

Raurmarique started to get up from his seat, but Lupe' stopped him. He looked at her quizzically, and she shook her head, indicating it was all right for him to remain seated. Raurmarique understood, and smiled at Lupe'. He turned his gaze upon Sally. "It's a power I have," he explained. "I can gather shadows and absorb their power to become a...monster. Erica called it my 'monster thing' and that's a most accurate description. By the way your Highness, you did forget to mention Erica's part. She did suggest my 'monster thing' as a way to get rid of so many bots."

"I see," Sally said. "And how does this affect you? Physically, I
mean."

"It can be very draining, especially if I use it too many times within a given time period. Also, as in this case, it was more draining than usual because I had to be careful not to destroy the worker bot among the Swatbots. Not only that Princess, it does have a residual effect. I will become something of a berserker, and want to keep on fighting even though I'm exhausted."

"Interesting. Tell me Raurmarique, are there any others like you on Mobius?"

"Like me?"

"Let me rephrase that. Are there any others with your power?"

"Not that I know of. As far as I know I'm the only creature on Mobius that can manipulate and move through shadows. A small blessing, but one to be grateful for."

"Well, at least we don't have to worry about others with your power working for Robotnik." Sally regarded the snow leopard for a moment. "No," she said quietly, "it wouldn't be fair to you Raurmarique."

"What wouldn't be fair to me, your Highness?" Raurmarique asked. "If this is about controlling my power, I'm already bound by the strongest ties in the universe; to Lupe'."

Across the room, Sasha grinned happily. Ever since she had met Lupe' she could feel the wolf-fem's loneliness and her desire for a mate. Sasha was still afraid of Raurmarique, but he seemed to make Lupe' happy. And as far as Sasha was concerned, that was all that mattered. Sally smiled at Raurmarique and said, "So I've seen. No, I had thought of letting you go to Robotropolis and wiping out everything there. But now I don't think that would be possible for you to do that."

"Not without totally exhausting me," Raurmarique replied. "It would probably kill me to try. Anyway, what would that accomplish if I didn't kill Robotnik?"

"You have a point," Sally agreed.

Lupe' silently thanked the gods.

"Sally, I think it might be possible to me to build a net gun," Rotor said, speaking for the first time.

"Seen the plans, Rote?" Lyric asked. "This one's a doozy!"

"That's fine Rotor, but how would we use it?" Sally said.

Well, maybe..." Rotor began. "Aww Sally, I don't know. I'm not a tactician."

The meeting was quiet for a moment, then Lyric stood up and shouted, "I've got it!"

"What's your idea, Lyric?" Sally asked.

"Rescues!" Lyric exclaimed.

"Say what?" Sonic asked.

"Rescuses," Lyric repeated, visibly excited. "Like when somebody
falls off a building or some such or when they fall off a cliff."

"I think I'm following your line of reason, but go on," Sally said.

"I'm talking stuff where Sonic's somewhere else, and there's a group of people working in a re-e-e-a-a-ally high place. That'd come in handy if somebody falls. You could catch them from above and reel them in."

Sally gazed at Lyric for a few moments, considering his proposal. "That's not a bad idea Lyric," she said finally. "What do you think about it Rotor?"

"I think it's a GREAT idea!" he exclaimed happily. "Lyric, I thought you said you weren't a inventor."

"Hey guy, usually I only get these noodles when I'm composing," Lyric said.

"Sure you do Lyric," Sally drawled. Lyric stuck his tongue out at Sally, then he grinned to show her didn't mean it.

"It'll cut down on the number of broken bones around here," Sasha observed. "Those bone mending spells are tiring."

"Are you and Misty that busy Sasha?" Sally asked.

"Not really, " Sasha replied. "It helps to have two to three
people working in the infirmary. It *should* give each person a chance for some time off . That is, of course, if the person actually *takes* the time off."

Misty rose from her seat. She looked as if she was doing well to do that. "Why be so subtle about it Sasha?" she said acidly. " Why not just say you mean me?"

"Misty," Sasha replied as calmly as she could manage, "you are bone tired. It was all you could do to keep from falling asleep in that chair. I know some about your past, so I have some understanding of your dedication, but you are going to kill yourself. For the gods sake Misty, you've been at it for two years!"

"So the great Sasha Prower knows all, huh?" Misty retorted.

"Come on guys, stop it," Sally implored the two healers.

