AN: Story's Shadow and I are back. Everyone please give Story's Shadow a deafening round of applause for writing this excellent, if not perfect chapter. We hope ya'll enjoy this chapter.

-Secret Warriors' Base, Several Minutes Later-

The doctors bandaged the scars given to Vulpine by Cassandra. Though he did wince occasionally at the feeling of the scratch marks being touched and covered, his mind was replaying what the Cat had revealed to him. While Vulpine knew what he had done, he never witnessed the destruction firsthand. Imperious had ordered Wraith to keep Vulpine in a secure location under constant guard while the sadistic soldier was off enjoying the slaughter. He'd given the madman literal direct access to the location that broke the back and spirit of his people.

"Vulpine!"

The Fox grunted as he pushed the thoughts to the side for the moment. His attention returned to Daisy. The young woman stood with her arms crossed, frowning slightly.

"How did the Cat get the drop on you?"

"...She didn't...not necessarily."

"That's not what I was told by the others."

Vulpine sighed.

"She brought up old memories...of what happened at home."

"Like?"

"...Personal loss..."

"Come again?"

"Will all lost something during the war. She still angry with what happened."

Daisy slowly nodded.

"Well it's good Doreen told us after you left."

"How did she know where I was?"

"She didn't know exactly. From what she told us both, we estimated the most likely locations. We split up to find you. Vixen, Kamala, and Dante were the ones to have found you."

He nodded.

"Where's Vixen?"

"She's talking with Doreen."

Vulpine grunted as the doctors finished bandaging him up. He nodded before he stood up.

"Anything else that you need to know?"

Daisy shook her head.

The Fox nodded before walking off.

After a minute or so, he found Vixen and Doreen walking different ways. Vixen walked up to Vulpine.

"She says she's sorry she couldn't remember earlier."

"...One's memory often has an odd way of reacting to such surprises."

Vixen nodded. The two walked back to Vulpine's quarters, both sitting on his bed. Vixen's ears were lowered and her gaze seemed to be elsewhere.

"What's on your mind?"

"...I know you told us about Cassandra and the others...what happened with them..."

"Yes?"

"It's just...that look on her face...before she escaped...she looked...broken."

Vulpine didn't respond at first.

"...Perhaps what happened in the past...is coming back to haunt them."

"I don't think I've ever seen that look on anyone before."

Vulpine's ears lowered.

"The war...it took a toll on all of us...it was different for everyone."

"What do you mean?"

"Different people would speak about it openly at the last emperor's court. Some argued that we should've armed and trained anyone in good enough physical condition for battle, others wanted to create safe haven for civilians far from where the fighting was."

"...And nothing worked..."

"No...nothing did."

"I still find it awful that such evil could conquer our people if they were as strong as you say they were."

"...We weren't invincible...and we weren't totally unified..."

"But not for a threat to the whole world?"

"Well...some believed a certain group was behind the invasion."

"What do you mean?"

"Well...I've told you about some of our gods? The ones were worshiped and brought so much good to our world?"

"Yes."

"...There was one...the stories weren't consistent...yet they had a power all their own...a being...we only knew as 'The Shadow.'"

"'The Shadow?'"

"A god...a demon...those who didn't worship them...and possibly even those that did...didn't really know who and what he was. From time to time, the fanatics would try to worship him with cruel sacrifices and acts of horror...at that point in the war...most believed the cult was destroyed by the emperor's forces...but a few officials spoke about their fear that they were perhaps pulling the strings."

"What do you think?"

"I doubt they or their...whatever he was, had any part to do with what happened."

Vixen slowly nodded. Her gaze just seemed to go off into space.

"Just with Cassie...that look on her face...I don't know what to say...I guess other than when I saw that look...my heart broke a little..."

Vulpine slowly nodded as they sat their in silence, their minds on Cassandra and what happened to their world.

-Vulpine's Quarters, Several Hours Later-

The Fox tossed and turned in bed as he grunted and gasped. He winced as sweat dripped down his face. His mind was still replaying his encounter with Cassandra and what the Cat had told him. Then his mind went back to when his world was being invaded by the forces of Imperious, himself watching from a distance.

Then his mind started to warp as his body stopped moving.

