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A member of the City Guard of Karyd stood outside the double doors to the Council Hall where the Council of Elders was in session. She was a grey wolf dressed in a green leather uniform with the symbol of the City Guard, a falcon with a snake in its talons. She had a badge that marked her as Captain of the Guard. Her name was Kyra and she had brown eyes that held the fires of determination even though she gotten very little sleep last night.

The wait gave her time to think. The past night had been both eventful and intolerable for her. She had a hunch yesterday about that night; she felt she should go out with a patrol. Her instincts were usually correct about such feelings. They had to be, her instincts kept her alive. Karyd was a place where the City Guard was relentless and as a result there was little crime. Most citizens saw what happened to criminals and were too afraid that they might suffer similar fates.

The crime that did happen was usually apart of two varieties: the dangerous organized underground or desperate last ditch efforts for survival. The latter was usually vagabonds and such stealing for food. They were punished severely, a long sentence to the dungeons, the loss of a one or both hands, or even torture.

What kept guards up at night was the underground crime. If a person wanted to place a hit on someone, or buy and sell stolen goods, or make profit under the table the underground was the place to go. They had channels of communication and bodyguards that helped the processions run smoothly. If anything disrupted the underground there would be blood to pay. Many guards died fighting for justice in Karyd.

Most of the everyday citizens and visitor had no idea about the organized crime happening everyday. The city state's reputation boasted little crime because of the excellent City Guard and its respectable Captain, Kyra. There was a price however: the City Guard if backed by the Council could do almost anything it wanted. Fighting against a well organized opponent hiding among the general populace they had to be able to do what was necessary in order to protect the citizens, thought Kyra. The citizens hated and feared the Guard more than crime. Most people saw the Guard as a barely restrained killing machine held back only by the Council. What they didn't know was that the truth was closer to the other way around.

Her thoughts turned to the chase of that ninja. Why was there a ninja in her city anyway? They came from a land very far away from Karyd. Too far to be of any use whether in trading or invasion as many other lands were between the two places. So what was he doing here?

Then she thought about he had done. The very memory made her blood boil. For him to have goaded her into a rage was beyond forgivable. After he and his companion had dared to break into High Elder Brunin's storehouse too! It was unthinkable how one would have the guts to taunt her. Soon she would spill those guts onto the ground. She would personally kill that arrogant ninja.

She recalled what he had said to her; how he complimented her and said he respected her. Captain of his heart indeed. To top it off he had the courage to ask if she had been yiffed lately! Her love life was none of his business, it didn't matter that she hadn't had a love life for some time. The worst part was his words cut deep, they awoke a longing she kept locked away; she was lonely.

The double doors opened and a servant led her into the large circular room. It consisted of three levels, the floor which she was on, the councilor's level just over the walls of the floor, and the High Council platform above on side of the councilor's level. The walls of the floor were ornately decorated with murals depicting wrongdoers facing justice, councilors attaining wisdom, and followers striving for ascension. The floor was empty save for a single platform in the center. On the second level the Council was seated all around her in two rows, and in front of her on the upper platform sat the three High Council members.

High Elder Draught was an ancient dragon with green scales and clad in a brightly colored robe with intricate designs all over it. To his right was High Elder Binte, a middle-aged rat that wore simple brown robes. The third member was High Elder Brunin, a fat weasel that had to have his seat made specifically to hold his considerable girth and weight. He wore jewelry on most of his fingers and tied in his fur and the most expensive red and white robes.

Once Kyra stepped onto the platform she was illuminated by a light from the ceiling. High Elder spoke first in a low rumbling voice. "What report do you bring before the Council, Captain?"

The wolf cleared her throat before answering. "Last night an attempt was made by two thieves to break into a storehouse owned by High Elder Brunin." A few murmurs emanated from the Elders that had not already heard this news. "One was clothed as a ninja and used tactics said to be used by ninjas including evading the Guard by scaling a two story stone building in mere seconds by not apparent means."

