Yuri was heading over to Kimito's when she was approached by two men. She tensed as she looked them over.
One said something under his breath and she soon felt herself shifting.
"It is her," the other growled before grabbing her by the scruff.
She struggled to fight against them, unable to bite him at the angle he held her.
Finally, she felt a prick then everything went dark.
"So, she's the one who's supposed to kill the Master? Starting to think the prophecy is bullshit." A grating voice laughed through the haze of her drugged mind.
She forced her eyes open, trying to see where she was.
"They said a gold wolf. We've killed a few already, but he won't be happy until they're all gone."
"You're awake." A quiet voice spoke beside her. "Sorry."
"Who are you..? I don't want to kill anyone, I swear."
"Calm down. I'm not one of them. I'm a prisoner like you." Chains rattled as the voice answered. "Was hoping you wouldn't wake. Save you the pain."
"Are you a gold wolf too?"
"Unfortunately."
"I'm Yuri. Nice to meet you."
"Ryon. Likewise, though the circumstances could be better."
She nodded and was about to speak when the cell door was opened.
A man entered with a wicked grin.
"Which one of you will be first? Decisions, decisions."
Yuri looked worried but stayed silent.
Ryon growled warningly. "Pick on someone your own size, psycho."
She watched quietly as the man frowned and approached Ryon. She then spoke quickly, "Leave him alone!"
"Wait your turn. He's aggravated me long enough." He slashed at Ryon. The wolf tried to scramble backwards, but the chains pulled taut and jerked him to a stop. He cried out as the man continued slashing, blood welling from the cuts.
Yuri closed her eyes tightly, wishing she wasn't there. She wanted to help Ryon but knew she couldn't do much now.
A scream rang out, then only the man's psychotic laughter.
She opened her eyes slightly to try to see what was going on.
Ryon lay facing her on his side. He shook uncontrollably as blood spread in a river beneath him. His eyes were dimming, but he could still wince as the man kicked him in the back.
Yuri tried to get over to him, green light spreading out from her.
The attacker froze, his eyes wide before his head exploded. Alarms began ringing loudly.
Yuri stared in shock for a moment before continuing to try to help Ryon.
"Yuri!" Kimito was suddenly yanking her chains off. "Are you alright?"
She nodded slowly, her eyes still focused on Ryon.
He followed her gaze and winced. "Who was he?"
"Ryon."
"Sorry. We've got to go." He tried to lead her away.
"I have to help him."
"Yuri, he's gone. And if we stay, we will be too."
She nodded slightly, wishing to keep helping but deciding to follow instructions.
They were almost to the door when a young woman appeared. She gave a relieved smile, then burst into sobs as she saw Ryon. She fell to her knees, crawling to his side and cradling his head in her lap.
Kimito froze, then went to the woman's side. "Zara? Is this-?" His face fell as she nodded hysterically. "I'm sorry.."
Yuri sighed and knelt down beside them, going back to trying to heal Ryon.
He suddenly jerked, his eyes flying open as he hyperventilated.
"Shh, it's alright."
"How?" His eyes darted around until they landed on Zara. He breathed her name softly as she hugged him tight.
"Let's get out of here." Kimito hefted Ryon's shaky frame and started for the door once more, then froze as several men came in. They were holding aerosol sprayers and wearing masks. They pulled the triggers and a yellow mist sprayed into their faces.
Yuri tried to shift and attack but collapsed to the floor instead.
Her three companions followed, unconscious before they landed.
Yuri woke, re-chained to the wall. She struggled weakly against them as she looked around.
Kimito and Zara were chained as well, both slumped against the wall. Ryon was missing.
She tried to shift to escape, but nothing happened.
"You're helpless. And soon, lifeless." An evil looking man grinned at her through the bars. "The prophecy will never be fulfilled. I shall rule this world and no one will stop me."
"Let them go!"
"Maybe. After you're dead, they won't be able to fight me."
"I don't understand this prophecy. I don't even know who you are," Yuri went quiet.
"I am Tegran. Ruler of the shifters, and soon the world. No gold wolf will ever challenge me."
She nodded slowly, staying silent.
He unlocked the cell, entering and removing the chains from the wall. He pulled her to her feet. "Come see what lies in store for you."
She followed him silently, unsure what to do.
He led her into a large room with a stone altar placed under a skylight where a full moon was shining down. He grinned at the figure securely bound laying there.
Ryon's terrified eyes met hers.
