Hi all.

What does it take for a chapter update from me, how about a sign from above. This past week my house in South Carolina has had snow, ice, an earthquake and from the very beginning my cable has been knocked down and cutting off all my distractions. So what else am I sappost to do since I can go outside or watch tv, why not write a new chapter

So I was going to do this whole chapter about what went on in 19 while Jade was at school. Aside from just introducing characters I could put anywhere it just wasn't working. I mean you would think writing about what happened to super powerful fighter chicks with animal protectors wouldn't be boring but yah it got boring. So yah I kinda moved it around a bit so we could get to an interesting part. Hope you all like it.

Gwen and Lydia sat in silence at the kitchen table, Lydia applying a second coating of Gwen's new purple nail polish. It was surprising and ironic how close the two had become, one the tiger and the other the rat. There was no anger between the two, with animal like instincts they could sense a tension in the air. Something was coming and it would strike soon. Their shared thought was it could be Hei'an or one of his dark warriors, but until they made their move there was no way of telling.

'Care to cut the tension with some cliché girly chit-chat?'

'Why not. Shall it be on fashion, boys or updated versions of monsters that completely shatter their credibility as being cool?'

'Someone's snappish today. Thought I was sappost to be the brooding angst of the group.'

'Sorry, just a little on edge. Tons of things going on this week alone.'

'Like what.'

'Well I have to go into the studio and record some song, some of which are very personal so there's some stress and fear there. Then I have to meet up with Dante, my boss and best friend, who I've been dodging so I wouldn't have to explain that whole 'demon attacking fashion show, thing. Plus there's this big company party that I have to prep for. And then I've got my big public appearance tomorrow. Oh not to mention there's a demon lord out there who's due for an attack on us any time now, and with this weird vibe in the air I'm pretty sure it's coming soon.'

'I thought I was your best friend.'

Lydia cocked an eyebrow at Gwen who gave a slight chuckle.

'And don't think I didn't notice your little cover up. Would that appearance be the one with the sumo that you've wasted literal days getting ready for.'

Gwen's face began to glow a slight shade of red as she averted her eyes.

'God you are such a girl. Putting on tons of this crap just to get the attention of one person for a few hours.'

'Um you're criticizing my makeup choices? And how many packs of black eye shadow do you go through a week?'

'The difference is I wear it for me, not to impress someone else.'

'Fair enough. But seriously you've never just felt like dressing up nice for someone.'

'And why would I do that.'

'It's just a way to show you care about them.'

'You mean it's a way for humanity to dive into a fictional version of reality where they base their entire relationship concept on this extravagant falsehood.'

'I'm sensing a lot of anger in those poetic words.'

'The whole act of courtship is a giant lie. Woman decorate themselves to hide their flaws to draw in a partner who only seek out specific physical traits. Men do the same by creating these false personas of being a mature, sensitive, alpha male when in fact all he wants to do it fuck and run.'

Gwen's eyes reflected deep concern for her Master sister. It's true that since they met Lydia had a very degraded look on the male race, sighting their negative qualities. In truth she avoided any physical contact with them, including Jackie, Uncle or even Tohru. She seemed to have this barrier where she refused to get close either physically or mentally with them. She really only seemed to lighten up when it was just her and the rest of the Maters, but when the conversation started to focus on anyone of the male variety she would give a sarcastic quip and leave the discussion all together.

'What's with all the hatred towards men. I mean sure some guys are jerks but not all. Jackie's great, so's Tohru. And what about Ratso.'

'What about him.'

'I thought you guys were getting close.'

'I don't get close. Not with non-reborn members of my family who need to save the world, I should say.'

'Oh come on the guy is nuts for you.'

'And your point is. He'll get over it soon enough and move on to his next target.'

Gwen took hold of Lydia's hands, forcing the Goth girl to look into her eyes.

'Lydia, I'm serious, I'm worried about you. Anytime we talk you always address yourself like some prey that has to constantly be on guard or get shot.'

'That's how the world works. If you don't watch your back then someone will stab it.'

'Did something happen, before we all met up.'

'I don't want to talk about it.'

'But it's me, we can talk.'

'I SAID BACK OFF!'

Lydia's eyes began to glow with the purple hue of her sign. Her energy seemed to pulsate threw out the kitchen as the various tools came alive. Knives, forks and anything else with a sharped edge began to target Gwen, ready for an attack. Gwen could feel some of the objects poke her slightly in the neck, should she move in and direction she would be sliced to death. Lydia stomped from the room and towards the Master's dorm. Once the door had slammed behind her all the objects fell in place with a loud orchestra of clanks and smashes. Gwen looked on where the Rat had been, processing what had happened. She could have used her various chi magic to fix the situation, so she was never scared. But the shear amount of control Lydia had is what surprised her. In the past she had only been able to give motion to small objects and only a few at a time. But in her burst of rage she had given it to numerous objects of various size and weight. Was it her anger that triggered her true power? Gwen hoped not, she knew from experience how dangerous fighting with magic while being blinded by fury could be.

