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"That Karem he'll be the death of us with his wild plan," Kovu spoke under his breath as he looked to the other ships for the signal. Kovu's voyage had been delayed now for years after it had only just begun a few years prior. As they sailed the western coast of the west continent his crew came across a world entirely unknown to their homeland. It was a continent that seemingly was entirely populated with creatures very much like them. The Cougar had not planned for the delay but the Tigers welcomed the strangers into their world and treated them with great kindness. This great kindness however masked a deeper malice they aimed to project onto their foes.

Karem was the leader of the new Tiger kingdom having taken control in the chaos that ensued after the death of Byakko. He was driven by vengeance but with it a wild belief that he had been chosen by the hand of Byakko and Pulsar alike to retake the motherlands for the Tigers and Leopards. With the claim of being chosen by those who had now been hailed as Lords, all that would have otherwise opposed him fell to the words of Karem. The Tigers became united once more with their former brethren the Leopards and had even begun reaching out to the Lions for extra support. In short time the man had assembled a fighting force that he would lead against those who had taken his peoples' land all those many years ago.

Amidst the celebratory banquet held for the travelers Karem was not subtle as he did not ask but demand the help of Kovu and his crew. "You are like us black one and with your ship you could help us greatly," he said addressing Kovu yet not looking to him. Kovu was of course unsure of the man, "Sir I appreciate your welcome to my crew and I but we have no part in war nor do we wish to have part in it. We are charting this world so as to help others, our aim in life is not to cause the downfall of anyone." "That is all very good indeed my friend yet so very naive. You say you want to help then help. Help us take back the land that was ours and you even an old score not defeat another. Put simply by ignoring us you not only ignore the plight of your fellow man but ignore the will of the Lords and the Lords are not ones to ignore or trifle with nor I for that matter," the Tiger returned his tone now with a bit more malice showing his disdain for Kovu's mission being held with greater priority than his own. The Cougar wouldn't be quickly dismissed with threats but he had to stop to think of the well-being of the people who populated the foreign lands.

"Kovu if we do this we might be stepping in too deep in something we have no right being part of in the first place," Gresh spoke swiftly as the two convened privately whilest the festivities continued. Kovu knew this already, "I don't want to be part of this war but we might be the only ones who can help these people fight back against this evil empire that has claimed so many lives and so much of their land." "I didn't join your crew to fight wars across the world, we are travelers that is all. Do you really think the men you so persuaded to join you on a voyage that would endeavor to better the world would so quickly turn to violence under your command?" she asked knowing he was without answer. Of course his counter would not dare touch on what Gresh had said, "We will not raise arms against anyone, we are simply supposed to flank them on the coast and force them into surrender." "You can try to make it that simple and make this seem like a peaceful intervention but in the end we are still doing harm to others," the Lynx condemned as she left the man.

It was a rash and reckless decision Kovu made in choosing to aid Karem one that fractured the crew leaving him with half of those who had originally joined on. Gresh remained however remaining tied to her decision to stay neutral in the matter. Karem took full advantage of the situation with the crew and pushed his own men to join the crew guaranteeing aggressive hands amongst the rest. All that remained of the preparation was to building of the rest of the fleet to fully surround the coast. The victory would be won by land or by sea but Karem would make certain this victory would be won in his name at any coast no matter how much blood as it would take.

In nearly as much time as Kovu had been sailing he waited as the Tigers assembled their ships for war and readied to take to the seas. It was regrettable to have wasted years waiting for something he wanted no part in and all the while he was not without the scrutiny of Gresh to keep him from forgetting. She too regretted having remained there with him rather than leaving with the others. Of course she was not without her chance to as more and more of the crew left over time leaving the original almost entirely behind to be replaced with more Tiger warriors. It seemed to all be working in favor of Karem who know would have one extra ship carrying his combatants to the shores of the Jackals.

The ships left the harbor as the army moved out on foot heading east towards the Grand Wall that kept out intruders and defended the Jackal lands. It had been far too long since Kovu's ship, the Black Current, had felt the ocean's waves slapping against its hull with its salty sweet kiss. He led the fleet all the while continuing to map the coast of the continent while trying to forget why it was that he took the course he did. There was no lying to himself he knew that his ship was going to be brought into this and that Gresh and himself would be left with the choice to fight or possibly die. She was right with all she had said to him and though he could admit it to her it did no good, the mistake was one he would have to live with along with whatever may come of her.

Cira and Lyria were ghost towns and had been ever since the Leopards and Tigers had force to abandon them years before. Karem knew this but it was of no consequence to him, his fury against the Jackals went beyond the lose of land. Blood was what he wanted to satisfy the pain of he and his people as well as the Leopards felt inside whenever they looked to the past. The atrocities that had been committed in the past would not be forgotten without the Jackals too feeling great lose. His rule had only been cemented with the idea of divine selection, his power truly came from his ability to rally his people behind the cause of revenge. He pulled the heartstrings of his people as he recounted every act committed by the Jackals and with haste stirred them into a frenzy of hatred. Not a single soldier thought a thing of it as they passed by the empty cities falling to ruin all that filled their heads were dead memories preserved in the minds of the old who placed them into the youth.

"Byakko, Pulsar, which one of you enlisted the power hungry manic to lead an army against the Jackals," Orion questioned as he stood behind the two watching the vision. Both looked to him with uncertain looks before Pulsar opened his mouth, "I told him to take back the homelands not seek some morbid bloody glory in it." "I told him to strike a blow to the Jackals, I meant something far less severe but all the same he made his own choices," Byakko responded not entirely sorry for her actions. Orion was disdain for her attitude, "This will not end here girl, I have seen enough of battle and war to know that striking a blow like this does not end anything but provoke more violence. Your little champion will have his war and bloodshed but it will come at the price of future generations. He may not see it for a few years or until he is old or he may not see it in his lifetime but be certain Karem's legacy will be the backlash of this action and not glory for it. The Jackals will fight back and even if they lose this war they will regroup and attack and then you will see that you have started a chain of wars that will not end until the last man is exhausted and an entire people is wiped from this world."

The wall clattered with the thunderous noise of sword and shield slamming against it while other began constructing the war machines brought over in pieces from the Tiger lands. It was not to be expected, the assault, and threw the Jackals into a frantic state of preparation as their first line of defense was jeopardized. None had seen the war machines that were being assembled but the fear all the same struck them as the noise of strikes and blows to the wall echoed through the northern pass. Guards rallied onto the wall and began to fend off the attackers with the various means they had produced over the decades of planning for such a day. Hot oil, fire, boulders, spears, all manners of weaponry were used and with great success in driving away the infantry who had done little damage to the wall. What would come however would be something the Jackals were not prepared to defend themselves against.

A series of boulder cascaded down onto the wall and the surrounding area sending bodies and bricks on both sides flying. The Jackals could never have predict such an attack or style of warfare and as expected were in utter panic as they saw bits of their glorious wall give way. Though dumbstruck they were not stopped by the attack and continued to fire upon the Tigers and Leopards that had begun retreat from the wall in fear of being hit by a misfire. The trebuchets rained down endlessly on the wall slowly reducing section to piles of rubble but still the Jackals determination would not be broken. Might may not have been on their side nor numbers but they had their fighting spirit to protect their homelands from these foreign invaders.

