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Chapter XLIV The Funeral Days Part I (A Date to Remember)

Lucas was panting as both he and Jai continued to rush towards their next class. He sincerely hoped that Mrs. Maddox wouldn't be too upset with them for being so late. It was Canadian History which he had always made great grades in, so he hoped that she wouldn't react to badly. He also knew Jai himself was a straight A student as well. He doubted either of them needed detention right now, especially after what they both had been put through. Seeing the phantom of his mother took a lot out of him and he honestly just felt drained as if all his energy had been sucked out of his body or something.

'The Abomination was draining your life energy child, how it did that I do not know but it is true unnatural abomination nothing. It is nothing like the beings I encountered on the Dark Plain.' He heard Nocte chime in, which surprised him somewhat. The dark creature was generally the quiet sort and rarely spoke when he hadn't been spoken, but what he said did interest him a bit. Drain his life energy? How? As if sensing his question Nocte helpfully replied giving an explanation. 'The Abomination was slowly sapping away at your strength. If it had been allowed to continue draining you it would be possible you would have been nothing but an empty shell once she was done with you.'

'Well, that is nice...' Lucas thought to Nocte in a mildly sarcastic manner. 'But what did she want with me? I just don't understand. I thought you said she was my guilt being manifested by powers? But it appears she is totally separate from my powers. Why is she harassing me and why did the Cabal want me so bad?' The fox responded as he growled a bit as he thought about those bastards and how they had taken his mother from him. He hoped those bastards were rotting in the deepest depths of hell (or well Tartarus if he remembered what Ian had told him correctly). But honestly he was really impressed with Jai.

'The young feline was indeed brave to speak out against the abomination. Even I am impressed with him.' Nocte admitted in his usual cool voice. Jai himself seemed a bit distracted as they made the run to class. He figured that the cheetah was slowly trying to let everything sink in a bit on what just happened. His world had just been turned upside-down after all. Having just learned that magic exists and having to deal with some crazy psychotic phantom of Lucas's dead mother haunting them both. Then of course there was the other boy... His name was Beau right? Just who was he and what did he want? What did that cryptic message he gave him mean and how did he open that portal? Could he use runes as well? That shouldn't be possible, though Jordan had said numerous times that Mages shouldn't be able to see runes let alone use them to make a gateless portal or something.

Eventually though the two finally found themselves in the classroom and true to form Mrs. Maddox looked extremely irritated at their tardiness, but they managed to convince her that they had been working on something for the school paper and lost track of time and were extremely sorry, which she seemed to buy which Lucas felt thankful for. Going their separate ways Lucas found his seat between Xander and Jonah both of whom looked at him with curiosity.

Surprisingly it was Jonah of all people who spoke first. "What on earth kept you two? You guys are pretty late. Did the 'Talk' really take that long?" He asked in a semi-sarcastic manner, but Lucas swore he could sense a tiny bit of relief in the tone of Jonah's voice.

Jonah really wasn't someone who liked have his feelings pointed out he had learned from his experiences with the Dingo. He still wasn't exactly sure what Jonah's deal was really. He only knew bits of his past with Chase, and that was about it. Jai however jumped a bit at the question, probably not expecting to have someone else mention their talk.

"Ar-are you like Lucas, Jo-Jonah?" He asked in a very timid manner, probably more than a little intimidated by the Dingo's somewhat harsh nature.

"Yes, more or less." Jonah said in a casual whisper. "We're both Mages, but I am a Fire Mage so quite different power wise than Snowball. So you really are a Medium aren't you Paparazzo?" The dingo teased lightly which made Jai frown a bit.

"Paparazzo? Really?" He asked.

That was when Xander finally decided to talk for the first time having remained somewhat quiet during the conversation. "Don't mind him, he gives everyone nicknames... You'll get used to it, trust me." The fox said in a helpful manner.

"You a Mage also Xander?" Jai then asked curiously.

Xander smiled a bit awkwardly but with the prompting of both Lucas and Jonah he decided to speak though in a somewhat low tone. "Sorta... I'm a Changeling. My mother was a Mage and my father was an Elf. I assume you've heard the stories of the Fey, haven't you?" Jai simply nodded at that ensuring that he did indeed know stories of the Fey.

