Saga One, Chapter One: Parting from the Familiar
AUTHOR'S NOTES: It's here! It's finally here! After a ton of work and headaches, the first chapter of the new fantasy series, Keeper of Shadow, is finally complete! This story is a the first part of a new series that will be continuing in the near future (I hope.) I really hope that you enjoy it. Comments on this and ony other submissions already made are always welcome here or via e-mail.
Now for the fair warnings. Everything that follows is copyright Ebon Jackal. Do not steal or redistribute without permission. Ask before you take. You'll find I'm a nice guy if you get my go ahead first. Also, there IS a M/F sex scene with anthro felines in the later portion of this story. Before you read, confirm your age and your views on sex in written media. If either is out of whack for such content, walk away now!
...Still here? Awesome! Please enjoy the first installment of Keeper of Shadow.
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Keeper of Shadow: Prowl Saga
Chapter 1- Parting from the Familiar
"Harth, this is the most unwise decision you have ever made." the tiger said, baring his fangs in frustration.
"I assure you, he is the only one suited for this responsibility." Harth replied, sitting in his usual meditative position in the Chamber of Eons. "I have looked into this matter, and I did not make my decision lightly. I knew you would all disagree strongly with my choice, but then, you cannot read the secrets of souls as easily as I."
"Not nearly." the young squirrel archer stated, stepping forward. "Still, I'm worried about one particular detail."
"Oh?" Harth knew what the boy's concern was already, but he chose to listen anyway.
"You showed us his image in our minds. He looked menacing enough as he is, but I saw something on his clothing that brings back old hatred."
"What do you mean?" asked a lizard girl nearby.
"The emblem on sewn onto his bandana. It was a blood red sphere with a black katana in the center. Anyone who has seen that emblem knows to fear it!"
The others in the room gasped. All except for Harth. An arctic wolf priestess spoke up "You don't mean he's-"
"I do!" the squirrel answered, fighting to hold back the anger burning inside of him. "He's a member of the Blademoon Clan!"
"Enough, Erin!" Harth cried out, silencing the squirrel. "I understand his former allegiance is a concern for all of you. But, as you all know, that group was destroyed some time ago. Thus, he has no ties to them, save whatever they taught him. I believe that, once combined with the stealth combat techniques he has acquired through his clan, he will make excellent use of the power I plan to give him."
"What if he turns against us?" asked the well-dressed eagle next to him. "What if he also learned the improper state of mind from those devils who trained him?"
"We all know what happens if such a power is abused." answered a brown rabbit from behind. "Besides, if I am right about him, then he is not that way."
"How would you know?" asked the warrior bull on the opposite side of the chamber. "Have you never seen firstpaw the destruction his clan once wrought?"
"As a matter of fact, I have. An agent of that clan assassinated one of my masters." The rabbit hung his head and tried to suppress the unhappy memory. "But, there is something about this one. Something in his eyes. I can't quite place it, but I would almost think I've met him before."
"Regardless, the decision has been made." Harth said. "When the time comes, I shall bring him here. Until that time, all of you should continue practicing. You never know when your powers as Keepers might be useful." The other furs in the chamber left, and Harth went back into meditation. Before his mind sank into the ease of the beyond, he thought to himself "I foresee many hardships, and they all will involve this Blademoon agent. I can only hope I have not made an error in choosing him to receive such a gift as this most treacherous power."
-Elsewhere-
"This'll be the easiest gold I've ever made." Prowl thought to himself, sitting in an oak tree branch with his kunai at the ready. "One hit to the back, a slit throat if that fails, cut off his pendant as proof, collect my reward. Simple. I might even get to toy with him before he falls dead. Oh, what fun!"
Prowl was a young black panther, about twenty-five years old, with a sleek physique. He was not grossly muscular, but he had enough to set normal furs shaking. At all times, he wore a body-hugging, midnight blue garb that made absolutely no sound, no matter how much Prowl rustled around in it. Also, there was a short black scarf that flowed gently in the wind. Right now he was on a mission from the Emperor, so he wore his black bandana that showed his Blademoon emblem on it, along with a small katana slung over his back and a pack full of kunai on a belt. He normally preferred to keep his past hidden from others, unless they were bound to secrecy or doomed to die by his paws.
Prowl was growing tired of waiting for his quarry, and his mind began to wander. Slowly, but surely, the memories of the Blademoon Clan began to dominate his mind. A leader of the clan had taken Prowl from his parents when he was just an infant. The fur wanted to raise Prowl to be one of his followers, but he treated Prowl with special care. The little panther was given private lessons from the time he could walk unaided. His master taught him every secret of the trade, as well as many of his own special techniques, and challenged Prowl to master them on his own. Such a thing had never been done before in the entire history of the Blademoon. All of the others were taught in mass classes and trained to master their stealth techniques all at the same pace.
Prowl's master was different in more ways than just that, however. The Blademoon had once been a noble clan, hiring themselves out only to noblemen or important political figures who needed protection. Eventually, that sense of pride and dignity deteriorated, leaving behind a hollow shell of a once grand group. By the time Prowl was taken in, the Blademoon had become a feared league of rogues that would perform any job that promised them gold or power. Prowl's master knew all about the corruption, and he had always stood firm against it. He never performed any tasks for the clan, and he was rarely seen by anyone besides his students and the other clan leaders. Prowl respected his master greatly for his integrity, and vowed to always remain true to the values that his clan had once held.
