When I woke up my body was filled with excitement. My fur was standing up and I knew that today would end in either greatness or sorrow. I knew I would need to contact Mumm-ra at some point today, which made me wonder how I could do that. I got out of the bed and then walked in to the bathroom brushing out my hair. I called down for my breakfast again and then after the same hound from the other day brought it, I dressed in training clothes and went down to the transporter I had brought. I looked around underneath the seats and floor board finding a small cavity in the back. In it was a small half globe, red in color I grabbed it and took it back to my room. I looked at the device for a while before I set it down on the desk. I then decided to talk to it aloud and see if anything happens.

"Master, I need to speak with you," I talked to the crystal, hoping that he would hear me. After several minutes of no response, I decided I would try again later and proceeded to stretch getting ready for the day. Taking a deep breath I started going through the motions that were second nature to me wishing I could have had some sparring practice in the week I had been gone from the Black Pyramid. A little over halfway through my set, a red glowing filled the room from behind me I stood and saw the crystal and I went over to it. Looking in the glow, I saw my masters face looking at me I bowed my head and greeted him.

"Amura, what is it you need to speak of with me?"

"I am in Dog City currently, I saw Pumyra fight last night. She was splendid." His eyes brightened in delight. "I went into the cells below the coliseum and there was a man there I recognized from my previous life." Here I took a deep breath. "Tonight I am battling the Pit Master, Dobo, for his freedom. If you have no objections, I would like to bring him back with me if he is willing."

"And if he is not?" I knew this was coming.

"I shall erase his memory of how he was freed and leave him," it would be heart breaking if that was the case, but he can't know I am allied with Mumm-ra.

"Very well, I wish you luck this evening my dear. If you see Pumyra, tell her she shall soon be freed."

Again I nod, "Yes Master," and the glowing ceased. I had the simple spell memorized, Mumm-ra had insisted that I learn at least a bit of magic after returning from training my men, since none of them were versed in the magical arts.

FLASHBACK

It was a few days after I had returned from the forest where I helped the other Thunderians out. Mumm-ra asked me to come into the throne room and I complied. I bowed before the casting pool waiting for him to acknowledge me. He straightened and gestured for the doors to be closed. "Amura, I know that not many Thunderians knew magic; if any at all besides the clerics, but I would like to teach you a few simple spells to help you with your journeys."

"Thank you Master. But, how am I able to cast magic without training?"

"I shall open up your channels for magic in your body-a flow of energy you have in you. You will be able to feel it in your mind and between myself and the lizard priests, you will master it."

"I understand."

"Are you ready?" I nodded, taking a deep breath. "For now I will just open the energy flow so you can recognize it in yourself. Over the next few days I will be teaching you the spells." He raised his hands and started chanting, the temperature in the room dropped and the four statues' eyes glowing. He directed his hands towards me and his purple lightning-how I knew he worked his magic- surronded my body. It made my fur stand on end before entering my body. At first it was a tickling sensation, then the power increased. It was hurting more, but I did not want to scream out. The power kept going into my body, I could feel my temperature rising. I felt my mouth open, but I didn't hear myself scream, before passing out.

I awoke later in my bed, covered by my sheets. I tried to sit up but was too weak. Then I noticed that even though I was physically unable to sit up, I had a great deal of energy. I closed my eyes and sort through my mind, feeling the power now in my body. I held up my hand and I could almost feel the new power I possessed, waiting for the chance to learn how to harness this.

END FLASHBACK

I learned many spells that week, from basic healing spells, the memory modification, disguise, and most importantly, attacks. My lightning was dark green almost black. In addition to the lightning I could also throw balls of energy. I could also channel it through my weapons-something I was happy to discover. My arrows and daggers took on a dark green glow, something that may be useful this evening. I had about six hours left. I left the hotel and the energy in the streets was almost greater than yesterday-word apparently got around. I walked to the Cloud's Coat to tell Skye about the fight on the off chance she didn't know already.

I entered and was almost tackled by her before I even cleared the entrance. "What were you thinking?!"

I sheepishly replied, "You heard then I guess."