"Yeah, I've read a lot of British Folklore involving Fairies, most have them as being tricksters who enjoy messing with Furs and their pranks could range from harmless to outright malicious if the mood struck them. Cold iron was toxic to them, and they were tremendously beautiful and of-times just as cruel. Does that sound about right?"

"Sorta, I haven't really interacted with many Fey outside my grandpa, but he is pretty nice. Another thing about Fey is they cannot lie. I'm not sure if they are literally unable to do so or it's just a taboo but they do not lie like ever. Though my grandfather said that most Fey love to misdirect or lie by omission to mess with us Furs, but they won't straight up lie to your face. They also are very big on deals, for them a simple thank you for something they did is considered disrespectful and the best way to thank a Fey is to do something for them in return, so most people are very wary about asking a Fey for anything." Xander explained in a helpful manner.

"You seem to know a lot about the Fey, how long have you known you were a Changeling? Another thing..." Jai said in an awkward manner. "I swear I saw you before... From some news thing years back..." Xander stiffened a bit at that comment and Lucas remembered Xander telling him about seeing himself on the news as a missing person. It figured that Jai, being such a big news buff would come upon it. "In fact... you were on the missing persons list weren't you? Forgive my nosiness but how did you get from NYC to here?"

"It's... A long story. Not something I feel comfortable talking about right now, especially in the middle of class, but maybe I will tell you later?"

Jai simply nodded at that and then returned his focus to Jonah, obviously curious about the Dingo's story. Lucas almost found it funny really, but it did fit Jai he was a reporter through and through and it was his nature to ask questions when his curiosity was sparked. It still was kinda odd though, despite being peers he and Jai never really interacted much before his mom's death. Sure they talked to each other in the hallways on occasion and worked together on projects if they were paired up, but they didn't do much outside that. Yet for whatever reason they seemed to click suddenly.

"So you have a story also? Where you from? Well, Australia obviously but what part? Sydney? Melbourne? Canberra? How did you get here?"

Jonah only gave him a mildly annoyed look, seemingly not enjoying Jai's session of 20 questions much. But either way he did wind up replying though his voice reflected his irritation a bit from what Lucas could tell. "I'm from Sydney, but like Runt my story is for another time Paparazzo, so stop being such a nosy cat will you?"