Sophia texted away as her agent, Talouse, prattled on about her upcoming work. He was an interesting man to say the least, a large silver pompadour and ever finger covered with a ring large enough to leave a crater should he ever drop one. He loved being in the lime light, but do to his lack of talent he found a way to be center stage by connecting to what the world wanted to see. At the moment Sophia was in more demand than ever, no doubt her recent tale of surviving the 'terrorist' attack at her most recent assignment. People thought it odd that she wasn't overly passionate for the glamorous job of being an international model. In truth Sophia never cared for the job and would be happy to give it up within the hour. She didn't hate the industry nor the people who worked within it, she just didn't get blown away by the entire scene. Her parents died when she turned eighteen, determined to keep her younger sister with her she set out to find work, abandoning the notion of college or any higher education. However with her slight handicap it was hard to find a position. Many jobs required her to speak with the customers or companies didn't want the liability of something happening to her based on her age and she wouldn't be able to call out for help. It was a last ditch effort when she answered a junior modeling ad and actually got the part. It was there she met the up and coming Talouse. He saw something in her that would make the others fight to see her more. And that's what she had to do to keep her sister, she had a stable career that would allow her to pay for a comfortable lifestyle for them both. It was true now that Madeline was older she could give up her modeling career, but she didn't know what she wanted to do instead. No other career seemed to interest her. She felt a warm nuzzle on her hand, looking down to see her newest friend Bob begging for attention. Sophia gave the great ram a scratch behind the ears as it seemed to cheer her up as well. Perhaps sheep farming would be in her future, or perhaps she was just happy enough with this one.

Talouse stopped his ramble and noticed his star's attention was turned else ware. He gave a sigh as he returned to his desk, pulling a pack of carrots from one of the top drawers. Bob's small wooly tail wiggled in excitement when he saw the treat coming. With thick bite he gobbled a few pieces as Talouse took over scratching duties.

'I've heard of you celebrity types taking on weird pets, but I've nev'ah heard of one taking on a four hundred pound sheep.'

'Ram.'

'My mistake.'

Talouse had learned to communicate and understand sign language years ago in order to 'talk' to his shining star. They often used it to speak to one another, when it seemed he was holding her hand really she was signing words to express how she felt on the situation or to talk gossip while out and about.

'Now then we have some events coming up, a few shoots and some public appearances. I was able to work my magic and we'll be speaking with Dante today about a redo on the last show. She's bringing some consultant or something but if we can get in with her we may collect some new sources. We'll meet them today at 1:00 sharp downstairs.'

'You do know its 12:45 right.'

Talouse's face went nearly as white as his hair as he saw the time. Without another word he took Sophia by the arm as he dragged her out the door. Bob bleated in protest for the harsh treatment of his Master, and charged full speed till he was beside them. They made it to an empty elevator just before it got called away. Bob positioned himself between the two as he nuzzled Sophia's former captive arm. Talouse caught sight of the creature.

'Sorry my little friend, huge hurry and I don't want us to be late.'

With an honest answer and a gentle scratch around the horns seemed to put the beast at ease. The elevator dinged as it opened and the trio made their way down a busy hallway. At the end of the hallway would be the second auditorium and runway that Dante had procured for the upcoming redo. Later it would have the runway taken apart to make enough room for the big company party coming up. There would be some of the most influential people within the company there. Since DeRose industries had dealings in the music, fashion and performance industries there were sure to be executives, musicians, models and designers of all different caliber there. If you wanted to set up enough work for the year without trying, all one had to do is attend the gala and make a decent impression. Sophia could feel the anticipation radiating from Talouse, he loved the whole song and dance. Meeting and greeting, schmoozing with the big wigs and making connections of every kind. In truth he was a nice enough kind of guy, but he was like that common youth so entranced by the popular kids that all he could think about was being one of them.

Bob's ears perked up as he bleated in joy as he ran ahead towards the entrance. Talouse feared the animal may attack the president of the corporation and Sophia just feared he would devour some important centerpiece. They both made their way in as they saw two women gushing over the creature. One was the emphamis president of the company, easily identified by her short dark blue hair with rich glittering gold tips. The other was a woman of equal fame sporting her newest style of white dyed hair with thick black tiger stripes. For a moment Talouse was completely tongue tied, he thought the consultant would be some pencil pushing accounting there only to discus the budget of the whole ordeal. Before he could gather what to say a blur or white and black flashed before him in a squeal of delight. As soon as she released the beautiful blond her fingers began to dance in a fit of furry in the air.

