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The Champion By Cris Fireheart / Ken Anderson Chapter 22 � The First Job / A Pride Safari Author's note: This story contains scenes of extreme violence, profanity, drug and alcohol use, sale, and abuse, and some sexual situations. Reader discretion is DEFINITELY advised. That being said, if none of that bothers you, then enjoy! As ever, any comments, criticism, watches and faves are well appreciated. --C ------Two Days after the Mayor's Wedding, Outside of The Governor's Mansion------ Kurt was feeling nervous. He took several deep, calming breaths to keep his heart from racing, as he knelt silently beside Victor and R�my, their camouflaged, olive-drab-clad bodies concealed by shadow, fur dye, and nature as they all knelt behind a thick row of tall hedges located directly outside of the fenced-in compound in front of them. Through the help of his discipline and recent training, however, the young otter somehow managed to steel himself for the grim task which he knew lay ahead. After originally offering his assistance to R�my and Victor on the 'job' that the Mayor had not-so-subtly asked James Clayton to take care of for her, Kurt had almost immediately had a crisis of conscience. On one paw, he'd personally told R�my and James that he would be taking part in this operation. On the other paw, however, he'd admitted to himself that he hadn't fully thought his decision through. After all, he hadn't been told to deliver a beating, or to take part in a fight, no; he'd offered to KILL. But still, anxious or not, he'd given James his word that he would see it done. He was a DiRocca, after all, and as his overly-strict and once violence-prone father had drilled into him over the years, he'd be damned if he didn't keep his word, or die trying. And so, in preparation for the coming assassination attempt, Victor, R�my, and Kurt had spent the better part of the previous two days doing extensive research on the physical layout and the numerous electronic security devices which covered both the interior and exterior of the Governor's spacious mansion and gated compound. They also spent time performing background checks on the five guards that R�my had quickly managed to identify by using his manipulation of cellphone cameras and his hacking skills, while the three of them camped out near the property, taking note of their preferred routes and patrol schedules, paying particular attention, as Victor had suggested, to any and all potential variations in their usual routines. After many hours of discussion, preparation, and planning, the elder Gray Fox, being the most well-trained and experienced among the trio, had immediately insisted on being the one to eliminate or incapacitate the two guards who were stationed around the mansion's external perimeter fence. R�my, offering his own expertise as well, had spent the latter part of the two days designing and fabricating a 'special project' that he'd assured them would become invaluable once they'd finally managed to gain access to the mansion itself. What, exactly, it was, he'd refused to allow his father and Kurt to know, for the time being. For the moment at least, the operational plan that they'd all settled upon appeared to be going just as well as they'd hoped... �As we've agreed, I'll handle the two guards who are patrolling near the fence line,� Victor muttered under his breath as he began to remove the thick leather gloves which covered his steeled claws. �I sincerely hope that whatever you've both come up with will help to tilt the odds in our favor once we've actually made our entry. This is your job, after all. I'm merely here to supervise and ensure its satisfactory completion.� �Gods, don't worry so much, Dad,� R�my whispered in reply, �Look, what I've been working on is, in the simplest sense, a kind of electronic jammer. Only this thing doesn't just jam the internet or the phone lines... Yeah; I know I didn't really have the time to explain it all in detail before the job, but let's just say that nobody's gonna be coming to help out once we get it hooked up to the house's main power supply. Well, that, and if anybody inside of the house happens to have a pacemaker or any other sort of electronic medical devices...� �Are you for real?� Kurt turned his head to face the Fox. �Well, I mean, yeah... I didn't really have the time to test out its strength or the length of the effects; we only had two days, remember? So we'll pretty much be field-testing this thing as we go along.� � And WHOSE fault was that? Gods, why the hell did I even agree to do this, again?