More whispers erupted from the Elders with the news of a ninja in the city, something unheard of until then. One Councilor spoke what the rest were thinking, "Could this be hostile activity on behalf of their nation against the Council and Karyd itself?"

The wolf captain continued her report, "It is unlikely as their nation is much too far to be bothered with our city, it is still unknown what the ninja is doing here but the Guard is investigating the situation. It is my belief that he is acting on his own accord."

"What interest did he hold for High Elder Brunin's storehouse?" questioned High Elder Draught.

"That is also unknown. It is likely that he just wished to obtain goods to profit form and possibly picked the warehouse as a random target or he though his abilities were up to the task of disabling the defenses."

High Elder Brunin shifted in his seat, "Clearly he overestimated himself. What measures are being taken by the Guard to apprehend the suspect?"

Kyra didn't like the tone of the question. "We are systematically combing the streets, sewers, and rooftops attempting to flush him out into the open. In certain cases we are searching suspicious residences, shops, and warehouses. We also have undercover guards searching the market. I am gathering intel from sources outside the Guard to help the search. We will find him.

"When you catch him," High Elder Brunin emphasized the word catch, "find out everything about him."

Kyra's tail twitched in annoyance. What did he think she was, an amateur? High Elder Draught coughed, "Is there anything else related to this incident to report, Captain?"

He was certainly well informed, she thought. "Yes sir, we have captured the ninja's accomplice, a young male raccoon, while he was roaming the waterfront. I will personally interrogate him shortly." Her face flushed with a hint of anger. She would find out all that the boy knew about the ninja.

Brunin smiled, "In that case I hereby forward the motion to execute the raccoon when no other information can be plucked from him."

"I second the motion," said another councilor sitting close to High Elder Brunin.

"Very well," Draught said standing up. "All in favor of execution?" A chorus of 'ayes' echoed throughout the room. "All opposed?" Silence. "The motion of execution is passed. You are dismissed, Captain. Carry out your interrogation then report to the High Council of your results."

Kyra bowed deeply then marched out of Council Hall, "I will find him," she growled to herself, "and then I will kill him."

In a small shop at the edge of the business district the owner of the shop had just finished closing and had just sat down to relax upstairs. The lower floor was used to buy sell trinkets of all kinds while the upper floor was the shop owner's home. He was a middle aged plump otter male with light brown fur. His eyes were a deep grey blue and closed in repose. A dark brown and respectable looking tunic clung to his large body as he sat in his favorite chair.

A slight breeze brushed by the shop keep and without opening his eyes he called out, "Hiroto, me friend, it has been too long." When he heard the rustle that indicated his friend wished to be seen he finally opened his eyes.

In a dark corner of the room a figure emerged from the shadows. He was clad in a black shinobi shozuku, an outfit with cotton trousers that had a sash around his waist and a cotton jacket tucked into the pants and a black hood and mask that covered the top of his head and his canine muzzle. On his ankles and wrists small ties kept the garb tight and on his feet he wore the split toed design of the jika-tabi boots. Tucked into this sash at his waist was a katana and the shop keep knew that many other weapons were concealed in the outfit. The ninja had a voluminous black furred tail that swayed back and forth behind him, black ears poking through his hood, and sky blue eyes that shone with amusement.

"If your paws were as keen as your mind you would be a master ninja, Skein, you old sea dog," said the ninja.

The otter smiled, "Were yer paws any lighter ya would be naught but a shadow. Care fer some tea?" he asked standing up but he already knew the answer.

The vulpine ninja clapped a hand on his friends shoulder, "Why the usual meal-to-go would be wonderful, thanks for offering! In payment I will tell of my recent activities." The otter mock scowled to hide his growing smile and led the ninja into the small kitchen.

