Thanks for all the reviews lovelies! I can't ever thank you guys enough! Sorry for the slight delay, been busy yet again. (And getting distracted with the new hyrule warriors game^^") This chapter is a good one, I really enjoyed writing it anyway:) I did get a bit emotional in part of it, so I hope it wasn't too heavy.
Cujo was a bit harsh towards Riker, and even Creech. He has good reason to be upset, but I think he'll do the right thing in the end;)
Honestly, I needed a reason for Cujo to be on sentry duty, that's why Roux wasn't feeling well. I may do something with that bit later though, but probably not anything to do with the fish.
The next installment about Ace and Nia will explore more of his personality. I am so looking forward to that. I will keep all suggestions in mind:)
Yep, in a gender swap female Lance would have to step aside for her brothers. Hopefully this Lance will come around to his sisters.
Nova is a good mentor, I won't say much about this situation because I don't want to give too much away.
Creech and Lori are so cute together! I just love them! Glad you guys do too! As for his and Lori's pups having issues because of his background, I'm having trouble deciding how to handle that. Any suggestions?
A healer's purpose is to save as many jackals as possible. It would be unforgivable for them not to help someone who is injured or dying simply because of prejudices. If however, it was not safe for them, (as in the case of the illness or something similar) they would not be expected to put themselves in harms way. Especially if there was no one else who could take on the role as healer. Hope that answers your question.
Thank you all so very much for all the kind words! Love you all!:)
Haven was just putting Ivy down for the night. She'd been fussy, but now she was finally asleep.
She tucked her in and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. It was then that the door to their hut opened and slammed shut, followed by Cujo muttering angrily under his breath.
Haven sighed as the noise jerked Ivy awake and the pup started to cry. She scooped her up, "it's ok sweetie."
Surprisingly, Ivy's wails quieted to sniffles. Haven rested the pup's head on her shoulder and went into the main room to see what had Cujo all worked up. "What's wrong?" She asked. "You woke up Ivy."
The anger behind his eyes faded, and he went over to his pup. "Sorry Ivy."
She blinked sleepily, but smiled.
Haven gave her to him, and she snuggled up in his arms.
"You ok?" Haven asked again carefully.
He took a deep breath, "not really. He's back."
"Who? Riker?"
A nod.
"Why? He was exiled. He isn't supposed to return."
"Some old rogue he's with is sick. Papa let the three of them stay for a bit."
"Three?"
"Yes. There's another male with them."
Haven was concerned. "Do you think they're dangerous?" She asked.
"Riker is, I don't think the elder is, the third one, I can't say. Something is wrong with him though. A defect or something."
"You don't think any of them would hurt Ivy do you?"
"I wouldn't rule out that possibility."
Fear swirled within her. She couldn't bear the thought of something happening to Ivy. She loved her so much. Cujo did too. He held her against his chest protectively.
"You should say something to your father," said Haven.
"I don't think he would listen to me."
"Why not? You're his second. Your opinion matters to him."
He grimaced, "I may have made somewhat of a scene earlier. He'll disregard my concerns as jealousy."
Her brows furrowed, then she sighed. "Cujo..."
"I know. It wasn't very wise of me to behave that way."
"I guess I could say something. He wouldn't mind would he?"
"As long as you are tactful he won't mind."
"Ok. But it's late. I'll talk to him tomorrow."
"Ok."
Kenzi sat up with a gasping breath. She grabbed at her chest. The blade Zayne had shoved into her back was gone. How was she still here? She died. Or at least she thought she did.
"Mama!"
Her heart caught. "Jalna?"
The young girl grabbed her in a hug, "you're here! I missed you."
It took a moment for Kenzi to return the hug, but she did. Although a little hesitantly. She was a little confused.
When she glanced up, Crowe was standing there. He had a sad look on his face.
"I'll show you around mama," Jalna said while helping her up to her feet. "Everyone will be happy to see you again. Ghost has been making time for me too." She added with a grin. Her tail wagged happily.
Kenzi pulled back a little, "you shouldn't be around him Jalna."
"Why not?"
Kenzi lowered her voice, "you can't trust him. You know what he did to Zayla. What's to say he won't do it to you?"
"That wasn't his fault. He was sick. They all were." Jalna's eyes were wide, "I thought you knew that."
"You don't seriously believe that do?" Kenzi growled lowly.
Jalna was startled. This wasn't the mother she knew. "Mama please," she started, "I just want us all to be happy. To be family again. Like we used to."
"Don't be stupid Jalna, things will never be like they used to."
The girl squeaked when Kenzi grabbed her arm. Her eyes watered.
Crowe took hold of Kenzi's shoulder, "that's enough Kenzi."
"Do not touch me!" She shouted. She jerked her shoulder out of his hold.
"Kenzi, calm down. I'm not going to hurt you." He held his hands up, trying to get her to calm down.
"Yes you will, you hurt me before. I almost died because of you. That's the reason why I had to kill those pups, it's why I tried to kill Lance. To protect everyone. Because you can't trust males, even the ones who say they love you. I highly doubt even Cujo could be trusted for long."
