Jay, Finn, Lance, and Pierce were patrolling the perimeter of the village. Tempest had tagged along today. She was itching for adventure.

Finn and his cousins had grown to respect each other. Finn was in front, clearing the way.

As they came around the bend in the trail, a group of jackals were standing over something. "Hey!" Lance yelled.

The group quickly ran off. Finn's heart lurched into his throat as he ran over to wear they were. A body was on the ground.

A strangled cry escaped his throat as he realized who's it was. "Mother!" He cried.

Jay's eyes widened and he hurried after his brother.

Finn was shaking as he knelt beside her body. She'd been murdered. They'd killed her.

Pierce stepped forward. He pointed his nose up to the sky and let out a low, mournful, howl. Lance stepped up beside his brother and joined him. Jay and Tempest looked at each other, then their voices joined in.

Finn gently lowered Nia's body down and closed her eyes. Then he lifted his snout and let out a howl, long and soulful.

Soon, Taja and some others from the village arrived. They'd heard the howling.

As she spoke a few words, Finn picked up the scent of Nia's killers. He and Jay made eye contact. Jay nodded and they darted off into the underbrush. Pierce, Lance, and Tempest followed them.

Finn sniffed the air, closing his eyes and listening carefully. After a moment, he opened his eyes. "They went this way." He said heading deeper into the jungle.

"They're going to pay for this," Jay snarled. There was three jackals standing in a small clearing.

"I think they are lost," Pierce said. The five of them were hiding in the brush.

"Good." Finn's eyes glinted. "Leave their leader for me. Now, attack." With that they rushed out of the foliage, catching the other jackals off guard.

Finn shouted in rage as he engaged their leader in combat. He was going to pay for this. His mother had done nothing deserving of death.

Jay's teeth showed as he attacked one of the jackals. His golden eyes were full of fury. He bit down on flesh and grinned as he heard a yowl of pain. He moved quickly, and killed with his daggers. Pierce took out the other jackal.

"Why?" Finn asked, his hands around the other's throat, "why did you kill her?"

Their leader grinned, "the same reason anyone does anything. Money." He noticed Finn's confused look and pulled out a five hundred mobium, "this will give me a better life." He sighed, "look kid, someone wanted to start a war with your village, so they paid us mercenaries to start one. It's nothing personal," a sinister grin spread on his grisly teeth, "it's just business."

Without warning, Finn drew back his sword and plunged it into the other jackal, killing him instantly.

An eerie silence filled the area as Finn stood there, breathing hard. After a moment he turned to his companions, "there's nothing left for me here anymore. I'm going to leave. I want a better life, and you do too, I can see it in your face." Gold and blue eyes swept over the jackals. "I'm going to be the ultimate mercenary."

"We're with you Finn," Jay said, "you're our leader, and we'll follow you to the ends of the earth."

Lance, Pierce, and Tempest nodded in agreement. Finn almost smiled. "Ok then, take what you want off those two, I'll see what the leader had."

Money, jewelry, food, and anything valuable were taken and given to Finn. He was their leader now, so he got first pick.

While sifting through everything, Finn found a small business card. "What is it?" Jay asked while looking over Finn's shoulder.

"Our first destination." He turned the card. It read: "mercenaries wanted."


The new team trudged through the jungle. Jay's ear twitched as a bug hovered next to it. Tempest looked over at her mate. His face wasn't calm, and his eyes didn't hold that playful spark that she loved so much anymore. He was angry over the loss of his mother, and their pup.

Her hand rested on his shoulder in a reassuring gesture. Her eyes grew soft as she looked at his face. He'd helped her get through the first loss, and she'd help him get through the second. She didn't want him to be like Finn, hating this life and everyone in it.

"Jay?" She asked gently. He still didn't respond to her. His eyes were fixed straight ahead. "Jay?" Her hand rested under his chin and turned his face to her's, "look at me baby." Her voice was softer than it had been in a long time. "Don't let this bring you down."

A sharp breath was exhaled through his nose. "Tempest please," he tried to turn away, "you don't understand."

A stab of pain shot through her heart. How could he say something like that? She lost her pup, their pup. And that hurt her.

She swallowed thickly, "I do understand Jay. Loss always hurts." She closed her eyes and a few tears fell. "Please let me help." Her hand pulled him back to her, "I don't want you to be like Finn."

Jay's expression softened when he saw her face. His woman was so worried about him, and here he was being selfish.

"I'm sorry Tempest," he said while reaching up to wipe her tears away. "I just..." He couldn't finish the sentence as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

Tempest took his hand and led him behind the brush, away from the others, so he could cry. He hadn't allowed himself to with their son's death either.

As soon as they were out of sight he bawled. Gripping his shoulders he sank to his knees as the heavy sobs jerked out. Tempest knelt beside him and pulled him into her arms.


It took several days, but the small group reached the other side of the jungle. A town was there.

As they walked down the alleyways, Finn looked for the address on the card. Where was it? They needed to find a job.

Soon, they found the place. A small building hidden on the back corner of the alley. It looked abandoned.

Finn moved the blanket in the doorway and entered the main room. The other four jackals were right behind him.

A desk was against the back wall and a tiger was sitting behind it. His fingers laced together as he eyed the group. "Can I help you with something?" His rough voice growled.

Finn walked up to him and slammed the card on the table. "I think we can help you."

"Hmm," he rested his chin on his hands, "this is a serious business I'm running here jackal, not just anyone can handle these assignments."

Finn glared, "how do you think I got this card?" He dropped the leader's bag on the table, "we killed your men."

The tiger raised a brow. Then a sinister grin slid onto his muzzle, "well then, I have just the job for you."


Well, we're back with Finn and the others. We have the start of the jackal squad! Enjoy!