While Skein prepared the food the fox explained the previous night's events and told him about the missing raccoon. "Ya created quite a fuss las' night," started Skein, "the Guard've been trippin' o'er themselves looking fer ya. Searched e'erwhere they did. A few of me contacts barely 'scaped." Skein's shop may have sold trinkets but the otter also was in contact with the underground, he sold information to those with the funds to afford it. The otter had his own moral code, take what you can and sell it to the highest bidder. There were some things Skein would not sell though. He had never yet sold out his friends or given information that could harm or inconvenience them in even the most minor way.

The otter had joined the underground because he wanted freedom from the Council's iron fist. The underground was a connection of cutthroats, thieves, bandits, outlaws, ruffians, and gangs. Many secretly worked for the Council and if they were foolish enough to get caught all claims were denied and an unfortunate accident may occur in their dungeon cell.

The rest of the underground was composed of citizens that had discovered the truth of the Council and had decided to fight back. Skein was one of these self proclaimed Warriors of Rebellion. Their numbers were too few and they had little organization to do more than irritate the Council and their well trained Guard. That was how they kept alive and avoided too much attention. Many attempts to hold meetings ended in a raid by the Guard or other underground member loyal to the Council.

Most of the information he had was harmless though, a foreign merchant with rare items selling for cheap, he could point you in the direct of help for almost any situation, and even some gossip. The more secret, and thus more expensive, information fell along the lines of who had stolen certain items, who was involved in a certain murder, and the locations of secret pathways to be used for escape. If it was known to anyone in Karyd, it was assumed by those in the underground that Skein knew it to. Business was good for the otter.

Skein finished with the food and put it all in a small leather sack and handed it to the ninja who hid it in his shirt. Then he sat down, leaned forward and looked the fox in the eye, "A young 'coon fella matchin' yer description was caught by da Guard for breakin' inta Brunin's storehouse." His voice grew more serious, "He is ta be hung on the morrow." The fox's eye flashed. "If'n ya want ta be rescuein' him, an' I see that ya do, I ken tell yer where he is bein' held."

The fox shook his head slowly, "Too risky it would be heavily guarded and besides I have a better and more dramatic idea. Is he to be hung at first light?" Skein nodded. "We'll see about that. You have my thanks friend."

He stood to leave but the otter held up a paw, "Keep sharp. The High Elders are up ta sumthin' big. I can't be more specific but I think life in Karyd is about ta change." The ninja nodded and patted his friend's back.

"I feel it too old friend. Stay safe," he said as he departed through the nearest open window.

Stepping out of a dungeon cell holding a small raccoon boy, Kyra scowled. The boy knew nothing useful. Not where the ninja had come from, what he was doing or where he might be found. Nothing. The boy was huddled fearfully in the corner trembling.

The captain passed two guards at the door of the cell and didn't bother to return the salute and made her way out of the dungeon. Something didn't sit right. That ninja was up to something for sure. The raccoon had said that the ninja would have helped him steal from Brunin if he could get inside. Why would he offer something like that? Was he planning to double cross the boy? If so why did he bother trying to save him? The wolfess patrolled the upper levels of the prison passing many guards standing watch or on patrol.

When she was finally satisfied that no one could infiltrate the dungeon undetected she walked to the barracks, situated close by, and retired to her private room for a meal and some well deserved rest. Tomorrow morning the raccoon thief would die.

A pang of guilt hit her as she lay in her bed. He was young and alone. There was no family to care for him, teach him, or even provide shelter. He lived by scavenging the streets like many did. A sad but common story, he had resorted to stealing and got too ambitious. His suffering would soon be over thought Kyra.

After uncomfortable day and night in the damp dungeon Lassun, the raccoon thief, was stiff. He lay upon the straw a wept. The chains on his wrists and ankles rubbed his fur off and his skin was red and chaffed. When the guards unlocked his cell and entered he knew his time had come. He begged and pleaded but the guards did not heed his words they hauled him up and out of the cell heading up the many levels of the dungeon eventually coming to a large wooded door the was the exit.