Vulpine woke up and gasped, jumping up. He looked up and the sun shined in his face. The Fox grunted as he looked around and he stopped, his jaw nearly dropping, for he saw the last thing he ever expected to see.

"I'm...I'm home."

Vulpine looked out across the Imperial City itself, before it had been destroyed. Everything was as it was before, the shops for food to weapons and armor were full of customers, the great temples of the gods still were attended by many to worship and pray, the streets were full of people. The Fox's eyes widened as many of the people got closer. His ears lowered and he shut his eyes, waiting for the inevitable attack for his betrayal. But it never came.

He looked back, the people seemed to ignore him or didn't notice him. They walked past and around him. The Fox looked around and his eyes fell upon the Imperial Palace. The home of the emperors and their families floated above the city itself. Standing a few stories tall and defined by its pristine white structure, black roofing, and its proud stand overlooking the city.

"As if the war never happened...but why does this look so familiar."

He turned and saw guards upon the walls of the city, bows in hand and satchels full of arrows wrapped around the hips, swords sheathed, and and spears laid beside them. The guards patrolled the city walls and many also patrolled the streets. The faces of the civilians ranged from fearful to wary.

Officials walked to the swirling golden portal below the Imperial Palace, many with guards following them. In the distance there were storm clouds upon the horizon, shined with haunting colors that swirled through the clouds. And the storm was slowly approaching the city Vulpine recognized this time. It was hours before Wraith sacked the city with the army he commanded, the day the Fox had helped him strike the most vulnerable locations for the forces of Imperious to lay waste to the greatest bastion of their people and the center of the empire.

Many battles had been fought before this day, wins and losses on both sides. This was when Vulpine earned the favor of Imperious, as many of the great lords, ladies, and heroes would meet in the throne room to discuss plans for the defense of the city and how to best turn the tide against the invaders. Because before this, Imperious had come to Vulpine with promises of power and his unique vision for a true order of the cosmos. And after the fall of the city, Vulpine had come to lead the invading forces alongside Wraith to his people's shock and horror.

Then Vulpine's eyes widened slightly as he watched himself move through the alleyways of the city. The Fox followed himself, though the instinct to remain hidden came to him. He wasn't sure why, but he followed what he believed to be his past self as quietly as he could. The younger Vulpine looked around as he crept his way through the city.

He watched his younger self watch the Imperial training grounds from a distance. Warriors of the various bloodlines worked to improve their skills and and competence with various weapons and unarmed combat. Vulpine's eyes then fell upon the one watching and guiding the warriors in their arts.

Jorawar stood at the far end of the training grounds, his gaze seemingly never blinking. Like the Fox remembered, the old warrior wore his legendary blood red armor that was marked with cuts and holes from blades and arrows. His sword sheathed at his hip. Amongst the greatest warriors and generals that served the emperor and his own bloodlines, the old Tiger held the respect of nearly every warrior, noble, and civilian. Vulpine remembered before the attack on the city that he had warned Wraith to not engage in combat with the old Tiger. His explanations only made the sadistic servant of Imperious want to face the warrior even more. During the attack, Wraith had tried to make his way to fight Jorawar as the Tiger had led the soldiers under his command to face the invaders head on. From the soldiers of Imperious that had survived the battle said that the old Tiger had cut down nearly a few dozen of the skeletal soldiers before being surrounded and defeated. But the Tiger let out a final roar of defiance before his death and according to some, had died standing.

Vulpine had been away from the battle, escorted by a small number of Wraith's soldiers to their camp before the battle had begun. He hadn't seen any of the fighting and killing, he just knew from what he had been told. But Vulpine watched his younger self walk away and he followed him. They moved their way through the alleys until the younger Vulpine met with Wraith himself in a secluded part of the city.

Vulpine frowned at the sight of the madman.

"Do you the locations yet, Fox? Or should I say, decided on where they are for the so-called 'emperor'."

The younger Vulpine shook his head.

"Not yet, the nobles are soon to meet the emperor in the throne room to discuss the city defenses and their campaign to strike back."

Wraith chuckled.

"The true emperor's army comes with the storm and will be here soon. Come to this location when you're ready to make your escape. For when the storm comes, we attack. I'll have your escort make contact with me by chalice of blood."

The younger Vulpine nodded.

"Don't worry, the city and soon this world will be under the control of Imperious."

