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SE-11 Gemini deLeon By Darrel James Vanwinkle (Writing as Ratseye) 6/30/2003-09/01/2003

The mid April spring breezes were gently flowing through the National Scenic Riverways, and the City of Rocky Falls. Dominic Bastian Vanlyone, Jago Fox, and Jonie Dreamsea were attending a charity fund raiser at KJAG-TV studios. Sallee Tanner was pleased that Dominic had volunteered to help her with the March of Dimes Marathon. Dominic had promised to match the ending donation total and the calls were pouring in. By the day's end, Sallee was incredibly pleased with all the funds they had received, including the extra check from Dominic himself, signed in front of the cameras. Sallee thanked Dominic for his help, then he and his friends drove over to the Witches Brew restaurant to celebrate a successful day. Wendy Gliddle personally attended to Dominic and his friends, then joined him for a fine course of dinner. Jago and Jonie watched Dominic and Wendy waltz on the dance floor in the dim light.

Dominic produced a small box and gave it to Wendy. She opened the box and the diamond ring within was very telling, for Wendy's lips pressed to Dominic's own in a deep and loving kiss.

Dominic gently asked, "It has been years, Wendy. Will you marry me?"

Jago and Jonie both blinked their eyes in astonishment.

Wendy kept smiling, and gave Dominic a present in return. An onyx case with gold metal trim. Wendy replied, "I would like to, my long time friend, but there are those who love you more than I who you should settle with first." He stepped back and was instantly in her authentic witch's costume. "I know more about you than you may think, Jansen. I will cherish your gift and offer for eternity, but other hearts need you more than I. You should go to them. Take the case and store it safely in your collection. I will keep the ring and think of you often."

Dominic nodded and smiled. "At least I finally asked. You cannot say I haven't."

Wendy winked and headed off to attend to her restaurant.

Dominic glanced to Jago and Jonie. "Ready to head back to the mansion?"

The three left the restaurant and drove to the liquor store, where Dominic purchased another stock of beer. Then they finally returned to the mansion. Once inside, Damon Horse helped Dominic put all the beer in the cooler. Jago and Jonie entered the office/den to plan their next Morphis Software release. They both stopped suddenly when they saw Artemis standing in the room admiring the paintings.

Jago ahemed. "Artemis?"

Artemis turned and smiled to Jago and Jonie. "Hello. I see that you guys are back. How was the outing?"

Jonie smiled. "It went well. We raised well over $800,000 dollars. That includes Dominic's donation to the charity."

Artemis smiled. "This is good. I am pleased that it went so well."

Jago asked, "What brings you to the mansion this evening, Artemis?"

Artemis smiled. "I wish I could say that this was a pleasure call." Then she frowned. "In truth, I was sent here by the great god of time, Chronos, to ask Dominic for his help."

Jonie looked at Jago and smiled. "A new adventure."

Jago chuckled. "Jonie, my friend. I think you are enjoying these adventures a little too much. Artemis, I'll go get Dominic." He headed off to fetch Dominic.

Dominic sat in his usual seat at his desk. Jago and Jonie were seated nearby. Damon Horse sat in his usual chair drinking a cold beer. Even Reed Huxley was seated nearby wearing a bath robe. Dominic nodded to Artemis to begin.

Artemis exclaimed. "The great god Chronos beseeches a boon from you, Dominic. A mortal thief stole an item capable of time travel and escaped into the past. We have no idea what damages he could cause in the past, but Chronos said that Jansen Tanner was the thief's main target. That means you, Dominic. So you are being asked to gather a team and travel back in time to thwart this villain before he can ruin your past. Will you aid us?"

Dominic never even flinched. The others all seemed extremely concerned.

Dominic calmly replied, "Monkeying with the past wrongly can destroy yourself as well as your target. Time travel. H.G. Wells. I must admit that it is something that I have not done yet. How much time do I have to gather a team, Artemis?"

Artemis smiled. "Chronos explained that you could be given three days, but no more. I will return on the evening of the third day to fetch your team. I will see you then." Artemis vanished.

Dominic released a sigh. "This trip is perhaps to be the most trying and most dangerous of all my adventures to date. My friends. Any of you may volunteer to come. But this time we deal with someone seeking to end my life by striking at my younger self. The question is: who wants to accompany me?"

Reed says, "I am sure you will be asking Shane Wayne for his aid. Correct?"

Dominic simply nodded. "Among others."

Damon stroked his muzzle. "Do you want my aid this time, Dominic?"

Dominic nods again. "Among others."

Gotaki Riverclaw emerged from her shadowy corner. "Where King Lion goes, I go."

Jago glanced at Gotaki. "I was wondering when you were going to show up."

Gotaki smiled. "I am always around. Where there are shadows, I am there."

Dominic hummed. "I still need to contact the others. But I'd say I have my core players."

Over the next few days, Dominic spent countless hours speaking to various people on the telephone about his upcoming adventure.

Then, on the third evening, Artemis once again made her appearance. She was pleased to see Dominic and his crew all ready to make the time-trip. Dominic had gathered Damon Horse, Jago Fox, Jonie Dreamsea, Gotaki Riverclaw, Shane Wayne, Jo Tanner, Garla Canopyskimmer (a priestess of Okali) and Brand Irondam. All were prepared with various supplies and equipment.

Artemis smiled. "I am pleased that you are prepared, my friends. I too have prepared someone to accompany you on this journey. Her name is Diana Hunter. She is a long time and loyal follower of mine. She will accompany you into the past and make sure all of you return safely."

Dominic smiled back. "My thanks, Artemis. I had not expected you to provide us with aid."

Artemis grinned. "I like to protect my prospects, Dominic. Now, we go to Chronos' Cavern of Time."

Artemis waved her hands slowly and the team suddenly found itself before the great god of time, Chronos, who was himself, chained to his throne by glowing bands of every existing era known and unknown to man. Chronos was indeed a titan of old.

Diana Hunter was also in the chamber awaiting the team's arrival. She bowed to Artemis and took a position with the team.

Chronos then spoke, "Greetings Dominic and friends. Forgive me for not rising to greet you. As you know, a thief stole a time travel device from me in order to go back in time and kill your past self. There isn't much time, as it were. His name is Hogan Slade. I am now going to open a time portal to the hills outside of Athens, Greece, where you will arrive at. Tread carefully, Dominic. I need not remind you of the consequences of tampering with time. Change as little as possible."

Dominic nodded his head, and glanced to his team. They too were nodding an agreement to the statement.

Chronos smiled, then pointed to one blank wall of the cavern. It shimmered and shifted, soon revealing a green grassy hillside. Chronos then said, "I am sending you back a whole day before Hogan Slade is to arrive, though I know not where he will arrive. Use your time and resources wisely. Do not allow him to succeed."

Dominic and his team walked through the time portal to Greece in the past, unsure of what awaited them there.

Jo looked around, then set a serious gaze on Dominic. "You've carted us off on some crazy adventures before, but this one has to be the craziest to date! And I can't believe I agreed to come along on this nutty trip. But -=NO ONE=- threatens a Tanner, -=EVER=-, and gets away with it. And -=THAT=- is the only reason I came along. No one is going to kill a Tanner if -=I=- have anything to say about it."

Dominic cleared his throat. "Remember. We are a whole day in the past before Hogan Slade is to arrive. Our immediate goal should be to locate Jansen Tanner and offer to accompany him on his next mission. If we tell him we're there to protect him, he'll try to ditch us. I know myself very well. Also Jo, under no circumstance are you to reveal that you're his real sister."

Jo hummed. "I get the idea, Dominic. Jansen knows that I am still in the states. So for this trip, I want everyone to call me Stellea Rae. Got it?"

Dominic chuckled. "Your spacer name. Very well, Stellea Rae. This should be interesting."

Damon hrmed. "How are you going to explain a demon General and three furries?"

Dominic pondered this. "I believe you have a non-morphic warhorse identity, right Damon? As for the others, Gotaki can be unseen at will, and Garla has the Cloak Identity miracle among the powers that Okali grants to her through her faith. Garla can mask the species of herself and Brand while we're in Athens, and when among other humans."

Damon grinned and shifted into his non-morphic warhorse form, complete with saddle and equipment. "I'll try not to talk much in this form, but just remember this: I am your team wizard, well... demon wizard, but I know my craft. And Stellea can ride me, this time."

Jo chuckled. "Thanks Damon."

Damon sniffed Jo. "You try anything funny and I get to ride you when we get home. Get my drift?"

Jo's eyes went wide for a moment, then she set a glare at everyone. "Not a word."

Diana edged close to Dominic and whispered, "Are you confident with this bunch?"

Dominic whispered back to Diana, "You don't know my friends. And if they can't, Gotaki can."