Other guards standing close by opened the door and a flood of sunlight made Lassun tear stained eyes hurt. His escort did not wait for his eyes to adjust and pulled him along the street towards the city commons. There was a large crowd already there, waiting to see the insolent thief that dared to rob a respected leader. They shouted at him when the guards dragged him out of the dungeon. The raccoon was pelted with rotten vegetables and other trash as he was led through them.

When he could see again he saw the angry crowd all around him and the gallows up ahead. On the platform stood a large bear whose face was covered in a black hood and a high ranking collie guard that held a piece of parchment. He held a rope that ended in a noose that hung down from the wooden arm that extended up from the platform.

Lassun gulped nervously. He had made a big mistake, why hadn't he listened to the strange fox, he thought. Tears flooded down his face again, he didn't want to die. Not like this. There was so much to see in the world, so much to live for. Upon reaching the scaffold the guards ushered him onto it and the hooded bear placed the noose over the raccoon's head and tightened it around his neck.

The guard with the parchment held it up and began reading the boys crimes. Lassun only heard the constant droning of his voice and couldn't make out the words. He had withdrawn into himself thinking of all the things he could have done differently. It seemed an eternity before the guard stopped talking. Had he committed so many crimes, he wondered. With death fast approaching the boy stood straighter, stopped crying, and put on a brave face as he looked to the horizon where the sun was slowly making the ascent into the sky.

He had accepted his fate, his time on this world had ended. The collie stepped back and nodded to the bear. "I'm coming Momma," he whispered as the executioner pull the lever beside him.

All of a sudden two things happened. The trap door under the raccoon's feet opened plunging him down where the rope went taught and a small white ball dropped onto the ground under the scaffold immediately sending up a cloud of smoke that enveloped the raccoon and the entire platform. After a short time the smoke dispersed revealing that the rope had been cut and the raccoon had disappeared.

The crowd gasped as one at the scene before them. Many turned to the person next to them and held whispered conversations, while others looked around in confusion. One figure in the crowd cursed under her breath. Kyra, clad in a plain tunic, scanned the crowd for anything unusual. There! Two cloaked figures slowly making their way in the direction of the edge of the crowd. Guards searched the scaffold and in the general vicinity looking for anything out of the ordinary and the escaped prisoner.

Kyra silently made her way towards the retreating figures. If she alerted the rest of the Guard they might catch them she saw other guards searching around the edges of the crowd but she wanted these two to herself. It had to be the ninja that was saving the boy, it just had to be. This was her score to settle and she was confident she could handle it.

The two criminals had exited the crowd and were casually walking away. Kyra was walking nonchalantly behind them. At the first street they turned and started running. Lucky for them it was mostly deserted. The young raccoon, running next to Hiroto, was overjoyed. "We made it!" he exclaimed.

With a quick glance back the ninja spurred his young partner in crime faster, "We're not out of this yet, boy. I know of a safe place but we must hurry."

The Captain of the Guard was hard on their heels running with a wicked smile on her face. The ninja and thief led her on a long chase through a maze of streets and alleys trying to lose her but it was no good. The determined and persistent Kyra was ever behind them. With the young boy becoming winded Hiroto changed tactics.

After a quick turn down another alley the fox pushed the boy behind some crates. "Stay there," he hissed before running off. When the wolf rounded the corner and saw only the ninja running alone she smiled to herself. The raccoon was off the hook as far as she was concerned, she wasn't after starving and desperate thieves.

After another few minutes of the dogged chase the ninja decided to end it and ducked into a dead end and stopped, turning calmly to await the wolfess.

She didn't disappoint. After a few seconds she appeared and when she spied the standing ninja she stopped. Finding no apparent traps or methods of escape she smiled at the cornered ninja and drew her sword.

"No more games you scum. You'll pay for humiliating me," she growled.

The ninja was undaunted, "Captain Kyra, what a pleasant day for a jog. You are looking radiant as ever."

The wolf growled and took a step closer but stopped and again smiled. "You'll not taunt me into making a mistake this time. It is time for you to face justice."