Vulpine's ears lowered at hearing his younger self say this.

Wraith nodded, grinning. He then vanished in a puff of smoke. The younger Vulpine grinned as he turned around only to gasp, eyes wide.

"What trickery is this?!"

Vulpine looked around, he didn't remember being discovered at this moment in his past. But he didn't see anyone. He turned, seeing his younger self staring wide eyed...at him. The young Vulpine's ears pinned back.

"Your eminence? Is this a test?"

Vulpine breathed slowly.

"Perhaps this is a test...but for me...you...us."

The younger Vulpine's head cocked to the side.

"What?"

"To see if I betray our people...or help them."

The young Vulpine chuckled.

"Lord Imperious will bring order to the cosmos, we know that his vision is the best chance for universal greatness and peace."

Vulpine sighed, his thoughts returning to Cassandra.

"At what cost? What will happen to our people?"

The younger Vulpine shook his head.

"It's for the greater good."

"I have often thought the same thing...just knowing what happens-"

"Ah, so Imperious succeeds...the cosmos comes closer to order."

"...And our people suffer..."

"It's for a greater purpose."

"Not to those who perish."

"It must be done."

"...We didn't see the horrors done...we laid back and watched..."

The younger Vulpine took a step forward and put a hand on his older self.

"It has to be done."

"...I don't know if I can let it happen again..."

"Luckily, you don't have to. I will."

"Wait-"

The younger Vulpine leapt onto one of the rooftops, hurrying towards the portal. Vulpine gasped. He closed his eyes, his mind going over his past decisions and what had happened to his world. Then he made his choice. The Fox rushed after his younger self. The two hurried across the rooftops, the older Vulpine trying to catch his younger self. The younger Vulpine kept an eye out for anyone who might spot him. Vulpine had snuck into the palace at a time when the guards were changing shifts. Though the Fox saw at the moment that the guards were changing their shift.

Vulpine realized this was the same time he had entered the portal before. The younger Vulpine leapt down onto the streets but the older Vulpine tackled his younger self before he could reach the portal. The two Foxes grunted and growled as they rolled through the alleyway. Vulpine's younger self kicked him off him.

The two rushed at one another. Vulpine threw a jab at his younger self's face, but the younger Vulpine ducked under the strike. He dropped onto his feet and threw one foot at his older self. Vulpine grunted as he flipped over the attack. His younger counterpart lunged forward. They growled as they threw their punches and chops, blocking and evading one another's strikes.

Vulpine grunted as he pushed aside his younger counterpart's jab before striking to strike out with his claws at the younger Fox's face, but his attack was blocked by his opponent's other hand. The younger Vulpine tried to throw a kick at one of the ankles of the older Vulpine, but his foot hit only air. Vulpine had pulled his leg back and twisted around, throwing one elbow at his younger self's face. The blow hit and the younger Vulpine growled as he winced in pain, throwing back. Blood dripped down his face as he tried to wipe it off.

The younger Vulpine frowned.

"You're betraying your emperor!"

"...I can't go through with it again...you don't know what happens next...and after that..."

"Have you forgotten what his lordship told us? About how there needs to be an order to the universe. He's the only that can achieve it!"

"And what of our people?"

"They will become part of his order... or a necessary sacrifice."

"Once I thought I could live with that...I don't think I can anymore."

"Traitor!"

Vulpine didn't respond, the irony not lost on him. The younger Vulpine grunted as he rushed forward. He threw several swift jabs and chops at his opponent, each blow hitting Vulpine. The older Fox grunted as he fell on his back and suddenly his younger self jumped onto him. Vulpine gasped and grunted as his younger counterpart started choking him.

"This is your last chance, serve the true emperor! You will suffer his wrath if you don't! He gifted us a glorious purpose at his side! And you're going to throw it all away!"

Vulpine grunted as he grasped at his younger counterpart's wrists. He gasped and coughed, his vision starting to blur. His mind went to Vixen and Cassandra.

"...I wish I had only know this before..."

Vulpine grunted as he punched the younger Fox's throat. The younger Vulpine coughed and gagged, his hands going to his throat as he stumbled backwards. Vulpine gasped as he rubbed his own throat before lunging at his younger self. He threw a flurry of punches at his younger self, each blow striking his face. The younger Vulpine groaned as he dropped to the ground. Once he hit the ground, he turned to dust.