Diana noticed Gotaki within earshot standing there with an ominous look about her. Diana glanced to Dominic. "Is she always like that?"

Dominic smiled. "To her, I am King Lion. She protects me whenever she is able. Nothing gets past her when I am on missions."

Diana glanced again to where Gotaki was... well, Gotaki -=WAS=- there. Where ever she was now was anyone's guess.

Dominic was enjoying watching Diana's attempts to try and locate Gotaki. Then he turned to Jago, Jonie and Shane. "You three need to be aware that the White Stag in this time period often follows Jansen Tanner around in the field. Now remember: under no circumstance are we to say -=White Stag=- in front of Jansen Tanner. I am still under contract to my white cervine friend."

Jago and Jonie both shook their heads in agreement.

Shane hrmed. "I have a problem, Dominic. Jansen is going to know me on sight. Why did you ask me to come along?"

Dominic smiled. "My dear Shane... You are the field commander for this mission. When we find Jansen, you are our -=excuse=- for teaming up with him. The only thing you need to convey to Jansen is that you intercepted information that someone was going to try to assassinate him. And our team was chosen to help assist him during this two week period that the so-called contract is to be in effect."

Shane arched an eye. "Why do you say two weeks?"

Dominic smiled. "Artemis told the date that we were being sent to. In two weeks, Jansen, and two of his top agent friends, will be shipped out into the Mediterranean to undergo a month-long underwater training course. Hogan has to strike at Jansen before that trip starts, or he'll have to wait 32 days before he can try again."

Jago smiled. "It must be nice to know your own past. So where can we find Jansen at currently?"

Dominic grinned. "Jansen and Mark Jolson are shopping in Athens today. Our best chances to encounter them is at one of three locations: a photo shoot at the Parthenon, a minor sight-seeing tour with two cute local females, and dinner at Nicodemus' Seaside Tavern."

Diana turned to Dominic again. "If you knew where Jansen was, then why the big show?"

Dominic replies, "The big show, as you call it, is more an important strategy meeting. We can't just wander into Athens and act like tourists. All this is deja'vu for me. And we cannot afford mistakes. If you feel you can't meld with your teammates, then you'd better return home and hide behind Artemis' coat tails."

Diana blinked her eyes in surprise. Then she saw that Dominic wasn't playing around. There was a method to this madness. And she had to keep herself on top of it. Her mistress, Artemis, always spoke highly of Dominic. This was Diana's chance to discover just what Dominic was all about. How far would Dominic go to succeed in this mission? She thought that she would soon find out.

Within two hours, Dominic and his friends arrived at the Parthenon in Athens, which, Dominic knew that Jansen and Mark were visiting at that time. Now it was up to Shane.

Shane was nervous enough about doing this, but it was a serious emergency. If they failed, both Jansen and Dominic would die. Not to say that Dominic hadn't been killed before, but Jansen deserved the chance to live his life as it was already written. Shane rounded a corner and stopped. Straight out in front of him was Mark and Jansen. And they had seen Shane.

Jansen rubbed his eyes. "I must be overworked, Mark. That looks like my old friend Sheridan Wayne."

Mark says, "But it can't be. He's in the Pacific with his Marine buddies."

Shane growled before he could stop himself. "NEVER call me Sher-" He stopped mid-sentence.

Jansen blinked his eyes. "Oh my god. It -=IS=- Sheridan. But why is he wearing that off-white uniform?"

Shane slowly approached, then stopped again. "Jansen. Mark. I realize this is unorthadox for me to be here, but we need to talk. And you may not like what I have to say. But I wouldn't be here otherwise."

Mark arched an eye at Shane. Something was just not right about what he was seeing. But what was it?

Jansen nodded his head. "Okay Sheri-, um, I mean Shane. You've came a long way to find me and you rarely do anything of this nature unless it's very important. Where should we talk?"

Shane didn't smile. "I am not here alone, Jansen. My team is awaiting me just around the corner. Like I said, you won't like why we're here."

Jansen glanced at Mark, then back to Shane. "I am already not liking this. You usually smile and joke around. Even when being serious. This must be life threatening."

Shane glanced off to one side, then back directly at Jansen. "It is life threatening. Your life."

Mark and Jansen both gape in some shock.

Shane led the two around the corner into the alcove that Dominic and the others were holed up in. Shane took a small breath and gazed directly at Dominic. "I brought them."

Dominic was wearing dark secure leather gloves and dark sunglasses. "Mr. Tanner? I am Dominic Vanlyone. I cannot reveal to who we serve, but it recently came to our attention that a threat on your life was apparent from a transmission we intercepted. The contract on your life is to end at midnight in exactly two weeks. We are not here to protect you, as we have knowledge that you would not agree to be protected. Therefore, all we ask is that you allow us to travel with you on any missions during this two week period of time. Do you have any questions?"

Jansen smiled. "You've certainly done your homework if you knew that I wouldn't agree to being protected. Yet you still came. I must know, however... what is it to your mystery employer for me to stay alive?"

Dominic didn't smile back. "I am afraid that information is likewise classified, Mr. Tanner. Were we meeting under more casual terms, I could tell you much. But for now, our goal is to capture the assassin; not to protect you. When we accompany you on your missions, we will not interfere in your affairs. Our presence publicly must remain as a touring group. You, publicly, are our guide. Your current employers, Chess, must likewise not be advised as to what our actual significance to traveling with you. Surely I need not remind you about the need for secrecy."

Jansen hummed to himself. Something stunk here. And something about Dominic reminded him of himself. This so-called team was just too haphazard a group to be a serious organization of secret agents. Or they were better at their jobs than they appeared. "Very well, Mr. Vanlyone. Your team may accompany me. But don't think for a second that I won't be wondering who you people really are."

Dominic nodded his head. "Rest assured. If we are successful, after two weeks you will never see our team again. Nor will we be trackable. Although the rest of us will not be locatable, I am sure you will be able to find Shane." He smiled at Shane. "I happen to know that your next mission starts tomorrow morning, and you're to take a plane from the airport here in Athens to Dikson airfield in Gory Byrranga, northern Siberia, Russia. From there, we will take a snowmobile trip eastwards approximately 280 kilometers to the village of Helaliturku."

Jansen stepped back, his eyes wide. He hadn't told anyone about this mission. Not even Mark knew where he was being flown to. "How... how... how...?"

Dominic was barely withholding the desire to smile. "Our employer has infinite contacts, Mr. Tanner."

Jo was also containing herself from the desire to smile. She was very surprised that Dominic would do this to himself.

Damon was glad he hasn't facing Jansen. He was grinning widely in his warhorse form.

Jansen then said, "By rights, I should kill you for prying into my affairs."

Gotaki chose this moment to make her presence known by both gently grasping Jansen's neck from behind and gently pressing a blade into his back. "Do not threaten my employer, Jansen Tanner. Or the assassin will not need to kill you for you will be dead already." Gotaki released Jansen and was gone even before he could turn to see who spoke to him.

Jansen blinked his eyes again. "I see. Your team's appearance -=IS=- misleading. You are all evidently better at your craft than you appear. I am impressed."

Dominic nodded his head again. "I am sorry, Mr. Tanner. I do not like to have to make threats. It is in your best interest to not try to avoid us come morning. Although I would be disappointed if you didn't try."

Jansen hummed. "Very well. I'll meet your team at the airport come the morning. Now if you'll excuse me, Mark and I have a schedule to continue."

Jansen and Mark turned, walking away.

Dominic waited until they were gone before saying, "He is going to try to ditch us. Come the morning, he won't be at the airport. He's going to prearrange a midnight departure. He will believe it to be a wise move. But we'll be awaiting Jansen at the Dikson airfield. We'll need to dress warmly because they just had a blizzard that mysteriously ended just hours before Jansen's actual arrival."

Damon spoke, "Mysteriously ended or ended cause one of us said so?"

Dominic grinned and petted Damon's neck. "I have to assume one of us has something to do with the weather ending early. And I remembered that you hate unnecessary cold weather."

Damon chuckled.

Jago spoke up now. "I assume we'll be traveling via shimmering air?"

Dominic smiled at Jago. "Good assumption. But we won't leave right away. The entire flight will take Jansen about 11 hours flight time. Hogan Slade won't have a clue as to where Jansen is, but we can't take that chance. If Jansen leaves at Midnight, even with planned stops, he will arrive at Dikson airfield at 1:35 PM local time, at the earliest. We have to account for the weather."

Jonie asked, "Why -=IS=- Jansen going to that part of Siberia?"

Dominic grinned. "Two reasons: werewolves and weretigers. They've been vaguely reported raiding that village Jansen is being assigned to investigate. And even though I know why they are there, we are forbidden to just reveal the reason. History must occur as I have remembered it."