"Your justice or the Council's?"

"They are the same," replied Kyra.

Hiroto shook his head. "Open your eyes Captain. You fight for honor and right while the Council fights for their own selfish gains. You are better than their pawn."

Several things flashed on Kyra's face, anger, embarrassment, and sadness, but they were gone in an instant. The ever alert ninja saw them though.

"They fight to stop criminals like you from overrunning the city. They keep the law sacred and keep Karyd's citizens safe."

The ninja sighed, "At one point they were like that but they have become drunk on the power. They are the criminals overrunning the city. They care only for maintaining the deception of peace. They secretly break their own laws for personal gain, you are closest to them you must see it," he pleaded.

Kyra had indeed seen such instances. On several occasions cases were dismissed because they pointed to someone on the Council as the perpetrator. They credibility of witnesses and even evidence was shattered and the cases went unsolved. The Elders blamed the Guard for tampering with the evidence or magic was used, or that someone was trying to frame the Councilor. To have this openly told to her made her deny it even more. Suddenly she came up with countless excuses to defend the Council but for some reason she left them unsaid. "You are trying to confuse me," she reasoned. "It won't work. You are still under arrest."

Hiroto spread his arms out to the side to emphasize his point, "You must listen to the truth. Follow reason to its conclusion. You will find I am right. Have you checked the warehouse yet? A mystery awaits you there."

Kyra lowered her sword slightly, "What nonsense are you spouting now?"

"Search the warehouse thoroughly and you will not be able to deny the truth any longer," he responded bafflingly. "Both of us work towards the same goal: to clean the city of crime. I see that the true criminals are hidden at the top of the hierarchy. We can work together to stem the growth of this evil." He struck a pose and winked, "Besides who could resist working with such an attractive specimen."

"You are full of yourself," Kyra retorted.

"I was talking about you."

In spite of herself Kyra found herself blushing. "Stop that. Your words are empty and meaningless."

The ninja's eyes held her a moment, "Your heart betrays you. I too know the painful sting of loneliness."

She could see no deception in his gaze, in fact she saw the same pain that she felt these long years without a mate. Somehow it must be a trick she told herself. She was just seeing what she wanted to see. All this ninja wanted was to escape she thought.

She raised her sword again, "You are coming with me. The Council will decide your fate."

Hiroto lowered his head and from within his clothes he withdrew a small white ball.

"I am sorry to frustrate your plans but I cannot allow that."

Kyra saw the ball and lunged at him. "Oh no you don't," she cried.

Quickly the ninja threw the ball to the ground and instead of the expected smoke a blinding flash came from the impact. The Captain of the Guard was sent reeling, fearing an attack she blindly swung her sword hoping to keep the ninja at a distance. Unfortunately she felt him come in behind the swing and press close to her. His hands clasped around hers on the sword and held them captive. She felt his breath on her fur and shivered. Then she heard his voice, so close.

"Discover the truth. Then come and find me," he whispered.

She sensed him lean in closer and his lips embraced with hers. Kyra lost herself in that kiss her mind shut down, all that mattered was this unseen male in front of her. All her troubles and worries disappeared into oblivion. How long had it been since another had kissed her like this? Her senses took him all in, the sound of his breathing, the smell of his fur, and the feel of his sensual lips on hers and his soft body pressed against hers. They kissed passionately, entwining their tongues together.

They seemed to kiss for many long minutes, neither one caring about anything but to keep going. The world revolved around them and time would have to wait until they decided to part. Finally she felt him slowly pull away with a final peck on her cheek. His hands were gone from hers, his body backed away from her.

"Until we meet again, my Captain," he whispered sweetly.

Kyra stood there, sword lowered to the ground, until her sight returned. Her breath was ragged and heavy. The alley before her was empty. Suddenly the world returned to her. Her mind rushed with many feelings but the foremost among them was anger. Once again he had eluded justice.

She flung her head back and roared.

"Damn You!"