She pulled back and slapped my arm. "The whole damn city is talking about it! A cat going against the Pit Master who got to where he is by winning 100 battles in the coliseum. Why are you doing this?" Her voice was a whisper as she was looking around.

I nodded towards the back of the store and she walked with me. Looking through the rack I told her. "One of my friends from Thundera is in the cells beneath the coliseum. I am fighting for his freedom."

"That is so sweet! Do you have any feelings for him?"

I was silent. That is something I was trying to figure out myself. We flirted and teased one another a lot in Thundera, occasionally hanging out during off duty. He was very attractive-when cleaned up-educated, strong. I didn't care to acknowledge those thoughts much when I realized how deep my feeling for Tygra went. "I may. Once I realized what I felt for the other man, I stopped thinking about others. I need to get over him though."

"Don't worry! You will be great. My boyfriend and I will be cheering you on from the front row."

"Thanks I will definitely need it. I will see you tomorrow." We hugged before I left to go to the blacksmith devoted to the coliseum. Dobo demanded my weapons be in perfect shape, and he was there as well. We both kept a sharp eye over the old dog looking at my daggers and the harness.

"How did you decide on daggers," he asked as he walked around the smith.

"My father used them. As well as all my ancestors. What is your weapon?" It wouldn't really matter but it was polite.

"When I was in the Pit earning my way to freedom I used a lochaber axe. Now I mostly use a sword. Cavit has already declared my weapon fit." The smith nodded slightly as he ran a thumb along the edge.

"When I win, when will Bobcan be freed?"

He chuckled, "If you win he will be freed tonight after the battle. Along with everything he came in with."

I looked at him, removing my gaze for the first time from the blacksmith. "Regardless of the outcome today, I thank you for the battle. If you used to battle with Panthro at your side, I know you can hold your own."

"You know Panthro?" he continued at my nod. "If you are half as skilled as he then this will not be an easy match."

"If I win, I would like to keep you as an ally."

"Less confident now?"

"No, not at all." I took my daggers back from the smith, inspecting them myself before returning them to their sheaths."

"I would be honored to count you as an ally," he said and we shook hands firmly. We left together after he told me where to go for this evening. I walked to the coliseum to see Bobcan. To tell him he was mere hours from being free, being with me.

Even though now there were guards at the entrance to the tunnel underneath the fighting arena, they let me pass with no trouble. Today there was excitement and I heard bets being made. I walked to Bobcan's cell and he got up and walked towards me. He grasped my hand with his and whispered, "You should not have placed such a heavy bet."

Squeezing his hand, I made eye contact with him. "You are my friend. Nothing will be too great to keep you safe. The stories I may tell you when I take you away from here...you will be shocked."

"What do you mean 'may tell,' you can tell me anything." His brow was furrowed in confusion.

I smiled softly. "The things I have been through since the fall of our home, my goddess, you probably wouldn't believe me. And if you took the news badly then I could tell you no more. I want to be able to show you this new life I've embraced so bad."

He used his free hand to wipe away the tears forming in my eyes. "If you are this upset by the thought of me rejecting you, how can I even think about it."

I kissed his hand then leaned into it. "Tonight you shall have a shower, a good meal, and a proper bed. I shall tell you everything tomorrow."

"I look forward to it. You should go finish getting ready. I want you to be on the top of your game. Imagine you are having a mock fight with Dini. You will be amazing." He kissed my forehead and released my hand. The difference in his countenance was like night and day.

I took a single step back before turning. I only had my daggers with me, and Dobo offered armor, which I refused. Fighting in unfitted armor was worse than fighting with none. And Dobo only had his shoulder guards for armor so it would not be terrible. I joined him in his rooms for dinner at his insistence before the match. We shared a light meal of cheese, bread and some kind of poultry with watered wine. We talked about our pasts, and as the bell rang to announce half hour before the fight we stood together and I walked with him at his side.