The rest of the day was spent sightseeing Athens itself. They had an early dinner at Nicodemus' Seaside Tavern, then proceeded to watch a performance at a countryside ampitheatre.

While his friends were enjoying the show, Dominic took a short walk out into the night air. He had a feeling. A very familiar feeling. As he reached the nearby copse of trees, Dominic caught a glimpse of something white from the corner of his eye. He stopped and slowly removed his gloves, pocketing them.

Dominic quietly spoke, "I was wondering when you would check on me, my white cervine friend."

There was no answer right away. But then, the calm and strikingly familiar voice replied, "You seem to know me, yet I can swear that we've never met. You smell like Jansen Tanner, but you're older than he by several years. Why are you here?"

Dominic smiled and turned towards the calm voice. "You are as handsome now as you will be years later. Let me be frank with you, old friend. There isn't much time." Dominic proceeded to inform his white cervine friend about the mission and of Hogan Slade's coming arrival, and what his goal seemed to be. "Lord Chronos sent me and my team back in time, not to protect Jansen... that is your job... but to capture Hogan Slade and the time travel device... returning both to the present time in which we call home."

The white stag listened quietly, as he was fond of doing, then he gazed up at Dominic. "I can tell you are telling the truth, Jansen. Let me remind you that under no circumstance must you ever physically touch your younger self. The consequences is something I am sure you don't want to have occur in any nation of the world."

Dominic nodded his head. "That is why I brought a secure pair of gloves. I know full well what will happen if he and I ever physically touch."

The white stag glanced around the greek countryside. "An anti-matter explosion that would wipe out all life in this dimension." He sighed out a long breath, then gazed up at Dominic again. "You don't call yourself Jansen anymore, do you?"

Dominic shook his head slowly. "It seemed inappropriate to me once I returned to the United States from Europe. But know you this, old friend... in the future, I am under contract with you. A contract that I adhere to with my life. Beyond that, I cannot tell you anything more."

The white stag smiled. "It pleases me that you regard the contract so highly. As you say, it is my job to protect Jansen. You may see me again in Siberia."

Dominic took his gloves back out once again and put them on. "I am sorry we had to meet this way, old friend. It pains me that I had to return here at all. Memories are like icy daggers in my heart." Dominic heard the tell-tale sound of an entry into shimmering air. He turned and noticed that his white cervine friend was no longer there. Then he sensed why. A young couple was approaching the copse of trees, evidently to secure a spot for romance. Dominic turned back towards the ampitheatre, giving the couple their privacy.

The rest of the night passed without incident.

Come the morning, Dominic and his friends were having dinner at a countryside diner. Mark Jolson entered and proceeded to their tables. Mark said, "I just wanted to wish you luck before I boarded my flight back to the United States. As for Jansen Tanner... Let's just say that he took your challenge and left last night around midnight."

Dominic glanced up and removed his sunglasses, speaking in a very 'Jansen Tanner'-like voice, "It is so nice to be right. Have a safe trip home, Mark, old buddy." Then he placed the sunglasses back in place.

Mark backed up, startled. He -=KNEW=- something was odd about this Vanlyone guy. Mark departed slowly, having learned more than he wished to learn. Dominic -=WAS=- Jansen. But how could that be possible? He had personally saw Jansen off from the airport last night.

Dominic and his friends spent the morning hours sightseeing around Athens some more, then they had a 1 PM meal at a restaurant. Finally, Dominic gathered his friends, and initiated the shimmering air power in a secluded location. The team walked through the portal, and within minutes, emerged inside a hangar at Dikson airfield.

Damon shifted forms to his morphic identity and summoned all the winter-wear clothing and equipment they all would need.

Jo was peeking out the hangar door. "That must be Jansen's plane arriving now. You timed our arrival almost precisely. When do we emerge from the hangar?"

Dominic grinned. "About 45 seconds after he departs the plane. And yes, he'll have a very shocked look on his face. Like I said to Mark, it is so nice to be right."

Jo laughed, then bundled up in one of the thermal snowsuits that Damon had summoned.

Diana had already suited up in a thermal snowsuit. So far, she was impressed with how Dominic operated. There were few, if any, complaints from the team. As long as this was true, she would continue to accompany the team.

Jansen had just barely got off the plane and had turned towards the hangars when Dominic and party emerged from the hangar. Jansen stopped in his tracks. (There is NO WAY they can be here ahead of me. Unless... they departed last night expecting me to try to outsmart them. A calculated risk, but they guessed right. In a way, I am pleased to have the company. But at the same time, the Chess couldn't find any information on the Vanlyone name at all. The man doesn't exist. Yet here he is.)

Jansen smiled, grabbing his travel pack, and began walking over to Dominic and party. "Okay. I admit it. You preguessed my actions correctly. Glad to have you here."

Dominic grinned. "I am also pleased that your flight was uneventful. Hopefully we are still one step ahead of the man wanting you dead. We prearranged some transport for the team before you arrived. There are snowmobiles for all of us. And enough fuel for a round trip."

Jansen smiled at that. "In my eagerness to try to outfox you, I hadn't thought about how to get to the village. I just assumed my luck would hold out. In a way, it has."

Dominic nodded his head, then introduced Jansen to the team by first names only. "We will be able to cover the 280 kilometers in about 4 days. I have been to the village before, so I do know the way, making me the guide. But the village isn't that hard to find, so even without a guide, you would arrive at the village within a week, at least."

Jansen hummed. "You certainly seem worldly traveled, Dominic. 4 days, huh?"

Dominic nodded his head. "4 days."

The next four days proved uneventful, yet interesting. Jansen and Diana both kept to themselves for most of the trip. Jago and Jonie took pictures of the landscape and monitored how the snowmobiles moved over the terrain. Damon and Garla shared a snowmobile. It was fortunate that Jansen wasn't close enough to feel the demonic heat emanating from Damon's body. Jansen was impressed with the short yet endurable Brand Irondam who continuously scouted ahead without a snowmobile. Brand seemed to never tire and always returned with wild game to feed the team. Gotaki was -=never=- seen, yet Brand often commented that she chatted with him during his scouting excursions. Jansen's most common quest during the trip was trying to get a glimpse of Dominic without his sunglasses on. Everytime he got too close, one of the team conveniently got in the way. At the end of the fourth day, the team arrived in the abandoned ruins of Helaliturku village.

Jansen blinked his eyes as he panned his gaze over the ruined village. "Is this the right place?"

Dominic refolded his minimap and pocketed it. "This is Helaliturku. Or rather, what's left of it. Seems there was a battle here. But this is your case, Jansen. Can you tell us what fought here?"

Jansen glanced over at Dominic. "Something with extraordinary claws. The marks on several of the buildings clearly show that the slashes were not stopped by either the wood or the stone it struck."

Dominic tsked at Jansen. "That's all you can see? And you call yourself a Black Bishop?"

Jansen flinched. This Dominic Vanlyone seemed to know how to push his buttons, in all the worst ways, and it was annoying him. He took a breath and released it. "I am just getting started. There are two distinct kinds of claw marks here. I'd say all this was done by two creatures. Both with sharp claws, and both seeking food. The only thing I can't figure out is why they fought. Their scent is strong all over the village." What Jansen wasn't saying was that the scent was arrousing him, and that in itself was making him blush slightly. "Two creatures. Seemingly both male, but I cannot verify that yet. I'll have to track them down and find out from them why they did this."

Dominic nodded his head. "That's a better evaluation. Here's the plan: My team will remain in the village and secure the perimeter, as well as our food and feul supplies. Jansen... you will search for the two creatures in your own special and lucky way. Any arguments about this plan?"

Jansen arched an eye. "You're not coming with me?"

Dominic grinned. "This is your mission, Jansen. I think it would be detrimental if I accompanied you. I cannot explain why. I do know that you won't die on this trip. You -=ARE=- a Black Bishop, after all."

Jansen grinned at the timely praise. "Yes, I am. But to travel totally alone seems odd seeing as how you've came this far with me, and now, hang back while I travel onwards."

Dominic hummed. He knew that under no circumstance should he travel further with Jansen. Jansen wanted it, and he absolutely could not accompany him within any distance of creatures who could tell that the two people had the exact same scent. "If they are willing to go with you, I can spare Shane, Jago, and Jonie. But only if they wish to accompany you. Furthermore, they will not accompany you to answer questions. They will be your aids; nothing more."

Jansen erfed. (Dammit. He always seems to be one step ahead of me. How is it that he always seems to know what I am thinking?) "I would appreciate some company during this trip. And I promise: no questions about you or your team." (This time.)

Jago and Jonie smiled.

Jago says, "We'd be glad to help him out. Someone has to carry equipment..."

