Author's note: I tried to start this sooner, but my computer kept crashing

Chapter 25:

The return of the wolf

Shadow stood at the top of the hill looking out at the city. He wore a smirk on his face and a black leather jacket to protect him from the brisk wind. The microphone on his chest cackled on letting him know it was time to roll. He pulled a cigarette out and put it in his mouth, lighting it. He took a puff and blew out the smoke. "Rock and roll boys," he said throwing the cigarette down the hill. He turned around only to find himself face to face with one of his own men. "What the hell are you doing here?" he asked. The cougar before him trembled as he stuttered out, "Mark O'Donnell has finally been located but has refused to a meeting with you."

Shadow raised his eyebrow. "Is that right?" The cougar gulped and nodded. Shadow chuckled and shook his head. "He always was a fool. Have him killed at once." Shadow began to walk away before the cougar spoke again. "Sir there is also a pink fox who just arrived in Corneria." "Why is that my concern?" the gray vulpine snapped back. "Our informants say she's been looking for Void, sir." Shadow stopped and turned to face the cougar. "Keep an eye on her, she must not interfere with my plans."

…

Deoyxia wondered through Jasper trying to find her destination. "He tells me to come find him, but gives no damn directions," the vixen muttered under her breath. She was currently looking for former Star Wolf captain, Mark O'Donnell. But he wasn't her true target; no she was looking for someone of far more importance. Mark was just the man who could hopefully give her directions.

She looked up from the paper she was holding to the building in front of her. This is where the wolf was hiding. She opened the door. Inside were a desk and a bunch of benches full of people waiting for something. Your standard lobby. She walked up to the desk trying not to look suspicious. "I'm looking for Mark O'Donnell," Deoxyia said to the receptionist. The lady behind the desk looked at her if she's crazy. "The pirate? Why would he be here?" Deoxyia rolled her eyes and pulled out the staff on her back.

She pointed it at the receptionist and growled. "A big ass wolf with an eye patch is he here?!" The receptionist gulped and nodded. "Top floor first door to your right." Deoxyia sheathed her staff and nodded at the receptionist, seemingly calmed down. "Thank you," she said sweetly and headed towards the elevator.

She rode up to the top floor thinking about what she was going to say. This man could possibly be her best lead into finding him. The elevator dinged and the doors opened. She stepped out and walked over to the first door at the right.

She knocked and waited. A minute passed before a low voice growled, "What do you want?" "Open the door… I've come with important business." Another pause before the voice answered, "It better be good or you're as good as dead," it growled. The door unlocked and creaked open. Deoxyia opened it the rest of the way and stepped in.

She looked around the room. It was dark and reeked of sweat and alcohol. "What did you come here for girl, I don't like to be bothered," a voice growled from the corner. Deoxyia looked and saw a large silhouette lifting what appeared to be two bar bells. Even in the dark she could see his muscles bulging and his large firm figure. She had to admit it turned her on a little.

"Are you Mark O'Donnell?" she asked a little shakily. "It depends on whose asking." The figure continued to lift weights and the smell of sweat filled the room more. She could see large quantities of bottles scattered across the room. "My name is Deoxyia and I've come looking for somebody. I believe you might be able to help me find them," Deoxyia said putting her hands on her hips. The figure chuckled. "Is that right? Well, you can forget it babe I'm not helping you." Deoxyia growled. "Don't call me babe," She said reaching for her staff. The figure stood up and Deoxyia took a step back. He really was huge.

"Oh yeah and are you going to make me stop with that little stick of yours?" The figure growled menacingly, daring her to attack. Deoxyia let go of her staff and forced herself to remain calm. "For your information its Melia's staff and I can apply extreme physical force with the help of elements," she said. The figure chuckled again and said, "Whatever." There was silence for a moment before the vixen spoke again, "Look I really need your help I need to find my mentor…" Deoxyia was cut off by the figure who growled and yelled, "Why don't you just leave?! I could care less about your damn mentor and I sure as hell ain't gonna help you find them. So, do me a favor and fuck off!" he roared.

"My mentor is one of your old enemies who I know for a fact you have a score to settle with," Deoxyia said smugly. There was a long pause before the figure spoke again, "You have my attention." Deoxyia smirked and spoke again, "My mentor told me to go train and come and find him when I'm ready. I'm finally ready and I need to locate him, but to do that I need your help." The figure stepped into the light revealing himself. He was a tall wolf whose face was rugged and had two scars one on his mouth and the other on his eye, covered by an eye patch.

His muscles were bulging and he was wearing a wife beater which hung tightly to his abs. Deoxyia blushed a little. "Alright girly if you're done checking me out, who is your mentor." Deoxyia regained her composure and spoke again, "First, I need your word that you'll help me." The lupine chuckled. "I like you Deox-whatever. Yeah I'll help you, Mark O'Donnell at your service." Deoxyia smiled and said, "It's Deoxyia and my mentor was Void."

James stared up at Diamond's face, trying to remember what happened. Diamond's arms flew around his neck and she began to cry. James looked around realizing he was in a hospital room, but that's not what was on his mind. He was thinking about his dream, with Void and Shadow. Were they really going to fight and why was Corneria City in ruins?

Diamond's voice brought him back to reality. "James, thank god you're alive!" James started to speak when he remembered. He had fought Void. And he got his ass kicked. Diamond released him and took a step back. James sat up and looked around the room. Zach was there as well, but he couldn't find Yuki. "Where's Yuki," he asked. "He went hunting for Void after he betrayed us," Zach said. James shook his head and said, "He's as good as dead if he finds him." "They've enlisted Fox McCloud for strategic advice on how to bring Void and Shadow down, he's been helping a lot and we could foil both their plans in no time flat. "

James merely grunted and tried to stand up. His stomach exploded into pain and he staggered back. Diamond caught him and helped him to his feet. "Take it easy James, you were hurt pretty bad." "I don't care; I have to get out of here. I can't explain it, but I had this dream and I know there's a battle coming. A big one and it's going to tear this place to shreds," James said walking to the window. Diamond and Zach looked at each other before the vixen spoke. "How do you know that James?"

"I just do," James said. He refused to speak anymore, so finally Diamond and Zach got up to leave. "We'll give you some alone time, there's some clothes on the chair call if you need anything," Diamond said and with that the two left. James started to change and he looked out the window. It was time to get out of here.

Diamond walked out to the lobby with Zach. It felt so good to know James was alive and recovering. Just as they were about to leave a doctor raced up to them. "You must come quickly! I went up to check on your friend and he was gone!" Diamond's eyes widened and she raced back to the room Zach trailing behind.

She threw open the door to find an empty room. The clothes they had left him were missing and the window was wide open the curtains flowing in the wind. "He must've climbed out the window," Zach said. Diamond growled and punched the wall leaving a hole. She turned and left the room slamming the door behind her.