"Misty, Sasha please-" Lupe' started to say.

"No I *don't* know all. Nobody does!" Sasha said hotly.

"Sasha, please calm down," Sally urged.

"No, I will not calm down! I'm sorry Sally but the well being of all Mobians is my concern. And I am *very* concerned about you Misty. You're walking on guilded splinters, for the gods' sake!"

Misty glared at Sasha for a minute. "I don't need to listen to this," she said finally. She started to walk across the room. She got as far as Lupe' when she slowed in her walk, then collapsed. Lupe' sprang from her seat and managed to catch Misty before she hit the floor. "Oh my gods," she exclaimed. "Sasha, help!" Lupe' gently laid Misty on the floor. Sasha had crossed the room in a heartbeat, and knelt beside the stricken vixen. "Of all the bull headed things-Blast it, she wouldn't listen!" Sasha cried. She quickly laid a sleeping spell on Misty, and levitated her off the floor. "I'm taking her to the infirmary," Sasha said. With that she teleported herself and Misty out of the building. "I hope she'll be all right," Sally said.

"She will be your Highness," Raurmarique assured her. "Sasha is just about the second best healer-mage on Mobius. And she's sure to call the first in to help."


Misty slowly opened her eyes and saw the white ceiling of the infirmary. She looked around and saw a blonde haired vixen enter the room. "So this is our young fire-eater, eh?" the newcomer said, taking Misty's wrist to get her pulse.

"Excuse me, but who are you?" Misty asked.

"My name is Ambermane Wistra. And you are Misty Gilestel, the young healer that my granddaughter was so terribly worried about." She held Misty's wrist for a moment, then lowered it, satisfied that Misty's pulse was normal. "I'm glad she called me," Ambermane continued, "because you have a severe case of burnout."

"Wait a minute," Misty said. "You said your granddaughter called you. You mean to tell me that Sasha and you are related?"

Ambermane smiled. "Yes dear, we are," she said. "She's actually my many-greats granddaughter, but we're close just the same." Ambermane chuckled. "I could tell you stories about baby sitting and Mischief Starflight that would have you rolling-" Ambermane stopped when she saw Misty gazing off into space. "Well, maybe some other time would be more appropriate," she murmured. Before Ambermane could say anything else, Sasha called from the hallway, "Is she awake yet?"

"Yes dear, she is," Ambermane said, as Sasha walked in the room. "Her pulse is strong too. I'm going to recommend that she stay in bed for the rest of the week. I'll stay here and help out."

"Thank you Grandma Amber," Sasha said, vastly relieved.

Ambermane smiled and said, "I'll leave you two alone for a bit." She patted Sasha's shoulder, and walked out. Sasha looked at Misty for a moment. "How are you feeling?" she asked hesitantly.

"Better," Misty replied quietly. "But I don't want to stay in bed for the rest of the week."

"Good luck getting out," Sasha said. "Grandma Amber's a pistol when it comes to her orders. She's been known to use a baseball bat and thick ropes."

"I know. I picked up on that as soon as she walked in. Don't worry. I said I don't want to stay in bed. But that doesn't mean I won't."

Sasha grinned. "Good. Good for you," she said. "I don't want to have to treat you for a concussion like I had to do for bear one time." Sasha laughed, then said, "He's far worse than you when it comes to enforced rest."

"I said I'd stay in bed, okay?"

Sasha's expression became serious. "I hope it won't take you collapsing again to get you to take some time off," she murmured . "I hate losing friends."

Misty took Sasha's hand. "I hate losing friends too," she whispered.

"I know. Uh...Lupe' told me about the attack. She thought it would help me understand you." She gently squeezed Misty's hand. "It did help, but I still worried."

"I'm glad she did," Misty said. Sasha could see the tears forming in Misty's eyes as the memory came back to Misty's consciousness. "Oh Sasha, it was the most horrible thing I ever saw in my life," Misty whispered, as she started to break down. "How could anyone do that to somebody they supposedly loved?"

"I don't know," Sasha murmured. "I don't think the time I read Raurmarique when he was still psychotic could possibly compare to that. At least, from what I could tell, Raurmarique, though he had killed, never raped."

"It wasn't that she was just brutally raped," Misty said, as she started to sob. "Her whole body was a map of injuries and hurts that weren't consistent with a rape. Jaelyn had marks on her wrists and ankles that looked like rope burns."

