Amura By: Darkfang Magus. ## Part 3. * * * ## Twin Tigress ["Ascension"](%5C) ## 18 Sins of the Past As the black Catrai struggled for dying breaths, all the sins of her past came rushing forth. Samantha's greatest, may well have been Validus. Something had existed between them, but she was to blind to see it. She betrayed, and attempted to murder him. Now, Samantha's past tortured her in the last moments of life. Ten years ago... "Lieutenant Validus, you sorry sonuvabitch" Johnson said as he clapped Sir Validus on the back, "I've never seen nothing like that before in my whole life, you win the bet, I just gotta find some way to win my money back tomorrow". Sir Validus just smiled as he pulled the knife out of his arm. The wound healed almost immediately. He wasn't exactly sure why he could heal so well, he had heard that his father was a powerful mage, but the man had died a long time ago so there was no way to find out if that was the cause, at any rate it sure helped to get some extra spending money. He had lost count of the seasons many years past, but though he looked no older than forty, (silver hair streaked his temples) he had lived the lifetimes of many men. One-hundred years has passed before him long before. Nowadays he spent his time working for the current Imperial regiment. They would fall like their predecessors; this he knew well. Consequently, he rarely took his job seriously. Decades of knowledge were something he chose not to dwell on. The present was far more fun. The next morning he woke up in bed, or rather a sack of hay. His head was pounding and some naked blond woman was laying next to him,I've gotta lay off the ale... Wasn't there something important about today?. "I'm supposed to meet the King at 12 O'clock?" The woman gave him a quizzical look as he rushed outside. Validus saw a horse so he threw a sack of coins where it stood and climbed on up. He was happy to find that his newly bought horse was fairly fast, but only hoped that he'd not already bought it once the night before. By the time Validus reached the castle, he felt it was fairly early. The guards led him to the the throne room where the king greeted him quite disfavorably. "YOU ARE TWO HOURS LATE! I refuse to believe you are about to get a promotion, look at yourself, unshaven, unwashed, and Lieutenant maybe you could explain why you have no boots". "Um-m" Sir Validus stammered. This is exactly why I got drunk last night, that man always stresses me out. "As you know, Captain Hilut was assassinated last week, and you have been chosen to act as his replacement". "Yes Sir, King. . .um Sire" Sir Validus stuttered. "NOW GET OUT OF MY SIGHT CAPTAIN" It was the last thing Validus heard before he fled for the door. He was about a mile from town before his heart stopped pounding. Validus decided it was time to visit the tavern, and get rid of some excess stress. Halfway through his first mug of ale he spotted the dark-haired Asian woman again. She sat alone at the far end of the room. Seeing where he was looking, Validus' friend Johnson advised him to leave that one alone. Apparently she had broken someone's arm the previous night just because the guy had touched her shoulder. Rather than seeing that as an issue, Validus took it as a challenge. He greeted her but was met with only silence. Deciding something more ambitious was in order, he took the seat next to her. She looked at him through slanted eyes. "What" she hissed. "I just thought you would like some company" he said, smiling cheekily. "If you have a death wish, it's about to be granted" "You are feisty" Validus replied as he reached over and held her hand. The next thing he knew, he was airborne. When the world stopped spinning, he found himself upside down across the room. Not quite ready to give up yet, he brushed the dust from his clothing and headed back to his seat. "So, beautiful... How about I buy you a drink" He convinced himself that the look she gave him was of curiosity rather than unbridled fury. "What's your name?", he asked as he reached over to hold her hand again. It was best to assume he was just imagining things but Validus swore her eyes flashed red. She grabbed his arm and twisted it, shattering the bones, then threw him against the roof. Gravity, unfortunately, didn't want to relinquish its hold on him and he came back down to crash through the table. "The name is Samantha" she said as she walked away "Remember it well because the next time you see me will be the day you die". The table had been reduced to toothpicks, but in a matter of seconds his arm was healed. "I told you to leave that gal alone" Johnson called from across the room. "Leave her alone? you must be kidding" Validus said as he stood upright "I'm just beginning to make some headway". Johnson simply laughed and shook his head as Validus followed Samantha out the door. It wasn't hard to spot someone dressed completely in black during the middle of the day. Samantha was heading to a hotel across the street. Validus casually walked in, only to be stopped by the clerk. "I'm sorry but one of our guests has instructed me to prevent you from entering the premises" Validus smiled, She thinks she can get rid of me that easily. I'll just wait outside. As midnight came and went, Validus wondered what anybody could do all day long in a hotel room alone. In the dead of night, he spotted her leaving. Validus sauntered on over "Hello". "Shouldn't you be in the hospital" she asked, surprised. Validus just grinned. "So where are you off to" he inquired. Samantha glared at him, "I'm going to have a chat with the king, but I doubt he will like it". Validus didn't like her tone but at least she was talking to him. Unfortunately she didn't become any more talkative for the rest of the walk. Sure enough, she led them to the castle. When the guards refused to let her in, Validus decided to do something quick before she got temperamental. A purse of gold was enough to get them an audience with the king. "Hi, I brought a visitor" Validus exclaimed when he saw the king "I hope there are no hard feeling about this morning". "Do you really want to be executed!", was all the answer he got. In the next moment, Samantha did something very unexpected. She jumped toward the king, making the fifty foot distance in one leap. The next thing Validus knew, the king was on fire, and guards were running everywhere. He decided that this was a bad place to be, but before being able to run, he was surrounded.** After hours of questioning, it was decided that if he didn't capture the fugitive, Samantha, he would be held responsible for the death of the king. As the highest ranking man in the room, they couldn't do much to him, but the prince was due back in two days. He assumed that even if he caught Samantha, they would execute him anyway. Validus decided it was time to skip town, but before leaving, he needed to get the stuff from his quarters in the south tower; he couldn't have imagined that today would be the turning point in his life. He had half expected to find guards in his room, but instead he found Samantha. Validus drew his sword, but Samantha cast a spell that froze him to the spot. "Do you know?" Samantha whispered as she walked toward him, "that I've come to like your persistence. I considered killing you, but for some reason I think I will let you live; they will want to blame this mess on somebody. I can just bet that you would make an excellent scapegoat". "Why did you kill the king?" Validus asked. "This land was never his", Samantha growled, "I simply intend to deliver it to its true owners". Validus had no idea what she was talking about, but wished he could feign knowledge of the matter. "Do you know what?" Samantha asked, touching her fingertips to his chin, "I think I might just keep you". Validus didn't like the sound of that, but neither did he have much say in the matter. She walked up to him and waved a hand in front of his eyes. "Sleep my pet." Validus scowled as she gave him a devious grin. "What, is that supposed to make me black out?" "No, that is just to confuse you, this is to knock you out." Validus had the odd notion that he was hit in the side of the head with a shoe, but it was hard to tell because everything went dark. All he could see in the void were Samantha's eyes, which burned like coal in the inky darkness. Validus awoke on a hard stone floor. He looked around to find that he was in a large dining room. There was only one doorway, and sitting right in front of it, was the biggest black panther that he had ever seen. There was food on the table, so he dug in while the cat watched his every move. He had just finished eating when Samantha spoke behind him, "Hello lover". Validus whipped around sword drawn. Before his blade reached her, the panther lunged and took a chunk out of his arm. The sword fell from his hand as blood rained on the ground. He had never been hurt so badly in his entire life, and was really wondering if it would heal or not. Sure enough, the bleeding stopped and his arm slowly returned to normal. Samantha picked up his sword as she whispered behind him, "I should warn you; my pet Shade is very protective". Validus had no idea how she had gotten behind him so easily, and his heart was still racing from the surprise. She brought the scarlet tip of the sword to her mouth and licked it. "I wish for you to join me upstairs, please don't be a disappointment". She turned and walked out of the room, dropping her garments behind. Validus didn't know if this was some kind of trick, or if she was playing a game with him, but he decided that the further he got from the panther the safer he would be. Validus walked through the castle following a trail of Samantha's garments. He was led up a finely crafted wooden staircase. At the top, stood Samantha. Her beauty stunned him. His eyes went from her full red lips down her slender neck. Her ample breasts stood out prominently above a slender waist. She stood there with only silk panties on and beckoned him with a wave of her middle finger. Validus realized that he was just as much a fugitive as she was, and really had nothing to lose by falling for this temptress. He was still concerned by the new attitude she had toward him. He wondered if she felt anything for him or if this was just her little bit of fun. He decided to follow his heart rather than his head. He just hoped that it wouldn't get him in as much trouble as it usually did. He followed her to the master bedchamber, and found that the Shade was already there watching him suspiciously. Samantha was lying on the bed twining her legs together in anticipation. Validus removed his clothing and climbed into bed. He noted that although the sheets were silk, the bedspread was a very soft fur. Samantha climbed on top of his chest, her spread pussy tantalizingly close to his flesh. "I can see just how badly you want me" she teased. She cupped her hands around her tits holding them up for him to see. Her knees were on top of his thighs, holding him just far enough away that he couldn't gain entrance. Validus felt perspiration bead on his brow, his cock was so hard that it felt three feet long, and she kept teasingly letting the head brush her vulva. He tried with all his might to push upward but she was just too strong. She flipped her hair causing it to waft down through the late evening light. The ends of the strands came down on his chest, tantalizing his skin. She dug her fingernails into his skin twisting the hairs on his chest. He took the opportunity to reach up and tweak her nipples. She moaned seductively then leaned forward and brought her face right up to his. "Do you think you can please me?" she asked, licking her lips seductively. Validus got the upper hand by leaning forward and kissing her full on the lips. Though she was caught off guard, Samantha didn't give in for a second. She returned the kiss with an animalistic passion. When it broke, he could still taste her on his lips. His hands squeezed her firm breasts, making the nipples stand out prominently. She nibbled his neck, then bit down on his shoulder. Her fangs pricked his skin, stimulating the nerves. When she sat back up, Validus had to do a double-take. Not only did she now have fangs, but there were cat-like ears on top of her head. He didn't know what kind of magic this was but all he wanted right now was to release the almost painful pleasure he was feeling. Samantha lowered slightly, teasing him again, then leaned forward and spoke in his ear. "You may know how to make love to a woman" she whispered while licking his ear, "But I wonder if you can please a panther such as I". He brought his hands down to her belly and massaged the muscles that rippled underneath. Samantha responded by arching her back and purring. He'd never heard a woman purr before; it was the most erotic sound that had ever graced his ears. Before his eyes, her body began to change. White fur grew from her face, hands, feet, and belly, while jet black fur covered her back, legs, and arms. He barely believed what he was seeing. Validus absently wondered if she had drugged him with some sort of hallucinogen. Something brushed his leg, and a quick look confirmed that she also possessed a tail. Apparently, she hadn't been kidding about being a panther. She gave him a wicked, fanged smile as she lowered herself down allowing the head of his penis to penetrate her. Her pussy was soft and incredibly warm. Her body temperature was well over one-hundred degrees. Velvet soft fur caressed his cock as she sank lower. She kissed him again, but with a more fiery purpose this time. Her body was heavily scented with pheromones. The smell was intoxicating to him. Soon he was no longer able to hold back, his body tensed on the edge of release. "Take me" Samantha whispered, as she bit down on his neck and thrust herself down to the hilt on his rock hard member. Semen rushed up his shaft and he gasped, his first burst shot from his body and filled Samantha's pussy. He was out of control as burst after burst of cum was pumped into her body. Validus tried to catch his breath as the sense of euphoria washed over him. Samantha was panting above him, her hair tangled and cum dripping from her pussie. Her furry breasts stood out prominently as her chest heaved. Validus was trying to breath himself, but no oxygen seemed to be getting in. his still hard member was being massaged by the muscles within her pussy. Samantha laid against his chest and purred. Quite unexpectedly, a demonic woman with red skin entered their room though a portal. When the creature eyed them she began yelling at Samantha. The last thing Validus heard before the woman knocked him unconscious was her yelling something about getting rid of him. Validus awoke in a windowless cell, his head throbbing. He wasn't sure if it was so much a cell as a hole, because it was pitch black. The walls were brick and after untold hours of beating on the surface, he managed to remove a block. He was very disappointed to find solid iron plates behind the bricks. He sat for a long time, depressed and utterly hopeless. Hours later, he heard a sound and became alert. Apparently there was a cell to the left of him and it sounded like he had some company finally. He waited for the guard to walk away before he made any noise. The occupant of the other cell sounded like a woman but it was hard to tell because the only sound she made was of sobbing. He pounded on the wall, "Anyone there?" "yes", came back a meek reply. "My name is Validus, Captain Validus. May I ask why you are so upset. Other than the fact that we are caged like animals, I mean." "I am to be Siana's sacrifice tomorrow. She needs one to preform a ritual that extends her existence for an additional lifetime." "That sucks. Though sitting here in the dark isn't a party either." "You don't have a window?" Her story had only served to further depress Validus until he heard her say that. "A window you say. Just hold on a minute, I'm coming through." Right away, he began pounding at the brick wall, the bones of his hands shattering with each blow. His hand would heal each time he pulled back his arm only to strike the wall again pulverizing his bones. He had rightly assumed that there wasn't a steel plate between the cells, which was lucky for him because he knew he had no way of demolishing steel. His teeth were gritted as the agonizing chore continued. By the time he had made a small opening into her cell, he passed out from the pain. He awoke to the sensation of a soft hand on his face. The woman had reached through the hole to, if not see, at least feel her savior. Now that there was a space, it was much easier to remove some blocks. Once the hole was big enough, he crawled into her cell. He was quite surprised by what he saw. She was Catrai like Samantha, but her fur was pure white with a black tiger striped pattern. He looked around for the window, only to find that it was in the ceiling thirty feet up. He seriously considered sitting on the floor and giving up completely, but he decided for once to think of someone other than himself. He knew that if he gave in, that it would make it just that much harder on the girl. Though he knew they were doomed, he forced himself to comfort her. He held her against his chest as they stood in silence. He wished that he could help them but he was completely out of options. She looked up at him and spoke. "We cannot stop them from killing us, but we can prevent them from using my body as a vessel for their ritual. If I were to give you the power I posses, then maybe you would have a chance of escaping". Validus didn't understand what she was talking about. As far as he could tell, she didn't have any magic powers to speak of. If she were a mage then she should have been able to blow a hole in the wall or something. His attention went back to her when she spoke again after sensing his perplexity. "The mages of my family line can't use magic until after their first mating. I wanted a normal life so I escaped from my home town, and remained a virgin so that I would never be able to use those hateful powers that I posses. I was foolish to think that my past would never catch up to me. So I beg of you, allow me to give you all my powers. I would rather you used them than Siana". "What must I do" Validus asked. She looked at the ground, suddenly shy. "You must take the last thing I have, take me as your mate" she whispered as she lay her soft cheek against his chest. Though she was sad about her impending doom, she seemed actually happy that he wished to help her. She laid her back on the stone floor of the cell. Looking down at her, Validus wished more than just moonlight was coming into the cell, so that he could truly appreciate her beauty. She spread her legs shaking slightly. Her tail swished back and forth, but her eyes only showed clear purpose. This open invitation had caused Validus's cock to become so hard that it hurt. He got down and prepared to mount her, but he was momentarily stunned when he saw the moonlight glance off her face. He gave her a kiss, probably her first, and received a smile from her. The lips of her pussie were warm against the night air. He entered her with a slow even pressure not wanting to hurt her. He felt resistance and pushed through, finally sliding all the way in and taking her virginity. She gritted her teeth momentarily then opened her mouth and breathed heavily as the pain began to give way to pleasure. He slowly rocked her, arousing a pleasurable feeling throughout her body. Snow was beginning to fall outside and the flakes that came in the window, chilled his skin. As he thrust into her, her fur began to recede until she was completely human. She gripped his shoulder hard as her first orgasm bloomed within her. His wasn't far behind as he filled her with his seed. When it was over, he looked into her face and saw peace, but he also saw her shiver and realized that she must not be used to the cold now that she didn't have fur. He held her closer keeping her warm as the snow glanced off his back.