'Sophia! I didn't know you were going to be here!'

'I didn't know you were here either. I got called in to talk about the redo from the last show.'

'Making sure this one is demon free.'

'Not sure, at least the last show was interesting with them.'

'That's true. Oh hey Sasha's on the stage if Bob wants to rest with her. I can have the staff bring him some water and treats too.'

'He'll love that. By the way when did you learn to understand sign?'

'Magic'

'Gotcha. Well let's get on with it before Talouse has an attack. He's already floored by you and the president being here.'

'Sure but let's try to wrap it up as quickly as we can. There is just something about today that makes me want to get back to the shop.'

'You feel it too. There's something about the air today, it just seems…thick. Like something in it.'

'We felt it back at the shop too, it's not as bad but they're still a tension.'

'I've noticed others acting like that too. People on the street just checking over their shoulders more so than ever today. You think something's gonna happen tonight.'

'Hard to tell but part of me doesn't think it's Hei'an or his fighters. After they lost a warrior they would want to stay under radar to regain some strength, not announce their presence.'

'True. But if we can I think we better leave when we can, encase we need to do something about it all.'

'What on earth are y'all talking about over there?'

'Sorry Dante, Sophia and I are just good friends catching up. So you get her and, Talouse was it, all set up while I get the animals set up.'

Bob followed Gwen as she led him over to the stage where Sasha had been watching them. Before Talouse or Dante could voice their concern for allowing a tiger and ram in the same room, or why a tiger and ram were with the group at all, the creatures were face to face. Surprisingly the creatures gave a gentle head-butt of affection before Bob curled by Sasha's side. Gwen spoke to some associate on site, as he returned later with two large bowls of water. The creatures seemed content as they settled down for a nap, Sasha using Bob's wooly frame as a large pillow.

'You know I should be weirded out by the latest trend in pet choices, but really nothing surprises me anymore. So let's talk about this redo. I'm thinking, don't fix what isn't broken and just do everything the same as it was planned. I talked to some of the designers and they said they were happy with that, and some just wanted to add some last minute pieces to their collection. I spoke with everyone who was meant to attend last time, and with some persuasive gift-bags they will all return for the 3rd. The only difference is one model couldn't make it so Sophia will have double the wardrobe changes if she wants it.'

'She wants it! I mean she'll be happy to take on the extra positions.'

'Great, well double the job means double the pay so I'll send over a revised contract for you to sign off on. Was there anything else you saw needed for the 3rd?'

'Uh no. I think that may be it. But I could stay if you need'

'Sorry but we've got this huge party next week and after that whole disaster from the next show and planning a retake I am way behind planning.'

'Oh let them stay Dante. We could use the extra help and since they're coming anyway they can tell us what they think.'

'I'm sorry, coming?'

'Why sure, you and Sophia are coming right. Never hurts to have an extra friend around these big parties right.'

Talouse's face seemed to radiate pure joy at his verbal invitation.

'Why of course we'll be there! We wouldn't miss it for the world! But if you ask me, Ms. DeRose the lights you have set up now are just all wrong.'

'Dante, and how so.'

If Sophia could she would swear she heard Talouse squeal in delight with how close he was getting to the most important person in the entire building.

'Well see here, these ones will only light up this way, then you'll have this whole area in darkness, and who wants to creep around the shadows at a party like this.'

Dante smirked as she saw the slight error.

'Good call, and how pray tell will you fix it.'

Talouse lit up as he explained all the changes he would make as Gwen turned to Sophia.

'You know she'll end up letting him plan the whole thing so she won't have to.'

'And he will gladly let her. Poor guy's had his perfect party idea in his head ever since he joined the company. He never got the chance to go but he always had the idea of how he would dress or if he was ever asked to host.'

'I guess he'll get his wish. Dante won't mind clinging to him at the gala, she'll give him fare credit but with him she could just introduce him all night and not have to deal with any odd conversations.'

'Guess his dream will come true completely then. Nothing much we can do here, why don't we head out for some lunch and then head home.'

'Sounds good to me.'

Gwen called to Sasha in her mind as the tiger awoke from her name and pawed the ram to do the same. They quietly left their spot as they followed their Masters out the door and left the other two humans to their planning.

Naomi curled around the pillow she held captive as the afternoon rays of the sun peaked from the window blinds and danced over her bare form. It held great comfort that she took the late shift at her clinic so she could enjoy the moment. A pair of cool pale arms wrapped around her waist, leaving gentle kisses up her back. He could tell she was awake but didn't care to end their time together. Finn thought back on what had brought them her not even 24 hours ago.

