FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The warmer months on Adastra weren't a stranger to me, but every morning for the past few weeks I've greeted them as if they were. Glad for the familiar unfamiliarity of a new day with my wolf.

And every night, after the day's events had ended, we would spend our last remaining hour together in bed. Some nights I would drift off to sleep in my husband's arms, a blanket covering the two of us. Sometimes he would stroke and pet me, running circles around my flesh with his blunt claws. But most nights we would simply enjoy each other's presence.

In the morning we would spend our first hour together as close as we could. His gaze fixed on mine as he would sometimes touch and stroke my body as if it were giving him more pleasure than it was giving me. And there were days when I would be the one to shower him with affection.

Though as much as I loved this time with him we would eventually be reminded, somehow, that he was the emperor of Adastra. And while I was his husband and could now command some of his time, he still had duties, meetings, or other arrangements that would eventually pry us from each other.

Today was one such day.

I opened my eyes to the soft light, and was rewarded with the image of my wolf laying on his side, watching me. Vita, the sun in this star-system, glowing through the balcony giving his fur a golden shine and causing the blue of his eyes to appear more lustrous.

“Good morning" he said as our eyes met.

I smiled back and slid over to be closer to my husband. Feeling his body next to mine, and soon his arm draped over me as he held me close, sniffing and planting little kisses on my forehead.

“Good morning" I replied through a grin. Trying my best not to chuckle at his enthusiasm.

He reached his muzzle down to my lips and planted a gentle kiss on them, familiar and warm.

I kissed back, feeling the heat radiating from his body as he held me close.

“I would like nothing more than to clear my entire schedule." He eventually said.

“What's stopping you?" I asked.

“Technically? Nothing." He grinned. “I am the emperor."

“And what would my emperor do?" I said, coyly placing extra emphasis on his title.

He closed his eyes in thought for a moment then licked his lips.

“I could decree this day to be a day of rest." He said as he slumped back with a grin, eyes narrowed, and a sigh escaping his mouth. “No appointments, no meetings, no trips. Just a day to spend as you wish."

I took this chance to run a hand along his belly, my fingers running through his soft fur, eliciting a satisfied hum from the defenseless wolf.

“I don't think resting is what's on your mind." I teased as my hand slowly slipped closer to his half-erect penis.

He huffed slightly, “You know that happens sometimes."

“I know." I said as I nestled into his shoulder. “And I'll tease you about it sometimes too."

He pulled me tight and sighed deeply.

“I have something for you." He stroked me.

“A good thing?" I smiled.

“A… different thing." He grinned. “But not right now. For later."

I thought to his other surprises, and how we hadn't managed to make them work as intended. Things often seeming to get in the way.

“You're lost in thought?" he eventually asked, reaching over with a paw to stroke at my cheek.

“Hmm? Yeah." I said. “Just thinking about… stuff." I smiled and planted a kiss on his nose. “Nothing to worry yourself over."

He smiled and held me close.

“So, what's this surprise you have planned?" I coyly asked.

He puffed up his chest and then exhaled. “If I were to tell you what it is, then it wouldn't be a surprise." He teased.

I took this opportunity to straddle his belly, propping myself up with my hands on his abdomen and his cock behind me.

“I could force you to tell me." I grinned devilishly, wiggling my hips and stroking his chest for a bit before relenting in my protests to slide my arms up until I was laying on him, my body rising and falling with his breath.

I heard his tail thump against the bed a few times as he reached his arms around me.

He took a deep breath and sighed. “This surprise I have for you cannot happen in bed." He said, his deep voice resonating in his chest and into my ear.

“So we have to get up?" I sighed.

He nodded.

I groaned and winnowed my face into the fur on his chest. “I don't want it then." I said with a pout.

“You don't even know what it is." He kissed my head.

I groaned, letting myself slide slowly and dramatically off of him to slump in a pile.

“Pouting will get you nothing." He teased.

“Maybe I just have to try harder?" I teased back, sitting up and making an overly dramatic play of crossing my arms and holding my breath.

He laughed, and I relented to join him with a chuckle.

“We do have to get up though." He said, this time it was his turn to sigh.

“I guess." I said as I looked at my wolf again, the serenity of the morning reflected in his smile. “You are beautiful."

He blushed, the inside of his ears reddening.

“As are you, my husband." He said, sitting up to wrap his arms around me.

…

We showered, and after I brushed his fur, making sure to apply the perfumed oils that I loved smelling on him. The familiar and soft lavender mixing with his natural musk, which was already alluring enough as is, had a way of enchanting me. And this was one more thing in our routine that I enjoyed.

He rumbled contentedly when I brushed him, me paying special attention to get the fur between his shoulder-blades smoothed down. Then I went to tackle his chest and belly-fur, setting off a fluttering in my stomach.

He grabbed at my hand softly when I had finished, held it in his paw, and brought it up to kiss it gently.

…

We went to the archives after we dressed. The place where he would do most of his meditation. It felt strange to me every time walking in here because this was where it happened… where I had my neck healed, and my life restored to me on the promise that we would work with the Parents, ensuring their benevolent will was done in this realm.

I didn't really want them to take more of an active role in our lives, thinking to the ways they intervened and how everything went upside down when they did. It left a coldness in the pit of my stomach.

Though for all my misgivings, Amicus was strong in his belief. I guess being able to communicate with them on a regular basis helped him accept his role in all of this.

…

I would often wander the halls while Amicus was in meditation. Sometimes I would find myself in the baths, thinking of all the things that happened in there. Other times when the weather was nice I would tend to the garden, finally having come to somewhat admire the unusually large spiders and their role in keeping the pests at bay. They still freaked me out a little bit sometimes with the way they would seem to watch me but otherwise we kept our distance.