Of course, now the Blademoon were all but extinct. Prowl was born during the last days of the War of Eons, when foolish and power-hungry mortal rulers had challenged the power of the gods. When Prowl was ten years old, the Army of the Heavens tore into the training encampment where he lived with his master. The Army left none alive. The only reason Prowl had survived was because his master had taken a holy arrow that was intended for him. With his dying breath, his master wished him good luck and willed to him every possession he had. Prowl wept himself to sleep that night, then set out the next morning with a small stock of weapons, all of his master's scrolls, and a fiery passion in his heart which rivaled that of his teacher. Ever since that time, Prowl had been on his own, remaining true to his master's lessons and trying to restore glory to the name of his clan. He had become a rather impressive stealth warrior in those long years, and anyone who became his target was foredoomed to a hellish death.
Prowl shelved his thoughts as he heard a rustling in the bushes. His unfortunate target was coming. "That's right, my friend." he whispered under his breath. "Come out into the open where I can see your wretched face!" Not one second later, an extravagant-looking ferret man with a particularly striking silver pendant emerged from the brush of the woods, a satisfied smile on his face and a heavy bag of gold in his left paw.
"Heh. Stupid peasants." the ferret said aloud, obviously unaware that he was being watched. "Do they even bother to read the papers before they just give their gold away? Oh well, if they're too incompetent to comprehend a tax form, then I'm free to do with those figures as I wish!" He chuckled slyly, opening the bag to look at the glittering coins inside. "Yes, I think this will fetch me a new dress for my mistress at the least."
"Indeed?" Prowl called out in a loud whisper, his words seeming to echo briefly then fade into the gloom of the forest. "And exactly how much extra coin did you extort today, Grunn?"
The ferret closed the bag and glanced about nervously, his eyes casting this way and that to find his unseen visitor. "Who calls me? How do you know my name?"
"Hehe. Don't you know it's a horrid crime to steal money from those already less fortunate than you?"
Grunn was becoming more distressed by the second. Something was stalking him, and he could not see nor tell from where its voice came. "Th...these peasants are but grubby fools! They don't deserve to have any money to spend! Money should belong to those who will put it to wiser use!"
"As though buying a dress for a whore is a wiser thing than food and drink. I find your logic terribly flawed."
"Show yourself, whatever you be! Tell me who you are!"
Prowl jumped swiftly down from the branch, throwing one kunai at Grunn as he descended. The small knife struck the ferret in his left shoulder, causing him to scream in pain and drop the gold he was carrying. Prowl landed on his feet behind the ferret without a noise, then quickly bounded forward and wrapped one arm tightly around Grunn's neck, a second kunai in his paw.
"The answer is simple, my friend." Prowl whispered coldly into Grunn's ear. "I am an executioner." With one final motion, his arm pulled across Grunn's neck, and the kunai proved its sharpness on his throat. Grunn let out a death rattle, then fell to the ground lifeless.
Prowl knelt down to retrieve his thrown kunai and the bag of coin, then cut off Grunn's silvery pendant and placed it in the bag as well. "It's corrupt fiends like you that give the Emperor's tax collectors a bad name!" he said to the dead corpse, rising and turning away. "I'm sure his excellency will be glad to know that you have passed along in terror." With that, Prowl put everything back into his belt pouch and walked back toward the Imperial City. The Emperor would be waiting for him.
-One Hour Later-
Prowl was walking through the Crimson Hall in the palace with his bandana removed. The panther cast his eyes around, for they were still in wonder of its splendor though he had seen it many times before. Its marble ceiling was nearly fifty feet above him, and the hall itself was lined with beautiful scarlet and gold columns. Between each set was a different door, leading to the various hallways and rooms of the palace. All of the floors were covered by a dark red carpet that was soft to the touch, in case any barefoot visitors should come through. The present Emperor had always been renowned for his hospitality to others, no matter who they were. As long as they were peaceful and meant no ill, they were a welcomed guest in his halls.
Prowl approached the double doors at the farthest end of the hall, the entrance to the throne room of the Emperor. He was about to walk up to them and put his paw on the door handle when a pair of halberds fell in an X across them.
"Halt!" a muscular rhino in Imperial bloodiron armor said to Prowl, the shaft of one of the halberds in his clutches. "The Emperor will see no visitors at this time!"
Prowl glanced at the guard and clicked his tongue in disappointment. "Still a little overzealous in your duties, Aziyt. I should think you would know a servant of his majesty when you have seen him so very often."
"As always, Prowl, I am merely following orders. The Emperor has requested that nofur be admitted inside of the throne room. He is conducting important business."
"Of what nature?"
"He did not say. Rather odd, I must admit. Never has he been so secretive."
"Indeed, especially to his own captain of the guard." the raptor guard on the opposite side of the door added.
"Hmm." Prowl mumbled, intrigued. It was quite true that the Emperor had never been very blank about his doings, particularly not to his guards or soldiers. The panther wondered what sort of business could be so important that he would find it necessary to isolate himself from any visitor, something also uncharacteristic of his majesty.
This wonder soon dissolved, however, as there came a knock on the door from inside the room. Aziyt and the raptor pulled their halberds away from the door and stood up straight, whereas Prowl took a step back and went down on one knee with his head bowed in humility. Soon afterward, the doors came open and the Emperor emerged from the confines of the throne room, a flowing crimson and silver garb wrapped around his golden mouse body.
"All hail Emperor Murienth!" the other three furs said in unison, and the Emperor shook his whiskers and smiled warmly.
"Thank you for keeping such a diligent watch, Captain Aziyt." the royal mouse said to his guard, nodding in approval. "I shall see to it that you are given a little extra mead tonight for that service, you and the Lieutenant both." Turning to Prowl, he added "I see that you followed my orders to the letter. You would not even allow my most loyal mercenary inside."