Jai simply nodded, clearly getting the dingo's point which made Lucas sigh, this was certainly going to be an interesting day, wasn't it?

~~~~

Richard smiled cheerfully at Allison as they went down the street. He had somehow managed to get his dad to revoke his grounding so he could go out with her, and he was frankly over the moon about finally being able to go out with the girl he had inexplicably developed a crush on. It still amazed him that he had gotten so attracted to her, she wasn't what he generally considered his 'type' and she was markedly different than any of the girls he had dated. Ronnie being the most obvious of examples. The Collie was almost afraid of her own shadow and would certainly be the last person to jump in and kick someone's ass like it was nothing.

Plus when they had had sex, it was almost always him initiating it, and while the sex was nice something about Allison just taking control really turned him on for whatever reason. Sensing the stirring in his crotch he began blushing and prayed it would go down before Allison noticed, he didn't need the day to start so awkwardly. Thankfully the stirring did stop and he felt his cock return into his sheath which made him sigh in relief. That was far too close.

"So just where are we heading Allison? Just how far is it?" He asked in a curious tone. They had been walking for maybe ten or so minutes and he still didn't have much of a grasp of Bayfield. The craziness of the past few weeks had limited him on exploration of the area really so he didn't know many places, but since Allison was a local (or well lived here a lot longer at least) she would be more familiar with the sites.

Allison merely gave him a calm look and what seemed like a ghost of a smile before she spoke. "We are almost there Richard, not to far at all. I said I wanted it to be a surprise you remember? Telling you would ruin that surprise, so please be patient."

Richard simply nodded as he looked around him. They were near a very nice park one of the larger ones in Bayfield. Hallow-Wood Park if he remembered. From what he heard they had a small platform in the park where they held various musical festivals, which being such a music buff really peaked his interest. The street itself was filled with numerous little kids and their parents, all of them enjoying themselves for a day. Some seemed to be watching their kids playing in the park, whilst others were dragging them with them as they did their shopping. He also noticed a few kids their age, though given their clothes they were more middle-class and probably attended one of the local public schools.

It kinda also interested him, what it was like growing up in a middle-class family. It was part of the reason Allison interested him so much really. He knew very well that he had grown up quite privileged, growing up in a very wealthy family and all. He had never wanted for anything which he was grateful for, but it still made him curious on how different people lived without the privilege he had grown accustomed to. He had always respected his teachers, especially the ones who hadn't come from wealthy backgrounds since they had to fight tooth and nail for what they got, and didn't have it just handed to them. It was why his dad was so insistent that both he and Ian should go to college and get a part time job, so they could 'understand how people who weren't born wealthy lived.

Shaking his head from his thoughts he looked around and noticed Allison had stopped right in front of a fancy looking restaurant. The place was gleaming it was so clean and he could see the name had Japanese writing on it though he couldn't make heads or tails of it. "Is this where we'll be eating Allison?" He asked the young coyote in front of him. "You ever eat here?" The coyote stayed silent for a few moments before nodding. "I assume you know the people? You seem to have a lot of connections here despite only living here a few years."

"The owner is named Satoshi Takahara he is a fairly high ranking member of the Brotherhood. You might know his son, Yosuke Takahara."

That name did sound kinda familiar... "Yosuke...? You mean the Swim Team Captain? He is part of the Brotherhood as well? Just how many people belong to that group?"

"I am not at liberty to say, but this restaurant is named Indigo Palace. It is a very popular spot for people who have a taste for authentic Japanese food." She explained as she entered the building with him following closely behind. The interior was done in a very classic Japanese style. The floors looked to covered in fancy tatami mats and the tables themselves were low-lying much like the ones you would see a large fancy looking shoji which seemed to lead to a staircase which he presumed led to the family living quarters since he noticed the building had two stories.

All the female servers were dressed in what looked like traditional kimonos and were wearing what looked like traditional Geisha makeup. He noticed a few of the waitresses looked of European descent, but he figured that the owners weren't picky on servers. He also saw quite a few of the geisha like ladies were on a stage performing some traditional Japanese music while people dined in peace. "This place is beautiful..." He uttered out in awe of the sheer spectacle of the place.

"Thank you child." A bell-like voice said from the counter. He jumped a bit and saw a lovely weasel dressed in an especially elaborate kimono which seemed to mark her as the proprietress of the establishment. "Oh, and dear honoured one, it is good to see you again. How are you fairing in life?" This was said in Japanese he figured, since he couldn't really understand just what the woman had said, but Allison herself understood obviously enough as she herself replied in Japanese as well.

"I am doing well Madame Takahara. I am sorry I have not stopped by to eat for such a long while, I had other things distracting me. But I have brought a friend of mine here. If I may ask may we get one of the private rooms? If they are not already taken."

Madame Takahara only laughed gently and waved it off with no problem. "There is no issue at all, you are always an honoured guest my dear. It would be improper of us if we didn't give you the best possible service for your status." She said before turning her head to shout something out. "Yosuke! We need guests to be seated come here please!" She cried out, and soon enough a young male weasel a few years older than them came rushing out. Like the women, he was dressed in a kimono, though like most male kimonos it was far more simple than the ones the ladies were wearing. He bowed to them in respect before he decided to speak his voice surprisingly soft.