He had just ended his shift at the radio station and joined a few of his friends at the bar closest to work. It was a traditional Irish pub, much to his nostalgia. There was football on the television, smoke in the air and the harsh smell of Irish whisky lofting through the building. Finn loved it. Every minute reminded him after being with his father in the local pup back in Ireland. His father was sure never to get drunk, or never too rowdy he should say, it was always great fun to sit with the 'men' and listen to their stories of war, love, wins and losses.

He noticed a young beauty seated at the bar, it took him a minute or two to convince himself she was who he thought she was. He noticed a few other men taking an interest and decided to make his move before she was swarmed.

'Well this be a surprise. Who'd thought we'd find such a lovely lass here in the pit with the rest of us.'

Naomi gave a hearty laugh, nearly spilling the drink she was about to taste.

'Sorry about that, the old accent tends to pop up in places like this.'

'So you're from the Emerald Isles.'

'From birth till I was about 12, then I made it to the states.'

'Where you trades your Irish brood for a 1970's disco dialect.'

'Hey.'

Finn popped his collar and spun on his front foot before coming to a stop and pointed his right hand in the air.

'Don't knock disco.'

Naomi couldn't hide her smile, there were few who would do such a stance in pubic, and even fewer who could make it charming. Nothing made Finn as happy as seeing this beautiful blond smile. But not just a smile, a real one. One that came from actually came from being happy instead of just forcing a grin for social obligation. In truth he'd be willing to dress in a polk-a-dot uniform and parade around on a unicycle if it meant giving her the slightest happiness.

They talked for the longest time. Of his youth in Ireland, hers in Arizona. His career in music, hers in medicine. He was careful not to bring up anything in regards with the Masters in public, or encase she was sensitive on the subject. A few times another contender would try to steal attention, but to his incredible delight she dismissed them quickly and returned her attention to him. After a few more drinks the world was getting a little cloudy and they both decided to leave for the night. Outside there was a slight haze as the rain was about to poor. Finn yelled for a cab as Naomi slipped on the wet ground. Finn was quick to catch her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he tried to steady her. Perhaps it was the drinks they had both been inhaling, perhaps it was the human need to seek out some sort of contact, perhaps it was the movie like setting of being in a big city while the rain embraced their forms, but before either could think they found their lips in full contact. Their kiss was passionate and long. It wasn't until the taxi's horn honked that the two parted and remembered to breath. They followed each other in the cab, Finn at least offered to drop Naomi off first before she brought his face close for another deep kiss. He parted just enough to give his address to the driver as he returned to his lady. It required every ounce of gentleman that his mother had taught him not to take this beauty right there in the backseat. Nor in front of his building, nor on the flight of stairs. When they had finally made it to his door a since of dread washed over him. They were at the bar, with alcohol. What if this isn't what she wanted, what if she was just drunk and confused. He tried to part from her lips to seek clarity but she always brought him back. He fiddled with the keys until her heard the lock click open. He parted from her lips, open the door, un rushed in before slamming the door and leaving Naomi in the hall. Naomi looked confused as she could hear Finn trying to catch his breath on the other side of the door.

'Finn?'

'Sorry but I have to talk like this.'

'What?'

'I have to….because….if I look at you, if I see your face I'll lose any bit of control I have left.'

A small smile spread on Naomi's face, after their night of learning about each other she knew he was sincere.

'I've….I've done a lot of bad things in my life. But I will not force you to do something you'd regret in the morning. So I'll count to three and if you're still in the hall I'll let you in. And if you're not there then I'd understand.'

Naomi was touched. She'd had a few lovers in her time but few if any were as considerate as Finn was right now. She heard a bit from Jackie of Finn's past, his work with The Dark Hand. But from all the tales she heard he was at most a thief, and not a very good one at that. Perhaps that's why she found the attraction. Her grandfather was one as well, he was a man of few talents and less skill, force to take what he would never be able to gain through other means. Perhaps it was the beer, or the horse's kind nature when they find a connection but she knew when the countdown ended she would be there. Even if it was for the night. She heard Finn's voice as the numbers began to count, with a wicked idea coming to mind.

With a heavy sigh Finn began.

'One….two….three.'

Finned opened the door, expecting to see a barren hallway. Instead he was greeted with a different sight. There in the door way stood Naomi, her arm propped on the framework to keep her supported, with every fiber of clothing pealed from her body and cast to a heap on the floor.

'Well. I'm still here. Are you going to let me in?'

Finn was so captive by the sight that he nearly forgot to move. He heard the sound of footsteps and set out to hide his treasure from another. He scrambled to grab her clothes and bring her inside, no sooner did the door lock that Finn found himself in another passionate kiss. They stumbled back until they reached Finn's bed and fell to it. He parted the kiss once more to look in her eyes.

'You are sure then. It's not just the cheap Irish beer getting to you. You are sure to this?'