We entered together and walked to the center of the arena, facing each other, about ten feet away. I had my daggers in hand and his sword was gleaming in the sun. At the referee's call, we started the battle. We watched each other warily, circling. We were predators, skilled and deadly. The crowd was deathly silent. Dobo ran towards me and jumped, his sword arcing through the air. I held up my daggers and blocked the attack, but he had a good 100 pounds of pure muscles on me, which knocked me back.

I growled at him and jumped back. He was stronger than me, no question about that. I would have to rely on my speed, I hoped. I only wanted to use my powers as a last resort. I circled around him slowly, he was following my moves. I made a dash at him, jumping and flipping over his tall form. I landed behind him and quickly went in for a hit on his sword arm with the flat of my blade.

He swung around quickly and his fist grazed past my nose, I could feel the air from the throw and leaned away just in time. I did a backflip away, scratching his arm-like with _. He saw the blood and growled, crouching down. "You are good, I hope this fight lasts."

I nodded at him and stayed on the balls of my feet. He let out a yell and charged, his sword staying close to his body until he raised it to swing across my middle. I jumped back once more and swung my daggers across his chest. I aimed one towards his head, but he threw up his sword to block the hit. I spun, kicking him in the process. I stood my ground and waited for an opening. There. He swung his sword in an elaborate move, my eyes followed as I ran in and got in under his sword. I threw my dagger towards his neck, he saw his mistake and ducked away from it, I clipped his ear instead. His sword ran along my arm making me hiss out. My goddess! That was close. It was a cut from halfway between my shoulder and elbow, down to my wrist, shallow but very painful. I could use a healing spell, but that would be negative on time, energy and showing him my powers.

I needed to wound him at least one more time, something that could cripple him. I felt my grip slicken. Blood pooled down into my palm. I just needed it a little bit longer. I decided to do a last ditch. I readjusted my grip on my dagger and raised it to throw, it had to be a quick move. I aimed at his middle, harder to dodge and threw. He moved away and tripped, that was my chance. I went in and used my other dagger to cut him along the back of his thigh.

He went to stand and stumbled, not being able to put weight on his right leg, his sword side. "You are a worthy opponent. If I am to lose, I will be happy it is to you."

"The feeling is mutual, but I am not the one who will be losing. I made a promise to my friend, and I intend on keeping it!" I roared and charged him on his weaker side, putting my remaining dagger to his throat. I held it there for a few seconds until I heard cheering from the crowd. I backed away from him and the referee held up my arm that still held my dagger.

"THE WINNER!" And the crowd cheered even louder. I backed away from the ref and held out my unbloodied hand to Dobo. He looked confused but took it, and I raised his arm as well. Due to my shorter height, it only was raised halfway but the meaning was clear. I respected him and it was a fair and clean fight. The cheers were defeaning at this point. We turned around so the whole crowd could see us, and I smiled upon seeing Skye, sitting next to Shep. After a few minutes, we helped each other to the infirmary where an old St. Bernard was getting bandaids ready. She told us to sit on the bed, apologizing.

"I am sorry, I don't normally patch up two people after a battle." She laughed lightly. We nodded and she started cleaning our wounds. We were silent during the affair, and after we were both cleaned up, Dobo and I went to his room. He poured three glasses of wine and before I asked why, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," he said, not even looking at the door. The door opened and a guard came in, behind him was Bobcan, not cleaned up but with his normal weapons. I went over and hugged him, helping him sit down. Dobo asked the guard to bring us food, and we sat down around the table.

"Dobo, this is Bobcan, a warrior from Thundera, we were both in the Royal Guard. Bobcan, this is the Pit Master, Dobo, he worked his way up from being in the ring with General Panthro." Both males shook hands and greeted each other.

Dobo spoke first after we all had a few drinks of wine. "You must mean a lot to this young woman, she faced time in the pit to free you."

"We had a great friendship, we had each other's backs and trust." Bobcan responded evenly. It was then that another knock at the door symbolized the arrival of food. We shared steaks and vegetables, sharing stories of our pasts and great battles we had fought. It was hours later that we were all tired, and I excused myself and Bobcan. Dobo nodded and asked that I visit again before I leave, which I promised to do.