** Several hours later, morning came and so did Siana. Validus noted that she seemed incredibly furious while dragging the both of them outside. Validus thought that he was strong, but try as he might, it was impossible to release himself from her grip. Up ahead, he saw Samantha standing next to some sort of altar. "Do you see what your little pet has done" Siana yelled as she held the young woman by the neck, "She is now useless to me". Siana tightened her grip, cutting off the girl's air flow. Validus was helpless to do anything but watch as life left the young woman's body and she was dropped to the ground. "Get rid of him" Siana said as she tossed Validus into the air "And Samantha, don't think that you won't suffer for this". He landed at Samantha's feet as Siana walked away. Samantha came at him in a rage whilst brandishing a ceremonial dagger. Madly she drove it into his chest. Five claws swiped across the side of his face, tearing all the way through the skin. She grabbed the dagger again and proceeded to slice him up. He didn't know what kind of enchantment that dagger had but he wasn't healing from the wounds. He reach out to grab the dagger, only to have her cut through his bicep making him unable to move his arm. She swung the knife repeatedly until he lay on the ground, bleeding profusely. "It's too bad it had to end this way, I really am a nice person" she told him as she placed the tip of the blade to his neck. "Fine Samantha, if you are so nice, why don't you let me free?" She jerked the blade sideways slitting his throat, then walked away while cleaning away the scarlet fluid which dripped from the blade. Validus felt his world begin to fade, if he would've been conscious, he would have seen a tear run down Samantha's cheek. With a shudder, his heart ceased to beat and he lay still. "I have no choice" Samantha whispered. In the darkness, he heard the young white tigress's voice. "Don't let me die for nothing, use my power to resist the cursed blade and heal yourself". With her final words she disappeared into a halo of light.. Validus awoke with a start, his wounds had not healed completely but he was no longer bleeding. He stood on shaky legs and looked around. Half a foot of fresh snow had fallen, leaving no trace of Siana or Samantha. Everybody was gone, but he realized that something else was amiss. He checked his arm and found that he was covered in fur; the same kind of white tiger pattern that the maiden had been marked with. He noticed a lump in the snow, it was the young woman's body. Her skin was now cold and gray, her form nothing more than an empty vessel. She had given her powers so that he may live; it was a gift that he could never repay her for. He brushed the snow from her face as he closed her eyelids. Rage boiled within his heart. His fists clenched as he yelled into the gray sky. "SAMANTHA, if you can hear me, know this; when I find you, my sword will show no mercy." After standing there for several minutes without anyone coming to kill him, Validus decided that they must have really left. With a purposeful gait he headed into the snowy wilderness.** Sunlight lit up the cocoon of snow that Validus was in, causing his world to become a blue blur. Validus dug his way out, to embrace the crisp morning. Before heading back to the road, he ate as much as he could from the deer he had caught, (The meat wasn't nearly as good as before. It had frozen solid during the night), while crunching on his breakfast, he morbidly thought that it tasted something like venison-flavored ice cream. While he walked back to the road, Validus kept feeling like he was being watched. Validus wasn't absolutely sure about this until he saw a flash of red fur whisk itself into a fallen log. "Why are you following me?" Validus said to no one in particular. Even after reaching the road, the fox continued its pursuit. He absently wondered to himself why he feared the fox. Down the road, Validus saw a rock outcropping. He hoped that it was hiding a cave. Luck it seems was with him, because the rock had indeed concealed the entrance to a fairly deep cave. Validus ducked inside and quickly picked out a hiding spot. The trap was set; all he needed to do was wait to ambush his quarry. Slowly, the fox padded into the crevasse. While waiting to make his move, Validus noted that it was actually a vixen. In one fluid maneuver, he leapt onto the animal, wrestling it to the ground. While he was holding the vixen to the cave floor, she began to transform to a humanoid form. Before he had met Samantha, something like this would have surprised him, but nowadays it seemed as normal as watching a wagon heading down the road. "If she thinks a creature like you could be a match for me, then Samantha is sorely mistaken!", the fox woman screamed at him. Validus was momentarily perplexed, how could she know who Samantha is? "Let me go you monster". She stopped struggling for a moment to catch her breath. "How do you know of that witch, Samantha; and, what on earth makes you think that I would be helping her". "Do not try to beguile me" She sneered at him, "I can smell her scent on you". "Oh yeah, well if you would be so kind to tell me where to find her, then I would happily kill her, for both our sakes". He saw a glimmer of belief in her eyes. "Maybe you speak the truth, and maybe you don't, but I have ways to find out", She spoke eerily. Validus saw what seemed to be smoke pooling in her eyes, This probably isn't good. Validus felt as if he were sinking into her eyes. "Say my name; say Elvira". "What...are you...doing?" Validus felt himself losing control of his actions. Wisps of pink smoke trailed from her fingertips. Elvira's body moved beneath his, pressing upward, a hunger built within him. He was hard, harder than he had ever been. All he could see were her eyes, so deep, so powerful. "Say it", she pressed her groin upwards, grinding her cunt against his rigid penis. "No...It's a...trick", he managed to mutter. She slid her body down his, allowing her cunt to be penetrated. "Elvira? What are you doing...?" He hadn't really expected her to penetrate herself on his rod. Elvira smiled, as she got just the reaction she was hoping for. After accidentally speaking her name, he felt his mind sink into those eyes (So dark that they seemed black.). He could feel her looking into his thoughts; no, not looking, but hunting. He gripped her body and drove his cock deep. She shuddered for a moment, but didn't let go of his mind. "Ah, there it is", she whispered. He pistoned into the vixen, driving her body toward climax. He felt the last of her hold on him break as he growled (he was rather shocked to hear himself growling), and sank his cock down to the hilt in her supple body. He could smell a delicious aroma, but couldn't figure out what it was. Elvira knew the scent well; it was the pheromones she was giving off. Validus drove himself into the wild creature below him. The thought that he was mating an animal only seem to intensify the experience. Her back was slightly arched, and little puffs of fog floated from her mouth as she whimpered. She didn't really know who he was, but was ready to let him complete the act. Her deep canine instincts strove to feel him within her. Validus briefly considered how her whimpers sounded like that of a pup wishing to please its master. Something was growing in him, a deep animalistic part of himself, which he had never known. His sweat dripped on her pronounced breasts. The twin mounds called to him, begging for attention. Elvira lifted her breasts to him, when she felt his hands grasp her. Her cunt was spasming; there was nothing that could stop her orgasm, as he hilted himself within her vagina. Validus encircled her globes with his hands, as he leaned down, mesmerized, and tweaked a nipple with his teeth. His cock felt like it was going to explode, as he dipped it into her once again. "I can't hold on any longer," Elvira moaned in his ear, as she reached her zenith. Validus could feel the familiar surge when his balls began to unload into her. He wanted to fill her animal body as if he were a wild creature himself. Elvira relented, and lay back, letting him do as he wished. She had seen into his mind; there was no doubt that he hated Samantha. Perhaps, she thought to herself,it would be wise to have him as an ally. Cumming uncontrollably, each burst more powerful than the last, Validus let loose in her. He felt her small body twist beneath him as she writhed in ecstasy. Lost in carnal lust, Elvira ground her hips upward, her tail swishing unfettered all the while. Elvira concentrated on a part of her body she had spent years learning to control, and clenched his cock with her vagina. She used her vagina to squeeze, and pull at his member until she was sure she had gotten all the semen he had. He could hear the wet noises as their bodies slid together, but that was nearly drowned out by Elvira's howl of pleasure (she sounded no different from the wolves that howled in the night).Validus pulled out of her when his energy was spent. His cock slid out, leaving a wet trail down her thigh. As Validus rolled onto his back, he resumed breathing. Meanwhile, Elvira lay on her back, chest heaving. Her large breasts swelled with every intake of breath. When she had recovered sufficiently, the vixen began to methodically lick the traces of their mating from her fur. Validus felt her hair brush across his skin as she leaned over him. Validus could feel his erection begin to return as she licked the juices from his groin. Validus began to pet her rump, as she worked her way to his balls. He couldn't take his eyes off her wet slit as she swayed invitingly. He was astounded when she slid her bushy tail into her cunt. He had no idea how her tail managed to fit, but his concerns moved downward when he felt a soft tongue flick across the tip of his rigid cock. Elvira grasped his cock and pulled the foreskin down so that she could slide her tongue along every inch of his member. She moved over slightly so that her cunt would be right in front of his eyes as she diddled herself with her tail. Validus was presented with Elvira's wet tail sliding into her sex, down further her breasts swayed. Between her globes, he had a nice view of Elvira deep-throating his penis, If this is the last thing I see before I die, I will do so with a smile on my face. His cock slid into her mouth smoothly as she guided its path with her tongue. She let her teeth barely graze him, knowing that it would add to his tension. He pulsed once, twice, and the third time he sprayed cum down her throat. Validus held her hips firmly and licked her clit as she finished cleaning his cock inside and out. In the afterglow of their act, they lay side by side. In his mind, Validus was trying to comprehend the fact that he had just enjoyed intercourse with some kind of animal.** It seemed hours later when Elvira spoke to him. "I have seen what lies in your heart, Validus. I too wish to kill her, but unlike you, I am prepared. If you face her before the change is complete, you will certainly die" "Change? What are you talking about, Elvira?" Even as the question left his lips, Validus knew the answer. His body was indeed changing, but into what? "In a week's time, probably less, you will turn into one of the Catrai". "Well, what if I don't want that?" Validus yelled. "To even say such a thing, means that you don't appreciate the gift that has been bestowed upon you." "This is no gift", Validus muttered as he rolled onto his side "It is a curse to be anything inhuman". "Do not say such a thing!" Validus lay silent, consumed with his own problems. His rumination ended however, when he heard the soft sobs. Looking over, Validus saw Elvira crying. "Do I look so ugly to you?" she cried, as she gestured toward her red fur. "I didn't mean you", Validus said, (but he wasn't sure he believed himself). "You speak a truth that few will admit. Humankind will never accept those such as us. It is why we hide ourselves. Only the Catrai are lucky enough to have the ability change their bodies to look human. I cannot, for I am a Kanin" "Look, Elvira, just because I don't like what is happening to me, doesn't mean that you shouldn't be able to appreciate what...um...who you are". Elvira stood to her feet. A spray of snow dusted the air as it fell from her bushy tail. "Please Elvira, don't leave" "Validus, promise me that you will try to accept what you are", she said as she failed to hold back her tears, "Remember that, because others will only see what you are, they will not know or care who you are." Validus wanted to say something comforting, but his tumulus mind was unable to form words. "Farewell Validus, I doubt we will meet again, for after I kill Samantha, I shall have no reason to live". She leapt out of the cave entrance, changing back to a fox as she went. Before Validus could stand, she had disappeared into the snow-covered wasteland. "What I am" Validus spoke to the wilderness, "What I am, is a monster. I just pray that who I am will always be Validus". ## ><