Naomi cupped his face as she placed a gentle kiss to his lips.

'To this, to you, to this night.'

Finn wanted to break down in her arms, but his pride wouldn't let their first night end in such a way.

'Now are you going to ravage me or will I have to find another Disco Irishman to do it.'

It was with that Finn pounced, knowing full well he'd have some neighbors complaining about the noise tomorrow, but couldn't care less.

She rolled over to face his, gazing into his emerald eyes as she ruffled his striking red hair. He broke the gaze to place tiny kisses on her nose, as their kissing deepened he engulfed them in his soft duvet to further their connection. From the side nightstand a loud eruption of disco music and vibrations echoed.

'Ugg. You've got to be kidding me! Not now!'

Naomi patted his arm to show she understood as Finn reached over to answer his cellphone.

'This had better be important Marty.'

Naomi stood from the bed as she made her way to the bathroom, her naked body in full view as she walked.

'VERY, very important.'

'What's wrong with you, not like I'm taking you away from a hot date or nothin. Look Alice called in today and we have a blank slot. I need you to come in early and just do a longer show. Don't care what you do with her hours or how you tie it all together but I need you here.'

'Five hours, come on man. What am I gonna do just play call-ins all night.'

'You may have tah. Seems this bugs that's going around that got Alice may have gotten Hector as well. Which means.'

'That I'd have to cover his shift too and won't get off till 4 in the morning and still have to do my show tomorrow too. So I'd have to come up with a way to entertain people for nearly 20 hours and still make it seem like one show instead of making it up since people called in sick.'

'Come on man, that makes a nice bonus for your neck check plus you'll get a written i.o.u favor pass for the future.'

'Better be signed Marty. Fine, fine Marty I'll be in in a bit.'

'You're a good man Finn. Don't sappost you'd bring coffee in while you're on your way.'

'Bite me.'

Finn clicked his phone as he plopped on his bed. He wanted to spend more time with Naomi but now it looked like he wouldn't get the chance until the weekend. The woman of his thoughts made her way back to the room, unfortunately full dressed, as she finished tying her hair in her trademark bandana.

'Just got called in to fill in for two shifts, plus mine, plus my shift tomorrow.'

'Sounds like a full plate for the next few days.'

'Which is bad because I wanted us to have a chance to talk.'

'Talk about what?'

'Well, uh I mean this I guess.'

'This?'

'This. Us. What we did. When we…we'

'You mean when we had sex.'

'Yes. That. I mean not that I'm complaining about it by any means. It just seemed a bit fast you know I mean we just met, what last week, and now you're in my apartment.'

'Strange it didn't seem too fast last night. Look we're adults, there are tons of us who've had sex on the first date. It's no big deal.'

'But it is, I mean, I want it to be!'

Naomi's eyebrow rose in confusion. Finn took her hands and brought her closer to him. He wrap his arms around her waist as he buried his head in her midriff.

'I do better if you can't see me. What I'm saying is I don't want it to be just sex. I've had that before and I don't want it again. Not with you.'

Naomi smiled as she wrapped her arms around his head, gently stroking his hair in a soothing manor.

'So then what do you wanna do.'

'I guess, well I'm asking if you'd date me. Like old fashion dating, getting to know each other better dating.'

Naomi forced his head up to look at her as she kissed the tip of his long nose.

'Sounds interesting. However you do realize that old fashion dating means old fashion rules. As in no sex.'

Finn's eyes resembled giant green puppy-dog ones as his pouted lip slightly quivered.

'At least for a while.'

Finn stood up and spun her around before holding her close. He was just tall enough to have the top of her head reach his chin. He held her close as he buried his nose in her hair and taking note the sweet lingering scent of green apples, a scent he would quickly grow to love more and more.

'You know I was just having fun there. Even if I had to go celibate for forty years I would for you. Groovy Finn is a gentleman at heart.'

'Well groovy Finn may want to hurry it up if he doesn't want to be unemployed Finn.'

Finn gave a final kiss to her knuckle as he walked her to the door. He watched as she boarded the elevator before shutting the door to get ready for work. As soon as the elevator closed Naomi took a final look at her knuckle and smiled. She had many boyfriends before, but there was something truly special about Finn. Or at least she hoped so.