� �Because you wanted to get stronger, pup,� Victor muttered in response, turning to face the young otter with a knowing, toothy smirk, before motioning quickly with a paw for the two of them to duck behind their chosen cover as one of the guards, a tall, well-built Malamute, slowly began to make his way towards their chosen hiding spot on the outside of the fence, his body draped in what could only be called an obvious 'henchman'-style suit, his eyes shielded by dark sunglasses as he turned his muzzle this way and that, sniffing the air curiously, before shrugging his shoulders as he continued onward along his patrol route. �Where did you say the junction box was, again?� Kurt whispered as he hefted the small backpack that R�my had given him over one shoulder. �It's just inside of the perimeter fence; it's on the western wall of the property, directly across from the guardhouse near the entrance...� �And you're absolutely sure that this thing you made is gonna work?� Drawing in a deep breath, R�my let out an exasperated hiss of a sigh, and turned his muzzle to face the younger otter, gritting his teeth as he attempted to keep his voice low. �Kurt, I'm gonna be completely honest with you, man. Right now, I'm 'absolutely sure' of exactly TWO things: First, the device that I built will make sure that all the security cameras will be fried, nobody can call out, nobody can call in, and that no alarms will start going off to alert the neighbors, the cops, or the Governor, himself... And Second? There's about an... eighty-seven percent chance that anybody with medical tech in their bodies might have a heart attack, a stroke, or otherwise get their implants fried like a nuclear apocalypse. This thing is basically a miniature EMP device on steroids; of my own design. Unlike the government's version, mine is specifically made not to take out EVERYTHING, but just what we want it to take care of. The only problem is...� �--It might hurt or kill anyone who has some sort of tech inside of them, right?� �...Yeah.� �Alright, now, quiet down now, both of ya...� Victor let out in a soft hiss as he slowly and silently began to rise to his knees. In one swift, well-practiced movement, the elder Fox suddenly leapt directly over the large, well-trimmed hedge, before taking off at a run towards his target, his steel-tipped claws gleaming in the early-morning sunlight as he continued on his swift and silent approach. The canine guard barely had time to register what was happening, before he found his muzzle being clamped shut by a strong paw from behind, letting out a muffled groan of pain as he felt something sharp dragging itself across his exposed throat. After taking a moment to make sure that the guard was indeed dead, Victor quickly worked to drag the body over to where the others were still lying in wait, before placing the guard face-down and hiding him behind the thick row of hedges as he took his kneeling position once again. �...Damn...� Kurt muttered with an impressed shake of his head. �You made that look like nothing. It must've taken you all of five seconds. Suddenly, I'm very glad that I'm actually on your good side...� �That's what decades of trainin', stealin', and killin' will do to ya, pup,� Victor noted with a toothy grin, his accent coming out in full display. �That was the bread and butter of our Clan. Perhaps one day, I'll tell you exactly how many people I've killed during my lifetime. But right now, you both need to get ready. After I take out this next guard, you'll have five minutes on the clock to scale that fence, make your way towards the guardhouse, eliminate the final external guard, and install this 'mystery device' that my son has come up with. I trust that you pups can handle a single guard, can't ya?� �Not a problem,� R�my responded with a slight grin. �That one's mine. Kurt? You remember how to install the kicker, right?� �Of course; you basically had me hooking it up and unhooking it over and over again for at least two full hours before you guys would even let me eat dinner yesterday evening; I'm pretty sure I've got the hang of it by now.� �Good,� Victor nodded his head in approval. �Now, get ready to move, here comes the second patrol guard.� R�my and Kurt both watched from their hiding place as the second guard, a large, imposing stallion, dressed almost identically as the previous guard, turned the corner of the outer fence line, and began to make his way towards them. Once again, Victor switched his stance from kneeling, to a low crouch. This opponent was much larger than the previous guard; he was going to have to change his tactics if he wanted to have a chance at a quick, silent kill. Otherwise... �NOW!