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SE-03 Furry Flipside By Darrel James Vanwinkle (Writing as Ratseye) 07/19/2001-07/26/2001

The Spring thaw was indeed a welcome change from the ice and snow that coated much of the trees and river banks of the Current River in the Mark Twain National Forest. The wereraccoons bid their farewells and dashed off into the surrounding forest lands. Freeway and Ricci stayed behind for a few more days, then they too up and left early one morning. With the wereraccoons finally gone, Damon Horse became a much nicer creature to live with. Pablo Kingston, the wererabbit, fully took over the basement as his main base of operations. He had proved invaluable as a repairman around the property. Sexen Reinhard, the werefox, took over the library as his base of operations. He was extremely happy with the enormous amount of books and atlases within Dominic's collection. During the final week of March, Reed Huxley, the werekangaroo from California, arrived on vacation. Dominic welcomed him and helped him get settled in. Also, Doctor Griffin Vandyke, the native american physician and pharmacist, made Rocky Falls, Missouri, his home. He went to work almost immediately. After he read Dominic's latest report on lycanthropy, he came out to the mansion for an evening dinner. Griffin and Reed became friendly almost immediately. Late that evening, Dominic and Reed were sitting in the private office. Reed was drinking an imported Australian cold beer while sitting in the familiar easy chair. Dominic was looking over the third folder of unusual material and photographs.

Dominic hums, and says, "My 'old friend' dubbed these poor victims as Furz. Gargoyle looking demons would enchant a fragile figurine, and send the figurine to the victim, along with instructions on what to say to cause the transformation from a human into a fur. The figurine would then break, rendering it powerless."

Reed turns and looks at some of the photographs. "Ah remember when this was going on, mate. The US Government 'ad some sort of Special Forces Unit trying to find things out. They tried to trick the citizens of the country into thinking that there was an accidental outbreak of radioactive lead that a miniature factory 'ad accidently forged their figurines with. It didn't work. There was a public outbreak of Furz in Florida at a major university. The SFU was called off soon after that. Then, as soon as it started, the out-break of Furz no longer occured."

Dominic nods his head. "According to these records, my 'old friend' had a lot to do with that case. He and my good friend, Mark Jolson, raided the complex of the demon gargoyles, destroyed the cult, and razed the building in flames."

Reed smiled and finished his beer. "Perhaps you should ask the white stag for some 'elp."

Dominic hummed. "I don't think there is a viable case here. There is nothing to re-verify. I mean, with all the publicity in Florida, there is no reason I should do a follow up report on this."

Just then, a voice from the open plate glass doorway said, "Good. I was hoping you wouldn't need me for a while." The white stag stood there quietly.

Dominic inquired, "Are you still handling your important emergency, my friend?"

The white stag replied, "Unfortunately, yes. That is why I am going to teach you the spell for opening the shimmering gate."

The white stag then continued. "I may be gone for an extended length of time and if something arises where you need instant travel, you will need this ability. But promise me you won't go off to places alone. I have been worrying about your well being, more and more."

Dominic stood and went over to his white friend and knelt to one knee. "You have my word."

The white stag replied, "Reed, you are witness to this. Dominic gave his word." Reed nods his head. The white stag nuzzled Dominic's cheeks, then touched his front hooves to Dominic's hands, and the back hooves to Dominic's bare feet. He then presses his forehead to Dominic's forehead. Dominic feels something unusual vibrating into every area that the white stag had touched, upon his body. "There. You now have the ability to open the shimmering gate to whatever location you need to travel to. I would not give such an ability to just anyone, Dominic. You are my soul mate."

The white stag bounded out the doorway and off the deck. He was then gone.

Dominic blinked his eyes, then turned to look at Reed. "What did he mean by my being his 'soul-mate'?"

Reed replied, "Well, mate, Ah assume it means that 'e loves you."

Dominic returned to his seat. "That's what I thought it might mean."

Early the next morning, Dominic and Reed were watching the KJAG Six O'Clock Morning News with Sallee Tanner and Michael Nugent. When Sallee's Bizarre News Segment begins, the subject material caught Dominic's attention immediately.

On the TV, Sallee was saying, "This next segment comes to us from the little town of Forestgrove, Montana. Lindsay Dunmore began his day as a human, but after opening a special delivery parcel, and looking at the contents, Lindsay Dunmore transformed into a humanoid buck deer. According to the Dunmore family doctor, the condition appears to be permanent and the life of the teenaged Lindsay Dunmore is ruined. Lindsay claimed that he had answered an advertisement for some sample animal artwork. The picture he looked at, according to the victim, was an exact image of the form he is now in. After he transformed, the parcel and picture burst into flame, completely destroying itself."

Dominic blinks his eyes, and looks to Reed, who is taking notes on the news story. Reed exclaims, "This seems mighty convenient to me, mate. This 'appening right about the time ya start looking over the Furz files."

Dominic hums, and replies, "You're right. Too convenient. The white stag knew I would be making a trip this week. That's why he gave me that gift."

About that time, Dominic's sister Jo, who'd been standing just inside the foyer of the mansion, stated, "White stag? I knew something strange was going on out here. Sallee had some suspicions, and Leia came up empty after doing a trace on those mysterious investors you've been getting money from."

Dominic and Reed looked over at Jo, as Reed asked Dominic, "Say, mate, who's the sheila?"

Dominic stood up and turned the TV off. "That's my normally uninvolved sister, Jo Tanner." He looked at Jo. "What do you want, Jo? Reed and I are busy."

Jo looked at Reed and smiled. "He's a hunk! Where'd you dig him up at?" Jo turned to Dominic. "The jig is up, Dominic. I specifically heard you say that the white stag gave you a gift. And with all the other strange goings on here in this household, I became suspicious after I realized you were buying way too much beer. Shane doesn't drink that much beer in a week. As for my real reason for showing up now, I was in town at the post office and the clerk asked me to deliver an unusually large crate out here to you. I brought it, but I got news for you. That crate is from California."

Reed perks up and smiles! "Oh great! My apothecary supplies 'ave arrived. Ah better take care of it, mate. Square things off with your sister while Ah make sure everything 'as ported okay." Reed headed out of the room. Jo watched him go outside, then looked directly at Dominic.

Dominic said, "I am doing highly classified work, Jo."

Jo placed her hands on her hips. She wasn't buying it. The Tanner girls were a hard bunch to pull one over on and Jo was the hardest one to fool. "I have never known you to be that interested in Sallee's morning TV show, Dominic. That one strange story about the furry man excited both you AND your Australian friend. Now, if you don't confide in me, I will make your whole day a living Hell. And I can do it too."

Dominic sighed. This day was getting worse and worse. And to prove it, Damon and Sexen choose this moment to come down the main stairs. Both of them were in their respective demon horse and werefox forms. Dominic just closed his eyes. Jo looked to see what Dominic had seen and her eyes went wide!

After some private phone calls were made to his other sisters, Jo, Sallee, Leia, and Shane are soon seated around the kitchen table. Also at the table are Dominic, Reed, Sexen, Pablo, and Damon. Dominic has a map of Montana laid out on the table, studying it.

Leia inquires, "You mean to tell us that Damon is a demon, and Reed, Sexen, and Pablo are lycanthropes, and all the investors who have been sending you money are unicorns?"

Dominic doesn't even look up from the map. "That's what I'm telling you, Leia."

Sallee is a bit upset at all this. "The biggest story to hit this area since Vulcan came to town and I can't cover it. This isn't fair!"

Shane chuckles, "Don't feel bad, Sallee. Dominic did a good job keeping this from me and I was over here every weekend."

Jo is also looking at the map. "Have you found that little town yet, Dominic?"

Dominic replies, "It's right there. I was looking for the Stoddard Horse Ranch in Montana. She might be able to help us."

Jo asks, "Janna Stoddard? She's from Montana AND raises horses? No wonder she was so interested in my horses and how I raised them!"

Sexen finishes preparing the iced tea. "Who all wants a glass of iced tea?" Everyone says they want a glass. Sexen pours everyone a glass of iced tea, then pours himself a glass, and sits down, looking at the map too.

Damon looks at Leia. "Yes, I am a demon. A demon horse to be precise. I owe Dominic a debt agreement and that's why I am here now."

Sexen speaks up. "I was living in a run down old cave in the South Dakota badlands and Dominic said I could live here. I like to cook as well as read."

Pablo says, "I too was living in an old cave down in Texas and Dominic offered me a job as his repairman. But I am also an artist of some skill. I dabble in drawing and sculpting."

Reed smiles and exclaims, "Unlike the others, Ah am not living 'ere. Ah 'ave a place in Shelter Cove, California, where Ah run a Natural 'Erbal Products store. Ah am 'ere on vacation."

Dominic grins. "You guys missed the wereraccoons when they were here. I'm glad Freeway and his friends only stayed for as short a period of time as they did. Freeway is clearly a wilderness animal. Hope I get to see him again someday."

Damon again speaks up. "It's been a zoo here. I thought the wereraccoons would never leave. Pablo and Sexen were civilized, but them coons just had to go!"

Jo grins. "I can imagine. Raccoons are destructive little pests."

Dominic smiles. "Freeway wasn't like the rest of them. I wouldn't mind if he came back, provided it was just him. He's got more respect for property than the others did."

Shane asks, "And what about the white stag? How does he tie in with all this?"

Dominic just keeps quiet.

Reed speaks up instead. "Dominic is under oath not to reveal details about the white stag to other 'umans who 'ave not already met the white stag at a previous time. If Dominic reveals anything about the white stag to another 'uman, then 'is oath will be broken and 'e will be removed from your existence. Forever. 'ave Ah stated the situation correctly, Dominic?"

Dominic nods his head and sighs.

Leia frowns. "Oh Dominic! I had no idea you were under such a strict contract. And we badgered you until you revealed certain details to us. I apologize."

Dominic says, "It's not your fault, Leia. It's not anyone's fault. I made an agreement and I am bound by this deal." He looks at the map some more. "I suppose we should check out the Dunmore situation ourselves as soon as possible. Who all wants to come along?"

Leia says, "I have a bank to run and my lunch hour is about over with. I need to get back to work. Dominic, I wish you luck. I will not repeat anything I heard nor saw here." She hugs Dominic, then leaves the kitchen, heading to her car.

Shane smiles and stands up. "I'd love to come along, Dominic, but my brother Richard is out of town this week and I promised I'd look after the ranch in his absence. And I think I'd better keep my word, for a change. Like Leia, I will keep my mouth shut, but call on me anytime you need my help." Shane picks up his hat and heads out, as well.

Sallee finished her tea and then, made sure her pen had ink. "Let's do it!"

Jo chuckled and slapped Sallee's shoulder. "You have a TV station to run. You just can't go running off anytime you want to. And my horses need me. However, as long as we are back before sundown, then I don't see why we can't make the trip."

Reed says, "Ah will be coming along. Maybe the transformation is not a permanent one, and Ah can cure it. Ah've done so before, so who's to say Ah cannot make the attempt again."

Sexen, Damon, and Pablo all declined to make the trip. They each decided that they had chores or odd jobs around the mansion they needed to get done. Dominic escorted Jo, Sallee, and Reed into his office where the ancient stone gateway was standing. Dominic raised his hands and concentrated on the stone structure focusing on opening the shimmering gate to town of Forestgrove Montana, the back yard of the Dunmore family. Dominic's fingers glow brightly and the stone gateway responds.

Dominic explained, "We all hold hands tightly. Sallee and Jo. Normally I'd ask you to close your eyes, but I know you won't do that, so as soon as we get to Montana, you will need to close your eyes tightly for about one minute, then reopen them. That will remove the sting you'll feel in your eyes. Understand?"

Sallee and Jo nodded their heads.

Dominic takes a breath then says, "Okay, I'll lead the way. Don't let go of the hand you hold for anything, and keep walking until I stop walking. Here we go!" Dominic grabs Sallee's hand tightly. Reed grabs Sallee's other hand tightly, as well as Jo's hand tightly. The four enter the shimmering gateway into the inbetween space.

In under five minutes, the four emerged in the Dunmore's back yard in Forestgrove, Montana. When Dominic stopped walking and released Sallee's hand, both she and Jo blinked their eyes shut tightly for one minute, then reopened their eyes.

Lindsay Dunmore was sitting in his back yard with his parents trying to figure things out. They were very surprised to see the four people step out of mid-air into their back yard. Dominic approached Mr. and Mrs. Dunmore and introduced himself and the others. Reed explained that he was a professional in these matters and began examining Lindsay's body. Sallee and Dominic asked indepth questions about the incident. Jo just watched everything. She was still surprised that they made it to Montana in under five minutes. Dominic then asked Lindsay where he heard about the people who had sent him the parcel and picture. Lindsay's father handed Dominic the "Funny Animal Fanzine" and pointed out the advertisent in the back of the book. Dominic and Sallee read it to themselves. They both copied the advertisement into their private notes, then stood back and looked to Reed. By now, Reed had completed his cursory inspection of Lindsay's body and was running some tests with body fluid.