19 Ascension /h2> Amura's world of fire and pain, darkened to a numbing abyss. Slowly, a light began to grow in the distance, a light that overwhelmed the shadowy void. Amura tried to bring her hand to her face to block the glare, but found that her hand did not exist. She looked down and discovered that her entire body seemed to have disappeared. To say that she was shocked by this would be an understatement. The realization that she wasn't really there caused her to panic for several minutes. She was brought back to her senses by a voice in front of her. Amura looked up (at least she assumed she was looking. she doubted if she had eyes to look with). Standing in front of her was her ancestor Catherine the Great. Amura had a moment where she was extremely jealous of Catherine (at least she had a body), But the tigress was soon overcome by wonder. Catherine had died thousands of years ago; the fact that she was standing in front of her pretty much stamped DEAD on Amura's forehead. "Amura, I have been watching you for your entire life. You have a gift; deep within you is an incredible power that some will want to destroy and some will want to control." Amura wanted to say something intelligent but she found herself speechless. "I am going to help you, but under one condition. You must help the Catrai to be prepared for dark times." "But how could I possibly help" "That is up to you to decide. When you come to realize the powers that you posses, you will see the course you must take. Whether your path follows that of a mage or a warrior, you must lead the Catrai when the time comes. While the Catrai have been fighting amongst themselves, humans have taken the land that I once held dear. Deep down they hate anything that is different from them. A crisis is coming and if the Catrai cannot band together then they will perish. Our race shall become no more than a forgotten memory. I know that you can stop this, but only if you believe it yourself" "You have the wrong person. I cannot do what you ask." "Amura, you must, for there is no other to take your place. My hold on your world is weak; I can guide you but I cannot fight for you." Catherine put her hands to the sides of Amura's head (It was then that Amura realized that her body had caught up to meet her in this strange world), and She kissed Amura on the forehead ever so gently. Amura blinked, but when she opened her eyes, she was back in Samantha's burning castle. "At least I'm not aflame anymore", Amura thought to herself as she sat up. At first, she had thought she'd dreamt of meeting Catherine, but when Amura saw the new form that her body had taken, she knew it had been real. Amura's fur was brilliant white, her stripes only seen as ghostly gray shadows. A pair of wings hung from her back (she noted that the feathers had gold edges). Amura stopped looking at herself for a moment when she noticed Samantha lying in front of her. She still had the sword in her body; Amura knew the wound must be deep, red streaks marked her fur. One outstretched hand weakly dug at the floor. To her left, Amura saw Xenosmilus looking down at Shade's prone form. The familiar will only die upon the death of its master..., the thought raced through Amura's head. "Validus, Elvira, Pardus, Amura... I am so sorry." Samantha wept. Her heart beating wildly, Amura raced across the room and lifted Samantha off the floor. Samantha was still barely clinging to life, but she showed no signs of recognition upon looking at Amura, she seemed more interested in looking at the ceiling. Amura followed her gaze and saw a hole in the roof, she beat her wings feverishly and they soared up out of the ruined castle. Amura soon began to tire (It seemed that this form took a heavy toll on her magical abilities), but she managed to make it to the courtyard without falling from the sky. Just by being next to Amura in her angelic form, Samantha was beginning to be healed, but it wouldn't be enough to save her at this point. When Amura landed, she fell to her knees and felt her body reverting to her Catrai form. "Is that you Amura?" Samantha spoke weakly, her voice dry as autumn leaves. "Yes Samantha, I am going to try to help you" Amura cast one of the few healing spells she knew, but it didn't do any good. She had known that casting the spell was an act of desperation, but she couldn't think of anything better to do. "Don't worry about it Amura, you have freed me from Siana. To die in peace is the greatest gift I could have ever hoped to receive". Amura held Samantha's hand, (not the Samantha who had sent her to destroy the rebellion, and not the Samantha who had nearly killed her minutes ago, but the one who had taught her, and held her in a lovers embrace) she was dying, there was no disputing it. Frantic as her mind was at that point, Amura managed to hold onto one very important thought. The spell she had used to fight Samantha's hold over her, somehow it seemed very important to her now. She remembered the spell well, from her time in Shade's body. "Samantha I think I can help you; just stay awake a little longer." Amura told her to use the mind transfer spell from the spellbook she had been given. "But, Amura I don't have the energy to cast it." "Do not worry; I will help you with the spell." "It wasn't meant for this, we don't know what it will do." "Whatever happens will be better that you dying as I sit by helplessly." Amura began to give her remaining magic to Samantha. She just had to hope it would be enough. The spell was hard, requiring much magic; Samantha didn't think that she had the energy but she willed herself to go on anyway. Samantha's body began to shimmer, a little at first, but soon a ghost of herself seemed to separate from her body. Amura quickly finished the spell, then leaned close to Samantha and kissed her. As she felt Samantha's essence flow into her, Amura accepted it wholly. Samantha returned the kiss until she left her body and let it fall to the dust. Amura sat up suddenly disoriented. It was as if Samantha was talking in her head. She had just about gotten used to that when Samantha's heart (or rather, her body's heart) ceased to beat. Like a tidal wave, all of Samantha's thoughts overwhelmed Amura's mind. Amura grabbed the sides of her head and shrieked as her eyes rolled back. After barely a second, she passed out. In her dreams, Amura talked to Samantha. It was rather unnerving, because she couldn't actually see Samantha. She more or less heard her in her head. At this point Amura had gotten used to all of the new things she knew, but having a voice in her head, was still spooky. Samantha was in the back of Amura's mind and with no body of her own; she seemed to be there permanently. While Amura pondered this, Samantha told her that they needed to talk to a mage known as Pardus, he might know of a way to separate their minds. Amura was nuzzled by Xeno's warm face until she relinquished the calm of a good night's sleep (something she hadn't had the pleasure of in quite some time). 'Amura where is Shade' "I saw him in the castle last" Amura answered while gripping her head in her hands (it creeped her out to have Samantha talking in her head). She climbed to her feet, using Xeno for support, and then gingerly stepped over Samantha's ruined body as she headed to the charred remains of the castle. Amura had little hope of finding Shade alive, but she had to know for sure. A glance at the charred remains lying in the foyer was enough for her to ascertain Shade's fate. Amura sat in the snow and hugged Xeno fiercely, tears were running down her cheeks, but Samantha suffered far worse. In her mind, she could hear the tormented wails. Unable to block out the sounds, Amura had to sit and bear it. Hours later, she buried Samantha's body next to Shade. The grave had no headstone, just a hastily built wooden cross. Amura thought that one day she would find something better. For now though, they needed to get moving. Even in her hurry, Amura took the time to relish the freedom she now possessed; she and Samantha had paid a terrible price to break the curse that had held them, but was any price too great? It was better to live with sorrow than to have your life lived for you. Amura and Xeno headed to town in the hopes of acquiring a horse. They would find this Pardus much faster if they weren't traveling by foot. In town, they did indeed find a mount, and some supplies. Amura lacked any money, but she didn't need it, the townsfolk simply fled at the sight of her. With no other way to occupy her time, Samantha chattered away in Amura's head. There were times when Amura wondered if maybe she had simply gone mad. In this state, they endured the week-long journey.** Validus stood in the town center, surveying the wreckage. The body of a knight he had once known was strung up on a pole. Very likely it had been there for some time. The townsfolk who seemed ready to flee at the sight of a newcomer, were not very helpful in answering questions. Panthaleon would have a heart attack if he knew what his little queen was up to. "Good luck in the afterlife Sir Malthus", He bowed slightly, then turned his attentions to the keep on the mountainous side of town. If I am lucky, Elvira won't have killed that witch Samantha yet. She knows I have a score to settle. It wouldn't do to get cheated out of a revenge that I've been stewing over for these last ten years.. At the keep, Validus found nothing but the burnt husk of a building. Seeing as Elvira's footprints led inside, he entered warily. On a table in the foyer, was a note, (the only unburned thing in the place). Validus read it, and felt a terrible burden of worry fall upon his heart. The note was signed by Elvira, wasn't the type of thing someone would write if they wanted to go on living. He was still brooding over the part that claimed Samantha was dead, when a thunderous clang woke him from his reprieve. Fur standing on end, Validus jumped back to see a sword lying on the floor. Where the hell did that come from. His suspicions guided his view upward. Through a hole in the roof, he saw Elvira. Still rattled from the sword she dropped, he froze when she tipped over the edge. "Elvira!" Staring in horror, he watched her tumble though the air. For some reason she seemed to be smiling. Unconcerned with how badly he might be injured, Validus leapt into the air catching her mid flight. Her momentum hurled him downward, and he crashed onto the floor. Gasping in pain, Validus laid on his back enduring the agony of multiple bone fractures. By the time his body had regenerated, Elvira who had lain unconscious on his chest, looked at him. "Are you dead too?" "No you foolish girl. I caught you from the sky. It hurt like hell too, so don't think I'm going to do it again." "Why... Why would you save me." "Seemed like a good idea at the time. Besides, don't think I'm going to tell Pardus what happened to Samantha, he does strange things with those magics of his. Likely he would blame me for it all, and I don't know about you but I would rather not spend the rest of my existence as pile of ethereal goo." She gave him a small smile, seeing right through his disregarding attitude. It wasn't much, but a little spark of hope in the madness that enveloped them. Yet it was enough. ## 20 Duality Amura had expected to find a castle or a tower; instead, she found a small building that seemed to be made from living trees wound together. Half of the house was built (or grown rather) over a slowly flowing river. Inside were two rooms, one of which had two baths. One was a normal bathtub but the other seemed to be fed by the river. Nobody was home, so Amura opted to wait and see if Pardus would show. After waiting for hours, Amura's exhaustion started to take its toll on her. After spending two weeks with someone chattering away in her head, Amura's strength had worn thin. The bed in the main room seemed very enticing. Amura decided it wouldn't do any harm to sit on the bed while she waited. About an hour later, she woke up. Realizing that it probably wasn't a good idea to be sleeping in a stranger's bed, she got up immediately. "A nice refreshing bath is what I need" Amura walked over to the river-fed-bath. She put her toe in the water and found it to be as icy cold as she had expected. Looking over one shoulder for prying eyes, Amura began to remove her robe. She held the thing in front of her distastefully. The fabric was filthy from her long trip here. She nonchalantly tossed it in the corner as she headed toward the bath. Very slowly, she began to submerge herself in the water. It was freezing, but also refreshing. "Amura do you feel it". "Huh? Feel what, Samantha?" 'The cold causing your nipples to perk up'. Amura could almost imagine the smile on Samantha's face as she caused Amura's tail to slide into her pussy. Amura smiled, "Samantha you really are a nympho, you know that". "Takes one to know one". In spite of the cold, Amura's sex felt very warm. She ached to touch Samantha in the same way, she just had to hope that Samantha could feel the sensations she was experiencing now. Amura allowed her hands to be guided by Samantha. First, they cupped her round breasts, and then the fingers traced their way up her globes to find rigid nipples. Amura's body shuddered under Samantha ministrations. In minutes, Amura was nearing ecstasy. "Oh, just a little more" Amura cooed. Her vaginal muscles spasmed then clenched down on her tail. "Amura this feels great". Unable to breath, unable to even think, Amura felt herself pulled into the tide of pleasure that washed over her during the orgasm. She clawed at the sides of the stone tub. Her breathing began to steady as she basked in the afterglow. On weak knees, she headed into the bedroom, and fell upon the sheets. Beads of water glistened on her fur as she felt her eyelids getting heavy. She knew that going to sleep wasn't the best idea, but she didn't even have the energy to dry herself. Pardus walked in the room just as Amura woke up. Realizing that she was nude, she wrapped the sheet around herself. "Don't worry about it, he already saw you naked during your training", Amura said, but she realized that Samantha had been the one actually talking. "Amura what are you doing here", Pardus asked, utterly astonished. It was then that Amura recognized him. "You're Pardus?... the last time I saw you was when you tied me up at the magical academy," Amura exclaimed. There was no doubt in her mind that it was he. It was the same black panther Catrai that caused her to be bitten by a snake. She absently rubbed her neck just thinking about it. "How did you end up here?" he inquired. Amura could see that he was doing a bad job of hiding his astonishment. "Well you see..." Amura started as she got out of his bed. The sheets slid from her body and she found herself suddenly nude before him. "Ahhh" Amura yelped as she reached for the trailing edged. Unfortunately, the damage was already done. Pardus stood slack-jawed, staring at her. He didn't regain his composure until she had covered herself back up. "Amura it has been years since I and Elvira first saw you during your training. The last thing I expected was to find you in my house." He looked around his shoulder, scanning the room, "That catgirl friend of yours isn't here too, is she?" "No, it was Samantha who told me where to find you". Instinctively, Pardus was on his guard. "What does Samantha have to do with me", he growled. "Well, um... She needs your help." "Samantha and I parted ways a long time ago. If you have anything to do with her, then I suggest that you leave." Amura searched her mind until she was able to tap into Samantha's memories. She soon understood why Pardus was wary. Something had happened to him and another... Validus. "The Samantha you once knew long before the dark times, she is the one who led me here." "That woman is long gone. I gave her the chance to become one of the Catrai, and she used that gift against me, and all I loved." "You can save her if you will hear me out". Pardus was about to tell her to leave again, but something in her voice stopped him. She reminded him of Samantha, his lost love. "I will listen for your sake, Amura". Hours passed while she told the tale of her time with Samantha. With each mention of her name, Amura saw hope glimmer in Pardus's eyes. When she was done with her story, Amura sat and waited for his reaction. "If the curse is truly broken, then I will help you", Pardus exclaimed as he brushed his hair out of his face "But, I want you to give me your word, both of you swear to me so that I may know I have made the right choice." "Yes" they answered simultaneously, "On my life, Siana's hold is gone" "Well just stay in bed and rest while I figure out how to separate the two of you". Looking suddenly tired, Pardus left the room. While she brushed her hair, Amura talked to Samantha. Samantha told her all about the one named Siana. She had used a powerful charm to control Samantha's actions, and make it seem that she was a dark one. She admitted that the dark power had enticed her at first, but she hadn't been ready for the consequences. When she tried to escape, Siana entangled her mind in a powerful enchantment. She had been under Siana's control for over five years. This newfound freedom was a wondrous relief. When Amura was done with her hair, she walked over to Xenosmilus and stroked his fur. Samantha whispered an idea to Amura. Amura agreed, "Yes I think Xenosmilus would like that very much". She led him to a tub that was sunken in the floor in the corner of the room. Amura converted to her human form and got in the tub. With Xenosmilus standing over the tub, she had plenty of room to work. She reached between his legs and wrapped a hand around his cock. He was getting increasingly erect, and his balls were swinging as they built up pressure. She licked the pre-cum from his penis, and then purred as it rubbed against her cheek. Xenosmilus licked her back while she pleasured him. His tongue dug deeply into her fur, massaging her skin. The barbs on his cock-head slid sensuously into her mouth and down her throat. She could feel every vein and ridge on his shaft as it throbbed in her mouth. Her pussie was wet; she excitedly waited for him to release. She savored the warm sweet taste of him. After letting the cock slide from her mouth, she licked her lips then got another taste. His feline penis was barbed heavily and it had a salty almost spicy taste. Amura giggled when his rough tongue tickled her rump. She let the cock out of her mouth and began alternating between licking his balls then his shaft. Xeno's cock began to swell as he neared his zenith. His tongue was tantalizing her vagina as he worked his way deeper into her pussie (Amura knew that at any moment she would have her first orgasm of the morning), all the time he paid special attention to her clit. He grabbed her waist in his jaw and thrust his hips as semen began to fill his shaft. Amura could sense that he had reached his limit. She was about to ask Samantha what spell to cast, when she realized that she knew it already. Quickly, she began to focus her magic. Both of his balls shook as his cock began to spurt semen in long streams down her breasts. Xeno bit down on her pelvis while he ate the sweet nectar that flowed from her sex. He purred deeply, almost growling as he savored the flavor. She cast the spell successfully and he continued to spurt, unable to stop. She held his cock for support when her strength left her as an orgasm coursed through her body. Xenosmilus stood straight obviously enjoyed himself as his orgasm continued unabated. He took great pleasure in pouring his semen on the cum-happy nympho under him. Amura turned around so that she could kiss him as he painted her body with cum. After