"You mean she was bound and tortured?" Sahsa asked, horrified.

"Yes," Misty sobbed. "Not only did she bleed from her vagina, she had deep cuts across her chest, legs, almost everywhere. How she even got to the clinic is a mystery. Oh Sasha, she was like a sister to me. Nobody deserves to die like that!" Misty began to cry in earnest. Sasha took Misty into her arms so she would have a shoulder to cry on. Sasha could feel Misty's sorrow flow out of her like a black cloud. Sasha couldn't help herself, and began to cry too. They held each other for a long time. Finally Misty said through her tears, "She died in my arms Sasha. We tried everything we could, but she was just too far gone. When Jaelyn died, she didn't have a drop of blood left in her body. But before she died she named her killer: his name is Draa'kaar Jurhis."

There was a heavy silence in the room. "Gods Misty! How could you keep that bottled up? It explains so much," Sasha exclaimed.

"I was afraid Sasha," Misty explained, "afraid of getting too close to someone again, and having them taken from me. I didn't think I could handle that. And I've treated you so badly Sasha. I'm so sorry. I've missed a good friend."

Sasha smiled as she wiped her eyes. "It's all right Misty. I understand," Sasha said gently.

"I will tell you one other thing," Misty said.

"What's that?" Sasha asked.

"If Draa'kaar Jurhis survives this war, I'm going to track him down, and bring him to justice, if I can. I owe Jaelyn that much."

"And I'll only be too happy to help you," Sasha declared. "Do you know I'm an Empath?"

"Yes I did," Misty said drying her tears. "As am I. Between the two of us we should have a fair chance of finding this beast. And I would appreciate your help Sasha. Gods only know where he is."

You know I'll help. Creatures like that should be brought to justice. For the longest time I could *feel* something was hurting you, but it wasn't polite to ask."

"That was my fault. But now you know the whole story."

"Yes. You know, maybe we should mention this to Sally. When the war is over, she'll probably become queen." "That's a good idea Sasha." Misty paused for a moment then said, "Well, I'm a little tired."

"Okay Misty, " Sasha said quietly. "We'll talk later, if you feel up to it." Sasha let Misty settle back onto the bed. Sasha noticed that during the whole time they were talking, Misty held her hand. When Misty was settled, she took Sasha's hand and gently kissed it, saying more in that one small gesture than she could ever say with words. Sasha was surprised, but honored by this. To her it meant that Misty wanted to start their relationship anew. Sasha laid her hand on Misty's brow, and put a special spell on her that would bring deep and pleasant dreams. When she finished, she brushed Misty's black locks from her face. Sasha noticed some gray streaks in Misty's hair that she hadn't noticed before, and at the moment, they framed Misty's face. Sasha thought she looked to finally be at peace. The weight of Misty's sorrow had been eliminated. Sasha managed to release Misty's hand without disturbing her. She sighed and said, "Sleep well, my friend." She took a last look at Misty, then left the room.


Sasha walked down the hall, and found herself outside of Raurmarique's room. She paused, then cautiously looked around the door jamb, into the room. Readying a check up spell, and prepared to flee if he was awake, she moved to where she could see clearly. Relief washed over her when she saw Lupe sitting beside Raurmarique's bed. She could see them talking, but she didn't have the heart to eavesdrop.

Suddenly Raurmarique said, "Sasha?"

*Oh gods,* Sasha thought. "Yes Raurmarique?" she said.

"I...I was needing to ask you something. Since Ambermane has taught you about the spell of Neveraging," Raurmarique said.

Sasha gulped. "Um...what did you want to know?" Sasha asked nervously.

"Can it be removed?" the snow-cat asked.

"R-R-R-Removed? Why d-d-o you want to know that?" Sasha stammered.

"I would like you to try and remove it from me," Raurmarique explained. "Please. I have something to live for, but I don't want to be without her. It'd be too much for me to take."

Before Sasha could answer, Ambermane walked in. She smiled sadly at Raurmarique and said, "I don't think she can, Lam duRahj. Nor can I for that matter. If I could have caught you after that fiasco at Tajh duMaur, I would have removed it then. But It's been too long. The spell is a part of you, and for Sasha or myself to try and remove it, it would mean your immediate death. You'd literally turn to dust."

"So he has to go on living forever?" Lupe asked.

"The same can be said for myself dear Lupe," Ambermane replied. "But there is a solution."