Shane says, "In that case, I better come along. If anyone gets infected, you'll need me to cu-, um, carry people back to base." He immediately got quiet.

Jansen refrained hard from turning to look at Shane. He -=KNEW=- that Shane had slipped up and revealed something, but he really needed company on this part of the trip. So instead, Jansen replied, "I would surmise that our search should be conducted at night. That way, we can see the fires here in the main camp no matter where we are out in the wilds."

Dominic pondered to himself. (Jansen knows that Shane spilled some information. Yet he says nothing. I hope this won't prove problemsome.)

Suddenly, Diana stepped forward and said, "I will accompany them."

Dominic was not expecting Diana to volunteer. Yet he contained his surprise quite well. He was curious as to why Diana had kept quiet for so long. "I think that may be a good idea. Sometimes, a woman can discern things that a man cannot."

Diana smiled. "Thank you, Dominic." She turned to Jansen and the others. "Shall we begin?"

Jansen nodded his head. He was also not expecting Diana to volunteer to accompany them. Dominic had not specified her as one to come along. Yet, for some reason, he felt at ease having Diana along with him on the search.

Jago and Jonie started gathering supplies to carry, and Shane helped out. Jo moved close to Shane and slapped him. She whispered, "Learn to keep your mouth shut." Jo moved back over to the circle where Damon, Garla and Brand sat. Jo was -=GLAD=- that Damon was producing more than enough heat for the whole team.

Jansen, Shane, Jago, Jonie and Diana were soon trekking outwards from the village under the cover of a cold and chilly night. Jansen wasn't exactly sure what they would find, but he was glad for any moments away from the watchful eyes of Mr. Dominic Vanlyone. After two hours, their team located an injured siberian weretigress.

She lifted her head at the team's approach, and almost immediately, the team is surrounded by several siberian weretigers. Although they growled threateningly, they did not advance. Something seemed to keep them at bay.

Shane noted their facial expressions, and mentally guessed who had appeared nearby. (Dominic's white cervine friend. It's got to be.)

Jansen showed his open hands to the weretigers and spoke to them in Russian. //I mean you no harm. I am Jansen Tanner, an operative for Chess. I am investigating the unusual activities in this portion of Siberia. I realize that this is your home territory and your own presence here is normal. But judging from the ruins of the nearby village, I have to assume you have been fighting a war against another species that is not native to this region. Is there any way I and my friends may help your tribe?//

The main weretigress settled down and nodded to her warriors to pull back, and they immediately obeyed. Then she lifted her head and replied in Russian, //You have offered your help. This we will accept. I have been injured by a weapon that I cannot pull free from my hide, using neither claw nor fang. This weapon is small, foul-smelling and was proceeded by a mysterious yet loud lightning sound, yet no heavenly bolts were seen. The people who used this weapon accompanied the other creatures we have been fighting. They speak a language unknown to us.//

Jansen glanced to Shane. "Think you can remove the bullet from her wound? She's been shot and cannot heal properly. As for the other half, they are at war with non-Russians working in unison with the other creatures. And if you already know what they are, I'd appreciate it if you told me ahead of time."

Shane sighed and glanced to each of the others. Then he turned to Jansen. "This is the only time I am going to reveal something. Werewolves." He approached the weretigress and kneeled beside her. He opened his medical kit and began the process of removing the bullet.

Jansen sighed and turned away from everyone, then blinked his eyes at the odd shadowy image off in the night from the weretiger's lair. It appeared to be a large caribou. Then it simply vanished. Jansen blinked his eyes again. (What the hell was that?)

Diana placed a hand on Jansen's shoulder. "Question not that which chooses to ally itself with you. Better on your side than against it."

Jansen glanced at Diana. "What is your involvement with this bunch? I noticed that you spaced yourself from all the others for most of the entire trip."

Diana grinned. "I thought you promised Dominic not to ask those kind of questions..."

Jansen humphed. "Don't give me that, Diana. I can tell you can't stand following Dominic's orders any more than I enjoy being badgered by Dominic's ever-burning gaze."

Diana chuckled. "The last time I heard that tone of voice was from Dominic. I think you deserve to know why I came along with Dominic and his team."

Jansen smiled. (Now we're getting somewhere.)

Diana says, "I am the fail-safe of the team. If something goes wrong, I am the just-in-case modifier to pull the team out of the frying pan. Now be a good boy and don't ask anything else about -=ANY=- of the team members." She affixed a dark gaze on Jansen. "Or else..."

Jansen suddenly got the feeling of being neutered. -=THAT=- made him flinch. Leave it to a woman to get the 'point' across. Jansen turned his attention to chatting with the weretigress about the werewolves and the weapon-carrying associates of the werewolves.

Shane soon finished, retrieving the bullet from the wound, showing it to the weretigress. Then Shane started applying a secure bandage to the weretigress' wound, being careful just the same.

The weretigress smiled and licked Shane's face; Shane smiled back. The weretigress turned to Jansen and exclaimed, //Tell your friend that I thank him. Also tell him that he tastes good.//

Jansen blinked his eyes and repeated the information to Shane.

Shane grinned. "Tell her that as a friend to most weres worldwide, that I thank her. Also tell her that I look forward to seeing her at an upcoming Tranquility Moonrise."

Jansen gaped. "What is the Tranquility Moonrise?"

Shane glared at Jansen. "You'll find out later. Just tell her please."

Jansen again repeated the information to the weretigress.

The weretigress grinned and licked Shane again, hugging Shane somewhat tightly. Shane hugged her back, thinking, (Why me?) She released Shane and resumed telling Jansen the rest of the information concerning the werewolves.

Soon, Jansen and those with him were traveling northwards away from the weretigers. Jansen turned to Shane and said, "She told me what the Tranquility Moonrise was. I know I promised not to ask about your team, but how did you happen to learn of such a gathering?"

Shane grinned. "Some of my Navy buddies are wereotters."

For some reason, Jansen decided to veer the party back towards the camp. It was late, and Jansen was looking forward to a warm bed. When they arrived back in the village, Jansen noticed that the campfires were burning a lot brighter than usual. Also, securely tied up near one campfire were obvious German soldiers. By the other campfire, Jo and Garla were roasting marshmellows. The others were not in sight.

Jansen simply stared, but could guess what probably happened from the way the village and scene appeared. There was apparently another fight, and this time, Dominic's team were the winners.

While Jansen was focused on the campsite, Gotaki -=borrowed=- Shane from the party, taking him to the building that Dominic and the others were gathered in.

Dominic looked up at Shane. "Glad you're back. Help me get this electric shock collar off this werewolf. He told us an amazing story and in return for having the collar removed, has agreed to provide Jansen with information on the events. How did it go with the weretigers?"

Shane got his tools out and started working on the collar. "I'm sure you know how it went. Diana put a scare into Jansen and I made a new friend. A huge white feminine furry were-friend. She was greatful that I had removed the bullet in her wound." He grinned when the collar broke open as Shane removed it from the werewolf's neck. "There you go, wolf-buddy. You're free."

The werewolf licked Shane's face and replied in german, //My thanks for getting that control collar off of me. Maybe now I can go home to my beloved Black Forest.//

Dominic cleared his throat, speaking in German. //We had an agreement, remember?//

The werewolf sighed and nodded his muzzle. //Yes. An agreement. I will speak to Jansen Tanner who is known to my pack. Then you will escort me back to the Black Forest?//

Dominic smiled. //That's what I promised, isn't it?//

The werewolf nodded his muzzle again.

Dominic got serious again. //Jansen may smell like me, but don't let that throw you off. Only tell him about the events that brought you here. Nothing else.//

The werewolf replied, //I understand. There are forces at work here that simple mortals should not know of.//

Dominic looks to Shane. "Escort our werewolf friend out to speak with Jansen. Damon and I will be out in a moment."

Shane led the werewolf outside to talk to Jansen.

The werewolf explained his side of the story to Jansen. How he had been captured by these soldiers and forced to come here and do as they commanded. //I regret attacking fellow weres, Jansen Tanner. Now that I am free of that control collar, you may take these soldiers in to the authorities. As for me, Dominic has promised to help me return home to my pack.//

Jansen was not exactly happy on the return trip to Athens. Dominic's team accompanied Jansen on the plane. Dominic seemed to totally seclude himself this time. Jo arm-wrestled Shane in one compartment and Shane was evidently letting Jo win. Or was he?

When their plane reached the airport at Murmansk in the far-northern Kola Peninsula in Russia, Dominic, Gotaki, Damon, Jago, Jonie and the werewolf left Jansen's plane to catch a plane bound for Besel, Switzerland, then a short trip across the German border into the Black Forest within Baden-Wurttemberg. The rest of the team stayed with Jansen, who was slightly miffed that Dominic placed that 'Stellea Rae' woman in charge of making sure Jansen arrived back in Athens.