Messengers moved with haste south of the wall spreading word of the attack and riling up the citizens to take up arms in preparation for defense. The Jackals were so accustomed to peace they wanted to deny the claims, wanted to pretend it was a lie but not all were so juvenile. Many rose up, the armories were raided, and the volunteer militias stood guard for their fair cities. Town by town the messengers worked their way down the coasts making their way to the south end where they would ready the final defenses from the invaders. This strategy however was already thwarted without their knowing of its futility.

After a day of heavy combat the Karem's army retreated temporarily so as to regain their strength and stockpile of munitions for the catapults now exhausted of boulders. They waited in the dark desert not far from their war machines just barely out of range of bow fire. The wall was in poor shape and the Jackals were tired and worn from the long battle but had no choice to stop working. Quickly they set to work building up an elaborate defense system in case the wall would fall. Traps were built, defense strategy and evacuation protocols were made, and the various monuments peppering the lands were turned into massive temples of death. The Pharaoh was ahead of the rest in precaution however as after first word reached him he sought help from their only ally and neighbor, the Fennec on the east end of the peninsula.

On the peninsula the Fennec were the minority making up only a small collection of villages that held only sufficient enough resources for survival. The relationship between their tribe and the Jackals however was not a bad one, the two races co-mingled with one another and shared much. Their settlements were not segregated and the lands that truly belonged to them were not reservation they had been forced into living on. Simply the Fennec remained in the southeastern portion because it benefited them to be near the sea and in a nook of the peninsula that had natural borders being both of the sea and land. What Pharaoh Anubis would seek in these simple people however was confusing as they could do little to aid in such a great effort.

Night was quiet beneath the clouded sky but else where fury and argument carried on as Zero found out about the goings on in the Jackal lands. "You two concocted a mad scheme of revenge and put the idea of being special into the mind of a deranged man and you think you're in the right!?" Zero questioned as he walked in on Pulsar and Byakko amidst a very hushed conversation. Byakko was tired of justifying herself, "The two of us are here because of their actions Wolf-boy so don't try to play righteous because you feel sympathy for your own kind!" "You always carry around the damn weight of the past you childish schemer. You give your blade to one who won't be satisfied no matter how much blood is spilled and have your friend whisper on the wind to give him the belief of divine intervention. You mark my words as I hope you have Orion's; I am going to do all I can to help these people fight back before your kind try to wipe them from the world of the living," Zero announced before exiting with Siri and Cerberus waiting just behind him. The war was not of only the mortals but now between the Lords in their world beyond a fissure was beginning to form that could severe the ties between them.

The first offensive charge came at dawn and as the Tigers broke through the weakened portion of the wall their greeting was less than kind. Falling face forward into spike lined pits nearly the entire horde of attackers was wiped out without a single Jackal lose. The catapults began to hurl their payloads that rained down on healthy bits of wall as well as the freshly opened segment due to miscalculations in targeting. On this day more warriors from across the nation began to find their way to village of Quena to help defend the wall. The best of the Jackal archers were sent to the wall with their quivers overflowing along and a spotter to help pick targets that would have the greatest impact. Even with their weapons that caused massive destruction with ease the Tigers suffered immense loses. Karem would not stand for such failure, not if he had a say in the matter.

Taking the reins from the operator of one a catapult Karem demanded the loads be made up of segments of a nearby tree. As the wood payloads began to launch he would ignite them with the blade of Byakko sending fiery masses smashing atop the wall. It was simple but effective as it took out many archers and gave his army much needed reprieve from the constant bombardment of arrows. The opportunity to take some ground was seized immediately as with the archers dispatched they rained down on the wall with all they had weakening it to the point it could hardly stand. With the day near end the munitions for the catapults had been exhausted leaving the wall just barely standing, the final blow would have to be dealt the next day giving the Tigers proper time to prepare for the real battle.

With nightfall came time to plan but for the Jackals very little planning and preparation was left to do for the coming battle. They had planned escape routes, towns had been fortified, temples had been turned into death traps, and the citizens evacuated south. The wall was the last burdensome thought that sat on the minds of the military leaders, repair was out of the question after the damage sustained it would fall the next day. What was to be done when it came down; it would be unwise to plant traps as they would be expected and may be destroyed by the collapsing wall and stationing soldiers there endangered their lives greatly. Yon, the trap engineer, proposed an idea that was indeed dangerous and experimental but could save many lives and put a great dent in the Tiger army.

To each corner of the wall men waited for the final stone to crash against the wall opening it wide for them to pour inside and begin the assault. It was working in better favor than Yon had initially planned as he watched with a spotter from afar. As the catapult readied to launch the signal was given to the general near the wall who called his men to action. With all their strength the warriors pushed forward against the wall with others destabilizing the wall's internal supports and pushing against them as well. The payload broke through the center of the wall sending bricks and Jackals flying but as it did it compromised the integrity of the wall enough to cause the entirety to fall. The wall shook and as the men exerted the last of their strength it began to fall forward onto the enemy. Screams were quickly muffled by the sound of the great wall smashing against the ground but before the dust could even settle Yon's original plan would finish. All who could drew their bows or spears and released it upon the enemy who had been left frozen in their place by the daring of their enemy.

The dust cleared after a few moments and as it had disappeared so had the Jackals leaving behind only those crushed by the center point of wall that had fallen. Karem was furious to know his prey not only slipped from his grasp so easily but that they had struck a massive blow against his forces. He tried to proceed forward but was stopped by one of his generals who had to point out that he had been hit by an arrow and was still gushing blood from his wound. The Warlord would not wait for a medic however, he tore a piece of cloth from his tunic and tourniqueted the wound as he led his men forward over the fallen wall. There was much to investigate behind the wall and the idea came to Karem then, were they really gone or was it a ruse to trick the Tigers into the city?

"I have not feared my own demise in a very long time," Imfay told the leader of his royal guard. Messam was worried for his old friend, "You still have remained silent as to what happened in the tower and you haven't let a soul to return to the old castle, would you care explaining?" "No. No one should return and what happened is not something to revisit, what's done is done," the Elk replied. His loyal friend was quick to brush off the reaction, "What is it that has you so concerned? You are not a man of fear but one who evokes it in the hearts of his enemies." "I could taste it on the tip of my tongue. It feels like an eternity since that bitter taste graced my lips but it is not one you can forget afterward. When it came it was just a precursor of things to come and now I know again it will precede something awful. War and the death of a good friend followed my last taste and now what may come I do not know but I can be certain as this time the taste was much more potent that what is to come will be far worse than last," Imfay spoke solemnly as he gripped and released his antlers slowly. The Deer pulled on Imfay's antler drawing his eyes to lock with his own, "Cut that talk now! You are our leader and never before have you been anything but confident and certain of your reign. Imfay you must be that not just for your people but yourself."

"You must promise me not to be at my side next time trouble does come Mes do you understand," he asked not with a tone of fear nor confidence. His guard looked at him curiously, "Sire it is my job, my only job to ensure that when trouble comes I am there to help defend your life even at the cost of my own." "Messam you must stay alive. If I die I want you to take command. I have no kin left, no child to take over, I have not even a mate to control our lands after I am gone. Our people need a strong leader, someone confident who knows how things are to be," Imfay finally confessed as he looked to his successor. Messam paused as he looked to the man he so revered, "I appreciate what you have done for me and the thought of it but even with your position I don't think you are can make that decision. The council will over rule it even if it were a written contract." "You are the only person I trust any longer, the only one I call friend, but most importantly you are the only one I trust in my position once I am gone. You have the spirit of a true leader and you will lead our people be they Elk, Deer, or Caribou to a new era, a better era, in which all my efforts will be just a foot note. I will take care of the legality of it all but you must accept this, do not deny this destiny," the man was near begging. The young guard did not bother the tension of consideration, "Imfay you have been like a father to me, of course I will do this for you."