� The elder Fox heard resounding loudly in his mind; the memory of his father's stern voice delivering the order to coerce his tired, but well-honed muscles to move. The decades of vigorous training and forced discipline caused him to react almost instinctively. The moment that the Stallion had walked past their cover, he'd drawn in a deep breath, holding it tightly in his chest as he quietly slipped himself over the hedge once again, choosing to use a slower, more patient approach this time around, rather than his previous head-on rush. As he quickly and quietly marched towards the tall horse, taking care to remain directly behind him, he slowly released his breath as he brought his paws up to chest height. Closing the distance between them, the elder Fox suddenly leapt from the ground, wrapping his legs securely around the stallion's back as he threw his left arm around the horse's thick neck to silence him, before quickly ending his life by thrusting the claws of his free paw directly into the back of his skull, severing his spine, and causing them both to fall backwards towards the ground below. With a slight grunt of effort, Victor quickly released his legs from around the horse's waist, and barely managed to catch the guard's heavy body just before he would've brought them both crashing to the ground. Motioning with his head towards Kurt and R�my, he silently called for assistance. The pair quickly made their way over to Victor's side, and using their combined strength, they managed to drag the guard's body over to a place where it wouldn't be seen by any unlucky passerby. Panting slightly from the exertion, the elder Fox gave both of them a grateful nod for their help, before tilting his head towards the tall, wrought-iron fence in front of them. �I've played my part, boys, he said, breathing in a deep huff of air as he attempted to regain his composure. �Now, it's your turn. Remember, you have five minutes to take out the last guard stationed outside and install that device. Once you've disabled the security systems, I'll join you and we'll make our entry together. And Kurt?� The younger otter turned his gaze to meet Victor's, the elder Fox's deep blue eyes seeming to burn into his soul as he drew in a short breath to speak. �Do I have to spell it out for ya, lad?� �No, sir, Mr. Silver,� Kurt replied with a slight shake of his head. �I get it. Either I make a kill on this job, or I don't get to live long enough to take another one. Isn't that what you wanted to say?� �One day, I'm going to have to explain the meaning of the phrase 'Too smart for your own good,' pup. But yes, that is the general idea.� �Then give me the needle, and a blade. If you and R�my are gonna be taking out the guards outside, I want the other two stationed inside and the target for myself.� The two Foxes exchanged surprised glances, before R�my shrugged his shoulders, and reached a paw into one of the pockets of the green camouflage hoodie he was wearing. �You're sure about that, man? The other two guards are a pair of Hares, they're gonna be fast as all hell, and Governor Silas is a fucking Grizzly...� Victor also tilted his ears to one side as he looked over Kurt's face for any hesitation. �Pup... The first job's always the hardest... I'll tell ya that right now. But don't worry, we'll be there to back you up.� �Like I said, I've got this. R�my, you prick, give me a knife and the damn needle, and hop the fence before I change my mind and throw you over it!� The smaller otter hissed in response, his muscles tensing as he prepared to make good on his threat. As the two foxes turned to share a glance, Victor shrugged his shoulders as he crossed his arms over his chest. �Very well, then. Let's see if you've got it in ya.� --------The Clayton Estate, One Week Later------- Over the next several days, the news and speculation concerning the former governor's tragic demise had been broadcast endlessly over a multitude of media outlets. Conspiracy theories had abounded; that governor Silas may have owed money to one of the city's criminal organizations, or that he had been unfortunate enough to anger one of his 'dark money' donors were among those considered to be the most likely. The full truth, however, was only known to a select few; a powerful few who'd chosen this day in order to celebrate both the successful assassination, and the formal induction of two of its younger members into its shadowy ranks. R�my Silver