She struggled against the man and chains, "Let him go!"
"No. My power must be absolute." He nodded to one of the men in the room who forced Ryon to drink a red liquid. He then started chanting in an unfamiliar language.
Ryon screamed, a bright white light exploding from him. It swirled in the air, then began gathering in a pot nearby.
The man laughed as Ryon's eyes slid closed and he went limp.
Yuri let out a small sob before struggling against the chains again.
The skylight suddenly imploded, a black dragon diving inside. It blew fire on the terrified men, landing next to Yuri.
Yuri pulled on the chains, trying to get free from the man.
He snarled at the dragon, who exhaled warningly.
Yuri kicked out at the man.
He pulled a dagger with a sadistic smile. "I may not get your power, but you will die." He stabbed at her.
She tried to avoid it but he pulled the chains tight so she couldn't. It imbedded itself in her chest, her eyes going wide with shock.
The dragon's mouth flamed, but the man disappeared.
Yuri moved slowly toward Ryon, trying to use the last of her strength to help him. She poured green light into him rapidly.
"Yuri!" Kai wrapped his arms around her. "You have to stop! Let me take care of you." His eyes glazed for a moment, then he forced her to sit down.
"I need.. to help."
"You need to stay alive. I am not going to face Mito and tell him you died." Kai took the first aid kit from the arriving Davie. "Do you know where he is?"
"There's a cell back there," she tried to point.
"I'll find it." Davie squeezed her hand and disappeared.
Ten minutes later, Kimito was falling to his knees beside Yuri, holding back tears. "Don't die..please don't die."
"I'm.. okay.." she tried to smile.
"I've gotten the bleeding stopped, but she needs stitches and a transfusion. Let's get her out of here." Kai curled his wings around her and rose into the air.
Yuri tried to stay conscious but soon, her eyes slid shut.
"How long will she sleep?" Kimito's voice was soft.
"Up to her healing. How's Zara?"
"She won't leave him." The wolf's voice was angry. "When I find that bastard, he's going to hurt."
Yuri slowly opened her eyes, trying to focus them.
"Hey." Kimito gave her a soft smile as he ran a hand through her hair.
"Hi." She gave him a small smile before trying to move.
He held her down firmly. "You need to stay still. I came very close to losing you."
"Need to help Ryon..." she whispered.
Kimito closed his eyes. "I don't think you can."
She gave a slow nod in response, struggling to keep her eyes open.
"Sleep." He kissed her forehead.
She tried to argue but felt the darkness pull her under.
"He's not dead!" A woman's voice screamed. "You have to put it back in!"
"We can't. The only one who could have was Morgane..and you know what happened to her." Davie's voice was sympathetic.
Yuri heard the voices and tried to pull herself up.
"You feeling better, little sis?" Davie gently embraced her.
"A little," she nodded.
"I've never seen Mito so scared. He wouldn't leave your side. He insisted on being your donor. Kai finally drugged him." She laughed slightly.
Yuri gave a small chuckle before asking, "Can I see Ryon?"
Her lips tightened, then she nodded slowly.
Zara stared at the wall, her eyes puffy.
"He's next door."
Yuri nodded and stood slowly. She headed into the next room, looking Ryon over.
His skin was almost white, his eyes closed.
Her mind raced, trying to think how to save him. If only that pot of light was here..
"Can you..put this back in him?" Zara was clutching the glowing pot in her arms as she entered the room.
"I can try," Yuri said quietly. She took the pot and set it down, beginning to focus. Soon, she put out a hand toward the pot and another toward Ryon. She focused the energy through her and back into its owner, along with her own green healing energy. When the pot was finally empty, Yuri's knees buckled.
Zara steadied her. "Thank you for trying."
Yuri nodded slowly, her eyes struggling to stay open.
The other woman began to lead her out, then froze as Ryon screamed.
Yuri turned to look at him.
His eyes were panicked, glowing white as he scrambled off the bed. He flinched as he hit the wall, then huddled defensively.
Yuri slowly approached him, "Ryon, you're safe now. Everything is alright."
His eyes slowly returned to normal. "He-he ripped it out..How?"
"It's alright. I helped," she said softly.
He took a deep breath as Zara ran to him. They embraced tightly and whispered to each other.
Yuri smiled before heading to the door.
Davie paused in shock before looking at her.