Soon, Reed looks to everyone and says, "Ah can reverse this, mates, but it will take a few weeks of constant care. May Ah take Lindsay back to California with me to cure 'im? When 'e has been restored to his 'uman form, Ah will contact the Dunmores and return 'im to them, if that is what they desire at that time."

The Dunmore's gave their consent gladly. Reed and the others led Lindsay through the shimmering gate of air. Within a few minutes, they were all in Reed's front yard in Shelter Cove California.

Reed smiles then hands the keys to his store to Dominic. "Show your sisters the store, mate. Ah will take Lindsay out to the apothecary workshop and get started on curing 'im." Reed leads Lindsay around back of the building. Dominic unlocks the store, and together with his sisters, they enter the natural herbal products store. Dominic, having learned what everything was for from the last time he was here, easily provided information on each item his sisters were interested in, as well as the warnings as to what could happen with an overdose. Jo makes a face at the overdose information, but Sallee seems very amused. "Maybe we could change Vulcan into an animal with an overdose of one of these things," Sallee jokes with a smile. Jo just growls as Vulcan's name is mentioned, and Sallee quickly hushes up about him. They look around a bit more, then Jo looks at her watch which is still set to Missouri Central Time.

Jo exclaims, "It's almost six o'clock back home. Sallee and I need to be getting back."

Sallee gasps! "You mean it's that late already?! My news show starts in a few minutes!"

Dominic takes the sisters back outside and opens the gate once again, this time going directly to the parking circle of the mansion. Sallee is through the gate, out the other side, in her van, and peeling rubber rapidly in an attempt to get back into town in under a few minutes!

Jo laughs out loud! "Sallee will kill me when she realizes it is only four o'clock! But I need to get back anyways. Don't be a stranger, Dominic. We Tanners are there for you if you need us." Jo heads through the shimmering gate and out the other side. She gets into her jeep and heads back towards the horse farm. Dominic closes the shimmering gate, and heads into the building. He closes up the store once again, then heads out into the apothecary workshop.

Reed is mixing ingredients when Dominic enters. He looks over to Lindsay who is just sitting there in a state of depression. Dominic has a seat near Lindsay.

Lindsay sighs. "I never dreamed something like this would, or even could, happen to me. I used to have fantasies about being something like this. Now it just seems so unexpected. I was going to go to college soon. Now I am a furry like in the comic books."

Dominic replies, "Reed can fix you up. Can't you, Reed?"

Reed takes a breath, then turns slowly to face the two of them. "Ah didn't want to say this in Montana, mate, but Lindsay's transformation is not a natural one. It was caused by magic. That means none of my natural cures will change 'im back. The only way to change 'im back is with the same magic that changed 'im in the first place."

Lindsay sighs again.

Dominic looks to Reed. "You knew he could only be cured by magic and you still asked to bring him here? What on Earth for? I'm no mage. How were you planning on getting the magic to change him back? Just tell me that."

Reed gazes at Dominic. "Call your 'old friend', mate."

Dominic blinks! "You want me to call 'him'? That'd be long distance. Are you sure about this?"

Reed repeats himself. "Call your 'old friend'. It's the only way."

Dominic sits down inside Reed's house, and picks up the telephone. He takes a deep breath and dials the one eight hundred phone number. He waits while it rings a few times. Then, a raspy male voice answers, "Mystic Citadel. Raul Wolcott, speaking."

Dominic says, "Let me speak to Valerian, please. It's an emergency. And don't give me any problems. Just tell him it's Dominic."

A few minutes pass, and Dominic is about to think that he has been put on hold after all. Then, a familiar voice asks, "Dominic Tanner? Is that you?"

Dominic smiles. "Valerian! It is so good to hear your voice. Did I interupt you at a bad time?"

Valerian answers, "Not really. I was researching something in my extensive library. How can I be of service to you today?"

Dominic explains the situation having to do with Lindsay Dunmore, and how Reed Huxley was not able to cure him. "Reed says it takes the same magic as the magic that caused the effect. Can you come down here, please."

Valerian is quiet for a moment. "I think you should know that I have been restraining myself in the usage of magic lately. I am paying a heavy price for using as much magic as I have been using. I can see about curing the boy, but I cannot afford to just teleport down there."

Dominic smiles. "Let me worry about getting you here. I will open a shimmering gate of air for you. Then you just walk here. Won't be five minutes, if we're lucky."

Valerian is quiet again. "I will see you as soon as you open the gate. Until we meet." Dominic hears the phone call click off. Dominic hangs up the phone, and wonders why Valerian sounded so mysterious. Dominic heads out into the front yard and concentrates upon opening the shimmering gate to the Mystic Citadel. The gate opens, and within a few minutes, his 'old friend' arrives.

Valerian Mouse stands before Dominic. But what had happened to him? Valerian looks to be in his late '80s, with silvered thinning hair, and faded grey eyes. His skin is wrinkled and pale. Valerian stands about five foot eleven inches tall, but only looks to currently weigh about one hundred twenty six pounds. Valerian is wearing his dark black mage robes.

Dominic gasps! "Good God! What on Earth happened to you, Valerian? You look ancient!"

Valerian slowly replies, "This is what abusing magic does to you. During my last adventure, I used an enormous amount of magic to win a fight against an oni. I was already weakened, but if I had lost, I would have lost not only my soul, but the souls of the ones I was trying to rescue. This is the price for using too much magic. My vitality is gone. Now, where is the youngster who needs my help?"

Dominic slowly leads Valerian back into the apothecary building, and points out Lindsay. Dominic steps back beside Reed. The two watch Valerian conduct his craft upon the humanoid buck stag.

Reed whispers to Dominic, "Is that Valerian Mouse? Ah thought 'e was a lot younger than that."

Dominic sighs, explaining what had happened to Valerian.

Reed says, "Oh." He can't believe that the ancient looking wreck of an old man is the famed Valerian Mouse. Together they watch Valerian mumble ancient Latin arcane verbs. Valerian turns to Dominic and Reed.

"This is currently beyond my ability to cure. I apologize. My power is not what it once was. If you truly seek to cure him, you will need to gain the insight of the cardinal animal spirits. A word of warning, Dominic, the animal spirits might not wish to help you when you do find them. You will need to prove yourself to them by agreeing to do anything they say, and actually perform what they prescribe as the tests. Now, if you would, escort me back to the gate. I need to get home, take my medicine, and get some rest."

Soon afterwards, Dominic returns inside Reed's home and sits down on the couch. Dominic still could not believe what had happened to his 'old friend'. He just sits there staring at the wall. Reed brings Lindsay into the house and gives him the guest bedroom. Reed then enters the living room where he sees Dominic lost in thought. Reed sits down next to Dominic and holds him close.

Reed says, "Lindsay is pretty depressed, mate." He looks at Dominic. "Ah still cannot believe that was your 'old friend'. Ah wish Ah could 'elp 'im. Ah 'ave not discovered a natural cure for unnatural aging, as yet. But there is much Ah do not know in this world."

Dominic sighs. "How am I going to find the cardinal animal spirits?"

Reed holds Dominic and looks directly into his face. "Look, you've 'eard of the literal four corners of the world, 'aven't you? Well, all you need to do is open a gate to the literal fours corners of the world and go there. Ah need to stay 'ere and make sure Lindsay makes it through this tough time in his life."

Dominic nods his head, and stands up. "I'll get the help Lindsay needs and I will return." Dominic heads outside, and concentrates upon opening the shimmering gate to the literal four corners of the Earth. The gate opens, and Dominic slowly steps through.

It is after the gate has closed that Reed remembers something. He runs outside and looks around! "Oh great Mathilda! Dominic wasn't supposed to travel the gateways alone!"

Dominic exits the shimmering gate at a most bizarre location. He is standing within the ruins of an unusual city of ruins. The entirety of the ruins looks as if every culture that has ever (or never) existed was thrown together at this location. Standing in directly the center of these ruins is an odd black obelisk with four carved animal faces on each side. Dominic slowly walks around the obelisk looking at each animal face. Dominic checks his pocket compass as he looks at each animal face. To the north, the great bear gazes respectfully. To the east, the sure-footed mountain goat gazes studiously. To the south, the African lion gazes proudly. To the west, the eagle gazes with a gleaming eye. Dominic is very impressed by each carving's precise detail. Dominic then searches the ruins for any signs of life, but eventually, returns to the odd black obelisk. Dominic hums to himself. Where were the animal spirits? The only animals he was able to find were these carvings on the obelisk. Dominic reaches up and lightly touches the nose of the carved lion. To his surprise, the carving's eyes open, and focus directly upon him! He is surprised more when it speaks!

"What do you want?"

Dominic replied, "I am seeking the cardinal animal spirits. I need their insight for solving an Earthly dilemma of an unnatural source."

The lion's head exclaimed, "I am the spirit of the south. I am called Lion. In order to gain my favor, you must do as I say. Will you do as I say?"

Dominic replied, "I will do as you say."

Lion said, "I command you to 'take my place'. Do this, and my insight is yours."

The carved lion became still once again. Dominic steps back and scratches his maned head, trying to figure out what that meant. Dominic stops scratching his head when he realizes that he has been transformed into a humanoid lion! He looks at himself. He looks up at the carved lion, but it is not moving now. Dominic thinks about the request. "Take his place. Where would a lion's place be in these city ruins?" Dominic thinks about this some more. "Of course. A lion would sit out front of a library or some government building." Dominic stands with his back to the obelisk and walks south into the ruins. Soon, Dominic comes across what appears to be a ruined duplicate of the Temple of Athena. Out front, to each side of the temple steps, Dominic finds a platform large enough for a lion. A lion statue sat upon one of the platforms, while the other is vacant. Dominic goes and stands upon the empty platform and posed the same way the other lion was posed.

Nothing happened.

Dominic hums. "Why isn't it working?" He looks straight ahead of himself. That's when he realizes that he cannot see the obelisk from this platform. He goes back over the other platform and looks back to the north. The obelisk is in plain view. "So, I have to take this guy's place." Dominic carefully moves the lion statue off the platform, then he himself stands on the platform and assumes the pose.

Again nothing happens.

Dominic frowns. "What am I doing wrong now?" Dominic looks around himself. He thinks aloud. "Oh come now. Surely I am not supposed to move that statue over to the other platform, then stand here. That statue is heavy." He gets off the platform, and slowly moves the lion statue over to the other platform, then pulls the lion statue up unto the platform itself. He straightens the statue so that it is facing north, then Dominic goes and gets on the empty platform again, and goes into the pose once again.

Still nothing happens.

Dominic growls, "This is getting ridiculous!" He looks around one more time. What was he not doing right now. He thinks about the request again. "I command you to 'take my place'." Dominic looks at the obelisk. Dominic goes over to the statue and sits down tiredly. "I don't get it! I've tried everything! This is impossible!" Dominic sighs and lies down, falling asleep.

A good many hours later, Dominic wakes up and looks around. Nothing has changed. He looks up at the lion statue. It's facial expression is identical to the carved face on the obelisk. "The face is facing south." Dominic gets out his pocket compass again, and looks to see which way south is. When he determines true south, he turns the statue so that it is facing south. Then, Dominic gets on the other platform, and he too faces south. He closes his eyes, hoping that he is right.

"Well done, human. You have earned my insight as well as my favor. You are restored to your former form."

Dominic opens his eyes. He is once again standing near the obelisk. He looks up to where the carved lion's face was. He sees his own face there now. Dominic looks himself over. He has indeed been re-transformed into his human form. "So that's how it works. They turn me into one of their kind, then I must solve their riddles or puzzles. When I succeed, they change me back to normal, and I gain their favor. Which means that if I fail, I will be trapped in that form forever."

Dominic walks around the obelisk to its western side. The carved eagle's face. Dominic reaches up and touches the eagle's beak lightly. As before, the eagle awakens and speaks.

"What do you want?"

Dominic replies, "I am seeking the cardinal animal spirits. I need their insight for solving an Earthly dilemma of an unnatural source."

The eagle's head exclaims, "I am the spirit of the west. I am called Eagle. In order to gain my favor, you must do as I say. Will you do as I say?"

Dominic replies, "I will do as you say."

Eagle says, "I command you to 'meet my mate eye to eye'. Do this, and my insight is yours."

The carved eagle becomes still once again. Dominic immediately looks himself over. He has been transformed into a humanoid eagle this time. Dominic opens his wings and takes flight to the west. He flies westwards in search of the eagle's mate. Dominic expected to find an eagle's statue, but after a good many hours, he does not find any eagle statues. Dominic lands on top of a solid ruined building. He looks back at the obelisk. "Where would his mate be?" Dominic then begins a building to ruined building search for anything that even remotely resembles an eagle.