"And what might that be?" Raurmarique asked.

Ambermane displayed a wedding band. "I've remarried after all this time," she said, "to someone I felt I could spend eons with. Lupe, do you think you could stand this cat for eons at a time?"

"Absolutely," Lupe replied emphatically.

Raurmarique was startled by Lupe's response. "B-B-But I...it won't do to her what it did to me, would it," he asked.

Ambermane laughed then said, "You haven't heard reports of me turning into a lunatic, have you?" she said.

"No, I have not," Raurmarique admitted.

Ambermane said to Lupe, "I know that the two of you love one another. I'm sure that whatever decision you make will be the best one for you two."

"It would be wise to think about this very carefully," Sasha said.

"I'll never grow old," Raurmarique said sadly.

"To tell the truth I've never grown up," Ambermane replied,
grinning.

"I should tell you all something. I went back to Tahj du Maur
after I regained my senses. I buried what remains I could find, and sang for them."

"When did you do this? Ambermane asked.

"About a year after I was turned away by Sasha," Raurmarique replied. "After I went to Tahj duMaur, I went to Guadalupe, and did the same there. It was there I was told by the ghost of the wolf queen to seek redemption."

"So that's why you rescued me the first time," Lupe "You, and others," Raurmarique said. "I had been there for a while.

During the time that the conversation was taking place, Sasha was scanning Raurmarique. *I can't find a hint of evil in him,* she thought. *Could it really be true that he does want to repent? Or is it just a ruse?*

Raurmarique continued his reminiscing. "The wolf queen said to me: 'Go to the polluted city of the robot tyrant. There you will find your salvation.' Only since I've joined the Pack have I felt that I was accomplishing something."

"'Salvation?'" Sasha said. She looked at Lupe, then back to Raurmarique.

"Oh gods!" Ambermane cried, laughing. "I remember the wolf queen. Her name was Loupina. Wouldn't it be just like her!"

"What do you mean, Ambermane?" Lupe asked, thoroughly perplexed.

"Ghosts can see into the future my dear," Ambermane explained. "Raurmarique my boy, you've been set up."

"Set up? How?" Rauramrique asked. He was a confused as Lupe.

Suddenly Sasha realized what had happened. "Oh bright heavens!" she exclaimed. "She KNEW that if Raurmarique went to Robotropolis, he'd
meet Lupe!" She started to laugh.

"I still do not understand," Raurmarique stated.

"I've been keeping up with the wolves," Ambermane explained. "Lupe's a direct descendant of Loupina. She'd knew that you'd figure that fact out, and make amends somehow. I don't think she expected this, though."

"Apparently she did not," Raurmarique said. "Ghostly matchmaking is too farfetched. Lupe, I don't want to take you away from your life. But I would be honored if you would consider becoming my mate when the war is over."

"What about the Neveraging spell?" Lupe asked.

"With it or without it," Raurmarique replied. "I'll stay with you. Then...I'll...I'll think of something." "Oh Raurmarique," Lupe breathed. She awkwardly hugged the snow leopard.

Sasha realized what Raurmarique was thinking about. "But would you be able to go through with it?" she said quietly before she left the room with Ambermane.
Raurmarique and Lupe watched them leave. "Do you really think that you could live with me for ages?" Raurmarique asked.

"Yes I could my love," Lupe replied.

Raurmarique gave Lupe a warm smile. "That is a wonderful thought," Raurmarique said gently. "But I don't want to take you from your life in the Pack. You could be a guiding force , but this...I don't know..." His voice trailed off. He sighed happily then said, "It was kind of Ambermane to offer. I don't care if you want the spell or not. I'll never leave you."

Lupe said, "I know you won't." She sighed heavily then said, "Sasha was right. We have to think about this very carefully."

Raurmarique pulled Lupe close, and buried his nose in her hair. "It would be fun chucking on..." his voice trailed off in to a chuckle.

"Checking on what?" Lupe asked.

Raurmarique chuckled then said, "Hum...our grandchildren. But I'm thinking too far ahead."

Lupe smiled. "Yes you are," she said gently. Raurmarique yawned. "Am I keeping you awake?" Lupe asked.

"Maybe, but I don't really mind though," Raurmarique replied sleepily. He nuzzled Lupe's neck, purring like a kitten.

Lupe kissed his brow. "Perhaps it would be better if you did rest while you can," she murmured.