"It is an honour to have you here Honoured One, you as well Master Mansfield. Please follow me, I will take you to your table." With that he walked off and they followed and going through another fancy sliding door found themselves in a very elaborately decorated room. They had several fancy Japanese oil paintings and he noticed with some interest the one standing on the farthest wall was of a male Akita in full Samurai armour. He looked like he was in his mid-late twenties and he had a stern determined look on his face which eerily reminded him of Allison almost.

"Who is the man in the painting?" He asked nobody in particular, "He must be special to be placed in such a fancy room."

It was Yosuke who replied surprisingly and he bowed his head in respect for the man inside the painting. "The man in the painting is Hayashi Akira. He was a famous and brilliant samurai who lived in the 15th Century. My great ancestor was the one who painted the portrait as a favour to their Lord. As you probably know the 15th Century was the beginning of what is known as the Sengoku era or the Warring States period. The two were good friends growing up. Akira was the only son of a prosperous Samurai family and my Ancestor was the court artist for the Daimyo they both served."

Richard merely nodded, that did seem awesome, an actual samurai that lived nearly 500 years ago, but he still couldn't really shake off the odd sense of familiarity he felt when he looked closer at the picture. He swore it felt like he knew the man, but that was impossible he had lived in the 15th century as the man was surely long dead. Curiosity eventually got the better of him though and he surprised himself when he found himself asking Allison what he been thinking.

"I'm curious is there a connection between you, Akira and my great-grandfather? You remind me of both of them for whatever reason, and just how do you know so much about the Clans? Not even the Brotherhood should know so much about my Clan, yet you know so much it's almost eerie in a way." He said and winced a bit at Allison's cold stare which made him feel like he was about to be roadkill.

"As I said, how I know the things I know is none of your concern, and I have no ill intentions toward your Clan. If I did I wouldn't have waited so long. How I know is none of your concern so please do not continue to be nosy."

"Alright. Sorry then, but hope you do eventually decide to share I am honestly very intrigued by you in a way, you defy any and all my expectations, and you are incredible!" Richard said in a shy tone. "I respect you a lot really." He was surprised at the small smile Allison gave him, an actual genuine smile and it really did enhance her lovely face instead of the usual scowl she had.

"You flatter me Richard. I do respect you as well, you have shown yourself remarkably mature for a Fur so young. Do you ever miss Scotland? You ever plan on going back?"

"I miss it every single moment of every day." He admitted calmly. "It's home after all, my family and Clan are there. Of course, we plan on going back, hopefully maybe for Summer holiday, and probably will go back for Uni." He continued. What are your plans after school? Am honestly curious."

"I want to get a degree in Medicine it would help by healing having proper knowledge of modern medicine." Allison replied, right as Yosuke returned with the food. Once they were served, the young man refilled their tea and left to care for other customers. Eating was a quiet yet comfortable affair surprisingly Richard found. It was pleasant to just be sitting and being comfortable with someone as closed off as Allison. Even she seemed to be enjoying herself as well.

"So Akira was a Samurai right? What was his Lord's name?"

"His Daimyo was a man named Akiyama Hiroshi." She explained. "He was actually the second son and was never expected to take the throne. His Father had died in a battle when he was young and his older brother was fighting against another Daimyo and was mortally wounded during the skirmish. He was betrothed to Akira's sister Yukari. They were days away from their wedding when he passed, and when Hiroshi was forced to take over his Clan he married her in his brother's stead.

"That's sad..." Richard said in an almost pained voice. "I couldn't even imagine losing my fiancée so close to the wedding, poor woman."

"Yes it was, but the two were good friends and were very close. Hiroshi was initially very shy and uncertain after Ascension. He had been trained as a diplomat, not a ruler. However, Akira and Yukari aided him every step of the way and he became a great one."

Richard just nodded Hiroshi seemed a lot like him, God forbid if anything happened to Ian he would take his place as heir which was something that he desperately hoped would never happen, stupid as his little jealousy was he did really love his brother and if anything happened he would be devastated. Thankfully Ian seemed the be doing fine and was in perfect health as far as Richard knew. He was happy that Ian had found Lucas he really had come a long way since they moved, they all had honestly.

"I take it that you do like living here, correct? It must be hard though, the homesickness? This is the longest you been away from home correct?"

"Yup, hard to believe how far things have come in the relatively short time we have been here, especially with Lucas and Ian. It's amazing just how far Lucas has come along since he and Ian started dating." Richard said in a kind tone.

Allison simply gave a nod before she herself spoke. "I am willing to at least give your brother this, he has done well with Mason in getting the fox to open up. I was not around when Harvey betrayed him, but I still saw the after-effects. I had never seen someone look as hollow as he did during that time it truly was a sad thing. I still fear for Mason though, while he has come very far, he is still quite fragile emotionally and any more traumatic events and I fear he might relapse or snap completely."

Richard could only wince at her words knowing just how true they were. Lucas had been through more things in a few weeks than most went through in a lifetime, especially with his mother's funeral coming up tomorrow. Plus Jai was also a factor with his powers burgeoning and his new knowledge of the Hidden World.