Vulpine's eyes widened.

"What?"

He gasped as he suddenly found himself outside the throne room, seeing many nobles and officials within the throne room.

"Ah, Vulpine, I was wondering if you'd show up."

Vulpine's ears perked up as he turned around. One of the emperor's advisors stood before him. The Snow Monkey smiled at his friend.

"Kenichi?"

"Who else?"

The Snow Monkey chuckled.

"His eminence was hoping one of his favored tacticians would be in attendance."

"Of course."

The Snow Monkey raised an eyebrow.

"You looked tired, have you been up all night on thinking of what strategy is best to throw back the invaders?"

"Not exactly."

Kenichi walked over a put a hand on the Fox's shoulder.

"His highness puts so much responsibility on your shoulders. It's more than understandable to feel such weight on them. I've seen you create ingenious tactics and plans to outthink your opponents. And you're not alone, the Imperial commanders are all here to help you and our people."

Vulpine slowly smiled.

"I'd nearly forgotten your wisdom."

Kenichi laughed.

"Forgotten? I'd only gone to treat with the Owl Council for a week to ask for a battalion of their archers and scouts. Things must've been rough during my absence."

Vulpine chuckled.

"I guess so."

The Snow Monkey patted his friend's shoulders.

"Come, his majesty will be arriving soon."

The two entered the throne room, the great nobles stood waiting for the rest of the guests. Jorwar had arrived before Vulpine, the old Tiger stood guard at the throne waiting for his emperor. The Fox took his place in the crowd close to the throne while the Snow Monkey stood at the opposite side of the throne.

A servant stepped before the crowd.

"Emperor Haneul of the Falcon Clan Tenya!"

All those present turned and bowed to the emperor as he entered the throne room with his attendants. Haneul wore his golden armor with white lacings, the helmet under his wind adorned with golden and red feather plating. This contrasted with his own sooty gray feathers. The Falcon took his seat on his throne.

"My friends, a day that which all of us dreaded has come. The invaders are making their way to this city, the storm is their calling as we all know. My advisor, Kenichi, has brought with him the greatest archers and scouts of the Owl Clans. They have seen and sensed the evil marching upon our city. I have called this meeting to strategize a defense to preserve our city and protect our people. I know each of you have plans and strategies for our foes and I wish to hear them all. I don't wish to overlook any possible plan that could work."

Many nodded at the emperor's words. Vulpine turned to see a Crane nobleman step forward. The Falcon emperor turned to see the noble bow.

"Lord Arav, another sue for peace I assume?"

Many shook their heads at this, but Haneul silenced them with a wing raised.

"You may speak."

Arav bowed his head.

"Thank you, your highness. I know the hope of the Crane Clans seem unwise...but it is in our nature to hope for peace. We still don't truly understand what these invaders want. Perhaps we can find a way to reach a consensus."

"What do you propose?"

"Send me as an envoy, my lord, without a guard if you wish it so. I will try to find a way to speak sense into them."

One of the generals grumbled lowly at this. Despite it being under his breath, everyone in the court could hear him. Arav sighed as he turned to the commander.

"Commander, I know your misgivings about my plan...but if we can avoid more violence, it would only be for the best."

Vulpine turned, as did all others, to the general. The commander scoffed.

"My Clan's lands were amongst the first to be assaulted! Some of our people were slain before we managed to drive back the host that set upon our home!"

His roar shook Vulpine's chest as it did many others. Lord Uduak stepped forward, his golden and red armor was marked with scratches yet was more polished than the armor of his friend and rival, Jorawar. The Lion lord took a step forward, his presence earned everyone's attention and respect.

"Your highness, I have seen and experienced firsthand what this foe inflicts. There is no seeking peace with them. We must rally our warriors to counterattack them. I have spoken with various scouts and sorcerers, the commander of the armies or at least one of the highest generals leads the host marching towards the city."

The Falcon emperor rubbed the bottom of his golden beak.

"And I assume you are not alone in this tactic, commander?"

"He isn't."

Jorawar added his voice and moved to stand beside his friend.

"By your command, my lord, I shall lead a unit of soldiers to be the first to face them while Uduak rallies your army and generals to prepare for battle."