The sun had set over the city of San Francisco, yet the city resembled more of a horror movie than anything. A thick fog had covered the city, forcing everyone into their homes, business or just anywhere to get off the street. The only light in the city was the bright full moon that cut through the fog. Jade seemed to be the only one out in the city. Luckily the only adult she had to answer to was her aunt, and after explaining what she needed to do, was free to go as long as she kept Scruffy by her side. She made her way to the closest park, the one she knew she had to be at. Using her senses she and scruffy were able to find their way to the entrance without getting scuffed by the bush like border that surrounded it. Once inside the park, it was like another land. The fog was nowhere to be seen, but as she turned behind her she could see it circling the park. Directly above the park was the moon, shining brighter than ever. The park echoed with loud howls that couldn't be heard beyond the fog. Anticipation and excitement ran down Jade's spine, she could feel her body changing. She passed a small pond and saw her reflection. Her ears had transformed into their dog form, popping from near top of her silver hair. Her claws had extended again, along with a long silver tail that extended behind her. She greatly resembled her 'True' dog form yet only younger. Her ears perked as she heard more howls echo. Scruffy, growled at her side in a protective stance. He too had changed, growing larger and more beast like before with her battle with Hei'ans warrior. Jade took off on all fours as she ran towards the howling sound. When she arrived she kept to the bushes to get a better look. There before her were hundred just like her. Hundreds if not a thousand dog like, or wolf like people. There was fur of every shade in nature, humans of every race and gender. Older men who seemed to have been around for centuries, and young pups who chased after each other in games of tag. There were some who seemed more beast than man, fighting it out in a circle like arena to test their strength while the others cheered, there was a lone man who sat near the arena who looked much like her, a strange man with animal ears, eyes, claws and tale. A twig snapping behind her captured her attention as she turned to see who dared sneak up behind her. Her body was poised to attack if needed but immediately relaxed when she saw who it was. The same elderly man from before, with the silver wolf-head walking stick stood before her. He looked the same as before, except for the graying brown ears, tail and other wolf like features he now sported. He moved to bow to her, but seeing the strain it pressed she stopped, helping him back up by gripping his hand.

'No need for that now.'

'As you wish my lady.'

'Any chance I could get you to stop calling me that.'

'Not one, my lady. You hold great importance here, a title is necessary. You know how much rank and title hold here, it's best not to toss it aside or someone else will take it.'

'Fair enough. So I haven't been to one of these gatherings since, well since the first gathering. Mind refreshing my memory on what's going on.'

'It would be my pleasure my lady.'

'But could we keep to the shadows, I really don't want to announce who I am just yet.'

'As you wish my lady.'

Still gripping his arm the elder man escorted Jade from behind the bushes and trees. He pointed to the fighting arena first to ease Jade's nerves.

'A simple bought between the young ones. There are two types here, the elite and the common. The common are only able to transform into a full beast form and have limited control over their talents. They enjoy a friendly fight against one another to see who's the stronger wolf. To make sure it doesn't get out of control an elite makes serves as a referee.'

Jade looked again at the man near the arena. He must have been close to Jackie's age, with a long brown ponytail and twin pointed dark brown ears on the top of his head. He watch the bought with a harsher gaze than the others. When one of the wolves, a pure black one, locked his jaws around the other wolf, a timber gray one, the man jumped to the arena and with one mighty hand griped the black neck from behind. It immediately released it's jaws, and the man tossed the beast out of the ring. It then crept away in fear as the man checked to make sure the gray was alright.

'Within the elite there is a small circle of five. They are made of the eldest of all of us.'

'So maybe not the most powerful.'

'Not in the least. Currently we have elite stationed in some of the highest forms of business, government and all around leadership.'

'That alpha personality shining through.'

'Indeed. Most of the elite are gathered off to the east. Ahead is the council, I'm sure they are more than excited to see you.'

'I guess now is as ready as I'll ever be.'

Scruffy gave her a loving nudge to her shoulders to force her to keep moving. The elder man led her past the 'common' wolves as the traveled deeper into the park. She could see from a distance more of the 'elite' wolves. They maintained a more human like form with the addition of wolf like ears, eyes, tails, claws and slight fur features. They were gathered around a few tents and drank a shining pink drink from clear goblets. They seemed more like socialite gathering to talk about the latest seasonal events than for a very important gathering.

'You see the elites don't you my lady. We are able to have more control and power over our forms, steaming from the long line of wolves. We have both a full beast form and the one you see now. We have more power, more senses and even some of the elders have the ability to use special magical objects.'

Jade reflected, smiling at the thought of what objects the thought they may have been using. As they walked there was a large red closed tent. Two elite guards stood near the entrance. As Jade and her escort came closer, the guards began to growl in unison. Jade left the older man's side as she came closer to the protective guards. The knelt their heads down, staring down the unknown youth and to discourage her from coming any closer. Very calmly Jade extended a hand and to the middle of each of their foreheads. Their growling slowly stopped as their bodies began to kneel to the grown. When she removed her hands the two shook their heads from whatever visions they saw and simply stared at her in disbelief. Jade smiled as she motioned for the elder man to follow her inside. The guards followed not far behind them, one running forward to make their presence known to the council as the other made sure not a single cloth like barrier blocked her path. Finally Jade heard the announcement of her presence, and with a deep breath made her way into the inner room of the tent.