"He did not plead entrance, milord." Aziyt said calmly. "In fact, he only just arrived here."
"Indeed, I only entered the palace doors one or two minutes ago, milord." Prowl admitted, still bowing his head.
Murienth gave an amused chuckle and stepped forward. "I assume, then, that you have come because you have completed your task."
"Yes, milord Emperor."
"Then rise, my friend, and let us discuss the matter in a more private place." Prowl did so, and Murienth walked along the hallway with him until they reached the door of the war room. The Emperor opened the door and ushered Prowl inside. As soon as the panther was in the door, Murienth walked through as well and locked the door behind them.
The war room had not been put to its intended use since the War of Eons, but it was still in good condition. Its walls were constructed of white stone bricks, the floors were carpeted, and the seven chairs were made of velvet and mahogany. The only other pieces of furniture in the room were an oaken table in the center and various instruments of war hanging on the wall. Not a single speck of dust could be found, as the Emperor always ordered his cleaners to keep the room spotless for any of his mercenary guests. This room was now a private place where he and his hirelings could discuss secretive business.
Turning to Prowl, Emperor Murienth put on another warm smile and jumped straight to questioning him about the mission.
"Was it true, Prowl? I do hope you did not slay him without first confirming my suspicions."
"You had said that Grunn always turned in the tax money on this day every year. I found him glaring at this and gloating to himself about how easily he had stolen it." Prowl removed the bag of gold from his belt pouch and presented it to the Emperor. Murienth took it in his paws, opening it and looking inside.
"I see." he finally said, then gave a slightly disturbed look. "But, what exactly is this?" Prowl watched as the mouse removed a bloodstained kunai from the bag.
"Oh, a thousand pardons, milord!" Prowl exclaimed, taking the knife and putting it back in his belt pack with an embarrassed chuckle. "It was used to commit my deed."
"And I see that you procured his amulet as well." the Emperor added, removing it from the bag and placing it inside his robe. "Good work, Prowl."
"I only do as you request, milord Emperor."
"And in your task you have excelled once more."
"Thank you, your majesty."
"Now, to settle the reward." Murienth paced the floor as he contemplated the possibilities. "I had originally planned on you only investigating this abuse of power, but I am pleased to see that you chose to assassinate him as well. Tax collectors such as Grunn are difficult to bring to justice in more civil ways. In consideration of this, I think it might behoove me to offer you the money he extorted as an advance on the original reward."
"No, milord. You need not-"
"Do not attempt to refuse my kindness, Prowl. I'll order it upon you, if I must." Murienth gave a joking smile, something that few ever saw him do.
Prowl shook his head and returned the Emperor's smile. "Very well, milord. I accept." He waited as the Emperor pulled a second sack of gold from the folds of his royal garb and presented them to the panther. Prowl accepted both of the bags.
"How do you plan to spend your reward, if you don't mind my asking?"
"In my mind, milord, there's only one way to spend money made by slaying sinners."
"And how is that?"
"On sin itself!" Prowl gave a sly smirk, and the Emperor laughed heartily.
"Very well! Off to the inn with you, then." Prowl gave a respectful bow and walked over to the door. Before he could leave, he turned over his shoulder to look at Emperor Murienth once more. Something had changed. The mouse's face now wore a frown instead of its usual friendly smile, and his eyes betrayed a deep sense of trouble.
"What's wrong, milord?" Prowl asked.
Murienth shook his head and looked at the panther. "N... nothing, my friend. Nothing at all."
Prowl frowned in suspicion, but he did not wish to press his employer on such a matter. "Very well, milord. Until our next meeting."
"Yes, until then." Murienth waved farewell as Prowl turned around again and exited the war room.
A pack of gold in each paw, Prowl began to walk back down the Crimson Hall toward the palace entrance. As he neared the door, he heard a voice from behind.
"Hold a moment, Prowl." The panther turned to find Captain Aziyt approaching him.
"You wish to speak to me?" Prowl asked.
"Yes. I wondered, did his majesty seem troubled as you spoke to him?"
"Not during the discussion, no. I did notice that he seemed a little distraught as I was leaving. I tried to ask him what the matter was, but he wouldn't reveal anything. Why do you ask?"
Aziyt suddenly frowned. "Emperor Murienth has been this way for many days. It seems as though some grave matter weighs heavily upon his heart. I am not exactly certain when this trouble started, but his majesty has not been the same since. He has taken to locking himself up in various rooms of the palace and allowing nofur inside. Admittedly, I have overheard him talking to himself some of those times, and in most hurt tones."
"Is this connected to the business he was conducting today, you think?"
"I have no doubt. In any case, though he has done a fairly good job of hiding his emotions, I can tell that something is terribly wrong."
Prowl suddenly found himself with a frown similar to Aziyt's. He had to admit that all of this was very strange, if not a slight bit unnerving. Emperor Murienth had never seemed troubled before, yet now all of the obvious signs were pointing toward something awful. The panther debated in his mind what sort of event could have thrown the Emperor into such strife.
"Thank you for the conversation, Captain." Prowl eventually sighed. "I'm afraid I must be off. The inn awaits." With that, he carried his new concerns along with his newly acquired gold out of the Crimson Hall and into the moonlit streets of the Imperial City.
*****
"Another ale, Firehorn!" Prowl called out, sliding two more gold pieces across the bar.