Dominic finds nothing.

Dominic hums, as he is standing within view of the obelisk. "Meet my mate eye to eye." This was proving to be trickier than he figured it would be. There were no eagle statues nor anything else that even remotely resembled an eagle anywhere. "Maybe I am not seeing the whole picture." Dominic flies way up high and looks down upon the ruins from an "eagle's eye" view. He sees the carved eagle's face finally. It is HUGE! Dominic lands in the courtyard ruins directly atop the eagle's face. He quickly locates where the eyes would be. There is a large broken marble column lying directly across the carved eagle's eyes. "Of course! Why am I not surprised?" Dominic applies his full weight against the marble column. At first, the column does not budge. The it slowly begins to roll. Dominic rolls it off the carved face entirely. Dominic then cleans off the eyes, and looks directly into them.

Nothing happens.

Dominic yells in disgust! "Oh, come on! It's impossible to look into both eyes at the same time." Dominic grumbles as he notices that there is still ruined rubble upon the eagle carving. He begins cleaning off the entire face of all debris. It takes many many hours, but he finally has the entire carved eagle's face completely cleaned of all debris. He then flies up and gazes downwards into the eagle's eyes.

Still nothing happens.

Dominic lands and sits down. "It's the only carved eagle in the whole area. Why isn't this working? There are no other eagles in the whole ruins." Dominic tries looking at the carved face a few more ways. From angles. Even over his shoulder. Nothing works. Dominic then begins wandering the western ruins, trying to figure out what he is missing in this puzzle.

A few hours later, Dominic pulls out his compass and checks to see where west is. It is while he is looking at the glass-covered compass that he gains an idea so simple, that he feels stupid for not realizing it before. Dominic backtracks to the ruined well that he had discovered earlier during his search for an eagle statue. He gazes down into the waters and sees his reflection: a perfect eagle's face. As he focuses upon the reflection's eyes, he is suddenly teleported back to the obelisk.

"Well done, human. You have earned my insight as well as my favor. You are restored to your former form."

Dominic looks up to where the carved eagle's face was. He sees his own face there now. Dominic smiles, and sighs in relief. "That was hard."

Dominic walks around the obelisk to its northern side. The carved bear's face. Dominic reaches up and touches the bear's nose lightly. As before, the bear awakens and speaks.

"What do you want?"

Dominic replies, "I am seeking the cardinal animal spirits. I need their insight for solving an Earthly dilemma of an unnatural source."

The bear's head exclaims, "I am the spirit of the north. I am called Grizzly. In order to gain my favor, you must do as I say. Will you do as I say?"

Dominic replies, "I will do as you say."

Grizzly says, "I command you to 'acquire the nectar and share it with me'. Do this, and my insight is yours."

The carved bear becomes still once again. Dominic immediately looks himself over. He has been transformed into a humanoid grizzly bear this time. Dominic realizes that this task is by far going to be a tough one. As there are no animals nor insects here, there would be no bees, and thus, no honey. Nevertheless, Dominic heads north in search of anything that might contain the sweetness that nectar would suggest. Dominic searches all of the north, yet finds nothing that even resembles an edible or drinkable source of sweetness. The entire north proves to be as dry as a bone. After searching the north twice, Dominic returns to the obelisk and sits there, trying to figure out this riddle.

After another couple of hours, Dominic's bearish stomach lets him know that it is hungry. "But there is nothing to eat or drink here. Where can I gain some temporary nurishment?" Dominic's large right paw slowly drifts to his sheath, and he begins to fondle himself. Before he realizes he has done so, he shoots his sperm into his paw. As soon as the wet warm ooze hits his paw, he realizes what he has done. At first, he considers wiping it off, then on a last minute whim, he tastes his warm seed. It is surprisingly sweet. Dominic carefully stands up and wipes his sperm across the carved bear's lips.

"Well done, human. You have earned my insight as well as my favor. You are restored to your former form."

Dominic looks up to where the carved bear's face was. He sees his own face there now. Dominic smiles, and says, "That was hard at first, then the answer came to me."

Dominic walks around the obelisk to its eastern side. The carved goat's face. Dominic reaches up and touches the goat's nose lightly. As before, the goat awakens and speaks.

"What do you want?"

Dominic replies, "I am seeking the cardinal animal spirits. I need their insight for solving an Earthly dilemma of an unnatural source."

The goat's head exclaims, "I am the spirit of the east. I am called Kidd. In order to gain my favor, you must do as I say. Will you do as I say?"

Dominic replies, "I will do as you say."

Kidd says, "I command you to 'dance my path'. Do this, and my insight is yours."

The carved goat becomes still once again. Dominic immediately looks himself over. He has been transformed into a humanoid goat. Dominic heads east to find the so called path. He finally locates what appears to be stepping stones crossing a pool of mud. Directly on the other side is a small building containing what appears to be a bowl of fresh fruit. Dominic tests the closest stepping stone. The stone is extremely slick. "So that's the game. I must go from stone to stone without slipping." Dominic starts hopping from stone to stone, surprisingly not slipping on a single stone. Eventually, Dominic arrives at the small building. He walks in and notices an unusual pattern on the floor. Dominic looks back out at the steeping stones. "It's the same pattern. I understand what Kidd means now. I must "dance his path". Dominic skips through the room, stepping on each of the stone locations on the pattern. Finally, he reaches the center platform. The instant he steps unto it, Dominic is instantly all the way back to the starting point before crossing the mud. "What the heck? Oh, so that's how he want to play, is it?"

Dominic counts all the stones this time, then hops from stone to stone to the building. Once in the building, Dominic counts the pattern stepping areas. There is one extra. "Ah ha! I knew it. But which one is the extra spot?" Dominic studies both the stepping stones with its pattern, and the strange pattern within the building. He mentally overlays the two patterns. "That one second nearest to my target is the extra one." Dominic hops from marked location to marked location, this time avoiding the extra spot in the pattern. This time when Dominic hops unto the center platform, he is teleported back to the obelisk.

"Well done, human. You have earned my insight as well as my favor. You are restored to your former form."

Dominic looks up to where the carved goat's face was. He sees his own face there now. Dominic takes a quick breath, relieved to have succeeded in all four tasks.

The obelisk now speaks, all four voices speaking as one, "You have earned the right to be our voice on Earth. As your reward for doing as you were asked, you may ask us any four questions, and the absolutely correct and truthful answers will be given. What would you need know from us?"

Dominic considers his questions carefully. He speaks aloud, "First question: A young human named Lindsay Dunmore was transformed by unnatural magic into a buck deer. The transformation is an unwanted one by the individual. How may my friends and I transform Lindsay Dunmore back into his ordinary human form?"

The obelisk answers immediately. "You must acquire a hand-drawn artwork of Lindsay Dunmore's human form, and have a mage cast a Trans-Merge spell upon the picture. Then have Lindsay hold the picture for a full minute. Lindsay will become the person in the picture, and the buck deer will become the picture. The picture will then burst into flame."

The obelisk speaks again, "What would you need know from us?"

Dominic speaks aloud, "Second question: My mage friend Valerian Mouse is suffering from the after-effects of the over usage of magic while fighting an oni. The effects were that he had aged 50 years. How may we restore his youth without causing his further pain and/or anguish?"

The obelisk answers immediately. "You must have an apothecary gather and mix the following ingredients." The obelisk names off a list of ingredients. "Once the potion is made, it must be heated until it boils. Then it must be allowed to cool until it can be held with bare hands. Once this is done, have your mage friend drink the entire contents of the potion. After a full night's rest, his youth and vitality will be restored, and he will once again be able to use magic normally."

The obelisk speaks again, "What would you need know from us?"

Dominic speaks aloud, "My third question: A friend of mine, the white stag of legend, has proclaimed that I am his soul mate. What are the white stag's full intentions towards me?"

The obelisk answers immediately. "The white stag is in love with you. He seeks to take you away with him one day and give you eternal life within his realm of happiness."

The obelisk speaks again, "What final question would you need know from us?"

Dominic speaks aloud, "My final question: What powers and duties do I now possess as your official voice on Earth?"

The obelisk does not answer immediately. Dominic wonders if he has finally tripped up the wise obelisk. Finally, the obelisk speaks, "Your duty is clear, and that is to serve us whenever we have need of you. As for your powers, four you now have. One, you are immune to harmful magic. Two, your senses will be magnified starting the day after you have a full night's rest. Three, you are granted mental communucation with anyone you consider as a true friend. You will, of course, also have the ability to mentally speak with us anytime at all. And four, you are granted the ability to create permanent dimension doors where ever you care to assign one. Keep in mind: once you place one of these doors, and lock it on both sides, it cannot be dispersed. It will react as a doorway like any other doorway. You are also granted the ability to transform at will into any form (other than your human form) that you have had the opportunity to be transformed into. You may likewise shapeshift back into your human form whenever you like."

The obelisk speaks one last time, "Go forth, Voice, and await our call."

Dominic concentrates upon opening the shimmering gate back to Reed's front yard. The gate opens, and Dominic walks through.

Dominic emerges from the shimmering gate at Reed's front yard. It is night time when he emerges. Dominic immediately enters Reed's home through the back door. Reed and Lindsay are not in the house. Dominic then heads out to the apothecary building, and goes inside. Reed is sitting at his worktable mixing another mixture. Lindsay is sitting on a nearby chair, not looking as depressed as he once was. Dominic smiles, and says, "Greet'ens, mates. Ah'm back!"

Reed looked over his shoulder and smiled. "Thank the spirits you are okay, mate. 'ave you forgotten that you're not supposed to travel the gateway alone?"

Dominic says, "I forgot. But I got what I went for. Reed, my friend, you are going to be busy."

Dominic gives Reed the ingredient list for curing Valerian's unnatural aging condition first. Reed works for about three hours mixing the ingrediants, heating the mixture, then cooling the potion. In the meantime, Dominic recontacted Valerian and had him come down through the gate once again. Finally, Reed handed Dominic the bottle with the potion in it. Dominic in turn handed the potion to Valerian and explained the instructions to him concerning it. Valerian drank down the entire potion. He made an odd face. "I can see why no one wants to make something like this. It tastes horrible. But the worse medicine tastes, the better it works." Valerian went home through the gate.

Dominic, Reed, and Lindsay returned into the main house and sat down at the kitchen table. Dominic explained that they now need a hand-drawn artwork of how Lindsay looked before the transformation. For this, Dominic decides that they will need Pablo for this task. Reed and Dominic predecided a location for the permanent dimension door between Reed's place and Dominic's mansion, and Dominic works on creating the first permanent dimension door. The location they both decide upon is within Reed's apothecary workshop on a wall in the back hallway. A location that by now, Dominic knows all too well. Dominic works for many hours getting the doorway set up exactly the way that both he and Reed want it.

Then, Dominic passes through the newly created doorway and spends the next few hours setting up the other permanent dimension door that would allow the return trip to the first doorway. Dominic finally gets that one set up and set permanently. He then locates Pablo and brings him to Reed's place, and introduces him to Lindsay. Pablo and Lindsay go into a private room for a discussion on how Lindsay looked before, and to discuss how Lindsay would prefer to look in the picture. While Pablo and Lindsay are doing that, Reed and Dominic have some dinner, then head to bed for a well deserved sleep.

The next day, Pablo puts the finishing touches on the hand-drawn artwork. He smiles as he proudly shows off his artwork to Dominic and Reed. The drawing exceeds all expectations that Dominic was expecting from the finished artwork. Dominic then calls the Mystic Citadel once again. This time, it is Valerian who answers the phone. Dominic explains that Valerian is now needed to prepare the drawing for curing Lindsay. Dominic opens the gateway once again, and Valerian is soon with them again. Valerian has been completely restored to his youthful appearance and demeanor. Dominic instructs Valerian on the instructions that were provided by the cardinal animal spirits.

Valerian lays the drawing on the tabletop and concentrates his power into embedding the artwork with the Trans-Merge spell. It took two hours, but finally, Valerian steps back, and looks to Lindsay. Lindsay comes over and picks up the drawing and looks at it for the prescribed full minute. Lindsay is suddenly engulfed in a quick and brilliant flash of light. When the light fades, the drawing is that of the buck deer, and Lindsay himself is once again in his human form. The drawing then catches fire, and consumes itself completely.

Lindsay drops the burning paper, then looks at himself. "It worked! I'm human again!"

Dominic smiles and shakes Valerian's hand. "Well done, my 'old friend'. We did it."

Valerian replies, "I really didn't do that much. It was you who found the way to cure two birds with one stone. I must thank you."

Reed speaks up now. "It isn't over yet, mates. We still need to figure out who empowered the first drawing that changed Lindsay into a buck deer to start with. Whoever did it might do it again, mates. Then you will both need to do this all over again."

Dominic nods his head as he looks at Valerian. "Reed is correct. They might try it again. And I have to stop them."