Uduak grinned.

"Wanting the first taste of glory, are we?"

Jorawar smiled slightly.

"Only until you come to steal it."

Uduak laughed as he patted his friend's shoulder.

The Lions and Tigers in the court roared together, signaling their agreement with the two great generals. As both had fought battles together, with Uduak often striking for the chance at the great glory by defeating the enemy commanders in single combat. A tactic at which he had earned him several victories that rivaled Jorawar's own.

Arav sighed.

"Your highness, I still suggest we enact a deal for peace. I do not deny the deaths prior to this meeting are tragic...I just fear for the living."

Haneul nodded at this.

"I know you do, I just fear that they may agree to your terms only to betray them at the first and greatest opportunity."

The Crane lord shook his head.

"Isn't it possible that peace could be achieved?"

Haneul sighed.

"Yes, it's possible."

"Then would it be so awful for me to try to seek peace?"

Kenichi stepped forward.

"Your majesty, if I may?"

The Falcon nodded.

The Snow Monkey nodded back before turning to Arav.

"My lord, I understand your hopes for what may be. I just ask you to understand the minds and motivations of the invaders. Or perhaps study the actions of the armies that are razing our world. They have killed both soldiers on the field and civilians who sought refuge from the fighting. They haven't sent terms of peace or surrender so far. Our people and our home continue to be brought down by their blades. They haven't occupied the castles for any ambition or glory. They've taken the supplies of the cities and resources of the land only to destroy everything else in their path. I ask you to think why they do this."

Arav opened his beak to speak, but nothing came out. He ran one wing down the top red feathers of his head. Kenichi sighed.

"I don't mean to demean you, my lord. We all wish for this horror to end...I just ask you to realize the danger that looms upon our homes."

Haneul nodded to his advisor.

"I believe we have gently decided against peace. Yet I still wish to hear other suggestions for plans. I want us to defend our people and to bring down these invaders."

"Your Highness, if we may?"

All those turned to see three individuals step out of the shadows. Vulpine's gaze fell upon a She-Wolf in black and gray armor that matched her night black fur. Haneul nodded.

"Lady Rajani, thank you for attending. The Leader of the Wolf Council is always welcome in this city."

The She-Wolf bowed her head. Rajani was not only the Leader of the Wolf Council, but also the leader of the Askai Wolf Clan. She had participated in battles herself, her howls rallied and inspired her allies. The eldest of the Wolf Council, she led her clan and all the Wolf Clans with love and wisdom.

"Thank you, my lord. Our Council has discussed many days and nights upon what may be the best strategy to defeat this force. While I respect Lord Arav's hopes for peace, we must strike these enemies while defending the civilians. The brave and fierce generals Uduak and Jorawar have the right sentiments, yet we mustn't throw away the lives of our soldiers."

Uduak rubbed the back of his neck through his shaggy mane as a look of shame and embarrassment on his face. Jorawar slowly nodded.

Haneul turned from them to Rajani.

"How do you suggest we lead this defense?"

"I only can speak for the ideas of our Council, we suggest we guide our civilians to a safe place and have a guard there to defend them while we have specific locations in the city protected."

Haneul turned to another of his generals.

"I'm certain you aided in developing this strategy, Subaru?"

The only Wolf general, his pale gray fur marked with scars, turned to the emperor and nodded. Vulpine remembered how Subaru had earned the love and loyalty of his soldiers by sharing in every experience with them. He ate, slept, trained, and fought side by side with those at his command. He never sought glory, it came to him when challenges and battles were thrust upon him.

"Yes, my lord."

"What are your thoughts?"

"Our soldiers must be placed in locations where we can cause as much damage to their ranks approaching the city. And in the case they breach the walls, lure them to key spaces that can trap them for ambushes."

Haneul nodded.

"This could demoralize these invaders."

"And Sensei also has suggestions."

Rajani's reply made everyone turned to the Wolf beside her. Metatron bowed to the emperor. Vulpine's ears lowered at the sight of the last Wolf.

"Your eminence, the magic that your mages and sorcerer wield will be needed on and off the battlements and field. Those that are talented in offensive spells will be needed to stand beside your soldiers while healers should be just beyond the fighting, ready to mend the wounded. And we mustn't overlook our citizens. Arm them, not for the sake of battle, but in the case of defending themselves. If the invaders should reach them, we must not allow them to be without protection regardless of guards protecting them."