"In a moment, old friend!" the bartender, a middle-aged mountain goat named Amos Firehorn, responded. He turned his back to Prowl as he took the coins and added them to the small box behind the bar. The assassin panther was now inside the noisy walls of the Blazing Star Inn, the shadiest of the many inns in the Imperial City. Many people, such as prostitutes and thieves, found the inn to be a haven for many of their kind. Firehorn himself never really approved of some of the folk who came into his establishment, but they usually brought him generous fistfuls of money as well, so he was not known to complain unless his guests caused too much trouble, such as using weapons or committing overly heinous crimes. This, in turn, gave the Blazing Star its reputation as the best inn in the city for those who enjoyed some of the darker pleasures in life.
Prowl was drinking his sixth pint of ale when a massive brown stallion walked up behind him, casually leaning against the bar. The panther stopped drinking to look him over. He was easily seven feet tall with a decidedly ridiculous amount of muscle. Prowl pretended to be intimidated by his abs, in full sight thanks to the horse's lack of a shirt. No weapons were visible, however, which made the assassin worry even less.
"Evening, friend." the horse said. "How much mead's gone down yer throat tonight?"
"On my sixth pint." Prowl responded casually, turning away and going back to his drink. "And, to be more accurate, it's Firehorn's own special brew. Most expensive drink in the house."
"Must have a mountain of gold here, then."
"Indeed."
"Mind if I get me some of it?" The horse slowly moved a hand toward Prowl's belt pouch, but found it stopped by a clawed black paw.
"I do, as a matter of fact." Prowl said calmly. "You can have this instead."
Prowl jumped up quickly and used his left elbow to deliver a blow to the horse's head, then landed on the wooden barstool where he was sitting not one second before. The horse stumbled back a few steps, surprised by the panther's speed. With a vicious cry, he charged Prowl with fists clenched. Just as his right hand came down in a crushing hit, Prowl jumped again so that the horse only managed to break the seat with his enormous might. In midair, the panther spun his right leg around, kicking his foe in the nose. As the horse stepped back once again, Prowl landed in the pile of broken wood that was once his seat at the bar, turning sideways and putting his fists in a fighting position. By this time, all eyes rested on the two opponents and no voices were heard, save a few gasps from the more impressed spectators.
"What the devil are you?" the horse cried angrily.
"The wrong panther to steal from." Prowl answered coolly. He quickly leaped forward and took the offensive. The stallion's grunts and groans of pain rang clear as Prowl put up a furious, unrelenting barrage. Only the keenest of eyes could have seen all of his movements. A swarm of fast punches, followed by a butterfly kick to the face, a double punch, a right backhand, a hard left punch, and a spinning right uppercut for the final hit.
At least, that was what Prowl had hoped for. Before he could bring his right arm down again, the horse grabbed him with both hands, throwing the panther over his back and toward a table. Prowl landed hard against it, knocking away a plate of food that was there.
"Watch where you're flying!" a female voice yelled. Prowl looked up from the table to see a pretty tigress sitting at it with a fork in her paw. Apparently, he had knocked away her meal.
"Heh. Pardon me." Prowl apologized, smiling timidly and waving. In the next instant, he hardened his eyes again and kipped off the table, landing on his feet and turning to the horse.
"Not done yet, panther?" the horse asked, his cockiness all too obvious.
"Correct." Prowl wasted no time, throwing another frantic stream of attacks at his opponent. Blow after blow landed with sickening sounds, pushing the horse back as he was racked with pain at the power of the panther's hits. Finally, with all his might, Prowl delivered an airborne double kick, using the force of his attack to backflip to his feet while his foe fell to the floor exhausted, breaking a few tables while he dropped. Prowl stood a little longer in his fighting pose, then went to a more easy position and brushed his scarf with his paw.
"How entertaining." he mused quietly, strolling back to the bar and sitting in the seat closest to his former one. All eyes now followed him, with no noise heard besides the sporadic breath of the horse lying in the pile of broken wood on the floor.
"Prowl, you know I don't approve of fistfights in my establishment." Firehorn said, as he had been watching the entire fight and worrying about the amount of damage the combatants had caused.
"True, but I did refrain from using my weapons." Prowl mentioned, taking three kunai out of his belt pouch and fanning them out to show the old goat. Firehorn examined the tiny blades, then clicked his tongue in disapproval.
"I thought I asked you to check in your weapons when you sat down."
"No, only my katana." Prowl pointed out.
"Ye Gods! I would think you would know what I meant when I said 'Gimme your steel'!"
"Very well, Firehorn." Prowl removed an empty bag from his belt pouch, since he always made it a habit to keep all of his gold in the same one. One by one, he placed all of his kunai inside, then handed them to the goat. Firehorn eyed the bag for a moment, then placed it next to the panther's sword underneath the bar.
"Thanks for cooperating, Prowl. Wish all my guests would do that."
"Not a problem. I'm not here to cause trouble."
"You seem to cause quite a stir among the women here, though." Firehorn commented, chuckling.
Prowl gave a smirk. "That's not my fault. They need to be a bit harder to sway."
"Most of the ones in my inn are."
"Heh. That's only because the buffoons who come here don't know how to treat a woman."
"And you do?"
"Of course." Prowl stood up and began to walk away. "In fact, I need to relax a bit after that bout, so allow me to demonstrate."
Firehorn shook his head as he watched Prowl approach the tigress sitting at the window table. "And in five minutes, he'll ask for a room with a bed for two." he thought, picking up an empty mug and wiping it with a wet cloth.