and Kurt DiRocca, both dressed to the nines in sharp, new black suits, complete with matching black undershirts, courtesy of Rick Davis and James Clayton, were being constantly bombarded with questions and congratulations from the members of a few of the city's numerous smaller crews, their paws never empty of a full cup or a cigarette, as many of the bosses of the city's well-known legitimate and underground 'elite' continued to congratulate them and ask, once again, for the truth of the story. James was seated on one of the heavy oak chairs in front of the table in the backyard, a glass of whiskey in one hand as he surveyed the comings and goings of his numerous chosen guests and not-so-friendly invites. His son Jake sat next to him, with Victor seated at his right side, along with Rick Davis, and Jimmy and Ted Fender, the six of them slowly sipping their drinks and passing along a rather large joint between them as they took the time to survey the scene and quietly take in the festivities. �So... That was seriously unexpected,� Jake muttered under his breath as he took a drink. �To be honest, I didn't think the kid really had it in him. Now, R�my, definitely; he's a full-blooded Silver, just like his dad,� The Coyote's compliment brought a smile from the elder Fox sitting next to him. �But Kurt? Now there was a shocker...� �He asked for my permission to take part in the job,� James noted flatly, as he reached into the pocket of the faded black pair of jeans he was wearing to retrieve his pack of cigarettes. Removing one from the pack, he removed a small, plastic lighter from one of his pockets, and proceeded to light it, before offering smokes to Victor and Jake in turn. �And according to Victor and R�my, he performed far beyond their expectations, especially since he managed to personally take out the two guards inside of the mansion, before making sure that the Governor himself never woke up from his dreamless sleep... In fact, between you and I, I've actually caught Victor and R�my talking about whether or not it would be considered 'proper' to induct a member of another species into their Clan. I have a feeling that our little Family might be getting bigger, pretty soon...� �Aye, the otter pup shows an unusual amount of potential,� Victor nodded with a toothy smile, as he raised his glass to his lips and took a sip. �As the last remaining Elder, by the laws of my Clan, I can choose to change, or even add to what my people would've felt to be 'acceptable' back in the old days... And in the case of young Mr. DiRocca, my son and I have agreed that perhaps some changes are meant to be made, for the sake of what future the Silver Clan may have left...� �Damn it all, if I'd known that there was gonna be a real job going on, I would've been there for it myself...� Ted Fender sighed, as he retrieved the joint from his father's claws and took a hit. �Maybe next time,� James responded with smile and a shrug of his shoulders. �Our new alliance always has a use for fighters and soldiers. And I know that you've been training with Lenny almost every day, and doing your best to move up in the ranks with Ricky's crew. But that's enough business talk for right now. Personally, I think it would be slightly more beneficial if we were to actually get up and mingle. Hey Jake? Do you think you can find Marco for me?� The tattooed ash-gray coyote calmly set his glass down on the table, nodding his head with a slight smirk, before leaning back in his chair, closing his eyes and drawing in a deep breath through his nostrils. �He's over by the back fence, near the Koi pond. He has Giancarlo with him, I think, along with... Oh, fuckin' hell...� �What is it?� �That fuckin' CIA spook is here. Kessler. He's talking to Marco and Gianni. I can't hear what they're saying from over here, but from the looks on their faces, it seems pretty important.� �Then, maybe it might be time for us to give them an unwelcome interruption,� James smiled slightly, lifting his glass from the table as he rose to his feet, before turning to survey the guests once again. �I wonder where Damien and his sons are? They were supposed to be here by now... Victor, Rick, come with us. From the tension I'm seeing, there may be some unexpected complications..." The four of them quickly rose from their chairs, bidding goodbye to the Fenders as they slowly began to make their way towards the farthest side of the backyard. There, in the shadow of a hand-built pergola, stood Marco Binetti, his rough fur covered with his usual gray suit, along with Giancarlo, and the pit bull, Kessler. The three of them appeared to be engaged in a heated conversation. �It's happening today! I'm telling you, it's happening right now! We need to get this party shut down and get the bosses somewhere safe! That bastard Klaus and Arthur--� �-- Is there something we need to be aware of, gentlemen?