Valerian smiles. "You've proven to me that you can do well on your own, my friend. I need to return to my citadel. If you have need of my services again, please don't hesitate in contacting me. It was a real pleasure in getting to see you again." Valerian lifted his hand and activated his Ring of Homing. He then vanished from view as he was transported back home.

Dominic spends the next hour recontacting the Dunmore family in Forestgrove Montana. He explains that they were able to restore their son to his human form, and he was ready to return to them. Lindsay's parents were overjoyed to hear the news. Dominic explains that they will be returning their son home to them within a few days. Dominic hangs up the phone, and then, relaxes for a moment.

"What do you mean that you don't want to go home?" Dominic is asking Lindsay, after hearing the unusual statement from the nineteen year old. "Your parents are waiting for you."

Lindsay replies, "I want to help you get these guys who did this to me. Let me help you find them, then I will go home. If you just send me home, I will track these guys down myself."

Reed and Pablo are sitting to the side just listening to the conversation.

Dominic exclaims, "I told your parents you'd be back home in a few days."

Lindsay replies, "I want to help you guys. Besides, you were not the victim. I was. And if these jerks strike again, they will do their nasty tricks to someone else, and the next time it might not be so easy to fix. Look Dominic, I won't go home unless I get the chance to get back at these guys. That's that. I am going to stay and help."

Dominic sighs and looks to Reed and Pablo. "You two are being very quiet about this."

Reed smiles. "The way Ah see it, mate, is that Lindsay 'as a right to come along with us, if that's what he wants. I'm sure he realizes that 'e might get transformed again, the second time might not be reversible like the first one was."

Lindsay blinks his eyes. "Are you serious? They wouldn't dare do it to me a second time. I'm expecting it now. I know what they are capable of. And like you, I don't want to see someone else get stricken by this magic curse. I was lucky by the fact that I got television coverage when my transformation occured. What if I wasn't the first? There could be hundreds of unfortunates out there who are now stuck in a form that they don't want. I am not just going to sit by and let someone else suffer because I went home where it was safe."

Dominic also smiles now. "It will be dangerous. Are you sure you want in on this?"

Lindsay nods his head. "I want to be part of the solution. I am coming along with you guys."

Dominic nods his head too, and shakes Lindsay's hand. "Welcome aboard, Lindsay. Now you have to do something very challenging. You have to call your parents and tell them what you are doing. I realize that you are old enough to be making your own decisions, but they deserve to know." Dominic points at the phone in the next room. Lindsay smiles and walks into the other room, and picks up the phone. Reed, Pablo, and Dominic head out to the apothecary building and wait quietly.

About thirty minutes later, Lindsay enters the apothecary building. He looks calmed, yet proud. He looks at everyone quietly then says, "Where do we start?"

Dominic smiles. "First we check in with the press and see if anyone has reported more furries. If they haven't, then we track down this C.G.D. company that sent you the sample."

Talking with the press meant talking to Sallee Tanner and her secretary was explaining to Dominic that Sallee was currently in a conference with some woman journalist from National Geographic Explorer. Dominic looked at Lindsay, nodding his head, then they both barged into Sallee's office!

Across from Sallee sits a young female photographer. She appears to be about twenty six years old, having dark brown shoulder length hair and dark eyes. Her skin is a light tan. The young lady wears a khaki colored vest over a white blouse, tight blue jeans, and rugged climbing boots. Around her neck and draped down one shoulder, she carries a complete camera set, as well as video equipment. Sallee looks up when she saw Dominic entering.

"About damned time you came back! After Jo pulled that fast one on me in California, I've been going crazy waiting for some word from you." Sallee sees Lindsay standing there. "And who is that?"

Dominic smiles, "Sallee, I'm sure you remember Lindsay Dunmore. The young man who is helping us out." He lowers his voice. "Who the Hell is she?"

Sallee whispers back to Dominic. "She is Nikon Procyos. She's here inquiring about the furries." (See F1)

Dominic quietly replies, "I will handle her." He raises his voice. "So you are the Nikon Procyos who harassed Valerian Mouse last year into dragging you across the seas to China and India just so you could do a story on poachers."

Nikon stands up. "I went to do a story on kitsune, but their illusion powers made sure I didn't get the story I was after. I know they are real and that's enough for me. But this time I am after a story that is not so easily covered up. And I think you, Mr. Vanlyone, know full well what I am referring to, don't you?"

Dominic smiles. "Call me Dominic. Mr. Vanlyone makes me feel like Mr. Vulcan." He makes a gagging motion with a sly grin. "Very well, if you are so intent on joining the party, I suppose I will have to let you join." He looks to his sister Sallee. "Have any more furry news cropped up while I was gone?"

Sallee's eyes focus directly upon her brother. "Only one. This time, it's on a ranch just north of Wild Horse, Colorado. Orin Todd Trevor, the son of a cattle rancher, transformed into a humanoid horse. He and his family were freaked out by the situation, at first, then they treated it as an upgrade to the ranch's work force. They've been using the publicity to sell more of their cattle. A pretty underhanded way to make a profit, if you ask me."

Dominic frowned. "Well, there is no reason for me to go there then. I refuse to offer help to dishonest people."

Nikon spoke up. "Valerian would have helped them."

Dominic gazed at Nikon. "I am not Valerian."

Nikon glared at Dominic. "Whether they wanted the help or not, it is your civic duty to make the offer to change Orin Todd Trevor back to normal."

Dominic was unfazed by Nikon's glare. "If you want civil morality, then you're talking to the wrong people, Ms. Procyos. Our only interest is in stopping the people who are doing this. The occasional honest person we help along the way makes the task all the better. I am not a mage, so it would be pointless to make an offer that Valerian would have to carry out. And I think he'd agree that there is no reason to make an offer to someone who isn't asking for help."

Sallee was leaning against her desk listening to all of this. It was amusing to watch someone else on the receiving end of Dominic's mysterious nature for a change. Just then, Sallee's wristwatch alarm went off. She looked at it, then noticed that the attention had shifted to her.

"This all very interesting but it's my lunch hour now. I am going to Pierre's to meet with Leia. We are matchmaking for Jo again." Sallee headed out the door.

Dominic calls to Sallee as she is leaving. "Jo will kill you guys. You're both crazy, you know that?"

Sallee just smiles as she enters the elevator bound for the parking garage. Dominic takes Lindsay and Nikon out of the KJAG offices and drives them back to his mansion. By now, no one in the mansion even tried to hide their true natures (or forms). The three enter the mansion. Dominic waves at Sexen as they pass by the open library doors. Nikon blinks her eyes upon seeing a werefox reading some books. As they enter Dominic's office, Nikon sees the demon horse, Damon, sitting it the easy chair watching a football game on the little color TV with a beer in hand.

As they pass through the newly created doorway and into the apothecary, Nikon is again surprised by the sudden change in surroundings. Sitting at the work table in his werekangaroo form, Reed is working on another herbal mixture. Sitting to one side, the werepanther was chatting to Reed. The two lycanthropes glance at the three humans as they enter the room.

Dominic looks to the werepanther and smiles. "Hello, my friend. How's the forests here lately?"

The werepanther responds, "Hiya Dominic. The forests have been very quiet lately." He also smiles. "Who's the camera lady?"

Dominic looks to Nikon. "That is Nikon Procyos from the National Geographic Explorer. She will be aiding us now." He looks to Reed. "And what are you working on, mate?"

Reed doesn't look up, but replies, "Well, mate, I am working on a fresh batch of Bat Blink Drops for an old lady who has been having trouble with her eyesight. I had Dane Gervase here fetch me a fresh bat."

Dane Gervase, the werepanther, replies, "And catching one of those little buggers wasn't easy either. But I got one. Hee hee. And I brought it back to Reed."

Just then, Jo Tanner enters the room from Reed's main house. "Coffee is ready for anyone who wants a fresh cup." She sees Dominic. "Good. You're back. How was Sallee?"

Dominic doesn't smile. "Sallee and Leia are playing matchmaker for you again."

Jo laughs out loud. "I am already seeing someone and it's none of their business who I see, who I sleep with, or anything else."

Dominic says, "There was another furry incident, but they are abusing the situation unfairly to make money. I will not offer them any help, just yet. But soon, they will quickly see the disadvantages to being furry."

Nikon blinks her eyes. "What do you mean by the disadvantages? You didn't mention that in front of Sallee Tanner."

Dominic smiles again. "Sallee is a busy woman. Had I mentioned that I did intend to offer some aid, she would've wanted to come with us and I'd prefer she didn't. What we are doing is dangerous; extremely dangerous for people who are not mages."

Nikon takes a quick breath. "I know you said you weren't a mage before, but I thought you were just covering your tracks in front of Sallee Tanner. If you're not a mage, then what are you?"

Dominic turns and looks at Nikon. He takes out his identification badge and shows it to Nikon. "I am a Chess Operative, specializing in the supernatural, the mysterious, and the unusual. Publicly, the United States Government disbanded the organization that I serve. Privately, it still exists. Instead of having many agents, they have me. The best of the best. Although, I honestly do not think I am that good at this job. But I do what I must."

Jo places her hands on her hips, and replies, "So that's what's going on! And here I thought you weren't working anymore. I am guessing that Shane Wayne is in on this secret too?"

Dominic looks to Jo. "Shane knows what I am. He has always known. All the time I was missing, he had full knowledge on where I was. But Shane is not an Chess Operative."

Nikon nods her head. "So you do know what civic morality is. Geez, I must've sounded like an idiot back in Sallee's office."

Dominic shakes his head. "No, you spoke what you felt was right." He looks to Reed. "Mate, we're going to check out the CGD company that makes the animal drawings that get used in the transformations. If you don't hear from one of us in the next twenty four hours, call Valerian Mouse immediately and let him know where we went." He looks to Lindsay and Nikon. "Shall we get going?"

Jo speaks up suddenly. "Hold on there, Dominic. I coming too. Just let me get my guns."

Reed speaks up now. "Jo, wait. If the people responsible can use magic, then normal bullets are not going to hurt them. You will need silver weapons."

Jo nods her head. "In that case, I have just the weapon for the job. Wait right here." Jo heads off through the doorway leading to the mansion. A few hours later, she returns with Damon Horse. Jo is wearing something metallic on her hands. She shows them to everyone. "Silver knuckles. An old boyfriend who was heavy into the martial arts gave them to me. Now I get to use them against some bad guys!"

Damon announces, "I will come along. You will need my supernatural powers if you plan on going up against these kinds of evil forces."

Dominic nods his head. "So, it is to be the five of us?"

"Better make that six." The white stag was standing within the room. Dominic blinked as he immediately realized that it was indeed THE white stag of legend. "You will be needing my help."

Jo, Nikon, and Lindsay all three are awe struck by the white stag's appearance.

Dominic was at a loss for words but finally managed to speak. "I thought you didn't want anyone else to see you, my white friend. Why now?"

The white stag replied, "You're in enough trouble, Dominic. First of all, you allowed my existence to be learned by those who are close to you." Dominic winced at that. "Second, you abused the gate ability multiple times. That is not why I gave you that ability." Dominic winced again. "Third, you traveled the gateway alone, specifically after I warned you to never travel the gateway alone." Dominic felt as if he is an inch tall. "Fourth, you desecrated the sanctum of the cardinal animal spirits without gaining the permission of an audience with them." Dominic began to wish he were anywhere but there. "And finally, you made an inquiry concerning me from the cardinal animal spirits, invading my privacy and desecrating any sacred trust that I had in you. I am going to come along and help you, Dominic. But this will be your last mission in this world."

Jo snaps out of the awe when she hears this information. "Now wait just a damned minute! No one threatens a Tanner and gets away with it. You will not be taking my brother anywhere. He's already been gone longer than we cared for him to be. And if you try anything, I will mount your head on the wall of the "Come-As-You-Are Bar"."

Dominic sighs and replies, "Jo. It is the white stag's right. I did everything he said. I am under a contract from him. I broke the rules. I will pay the price."

Jo growls, "What are you saying?! There is no way I am just going to let this happen." She looks to the white stag. "How can I get you to forgive him?"

The white stag replies, "You cannot do anything. Officially, you never met me. I am here now to make sure my investment survives. Nothing more. The rest of you are not important to me."

Jo growls again, resisting the urge to punch the white stag with the silver knuckles. Nikon and Lindsay blink their eyes a few times, and look around. Reed is speaking to the white stag now.

"Please, mate. You must forgive him. He may be important to you, but he is important to me, as well. Well, I need him still. He's useful to me."

The white stag replies to Reed, "You forget who you are speaking to, Lord Kangaroo. Dominic broke not just one rule, but five rules. According to our contract, he is mine to do with as I see fit. And I am going to carry out my end of the contract."