I led Bobcan to the hotel, and insisted he showered first. He tried to argue with me, but it took me saying that I have showered the night before and he hasn't in weeks, if not months. I shooed him as I pulled out my sleeping clothes of a tank top and pants to change into after my shower.

I was out on the balcony when I heard the bathroom door open. I didn't turn around, not knowing if he was clothed. He sat on the bed and I heard him sigh. I walked over to him, seeing him clothed in just a towel. I put a hand on his shoulder, "You take the bed, I will take the couch. And I will have your clothes washed tonight, and we will buy you new ones tomorrow."

"That will be appreciated, so I will have something else to wear. Is that going to be before or after you tell me this thing that may make me reject you?"

"I want you to be comfortable regardless. The money I will be using is from my employer. I have more than enough. I will tell you after lunch, and you can decide from there. It is painless for a memory removal."

"But I want to remember you regardless." He placed his hand on my cheek.

"Get some rest, please. It will be a long day." He kissed my hand, and went under the sheets. I showered and changed, calling down to the front desk to come get the clothes that we wore today. I left them in a bag outside my room, so he could grab them without disturbing us.

The next morning I woke up, and smiled seeing Bobcan still in bed. He needed as much rest as he could get. I went to the balcony to do my morning stretches, thinking about how I would even begin to tell Bobcan about my service under Mumm-ra. When I heard him wake up and get out of bed, I called the front desk to get our breakfast and his clothes, thankfully he was still using that towel from last night. I was no prude, and he was well toned at one point, but he had been in jail for months, and was half starved.

I let in the cart and knocked on the bathroom door. "Bobcan, your clothes have been washed and breakfast is here."

I rolled the cart to the couch and sat down, pulling the table closer. I set out the fruit, toast and eggs waiting for Bobcan to join me. I saw his arm reach out to grab his clean-yet still ratty-clothes. I smiled sadly and looked out the balcony to the sky. Beautiful blue with a few light clouds. It would be beautiful to go shopping, but far less so to leave.

I was snapped out of my thoughts by the couch sinking next to me. I smiled and turned to face him, he smiled tiredly in return. "Help yourself, you need to get your strength back up." He nodded and took two pieces of toast and three eggs. I took one piece of toast and an apple, starting to eat slowly, watching him eat. He got another piece of toast and an orange before i even finished my food. He got all that down then took a drink of water. He coughed a few times and took a few deep breaths.

"This food is delicious, way better than what I was served there. We got a lot to keep up our energy but not good quality. Especially compared to what we got at the palace."

"We will talk about that later. Once you finish eating we will go get you some new clothes. Okay?"

"Won't my decision to go with you or not affect my wardrobe?"

"A little bit, but I am one of the few women there. And we can always go shopping again." We finished the meal in silence, him easily eating five times what I ate. When we were both full, I got up and pulled out a sundress I got, green in color that was a halter top and brown foot bindings. I tied the money pouch to my belt, and was ready to go. He offered his arm to me as we left the room, which I grabbed, even though I was leading the way. I took us mostly down side streets so we wouldnt get too muchattention to us. We quickly entered the Cloud's Corner and before we even cleared the doorway Skye was hugging me.

"OhmyAnubis!Whatwereyouthinking!Youwerebrillantbutthatwassoscary!" She pulled away and looked over at Bobcan, took in his wardrobe, and looked back to me.

"Thank you, now if you calm down I will introduce you." She took a deep breath and waved away the attention that she had drawn to us-what I was trying to avoid. "Bobcan, this is Skye, one of the friends I have met here in Dog City. Skye this is Bobcan, I served with him in Thundera as a Royal Guard."They shook hands and I continued. "As you can see, he is in need of new clothes. Mostly training and travel attire, one or two things of sleeping clothes."

"Any formal wear?" Skye asked pulling out a measuring tape.

"No," I said quickly, before correcting myself, "I mean, we will come back if he does." They nodded and Skye took Bobcan to the men's section while I sat down and rested for a bit. I got lost in daydreams of how I would tell Bobcan what was going on. U wasb;t syre how mch later it was when a hand landed on my shoulder. I was about to hit the person there before I remembered where I was. I turned to see Bobcan standing behind me with Skye at his side.