As soon as Jansen's plane was out of sight, Dominic grinned to those with him and opened the shimmering air portal to the Black Forest in Baden-Wurttenberg. Dominic led the way there, and soon, they emerged in the Black Forest. Almost immediately upon their arrival, an enormous non-morphic black wolf the size of a triceratops confronted their party. It's glowing red eyes glared at the humans as he growled menacingly.

The werewolf stepped forward and spoke to the enormous black wolf. //Lord Gott'schlecht! These people rescued me from the soldiers who enslaved me. They have both power and honor. A promise was made to bring me home to the Black Forest and they have honored that promise. Do not attack them.//

Gott'schlecht sniffed the werewolf, then turned his eyes upon the team. //What reward do you seek, hum-// He stopped and sniffed Dominic again. //Ah... you are the voice of the Cardinal Spirits.// Gott'schlecht's eyes shifted to a calm green and his expression instantly became more pleasing to look upon. //Forgive my primary fierce appearance, Cardinal Voice. With all the soldiers crawling all over this region seeking the Emerald Dragon, it has been nothing short of a war zone here. In what way may my tribe reward you for returning Silverizen to us?//

Dominic smiled and replied, //Merely remember my humanly scent and promise to cause no injury to any human who bears the same scent that I carry. No other reward is necessary, Lord Gott'schlecht. Our only purpose this trip was to return Silverizen to you. Some years from now, if you feel you must reward me further, seek me out via the white stag.//

Gott'schlecht turned slowly, swishing his large tail. //That's all you ask? I am impressed. Any bitch of my tribe is yours to use as you see fit when next we meet and I mean when next I meet you, not another human who may smell the same. I -=CAN=- tell the difference.// He winked at Dominic, then to Silverizen he said, //Come. The tribe awaits.//

Silverizen turned to the team. //Thank you.// Then he looked at Jago and approached him. One paw is brought to rest on Jago's shoulder. //I saw you sketching me in your book. If you need me to pose again in a few years, ask for me by name. Silverizen.// He lick-slurped Jago's face, then turned and followed Gott'schlecht deeply into the Black Forest.

Jago blinked his eyes at the soon vanished werewolf.

Dominic grinned. "Silverizen has blessed you with acceptance, Jago. By the way, what did you think of that big wolf? Lord Gott'schlecht is his name."

Jago ran a hand through his hair, then replied, "They were both very impressive. But I don't speak German, Dominic. What did Silverizen say?"

Dominic smiled. "Silverizen said, I saw you sketching me in your book. If you need me to pose again in a few years, ask for me by name. Silverizen."

Jago blushed. "Um, gee... I sorta feel obliged to see him again..."

Dominic grinned again. "Oh, I am sure you will, after we finish our current mission."

Jonie hummed. "Out of curiosity, what is the english translation of Gott'schlecht's name?"

Dominic grinned widely. "It translates as 'God-bad'... but I think you all would know him better as the legendary Big Bad Wolf. All of Grimm's fairy tales occured here in the Black Forest. Although some day, I may return here to find out how much is fairy tale and how much is real."

Jago grinned. "So that was my hero, the big bad wolf..."

Just then, Jago mentally heard, {I am your hero? In that case, I will definitely have to grace your presence again in a few years. I never forget a scent, Jago Fox.}

Jago meeped.

Dominic chuckled and prepared the opening of the shimmering air portal to Athens. "I assume Gott'schlecht sent you a mental message, didn't he?"

Jago NOD-NODDED his head. "Yeah. He did."

Dominic simply grinned, and led his team into the portal.

They emerged in Athens minutes later.

Dominic explained, "The others will be arriving with Jansen in another seven hours. While we're waiting for them to arrive, we need to try to locate Hogan Slade, who should already be in Athens looking for Jansen. HOWEVER! At a distance, I can pass as Jansen and Hogan won't know the difference. Remember: Hogan Slade is very dangerous. He wants Jansen Tanner dead."

Gotaki, Damon, Jago and Jonie all nod their heads.

Gotaki hummed. "Did you purposely ditch that 'Diana Hunter' woman on purpose, King Lion?"

Dominic glanced at Gotaki. "Hades yes! Something about her makes my skin crawl."

During the seven hours of searching, no trace of Hogan Slade could be found anywhere. Dominic and his team regrouped at the airport where Jansen's plane was to be arriving. They barely got there to greet Jansen and the others emerging from the terminal. Again, Jansen was irked by seeing Dominic awaiting him.

Jansen folded his arms. "How did...? No, I don't want to know how... I have to report in and see about my next mission, but I assume you already know what it is. Right?"

Dominic calmly replied, "If you're going to assume, why should I verify? And you're right: you need to report in; my team will regroup with you tonight at the marina."

Jansen stopped in his tracks. "What makes you so sure I'll be there?"

Dominic was tempted to lower his sunglasses. "You'll be there. If nothing else, but to see what we're up to. Even if you don't talk to us."

Jansen growled and marched off to Chess Headquarters.

Diana approached Dominic and glared at him. "That was an underhanded trick splitting the team so you could act at whatever you did without my watchful eye."

Dominic slapped Diana's face hard! "Now look, you. This is -=MY=- mission. Not yours. Artemis and Chronos put me in charge of this little trip. If they thought you could do it, you'd be in charge. But you're not. Now, if you pop off your mouth to me again during this trip, one of us won't be returning to the present time... Do you catch my drift, Ms. Hunter?"

Diana pulled away slowly and nodded her head slowly.

Dominic growled darkly and strode off by himself.

Damon sighed. "Gotaki. Go watch him. I've seen that look before." Damon then turned to Diana. "You just had to push him too far, didn't you? I think Dominic was right from the beginning: you have no idea how this team operates. And you get shoved off on us thinking that you can speak for Artemis whenever you like. Well... you know something? Artemis isn't here. There is an Artemis in this time period, but you're not her. And I am sure she will deny knowing you since you're not from this time period. So until we return to the present, you really have no idea how to get along with this bunch. And until you do have a clue, you don't come across like you're in charge." He affixed a stare on her. "Being the resident demonic wizard, I can send you back to the present right now. True, it will be inside an ice block, but we'll thaw you out when it's time. Do I make myself clear?"

Jo merely sat back with Shane and grinned. Jo didn't like Diana either and that usually took some major doings to get Jo to dislike you.

Diana nodded her head again slowly, abashed. She remained quiet.

That night, the team were at the marina with Dominic. They hadn't been there long, when Jansen arrived wearing a dark trenchcoat and old fishing hat.

Jansen stopped when he noticed that Dominic was NOT looking at him for once. "Well, you were right again. My mission has brought me down to the marina. Go ahead and gloat so we can get going."

Dominic murmured. "Where we going, Jansen?"

Jansen was caught off guard by that comment. "Surely you already know.........don't you?"

Dominic replied, "I am beginning to wonder if keeping you alive is worth it. I didn't ask to be assigned to this mission. I was chosen because I know-" He turns to face Jansen. He wasn't wearing his sunglasses this time. "Because I know the victim intensely."

Jansen gasped silently and took a backwards step. "Who... who are... you?"

Dominic sighed, removing his gloved hands from his coat pockets. "Jansen... I am you... from the future... three years from now..." He darted a glance at Diana. "Not a word. This is my call."

Diana straightened up now. "Chronos was right: you'd tell Jansen eventually. Looks like I lose a bet with Chronos. When you slapped me, that took guts. You're lucky I didn't personally kill you with a single mental shot that second. And you and Damon were right about something else: I don't know how you operate. But I had always wanted to accompany you on just one mission. Just once." Diana's visage shimmered away and Artemis was standing before them. "Just once I wanted to travel with you as a mortal. What a sting that was! You slap pretty damned hard, Dominic Bastian Vanlyone. I ought to save Hogan Slade the time and just kill you both."

Jansen blinked his eyes again. "The goddess Artemis? THE Artemis? All right... I want answers. WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE??"

Dominic glanced to his friends. "Okay, you can drop your illusions. We shouldn't need them anymore."

Jo piped up. "About DAMNED time! Jansen Dominic Tanner... You're damned lucky I don't contact my past self and tell her where the fruck you are! They've been worried sick and I know my past self would storm over here in a second to give you a beating that even Hogan Slade could only dream of giving you!"

Jansen yiped! "Jocelyn?" He clamped a hand over his mouth!!

Jo growled demonically, "NEVER EVER EVER CALL ME THAT!! I AM JO!!"

Shane was doing his best not to laugh, but he was glad someone else was in trouble.

Damon was impressed with Jo's growl. He grinned.