"You're right," Raurmarique replied, half dozing. "'S nice snuggling with you though."

"And with you *tajin,*" Lupe whispered. Raurmarique hesitantly released Lupe, and lay back on the bed, falling all the way asleep as he did. Lupe gazed at Raurmarique for a moment. She watched his face intently, and it seemed to her that he was smiling. *It must be my imangination,* she thought happily. *Although he does have a lot to smile about lately.* She got up, and left the room.


Sasha and Ambermane had left Lupe and Raurmarique alone to discuss Ambermane's offer. It took Sasha a while to get herself calmed down, even though she could sense no evil in the snow leopard. Old memories were hard to suppress. As they walked down the hall Sasha asked, "Grandma Amber, do you think Lupe will accept your offer?"

"I don't know dear," Ambermane replied. "I could tell that Raurmarique would love Lupe even when she's old and gray."

"Nevermind that he nearly offered to commit haka- kari when she passed on."

"When did you get that?" Ambermane asked.

"In the pause, just before he said that he would think of something."

Ambermane shook her head. "Even with all he has done throughout the ages, he still has some good qualities in him."

Sasha thought for a moment. "I could feel it," she said, "when I met him the first time. I could. But..." Ambermane laid a hand on Sasha's shoulder. "That was *his* mistake dear," she said gently. "It was his choice at the time to drive you away."

"I know. But I still can help but wonder what might have been," Sasha said quietly. A shiver ran through her body. "And I still can't help being afraid of him."

"You'll get over it Sasha. In time," Ambermane said.

"I hope so," Sasha said with a sigh.

"Just give him a chance. Lupe has, and they're already talking about marriage."

"Kinda like Bear and myself."

"Yes, kind of like that." They came to Misty's room, and went in. "Hi, Misty. Are you feeling better?" Sasha asked.

"I am Sasha," Misty replied, "although I'm starting to get a
little bored."

"You still have a few more days, so you just stay put," Ambermane said.

Sasha thought for a moment. "I'll have to bring you that herbology book you wanted to borrow."

"Okay, but you know what I really miss?" Misty said.

Sasha grinned and said, "What?"

"I miss my flute."

I'll be sure to bring that too. Just as soon as you tell me where
it is."

"Thanks Sasha, but I lost it when Greenfields was destroyed."

A voice from outside "Di' sommat be sayin' they be needin' a flute?" In the window there appeared a eleven year old mint green, merry eyed hedgehog.

"Hi DJ," Sasha said with a smile.

"Weel, toppa tha day Sasha," DJ said smiling at Sasha and Misty. "Oi's heard tha' tha lassie was a needin' a flute. Oi's got a spare ifin' she wants it."

"Oh thank you DJ. That's very sweet of you," Misty said.

"Thin' nothin' o' it Miz Gilestel," DJ replied. "Ye's helped me wi' thorn scratches an' scrapes oft enough."

"I can't thank you enough DJ," Misty said. "I didn't know you played.

"Tha' Oi do," DJ said proudly. "Jigs an' tha loik. Me sister plays recorder, ba Oi's dunna think ye be wantin' one o' those."

"I do play recorder," Misty said, "and saxophone. But the flute is my main instrument."

DJ chuckled, and left. He promised to return with the flute.

"Well, now you've got a hobby," Sasha said. "And now you *finally* have time to read that book.

"It'll be a lot of fun to start playing again," Misty said.

"Tha' it twill be," DJ said. The little hedgehog came in carrying two flutes. "Twould be noice t' be havin' summat 't be doin' a duet wi' too. Me cousin, Lyric, dunna play flute all tha' often."

Misty smiled as she took one of the flutes from DJ and examined it. She put the mouthpiece to her lips, and played a little line. "Wow, this sounds fantastic," Misty said. "Well, just give me a little time to practice, and I'll be honored to play a duet with you."

DJ grinned, and blew a fanfare on his flute. "Weel, Oi's be a seein' ye. Gots t'be gettin' back t' me chores."

"See you later DJ. And thanks again," Misty said.

Sasha grinned and said, "Bye DJ." DJ smiled as he left. Ambermane smiled and said, "Speaking of chores Sasha, I believe you have some to attend to."

Sasha laughed and said, "Yes Grandma Amber." She squeezed Misty's shoulder. "Get better, 'kay?"