The Deer and Caribou had no inclination to weigh in on the matter as Zero came to them watching Imfay in his moment of weakness. "In truth none of us should have done a thing about this, I include the Tigress and Leopard in that as well," Amirot informed the Wolf who looked at him cross. Maxinimus' confession came quick behind this, "Honestly if we were to lend our aid it would not be to tip the balance of power in either side's favor but reset it to even so none may disapprove." "You two remain neutral if it makes you content but you know well that if they so choose to they will come after your people and you know with certainty that I would not deny you," Zero spoke angered yet not entirely directing it on the pair. Amirot rose to Zero's level, "This war will end and once it is over we will make certain that all is made fair once more but there is nothing we can do as of now to stop it or dissuade those two from their cause. Orion has even tried to change their minds and still they remain to believe they know best. We may not know each other so well but I ask you to put your trust in what I say when I promise that the two of us will lend our support when it will do any good." Fed up with the entire situation Zero retreated to solitude far from the others even Siri who shared his opinion in the matter. The war could not be stopped now and he knew it but still he wished to do something other than sit idly by and wait while innocent lives were taken by another legion of the western lands. However as he worked so busily he had not had a chance to view the battles that had been raging, to see the Jackals fairing well against their enemy.

Karem and his men crept through the city like criminals only to keep finding it nothing but empty within. Homes broken into, stores looted, there was not a single area that went without investigation as the Tigers tried to find and foil any waiting assault. Finding nothing not only confused Karem but infuriated him to have been so wrong in his thought of the Jackal's simplicity. They continued south as he became fixed on finding the warriors and flushing them from their hiding place. Just south of the village there sat a temple that he and his men would reach just a short time after nightfall. He was quick to brush aside the concerns of an ambush but inside he would soon see the genius of the Jackal's planning.

They found themselves garrisoned for the night at the temple south of the city seemingly empty long before they arrived. It was dead silent in the structure which struck an eerie cord in the Tiger's leader yet he and his men were to weary from the day to put forth concern. With the shortage of man power none were stationed to guard those who slept instead all would to ensure they would have the energy for battle the next day. Their reinforcements would be arriving the following morning as the Leopards would leave their way station at dawn for the newly opened city. This restrengthening of numbers would come too late for the Tigers as the Jackals were in their own territory and could prey on them with ease in the night.

Unbeknownst to the Tigers the temple had a basement that was however only accessible from the outside via a hidden entrance. The Jackals slipped inside and readied to strike what they hoped would be the final blow against Karem. Violence was easy, it was the nature of war but what did far greater than destroying the opposition was fear. In silence they pushed up the tile and entered onto the main level filled with sleeping Tigers. Without a noise they moved across the floor to Karem, distinguished by his sword and being beset on all sides by guards. They stood with rope in hand and another a clothing reeking of a foul odor prepared to commence their final plan.

With grace but not much ease the shadows in the night made the great leader of the Tigers vanish without a trace. His men awoke and became chaotic to find that nothing was to be found of Karem and not a single clue to where he had gone. Of course none were aware of the rooms hidden below their very feet nor would they ever had considered to search them if they had. All the while Karem lie bound and gagged just below them with only a few guard watching over him. The Tigers would search the temple and surrounding area but eventually return to the city to unite with the Leopards. Karem would be alone with the Jackals with no hope of rescue in sight.

"You are certain this one is their leader?" Yon asked the guards as he arrived following the Tigers' departure. He was led into the room where Karem sat still bound but with his gag removed, "What are you bastards waiting for, kill me!" "My apologies, Tiger, I have no intention of killing you and by my command nor do the rest of these men. You are here, alive, for a very simply reason, would you care to take a guess?" Yon asked with a very certain and satisfied tone. Karem didn't care for his games, "Your plan, whatever it may be, will fail so why bother telling me how it works to know it will never come to fruition as you dream?" "That is quite humorous as it is already working and working very well mind you. We could have killed you in the night as quite as you were stolen yet your are alive but to your men you have disappeared rather than been left to rot. This act in turn creates a weapon far more dangerous than sword or spear, fear. Your men know are at lose not only do they lack the guiding hand of their master but now are entirely unsure of what we have in the works and by what means we removed you without a single soul's notice. Our plan is simply and now you know quite well that it is in full swing," he laughed as he sat himself across the table from his captive enemy.

"You keep me alive when you can kill me and in your position very well should. Do I want to know why it is I still breathe when your plan works perfect with me deceased," Karem questioned the Jackal. A parchment unfolded on the table, "Call it parley. We were certain that without good cause you would never agree and this would be the best way to do so as you seem to lack the compassion for your own. This war you have started will end nightmarishly for both ends as you had such casualties before entering into our domain. We set terms now, you go free, and all returns to normal." "Foolishness," the Tiger laughed without control to the idea of making peace with his foe. Yon's smile quick turned frown, "Peace is so comical to you I see. I should have expected such a devil may care attitude yet I believed you could be a diplomat." "Because you mean to strike a peace with the champion of the Lords who have commanded the utter destruction of your kind. Your plan fails still, even if you could kill me now my men would trample you in my honor and the Lords grant them grand strength to wipe every trace of you from this earth!" he shouted with devotion to his belief. The Jackal took his parchment and began to leave, "Know this Tiger, you will not die quickly. No you will suffer for days for the eyes of your warmongering Lords to observe as you loose your faith in them for not sparing you such pain."

The Tigers united with the Leopards in Quena with a feeling of terror as they explained the disappearance of their leader. Pulex, war king of the Leopards, was quick to take advantage of the Tigers fear once told of the happening. "You follow my orders now as we continued to battle across this savage land. Karem is gone and we can only hope dead for who knows what these mongrels would be doing to him if not," he addressed the men without much concern for what he had spoken. Of course Karem's men were more than upset by the Leopards lack of care but for the moment their fury would do little help. Beneath the Pulex's banner the Tigers would march south onto the next city to conquer now with the vigor of vengeance about them.

"The plan has failed General Darr, we will have to carry on as planned with our defensive strategy and hope these fools come to their senses and surrender before to many of our own fall," Yon reported after returning from Karem's holding place. Darr was unmoved by the statement seeming not in the least bit shocked, "Yon I had hope in your daring but had certainty in your failure, all the same I do not blame you. That man may have taken down a portion of wall and became overconfident but it will be his undoing to believe he did so with his own might. What do you have planned for the prisoner now?" "Execution of course as would be the case with any other, however I must make certainty it is not clean nor quick. Crucifixion is what I had planned less you object," the man stated looking to his leader with question. His general raised no alarm to the idea, "You mean make him suffer than you choose the very best method for it."