� James interrupted, as he, Jake and the others stepped up to the pond. �If whatever it is involves myself and my family, not to mention our alliance, then this seems like a conversation that we should be a part of.� Kessler shot a worried look towards Marco, who simply crossed his thick arms over his chest, and stared the pit bull down. �Tell him what you told me and my Beta. Now.� �B-but, Mr. Binetti, you know what will happen if I say anything! Forget the government; forget the Agency, if those cats find out I barked, I'm fucked! They'll come for my family!� �No, they won't. You DO remember who you're speaking to, don't you? On my word, your family will be protected. Now, tell them. Right now. Or I will tell them myself, and you'll find that those 'cats' aren't the only ones your family will have to worry about.� Marco growled, his yellow-stained fangs peeking from the corner of his muzzle. The pit bull let out a heavy sigh, his eyes tracing the grass at his feet for a moment, before he raised his gaze to meet James. �It's the Gathering, and what's left of the Council. They've somehow got word of what the cops had panned, and they've gone ahead and decided on a temporary merger, just like yours. The street Cats, the Tigers, and those pricks Klaus and Arthur have all met and came to an agreement. After what happened over the past couple of months, those two mutts made a sweetheart deal with the cats to come and settle the score! They've decided that Damien Rhah and his Pride should be the first to go, to set an example for the rest of us! They're scared of you all; Gods know, I'm scared of you all... But you knew that they couldn't just let this thing that you're doing go unpunished...� �FUCK!� Jake shouted loudly, drawing the attention of the party-goers around him. �Lenny and Henry! They were supposed to be here today with their Dad! I swear to the Gods, if anything happens to them... Hey, Kessler! When's this raid supposed to go down?� The shaking pit pull tugged back the sleeve on his suit to check his digital watch. �In about two hours or less. I just came here from the meeting, myself.� James, Victor, Ricky and Jake exchanged knowing looks, before turning around and heading back towards the main table. �Before you open your mouth, I don't care what you say, Dad, I'm going along for this. Lenny and Henry are friends of mine, and I owe Lenny a debt for saving my life back east.� Jake muttered as he slammed his drink onto the table and turned to head for the house. �And I'm with Jake, Lenny and Marco,� Ricky growled, as the stocky man clenched his fists and let out a heavy sigh from his nostrils. � 'Til death... That's what we all swore to each other when we were in the Marines. I gotta go and get Kurt, Ted Fender and a few of the newer guys in my crew armed and ready... Heh... I never thought I'd be the one to say this, but... It's time to go to war again.� �Damn right. But like you said, you're not going alone,� Came the gruff voice from behind him. Marco Binetti and his Beta, Giancarlo, stood ready and willing, their muscles tensed beneath their suits as they struggled to contain their rage and take action. �I'll call up a detachment of shooters from my Family as well. They'll meet us on-site at the Rhah Manor.� �No shit,� James muttered under his breath as he quickly downed his entire glass of whiskey, before setting it on the table. �While you're handling that, Gianni, I want you to go and find Kurt and R�my for Rick. If these assholes want to go on a Pride Safari, then we'll show them why they shouldn't be hunting on our turf! Jake? Go talk to the Fenders. If Ted and old Jimmy decide that they want in, make sure that they know that their lives are on the line. And make sure that Connor stays here, with Bobby for protection. Ricky? I want you to call up your friends, the Tiger Twins. If this so-called alliance is willing to go all-out, then so should we. Victor, unlock the armory, and get the rest of these people the hell out of here! I want this house secured, and all of us locked and loaded, right now! And somebody get me on the fuckin' phone with Damien Rhah!� --------Fifteen Minutes Later, Rhah Manor, North Harbor City-------- �They fuckin' what?!