"I will. Now," Misty said.

"If you start to overwork yourself again I'll ask Serena and Bear to drag you off on a vacation," Sasha said mock-sternly.

Misty said, "I'm glad you brought that up Sasha. I think I'm going to take next week off."

Sasha nodded. "Good," she said. "I'll be sure to ask 'Rena to stay. And I'm sure that Bear will ferry you to this island he knows about so you can *really* get away from it all."

"We'll see. I really wasn't planning to go anywhere," Misty said. "I was just going to practice so I can start playing with DJ. I have a date for a duet, you know."

Ambermane smiled benevolently at Misty. "Whatever will work for you dear," she said warmly.

"Thank you Ambermane."


The two forms, one much taller than the other, circled each other in the field. They stopped, and the larger one lunged at the smaller one across the field. *WHAM!*

"Yo's definitely need work," Erica said.

Peter was laying face down in the dirt after his last attempt at attacking Erica. He lifted his head, turned it toward Erica, and said "Well, that's the whole point of this, isn't it? He got up. "I want to try it again."

Erica grinned. "Hokay honey. Hit's yo' bruises," she said.

"Yeah, right, whatever," Peter grumbled. He lunged at Erica, and again found himself on the ground.

"Fo' one thang, yo's not payin' attention," Erica instructed. "Yo' jest *lunge.* Thet's how's Ah cain avoid yo', an' do damage too."

Peter got up again. "Show me the proper way to attack," he said.

Erica readied herself. "All right. Ready?" she said, and before Peter could answer, she came at him, and leapt. She grabbed him around the torso, and slammed him to the ground on his back this time. She propped herself on his chest and said, "How's thet?"

Peter gasped for air after having his wind knocked out of him. "I get the idea. I think," he wheezed.

Erica got up, and patted Peter's chest. "Hokay, wan try hit agin?" she asked.

Peter got up very slowly. Would you mind if we stopped for now?" he asked. "I think I broke a rib."

Erica walked over to Peter, and ran her hands over his sides and chest. "Yup. Ya did," she said. She put her hands over the rib in question. "Hold still honey. This'll sting a li'le," she cautioned. She used a spell to fix the rib. "There. Thet should do hit. But we's shuld stop fo' t'day."

"I agree," Peter said. "Let's try some more tomorrow morning."

Erica grinned. "Was a clevah way o' gittin' t' put mah hands on yo' though," she said.

Peter looked at her strangely. "I'll see you tomorrow Erica," he said hastily, as he headed off to the guest hut as fast as he decently could. Erica watched him go, and just fell to the ground laughing like crazy.


The sun shone brightly over Knothole as Sally and Lupe walked to the infirmary. "I didn't thank you for all you and Raurmarique have done, Lupe," Sally said.

"We're glad to help Sally," Lupe said. "But to be fair, it was Raurmarique's power more than anything that destroyed the net gun."

"That's true," Sally conceded, "but he never would have come to Knothole if you didn't bring him."

"Yes Sally," Lupe said noncommittally. They nearly reached the infirmary, and were about to walk up the steps, when they both stopped. "There's one more thing Lupe," Sally said. "You said you wanted to use Nicole to find out something. Something about a lost kingdom, was it?"

"Well," Lupe began, "I had heard that there was once a kingdom of wolves on Mobius. Would Nicole have any information on it?"
"She might," Sally replied. "My father loaded a lot of history into Nicole. His idea was that a queen should know her people's past so she could guide their future."

"I see. Could-" But just as she was about to ask Sally to check about the wolf kingdom, Raurmarique walked out of the door. He was smiling from ear to ear. "Good morning *janera,*" he said happily. "It would seem that I'm out on good behavior. One condition, though. I can't exert myself too much. Ambermane almost sent me out in a wheelchair."

Lupe smiled in return. "I would not question Ambermane when it comes to her healing arts, *tajin,*" she said warmly. "It's not a wise thing to do."

"*Tajin?*" Raurmarique mused.

"And why not?" Lupe replied.

"Am I missing something here?" Sally asked.

"I don't see why not, but what does it mean?" Raurmarique said. "It sounds good though." He said to Sally, "She called me something in a language I don't know. I only know Mobian and Dumaurian."

Lupe caressed Raurmarique's cheek. "It litterally means 'love of my life.' But 'beloved' is an accurate translation."

"Lupe, I didn't know the Wolf Pack had their own language," Sally said.