Sirius sat beside Zero who was alone away from the others, far from his own place in the world. "I know how you feel about what's going on and how we are so helpless to do a thing about it," she said in effort to comfort him. He didn't turn to face her, "I felt here we were different, if we made it here we must have been set apart but to instigate a war for such petty reasons makes them the same as we faced Seras. They demand bloodshed and think the blood they spill will go without the need for retribution." "Zero we will help them in or own way when we find a way. For all you know, when they need you the most you might be able to offer them a solution," Siri's genuine care for the Wolf didn't go unnoticed but unconcerned. Zero began to walk away, "You always think that there will be a simple solution and it will work out but tell me how often it actually does."

"A man brings down a gate and he feels indestructible until he finds out the truth of the matter that had been otherwise hidden from him," General Darr spoke while Karem was raised upon his cross. His head droops down as he listens to the man, unable to look now blindfolded. "You thought the wall was made to be strong, made to repel you but never thought if it stood solely to deter the thought of intrusion. The men who come through now will see that our true defensive strength rest within our people and not a wall," he said as the the binds tightened on the Tiger's arm until he began to bleed. He struggled a moment but to no avail as dense vines of brambles were wound around his body, "Do what you will to me and try as you might to deceive my army but they will not fall to such weak cowards as you, they are far more powerful." "Formidability will do no favors to those who rush in like fools," Yon broke in before the general, "And more so than yourself your men are fool enough to rush in to every one of our traps along the way."

Pulex lead the men south to Quena's twin city of Qwelha which stood about a two days march from one another. He seemed hardly moved by Karem's disappearance, a lack of concern which disturbed the Tigers that served below his order. The night following the breaking of the news Pulex's high ranking men met with him in his tent. "Recent developments have been in our favor and it would now seem our plans may come to fruition without the need of dirtying our own hands," he addressed the others keeping as quiet as possible. His right hand spoke up, "Do you think it is wise though to have such things happening so early in the campaign? It strikes a cord with me and leaves me uneasy about continuing onward." "The Tigers, Karem being no exception, are brash and foolish the way they proceed and go about this war. It was only a matter of time before his short sightedness would lead him and his men into a trap or a battle they would have no chance in winning. For the good of both races it will be best that I take the helm and lead both armies forward. We need brute strength but a leader who does not waste such efforts with lack of tact and strategy," he informed content that he was best suited to lead not follow.

The morning that followed the Leopards and Tigers began south again unaware of what waited a day south from their position. Karem hung in the hot sun bleeding out slowly as with every twitch and movement the thorns dug deeper and tore open the flesh wider. His blindfold had come loose causing his eyes to become burnt out in the sun and his voice left him after screams for help. He had become delirious and began hallucinating and having wild visions both while he woke and slept. Again the man was in locked in bizarre dream in which he could see the Fire Lord of the Tigers, Byakko, and the Leopard Lord of Holy Winds, Pulsar. Their tones reflected his failure and the state he found himself in, the two were disappointed and furious with the Tiger.

"Karem how do you fail us! We have imbued you with power, given you purpose, and armed you with a weapon that has slain demons. How have you come to find yourself in this way?" Byakko demanded fiercely. In his dream state he was composed again, no longer availed by earthly pains, "Trickery and the stealthiness of my foes. It would seem I underestimated their minds though I was so correct about their real might." "Poor judgment is no excuse for failure against the Jackals. You will live long enough for your men to find you and when they do you will lead them with greater tact than you have ever been capable of understood?" she shouted to the Tiger bowed before her. Pulsar interrupted tiring of the dialog between the two, "Or Karem you tell your men you have accomplished your goal, take back the homelands as you were told and have the blood that has been shed be enough to settle the debt owed." "You want us to retreat, to surrender the ground we have taken?" he questioned the Leopard so certain in his words. Byakko would not have such talk, "Pulsar you should know better that the Jackals will not allow them to retreat without more casualties and that is not any way for us to strike a blow against these savages. Karem you are to lead your men against them and destroy them, there can be no question." "They offered a parlay my Lord. I could perhaps make a deal and we could have our lands back and this could be over without another drop of blood," Karem's resolve was weakened by Pulsar. The fiery Lord would not have it, "Do not think for a second that is an option. If you believe that know that another will take your place. Our deaths, the deaths of all those murdered by the Jackals, must be avenged in the pools of their blood. Do not disappoint us, you have come far and taken down their great wall, they are running scared as all of their lands lie bare before you waiting to be plundered."

The vision faded and the sun was gone as Karem opened his sand encrusted eyes to look down upon what remained of his men looking on him in horror. He wasn't sure what to say to them about the war and thought on it as they hurried to get him down and treat his wounds. If the Lords were not in agreement about this invasion how could he choose a side and decide what his men should do? Thinking on it all he could was exhausting on his mind that was as weak as the rest of him craving only rest to recover. Karem was given all that he needed and hosted in Pulex's tent who busied himself with strategy while the Tiger's wounds were treated. After the healers and Tigers had left to give their leader rest Pulex would busy himself with his planning no longer. For the Leopard there was one loose end that required tying and he would not have such perfect opportunity for it again.

He stood over the Lion with a bottle in hand ready to pour its contents into Karem's open mouth when he began to speak. "Pulex are you there?" he asked his eyes shut tightly still too dreary to open them for long. The Leopard hid the bottle, "Yes Karem I am here, what do you need?" "Advice. Byakko demands me to still slaughter what remains of the Jackals yet Pulsar tells me to take the offered parley. I know not what to do, do I defy my Lord or yours?" he spoke tiredly. Pulex thought him delusional, "The objective has not changed we must still take this land and show its people that we are to be feared." "I wish it so simple but it can not be. I had much time to think and though not decided I believe that a treaty between us may be better than rivers of blood on either side," Karem's confession seemed fearful now. It was of no consequence to the Leopard, "I followed you into battle trusting you would do what is right but now your doubt betrays you." "This isn't surrender, my friend, we are sparing the lives of not only our foes but our own. I am withdrawing my troops and will meet with their General Darr to make the agreement, I only hope you follow me," the Lion spoke touching his sore wounds. Pulex had, had enough of the man's going on of surrender, "Lay back, now is not the time for such thing. Rest it is night and you still need to recover from your injuries. Have a drink, this tonic will help your wounds heal faster." "Thank you Pulex. We have retaken the homelands and that in the end is what matters. This is not a retreat in cowardice and I am glad to have you on my side in this decision. You are a true friend and not just a simple follower beneath military rank," Karem praised the Leopard before drinking deep from the cup he had been handed.

The beast snarled as it cornered Imfay in the throne room after dispatching of the guards that had populated the room. "The Caribou was wrong, we were no safer there than here, can't say he didn't try to help though," he thought as the beast crept closer. Imfay was unarmed and his will to carry on gone, he knew this to be the what he had feared recently. His time had come and he was ready to embrace death which had seemingly lost him in time. He knelt ready for his end to meet him but as he waited eyes shut death did not come but a more favorable guest. Messam leapt atop the beast and slashed at its stony hid but made did little damage. Flung from its back he quickly got back to his feet and before the beast could turn attention him he tried again at it. However his second attack went low rather than high, he slid beneath the creature and slashed at its legs. Blood began to pool around the demon's hooves but it did not seemed fazed by the deep cuts into its tendons.