Prowl walked up slowly and leaned against the table, waiting for the tigress to turn her face to him. She looked a little more innocent than the usual sort of woman who would frequent the Blazing Star. She wore a simple white shirt and a clean orange skirt that went down to the floor. Her fur was a fairly common orange and black, and her eyes were a deep green. Despite her plain appearance, Prowl found himself entranced by her for a reason he could not explain. He decided to converse with her.
"Hello." he said, smiling.
"You again?" the tigress replied, still a little angry over the earlier incident. "Haven't you caused me enough trouble for one night?"
"Not yet, I'm afraid." Prowl stood up straight and started digging in his belt pouch. "Exactly what were you eating, if I may ask?"
"Codfish. Why?"
Prowl found a nearby waitress and spoke to her quietly for a few moments, handing her a pawful of gold as she left. Walking back to the table, he sat down across from the tigress.
"What was that about?" she asked.
"She said that your food will be done in a short while." he answered. "And don't worry about paying for it, I took the liberty."
The tigress gave him a confused look, but offered up a soft "Thank you."
"No reason to thank me. I need to make up for what I did before, after all."
The tigress looked away for a moment, then turned her eyes back to her new guest. "May I ask your name?"
"I'm known as Prowl."
"Prowl? Quite a strange name."
"I tend to agree. Now, what are you called?"
"Sen."
"Sen. Simple, yet elegant. It seems rather fitting."
Sen leaned forward a little. "You seem to be very different from the other kinds who stay here."
"Indeed. For instance, I actually make an honest living."
She gave a slight chuckle. "What sort of living? Do you fight in the Arena?"
"No, though I have many friends who do."
"You would probably do very well there, seeing as how you've just defeated one of the crowd favorites."
It was Prowl's turn to give a look of confusion. "Who?"
"The stallion. He is known only as Crusher. He used to be the champion of the Arena, and was able to hold the title for three years. That is, until Aziyt came and defeated him."
"And then Aziyt left the Arena forever without allowing him a rematch, correct?"
"Yes. How did you know?"
"I know Captain Aziyt quite well."
"Oh. Then you must make a living from the Emperor somehow."
"I do."
"One of his mercenaries, perhaps?"
"My, my, you're quite perceptive. How did you guess?"
"Your fighting style. It's not the same as the guards, and you certainly fight with less brute force than a typical soldier."
"Of course. Strength alone is useless against fluidity."
"Fluidity?"
"Yes. Fluidity, ease of motion, control of physical and spiritual force, however you like to think of it."
"Hmm. You speak with the knowledge of a master martial artist."
"You... know of the martial arts?"
"Indeed. My lover was very well-versed in them. He knew many different styles, and not a day went by that he was not seeking to hone his already impressive skills."
"Interesting. Where is he now?"
"Traveling. I have not seen him in nearly four years."
"Oh, my apologies. I did not mean to-"
"There is nothing to forgive. He did not even promise me to wed, so I feel that he has forgotten me by now. His passion for me was strong, but his passion for greater power was stronger."
"I see. Then, have you been seeking another?"
"Yes, but not very vigorously." She smiled seductively. "However, I do find myself abed with a strong, handsome male from time to time."
Prowl looked into Sen's eyes, then returned her smile. "Have you no morals?"
"Of course I do."
"Then why offer me yourself for a single night's pleasure? Would you not rather find the right life partner first?"
"Lust is so much grander a feeling than love. With it, you can experience physical joys that come from love without concerning yourself with emotional bonding. In my mind, if I find the right partner, the emotional bonds will be almost instant. Until then, I am determined to enjoy myself."
"I see. In that case, why me?"
"As I said before, you are much different from the other sorts of men who come in here. You seem to be good of heart in the end, and you've proven that you're extraordinarily powerful. That is what drew me to my former lover, and I can never deny that such qualities together will always leave me powerless against my feelings."
"You make such decisions on your emotions rather quickly. Are you certain they are true?"
"Indeed. My feelings since my lover left me have yet to lead me terribly astray."
"Hmm. Then who am I to deny you your pleasure tonight?" Prowl stood and extended a paw to the tigress. "Won't you come with me, milady?"
Sen stood up and took Prowl by the paw, drawing close to his side. Prowl smiled warmly and started walking with her toward Firehorn, who was waiting by the bar.
"Firehorn, I think you know my request." Prowl said, removing his belt pouch and handing it to the goat.
"I do indeed." he replied, reaching under the bar and taking out a brass key. "Don't worry, I'll only take as much gold as needed."
"I know." Firehorn handed him the key. "Unlike your patrons, you're an honest fur. And feel free to take some to pay for repairs as well. I have plenty to spare."
"I will, and bless you for the generosity."
"No thanks are necessary, old friend. I'm merely taking responsibility."
Prowl turned back to Sen, who was nuzzling his arm and purring invitingly. The panther smiled again and made for the wooden staircase that led to the upper floor and to the guest rooms. At the top of the stairs, he turned to Sen and looked into her eyes.
"Are you certain about this?" he asked.
"Absolutely." Sen answered.
"Then follow." He led Sen to the locked door at the far end of the upper hall, using the key he had received from Firehorn to unlock it. Inside was a simple bedroom that was reserved mostly for couples who spent the night. A large, well made bed with a chest at the foot (in case there were any valuables with the pair) and a nightstand next to it. There were also six candles at the nearby window for any illumination that might be needed, two of which were already lit.
"I take it that you've used this room quite often." Sen commented, looking around.
"I have." Prowl answered. "You see, you're not the only one of us who finds lust to be one of the greater things in life."
Sen gave a titter. "Then let us waste no time. The night will only last so long." The tigress went straight to taking off her blouse and dress.