a couple of minutes Amura was completely soaked in Feline semen, she laid down in the tub and let each burst fall on her as she rubbed it into her fur. She was so utterly soaked that the blue in her fur barely showed through. As the tub began to fill up, she could feel semen starting to enter her pussie. Samantha brought Amura's hand down to her vagina and teased her sex wide open (thereby allowing the cat's semen to enter the inside of Amura's body more easily). Samantha toyed with the tigress's clit as her pussie filled with Xeno's cum. His animal desires not fulfilled, Xenosmilus longed to drive his cock into his mate. Xenosmilus lowered his back legs into the tub and mounted her lithe form. Determined now, he pressed his spurting cock to her pussie. Amura gasped when he entered her unexpectedly. Her inside was titillated by his barbed penis as the constant waves of semen lubricated her sex. Her eyes were rolling back, with each thrust his fur ground against her exposed nipples. He mated her faster with each thrust, feeling his ejaculations become stronger with every movement of her body. He reached the point where he was no longer letting out individual bursts, but rather pouring semen into her. The tub was beginning to overfill, so Amura released him from the spell. He thrust hard as one final burst rushed into her body. On weak knees, he climbed out of the tub, and lay down to rest. Amura spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying her hot cum bath. Laughing merrily; she swam, and played in the tub. After a couple of hours, she moved to the other bath and cleaned her fur. While she was cleaning up, Samantha told her about a plan she had. "I think we owe him something for his hospitality" Samantha explained, "I have something I want to do for him, so just go along with it OK. Though a little suspicious, Amura agreed. Around dinnertime, Pardus came to the room to tell her what they were going to do. He saw the tigress sleeping in the tub so he walked on over. Seeing her nude sleeping peacefully in the bath, Pardus couldn't help but become hard. For a moment, he stood and stared at her. Pardus chose not to seek a mate after Samantha had left him (to the frustration of Elvira, whom he worked with), he just didn't feel that he could share his heart again. He tried to ignore the growing bulge under his loincloth as he headed over to wake her. Try as he might to resist it, he could still feel those animal urges growing inside. Pardus waited a moment to regain his composure, but he found himself staring at her again. Her robust breasts bobbed at the water's surface, leaving small ripples as she breathed. His eyes trailed under the surface, across her belly, then down past her navel. Her legs were slightly spread and through the shimmering surface of the water, he could see... Pardus pulled his eyes away. I need to wake her up and find out how to help her, and Samantha, not fuck her, but his eyes were roaming over her body. He absently cradled his hard cock in his hand, slowly rubbing the furred sheath. His hand moved faster as he reached down to touch the soft blue fur on her arm. His hand fondled her left breast while he vigorously rubbed his throbbing rod. He clenched his teeth and gripped her shoulder. Get yourself under control buddy. Her eyes fluttered open when he squeezed her bare shoulder. He pulled away his hands and hoped his loincloth covered his throbbing cock. "Hello Pardus." Though he yearned to give in to his most carnal desires, he held himself in check for Amura's sake. "And hello to you both, Amura and Samantha", Pardus said, sweat beaded at his brow; "I believe I have found a way to help you with your current mental predicament". "Could you kneel down here", she asked. "What do you need", he asked as he knelt. "We haven't had each other's company in a long time", Samantha said as she reached under his loincloth and grabbed his balls. Pardus let out a gasp. "Wait a minute" he said, "what about Amura" "I would be happy to have your company", Amura said, as she gave his cock a long lick, starting at the base then up his shaft to get the drop of pre-cum at the tip. She licked her lips hungrily. Not entirely surprised (he knew Samantha's ways well. To resist would only drive her on), Pardus stood and let her grip his pulsing member. There was no way he could convince himself that he wasn't enjoying her touch. Amura let Samantha guide her actions as she suckled the tip of Pardus's member. She held his balls in her outstretched palm as she rubbed her cheek across his shaft, marking him with her scent. Amura took him in her mouth again to get one more taste before letting his cock free. "Samantha, please don't stop" "Don't worry Pardus. Good things cum to those who wait". She climbed from the tub, and then kissed him deeply, exploring his mouth. He could taste Amura, but he could feel Samantha guiding her to return the kiss in all the ways he remembered. Pardus felt his hand being guided to her breast. "Touch me, Pardus, love me". Her supple body pushed up against his, "Please mate me like the Panther that I remember". His pulsing cock pressed against her velvet smooth groin. He knew how much she wanted it, how much he wanted it. All the memories of the passionate nights he had spent with Samantha, constantly they tortured his mind. Now though, he felt the pleasure again. His hands went down her lower back, soon coming to rest at her tail-base. Her body so hot against his, melded against him. Gripping her hindquarters firmly, he slid himself into her. Amura shuddered with ecstasy, as they became a part of each other during their coitus. She wrapped a leg around his to press herself firmly against him. Samantha felt his penis in her, pulsing with need. Her lips parted, Amura looked up to his face. "How I have missed this", Pardus whispered as he looked into her soulful eyes. Deep within them, he felt he could almost see Samantha. They met in another passionate kiss. When the kiss broke, he licked his lips. The two lovers rocked in their carnal embrace, the soft sounds of mating were the only noises heard in the still night air. "Amura, Samantha, it will be soon now" he said, groaning. He reached out his hands to find hers amid the dark shapes of the room. She bit down on his shoulder while her hands clenched his. As they consummated their love, their tails entwined. With powerful bursts, his seed flowed into her. Amura held him ever tighter, wanting his semen to fill her, needing his affection after being alone for so long. She gasped with her own pleasure, but the gasp soon became a roar. Hot semen drizzled down her inner thighs, with the last surges of him within her. When his sexual energies were spent, he remained there holding Amura and thinking of his estranged love. Slowly they sank to the floor, still intimately connected. They made love passionately several more times before heading to bed. Deep into the night, Pardus held her in his arms as he watched her eyelids grow heavy. "You're a mischievous girl Samantha. Or was this your idea Amura", he said raising his eyebrow. She placed her head under his chin and purred enchantingly, though drowsily. "Maybe a little of both." Amura soon became accustomed to her new life. She thought that even if her mind-link with Samantha was permanent, it was something she could live with. Eventually, Pardus came up with a solution, to their predicament. Over the mountains, near the Catrai jungle, there lived a unicorn named Ravenell. He was quite adept at transferring spirits, alive or dead. Though Amura could see the want in his eyes, Pardus refused to travel with them. His life of solitude was a punishment he meant to continue. Since Samantha's turning, he had delved into magics forbidden. His powers had grown to a point that he feared to leave the seclusion, lest he be tempted to become that which Samantha had been. Regretting the need to leave him, Amura set off for the city of Ravenell. ## 21 Body and Soul Tired and hungry, Amura made her way down the road. Today, I will have been traveling this road an entire month. In the distance, she could see a city. Amura reached Ravenell City the next day. After surveying the area, she knocked on the city gate. It was several minutes before she got an answer. "Who goes there", called the watchman. "I am Amura of the eastlands. I come seeking the aid of Ravenell." The guard carefully eyed her before finally sending someone to open the gate. When Amura walked in, she was greeted by a middle-aged wizard (he appeared to be a Kanin). "We heard that you would be coming", he said as his bottlebrush tail swept the ground. Amura wondered how the wizard had found out so fast, but right now she had bigger things to worry about. In her head, Amura heard Samantha telling her to ask about the Unicorn. Amura looked to the wizard "Can you help me to find a unicorn that supposedly lives here?" "Most likely, anyone could." "Do you think he can help me?" "That is up to Ravenell. If he sees fit, he will help you", the Kanin told her. "When can I meet him then?" "Before you meet him you must rest, and prepare". Amura was given a room in which to spend the night. After she had examined the room for a few minutes, some servants entered. Amura admired their clothing as they filled the bath with hot water. The servants wore light blue silken robes that sparkled in the waning daylight. Amura left her belongings by the bed and headed toward the bath. When she placed her foot in the water, she found it to be fairly hot but just within a tolerable range. She sank her tired body into the tub and purred. While she lay there enraptured, the servants began the wash her body. She found out just how intent they were on getting her clean when one of them slid a soapy finger into her pussie. This pampering continued for several more minutes. When she was spotless, they drained the water and rinsed her off with fresh hot water. Amura stood, and let them buff her fur dry. Next, they massaged very light oil into her pelt, and used brushes to bring about a magnificent sheen. Several hours later, Amura was dressed in a white silk robe and the servants finished working with her hair. "Are you ready?" the mage asked as he stepped into the room. "I'm more ready than I have been in my whole life" she replied, grinning broadly. "Good to hear. Come along". Amura followed him to the center of the castle. In the throne room, stood an enormous unicorn. Ravenell paced as she walked toward him. "I have heard that Pardus sent you to me", Ravenell stated. "Yeah, he wanted to..." Amura was cut off in mid sentence, when Ravenell interrupted. "He wanted me to attempt a spell on you, a dangerous spell. Of course I doubt that you are aware of how dangerous. If you were to hold back even for a second, it would be fatal for both you and the one trapped in your mind". Amura felt her knees becoming weak, "How dangerous could it be?" she asked trying to maintain her levity, but failing. Ravenell looked her in the eye, seeing weakness. "I don't believe you would survive, there is too much fear in your eyes". Amura felt like crying, and without realizing it, tears began to fill her eyes. "But how will I help Samantha?" she asked, falling to her knees. "As far as I know, you can't", he said, turning his back to her. Amura looked at the ground, hurt and confused, then she felt a strength build up inside her. Samantha forced her to stand, then spoke from her mouth. "Ravenell you dumb-ass colt, Amura has far more strength than you could ever know." Ravenell whipped around and saw the spirit of Samantha gleam in Amura's eyes. Amura's lip ceased to tremble, she found new strength in the fact that Samantha believed in her. "I'm fully ready to take the chance", she said standing a little straighter. Ravenell thought about it for some time while Amura waited as patiently as possible. It seemed to take forever, but at last the unicorn spoke. "Alright, as long as you understand the consequences. Let us be on with it." Amura nodded in assent, and Ravenell motioned towards a stone dais in the middle of the room. "Lie down on you stomach." he instructed. She did so, and tried to ignore the coldness of the stone. "Now... when I cast the spell, I will ejaculate within you, it is imperative that you allow me to take you fully. Not only that, but your orgasm must be synchronized with my own. You Catrai have the ability inhibit pregnancy but it will ruin the spell. I can cast another spell to keep you from bearing young from this mating." All the information seemed to come at her rather suddenly, but she assumed that she would remember everything. Amura remained patiently on the stone while he stood in front of her and began casting spells. The first thing that Amura noticed was that her pussie began to feel very wet. Once he had finished the first part of the spell, Ravenell instructed her to coax him to a full erection. Amura reached under his belly and was astounded to find that he had two sheaths. She gently caressed his sheaths until one, then both cocks came forth. She felt a spark of energy flow through her when her fingers played across, and fondled his cocks. The tigress gripped one cock with each hand and saw his overflowing balls surge in the anticipation of his eventual release. "Just a little more, Amura, and I will be ready" he murmured. When a drop of his precum wet her hand, Amura leaned in for a taste and was surprised to find that it was incredibly sweet. As Ravenell's excitement increased, his cocks surged, swinging their way up to slap against his underbelly. Amura eventually got him to the point that his cocks throbbed against his chest while the tigress toyed with him. "Alright, Amura I am ready. Present yourself to me." Amura did not need to be told twice. Her instincts kicked in as she assumed a lordosis position on the stone dais. Purring, the tigress crouched down, raising her rump and smiling as she waited for him to mount her. Ravenell walked around behind Amura, but stopped for a moment to admire the sight. He could see her desperate need. Legs slightly spread, rump raised high, and her tail over to one side; her wet feline pussie seemed to be begging for it. Amura's knees were shaking in anticipation, as she felt his hot breath on her neck. His flanks touched her body and she cooed. She felt first one cock, and then both find her sex. The dripping pre-cum helped to lubricate their union as he pressed forward. Ravenell whinnied loudly, and then forced her sex open. Grunting, he concentrated on casting the spell, as he achieved entrance. Amura dug her claws into the stone as the unicorn snorted; his members throbbed heavily as he entered her most intimate place. Ravenell's spells prevented her from casting her own magics, so he was forced to mount her without the help of her transformation skills to ease the process. The only choice he had was to thrust harder. The fact that she was quite flexible allowed Amura to widen her sex considerably, but accepting both of his cocks was more than she could easily deal with. As she felt him driving himself further in, Amura realized that she was lying in an ever-widening pool of their sexual fluids. With one final hard push, he got about twenty inches of himself into her. Amura gritted her teeth in pain. She bit her tongue, trying not to scream. Crimson drops fell from between her teeth as his cocks flared inside her and he began the final part of the spell. She felt him surge several times (she knew he was close). Amura somehow held off her own orgasm a little longer, remembering that they had to orgasm simultaneously. The muscles in her thighs were shaking, and milk dripped from her breasts. Her claws dug deep grooves into the stone as he surged again, almost at his peak. "Now let me have you", Ravenell yelled as his first burst came. Amura's eyes rolled back when his semen filled her, sending her into a realm of pleasure she had never reached before. She felt as if the pleasure would kill her, yet she wished for it to never end. Her whole body strained and she dug at the stone, tearing it as easily as if it were made of paper. Her tail wound around his genitals and squeezed his balls milking everything out of them. After about ten minutes of experiencing some of the most intense sex of her life, Amura began to feel strange, as if she was in two places at once. She saw a ghostly image of herself lying underneath her. As the ghost became more solid, Amura realized that one of the unicorn's cocks was in her and one in the ever more real ghost, (though at this point she was more woman than ghost). The woman was a Catrai with black and white fur. Her markings were that of a tiger, yet the stripes were blue rather than black. When the unicorn pulled himself free of them, the woman under Amura opened her eyes. Amura looked at her curiously, they had exactly the same eye color, and the markings on their fur were just mirror copies. "Samantha is that you?" Amura looked down, concerned and out of breath. "Yes Amura" Samantha said giving her a tender kiss. "It worked, we are both alive, and I have you to thank!" ecstatic, they held each other close. As Amura got up and helped Samantha to her feet, Ravenell walked over to them. "The spell did not work completely", he said, sounding disgusted with himself. "Huh, we're both alive. I don't see what the problem is." "Amura, and Samantha; you are still inherently bound by a link that will allow each of you to feel any strong emotions, pleasure, or pain that the other feels. I have no way of knowing the severity of it." "But, is it permanent" Samantha asked. "Only time will tell", Ravenell replied. That