"Lord Imfay I would advice you to make your escape while you are able, this thing looks angry and I don't think I can hold it off for long," Mes ordered. Imfay stood behind his strongest guard, "Messam I told you to stay away, if you die the kingdom may not be in safe hands." "Some promises aren't worth keeping and besides when you gave me this blade what did you say?" he asked as he shook the blood off. The older man responded, "The holder of the Warblade is to protect the people of this land from evil things and those who will do evil." "And last I checked you were a person of this land and that demons are evil creatures. You entrusted me with this job weather you realize it or not, now go so if I may die you can find a suitable leader to take your place," Messam demanded Imfay to go but it was no longer in his power.

With one kick from its back hoof the monster broke the brick above the door forcing it to collapse and block the doorway. It lunged forward at Mes who with one hand pushed Imfay out of the way while stabbing forward with the other. The blades plunged deep into the eyes of the beast but as it fell on Messam seemed to hardly concern for the wounds. He pulled out the blades and began slashing at the neck and underbelly of the demon but again it seemed barely concerned by the action. It chomped and bit at him each time almost catching his head in its massive jaws. Mes knew he was in trouble and could only think to buy himself more time to find some means to destroy the creature. As the mouth opened once more he rammed the Warblade into it digging the blades deep into the depths of its skull. Finally now it recoiled allowing him to stand once more but even as he made it to his feet Messam could see his efforts were in vain.

The creature seemed invincible after all that had been put against it, it not only stood but seemed to have not lost a bit of determination. Mes look to Imfay thinking how he may fail him after vowing to protect him a day prior. Imfay's eyes were darting wildly around the room looking for something that may be of use but could find only discarded weapons that had done little good before and a barrel filled with water just behind the monster. The demon was no longer concerned about Imfay as more exciting prey stood before it with willpower enough to try to kill it. The roomed for a moment was silent, all actions paused, then suddenly and simultaneously all three went into motion.

Messam rolled forward taking up a soldiers spear and readied to thrust it down the beasts throat hoping to pierce its heart or another vital. The monster rushed forward growling with hunger, its mouth watering for the taste of the warrior that dared defer it from its initial target. Imfay ran to the barrel, knocked it to the floor, and kicking it with full force sent it rolling in the path of the creature. With a swift thrust the demon was skewered on the spear but even with the point shoved deep inside it still lived. The barrel rumbled into it knocking it down as well as slamming into Mes. Rising quickly it turned to face Imfay but before it was able to approach the old Elk a barrage of ring blades came from the other direction. Messam took the projectiles from another corpse to lure the beast back towards him, though successful one went of course and cut deep into Imfay's torso. Imfay was hurt but safe for the moment as the demon leapt onto Messam smashing him into the barrel breaking it and splashing water all over the floor.

He was certain death came next but as Mes recovered from the tackle he found the creature backing away from him. Smoke began to puff off from the creatures hooves as it tread backwards out of and away from the growing puddle. Imfay saw this to be his chance to act as a weakness was now exposed and he left ready to act. Throwing the blade at the monsters leg he saw success as it cried in pain and thick dark green blood oozed from the gash. He hadn't another weapon but it would do him no good all the same as immediately after being hit the beast leapt at Imfay tackling him into the wall that gave way and filled the room with sunlight. Messam looked out to see the monsters body stamp the ground landing head first but as he looked he could not find Imfay.

Dawn shed light into Pulex's tent and as he rose he began to shout wildly that Karem needed help and was not moving. The Tigers rushed in to find their master motionless and his body gone cold as the night. He had passed on in the night but without a single visible mark to explain the cause of his death. Looking to the Leopard they hoped to find some lead to help them decide what could have possibly taken him in the night. Pulex produced the thorns that he had been wrapped in and explained simply that the plant carried poison that took a long while to work its way to the heart and kill those unlucky enough to be entangled in them. None were suspicious of the Leopard and merely accepted the terribly fate that had befallen their noble and brave leader.

Pulex left little time for ceremony for the deceased and had Karem immediately cremated in accordance with the Tiger's beliefs. He assumed full control over the army and was unquestionable as the leader. Now came the change in war, he would lead without a burdensome bloodlust blinding him to the trickery set in place. Instead of endless bloodshed the Leopard planned to kill as few as possible as they made their way across the land. Beneath Pulex's rule the army watched as their mission changed from vengeance to something somehow more grim and unpleasant.

Qwelha was as silent as Quena when the army arrived however within the second city they would find more in store for them. As they entered the city center a lone warrior of the Jackals approached from the south, his hands high in the air and without a weapon. "I've come by order of general Darr to ask if those who command you have reconsidered your chance to make peace and leave this land without the useless spilling of more blood," he called walking closer. His answer came in the form of an arrow that struck him down with great accuracy from the bow of a Tiger. They had not forgotten their anger and would not stop even for an unarmed man. With the messenger dead the hidden onlooker gave the signal to the others to activate the traps at the sight of their foes brutality.

At the southern end of town stood a pyramid stretching high into the sunny sky and shining radiantly like gold. Its mouth gaped open inviting the Cats inside though from beyond the entrance it seemed to be pitch black within. A group of ten would enter lead by one of Karem's higher ups but consisting of equal parts Tiger and Leopard. Inside what awaited them they could not be sure but with certainty they could put the idea of danger resting within as certain. The Jackals did in fact lurk within the dimly lit construction setting the last traps into ready positions before slipping away in the darkness. One would remain however as the intruders entered she waited on the opposite side of the grand square that made up the main room.

"Turn away now! Leave else you will parish within these wall and those beyond them will as well before they can take another Jackal life," she hollered as they entered. Foolish as his master the lead Tiger rushed forward only to be trip a wire and be crushed beneath a massive stone. The other four Tigers rushed in behind their leader and too met their end this time however triggering the release of a pendulum that sliced through them cutting into their skulls killing them instantly. The Jackal disappeared to an upper level however the Leopards were smart enough not to follow her knowing more trap would lie in wait. They exited to report back to their commander of the fatalities and their assumptions on the pyramid.

"It is nothing more than a maze of traps and a distraction from our goals," one Leopard reported in after reuniting with the rest. Pulex would make the final decision, "We will leave a contingent here to keep watch over the pyramid in case someone of significance is hiding within, the rest will press on. I believe they are just baiting us in while making their way further south. Karem was wise to prepare an ocean assault in case of their retreat." The five Leopards were left in Qwelha while the army moved further south deeper into the Jackals territory unknowing of what was south of the village.

The land south from Qwelha was a vast desert that made up a large majority of the Jackals land and was scarce of any life or water. As they entered the desert they did not know it to be a massive stretch that could bring them nearly all the way south to the coast. Days would pass without any signs of life or even an oasis to quench their thirst. Pulex was so certain they would be assailed at any time from any direction he made certain that the men were on guard no matter how they languished. The lack of knowledge of the landscape beyond Qwelha would undue them as they proceeded south without any clue as to what was in store for them there. Meanwhile on the western and eastern coasts the Jackal army accompanied the many civilians that had fled during the first days of the invasion.

"General, a message for you from Qwelha," the messenger informed as he found Darr still tending to the settling of the others. He acknowledged the man, "You don't come to inform me of surrender on their behalf I am sure. Their leader was foolish enough to deny our treaty a first time, if he survived what we put him through I am sure he is blinded enough by rage to keep coming." "No sir their leader must have passed on in time between their finding him and their entering Qwelha. I in fact must inform you that though few fell to our traps in the temple that they have entered the Desert of Blistered Bones," he announced to his commanders delight. Darr laughed slightly, "The war is won because of the blundering of a new leader. Send another messenger south to Erelden and another to Fymanus in the east. Have them keep watch on the boarder to the desert in case they hazard to take a territory after trying to traverse our desert." "It will be done, sir," he spoke and was off in a hurry to instruct others to carry out the tasks.