Though usually I would find myself in the room where we would have our meals together. Virginia would usually meet up with us at breakfast, choosing that time to brief Amicus on the latest goings-on of the empire.

I turned on the vid-screens.

They were playing dramatic reenactments of the news that had filtered down to them from Earth. How the emperor had negotiated an alliance between the humans and wolves only to have to fend off a mysterious attacker, and the wolf dressed like Amicus dramatically saving everyone's lives, and the day.

As a broad-stroke depiction, it was mostly correct. Though it was clear this was second-hand information being filtered through the lens of wolven pride; Crafted to appeal to their sensibilities, and to show wolven society in the highest of esteem.

I guess it was only natural that they would want to see the events in the light that best reflected them. The wolves here were sometimes prideful. It would sometimes get in the way when Amicus would discuss matters of state with me, whenever he was seeking a human perspective. But we always managed to work through it whenever that happened.

Still, if the actors had known all of what happened those weeks ago…

I did my best to push it from my mind, with some measure of success. Better to think of happier things like having some measure of peace and quiet with my wolf.

…

I was lost in my thoughts when I heard Amicus and Virginia coming down the hall.

“And then there's the matter of this year's harvest. It is on schedule and, barring any inclement weather, it should be on track for processing and distribution by the end of the week." Virginia rattled off as she held a stylus up to tap at the blue-light tablet in her paw.

“Good. And what of the human restaurants?" Amicus asked pensively.

“Still mixed" She said. “Some cities are still showing low numbers, though we are seeing good results in others. Especially Lex and Ad Rotae."

“Excellent" He smiled as he sat down on his couch.

Virginia placed herself gracefully on her usual spot while I took this as a signal to join them on the remaining couch. “Com," Virginia changed the subject briefly. “Please send in breakfast."

The familiar saucers piled with food all came floating out from the kitchen and landed softly on the table. We all started taking bits from each of the plates on to our own and began eating.

“So." Virginia said. “Omorpha."

I felt the bristle in her words, and I could see Amicus flinch at the mention of the cats.

“We still have no reliable evidence to present to the other sibling races of their interference." Amicus said.

“And the Parents?" her eyebrow raised as she took a sip of her wine.

“They have not felt the need to include me on their plans for the cats." He took another bite, this time of some fruit.

“It would seem to be asking quite a lot of them to let us in on what's going on with the Omorphans." Virginia sighed, unimpressed. “Have the parents even said if they're in communication with them anymore?"

“Well, they have been preaching the virtues of separation from the parents, but so far I haven't been given anything by the parents to know either way." Amicus said as he reached for the pitcher of wine. “Though we know they somehow found a way to shrink Parent-tech."

“If I may…" I interjected. “Is there any other way to get information about them?"

Virginia chose this moment to speak up. “They haven't made any tactical errors, at least as I can see, that would give meaningful insight into their actual motivations." The way her eyes rested on me set the hairs on the back of my neck on end. “But we can infer some of it."

Virginia's eyes went from staring at me uncomfortably to looking at her brother.

“Do you want my honest opinion?" She asked.

“As always." Amicus replied.

“He's not ready."

The way she said it so sternly caused my breath to catch.

“Virginia, we talked about this." Amicus spoke calmly, but in his stately tone.

“And I said to you then what I'm saying to you now. He's not ready." She was getting annoyed, her gaze resting on Amicus, but then coming down to settle on me. “I would even go so far as to suggest that he be forbidden from leaving the palace grounds."

There was silence. I could see that Amicus wasn't comfortable hearing his sister say such things about his husband, especially in front of me.

“I understand why you're doing this." She continued. “As your advisor, I fully understand your reasoning. It is pragmatic and logical. Especially given your position and his. But as your sister." She said as her eyes, carrying a brief moment of softness to them, looked at me… then back to her brother with a resolute expression. “He is simply not ready."

I could feel the heat burning my ears.

“You have nothing to fear, Virginia. I have arranged for the very best—" he looks at me as if to catch himself from saying more. “In any case, we are set to depart within the hour." He finished with a determined grin.

“Very well." Virginia replied. “Brunis will be joining up with you in Lux."

This took Amicus by surprise. “Virginia—"

“He is a representative from Khemia, it would not be received well were he not to attend" She said.

She studied her brother's face.

“Amicus, the alliance between Khemia and Adastra is still strained. Especially considering what happened to Neferu on Earth." She took a moment to take a sip of wine, then continued. “Brunis is to be present. This is purely for the optics, Amicus. To assure the people that we still even have relations with Khemia."

He nodded.

“Word has spread." she continued, wearing a face of stone. “So there will be a crowd."

Amicus nods again.

“And you know what you have to do?" she asks, to which he nods again with a determined smile on his face.

…

Initially I was unsure why we were going to Lux, but I was assured this was part of the surprise. That did make me smile, and in a way I was simply happy to be with Amicus on this trip, rather than having to be left at the palace to keep myself busy.

We stepped off the ship to the cold air of Lux. I had dressed appropriately this time, as I was told that this was where we were going for the next few days.

The crowd that welcomed us was modest. Most of the wolves at this time were occupied with daily tasks. But we did draw some curious stares as we made our way to the amphitheater, and there were children that stopped their play to gawk at us, however most gave us a wide berth.

We were met at the amphitheater by Brunis who came to welcome us.

“Amicus, pleasure seein' you here." He smiled as he took a draw on his pipe.