Yuri slipped out of the room and went to lay down for a bit. When she woke, her mind raced. She couldn't be the one the prophecy was about, could she? She wasn't that special. But it didn't matter, she couldn't just let Tegran keep killing gold wolves. She had to try to stop him, even if it killed her. Plus, if he was busy dealing with her, he wouldn't be able to come after Ryon.
She pushed herself up and headed to the door, slipping outside.
"Going somewhere?" Kimito asked quietly. He was slouched against the wall, staring at his shoes.
She sighed, "Guess not."
He snickered, then pushed himself straight. "You must be feeling better."
"Mostly."
"Mostly." He repeated her answer, then cocked his head. "You sound unhappy."
"Just a lot on my mind," she sighed. She moved to him and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his chest.
"I freaked when you disappeared." He clung to her.
"Sorry.."
"Not your fault. I will warn you, when I find that psycho, I'm turning him into shredded beef."
She chuckled slightly before shaking her head, "You need to stay safe."
"After what he did to you? And killing Ryon? No way. He's mine."
She shook her head again, "I have to take care of this."
"We have to take care of this. Don't shut me out."
"You're not a gold wolf, he won't come after you. You can stay here and be safe."
"Gold wolf?" He tensed, his eyes serious. "He's targeting you? It wasn't just a kidnapping?"
"He's killing all the gold wolves he can find," she said quietly.
"FUCKER!"
"There's some prophecy that a gold wolf will kill him. He wants to rule the world, so he's taking down gold wolves to stop the prophecy.."
"Screw shredded beef, I'm making him a stain on the pavement. And you're staying hidden."
"He'll be after me. If I'm gone, you guys won't get hurt. Plus, he thinks Ryon is dead.. I can protect him by going somewhere else."
"Thinks?" Kimito stared at her.
"He's alive."
He stood in stunned silence for a moment, then shook his head. "I'm not letting you out of my sight unless I throw you in the convent."
"I just don't want you to get hurt.."
"I don't want you dead. I'd rather be torn apart than lose you."
She looked down, "I'm not that important.."
He growled angrily.
She winced.
"When are you going to stop saying that?"
She shrugged slightly, "Sorry.."
"It infuriates me that you care so little about yourself!" He dropped his arms.
Her eyes filled with tears, "I guess it's hard to believe otherwise when I've only heard bad things said to me most of my life."
He closed his eyes and struggled to regain control. "I guess I know my life's goal then, huh?"
She looked up at him in confusion.
"To drill it into your head that you're special and wanted for you." A slow grin appeared. "And not special ed like the rest of these rejects."
She chuckled slightly before staring up at him. After a minute she pulled him in for a kiss.
He enthusiastically returned it.
"So what are we going to do? I want to protect Ryon if possible."
"You are staying here. Kai and I are going back to where we found you to see if we can get some idea where this ass is hiding." He waved as Kai appeared and headed for them.
"I don't want you leaving.."
"Better than him finding you again."
"Don't worry. I'll take care of him." Kai gave her a smile.
She nodded slowly.
"It's probably deserted after our raid. He's not that stupid to come back. Then again, it would make it easy to take him out." Kimito mused.
"Swear you'll come back alive?"
"We swear on those neon things Davie calls hair." Both men chorused amid laughter.
She chuckled slightly before kissing Kimito again.
He returned it, his pulse hammering under her fingers. Then he broke apart and walked away, Kai trailing behind.
Yuri paced as she waited for them to return, her worry rising by the second.
Her text alert pinged.
She quickly checked it.
A single word. 'Sorry.'
She froze for a moment before rushing out the door.
Kimito lay under the remains of the kidnapping location and mentally kicked himself. They had been so sure it was empty, they hadn't seen the tripwire. The building had come down, Kai disappearing from sight as Kimito was pinned under debris. He was getting weaker and suspected he was hurt worse than he thought. The only thing that comforted him was that Yuri was safe. He fought to stay conscious, but finally succumbed, his head falling to one side.
Yuri arrived at the building in wolf form, having run there. She sniffed the air, finally catching Kimito's scent. She pulled debris away, finally glimpsing him. She managed to pull him out, pouring light into him. After a bit, she nudged his face with her nose, trying to wake him.
He coughed, his eyes glazed as they opened. "Yuri.." Blood trickled from his lips as his breath hitched. "At least you're sa.." They slowly fixed to one side as he went quiet.
Yuri whimpered and poured more light into him. She sat there a long while concentrating. She then went to find Kai. After pulling him free, she poured energy into both of them.