"Kenzi, please listen," he tried to reason with her, "I'm sorry. But what you did was terrible. It hurt everyone. Even you."
"Shut up!" She spit, "I hate you!" Tears spilled down her face and she covered her ears.
His fingers ghosted over her skin, "come on, we need to go."
"Papa, where are you taking her?"
"He's not taking me anywhere," she snarled. Her lips peeled back to show her teeth.
"Kenzi," he said in the soft voice she'd loved so much, "it's going to be ok."
"It's not, don't lie to me." Her voice was trembling now.
He knelt beside her, "listen to me Kenzi, I love you, and Jalna loves you, but you can't stay here."
"Where will I go? And why do you get to be here after what you did?"
"I don't know where. But I did not make the decision to be here. Those who did understood what had happened to me. How sick I was. How much I regret what I did. They had mercy on me. But they won't on you." He took a deep breath, "you were given so many chances Kenzi," his eyes watered, "but you didn't take them. I wish you would have. For Jalna. For me."
She set her jaw, "I did what I had to. And I would do it again in a heartbeat."
That was the first time she'd seen Crowe cry. And it would be the last. Because she wouldn't be with him again. A small part of her black heart cracked, but it wasn't enough to make her regret.
Jalna hugged her father, she hated to see him so upset. "I'm so sorry papa." She held him tight as Kenzi disappeared from view.
Kenzi blinked as she looked around. The room was dark, yet it had an eerie red glow. She turned around in the circular room with tall stone walls, trying to figure out where she was.
"Kenzi."
She jumped, hearing a voice above her. Looking up, beneath a red stained glass ceiling, four jackal women were sitting on a stone ledge. She felt as if they were judging her. "What do you want?" She snarled.
The female seated in the middle frowned, looking down her nose. She leaned forward, her curls falling over her shoulders, "you are not in a position to make demands Kenzi." Her cool voice carried firmly through the room.
She ignored her, "where am I? What's going on?" She demanded.
A chuckle, then she steepled her fingers and leaned forward on her elbows. "You are on trial here."
"What for? I've done nothing wrong."
Gold eyes flashed red, "I see." She turned the woman beside her, "what do you think of that Ruby?"
The woman with the short spiky undercut huffed, "sounds like she's just as fierce as we thought." She folded her arms and glared, her namesake jewelry glistening in her lip. "That isn't a compliment by the way," she added firmly.
"I have a question," the softest one said. She wore a silver band around her head, a blue gem resting on her forehead.
The first woman leaned back in her seat, "go ahead Sapphire." The light caught on the gold hoop in her nose and it sparkled, causing Kenzi to flinch.
"Why did you do all these things?" Her voice was angelic and soft.
"They deserved it," she spat.
"Even the innocent pups?" The one with the nose hoop said.
Kenzi chewed her lip, "it's not like they're gone forever. They're here aren't they?"
Her eyes flashed angrily once more. "We'll show you." She snapped her fingers and a red orb descended from the ceiling. A small male pup was inside. "He's here, waiting for his mother. What kind of life is that for him?"
Kenzi stared at the boy. "Zayla's son," she whispered.
"At least you have the decency to recognize your victim," snarled Ruby.
The gold clad one touched her arm to calm her.
"He doesn't know he's here. He's unconscious," said the last woman. She wore crystal opal stones in her hair and around her neck in a choker. Her hair barely brushed her shoulders. What was startling about her was that she was solid white. An albino. "He will wake when it is his mother's time to join us. He will reunite with her and there will be untold joy for them." She added.
"So it doesn't matter that I killed him," said Kenzi, "since he will be reunited with her anyway and grow up."
"He will not grow up until both his parents are here. He deserves the life that you so cruelly took away from him."
"She doesn't need to know how everything works around here Opal," interrupted Ruby, "she should be punished."
"We are giving her the chance to explain herself," said the only one Kenzi didn't know the name of, "especially since she failed the first test."
"What test?"
"When you were reunited with your mate and daughter. You were not happy to see them. You did not even care about their feelings. They love you."
"Crowe does not love me!" She screamed, "he never loved me! He only wanted to breed me! And I was a fool to not see it for all that time!" Her voice echoed off the walls. She blinked, willing the tears not to fall.
"He did love you Kenzi." The blue jeweled jackal's angelic voice caressed her, helping her anger dissipate some.
She wiped her face, "you don't know that." Her voice was heavy and she looked down at her feet.
She was surprised when a soft hand lifted her chin. "But I do. Because he once stood in this exact spot." Sapphire's gaze met hers, "he told us how he felt about you. He told us how sorry he was for what he'd done."
"And you believed him?" Her voice was disgusted.
Sapphire gave her a sad smile. She could hardly believe they had been mates. Crowe had been so distraught he'd collapsed on the floor sobbing. That had touched her. Had touched all of them. No male had ever done that before. Begged and pleaded for forgiveness. Crowe had thrown away his pride if only he would be allowed to atone for his crimes. They'd freely given it. Kenzi was not so willing. She was denying she was at fault for anything.