Haneul nodded.

"Thank you for your wisdom, my friends. Each of these plans and strategies should be implemented. There is one thing that I must ask one of our best tacticians. Vulpine."

Vulpine's ears perked up at the sound of his name. Those gathered turned to him, awaiting his voice.

The Fox gulped. He remembered how he before gave them a seemingly competent and reasonable defensive plan: planting soldiers at locations where they could defend the city from areas that they could cover an area where the forces of Imperious would seemingly have the only choice of approaching. He had informed Wraith of spots where there were entrances to the sewer systems of the city that his soldiers could strike from.

The city's defenders hadn't thought to think the sewers would be accessible to attack from as the path to getting through them had been only known to their people as a last method of escape. Some of the emperors in the past thought this was a cowardly method, others came to the conclusion that the lives of their people were more important than their pride.

Vulpine knelt down.

"Your eminence...I must tell you and all those present something...I've been contacted by the power behind this invasion."

Many gasped and began to whisper to one another about this. Haneul raised a wing, which eventually quieted down the court.

"When did this happen?"

"Not long ago...I've been promised power and glory by the one who is truly in command of these armies. They told me of their vision for the cosmos, an order that will bring structure and peace to it. And the offers...were very tempting."

Uduak roared.

"Traitor!"

He went for the blade at his hip, but Haneul raised a wing to the general.

"And yet you inform of us of this. Why?"

Vulpine began to cry and only replied with a partial truth.

"The lives of our people aren't worth such an offer."

Haneul sat up from his thrown and walked towards the Fox. Vulpine held his dead down, expecting the Falcon to strike him down with his blade. But the emperor held out a wing. The Fox reach out a hand and was helped to his feet.

"While I'm unhappy with you keeping this secret, I'm grateful you informed us. Were you going to meet with the commander of this force after this meeting if you decided to side with them?"

"Yes."

The Falcon stared into the Fox's eyes and smiled.

"I believe you have a plan, don't you?"

"If you'll accept it, your highness. But I must warn you...the commander of this host is a madman and the true leader is more powerful than anyone our people have ever faced."

"I trust in the strength of our people. Now, my friend, let's hear your plan."

Vulpine nodded.

-Sewers Of The Imperial City, Hours Later-

Wraith and a battalion of the soldiers under his command moved below the city, under such groups spread out through the sewers as the Fox had instructed them. The sadistic killer grinned as he readied his blade.

Wraith climbed up the city walls alongside his skeletal soldiers, hearing the sounds of metal clashing and shouting of voices. He grinned, expecting to see the enemy soldiers panicking as the soldiers he'd been instructed to send into the sewers leap ambushing them from all sides without warning. The enemy would be in disarray and with coordination, much easier for them to cut down. Imperious would relish this battle more than others before.

As he leapt over the city wall, across the battlements and into the city itself in front of the city gate while some of his soldiers as other fought the guards atop the city walls. He stood up, grinning, ready to strike at his undefended foe. His eyes widened at seeing his foes waiting for him. The Falcon emperor stood before Wraith, blade drawn, with Vulpine at his side with his own weapon ready. Wraith's eyes narrowed on the Fox.

"Traitor! You led us into a trap! His majesty will make you suffer for this!"

"...Maybe...but this is what I should've done all along."

Wraith screamed as he raced forward, his soldiers behind him. Haneul let out a fierce shriek and flew forward, Vulpine and the soldiers behind him. As Vulpine struck out with his blade toward Wraith, his gasped as he suddenly found himself in the void he was in days ago. All the sights, sounds, and smells he'd known just moments ago were gone.

Before him was the mist-like figure with gleaming white eyes levitating before him once again.

"You have made your decision. At his lordship's decree, you have endured the second trial. You finished the Heart trial. One trial remains."

Vulpine's ears lowered.

"I guess I have..."

Vulpine gasped as he suddenly sat up from his bed. He looked around, gasping loudly as his chest heaved. The Fox placed one hand over his heart. His memory going to his people as tears slowly snaked down his face and his ears lowered.

"...I'm sorry..."

To Be Continued...

AN: Two Trials completed, only one remains...