"So what are our plans for Jai? You are planning on getting him accepted into the Brotherhood right? How does that process work?."

"I will arrange a meeting between Mishra and Si Tai Gung Tan and he will personally interview Mishra and decide if he will be worthy of joining the Brotherhood. If he is not I will have no choice but to contact the Knights and have them train him. He cannot keep going like he is now, or I fear for his safety as his powers get stronger and stronger as he gets older."

"Is it true Mediums were the most at risk for possession? I heard about it often whenever we were taught about the various gifts and their strengths and weaknesses just in case we came into conflict with the Knights and their legion of Gifted members."

"I understand the Council and Knights have been in an unofficial Cold War for centuries. Both sides do fear the other breaking the extremely fragile peace between them because any conflict would be catastrophic to say the least. The two would probably destroy everything around them during the conflict." Allison muttered. "It is part of why we exist to act as a mediator if things get heated up. But I do believe that Mishra could make a good Monk and his skills in investigation and journalism could be a valued asset as well." She explained.

"Our numbers will never reach the Knights because they are just simply far more organized and influential but the fact we accept both Mages and Mundanes set us apart so extraordinary talent is always sought after. We may be small, but we are feared enough that neither would be willing to cause conflict and risk is stepping in."

"So would Jai be learning martial arts as well?"

"That depends more on Mishra... Some Monks never actually learn combat they have skills in other areas but I say learning to fight would be ideal for him. He is at risk of Hunter attacks as they disdain gifted Mundanes almost as much as Mages." She said as Yosuke came and asked them if they needed anything else.

"I'm good Yosuke, thanks though!" Richard told him cheerfully with Allison replying the same. They talked for the rest of the time before eventually it was about time to head home, Richard didn't want his parents to worry too much and he wanted to walk Allison home, he could just ask Lucas to open a portal back to home afterwards.

"May I walk you home? I'll just have Lucas open a portal for me." He asked, his face feeling like it was about to burst into flames with how much he was blushing. He was once again thanking the gods that he had been born with dark fur, it made hiding the blushing easier.

"While I can fully walk home by myself without any real issue, yes, you may walk me home. I enjoyed our excursion immensely Richard." Allison said as they walked down the street to Allison's neighbourhood. It was pretty nice, an Upper-Middle Class place with plenty of small shops and boutiques. He noticed that they passed by her Dad's bakery which looked pretty busy. He still hadn't gotten to go there yet. From what he had heard from both Allison and his other classmates who went there, the stuff there was top-notch and high quality.

"So am curious what got your dad into baking? How did he go from a combat veteran to a neighbourhood baker, and what brought him to Vancouver?" He asked her in a curious tone, he really did want to get to know her more as well as her parents. Her Dad was an intimidating man in all honesty, even if he didn't have any magic or special power. Allison simply shrugged at that question as they continued their walk through the tree covered street. The sun was beginning to set at that time and the area was bathed in a beautiful orangey light which reflected nicely on Allison grey fur.

"My Father often helped my Grandmother in the kitchen growing up, so he developed a passion for it. He often baked things for his regiment during his time Kuwait. He and my Mother had actually went to school together and were high-school sweethearts, and had gotten engaged before he his deployment like most people did back then. After he had gotten home from the war they got married and eventually had me." She explained with a tiny smile. "Things were pretty idyllic for them for the first few years until I turned five and I was brought for training by the Brotherhood. The reason they moved to Vancouver because my Mother had gotten a job at the hospital, so they moved and my Father bought the old tattoo parlour and converted it to his bakery."

"That's neat, my parents weren't exactly high-school sweethearts. My Dad growing up in Perth, and my Mum in Aberdeen, but My Grandpa's were extremely close friends growing up as were our Grandmothers, so they saw a lot of each other and started dating once they went to college." He stated cheerfully. "Naturally they got married straight out of college and had Ian and me."

This seemed to perk Allison's interest as she gave him an inquisitive look before she spoke her voice curious. "Speaking of your parents, it seems odd that your parents stopped at two children. Most Mages tend to have around four or five children especially ones of such high profile as your family."

Richard winced at that, feeling mildly uncomfortable at the question but it was a fair question given that he had asked her more personal things. "Her pregnancy with me was pretty rough, she had severe morning sickness among other things, and my birth was very rough and her doctors advised her to not risk any other children, so they decided to stop after me."

Allison just nodded with that, "I think my parents didn't they think could handle another child on top of me." She chuckled lightly and shook her head.

They spent the rest of the walk in a comfortable silence just enjoying each-others company until they finally found themselves outside her house. They reached the porch and then faced each other awkwardly.

"Well... here we are..." Allison said calmly and formally and he nodded feeling another blush across his cheeks and as per usual grateful for his dark fur.

"Yeah... I had a good time..." He said before he decided to push his luck, and leaned into Allison and gently tipped her head up and gave her quick and chaste kiss before he stepped away. "I really enjoyed being around you, and I hope we can do this again, but will see you at the funeral." He said before he stepped off the porch and texted Lucas, asking him if we would open a portal to his house. Sure enough a portal opened up right in front of him showing him the basement area, and sending the fox a thank you text, he stepped into the portal leaving Allison behind not seeing her odd expression.