Messam found Imfay hurt but not dead yet a few floors below standing on a broken board that once served as a cover for the window. "Sir, your lucky to be alive!" he exclaimed as he entered the room. Imfay dusted himself off, "And you're lucky I don't take the blade away from you for disobeying my order. Though I am grateful for you coming to my aid however our foe would seem to have survived the fall." Mes looked out the window to find only the imprint from where the monster had landed and nothing more. He groaned, "Whatever that thing is, it is incredibly strong as well as durable. Do you think it will come after you again?" "Yes but not soon. It knows that I know it is weak in the presence of water. I have to ask you something though my apprentice," Imfay told the man who still stared out onto the land. Mes nodded to him, "If it's about guarding you, you know I still will. Hopefully next time I won't hit you with a ring." "No not about that. I want you to take my place from this day onward," he asked of the young man very much. His eyes grew wide from the request, "Sir you still live how could I ascend to your position even if I wanted to?" "Simple, those men were in throne room to witness my entrusting of the throne to you upon my death. No one yet knows I still am I alive and as far as I am concerned they should believe that I was eaten by that beast. The decree has been signed, you can take control and I will go on my way. I will still be around to guide you but I can no longer bare this position in life," he confessed with a tired tone. Messam placed his hand on Imfay shoulder, "You know that no matter the request I will come through for you sir. Take my home if you need a place to call your own as you leave here. It is nearly outside of town, out of sight for you to remain hidden from the public. I will visit you often, I can't make the decisions you would." "Look inside yourself when you must decide, you know what is right, if you did not I would never have chosen you. Good luck my boy, until we meet again," he said before vanishing from the castle leaving Messam lost as he knew not what to do with his new position.

Weeks in the desert and the army had been reduced to less than half the fighting force that had entered so unknowingly. Supplies were nearly entirely exhausted with water being rationed to most minimal of drinks for each who carried it. The small oases they happened across gave them only enough to keep going and carry on until with any luck coming across another. Moral had fallen completely off, many wanted to turn back, others wanted to surrender once reaching the first city they could, and most wanted Pulex dead. Pulex was rueful of the decision to move forward without scouting alternative routes but still he tried to remain mindful that this dreadful labor would pay off. The decision was eventually reached that they would need to move either east or westward in hopes of surviving and to signal the ships, Pulex would decided on the western front.

After another week they were beginning to come across more and more oases, plant life, and creatures the bounty of which was not lost on them. As they camped one evening they could see immense light and clouds of smoke filling the night sky. Pulex sent out scouts to explore what certainly had to be a city not far from their location. The war party convened in their leaders tent to discuss the plans for assault in the case of it being a city they would be capable of taking. The meeting was not in the favor of Pulex desires as most had lost belief in his vision.

"We no longer possess the man power to take a city and capture the majority of the citizens alive without losing great numbers. If we engage the Jackals it will have to be without concern for their lives," one Leopard informed. Pulex would not have such an outcome, "I have come to far and done to much to give up on this now. These beasts chased us from our lands, killed our greatest warriors, and you want me to simply abandon my plans to conquer them so completely?" "With all do respect, sir, we would be better suited with surrendering to them at this point then continuing this pointless war. I know you think that this is serving justice to those who have wronged us but no longer does it make sense to us. Understand sir we too feel the hatred you have inside for them but we may have hit a point where retreat and treaties will do us better and save us face," the lieutenant tried to reason. Pulex stuck him with his sheathed blade, "We have come to far for that don't you understand! There are still ships at sea that are ready to attack at our signal, the dream is not yet compromised. If any of you stand in the way of this any longer I will have you beheaded! Now once our scouts return we will completely or strategy and in the morning engage the enemy. They thought they would trick us leading us into that desert, it was a good tactic, but all the same they will see we are not so easily broken. We will take every city and beneath my might these bastards will suffer!"

Late in the morning the reconnaissance team returned looking in much better shape than they had left the evening prior. "Pulex, we have been saved! It is a miracle, our prayers answered," one man spoke so joyfully his tone sounding as though drunk. The Leopard came from his tent his eyes still heavy with sleep, "What is going on?! What are you going on about?!" "Sir, the Lions they joined our cause and while we struggled our way through the desert they took much of the western coast. They're readying to head south along the coast but await our forces to join them at the front," he replied his speech slurring giving all the truth that he was drunk. Pulex looked content yet still with reservations, "We will take our time to recover from this time in the desert and join the Lions when we are able." Before the morning was out the two armies became one in the newly taken coastal city Sial.

"Well Orion it would seem even your kind can be persuaded to join our side in this matter, so why not you," Byakko spoke so condescendingly. Orion rolled his eyes, "If I had your friend whisper on the winds for me as he does you they would not have joined this fight. All the same it is not their fault, war is in our nature and certainly your side offered something of worth for this aid. Regrettably though they too will feel the effect of putting themselves in this position." "Stop pretending like this can be reversed, the Jackals will be destroyed and what is left will slowly parish watching their land ruled by our kind," Byakko shot back enraged by the very notion he presented. Pulsar sat quiet through all of it until Byakko finally left, "Orion I asked Karem to turn back but it was of no use Pulex stopped him from telling the army to retreat." "Because not everyone is as hard headed and brash as that woman. I am sorry for you that a day will come when the Jackals will stain the sands red with Leopard blood but it is the price for this crusade of destruction," the Lion returned solemnly. The Leopard paused a moment, "I will have to do everything in my powers to right this wrong. The cost might be the lives of many of my own but it will have to be paid."

Zero and Orion sat together in the Lion's sanctuary, silent, both meditating on the situation that worked its course in the mortal realm. "Pulsar has had a change of hearts it would seem. Now only Byakko stands behind this idea of war, she will not move on this issue but alas it does not matter," Orion spoke out from the silence. Zero cracked open one eye in his direction, "Allegiance means nothing after what has been done as this war has all ready taken more lives than it should have." "His skills could be of use to you. Give some of the Jackals the spirit to fight harder and give them insight as to what is happening behind enemy lines," the Lion explained hoping to help the Wolf. He wasn't at all persuaded, "I will not beg that miserable Leopard for a single bit of his help no matter how humble he becomes in the face of his mistake. All the same the Jackals would never listen to me, they don't know of a world beyond their lands as we knew little of beyond ours. To them I would be a voice in their head making them feel certainly insane. I feel for them but no matter my course of action it would seem that at this time it is useless and all there is to do is wait and watch how this turns out in the end." "Even if it means the extinction of an entire race," Orion questioned however without a single hint of condemnation. Zero sighed, "We must simply hope it does not come to that when it is all over. With any luck peace will be made but of course luck is not something I put my faith in."