Just then, there is a bright flash of light. Everyone looks towards Nikon as she is lowering the camera. "Now then, let's get something clear here." Nikon glares at the white stag. "I would never have known you existed until you showed up here. And now I have a picture of you in my camera. You will let Dominic do what he has to do. Otherwise, I show this picture on national television. It's your choice." Nikon looks serious.

Jo smiles. "Blackmail. Now why didn't I think of that?"

The white stag doesn't look amused. "You will not get away with this. I swear it."

Reed speaks up. "If you're going to fight each other, please take it outside."

Dominic sighs and leaves the apothecary building. He heads down to the beach and sits on a large rock and watches the waves. The next thing Dominic knows the sun has set and the night is casting its shadows across the ocean. He continues to sit there, unmoving. He sighs audibly.

In the meantime, the arguing in the apothecary had increased to all new heights. Jo finally lost her temper and punched the white stag in both eyes with the silver knuckles. The white stag goes unconscious immediately. Reed, Dane, and Lindsay had already left the apothecary building to the main house, so they missed that scene.

Nikon blinks her eyes, commenting, "Remind me to never get you angry at me. So, now what do we do with him? He'll be mad when he wakes up."

Jo grins evilly. "According to the legends, who so ever catches the white stag will be granted three wishes. You and I caught him, so we will get three wishes a piece. And he has to grant those wishes, or you will publicize his existence all over the TV stations."

Nikon blinks her eyes again. "Any three wishes I want? Gee, what should I wish for?"

Jo grins evilly. "I can think of a few things that have been on my mind for quite a while."

Jo sits down on the white stag, and sticks a foul smelling thing under his nose. The white stag wakes up immediately! Jo holds him down. "Okay, white stag, here's the new deal. Nikon and I caught you fair and square. You owe both of us three wishes a person. That's a total of six wishes. You will grant these wishes, or Nikon plasters your existence all over the TV world."

The white stag mutters, "I have never met a woman so filled with dark desires before, but I have met her now." He speaks up. "Rules are rules. I owe you both three wishes. What do you want?"

Jo smiles triumphantly, but still holds the white stag in place. "My first wish. I want Mr. Cassander Vulcan to leave Rocky Falls, Missouri, and never come back."

The white stag replies, "That is two wishes. For him to leave, is one wish, and for him to never come back, is the second wish. Is this what you want?"

Jo thinks about that for a moment. Then she grins evilly. "No, what I really want is for Mr. Cassander Vulcan to go directly to Hell. One way."

The white stag replies, "That would be murder. Are you sure that is what you want?"

Jo growls. "Just grant it."

The white stag concentrates. "The next time Mr. Cassander Vulcan rides in his precious helicopter, it will crash and he will die. What is your second wish?"

Nikon gasps. "That is your wish?"

Jo explains. "That bastard has been harrassing my sisters and me and spooking my horses for the past three years. I am tired of putting up with his lame ass." She says to the white stag. "My second wish. I want you to give Dominic a second chance. Sure he messed up. He's only human. So it's expected that he'd mess up at least once. But to take revenge just because of a one-time error, is just spiteful."

The white stag grumbles, "It is granted. I will not forget that you forced me to change the rules, Ms. Tanner."

Jo smiles. "My third wish. You will NOT try to gain any revenge upon any member of the Tanner family, members of said households, nor finances or property that the Tanners own."

The white stag grrs. "You're not leaving any loose ends, are you?"

Jo grins. "Unlike the others, I have seen many movies, read many books, and played a few games where someone may be granted wishes from a genie under duress, and said people never live long enough to enjoy what they wished for. And I figured you'd try to get revenge on me for this."

The white stag sighs, and concentrates. He then says, "You have my word that no Tanner nor their livelihoods will be harmed by me nor any action I may take. Your three wishes are granted. You have no hold upon me now." The white stag is very upset with Jo.

Jo looks to Nikon. "It's your turn." Jo gets off the white stag. "I am going to go gloat over Vulcan while he's still alive. Kind of defeats the purpose to gloat over the dead." Jo heads back through the doorway to the mansion, then heads towards Rocky Falls.

Nikon looks at the white stag. "Are you hurt?"

The white stag glares at Nikon. "Just my pride. Just make your wishes."

Nikon opens her camera and removes the film cartridge and giving it to the white stag.

The white stag looks at the film cartridge, then slowly looks back up at Nikon. "Why?"

Nikon sighs, then replies, "I desire things. But I won't gain what I want this way. It's wrong."

The white stag looks at the film cartridge again. "This reminds me of when Dominic and I made our agreement. He had photographed me, but when I asked him to destroy the film, he did so without question. And now, you give me the film with my photo within it. I did not ask for it."

Nikon sits down. "I cannot force you to grant what I want. I must earn it. And I did not earn it. I only threatened you before because I wanted you to give Dominic another chance because it was the right choice. But I cannot ask for anything this way."

The white stag lifts his head and inquires, "If you could ask for something, what would it be?"

Nikon's mind drifts back to India and of the kitsune male, Gomi Oki'nathi. She smiles sweetly as she thinks about him. She imagines herself with Gomi enjoying life and each other.

The white stag replies, "Happiness is a wonderful desire. What would you ask that would help you acquire this desire of happiness?"

Nikon replies, "I'd ask for the ability to shape shift at will. Nothing more. But I know that is not going to happen now." She looks at the white stag. "You are free." Nikon looks away sadly.

The white stag exclaims, "Your request is not a selfish one. Go home, Ms. Procyos. Let this story go untouched, this time. Do this and your request will be granted."

Nikon blinks with tears in her eyes. She turns around but the white stag was gone. Nikon gets up and returns to the mansion. From there, she returns to the Rocky Falls Municipal Airport to catch a flight going home. Once on the plane and it is flying over the country, Nikon whispers to herself, "Gomi."

It is well after midnight when Dane Gervase arrives down on the beach in his panther form. He hops up beside Dominic on the rock. "Everyone is worried about where you are."

Dominic sighs. "I am dead."

Dane looks up at Dominic and sniffs him. "Funny, you don't smell dead."

Dominic looks at Dane. "I messed up, Dane. My life is over."

Dane shifts forms into his pantherman form. "There's a storm heading in, Dominic. I don't want you to get wet, so why don't you head back up to the house."

Dominic sighs, "I can't go there. Not tonight."

Dane nods his head. "Okay. Then come home with me. Stay at my place for awhile. When you feel like re-entering the action, I'll bring you back to Reed's place."

Dominic sighs again, but nods his head. Dane picks up Dominic and carries him off to his place located some fifteen miles northwest of Shelter Grove. Dane's home turns out to be up near the top of one of the peaks of the King Mountain Range. Dane carries Dominic inside his secure wilderness cabin, and sets him down within the living room area.

Dane smiles. "Home sweet home. And very quiet too. No one will bother you here, that I can promise. Not even the white stag has ever been up here before."

The thunder is heard quite close, then the torrentual rains begin to pelt the entire area. Dane goes around making sure all the windows are secure. Dominic explores the small house slowly. When he arrives in the bedroom, he sees that the bed is completely covered in exotic fur blankets and thick quilted comforters. He walks over and runs his hand over the furry blankets. Dominic smiles at how warm it feels to the touch. He continues to run his hand down the blanket. He is surprised when a furry claw grabs him be the wrist and pulls him down rapidly upon the bed. There is now a cougarman sitting on top of Dominic, holding his wrist securely. Dane enters the bedroom and exclaims, "Thom! I didn't know you were here. I see you've met Dominic."

Thom smiles and lets Dominic's wrist go. "Hi Dominic. My name is Thom Sawyer."

Dominic looks up at the cougarman carefully. "Hi. I'm Dominic Vanlyone. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Dane smiles. "I'm glad you two are friends now. We three probably have a lot in common."

The thunder is heard outside the house once again. Thom says, "Looks like I got here just in time to be boxed in by the weather."

Dominic looks Thom over carefully. He is easily six foot five inches tall, looks to weigh about one hundred eighty three pounds, all muscle. His eyes are feline green, and his fur is a tannish brown. His tail looks to be about twenty three inches long. Dominic decides to start the conversation. "So, Thom. You're a werecougar. How long have you been one?"

Thom smirks and looks at Dane, then giggles. "He thinks I'm a lycanthrope, Dane."

Dominic raises an eyebrow. "Well, aren't you one?"

Thom smiles. "I'm a natural furry."

Dominic blinks his eyes in a look of surprise! "Really? But I thought the only furries were the poor human victims that some evil bastards were cursing into unwanted transformations."

Thom hums. "I've been hearing about that lately. I mean, there are enough of us around without some lousy scum changing humans into our race."

Dominic hums as well. "If there are enough real furries at where ever your people have been living, then who is causing the unwanted damage of changing humans into furries?"

Thom replies, "That's a good question. But whoever is doing it needs to be stopped, or the natural furries may become upset enough to declare war on the Earth."

Dominic arches an eyebrow. "The natural furries would do that?"

Thom replies, "The more peaceful ones would not. But those who think that humans are evil would certainly do it."

A flash of lightning illuminates the darkness outside the bedroom window. Dominic yawns tiredly. "I swear to you, Thom, that I will find who is doing this and put a permanent stop to their activities, once and for all."

The thunder showers continue for the next few days. During this time, Dominic gets to know Dane and Thom better. Then, one morning around ten thirty six A.M., the rain ceases, and the sky clears enough to allow traveling. Dane carries Dominic back down to Reed's apothecary building, then Dane heads back into the wilderness. Dominic takes a breath, then enters the apothecary building slowly. Inside at his worktable, Reed is scrawling some notes. To one side, the white stag is standing quietly. Also in the room is Lindsay Dunmore, who is looking at some of the bottled ingrediants on the far shelf. Dominic doesn't make a sound at first. No one even looks his way when he enters. Dominic quietly heads through the room and back through the doorway to his mansion. He immediately heads upstairs to his room, where he showers and shaves, then redresses in nice and clean casual clothing. He brushes his hair and looks at his glasses on the dresser. He realizes that he doesn't need them now. His vision has been completely repaired by the cardinal animal spirits. He sighs and frowns as he looks at himself. Dominic heads downstairs, and into the kitchen. Sexen is there with preparing breakfast. Dominic sits down at the table where Pablo and Damon are seated. They make some small talk, and try to cheer Dominic up. He explains what errors he made concerning the white stag. Sexen serves breakfast, and the four eat quietly.

After breakfast, Sexen, Pablo, and Damon all agree that Dominic should confront the white stag and accept whatever punishment is necessary. Proving that he was honorable in accepting the good of the contract as well as the ills, Dominic should show that humans can abide by the rules. Dominic nods his head, and bids his friends farewell. He heads back through the doorway to Reed's apothecary building. When Dominic arrives, Reed and Lindsay are not in the room, but the white stag was within the room. The white stag looks to Dominic.

Dominic sighs and walks up to the white stag. He stands there for a moment, then says, "My friend. I broke the rules. I am ready to be punished. Do what you will to me."

The white stag replies, "I cannot."

Dominic raises an eyebrow. "Why not?"

The white stag replies, "Your sister 'caught' me and as the rules suggest, she made a few wishes. One of the wishes was that I give you a second chance."

Dominic looks towards the East wall. "That sounds like something she'd do." He looks back to his white friend. "But that doesn't excuse the fact that I broke the rules. I am willing to accept whatever task, or tasks, you would have me do as punishment. Then, the next time I broke the rules, the original agreement would hold. As it should have done this time."

The white stag arches his eye this time. "Are you sure about this?"

Dominic replies, "I broke five rules. Therefore, you may command me to do any five things. I will have to obey no matter what the commands are. I swear it." Dominic lowers himself so he is on his knees. "It will help me feel better, my friend."

The white stag looks to Dominic, then chuckles gently. "Very well, Dominic. I may ask for some unheard of requests. Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

Dominic looks into the white stag's eyes. "Whatever you name, I will do."

The white stag hums. Then he exclaims, "Just remember that this was your idea."

Dominic gets up and replies, "I will remember."

The white stag smiles and nuzzles Dominic gently. Then he exclaims, "What have you decided about the furry transformation crisis?"

Dominic blinks his eyes a few times. "I found out that there are real natural furries in the world, and they are not pleased with whoever is changing humans into furries. Their representative has requested that I put a stop to it before something bad occurs. The first thing I think we should do is check out the CGD company. Something tells me that it is partially responsible for this whole mess. I believe you, me, Lindsay, Damon, my sister, and Nikon Procyos, all were going to go do this." Dominic looks around. "Something also tells me that my sister is not coming along now, and I saw Damon this morning. He said he was going to help Pablo with the plumbing today. But what happened to Nikon Procyos?"

The white stag replies, "I sent her home. After giving her a satisfactory explanation about the events, I sent her on her way."

Dominic hums. "So that leaves Lindsay, you, and myself."

The white stag nods his head.