There were five graying wolf like men seated in a circle around a large table in the center of the room. Behind them sat a great thrown draped in red silk, position to view the entire room in a glance. The men rose, some with great difficulty, as she walked in. one of the guards tried to remove her guide but stop at Jade's command.

'No, stop. He's my guest for the evening. He can stay as long as he likes.'

Tears seemed to swell at the honored position the old man was given. In no time a seat was provided for him near to watch the remaining proceedings. Scruffy made his way past the others and laid it giant form in front of the throne, waiting for his master to be seated.

'My Lady, it with the greatest of honors that we welcome you to such a gathering.'

'But before we continue, a slight formality if permitted.'

'Formality?'

'Yes. You see it has been so long since you were last seen. It was written that when you would reveal yourself that your age and features may change, but you would still hold the memories of your past.'

'Our only fear my lady is that perhaps a form of magic is being used to make us think something that isn't there.'

'It's not that we doubt you my lady. We just want to make sure our people are safe.'

'So we propose a slight test for you.'

'What sort of test.'

'A kind that only one who was at the first gathering could pass.'

One of the older men motioned for Jade to come forward. There scattered on the table was a strange collection of items.

'One of these items was used the first gathering. If you are able to identify the correct item than the gathering can begin.'

'And if I pick wrong.'

'Then you will know the furry young pup, or raising the hopes of the entire pack for the much anticipate return of our great leader.'

Jade could see the concern in their eyes. This was not a cocky test to try and trick her. These men truly wanted her to be who she claimed to be. It was hard to be angry at them, how hard would it have been to use magic to try and shroud their minds to think she was someone else. The task she saw though was not an easy one. The first gathering was long ago in ancient Rome, after countless deaths and rebirths it was hard to remember what she had back then. She took her time looking over the objects, mentally crossing off certain ones.

'A sword, no the designs all wrong. It wouldn't have been made till hundreds of years later. A glass bottle, no that kind would have been used to store poisons. An arrow, no the rock tip isn't from the right country.'

Jade was about to call fowl on the test, nothing seem to be from the right place or time to even be considered an object from the first gathering. It was then something caught her eye. It was so small it was hidden by the greater size objects. It was a simple pendant. An oval green stone cased in gold and hung on a gold chain. Jade felt a smile and wave of pride flow over her as special memories flooded back to her.

'This is it. This is the pendant I gave my son at the first gathering.'

'Your son.'

'Yes. I chose him to lead the pack as my other son took the throne of Rome, he was given a pendant just like this. My dear boys, Romulus and Remus. The famed twins raised by a she-wolf from the brink of death. No doubt Romulus wanted to keep some mention of me in history by passing that story.'

'The mother of wolves, the mother of Rome, of culture, diplomacy and leadership. Our mother, she has returned!'

One of the older men ran as fast has his crippling legs could carry him. He gazed to her, his eyes swelling with tears. There was something about those blue eyes that seemed so familiar. She took the chain and hung it around his neck.

'We can work on names later, but I don't like the idea of being called grannie or anything.'

The older wolf kissed his charm as he squeezed her hand. Jade remembered those eyes from long ago. They were the eyes shared by her sons, her first children in all of her many lives.

After Hei'an killed her and she was reborn she found herself in ancient Greece. Her memories returned to her at 15, when she needed them more than ever. Her father at the time had died in the war, her mother passed on not long after due to a new sickness passing through the villages. A nobleman had paid her a great deal of attention, he often looked towards the younger girls. With her family gone she would be forced into either marriage or servitude under his roof. He presented her these choices, returning that night with a collection of guards and chains to use on her possible decision. Her memories came to before he broke down the door, since she had only one life before it didn't take long. She used her dog form to leave the house and take refuge in the woods. There she found a young man cornered by a ravenous boar. It was easy enough to save him but before she could leave he begged to know who she was. With a youthful girls optimism she showed her human form to the man, whose blue eyes were full of wonder as he looked on to her. She agreed to help him back to his campsite, he in return promised to keep his patrol out of it should she desire. A new love blossomed between the two. For years he would seek her out in her kingdom mad from nature, in return she would visit him in his kingdom made of stone. Over the years they grew very close, he begged for her hand more than once but she refused. Should she take the title of queen there would be a great search into her background and such gossip of her common class status could hurt her husband in a social sense. She enjoyed the feel of running through the forest and could never risk someone in the castle seeing her animal like for or the slightest impulse to attack out of animal instinct. There was one other reason she could not take such a title. Over the years her love had kept his promise and kept the royal guards from entering too deep in her kingdom, but he could not keep out the rest of the people. People seeking sanctuary from slave traders, young maidens trying to outrun the lustful thoughts and actions of their pursuers, and the poor infants left to parish in the woods alone by their fearful parents. She had saved many of these people, ones who had nowhere else in this world to run to, ones without money, family or title to help them. She protected them and in return they had created a small village to care for one another. They praised their queen and swore their loyalty ten times over. They need her as a queen much more than her lover did.