"Karem's deal will stand Leopard. His death means nothing, we still require our share, I don't care what you do after we have what we earned," the Lion demanded. Pulex was trying to catch his breath after the hit to the stomach, "Zanon, trust me you will get what was promised but you must not resort to slaughtering the entirety of the Jackal nation I want them alive." "Yes and I want my men alive so I will command them to do what they must to make it back to their homes so they may enjoy the splendor of their victory," Zanon shot back at the Leopard. Raising his hand hoping to not be struck again he replied, "Understood. Leave as many warriors alive as you can but do spare the civilians who do not bare arms. You will have what was promised to you just do that much to try to keep to our arrangement." "You have a deal but don't forget that this was not the arrangement he and I made and know that if we weren't already deep inside the Jackal's territory that I would never strike a deal with a Leopard especially you," the Lion returned as he sipped on his drink.

They marched south down the coast chasing the Jackals further and further south until they would have no where left to run. The very sight of the Lions, known for their military prowess, filled them with fear enough to retreat to gain in number. With every town taken more and more prisoner of war accumulated with entire settlements and villages becoming like prison colonies. As they moved further the signal was sent out to the ships to move in on the southern most coastal city as they were certain that their last stand would be fought there. Everything was beginning to fall into place for the scheming Leopard who's plan know made slaughter seem sympathetic to the Jackals.

General Darr was in a bad way as his army was again and again forced to retreat and give up more ground each time. "Yon, my friend, I believe that we are going to lose this fight and there isn't a thing we can do about it," he confessed one quiet night sitting in a dimly lit room. Yon could create no trap to stop the advancing forces, "Do you think it is time for surrender or will we fight on?" "Surrender? They will never accept our surrender, I would swallow my pride and bow to these bastards to protect the lives of our people but they will never allow it. I know most would think it by choice that I would ask our people to fight to the last man yet it will only be so we die fighting and not slow execution. I suppose it would be worth trying but I can not ask it of anyone else to go," Darr rambled on so tired from sleepless nights. The other man looked to him, "General what are you saying? Do you mean you are going to surrender to them?" "I don't want to see more men half my age cut down before me. There is no asking anyone to do this in fear they may be killed before even getting out a word. This is my duty, I will stand by my decisions, I am going come morning to parley with them," he informed as he began towards his chamber. Yon remained quiet a moment, "You are a brave and honorable man Darr, you are a general of your men and one I am proud to serve no matter the end."

Darr went north to the encampment of invading soldiers that morning carrying no weapons and without a shred of armor. The Lions threw him to the ground and beat him bloody until Pulex finally came to break up the situation. He was brought into the Leopard's tent where the two sat across the table from one another with Darr barely still conscious after one to many kicks to the head. His blood dotted the sand below him and before the parley could commence he was certain this was the wrong decision and could feel it would go wrong.

"So I take you have come all this way defenseless for a reason," Pulex spoke letting the man try to pull himself together. Darr looked to the Leopard with his vile grin, "I wanted to end this. Too much blood has been spilled to the aid of no ones cause. We are willing to work out whatever kind of deal it is you seek but please this violence must cease." "It is a sad day for you isn't it, that you have to give in to us and admit your own inferiority. Our terms are simple, total surrender of lands, goods, money, and of course your people," he returned with demands greater than expected. The Jackal wiped a bit of blood from under his eye and watched it soak into the fur of his hand, "The land fine, gold and goods I understand, but you want in fact the blood of the very land. I can give most anything but that I can not, nor can I understand how you come to find that a suitable thing to demand." "You play a fool but you and I know why these terms are so steep. Denying aid to us when we were in need, chasing us from our homelands, and if not having done enough you killed the Lords of Wind and Fire," the Leopard became fierce now as he condemned Darr. He had trouble comprehending, "Lords? What Lords? Yes we killed your kind and the Tigers when they came unwelcomed bringing misfortune to our people but we did not hunt to kill your leaders." "Leaders? Lord Byakko and Pulsar were not our leaders but divine creatures capable of burning flesh from bone with a gesture or summoning storms with simple motions. Those you took from us are irreplaceable. That is why I decided rather than paying in blood for your transgressions that your kind would serve a greater purpose as slaves," Pulex finished smugly.

"I offer you my people's land, our livelihoods, every last bit of worth in currency, but I will never surrender my people to be your servants," Darr shouted as he tried to stand failing in his weak condition. Pulex stood as guards entered the room, "That is too bad, I may have let you live if you had agreed but now it would seem things must go according to plan. We will stomp out your military and with them gone the civilians will fall beneath us and all your efforts will be in vain." "No damn it! Fight me you coward don't you dare hide behind others and have them do your dirty work. Fight me," he shouted as the guards slammed him to the table seizing him by the arms. The Leopard turned back his to the general, "I had not intention of letting someone else do the honors of taking your life." With a quick flick of his hand a blade slipped from under his sleeve and ran quickly across the Jackals throat spilling crimson across the table. Darr held the wound hoping as futile as it was that it would save him as everything began to grow dim. "One will come.. kill you... free us... you'll see," he struggled out in gargled speech as the last bits of life drained from him. Pulex shown no care for the threat, "Tie him to a pole, we will lead the march with his corpse."

The signal was sent and received and before dusk came the day the ships began on their way to the main land. They moved at a slow pace with the ship furthest west keeping an eye on the troops' movements to insure they did not reach land before the ground invasion had begun. The Jackals were all ready at the end of their rope and the next assault would be their last as they would fight a two front battle. Kovu looked out onto the land through his spyglass and sighed as he thought on what he was doing. Gresh was right and there remained much tension between the two despite what little could be done about the situation.

"Gresh this will end tomorrow and we can again be on our way and continue charting, if you'll still stand by me," Kovu spoke from the otherside of her cabin door. The Lynx sat quietly within the candle lit room angry yet deeply sad as well. "I wish that maybe we could stop the bloodshed, not help these Jackals but try to stop this slaughter. We have abilities that only we can use, it wouldn't hurt to try and use them to protect some of the civilians," he tried to coax an answer from her. Gresh mumbled to herself before replying softly, "Mutiny, Karem will see us no different than he sees them right now and for it he will kills us just the same. You speak of the work more noble people than us." "Noble? Gresh with your powers you could still kill me for what happened to your father, you could have ruled your homelands, you could be conquering all that stands before you, but you don't. I think that nothing could be more noble than having the power to do wicked and selfish things and not doing them," Kovu confessed this truth to his friend as he leaned his back against the door. She sat quiet again before whispering to herself, "Doing the right thing isn't noble."

The Lions lead the assault followed by the Tigers with the Leopards bringing up the rear where Pulex stayed far from the real battle. With ease the Lions broke through the Jackal's lines and would have quickly begun destroying all they could if not for the defenses erected just before their arrival. Homes and businesses became forts with warriors garrisoned inside with spears and bows raining down on their foes with these projectiles. Yon had but one last plan of action that he could call upon but for it to work one would need to retrieve equipment from his home. He looked about the men who fought hard to repel the assault and struggled to find one he would be willing to sacrifice for the task. It wasn't until seeing the desecrated body of Darr strung up high like a flag that his emotions gave way. Taking a sling an stones he went to roof to make his exit, he wouldn't give a single life that was not under his command for this suicide mission. Yon said not a word as he left knowing the burden would way on any who would know they could have given their life to save his.

Yon crept down the back side of the building and carefully made his way around the corner to see the invaders trying to break their way in to the buildings. Planning his moves with precision and timing he slipped around the enemy until he reached his home which was not fortified and therefore not under attack. His home was shared with a few others most of which soldiers leaving only his daughter inside who remained hidden. In his home he acquired the last weapon he had in his arsenal, one that would surely surprise the enemy. As he collected what he needed his daughter emerged from the darkness to confront him.