"Kenzi, remember that we know why he behaved in such a manner." The woman's firm voice resounded again, "he was sick. Physically and mentally. It was not his fault and he was sorry. Our decision remains."
"Golden please," Sapphire said gently. She wanted to try a less domineering approach.
"What gives you the right to decide these things?" Kenzi growled.
"The one who created this place," said opal.
"You see," Golden stood up, "we were once regular jackals. Mistreated and abused. We suffered. We cried out for death. And they gave it to us." She paused, "Opal was an outcast because she was born pale. Her siblings bullied her, as did her alpha. She was beaten, simply because she didn't have any coloration. She suffered so much she called out to someone. She didn't know who, but she begged for it to end. They heard her. They helped her. They let her pass. She didn't feel that last beating."
Opal nodded. "Ruby was mistreated because she wanted to fight like her brothers instead of stay home and raise pups. She wanted to be a mother someday, but on her terms. Her father and mother did not allow that. She was locked away, starved until she agreed." Then Opal smiled, "but she never did. She slowly wasted away. And as she did, she called out. She knew there had to be something better than this. They helped her too. She was able to pass with a smile on her face."
Ruby smiled, "you tell that better than I do Opal."
A grin.
Then Ruby spoke, "Sapphire was abused because of her inability to bear pups. As the alpha's mate that was her job. But she couldn't. She wanted to so much. But instead of comforting her or even just choosing another, her mate was convinced she was holding out on him. He made her suffer and try to bear his pups every day. She was too exhausted for that. But still, she held on. Because she wanted to live. It was too much for her eventually. She called out silently and they heard her. They took her while she was still in his arms."
Sapphire touched Golden's hand in a silent question. She nodded. "Golden was captured by a male who had many females," said Sapphire. "He wanted to have as many pups as possible, so that was her job. She bore many litters to him, as did the others. Her last one was particularly difficult, and she didn't think she would make it. So she begged and pleaded for help. They heard, and as her last pup was born, her life slipped away."
"We were given this position by them because we believed. Because we suffered. And because we are trusted to carry out justice." Golden's voice was firm, "you are not to question our decisions. We have done this for eons now."
Sapphire returned to her seat.
"Now," said the wavy haired jackal, "do you have anyone who will speak for you?"
"No. Asia was my only friend. And she's not here."
"Well that poses a problem." The ruby in her lip glistened as she spoke, "we can't go to Asia. She is distraught enough as it is, especially now with the return of her son."
"You were in a pack your whole life and you made friends with no one else?" Asked Golden.
She shook her head. "Ghost hung around our family a lot," she said after a heavy moment. "He and Crowe were friends."
"That will do." Golden snapped her fingers and a door opened along the wall. Ghost stepped out on the balcony. Crowe and Jalna were with him. Both males bowed before the women, Jalna seemed confused.
"Hello Ghost," said Opal, "thank you for coming." She spread her hands, "all of you."
He lifted his head, "how can I assist?"
"You know Kenzi correct?"
He nodded.
The white jackal rested her chin on her folded hands, "how would you describe her?"
"As I knew her?" He asked. His tail flicked nervously.
"There is no need for fear," Sapphire said sweetly. "What you say here will not change your blessings. You have suffered enough."
He drew a shaky breath and Jalna touched his hand. "You are all very kind. Thank you."
Golden smiled and gestured for him to begin.
"Kenzi was always different," he began.
The spiky haired woman frowned, "in what way?"
"She never really liked males. Except for Crowe."
"Most females feel that way," said Ruby, "except for those instincts that tell us we need them."
Golden touched her arm, ending that line of thought. "Please continue Ghost."
He was shaking slightly, but he obeyed. "She seemed ambitious to me. Calculating. But she never acted on anything when we lived in the same pack."
"And how do you feel about what she did after the illness that plagued you all?" The white one asked another question.
"Feel?" He wasn't used to being so open about feelings.
A nod.
"Confused I guess." He shrugged.
"What about the pups she killed?" Asked Ruby. "What do you think about that?"
He wrung his hands together, trying to keep them from trembling. He didn't want to give them a wrong answer.
The four women exchanged a look. He was afraid. "It's ok." Sapphire's voice floated softly around him, "there are no wrong answers here. We want to know what you think and how you feel. Don't be scared."
"I think it was cruel of her to do such a thing," he said finally in a soft voice.
"Why?"
"Because they didn't have anything to do with what happened. They hadn't even lived yet."
"Thank you Ghost," said Opal. She turned to Crowe and Jalna, "is there anything you would like to say?"
"No," he whispered, "there's not."
Golden's voice grew soft and sympathetic, "I am truly sorry. For both of you." Her eyes met Jalna's. Then she turned to Kenzi, her voice returning to its usual firmness, "in view of everything spoken here, what do you have to say for yourself?"
Kenzi kept silent, but she scowled angrily.
"Very well," she huffed, "by the power vested in me and my fellow jewels, "you are condemned to the life that you inflicted on others." She leaned forward, "I hope it was worth it."
The floor opened up, and Kenzi dropped.