In time she found herself with child, two in fact. With aid from some of her subjects she bore the twin sons in the woods under a full moon, strange enough all her children were born under a full moon since then. Knowing the children would need to continue their father's legacy, the king made the claim of their divine birth from a celestial virgin and brought them to his palace. Under the guise of one of the nurses, she came and cared for her children by day and was able to return to the forest at night. If only they could have remained this way, a family in a strange way but a caring one. She had her lover, her children and her people and she was truly happy. But it all changed in a horrible night. Her love was killed by his own brother and her precious sons cast into the river so their sinful uncle could take the throne. She was able to save her children before any great harm could befall them, returning them to her small village to raise them. As time passed she saw it was time for the boys to lead their own packs. In a special ceremony she bestowed two charm necklaces to her sons, to remind them of their connection to themselves and to her. Romulus was destines to rule the pack of man, as her returned to their world and went on to found the kingdom of Rome, which would have an everlasting stand on the pages of history. To her son Remus she gave the pack of wolves. With her final blessing she granted a great power to the people who had sworn their loyalty to her. For their more primitive time they took the more primitive sprite of her dog powers, taking on the strength of their wolf like ancestors. Such powers would be passed from parent to child and it would be Remus' duty to protect the pack from others who may wish them harm. There was a great symphony of howls that night as Remus, the pack and the only human present Romulus danced in great mirth to the new lives they were granted. Their queen however dismissed herself from the celebration without drawing any attention. Granting such a piece of herself to her people took the remaining bit of strength she had for this life. As seen in many noble dogs, the great queen left the ones she loved to find a quiet place in the woods to spend the last few seconds she had left in peace. Before she closed her eyes for a final time she looked back on the blue eyes she cared for so much in her life. The eyes of the only man she truly loved, the eyes of her first and only born children, and the newest eyes of the young babe dancing under the moon with his mother, father and human uncle. It was the sweetest thing she could remember before she closed her eyes for the final time.

Tears began to fall from her face at the memory of such a time. Here before her stood her kin, the descendant of her precious son. She knew she had connections to other children around the world, descendants from her children born throughout her various lives. But not like this, there was a connection stronger than blood, a connection that a privilege amount of people could ever hope to understand. From deep inside his coat the old man pulled a small framed photo. Jade's heart began to leap from her chest as she saw the image. It was the old man to be sure, along with a younger married couple, two small girls and a young baby being held by its mother.

'Your family?'

'YOUR family.'

Jade could hardly contain herself much more. Despite all the chaos floating in her head, everything seemed to calm down in her. It felt like a connection she didn't know she was looking for had been mended. Perhaps it was from her first life seeing the family she always wanted, perhaps it was from her second swelling with pride as she saw what became of her son and grandchild, perhaps it was all just the primitive instinct of the dog and its ancestors to find the pack they were meant to be with. With joy swelling beyond her control all Jade could do was cast her head back as a mighty and soothing howl filled the air. The other men felt the contagious nature of her joy and returned the action with howls of their own. Soon the air was filled with the orchestra of wolves as many could be heard coming closer to the tent. Jade knew there would be time to connect with the newest additions to her family, but before the pleasantries there was a great deal that needed to be done. Some of her people needed guidance on this world and she intern had a great favor to ask of all of them. She made her way across the room and took the seat in the throne crafted for her. With such a great title and responsibility she would have to compromise on her own desired. She would have easily preferred a simple chair to address the crowd but such things were not done here. There could only be one Alpha and she needed to display it in order to keep fights for dominance from breaking out. She felt the soft nozzle of Scruffy as she returned it with a gentle caress as she watched the respected council of elders howl in delight like young pups. She reflected on what had brought her to this moment, long ago she had cared for and trained the people who worshiped and respected her in such a way. She fell in love with a man, king in his own time, and bore him twin sons. She blessed them and those who offered their lives to her and her teachings, granting them the very symbol of family. She was once the first and true leader of the pack, thousands of years later she would protect them once again.

And there we have it. See, didn't think I was gonna tie in that museum riddle did yah. Okay could have done so a lot better but I'll learn to do so better in the future. So what does Jade have in store for the pack, are they as loyal now as they were in the beginning. What will happen to Naomi and Finn, will it work out or will someone else steal her heart? And what of Hei'an, does he know of the rising forces of the Masters, or is it all part of his plan.

Find out soon!