"Things are getting pretty bad out there, aren't they?" she asked before he noticed her sitting on the bed. He stood with his things in a clutter in his arms, "Yes. That is why you must stay hidden here until I come and get you when it is safe." "You are not coming to get me. I know what you're going to do and I know that if you do it you might not come back," she confessed holding back tears obvious by her tone. Yon was nervous, "You don't know what this will do, there's no way you could." "I've been able to read your notes since I was kid, I never told you because then you would have hid them," she admitted truthfully though seeming ashamed. He set his things on the table and sat at her side, "Honey, if I don't do this then none of us will survive, but if I do then maybe I will be the only one to die today. I want you to live a full life, you are my daughter and I want you to know that I do this for you. I know in time you will have a child of your own and you will understand why I do this." "Dad, you don't have to give me an excuse. I just don't want to lose you too," she began to bawl trying to control herself but unable. Yon held her close and looked down to her, "I'm going to do my best to make sure I come back to you today. If I die it will not be for nothing, understand that, it will be so can see tomorrow for the both of us."

Loading the powder into hollow gourds he replaced the tips with a bit of oil soaked rope in place of the stem. With a stubby torch in hand, the sling in the other, and a belt with several gourds tied to it Yon made his way to the roof. He moved closer to the action by moving from roof to roof each time unsure if he would clear the gap. Finally not far from the fray he sat on a roof checking his equipment once more and readying for what could be his end. The Lions had yet to break into any of the buildings however it would not last much longer if help did not come soon. The moment of truth was upon Yon as he set the first gourd in the sling and lit the fuse.

With a strong throw he sent the first one bouncing off the wall of a fortified home and rebounding into the crowd. As he readied the next he heard a tremendous booming and looked up to see an opening made in the crowd. He launched another this time a bit weaker landing it at the edge of the horde but again doing damage all the same. A third was fired and struck one Tiger in head before landing on the steps of a business. The third did not detonate but now as he loaded the fourth he could see that the enemy had spotted him. Four Tigers broke off from the group to find a way up to Yon but he would not stop in the face of certain doom as he let loose the next gourd that exploded a bit premature over the invaders heads. This blast was not cause of casualties but disoriented the soldiers making them target to spear and arrow. With the fifth in hand Yon turned to find Tigers making their way up the side of the building he stood on. He ran as fast as he could to another now closer to the battle he abandoned the sling and threw the fifth by hand into the crowd. Yon ran to the buildings edge to see the damage dealt to his foes but this wasted his chance at escape. The Tigers were not far behind and he had no where to go but down into the street. As he leapt he saw a high ranking Lion who had locked onto him and was waiting to see what would become of him. Hitting the ground Yon thought of only one thing, he lit the final fuse but kept it concealed from those around him. He charged the Lion who ran him through with a spear before he could reach him. The sixth exploded as he was impaled and destroyed the Lion who had slain him.

This damage done to the invaders gave much hope to the Jackals now thinking they had gained the upper hand. Many poured out of their fortified places to flood the streets and battle back the Lions and Tigers. However as they did the third gourd finally exploded sending Jackals flying, killing and injuring many, and destroying the building's front trapping those inside. They clashed in the narrow street both sides now on equal ground with one another. Hope was in the hearts of the Jackals until one cry roared louder than all else, "Ships!" It was as though the collective spirit of the Jackals were broken as they turned to see ships in their harbor with boats coming ashore with more enemy combatants.

The battle was lost and with it the war, the Jackals knew it and so did their opposition yet they would not accept surrender. With out concern for their enemies throwing down their arms the soldiers slaughtered without mercy. Kovu and Gresh exited their boat to see the atrocity disgusted by the sight they beheld. "You can sit back and watch this vile act continue but I have to do something," Gresh said as her anger began to come to the surface. The Cougar was not about to disagree, "I'm right behind you, don't worry I'll watch your back." The two battled their way to the Jackals who unarmed were ripe for the slaughter as the Lions and Tigers closed in. Gresh reached the Jackals and threw out a wall of jagged ice behind her to stop the advancing horde. Kovu made his way to the other end of the the fray and began fighting off Lions until Gresh could build another ice wall.

Between the gradually melting walls the two caught their breath while the Jackals looked to them bewildered by what they had seen. "You two are of their kind, why have you betrayed them?" a soldier asked addressing the obvious. Gresh began between breathes, "This isn't something we can't stand behind. We won't watch such senseless murder when those dying have surrendered." "All the same your magic is failing, they will kill us all once it has gone. What you have done is a grand and noble gesture towards your concern for life but it is too little too late," an older warrior spoke out. Kovu spoke now again able, "I will do what I can to dissuade this slaughter from continuing, these people are not immune to reason, we can make them listen. Just understand when those walls fall do not try to fight or you will die today."

Gresh made a small hole in the corner of the wall that Kovu quickly slipped through and was immediately confronted by the horde he had just fended off. They seized him quickly and brought him before Pulex who had advanced closer to battle now certain the enemy had been defeated. "What do you think you're doing sailor, you can't protect them nor should you," he said as he reached Kovu. Kovu was forced to his hands and knees before the Leopard, "Where is Karem?" "Karem is dead because of those fiends. Now return to the girl and have her lower the walls and you may go on your way," Pulex demanded in an irritated tone. The Cougar would stick by his morals, "No. They have surrendered and your men still slaughter them. I will have Gresh destroy the walls but only if you guarantee you will let those who remain live." "Fine! We will need stronger ones anyway so they may as well survive. Go then let down the walls and be gone from this land for the rest of your days. Those bastards lives will be your pay, I will no longer honor Karem's deal with you," he returned shrewdly.

Returning to Gresh, Kovu was still in a terrible mood, "Come on Gresh, we have to go now. Karem is gone and his replacement had allowed these men to live for our pay but they might be better off dead." "What do you mean?" she asked unsure to why he would make such a statement. He waited against the wall of a building, "From the sounds of it he will make them into laborers and likely they won't be the only ones. I wouldn't want to live beneath another man's control and I'm sure that's a shared sentiment." "We can't just leave them to be enslaved by them. They first intended to destroy them, I can only imagine that life will be much worse. We have to do something," the Lynx tried to reason. Kovu was clearly off put by the prospect of slavery but had given in, "We can't do anything. If there was something we might do to bargain for the freedom of those they would try to enslave I would. I'm afraid that even as they see our powers as those of their Lords it has little effect on our credibility."

"Then I must do something. Kovu, leave. I have to remain here and do what I can to help these people as much as I can," she informed him with a somber tone. The Cougar's reaction was baffled to say the least, "Do you hear yourself? They will be slaves, there isn't much that can be done even with your powers." "I don't care I will find a way to make their lives better even if it is hardly even worth notice. I can't stand idly by while such horrible things happen even if they aren't my own people I have to try," her devotion to the cause began to ring through her voice. Kovu sighed, "Then you do what you think you must. I won't remain here though but know that you are the most noble person I have had the privilege of knowing." "Goodbye Kovu may the seas treat you kindly," Gresh said with her tone sorrowful for the parting of ways. The ice walls slowly fell, "See you girl someday, somewhere."