"Heh. You're eager, I see. I enjoy that in a woman." Prowl began taking off his own clothing as he watched Sen slowly unveiling her gorgeous naked form before him. Her stripes were laid out in a most stunning pattern, and her chest was covered by soft off-white fur that looked rather beautiful against the orange and black of the rest of her perfectly curved body.
Sen was, meanwhile, growing more and more enticed by Prowl's own form. She had seen a few panthers nude in her time, but he was unlike any that she had ever witnessed. His figure was well-sculpted and muscular, though not nearly as overly masculine as someone like Crusher. That combined with his perfectly black fur and stunning yellow eyes was beginning to increase her already powerful feelings of lust. She needed him on top of her soon.
"I must say, Sen," Prowl soon said "the men you've bedded with in the past must've felt like the luckiest men in the world."
"As you will soon." she answered.
Prowl gave Sen a playful smirk as he drew up close, wrapping his arms around her and closing his eyes. Instinctively, both moved their faces toward the other and let their lips meet in a kiss. Sen gave a small sigh and wrapped her arms around Prowl, pulling his body even closer until they were pressed together tightly.
For a long time, neither made any movements or sounds. Soon afterward, both parted their mouths, their tongues darting forward and sliding over each other. It was almost as if the two had planned the entire scene up to that point, not a single move being made without the other. Prowl began to slowly run his paws over Sen's back, making her shiver slightly as his fingers crept along. She found her own paws gyrating over his shoulder blades, then moving around to the front. The panther moaned quietly on feeling her touch his chest.
Sen broke the kiss slowly, opening her eyes and feeling over Prowl's chest muscles. "So well-built. How hard have you trained to maintain a form like this?"
Prowl smiled, arching his body toward her slightly and allowing her to run her paws over him. "To me, the training I've done is standard. Everyone who's heard me speak of it, however, seems to think I'm insane."
Sen giggled, sensuously sliding her paws down to his abs. "How so? What sort of exercises do you do?"
Prowl thought for a moment. "Pushups with large stones on my back, leg lifts while trying to balance heavy logs on my feet, katas on thin poles of bamboo towering above a pit of blades. That sort of thing."
Sen gave him an amazed stare, her manipulations stopping as she tried to speak. "That's... rather impressive. How can you possibly find that easy?"
"Conditioning isn't supposed to be easy. If one doesn't keep adding to the difficulty, then they can never hope to improve."
The tigress blinked, then smiled and began rubbing Prowl's body again. "So much like my old lover." she whispered.
"What?"
"He never could accept himself as he was. He always felt a need to improve. Though, I was so certain he would injure himself by trying to go beyond his limits. Somehow, he persevered."
Prowl nodded. "He seems like a determined man."
"He was." Sen slid her paws down Prowl's body further, running them smoothly over his legs. "But, let us not worry about the past. We are here in the present, after all."
Prowl gave a lusting smirk. "Yes. And the present is about to become much sweeter." He moved closer to Sen, sending his paws around to gently massage her breasts. She gave a soft moan of approval, stopping her own actions and clutching his paws. Slowly, she began to guide his motions, helping him slide his groping fingers around the firm orbs and closing her eyes to let the feeling take over.
"Are you certain you're a mercenary, Prowl?" Sen asked, moving his paws down to her nipples.
Prowl nodded. "Yes. Why?"
Sen opened her eyes and smirked. "From the skill in your actions, I would have mistaken you for an explorer."
Prowl returned her expression, slowly rubbing his fingers against her teats. "I had a very knowledgeable guide, you know?"
"Not every explorer goes alone."
Prowl returned his focus to his work, using his thumbs to tease Sen's already hardening nipples. The tigress purred and sighed from his gentle yet eager touch, putting her paws on his hips and curling her striped tail around his back. Looking down, she noticed a bit of pink beginning to show, announcing the panther's arousal. In the back of her mind, she smiled. She enjoyed men who were ready, even when she did little to coax them.
Prowl doubled his efforts, adding to his effectiveness. As he continued to flick her nipples, he slowly gyrated his paws, massaging the swollen globes in small circles. She had to tightly close her eyes and let out a loud sigh of approval.
"You have... great skill, Prowl." the tigress noted.
"Thank you, Sen." he responded. Soon after, his motions began to slow to a stop. He let go of Sen's breasts, drawing closer and placing his paws on her ribs. "Tell me. Would you find this more comfortable lying down?"
Sen glanced back to the bed behind them, then up at Prowl with another smirk. She slowly pulled away started to move toward it.
"Only if I'm on my back." she answered, lying down on the bed. She rested her head against a pillow, spreading her legs a bit to give Prowl a glimpse of the treasure between them.
The panther watched for a moment, then chuckled and moved over. Standing next to the bed, he looked down at Sen with a smile laced by sudden desire.
"Are you certain you wouldn't rather be in control of this?" Prowl commented, getting onto the bed and using his paws to keep his body suspended above the tigress.
"I love men who aren't afraid to take the lead." Sen answered, taking Prowl by the wrists. With a broad grin, she tugged hard, causing Prowl's paws to leave the bed and his body to tumble down to her. Their chests pressed together in moments, and Sen smiled as she felt his penis slip over her nether regions from the fall. Before Prowl had a chance to react, she brought her arms around him, pressing his upper body closer against her. The panther gave a soft purr from feeling her breasts against him and the sudden realization of where his love organ rested.
"Then why are you suddenly trying to overpower me, Sen?" Prowl tried to move, but found her grip on him to be too tight. For a female who had probably never seen combat, his partner was strong indeed. Using force, however, was out of the question, since he did not want to injure the beautiful woman lying against him. Instead, he moved his mouth down to her neck, then wrapped his lips around it and started sucking gently.