said, he summoned some servants to take the two women to Amura's quarters. Amura slept better that she had in weeks. It was much easier to relax when someone wasn't talking in your head. The next morning, Amura lay in bed with her eyes closed and laid her hand on her belly. As she did so she opened her eyes and realized that her hand was actually on Samantha. Amura sat up in bed and tried it again. She giggled excitedly when she felt it herself. She shook Samantha to wake her up. "Samantha you've got to see this," Amura said excitedly. Samantha awoke and looked at her questioningly. Amura tweaked her own nipples and saw Samantha jump. Leaning forward conscientiously, Samantha brought her fingertips to Amura's nipples. "Amura, that's incredible" Reaching out gingerly, Amura cupped Samantha's breasts. "If these are the side effects that Ravenell was talking about, then I am glad it didn't work correctly", Amura said as she leaned in to kiss her friend. They softly caressed eachother's breasts and the sensations doubled because they were feeling eachother's pleasure as well as their own. Amura licked Samantha's neck and felt claws run down her back. Their lips locked together as they passionately kissed repeatedly. While rolling around in the bed Amura felt her tail brush Samantha's sex. They gave each other playful looks as their tails teased eachother's pussies. Amura whispered in Samantha's ear. "I want to taste you, love". Samantha turned around and bestowed her vulva to Amura's waiting lips. Amura's tongue ran up and down Samantha's pussie and across her clit. She reached out and gripped Samantha's thighs, to lean deeper into her hot pussie. Deep in lesbian lust, they did not see the door open. Amura moaned into Samantha's pussie as their orgasms peaked. The sensation of Samantha's lips on her groin as well as in her pussie along with Samantha's tongue was more than enough to drive Amura over the edge. "Samantha, I am cumming, oh can you feel it too?" "Yes Amura, I thought it was me... No, it must have been you", Samantha gasped through a mouthful of cream-laden tigress pussie. Amura could feel and see when Samantha reached her own peak, because the honey of her sex filled Amura's mouth as the sensations coursed throughout her body. "Samantha, you taste just like me!" Amura exclaimed as she recognized the taste in her mouth. "Well drink up, because I think I'm about to cum again." Their bodies melded as one; the world seeming to melt away. Driven by the fact that by pleasuring each other they only increased their own arousal, they reveled in their passion. Amura gasped, taking shallow breaths as she curled up against Samantha's body and let the afterglow sink in. "I came to see how you were faring, but I guess you are fine." Ravenell said. Half asleep, Amura looked to her side and saw the unicorn. "Oh, hi Ravenell" Amura viewed him with veiled eyelids, "How long have you been here". A glance under his belly told her the answer. "Oh that long, huh", Amura stared at his impressive package. "If you are fine then I must return to the throne room." "No, Wait!" Amura walked over to him, "I would like to thank you for helping me and all." she toyed with her pussie, while speaking. "It seems you are just as much as a nymphomaniac as all the other Catrai I have come across." he sighed. "If you want sex, just say so, but do not think that you owe me nothing for the spell I preformed. One day I may ask a favor in return." "Well, nonetheless, it would make me feel better to give you a little parting gift before we leave". Amura woke Samantha and told her what she wanted to do. The two tigresses lay on the floor and waited for Ravenell. When he was close enough, Amura guided one of his cocks into her pussie while Samantha took the other. This time, she was in complete control of her body. When Ravenell entered her, Amura accepted his length easily. Finding how well he slid in, Ravenell began to thrust at an ever-increasing rate. Amura kissed Samantha deeply as they both felt the pleasure from his cocks. Amura had no way to explain the sensation, she could feel him mating her, but she could feel him mating Samantha. There was no distinction between the two stimuli. Somehow, Amura was allowing Samantha to take his length with ease as well. "Amura, I am cumming again", Samantha gasped. The unicorn whinnied at his peak. He lifted his front hooves into the air and stood as he pummeled them with his gushing cocks. The flow was astounding, with each burst he pumped the cats full of nearly another cup of semen. Just the intense pressure of his ejaculation was enough to give the women a warm and full feeling. Amura rode with the tide of pleasure while he continued his assault on her, and Samantha's pussies. Unable to sustain the pace any longer, Ravenell fell back on all fours, and slowly dismounted. Amura and Samantha both sighed, feeling the unicorn's juice literally flowing from their pussies. When he had left the room, Amura and Samantha lay in a pool of cum. Amura gently brushed Samantha's hair from her face. I feel closer to her than I do to my own cousin, Catherine, Amura surmised, it is as if we are twins. Several moments later, a welcome intruder interrupted her thought. Amura smiled, happy and slightly confused, as she looked on her old acquaintance. "Warrington, how did you get here", she asked. He sat on the edge of the bed. "Your friends are very concerned about you", he said. "The last thing we heard, you had gone into a rage and burned down a castle". "Oh yeah, about that..." "Who's your friend?" Warrington asked gesturing toward the gasping cum-streaked tigress laying beside Amura. Amura and Samantha spent the next few hours telling him all that had happened. By about eight that night, they were packed into Warrington's carriage and following his platoon back toward town.** The two tigresses dozed in a carriage as it bounced down the trail. Amura was woken by Samantha's hand on her shoulder. "Amura get up, something is going on." Everything seemed to be in a fog, as Amura sat up straight. It was then that she noticed smoke coming into the carriage. "Come on Amura!" Samantha pulled her by the arm as she climbed out of the door. "Oh crap." A war seemed to have erupted further down the road. "You two stay here", Warrington yelled as he galloped by on his warhorse. "Screw that", Samantha answered back, "come on Amura". After a short jog, they crested a hill, to find a smoking wasteland ahead. A regiment of imperial soldiers was making a desperate stand against an overwhelming number of wolf creatures. They were not of the Kanin race; their bodies were far too twisted and bestial. A lone rider was rushing to the aid of a soldier who had been separated from the group. Amura identified the rider to be Warrington, but in the next moment, he was thrown from his horse. He was not done though, she saw him unsheathe his sword and begin to fight back the beasts. "Oh my god", Amura exclaimed when she noticed that the lone soldier, (whom Warrington had gone to save) was Chenoa. "Samantha, we have to help her!" Amura called as she rushed down the hill. "Help who?" Samantha began to ask, but then she saw the answer in Amura's mind. With no concern for her own safety, Amura rushed the nearest enemy. She had no weapons to speak of, but she made quick work of him with her claws. Amura worked her way through the mass, slaying all who got in her way. She had almost reached Chenoa when something hit her in the back of the head. Dazed, her vision blurred, Amura struggled to get up. She saw the animal lift up its mace, in preparation of a killing blow. Amura desperately tried to conjure a fireball, but in her disoriented state, she was unable to do so much as whistle at him. "Die you demonspawn!" Samantha cried as she fell the beast. Samantha reached to help Amura to her feet but a beast tackled Samantha bodily and flung her from view. Amid the tangle of legs, Amura spotted Chenoa again. She yelled out a warning; when she saw a creature wielding a halberd, rush Chenoa from behind. Chenoa never saw it coming; the blade skewered her. She rose off the ground as the blade went through her body. Amura saw Chenoa's hand relinquish her weapon. "Amura?" Chenoa whispered as she tried to focus her vision. A small trail of blood ran from the corner of her mouth. Amura saw a small, confused smile cross Chenoa's face before she disappeared into the masses. Rage, as hot and sharp as a sword in the forge, began to consume Amura's mind. She made no attempt to control her emotions as the black hate filled her thoughts. Her fur began to fade black, but Amura wanted it this time. The very sky darkened, and clouds seemed to loom over the battlefield. Her muscles surged with a frightening strength. Amura saw the grass in front of her eyes light up with a soft red glow, as her eyes burned with crimson hate. All thoughts of pity and mercy, fled from her cognition. Grinning hungrily, her fangs dripped venom, and her fur bristled. "Amura, don't do it!", Samantha cried in her mind. Why not? , Amura could think of nothing better than using the dark power she possessed, why should I care what happens next. This land will run red with their blood. They deserve it, EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM. ## 22 Lost Kitten The sun was beating down warmly on Amura's fur, as she drifted into the world of the conscious. In that half-dreamlike state, she purred like a kitten. Grasses tickled her ear and the scent was warm and earthy. Amura yawned widely and flicked her tail. Through slitted eyelids, she saw a small flower amidst the green blanket. Peace... This was peace. Tranquility filled her senses, and as she opened her eyes fully, the sight of a hawk on the breeze enraptured her. Amura smiled a genuine smile such as she had little liberty to enjoy lately. It had not yet dawned upon her where she was or why. Right now, it didn't seem to matter. She was sleepy, but happy. Stretching, and arching her back like the cat she was, Amura licked her lips and clawed at the soft soil. This was perfect, it was like a dream, it was... well, it felt too good to be true. Then she realized the truth was creeping up on her. She tasted something wrong, and there was a smell that did not belong in this place of wonder. The wind changed, and she was repulsed by the odor. On her teeth, she tasted metallic bloodiness, and a burning hint of venom. "No..." Amura whispered to herself. No, no, it was wrong, but it was true. She sat up and immediately was lost. Clouds hung heavily on the horizon, and a smell of death was in the air. She now looked at her hands and saw they were blackened by dried blood. In fact, the fur of her entire body was dirty and marked with congealed blood. Amura's vision cleared a bit more and she saw that she was far from the battle scene. What had happened... even she could not say for sure. Amura forced her weakened knees to lift up and she stood. She felt the warmth leave her flesh as a chill set upon her bones. What had she done this time? She could not recall and did not really care to know. Feeling disgusted, she doubled over wanting to retch but her stomach was empty and she only fell to all fours again, gasping for air. Amura stood back up and her eyes burned with unspent tears. She was angry and saddened... Lost. As memories of the night crept up on her, she began to panic. She did not want to know, she just wanted to rest again, she wanted to be away. To be away from all this suffering, and to find that moment she had woken up in. Even if it had only been to a lie. Amura turned the opposite direction and saw a mass of untamed forest. Blindly, she ran. She reached the forest in a minute, and kept running. Running, pushing, trying to escape from herself, Amura ran until she did not know how many streams she had crossed or had any notion of where she was. Still she ran, hardly able to breathe, until it hit her. She could go no farther. Energy spent, she stumbled and landed hard, knees buckling under her. Landing at an unnatural and excruciatingly painful angle on a large tree root, she was silent for a moment. In the quiet place where even the smallest animals were silent for fear of the beast among them, she screamed. She screamed more out of misery than pain. The physical pain of her fall was masked so very well by the bleakness of her spirit. Out of breath, she gasped, and cringed into a fetal position. Feeling so small and helpless, she sought to feel Samantha's presence but found it not. Amura was truly alone. In that place tangled in vines and towered by ancient trees, Amura felt some life return to her. Life, still she lived, and finally... she cried. It was a nearly silent mewling, not heard by any others than the creatures of the forest. Drop by drop, the tears fell, and with them some of the poison left Amura's spirit. Still cringed into a helpless ball, she let her tears flow. Helpless and pitiful, she began to heal. As she did, the creatures of the trees and the brush went back about their business. No longer fearful of the beast, for she was only a lost kitten.* Much later, Amura wiped the wetness from her eyes and took a deep breath. Now was a time to search her soul. She had been lost for a while, seeking power always, but in the process, she had been losing herself. Was power worth the loss of one's life and love? She was tired, so very sick and tired of feeling hollow. Lying in the mud, Amura looked down at her body and was displeased to note her uncleanliness. She had been raised as a cat, and to be so unkempt was atrocious. Amura could not stand, her legs refused to listen to her that much, but she could crawl on her knees a bit. Determined to get clean, she crawled to the nearby brook. The bed of the brook was composed of smooth stones and at last, she was out of the slippery mud. Amura lay in the path of the slow moving water for a bit and just let it wash over her. It was cool, but not cold, and seemed to refresh her a bit. Amura lay at the bank, allowing the stream to wash by as she rested. Some time later, she arose from the banks, refreshed. Now standing, she looked to her future. I have such a very long road ahead of me. Nevertheless, now it seems so much clearer. I must fight this dark power within me. In the end, only one side of my soul will prevail. Amura just prayed that she would know which path to follow when the time came. The dappled canopy's light gave way to bright sunshine as Amura entered a clearing. At the far end, she spotted a road. Samantha's presence was stronger there. The clay path was torn by shod horses whose heavy-laden tracks led east. For two days, Amura traveled alone. The scenery became more familiar with each step. Coming over a rise, Amura found that the tracks led directly to Warrington's estate. Why do the guards look so strange. Amura crept closer. Her suspicions were well placed. The soldiers were the wolf creatures she had fought previously. I will wait for nightfall. They may be strong but they do not have the eyes of a cat. Amura found a dry riverbed with a nice overhang where she could sleep in relative safety. In the fog of her dreams, Amura could see Samantha standing a little ways off. Each step she took forward only caused Samantha to drift farther away. "Amura, I am not the only one whom you seek in this fortress." With a flourish of her hand, Samantha created effigies of Shane, Neko, and Panthaleon. "I will be fine Amura. They need your help first." "Well, tell me where to look." "They are in the dungeon." "And you?" Samantha smiled wryly, "I somehow ended up in the harem. Probably because I wasn't brandishing a sword...They do not yet know my identity." Everything began to fade around her, "Just hold tight Samantha!" All sense of color disappeared, leaving Amura in a black void. A pair of eyes appeared in the dark. Red eyes... My eyes. "You cannot get rid of me so easily. You need me." The pitch-black form of Amura spread her hands, "We are one and the same." "No longer! My wish for that power died with Samantha, and Shade." "You are mistaken. I never die, I merely wait". Amura awoke before she could utter a protest from her lips. The starlight poured down to her body, barley illuminating her path as she stalked the manor's perimeter. The guards were swathed in linen, only their smell gave away their canine nature. Amura hid and waited, using the shadows as cover. One of the beings trudged toward her. They were far more feral than the Kanin such as Chenoa. Spittle dripped out the corner of the beast's mouth. When it had passed, Amura leapt, fangs bared. A moment later, she was wrapping its rancid garments around her body. Four holes marked the back of the creatures head, the evidence of Amura's crushing jaws. Silent cat-feet padded into the building. Like a shadow dancing among them, she passed by unseen. Her movements were the product of her tiger heritage. Every step was made by balancing the pads of her feet carefully. Not a sound was heard. Even her breathing was shallow, (the sound so light that it was indistinguishable, even in the dead of night). While searching for the dungeon, she caught a hint of Samantha's presence. "Samantha?" "Yes". "Where are you?" "The fourth floor, I will get to you as soon as I can, but I have run into a little problem". "Uh huh, what problem?" "There happens to be a feral lion guarding the door to my room." Samantha approached the lion very carefully. He was baring his teeth and growling menacingly. Even with his show of anger, Samantha knew that she had nothing to worry about. Easing her way forward, she held her hand out to the creature. "Well, can you take