It took an hour for the ranting and bitching to subside. During this time, Dominic apologized profusely to Artemis for striking her face earlier. Jago and Jonie remained a safe distance away with Brand and Garla. Finally, Dominic introduced everyone properly to Jansen and explained exactly why they were truly there.

Jansen quietly took all this in. Then he sorta smiled. "I must admit. You certainly pushed my buttons. Had me going all throughout the secrecy. And... it's not often that someone can meet themselves within their own lifetime. You and your team have certainly impressed me. And now that I know that you're the future me, that tells me that I live to return home. I've been kinda worried about that. The missions get more and more dangerous."

Dominic smiled. "Now you also realize why we were trying so hard not to reveal things. The past is set in stone. I can prevent your death by an assassin from my time, but I cannot prevent you from being hurt by people in this time. So... what is our next mission?"

Jansen replied, "An old enemy of Chess called Infinity Vale has cropped up in Egypt. He's after a magical relic called the Gemini deLeon. If he gets his hands on it, he will have the power to be in two places at the same time. I've been assigned to stop him."

Suddenly Jonie spoke up. "Did you say Infinity Vale?"

Jansen glanced over at Jonie. "Yeah. Why do you ask?"

Jonie pulled out her laptop and started searching for something. "Where is it? Where is it? AH, I knew I'd seen that title before." She pulled up the data on the name from his present day database. "Infinity Vale. Real name..." Jonie looked up at everyone. "Hogan Slade."

Everyone gaped.

Dominic hummed. "Of course. No wonder we can't find Hogan Slade here in Athens. He's not here. He's waiting for Jansen to arrive in Egypt to kill him there. Something about that encounter caused the Gemini deLeon to vanish and it was never recovered. Infinity Vale blamed me and swore revenge. He escaped being transported to prison and I never saw him again."

Jansen blinked his eyes. "So we do defeat him. That's comforting to know."

Dominic glanced at Jansen. "You don't understand. This time, the future Infinity Vale is going to be sniping for you. He wants you dead. If he succeeds, you and I both will cease to exist and my whole present will be eradicated. Every mission I've completed back in the 'States' will be as if I'd never done anything." He panned his gaze at everyone. "I don't have to tell you the consequences behind that."

Damon knew that without Dominic, he'd be stuck as a non-morphic horse in the Unicorn Realm still.

Brand and Garla looked at each other. They both knew that without Dominic, they would have perished in the Demon Wizard's tower in the Furry Realms.

Jago and Jonie both realized that their company, Morphic Software, would have fallen into bankruptcy had they not sought Dominic out for information on transformation.

The others were having similar thoughts.

The marina rendezvous days behind them, the private Chess cruiser soon arrived in a small Chess owned port near Sidi 'Abdarrahman. From the port, Dominic and Jansen, along with the team, acquired several jeeps, and headed south into the Qattara Depression and towards the Great Sand Sea.

Once again, Dominic was acting as a guide because he had been there before. Egypt was it's usual hot temperature for the trip. Damon was enjoying the heat greatly. This time instead of exuding heat, Damon was absorbing heat. And he was loving it. He was also nearly undressed for the trip. Jo was driving a jeep with Damon, and was getting quite a show. Jo was beginning to get ideas for her stallion, Lightningcrest. Shane rode in the jeep with Jago, Jonie, and Brand. Artemis drove the final jeep with the other women. Dominic found it odd that Artemis could drive.

Jansen soon asked, "How much further?"

Dominic replied, "Another few hours until we reach the camel camp. The jeeps cannot go where we will need to go. And I am sure you will like the camel mistress. She is something else."

Jansen turned to gaze directly at Dominic. "-=She=-?"

Dominic smiled. "That's right. But remember: I can't reveal her name prior to your meeting her, otherwise, the timestream might be damaged."

Jansen nodded his head. "I understand that more now than I did before. I can finally see why your mission is so vital. So much could change if you failed."

Dominic hummed. "I think it's safe to say that in my time period, Chess is still a major part of my life, even though I don't live in Athens anymore. Yet, my missions take me all over the world, and beyond."

Jansen blinked his eyes. "Beyond? But there isn't anything beyond... is there?"

Dominic grinned. "That I cannot reveal, but you will discover these things for yourself as time progresses. And you won't be sorry that I didn't reveal anything. Not knowing is the greatest part of the adventure. Look at my assortment of companions, demons, furs, and gods... and ask yourself this: how could they exist if there wasn't anything beyond? And the longer you think about it, the more you will discover about this world we call our home... and more..."

Jansen smiled. "I only wish I had such loyal companions and friends like yours in this time period. But years from now, I will earn them, so you say, and I will enjoy the effort."

Dominic smiled again. "I may add that most of the companions I have are due to your efforts now. Without your current adventures, I would be alone in my time period. So your efforts are extremely important to complete. And that is why your being kept alive is so important."

Jansen hummed. "I'm sorry you had to tell me now. But I have a question. Now that you've told me all this, do you recall telling me any of this?"

Dominic blinked his eyes and slowed the jeep. "Now that you mention it... I don't recall it."

Jansen asked, "So if you don't recall the explanation, then something must happen to cause me to forget parts of your visit and the explanations."

Dominic replied, "When there are gods involved, there is always a chance of being forced to forget times of adventure, no matter how good those times are."

Jansen hummed and fell into a quiet pondering.

Dominic continued driving onwards to the camel camp, leading his companions. Upon arriving, disguises were resumed and Jansen approached the camel mistress, Sijhikara. After some negotiating, the team resumed their journey southwards on camels into the Qattara Depression itself.

Brand decided to walk at this point. The jeep was tolerable. But riding an animal... No. Brand refused to do it. He was a scout first and foremost.

Jansen exclaimed, "Sijhikara told me that two other people rented camels recently. She said it was odd because they appeared to be related, yet were near identical in appearance."

Dominic sighed. "That's a bad sign. Hogan has already teamed up with his younger self. And I can guess where they are headed."

Jo asked, "Is there some way we can take a short cut and get ahead of them?"

Dominic replied, "There -=is=- one way, but we'll have to blindfold and muffle Jansen's hearing if we choose to go that way. The person who lives there is someone Jansen is slated to meet many months later, so it would be ill-advised if Jansen met and heard him early."

Jansen nodded his head and pulled out a blindfold and earplugs. "Whenever you want to bind me, I am ready. We have to chance the short cut."

Dominic frowned at Jansen, then to Jo he said, "Do it, Jo."

Jo proceeded to blindfold and plug Jansen's eyes and ears. Then when Jansen couldn't see anything, she nodded to Garla who casted a sleep spell on Jansen.

Jansen slumped into his camel saddle immediately.

Artemis arched an eye. "Was that wise?"

Garla replied, "Jo said that I should be ready to put Jansen to sleep at a moment's notice, and if Dominic is right about this short cut, then we can't take any chances."

Artemis turned to Dominic. "Okay, just who are we going to encounter?"

Dominic replied quietly, "The werelion, Lord Katahnuk Kennison. He is a minor though unknown god who serves the Lady Bast within her feline courts of Heliopolis. In this time period, he may not know who I am, but I must give him far more credit than that. Of all the animal- or were- deities, he has certainly impressed me the most. And he did let me live a few months from now. If it weren't for him, I might've died then."

Artemis shivered. "Katahnuk. I was afraid you were going to mention him. This is where we part company, Dominic. I will meet up with you again at the temple ruins themselves."

Jo blinked her eyes. "You're leaving? Just like that? Where did this big talk go about always wanting to adventure with Dominic? Passing through another god's territory is part of the adventure. If you can't do that, then you're not as brave as I once thought you might be."

Dominic grinned yet said nothing.

Artemis sighed, then turned to Dominic, noticing that grin. "Very well. I will stay. But don't blame me later if Katahnuk isn't willing to let us pass through his territory because of my presence."

Dominic replied, "You don't give him enough credit, Artemis. True, he is not a major deity like you, but he has honor, and furthermore, finesse. He is a gentleman and possibly, more negotiable than your brothers, Ares and Hades, though I must not discredit them either."

Artemis hummed. "How will you gain us clearance through Katahnuk's territory?"

Dominic grinned. "Just call me... Lord Cardinal."

Artemis arched an eye, then exclaimed, "OH! I had momentarily forgotten that you were the Voice of the Cardinal Spirits. Have you been abusing that?"

Dominic replied again, "No, I haven't. It came up once in Germany when I took Silverizen home, but otherwise, I usually forget that I do have that privilege."

The camels were veered into the so-called short cut, and their caravan was soon confronted by several large lions and lionesses. Dominic jumped off the camel's back and transformed mid-jump into his white lion form. He landed amid the other lions.