Dominic, Lindsay, and the white stag soon arrive at the address of the CGD company. They are all three surprised to discover that it is a large mail box on a rural route located just outside of Lost Cabin, Wyoming. The small trail leaving the main dirt road leads about a mile and a half back to set of double doors embedded within the Bighorn Mountain range's side. Dominic approaches the doors carefully, and cracks them open, peeking through the slight opening. When he thinks it's safe, he motions the other two over to the doors. They cautiously enter the doors, quietly closing them after they enter. Within the corridor just beyond the doors, they walk forward a good seventy feet to a larger metal door. The white stag becomes uneasy suddenly and backs away from the door. "I think I should wait outside." The white stag vanishes. Lindsay looks to Dominic, and Dominic takes a quiet breath. "I think he's clausterphobic, but let's be careful, just in case." Lindsay nods his head, and stands near the metal door with Dominic.

Dominic nods his head, and carefully turns the handle. They both hear the audible click, but fail to get out the way in time. The floor in a twenty foot by twenty foot section directly in front of the false metal door drops out from under them! Dominic and Lindsay fall into the inky darkness below.

"How's our guest doing?" Voice number one asks.

"He's not dead, fortunately." Voice number two replies.

"I wonder how he got here?" Voice number three asks.

"I don't know." Voice number two answers. "We'll find out when he wakes up, I suppose."

Dominic slowly awakens. He felt very stiff as if he'd fallen off of a two-story building. He peeks out through his eyelashes cautiously. It is night and the stars in the sky are very visible. He can hear a campfire somewhere to his left. Dominic sees several large tents erected here, and he himself seems to lying upon a padded bedroll. He slowly tilts his head towards the campfire. Sitting in the way of Dominic's view of the fire itself seems to a medium sized humanoid wearing studded leather armor, and has a quiver of arrows strapped over his back. But what was that sticking out from under the armor and just above the warrior's butt? It appeared to be a short flat piece of wafflelike leather armor, but occasionally, it would lift and lower on it's own. Dominic watches the odd protrusion for a few minutes, but is still unable to identify it.

Just then, a tall humanoid steps out from one of the two closest tents, standing directly within Dominic's line of sight, but facing the campfire. The individual is about seven feet two inches tall, but beyond that the hood and navy blue robes prevent any other identification.

"Has anyone seen my quarterstaff?" The tall robed humanoid asks in a feminine voice.

"Did you have it with you when we found that guy unconscious?" Voice number one asks.

"You lose your ears if they weren't attached." Voice number three replies in a sly smirky tone. "Be glad I picked it up, or you'd have to go back out in the dark, alone, to get it. Catch!"

About that moment, Dominic sees a long wooden pole with a metallic ball on it's tip fly through the air from somewhere out of his sight range. The tall humanoid easily catches the pole in her brown fur-covered hand. Dominic blinks his eyes!

"Be glad I don't use my magic to de-pelt you, thief." The tall female humanoid threatens.

"...And proud of it, if I do say so myself." The male thief responds with a giggle.

"Oh not this again." Voice number two says, stressfully.

"If you two do not cool it, I will withdraw my services as your healer." The new female voice exclaims. "I think I'd better check on our guest again." The tall female humanoid steps aside to let the healer pass, and when the mage moves aside, Dominic sees a female flying squirrel furry dressed in pale gold clothes approaching him. "Ah, good. You are awake. It is nice that my medicines worked on your bruises and pained body."

The tall female mage turns to look at Dominic. She is a rabbit furry with black fur. The other three come over to gather nearby to get a look at the guest. The male archer turns out to be a beaver furry. The male thief turns out to be a ferret furry. The other male turns out to be an otter furry. The healer kneels to Dominic's side and begins checking his bruises again. "I am Garla Canopyskimmer, priestess of Okali. The mage is Warneeri. If she has a last name, she has never mentioned it. The archer is Brand Irondam, a grandmaster of his craft, although he will not admit it. The ferret is Huckleberry Slyfingers. He's our acquirer. And last, but certainly not least, this party's leader is the otter, Rab Streambattle." She continues to check Dominic's bandages slowly. Rab steps forward to stand at Dominic's right side.

"You know who we are. May we know who you are, sir?"

Dominic replies, "I am Dominic Vanlyone, a Chess operative. I am investigating the whereabouts of an evil mage who is changing people of my race into various species of furries back where I come from."

Huck arches an eye. "Chess? What does that stand for?"

Dominic replies, "Chess. It stands for Central Headquarters of Ethereal and Supernatural Studies."

Warneeri inquires, "You say you are seeking the whereabouts of an evil mage? And what makes you think that mages are always at the root of the problem? Mayhaps a thief is responsible."

Huck turns on Warneeri. "Now look Warneeri! I've had just about as much abuse as I am going to take from you! If you think you can unlock the vault doors of Ix'norbyk, then I will head back to town and wash my paws of this bunch of losers!"

Garla whispers to Dominic unnoticed, "They always carry on like that. Huck will no more leave the party as would Warneeri admit she can unlock the magic proof vault doors."

Rab looks to Dominic. "You are mighty brave tracking down a mage without a single weapon and with no armor. Are you a mage yourself?"

Dominic replied, "No, I am not. I am a representative of the white stag."

The arguing and movement stopped immediately. Everyone was eyeing Dominic intensely.

Dominic notices this immediately. "What did I say? I work for the white stag." Dominic now looks around. "Did you find another of my race where you found me?"

Brand quietly speaks up. "We found only you. Do you really work for the white stag?"

Dominic replies, "Of course. I wouldn't lie about that. I owe the white stag much."

Garla, in the pretty voice she has, says, "I believe him. Although his presence here in the wilderness was unexpected, I am sure it has a purpose. We may need him."

Dominic blinks his eyes a bit. "Wilderness? Aren't we in Wyoming?"

Rab replies, "I do not know where this Why-oh-ming is but you're in the Kingdom of Bighorn, just south of Castle Klondike, in the Wind River Wilderness. This is Brand's homelands, so he has been escorting us through the area towards the Sorceror's Spire. You're welcome to come with us, if you'd like. It'd be a shame to leave you behind."

Dominic laid himself back on the bedroll and sighed audibly.

Garla smiles. "Yes, you must rest. You are not fully healed just yet." Garla rises and pulls everyone back to the campfire circle. Warneeri comes back for a moment and looks upon Dominic. "Perhaps the mage you seek is in the place that we are going to. If not, then you have lost nothing in looking. I am not as unreasonable as you may have seen a moment ago." She goes back over to the circle and sits down on the opposite side of the fire from Huckleberry.

Dominic closes his eyes and soon falls asleep.

The next morning, Dominic awakens to a familiar scent, similiar to bacon. Dominic sits up and looks towards the campfire. Huckleberry is cooking something in a metal pan. Dominic gets up slowly and walks over, and sits at the circle. "What's cooking?"

Huck smiles. "Tree lizard and blackberries. Want some?"

Dominic frowns, but replies, "Maybe just a little. From the smell, I thought it was something else." Dominic looks Huck over now that he has a good unobstructed view. Huckleberry Slyfingers is a male ferret with short tan fur all over his body. He looks to be about twelve or thirteen years old, stands about five foot six inches tall, and looks to weigh about seventy three pounds. Just about right for his slender size. His eyes are dark brown. He wears a short sleeved white silk shirt under a black komodo leather vest. He is also wearing small faded brown trousers, held up around his waist by a black komodo leather belt. There is a short sword hanging within it's sheath on his left side, and a sheathed dagger on his right side.

Huckleberry finishes fixing up the meal and placed a little on a plate for Dominic and handed it to him. Dominic took a bite as Huckleberry watched. Dominic, not sure what to expect, suddenly smiled, chewed, and swallowed the delicious meal. "That tastes great, Huck! You are a great cook."

Huckleberry smiled. "Thank you, Dominic. Not a lot of people appreciate my skills."

Rab emerges from his tent and yawns silently. Dominic looks over to Rab Streambattle now. Rab, a male ottermorph furry, appears to be in his early twenties, looks to be about five foot eight inches tall, and maybe weighing about one hundred forty pounds, although being quite slim in build. Unlike most otters, he has long glossy black hair, pulled back tight over his head, tied with a single braid running down to his mid shoulder. His fur color is a dark chocolate, with white fur covering his chest and stomach. He wears a fir green tunic, "V"-necked, one which is donned by slipping it over the head. Around his waist, he wears a black komodo leather belt, about an inch thick, with an intricate weaving of metal serving as a buckle. Strapped to his back, in cross sheaths, are twin katanas, one black, the other white, with the ends of the hilts each fashioned to form one half of the Yin and the Yang. Rab currently looks pretty laidback from his peaceful night's rest. Rab walks over to the campfire circle and has a seat. Huckleberry hands Rab a plate with a serving of the tree lizard and blackberries.

Rab smiles. "Nice to see you up and around, Dominic."

Dominic also smiles. "Garla certainly knows her craft. I feel great."

Rab replies, "Yes, in fact, I am surprised she volunteered to come along with us."

Dominic hums. "I am kind of wondering on how I am going to get back to where I came from. I fell down into a dark pit and woke up being patched up by Garla."

Huck hums. "So you're saying you don't know how you got into this wilderness?"

Dominic nods his head.

Rab replies, "Don't worry, Dominic. We'll solve that problem once we complete our current task."

Huck smiles, "That we will, Dominic. If you got in, there must be a way out."

About an hour later, the furry party breaks camp, packing up all their gear, and with Dominic in tow, they trek off towards the west. The male beaver archer, Brand Irondam, walks far out in front of the others, scouting ahead, it seems. Rab Streambattle, Garla Canopyskimmer, and Dominic are walking together, in the middle of the party, one could say. Bringing up the rear, Huckleberry Slyfingers and Warneeri are walking close together and arguing about the same old usual thing: thievery versus magery. Several hours later, the marching order had changed slightly. Brand and Dominic were scouting far ahead of the party, Warneeri and Garla were in the middle, and Rab and Huck were bring up the rear. Changing the marching order was Dominic's idea, and proved useful in killing the argument.

Brand occasionally smiles at Dominic as they scout ahead. The beaver was obviously impressed by the suggestion, and the silence was making the scouting and hunting that much easier. After another couple of hours, the party pitched their tents on the edge of an open meadow which had a spring fed pool and stream running down the meadow. Brand's hunting was far more successful this time, and Huck was soon preparing the Boar Lizard for the party's dinner. Garla and Warneeri found a patch of strawberries, and soon, returned to camp with two baskets full of strawberries.

After a very good dinner, Rab strips down and cannonballs into the pool of water. Otter style. Brand soon joins Rab in the pool, and the two swim and soak up the cool water. Huck sits in his tent by himself and writes some notes in his guidebook. Garla and Wareeni turn in early, going into their tent and closing the flap. Dominic finishes up his second helping of food, then heads out into the meadow to explore for a while. Dominic is soon about a mile into the tall grasses of the meadow. He is slowly making his way through the grasses, when he hears a slight sound ahead of him. He slowly advances and peers out of the tall grasses into a medium sized clearing in the meadow. Standing within the clearing are two horses, both stallions. They appear to be perfectly healthy thoroughbreds, but without saddles or gear. Dominic does not see any people anywhere near the horses at all. He slowly emerges from the tall grasses and approaches the closest stallion. As Dominic nears the stallion's side, the stallion turns his head and looks directly at Dominic.

The stallion seems to urgently whisper to Dominic. "Get away! Now. Before he catches you."

Dominic arches an eyebrow. "Before who catches me?"

The other stallion looks over and also urgently whispers towards Dominic. "Shh. Keep it down. Just get away before its too late."

Dominic replies, "There's no one here but you two and me." He looks around anyways to make sure. There is literally no one nearby. "Now, who are you warning me against?"

Before either stallion can give another warning, Dominic hears a chimelike fairy sound.

"Oh goody!" A small voice giggles gleefully. "Another stallion!"

Both stallions exclaim at the same time, "Too late." Dominic turns towards the fairy sound, and only catches a fleeting glimpse of a fairy sparkle as the sparkley dust strikes Dominic fully in the face! Dominic sneezes immediately, then quite suddenly, is stricken by a pain that shoots all throughout his body. Dominic's hips and shoulders slowly enlarge, bursting his shirt and pants right off his body. His arms and legs begin to contort slowly until they are identical to the other two stallion's front and back legs. Dominic's hands and feet ball up and harden into black hooves. Dominic's neck stretches out a little, and his nose and chin grow forth into a pronounced horse's muzzle and nostrils. His ears grow longer, as his mane and tail grow outwards into long flowing black hair. Dominic's body rapidly grows a coat of golden brown fur all over him. He lies on the ground a moment, then slowly stands up. As he does, the remainder of his destroyed clothes fall off his body. He stands up straight on all four legs and looks over at the other two stallions. They are sympathetic, fortunately, and don't berate him with "I told you so's".