"He is all set up, you ready to go?" I nodded and stood, following them to the register. When Bobcan saw how much it was he started to object but I pulled out the seven gold coins and laid them on the counter.

"Bobcan, thiss is nothing. My employer gave me over seven times this much for my two week vacation. I can spend it how I want, now quiet." He nodded and I had Skye send it to the hotel as well. We got lunch on our way back, as it was middle of the afternoon, and went up to my rroom. We ate in a comfortable silence. After we finished I took him out to the balcony with a bottle of wine, and we both had a glass before I started.

"I only have one request, you wait until the very end to make your decision."He promised and I launched into the story, starting with a few days before the invasion, Grune's arrival, Mumm-ra protecting me, training my troops, promising to help Lion-o and the others, my joy of Grune's death, my superiority over the other generals, even my heritage-everything that has transpired over the last six months. It was an hour and a half later, and a bottle of wine down when I finished my tale, not being able to look at him to see his face as I had at the start.

He was silent for a few minutes and I got ready to preform a mind erase spell, my hand starting to glow with the green and black lightning that was mine. "You are doig all this to help Lion-o?" He eventually asked.

"I am. And only to help him," I added the second part with a tone of distaste. He knew I was close to Tygra, and I could tell he was inquiring after him. "I owe much to Mumm-ra, my master, he kept me from slavery, from death, from Grune," I took a deep breath. He put his hand over mine, that had now stopped glowing.

"I may not like what you have done, but you are doing it for a noble cause. I would be honored if you would let me serve under you." The smile that lit my face was unimaginable, I am sure and I reached across the table to give him a hug. He returned the embrace and pulled me close. I pulled back a little and we llooked each other in the eye. He slowly leaned in, his eyes closing slowly. I leaned in as well and our lips met. I felt my fur stand on end, my first kiss. I wasn't sure what to do from here, so I let him take the lead. He tilted his head to the side and leaned closer. I was startled when I felt his tongue against my lips, but opened my mouth. His tongue pressed against mine lightly, and they rubbed against each other. He ran his hand through my hair, and scratched the base of my neck with his claws. I moaned, always liking my hair played with. After a bit I was losing air and I pulled away from the kiss.

He left his hand on the back of my neck and continued scratching softly. "Wow," I said softly, smiling at him.

"Hmm?" He asked before pulling me onto his lap.

"That was my first kiss," I turned my head away, knowing there would be color on my cheeks from embarrassment.

He was stunned, "You and the Prince-" I cut him off. "No. We were close a few times but it never happened." He kissed my cheek and then asked, "Can you show me some of the magic you were taught?"

I nodded and held out my hand, willing the energy to gather there, having mastered some spells without using words. It gave me a bigger advantage if I had to use it. It started with the size of a golfball, growing until it was the size of a basketball; the ball glowing dark green with black lightning flashing through it. "He started reaching out his hand and I moved mine away, shaking my head. I then started speaking a little of the ancient language that controlled the magic. It went to form around my hand and up to my elbow. I kept speaking and my fur changed to scales, and the color was grayish-blue. I nodded for him to touch, after the green magic faded away.

"It even feels like scales. That is amazing! Will I be able to learn how to do this?" He was amazed at it. I let it fade away, and leaned against him. He put his arm around me.

"I will speak with Mumm-ra, we will go to him tomorrow. You will just be a soldier in my troops though, my captain and leutenants earned their spots."

"I understand. Thank you. Will I get to be with you?"

"What are you asking me Bobcan?"I purred at him.

"Amura, we have known each other for years. I trust you, and you trust me. You know I care about you, will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?"

"Yes, Bobcan, I would like that very much." And we kissed again, smiling. We shared the bed that night, cuddled together. Tomorrow we would be traveling back to the Black Pyramid-with a long term ally with me.

HEY! Sorry it took so long to update. Where I am staying for the summer doesn't have internet. I know this isn't how I normally end chapters, but I liked this. Let me know what you think!

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