care of it on your own?" Amura queried. "Yeah sure, you just find everyone else, while I am indisposed." "Okay", Amura answered dubiously. "Don't worry about me, I can handle him" Samantha gave the lion a wicked grin, as she pulled her hand out of reach of his snapping jaws. He was chained to the doorframe, with just enough slack to keep the girls back. Several of the harem girls screeched, as Samantha toyed with the beast. "I know just what you need," She cooed to the lion, "a woman's touch to soften your heart." Samantha brought a hand to her groin, and then began rubbing her pussie. As she became more aroused, pheromones scented the air. The beautiful perfume began to fill the room. Breathing deeply, the lion softened his gaze; becoming enraptured by the aroma. While the lion was focused on Samantha, Amura headed toward the dungeons. Walking down the corridor, she felt very exposed. The camouflage covered her fur and scent, but it was still unnerving to make her way around the castle. Eying every passerby warily, Amura crossed the courtyard. Samantha crawled on all fours, panther-walking her way toward the lion. His lips curled up in a flehmen response, as he tested the air. He was still wary of her. The tips of his claws protruded from their sheaths, as he studied the approaching female. His confusion was soon forgotten when Samantha waved her tail in his face. In response, his penis slid from its sheath. A deep rumble came from his throat as he straddled her. Amura gasped as she felt the lion penetrate Samantha, she hadn't realized that their connection would be so strong at this distance. Amura's vaginal muscles came alive, as she felt the lion mate. Hearing the metallic clang of armored footsteps coming her way, Amura ducked into a nearby room. Sweat beaded Amura's brow, shaking hands pulled the clothes from her body. As Samantha's orgasm grew so did Amura's. Stumbling along the floor, Amura took a quick look at the room. The small bedroom had a decrepit fireplace and layers of dust; it apparently had not been in use for some time. She flung herself onto the bed, as the lion drove his cock deeply into Samantha. Growling, and gnashing her fangs, Samantha let the lion ride her. All of the women were huddled against the far wall, watching her in astonishment. Her fingers caressed his sharp claws before gripping the lion's forearms tightly. Her rump lifted slightly and Samantha's breasts swayed with each inward thrust. Amura lay on the bed and purred as the feelings washed over her. Moonlight from the open window bathed her luscious form. The connection with Samantha's emotions felt so powerful, that she could barely think on her own. Her outstretched hands pulled at the sheets. Finding a soft pillow, Amura held it to her chest before letting it drop between her legs. The four stripes on her arm began to emit that familiar blue glow. The effect was only intensified by the aura reflecting off her blue fur. Screaming with wild abandon now, Samantha knew the lion was close to his release. She could feel his penis grow rigid, extending fully. His aching balls slapped wetly against her clit. Samantha then roared, somewhat surprising herself. Having spent half her life as a human, and the other as a Catrai of the cougar subfamily, she wasn't expecting her tigress-roar to be so powerful. Shuddering, Amura held the pillow tightly against her thighs and swayed her hips into it. Deep in the corridor, she could hear Samantha roaring along with the lion. As she pressed her sex against the linen, she felt as if the lion's semen was pumping into her. Her lidded eyes were turned to the ceiling, as her tongue slipped from her mouth to wet her lips. When she had calmed, Amura searched the room for intruders. To her surprise, she found one. A young canine beast stood near the door. At first, she thought that he had a knife, but a closer look yielded a different picture. He was stroking his pulsing cock as he watched her frolic in the bedsheets. Heavy steel plate covered his chest. So you are the one who was stomping down the hall. His tongue lolled from the side of his mouth, giving him a look of absolute stupidity. It would be much safer for me to explore if I were wearing armor. Amura brought a finger to her lip, I just have to leave him indisposed. "Do you need some help with that?" She purred seductively. The dumb creature shook his head eagerly. Well at least he understands my language. Slowly, Amura walked toward him. Her hips swayed invitingly, as she approached. He let his member dangle loosely when Amura stood before him. Her fingers brushed his rod, eliciting a pleased smile from him. "This way", she trilled, gripping his cock. Her hand slid forward to get a good grip on his knot, and then led him to the bed. The canine sat on the bed, staring at her dumbly. Meanwhile, Amura trembled with the sensation of a lion's dick hilting in her, (apparently, Samantha was at it again). Amura crawled over his form. The moonlight flashed on her teeth, as she reached between her legs to grip his pulsing member. When the rubbery head touched her nether lips, he spontaneously started thrusting. Amura fell to all fours. Her breasts swayed, hovering above him. Her toes curled, pulling at the sheets. Deep within her sex, she could feel the lion thrusting insistently into Samantha. Along with that, she sensed the canine dick being driven up her channel. His tongue hung out the corner of his lip, wetting the sheets with saliva. Though the canine walked on two legs he was truly nothing more than a dumb animal. When his growing knot slid through her opening, he barked excitedly. How does he avoid biting his tongue off? Amura wondered detachedly. Her own small tongue was hidden safely behind her teeth. Amura's bewilderment was forgotten when the lion ejaculated powerfully, filling Samantha. She had reached the point that her own sensations were as strong as Samantha's, (she only hoped it was the same for her friend, because she was having quite a ride as well). The canine thrust so hard and rapidly that it almost hurt, and Amura had to gasp in hitched breaths. Amura whipped her head to the side, causing her hair to waft in the dim light. With a lonesome howl, the beast hilted himself, and began to pump watery seed deep into his feline lover. Amura had not expected his knot to grow so suddenly, she cursed her unfamiliarity with canines. In response to the sudden pain, she growled fearfully, causing the canine to cease his howling. When he was sure she did not mean to eat him, he began to thrust again. Amura's body was lifted with each upward swing of his pelvic girdle. I found an energetic one at any rate. To her pleasure, he continued to thrust energetically, though unable to go deeper. Samantha was faint from feeling the canine knotting in Amura, but when the lion showed he wanted to mate, she could not resist. On all fours, she lifted her rump, purring as hot lion semen drizzled from her pussy. Seeing her in lordosis, the lion wasted no time mounting the tigress. About two minutes into her own thoughts, Amura had the sensation of being penetrated by the lion yet again. Do those two ever take a break? She rode the pleasure, breathing in hitched gasps for twenty more minutes. When the canine's knot finally began to shrink, Amura felt a portion of his canine aura pass into her. Just as she finished draining his energies, his penis slipped loose with a wet pop. Canine semen poured from Amura's vagina, soaking her legs. His twitching cock lay cradled in his lap, weakly spurting. Though the wolf was so spent he seemed ready to pass out, Amura felt refreshed from taking his power. Curious, she knelt down and took his cock in her hand. In reaction to her touch, the bulbous base expanded, causing his deeply veined pink shaft to surge in her grip. Amura opened her mouth and let her tongue slide out from between her lips. She drew her tongue over the tip, catching a bit of his cum. The tigress brought a paw to her forehead and brushed away the beads of perspiration that glistened there. To get a better taste, she took his shaft in her mouth. The taste of his semen was like nothing she had ever known. Though hot like feline semen, it was not nearly as salty, or sweet. It also had a tacky but mostly watery texture. She let his dog dick slide free of her mouth. A trail of saliva glistened from her lower lip to his member. Her slitted feline eyes checked his condition, Fast asleep, what else should I have expected. Looking deeply within herself, Amura focused on the essence of the canine. Her muscles tensed as she found it. Fists clenched, tear-filled eyes held tightly closed, she took on a canine form. When the feeling passed, she breathed deeply. Thousands of smells invaded her senses. Usually when she took a new form, her senses were inferior to her normal feline attributes, but this amazing sense of smell was something for which she was quite unprepared. Explains how he found me so easily. Her sense of balance on the other hand, was nothing to brag about. She tripped over her own feet, coming to rest flat on her back. Looking up, she stared at the moon's glowing orb. I never knew it was so beautiful. Several minutes passed before she realized that she had better things to do than stare at the sky. Even so, it took great willpower for her to tear her eyes away. Standing carefully, she brushed at her coarse fur. When most of the grime was gone, she donned the sleeping soldier's armor. That's peculiar. Her brow troubled, she reached out for Samantha's presence, but found no sign. Worried now, she called out, "Samantha!" There was no answer. She hoped that Samantha was merely resting. Any other reason for her lack of response would bring about thoughts that Amura found herself unable to bear. Seeing no better course of action, she made her way to the manor's undercroft. When Amura reached the dungeon, her body was tense. Four guards stood watching a cell at the left side of the room. They were not paying attention to her, They seem to think I am one of them at least. She could not understand what they were saying to each other, but it mattered little. Amura dropped a hand to her side, letting her sleeve conceal her actions. Tremendous power coursed through her fingers as a ball of flame took form. To help with the spell, she transformed back to her feline form. Maybe it was the murderous look in her eyes, or perhaps the orange glow coming from her sleeve; regardless, the oldest of the beasts drew his sword before she flung the magical flame at them. The attack finished off most of them. Three down, one to go. The armed beast rolled clear, and then charged toward her, sword held high. To his amazement, Amura caught his arm in mid-swing. Grinning ferally, she crushed his tibia with her hand. He uttered a pained moan, clenching the arm as he dropped his blade. With a spin and some flourish, Amura caught his sword in mid-air, and then removed his head with a well placed swing. The creature's head tumbled to the floor, landing with a resounding clunk. The sound brought Amura back to her senses. No not again. She saw the black fur on her paws, creep up her arm. Come on Amura, you can beat this! In the back of her mind she could swear she heard a laugh. "Amura my beautiful queen, what are you doing here". Red eyes gleaming, Amura turned toward the cell, her back arched as if she were crouching for an attack. Upon sighting Panthaleon, the rage passed. Her mind and body were again hers to control. "My king." Amura rushed toward the door, and quickly unlatched it. Dirt fell from the slats, as she pulled the cell door ajar. Lying in the corner, was Panthaleon wrapped in chains. "Amura... how; what placed you here?" "I'm rescuing you," Amura said as she looked for the locks on his shackles. "Forget it Amura", His face was downcast, "These chains are bound with a strong mystical force, and merely touching them will drain the magic from you for a time." "Then I only need the counter-spell". "I sincerely doubt that my captor would be willing to tell it to you". His piece said; Panthaleon sat in a moody silence. There was so much he wanted to say, but he found himself unable. "Don't lose hope so soon," Amura told him. "I have an ace in the hole. Samantha may very well know how to get those off". "Who is Samantha?" "I'll tell you later, gotta go". She was just turning to leave, when he added, "Please be careful". She stood there, incapable of responding. Unable to think of any parting words, she sank into the shadows. I will try to be careful... For all our sakes. Amura began her search for Samantha, while thinking to herself. If only you could see that I am the true danger. ## 23 Fortress of the Minotaur The side of the keep loomed over all who traversed below its stones. In the scant moonlight, a small figure could be seen clinging to the side. Amura looked around nervously, as she climbed the tower. After being denied access via the lower entrance, she had abandoned her costume and attempted to scale the side of the building. Now that she was halfway up it seemed like a stupid idea. If anyone in the courtyard happened to look up they would spot her instantly, not to mention the consequences of a fall. Amura sat on a ledge to get her breath. "This is stupid! I'm a cat, not a mountain goat." Luckily, the moonlight was impeded by thick cloud cover, so maybe she would make it to the top unnoticed. Grateful for that small bit of consolation, Amura resumed her trek, wondering if there had been a nice hidden entrance somewhere downstairs. Having reached the top, Amura peered through an arrow-slit. There was only one guard and he had his back to her. Amura crept over the side but the brick crumbled and she lost her footing. She barely caught the arrow-slit with one hand as she stared down into the blackness. That wouldn't have felt very good. Amura stayed as close to the wall as possible as she heard the guard head over to check out the noise. While he stood above surveying the masonry, Amura hung on for dear life and hoped he wouldn't look down. She realized her luck hadn't changed; the guard looked down. "What the hell are you doing?" Time to use the element of surprise, Amura grabbed the wolf by the neck, and then pulled him over the edge. A loud metallic clang echoed below as she climbed to the top. Somebody downstairs was definitely going to notice that. With each resounding clank, she cringed, they couldn't wrap Panthaleon up with normal chains. No sir, they said. Why don't we use magic chains, She spread her hands, eyes wide with sarcasm; Meanwhile, the guard was still making his noisy way to the bottom. "And what if Samantha doesn't know the spell; what then. We will probably have to search every frickin' room in this place, with the minute hope that whoever runs this freak-show has a spellbook handy." Amura was still muttering to herself as she wandered about Samantha's floor. Followed the scent of lion musk, she found a hallway where the odor was especially strong... Eventually, it led her to a barred door. Amura pulled the timber loose, and then eased the door open. Just what I expected. Samantha was in her human form, curled in a ball on the floor. Content purrs came from her mouth. Next to her, the lion was splayed out, totally spent. A drop of lion cum glistened, as it dripped from Samantha's overfilled pussie. Amura smiled wryly as she knelt down by Samantha. She laid her hand on Samantha's hip. The warm skin enveloped her fingers. At her touch, Samantha shifted in her sleep. Amura leaned closer to her friend, eyes locked on the glistening prize before her. Her hair wafted over Samantha's toes, causing her to inadvertently twine it around with her feet. At this distance, Amura was being overcome by Samantha's beautiful scent. Her tongue sank into Samantha's sex. The succulent taste enthralled her. Purring, she lifted the lids of her eyes, and saw a whole group of scantily clad women staring at her in apprehension. Tongue hanging slightly between her lips, with a drop of lion semen dripping free, Amura stared back at them. I forgot that Samantha said she was in a harem of sorts. Several, had nothing but their hands to cover themselves with. "Hi", Amura said dumbly. Some screamed, one fainted, but the rest began whispering among themselves. "It speaks. Have you ever seen an animal that can speak?" "I am not an animal!" Amura retorted standing to her feet, but soon reconsidered her statement, "well, not exactly". The general uproar from this caused Samantha to wake. "Amura, oh god it is so good to see you", she spread her arms, welcoming Amura into a hug. Amura gratefully melted into Samantha's arms. When released from the embrace, she wiped the wetness from the corner of her eye. The girls who remained conscious cowered against the wall. "Samantha", Amura tried to keep her voice from cracking, "I need you to help me release Pantheon. He is bound by a force I cannot break." "What?" "Golden chains, no locks, just chains that are linked to themselves. I hoped that you might know what they are" Samantha's visage went dark. "I know of the binding you speak." "Then come on." "Not so fast, I never mastered the counter-spell; Siana only taught me how to create them." Amura fell to her knees, a downcast expression crossing her face. "Then what can we do". "Do not worry, Amura. We will tear this whole manor apart if we have to, whoever wrapped him in those chains probably has a spellbook to use for releasing him. We have to hurry though; those bindings are a sure sign that Siana is involved." "Then we deal with her too!" Amura unsheathed her claws. There was a minor uproar from the harem