“Good to see you too." Amicus replied. “I trust Neferu is doing well back home?"

Brunis nodded. “I've seen worse. He's still a little upset."

“Surely his pride will recover." Amicus chuckled, to which Brunis nodded.

“Well, getting his ass kicked by not only wolves, but by the humans now too." Brunis said. “And now there are rumors that the humans are stalling out on integration."

“I was only told that they have yet to choose a representative." Amicus spoke.

“Well, they better get their act together" Brunis said. “The Galaxius is going to continue on with or without them."

Then they all turned to me, waiting expectantly. Was I supposed to say something?

“I guess the parents have a plan for them." I reluctantly added, to which most of the eyes seemed to relax a little bit.

“That I'm sure of as well." Amicus added. “Though I have asked about your place in all of this."

I turned to him, not wanting him to explain, so I shook my head. I did not want to have to remember the events that led to our leaving Earth.

“Welcome, Amicus!" Out of the crowd stepped the wolf known as Magis, one of the triumvirate of Lux.

Amicus turned to Magis who deeply bowed in acknowledgment of his emperor's presence.

“I trust everything is to your liking so far?" Magis asked as he stood.

Amicus nodded. “And your preparations?" Amicus asked.

Magis nodded.

“Excellent." Amicus clapped his paws together. “Shall we proceed then?"

Magis nodded again.

Amicus turned to me. “I'm going to be sparring with Magis." He surprised me. “I hope you're okay with that."

I wasn't sure. Magis was the most competent fighter I knew of. His skills at pugnu were unmatched.

“I will be fine." Amicus reminded me. “This is a friendly match. For the people's benefit."

The crowd around us filling the seats verified that for me. They were waiting, most were talking among themselves but there were some eyes on us.

He read my eyes and placed a paw on my shoulder, his expression trying to reassure me that he would be okay.

I looked over to Magis who had a calming smile on his face.

I nodded… “Just don't go crazy." I urged.

As they were led away to prepare for the fight, Brunis and I found our way to the seats reserved for us. The spots were raised, and gave us a clear view of everything that was going to happen.

The crowd paused it's chattering when Amicus and Magis both went to the center of the amphitheater, wearing nothing but their undergarments. They both had their arms raised to the crowd as if to garner their attention.

Soon the crowd hushed itself and the two fighters bowed deeply to one another.

Amicus took this as a sign to enter a wide stance, planting his feet securely on the ground.

Magis took his stance, though instead of wide, he had his side turned to Amicus.

It felt like the two of them were standing still, but in no time at all I saw Amicus launch himself at the elderly wolf.

I remembered back to their first fight. How Amicus had led with this very same move and was rewarded with a very strong kick to his gut.

As he closed the gap, Magis gripped his paws close into a fist. In a second, Magis was in the air, sending his leg flying forward to hit Amicus in the gut… this time, however, Amicus blocked the move.

Magis landed, then dropped to the ground to sweep a leg under Amicus.

Amicus leaped over the leg-sweep and came down surprisingly nimbly for someone his size.

Magis shifted his stance, then leaped up to knee him.

Amicus swatted the knee to the side, but as he did so he didn't see Magis's hands come slamming into the sides of his neck.

Amicus was stunned for a second, and I was on the edge of my seat.

Then Magis took the stunned emperor and placed a solid roundhouse kick into his side, crumpling the emperor's posture as a deflated yelp escaped his mouth.

The crowd was now on the edge of their seats, cheering on their champion.

Amicus staggered to stand, an arm holding his side.

He took a different stance, this time similar to Magis in that he was placing most of his weight on the back leg while holding his hands up in a grappling posture.

Magis came towards him, launching fists at Amicus who grabbed one, then the other, in his hands to lock the older wolf in his grip.

This was what Amicus had waited for. He turned his body, twisting his torso around while carrying Magis's hands with him to then power them to his core, carrying Magis with him, and then shoved with all of his might to send the older wolf sailing, stumbling backwards until he righted himself and stood to grin at his emperor.

Amicus came charging in, his back low, putting all the power into a body check that he was hoping the disoriented wolf would not notice in time.

Faster than I could witness, when Amicus came close enough to Magis, Magis leaped up, grappling Amicus's head in his thighs, then twisted his body around while carrying Amicus's momentum to being thrown to the ground with Magis on top of him, soon grabbing him in a leg-lock.

Amicus seemed intent on fighting, trying to keep the older wolf from winning, but he eventually relented and tapped his hand on the ground, signaling defeat.

Magis quickly let up on the emperor to the crowd's uproarious applause.

It was then that Magis offered his hand to help Amicus up off the ground, and clasped him close into an embrace that had the crowd erupting into another round of applause, and cheers.

…

The crowd, lively and content, eventually dispersed after Amicus made a brief speech encouraging kinship amongst all siblings and children.

Soon, however, I was left alone with Brunis as we were sitting in our seats, waiting for Magis and Amicus to finish doing what they were doing.

I couldn't shake how fast it felt like the match had gone, and how so much like the last time it looked like there were some serious hits there.

I was assured that it would just be a friendly spar, but what I saw felt a bit more than just friendly.

It reminded me of the fight with Cato.

The image sprang up in my mind for only a second, but it hit me harder because of it. Seeing Amicus bloodied and nearly killed, his arm broken. And then what happened to me.

I could feel my pulse start to race.

I still remember it. Feeling the cold air in my throat as the warm blood filled it, causing me to sputter it on to the fur of my lover as he held me, powerless to do anything but watch me die.

My breathing started becoming short.

I know they saved me. They repaired my body.

But…

I turned to Brunis who had been watching me for the last few seconds… a concerned look crossing his brow.