Stallion one exclaims, "Now you know what we were trying to warn you about."

Stallion two exclaims, "Its a creature called an Equipixy. No one has ever seen one, but if you come across one, it changes you into a horse. As you found out."

Dominic inquires, "How long do we stay changed like this?"

Stallion two replies, "Better get used to being a horse. Only the magic of the Equipixy who did it to you can undo it. And they aren't known for undoing their practical jokes."

Dominic gasps. "You mean it's permanent?! I'll just go have my friends see about undoing this." Dominic starts to leave the clearing. Both stallions yell out, "No, wait a minute." Dominic slams into an invisible barrier that is surrounding the clearing. "Oww! What gives?"

Stallion one sighs then says, "That's the other part of this curse. As a horse, you can't leave the Equipixy Circle that you got transformed in. My best friend and I have been stuck here for a few months now. The only way out is to get transformed back to normal."

Dominic walks back over to the other two stallions. "But if the Equipixy won't undo it, then there's no way out." Dominic hangs his head. He then lifts his head and asks, "You said you've both been here a few months. How have you been eating and drinking? I mean, there is plenty of grain here, but there's no water. How come you two aren't dehydrated?"

Stallion two replies, "We're not sure. I think the curse keeps us exactly as we were when we got transformed into these horse bodies. So we don't really need to eat, but we do out of habit."

Dominic looks around the clearing. "Equipixy! May I talk to you, please? It's important."

Stallion one sighs, then says, "We tried that already. The most words we've ever heard the Equipixy say was the words he said to you."

Dominic sighs and lays down on the ground and goes to sleep, a tear rolling down his cheek.

"Are you certain of that, Brand?" Garla asked the beaver archer inquisitively.

"Without a doubt, Garla. Dominic has fallen victim to an Equipixy. The Equipixy Circle is about a mile in that direction." He points an arrow that direction. "And there are three horses in the clearing. One of them looked to be crying. It has to be Dominic. Plus, destroyed clothing was on the ground in the clearing itself."

Garla hums. "We have to handle this situation carefully. First of all, Equipixies are normally invisible. Secondly, they are about Warneeri's size."

Warneeri blinks her eyes! "You're kidding? It's that big? How do we handle it?"

Garla continues explaining. "Thirdly, females are immune to his power. So, Warneeri and I are the only one's who can enter the clearing safely. Here's my plan: Warneeri and I enter the clearing. Warneeri casts Dispell Invisibility Thirty Foot Radius on the entire clearing. That will make everything within the clearing visible for five minutes. As soon as the Equipixy is forced to become visible, Brand lassoes the Equipixy, then Rab and Huck help drag the tied up creature out of the clearing. Under no circumstance should you guys enter the clearing. If you do, you're on your own. And above all, if you get hit in the face by the Equipixy's dust, get out of the clearing immediately before sneezing. The second you sneeze within the clearing, you will join the other stallions as a horse. Now, once you have the Equipixy a good ten feet outside of the clearing and tied up securely, we females will negotiate with him to undo his spell on Dominic and the others. Brand, if the Equipixy tries to escape at anytime, fill his body with as many arrows as you can. If we can't negotiate with him before the five minutes ends, then we'll have to kill him. Otherwise, there will be three more stallions joining his unwilling herd. Any questions?"

Gulping sounds can be heard from the male party members. Warneeri turns her gaze towards the target. "Let's get this over with."

Less than 15 minutes later, the Equipixy's victims had been returned to normal and the Equipixy itself slain by a well fired lightning bolt from Warneeri's spell collection. Rab and Garla were not happy with Warneeri's attitude for killing the helpless Equipixy but Huck gave Warneeri great praise and a thumbs up paw gesture. Brand paid no real attention as he helped the former victims back to the encampment and into the largest tent. Dominic is bedded unto a bedroll and is soon asleep. The others are taken care of and given directions back towards Brand's home village. Everyone else settles down into the camp and Huck prepares an evening meal of meadow lizard, trout, and apples.

Later that evening, Dominic awakened well rested. He sits up and was mildly surprised to find a white silk shirt, black cloth pants, a two inch wide black scale belt with a scabbarded short sword, and soft leather boots laid out for him. Dominic gets dressed, and finds the remains of his former clothes and equipment gathered from the clearing. He fastens his SFU badge upon his shirt. He finds his long red handkerchief. He rolls it up into a crude headband and ties it around his forehead. He locates his comb and straightens up his hair properly. Dominic tucks in his shirt into the top of his pants. He buttons up the cuffs of the long sleeves, then lets his one hand rest on the hilt of the short sword. Dominic smiles.

Dominic emerges from the tent, and sits down at the campfire circle. Everyone else who were chatting about the upcoming Sorceror's Spire, stop talking when Dominic arrives. Everyone is quite impressed with how well Dominic looks in the clothes that were selected for him.

Garla smiles. "Wow, Dominic! You look sharp. I am very impressed."

Warneeri nods her consent. "Looks like the extra boots I was toting around fit you just right."

Garla also makes a comment. "I am glad we salvaged the clothes from the bandits that we defeated a few weeks ago. Looks like the pants fit him well."

Huck smiles. "I was saving that shirt for a special occasion, but you make it look good, Dominic. You may keep it."

Brand admires Dominic. "The belt I made for you is just the right length. And Rab donated the short sword and scabbard. At least you have some protection now."

Rab smiles and shakes Dominic's hand. "I'll give you lessons on how to use the sword, Dominic. And don't worry about returning it. The sword was part of some booty we were carting around with us."

Dominic blushes for a moment from all the praise. Then he says, "I thank you all, but the praise is not earned. What I did earlier was foolish. I forgot that I was in your world and let the serene surroundings take me off guard. For a brief time, I thought I was back in Wyoming."

Rab took on a serious but gentle expression. "Yes, it was foolish, Dominic, but you yourself have admitted it. It is forgotten. But from now on, you will keep your guard up even in peaceful surroundings. Our world is not entirely safe in all areas. Dangers abound just about everywhere. I am just glad we were able to locate you before anyone else fell prey to that Equipixy."

Dominic nodded his head. "I will remember that I am not in my world from now on. But I do hope to return to my home world as soon as I succeed in locating the mage who is responsible for the trouble in my world." He looked to Warneeri. "No offense to you, Warneeri. I realize that not all mages are evil. In fact, I know a good mage in my world."

Warneeri smiled and nodded her head.

Rab now said, "We were discussing the Sorceror's Spire. As you may know, the doors are locked and have an anti magic field upon the entire door. Huck can get us past that. After we enter, almost nothing is known about the insides of the fortress. If there is a mage there and the mage proves to be evil, then Warneeri can aid you in stopping the fiend. The rest of us must acquire the Silver Oracle's Orb which was stolen from him a few months ago. That has been our target all along. Huck has been given leeway to collect anything else he can carry as his payment. Because a sorceror built the place, we know it will contain magical treasures. That is Warneeri's reward for help us. I pray that you find what you seek, Dominic."

Garla exclaims, "We head out tomorrow morning and should arrive at the spire itself before sunset drapes it's shadows across the wilderness. We will pitch camp before attemping entry into the fortress, so we will have a chance to rest before emersing ourselves in the possible dangers of the sorceror's corridors."

Rab got up and yawned. "Then, let us get some rest. When the morning arrives, we head towards the Sorceror's Spire." Rab helped Dominic up and they headed back to the tent. Everyone else take care of whatever last minute business they are required to perform, then likewise, head back into their tents as well.

The next morning, the six friends pack up their tents and gear, and are soon are they way, away from the meadow. Brand and Huckleberry scout ahead, while Garla and Warneeri chat quietly in the middle position of the party. Rab and Dominic bring up the rear position of the party, spending that time educating Dominic in a crash course of using the sword that he was given. After a quick lunch, the march resumes. Brand and Garla scout ahead, while Warneeri and Huckleberry chat quietly in the middle position, and Rab continues to educate Dominic in sword usage. Late that afternoon, Brand and Garla announce that the party had arrived just outside the fortress of the Sorceror's Spire. The fortress might have once been a majestic structure in times past, but it's current vine-covered and foreboding presence projected an eerie feeling from just looking upon it. Rab instructs everyone to make camp just a few feet from the fortress' locked doors. Some time later, Brand returns from his hunt for fresh food with very little. He explains that the game near this place was very sparce, and he had to literally travel all the back to the meadow to get any decent food for this night's meal. Huck begins preparing the meal, while Warneeri studies her spell book, Garla prays for insight, and Rab puts the finishing touches on giving Dominic training in using the short sword. When dinner is served, everyone settles down around the campfire, and enjoys their meal quietly. Afterwards, quiet casual talk begins concerning the fortress of the Sorcerer's Spire.

Huckleberry Slyfingers, after studying the door's lock, walked up to the campfire circle, and seated himself near Warneeri. "That's quite a lock. I won't say it'd be a piece of cake. On the contrary, that lock is going to be the biggest challenge of my entire career. It's intricate and well constructed. Those Mystiraccean locksmiths sure knew their craft. I may not be able to open it. And if I can't succeed, then I will surrender my lockpicks and become a farmer or a miller."

Warneeri patted Huck's shoulder. "You can do it."

Rab smiled. "I never thought I'd see this bunch working together and respecting each other as well as I've seen in the past few days. I am proud to have hired each and every one of you."

Garla nodded her head. "We have changed, I think. We have learned what our limits are and just exactly what each of us is good for within this team. Okali was even pleased with our progress. She told me that we were wise to rescue Dominic, for he is our biggest asset against the mage."

Dominic blinked his eyes. "I am? I'm no mage. I'm just an Chess operative. I barely know how to use this sword, and I've already proven how naive I was just a few days ago. You may thank your goddess for speaking so highly of me, but I am not that powerful."

Brand said, "Dominic. You may not be a furry, but you have shown me that, while given time, you could fit in here as well as any of us. Your scouting skills are as good as mine. You have a tinge of leadership abilities, as you have proven when you suggested we alter our marching order from day to day. And from what I've seen in your training with Rab, you are quite good with that blade. True, you are not as good as Rab, and may never ever acquire that skill level, but for what you do know, I am quite impressed."

Dominic blushed again, then commented on Brand's scouting skills and Rab's dual blades ability. The rest of the evening was pleasant enough and Warneeri surprised everyone when she brought out her ryduar (See F2) and played it for the pleasure and enjoyment of her companions. It was even more surprising that she could play it better than they suspected for her to be able to play it. Dominic entertained his companions by reciting some "urban legends" from back where he was from, stories including modified versions of the "hanging boyfriend" and the "escaped convict with a hook for a hand". The furry companions were wowed by these tellings and as the campfire's flame dimmed to a shallow glow, everyone began to head back into their tents to rest for the next day.

Dominic is shaken awake gently by Brand Ironpaw. Dominic looks around, and notices that is raining steadily outside the tent. Rab and Huck are busy in one corner of the tent working on what appears to be a large shield. Brand whispers to Dominic, "Follow me. Quietly." Dominic slowly gets up, and slips on a dark thick hooded cloak, then follows Brand out of the tent, and around the south side of the fortress to a broken section of wall. Just past the broken stone opening, Dominic and Brand light the torches within the secret chamber.

Dominic inquires, "Why all the secrecy? Why didn't you show this to the others?"

Brand replies, "He asked me not to." Brand points over into a corner of the chamber. Dominic looks and sees the white stag standing there. Dominic walks over to his white friend.

"Am I ever glad to see you! I got separated from Lindsay and these friendly people have been kind enough to help me." He pauses as he noticed that the white stag seems injured. "Oh lords! What happened to your side?" Dominic knelt to look at the scorched part of the white stag's flank. "Who did this?"

The white stag replies, "Dominic. There's not much time, so listen to me carefully. The mage you seek is indeed within this fortress. He is the one who did this to me, as I surprised him when he went to mail another parcel out at his mail box. I injured his right leg with my antlers, but he was swift with the fire balls that he sent into my flank. He fled back to this world, and I gave chase. He has another way into this world other than where you and Lindsay entered. I fought him again, but back in this world, the mage was too powerful for me. Lindsay is currently his prisoner up in a third floor laboratory. The only help I can give you is the ability to escape harm three times." Dominic feels some sort of magical benefit cast upon him. "I must go now to recuperate in my secret realm. I will speak with you again after you return to Earth."

Dominic hugs his white friend gently. "I will do my best, my friend." Dominic steps back and the white stag vanishes from view. Dominic turns to Brand. Brand Irondam is smiling. He holds Dominic's hand in his paw, then says, "Let's tell the others about this entrance. Sure beats trying to get the front door open."

A few minutes later, all six companions are standing inside the dry warm secret chamber. Huck works at opening the secret door, and smiles when it opens easily. He cautiously peeks through, then motions for everyone to come on through quietly. Once within the lower corridors, Huck sees the front doors and the key hanging on the wall that would unlock those doors. He quickly snags the keys, and unlocks the front doors just in case they had to rapidly make their escape later.