� The deep bass-filled growl of Damien Rhah echoed through the den as he spoke into the phone held against his ear. �They're coming for you, Dame, what's left of the Council and the Gathering. They want you and your sons dead. It looks like Klaus and Arthur wanted to use your Pride to make an example for the rest of us. Now, I've got Marco, Giancarlo, Jake, Ricky, their guys, and the Fenders all willing to back you up, not to mention Victor, his son, and a new kid, who's got some real potential. We're convoying our way to your side of town right now; we should be able to make it in thirty minutes or less. In the meantime, I want you to arm up, all of you! ...If Henry decides that he can't handle this fight, then make sure he's safe... We're coming to get you. I'M coming to get you... old friend.� James spoke softly, as he took the time to check the .45 caliber M1911A1 pistol he'd taken from the armory. �I've already lost too many friends in this lifetime; I ain't losin' any more!� Came Jake's yell from the backseat as he and R�my braced themselves against the doors as Victor suddenly took a corner at high speed, sending his armored Maserati nearly into a tailspin, his maneuver quickly followed by Ricky's truck, Marco's heavy SUV and the Fender's beat-up old Buick, which was being tailed by at least four more cars as they continued on their frenzied route. �You won't be losing these ones, Doc!� Came a familiar yell over the phone, as the sound of Lenny racking a shotgun came over the line. �We've got enough ammo and artillery to hold these fuckers off unless you guys get here first! Henry! Go upstairs and get into the panic room! You know the code! And take a gun with you!� Lenny's voice came out as a roar as the sound of multiple firearms being racked and stacked began to fill the line. �We've got about half a dozen of our guys here with us, including Rory! We'll all get to work setting up this place as a kill box! See you guys when you get here!� �Victor! Floor the fuckin' gas! These pricks just crossed the fuckin' line!� James shouted as the older Fox quickly swerved onto the inter-loop freeway. �Come for MY fuckin' friends... They've lost their goddamn minds!� -----------Half an hour later, Rhah Manor, North Harbor City----------- The scene at the Rhah Manor was one of controlled chaos. The soldiers from the Council and the Gathering had yet to arrive, and so the members of the Pride who were present were currently busy setting up solid places to take cover and erecting barricades for extra protection. Several cars and SUV's had been parked directly on the Manor's spacious lawn, forming a rough semicircle as they blocked off access to the front entrance of the large mansion behind them. Victor's Maserati was the first vehicle to arrive, the Fox drifting it to a horizontal stop as he quickly slid between two of the cars and parked directly in front of the entrance-way. Rick's large truck, followed by Marco's armored SUV and their line of reinforcements, quickly took positions near the sides of the large property, forming a nearly impenetrable line of vehicles as they expertly blocked off all access to the mansion and its driveway. As if on cue, Lenny Rhah threw open the heavy entrance doors, and jogged out to meet them, dressed in full battle gear, followed by his father Damien, who cradled an AR-15 in his rough paws. �You guys made it just in time!� The tall Lion shouted as Victor, James, R�my, and Jake quickly exited the vehicle. �A couple of my spotters on the streets just clocked a line of six vans and trucks headed our way! They counted at least twenty shooters that they could see, armed with rifles and pistols!� �Well, it's a good thing that we've got the better trained soldiers, then, not to mention superior arms!� Victor barked in response, his steel-tipped claws gripping a heavily-modified M4 rifle, fitted with a red-dot sight and chambered for armor-piercing rounds. �I'll be taking a position behind that Cadillac Escalade near the center of the circle. R�my!� The elder Fox barked out. His son quickly jogged up to his side, followed by a pair of very large white tigers, their paws clutching their fully-loaded Barrett MRAD sniper rifles, gifted to them by Marco after the hit on Jonny Scars. �I want you on the roof with the Tigers. Spot for them, and call out any targets that might be trying to slip past!� Victor reached into his pocket, and came out with an earpiece. Handing one off to his son, he turned to face the rest of the group. He handed them to James, Jake, Damien, and Lenny as well. R�my gave a determined nod of his head in response, and tapped Mike and Ike on their thick arms as he nodded towards the Mansion's front entrance. �Let's find us a nice nest to perch up in...