She tried to lift both of them but found she couldn't manage it. She made sure they were both breathing and safe before reverting. She sent a text to Davie to come get them before she shifted again and ran off.
Kimito jolted upright, then gasped.
"Idiot. Lay down." His sister pressed a hand on his arm.
"Yuri? Where is she?" He grew alarmed as Davie shook her head. "I don't know. She texted me, but when I got to you two, she was gone."
Kimito threw the blanket off and stood, breathing slowly until the pain passed. "I'm finding her. Don't try to stop me. Just take care of Kai." He shifted and raced from the room.
Yuri came to a large building in the woods. She sniffed it, trying to see if she recognized any scents. She sighed and headed for the door and slowly pushed it open to look in.
Gold wolf bodies were everywhere, stiff and unmoving.
She whimpered, looking around for any signs of life.
Then a weak bark sounded from a far corner.
She approached the noise, looking the wolf over.
It had been disemboweled, tacky blood surrounding it. It was barely breathing, it's eyes locked on hers.
She let out a sad noise, trying to push it back together as green light began pouring out.
Its muzzle opened, a very human voice emerging. "Ry..on?"
"I know Ryon.. I'm Yuri."
"He's alive? Safe?" The wolf's voice was relieved, it's eyes blinking slowly.
"Yeah, don't worry."
"I can..let go then.."
"Stay with me. You're going to be alright." She continued to pour energy into him and slowly healed up the wounds.
He reverted, blue eyes now looking at her gratefully. "It's alright..if he's safe."
"I can take you to him."
The man shook his head. "I only.. forced myself to live to save him. Not necessary..anymore.." He took a slow breath, his eyes closing.
"I'm sure he wants you alive for you."
"Too much..damage." He lost consciousness.
Yuri shook her head and continued to heal him as she lifted him onto her back. She started running toward the shop to reunite Ryon with whoever this was.
Kimito skidded to a halt as he glimpsed her running. "YURI!"
Yuri looked around, "Kimito?"
"You crazy wolf! I.." His words trailed off as he saw the man. "What the hell?"
"I don't know.. he knows Ryon so I'm taking him to him." She looked down, "There's a whole building... all those gold wolves..."
Kimito shuddered. "Come on. I don't feel comfortable out here."
She nodded and started running again.
Kimito reverted as soon as they arrived, yelling for Davie.
She came out, her face puzzled. "Ryon? But he was just here?"
"Not Ryon. Knows Ryon."
Davie took a step back. "Twin golds?"
"Someone need help?" The green eyed male came out, then froze and gave a cry.
"He was hurt pretty bad, but I tried my best to heal him up.." Yuri said quietly.
Ryon cradled the other. "I was sure he was dead. How can I thank you?"
Yuri reverted, swaying as she straightened up, "Don't worry about it."
He shook his head. "You saved me twice, now him. I refuse to let it go. Whatever you need, consider it yours." He lifted him and disappeared inside.
Davie and Kimito were staring at each other in alarm.
Yuri looked at them before leaning against the side of the building.
After a minute, Kimito swung her into his arms. "You need to rest."
"I need to find Tegran.."
"After you rest. No arguments." He laid her down in the small room they used.
"Hey, Kimito?" Her voice was barely audible.
"What?" He ran a hand through her hair as he watched her.
"I.. love you."
He gave her a bright smile. "I love you too."
She smiled as her eyes slipped shut.
"You're both insane! I'm going to enjoy her yelling at you." Kimito's voice was loud and disbelieving.
Yuri rubbed her eyes and sat up. She got up and followed the yelling.
Her boyfriend had the twins backed into a corner. Both of them were nervously scanning the room, the rest of the pack growling.
"What's going on?"
"Tweedledumb and dumber want to bait mister madman." Kimito's teeth were clenched so hard, they looked about to break.
"I didn't save you two just to get you into more trouble," she said softly before adding, "Though baiting him might not be a terrible idea.."
"He'll want us." The nameless one answered with a slight wince at Kimito's glare. "We don't want to put you in any more danger."
"He thinks you two are dead. You can hide and stay out of this," she argued.
"NO!" Ryon said forcefully. "We must do this. It is our duty as wizards."
She sighed, "Alright, but I'm helping."
Kimito snarled. "You want to get yourselves killed, count me out." He stalked out the shop door.
She sighed, "So what's your plan exactly?"