“Something on your mind?" He asked.

I didn't want to talk to anyone about this, but perhaps he would understand.

“Brunis." I said after clearing my throat. “What… what do you do when things get to be… too much?"

He looked at me quizzically.

I then looked to his robotic arm, then back to his eyes.

He paused, nodded, drew on his pipe, then exhaled a thin breath of smoke. “Honestly, after a while it doesn't hurt so much."

I smiled weakly at the assurance, my heart beating out a hard staccato in my chest. “And if it's still fresh?" I asked, trying to keep my eyes from meeting his.

He looked at me, piecing together what I had said, then reached up to grab his pipe and offer it to me.

I put up my hand politely to decline.

“Suit yourself" he said as he took another draw.

He inhaled, held it for a second in thought, then said “I know it's probably not the best way, but sometimes just getting out of your head can help distract you. You know?" he smiled as the smoke trailed out of his mouth.

“Is that what the pap does for you?"

“Sometimes. But mostly it's for the pain." He tapped his pipe against the metal of his robotic arm.

I nodded. “Does it still hurt?"

He nodded.

“Ah, Marco" I heard Amicus's voice. “I hope the match was not too troubling for you."

I stood to embrace him.

“Well, I hope you remembered that surprise I mentioned." He said, a wary grin on his maw.

“Oh, so, I got to watch you get your ass kicked again?"

“No, that was a formality."

“Okay… so, this has something to do with Magis?"

“Perceptive." He smiled. “I have asked him to train you."

I stood there, mouth agape. “So this is the surprise? You're going to have me learn to fight?"

“Yes."

I sighed, frustrated. I felt in that moment that I had little say in the matter.

“You're upset." Amicus frowned, having read my reaction.

I looked at him. “Do I really have to?"

“No, you have a choice. But it would mean quite a lot to me if you would consider it."

I didn't feel at the time that I needed it, as I was able to take down that spy that tried to kill me. But I had to give him an answer and I didn't think that he would accept a no. So I went with the next best thing. “I'll think about it."

“I am glad." He smiled and placed a paw on my shoulder. “Please forgive me. I know I should have talked to you about this beforehand… I know how it bothers you sometimes. But until today that had not been assured."

“It's okay, Amicus. I know you're doing this because you love me." I said, “And I love you too."

He smiled wider at that. And I went in to hug him. I knew it would be better this way, even if I wasn't sure I wanted to train. Especially seeing how Cato trained Amicus when Cato was his advisor.

…

We all went to dinner afterward. Amicus and Magis had worked up an appetite, and the food that was placed in front of us by the servers at the restaurant was quickly demolished.

Most of Amicus's attention was taken by Magis, who took this opportunity to discuss stately matters with him.

I tried my best to focus on the conversation but most of my attention was eventually taken by the few wolves that came up to ask me questions. Mostly what species I was, whether I was from a sibling race, whether I was recently uplifted… I could understand the curiosity. I was a novelty to a lot of wolves.

There was one, however, that asked how I survived having my throat slit.

It wasn't a question I had thought I'd ever have to answer and I froze up. All the memories came rushing back to me, again.

But I eventually pointed to my throat with a shaky hand and told them of the machine that the parents had installed in me to save my life.

That alone drew amazed gasps from those listening to me.

And of course there were followup questions. Mostly about what the parents were like, as none of them had ever experienced being in their presence.

I couldn't answer most of their questions as my memories of the times I met the parents weren't always clear.

Still, that I even met the parents at all was impressive to them. Given how so many wolves viewed the parents as being akin to gods, it would make sense that they would be amazed at hearing what I had to say.

Though as Vita set over the horizon, the crowd eventually dispersed and we were left to finish up.

All in all the food was good, and the company enjoyable. But having so many questions about the parents and how they intervened to save my life only brought out this sense of dread within me. They all seemed amazed that I somehow cheated death. But they didn't know what it felt like when I lost my life. The pain of having my neck cut open, bleeding out into my lover's arms, and to see the anguish on his face as I died.

It wasn't something I wanted to remember. And for a moment I debated whether I wanted to take Brunis up on his offer of a few puffs from his pipe if it meant I could forget.

The trip back to the villa was mostly spent with Amicus leading the way, and me following, lost in my head. It wasn't until he opened the door that he turned to me.

“You've been quiet tonight." Amicus mentioned.

“Hmm?" I replied. “Oh, I guess I'm just getting tired."

“You know you can talk to me about anything." He probed. “Was the crowd too much? I can make sure our next meal is held in private."

“Oh, no. Not that." I lied. “I'm just kinda tired right now."

“Hmm." He paused, turned to me and placed his arms around me in a hug. “When you want to talk, I'll be here."

“Thank you." I said, a little relieved. I didn't know how I would talk to him about this. He already had more than enough on his plate being the emperor of an entire civilization. And my trouble tonight was that I just didn't want to think anymore. “Perhaps a good night's sleep will help." I offered.

“Perhaps." He said as he looked at me with a concerned look in his eye. “But if you ever need to talk, about anything, please remember that I am here for you."

I nodded and hugged back, glad to have at least someone on my side.

***

“Are you ready?" Magis asked.

I nodded.

“Come at me."

Magis stood there in the late-afternoon sun in the amphitheater, not taking a stance, not readying himself. So rather than wait, I charged in with a fist ready to strike.

He swatted the attack away and returned the hit, albeit lightly, to my stomach. There wasn't much force to it, but it was enough to knock the wind out of me temporarily.