� �Take the stairs up to the third floor; the ladder that leads to the rooftop is at the end of the hallway!� Damien called after them, before turning his attention back to the matter at paw. Ricky, Marco, and Giancarlo quickly marched up to them, having exited their vehicles, their bodies shielded in bulletproof armor, and carrying military-grade M4A1 assault rifles. �Here, take these,� Victor instructed, handed off earpieces to them as well. �You lot were in the service together. I'm guessing that the four of you are well-used to working in concert,� He nodded towards Jake and Lenny as well. �I'm an assassin. Killing is my business, but I'm no solider; I work better alone. I've already chosen my perch for this coming battle, but I'll gladly defer to any strategies that you might have... this once.� �Alright... We've all made it here with time to spare, so that's our first advantage,� Marco nodded as he drew in a sharp breath to calm his nerves. �Our second leg-up over the enemy is that we've got the manor surrounded with armored vehicles. They're going to have to come a lot stronger than they think, if they want to make their way through our defensive line...� �Not to mention, we've already secured the high ground,� Ricky piped in, �Mike and Ike are two of the best snipers we've ever seen, on the battlefield or otherwise.� Marco and Jake nodded their heads in agreement. Lenny let out a slight huff as he shrugged his shoulders in assent. �Right; I'll give you that. The twins could keep them from even getting close to the house. But what if they've got some tricks up their sleeves? It's like they always used to tell us; 'Assume that the enemy is prepared for everything.'� �Agreed,� Jake nodded his head with a sigh, the tall, ash-gray Coyote taking the time to check on his own rifle. �That being said, this place is more than a mansion; it's a fortress. Just from where I'm standing, I can clearly make out... four different positions from where we could do the most damage one they finally get here... Hmmm... Anybody got any grenades?� The shaking hand of a young otter slowly rose into the air. �I-I've got some,� Kurt murmured under his breath, as he reached around to unzip the backpack on his shoulders, before pulling out three of the metallic, egg-shaped explosives. Jake nodded his head appreciatively as he retrieved them, before handing one over to Marco, and another to Ricky. �My idea is that we do this like we used to back east,� the Coyote explained, tossing his grenade into the air, before catching it deftly in his paw, and slipping it into one of the pockets on his vest. �Marco, you take the easternmost side; stay behind one of those cars for cover. Rick? You've got the west side; keep them from flanking us. Lenny? You're with me. Victor already made it clear that he wants to get up close and personal, so we're gonna back him up, and give him as much cover fire as he needs. Is everybody clear on that?� A chorus of nodding heads was the response. �Umm... Mr. Clayton, sir?� Kurt called out, drawing the Coyote's gaze. �What do you want me to do?� Smirking, Jake marched directly up to the younger otter, and bent over at the waist so that he could see his gaze. Reaching his paws behind his back, Jake withdrew a pair of black-painted, military-issue Ka-Bar combat knives. Flipping them around in his paws, he caught them by the blades, before offering them to the slightly-shaking otter. �I want you to do what you do best,� Jake replied with a slightly smile. �Victor and R�my both told me how you managed to take out those guards when you were on the job. Honestly, if I'd known you'd had a thing for knives, I would've challenged you myself! But then again, I'm a soldier; I'm no duelist or martial artist. I think that these would suit you perfectly.� Kurt took the heavy blades into his paws, flipping them from one paw to the other, changing and reversing his grip. Letting out a heavy sigh, he gave the taller Coyote a single, deep, bow at the waist, giving a nod of his head, before turning around to face the line of vehicles. �I'll take my position in one of the large trees surrounding the driveway.� Kurt drew in a deep breath, before rolling his shoulders and exhaling softly. �While you're taking them from the front, I'll kill as many as I can from behind. So... This is what it feels like...� �What do you mean?� �War. Not a fight, not a duel, not a job... War... It feels... different.� �Pup... You have no idea...� ------END CHAPTER 22--------