in reaction to this. Samantha placed her hands around Amura's, hiding the blades, "You are not capable of defeating her. Nor am I... Someday perhaps, but not yet." Amura relented, "I understand that you do not want to face her, it is a part of your past which you shouldn't have to relive." She placed her hands on Samantha's shoulders, giving her a smile, "So where do we start looking?" Five minutes later, they were standing at the bottom of the manor's highest peak. "So, Samantha what's the big idea, there's nary a door in sight." "We are going to climb it!" Amura raised an eyebrow, "you do know that I had to climb all the way to the third floor just to get to you, what makes you think I want to climb another ten stories." "We will make a game of it. Whoever gets to the top first gets the prize." Samantha took off at a run, and then leapt. She landed about ten feet up, scrambling for a handhold." "Hey that's cheating!" "Then I suggest you hurry up." I am really in no mood for any more climbing. Amura's competitive spirit soon overcame her reluctance, though. Trying to make up for lost time, Amura hurriedly began to scale the building. Even with Samantha's head start, Amura's experience with the masonry, due to her previous climb, left them evenly matched. A valiant effort on Amura's part granted her the win. Samantha looked up sheepishly as Amura helped her over the edge. "So what do I win?" Amura asked. "Well", Samantha said while tracing Amura's neck with her fingernail. "When we get back to Panthaleon" her nail was now sliding between Amura's breasts. "You can" She slid her finger down Amura's abdomen. "Have me" she traced the lips of Amura's vagina. "Any way" She slid her finger into Amura, opening her pussy and pressing against her clit. "That" She pulled away from Amura and traced her finger across herself. "You" She brought her finger to her mouth tasting Amura's pussy cream. "Want" Samantha said this as she sensuously pulled her finger from her mouth, then turned around and walked toward the door. She switched her hips with each step giving Amura a titillating view as she moved. Amura could feel her body become flushed when she saw small drops of lion cum shine in the moonlight as they dripped from Samantha's pussy. Amura knew she wanted Samantha right then, even if the whole castle was searching for them. She tackled Samantha from behind. "I want my prize right now!" she exclaimed as she crouched over her quarry. Her sensuous feline body hovered over Samantha. A sultry smile shone on Amura's face, "pay up". Samantha brushed a stray curl from the tigress's cheek, "Kitten". Moonlight reflected in her slanted Asian eyes. "No Samantha, I am no kitten. I am a tigress". Amura lowered herself down grinding their pussies together and feeling the cat's cum lubricating her already moist pussy. She breathed deeply as their clits touched. Amura's ears perked up to the sound of soft moans issuing from Samantha's mouth. Samantha reached out to grip Amura's hand. Her touch was met by Amura's soft paw. Breathing shallow, they held each other and kissed deeply rocking in the throes of passion. Their bodies moved in harmony naked skin against silken cum-slicked fur. Amura ran her fingers through Samantha's hair, spreading the curls across the stone floor. Her arms spread holding Amura's hands; Samantha's chest was unveiled to her friend. Amura gently licked the rounded edge of Samantha's breasts, her eyes never straying from the blissful smile on her lover's face. Looking down at Samantha's naked body, Amura wanted to give as much pleasure as she received. She leaned down, her velvet furred breasts slid against the smooth skin of Samantha's own bosom. Amura held her face above Samantha for a brief moment to capture her look forever in memory, and then they locked their lips in an animalistic kiss, bodies and especially hips melding tightly together. She planted small kisses down Samantha's neck and across the swell of her breasts. While massaging Samantha's tits she licked the nipples with the tip of her tongue. Amura felt a savage fire threatening to explode between her legs. Growling, she arched her back, her face toward the night sky. She experienced a pinching sensation on her left nipple when Samantha took it between her teeth. Samantha suckled the tigress's breast until warm cream began to trickle into her mouth. Amura body shivered under her ministrations. In her feline form, Amura was more sensitive to sexual stimuli, causing her to reach her peak before Samantha. Samantha mewled passionately when Amura's sex spasmed against her labia. The lion cum down there was only increasing Amura's sexual excitement. They drank from each other's breasts as their orgasms peaked. Amura couldn't believe how good it felt to feel her juices pour from her pussy at the same instance that cream was suckled from her breast. She looked down at Samantha as they giggled in the ensuing euphoria. Suddenly, a guard walked through the door. He was half asleep going over his rounds and quite unprepared to find two naked girls making love at the top of the manor's highest tower. Samantha jumped up and kicked the guard in the soft midsection of his armor, then pulled his sword from its sheath and ran him through. While Samantha stood there dripping cum, milk, and the soldier's blood; Amura wondered what it took to make someone capable of going from a state of pure tenderness to unbridled violence in the blink of an eyeâ€"like she had just seen Samantha do. But then, Amura herself already knew the answer to that, am I so different? . Timidly, Amura pondered again; could she really come back from the past she had created? Amura got up and followed. Once inside, they ransacked the place. Amura found a variety of interesting things, but no spellbook. With her foolish hope gone of finding it under a chest, Amura stood. Dang, nothing but a crappy sword. She waved the weapon about as she wandered the room. A sound from behind; Amura put up her forearms defensively and turned around. In the doorway stood a behemoth of a creature. Amura was sure that it was a Minotaur, though it looked very different from Shane. The monstrous thing breathed heavily, a foamy spittle coming from the corner of its mouth. Amura was still, unsure of how to approach such an adversary. It was wearing a heavy leather cuirass with iron studs, and some sort of iron greaves over the part of its legs above the hoof. Just the look of the huge horns atop its head, was enough to worry Amura. The horns themselves were very scarred from a suspicious amount of use. It just figures that it would block our only exit. Amura did wonder why it just stood there though, as it looked right in their direction. "What do we do?" Samantha whispered nervously. Immediately the minotaur's ears twitched and it grunted. Aha, can't see in the dark can you... Of course, now it knows where we are. The beast pulled out an enormous axe, and rushed them. Amura crouched low, but worried as Samantha moved forward to intercept the adversary. Amura saw the tarnished reflection of steel and realized she was still holding a sword. Gripping it in her hand a little more surely, she tried to concentrate. Calm- she must keep her composure, as if that were so easy... Samantha met the minotaur first, but was easily knocked her aside by its horns. Amura grimaced, but stayed her ground. She tried to block, but the thing swung its axe with such power that her sword shattered and she fell to her knees. Amura was slightly blinded by pain, her wrists felt sprained and she couldn't lift her arms. Plus, that had only been a deflection of the beast's great axe. Amura knew a killing blow was coming, so she quickly rolled to the side. A loud clang resonated when his axe cut into the stone floor. She silently gave herself a bit of praise for that wonderful evade. Amura looked back, just in time to receive a massive kick from the Minotaur's hoof. Dizzy and trying to blink through blurred vision, Amura struggled to get in meek breaths. Her ribs felt fractured and she could barely move. She had never been kicked that hard before. She could taste blood in her mouth; metallic and salty. A shadow enveloped her and she could see just enough to tell that the Minotaur was standing above her, with its weapon raised high into the air. But... something from Samantha, Amura felt her cast a charm with all the energy she could summon. Then Samantha's presence was dim, almost unconscious. Amura watched with wonder as the Minotaur lay its axe aside. Only a moment before she noticed its throbbing erection, he approached her. The beast lowered itself over Amura and proceeded to mount her with the fury of the animal in rut that it was. Amura went from barely being able to breathe, to not being able to breathe at all. As the long hot bovine shaft speared into her body, Amura realized she could make use of this situation. She was after all, an expert at physical charms. Elvira had once taught her a way to gain power and abilities from those that she mated with, but Amura had focused that attribute, making it even stronger. Her days with the dragons had gone a long way toward strengthening those skills. Now she could take some power just by being in contact with a partner. Ecstasy on their part fueled her, but if they could come to orgasm, while she remained in contact, she could get a full dose of whatever power there was to gain. A vampiristic skill perhaps, and not allowed by any on the standardized mage schools, but useful nonetheless. Now though, while the beast performed coitus with her, Amura regained a portion of her strength. Enough to come back to her senses at least. The great bull mounted her relentlessly, and thrust with painful force. Amura's body cringed and a mewl escaped her throat as his burning-hot shaft drove into her body. His intentions were animalistic and completely focused on satisfying the bodily desires of self. Amura wrapped her tail around his balls and growled as she pulled him deeper into her body. His penis was incredibly long, and she could feel it penetrating her cervix, it was as if she were being impaled rather than mated. The only consolation she had was that his shaft was not too large in diameter, and had a relatively smooth texture. Still, it hurt but she rather liked it. In the past, I would have been worried why pain was causing me pleasure. But these days... I just have to do whatever feels natural. Amura had gained a significant amount of power through their mating, but she hungered for the biggest portion to come. The minotaur drove himself into her deeper than before and began to thrust with ever more ferocity. He was almost done, so Amura prepared herself for drawing his strength when he came into her. Jerked hard, the beast prepared to fill her with seed. Spittle ran from the corner of the rutting beast's mouth. He bellowed long and deep as he pulsed within her. With his rough movements, the minotaur was not so much mating as fucking the tigress. All he cared for was implanting his brood deep within Amura's womb. This was a powerful male indeed, and she felt her body revitalize as his semen pumped into her. She writhed under his grasp, enthralled while the bull was desperately trying to impregnate her feline body. Strings of cum drizzled from his phallus and gyrating balls. His penis remained pumping in her delectable body a few minutes more. He was breathing heavilyâ€"sweat ran freely down his chest wetting the fur of Amura's back. Amura's ears were invaded by the lewd sounds of their mating. Each inward movement of his rod sent a gush of fluids down her inner thighs. The Minotaur moaned and fell to his knees as his last few bursts pulsed into the tigress. A sigh escaped Amura's lips as she felt her energy renewed. She crawled forward, hearing his dick come free of her with a wet pop. Tuning back toward him, she pounced, claws unsheathed. He was so tall that she was climbing him like a tree. He bucked and wavered about, trying to dislodge her, but her claws found deep purchase in his shoulders. Amura placed her succulent lips to his throat as if to kiss him, but when her mouth opened, it revealed cruel fangs. The strong pulse of his jugular beat against her lips. Her tongue ran lightly over the spot before she bit down hard. Venom flowed from her fangs infecting his bloodstream. His resulting pain caused him to fling her forward hard enough that her claws ripped clear through his shoulders. Losing purchase she tumbled through the air. Drunkenly the beast stumbled, his breast soaked red with blood. It took less than a minute for him to fall. Stumbling forward, Amura checked on her friend. The woman was awake but far from alert. Tired, Amura sat beside her feline sister-in-arms and rested for a moment. She rocked her hips, her legs twining as she enjoyed the sensation of a filled pussie. Across the room, stood something that seemed to be a mirror. Her image was reflected back at her. If that is a mirror. Why am I red?. Through the fog of her tired mind, she at last recognized the apparition. It's that damned dragon woman. "Siana?" "Goodnight tigress." Siana hissed. Amura was hit directly in the face with a blast of energy. Disoriented and confused, she stumbled backwards. Just before slumping to the floor, she felt Samantha awaken. The stone was cold against Amura's face, and her body felt chilled. She felt Samantha's gentle touch, but could not hear her words. As much as she fought it, she could hardly hold herself in this plane of consciousness. Amura sighed and lay barely alive. She must not submit. Amura willed her body to move, but she... She had no choice. Too faint from loss of blood, and drained by whatever Siana had done to her. Blackness enveloped Amura. "Siana, let her be!" Samantha was kneeling beside her friend. She was torn between protecting Amura or attacking Siana. "You my dear, have been very disrespectful of your master", Siana tongue flicked. "I want no part of your plans. You led me to my death once; I pray that you too will follow that path soon." Siana's red scales shone in the glow of her eyes, her movements were determined, the gait of one whom feared nothing. "The ritual of ascension draws near", Smoke drifted from her nostrils, as her temper flared, "It cannot be completed without a subject to harbor my seed". She wrapped her reptilian fingers around Samantha's neck, and pulled her up. Samantha's toes dangled above the ground as she faced Siana. "Now that you are a pure Catrai, you will finish what has begun. If you refuse, I will destroy everything you hold dear." "Siana, I have nothing. My castle lies in ruins, Shade is beyond my help. You cannot-" she was cut off mid-sentence. "Pardus yet lives." "What?" "As does your precious Amura." Samantha slumped. "Do what I ask, or you are going to regret the rest of your short life, my dear." Samantha knew better than to resist. It wasn't Siana's crushing grip on her throat; it was the knowledge that these weren't idle threats. The draconic woman would happily destroy everything in sight if it furthered her plans. She felt Siana delving into her mind, seeking the place where she could control her. After a long fruitless search, she flung Samantha away, disgusted. "You have been tainted by the spirit of Catherine." She narrowed her yellow slitted eyes, at the mirthful sounds that came from her victim, "Do not mock me. You know Amura's lineage as well as I. Nevertheless, I will kill her if you drive me to it." Standing to her feet, Samantha put her hands out trying to calm Siana. "So be it, this will have to be of your own choosing. When the time comes, you are going to allow me to control your will. For now, I must prepare for the ritual. In three days time I will expect to find you waiting in the city of Panthaleon " "What if I refuse"? Siana backhanded her viciously, "You wouldn't dare be that stupid." Samantha rubber her tender cheek, mumbling under her breath "Bitch". "Remember this, dear", magic flowed around Siana as she opened a portal, "If you betray me, I will not kill you. You will be left wishing for a death that will not come", she hissed, her reptilian tongue darting from her mouth between the words. With that, she stepped into the swirling portal. Her snakelike tail slithered inward, and then the door was gone, leaving Samantha alone with her thoughts. ## 24 Homecoming The room was damp; it seemed to pull the heat from one's body. Vaguely, the tigress noted that chains encircled her wrists, holding her upright. Amura's head lolled to the side. Her eyelids opened slightly revealing bloodshot orbs. Through blurred vision, a dim form began to take shape. Amura blinked a couple more times before she realized she was face-to-face with a minotaur. Trying to jump back, but finding her ankles shackled, Amura screamed in fear. "DEAD, YOU SHOULD BE DEAD!" she pulled hard against the chains, muscles tensing across her body. A small voice from behind, "Amura is it really you?" Amura was broken from her fit by that single sentence. It was so soft and familiar, a voice from the past. "Neko?" "Yes! Shane said it was you, but I had to hear your voice to truly believe." "Shane's here too?" "Yeah, I'm chained right in front of you". Amura looked at the minotaur again, only truly recognizing Shane this time. There was no need to fear the creature she had battled earlier; it was surely dead. Amura looked up to find golden chains around her wrists, they weren't exactly tight, but nevertheless she couldn't pull her hands free. A quick attempt at a spell proved to her that they did indeed stunt her magic. Ordinary iron shackles encircled her ankles. Behind her, Neko