“Don't blindly attack" he said. “And don't look me in the eye." he said as he sent a punch flying towards me, which I was able to dodge. But he surprised me by swinging his other fist in and nearly hit me in the side. “You will miss reading their actions."

Amicus, for all his temperance, flinched.

My heart was pumping and I could feel the sweat beading up on my skin.

So, I watched their core as he readied a strike. It wasn't the fastest punch but it would be enough to remind me of his strength should it land. Thankfully I was able to block it with my arm.

“Well, I can say that you have potential, but it will take a lot of work to get you into shape."

He relaxed and came to clasp me on the shoulders.

“If you are willing to, I will take you on as a student."

“I don't think I want to move to Lux though." I weakly protested.

“You won't need to." Magis offered. “I am getting old and while I am still capable, my time as one of the triumvirate of Lux is coming to an end."

“Are you retiring?" I asked.

“Yes." He grinned.

“So where will I be training?"

Amicus came up and interjected. “Magis will be moving to the Palace."

“Wow, so I get a personal trainer because you all think I can't handle myself in a fight?" I said, unable to contain my annoyance.

Amicus was stunned at my outburst, but Magis simply nodded. “Your form is rough, and you have a poor mentality when it comes to fighting."

I wanted to bite back, to say that I could handle myself. I thought back to the spy in Central Park and how I was seemingly able to handle myself. But Magis continued.

“You see, fighting is not about reacting, it's about anticipation." Magis said. “Focus on your attacker, read their movements, and learn to predict where they will be, not where they are."

He took a low stance and tapped his pecs. “A punch does not start in the fist, it starts in the chest. Carries on through the shoulder, down the arm, and then into the fist."

He demonstrated this by throwing a punch, but very slowly. With his other hand, he pointed to his chest. “Notice that I twisted my chest and let the momentum carry down through to the fist." He repeated the punch, this time a little faster.

And as he did, I paid close attention to his chest. He was right, the movement started in his core, and it did travel down. It was almost like his fist wasn't where the force was, but in his entire body.

“Here. Let me demonstrate." He turned to Amicus. “Are you ready?"

Amicus nodded and took a low stance.

“Watch my form." Magis said as he then launched a punch at Amicus… which Amicus thankfully blocked.

Even though the punch was lightning fast, I did see the motion start in his core, his chest.

“Try it." Magis said as he turned to me. “Don't worry about hurting me."

I stood there unsure for a few moments, but turning my gaze to Amicus, I saw the hopeful smile in his face.

Then I tried it. I took a stance, and tried punching while turning my entire body. Magis did not try to block the punch, he simply took it in stride.

“Good, but not quite it." He said. “Now do it again, but slowly."

I did, and this time he interrupted. “Start in the chest, flow through the shoulders, down the arm, and in to the fist."

He demonstrated again, throwing a punch slowly.

I followed his advice and tried it slowly. Focusing my attention on the flow of force through my body.

“Good" Magis said. “Now do it again."

I did. Focusing my attention on my entire body.

“That's good. Now, put a little more speed into it."

I repeated the movement, but this time a little faster.

“Again." He chided.

I did, moving faster this time.

“Good. Again, faster this time. And tuck in your elbow."

I tried, but messed up.

“No, not like that." He said, he demonstrated the form he wanted me to show. While he was throwing his punch out, he was also at the same time twisting his body so that his other arm was being driven back. “Pugnu is not just a method of brawling, there is a discipline to it. When there is a good fight going, there is an ebb, and a flow."

He gestured to Amicus to take a stance.

“Now, Amicus, hit me."

Amicus wound up, and threw a punch, putting his entire body into it. Magis deftly swatted it away and returned the punch to Amicus's gut, not with much force, but enough to shock Amicus and have him sputter.

“Hmm, you could benefit from some additional training as well." Magis noted. “This brings me to another point. When throwing a punch, it's not always best to put all of your weight into it."

He demonstrated by throwing a quick jab.

“Amicus, try again. And this time put all of your weight into it." Magis instructed.

Amicus did as he was told and wound up with a great punch that would have knocked Magis on his ass.

Magis grabbed the arm when it came into range, twisted his torso, and threw Amicus on to the ground with a thump.

I winced.

“You're not going to throw me around like that, right?" I asked Magis.

“Not at first. But as you advance, I will be showing less restraint." He warned.

“I don't know if I want this." I said. “I mean, I was able to do some pretty slick moves when it was me and the Omorphan spy."

“Show me." Magis encouraged. “Try and take me down like you did with your attacker."

I blinked. “You're at least twice the size of an Omorphan."

“And Amicus is heavier than I am, and I managed to throw him." Magis flatly stated.

“Well, the one move I did manage to make was a bit like that throw you used."

“Excellent… show me." He stated again.

I tried. I tried to grab his arm to pull it over my shoulder while twisting my hips into his.

But for all my effort, he didn't budge.

He sighed. “First off, if you cannot use your opponent's weight against them effectively, then you will not be able to throw them."

I was puzzled. It was so easy when I did it to the spy, it was almost as if it was second nature.

Then I remembered the lingua. That's how the parents stopped me from killing Amicus when he first kidnapped me. They must have taken over when I was fighting with the spy.

I slumped at this realization, and they both noticed.

“Do not be discouraged. You aren't the least capable student I've taught." He said. “But there is much work to do if you want to keep yourself alive."

That sobered me up quickly. The spy said they wanted me dead. Specifically me. Though I didn't understand why.

“I think that shall be enough practice for the day." Magis concluded. “I'll be going to the springs, perhaps you should join me."

Amicus nodded, then looked at me expectantly.

“Yeah, I guess it might be nice." I said.