~~~~

Allison stared at the spot where the young wolf had been just a moment ago and touched her lips. It felt... strange to her feelings. The wolf brought feelings that she had never felt before. Shaking her head, she sighed and walked inside and saw her Mother in the sitting room in her uniform probably getting ready to go to work. "Mother, I'm surprised to see you. I figured you would be gone for work by now."

Her mother gave her a small smile and shook her head. "I was about to leave, but I'm glad I caught you... How was your date with the mage boy?" She said as she strained on the word Mage as if it was a curse world.

Allison frowned a bit at that, after everything her mother still seemed to have a certain amount disdain for magic, probably due to her religious upbringing. "Don't be like that Mother." Allison tutted lightly, her mother only gave a stern sigh obviously annoyed as this hadn't been the first time her daughter had taken this tone with her.

"Don't talk to me like that Allie," Her mother stated. "I am your mother and you will treat me like so. I do not like magic, it goes against everything I was raised on. Mages are dangerous, they can control the very forces of nature and if they lose control they can cause great deal of destruction. Nobody should have such power." She said with a sigh. "Where did they even come from? They are different, no matter how much they look like us they aren't like us Mundanes."

Allison sighed at that. "They aren't exactly like us, but they are still mortal. They are no less a fur than us." Allison said kindly. "They are no better or worse than we are. To them magic is like breathing, or sight or smell, it's an innate, inborn trait."

Her mother sighed once again and got up and grabbed her hospital bag and went up to Allison and kissed her forehead. "We just agree to disagree dear, but I need to get to work. I love you Allie, and I hope the boy treats you well." She said before she walked out to her car outside in the driveway.

Her dad didn't seem to be back from the bakery yet so she went into the basement training area and changed into her training clothes and started working on her punching bag and began hitting it in a constant rhythm as she punched, kicked and flipped as she continued her training. Her thoughts were still a bit shaken from the feelings that Richard seemed to have stirred in her. 'Focus Allison, this is but a phase, the boy will move on eventually. He will move on like all boys do. Teenage boys are fickle in their attractions.' She thought to herself thought it rang somewhat hollow, even to her own thoughts and ears. Sighing she shook her head and rubbed her forehead as if a headache was coming on. 'Uh, I don't need this right now.' She thought to herself annoyingly while she rubbed her temples in frustration.

"Something wrong dear?" She heard a concerned male voice call from behind her. Turning around she saw her father standing at the top of the stairs above her. "You enjoy your date honey?" He asked as he came down towards her.

"It went very well," she said softly while looking down towards the ground in an unsure matter, something she thought she would do. "It went extremely well in fact, I find his attraction sweet, and he seems to genuinely like me."

"Do you like him Allie? If not you should never lead him on."

Allison just sighed and rubbed her arm once again.

"I do like him, very much I might add... and that is the problem, me having feelings for him will only bring him trouble. He and his family are already under threat by both Cain and Abel and their groups, especially his brother given his status as an heir. The Mansfield's are a very powerful and influential Clan. I don't want to put him in any additional danger." She said, while she continued to stare at the floor and was shocked when she felt her father turn her around to embrace her into a tight hug.

"Don't be like that Allie, don't throw away a chance at love. I don't want you to be alone all your life. You can't push everyone away Allie. Nobody can work completely alone, not even you." He said. "The boy is a powerful mage, so is his brother and their parents, they are very well guarded and you told me yourself that Lucas has an immense amount of power. Let yourself go with this feelings Allie. For once let yourself be a normal girl and go with the feelings you have. It is obvious you are attracted to him, so just go with it and be free." He said before kissing her cheek and leaving the room.