The party slowly makes their way down the corridor. As they are entering the fortress' enclosed courtyard, the encounter the mage's undead skeletal army. Dominic quickly says, "Garla. Turn the undead." Garla quickly steps forward, and invokes the power of her goddess, Okali. The skeletons not prepared for a priestly encounter, are immediately shattered into piles of white chalky dust. Garla looks back to Dominic and smiles. Dominic replies, "Now we know what to expect in this fortress." The party cautiously makes their way through the fortress fighting skeletons, zombies, plague bats, giant phospherous spiders, and gnorrasts (See F3). As they arrived on the third floor, the encounters with the gnorrasts become more difficult to combat against, for the hideous creatures were equipped in full body plate armor, and they were equipped with glowing wet looking weapons. Garla and Brand identified the green wetness as poison, and Huck gave further information by telling what type of poison it was and what it's exact effects were.

Warneeri glances down the remaining corridor. She casts a quiet detection spell, then casts another detection spell. She hums, then looks to Huck. "No more troops, but I suspect that the last corridor is trapped. Think you can disarm the traps, Huck?"

Huckleberry looks to the corridor. "I'll do my best." Huck begins demonstrating just why his guild are considered the masters of the thieving trade. Huck disarms the traps that he can disarm, and sets off the rest of them. Finally, he uses the key of the fortress to unlock the final door, and pushes them open.

The laboratory is surprisingly modern with high technology everywhere. The ceiling, walls, and floors are bleached white, and orb-like lights illuminate the chamber fully. Chained to a table on the far side of the chamber is Lindsay and standing behind the table is a nine foot tall demon. It has two long pointed horns sticking out of each side of his head. His head is vaguely shaped like a goat. His eyes seem to be burning embers of fire. His hands have literally three fingers and a thumb, all of which end in sharp claws. He is extremely muscular like a gymnist who had been working out every day for his entire life. His coloration is entirely of a shiny jet black coating everywhere across his nude body, all the way down to his oversized cloven hooves. Around his neck, he wears a golden chain, from which a glowing stone hangs, glowing brightly and emitting much power.

Garla gasped! "That's a demon. I'm not powerful enough to handle that."

Rab pulled out both of his Yin Yang swords and Warneeri prepared her war staff for battle. Dominic stepped forward and said, "No. Get what you came for. This one is mine. If I don't make it out, I just want you all to know, it was a pleasure to meet all of you." Dominic walked slowly forward towards the demonic goat like creature. When he was within ten feet of the creature, Dominic stopped walking and said, "I am here to stop you from causing humans any more harm."

Rab was surprised by Dominic's actions, but nodded his head and led his party into the treasure vault to look for the Silver Oracle's Orb. A moment after the furry band of adventurers were out of the laboratory, the demon exclaimed, "I've been waiting for you, Dominic Vanlyone. You and that blasted white stag have given me enough problems over the last few weeks. You have saved me the trouble of tracking you down. Now, you die!" The demon extended his claws toward Dominic, casting forth a flaming lightning bolt at Dominic. He was not able to react in time but the magical defense that the white stag had cast upon him took affect and reflected the spell right back upon the demon. He snarled in anger, screaming, "Argh! How did you do that?"

Dominic simply grinned. "I am not the weak human you thought I was. Don't force me to get rough, demon. Give it up. You've lost."

The demon growled again and was lifting his arms once again to throw another spell, when suddenly a flash of a glittery object twirled through the air and imbedded itself deeply in the demon's right eye socket. He howled in definite pain as he raised his claws immediately up to his head to try to extract the pointed glowing item. Dominic heard Huck and Garla giggle off to his right, saying, "Perfect shot!" and "I was wondering why you wanted me to bless that rusty dagger." Dominic stifled a laugh as he ran up and sliced away Lindsay's wrist and ankle bonds and quickly helped him over to Garla and the others. The demon pulled the dagger out of his head and threw the largest fire ball that Dominic had ever seen right towards him. Again there was no way to dodge it. The spell once again bounced off of the magical protection aura that surrounded Dominic's body, and fully engulfed the demon in a blast of his own fire. Dominic rushed the demon with his short sword in one hand and tackled the demon with full impacted force, knocking the creature over. As the demon hit the floor, the golden chain necklace slips off the demon's head and into a corner. The demon recovered quite quickly and rolled over on top of Dominic, pinning him to the spot. Dominic's sword was knocked from his hand and the demon raised one clawed hand up and rammed it straight down into Dominic's chest. The aura again reacted and the demon succeeded in breaking his clawed hand. He screamed and howled in agony.

The demon screamed at Dominic who was still pinned to the floor underneath him. "No one is totally immune to damage! How are you doing this? You are not a mage!"

Dominic was desperately trying to get the demon off of him now. The next shot from the demon would kill him and Dominic knew it! The demon placed his other clawed hand around Dominic's neck and squeezed slowly with unearthly might. Dominic cried out in pain as he fought to remain conscious. Lindsay and Brand emerged from the treasure vault and attacked the demon in the back with blessed weapons. The demon shirked off the blows as he concentrated on completing his task. Warneeri emerged from the treasure vault and cast a summoning spell. Suddenly, two beings arrived in the laboratory! One was Valerian Mouse. The other was a beautiful golden glowing Asian woman wearing the clothes of a Tibetan shaman. Warneeri exclaimed, "You're not what I was expecting, but I won't argue the results! Dominic needs help!"

Valerian turns towards the demonic scene and casts a few spells, all of which seem to have no effect. The Asian woman says to Valerian, "Step aside, archmage. I will show you how it's done." The Asian woman merely lifts one arm, and the demon is suddenly forcefully lifted into the air, his death grip still upon Dominic's neck. Dominic could not hold out any longer. He seemed to whisper, "Goodbye, my white friend." Garla invoked the full power of Okali and the demon's arm that was holding Dominic by the neck, was completely severed right off the demon's body. Rab rushed forward to Dominic, then worked on removing the claw's iron grip. Huck pocketed the golden chain necklace while everyone was distracted. The demon howled in agony as the Asian woman uttered forth an ancient spell: "Return to the Infinitum from which you came!" The demon and his arm vanish from the earthly plane of existence. Rab brought Dominic over to Garla, setting him down for Garla to examine with her priestly powers. Rab entered the treasure vault once again. When he emerged, he was holding the Silver Oracle's Orb securely within it's holding case.

"Mission accomplished. How's Dominic doing, Garla?"

Garla simply sat back and sniffled sadly. "I can't wake him up. I don't have the power to restore life yet. Only high priests of Okali can do that, and I am merely an acolyte."

Rab arched an eye. "When I hired you, you claimed to be a high priestess of Okali."

Garla sobbed, "I know. I needed to get away from the city's temple for a while and you were going somewhere. So I said what I said so you'd let me come along. But I am a failure. I cannot revive Dominic. I don't have that power."

The Asian woman knelt down next to Dominic. She placed her hands over Dominic's eyes and chanted a magical mantra. When she arose from the knelt position, Dominic slowly awakened. The Asian woman looked to Valerian and said, "There are magics in the universe that no mage may ever acquire in his or her lifetime. I just used one of the forgotten ones. Will I see you at 'the gathering', Valerian?"

Valerian smiled. "Yes, I will be there, Golden Yak. I look forward to seeing you there, as well."

The Asian woman hugged Valerian, then vanished from view.

A few days later, back in Castle Klondike of the Bighorn Kingdom, Rab presents the Silver Orb back to the Silver Oracle, then explains their adventure to retrieve it, of gathering his companions, and of fighting the demon at the ruined fortress. King Bighorn smiles from his throne, and congratulates Rab and his companions on a job well done. The king calls forth Dominic to the throne. Dominic approaches the throne and performs the proper protocol, kneeling in front of the throne. King Bighorn stands up, pulling his magical sword, Fredomakor, from it's scabbard, and announces, "For duties performed for the betterment of our fair kingdom, I dub thee, Sir Dominic Vanlyone, Lord Knight of the Furry Realms. You may rise, my friend."

Dominic rises. His furry companions applaud their approval. Dominic blushes humbly. "Please. I really do not deserve such praise."

Huckleberry approaches Dominic and hands him a bag. "I was going to keep this, but I've decided it should be returned to whoever it's rightful owner is. Would you honor me and return it to it's owner?"

Dominic smiles. "I'll do what I can, Huck." He opens the bag and pulls out the golden chain and glowing stone. Valerian blinks his eyes immediately!

"That's Circe's Transformation Orb!" Valerian exclaimed. "If you plan on returning that to her, please use caution. She loves to transform people into animals, and if she thinks you were the one who stole it from her, she will be a very vengeful woman to behold."

Dominic looks at the necklace carefully, then back at Valerian. "The Circe? By the gods! I will use the utmost caution when I return it to her. After this adventure, I am no longer as naive as I once was, so I will be sure to utilize the utmost caution when dealing with her."

Rab approaches Valerian. "You're an archmage, correct?"

Valerian looks to Rab. "Yes, that is what I am."

Rab inquires, "I would like to become your apprentice. I think the ways of magic would enhance my already mastered samurai skills quite nicely. Will you take me as your apprentice?"

Valerian looks over to Warneeri. Warneeri looks back at Valerian.

Rab notices the exchange of glances.

Valerian replies, "You would make my second apprentice. Warneeri has also asked me to teach her the greater magics of the arcane spectrum. Are you sure you want to study under me?"

Rab nods his head. "I am sure. You can't have too many skills. Will you accept me?"

Valerian nods his head, and replies, "Very well. I accept you."

Lindsay speaks to Dominic briefly. "After we go back to Earth, I guess I won't see you anymore, will I?"

Dominic places a hand upon Lindsay's shoulder. "That really depends, my friend. Our world is small, and there is much to see. We will meet again someday. I promise."

Garla comes over and kisses Dominic deeply. "Goodbye, Dominic. I am on my way to receive penance for leaving the temple without permission. I love you, Dominic." Garla stepped back and was escorted out of the throne room by the temple guards.

Huck sighs. "Gee, Rab and Warneeri are going home with that mage. Garla is going to be punished for however long she will be punished for. Brand returned to his village already. I don't have anywhere to go. What will I do now?"

Dominic smiles. "You're a good cook. One of the best. I'm sure we can figure out something." He looks to King Bighorn. "Am I right, your majesty?"

King Bighorn smiles. "If you are as good a cook as I have been hearing, then you can always stay here in the castle as our official cook. But the decision is yours, Huckleberry Slyfingers."

Huck frowns at the sound of his own name. He knows in his heart that he has already been appraising items of value in the castle. Huck replies, "No offense, your majesty, but I am a thief at heart, and there is far too many distractions here in your castle for me to resist."

King Bighorn replies, "I am pleased you are honest about your feelings, Huck. But you will always be welcome to return to visit us. Dominic, will you take charge of Huck? The two of you are already associated with each other."

Dominic smiles. "I will do what I can, your majesty." He bows gracefully. Dominic and Huck rejoin the gathered party out front of the castle. Valerian does the honors, and transports all of them out of the Furry Realm. Lindsay was returned to his home in Forestgrove, Montana. Valerian, Rab, and Warneeri are transported to the Mystic Citadel in Washington state. Dominic and Huck appear back at Reed Huxley's apothecary building in California. Dominic and Huck enter the building.

Ending Evaluation:

Dominic was typing his final report on his trusty electronic typewriter. The white stag was curled up in the easy chair asleep. He looked over at yet more additions to his office den: the royal crest of Castle Klondike positioned proudly on one wall. Just below it, a suit of silver armor crafted to Dominic's precise measurements, standing silently. A sword case next to the armor contains his magical sword, Companion, made specifically for Dominic's knightly ceremony into the Bighorn Kingdom. On another wall, a newly crafted doorway has been constructed giving Dominic direct access to the Furry Realm. He smiled as he heard Sexen and Huck in the kitchen preparing a fantastic meal. Damon only grumbled when he saw the ferret and muttered something about Dominic getting a zookeeper's license.

Dominic looks over his report.

_To Whom It May Concern,

During my extensive investigation into the second uprising of furry transformations, it was discovered that members of the cult that was thought to be destroyed after the first outbreak of furry transformations, were responsible for the second outbreak. The cult's new base was located and destroyed by a brave band of honorable soldiers serving under a privately funded sponsor._

Dominic Bastian Vanlyone

Footnotes: (F1) Nikon Procyos was last seen when she teamed up with Valerian Mouse and his crew in Illusions and Mirrors (CT-05). (F2) A musical instrument with four long strings, one short string, and hollowed out like a reed instrument with holes positioned just under each string. (F3) Combination between a humanoid hyena and a giant rat. The result being an extremely hideous centaur-like creature, with a prehensile tail. It's thick hide quite tough against all attacks except from magical weapons or blessed items.