…

The carriage ride to the springs was mostly uneventful for me. Amicus and Magis continued to talk about stately matters that I didn't feel I could weigh in on in any meaningful manner, but I leaned into him as we rode together, and he draped an arm over my shoulders.

When we arrived at the springs, I was at least relieved that the place was empty. I guess, since Vita had already set, the place must have closed and the patrons would have left before our arrival.

The water was as hot as I remembered it, and Amicus waded in after Magis took position at the far end of one of the pools.

“So, when will training start?" I asked as I took my place next to my husband.

“That depends on when you feel you are ready for the challenge." Magis said flatly. “You have much to learn."

Was I really that bad at fighting? So bad that the parents had to intervene? Again?

I couldn't shake it this time. My mind was caught in a loop of replaying the fight with the Omorphan over and over again. I was going over in my mind all the times I could have failed to defend myself, how I was inches away from death, being obliterated and turned into a pile of viscera, blood, and bone… and that left me with ice in my stomach.

I started shivering in the hot water. I couldn't stop. It was like all the heat in my body had escaped and I felt like I was going to throw up.

“I think I need to go back to the villa" I said as the nausea took hold.

Amicus came over and put his arm over my shoulder to comfort me… but it was too late.

I could feel the acid rising in my throat, my stomach lurched, and then I vomited.

Thankfully I was able to lean over the edge of the spring so I didn't foul the water. Still, my stomach continued lurching. Expelling all that was in my guts, and I became dizzy and light-headed.

When my stomach was unable to expel any more, it tried a few more times, my guts wrenching themselves into painful knots and the trembling in my stomach carried out to the rest of my body.

That's when things started getting dim and muffled… and my legs gave out from under me.

…

“Marco" I heard Amicus's voice. He was worried, again.

I came to, I was laying on my side and my mouth was coated with traces of what I had just thrown up.

I still felt cold, but at least I wasn't shaking anymore.

I leaned up, trying to stay upright, though my head started to spin as I did.

I felt Amicus's paw on my shoulder, helping me stay upright.

“What happened?" He asked.

“I don't know…" I said as I wiped the mess from my mouth. “I… I guess something I ate disagreed with me."

“No, this doesn't look like indigestion to me." Magis interrupted. “I've seen this before… how long have you been dealing with this?"

“I'm fine. Really—" I tried to assure them, but then my stomach decided to prove me a liar and a retch doubled me over to try and empty an already empty stomach.

“You are not fine." Magis said. “How long have you been dealing with the memories?"

I looked at him with daggers for eyes. I didn't want to admit it to anyone at this time. I couldn't. I didn't feel that I had a right to burden them with this because it would just cause Amicus more worry.

“Marco." Amicus said. “How long has this been going on?"

I sighed, unstable and shaky in my core.

“Please, Marco. What is happening?" Amicus urged me.

“Since we came back from Earth." I finally admitted, completely devoid of any backbone at that moment.

Amicus huffed, and his brow was furrowed low on his face. “What is happening?" he eventually asked.

“I don't know." I started to feel the familiar sting in my nose, and my eyes started to water. “I don't know what's happening. I just… can't stop thinking about Earth."

“I've seen this before." Magis offered again. “Marco, if what I've been told is true, you nearly died. More than once."

“The parents healed me" I rebuked weakly.

“They might have healed your body, but they clearly did not heal everything."

“So you've been feeling sick this entire time?" Amicus groaned. “Why didn't you say anything?"

“It's not all the time." I protested. “And you've been through so much more than me. I didn't want to burden you with any of this."

“You are my husband." His temper flared for just a moment, then cooled. “You should be able to tell me what's bothering you."

“I'm sorry." The tears building in my eyes chose this moment to fall. “I'm such an idiot."

“No, you are not." Amicus said flatly as he came in to embrace me. “You are hurting, and it is my duty as your husband to help."

I couldn't think of anything to say. My mind was awash in so many emotions. I was afraid to say anything about this as I feared it would make me look pathetic and weak. Or stupid and childish. My eyes couldn't hold back anymore and I wept into his fur.

He clasped his arms around me and held me close.

“Marco, please talk to me." Amicus said tenderly, stroking my hair. “Is this because I pushed you too hard to train?"

“No… it's not that. It's…" I wasn't sure how to say it. The words just didn't form in my mind. All I could do was press myself into his chest and hope that the tears would stop.

“You don't have to tell me now if it's not the right time." He assured me. “But I do want to know what's going on."

“I can't stop thinking about it." I was frustrated and shaking. My mind was betraying me and it felt like there wasn't anything I could do to stop it.

“Marco, I need you to listen to me right now." Amicus said. “I am here. I will not let any harm come to you."

I could hear the waver in his voice and I knew he was trying to hold back his own tears. I guess seeing his husband in such a state was painful for him.

And then I felt worse. How I had ruined a perfectly good evening with my childishness.

No, it wasn't childishness. I was just unable to deal with it anymore and my body decided to protest.

“Have you been dreaming?" Magis asked.

I shook my head. “No, not much of anything lately."

“Hmm…" Magis paused. “Back when I was in my youth, I had someone that I loved very much." He smiled. “They were as warm as Vita, and as strong as the mountains around us."

He paused, looking at the water for a spell.

“They were my light. And they are now gone." He said.

“What happened?" I asked.

“They suffered much like you did. In silence" He said. “Had I known, perhaps I could have done something… but I saw much in them what I am seeing in you now."

I chose this opportunity to sit, and Amicus followed me and held me against his chest in the hot spring water.

“I can picture the day it happened too… coming home, hoping to meet them at the door, and finding them in bed, no life left in them."