"We know where he is hiding. We let him know we live. Then we end his reign of terror." The blue eyed one smiled slightly. "I am Yamae. I wish to convey my gratitude. You did not have to save me."
"I wanted to," she gave him a small smile. "So where is he hiding?"
"In the nearby mountains." Ryon answered slowly. "Is there no way to discourage you?"
She shook her head. "I want to help."
They gave her matching sighs.
There was a sudden agonized scream from outside, then laughter.
Yuri quickly rushed outside.
Tegran gave her an insane smile from where he stood holding Kimito's limp body. One hand was wrapped around the wolf's throat, the other buried in his chest. "So nice to see you again."
Yuri let out a small cry for Kimito. "Leave him alone!"
"Surrender yourself and you can bury him."
She nodded slowly.
"Yuri, no!" Ryon strode out, his hand extended toward Tegran. "You shall not have her." He muttered something and Kimito flew away from the other man.
Yuri rushed to Kimito's side, pouring energy into him rapidly. After a few minutes of making sure his wounds were closed, she looked up at Tegran. She shifted mid-jump and grabbed onto his arm.
He laughed, wrapping his hand around her throat and squeezing sharply.
She struggled to breathe, trying to gasp for air as she kicked out at him.
Hands wrenched her free, pushing her back.
"I underestimated you two." Tegran scowled at the twins, who stood side by side defiantly.
"Yes, you did." Yamae answered. "It will be your downfall." They simultaneously attacked with spells, driving the other wizard back a few steps.
"Is that all?" He muttered something and Ryon went flying into the building.
Yamae began muttering himself but Tegran beat him, enveloping the younger man in black flames.
Yuri rushed forward, biting onto Tegran's leg in hopes to break his concentration.
He screamed, trying to dislodge her.
The flames disappeared, leaving Yamae crumpled on the ground.
Yuri suddenly got an idea and began focusing. Just like she sucked the energy from the pot out to put into Ryon, she could try to suck out the energy from Tegran. She focused until light began pouring from him.
He thrashed frantically, his eyes wild. "I WILL RULE YOU!"
She continued absorbing his power, shooting it back out into Yamae and Ryon.
The would-be dictator sank to the ground, his eyes dimming. "I..can't..lose…"
Yuri continued focusing on his power as well as healing Yamae and Ryon. After a few more minutes, the light faded and she swayed.
Kai steadied her. "Take it eeasy. Come sit down." He led her into the shop, pushing her onto the couch.
She sat there for a few minutes, her mind wondering if she was the one the prophecy was about, or if it had just been a coincidence.
Kai gave her a small smile, then went back outside. A few minutes later, he escorted a quiet Davie in, then supervised the moving of the twins into the back room.
Davie sat down slowly beside her, her lips pressed tightly together.
"What's wrong?"
Davie sighed and shook her head. "Are you alright? I can't believe you took his power.."
"I just focused on it like I did putting Ryon's power back into him.." Yuri answered quietly.
"What are you going to do now? No one's hunting you now. You're completely free."
Yuri shrugged, "I hadn't thought about it."
"You're welcome to stay at the house. You can work here if you want, unless you find something better. No matter what, I'll always be grateful."
Yuri smiled, "I'll stay for a while. Not sure where else I'd go anyway."
She gave a faint smile. "Mito would have been glad."
Yuri froze, "I.. healed him, didn't I?"
"He's not breathing." Kai answered sadly.
Yuri stood and rushed to find Kimito. She knelt beside him and forced energy into him rapidly.
Davie touched her shoulder. "It's alright. He would be happy you defeated Tegran."
Yuri shook her head, "I can't lose him.."
His body shuddered under her hand, color flushing his face. One shaky inhale sounded, then another.
Yuri began feeling strange, struggling to breathe. She made sure he was alright before sitting down, trying to focus on slow calming breaths.
"Yuri..what happened?" Kimito blinked at her in confusion as Davie kissed his cheek.
Yuri tried to answer but just shook her head and continued focusing on breathing. After a few minutes, she began feeling a little better.
"Wait...Tegran! He threatened you! Where?" He began to panic, his eyes darting around looking for the danger.
"Don't worry, I took care of him."
He slowly calmed, then looked at her worriedly. "Are you alright?"
She nodded, "I'll be fine."
"Where's dumb and dumber?" He slowly sat up, running a hand through his hair.
"They're resting."
"Alright." He kissed her deeply. "Now you do the same."
She nodded and slowly stood, heading inside to lay down.