Raurmarique beamed, and smiled broadly. "'Love of my life?' I am..."

Lupe said to Sally," Yes but only myself and two others in the Pack speak it. It's almost a dead language."

"I'll learn it," Raurmarique declared.

"Wow! A body could get *DRUNK* off that!" came from the inside of
the infirmary.

"I'll teach you Raurmarique," Lupe said with a smile.

Sasha came out of the infirmary reeling slightly, and holding her head. "That's what I get for lowering my shield to see about Bear," she said happily. "Pure joy. Best taken in *small* doses."

"You'll never learn will you Sasha?" Sally said.

Sasha walked down the steps and, to Raurmarique's surprise, leaned on him for a few moments. She then went off in the direction of Bear's knoll. "Yeash Sally," Sasha said, "usually it's safe." Sasha started to fade. "I'm going to see Bear for a few. Grandma Amber's in though. So's 'Rena."

"Good bye Sasha. We won't be here when you get back," Lupe said.

"Do you have to go so soon?" Sally asked.

"I never thought she'd be able to lean on me like that," Raurmarique mused.

"Why do you say that Raurmarique?" Lupe asked.

'The last time I met Sasha, it was a while ago," Raurmarique explained. "The one time I was able to get into Mist. She's the most powerful empath I know, too. If she can touch me, someone that has caused her...pain in the past, I must be doing something right."

"I see," Sally said. "But you didn't answer my question Lupe."

Raurmarique chuckled. "I think we'd better, for Pete's sake at least," he said.

Lupe said to Sally, "I'm sorry Sally. But yes, I'm afraid we do. We've been away for longer than I had anticipated. But Peter is staying behind. He wants Erica to teach him some things."

"Well, I guess this is good bye then," Sally said a little wistfully.

Raurmarique was trying to hold his laughter in. "Poor Peter. He keeps getting beat up by a fem," he guffawed.

"For now Sally," Lupe said. "But we'll see each other again. And soon, unless I miss my guess." She said to Raurmarique, "I know Raurmarique. But that may change in time. One never knows."

"No, one doesn't," Sally agreed. She sighed then said, "I guess you better get Devin and be on your way."

Raurmarique bowed. "It was nice to meet you your highness," he said. He straightened up and said, "By the way, do you know anything about a kingdom called Guadalupe? It is something Lupe has shown an interest in."

"No, but Nicole might," Sally replied. She took Nicole from her boot and commanded, "Nicole, search historical files for a kingdom called Guadalupe."

"Nicole?" Raurmarique was puzzled. He peered at the powerful microcomputer.

"She's a hand held computer that Sally's father built for her," Lupe explained.

"I've never heard of a computer with gender before," Raurmarique observed. "It's most unusual."

"We refer to Nicole in the feminine because of the female voice Sally's father installed," Lupe said.

"Ah."

"She's taking an awfully long time to do this search," Sally said anxiously.

"Sorry Sally," Nicole droned. "Guadalupe. An ancient kingdom located in what is known today as the Great Eastern province a thousand years ago. An exclusively lupine kingdom, noted for its level of civilization and artistic development. No longer exists in modern times."

"What happened to it?" Sally asked.

"Legends of its downfall all agree on one factor; the arrival of a monster that lives in shadows. Called 'Redhand the Slayer", the most distinguishing characteristic of the legendary monster was its red colored hands. Legends say that he destroyed the kingdom, and scattered its denizens to the four winds.

"Is there any more information?" Sally asked.

"There is a video of the final ruler."

"Project please, Nicole.

"Projecting, Sally."

The video played, and there was a wolf that bore a remarkable resemblance to Lupe on the wall of a nearby hut. "Greetings my friends, and citizens of Guadalupe," the wolf said the wolf in a clear, calm, voice. There was joy in her eyes and in her speech, as she wished her subjects well in the upcoming centennial celebration. Then final she concluded, "I Loupina, thank you all. Sleep well, my friends."

"Nicole, freeze that last frame," Sally commanded.

"Yes Sally," Nicole replied.

Sally stared at the image, then she looked at Lupe, then back to the image. It *had* to be the best frame in the video. Loupina was smiling merrily, her ears tilted rakishly, and her hands behind her back. "Lupe," Sally said slowly, "that's you."

"Good genetics, never mind a good video, That image is over a thousand years old," Raurmarique said sadly.