Sen felt a sudden sense of pleasure shooting through her, like rapids in a river. She was surprised by Prowl's technique, and a little curious. After all, it seemed unlikely to her that such feelings could come from a simple suck on her neck. Though, to the panther's credit, it was more than enough to help her become lost in its feel and loosen her hold as the pleasure continued.
As soon as her arms had loosened enough, Prowl wriggled his body up a bit, bringing his shaft up to her cunt and grazing over it with its head. Sen gasped in lust from it, putting a paw behind Prowl's head and closing her eyes.
"Enter. You are welcome." Sen whispered. The panther did so, slowly pushing his sex inside of her and, having pushed as far as he could, stayed there to let Sen adjust to the feeling. Both sighed in mutual pleasure, closing their eyes gently and waiting for the overwhelming goodness of the moment to depart. Soon enough, Prowl pulled himself out a bit, then back in, repeating until he had found a comfortable rhythm. He proceeded slowly, wanting to make the experience last.
Sen gave soft moans and purrs, moving against Prowl as he worked, begging to take more of him into her. Gradually, their speed increased, and she wrapped her arms around the panther. Sen brought herself up and brought his upper body down, until they were pressed against each other again.
"Mmm... Prowl, how many women have you seen in the past?"
"One after every assignment since my first. That would... uhn... mean you're the thirty-second."
Sen smirked. "No wonder this... ahh... seems easy to you."
Prowl kept pumping into the tigress beneath him, his paws moving against her back and occasionally tugging on her tail. Sen was quick to respond, letting out her cries of ecstasy and pushing against his thrusts with heightening force. Both felines laced their tails around their waists, somehow feeling they were getting in the way.
The purrs, huffs, and lusting calls lasted for many long moments, Prowl and Sen both upping the ferocity of their motions. Neither expected the other to last much longer. A climax was fast approaching on both sides.
"Sen... ooh... I can't go much longer!"
"Nor I." She purred again, then cried out and threw her head back as she felt Prowl's mouth encompassing her neck. Less than a second later, the tigress's orgasm struck in full, sending massive shudders down her entire frame. Prowl was soon to follow, since feeling the power of Sen's finish had been all he was waiting for.
Both sighed as the end subsided, collapsing on the bed and rolling over so that each was on one side. Neither had the notion to pull the sheets over them, content to be staring into the eyes of a partner they would likely never see again. Prowl moved one paw from around her back, brushing away a strand of hair that had covered her face.
"Such a wonderful woman." he mused quietly. "I'm glad to have met you tonight, Sen."
"And I you, Prowl." Gently, she wrapped her arms around his neck, then rested her paws on his back and pulled him closer. "A shame that morning must come so soon. I would gladly stay longer."
Prowl could not hear the last words of her thought. He had drifted to a pleasant sleep in her gentle embrace. Sen realized this only moments later, and did so as well. Both panther and tigress laid silent and content that night, and not a single unpleasant thought came to them at any hour.
-The Next Morning-
After waking up and putting all of his possessions back on his person, Prowl had walked out of the Blazing Star feeling ready to face the day. He was not at all surprised or hurt that Sen had left him to wake alone; never once had he slept with a woman and expected to see her the next morning. Now, with his katana at his back and all of his gold in his belt pouch, he set out for the town gates, preparing to travel to the next town to find more work until the Emperor required his services again.
Prowl looked up at the skies just as he reached the red gates at the end of the city to catch a glimpse of a flying avian. He would have waved it off - avians were fairly common in the Imperial City - but he saw something on the winged creature shimmer in the morning light. He knew of only one group of avians who wore any kind of well-kept armor; the Emperor's Skyscout Legion.
The avian slowly descended, landing on the archway above the gates. It was a female hawk with bright golden eyes and dark brown feathers, clad in a special kind of armor made of leather with patches of Imperial bloodiron to protect the chest and legs. It was the unmistakable uniform of an Imperial Skyscout. The only parts of the hawk's body uncovered by it were her feet, hands and wings.
The hawk crouched down, looking at Prowl and folding her wings. She smiled warmly. "Running again, Prowl?"
"Not quite, Sheila." Prowl replied, returning her smile. "How have you been?"
"As well as I can be when there's little to do but sit in the bunker all day." She put on a pout. "Almost makes me miss the Eon War. It was never hard to find some sort of job then."
Prowl winced. "Let's... not talk of such things, Sheila." His look turned to curiosity. "You wouldn't have come only to say goodbye. Murienth has sent you, and he must have a message. Tell me, what is it?"
Sheila's expression suddenly turned grim. "The Emperor requests your presence in the Crimson Hall as soon as you can be there. He did not touch upon the matter any further than that, but he seemed deeply distressed." She looked away for a moment, then looked back to Prowl before unfolding her wings and standing back up. "I'd suggest you hurry." With that, she kicked off and took to the skies again, flying back toward the palace.
Prowl watched her as she flew away, then a sudden sense of urgency overtook him. He ran toward the palace at top speed, dodging a few peasants walking the dirt streets and thinking silently to himself as he ran. "The Emperor has been troubled as of late. That much I know. But now, he calls on me, saying only that I should be there soon. Could his distress really have to do with me? Something is horribly wrong here, and something inside of me is saying that I might not like to find out what."