“I'm sorry" I tried to give solace to the elder wolf.

“Thank you." He looked me dead in the eye. “They died of poison. By their own hand."

I didn't know what to say so I stayed silent.

“They lived a life of much suffering before we met. They were there, bearing witness to the destruction of Deshereth."

The silence that descended stole any desire on my part to intrude on Magis's story.

“It… never left them. Though there were good days… many good days between us… Ultimately I failed them." His voice was empty, hollow. “I can't fathom what you have endured… to die and be brought back by the parents is rather miraculous, but while there is much the parents seem able to do, there are some things that they apparently cannot do."

He looked at me, and now the lines of his eyes made sense. Not just from age, but grief as well.

“I guess the point I'm trying to make here is that you are safe now." Magis continued. “Right now, you are not in danger."

I laughed. “Try saying that when you have an entire race of cats trying to kill you." It came out colder than I wanted it to, but Magis simply took it in stride.

“Do you see any Omorphans here now?" he asked, to which I shook my head. “Then right now, in this moment, you are safe."

Even though I felt I knew where he was coming from, I didn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. The Omorphans had access to weaponized drones that could be cloaked. I could be facing my death at any moment and there would be no way for anyone to stop it. Even Com wasn't able to pierce through the cloaking technology to detect them.

“I'm just so fucking tired of it all." I croaked out. “I just want to be here with my husband. I don't want to be involved in any of this anymore."

“And yet, you are involved." Magis said to which my stomach curled in on itself. “I hate to be the one to say it, but even though they seem to want you dead, right now they are not the biggest threat to your safety."

“Oh really? And who do you think is the bigger threat?"

He pointed right at me.

I could feel the bile rising. “I'm not about to kill myself, Magis." I told him flatly. Coldly. And Amicus bristled at the anger in my voice.

“I've heard that said before." He looked me square in the eyes. “And it was said to me much the same way as you just did now."

“Do you really think I'm going to just kill myself? I am finally back with my husband, life is actually really fucking great right now."

“And yet, you live your life with a dagger to your throat." He said. “Right now you are safe. I will not deny you that piece of mind. But what happens if you ever meet another Omorphan? Will you be able to see them as they are, or will you see them as a constant threat?"

“I'm not about to throw myself back into politics, Magis." I sighed. “That chapter of my life is over."

“And yet, you were brought to me to learn how to defend yourself should you ever be found in harm's way."

I blinked, and it dawned on me. “Amicus." I asked. “Have the parents told you anything about the danger that I may face?"

I craned my head around to see my wolf's face nod with such sobriety that it caught me off guard.

“And you didn't think to tell me?" I nearly shouted.

“I felt, at the time, that it would not help your peace of mind to inform you of it." Amicus closed his eyes. “I may have made a mistake, but I assure you, I did so only because I felt that you were not ready yet. That's why I wanted you to train. So you can be ready when it happens."

“If it happens." I tried to correct him.

“No, not if. When." He sighed. “You don't seem to understand, Marco. The cats are tenacious and resolute. They are also some of the most ruthless of the siblings. They hunt for the sheer pleasure of killing, Marco. If they have it in their minds to have you killed, they will try their very best to make that a reality."

“So why didn't they do it by now?"

“I don't know." His grip on me became tighter, as if he was afraid I would slip away from him. “Marco, I endured eight years without you on the hope that I would see you again. I am not about to lose you again."

“Amicus" I groaned. “I've told you before to not do this. To do things that involve me without my knowledge or consent."

“You're right, I did choose to withhold that information from you. And I also arranged these lessons for you so that if ever there comes a time when you need to, you can survive."

“But why couldn't you have just told me?"

“I probably should have… but would knowing that your life is in danger helped you?"

“I don't know. Maybe." I was angry.

“Dammit Marco, why do you have to be so stubborn sometimes?" I could feel the frustration in his voice. “I have done all of this to keep you safe. For my piece of mind as well as yours."

“But, Amicus—"

“No, Marco. You need to understand this… When I saw you throw yourself on to your attacker in the park, you did so with what felt like no regard for your safety."

“I handled myself."

“Barely. You also were very, very lucky." He gripped me tight. “You say it bothers you when I do things that involve you without your consent. But consider that when you attacked that spy, it felt like you didn't even consider how I would feel."

“I…" I couldn't rebuke him. I didn't have it in me, and I knew that he was right.

“Marco, Whether life throws us good or bad, you are my husband and my only thoughts will be to have you with me as long as is possible." I wanted to say something, but he continued. “And I don't think the parents would bring you back to me if you died a third time."

My ears were burning, and I wanted so much to just storm off. To curl up in a ball.

Much like how the cat was before he was killed by the cloaked drone. The same shot that gave me a concussion and spurred Amicus to bring me back home.

I scrunched my eyes shut to block out the memories, and Amicus felt the shudder in the pit of my stomach as it took over my core.

“Even now you are suffering." Amicus was close to tears. “And as much as I want to do all I can to stop this from happening, there isn't much that I can do. Not if you shut me out."

“He has done all he is doing because he loves you, Marco. Please understand that." Magis offered.

“I know, I KNOW!" I shouted, getting up to place some distance between them and I. “And I know that he'd probably walk right up to the Parents and demand that they bring me back to him if I died again."

“I would. Though you were brought back because your body could be healed." He paused, trying to fight back his own tears. “But Marco, if you were killed by a drone, I don't think they would have been anything to bring you back to."

I wanted to scream. The image of the shooter in the police cell sprang to mind. How one second he was there, and the next he was splattered on the walls.