"This is incredible," Sally murmured. "Lupe, I had no idea that you were a descendant of royalty."

"Nor did she Sally," Raurmarique said, "until I told her."

"You didn't?" Sally asked.

"No, I didn't," Lupe replied. "But by the greater and lesser gods, it seems that I am."

"This puts the war in a whole new light," Sally said.

"Why Sally? The kingdom was lost over a thousand years ago," Raurmarique pointed out. "I confess I was Redhand. Lupe already knows that, and has forgiven me. So how does being the descendant of an ancient queen put a new light on this war?"

"Don't you see Raurmarique?" Sally said excitedly. "We were fighting to restore the House of Acorn to the throne of Mobius. But now when we defeat Robotnik, Guadalupe can be restored to its rightful heir: Lupe."

When Sally said that, the image shimmered slightly. Then the same calm, clear voice that they heard before spoke. "And what, pray tell, does Lupe need with a kingdom? Or is not the allegiance of the Wolf Pack enough for you?"

When they looked, they saw that Loupina had crossed her arms and was looking at sternly at Sally. "My kingdom was before the time that your ancestor, Winslow, decided that unification was the best for Mobius. By that time wolves had been living in packs for about five hundred years. Why ruin centuries of progress?"

"Living in packs is progress?" Sally asked. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

"That's because you are the leader of a small band, and not a huge city," Loupina explained. "Kingdoms are not exactly eco-friendly, unless they're planet wide. Nowadays the wolves live in harmony with the planet, and seek to turn back what has been done by that...being. Anyway, what use is a kingdom to a wolf?" Loupina paused to let her words sink in. "Think on it," she said finally. "I've got to get back to my rest. Oh, and Raurmarique? How do *YOU* know that I wasn't counting on this?"

The image faded back to its original pose. In the wind they could hear faint, merry laughter. "Nicole, end program," Sally said quietly. The image faded completely, and Sally slowly closed Nicole. Raurmarique just stood there, stunned. Lupe was the first to speak. "Sally she was right. We do live in harmony with nature. And I'm not really qualified to rule a kingdom. This way we still have our freedom."

"No one's free while Robotnik is alive," Sally said flatly.

"He won't live forever. He is beginning to rot in his own corruption."

"He feeds off his corruption," Lupe said.

"True," Raurmarique agreed. "I'll go and fetch Devin, *janera,* and meet you by Sally's hut."

"All right, *tajin,*" Lupe said. Raurmarique headed toward the guest hut where Devin was.

"Are you disappointed?" Sally asked Lupe.

What is there to be disappointed about Sally?" Lupe said. "You can't lose what you never had."

They started to walk toward Sally's hut. "That's very true Lupe," she said.


The shades of night were deepening across the savanna. Lupe, Raurmarique, and Devin had walked almost to the beginning of the Great Unknown. They had reached the spot with the strange structures where they had stopped on their way to Knothole. Devin rolled out his bedroll in short order, soon was fast asleep. Lupe and Raurmarique were sitting on top of one of the formations. Raurmarique watched Devin as he bedded down. "Tired pup," Raurmarique observed. "He misses his brother too."

Lupe and Raurmarique had made up their bedrolls, but were stargazing. "He does, I can sense it. But he understands," Lupe said.

"He wants to learn. I think that Erica is going to give him some *interesting* lessons," Raiurmarique observed.

Lupe chuckled then said, "In battlemaging or other things?"

Raurmarique snickered. "I'm thinking both," he said. "She seemed to like playing with him."

"I think he liked being played with."

The two lovers laughed. "I think it's time you went to bed," Lupe said quietly.

Raurmarique gazed at Lupe's profile. "Why do you say that *janera?*" he asked.

"I have some things to think about *tajin,*" Lupe said. "And I do my best thinking when I watch the gods' light show."

"Private thoughts *janera?* All right then, I shall remove the distraction." Raurmarique gave Lupe a brief kiss, slid off the rock,
and went to bed. Lupe watched him go. When she could see he was settled in his bedroll, she looked up at the stars. One looked so bright that it made all the others near it look dim. The beauty of it smote her heart. It was then she realized that Robotnik was a passing thing in this world, that there was now and for all time things of beauty and wonder that he could never destroy. She sighed and said quietly, "He will not last forever." She took a last look at the stars, slid off the rock, and went to bed.

The End