Prowl stopped himself as he reached the grand door of the palace. Almost immediately, he found himself reaching for the door. In haste, he pushed the door open and barreled into the Crimson Hall. At the end, he found the door to the throne room open and the Emperor coming into the Hall from it. Prowl would have been slightly disturbed by this, if he were not already disturbed by everything about this turn of events. It was almost as if the Emperor had been watching his every move from afar and timed his appearance exactly.
Carefully, Prowl began to approach the royal fur at the end of the Hall, his stride purposeful and yet hesitant. With similar steps, the Emperor began to walk toward him. As the two met in the center of the hall near the door to the war room, Prowl began to kneel instinctively. With a careful paw, the Emperor took his arm and pulled, obviously wishing that the panther would not show his common display of humility.
"Milord, what has happened? Why have you summoned me like this?" Prowl asked with a blink of worry and confusion.
"Come into the war room. The matter is most urgent, and I cannot afford for any others to hear what I must say."
Prowl was thoroughly worried at this moment, but decided against further questioning until he and his employer were out of hearing range of the other people walking the palace. Without protest, he followed Murienth down the paths of the Crimson Hall, stopping in front of the war room door to let his majesty unlock it and step inside.
As soon as Prowl had come in as well, the mouse closed and locked the door behind them and turned slowly to Prowl. With a sigh, he began to pace the floor nervously, his long pink tail dragging behind him. His panther mercenary looked him over, finding nothing but deep worry and sorrow in him. Somehow, the odd turn of sadness the Emperor had displayed the day before seemed insignificant compared to the now looming gloom that was weighing him down. After a few moments of silence that felt like an eternity each to the room's occupants, Prowl drew in a long breath and spoke softly.
"Milord, this is all so sudden. What troubles you so, and why was I sent for with this urgency?" He kept his gaze caring, not curious. Such an expression and feel to his majesty seemed to infer a grave situation.
"I have a very important task for you to undertake, Prowl." the mouse answered after another moment's quiet. "However, it harbors something that I, as both your friend and you employer, greatly fear."
Prowl nodded. "What's that?"
Murienth sighed deeply, turning to look at Prowl with eyes that seemed to be fighting back bitter tears. "You may well never return after this mission. For reasons I cannot tell."
Prowl could feel his eyes widen, and he took a step back. "Wait. How can that be, milord Murienth? It... can't be that dangerous."
Murienth shook his head. "It is not only the danger of the mission, old friend. It is... something else, as well. Something that I cannot explain."
Prowl's sense of curiosity was growing as quickly as his concern had been a few minutes ago. His new task was beginning to take on a harrowing feel, one that he assumed was also plaguing his noble friend. From the Emperor's expression and tone, not to mention the easily detectable sorrow in his actions, he honestly believed that the panther would never be seen by him again. Prowl wanted to know why he thought this way, but knew that prodding a soul in discomfort for the sake of satisfying a question is never justified. With a sigh, he walked to the chairs and took a seat.
"What details can you give me?" he asked, trying to appear as professional as always while still combating the possibilities in his mind.
Murienth looked at his hire, and somehow managed a smile. It was obvious that the trouble surrounding him had not relinquished its hold, but just seeing Prowl ready to face whatever was given gave him strength enough to go through with filling him in.
"The mission lies in a small village called Redhaven."
"Redhaven?" Prowl repeated, confused. "That isn't-"
"A part of the Empire. That is true." Murienth completed his thought and moved on. "It is within the borders of our land, but it has remained completely separate from the influence of this Empire. They want no royalty to corrupt-" The Emperor suddenly stopped in the middle of a thought.
"Corrupt what, milord?"
Murienth blinked at the question, coming out of his trance and shaking his head gently. "That is something you must see for yourself. It is an important part of the task. As for what I can say, you must go to Redhaven and question the locals. They have fallen on hard times, and requested aid from any who are willing to help. The only thing they could reveal was that their problem would take a strong arm and a caring heart to solve. That is why I sent for you."
"You wish me to help them." Prowl nodded, standing up. "How do I reach this village?"
"You could take the road, but then you would need to pass the main gate. Their guards do not allow any armed visitors through unless they force their way in, and I wish that you remain peaceful to the villagers. Instead, once you go through the main gates of the Imperial City, go off the beaten path and walk through the forest to the west. Going in a straight direction, you should reach Redhaven by tomorrow morning."
"How will I know I am there?"
"Redhaven is guarded by a massive stone wall on all sides. It is too high to simply jump over, but if someone with enough acrobatic prowess were to stand on the branches of the outer trees in the woods and jump, they could supposedly land atop the wall and walk along it until they found a way to climb down into the village itself."
Prowl nodded, trying to envision the scenario in his mind. "You think I would be capable?"
"Indeed. You are, by far, the best climber and acrobat I have in my charge. If you cannot reach Redhaven, then they will be left to suffer."
Prowl exhaled, preparing for the final question. "What will happen when the mission is complete? Do I return to the Imperial City?"
Murienth tensed noticeably, then turned his face away. "I cannot be certain, Prowl. I... simply do not know."
Prowl blinked, the overwhelming concern coming back. His first fears were being confirmed. Murienth did not think that he would ever visit the palace, the Crimson Hall, his royal friend and sire ever again. With a heavy arm, Prowl slowly turned and placed it on the door handle.
"Then I shall go immediately." Prowl somehow managed a weak smile over his shoulder. "I hope to return soon, milord."
Murineth turned his gaze back to the panther, and somehow managed a nod and a smile weaker than Prowl's own. "I wish for the same, my friend. Best of luck to you."
"I need no luck, milord. I have skill." With that parting remark, Prowl passed out of the door and through the Crimson Hall for what, he felt, might very well be the final time.
-TO BE CONTINUED-