Allison could only shake her head and smile. She really underestimated her Father sometimes. He might not have been through the things she went through, but he did have amazing insights when it came to certain things. "Thank you Father. Maybe I'll follow your advice after all..." She said as she looked at her phone. "Maybe I can ask Mason a favour..." She said as she began to type on her phone.

~~~

Richard's personal high kept on as he reached home. He could tell both Jonah and Ian both were rolling their eyes at him for his perpetually happy grin on his face but he literally didn't care! He had finally gotten to go on a date with Allison and it had been amazing! Everything seemed to go just right and even she seemed to have enjoyed herself! Now he had to see if she was interested with going on another date with him? Maybe to the movies this time?"

"You must have really enjoyed yourself huh Wolfie?" He heard Jonah ask in a strange tone which seemed to go between teasing and... jealousy? He wasn't sure since his face seemed to keep the usual cool expression he seemed to default to. Shrugging it off Richard nodded cheerily and gave a thumbs-up towards the Dingo. The guy was pretty cool once got to know him, or at least Richard thought so and they had a shared interest in music as well which did help them bond on a deeper level.

"He must've." Ian muttered. I know a lovey dovey look when I see it. Hell, I have that look on my face whenever I'm around Lucas." His brother said before sighing. He really missed having Lucas here, Richard could tell. Not that he blamed him. They had shared a bed for weeks, and their relationship had really taken off, and those two were so in love with each other it also gave him cavities.

"Stop teasing him you two." Greg said in a chiding manner as he always was the responsible one of their ragtag little group. "But glad you enjoyed yourself Richard, want me to fix you something up?"

"No, I am fine." Richard said, shrugging the tiger off. "I'm still full from the restaurant. I'm going to lay down." He said before he went off to his room leaving the others to just look at him and give a light shrug. Once he was in his room he cast a locking spell to give himself some privacy, but when he turned around he was shocked to see a familiar coyote sitting on his bed.

"Al-Allison?!" He whispered out in shock before he cast a silencing spell so no one would overhear them. "What are you doing in my room? HOW did you get into my room?" Allison simply sat up and shrugged a bit before she looked directly in his eyes her cool green eyes surprisingly soft.

"I asked Mason to open a portal for me, I wanted to speak with you."

Richard sighed a bit at that, it should have been obvious. Lucas had already had shown he could easily make portals and ignore wards, and would probably do just that if Allison had asked him to.

"What do you want to talk about? Couldn't it have waited until tomorrow? It's getting late and tomorrow is the funeral." Richard said in a soft voice, but Allison simply shook her head and walked up to him, putting her finger on his lips as it to silence him in a gentle manner.

"Close your eyes." She told him gently, confused he simply obliged and closed and was surprised when he felt her lips calmly brush up against his. The young wolf froze for a second in pure shock before he relaxed and kissed her back. It was an odd feeling, while they had kissed before it had been mostly him giving her the kiss but this was different. Gently he brought her closer to him and much to his surprise she let him do so as they deepened the kiss. Soon enough they separated, the need to breathe surprising the desire to kiss. Backing away a bit Richard could only stare at her in confusion.

"As nice as that was, what was that about? I never thought you would initiate anything honestly." He said blushing.

"I really care for you Richard," Allison said in a surprisingly soft voice, though her face stayed neutral she seemed almost shy as she spoke. "I respect you a lot, you are very mature for your age I must admit, and for whatever reason I feel drawn to you for some reason beyond my own understanding." She said before walking up to him in a calm confident manner. "I am not sure if this will last, or we will drift apart but I want to see how this goes." She said while holding out her paw. Shyly Richard took it, and slowly brought her in for a second kiss, and as he did so he felt something strange. Like something shifted within himself. Something as if part of his soul fell from him and Allison's soul taking its place he was left dazed until Allison shoved him away in shock.

"Allison? What happened? What WAS that right now?" Richard demanded in a confused manner, he still felt somewhat dizzy from the experience that just happened."

"I think... I think our souls have been linked... I... I didn't know this was even possible." The Coyote girl stated, her voice almost sounding shaky and not her usual calm voice. "In all my lives I never thought one could bind their own soul to another."

"Allison... what are you talking about? Just who are you? Heck, WHAT are you?" He demanded. "Just tell me what you mean when you said our souls are linked? And what do you mean by all your lives?!"

With a sigh, Allison only shook her head before speaking her voice regaining some of its calmness, but it was still unusually soft for her. "I am a Channeler... When I die, I am reborn into another person... My last life was your Great-Grandfather Arlen Mansfield, and our souls... we are it seems, now bound together..."