Dominic growled in lion-speak, ::I am the Cardinal Voice. I need to speak to Katahnuk on a matter of peaceful passage through his territory.::

One large male lion pads up to Dominic. ::I am Katahnuk. Show your proper respect when you speak to my kinsblood.::

Dominic was glad to have the extra senses of a lion now. He sniffed this lion briefly. ::Do you take the Cardinal Spirits as fools? I can tell you are not Katahnuk. You vaguely smell of him and may carry his seed, but you are not he.::

The large male lion grinned. ::Very well. Follow me. Your friends stay here.::

Dominic nodded his head and turned to the others. "Wait here. If you dismount for any reason, you must obey the lion who approaches you." He turned again and nodded to the large male lion. ::Lead me. I am ready.::

The large male lion led Dominic away and out of sight of the others.

Once away from the others, the large male lion turned an eye to Dominic and purred, "You are not a werelion like the rest of us, yet you can change your form. I sensed no magic or divine power when you changed. What is the basis of your power?"

Dominic simply replied. "I serve the white stag."

The large male lion smiled. "And I serve Katahnuk. Your arrival is ill-timed. Katahnuk is busy, but he ordered me to entertain you. I bear Katahnuk's mark, as you correctly scented upon me."

Dominic arched a lion's eye. "Where are you taking me if Katahnuk is busy?"

The large male lion purrs, "To my quarters. The only way you can currently see Katahnuk would be if you were a female willing to be mated by his lordly grace."

Dominic shuddered. "As fun as that sounds, my friend, I cannot spare more than a day or two. We are traveling to stop evil mortals from defiling a temple and stealing that which lies within."

The large male lion directed Dominic into his cozy den, then nipped Dominic masterfully, while forcing Dominic down, and finally, inducing his pleasure upon Dominic. Several hours were spent that way.

Jago yawned and looked down at all the lions. "This is starting to NOT be fun, guys. Besides... I am feeling a need to relieve myself and I am sure this camel doesn't want it all over him."

Just then, an important looking lioness approached the team. "My father has ordered me to lead you to rooms, show you where to relieve yourselves and provide food for you. He is timely busy and cannot be disturbed lest you seek his greatness within you for mating. Please follow me." The lioness turned to the other lions and lionesses and told them something in lion-speak.

The others departed yet their scents were still ever present.

The lioness led the others and their camels to the camel stables, then further in. At one juncture, the lioness indicated the corridor leading to the relieving place, then to another corridor leading to the hall of feasting. Then finally, to a corridor leading to two separate chambers. "Females on the left; Males on the right. If you need anything further, I will be in the hall of feasting. Good day." The lioness padded off down the corridor.

Jago wasted no time and headed for the chambers of relief.

Jo followed the lioness to the hall of feasting. "A good meal sounds great."

The others remained in their chambers.

Jago whewed as he finished his business, then moving to the side to clean himself. "Barely made it. That was too close."

His ears suddenly heard a sound, and he turned his head in time to see a very cute lionboy. Of course, upon being seen, the lionboy darted out the backdoor of the chamber. Jago would have given chase, but his pants were down around his ankles, so he let the kid go... this time.

Then as he turned back to complete his cleaning, his eyes detected something shiny in the waste. Jago nimbly plucked the shiny object out of the waste and proceeded to cleaning the item. It turned out to be a golden engraved wide-banded ring. "Whoa. Nice." He tried to read the engraving, but it was in ancient egyptian script.

Jago then looked around him to the left, then the right to make sure no one was watching him, and he tried the ring on. It had a nice warm snug fit. At an afterthought, Jago removed the ring from his finger. (Whew. It's not cursed. Thank goodness.) He put it back on his finger and finished cleaning himself. He pulled up his pants, then walked over to the back door and peeked outside into the back corridor.

Only the occasional large male lion was in sight, who smiled and winked at Jago, before resuming his business. As the large male lion walked by Jago, it said, "That ring belongs to the prince. He is always losing it. A reward could be gained if you returned it. By the way, my name is Pyloskye."

Jago replied before the lion got out of earshot, "I am Jago Fox. Let me know if I can do anything for you in the coming three years."

Pyloskye stopped and turned his head to Jago. He then reapproached Jago and nosed Jago's groin. "It is customary for two males to do this when they exchange names."

Jago nodded his head and got on all fours and nosed Pyloskye's groin in return. Then he stood back up.

Pyloskye smiled. "We are friends now. In three years, your name will be remembered." He resumed padding down the back corridor.

Jago smiled. (So if I return this ring, I can request safe passage for our team through the territory and it would be granted. Dominic will be so pleased.) Jago headed back into the known corridors and... he realized that he had forgotten which corridor led to where... (Dammit... this place is like a maze.) Jago walked to where he thought was the correct way to go. As he entered a lavishly decorated chamber, he realized that this was obviously the wrong way. And the two large male lion guards both turned and sniffed Jago all over.

Jago gulped. "I didn't mean to come this way. I got lost. Can you direct me to the prince's chambers please?"

One guard replied, "You smell like Pyloskye. At least the front of your pants does... The prince's chamber is through Katahnuk's chambers. Do you wish to go there?"

The second guard smirked silently.

Jago hummed. "If Katahnuk wouldn't be disturbed by my visiting the prince, then I would like to go see the prince. I have something of importance to discuss with him."

The second guard quietly awed.

The first guard nodded his muzzle and led Jago through the maze of corridors to the entrance to Katahnuk's chambers. Then the guard departed, leaving Jago there.

Jago cautiously peeked inside Katahnuk's chambers. The mating scent was strong within and the sounds of a lioness being mastered were clearly evident. Jago quietly entered. He figured if Katahnuk was distracted, he could get through the chamber and visit with the prince without disturbing Katahnuk himself.

Jago silently walked through the chamber, at one point, getting a full view of the magnificent Katahnuk in his natural state of being. The lioness underneath Katahnuk seemed three times smaller than the werelion god. Jago quietly continued and entered the other chamber in the back of Katahnuk's chambers.

Within the back chamber, a very sexy slender lionboy lay sprawled out on his bed of furs and silks. His tufted tail was flicking back and forth slowly, in typical lion fashion. His eyes were almost a dark jade color, while his chin, neck, chest, and tummy fur were colored in a very dark brown color. The rest of his body was the usual tawny yellowish-tan color. He slowly turned his head to Jago and slowly licked his muzzle and gave an obvious wink. He lifted a paw from behind his head and motioned for Jago to come closer.

Jago obeyed and walked closer to the attractive lionboy. "Are you the prince?"

The lionboy patted the bedding with his paw. "Please. Sit. I rarely get visitors."

Jago slowly sat on the furs next to the sensual lionboy.

The lionboy smiled again rubbing a paw over Jago's back, "Yes. I am the prince. I am not named until I come of age. Why have you come here?"

Jago murred a little from the paw rubbing. "I found your ring in the relieving chambers. I cleaned it up and a lion named Pyloskye said that if I returned the ring to you, I could request any reward I named."

The lionboy smiled. "I thought I detected his scent on your pants. And yes, you can request any reward you name."

Jago smiled and removed the ring from his finger and put it on the prince's finger. "All I request is permission for me and my friends of the team to have safe passage through Katahnuk's territory so we can stop a pair of evil male humans from defiling and robbing an important temple south of here."

The lionboy sat up and kissed Jago on the mouth fully and deeply.

Jago yeeped as he received the sudden deep kiss from the prince.

The lionboy exclaimed, "The only temple in this whole area belongs to my father. If this is the one you speak of, then your passage not only speeds up your crusade, but prevents one of my father's temples from being soiled by interlopers. Of course, that means speaking to my father. Only he can grant passage through his territory. But he'll grant it. You did return my ring and only ask for passage." He got up. "Come on. We'll talk to my father."

Jago hummed. "But he's in the middle of mating someone. Wouldn't that be rude to interrupt him?"

The lionboy tugged on Jago. "Do you want passage or not?"

Jago sighed and nodded his head and went with the prince out into Katahnuk's chambers.

Katahnuk had released the lioness and was awaiting the next soul to offer themselves as a playmate. He was, to say the least, mildly surprised to see his son with a human. "What do you want, son? And who is your friend?"

The prince smiled. "He returned my ring to me. But all he asks for is safe passage through our territory in their mission to stop a pair of evil male humans from causing damage to one of your temples south of here. I cannot grant him passage, as that is your sphere of control, so I brought him to you."

Jago smiled, a hand extended. "I am Jago Fox. So you're the famous and impressive Katahnuk Kennison. And I can see that the stories I've heard about your appearance are all true."

Katahnuk grinned, grasping Jago's hand, yanking Jago into his own lap, where Katahnuk nuzzled Jago's groin. Jago mentally berated himself, then proceeded to nose Katahnuk's sweaty seed-coated groin in return. Katahhuk grinned again, as he quickly had Jago undressed and pinned underneath him.