was bound in a similar fashion. She envied Shane; all of his bindings were of iron. After pulling fruitlessly against the chains for several minutes, Amura hung slack catching her breath. Shane looked at her, concerned and a little fearful of her vicious energy, "You won't be able to break them. Believe me I have already tried, and you are not nearly as strong as me". "Do you really believe that?" Amura did not mean for it to come out cruelly, but in some dark part of her heart it felt good to see Shane flinch. "Amura", the small voice again. "Have you seen Panthaleon?" "Yes, his fate is similar to our own." The perspiration on her palms was slick against the chains. Shane looked to her, the fear evident in his eyes, "You aren't going to go nutzo on us again are you?" "SHANE", Neko reprimanded him". Amura pulled at the chain again, frustrated. "It isn't his fault Neko. Perhaps he understands better than anyone else." Straining, she pulled again, her claws pricking her palms as she groaned, "If I don't get out of here soon I just might lose it!" I have the power to free myself red light gleamed in Amura's eyes Just once, to get free. "NO NEVER AGAIN"! She exclaimed. Shane flinched, Neko let out a small shriek. "sorry", Amura relented, and hung from the chains, breathing deeply. Before her eyes, Shane began to experience a slight problem. It did not take Shane long to notice where she was looking. Steadily his huge penis became engorged. "I can't help it if you're panting in front of me", Shane retorted defensively. "Can't help what?" The catgirl asked puzzled. "This just might work." Amura licked her lips apprehensively. Shane gave her a very confused look, as he hung feeling utterly exposed with his goods displayed toward the tigress. "What might work?" Neko asked, with her back to Amura, there was no way to really see what was going on. Just a little lubrication is all my hands need. "Shane, I need you to cum on me". "What!" "If I can slick my wrists enough, I should be able to slip free." Amura splayed her fingers, showing him her small hands, "It is the best chance we have". Neko felt her back brushing Amura as she strained to look behind her. "How do you expect to get me that excited?" "Have you forgotten?, I have a tail" Shane groaned when he felt her soft tail encircle his engorged shaft. "Yeah, that would probably work." Smiling, Neko lifted her tail between Amura's legs and waved it about until she too found Shane's manhood. When he felt both of their tails encircling his cock, Shane craned his neck back letting out a moan. "Come on Shane", Amura purred, "Let me have a taste." The sight of Amura licking her full lips would forever be etched in his mind. It was the visage of animalistic passion, a wild need that mankind knew nothing of. They continued in this fashion for a few minutes, but Shane knew he could not hold out much longer. Amura felt her own sex become stimulated as she and Neko's tails massaged her pussy while they passed by to grip the minotaur's rod. Mewling, Amura tried to lick her own breasts, but was unable to reach them. It was utter torture to be driven to the edge but unable to jump into that lovely realm of passion. "Come on baby", Neko cooed, "I don't want to hang down here forever". Shane desperately thrust his hips forward as he watched Amura do the same. Beads of perspiration ran down her body, dripping over the curvature of her erect nipples. Tight abs tensed as her sex spasmed. With burning lust, Shane looked on as his peak approached. "Tell me when you're ready!" Amura brought her tail down to his sheath where she could better aim his impending bursts. Neko's tail wound around Amura's own. The catgirl's sweaty back was pressed against Amura's striped fur. With the girl's shoulder blades massaging her spine, the tigress let loose a sensual cry. Shane had to grit his teeth as the enormous pressure in his cock teetered at the brink. Before him, Amura's fangs shown in the gloom as her animalistic cries came forth. Her heaving breast was so close he could have reached out to grope her had he not been chained so tightly. Neko felt Amura pull her hips back causing their tails to constrict tightly around the minotaur's member. Neko tensed a little, not expecting her tail to be yanked so hard when Shane's rod stiffened upward. Amura gasped as her puss spasmedâ€"clamping around the soft furry goodness of Neko's tail. The strain on Shane's face was obvious. Not much more to push him over now. Amura swayed her hips as she aimed his rod with her tail. The four stripes on her left arm shone with a dim blue light. Unable to take his eyes from Amura's creamy swaying thighs, Shane felt his release come. "Aghh". "Spray it; coat me from head to toe!" Shane complied gladly though he had little choice. There was no hope of him holding out any longer against her. Neko felt a few drops of warm liquid fall on her neck as Shane's cock tensed in the grip of her tail. Amura's manic giggling filled her ears caught with the undertones of Shane's moans and the wet splatter of cum splashing on Amura's fur. The first full burst hit Amura in the neck. As she guided him upwards she was hit in the face then the arm until she finally managed to get a splash of it on her palm. She used her tail to pull at his balls coxing more jets from him as she attempted to moisten her hands. Trying to ignore her growing orgasm, she worked her wrists in the chain while the last few bursts of his semen doused her belly. Once she was sure that her left hand was lubed up sufficiently, she pulled downward hard. She could feel the chain begin to slip as her joints strained, but was unable to pull free. Neko's voice, "Did it work". "Nah she can't do it". Can't do it! How dare he! Amura pulled again using her legs to generate more torque, There is nothing I cannot do! Shane did a double take as he saw Amura's eyes glow red. With a growl, her muscles tensed and she wrenched a hand free. The ensuing crack left Amura screaming, though wishing she could gasp for breath. Oh my god... Is my hand...No it didn't break...the joint is just dislocated. Tears streaming down her cheeks, Amura grasped her swollen thumb in her teeth. Wrenching her head to the side she heard another sickening crack as the joint slid back into place. Alright, that was so not fun.. "Amura! Are you okay?" "Yeah, yeah just give me a minute." Amura took a deep breath as she worked the cum generously onto her other hand. Just close your eyes girl. One little yank and you'll be free. To Amura's surprise, her other hand came loose quite easily. After quickly blasting the shackles on her ankles, with a conjured fireball, Amura stood and admired her now free self. "Neko." "Yes"? "You had better hope you have little hands."** Sometime later, the trio was wandering the estate's empty corridors. "Where did all the guards run off to?" Amura queried. "They left with Siana" Amura looked to Neko, "What?" "I didn't say a thing. Are you alright?" Amura squinted, rubbing her temples Samantha? "Head west, I will meet you at the entrance, along with Panthaleon". "You have Panthaleon!" Amura waited but received no answer from Samantha. Shane however seemed perturbed. "Amura, you are making me very uneasy. To whom are you speaking, and what does it have to do with Panthaleon". "Forget about it", Amura waved her hand at him dismissively then pointed left, "Samantha said to head this way". Shane and Neko both looked confused and slightly worried at this point, but they followed nonetheless; not wanting to be left behind. At the front door, they did indeed find Panthaleon who was having a discussion with Samantha. "Sire", Shane bowed slightly to the king. Walking toward the black-furred Catrai he found her to have dark blue tiger-stripes, "Sir Shane, milady". "And I'm Neko!" "Truly a pleasure", the Catrai offered her hand to Shane before rubbing Neko's cheek, "If Amura hasn't told you already, my name is Samantha of Whisperwood". Chuckling lightly, the minotaur rubbed his chin "Whisperwood you say? A friend of mine comes from there. She is a Kanin of your size, goes by the name Elvira". Samantha seemed to searching for the words to say, "Yâ€"Yes I know her. Though I doubt she would like to meet me." In one quick moment, Shane grabbed her around the neck. "Then you are the dark Catrai she warned me about!" Neko grabbed his arm with both hands, "Stop it Shane what are you doing!" "Back Neko", He gently tried to pull from her grasp, Samantha meanwhile remained motionless hanging in his grip. "Many have died in an attempt to stop her and her master, that dragon's spawn Siana". Amura who had been obliviously held in Panthaleon's arms, realized what was occurring. "Shane let her go!" "No, too many have died. It would do the world good for me to kill her with my bare hands". "Perhaps he is right Amura. Siana will take me back by force if necessary." Samantha thought calmly. Her eyes were deepâ€"sorrowful. Shane tightened his grip. "Princess Catherine herself is looking for you at this moment, with the single-minded mission of ending the trail or death you have wrought". "LET HER GO". Amura growled, her eyes burning with that unsettling fire again. "You don't know who she is." "No, it is you who does not know", as Amura stalked toward him, her fur began to darken. "If I don't do it, Validus will." "I don't care about this Validus, or what my cousin Catherine wants. Samantha may be the only salvation I have left". In that instance Amura lost recollection of what happened. When the dust settled, Shane lay on the floor, dazed and bleeding. Samantha knelt down to attend to him. "Shane this is all far beyond you". Amura fell to her knees, she could see the wayward sprigs of black hair in her fur. They mocked her weakness, I...Can...Fight...This! Neko meanwhile stood on tiptoes, not knowing what to say. Moving with the regality of his office, Panthaleon reached out a hand to help Shane to his feet. "Do not be too quick to judge her. While waiting for you to arrive I have learned much from Samantha." "But sire, you especially should be aware of what she is". "Nonetheless, she has made sacrifices that you could not imagine. Do not attempt to harm her, you can consider that to be a royal order." Tired and now more confused than ever, Shane bowed to Samantha, "My apologies. Though I would like to hear this story you have told King Panthaleon." "In due time. For now though, quickness is necessary. We felines can see well in the dark, but I doubt a minotaur like you would like to travel at night." During the journey, Amura queried Panthaleon incessantly about her son. Meanwhile Shane and Samantha had formed a shaky truce. Amura only prayed it would last. Late in the afternoon they came across a war camp flying Warrington's colors. The group rushed to Warrington's tent, but to Amura's despair they failed to find Chenoa. Warrington looked weary from his days of war, but managed a smile when he saw them. "Ah, my compatriots I do hope that life has been better to you as of late than to me." Amura walked forward, speaking tentatively. "Where is Chenoa?" She shrank back when he began to answer. The last time she had seen her childhood friend, her fate had looked grim. The same grim fate seemed to be behind Warrington's eyes as he searched for his words. "She is at our makeshift medical facility, but I doubt she would be conscious enough to see you". "We will see about that." Hiding her fear with a false shell of resolution, Amura marched outside and spied a tent laden with red crosses. Inside she found no medical personnel, just rows of injured soldiers lying on cots. It did not take long to spot Chenoa's white and black furry form among the injured. "Chenoa, are you awake?", large swaths of cloth wrapped her midsection. Nevertheless deep red splotches shone through. Obviously in pain, Chenoa opened her eyes, "I must be dead", she mumbled sarcastically. Amura rubbed her cheek to her friend's face, thankfulness resounding in her actions. She could find no words to express how she felt. Sometime later, the group sat in silence as Chenoa told Neko and Amura the severity of her wounds. "They say I will probably live, but nobody knows how long it will take for me to recover completely. The wound was low, just barely missing anything vital, but with all the scar tissue... I might never be able to rear pups." Amura grasped her friend's hand tightly. "But who knows", Chenoa gave a forced smile", I'll find out more when I am fully healed. "That may be sooner than you think", Amura whispered as a thought came to mind. Concentrating hard she transformed her body. Great wings spread from her back as she took on her angelic form. Her feathered wings drew a gentle breeze over Chenoa's body. Still keeping her energy focused, Amura laid her hands on Chenoa's abdomen. Seeing her transformation, Neko, Shane, Chenoa, and Panthaleon looked on in astonishment. Samantha just smiled, praying that Amura would be able to help. Great wisps of magical energy surrounded the Tigress and vixen. For twenty minutes, Amura held her position, but soon the strain became too great. Utterly exhausted magically and physically, she reverted to her Catrai form as she leaned on the cot for support. Looking revitalized, Chenoa stood to her feet. She winced deeply when she put a hand to her wound, but otherwise seemed to be fine. After unwrapping the gauze, they found nothing but a fresh scar running down her belly. Laughing and bouncing with joy, Chenoa hugged her friend tightly. The pressure obviously hurt her, but through tear-lidded eyes she hugged even tighter nonetheless. Not wanting to leave right off, the group spent that night in camp. On the morn, they said their goodbyes to Warrington and Chenoa, and then began their trip (now supplied with horses) to Panthaleon City. Samantha was strangely quiet for most the trip, but Amura did not want to press the issue. After dread weeks of traveling, they crested a hill and before them stood the proud city of Panthaleon. Upon entering the city gate, they witnessed a great crowd of vehement townsfolk. Through a hail of shouts, a magnificent white-tiger Catrai was standing on a podium arguing with some soldiers. "I wonder who he is?",Amura thought aloud. She saw recognition in Samantha's eye but received no answer. "Amura, go to the palace and wait for me. I have to see what the problem is." Panthaleon kissed her gently and then turned his horse toward the center of town. "Our son will no doubt already have heard of your arrival". Once inside the palace, Amura rushed to the prince's room. In the months since she had seen him, the young lion had grown much. Though he was only half true Catrai, he still matured very quickly. For now though, she held the youth to her body not wanting to ever release him. She stayed with the prince until as he lay in bed, his drooping eyes finally closed allowing him to drift to sleep. On silent cat feet, she crept from the room, not wanting to wake him. A wide smile overtook Amura's face, she felt that in a sense, her life was whole again. When Amura reached the royal bedchambers, Samantha was waiting for her. In the corner of the room a glowing portal swirled. "Samantha, what is going on!" Amura felt her stomach clench at the sight of the ominous portal. "Easy my friend, this is the way it has to be." "What do you mean?" "I return for your safety, I am going back to Siana to complete the ritual of ascension". "You don't have to do it. We can fight her. An Imperial regiment waits just beyond the city gates". Amura stretched her arm southward, her eyes were wide almost pleading. "It would do no good. Such an attempt would only result in more undue bloodshed". "Then I will fight her myself!" "Though you are immune to her charms as well as mine. The task would be too great". "Then I use the dark power within me." "You cannot control it, and until you can, such an attempt would be that of a fool." "We can flee, to the ends of the earth if need be." "Now that she knows I live, no matter where we go she can transport there in an instant.", Samantha was holding back a river of tears. It was a sorrow she had no wish for Amura to see. Amura grasped her friend's hand. "Before I leave, I must tell you something that should not go to my grave." Samantha breathed deeply, "Catherine is more than a cousin to you." "Huh?" "She is to be the next queen of the Catrai, but to protect the crown, her sister was banished from the royal house. It was you Amura, you are her twin sister. I pray that this information serves you well." "But why would she let such a thing happen." "Likely she has as little knowledge of this occurrence as you did. It is said that your blue fur and the markings on your arm are an ill omen; the sign of a dark one. Only by the queen's order, your mother's order, were you allowed to live." "My entire childhood, was all a lie..?" Amura's tail fell to the floor as her ears drooped. "Goodbye my friend, do not try to pursue me. You have a good life here, live it for me." With a farewell kiss, she turned to the portal and walked through. In a flash, the room went dark. The only sound Amura could perceive was that of her thoughts. The minutes ticked by. On a fine silken rug the tigress sat staring into nothingness. Amura made not a sound, but inside she was screaming. In dark corners of her mind, she envisioned that a shaded form was laughing, taunting her. Tears burned in the corners of her eyes. She felt as if she had lost a part of herself. A part that would hopefully not be filled with the black hate in her soul. Alone... Cast aside by my family. Samantha... How can I do this without you... God help me.