This was all too much.

“Please, Marco" Amicus whispered, his voice low and pained. “I can't lose you. Not again."

I couldn't hold it in any longer… the tears started to fall and it felt like my throat was closing off. I didn't think that this was hurting him as much as it was, but hearing the sound of his voice, hearing how frail and weak the thought of losing me made him, it was more than I could handle and I broke down.

“I'm sorry" I cried. I couldn't handle hearing him like this. It reminded me of the time I was in his arms, bleeding out.

I scrunched my eyes shut to block out the memory, and Amicus stood to hold me. But it came back up anyway. His face. His tortured face, bloodied and broken from the fight with Cato. Sobbing and pleading for me to hold on, to stay with him. I could hear his voice in my mind, as clear as the day it happened.

“I'm not sure I know what to do anymore" I relented. “I want to be free of all of this. To just be with you. No more politics, no more power games, no more spies. None of it."

“Marco, I will do all I can to give you what you need. But you must talk to me about these things." Amicus said through a soft shudder. “How can I help you if you don't include me?"

“If I promise to be better, you have to as well." I said. “I can't have you going behind my back like this."

“And you must promise me to be careful. I don't want to see you putting yourself in danger." He squeezed me closer. “You are my husband. I need you to stay with me. You have no idea how much it hurts to think of a life without you in it."

I nodded.

A sob escaped me as I was held. Knowing the comfort and safety in my lover's arms had a way of cutting me to the quick and I couldn't stop crying.

And Amicus joined me. I could feel the trembling in his core as he held me close, and I felt the heat of his tears as they landed on my skin.

“Marco" he eventually said. “I know the parents showed us a future where we live a long and happy life. But that is no reason to take chances with your life."

“I know" I sniffled. “And I know I've been reckless."

“The best thing you can do right now is to remember that at this very moment you are safe with me." He kissed me, then said “and please remember that I will always love you. No matter what happens."

“And I will always love you, Amicus." I said back.

“Good… now, if you're okay now, I think it's about time that we head back to the villa. I'm sure Magis still has some arrangements to make."

“Yes, I will be joining you in a week's time at the palace." Magis said. “I must be here for the coming election."

“Which reminds me, Magis, we will need to make sure that the candidates have the people's best interests at heart."

“Of course." Magis replied. “I wouldn't want my replacement to be the kind of wolf that would abuse their position for their own gain."

“Excellent… Anyway, goodnight to you." Amicus bowed.

***

The following week was spent in Lux. Amicus was needed to be there, and a referendum was held to choose a successor to Magis.

As the wolves that stepped up to the challenge, only four were selected. Four wolves that were said to embody the best ideals for the Luxians.

They also were carefully chosen by the others of the triumvirate, as they would need to work with them to ensure that the people of Lux weren't deprived of needed resources as previous members used to.

It wasn't a simple task, and Amicus and Magis both debated the choices for a good portion of the time.

“This one, Altris, seems like a good wolf." Amicus offered. “I just hope that the people of Lux don't view this as interference."

“As long as they are offered a choice, they will be content." Magis assured him.

“I shall defer to your wisdom." Amicus relented. “You would know their character better than I would."

“Each of the wolves were selected because of the work they have done to maintain the peace, and their charitable efforts." Magis assured Amicus.

“I guess this is it then. The rest is in the hands of the Luxians."

“Then it's settled." Magis concluded. “The four wolves chosen to be potential replacements will be voted on tomorrow."

“I assume this will be the first time you'll have to throw a fight?" Amicus wondered. “For the optics, I mean."

Magis nodded. “Though I am the most skilled, I can play up the fact that I am getting old. But not until after the election. I would rather not have to lose four fights in a row. People might suspect."

“It feels a little dirty to me" I interjected. “That you have to lose a fight to have the people's trust."

“It is mostly tradition at this point" Magis said. “The people of Lux are tough, and they expect their leaders to show a similar level of capability."

I gave Magis a look that betrayed my disbelief.

“I assure you, it is necessary here. There are traditions, but those traditions are about showing strength and capability."

“Just don't go crazy." I said. “You say you're going to train me but if you end up getting killed—"

Magis laughed. “If they aim to end my life, I will simply defeat them. It would not be the first time one of us had intentionally won when we should have lost."

I gave him a sideward glance.

“In any case, now that that has been arranged, how about we have something to eat?" Amicus offered. “I am famished."

“Yes, that sounds like a good idea." Magis offered. “You haven't had a chance to try the newest human restaurant here."

“That does sound good." Amicus grinned. “And it would be the first chance that you have to try out some Earth food."

“Oh, I have tried it before. It was quite delicious." Magis commented. “I was at first expecting something less refined than what I had."

“We're not savages, Magis." I chuckled. “What region do the foods come from?"

“Your Rome." Amicus smiled. “Not pizza this time, but something you call pah-stah."

“Ooh, I haven't had pasta in a while." I said. “And garlic bread?"

“Garlic bread?" Amicus was puzzled. “I am unfamiliar with that."

“It's basically bread with butter that has garlic in it and it's toasted. Sometimes cheese is added to it. It's crispy and quite good."

“I think I would like to try that." Amicus said.

“As would I." Magis piped up. “Perhaps you could instruct the chefs on how to prepare this dish and we can try it together?"

“That sounds like a plan." I said as both Magis and Amicus moved to stand.

Amicus reached a paw to help me up and pulled me close into a hug.

“What's that for?" I asked.

“I'm allowed to embrace my husband whenever I want." He said proudly. “I am the emperor."

“That you are." I said as we headed to the restaurant.