The prince arched an eye. "What are you doing, father? He was just returning my ring."

Katahnuk purred to his son, "Surely you remember what day this is, don't you? This is the mating day. And I have to mate all non-family members who enter my chambers, whether they are male or female. It matters not to me. I can make it pleasing either way. However, if Jago allows this willingly, I will gladly grant his team passage through the territory and you, son, may lead them. What do you say, Jago?"

Jago panted raggedly from the heat of Katahnuk's body atop him. "If it helps the team stop those who seek to defile and steal from your temple, then I'll do it."

Katahnuk smiled and licked Jago's neck before beginning the tailhole mating into Jago's body, while the prince watched onwards, a little dumbstruck that his new friend is being mastered by his own father.

The night passed slowly, though not quick enough for Jago. He was not released to bathe and redress for 24 hours. Katahnuk helped Jago get clean, sharing the bath with the human. As Jago was getting dressed, Katahnuk summoned his guards and had them fetch the team and to fetch the Cardinal's Voice from his personal sex servant's quarters. The team approached the throne from one direction, as Dominic and his new friend entered from the other direction. Dominic, still in white lion form, took his place beside the others, giving Jago the eye and having thoughts.

Katahnuk sat in his throne and looked the team over. "Who speaks for your team?"

Dominic stepped forward and transformed back into his human guise. "I, Voice of the Cardinal Spirits, speak for this team. Be informed that my name is shrouded beneath the title that I use, yet in time, even you will know my true name. Yours, I know already. And it is a name that carries with it the honor and finesse of a seasoned gentleman, as well as the god of werelions."

Katahnuk smiled then focused on Dominic with a gaze of intent examination. Then he relaxed. "Ah, so that is who you are. And the scarab that I will soon give you... do you keep it on your shelf still?"

Dominic blinked his eyes. (How does he know that? He's more powerful than I first thought.) Dominic replied, "Um, yes... it is a momento from a dear friend who allowed me to live... when others of my kind were slain..."

Katahnuk replied, "Not slain, he whose name I will know soon. Only the truly dispicable are slain in and around my territory. Innocents and those who show mercy and compassion are spared."

Dominic smiled. "When you learn my name later, seek me out three years from now, and I will give the groin nuzzling that is common when two males exchange names. For I will owe it to you then."

Katahnuk smiled as well. Then he turned his gaze to Artemis. "You are known to me, goddess of the hunt. Why do you travel with these people?"

Artemis replied, "Their well being is important to my notice and Lord Chronos himself has stated that I keep watch over the Cardinal Voice to be. I mean no harm to you nor your people. Even vorpal arrows cannot harm werelions. Only ebony weapons have that affect."

Katahnuk nodded his head. Then he gazed at the others, one at a time. His gaze fell on Jago several times. Each time, Katahnuk gave a grin.

Jago was blushing, hoping no one else realized that he was the one being grinned at.

Finally, Katahnuk said, "My son, who has not come of age yet, will guide you through my territory to the temple south of here. It is a true short cut, as most people call it. You may thank Jago for acquiring this request of safe passage. He recovered a ring thought lost and returned it to the proper owners. Pyloskye has also offered to travel with your team to the temple. His reasons are his own, I am sure. I am weary now. You are all dismissed." Katahnuk arose and petted Jago's face, before turning and re-entering his inner chambers.

Jago -=BLUSHED=- hard... again... but he did succeed in gaining them passage through the territory -=AND=- made some new friends, as well.

Jonie grinned and asked, "How did you pull it off, Jago?"

Jago kept blushing. "Um... I... well... had to... er... service... him..."

Shane and Damon both looked at each other, both thinking simultaneously, (Poor Jago. I know what he's gone through.)

Soon, the team were once again leading the camels, following the prince and Pyloskye through the evidently mystical sandy corridors of Katahnuk's domain. Pyloskye walked with a paw around Jago's shoulder, chatting with him very very quietly. Most of the others rode the camels. Within three hours, they emerged at the backdoor of the temple itself. Nearby, Dominic noticed two other camels. Dominic nodded to Garla to awaken Jansen, then shot a look to the two werelions. The 'look' was one that conveyed, 'Do not let this human see you. We will meet again someday.' Both werelions nodded their muzzles and darted back into the mystic corridors. Dominic then resumed his normal human form once again, having traveled as a lion to get a true feel and scent for the short cut. He glanced over at the awakening Jansen.

Jansen yawned and looked around. "Wow. Are we here already?"

Garla removed the earplugs and blindfold from Jansen, then stepped back to rejoin the others.

Dominic smiled. "Yes, you evidently passed out after being blindfolded and earplugged. We decided to let you sleep." (And it's a good thing you did, or Jago wouldn't be the only one who got to service somebody.)

Jansen stretched his arms and legs. "I feel stiff. You should have woken me up sooner."

Dominic grinned. "We'll know next time, won't we?"

Jansen smirked. "There won't ever BE a next time, Dominic. After we succeed here, I'll likely never see you again."

Dominic nodded his head. "True. Shall we go in?"

Jansen nodded his head as well, and began the trip into the temple, with the team following.

Inside the temple, they quickly saw the younger Infinity Vale reaching out for the Gemini deLeon, an onyx amulet with glowing gold trim.

Dominic blinked his eyes. His mind raced. Onyx with gold trim. Onyx with gold trim. The Gemini deLeon had vanished mysteriously in his own memory. He suddenly knew what to do. He reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out the onyx case with gold trim, and opened it.

Inside the case was the famed Gemini deLeon. He had been carrying it all along.

He grabbed the amulet and hurled it as hard as he could at the other Gemini deLeon, shouting, "ONLY ONE CAN EXIST UNDER RA'S WATCHFUL EYE! BEGONE!"

The younger Infinity Vale turned and glared at the team as the hurled amulet struck the floating amulet. And when it did, there was an immediate blast of power that rocked the whole temple, causing the older Hogan Slade to fall down from where he was positioned. The blast of power got brighter and brighter and brighter and...

Suddenly, the team, Jansen, and both Hogans were elsewhere. It appeared to be a temperate forested setting with a not so distant sea crashing in the distance.

The older Hogan Slade recovered first. "DAMMIT! You just had to show up and ruin everything! Well, I'll settle this once and for all." He drew aim on Jansen and started pulling the trigger.

Dominic yelled, "NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" And he leaped in front of Jansen as the gun went off!

Jansen blinked his eyes as Dominic fell to the ground in a pool of blood.

Jo growled nastily and pulled her gun and started firing at Hogan Slade. Both of them!

The two Hogans dove in separate directions, retaliating with gunfire. Shane joined Jo in the firefight, while Damon and Garla pulled Jansen out of harm's way to where Jago and Jonie were hiding behind a large boulder. Gotaki and Artemis were oddly not present. Brand somehow had Artemis' vorpal arrows and her bow, and was using them, though not hitting any of the Hogans.

(Where am I? I hunger? I must hunt. So weak. So this is how it ends... wait... what is that light? It looks like...)

The firefight continued. Suddenly, a bright flash engulfed Dominic's body and the giant white male non-morphic lion was standing in the body's place. It leapt at the older Hogan, defying bullets as if they were nothing. A scream was heard. Then it was quiet.

Jo whispered to Shane, "What happened? Neither Hogan is firing anymore."

Shane hummed. "They either ran out of bullets or..." He gulped. "...Dominic 'got' both of them."

Suddenly, Artemis, Gotaki and Circe emerged from the forest. And Circe's dress had a bullet hole in it. She looked, to say the least, upset.

Circe growled, "OKAY! WHO STARTED THIS MESS?"

Jo meeped. "The older Hogan Slade started it. He tried to kill Jansen and Dominic jumped in the way and was... killed... HEY! Where IS Dominic?"

Circe looked towards the heavens. "Dominic got killed -=AGAIN=-??" She then walked over into the forest where Dominic the lion was lying on the ground. He looked up at Circe and mewed. "It's okay. That nasty Hogan won't ever shoot anyone ever again. You really did it to yourself this time. Let's see about getting you human again..."

Jansen and the others emerged from where they were hidden.

Gotaki grinned at Jansen. "What King Lion starts off to do, he finishes."

Jansen sighed. "He took the bullet meant for me. Will he be okay?"

Circe called out of the bushes, "Dominic will be fine, as soon as I figure out how to change him back to his human self. I just wish I could take credit for reviving him."

Jansen looked to Artemis. "One second we were in the temple. The next, we're all here. Where are we exactly?"

Artemis sighed and studied Jansen a little. "You should phrase that as 'When are we exactly?', shouldn't you? We're on Circe's Island in Dominic's home time period."

To be continued in "SE-12 The King's Summit."